Harry Potter: Archmage of Another World

"Relax, Mr. Derlis," Augustus turned around, smiling warmly at the gray-haired man. "I've seen you before—at the banquet Minister Fudge hosted two years ago. Of course, I heard from my father that you're an excellent Auror. But, after all, just an Auror. If you're considering violence, I must warn you that I will resist."

The man called Derlis blinked comically, then glanced at Fudge, seemingly seeking instructions on what to do next.

"So," Fudge sneered, regaining composure, "you intend to face Derlis, Shacklebolt, Dolores, and me alone? Or perhaps you think Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall are on your side as well?"

Augustus's hand moved slightly within his robe pocket. Derlis quickly stepped in front of Fudge protectively.

"True, facing so many wizards alone might seem foolish. But how do you know that Dumbledore, the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, hasn't joined the Julius Army? Perhaps he's even an honorary board member."

Fudge's plump face turned pale as he stole a guilty glance at Dumbledore, whose inscrutable expression betrayed nothing.

"Impossible! Dumbledore joining the Julius Army? He has no reason to. Unless..." Fudge's face suddenly twisted in shock. "You've been planning this since last semester? The final task of the Triwizard Tournament was a staged act between you and Augustus? Fabricating the return of the Dark Lord to undermine the Ministry, capitalizing on the wizarding world's fear of Voldemort, secretly organizing an underground army to ultimately overthrow the government?!"

Augustus shrugged subtly toward Dumbledore, who gave an amused smile before speaking. "Remarkable, Minister. Your reasoning is astonishingly thorough. To deduce such a detailed conspiracy from such minimal evidence—commendable indeed."

"So you admit it?" Fudge stammered, pointing a trembling finger at Dumbledore. "You and Augustus orchestrated this conspiracy? And now you're an honorary board member of the Julius Army, preparing to overthrow the Ministry?"

"Ah, the memory grows worse with age," Dumbledore said, rubbing his long nose thoughtfully. "An honorary board member—what a noble title. You're quite right; working with the heir of one of the wizarding world's oldest families for such a grand cause does make me feel a few years younger."

"Wonderful, just wonderful!" Fudge exclaimed, slamming his hand on the table, his face alight with excitement at the seeming simplicity of the situation.

"Enough talk!" Fudge shouted, drawing his wand. "Derlis! Shacklebolt! Seize him!"

A silvery flash spun through the room, followed by a thunderous explosion that shook the floor. A hand grabbed Harry by the back of his neck, forcing him to the ground as another flash erupted. Portraits screamed, Fawkes shrieked, and dust filled the air.

Coughing, Harry saw a figure fall with a loud thud. A scream rang out, followed by the sound of glass shattering and frantic footsteps. Then, silence.

Rolling over, Harry saw Professor McGonagall crouched beside him. She had shielded him and Marietta from harm. Dust swirled around them, settling slowly.

Out of breath, Harry noticed Dumbledore and Augustus standing calmly by the overturned desk, surveying the unconscious figures on the floor.

"Are you all right?" Dumbledore asked.

"We're fine," McGonagall replied, pulling Harry and Marietta to their feet.

As the dust cleared, the wrecked office came into view. Dumbledore's desk lay overturned, broken silver instruments scattered across the floor. Fudge, Umbridge, Kingsley, and Derlis were sprawled motionless. Overhead, Fawkes circled gracefully, cooing softly.

"Pity I had to stun Kingsley too—it would've looked suspicious otherwise," Dumbledore murmured.

"Time is short," Augustus said. "They'll wake soon. Dumbledore and I must leave immediately. Pretend as if they were just knocked out; they won't remember a thing."

"Where are you going?" McGonagall whispered. "Grimmauld Place?"

"Of course not," Augustus replied, his gaze lingering on Harry. "Dumbledore and I have decided on our destination. You don't need to know. What's important is this: Harry, the Julius Army's gatherings are indefinitely suspended. Inform every member to continue practicing elemental magic in my absence. Good luck."

Turning, Augustus stood by Fawkes, observing the phoenix closely.

"Harry," Dumbledore said kindly, touching Harry's forehead, "you must focus on Occlumency. Follow Professor Snape's instructions precisely. Practice before bed each night to shield your mind and stop the nightmares. Soon, you'll understand why. But promise me—"

Derlis stirred slightly. Dumbledore gripped Harry's wrist.

"Remember—shield your mind."

Harry's scar throbbed painfully as a snake-like urge to attack Dumbledore surged through him.

"You'll understand," Dumbledore whispered.

Fawkes swooped low. Dumbledore grasped the phoenix's golden tail while holding Augustus's arm. In a burst of flame, they vanished.

Want to read the chapters in Advance? Join my Patreon

https://patreon.com/Glimmer09