Chapter 62: Director's office

At that moment, the atmosphere in Dumbledore's office had become tense.

Dumbledore sat quietly behind his desk, no one could understand what he was thinking. Not far from him was a pale, frightened Professor McGonagall and a grim, bandaged Professor Snape.

In front of Dumbledore's desk was a very strange looking man.

The man was short and stocky, with an anxious look on his face, his clothes were odd: A thin pinstriped suit, a bright red tie, a long black cloak and purple pointed boots. It was the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge.

Sitting across from him in an uncomfortable-looking chair, shaking his body and wiping away tears with a large handkerchief as he muttered the names of Ivan, Harry and Ron, was Hagrid.

Inside the room, also sniffling, was Mrs. Weasley, sitting in front of the fire, with Mr. Weasley whispering to comfort her.

They came as soon as they heard Ron had been kidnapped, but they hadn't expected the situation to be so bad.

The only happy one was Lucius Malfoy, he was sitting in a corner, wrapped tightly in a black cloak, and looking at the others with a cold, contented smile.

Next to Lucius was a strange creature wrapped in bandages, shivering silently, it was the house elf Dobby, he seemed to be saddened by Harry's disappearance.

"I'm sorry, Albus, the situation is very bad, a basilisk broke into the castle and took three students. Compared to the three previous attacks, this is too much, the ministry must take action," said Cornelius Fudge in a worried tone

"Cornelius, I hope you understand that there is no point in taking Hagrid, he is sitting among us now, not in the Chamber of Secrets," Dumbledore said quietly.

"But, Albus! Hagrid's record is against him, the ministry has to take some kind of action, we must consult the board," said Fudge unnaturally

Lucius Malfoy coughed softly and said, "Please allow me to interrupt, Minister! Not only did the Board agree to the Ministry's request for your arrest, but the directors felt it was necessary for you to leave as well. This is a Suspension Order, signed by all twelve directors. The general consensus is that, at this rate, there will be no students left at Hogwarts before the end of the term, and that is a terrible thing."

"You're going to get rid of Dumbledore, that's insane! Don't think I don't know that, it must be one of your plans, Malfoy!" shouted Mr. Weasley as he got to his feet

"That's a very vile slander, Weasley! It's hard to imagine a magical policeman lacking control, but with the absurd things you've done before, Minister, if I were you, I'd throw this guy out of the Ministry of Magic," said Lucius as he turned his head and smiled.

"I don't think this is the time to pursue such matters, Arthur's son was brought into the chamber and he was a bit agitated. And I don't think it's a good idea to remove Dumbledore either," Cornelius Fudge said.

"This is the internal affairs of Hogwarts, all twelve of the Headmasters have voted," winked Lucius triumphantly.

Hagrid stood up fiercely and said, "Malfoy, how many people have you threatened and blackmailed into accepting! You can't fire Dumbledore, if you do, Hogwarts won't stand a chance of survival!"

"By God, your bad temper will get you in trouble someday, Hagrid. I want to give you some advice: don't shout, Dementors don't like it, don't they, Minister?" said Malfoy with a sneer.

Fudge nodded as he said, "Yes, yes, what we have to do now is find out the truth as soon as possible, Hagrid, I want you to come with us."

Professor McGonagall said, "So you're going to send innocent people to prison..."

"Look at it from my point of view, Minerva! I'm under a lot of pressure, I have to do something, if we find out it wasn't Hagrid, he'll be back in a flash," Fudge said nervously.

Dumbledore interrupted at that point and said, "Don't worry, I think we'll all know the truth soon enough!"

Dumbledore turned to Professor McGonagall and said, "Minerva, would you please step outside to welcome Mr. Mason, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger?"

"What?!" everyone was surprised. the children returned from the chamber!

Twenty minutes before this, the children took Lockhart and left the Chamber of Secrets. When they weren't paying attention, Ivan pulled out a fang from the basilisk, the poison making it an excellent tool for attacking.

With it, they don't have to worry about destroying the Horcruxes.

They then left the basilisk chamber and returned to the tunnel. With Fawkes' help, they flew through the water pipes and back to the girls' bathroom on the third floor.

Ivan planned to go to the school hospital first, but Fawkes went to the entrance of Dumbledore's office.

Professor McGonagall was informed that they were coming, so she waited there, when she saw Ivan, Harry, Ron and Hermione covered in mud and mucus, especially Ivan's and Harry's robes which had blood on it, she violently clutched her chest with her hand and sucked in a huge breath of cold air.

A few seconds later, Professor McGonagall sent Lockhart to the school hospital and sent the four boys to the headmaster's office.

The door opened, and everyone fell silent.

"Ron!" shouted Mrs. Weasley as she jumped up and ran to him, behind her was Mr. Weasley, the two of them stretching their arms out and hugged Ron.

Behind the two was Hagrid, who in an instant embraced Ivan, Harry and Hermione, all three were hugged tightly.

Ivan glanced around the room. He had a wry smile on his face, it seemed that the Headmaster's office was in high spirits before they arrived.