https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-735-The-Jester-and-the-Dark-Lord/13686087/
Chapter 734: The Minister Candidate
Wade had expected Dumbledore to seek him out soon—about Slughorn’s memory, Voldemort’s Horcrux, or perhaps another message from the Golden Water Kettle. But nothing came. Not for days. He didn’t see the Headmaster at all.
When Wade finally stepped into the Great Hall and glanced toward the Staff Table, his eyes scanned for the familiar silhouette always seated at the center. Just then, a cool, clear voice cut through the air beside him.
"Professor Dumbledore is not at school."
Wade spun around. There, floating beside him like a wisp of mist, was Lady Gray—her semi-transparent form drifting past empty chairs with quiet grace. She didn’t look at him. Her melancholy gaze lingered beyond his shoulder, fixed on the vacant headmaster’s seat.
"Where is he?" Wade whispered, lowering his voice.
Lady Gray replied softly, "The Ministry of Magic."
"Something’s wrong!" Nick, the Headless Hunt, suddenly popped halfway out of the wall, clutching his wobbling head with one hand. His voice trembled with urgency. "I just heard from the Headless Hunters—our school might be getting a new Headmaster!"
Wade snapped upright. "What do you mean?"
Nick leaned in, his voice dropping to a hushed, conspiratorial tone. "They’re saying… Dumbledore’s been nominated for Minister of Magic—again. For the second time in a row!"
"Ridiculous!" The Bloody Baron materialized from nowhere with his usual eerie stillness, his face grim. "Albus Dumbledore would never abandon Hogwarts."
His chains rattled as he spoke. Lady Gray let out a cold scoff and vanished through the wall without a sound.
The Baron stared after her, then sighed heavily. With a sudden slump, he sank through the floor and disappeared entirely.
"This time is different," Nick declared dramatically, making a sweeping gesture. His head slipped off his neck and dangled dangerously in front of his chest. With a frantic motion, he snapped it back into place.
"Apparently, the Ministry is insistent. Even if Dumbledore refuses, they’ve pushed his name forward as a candidate. And the Wizengamot majority is behind him—"
The Fat Monk drifted over, his round face etched with deep concern. "Well… it’s not really about Dumbledore, you see. Most people just don’t want Rufus Scrimgeour to become Minister."
He sighed. "Dumbledore recommended him, but… most feel he’s too much like a furious lion, or a stony lump—harsh, unyielding. They can’t stomach him as leader."
Wade fell silent, a flicker of disbelief crossing his face. He’d thought Scrimgeour’s rise was natural—after Voldemort’s resurrection, the wizarding world had been in chaos. A strong, decisive leader was needed. Scrimgeour had promised to protect the people not with lies, but with Operation—a campaign of force. That had given people a sense of safety and trust.
But now, even though Voldemort had returned, most people believed he’d already died. The urgency of the “Auror Thinking” approach had faded.
Meanwhile, Fudge—though flawed—had always been smooth, adaptable, and shrewd. He knew how to project a friendly image, appearing constantly in newspapers and the Streaming Mirror. He cultivated a gentle, approachable persona.
After so long with such a leader, Scrimgeour’s cold demeanor and sharp words felt alien—almost cruel. Pure-blood families feared he’d threaten their privileges. Merchants worried he’d raise taxes or tighten controls on goods. Ordinary wizards feared he’d pass draconian laws, yet had no idea how to manage the economy.
And truth be told, most wizards lived close to the edge of the law. Even Arthur Weasley—widely regarded as a decent man, an official at the Ministry—had secretly modified a Muggle car. His sons, meanwhile, were always getting into minor disasters.
So Scrimgeour’s “Iron Warrior” image, once admired, now seemed like a liability. People didn’t want a general—they wanted someone who could protect their interests.
"There’s another reason," Nick whispered, glancing around as if afraid of being overheard. He leaned in, shielding his mouth with one hand. "A few days ago, Gellert Grindelwald announced he’s planning to visit the Minister of Magic. You get it, right? The entire wizarding world believes only Dumbledore can handle such a threat… or survive it without fear for his life."
Wade said nothing.
After a long pause, he let out a soft, dry laugh. "So now the whole Ministry is pushing Dumbledore to step in and deal with this? How ironic."
"Ah… that’s just how the Ministry works," the Fat Monk murmured, shaking his head. "And besides… it’s Gellert Grindelwald. Decades ago, he and his followers slaughtered without mercy. Fear of him is perfectly natural."
"Natural? He’s still alive!" Nick interrupted, voice rising. "Look at the papers—today’s Wizard Purity Party is murdering people just like he did. Only they call their victims ‘bad guys.’ That’s why people accept it more easily."
"Shh!" The Fat Monk hissed, waving a hand. "Don’t speak so freely! Those people may be gone, but they still have reach. Even ghosts aren’t safe if they cross them."
The two spirits continued whispering about the legacies of the two Dark Wizards—though both were long dead, their voices still trembled with dread.
Wade didn’t listen further. He finished his meal in silence, then returned to the Room of Requirement to resume repairing the damaged Magic Puppet.
Midway through his work, Zoe suddenly burst in.
"Mr. Gray! Zoe knew Mr. Gray was here!" The house-elf tugged frantically at his sleeve, eyes wide with excitement. "Dumbledore’s back at school—just now! Zoe came straight away to tell Wade Gray!"
"Thank you, Zoe!" Wade set down his tools instantly. Once outside, confirming the corridor was empty, he transformed into a falcon and shot through the window toward the Headmaster’s Office.
Dumbledore had just returned. He removed his hat and hung it on the stand, then turned—and saw a sharp-eyed bird tapping insistently at the windowpane.
"Oh, your message travels faster than mine," Dumbledore chuckled, opening the window.
The falcon flew in, instantly transforming into Wade’s human form. He steadied himself and asked, "Professor, what happened with the Minister of Magic election?"
"Ah… it’s already settled," Dumbledore said, his tone light and relaxed.
Wade frowned. His expression darkened. "Then… you and Mr. Grindelwald… did you… fight again?"
(End of Chapter)
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