Death Eaters

Chapter 38: The Wrecked Cafe

I let out a heavy breath as we all tried to steady our breathing. We moved toward the pavement, Harry making sure I was all right. As we pushed rapidly through the tight crowd, Muggles bustled around us—some walking in the same direction, others brushing past the other way.

"Where the bloody hell are we, Hermione?" Ron panted, struggling to keep up as we hurried along. Hermione was leading the way, Ron close behind, while Harry and I followed hand in hand, weaving through the crowd as fast as we could.

"Um—" Hermione huffed, exhaling sharply before continuing, "Shaftesbury Avenue. I used to come here to the theatres with Mum and Dad... I don't know why it just popped into my head," she said breathlessly.

We kept walking until Hermione spotted a dark alleyway, empty and silent. Not a soul in sight. We followed her in, stopping at a shadowed corner while she made sure no one was around.

"We need to change," she said between breaths, suddenly pulling out her tiny beaded pouch. She handed it to Ron, gesturing for him to hold it steady as she reached inside and drew out a small pile of clothes, passing them to each of us.

"How the ruddy—" Ron began, staring at Hermione and the pouch in disbelief.

"Undetectable Extension Charm," Hermione replied matter-of-factly, her arm disappearing deep into the bag again.

"You're amazing, you are. Don't you know that?" Ron said with a lopsided grin.

Hermione gave him a small, flattered smile. "Always the tone of surprise," she replied lightly. Just then, there was a muffled thud—like a stack of books toppling over.

"Ah, that'd be the books," she said, pausing to look at the three of us. We were all exhausted and more than a little bewildered.

I bit my lip and let out a slow breath, placing both hands on my hips. "I think I should use the charm I always do—to conceal my true appearance, don't you think?" I said, glancing at Hermione for approval.

She raised her eyebrows, then nodded. "Yes, I agree," she said simply.

Thus, I drew out my wand and flicked it across my face, the charm shimmering to life once more. My features shifted, returning to my usual, alternate appearance. The four of us quickly changed into clean clothes — fresh ones Hermione had packed — before continuing on. Eventually, we stumbled upon a small, rather old Muggle café — just a pit stop to rest and figure out what to do next. All the food and drink I'd had at the wedding had come right back up in the bathroom earlier; my stomach had been in knots ever since. I felt utterly exhausted — drained in a way that wasn't like me at all. We didn't order much, just a few coffees and teas to keep ourselves awake through the night. We all knew we wouldn't be getting any sleep.

"What about the others from the wedding? Do you think we should go back and help them?" Harry asked, worry threading through his voice.

"No, Harry. It isn't safe anymore," Hermione replied quickly, eyes flicking toward the café window as though half-expecting someone to appear. "If the Ministry really has fallen — and I suppose it has — that means Voldemort's taken control. None of the old places are safe for you anymore."

"Yeah, but... it just occurred to me — my things. My rucksack. I left it at the Burrow," Harry said.

"I've already packed all our essentials," Hermione said, her tone firm but reassuring. "Everything we need is here with me. Don't worry about it, Harry." She paused, her brow furrowing. "Besides, everyone at the wedding would've gone into hiding by now. They'll be safe underground from the Death Eaters."

Hermione was right, I knew she was. Still, my mind wouldn't stop circling back to my brother — and my two cousins, Draco and Victoria — whom I'd left behind at the wedding without a word. It hadn't been intentional, of course; everything had happened so suddenly when we Disapparated.