Dumbledore slowly lowered the Elder Wand in his hand, calmly meeting everyone's gaze.
"I didn't do it."
Fudge's raised hand froze in midair. He faltered, then a flash of wild delight crossed his eyes.
He'd backed down!
Dumbledore was still worried about his students and the stability of the Wizarding World. He didn't dare actually fight and was still trying to talk his way out of this!
At that realization, the fear in Fudge's heart was instantly replaced by boundless arrogance.
"Albus, that's merely your side of the story. We can't simply take your word for it."
Fudge lowered his cane and straightened his collar, his tone instantly reverting to that of a pompous bureaucrat.
"The Ministry of Magic deals in evidence."
"If you're willing to put down your wand and cooperate, the Ministry will naturally do its utmost to uncover the truth and clear your name."
Of course, how long that investigation took would be entirely up to him, Cornelius Fudge.
Dumbledore shook his head slightly.
"That won't be necessary."
"I have a more direct way to prove my innocence."
Fudge frowned.
As he looked at Dumbledore's calm, aged face, his heart inexplicably lurched. An ominous premonition rose within him.
Before Fudge could give it any thought, Umbridge let out a sharp, spiteful scoff beside him.
"Dumbledore, do you still not understand the situation?"
Her toadlike face was full of smug satisfaction.
"The Ministry of Magic decides whether you're innocent! Even if you produce your so-called evidence, it's still up to the Ministry to determine whether it's credible!"
Listening to Umbridge, Fudge felt that trace of unease instantly dissolve.
Exactly. He held all the cards. The truth didn't matter at all.
*Whatever Dumbledore produced, all Fudge had to do was shake his head and say he didn't believe it,