"Excellent, excellent!" It did not take long for Fudge, at the Ministry of Magic, to hear what Will had said. He jumped up in excitement, showing none of a minister's dignity.
That was hardly surprising. For Fudge, it was the only good news he had had lately. Ministries of Magic across Europe had learned about the Dark Wizards' attack on the Ministry a few days earlier, and he had all but lost face.
Then Dumbledore, bent on seizing power, had told him Voldemort was back. How was Fudge supposed to be happy about that?
Now he could use Will's words to shut Dumbledore up. Voldemort was back? That was not what the Triwizard Tournament champion had said!
Trying to stir up trouble for Minister Cornelius and steal power from the Ministry of Magic? Not a chance!
"I'm going to St. Mungo's to visit our honest Champion in person," Fudge ordered cheerfully. "And find some reporters. Have them come too."
Will had barely had any time to rest before Fudge barged in with a crowd of reporters.
"Who's this?" Fudge asked as soon as he entered, eyeing Hobert on the sofa.
"That's my uncle, Minister. He's been looking after me for so long that he's exhausted. He's resting here for a bit. I hope you don't mind."
Fudge hurried warmly to Will's bedside. "Of course not! An uncle cares for his nephew. How could I mind? What a touching bond between uncle and nephew! Mr. Behrens, how are you feeling? Are you comfortable?"
Will put on a smile. "Thank you for asking, Minister. I'm much better now."
In front of the press, Fudge had a long, friendly exchange with Will, making himself look like the most approachable minister imaginable.
But Will knew the man had not come to visit him. Sure