Though Dumbledore sensed Hermione was orchestrating something clandestine beneath the surface, her stated motivations appeared entirely reasonable—indeed, perfectly aligned with Hermione's characteristically voracious appetite for knowledge and discovery. Her expressed desire to understand Ministry operations and procedures likely represented her genuine feelings.
The most effective method for delivering words whose veracity proved difficult to assess involved crafting statements that blended truth with deception. This strategic interweaving of honesty and fabrication could maximally obscure others' perceptions.
Dumbledore couldn't precisely determine Hermione's specific intentions, but he reasoned the brilliant young witch wouldn't pursue anything harmful to herself or her companions. Consequently, he chose neither to obstruct nor interfere—in fact, he'd subtly assisted her cause.
If you wish to observe this trial, then by all means, accompany us.
Dumbledore harbored genuine fondness for Hermione as both student and individual, extending considerable tolerance toward her ambitions. Such a modest request certainly warranted his support.
The matter was thus resolved, with Fudge raising no additional objections.
After all, she remained merely a young witch—what significant disruption could she possibly orchestrate?
Furthermore, she demonstrated clear appreciation for and interest in Ministry affairs. Accommodating her small wish might enhance the probability of her choosing Ministry employment in the future.
Their quintet—Hermione, Dumbledore, Fudge, Sirius, and Peter Pettigrew (whom Dumbledore had secured within an Extension Charm-enhanced container)—attracted zero attention while rendezvousing with additional Ministry personnel awaiting them beyond Hogwarts' grounds.
Seizing the moment when Fudge escorted the still-technically-fugitive Sirius aside, Dumbledore pivoted toward Hermione and inclined forward slightly.
"So then, might you illuminate what you're all orchestrating?"
"Ah, well, that is..."
Confronting Dumbledore directly, Hermione possessed absolutely no inclination toward deceiving this professor and Headmaster she so deeply respected. Momentarily speechless, she hesitated while desperately searching for appropriate words.
Glenn and Snape had explicitly instructed her that this operation must remain concealed from Dumbledore, lest he attempt intervention.
Therefore, my only permissible response must be...
"...Professor Snape emphasized absolute secrecy, so I believe silence serves everyone best..."
Hermione guiltily averted her gaze while offering deliberately ambiguous deflection.
Though she'd strategically omitted Glenn's involvement from her phrasing, the essential meaning remained intact.
Professor Dumbledore, that truly represents all I can reveal. I've disclosed absolutely nothing of consequence. Whatever conclusions you draw from this limited information... well, that's entirely your prerogative...
"Ah, so Severus participates in this endeavor as well..."
Dumbledore straightened thoughtfully, stroking his magnificent white beard with contemplative precision. Learning of Snape's involvement in Glenn and Hermione's collaborative scheme significantly narrowed potential operational parameters.
Considering recent developments...
Dumbledore's penetrating blue eyes grew distant as he immersed himself in analytical contemplation.
Regardless of their ultimate objectives, if Glenn commanded this operation, prudence demanded considering increasingly audacious possibilities. Glenn's cognitive patterns and behavioral methodologies possessed certain... unconventional characteristics.
Multiple rather extraordinary action scenarios materialized within Dumbledore's consciousness.
...Indeed, precisely the sort of ambitious undertaking Glenn would conceive.
A dull ache began forming behind his temples.
Dumbledore experienced sudden cranial discomfort. Truthfully, permitting Glenn and Snape—two individuals whose inherent stability remained questionable—to collaborate represented an invitation to chaos. During recent combat spell training sessions, they'd obliterated several empty classrooms. Had Glenn not retained sufficient discretion to establish concealment charms around their practice venues, Hogwarts would have erupted in widespread panic long ago.
Moreover, within Hogwarts' protective boundaries, they demonstrated minimal restraint and self-awareness. Dumbledore genuinely dreaded imagining their potential conduct once liberated into the wider world.
The mere contemplation proved overwhelming.
However, their operation also included Hermione—an exceptionally rational and stable witch. Surely they wouldn't generate excessive complications...
Very well. I shall address their troubles when they inevitably materialize. Let the Ministry endure the preliminary headaches.
Dumbledore reached his decision, deliberately setting aside immediate concerns in favor of watchful observation. After all, given current circumstances, Severus's unprecedented willingness to collaborate with Glenn rendered their fundamental purpose reasonably transparent.
Dumbledore offered no further commentary, standing silently while massaging his throbbing temples and increasingly painful skull.
The Ministry rendezvous proceeded with remarkable brevity. Under Fudge's authoritative direction, their assembled group departed for Ministry headquarters to commence case retrial proceedings.
Naturally, regardless of ultimate outcomes, both Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew now remained under Ministry custody, meaning Hogwarts had finally "escaped imminent danger." Fudge immediately commanded the Dementors stationed around Hogwarts to withdraw alongside their departing contingent.
Through coordinated Auror assistance, their substantial group's long-distance journey—complete with Dementor escort—disturbed absolutely no civilians. They arrived at Ministry headquarters without incident.
Upon entering the Ministry, located beneath London's most unremarkable and grimy street, Hermione observed, catalogued, and analyzed every surrounding detail with scholarly fascination. This marked her inaugural Ministry visit. Though she'd absorbed considerable institutional knowledge through extensive reading and newspaper coverage, nothing compared to direct personal observation for someone of her intellectual appetite.
Nevertheless, she carefully avoided displaying excessive enthusiasm, instead maintaining silent proximity to Dumbledore while minimizing her conspicuous presence. Any unnecessary attention might compromise Glenn and Snape's concurrent operation.
Still, essential communication remained vital. Utilizing a strategic bathroom excuse, Hermione activated her earpiece to contact Glenn.
"I've successfully entered Ministry headquarters alongside Professor Dumbledore. What's your current status?"
Perhaps due to their considerable geographical separation, Glenn's response emerged through her earpiece after approximately fifteen seconds, accompanied by obvious static interference and significantly degraded audio clarity.
However, such minor communication obstacles posed negligible challenges for two individuals who understood each other so intimately. Hermione easily discerned Glenn's essential meaning despite the compromised transmission quality.
"Snape and I have reached our designated ambush coordinates. All preparations proceed according to schedule."
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