Helpless & Confused

Ministry of Magic, London.

After Dumbledore successfully dismissed the persistent female reporter Rita, he, surrounded by everyone, approached the Magic Brothers sculpture.

"Professor Dumbledore, this is what the man left behind."

Amelia pointed to the writing on the sculpture, her expression slightly embarrassed, as her attempt to remove the magical mark had failed.

"This..."

Upon seeing Artel's magical writing, Dumbledore's pupils contracted suddenly, a fleeting surprise crossing his serene face.

"Exceptional Transfiguration!"

Dumbledore sighed with genuine admiration.

Indeed, the magic inscribed by Artel on the sculpture was a form of transfiguration. Unless someone could surpass him in this magical art, or even possess greater magical strength, erasing this magic would be impossible—unless the pure gold magical sculpture was entirely destroyed.

"Amelia, I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do either."

Dumbledore stepped forward, observed for a moment, then turned back to Amelia, shaking his head with a bitter smile.

"This Saruman has surpassed me in Transfiguration. This spell is highly intricate. If you want to unravel it... I cannot do it alone."

Dumbledore spoke, and his wand gestured in front of the sculpture.

Accompanied by a crackling sound, a tendril of black smoke emerged, and the image of himself on the sculpture was bluntly erased. However, it swiftly reappeared.

"You witnessed it too."

Dumbledore shrugged, conveying his helplessness.

A heavy silence fell, broken only by Rita busily jotting down notes for tomorrow's Daily Prophet headlines.

"Dumbledore, renowned as the great white wizard of this century, admits his transfiguration is far inferior to the mysterious wizard Saruman, casting doubt on the authenticity of the incident."

"You must understand that Dumbledore was a Hogwarts Transfiguration professor before becoming the headmaster. Whether there's anyone in the world capable of matching him in Transfiguration remains debatable. Thus, the reporter has a valid suspicion that there may be a concealed connection between Dumbledore and Saruman."

"According to reliable sources, Dumbledore may have covertly participated in the organization known as the Holy White Council. In this Christmas Eve incident, Dumbledore might be a direct participant..."

Rita, having learned her lesson, refrained from reading her thoughts aloud. Dumbledore, engrossed in his own contemplation, remained oblivious to the content she was penning.

After acknowledging that he couldn't erase this particular line of writing, Dumbledore ceased his efforts and approached the unconscious giant oak.

A fleeting expression of sadness crossed his face.

Yet another extraordinary creature of which he had never heard.

Previously, it was a troll that resembled but significantly differed from the conventional variety. Now, it was something resembling a colossal oak.

"I'm uncertain about the nature of this creature. Keep it confined, and await the experts from the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and magical zoology scholars to identify it."

Dumbledore surveyed the dormant giant oak, sensing an unusual force emanating from its massive form. Some areas in the Ministry of Magic hall still bore unrepaired damage, providing a glimpse into the creature's formidable combat prowess.

Prioritizing safety, Dumbledore cast a Sleeping Charm on the giant oak and instructed others to transport it to the exclusive prison on the ninth floor belonging to the Department of Mysteries.

Umbridge approached Dumbledore with arrogance, stating, "Headmaster Dumbledore, Minister Fudge wishes to see you. He's waiting for you in his office."

"It so happens that I have matters to discuss with him."

Dumbledore glanced at her, rising from his position and heading to the Office of the Minister of Magic. Fudge's office, located on the first floor, neighbored the Office of the Minister's Advisor, the Office of the Senior Deputy Minister, and the Office of the Assistant Minister, among others.

Fudge was sipping tea when Dumbledore entered the minister's office.

"Oh! Dumbledore, you're finally here!"

Fudge let out a relieved breath at Dumbledore's arrival.

"Come, have a seat."

He graciously invited Dumbledore to sit and poured a cup of hot tea.

"How's it going? I mean, what are your thoughts on tonight's..."

"To be honest, Fudge, I have no clue."

Dumbledore shook his head, a touch of confusion evident. For the first time, he felt the weight of his age.

"I've never heard of the Holy White Council or Saruman. He's undoubtedly a formidable wizard, but he doesn't ring a bell."

Dumbledore scrutinized Fudge and inquired, "Did Saruman truly claim to be friends with the Hobbit?"

"That's what the duty guard mentioned."

Fudge nodded cautiously, glanced around, and lowered his voice, "Could it have something to do with 'that thing'?"

Dumbledore gave Fudge a profound look, understanding that Fudge was referring to The One Ring / Ring of Power. On the day they encountered Gollum under Fudge's supervision, Dumbledore had shared details because Fudge, initially skeptical, sought answers and inadvertently gathered clues about The Ring of Power.

.....

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