https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-451-Nicolas-Flamel-s-Letter-and-the-Six-Horcruxes-/13441842/
Chapter 450: Dumbledore: What? I'm Running for Minister of Magic?
Chapter 450: Dumbledore: What? I’m Running for Minister of Magic?
"You’re finally back", Ivan sighed in relief.
During Dumbledore’s absence, he had been living in constant fear, dreading any mishap.
"It seems a lot has happened in my absence. Although I’ve read some of the events in the Daily Prophet, I doubt the accounts are entirely accurate", Dumbledore glanced at the letters and newspapers on the table, his tone laden with meaning.
Ivan wasn’t sure how much Dumbledore knew, so he decided to start from the beginning.
"Professor, it happened like this—I got a magical map from George and Fred that shows people’s names. While checking it one day, I noticed a name above Ron’s Rat."
Ivan recounted the process of discovering Peter’s identity, blending truth and fiction. He also gave a brief overview of recent events and his responses to them.
When Dumbledore heard that Ivan had identified Peter based solely on a name from the Marauder's Map and his knowledge of Animagus transformations, he couldn’t help but clap.
"Brilliant deduction, Hals! If Minerva knew you used the knowledge of Transfiguration she taught you to uncover Peter’s identity, she would be very proud!"
"Severus wasn’t wrong; you truly are a genius!" Dumbledore looked at Ivan with a mix of admiration and nostalgia. He hadn’t encountered such a talented young wizard in many years. Among his former students, only Tom could compare.
But even as he thought of Tom, Dumbledore shook his head inwardly. Even at the same age, Tom’s abilities and character were far inferior to Ivan’s. While Tom had his own ideas and enjoyed playing tricks, Dumbledore could still anticipate his thoughts.
However, with Ivan, Dumbledore often felt weary. This young wizard was like a fog, impossible to fathom. Sometimes, Ivan’s actions made it seem as if he was extremely passionate about fame and power. At other times, he appeared indifferent, content to focus on his studies and avoid trouble.
Summarizing Ivan’s behavior over the years, it could only be described as the most baffling wizard conduct of the year.
Faced with the Professor’s praise, Ivan didn’t dare to accept it, humbly stating that he had only done a small part of the work, which wasn’t worth mentioning.
From this incident, Ivan had deeply realized a harsh truth: the greater the ability, the greater the burden!
He was still a child! How could Dumbledore entrust him with such an important task as clearing Sirius Black’s name? Didn’t his conscience hurt?
Ivan’s gaze was filled with resentment as he looked at Dumbledore.
However, Dumbledore’s skin was incredibly thick. He seemed oblivious to Ivan’s resentment and continued to ask detailed questions.
Dumbledore was particularly curious about how Ivan had convinced the Daily Prophet to report extensively on Peter Pettigrew, thereby putting pressure on the Ministry of Magic.
After all, the Daily Prophet was typically the mouthpiece of the Ministry. Such a major exposé would have been impossible without consultation with the Ministry.
Seeing Dumbledore mention the Daily Prophet, Ivan couldn't help but feel somewhat embarrassed. He said rather sheepishly,
"Professor, you might not believe this, but the Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Prophet, due to some misunderstanding, thought you were running for the position of Minister of Magic. So they all expressed their willingness to fully support you!"
What? I’m running for Minister of Magic?
Dumbledore was taken aback, and his expression towards Ivan became quite peculiar.
He really couldn't understand what Ivan had said to the other party that would lead to such a misunderstanding.
No wonder the Daily Prophet had recently published a lot of negative reports about the Ministry of Magic, like how the Ministry's poor oversight had led to frequent Dementor uprisings, and allegations of corruption among high-ranking officials.
At the time, he had found it strange, but now he understood what was going on.
Thinking about the mess Ivan had created, Dumbledore couldn't help but feel a headache coming on.
He began to doubt whether it was right to entrust this matter to Ivan.
On the surface, it seemed Ivan had handled it very well, even better than he had expected, but the trouble he had stirred up behind the scenes was considerable.
Minister Fudge had always been wary of him, and now, with Ivan's actions, the gap between them had widened even further!
He would also need to explain things to the Daily Prophet, as he had too many other concerns and really had no energy to run for Minister of Magic.
Thinking about this, Dumbledore was somewhat relieved that he had returned in time. Otherwise, who knew what might have happened.
Ivan, knowing he was in the wrong, didn't wait for the old Professor to ask questions. He started pouring out his grievances, saying how difficult these past few days had been for him!
He had to try every means to convince the people at the Daily Prophet, engage in political maneuvering with Minister Fudge, and clean up the mess caused by Harry and others. If Dumbledore had returned a few days later, he would have surely dropped dead on the spot!
"Is that so?" Listening to Ivan's complaints, Dumbledore's face showed a look of surprise. He pushed a letter on the table towards Ivan and continued,
"I thought you were quite comfortable with this kind of life. After all, I don't recall ever sending a nomination letter to the Order of Merlin."
"Cough, you should ask Minister Fudge. He thought it necessary to recognize my contributions to the magical world, so he suggested nominating me for the Order of Merlin, First Class, along with you!"
Ivan glanced at the letter on the table, his expression unchanged, and smoothly passed the blame to Fudge. As an impostor, how could he dare refuse the Minister's good intentions?
Dumbledore was skeptical. He didn't think Fudge would be so kind, especially since Ivan had been making Fudge's life as Minister of Magic quite difficult lately.
However, the Order of Merlin's reply did indeed mention Fudge's name, which was the most puzzling part for him.
"Professor Dumbledore, did the Order of Merlin agree to the nomination?" Ivan asked cautiously, as it concerned his legendary points.
"Not yet. They will consider it after the trial, once Peter Pettigrew's guilt is established", Dumbledore replied casually, without pressing the matter further.
Ivan using his identity to apply for the Order of Merlin was still within his tolerance.
When he had sent the magical letter to Ivan, he had guessed that Ivan might use it for other purposes.
He had considered many possibilities, but he hadn't anticipated that Ivan would use it for this.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
