Chapter 49: A Minister's Warning
Cornelius Fudge had not gone to Hogsmeade, but the report lay heavy on his desk. The Dark Mark, there of all places, was a public relations nightmare. He had spent months using the Daily Prophet to paint Harry Potter and Dumbledore as delusional liars, claiming the Dark Lord's return was a fantasy. This threatened to unravel all that work.
Yet, a part of him saw a sliver of control. Dead Death Eaters could be spun as a Ministry victory. The problem was the boy found with them.
There was a knock. "Minister," an Auror said, entering. "We've returned with the student, Elian Throne, and the five bodies. All confirmed Death Eaters."
Fudge steepled his fingers. "And the boy's involvement?"
The Auror shifted. "He was there. But the kills… they're odd. Piercing wounds. Not spell damage. It could be a coincidence he was nearby."
Coincidence? Fudge's eyes narrowed. A student sneaks out, wanders into a remote forest, and just happens to be at the site of a Death Eater massacre? It was laughable. But proving otherwise was another matter.
"He claims he just… stumbled upon it?" Fudge asked, skepticism dripping from his voice.
"Says he sneaked out of Hogwarts for a walk. That's all he'll say."
Fudge waved a dismissive hand. It was a transparent lie, but without witnesses or evidence, his hands were tied. He could hold the boy for questioning, but little more. And holding him too long would invite him.
"Bring the boy to me. I'll escort him back to Hogwarts shortly," Fudge said, a note of weary resignation in his voice. He wanted this resolved before Albus Dumbledore decided to make a personal appearance at the Ministry, which he undoubtedly would.
Elian was shown into the Minister's office. He didn't look frightened, only politely bored. Fudge felt a flash of irritation.
"Elian Throne," Fudge began, leaning forward to exert his authority. "I know there's more to this. Be smart. This is your chance to tell me what really happened in Hogsmeade."
Elian met his gaze evenly. "Minister Fudge, I really don't know what you mean. I just arrived a little before Professor Flitwick."
He paused, then added with deliberate lightness, "Surely you don't think a first-year could handle five adult wizards?"
Fudge's jaw tightened. The boy was mocking him. "They were Death Eaters," Fudge pressed, watching for a flinch. "Did you know that?"
Elian's expression didn't change. He simply shrugged, as if the word meant nothing. Fudge saw it then—total, unshakeable confidence. This boy was firmly in Dumbledore's camp. A lost cause.
As Elian turned to leave with the waiting Aurors, Fudge spoke again, his voice low.
"Dumbledore is old," he said, the words hanging in the air. "His time has passed. The world is more complicated than he makes it seem. And the Death Eaters… they are more dangerous than you know."
Elian paused at the door. He looked back, his gaze cool and direct.
"Dumbledore is old," Elian repeated. "What does that have to do with me?"
(End of Chapter)
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