WIZARDING GAZETTE -- 5 MARCH 2024. Rita Skeeter here, once again, to continue my wonderful interview with Cornelius Fudge; former Minister of Magic. Cornelius goes into detail about the past, Harry Potter, and more about our Ministry's current failings. I hope you enjoy and once again, thanks to the Wizarding Gazette for letting me publish this!
RS: Good morning again Cornelius. Are you ready for the second half of the interview?
CF: Good morning, Rita dear. Yes, I am. Thank you again for doing this.
RS: It is no problem, my old friend! Now where shall we start off... You've heard about the recent promotion of Percy Weasley, correct? Wasn't he working at the Ministry while you were there? Did you know him?
CF: I have heard about it, of course. And yes, he was my Junior Assistant for a time. Very bright and determined young man. Always willing to put his heart into his job. I am not surprised he's moved up so far in the Ministry.
RS: But what it a good decision to promote him?
CF: Well, that I'm unsure of. I said he was bright and willing to do his hardest, which isn't always good. I pity his family, mostly.
RS: What about the rest of his family? The Weasley's have certainly been making themselves well known at the Ministry.
CF: This is very true... You know, I have my doubts. It's never good when there is too much of one group somewhere. I would put them and the Potter's in the category of the "do-gooders"; meaning they always have to look good. They always want to do something good, something righteous. They seem quite heroic in the eyes of the people. I think that's what they want, since they were a family of nobodies prior to the war.
RS: Yes, I agree. What about Harry Potter?
CF: What about him?
RS: He's an Auror now, has children, and he's been seen collaborating with Kingsley a lot lately. They've even been referred to as the "Dream Team". What do you think this means?
CF: Yes, yes... Well, Harry Potter has always been a special case. The Boy Who Lived and all of that. We all know how much special treatment Dumbledore gave him. I think he's always wanted a position of power, really. His spot in the Ministry means a lot to him I am sure. He is probably the one feeding Kingsley these ideas. As for their new name... Well... I don't think so. Unless they mean unrealistic dream. Ha!
RS: Oh, you're so funny Cornelius! But, yes, he's always been quite the attention fiend. I've interviewed him several times and he always seems so... hurt... like he wants to get back at the world for what they've done to him. He would be terrible if given power. Probably another You-Know-Who.
CF: Most likely, most likely.
RS: Do you think he could be after Kingsley's position? He is getting older after all.
CF: I don't think age has anything to do with it, Rita, but I wouldn't put it past him. Harry Potter would probably do anything for power. A lot of people expect him to become Minister of Magic after Kingsley. But, I know someone who may be running next time for Minister...
RS: Oh?
CF: Yes. I've never been happier for elections, honestly. My good friend, Hierarchy Fancourt is thinking about running. I wasn't supposed to say anything, but I don't think getting his name out there will hurt anyone.
RS: I've never heard of him, but isn't Fancourt the name of the old witch that invented the Lunascope?
CF: The very same! Hierarchy is very brilliant. He's young and smarter than anyone I know! I think he'd do brilliantly in the office. He's very wealthy and he'll have one hell of a campain, if I say so myself.
RS: And how do you think the Knights would feel about Hierarchy Fancourt? Not that either of us could accurately gage their feelings, but just a rough idea? Would he be more liked than Kingsley?
CF: Well, he's Pureblooded, that's for sure. But other than that -- I don't really know. I imagine not, since they are against everyone but You-Know-Who.
RS: Mmm, indeed. Well Cornelius, that's all the time we've got today. Please, lets do this again!