Scrimgeour was waiting in his office early that morning, before most Ministry officials had even arrived for work.
He thought nothing of it. The Auror offices were usually quiet anyway, since most Aurors rarely stayed in the office and were out on assignments instead.
He knew that Lupin, c's vice president, had met Kingsley Shacklebolt and Tonks at the Leaky Cauldron last night. Today, they would relay Vaughn's position to him.
After half an hour of waiting, the air in the office twisted. An elongated figure spun within the distortion, and then Kingsley suddenly appeared.
His few remaining strands of hair looked as though a tornado had ravaged them, plastered every which way against his scalp.
"You should use the fireplace to come to work. That's Ministry policy." Scrimgeour kept his face stern, then immediately added, "Don't let it happen again."
Kingsley paid no attention. In truth, hardly any Ministry officials obeyed that rule.
"Shackle, I hope you've brought me some good news on this lovely morning." Scrimgeour gave him an inquiring look.
Kingsley smoothed his sparse hair and sighed. "I'm sorry, sir. You may not find this news particularly good."
"As we expected, c set a condition. If the Ministry approves the Werewolf Class proposal, they're willing to withdraw the lawsuit."
"When I asked c's vice president, Lupin, what they would do if the Ministry refused their condition, Remus Lupin said-"
Kingsley lowered his hand and met Scrimgeour's gaze, imitating Lupin's look of someone addressing an idiot, along with his blunt tone. "How should I know?"
The corner of Scrimgeour's mouth twitched. Kingsley looked positively punchable.
Kingsley spread his hands innocently. "Those were his exact words, sir."
"Why didn't Tonks come with you?" Scrimgeour lowered his eyes and changed the subject.
"She went to c to investigate the Werewolf