Hogwarts: Harry's Path to Witches

Chapter 161 Fudge’s Ambition

This time, Fudge was waiting here ten minutes early, for fear that someone would stumble him again.

Although he is the Minister of Magic, he cannot do everything in the Ministry of Magic.

Just think of it before, because many cross-border affairs were still managed by the Department of International Magical Exchange, Old Barty easily concealed the news of Harley's return to China.

Originally, he still had a few cronies there who told him some important information regularly.

But last year, when Britain successfully applied for the qualification to host the Quidditch World Cup, Fudge wanted to trick Old Barty.

He asked Old Barty to lead the Department of International Magical Exchange and the Department of Magical Sports to build the venue for the Quidditch World Cup, with Old Barty as the first person responsible.

At the same time, in order to increase the burden on old Barty, Fudge hinted that Ludo Bagman, the director of the Department of Magical Sports and Sports, would be idle.

In this way, if there is a problem with the venue, it is Old Barty's responsibility; if the Quidditch World Cup is a complete success, it is Fudge's credit.

Fudge had a wishful thinking, but Old Barty conveniently arranged for Fudge's cronies to work, making them busy and unable to stop at all.

This resulted in those close friends not having time to report the recent important news to Fudge, who still thought that Harry was traveling in France.

If the owl that notified Harry to receive the Order of Merlin had not brought back a letter, Fudge would still not know that Harry had returned to China!

This made the Minister of Magic extremely angry and at the same time strengthened his determination to promote his cronies.

Seeing Dumbledore's arrival, Fudge immediately greeted him with a smile on his face, as if he was seeing his best brother.

"Oh, dear Albus!" cried Fudge, audible both inside and outside the room.

"Are you personally bringing Harry to the Order of Merlin's investiture ceremony?"

As he spoke, Fudge gave Dumbledore a hug and deliberately showed his side face.

The employees of the Ministry of Magic and the photographer hired by the Daily Prophet immediately took pictures, and several reporters began to take close-ups.

These are all professional writers hired by Fudge. Tricksters like Rita Kister are not even qualified to enter the Ministry of Magic.

After all, Fudge wanted the Daily Prophet to publish a positive story, not a scandal like "the stupid Minister of Magic trying to take all the credit".

"Of course." Professor Dumbledore said with a smile on his face, "Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to greet us, dear Connelly."

After Fudge greeted Professor Slughorn, his eyes moved to Harry:

"Oh, dear Harry, congratulations on winning the Magic School Potions Championship, and thank you for bringing back this honor to the British wizarding community!

But why didn't you tell me the news of your return to China? I can prepare in advance and tell the people this exciting news! "

"Thank you for your concern," Harry curtsied slightly, "Didn't Mr. Crouch tell you?

At that time, he personally came outside the room to help us go through the formalities. I thought you knew that. "

"Oh, it seems that not only does old Barty not welcome our champions, he even wants to expel them from the Ministry of Magic!"

Fudge didn't blink and immediately picked up what Harry was saying.

"It seems I have to criticize him. Harley went abroad to compete for the glory of Britain!

And she also won the title for us in the UK! It is really unfair to treat our little hero like this! "

As he spoke, Fudge shook his head and sighed forcefully.

The camera behind was flashing crazily again, and a reporter was writing something crazily on his notebook.

"Albus, Horace, let's go to Merlin's Cottage in the afternoon!" Fudge looked at the two professors.

“The investiture ceremony only started at three o’clock in the afternoon, and I happened to not have time to interview Harley yet.

People in the British wizarding community are looking forward to this champion. "

"Cornelly, I think you can wait until Harry gets the medal before we interview together." Professor Dumbledore said calmly.

Fudge looked embarrassed, looked back, then leaned into Professor Dumbledore's ear and whispered:

"Albus, you also know how much pressure the Ministry of Magic has been under recently. After all, this is the first time in Azkaban's history that someone has escaped!

I now receive howler letters every day.

Allowing Harley to be interviewed twice and reported in batches will allow the residents of the British wizarding community to see good news in the newspapers for a few more days, and it can also divert their attention.

Albus, you have to understand my pressure! I've been having a really hard time lately. "

Professor Dumbledore sighed and turned to look at Harry.

"Professor, I have no objection."

"Okay, then we'll leave in the afternoon." Professor Dumbledore sighed again.

……

After a long interview and photo shoot, Halle was happy to know the interview was over.

Fudge also tried his best to hint to Harry that he wanted to give her golden cauldron to the Ministry of Magic for display.

But after living for so many years, Harley is a master at pretending to be confused.

Seeing that Harry couldn't understand anything he said, Fudge could only give up.

After all, forcing Harry to ask for the golden cauldron and Harry voluntarily donating it to the Ministry of Magic are two different concepts.

Even if it's not voluntary, it sounds much better if it's "voluntary."

At noon, Fudge originally wanted to invite Professor Dumbledore to the banquet, and planned to invite some senior officials who were currently in the Ministry of Magic.

But Professor Dumbledore firmly refused:

"Connelly, don't forget, there is a very important investiture ceremony in the afternoon. We can't waste time like this."

"That's right." Fudge was a little disappointed, but there was no depressed look on his face. Instead, he had a simple meal in the canteen attached to the Ministry of Magic.

After lunch, Professor Dumbledore and Professor Slughorn took Harry and left early using the portkey.

As the main figure in the investiture ceremony, Harley needs to prepare in advance.

Fudge watched the three people disappear from his eyes with a smile, and the smile on his face gradually faded away.

"Hurry back to your posts, we still have a lot of work to do." Fudge waved his hand, and the Ministry of Magic employees and reporters behind him all left.

Only a woman wearing pink clothes who had been following the team in the corner did not leave.

The woman is short and fat, with a broad, saggy face, and a small black velvet bow on her short curly hair, like a toad.

"You haven't left yet." Fudge frowned, "Which department are you in?"

"Minister." The woman quickly ran over and said respectfully in her unique high-pitched voice,

"Have you forgotten? I'm Dolores Umbridge.

Last time I promoted your book "How Prefects Gain Power", and this time I am here to report the results of the promotion to you. "

……

……

(Thanks to Jiuwei Yanhu for the tip!)