The return

[_hemhem]

What on earth has happened to the security in and around the Ministry of Magic building? The lack of response from anyone and the behavior of the rioters --for that's what they are. Let us not kid ourselves into thinking they were simply well-meaning protesters. They came with half bricks!-- is simply unacceptable. If we are not able to ensure the

Comments

[bagnold_gold]

Maybe the aurors and security guards just don't like you, Umbridge.

[_hemhem]

I'm coming to realize that, Minister.

Are you well, Minister Bagnold?

[bagnold_gold]

Maybe you could try being nicer to them and they'd feel inclined to protect you during a riot.

I am fit as a fiddle, why do you ask?

[_hemhem]

Or maybe they could do their jobs and we wouldn't have riots to begin with.

Considering that we just pulled through quite a breach in Ministry security, I would have expected you to be... just a little concerned.

[bagnold_gold]

People are allowed to assemble and protest, but sometimes it gets out of hand. We just have to deal with it.

I am dealing with it, but I'm not concerned. I've other things to concern myself with.

[_hemhem]

About that, Minister. Do you believe people should still be allowed these... privileges given the situation? Perhaps you might want to withhold certain liberties. We are at war, after all.

I don't doubt it, Minister Bagnold. Have you perhaps thought of taking a vacation? I hear it's nice in the tropics these days. As a matter of fact, Cornelius Fudge has volunteered to cover for you if you wish to leave.

[bagnold_gold]

No. People's rights are not going to be restricted because we're at war. End of.

...Why the Hell would you suggest I take a vacation when I'm needed most? Are you trying to be funny (because if you are, not working) or are you actually serious?

[_hemhem]

Wouldn't you like to discuss with the other members of parliament first, Minister? You might find they are as concerned about the matter as you are.

I'm only concerned for your health, Minister Bagnold. The civil unrest is no doubt weighing heavily on your mind.

[bagnold_gold]

There is no need for discussion, Umbridge. It's not happening, no matter how bad things are. We are not about to impose curfew or restrict people's right to assemble.

I am NOT going to the tropics.

[_hemhem]

I'm urging you to think about it, Minister. An eleven o'clock mandatory curfew would be reasonable, even your constituents would think so. What decent person would not be in their own homes at eleven o'clock? It stands to reason that only those with a criminal nature would be out and about. A curfew would effectively stop any suspicious meetings and illegal activities. You would not only be ensuring the safety of the people, you would be reinforcing your position as Minister of Magic.

The lack of any visible effort from the Ministry to quell the unrest is making you look weak, Minister Bagnold. You do know what happens to weak administrations, don't you?

[bagnold_gold]

What about those of us who work in the night, or wish to have a night cap? I don't leave the Ministry until well after 1 in the morning, I'm not the only one. A curfew is completely unimaginable and I won't even consider it. I can understand if you're at home before 11, but most of the wizarding world have social lives.

I'd rather be seen as weak than as oppressive.

[_hemhem]

I'll ignore that catty remark about my social life We're at war, Minister. Not one that is about to end any time soon. Surely we as a people can make personal adjustments for the good of all. For while honest people are earning wages at night, or having a night cap as you say, there are not-so-honest people planting bombs in the Ministry fountain. Or planning on storming into Hogwarts to take all students hostage while demanding you step down as Minister. Or murdering a foreign ambassador. The masses need to see a strong government who will not be cowed by a few insurgent groups. We can't afford to lose face now.

[bagnold_gold]

We may be at war, but that does not grant us the right to restrict anyone from doing completely legal things. We are not dealing with thugs who need the cover of darkness to meet, we are dealing with organised criminals who simply meet discreetly. There will be no curfew, unless the vast majority of the public think so.

[_hemhem]

As always, Minister, it's your choice how to run this government.