Cornelius Fudge

[Lizzy Bennet]

I think I can safely say we learned more about how much of a coward and power-hungry Fudge really is in the newest book.

It's amazing that most of the book didn't have to do with fighting Voldemort, as it did with fighting Fudge's gigantic ego and all the trouble he stirred up and helped along at the Ministry of Magic. He found an excellent minion and mole in Umbridge...I'm sorry, I found the ways Fudge acting appalling and self-serving...some much time and energy was wasted as well as innocent people hurt and abused because Fudge couldn't bear to let Dumbledore look good...sadder still that Dumbledore cared nothing about his reputation or his rightness!

Someone--I want to say it was Blaise, but I'm not sure--said in another thread, and I certainly agree, that it was very bizarre indeed how quickly Fudge came around, simply seeing the Dark Lord. Granted, he saw proof of what Dumbledore and Harry had been saying all along, but given his big ego and obsession with how people viewed him (not to mention, vast insecurities), I'm really surprised he didn't try to take that and put some spin on it making him look a lot better than he did. No "I meant to do that" or any kind of spin...anything that would have made him and the Ministry look any less foolish than they did. Their credibility is about gone, and I can imagine, few are too happy with them.

It seems unrealistic that Fudge will just go away (or Umbridge, for that matter) . . . will Fudge have to face any kind of demotion? What about Umbridge? I don't mean that these people will be sent to Azkaban--though, as another poster wisely pointed out, how protected is that place anyhow with no dementors--but after all that happened, in great part, indirectly due to their 'help', will Fudge face any kind of punishment? What do you think he deserves? Something tells me, like Umbridge, he still has scores to settle (he looked like the fool he was the entire book), as well as something telling me Percy, even if his boss admits he was wrong, will have great difficulty 'sucking it up' and going back to his family. What are your thoughts on Fudge and the Ministry and all that?

[Neo]

Surely Fudge will have a hard time. Specially dealing with Azkaban situation, but surely DD will think of something.

Also, as he has control of the media he won't be that criticised be general wizards, but only by those that are close to the Order (and obvioulsy from the ones of the Order too)

Now that the Order and the Ministry will work together the Second War will begin, Voldemort is no longer able to hide his return, so things will be more open now. Also it seems that the mistake of Fudge only meant the death of Sirius and the escape from the DE of Azkaban.

[APWBD]

Speaking of the Azkaban people. What has happened to the Dementors? When those ten Death Eaters escaped from prison, then I assumed that the Dementors helped them out. If so, how is it that not all of the prisoners escaped? Are the Dementors still in charge? Hopefully, Fudge will be able to handle any massive breakout from prison. but if the dementors are gone, like implied in chapter 38, then were will the bad people go when arrested?

[american_cutie]

hmm I think Fudge knew way too many people saw him for him to be able to discredit the fact that he was here. and remember when he admitted he saw him too he didn't see Dumbledore then. I think Umbridge has gone slightly insane from the incident. Maybe the insanity and the power hunger will cause her to go out for revenge. I don't know. Fudge has me suspicius and so does Umbridge. (She knew Harry really did use his magic for self defense what else does she know?) but it seems unlikely they could be death eaters. There are other foul wizards out there besides death eaters like Sirius said. but Fudge has a lot to deal with. I doubt he has that much control over the media now that he doesn't look very good. Not to mention he doesn't have control over the other countries. What do they think of him? He's probably going to come up with all these excuses making it seem right or maybe he'll say he was sick and delusional I don't know. But I do think a lot of people will be questioning if he's right for the job.

[Marcus Baker]

I think in a short time, Fudge will loose his spot in the Ministry, cuz he just didnt believe Voldie returns. I think thats what should happen, I mean, the wizzard community would be upset then Fudge was hiding it for a whole year, and he was accusing DD when he was right all along.