章 220: Chapter 220: Strategic Wit
Though Fudge could often appear pliable in personality, he had always been relentless in addressing threats to his position. Rumors of Voldemort's return were certainly not something he could ignore. However, it was becoming increasingly evident that Umbridge's current role as an instructor at Hogwarts lacked the impact Fudge might have hoped for in quashing dissent.
That morning, the breeze was brisk as Augustus sat at the Slytherin table for breakfast. Owls delivering letters and packages flitted about, and one had just flown off after skimming the edge of a milk jug. Lillian's crimson eyes flickered with surprise as she unfolded the Daily Prophet. On the front page was a large photograph of Dolores Umbridge, grinning smugly and blinking at the reader. Above her image was the bold headline:
"Ministry Seeks Educational Reform—Dolores Umbridge Appointed First High Inquisitor."
"High Inquisitor?" Augustus's lips curled into an odd smile as he flicked a stray owl feather from his black robes. His gaze shifted toward the newspaper in Lillian's hands.
Below the headline, annotations on the new role came into focus:
"During a late-night session, the Ministry of Magic enacted a new decree granting unprecedented control over Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"For some time now, the Minister has grown increasingly concerned about Hogwarts' current state," Percy Weasley, Assistant to the Minister, was quoted as saying. "This move was prompted by worried parents who feel the school is heading in a direction they strongly disapprove of."
"Ah, how considerate of the Minister," Augustus remarked, sipping his pumpkin juice with a trace of mockery. "Always so diligent and attentive to the concerns of Hogwarts parents. Such a beacon of public service."
Lillian sighed softly. "It's clear, though. Both you and Dumbledore have become his imaginary enemies. Of course, given the influence of the Julius family, he won't dare act too rashly. But rebranding Umbridge as a 'High Inquisitor' certainly makes her meddling more convenient."
Augustus waved a hand dismissively, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Politics always serve power. A wise man once said that regime changes are born of greater power. Fudge's idealistic approach is naive. Even in the Muggle world, revolutions require armies. Without strength, all talk is empty."
"You're absolutely right," Lillian replied, brushing a lock of hair from her face as a light smile touched her pale cheeks. "Well then, let's see what waves this so-called High Inquisitor stirs up."
With a nod, Augustus's smile lingered as Lillian excused herself after breakfast, likely attending to private family matters.
Picking up the newspaper again, Augustus's leisurely demeanor turned serious as he carefully read through the detailed report on the decree.
This latest Ministry action stemmed from the passing of Educational Decree Number Twenty-Three, which had formally established the position of Hogwarts High Inquisitor.
"This is an exciting new initiative in the Minister's efforts to address concerns over Hogwarts' declining educational standards," Percy Weasley continued. "The High Inquisitor will have the authority to evaluate her fellow educators, ensuring they meet expectations. Professor Umbridge has graciously accepted this role alongside her teaching duties."
Authority to evaluate her colleagues? Augustus's gaze lingered on this line.
It seemed that Fudge was no longer content with merely influencing students' thoughts and had set his sights on Hogwarts' faculty as well.
If so, the position of High Inquisitor afforded Umbridge a considerable degree of power and convenience.
As Augustus read on, the implications became clearer.
"I'm finally at ease knowing Dumbledore will receive a fair and objective evaluation," Lucius Malfoy had said the previous night from his Wiltshire estate. "Many of us who care deeply about our children's welfare have been increasingly alarmed by Dumbledore's eccentric decisions over the years. It's reassuring to see the Ministry taking steps to monitor the situation."
The article went on to reference Dumbledore's "controversial decisions," such as hiring Remus Lupin (a werewolf), Rubeus Hagrid (a half-giant), and the imposter Mad-Eye Moody.
Was this article merely a further justification for the necessity of a High Inquisitor? The chessboard was laid, and the moves were deliberate. Starting with students, extending to staff, and manipulating public opinion—all designed to erode Dumbledore's authority and reputation. The final gambit, the ultimate goal, was undoubtedly Hogwarts' true master: Albus Dumbledore himself.
Even if this strategy failed and the opposition countered swiftly, Fudge would lose nothing more than a dispensable pawn. Umbridge was an easily replaceable piece, after all. It was a low-risk, high-reward gamble, one that Fudge was almost guaranteed to profit from.
Underestimating Fudge was a mistake, Augustus thought, a faint chuckle escaping his lips.
For someone who had retained the Minister's post for years, Fudge clearly possessed a degree of cunning that many had overlooked. His usual meekness had thoroughly masked his true political acumen. After all, a politician whose motives could be easily deciphered by just anyone wouldn't survive long in the game.
Still, when it came to politics, even Dumbledore paled in comparison to Augustus, who had navigated the turbulent waters of imperial bureaucracy for decades. By making an early and decisive show of strength—subduing Umbridge in their first encounter—Augustus had established his position and intent with striking clarity. While he appeared to embody the stereotype of an arrogant, privileged prodigy, the true depths of his purpose remained veiled from all but himself.
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