The Hog’s Head Inn, nestled away in a secluded corner of Hogsmeade, was just as grim and shadowy as Rufus Scrimgeour had anticipated. The dim light flickering from the oil lamps cast elongated shadows across the room, and the air was thick with the scent of stale ale and smoke. Rufus slipped through the door, his cloak drawn tight around him. He scanned the room quickly, spotting Mundungus Fletcher hunched over a table in the far corner.
Mundungus was engrossed in a conversation with a rough, seedy group, exchanging gossip and dubious favors. Rufus maneuvered through the cluttered tables, careful not to attract attention. He reached Mundungus and placed a gloved hand on his shoulder, speaking in a low voice.
“Mundungus.”
Mundungus started, his eyes darting around as if searching for the source of the voice. He stiffened but then recognized Rufus. His face turned pale, and he quickly stood up, glancing nervously around.
“Minister Scrimgeour?” Mundungus whispered, his voice filled with a mix of fear and awe. “What brings you here?”
Rufus gestured towards the back door, indicating they should step outside. “Not here. We need privacy.”
Mundungus nodded eagerly, shuffling toward the back exit. Rufus followed, ensuring no one was watching. As they stepped into the narrow, dimly lit alley behind the inn, Rufus drew his hood back to reveal his face, allowing Mundungus to see him fully.
“Minister,” Mundungus said, his voice dropping to a hush. “What’s this about?”
Rufus wasted no time. “I need you to spread a specific rumor. There’s talk of a dark wizard, someone from Voldemort’s old circle, hiding near Ottery St Catchpole. It’s crucial that this information seems credible and reaches both the Ministry and the Order of the Phoenix.”
Mundungus’s eyes gleamed with both interest and greed. “A dark wizard, eh? That’s the sort of thing that’ll get everyone talking. And what’s in it for me?”
Rufus handed over a small pouch of Galleons, the weight of which made Mundungus’s eyes widen with satisfaction. “Here’s a start. There’s more if you handle this properly.”
Mundungus eagerly accepted the pouch. “Don’t worry, Minister. I’ll spread the word. I’ll make it look like I heard it from a reliable source.”
“Remember,” Rufus said, his tone serious, “this needs to be convincing but not traceable back to me.”
Mundungus nodded vigorously, already formulating his plan. “Got it. I’ll make sure it gets around.”
As Mundungus scurried off, Rufus took a deep breath, the cool air of the alley helping to clear his thoughts. With Mundungus’s task set, he turned his focus to his upcoming meeting with Kingsley Shacklebolt and Alastor Moody, crucial for the next phase of his plan.
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Meeting with Kingsley Shacklebolt and Alastor Moody
The following day, Rufus convened a private meeting with Kingsley Shacklebolt and Alastor Moody at a secure location within the Ministry. The room was austere, furnished with a sturdy oak desk and a few high-backed chairs, providing an air of seriousness.
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Kingsley greeted Rufus with a nod, while Moody’s magical eye swiveled around the room, taking in every detail with intense scrutiny. The atmosphere was charged with the weight of their discussion.
“Minister Scrimgeour,” Kingsley began, his tone respectful but cautious. “What’s this about a potential dark wizard?”
Rufus got straight to the point. “There are rumors about a dark wizard hiding near Ottery St Catchpole. I’ve had the information spread to create a diversion. It’s vital that we keep a close watch on the area.”
Moody grunted, his eye focusing intently on Rufus. “You think this wizard might be a real threat?”
“It’s possible,” Rufus replied, his voice measured. “I’m using mundungus to share this with the Order of the Phoenix to ensure they’re on alert. It’s about being prepared for any eventuality.”
Kingsley exchanged a glance with Moody before speaking again. “Is there any other information we should be aware of?”
Rufus hesitated for a moment, then continued. “Actually, yes. Rita Skeeter was an unregistered Animagus. If we come across someone with similar abilities, it would be useful to know how to identify them.”
Moody’s eye swiveled to face Rufus directly. “You’ve dealt with Animagi before?”
“Yes,” Rufus confirmed. “Understanding their capabilities can be beneficial in various situations. It’s always good to be prepared.”
Kingsley nodded thoughtfully. “We’ll keep that in mind. Anything else we should know?”
Rufus shook his head. “No, that’s all for now. Just make sure the teams are prepared and that the rumor remains contained.”
Moody grunted in agreement. “We’ll get on it. If there’s anything more, we’ll let you know.”
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With the rumor in circulation and the Aurors informed, Rufus turned his attention to preparing for his visit to the Burrow. He needed a solid cover to avoid arousing Dumbledore’s suspicions and to justify the visit.
Rufus visited several pureblood families, making a concerted effort to garner support for his wealth redistribution law. Each visit was a carefully orchestrated performance, designed to appeal to their interests while laying the groundwork for his final destination.
At the Longbottom estate, Rufus was greeted by Augusta Longbottom, the formidable matriarch of the family, and her grandson, Neville. The atmosphere was formal, and Augusta’s sharp eyes were fixed on Rufus as he spoke.
“Minister Scrimgeour,” Augusta said, her voice crisp and authoritative. “It’s not every day we have such a distinguished visitor.”
“Thank you for receiving me, Madam Longbottom,” Rufus replied smoothly, taking a seat at the edge of the room. “I’m here to discuss my wealth redistribution law. It’s a significant step towards ensuring fairness and transparency in the use of our magical resources.”
Augusta’s gaze was appraising. “We’ve heard some details about your proposal. What can you tell us about its implementation?”
Rufus spoke confidently. “My aim is to create a system that benefits all sectors of the magical community. The goal is to redistribute wealth in a way that acknowledges our heritage while supporting those who need it most.”
Neville, who had been standing quietly, cleared his throat. “It sounds like a worthwhile initiative.”
Augusta nodded slowly. “We appreciate your efforts. I’ll consider your proposal and discuss it with the rest of the family.”
As Rufus prepared to leave, he subtly mentioned his upcoming visit to the Burrow. “I’ll be visiting the Weasleys next. They have connections that might be valuable for rallying support among more resistant families.”
Augusta’s expression softened slightly. “Very well. I hope your visit proves fruitful.”
With Mundungus spreading the false lead, Kingsley and Moody briefed, and the groundwork for his Burrow visit laid, Rufus Scrimgeour felt a sense of satisfaction. The stage was set for the next phase of his plan, which would involve acquiring the Marauder’s Map, confirming Pettigrew’s whereabouts, and advancing his political agenda under the guise of seeking support for his law.
As Rufus reviewed his strategy, he knew that the visit to the Burrow was critical. It was not just about gaining political leverage but also about advancing his plans to expose Pettigrew and solidify his position within the wizarding world. The pieces were in place, and Rufus was ready to execute his plan with precision.