What If... Dumbledore had included Fudge in GoF Ch.35?

[aja_1991]

No: HPFGUIDX 55173

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Devika" <devika at s...> wrote:
> Another thing:  I know that the WW is going to be divided on the 
> issue of whether Voldemort has actually returned.  But really, how 
> long is it going to be before the entire WW realizes that this has 
in 
> fact happened?  Surely Voldemort isn't just going to sit around and 
> do nothing now that he has his body back.  After a few attacks on 
> Muggles and Muggle-borns, won't people start to get a bit 
suspicious 
> that something is going on?  And Voldemort himself, being the 
> megalomaniacal evil overlord type, will want full credit for 
> everything that he and his DEs do.  I don't think it can be long 
> before Voldemort reveals himself in a way that will leave no one, 
> including Fudge, in any doubt that he has indeed returned.
> 
> Devika

De-lurking ....

I'm not so sure.  While Riddle/Voldemort does seem to have a penchant 
for overlooking or not knowing details (phoenix tears, "brother 
wands"), he does seem to be rather patient in letting his plans come 
about.  Or, at least, more so now.  

Perhaps his plan is more a takeover by proxy, rather than in person 
by force.  By this, I mean to allow for his DEs to assume (or 
continue) in their roles in the wizarding governing body or those in 
positions of authority or respect, gradually driving out or 
discrediting those who oppose them.  

- Crouch - no lover of Voldemort - appears now to be discredited as 
well as dead - I'm sure stories of his sparing his son will be spread 
via the rumour mill (or a freed Rita...).  
- We know Lucius seems always ready to jump on Arthur Weasley for any 
error - real or perceived.  
- Rita (whether in league with V or not) has done a lot of damage to 
Harry's character/perception in the wizard world with news of 
Parselmouth abilities and scar-related fainting spells.
- Rita has also hurt Dumbledore's character with stories about Hagid, 
and I'm sure word of the werewolf hiring have been spread by angry 
parents of Hogwarts students.

It's gotten to the point that if the Daily Prophet prints a story in 
which Harry states emphatically that he was present at the rebirth of 
Voldemort, with Dumbledore agreeing, and Fudge says, "That's crazy, 
the boy's delusional" - more would believe Fudge.  And those in the 
Ministry who might openly believe Harry might be passed over for 
promotions, or be fired due to "obvious" mental issues.  

Perhaps it gets to the point where Dumbledore and his group are all 
sent to St. Mungo's for their continued crazed rantings about V being 
alive.  Eventually those powerful enough to stop, or at least 
contain, the ascendancy of DEs in the ministry and V's new rise to 
power are out of the way.  How long might that take?  As long as 
necessary for V - he's going to live forever, you know.  Of course, 
we've only got three more books/years until the story ends, so being 
an optimist, I'd hope the plot is discovered and squashed in that 
time frame... :-)

aja_1991