Bab 286: Chapter 286: "Politics and Power"
The silence that fell over the Wizengamot chamber after Dumbledore's declaration was deafening. Harry could feel the tension rising as the Chief Warlock continued to speak, his voice carrying the weight of grave tidings.
"Now, to the matter at hand," Dumbledore proceeded. "We are gathered to discuss the events surrounding the third task of the Triwizard Tournament and the alarming implications thereof."
He paused, his piercing blue eyes sweeping across the chamber. "It is with grave concern that I inform you of the possible return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."
Gasps and whispers erupted throughout the chamber like wildfire, the sound of rustling robes and shocked murmurs filling the air. Dumbledore raised a hand, and silence fell once more, his authority unquestioned in this moment.
"Charles Potter has recounted a harrowing experience wherein he was transported to a graveyard via a Portkey disguised as the Triwizard Cup. There, he encountered Death Eaters and witnessed a dark ritual, culminating in the resurrection of the Dark Lord."
Lord Ogden, a stern-looking man with a neatly trimmed beard, rose from his seat, his voice cutting through the tension. "What evidence supports this claim, beyond the word of the boy? What have the Aurors found in their investigations, Madam Bones?"
Amelia stood, her monocle glinting in the enchanted light. "The location where Charles Potter was brought was completely burnt up. Only little traces remain. We could confirm that Charles was brought there via a Portkey. And we could also confirm that a dark ritual was performed there. Unfortunately, we could not identify the ritual. The Department of Mysteries is working on it."
She paused, her voice growing stronger as she continued, "Another piece of evidence to support this story is that Charles had been under prolonged Cruciatus exposure and showed signs of his blood being taken to perform the ritual. Supporting this is Barty Crouch Jr.'s confession in front of many witnesses that his master would be back. Given that we know Lord Voldemort is the master of Barty Crouch Jr., it lends credibility to Charles's story."
The room buzzed with whispers and murmurs, the implications of these revelations hanging heavy in the air. Then, Cornelius Fudge rose from his seat, his lime-green bowler hat clutched in his hands, his expression stern and unyielding.
"Lords and Ladies," Fudge began, his voice projecting authority, "I must address these claims with utmost seriousness. While Charles Potter's account is indeed troubling, we cannot credibly believe in the words of one child."
Harry felt his jaw tighten. As Lord Potter, he could not remain silent here. He had to support Charles. "Minister Fudge, are you suggesting that Charles was lying about his experiences? That he has not suffered under the Cruciatus?"
Fudge shook his head firmly, his jowls quivering with the motion. "No, Lord Potter, I am just saying we cannot accept something as big as the return of You-Know-Who on the words of an immature child. He might have been fooled or it is possible he was under the influence of a dark spell or hallucinations that caused him to remember the events of his kidnapping wrongly."
"Yes, I understand we need more evidence to confirm the truth of the events," Harry responded, his voice cool and measured, "but isn't it your own fault we are in this position, Minister?"
"What do you mean, Lord Potter?" Fudge's face began to redden.
"I had with some difficulty captured Barty Crouch Jr. and provided you with the culprit of all the events surrounding Charles's entry into the Triwizard Tournament and his kidnapping. But you, esteemed minister, had to go to his holding room for no reason and that too with a Dementor, leading us to lose our chance of knowing the truth."
Fudge bristled, his face flushing deeper. "The Dementor was my guard and it acted to ensure my safety! Crouch was a dangerous criminal. Measures were taken to prevent any harm."
"Yes," Harry countered, "You needed a Dementor to guard you in a school where some of the strongest wizards in Britain were present to ensure everyone's safety. What if the Dementor had gone rogue and attacked the students in the school? It would have created quite an international incident."
An older witch with silver hair, Lady Marchbanks, rose from her seat, her authoritative presence drawing all eyes. "Enough. This bickering serves no purpose. The question is whether we accept the possibility of You-Know-Who's return and how we proceed."
Harry inclined his head respectfully. "I am sorry, Lady Marchbanks. I spoke out of order, but you know we are talking about the return of a dark lord to defeat whom my grandparents sacrificed their lives."
"I understand, Lord Potter. But we must move forward," Lady Marchbanks replied, her tone softening slightly.
Dumbledore nodded appreciatively. "Well said, Lady Marchbanks. Minister Fudge, do you have any alternative explanation?"
Fudge cleared his throat, adjusting his robes nervously. "It's plausible that remnants of You-Know-Who's followers attempted a resurrection ritual, perhaps led by Peter Pettigrew, who, as we know, escaped from Azkaban. The ritual likely failed, causing an explosion. Young Charles, caught in the chaos, may have imagined the Dark Lord's return."
A few heads nodded, considering this possibility. Harry watched them carefully, noting how desperately they clung to any explanation that didn't involve Voldemort's return. The fear the Dark Lord had instilled ran deep, even after all these years.
Dumbledore surveyed the assembly, his blue eyes grave. "Are there any further comments before we proceed to a vote? Lord Potter?"
Harry rose slowly, his voice steady and clear. "While the Minister's explanation might seem plausible, there are too many uncertainties and inconsistencies to completely dismiss the possibility of You-Know-Who's return. Given the stakes, it would be prudent to continue our investigations thoroughly. Ignoring potential threats will not make them disappear, and if, as Charles said, You-Know-Who is back or this was the work of any other dark forces, we should not give them any chance to grow."
A few murmurs of agreement echoed through the chamber.
"We stand to lose nothing by allowing the Aurors to proceed with their investigations," Harry continued, his words carrying weight despite his youth. "However, we risk everything if we choose to ignore these warnings. I am sure no one wants to experience the dark days of the wizarding war."
Now many heads nodded in support, the memory of those dark times still fresh in their minds.
Dumbledore inclined his head. "Thank you, Lord Potter, for your insight. Let us proceed to a vote."
His voice rang clear through the chamber. "Firstly, all those who believe that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned, please signify."
A scattering of hands rose, including those of Sirius, Amelia, and a few others. The majority, however, remained still, unwilling or unable to face that possibility.
Dumbledore's eyes reflected a hint of disappointment. "Noted. Secondly, all those in favor of continuing and intensifying the investigation into these events, please signify."
This time, a significant majority raised their hands. Even those who had not believed in Voldemort's return saw the wisdom in being cautious.
"Motion carried," Dumbledore declared. "Madam Bones, you are authorized to allocate additional resources to this investigation."
Amelia stood, her posture straight and determined. "Thank you, Chief Warlock. We will proceed accordingly."
Fudge's face tightened into a mask of barely concealed frustration, but he remained silent as Dumbledore moved to the next order of business.
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