As soon as Evan spoke, Umbridge moved uneasily again.
Murder? said Fudge gruffly. This is nonsense, it sounds ridiculous. You have made up too many stories in the past few years, from the Basilisk to You-Know-Who, and now soone in the Ministry is attempting to kill Harry Potter?
But its very likely that its a fact, Mr. Minister, said Evan, Just look it up and youll know that if soone has ordered the Dentors, they will definitely leave clues, and there are not many people in the Ministry of Magic who have the right to order the Dentors
You do not want to say Im trying to murder Harry Potter, do you?! snapped Fudge, his face turning purple. This is madness, utterly abnormal. Look, Dumbledore, this is the student you have taught. You do not still believe this boys nonsense, do you?
There were no more than five individuals within the Ministry who could control the Dentors, and Fudge naturally assud Evan was referring to him.
He was now like a powder barrel, ready to explode at the slightest touch. It was simply impossible to reason with him and analyze this matter calmly.
Umbridge coughed softly, poked her body out of the shadow, and she could be seen clearly.
She was like a large, pale toad, rather squat, with a broad, flabby face, as little neck as Uncle Vernon, and a very wide, slack mouth. Her eyes were large, round, and slightly bulging. Even the little black velvet bow perched on top of her short curly hair put people in mind of a large fly she was about to catch on a long sticky tongue.
Oh! Fudge gasped. The Chair recognizes Dolores Jane Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister.
So she spoke in a fluttery, girlish, high-pitched voice.
I am sorry, I am sure I must have misunderstood you, she said with a simper that left her big, round eyes as cold as ever. So silly of . But it sounded for a teensy mont as though Mr. Mason was suggesting that the Ministry of Magic had ordered an attack on this boy!
She gave a silvery laugh to make the hairs on the back of ones neck stand up.
A few other mbers of the Wizengamot laughed with her. It could not have been plainer that not one of them was really amused.
This is just a possibility, and its not the Ministry of Magic, but soone in the Ministry.
Whats the difference? said Fudge angrily.
I think what Evan said is very reasonable, and this is exactly what I want to say, said Dumbledore politely, If it is true that the Dentors are taking orders only from the Ministry of Magic, and it is also true that two Dentors attacked Harry and his cousin a week ago, then it follows logically that sobody at the Ministry might have ordered the attacks. Of course, these particular Dentors may have been outside Ministry control
There are no Dentors outside Ministry control! snapped Fudge.
Dumbledore inclined his head in a little bow, keeping a smile on his face.
Then undoubtedly the Ministry will be making a full inquiry into why two Dentors were so very far from Azkaban and why they attacked without authorization.
Enough, enough, Dumbledore, it is not for you to decide what the Ministry of Magic does or does not do! snapped Fudge, now a shade of magenta on his face. You and the kid next to you dont tell the Ministry what to do, you do not have that right.
Of course it isnt, said Dumbledore mildly. I was rely expressing my confidence, as an ordinary citizen who is concerned about the progress of this matter, that it will not go uninvestigated.
He glanced at Madam Bones, who readjusted her monocle and stared back at him, frowning slightly as though shed understood sothing.
I would remind everybody that the behavior of these Dentors, if indeed they are not fignts of these boys imagination, is not the subject of this hearing! said Fudge, breathing heavily, turning his head to ignore them. We are here to examine Harry Potters offenses!
Of course we are, said Dumbledore, but the presence of Dentors in that alleyway is highly relevant. Clause seven of the Decree states that magic may be used before Muggles in exceptional circumstances, and as those exceptional circumstances include situations that threaten the life of the wizard or witch himself, or witches, wizards, or Muggles present at the ti of the
We are familiar with clause seven, thank you very much! snarled Fudge.
Of course you are, said Dumbledore courteously. Then we are in agreent that Harrys use of the Patronus Charm in these circumstances falls precisely into the category of exceptional circumstances it describes?
If there were Dentors, which I doubt
You have heard from an eyewitness, Dumbledore interrupted. If you still doubt her truthfulness, call her back, question her again. I am sure she would not object.
I that I not blustered Fudge, fiddling with the papers before him. I want this over with today, Dumbledore!
But naturally, you would not care how many tis you heard from a witness, if the alternative was a serious miscarriage of justice.
Serious miscarriage, my hat! said Fudge at the top of his voice. Have you ever bothered to tot up the number of cock-and-bull stories this boy has co out with, Dumbledore, while trying to cover up his flagrant misuse of magic out of school? I suppose youve forgotten the Hover Charm he used three years ago
That wasnt , it was a house-elf! said Harry.
YOU SEE? roared Fudge, gesturing flamboyantly in Harrys direction. A house-elf! In a Muggle house! Is that possible?
The house-elf in question is currently employed by Evan, and he is in Hogwarts kitchens, said Dumbledore, I can summon him here in an instant to give evidence if you wish.
I not I havent got ti to listen to house-elves! Anyway, thats not the only he blew up his aunt, for Gods sake! Fudge shouted, banging his fist on the judges bench and upsetting a bottle of ink.
And you very kindly did not press charges on that occasion, accepting, I presu, that even the best wizards cannot always control their emotions, said Dumbledore calmly, as Fudge attempted to scrub the ink off his notes.
And Evan Mason next to him he has caused much trouble in the past few years. We are too tolerant of these two boys! Fudge continued to shout, Just at last years Quidditch World Cup finals, he dueled with the bloody vampire in front of all the wizards in the world, and used Transfiguration
Obviously, this was not Evans fault. That is what the Ministry of Magic should be responsible for. If you could ensure the safety of the ga, Evan would not have had to risk his life and fight dangerous vampires. Cornelius, do you want to pursue this matter?
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