Chapter 3: When Darkness Descends
Hermoine lead Patrice up to the girl's dorm. She was surprised to see that her trunk was next to Patrice's trunk. Hermoine frowned. Someone had moved her things. Patrice seemed to be over her initial shock. She sat down on her own bunk, calmly taking in her surroundings. She opened the window.
"Athena!" she called out softly.
Hermoine heard the rustling of feathers. A beautiful snow white owl swooped in. She looked very much like Hedwig, except for the three brown feathers that stuck out of the owl's head like hair. Hermoine began to wonder immediotly if the owl was an Animagus.
The owl perched lightly on Patrice's arm.
"How are you, girl?" Patrice cooed. The owl hooted, ruffling her feathers indignantly. Patrice giggled.
"I know, it's not home. You'll have to get used to it for a while, though." The owl crocked it's head toward Hermoine. She fluttered onto Hermoine's shoulder, her wide eyes staring into Hermoine's eyes.
"Whoooo," she hooted. She returned to Patrice's outstretched hand.
Hermoine gently stroked the owl's soft feathers.
"She's beautiful," Hermoine whispered. Patrice smiled.
"Athena's been mine since I first got my wand. She's a dear."
"Are you going to take her down to the owlry?" Patrice shook her head.
"Athena won't bother you, Hermoine. She lives outdoors most of the time anyway." She grinned. "Athena's a wild bread owl, not a tame shadow like those in the owlries." Athena bobbed her head, as if agreeing with Patrice.
"A wild owl? And she still takes messages?"
"Only for me." Patrice made an odd, guttural clicking noise. The owl fluttered onto the chest, and sat patiently. "To mom." Patrice tied a little parcel around it's leg. The owl lifted off, and flew out the window.
Hermoine marveled at the girl who stood before her.
"You've trained a wild owl?" Patrice grinned again.
"It's not as hard as all that, especially when the owl did the choosing." Hermoine blinked back her surprise. She hadn't even known such a thing were possible. She hated not knowing things. She resolved to do more reading, more studying, to find out more about owls choosing people.
"Hermoine, I'm beat. I'm going to sleep. I'll see you in the morning." Hermoine nodded. She pulled the window shut, taking one last look at the owl as it disappeared into the clouds.
* * * * * * * *
The young Slytherinth boy looked around nervously. He was a third year. He didn't want any of the older students catching him out and about, but he needed to meet with his supervisor.
The hall was dark and quiet. Not even Peeves was about. This hall was not patrolled, by order of Dumbledore himself, between the hours of four and six in the morning.
"You're late," said a cold voice. He jumped at the sound.
"I'm sorry, Milady," he replied nervously. The witch waved her hand impatiently.
"You've scouted? Are there any of us in you dorms?" The young by shook his head.
"No. If there are, they've shielded themselves." He frowned. "The others, I've talked to them. There is rumour of one within the weak Hufflepuffs, and another in the Ravenclaws."
"The Gryffindor scout has told me she suspects at least three of them."
"Please don't tell me Potter is. . . ."
"No. He has many talents, but this is not one of them."
"Good. I'm sick of hearing that guy's name."
"Might I remind you that if we fail our part. . . ."
"I know, Milady," he replied haughtily. "I know the stakes. Our lord will no be displeased. I promise you."
"Don't promise me anything. I have no use for your word. I need deeds. Now get yourself gone. The sun will soon rise."
The young boy bowed deeply. He hated bowing to this girl. It would not be so bad if he could penetrate through her spells, and see her face, but he could not. For all he knew, "Milady" was a student. He shuddered. If she was a Gryffindor, he'd lose his mind. Gryffindor's had been given too much glory. It was time for the Slytherinths to take back the house cup, that which was rightfully theirs. He would show them all. They would take back everything which was rightfully theirs, despite Potter.
* * * * * * * * *
Athena landed gracefully in the trees just beyond the Forbidden forest. The woman smiled at her, extending a gloved hand toward her.
"Ah, good Athena, thank you." She untied the message. Athena hooted softly to her mistress's mother. Something was wrong here. Her wing tips bristled. "Give my daughter this," the woman continued, tying the small letter case to Athena's legs.
Athena fluttered back, observing the woman.
"Please, Athena," the woman whispered. "She's in danger." Athena bobbed her head, letting this woman know she understood. Athena took wing, but the odd feeling did not leave her. She decided to go to her master's father. He would be able to tell if there was a problem. The owl flew off, not toward Hogwarts, but to Hogsmeade. She would not risk Patrice's life. Not now. They needed her.
