Though Harry, and therefore Hermione and Ron were quite content with what had happened at the Ministry, the rest of Hogwarts – actually, the rest of Wizarding Britain – panicked. Finally, there was irrefutable proof that Lord Voldemort was back. Fudge tried to downplay the danger. He explained how the majority of the Death Eaters had already been captured. That not enough remained to put the lives of the general public in danger. Few were really comforted, waiting with bated breath for the raids to pick up again. Tom would not allow any attacks or bloody retaliation against light families, only a few scrimmages to keep people on edge. Thus, painting the Minister incompetent, showing a lack of foresight. The students talked in hushed whispers. Slytherins became more isolated than ever.