Neither Fudge nor Rita could speak, yet an inexplicable sense of dread crept over them upon hearing those words once more. Unbidden, a terrifying image flashed in their minds.
Atop a volcano veiled in ominous clouds stood a towering steel structure, its summit crowned by an immense, malevolent eye surveying the world below...
"What!"
Rita shrieked, her quill falling limp from the air, no longer recording.
Fudge wiped sweat from his brow, his palms clammy with anxiety.
Within the minister's office, an oppressive atmosphere hung heavy.
"Boom boom boom!"
A knock sounded at the door, prompting Fudge to rush over and open it.
Standing outside were Amelia and Dumbledore.
"Oh, Dumbledore, you're here at last!" Fudge's spirits lifted at the sight of Dumbledore. Though a weight still pressed upon him, he felt a semblance of relief.
Dumbledore's gaze flickered upon seeing Saruman in the office, yet his expression remained unchanged as he entered and took a seat diagonally opposite Artel.
"Mr Saruman... What a surprise to find you here," Dumbledore remarked.
"Yes, quite the coincidence," Artel chuckled. "I had arranged to meet with Dumbledore to discuss something."
Fudge, who had closed the door, attempted to ease the tension, though Dumbledore couldn't help but notice the fear lingering in Fudge's eyes. Clearly, something unsettling had occurred.
Ignoring Fudge, Artel turned to Dumbledore with a smile. "Headmaster Dumbledore, I was actually seeking you out. Your timely arrival spares me some effort."
Dumbledore considered Artel's words, his gaze shifting to Rita seated nearby. Despite her presence, he refrained from acknowledging her, her past actions in the press having caused him no small amount of trouble.
Although Dumbledore acknowledged her talent, he disapproved of Rita Skeeter's penchant for sensationalism and attention-seeking.
As Fudge settled back into his seat and silence hung in the air, he cleared his throat and inquired, "Mr. Saruman... What evidence supports your claims...?"
"My words are the evidence. Don't question the wisdom of a sage, for his words are truth!"
Artel replied proudly, casting a meaningful glance at Dumbledore before continuing, "Headmaster Dumbledore, regarding Gandalf... I've enlisted Minister Fudge and Lady Rita's help because I find your approach too cautious, and frankly, disappointing."
"Allow them to search?"
Dumbledore's expression visibly shifted, surprised and puzzled by Artel's statement.
"If that's the case, the news will spread, and then..."
The entire wizarding world would be thrown into chaos.
Dumbledore had no desire to see the magical community plunged into panic, allowing opportunistic wizards to take advantage of the turmoil for their own nefarious purposes.
"It's better if everyone knows, so that all factions can unite."
Artel interjected, cutting off Dumbledore's train of thought, prompting a disdainful smile from the headmaster.
"Don't compare Sauron to Voldemort. Voldemort is a mere mouse, a name many dare not utter. But when Sauron returns, even his name alone may strike terror into your hearts."
Artel's words dripped with contempt and mockery.
Indeed, Voldemort's reign of terror had been limited to controlling the British Ministry of Magic at its peak. Faraway lands barely acknowledged his existence, preferring to dismiss him as a distant threat.
Grindelwald, on the other hand, wielded far greater influence, shaping the world with his actions.
"Dumbledore, I'm telling you, once Sauron returns, the entire world and human civilization will be at risk. Don't investigate in secret, or by the time you find Gandalf, Mordor's shadow will have already descended."
Artel's words left Dumbledore speechless. From all accounts available to him, Artel appeared to be telling the truth. Sauron was indeed a terrifying force, as evidenced by Gollum's memories and Gandalf's writings.
But Dumbledore had his own plethora of unanswered questions. Why was Sauron returning? When would he return? Where was he now? And what were Saruman and his allies up to?
Dumbledore hesitated to reveal anything until he had all the answers.
"Saruman, perhaps you're not exaggerating, but our exchange isn't equal. If you truly wish to unite all forces, then share everything you know."
Dumbledore raised his hand, proposing, "As president of the International Confederation of Wizards, I can convene a meeting with Ministers of Magic and representatives from all corners of the globe..."
Dumbledore wielded immense influence in the wizarding world. While many may not recognize Fudge, they certainly knew Dumbledore. His reputation transcended borders, much like Einstein's renown among the masses.
The reason Artel's assault on the Ministry of Magic as Saruman had reverberated widely wasn't solely due to the severity of the attack, but also because of Dumbledore's endorsement:
"He's even better at Transfiguration than I am..."
Under the scrutiny of Rita, the famed reporter from the Daily Prophet, the narrative twisted, amplifying the notion that his strength surpassed mine by far—much stronger, they claimed.
The Daily Prophet's coverage went viral across various nations, sending shockwaves through the wizarding realm in a matter of days. Saruman's global recognition skyrocketed, meeting the established standards almost overnight.
Artel hoped Dumbledore would seek out Gandalf while leveraging his influence. Yet, he hadn't anticipated the gravity of Sauron's looming threat. Despite Artel's insistence, Dumbledore opted for discreet inquiries, focusing primarily on Voldemort and Harry's development.
Dumbledore's limited knowledge played a role too. Had Artel disclosed Sauron's impending resurrection, Dumbledore might have taken more drastic measures, albeit reluctantly.
"Through the International Confederation of Wizards..."
Artel mulled over the idea, recognizing its potential to broaden his reach. His strategy involved disseminating Gandalf and Sauron's names through the British Ministry of Magic and the Daily Prophet's extensive reports.
This approach ensured swift dissemination within Britain's magical community, but its reach in the international wizarding circles remained uncertain.
"What do you wish to uncover?"
Dumbledore's gaze met Artel's. After a pause, Dumbledore voiced his desire:
"Everything... I want to understand Sauron, Gandalf, the White Council, and your role..."
Artel smiled inwardly, realizing he couldn't divulge everything. Revealing too much risked Dumbledore suppressing the news with the International Confederation of Wizards and various ministries. How could Artel challenge them alone?
Even if he exposed Azkaban's secrets, the Ministry might downplay it, relying on Voldemort's threat to divert attention.
"It's not feasible... I'm constrained by various factors. I can't disclose more. You must uncover clues yourself."
"Locating Gandalf would mitigate Sauron's threat to some extent..."
Artel rebuffed Dumbledore, noting his regretful expression. With a nod, Dumbledore fell silent.
"Therefore, Minister Fudge, act swiftly. Rita, I anticipate the Daily Prophet's coverage on Gandalf soon. Encourage more people to aid in his search..."
"I sense it—the Doomsday Volcano stirs, heralding the end of an era..."
Artel rose, gazing southward, murmuring to himself:
"Recently, the Balrog's presence emerged... It surpasses ogres and Ents, signaling dire times ahead."
Fudge and Rita looked puzzled, unfamiliar with the term "Balrog."
"For details on the Balrog, consult Headmaster Dumbledore. They've contained it, but reinforcing the seal is wise."
"Don't contemplate its demise unless you're prepared for dire consequences."
Artel shifted the responsibility to Dumbledore, deciding to sow chaos within the wizarding world:
"Headmaster Dumbledore, Voldemort pales in comparison—a mere distraction. Despite stealing the Philosopher's Stone, his resurrection holds little significance. Focus your efforts elsewhere."
With that, Artel departed, leaving Fudge and Rita bewildered.
What did it all mean?
Voldemort stealing the Philosopher's Stone?
Was it stolen from Hogwarts under Dumbledore's watch?
Rita snapped back, her quill racing across the parchment, sparks flying. She turned to Dumbledore, pressing for answers:
"Headmaster Dumbledore, is Saruman's claim true? Did Voldemort steal the Philosopher's Stone? If it's at Hogwarts, does that imply..."
"Voldemort infiltrated Hogwarts and seized the Stone under your nose?"
"Do you have an explanation for the wizarding community? Voldemort was your student once, do you have..."
.....
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