A/N: New chapter up! Let me know what you think. I actually know where this fic is going this time ; )
My eyes darted left and right as I walked the beaten path towards the Forbidden Forrest. It was foolish to wander out here at night. Especially with the recent rumours running amok. As a precaution my fingers were wrapped tightly around my wand, ready should anything strike.
Hesitantly I leaned down, intent on procuring the ginger root needed for tomorrow's fifth year class. My trip out here only called for ingredients usually found on the outskirts of the forest. A fortunate thing too, for beasts have always been a fear of mine- none would be lurking this close to the castle.
Still though, a feeling I couldn't quite place dwelled deep within my stomach-a feeling of apprehension and perhaps dread.
All at once, the many noises of the forest ceased and silence abruptly fell. I quickly stood upright and brandished my wand in front of me. The absence of sound confirmed my suspicions- something was undoubtedly wrong.
My eyes sought out every crevice of the forest, reaching into the shadow's depths, yet my search yielded nothing.
An odor so unlike anything I'd smelt before pervaded the air. A stink of putrefaction.
It was then I felt a pair of skeletal hands grip my shoulders. The skin appeared stretched over the bone creating an almost translucent effect.
Slowly I turned around, a scathing comment on the tip of my tongue.
That remark slipped away as I looked at the man before me. He was elegantly dressed in a finely tailored suite and a silken necktie. As my eyes surveyed his figure, I noted his pinched features and aquiline nose.
"State your business." I said, still holding my wand out.
"I know your Dark Lord." The man said with his head titled to the side, a disturbing gleam present in his eyes.
Curious I thought…Voldemort was everyone's Dark Lord. How was this man exempt from his reign?
"The doesn't answer my question."
"He and I have been trying to make an accord."
"Kindly see me when I am not on Albus Dumbledore's grounds."
"I have been waiting for weeks. You seem to never leave that castle." He indicated towards the school with a nod of his head.
"What can I say," I replied, "I'm a busy man."
The man grinned and folded his arms against his chest.
At seeing him contemplate what to say next, I took advantage of the moment.
"The Dark Lord prefers requests to be direct. I am a middleman and therefore of no significance to you."
"You are mistaken my friend-"
I cut him off, "We aren't acquaintances, much less friends. You haven't even told me your name."
"Right" He said silkily before continuing, "I am need of a favour-one the Dark Lord has rejected to fulfill."
"It would be wise to heed his wishes."
"But you see" he brought his hand up to his chin, "it is absolutely essential this favour be granted."
"I have no intentions of helping you. Now, if you'll excuse me-"
I made haste to step around him but he slid to the left and blocked my leaving.
"Not so fast." Every syllable was clearly enunciated.
I took my wand and place it directly in-between the man's eyes. I only obeyed two people and this man was neither Albus Dumbledore nor the Dark Lord.
"I suggest you step aside" I growled, leaning in close.
His eyes narrowed and then flashed, taking on a violet hue.
The tables turned and I found myself on the ground with the man, who I still could not attach a name to, towering above me.
"Why you-" I shouted
"No, no, no" He waggled his finger as I tried to get up.
He acted like a child, like this was a game.
And as he stood over me, the shadows cast him in a frightening light. His cheeks looked sunken and his eyes sickly. The skin appeared ruddy as if the blood in his veins remained stagnant for too long.
A horrible thought dawned on me.
"You're not human." I managed to get out despite my increasing fear.
"Depends on how you look at it." He responded with an irritating grin that did not bode well for my safety.