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Behind him, the confrontation continued to unfold.
"Albus, you know I've always trusted you. After all, you've helped me immensely over the years. But the Ministry isn't something I can control alone," Fudge continued, his voice heavy with the weight of responsibility.
"Someone with considerable influence and authority in the wizarding world has reported you, and we have no choice but to investigate."
Fudge sighed deeply, the air of helplessness around him unmistakable.
Dumbledore, as always, remained silent, looking at Fudge calmly, his gaze unwavering. The Minister, unable to hold eye contact, shifted uneasily under the older wizard's steady stare.
"I truly believe in you, Albus. Coming here so publicly was not my intention," Fudge added, his voice full of feigned sincerity. But those present could hear the politician in his tone.
Everyone knew the Ministry's efficiency had never been this swift. Quirrell's body had barely been discovered, yet here they were.
"Someone with considerable authority? Who?" Snape's voice interrupted, sharp and full of suspicion, as he emerged from his office. Upon seeing Dumbledore, he relaxed slightly, though the concern in his expression was evident.
It wasn't the Ministry's accusations that troubled him, it was the secret knowledge they had about Quirrell, and the unsettling mystery surrounding what had disappeared from his body.
"That's not something you need to know," Umbridge sneered, looking at Snape with disdain, her voice dripping with scorn.
"Umbridge!" Fudge's voice rang out, stern, as he gestured for her to step back. He knew better than to provoke Dumbledore. His respect for the Headmaster was one born not of affection, but of fear.
After all, Fudge had witnessed Dumbledore's true power firsthand. It was because of this very power that he sought to undermine the Headmaster's influence.
If Dumbledore ever learned of the full extent of Fudge's manipulation, the Minister would never sleep in peace again. Fudge had made himself a pawn of others, not out of simple loyalty, but because he understood how vast and far-reaching Dumbledore's influence truly was.
Dumbledore could shield him from the sun and position him as Minister, but who could guarantee that Dumbledore wouldn't sacrifice him in the future to elevate someone new?
Fudge viewed the position of Minister as the throne of the wizarding world, and that was why he was constantly on edge. No king would want such a kingmaker looming over them.
"As the one being investigated, don't I have the right to know who has reported me?" Dumbledore walked over to Grindelwald.
He turned to face Fudge and the Aurors.
"I assure you, Albus, no one will slander or falsely accuse you. We will only seek the truth and put an end to any rumours that may arise," Fudge responded.
"Not only to clear your name, but also to ensure that I am not accused of favouritism as Minister, since everyone knows of our... good relationship," Fudge added, sidestepping Dumbledore's question. He was clearly unwilling to reveal the informant.
"Of course, I understand the difficulties you face, and we trust in the Ministry's authority. But since this is an investigation targeting me, please do not trouble the other professors," Dumbledore said calmly, his expression sincere.
This caused Fudge to breathe a sigh of relief.
The psychological pressure on him was immense.
"Of course."
Fudge made no further mention of confiscating the professors' wands or trying to take Dumbledore's. He had initially hoped to intimidate the Hogwarts professors, after all. They rarely respected his authority, and making them uncomfortable in front of the Aurors would have reinforced his power over them. Since that tactic had failed, he decided to let it go.
There would be other opportunities in the future.
"Examine this body and determine the cause of death for this poor victim," Fudge ordered, gesturing to Quirrell's body.
The Aurors didn't hesitate this time and began their work. Before proceeding, they respectfully greeted Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape in low tones.
Their manners were impeccable.
"If anyone claims Dumbledore killed Quirrell, they're speaking utter nonsense," Professor McGonagall muttered, casting a quick glance at Dumbledore standing beside her.
Her words were also a subtle reminder to Dumbledore about the situation at hand.
But Dumbledore remained composed.
"I trust Fudge and these capable Aurors will uncover the truth," Dumbledore said quietly, his gaze shifting to Grindelwald.
Grindelwald gave a slight nod in agreement.
"Exactly, that's how it should be. It's good that you understand our difficulties," He added.
Fudge looked visibly relieved.
"There are traces of dark magic rituals," One of the Aurors said, carefully examining the magical residue. "I believe this professor was sacrificed alive before his death, but as for the purpose..." The Auror hesitated.
His words didn't surprise the professors, as Snape had already reached the same conclusion.
"What was the purpose? Don't hold back! We're the Ministry!" Umbridge interjected eagerly, clearly trying to draw attention to herself.
"We can only confirm that it was a dark magic ritual requiring a live sacrifice," the Aurors responded, offering no further clarification.
This only disappointed Umbridge, though Fudge's eyes glinted with hidden excitement at the vague answer. However, Umbridge, who had thrust herself in front of Fudge, didn't notice.
"Wasn't it to resurrect someone?" She pressed, her voice loud and insistent.
Her tone was brash, fearless, like that of a warrior.
"Enough! Stop spouting nonsense!" Professor McGonagall snapped, her temper fraying. "If there were truly a dark magic ritual capable of bringing the dead back to life, do you really think the Death Eaters would still be lying low?"
"Use that head of yours, which even a troll would shake its head at, and think about it!" Snape added, unable to restrain himself. His mocking tone was unusual for him, especially considering he had brought up the sensitive issue of the Death Eaters.
It was clear that both Professor McGonagall and Snape shared a deep disdain for Umbridge.
"I'm not asking you to answer me! I'm asking our Aurors to make a judgment!" Umbridge fumed, her eyes blazing with anger as she turned on Snape and Professor McGonagall.
"Especially you! How dare you mention Death Eaters?" She spat, her voice laced with fury. She seemed ready to threaten Snape at any moment.
"Even if there was a dark magic ritual that could resurrect the dead, how does that prove that our Headmaster killed a professor and performed this ritual?" Grindelwald suddenly spoke, his eyes narrowing at Umbridge.
"Let's all calm down and focus on the facts. We're all here to find the truth, so let's not turn this into a tense standoff. Perhaps we should take this professor's body back to the Ministry for further examination," He suggested, attempting to mediate.
Fudge seized the opportunity to play the role of peacemaker.
He didn't expect to eliminate Dumbledore; he simply wanted leverage. This way, he could prevent certain things he didn't want to see happen and have bargaining power when dealing with Dumbledore. His hope was to ensure that the most powerful wizard of the century wouldn't discard him for someone else.
"He certainly has a motive!" Umbridge declared, but her lack of political tact was evident. She clearly couldn't read the room.
Fudge's words made her realise she needed to step up as the villain.
"Oh?"
Grindelwald elongated the sound, provoking Umbridge further.
"Perhaps Albus Dumbledore can bury his past from others, but the Ministry can unearth it. He has attempted more than once to find a way to resurrect his deceased sister..."
Umbridge's words were cut short.
"Bang~"
The magic flared, and she was sent flying against the wall, coughing and spitting blood, indicating at least a few broken ribs.
"Shut your filthy mouth!"
The one who acted was Snape.
His hands trembled.
(To Be Continued…)