Dumbledore emerged from Hogwarts Castle before anyone had to wait long.
He first met Harry's eyes. After Harry nodded to confirm that the plan was proceeding without issue, he walked over to the gathered professors and confronted the Ministry of Magic officials.
"I already know why you have come. How about we find somewhere private to talk? You do not wish to disturb these Young Wizards, do you?"
The Ministry officials whose families had no Young Wizards studying at Hogwarts were about to refuse, but Lucius agreed at once.
"Very well. Then Headmaster Dumbledore, why not choose a place? We can discuss this in detail there."
Dumbledore said, "How about the Quidditch Pitch?"
Lucius was just about to agree when a Ministry official beside him loudly objected.
"No. We absolutely cannot choose the Quidditch Pitch."
The other Ministry officials echoed him.
"That's right. We absolutely cannot choose the Quidditch Pitch."
Lucius swept his gaze around and was astonished to discover that the officials who had objected so fiercely were all those who had previously accompanied him and the former Minister of Magic, Fudge, to Hogwarts to question Dumbledore.
Because of them, Malfoy recalled their miserable experience at Hogwarts last time.
Dumbledore had not even needed to act. Harry Potter alone had defeated all of them.
After that incident, many Ministry officials had held a meeting at the Ministry and concluded that some sort of permanent magic had likely been set on the Quidditch Pitch, greatly amplifying Harry Potter's strength.
That was why they no longer wished to talk on the Quidditch Pitch.
Among them, only Malfoy knew that there was no permanent magic on the Quidditch Pitch, nor had Harry received any enhancement.
That had been entirely Harry's own strength. Whether these Ministry officials believed it or not, Harry Potter