Chapter Eleven – What Would You Think If I Ran For Deputy Minister
We were sitting and chatting happily in the Gryffindor common room, when the portal opened, and McGonagall entered. I wasn't pleased to be reminded that she could surprise us like this any time she chose. It was a flaunting of authority. Knocking and requesting admission was the standard, and far politer, way to gain entry, even for the Headmaster.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, but we have a most unusual political guest, who wants to speak to all of you. I don't know if you want to speak to him, or where you want to meet with him. He is very insistent and says it is important… Oh, I'm sorry, it's former Minister Fudge. One almost forgets that the man is still alive. Shall I send him here."
"No!" Harry decided instantly. "We'll meet him in the Great Hall. It would seem too much like an invasion to meet with him here. I don't have any fond memories of that Wizard."
"If it is any consolation, his mental balance seems far better than when last I met him. I'll tell him to expect you in the Great Hall."
"Why would Fudge want to talk to us?" Ron asked in a belligerent tone. "He can't possibly think that we like him or would help him in any way. We know he hates us. I'm smart enough to return the favour."
"There's only one way to find out," Hermione told him. "We're expecting some sort of trick, so there's no harm in hearing what he says."
"Thank you for meeting me," Fudge called out to us as the seven of us entered the Great Hall. Well, really eight of us as Barb Rich was eying Fudge warily. "I'm not a threat. As you can see, I've placed my wand on the table. I just want to talk."
"About what?" Harry's tone was curt.
"I could say that I wanted to apologise for misjudging you, but you know that I didn't come all this way for that. I'm only feeling partly apologetic, in any case. You were right about Voldemort, but you were too close to Dumbledore to be trusted. I think you've learned that I had good reason to suspect that Dumbledore was up to a lot more than he let on. I realise now that he didn't intend to overthrow me, but one must be wary of those who keep as many secrets as he did. I'm not here to talk about Dumbledore. I am concerned about the future of the Wizarding World. I'm here in friendship – to warn you."
"To warn us of what, exactly?" Harry pushed him.
"There are those who want you dead. The former Minister Thicknesse, for one. He is biding his time, but he could already have killed you, had he wished. Bruce Montaigne, for another. He has no qualms about murdering his way into the Minister's chair. Arthur wants you as his Deputy. That makes you a target. I wouldn't have even thought you wanted the job. Deputies must take orders. You were never good at that. You and Arthur Weasley are not a good match. You are a young man of action and Arthur is not. He thinks that you will add strength to his slate and his administration, but I fear you will make him appear weak. People will say he uses his daughter to control you."
"That's not true!" Harry shouted back.
"What's not true? That Ginny will control you for Arthur, or that people will say she does. I assure you that people will say exactly that. That's just how most people are – happy to believe the worst of their leaders. We both have reason to recognise the truth in that. Besides, the Prophet and Bruce will make certain of that. I know how much you dislike the appearance of being manipulated."
"So, how are you going to save me from all of this trouble?"
"By taking your place, of course. I can be Arthur's running mate. Many who don't trust Arthur still trust me. I've laid low, I've bided my time and gotten my thoughts in order. I've broken from those like Lucius Malfoy, whom I placed too much trust in. I'm my own man and I'm far enough along in my life that if an assassin kills me, it's not that great a loss. I'm willing to serve. There was never any hint that I liked Bruce or the Grindelwald's."
"Are you serious?" Hermione was stunned by the man's…, well effrontery is as good a word as any. "Why would Arthur want you? And Harry hasn't even been asked to run for Deputy Minister. How could you know that if Harry doesn't"?
"You always did have too many questions for such a young Witch. Well, since I come in friendship, I will answer them. Arthur should accept me as his Deputy, because we didn't work badly together when I was Minister, because I carry a wealth of Ministry knowledge in this old head, and because, the Prophet would support me. They want a way to keep Bruce at bay, without angering his father. Old Montaigne has nothing against me. It's not like I'll be running for Minister. Deputy Minister is such a weak position – it would really be a public service to fill it. Think about it. With me as Deputy, everybody is safer. I know that Arthur plans to ask Harry to run as Deputy, because I still have many trusted ears in the Ministry and Arthur was overheard discussing the matter. I was sure he had already spoken to Harry. That he hasn't just emphasises my point about the very different speeds with which Arthur and Harry act. Really, everyone, including Arthur, would be so much safer with me as his deputy."
"Is that a threat?" Ron had pulled his wand.
"No, I'm merely trying to help. I have no desire to be Minister again. I promise that my election would not be prelude to Arthur's assassination. Besides, I have something Arthur needs. Or at least I think I can help him find something which he badly needs. He can't fully be Minister without it. You see, I was very familiar with Scrimgeour's habits. Familiar enough to guess his actions. I have very few cards left to play and this one is my best. I shouldn't have said even this much, but I want you to know that I am serious, I can help Arthur more than Harry can, and I am as much of a friend as Arthur and you can hope to find among our politicians. There are many far, far worse than me. Our interests really do align. If you knew how much I risk simply being here... well, you'd have to trust me. Please think on my offer. If Harry turns Arthur down, as he should, I stand ready to serve. You must admit that I do have a lot of experience. I'll be honest this time. Really, I have all the wealth I could ever need. Children of your exceptional abilities deserve to live to at least the ripe old age of 30. I'm offering you a way to do that. Arthur and I could be the peace and unity ticket. Bring our people together and put all the violence and hatred behind us. McGonagall must see the wisdom in my offer. She did ask you to speak to me. I'll let myself out."
"That Wizard is as daft as he was when he left office," my brother declared. "I wonder who he's working for. Not Bruce, perhaps Thickness."
"I think he is working for himself," Hermione declared with total certainty. "He underestimates Arthur and assumes that as Deputy Minister, he would be Minister in all but formal title."