Two days later, Hogwarts.
Inside the Principal's office.
"Rita Skeeter has somehow gotten the news and started to raise widespread doubts in the newspapers.
The Deputy Minister was afflicted with a Curse at work, at her workplace, and the entire Ministry of Magic is helpless about it.
If this matter cannot be resolved, it will become a scandal for the entire Ministry of Magic."
A slightly plump man, dressed in a grey-black pinstriped suit, but wearing a bright red tie and a long black cloak, spoke in a slightly hurried and fragmented manner.
He was straddling the chair opposite the desk, a green top hat resting on his knees.
His face was a feigned sorrow, as if he genuinely worried about the Ministry of Magic and even the entire Wizarding World from their perspective.
"I searched among the Wizards of the Wizengamot, but they were helpless against the Curse on her. So, the first person who came to my mind was you, Albus.
If anyone can help the Ministry of Magic, help me, the Minister for Magic, I think only you can do it."
As he spoke, his brown eyes, enveloped by the fat on his face, followed the figure in the elaborate grey robes and light blue cap behind the desk.
"I'm very curious, why didn't you come to me first before seeking out others?" Dumbledore's fingers were slightly arched as he gently stroked Fawkes's forehead.
His pace of speech was not fast, his tone not high, as if he were muttering to himself, or speaking to Fawkes.
"Albus, I know you are very busy. The school, the Wizengamot, the Order of Merlin, too many things are waiting for you," Fudge said.
"Yes, and the Ministry of Magic's investigation," Dumbledore said, then he raised his head, looked at Fudge, and their eyes met for a moment.
Fudge quickly averted his gaze; he could not look directly into that blue stare.
"I don't remember the last time you came to talk to me alone; in any case, it seems to have been several years ago, before you were elected Minister."
"I'm very busy," Fudge said hastily, clearing his throat lightly: "The Ministry of Magic has a lot of work."
"Yes, you are now the Minister, in charge of all matters, big and small, in Britain."
"Yes," Fudge agreed, nodding, a smile appearing on his face.
"Umbridge is an indispensable part of the British Ministry of Magic; if she cannot return, it will be the greatest loss to the entire British Wizarding World!
As long as you, Albus, can help her lift the Curse, I can guarantee... guarantee..."
Dumbledore looked at him, saying nothing, waiting for him to continue.
Ever since Fudge took office, he quickly distanced himself from Dumbledore, seemingly to prove his own outstanding ability and that he did not rely on Dumbledore to rise to power.
However, the decrees he issued and amended were always limited to conventional areas that did not touch the fundamental, such as Wizard protection and Muggle item restrictions.
Or he would promote various 'entertainment talents' to receive the Order of Merlin, Third Class, frequently appearing on the international stage and having it reported by The Daily Prophet, implicitly indicating that under his leadership, the Wizarding World was flourishing.
But Dumbledore didn't care about any of this.
He just wanted to do what he was supposed to do; he never thought of interfering with the Ministry of Magic, yet Fudge was alienating him, seemingly treating him as a formidable enemy.
Even, judging from his performance some time ago, he seemed very eager to use the law to interfere with Hogwarts affairs.
Thinking this, Dumbledore shook his head: "Cornelius, why don't you dare to make a commitment? Even... you don't even have the courage to give me a vague, broad guarantee that would benefit Hogwarts?"
As Dumbledore spoke, he moved across the table. Fudge stood up, his gaze following his figure closely.
"Fortunately, you haven't been so foolish as to say you'd give me money."
Cornelius's forehead was sweating a little; he had just... really thought of offering money, just needing to divert some of the Ministry of Magic's funds, for Deputy Minister Umbridge, for the Ministry of Magic's reputation.
Umbridge was an excellent person, a rare and perfect tool for him.
He did not want to lose her.
"I think, if you are willing to send me some candy this Christmas," Dumbledore walked to his side and glanced at him.
"I think you should remember how to fill out the address."
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Principal's Office...
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