The news came at two o'clock. Whispered urgently at first, then cried out in terror to the masses.
"You Know Who is back!"
Screams and gasps of horror filled the Atrium. Ministry workers fainted and yelled and tried to sprint towards the nearest fireplace in order to get home. Others merely stood in silence, waiting for directions from the Minister.
Kingsley Shacklebolt surveyed the room grimly.
"I am afraid," said he, "That He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is back. Ten minutes ago I recieved information that Harry Potter's scar hurt,"
Kingsley paused for a moment to let the news sink in.
"I need the Aurors and Magical Law Enforcement squad to begin collaborating immediatly on finding The Dark Lord's old supporters. I want the Misuse of Magical obejcts department to investigate if they have found anything tampered with dark magic and I need the Muggle Liasons office to check if there have been any muggle murders that may have been caused by Death Eaters,"
Kinglsey turned to his assistant. "Percy, call the Order of the Phoenix together immediatly. And send an owl to Hogwarts,"
/
Minerva Mcgonagall had seen many things during her time as Headmistress, but this was by far the worst. Even worse than the morris dancing toilets or the time Peeves learnt about paintball.
"I have just recieved news from the Minstry, that Lord Voldeort has returned,"
The staff gasped.
"What are we to do Professor?" Neville Longbottom asked, standing as though he were already gearing up for a fight.
"For now we can do very little except wait fo further information from the Ministry. I have no doubt they will send Aurors in order to protect the students, but I suspect many parents will wish to bring their children home anyway,"
"We best tell the pupils," Sprout decided.
Minerva nodded, "Yes, will everyone please find their students and send them to their dormitories so their Head of Houses may give the news,"
Mcgonagall waited until the staff had left before sitting down in her seat, head in hands.
/
Harry watched the panic taking place below him and gupled.
"Minister!" he called.
"Not now Potter," KIngsley replied.
"But Minister, it's urgent!"
"Potter I will talk to you later, but I really must-"
"Voldemort isn't back!"
Silence fell upon the Atrium.
"What?" someone cried out in disbelief.
Harry turned to face the crowd.
"Yeah..."
"But your scar hurt!" somebody else yelled.
"Umm, I had a headache," Harry mumbled, looking at his feet.
More silence.
"A headahce!"
"Yep, I had a salty lunch. I think I got a bit dehydrated..." Harry trailed off as he noticed all the glares sent his way.
"Harry," Kingsley began.
"Yes Minister?"
"You're a prat,"
"Yes Minister," Harry agreed.
Ron and Ginny were never going to let him forget this.