The older witch rushed away to find her seat before the ceremony began. Antonin led his wife to the front row of seats. Given his importance to the regime and his status as being the righthand of the Dark Lord, they were assigned prime seats. Everyone could see them. She was grateful to discover that on her left side was seated the Minister for Magic. Little more than a puppet who did as he was ordered, Pius Thicknesse could lay claim to having one of the longest terms as Minister. He was content to keep up the appearance that he was in charge despite the fact that the Imperius Curse Corban Yaxley placed on him during the last war was long gone. He'd gotten used to certain comforts associated with the position and wouldn't dream of giving it up without a fight. Far from being an odious man, Hermione rather liked him. A bit arrogant, he was also a terrible gossip. Many Ministry functions found her seeking him out to pass the time. The wizard knew everything and he was also surprisingly funny. At least with Pius on one side and Antonin on the other, she didn't have to worry about sitting next to Rabastan.