145 The story of Black and Potter (1/2)
In an instant, Ron and Hermione had both placed hands on the top of Harry's head and forced him off his stool and under the table.
Meanwhile, Arth clutched his tankard and watched the teachers and Fudge move toward the bar, pause, then turn and walk right towards them.
Arth frowned before whispering, ”Mobiliarbus!”
The Christmas tree beside their table rose a few inches off the ground, drifted sideways, and landed with a soft thump right in front of their table, hiding them from view. Arth heard the grunts and sighs of the teachers and Minister as they sat down.
That was a very close one.
Madam Rosmertathen came over to the Minister's table with drinks and disappeared behind the tree.
”A small gillywater —”
”Mine,” said Professor McGonagall's voice.
”Four pints of mulled mead —”
”Ta, Rosmerta,” said Hagrid.
”A cherry syrup and soda with ice and umbrella —”
”Mmm!” said Professor Flitwick, smacking his lips.
”So you'll be the red currant rum, Minister.”
”Thank you, Rosmerta, m'dear,” said Fudge's voice. ”Lovely to see you again, I must say. Have one yourself, won't you? Come and join us...”
”Well, thank you very much, Minister.”
”So, what brings you to this neck of the woods, Minister?” came Madam Rosmerta's voice.
Arth heard Fudge pause before answering in a quiet voice, ”What else, m'dear, but Sirius Black? I daresay you heard what happened up at the school at Halloween?”
Arth furrowed his eyebrows.
What did Black have to do about them coming here?
”I did hear a rumor,” admitted Madam Rosmerta.
”Did you tell the whole pub, Hagrid?” said Professor McGonagall exasperatedly.
”Do you think Black's still in the area, Minister?” whispered Madam Rosmerta.
”I'm sure of it,” said Fudge shortly.
”You know that the dementors have searched the whole village twice?” said Madam Rosmerta, a slight edge to her voice. ”Scared all my customers away... It's very bad for business, Minister.”
”Rosmerta, m'dear, I don't like them any more than you do,” said Fudge uncomfortably. ”Necessary precaution... unfortunate, but there you are... I've just met some of them. They're in fury against Dumbledore — he won't let them inside the castle grounds.”
”I should think not,” said Professor McGonagall sharply. ”How are we supposed to teach with those horrors floating around?”
”Hear, hear!” squeaked tiny Professor Flitwick.
”All the same,” demurred Fudge, ”they are here to protect you all from something much worse... We all know what Black's capable of...”