Chapter 1251 Fudge's Scheme
After Umbridge's misdeeds at Hogwarts were exposed, the British Ministry of Magic quickly distanced itself from her, describing it as "a personal lapse in control."
They tried to place all the blame on Umbridge, but many people questioned whether the Ministry of Magic’s higher-ups were completely unaware of so many misdeeds.
This questioning has put Fudge and the Ministry of Magic under immense public pressure, severely damaging their credibility.
This is the first time the public's trust has collapsed. The Daily Prophet quickly published Umbridge's medical diagnosis, and Fudge even held a series of large-scale speeches over several days in an attempt to rebuild the Ministry of Magic's "responsible" image and reiterate his "support" for Hogwarts.
Faced with this controversy, students' parents have mixed feelings and differing attitudes.
Some parents who had previously supported Umbridge's so-called "strict management" are now shocked and frightened by the truth, but are also relieved that the Ministry of Magic "handled it properly."
Another group of parents, especially those of Muggle-born young wizards, generally trusted Dumbledore more. They accused the Ministry of Magic of inadequate oversight and condoning of crime, demanding a thorough investigation and reform to ensure that similar incidents do not happen again.
This has also sparked widespread criticism and attention in the international magical community.
In an interview with Wizarding Weekly, Ms. Olme Maxime, the principal of Beauxbatons School of Magic in France, subtly criticized the British Ministry of Magic for its blatant interference in the education sector, emphasizing that the government should uphold the independence of education.
A senior official from the Magical Congress of the United States expressed concerns in an informal setting about the stability of the British Ministry of Magic, suggesting that this could affect cooperation between the two countries in the area of magical security.
The International Wizarding Federation's Observatory published a commentary by the Director of Education at the German Ministry of Magic: "We have noted the recent events in neighboring countries' magical education institutions. In Germany, we firmly believe that the high degree of academic autonomy in magical schools is the cornerstone of educational quality. The state provides guidance and resources but will never interfere in specific teaching matters, such as the textbooks chosen by schools or the assessment of the academic value of certain ancient branches of magic."
High-level meeting room at the British Ministry of Magic.
Fudge slammed the international newspaper on the table. "Damn Germans! Durmstrang is a school that openly teaches students black magic, and they dare to talk about academic autonomy!"
“Mr. Minister, is it possible that it’s because of Wayne’s pursuit? They’ve been trying to cooperate with us and share intelligence.”
Fudge's face was ashen, his voice sharp with anger, "Cooperation? That sounds nice, but what will the outside world think of us? We can't even control the dark wizards in our own country, so incompetent that we need the help of other countries?"
He glanced around at the senior officials present, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "These damned Germans just want to see us make a fool of ourselves! No... the whole world wants to see us make a fool of ourselves!"
An elderly official cautiously looked up at him. “Minister, if we want to quell public opinion as soon as possible, we must sever all ties with Umbridge and make the punitive measures public quickly.”
Fudge took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. "Of course, we must sever ties completely! Issue a statement emphasizing that all of Umbridge's actions were the result of her serious dereliction of duty and mental instability, and had nothing to do with the Ministry of Magic's overall policy."
He glanced around at the group of senior officials again, his tone slightly softening, "At the same time, punish several mid-level officials who were close to her on the grounds of 'failing to detect her mental state problems in a timely manner,' to give the public an explanation."
The officials present all breathed a sigh of relief. A senior deputy minister plus several mid-level officials carried considerable weight, and the public would be satisfied.
Fudge rubbed his temples, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes.
Abandoning Hogwarts? Absolutely not!
"Furthermore, Hogwarts must never return to its former lawless state, and Dumbledore's power must be checked."
The senior officials exchanged glances, none daring to voice any objections.
The crowd exchanged glances, and finally the old official spoke up, "Minister, given the current international public opinion, we should no longer use official terms like 'special envoy,' as it could give others a handle against us."
Fudge tapped his fingers on the table, a calculating smile spreading across his face. "It's just a name. How gentle and cooperative it sounds to form a 'Hogwarts Coordination and Improvement Committee'!"
His smile gradually turned cold. "We will 'invite' representatives from Hogwarts to participate in the committee to 'discuss' important issues such as curriculum design and student safety."
It's just a change in name only; nothing has changed in substance.
Fudge's tone was decisive and left no room for argument: "The chairman and majority of seats on the committee must be appointed by the Ministry of Magic. We will use the soft approach of 'cooperation' and 'negotiation' to slowly guide Hogwarts... back onto the right track."
What can senior officials do? Of course, they pass his decision unanimously.
Less than half an hour after the written document was officially sent to Hogwarts, Dumbledore's reply arrived.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Headmaster's Office
Dear Connelly:
Thank you for your letter informing me of your idea to establish the "Hogwarts Coordination and Improvement Committee".
Such thorough consideration truly reflects the Ministry of Magic's concern for education. Please believe me, just like you, that I always put the future of students and magical education first.
However, after careful consideration, I must decline your offer to join the committee.
As you know, I cannot speak for Hogwarts. This is a very important matter, and my decision should be formally approved by the Board of Governors. However, for some well-known reasons, the Board of Governors is currently at a standstill.
Finally, please allow me to add a personal note:
True improvement often stems from trust rather than supervision, and from guidance rather than instructions.
If Minister Fudge were to focus more on addressing the growing external threats rather than scrutinizing every lesson at Hogwarts, you might find that we are always on the same side.
May your lemon-orange drink always be sweet and refreshing.
Your faithful
Albus Dumbledore
People can burst into laughter when they are extremely angry, and Fudge in the minister's office laughed so hard that tears streamed down his face.
Will it get a formal vote from the Board of Governors? The Hogwarts Board of Governors has a total of 12 seats, 7 of which belong to Vincent and 1 to the Ministry of Magic. With the constraints of the castle's ancient magic, what use would it be if the remaining 4 voted in favor? The vote would just get stuck and no result would be reached.
As he laughed, Fudge's eyes suddenly turned cold.
He realized one thing: no matter what excuse he used, whether it was a committee or a coordinating council, Dumbledore could always bring up the Board of Governors to refuse him.
But if the Ministry of Magic successfully captures Vincent, it can gain those seven seats on the Board of Governors.
By then, no matter how many tricks Dumbledore had up his sleeve, it would be useless; he could only watch helplessly as he was forced to pack his bags and leave.
……
……
