Of Magic and Men
Hosted by [Alexi Ice]

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Dumbeldore noted Draco's appearance with interest. He seemed dishelved, dark patches of copper tainting his white collar. Dark circles adorned his eyes and he looked generally more irritated than usual. "She's giving you trouble already, I presume?" Dumbledore asked. Fawkes rested to his left, eyeing Malfoy with a bit of interest.

"Whatever" Malfoy snapped.

"If she isn't giving you too much trouble, I was wondering if you would be willing to work with miss Pavati Patty as a Slytherin prefect. Would that interest you?" Dumbledore asked, deciding it might be best not to tease the boy. "I've already summoned a pair from the other houses. Snape was kind enough to recommend you for the job." Dumbledore crossed his fingers atop his desk.

"Whatever" Malfoy snapped again. How was he expected to answer this?

"I'm not your father, Mr. Malfoy" Dumbledore spoke. "Here at Hogwarts your safe if you want to be." Malfoy didn't answer, and instead turned away from Dumbledore and left the office.

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Ron watched Harry as he struggled to wake. Harry couldn't recall the type of nightmare he had been having, rubbing his shirt tale along the lenses of his glasses he noticed Ron's look. The dark bags under his eyes made Harry aware that Ron hadn't been sleeping. "We need to talk." Ron spoke slowly, so it would sink into Harry's groggy brain. Harry nodded. He supposed this was bound to happen eventually.

"Yeah" He nodded, taking his clothes to change. Once he was dressed in his uniform he left the dorm with Ron, not before noticing the letter atop Neville's trunk scrawled in Dumbledore's handwriting.

A letter had been placed a-top Hermione's trunk as well. Ginny noticed it when she woke. "Hermione?" She inquired the elder girl, touching her lightly on the shoulder. She waited for a moment to see if Hermione might wake.

Hermione woke with a start, sitting straight up with her arms still around her pillow. Scrubbing a hand across her face, she wiped away her retreating thoughts. Was last night real or a dream? "Yeah...?" She wondered groggily, trying to force herself out of bed. "What's going on?" She wiped at her eyes and then they landed on her trunk. A note with Dumbledore's writing across the front caught her attention. Quickly, she launched herself across her bed and grabbed the letter, opening it.

"That's odd. It just says to meet Dumbledore in his office...." Hermione said, although more to herself than to Ginny. She looked up at Ginny with a pair of wide eyes. What could she have done to have been summoned?

Neville woke like he normally did - On his own. Not alone, but in a way where his body had decided it had enough sleep and he calmly opened his eyes with his head still on his pillow. The sun spilling through his window helped the groggy feeling reside as he sat up, scrubbing a hand through his hair. "Ah, what's this?" He picked up the note from Dumbledore and idly wondered what the headmaster wanted.

Luna woke from a sleep where she was covered in charms and other bits of jewelry making paraphernalia. She pulled her hair back into a half up-do and examined her new necklace. Smiling, she laced it around her neck. The long silver ribbon held several charms of birds. Rising, she gathered her uniform to dress herself and head down to the hall to eat breakfast.

The letter was a simple summons to Dumbledore's office written specifically for Neville.

Harry and Ron made their way into the great hall to locate Hermione. The school seemed to have settled quite a bit from the chaos of last night. Neither of them spoke to the other. "Good on ya', mate" Ron said, as Harry broke from him to find Ginny. He needed to settle this before the beginning of term.

Hermione walked to the great hall with Ginny, feeling the weight of Dumbledore's letter in her pocket. She worried over what it could mean. Did he mean to do what he had done before? Make her travel time to be in two different places at once? No, it couldn't be. Sighing, she turned the corner with Ginny beside her. When she looked up at Ron, her body tingled with the strangest sensation. She fought her hardest to ignore the feeling and approach him like nothing had happened. What if it had been a dream, after all? She didn't want to scare him away. Despite the fact, she smiled warmly at him. "Good morning..."

"Morning" Ron said, looking at his sister "Harry's looking for you" He said. Despite the frost in his voice he reached out to touch Hermione's shoulder, not sure if he should hug her or what. He let a smile crack his lips. Ginny nodded her head, solemnly.

"He will find me." She said, before heading off to find Alicia for a moment of normality before her world came crashing down upon her.

Hermione smiled when he touched her and she reached out to hug him closely. Ah, so it wasn't a dream. A man could actually find her tolerable enough to like and she liked him back. Sucking in a deep breath, complete with the smell of his uniform, woke her up, finally. "I was worried I had dreamed last night."

Luna sound her way to the great hall, twirling her necklace on her finger as she swung her other arm. She smiled as she passed Hermione and Ron hugging, and sat at the Ravenclaw table at the very end, starting to gather things for breakfast.

"Wait till' I tell you about what happened this morning" Ron said, holding her close to him. "I talked with Harry. Things could be settled soon" He hoped so, anyway. "I do have a question...what do we...you know, do now?"

Dumbledore had just dismissed a very excited Pavati Patty from his office after asking him if she would like to be a prefect along with Draco Malfoy. He wasn't sure how something so simple could make her so happy. He awaited the arrival of the next student to trickle in. He had also summoned the transfer students, who were more than likely lost or tired.

Hermione beamed up at him. "Well, I suppose we eat breakfast." Her eyes twinkled with the warmth of his arms. "A-are we... you know...?"

Seera grumbled. The grey skinned girl searched with her violet eyes for the office of the headmaster she was supposed to be meeting. Finally, she had found it. She opened the door with a rough pull, and walked in on heeled black boots to his desk. "You summoned me?"

"I don't know..." Ron couldn't help but laugh. Who knew this would ever happen between the pair of them? "The last girlfriend I had was Fluer's little sister and that only lasted about a day. And it's weird now since Fluer married my brother..." He rambled, nervous.

"Ah, good evening. Have you settled in alright?" Dumbledore asked. A young man stood in the corner. "I was only wondering if you needed someone to show you around. You seem like a very capable woman but it never hurts to have a bit of assistance, yes?" He paused, waiting for her reaction. So far two students had thrown a fit, claiming they didn't need any assistance, and one to accept it graciously.

"Can... Can we be?" Hermione asked before she was realized what she was doing. "Oh, Ron, just ask me to be your girlfriend already." She demanded, smiling even though she sounded like the demanding girl she once was.

"No." Seera replied. She didn't feel the need nor the want to explain herself to some man who could be her great grandfather. "I will be fine." She shook her long pale blue hair out, only to feel her bird skulls rattle against her skin. "Is there anything else?"

"Hermione, would you be my girlfriend" Ron asked her. Dean and Shamus simontanious spit their drinks across the table.

"Good on ya' Ron!" Shamus said, patting Ron on the shoulder "It's about time you pair got together. I think you own me ten bucks, Dean" Shamus said, turning to Dean.

Ron smacked Shamus on the shoulder "Shut up, would you?" He snapped, feeling embarrased.

"That will be all. Best of luck to you. If you have any questions feel free to ask any of the teachers or prefects." He said, as another student entered. This student was tall and had unruly blonde hair and shocking blue eyes. He looked tired and slightly confused.

Hermione smiled playfully at the two boys, and then touched Ron's shoulder to ease his embarrassment. "Yes, Ron. I will be your girlfriend." She let her hand slide down his arm till it met with his own. "Shall we all eat now? I'm starving."

Seera turned on her spiked heels and met face to face with the blonde boy. Her eyes searched him up and down - he seemed to be a transfer, but what was he? She'd heard that most of the transfers were something other than the silly witches and wizards they brought here. With her intense purple eyes gazing into his electric blue, she smiled and bowed her head slightly. Breaking the contact, she strode from the room swaying her hips.

"Long as these two shut up" Ron growled, but his hand tightened around Hermione's, feeling a shock of comfort. He picked up his fork with the other hand and busied himself with his food. He tried to keep the thoughts of Harry and Ginny's talk out of his head.

"Morning, Shamus" A red haired girl in griffandor robes said as she approached the group. She was in the same year as the lot of them, but had spent time out due to an injury. She had missed most of the last term. "Care if I join you?" She asked, her green eyes searching the group. She couldn't recall most of them, having not associated with them too much over the few years she had attended school.

"Lilly" Shamus said, shoving Dean off his chair. "Sure, take a sit would ya?" He turned to Hermione and Ron "This is Lilly, she's the one that fell off her broom last year" He said, as if everyone should know the incident he was referring to.

Rune couldn't help but smile "Like this place already" He said in his broken manor of talking. "Mornin' Headmaster" He greeted, stepping further into Dumbledore's office as the door closed behind him.

Having followed the rest of the students to the great hall, Rhiannon came into the great hall in a flush of swirling Ravenclaw robes. With a sigh, she searched for the people matching her colors, and her eyes landed on a white haired girl sitting by herself. She made her way over, and politely cleared her throat. "May I join you? I'm a transfer."

"Oh, that would be nice." Luna said, smiling. "I am Luna. Where did you transfer from?" She watched the girl sit across the table from her and tried to decide what she was.

Hermione widened her eyes at how Shamus acted toward the woman, and immediately began picking herself apart. She looked away from them and concentrated on the feeling of Ron next to her, finally, and began eating her breakfast.

Neville came to Dumbledore's office and didn't bother knocking. He had his clothes on straight, except for his tie, which was untied around his neck. He stepped into the room as Dumbledore finished his sentence to one of the new transfers. Waiting patiently, he thought about Ginny and how she had fared the night.

"I remember that" Ron said "Alicia was talking about it during practice one day. She kept telling Fred 'please don't let that happen to you' like some lovesick loony bird!" That was the only comment he made before returning to his food like a vacuum. "Don't understand what she sees in him, he's more likely to accidently blow her up than anyone I know" He added, snorting a laugh. He felt far more confident now that Hermione was officially 'his'.

"Alright then" Rune said, to the small man in charge of following him around or...whatever the headmaster said he was in charge of. "Good luck keeping up, friend" He added, and whisked past Neville and out into the hall. It took about five seconds for the guild to lose Rune in the dense crowds. Not that Rune bothered to notice, or even remember that someone was supposed to be following him.

"Good morning, Mr. Longbottom" Dumbledore greeted him with one of his smiles. "Did you settle in alright?"

Hermione laughed at Ron's joke about Fred blowing a girl up, but knew it to be all too true. She finished her plate of food and began to finish her juice, thinking idly to her classes what would happen over the year.

Seera was leaning against the handrail of a staircase watching the moving images in the picture frames. On the edges of her vision, flames would appear and she would see his face - buring, buring, gone. Ashes. All of it. Her violet eyes flicked back and forth between the frames as she watched the images speak and even laugh with each other. What was so funny?

"Best I could." Neville responded, wondering how much Dumbledore knew. All of it, he assumed. He wished the old man couldn't see through him like a pane of glass. "You summoned me? I doubt it was over how I settled."

Ron and Shamus got into a spat about why it took him so long to ask Hermione out, while Lilly seemed to ignore them and chew on her food absentmindedly. It felt strange to be back at Hogwarts after such a long absence. She could still feel the place in her shoulder that had cracked, which irritated her.

Rune noticed the girl leaning against the guardrail, vaugly remembering having contact with her only moments ago. "Could I ask you a question?" He said, pulling the crumpled map from his pocket "Where the bloody hell are we right now?" He asked, flipping the map over and over in his hand. "I'm looking for the cafeteria...hall. Can't seem to find it."

"The train ride must have been particularly stressful." Dumbledore spoke "Everyone I've spoken to this morning has seemed rather...frosty" He chuckled a bit. "Tell me, Neville, would you like to be a prefect? The Herbology Professor put in a good word for you when we were choosing candidates. I believe you are the kind of man who would do our school well in such a position. You would be working, hopefully, with your fellow student Hermione Granger. Though I've yet to hear from her."

Hermione listened idly, and noticed the irritated look on Lilly's face. "Is something bothering you, Lilly?"

When a voice cracked her gaze, Seera merely turned her head and looked at him. It took her a few moments to process what he was saying and let the fire inside of her die down. "Uh, I think it's down this corridor here." She shrugged. "I'm not sure. I haven't bothered to look. I probably wont bother to look for my classes either." She arranged her Slytherin tie better around her neck with a violent grunt.

Neville wondered what could possibly be keeping Hermione as she was usually so punctual. "That's odd. If I see her, I will remind her to visit you." He looked at the phoenix near Dumbledore and became lost in thought. "Oh, and yes. I suppose I'll take the job."

Lilly snapped to attention "Oh, no. Thank you for asking though" She smiled a brilliant smile at Hermione. "Old wounds, you know. Your Hermione, right? I hear you are very brilliant"

"People have to eat" Rune said "You have the same color tie as me, eh? I'm sure we will be seeing a lot of each other. I'm Rune, Rune Requist. Could I ask your name?" He offered his hand for her to shake. He smiled, still looking as he hadn't a clue as to what was going on. "S' good to meet you."

Dumbledore smiled "Please do that, then, Neville. Someone will contact you soon with a bit less vague directions." Dumbledore chuckled "I would offer you something to drink, but it seems my next appointment has arrived." He said, as the door opened and an air of cold floated through the room. A girl just an half-inch taller than the boy behind her swept into the room. Malfoy glanced at Neville for only a second before turning his gaze back to the headmaster for the second time this morning.

"As requested" He said, as Lilt made herself at home in one of the oversized chairs in Dumbledores office.

Hermione nodded. "I suppose. If you've spoken to Ron about me he probably told you how pushy I am as well." She laughed despite herself as she nudged him in the side with her elbow.

"I suppose that is true." Seera cocked her head at his hand, feeling her hair slide against her long, thin, backward curled horns. "I am called Seera." She smiled, allowing both of their intense eyes to meet once more. "I suppose we are in the same class. We can try to find the eating area together, if you wish."

Neville nodded to Dumbledore and turned to leave, but once he was in the shadows and sure Malfoy wasn't watching, he hid behind one of the large statues to listen to their conversation. He'd tell Hermione later.

"As I recall, he had nothing but good things to say about you" Lilly smiled a genuine smile "Though he threatened to kill anyone that told you. I suppose now is as good a time as any. I won't be on the team this year. I wonder who they replaced me with? I do miss quiditch terribly..." She trailed off for a moment. "I believe he acted a bit like a love sick loon before my accident last year, so I wouldn't be worried."

Ron's eyes widened "Hey! You listened into that conversation. Wasn't my fault!"

"Course'" Rune said, not bothered that she didn't shake his head "This way, then?" He asked her, turning in the direction she had noted a moment ago. "If you don't mind my asking, what type of demon are you?"

"Good evening" Dumbledore greeted. "I know I summoned you rather early, though you should be used to our schedule in a week or so. Are you adjusting well?" He asked Lilt, who was idly picking at her fingernails.

"Not in the slightest, you?" She said, absentmindedly. Dumbledore frowned slightly at her lack of attention. She turned to look him in the face "You shouldn't worry" She said "I haven't eaten anyone yet. That's good, right?" She smiled a toothy smile "Unless you count my charge, of course." Malfoy shifted uncomfortable as well as Dumbledore.

"Well that's...good to know..." He shook his head, figuring he had gotten into a deep pool without knowing how to swim.

Hermione beamed at him. "You said all of those things? That's wonderful, Ron." She smiled and as she turned, her arm hit her cloak pocket and the letter crushed. "Oh, I forgot! I need to go see Dumbledore... I'll find you later, okay?" She touched him on the arm and moved through the halls to Dumbledore's office.

Neville pressed his back against the wall. A vampire was in the school? And Dumbledore was letting all of them loose? AND she was feeding off of Malfoy? He silently moved through the rest of the hallway till he reached the door, and slid out silently.

Seera nodded and began moving down the staircase. "What type? Do you mean my power? I have mind control and a fire affinity." She searched him again, listening to the click of her boots ring off of the walls. "You're a wizard, yes?"

Luna and Rhiannon had talked enough together to form a small friendship, enough to exist on, at least, for a new student. Suddenly, Luna stood. "Let me introduce you to some of the others I know." When she was sure the other girl was following, she lead her over to Ron and the others. "'Ello. This is Rhiannon. Rhiannon, this is everyone."

The pretty redheaded girl smiled and waved shyly.

Ron was about to protest, but found himself unable to as Hermione dissapered. He couldn't keep the smile of pride off his face, even though he was a bit embarrassed. "Thanks a lot" He mumbled at Lilly, who just shrugged.

"She's pretty" Lilly half-scolded "You should treat her kindly" She winked at him. He frowned, not sure what she meant by that. She turned her attention to Luna as she came up and introduced the girl next to her. "Hello!" She greeted "I'm not sure I know either of you, but I'm Lilly."

Shamus piped up, as well as Dean and finally Ron added a gruff "Hi."

Harry and Ginny entered the hall together, feeling odd standing so close. They moved up to the group as Ginny took a seat between Lilly and Dean and Harry let himself fall beside Ron. "Luna" Ginny smiled, then turned to the other girl "My name is Ginny, Ginny Weasly. I'm Ron's sister, we also have two more brothers lurking round' here somewhere named Fred and Gorge. Don't accept anything they try and give you" She warned kind-heartedly "It's possibly combustible"

Dumbledore allowed Lilt to return to the dorms to sleep while Malfoy went off to join his lackeys. No doubt Pavati would have something to say about the both of them being prefects. Nothing of which he wanted to hear but it had to be better than trailing Lilt for the rest of the day. He would have enough of that tonight.

"Kinda'" Rune said "I just entered the school, I'm all self-study so I suck at most things. I'll get my ass kicked in everything I bet. Mum decided that this was the year I needed 'proper training' what with all the 'evil in the world' ya' know? What brings you here. S' gotta' be frustrating for someone like you to have to deal with all us humans" He laughed an easy laugh.

As Hermione turned the corner toward Dumbledore's office, she found herself running right into Neville. The two untangled themselves from each other as quickly as possible and gave each other strange glances. "What's wrong, Neville? Why were you running?"

"Dumbledore. The transfers we've all been worrying about? They're Vampires... and who knows what else. But, vampires Hermione." Neville watched as her eyes widened and her grip on herself became tighter. "Want to know the best part?" She looked sick enough that Neville thought she might throw up. "They're feeding off of Malfoy."

Rhiannon smiled at all of them. "Are they twins? They tried to sell me something earlier... I didn't buy it but they were very avid. I admire their skills." She looked at Luna, as if wondering if they were staying there or moving back to their post. She liked the airy girl and somewhat trusted her judgement on good people. These must have been, even though the boys seemed to be bickering.

Seera glanced at Rune. "I don't mind it much." She sucked in a breath. "Durmstrang, that's where I transferred from." She caught sight of the Great Hall's front doors and began to lead that way. "I had to transfer here after a fire burnt nearly the entire thing down."

"Have a seat, Luna" Harry said, scooting over so that Luna and Rhi would have somewhere to sit. It gave him an excuse to not sit too close to Ron. "My name is Harry, it's good to meet you" He offered a hand to Rhi "I believe I missed your introduction, you are?"

"Never heard of it" Rune said, with an easy shrug "It sucks that you had to leave you school though. Maybe you will like it here better?" He suggested, smiling.

Luna sat herself next to Harry, but not too close as she didn't want to invade his space. She left room open for Rhiannon, who sat next to her and closer as the red headed girl was so unsure of people. "This is Rhiannon." Luna said, watching the two of them shake hands. "She's a seventh year, but technically this is her first year of school."

"We can only hope." A sentence Seera truly meant. If she didn't like it, she'd burn it down on purpose.

"Best of luck to you, then" Harry said, offering Rhi a smile. He turned then to Lilly "Welcome back" He added. Ginny was chewing on a few more pieces of breakfast still feeling slightly awkward. Ron didn't ask questions, though he would talk with Harry about what happened later.

"Hey! This looks like it, I can smell food" Rune said, looking excited "Shall we?" He held the door open for Seera with another easy smile.

Draco Malfoy glared across the hall. "I don't suppose that's any of your concern" He growled at Neville and Hermione. He was returning to the dining hall when he crossed paths with the pair of them, now in a blood-free shirt. He crossed his arms across his chest and glared. The bandage on his neck was glaring proof of Neville's statement. 

Rhiannon smiled at Harry, but noticed his awkwardness so didn't speak further as she assumed it was about her. "The other students are acting like you have been gone longer than them, Lilly. Has something happened to you?"

Luna idly watched the exchange between Ron, Ginny and Harry. There must be something deep seeded going on here. She pulled in a sigh and grabbed a roll, chewing on it for something to do.

Seera smiled and slipped through the door. "I suppose this is it." She found an empty place at the Slytherin table and sat down, offering Rune a seat with her. "I didn't realize I was so hungry until we got here." She began loading her plate.

Hermione glanced at Malfoy with a frown. "We.... How do I explain this?" She paused her mouth while she turned to face him. "Malfoy... We're not talking about you because you're our enemy. We're talking about you because we're worried." Her large brown eyes prodded deep into his and then began searching his body for marks.

Neville nodded. "This is a serious problem, Malfoy. Something you could die from." He thought absentmindedly on what it felt like - having your blood sucked from you. He knew nothing about vampires except for the obvious sucking blood and garlic. "Can't you find a way out of it?"

Lilly perked up "Ah yes, I fell off my broom at the beginning of last term, how high was I guys?" She looked at Harry, Ron and Shamus "About 200 feet. Thought I was dead. The nurses could heal most of it. Though my shoulder still bothers me quite a bit. This is the first time I've been back in a term and a half"

Harry turned to his breakfast but picked at it. He was bored and anxious for the classes to start. "Oh, Ron. Congratulations on you and Hermione. Honestly, it's about time" Harry said, assured that he would get interesting reactions from the group. Shamus returned to teasing Ron about it and Harry winked at Luna. "S' about time" He added once more, for only her to hear.

"The food, I hear, is magnificent. I think if your plate is empty you can just wish something and it will fill itself. Quite entertaining if you ask me" Rune said, wishing for a cupcake. Nothing appeared on his plate "Perhaps not..." He turned to bacon and eggs instead.

Malfoy made a face "I don't need anyone to Worry about me " He snapped, indignant. "It doesn't hurt" He lied, absentmindedly touching the mark on his neck. "In any case, it's my obligation. Something you two wouldn't understand. And I suggest you not go spreading this around to your 'friends' lest I send the Vampires after you" He threatened, voice hollow.

"Oh, that's terrible." Rhiannon said. "I, um, might... Never mind." She caught herself before she could say - She could heal her. Possibly even one hundred percent. It was, after all, her "power". As a fairy, she could do many things, but healing was the only one she could do well. The only thing she couldn't heal so far was death.

Luna smiled warmly at Harry. "About time for what, Harry?" She wondered at him in a low whisper. She twisted the necklace she had made around her finger as she chewed thoughtfully on the roll.

Seera nodded. "I've heard it is quite good as well. At least, that's what everyone who came here for the tri-wizard tournament said." She shrugged, grabbing a few pieces of bacon and helping herself to scrambled eggs and toast,. "Let's test it..." She took a bite and then smiled. "Yes, it is very good."

Neville rolled his eyes. "You wouldn't. I know you wouldn't." He began herding Hermione away from Malfoy. "That's your prerogative, Malfoy. I wont be surprised when they inform us that you've died for unknown reasons." He ushered Hermione away and escorted her to Dumbledore's office. "Stay away from him alone, you hear? I will have nothing bad happen to the people I care about." Without another word, Neville turned and moved through the hallway the way they had come.

Hermione found herself standing in the place Neville had left her with a surprised look on her face. When had he become so grown up? So much of a man? She watched the swirl of his cloak as he began to move down the stairs. Unfortunately for herself, she found herself unwilling to do anything against what Neville had said. He was so sure and to the point. Blinking to remember herself, Hermione entered Dumbledore's office.

"It's alright" Lilly said "I'm happy to be back here with my friends. I can meet new and interesting people and cheer on my quiditch teams and meet new and interesting people like yourself"

"About time they stopped bickering" Harry joked, chuckling. "Maybe things can return to...semi-normal for the time being" He noticed her necklace but wasn't sure how to compliment her on it.

"It's food so..." Rune dug into his plate. Despite being a ravenous boy, he ate rather properly. "Why didn't you come for the tri-wizard tournament?" He asked her, all innocents.

"Ah, miss Granger. I've been expecting you." Dumbledore greeted her "I've been told, by the paintings, that there has been an interesting development between you and mr Weasly. I must extend my congratulations." He chuckled, clearly teasing.

Rhiannon frowned at her clear lack of confidence. "I can probably heal the pain." She said, though very low, almost as if she didn't want the girl to hear it.

"It is. It will be nice to have them be loving for a while, although I will go ahead and assume that we will all get tired of their snogging." Luna gave him a smile that clearly touched her eyes. She was still talking low enough only for him to hear. "Now when will you find normalcy, Harry? You've been very high strung."

"I wasn't invited." Seera said, shrugging. "Only a few students were chosen to go and I wasn't one of them." She remembered exactly why she wasn't chosen. "I assume it was all fun and glory, of course."

Hermione twisted her lips, unhappy at being teased. "Why have you summoned me?" She asked, her mind on other things. She clearly wanted out of the office quickly.

Neville entered the great hall and found his group of friends assembled and then his eyes fell on Harry and Ginny sitting across from each other. His stomach bubbled with unease. What had last night been? Was she going back to Potter? Burning inside with the new wash of information from Malfoy, Dumbledore, Ginny and everyone, he stood there watching them, lost in his own thought.

Lilly leaned in closer, straining to hear over Ron yelling at Shamus "What's that?" She asked, smiling "I'm sorry, the boys are very loud!" She leaned in close to Rhi across the table.

"Perhaps never, Luna" Harry said, though he seemed to be only joking. "Actually, I'm feeling a bit better myself. I was actually thinking of organizing a trip to Hogsmede for old times sake. It's been to long since the lot of us have been able to just hang out. What do you think?" His smile was semi-peaceful.

"People killing eachother, yeah? You can see that on Tv" Rune said,attempting to make her feel better "If you stick around long enough they might hold another one anyway" He shrugged his broad shoulders.

"Ah, to give you the short version I've been assigning prefect duties to a select few. So far I've gotten Cho-chang for the Ravenclaw girls, Neville for the Gryffindor boys, Pavati Patty and Draco Malfoy to represent Slytherin house. I was hoping you would be interested in accepting a Prefect position. IT will come with added responsibilities but I have complete faith in your abilities." Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled.

"Neville!" Shamus greeted "Look, Lilly's back" He said, clearly infatuated. He patted the seat next to his other side. "Where have you been, anyway?" He inquired.


Rhiannon leaned closer as well, and breathed in the scent of the other girl. She allowed her eyes to meet Lilly's and then she said, a little louder, "I can probably heal that for you... It's my calling." She smiled.

"Perhaps you think too much on it, Harry." Luna said, smiling. "I would love to accompany you to Hogsmede, if you're inviting me."

"Of course, you can see it on TV. So why would I want to go see that anyway?" Seera smiled at him, enjoying the conversation.

"Ah, well, Yes. Yes of course." Hermione said. "What all does it require?"

Neville brought himself back to the real world. "Oh, hey guys. I am apparently the new Gryffindor prefect." He shrugged as he sat down next to Shamus.

Lilly contemplated that for all of a good point five seconds "Ya' know, that would be more than just a bit amazing" She smiled her brilliant smile "I'll make you something wonderful if you could do that for me" She couldn't help but wink at the smaller girl.

"Should I have any reason not to invite you?" Harry asked, eyeing her. He felt oddly free at that moment. "I think I quite miss the taste of butter beer, myself."

"Just little things. Keeping an eye on first years and representing your house. You can choose to stay in your dorm but you will have access to the prefect hall that is shared with the other prefects. When officials come from other schools I will have you meet with them and show them around. It's mostly keeping other students out of trouble." Dumbledore explained "You will get official instructions a little later on in case any of this confuses you."

Shamus blinked "Your yankin' our chain?" He said. Ron perked up, wondering if that was why Hermione was summoned to Dumbledores office herself. He wondered if she would wear herself out again like she did during their third year, though he supposed at least this year he could help her as best he could.

"Good on ya'" Ron said, reaching over to clasp Neville on the back. "Congrats, mate. I think you will make one hell of a prefect" He attempted to butter Neville up, in hopes he wouldn't get in too much trouble this year. Though he knew that was a long shot.

"Congratulations!" Ginny said, leaning past Lilly and Shamus to smile at Neville "You will do brilliantly!" Her comment was almost lost among the others happy congratulations. Harry, Dean, Shamus, Ron, Ginny along with the others at the table excitedly toasted Neville's success.

"Of course not, Harry. I just wasn't about to invite myself is all." Luna smiled at him, her grey eyes lighting to an almost blue. "When would you like to go?"

Hermione smiled. "Well, yes of course! This sounds incredible and something beyond what I would have imagined. Thank you, Dumbledore." She turned and bid him goodbye, taking to a run outside of his office to the Great Hall. She weaseled in beside Ron and beamed at him. "I'm a prefect!"

Neville smiled. "See? Told you. Hermione and I even get to move to the Prefect quarters if we want to." He winked at her, a simple friendly wink that meant nothing beyond a "good job!" He smiled at Ginny as well, glad to see her happy and not effected by Harry. "Thank you, Ginny." Although, he didn't thank anyone else.

"Later on" Harry said "I'm not sure exactly. Just figured it would be nice to enjoy a bit before we have to focus on school work. Also, you can consider yourself invited to anything we do. You are our friend after all, Luna." Harry turned to the group "What's say we sneak out of here and go to Hogsmede for one last butterbeer before term starts? we can toast Hermione and Neville there, welcome Lilly back and introduce Rhi to the group. We can take the secret tunnel on the Mauraders map" He smiled, feeling adventurous.

Ron glared at Neville for a second, though he knew better than to think Neville the type of person to steal his girlfriend "Does this mean I won't be seeing as much of you?" He asked curiously. He wanted to hug her but didn't want to subject either of them to Shamus's teasing.

Hermione grabbed Ron's hand and smiled. "Are you kidding me? I'm dragging you through everything with me. You can be my... my..." She thought for a minute and then just giggled. "Assistant?" She smiled brightly at him and then turned her attention to Harry. "Yes, that sounds wonderful. Why don't we all go?"

Luna stood and motioned for Rhiannon to follow. "Well, lets go then. Before anyone sees us." She began the walk to the hidden tunnel, knowing the others would follow.

"Don't you remember the chamber of secrets?" Ron muttered, whispering in her ear "I was the knight!" He gave her a smile "Not the 'assistant'."

The group followed them, seeming to walk in pairs. Shamus followed behind Lilly like a lost puppy, while Dean found something else to do. Ron lightly held Hermione's hand, enjoying the warmth it left in his palm while Harry trailed behind Luna and Rhi. Ginny brought up the back of the group, attempting to dig stray coins out of her robes since she knew Ron didn't have any.

Neville caught up with the group, walking with Ginny. He put his hand lightly on her hand, stopping her digging. "My treat." He said, smiling at her. "You need to learn what having yourself taken care of means."

Rhiannon left Luna's side to begin talking to Lilly. "Can you tell me what specifically hurts? I will create a potion for you to drink if you can give me the best details possible. I will even make it taste good." She touched her finger to her lips and smiled.

Luna smiled at Harry, slowing down to be instep with him. "It is nice to be back, and be surrounded by our friends, isn't it? It's even better to see love blooming." She pointed at Hermione and Ron, watching as the shorter girl got up on tip toes to kiss the boys cheek. "They are very cute aren't they."

Ginny couldn't help the blush that crept onto her face. "Thank you" She said, then after a slight pause "Are you excited to be a prefect?" She peered up into his eyes "It is a great honor, after all, that you were picked. Hermione too, you are both very wonderful people"

Lilly smirked "Well, let's see. It's mostly my shoulder" She pointed to her shoulder-blade on the left side. "They SAY the break has healed properly, but I have difficulties controlling my broom and lifting my arm too far above my head. I was a bit of trouble in the hospital so I think they just wanted to get rid of me" She chuckled, a bell like sound.

"It's odd" Harry said, smiling himself "It seems this was inevitable, but I still almost never thought Ron would get over his stubbornness long enough to let it happen." He reminded himself to ask Hermione why she was so pale when she entered the great hall. He could almost see the thought rolling around in her head, and wondered what might have upset her. "Mrs. Weasly will be thrilled when she hears about it. What about you, Luna? Is love blooming in your heart as well?"


"You're welcome." Neville said, wanting to wrap his arm around the smaller girls shoulders, but refusing to make a fool of himself. "I am surprised, honestly. It seemed like Harry would get it." He shrugged. "I think Hermione and I will make a great team, though."

Rhiannon listened intently, making notes in her head. "I have all of the things I need in my trunk. When we return, I will make you a potion and it should heal everything the way it should be." She began digging around in her robes and pulled a small corked vial out of her pocket. "Take a drink of this, it will ease the pain for now." A smile was present on her face as she looked at the other woman.

"I never thought it would happen either." Luna said, and when Harry mentioned love blooming in her heart she missed a step. "I wouldn't call it love, Harry. Not yet." She smiled warmly at him, and continued walking.

Ginny almost frowned at the mention of Harry. "I hear Draco Malfoy was picked as well, I overhead the Slytherin girls talking about it in the restroom." She couldn't help but frown at the thought of Draco "If you do decide to stay in the dorms with him, please be careful, alright?" She thought of the scars on his arms, tempted to touch them again. The way they were rough and raised and felt slightly electric.

"I'll get to work on a thank you present, then" Lilly said, drowning the drink she was offered "IF I could get back on my broom, you will have made me the happiest witch alive." She held her right arm up and flexed it playfully. "I would owe you my life, and surely my sanity!"

Harry smirked "We are getting older, I suppose. It seems now that people are pairing up to be married, engaged and the like. Cho told me just the other day that her and Dean were becoming quite serious. May whomever you like return your feelings tenfold" He said, almost ritualistically as if casting a spell in hopes that it would come true. 

Neville couldn't resist this time; he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. He leaned his head in close to her ear, brushing the long strands of molten hair back with his free hand. "I will be safe, I promise." He idly thought about whether or not she was scared and what she was scared for. His thoughts then twisted into wondering whether or not he could release her of the fears or make her feel safe. He cursed himself for allowing himself to begin following for Harry's girl.

Rhiannon smiled and watched the girl move her arm. "Does it help already?" The girl was pretty, that was sure, but her smile lit up her face even more. Rhiannon tried to keep herself from being enthralled by her light.

Luna smirked, but it was very small and would go unnoticed. "May they do just that, Harry." The shorter girl looked up at Harry and allowed their eyes to meet. "What about you, Harry? Leaving the past in the past, who would you set your heart after?"

Ginny couldn't help but chuckle "Are you sure your feeling alright? You have been acting slightly strange lately" She reached up and placing a hand upon his forehead. She hoped, with whatever she could muster, that Harry didn't notice. Then her eyes fell upon her brother, who still had an arm around Hermione but was taking a moment to glare at her. Blushing furiously she lightly pulled away from Neville but kept her hand on his forehead for a moment longer.

"No" She chuckled "I'm just in a particularly good mood" Lilly said, listing to the clack of shoes against the stone passage way. They could see the light beaming from the basement of Hogsemede as they neared the doorway.

"If I had to think about it..." Harry paused "I always did have an affinity for PRofessor Mgonagal." He waited for her reaction, then couldn't hold in his laugh. "The past, for now, unfortunately is still very present in my mind. Until a time comes when it isn't I think I might just focus on keeping out of trouble if I can manage it." He resisted the urge to seek Ginny out with his eyes. She had said herself that it was 'no longer her call.' Did that mean he couldn't even worry about her, not even as friends?

Neville glanced up at Ron and frowned. "I'll leave you alone, Ginny. I didn't mean to make you feel awkward." He moved away from her slightly, but didn't exactly leave either. He shoved his hands in his pockets and continued walking with the rest of the group.

Rhiannon nodded, and looked forward. She felt out of place but not unwanted. It was a strange feeling. She climbed with the rest of them through the hatch door and into Hogsmede.

Luna twisted her lips. "Whatever you say, Harry Potter." She climbed up the ladder after Rhiannon and lead the group down to the small pub. Entering, she ordered her drink and then went to sit in the back corner of the room.

"My brother is being over-protective" Ginny said, catching his robes when she thought Neville would leave her. "Come sit with me?" She motioned towards a table off to the left as they ordered drinks.

"Why don't we sit with your friend?" Lilly said, noting Luna in the corner. "I'll buy the cakes!" She ordered a plateful of pumpkin pastries and dragged them over to where Luna was sitting. Shamus followed behind her, keeping quiet for once. "Do you mind if we sit? I have cake?" She asked Luna, with a smile.

"Oh yes, that would be nice." Luna offered, sitting up a little straighter. "That is nice of you to share your cakes, Lilly. Thank you." She took a drink and thought about the awkwardness between everyone, hoping it would die down soon. "I hope you are faring well, Lilly, after your accident."

"Feeling much better now, thank you" She said, holding out a little plate for Luna to place a cake upon. Shamus took a seat next to Luna and busied himself by trying not to look like he was invading their space. "Are you alright?" Lilly added, noting that she looked slightly down. "It is not my place to pry, considering I have just met you myself but...I would still offer my listening ear if you would like"

Ginny elbowed Ron in the side when she thought no one would notice "Cut it out" She whispered. "Everything between Harry and I is settled now" The pair leaned in close to one another while they spoke, waiting on their drinks. Ginny hoped Neville would wait for her while she settled her issue with her elder brother.

"Cut it out?" Ron whisper-roared. "How am I supposed to 'cut it out?' I don't want you getting hurt again, is all. Or hurt more, I should say" The woman at the bar watched the pari curiously for a moment. They looked too-alike in that second, both with stubborn, flaring tempers.

"I won't. You have a girlfriend now, keep watch on her. Don't worry yourself with me" She paused long enough to warn him with her eyes. "Or else" She added. "Things are alright now" She promptly turned away from him. Ron rolled his eyes dramatically.

Neville had his glass in his hand, and he found himself a table away from everyone else. His mind was racing. What about Malfoy and living in the Prefect dorms with him? What about Hermione being up there? While he felt no romantic pull for her, she was still his friend and he would protect her. And Ginny, what would she do?

"Oh, just a little tired is all." Luna semi-lied. She was still tired, but that surely wasn't her problem. Luna watched Shamus and laughed. "I can scoot over if you need more room."

Rhiannon took one of the cakes and ate it silently, watching how everyone reacted with their friends. She was surprised to know that Luna and Lilly were new to each other as well. She scooted over to give everyone more room.

Ginny and Ron joined Neville at his table although she seemed irritated about it. At least a spark of irritation lit her eyes, making her seem much more normal than she had. "Neville" Ron greeted, still glaring in the direction of his sister. She took her seat and thanked him for the drink once more.

"I'm alright" Shamus said, eyeing the girls "Feeling a lil' bit outnumbered is all" He said, smiling at Luna. He didn't know her very well and was one of the rare people who hadn't ever heard the rumors of her being a bit unstable.

Lilly seemed lost in her pastry, eyes dreamily gazing at the frosting "I haven't had one of these in too long" She drooled. She figured that for now she wouldn't try and pry into Luna's business. "I feel better now" She added, turning to Rhi "Thank you kindly"

"Ron." Neville said, feeling a rush of awkwardness wash over him. "So how did it happen, Ron? You and Hermione." He wanted to ease Ron's thoughts, and he figured bringing his new girlfriend into it might help. "Have to say, I've been waiting to see this for a while."

Luna laughed and smiled. "We wont bite you much," she said in her airy voice, eyeing him. She liked to have people smile at her. It made her feel like the sun was shining.

Rhiannon nodded. "Oh, it was no problem. I suppose I should have warned you that you'd be a bit... happy... with the drink."

Ron's eyes lit up, though he did his best to look embarrassed "Accident" He said. "We were talking about other things by the lake" His eyes, for a brief second, glanced at Ginny who stood up and left the table silently. "And I just ended up confessing everything. It was odd. I think she transfixed me!" He joked, laughing.

"I'd rather you not bite at all, lass" Shamus said, leaning back away from her before rocking back into his original position.

Lilly shook her head "I'm always happy" She winked once more "Going to go get more pastries, one second." She stood up and headed back to the bar where Ginny was leaning. "Something a-matter, love?" she asked her.

Neville clinked his glass with Ron's. "Accident or no, congratulations, friend." He leaned back in his chair, keeping his drink on his waist, both hands held around it. "It makes you happy, yeah? She's a good girl. You two deserve each other." Neville watched Ginny leave but didn't let his eyes linger as to not upset Ron.

Luna made a biting motion toward him jokingly. She grinned at him and took another drink, noticing she was about finished with hers. "You don't like a little play biting, hmm?"

"I'm almost afraid she's too good for me. But don't ever tell her that. Looks like everyone's gathering over there" By 'everyone' Ron meant Hermione but didn't mention it directly. "Good luck with prefect duties" He added, heading off to join the increasingly small table.

"No thanks" Shamus said, noting her drink "You want another?" He asked her like a gentleman might. "I'll pay"

Harry dragged two seats over to the table, one for himself and one for Hermione and placed them near the edge. He glanced once more at Ginny, unable to help himself before turning his look to Hermione and remembering what she had said. Some things weren't meant to be. Ron joined the group, crowding them together and grabbing a pastry. He waited for the others to join so they could toast.

Luna smiled at Shamus, enjoying his attention, even if it was mindless. "That would be very nice, Shamus, thank you." She watched him as he got up to get another drink.

Hermione settled in between Harry and Ron, shoulder to shoulder. She figured Harry might feel better, but knew Ron didn't. She grabbed his hand and rubbed it rhythmically, creating a warm sensation on his hand.

Lilly dragged Ginny over, setting trays of food down and greeting them with a chirping 'Happy Birthday' for no particular reason. Giggling, she took a seat beside Rhi while Ginny had her inevitable struggle over where she wanted to sit. Eventually she dragged a table up next to her brother.

Shamus brought Luna a drink back as well as one for himself and lifted his cup "Here's to Neville and Hermione, because having Prefect friends means never getting into trouble"

Harry added "Because it's about time" He clinked his glass to Shamus's.

 "Because Neville's, well, Neville and Hermione's my girlfriend!" Ron stated proudly, enjoying the feeling of her hand in his.

Ginny added her cup to the mix "They both deserve it" She glanced at Neville and smiled warmly.

"I have no idea why" Lilly said, sloshing her cup as she tapped it against the others. Giggling giddily as the medicine coursed through her system.

Luna smiled at Shamus and thanked him happily for the drink. "Thank you," she said, low enough for only him to hear. "Here's to deserving things." She put her cup in.

Rhiannon added, "Deserving things and meeting new people." She put her cup in as well, smiling happily.

Neville finally joined the group and put his cup in. "Here's to the new year."

"To the new year" Most of them repeated, laughing. Harry felt the awkward air dissaper as they settled into each others presence. "The new year and good things to come" He mumbled to himself.

Shamus sat his drink down, laughing from the sloshing of butter-beer all over the table. "Not a problem" He whispered to Luna, absently placing an arm behind her chair.

With everyone laughing and feeling at ease, it was easy for Hermione to sneak a kiss onto Ron's temple, enjoying the warming feeling he brought into her. It pumped from her hand through her blood and into her heart - electrifying her entire body. She sighed an felt happy, finally.

Luna leaned back in her chair, laughing, twirling her homemade necklace aroun her finger again. She glanced at Shamus, wondering why he was flirting with her but she wasn't about to turn it away. It was the first time she had been flirted with in a long time.

Ron couldn't help but smile as Hermione kissed him. He idly thought of kissing her when no one was around. Ginny was grinning at him happily. He wrapped his arm around Hermione as the day passed by with ease.

---

Hermione stretched and stiffled a yawn. "I think I've sat in this same chair for too long, guys." She stood and arranged her robes, taking her chair back to the other table. "Ron, would you like to go on a walk with me?" She smiled at him.

Luna had to agree. "Same as well," She stood, gathering empty glasses and taking them to the bar. She turned then and went back to the table. "Lilly, thank you for all of the cakes and butter-beer. It was very nice of you." She smiled at Shamus and then began to leave the pub.

Ron jumped at the opportunity to leave the suddenly stuffy bar. He still had thoughts of Kissing her. Though he wasn't sure if that was such a good idea at the moment.

Shamus glanced at Lilly who seemed pre-occupied with nibbling on Cauldron cakes. He decided to Follow Luna. Harry watched him go, wondering what his sudden interest was in her. He bid goodbye to Ron and Hermione and decided to leave the pub by himself.

Ginny turned to Lilly "Thank you very much" She said, though Lilly was standing to leave she decided to sit for a little bit longer, though her drink was now empty. She was too exhausted, mentally, to make the long treck back to the castle alone.

"Anytime, darling" Lilly said, turning to Rhi "How would you like to head back to the castle with me? Keep my loopy self out of trouble, yeah?" She smiled.

Hermione wrapped her arm around Ron's and left the bar, steering him away from the underground walkway that would take them back to the castle. "I don't really want to go back there either. I like the crisp night air." She moved to the edge of the forest and laid in the grass. "Ah, much better."

Luna was surprised to be followed by Shamus. "Well, hello Shamus." She continued walking, twirling the necklace still. She moved her long white hair behind her shoulders and walked in step with him. "Did you have a good time?"

Neville came closer to Ginny. "Your brother has left; care to be around me now?" He asked, the joke still lingering on his lips. "I can walk you back to the castle if you like."

Rhiannon stood and smiled. "Sure. You can come with me and we can make that potion, if you want? It wont hurt if you're still doped up." She cocked her head at the taller girl, waiting for an answer.

"Are you nervous about your duties as Prefect?" Ron asked, lying down in the grass beside her. He breathed in the night air and stared at the winking stars, beckoning them.

"I did. S' been a while since I've seen anyone but Dean. Even though it was a lil' awkward for reasons I don't care about. How about yourself?" Shamus crossed his hands behind his head.

"I don't care what Ron has to say" Ginny noted "He's being immature, as usual" She kept her seat, contemplating. "I'm not ready to go back to the castle just yet." She said, not offering an explanation simply because she didn't have one.

"I'm up for anything!" Lilly exclaimed, unnaturally excited. "C'mon, c'mon"

"Sort of. It seems like Dumbledore wants Neville and I to move into the Prefect dorms, but I'm not sure if I want to. What do you think?" She twisted to have her head on his stomach, using him as a pillow.

"It was nice. Everyone is being a little awkward but I am sure that will all go away soon. It was nice to have you there." Luna smiled at him, following the pathway. "It's been a long time since we were all together."

Neville sat promptly on the stool next to her. "Then I will stay here with you and walk you back when you're ready. How does that sound?" He smiled at her, the lights catching his eyes.

Rhiannon stood and followed Lilly out of the pub and back up to the castle. Once inside, she lead the way to the Ravenclaw dorms and to her small area in the dorms. To her happiness, there was no one in the room, so she lit the lamps and settled on her bed. "You can sit up here, with me. I'll start making the potion." She pulled out a box from under her bed and opened it. Inside it held many vials of substances that most people wouldn't be able to identify. She began mixing them into a bigger vial. "Nervous?"

"I won't get to see you as often" Ron mused. "Though this is an important opportunity for you. Wait..." He paused, suddenly feeling irritated "Is Malfoy The slytherin prefect? If so then no, no way will I let you be around him unprotected. He's made you cry too many times." He clenched his fists. Even beneth his irritation he loved the slight pressure of her head against him.

"Yeah and this year we won't be doing classes by house, huh? Quiditch practice takes up most of my schedule." He said, taking long, slow strides so that Luna could keep up. "You should come watch sometime, yeah?" He asked, looking at her out of the corner of his eyes.

"Unless Ron remembers he left me here, comes storming in like a lunatic and drags me away I think it sounds fabulous" Ginny chuckled, only because that was honestly something she could see him doing. "Unless you would like to return? I won't keep you" She smiled, attempting once more to not be an inconvenience.

"Not much you could do but kill me" Lilly said, remembering the promise she had made to Ginny. "In about an hour or so I'll have to split, alright?" She asked. Her boarderline American accent was evident as she laid back upon the bed. "What are you making?" She inquired, though only mildly interested (she knew better than to think she would ever understand potions.)

Harry turned the corner. He was headed to nowhere in particular but realized that he was making his way towards the Slytherin dorms. He turned down a particularly dark corner to find his way elsewhere. He knew, if needed, he could check the Maurader's map that lay heavy in his pocket if he got lost. His shoes made a rhythmic noise as he walked upon the stone flooring. It wasn't until he ran straight into something that he realized he was walking in darkness that was near-blinding. 'Lumos' he muttered, forced to take a few steps back. In the reflection of his wandlight he could see Draco Malfoy watching him, his neck a slick and open wound. His eyes were wide and startled, but he was alone.

"Draco?" Harry muttered, a bit taken aback. He could see the blood trailing down Draco's neck and staining the collar of his shirt. "What..." He wasn't sure what to say. Pulling a loose piece of fabric out of his cloak he offered it to his once-enemy-now-mild-annoyance. Draco, in a moment of confusion and weakness accepted the cloth and pressed it hard against his neck. 

"Oh, that's right... Malfoy." Hermione dragged in a sigh, though the thump of his heart beat in his stomach calmed her. "I suppose you're right. It's better to stay in the dorms around other people rather than them, especially after..." She shot straight up. "Oh! Ron!" She turned and scrambled unto her knees, coming closer to him. "I nearly forgot!" In the excitement, she had to catch her breath. "Neville found out.... Malfoy is allowing a vampire to feed off of him!"

"I should come watch your practices? Really?" Luna was surprised, even moreso than in the pub. "Well... of course. I would love to come watch. I wouldn't be any sort of inconvenience would I?" She saw the opening at the end of the tunnel, and crawled through, into the castle. She waited for Shamus, and then began to walk the hallways mindlessly. "I have to admit, I don't really know much about you."

"Alright. I should be... ah! It's finished." Rhiannon scooped everything up and put it back into its specific place. Powders that looked like sparkles, tea leaves, etc, all went back into their own homes. She pushed the box back under her bed and swirled the potion. "This may hurt a little. I can hold your hand, if you like. Just a warning... It is going to re-correct your bones and make them so they don't hurt anymore. The drink I gave you earlier should help with the pain." The redheaded fairy held out the vial with a simple smile on her face.

Ron jumped up himself, eyes wide "WHAT???" He yellped, half standing! "Your joking?" He asked, half-hoping she was joking and half wishing those blood suckers bled him dry. "Is that even legal?" He exclaimed, forgetting that it was night and that he should keep his voice down.

"It won't be an inconvenience, your Harry and Ron's friend, and Lilly's too I s'pose. We'd love to have you. A lot of the Griffandor's come watch practices, the only Ravenclaw we've ever had watch was Cho-Chang when her and Harry were talkin'. Haven't seen her round' in a while, come to think of it." He paused for a second "I don't know much about you either, but it's just quiditch practice. I see no harm in that."

Lilly couldn't bring herself to frown, still high on medication "Alright" She said, gripping the bottle and taking a swift chug.

Harry stared at Draco as he anxiously looked around, searching for movement in the darkness. "You need go get out of here, Potter" He snapped "Now!" He added, half pushing Harry towards the light at the end of the hallway. He pushed Harry with one hand and kept the other tight against his still bleeding wound, feeling suddenly lightheaded. He could hear her Don't be scared, Draco. She whispered, somewhere far off inside his head. "Shut up!" He roared. Harry jerked around, confused.

"I didn't say anything" He said, but he knew the look on Malfoy's face. It was the one he had evertime he heard Voldemort.

Hermione clasped her hands over Ron's mouth. "Shhhh." When she was sure he was going to stop yelling, she removed her hands and settled back down in the grass. "It doesn't matter if it's legal they're still doing it. So, it's probably an even better idea if I don't go to the Prefect dorms. Neville saw her, I didn't. Malfoy was with her when Dumbledore asked her how she was faring." Sucking in a breath, she covered her hands. "You know Harry is going to happen to find them and get us all in trouble, right?"

Luna laughed, her airy voice carrying though the hallway. She sat in one of the window sills in the hallway, watching him. "I meant for you to tell me more about yourself. Not why it mattered if I went to your practice." She arranged her hair around her and kicked her legs out, getting comfortable.

Rhiannon watched Lilly intently, making sure the potion worked the way it should. It cracked her bones but reset them correctly, and the wound was quickly healed and the pain, so Rhiannon assumed, was beginning to fade. It took all of five minutes. From inside her cloak, Rhi produced another vial, of shimmery thick liquid, which she pinched and rubbed on Lilly's shoulder. It would relax the muscles and allow her to relax. "Wasn't so bad, hmm? If it starts hurting again, which it shouldn't, just find me and I'll rub more of this ointment on."

Ron took in the information for a moment, slumping to the ground. "Yeah" He said "What would our year at Hogwarts be if he didn't?" He attempted to joke. "Dumbledore...he was ok with it? How? Why? And now your defiantly not going to the Prefect dorm" His face went stern, protective. "We should find him before they do, don't you think?"

Shamus contemplated "I'm a nobody. Member of Dumbledore's army, just like you. Irish bred. I'm the fire boy. Whenever you need something blown up, I'm the one you go to. Not much about me is particularly interestin', how about yourself?"

"I think I just died and came back" Lilly said, remembering the almost insufferable pain she had suffered only moments ago. "How long till' I can tell if it worked properly?" She asked, feeling warmth where Rhi's hand touched her shoulder blade.

"Tell me something, Neville" Ginny asked. She didn't have a drink to focus her eyes upon so she imagined shapes in the scratches of the oak bar instead. "Why do you hang out with me?" She asked bluntly. She wasn't sure what she wanted his answer to be, but she needed to know, rather desperately in that moment.

Draco watched the colors fade from the world, head hot. He gripped the back of Harry's shirt tightly, stumbling forward. He hadn't the strength to shove Harry anymore, and instead began to fade from consciousness. The voice that was asking 'Malfoy? Malfoy, are you...' was becoming far-of and distant like a train leaving the station. Unable to help it, Malfoy lost his grip on Harry's shirt and fell to the ground.

Hermione sighed. "I am not sure if he was okay with it or not. To get better details, we'll have to talk to Neville." She stood and pulled Ron into her, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Yes. Suppose we should find Harry... But if we do, you owe me a nice romantic night out under the stars."

Luna shrugged. "No one as well as everyone is concerned." She didn't offer up any information, not wanting to make herself "Loony Luna" again, although she was sure it was inevitable. "Hey... Did you hear that?" She turned, listening for the echo again but it was gone.

Rhiannon apologized sincerely, rubbing more of the ointment in. "I am sorry that it hurt, but your arm should be perfectly healed now. Let me see..." She touched Lilly's arm softly, pulling it out and lifting it up above her head. "Aside from the dull pain, now, does it still hurt to lift your arm above your head?" She allowed the other girls arm down, but didn't remove her hands.

Neville frowned. "Ginny, does everything have to be so dark and demented?" He shook his head and took the very last drink from his mug. "I hang out with you because I want to, Ginny. I enjoy your company." His fingers found their way to the swirling scars up his arms.

"Anything" Ron said, tilting her head up to look him in the eye. He loved the way her eyes resembled chocolates, dark and deep and thoughtful. rested a hand upon her waist and leaned down, savoring the way her lips felt on his. He kissed her lightly, tenderly with a touch of velvet sweetness before pulling his mouth from hers. "Where should we look?" He asked her, his breath a bit strained.

"What was it?" Shamus asked, glancing around. He pulled his wand out just in case. It made him look both tough and paranoid all at the same time.

Lilly thought on it for a moment. "No, actually" She said, blinking from shock. She began raising her arm up and down. This excitement lasted a few moments longer before she turned and, without thinking about it, threw herself onto Rhi in a hug. "I'm going to try and ride my broom tomorrow!" She exclaimed, still holding Rhi tightly "I'll make you shomething wonderful for this! You will see!!"

Ginny glanced at the scars. She wanted to ask him another question, but didn't "It's getting late" She said "We could talk in the commons?" She suggested, noticing that a few seedy looking people were entering the bar.

Harry stared down at the unconscious Malfoy, unsure of what to do.

Hermione kept her eyes closed for a few moments, savoring their first kiss. She opened her eyes only when she could force herself, and took in his fair skin and red hair. She twisted her hand into the back of his hair and kissed him again for a moment before sucking in a breath. "I am unsure. Somewhere Malfoy would be."

Luna jumped out of the window sill and pulled her wand out as well. "I don't know but it came from that way." She pointed up the stairs, toward the Slytherin corridor.

Rhiannon was caught by surprise as she was hugged, but she hugged the girl back. The way the girl smelled caught Rhiannon's nose like a fire, but she pulled away slowly. "I am glad I could help you." She said, and then frowned. "You had something to do, didn't you?"

Neville sighed. "Nothing to say to my answer, hmm? Alright, then, let's go." He waited for her to come near him and then herded her out of the room, watching the darker men to make sure they wouldn't touch her. He helped her down into the tunnel and then began the walk. "Tell me what is on your mind."

"The dungeons?" Ron guessed, licking his bottom lip. Damn Harry...interrupting this. He would owe Ron loads when they found him. He took her hand in his, wishing for a few more heartbeats. Instead he turned towards the castle and began the walk.

Shamus blinked "Let's find it, then?" He said, and as Luna took off he followed her, unsure of what they were looking for.

Lilly's eyes widened. "Ah, crap." She jumped up. "I'll find you tomorrow?" She said, before grabbing Rhi in one last hug "I'll owe you forever for this!" She added, practically dancing towards the doorway.

"The only thing I can think to say is thank you, in response, I mean. Your friendship means a lot to me. I don't want to lose it because I'm being silly." Ginny said, holding her hand against the wall to keep her balance in the semi-darkness.

Harry was attempting to sit Malfoy up, holding his still-bleeding would, wishing he had been paying attention during the 'basic healing spells' lesson Ron and him had slept through. "C'mon, Malfoy! Wake up would you?" He shook the blonde lightly, but got no response. 

Hermione allowed herself to be led by Ron, though she kept close with them. When they reached the castle, she searched through the students to see if she could find any of their friends, despite knowing that she probably wouldn't. She followed Ron down the flights of stairs and through the corridors, looking for Harry.

Luna moved through the quiet halls with little more than her silent footsteps for a sound. She checked corners before she walked around them and searched the shadows as they passed. She felt silly for being so paranoid but who could ever - "Harry!" She rushed toward Harry, who was holding a bleeding Malfoy up. "What is going on?"

Rhiannon smiled and watched Lilly leave. Once she was gone, Rhiannon covered a yawn with her hand and decided it was probably time to rest. She changed her clothes, did her nightly cleansing, tooth and hair brushing, and curled into her bed.

"You're not being silly." Neville said, lighting the way with his wand. "A lot of things happened over the summer to be sad about."

"Did you hear that?" Ron asked, straining his ears "I think it was Luna?" He said, turning to glance at Hermione. "She was yelling" He turned and broke into a steady run, knowing nothing good would come out of this.

"What the bloody hell" Shamus asked, looking at the both of them.

Lilly danced through the corridors, feeling better then she had in a half a year now. She looked for a girl who looked strikingly like Ron.

"To the lot of us, it would seem" Ginny said. She caught Neville by the robe sleeve, feeling comforted by his presence.

Hermione's ears caught what Ron's did, and she nodded. Following him she listened for more sounds that could have come from Luna or anyone else. When they came into the corridor, they stopped with a squeak of shoes. "What is going on here!?" She took in the sight of Harry, Malfoy, Luna and Shamus.

Neville put his arm around Ginny again, keeping her close. "You don't seem to believe me when I say that I wont let anything bad happen to you." He stopped her and turned her to face him, looking her in the eyes. "Not even Harry, do you understand?"

"No clue" Shamus said "He's bleeding..." With his eyes rolling into the back of his head, Shamus passed out on the other side of the corridor.

"Just what we needed" Harry muttered "Hermione, do you know how to stop the bleeding?" He asked, showing her his blood soaked hand. She was crouched down beside Malfoy and moved over to let Hermione see the brunt of the wound. It seemed as if she had torn a large chunk of his flesh off, exposing the muscle and bone underneath.

"The Vampire?" Ron guessed, making sure to keep out of the way. He had slept through healing class, too. Malfoy groggily muttered for Harry to get off him but could only manage semi-coherent words.

Ginny was taken aback by Neville's sudden forcefulness, the deep pool of his gaze, the way he seemed to hover nearly a food above her. "I trust you" She managed, thought at that moment trust wasn't what she was feeling. What was she supposed to do now? It was his move to make, it seemed.

Hermione didn't even glance at Shamus, but she rushed to Malfoy. "I... I do not. I may be able to stop the bleeding for a few minutes but I would not be able to heal him enough to help him live. We need to take him to the hospital wing." She quickly remembered the spell and cast it on Malfoy, watching his blood stop pouring. The wound looked even worse now, as if it were going to pop. "Well, what are you waiting for?"

Luna moved back as Hermione worked her skills, and wished she knew something more about healing. She listened intently for any sounds around them.

Neville had Ginny nearly against the wall, his hands on said wall with his arms enclosing her. He closed his eyes and counted to ten. "I am not going to force you to do anything, Ginny, obviously." He removed his hands from the sides of the wall and laid against the other side of the tunnel. "I'm sorry if I scared you. I have a lot on my mind as well." A lot on his mind is right, he thought, rolling his eyes at himself. Kissing Ginny shouldn't be up there.

Harry grabbed Draco's legs while Ron grabbed his head "Get his wand, Luna" Harry added as it fell from his robe pocket. They grunted with every other step, not bothering with Shamus. They didn't have time to worry about him just yet. "He's heavier than I expected" Harry joked as they rounded the corner closer to the hospital wing. Ron just frowned.

"Why are we doing this?" Ron asked, continuing his struggle. "Isn't he our enemy?" He thought about dropping Malfoy on his head, but couldn't bring himself to actually do it.

"It's alright" Ginny said, her voice shaking. What was she to do now. She wanted to tell him, to show him it would be ok. But she couldn't. She clenched her fists. "You could never scare me" She finally spoke "I always feel safest when I'm with you"

Luna grabbed his want and followed behind the group, watching as the blood already on Malfoy's neck splattered on the floor like a trail.

Hermione followed as well, worrying over the boys and mostly the scent of blood filling the air. If there was one Vampire in the school, there could be more and it was possible that they didn't have someone to feed on.

Slowly this time, Neville came close to Ginny. He put his right hand on the wall, while his left pulled the long red hairs out of her face and tucked them behind her ear. With his finger he drew along her jawline and pulled up, ducking his head down to meet her lips.

"Grab something" Harry said "I can't hold him much longer" they rounded the corner into the hospital wing where the tired nurses noticed them. The blood splattering to the floor caught their attention and they jumped up at once, exclaiming loudly 'what happened here?' They pulled a bed over so that Harry and Ron could set MAlfoy down and rushed him off behind a curtain. Harry shook out his limbs and attempted to get the blood of his hand. "You alright, Hermione?" He asked, noticing her pale expression. Ron watched the curtian close around Malfoy, wondering. It must have been the Vampires. Where were they now?

"Did you see what happened?" He asked Harry, not taking his eyes off the hospital curtain that had been drawn. Harry simply shook his head no.

Lilly located Shamus on the floor, drawn by the copper smell. "Hey?" She inquired, struggling to wake him. "Are you alright?" she asked. He nodded, telling her where the others had gone. "Would you like me to walk with you to the dorms?" She offered, but Shamus was already on his way. She blinked a few times before turning and taking off towards the infirmary, wondering what could have happened.

At first, Ginny twitched away from him. She took a moment to gather up her courage and strength, the attributes that led her to Griffandor house in the first place before leaning forward to meet Neville's lips more forcefully. Her back ground against the jagged cobblestone as she kissed him, feeling a fire light her body. She knew that this was wrong. But at that moment, nothing mattered. Her hands scrapped against the stone as she tried to keep her balance. He was a bit taller than her, even while trying to keep at her level so she stayed on her tip-toes. Warmth washed through her, lit her veins, as Neville's wand faded to black and left the pair in an endless darkness.

Hermione nodded, swallowing her worries. "I was just concerned about... Where the others were." She mentioned, only she said it so easily that they nurses would have taken it for worrying about their friends. She sucked in a breath and held it. They were really in danger.

Luna stood close to the group, frowning. She was twisting the necklace again, her eyes following the nurses as they moved.

Neville hugged Ginny close to him, strengthening his kiss. The power was wonderful, lighting the fire in his body that he had been waiting for it seemed like his entire life. Slowly, he pulled away and leaned against the opposite wall. "I'm sorry."

"Let's keep watch then, Ron." Harry suggested, moving towards the doors. He wasn't sure about helping Draco but if there were Vampires stirring somewhere in the castle they needed to be keeping an eye out. "Will they be drawn to the smell?" He asked Hermione, wondering why he didn't remember much about Vampires from Defense against the dark arts.

Ginny slid down the wall onto the cold stone ground, head swimming. She buried her face in her hands, unsure of what to say or do. She wanted to say it was alright but she was more than a bit confused at that moment. "Please don't apologize" She mumbled finally.

Hermione wrapped her arms around herself, a shiver running over her body. Goosebumps rose over every part of her body, the hair on the back of her neck rising. "Yes. Yes they are." She looked up at the two boys with wide eyes.

Neville slid down the wall as well, returning his hands to his head. "I didn't mean to confuse you anymore."

Ron rubbed Hermione's arm lightly "It's alright" He said. "Keep an eye on Malfoy, yeah? We will watch the door" He placed a light, warm kiss on her cheek and followed Harry out into the hallway. He could see the shadows moving at the end of the hall.

"Looks like we have company" Harry mumbled, watching the shadows draw closer.

"Good evening, Harry Potter" A sickly sweet voice cooed. "How are you this fine evening?" A figure stepped out of the darkness she had created. She was a dark and beautiful woman with long flowing dark hair and deep tinted eyes.

"It's alright" Ginny said. She could hear footsteps down the hallway. "Neville..." She mumbled, listening. "Do you hear that?" The sound moved closer and closer.

"Ginny!" Lilly said, sliding to a stop. "We have a problem" She was breathless and her chest was heaving "We have a bit of a problem....something about...your friend being attacked and Vampires and...." She heaved again "Holy crap I'm tired"

Hermione nodded, watching Ron move into the hallway. She couldn't make her sick feeling disappear despite Ron's warm kiss. She turned back to the bed and watched the nurses work.

Neville stood as Lilly came into the tunnel. "What's going on?" As she heaved and tried to catch her breath, he pulled Ginny up. "Come on." He grabbed both of their hands and began running.

Harry sighed. Even the enemies knew his name. "Have we met?" He asked the vampire, attempting to remain calm. His hand clenched around the wand in his pocket nervously. He hoped Ron didn't make the wrong move.

Ginny and Lilly kept up with Neville as best they could, feet pounding against the floors. "What's going on?" Ginny asked Neville, as if he knew. Lilly didn't seem to have all the information.

Nearing the hospital wing, Neville slowed himself and the girls to a tiptoed walk, searching out the danger. When he heard the voices of Harry and someone unknown, he paused and held his hands out to the girls.

"Not necessarily" The Vampire said, circling Harry. The bat wings on her dress brushed against his legs. "But you are quite interesting, Harry Potter." She said, inhaling his blood scent. Ron watched, half-horrified-half-confused. Would she bite him? Could his magic work on a Vampire?

"Look at them..." Ginny said, seeing the glowing red eyes at the end of the hall. "What will we do?"

Hermione turned, not caring about Malfoy anymore, but more worried about her boyfriend and best friend. She refused to go nearer, she didn't want to be caught as well if it came down to who was going to help. Shuddering, she watched the vampire. Would they kill them here in the school? Would they lose to a vampire when they'd fought Voldemort so many times?

Luna gathered her self confidence and moved closer to Harry and Ron. "Hello, there." She said, her voice unshaking. Her misted eyes watched the vampire curiously, but without panic. "Odd time for you to show up, no? I have always wondered, can you see Thestrals?"

Nerville sucked in a breath. What the hell was Luna doing?

The Vampire paused. She smiled kindly, focused on something far away. "I'm not sure what you are referring to." She answered. Her voice was steady and calm. "I would like to ask you something, Harry Potter" She said. Stepping up close to Harry she held her hands out and held his face between her hands. Her bright red eyes searched the lightning scar on his forehead. "Are you afraid?" She asked, leaning forward to touch the tip of her tongue to the lightning bolt.

Ron's eyes widened in shock and horror. That Vampire...what...what was she doing? "Harry!" He hissed. Harry held a hand out to stop Ron from jumping forward. The Vampire traced the outline of his scar lightly.

Luna sucked in a deep breath and looked at Hermione. She waited to see if the other woman would do anything. When she didn't, Luna flicked her wand with a perfect "Lumos Solem!" A bright light flashed through the room and the hallway, exploding like sunlight.

The light lit the corridor and loud screeching could be heard from the Vampires lurking. The one who had touched Harry dissapered in her own shadow of darkness, winking at him just before she was consumed by light.

Harry sucked in a deep, deep breath. "Thanks, Luna" He said, voice shaking. "I wasn't sure what I was going to do there..." He dropped his wand, hand shaking too violently for him to hold it.

Lilly cautiously approached the group "Nice going, Luna! What were those things doing? Is everyone ok?"

Hermione rushed to Ron and Harry, grabbing them close. She was near to tears, she was so scared. She held them both to her tightly as she shook. "We-we have to go to Dumbledore."

Luna shrugged. "It was no matter, Harry. One who knows of vampires knows how to deal with them." She looked down at him. "You're alright, yes? You must not let them paralyze you like that."

Neville lead Ginny toward the group with wide eyes. "What.... What happened?"

"I was licked, apparently, by a Vampire" Harry said, voice flat and emotionless. "She was speaking to me..." he shook his head. Ron glanced at him over Hermione's blonde locks. "Thank you, Luna." He added. "We all need to remember that spell in case we run into them again." 

Lilly watched the group with wide eyes. "Wait, so which one of you was attacked? Shamus told me someone was dying!" She yelped, looking each one of them over. "Seems to me like your alright. A few of you more so, I suppose" She glanced in Ginny's direction. Ginny was trying very hard to be calm and collected.

"Dumbledore. Yeah..." Ron said. He glanced around nervously. "How many were there, you think? Well...I know the answer to that. Too many."

Luna pointed over her shoulder toward the hospital bed. The nurses had come to attention at the bright light, but took it as some sort of mishap and continued working on Malfoy. "Malfoy was the one nearly dead." She said.

Neville shook his head. He still hated the bastard. "Harry, if you need help to the dorms, Ron and I can surely support you on your way there."

Lilly nodded, though she wasn't sure who Malfoy was. "As long as you lot are ok" She said, figuring that her promise to Ginny would have to wait.

"It's alright, Neville" Harry said "I think Hermione is right. Talking to Dumbledore would be best. This has gotten incredibly dangerous." Ron nodded and looked down at Hermione.

"Are you alright?" He whispered, unsure.

"Yeah, I'm alright." Hermione gathered herself and nodded. "Right, let's go tell him then."

The group marched almost like a funeral procession towards dumbledore's office, an awkward air enveloping them. Lilly twitched her fingers anxiously while Harry was still stone-faced. When they arrived, Ron opened the door for the lot of them as they filed into the office. He hoped Hermione knew what to say. She ALWAYs knew what to say. He wasn't sure, aside to start screaming about why the bloody hell ANYONE would let a blood sucking monster into the castle. And that probably wouldn't help anything.

Dumbledore had a book in his hand, a nightcap on his head, and was sitting at his desk surrounded by floating candles with a beautiful golden glow. "Ah" He said, glancing up at them "Good evening students. I didn't expect you to be in my office so late at night this early" He joked.


Hermione sucked in a deep breath and thought about the issue. No beating around the bush, just dive right into it. "You have vampires in the castle, Dumbledore. They are dangerous. We happen to know this first hand now. All of us." She held out her hand to the assembly of scared teenagers.

Dumbledore kept the smile on his face. "Accidents will happen, miss Granger. This ideal is revolutionary, indeed. I didn't expect it to be all smooth sailing. You should return to your beds. And fret not, things are being taken care of." He seemed to dismiss them with a light wave of his hand.

Harry ground his teeth together. Unsure of what to say he turned to Hermione to see what she might add. "Those blood suckers ATE MALFOY" Ron yelped suddenly "What if it had been one of us? Or a first year?" Dumbledore shook his head.

"I assure you, Mr. Weasly, that things are being taken care of. I apologize that the Vampires may have scared the lot of you but I promise that things are alright" Dumbledore said.

"What kind of spell are you under?" Luna wondered aloud at Dumbledore as Neville walked forward to the head of the group by Hermione.

"Is this a joke? You're allowing the throats of your students to be torn out with a smile on your face? We're all going to become nocturnal, sleeping during the day when they do so we are not in danger in our sleep. Bloody Hell, Dumbledore. You are SMILING at a time like this?"

Shaking her head, Luna began herding them out of the room. "C'mon..." She grabbed Harry's and Hermione's hand - Hermione in turn grabbing Ron's - and she lead them outside. Once out of the room, she drew in a breath. "If there is anywhere we're safe on these grounds... It's..."

"Hagrid." Hermione said beginning to run through the halls to Hagrid's house.

"Hermione! Wait" Ron said, chasing after her. "Wait!"

"Luna" Harry muttered "Do you really think he may be enchanted?" He walked in pace with her, keeping his voice down. That Vampire had said something inside his head. Something that had turned his blood to ice. "Do you think the Vampires may be controlling him? Or worse...?" He left that question open ended. No doubt Luna would know who he spoke of.

Lilly touched Ginny's arm lightly "I'll see you tomorrow" She said before turning and dashing away from the group. Ginny wondered what kind of thing Lilly planned to show her.

Instead of questioning it, she turned to Neville. "Some night, huh?" She smiled lightly, attempting to joke.

Hermione turned and reached for Ron's hand. She stopped dead in her tracks and looked him straight in the eye. "If anything happens to you..." She sucked in a breath to keep the tears from welling in her eyes. "I've loved you for so long." She paused, and then, as if startled, she looked around the corridor with wide eyes. "C'mon!" She dashed out through the front hall, out the doors and down the slopes.

Luna shrugged. "It is possible, Harry. Strange things are always happening." She looked at him and searched his eyes. "We have to go to Hagrid's, Harry. He will know what to do." She touched his arm, nearly wanting to hold her hand for her own comfort, but didn't. "Let's go."

Neville looked at Ginny. "Every time something good happens to me, something bad happens as well." He half laughed, although it sounded almost hysterical. "I suppose we should follow the others. Or find other safety. I do not feel safe in this castle."

Ron followed Hermione. For whatever reason, he was almost calm. He felt as if his brain was behind a veil of silver. He couldn't even rationalize what Hermione had said. If this had been any other moment, his heart would have thundered happily out of his chest. What had just happened?

"Alright, come on. We need to catch up with Ron and Hermione." He said, beginning to run. They needed to reach the cabin so Hagrid could tell them what they needed to do.

"It's alright Neville" Ginny said "Let's follow the others"

When they reached Hagrid's cabin, Hermione began pounding on the door until he opened it. All of them were out of breath from running, and mostly hiding from any of the teachers. "Hagrid... There's... We...." She began, but couldn't find the words.

"Vampire's." Luna said, regaining her breath. "In the castle."
















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