The people on the first floor heard the commotion upstairs. Led by Minister Scrimgeour, Ministry of Magic officials rushed to the scene on the second floor, while quite a few guests followed to watch the excitement.
"Minister Scrimgeour!" several Wizards on the second floor said excitedly. "Michael Crabbe and his son were both killed by Death Eaters!"
Minister Scrimgeour's expression changed. Many Ministry of Magic personnel had attended this banquet, and quite a few members of his entourage were from the Auror Department. For Death Eaters to openly kill the hosts here was undoubtedly a slap in his face.
"Michael!" Nick Crabbe hurried forward and checked Michael Crabbe's breathing. His face immediately changed drastically.
Minister Scrimgeour's face darkened at once. He could already imagine what those tabloid papers would say tomorrow.
He would likely face questioning from every side. Fortunately, enough funds had been raised tonight, giving him some room to respond and handle the situation.
Minister Scrimgeour asked, "Which Death Eaters attacked the Crabbes?"
The blonde witch said, "Bellatrix attacked Will Crabbe... Michael Crabbe was killed by... the six Aurors you brought..."
"Aurors?" Minister Scrimgeour's face greatly changed. He gave his assistant a look, telling her to check the auction items.
Minister Scrimgeour continued, "What else did you see? Did they say anything to each other?"
The blonde witch continued, "Bellatrix didn't say anything... She directly killed Will Crabbe with the Killing Curse."
"And Michael Crabbe... before he was killed... he said—I didn't betray the Dark Lord."
The Death Eaters had scared her out of her wits, and she was still shaken. When Scrimgeour questioned her, she told him everything.
Just then, the minister's assistant ran over and said anxiously, "Minister Scrimgeour... the auction items... they've all been looted!"
Minister Scrimgeour's face was so grim it seemed water could