Chapter Eight: In Which Situations Are Enjoyed

"If your determination to shut your eyes willl carry you as far as this, Cornelius," said Dumbledore, "we have reached a parting of the ways. You must act as you see fit. And I — I shall act as I see fit."

Dumbledore's voice carried no hint of a threat; it sounded like a mere statement, but Fudge bristled as though Dumbledore were advancing upon him with a wand.

"Now see here, Dumbledore," he said, waving a threatening finger. "I've given you free rein, always. I've had a lot of —"

He was cut short by Dumbledore pulling his wand out.

He pointed his wand at Fudge. A blank look appeared on the Minister's face.

Dumbledore handed him a letter.

"Submit your resignation to the Ministry," ordered Dumbledore. Fudge nodded.

Dumbledore waved his wand and Fudge disappeared.

He conjured up a chintz chair and sat down.

"I'm going to run for Minister. Harry, can I expect your full support as the Boy-Who-Lived?" he inquired, looking younger than Harry had ever seen him.

Harry gave him a thumbs up, because he wasn't sure he could manage words yet. Dumbledore had certainly surprised him with competency. Previously, he had been content with pulling the strings in the background, but now things were going to be different.

Everyone stared at the Headmaster.

"I did say I would do as I saw fit," said Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling. He spun around the chair, totally enjoying the whole situation.

When had the chair gained wheels anyway?

Dumbledore was elected with a really great margin in the mid-term elections. With Fudge out of the running, there was no one that could come anywhere near Dumbledore's political clout.

There were significant positive changes to the Ministry, of course. The terrible events of the Third Task were twisted and turned (in true political fashion) and blame was put wholly on Fudge's administration. The public was told that Cedric died due to lack of proper organisation in the tournament (which was true, actually) and Bartemius Crouch Jr was Kissed on Fudge's orders (which again, was true).

On a side note, Fudge mysteriously disappeared from Britain and was never found. There were theories, of course, but none came close to the truth. Who would think that a pureblood Minister could ever become a Muggle of all things?

AN: Another taste of competent Dumbledore! Awesome, right?