Fudge's passionate speech did have some effect; many wizards who were originally wavering were successfully misled by him into believing that Dumbledore was a power addict.
He pointed indignantly at his own face, "Who dares to say this face is greedy? Albus Dumbledore never desired the headmaster's chair, but rather the throne of Wizengamot and the scepter of the Ministry of Magic!"
Only a small minority of people know the truth, and the originally evenly matched public opinion begins to tilt to one side.
Fudge covered his face with his hands and cried uncontrollably.
"Hogwarts reforms are imminent—"
With tears streaming down his face, he faced the camera, his voice growing clearer, "The first measure is to dismiss the dangerous principal!"
The Golden Hall erupted in applause once again, moving the Ministry of Magic staff and the invited journalists.
Fudge looked at the venue he had infected and a triumphant grin spread across his face.
As the camera refocused on him, he raised his clenched fist with trembling hands. "Albus Dumbledore deceived the people, and Vincent Wayne, the chairman of Wayne Enterprises, has been completely brainwashed by him, becoming a tool for his claim of Voldemort's return!"
Hermione from Granger family finally couldn't hold back her laughter.
Voldemort was, in essence, a terrorist with a severe mental illness, while Fudge was a hypocritical villain who vividly portrayed the ugly side of human nature.
The former possesses power, the latter possesses authority; both can cause serious damage to society.
Fudge's speech wasn't over yet; the real climax was yet to come.
He forcefully raised his fist, his expression hardening as if he had made a great decision. "I am giving this public speech against all odds not for any other reason than for the peace and stability of the Wizarding World. Anyone who attempts to divide or undermine what I have worked so hard to maintain is my enemy!"
"So—" He placed his hands on the podium, his eyes fixed intently on the live broadcast camera, "Tonight, a hearing will be held in the Courtroom Ten, and I will personally put an end to this farce!"
It's a real struggle for Fudge, with his tactics of praising by first criticizing, then smearing him, and even bringing up baseless accusations.
The fact that he pulled such a big stunt only shows that he wasn't very confident.
"It's completely rotten." Vincent indifferently turned off the projection screen.
Those employees and reporters who shouted Fudge's name didn't seem to be acting; they were the ones who had been thoroughly brainwashed.
Eric shuddered with disgust. "How ironic. This stupid minister's accusations against your principal are actually about himself."
Evelyn looked at Vincent with worry in her eyes, "Honey, you'd better not go to any hearings. What if they get angry and arrest you—"
"No, Mother." Vincent gently pressed her trembling hand. "I'm not exaggerating, but even if the Ministry of Magic sent out Auror, they wouldn't be able to catch me."
That's true. Putting aside the La Voiture Noire, the speed of the Flying Boots, which approach Mach 10, is something that ordinary wizards can't catch up with.
Moreover, he also possesses "Pandora," the ultimate weapon combining Muggle weapons and Alchemy, whose overwhelming firepower is no joke.
Evelyn reached out and ruffled Vincent's hair. "Honey, you must take good care of yourself. Your dad and I are here at home, so you can do whatever you want without worry."
Eric leaned back on the sofa, gazing at the mother and son with a deep and determined look.
He knew his son's personality very well; he appeared calm and composed on the surface, but in reality, he harbored a fearless heart.
Back in the day, when Britain was forced to abandon most of its colonies due to the devastating economic damage caused by World War II, Grandpa Wayne dared to venture overseas to seek his fortune. In his youth, he also resolutely refused the path arranged by his father and chose to join the army.
The Wayne family undoubtedly possesses an unwavering spirit of adventure, which is why they are fearless.
It's just a small hearing. Even if the Ministry of Magic is as desperate as the old Eastern proverb says, his son will eventually make a name for himself.
After lunch, many guests arrived at Wayne's house.
The Granger family, the Weasley family, the Greengrass family, Cedric, Cho, Rolf, Neville, James, Alfred, Harry, Sirius Black, Lupin, Devin from the Rosier Family, as well as Nagini and Surya, and most of Vincent's close friends and family were there.
Fred and George, as usual, were all smiles and jokes. "Hey buddy, we're here to see how you take down the Ministry of Magic!"
Vincent's feelings of gratitude towards the twins vanished instantly. He forced a smile and said, "Please, I'm going to a hearing, not some martial arts tournament."
"They all sound the same~"
As soon as she finished speaking, Molly grabbed their ears and said, "Joe Red, Fudge, Vincent is already so annoyed by this sudden hearing that he's not in the mood to listen to your jokes."
Vincent was amused by the twins' pitiful, pleading looks. "Aunt Molly, it's alright. Thanks to Fred and George's joke, I feel much better now."
"What good children." Molly glared at the twins. "With such a good role model, why can't you two learn from him?"
"Let go, Mom! You're about to pull our ears off!"
Molly said sternly, "This trick won't work on me anymore. You'd better think of something else."
Seeing the twins completely under her control, everyone laughed heartily.
With these two lovable clowns around, even the biggest problems seem insignificant.
Arthur then approached Vincent and said, "This hearing isn't just about Dumbledore. I just got word from the ministry that Fudge is planning to ban the Dubidubi Video Platform for 'spreading misinformation,' and he might take a cold shoulder towards you."
It has been half a century since Dumbledore defeated Grindelwald and saved the Wizarding World, and wizards no longer feel the reality of it, while the Death Eaters' attack on the camp was only a year ago.
As a hero in the event, it would be unrealistic for Dumbledore to smear Vincent, as that would offend the nearly 300,000 wizards from all over the world who were in the camp at the time.
Therefore, in Fudge's words, he became a tool for Dumbledore to brainwash people, so that while avoiding offending anyone, his words would become unbelievable.
"Thank you, Uncle Arthur." Vincent smiled slightly, his eyes bright and alert. "Fudge underestimated me. His scheme will not succeed."
Arthur's expression was quite complex, showing worry, relief, but mostly an indescribable anticipation.
The Weasley family children often talked about Vincent, and he had practically watched Vincent grow up, so he knew very well that this kid was no ordinary person.
At such a young age, Fudge is already working with the Greengrass and Rosier Family, who believe in Pure-blood Supremacy, breaking down their deep-rooted bloodline beliefs and engaging in dialogue with them on an equal footing. He's probably asking for trouble this time.