Chapter 122: Shrouded In Shadows!
Munch was taken aback by Artel's words. Unsure if it was a jest or a genuine, chilling plan, he hesitated. But faced with a wizard potentially more formidable than Dumbledore, Munch didn't dare to take any chances.
"Wait just a moment, there's a waiting area over there. You can go and sit for a while..." Munch hurriedly suggested, then dashed off to find someone to contact Fudge.
Meanwhile, Artel strolled over to the Magic sculpture and noticed the banner draped over it. His lips twitched involuntarily. Last time, he had left a message alongside his name on the sculpture, asserting Saruman's superiority over Dumbledore. The Ministry of Magic had struggled to erase it, ultimately resorting to physical means: covering the words with a banner.
Out of sight, out of mind.
If they couldn't see it, it was as if it didn't exist.
Overall, the Ministry of Magic's efficiency was commendable. About two minutes after Munch's departure, Fudge emerged from the fireplace in the hall. Soon after, other Ministry members arrived via Floo network, converging at the Ministry.
This marked Fudge's first face-to-face encounter with Artel, his first glimpse of the real Saruman.
Though he should have felt intimidated, as the Minister of Magic, within the Ministry, Fudge summoned the courage to approach Artel.
"Mr. Saruman... I've come," Fudge announced, his tone somewhat begrudging. It was understandable; he was supposed to be asleep at this hour, abruptly roused from slumber and inconvenienced to hurry to the Ministry within minutes.
"I've heard that Mr. Fudge has been seeking my audience, so here I am to collect the bounty," Artel remarked casually, causing Fudge's eyes to dart nervously. He managed an awkward smile and replied, "Perhaps there's been a misunderstanding. Mr. Saruman is a friend of the Ministry. We wouldn't seek to harm you... I'll have the banner removed later..."
"Just jesting, Minister Fudge. I didn't come here for that," Artel reassured him. "Perhaps we could retire to your office for a private discussion. It's not wise to converse in public..."
Artel glanced at the growing crowd of wizards nearby, and Fudge pondered. He was tempted to summon other wizards to apprehend the man before him, but Fudge didn't dare to gamble.
If he conjured up some strange and peculiar creatures within the Ministry of Magic, causing chaos and ultimately evading capture, the Ministry would be left red-faced. Not only that, but it would incur the wrath of a formidable wizard.
"That's precisely my point, if you would~."
Fudge cast a fleeting glance at Amelia, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, who nodded imperceptibly. Fudge breathed a sigh of relief and ushered Artel into his office.
Once inside, Amelia set about organizing other Ministry members and arranging notifications to Dumbledore.
"I heard the Christmas tree I sent last time caused quite a commotion for you, but that wasn't my intention... I merely wanted to send this Ent to impress you, as it's a magical creature unlike any you've seen before."
Fudge's smile grew even more strained at Artel's words.
That giant tree, or Ent, had the Ministry of Magic completely stumped.
The Department of Magical Creatures Management and Control was utterly inept, unable to handle the situation at all. And when the Ent woke up, it would be enraged and intent on causing destruction. In the meantime, they could only rely on a continuous sleep spell to keep it comatose.
"What about my friend, Smeagol, the Hobbit Gollum? I hope he's not meeting his end in your Ministry of Magic..."
Artel rambled on, distracting Fudge, who had no clue where Artel was going with this. Just as he was growing impatient, there came a knock at the door.
"There's a visitor."
Artel chuckled, rising to his feet and taking the initiative to open the door. His smile widened upon seeing the person outside.
As expected, it was Rita Skeeter, a reporter for the Daily Prophet.
Despite Fudge's political adversaries within the Ministry, Artel, as a wanted man, could stroll in and have tea with the Minister. What news could be more humiliating for Fudge?
Rita was accompanied by two individuals and some Ministry staff, who offered apologetic looks to Fudge as Rita addressed him:
"I apologize, Minister, we tried to dissuade her, but she insisted on coming..."
"Miss Rita is a friend of mine, Minister Fudge. May I invite her in?"
Artel's gaze bore into Fudge, who felt an inexplicable pressure. With a sigh, Fudge nodded and slumped back into his seat.
"I think I know what's on your mind, Mr. Saruman. Care to share why you paid a late-night visit to the Ministry?" Fudge inquired, hoping for a more reliable report from Rita.
Rita had initially wanted to interview Artel, but upon meeting his intense gaze, she felt a powerful aura, warning her to focus on her job. Smartly, she remained silent.
"Now that Miss Rita is here, our conversation can continue," Artel said calmly, sipping his tea before explaining his visit to Dumbledore on Christmas Eve. He had sought Dumbledore's help but received no useful information, prompting him to approach the Ministry, and he praised Rita's journalistic prowess.
Rita was taken aback by the sudden attention but was secretly pleased.
"You're quite perceptive, Mr. Saruman. I do have some questions about the Holy White Council..." Rita began, but Artel's reaction sent shivers down her spine. His dark aura overwhelmed her with terrifying visions, leaving her trembling.
Artel swiftly healed Rita's shaken spirit with a wave of his hand, intending to use her report to stir up the situation.
"Thank you," Rita stammered, fully submitting to Artel's power.
Meanwhile, Fudge couldn't shake the unease from Artel's sudden transformation into something darker.
"Please, continue," Fudge urged, nervously taking a sip of tea.
Artel expressed his hope that the Ministry and the Daily Prophet could help locate his friend, Gandalf, describing his appearance and showing a portrait. Fudge and Rita were surprised to see Gandalf wielding a sword instead of a wand but wisely refrained from questioning.
When Rita timidly raised her hand, Artel permitted her to speak. She asked about Gandalf's connection to the Aria of Light magic.
"That's him," Artel confirmed. "I approached Dumbledore after the magic appeared at Hogwarts, hoping to find Gandalf's whereabouts, but to no avail."
Artel emphasized the urgency of finding Gandalf before darkness enveloped the world once more.
"Gandalf is a hero, a wizard of great renown," Artel continued, casting a meaningful glance at Fudge. "If he isn't found, the shadow of Mordor will loom over us indefinitely. Peace will become but a distant memory."
.....
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