Sad News at Lunch Who: Professor McGonagall speaks, but most everyone else is there. When: Early in the afternoon of May 23rd What: The Ministry declares Hogwarts unsafe for habitation Warnings: None, though some tears of sadness may be appropriate Status: Short, but complete
A quartet of Aurors arrived before the sun rose on Satruday, with a pair of medi-witches in tow. The students and staff had destroyed two dozen or more of the Inferi, leaving only a handful for the Ministry to mop up. Whatever was left of the again inanimate corpses was collected in a steel drum (larger on the inside than it appeared to be from without) for transport back to the Ministry for study. Two of the Aurors took it back to London, leaving the last of the Ministry team in discussion with Professor McGonagall. Those brave enough to listen at the base of the stair to the headmaster's office could hear very little, but the tone of what they did hear was not particularly friendly.
Later that afternoon, as the house elves were setting the tables for lunch, Professor McGonagall made an announcement. She stood at the podium, and addressed the assembled workers, students, and staff with a sad look. "I am afraid I have bad news for you all.
"Representatives of the Ministry of Magic inform me that, in light of the Inferi attack last night, Hogwarts Castle is being declared unfit for human habitation until such time as the dormitories are completely restored and the castle's defenses have been completely re-done and fully tested. Given the ease with which the castles wards against apparition were breached last night, I cannot completely disagree. Therefore, I must ask you all to make other arrangements for your accomodations.
"The construction wizards and witches working for the Department of Reconstruction will find that the Ministry has hired rooms for you in Hogsmeade. Students and former students are encouraged to return to their family homes, or to provide whatever other arrangements for themselves that they can. Your continued assistance in restoring the castle would be greatly appreciated, however, and a dedicated Floo route has been provided by the Ministry. Details have been posted in the Entrance Hall.
"The house elves will remain in residence."
Looking around the room, the Professor sighed, stood straight, and said, "It saddens me that it has come to this, but I am certain that we will be able to make the castle livable again in short order. Work will be suspended for the rest of the day while you gather your belongings and make your arrangements. Thank you."
The meal passed more quietly than usual, after that.