Chapter 314: Ministry of Magic Spokesperson Umbridge
Remus Lupin watched, unsurprised, as Fudge and the Aurors reappeared at the door. He took a deep breath, fighting the urge to mock them in the manner of that sneering Snape.
He had long known—through every rumor, report, and backchannel whisper—that the current Minister of Magic was utterly inept. But facing him in person still made Remus’s blood pressure spike.
“Sirius Black has gone after Peter Pettigrew,” Remus said, forcing calm into his voice. “Though you yourself admitted there were doubts about his guilt… Sirius still wants to capture Pettigrew with his own hands. He wants to avenge his friends.”
“What?!” Fudge barked, his small eyes gleaming with sudden cunning, as if he’d finally caught them in a lie. “Does Sirius have a lead? How did he get it? How can he guarantee he’ll catch Pettigrew?”
Remus exhaled slowly, deliberately. “He doesn’t guarantee it. He just wants to try. He’s doing everything he can—something your Ministry of Magic has utterly failed to do when it comes to tracking down escaped criminals.”
He couldn’t help the sharp edge in his tone.
He’d already realized: Fudge wasn’t just stupid. He was stubborn.
His mind had already settled on one conclusion—no matter the evidence, no matter the truth—and he’d force every situation to fit that narrative.
So no matter what Remus said, Fudge would twist it into proof that Sirius Black was colluding with Pettigrew.
Predictably, Fudge narrowed his eyes. “Hmm? How can you be sure he’s really trying to catch Pettigrew… and not just covering his own tracks? I’ve heard stories from your school days—Sirius Black was a lawless troublemaker from day one. He caused all sorts of chaos.”
Remus’s temper flared. He raised an eyebrow. “Minister, do you really think you know Sirius Black better than I do? He’s—”
“Knock knock knock!”
A sudden, sharp rapping at the door cut him off. Everyone froze. Then Harry bolted toward the entrance.
“Wade!” came his voice, stunned.
“Long time no see, Harry. Here’s a little gift from America.” Wade shoved a brightly colored jar of candy into Harry’s hands, then asked, “Where’s Remus? And Sirius Black?”
“Uh… Sirius is out. Remus is home,” Harry replied cautiously, clearly confused.
“I brought gifts for them too…” Wade stepped inside, scanning the living room. His expression shifted to one of mock surprise. “Oops. Sorry—I didn’t know you were entertaining guests.”
“No, Minister Fudge is here to take Sirius Black in for questioning—” Remus began, but was immediately cut off.
“Wade! Wonderful to see you!” Fudge beamed, puffing forward and grabbing Wade’s hand with both of his fat ones. “I must say, the Streaming Mirror is nothing short of miraculous! And the Book of Friends—now no wizard can escape it!”
“Good to see you too, Minister,” Wade replied politely, returning the handshake.
“Ha! I’ve wanted to say that since I last visited Hogwarts—but never found the chance!” Fudge chuckled. “Such a brilliant invention as the Streaming Mirror is being wasted on broadcasting trivial Quidditch matches. I believe it could do far more—especially in spreading Ministry policies!”
He’d long wanted to cultivate a relationship with this prodigy, the young alchemist. But every opportunity had slipped through his fingers. Even when he’d been at Hogwarts, he’d never managed to strike up a conversation.
Now, an unexpected encounter at the Black residence was like a slice of cake landing right in front of a starving man. Instantly, Sirius Black was forgotten. Fudge’s demeanor turned warm, eager, almost effusive.
“We’ve had similar thoughts,” Wade said with a smile. “Though we weren’t sure if the Ministry would mind journalists using the Streaming Mirror for recording.”
He paused, then added with a hint of hopeful expectation: “If you’re open to it, perhaps Umbridge could join us in a promotional collaboration?”
“Umbridge?” Fudge’s smile faltered. “You know Umbridge?”
His first thought: She knew I wanted to meet Wade. Why didn’t she introduce us?
Then he heard Wade’s explanation:
“No, I’ve met her twice. But she doesn’t know me.”
“Who’s Umbridge?” Harry whispered to Remus, utterly baffled.
Remus, too, was unaware—but Wade overheard. He turned, grinning.
“She’s the Senior Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Magic. Legend says she excelled academically at school, and after joining the Ministry, she rose swiftly through the ranks. She’s practically one step away from becoming Minister herself!”
The other Aurors exchanged uneasy glances. They knew only too well how Umbridge had climbed the ladder—through sycophancy, stealing credit from others, and ruthless ambition.
“And she’s incredibly elegant,” Wade continued, “gentle, full of childlike charm. She loves cats—though I’ve never actually spent time with her. But anyone who loves cats tends to have a kind heart, a broad mind, and a strong sense of responsibility. Umbridge must be the same.”
Harry, completely unaware of Umbridge’s true nature, believed it. His eyes lit up. “That sounds amazing… I wish I’d met her.”
“Trust me,” Wade said. “You will. Maybe even on the Streaming Mirror in just a few days!”
The Aurors: …
Please, no. They were about to vomit.
The woman these two children were describing—this graceful, gentle, cat-loving lady—was nothing like the power-hungry, tyrannical, pink-faced toad they knew.
Remus saw their expressions. A strange suspicion stirred in him. Something about Wade’s words didn’t match the truth he knew. But he couldn’t guess why he was saying them.
And for Fudge? Even though Umbridge was his ally, hearing this praise made him feel like he’d swallowed a fly.
Then came Wade’s final words:
“—I truly believe Umbridge has a very strong chance of becoming the next Minister. With her abilities, she’d be no less capable than Mileson Bagnor.”
Fudge stared, frozen. Abilities? What abilities? The ability to flatter? To seduce? To build a friendship so intimate it bordered on obsession?
He’d always thought Umbridge’s voice was smooth, her words perfectly tailored to his ego. But for the first time, he saw her for what she really was—repulsive.
(End of Chapter)
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