Normally, Anton's go-to move was to make a grand entrance and then leave.
But this was awkward. His friends had all shown up, and if Anton just walked away, it would be weird and leave them in an uncomfortable position.
Usually, at a time like this...
Anton's best partner, the very perceptive Fudge, had to step in.
"Director Weasley is right!"
Minister Fudge jumped to his feet and shouted excitedly.
"I'll take over chairing the meeting from here. Director Weasley, please don't get worked up. Take your seat." Fudge's presence suddenly filled the room. He strode briskly over to a small circular platform beside the courtroom bench, snatched the meeting documents from the Recording Clerk's desk, and leafed through them. Then he turned and looked earnestly at everyone.
"I think we need to discuss whether the British Ministry of Magic is capable of hosting the 'Top 100 Tournament.'"
Well, now.
That was a pretty pointed and cutting way to steer the meeting.
Anton raised an eyebrow and walked over to the corner where his friends were sitting. The young wizards were all excited, especially Harry, who said eagerly, "Exactly! If they won't do it, plenty of people will!"
Draco looked uneasy. He wanted to say that if Anton really went to the American Ministry of Magic to host the Top 100 Tournament, he probably wouldn't be coming back. People here would definitely become hostile toward him.
Of course, no one was thinking of driving Anton into the arms of the American Ministry of Magic.
That would probably mark the glorious end of the British Ministry of Magic.
Dumbledore was old. The presence of this great wizard had guaranteed the British Ministry of Magic more than a century of glory, but it was easy to foresee that the next figure of