FIC: 'A Tale of Love and Power in which Our Heroine Wears Pink' for ships_harry Recipient:ships_harry Author:hazelhawthorne Title: A Tale of Love and Power in which Our Heroine Wears Pink Rating: PG-13 Pairings: Umbridge/Fudge Word Count: ~3000 Author's Notes:ships_harry requested something featuring an older woman, Marauder generation or before. I hope this suits. Thanks to C and W for being willing to sit through my nattering about this for weeks and for all of their input. This would have been a very different (read: hard to follow) story without them. Extreme heaps of gratitude to bethbethbeth for organizing this fest, for being so patient and for filling in as emergency beta.
Appointment
Oh! Cornelius! I've just heard! I knew they would choose the best wizard for the job!
Darling?
You don't seem pleased. Whatever is the matter?
No, darling. Don't you listen to them. They are just jealous. There was never any question of selecting Dumbledore as Minister for Magic, not with his history and inclinations. They picked you because you deserve this position. They picked you because you have worked hard and shown your dedication to this Ministry. You are not second best.
Don't you worry. Come here. That's it.
I will be by your side. We will show them.
***
"It is not for you to decide what the ministry of Magic does or does not do, Dumbledore!" snapped Fudge.
Dolores watched Cornelius out of the corner of her eye. She loved how powerful he was and admired him ever the more for the fact that he was standing up to the sainted Albus Dumbledore.
Dumbledore was nothing compared to Cornelius. Some petty witches and wizards liked to say that Cornelius had only been given the job of Minister for Magic because Dumbledore had refused it. Dolores knew that Cornelius believed this; believed himself to have been the second choice, the consolation prize. But she knew he had earned the position through his own hard work and dedicated effort. No one had deserved it more. Dolores had made certain that the members of the appointment board had known it too. No matter what anyone might believe, Cornelius Fudge would have been the next Minister regardless of Dumbledore's wishes.
His early days in office had been filled with the sound of wings as owls were sent in a constant stream between the Ministry and Hogwarts. How long had it taken her to build up Cornelius' confidence? How many times had Dolores needed to reassure him that he did not need Dumbledore's advice or approval before those owls were allowed to rest? And yet he still admired and even feared the man.
Boardroom
Oh!...
Cornelius, darling…
What has gotten into you?
Oh, yes
but the… the meeting… the others will be here any …
any moment…
Whyever are you on your knees?
Oh, Cornelius!... yes! do that again. no, that! right there…
oh… oh, Merlin, … oh yes! yes, please, with your… oh! there, do that … yes! Cor… oh! Cornelius…
Hem, hem…
Oh, darling. That was… Em…
You have something on your moustache… There. All gone.
You never did that with your wife did you?
Oh, hello Madam Marchbanks, Mister Bagman. We will begin the meeting as soon as the others arrive.
***
"Oho!" said Fudge. "Not our business what he does at school, eh? You think so?"
Dolores had done everything she could to be sure that the demented old Headmaster would not be able to interfere with the speedy conclusion of this hearing, and yet the meddlesome old busybody had flounced his way in with that ridiculous squib of a witness and had made a shambles of the whole affair. She took in the changing tone of the whispers behind her and knew before Amelia called for the vote that the doddering fool had once again undermined justice.
She listened to Cornelius' voice as he conceded defeat and knew that she would be the one to hold him together again. She would be the one to focus that rage in a constructive direction. She would be the one who was there for him. As she always was. As she always would be. She wasn't worried about Dumbledore. Their new plan was sure to expose him for the fraud that he was. Cornelius Fudge would be listed in history books as the Minister for Magic who had brought down the corrupt tyranny and fear mongering of Albus Dumbledore. And Dolores would be by his side as they brought the wizarding world out of the dark days and restored it to its former glory.
Country House
Why, Mister Malfoy, of course Minister Fudge will accept the invitation. I can't think of a better place for a working weekend retreat than your country home in Stratfordshire.
No. I'm sure the three house elves will be plenty.
Of course I will tell Minister Fudge your feelings on the Cotswold matter.
I'm certain he understands.
Yes, the Minister is fond of pressed duck and I have heard that your French elf is a highly skilled chef.
The Minister does enjoy a fine wine and I assure you that he will appreciate your selection.
No. Just myself and the Minister.
***
Educational Decree number twenty two went into effect at 8:00 am on August 30. Dolores accepted the appointment as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at 8:05. She took the portkey from Cornelius and arrived in Hogsmeade with plenty of time to walk to the school before the staff meeting was scheduled to begin at noon.
As she passed beneath the winged boars guarding the gate she saw the ministry owl fly past overhead. She smiled at the thought of Albus Dumbledore's reaction to the news of her appointment. The grounds were the deep green of late summer and despite the heat Dolores found the walk restful. The halls of the castle were dim after the bright sun. The stone walls evoked memories of her days as a student and she felt a tickle of anxiety at the back of her consciousness which she ruthlessly ground out with the knowledge that she was returning in a position of power. She had the upper hand now and soon everyone would know it.
Dinner Party
Oh! Hello, Mrs. Fudge! You look well. It has been far too long since I saw you up and about.
Cornelius, why didn't you tell me your wife would be attending?
No, Mrs. Fudge, I came alone. I really haven't any time for entanglements outside of the Ministry.
Hem, hem, that certainly is a lovely broach you are wearing.
I seem to recall seeing one just like it in Madame Malkin's. I think I mentioned to your husband how lovely I found it.
One of a kind, is it? Well then, it must be the very same one, mustn't it.
***
Dolores paused for a moment in the hallway outside the staff conference room. Aside from Dumbledore everyone was present. She glided through the door and put on her best smile. Minerva McGonagall was standing beside a bookcase in close conversation with a flighty looking woman wrapped in an improbable number of scarves.
"Minerva, how lovely to see you again." Dolores put just enough honey in her voice to cover the acid tones she could not help. The dislike she felt for Minerva McGonagall during their school years had never faded. From the look of revulsion on the assistant headmistress' face, the animosity was still mutual. The overtones of shock in her expression let Dolores know she had timed her entrance perfectly. Dumbledore had not had enough time to notify the rest of the staff.
Estrangement
Good morning, Minister. I have the agenda for the Security Measures meeting with the Department of Magical Transportation this afternoon.
Yes, Minister, I am aware that we are alone.
Because that is your title.
Might I ask that you refrain from addressing me in such a familiar manner? I doubt very much that your wife would approve. The head of the FNA wanted…
Yes! this is about your wife! Back from death's door I see. Found some miracle cure, has she? Or perhaps the tireless devotion of her loving husband has saved her.
I'll leave you to look this over.
***
Children are noisy. Dolores supposed that she had known this intellectually, but she had not been prepared for the sheer noise a school full of children produced. She wrapped the righteousness of her plan around her mind and let it muffle the chaos in the Great Hall. She could hardly expect them to be well behaved under the tutelage of the depraved old fool who had been guiding this school for so long. She took comfort in knowing that it soon would change. Yes. She was doing this for their own good.
Flattery
Oh! Cornelius! It is lovely! The cut is exquisite! And the color! Such a delicate shade of pink!
Is this really for me?
I don't know what I will ever be able to wear this with. It is too fine a piece for someone like me.
Oh, Cornelius. You say such sweet things.
Don't you worry? Now your wife has rejoined society, that she might find out?
Of course we will still be discrete.
But. Cornelius. We had spoken, once. About the possibility. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we didn't have to?
Now that she is well. Might you reconsider?
***
Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore. Everything at Hogwarts revolved around those two names. Not anymore it wouldn't. Dolores Jane Umbridge would see to that. How anyone could believe the outlandish tales these two told she did not know. Evil wizards returning from the dead! It was preposterous. Cornelius had been aghast when he realized that his mentor, the man he had looked up to and judged himself against for so long was as barmy as old Barnabas had ever been. There had been some question between them whether the stories were coming from the boy with the old wizard being too addled in his head to discern the lie or if they were the delusions of a demented old man parroted by a naive child. After teaching her first Defense class to the fifth year students, Dolores had come to the conclusion that Cornelius was correct after all: Harry Potter was a troubled young man seeking attention by whatever means presented themselves. What he needed was someone to teach him control. He needed guidance with a firm hand. Dolores' hands were up to the task.
Genealogy
Why, yes, Mister Prewett, I believe we are cousins. My mother was Saturnia Selwyn and her mother was Prima Prewett. Wasn't she your grandfather Piers's eldest sister?
Of course, the Umbridges have a respectable family history as well, even if it isn't as long or distinguished as the Selwyn or Prewett branches of my ancestry.
My paternal grandmother? Oh, well, my father was the child of Jeremiah Umbridge's first wife, Ursula. She was a Bulstrode. She died young. My grandfather married that halfblood later. One shouldn't blame him, really. And, you see how it has no bearing on my heritage.
***
Cornelius agreed with her that something needed to be done about the abysmal situation at Hogwarts. Dolores was delighted with her new title: High Inquisitor. It filled her with a sense of righteousness. This was clearly the path to restoring standards at Hogwarts and in the wizarding world. Professor Flitwick was a charming little man (even if his heritage did leave something to be desired) and taught his subject well. He blended theory and practice at an appropriate level for his class with no unneeded embellishments. In fact, the curriculum had changed little from when charms had been Dolores favorite class with Professor Poppins.
Holding pattern
Oh, Cornelius, how long must we maintain this charade?
I know we are at a delicate point in our campaign, but do you really think your personal life matters in this? Don't you see that our vision of a world in which Witches and Wizards can hold their heads high, secure in the knowledge that they are in their rightful place above all other magical creatures will be enough? Already, Dumbledore is playing into our hands. Surely something as tiny as a divorce would have no bearing.
Oh, darling, I know. It is just so difficult to be patient sometimes.
***
Sybil Trelawney, however, was Dumbledore's most glaring staffing error. Wrapped in more shawls, bangles and beads than any sensible witch would own, Trelawney flitted nervously about the room. It was clear to Dolores that the woman had no idea how to teach. To say nothing of her apparent lack of prophetic talents. The look on her face when Dolores asked for a prediction was one Dolores would treasure for years to come. Whatever power had kept the old bat in her position for sixteen years would be coming to an end soon. Just as soon as Dolores discovered what it was.
Influence
Oh, Miss Skeeter, How delightful to run into you. I read your article on the Triwzard Tournament. Lovely piece.
It seems you spent quite a bit of time at Hogwarts gathering your information. Tell me, what do you think about the way Dumbledore is running the school?
And that poor Harry Potter. I can not imagine how difficult it must be to have lived through all that he has experienced. Raised by muggles. Just the thought makes me shudder. One shouldn't wonder at how damaged he is after all that. The poor child.
What he needs is someone who cares.
***
Minerva McGonagall was the most infuriating witch Dolores had ever known. How someone with her spotty heritage had attained so much confidence and power was a mystery. In school, McGonagall had not had the sense to respect her social betters. She had delighted in using her quick wit and ready mind to demean students of pure blood. Even now, when Dolores had all the power of the Ministry behind her, McGonagall still defied her. Nothing so blatant that Dolores could discipline her for it. Just enough to show that she did not respect Dolores' authority over her. Unfortunately Dolores could find no fault in McGonagall's teaching style. She would not let it deter her, however. Whatever it took, Dolores would find something to bring Minerva McGonagall down along with Albus Dumbledore.
Justice
Oh, Cornelius. This is it!
Once Dumbledore's prize pupil has been thoroughly discredited, it will only be a matter of time until everyone acknowledges that the old man is off his head. Then the British wizarding world will be able to unite behind you and we will be able to begin rebuilding our standards and morals until we are once again regarded as the world leaders we are meant to be.
We just need to handle this carefully.
Hem. Perhaps a change of venue is in order…
and if we move up the time…
Ah, yes. That should do it.
***
Educational Decree number twenty four had been aimed at controlling Harry Potter and his band of misfits but Dolores was hard pressed to control her delight at Minerva McGonagall's sputtering when Dolores told her that the Gryffindor Quidditch team would not be allowed to reform. When Dumbledore sided with McGonagall and ordered Dolores to allow the team, she gave in graciously, already planning her firecall to Cornelius. Really, they were making her accumulation of power so easy.
Kitten
Oh, Cornelius. This has been the best birthday evening I have ever had. So romantic… What... Hem, hem… Oh! What is that…
Cornelius, whatever is that hideous smell?
You bought me what?
No! Please keep it away from me. It will shed all over my new robes.
Oh, dear. I'm sorry, darling. It's a lovely gesture, Cornelius and it is precious.
No, darling, it's alright. I do love kittens. Just… Hem, hem. Well, the real ones are so… messy and… smelly and… so filthy. And they make me sneeze.
Perhaps we could trade it in?
I'd much prefer a portrait.
***
Dolores was just finishing her firecall with Cornelius (Oh, how she longed to see him in person again.) when the alarms she had set on the floo network sounded. Gryffindor tower, was it? Common room fireplace. She crowed in delight at the thought of catching whoever Potter was talking to. She had no doubt it would be Potter. Or one of the Weasleys. Either way she would have an excuse to hand out a well deserved punishment. Except, she wasn't quick enough. Whoever had been in the fire had gotten away and by the time she put her head through, the Gryffindor common room was empty as well. She went to bed frustrated and angry, ever the more so because she had been hoping to go to bed with Cornelius' voice still in her ears.
Leaving
Oh, Cornelius, what a lovely cardigan. I adore it! And the color is perfect. I will think of you whenever I wear it.
Oh, darling, I know that this is an important part of our plan, but the thought of leaving your side… the thought of not being near you everyday has me feeling like a little girl sent to school for the first time. It may sound silly, but I think I may be homesick for this office. For you. You have become my home.
When this is done, darling, we will be together, and we will have everything.
***
Dolores left McGonagall's office in triumph. She couldn't remember a time when she had been happier without Cornelius by her side. Educational decree number twenty five was a stroke of genius. In but a moment, Dolores had managed to set Harry Potter, the Weasley twins and Minerva McGonagall in their places. What a pair she and the Minister made.
She could see the path ahead of her so clearly. Everything was proceeding as planned. With Cornelius backing her every request they would have control of the school in just a few months more. And once they had solidified Cornelius' power, he would be free to leave his wife and they would truly be together.
Dolores Jane Umbridge had climbed to the top of the world and nothing was ever going pull her down again.