Fudge Arrives

Cornelius Fudge, the British Minister for Magic, had taken office in 1990.

He was extremely passionate about power.

Unfortunately, he had an overlord above him and had always been kept under Dumbledore's thumb.

Coupled with the factions dividing the British Ministry of Magic, this left him running into obstacles everywhere as Minister for Magic.

"It's an honor to meet you, Minister Fudge!"

Argus took the initiative to extend his hand to Fudge and invite him into the ceremony.

Fudge attached great importance to this leader of the Acolytes who had recently established himself in Britain.

The manpower and influence at his disposal were far beyond what a few pure-blood families could match.

If Fudge could secure their support, the power in his hands would grow considerably.

Then he could carry out a complete reshuffle at the Ministry of Magic and rid himself of the label of puppet minister once and for all!

"I've already reprimanded Scrimgeour about the Aurors. Rest assured, the British Ministry of Magic treats all wizards equally."

Only when he spotted the blond man nearby did he turn his head in surprise.

"Mr. Malfoy, you're here too!"

"It's been so long!"

"Indeed it has, Minister Fudge!"

Lucius quickly adjusted his mindset.

As the head of the Malfoy family, with a large number of pure-blood families backing him, he had little fear of Fudge.

His surprise upon first seeing him had more to do with the fact that he had actually attended this opening ceremony in person.

The implications of that alone gave one plenty to think about.

"By the way, Mr. Grindelwald, allow me to make some introductions."

"This is Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."

A gray-haired woman wearing a monocle nodded to Argus.

"And this is Dolores Umbridge, Head of the Improper Use of Magic Office."

A plump woman beside Fudge, dressed in a formal pink outfit and wearing a sickly-sweet smile, dipped into a slight bow and moved closer to Argus.

"Hello, Mr. Grindelwald!"

"Thank you so much for your financial support of the British Ministry of Magic!"

Idiot!

Argus frowned the moment she opened her mouth.

He had never cared for the pink toad from the original story, but he had previously thought that anyone who reached a department head's position must have at least some intelligence.

He had not expected her to sound so foolish the instant she spoke.

Your boss is right here, and he hasn't even thanked me yet. What gives you the right to speak?

Who do you think you are?

Sure enough, Fudge's expression immediately darkened.

"Umbridge, it isn't your place to interrupt!"

Umbridge panicked, but had no idea what she had done wrong.

"Minister, I..."

"One more word out of you, and you're going straight back!"

Fudge turned to Argus, putting on a veritable display of changing faces.

"Mr. Grindelwald, your assistance has truly come at a time of need for the British Ministry of Magic."

"On behalf of the British Ministry of Magic, I thank you."

"Since I've chosen Britain, I ought to contribute to its Wizarding World. It's only what I should do."

Argus's answer was utterly insincere.

Given the choice, who would want to hand their own money to someone else for nothing?

He turned to introduce the people beside him to Fudge.

"You know Mr. Malfoy."

"This is Ms. Vinda Rosier. I wonder if you've heard of her."

"V-Vinda Rosier!"

The look in Fudge's eyes as he regarded Vinda changed at once!

Before, he had merely thought that Vinda had an extraordinary bearing and probably came from some ancient, prominent family.

He had never imagined she would be the legendary Black Rose of France!

Grindelwald's foremost follower! The second-in-command of the Acolytes!

"My sincere apologies, Ms. Rosier. Please forgive me for failing to recognize you at first."

Vinda nodded without taking up the conversation.

Seeing the atmosphere grow rather awkward, Lucius spoke up to break the deadlock.

"The ceremony is about to begin. Please come in, Minister Fudge."

Fudge agreed with a smile, but just as he was about to head to the ceremony with Argus, he stopped in his tracks.

An awkward scene unfolded.

Logically, as Minister for Magic and the most distinguished guest at the ceremony, Fudge should have walked at the front beside Argus.

But one must not forget who was standing behind Argus!

Vinda Rosier!

At the height of the Acolytes' power, even the International Confederation of Wizards had been nothing more than a tool in their hands, let alone a Minister for Magic.

Fudge had never been particularly bold, and he placed special importance on observing hierarchy.

For a moment, he was so anxious that he scratched his head and ears.

Argus noticed Fudge's predicament and gave Vinda a look.

Vinda nodded and withdrew to the other side.

"Minister Fudge, the stability Britain's Wizarding World enjoys today is entirely thanks to you."

"If you don't lead the way, I'm afraid no one will dare take a step."

Lucius chimed in from the side. "Exactly, Minister Fudge. After you!"

"Our families' future business dealings with Mr. Grindelwald will also need your kind attention."

At these words, Fudge broke into a broad smile.

His gaze grew increasingly satisfied as he looked at Argus. "Naturally. If you encounter any trouble in the future, so long as it falls within my authority, you two need only come to me."

"Mr. Malfoy and I certainly won't stand on ceremony. With you in charge of the British Ministry of Magic, I'm sure Britain's Wizarding World will flourish."

"We'll give you our full support!"

Having received the answer he wanted, Fudge grinned almost from ear to ear.

He accompanied Argus all the way to the ceremony, as though afraid others might not know of their relationship!

Just as Argus was about to step onto the ceremonial platform with Fudge, a familiar and immensely powerful fluctuation of magic caught his attention.

He turned his head, and a snow-white figure flashed past.

"My apologies, Minister Fudge. Something needs my attention. Please excuse me for a moment."

Argus wore an apologetic expression, but his eyes remained fixed on the direction in which the white figure had disappeared.

Fudge thought nothing of it. "It's quite all right, Mr. Grindelwald. Go and attend to your business. Mr. Malfoy can keep me company."

Argus nodded and sped after the figure he had just seen.

He reached a secluded room, where two people stood.

Vinda Rosier's expression was cold, her wand pointed straight at Dumbledore!

Dumbledore, on the other hand, was perfectly composed. His formidable strength gave him unparalleled confidence.

"Aunt Vinda, please step outside. Let me talk to him."

Vinda looked at Argus and, without arguing, silently left the room.

As she left, she shot Dumbledore a fierce look.

Dumbledore found himself a seat without being asked.

"Mr. Grindelwald, if I remember correctly, you ought to be at school at this hour."

"So, Headmaster, have you come to drag me back?"

Dumbledore smiled. "With a few Fizzing Whizbees, I might just forget about it."

"Don't forget our agreement. Today is the opening ceremony, and I don't want anything going wrong."

Argus had no desire to exchange empty pleasantries and went straight to the point.

He took out a sheet of parchment and placed it in front of Dumbledore.

"These are the shops I intend to open. You'll be responsible for dealing with the pure-blood families behind them."

Dumbledore had not paid much attention at first, but once he read the parchment, he could no longer tear his eyes away.

He raised his head and looked at Argus, his gaze seeming to ask:

This many shops?

Are you even human?