Hogwarts.
Headmaster's Office.
"No, Headmaster Dumbledore, I think you're worrying too much."
Fudge smiled and picked up the newspaper on the desk. "Death Eaters escaped from prison. See? The paper hasn't made too much of it."
The Minister for Magic had been so frightened by yesterday's deployment of the Dementors that he'd taken refuge at Hogwarts.
He felt more confident with Dumbledore nearby, as though staying here meant Dumbledore supported his views.
However, Dumbledore had grown very tired of the Minister. He'd even considered using this incident as an excuse to replace him.
But the Minister, who'd been so timid last night, had appeared before him that morning full of energy.
Still wearing his pajamas, Dumbledore picked up the Daily Prophet that Fudge had slapped down on the desk:
Azkaban Death Eaters Riot; Ministry Aurors Respond with Care!
That headline was the first thing to catch his eye, and Dumbledore couldn't help frowning.
"The Pure-bloods have bowed to me, Headmaster Dumbledore. I'll be off now. I'll be very busy today."
Fudge straightened his bright red tie, smiled, bowed, and turned to leave.
Dumbledore took his eyes off the newspaper and watched through his Half-moon Spectacles as Fudge's back disappeared down the staircase.
"Boom."
Only after the stone gargoyle outside had jumped back into place did Dumbledore look at the newspaper again.
After a cursory read, he found the reason for Fudge's excitement.
The article had barely mentioned the Dementors searching the school train. Anyone who didn't read carefully might even miss the event that had started it all.
The Daily Prophet's approach certainly seemed to be helping Fudge control public opinion.
Dumbledore flipped through the paper and found no further details about the incident.
He carefully reread the section about the school train, but there was very little related text.