As the incident subsided, Adrian breathed a sigh of relief. He just hoped that his friend Nott would be ok. Was he too late? Had not already lost a lot of blood by the time the incident had subsided.
Grabbing the engraved note containing the credentials COC, Adrian rushed towards the hospital. As he made his way to the entrance to the hospital, he noticed that the mood seemed somber. Nott's father stood at the entrance to the wards, his eyes betraying Adrian's fragile hopes.
Looking at the unfolding scene, Adrian mumbled, "Is Nott dead?" Tears streamed across his face, his heart shaking from within. He disavowed the fact that Nott died—how could he? How could that bastard kill Nott?
As Adrian stood there consumed by his own grief, Dumbledore approached him, attempting to console him. "Kyle, I understand your grief; however, there are still some questions you must answer. I will give you a week to recuperate, but it is important for me to gain a deeper understanding of this incident. Be there at my office seven in the evening next Sunday." After muttering a few words, the headmaster walked away as though Nott's life and death had nothing to do with him.
Truth be told, Dumbledore was quite troubled and upset over Nott's death—one wonders about living without your loved one, and Dumbledore knew the feeling. It was an overwhelming feeling, one that he still clung to up until this very day.
But now he had different matters to tend to. That power-hungry Fudge was going to try his utmost to oust him from his political power. In his head Dumbledore was confident, yet he knew that the recent incident had tipped his power to the very edge. As he nervously walked into the headmaster's office, what awaited Dumbledore were numerous howlers. The screams from parents echoed into his mind—the incidents replaying from the Chimavorax to Nott's death. As the howlers got too overwhelming, Dumbledore ran out of patience, casting a barrier across his office—a spell erupted and destroyed those once-dreadful howlers.
"No noise. I want silence!" the old man muttered. As the word escaped from his mouth, a huge, chubby, fat man came banging on the principal's office.
It was the worst time for Fudge to arrive. The minister of magic had to arrive during this tumultuous moment. The door flew open without warning.
Cornelius Fudge stormed in, flanked by two Aurors. His face was flushed, and he was breathing heavily. "Albus," he said sharply. "Explain to me how a student nearly died in your school again. This time it's not a joke either. The Notts are powerful and hold significant weight in the ministry."
Dumbledore did not immediately respond. He paused before saying. "Mr. Nott is alive, and Madam Pomfrey is currently stabilizing him."
Dumbledore's response broke Fudge. The minister could not accept such a lousy explanation.
"First a creature on school grounds. And your defense professor is nowhere to be found. Parents are furious. The board is furious. Nott's father is demanding accountability."
"Because of you, my position as a minister is under jeopardy. I think the time has come for the ministry to have stricter supervision over Hogwarts."
Hearing this enraged Dumbledore. The last thing that the principal wanted was to turn this school into a political battleground. "Fudge! You are going against our initial agreement."
Fudge let out a short, bitter laugh.
"Oh Albus. An agreement can only be withheld by both sides. You have long crossed the limit. There will be an immediate ministry inquiry starting tomorrow. Additionally, aurors will be stationed at Hogwarts next year, and there will be regular inspections. I will not allow this school to operate without oversight any longer."
Dumbledore's expression remained composed. Yet inwardly, he was seething. He knew he had no choice; after all, Fudge was the minister, and he had voluntarily chosen to avoid politics.
"You may conduct your inquiry."
"Good," Fudge said curtly. "I will speak with Nott's father personally. The ministry will ensure that this matter will be taken care of responsibly.
"I have always taken the utmost care of my students," said Dumbledore.
Fudge did not respond to that. He adjusted his coat and turned toward the door, leaving abruptly.
Flashback — Six Days Earlier
The letter arrived under the official Confederation seal and was delivered directly to the minister's private office.
Fudge dismissed his assistant before breaking it open.
Minister Fudge,
During our recent discussion at the Confederation session, concerns were raised regarding the perception of Britain's internal balance of authority. Certain independent institutions appear to function with minimal visible ministerial oversight.
While no formal motion has been proposed, such perceptions can gradually erode confidence in centralized governance. Stability requires clarity.
Moments of institutional strain, though regrettable, often provide governments the opportunity to reaffirm rightful jurisdiction and demonstrate decisive leadership.
Delay, however, may be interpreted as acquiescence.
— COV
Fudge read the final lines carefully. It was advice from the hooded man he had met that day. He vividly remembered the man conducting and leading the discussion in the council during Dumbledore's absence.
Fudge folded the letter neatly and placed it in his desk drawer.
Present
As Fudge walked through the hallways, he realized that he had gained the upper hand. Now he had a legitimate reason to interfere in Hogwarts matters. The advice to be decisive had not been in vain after all.