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Chapter 730 Fudge's Helplessness
Chapter 730 Fudge's Helplessness
Faced with the risk of potential betrayal, Mad-Eye Moody made a decision in a second—to abandon the headquarters at 12 Grimmauld Place and temporarily move to the Burrow.
No one had any objections, including Arthur and Molly. In fact, they were the most enthusiastic. Before Moody had even finished speaking, they couldn't wait to go back and move their things.
Fearing a shortage of manpower, they also took Fred and George with them.
"I'm sorry, Sirius," Moody said, "you might not be able to go home for a while."
"You don't need to apologize at all," Sirius said nonchalantly. "You know, if it weren't still somewhat useful there, I wouldn't want to go back at all."
"That's good." Moody didn't say anything more, turned around and left Hogwarts Castle.
Time was of the essence; they had to stop the Death Eaters before they could cause even greater destruction. Many might die, but no one backed down.
Soon, all the members of the Order of the Phoenix left.
Sheren and Hermione were left at school.
Since the matter wasn't over yet, and the Ministry of Magic would be arriving soon, Siron needed to repeat what he had said before.
Just then, the auditorium doors opened, and Hagrid walked in from outside.
The small patch of his face without hair or beard was soaked with tears. He was trembling as he cried, and he came in with his head down, not daring to look at Dumbledore again.
"Slughorn is on his way here—he said he's already notified the Ministry of Magic."
"Thank you, Hagrid." Professor McGonagall immediately stood up. "I may have to meet with the people from the Ministry of Magic when they arrive. Siron, you should come with me."
Silen nodded and followed Professor McGonagall out of the Great Hall to the Principal's office on the eighth floor. Professors Flitwick and Sprout were also with them.
Professor McGonagall had originally intended to invite Snape along, as some matters required the joint decision of the four heads of the house, but they searched the entire castle with the portrait and still couldn't find Snape.
When they arrived at the headmaster's office, Siron discovered that the matter they were going to discuss was whether to close Hogwarts next year.
Hogwarts was once known as the safest place because Dumbledore was there, and no one could get past him to harm the students in the school.
But now that Dumbledore is gone, can the remaining professor still keep Voldemort and his Death Eaters in check?
No one could answer the question, but no one was willing to close the school. Even Professor McGonagall, who raised the topic, paused for a long time before finally gritting her teeth and speaking.
It was only after Professor Flitwick suggested consulting with the board of directors that this heavy topic was temporarily put to rest.
Siren almost forgot that Hogwarts also has a board of directors, with twelve directors.
Since Hogwarts does not charge tuition, the professors' salaries and the school's daily maintenance must be paid for by them.
As for what they might get in return, Xilun didn't know—maybe they'd get priority hiring of graduates, or maybe they'd be able to freely choose schools if they had children in the family—maybe.
But given the current situation, can these school board members truly remain loyal to Hogwarts?
Professor McGonagall and the others must have thought of this as well, but no one mentioned it.
Just then, a shrill voice came from high up on the wall, and a yellow-faced wizard with black hair and short bangs returned to his blank picture frame.
"Minerva, the minister will be here in a few seconds. He just connected to Hogwarts' Floo Network and is in the headmaster's office."
"Thank you, Evra," Professor McGonagall said, then quickly stood up.
Flitwick and Sprout also stood up at the same time.
At the same time, Celen heard faint sounds coming from the fireplace in the principal's office.
A few seconds later, a person fell out of it with a thud.
When Siron met Cornelius Fudge again, he found that Fudge seemed to have aged ten years.
But only about a year has passed since he was ousted from office.
"Is it true?" Fudge didn't care that his robe was still covered in soot. As soon as he landed, he looked at Professor McGonagall eagerly.
"They...they say Albus was killed by a mysterious man. That must be a joke, right?"
Hope shone in Fudge's eyes.
However, Professor McGonagall shook her head cruelly.
"I'm sorry, Minister Fouché, but I'm afraid it's true."
In an instant, the last trace of color drained from Fudge's face, and he stood there blankly and helplessly, as if under a spell.
He wanted Dumbledore alive more than anyone else. Voldemort had been eyeing the Ministry of Magic for a long time, and only if Dumbledore lived could he possibly live.
Now that Dumbledore is dead, if Voldemort attacks the Ministry of Magic again—
Fudge is now filled with regret. If he had known this would happen, he should have been more insistent and forceful a few days ago—Dumbledore surely couldn't have really killed him, could he?
It's just a few foolish things I've done in the past. So what if others find out? It's better than losing my life.
But it's no use saying all this now.
He had already promised Dumbledore that if he dared to back down and become the first minister to run away, he would never have a peaceful life again.
It goes without saying that Voldemort lost. Even if Voldemort had won, those resistance fighters who managed to escape would have hunted him down to the ends of the earth.
"Things are not at their worst yet, Minister Fudge," Professor McGonagall said calmly. "Dumbledore has already done a lot, and don't forget, we still have Harry Potter."
Harry Potter — Yes, and they also have a savior!
The name seemed to possess some kind of magical power, giving Fudge a glimmer of hope once again.
Even though Dumbledore was incredibly powerful, he never killed Voldemort, but Harry Potter is different; he has a proven track record.
"Where is Potter?" Fudge's little eyes searched all over the headmaster's office.
"He's not here," Professor McGonagall said calmly. "Dumbledore has given him a more important task. We have something else to discuss now."
Fudge believed it; he had no other choice but to believe.
"Before that, Minerva, I wanted to know what had happened," Fudge said.
Xilun knew it was his turn to speak, so he took the initiative to repeat what he had said before.
After learning the truth, Fudge sat in a chair for a full ten minutes before he finally calmed down.
He regretted it again. If he had known that Dumbledore was cursed and becoming weaker and weaker, he wouldn't have even opened the door for him.
But Xilun didn't care what he was thinking. After completing his task, he made an excuse and left.
Professor McGonagall didn't stop them, after all, they had a lot to talk about later, and it wasn't appropriate for a student like Celan who hadn't graduated yet to participate.