Hi everyone got a big one for you this time, it just about falls under my arbitrary cut off point of 20 pages .It also brings us to the halfway point of the book . As always I own nothing, things in bold are taken from the real world. For those of you who don't live in Britain or do but don't ride a moped or motorcycle here's some info that'll help a bit of the chapter make sense. Before a rider can legally ride on British roads that have to pass a one day CBT (compulsory basic training) course. It's basically cone work for most of the day and actual road riding for the last two hours. It was brought in by the EU to lower the death rate among riders, although there is some thought that it's just another piece of legislation used by bureaucrats to justify their own existence.
Blitz chess is when each player has but five minutes to do all their moves.
Also, sorry to all violinsts. I don't play the instrument myself so I don't know the difficulty of the various pieces so they may seem quite sporadic.
"So how do you intend to referee that many matches simultaneously?" asked Professor McGonagall as Luka helped herself to the trifle.
"I've programmed my mannequins to assist me. I'll cover one match and they'll do the others, after a few matches have finished I'll switch with one of the mannequins so that I get to see different competitors. That and it makes sure no one tries to cheat if they think I will be always in one place," replied Luka.
Seemingly satisfied the transfiguration mistress turned back to her treacle tart.
"What are you up to tonight? You seem preoccupied?" asked Charity.
Luka put down her spoon, for there was no such thing as a short conversation with Charity, "Just out to the pub. I thought it would be nice to get out of here once in a while,"
"Ah yes, you young ones like a night out if I remember correctly," smiled the professor as she paused, "how old are you again?"
"Twenty five and a bit, I had a gap year before university," replied the nephilim, she didn't like talking about her age. It reminded her how much her life deviated from the norm.
"Where are you going?"
"'Hog's Head' may be go back the Funtom bar if it's slow in Hogsmeade,"
"Looking for a nice young man?"
That question caught Luka off guard. None of the female staff had ever come across as frigid but the topic of men had never really come up. Still struggling to swallow a mouthful of pumpkin juice Luka made her slightly stuttering reply.
"If there are any nice ones I might have a chat,"
Charity just smiled in response before turning to start a conversation with another member of staff.
Taking her leave Luka retreated swiftly to her room. This evening she would be living it up, which meant unrestricted powers. Moving over to her jewellery box the nephilim plucked out the ring that she had used at the Ministry.
XXX
Professor Lupin had finally come of the end of of his tether. He had been patient, tried to let Luka calm down and return to him of her own free will but Moony's impatience had become too strong. During dinner he had watched her, she had left early and the professor wanted to know why. Seeing that Professor Burbage was getting up to leave he followed suit.
"Charity," he called out as they entered the corridor.
The Muggle studies professor turned with her ever present smile, "Yes Remus?"
"Do you know where Luka was going? I need to talk to her," replied the werewolf.
"Oh she went out to Hogsmeade for a night on the tiles,"
Professor Lupin's heart sank and Moony rose to the surface. Merlin knew who she would meet and what she would do if he just let her go. Thanking Professor Burbage the werewolf left, breaking into a jog when he was out of sight. He didn't want to think about Moony's reaction should Luka meet someone else.
XXX
Moving swiftly through the grounds Luka surveyed her surroundings. It made quite a change to be in male form although the feeling that the ceilings were too close for comfort was quite disconcerting. Nearing the school gates Luka watched as the Dementors gathered in greeting. Sighing as she remembered their current state of starvation Luka let off a set of energy enriched patroni which were gratefully received before stepping foot out of the school's transport barrier and into a shadow gate.
If anything the 'Hog's Head' was worse than when she had last visited it. Weighing up the chances of intelligent conversation and getting a clean glass the nephilim turned tail. Perhaps she had been hasty in dismissing 'The Three Broomsticks'...
XXX
Panting Professor Lupin apparated into Hogsmeade, he'd run across the school grounds and had finally managed to pick up Luka's scent. Sniffing the air as he went the werewolf followed his nose to 'The Three Broomsticks'. Opening the door he moved in apprehensive about what he would find. He wasn't wrong. For a moment he struggled to remember that Luka could take male form as he watched the couple of men snuggle in a booth. His nausea increased as the two clinked butter beer glasses as the unknown man leant forward to...
"Stop!" snarled Professor Lupin as he strode forwards.
Luka groaned, this was the last thing she had wanted of this night.
"Who is this?" asked her 'date' as he placed down his glass with a disgruntled thunk.
"A co-worker with a crush," replied Luka before Professor Lupin could get a word in.
At Luka's comment Professor Lupin bridled, he wasn't some infatuated school boy. Not to mention the fact that Moony was now very close to the surface.
"You know what we have is more than a mere crush," growled the werewolf.
This was getting irritating. The one night she wanted to act as a normal twenty-something and he had to come and ruin it.
"It was nothing Lupin, get over it," hissed Luka.
That did it. Moony broke free of his moorings and under his power Professor Lupin crossed the last metre between himself and Luka. Grabbing the protesting nephilim by the shoulders he apparated them both to Hogwarts' gates.
"What the hell Lupin?" snarled Luka as she whirled around getting her bearings.
"What do you mean what the hell? You kiss me, then ignore and then to top it off you cavort with someone you just met!" retorted the professor.
"One: I already explained my actions with regard to kissing you, two: you started the stand off, three: I'm in my twenties you jerk off it's normal for me to chat up men in a bar!"
"But you're not normal! You're a nephilim and a werewolf! You just can't just let your emotions rule you,"
Luka narrowed her eyes as the hypocrisy entered her ears, "And I suppose you are perfectly composed right now," she hissed taking advantage of her extra height to puff herself up to her full extent, "or is there something else apart from your wolf's jealousy? Perhaps it's the sight of your own reflection you despise,"
"What?" asked the professor incredulously.
"You see me and you see my wolf, unlike you I don't care about hiding it. You are filled with self loathing which let's face it; you deserve. Severus told me what you and your little friends tried to do to him. Luring him into the Shrieking Shack so you could have him as a little packed lunch. No wonder you can't stand the sight of me acting on my more lupine impulses because it reminds you of what you did when you acted on yours," growled the nephilim before she turned on her heel and entered a shadow gate. She had a date to salvage.
For a moment Professor Lupin stood stock still paralysed by what he had heard. Severus had betrayed him and had knowingly let loose a volley of vitriol that was patently untrue. He would pay deeply for the affront.
XXX
The evening had been relatively quiet for Professor Snape since the unfortunate incident at the duelling club. No detentions, no patrol shift and little homework had provided him with the much appreciated luxury of spare time. Unfortunately all of that was about to change. As the staffroom door crashed inwards he looked up from his copy of 'Potions Monthly' to see an enraged Professor Lupin framed in the door way.
"What are you playing at Lupin?" he sneered with a quirked brow.
"You..." growled the werewolf, "Why did you have to tell her about the Shrieking Shack incident?"
"Remus, what's going on?" interjected Professor McGonagall as she sat paused in her game of cards with Madam Hooch.
Ignoring the enquiry Professor Lupin continued, "You knew full well I never had anything to do with Sirius' plan but you told Luka I planned to kill you. You can't bear to see anyone happy can you?"
Folding and setting down his magazine the potions master strode towards the werewolf, "You forget how this all started Lupin. You were the one who told her that she was so mentally feeble that she lacked the capacity to make her own decisions. I merely let her know all your dirty little secrets. You didn't honestly think you could keep your whiter than white tame werewolf act going indefinitely did you?"
"Severus, Remus. Stop this at once," warned Professor McGonagall as she rose to her feet whilst the atmosphere between the toe to toe wizards darkened.
"You just have to drag everyone down with you don't you Severus. Just because you failed to win Lily's hea-"
Professor Lupin was swiftly cut off by an unspoken hex for Professor Snape. Before Professor McGonagall or Madam Hooch could intervene the two wizards were exchanging curses and jinxes. However, due to their proximity the impromptu duel swiftly degenerated into a fist fight which culminated in the pair wrestling on the floor like two fighting crabs on a beach.
"That is enough!" shouted the transfiguration mistress as she blasted the errant duo apart, "Remus, explain what is going on!"
Pulling himself to his feet as his opponent did likewise the werewolf rubbed his cut lip before replying, "Severus told Luka that I conspired with Sirius to kill him in the Shrieking Shack incident,"
The older Gryffindor's eyes narrowed in irritation, she knew Professor Snape was keeping that grudge alive but involving someone else was going too far, "Severus is this true?"
"She had a right to know what type of man was attempting to woo her, emphasis on the word 'attempting'," hissed the Potions master as he glared at the werewolf.
"If you malign me again-"
"Remus! That is enough, the pair of you will return to your respective quarters," Professor McGonagall growled, as the wizards made their disgruntled retreats the witch watched with irritation. She would have to inform the headmaster now for whilst it had been noticeable that there had been friction between the pair since Luka had moved seats the night's events marked a new low.
XXX
Slowly making her way back to her quarters Luka sighed. Since the professor had turned up her night had taken a nose dive, for some reason it seemed that having a crazy 'ex' turn up tended to send people heading for cover. Therefore the nephilim had found herself back in Nottingham but instead of going to the bar and seeing Sebastian's knowing smirk she had headed to Jim's pizza franchise. After some commiserations over pepperoni the blonde drafted her into the role of riding instructor for the trainee pizza boys who had yet to take their CBT. As riding without the certificate was illegal such pre-test training was a literal ride by night operation that took place on a nearby car park that was thankfully devoid of CCTV. Now entering her home Luka paused as she picked up the rancid smell of spilled alcohol. Following her nose she found her flat mate sprawled near the living room fireplace. Hissing in disgust she turned on her heel. Hopefully Professor Lupin would have one hell of a headache when he woke up.
The next morning Luka awoke to the sound of beating rain, taking a look at her watch she decided it was too late to resume her slumber. Besides she had plenty of potions she had to finish if she wished to stay on course, not to mention the omnipresent paperwork that accompanied her role at the school. Slinging on a pair of jeans and a hoodie under her lab coat she left her for the dungeons with her familiars in tow. They had been complaining about the lack of attention they had been receiving.
Once she'd set up her apparatus Mel obligingly read out the instructions from his makeshift nest of Luka's old Slythering scarf whilst Elise took a nap.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the dungeons the Head of Slytherin marinated in his own bile as he ruminated over recent events. No one, no one brought Lily up as a weapon to use against him. Taking a sip of firewhisky he narrowed his eyes as he recalled the night of the Shrieking Shack; Black's smirk as he told him about the knot on the trunk of the Whomping Willow, the terror at seeing a werewolf in the flesh for the first time in his life and the seething fury as he watched the headmasters let his tormentors off with a slap on the wrist again. Now Black was out there, waiting to finish what his master had started. The destruction of the last piece of Lily left in the world. Black couldn't be working alone, the castle was damn near impregnable if one did not have help but all his warnings had been dismissed without a fair hearing. He was prejudiced they said, unreasonable they said. No, he was perfectly reasonable. He had seen firsthand what the friends of the venerated James Potter were capable of. So he would watch and he would wait. Lupin couldn't keep up the act forever and when the mask finally dropped the professor promised himself he would be there.
XXX
The week and its successors passed quickly, even Luka's Friday shifts at the bar were relatively uneventful. As the rounds of the intra-house fencing competition drew to a close Luka let go a sigh of relief, there had been no injuries apart from a few scuffed knees from over aggressive lunges. However the fencing would be the quickest out of the three sections to complete as it was a fairly simple first to five points arrangement whilst magic and hand to hand combat would consist of three five minute rounds per match. Also it seemed that since the next Quidditch match was just over a week away the 'Hogwarts Express'' sports pages seemed to be running dry so Creevey had taken it upon himself to cover the duelling competitions. Unfortunately this had lead to him being a little too close to the action on more than one occasion resulting in the need for either Luka or one of the duelling mannequins to pull him out of harm's way. Once the participants and the numerous spectators had left the nephilim made sure to give the young boy a stern lecture on personal safety. Hopefully the message had sunk in, looking on the bright side at least Luka hadn't arranged an archery competition.
Nearing the Great Hall for tea Luka looked up from the floor to find Professor Dumbledore standing before her eyes a twinkle. Fighting the reflex to cock her head and narrow her eyes the nephilim watched the wizard as he began to speak.
"I'm glad I caught you just before dinner my girl, I was hoping I could persuade you to resume your old seat," he said with a smile.
Luka thought over the proposal, like the rest of the staff she was well aware of the fight between the two professors and the consequential continuation of enmity.
"So you wish me to go back to being a human barrier?" enquired the nephilim.
"I wouldn't quite put it like that. Remus appears to miss you and you're a stabilising influence on Severus," twinkled the old wizard.
"I doubt anyone could stabilise Severus against his will," replied Luka.
"Would you humour an old man? I think the situation would improve if you returned,"
Luka sighed before nodding, it was pointless to resist. He would just keep twinkling and wearing her down and since this was a trivial matter it would be less effort if she would simply acquiesce to his request. Fortunately the meal was less awkward than the nephilim anticipated. Professor Snape barely acknowledged her presence and Professor Lupin let her eat in peace although she did notice that he kept glancing in her direction.
As she made her way back into her quarters Luka groaned as she noticed that she hadn't been quick enough to get there before her flatmate. Professor Lupin stood in front of the fire looking at her pensively. Unsure of what to do once eye contact had been made the nephilim decided to try to slink off to her room. Before she could though the nervous werewolf spoke.
"I know we have had our differences and you no doubt hold me in very low esteem but what Severus told you was a lie. You have to believe me, I knew nothing about what Black had planned. I didn't speak to him for weeks after the incident,"
Luka looked into the plaintive eyes as guilt once more wormed itself into her gut. She was lucky the professor couldn't transform without the full moon as otherwise she would be faced with a very literal set of puppy eyes.
"I know, Minerva cornered me the morning after to tell me. From the look in her eye I'd imagine she'd got to Severus too," replied Luka uncomfortably, the sooner this conversation was wrapped up the better.
The professor eyed his colleague, by the looks of it he didn't have long before she bolted. He would have to finish quickly.
"I would also like to apologise for saying you were mentally incompetent. I just wanted to make sure that it was what you really wanted rather than something you'd regret in the morning,"
Luka nodded a little dumbly. Inside her mind pride battled against her guilt at her harsh treatment of the professor. Yes he had been unbelievably insulting but his heart had been in the right place and he seemed sincere. Perhaps it was time to cool her ire, it would certainly make living with him easier.
"Erm sure. Goodnight," mumbled Luka as she scuttled off to her room, forgiving or not talking to the person you'd ignored with all your might for weeks was rather awkward. She was glad that Sebastian couldn't see her now, he'd either be smirking or shaking his head at her display of ineloquence. Sitting down at her desk she watched the angel fish the weres had got her, their graceful motion soon calmed her mind.
Back in the sitting room Professor Lupin made himself comfortable with a cup of tea. He had known as soon as Luka had entered the hall with Professor Dumbledore that her move had been due to the headmaster's urging. Not that he had minded, it had meant that he no longer had to put up with Professor Snape's malicious presence being so close to his person and it had given him the opportunity to talk to her about the lies the slandering potions master had spread. As soon as she had left the table he had done likewise, his years as a marauder giving him the advantage in getting to their quarters first. Not to mention her closer presence had calmed Moony a bit. Hopefully with Luka being less adversarial his wolf would stop trying to be so forceful.
XXX
Getting up early Luka crept out of the castle violin case in hand. Whilst her studies with Sebastian had slowed in pace with combat being almost dropped entirely he still expected her to keep mastering new pieces. Today she would practice Tartini's 'Devil's trill sonata'in G major. Sighing she set up her music stand. With each of her instruments demanding at least one hours practice a day, plus Hogwarts studies, bar duty, the duelling club and patrols it was if time was being sucked into a black hole. At least she hadn't been called upon as an Executioner but that was sure to change if the weres voted to come out. They would need protection from the Ministry. Ah well at least with all these activities her incarceration would fly by and then she'd be back in the world of science. Speaking of which she really needed to look at summer internships, if she left things too long she wouldn't even be able to interpret an infrared spectrum.
Breakfast was far more comfortable than the previous night's evening meal. Luka and Professor Lupin acknowledged one another with nods and a very slight smile from the latter, something that was noticed with contempt by Professor Snape.
"Cheerful as ever I see Severus, looking forward to the nine to five dunderhead marathon?" smirked Luka good naturedly, the older wizard was fun to annoy and not for the first time he was looking at her as if he wanted to stab her with his fork.
"I have a free period," he replied in an emotionless voice.
"Fun times, I've got a class of third years for Muggle studies as well as the usual second year courses,"
The professor just snorted and returned to digging into his breakfast. The bint was back to her irritating ways.
XXX
As usual the day's lessons went smoothly, thankfully the children were still buying the lie that she was a student teacher. Now in her Muggle studies class on the economic downturn and its effect on the global economy the nephilim froze as she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket before giving out a loud ping signalling a text had been received. Standing embarrassed for a moment Luka lost a beat before continuing her class. She would look at her mobile later, it should have been turned off during class after all. Unfortunately there existed bat-eared students in this class.
"What was that?" asked one Gryffindor.
"My mobile phone, nothing to concern yourself with," replied Luka as she attempted to continue the part on the fall of Greece.
"Muggle phones don't work in Hogwarts. All Muggle objects are badly affected by the magic, it says so in 'Hogwarts: A History'," squawked Hermione Granger.
Luka sighed, Severus had warned her about Granger when she had started teaching. And lo, she had turned out to be as insufferably annoying as she had been on the train. The Muggleborn was the most vociferous third year even in the duelling club.
"That is not always the case, there are methods of circumventing the magic. Now back to the matter at hand-,"
"But how?" protested the student, her fellows now split between annoyance at the interruption and curiosity.
"Five points from Gryffindor for the interruption. Magical devices can be added to Muggle instruments to make them immune to the presence of magic-,"
"That's illegal, it violates the numerous acts concerning the misuse of Muggle artifacts tha-,"
"Another five points from Gryffindor! Really Miss Granger, must I ask Mr Filch to ready his scold's bridle for use? For your information the Ministry acts are limited to direct modifications such as charms, adding extras such as enchanted crystal chips to the casings of electronics does not count," growled Luka as she glared the witch into the ground before returning to the topic of austerity measures. Hopefully that would be the end of the debate on Muggle artefacts on school grounds.
XXX
"Gaaaaah rest at last," sighed the nephilim as she flopped into one of the rickety staff room arm chairs.
"Tough day?" asked Madam Pomfrey as Professor Snape scoffed in the background, as if she had it bad. He'd had five explosions in the course of a day!
"The usual lessons went well, just a tiring encounter with a Gryffindor," replied Luka.
"Miss Granger did tell me you were using Muggle artefacts at school. She also mentioned the threat of a medieval torture device," said Professor McGonagall as she looked up from her copy of 'Transfiguration Monthly'.
"Well, I was about to use the term 'insufferable know-it-all' but I found that it had been copyrighted," black eyes narrowed, "so I decided to threaten her with Filch although if she had persisted I would have probably just kicked her out of the lesson," Luka said as she pulled the draft copy of her latest essay for spell checking.
"Isn't that a little harsh? Especially for just asking questions related to your subject," continued the transfiguration mistress.
Surprisingly it was Professor Snape who spoke up in Luka's defence, "Minerva when was the last time you allowed one of your lessons to be derailed by a student? I do, of course, assume the lesson wasn't on Muggle communications," said he as he peered at Luka in enquiry.
"No it was on the Eurozone crisis. Unfortunately my phone went off and one of the pupils heard it,"
"You allowed your personal communications to interfere with the class?" asked the potions master as he switched sides.
Luka huffed, "Of course not, my phone just gave a beep. I didn't have a look at it until after the lesson had finished. By the way Severus I'll have the next batch of potions ready for you by the end of the week,"
"Thank you, I was just thinking that I needed more work to mark," sneered the potions master as the other staff members looked on with a smile. The almost friendly bouts of mutual antagonism had grown into a form of entertainment weeks ago.
"I aim to please," smiled Luka cheerily.
"Back to the topic of Muggle artefacts the Ministry will know about your use of them soon enough," said the matron.
"The Ministry can get bent," muttered Luka as she squinted at her own handwriting.
"I doubt Poppy meant in terms of official sanctions. Ron Weasley's father is in the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office and the boy is best friends with Miss Granger. If his father hears of your devices he'll be up here in a flash to examine them," added Professor McGongall.
Luka nodded in remembrance of the nervous ginger haired wizard before returning to her essay. Just five more sides of A4 and she could return to more pleasurable reading. 'ChemistryWorld' had a good article on organometallics this month.
As the week drew to a close Luka was quite satisfied at the headway she was making in all areas. Her normal classes bobbed around the excellent mark, if she could continue potions at her current rate she would finish the third year set by the end of the academic year and Sebastian had been pleased with her musical progress as well as her bar duties. The Christmas duelling competition was also well underway with hand to hand combat taking place on Saturday and magic duelling on the Sunday. The latter had even drawn in Professor Flitwick who happily watched the matches and gave the competitors friendly advice afterwards. Luka's tentative ceasefire with Professor Lupin was also becoming more familiar even though it had been noted with derision by Professor Snape. In response Luka had simply pointed out that if the curse on the defence against the Dark Arts post kicked in and Professor Lupin had to leave Hogwarts she would have to share rooms with the potions master. For some unknown reason the suggestion of becoming 'roomies' shut the potions master up completely. Now heading back to her current abode the nephilim paused as she heard voices from the living room. Sighing as she recognised the scent Luka walked in with a hopefully neutral expression for sitting in the armchair opposite to Professor Lupin was Arthur Weasley just as Professor McGonagall had predicted.
Professor Lupin had been pleasantly surprised when Arthur Weasley had asked for entry to his floo. After the initial pleasantries had been exchanged the pair had eagerly caught up the last twelve years. It was nice to see other Order members and the pair had unfortunately lost contact years ago. As Luka entered they brought their conversation on the possibility of Muggle werewolves coming into the open to an end. Arthur Weasley looked at the woman with some trepidation as he got to his feet. He hadn't forgotten the events at the Ministry.
"Miss Reginold, nice to meet you again. I came ask you about the Muggle artefacts you have been using," smiled the wizard uncertainly as he held out his hand.
Luka eyed the man a moment, he had been one of the 'good' wizards but this encounter still merited caution, and then moved forwards to give his hand a firm shake, "Likewise Mr Weasley,"
As she took a seat the nephilim held Arthur's gaze coldly. Clearing his throat he began his questioning. To his surprise the young woman acquiesced gracefully and answered all his questions although the responses weren't as detailed as he had wanted. Once the interview was wrapped up he cheerfully bade Luka and Professor Lupin good bye.
Upon seeing the wizard finally leave Luka flopped back in her chair, if the man spoke any faster he would be close to breaking the second law of thermodynamics. The 'conversation' had ranged from her mobile phone to loofer brushes to the maginet music systems to the advent of digital radio. The rambling and random nature of the queries made it hard for Luka to discern any type of pattern, the only thing she could get was that Weasley had a keen interest in anything and everything Muggle. Fortunately she had managed to avoid any mention of the internet, if the weres came out it would only be a matter of time before the Obliviators were mobilised so the bigger the head start the better and the magical world's continuing ignorance of such a powerful communication network would be a great advantage. That and hopefully she had quelled the wizard's curiosity so she shouldn't be seeing him for a while. Jeeze, all this fuss just because Jim had decided to text her saying that the referendum would be held sometime in the summer holiday season. Deciding to leave the sitting room before the atmosphere became strained Luka got to her feet.
"Would you like a game of chess?" came the innocent enquiry from behind her back.
Luka turned, she did have some background reading to do for history of magic but procrastination had always been her weakness. Besides, after their fights the werewolf probably had no romantic interest in her at all and was probably just trying to diffuse tension by becoming friendlier. It was a pity but she couldn't blame him. Nodding with a small smile Luka sat down opposite her flat mate.
Professor Lupin suppressed a happy smile as he accioed his chess set. The accord was starting to feel more natural and he hoped that true friendship could evolve from it, if not something more. Moony on the other hand was far from satisfied. Whilst the wolf had been mollified by Luka's return to her usual seat his human half's slow and steady approach was starting to chafe, he was all for accosting the object of his desire in a re-run of the incident in the professor's office. Professor Lupin closed his eyes for a moment, he needed to clamp down on Moony's activities or the entire plan would go cock-a-hoot.
XXX
The next morning found Luka plotting a quick excursion to Hogsmeade in the evening. It was Friday so it would be relatively busy but her weekend was already accounted for and she really needed to do her Christmas shopping. Once classes were done she quickly signed out with Professor Lupin before making her way to the gates. A swift apparition later she was in Hogsmeade, her first stop was a nice ornament shop, then a bookstore and finally 'Honeydukes'. Jim and Mike would probably like some blood flavoured lollipops and 'Drooble's Best Blowing Gum' to go with their more advanced spell books. That and Ciel would no doubt be a grateful recipient of a selection of sweets. Picking through the boxed assortments Luka wondered if she should get anything for her flat mate. It was well known that he was a chocaholic and in that one small way he was lucky he was a werewolf otherwise he would have a trouble getting through normal size doorways. After a moment of consideration Luka plumped for a few large bars rather than a box of chocolates as the latter seemed a little too romantic. With that thought in mind the nephilim wondered if she should give a heart shaped box to Professor Snape under the pretence of a secret admirer. On second thoughts that probably wouldn't be such a good idea, she'd be potions ingredients the second he ever found out. She would just have to settle for a few cans of 'Red Bull', after all there was only one way to find out what he'd be like high on caffeine. He probably wouldn't be seen apart from the parchment and smaller students being pulled around in the air currents of his billowing robes. After paying she shoved her purchases carefully into her magically Tardis-like rucksack and headed to 'The Three Broomsticks' for a quick butterbeer before her shift. Unfortunately it seemed that she had picked the same night to go to the pub as the local Dementors. Whilst she had seen the Ministry notices of the nocturnal patrols she hadn't thought they would be sent into any buildings. As the rest of the patrons scurried out of the two available exits Luka remained impassive. Out of the trio two were ordinary Dementors with the other being from the ruling class. He was about half a foot taller than his subordinates but he lacked the symbol of his rank; his scythe. Like grim reapers upper class Dementors carried scythes though they were strictly in the style of farming implements and could only cut flesh rather than soul. As the leader drifted towards her Luka called to Madam Rosmerta for a round of ice waters, she doubted very much that Dementors were partial to butterbeer. The three Dark creatures seated themselves around the nephilim and Madam Rosmerta dumped the beverages in front of them with little care for spillages before scurrying back behind the bar of her now empty pub. When the drinks had been delivered Luka had infused them with the same energy she had used to feed the school Dementors. After a brief but enlightening conversation Luka paid up, the pale face of the barmaid making her smile, before heading to the Funtom bar. Another Friday another shift.
The shift went smoothly apart from some inebriated dryads getting into a fight over who had the best tree. Pack Leader White approached her to confirm what her 'narks' had already told her. The referendum was to take place sometime in the summer and the 'No' and 'Yes' campaigns would be soon underway. As the last Executioner she would be expected to referee the debates that took place in the East Midlands. Luka agreed happily glad to see the process going forward. It had been no mean feat for some of the most secretive people on the planet to get together as one.
As the evening wore on Luka dragged Sebastian over to a quiet corner to tell him the good news. McNair was dead from arsenic poisoning although the Ministry presumed natural causes and apparently Scrimgeour was not fairing well. The demon had smirked before asking her how she knew. Luka swiftly divulged the meeting with Dementors. Apparently in an attempt to stave off their hunger, and consequent antics, the Ministry was rotating the school and Azkaban guards. This had given the upper class Dementor the opportunity to tell Luka about the death and to ask for more arsenic. The small doses the Dementors were handing out in drinking water weakened the prisoners and the guards were more than happy to take advantage of this. With a look of pride the demon shooed her back to her bar keeping duties. Bit by bit they were getting closer to their revenge.
XXX
The week before the end of term saw the nephilim aiding Christmas preparations. If she wasn't attending her usual duties she was helping Hagrid drag trees into the Great Hall or assisting Professor Flitwick. The duelling club tournament was also drawing to a close with the year champions being decided in the coming weekend. Despite her initial surprise that Harry Potter wasn't among the pupils attending she had found that Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger had done well in the Gryffindor rounds of magic duelling. Her ex-friends had also beaten many in their quest for house points, probably due to the guerrilla warfare they had endured the year prior. Out of her old acquaintances only Colin Creevey didn't take part but that was due to him being on paparazzi duty for the school paper whose sports pages were filled articles on the club as well as the Quidditch Cup. Once the final rounds had taken place the house points were roughly divided between the four houses. The Slytherins and Ravenclaws had excelled at fencing and magical combat whilst the Gryffindors and some Hufflepuffs had made the Thai boxing ring their domain. After setting the Great Hall back to its usual state Luka retired to her room before dinner. On her way she found herself obstructed by a tight lipped Professor McGonagall.
"Feeding Dementors again Luka?"
Ah, she must have spoken to Madam Rosmerta. Either that or Hagrid had visited the 'The Three Broomsticks', picked up the gossip and then distributed it at the castle.
"Yes, just a light snack," replied Luka calmly.
Professor McGonagall eyed her coldly for a moment, the nephilim seemed impossible to reason with. After all technically she was a Dark creature herself. Shaking her head the professor decided to cut her losses and leave with a reproaching look.
Seeing that she had gotten off lightly Luka smiled before continuing to the hall. Taking her seat between the potions master and her flatmate the nephilim happily tucked into her last meal of the term.
"Any plans for Christmas?" asked Professor Lupin who was eagerly attacking his stew.
"Yeah, I'll stay with my mum and nan. It'll be nice to see them and the animals again," replied Luka with a smile.
"What about your father?"
"My mum has finally had enough sense leave the drunken pig. The only time I intend to see him is to turn off the life support machine," growled the nephilim as Professor Lupin looked on in shock.
"Just when you seem to have changed you show your true face once more," said Professor Snape with a sneer.
Luka rolled her eyes at the professor's show of derision, "So have you got any plans Sev-chan?" she watched with a smirk at look of annoyance she received .
"Unlike you Reginold some people have to stay and over see the students," he growled daring her to annoy him again.
Luka merely shrugged before turning to her left, "What about you Remus?"
"I would have liked to have visited my father but the full moon is too close to Christmas. I would be too tired to be decent company," replied the professor sadly.
Luka nodded, she'd seen only a couple of his transformations but it was clear they left him drained for days. The rest of the meal passed quietly.
Back in her quarters Luka finished packing her belongings. Mel and Elise were happy to be going off to stay somewhere new whilst the fish would be staying at Hogwarts with copious quantities of holiday food. She just had to hand the bars of chocolate and Red Bull to the house elves and she'd be off. She had tried to ask Madam Pomfrey to give Professor Lupin the chocolate but she had been directed to the house elves. Up till that point Luka had been under the impression that there were human staff or brooms and cooking utensils that were enchanted so that they were disconcertingly close to being self aware. So it was quite a surprise when the matron summoned one of the elves and they popped into the ward. Recalling the memory with a smile Luka called for the elf that looked after her quarters.
"Quippy, err I have a job for you," Luka half asked, it was more awkward to summon an elf for an errand than she had anticipated although she needn't have worried the elf popped in straight away.
"Yes Miss Reginold?"
"Could you make sure Professor Lupin gets the chocolate and Professor Snape gets the cans on Christmas day?"
The elf blinked her large eyes as she took the proffered items, "Of course miss, is that all?"
"Yes Quippy... um have a nice Christmas,"
The elf smiled before popping away leaving Luka to marinate in the awkward atmosphere, damn she needed to learn tact.
Outside in the hall Professor Lupin didn't know whether to feel smug or slightly ashamed. As part of his 'slowly and steadily' approach he had conjured some charmed/cursed mistletoe that now held him 'trapped'. Moony on the other hand had firmly plumped for smug and sat at the back of his mind happily anticipating an ambush. He wasn't kept waiting for long.
Luka walked into the sitting room in navy jeans, purple t-shirt and her usual black leather jacket. Elise was perched on the trunk she towed and Mel was safely stowed in a medium plastic tub that was magically kept warm. As she neared the hall she noticed Professor Lupin standing beneath a clump of mistletoe with a slight blush on his cheeks.
"The school grows them at this time of year," smiled the professor thankful that the nervous tone in his voice wasn't hard to lay on. However as Luka strode up to him he noticed her owl puff up and narrow her eyes. Bugger. But surely an owl couldn't have worked out his ruse?
"This is one of the ones that trap people isn't it? Funny, I thought they only sprung up because of the Weasley twins. Should I use fiendfyre? I'm not sure whether it will set off the anti-Dark magic wards or not," Luka finished uncertainly.
"Yes, fiendfyre will set off the wards. I'm afraid there's only one way to get away from the plant," relied the werewolf. Had she stopped seeing him in that fashion?
"Oh, just making sure. In case you didn't want..." mumbled Luka as she took another step forwards, perhaps if it was a peck on the cheek she wouldn't seem like such a perv for picking on someone who couldn't retreat.
The professor smiled at Luka's coyness, he would simply have to take her in hand or preferably both hands-shut up Moony and show her that this what he wanted. As she stepped into the enchanted area Luka zoned in on her target's cheek, to her surprise he turned so that the kiss was now on his mouth, his moustache tickling her lip gently. Professor Lupin smiled at the chaste kiss and bade Luka a merry Christmas, sentiments that were returned along with a warning that Professor Snape may end up being high on caffeine. As she exited into his office he felt his wolf stir. Moony was far from satisfied from the brief contact. No tongue, no grope, his human side was getting soft.
XXX
The next week and a half passed in a blur of bad Christmas television, fending off attacks from the diminutive cockerel Augustus as she tried to feed his hens, doubled lessons with Sebastian, homework and many, many bar shifts. After Professor Burbage had found that Luka would be departing from the school like most of the staff she had insisted that she return early for the New Year's Eve staff party. Having exhausted all possible evasions and excuses Luka explained to Sebastian that she would no longer be able to cover the aberrantly busy shift. The demon had narrowed his eyes before telling her that she would have to find someone to swap shifts with so she was now working on a nearly daily basis. Not to mention the surprise of the new pactio.
Meanwhile at Hogwarts the remaining staff were busy bringing in alcohol for the forthcoming festivities whilst trying to avoid openly laughing at Professor Snape's new act as a giant black hummingbird. However their mirth had been noticed and the potions master had spent the days cursing the person who sent him the drinks as well as students who produced shoddy work. He had narrowed down his list of suspects to Professor Burbage and Luka. However the former would have left a note which left the frightful little imp. He would have his vengeance.
Using a shadow gate to pop from the boundary to the Great Hall Luka made her way to the staffroom meeting Professor Lupin on the way. Thankfully he seemed better and in better spirits. Once in the staffroom the nephilim plonked her load of tequila, orange juice and grenadine on the central table before making a tequila sunrise and mingling to the best of her socially spastic ability. The room was buzzing with the entire faculty in attendance and it was clear that preloading wasn't confined to her generation. As Professor Burbage chatted to her about Luka's assignment to the third years Luka felt a death stare from behind. A fleeting glance revealed an irritated Professor Snape leaning against the wall with what appeared to be a glass of whiskey in hand. To be honest Luka was surprised to see him there at all. Once the kindly Muggle studies teacher was finished and the spectacular annual fireworks display was over Luka moved towards to the potions master.
"What's up? You're acting even more put out than usual," she enquired with a cocked eyebrow.
Professor Snape looked over her Muggle garb with disdain; a black t-shirt with a steel grey dragon on it, a cerise and black tartan miniskirt couple with black tights and the clunky boots she insisted on wearing. At least her makeup wasn't the clown paint she'd worn when he'd seen her off to court.
"I know you sent me that foul concoction," he growled.
"If it's the Red Bull you're alluding to then yes. You didn't drink it all at once did you? You'd be lucky to get away without heart palpitations," replied Luka with a sudden flash of concern.
The potions master narrowed his eyes, "No, I was sensible enough to only imbibe a small amount and then only after numerous ingredient checking spells,"
Luka cocked her head to the side. Whilst it was true that werewolves could smell lies it was based on experience, kind of like people who learned body language to discern untruths, so Luka was still a novice so she sensed nothing from the wizard in front of her. However he wouldn't be in such a sulk without cause.
"You ended up high as a kite didn't you,"
The potions master visibly stiffened. Whilst he hadn't been 'high' exactly he had ended up marking an entire class' essays in what felt like an instant before the shaking in his hands had made writing impossible. Not to mention the insomnia that had resulted in unplanned patrols and all of this was from just one can.
"No I did not get high," he ground out in denial.
Luka stifled a look of disbelief, his delay had said it all. Probably better to make peace now rather than risk a feud if she was going to be staying at Hogwarts for another five odd years.
"Peace offering drink?" as glittering black eyes narrowed to even smaller dimensions Luka shook her head, "If you want to be a git and refuse that's fine but here's a warning. If you keep narrowing your eyes like that you'll end up with a squint that'll rival Clint Eastwood's,"
"Mint julep," came the terse reply as he handed his glass to Luka.
Shaking her head the nephilim went back to the main table which was piled high with alcohol with the potions master watching her every move from his shadow like position. If the little chit even thought of adulterating his drink with some frightful ingredient...
From his spot at the buffet Professor Lupin had watched the exchange with interest and what the potions master viewed with slight disgust he viewed with appreciation. Moving over to innocently refill his cup he neared the pair. To his pleasure Luka looked up with a smile.
"Hi, I'm the acting bartender tonight what can I get you?" she asked with a wink.
"What are you having?" Professor Lupin asked as he edged closer.
"Tequila sunrise round two," Luka replied as she finished the mint julep which Professor Snape accepted with a huff. He had been watching the werewolf with disgust. Did the beast really have to leer at his flat mate in that matter and so openly? Well at least he had the decency to look more innocent when Luka's eyes were on him. Sniffing in disdain he turned to a slightly flushed Professor McGonagall who was accompanied by the charms master. As she press ganged him into their mini-chess tournament Luka chimed in and the professor's night proceeded to go swiftly downhill.
"What about shot exchange chess?" she asked as she finished adding the grenadine to Professor Lupin's sunrise.
"What's that?" asked the transfiguration mistress after an owlish blink.
"It's a two versus two game. One of the pair if black whilst the other is white and whenever they capture a piece they give it to their partner so they can place it on their board. Placing a new piece counts as a move and you can't put it on the opponent's back rank or in a position that would give checkmate. Also the player who has their piece captured downs a shot of alcohol," explained Luka as Professors Flitwick and McGonagall looked on in interest.
"Sounds like a good idea, how about it Minnerva? You and I against Severus and Luka?" squeaked the diminutive charms master.
Professor McGonagall nodded enthusiastically before turning to the Slytherin duo. Professor Snape noticed Luka's hesitation. Apparently whilst happy to provide others with ideas she wasn't behind getting involved in them herself, he couldn't have that.
"An excellent suggestion Minerva, you will join us won't you Luka?" smiled the potions master.
Luka returned his look of malice, he knew full well she wouldn't be able to back out in front of everyone, "Of course Severus,"
The quartet sat down and soon the game gathered a small throng of onlookers who eagerly gossiped between themselves on the best strategy to use. Luka was glad she hadn't suggested blitz chess as the time limit would create even more chaos, it was bad enough that the pieces that were swapped between the boards continued to insult each other even when on same side. To add to confusion the pawns were counted as pieces so a shot had to be downed even for them so gambits were out of the question. The games gathered pace rather quickly and though they put up a valiant struggle the Slytherins eventually succumbed. Professor McGonagall pulled off a sneaky back rank attack on Luka and once Professor Flitwick managed a promotion from pawn to queen the potions master could see the writing on the wall.
"Good game," Luka smiled as she shook hands with the transfiguration mistress.
Getting to her feet she noted with displeasure a distinct light headedness and slight nausea. Looking to her left she noticed that Professor Snape was in an even worse state since he had been drinking stronger liquor beforehand and lacked a lupine constitution. That said Professor Flitwick was looking distinctly rosy cheeked, with his size his blood must've been one quarter alcohol Luka mused. Seeing her head of house lurch to one side she grabbed his arm.
"I think you've had a few dozen too many," Luka slurred slightly as she steadied him.
"Am fine," blinked Professor Snape.
"Luka could you or Remus see that he gets to his quarters? I'll deal with Filius," asked Professor McGonagall.
Luka nodded and Professor Lupin swiftly approached to take the potions master's other arm. Unfortunately Snape had other ideas.
"Get your filthy hands off me Lupin! I don't need the likes of you to help me," spat Professor Snape.
Before he could make a scene Luka dragged the inebriate over to a shadowed area of the wall after apologising to Professor Lupin on his colleague's behalf, she wasn't so tipsy that she couldn't clearly visualise Professor Snape's office. Once through the shadow gate she asked for directions. Luka dragged the potions master out into the corridor and to a portrait that was quite close to the Slytherin dormitory entrance. Professor Snape muttered the password to the snobbish painting and the pair made it into his sitting room. Luka looked around swiftly, all in all it was as expected. The main features were the fireplace and the numerous book shelves that lined the room.
"Where's the bedroom?" asked Luka although she wasn't sure if it would be better to dump him in the bathroom with his head over the toilet whilst she rooted around for a drunk reliever potion or whatever they were called.
"I think we should keep our relationship professional," came the slurred reply.
Luka narrowed her eyes and snorted before trying to pick up a scent trail. The professor had become less coherent in a short space of time and after mumbling insults about Professor Lupin he had widened his remit to include some people called the 'marauders'. Luka tried not to listen, odds are he would not have wanted to tell her these things if he was sober. After finally locating the bedroom she let her load flop down on his bed. To her surprise Luka spied a lily in a vase on one of his bedside cabinet, that didn't fit her mental picture of the professor. As he lay prone on his bed Professor Snape looked up at Luka expectantly.
"Just your jacket and cravat, so you don't strangle yourself,"
"Trousers,"
Luka blinked, "Noooope. I'm not getting done for sexually molesting you. That and you'd hex the hell out of me in the morning,"
Despite the professor's huff of annoyance Luka swiftly, well swiftly considering her condition, divested him of his jacket, cravat and shoes before trying to shove him under the sheets he was lying on. Now kneeling just below the pillows she tucked him in before leaning back on the headboard. She would just close her eyes a moment so she could regain equilibrium...
Professor Snape woke to a thumping headache and an unfamiliar weight on his chest. Pulling himself out of the tangle of sheets he looked down blearily on a mass of multicoloured hair. Reginold had seen fit to not only stay in his quarters but to use him as a pillow to boot! Tutting he poked the bane of his life in the ribs. Nothing. So he pushed her off the bed. The resulting loud thump was satisfying and judging from the grumbling the beast was now awake. Moving to the edge of the bed he looked down upon a slightly irritated Luka who sat on her rump rubbing the back of her head.
"Get out Reginold," he hissed with narrow.
"What, no breakfast? No wonder you don't get any dates, you're a git in the morning," replied Luka as she stood and attempted to smooth her skirt which was crumpled from sleeping in it.
"Out," the professor replied in an even colder tone.
"Fine, jeeze you're an a-hole," muttered Luka as she strode out.
As she made her way back to the quarters she shared with Professor Lupin Luka looked at her watch. Seven a.m, no wonder she felt knackered. The alcohol may have been metabolised but the sleep deprivation was still a pain. Stepping into the secret hallway she was surprised to see Professor Lupin sitting in his bathrobe with his breakfast.
"How are you up so early?"
The professor looked up in slight surprise at the state his flatmate was in.
"I woke up early, did you not sleep well last night?"
"Nope,"
"Where were you? Until you walked in I assumed you were in your room," asked Professor Lupin he and Moony growing more worried by the minute.
"Severus'," yawned Luka unthinkingly as she made her way to her room leaving a gawping werewolf in her wake.
XXX
"Well I'm sorry Severus but if I can't sense anything I can't sense anything. Besides half the staff are on it, I doubt I could find anything on that broomstick that you guys would have all missed," groused Luka as the potions master muttered to her about not finding any curses on Potter's new Firebolt.
She didn't know whether it was the hangover but he was being even more obnoxious than usual. Besides she had over things to do, as all the staff had returned in anticipation of the new term and Christmas was now over she had to take the Christmas trees out. Hagrid had been given a compassionate leave of sorts by the headmaster due to an upsetting letter sent from the Ministry concerning Buckbeak. Not to mention the new lessons plans she had put off writing. As the arguing pair rounded another corner they were met by a solemn Professor Lupin. The usually cheerful werewolf was drawn to his full height with a mixed look of resignation and determination.
"I don't know whether the two of you want to keep it quiet so I won't tell anyone for the moment. And despite the fact I think you could do better Luka I wish you two the best of luck and happiness. Severus, you had best make sure you take care of her. I will be watching," he said evenly before turning on his heel leaving two very surprised Slytherins standing in the corridor.
After a moment one of Luka's eyes narrowed, "Eh?"
To those who wonder how come all hell didn't break loose in the form of another jealous Moony the answer will come in the next chapter.