Recruitments

Knock knock Knock

The knocks on the door of her office startled Umbridge, who suddenly lifted her head from the file she was studying. Or rather, that she was studying before she fell asleep. It was late (past 10 PM) and most of her subordinates had gone home long ago. Only the poor souls whom she forced to follow her infernal work pace remained.

She wondered who had the audacity to disturb her at this hour. He had better have a good reason, or she would make sure his next office was so tiny that Arthur Weasley's would seem like the height of luxury in comparison.

Come in! She shouted curtly after making sure she was presentable.

With surprise, she discovered that the opportunist was the source of her excess overtime. With his overpriced clothes, blond hair, and excessively sophisticated manners, Lucius Malfoy entered her office.

Dearest, I think you are mistaken. Fudge's office is at the other end of the hallway. But I doubt you will find him at such a late hour.

Even during office hours, there was no point in hoping to find Fudge at work when the few independent journalists who still practiced were not present to ensure his attendance. This did not prevent him from demanding extra work from his staff, even though they already had to manage the organization of that gigantic binge that was the Quidditch World Cup.

All this because he was panicked by the sudden rallying of great pure-blood families to Lucius's party, who usually preferred to remain neutral. Fudge was convinced that something important was brewing. Over time, Umbridge had learned to respect Fudge's political instinct (it was the only thing she respected about the man). But she didn't see what was exceptional or unexpected about it. The fear of being questioned about their actions during the last war was not going to indefinitely force them to remain neutral or to give lukewarm support to Dumbledore and his progressive allies.

Umbridge had never understood why Dumbledore hadn't been more conciliatory. If he had abandoned his proposals that were most contrary to the interests and morals of good wizarding society, he could have easily taken control of the country. He would have certainly lost the support of a few hippies, but that would have been more than compensated by the definitive rallying of much more respectable (and influential) people. For her, the current movement was just a sudden acceleration of the return to the fundamentals of wizarding society. Proof that she and Fudge (especially she, in reality) had worked well to rebuild their world after the war that had ravaged it. As for the cause of this sudden acceleration, it seemed obvious to her. Now that the survivor had joined Lucius's camp, wizards were no longer afraid of being labeled Death Eaters by supporting him publicly.

What a shame. I was plunged into confusion quite against my will upon seeing the frenetic activity reigning in this place. In any case, this regrettable mistake offers me the opportunity I've long dreamed of to converse with you. This time, you won't be able to use an appointment or gossip as an excuse to escape. Only your unfortunate servants are still present at this hour and I doubt they will go spreading rumors about you. Although ifIf you continue to be so demanding, you risk experiencing numerous... inconveniences.

Many employees of the ministry were already whispering behind her back, thought Umbridge. Despite the years, she was still surprised by the inventiveness of the nicknames that the jealous ones came up with to denounce her so-called authoritarianism. Work and effort were hardly popular within the ministry.

Nevertheless, Umbridge didn't care. She even found it amusing. She had no remorse about being strict with her employees (or with her subordinates). She imposed nothing on them that she didn't impose on herself, and she had duly warned them of her demands from the very start of the recruitment phase. Despite her warnings, they had all freely chosen to maintain their applications and now had to assume their choices. In any case, she ensured that all those hired were as devoted as she was to the service of the ministry.

Whatever the critics say, it was thanks to their sacrifices that the ministry could endure and minimally fulfill its functions. Without them, disorder and the law of the jungle would reign. As imperfect as it was, the ministry was the only thing that protected the weak from the struggles between the white and black lords or the great replacement by monstrosities with tainted blood. They were the only bulwark that protected wizard civilization. But a wall full of holes.

She and her collaborators had sweated blood and tears to patch up the breaches, but incompetence, patronage, laziness, dangerous political ideologies, and excessive bureaucracy from other departments kept opening new cracks that, over the years, became chasms. Fortunately, there were still a few senior officials like her and Croupton to keep the shop running.

She dared not imagine the fiasco that this World Cup would have been if her subordinates had not put aside their family lives during the last two months. And despite all that, in the eyes of the wizarding society, it would be people like Verpey who would gain all the prestige from their success. No hard work would ever replace a good appearance and a victory in a Quidditch match. It was a cruel truth that "the toad" (as her classmates called her) had painfully learned from her early years at Hogwarts.

No one would ever thank Umbridge (or the men and women who endured her ruthless command) for giving up the joys of family life. But for Umbridge, it wasn't a big sacrifice. After the death of her first husband, she had vowed that only her cats would be allowed to enter her home. Although very independent, these wonderful creatures were far more loyal than any man.

As for her subordinates, as long as she had the power, she would ensure they were rewarded for their efforts. When the ravages of time or the desire to have a child required them to slow down, she made sure they received a promotion to a quieter position. It was, moreover, to take advantage of her generosity and climb the hierarchy faster that many competent young men applied to her (or Croupton who practiced the same policy).

She thought young man, because Umbridge had to admit that the hysterics trying to introduce feminism into the wizarding world were right to say that women were almost nonexistent in her department.Against her, they found it ridiculous to accuse her of being a cog in the machinery of male domination in the ministry. She couldn't help it if most witches chose to pair up and relieve their husbands of household chores. Umbridge admitted she preferred a less talented employee, but one who was 100% dedicated to their work. One couldn't be in two places at once. If they wanted to pursue a career, they had to make choices. She didn't see anything immoral or coercive in the choice she offered them. Once again, she imposed nothing that she didn't first impose on herself. As for the behavior of her colleagues and the regrettable conduct caused by this male camaraderie (which also contributed to driving away the most fragile female colleagues), she was sorry, but it was none of her business. As long as they did their job well, she had no reason to intervene. She was their superior, not their mother.

She chased the utopians from her thoughts and refocused on Lucius Malfoy.

Over time, the young talents who had been under her direction had made careers and - thanks to her support - integrated decision-making positions in most ministries. Thus, over the years, she had gained influence and had considered going beyond merely plugging the leaks. So she feigned innocence by replying:

Me? But come on, I am just a modest employee who carries out the orders given to her by the Minister of Magic. Would I have preferences that the oath of neutrality and loyalty to the government, which binds all senior officials, would prevent me from assuming publicly? What could this interview bring to a man as influential as you?

You underestimate yourself, my dear. Every minute spent in the company of someone as honest and intelligent as you brings me much more than I could hope for. People like you are a compass amid the widespread decay that is corroding our society. However, I fear a storm is brewing, and I need a direction to plan my next actions. Please accept to be the lighthouse that guides me to the shore.

Merlin! She was used to being flattered, but if she didn't know the unhealthy love Lucius had for his wife, she would swear he was seeking much more than a professional meeting. Despite all her complaints about marriage and those idiots who abandoned themselves to fairy tales filled with false promises of love, only to find themselves at 30 with 3 kids and totally dependent on a potbellied husband who would give them no more consideration than a potato masher, Umbridge would be lying if she claimed to be indifferent to the flattery of this handsome man of high lineage. But she strove to erase her feelings. Lucius was nothing like the handsome young men of 18 just out of Hogwarts with whom she occasionally allowed herself to flirt, by dangling undue promotions before them (before relegating them to the depths of the ministry's arcane offices to teach them to have a minimum of self-respect and the values of integrity she defended).

I find myself compelled to make an unpleasant clarification. As far as possible, I will be happy to answer your questions about the ministerial portfolio I manage. But don't expect more from me. It's nothing personal, I just have to follow my duty of discretion.

Let's see, you are not just the minister's deputy secretary. At this hour, you revert to being a simple citizen and as such you are subject to other duties. Like opposing certain abuses. Have you heard about the lawsuit Fudge is bringing against me? It's like a dream. It's the victims who find themselves on the defendants' bench.

At the risk of offending you, I must point out that your information is incorrect. It is Mr. Potter's legitimate guardians who are suing you. The minister is merely ensuring that our laws and values are respected by allowing the trial to take place as soon as possible and under the best conditions. We do not wish to prolong a situation that could harm the psychological well-being of the survivor any longer than necessary. I know that you have his interests at heart and only thought of his well-being in acting as you did. You therefore have nothing to fear from the ongoing proceedings. Ombrage replied in her most innocent (and deliberately annoying) little girl voice.

Really? In that case, you reassure me. I would have sworn that Fudge was trying to take advantage of the situation to lead a political cabal against me. Oh, I'm used to such things, but I was worried about the consequences it would have on the survivor. Thanks to him, I was freed from the Dark Lord's Imperius curse. Not to mention that some of his relatives were prominent members of the wizarding society (Umbridge noted that he emphasized the word: some). But thinking about it, it's true that it would have been stupid on his part. The truth would have come to light sooner or later. He and his administration would then have had to face the wrath of the public for acting against the survivor's interests. In your opinion, once the revelation was made, how long could he have kept his position? And how long before those who helped him suffer the same fate?

He was far too directthought Umbridge. It wasn't like Lucius to take the risk of exposing himself so much. She was beginning to think that Fudge was right and that something serious was indeed happening. All the more reason to stay neutral until she knew more.

Scandals and administrations came and went, but Umbridge remained and gradually extended her influence. And she had not obtainedYou are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything :cthe result by panicking and rallying to the latest trend of the moment. On the contrary, even in the heart of the worst storms, she hadalwaysmaintained course and remained neutral by simply carrying out orders with zeal.

Even at the cost of enduring severe humiliations when a change occurred. That was what happened when Fudge took over from Croupton. Fudge, like those before him, tried to replace her with men who were either his yes-men or aligned with his ideas. But they all eventually realized that they were far less likely to face betrayal by relying on people like her. Not to mention that without her skills and contacts, it was very difficult to accomplish even the smallest project in the corrupt and incompetent bureaucratic monster that was the ministry. Generally, when they realized that the head of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office didn’t know what electricity was, while there were plenty of Muggle-borns unemployed who were eager to take his place, they lost all their illusions and promptly called her back to her position.

Unfortunately, I have never had any taste for literature. My skills are limited to the actual functioning of the ministry, and once again, my duties are restricted to faithfully executing the minister's orders. The late hour will not change anything. But rest assured that if the situation were to change, I would know how to adapt. Please leave me now. It's not that I want to chase you out of my office, but as you pointed out, it is late, and it's time for me to take a well-deserved rest.

In that case, I won't keep you any longer. Before I leave, I would advise you to take a look at the complainant's file who is acting onName of the Dursleys. A certain Lupin. I am certain that you will find this reading very instructive.

On these last enigmatic words, he left. This behavior from Lucius left Umbridge perplexed. She decided that Mistigris wouldn't be offended if she stayed a few more minutes in the office. Once again, cats were much more pleasant to live with than men.

oOoOoOoOo

Knock, knock, knock

Mom, there's someone knocking at the door, shouted Ginny while continuing to peel potatoes in the kitchen.

I know, I heard. Oh, you worked well, how about going to rest in your room, my dear. Said Molly in a tone that brooked no argument.

Ginny looked with incomprehension at the barely touched bag of potatoes her mother had given her after she complained about being stuck inside with nothing to do. Then she understood that, whatever the identity of their mysterious visitor, her mother didn't want her to be in contact with him. Usually, she would have made a scene. She had been enduring her parents' worried attitude for a year. At first, it had been understandable. In fact, after the horrible year she had just experienced, she had even appreciated being pampered.

For a very limited time. In fact, recovering from her final separation with Harry had been more difficult than recovering from the possession of Tom Riddle. Ginny was sure that Dumbledore would have a very witty word about the power of love on this subject. On the other hand, she didn't dare imagine what her brothers would say about it (especially Fred and George). In any case, she quickly grew tired and felt like she was boiling under their solicitations. Her father had tried to defend her, but those few hours, when her mother thought she had to bury another child, had traumatized him. And little by little, she became a prisoner in her own house. Only the escapades the twins secretly offered her prevented her from exploding (but not from arguing daily with her mother).

She went up and closed her door. Then she hurried to take out a copy of the twins' new invention from her drawer. Or rather a prototype they had shared with her. They shared a lot more things than before (understandably since their parents had greatly restricted their interactions with the outside world). Ginny unrolled the long flesh-colored string of the extendable ears and prayed that they wouldn't explode this time. The twins had a lot of trouble making things that didn't explode with funny noises. If they didn't find the funds to launch their joke shop project, they could easily switch to pyrotechnics.

Minerva. You know I appreciate your visits, but if it's again for...

Ginny heard the sound of a door opening, then a great silence followed by a cry of anger: ALBUS

I understand that you no longer want to see me, Molly, and rest assured that I would have been more than happy to respect your wish, but the circumstances...

The circumstances haven't changed, Albus. Unless you have come to apologize for what you did.

I already apologized, Molly, I ...

Real apologies. Not condolences followed by a denial of your role in Ron's death. And to you, it's Mrs. Weasley.

You are right. I knew that by hiding the stone at Hogwarts, I was putting the students at risk. But I assure you that all precautions had been taken. If I had had the slightest suspicion that Voldemort...

Do not pronounce this name.

It's just a name, Mol... Mrs. Weasley. And you will have to get used to it. He is back now.

So what? I've already given my two brothers. What more do you want to take from me? Albus, please. Leave my children out of all this. They are all I have left today.

Albus had only one desire: to close the door and let what remained of the Weasley clan live in peace. But in the long run, that would not help anyone.

Believe me, I know I have no right to ask you for more, but I assure you she will not be at risk.

Really? Since when has politics been a safe place? Why do you think I tolerate Arthur wasting his talent on his ridiculous whims?

Because not even a charge of hippogriffs would convince him to give up his tinkering with Muggle objects. And even if you can't admit it, you love that part of him. You are too whole to marry a man without appreciating every aspect of him.

Flattery will get you nowhere with me, replied Molly with an angry tone (even though she started to blush).

I was not trying to flatter you. But a piece of advice from an expert in manipulation: never try to pretend not to be affected. There is nothing more dangerous than a hidden weakness. Show it openly. It is the only way to harden it enough for it to turn into strength.

I think I preferred it when you were trying to sweet-talk me with fine speeches about love and courage.

Since it didn't work the previous times, I must try something else. Joked Dumbledore with a smile that was not returned by the Weasley matriarch.

Albus, I don't know what you're trying to do, but it won't work. Whatever you say, Ginny will not come to testify.

And what does she think? Dumbledore asked innocently.

She is not aware. She is too young to decide.

I would rather say that you know what choice she will make. Harry Potter on the other hand...

I know, he saved his life. You have repeated it to me enough. And believe me, I would sacrifice my life without hesitation to help him. But so far you have not provided the slightest proof of what you claim. And excuse me for not being able to believe you blindly. Not on a subject like that.

Do you need proof to doubt that leaving Harry's custody to Lucius Malfoy is a good idea?

I thought it was a good idea to leave Ron's with you. Since then, I don't know what to believe anymore.

Molly. Said Dumbledore hesitantly, reaching out his hand to her.

Do not touch me! Yes, I know you are right. But you are asking far too much. She is only a child. Can you imagine the impact it will have on her life? Everyone will know that she is the one who killed those two poor children.

She was possessed. Pleaded Dumbledore.

Do you think people will stop at this kind of detail before condemning her? Besides, you know it just as well as I do. Otherwise, how do you explain your silence? Why should my daughter show more courage than the great Albus Dumbledore?

Believe me when I say that courage is not my greatest quality. However, you know well that it is not a lack of bravery that prevents me from loudly proclaiming the return of the Dark Lord. I would be lying if I claimed that it is without risk for your daughter. But do you believe she will be safer if we leave the field open to the Dark Lord? We must stop him while there is still time. And do everything to free Harry from his grasp.

Ginny jumped so hard upon realizing that Harry was possessed by Tom that she dropped the extendable ears. It was a bit of an exaggeration to say that she had recovered from her possession. No one could recover from such a thing. Even today, when she thought about it, she felt dirty. And guilty for being stupid enough to write in that diary every day without questioning it. Then for not saying anything when she started having doubts. She wouldn't wish that on anyone. And certainly not on Harry. With a strong urge to cry, she tried to put the extendable ears back in place. But she heard nothing more. She cursed the twins' junk (and her own clumsiness).

That evening during dinner, she innocently asked who had come that afternoon. Her mother replied aggressively that it was no one, and when she insisted, her father ordered her to go up to her room.

That evening as she fell asleep, she vowed to prove to her mother that she was no longer a child and that she could make her own choices. All that was left was to figure out how. The first step seemed to be to go see Dumbledore and ask him what he expected of her. She doubted she could make a difference, but the old man seemed convinced of it.

Only, she was so closely watched. She knew that the only reason the twins had been able to get her out was that they had their father's blessing. How else to explain that he pretended not to notice the big scratch she had inflicted on his flying car when Fred finally allowed her to drive. But this time she suspected that their father would not approve of their expedition and would do everything possible to block their way. She was stuck and didn't know who to ask for help.

With a sad smile, she fell asleep telling herself that before she would have asked Harry Potter.

oOoOoOoOo

Author's note: I remind you that Umbridge is the villain. I do not endorse the ideas she holds. If I make her say all this nonsense, it's to humanize her by showing that from her point of view, what she does is right.

Apart from Voldemort, my characters are not psychopaths who do evil for the sake of evil, but normal humans who need to tell themselves little stories based on free will and great moral principles to justify their daily actions and preserve their ego battered by their insignificance and powerlessness. We all do it.You are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything.Whether one is a president, an unemployed person at the end of their benefits, an arms dealer, or a volunteer at the soup kitchen. Even the Nazis were convinced that what theyI'm a professional translator.Were doingYou are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything.and youéJust.

Proofreader's note: I completely agree with serpentfou, we always tend to justify our actions, no matter our origins, and we don't necessarily justify them for others. I have a holy horror of the character of Umbridge, and if there's one person I would burn at the stake, it's her. But the way it was presented here makes her human. Neither good nor bad, just human. As Meryl Streep said in Into the Woods, "You're not good, you're not bad, You're just nice!"