Rufus Scrimgeour signalled the rest of the Aurors to wait as he observed the two newcomers. Having spent so many years as an Auror has taught Rufus a crucial thing. Never let his guard down.
He watched the old Wizard, Dumbledore, closely. The latter was observing each and every person there. When their eyes met, Dumbledore gave a nod and continued his scanning until it rested on Harry.
He carefully stared at the boy for a moment. When he received the news from Kingsley, Dumbledore could not believe it. He initially thought that this was an impostor acting as Harry, but the one in front was indeed the boy he knew.
On the side, Lucius was the first to break the silence.
"Rufus Scrimgeour, I heard about the situation and thought I might offer my assistance if needed. It seems that the Aurors have things well in hand."
Rufus Scrimgeour, still on guard, acknowledged Lucius with a nod. "Your offer is appreciated, Mr. Malfoy, but there's no need. The Aurors have already apprehended the boy in question."
Lucius was trying hard to comprehend the situation. He had received a command from Voldemort, brusquely demanding his Apparition to this location. Voldemort only told him that Harry Potter was there with the Aurors, and Lucius just had to get there and offer his help if needed.
What he could not understand was what Harry Potter was doing there.
He was among the few who knew that Voldemort was keeping Harry Potter in the cellar of his own mansion. He personally saw that.
So, how did the boy get here? Did he escape? Surely not because Voldemort was the one who told him about Harry's location.
So, surely this was the plan of his Lord. He just learned about what Harry has done.
However, upon his arrival, Lucius found himself confronted not only by the Aurors but also by the formidable presence of Albus Dumbledore. Funny how both of them were on the opposite side but apparated at the same time.
Maybe that was it. If Voldemort wanted him here, maybe it was because of Dumbledore's appearance. Lucius was here as a sort of back-up to the Aurors in case Dumbledore decided to act on his own.
"Albus Dumbledore," Scrimgeour, his wand still pointing at the two, asked, his tone respectful but vigilant. "What brings you here?"
Rufus Scrimgeour knew about Albus Dumbledore being a Grand Sorcerer, and if the latter decided to side with Harry, would he and his fellow Aurors be able to fight against him? That thought became vivid inside Rufus's mind as Albus was in a clash with the Ministry of Magic, especially Cornelius Fudge.
Albus Dumbledore, his expression unchanged, responded to Rufus Scrimgeour's question with calm sincerity, "I came here, Rufus, not to interfere with the duties of the Ministry, but to offer guidance and understanding. This is a delicate situation, and I believe there is more to it than meets the eye."
Rufus Scrimgeour, though respectful of Dumbledore's stature, maintained a firm stance. "Headmaster Dumbledore, while I respect your wisdom, the law must be upheld. Harry Potter is under arrest, and we will proceed with the necessary legal actions."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, and he asked in a measured tone, "May I have a moment to speak with Mr. Potter alone before you proceed with the formalities? It might shed light on the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident."
Rufus Scrimgeour, however, shook his head with determination. "I cannot allow that, Headmaster. The situation is already complicated enough. We will take Mr. Potter into custody, and if needed, he can provide his testimony during the official inquiry."
Turning to the other Aurors, Scrimgeour issued a direct order, "Take him to the Ministry. We will conduct a thorough investigation, and justice will prevail."
The Aurors, under Rufus Scrimgeour's command, obeyed. Harry, though surrounded, lifted his head and met Dumbledore's gaze with a piercing intensity.
As the Aurors prepared to transport Harry away, Dumbledore's voice resonated in the alleyway, "Remember, Harry, choices have consequences, but redemption is always within reach. I will do what I can to ensure a fair inquiry."
John Dawlish grabbed hold of Harry, and in an instant, the two vanished from the alleyway. Rufus ordered the two Aurors who fought Harry to retrieve Dudley and also bring him to the Ministry of Magic. That Muggle boy was going to be a key witness in the trial of Harry Potter.
But first, he needed to survive the pain and torture he had experienced.
While the event was ongoing, there was another wizard not far away. When Harry Potter trapped the Aurors and Dudley under the fallen roof, Harry left the house, leaving behind the Invisibility Cloak. A few seconds later, the Aurors were able to free themselves and rushed outside in pursuit of Harry. At that time, Voldemort appeared from behind the house and entered it. He took the cloak from the ground and enveloped himself.
Observing the scene with satisfaction, Voldemort thought about Harry's actions. The successful elimination of his Muggle relatives had exceeded his expectations. The boy had embraced the darkness within, a development that played perfectly into Voldemort's hands. The chaos and the confrontation with the Aurors were steps in the grand design that Voldemort had meticulously crafted.
As he passed by Dudley, lying on the ground in pain, Voldemort's red eyes glinted with malevolence. He recognized the potential value of keeping Dudley alive. A pawn in the twisted game he played against Harry. A living reminder of the consequences of embracing the dark path.
Voldemort couldn't help but be amused by the unfolding events. The pieces on the wizarding chessboard were moving according to his plan. The trap had been set, and Harry had walked right into it. The supposed fall of Harry Potter to the dark side was a triumph in Voldemort's eyes. He wondered how Dumbledore, the venerable old wizard, would react to this turn of events.
Amused by the unfolding drama, Voldemort mused to himself about Dumbledore's next move.
Voldemort left as he had another plan for the trial of Harry Potter.