Sirius Black let out an angry snort. Lupin lowered his head, and Moody gripped his cane tightly. Clearly, they all thought Vincent was right.
Arthur's expression was grave. As an employee of the Ministry of Magic, he understood Fudge and those senior officials' way of thinking better than anyone.
Dumbledore remained silent for a long time. There was sorrow and understanding in his eyes as he looked at Vincent, but also an unshakable resolve.
"Even so, Vincent, the attempt is necessary. We cannot abandon our responsibility to communicate and inform simply because we foresee the other side's stubbornness. Some paths must be walked, even when we know they may be futile."
Vincent looked around at everyone. "Professor, you're dragging everyone down with you."
His voice carried a trace of barely perceptible disappointment. "You're handing the initiative to a foolish politician and expecting him to judge with reason? He won't. He'll only use his power to punish those who embarrass him and threaten his position."
Dumbledore and Vincent—one tried to kindle a light of hope amid the ruins, while the other chose to fight in his own way.
There was no question of right or wrong. This was simply a clash of beliefs.
In a Ministry of Magic conference room, Fudge eagerly led several trusted aides toward the lifts after the meeting ended.
His voice brimmed with barely suppressed excitement. "Voluntarily submitting to arrest? Hmph, that's nothing more than an excuse in the face of the Ministry's overwhelming deterrence! But no matter what, Wayne's arrest is an important signal."
"Brilliant, Minister!" sycophantic voices chimed in beside him. "After tonight, public opinion will surely turn completely!"
Fudge straightened his back even further. "We must personally see this Dark Lord who has surrendered. The temporary holding cells are on the ninth