Hogwarts: Who made her a professor?

Chapter 11 Fudge's Repayment

In the spacious and bright office, Connelly Fudge and Belvina Black sat facing each other.

Minister of Magic Fudge frowned deeply. Things had developed beyond his expectations, and he was even considering giving up.

Belvina remained silent as well. She didn't understand why Fudge would recommend her to return to Hogwarts, and she couldn't understand why Dumbledore had miraculously agreed.

That feeling of being shrewd and calculating, yet unable to quite understand it, has returned.

"Belvina, I don't understand why you're so reluctant to return to Hogwarts, but I respect your decision." Fudge sighed, made up his mind, and said, "However, before you formally decline the appointment, let's hear my thoughts first."

Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic, is the most powerful person in wizarding society. On the surface, he is incredibly glamorous, but in reality, he is a complete wretch.

Everyone wants something from him: power, status, wealth, or a law.

It could be said that everyone who gets close to Fudge has some ulterior motive, wanting to use the title of Minister of Magic, just as he once used Dumbledore's political influence.

There was only one exception: Belvina, who sat opposite Fudge.

Belvina never asked for anything in return; after Fudge successfully became minister, she was merely transferred from the Department of Magical Accidents and Disasters to the Public Information Department.

It wasn't the most powerful Legal Enforcement Division, nor the second largest Magical Creature Management and Control Division, but rather the Public Information Office, far removed from true authority. Although she had risen from supervisor to head, her power hadn't increased with the promotion.

Rather than saying that Belvina's current selflessness is for the sake of gaining more in the future, Fudge is more inclined to believe that she is genuinely helping him.

"I'm recommending you to Hogwarts because I have a hidden purpose," Fudge continued, his tone unusually serious. "I need you to keep an eye on Albus Dumbledore at Hogwarts. You're the only person I can trust."

As soon as she finished speaking, Belvina froze.

Sending her to keep an eye on Dumbledore would be no less difficult than sending Lucius Malfoy to kill Harry Potter.

Besides, what's so great about Dumbledore? He genuinely has no interest in the Minister of Magic, otherwise he wouldn't have rejected him again and again.

Even if Dumbledore suddenly became interested in the Minister of Magic position, he wouldn't need to rebel. With Dumbledore's current prestige, if he were to announce tonight that he wanted to be Minister of Magic, a large crowd of supporters would gather in Diagon Alley tomorrow, welcoming him with food and drink.

I don't really know who Cornelius Fudge is.

"You know, I'm only able to stay in this ministerial position thanks to Albus," Fudge continued. "I write to Albus every few days, using his influence to push forward our new policies."

Belvina nodded; of course she knew about it, because it was she who had suggested Fudge do it.

By using Dumbledore's name to intimidate others and sending letters seeking advice, Fudge sent a signal to everyone, leading his colleagues in the Ministry of Magic to misjudge that Fudge's policies were implemented under Dumbledore's guidance and assistance, essentially implying that they were Dumbledore's will.

At the same time, it also helped Fudge develop a humble and polite image, making up for his shortcomings and quickly improving his public image.

Otherwise, how could so many people know that Fudge frequently wrote to Dumbledore? Surely the Ministry of Magic isn't so incompetent as to fail to keep the Minister's communications a secret?

"Sometimes I think, I could use Albus's influence to become a minister and establish myself—" Fudge's eyes suddenly sharpened, "Couldn't others do the same? Couldn't others replicate my model and use Dumbledore's influence to oust me!"

At that moment, Cornelius Fudge seemed like a stranger to Belvina.

During his time in the Department of Magical Accidents and Disasters, Fudge never considered vying for the ministerial position. When the election came, Fudge, who was almost completely unprepared, was only persuaded to run by Belvina; it was a case of being forced into it.

The reason for choosing to support Fudge is simple: Belvina personally dislikes Barty Crouch.

At the same time, the Ministry of Magic and the public do not need such a hardline minister, just like in the prime ministerial election in Muggle society, where Churchill, who won World War II, lost to the low-key Attlee.

Connelly Fudge, with his amiable and peaceful demeanor and his low-key approach as deputy director, perfectly met public expectations.

Although Fudge is a bit easily influenced and has a somewhat weak personality, aren't these all advantages in Belvina's eyes?

But now, Connelly Fudge seems different; now that he holds power, he has developed a greater desire for it.

"I know I shouldn't have these thoughts, Albus isn't that kind of person," Fudge said to himself, seemingly regaining some of his composure. "I'm just worried, worried that someone will take away everything we've worked so hard to achieve!"

Well, Connery Fudge hasn't regained his senses. He's developed a lust for power, and under its influence, he's also developed paranoia. There's always a troublemaker trying to harm me!

"Minister, you're overthinking it," Belvina said dryly, but before she could continue, Fudge interrupted her.

"I know, I know everything," Fudge said, almost deliriously. "That's why I recommended you to Hogwarts, to keep an eye on Dumbledore and those who might try to harm us!"

Cornelius Fudge suddenly stood up and excitedly circled the sofa, sometimes spreading his arms and sometimes raising his fingers high, as if he were not talking to Belvina alone, but giving a speech to thousands of people in a square.

"Now, Belvina, listen to my grand plan," Fudge said, unusually excited. "Hogwarts is lacking professors for Muggle Studies, and this is our chance to enter Hogwarts and get closer to Dumbledore. Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to teach the boy who lived."

Faced with Fudge's passionate outburst, Belvina showed no intention of raising her right hand and shouting "West Sea," instead pouring cold water on his enthusiasm.

"Minister, Muggle Studies is an elective, and Mr. Potter is only a freshman. Even if he were a junior, he might not choose this useless course. Don't forget, Mr. Potter has lived with his Muggle aunt for ten years."

"I know!" Connery Fudge slammed his fist on the sofa. "That's the brilliance of the plan! We'll enter Hogwarts as professors of elective courses, attracting no attention from anyone—neither Dumbledore nor the Board of Governors will care. Next year, if things go smoothly, you'll definitely become a professor of required courses!"

Fudge opened his arms, as if he could already see that day coming.

Connelly Fudge had always wanted to do something for Belvina, to fulfill the needs of this meritorious woman who had made great contributions. But Fudge couldn't figure out what Belvina really wanted.

The noble and ancient Black family is synonymous with wealth and status, and as a daughter of the Black family, Belvina has no shortage of these; transferred to the Public Press Office, far from the real center of power, Belvina doesn't seem to care much for power.

This question had troubled Fudge for a long time, but today, a sudden inspiration struck him. He realized what he could give Belvina—fame and fortune!

"Listen, this is a long-term plan, it might take five to ten years," Fudge said excitedly, his facial muscles twitching. "You stay at Hogwarts, keeping an eye on Dumbledore and being Potter's teacher; I'll stay at the Ministry of Magic and piece it back together from the ground up. We'll work together, one inside and one outside."

At this point, Belvina clearly understood what Fudge wanted to do: he wanted to turn the Ministry of Magic into a "family business."

It would be a lie to say I wasn't tempted. He's the Minister of Magic, after all. The Minister's pension is quite generous, and he'll also receive a very beautiful house.

Cornelius Fudge clenched his fists, bent his arms over his chest, and declared passionately, "Once I've consolidated the Ministry of Magic, and once you return from your Hogwarts gilded degree, age and seniority will no longer be issues. You can rightfully assume the position of Director and wield core power. Finally!"

Fudge suddenly stood opposite Belvina, staring intently into her eyes, which shone brighter than diamonds, and said, "Finally, congratulations, my Minister Black!"

This was Cornelius Fudge's way of repaying a debt of gratitude, using his methods to help Belvina Black rise to the position of minister, becoming the first minister in the Black family.

At that time, Belvina can do whatever she wants, even if she wants to pardon Sirius Black.

Fudge, who had been excited, regained his composure and stood before the fake window, letting the artificial sunlight bathe him. Belvina sat on the sofa, stunned and drenched in a cold sweat. Although she had guessed Fudge's intentions, she was still terrified by his "ambition."

Cornelius Fudge offered an irrefutable reason, rendering Belvina's excuses weak and untenable.

Today, Belvina can certainly refuse, but what about tomorrow? Will Fudge offer another irresistible proposal tomorrow, one even more outrageous than today's?

She deeply regretted her decision. A little over a year ago, Belvina simply wanted one of her own to be Minister, so she could live a more comfortable life in the Ministry of Magic. Now, it seems like a terrible mistake, a decision that Belvina deeply regrets.

After a while, Belvina buried her head in her arms and mumbled, "Merlin, Mother will definitely kill me!"