fudge the 3rd power?

[Christopher Nuttall]

No: HPFGUIDX 88635

Something that struck me as I went though OOP for the 100th time was that Fudge has all that Voldemort wants.  He has:

-Considerable power over the WW
-Is apparently breeding horrible creatures
-Can overrule the greatest wizard in modern times
-Controls the press to a degree that a public that fawned over Harry in book 1 thinks he's lost it in book 5.
-Uses the Sirus Black escape as a chance to streanthen his power over the law enforcement section of the WW
-Is in contact with the muggle PM and very likerly the only such channel.  He has enough influence with the muggle PM to get him to have the Muggle Police looking for Sirus without much evidence.  

I think that Fudge is an 'evil overlord' in his own right.  His actions in OOP make sense in this light, with him strenthening his powers before Voldemort can become strong himself.  If Harry's lying, Fudge is still powerful, if he's telling the truth, Fudge will be ready for him.  

Like many other less-than-savoury govenments, Fudge is reducing the military potental of the WW's population and strenthening his controls of the press.  He's now may have to take public action against Voldemort, but he's still in control.  

Thoughts?

Chris

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