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"It was Fudge's idea originally, you know. During his last days in office, when he was trying desperately to cling to his post, he sought a meeting with you, hoping that you would give him your support —" "After everything Fudge did last year." said Harry angrily. "After Umbridge ." "I told Cornelius there was no chance of it, but the idea did not die when he left: office.
Within hours of Scrimgeour's appointment we met and he demanded that I arrange a meeting with you —" "So that's why you argued!" Harry blurted out. "It was in the Daily Prophet"' "The Prophet is bound to report the truth occasionally," said Dumbledore, "if only accidentally. Yes, that was why we argued. Well, it appears that Rufus found a way to corner you at last." "He accused me of being 'Dumbledore's man through and through.'" "How very rude of him." "I told him I was." Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak and then closed it again. Behind Harry, Fawkes the phoenix let out a low, soft, musical cry. To Harry’s intense embarrassment, he suddenly realized that Dumbledore's bright blue eyes looked rather watery, ami stared hastily at his own knees. When Dumbledore spoke, however, his voice was quite steady.
"I am very touched, Harry." "Scrimgeour wanted to know where you go when you're not at Hogwarts," said Harry, still looking fixedly at his knees.
"Yes, he is very nosy about that," said Dumbledore, now sounding cheerful, and Harry thought it safe to look up again. "He has even attempted to have me followed. Amusing, really. He set Dawlish to tail me. It wasn't kind. I have already been forced to jinx Dawlish once; I did it again with the greatest regret." "So they still don't know where you go." asked Harry, hoping for more information on this intriguing subject, but Dumbledore merely smiled over the top of his half-moon spectacles.
"No, they don't, and the time is not quite right for you to know either. Now, I suggest we press on, unless there's anything else — ." "There is, actually, sir," said Harry. "It's about Malfoy and Snape." "Professor Snape, Harry."
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