That afternoon, Fudge approached Vaughn once again.
At Vaughn's request, they arranged to meet in Hogsmeade this time.
Vaughn had never visited this wizarding village nearest to Hogwarts. At school, only students in their third year or above, with a parent's signature, were allowed to come here on weekends.
Even after Christmas, the snow had not stopped.
The entire village of Hogsmeade lay beneath drifting snowflakes. Cold winds swept through it, and there was hardly anyone in sight.
The occasional wizard who came to visit was usually holed up in either the Hog's Head or the Three Broomsticks. Fudge took Vaughn to the Three Broomsticks.
Perhaps because Vaughn was young and Dumbledore was not there glaring at him, Fudge seemed quite relaxed. When he saw the beautiful, mature landlady of the Three Broomsticks, he even flirted with her a little.
A few years later, Ron would have fought Fudge to the death over that.
Madam Rosmerta led them into a private room. As Fudge removed his cloak, he instructed her, "My dear Rosmerta, bring me a tankard of butterbeer, and get this child some drinks and snacks. We have matters to discuss, so please make sure no one disturbs us, all right?"
"Of course, Minister."
Madam Rosmerta agreed, casting a curious glance at Vaughn.
While Fudge was not paying attention, Vaughn winked at her. The gesture startled her, and even after leaving, she kept peeking back inside.
Fudge kindly guided Vaughn into a seat before sitting across from him. Folding his hands together, he asked gently, "Have you made up your mind, child?"
"Yes, I agree to hand over the formula and all rights to the Wolfsbane Potion to the Ministry of Magic!" Vaughn nodded. "But I have one condition."
"Please, tell me, child."
Delight appeared on Fudge's face. He