PHANTOM FIGURES | harry potter

73. the hogwarts high inquisitor

MINISTRY SEEKS EDUCATIONAL REFORM

DOLORES UMBRIDGE APPOINTED FIRST-EVER "HIGH INQUISITOR"

     "'High Inquisitor'?" Aspen said. "What does that mean?"

     "Snuffles visited the Gryffindor fire last night - like he did during the tournament - he told us that inside information says that Fudge doesn't want us trained in combat," said Harry.

     "And that's why we aren't using magic in class," Ron added.

     "He thinks Dumbledore is assembling some wizard army." scoffed Jasmine.

     "Sirius doesn't believe Umbridge is a Death Eater," said Harry. "Apparently she hates half-breeds and formed a bunch of campaigns against them."

     "Also, Hagrid's with Madame Maxime, and they still aren't back," Hermione spoke up, "he said Dumbledore isn't worried, so we shouldn't be."

     "They have to be doing something with the giants," whispered Aspen, glancing around. "We know Madame Maxime said she had 'big bones' but that's obviously not the truth."

     "But why is it taking so long?" questioned Jasmine.

     "Maybe the giants are difficult to persuade?" suggested Ron.

     "You also have to find them first," Aspen reminded the rest.

     Hermione took back the article and read aloud:

     "In a surprise move last night the Ministry of Magic passed new legislation giving itself an unprecedented level of control at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

     "'The Minister has been growing uneasy about going-ons at Hogwarts for some time.' said Junior Assistant to the Minister, Percy Weasley. 'He is now responding to concerns voiced by anxious parents, who feel the school may be moving in a direction they do not approve.'

     "This is not the first time in recent weeks Fudge has used new laws to effect improvements at the Wizarding school. As recently as August 30th Educational Decree Twenty-two was passed, to ensure that, in the event of the current headmaster being unable to provide a candidate for a teaching post, the Ministry should select an appropriate person.

     "'That's how Dolores Umbridge came to be appointed to the teaching staff at Hogwarts,' said Weasley last night. 'Dumbledore couldn't find anyone, so the Minister put in Umbridge and of course, she's been an immediate success-'"

     "She's been a WHAT?" said Harry loudly.

     "Wait, there's more," said Hermione grimly.

     "'-an immediate success, totally revolutionising the teaching of Defence Against the Dark Arts and providing the Minister with on-the-ground feedback about what's really happening at Hogwarts.'

     "It is this last function that the Ministry has now formalised with the passing of Educational Decree Twenty-three, which creates the new position of 'Hogwarts High Inquisitor.'

     "'This is an exciting new phase in the Minister's plan to get on grips with what some are calling the "failing standards" at Hogwarts,' said Weasley. 'The Inquisitor will have powers to inspect her fellow educators and make sure that they are coming up to scratch. Professor Umbridge has been offered this position in addition to her own teaching post, and we are delighted to say that she has accepted.'