Black figures dropped like phantoms in sunlight not far from the Muggle house where the purebloods had gathered.
The desolate Muggle house looked as if it had long been neglected, parts of its exterior already swallowed by vegetation. Several crooked trees twisted in front of it, like a few gray-black pythons writhing savagely in the night. The red paint on the walls had darkened with age, appearing in the sunlight like old blood, dark red mixed with black, and with the shadows cast across the window lattice by the great trees around it, it looked extraordinarily eerie.
Albert gave the order for one final equipment check with several hand signals. The Aurors obeyed, checking the Dungbombs, healing potions, and other items on their belts. They had not used Disillusionment Charms for this arrest operation, because this time they were entering as an official department of the Ministry of Magic. All they needed to do was ensure the targets could not escape before the raid.
Holding a Flying Broomstick, Penelope and her squad did not say much either. They all lowered their heads and glanced at the Silent Shoe Covers temporarily fitted to the soles of their Dragon-hide Boots—as one of the two teams that had practiced CQB Tactics with the front door and rear courtyard teams, they were actually the more powerful in combat, so Albert had assigned them to break in from the roof above the house and ensure that no one inside could escape by flying.
This equipment could help Penelope's team effectively hide the sound of their footsteps while they waited on the roof before the other teams began moving. Although the Silencing Charm was more effective, it was often dispelled by Counter-curse Traps these wizards had set up on the roof in advance, while a physical