Yet Another Flint? -- Fudge and the Dementors

[cynthiaanncoe at home.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 27208

In PoA, the Dementors try to give Harry the kiss and then retreat.  
When this happens, Snape, Black, Hermione, and Ron all are 
unconscious, and Lupin and Pettigrew have run off.  Harry is the only 
wizard who has first-hand knowledge of the events.

Nevertheless, Fudge makes two remarks concerning the behavior of the 
dementors.  First in "Herione's Secret":

"What amazes me most is the behavior of the dementors . . . you've 
really no idea what made them retreat, Snape?"
"No, Minister . . . . by the time I had come 'round they were heading 
back to their positions at the entrances."

Then in "Owl Post Again":

"And the dementors?" said Dumbledore.  "They'll be removed from the 
school, I trust?"
"Oh yes, they'll have to go," said Fudge, running his fingers 
distractedly through his hair.  "Never dreamed they'd attempt to 
administer the Kiss on an innocent boy . . . . Completely out of 
control . . . no, I'll have them packed off back to Azkaban 
tonight . . . . Perhaps we should think about dragons at the school 
entrance . . . "

How does Fudge learn that something drove the dementors off at all, 
or that they tried to Kiss Harry?  Aren't the only people who could 
have told Fudge about this the dementors themselves?  Does this mean 
Fudge may have some relationship with the dementors that we don't 
fully understand?  Or is this just a Flint?  

Cindy (wondering who makes the call about what is or is not a real 
Flint)