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Chapter 581: Cornelius Fudge
Chapter 581: Cornelius Fudge
After the Triwizard Tournament, Chris had intended to return to the Ministry of Magic as well. As one of the judges, he still had quite a bit of cleanup work to do, such as returning the magical creatures from the maze to their original habitats.
The ones provided by Hagrid could be easily released back into the Forbidden Forest, but there were also quite a few that had come from Newt, which Chris needed to return personally.
However, after what had just transpired, he changed his mind. Before leaving Hogwarts, he wanted to pay a visit to Dumbledore.
"I think it's better if you go later or choose another time," Kyle suggested. "Fudge is also in the Headmaster's office, and the atmosphere there probably won't be very pleasant."
"It's fine, I can wait," Chris said, his expression turning solemn as he glanced toward the castle.
As a member of the Ministry, he was well aware of Fudge's personality and the fact that he would absolutely refuse to believe in Voldemort's return.
Therefore, the conversation between Dumbledore and Fudge was unlikely to be a pleasant one.
"They're in the Headmaster's office. Are you going there directly?" Kyle asked. "Or do you want to wait a while? We can go to the lounge and get something to eat first. I'm a bit hungry."
"No, there's no need for that," Chris said, staring at the corner where he could vaguely hear a jumble of footsteps approaching.
"Evidence, Dumbledore, you can't fool me with a memory that may or may not be true!" Fudge's frustrated voice carried over, "Or are you going to take the ramblings of those two children at face value? Don't make me laugh."
Then, Dumbledore spoke.
"I've said it many times, Cornelius. I was there as well, and you can have an Auror examine my memory if you wish."
"Memories can be falsified... especially by a wizard like you."
"I can assure you, absolutely not," Dumbledore said. "Listen to me, Cornelius, it's not too late. We must act now and send an envoy to the giants... to prevent them from siding with Voldemort again."
"Send an envoy to the giants!" Fudge shrieked. "What madness is this? People hate giants with a passion, Dumbledore... If the wizarding world finds out I've been dealing with giants... I might as well step down as Minister!"
"Cornelius, you're too obsessed with your position. It's clouding your judgment..."
"Absurd! You must be mad to believe the ramblings of those children..."
As the group drew closer, Fudge soon noticed them.
"Oh, Chris." He quickly changed the subject. "Have you seen Kyle? I have some questions for him."
"What?" Chris turned instinctively, only to find that he was alone. Unbeknownst to him, Kyle had discreetly slipped away.
Kyle did not want any interaction with Fudge at the moment, as the previous conversation had made it clear that any words would be futile.
Since Fudge refused to believe even Dumbledore's memories, he certainly wouldn't change his mind based on Kyle's words. Another approach was needed.
Before that, however, Kyle didn't want to argue too much with Fudge or invite any unpleasantness.
Although he didn't know the specialized magic of the Department of Mysteries, it was fortunate that it was late at night, and a Disillusionment Charm would suffice.
At least Fudge didn't seem to have detected his presence.
"No, he probably went back to the castle," Chris said, guessing Kyle's thoughts and responding calmly.
"Then let's go to the hospital wing first," Dumbledore suggested. "Harry is there, and he can also testify."
"Ha... testify?" Fudge let out a harsh laugh. "You've all gone mad... I'd like to see what ridiculous tale you've concocted."
Dumbledore turned his head, his gaze resting briefly on Kyle, who was concealed by the Disillusionment Charm, before he spoke.
"You can come too, Chris, if you're not in a hurry to leave."
"Sure," Chris nodded and followed.
The group quickly made their way across the courtyard and disappeared around the corner toward the hospital wing.
At the same time, Kyle lifted the Disillusionment Charm and rubbed his forehead.
Dumbledore was too hasty. When dealing with Fudge, taking a hardline stance would only backfire.
Perhaps this approach had worked in the past, but the current Fudge no longer needed to rely on Dumbledore's reputation to maintain his position.
Without Crouch's threat, Fudge had just tasted the sweetness of having sole power, and it would be unwise to challenge him directly at this point.
Harry would likely have a tough time ahead of him, being roused from his slumber so soon after falling asleep.
Kyle sighed and began walking towards the castle.
Upon his return, he encountered a fretful Mrs. Weasley, along with Bill and Charlie.
"Kyle, we're so relieved you're alright," Mrs. Weasley rushed over, "Have you seen Harry? Do you know where he is?"
"Harry's in the hospital wing," Kyle replied, noticing how Mrs. Weasley's face paled instantly. He quickly added, "He just drank a Dreamless Sleep Potion and fell asleep there."
"Oh, thank goodness," Mrs. Weasley said, her voice filled with relief.
"Hermoine mentioned that Harry had gone missing," Charlie said, joining them. "We went to look for Professor Dumbledore, and we ran into Sirius, who told us everything."
"So, it's all true?" Bill asked, his face grave. "The Dark Lord has truly... returned?"
"Absolutely true..." Kyle confirmed. "I saw it with my own eyes, and so did Professor Dumbledore and Harry."
"Oh..." Bill drew in a sharp breath.
Mrs. Weasley's hand, which was holding Kyle's, trembled visibly.
"I suggest you wait a while before visiting Harry," Kyle said. "Headmaster Dumbledore and Fudge just left for the Gryffindor common room. Why don't we head to the Hufflepuff common room for now? We can grab something to eat first; I'm quite hungry."
"No, we need to be with him," Mrs. Weasley said, her face pale but determined. "I know what Fudge is like. He won't believe any of this, nor will he believe Harry. I need to be there for Harry so he has some support."
"Bill, go notify your father. Professor Dumbledore will likely need our help," she added.
"Yes, Mom," Bill replied.
Mrs. Weasley hurried towards the hospital wing, while Bill and Charlie turned towards the owlery. In the blink of an eye, Kyle was once again alone.
Alright... hopefully, that's everyone.
Kyle shrugged and finally made his way back to the Hufflepuff common room.
The common room was brightly lit, with cakes and delicious snacks adorning the tables.
As per Hufflepuff tradition, Kyle's victory in the Triwizard Tournament deserved a celebration.
However, his return was a bit too late, and there weren't many people left in the common room. Most had already retired for the night, making it less than ideal for a celebration.
Nonetheless, everyone congratulated Kyle and agreed to hold a proper celebration for him the following day, to which Kyle consented.
He walked over to the table, grabbed a sandwich, and took a big bite.
"What happened? Why are you back so late?" Connor asked, handing him a glass of lemonade.
"It's a big deal, a very big deal," Kyle replied, taking a few sips of the lemonade, the sour taste helping to clear his mind.
"But the Triwizard Tournament is over. How could there still be a big issue?" Cedric asked, confused.
"It's a long story," Kyle said, glancing at the handful of people in the common room. "Come with me."
He led Connor and Cedric to a table in the corner.
"You may not believe me, but I must tell you... Voldemort has returned," Kyle said, his voice steady.
"Bang!"
Cedric dropped the butterbeer he had been holding.
"Ha, that's not a very funny joke," he chuckled nervously, using his wand to clean up the mess. "The Dark Lord is dead, everyone knows that."
"I wish it were a joke, but it's not," Kyle said, finishing the last of his lemonade. "I expect Professor Dumbledore will be informing you of this news soon enough."
Cedric's wand clattered to the floor.
Connor, too, was frozen, her sandwich now a mushy mess in her hands.
"I'm not saying I don't believe you, Kyle... but how is this possible?" Cedric stammered. "Harry Potter... the Boy Who Lived... the savior who defeated the Dark Lord... he's right here in Gryffindor..."
"That's why I'm saying he's returned," Kyle said, glancing out the window. "You don't have to believe me right now, but be prepared."
...
(End of Chapter)
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