Hogwarts: Not Even Voldemort Can Stop Me From Learning Chapter 315: Fudge's Unconvincing Defense - Novel Cool

Chapter 315: Fudge's Unconvincing Defense

Chapter 315: Fudge's Unconvincing Defense

Fudge had a keen sense for power, despite his shortcomings in other areas.

He instantly realized that if Umbridge, representing the Ministry of Magic, appeared on the FlowMirror, there was a high chance it would impact his own position.

In the past, ministerial elections relied solely on newspaper campaigns to promote candidates' images and platforms. But the FlowMirror, with its dynamic visuals and impassioned speeches, had a far greater impact than dry newspaper articles.

Especially since, no matter how close and trusting their relationship seemed, Fudge knew that Umbridge was a power-hungry and cold-blooded creature.

If given the chance to kick Fudge out and claim the Minister's seat, Umbridge wouldn't hesitate.

'I must not let Umbridge appear on the FlowMirror!' Fudge almost immediately decided.

Not just Umbridge...

Including Scrimgour, Crouch, and Bones... No one who could threaten his position was allowed to be interviewed by the Aslan Magical Workshop or speak on camera.

Only he, Fudge, or those lowly interns with no status, would be seen by all British wizards.

When Vaid Gre persisted in inquiring about Umbridge's preferences and expressed his desire for the journalist to capture footage of her with cats, Fudge finally couldn't hold back his rebuttal.

"No, Umbridge doesn't like live cats!"

He frowned and said irritably, "She finds real cats dirty and troublesome, so she only likes cat decorations!"

"Hmm..."

Vaid hesitated, "How do you know she doesn't like them? Maybe she's just considering her colleagues in the department and only carries cat decorations to avoid live cats distracting them from their work?"

"I don't think Umbridge has ever publicly stated her dislike for live cats, has she?"

Though he didn't explicitly say it, his attitude hinted at skepticism—

As the Minister, are you intentionally smearing and suppressing your subordinates? Are you so attached to your position that you're unwilling to let Umbridge shine?

For the first time, Fudge felt the frustration of being unable to defend himself convincingly. He spoke the truth, yet no one believed him.

Especially since the one doubting him was Vaid, whom he had treated warmly, which made the Minister feel slightly aggrieved.

He said angrily, "I've worked with Umbridge for over a decade! Do you think I don't know her better than you? I'm certain she doesn't keep cats! If you've heard her plans for Muggles and Squibs after a few drinks, you'd know she's far from kind!"

And what about becoming the next Miriam Bagman?

Miriam Bagman was Fudge's predecessor as Minister of Magic. During her tenure, the Wizarding War incited by Voldemort ended (though not due to Bagman's efforts), earning her immense respect.

Fudge hated it when people compared him to Miriam Bagman when criticizing him.

"Really?"

Vaid said doubtfully, his drawn-out tone making Fudge feel even more stifled.

Kingsley Shacklebolt looked at Vaid in surprise.

If he hadn't seen Vaid enter the room himself, he would have almost thought the boy had been there all along.

Fudge might not have realized it, but at this moment, Vaid's suspicion of him was no different from his previous doubts about Sirius Black.

Even the reasons were so similar! Kingsley looked at Harry, whose green eyes were wide with shock, and then at Remus Lupin, who was trying to suppress a smile. He confirmed that this wasn't just his imagination.

Cornelius Fudge, with his single-minded focus, failed to grasp this, and he spoke in his bureaucratic tone, "Whether or not the Ministry should arrange for Deputy Minister Umbridge to handle the publicity is something that requires further consideration..."

"Well... to avoid leaking confidential information... causing public controversy or... affecting the Ministry's public image, these matters require careful deliberation within the Ministry. It's not as simple as interviewing whoever you wish."

"Even as the Minister of Magic, I can only decide on my own schedule..."

Fudge spoke stiffly, emphasizing the words "Deputy Minister," implying that Vold could interview him, the Minister himself.

However, the boy before him was too young, and he seemed to completely miss Fudge's hidden meaning. Without any intention to please the Minister, he simply nodded in disappointment and said, "Oh... alright... then we'll wait until Ms. Umbridge is available for an interview..."

"Very well... very well... I hope that day comes..."

Fudge clenched his teeth and left in a huff.

--That day will never come!

--I'll draft the law as soon as I get back! No private interviews with Aslan Magical Workshop for department heads and above, except for the Minister!

The Aurors left in a flurry, and Kingsley Shacklebolt stayed behind, looking at Lupin and asking, "Although I can roughly confirm it, I still need to ask—is Sirius Black related to the Purist Movement or Gellert Grindelwald?"

Lupin gave a slightly forced look of confusion and said, "Why would you think that? Of course, they have no connection."

Kingsley nodded and smiled at Vold and Harry, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Potter, Mr. Grey. May happiness and good fortune always be with you."

"Er... thanks?" Harry said uncertainly, amidst Kingsley's kind yet somewhat intimidating smile.

Kingsley seemed satisfied with his smile and left, opening the door and walking out.

Harry didn't have a good impression of anyone who wanted to send Sirius to prison, and after Kingsley's departure, he pondered for a moment before asking, "Remus, was he threatening us?"

Lupin couldn't help but laugh, "I actually felt he was sincere—Vold, if you really want to work with Ms. Umbridge, it's better to approach her directly. Minister Fudge might become an obstacle."

"Yes, even though she's his subordinate, he always speaks ill of her—Ms. Umbridge really has it tough."

Harry sighed, expressing great sympathy for the outstanding lady who was being slandered by her own superior.

Vold slowly widened his eyes, turned his head, and looked at the two in shock.

"What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?"

Lupin asked, puzzled, recalling the situation and sensing Fudge's dislike for Ms. Umbridge.

"Don't make me explain."

Vold slumped onto the sofa, summoned a glass of water with a wave of his hand, and after gulping it down, he sighed, "I've already said everything I needed to for the day."

There was a knock on the door again, and a tall, thin figure entered.

"It seems I'm late—"

Dumbledore looked at the expressions on their faces and smiled, "—but the outcome seems to be good?"

(End of Chapter)

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