Amid the earth-shattering tremors, the model of Magic City displayed between the Ministry of Magic's main hall and elevator lobby crashed down with a thunderous boom.
Only after the dust settled did Harry and the others slowly climb to their feet.
After glancing a few times at the pitch-black hole that was still shedding rubble, Ron turned to Draco, his voice full of glee.
"Can you believe it? They really left you behind."
"That's enough, Ron."
Mr. Weasley spoke sternly. He looked at the distraught Draco before turning to Harry and Hermione.
"Whose idea was the exchange?"
"It was Lucius Malfoy's, Mr. Weasley—"
Hermione said.
"Was it?"
Arthur looked at Draco again, frowning.
"What's wrong, Arthur?"
Frank still had an arm around Neville's shoulders. Only now did Harry notice that, like Neville's mother, he was wearing pajamas.
After hesitating for a moment, Mr. Weasley answered.
"I know Lucius Malfoy. He certainly isn't a good wizard, but—"
Boom!
Before he could finish, another deafening roar came from the hole the Death Eaters had blasted open.
"It must be Kingsley and the others!"
As Ginny cried out nervously, Neville's father shouted,
"They should have been here long ago, but Kingsley must have needed some time to gather manpower!"
Did that mean the Death Eaters could not escape?
Harry's heart immediately lifted.
"Come on, let's go up."
Though there were still questions that needed clearing up, now was clearly not the time. Mr. Weasley gave the order solemnly.
Fortunately, the corridor they had entered through had not been destroyed in the fierce battle.
They raced down the passageway and around the corner. Mr. Weasley hammered the button with his fist, summoning an elevator.
The lift descended with a clanking rattle into the cramped space. The grille slid open, and they rushed inside. Mr.