Douglas cut the headmaster off without ceremony.
"With all due respect, Albus."
He turned to the old man sitting behind the desk.
"Some things have gone beyond your personal preferences."
"The cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Magic and the Marauders Power Company is there in black and white."
"We aren't just protecting Hogwarts' safety net."
"We're also working with the Ministry to calm the panic throughout society."
"This kind of political alliance has no room for personal grudges."
Dumbledore let out a long sigh.
He took off his Half-moon Spectacles and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
He looked as though the complexities of power had crushed him.
Douglas did not keep pressuring the old headmaster.
He turned his gaze back to Umbridge.
He took two steps forward of his own accord.
He stood beside her as though he were one of her own.
"Deputy Minister."
Douglas lowered his voice and began conspiring right there in the open.
His voice carried a secretive, deadly allure.
"I greatly admire your courage and your determination to serve the Ministry of Magic."
"But as your loyal partner, I must point out a fact."
"The title of High Inquisitor certainly sounds impressive at the Ministry."
"But in a place as rigid about its rules as Hogwarts."
"It may well be nothing but a useless shell."
Half the smugness on Umbridge's face froze.
She looked up warily.
Her pink sweater rose and fell with her rapid breathing.
"What do you mean by that, Professor?"
"Are you suggesting that even with the Minister's personal signature."
"I still won't be able to uncover this school's dangerous curriculum?"
Douglas shook his head patiently.
"Inspecting the curriculum is certainly no problem."
"But that's merely scratching the surface."
Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at Sirius,