The untold growth potential for the Dark Lord after the Ministry’s collapse was the reason Hermione was sipping tea in a backroom of one of the more upscale restaurants in Diagon Alley. Cissy was seated next to her, and Andy next to her. Bella, much to Hermione’s sorrow, was not present, as that would only antagonize the other guests--Minister Rufus Scrimgeour, DMLE Head (and imperius victim) Pius Thicknesse, and Senior Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt, a member of the Fiery Bird Order. 