harry potter - Why was Umbridge hired?

Why was Umbridge hired if Snape also applied for the position? Surely Dumbledore would prefer Snape as the Defence against the Dark Arts teacher than a ministry official.

UPDATE: She was only hired because Dumbledore couldn't find anybody else. I can verify this with a quote from the Daily Prophet.

“This is not the first time in recent weeks that the Minister, Cornelius Fudge, has used new laws to effect improvements at the wizarding school. As recently as August 30th, Educational Decree Number Twenty-two was passed, to ensure that, in the event of the current Headmaster being unable to provide a candidate for a teaching post, the Ministry should select an appropriate person. ‘That’s how Dolores Umbridge came to be appointed to the teaching staff at Hogwarts,’ said Weasley last night. ‘Dumbledore couldn’t find anyone so the Minister put in Umbridge, and of course, she’s been an immediate success —'”

Answer

When Professor Dumbledore took Professor Snape on to the staff and Professor Snape said 'I'd like to teach defence against the dark arts (DADA) please' and Professor Dumbledore felt that that might bring out the worst in Professor Snape... (transcribed from a recording)

Given Snape's background as a Death Eater, Dumbledore did not want him to be too close to the Dark Arts as it would make Snape vulnerable. A curse has been put on that position by Voldemort years ago when he failed to be assigned as DADA teacher by Dumbledore. As Snape was the only double-spy for Dumbledore against Voldemort, he could not afford losing Snape by Voldemort's curse on the job and making Voldemort losing trust in Snape, leading to less information gathered by Dumbledore. Even if he was appointed as the DADA teacher, there would be a vacancy for Snape's previous position, Potions, thus not solving the problem entirely.

Note that the Ministry of Magic was attempting to disfigure Dumbledore's reputation as they refused to accept the fact that Voldemort has returned, in which Dumbledore and Harry was claiming true. When the Ministry of Magic was notified of the vacancy, Umbridge was appointed by the Ministry as to monitor Dumbledore and Harry.

As we all know, Umbridge was then sacked one year later due to her torturous discipline methods and Voldemort's curse on the occupation.

Comments

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