Chapter 668: Fudge's Compromise
Chapter 668: Fudge's Compromise
Cornelius Fudge slumped into the armchair behind his desk in his Minister's office, rubbing his forehead as he recalled the events that had transpired earlier.
His plan to award himself the Order of Merlin, First Class, had been thoroughly thwarted half an hour ago. Aside from those he had tipped off beforehand, the vast majority of the Wizengamot members felt he was unqualified and that the reason for awarding the medal—his contribution to the peace of the wizarding world—was ridiculous.
Damn it! Hadn't he contributed to the peace of the wizarding world?
The more Fudge thought about it, the angrier he became. How dare they deny his efforts?
Ever since he became the Minister of Magic, Fudge had worked diligently, often staying late into the night. He had also been tirelessly fundraising for St. Mungo's Hospital, ensuring the peace and stability of the wizarding world, and even reducing the crime rate. Weren't these the results of his hard work?
Just then, there was a knock on the office door.
"Come in!"
Fudge frowned slightly, composing himself.
The door opened, and Fudge looked up to see a paper airplane fly in from outside the wooden door, landing on his desk. His assistant closed the door behind it.
"Who sent this letter?" Fudge asked, picking up the paper airplane and glancing at the sender, his eyebrows furrowing slightly.
The letter mentioned a name, a spell, and three things.
As soon as Fudge finished reading, the paper suddenly burst into flames, startling him. He dropped the burning letter, and it turned to ashes on his desk.
"What nonsense is this!" Fudge muttered, recalling the contents of the letter. "They must be mad!"
Someone actually intended to introduce a Muggle-born wizard into the Wizengamot.
It wasn't that Fudge discriminated against Muggle-born wizards, but there was no precedent for this in the Wizengamot.
He was well aware that if such a matter were brought up, it would create chaos within the Wizengamot.
There were quite a few stubborn individuals in the Ministry who disliked Muggle-born wizards, but... Albert Anderson—Fudge was actually quite familiar with this name. He had recently won the International Wizarding Chess Championship for Britain and was said to be an incredibly talented wizard.
What shocked Fudge was that this Muggle-born wizard, Albert Anderson, seemed to know quite a few influential wizards. Otherwise, his name wouldn't have ended up on Fudge's desk today.
Was that guy really a Muggle-born wizard?
Fudge expressed his doubts.
There were many wizards who gave up their wizarding identities and lived in the Muggle world.
Perhaps this Albert Anderson was a descendant of those individuals.
As for the Human Transfiguration spell mentioned in the letter, Fudge had some understanding of it.
Not long ago, this incident had caused quite a stir. Some said that if this spell truly worked, it would be as effective as the Patronus Charm against Dementors, and werewolves would no longer be a threat to wizards.
At least the situation could be controlled, and even Fudge had to admit that anyone who could restore this spell deserved the Order of Merlin.
If the Ministry dared to oppose it, those dissenters would be drowned out by public opinion, just like no one dared to stop Damocles from receiving the Order of Merlin, even though werewolves couldn't afford the expensive Wolfsbane Potion.
All of this was the fault of that damned Gilderoy Lockhart, that blasted fraud, who had nearly caused such an important spell to be lost forever.
Regarding Lockhart's pathetic state now, Fudge felt no sympathy at all, even relishing it somewhat. However, the Ministry had not revoked his Order of Merlin.
If this were made public, wouldn't it be slapping themselves in the face?
Lockhart's Order of Merlin had been awarded by Fudge himself after he took office. If this matter were to become known, who knew how the unscrupulous journalists would spin the story.
Fudge took a deep breath, knowing he had no choice. If he wanted to obtain that Order of Merlin badge, he would have to agree to endorse this matter and let it pass smoothly.
In fact, once Albert Anderson truly regained mastery of the Human Transfiguration spell and made it public, it would mean that the Order of Merlin would be his without a doubt.
As for whether Anderson could become a candidate for the Wizengamot, the possibility was not small. He knew this was a replication of Dumbledore's path, but with Anderson's abilities, Fudge had no doubt that he could achieve it.
Fudge understood that if he adamantly refused, he would gain nothing.
The fact that they were willing to negotiate with him meant that their circle had already acknowledged the matter, and perhaps Albert Anderson was already part of that circle. So, would Dumbledore support it?
The likelihood was high.
After all, there was a significant overlap between their circles, which meant that more than two-thirds of the Wizengamot members would likely agree. Even if he disagreed, it would be meaningless.
Upon realizing this, Fudge slumped back into his chair, hating this feeling of powerlessness.
After a long while, Fudge patted his cheeks and pulled himself together, beginning to write a response to the letter, indicating his agreement and stating that he would fundraise for St. Mungo's Hospital to increase his chances of earning the Order of Merlin.
As for who to ask for donations, Fudge already had someone in mind—his generous old friend. But convincing Malfoy wouldn't be easy.
No one would willingly part with such a large sum of money for charity unless there was something in it for them.
Fudge knew he needed to feel out his friend's intentions first.
A few days later, Fudge invited his old friend Lucius to dinner and casually brought up the recent difficulties faced by St. Mungo's Hospital.
Lucius understood his hint and subtly implied that it wasn't a small amount of money but that it could be considered.
During the meal, Lucius inquired about Sirius Black's situation, alluding to the Black family's vast wealth. The direct heir to the Black family had been imprisoned in Azkaban for over a decade.
Most wizards who stayed in Azkaban for extended periods eventually went insane and died in prison. If Sirius Black died, the direct line of the Black family would be extinct, and there were very few left in the extended family who could claim the inheritance. Those who were eligible could be counted on one hand, and the Malfoy family stood to gain the lion's share, as the other Black heiress, Bellatrix, remained in prison.
Well! The Lestrange couple was also imprisoned in Azkaban, so it was uncertain if they could get a share of the inheritance.
Fudge understood Lucius's implication and agreed to keep an eye on the Black family's situation.
While Azkaban prohibited visitors, the Minister of Magic was an exception.
Fudge smiled and indicated that he would inspect Azkaban soon and could check on Black's condition while he was there.
If Sirius Black had truly gone insane, it might be better to end his suffering. Azkaban was no place for a human being.
Fudge didn't really care whether Black lived or died; he only cared about obtaining the Order of Merlin.
Besides, Black wasn't a good person—he was a vicious criminal, and if he died, he died.
(End of Chapter)
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