In life, what one seeks is nothing more than fame and fortune.
For Fudge, his pursuit of fame had reached an abnormally obsessive level.
Therefore, he wanted to seize every opportunity to promote himself; he wanted to become the most renowned Minister of Magic in the history of the Wizarding World.
Moreover, he had only been Minister of Magic for less than four years and wanted to accumulate more political capital to ensure his re-election in the next election.
After all, the taste of power was too wonderful, and the view from the Minister of Magic's position was too captivating; Fudge was already deeply intoxicated by it.
However, although Fudge was excited, he still had some concerns in his heart.
"Sebastian, if, as you say, all the details of this case are made public and attract the attention of all Wizards, wouldn't that be admitting that the Ministry of Magic made a mistake before?"
"That's right, Minister, you have to admit the mistake."
Sebastian smiled, then imperceptibly withdrew his arm from Fudge's hand.
"Not only that, you'd best take all the blame upon yourself and say that the reason for such a miscarriage of justice was entirely due to your inadequate management as Minister."
What nonsense!
What does this have to do with me?!
Fudge's face darkened, and he looked at Sebastian with shame and irritation.
This idea is terrible; I asked you for advice to gain a good reputation, not to throw my reputation on the ground and let everyone step all over it.
"Minister, have you heard of a Muggle term called 'Edict of Self-Reproach'?"
Edict of Self-Reproach?
Fudge shook his head; he had grown up in the Wizarding World since childhood and didn't know much about Muggle culture.
He had never heard of such an obscure term.
"Minister, this is a method used by ancient Eastern Emperors," Sebastian explained unhurriedly.
"When the political power of those Emperors faced a crisis, they would issue documents to the entire world, reflecting on or reviewing their own mistakes, thereby appeasing public anger and winning over the people's hearts."
"This matter at hand is bound to cause a huge public outcry in the Wizarding World and is bound to arouse the anger of the masses. You, Minister, can use this method to overcome the current crisis."
The Emperor's method...
Could it be that Sebastian thought I had the demeanor of an Emperor?
However, apologizing in front of the public was really hard to do.
Fudge felt a bit annoyed in his heart; how could he not know how significant the impact of this matter was?
That was someone who had been wrongly imprisoned in Azkaban for more than ten years; the public would be afraid of similar things happening to them.
This kind of Ministry of Magic scandal was really too difficult to handle; I still preferred to deal with the people who caused the problem if the problem was difficult to handle.
If Sebastian couldn't explain himself, I would still try to drag the case into a mess.
Seeing Fudge's fluctuating expression, Sebastian said softly.
"Minister, for a person to admit a mistake often requires a great deal of courage."
"For someone in your position, this kind of courage will be a good quality, like a gem."
"Think about it, was this miscarriage of justice originally judged by you?"
Of course not!
Fudge shook his head firmly: "That had absolutely nothing to do with me; I was only the Head of the Department of Magical Catastrophes at the time and had no right to manage such matters."
"That's right," Sebastian said, "I believe many people also know that the original case was not judged by you."
"Everyone also knows that you are innocent in this matter."
"Therefore, when you take the blame upon yourself, the public might curse you a bit at first, but after cursing, they will only think you are a good Minister with courage and responsibility."
"Even the former Minister who handled this case will be grateful for your efforts."
"This..." Fudge hesitated, "I'm just afraid that people won't appreciate my good intentions then."
That's simple!
Sebastian waved his hand grandly and said confidently: "I have a public opinion campaign here that can help you."
Speaking of public opinion campaigns, there are many tricks.
Sebastian explained them to Fudge one by one.
First, the Ministry of Magic should make the details of the case public, allowing all media to report on it and attracting the attention and heated discussion of the entire Wizarding World.
Once the matter was thoroughly hyped up, Fudge would then step forward, personally preside over the case, restore Sirius Black's reputation, and ensure PeterPettigrew received punishment.
Afterward, he would generously take the blame upon himself, awaiting the verbal and written attacks from the entire Wizarding World.
At this time, Fudge must remain calm, ignore the external curses, and diligently do some practical things.
For example, arranging for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to re-examine the cases of Azkaban prisoners, allowing people throughout the Wizarding World to see the Ministry of Magic's courage and determination to change.
At this point, various media outlets would then be arranged to officially enter the fray, beginning to praise Fudge's qualities and achievements.
"Minister, by then, with the help of the media, all Ministry of Magic employees will see how you endured humiliation for the Ministry of Magic, and all the public will understand your noble qualities."
"The more harshly the public cursed you before, the more they will praise your great achievements tenfold or a hundredfold once they realize their mistake."
"Perhaps, there will be a report then that compares you to Gryffindor, the founder of Hogwarts, saying that you, like Gryffindor, possess fearless courage."
Compared to Gryffindor!!!
merlin's beard, you really dare to think, but I really like it!
Fudge gasped, more than satisfied with Sebastian's arrangements.
He slightly calmed his excited emotions and deliberately showed a troubled expression.
"This title is too grand, isn't it a bit inappropriate...? Moreover, re-examining the prisoners' cases is a huge undertaking, and the Department of Magical Law Enforcement employees will definitely have complaints then."
"What's more, Amelia Bones, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, is not an easy person to talk to; she might not cooperate with my work."
"You worry too much, Minister," Sebastian curled his lips, "You are the first Minister of Magic in history to admit a mistake in public."
"Such courage is not to say that there will be no successors, but it is absolutely unprecedented, so comparing you to Gryffindor is not at all excessive. Don't worry, I will arrange this matter, and it will definitely satisfy you."
"As for Amelia, I have some private acquaintance with her, so let me be the intermediary and go on your behalf to persuade her to cooperate with your work, Minister."
Hearing this, Fudge beamed and patted Sebastian's shoulder, saying: "Then I'll trouble you, Sebastian."
"In the future, if you need my help with anything, please don't hesitate. Also, regarding Burns, please tell her for me that I will absolutely remember her favor."
The two exchanged smiles and walked back into the crowd.
At this time, the Aurors had finished their interrogation, as PeterPettigrew was extremely cooperative, answering whatever was asked without much effort.
"Minister, everything has been clarified; the traitor is indeed PeterPettigrew. What do you think...?"
Fudge found a good angle for the numerous reporters' cameras: "Since that's the case, then take PeterPettigrew back to the Ministry of Magic."
"As for Sirius Black..." Fudge looked at Sirius and said with a righteous expression.
"The Ministry of Magic will not arrest you for now, but before the final Wizengamot trial, you must remain on call to cooperate with the Ministry of Magic's in-depth investigation."
"Everyone, rest assured." Fudge scanned the reporters and the Professors of Hogwarts, and said firmly.
"The Ministry of Magic is a righteous Ministry of Magic; it will never wrong a good person, nor will it let a bad person go."
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