Rise of the Death Eaters [3]

Chapter 55: The Department of Mysteries

The flight over Hogwarts and Hogsmead was stunning and yet terrifying. Never did I think I would go up to the north tower let alone fly up it. But as the sun set, the warmth left us and the sting of the wind became more unpleasant. Until finally, when I thought my blue fingers couldn't move anymore, a sudden shift downward from the Thestral told us our flight was almost at an end.

Neville squealed behind us as he and Luna also took a nose dive to the ground. But just as the Thestral was about to hit the ground at max velocity, the creature softly touched down and trotted off the momentum down a very stereotypical London street.

"How'd you reckon we get off this thing?" Ella whispered, rubbing her hands as the creature went to a standstill.

"After you," I heard Sam say to Theo, who was also debating the best way off their Thestral. I didn't see the look Theo gave her but he took the bait and jumped off, landing squarely on his feet like a leap frog.

"It's not so bad, actually," he called back. "Your turn."

Sam was eyeing the ground with displeasure but didn't waste a moment to spring down after him. Ella grumbled before swinging her leg over to side-saddle. I followed suit, and together we slide off the side rather gracefully.

Ron, who was repeatedly stating his dislike over the flight was being ignored by the others as they dismounted while Harry walking off towards a bright red phone booth.

"Come along then," he called out past his shoulder before stopping short and opening the red door.

"He's not going to make us all fit in that, is he?" Ella questioned to the remaining party.

"Best to hold your breath," Ginny uttered with a side glance as she stepped past us and with the crowd.

And we did just that. With 10 people you would think the likelihood of fitting in a phone booth was frankly impossible. But with a little magic and a strong and stubborn will, we managed.

But all humor over the situation dispersed the moment the floor of the booth started to move down and the realization came.

We were entering the Ministry.

But any welcome party we expected to find, though dreaded, was not present at our arrival.

In fact, the atrium of the ministry was completely empty.

Granted, it was far past the working hours of the day, but I couldn't imagine there being no late night stragglers and workaholics milling about.

"This way," Harry directed, having been the first to get over the vastness that was the Ministry. All the glass walls looking into well-lit offices and marble statues lingering the atrium made it rather intimidating.

But in the late hours of the evening and with the nature of our visit, everything about this place sent shivers up my spine.

"Ava," Sam called out, stirring me from my thoughts. The others were already by the elevator, with Sam looking back at me.

Running over, I made it just in time for the doors to open. We all piled in and Harry automatically pushed the 9th floor.

Any thoughts I had about coming here on false pretenses quickly vanished as I watched Harry lead us through the ministry without a pause in step as to where to go.

Whatever vision he had witnessed, it gave him quiet a knack at navigating.

As the bell chimed to announce our arrival to the Department of Mysteries, I reached for my wand for the second time and watched Sam follow suit behind me.