Confrontation

The Ministry of Magic was as magnificent as Harry remembered it: the floor was dark wood, polished so brightly it reflected faces; the ceiling was peacock blue, set with glittering golden symbols that constantly shifted and changed like a gigantic noticeboard.

The walls on all four sides were paneled with glossy black wood, with many gilded fireplaces set into them. Every few seconds, a witch or wizard emerged from one of the fireplaces on the right, while people queued in front of them to leave.

In the middle of the entrance hall stood a fountain.

A group of larger-than-life golden statues rose from the center of a circular pool. The tallest was a dignified male witch, holding his wand aloft toward the sky. Around him stood a beautiful witch, a centaur, a Goblin, and a House-elf.

It looked rather interesting.

Hundreds of witches and wizards Apparated from every direction, their faces wearing the same lifeless expressions Harry had once seen on those Muggle office workers.

Mr. Weasley led Harry away from the stream of Ministry employees heading toward the golden doors and stopped before a desk marked Security Check.

A male witch in peacock-blue robes sat there, his beard poorly shaved. When Harry and the others approached, he looked up and put down his copy of The Daily Prophet.

"I've brought a visitor."

Mr. Weasley pointed at Harry.

The male witch listlessly beckoned Harry over, then raised a long golden rod and swept it from top to bottom over Harry's chest and back.

"Wand."

Harry handed over his wand. After it had been inspected, he took it back. The male witch seemed about to give him another look, but before he could, Mr. Weasley had already led Harry away.

They entered a lift. As it rose, they saw all kinds