Chapter 39 - Missing Part 2
A flash of blue lit up the Room of Requirement and everyone watched in amusement as Dean Thomas was thrown unceremoniously onto the cushions on the floor. Everyone clapped as Parvati Patil bowed to the crowd. Harry watched from the sidelines with satisfaction, mentally ticking off the Knockback Jinx from his long list of spells.
Since their first meeting, the DA had progressed nicely. The second meeting already wrapped up the Disarming Spell, exceeding Harry's expectations. He now started on the basic jinxes and hexes he found useful. This group had not only been useful to the members but also to him, whoever said that the best form of learning was teaching had the right idea. Additionally, it gave him the immense satisfaction to sit through Professor Umbridge's classes without complaint, knowing that he was rebelling against the very goal the toad sought to achieve.
The only sore spot was an empty place in the corner of the room where Anne would likely be found. Since the first meeting, Anne was absent from the rest, this was already their fourth meeting. Normally, he would not be too concerned, she already informed him that she was unlikely to attend the next few. In fact, her absence was silently appreciated by the other members once it became clear that her not coming did not mean that she was selling them out to Umbridge.
However, it was the fact that he rarely saw her in the past weeks which drew his concern. Their mock duel after the first DA meeting was the last time they met up, with separate timetables, he only ever got to see her in the Great Hall during mealtime. Then there was the fact that she did not always go to the Great Hall for meals, leading her presence to become rarer. Harry thought back about the past few weeks and he could not come up with any reason as to why Anne stopped seeing him.
"Alright, that's enough for tonight," said Harry. "Nice work, Parvati. Same as usual, leave in small groups at staggered timings and check the coins for when the next meeting is."
"She didn't come for this one too," Hermione remarked, watching the others leave.
"No," Harry shook his head. "You did give her the coin right?"
"Of course I did," Hermione replied, sounding affronted.
The coins were Hermione's idea, giving to each DA member was a galleon. A Protean Charm allowed Harry to change the numbers on the edges of all galleons, a method to inform the members about when there would be a meeting. Harry had not been able to pass Anne a coin. Since Hermione was the only one to share classes with his sister, the task fell to her.
"How did she take it?" Harry asked.
"From my hand?" Hermione replied, an eyebrow raised.
"Hermione, you know what I mean," Harry rolled his eyes.
"Like she always does," Hermione shrugged. "Just a nod and without questions."
"How is she in class?"
"She's alright, I guess," said Hermione with a hint of exasperation. "Harry, I pay more attention to learning, not to your sister. It's a class for Merlin's sake. Like I've said, go find her and talk to her, you're not going to get to know her more by asking me about how she was during Runes."
"She hasn't been meeting me lately," Harry shrugged.
The lack of said meeting resulted in Harry trying to find out what was wrong. This led to Hermione being his source of information, much to his friend's frustration.
"Harry, I'm not much help," said Hermione. "I think I know Seryy enough that there's probably only two people she would open up to in Hogwarts. You or the younger Greengrass. So if you-"
"You're right," Harry interrupted. "Greengrass."
"Harry, I didn't mean change your target for pestering from me to another person," Hermione sighed. "I mean go find her and talk to her."
Harry scowled, that was difficult nowadays. Walking over to the Slytherin table during mealtimes was stupid and despite his efforts, he had only caught a glimpse of Anne in the corridors but was never able to catch her.
"Tomorrow's a Saturday, you have the whole weekend to find her," Hermione reasoned.
"Fine," Harry acquiesced.
"Good," Hermione nodded in satisfaction. "Now let's find Ron and do that Transfiguration essay."
It turned out that Hermione's suggestion might not have been the perfect plan. Finishing a morning Quidditch training session, Harry changed to fresh clothes and wandered around Hogwarts in search of Anne. However, the girl was nowhere to be found.
The more obvious spots of the library, the kitchens and their frequented abandoned classrooms were checked first, but with disappointing results. Harry then walked around the grounds outside, from Whomping Willow to Great Lake, no Anne. She did not show up in the Great Hall for lunch, but by then it was already a given. He did not deny the fact he was a little desperate when he lurked around the dungeons of Hogwarts, near the Slytherin common room. He was not sure if Anne preferred to stay in the common room in her spare time but even then he did not know the password.
It was a defeated Harry who stumbled into the common room after dinner, waiting in the Great Hall for another vain attempt to see if Anne would show up.
"I'm guessing you weren't successful," Ron winced sympathetically as he polished his broomstick.
"No," Harry groaned, flopping onto a nearby armchair.
"No offense mate," said Ron. "But haven't you ever thought of using the Marauder's Map."
Harry jerked up and stared at Ron. "I. Am. An. Idiot."
"Glad I could help," Ron chuckled, turning his attention back to his Cleansweep Eleven as Harry rushed up to his dorm room. Flipping his trunk open, Harry pulled out the familiar aged parchment and tapped his wand.
"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."
Harry watched eagerly as lines of inks crisscrossed the parchment, showing the detailed map of Hogwarts and its occupants. He looked at the Slytherin common room, there were many familiar and unsavoury names dotted around the parchment but no Anne. Scanning the map, Harry began to frown, a frown that grew deeper and deeper with each passing minute before he came to a realisation.
Anne was not on the map. This led to two possibilities. One, she was in a part of Hogwarts not charted in the map, he could only think of the Chamber of Secrets but Anne was not a Parselmouth. The other possibility was highly concerning.
Anne was not in Hogwarts.
XXXXX
Anya adjusted her headset, listening as another trickle of information came in from Nathaniel. It had been ages since her mentor went on an operation with her. Ever since she, Jen and Dimitri had proved themselves capable of operating independently and sometimes even alone, Nathaniel had taken a more hands-off approach to their training.
The fact that their mentor was here with them scouting the Brecon Beacons for suspicious magical emissions or traces meant that their task was more important in the bigger picture than they first thought. She was just as lost as Jen and Dimitri regarding the purpose of their task, but they all knew better than to question.
"Friendly CIRCE elements are now experiencing counter-operations, possible hostiles may be en route. Anya, Jen, Dimitri, halt your active search and focus on concealment. I'll give the green light when it's clear."
"How's our CIRCE superiority?" Anya asked, kneeling onto the damp grass and scanning the mountainous terrain.
"Still solid," said Nathaniel over the radio. "No need to turn off our radio sets. Keep magical emissions to a minimum, bring up your concealment spells."
Anya took out several blocks of wood from her backpack, activating the runes on them. She pushed them into the soil, forming a circle with her in the centre. Looking down the mountain slope, she caught a glimpse of Dimitri before he disappeared under his own concealments. A glance to the top of the ridge and she no longer saw Jen who was just there moments ago, though his cords of concealment magic was clearly visible to her right eye. Suddenly, a voice crackled on her headset.
"Contact, approaching us," Jen reported tersely. "East. Up in the sky. Range, four kilometres. Medium sized heli with military markings."
Anya looked at the aforementioned direction and saw the silhouette of the helicopter against the morning sun.
"From the looks of it," said Dimitri. "I'd wager it's a British Lynx. Anya, mind checking for magical signatures on the heli."
Anya lifted her omnioculars and increased its magnification. There was nothing wrong with the helicopter, but the two coils of translucent thread swirling behind was a telltale sign of unwanted company.
"Heli is clean, but I've got sight of two signatures of concealment magic tailing the heli."
"Nathaniel, our response?" Jen asked.
"Just stay low. We're expecting Muggle forces to sweep this place too. The two concealed contacts are likely using the helicopter to help mask their heat and radio emissions, they are ones we need to watch out for."
It was a silent affair, lying on the ground in wait as Anya watched the aircraft fly over them, filling the silence with its loud whumps when it was near.
"Why is there Muggle activity too?" Dimitri asked. "Old man, are we searching for the same thing as them?"
"Along those lines," Nathaniel replied.
"Someone got to the British Army?" Jen asked, prompting a groan from Dimitri at the implications of that statement.
"If Grey or I decide that you three need to be briefed, we will," Nathaniel said crisply. "Until then-"
"Need-to-know basis," Anya sighed.
An hour passed before Nathaniel gave the green light for them to continue searching. However, nothing of significant value came up. There was a part of the mountains which showed clear signs of past magical activity but that was all. It gave no clue to the how, what, who or why, just the when: three days ago.
"Nathaniel, we're not getting any worthwhile information here," Jen said resignedly but he was met with silence on the headset.
"Jen to Nathaniel, comms check."
"This is Nathaniel, read you strength five," came a reply. "Sorry about that, I was receiving news from Aleks."
"Anything of our concern?" Dimitri asked.
"Yes, everyone start scattered exfiltration," Nathaniel ordered curtly. "We rendezvous at the Northumberland safehouse. New information, the British Ministry of Magic is initialising a lockdown for their National Ward Grid, cross-country Apparition and Portkey within the British Isles is blocked, this applies to moving from Wales to England."
Anya blinked in shock at the drastic change of situation, glancing at the direction of Nathaniel even though the man was invisible and a distance away.
"Nathaniel, we're not prepared for a stealthy infiltration through a National Ward Grid," Dimitri voiced out in concern. "It'll take an hour to set up."
"Break through," said Nathaniel. "Expect pursuers. Lose them within England."
Anya grabbed one of the many portkey coins she prepared and muttered the activation phrase, reappearing at the Welsh side of the Anglo-Welsh border. The National Ward Grid did block entry via magical transportation but crossing on foot or Muggle transportation was still viable. However, a standard practice that came with such a lockdown threw a wrench in that plan. The high-sensitivity detection functions of a National Ward Grid would be activated, all entry and exit of witches and wizards would be detected.
Anya grimaced, it was a weekend despite the eight o'clock morning, there was no rush hour to blend herself in. Crossing the Ward Grid without preparation would attract a detachment of the MLEP or even worse, the Aurors. Worst case scenario, hostile Spooks. Taking a deep breath, Anya sprinted across the border while digging out a fistful of her coins. She flung the coins around her, keeping a choice coin in her hand and drawing her wand. Swiping her wand in a wide arc, she activated all the portkeys. DMLE or Spook, she wished them good luck with tracking twenty different destinations.
The portkey took her to an alley in Brighton, where she immediately hit the first motorcyclist she could find with a Confundus Charm before taking out her other portkey coins and altering their activation sequence with several twists of her wands. Shifting the person to the backseat while she requisitioned the vehicle, Anya cast a Notice-Me-Not Charm. Throttling the motorcycle to full power, she sped down the streets. Every several kilometres, she would drop a coin onto streets.
A quick look at her watch prompted her to stop, handing the motorcycle back to the Confunded person. She took out one of her remaining coins and it took her to Newcastle, activating along with the other eight coins dropped along the streets, all modified with a set time activation sequence. From Newcastle, it took a discreet theft of a motorcycle before Anya was once again speeding down the highway to the safehouse.
Dismantling and burying the motorcycle with magic, Anya walked the last kilometre. The small house sequestered in a corner of the village only turned visible once Anya passed through its wards, she opened the front door and made her way inside. As expected, Nathaniel and Dimitri were already waiting, Nathaniel being earlier than her was a given and one of Dimitri's talents was slipping through borders.
"Faster than expected, Crow," Nathaniel nodded in satisfaction. "Good, take instructions from Dimitri, I'll need to leave first."
Leaving the house and closing the door behind him, Anya could hear the telltale crack of Disapparition. Turning to Dimitri, the browned-hair teen was already heading to the storeroom. Anya followed closely behind, watching as Dimitri shrugged off his backpack, placing the bag full of sensory equipment into a corner.
"Change your gear," said Dimitri. "We're going from reconnaissance to quick interception. Seems like someone else found what we were looking for."
Anya nodded, dropping her own backpack and stepping into the room, opening the boxes of stashed equipment and preparing her equipment.
"What's the situation?" Anya asked, placing various potions into the pouches of her vest.
"For starters, we are now one of the need-to-know people. Situation is simple, we have twenty SAS members who went missing. Magical involvement is highly suspected, hence the tramping around Brecon Beacons, it's the last known location of sixteen of them."
"That's what we're intercepting?" Anya guessed.
"Correct, sources revealed that they're now being moved," Dimitri explained. "Nathaniel says there's reason to believe the culprit's trying to smuggle them out of Britain."
"Explains the Ward Grid lockdown," Anya muttered. "They're in England I presume?"
"And now moving to Scotland," Dimitri continued with a nod. "Eyes are on all planes and ships leaving Britain, even the new Channel Tunnel linking to France. Their current location is unknown, but they have to pass the Scottish border regardless."
"Why Scotland?"
"Need-to-know basis," Dimitri gave a wry grin.
"Ass," Anya snorted. "How heavy is the enemy expected to be?"
"Nathaniel says the enemy is well committed to seeing a success. We know nothing at the moment so anticipate anything."
"Do we even know who the enemy is?"
"I don't know," Dimitri shrugged. "Nathaniel might, Grey might, but that's beyond me. If I were to guess, I'll say the Reds. The Spetsnaz used to be under them, if someone's interfering with British special forces, my bets on them."
"The Reds are dead," Anya scowled, breaking away from her preparation to glare at Dimitri. "Sure, they still exist. But for all intents and purposes, they are dead."
"Funny, not all their key figures died and just this summer, you were professionally accosted. The equipment you reported them to use was disgustingly familiar," Dimitri gave his equipment a final check before pulling out another set of equipment. "I'll start preparing for Jen, help out once you're done."
"Then you're guessing the money tracing we've been doing is the Reds' work too," Anya asked, giving her Dragunov a final check before going over to help Dimitri.
"Doesn't seem like their handiwork," Dimitri gave a noncommittal shrug. "The surviving remnants of the Reds never struck me as rich enough to throw that many galleons around. Still influential and powerful? Kind of. Rich? I doubt that."
The sound of the door opening caught their attention and they stepped into the hallway, checking the identity of the newcomer. Jen stood at the entrance, dried blood staining his forehead.
"Are you followed?" Dimitri asked.
Jen shook his head. "Was. Killed one, injured another, lost them at Oxford with three Apparition jumps between us now. I doubt they'll keep up, whatever happened kicked the hornet's nest."
"Sure did," Dimitri waved his wand, vanishing the blood and healing the wound. "The wound isn't close to being serious, you're good to go. Anya and I prepared your gear. Drop your sensory equipment, we're going on quick interception."
XXXXX
"I'll assume it's Leo's work," Nathaniel sighed, telephone in ear. "Unless Bagrationi suddenly became a Spook overnight, or a third party is involved."
"Leo," his uncle grunted, the voice sounding fuzzy on the other end of line, a telephone in Arkhangelsk, Russia. "Informants are pointing to him."
"You have their possible destinations covered?" Nathaniel asked.
"Yes, I've people watching the ports and airports in Russia and the surrounding countries," Grey replied. "Focus on Britain, nephew. I'll handle the matters outside Britain."
"The National Ward Grid lockdown?" Nathaniel asked, the lockdown came as a surprise to him as well. It was an impressive feat to find a way into the British National Ward Grid.
"I called a favour from Sergei."
"Are we getting his men to help?"
"Sergei refused," Grey growled. "Despite how similar our views are, the cripple doesn't think he needs to intervene."
"Maybe he's letting us bleed out by fighting each other," Nathaniel suggested.
"He loses more than he gains if he lets us bleed," said Grey. "He simply thinks twenty SAS men are insignificant. He's being complacent, he wasn't an operator then to witness the Korean Incident and we're the ones dealing with Central Asia."
"Uncle, let's be grateful he's already helping by locking the British National Ward Grid down," Nathaniel sighed. "But causing this much noise in Britain is risky, last thing we need is the Americans looking our way."
"I'll run interference on my end," said Grey. "Anything else?"
"No," Nathaniel replied, prompting a click as the line hung dead.
Nathaniel picked up his rifle and disapparated to London, it was time to meet up with Aleks and form a plan. For the time being, the situation favoured no one. The lockdown meant that their opponents would not be receiving outside help, but neither would they. Only the operators within Britain at the moment would be able to act, too little for too many. On top of that, the opponent seemed to have CIRCE operators as good as them, this made tracking the missing SAS and any eventual combat infinitely harder.
XXXXX
Amelia Bones seethed in frustration, heading down the hallways of Auror Training Ground C. It was the headquarters for the Russian Aurors operating in Britain as part of the St Helensworth Agreement. There was someone she wanted to meet, and have matters explained.
Opening the door of the office, Amelia stepped inside and glared at one of the masked Aurors behind a desk. The blank mask stared back at her as she walked over, standing over the man.
"I'm looking for Senior Auror Sergei," Amelia asked curtly.
"I'll Floo him," the Auror replied. "Please wait for a moment."
Waiting patiently, the Auror soon returned after several minutes. "He's in London, madam."
"I already checked the Ministry for him," Amelia raised an eyebrow.
"Not the Ministry, no," the Auror shook his head. "He's in the Russian embassy."
"Wizarding or Muggle?"
"Wizarding."
The trip to the embassy did not take long and the security checks were a hassle, but word was sent to Sergei. Amelia found herself in a small, cozy room meant for private meetings. Sergei sat across her in his wheelchair and the usual Auror escort stood rigidly beside him.
"I want an explanation," Amelia began.
"For?" Sergei asked casually, taking out a cigar.
"The National Ward Grid," said Amelia. "Just two hours ago, you tipped me off directly about suspicious activities in British borders and requested that I call for a lockdown."
"I did," Sergei nodded.
"Not two minutes after the lockdown was initiated, the National Ward Grid picked up at least forty breaches within Britain," Amelia exclaimed. "Movement to and fro between England and Wales, England and Scotland. At one point of the Welsh border, Aurors on the ground picked up the activation signatures of twenty illegal portkeys."
"And?"
"And?" Amelia growled. "I demand an explanation, Sergei. What is going on!? There's conflicting information everywhere. If this is the Black Mark acting, we - the British - should have been informed. Your lack of details leads me to believe something else."
"Let me make this clear," Amelia leaned forward. "Do not bring Russian affairs into British soil!"
"That is not within my control," Sergei took out his cigar, releasing a puff of smoke.
"Then it is your responsibility to inform me on what is happening," Amelia glared.
Sergei ignored her simmering anger, indulging in his cigar before finally speaking. "Leo, Bagrationi. Any news?"
"What of it?" Amelia frowned. "I've looked into them already. Leo is in your Russian Ministry, handles internal affairs back in your country. Bagrationi is part of the wizarding aristocracy, which is surprisingly still existent. Both supposedly wield significant influence in Russia."
"I'll put it briefly," said Sergei. "This is indeed a Russian affair, it is beyond me to control where people choose to start their affairs. However, this will be settled by Russians, no need to bring your DMLE into this."
"Will I be expecting collateral damage?" Amelia asked furiously.
"Yes."
"Then give me one good reason why I should stay out of this," Amelia stood up angrily.
"Very well, to keep things behind closed doors," Sergei replied calmly. "If such a thing becomes public knowledge, your people will be in outrage and the ICW will be called in. Another expedition to Russia will be called for and history will repeat itself. I do not wish for war, it does not benefit anyone."
Amelia grimaced, Sergei had a point. With Fudge as the Minister, the hands of Wizarding Britain were tied when it came to acting outside of Britain. Relying on the ICW while not playing their part due to said tied hands would stain Britain's international reputation. Furthermore, the past decades have been peaceful for most of the Wizarding World, whereas Wizarding Russia had men seasoned under a civil war. Amelia knew that peace dulled the fangs of any country, Britain and Russia were probably the only two countries in Europe with experienced Auror Corps and Hit Wizards, but Britain had Fudge. Sergei was not wrong in assuming history would repeat, ICW would have the quantity, Russia would have the quality. War with Russia will end with no clear victor and plenty of casualties, pointless to say the least.
"Then how do I reduce the collateral damage?" Amelia ground her teeth. For the time being it was best to maintain relations.
"Ready your Obliviators and mediwizards," said Sergei. "I advise against sending your Aurors."
"Why's that?"
"That's a reason Russia could stop a combined ICW effort in the past," Sergei said with a hint of smugness, national pride seeping into his voice.
"Understood," Amelia turned to leave. "This isn't over."
"No, it's not."
XXXXX
After discovering that Anne was not in Hogwarts, Harry had paced around the common room until it was long past curfew. Ron tried to drag him to bed, saying that he needed rest regardless of where Anne was but he vehemently refused. He tried to come up with a reason why Anne was not at school but nothing substantial came up. At least he knew the reason why Anne stopped meeting with him.
Finally, Harry decided to go forth with his backup plan, going to bed for a short rest before morning came. It worked the previous time, there was no reason it would fail this time. Before he started, he did another check on the Marauder's Map, Anne was still not in Hogwarts. He went ahead for an early breakfast, taking his time with his marmalade toast. Patiently, he waited for a familiar brunette to enter the Great Hall. It seemed that Astoria Greengrass was a morning person, making her way to the Slytherin table with a friend, happily chatting away.
Waiting for Astoria to finish her breakfast, Harry timed his exit to match with her. She left the table with her friend and Harry made his move. They reached the doors of the Great Hall at the same time, Astoria's friend threw Harry a nasty glare, nudging Astoria's shoulder.
"Potter," Astoria nodded politely.
"We need to talk," Harry said brusquely.
"Alright," Astoria tilted her head, turning to her friend. "I'll see you later in the common room."
Her friend stared at Astoria in surprise, her eyes flickering between Astoria and Harry before nodding. She turned and headed in the direction of the dungeon, leaving Harry alone with Astoria. Astoria continued walking, forcing Harry to walk along with her.
"So... what is it you wanted?" Astoria asked, finally stopping at an empty corridor as she turned to face Harry.
"Where's Anya?"
"No idea," Astoria shrugged. "I would guess the common room."
"Then tell her to meet me," Harry folded his arms. "Seventh floor, left corridor by the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy."
"Since when does Anya ever listen to a demand?" Astoria giggled, rolling her eyes.
Harry scowled, staring down the third year. The wheels in his brain turned as he thought of an idea.
"Tell her it's about that thing during summer," said Harry. "She'll know what I'm talking about, she's wanted to talk about it for ages."
Concealing his smug grin behind a stern look, Harry basked in his brilliance as he saw Astoria stiffen slightly. His time with Anne trained him to pick up on the slightest body language, he could tell Astoria was stumped. Truth be told, there was no 'that thing during summer' but Astoria would not know.
"Well... I'm not obligated to help you," Astoria replied noncommittally, turning around to leave.
"Because you can't?" Harry guessed shrewdly. "Can't tell Anya if she's not in school."
Astoria paused in her steps before facing Harry with a look of annoyance. "Potter, you're talking about Hogwarts. A place with one of Britain's best wards. Why would you even theorise that Anya snuck out?"
"Greengrass, you're talking about Anya," Harry mimicked her expression. "A girl with one of the sharpest minds. Why would you even consider that Anya can't sneak out?"
Astoria stared for a moment before she burst out laughing, unfazed by Harry's growing irritation. Leaning her shoulder against the wall, Astoria threw Harry a grin.
"Well... since you already know Anya's not in school. Why bother finding me?"
"Cause I want to know where she went," said Harry.
"Shame, because even I don't know," Astoria quipped.
Harry glared at the girl, trying to discern if she was lying. However, Astoria already had time to recover, her smiling visage did not have a single crack.
"Don't lie," Harry took a shot in the dark.
"No, I'm not," Astoria shook her head solemnly.
"Then what do you know?" Harry asked.
"Information has a price, Potter," Astoria smiled. "What are you willing to give?"
"What do you want?" Harry frowned.
"Let's see..." Astoria tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I'll settle for an equal exchange, information for information."
"And what do you want to know?" Harry sighed.
"What's your relationship with Anya?" Astoria asked, leaning forward.
"Good friends," Harry replied automatically.
"Potter, if you're going to give me false information, I'll return in kind," Astoria glowered.
"What makes you think that's false information?" Harry said challengingly.
"Because you're a terrible liar, and honestly, with the way the both of you behave, you two don't fit under the normal description of friends," Astoria rolled her eyes. "Since you wouldn't answer that question, then what do the two of you get up to?"
"We just chat around and practice spells," Harry shrugged, finding no harm in answering that question.
However, that answer seemed to draw out an unexpected reaction.
"She's training you?" Astoria blinked in surprise. "You're also in?"
Harry shook his head in confusion. "What? No, why would... what do you mean 'in'?"
"Nevermind," Astoria sighed, turning around to leave.
Harry noticed a tension on her shoulders, as though she had let slip something she should not have. He swiftly blocked her path, startling her slightly with his glare.
"Greengrass, I asked you a question."
"You asked me two actually," Astoria chuckled.
"Then answer the first one."
Astoria shifted hesitantly from one foot to another, a thoughtful look on her face. Finally she came to a decision when she answered.
"Fine, she left straight after classes on Friday," said Astoria. "Taking a secret passage out."
"Which passage?" Harry pressed.
"Three questions," Astoria smiled.
"These are details, not questions," Harry retorted.
"Fair point," Astoria shrugged. "Whomping Willow passage."
"She used that one?" Harry gaped, the question directed more towards himself than Astoria.
"Satisfied?" Astoria asked, sidestepping to move past Harry. "If you would excuse me, I've got a perfectly good Sunday to spend."
"Not yet," Harry mirrored her step, continuing to block her path. "What do you mean by 'you're also in', what is going on?"
"Does this mean that I get to ask another question of my own?" Astoria smiled innocently.
"Shoot," Harry grumbled.
Astoria stood rooted on the stop for a good moment, scrutinising Harry in a determined stare.
"The two of you don't really act like good friends," Astoria murmured.
"That sounds harsh," Harry rolled his eyes. "Are you gonna to ask your question or are you gonna talk to yourself?"
"Your eyes look really familiar actually."
Said eyes widened when Harry realised the direction Astoria was heading. Astoria gasped as she saw her reaction, as if she finally solved a puzzle.
"Actually Greengrass, I don't need my question answered."
"Fine by me," Astoria replied, still staring in shock. "My question is already answered."