Umbridge's breathing quickened.
"What could be more important than education?"
Douglas straightened up and returned to his normal volume.
"Minister Fudge has been in office for a very long time. The heads of every department are making their moves, competing for public support."
"And you, Dolores, if you could deliver results like these in education-"
He left the sentence unfinished.
But Umbridge already understood.
A sickly ambition kindled in her bulging eyes.
This was not merely a report.
It was a stairway to the pinnacle of power.
"I understand."
Umbridge clutched the Blue Book tightly, her voice trembling slightly with excitement.
"Professor Holmes, you truly understand the bigger picture better than anyone."
"I'll begin preparations immediately."
Just then, a creaking sound came from the Castle's side entrance.
Filch approached, pushing a handcart.
Its wheels rolled over the gravel path with a dull crunching creak.
The handcart was piled high with things.
Long-handled shovels.
Brass measuring instruments.
Tape measures.
Spirit levels.
And several wooden crates labeled "Standardized Inspection Tool Kits."
A rare, gloating smile appeared on Filch's face.
"Madam Deputy Director."
Douglas pointed toward the heavily laden handcart.
"These are the accompanying Standardized Field Inspection Tools."
"They've all been supplied according to the requirements in appendix H of the Blue Book."
"The total weight is approximately-"
Douglas tilted his head.
"One hundred and twenty pounds."
As Umbridge looked at the heavy pile of brass instruments and iron shovels, a crack appeared in her smile.
But she held it back.
She gritted her teeth.
"No problem."
Umbridge forced those words out through clenched teeth.
"I'll begin right away."
Douglas nodded in satisfaction.
He turned to leave.
After three steps, he stopped again.
As though he had remembered something.
He looked back, a smile on his lips that made it impossible to tell