After Cornelius Fudge finished speaking, he exchanged a glance with Lucius, and the two burst into hearty laughter.
Fudge gestured for Lucius to sit. Once they were both seated, Lucius leaned in and asked:
"What happened just now that upset you so much? Is there anything I can do to help?"
Hearing Lucius's inquiry, Fudge let out a long sigh before recounting the incident in detail. Once he finished, his expression turned indignant as he growled:
"That bastard Barty Crouch! He seems to have forgotten that I'm the Minister for Magic, while he's merely the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement!"
Lucius was secretly delighted, but outwardly put on a look of righteous fury. With a tone of indignation, he exclaimed:
"Absolutely outrageous! Barty Crouch clearly doesn't respect your authority at all! And that Scrimgeour fellow—head of the Auror Office and yet so spineless—it's disgraceful!"
Seeing Lucius's reaction, Fudge nodded in agreement.
Just then, Lucius suddenly offered, "Well then, Minister Fudge, why not consider… moving Barty Crouch to another position?"
At this, Fudge's eyes lit up for a moment before dimming again. He sighed helplessly and said:
"Lucius, do you think I haven't thought of that? But Crouch's reputation in the Ministry is just too formidable. If I forcefully reassign him, it could cause unrest within the Department."
"And besides, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement is the largest in the Ministry. Apart from Crouch, there are few who can command it. Not to mention those unruly Aurors—without someone strong enough, they won't be easily convinced."
Lucius nodded knowingly, then pretended to suddenly recall something.
"Minister, I may know someone who could take Crouch's place."
Fudge frowned, puzzled, as Lucius pointed to a photo in The Daily Prophet Fudge was holding.
"What do you think of him?"
Fudge looked at the paper. On the front page was a photo of Thomas Vole, alongside an image of Gilderoy Lockhart.
Lucius tapped Vole's photo and said slowly:
"Minister, think about it—Thomas Vole is enjoying a wave of public admiration. He's a hero who repelled the Alliance. That's no small feat for any wizard. And as the former Head of the Auror Office, he has the support of the Aurors."
Fudge nodded thoughtfully, a faint smile appearing on his lips—clearly pleased with the idea. But then he gave a bitter chuckle and replied:
"It's no use. I know Barty Crouch. He's obsessed with power. He sent his own son to Azkaban to protect his career—he won't give up his position so easily."
Lucius patted his chest confidently and declared:
"Don't worry, Minister. If you trust me, leave it to me. I'll make sure Barty Crouch resigns personally."
Fudge was overjoyed and grabbed Lucius's hand in gratitude—but then paused, a suspicious look crossing his face.
"Lucius, we've been friends a long time. Why did you really come to see me today? Out with it."
Lucius didn't hide it. He pointed again to the paper in Fudge's hand.
Fudge glanced down, confused for a moment, until his eyes landed on Lockhart's picture. He raised an eyebrow and asked:
"You came here about him?"
Lucius nodded without hesitation, then sighed.
"Lockhart came to me, asked me to lobby for him. I was going to refuse, but then he used his position as Hogwarts' Defence Against the Dark Arts professor to pressure me! What choice did I have? Draco's still at Hogwarts—I had to agree!"
Fudge smirked, his tone teasing:
"That's not all, is it, Lucius? I suspect you've got a hand in this bank that's about to be established, haven't you?"
Lucius didn't deny it. He simply nodded coolly.
Seeing this, Fudge sighed deeply.
"This bank… it's quite the enterprise. It's a shame I'm an honest public servant, scraping by on a modest Ministry salary—barely enough for my daily expenses. Otherwise, I'd consider depositing my own gold with Lockhart just for the interest!"
Lucius chuckled along politely, though inwardly he cursed Fudge's greed.
Eventually, he said:
"Minister, while you may be an upstanding man without spare coin, the Ministry itself certainly isn't short on funds!"
Fudge's eyes lit up, and he mused aloud:
"You mean to say…?"
Lucius nodded firmly.
"As the Minister for Magic, placing Ministry assets in a wizard-run bank is perfectly reasonable, isn't it? And naturally, the interest that comes with it would be… essential."
Fudge nodded at last, fully satisfied, and replied with a smile:
"Lucius, if you can ensure Barty Crouch stops getting in my way, then I guarantee… you'll see exactly what you want to see on the front page of The Daily Prophet."
Lucius stood, just as pleased, and shook Fudge's hand.
"As you say, so shall it be! A win-win for us both!"
...
Evening in London remained shrouded in thick fog. Following the recent Alliance attack on Gringotts, the Ministry had—despite slim hopes—shut down the entire Floo Network in London, making a show of earnest pursuit.
Thus, even Barty Crouch, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, had to lead by example, Apparating to the front door of his own home.
But just as Crouch reached for the door, he abruptly turned, wand drawn:
"Expelli—"
"Hey! Barty Crouch—it's me! Lucius Malfoy!" came a loud voice as Lucius stepped hastily out from the shadows.
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