WIZARDING GAZETTE INTERVIEW WITH CORNELIUS FUDGE - 2 MARCH 2024! Rita Skeeter here, making a comeback in news. I'm sure you all have been hearing the potentially problematic things going on in our Ministry today and are wondering some of the same things I am. That's why I've conducted an interview with former Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. Cornelius Fudge was a very popular Minister who had some of the better ideals out of the Minister's I've been around for. Fudge was an excellent person to interview and has been courteous enough to give me such wonderful insight onto what he truly believes is going on at the Ministry of Magic and what changes he would have made instead. He has also been kind enough to relive some of his most terrible times for you, my dear readers. I want to thank all of the staff over at The Wizarding Gazette who were kind enough to post this interview for all to see. The Daily Prophet is, sadly, being filtered by Kingsley Shacklebolt and his minions over at the Ministry. This is only the first part of my interview with Cornelius Fudge and I hope all of you lovely followers of mine stay tuned for the next part which will be coming in just a few days!
RS: Good morning Cornelius. It's wonderful to see you again, my old friend. Can you believe it's been so long since we last saw each other?
CF: Good morning to you as well, my dear. I cannot believe it has been so long. Though, pardon me for saying so, but it may have been for the best. I've not needed the extra spotlight while trying to raise my son and care for my family.
RS: Oh, don't you worry about that, Cornelius! I find it admirable that you were able to stay out of the headlines for your family's sake. That's much more than I can say about other families out there, if you catch my drift. By the way, your wife is absolutely lovely! Quite beautiful. I am pleased to see you two have such a brilliant friendship.
CF: Why thank you, Rita dear. Yes, my wife has been ever so supportive and we have a brilliant son. We could not be happier.
RS: So, lets start this interview, shall we? Cornelius, how do you think the Ministry has changed since your time there?
CF: Quite drastically, if I do say so myself. Some of the changes I have been rather pleased with, but there are some things that I do find rather questionable.
RS: Don't we all? Now, how do you feel about Kingsley Shacklebolt? Were you two ever close at all?
CF: I would not say close, but were civil to one another. To be quite frank, Rita, I used to be quite certain that Shacklebolt was after my job. It was quite obvious after all. He was and is a very hard worker, I will give him that. When he and I worked together, he always worked himself as hard as he could. I think he's brilliant and a fine gentlemen, but I think he has a power-hungry side to him. I think he wanted me out of office for quite some time and was disappointed when Rufus Scrimgeour took my position instead of him.
RS: Did you ever suspect at any time that Kingsley could potentially take your position by force?
CF: I suspect that he could have, most certainly. But, I don't think he would have. He didn't have enough influence at the time, he needed to wait until his name was out there. He wanted to wait until he's had more of an influence on the wizarding world.
RS:That makes sense of course. So, what are you thoughts on Kingsley Shacklebolt right now? Do you approve of what he's doing?
CF: I think he is a very powerful man, Rita. He has more power than people know. I think he's waiting for the right time to use that power. I don't think it'll be good, either. So, no, I do not approve. I can't say I know exactly what he's doing behind those closed doors, but I have my suspicions! Oh yes, I suspect that he's got a lot of things in mind for us and I don't like it one bit.
RS: What is it you think he's planning?
CF: I'm not sure I should say, Rita! I don't think the world needs anymore panic right now.
RS: Consider it a warning, my dear! Everyone should be prepared for the worst and if you have suspicions, I think they are very valid. Please, enlighten us. As a former Minister, you may know things that we don't about where Kingsley is heading.
CF: Yes, that is true. I think he's planning... well, I think he's working on a compromise with the Knights of Walpurgis. I don't see him fighting against them as I fought against the Death Eaters, so that can only mean one thing -- a compromise. Now, Rita, I will admit this... and it isn't my proudest memory, but I once considered something like that myself. It's an easy way out. You give in to their wants and things and everything suddenly becomes easier. But, I did not give in! I did not! I had the strength to keep fighting and while I think Kingsley has that strength, I do not think he will use it. No, if he compromises with the Knights... everything will be easier for him! The Knights will be off his back, the people will be off his back, and the Muggles will be gone within the week.
RS: Wow, Cornelius! That's absolutely horrible! You cannot REALLY mean that?
CF: I'm sad to say I do. It is the most logical path for him to go, judging by the things he's doing.
RS: What would you do instead? Surely, you must have thought about it?
CF: Of course I have! There's not a decision that has gone by where I don't think about what I would have done instead! I would put more forces on catching these Knights. I would be trying to find where their base is and seize them! I would be arresting anyone suspicious and questioning them until I get an answer. I definitely would not be leaving them alone to kill themselves before I got to them! RS: And that would be a very effective plan, Cornelius! If only you were still Minister!
CF: I think I am a bit too old for it now, my dear. I have a family and, well, my life is... it's very good.
RS: Do you have any regrets from before? You know, when you were Minister?
CF: Of course I do. The thing I regret the most... well, the thing I regret the most is listening to Albus Dumbledore.
RS: Oh my. He was another power-hungry man, wasn't he? Did he influence a lot of your decisions.
CF: Oh yes. I felt like I was on a noose when I talked with Albus. If I didn't do exactly what he wanted, then he would put an end to me! He was so opinionated and strong. I think he was even more terrifying than Kingsley, to be honest!
RS: That we know, Cornelius. That we know. I believe we'll be continuing this interview soon enough, won't we?
CF: Yes, indeed. I believe we need to have lunch together more often, Rita. I have always thought you were a brilliant writer. You always did paint me in a good light.