Chapter 722: A Terrified Fudge
Kyle had expected to be taken to 12 Grimmauld Place, but instead, Fawkes led him to the second floor of the Ministry of Magic, directly into the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
Before Kyle arrived, the place was already crowded with familiar faces: Chris, Mr. Weasley, Fred, George, Auror Kingsley, Tonks... And, of course, Dumbledore.
When Kyle entered, Dumbledore was bent over, a warm yellow light flickering against the corridor walls, emanating from the tip of his wand.
"Fawkes is back!" someone exclaimed, and all heads turned towards the phoenix—and Kyle.
"Kyle?" Fred blinked, rubbing his eyes as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. "Wait, aren't you the Healer from St. Mungo's?"
No one answered his question. The crowd instinctively parted, revealing the grim scene ahead. Blood pooled on the floor in a strange, iridescent purple hue. Amelia Bones, a senior member of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, lay in the midst of it, her breaths shallow and labored. Dumbledore knelt beside her, his wand poised above her, radiating the golden light Kyle had noticed earlier.
In that moment, Kyle realized why Fawkes had brought him here.
"Here?" Kyle asked, ignoring the wave of dizziness washing over him.
"She cannot be moved," Dumbledore said urgently. "Time is of the essence. Fudge is already on the seventh floor."
Kyle nodded briskly and opened his suitcase without hesitation.
"Wait... wait..." came a faint, strained voice. Amelia's eyes fluttered open, the effort visibly draining what little strength she had left.