Dark Memories

Book 3 - Part 13: Heart

The following hours after Mage's appearance with the Goblins at Hogwarts were filled with confusion and disarray. The Ministry was shocked to find so many goblins suited up and arriving to patrol countless locations, all of the Goblin Commanders simply stating, "We are here under the request of the one called Mage, who has determined his presence is now needed to be known by all, Light and Dark."

That didn't tell them much, obviously, but when they received word of what had happened at Hogwarts, the Minister decided to pay a visit to Hogwarts to see what was happening for himself.

Cornelius, now accompanied by Madam Bones who had just received reports from the Ministry about casualties and damages, made his way to Hogwarts, having apparated in at Hogsmeade.

What they arrived to astounded him. Goblins were everywhere, working with witches and wizards in securing the buildings and the area.

"This way, Minister," Mr. Shacklebolt said, leading them through the organized chaos. "The numbers here are still being collected, but all of the seriously wounded have been taken into Hogwarts. The other wounded are either in the medical tents or in the Great Hall. The fallen have been taken into the Three Broomsticks."

Fudge nodded, taking everything in. How had all of this happened in just one evening?

"Where is Dumbledore?" Fudge asked.

"Inside Hogwarts," Kingsley answered.

"Let's go there now then. I must speak with him," Fudge said.

"Of course, sir," Kingsley said, now leading the Minister and Bones through the cleared rubble.

"Oh my . . . " Bones breathed when they made it onto Hogwart's grounds.

The grounds were littered with covered bodies of giants and death eaters, uplifted and overturned earth, scorch marks, and craters. There were also dozens of Goblins patrolling the grounds' borders with a few aurors. Beside one of the main medical tents were the respectfully covered. Sirius Black was standing at the entrance, speaking with a highly decorated goblin.

"This way," Kingsley directed, a few goblins passing by.

"Ah! Minister!"

Kingsley fought down a groan.

"What is the Ministry doing at this time? Have they made an agreement with the Goblins? Have they allied themselves with the Custosae? This 'Mage'?" Skeeter asked.

"Ms. Skeeter, please, if you wish, you may join us into Hogwarts, but please refrain from asking questions at the moment. As you can see, we have much to do, and I'm sure you do not want to hinder any of our actions in trying to assist the injured, begin repairing the damage that has occurred, and restoring order?" Fudge asked, talking smoothly.

Bones and Kingsley couldn't help but be impressed. When had this happened?

Skeeter was taken aback. "Of-of course Minister."

And so, they headed into Hogwarts.

O o O o O

Dumbledore nodded, speaking with McGonagall. "Yes, he is going to be alright."

"And Aberforth?" she asked.

Dumbledore's eyes stilled for a moment. "I hope."

McGonagall was about to say something more when Kingsley, Fudge, Skeeter, and Bones approached.

"Albus, tell me, what has happened here?" Fudge asked. "Where is this Mage? I was told he appeared here. Do you need any assistance from the Ministry, or do you have things covered here? I need to know where to send more help."