"To impeach the incumbent Minister and elect a new one. A Minister who aligns with your ideology," Charlus repeated. "Is this your plan?"
"Yes, Lord Potter," Edmund nodded.
"And who would you back to be elected as the new Minister?" Charlus asked after a moment of thoughtful silence. "Who in your faction will take this burden or rather I say get this privilege?"
"Well," Edmund said, "we have not had any discussion on a name to be the minister. Executing the first part of the plan which is to impeach the minister is our first priority."
"And to be honest, Lord Potter," Edmund continued. "I feel any person in the office would have the same implications, so long as they are aligned with our goals, ideology, and purpose. It does not really matter."
"Are you sure, Lord Bones?" Charlus pressed. "The Minister of Magic is an enticing and a lucrative position. While no one in your faction may be openly showing desire now, who knows what will happen when your plan actually looks like it will succeed."
"Infighting and friction within the faction would be the last thing you want at that point," he added.
"Lord Potter," Edmund replied, "your words carry weight and I cannot deny the truth behind it. Such is human nature."
"But I am confident I can manage my faction and keep it unified. They understand very well that what we seek is not a ministerial post but an ideology."
Charlus nodded. "If you have such confidence, then I believe you, Lord Bones."
"Thank you," Edmund said. "What do you think of the plan?"
Charlus took a moment to consider his answer.
"Theoretically," he sighed, "your plan is very good. If implemented, it could produce tremendous results. The Ministry of Magic is an organisation which has tremendous resources in its control. If used properly, it has all the capabilities to break the back of the death eaters in no time. The incompetency of the Minister and its top leadership is the only thing that is holding it back."
"But this 'if' I just mentioned is a major obstacle," he continued. "To implement this plan, to actually impeach the Minister is not an easy task."
"You would need a great deal of support in the Wizengamot, and gathering that support at the current moment when the council is extremely fragmented is extremely difficult."
"The Minister has the backing of many families and will not allow his position to be threatened."
"And that is why I have come to you, Lord Potter," Edmund added quickly. "If you decide to support us, we will have a real chance to pull this off. Not only has your faction had immense influence, your name will also pull in a lot of neutrals who are always sitting on the sidelines."
Charlus looked thoughtful again. He turned to Antonio Olario.
"Lord Olario," he asked, "what do you think of this proposal?"
"Me?" Antonio muttered.
"Yes,"Charlus smiled. "You must have some opinion of your own."
Antonio was almost caught off guard by the question. He had not expected Charlus Potter to ask his opinion. But now that he had been asked, he gave it.
"Lord Potter," he said, "I think I agree with you. It is indeed a genuine plan which, if executed, could produce great results. And yes, it is a plan that will be very difficult to carry through."
"But," he continued, "I do not want to dwell on the difficulty."
"A few days ago this plan would have seemed almost impossible. But the incident with me happened. What occurred during the Wizengamot hearing caused a great backlash against the Ministry and tarnished its image."
"Then the attack on Bones Manor occurred. This time it is an even greater embarrassment for the Ministry. The pressure has been mounting on them and their inaction is being questioned. I think it would be quite difficult to find someone who would be trying to defend the ministry out in the open."
"The ministry is still trying to whitewash their image, and has been thrown into a frenzy. But no one is buying their words. They must come up with something concrete before the pressure on them would actually reduce."
"Out of nowhere," Antonio said, "the Ministry and the Minister appear much weaker than they did a few days ago. If we continue to apply pressure and implement our plans bit by bit, I am certain our objective can be achieved in not too many days. We just need to continue the effort."
"While what we are trying to achieve is indeed difficult," Antonio concluded, "it is not impossible. And we should also not forget that we are trying whatever we are trying for the welfare of the Wizarding society as a whole."
Charlus again looked thoughtful and the little smile on his face indicated that he was also impressed a bit.
"What do you think, Lord Potter?" Edmund questioned.
"I think I need some time to think this through," Charlus replied. "Principally, I do support your endeavor but this is not a decision that I can take on my own. I must talk to my fellow faction members."
"Very well," Edmund beamed. This was all but a direct 'yes' from Lord Potter. It was almost certain that he could expect the support of Lord Potter.
The discussion continued between the trio further about many topics. Charlus Potter also showed a clear interest in Edmund and Antonio were planning to move ahead with their grand plan. And this deep curiosity was another indication that Lord Potter was on board for this plan.
The discussion was still continuing when the flaps of the wings of a bird disturbed their attention. Antonio looked around to spot an owl flying towards Charlus.
Lord Potter has his eyes squinted as he eyes the bird. And clearly, the expression on his face was not really something good. He untied the parchment tied on the claws of the owl and unfurled it.
In an instant, Charlus' eyes widened as he read the parchment. He stood in a single abrupt motion.
"What happened, Lord Potter?" Edmund questioned with a frown.
"Hogsmeade…" Charlus almost stammered. "Hogsmeade had just been attacked. Death eaters… they have attacked Hogsmeade."
"What?" Edmund' eyes bulged in shock as he too stood abruptly from his seat. Antonio too was on his feet.
"My son…" Edmund mumbled. "He must also be there."
Without saying any word, Edmund and Charlus marched for Hogsmeade. Antonio followed behind them.
Hogsmeade attacked? This was a thing which Voldemort had not dared to do in the cannon in the Marauders' timeline.
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