Fudge was growing angrier by the moment. Having long since fallen out with Miss Slytherin, he no longer cared about keeping up appearances. "The Ministry will announce tomorrow that the charges against you have been dropped, but I need the pure-bloods targeted at Burns."
Cyrus raised an eyebrow, the corners of her mouth curling slightly upward. "The Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement—lately, her spotlight has even started to overshadow yours. Tsk tsk, and here I was, locked away in Azkaban with those Death Eaters, only to be publicly attacked by your loyal subordinate... Of course, Azkaban could be treated as a major issue or a minor one, and my being attacked could similarly be treated as a major issue or a minor one."
Cyrus turned her head to look at Professor Umbridge, whose face was flushed crimson. "No! Minister, it was her—" Fudge's knuckles turned white as he glared fiercely at Professor Umbridge. "Shut your mouth!" Then he took a heavy breath. "The Ministry will cede 10% of its profits to Slytherin. That is the highest price I can offer. Do not forget that the prophecy concerning you is still held within the Ministry!"
Chapter 89