Chapter 144: Grimmauld Place, London (2/2)
”This is Alastor Moody, Christina.” Lupin introduced Moody.
”Yeah, I know,” said Chris, it felt odd to be introduced to somebody she'd thought she'd known for a year.
”And this is Nymphadora —”
”Don't call me Nymphadora, Remus,” said the young witch with a shudder. ”It's Tonks.”
”— Nymphadora Tonks, who prefers to be known by her surname only,” finished Lupin.
”So would you if your fool of a mother had called you Nymphadora,” muttered Tonks.
Chris chuckled.
”And this is Kingsley Shacklebolt” — he indicated the tall black wizard, who bowed — ”Elphias Doge” — the other wizard nodded.
”Er.. Don't mean to interrupt the introduction...” Chris said. ”... but we're in a middle of a muggle neighborhood, so don't you think we should...”
”Sure. Sure. We're just waiting for the signal.” Lupin nodded seriously. ”This way.”
Lupin showed Chris to turn the corner, so they muggles don't notice them. Tonks took the trunk and Mad-Eye came towards Chris.
”I need to Disillusion you.” He growled.
”Okay.” Chris nodded. She knew how to do it herself but she decided not to use magic unless she've to.
Mad-Eye tapped his wand on Chris's head and Chris's body blend in with the surroundings.
”So how are we traveling?” Chris asked.
”Brooms.” Tonks said. ”Take out yours.”
”Alright. That meakes sense.” Chris replied. ”The night is pretty cloudy too, good for cover.”
”Absolutely.” Moody said. ”Now, we're going to be flying in close formation. Tonks'll be right in front of you, keep close on her tail. Lupin'll be covering you from below. I'm going to be behind you. The other two be circling us. We don't break ranks for anything, got me? If one of us is killed the others keep flying, don't stop, don't break ranks. If they take out all of us and you survive, Norton, the rear guard are standing by to take over; keep flying east and they'll join you. Understood?”
”Yes.” Chris said seriously, taking out her broom.
”Wow! A Firebolt?” said Tonks enviously. ”And I'm still riding a Comet Two Sixty.”
”Mount your brooms, that's the signal!” said Lupin sharply, pointing into the sky.
Far, far above them, a shower of bright red sparks had flared among the stars. Chris hurriedly mount her broom. Tonks took the trunk with her broom.
”Let's go.” Lupin said and they all kick off from the ground.
The cool night air rushed through Chris's deep brown hair. The cool breeze changed her mood like always.
”We need more height. . . . Give it another quarter of a mile!” Mad-Eye barked. ”Bear northeast and keep climbing, there's some low cloud ahead we can lose ourselves in!” called Moody.
”We're not going through clouds!” shouted Tonks angrily. ”We'll get soaked, Mad-Eye!”
Chris laughed. She didn't mind the cold or getting wet. It feels alive according to her.
On they way Moody and Tonks kept barking at each other over the cold wind.
”Time to start the descent!” came Lupin's voice. ”Follow Tonks, Christina.”
Chris followed Tonks into a dive. They were heading for the largest collection of lights, a huge, sprawling, crisscrossing mass, glittering in lines and grids, interspersed with patches of deepest black. Lower and lower they flew, until she could see individual headlights and streetlamps, chimneys, and television aerials.
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