She'd been standing in the back throughout the ceremony itself, waiting for the right time to speak. She would let her intentions be known, reveal the news to the ones who'd come to say good-bye to the old 'Minister'. So far, she'd been content with listening, observing, watching. There was a lot said for watching, more than people knew.
Now, however, was the right time. And with the right time here, Dolores Umbridge moved from the shadows, striding up to the front of the room, dressed, just as form dictated, from head to toe in black - well aside from the pink collar she'd allowed herself. This wasn't a day to be sad after all - just pretending to be so.
'Hem, hem.'
The small sound brought everyone to silence, and Dolores smiled softly to herself. As if she had some secret only she knew. But then, of course, she did. She moved purposefully to the front of the church, and stood in front of the surprised priest, staring out at her congregation now.
'I got to know Mr Ogden a very long time ago,' she started her speech. 'He was...a remarkable man,' she continued only adding in her head that he'd been remarkable only in his stupidity and stubbornness. 'He was there when I first started working at the Ministry, always helpful, always supporting. He helped me forward, saw me move up the ranks,' she glanced at the coffin, as if sad. 'He was a true friend. He was always proud of me,' she said offering a smile.
'I know there are many of us here today who are sad, but Mr Ogden wouldn't want us to be sad. He'd want us to move on, to be our best, to carry on his legacy.' She looked out over the crowd, pleased to know what was to come. 'That is why I am here today. Not only to remember a great (fool of a) man, but to tell you all that there is no need to worry, no need for concern. Mr Ogden - Tiberius - left you all in capable hands. In the hands he trusted more than others. In my hands.'
She paused, waiting for the mumbling to die down, and when it didn't, called people's attention again. 'Hem, hem.'
'I know this is surprising news, I am sure. But Tiberius wanted it this way. He wanted you to be safe. Protected. Guarded.' She smiled. 'In my hand...' she held it up, 'is a document, the very same document that Tiberius once used himself to allow him to guide you. That very same document is quite clear on who his successor should be - me. In his choice, he could not have made it clearer for you all if he so spoke from the grave.' She looked dramatically at the coffin again. 'In a way he is.'
'So now I say to you, remember him today, and tomorrow wake up in the knowledge and security that now you are all in my capable hands. If we all follow the rules, this will be a better place to live. Trust me. I will take care of you.' And with that, she held out her hands, expecting her applauds slightly disappointed when they weren't as...enthusiastic as she had expected. Well this was a funeral, perhaps they were being polite. She left the stage with a smile, returning to her home. There was much to prepare for tomorrow.