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Chapter 314: Umbridge, the Ministry Spokesperson
Chapter 314: Umbridge, the Ministry Spokesperson
As expected, Lupin watched Fudge and the Aurors approach once again, taking a deep breath to suppress the urge to mock them like Snape would.
Although he was already well aware of the current Minister of Magic's incompetence through various channels, Lupin still felt his blood pressure rise when facing him in person.
"Sirius has gone after Peter Pettigrew," Lupin said, trying to keep his tone calm. "Even though you've acknowledged the doubts in this case and Sirius's innocence, he wants to capture Pettigrew himself to get his revenge."
"What?! Does he have a lead on Pettigrew? How did he get it? How can he be sure he'll catch him?" Fudge asked loudly, his narrow eyes gleaming with cunning as if to say, 'Finally, I've caught you.'
Lupin took a deep breath and exhaled. "Sirius didn't guarantee that. He just hopes to catch him. He's doing his best to make it happen while your Ministry is clueless about the escaped fugitive!"
Lupin couldn't help but add a sarcastic remark. He had realized that Fudge was not only unintelligent but also stubborn.
Fudge already had a preconceived answer in his mind, and no matter what Lupin said, he would twist it to fit his narrative of 'Sirius colluding with Pettigrew,' forming a self-consistent explanation.
Sure enough, Fudge suspiciously said, "Hmm? How can you be sure he's genuinely trying to capture him and not covering for him? I've heard about your school days, and it's said that Sirius was unruly from the start, causing all sorts of trouble..."
Lupin's anger rose, and he raised an eyebrow. "Minister, do you think you know Sirius better than I do? He is..."
"Knock, knock, knock!"
The sudden knocking interrupted Lupin's words. After a brief pause, everyone saw Harry, who had been silent, rush to open the door.
"Voldemort!"
Voldemort's surprised voice came from the doorway.
"I haven't seen you in a few days, Harry. Here's a gift I brought for you from America," Voldemort said, handing Harry a jar of colorful candies. "Where are Remus and Sirius?"
"Um... Sirius is out, and Remus is at home," Harry replied cautiously, not understanding the question.
"I brought gifts for them too..." Voldemort entered the room and, seeing the guests in the living room, seemed surprised. "Oh, I didn't realize you had company."
"No, Minister Fudge, you're here to take Sirius for the investigation..." Lupin began to explain, but Fudge cut him off.
"Voldemort! It's great to see you!" The plump Minister raised his voice and walked over to shake hands enthusiastically. "I must say, FlowMirror is an incredible invention! And the Friend Ledger, no wizard can live without it now!"
"Hello, Minister," Voldemort said politely, shaking hands.
"Hahaha, I wanted to say this the last time at Hogwarts, but I never got the chance," Fudge said, his face beaming. "It's a waste to use FlowMirror to broadcast those childish competitions. I believe it should play a bigger role in promoting Ministry policies..."
He had wanted to establish a good relationship with the young genius alchemist for a while, but the opportunity had never presented itself.
Even though he had previously visited Hogwarts, he had not found an opportunity to strike up a conversation.
Now, unexpectedly encountering Vold at the Black residence was like a huge cake falling in front of a hungry person. Fudge immediately set aside Sirius, and his attitude instantly became kind and enthusiastic.
"Actually, we've had similar thoughts, but we're not sure if the Ministry would find it offensive for a journalist to use FlowMirror recordings..."
Vold smiled and replied, then said with an expectant tone, "If you don't mind, could you arrange for Ms. Umbridge to collaborate with us on publicity?"
"Umbridge?"
Fudge's smile stiffened slightly. "Do you know Umbridge?"
His first thought was, why didn't Umbridge, who knew he wanted to meet Vold, introduce them?
Then he heard Vold's explanation—
"No, I've met Ms. Umbridge twice, but she probably doesn't know me."
"Who is Umbridge?"
Harry was confused and couldn't help but ask Lupin quietly.
Lupin wasn't sure either, but Vold heard his question and turned to smile at him.
"She's the Senior Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Magic. I've heard that she was an excellent student in school, and after joining the Ministry, she has consistently performed exceptionally, climbing up the ranks. Now, she's just one step away from becoming the Minister!"
Many of the Aurors, who were well aware that Umbridge's promotions were due to her insincere flattery and stealing others' credit, showed strange expressions.
"Moreover, Ms. Umbridge is also very elegant, gentle, and full of childlike innocence."
Vold continued, "She loves cats—although I haven't interacted with her, people who love cats usually have kind hearts, broad minds, and a strong sense of responsibility. Ms. Umbridge must be the same, right?"
At this moment, Harry, who didn't know Umbridge at all, believed Vold's words and imagined a noble and gentle lady in his mind, saying with admiration:
"She sounds really great—it's a pity I haven't met her."
"There will definitely be a chance in the future! Maybe she'll appear on FlowMirror in a couple of days!" Vold said.
The Aurors: "..."
Stop talking; I feel like throwing up.
Is the person these two kids are talking about the same person they know, the one who is domineering, self-righteous, cold-blooded, cruel, and controlling, and has a relationship with Nott? Lupin saw the expressions on the others' faces and felt a vague sense that Vold's description didn't match reality, but he couldn't understand Vold's intention in saying this.
As for Fudge, even if Umbridge was his "ally," he felt as if he had swallowed a fly and felt disgusted.
Especially when he heard Vold's next words:
"I believe Ms. Umbridge has a great chance of becoming the next Minister. With her abilities, she's definitely no less capable than Minister Bagman!"
"Minister Fudge, you think so too, right? I've heard that Ms. Umbridge is your capable subordinate, and you must know her abilities better than anyone else."
Fudge's face turned wooden as he thought, what abilities? The ability to flatter and curry favor? Or the ability to desire a super friendship with me? He had always felt that Umbridge was a good talker, and her words always resonated with him, but for the first time, he found her truly detestable.
(End of Chapter)
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