Not think who Travers was. Hermione had drawn herself up to full height and said with as

much contempt as she could muster:

"And what do you want?"

Travers stopped in his tracks, clearly affronted.

"He's another Death Eater!" breathed Griphook, and Harry sidled sideways to

repeat the information into Hermione's ear.

"I merely sought to greet you," said Travers coolly, "but if my presence is not

welcome . . ."

Harry recognized his voice now: Travers was one of the Death Eaters who had

been summoned to Xenophilius’s house.

"No, no, not at all, Travers," said Hermione quickly, trying to cover up her

mistake. "How are you?"

"Well, I confess I am surprised to see you out and about, Bellatrix."

"Really? Why?" asked Hermione.

"Well," Travers coughed, "I heard that the Inhabitants of Malfoy Manor were

confined to the house, after the . . . ah . . . escape."

Harry willed Hermione to keep her head. If this was true, and Bellatrix was not

Supposed to be out in public--

"The Dark Lord forgives those who have served him most faithfully in the past,"

said Hermione in a magnificent imitation of Bellatrix's most contemptuous manner.

"Perhaps your credit is not as good with him as mine is, Travers."

Though the Death Eater looked offended, he also seemed less suspicious. He

Glanced down at the man Ron had just Stunned.

"How did it offend you?"

"It does not matter, it will not do so again," said Hermione coolly.

"Some of these wandless can be troublesome," said Travers. "While they do

Nothing but beg I have no objection, but one of them actually asked me to plead her case

in the Ministry last week. 'I'm a witch, sir, I'm a witch, let me prove it to you!" he said in

a squeaky impersonation. "As if I was going to give her my wand--but whose wand," said

Travers curiously, "are you using at the moment, Bellatrix? I heard that your own was--"

"I have my wand here," said Hermione coldly, holding up Bellatrix's wand. "I

don't know what rumors you have been listening to, Travers, but you seem sadly

misinformed."

Travers seemed a little taken aback at that, and he turned instead to Ron.

"Who is your friend? I do not recognize him."

"This is Dragomir Despard," said Hermione; they had decided that a fictional

foreigner was the safest cover for Ron to assume. "He speaks very little English, but he is

in sympathy with the Dark Lord's aims. He has traveled here from Transylvania to see

our new regime."

"Indeed? How do you do, Dragomir?"

"'Ow you?" said Ron, holding out his hand.

Travers extended two fingers and shook Ron's hand as though frightened of

Dirtying himself.

So what brings you and your--ah--sympathetic friend to Diagon Alley this early?"

Asked Travers.

"I need to visit Gringotts," said Hermione.

"Alas, I also," said Travers. "Gold, filthy gold! We cannot live without it, yet I

confess I deplore the necessity of consorting with our long-fingered friends."

Harry felt Griphook's clasped hands tighten momentarily around his neck.

"Shall we?" said Travers, gesturing Hermione forward.

Date: 2015-12-11; view: 537