Who: The Weasleys, their dates and Kingsley Shacklebolt. What: Christmas Charity Ball - Part Two. Where: The Ministry of Magic. When: Friday evening. Rating: Low.
Kingsley had been enjoying himself as part of the festivities. The night had turned out better than he could have imagined, with a mix of all parts of society, a large amount of money raised and a crowd in high spirits. He was in rather high spirits himself, though he would have enjoyed a glass of firewhiskey to make the evening complete. It was when eyeing off one of the tables housing his drink of choice that he noted his second in command heading toward him in more of a hurry than boded well.
With hushed voices, they discussed what had brought the man across in such a manner, the reasoning worse than Kingsley could have expected. Looking out across the floor of the Atrium, he could see that all of the Weasley children were still there, happy and enjoying the night.
This was the worst part of his job.
Gathering Bill, Charlie, Percy, George, Ron, Ginny and the dates that had come with them, he took all of the Weasley children off to the side. He didn't know where to start; it was both shocking and unpleasant news that he had to deliver, made all the more so by his friendship with both Molly and Arthur. Clearing his throat, Kingsley made the announcement.
"The Dark Mark was found over the Burrow about half an hour ago. I'm sorry, but both Molly and Arthur are dead."
There wasn't anything else he could say after that, and he didn't think they would have heard it anyway. As they all disappeared into the floo system one by one, Kingsley summoned the Ministry officials milling around him and directed them to get everyone out quickly and quietly. Waiting for them to situate themselves in appropriate intervals among the crowd, he diverted all attention to him and announced that there had been an incident that would require an early end to the ball. Giving instructions for all guests to follow directions from the officials, he waited to oversee it all and make sure everyone left safely, trying to work like the Minister of Magic should, not someone who had just lost two friends.