What kind of crime would it be to attack a Ministry official—especially one who was a Senior Undersecretary?
Eda had never studied the statutes of wizarding law, but Azkaban was certainly unavoidable.
But Eda didn't care, because she knew Dumbledore would not let her make a move, and likewise would not let her suffer a loss. Besides, the one you wanted to arrest was Eda Twist—what did that have to do with her, Esmeralda Rosier?
When Eda spoke up against Umbridge, it wasn't because she was acting on impulse, nor because of Umbridge's appearance. It was because Umbridge wasn't qualified to face off with Dumbledore. King to king, general to general. You were only a Ministry assistant—still a deputy at that—and you dared to take shots at Dumbledore. Were you worthy?
That was the real reason Eda jumped out to cause trouble. Dumbledore was the leader of Hogwarts; the only one qualified to confront him was Cornelius Fudge. As for the rest, they should go wherever it was cool and stay there, instead of coming out to make fools of themselves.
Yet someone insisted on thinking highly of herself, coming out to play the clown, and speaking so unpleasantly, even claiming that today's Dementor attack was a frame-up against the Ministry. Good grief—Eda had never seen someone so shameless. With that ability to twist black into white, it was a pity she hadn't become a lawyer.
As the only person who had come along with Dumbledore, Eda naturally had to block these clowns for the headmaster. That was the essence of flattery.
When dealing with small fry like this, how could the boss be allowed to step in personally? So Eda became the vanguard—and only Dumbledore received this kind of treatment.
Whether it was Umbridge's looks or the words she spoke, everything about her was irritating.
Naturally, Eda wasn't going to speak to her gently or politely. Nor did Eda want to waste too many words on her; looking at that face for too long might give someone nightmares.
The fact that she hadn't directly cursed—ehm—greeted Umbridge's relatives, nor acted immediately, but instead asked Dumbledore for permission—this was already Eda showing restraint.
Umbridge grew even angrier. In front of so many people, Eda's insults made it very hard for her to keep her dignity. She looked toward Fudge with grievance, tears glistening in her eyes, as if to say: I've been insulted like this, yet I didn't impulsively curse her—see how well I've behaved?
Umbridge hoped to gain more favor and support from the Minister, and also hoped he would stand up for her, giving Dumbledore and this little girl a lesson.
Unfortunately, Umbridge was destined to be disappointed. She didn't know who Eda was, but Fudge did. She couldn't tell the difference between the big players, but Fudge certainly could now.
Leaving aside the girl herself, if she didn't have Dumbledore's protection, would she dare speak to Ministry officials like that? And besides, behind this girl stood the Rosier family of France.
Although the Rosier family was very unwilling to provide that backing, anyone who tried to touch her would be slapping the Rosiers in the face. Touch Eda today, and tomorrow the French Ministry of Magic would be sending a diplomatic letter demanding an explanation.
Offending both Dumbledore and the French Rosier family for Umbridge's sake was unwise, and Fudge would never do something so foolish.
To put it bluntly, Umbridge simply wasn't worth that kind of price.
So.. Cornelius Fudge made no response.
He believed he could keep Umbridge in check, and Dumbledore could keep this girl in check as well. There would be no conflict, and no one would be hurt—just a bit of verbal sparring, nothing serious.
However, Fudge still felt somewhat uncomfortable, and he was growing increasingly dissatisfied with Dumbledore.
Because of the Dementors, a single sentence had summoned him all the way to Hogsmeade—just who was the Minister of Magic here? Even Dumbledore's student dared to openly mock Ministry officials. Did Dumbledore even take him, the Minister, seriously?
After snapping at someone, Eda felt refreshed. She had no idea Fudge had so many thoughts running through his mind, nor did she realize she had inadvertently pushed forward the start of Fudge's plan to bring Dumbledore down.
Fudge might remain silent, but Dumbledore could not, especially since Eda had just asked him for instructions.
"Your temper is getting worse and worse. I really ought to have Minerva keep a closer eye on you," Dumbledore said with a smile. The way he spoke didn't sound like he was scolding a student; it was more like indulgence toward a mischievous kid at home.
And just like that, Dumbledore lightly brushed aside the matter between Eda and Umbridge.
If the Ministry intended to dwell on Eda's rudeness toward a Ministry official, then he would have no choice but to make an issue of Umbridge's audacity as well.
"I believe you heard Mr. Walker's answer clearly, Cornelius," Dumbledore said. "I warned you before this. Dark creatures like Dementors are greedy by nature and cannot be controlled. They are only temporarily obeying the Ministry."
No matter what, Fudge couldn't avoid this. Dumbledore had come here precisely because of this matter. The only reason he was holding back his anger was to give the Minister some face.
"I've made myself very clear as well, Albus," Cornelius Fudge replied. "The Dementors have always obeyed the Ministry. They're here only to capture Black! I cannot send my Aurors to deal with that madman!"
Kingsley Shacklebolt frowned. In truth, he didn't agree with the Minister's view. He had not become an Auror in order to hide behind Dementors. Capturing Dark wizards and those who committed evil acts was an Auror's duty.
Sacrifice was unavoidable, and it was painful, but you couldn't do nothing just because you feared it—could you hide away like a turtle shrinking into its shell?
Besides, was Fudge really refraining from deploying Aurors purely out of concern for their safety?
"Cornelius, we've discussed this more than once," Dumbledore said in a low voice. "Didn't Sirius Black escape right under the Dementors' noses? Why are you still being so stubborn!"
The incident had happened that very morning, and Fudge had heard about it with his own ears, yet he remained so obstinate, absolutely refusing to replace the Dementors. The anger Dumbledore had been suppressing rose again.
"Everyone out!" Cornelius Fudge shouted, his voice trembling with rage. Umbridge was the first to respond to the Minister's command and stepped outside. The other Ministry officials followed.
Dumbledore nodded to Eda, and she also left the hut, throwing herself back into the embrace of the heavy rain. Before she went out, the last sentence she heard was Fudge's roar: "I don't need you to teach me how to be Minister!"
The downpour still hadn't stopped.
Some of the Ministry officials stood under the eaves to shelter from the rain, others held up umbrellas, but they faintly divided into three groups.
The pink toad, Umbridge, stood under the eaves with the short-haired wizard. Amelia Bones and Walker, along with the others, held umbrellas in the rain, speaking in low voices. Kingsley Shacklebolt wore a raincoat and stood between the two sides, not moving closer to either one.
Kingsley came from the pure-blood Shacklebolt family. He had no need to scheme or form cliques. And with his own outstanding abilities, there was no need for him to do so.
"We meet again, young lady," Kingsley Shacklebolt greeted when he saw Eda come out. His voice was deep and slow, very comforting to hear.
Eda raised her wand and opened a magic umbrella. She smiled and said, "Hello, Mr. Shacklebolt. It seems the timing of our meetings is never very good."
"Yes, the first time we met was at St. Mungo's. You were rather hostile toward me then," Kingsley said. When he smiled, he showed white teeth, giving people a very sincere impression.
While Kingsley and Eda were catching up, Umbridge on the other side couldn't stay idle.
She had already learned some information about Eda from the short-haired Auror, Dawlish, but before he could finish, she had grown impatient.
"You are still underage. Underage wizards are strictly forbidden from performing magic outside of school!" Umbridge's unpleasant, shrill voice rang out again. "Dawlish, seize her!"
Dawlish felt rather helpless. You could at least let me finish before deciding whether to offend her! So what am I supposed to do—step in or not? I can't afford to offend Dumbledore or the Rosiers.
It seemed the description "pink toad" had broken through Umbridge's defenses and made her lose the most basic judgment.
If she had listened to Dawlish's introduction, she probably wouldn't have jumped out to play the clown again. Didn't she see that neither Kingsley nor Bones had made any response at all to Eda casting magic?
Umbridge's order did not stir up any waves.
Bones and the Aurors around her did not move; they had no intention of paying her any attention.
Even Dawlish did not budge.
Kingsley did move, but he merely turned slightly, placing himself in front of Eda. It was hard to tell whether Kingsley wanted to protect Eda, or was afraid that Eda might hurt Umbridge.
"Dolores, even if Miss Twist violated the regulations, this is her first time. Usually we would only issue a warning," Amelia Bones said. "And please note, I am the highest authority in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Or are you trying to tell me how to do my job?"
Amelia Bones was the strong, capable type of woman.
She looked down on people like Umbridge, who only knew how to scheme and curry favor with their superiors yet couldn't actually accomplish anything—a bunch of good-for-nothings.
Amelia turned to face Eda and said, "Miss Twist, you heard me. I am now issuing you a warning on behalf of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. But given today's dreadful weather, you may continue, and you will not receive another warning."
"Thank you very much for your kindness, Madam Bones," Eda said. "If the Ministry had more wise officials like you, I think the world would become a much better place."
After speaking, Eda glanced toward Umbridge, the slight curl of her lips filled with mockery.
If you've got the guts, come and arrest me. What's the point of glaring? I just love the way you can't stand me and still can't do anything about me!
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