In short, Fudge now saw the Quidditch World Cup as his most important cash cow.
Ever since before the group stage began, he'd been on-site every day, and he'd sworn that he wouldn't miss a single match.
That way, he could prevent any accidents, show all the ordinary wizards who came to watch just how dedicated and hardworking he was, and take the opportunity to get to know the senior officials from the various Ministries of Magic who had come to the campground.
Now that he'd seen such a distinctive tent go up across from Old Malfoy's campsite, it was only natural that Fudge would come over to check on them.
He was absolutely just concerned about World Cup security. He definitely wasn't trying to make friends with a wealthy family that could afford a tent like this!
And so, he and Sirius fell into conversation quite naturally.
Sirius wasn't especially fond of Fudge, but back when he'd been in prison, Fudge hadn't treated him too badly. On the occasional inspection, he'd even been willing to bring him a newspaper to do the crossword.
So Sirius chatted with Fudge for a bit.
When Fudge saw Harley, his eyes lit up.
One of the main reasons he'd spent so long talking with Sirius was that he'd been waiting for Sirius's goddaughter, Harley.
"Ha ha, Harley! It's been ages!" Fudge greeted her, waving the green bowler hat in his hand.
He hurried over with a warm smile, as if he were Harley's kindly older relative.
Quite a few Ministry officials were standing outside the tent. Harley vaguely remembered seeing them at her Order of Merlin investiture ceremony. They were all part of Fudge's inner circle, promoted from the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes.
It looked like Fudge had been leading them