69novels Chapter 124 Fudge's Ambition
Chapter 124 Fudge's Ambition
Chapter 124 Fudge's Ambition
"Singing a different tune! Singing a different tune! Who gave him the guts! Xenophilius Lovegood!" In the minister's office, Fudge slammed his fist on the table in anger.
"Aurors! Go and arrest this man, charge him with disturbing the peace, and send him to Azkaban to reflect on his actions!"
Rufus Scrimgeour, who already disliked Fudge, had no intention of paying him any attention.
He came to work perfectly fine today, but as soon as he arrived at his office, Fudge called him to the minister's office, where he listened to Fudge vent his frustrations for a long time.
Ultimately, it was Fudge's weakness and incompetence that made him look down on Fudge.
If you're really capable, then give the order.
As soon as the minister gave the order, he could immediately pull the Aurors over and clear Knockout Alley in a flash.
Isn't it because those seemingly wild dark wizards in Knockturn Alley all have the support of this or that pure-blood family behind them!
To put it bluntly, that place was actually where pure-blood families selected gloves. Once it was cleared out, it wouldn't be so convenient to find useful black-line characters, which would be a loss for both pure-blood families and other wizards looking for gloves.
In addition, there are some gray underground transactions and the circulation of some black magic items, and the buyers and sellers of these items will also suffer losses.
These people have suffered losses and will definitely come looking for trouble with Fudge. How could Fudge have the courage to take on such a responsibility?
The current minister is nothing more than a "peace-seeker." This doesn't mean he can bring peace, but rather that he's a politician who can only accept a world in a state of peace.
Rufus Scrimgeour knew Fudge couldn't possibly give the order, but he still retorted, "Your Excellency, if you were to issue the order, all the Aurors in the Auror Office would do everything in their power to help you eradicate Knockdown Alley."
"Ah, listen—, this—"
Sure enough, Fudge responded to his suggestion with an incomplete sentence-like modal particle.
"If there's nothing else, I'm heading back to the Auror office on the second floor. There's still a lot of work to do there." A traditionally tough guy, Rufus stood up, not wanting to see Fudge's disgraceful state any longer. He pushed open the door and left, not intending to listen to Fudge's long-winded explanation, "It's not that I won't give orders, but that I'll give them slowly—"
Fuji continued, "We must address the issues based on the specific circumstances, avoiding blind action and instead focusing on precise, scientific, and efficient measures."
"Disrespectful! They have no respect for the Minister of Magic at all!" he said in a low voice, as if afraid of being overheard.
Rufus Scrimgeour's attitude deeply stung him.
Since capturing Voldemort, Dumbledore has shown no intention of communicating with the Ministry of Magic!
I am the Minister for Magic! The entire British magical world must revolve around me! Everything must be reported to me!
Voldemort should be dealt with by me! The credit should rightfully go to me!
Dolores Umbridge's private conversation with him once again stirred his thoughts.
Phrases like "those in power rightfully own everything" and "everyone in a position should obey you" echoed in Fudge's ears.
"That sounds quite reasonable. With such insightful remarks, I think Dolores should be promoted."
Fudge thought for a moment and then had someone summon Dolores. In this situation, he felt that only Dolores could understand the minister's thoughts, and only Dolores was truly loyal.
"Dear Minister, you wanted to see me?" A sickeningly sweet voice drifted in from outside the door, accompanied by a middle-aged witch who looked remarkably like a pink clam spirit.
"The Ministry of Magic is rife with traitors! There are no loyal ministers! I can only turn to you, you are my most trusted confidant!" Fudge said with a desolate expression.
"How could that be, Minister? There are just a few unruly individuals, but the vast majority of Ministry of Magic staff respect you." Dolores Umbridge.
"The Ministry of Magic desperately needs a loyal employee like you, so I've decided to promote you from Assistant Minister to Deputy Minister!"
Fudge waved his hand, and Umbridge was immediately grateful.
A harmonious scene of ruler and ministers.
"What are your thoughts on the current situation?" After the conversation between the ruler and his minister ended, Fudge handed the song "Singing a Contrarian" to Umbridge.
Umbridge glanced at it: "Oh, Your Excellency, I believe this newspaper is illegal; it doesn't have the proper operating permits. We need to investigate it."
"How do you conduct the investigation? Explain in detail."
"First, we need to come up with a pretext, like saying that The Divergent published some socially inappropriate remarks, intending to whitewash dark wizards and speak out for Voldemort. We can publish some statements in the Daily Prophet, and then, in the midst of public opinion, issue a decree to legally and compliantly raid the headquarters of The Divergent. Even if there's no legal basis for conviction, we should still detain them for three to five years—"
This made it impossible for dissent to continue—Fudge sighed. It was his truly loyal subordinates who were capable and efficient, unlike Rufus, who only knew how to cause trouble and knew nothing about relieving the minister's worries!
See how effective Umbridge's idea is! Just sew his mouth shut, and the illness is cured! Just cover it with the newspaper, and the problem is solved!
Wonderful!
"Deputy Minister Umbridge, please arrange this matter later." Fudge was overjoyed. "I will arrange a formal appointment document to appoint you as deputy minister."
The title of "Deputy Minister" made the pink clam spirit tremble twice. Overjoyed, she repeatedly thanked the Minister, claiming that it was all thanks to the Minister's guidance and that she would dedicate herself to the Minister after becoming the Deputy Minister.
"There's something even more important that I'd like to hear your opinion on."
"About Voldemort—"
Fudge's words came to an abrupt halt, but his meaning was conveyed very clearly.
That is: Voldemort has now been captured and imprisoned by Hogwarts. As the masters of the British magical world, shouldn't "we" do something?
Umbridge understood immediately. She had already heard about this and had a prepared statement in mind, just waiting for Fudge to come to her so she could launch into a tirade: "Minister, you are the Minister for Magic! Thousands of wizarding families in England are on your shoulders!"
"Dumbledore was merely a headmaster of a school within the British wizarding world!"
"In terms of position, Dumbledore doesn't deserve to speak of the world! In my opinion, he should have handed over the credit for defeating Grindelwald to the President of the Magical Congress and the Minister for Magic at the time! Dumbledore is so insensible! What does a school principal like him need such achievements for!"
"As the Minister of Magic, you have absolutely no need to worry about or fear him. Having power means you rightfully possess everything. Even if he is the greatest white wizard, even if his magical skills are unparalleled, a single word from the Minister can send him east or west. He must obey the Minister's orders!"
Umbridge expressed his heartfelt thoughts in a passionate and eloquent manner.
This was also the view she held from the bottom of her heart after she tried every means to get close to Fudge and become his assistant minister, amidst the flattery of countless staff members and people who came to do business with her: power is above magic, and even if Dumbledore has a million-strong army, he must obey Fudge.
Even before that, with a sliver of reason remaining, Fudge was blinded by the beautiful vision that Umbridge had just described: "Everyone must obey the minister's words."
Becoming a Minister of Magic like that is my life's ambition!
"Then tell me what to do?" he asked excitedly.