## Chapter 315: Fudge, Misunderstood
Fudge might have been lacking in other areas, but he had an extremely keen sense for power.
He immediately realized that if Umbridge, representing the Ministry of Magic, appeared on the Streaming Mirror, there was a high probability she would challenge his position.
Previously, Ministry of Magic elections only allowed candidates to promote their image and ideas in newspapers, but the Streaming Mirror offered moving images and stirring voices, which were far more captivating than dry text in a newspaper.
Especially since, no matter how close and trusting their relationship appeared, Fudge knew deep down that Umbridge was a monster of ambition and power, utterly ruthless.
If given the chance to kick Fudge aside and seize the Minister's seat, Umbridge would absolutely not hesitate.
—Umbridge must not appear on camera!
Fudge made up his mind almost instantly.
No... not just Umbridge...
Including Scrimgeour, Crouch, Bones... anyone who could threaten his position was not allowed to be interviewed by Aslan's Magic Workshop or speak on camera.
The only person all British wizards should see was him, Fudge... or perhaps some low-ranking young interns!
When Wade again pressed about Umbridge's preferences, expressing hope that reporters could film Umbridge interacting with cats, Fudge finally couldn't help but retort.
"No, Umbridge doesn't like live cats!"
He said with a stern, displeased face, "She thinks real cats are dirty and troublesome, so she only likes cat decorations!"
"Hmm..."
Wade hesitated, saying, "How do you know she truly dislikes them? Perhaps she's just being considerate of other colleagues in the Ministry, bringing only cat decorations to avoid lively cats disturbing their work?"
"I don't think Umbridge has ever publicly stated that she dislikes live cats, has she?"
Though he didn't say it outright, his attitude subtly hinted at suspicion—
As the Minister, are you deliberately slandering and suppressing your subordinate? Are you unwilling to let Umbridge shine because you're so infatuated with your position?
Fudge felt for the first time the bitterness of being misunderstood. He was speaking the truth, yet no one believed him.
Especially since the one doubting him was Wade, whom he had treated with such warmth. This made the Minister feel somewhat wronged.
He said angrily, "I've worked with Umbridge for over a decade! Don't I know her better than you? Of course I'm certain she doesn't keep cats! If you'd heard her plotting after a few drinks about how to treat Muggles and Squibs, you'd know she's not benevolent in the slightest!"
And what was all this about "becoming the next Millicent Bagnold"!
Millicent Bagnold was Fudge's predecessor as Minister for Magic. During her tenure, the Wizarding War instigated by Voldemort ended (though this was not Bagnold's doing), and she gained immense prestige.
Fudge hated it most when people compared him to Millicent Bagnold while criticizing him.
"Really..."
Wade said, half-believing, half-doubting, his drawn-out tone further stifling Minister Fudge.
Kingsley looked at Wade in surprise.
If he hadn't seen Wade walk in with his own eyes, he would have almost thought the boy had been in the room earlier.
Fudge might not have realized it—but was Wade doubting him now any different from when he had doubted Sirius before?
Even the reasons were so similar!
Kingsley looked at Harry, whose green eyes were wide, and then at Lupin, who was trying to suppress a smile, confirming it wasn't his imagination.
But Fudge, whose mind was a bit single-track, didn't notice this. He said in a rigid, official tone:
"Whether the Ministry of Magic should arrange for Undersecretary Umbridge to participate in publicity still requires consideration—"
"Hmm... To avoid leaking confidential information... causing public controversy or... affecting the Ministry of Magic's image in the public eye, these matters need to be carefully discussed within the Ministry. You can't just interview whoever you want..."
"Even though I am the Minister for Magic, I can only decide my own schedule..."
Fudge said stiffly, emphasizing the words "Undersecretary" heavily, implying that Wade could interview him, the Minister.
But the boy in front of him was too young; he seemed to completely miss Fudge's unspoken meaning and had no intention of currying favor with the Minister. Hearing this, he just nodded in disappointment and said:
"Oh... alright... Then, when Ms. Umbridge is available for an interview, we can arrange it then..."
"Good... good... I hope that day comes..."
Fudge said through gritted teeth, turning away in a huff.
—That day will never come!
—As soon as I get back, I'll immediately draft a law! Ministry department heads and above are not allowed to privately accept interviews from Aslan's Magic Workshop! Except for the Minister!
The Aurors streamed out again. Kingsley Shacklebolt stayed behind, looking at Lupin and saying:
"Although I'm fairly certain, I still have to ask—does Sirius Black have any connection with the Alliance or Gellert Grindelwald?"
Lupin put on a somewhat exaggerated expression of confusion, saying, "Why would you think that? They, of course, have no connection whatsoever."
Kingsley nodded, then smiled at Wade and Harry:
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Potter, Mr. Gray. May joy and happiness always be with you."
"Uh... thanks?"
Harry said uncertainly, amidst Kingsley's kind but somewhat terrifying smile.
Kingsley smiled in apparent satisfaction, then opened the door and left as well.
Harry had no love for anyone who wanted to put Sirius in prison. After Kingsley left, he pondered for a moment, then asked, "Remus, was he threatening us?"
Lupin gave a wry smile. "I actually think he was quite sincere—Wade, if you really want to work with Madame Umbridge, it's better to approach her directly. Minister Fudge might actually be an obstacle."
"Yeah, even though she's his subordinate, he always badmouths her—Madame Umbridge truly has it tough," Harry said with a sigh, feeling great sympathy for the excellent lady who was slandered by her own superior.
Wade slowly widened his eyes, turned his head, and looked at the two of them in shock.
"What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?" Lupin asked, puzzled. He thought back and realized he truly could sense Fudge's dislike for Umbridge.
"Don't make me explain," Wade said, flopping onto the sofa. He conjured a glass of water for himself, guzzled it down, and then sighed. "I've already said all I'm going to say for the day."
A knock sounded at the door again, and then a tall, thin figure pushed it open and entered.
"It seems I'm too late—" Dumbledore said, looking at their expressions, then chuckled. "—but the outcome seems rather good, doesn't it?"
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