Chapter 876 - Return to Prince Manor (1/2)
The Presentation Ball of the Prince grandchildren is still in full swing. The laughter of youths fills the air as they flirt and seek out possible marriage partners, while the whispered voices of the purebloods fill the ballroom. Such international events were rare and never missed for the powerful connections that could be forged. The British Minister of Magic Eugenia Jenkins had just finished a most productive conversation with the French, German, and Italian Minister of Magic's. She quickly wraps up a few details with the French Ambassador, Felix Auroli, a Parisian wizard well-dressed older gentleman with a neatly styled mustache.
The stout witch's usual bobbed hair is neatly curled and pinned up. Eugenia Jenkins wore tasteful robes for the occasion, but not overly decorative. She curtsies to Ambassador Auroli and is about to excuse herself when the ballroom doors swing open wildly banging loudly against the adjacent wall. The orchestra had just finished playing and the applause for the dancers had yet to commence. In that instant of silence, the entire guest body turned their heads to study the source of the sound that disturbed the festive atmosphere.
A sickly-looking wizard can be seen standing in nothing, but a pair of striped pajamas and a night robe tied loosely around him. A bit green around the gills, the wizard let out a great big sneeze causing flaming sparks to come out of his nostrils and singeing the carpeted entrance. The nearby crowd takes a large step back unable to hide grimaces. Dragon Pox was quite contagious especially for the very young and the older generation.
A nearby official recognizes the sickly-looking wizard, Pius Thickness, a member of the Department of Magical Enforcement. Pius Thickness had a long black beard with a great overhanging forehead that shadowed his eyes. He lacked the silver-streaked hair and glinting eyes of the future as he is still a relatively younger middle-aged wizard.
”The Lithuania Ambassador Marijus Ipolitas,” Pius loudly proclaimed causing the guests to relax and return to their conversations.
”WAIT!” The Lithuania Ambassador bellowed. ”The Ministry of Magic is under ATTACK by GIANTS!” His voice echoes throughout the ballroom as guests begin to whisper excitedly and nervously to each other.
”Excuse me, Ambassador Aurolie,” Minister Jenkins firmly said, before moving forward. She was not the only one as various other Auror's began to emerge from the crowd including Edgar Bones, Fabian & Gideon Prewett, and more. The Auror's were not the only ones concerned as various purebloods drew closer including Lucius Malfoy, Ted Tonks, and Arthur Weasley.
”Ambassador Ipolitas, please speak clearly and precisely,” Minister Jenkins promptly said while Marijus Ipolitas was still attempting to catch his breath. The poor, rather ill wizard had been forced to jog from the portkey arrival point until Verninac Chateau and was now truly exhausted.
”Three giant attacks,” Ambassador Ipolitas gasped, ”Fernburgh, Mould-on-the-Would, and the Ministry of Magic. Assistance is requested immediately!”
The instant Lucius and Arthur heard the words, ”Fernburgh,” they went pale. Their wives and children were at Fernburgh. Without even attempting to excuse himself, Lucius runs out of the hall rather pale followed by Arthur and Ted, who only paused to bow in apology before running out of the ballroom with the elderly, Septimius Weasley much more slowly hurrying after his son, Arthur.
Fabian and Gideon Prewett almost bolt after their brother-in-law, Arthur, but their mother begins to look rather faint. ”Molly,” Mrs. Prewett mȯȧnėd looking rather faint. They hurriedly move to tend to their ashen-faced father and fainting mother. They knew that if anything had gone wrong that Arthur would contact them regarding their younger sister, Molly, and the children. They hurried to place their mother in a chair and would depart soon enough once their mother was conscious again.
Before Eugenia Jenkins can begin giving out orders Reginald and Georgine Prince approach the Minister of Magic. In a loud voice, Reginald says, ”We thank the Verninac's as gracious hosts and the guests that have attended. However, we humbly request that all guests retire for the evening and see their families. The Prince family thank everyone in attendance, but the Ball is now at an end.”
Not a single guest protested as Reginald and Georgine Prince stepped aside for the Minister of Magic to impatiently pass by. ”All Ministry Officials to report to the Ministry of Magic IMMEDIATELY!” Minister Jenkins roared before marching out followed closely by a team of Auror's for her safety and protection.
The British Ministry officials quickly follow excusing themselves as they hurry after the Minister of Magic. With the attack at the Ministry of Magic Headquarters, all hands are being called to deck to defend. There would be a need to obliviate muggles, treat the wounded, catalog damage including the deaths of civilians and Auror's, a countless list of tasks to be completed without any thanks. Furthermore, the Minister of Magic officials are closely followed by the press in attendance like hungry sharks, at last, scenting blood in the water and among the throng of the press is a certain Barnabas Cuffe, Editor of the Daily Prophet accompanied by his date, Miss Twinkle, who looked rather lovely with her matching lipstick, but hurried back to the Daily Prophet. No doubt, Rita Skeeter was already at the scene of the crime so to speak as not even the threat of giants and certain death would ever stop the nosey reporter!
They weren't the only ones as various ambassadors along with their wives hurried to depart. Their children had been left behind with house elf nannies and governesses. There was no telling what could have possibly occurred in their absence. Thankfully, the French Ambassador, Felix Aruoli upon his quick departure takes pity upon the still ill Lithuania ambassador and offers to host the sickly wizard for the night.