Fudge

Biodata

Background and History

Early in Vincent Wayne's time at Hogwarts, Fudge chose to award six students Order of Merlin medals after the Quirrell affair. He viewed the awards as political leverage and sought to keep news connected to Voldemort from spreading 118 119. He later arrested Dumbledore over the affair to appease the public, while promising a fair trial 173.

Fudge's dealings with Vincent alternated between patronage and suspicion. He and Dumbledore signed a guarantee allowing the underage Vincent to start a Gwent company, and Fudge offered to put his name forward for a Wizengamot youth representative selection 351. When a Dementor attack at Hogwarts brought complaints from parents, Fudge considered Umbridge's proposal to put the school's security under Ministry control 706.

As evidence of Voldemort's return mounted, Fudge resisted acknowledging it. He presented Barty Crouch Jr.'s account as a Death Eater fantasy, tried to compel Vincent to deny Dumbledore's claims, and rejected Dumbledore's advice to seek the giants' friendship 1102 1106 1107. In a public speech, he used altered statements attributed to Harry and Vincent to accuse Dumbledore of manipulating them and argue that he should no longer lead Hogwarts 1114.

At Vincent's hearing, Fudge shifted attention away from the evidence of Voldemort's return and raised allegations about Vincent's conduct and position on Hogwarts' Board of Governors 1121 1122. When Vincent exposed his proposed explanation for the Dementors' departure from Azkaban, Fudge ordered his arrest and accused him of causing the crisis 1125 1128.

Fudge continued seeking Ministry influence over Hogwarts. After Umbridge's conduct there became public, he dismissed her, blamed her actions on personal misconduct and mental instability, and sought a new coordination committee to retain oversight of the school. Dumbledore declined to join without Board of Governors approval 1248 1249. Later, amid the Gringotts breach and other threats, Fudge ordered another public-facing cover-up; he subsequently made Vincent's arrest a Ministry priority 1281 1305.

Appearance

Fudge's clothing varies between official appearances 1114 1125.

• Wears a black bowler hat on one occasion 1072.
• Appears at a public speech in a dark suit and Homburg hat 1114.
• Wears purple-red robes during Vincent's hearing 1125.

Personality

Fudge is adept at using honors, press coverage, hearings, and Ministry announcements to shape public opinion. He can be cordial when seeking cooperation, but becomes threatening when it is refused: he pressured Sirius Black to support the Ministry's account of his exoneration by invoking Sirius's relationship with Harry 351 753 1114.

His concern for his office and reputation repeatedly takes precedence over confronting threats. He rejects Dumbledore's proposals concerning Voldemort and the giants, and abandons Umbridge once her actions damage the Ministry's credibility 1106 1107 1248. Under pressure, he is prone to angry outbursts and attempts to shift blame 1125 1247 1249.

Relationships

• Albus Dumbledore — An old friend turned political opponent. Fudge tries to discredit and remove him, while Dumbledore urges him to act against Voldemort 1106 1107 1114.
• Dolores Umbridge — A close Ministry subordinate who advances his plans for Hogwarts; Fudge dismisses her after her conduct is exposed 706 1248.
• Vincent Wayne — Initially receives Fudge's support and offers of advancement, then becomes the target of his accusations and arrest orders 351 1122 1128 1305.
• Rufus Scrimgeour — A Ministry official who clashes with Fudge over concealing the Dementors' departure from Azkaban 1125.
• Sirius Black — Fudge seeks Sirius's public cooperation after his wrongful imprisonment is established, using concern for Harry to secure it 753.