voice announced:
"Level Six, Department of Magical Transportation, incorporating the Floo Network
Authority, Broom Regulatory Control, Portkey Office and Apparation Test Centre."
Once again the lift doors opened and four or five witches and wizards got out; at the same
time, several paper aeroplanes swooped into the lift. Harry stared up at them as they
flapped idly around above his head; they were a pale violet colour and he could see
Ministry of Magic stamped along the edge of their wings.
"Just inter-departmental memos," Mr Weasley muttered to him. "We used to use owls,
but the mess was unbelievable ... droppings all over the desks ..."
As they clattered upwards again the memos flapped around ihe lamp swaying from the
lift's ceiling.
"Level Five, Department of International Magical Co-operation, incorporating the
International Magical Trading Standards Body, the International Magical Office of Law
and the International Confederation of Wizards, British Seats."
When the doors opened, two of the memos zoomed out with a few more of the witches
and wizards, but several more memos zoomed in, so that the light from the lamp flickered
and flashed overhead as they darted around it.
"Level Four, Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures,
incorporating Beast, Being and Spirit Divisions, Goblin Liaison Office and Pest Advisory
Bureau."
"S'cuse," said the wizard carrying the fire-breathing chicken and he left the lift pursued
by a little flock of memos. The doors clanged shut yet again.
"Level Three, Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, including the
Accidental Magic Reversal Squad, Obliviator Headquarters and Muggle-Worthy Excuse
Committee."
Everybody left the lift on this floor except Mr Weasley, Harry and a witch who was
reading an extremely long piece of parchment that was trailing on the floor. The
remaining memos continued to soar around the lamp as the lift juddered upwards again,
then the doors opened and the voice made its announcement.
"Level Two, Department of Magical Law Enforcement, including the Improper Use of
Magic Office, Auror Headquarters and Wizengamot Administration Services."
"This is us, Harry," said Mr Weasley, and they followed the witch out of the lift into a
corridor lined with doors. "My office is on the other side of the floor."
"Mr Weasley" said Harry, as they passed a window through which sunlight was
streaming, "aren't we still underground?"
"Yes, we are," said Mr Weasley. "Those are enchanted windows. Magical Maintenance
decide what weather we'll get every day. We had two months of hurricanes last time they
were angling for a pay rise ... Just round here, Harry."
They turned a corner, walked through a pair of heavy oak doors and emerged in a
cluttered open area divided into cubicles, which was buzzing with talk and laughter.
Memos were zooming in and out of cubicles like miniature rockets. A lopsided sign on
the nearest cubicle read: Auror Headquarters.