I always felt that if given a chance, Severus would make an excellent Headmaster--strict and clever and fair. Dumbledore was like somebody's grandpa, the kids weren't really all that scared of him. When I was a kid, getting sent to the principal's office was like a scary thing--you didn't want it to happen to you! When I read the books, it didn't seem that any kid dreaded that ultimate punishment. They dreaded it when Umbridge was in charge cause she was a sadist, but not when Dumbledore was in charge.

Severus would be a different story. I always regretted the kids not going back to school when Sev was Headmaster, we were cheated of seeing him in action.

Fudge was rude and yes, he doesn't want to discuss Harry's proprosition but eventuallt he's going to be made to, as you'll see.