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第3章 艾炙的出手

“Of course, this puts you in a bit of a dilemma, doesn't it?” said Hermione.

“My dears, it is time for us to consider the stars,” she said. “The movements of the planets and the mysterious portents they reveal only to those who understand the steps of the celestial dance. Human destiny may be deciphered by the planetary rays, which intermingle.…”

“Okay,” he said. “Can I hear the riddle?”

“No... she wouldn't tell me... and I said she was being stupid and not to take it up to school, but she just wouldn't listen and... and then I tried to grab it from her... and — and —”

“My dear Prime Minister, you can't honestly think I'm still Minister of Magic after all this? I was sacked three days ago! The whole Wizarding community has been screaming for my resignation for a fortnight. I've never known them so united in my whole term of office!” said Fudge, with a brave attempt at a smile.

“Mum - Bill!” said Ron, looking stunned, as he joined the Gryffindor table. “What're you doing here?”

“Perhaps a pot of tea,” said Fudge, who still hadn't let go of Harry.

“No, no, no. Surely not. To return to business:—Is it not

“Oh…” he said, the memory coming back to him at last. “I dunno…I never noticed it had gone. I was more worried about my wand, wasn't I?”