"Oh, right, this is for you."
As he spoke, Cedric pulled a letter from his robe pocket and handed it to Albert. It bore a large W, resembling the Ministry of Magic's emblem.
"That's quite unexpected."
The moment Albert saw the letter, he knew what it was.
"He actually wrote to you. I thought he'd just have me pass the message along." After finding a seat, Cedric gestured for Albert to read the letter first, in case it contained anything important.
"It's not anything particularly important." Albert opened the letter, skimmed its contents, then looked up at Cedric. "It's from the Wizengamot, reminding me when to prepare for the next Wizengamot meeting."
Ever since Kingsley became Minister of Magic, unless something was especially urgent, Wizengamot members received notice of meetings by letter several days in advance.
"I nearly forgot—you're the youngest Wizengamot member in history."
Cedric poured himself a cup of black tea, his tone faintly sour. It would be a lie to say he wasn't envious, but that was all it was.
His friend was probably the most powerful wizard in history, and he had made such enormous contributions to the British magical world. It was perfectly natural for him to receive such treatment.
As for political matters—
Anyone with half a brain would not casually drag Albert into them.
Otherwise, Kingsley would not have waited until Albert left Britain before making his move.
Of course, one could not expect politicians to be particularly rational. Cornelius Fudge was the best example; when his own interests were threatened, he had done plenty of foolish things.
Fortunately, Dumbledore was kind and principled. Otherwise, Fudge probably would not even have known how he died.
"Smart people" like Fudge were common in the magical world, where the circles of power had practically been