Lockhart wanted to confirm whether Rita Skeeter had sneaked into the secret room before everyone noticed. If so, he will definitely make her pay.

Chapter 133 The game must be played within the rules

After returning from the principal's office, Lockhart was already certain that Rita Skeeter had indeed come secretly.

While entertaining the alumni for dinner in the auditorium, a dark green beetle poked its head at the corner of the table; when the concert was being held in the secret room, the big beetle stayed on the wooden box of the musical instruments of the Skull Band; At other times, it burrowed into the bench of the umpires' table--no wonder Percy was annoyed by that, because Rita Skeeter had even got his refereeing standards.

It seemed that Rita Skeeter knew how much she weighed, so she didn't approach Dumbledore or Professor Flitwick rashly. She knew that if she got too close to those two, she would be discovered by the two who were extremely sensitive to magic.

Although it's not certain whether she came in with the guests or from which channel she sneaked in, it doesn't matter, what matters is what the **** the Ministry of Magic is going to do.

Because her position is leaning towards the powerful, that is, the Ministry of Magic. Now the reason why she's here to ask for trouble must be because there are people with real power at the Ministry of Magic who need her to ask for trouble.

It wasn't surprising, but the only thing he wanted to know was who the Ministry was targeting this time, and to what extent.

Lockhart vaguely felt that the person who would be in trouble this time was himself, not Dumbledore.

He guessed right.

Lockhart spent the next few days dealing with the dueling club and preparing for the grades' final exams, taking a look at the fallout from Rita Skeeter's editorial. .

Rita Skeeter's editorial sparked a lively discussion on Wizard Politics, with some people saying there's nothing wrong with letting children develop a sense of honor and dueling skills from an early age, while others disagree, believing that it's pure worry.

The more fierce opposition, he will say that the reason why Hogwarts wants to create a duelist club is purely because "certain professors" want to gain fame and fortune; the more moderate ones will also be an "ordinary parent". Questioning the safety of the club and worrying about their children being violent as a result.

As for those in favor, Lockhart thinks it's worse than the opposition—they claim that "dueling helps increase sales of magic gear, and it makes raising magical creatures more lucrative, and it creates jobs." .

But this kind of remark seems to be supporting itself, but it is actually putting Lockhart on fire-because it implies that "the dueling club that is opened at the expense of the safety of students is for profit."

Finally, civil servants from the Department of Magic and Magical Creatures Management, the Office of Spell Experiments, and the Office of Misuse of Magical Items all spoke up, expressing concern about the future of the Dueling Club.

"In peaceful times, such a confrontation is too strong, and it is not necessary, which will increase the possibility of misuse of magic items and black magic items."

"Students in this age group are more impulsive, and it is absolutely a high probability that something unexpected happens. I can't guarantee that they can use a relatively gentle spell to solve the problem every time."

"The current risk rating standards for magical creatures are not perfect. There are many 3X creatures, and their destructive power is even higher than 4X. It is only because of their relatively mild temperament that the risk rating is weakened. Take it lightly, or provoke them, and they may cause a blood disaster at any time

After several Ministry of Magic officials spoke in succession, the wind direction of "Wizard Politics" immediately

Upon hearing the news, this time the wind of public opinion has mainly turned negative.

Lockhart is well aware of this change in wind direction, but he is not very worried about it.

Fudge should not plan to tear up with Dumbledore now, so this time it is "Wizard Politics" instead of "Daily Prophet", and this newspaper is not even as many readers as "Witch Weekly", maybe only more than "The Quibbler" has one more share

/\\

However, its readers are mostly civil servants of the Ministry of Magic, as well as political families who are more concerned about politics, and what it can influence is the inclination of these people.

The warning is already clear—if Lockhart continues to be his idol or bestseller, he can leave it alone, but if he wants to go into politics: he has to figure out who he is.

Or, who is the boss.

So Lockhart didn't plan to attack Rita Skeeter right away, because doing so now would be tantamount to slapping someone in the face of the Ministry of Magic.

No matter how Mrs. Skeeter was intimidated, blackmailed, lured into defections by him, or even made her disappear completely, as long as the Ministry of Magic finds out that this reporter is no longer providing them with material, it means that Lockhart has moved against Skeeter. hand.

As long as Lockhart dares to do it, it means that he clearly declares to the above - "I will replace you"

It's cool to do this, but as a politician, Lockhart can't play a childish temper, like a middle school teenager, whoever refuses to accept will be angry.

Because Lockhart is well aware of the rules of the civil service system, the system on the side of the wizard Mingxubai is still crude.

Article 1 of the Ten Rules for Civil Servants: Subordinates must absolutely obey the orders of their superiors.

Even if Lockhart has not yet entered the Ministry of Magic, since he has clearly expressed

Knowing this wish, then he must act according to the rules of this system

In the rules of civil servants, it is best for the upper level not to bypass the middle level to deal with grassroots affairs, and the lower level should absolutely obey the orders of the higher level, and must not report beyond the level. All perform their duties and work within their sphere of responsibility.

No superior would like a rebellious inferior, even if Lockhart claimed he was targeting Fudge. A staff member who dares to openly challenge the Minister before entering the Ministry of Magic, which department dares to ask for it?

If Lockhart wants to break the rules of civil servants' obedience for his own sake, then Lockhart's enemy will not only be Fudge, but the entire Ministry of Magic.

On the other hand, on Fudge's side, although Rita Skeeter's small actions were a bit rude this time, the Fudge faction's approach was completely in line with the rules of the political game, and no one overstepped his authority. Their doubts about the dueling club are well-founded, and it can even be said that it is a matter of their own accord.

Since the enemy wants to play with you according to the rules, then you'd better not be impulsive.

Compared to Lockhart, who was calm, the students in the student union and dueling club seemed more worried.

They've managed to get the expanded power and money, and they don't want to give it back, and if the dueling club is forced to shut down, then they will suffer too.

Especially the Weasley twins, they don't want this good day to end like this.

Of course, someone like Harry has a very simple purpose - he just doesn't want this fun project to go away.

Seeing that they were a little bit like a bow and snake, Lockhart simply took the opportunity of awarding them to assure them again that the Duel Club would never be shut down.

"Don't worry, the Ministry of Magic is forcing me to make a statement, and I will handle this matter." He comforted Cedric and Harry and said, "Professor Snape's Flux is out of the pot, you guys The prizes will be handed out this weekend... I figured out what kind of gift I want

number?

Chapter 134: Fudge's Pressure

Over the weekend, Lockhart helped the champion wizards of all grades condense their real names, as agreed.

After a while, Professor Snape's Flux, Professor Slughorn and Mr. Granger's Flux also arrived, it seems that the rhythm and radio waves of these potion masters are very close..."

Lockhart made a little joke at first, and then said that because there were too many potions, he asked these little wizards to call over the runner-up in the final.

After everyone arrived, he began to tell these little wizards the magic principle of condensing his true name.

"Although the real name can be chosen arbitrarily, it is best to match your thoughts and values, because it represents a kind of \"essence\'. Lockhart explained, Mu Dagger is a very cowardly person. If you want him to use the real name of \"Wild One\', although it is not impossible, the effect will be greatly reduced, so you better not mess up." "

"\"Where's that person\'? What essence does that name represent? "Harry was a little curious.

^Vldsrnrt if taken in the French sense, it means \"flying away from death\' which means that Tom Riddle was a coward from a young age, always looking for a way to live forever, which fits his very nature." Loja Come with your mouth open

The others gasped—not only did they pronounce the name for Lockhart, but he dared to call the man a coward.

However, they also understood some of the rules of the "real name" because of this - that is to give up a part of the self in exchange for the enhancement of another part of the self.

\"The magic that condenses the real name is called \"Creation of the Holy Word". It needs to be used when a person is determined and the magic power is connected throughout the body. If you are ready, come over, and I will help you to condense. "

Probably because Lockhart's character design is still full, and he also promised that it is not dangerous, so the little wizards quickly launched a volunteer.

Lockhart let him take a sip of the Flux, and then asked him to recall the real name he wanted to condense, and the reason for condensing it, and then used the Holy Word of Creation, and began to guide the emotions in the relevant parts of his brain.

With the help of the Fuling agent, this process seems to be very smooth. Although it is not impossible without it, I am afraid that it will fail many times.

Harry wanted the "Wind Chaser" of his dreams - he had abandoned the black magic that would cause irreversible damage to increase his reaction speed and the speed of his spellcasting magic.

Mason was going "Brilliant Mason", while Cedric chose "Introspective Diggory".

As the runner-up, Hermione chose "Hermione of Natural History", saying that she hoped to speed up her learning.

As for the discarded part, Hermione hesitated for a long time, and then consulted Professor McGonagall. Seeing her sincere question, Professor McGonagall reminded her "kindly" that "divination is the most uncertain and useless science", so Hermione gave up the possibility of going into divination early.

After getting their real names, some little wizards chose to publicize them immediately, while others chose to do the same as Lockhart: conceal their real names.

It was precisely because of this topic that the little wizards persevered and asked Lockhart about his real name again, and Lockhart also evaded the past again deftly.

Fortunately, the little wizards are busy trying their own new powers, but these real

The name has just condensed, and the effect is only a little better than before they condensed.

"Don't forget my words, the real name needs to be constantly strengthened, and as you go further and further along your path, its magic will increase with your beliefs," Lockhart reminded them.

Before leaving, Lockhart poured out a sip of the Fuling Elixir, put it into a round glass bottle the size of an eyeball, and slipped it into Hermione's hands while others were not paying attention.

Judgment Zhang. He whispered to Hermione, "You know who this is for, and you should remember that spell too?" "

Hermione blushed: \"I remember... Lockhart."

After sending the students out, Lockhart went back to his office and picked up the candy box on the table, which had been eaten up by the little wizards.

"I think we need to talk, Ms. Skeeter," said Lockhart suddenly. "Flying around!"

- The beetle that just stayed on the window sill was suddenly caught by the candy box before it had time to react.

The next morning, Fudge came to work at Hogwarts with full of worries.

Although it is said that he has been very secretive about his actions these days, to say that no one has noticed the small actions he and Umbridge have done, it would be underestimating those who play politics all the year round.

There are some very energetic people in the political arena who have recently had a "heart talk" with Fudge via owl correspondence, or even by visiting the door.

The content of their heart-to-heart conversation is also very simple - we don't care who you want to target, anyway, we act according to the rules, and we have no intention to interfere. However, no matter how little you do, these actions cannot harm the interests of our family.

In other words, if it's just a power struggle, they won't pursue it.

Fudge was feeling the pressure—the way he attacked Lockhart was by attacking the dueling club—and hoped to use parental pressure to get it out of the way.

Lockhart came to the Ministry with a failed project or a successful project, which had a very different effect.

If it is the latter, then he can take this opportunity to demonstrate his ability to run political activities, and his position as Minister of Magic is at risk.

Under the imperial head of state system, the method used by emperors, kings, dictators or heads of state to control the lower levels is to prevent any local forces other than themselves from having the ability to independently run political affairs, even if it will delay front-line battles or even Even disaster relief.

No matter how nervous the grassroots are, a qualified king will ask the front line or locality to send letters to the central government day and night for instructions: Even if some things can be urgent, they must report to the central government to go through the procedures afterwards. The king who cannot insist on this point Basically, they are controlled by the powerful ministers.

It's easy to understand - if a subordinate can do things on his own, why should the emperor do it?

After entering the modern information society, this process has not been reduced due to the increase of levels. Instead, the degree of centralization has been expanded due to the emergence of telegraph, radio, network and other technologies, because even the "urgent follow the authority" There is time to report.

While Fudge may not understand this systematically enough, his instincts as a politician make him extra alert - if Lockhart can run a big, profitable project without going through the Ministry, then the Ministry is still the Ministry of Magic ?

Just as he sat blankly on the chair, wondering what he was thinking, his

The secretary brought him a copy of the Daily Prophet of the day

"Please take a look at the news above, the fourth page, there is important news." The secretary respectfully brought the newspaper to his table.

Despite some impatience, Fudge listlessly opened the paper. As a politician, he may not know the operation of the department and the efficiency of governance, but he has to pay attention to the newspaper news, otherwise he will really know nothing.

But after seeing the news above, Fudge was overjoyed immediately.

\"Stop!\" he shouted.

P.So forgot to update

Chapter 135 Olive Branch

The reason Fudge was happy was, of course, that his troubles had finally been resolved.

On the "Daily Prophet", an article titled "Imperfect Duel Club Urgently Needs Supervision" was recently published.

If you only read the title, Fudge would have thought that someone who wanted to flatter himself was helping to attack Dumbledore II, but on closer inspection, the author of this article was actually Gilderoy Lockhart himself.

This article lists in detail some of the problems faced by the dueling club at Hogwarts, such as various miscellaneous spells that cannot determine the type of power, and a wide variety of magical items and magical creatures. It is difficult to screen out the staffing configuration. In addition, it is also very inadequate in public and external publicity, and needs further improvement.

After talking about the difficulties facing the dueling club, Lockhart turned his head and talked about Quidditch, Gobstone, Pegasus, ten-pin bowling and other sports in Britain over the years "under Fudge's leadership" The "boom" of the Irish team and the great achievements of the Irish team in the World Cup.

Although foreigners don't seem to think that Ireland is still part of the Great Empire, as a civil servant in the system, Lockhart must have this kind of self-awareness of unity at all times.

"It has been many years since our wizarding world had seen this emblematic and traditional competition since Ebota Tussel defeated Samson Webling in the All England Wizarding Tournament in 1430. .

However, today, our productivity has grown by leaps and bounds, and at the same time we have an efficient and courageous leadership team. "

Finally, Lockhart White wrote in Wentong o "an early, arrogant

The sport requires healthy and healthy development, and someone with relevant experience and respect in the Ministry of Magic should take up this responsibility. "

After reading this article, Fudge felt as if his bones had lost more than ten pounds, and his whole body felt a little floating.

"They conceded, haha!"

Fudge took out the hidden compartment of his drawer, and wanted to take out his treasured Zunma wine and pour a glass, but then he remembered that there was someone next to him.

"Call Ludo Bagman, I have something to tell him." Fudge shouted to his assistant.

The assistant agreed and walked out without asking any more questions. He knew where to find someone.

Ludo Bagman is the Director of the Magic and Sports Division, a former Quidditch star batsman and a national team player, who just took over from Hamish McFarlane as the Director a few days ago. Fudge's intention to meet him was self-evident, and that was to add another office to the athletics department.

Since he took office, Fudge has heard that Bagman has been cruising the arenas of major ball games, even with those fanatic fans, cheering for certain teams on the sidelines, and is a very enthusiastic and energetic guy. Therefore, it is impossible to find him with paper airplanes, which is only useful in the Ministry of Magic, even if the retro use of owls is too time-consuming.

Fudge had plenty of time to celebrate with a couple of drinks before the assistant brought Bagman over.

After all, "the importance of a department depends on the number of civil servants and the budget it can control." If Fudge wants to increase the establishment of the Department of Sports, Bagman will definitely not refuse.

After the assistant went out, Fuji leisurely poured himself a glass of wine and took a sip. Minada tasted the taste of victory carefully.

Whatever the reason, Lockhart and Dumbledore were clearly worried that the Ministry of Magic would confiscate their business, so they surrendered and gave some control to the Ministry of Magic - a result that was perfectly acceptable to Fudge.