And this argument pulled the two people harshly back into reality.
Fudge's words floated into their ears through the thin wooden door.
Dumbledore had been fighting for them; he said he would ensure Mabel wouldn't harm others, would ensure the students' safety;
He said the current situation wasn't Mabel's fault, that as adults they should give children a chance to grow, give them a future.
He also said he would vouch for Mabel, that he was willing to take full responsibility.
Dumbledore's words brought tears to Mabel's eyes, but at the same time, Fudge's attitude plunged her heart into ice water.
That man, despite his seemingly timid and weak tone, was exceptionally determined; he insisted on executing Mabel, and that the other children should be locked in the dungeon for three to five years.
In such a way, even those who weren't originally Obscurials might become Obscurials.
But every word of his stood on the side of public interest, on the side of duty and power, which made Dumbledore's sympathy for the sisters seem quite capricious.
Finally, Fudge said: "How about this, Dumbledore, we initiate the Hogwarts board, what do you think? My opinion alone isn't important, but if all twelve board members agree with what you're doing, then I have no objections…"
"But I think if they all knew what you want to do, the board might also feel that you should leave the school, be suspended and leave. So you won't next time bring werewolves, vampires, and trolls into the school…"
Dumbledore paused, deeply looking at Fudge without saying a word.
Fudge knew he finally grasped a way to truly checkmate Dumbledore, and he couldn't help but show a smug smile.
The smile was fleeting, Fudge still maintaining an anxious, for-the-nation demeanor, indicating how reckless and capricious Dumbledore's actions were, how he absolutely shouldn't do it.
After being suppressed by this old man for so long, finally having a chance to stand on the moral high ground and have the upper hand, Fudge couldn't contain himself, somewhat losing control, insinuating that Dumbledore was starting to lose his mind, while he was truly exhausting himself for the future of Wizards.
Fudge didn't care whether the two young girls in the next room heard his words—he may not be a match for Obscurials, but isn't there Dumbledore beside him?
If Dumbledore saw an Obscurus harming people, then he wouldn't be Dumbledore.
Relying on having the strongest protection in the world right beside him, Fudge even hoped Mabel would immediately release an Obscurus to attack him, further proving he was correct.
Hayley held Mabel tightly, trembling with fear, terrified of their unknown fate.
Mabel covered the little girl's ears, but her gaze fell outside the window—
On the azure sea, a few dolphins were accompanying the ship, occasionally leaping out of the water, tracing beautiful arcs in the air.
Mabel could hear excited cheers on the deck, coming from accompanying Ministry of Magic clerks, some only slightly older than Mabel, with faces still bearing youthful innocence.
They held slender Magic Wands, arms as thin as bamboo rods, yet with a wave of the Wand, could make rocks weighing a few tons float up.
Mabel remembered sitting on a Broom with Vid, going to rescue Hayley, the boy who seemed her age, could turn small insects into terrifying monsters.
And then?
Those researchers once making Mabel tremble were easily torn apart by the enlarged insects, without even a chance to escape.
She remembered transforming into an Obscurus, facing those arrogant soldiers in black, those Wizards wielding powerful magic, all equally terrified and helpless.
The Aurors in front treating them as prisoners, if facing not "Mabel" but "Obscurus," could they still look at them with such eyes?
Including that Fudge… previously nearly swept away by black smoke, he seemed about to wet himself, unlike now shouting and killing…
Though never having received similar education, at this moment, Mabel instinctively understood one truth—
All fear stems from inadequate power.
When she is subdued like a lamb, surrendering her fate to others' decision, others wouldn't consider her pain and helplessness; most would only, like Fudge, consider their own gains and losses.
Only when she shows the power to destroy everything, can she master her fate, can she… can protect Hayley, Zick, and other children, preventing them from leaping from one abyss into another.
But in doing so, Dumbledore's efforts for her would be in vain, she would have no chance to enter Hogwarts again...
Hayley suddenly felt a chill on the back of her neck, she looked up, surprised to see Mabel silently crying.
"Mabel?!" Hayley jumped in fright, frantically helping wipe away her tears: "Don't be afraid… my mom said, when people die, they become stars in the sky, then we'll stay side by side in heaven, never to part."
"I'm sorry… Hayley…" Mabel sobbed as she embraced her little sister, whispering in her ear: "We will have to separate, but no matter where I am, I will always protect you…"
Hayley opened her eyes wide, struggled in panic, wanting to see Mabel's face. But she was held tight, unable to fulfill her wish.
Immediately after, she was suddenly pushed, flying away, smashing into a bald Auror.
"What's happening?"
The Auror caught Hayley in surprise, lifted his head, and saw Mabel's eyes had turned a pure white, her body trembling fiercely, wisps of black smoke emanating from her.
A piercing alarm sounded instantly, multiple spell lights shot towards Mabel, but only hit the sofa and opposite wall.
The girl had transformed into billowing black fog, paused for an instant before crashing through the window and flying away.
In the next second, Dumbledore and Fudge rushed through the door, only to see the black mass surging into the clouds, quickly disappearing.
"She… she… she escaped, Dumbledore!" Fudge shouted anxiously: "Why didn't you stop her?"
Dumbledore was silent for a while, then smiled helplessly: "Yes, she escaped… she had always been obedient, why did she escape now, Cornelius?"
Fudge's face darkened, stammering, unable to speak, then began blaming the Aurors for not being diligent enough.
A few Aurors were also speechless.
This was their first time facing an Obscurus, always assuming with their Magic Ability, subduing a little girl who never learned Spells wouldn't be difficult, who knew the Obscurus transformation would be so fast?
The people also blamed Fudge in their hearts—even if executing an Obscurial, couldn't they choose another place to speak? Why argue in their presence?
But Fudge is the boss, they are the subordinates, people can only lower their heads, silently agree Fudge is right, they are incompetent waste.
After venting his anger, Fudge rushed to discuss with Scrimgeour how to catch the escaped Obscurus.
Professor Sprout stood outside the door, watching Fudge leave, she entered the room.
"Can you entrust this child to me?" she said to Kingsley Shacklebolt, the Auror holding Hayley: "She has no Magic, is just an ordinary person."
Kingsley paused, silently handed Hayley over.
The girl fell into a familiar, warm embrace, and finally began to cry loudly.
The Aurors in the room all showed embarrassed expressions, leaving one by one, Kingsley hesitated, deliberately staying last.
Dumbledore comforted Hayley softly for a while, then instructed Professor Sprout a few words, upon going out, saw Kingsley standing quietly outside the door.
"Dumbledore." Kingsley asked: "Can I talk to you?"
Seeing the serious and sincere expression on the Wizard, exhausted by Fudge and Mabel, Dumbledore finally showed a slight smile, nodded and said: "Of course."