Chapter 484 Meeting Troubles

"Mrs. Zabini, I understand that you are disappointed about this matter, but please believe that the Ministry of Magic is still capable of doing its job, and the problem lies only in certain decisions." Barty Crouch Sr. suddenly interrupted, his voice low and firm, as if he was trying to calm the dispute. However, there was a glimmer of cunning in his eyes.

"Director Crouch, what do you mean by that?" Fudge instinctively had a bad feeling when he heard what old Barty said. He stared at old Barty with wide eyes, his voice full of questioning.

"Isn't my meaning clear enough? If the Auror Office is placed under my command, I am confident that I can quickly resolve the security issues of Hogwarts." Old Barty said in a serious tone.

"That's simply impossible! Old Barty, don't think the problem is too simple! If the Auror Office does its best, it can naturally solve this kind of small problem." Fudge argued, "But the wizarding world is huge, there are many things that need to be dealt with, and manpower is needed everywhere. Sending out Dementors to carry out the mission is just a helpless move!"

"Don't make excuses for your incompetence." Before old Barty could refute, Sallys went crazy: "Hogwarts is a small problem, and you guys solved the small problem like this?" Her voice was sharp and angry, as if it would pierce Fudge's eardrums.

"I support Sallys! Besides, how do you know that if Mr. Crouch is in charge of the Auror Office, he won't take care of the safety of other areas?" Keira immediately agreed.

"There is no room for negotiation on this matter!" Fudge, whose face turned red with anger, suddenly said in a harsh voice: "As the Minister of Magic, I have the right to manage every department, but for the stability of the Ministry of Magic and for the interests of all parties, I have given up a lot, which has given all parties a balance. So, don't ask me for your hand again, otherwise I will fight to the death!" He glanced at everyone present, with a cold light flashing in his eyes.

The tacit agreement was brought to the table so suddenly, and in front of so many people, the noisy scene was stagnant. At this time, whether it was the high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Magic or the leaders of various forces who came to put pressure on them, they didn't know what to say. Of course, from Fudge's statement, everyone seemed to see his determination, which was the reason why everyone was hesitant.

"Okay, now is not the time to quarrel and fight for power." Amelia Bones said angrily, "Let's come up with some truly feasible plans for this incident."

Fudge was delighted when he heard this. It seemed that his risky move had indeed played a deterrent role. The next moment, his expression changed quickly, and he looked at Lucius and other leaders of various forces with an embarrassed look: "That's right, everyone, next, we need to hold a meeting to discuss the next response strategy. Can you all go out first? After all..."

"Haha, Minister Fudge, such a serious and vicious incident has happened, and you are still planning to deal with it internally and operate behind the scenes?" Lucius was almost laughed out of anger: "As the school representative for this incident, I apply to sit in on this meeting, and I have the right to sit in on this meeting."

"We are representing the parents... We must also sit in on the trial..."

"We represent experts from various disciplines. We must know the latest developments of the incident..."

"And us, and us, we are..." More people joined in, and in an instant, shouts continued inside and outside the house...

"Listen in? What do you think?" Upon hearing such a request, Scrimgeour's face instantly darkened. He shouted angrily, "You are openly challenging the authority of the Ministry of Magic and disregarding its dignity!"

"You still want the Ministry of Magic to maintain its dignity? What credibility do you have now?" Sallys was not intimidated by his roar. She responded coldly, "Your actions have made everyone lose trust in you!"

"That's right, it's necessary to sit in on the meeting, and the Ministry of Magic's meetings should be more transparent. This is in the interests of the vast majority of families." Hector also firmly expressed his support. At the same time, more voices echoed from the door, and for a moment, the atmosphere in the meeting room became tense again.

Faced with everyone's insistence, Fudge felt extremely helpless. He also knew that continuing to be tough would only lead to more serious consequences. He had no choice but to make concessions...

"Well, let me first propose a solution for everyone to discuss?" Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Scrimgeour was the first to break the silence: "The reputation of the Ministry of Magic is of vital importance. Therefore, the Dementors can be evacuated, and the responsibility of Yang Tian and other young wizards can be exempted. However, it is absolutely impossible to apologize in the newspaper! Both sides should take a step back and minimize the impact of this incident."

"Impossible!" Sibert Mockridge raised the corner of his mouth slightly, revealing a contemptuous smile. "Now that the situation has developed to the point where everyone knows about it, it is almost impossible to make a big deal out of it. The people urgently need a clear explanation. Let me propose a motion. Minister Fudge, as the head of the Ministry of Magic, should publicly apologize in the newspaper and withdraw all the Dementors from Hogwarts. Of course, those little wizards were acting in self-defense and should not bear any responsibility."

"You are clearly trying to put Minister Fudge on the spot!" Piers Thicknesse frowned and said unhappily, "In fact, the main responsibility for this matter lies with Director Scrimgeour. In my opinion, it would be more appropriate for him to take the initiative to admit his mistake and apologize in the newspaper."

"Just an apology in the newspaper may not be enough to calm the public anger." Old Batty, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke in a firm tone: "Let him resign voluntarily."

"How dare you do this?" Fudge stood up angrily and shouted, "I have already made it clear just now that you should not think of attacking the Auror's office."

"Someone must take responsibility for this incident!" Old Barty did not back down, his eyes as sharp as an eagle: "Scrimgeour is the primary person responsible, and you, Minister Fudge, are the secondary person responsible. Then, please decide who is responsible yourself, Minister."

......

Fudge was extremely conflicted at the moment. It was simply a fantasy for him to take the blame himself; but Scrimgeour was also very important to him. He was his right-hand man.

Looking at the people around him who were determined not to give up, he knew that today would not end peacefully. And he himself was an outstanding politician who was good at judging the situation...