The sun still blazed overhead, but Sirius and the others felt a biting chill envelop them. For a moment, it seemed as though the whole world had darkened!
Azkaban had been breached. Who had done it?
Everyone who heard the news understood; no one was foolish enough to ask such an obvious question.
"Sorry, Dumbledore, Amosta—"
Madam Bones pressed her lips together. She knew many people were watching them now, and she had to remain calm.
"The Ministry must be in complete chaos right now. I have to go back and take charge!"
"Wait, Amelia."
As though it had been destined all along, the horn of war had finally sounded. Amosta felt as if a stone had at last fallen from his heart, yet he felt no agitation. Looking at Scrimgeour, he asked calmly,
"Have you confirmed how many people escaped from Azkaban?"
One familiar name after another came from Scrimgeour's mouth. Sirius and Remus unconsciously clenched their fists, their faces turning pale.
They were all the most stubborn and diehard members of the Death Eaters from the last war.
". . . Adam Vogel and Jasna Rosier, whom you arrested in Germany, along with some remaining Blood Purists. Vitia Criona was also rescued."
Scrimgeour stared at Amosta, his breathing uneven.
They were all extraordinarily dangerous Dark Wizards. Every one of them was capable of inflicting grave harm upon wizarding society. Now, this group of Dark Wizards had gathered together and was acting as one. It was impossible to imagine what kind of upheaval awaited the British wizarding world!
Amosta fell silent for a moment. No one noticed the flash of delight that vanished from his eyes.
"What I'm more concerned about is—"
Mr. Weasley asked in his shrill, off-key voice,
"How did they manage all this? Could it be