"What exactly are you trying to do?"
Though Cornelius Fudge's heart was still pounding, he no longer looked as terrified as before. After all, his fear of Charles Gold was nothing compared to his fear of Voldemort. Gold, for all his power, had always been… merciful.
"Relax, Fudge," Charles said smoothly, his tone deceptively calm. "I just want to discuss something with you."
Fudge didn't need to ask to know this wouldn't be a pleasant conversation. For someone like this "Dark Lord" to lower himself and speak politely—well, that only meant the matter would be troublesome.Troublesome enough that he'd rather not deal with it at all.
He wanted to refuse outright, but he wasn't naïve enough to think Charles Gold would truly bow to him. If he said no, who knew what this young man might do? A flick of the wand—or worse, one of those magical creatures of his—and he could be in serious trouble.
He glanced longingly back at Dumbledore's office, but Charles had already pulled him well away from the door.
"So… what is this about?" Fudge asked, wiping the sweat from his brow. "If it isn't too difficult, I'll certainly do my best to help."
Yes, better to placate this "devil" for now. If things went wrong, there was always Dumbledore to run to.
"Don't worry—it's nothing troublesome," Charles said with an amiable smile that only made Fudge more nervous. "In fact, it's in your best interest."
He leaned in slightly. "I just want you to establish two new departments within the Ministry of Magic—one under the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, and another under the Department of Magical Games and Sports. Both would be dedicated to protecting Pokémon and promoting the Pokémon League tournament."
"…What?"
Charles said it casually, but Fudge's eyes nearly popped out of his head. He looked at Charles as though he'd gone insane.
"That's impossible!"
The Ministry couldn't just create two new departments because someone asked! Even less so because he asked!
"Impossible?" Charles narrowed his eyes. The weight of his gaze silenced Fudge instantly.
"I—I mean… nearly impossible!" Fudge stammered, forcing a smile. "Even as Minister, I can't simply wave my hand and make it happen. The others would never agree."
"Rubbish," Charles replied coolly. "It's only two small departments, not entire new divisions. Besides—don't you think my Pokémon are rather… dangerous? Without proper supervision, I can't guarantee you won't get attacked by one while walking down the street."
Fudge: ???
Was that… a threat?
He, the Minister for Magic, was being threatened to his face—and what's worse, it was working.
"I–I suppose you make a fair point," Fudge said awkwardly. "But others won't be as easy to convince. For example—Scrimgeour. You took down half the Auror Office last time, and as its Head, he still holds a grudge against you."
"And many in other departments believe you humiliated the Ministry. They won't agree so easily."
"You just need to propose it," Charles said flatly. "Leave the rest to me."
If the proposal came directly from the Minister himself, plenty of officials would follow his lead.
"And of course," Charles added, "you don't have to mention my name. Say it's your idea—that you believe Pokémon should fall under Ministry jurisdiction. Who would dare oppose that?"
Of course, Charles had no intention of letting himself truly fall under their control. The new departments were simply a convenient front—an "official" reason to expand Pokémon's presence in the wizarding world.
"And think about the benefits," Charles continued. "Imagine Aurors on a mission, aided by Pokémon partners—tracking criminals, scouting terrain. It could revolutionize the Ministry's efficiency."
Fudge said nothing, though inwardly he was frowning.
Aurors with Pokémon? That would only help Scrimgeour's department—his rival! What good would that do him?
But Charles clearly saw right through his thoughts.
"Of course it benefits you, too," he said smoothly. "Everyone will see you as the visionary who stood firm against opposition and made the right call. Even if Scrimgeour's Aurors perform brilliantly, the credit will still be yours."
The flattery hit home. Fudge's vanity flickered to life—and Charles, knowing precisely which buttons to press, pushed further.
"Besides," Charles added casually, "Snape and I are already researching ways to use Pokémon in potion-making. Once we succeed, imagine the profits. Pokémon are a treasure trove—practically mountains of Galleons waiting to be mined."
"Mountains of Galleons…" Fudge repeated, his eyes gleaming in the dim light.
"And most importantly," Charles said, lowering his voice, "you'll have my friendship."
"…What?"
Fudge blinked at him in confusion.
Friendship? What good was that supposed to do?
Charles chuckled softly. "With my power, it's only a matter of time before I reach the same height as Dumbledore—or even Voldemort. But unlike Dumbledore, I value the use of power. I'm willing to work with it. If you stand by me, you'll have the strongest wizard alive as your ally. Isn't that worth something?"
"Voldemort once said: Magic is power. I completely agree. Money may influence power, but only strength controls it. With my strength behind you, how many terms do you think you could serve as Minister?"
The logic hit Fudge like a revelation—and his expression shifted from doubt to delight.
Yes!If he had this wizard's backing, what could possibly threaten him?Why should he keep deferring to Dumbledore like some timid schoolboy? Dumbledore was old—how much longer could he last? But Charles Gold… Charles Gold would live for decades!
"You'd really support me?" he asked eagerly.
"Why wouldn't I?" Charles arched a brow. "It benefits me too."
If Fudge had merely been tempted before, now he was utterly won over. His earlier fears vanished like mist.
Charles Gold, a dark wizard?Nonsense!Slander!The most ridiculous accusation of the century!
This noble, brilliant man was clearly his dearest friend—his most trusted ally!
"I'll draft the proposal the moment I return!" Fudge exclaimed.
"You truly are a diligent Minister," Charles said with a satisfied smile.
Of course, his ambitions went far beyond just two new departments…
(End of Chapter)