Cornelius Fudge stood blankly by the door, his eyes moving between Elena and Dumbledore in confusion.
Professor McGonagall was still standing on Dumbledore's right side, frowning, looking at the little witch thoughtfully.
With the exposure of Elena's life experience, the disputes that originally occurred in the Transfiguration Classroom naturally ceased to exist - perhaps this was a bit helpless, but a hemp witch attacked the professor, and a dark princess lost her temper.
There are obviously differences that cannot be ignored.
Bones, Greengrass and the other wizards present all stared at Elena in surprise.
"If you plan to leave directly, Ms. Umbridge," said Lucius Malfoy, "then unfortunately, for the sake of the wizarding world and the peace of Hogwarts, I may have to make a choice. You
You can make the decision you think is right, I - I will abide by the interests of more people."
There was no threat in Lucius's voice, it just sounded like a statement.
However, Umbridge's almost ferocious and furious expression clearly didn't think so, as someone had a wand pressed against her back.
"Okay, okay, Malfoy! Mr. Lucius Malfoy!"
Umbridge was so angry that she was shaking all over. She took a step forward and turned to look at the middle-aged wizard and said through gritted teeth.
"I have always believed that the Malfoy family is a solid supporter and ally of the Ministry of Magic. I have always respected the views of the ancient pure-blood families. Maybe we have differences on some current political decisions, but I am mostly inclined to consider your opinions.
Feelings. However, if the Malfoy family, or the Hogwarts school board, intends to rely on this respect to command or even threaten the Ministry of Magic——"
"I mean no offense to you," Lucius Malfoy said. "If you sign the agreement, we will still be allies."
Umbridge seemed unable to think of how to answer or make a choice, and a hint of sinisterness flashed across her expression.
Unlike several other wizards, she who directly collided with the "Dark Princess" was obviously not so easy to shake hands and make peace - although Umbridge still didn't know why Elena was so hostile to her, but she knew that the
The little witch is definitely a ruthless character.
If the sneak attack of the curse in the Transfiguration classroom can be interpreted as emotional, then the curse just now was a naked intimidation.
However, the current situation obviously does not allow Umbridge to hesitate.
If she shows even a little bit of reluctance and hesitation, the Ministry of Magic and the school board may curse her before Dumbledore can take action. Except for Lucius Wallpaper, who is standing next to Lightspeed, Ami
Leah Bones and others' wands were also drawn out at some point.
Compared with verbal agreement, sacrificing an opponent as a vote is undoubtedly the most powerful way to express one's stance.
Finally, Umbridge spoke, her voice becoming dry.
"Of course I will sign it, and I agree with this method, but how do we ensure that there is no danger in this contract-"
"Obviously-"
Lucius Malfoy strode forward and signed the contract without any hesitation.
He even moves faster than Professor McGonagall.
After signing his name, Lucius turned his head to look at Umbridge, his expression returning to his usual calmness.
"With Professor Dumbledore's strength and wisdom, there is no need for him to adopt this method... Those densely packed clauses are not intended to be a shackles to restrain us, but to avoid risks as much as possible and make the requirements clear - besides,
Dumbledore and Miss Caslana have shown sincerity in advance and taken great risks. Under this situation, I don't think there is much to doubt."
In the past two years, Death Eaters and the dark forces have begun to make subtle noises in the British wizarding world.
As a "social butterfly" in a pure-blood magical family, the well-informed Lucius Malfoy had vaguely heard a lot of rumors - the Dark Lord seemed to be becoming active abroad, and the British wizarding world also had corresponding arrangements, which was very important to him.
This is obviously not good news.
If Voldemort really makes a comeback, then his first step must be to gather the scattered old people.
Before this, Lucius Malfoy had no way to escape from the predicament except waiting anxiously for the outcome.
But...after tonight, he seemed to have found a second way to protect his family in the chaos.
Even eleven years ago, when Voldemort was at the height of his arrogance in the British wizarding world, he only had a group of werewolves, dementors, giant tribes and other alien tribes under his command. There were not many real wizards under his command: except for those who had Voldemort himself.
The Death Eaters who were branded with the Dark Mark, and others put on black smocks and masks, followed them to do evil without much organized confrontation or long-term planning.
However, the Gellert Grindelwald of more than half a century ago was obviously completely different from the Saint.
They also uphold the supremacy of wizards and advocate the power of blood. On the one hand, they are missing like a ditch rat; on the other hand, they are like the Sword of Damocles hanging over the head of the magical world, and they can still openly communicate with each other even though they are thousands of miles away.
Ministry of Magic Clash.
For Lucius Malfoy, this kind of multiple-choice question was almost a point-sending question without any thought.
"Ms. Umbridge, I must remind you that all crises are caused by you."
In the increasingly weird eyes of Professor McGonagall, Lucius Malfoy spoke righteously without any embarrassment.
"The Hogwarts School Board, the Malfoy family, and even the gentlemen of the Ministry of Magic, all our efforts are to provide students with a better and safer teaching environment, rather than relying on you to dominate.
.Besides, you may be a little confused. The reason why we came to Hogwarts today is not to help you punish a lovely child, but to discuss some more important decisions——"
Lucius paused and nodded slightly towards the other school directors, as well as Cornelius Fudge and others.
"Sorry, I may be a little impatient, but I think... maybe we have wasted too much time on some unimportant things. The situation within the Hogwarts campus should be discussed and resolved by the principal and professors, not
School Board. Let’s get back on track as soon as possible, right?”
"Oh, yes, yes. Damn it - we almost forgot about it."
Cornelius Fudge twirled his bowler hat in his hands and said in realization.
At the same time, in addition to Umbridge, several other wizards also followed the steps given by Lucius.
As the youngest member of the Hogwarts School Board, Lucius Malfoy's behavior as a wall-keeper was a bit embarrassing and humiliating, but his actions undoubtedly saved other wizards. After sacrificing his personal face, the Teacher's Office
The solemn atmosphere relaxed in an instant.
As for the magic contract, everyone checked it briefly and put down their doubts and signed their names.
Maybe they are not as good as Dumbledore in terms of magic power and experience, but some basic curses and magic traps can still be identified.
As Lucius Malfoy said, the core content of this contract is the magical constraints based on the words of those clauses. The magic of the entire contract cannot be simpler, so as long as they abide by those confidentiality clauses, this agreement will
They won't have any influence.
I have to say that human nature is a very wonderful thing - repeating other people's actions seems to be an instinct.
When Lucius Malfoy, Cornelius Fudge and others signed the agreement one after another, they did not feel offended.
On the contrary, this wonderful situation of sharing secrets with Albus Dumbledore made everyone feel proud:
The peace of the magical world is in their hands, and they are the only ones in the world who know Elena's true identity.
"Huh? Professor Dumbledore, what do you mean?"
Cornelius Fudge's eyes widened and he looked at the parchment contract in his hand in confusion.
After the last person signed his name, Dumbledore took out his wand and tapped it lightly, then rolled up this "highly confidential" important document and stuffed it into Fudge's hand. Not as the Minister of Magic imagined,
Take it back and store it again.
"I'm just an old wizard stuck in school, Cornelius."
Dumbledore smiled gently, raised his hand and patted Fudge on the shoulder, and said with a smile.
"Of course, this important magical agreement should be kept by the Ministry of Magic - I cast a spell on it. If someone leaks the secret, his name will turn into dazzling red immediately, so you can also
Respond immediately.
"I think what you said before was somewhat right. I am old and should try to give more trust to young people."
"The future of the magical world belongs to you. Are you willing to take on more responsibilities from now on?"
"It's an honor, Professor Dumbledore!"
Cornelius Fudge puffed up his chest, with a cheerful smile on his face, and quickly stuffed the magic agreement into his pocket.
You must know that the purpose of weakening Dumbledore's prestige is ultimately to consolidate Fudge's own status - if Dumbledore is willing to show more support and proactively give him more active management rights, then Cornelius Fudge
There is no need to continue with the original plan.
As for Dolores Umbridge...
Ever since she took the lead in that werewolf operation, her position in Fudge's eyes had already undergone subtle changes.
As Senior Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magic, Umbridge's promotion path is almost at its end. Even though she has always been very respectful, Cornelius Fudge knows that there is only one reward left that can really attract this woman - magic.
The position of minister.
And from now on, Hogwarts is obviously a very suitable place to solve his troubles.