Summary
The position of Minister for Magic within theHarry Potteruniverse is the highest-ranking position in the Ministry of Magic, making whoever possesses the title the most important individual in the wizarding community, at least in Britain. Naturally, this government position comes with lots of responsibilities, such as chairing the Wizengamot to pass laws and leading the nation in both times of peace and war.
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However, not all Ministers for Magic in theHarry Potterseries are created equally, and although all these elected witches and wizards served in times of varying difficulties, some proved to be more cut out for the job than others.The best Ministers for Magicovercame troubles, maintained peace where possible, and oversaw positive reforms.
6Cornelius Fudge
Although Cornelius Fudge’s term in power ended in embarrassment with his failure to see the truth behind Lord Voldemort’s return, it is easy to forget that the first few years of his tenure in the early 90s were, for the most part, peaceful and stable. By leaning on Albus Dumbledore for support in these early years, Cornelius was able to carry on the good work of his predecessor, Millicent Bagnold.
There were a number of near successes and great ideas for Fudge’s Ministry, such as securing the Quidditch World Cup final of 1994 and instrumenting the return ofthe Triwizard Tournament, although, of course, these both resulted in disasters. However, the educational year of 1995-1996 was by far Fudge’s worst, with his hugely detrimental campaign to damage the reputations of both Harry Potter and Dumbledore, whom he no longer asked for advice. On top of this his appointment of Delores Umbridge at Hogwarts and his failure tosee her for who she was, he put the wellbeing of hundreds of students at serious risk.
5Faris Spavin
Faris Spavin was the Minister for Magic during the events ofHogwarts Legacy, and just as the game is scattered withgreat Easter eggs, so too is it full of references to the eccentricity of the longest-ever serving Minister.
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In letters and dialogue relating to Faris Spavin, it appears his attention was rarely on the important issues at hand, especially when Quidditch was in the picture. However, Spavin did usher in important legislation such as the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery, and to be reelected multiple times, he must have been doing other things right too.
4Rufus Scrimgeour
Rufus Scrimgeour had one of the toughest tasks ahead of him as Minister for Magic when he stepped into the shoes vacated by Cornelius Fudge. In the summer of 1996, Voldemort’s return was out in the open, and the race was on to stop him andhis Death Eatersbefore it was too late had begun. Scrimgeour, who was the former Head of the Auror Office, oversaw reorganization within the Ministry itself and the distribution of safety warnings to the populace.
While his attempts to recruit Harry Potter ultimately failed due to severed bonds between the Chosen One and the Ministry, his intentions were not ill-placed. The Ministry under Scrimgeour certainly made plenty of mistakes, with wrongful arrests that were supposed to make the people think action was being taken. However, it is hard to see many leaders succeeding in Scrimgeour’s position, and at least he had the desire to fight that his predecessor did not have, even if it eventually cost him his life.
3Millicent Bagnold
Millicent Bagnold was the Minister for Magic during Voldemort’s first reign of terror, and while she was not directly responsible for his downfall, she did an excellent job in the aftermath of the war by swiftly and lawfully punishing those responsible.
The following years up until 1990, when she retired just before Harry Potter started at Hogwarts, were years of regrowth and stability. As a successful political leader, Millicent Bagnold can also be considered one ofthe best Ravenclaws.
2Hermione Granger
While not much is known about Hermione Granger’s tenure as Minister for Magic, which is technically ongoing according to the lore, it is easy to imagine her thriving given the fact she is perfectly suited to the role of a political leader. Not only is Hermione anoutstandingly clever and powerful witch, but she has always cared about doing what is right.
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In 1994, over two decades before she would go on to become Minister for Magic in 2019, Hermione Granger founded the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare or S.P.E.W., an early indicator of her determination to fight for equality in the magical world and put a stop to oppressive laws.
1Kingsley Shacklebolt
After the turmoil and bloodshed that was the 2nd Wizarding War, a strong and steady hand was needed to oversee not only the recovery but also the reform of the Ministry of Magic. Kingsley Shacklebolt, a member of The Order of the Phoenix and one ofthe most capable Aurors, was the man for the job and went on to become arguably the greatest Minister for Magic of all time.
After capturing the remaining Death Eaters as acting Minister for Magic in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Hogwarts, Kingsley was elected to the position permanently and quickly set about reshaping the Ministry, which was inundated with corruption. His changes included alleviating Dementors of their role as Azkaban guards, and with the help of Hermione Granger, who would go on to succeed him, the eradication of laws that favored purebloods.
