Has LV already infiltrated the MoM?

[mrsbekkio]

No: HPFGUIDX 30992

I've been lurking for a couple of weeks and I have really enjoyed the 
high level of discussion.  So here goes my first post:

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "ftah3" <ftah3 at y...> wrote:
> I was wondering...is Fudge really as dense as a brick, truly in 
> denial about the possibility of Voldemort being back in power, at 
the 
> end of GoF?  
> 
> Or could he possibly be victim of the Imperius curse?
> 
> The reasons I wonder...
> Mahoney


I would not be surprised to see the MoM infiltrated, but I have not 
seen any evidence that Fudge is the source of it, nor have I seen 
anything that suggests that he is a victim of the Imerpius Curse.  
Rather, Fudge's reaction following Voldemort's return follows normal 
human behavior.  I believe that he is grieving, and seems to exhibit 
the first 2 phases of grief: first denial, then anger.

(From the Parting of the Ways)
First: Denial - 
    "'Lord Voldemort was giving his instructions, Cornelius,' 
Dumbledore said. 'Those people's deaths were mere by-products of a 
plan to restore Voldemort to full strength again.  The plan was 
succeeded.  Voldemort has been restored to his body.'
    "Fudge looked as though someone had just swung a heavy weight 
into his face.  Dazed and blinking, he stared back at Dumbledore as 
if he couldn't believe what he had just heard"

Despite the evidence, Fudge doesn't buy it.  Only when pressed 
repeatedly by Dumbledore does Fudge move onto the next stage: Anger

"'I see no evidence to the contrary!' shouted Fudge, now matching her 
anger, his face purpling.  'It seems to me that you are all 
determined to start a panic that will destablilize everything we have 
worked for these last thirteen years.'"


IMO, Fudge will definately go through the next two stages of grief: 
depression, then acceptance.  But several questions remain:  How long 
will Fudge be stuck in anger?  What effect will Dumbldore's actions 
have on Fudge's grieving process? (will it stall him in anger?) When 
he does move on, will he be stuck in depression for long? In any of 
the first 3 stages, Fudge is pretty much more a waiting doormat that 
he is otherwise.

As for his strength and capability as a Ministry wizard - that 
definately is in question.  One, in SS he constantly is sending owls 
to Dumbledore for advice.  Two, in PoA, the dementors are clearly out 
of control - i.e. slurping happiness from students on the train, the 
villagers, Harry at the Quidditch Match, etc.  Three, allowing a 
dementor to kiss Crouch Jr and showing absolutely no concern over 
this.  


Bekkio