Harry Potter: Archmage of Another World

"Look at the name they've given themselves," Fudge said softly. "The Julius Army."

"—Julius!" Fudge's round face turned pale. He coughed lightly, took a few steps back, and his right hand, which was holding the list, began to tremble. "The Julius Army? Damn it, why would they call themselves that!"

"Tsk, tsk," Augustus sighed slightly, standing up from his chair and shrugging. "Well, well, it seems everything has been thoroughly exposed."

"Do you need me to submit a written statement to the Ministry's Committee, Minister Cornelius?" Augustus asked with a smile, his left hand tapping lightly on the pocket of his robe.

"A statement? No, what?" Fudge stammered, staring at the signature of the Julius Army on the list. Beads of cold sweat began forming on his forehead.

"Of course, Minister, the Julius Army," Augustus said with a calm nod and a smile. "It's not some kind of magical student alliance or an extracurricular spell practice group. It's simply the Julius Army—a private force of the family."

"But—but—" Fudge's face suddenly lit up with a look of realization. He stepped back in horror, letting out a loud exclamation as he jumped away from the fire.

"You?" he muttered, stomping on his smoldering cloak.

"This is a private army you're recruiting for your family!" Fudge exclaimed, his round face twisting with panic as he pointed at Augustus.

"Mind your words, Minister. Technically speaking, this is a private army I'm recruiting for myself. Of course, you could also say it's an auxiliary force of the Julius family, meant for when I come of age," Augustus said with a mild, innocent smile.

"You're recruiting members from pureblood and half-blood families in the school—to join your private army!" Fudge stammered as he pointed at Augustus.

"Yes, indeed," Augustus responded cheerfully, casually slipping his right hand into his robe pocket.

"Mr. Augustus!" Harry began, but Augustus patted his shoulder with his usual smile.

"Actually, I planned to begin testing their loyalty tomorrow with a simple and amusing spell. Unfortunately, Miss Marietta was the first to fail. Tsk, tsk, it's a pity we hadn't yet started the formal induction ceremony," Augustus remarked, his fingers subtly moving inside his pocket. Marietta, standing in front of him, glanced blankly at Fudge, then nodded slightly.

Fudge looked at her, then at Dumbledore, and finally glanced around the room at everyone present. He fixed his gaze on the composed Augustus, his chest heaving. "I've known all along that you've been trying to use the school's family resources to elevate your family's power above the Ministry of Magic. From the moment Umbridge came to this school, your secret plans faced obstacles from the investigator. And now, you've made your move—creating a private army of your own! Am I wrong?"

"Wonderfully said, Minister," Augustus cheerfully agreed, as if receiving an award.

"No!" Harry shouted. Dumbledore lightly coughed, signaling Harry to remain silent.

"Very good, very good," Fudge shouted, "Tonight, I only intended to disband an illegal student organization."

"And instead, you uncovered a much greater conspiracy," Augustus said with a pleasant smile. "The heir of the Julius family is plotting to create an organization that surpasses the Ministry of Magic."

"Weasley!" Fudge called out loudly, trembling with excitement. "Weasley, did you write all this down? His words, his confession—did you record it?"

"Yes, sir, I believe so, sir!" Percy said eagerly, his nose splattered with ink as he quickly scribbled notes.

"He's using family resources to build a private army, opposing the Ministry, and preparing to establish a new regime. Did you get that part?"

"Yes, sir! I've written it all down!" Percy said, scanning his notes with excitement.

"Excellent. Now," Fudge said, glowing with satisfaction, "duplicate your notes, Weasley, and send a copy to the Daily Prophet. If we use a fast owl, we can make it for the morning edition!" Percy darted out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

Fudge turned to Augustus, gesturing grandly. "You will now be escorted to the Ministry of Magic, where you'll face formal charges and then be sent to Azkaban to await trial!"

"Tsk, tsk," Augustus smiled brilliantly. "The script is so flawless, it's almost awe-inspiring. Everything has led to this point. Now, am I supposed to act as the villain, sit at the center of the courtroom, face the alliance of Wizengamot wizards, and, with overwhelming evidence, be sent to prison?"

"Hm?" Fudge's expression darkened and brightened uncertainly as he coughed lightly. "Isn't that how it works?"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Minister Fudge, you see, we've all made a common mistake. Everyone assumes that with evidence, a trial, and imprisonment, the process is logical and reasonable. But think—who am I? The youngest champion of Hogwarts, the wizard who defeated over a hundred Dementors. In such circumstances, if I obediently followed your steps into Azkaban, wouldn't public opinion and the media call me a fool?" Augustus said with a gentlemanly smile.

Umbridge's face grew redder and redder; she looked as if she had been filled with boiling water. Fudge stared at Augustus, dumbfounded, as though he'd been struck senseless, unable to believe what was unfolding. He made a choked sound, turning to glance at Kingsley and the gray-haired man who had remained silent until now. The man nodded firmly at Fudge and stepped away from the wall, taking a few steps forward.

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