"But the law is the law, dear lady." Fudge still maintained an unyielding demeanor.
Harry suddenly stood up and walked to Fudge's side.
Professor Dumbledore gave a barely noticeable frown, shaking his head, signaling Harry not to do anything foolish.
However, Harry gave him a reassuring look, walked over to Fudge, and said, "Hello, Minister."
"Oh, it's Harry." Fudge rubbed his eyes, "It's really been tough recently. Listen, child, with the Ministry of Magic here, we absolutely won't let you come to any harm from Sirius Black..."
"Could I have a word with you, Minister?" Harry asked softly.
"Of course, my child." Fudge said with a cheerful smile, standing up.
The two walked together to a corner, and Harry spoke first.
"Minister, I remember that the person who handled the Sirius case was Old Batty Crouch, right?" Harry asked quietly.
"Yes, my child, Sirius Black's case was indeed handled by Old Batty." Fudge tried to appear kind, but couldn't help but frown at the mention of Old Batty.
Seeing Fudge's expression, Harry felt more confident.
The knowledge he learned back at Malfoy Manor—a century ago—flooded into his mind.
"If I recall correctly," Harry said with a smile, "didn't Mr. Crouch once compete with you for the position of Minister of Magic?"
Mentioning this made Fudge's expression slightly unpleasant, but he managed to maintain his composure, still speaking pleasantly, "That was merely political competition. I still respect Mr. Crouch as a person—you know, he even personally sent his own son, Little Bartie Crouch, to Azkaban!"
Yes, I certainly know.
Harry thought to himself, and it was precisely because of this that he couldn't compete with you for the position of Minister of Magic. Otherwise, do you think you'd be Minister? Dream on...
In fact, to this day, Old Batty remains his political opponent.
"Such an impartial person..." Harry said with admiration, "If it were me, I couldn't help but be charmed by his character."
Upon hearing Harry's words, Fudge's face grew even more unsightly.
However, Harry's next words made Fudge's heart skip a beat.
"But that's destined to be impossible, Minister." Harry shifted his tone, "You know, he single-handedly orchestrated the false accusation of my only relative in the world—my godfather, making him stay in Azkaban for twelve years... No matter how charismatic he is, no matter how impartial, I won't support him..."
These were the political tricks taught to him by Mr. Septimus—you just learn them.
Such matters only required tacit understanding, but if spoken directly—Fudge would never accept it.
But when approached in this roundabout way...
Fudge's breathing quickened, as if he grasped something.
Yes, what do past false accusations by the Ministry of Magic have to do with me?
Besides, this case was handled by Old Batty Crouch. I, Cornelius Fudge, couldn't even speak for myself back then—if someone needs to take the blame, it's you...
As everyone knows, taking the blame yourself is absolutely unacceptable, but letting your political opponent take it...
Even a political fool would understand what this means.
Once burdened with this blame, it means he loses the chance to touch the position of Minister of Magic or threaten his own position for life...
Seeing Fudge gradually waver, Harry continued to apply pressure.
"Of course, I know the Minister has always taken the happiness of ordinary wizards as his duty, never caring about any empty reputation." Harry's flowery words flowed smoothly, as sweet as honey, "But if the Minister could help rectify the decade-old miscarriage of justice, I think it would let wizards across the United Kingdom, and indeed the world, know of the Minister's noble character—that he would risk damaging the Ministry of Magic's reputation to uphold truth and right the wrongs of wizards wronged for years—what a great and noble character this is!"
"On that day, everyone will remember that in the Ministry of Magic's office, there is still a warm heart beating." Harry continued to apply pressure.
"Hmm... While it doesn't align with principles, I think there might be a case for making an exception."
Fudge was actually very tempted, but he had to maintain the dignity of a minister.
But he still had concerns about whether this would impact his personal reputation.
Harry had already seen through Fudge's concerns, so he continued, "Perhaps after all this is over, you should make a speech to the students in the hall, with the theme of how to maintain a people-first conscience—I think inviting an influential newspaper like the Prophet Daily would be a good choice, don't you think?"
"Indeed, Harry." Fudge already envisioned how important—and glorious—that moment would be for him.
Just imagine, the hall surrounded by flowers and applause, praised by the Prophet Daily—the most important thing being the gratitude of the savior star.
Harry finally delivered the final blow, the trump card that made Fudge decide.
"I happen to have a unicorn friend," he said.
No one can refuse a unicorn—they only approach those with the purest souls.
To witness a unicorn's arrival under the flashlights...
Even Grindelwald couldn't resist such temptation, let alone Fudge.
"Well," Fudge immediately turned around and loudly declared to everyone in the Headmaster's Office, "As Minister of Magic, while sometimes it's necessary to consider the Ministry's reputation, I still believe that sometimes one shouldn't be overly concerned with these gains and losses—more important than these, is ensuring the wrongful grievances of wronged individuals are redressed, isn't it?"
His response was the resounding chorus from the headmaster's office.
"Yes, Minister!"
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