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Dumbledore's Army

Chapter 9

Restless Night

It was on a bitter cold October night that Draco Malfoy, unable to sleep, had found himself wandering the grounds of Hogsmead aimlessly. The chilly breeze on his face was welcomed. Nightmares had been plaguing him now for weeks. The crisp autumn frost cooled his body after waking up in a panicked sweat. And so it was that he had found himself pondering around the edge of the lake. It was a much needed tranquillity from the hustle and bustle of Hogwarts life. He picked up a small pebble and tossed it into the lake feebly.

"You shouldn't do that you know?" A familiar voice rang out from behind him. Draco yelped and spun on his heel quickly. Stood before him, looking almost ethereal in the moonlight, was Luna Lovegood, the resident nut case. "You might disturb the lake dwellers. They come out at night you know. You might have hit one on the head..."

Angered by his sudden jolt of fear, Draco spat, "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be hanging around Potter?"

A blissful smile crossed her lips. She moved towards to agitated Slytherin. Draco's response was to shuffle away from her. He didn't want to catch anything! Luna moved to stand by the side of the lake and gaze at the moon's reflection in the water. She made no movements, rather, she stood still, almost serenely Draco noted. Her peacefulness calmed him somewhat. Of course he would never admit it, but er presence was soothing. Draco furrowed his brow. He remained a good distance away from Luna, but had no intention of goading her. It involved effort.

Luna turned to him, "I don't suppose you've seen a scruffy looking dog have you?"

Perplexed, Draco scowled, "Why would I tell you even if I had?"

"Well, I've been following him around Hogwarts for a while now", the young witch began. "I think he might secretly be host to the spirit of a deceased wizard and it is imperative that I talk to him...And if he isn't, then I might make a new friend..." Draco looked at her blankly. Luna waited patiently, expecting an answer to drift her way at some point. "Take your time, I'm in no hurry. If it's meant to be I'm sure I'll cross him again."

Draco was lost for words. Tonight he lacked that Slytherin gumption that usually kept his viscous words flowing in situations like these. He was tired and uneasy. All he could be bothered to say was, "Whatever". He turned to walk off. What was wrong with him? Usually he would have whipped up a verbal frenzy of insults, but today he didn't even care. Luna watched him walk away. Shrugging she surveyed her surroundings slightly disappointed.

"You might not want to walk back that way..." Luna chimed disinterestedly. "I'm pretty sure I saw Dumbledore and Snape walking about with a few of those Aurors. They'd probably want to know why the son of a leading Death Eater is walking about in the middle of the night on his own."

Draco stopped dead. "Hanging out with Potter made you brave didn't it?" He sneered.

Luna jumped off the rock she had been perched on. "I don't know... I don't feel any different... Do you feel different?"

Draco wasn't sure what she was hinting at but before he had any time to respond they were both flung together by some invisible force. Draco flew through the air, as did Luna. They collided and landed in a pile on the icy crisp ground. They both clambered off each other and withdrew their wands defensively. At first their wands were pointed at each other, but soon it became apparent they were not alone. All at once the cracking of brittle twigs and the crunching of leaves seemed to be nearing. With a suspicious hesitation of one another, the pair turned to face the source of the sound. Much to their astonishment, Dumbledore's face was the first to be illuminated in the bright moonlight. He held his finger to his lips hushing them. They both shared an uncertain glance, but obeyed the silent order. Behind Albus followed Lupin, Snape and McGonagall. They appeared to be headed in the direction of Hagrid's Hut. For some reason, none of the other Professors even acknowledged Luna and Draco. They walked past without even a hint of awareness of their presence. Following them was a trio of Aurors. They too appeared oblivious to the pair.

Once the group was a safe distance away, Luna and Draco shared a bemused look. Draco was the first to speak. "I take it you're going to follow them so you can get in Potter's good books?"

Luna looked to Draco un-phased, "I might do, I haven't decided yet".

"Well if you think I'm going to let you follow them and run off to Potter you can think again! I'm sick of you lot playing heroes!"

Luna put her wand away, " Oh! Well it would be nice to have some company..."

Draco scowled but before he could reply Luna ad already begun to wander off after their Professors. The Slytherin sighed and paused for a moment. If he didn't go now, she'd tell Potter that he was too scared and he would never live it down.

- - - Hogsmead - - -

It was a relatively busy night in Hogsmead. The locals were happily drinking in the Three Broomsticks, some had stumbled out of the Hogs Head, it was almost as if there was no war taking place. Hermione shook her head dismayed. There were ripe for any vampire attack. Some were so inebriated they probably wouldn't even notice if they were bitten. Wrapping herself tighter in her cardigan Hermione plodded on. That day had seen nothing but rain, and it looked as though it would soon return.

"Ehh! Watch out Missy!" Cried a drunken older gentleman as he stumbled about, flailing his arms like an octopus' tentacles. Hermione rolled her eyes. At the door of the Three Broomsticks his friends stood and laughed. "We're celebrating!" The old man explained before he continued his wandering. Hermione wondered what it was they could be celebrating? The whole of Hogsmead seemed alive. Now was no time to ask. In fact, if truth be told, the slayer was a little intimidated by the drunken residents. It was for this reason that she turned to walk through the back alleys and passages. In many ways, Hermione rather hoped she would run into Jasper. For the past few nights she had kept her eye out for him.

"HELP!" Screamed a young woman from an alleyway nearby. Hermione darted off in the direction of the trouble. Upon arriving at the scene, the slayer gasped. Surrounding a young witch were five vampires. Now she really wished Jasper would show up. Betraying no sign of weakness, Hermione walked towards the group.

"Five against one doesn't really seem fair..." She declared causing the vampires to turn and regard their newest victim. They were newly risen vampires. Clumsy and blood thirsty. The girl, who Hermione recognised as being a local shop keepers assistant had already been bitten. The wound however did not look too deep, or even fatal at this stage. Maybe the new vampires were unsure of how to feed? They clearly had no clue who she was. They snarled at her.

The young witch cried and tried to stand. She withdrew her wand and screamed "Lumos Solem!" A beam of light as bright as the sun lit up the alleyway. The vampires squealed with fear and cowered. Hermione shielded her eyes and waited for the light to fade. She, unlike the vampires, knew that they would not be harmed by the spell. Taking advantage of their momentary daze, Hermione drove her stake through the heart of two. Before the others had even realised they were unharmed Hermione had already managed the wound one with a kick to the stomach which had sent him flying against a wall, and throw another into a large bin. She was on form tonight. The vampire who so far had escaped harm ran at her. Although Hermione managed to dodge his rampage, she felt his long sharp thick nails scratch her stomach. They slayer doubled over in pain. As she did she felt the elbow of one of the vampires bear down on her back. She fell to the floor on her knees. There was no sign of the girl, but Hermione had learned something from her. Magic may not work on vampires, but it could work with her. Hermione half clambered and half jumped on to her feet. Spinningquickly she withdrew her wand. With a stake in one hand and a wand in her other, she absorbed the scene before her. All three Vampires were surrounding her. Without a moments hesitation the slayer shouted "Ventus". Although originally expecting a gust of wind to push the vampires back, the result was a deep boom and a wave of sound blasting them back. Perplexed, and a little upset, Hermione launched herself at them. Her anger at herself became a flurry of arms and legs as she exchanged blows with the vampires. If Nigel had been watching he would have felt proud. His slayer ducked, jumped, punched, kicked, spun, flipped and propelled herself off various objects. The fight was long, but it was nearing its end. Having driven her stake through a vampire who had been flipped over Hermione's shoulder and on to the floor, and dusted one who had been temporarily distracted by the scent of Hermione's blood on her clothes, Hermione found herself facing the last of her foes.

Wearily, the vampire circled the slayer. He bared his teeth and ducked low to the ground. He managed to find a broken brush handle and picked it up. Hermione was uneasy for a moment. This was the first time in face to face combat that she had dealt with an enemy brandishing a weapon. Calmly she waited for him to attack. She had learnt that they always made that mistake. He did as she expected and drew nearer to her. Hermione stood her ground. As the vampire raised the wooden pole to hit her, the slayer prepared herself. She waited for the pole to begin descending. When it did, she let her instincts take over. Those few split seconds felt like a minute, but Hermione raised her hand to grab the pole. Although uncertain if she would succeed, the slayer had managed to catch the pole. Without a moment of hesitation she spun underneath the pole, still clutching it. This enabled her to snatch it from the vampire and swing the pole low before bringing it up to collide with his chin. As he stumbled backwards Hermione plunged the snapped end into his chest.

Hermione threw the pole down and looked about the alley way. The girl had gone, most likely apparated. Well hopefully... Hermione's mind wandered back to her stomach. The scratches weren't too deep but they did need healing. If she were an advanced healer like Madame Pomphrey or Snape, she would perform a 'Vulnera Sanentur' spell, but it was not worth the risk. If the spell went wrong (which it most likely would if cast by a witch who only knows the basics of healing), then Hermione could bleed herself dry!

The cuts were stinging more than painful, but it was enough to cause her discomfort when moving. Sighing, she began to hobble away down the alleyway. Just as she was close to the entrance she heard a deep snarl behind her. Before she could even turn to face her foe Hermione felt a powerful hand clasp her neck from behind and pull her backwards.

- - - Boy's Dormitory - - -

The Gryffindor boys had been finding it increasingly more difficult to sleep in recent nights. Initially it had been due to the excitement of being back together again, then it developed in to late night discussions about what the future might hold, and now sadly, it had ended up in worry filled nights. Harry sat on his window sill looking blankly at the Marauders Map. It had become a recent habit of his. He wasn't sure what he was looking for, but low and behold, every night before bed, he would keep a sharp eye on it. So far, nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. So while Dean and Ron were exchanging 'knock knock' jokes, it came as some surprise to see that the Weasley twins were snooping about in Snape's office.

"Hey Ron!" Harry started. Ron looked up curiously. "Don't suppose you have any idea why Fred and George would be in Snape's office?"

Ron shrugged, "No idea mate. They're probably up to no good though."

"When are they ever?" Seamus smirked. For a second the students settled down, and then it dawned on them. Fred and George were no longer students. Even though they shouldn't be in Snape's office anyway, something about this incident seemed more odd than usual.

"Reckon we should go see what they're up to?" Ron asked, slightly uneasily.

Harry groaned, "I think we might have to", he explained. "That new Professor Nigel is about to walk in on them"

- - - Girls Dormitory - - -

Ginny sighed restlessly as Lavender squealed and shrieked with delight. Boy talk was usually something Ginny enjoyed. On this occasion however, Ginny found the subject of the conversation some what awkward.

"I swear, his red hair is soooo sexy. I just want to run my hands through it and tug on it", Lavender described animatedly.

Ginny squirmed and rolled over trying to block out the conversation.

- - - Hagrid's Hut - - -

Draco had regretted ever speaking to this quack of a girl! Their journey had only been a few minutes long however the young Slytherin had quickly tired of Luna's aimless bantering. He didn't even know what a Nargul was, let alone have any, or dealt them on the black market. It took all his strength to hold his tongue. The only reason he had come along anyway was so that she didn't go running back to the Dream Team and tell them how much of a whimp he was. He groaned as his foot caught in a raised branch and he tripped once more. Luna smiled vaguely amused as Draco stammered about on the floor.

"You're not very graceful are you?" She questioned serenely. Draco regained his footing and looked up at her. Through the trees, splattered moonlight feel on her face. It scared Draco how calm and serene she looked, as if she were made out of ice. Her pale skin was glowing in the shimmering light and her almost silver hair shone an icy blue. For a moment Draco was with out words. He feel a soothing wave wash over him. "If you keep your mouth open like that Wurzel Snatchers might fly in your mouth and steal your voice." The wave crashed. Grumbling, he composed himself and pushed past her.

"I don't even know why we are bothering to follow that old loon!" He spat venomously. "Lets face it. He's probably just going where ever he's going in search of Chocolate Frogs..."

Luna's smile widened, "Oh I do hope so. I love Chocolate Frogs!" Draco didn't even have time to be dismayed. He 'shushed' her as the came to the edge of the forest path. The Professors along with the Auror's were making their way through a clearing. This was usually the way you would take to Hagrid's Hut, or possibly the path to the Front gate and then in to Hogsmead. The two students frowned, waiting for their chance to follow without being heard. Just as they were about to step out three beams of light raced out from the bushes targeting the Aurors. They fell to the ground in an instant.

Draco felt fear flood him, he turned to Luna with fear etched into every pore. Luna only patted his hand lightly, her eyes were wide with alarm. Instead of reacting, both students noticed how the teachers remained calm and collected. They did not draw their wands, nor did they utter any spell. Rather they waited.

Soon, from the bushes emerged Hagrid, Flitwick and Professor Sprout. They moved to meet their colleagues and proceeded to discuss something very animatedly, while looking at the bodies on the ground. After some deliberation it seemed, Sprout, Flitwick and Hagrid levitated the bodies and walked off towards the castle.

Luna and Draco shared a look of utter bewilderment. Had they really just witnessed Hogwarts Professors attacking Aurors? Before either had time to speak Lupin, Snape, McGonagall and Dumbledore scurried away towards the Whomping Willow.

"Hogsmead!" Both students uttered together. Draco, who was a little disgruntled by this, clambered out from behind the tree. He took a brave step in the direction that his Professors had gone. Luna was close behind him. "Are you going to follow them?" She asked half dazed.

Draco turned sharply to look at her. "Why, are you?" He sneered.

Luna nodded and skipped off towards the tree. "Of course. It's a sign after all." Draco let out an angry moan and took his frustration out on a nearby log. In the process of kicking it however, he managed to do more damage to himself than the log. Clutching his foot he glared at the retreating Ravenclaw. Should he follow her? Or should he leave it be?

- - - Hogsmead Alley - - -

Hermione squealed and squirmed as the hand around her neck tightened. She felt heavy cold breath fall slowly upon her neck. She froze. The slayer couldn't move. Hermione felt as though her whole body was cold and dead inside. Her legs were close to giving way. Whomever it was who had hold of her was no ordinary vampire. If it even was a vampire. Hermione didn't have much time to think whatever it was. The creature didn't seem to be in any hurry however. She felt pressure against her wound which was still painful in its own right. The slayer clenched and caught a glimpse of a human like hand holding her stomach. It was as if what ever it was, was enjoying the agonising moments before it decided to strike. Suddenly, a strange sensation snapped the slayer back to her senses. She felt the ends of someone's hair tickle her neck as the creature drew it's mouth closer to her jugular. The hair dancing about on her neck and shoulders sent shivers down her spine, as if warming her body once again. With all the effort she could muster Hermione slammed her head back in to the creatures. A deep menacing snarl erupted from the belly of the beast. Before Hermione even had chance to react, whether it be run away or turn to face her foe, she was dealt a blow to the back of her head, sending her in to a temporary daze. As she stumbled about the alley, trying to make sense of her surroundings, she felt the evilness which had filled the air dissipate. Unable to completely make out her surroundings, the slayer felt sure enough that the beast had gone to let herself calm down and relax a little. Sighing she slid down a wall and clutched her stomach.

"Are you okay?" Came a familiar warm voice. The corners of Hermione's lips turned. Jasper. She was safe now. He wrapped an arm around her back and with her other helped support her as he lifted her to her feet. "You'll be fine in a few moments. Just breath and rest a little". Hermione did just that. She fell into his arms and let him envelope her. She felt safe and warm again. The smell of Jasper's musky deep scent was alluring. Perhaps too much so.

"What was that thing?" He heard her whimper in to his chest. Jasper sighed and stroked her hair.

"It was something very evil, very dark and very old. But it's gone now. You'll be okay. You have me now."

Hermione closed her eyes relieved. For a moment there she thought she would lose her life. Angry and upset, and in pain, Hermione pushed herself away from Jaspers chest. "What happened? Where did it go?"

Jasper looked deep in to Hermione's eyes. For a moment she forgot herself. Heat prickled her cheeks. The cool air made her feel even hotter. His gaze was intense, as if he was searching her. For what she did not know. "I chased him away. He isn't gone forever though. He'll be back soon. You should probably head back to Hogwarts." Without even waiting for her reply, Jasper tugged on her arm and lead her out of the alley way. The slayer wouldn't have minded a few extra minutes just being close to him, but he seemed intent on dragging her as far out of Hogsmead as possible.

"Where are we going?" Hermione spluttered between trying to catch her breath. Jasper seemed to ignore her as he desperately guided her down the main street. His mind seemed set on her leaving as soon as possible. He led her to the main road back to Hogwarts, a road Hermione had hoped to avoid. It was crawling with Aurors, which only spelt trouble for the young Witch, who was not supposed to be beyond Hogwarts grounds. Before they parted Jasper pulled the slayer off the road to one side.

"Listen to me now. It's best if you stay away from here for a few nights. Just until things have died down. He'll be after you now. He has your scent. You'll be safe in Hogwarts. Once you've gone past those Aurors he won't be able to touch you."

Hermione frowned, "So much for breath and rest. Why are you suddenly so worried?" She questioned, a little unnerved by his sudden concern.

Jasper held the tops of her arms tightly. Hermione searched his face for any hint as to what was bothering him so much. " I know what creatures like him are like. You need to get back to Hogwarts as soon as possible. Promise me you'll go straight back? I can't go any further with you." Jasper's eyes were pleading with her. Slightly put out and confused, Hermione nodded.

"Although I'm not taking that road. It's more hassle than it's worth. If those Aurors catch me I'll be in a whole world of trouble."

Jasper seemed to be growing more and more agitated. "Fine", he mumbled some what resigned. "How were you planning on getting back?"

Hermione smiled at him playfully while brushing a stray piece of hair off her face. "I have my ways", she teased. Jasper looked distinctly unimpressed. 'Tut-ing' at him, Hermione answered, "I was going to take the Whomping Willow if you must know. It leads to the Shrieking Shack in Hogsmead you see..."

Jasped nodded and looked up and down the road. He seemed anxious and uneasy. Hermione bravely laid a comforting hand on his. It was warm and sticky. Frowning, the slayer looked to her hand which had recoiled away from Jasper's. It was covered in blood. Perplexed she looked to him for answers.

He regarded her face for a moment, studying her intensely, then he glanced at her hand briefly. "It's yours. It must have been when I picked you up." The slayer paused for a moment before accepting his reply, even if it was hesitantly. "Right are we going to get you to this Shrieking Shack then?"


Thank you for reading. Please take some time to review.

Miri