The late afternoon sun filtered through the curtains of Rufus Scrimgeour’s study, casting a warm glow on the richly decorated room. Rufus was seated at his desk, but instead of the usual stack of papers, he now faced a large, blank board mounted on the wall. His quill hovered above a pot of ink, and his mind was focused on the critical task at hand: devising a strategy to secure the position of Minister of Magic.
Strategizing with Precision
Rufus began by drawing a large circle in the center of the board. Inside it, he wrote the words "Minister of Magic Campaign." Surrounding the central circle, he drew smaller circles connected by lines, each representing different aspects of his strategy. He worked with a fluid, practiced motion, his muscle memory guiding the quill as he laid out his thoughts.
Analyzing the Competition
To the right of the central circle, Rufus wrote the names of his primary competitors: “Cornelius Fudge” and “Bartemius Crouch Sr.” He drew two lines leading to these names, creating distinct sections on the board to analyze their advantages and disadvantages.
Cornelius Fudge:
* Advantages:
* Support from Key Families: Fudge is backed by influential pure-blood families who see him as a suitable candidate for maintaining the status quo.
* Political Experience: His experience in various government roles has given him a comprehensive understanding of the Ministry’s workings.
* Disadvantages:
* Questionable Leadership: Fudge's previous decisions have been controversial, leading some to question his capability to handle crises effectively.
* Lack of Reform: His reluctance to embrace significant changes has made him a target for those advocating for modernization.
Bartemius Crouch Sr.:
* Advantages:
* Reputation for Integrity: Crouch Sr. is known for his strict adherence to the law and his commitment to justice.
* Support from Traditionalists: His conservative values appeal to those who prefer a return to more traditional governance.
* Disadvantages:
* Past Legal Troubles: The fallout from his son's trial, involving Barty Crouch Jr., has raised concerns about his judgment and reliability. This scandal has tarnished his reputation and weakened his support base.
* Limited Charisma: His less dynamic personality makes it difficult for him to connect with a broader electorate.
Minor Candidates
Rufus drew additional smaller circles for other potential candidates, labeling them with names and noting their potential impact:
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* Marlene Highwater: A well-respected healer with a reputation for compassion and dedication to magical medical advancements. Although she has a following among those interested in healthcare reforms, her lack of political experience makes her an unlikely candidate for the role of Minister.
* Eldred Blackwood: An accomplished magical historian known for his extensive knowledge of magical artifacts. Blackwood's focus on historical preservation and his distance from contemporary political issues render him a less viable candidate.
* Lavinia Foxley: A charismatic figure known for her advocacy of magical creature rights. While she has a passionate following, her focus on niche issues has limited her appeal to the broader electorate. Despite this, Rufus had a plan to use an old favor to gain her support.
Strategic Alliances
In the section dedicated to alliances, Rufus wrote “Dorian Greengrass” in bold letters. He noted Greengrass’s significant resources and influence, which could be crucial for his campaign. Greengrass’s support would not only provide financial backing but also access to valuable networks and media influence.
Plans for Public Support
Rufus outlined his plan to gain public support by solving a high-profile case. He needed to choose a case that would capture the public’s attention and demonstrate his capabilities. This case would serve as a platform to announce his candidacy, showcasing his commitment to justice and reform.
Turning a Minor Candidate
Rufus’s strategy also involved turning one of the minor candidates to his side. He had identified Lavinia Foxley as a potential ally. Foxley had previously received a favor from Rufus when he was an Auror—he had intervened to clear up a serious misunderstanding regarding her work with magical creatures.
Rufus planned to leverage this old favor to gain Foxley’s support. By reminding her of the assistance he had once provided, Rufus aimed to secure her endorsement or at least neutralize her as a potential obstacle.
Dinner and Reflection
As he worked late into the evening, Rufus was interrupted by a knock on the door. Alby, his house-elf, entered with a tray of refreshments.
“Master Rufus, dinner is ready,” Alby said cheerfully. “Shall I bring it to your study, or would you prefer to dine in the dining room?”
Rufus looked up from his board, feeling a pang of hunger. “Let’s have it in the dining room, Alby. I could use a break from the planning.”
They moved to the dining room, where Rufus enjoyed a quiet meal, reflecting on his plans. The dinner offered a moment of respite from the intense mental exertion, allowing him to gather his thoughts and prepare for the next steps in his campaign.
Preparing for the Future
Returning to his study after dinner, Rufus continued to refine his strategy. The path to becoming Minister of Magic was clear, but the journey would be fraught with challenges. He needed to maintain a delicate balance between leveraging his resources, building alliances, and gaining public support.
As the night wore on, Rufus’s resolve only strengthened. He was committed to seeing his plans through, driven by a vision of a more equitable and progressive magical world. Each step he took was a step closer to achieving his goal, and he was determined to navigate the complexities of the political landscape with precision and skill.