Umbridge swallowed.
The words "the authority to define" and "the authority to educate" touched her most sensitive nerves.
But she did not give in immediately.
Her fingers tapped the desk twice, very slowly, as though she were calculating something.
"Even if there is some merit to what you say."
Umbridge's voice dropped half a register, an extra layer of caution entering its rasp.
"How am I supposed to justify the contents of this to the pure-blood families?"
She tipped her chin toward the booklet.
"If Lucius Malfoy sees the word 'neuroscience,' he will immediately submit a motion to impeach me in the Wizengamot."
That was precisely what Douglas had been waiting for.
"Think about it."
He slowed his speech.
"When the O.W.L.s examinations, Auror selection, and promotions within the Ministry of Magic are all based on this complex, advanced interdisciplinary theory-"
He raised a finger.
"Who will have the advantage?"
Umbridge did not answer.
"Those Muggle-born wizards with no family resources whatsoever?"
Douglas shook his head, a meaningful smile curving his lips.
"No."
"Only pure-blood families with deep foundations, extensive private libraries, and the means to hire advanced tutors will have the resources to master such complex interdisciplinary studies."
His finger traced a small circle in the air.
"We are using a more sophisticated barrier to entry to select elites who truly obey the rules."
He paused, his voice softening a fraction.
"Muggle-born students cannot even understand the term 'half-life'-because their qualifications in the Muggle world amount to a primary school education.
"Children from pure-blood families, on the other hand, can turn this knowledge into an overwhelming advantage over their opponents, provided they are willing to put in the work."
Umbridge's breathing changed.
Her fingers stopped tapping the desk and slowly curled inward instead, gripping its edge.
The logic was