"Cornelius, what a surprise. I certainly didn't expect you to visit me during the summer holidays." With a relaxed tone, Dumbledore slowly pushed open the door to the Hogwarts Headmaster's Office and found Cornelius Fudge already seated on the sofa. He had clearly been waiting for some time.
"Oh! Merlin's beard! Albus, you're finally here!" Cornelius Fudge sprang excitedly to his feet when he saw Dumbledore.
"Well, old friend, there's no need to beat around the bush. Just tell me what's happened." Dumbledore warmly invited Cornelius Fudge to sit back down, then briskly poured them each a glass of chilled Butterbeer.
"There seems to be quite a bit of trouble in Knockturn Alley." Cornelius Fudge watched Dumbledore solemnly, his tone carrying a trace of unease as he tested the waters. "Although the Ministry of Magic has always been reluctant to get involved with that depraved, chaotic place, the recent situation has become impossible to ignore. Almost every day, Dark Wizards mysteriously disappear from Knockturn Alley, never to be seen again."
Dumbledore's hand paused around his glass, and a thoughtful look crossed his face.
"Why not have the Aurors investigate? What are you telling me for?"
"All right, Albus, I'll be honest with you. In fact, I've already sent Aurors to investigate Knockturn Alley. But yesterday, a terrible fire broke out there. It was Fiendfyre!"
"Several Ministry Aurors died in the Fire Serpent's attacks. Even casting Finite Incantatem together, we barely managed to bring the blaze under control. It was horrifying! The whole of Knockturn Alley nearly burned to ashes yesterday!" Cornelius Fudge's voice betrayed an unease he could not conceal. His reason for rushing to Dumbledore was simple: Dumbledore knew so many powerful Dark Wizards!
Whether it was Grindelwald or Voldemort, both had countless ties to Dumbledore!
"Coming to me