On September 1st, Terry Boot, Michael Corner, and Chris Moen boarded the Hogwarts Express, dragging their trunks down the corridor.
"At this rate, it feels like Platform 9 3/4 will need to be expanded sooner or later."
"Yeah! It's not even nine o'clock yet, and there are already this many people... It really needs expanding!"
"And it could easily arouse Muggle suspicion... But that isn't our problem. Let's see how the Ministry of Magic handles it!"
The three passed compartment after compartment, chatting idly as they went.
"Speaking of the Ministry of Magic... did you read this morning's Daily Prophet? The part about the Ministry..."
"The Ministry of Magic? Michael, has Anthony influenced you that much? Why are you always paying attention to the Ministry?"
"Huh? Chris, did an Erumpent run into you? It's one thing to slander Anthony, but don't go slandering me! I still have a date to go on! Don't make people misunderstand!"
"You have a date? Then I'd better shout louder—Michael, you and An—"
"Chris! If you don't shut up right now, I'll use magic on you!"
"All right! All right! Tell us about that Ministry thing... What did the Daily Prophet say?"
"Cornelius Fudge resigned. Soon, he really won't be the Minister for Magic anymore."
"Huh? Really? Cornelius Fudge resigned? I didn't expect him to step down at a time like this..."
"It's not that surprising, is it? Considering what he was like as Minister for Magic... heh."
"Chris, I'll say what you don't dare to! Cornelius Fudge, that Minister for Magic... was absolutely dreadful! I can't believe he actually resigned instead of being impeached and forced out!"
"Well, I thought he'd be impeached too... Maybe it's because he's been at the center of the storm lately? He's had to take the blame for everything."