A friendly day at Hogwarts

"This statement...is somewhat...worth pondering..." Fudge's eyes lit up slightly as he considered it.

Lockhart maintained his usual sunny image and said with a smile: "In fact, being able to catch Peter Pettigrew and clear Black's wrongdoing this time is not only the result of Mr. Ollivander and I, but more importantly, It’s the Ministry of Magic and Mr. Minister who have trained me over the years and secretly provided me with help.”

Due to Sirius's escape from prison, the army of dementors that left Azkaban has already stirred up complaints in the magical world, and the saying that "the Ministry of Magic is incompetent" has long been noisy.

This method can not only solve the current dilemma of riding a tiger, but also save the face of the Ministry of Magic. No matter how you think about it, it is a good deal.

Everyone present was a human being. Even though Fudge hid his expression changes very well, both Dumbledore and Glenn, as well as today's protagonist Lockhart, could see the flash of joy in his eyes.

Lockhart struck while the iron was hot and whispered something softly into Fudge's ear.

The minister smiled upon hearing this, his eyes swept over Crouch's face lightly, and then nodded with satisfaction.

Although Glenn didn't hear what Lockhart said specifically, he guessed that it was nothing more than suggesting that Fudge push Crouch out and take the blame for the unjust case that year.

As the Minister of Magic, Fudge, who was good at playing power, could not have thought of this method.In fact, the original intention of Lockhart's words was not to give advice, but more of a disguised expression of loyalty.

Obviously, this operation successfully won Fudge's favor, and the minister turned to Dumbledore with a smile.

"I have to say, Albus, the talents around you are so outstanding that they make me jealous." He said casually as if joking, "What I lack most is an outstanding young man like Mr. Lockhart. No. Do you know if you are willing to bear the pain and let him work for the Ministry of Magic?"

Glenn glanced at Dumbledore, who was sitting firmly behind his desk. The old fox's expression was as usual, and his eyes did not waver at all.

"Who can say for sure what will happen in the future?" Dumbledore said calmly, "At least for now, Mr. Lockhart is still the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts."

For someone like Fudge, who is somewhat suspicious and conceited, only this kind of reaction is in line with Dumbledore's character, and it also allows him to firmly believe that there is already a rift between Dumbledore and Lockhart.If he deliberately showed his dissatisfaction, or even broke up on the spot, it would make him suspicious and re-examine Lockhart's identity.

Obviously, Dumbledore's answer was exactly what Fudge had imagined.

"Now that the business is almost done, Albus, let's go to the Ministry first. Regarding the trial of Peter Pettigrew and the subsequent compensation for Black, I will also have a meeting with the Wizengamot. .”

He said goodbye to Dumbledore with a smile, and patted Lockhart on the shoulder like a kind elder.

"As for Mr. Lockhart, when we are done with this period of work, we might as well go to the Three Broomsticks Tavern for a drink. Of course, if little Mr. Ollivander likes honey beer, he can also join us."

Lockhart nodded repeatedly, and Glenn agreed with a secret smile.Judging from Fudge's reaction, it was obvious that he had fallen into Dumbledore's scheme and had become so complacent that he poached in front of Dumbledore.

He waved his hand, and Kingsley and Delis, who were waiting aside, took out their wands and used the hovering spell to lift Wormtail up.

Dumbledore had already quietly used the Forgetting Curse, and modified Wormtail's memory according to what he had discussed with Lockhart in advance.

After performing the whole play, Glenn did not stay directly in Dumbledore's office. Instead, he and Lockhart first sent everyone from the Ministry of Magic to the gate of Hogwarts, and then turned back.

Of course, Fudge's official accent and Lockhart's acting skills are indispensable along the way.

When he climbed the golden staircase and walked into the office door, Sirius had already released his Animagus form and was sitting opposite Dumbledore, drinking tea.Seeing Glenn walking in, he moved aside to leave an empty seat.

Dumbledore gently put down the tea cup in his hand, then waved his hand to conjure a new armchair, and said softly: "You should have some questions to ask me about today's arrangements, right?"

"There's nothing wrong with Lockhart. It's the only thing he's good at. But..." Glenn hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Actually, this shouldn't be a problem. I'm just curious. From what I've seen. From what I know about you, you should not be the kind of person who pursues power..."

"At least not now..." He was mid-sentence, remembering the past of the current "GGAD" period, and subconsciously changed his words, "What I wonder is, why did you suddenly start trying to control the Ministry of Magic? And also To use Lockhart as a puppet..."

Dumbledore smiled without blinking, his blue eyes behind his half-moon lenses clear.

"Would you believe me if I said that I had no interest in the power of the Ministry of Magic?"

"of course."

Glenn nodded without hesitation.After more than two years and nearly three years of contact, he has already understood that the real Dumbledore in front of him is not like the old silver coin described in those video marketing accounts and fan novels in his previous life.

"This is exactly what I'm confused about. Since you have no interest in power, why did you deliberately place Lockhart next to Fudge?"

Dumbledore nodded slightly and said: "The motive of this plan is indeed questionable, and it is something I need to explain to you. As you know, the situation we are facing now is not optimistic, whether it is Voldemort or the one hiding in the dark. Queen Morgana may come back at any time."

His expression became a little serious.

"Based on what I know about Fudge, he will not believe, or is unwilling to believe, any clues about Voldemort's reappearance. Unless Voldemort himself appears in front of him, he will definitely choose to escape."

Glenn nodded silently.

Dumbledore is right, Fudge in the original book is exactly like this. Even if Harry appeared at the Triwizard Tournament with Cedric's body, he still firmly did not believe in Voldemort's return.

It was his whitewashing of peace that allowed Voldemort to make arrangements calmly and easily seize the power of the Ministry of Magic.

"When traces of Voldemort appear, with the position that Mr. Lockhart can reach at that time, coupled with his appeal, it may be possible to make more people aware of the coming crisis and minimize losses."