It was still morning, but the sun was already shining and promising almost unbearable heat during the afternoon. But inside the truck, on the way to Canberra, there was a relaxed atmosphere because Eric was already awake and talking to Harry and Ron about the Triwizard Tournament games, held at Hogwarts, in which Harry participated, at a time that seemed like a lot, but far. It seemed that Eric's interest was only in games and he avoided talking about Voldemort's plans and his helpers at that time. But Hermione didn't care about that. She only paid attention to the music she was playing at that moment, while looking at the desert landscape outside.
It was a song by an Australian band, as Eric explained when he put on the CD, which talked about people travelling the world confident in Australia's virtues and discussing the imposition of North American and European culture on the country's natural beauty. The song 'Down Under' sounded like Hermione was happy and in a good mood and of all the songs she had heard that day, in that truck, this was the best one worth listening to, so she paid more attention to the music than her friends' conversations. Hermione had the impression that Eric realised that this song relaxed her, as he kept repeating it several times.
The truck was travelling along a highway surrounded by deserts – two reservations, as Eric said. – practically no movement of cars or trucks at that time. In a few minutes they arrived at a gas station that looked abandoned. The place really gave that impression; the closest house they could see seemed to be about two miles away, it looked so small to their eyes. Teo pulled over next to a fuel pump and got out with his brother, looking everywhere. Eric asked Harry, Ron and Hermione to wait in the truck. It seemed strange as they just got out of the truck and one look around was enough to make sure there was no one suspicious around, whereas for normal people, this would require searching the surroundings and a lot of checking. Soon, Eric gave a signal saying that the three of them could go down too.
Until that moment, there was only one muggle, sitting carelessly in a chair, sheltered by a tin roof attached to a room, probably an office, looking at the twins' truck. It was either the owner of the gas station or an employee. Now Hermione realised that she had never paid attention to things like gas stations. He was drinking something from a mug because he nodded to each one in greeting; he seemed to be offering what he drank, to be polite. Hermione just imitated the boys in waving to indicate that everything was okay.
Teo was fiddling with the fuel pump to fill the truck; Harry and Ron went to see how he did this to learn for when they needed to fill up a car in life, while together they made jokes. Hermione preferred to talk a little with the still drowsy Eric, who was rummaging through the luggage in the truck bed; he was finishing tying something that must have come loose along the way.
– And finished. – he said, looking at her. – I didn't tie it properly before. That's it. At least nothing fell on the road, I hope.
They both smiled at the lame joke, but Eric soon changed his expression when he saw Hermione. She understood as soon as she saw him do it; she had questions to ask and he saw them in her mind.
– I know you have questions, but I don't think this would be the ideal place. Not yet. - and he turned to make sure the back of the luggage was tied correctly. Hermione had the impression that she had just been shunned.
They didn't stay long in that place. When the station owner approached, Hermione was still close to Eric; at the same moment he started to pay the man, Hermione did the same and was interrupted by the twin.
– Sorry, but visitors here only watch... - he said with a smile and paid the fuel bill.
Everyone got into the truck again, with the difference that the driver was now Eric; the brother adjusted himself in the passenger seat to sleep too. When asked why he sleeps, Eric only replied "Every now and then we have trouble sleeping". He didn't convince anyone, but Hermione didn't want to press the question, and Harry and Ron seemed to think the same. But Hermione left the boys talking and closed herself off in her own thoughts. While thinking about her parents, she noticed a coincidence that could explain that moment: that the twins, in a way, identified with Harry and, perhaps, even with herself. The two never met their own mother; Harry lived with his for a short time and Hermione was looking for her parents. It seems strange, but the girl felt that this seemed important to the twins. As she mulled this over, she glanced at the rearview mirror in the centre of the cabin; Eric looked at her with a look of agreement as he drove. Soon after, the girl decided to clear her thoughts and looked in her backpack for that novel she had been reading. A good read was the best escape at that moment.
In just over an hour of much conversation, desolate landscapes and almost no animals in sight, they began to see houses that were getting crowded together little by little. They were arriving in Canberra and would soon apparate close to where they needed to get. When they were already in an ideal place, a bump was all it took for Eric to wake up his brother. They entered a quiet street and announced that they would apparate. Again, it wasn't the best moment of the trip, but Hermione and the boys already knew how it was going to go, so they didn't worry. As soon as they disapparated to a place free from muggle gazes on some street in an upscale area of Canberra, Hermione breathed a sigh of relief.
- That's it! Getting better day by day! - Eric observed.
The place was not random. Eric said that would be the closest place to the restaurant that they would apparate to. "Voyage well advanced," he had said. The restaurant was two blocks from where they were and they were going there on foot. Before Hermione left the cabin, Harry asked, as she returned the book to her bag:
– Do you want me to ask the questions, Mione?
It took a few seconds for Hermione to understand and deny her friend's offer. She noticed the strange look Ron and Harry exchanged when she responded and realised that, although she had thought about the matter a lot, she hadn't prepared herself to investigate it. She was once again wondering where her head was because she was leaving important things on the back burner. Immediately after thinking this, she looked at the twins who were getting out of the truck. If they paid attention to her thinking, they didn't think it was important. As she left, Ron grabbed her arm.
– Are you okay, Mione? She didn't say anything while coming here.
- I am fine. I'm just thinking. - he replied evasively.
– Then let's go. - Eric said as he passed by the two. Hermione noticed that the twins were wearing different coloured jackets as they got out of the truck; Teo, however, also put on a pair of glasses. Not thinking it was important, she let it go. - My brother and I go ahead.
They advanced to a street with little movement of people and even fewer cars. The stores seemed quite simple, with little colourful facades; there were emporiums, electronics stores, sweet shops and other stores that Hermione didn't notice. The buildings were lower than she was used to seeing in London and the impression she had was of being in a country town, due to the number of trees along the sidewalks. People walked calmly from one side to the other and, as they walked to the restaurant, she noticed that they tried to take good care of the city, as the streets were very clean and the trees were well cared for. Hermione remained silent, while Harry and Ron made observations about the buildings like two ordinary tourists.
– We arrived. All you have to do is cross the street. – Eric said after some time, when they reached the sidewalk of an avenue busier than the street they left on. The restaurant was just ahead of them. It was a very well-kept building; the decor contrasted with the other buildings where they were located and it was clear that it was a high-end environment. The twins observed the place for a long time and kept looking at the building in front of them; If Hermione thought correctly, they wanted to find out if there were many people inside the restaurant. – It's closed now. – he said, probably responding to her thought. – There are only employees inside. I think they should open soon.
– Shall we have lunch here? - asked Ron suddenly. Until now, no one had thought about it. Hermione didn't take long to respond.
– No. It's not good to take longer than necessary.
- I agree. We should not linger in public places. – Eric pondered. – But it's a shame because it seems like they're going all out with the shrimp.
As soon as the cars gave some space, they crossed the avenue. Eric led the way, giving ideas on how they should talk to the restaurant staff.
– My brother and I can easily pass off as undercover police officers, so I think it's best to let me speak first and then you can speak too. I don't think we'll have any problems getting information if we act this way. Do you agree?
- I agree. – replied Hermione, and Ron and Harry said the same.
– And what does 'undercover' mean? – Ron wanted to know. Quickly, Hermione responded.
– 'Undercover', Ron. It means that this is a police officer who is not wearing a uniform.
– Hermione, do you still have a photo of your parents with you? – Eric asked.
- Yes I have.
- Lend me, please?
Hermione rummaged through the bag she was carrying – that same beaded bag she used in the war against Voldemort – until she found a photo of her parents. She handed it to Eric figuring he had some plan. They didn't go to the front door, as Eric instructed. Instead, they walked around the building, going to a side alley, which led to an access door where deliveries were made. At that moment there was no one delivering to the restaurant. The door was closed and there was a small window on the side, where anyone inside could see who was in the alley. Teo knocked twice on the door to call for someone.
– Let's wait here. – recommended Eric.
A man quickly looked out the window and left, but it took a few minutes for someone to come and assist them. A short, fat man, with glasses so thick that his eyes could barely be seen, opened the door and greeted them as kindly as possible, although they were looking intently at everyone.
– Hi, I'm Terry Bliker, how can I help you?
– Good morning, Mr. Bliker. We are Detectives Henderson and McDought. We are investigating the possible disappearance of a couple and we suspect they were here some time ago.
Hermione realised that this was a disguise that the twins had used before - which explained why the jackets and why Teo wore glasses. The two opened their wallets showing something, but she knew that they both enchanted the muggle so that he would see a badge on them. Teo took a notepad, taken from one of his pockets or 'who knows where' - he certainly conjured it up at that moment - and started making notes, probably to disguise the fact that he wasn't speaking. After listening, the man makes a serious face as if he was thinking about what he had heard, then looked around.
– And they are all detectives working together? – he asked, trying to make a joke.
– No. These are relatives and acquaintances of the people we are looking for. They were the ones who reported the disappearance and are accompanying us. They are Mr Smith, Mr Linderman and Miss Campbell. – Eric pointed to Ron, Harry and Hermione, respectively. Then he turned to the man and returned to the subject, showing him the photo of Hermione's parents. – Do you happen to know or have seen these people? It appears that this couple are regulars at the restaurant.
Hermione looked at the man apprehensively. She figured she would get some useful information at that moment, but the man didn't seem to be of much help; He looked at the photo sideways, he seemed to be trying to remember, without having anything to say, but he seemed to really want to help.
– No. I don't remember seeing it. I'm in charge of purchasing. I rarely see customers. Perhaps our maitre, Mr. Higgs, will be of some help. He always liaises with our customers; he knows many of them. Maybe he recognizes them. Go in, wait until he arrives. It won't take long to arrive.
When they entered the building, they noticed that the place was a small room, a kind of pantry where there were several boxes, packages and packaging of used supplies that were stored on some shelves; Attached to it was an office consisting of a table and some nearby chairs and two cabinets full of papers and miscellaneous objects. In addition to the door through which they entered, there were two others where one led to the restaurant's kitchen, with several cooks working to prepare the first dishes of the day, and another to an opening where one could see through the window a parking lot whose entrance should be on the opposite side. where they went. The man invited them to sit on the chairs and talked to them about the restaurant, as kindly as possible. After about twenty minutes of conversation, the maitre arrives to check the dishes that will be served at lunch time. Firstly, he didn't go to the office, and Mr. Bliker didn't call him, saying he would come to them. It seemed to Hermione that the maitre was giving orders and coordinating the other cooks, but she remembered that he was not just another cook. The role of a maitre is to manage the waiters and take care of the restaurant's routines. But, looking closely, she realised that the cooks didn't act like they do in the movies - where almost everyone was portrayed as Italian or expert cook who prepared fantastic and exuberant dishes; They were normal people, who in the heat of the stoves and the tangle of pans and cutlery tried to do a satisfactory job. Despite the noise, the chatter of the cooks and the delicious smell that emanated in the air, the boys didn't have the courage to watch, as Mr. Bliker kept the conversation with them in a very lively tone. A few minutes later, the maitre, Mr. Higgs, appeared in the room, still talking and pointing at the cooks. The boys saw a tall, handsome man, dressed in simple clothes, who really gave the impression of having a lot of experience with restaurants. Upon seeing that he had visitors in the room, he immediately composed himself.
– Oh my! I'm glad I didn't say a bad word... – he observed as he looked at Hermione.
Mr. Bliker did the courtesy of introductions and told him a little of what Eric told him. The supposed detective – that was how Eric was still being addressed, for all intents and purposes – formally introduced himself and the rest of the group. Using the same speech he had given Mr. Bliker when they were in the alley, Eric asked similar questions about Hermione's parents, to which the maitre signalled positively.
- Clear. I remember them. The Wilkins come to us a lot. They had dinner here three nights ago. I remember there was a problem; someone confused them with other people, but nothing that hadn't been resolved.
– Who are these people, sir? – asked Hermione.
The maitre told her that he was nearby when the strange couple met her parents, told her everything he saw about what happened and that when he noticed that there was something strange, the security guards had already been called. He said he didn't have time to find out who the people were; He only knew that they were tourists or people passing through, but he said something that he remembered what they looked like and apparently they must have been staying in a hotel close to the restaurant. At the same moment, someone calls for the maitre, saying it is something important, and he turns to the kitchen.
– If you excuse me, I need to see this. Come with me, please.
Everyone followed the maitre, passing through the busy kitchen and through the door that led to the dining room where the customers are. At that moment, several waiters were cleaning up the room. They were setting up the tables with the appropriate chairs and cleaning the place to open in just over half an hour. The waiter who called Mr. Higgs showed him a defective table, who in turn told him to exchange it for another one he had saved, then turned to talk to Eric.
– Do you remember what these people were like? – Hermione asked, simply. The man looked at her as if he hadn't seen her before, but responded politely.
- Yes I remember. He was a short man, with short grey hair, appearing to be in his fifties, dressed well socially, very English style, if you know what I mean. The woman was blonde, slightly taller than the man, had long hair and was dressed in a discreet black ensemble, also very elegant. I don't remember the details well, as I didn't get to see them up close.
There was no need for further details, as Hermione noticed the twins' glances at the maitre and understood that as soon as the man had remembered the couple they would come to mind, although he had no idea who they were. Mr. Higgs also told more about what happened, about how the couple felt wronged when leaving the restaurant in the company of security guards. Then, Hermione became really interested, she was already talking about the conversation she had with her father.
– That was when he told me that they would travel on a cruise. They would spend three months at sea...
- Sorry sir. - interrupted Harry. - But didn't you think it was strange that there was a cruise that lasted three months?
– Yeah, thinking about it... It didn't occur to me at the time; I only thought about it later. As far as I know, the longest cruises last around twenty days, I think. How can we know? These people invent different services nowadays... But I didn't remember to ask him about it, even when I dropped him off at the airport yesterday.
– How did you say, sir? Were you with him yesterday? - asked Hermione, placing her hands on her chest without hiding the distress of someone who has just received important information. From the corner of her eye she could still see that Harry and Ron had a similar reaction.
– Yes, I was with them. I found him the day before yesterday afternoon. He said he needed to take the day off to finish resolving office matters, cancelling appointments, organising documents, arranging his secretary's vacation, that sort of thing. He was returning from the office to the hotel nearby, where Mrs. Wilkins was, while I went home to get ready to go back to the restaurant. I live six blocks from here; I often walk back and forth. We talked a little, he asked me about a taxi number nearby, but I offered to take them to the airport in the early hours of the morning. They would have to dawn in Sydney, as boarding the cruise was at nine o'clock, if I remember correctly. They would need to get there very early. As they are good people, I saw no problem in making them happy. I can't think that anything bad could happen to them, no, not at all. But really, I didn't remember to ask them about how long this cruise would last.
– Did they say where boarding for the cruise would be? – asked Hermione.
– Yes, it would be in Pyrmont Bay.
– We know where it is. – said Eric, as he exchanged a suspicious look with his brother.
They talked a little more, but the maitre had no more relevant information. He just talked about the times he talked to Hermione's father when he visited the restaurant with his wife. The girl didn't see any different reactions from the twins; if there was something suspicious in what the man said, they could give some warning. They ended the conversation when the man said they were almost opening the restaurant and needed to work. He even invited them to have lunch there, but they solemnly refused.
– Forgive us, we cannot delay any longer than we already have. But we can come back here another time. – said the girl, thanking and saying goodbye to the man.
Hermione headed towards the front door of the restaurant, not paying attention to the boys and twins saying goodbye to the maitre. Her head was racing, almost spinning, imagining the possibilities according to what she heard. "If we had come sooner...", she thought, but was interrupted by Harry and Ron who were right behind her.
– Hermione, did you hear what he said correctly?
– Yes, I heard it, Harry. Their trip wasn't two years ago like we thought, because that's what Mrs. Bergins said. Maybe she didn't really know about the day, or didn't know that they still had business to take care of before the trip.
– Ah, Mrs. Bergins again? Interesting. – said Eric, when he arrived close to her in the company of his brother. – How about we walk while we talk? Now let's go this way. – he pointed in the direction of the avenue they crossed when they arrived at the restaurant. As they walked, Eric explained that it wasn't good for them to walk down the same street as before in case they were being watched; It would be a little longer, but they would keep an eye on it.
On the wide avenue where they were walking, there were many buildings, larger than the street they walked on after getting out of the truck, and it was also busier. Cars, trucks, buses and more people passed banks, large department stores and hotels for the middle to upper class, so to speak, on the wide sidewalks also with many trees. Finally, Eric encouraged Hermione to pursue her thoughts.
– Well then – said the girl, resuming the conversation. - Mrs Bergins told us that my parents left the day before we arrived. It's likely she didn't know he still had business to attend to. – she repeated.
– It doesn't make any difference, Hermione. Anyway, we arrived late. said Ron.
– Maybe, Ron. But it shows that we have a chance of reaching the ship, if we don't delay too long. We need to go to the office to try to meet with my father's secretary. I know there must be one. There in England he had it. Let's see if we can get more information. Eric, can you take a look at this address? - she gave the boy the address of the office that Mrs. Bergins gave her. - Do you know if it's far from here?
– It's actually not far. - she said, stopping and making everyone stop. He and his brother were laughing about something that none of the three of them paid attention to. - It's just the other way. But if you don't mind, first I'd like to talk a little with those two from the ministry.
He pointed to a black sedan parked not far from them. To anyone, it was just another car among the others, but there was a small sign, next to the one that cars must have for identification, which Hermione imagined would only be visible to wizards, with the letter 'M' drawn in a reminiscent of a paw of some wild animal. The girl looked at the car suspiciously, but said nothing.
– We are laughing at them. There are still those who don't believe in our powers...
Still laughing, Eric left and got into the car to talk to the two unknown wizards, leaving Teo, looking everywhere he could, with the three of them. In a few minutes, the boy returned, showing an indecipherable face, but certainly not bringing good news. He called everyone back to walking while telling them what he had heard in the car.
- Well, I don't think you can go to your father's office anymore - he said, looking at Hermione. Before she asked why, he added: - Those two are Aurors, they were in the office. It's been closed since yesterday.
- Damn it. - she observed, lowering her shoulders.
– They spoke to the secretary. - now caught the girl's attention. - On the whole, she told them the same things that we know and that Mr. Higgs told us. Only one thing caught my attention: she said that her father had planned to participate in a dentists' conference, which ended yesterday.
– Dintistris? - asked Ron. Hermione responded before anyone else.
– Dentists, Ron. It's my parents' profession.
– The secretary said that she had reserved a place for him in lectures and other activities. But her father forgot about it the day before confirming everything. He said he didn't want to know and wanted to plan his cruise. Do you think it means something?
Hermione didn't respond right away. She tried to digest what she just heard. Ron, who had left out spelling the word 'dentists', was scratching his head about coming back to the present and paying attention to what they were saying, while Harry was also thoughtful. The girl recalled a time when her father did something similar. She didn't want to give rise to absurd ideas, but perhaps this act really meant something. Finally, she responded.
– No, I don't know if it means anything. My father was never one to change his plans suddenly and always fulfilled all his commitments, planning with my mother each trip we took. I guess we'll know that only when we find them.
– Do you know if a spell, that is, a memory spell, can change a person's personality? – Harry asked, and Hermione understood that he was looking for the right words for the question.
– Not that I knew. I haven't read anything about changes in the person, but it could be that the wizard who cast the spell uses some additional resource for this. There are spells that can be used that can make the person behave according to what is needed. – she replied, then looked at Eric to see if he would say anything about it.
– We've never used memory spells before. Except when they tried to use them on us when we were children, to no avail, by the way. I don't think we're of much help with that... – added the twin.
– Well, then our tour here is over, right? said Ron. - Is there anything else to do before we head to the other city? What's the name again?
– Sydney – Hermione and Harry replied together.
– I don't know, but I think there's someone you could talk to first, Hermione. - said Eric, and she looked where the twin was pointing with his head. She saw a man dressed in dark blue pants and shirt and recognized him as a family friend, Mr. Darell Tillman, whom they had always been very fond of.
Hermione didn't wait to talk to Harry and Ron about what she would do. She crossed the avenue as soon as there was passage between the cars and headed to the front of the hotel where Mr. Tillman was accompanying two men loading some suitcases into a car, one of them must have been a hotel employee. As she got closer, she could see his wife, Mrs. Tillman, a little further away, saying goodbye to a woman, perhaps someone she had befriended on the trip. She didn't need to ask Eric anything to know that it was the two of them he had seen in Mr. Higgs's mind at the restaurant, and she remembered how the maitre had said that the two of them must be staying nearby. When she was close to the man, she saw that he was busy helping the taxi driver; she tried to greet him like every time she saw him.
– How are you, Mr. Tillman? Are you all right? - No answer. - It's me, Hermione Granger, sir... - she continued, without answer. She was being unceremoniously avoided; The man didn't even look at her. As Harry, Ron and the twins approached, she tried again, now touching the man's shoulder to get his attention. - Mr. Tillman, it's me...
The moment she touched her acquaintance's shoulder, she had her hand violently pushed away by Mrs. Tillman, whom Hermione didn't see as she had arrived too quickly to be noticed.
- How dare you? - she asked sharply.
– Mrs. Tillman...
– Isn't it enough that we were so embarrassed the other day because of your parents and now you come?
- But but...
– Honey, that's not necessary... - said the man, adjusting his glasses and starting an almost silent discussion with the woman. At this moment, Hermione saw that the boys were approaching to intervene in the conversation, but she signalled to them to let her resolve the matter. She knew that Mrs. Tillman was one of those socialites concerned about their position in society and that she wouldn't let her husband forget a shameful situation so easily, but she didn't think about what she would do about it. But what could she say? Certainly not the truth, because if for wizards who don't know the story it's already difficult to believe or understand, then for muggles it would be too complicated. Something she would have to tell them, she was sure of it, and quickly. Even though she didn't like lies, she had to improvise.
– Mr and Mrs Tillman, I know what happened at the restaurant – she said, drawing their attention. The taxi driver had already closed the trunk and was waiting tensely for the outcome of the conversation; the other employee had already returned to the hotel. -And I apologise, sincerely.- He lowered his face to show respect. They both looked at her, but only the man seemed interested; the woman still showed the anger she felt. Then she raised her face again to look into the eyes of her acquaintances. - But you need to know that my parents, for some time now, have not been the same. They don't know who they are.
– Yes, now you want to deceive me that they both lost their memories together... - mocked the woman, ignoring her husband's attempt to appease her, without noticing that Hermione's eyes were already burning with tears.
– And they lost, ma'am. They were brainwashed and disappeared while I was at school. - even in tears, Hermione was firm enough to get both of their attention. Even the taxi driver, who was trying to ignore it, turned to listen to the conversation.
- How is it possible? If you're trying to trick us, Miss Granger...
– I'm not trying to deceive you, Mr Tillman. They were kidnapped. Do you remember that Chinese group that wanted to buy the building where my father's practice is located? Well, I believe that some criminal related to them kidnapped my parents and wiped their memory, sending them to this country, we just can't prove it.
Some of this was true. The building where Hermione's father had his practice is very well located in a prime area of London and, in fact, a Chinese group intends to build a large building for their offices. Even as they argued, with the girl distorting the story to try to repair the friendship, there were negotiations taking place with the tenants of the other office spaces in that building. Indecision remained regarding the room where the office operates, as it has been closed for over a year, but the rent for all this time has been paid and for a few more months to come. Hermione had taken care of everything before she bewitched her parents and now she was trying to use this story so that those two, at least, wouldn't leave Australia angry with her parents.
– I don't believe there could be such evil... And how did you find out about it? asked Mr. Tillman.
– Lord, believe me. In the last few months I've seen a lot of really mean people. -which is still true, of course, for her referring to the enemies she faced when helping Harry. - And I saw a lot of evil happen. As soon as I could, I headed here, with my friends, to look for my parents. I have leads on them and I want to take them back for treatment.
– But what about the police? What did they say about it? - asked the woman.
– I left the police out, ma'am. We have no way to prove anything.
– Do you... Do you know where they are? - asked the man. His wife was already worried. Something about the firmness of Hermione's voice, even though her face was wet with tears, touched both of their hearts.
– We're not sure yet, sir. But I just ask that you understand that my parents didn't do it out of spite. They just didn't know who they were, and couldn't recognize them. The maitre, Mr. Higgs, told us what happened that night.
– Damn it, I already have an important appointment scheduled, otherwise I would help you. It's a shame I don't know anyone important here...
– No need, Mr Tillman. Not getting mad at my parents is a big help.
The man came close to Hermione and held her shoulders, in a fatherly gesture. The two looked into each other's eyes and the girl could see that her parents' friendship with those two would be maintained, despite the necessary deception.
– When you arrive in London, miss, be sure to look for me or give me news. I want to accompany your parents and help them with whatever they need.
– Thank you, Mr Tillman. - she thanked him, holding his hand. Then it was his wife's turn to get close to Hermione.
– I'm sorry for my behaviour, Hermione. - she said, looking straight into his eyes. - I had no idea anything had happened. Of course, we were surprised when your parents suddenly disappeared, but we thought it was just another one of those trips you always took. Finally, we didn't notice that it had been over a year since they disappeared. Anything you need from me, anything at all, look for me, okay? - the girl responded by nodding her head, tears still streaming down her face. - You have my phones and you know where my house is. Let me know when they arrive.
– Thank you, Mrs. Tillman.
The woman hugged Hermione and then turned to get into the taxi with her husband. The taxi driver, who had heard everything, got into the car and started it. In a few seconds they gained space on the avenue and turned a nearby corner, on their way to the airport where the Tillmans would return to London.
Harry, Ron and the Donnwall twins were already around Hermione - her boyfriend was patting her shoulders. Something about her behaviour made everyone silent until the taxi disappeared.
– I think you did a good thing now, Mione. And without any spells.
– Why do you say that, Harry?
– When your parents return they will have to explain it to some relatives and close friends, like these two. It wouldn't really be the truth they were going to tell, would it?
– Yeah, I think you're right. And yet, I wouldn't forgive myself if I knew that I was the one who ruined a friendship that lasted years. My parents have known them since I was a little child.- Suddenly, she was overcome with the truth of sadness and saw that the tears she now wiped away were not fake, nor had she thought of doing anything of that nature. In the eyes of muggles, if they knew the truth, what she did would almost be a crime, if it were not considered as such.
Hermione turned to talk to the twins, followed by Harry and Ron. The three saw the brothers, facing each other, with their fists closed and raised in a way that resembled two people betting on odd-or-even. Now, how to know if that was what the two actually did, and how they did it, knowing that they could both read each other's minds, was another thing. I couldn't even imagine how long they would spend while one tried to choose odd or even, reading in the other's mind the number they would choose. Finally, Teo gave up, to finish quickly.
– Oh, hurry up... - said Eric, waving his hand for his brother to leave. - He's going to get the truck while we wait here.
They walked a little further, moving away from the hotel facade. Teo quickly disappeared into the street while Eric explained where they would go from now on.
– As we have nothing else to do here, as Ron remembered earlier, we're going to Apparate to Sydney, near the port area, but let's find something to eat before that...
They headed to the corner of a side street, still close to the hotel where the Tillmans left. They stopped to wait for Teo to arrive with the truck, which didn't take long to happen. The boy parked the vehicle next to them and everyone went inside. At that moment, an act too simple, Hermione looked around, as she sometimes did when she still wanted to take in something from the environment, and noticed the facade of a bank, with huge dark windows. It wouldn't be important, if she hadn't noticed a person she saw behind the windows, inside the building. She wouldn't notice it to anyone either, if it weren't for the fact that the stranger, dressed in dark clothes, had his head lolling to the left, looking in their direction. She turned to look at Eric, and the moment she did she saw an expression of strange horror on his face and barely heard him say, "Get down," because everything happened so quickly. The bank's huge window exploded into thousands of pieces of shards flying everywhere, injuring anyone in their path. Hermione quickly ducked behind the truck as soon as she heard the bang, and a pressure on her back indicated that Ron was to her right and was trying to protect her and himself. Eric crouched down on the left side next to her, wand in hand, and she saw the boy look in one direction, nodding his head. With a quick glance, Hermione saw that the twin was looking at Harry Potter, protected by a trash can, which hid the wand that was already in his hand. Near them, three cars collided and you could see what was happening around them.
– It's no use, he's gone! - Eric shouted and Hermione understood that it was for his brother, sheltering in the truck, who probably wanted to go somewhere and try to catch the guy who made this mess. Then he made everyone quickly get into the truck. Theo gave way to his brother to drive and, as they left that mess behind, Hermione saw that there were many muggles injured by the shrapnel and there were more accidents happening. She also saw that black Australian ministry sedan arriving and the aurors getting out of it.
– They will take care of everything, other wizards from the ministry are coming - explained Eric. - That was too much... It was too much...
– Eric! What is happening? - asked Hermione. The boy raised his hand, as if trying to end the subject.
– Hermione, perhaps it would be better if we got to Sydney first. I'm just going to look for a street to Apparate to...
Hermione didn't want to continue with questions for now. Something was happening and there was no way of knowing if it was related to her, her parents or even Harry, the most famous wizard of all in that truck. It didn't take long for Eric to find an ideal dead end to Apparate to. He warned everyone, and the girl felt the pressure of everything and everyone around her again against her. They disappeared from Canberra.
It was a song by an Australian band, as Eric explained when he put on the CD, which talked about people travelling the world confident in Australia's virtues and discussing the imposition of North American and European culture on the country's natural beauty. The song 'Down Under' sounded like Hermione was happy and in a good mood and of all the songs she had heard that day, in that truck, this was the best one worth listening to, so she paid more attention to the music than her friends' conversations. Hermione had the impression that Eric realised that this song relaxed her, as he kept repeating it several times.
The truck was travelling along a highway surrounded by deserts – two reservations, as Eric said. – practically no movement of cars or trucks at that time. In a few minutes they arrived at a gas station that looked abandoned. The place really gave that impression; the closest house they could see seemed to be about two miles away, it looked so small to their eyes. Teo pulled over next to a fuel pump and got out with his brother, looking everywhere. Eric asked Harry, Ron and Hermione to wait in the truck. It seemed strange as they just got out of the truck and one look around was enough to make sure there was no one suspicious around, whereas for normal people, this would require searching the surroundings and a lot of checking. Soon, Eric gave a signal saying that the three of them could go down too.
Until that moment, there was only one muggle, sitting carelessly in a chair, sheltered by a tin roof attached to a room, probably an office, looking at the twins' truck. It was either the owner of the gas station or an employee. Now Hermione realised that she had never paid attention to things like gas stations. He was drinking something from a mug because he nodded to each one in greeting; he seemed to be offering what he drank, to be polite. Hermione just imitated the boys in waving to indicate that everything was okay.
Teo was fiddling with the fuel pump to fill the truck; Harry and Ron went to see how he did this to learn for when they needed to fill up a car in life, while together they made jokes. Hermione preferred to talk a little with the still drowsy Eric, who was rummaging through the luggage in the truck bed; he was finishing tying something that must have come loose along the way.
– And finished. – he said, looking at her. – I didn't tie it properly before. That's it. At least nothing fell on the road, I hope.
They both smiled at the lame joke, but Eric soon changed his expression when he saw Hermione. She understood as soon as she saw him do it; she had questions to ask and he saw them in her mind.
– I know you have questions, but I don't think this would be the ideal place. Not yet. - and he turned to make sure the back of the luggage was tied correctly. Hermione had the impression that she had just been shunned.
They didn't stay long in that place. When the station owner approached, Hermione was still close to Eric; at the same moment he started to pay the man, Hermione did the same and was interrupted by the twin.
– Sorry, but visitors here only watch... - he said with a smile and paid the fuel bill.
Everyone got into the truck again, with the difference that the driver was now Eric; the brother adjusted himself in the passenger seat to sleep too. When asked why he sleeps, Eric only replied "Every now and then we have trouble sleeping". He didn't convince anyone, but Hermione didn't want to press the question, and Harry and Ron seemed to think the same. But Hermione left the boys talking and closed herself off in her own thoughts. While thinking about her parents, she noticed a coincidence that could explain that moment: that the twins, in a way, identified with Harry and, perhaps, even with herself. The two never met their own mother; Harry lived with his for a short time and Hermione was looking for her parents. It seems strange, but the girl felt that this seemed important to the twins. As she mulled this over, she glanced at the rearview mirror in the centre of the cabin; Eric looked at her with a look of agreement as he drove. Soon after, the girl decided to clear her thoughts and looked in her backpack for that novel she had been reading. A good read was the best escape at that moment.
In just over an hour of much conversation, desolate landscapes and almost no animals in sight, they began to see houses that were getting crowded together little by little. They were arriving in Canberra and would soon apparate close to where they needed to get. When they were already in an ideal place, a bump was all it took for Eric to wake up his brother. They entered a quiet street and announced that they would apparate. Again, it wasn't the best moment of the trip, but Hermione and the boys already knew how it was going to go, so they didn't worry. As soon as they disapparated to a place free from muggle gazes on some street in an upscale area of Canberra, Hermione breathed a sigh of relief.
- That's it! Getting better day by day! - Eric observed.
The place was not random. Eric said that would be the closest place to the restaurant that they would apparate to. "Voyage well advanced," he had said. The restaurant was two blocks from where they were and they were going there on foot. Before Hermione left the cabin, Harry asked, as she returned the book to her bag:
– Do you want me to ask the questions, Mione?
It took a few seconds for Hermione to understand and deny her friend's offer. She noticed the strange look Ron and Harry exchanged when she responded and realised that, although she had thought about the matter a lot, she hadn't prepared herself to investigate it. She was once again wondering where her head was because she was leaving important things on the back burner. Immediately after thinking this, she looked at the twins who were getting out of the truck. If they paid attention to her thinking, they didn't think it was important. As she left, Ron grabbed her arm.
– Are you okay, Mione? She didn't say anything while coming here.
- I am fine. I'm just thinking. - he replied evasively.
– Then let's go. - Eric said as he passed by the two. Hermione noticed that the twins were wearing different coloured jackets as they got out of the truck; Teo, however, also put on a pair of glasses. Not thinking it was important, she let it go. - My brother and I go ahead.
They advanced to a street with little movement of people and even fewer cars. The stores seemed quite simple, with little colourful facades; there were emporiums, electronics stores, sweet shops and other stores that Hermione didn't notice. The buildings were lower than she was used to seeing in London and the impression she had was of being in a country town, due to the number of trees along the sidewalks. People walked calmly from one side to the other and, as they walked to the restaurant, she noticed that they tried to take good care of the city, as the streets were very clean and the trees were well cared for. Hermione remained silent, while Harry and Ron made observations about the buildings like two ordinary tourists.
– We arrived. All you have to do is cross the street. – Eric said after some time, when they reached the sidewalk of an avenue busier than the street they left on. The restaurant was just ahead of them. It was a very well-kept building; the decor contrasted with the other buildings where they were located and it was clear that it was a high-end environment. The twins observed the place for a long time and kept looking at the building in front of them; If Hermione thought correctly, they wanted to find out if there were many people inside the restaurant. – It's closed now. – he said, probably responding to her thought. – There are only employees inside. I think they should open soon.
– Shall we have lunch here? - asked Ron suddenly. Until now, no one had thought about it. Hermione didn't take long to respond.
– No. It's not good to take longer than necessary.
- I agree. We should not linger in public places. – Eric pondered. – But it's a shame because it seems like they're going all out with the shrimp.
As soon as the cars gave some space, they crossed the avenue. Eric led the way, giving ideas on how they should talk to the restaurant staff.
– My brother and I can easily pass off as undercover police officers, so I think it's best to let me speak first and then you can speak too. I don't think we'll have any problems getting information if we act this way. Do you agree?
- I agree. – replied Hermione, and Ron and Harry said the same.
– And what does 'undercover' mean? – Ron wanted to know. Quickly, Hermione responded.
– 'Undercover', Ron. It means that this is a police officer who is not wearing a uniform.
– Hermione, do you still have a photo of your parents with you? – Eric asked.
- Yes I have.
- Lend me, please?
Hermione rummaged through the bag she was carrying – that same beaded bag she used in the war against Voldemort – until she found a photo of her parents. She handed it to Eric figuring he had some plan. They didn't go to the front door, as Eric instructed. Instead, they walked around the building, going to a side alley, which led to an access door where deliveries were made. At that moment there was no one delivering to the restaurant. The door was closed and there was a small window on the side, where anyone inside could see who was in the alley. Teo knocked twice on the door to call for someone.
– Let's wait here. – recommended Eric.
A man quickly looked out the window and left, but it took a few minutes for someone to come and assist them. A short, fat man, with glasses so thick that his eyes could barely be seen, opened the door and greeted them as kindly as possible, although they were looking intently at everyone.
– Hi, I'm Terry Bliker, how can I help you?
– Good morning, Mr. Bliker. We are Detectives Henderson and McDought. We are investigating the possible disappearance of a couple and we suspect they were here some time ago.
Hermione realised that this was a disguise that the twins had used before - which explained why the jackets and why Teo wore glasses. The two opened their wallets showing something, but she knew that they both enchanted the muggle so that he would see a badge on them. Teo took a notepad, taken from one of his pockets or 'who knows where' - he certainly conjured it up at that moment - and started making notes, probably to disguise the fact that he wasn't speaking. After listening, the man makes a serious face as if he was thinking about what he had heard, then looked around.
– And they are all detectives working together? – he asked, trying to make a joke.
– No. These are relatives and acquaintances of the people we are looking for. They were the ones who reported the disappearance and are accompanying us. They are Mr Smith, Mr Linderman and Miss Campbell. – Eric pointed to Ron, Harry and Hermione, respectively. Then he turned to the man and returned to the subject, showing him the photo of Hermione's parents. – Do you happen to know or have seen these people? It appears that this couple are regulars at the restaurant.
Hermione looked at the man apprehensively. She figured she would get some useful information at that moment, but the man didn't seem to be of much help; He looked at the photo sideways, he seemed to be trying to remember, without having anything to say, but he seemed to really want to help.
– No. I don't remember seeing it. I'm in charge of purchasing. I rarely see customers. Perhaps our maitre, Mr. Higgs, will be of some help. He always liaises with our customers; he knows many of them. Maybe he recognizes them. Go in, wait until he arrives. It won't take long to arrive.
When they entered the building, they noticed that the place was a small room, a kind of pantry where there were several boxes, packages and packaging of used supplies that were stored on some shelves; Attached to it was an office consisting of a table and some nearby chairs and two cabinets full of papers and miscellaneous objects. In addition to the door through which they entered, there were two others where one led to the restaurant's kitchen, with several cooks working to prepare the first dishes of the day, and another to an opening where one could see through the window a parking lot whose entrance should be on the opposite side. where they went. The man invited them to sit on the chairs and talked to them about the restaurant, as kindly as possible. After about twenty minutes of conversation, the maitre arrives to check the dishes that will be served at lunch time. Firstly, he didn't go to the office, and Mr. Bliker didn't call him, saying he would come to them. It seemed to Hermione that the maitre was giving orders and coordinating the other cooks, but she remembered that he was not just another cook. The role of a maitre is to manage the waiters and take care of the restaurant's routines. But, looking closely, she realised that the cooks didn't act like they do in the movies - where almost everyone was portrayed as Italian or expert cook who prepared fantastic and exuberant dishes; They were normal people, who in the heat of the stoves and the tangle of pans and cutlery tried to do a satisfactory job. Despite the noise, the chatter of the cooks and the delicious smell that emanated in the air, the boys didn't have the courage to watch, as Mr. Bliker kept the conversation with them in a very lively tone. A few minutes later, the maitre, Mr. Higgs, appeared in the room, still talking and pointing at the cooks. The boys saw a tall, handsome man, dressed in simple clothes, who really gave the impression of having a lot of experience with restaurants. Upon seeing that he had visitors in the room, he immediately composed himself.
– Oh my! I'm glad I didn't say a bad word... – he observed as he looked at Hermione.
Mr. Bliker did the courtesy of introductions and told him a little of what Eric told him. The supposed detective – that was how Eric was still being addressed, for all intents and purposes – formally introduced himself and the rest of the group. Using the same speech he had given Mr. Bliker when they were in the alley, Eric asked similar questions about Hermione's parents, to which the maitre signalled positively.
- Clear. I remember them. The Wilkins come to us a lot. They had dinner here three nights ago. I remember there was a problem; someone confused them with other people, but nothing that hadn't been resolved.
– Who are these people, sir? – asked Hermione.
The maitre told her that he was nearby when the strange couple met her parents, told her everything he saw about what happened and that when he noticed that there was something strange, the security guards had already been called. He said he didn't have time to find out who the people were; He only knew that they were tourists or people passing through, but he said something that he remembered what they looked like and apparently they must have been staying in a hotel close to the restaurant. At the same moment, someone calls for the maitre, saying it is something important, and he turns to the kitchen.
– If you excuse me, I need to see this. Come with me, please.
Everyone followed the maitre, passing through the busy kitchen and through the door that led to the dining room where the customers are. At that moment, several waiters were cleaning up the room. They were setting up the tables with the appropriate chairs and cleaning the place to open in just over half an hour. The waiter who called Mr. Higgs showed him a defective table, who in turn told him to exchange it for another one he had saved, then turned to talk to Eric.
– Do you remember what these people were like? – Hermione asked, simply. The man looked at her as if he hadn't seen her before, but responded politely.
- Yes I remember. He was a short man, with short grey hair, appearing to be in his fifties, dressed well socially, very English style, if you know what I mean. The woman was blonde, slightly taller than the man, had long hair and was dressed in a discreet black ensemble, also very elegant. I don't remember the details well, as I didn't get to see them up close.
There was no need for further details, as Hermione noticed the twins' glances at the maitre and understood that as soon as the man had remembered the couple they would come to mind, although he had no idea who they were. Mr. Higgs also told more about what happened, about how the couple felt wronged when leaving the restaurant in the company of security guards. Then, Hermione became really interested, she was already talking about the conversation she had with her father.
– That was when he told me that they would travel on a cruise. They would spend three months at sea...
- Sorry sir. - interrupted Harry. - But didn't you think it was strange that there was a cruise that lasted three months?
– Yeah, thinking about it... It didn't occur to me at the time; I only thought about it later. As far as I know, the longest cruises last around twenty days, I think. How can we know? These people invent different services nowadays... But I didn't remember to ask him about it, even when I dropped him off at the airport yesterday.
– How did you say, sir? Were you with him yesterday? - asked Hermione, placing her hands on her chest without hiding the distress of someone who has just received important information. From the corner of her eye she could still see that Harry and Ron had a similar reaction.
– Yes, I was with them. I found him the day before yesterday afternoon. He said he needed to take the day off to finish resolving office matters, cancelling appointments, organising documents, arranging his secretary's vacation, that sort of thing. He was returning from the office to the hotel nearby, where Mrs. Wilkins was, while I went home to get ready to go back to the restaurant. I live six blocks from here; I often walk back and forth. We talked a little, he asked me about a taxi number nearby, but I offered to take them to the airport in the early hours of the morning. They would have to dawn in Sydney, as boarding the cruise was at nine o'clock, if I remember correctly. They would need to get there very early. As they are good people, I saw no problem in making them happy. I can't think that anything bad could happen to them, no, not at all. But really, I didn't remember to ask them about how long this cruise would last.
– Did they say where boarding for the cruise would be? – asked Hermione.
– Yes, it would be in Pyrmont Bay.
– We know where it is. – said Eric, as he exchanged a suspicious look with his brother.
They talked a little more, but the maitre had no more relevant information. He just talked about the times he talked to Hermione's father when he visited the restaurant with his wife. The girl didn't see any different reactions from the twins; if there was something suspicious in what the man said, they could give some warning. They ended the conversation when the man said they were almost opening the restaurant and needed to work. He even invited them to have lunch there, but they solemnly refused.
– Forgive us, we cannot delay any longer than we already have. But we can come back here another time. – said the girl, thanking and saying goodbye to the man.
Hermione headed towards the front door of the restaurant, not paying attention to the boys and twins saying goodbye to the maitre. Her head was racing, almost spinning, imagining the possibilities according to what she heard. "If we had come sooner...", she thought, but was interrupted by Harry and Ron who were right behind her.
– Hermione, did you hear what he said correctly?
– Yes, I heard it, Harry. Their trip wasn't two years ago like we thought, because that's what Mrs. Bergins said. Maybe she didn't really know about the day, or didn't know that they still had business to take care of before the trip.
– Ah, Mrs. Bergins again? Interesting. – said Eric, when he arrived close to her in the company of his brother. – How about we walk while we talk? Now let's go this way. – he pointed in the direction of the avenue they crossed when they arrived at the restaurant. As they walked, Eric explained that it wasn't good for them to walk down the same street as before in case they were being watched; It would be a little longer, but they would keep an eye on it.
On the wide avenue where they were walking, there were many buildings, larger than the street they walked on after getting out of the truck, and it was also busier. Cars, trucks, buses and more people passed banks, large department stores and hotels for the middle to upper class, so to speak, on the wide sidewalks also with many trees. Finally, Eric encouraged Hermione to pursue her thoughts.
– Well then – said the girl, resuming the conversation. - Mrs Bergins told us that my parents left the day before we arrived. It's likely she didn't know he still had business to attend to. – she repeated.
– It doesn't make any difference, Hermione. Anyway, we arrived late. said Ron.
– Maybe, Ron. But it shows that we have a chance of reaching the ship, if we don't delay too long. We need to go to the office to try to meet with my father's secretary. I know there must be one. There in England he had it. Let's see if we can get more information. Eric, can you take a look at this address? - she gave the boy the address of the office that Mrs. Bergins gave her. - Do you know if it's far from here?
– It's actually not far. - she said, stopping and making everyone stop. He and his brother were laughing about something that none of the three of them paid attention to. - It's just the other way. But if you don't mind, first I'd like to talk a little with those two from the ministry.
He pointed to a black sedan parked not far from them. To anyone, it was just another car among the others, but there was a small sign, next to the one that cars must have for identification, which Hermione imagined would only be visible to wizards, with the letter 'M' drawn in a reminiscent of a paw of some wild animal. The girl looked at the car suspiciously, but said nothing.
– We are laughing at them. There are still those who don't believe in our powers...
Still laughing, Eric left and got into the car to talk to the two unknown wizards, leaving Teo, looking everywhere he could, with the three of them. In a few minutes, the boy returned, showing an indecipherable face, but certainly not bringing good news. He called everyone back to walking while telling them what he had heard in the car.
- Well, I don't think you can go to your father's office anymore - he said, looking at Hermione. Before she asked why, he added: - Those two are Aurors, they were in the office. It's been closed since yesterday.
- Damn it. - she observed, lowering her shoulders.
– They spoke to the secretary. - now caught the girl's attention. - On the whole, she told them the same things that we know and that Mr. Higgs told us. Only one thing caught my attention: she said that her father had planned to participate in a dentists' conference, which ended yesterday.
– Dintistris? - asked Ron. Hermione responded before anyone else.
– Dentists, Ron. It's my parents' profession.
– The secretary said that she had reserved a place for him in lectures and other activities. But her father forgot about it the day before confirming everything. He said he didn't want to know and wanted to plan his cruise. Do you think it means something?
Hermione didn't respond right away. She tried to digest what she just heard. Ron, who had left out spelling the word 'dentists', was scratching his head about coming back to the present and paying attention to what they were saying, while Harry was also thoughtful. The girl recalled a time when her father did something similar. She didn't want to give rise to absurd ideas, but perhaps this act really meant something. Finally, she responded.
– No, I don't know if it means anything. My father was never one to change his plans suddenly and always fulfilled all his commitments, planning with my mother each trip we took. I guess we'll know that only when we find them.
– Do you know if a spell, that is, a memory spell, can change a person's personality? – Harry asked, and Hermione understood that he was looking for the right words for the question.
– Not that I knew. I haven't read anything about changes in the person, but it could be that the wizard who cast the spell uses some additional resource for this. There are spells that can be used that can make the person behave according to what is needed. – she replied, then looked at Eric to see if he would say anything about it.
– We've never used memory spells before. Except when they tried to use them on us when we were children, to no avail, by the way. I don't think we're of much help with that... – added the twin.
– Well, then our tour here is over, right? said Ron. - Is there anything else to do before we head to the other city? What's the name again?
– Sydney – Hermione and Harry replied together.
– I don't know, but I think there's someone you could talk to first, Hermione. - said Eric, and she looked where the twin was pointing with his head. She saw a man dressed in dark blue pants and shirt and recognized him as a family friend, Mr. Darell Tillman, whom they had always been very fond of.
Hermione didn't wait to talk to Harry and Ron about what she would do. She crossed the avenue as soon as there was passage between the cars and headed to the front of the hotel where Mr. Tillman was accompanying two men loading some suitcases into a car, one of them must have been a hotel employee. As she got closer, she could see his wife, Mrs. Tillman, a little further away, saying goodbye to a woman, perhaps someone she had befriended on the trip. She didn't need to ask Eric anything to know that it was the two of them he had seen in Mr. Higgs's mind at the restaurant, and she remembered how the maitre had said that the two of them must be staying nearby. When she was close to the man, she saw that he was busy helping the taxi driver; she tried to greet him like every time she saw him.
– How are you, Mr. Tillman? Are you all right? - No answer. - It's me, Hermione Granger, sir... - she continued, without answer. She was being unceremoniously avoided; The man didn't even look at her. As Harry, Ron and the twins approached, she tried again, now touching the man's shoulder to get his attention. - Mr. Tillman, it's me...
The moment she touched her acquaintance's shoulder, she had her hand violently pushed away by Mrs. Tillman, whom Hermione didn't see as she had arrived too quickly to be noticed.
- How dare you? - she asked sharply.
– Mrs. Tillman...
– Isn't it enough that we were so embarrassed the other day because of your parents and now you come?
- But but...
– Honey, that's not necessary... - said the man, adjusting his glasses and starting an almost silent discussion with the woman. At this moment, Hermione saw that the boys were approaching to intervene in the conversation, but she signalled to them to let her resolve the matter. She knew that Mrs. Tillman was one of those socialites concerned about their position in society and that she wouldn't let her husband forget a shameful situation so easily, but she didn't think about what she would do about it. But what could she say? Certainly not the truth, because if for wizards who don't know the story it's already difficult to believe or understand, then for muggles it would be too complicated. Something she would have to tell them, she was sure of it, and quickly. Even though she didn't like lies, she had to improvise.
– Mr and Mrs Tillman, I know what happened at the restaurant – she said, drawing their attention. The taxi driver had already closed the trunk and was waiting tensely for the outcome of the conversation; the other employee had already returned to the hotel. -And I apologise, sincerely.- He lowered his face to show respect. They both looked at her, but only the man seemed interested; the woman still showed the anger she felt. Then she raised her face again to look into the eyes of her acquaintances. - But you need to know that my parents, for some time now, have not been the same. They don't know who they are.
– Yes, now you want to deceive me that they both lost their memories together... - mocked the woman, ignoring her husband's attempt to appease her, without noticing that Hermione's eyes were already burning with tears.
– And they lost, ma'am. They were brainwashed and disappeared while I was at school. - even in tears, Hermione was firm enough to get both of their attention. Even the taxi driver, who was trying to ignore it, turned to listen to the conversation.
- How is it possible? If you're trying to trick us, Miss Granger...
– I'm not trying to deceive you, Mr Tillman. They were kidnapped. Do you remember that Chinese group that wanted to buy the building where my father's practice is located? Well, I believe that some criminal related to them kidnapped my parents and wiped their memory, sending them to this country, we just can't prove it.
Some of this was true. The building where Hermione's father had his practice is very well located in a prime area of London and, in fact, a Chinese group intends to build a large building for their offices. Even as they argued, with the girl distorting the story to try to repair the friendship, there were negotiations taking place with the tenants of the other office spaces in that building. Indecision remained regarding the room where the office operates, as it has been closed for over a year, but the rent for all this time has been paid and for a few more months to come. Hermione had taken care of everything before she bewitched her parents and now she was trying to use this story so that those two, at least, wouldn't leave Australia angry with her parents.
– I don't believe there could be such evil... And how did you find out about it? asked Mr. Tillman.
– Lord, believe me. In the last few months I've seen a lot of really mean people. -which is still true, of course, for her referring to the enemies she faced when helping Harry. - And I saw a lot of evil happen. As soon as I could, I headed here, with my friends, to look for my parents. I have leads on them and I want to take them back for treatment.
– But what about the police? What did they say about it? - asked the woman.
– I left the police out, ma'am. We have no way to prove anything.
– Do you... Do you know where they are? - asked the man. His wife was already worried. Something about the firmness of Hermione's voice, even though her face was wet with tears, touched both of their hearts.
– We're not sure yet, sir. But I just ask that you understand that my parents didn't do it out of spite. They just didn't know who they were, and couldn't recognize them. The maitre, Mr. Higgs, told us what happened that night.
– Damn it, I already have an important appointment scheduled, otherwise I would help you. It's a shame I don't know anyone important here...
– No need, Mr Tillman. Not getting mad at my parents is a big help.
The man came close to Hermione and held her shoulders, in a fatherly gesture. The two looked into each other's eyes and the girl could see that her parents' friendship with those two would be maintained, despite the necessary deception.
– When you arrive in London, miss, be sure to look for me or give me news. I want to accompany your parents and help them with whatever they need.
– Thank you, Mr Tillman. - she thanked him, holding his hand. Then it was his wife's turn to get close to Hermione.
– I'm sorry for my behaviour, Hermione. - she said, looking straight into his eyes. - I had no idea anything had happened. Of course, we were surprised when your parents suddenly disappeared, but we thought it was just another one of those trips you always took. Finally, we didn't notice that it had been over a year since they disappeared. Anything you need from me, anything at all, look for me, okay? - the girl responded by nodding her head, tears still streaming down her face. - You have my phones and you know where my house is. Let me know when they arrive.
– Thank you, Mrs. Tillman.
The woman hugged Hermione and then turned to get into the taxi with her husband. The taxi driver, who had heard everything, got into the car and started it. In a few seconds they gained space on the avenue and turned a nearby corner, on their way to the airport where the Tillmans would return to London.
Harry, Ron and the Donnwall twins were already around Hermione - her boyfriend was patting her shoulders. Something about her behaviour made everyone silent until the taxi disappeared.
– I think you did a good thing now, Mione. And without any spells.
– Why do you say that, Harry?
– When your parents return they will have to explain it to some relatives and close friends, like these two. It wouldn't really be the truth they were going to tell, would it?
– Yeah, I think you're right. And yet, I wouldn't forgive myself if I knew that I was the one who ruined a friendship that lasted years. My parents have known them since I was a little child.- Suddenly, she was overcome with the truth of sadness and saw that the tears she now wiped away were not fake, nor had she thought of doing anything of that nature. In the eyes of muggles, if they knew the truth, what she did would almost be a crime, if it were not considered as such.
Hermione turned to talk to the twins, followed by Harry and Ron. The three saw the brothers, facing each other, with their fists closed and raised in a way that resembled two people betting on odd-or-even. Now, how to know if that was what the two actually did, and how they did it, knowing that they could both read each other's minds, was another thing. I couldn't even imagine how long they would spend while one tried to choose odd or even, reading in the other's mind the number they would choose. Finally, Teo gave up, to finish quickly.
– Oh, hurry up... - said Eric, waving his hand for his brother to leave. - He's going to get the truck while we wait here.
They walked a little further, moving away from the hotel facade. Teo quickly disappeared into the street while Eric explained where they would go from now on.
– As we have nothing else to do here, as Ron remembered earlier, we're going to Apparate to Sydney, near the port area, but let's find something to eat before that...
They headed to the corner of a side street, still close to the hotel where the Tillmans left. They stopped to wait for Teo to arrive with the truck, which didn't take long to happen. The boy parked the vehicle next to them and everyone went inside. At that moment, an act too simple, Hermione looked around, as she sometimes did when she still wanted to take in something from the environment, and noticed the facade of a bank, with huge dark windows. It wouldn't be important, if she hadn't noticed a person she saw behind the windows, inside the building. She wouldn't notice it to anyone either, if it weren't for the fact that the stranger, dressed in dark clothes, had his head lolling to the left, looking in their direction. She turned to look at Eric, and the moment she did she saw an expression of strange horror on his face and barely heard him say, "Get down," because everything happened so quickly. The bank's huge window exploded into thousands of pieces of shards flying everywhere, injuring anyone in their path. Hermione quickly ducked behind the truck as soon as she heard the bang, and a pressure on her back indicated that Ron was to her right and was trying to protect her and himself. Eric crouched down on the left side next to her, wand in hand, and she saw the boy look in one direction, nodding his head. With a quick glance, Hermione saw that the twin was looking at Harry Potter, protected by a trash can, which hid the wand that was already in his hand. Near them, three cars collided and you could see what was happening around them.
– It's no use, he's gone! - Eric shouted and Hermione understood that it was for his brother, sheltering in the truck, who probably wanted to go somewhere and try to catch the guy who made this mess. Then he made everyone quickly get into the truck. Theo gave way to his brother to drive and, as they left that mess behind, Hermione saw that there were many muggles injured by the shrapnel and there were more accidents happening. She also saw that black Australian ministry sedan arriving and the aurors getting out of it.
– They will take care of everything, other wizards from the ministry are coming - explained Eric. - That was too much... It was too much...
– Eric! What is happening? - asked Hermione. The boy raised his hand, as if trying to end the subject.
– Hermione, perhaps it would be better if we got to Sydney first. I'm just going to look for a street to Apparate to...
Hermione didn't want to continue with questions for now. Something was happening and there was no way of knowing if it was related to her, her parents or even Harry, the most famous wizard of all in that truck. It didn't take long for Eric to find an ideal dead end to Apparate to. He warned everyone, and the girl felt the pressure of everything and everyone around her again against her. They disappeared from Canberra.