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Chapter 581: Cornelius Fudge
Chapter 581: Cornelius Fudge
After the Triwizard Tournament, Chris, one of the judges, had intended to return to the Ministry of Magic to wrap up some post-tournament tasks, such as returning the magical creatures from the maze to their original locations.
The creatures provided by Hagrid could be easily returned to the Forbidden Forest, but there were also creatures supplied by Newt, which Chris needed to deliver back.
However, after the recent events, Chris changed his mind. Before leaving Hogwarts, he decided to pay a visit to Dumbledore.
"I think it's best if you go later or choose another time," Kyle advised. "Minister Fudge is in the Headmaster's Office, and the atmosphere there won't be pleasant."
"It's fine, I can wait," Chris said, his expression serious as he glanced in the direction of the castle.
As a member of the Ministry, Chris was well aware of Fudge's temperament and his reluctance to believe in Voldemort's resurrection.
Therefore, the conversation between Dumbledore and Fudge was unlikely to be pleasant.
"They're in the Headmaster's Office. Are you going there directly?" Kyle asked. "Or do you want to wait for a while? We can go to the common room to get something to eat; I'm a bit hungry."
"No, that's not necessary," Chris said, fixing his gaze on the corner where he could faintly hear a jumble of footsteps.
"Evidence, Dumbledore, you can't deceive me with a memory of unknown authenticity!" Fudge's exasperated voice carried over. "Or are you willing to accept the nonsense of those two children without question? Don't be ridiculous."
Dumbledore's voice followed.
"I've said it many times, Cornelius. I was there, and you can have the Aurors examine my memory."
"Memories can be falsified... especially by a wizard like you."
"I can assure you, it's absolutely not," Dumbledore said. "Listen to me, Cornelius. It's not too late yet. We must act immediately and send messengers to the giants... to prevent them from siding with Voldemort again."
"Send messengers to the giants!" Fudge shrieked. "What nonsense is this? People despise giants, Dumbledore... If the wizarding world finds out I've been dealing with giants, I won't be able to continue as Minister!"
"Cornelius, you're too attached to your position, and it's clouding your judgment..."
"Absurd! You must be mad, believing the nonsense of those children..."
The voices drew closer, and soon Fudge 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 now alone; he didn't know when the others had left.
Kyle didn't want to interact with Fudge at this time, as the conversation between the two men made it clear that any words would be futile.
Since Fudge didn't even believe Dumbledore's memories, Kyle knew his own words wouldn't change the man's mind. He needed to find another solution.
Before doing so, Kyle didn't want to argue with Fudge or invite trouble.
Although Kyle didn't know the directional magic used by the Department of Mysteries, it was late at night, and the Disillusionment Charm worked well.
At least Fudge didn't notice Kyle's location.
"No, he's probably returned to the castle," Chris guessed, understanding Kyle's thoughts. He maintained his composure and replied.
"Then let's head to the hospital wing first," Dumbledore suggested. "Harry is there, and he can also testify."
"Testify?" Fudge let out a shrill laugh. "Madness, sheer madness... I'd like to see what absurd tales you can come up with."
Dumbledore turned his head, and his gaze paused on Kyle, who was under the effect of the Disillusionment Charm. After a moment, he said,
"You can come too, Chris, if you're not in a hurry to leave."
"Okay," Chris nodded and followed.
The group quickly crossed the courtyard and disappeared around the corner leading to the hospital wing.
At the same time, Kyle lifted the Disillusionment Charm and rubbed his forehead.
Dumbledore was too hasty in dealing with Fudge, and his assertive attitude was likely to backfire.
Perhaps this approach had worked in the past, but the current Fudge no longer needed to rely on Dumbledore's reputation.
Without Crouch's threat, Fudge had just tasted the sweetness of absolute power, and confronting him directly at this time would be counterproductive.
Unfortunately, this is something that Minister Fudge must be made aware of, and it's best if Professor Dumbledore is the one to inform him.
If it were anyone else, Minister Fudge probably wouldn't even listen... no matter who it was.
Harry will have to endure some hardship, as he'll be woken up shortly after falling asleep.
Kyle sighed and headed towards the castle.
Upon returning to the castle, he encountered the anxious Mrs. Weasley, along with Bill and Charlie.
"Kyle, I'm so glad you're safe," Mrs. Weasley rushed over, "Have you seen Harry?"
"Harry is in the Hospital Wing," Kyle replied, noticing Mrs. Weasley's face turn pale, and quickly added, "He just drank the Dreamless Sleep Potion and is sleeping there."
"That's good, that's good," Mrs. Weasley said with relief.
"Hermione said Harry went missing," Charlie approached, "Then we went to find Professor Dumbledore, and we ran into Sirius, who told us everything."
"So, is it all true?" Bill asked gravely, "The Dark Lord, he's really back?"
"Absolutely true..." Kyle confirmed, "I saw it, and Professor Dumbledore and Harry saw it too."
"Oh..." Bill took a sharp breath.
Mrs. Weasley's hand trembled as she held Kyle's.
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"I suggest you wait a while before going to see Harry," Kyle said, "The Headmaster and Minister Fudge have already gone. Let's go to the Hufflepuff Common Room for a bit. We can have something to eat first; I'm really hungry."
"No, we have to help him," Mrs. Weasley said, her face turning pale, "I know what kind of person Minister Fudge is. He won't believe this, and he won't believe Harry. With me there, Harry will at least have an easier time."
"Bill, go inform your father. Professor Dumbledore will likely need our help."
"Okay, Mom."
Mrs. Weasley quickly headed towards the Hospital Wing, while Bill and Charlie turned towards the Owlery. In an instant, Kyle was left alone.
Alright... Hopefully, that's everyone.
Kyle shrugged and finally returned to the Hufflepuff Common Room.
The Common Room was lit, and the tables were filled with cakes and delicious snacks.
As a Hufflepuff tradition, Kyle's victory in the Triwizard Tournament deserved a celebration.
However, he had returned a bit too late, and there weren't many people left in the Common Room. Most of them were already asleep, making it less than ideal for a celebration.
Nevertheless, everyone congratulated Kyle and promised to make up for it with a celebration feast the next day, to which Kyle agreed.
He walked to the table, picked up a sandwich, and took a big bite.
"What happened? Why are you back so late?" Connie handed him a glass of lemonade.
"Big news, really big news," Kyle took the lemonade and drank a few sips, the sour taste helping him feel more alert.
"Isn't the Triwizard Tournament over? What big news could there be?" Cedric asked, puzzled.
"It's hard to explain in a few words," Kyle glanced at the few people left in the Common Room, "Come with me."
He led Connie and Cedric to a table in the corner.
"You might not believe me, but I have to tell you... Voldemort has returned."
"Bang!"
Cedric's Butterbeer fell to the ground.
"Ha, that's not a very good joke," he chuckled, using his wand to clean up the Butterbeer, "The Dark Lord is dead, everyone knows that."
"I wish it were just a joke, but it's not," Kyle finished the last sip of lemonade, "It won't be long before Professor Dumbledore informs you of this news."
Cedric's wand also dropped.
And Connie, she was about to turn her sandwich into mashed potatoes.
"I'm not saying I don't believe you, Kyle... but how is this possible?" Cedric stammered, "Harry Potter... the savior who defeated the Dark Lord... he's in Gryffindor..."
"That's why I said he's back," Kyle glanced out the window, "You don't have to believe it now, just be prepared."
...
(End of Chapter)
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