As the second stage of the Wizarding Sages' Council drew to a close, Kingsley returned to the hall with several Aurors, bringing Fudge with them.
Vaughn had not seen Fudge for some time, and he could not help feeling a little surprised when he got a good look at the former Minister for Magic.
If Fudge had once been a portly, greasy middle-aged wizard, he now looked like an entirely different man. His gaunt figure made one wonder whether someone had cast a Transfiguration Charm on him.
His sunken eyes and haggard face made it clear that this drastic weight loss had nothing to do with self-discipline.
Fudge's expression was dark. He seemed angry, but showed no sign of panic.
"Madam Amelia, I believe I have the right to refuse to attend any meeting. Sending a group of Aurors barging into my home is an abuse of authority!"
Ignoring the Aurors behind him, Fudge walked straight up to the Jury Box and stared fixedly at Amelia and Vaughn on the Judge's Bench. "Once this meeting is over, I will bring charges against you!"
As his words fell, the atmosphere in the hall grew rather strange. Many people looked at him as though he were an idiot.
Amelia glanced at Kingsley, who shrugged. Clearly, he had not told Fudge the details.
That was perfectly normal. A compulsory summons was little different from an arrest and could easily provoke resistance, so before bringing him
to court, Kingsley and the Aurors were under no obligation to explain anything to Fudge.
"Cornelius Fudge, if you have any complaints about me, the Wizengamot, or even the Ministry of Magic, you may lodge an appeal after the meeting."
Amelia's expression was utterly businesslike. "But before that, you must take your seat on the Defendant's Bench."
Fudge