Crack! Scarlet flames burst in the pitch darkness, illuminating the ruined Level Eight atrium of the Ministry of Magic for an instant.
A moment later, a bright light lit up the surroundings, revealing the white-haired, white-bearded wizard in white robes who had cast it, and the phoenix on his shoulder.
A scene of devastation greeted them, with a pool of water on the floor.
Dumbledore surveyed the place, then looked at Fawkes.
After confirming with Fawkes that this was indeed the Ministry atrium, surprise and uncertainty flickered in Dumbledore's blue eyes.
How had the Death Eaters managed this?
Dumbledore did not hurry away. He stood frowning, lost in thought...
On Level Two of the Ministry, Amelia Bones was directing everyone as they settled the wounded. Many people had been hurt, but for now, they were tending to those with serious injuries.
She worked with brisk efficiency, coordinating everyone's efforts.
"Isaac, is there any Blood-Replenishing Potion left? Jansen's bleeding out!"
"Drake, come over here and help Luca. It's too much for one person."
"Sean, go cast the countercurse on those who've been petrified—"
Just then, with a crack! and a flash of fire in the air, an old man with a white beard appeared out of nowhere.
Several people nearby jumped and instinctively pointed their wands at him.
But as soon as they saw who it was, they relaxed. Amelia Bones let out a particularly long sigh of relief.
"Professor Dumbledore, what brings you here?"
"I heard the Ministry had come under attack." Dumbledore surveyed his surroundings. "It looks as though you need help."
"Very much so," Amelia said rapidly. "Dumbledore, the Floo Network at the Floo Network Authority has stopped working. The Death Eaters seem to have tampered with it, and the Floo Network on the Seventh Floor..."
She