𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐃𝐎𝐌

Chapter 41

Cornelius Fudge adjusted his tie in the mirror and made it perfect and stood to admire his reflection. Going to Hogwarts was never fun. Cornelius put on his over robe and his lime green porkpie hat and apparated to Hogwarts as he and Harry agreed. Cornelius appeared with a pop into the Dining Hall and saw Harry waiting for him alone in the Dining Hall. It was half past ten.

 

“Good morning, Minister,” Harry said holding out his hand to shake. Cornelius took the hand offered and shook.

 

“Good morning, Harry,” Cornelius said. “Perhaps now you will explain to me the urgency of your request to see me.”

 

“Let’s walk a bit. Perhaps we could enjoy the lovely view from the Astronomy Tower. I know you like it there,” Harry suggested with purpose. Harry continued to probe Cornelius’ weak and unblocked mind and eventually found exactly what he sought. The answers. Harry was prepared.

 

“Very well,” Fudge relented as they started to walk down the corridors.

 

“As you know, Albus and I are quite close,” Harry began as they strolled. “He is a very wise man and I treasure all that he teaches me. I learn from him so much daily. I continue to ask him questions on everything. Sometimes I think that Albus finds me a pest.”

 

“My own children at your age were constantly asking the strangest questions,” Fudge answered as they were ascending the stairs to the Astronomy Tower.

 

“I ask very strange questions as well,” Harry grinned. “Albus believes me to be too daring sometimes. But I disagree with him on that. I believe that to take a risk once in a while shows courage. Don’t you?”

 

“Yes, I do,” Fudge agreed. “A risk can show the true character of a person in some instances.” Harry grinned but inside felt very wicked.

 

“I couldn’t agree more,” Harry said as they walked onto the Astronomy flat. Harry and Fudge went to the edge of the building. Fudge looked down a bit in fear. Harry stepped up onto the ledge.

 

“Come down from there,” Cornelius said.

 

“But the view from here is awesome. Have you never stood on the edge?” Harry asked. “You should experience it. Weren’t we just speaking of risks and how they show courage?” Fudge winced and looked down again. “Come on. I’ll help you.” Harry held out his hand. Cornelius took it and slowly and fearfully climbed up onto the ledge and looked down.

 

“This is very high, Harry,” Fudge said. “I think I’ll step back down.” Harry grabbed Cornelius’ arm quickly and held him firmly.

 

“I don’t think so,” Harry said. Immediately Fudge filled with fear.

 

“Let me go this instant,” Cornelius spat.

 

“I will let you go if you admit to me one thing,” Harry said firmly as well. “Admit to me that you killed Marcus.”

 

“I did not kill him,” Cornelius said. “Lucius Malfoy killed him.” Harry tugged Cornelius near the edge and he gasped. “Why are you doing this?” Fudge said quickly in fear.