Fudge wasn't impressive in other areas, but he had an exceptionally keen sense of power.
He immediately realized that if Umbridge represented the Ministry of Magic and appeared in the Flow Mirror, there was a high probability it would impact his status.
Previously, elections for Minister of the Ministry of Magic could only promote their image and platform in newspapers, but the Flow Mirror had moving images and passionate voices, which were much more compelling than the dry words on paper.
Especially because, no matter how close and trusting his relationship with Umbridge might seem, Fudge knew in his heart—Umbridge was a monster of power and desire, ambitious and extremely cold-blooded.
If given the chance, Umbridge would not hesitate to kick Fudge aside and ascend to the Minister's throne herself.
—Umbridge must not appear on camera!
Fudge made the decision almost immediately.
No... it's not just about Umbridge...
It includes Scrimgeour, Crouch, Bones... anyone who might threaten his position was not allowed to be interviewed by Aslan Magic Workshop and speak on camera.
The only people who could be seen by all British wizards were Fudge... or those young interns with no status!
When Vid asked again about Umbridge's preferences and expressed his hope that reporters could capture images of Umbridge interacting with cats, Fudge finally couldn't help but retort.
"No, Umbridge doesn't like live cats!"
He said with a stern face, displeased: "She thinks real cats are dirty and troublesome, so she only likes cat decorations!"
"Hmm..."
Vid hesitated and said, "How do you know she really doesn't like them? Maybe she's just considering her colleagues in the department and avoids lively cats disrupting their work, so she merely carries cat decorations with her?"
"I don't think Umbridge has ever publicly stated that she hates live cats, right?"
Though he didn't say it outright, his attitude faintly revealed suspicion—
As a minister, are you deliberately smearing and suppressing your subordinates? Are you unwilling to let Umbridge shine because you're enamored with your position?
For the first time, Fudge felt the taste of having words difficult to articulate, clearly speaking the truth, yet not being believed at all.
Especially since the one doubting him was Vid, whom he treated warmly; this fact even made the minister feel a bit aggrieved.
He said angrily, "I've worked with Umbridge for over ten years! Don't I know her better than you? Of course, I'm sure she doesn't keep cats! If you've ever heard her after a few drinks planning how to deal with Muggles and Duds, you'd know she's far from kind!"
Not to mention "becoming the next Millicent Bulstrode"!
Millicent Bulstrode was the previous Minister of the Ministry of Magic under Fudge, during whose tenure the Wizard War triggered by Voldemort ended (although this was not Bulstrode's merit), gaining high acclaim.
Fudge hated it when people compared him to Millicent Bulstrode while criticizing him.
"Really..."
Vid said skeptically, his drawn-out tone stifling Minister Fudge's heart.
Kingsley looked at Vid in astonishment.
Had he not watched Vid walk in, he would almost have thought the boy was already in the room earlier.
Fudge might not have realized— but in this moment, Vid's suspicion of him was no different than his previous suspicion of Sirius, was it?
Even the reasons were so similar!
Kingsley looked at Harry, whose green eyes were round with astonishment, and then at Lupin, who was trying not to laugh, confirming it wasn't his illusion.
But with his somewhat single-threaded mind, Fudge didn't realize this; in his stiff official tone, he said:
"Whether the Ministry of Magic should arrange for Deputy Minister Umbridge to engage in publicity still needs to be studied—"
"Hmm... to avoid leaking secrets... causing public controversy or... affecting the Ministry's image in the eyes of the public, such matters need careful deliberation within the department, you can't just interview whomever you like..."
"Though I'm the Minister of the Ministry of Magic, I can only decide my own schedule..."
Fudge said in a rigid tone, emphasizing the words "Deputy Minister," hinting Vid could interview him, the Minister.
But the boy in front of him was too young; he seemed not to understand the undertones of Fudge's words at all, nor was he inclined to curry favor with the Minister. Instead, he merely nodded in disappointment and said:
"Oh... Okay... Then we'll arrange it when Ms. Umbridge is available for an interview later..."
"Very well... very well... I hope that day comes..."
Fudge said through clenched teeth, angrily turning to leave.
—That day will never come!
—Go back and immediately enact legislation! Department heads and above in the Ministry of Magic are not allowed to accept interviews from the Aslan Magic Workshop on their own! Except for the Minister!
The Aurors clattered away again, Kingsley Shacklebolt lingering at the end, looking at Lupin:
"Though I'm fairly certain, I still have to ask—does Sirius Black have any connection to the Witch Pure Party or Gellert Grindelwald?"
Lupin put on a somewhat deliberately confused expression and said, "Why would you think that? They certainly have no connection."
Kingsley nodded, flashing a smile at Vid and Harry:
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Potter, Mr. Gray, may joy and happiness always be with you."
"Uh... thank you?"
Faced with his kind but somewhat daunting smile, Harry replied uncertainly.
Kingsley seemed pleased with his own smile, pulled open the door, and left as well.
Harry had no fondness for anyone wanting to send Sirius to prison. After Kingsley left, he pondered for a moment and asked, "Remus, was he threatening us?"
Lupin chuckled, "I actually think he was very sincere—Vid, if you really want to cooperate with that Ms. Umbridge, it's better to go directly to her; Minister Fudge may actually become an obstacle."
"Yes, despite being her superior, he always speaks ill of her—Ms. Umbridge truly has it tough."
Harry sighed, feeling sympathy for the excellent woman disparaged by her boss.
Vid slowly widened his eyes, turned his head to look at the two, shocked.
"What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?"
Lupin asked, puzzled, reflecting for a moment, he indeed felt Fudge's dislike for that Umbridge.
"Don't make me explain."
Vid flopped onto the sofa, summoned a glass of water, and after gulping it down, he sighed, "I've already said all the words I had for the day."
The door sounded again with a knock, soon followed by a tall, thin figure entering.
"It seems, I'm already late—"
Dumbledore looked at their expressions and smiled, "—But the result seems quite good?"