Trick 77: Flattering Cornelius Fudge for benefits!

Sharon was holding onto Ace for dear life as he flew around in the sky, laughing. She shouted "IT'S NOT FUNNY! You're still an asshole!" Ace laughed, "Whatever you say, Sharon. If that is your real name!" Sharon retorted "You're quoting shows now? It's a step u-ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" As Ace shot into the sky, high above the clouds.

After a while, the duo sat on the broom, hovering in the sky.

Sharon held onto Ace's arm and leaned on his shoulder as she spoke about her real life. Ace leaned his head on hers with his hood off, rubbing her hand.

They spoke for hours until the sun set before Ace brought her down to the ground.

She patted herself down, smiling at him as she said "See you." Ace sighed and replied "See you when I see you, I guess." she turned around and pinched his cheek, smiling "Aw, are you gonna miss me?" he rubbed his cheek and said "Well, I guess a little."

Sharon rolled her eyes, saying "It's not like you can't just fly over, plus I'll have to visit my aunt in London so we'll see each other then! Maybe Christmas?" Ace looked at his watch and said exaggeratedly "How far!" Sharon walked away, saying "Bye, Ace. You big baby."

Ace watched her go and shouted "Sharon! Take care of yourself, okay?" Sharon stopped and ran back, giving him a long kiss before walking off quickly. Ace smiled and watched as she walked into a building before flying off into the night, disappearing.

A long while later

Ace landed on the ground and stumbled, rubbing his neck as he groaned, "Yeah, Ace. Good job, you nearly fell into the Atlantic… But yeah, use all your mana impressing girls! Way to go!"

He walked into an alley and walked out with a scarf on top of his white suit shirt, black pants, and sneakers. The scarf was black and gray, hanging down along his torso without being tied, just resting behind his neck.

Ace walked into a public bathroom in London before appearing in the Ministry a few moments later.

He yawned as he walked along the center plaza, looking at the statue in the middle, swearing that he saw a different one before…

He tilted his head at the statue, wondering if they changed it every now and then, but what was the point of that…

Just as he was musing, Arthur slapped his shoulder, saying "Ace! Where you been?" Ace turned and smiled "Arthur, oh! And Harry!" Harry smiled and gave him a thumbs up, Ace winked at him and turned to Arthur, smiling "Went to see a girl."

Arthur's eyes lit up and he pulled Ace along, saying happily "Oh! Tell me all about her! A muggle?" Ace scratched his cheek and smiled "Something like that. American." Arthur brought Harry into an elevator with Ace as he said "Oh, international! Look at you! Showed her a couple tricks, eh?"

Ace looked embarrassed and Harry chuckled on the side as Arthur laughed. A black man walked in and stood behind Arthur, smiling "Hello, Ace. Hello, Arthur." before he whispered in Arthur's ear.

Ace nodded and replied "Kingsley. How are you?" Kingsley let out a breath and replied "Same old… What's the Muggle phrase?" Arthur turned saying "I believe it's 'Same thing, different week.'" Ace chuckled and said "Same shit, different day."

Kingsley snapped and said "That's it." before tapping Arthur and laughing "He knows more than you, Mr. Professional." Arthur rolled his eyes and replied "You must know, Ace is an expert on Muggles. Even I have a lot to learn!"

Kingsley chuckled and the elevator moved as Arthur said to Harry, "Looks like I was right, your hearing has been moved." Harry replied "When?" Arthur checked his watch and smiled "In about 5 minutes."

Ace looked at Arthur, frowning "Hearing?" Harry turned around and said "They want to expel me from Hogwarts." Ace was stunned and looked at Arthur in confusion as he said "Underage magic in front of a Muggle no less."

Ace made a strange face, saying "The punishment for Underage magic is not that severe…" Harry waved his hand, saying "Thank you! Someone understands." Ace snorted in amusement as Arthur replied "Yes, well, Harry, we'll figure everything out today. Don't you worry about that."

The elevator continued and Ace didn't get off at the library, instead getting off with Arthur and Ace.

Arthur looked at him and Ace waved, "I need to speak with the Minister." Arthur rolled his eyes and Ace smiled as he followed them. Just as they passed a corridor, they saw Lucius talking with Fudge.

Ace patted Harry's shoulder and walked over as Harry and Arthur continued, Arthur whispering "Let's go. Fudge is very stubborn, Ace may not convince him." Harry nodded and followed him, looking at Lucius with a frown.

Ace walked over to the duo, smiling "Gentlemen. How is everything today?" Fudge looked at Ace, saying "Mr. Brand. Hopefully, the Library is comfortable." Ace shook his hand and smiled happily, "Very comfortable! The level of care and cleanliness is astounding, not to mention the collection is quite astonishing! Thank you for the opportunity."

Fudge smiled and nodded as Ace turned to Lucius, smiling still, "Lucius, my friend. How are you?" Lucius was as gloomy as always, replying "Mr. Brand… Once again, you've managed to bump into me."

Ace shook his hand and chuckled "I like to be everywhere, you make more friends that way." Lucius replied as he took his hand away, "Clearly…" Ace turned to Fudge, asking "Minister, I was wondering if you could shed some light on Mr. Potter's situation? You see, as the librarian, I am mostly in charge of some of the student's grades and study materials. Mr. Potter has very high marks, although I suppose you could debate on whether they could be higher."

He shook his head and continued, "However, I don't see any way for his grades to be so atrocious that he would be expelled." Fudge sighed and took off his glasses, shaking his head as he replied, "You see, my friend. Mr. Potter was accused of underage magic, with a muggle witness no less. I'm sure Mr. Potter's grades are quite impressive, however we must handle the use of magic in the midst of muggles with great caution."

Fudge held his hands behind his back, smiling "Otherwise, should our world be exposed to the Muggles, we run the risk of creating chaos and havoc." Lucius nodded and Ace frowned, "I see, that's very unfortunate." Fudge nodded, but Ace asked "However, Minister. I was just wondering if perhaps expelling the boy is a bit severe?"

Fudge frowned slowly and Ace smiled "I have a suggestion, if you would like to hear it. As a semi-professor, I like to think I know what the children fear. To simply expel Mr. Potter would make the other students less likely to focus on their studies." He shook his head and added, "After all, it wasn't that long ago you were a Teenager. I'm sure you understand the rebellious nature of children."

Fudge furrowed his brows, muttering "Yes, I know quite well." he laughed, adding "I remember running from my mum in an argument, having nowhere to go, I returned. Haha!" Ace snickered and Lucius snorted with a forced smile.

Ace took the lead and said, "As I was suggesting, Minister. Perhaps, a probation could be placed on Mr. Potter. After all, children make mistakes. I wonder if the Muggle can even process what happened?" Fudge touched his chin with his glasses, replying "Records state that the boy was under psychiatric evaluation."

Ace nodded and smiled, "Therefore, if I may, perhaps you could simply place Mr. Potter under probation? Perhaps, should he step out of line once more, then his expulsion would be justified. Or rather, even set a goal for the boy. I find in my recent teachings that setting goals for the children inspires them to achieve it simply to prove you wrong."

Fudge tapped his chin with the glasses, muttering "I see. Perhaps. 5th years have O.W.Ls, correct?" Ace nodded and said "Excellent Idea, Minister. Perhaps setting Mr. Potter to come first in his O.W.Ls in the entirety of Hogwarts will snuff out these rebellious thoughts."

Fudge's eyebrows raised as Lucius frowned, Ace added, "After all, between me and you, Minister- Oh and Mr. Malfoy as well. Mr. Potter is by all accounts, an excellent dueler. I've witnessed this myself. Perhaps he may become an exceptional Auror for the Ministry!"

Fudge leaned in, asking in surprise "Is that so?!" Ace nodded and smiled gently, "I can guarantee this, Minister. The boy is brave and holds a kind heart full of justice. Quite frankly, he reminds me of you!" Fudge laughed and replied "Well, I say." he waved his glasses at Ace, smiling "You have quite the sweet tongue, Ace."

Ace smiled and replied warmly "I am simply telling you what I've seen, Minister." Fudge waved and smiled, "Please, Minister is so formal. Cornelius is quite alright." Ace shook his hand and smiled, laughing "Very well, Cornelius."

He checked his watch and said apologetically, "Oh no. I'm terribly sorry, Cornelius, Lucius. I have a rather pressing matter to tend to. If you'll excuse me." Cornelius waved, "That's more than acceptable, Ace. Farewell." Ace shook Lucius' hand, saying "Your boy performed exceptional last year. I truly hope he continues, or rather, I will make sure of it."

Lucius 'smiled', "Of course." Ace nodded and walked away, saying "Gentlemen." as he turned to the elevator, disappearing from sight.

His smile faded and he sighed, rubbing his face as he stepped in the elevator, "Library, please." muttering under his breath, "How do these agents do it.. It's exhausting…"

A while later