"Could it have something to do with that thing?"
Dumbledore cast a penetrating look at Fudge, well aware that Fudge was referring to the Ring of Power. They had crossed paths with Gollum under Fudge's supervision on that day when Fudge, skeptical of Dumbledore's claims, sought clues about the Ring of Power.
Dumbledore understood Fudge thoroughly. This seemingly feeble Minister of Magic harbored intense desires for wealth, power, and status, and the allure of the Ring of Power was undoubtedly potent for him.
"I think so."
Dumbledore nodded, drawing a deep breath.
"The other party came for the hobbit. As for why they didn't take him away, perhaps they couldn't locate the Ministry of Magic's dungeon, or there could be other considerations. Nonetheless, they must know, or even possess knowledge about the Ring of Power."
"It's even conceivable that the entire Holy White Council organization exists for that ring. It's challenging to fathom how long this organization has been around and what resources it possesses."
Dumbledore fell silent for a moment, his voice growing deeper.
"I even suspect that the previous troll and the giant spider in the Forbidden Forest at Hogwarts were created by them."
A flicker of fear passed across Fudge's face, and his hand trembled as he held the teacup.
"So, what do you propose we do?" He asked perplexed.
"The other party only brought one magical creature this time. It could be a test or a warning. If the hobbit isn't handed over, perhaps the next time..."
Dumbledore left the statement hanging, but Fudge grasped its meaning.
"Hand over that hobbit?"
Fudge fell silent, pondering for a moment. A resolute expression surfaced on his face.
Gollum was his only link to the Ring of Power, and there was no way Fudge would surrender him.
"I don't believe Saruman dares to attack the Ministry of Magic. This time, he caused so much damage only because there weren't many people here on Christmas Eve. If he dares to return, I'll personally ensure he lands in Azkaban!"
Fudge spoke with determination, but Dumbledore detected a hint of guilt in his demeanor.
"Since you've made your choice, I won't say much more. Allow me to meet the hobbit. I believe he might know about that magical creature, and perhaps he can shed light on matters related to the Holy White Council..."
"I'll accompany you."
Fudge pondered for a moment but remained concerned about allowing Dumbledore to go alone. In his mind, Dumbledore was also an individual with an interest in the Ring of Power.
The two left the minister's office and took the elevator to the ninth floor, reaching the Department of Mysteries. Guided by Fudge, they arrived at a secret confinement room.
Two Aurors stood guard at the entrance, appearing to be in their thirties or forties. They were elite Aurors tasked with guarding Gollum. Even in the wake of the recent commotion at the Ministry of Magic, they had not abandoned their post.
"Minister..."
The two Aurors respectfully greeted Fudge upon seeing him.
"Very well, open the door."
"Yes!"
One of the Aurors waved his wand, and a mysterious pattern appeared on the door of the confinement room. With a click, the sealed iron door opened automatically.
Fudge entered first, with Dumbledore trailing behind him.
The confinement room was dimly lit, almost devoid of light. Fudge promptly cast a lighting spell, and soft white light dispelled the darkness. In that moment, they saw Gollum curled up in a corner, gazing at them with a fearful expression.
"Gollum, don't be afraid. We won't harm you."
Dumbledore raised his hands in a placating manner, assuring Gollum that he posed no threat. The creature's yellow-green eyes remained fixed on him, and though the expression seemed to ease slightly, the tone remained somber.
"Stay away!"
"You took my precious! Nothing left!"
Gollum spoke, fiddling with the few locks of hair in his hands. His body suddenly trembled, and he shouted frantically:
"Thief! Baggins! The thief! I hate him forever! Forever!"
"Take it easy, Gollum! No one's here to hurt you. Take it easy."
Dumbledore attempted to calm Gollum with a non-verbal spell, waving his hand to instill a sense of tranquility. Gollum's voice lowered, and his agitated expression eased.
"Gollum, I want to ask if you know if Saruman will meet."
"Holy White Council?"
Gollum muttered quietly, pacing in the corner, his large eyes momentarily vacant before abruptly stopping.
"Yes! Yes! You're talking about the Council of the Wise! It's an organization founded by the wise among elves and wizards to guide against the shadows!"
Established in the year 2463 of the Third Age and dissolved in 2953 of the Third Age, the Holy White Council's timeline coincided with Gollum's birth in 2430 of the Third Age. Consequently, he was well-acquainted with the Council.
"The White Council... no! Don't let them know! They'll take my baby! My baby!"
Gollum muttered incoherently, his thoughts once again muddled.
Frowning, Dumbledore retrieved his wand, tapping it to ease Gollum's mood. Then, with another wave of his wand, he conjured a small oak in front of him, asking, "Gollum, do you know what this is?"
As Gollum focused on the oak, he was startled and darted to a corner, shrinking away.
"It's an Ent! He's an Ent! How dare you catch an Ent? They won't let you go, they won't let you go!" Gollum screamed.
.....
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