The Atrium was a large hall with fireplaces connected to the Floo Network up and down both long walls. The fireplaces on the left were used for arriving employees, while the ones on the right were for departing ones. The floor was polished dark wood in contrast to the ceiling, a blue color with golden symbols moving across it. This was the heart of the Ministry of Magic, and today it was busier than usual.
A group of wizards and witches had gathered as they awaited news or perhaps an official statement. The entire wizarding community was tense due to the events at the Triwizard Tournament still fresh in everyone's minds. Among them were reporters from different newspapers, like the Daily Prophet.
Suddenly, the rhythmic click-click of camera shutters filled the atrium as Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, made his way towards the gathering. From the emotion visible on his face, everybody knew that he was going to announce some disturbing findings. By his side stood other high-ranking members of the Ministry, each wearing a solemn attitude that mirrored the gravity of the situation.
The wizards and witches in the assembly instinctively prepared their flying quills and parchment, ready to document the official statement that was about to be delivered.
Fudge cleared his throat, demanding attention. The crowd noise gradually diminished to complete silence as the assembled crowd turned its focus towards the Minister.
*Ahem* *Ahem*
"Good wizards and witches of the magical community," Fudge started. "I stand before you today with a heavy heart, burdened by the duty to address the tragic incident that unfolded at the Triwizard Tournament."
The clicking of the camera shutters continued, capturing the solemnity of the moment. Journalists wrote Fudge's exact words through their magical quills.
"With great sorrow, I must inform you that Cedric Diggory, a brave and promising young wizard, lost his life during the Triwizard tournament," Fudge announced, his words followed by a collective gasp that rippled through the crowd.
The assembled wizards exchanged glances, disbelief etched on their faces. Of course, there were rumors about the events of last night, but to hear it from an official source was different.
Fudge continued, "We extend our deepest condolences to the Diggory family. Their loss is felt by the entire wizarding world, and we stand united in grief."
A moment of silence followed a collective mourning for a young life cut short. The wizards and witches in attendance bowed their heads in respect, and the enchanted quills froze, allowing a minute of silence.
After that, Fudge talked again. "Alas, some people are trying to use this for their personal goal. They are trying to use the grief of such a young boy's death to make a false speculation."
Fudge paused a little, letting everyone around try to guess who he was talking about.
Then he carried on, "But we at the Ministry of Magic will base all our conclusions on the evidence we have gathered. We have sought permission from Mr. Amos Diggory, Cedric's father, to conduct an examination of his son's body. Our aim is to ascertain the cause of his death."
"I assure you that a thorough investigation has been done to understand the circumstances surrounding Cedric's death by several Aurors."
Fudge then announced to the onlookers, "It is with great fury and sadness that we have reached the ultimate conclusion, Cedric has succumbed to one of the unforgivable spells, the Killing curse."
A collective gasp filled the room. Such a cruel fate for a young wizard.
"But," Fudge said as he grasped the attention of all the journalists, "we have also discovered an alarming detail."
He held up a vial containing what looked to be a red liquid. Fudge put it forward for the camera to get a better shot.
"What I have in my hand is the blood found underneath the nail of Cedric." The crowd stared in disbelief as Fudge revealed, "When we took his body for investigation, we found that many of his nails were broken, revealing signs of struggle. On closer inspection, we found blood and some human flesh trapped under the nails."
Fudge, with a stern expression, continued, "The blood we found under Cedric Diggory's nails belongs to none other than Harry Potter."
The revelation sent shockwaves through the assembled crowd. Gasps of disbelief and murmurs of astonishment filled the atrium. The enchanted quills, now working furiously, captured the unfolding drama as Fudge held up the vial containing the damning evidence.
"We understand the gravity of this revelation," Fudge continued, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "It suggests that there was a struggle, a confrontation, perhaps even foul play during the Triwizard Tournament."
The journalists bombarded Fudge with questions, their quills scratching away as they sought clarity in the midst of the unfolding controversy.
"Sir, how can this be possible?"
"Do you mean that Harry Potter, the boy who lived, has killed Cedric?"
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There were questions one after the other.
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"Has Harry Potter been arrested already?"
Fudge raised his hand, signaling for silence. "I urge you all to remain calm. The Ministry of Magic is committed to uncovering the truth and replying to all the questions. We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice for Cedric Diggory."
"First, we would like to reveal certain things that Albus Dumbledore has hidden about Harry Potter that has just revealed to us. The Headmaster has concealed this information, perhaps to protect Harry Potter or for reasons known only to him. But we, at the Ministry, cannot ignore the potential threat this poses to the wizarding community".
"We have discovered that Harry Potter is a Parselmouth," Fudge declared. The crowd was in for shocks today as they once again received disturbing news. Their mind immediately associated this news with the previous Parselmouth wizard.
One of the reporters could not hold himself and expressed his thought, "You mean he is just like you-know-who?"
A member of the ministry had to intervene and let the journalists know to keep quiet and let Cornelius Fudge speak.
"On top of that, the boy appeared to experience pain from his scar. We do not know if it is just headaches, or nightmares, or even possibly hallucinations."
"From what we have gathered, the boy was already suspicious of two events that unfolded. First, it was definitely how he was accepted as one of the participants, even though he did not meet the requirements. Secondly, it is the death of Barthy Crouch Snr."
As Cornelius Fudge began to divulge all the details that had happened, it made Harry appear more suspicious than anyone else.
"We understand that this information is difficult to digest, but we cannot ignore the potential dangers it poses to our society," Fudge declared, his tone firm.
"In light of these revelations, the Ministry has taken certain precautions to ensure the safety of the wizarding world," Fudge announced, his eyes scanning the room. "Effective immediately, Harry Potter is being considered the number one suspect behind the murder of Cedric Diggory, and an arrest warrant has been issued for his name."