Many people criticised Professor McGonagall for various things in her past.
Particularly her failed romance years ago.
But regardless of what anyone said—
Nobody could deny one truth.
Minerva McGonagall was an exceptional professor.
And an even better Head of House.
Whenever her students faced danger or injustice, she would always be the first person standing in front of them.
No matter which House they belonged to.
The moment Fudge saw all four Heads of House gathered together beside Dumbledore, the last traces of composure on his face nearly collapsed.
He hurriedly stepped out from behind his desk.
"Professor Dumbledore… Professors…"
"It's certainly been some time."
"You must also be here regarding—"
"Minister Fudge."
Professor McGonagall interrupted him sharply without the slightest politeness.
"What crime exactly has my student committed that justifies being dragged into the Ministry of Magic like a criminal?"
Fudge froze immediately.
"This… well…"
He genuinely didn't dare answer carelessly.
The appearance of all four Heads of House together represented far more than four professors.
It represented Hogwarts itself.
More than eighty percent of British witches and wizards graduated from Hogwarts.
It was the foundation of magical Britain.
And among those graduates—
How many had once been taught personally by these professors?
Once the Heads of House openly took a position, countless people would stand behind them instinctively.
And more importantly—
Standing there beside them was Albus Dumbledore.
The true symbol of authority within magical Britain.
His influence among ordinary wizards far surpassed the Ministry itself.
After all, even Fudge's position as Minister only existed because Dumbledore declined it repeatedly.
Under those circumstances, how could Fudge possibly remain calm?
"Professor McGonagall," Fudge said nervously, "I've already sent someone to investigate the situation."
"Please wait just a little longer…"
"Cornelius."
Dumbledore's calm voice interrupted him.
"You may wish to look downstairs first."
"I suspect your perspective will change."
Fudge blinked in confusion.
"Downstairs?"
"The Ministry Atrium," Dumbledore clarified quietly.
Then he added calmly:
"Coincidentally, I would also like to see Mr. Grindelwald's current condition."
Without giving Fudge any opportunity to refuse, Dumbledore immediately turned and began walking toward the Auror Department.
Arthur and Molly Weasley quickly stepped forward to greet the Hogwarts professors respectfully.
Once they moved, everyone else followed naturally.
Even Lucius Malfoy inclined his head politely toward Dumbledore.
No matter their positions or beliefs, nobody could casually disrespect the greatest wizard of the age.
As Dumbledore quietly observed the crowd surrounding Fudge's office, his expression gradually became more complicated.
Famous wizards.
Pure-blood families.
Hogwarts professors.
And now ordinary members of the public as well.
Without anyone fully noticing, Lucien Grindelwald had already built an enormous network of influence throughout magical Britain.
And after today's events—
His reputation would only rise further.
The Saints Group's popularity combined with public sympathy from this incident would elevate his standing dramatically.
That development was extremely dangerous for Dumbledore's future plans.
Particularly for Harry's future growth.
For the first time in quite a while, Dumbledore genuinely regretted his earlier hesitation.
Because now—
Lucien had already become far too influential to touch carelessly.
…
The group soon arrived at the Ministry Atrium.
The moment Fudge stepped into the massive hall—
He nearly stopped breathing.
The entire Atrium was packed.
Completely packed.
Hundreds of witches and wizards crowded every visible space while Ministry employees desperately struggled to maintain order.
Fudge grabbed a nearby Auror instantly.
"What happened?!"
His hand unconsciously reached toward the wand at his waist.
Earlier, when Umbridge mentioned the crowds, Fudge barely paid attention.
He assumed perhaps a dozen people had gathered.
What problem could a dozen wizards possibly cause?
But now—
There were far more than a dozen.
Over two hundred people filled the Ministry.
At that moment, Fudge genuinely wished he could hide directly behind Dumbledore.
Lucius and the other pure-bloods had already seen the situation earlier, so they remained calm.
After all, nobody here came for them.
Why panic?
The unfortunate Auror looked ready to collapse.
"Minister…"
"The newspapers spread the story already…"
"They're accusing the Ministry of abusing power and arresting innocent people…"
"And several papers also claimed…"
"What did they claim?!"
Fudge roared.
The Auror swallowed nervously.
"They're saying the Ministry secretly colluded with Gringotts…"
"…to seize Saints Group property."
Fudge's forehead veins bulged violently.
"Damn it!"
"Which reporter wrote that?!"
"Rita Skeeter…"
Fudge nearly fainted.
Her again.
Looking at the furious crowd below, he swallowed hard before forcing himself forward.
"Ladies and gentlemen!"
"I am Cornelius Fudge, Minister for Magic!"
"Please remain calm! If you have concerns, we can discuss them properly!"
Unfortunately—
The only response he received was an explosion of furious shouting.
Left with no alternatives, Fudge reluctantly turned toward the one person he least wanted help from.
Dumbledore.
Dumbledore slowly stepped forward.
"Quiet."
His voice wasn't loud.
Yet every single person inside the Atrium heard it clearly.
"Professor Dumbledore!"
"The Headmaster's here too!"
"Is Hogwarts supporting Mr. Grindelwald?"
"Be quiet! Listen first!"
The crowd gradually settled down.
Everyone's attention focused entirely upon Dumbledore.
"I understand your concerns," Dumbledore said calmly.
"As Mr. Grindelwald's Headmaster, I am equally troubled by today's events."
"But please believe in Hogwarts."
"And believe in the Ministry of Magic."
"We will absolutely ensure Mr. Grindelwald receives justice."
"Yes!"
Fudge hurriedly stepped forward again.
"As Minister for Magic, I personally guarantee everyone here that Mr. Grindelwald will be treated fairly!"
"You may all return home peacefully!"
Fudge genuinely believed Dumbledore's appearance would calm everything instantly.
Instead—
Not a single person moved.
Fudge's smile nearly cracked.
Dumbledore sighed softly before speaking again.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please also consider the Ministry staff."
"They have duties to fulfil."
"If this continues, countless innocent people needing help today will also suffer delays."
A voice suddenly rose from the crowd.
"We'll stay quietly!"
Immediately, others joined in.
"That's right!"
"We only want to see Mr. Grindelwald ourselves!"
"As long as we confirm he's safe, we'll leave!"
"Exactly!"
"Just let us see him once!"
"Show us Mr. Grindelwald!"
Dumbledore glanced thoughtfully toward Fudge.
After hesitating painfully, Fudge finally nodded.
Inside his mind, however, he was already cursing Scrimgeour's ancestors all the way back to prehistoric apes.
You caused this catastrophe—
And now you're hiding comfortably inside your office while I clean up the mess?!
Are you even human?!
Suppressing his fury, Fudge ordered most Ministry personnel to return to work while allowing the crowd to remain waiting peacefully.
To their credit, the gathered wizards kept their word.
Nobody attempted to storm the Ministry further.
They simply waited silently.
…
Soon afterward, the group finally arrived outside the Auror Office.
Before even entering, several nervous Aurors suddenly rushed out in panic.
"Freeze!"
Snape reacted instantly.
As a former Death Eater and double agent, he was extraordinarily sensitive to suspicious behaviour.
With one cold command, every fleeing Auror froze in place.
At the same time, Snape flicked his wand sharply.
Bang!
The office doors flew open violently.
Inside—
Lucien sat calmly in a chair.
Several Aurors surrounded him from both sides as though guarding an especially dangerous criminal.
Nearby, Tonks was being restrained tightly by two Aurors while struggling furiously.
And directly ahead—
Scrimgeour held a small vial of potion while approaching Lucien slowly.
This time, even normally gentle Professor Flitwick lost control entirely.
His face turned cold with fury.
"Minister Fudge."
Flitwick's voice trembled slightly with anger.
"Is this your definition of questioning?"
"Is this what the Ministry considers safety?"
Then his eyes sharpened dangerously.
"Excellent."
"The British Ministry truly impresses me today."
....
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