Fudge's Calculations

After Umbridge's atrocities at Hogwarts were exposed, the British Ministry of Magic quickly distanced itself from her, describing her actions as "uncontrolled personal behavior."

They attempted to shift all blame onto Umbridge personally, but many citizens questioned whether the Ministry's higher-ups had been completely unaware of so many misdeeds.

This skepticism placed Fudge and the Ministry under his leadership under immense public pressure, severely damaging their credibility.

The public's trust had already been shaken before, and The Daily Prophet swiftly published Umbridge's medical records. Fudge even held large-scale rallies for several consecutive days, attempting to rebrand the Ministry as "responsible" and reaffirming its "support" for Hogwarts.

Faced with this scandal, the students' parents had mixed feelings and divided opinions.

Some parents, who had previously supported Umbridge's so-called "strict management," were now shocked by the truth. In addition to their shock, they felt a sense of lingering fear and expressed relief that the Ministry had "handled it properly."

Other parents, particularly those of Muggle-born students, generally trusted Dumbledore more. They accused the Ministry of lax oversight and enabling criminal behavior, demanding a thorough investigation and reform to ensure such incidents never happened again.

Meanwhile, the international wizarding community also saw widespread criticism and concern.

In an interview with Witch Weekly, Madame Olympe Maxime, Headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic in France, subtly criticized the British Ministry of Magic's heavy-handed interference in education, emphasizing that governments should uphold educational independence.

A senior official from the American Magical Congress expressed concerns about the British Ministry's stability in an informal setting, suggesting it could impact bilateral cooperation in magical security.

The International Confederation of Wizards Observer published a comment from the Director of the German Ministry of Magic's Education Department: "We have noted the recent events at our neighbor's magical educational institutions. In Germany, we firmly believe that the academic autonomy of magical schools is the cornerstone of educational quality. The state provides guidance and resources but never interferes with specific teaching matters, such as the textbooks chosen by a school or the academic value of certain ancient magical branches."

British Ministry of Magic, High-Level Conference Room.

Fudge slammed the international newspaper onto the table. "Damn Germans! Durmstrang openly teaches students Dark Magic, and they have the nerve to talk about academic autonomy!"

"Minister, could it be because of the pursuit of Wayne? They've been wanting to cooperate with us and share intelligence."

Fudge's face turned ashen, his voice sharpening with anger. "Cooperate? That sounds nice, but how will the outside world see us? We can't even control our own dark wizards, so incompetent that we need another country's help?"

He surveyed the senior officials present, his tone laced with sarcasm. "These damn Germans just want to see us make fools of ourselves! No... the whole world wants to see us make fools of ourselves!"

An elderly official cautiously looked up at him. "Minister, if we want to quell public opinion as quickly as possible, we must completely sever ties with Umbridge and publicly announce punitive measures swiftly."

Fudge took a deep breath, suppressing his rage. "Of course, we must sever ties completely! Issue a statement emphasizing that all of Umbridge's actions were the result of her severe dereliction of duty and mental instability, having no relation to the Ministry's overall policy."

He looked around at the senior officials again, his tone softening slightly. "At the same time, under the pretext of 'failing to detect her mental state issues in a timely manner,' punish a few mid-level officials who were close to her. That will give the public some satisfaction."

The officials present all breathed a sigh of relief. A Senior Deputy Minister plus a few mid-level officials was significant enough; the public would be satisfied.

Fudge rubbed his temples, a flicker of unwillingness in his eyes.

Giving up Hogwarts? Absolutely not!

"Also, Hogwarts must not return to its previous state of lawlessness. Dumbledore's power must be restrained."

The senior officials exchanged glances, none daring to voice an objection.

They looked at each other, and finally, the same elderly official spoke up. "Minister, given the current international opinion, it would be unwise to use official terms like 'special envoy' again, as it could give them ammunition."

Fudge tapped his fingers on the table, a calculating smile appearing on his face. "It's just a name. We'll establish a 'Hogwarts Coordination and Improvement Committee.' It sounds so gentle, so cooperative!"

His smile gradually turned cold. "We will 'invite' the Hogwarts administration to send representatives to participate in the committee to jointly 'discuss' 'important issues' such as curriculum and student safety."

It was the same old trick in a new guise, with no substantive change.

Fudge's tone conveyed undeniable decisiveness. "The chairman and the majority of seats on the committee must be appointed by the Ministry. We will use the soft blades of 'cooperation' and 'negotiation' to slowly 'guide' Hogwarts back onto the right track."

What could the senior officials do? They unanimously approved his decision.

When the written document was officially sent to Hogwarts, Dumbledore's reply arrived in less than half an hour.

"Office of the Headmaster, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Dear Cornelius, Thank you for your letter informing me of your idea to establish the 'Hogwarts Coordination and Improvement Committee.'

Such thoughtful consideration truly reflects the Ministry's concern for education. Please believe that, like you, I always place the future of students and magical education first.

However, after careful consideration, I must respectfully decline your invitation to join this committee.

As you know, I cannot represent Hogwarts. This matter is of great importance, and my decision should be formally approved by a vote of the Board of Governors. But for reasons that are well known, the Board of Governors has been in a state of suspension.

Finally, please allow me to add a personal note:

True improvement often stems from trust rather than supervision, from guidance rather than directives.

If Minister Fudge were to focus more energy on addressing the increasingly severe external threats rather than scrutinizing every class at Hogwarts, you might find that we have always been on the same side.

May your Lemon Drops always be sweet.

Your faithful, Albus Dumbledore"

Fudge, in the Minister's office, burst into laughter, tears streaming down his face. People often burst into loud laughter when extremely angry.

Formal approval by the Board of Governors? Hogwarts' Board of Governors had a total of 12 seats, 7 of which belonged to Vincent. The Ministry held 1 seat. With the constraints of the castle's ancient magic, even if the remaining 4 voted yes, what would be the point? The vote would remain deadlocked and yield no result.

As he laughed, Fudge's eyes suddenly turned cold.

He had figured something out. No matter what excuse he used, whether it was a committee or a coordination council, Dumbledore could always use the Board of Governors to refuse him.

But as long as they successfully captured Vincent, the Ministry would gain those 7 seats on the Board of Governors.

At that point, Dumbledore would have no means to resist, and would have no choice but to pack his bags and leave.