Chapter 287
"We're here."
A man's deep magnetic voice sounded beside Fleur Delacour's ear, startling her awake.
"You sound really strange now," Fleur said helplessly before covering her mouth and yawning softly.
Naturally, a proper disguise had to be complete.
That included the voice.
And Draco's current voice no longer resembled that of a teenage boy.
"We still have to take a boat later?"
Fleur stretched lazily before complaining.
"That's the kind of transportation I hate most."
"I'm afraid that won't be necessary."
Draco Malfoy glanced at her calmly.
"We're already in France."
"What?!"
Fleur stared at him in disbelief.
She immediately turned toward the window.
The train had already stopped.
Outside, the platform sign clearly read:
Gare du Nord — Paris Nord Station.
"How is that possible?"
"The charm of Muggle technology."
"I'll explain later."
Draco answered casually.
"So where are we going now?"
Fleur asked curiously.
"I'll send you home first."
Draco replied expressionlessly.
Fleur froze instantly.
Several seconds later—
The corners of Draco's mouth curled upward slightly.
"Relax."
"I was joking."
He had decided, at least temporarily, to trust Dumbledore's advice.
And honestly—
Traveling together like this didn't seem entirely unpleasant.
Ollivander was undoubtedly under Dumbledore's protection now.
Voldemort would not obtain information easily.
Which meant this journey was no longer urgently time-sensitive.
The two stepped off the train and blended into the massive crowd flowing through the station.
"We need to get rid of our stalkers first."
Draco suddenly paused.
"No."
"A pair of them."
His eyes narrowed faintly.
When Lupin inspected their documents earlier, Draco had secretly left a magical tracking mark on him.
Now—
Even hidden among the crowds, Lupin stood out clearly in Draco's perception.
His appearance had changed completely again.
And beside him stood a woman.
Likely his partner.
Lupin?
The Polyjuice disguise no longer fooled Draco.
Someone familiar could still notice subtle traces beneath appearances.
"Don't look toward them."
"Pretend nothing happened."
Draco quietly warned Fleur as she instinctively tried to glance back.
The crowds pushed continuously toward the station exit.
Outside, the sounds of traffic and shouting became louder.
Many people stood holding signs for arriving passengers.
"Where are we going?"
Fleur asked while struggling to keep pace behind Draco through the massive transportation hub.
Oddly enough—
This foreigner seemed far more familiar with Paris than she was.
"The simplest way to lose them."
"If I use magic too openly, I'll end up wanted by the French Ministry too."
Draco led her into a nearby café.
It was elegant and surprisingly peaceful despite its location near the busy station.
France's love of cafés extended beyond coffee itself.
Atmosphere mattered just as much.
Across France, cafés appeared everywhere:
On sidewalks.
Beside rivers.
Under trees.
Near plazas.
Even atop the Eiffel Tower.
Outside this particular café sat rows of colorful umbrellas shading outdoor tables.
Many customers quietly drank coffee while watching nearby street performers.
"Two cappuccinos."
Draco casually sat down and handed the waiter a twenty-franc note bearing Debussy's portrait.
He did not ask for change.
Naturally, the remainder became the waiter's tip.
"Yes, sir."
The waiter bowed respectfully.
Generous customers were always welcome.
"Where's the restroom?"
"Straight ahead."
"Men's on the left, women's on the right."
"Thank you."
Draco lazily stretched and pretended to complain about the weather.
"This damned heat…"
He unbuttoned his collar and removed his black jacket, leaving it draped over the chair.
"Can you watch this for me?"
"Of course, sir."
"My pleasure."
The waiter smiled warmly.
Then—
A tall freckled brown-haired man and a blond woman quietly left the café without attracting any attention.
Meanwhile—
"Wait for me!"
Nymphadora Tonks hurried after Remus Lupin, panting heavily.
Werewolf stamina gave Lupin exceptional endurance even in human form.
Tonks, unfortunately, struggled to keep up.
Inside the café—
"Sir, can I help you?"
The waiter politely approached Lupin.
Lupin ignored him completely.
His gaze swept across the café.
Then his pupils suddenly contracted.
"I lost them."
His fists clenched tightly.
The moment he saw the abandoned jacket, he understood everything.
He had secretly placed a tracking charm on Draco earlier.
But clearly—
The boy had noticed and reversed the trap against him.
"There's someone sitting here, sir," the waiter hurriedly explained.
"The two customers only stepped away temporarily."
"Would you like another table instead?"
"They won't be coming back."
Lupin sighed before approaching the chair cautiously.
He hoped to recover some remaining clues.
"Remus, be careful!"
Tonks suddenly shouted in alarm.
The table began shaking violently.
The cups rattled dangerously.
The waiter stared in horror.
Crash!
The entire table flipped violently.
Coffee splashed everywhere.
Lupin was drenched in brown liquid before he could react.
Fortunately, the drinks had already cooled somewhat.
Otherwise he would have been burned badly.
"Alright, Tonks."
"Let's go."
Lupin brushed wet hair away from his forehead and sighed heavily in disappointment.