Brontide

Chapter Nineteen

We landed in the sitting room and, unsteady on my feet, I collapsed onto the sofa, my wand still clasped tightly in my shaking hand. Rae was pacing back and forth in front of me, very pale and muttering things under her breath. It'd just hit me what we'd done, and my eyes narrowed as I watched her pace, her heels clicking against the wooden floorboards.

"Why'd you make us leave?" I asked her, trying to keep my voice level.

She stopped in place and turned to look at me sharply. "They weren't going to drop it, were they? I figured they didn't need to worry about us on top of everything else, at least they know we're safe."

I shook my head. "That's not the point. They need to stop trying to protect us from everything! They know we're more than capable of holding our own, we all attended Dumbledore's Army together, didn't we?"

Rae folded her arms over her chest, seating herself beside me. "I know, Cassie, I know, and I'm not exactly thrilled about it either...but I did what I thought was right, and I seriously don't recommend going back there right now."

I was chewing on my lip nervously and trying to quell the boiling frustration I felt. "I feel like a bloody child."

I saw Rae roll her eyes. "I don't know about you, but I'm a bit more worried about them at the moment," she said pointedly.

Whatever thoughts of frustration I was having in that moment ceased, because I remembered that they were still in danger. "Oh, right," I said quietly, slightly ashamed.

And then, very anxiously, we waited. Sleep that night was restless, and Fred and George didn't return that night or the morning after. Rae and I were hesitant to contact them in any way, but it was the day after the wedding that they finally contacted us. We were lounging around in the sitting room, trying to get ourselves to eat some breakfast when I nearly dropped my fork. A silver Patronus soared through the sitting room window, landing in front of us and materializing into a raccoon. It spoke with Fred's voice.

"Everyone's safe, don't reply, we're being watched."

It dissolved a minute later and we let out sighs of relief, though we were still extremely anxious for their return. We stayed inside with the curtains drawn shut, the door locked and one ear always listening for the sounds of apparition. The anticipation was driving me bonkers and I desperately wanted to make sure everyone was okay.

Five days passed and they had yet to return. Rae and I had no idea what was going on, not able to get our hands on a copy of the Daily Prophet or send Nestor to get word from the Order, but one thing was for certain: Voldemort had taken over the Ministry. My insomnia gradually got worse, and I worried that maybe they would never be able to return to the flat. Nestor was growing restless, rattling his cage and wanting more than anything to stretch his wings, but I couldn't let him out because I was afraid that we too were being watched.

On day six Rae and I discussed the inevitable - going into hiding. We didn't know when or where, but it was bound to happen and definitely something to consider, so she and I sorted through our belongings to decide what we'd bring with us. With a bit of difficulty, I managed to put Undetectable Extension Charms on our school rucksacks, that way we could carry heavier loads. I packed some clothing, the photo album from Rae, the camera from Fred and George, packaged food that Rae and I split between our bags, the vial of Essence of Dittany from the bathroom, my Remembrall, my hairbrush and a few other things. I made sure the locket with the picture of my grandmother and Devon was secured around my neck, and as I looked around the flat I decided I had everything I needed. We were ready to go at a moment's notice.