Fudge's Last-Ditch Gamble

Fudge had indeed chosen to go down this path to the bitter end.

What surprised Vincent was that Fudge actually dared to make this decision on his own. It was tantamount to staking his future political career solely to cover up the crisis before him.

Kingsley's expression remained grave. "Although this arrest was only a spur-of-the-moment decision, I believe he'll be taking action very soon."

Fudge's plan was nothing more than using the new Eleventh Decree to make Vincent submit obediently and deny Dumbledore's claims across the board.

It was indeed a good plan. Unfortunately, Vincent had long since become utterly disappointed in the current Ministry of Magic. A government that disregarded the lives and safety of its people had no future.

"Thank you, Mr. Shacklebolt." Vincent leaned back in his chair with an indifferent expression. "What does Professor Dumbledore want me to do?"

Kingsley lightly patted the Eleventh Decree on the table. "He wants you to do nothing. He'll have a proper talk with Fudge."

They had already dragged him into the Ministry of Magic. What was there left to discuss?

Vincent remained silent for a long while without giving any indication of his stance.

Kingsley glanced several times at the Magical Communicator on his wrist. "We're running out of time."

Vincent shifted his neck slightly, then straightened up with a faintly amused smile. "I'm not a member of the Order of the Phoenix. Why should I listen to him?"

Kingsley let out a deep sigh. "I knew you wouldn't agree."

He pushed the decree toward him again. "In that case, you'd better take a look."

Vincent gave it a casual glance. This information security decree had been drafted in a hurry, so many parts of it remained incomplete.

Yet regarding potential loopholes, the final clause of the decree