Could Fudge fire Dumbledore?

[bowlwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 56694

I just wanted to say before I begin my first post that I have enjoyed 
reading all the theories and comments so far.  Can June 21 BE any 
further away?

Now, back to business.  I apologize if this subject has been 
mentioned before, but I did a check on previous messages and couldn't 
find anything that addressed this specifically.

The end of GoF has a beautiful scene between Fudge and Dumbledore 
where they have "reached the parting of the ways", a scene all lit up 
with threats and much questioning of various characters' sanities.  
The stage is all set for a wonderful conflict between Hogwarts and 
the MoM in the next book, possibly one where Dumbledore has to do 
some behind-the-scenes work because he's been removed as headmaster 
(or his power has been severly curtailed).  However, does Fudge 
really have the power to make good on his threats?


In GoF (US hardback, page 709):

"Now, see here, Dumbledore," he said, waving a threatening 
finger.  "I've given you free rein, always.  I've had a lot of 
respect for you.  I might not have agreed with some of your 
decisions, but I've kept quiet.  There aren't many who'd have let you 
hire werewolves, or keep Hagrid, or decide what to teach your 
students without reference to the Ministry.  But if you're going to 
work against me --"

And GoF (US hardback, page 710):

"I don't know what you and your staff are playing at, Dumbledore, but 
I have heard enough.  I have no more to add.  I will be in touch with 
you tomorrow, Dumbledore, to discuss the running of this school.  I 
must return to the Ministry."

>From these two passages, Fudge seems to think that he has the right 
to affect Dumbledore's appointment as headmaster.  However, in CoS 
there is a different scenario when Fudge is in Hagrid's cabin (to 
take him to Azbakan) and Lucius Malfoy comes in to find Dumbledore:

CoS (US hardback, pages 262-263)

"Oh, now, see here, Lucius," said Fudge, looking alarmed, "Dumbledore 
suspended -- no, no -- last thing we want just now --"

"The appointment -- or suspension -- of the headmaster is a matter 
for the governors, Fudge," said Mr. Malfoy smoothly.


I see 4 reasons for Fudge's attitude change between CoS and GoF:

1)  He's in denial and saying the first thing he can think of to try 
and shut Dumbledore up
2)  He's in possession of some evil mojo and knows he'll be able to 
influence the governors 
3)  The rules have changed in the two years between the two scenarios 
and he CAN make the decision instead of the governors
4)  There's a discrepancy in the narrative between the 2 books

I feel that he's got some evil mojo going on and he thinks he'll be 
able to influence the current governors in a decision to curtail 
Dumbledore's authority or remove him altogether.  I think there's 
just too much going on with Fudge to have his actions simply be the 
result of loving his office too much and/or being in denial.  That 
reasoning is an effective smokescreen to attempt to justify some 
actions (taking Hagrid to Azkaban when the Chamber was opened again, 
for example), but the Dementor kissing Crouch, Jr., is a little too 
hardcore to be chalked up to keeping the WW from going hysterical.  I 
think he didn't want Crouch, Jr. to talk to anyone else for fear of 
what he might reveal (no canon, just a gut feeling).

GoF ends a few days after the threats and big showdown, and 
Dumbledore is still in charge.  However, during his speech at the 
Leaving Feast, he clearly states that the MoM didn't want him to tell 
the students the truth about Cedric's death.  The fact that he 
mentions this shows that Fudge did contact him in the few days 
between and had been giving him instructions.   I have a feeling that 
during the next book, we'll see more of this type of thing if 
Dumbledore isn't fired altogether.  I wonder how far Dumbledore will 
go in defying the MoM before Fudge finally snaps?  

Any thoughts?

bowlwoman