"Good evening, Albus."
Minister Fudge wore an ornate dark-green robe and stood with his belly thrust out as usual. His voice was hurried and shrill. "I'm sorry to interrupt you... ah, your speech at dinner. But you know this is more important."
He turned to the young wizards and staff in the Great Hall.
With an unhurried turn, he took his place beside Dumbledore. An obviously deliberate look of delight spread across his face, and his voice suddenly boomed. "Good evening, young people of Hogwarts! I bring you good news. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the healers at St Mungo's, our two heroes—Hagrid and Professor Snape—have recovered faster than expected. At this important moment, they should be back at Hogwarts, back where they fought and kept you safe, to share in your joy and peace!"
He reached out and gave a tug.
He pulled Snape and Hagrid to his side.
Hagrid looked uncomfortable. His enormous frame was slightly hunched, as though he had no idea where to stand. Only when Dumbledore beckoned him behind him did Hagrid let out a heavy sigh of relief. Then he looked down, saw Harry waving his arms excitedly, and broke into a warm, guileless grin.
Snape, by contrast, was far colder.
He stood beside Fudge without expression. His black robes seemed darker than ever, and one sweep of his icy gaze across the Great Hall quickly subdued its lively mood.
"'This important moment'?"
Hermione drew her gaze away from a spot at the staff table and frowned at Fudge. "What happened? Why did the minister say that?"
"Hagrid's back! Isn't that important?"
Harry answered gleefully.
Hermione rubbed her forehead in exasperation.
Ron, at least, gave her a somewhat useful answer.
"I reckon the Ministry of Magic is going to award Hagrid and Snape