I know I seem to be saying this every chapter now but sorry for the delay, I can only hope this chapter's size makes up for it. I aim to update at least once a month but life never seems to cooperate. As always thanks for the review Paxloria it's always nice to see encouragement. On that note, come on people! I've seen the traffic stats, can you please review? I don't mind criticism either as long as it's constructive.
A belated happy new year and whoopee this story's been running for more than a year (counting the predecessor too) and is now more than 100,000 words
"How did he get in?" asked Luka wearily.
"We don't know, we've only just finished the search of the castle. All the students are sleeping in the Great Hall," replied Professor Lupin uneasily, he hated having to lie. Hopefully Luka was still getting used to her new olfactory sense and he wouldn't have to come clean.
"Are there any duties for me to perform or can I go to bed?"
Professor Lupin was about to answer when a reply was made for him.
"I doubt that Reginold. The headmaster was most displeased when his messages went unanswered," sneered Professor Snape as he descended the stairs, "I wouldn't be surprised if you have to patrol the grounds until dawn,"
"Oh put a sock in it Severus I was busy. Now where is the old codger?" retorted Luka irritably.
Ignoring the shocked looks from the two wizards the nephilim trudged up the stairs, if they weren't going to help she would simply have to find him herself. It was already four o'clock so even if she had to patrol it wouldn't be too long until dawn but she still didn't want to run the risk of waking up in the hospital wing because she fell asleep under the Whomping Willow. Several stair cases later Luka found herself in the headmaster's office in front of a sorely disappointed Professor Dumbledore. To her fatigued brain the lecture sounded thus;
"I know you have your duties... disappointed... shocked to find that he had entered the castle... grounds searched... security will have to be increased. Are you listening?"
Luka nodded as she tried to focus her eyes so that she wasn't seeing double.
"Very well then, I will see you in the staff meeting later this morning,"
Nodding once again Luka wearily staggered back to her quarters. Finally some kip.
XXX
"-uka...Luka,"
Luka snapped to consciousness. Someone was shaking her, unthinkingly she did exactly what anyone would do if they were rudely awakened after less than four hours sleep; attack. Luka shot forwards towards the target automatically. As she felt the collision she drew her sword, once on the ground with the would-be assailant pinned she finally bothered to open her eyes.
"Oh,"
Sprawled on the ground with her blade at his throat lay a very worried looking Professor Lupin. Blinking twice Luka pulled back to sit on his chest with her sword in her lap.
"What are you doing Remus?"
Squinting in confusion at being blamed for his current position the professor pushed himself up onto his elbows. As he was about to impart his witty retort he realised exactly what position he was in and a slight blush rose to his cheeks.
"Don't you feel the cold?" asked the werewolf.
Luka's brain slowly whirred into action, looking down she realised that she was in her short tweetie pie nightdress. Ah well, she had been semi-conscious when she had dragged it out of her chest of drawers.
"No not really, I was asleep," she replied honestly before removing herself from the professor's person, "so why did you wake me?"
"The staff meeting is in half an hour. The headmaster wants to completely re-evaluate the school's security," replied Professor Lupin as he straightened himself from his prone position.
"Yeah I remember him talking about that," said Luka as she sheathed Shattered Soul.
"On the subject of the headmaster I think you should show Professor Dumbledore more respect. Severus and I hardly ever agree but we were both shocked to hear you call him on old codger," remonstrated the professor.
"Fine, I'll show him respect. I just don't know why you all worship his shadow,"
"He defeated Gellert Grindelwald and set up an organisation to fight Voldemort," replied Professor Lupin forcefully, "that and he gave me a job when all others shun me,"
"Just because he has employed you doesn't mean you have to treat him with such veneration," countered Luka.
"Don't you trust his judgement?"
"His judgement yes,"
Professor Lupin eyed Luka for a moment as he dissected her words, "You trust the headmaster's judgement but not the headmaster himself,"
"Exactly, it would be foolish to trust someone that I've only just met," replied Luka as she plucked her shirt from the drawer.
Professor Lupin's eyes softened with sadness.
"Do you trust me?" he asked quietly.
Luka seemed to evaluate him before sighing, "I trust you to act in your own interests. As for anything else, I'm not sure yet,"
For a moment Lupin was taken aback. Had Severus told her about their childhood and how he and Sirius used to be the best of friends? Or was this just the voice of bitter experience? He had thought that during their chess games they had made progress, perhaps he had been wrong...
Luka looked on sadly as the professor entered his introspection, she hadn't meant to hurt him but it went against her principles to lie. In an attempt to improve the atmosphere Luka smiled and cheerfully shooed Professor Lupin out of her room with a warning not to peep.
XXX
"And so my friends we must act quickly to make sure such a thing never happens again," finished Professor Dumbledore after explaining what had occurred the night before the threat Sirius Black posed to the pupils, especially one third year Gryffindor.
During the rehash Luka had noticed Professor Snape was flicking glares in the direction of Professor Lupin, that and the man had been even moodier than usual. Was there a connection between the werewolf and Black? As the headmaster continued the talk on patrol schedules and how they were to tail Harry Potter all day every day Luka considered possible theories on her roommate and then dismissed them in turn. She had better things to think about, her first full moon in her true form was coming up.
"Miss Reginold?"
"Eh?" Luka broke out of her musings to find the rest of the staff looking with varying degrees of annoyance.
"Miss Reynolds, if you had been listening you would have heard me explaining that all staff must sign out when they leave the grounds. Am I correct in thinking that you will be leaving next Friday to spend the full moon at the Funtom bar?" said the headmaster exasperatedly.
"Yes I'm leaving next Friday and probably another night the week after but I'm not sure which night yet," replied Luka.
The headmaster nodded, "You will need to sign out with Remus then or Severus on the full moon,"
Luka just nodded in acknowledgment.
"Well that concludes today's meeting. We can only hope that today goes smoothly," said Professor Dumbledore as he dismissed the staff from his office.
"What's going on the week after next?" asked Professor Lupin as they exited the stair case and headed for the Great Hall.
"Oh I'm just going to court with Sebastian," replied Luka with a pang of guilt, the shy tone to the werewolf's voice had not gone unnoticed.
"A trial?"
"No, not that kind of court. More along the lines of a royal court, though the king won't be present at this one..."
"Hell has a king?" asked the professor as he became more engrossed in the conversation.
"Yes, you see demons try to distance themselves from their fellows and the high ranking ones like Sebastian form ruling families that have dominion over lower demons and certain territories. In order to keep hell in some sort of peace there is a king that rules over all," replied Luka.
"So you're going to a court session being held by the ruling families?
"Yes, it is being hosted by Sebastian's father and many of the nearby families will be in attendance,"
"Why are you going?"
"Well I am a servant of the noble 'Michaelis' family after all. That and I am required for entertainment purposes," said Luka as she was about to turn to head to the library.
The last sentence caught the professor's attention, turning on his heel he grabbed Luka by the elbow.
"What do you mean 'entertainment'?" he asked with worry as he pulled her closer.
"I am to fight for their amusement," replied Luka not knowing what else to say, the man's moods were so unpredictable.
"You said Sebastian was a good master,"
"He is, besides there's no need to worry. I've never lost a fight,"
"What happens if you lose?" asked Professor Lupin, his worry increasing.
"It's a fight to the death usually but given my abilities I'm not sure what would happen to me. My capacity for self repair has always been my trump card but thankfully it has always gone unused,"
Professor Lupin continued to stare at her with knitted brows. Did she honestly not know what was wrong with what she had just said? She was being used for sport and yet she appeared to be completely unfazed. Damn that demon. Finally he let out a sigh as he released Luka, perhaps she was just too damaged...
Seeing the defeated look on the werewolf's face Luka made a last ditch attempt to try to cheer him up, after all his heart was in the right place even if he was a little irritating at times.
"Fancy a game of chess tonight?"
Professor Lupin turned with a slight smile.
"I would like that,"
With a nod Luka moved away. Herbology homework was calling.
XXX
"Why do you always win?" asked Professor Lupin with a sigh as they began to reset the board.
Luka chuckled, they had just finished their third game of the night and the professor had yet to win any. It didn't help that they now had a forfeit of one shot of spirit for each piece taken which thankfully by definition excluded the pawns otherwise Professor Lupin would either be asleep or in the care of Madam Pomfrey.
"I told you right at the beginning that I had been trained by the master of games," she smiled.
"Sebastian?" try as he might Professor Lupin couldn't help but let a little of his anger seep into his voice as he spoke the creature's name.
"No, he's pretty good at chess but Ciel is still far better. He'd probably be Grand Master level if he entered a grading or whatever they use to determine chess ratings," Luka replied cheerfully.
"What is Ciel to Sebastian?" asked Professor Lupin curiously.
"He is Sebastian's true master,"
"What does that mean?"
"When Ciel was human and a contractor he ordered Sebastian to be his servant until he claimed his soul. Unfortunately for Sebastian was made into a demon so his soul is beyond his reach. Demons are many things but they aren't cannibals,"
"So Sebastian has to do everything Ciel says?" asked the professor, perhaps there was a way to get him to relinquish the contract after all but the demon still seemed so possessive. He wouldn't sell her off even when it was found she was part angel.
"Yep, though their arrangement isn't as formal as it was all those years ago,"
Professor Lupin nodded, mulling over the information.
"Fancy another game?" he asked.
"No thanks, besides I think you've had more than enough to drink. You do have classes tomorrow after all," smiled Luka as she got up to leave, "your openings are good Remus, you just gotta work on your middle game tactics,"
XXX
"Have you seen today's latest?" asked Professor Lupin as Luka sat down to breakfast.
"I don't read the 'Daily Prophet', they publish better works in toilet stalls," replied the nephilim drily.
The professor smiled before handing her a publication, "No, I wasn't referring to that paper,"
Curiosity piqued Luka flipped open the paper 'The Hogwarts Express' it read complete with a magically animated picture of a train beneath the title. Ah, her ex-friends seemed to have taken her suggestion to heart. The front page was, of course, dedicated to the Sirius Black incident and as well as a description of the events it held a small interview with the Fat Lady and numerous theories on how the criminal had managed to get past the Dementors. Indeed the publication seemed to be the work of not only Luka's past friends but the entire school. The second page had an interview with both Professor Sprout and Hagrid which posed the question of just how in the world one grows such huge pumpkins. There was also a homework question and answer page as well as what looked like an agony aunt's column, all accompanied by moving photographs that had all the hallmarks of a certain manic blonde.
"They've been busy," nodded Luka as she passed the paper back.
"What do you think set them off?"
"Well... I did suggest to Creevey that he could channel his hobby into something other than stalking Harry Potter. I never thought they would actually go through with it," replied Luka as Professor Lupin smiled at her.
From her right Professor Snape snorted, "I can't see the headmaster letting them continue their seedy paper,"
"Why not?" asked Luka.
"Why would he? One never knows what students may print,"
"As long as they don't print anything slanderous they should be allowed to continue. Seriously, what is with you wizards and your hatred of the free press?" enquired the nephilim tersely.
In reply the potions master merely snorted and resumed his breakfast with a huff.
"How is your other suggestion going?" asked Professor Lupin as he steered the Slytherins away from the path of a public spat.
"I'll start the duelling club next weekend, though it should probably be called the self defence club as I'm going to be teaching them general combat rather formal duelling,"
Professor Lupin just nodded in reply before the topic of conversation changed once more.
XXX
As the full moon drew nearer Luka noticed a distinct change in the professor. He became more easily fatigued and despite the prodigious amount of food Luka saw him consume his robes seemed more baggy than usual. It seemed that for him lycanthropy really was a curse... Finally the two werewolves found themselves sat together in their sitting room. Luka dressed ready to go out on duty, though she wasn't entirely sure what she could do at work in her furry form. She imagined that Sebastian would want her to hold out for as long as possible before turning. Professor Lupin on the other hand was dressed in a thin housecoat looking pale and quivering. It wouldn't be long now before his body tore itself apart in order to reform.
"You needn't stay, I know you have to leave soon and Poppy will keep an eye on me," said the weary werewolf as Luka looked upon him with concern.
"Ok, but take care of yourself," replied Luka as she patted him on the shoulder and left their quarters.
Walking out into the grounds the nephilim smiled. Winter was making its return and with the full moon in the pitch black sky the night had never seemed so pleasant. She had always enjoyed the night far more than the day; the cooler temperature, the dark, the lack of people but now it just seemed more special. Keeping that positive thought in mind she entered the portal. The exit was far less pleasant in its view. The staffroom of the bar was far from dingy but it paled in comparison to the open night. Beyond the single door Luka could hear the bass thumping, no doubt 'Bad moon rising' would be making its appearance again. The weres always put it on, Luka just wished they would play something different for a change like 'Killing moon' or 'Das Tier in mir' (The animal in me). Packing away her stuff in a locker Luka sighed before heading out into the main room.
Sebastian turned around as his servant entered the staff area behind the bar. He could sense the lupine change in her but the moon wasn't that high yet so she ought to be alright. With that thought in mind his gaze slid to the assembled weres, the party was in full swing with some of them already in their animal forms. The back room was also booked for dining so he would have to pop in there occasionally. Luka may be a nephilim but she was still part werewolf, she wouldn't be able to control herself at the sight of so much blood and fresh meat. Still her lycanthropic powers would be of use next week, if she survived the night that was. Sebastian smirked at the thought, he had been listening to some mongrels speak of how they would challenge the Executioner once she had changed forms. They actually believed they would win, fools.
Picking up empty glasses Luka noticed the approach of the two blondes in the corner of her eye. Both were in their furry forms and they seemed pleased to see her, though Mike did look a tad more serious.
"What's happenin' lads?" asked Luka as they neared the bar.
"Not much, just the usual," replied Joe as he leaned on the bar, "by the way I really like those books you leant us. I'm a real fan of the Lord of the Rings, got myself a Gandalf staff and everything,"
For a moment Luka stood struck dumb by the odd statement before her mind caught up. He was using code. Joe must have bought himself a wand after she'd leant the pair her first year spell book. Well at least he wasn't bragging about it openly.
"How's school going?" asked Mike.
"It's keeping me busy but it's no substitute for a proper job," replied Luka with a sigh.
"They making you use a wand yet?"
"No point yet, I'm just doing second year spells. I won't need it need it for apparition lessons either but I'm looking into more advanced magic when I have time but ,alas, Dark magic is banned in school grounds,"
"What's apparition?" asked Joe as he leaned closer, eyes gleaming with interest.
"It's when a mage focuses on a destination and then teleports there via a subspace tunnel," replied Luka as she poured a drink for another patron.
"Can't you just use a shadow gate?" asked Joe.
"Yes but I would like to learn another skill,"
"On a more serious note we both think you be careful tonight," began Mike as he raised himself off his haunches.
"Why?" enquired Luka as she cocked her head.
"You've made quite a few enemies, they see this evening as a chance to get even," replied the blonde.
Luka nodded before replying, "Thanks for the heads up I'll keep an eye out,"
As the two weres trotted off Luka smiled at the pint glass she was polishing, her grin widening as her fangs lengthened. Whilst her friends' sentiment was nice if truth be told Luka was looking forward to the prospect of a fight. Her revenge against the Ministry had been far less satisfying than she would like and now she was stuck in a school with no license to practice her preferred Dark magics. A good fight would help relieve her stress and make sure she kept in shape. That and she had a fight next week, she had to make sure she hadn't become too weak during her imprisonment.
"What are you thinking about?" asked a silken voice.
"Not much Sebastian, I just heard that some people may want to start a fight tonight," Luka replied.
Sebastian chuckled, the brothers were such loyal dogs telling their mistress of the 'danger' as soon as they could.
"What do you intend to do?"
"Meet my opponents head on and eliminate them,"
"A little violent don't you think? I don't want you exhausted before next week's match," purred the demon.
"I'll be fine. That crap with the Ministry has given me enough fuel for more than enough bar fights,"
"Ah yes, your classic victory combination of sobriety, fairly flat shoes and an attitude problem,"
"Yup,"
"In that case I will leave you to your work, we need more pork scratchings on table five,"
Luka nodded before trotting off with the salty snacks. As the night wore on she noticed the marked increase in concentration needed to maintain her form, even her skin felt itchy. Deciding to change then before things became too difficult Luka retreated to the disabled stall of the staff toilets. The change was swift and painless. Striding on all fours with her clothes bag in her mouth Luka moved to look at herself in the mirror. She had to admit that she was quite a comely wolf, approximately four and a half feet feet to the withers and eight feet in length with a coat of chestnut that was flecked with purple and pink at her hackles. Medium size paws with sickle shaped claws, yellow eyes and a nice set of pearly fangs completed the package. With a cheerful wink to her reflection the werewolf trotted out to the staff room and the bar beyond. Her heart was singing for a fight.
And that was what it received. As soon as she stepped back into the main room she was assailed by a trio of opponents. All three were males far larger than Luka and two were humanoid which was good as they were always the most ungainly. With a snarl Luka attacked the first she could reach revelling in the bloodshed as it quickly escalated into a melee and the wolf within took control. The feeling as her claws tore through flesh was superlative and the staccato beat of snapping bone was layered over the quickening baseline of heart beats to form a wondrous symphony of death. Her wounds were quickly forgotten as they stitched themselves together with magic and her coat became phosphorescent with magic. The hot plasma adding another layer of defence. It was not until her muzzle was but an inch from the temptingly sweet, still bleeding offal spread before her that she was broken from her trance.
"Enough," said Sebastian, his voice clear and cutting.
Still hazy Luka looked up with eyes blazing with hunger. Curling her lip and growling she returned to her meal. That was not a good idea.
Sebastian's eyes turned crimson the second his pet had the nerve to growl at him. He knew it was the change that influenced her behaviour so but he had had his fill with dealing with the mongrel filth for the evening. Striding forwards he grabbed Luka by the scruff and dragged her into the back room ignoring all her protests.
"You will return to your senses this instant," hissed the demon as he tossed Luka on to the floor.
Landing deftly on all fours with a huff. What the hell did he expect? Werewolves were known for their love of combat, her also being a nephilim didn't change that, and the viscera had looked so good, so tender, so fresh...
"You can come back out once you have washed your face," snapped Sebastian as he turned and left.
For a moment Luka sat on her haunches considering her options, true she had gone a tad overboard but that was to be expected on her first proper night and it was so irritating to be scolded like a child. Muttering to herself about unfair demons she glanced down at her bloodied paws, looking to the mirror on the wall she saw that her muzzle was in quite a state too. Mindful of fur sticking to her tongue Luka began the grooming process, well Sebastian had never specified the method of washing.
A few minutes and clean paws later the staffroom door clicked open. Luka looked up expecting to see Sebastian but was met with the sight of the two brothers.
"You ok?" asked Mike as he loped up beside Luka.
"Yeah, what's it like out? It must have riled the rest of the weres up," she replied.
"Yep everyone's antsy as hell. Sebastian had to beat them off with a stick before the frenzy got into full swing, I think Timothy still made off with a limb though," replied Jim.
"Never seen Sebastian so pissed. He didn't hurt you did he?" enquired Mike.
"No, not at all," said Luka hastily, "he hates dogs as it is and I suppose he didn't expect me to completely lose it,"
"If you hadn't been attacked Mathew would be demanding your head on a plate though I doubt Sebastian would have given it to him. Out of all the exes in the world Sebastian is far from the most vindictive," said Joe cheerfully.
"I think if we were still together my new lupine form would have put a little too much strain on the relationship,"
"I doubt it, he seems pretty loyal," chirped Mike.
"Demons have no sense of loyalty, just their own set of principles and their own interests. Provided I don't cause too much trouble Sebastian will keep me around as I'm entertaining," said Luka sadly, she didn't want to believe it but how close could one really get to a demon?
"I think Sebastian is an exception to the rule," replied Jim before nudging her, "seeing as that finishes our little heart to heart how about you come back onto the dance floor and shake your tail a little?"
Luka paused a moment before pulling herself onto her paws and following him out of the staff room. She may as well have some fun before she had to go back to Hogwarts.
XXX
The trot home was interesting, she had never used shadow gates in a non-human form before. Moving past the Dementors and up the road at a pace Luka secretly hoped she would meet Filch. It would be interesting to see his reactions, would he scold her for muddying the floor or run in fear? Fortunately for the caretaker she made it to her quarters without meeting him. As she entered Professor Lupin's office it was empty so she presumed that he was curled up on his bed and she had no cause to disturb him so Luka padded into her own room. Bidding Elise and Mel a good night she hopped on her own bed.
The screams were terrible. That and the sharp shock of being suddenly awoken were the first thoughts that entered Luka's brain. Registering Remus' shrieks she jumped out of bed only to realise she was quite useless in wolf form. Summoning her concentration she focused on returning to her usual form. The change back was more arduous, it felt like her body didn't want to change. Finally stretched up to her full height, she was in her true form so she didn't get exactly what she wanted but it was better than nothing. Throwing on a bathrobe she ran to see if she could help her friend.
Remus was writhing on the floor, lumps of bone and tissue could be seen shifting beneath his skin but thankfully Madam Pomfrey was already there to help. The small witch was crouched over the werewolf muttering pain relieving incantation but seemingly to no avail. Once fully reformed the professor ceased his screaming merely lying limply on the floor panting.
"Is there anything I can do?" asked Luka as she stood in the doorway unsure of whether she would wound Professor Lupin's pride if she continued to see him in his weakened state.
The matron looked surprised to see her but quickly recovered, "Yes, could you measure out the healing potions whilst I see if he's injured,"
Nodding Luka scuttled over to the vials and swiftly began measuring out the dose. From the corner of her eye Luka saw the witch accio the bed covers over her colleague before commencing health check charms. Once she was satisfied she sat back on her heels and turned to Luka for the potion.
"I thought the Wolfsbane potion was supposed to stop this," whispered Luka as she gestured to the now unconscious form of Professor Lupin.
"The potion Severus brews is mainly designed to allow a werewolf to keep their human mind during the full moon not to suppress the other symptoms. I imagine Severus could modify it to ease Remus' pain but there is too much history between them, at least from Severus' point of view," replied Madam Pomfrey quietly Luka cocked her head to the side in curiosity but did not enquire further. By the sounds of things if she wanted answers she should ask the men directly rather than going behind their backs.
After administering the healing draught the matron gently levitated her patient onto his bed and set a warming charm in place before ushering Luka out of the room. As the door quietly clicked closed behind them the older witch turned to Luka with a look of slight concern.
"He will need to rest for today, if you see him exerting himself put him to bed and call for me. Now, how has your night been?" she asked.
Luka thought for a moment on how to best edit the night's events, "It went well for my first proper night though the premature change back was a little difficult,"
The matron eyed her shrewdly, "And your self control?"
"Quite good all things considered," replied Luka with a false smile, somehow she didn't think saying that she'd flipped and nearly eaten another werewolf would go down well.
"Are you sure? You never did take up my referral to go to St Mungo's for mental evaluation, I'm just worried about the possible lasting damage from the mind curses you endured," continued Madam Pomfrey.
In reply Luka did her best to lay her concerns to rest before excusing herself. A nice nap would do her the world of good.
Waking up a few hours later Luka found that the house elves had placed a small lunch on her desk. Hungrily she got started on the crackers and cold meat before mentally compiling a to do list; regain human form, check mental barriers and residual damage, compile work for Muggle Studies, mark the last batch from that subject, plan the first meeting of the self defence club, prepare for next week's fight and homework. Luka frowned at the indignity of the last item but the faster she went through the necessary courses the faster she could get back to a normal life. At least she would have the library to herself as the Gryffindor vs Hufflepuff match was on. Though looking outside Luka wouldn't have been surprised if it had been called off on the grounds of safety, the weather was awful.
After her meal and ablutions Luka checked that she was wing and hornless before tentatively going to check on Professor Lupin. He was still lying where Madam Pomfrey had placed him and he looked even paler in the weak daylight. The diagnosis spell Luka cast merely pointed at severe fatigue and not anything too dangerous. Quietly as possible she exited his room and headed back to her own room to work.
What seemed a lifetime of tedium later she finished her assigned duties and it was well into the evening. She had decided to do all the mental work in one day so that the morrow could be reserved for training and no doubt patrolling the castle. Moving her office chair over to near the bed she leant over and stroked her pets. Once Elise had gotten over the fact she was not the only animal in the household she had gotten on pretty well with Mel even going as far warm him so it looked like she was trying to hatch him. The two were quite happily mooching for the weekend and Elise looked particularly pleased that she had no need to go outside. Continuing the petting Luka looked up in surprise as the background hum of the castle had become charged with excitement. Paying Professor Lupin one more visit, he was unconscious again but there was an empty plate by his bedside, she decided to take a look and sate her curiosity. Moving quickly through the hallways it soon became apparent that the Quidditch game was over as the corridors were filled with gangs of soaking students. Filch must be having a fit. It also seemed that the Hufflepuffs had won despite Wood's efforts. Picking up more gossip as she went Luka soon learned that the Dementors had made their return with a vengeance and they were responsible for the near fatal fall of Harry Potter. The nephilim sighed as she heard that particular titbit. The Minister and headmaster had been fools to let the Dementors starve, the gathering in the Quidditch stands would have been irrestable. That and after Black's breach of the castle they would have been itching for action. Seeing fellow staff members in front of her Luka shoved that opinion to one side, she doubted the headmaster would be happy to hear it and he heard everything.
True enough during the ensuing staff meeting the headmaster omitted his own error in not supplying the sentries with adequate provisions. Instead they rehashed Black's attempted ambush on Harry Potter at Halloween and the injuries suffered today by Harry Potter and the prognosis for Harry Potter and how to best safe guard the students, most notably Harry Potter. Groaning with boredom Luka was starting to see why Professor Snape had such little patience with the boy, everyone coddled him to the point it was necessary for one staff member to make his life a living hell so things it was balanced out. Moving as discretely as possible the nephilim pulled the latest issue of the 'Hogwarts Express' towards her and flicked through it idly. The question and answers section was quite interesting and her eyes slid over to the person who had no doubt started that particular homework ball rolling. Once they were dismissed she moved over to him.
"Severus, you wouldn't happen to know why the 'Hogwarts Express' is filled with question son werewolves?" she asked with an air of innocence, "I thought we were supposed to keep my and Remus' conditions secret,"
The potions master eyed her with irritation, "I have told no one anything. I have simply made an attempt at educating the resident imbeciles. If they succeed in putting two and two together it is not my problem,"
Luka's grin widened as she jabbed the Slytherin further, "So you do have faith that they can accomplish such a task? Why, underneath that cold exterior there does lie a seed of hope. How sweet," she replied before scuttling off chuckling before he could sling a curse in her direction. He was so fun to tease.
When they met again for the evening meal Luka was amused to see him still sulking and refusing to speak to her. Making her way back to her own territory Luka was surprised to see Professor Lupin up and about. True he still looked pale and his hair was unkempt but he had clearly hauled himself into the sitting room and he was now sitting in an armchair next to the fire in a slightly worn dressing gown and slippers. Despite his evident discomfort he smiled at Luka and motioned for her to sit opposite him.
"How has your day been?" he asked once Luka was seated.
"Fairly boring; I spent the morning and the afternoon working though things did become more interesting once the match was finished," she replied.
"You didn't go?" asked the professor, he seemed quite surprised.
"No, ball games hold very little interest for me especially in the weather we've been having," replied Luka as she motioned to a nearby window.
"Who won?"
"Hufflepuff on account of Potter falling off his broom. The Dementors decided to make an appearance," Luka added on seeing her first sentence wasn't sufficient.
What followed was a quick second hand report on the 'attack' as the pair discussed the causes and possible remedies for Dementor behaviour. As expected Professor Lupin did not like Luka's idea on the headmaster's culpability.
"Did you bring that up at the staff meeting?" he asked.
"No, contrary to popular opinion I don't pick arguments for the sake of them and it would have been a losing battle," replied Luka.
The professor eyed her with a mix of sadness and sympathy. Whilst he may make protestations about understanding Luka's mistrust of the headmaster he obviously believed it was unfounded and should be brought to an end.
"You can't blame the headmaster, he never asked for the Dementors to be here,"
"True but he and the Minister for magic share the duty of making sure the guards receive proper provisions regardless of species," replied Luka tiredly, this was precisely why she hadn't wanted to bring it up...
Professor Lupin just shook his head. He knew a losing battle when he saw one.
"Good night Luka,"
"G'night Remus,"
XXX
The rest of the week passes swiftly as Luka trained for the upcoming court meeting. Finally the day had come and once properly attired she left her shared quarters. She was expected to say good bye and sign out with Professor Lupin before leaving, thankfully both he and Professor Snape were in Lupin's office as she made her way out.
The two professors looked up as she closed the hidden door behind her. Their expressions shifted from normal acknowledgement to those of surprise as they surveyed her. The majority of Luka's body was shrouded in a thick black cloak whilst her hair was done in elaborate plaits so that large individual braids ran from the front of the left hand side of her head to the nape of her neck where they were combined with the hair from the right which had merely scraped back, though the front portion was left to dangle, into a bun secured by a silver hair stick. The plaits were sprinkled with flowers ranging from pure white jasmine at the front to a purple-black rose perched on the bun and the blossoms in between were of varying shades of purple so that when viewed as a whole the flowers provided a continuum of colour. Luka's make up had also been done painstakingly, mascared lashes and shades of violate framed her now yellow eyes whilst her lips were dyed crimson. As he felt his eyes stray to that area Professor Lupin turned away to Professor Snape who had quickly mastered his surprise and now viewed Luka with casual indifference.
"Well, it seems you were not entirely honest when you said this was a court meeting. If you were a servant you wouldn't be dressed so elaborately," he hissed.
Luka rolled her eyes before responding, "High class demons are supposed to have high class servants. It would be improper for me to appear any other way, besides we combatants are supposed to look good as well as fight well. We're like geishas but with swords,"
At Professor Snape's snort of contempt Luka glared in his direction.
"What?" she squawked as she stepped forwards up to Professor Lupin's desk her hands balled in fists at her hips causing the cloak to fall open.
The potions master plumped for disdainful silence whilst Professor Lupin will to not stare at Luka's attire faltered. Was that what Muggles called PVC?
"Y'know what Sev-chan? You're stuck further in the past the exhibits in the Natural History Museum. I suppose you prefer to see me with a severe centre parting with ringlets and dress with a bustle," growled Luka as she leaned on the desk.
"Better that than looking like something out of a fetish magazine," came the retort.
Luka huffed, the insufferable git!
"What do you think Remus?"
Startled out of his inspection the professor could only gawp like a fish whilst he struggled to maintain his gaze on Luka's eyes.
Leaning further forward Luka asked again, "Remus?"
Unfortunately that comment was his undoing. Leaning across the last few inches he kissed Luka softly on the lips.
Professor Snape looked on with growing disgust. Lupin had decided to be led by his hormones and Reginold just stood there like an idiot. Finally he could take no more and he fired a quick stinging hex at the perverted werewolf.
Yelping at the unpleasant sensation Professor Lupin broke the kiss and blushed profusely as his mind processed what he had done.
"Finished are we?" snarled the potions master and Professor Lupin groped for an adequate response Luka took advantage of the interlude and scuttled out of the office as fast as her high heels could carry her. She had work to do...and much to think about.
XXX
The dimension inhabited by the demons is probably best described as Mordor at night. The barren land is cloaked in twilight even at noon with occasional oases with luminous flowers and rushes grouped around dark pools. Though as Luka made her way to her to her destination she was aware of the life nearby due to the sound of scurrying and burrowing in the darkness. Nearing the gate Luka's eyes flitted up to the ramparts before she entered the ancestral seat of Michaelis, true she knew that wasn't their proper surname but Michaelis Sr had decreed that she was not to know their true name. Moving swiftly through the grounds of the hall Luka still found her gaze distracted by the architecture that was such an odd blend of form and functionality. By human standards it was a curious cross between a stately home and a castle, the central home/keep functioned as both centre of a beautiful estate and a garrison for the demon lord's personal army for each lord had dominion over all the lower demons in their fiefdom. Those demons unlike those like Sebastian usually didn't take humanoid form, and if it they did they were grossly misshapen, but were more beastly in form. Unfortunately for her master he had yet to find a cat demon, not that he hadn't tried.
Once through the polished hallway the nephilim made her way to the upper chambers used for court meetings. Before entering she divested herself of her cloak. Contrary to what Professor Snape had said her outfit wasn't that scandalous. Her skirt was full length, though with a thigh high split on both sides, and the heeled boots covered her legs to the knee. Thankfully the five inch heels were chunky as her balance in stilettos was appalling. How Sebastian did it Luka would never know. On her top half she wore a halter neck corset top and her contract brand was clearly visible for all to see. All the material was black and shiny quite like PVC or latex only breathable and the top was brocaded with the pattern appearing like a magpie's tail feather with it being either bottle green or purple depending on the angle of the viewer's eye. Upon entering the chamber through the servant's entrance Sebastian, who was now in his true demonic form, turned to face Luka. Moving swiftly towards her master she noted that he held out his hand. Obsequiously she bowed to kiss his upturned knuckles before taking a seat at his feet on some cushions. Fussing over the arrangement of her skirt she noted the look of disgust Michaelis Sr sent her way, apparently news of her curious condition travelled fast. Ciel, who sat nearby just gave her a slight smile. Slowly the cream of the demonic crop filtered in and the meeting got under way. It seemed that tonight's agenda was territorial boundries, levies and the ascension of new nobles in a few certain provinces. Despite the relaxed atmosphere there was always an underlying tension for if one party should go too far there would be cause for a war. Not that there was always cause, it could be just that two neighbours got bored one evening and declared one another mortal enemies.
As an interlude approached Sebastian sent Luka off to help prepare the guest's refreshments; New Moon Drop. Moving between the nobles with a polished tray covered in bone china Luka spied a lanky blonde chatting animatedly with her master. Both wore polite smiles but Luka could see the beginnings of irritation showing around Sebastian's eyes. Spurred by the paranoia that she was the object of discussion Luka idled closer to eavesdrop, no, that was an ugly word... garner information was so much better. True enough it appeared to be an attempt on the blonde's part to buy her, it happened often her being a mage seemed to make her more attractive to potential buyers. Before she could learn more Ciel called her over. Silently she handed him his tea. From his jacket pocket the young demon plucked a sachet of sugar, even in his new form he retained his sweet tooth. Fortunately though he was no longer be plagued by the spectre of dental problems.
"I would steer clear of that man if I were you," he warned as his red eyes met Luka's yellow ones, "he may be one of the new nobles but his power base is growing quickly,"
"I didn't catch his name earlier,"
"Viscount Drusielle, back in the human world he is renowned for his famous art and antique collection," replied Ciel.
Before she could question the last Phantomhive further Michaelis Sr made the announcement that Luka had been waiting for with apprehension.
"And now ladies and gentlemen for the entertainment. My son, you said you would present your pet Luka for a duel,"
"Yes," replied Sebastian calmly.
Setting the tea tray on a nearby polished table and made her way to the centre of the room. The tables of seated demons surrounding her made her feel hemmed in like a lamb in an abattoir. To her left a noble stood and announced that his pet would meet her in combat. Luka watched as her opponent moved gracefully her kitten heels denting the thick Persian style rug as she went. Once her opponent was before her Luka summoned Shattered Soul and proceeded to go through the etiquette of saluting her master, the host and the assembled guests. The signal was then given for combat to commence. Fighting was difficult enough under most normal circumstances and having to make a show out of it made it even worse. Not only did one have to effectively strategise on how to kill the opponent but it was paramount to judge their skills almost exactly so that it was possible to draw out their death as long as possible whilst not letting them get the upperhand. Narrowing her eyes at the belligerent blonde Luka began the swift observation. Humans were kept by demons but rarely for combat as they died too quickly, judging by her grace and elongating teeth the nephilim judged that she was a were of some kind though other shape shifter options were still open. Moving forwards to strike Luka dodged the daggers that were thrown in her direction. They were immediately followed by more. Evidently the were was either a witch to boot or using a demonic artefact.
"Sen bon sakura (thousand cherry blossoms)," thought Luka and her sword turned into a myriad of shards serving the triple purpose of defence, offence and being aesthetically pleasing.
Whilst she had cast her spell the were had not been idle. She too surged forwards a blade in her right hand whilst her left continued to pull curved daggers from the sheathe in the side of her bodice. Now in close quarters Luka recalled the shards so that they covered her hands Freddy Krueger style. Thus the pair began their dance, lunging and dodging before the eager audience. As they turned in their ballet-like display Luka was swiftly calculating on how to finish things quickly but each time she succeeded in lacerating the were the cuts healed almost instantly. An idea formulating in her mind Luka dispersed the shards so that her opponent had to quickly back away from the oncoming swarm. Focusing on her magic reached forwards with her powers, a forced change should put her opponent on the back paw as it were. Smiling wickedly Luka watched as the blonde's eyes widened as she felt her bones shift. Taking advantage of the momentary distraction Luka burst forth with a flying knee, as her patella made contact with the enemy sternum Luka pulled her hands from their guard position to her hips in a dramatic sweep summoning her shards to her once more. As they rushed towards her they tore asunder all in their path which in this case was the woe begotten were. Blood and gore rushed upwards as she was shredded by the 'blossoms'. Once finished Shattered Soul was returned to Luka's hand whole once more. To finish the performance Luka turned to her master and Michaelis Sr before taking a deep bow. As the applause subsided and the mess vanished Luka moved back next to Sebastian. Much to her annoyance her master thought it would be amusing to pat her head as she resumed her seat. Trying to not let her ire show the nephilim turned her attention back to the guests. To her eternal distaste the nosy viscount was showing more interest than ever.
Once the meeting was concluded and the guests were sent off with every false pleasantry possible Luka was left alone with Sebastian. Although his father had left the door open. Seriously, what the hell was going to happen? It was half three in the morning and even if she and Sebastian were an item the answer would still have been 'no thanks I need my sleep dear'. As it was her master merely offered her his arm and the pair walked out onto the terrace.
"I take it you saw my discussion with the viscount," said Sebastian quietly as his gaze traced the twin moons.
"Yes," replied Luka, with demons honesty really was the best policy.
"He wants to buy you. He doesn't know you're a nephilim but due to your little display he probably knows you're a werewolf,"
"You've had other potential buyers,"
"None of the others were as free with their money. He offered me a legion of souls to obtain you,"
Luka swallowed nervously, Sebastian wrote the last word when it came to being possessive but a legion was quite an offer. Would this finally be the end?
Sebastian's scarlet eyes swept over the nervous nephilim. Long finger nails caressed her cheek in a surprisingly tender manner.
"I have no intention of selling you. You are like a spring from which I can slake my thirst as often as I wish. I would be a fool to squander infinity for a mere few thousand souls," purred the demon.
"Where could he have gotten so many from?" asked Luka.
"I would imagine they would be the harvest of the latest recession and natural disasters assailing the world of man. That said,for him to toy with such a large number is unusual. We demons are proud of what is ours. Speaking of which I will have a drink from that spring," replied Sebastian as he looped his arms and wings around Luka so they formed a protective cocoon before bending down to take her lips.
Wrapped in darkness Luka relaxed and slackened her jaw. The more she struggled the more it would hurt to have her soul nibbled on. That said that did not mean she couldn't have fun too. Reaching around Sebastian's back to where his wings joined her fingers wiggled in the surprisingly fluffy down causing the demon to twitch involuntarily and growl in warning. Who would have thought that Sebastian was ticklish?
Once his hunger was sated the demon withdrew. Glad to have finally been release from the knawing fangs Luka looked up to see a less than pleased demon.
"Why can I taste a werewolf on your lips?" Sebastian hissed.
Damn.
Stammering slightly Luka decided to continue with her honesty policy, besides it pointless to lie to a demon... they always knew, "Remus kissed me,"
"Did you like it?"
"Er.. well... yes, kind of," replied Luka awkwardly.
"Do you see him as a potential mate?" asked Sebastian as his voice got quieter and his eyes narrowed into slits.
"Well, he's nice and quite cute. We can have intelligent conversations and it would be nice to have someone..." Luka trailed off under Sebastian's glare.
The demon's jaw visibly worked as he mulled over the information.
"Sebastian," started Luka with a sigh, "you know we can't be together-"
"Blame Claude for that, he's the one who reported us to my father," snapped Sebastian.
"- because if we do hook up your father will call on that debt with your father and we won't see each other again. Besides, our relationship has become more platonic since then,"
Sebastian still looked far from convinced.
"Fine, but on your head be it," said he as he stepped away, "you are dismissed,"
Looking at the demon sadly Luka backed away. As she retrieved her cloak and made her way past the Alien-like pets that patrolled the grounds Luka pondered her decision. True she had feelings for Sebastian but they were more familial now and it was pointless to pine after what one could never have and ignore what was possible. Though that piece of logic did little to assuage the feelings of guilt that clawed their way into her chest.
XXX
Making her way through the familiar halls of Hogwarts Luka stole a glance at the silver pocket watch that she kept in her cloak pocket. Twenty past four. Fantastic four. Oh what wit she had even in the early hours she thought as she rolled her eyes. Climbing through the hidden door to their chambers she was surprised to see that Professor Lupin had waited for her. Or at least until he had fallen asleep in his chair but to his credit he awoke at the sound of her clicking heels. With a sleepy smile he rose to his feet.
"How was your evening?"
"Alright, I won the fight but now I'm tired. It didn't help that Sebastian wanted an afterhours snack too. How's your night been?" replied Luka with a smile as she stepped towards the professor.
"Not bad, I've been catching up on some books that I've wanted to be read but never found the time,"
Now mere feet away from one another a feeling of slight awkwardness descended over the pair. Deciding to overcome her reticence Luka took the final step and pressed her lips to Lupin's. For a moment he was completely still but he soon became receptive, his lips moving in time with hers. As their movements became hurried Luka found that she was becoming increasingly insistent but she chalked it up to the adrenaline from the earlier fight. That said, her passion did nothing to stop her face reddening as she curiously pawed her partner lower.
Lupin on the other hand was far more excited than curious. True he had been embarrassed about his earlier actions and had he stayed up for the purpose of clearing the air and apologising if need be. He had never imagined that she would return the compliment of a kiss especially when the return came with such passion that he was now pinned against the wall. Groaning happily at Luka's touch he pulled her closer and he hissed as her teeth drew on his lower lip, they felt almost as sharp as fangs...fangs. FANGS!? Pulling his hands from Luka's waist he sought to disengage himself for he was not kissing the women but the wolf. It must have the proximity to the full moon that had pulled the creature out of her, in an animalistic state she would have little control over her actions. Regardless of his ignoble birth the professor had always sought to act as a gentleman and he would never take advantage of a woman. Finally he managed to pull himself free to clear his head whilst Luka looked on with confusion.
"Did I do something wrong?" asked Luka, she was an inexperienced kisser with only prior partner being Sebastian so it was quite possible she had made a mistake.
"No, but I can't let this continue," replied Lupin sadly, "you must get a hold of yourself, deny the beast. I don't want you to do anything you later regret,"
Luka frowned, she didn't like where this seemed to be going. The mother hen side of Lupin was making its return with a vengeance.
"What do you mean 'deny the beast'?"
"I mean I won't take advantage of you whilst you are consumed by your inner wolf. That and in your condition..." he trailed off, knowing Luka he was heading onto dangerous ground but he cared for her so he would carry on regardless.
"In my condition?" parroted Luka slowly, her sulphur eyes glowing as they became slit like.
"In addition to you being a werewolf you have your scarred mind to deal with and you said yourself that Sebastian has damaged your soul,"
"You doubt my mental competence," said Luka and the professor could feel the atmosphere thicken with her ire.
Taking a deep breath to preserve her control, and consequently Lupin's life, Luka continued but slowly for emphasis, " . . So. Insulted in my life! Not even by the Ministry!" she yelled as her control dissolved and she stalked from their chambers slamming the door behind her.
XXX
It had been a dull night for Severus Snape since Luka had left. He had had one of his recurring bouts of insomnia and not even his dear books could put an end to his boredom so it was with a mixture of curiosity and irritation that he set off to investigate why the ward he had set around the Chamber of Secrets had been broken. The last thing he had expected was to see Luka smashing the architecture with magic blasts before repairing them and then laying waste to them once more. As if she sensed his presence the nephilim turned to face the potions master and he really wished she hadn't bothered. She was in her true form and the crackling aura and hunched wings did nothing to diminish the look of terrifying fury upon her warped features.
"What do you want?" she barked as she marched towards him, her heels causing sparks to fly off the floor with each step.
"You broke my wards, I came to investigate," he replied calmly, it would never do for her to know how much she now rattled him.
"I am relieving some stress, kindly leave so that I can continue,"
The potion master paused a moment. What could be the source of her ire? Her master? Lupin?
"What has angered you?" he asked not bothering to feign concern.
"Why do you ask?"
"I need to know if you pose a threat to the school,"
Luka huffed, "fine, I'm angry because of Remus. He had the gall to insinuate that I am of not sound mind and judgement,"
Ah, that would explain it. No one with a chicken patronus would take such a slight lying down.
"You rejected his advances?"
"No,"
"Then I am inclined to agree with him,"
To his surprise Luka chuckled at his comment.
"Trust you to always make such an insult," replied Luka with a slight smile before she cocked her head to the side and eyed him curiously, "why do you hate Remus so?"
Once more Professor Snape paused, if he told her it would certainly disrupt any chance of Lupin getting into a happy relationship but how much should he tell? A sneer made its way on to his face as he settled on his course of action.
"Well apart from his unbearable verboseness there was one incident that occurred when we were in school together. One that I'll never forget..."