[Waver pauses before saying anything else - just long enough to take his scarf off, and offer it to Hermione if need be.]

The problem with these information impasses is that sometimes secrecy and ignorance as the only reason they work. Slight of hand is nothing short of invaluable, but it can lead us to where we stand now.

[Waver sighs heavily.]

At this point, intention from anyone isn't going to matter. It's how we pick up and move on that will define this decision. But with that said, I'm curious to know how your opinion of your monarchs has changed.