New Minister for Magic

[scoutmom21113]

No: HPFGUIDX 96477

Jim Ferer wrote:
You are predicting that Lucius will break out of Azkdaban and take 
over the Ministry in some sort of coup de main? That wouldn't be a 
coup, it'd be open combat. 

Bookworm:
That's right. Notice that the last chapter of OoP is called "The 
Second War Begins." I was thinking more of a coup d'etat than coup 
de main but either term works; the first is usually a political 
maneuver, the second term used more with military action. Malfoy 
would have help from the Death Eaters in the Ministry.

coup d'etat: The sudden overthrow of a government by a usually small 
group of persons in or previously in positions of authority.
coup de main: A sudden action undertaken to surprise an enemy. 

Jim Ferer wrote:
I don't think that's likely. Neither Fudge nor Mafoy has any 
credibility in the wizard world. If Malfoy was to seize the 
Ministry, government would just move to Hogwarts.

Bookworm:
Malfoy is a man of power and influence – men like that will always 
have credibility with some people, and his philanthropy is good for 
his image. Fudge's credibility may have dropped some during OoP, but 
he is still the Minister and has the authority of that position. 
Notice that Fudge's statement only confirms reports that Voldemort 
is back and the mass revolt of the dementors. *We* know who the 
reporter means by "a select band of followers (known as Death 
Eaters)" but Joe Wizard doesn't.

We are seeing the WW through Harry's eyes. To the average wizard, 
Fudge is the Minister, Harry is only known through legend, and 
Dumbledore is respected, but is just the Headmaster of the school. I 
think it unlikely that even those who went to Hogwarts would know 
much about him personally. Harry has a unique relationship with him.

Dumbledore works behind the scenes. I doubt he would challenge 
Malfoy directly, but he would lead the Resistance. The official 
government would still be the Ministry – whoever has control. 

If/when Malfoy takes over the Ministry, others might not like it, 
but will the average wizard do much, or be able to do much, about 
it? Fear of Death Eaters, dementors, etc. will keep most wizards 
from doing much of anything but keeping their heads down.

Ravenclaw Bookworm