Cornelius Fudge is the current Minister of Magic (see Ministry of Magic). He became Minister of Magic when Bartemius Crouch Sr. lost his shot at the job (c. 1981) and after Dumbledore turned the post down. Now that he is Minister of Magic, he "pelts Dumbledore with owls" every day to get advice about what to do.

Fudge is somewhat weak, swayed by money and addicted to his own position and privilege. Fudge is impressed by wizarding families with pure bloodlines and by generous donations. As a result, he favors people like Lucius Malfoy and looks down on people like the Weasleys.

On the surface, Fudge would seem to be a kindly, blustering, somewhat pompous fellow who is essentially good-natured. However, he refuses to see that Voldemort is rising again simply because it would disrupt his well-ordered, comfortable world. He trusts the Dementors and allows them to control Azkaban, which is where many of Voldemort's supporters currently are imprisoned. 

Cornelius Fudge

• hair: rumpled, gray
• distinguishing features: a portly little man
• age: past middle age (?)
• clothes: pinstriped suit, scarlet tie, long black cloak, pointed purple boots, lime green bowler hat (CS); bottle-green suit, pinstriped cloak (PA3)
• interests: preserving the status quo, especially his own power, find of pure bloodlines, impressed by money
• drink: red currant rum (PA)
• marital status: married (GF28)