Chapter 3: Death Eaters
Zero
As it turned out, Rachel had been just about to go on break. She led Zero and the others around Diagon Alley, answering questions and buying school supplies for the both of them, despite his objections. It felt like minutes, and then they were at the joke shop that Luna had been telling him about. When Rachel opened the door, he had to duck to avoid a fanged Frisbee.
"Look who's come back," two voices said in unison. Two wizards came up to them, they were identical, red haired twins.
"It's been awhile, Fred, George," said Zero.
"Excuse me, how much is this?" a very pretty young woman asked.
"I'll take that one," said Fred to his twin. He smoothed his hair and strode towards the woman.
"I still think I'm better looking!" George shouted after his brother. He turned to Zero, "I can show you and your friends around if you want."
"Sure, that would be great," Zero said, glancing behind him at the Headmaster and Yuki. Rachel dashed on ahead, calling someone's name.
"Um, hello to you too Rachel," George said sarcastically. He led the way into the shop. They found Rachel by the pygmy puffs with Luna, a red haired boy, a girl that was obviously his younger sister, a bushy haired girl and a boy with glasses.
"Hello, George," said the bushy haired girl, "Thanks for wearing the name tags, it's much easier to tell you guys apart."
"What if we switched nametags?" George said. Luna looked past him to Zero.
"Hello again Zero and friends," she said kindly.
"Hey Luna," Zero replied.
"Zero! It's been so long! How are you?" the bushy haired girl said.
"I'm doing fine Hermione," said Zero "It's good to see you again."
"And what are Harry and I chopped liver?" asked the red haired boy.
"As sarcastic as ever Ron," Zero said with a smile.
"Darn right. My own brother won't even help me out in buying his own merchandise," Ron said, glaring at George.
"It's not George' fault that you spent all of your money on ice cream, Ron," said Ron's sister. She gave Zero a pleasant smile, "Hello Zero."
"Hello Ginny. Last time I saw you you weren't old enough to go to Hogwarts yet," he commented.
"Yet here I am dealing with my incompetent older brothers and the friends of one of them," said Ginny.
"One of which happens to be famous," said George, "You make me jealous Harry. It must be easy for you to get girls," he said solemnly.
"'The Chosen One' had a hard time getting a date to the Yule Ball fourth year in case you can't remember," Harry said.
"It seems I can't," said George sarcastically, " I better go help Mum before she knocks down more Dungbombs. See you later."
They said goodbye as George ran off to help Mrs. Weasley who, Zero noticed, was in fact about to dumb a whole bin of Dungbombs onto the floor.
"So, what's going on?"
"Oh not much, Voldemort's back trying to take over the world, in case you missed it," said Ron.
"I didn't miss that, trust me," he glanced back at Yuki and the Headmaster who both looked uncomfortable
Who are your friends, Zero?" Hermione said. He could tell that she was just trying to be friendly, but Yuki cringed and tried to hide behind him.
"This," Zero said after pulling her out from behind him, "is Yuki Cross and her foster father Kaien Cross."
"It's nice to meet you," said the Headmaster. He held out his hand and Hermione shook it without hesitation.
"Don't be so nervous," Hermione addressed Yuki," You're not the only humans here. My parents are Muggles and I'm sure there are other Muggleborns here with their family."
"Just don't let Malfoy find you, he might turn you in to the Death Eaters," said Ron.
"Ron!" Hermione hit him in the arm.
"Well, it's true!" he said indignantly.
"Don't mind him," Rachel said at the sight of Yuki's face, "he's hopeless."
"Lets go outside," suggested Harry. They all agreed and left, weaving in and out of the crowd.
As they entered the street, there was a sudden scream of terror.
"What was that?" Yuki asked nervously.
The Dark Mark suddenly appeared over a shop across the street and the wizards nearby went into absolute chaos, running, and shouting spells. Zero's eyes flicked back and forth.
"There!" he shouted. A man in a black coat was running from the scene of the crime. He was short and was clutching his silver hand.
"It's Wormtail!" shouted Harry. He made to run after him but Hermione held him back.
"No! That's what they want. We need to get out of here," she shouted.
Suddenly multiple hands grabbed Zero, Rachel, Yuki, and the Headmaster. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were doing the same to Ron, Ginny, Hermione, and Harry.
"Hold on tight!" shouted the twins together. As the shop exploded they were pulled into compressing darkness.