Why Umbridge Never Told Sybill Trelawney to Leave Hogwarts

When Dolores Umbridge became Headmistress of Hogwarts, she had the power to remove Sybill Trelawney, who was known for her questionable abilities in divination. Yet, Umbridge chose not to immediately tell Trelawney to leave Hogwarts. This decision was not based on a lack of authority but rather on a strategic approach to maintaining her power and influence at the school. Let's explore the reasons behind Umbridge's decision and the circumstances that unfolded during this tumultuous period at Hogwarts.

Strategic Decision Making

Dolores Umbridge, as Headmistress, had the legal authority to dismiss staff members without question. However, her immediate goal was to consolidate her power rather than address all dissenting voices. Trelawney, despite her skepticism and the perceived lack of credibility of her subject, had a long-standing connection to the school. Additionally, Trelawney had made a significant prophecy regarding Harry Potter and Voldemort, which held great importance to the Ministry of Magic. Umbridge likely recognized that removing Trelawney could draw unwanted attention and raise questions about the prophecy's implications.

Manipulation and Control

Umbridge preferred to undermine and control rather than remove staff outright. By keeping Trelawney at Hogwarts, she could exert influence over the Divination class. This allowed Umbridge to showcase her authority while simultaneously discrediting Trelawney's abilities. Furthermore, by manipulating the situation, Umbridge could justify Trelawney's removal through a perceived lack of competence, which would be a more palatable explanation to the school community and the Ministry of Magic.

The Circumstances of Dismissal

Umbridge's eventual attempt to remove Trelawney was not straightforward. It was during an inspection of her class that Umbridge realized she could use Trelawney's perceived ineptitude to justify her dismissal. However, Trelawney managed to slip through the cracks. Before Umbridge officially became Headmistress, she had already attempted to fire Trelawney. Dumbledore's timely intervention prevented this from occurring. When Dumbledore reassumed the position of headmaster, he also revealed his choice for Trelawney's replacement, Firenze, a centaur, which Umbridge had strong prejudices against.

The Aftermath

Following the sacking of Trelawney, she stayed in the North Tower during the period of uncertainty. Although her presence was not mentioned by Harry for the first few weeks, it is possible that she was seen venturing out for some fresh air, especially during times of distress. Umbridge, during her tenure as Headmistress, had many challenges to manage, including:

Dumbledore's disappearance and the associated responsibilities of running the school. Fred and George's rebellion, using joke-shop products to cause chaos. The students' and staff's refusal to cooperate with her. The increasing chaos and rule-breaking by the students and Peeves. Trelawney's potential role in adding to the chaos, especially if still present in her rooms, seeking revenge against Umbridge for her dismissal.

Umbridge's focus during this period was primarily on Hagrid and Firenze due to their status as half-giants and centaurs, respectively. She may have also attempted to extract information from Harry regarding Sirius Black and Dumbledore's whereabouts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Umbridge had the authority to tell Trelawney to leave, her strategic approach was more about manipulation and control. This decision to keep Trelawney at Hogwarts was essential for maintaining her power and influence within the school, especially in light of the prophecy's significance and the competitive environment of Hogwarts during her time as Headmistress.