New Minister for Magic

[Jim Ferer]

No: HPFGUIDX 96520

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."

The wizard world is rightly scared, and Lucius Malfoy is imprisoned,
having been captured by Albus Dumbledore  in the Ministry of Magic
while attacking The Boy Who Lived.  There are some P.R. problems you
just can't handle.  Fudge is toast, with no real authority or
credibility left.  That's why I believe any takeover by Malfoy would
be raw conquest.  I guess I'm just arguing  semantics, but was it a
coup d'etat when the Nazis seized Paris?

Bookworm: "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."

I think you underestimate  Dumbledore's prestige in the wizarding
world.  His name recognition is probably as high as Fudge's (or
higher), known to every student's family and to a large share of the
adults as well.

If I don't think Malfoy will seize the Ministry, assuming he gets out
(he will), then what do I think the DE's will do?  Lash out.  Harry's
friends are in more danger than ever – Ron, Hermione, Neville, Luna,
Ginny, all the Weasleys, actually, and many others are in real danger.
Voldemort and his followers have suffered a huge reverse and have less
options – they've been outed, they all have to stay underground now,
and face an awakened and hostile wizarding world.  He will try to hurt
Harry through his friends, destroy his support, weaken his will to resist.

The DE's must feel a pressing need to attack Hogwarts. They can't
allow Dumbledore and Harry to exist in a secure base, free to plan and
launch attacks on Voldemort and whoever remains or manages to rejoin him.

What does Harry do when he finds out that Bella has got Hermione for a
"girls' night out?"  For real, I mean, not an illusory trap like
Sirius? Protecting Harry's friends is going to be an absolute
strategic necessity.

We both seem be close to agreeing that the DE's will attack in a much
more direct way than they have before.  I think the DE's will go right
after the source of all their troubles. (and I don't mean Voldemort)

Jim Ferer