Chapter 24: Wizengamot, Joint Pressure

In the lobby of the Ministry of Magic, Cole walked out and surveyed his surroundings. The Ministry wizards were going about their tasks as usual, and there were no major incidents to report.

Instead of heading to Fudge's office, Cole made his way to the Auror Department. John's standing within the Auror ranks had risen significantly. Apart from the Black family, many Aurors were now under his command.

Given that many wizards struggled to support their families on Ministry salaries alone, it was common knowledge that John's team received additional support from the Black family. This arrangement faced no objections within the Ministry.

Cole knocked on the door and entered. John was attending to matters within his office.

"Master, you're here," John acknowledged.

Cole nodded and took a seat on the office sofa. "Anything significant happening lately?" he inquired.

"The Ministry is operating as usual. No major developments. Many visitors today, though. They all seemed to be heading to Fudge's office," John reported.

Cole sensed trouble brewing regarding Ben, likely initiated by Fudge.

"I understand. I'll head there now. Gather the team and be prepared," Cole instructed.

John complied without hesitation, promptly summoning the necessary personnel.

Apart from his office visit, Cole leisurely made his way to Fudge's quarters.

Upon entering, he found Fudge and Dumbledore seated together, enjoying tea.

"Fudge seems cheerful today. And Dumbledore is here too. Is there something of importance you wish to discuss with me?" Cole asked, taking a seat opposite Fudge, his demeanor unapologetically direct.

Dumbledore remained silent, and Fudge, after a glance at Dumbledore, spoke slowly, "Cole, relax. Let's try some of my black tea first. Dumbledore swears by it."

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Cole observed as Fudge gestured, summoning a cup of hot tea to the table. Despite the offer, Cole made no move to accept, keeping his gaze fixed on Fudge and Dumbledore, the tension palpable.

Fudge swallowed nervously, unable to find his voice under Cole's scrutinizing stare.

"Principal, did the Black family fail to entertain you adequately during your recent visit?" Cole's pointed question caused Dumbledore's smile to falter slightly. Cole suspected Dumbledore had summoned him to address Ben's situation.

"Cole, I deeply regret what happened to your child. However, the threat posed by Obscurials in the wizarding world over centuries is undeniable," Dumbledore responded, rubbing his ring thoughtfully. "We must take precautions to prevent further harm."

Cole smirked, seeing through Dumbledore's veiled insinuations. Did Dumbledore truly believe he could manipulate Cole's sense of responsibility by invoking the stability of the wizarding world?

"Mr. Dumbledore, allow me to remind you that I will handle the Black family's affairs personally. Your concern is unnecessary," Cole asserted firmly, redirecting his gaze to Fudge.

"The Ministry need not involve itself," he added, dismissing any interference outright.

Dumbledore and Fudge, familiar with Cole's uncompromising nature, were unfazed. Years of interaction had revealed Cole's character to them.

"Cole, you understand the importance of preemptive action. Let us address this matter together," Dumbledore persisted, attempting to sway Cole's stance.

"Why didn't you address Voldemort's threat during his time at Hogwarts?" Cole countered, exposing Dumbledore's selective approach to intervention.

Fudge twitched at the mention of Voldemort, unable to meet Cole's gaze.

Dumbledore's demeanor turned frosty as he regarded Cole. "Calm yourself, Cole. I called this meeting to discuss and resolve the issue at hand."

Cole remained resolute, unimpressed by Dumbledore's tactics. Despite Dumbledore's considerable power, he preferred subtlety over direct confrontation, much to Cole's disdain.

"Cole, as a member of the Wizengamot, you're aware of the protocol. Let's proceed; others are waiting," Dumbledore urged, exercising his authority as Chief Warlock.

Cole, surprised by Dumbledore's ability to rally support so swiftly, applauded sarcastically. "Impressive, Principal Dumbledore, recruiting allies to pressure me in such short notice. It appears the Black family's resilience is not to be underestimated."

With that, Cole rose and headed towards the Tribunal. Despite his years of absence from Wizengamot proceedings, he found himself thrust into the spotlight.

Unwilling to subject Ben to public scrutiny, Cole resolved to face the tribunal alone. As a father, it was his duty to shield his son from harm.

Arriving at the trial court with his entourage, Cole was met with disdainful glares from prominent pure-blood wizards, including Lucius Malfoy.

As the meeting commenced, Dumbledore, flanked by numerous wizards, wasted no time in addressing the issue of Ben's alleged Obscurial status.

"Cole, do you wish to contest Ben's identity as an Obscurus?" Dumbledore's voice resonated throughout the chamber.

Cole shook his head. "No objections."

Despite his certainty that Ben wasn't an Obscurus, Cole knew how such manifestations were perceived by the wizarding community.

Dumbledore's allies on the stage appeared satisfied with Cole's admission, their hostile glances intensifying.

Cole braced himself for the onslaught. The intentions of those present extended beyond eliminating the supposed Obscurus; they aimed to inflict damage upon the Black family.

"In accordance with wizarding regulations, Obscurials must be eradicated promptly to ensure the safety of our community," Dumbledore declared, leading the charge to pronounce judgment.

"Cole, do you contest this?" Dumbledore's inquiry hung heavy in the air.

"Of course," Cole declared defiantly.