We Are All Idealists

Wade looked at the newspaper's official-sounding prose:

After weeks of fierce struggle, the Ministry of Magic welcomed its new leader today—Pius Thicknesse.

Witnessed by all members of the Wizengamot, Minister Thicknesse held a brief inauguration ceremony in the Ministry's atrium, where he recited his oath before all officials and the media...

The first half of the article described Thicknesse's inauguration in an exceedingly objective tone, including the officials and notable figures from all walks of life who had attended.

Wade noticed that Dumbledore stood in the very front row. In the corner of the photo, Lucius Malfoy wore a hypocritical smile, both hands resting on his Snake-headed Cane as he stood with several representatives of Pure-blood families.

Originally, Sirius Black had been fully qualified to attend the ceremony—indeed, he was more qualified than most of those present, and he had received an invitation beforehand.

But as far as Sirius was concerned—"Instead of attending some boring ceremony, I'd rather take Harry flying on a broomstick over the nearby lawn for a while"—those had been his exact words.

During his call with Harry last night, Wade learned that while the ministerial inauguration had been taking place yesterday, Sirius had really taken him flying on a broomstick. Later, they had dug up a few potatoes, roasted them, and eaten them for lunch.

"Remus and the people from Aslan's Magic Workshop went to witness the Minister for Magic's inauguration. Sirius couldn't be bothered to cook either, but the roasted potatoes really tasted great—better than the food at school," Harry said wistfully.

"Honestly," Wade pointed out objectively, "didn't they taste especially good because you were hungry?"

"Hahahaha... Maybe that was part of it too..."

Harry's laughter came from the other end of the Communication Pea.

Wade looked at Lucius Malfoy's somewhat blurred face