Chapter 62 Chapter 62
At that moment, the atmosphere in Dumbledore's office became tense.
Dumbledore remained silent behind his desk, no one could guess what he was thinking. Not far from him were the pale and frightened Professor McGonagall and a somber Snape with bandages.
Standing in front of the desk was a man who looked very peculiar.
The man was short and stocky, with an anxious look on his face. He was dressed peculiarly: a fine pinstripe suit, a bright red tie, a long black cloak, and pointed purple boots. It was the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge.
Seated in front of him, on an uncomfortable chair, trembling, wiping away tears with a large handkerchief, and murmuring the names of Evan, Harry, and Ron, was Hagrid.
Mrs. Weasley was sitting by the fire, while Mr. Weasley sat beside her comforting her. They hurried over as soon as they heard that Ron had been taken, but they did not expect the situation to be so grave.
The only one pleased with the situation was Lucius Malfoy; he sat in a corner, draped in a black cloak, looking at the others with a cold, satisfied smile.
Next to Lucius was a strange creature wrapped in bandages, trembling in silence; it was the house-elf Dobby. Dobby seemed saddened by Harry's disappearance.
"I'm sorry, Albus!" said Cornelius Fudge dryly. "The situation is very serious, a basilisk broke into the castle, attacked, and took three students. Compared to the three previous attacks, this is too much; the Ministry must act."
"Cornelius, I hope you understand that it makes no sense to take Hagrid away, he is sitting among us now, not in the Chamber of Secrets," Dumbledore said softly.
"But, Albus!" Fudge exclaimed forcibly. "Hagrid's record is against him; the Ministry must take some action, we must consult the Board of Governors."
"Allow me to interject, Minister," Lucius Malfoy coughed softly. "The Board of Governors not only agreed with the Ministry's arrest request but also deemed it necessary for him to step down. This is a suspension order, signed by the twelve governors. Until next year, the students will be without a headmaster."
"You are trying to get rid of Dumbledore, this is madness!" Mr. Weasley shouted as he rose. "I know your games, Malfoy!"
"That is a baseless accusation, Weasley. It is hard to imagine a magical law official unchecked, but given the absurd things you have done before," Lucius said, turning his head and smiling. "Minister, if I were you, I would expel this man from the Ministry of Magic."
"My dear Lucius! I don't think these matters..." Cornelius Fudge began. "Your son was taken to the Chamber, he's a bit disturbed. And I don't think it's a good idea to dismiss Dumbledore."
"These are internal Hogwarts matters, the twelve governors have voted!" Lucius triumphantly winked.
"Malfoy, how many people have you threatened and blackmailed to get them to agree?" Hagrid stood up energetically. "You can't dismiss Dumbledore, if you do, Hogwarts won't stand a chance."
"For heaven's sake, your temper will get you into trouble one day, Hagrid!" Malfoy said disdainfully. "Let me give you some advice: don't shout at the authorities, they don't like it. Isn't that right, Minister?"
"Yes, yes, I mean, what we need to do now is uncover the truth as soon as possible," Fudge nodded. "Hagrid, I want you to come with us."
"Look at it from my perspective, Minerva! I'm under a lot of pressure, I must do something," Fudge said nervously. "If we find out it wasn't Hagrid, he'll be back in a jiffy."
"Don't worry, I believe we will soon all know the truth!" Dumbledore addressed Professor McGonagall and said, "Minerva, could you go and greet Mr. Mason, Mr. Potter, Mr Weasley, and Miss Granger?"
"What?!" Everyone was astonished. The children had actually returned from inside the chamber!
Twenty minutes before that, the children led Lockhart out of the Chamber of Secrets.
While no one was paying attention, Evan extracted a basilisk fang, whose venom made it an excellent tool for attack.
With that, they wouldn't have to worry about destroying the Horcruxes.
They then exited the chamber with the basilisk and returned to the tunnel. With Fawkes' assistance, they flew through the water pipes and returned to the girls' bathroom on the third floor.
Evan had planned to head to the school's infirmary first, but Fawkes flew towards Dumbledore's office entrance.
Professor McGonagall had been informed of their arrival, so she waited there. When she saw Evan, Harry, Ron, and Hermione covered in mud and mucus, especially Evan and Harry's robes stained with blood, her heart skipped a beat and she gasped.
A few seconds later, she sent Lockhart to the school infirmary and the other four to the headmaster's office.
The door opened, and everyone fell silent.
"Ron!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed as she stood up and ran towards him, followed by Mr. Weasley; both extended their arms and embraced Ron.
Behind them was Hagrid, who instantly embraced Evan, Harry, and Hermione; the trio was enveloped in tight hugs.
Evan glanced around the room. He smiled wryly; it seemed like the headmaster's office had been quite lively before they entered.