Fudge and the Potters

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 91555

I'm in chapter 10 of PoA and I came across a conversation between 
McGonagall, Flitwick, Hagrid, Fudge and Rosemerta in the Three 
Broomsticks.  Harry, Ron and Hermione are listening in.

They are discussing Black and Potter in their school days.  Rosmerta 
and the Hogwarts staff all remember them vividly and fondly 
(confirming that Flitwick was a teacher then, as we had decided in a 
different thread.)  McGonagall and Flitwick refer to them as Black 
and Potter. Pettigrew is also mentioned. We've seen McGonagall use 
James' first name before, but she doesn't here.

Fudge however, talks about Lily and James by first names.  I thought 
that was odd.  Do we know if he is the same age (he isn't 
necessarily saying he recalls the schooldays, but he does talk about 
the wedding) He could just be name dropping or they could have been 
friends? co-workers? former classmates? 

Any ideas?

I thought I posted this before, but haven't seen it.  Sorry if it 
pops up twice.

Potioncat