It had been a long time since Fudge had encountered anything that could make him happy.
During this period of time... no, over the past two years, Fudge had encountered all kinds of bad things, too numerous to count.
His nightmare began with the invasion of Gringotts.
Next came the invasion of Azkaban, followed by Sirius Black's escape, and finally even the Ministry of Magic was invaded.
Some time ago, he was even nearly taken to court by a third-year wizard.
Today, the voices calling for Fudge to step down have become louder and stronger, to the point where even the Daily Prophet no longer has any qualms about reporting on such matters.
Only Merlin knows how long it has been since Fudge had a good night's sleep.
Every time he falls asleep, Fudge dreams of being ousted by Dumbledore.
Yes, Fudge is convinced that Dumbledore is plotting against him.
Think about it: Who in the wizarding world could have broken into the Gringotts, Azkaban, and the Department of Mysteries? Not to mention overpowering five Aurors, including Scrimgeour?
Those were some of the most secure places in the wizarding world!
Scrimgeour even claimed that the person who broke into the Department of Mysteries that night didn't use his/her full power because they didn't want to kill anyone. Even so, Scrimgeour was unable to take down that person.
What's more, the Aurors of the Ministry of Magic have not yet caught a single culprit!
No, they haven't even found a single clue.
Even Sirius Black, who escaped from Azkaban, was cleared of suspicion by Dumbledore!
And what about Andy Collins...?
Ha! Fudge believes that this incident itself is a conspiracy against him.
The young wizard called Andy Collins was a puppet pushed out by Dumbledore.
Think about it: if Dumbledore had admitted that he had captured Sirius Black, then he would not have been able to demand Sirius's reward money from the Ministry of Magic.
Because of his position!
So Dumbledore had to come up with a child!
Andy Collins... Fudge admitted that he is a child with a bit of magical talent, but Fudge doesn't think a child can catch Sirius at all.
This is Dumbledore's conspiracy!
Fudge recalled his experiences as the Minister of Magic over the years.
In the first year, he was still working for Dumbledore.
During that time, he consulted Dumbledore on everything and made a humble gesture... So the wizarding world was safe that year.
In the following years, the Pureblood families, led by the Malfoy family, began to approach him, and for the sake of gold galleons, Fudge decided to be nice to them.
So, something happened at Gringotts!
Then, one thing after another happened.
Fudge had not suspected Dumbledore before, but Scrimgeour told him that the person who had broken into the Department of Mysteries that night might not have been a Death Eater.
Because the other person seemed fierce but had no intention of killing.
That person was very strong, but their actions left room for others, and they had no intention of killing.
This is what Scrimgeour realised later.
That night, he did not feel the other person's murderous intent.
Scrimgeour had fought in the last wizard war and had experienced many battles. He was very sensitive to murderous intent—something that Andy could not imitate.
After receiving this news, Fudge immediately questioned the Aurors who had fought the intruder in Azkaban that day.
Ha! No one was killed, and there was no intention of even injuring anyone.
The Aurors told Fudge that the intruder was very strong and that at one point they had thought they would die.
But the intruder just knocked them out and released a Death Eater – who then died by a Dementor's kiss.
It all makes sense!
There is no such thing as a Death Eater remnant; it was all a plot by Dumbledore—he wants his power back, and he needs a loyal Minister of Magic.
He invaded the Gringotts, invaded Azkaban, invaded the Ministry of Magic, helped Sirius clear his name, and instructed a child to file a report against him...
Fudge thought, 'All of this is to make me obedient!'
'Minister of Magic...if I don't obey, I'll be replaced? He truly is the greatest wizard of the 20th century, Albus Dumbledore!'
Fudge, who had figured everything out, once again arrived at Hogwarts.
Looking at the children in front of him, Fudge felt a tremendous sense of relief.
Look, Dumbledore.
There are still people in the wizarding world who support me!
These children are the future of the wizarding world!
"It really is, Minister Fudge!"
"My goodness, Andy is amazing!"
"He made a true prophecy."
"How did he do it?"
"Professor Trelawney said that only someone with the Sight could learn the advanced art of Divination, and Andy has the Sight."
Fudge: "…"
What was going on?
No one paid any attention to Fudge, and a large group of young witches and wizards surrounded Andy as they walked towards the Great Hall, eager to see real Divination.
Fudge's smile froze on his face.
"Minister, they're probably just curious," Kingsley Shacklebolt said.
Fudge nodded with a grimace and led the two men into the castle.
He felt that this was all a plot by Dumbledore!
Dumbledore must have known that he would come to him today to admit defeat, so he deliberately gave him a hard time at the door.
Yes! There is no typo.
Fudge came to admit defeat.
'I can't beat you, boss. Can I join you?'
Fudge was indeed in a very bad situation.
Many people in the wizarding world were calling for his resignation, people in the Ministry were eyeing his position with desire, and the pureblood families, led by the Malfoys, had recently started to distance themselves from him.
All of this seemed to indicate that he, Cornelius Fudge, was about to step down.
His only hope now was to regain Dumbledore's support.
As for bringing down Dumbledore—Fudge would show no mercy at all if he could find evidence.
They made their way to the seventh floor of the castle.
"You guys wait outside."
Fudge pushed open the door and walked into the Headmaster's office.
"Cornelius, long time no see," Dumbledore said in a flat tone.
"Good morning, Albus,"
Fudge's face wore a warm smile, and he appeared to be cautious. "A lot has happened in the wizarding world recently, Albus. I need your help."
"I've heard some things... Have the Aurors still found no clues?" Dumbledore asked.
How could the Aurors find clues when you're doing it?
What hypocrisy!
Although he thought this, Fudge's face was full of a smile. "Albus, I really have no choice. Only you can help me now."
----
Thanks for all your love and support.
Read advance chapters on P@treon. If you have some extra pocket money, Support me at P@treon: www.p@treon.com/Crazy_Cat.
Happy Reading!!!