Fudge's Compromise

After Cornelius Fudge returned to his ministerial office, he collapsed into the armchair behind his desk, rubbed his forehead, and recalled what had happened not long ago.

His plan to award himself an Order of Merlin, First Class had completely fallen through half an hour ago. Aside from the few people he had sounded out beforehand, the vast majority of Wizengamot members believed he was unqualified to receive an Order of Merlin. They found the stated reason for the award—his contributions to peace in the wizarding world—utterly ridiculous.

Damn it!

Hadn't he contributed to peace in the wizarding world?

The more Fudge thought about it, the angrier he became. What right did those people have to deny his efforts?

Ever since Fudge became Minister for Magic, he had worked diligently, often staying busy until late at night before returning home to rest. He had also been working to secure donations for St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, keeping the wizarding world peaceful and stable. Even the crime rate was lower than before. Wasn't that the result of his efforts?

Just then, someone knocked on the office door.

"Come in!"

Fudge frowned slightly and composed himself.

The office door opened. Fudge looked up and saw a paper airplane fly in through the wooden door and land on the desk before him. His assistant closed the door again.

"Who sent this letter?"

Fudge picked up the paper airplane, opened it, and glanced at the sender, his brow furrowing slightly.

The letter mentioned a name, a spell, and three matters.

Just after Fudge finished reading it, the paper suddenly burst into flames, startling him. The letter slipped from his fingertips and turned to ash on the desk.

"Putting on airs," Fudge muttered. Recalling the contents of the letter, he murmured, "They