Ch. 357[Crying with laughter] Fudge
Harley returned to Dumbledore’s office after surviving Voldemort’s ambush and confirmed that Voldemort had returned. Fudge rejected her account as a political conspiracy, but Harley revealed frozen Death Eaters, leaving the Ministry officials confronted with evidence of their allegiance.
- Dumbledore pressed Fudge to explain Harley’s disappearance and the hundreds of Portkey traces, while Umbridge blamed Barty Crouch and encouraged Fudge to treat him as a scapegoat.
- Harley entered the Headmaster’s Office carrying the tournament trophy, and McGonagall and Snape showed their relief that she was safe.
- Harley told Fudge that the trophy had taken her to Voldemort’s father’s grave, where Voldemort had returned before fleeing after Harley fought the Death Eaters.
- Fudge accused Dumbledore and Harley of lying to undermine him and seize his position as Minister for Magic.
- Harley opened the office walls to reveal more than a dozen frozen wizards, including several prominent Pure-bloods who had served Voldemort.