Seeing Potter escape drove Bellatrix into an even greater frenzy.
The other Death Eaters were even more frantic than she was. As a core member, Bellatrix might not die, but they were not core members. If they let Potter escape, their master would only condemn them as useless and reward them with a Killing Curse, and the estates and families they left behind would become other people's spoils.
That was not something they wanted to see.
The stillness of the black corridor was shattered by spells whistling through the air. Two or three struck the walls hard, bursting into specks of magical light like stardust.
Clang!
The lift doors closed. Su Er pressed the up button with one hand and used the other to place a seal over the outer grille.
The button for the Ministry of Magic's atrium lit up. Chains grated, and the lift slowly rattled upward.
As the ceiling of the first basement level slid below their field of vision, a thunderous magical explosion rang out in the distance, along with a cry tinged with fear that the mission might fail-
"After them!"
Clang! The lift came to a stop. The outer grille slowly slid open. The Ministry of Magic's atrium remained quiet, the tireless sound of water from the golden fountain carrying over from afar.
Just as when they had arrived, it seemed as though no one had ever been here, yet also as though many people had passed through.
"Wait." Su Er held Harry back as he tried to step out.
"What-"
Bang! Su Er raised his wand and cast Lumos toward the dim atrium in the distance.
The glowing orb flickered, trailing a tail as it drifted along, parting the darkness and illuminating the space beneath it. A long strip of light also stretched