The Ministry of Magic was abuzz with its usual activity, but in Rufus Scrimgeour's office, a more intriguing form of commotion was about to unfold. Rufus had just finished testing his newly crafted map, which now spanned across a hidden corner of his office. The map's enchanted parchment displayed a detailed layout of the Ministry, with dots and names marking every individual within the building. As he studied the map, a green dot labeled "Dolores Umbridge" began moving toward his office.
Rufus glanced at the ornate clock on his wall, its hands indicating that it was "time to get to work." With practiced efficiency, he quickly hid the map in a concealed drawer and resumed his work, appearing engrossed in a pile of paperwork. The door to his office creaked open, and Dolores Umbridge stepped inside.
Dolores Umbridge was a woman of notable appearance, her presence as unsettling as her personality. She was of average height with a rotund figure, adorned in an array of brightly colored, often garish clothing that seemed to clash with her icy demeanor. Her hair was a perpetually curly, pale pink, and her face, framed by her large, round glasses, was always set in a disapproving frown. Despite her seemingly benign exterior, there was a sharpness in her eyes that spoke volumes about her ambition and control.
“Minister,” Dolores greeted, her voice dripping with a sugary sweetness that barely masked her underlying coldness. “What can I do for you today?”
Rufus looked up from his paperwork, masking his satisfaction at the precise timing of her arrival. “Dolores, I have a request for you.”
“A request?” Dolores raised an eyebrow, her expression a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. “Not an order?”
“Yes, a request,” Rufus confirmed, leaning back in his chair with a measured calm. “I need you to do something for me—something that would benefit not only myself but also you and the Ministry in the long run.”
Dolores's interest was piqued, though she kept her face carefully neutral. “What is it that you need?”
“You might have heard the recent news about Peter Pettigrew,” Rufus began, deliberately avoiding eye contact with the now-silent map. “He faked his death and went into hiding as an illegal Animagus.”
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Dolores nodded, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. “Yes, I heard about that.”
Rufus continued, “I need you to reopen the trial for Sirius Black.”
Dolores’s face twisted into a look of incredulity. “Sirius Black? The man was convicted for the murder of Pettigrew and several Muggles. Everyone despises him. Why would you want to revisit his trial?”
Rufus leaned forward, his gaze steady and his tone persuasive. “You might be surprised by the support he could receive. Albus Dumbledore would surely advocate for a fair trial, not only to uncover the full truth of the events surrounding that fateful day but also to ensure justice is served. Dumbledore has always had a vested interest in exposing the truth, especially when it concerns matters of such gravity. His involvement would not only lend credibility to the trial but also potentially sway public opinion.
“Moreover, Sirius Black’s trial could attract support from influential pureblood families. Lucius Malfoy, for instance, might see this as an opportunity to align himself with what he perceives as a justified cause. Black’s connection to James Potter and the old pureblood lines could make him a figure of interest to those who see him as wronged by the system, regardless of his past associations. If we leverage this correctly, we could turn the situation to our advantage.”
Dolores’s skepticism was evident, but Rufus’s argument was compelling. “And if we do manage to get Sirius a retrial, what then?”
“If Sirius wins the trial,” Rufus said, his tone carrying a hint of strategic calculation, “we gain the support of a pureblood family. The Potter legacy, while somewhat tainted, still holds significant weight among certain circles. This shift in alliances would bolster our position and diminish Barty Crouch’s influence. As you’ve raised the issue, Crouch would face immense pressure to step down, clearing the way for someone more favorable to our agenda to take his place.”
Dolores’s eyes narrowed as she mulled over the offer. It was clear that Rufus had presented her with a potential advantage, regardless of the trial’s outcome. “And if the trial fails?”
“Even in failure,” Rufus countered, “you’ll have demonstrated fairness, something that will set you apart from Crouch and position you as a viable candidate for his role once he steps down. It would show that you are committed to justice and not swayed by public opinion.”
Dolores’s eyes narrowed as she mulled over the offer. It was clear that Rufus had presented her with a potential advantage, regardless of the trial’s outcome. After a moment’s hesitation, she nodded, a decision made. “Very well, Minister. I will initiate the process for Sirius Black’s retrial.”
Rufus’s face softened into a satisfied smile. “Thank you, Dolores. I knew I could count on you.”
AS DOLORES LEFT THE OFFICE, RUFUS RETURNED TO HIS HIDDEN MAP, PULLING IT OUT TO ADMIRE THE INTRICATE LINES OF HIS NEW SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM. THE GREEN DOT LABELED “DOLORES UMBRIDGE” WAS NOW MOVING AWAY, INDICATING HER DEPARTURE. WITH A SATISFIED NOD, RUFUS BEGAN TO PREPARE FOR THE NEXT