Chapter 252 Fudge's Response and Umbridge's Attack

"Damn it, whose side is the Daily Prophet on? It's the mouthpiece of the Ministry of Magic... the Ministry of Magic! Shouldn't it stand firmly on the side of the Ministry of Magic?" In the office of the Minister of Magic, Fudge almost roared out his doubts.

However, Scrimgeour was silent like a statue, because his name was on the blood list! He didn't even know when his blood was kept. For a moment, his hatred for this mysterious organization burned in his heart like a raging fire.

Fortunately, Fudge didn't really want to hear any answer, so he waved his hand and said, "Scrimgeour, you go out first. Also, call Deputy Minister Umbridge in, I have something important to discuss with her." After that, Fudge closed his eyes and fell into deep thought...

About ten minutes later, there was another knock on the door of the minister's office.

"Come in," Fudge shouted with all his might.

"Minister Fudge, are you looking for me?" The door opened and Umbridge's fat body appeared at the door.

"Come in and sit down, Dolores. You are my personal disciple and my most trusted confidant. There is no need to be formal between us." Minister Fudge said kindly.

"Yes, Minister." Umbridge still answered respectfully.

"This is your favorite black tea. How does it taste?" After personally pouring a cup of hot tea for Umbridge, Minister Fudge smiled and asked, "By the way, what do you think of the recent Daily Prophet?"

"Minister, I am extremely confused and puzzled by the behavior of the Daily Prophet. As the best-selling newspaper in the wizarding world, it is also a key window for the Ministry of Magic's external publicity. It has always been in step with the Ministry of Magic in the past. But why is it so reckless this time?" Umbridge was really confused about this incident.

"You are right, Dolores. The Daily Prophet has always been an important voice of our Ministry of Magic. But now, they have problems. You have to know that this is closely related to the internal staff of our Ministry of Magic. I suspect that some people are beginning to get restless." Fudge tried his best to guide the topic.

"Well, if that's the case, then it's easier to deal with. The Daily Prophet blindly fabricates rumors and sells anxiety, causing turmoil in the wizarding world. Such an irresponsible newspaper should be completely closed down." Umbridge expressed her loyalty in a decisive manner.

Although he disagreed with Umbridge's point of view, Fudge still smiled and said, "I have to say, Dolores, you and I are thinking the same thing."

Then he changed the subject and said with a worried look on his face: "But now public opinion is boiling, and forcible suppression will only intensify the conflict."

"Minister, extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. At this moment, strong measures must be taken." Umbridge was used to being domineering, so how could she take a mere newspaper seriously?

"Things are not that simple, haven't you noticed? Our old rival Barty Crouch Sr. has spoken out again, right after the Daily Prophet was published! What does this mean? It means that he has not given up this position! And in his eyes, this is the best opportunity to counterattack! Therefore, we must proceed step by step. One wrong step may cause us to lose all our advantages." Fudge patiently analyzed the current situation to Umbridge.

"So...what does the Minister mean?" Umbridge was a little confused about Fudge's thoughts.

"If we want to shut up the Daily Prophet, there are two people who are crucial. One is the special correspondent Rita Skeeter, and the other is the editor-in-chief of the newspaper, Barnabas Guffey." Fudge said solemnly, "So, if you enter the Daily Prophet as a special observer now, will you be able to change their extreme ideas or curb their reckless behavior?"

"Of course, my Lord Minister." Umbridge was delighted. This was the best time for her to extend her tentacles to other departments. But she did not show any joy. Instead, she said solemnly, "But I also have some concerns, Lord Minister. Although I have enough confidence, if there is interference from other departments, then I..."

"Don't be afraid of anyone, Dolores." Fudge replied firmly, "In the Ministry of Magic, our voice is unshakable."

After receiving Fudge's assurance and holding the authorization letter personally issued by Minister Fudge, Umbridge left with full energy...

In fact, after seeing the report in the Daily Prophet, Fudge was not unaware of the danger of the evil organization, but he could not change his strategy, at least not in a short period of time.

You know, just half a month ago, when various forces and even some Ministry of Magic personnel were gathering in full swing, vowing to massacre the evil organization, he cut off the source of the trouble and recalled all the staff of the Ministry of Magic; he even openly called out to all walks of life, warning everyone not to panic; he even called out to the majority of wizards, asking them to live their own lives and not to worry about the ups and downs outside their homeland.

But now the Daily Prophet's report has raised the threat of the evil organization to several levels, and it is not an exaggeration to say that they are on par with the Dark Lord. But what can I do? Change my orders every day and take back my orders? Admit that I was blind and did not realize the seriousness of the problem? Then what authority do I have?

More importantly, he had already reached an agreement with the Muggle Prime Minister in order to quickly resolve the issue of the black-robed wizards. If he changed his mind now and the other party turned hostile and exposed the matter, how could those guys who shouted that wizards were supreme still support him?

Since things have come to a point of being in a dilemma, Fudge simply chose the most labor-saving and direct method: since the problem cannot be solved, then solve the person who created the problem!

However, he had no idea that because of his miscalculation of the situation and his insistence on doing things his own way, what happened in the following days made him very embarrassed...

After Umbridge walked out of the Minister's office, she felt relieved instantly. She walked steadily and was full of energy. Since Minister Fudge had made the goal clear, she could just execute it directly.

Of course, Umbridge had done her homework on this. She knew that of the two, the editor-in-chief, Barnabas Guffey, was a loyal subordinate of old Barty Crouch, and this was the main reason why the Daily Prophet was stirring up trouble. There was no need for her to confront the other party head-on.

In contrast, special correspondent Rita Skeeter is completely different. Although her articles have been recognized by many readers, in the final analysis, she is just an ordinary person without a foundation. This is why she always likes to rely on sharp language and explosive topics to gain attention. At this time, how easy it would be for me to suppress her and make her shut up as a special observer?

With this thought in mind, Umbridge, full of confidence, could not help but quicken her pace...