Guards at the Ministry

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 71688

Sorry, don't remember which thread this was originally in, but there
was some debate over the Ministry being empty when Harry went there to
rescue Sirius from Voldemort.

People found it odd, as did Harry, that no one, not even a guard was
there.

I already pointed out, that when the portrait when to the Min. of
Magic to find Arthur Weasley, he/she shouted until someone came to
assist. This was at night after the DA Club meeting which ends at 9pm.
Then H/R/H sat around the common room talking and doing homework until
the everyone had left the room and the fire had burned down to coals.
That means it was after midnight.

So there were people available to be roused after midnight at the
Ministry on a weekday.

Also, I knew there was another reference to a night guard at the
Ministry but I couldn't remember where I saw it, but last night I
found it. It was in the news article about Sturgis Podmore.

"...Podmore was arrested by Ministy of Magic WATCHWIZARD Eric Munch,
who found him attempting to force his way through a top security door
at one o'clock in the morning. ..."

Some suggested that there might be a night shift at the Minstry, or
that the Ministry opperated 24/7, but I don't think so; few governemnt
offices do. I think there might be a separate location for the Magical
Law Enforcement office where wizard-cops and Aurors are stationed for
their night duty. That's just about the only office that would have to
operate 24/7. There is a Magical Law Enforcement office at the
Ministry, but I think that is just an adminstrative office. The place
I'm talking about is more like a precinct police station.

Conclusion: the DE's cleared the way for Harry by removing any
watchwizards and maintenance personel that might cause problems.

Just a thought.
bboy_mn