The Minister of Magic slumped back in his chair, suddenly looking at every one of his sixty-odd years. "Yes, it seems so. To hear this news from you means that I have indeed become quite hopeless." He ran a hand through his silver hair, a gesture of frustration and weariness. "Do you really think they are back? I heard the name here and there, but I thought there must be some fanatics being frenzy about the name."
"I can't say for sure," Gawter admitted, "but we can't rule out the possibility. The signs are there for those who know where to look."
Arthur sighed heavily, the weight of his responsibilities seeming to press down on him visibly. "These days, I seem to age very quickly."
A faint smile touched Gawter's lips. "I don't think so. You still show off in front of your people." He was referring to their earlier exchange in the chamber hall, where Arthur had matched Gawter's wit with a display of verbal sparring that had impressed the assembled judges and council members.
