My Missing piece (Harmione)

40.

Beck's abrupt apparition in Diagon Alley sent an unsettling chill through Harry. He had been tailing Beck with relentless determination, desperately searching for any hint or lead that might unveil Hermione's mysterious disappearance. The sight of Beck's sudden reappearance amidst the bustling wizarding street caught Harry off guard, and a surge of dread coursed through him. It was a chilling reminder of the darkness that had enveloped Hermione's life.

From his concealed vantage point beneath the Invisibility Cloak, Harry observed Beck's every move with a heightened sense of unease. Beck advanced with purpose, striding through Diagon Alley as if he belonged there, seemingly unfazed by the gravity of his actions. It was a confounding spectacle, and Harry couldn't help but wonder about the twisted machinations lurking behind this facade.

The path Beck took veered away from the shadows and secrecy that typically shrouded those involved in Hermione's disappearance. Instead, he walked a path that seemed almost brazen, as if daring anyone to suspect his involvement. This audacious move puzzled Harry, deepening the mystery that surrounded Hermione's fate.

Harry's curiosity burned like a relentless fire as he shadowed Beck's every step, mindful of maintaining his own invisibility. With each passing moment, the suspense grew, and a pervasive sense of foreboding hung in the air like a thick fog. Harry knew that whatever Beck was up to, it was unlikely to bode well for Hermione or for those seeking to uncover the truth.

But Beck's sinister intentions took an even more unnerving turn as he deliberately ignored the well-lit shops and inviting storefronts, instead plunging deeper into the shadowy abyss of Knockturn Alley. Even in the harsh glare of daylight, this place exuded an aura of relentless darkness. The narrow alleys seemed to close in on themselves, the towering buildings casting long, oppressive shadows, and an eerie sense of foreboding hung heavy in the air.

Beck pressed on, his determined stride cutting through the unsettling surroundings as if he were immune to their malevolence. He approached a shop that exuded an aura of pure maleficence, its windows tinted so profoundly that not even a sliver of natural light could penetrate. The sign above the door bore no name, just an ominous, contorted depiction of a wand twisted into grotesque shapes.

As Beck entered the establishment, the atmosphere within grew even more oppressive. The air was heavy with dark secrets and unspeakable horrors. Beck engaged in a hushed conversation with the man behind the cashier, his voice a venomous whisper that slithered through the shadows. Harry strained to catch their words, his invisibility affording him the sinister privilege of eavesdropping on their nefarious exchange.

Beck leaned in, his voice dripping with menace, speaking in low, conspiratorial tones. "I've come for the item I ordered."

The man behind the counter, his face shrouded in the deepest shadows, replied with a chilling grin. "Ah, Mr. Devilo, right on time. Your order is ready, but you see, it's quite a special piece. It'll be a few more hours."

Beck's eyes flashed with a dark anger that seemed barely contained. His voice dropped to a threatening whisper. "A few more hours? I was told it would be ready today, at this time!"

The man behind the counter shrugged indifferently, his grin never wavering, as though he reveled in the rage that radiated from Beck. "I can't control the delivery schedules, Mr. Devilo."

Beck's agitation grew, and the heated argument escalated in hushed but ominous tones. Harry strained to catch their words, his heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and frustration. Whatever Beck had ordered, it was clear that it held a sinister significance, and Harry was determined to uncover the truth.

"You better have it ready in two hours, I'll send someone to fetch it for me," Beck finally relented, his threat hanging in the air like a dark cloud. With a final menacing glance, he abruptly left the shop, his steps laden with sinister intent.

Realization struck Harry like a thunderbolt, and he moved swiftly and silently, his wand at the ready. With a flick of his wand, he conjured a Patronus, a talking one, instructing his comrades to converge on this exact location in the shadowy heart of Knockturn Alley. He stressed the necessity of invisibility, urging them to stay concealed from prying eyes.

In his message, Harry cryptically mentioned the imminent arrival of an item within two hours and implored his companions to shadow the enigmatic figure they were tracking. He was unequivocal in his instructions, telling them not to wait for his return but to follow the lead he had provided. Harry knew that their best chance lay in staying on the trail, ready to unravel the mystery and hopefully discover Hermione's whereabouts.

Harry watched as Beck moved to a shadowy corner, realizing that he was about to apparate. With lightning speed, Harry seized the hem of Beck's cloak, his grip firm but discreet, ensuring that he wouldn't arouse suspicion. As Beck disappeared, Harry followed suit, determined to gather more information about Hermione's disappearance and the dark forces at play, even if it meant descending further into the depths of darkness.