Origins

Umbridge's eyes were filled with malice. She spared no effort in trying to persecute them.

If the Hall couple did not acknowledge Eli as their adopted son, Eli would be punished by the Ministry of Magic.

If the Hall couple acknowledged Eli as their adopted son, Umbridge demanded that they provide an account of how they had found Eli. Otherwise, she would suspect that the Hall couple had kidnapped Eli years ago.

In short, they did not dare provoke Dumbledore and the others, and if Eli decided to throw caution to the wind, there was nothing they could do to him.

Only the Hall couple, being Muggles, were Eli's weak point. If they targeted them, Eli would surely yield.

Eli's gaze at Umbridge was already brimming with killing intent. That damned woman could not be allowed to get away with this.

Mr. Hall adjusted his glasses. "We can provide a report, but shouldn't you first provide us with a report explaining why we are required to provide one?"

"What?"

Umbridge's expression froze. She even suspected that she had misheard him.

A sharp gleam flashed in Dumbledore's eyes.

"Madam, of course you have the right to question how we found this child. However, authority comes from the law. I assume your laws do not contain any provision allowing a government department to demand relevant proof from someone merely because of suspicion?"

Mr. Hall's words actually drew repeated nods from quite a few Wizengamot and Ministry of Magic members present.

Dumbledore gave Mr. Hall an appreciative look, then turned to Umbridge, whose face had gone bright red.

"From my understanding of this country's Ministry of Magic laws, there is indeed no law granting this lady the authority to demand a report from the Hall couple. If you require them to provide one,