Chapter 1233 Mild Tyranny
Dumbledore's network spans the globe and is not limited to the wizarding world.
Having figured this out, Fudge slammed his fist on the table. "Evidence! Dumbledore, produce the evidence! Otherwise, this is slander! It's a statement that undermines the authority of the Ministry of Magic! Right now, everyone outside is praising my wise leadership, and that's what matters most! It has brought stability! Peace!"
Dumbledore shook his head slightly, a trace of sadness flashing in his eyes. "Peace disguised by lies is more dangerous than war itself, Cornelius. It leaves people unprepared when true darkness descends."
Fudge's voice grew even louder: "Speaking of precautions, I happen to have a new measure to implement. To ensure the absolute safety of Hogwarts students and to allow them to study without distractions, I have decided to sign a ministerial order."
He seemed to have seized an opportunity to retaliate. "Starting next week, Hogwarts will cancel all Quidditch training, club activities, and all non-academic gatherings. All students must spend their free time in the common room or library, under the personal supervision of the Headmaster."
He looked at Dumbledore triumphantly, as if he had thrown out a "trump card" that the other party could not refuse.
Dumbledore's usually calm expression did indeed crack, but it wasn't anger; rather, it was a disappointment and chill that almost materialized.
"Connelly, are you going to rob the children of the last bit of joy under the clouds? To take away their freedom to fly, to make friends, to explore themselves? All for your pathetic 'control'?"
His voice wasn't loud, but it made Fudge instinctively take a half step back.
"This is for their own good! For the sake of order!"
“No, Cornelius.” Dumbledore’s gentle aura turned as stern as a snow-capped mountain. “This is tyranny, however mild it may appear, it is still tyranny.”
He stopped looking at Fudge, his azure eyes sweeping over the gold decorations in the room and the ridiculous "trophy" display shelf, finally settling on the mural of the constantly waving hand.
“You may issue your ministerial decree, Cornelius,” Dumbledore’s tone regained its calm.
“But if you dare to send it to Hogwarts, I, Albus Percival Woolfrick Bryan Dumbledore, will regretfully end the long-standing friendly relationship between the school and the Ministry of Magic as the Headmaster of Hogwarts.”
Legally speaking, the Ministry of Magic, as the government of the British magical community, has jurisdiction over the field of education.
The Ministry of Magic can establish educational regulations; for example, the exams for OWLs and NEWTs are administered by the Ministry of Magic, and it can also influence school curriculum and teaching standards to some extent.
However, Hogwarts is protected by the ancient Bylaws, a document that grants the school considerable autonomy, particularly in internal administration, faculty appointments, and student affairs.
Fudge's forceful issuance of the ministerial decree was tantamount to violating the Bylaws, and Hogwarts certainly had reason to sever its long-standing friendly relationship with the Ministry of Magic.
The Ministry of Magic also has the power to order the closure of schools, but that can only be done in extreme circumstances. Umbridge had racked her brains to complete the various tasks assigned by the Minister for this very purpose.
Dumbledore's words successfully brought Fudge to his senses.
The Ministry of Magic is not Hogwarts' superior, and their jurisdiction over the school is not absolute.
Fudge screamed in exasperation, "You...you can't! This is a threat! Dumbledore!"
“No, Mr. Minister, this is a promise.”
Dumbledore's calmness contrasted sharply with Fudge's ferocity.
Fudge, seemingly at his wit's end, suddenly placed his hands on the desk and said, "Since that's the case, I'll just have to do things by the book."
He revealed an extremely sinister smile, "As far as I know, a significant portion of Hogwarts' operating funds come from that number one wanted criminal."
A ripple appeared on Dumbledore's calm face.
Fudge was very satisfied with his reaction. "As the principal, you not only tacitly allowed him to continue serving as chairman of the board of directors, but you also accepted the illegal funds he provided with a clear conscience!"
He slammed his fist on the table. "You're colluding with the forces of darkness! Dumbledore!"
Dumbledore's gaze turned unusually cold. "To what extent are you willing to go to hold onto power?"
Fudge seemed deeply stung. "I'm upholding the dignity of the law! I must show the public that the Ministry of Magic is capable of controlling the situation and protecting them!"
But he failed. Instead of surrendering, Vincent chose to challenge the authority of the Ministry of Magic.
He made a mistake at the beginning, made a mistake in the middle, and in order to hold onto power, he could only continue making mistakes.
Dumbledore sighed silently, “Power is the most potent poison in the world.”
"Connell—Mr. Minister, if you insist on doing this, then I will have no choice but to do everything in my power to stop you."
Fudge clenched his fists. "Dumbledore, do you think I wanted this? If you had cooperated with the Ministry of Magic, I wouldn't have—"
"Further words are pointless." Dumbledore clapped his hands lightly at the air in front of him. "You'd better watch yourself."
With a melodious cry from Fox, red flames surged up and engulfed Dumbledore's figure.
Fudge was the only one left in the office.
He stood there, trembling, whether from anger or fear, it was hard to tell.
He looked around at the office he had meticulously crafted, a symbol of "glory," but now he felt the gold was blindingly bright, and the mural of himself seemed to be silently mocking him.
"Damn it!" Fudge slammed his fist on the table with all his might. "Everything I've done is for the peace and prosperity of the wizarding world! You...you...why can't you understand me?!"
On the other side, Hogwarts Castle.
The corridor leading to the principal's office on the eighth floor was silent. Suddenly, the stone beast with the dripping spout at the entrance seemed to sense something and silently slid open without asking for a password as usual.
A red flame appeared, and Dumbledore strode inside, his steps heavier than usual.
His usual gentle smile had vanished, replaced by a deep weariness.
As he climbed the spiral staircase and opened his office door, the portraits of past principals quickly closed their eyes and pretended to be asleep.
Dumbledore came to the perch and gently placed Fawkes, who was standing on his shoulder, on it.
"Knock knock—" came the sound of knocking on the door.
Dumbledore raised his right hand and turned to look at McGonagall outside the door.
Her hands were clasped tightly in front of her, her knuckles white from the force, clearly indicating that she had realized something.
“Albus,” McGonagall’s voice carried a barely perceptible hint of anxiety, “how bad is the situation?”
A hint of helplessness flashed in Dumbledore's deep blue eyes behind his crescent-shaped spectacles. "More...radical than we anticipated. Connelly is not only completely intoxicated by his own fabricated victory story, but he also intends to extend this 'brilliance' to Hogwarts."
He paused, then clearly stated that he loved his terrible decision: "He plans to sign a ministerial decree canceling all Quidditch training, club activities, and all non-academic extracurricular gatherings."
He claimed this was to ensure the absolute safety of Hogwarts students and to allow them to study without distractions.
……
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