"I don't know the whereabouts of Mordor, nor its exact location... As for Gandalf, he's a renowned Maia. His name has often passed through the lips of travelers near Cirith Ungol. Gandalf the Grey is said to be a benevolent Maia."
"I don't know much about him personally, but one of the hobbits I once feasted on mentioned that Gandalf was a friend to hobbits. Perhaps you could find him in the Shire, where hobbits dwell."
Shelob didn't intend to divulge so much, but Dumbledore's offerings of fresh prey pleased her greatly. Besides, communication with her offspring was mundane, so she felt no rush.
Dumbledore seized the moment to inquire further:
"Charle? Where is this place?"
"I cannot say... Sauron's previous conflicts with the elves left Middle-earth ravaged, with seas roiling and lands collapsing. Many places I once knew vanished..."
Dumbledore fell silent, feeling somewhat frustrated.
Once more!
Despite the leads, he was no closer to his goal.
"Where's Saruman? You had an encounter with him before."
"Hohohoho..."
At the mention of Saruman, Shelob's laughter took on a different tone.
"He relieved my suffering... I won't divulge much, except that he's a Maia. Besides Sauron, he's the mightiest Maia to set foot in these lands. Even Gandalf pales in comparison to Saruman's power."
"However, I could share more about Saruman if you provide me with a few humans! I believe you'd find it intriguing, perhaps even shocking."
Shelob regarded Dumbledore with anticipation.
Dumbledore shook his head. Even if he desired Saruman's information, he couldn't trade humans for it.
Moreover, Dumbledore had a sinking feeling.
From Saruman's actions, it was clear he wasn't a benevolent figure.
"One final question, Shelob: Are you familiar with the White Council?"
"The White Council... or the Holy White Council? I've heard whispers... from the elves or humans that I've consumed..."
Shelob recollected cautiously, revealing that the establishment of the White Council was concealed post-Chili Wugou, with details gleaned from her food sources. "It appears to be an alliance formed by elves and humans to oppose Sauron..."
Dumbledore's heart fluttered with speculation, eager to discern the organization's alignment.
"Is Saruman affiliated with Sauron?" Dumbledore inquired abruptly.
Shelob's eight legs quivered uneasily. She remained silent, merely gazing at Dumbledore before stating, "If you wish to inquire further, ensure there's sustenance ready. I'm retiring for a few days... Do not disturb me."
Dumbledore made no attempt to halt her departure. He had gathered ample information tonight, including the insight he sought.
Once Shelob vanished into the ground, Dumbledore exited the Forbidden Forest, returning to his office. Contemplating for a while, he stood before the Pensieve with a solemn visage.
"Saruman and Sauron... Likely in an alliance or with Saruman seeking refuge in Sauron's shadow, judging by Shelob's reaction. She and Sauron were once neighbors, and she harbors many secrets..."
"In that case, Saruman continues his pursuit of Gandalf..."
"Either his allegiance with Sauron shifted, and he aims to wield Gandalf against him... or he seeks Gandalf's demise..."
Dumbledore's deductions weren't surprising, given his reservations about Saruman, especially after the latter's orchestration of the Magical Congress's downfall.
"Shelob claims Saruman to be the mightiest Maia in Middle-earth, surpassing even Gandalf. It's conceivable, yet Gandalf has remained elusive for millennia, evading Saruman's grasp..."
Further contemplation yielded more insights. Tonight's revelations were significant, but they came at a cost.
Hundreds of pounds of fresh beef, enough to sustain Hogwarts for days...
And should Shelob divulge more secrets in the future...
"There's no need to rely on the school board. Looks like I'll just have to use the old man's money to buy candy..." Dumbledore mused, popping a fudge into his mouth with a satisfied expression.
"Though some internal doubts have been cleared, it doesn't really help the current situation... If Saruman joins, these 'Maiar' truly inhabit a world beyond our understanding as wizards. Saruman's appearance in the wizarding world proves he suspects Gandalf may be hiding here..."
Dumbledore wasn't merely speculating; there were examples in the wizarding world of wizards who, after offending others, lived incognito in the Muggle world. Typically, unless for special reasons, these wizards remained undiscovered.
"If Gandalf changed his name when he entered the wizarding world a thousand years ago... it would be incredibly challenging to find him... especially if he's living incognito among Muggles..."
Dumbledore shuddered at the thought; if that were the case, finding Gandalf would be nearly impossible. They might have to wait until Sauron's resurrection and hope Gandalf reveals himself then.
Meanwhile, at Diagon Alley, the Daily Prophet's main office welcomed an unexpected guest.
In addition to the regular daily newspapers, the Daily Prophet published the Evening Prophet and the Sunday Prophet as needed. Thus, even at night, the office bustled with editors, reporters, and camera assistants.
"Any updates on Saruman?"
"I wonder if Saruman is seriously injured, or even dead, as the rumors suggest?"
"It's hard to say. Many perished in the Magic Congress, including great wizards like Agilbert. Even if Saruman isn't dead, he's likely not unscathed..."
"No, Agilbert is still in a coma. Reports from the magic hospital suggest he may never wake up..."
"Should we run this article? Dempster seems convinced Saruman's met his end. This is his fifth piece, each one condemning Saruman."
The staff deliberated, unaware of the figure now standing at the office door.
"Miss, who is this Dempster?" a calm voice inquired.
Tina, the assistant cameraman engrossed in typesetting, instinctively looked up and said, "He writes for the Legal Advice column... ah!!"
A sharp scream pierced the office, drawing everyone's attention.
Across from Tina, Saruman stood clad in white robes, resembling a stern yet benevolent elder.
"Sar... Saruman!"
"Why's he here?"
"We didn't offend him! It's the newspaper's responsibility... the author and reporter are to blame... the editor-in-chief authorized it, not us!"
Chaos erupted in the office.
Artel slammed his scepter on the ground, sending forth a transparent wave of light that silenced everyone.
Seal the throat.
Sometimes, this spell came in handy.
Wide-eyed, the employees stared at Saruman, too fearful to even raise their wands, knowing it would only hasten their demise.
Artel flashed what he thought was a kindly smile, gazing at Tina, and lifted the spell on her tongue and throat.
"Miss, who is Mr. Dempster?" he asked, his tone deceptively gentle.
"He's... he's our legal advice columnist... from the Ministry of Magic... please, Mr. Saruman... I don't want to die... I'm not married yet..."
Tina's voice trembled, her eyes pleading for mercy.
....
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