Disclaimer: Harry Potter and associated characters belong to J.K. Rowling.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Chapter 24: Nighttime Adventures
The holidays ended and the Winter Term started but Harry was inwardly happy since the next Quidditch match was coming up soon. Alicia returned from the holidays completely healed of all injuries inflicted on her during her attack and had regained all abilities to walk and play Quidditch.
She resumed her position as the Quidditch captain, though Harry still retained his status as the Gryffindor Co-captain. The Weasley twins, especially Fred, were glad to see that Alicia had made a full recovery and announced their intention to start their own joke shop in Bethnal Green after they had graduated.
As the students were sitting at the feast that always started off each term, Professor McGonagall stood up to make an announcement.
"Could I have everyone's attention please," she began as the students started to settle down. "In light of the recent events, the rest of the staff and I have decided to hold a Valentine's ball at the school this year as a means to cheer everyone up. It will be open to all fourth years and above and you are all encouraged to bring dates."
"I know we all miss our headmaster," McGonagall continued sadly, "but until he returns, I know that he would want us to continue on and be happy."
With that, Professor McGonagall sat down and the hall broke into chatter about who would be asking whom to the ball, though there were a few groans from the third years. Harry noticed Ginny was also looking at him and blushing furiously from the corner of his eye.
"Hey Harry," Ron asked, "Who are you going to ask to the ball?"
Harry would have liked to ask Hermione to the ball but he knew that would cause problems later so he just responded, "I dunno."
"What about Cho?" Ron suggested. "I heard you asked her last year to the Yule ball but she rejected you because she was going with Cedric."
Harry's cheeks turned slightly red from embarrassment of that particular memory and he started playing around with the ring which happened to be glowing red.
"What about you Ron?" Hermione countered, but she also noticed Harry's glowing ring. "I don't hear you trying to ask anyone."
Now it was Ron's turn to blush. "You'll find out who I'm going to ask when I do, Hermione. - Say, Harry, could I talk to you for a moment?"
Hermione gave Harry a questioning look and he shrugged his shoulders, "Uh sure."
Ron got up and walked out of the hall with Harry following closely behind, knowing very well what Ron wanted to talk to him about though he was more worried about leaving the hall since his ring was still glowing.
Sure enough, as soon as they got out of the Great Hall, Ron wheeled around and gave Harry a look that made him appear as if he was at his wit's end.
"What do I do? What do I do?" he asked in a panicked voice.
Harry sighed, "Calm down Ron. What is it?"
"I want to ask Hermione to the ball of course, but what if she doesn't want to go with me?"
"I doubt Hermione will refuse Ron, after all, she's been our friend for the past four year and that has to account for something, right?" Harry said encouragingly.
"Yeah, you're right," Ron said, not entirely convinced. "I think I'll go ask her when I figure out what to do."
Harry knew he was going to regret this later and his insides writhed as he did it but he had to support his best friend regardless of what his personal feelings were, "I would ask her soon before someone else does but you have my full support. Good luck."
"Thanks Harry," Ron said, his face expression brightening slightly at that thought, and he walked back into the Great Hall.
Since Harry was worried that his ring was glowing, he walked back into the hall after Ron and resumed his original seat.
"So what was that about?" Hermione questioned as he sat down.
"Nothing, Ron just wanted to ask me something," Harry replied as he scanned the tables. Sepet wasn't sitting at the high table with the rest of the teachers so Harry looked around at the students.
Eventually his eyes settled on Parvati who was sitting at the end of the table playing around with her food. At the first glance, there didn't appear to be anything wrong with her but upon closer inspection he could see that she had changed a bit during the holidays. Her skin was paler than it was before and had almost lost its colour and that her eyes were a blood red colour.
"Harry?" a voice called.
"HARRY!"
He quickly drew himself away from observing Parvati and turned to Hermione who was nudging him. "What?"
"I was just asking if you wanted to started studying for our OWLs in the library," she said. "They're coming up soon and so I thought we should start studying. You should too, Ron."
"Uh sure, why not," Harry replied, not entirely paying attention.
"Something wrong Harry? You're staring at Parvati," Ron commented.
"My ring is glowing red and Parvati looks a lot different than before," he whispered so that no one would overhear.
"She looks more like a vampire with the pale skin an all," Ron commented. "How come she can still walk in the daytime though?"
"Maybe because she's still a young vampire and hasn't completely got to the point where she can't walk in the daytime," Hermione pointed out.
"Probably, though we should watch her closely. We don't need her biting anyone else," Harry suggested.
"Agreed," Ron and Hermione said in unison.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Days passed quickly and Ron still hadn't asked Hermione to the ball. Harry was also wondering why Krum hadn't tried to ask Hermione to the ball either but that was probably because they were still trying to keep Hermione away from him. As for Harry, he hadn't the foggiest idea of who he could go with except for Cho but he was still feeling a little guilty about Cedric's death. So unless she convinced him otherwise, Harry would have to turn her down.
One relatively warm day for winter, they were sitting in their Dark Arts class and Walter was lecturing them on Red Caps.
"Red Caps are old elfish creatures which are about four feet tall," said Walter as he was pacing the front of the cold classroom as the students were taking down notes.
"They are very difficult to kill and like to drop boulders on travellers. They enjoy the blood of humans and can be killed only by crosses, words from the bible, and swords with a hilt shaped like a cross."
Walter stopped pacing and turned to face the class. "Therefore the only people in this room who could possibly kill one would be Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy."
"Why are they called red caps?" a female Gryffindor student asked.
"They wear caps that are soaked in the blood of humans and so that they appear red," Walter explained.
"Will we ever encounter one?" another student asked.
"I don't think you have to worry about that," said Walter with a small smile. "They like to run around battle fields looking for victims or fresh bodies that have just been killed. They also inhabit the dungeons and prey on those who get lost."
A few students gulped at which Walter laughed in amusement, "Don't worry. These dungeons are quite safe. My armed skeletons patrol the school at night so you can all sleep safely."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Eventually the bell rang and the Walter dismissed the class for the rest of the day.
"Don't forget that for homework I want you to write an essay on Red Caps and how to best defend yourself against them," Walter called over the rustling of papers and bags. "It should be at least one scroll of parchment but no more than three scrolls. - That goes for you too Miss Granger."
"Really, must they always give us so much homework?" Ron commented on the way out. "As if our lives weren't hard enough."
"Well if you did your homework ahead of time and would actually read the books, it wouldn't be so hard now, would it?" Hermione huffed. "I'll see you all at dinner, I have something to do."
"She really worries too much about homework, don't you think? She's probably off to the library again to do some more research," said Ron but he stopped dead in his tracks when he realized what he had just said.
Immediately Ron started running after Hermione calling her name, "Hey Hermione, WAIT UP!!"
Harry ran after his two friends, catching up to them just outside the entrance to the library. "Why were you in such a hurry to run after Hermione?"
"I, uh, wanted to, uh," Ron began nervously.
"Common Ron, out with it, what did you want to ask me?" Hermione said impatiently though her face expression looked somewhat hopeful.
It took Ron a while to finally compose himself but he got down on one knee and took Hermione's hand.
"Would you come to the ball with me Hermione?" asked Ron before kissing her hand.
Hermione blushed and her face brightened with happiness at the question, "Why Ron, I'd be happy to accompany you to the Valentine's ball. It's about time you asked me. I was hoping that you would ask me or would at least not be a stupid git like last year if I went with someone else."
"Really?" Ron asked, not believing her.
"Yes, really," Hermione said and she gave Ron a kiss on the cheek. Harry's insides fell at the sight before him but he smiled at their happiness.
"How disgusting," said a snobbish voice that sounded all too familiar. "Mudblood kissing Weasel. As if it couldn't get any worse."
The trio turned around to face Malfoy who was standing against the wall with his two goons and Pansy.
"Stuff it Malfoy," Ron said angrily as he advanced on Malfoy. Or at least tried to since Hermione was holding him back. "At least I have a date to the ball."
"Why are you holding him back Mudblood?" Malfoy taunted, drawing his sword at which Harry's ring began to glow brightly. "Afraid that I might skewer him on this? At any rate, I already have a date, right Pansy?"
"That's right Draco," Pansy cooed in his ear.
Harry drew his own sword, prepared to defend both his friends. "That's enough Malfoy, put away the sword."
"Why should I?" said Malfoy. "Why are you trying to defend Mudblood and Weasel anyway? He just stole your girlfriend."
"She's not my girlfriend," Harry said through clenched teeth.
Malfoy laughed maliciously. "How quaint Potter. How about a duel, you and me swords only?"
"No Harry, you'll just get into trouble," Hermione warned but to no avail since Malfoy charged at Harry sword upraised.
Harry deflected the blow and Hermione immediately tried to go for her own dagger however Pansy had fired a stunning spell at her.
"HERMIONE!" Ron yelled and ran to Hermione's side as she crumpled to the ground. Crabbe and Goyle, not wanting interference from Ron, tackled him and held him down. "YOU SLIMEY BASTARDS, LET ME GO!"
Meanwhile Malfoy and Harry continued their duel in the middle of the hallway. Malfoy made the first move swung his sword diagonally and Harry blocked it, kicking Malfoy in the stomach.
"OOF," Malfoy wheezed as he was knocked back. "You'll pay for that Potter. I'll see you dead."
Malfoy charged at Harry and was throwing quick blows at him which Harry was having increased problems deflecting.
*Malfoy's never fought like this before though he could have learned over the Christmas break * Harry thought.
Spinning in a circle with his sword, Malfoy connected with Harry's arm, cutting deeply into his arm. Only Harry's quick reflexes with his sword prevented him from getting his arm cut off.
Harry's pain receptors in his brain went off as he spun away from the blade and Harry let out a cry of pain as the blood splattered onto the wall and onto the floor, some of it staining his robe. Malfoy then followed up by placing his sword point down on the ground, jumping into the air and kicking Harry in the chest with both legs.
Harry was knocked back against the wall and was barely able to block a blow coming down diagonally across his chest from the right.
Footsteps were now heard down the hall though Malfoy seemed to be unaware of them and the battle continued.
Ignoring the pain coming from his limp arm, a sudden burst of adrenaline came and Harry went on the offensive throwing blows right and left at Malfoy.
Eventually his attacks paid off and Harry managed to cut Malfoy across Malfoy's right thigh. Malfoy cried out in anger but the pain didn't seem to affect him.
"MR. MALFOY! DROP IT! DROP IT NOW!" a loud voice commanded.
Blinded by anger, Malfoy rushed at the sound of the voice and Harry saw Walter jump into action. Walter already had a bone spear in his hand and he easily deflected Malfoy's sword off to the side. There were also two skeletons with swords and shields present but they stood there allowing Walter to deal with Malfoy.
Walter followed up by swinging the other side of the spear and hit Malfoy hard in the shoulder. Malfoy flew to the ground but he used the momentum of his fall and rolled onto his feet, standing up to face Harry again.
Harry deflected the first blow and elbowed Malfoy in one of his eyes with his sword arm, following up by kneeing him in the stomach and kicking him in his thigh.
Malfoy doubled up with pain though he soon ignored it and quickly jumped aside to avoid Walter's spear being thrust at him.
Meanwhile Crabbe, Goyle and Pansy were watching in horror at Malfoy acting so aggressively. Even Ron was looking on in shock. While Malfoy was busy with Walter, Harry used the opportunity to draw his wand and heal his injuries inflicted by Malfoy and to revive Hermione.
Walter continued to push Malfoy back with quick thrusts with his spear, aiming at his legs as if to disable Malfoy.
Malfoy was steadily losing blood from the cut in his thigh but it didn't seem to affect him in his current state. The next time Walter thrust his spear at Malfoy, he swung his sword down cutting off the tip.
Walter looked a bit surprised at this and barely had time to block the blow coming from the right. Unfortunately the sword cut the spear in half and nicked his armour.
"You scratched my best suit of armour!" Walter exclaimed jokingly and swung widely with the part that had a point to get Malfoy to fall back.
Walter then threw the pieces at Malfoy who deflected them easily with his sword but by the time he charged at Walter again, he already had another bone spear in hand.
It appeared that Walter was holding back because now he unleashed a series of blows at Malfoy. He swung the spear, guiding it with his forearm while keeping the shaft under his armpit for support. The blow hit Malfoy directly in the side and Walter followed up by kicking Malfoy hard in the left knee. A loud pop was heard as the kneecap exploded and the bone punctured the skin on the back of his leg. Pieces of skin and blood droplets scattered into the air and fell to the ground.
"AHHH!" Malfoy screamed as his leg collapsed under him, but he didn't have time to fall to the ground as Walter sliced him upwards across the cheek with his spear point and twirled the spear, bringing it down on his right shoulder and finally thrusting the blunt end into Malfoy's stomach.
Malfoy fell backwards on the ground, unconscious, his sword clattering beside him. There was also a pool of blood forming under his broken leg and a sharp piece of bone could be seen sticking out through the skin behind the shattered kneecap.
"I have never seen Malfoy fight like that, do you suppose he could have learned how to do that over the holidays?" Harry asked as Walter went over to attend to Malfoy's unconscious body.
"It's entirely possible but it usually takes even the best person years to master a weapon. Still, his sword isn't ordinary and I must be careful around it," Walter replied, pulling out a handkerchief from his pocket and picking up Malfoy's sword with it. "Mr. Potter, could you please assist me in helping get Mr. Malfoy to the Hospital Wing."
Harry nodded and conjured a stretcher and levitated Malfoy's body onto it. Then he floated it behind him as he followed Walter to the hospital wing with the two skeletons following.
Ron and Hermione quickly got up and followed though Malfoy's goons and Pansy were too frightened and shocked to want to follow.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When they arrived at the Hospital Wing, Madam Pomfrey rushed out of her office to meet them. Walter's skeletons took their positions just outside.
"What happened?" she asked, levitating Malfoy's body to an empty bed.
"I'm not entirely certain," Walter explained. "I arrived in the middle of a fight between Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. Mr. Potter is unharmed but I had to subdue Mr. Malfoy before he killed him."
"Goodness, why do you give them such weapons?" Madam Pomfrey huffed.
"Because it was necessary for their duelling class," Walter said, holding up Malfoy's sword with the handkerchief. "If you will excuse me, I need to clean up the mess I made in the hallway."
"You're not getting off that easily Professor," Madam Pomfrey scolded. "Not until I look after you."
Walter gave her a weak smile, "I'm afraid that isn't necessary."
"Oh yes it is," Madam Pomfrey insisted.
"Not if I can help it," Walter replied with a bow. "Mr. Potter if you could please make sure Madam Pomfrey attends to Mr. Malfoy. I'll leave two guards outside to make sure no one bothers her work."
With that, Walter bolted out the door of the Hospital Wing with the sword just as Ron and Hermione arrived.
"Why is he in a hurry?" Ron asked as Walter whizzed by him.
Harry couldn't help but laugh. Bolting out the door like that was what he would have loved to do every time Madam Pomfrey kept him in the Hospital Wing longer than usual.
Madam Pomfrey sighed, commenting to herself as she went to attend to Malfoy. "Sometimes I think that man sets a bad example for the students around here. Mr. Potter, stay where you are. I need to check you over since your blood stained sleeve isn't my idea of coming out with a scratch."
"But - " he started to protest.
"No buts Mr. Potter, sit down," Madam Pomfrey insisted. "I'll attend to you when I'm finished with Mr. Malfoy."
The door to the Hospital Wing opened again and Alicia Spinnet walked in.
"Hi Harry," she greeted him merrily. "Professor Laikov told me that I would find you here. He seemed to be in a hurry, would you have any idea why?"
Harry only laughed and nodded.
"Care to explain why?"
"Sure, why not. It appears I'll be in here until Madam Pomfrey is convinced that I came out of the fight without a scratch."
"Fight? With who?"
"Malfoy," Ron said in disgust.
For the next few minutes, Harry related the story to Alicia, Ron and Hermione who listened attentively to him.
Hermione, Ron and Alicia laughed once he finished and Madam Pomfrey glared at them at which they immediately stifled their laughs.
"That's funny Harry," Alicia said, still giggling.
"Still, I'm taking away 30 points from Slytherin since Malfoy started the fight," she said, turning serious again. "Anyway, I just wanted to tell you and Ron that we have Quidditch practice this evening."
Harry grinned. "We'll be there. I haven't touched the broom in a while so this should be fun. I'm also sure that Ron wouldn't mind trying out his new Nimbus 2001."
"All right, I'll see you then," she said, getting up to leave. "Bye Harry. Bye Ron."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Later that evening, Harry was released from the Hospital Wing since he indeed didn't have a scratch on him, much to Madam Pomfrey's surprise. He immediately made his way up to the Gryffindor tower and grabbed his broom before walking to the Quidditch pitch for practice with Ron. Hermione tagged along just to see them practice but she also brought along a book so that she could study.
"All right, everyone mount your brooms," Alicia instructed once everyone had arrived on the field. "We're playing the Hufflepuffs next Saturday and we haven't had much practice since our game with the Slytherins. If we're to go for the Quidditch cup this year, we can't lose. Especially since we're tied with the Slytherins in points."
Seven brooms rose into the air and Alicia threw the Quaffle to Katie who caught it and tried to score on Ron. He blocked it easily and accelerated forward, throwing the Quaffle to Dean.
Meanwhile Ginny was down on the ground throwing golf balls to Harry and seeing if he could catch them. He didn't miss a single one.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Practice lasted a couple hours but soon it was time to go to dinner. After a quick shower, Harry, Ron and Hermione made their way down to the Great Hall where all the students were gathering for dinner.
"What dress should I wear?" Hermione asked Ron. "Preferably something that matches with your dress robes, don't you think?"
"Uh sure," Ron replied, not really paying attention since he was stuffing himself full of some potatoes.
Hermione elbowed Ron in the ribs at his reply, "Don't you care how I look? I am going with you to the ball right? So shouldn't you care how I look?"
"Of course I care how you look," said Ron, with a sheepish grin. "That's why I'm letting you pick out the dress because whatever you do will be perfect."
Hermione blushed slightly, "I'm glad that you think I'll look perfect for the ball but I'd like your input at least."
Harry quietly listened in during the entire conversation though he was more concerned about his ring which was glowing red again. Glancing at the high table, Harry noticed that Sepet was looking at him thoughtfully as if he knew something.
Harry quickly averted his gaze over to Parvati who was talking casually with Lavender. By now her skin had pretty much lost all of its colour and she was wearing bright red lipstick.
"Hey Harry," Ron called.
"What?"
"Are you done with dinner?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Let's go back, Hermione wants to start on that dark arts essay tonight and I need her help," said Ron.
"Oh, all right," Harry replied, still glancing at Parvati.
With that, the trio got up and walked back towards the Gryffindor tower to get their books.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Later that night after they had finished their essay, Harry was still lying in bed when his amulet that Hermione had given to him for his birthday started glowing.
Harry quickly grabbed his wand and cast a silencing charm around his bed so that it wouldn't wake everyone up. Then he carefully took out his amulet from under his pyjamas.
Immediately the bright glow of the amulet lit up the area around his four poster and Hermione's voice filled his ears, "Hi Harry."
"Hullo Hermione, what's wrong?"
"Sorry to bother you if you were asleep but I heard something in my room and opened the curtains slightly to see what it was," she explained.
"And?"
"Well, I saw Parvati getting up from her bed and pacing the room. She was also muttering something to herself as if someone was talking to her," Hermione said.
"Did she go anywhere?" Harry asked.
"You guess it - she just left, wake Ron up and get your invisibility cloak, we're going to follow her and see where she's going."
"All right, where do we meet you?"
"I'll be down in the common room. See you then."
The amulet stopped glowing and Harry quickly replaced it in his pyjamas and changed before going to wake Ron who was snoring loudly.
"Ron, wake up," Harry whispered as he shook him.
Ron only snored in response so Harry whipped out his wand and used the 'ennervate' spell to wake him up.
"What?" Ron yelled loudly. "I'm awake, I'm awake."
"GO BACK TO SLEEP RON!" Seamus shouted and two pillows came flying in his direction.
"SHH," Harry hissed, clapping a hand over Ron's mouth. "Do you want to wake everyone up?"
"Listen," he continued in a whisper. "Hermione saw Parvati sneaking out of her room. We need to go follow her to make sure she doesn't go biting anyone. Got it? We need to help her so get dressed quickly."
Ron nodded and quickly changed into something warmer while Harry grabbed the invisibility cloak, ring, which was already glowing, and his sword. Then the two of them made their way down to the common room where Hermione was waiting.
"It's about time, she's already left. Now we'll never find her," Hermione grumbled.
"That won't be necessary," said a loud voice that filled the room.
Harry noticed a faint glow coming from his shirt and he pulled out his amulet once again to find it pulsing with the sound of the voice.
"Hey where did you get that?" Ron asked pointing at the pulsing emerald jewel on the amulet.
"I gave it to him for his birthday," Hermione explained much to Ron's chagrin, "But that's not important. We need to find out where Parvati is going and fast."
"Who are you? How did you find out about this?" Harry asked.
"There are four amulets like your own in the world. I have one of them," said the voice. "but time is short and who I am isn't important. The person who you seek is going to the hospital wing."
"Why would Parvati go to the Hospital Wing?" questioned Ron.
"I believe there is an injured student in there who has just suffered fresh injuries. The blood will lure her there. But enough, go now. QUICKLY!"
Harry's amulet stopped pulsing and he quickly placed it back under his shirt. Hermione slipped the invisibility cloak around them and the trio made their exit through the portrait.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"OW, you stepped on my foot Hermione," Ron complained as they rushed through the halls.
"Sorry but it is hard to walk fast and keep this cloak on at the same time," Hermione protested.
"Quiet you two," Harry interjected. "I hear Walter's skeletons coming down the corridor."
Moments later, four skeletons carrying shields and swords came marching down the hallway where they were. The trio flattened themselves up against the wall just in time to allow the skeletons to walk past.
They waited a few moments after the skeletons had left in order to make sure that they wouldn't get caught before continuing on the way to the hospital wing.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When they arrived at the Hospital Wing, they saw that the two skeletons Walter had left there earlier were destroyed and there was nothing but the bones and a sword and shield left behind. The other sword and shield was missing but there weren't any signs of a battle since the bones weren't scattered all over the ground but in neat piles where the skeletons would have been standing.
The door was slightly ajar and the room was dark but Harry, Ron and Hermione could see the faint outline of a figure leaning over Malfoy's body from the moonlight coming in through the window. The only other light present was given off by Harry and Hermione's rings which were glowing brightly.
Quietly opening the door and checking to see if anyone else was around, the trio quietly tiptoed into the Hospital Wing. They slowly advanced towards the figure and it eventually became clear that it was indeed Parvati.
She had undone the bandages that Madam Pomfrey had put around Malfoy's injured leg and was lapping up the blood around his injury with quick movements of her tongue. They also saw two sharp fangs glinting in the moonlight protruding from her mouth.
Harry quietly drew out his wand and motioned for Ron and Hermione to do the same. However they were shocked at what happened next.
Parvati finished with the blood around Malfoy's leg and she licked her bright red lips, arching her neck while doing so, and bent down just over Malfoy's neck.
"Stop!" a voice that appeared to be coming from above them commanded.
"Why master?" they heard Parvati question.
"Because he failed to kill Potter this afternoon and isn't worthy of becoming one of us," the voice rasped. "His body is worthless, don't touch him. If the humans find out, it will be the end of us."
"But I'm hungry. I haven't had any blood since before the Christmas break and I feel weak," Parvati complained.
"Enough, I will provide a tasty morsel for you. Wait a few days and you will receive it. I trust that you can hold out until then?"
"Yes master," Parvati acknowledged submissively.
"Now open the window for me and then return to your chambers before anyone suspects."
Parvati walked over to the window and opened it. A flutter of wings above them was heard and a large bat flew out of the window.
Parvati closed the window again and quickly walked out of the infirmary to go back to the Gryffindor tower.
Footsteps and voices were heard coming down the hallway and Harry started to panic. Not wanting to be found in the Hospital Wing, the trio quickly ran out, careful not to let the invisibility cloak slip off them.
" - Two of my skeletons were destroyed there," they heard Walter say. "There's an intruder about. My skeletons will go on a higher status of alert."
"Professor," said the other voice which turned out to be Snape as the pair came running around the corner. "Your skeletons may not require sleep but they are nothing compared to living, breathing human beings with intelligence. Your skeletons are nothing more than mindless idiots."
"We need to check on Mr. Malfoy, Serverus. There's a vampire on the loose and we don't need any more students injured."
"I'm perfectly aware of that," Snape said disdainfully as they entered the Hospital Wing.
"Now's our chance, let's go," Harry instructed.
"What about Malfoy?" Hermione protested. "We can't just leave him here even if it is Malfoy."
"Not much we can do about that - Walter and Snape will take care of him," Harry countered. "Let's go."
With that, the trio took off at a brisk pace back towards the Gryffindor tower.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Once they arrived back at the common room, Hermione threw off the invisibility cloak.
"Walter knows that there's a vampire around but I wonder if he knows that his employer is one," Ron stated.
"He probably does though Sepet seems pretty good at hiding the fact that he's a vampire from the public," Hermione pointed out. "He could also have been the one that informed us about Parvati through the amulet but we didn't see an amulet in his office or on him. It can't have been Sepet since he was telling Parvati not to attack Malfoy, so why would he tell us to go after her if he was already there."
"We should keep a better eye on Parvati," Harry said. "Hermione, you're her roommate so that shouldn't be a problem. You could just tell us when she leaves."
"I know but what about Sepet? Where is he getting his meals from?" Hermione asked.
"Hogsmeade or some other local town," Harry suggested. "But we can't do much about that right now."
"Ugh, can we sleep on this?" Ron protested. "I'm tired and I don't want to have to worry about becoming Parvati or Sepet's next meal."
"All right, we'll discuss this later. At least Parvati won't be leaving her dorm and won't bite anyone else," Harry said. "Good night Hermione and be careful."
"Good night you two," Hermione returned and she cautiously went back up to her dorm.
Harry and Ron watched her go and waited until she was safely back in her dorm before returning to their dorm as well.
A/N: I was planning on posting this last Friday but I decided to change the plot so I finished writing it and editing today. The next chapter is already half-way written and I hope to post it by the end of this week (after I finish off all my homework for the week).
Messages to people who reviewed:
Holy Knight: No I don't play D&D but I do play Diablo II.
John Black: Thanks for reviewing. Please do keep reading. I think you won't be disappointed by the end of the book.
Flames: Whoa, thanks for the great review! When I started writing this, I didn't think anyone would think that this fic was a real copy.
SilverDagger: Thank you for the review.
^_^: Yeah I agree that 'ejaculated' was bad word choice in that context. It's been changed. Thanks for reviewing.
Quis: Thanks for telling me about the spelling/grammar errors. I try to go back and catch all of them but I can't be perfect. If you could be more specific on the locations of the errors, I will go back and fix them.
Elana: hmm, yes, I think I should do something with the Basilisk form but I haven't been able to think of anything just yet. I've been trying to be spontaneous with the ideas for the chapters but I don't always get everything. There's too much stuff to cover but maybe I can do more with it later or at least in the next book.
Marba50: Thanks for pointing that out and I've fixed that problem about there not being enough girls to match with guys. I just hope no one's disappointed but eh, I can't please everyone.
Princess Hermione: Thanks for the review! Harry's a little disappointed that Ron gets to go with Hermione but he'll be happy in the end.
BloodRedSword: Thank you. I hope that you continue to read.
Heather: There will be more H/Hr even though Ron gets to go w/ her to the ball. There'll be more plot twists to come.
Liedral: H/Hr will get together eventually but depending on how the plot works, they may not get together until probably book 7.
Fopalup: I'm glad you like the rings but as for whether or not Harry was jumping to conclusions, I hope this chapter answers your question.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Chapter 24: Nighttime Adventures
The holidays ended and the Winter Term started but Harry was inwardly happy since the next Quidditch match was coming up soon. Alicia returned from the holidays completely healed of all injuries inflicted on her during her attack and had regained all abilities to walk and play Quidditch.
She resumed her position as the Quidditch captain, though Harry still retained his status as the Gryffindor Co-captain. The Weasley twins, especially Fred, were glad to see that Alicia had made a full recovery and announced their intention to start their own joke shop in Bethnal Green after they had graduated.
As the students were sitting at the feast that always started off each term, Professor McGonagall stood up to make an announcement.
"Could I have everyone's attention please," she began as the students started to settle down. "In light of the recent events, the rest of the staff and I have decided to hold a Valentine's ball at the school this year as a means to cheer everyone up. It will be open to all fourth years and above and you are all encouraged to bring dates."
"I know we all miss our headmaster," McGonagall continued sadly, "but until he returns, I know that he would want us to continue on and be happy."
With that, Professor McGonagall sat down and the hall broke into chatter about who would be asking whom to the ball, though there were a few groans from the third years. Harry noticed Ginny was also looking at him and blushing furiously from the corner of his eye.
"Hey Harry," Ron asked, "Who are you going to ask to the ball?"
Harry would have liked to ask Hermione to the ball but he knew that would cause problems later so he just responded, "I dunno."
"What about Cho?" Ron suggested. "I heard you asked her last year to the Yule ball but she rejected you because she was going with Cedric."
Harry's cheeks turned slightly red from embarrassment of that particular memory and he started playing around with the ring which happened to be glowing red.
"What about you Ron?" Hermione countered, but she also noticed Harry's glowing ring. "I don't hear you trying to ask anyone."
Now it was Ron's turn to blush. "You'll find out who I'm going to ask when I do, Hermione. - Say, Harry, could I talk to you for a moment?"
Hermione gave Harry a questioning look and he shrugged his shoulders, "Uh sure."
Ron got up and walked out of the hall with Harry following closely behind, knowing very well what Ron wanted to talk to him about though he was more worried about leaving the hall since his ring was still glowing.
Sure enough, as soon as they got out of the Great Hall, Ron wheeled around and gave Harry a look that made him appear as if he was at his wit's end.
"What do I do? What do I do?" he asked in a panicked voice.
Harry sighed, "Calm down Ron. What is it?"
"I want to ask Hermione to the ball of course, but what if she doesn't want to go with me?"
"I doubt Hermione will refuse Ron, after all, she's been our friend for the past four year and that has to account for something, right?" Harry said encouragingly.
"Yeah, you're right," Ron said, not entirely convinced. "I think I'll go ask her when I figure out what to do."
Harry knew he was going to regret this later and his insides writhed as he did it but he had to support his best friend regardless of what his personal feelings were, "I would ask her soon before someone else does but you have my full support. Good luck."
"Thanks Harry," Ron said, his face expression brightening slightly at that thought, and he walked back into the Great Hall.
Since Harry was worried that his ring was glowing, he walked back into the hall after Ron and resumed his original seat.
"So what was that about?" Hermione questioned as he sat down.
"Nothing, Ron just wanted to ask me something," Harry replied as he scanned the tables. Sepet wasn't sitting at the high table with the rest of the teachers so Harry looked around at the students.
Eventually his eyes settled on Parvati who was sitting at the end of the table playing around with her food. At the first glance, there didn't appear to be anything wrong with her but upon closer inspection he could see that she had changed a bit during the holidays. Her skin was paler than it was before and had almost lost its colour and that her eyes were a blood red colour.
"Harry?" a voice called.
"HARRY!"
He quickly drew himself away from observing Parvati and turned to Hermione who was nudging him. "What?"
"I was just asking if you wanted to started studying for our OWLs in the library," she said. "They're coming up soon and so I thought we should start studying. You should too, Ron."
"Uh sure, why not," Harry replied, not entirely paying attention.
"Something wrong Harry? You're staring at Parvati," Ron commented.
"My ring is glowing red and Parvati looks a lot different than before," he whispered so that no one would overhear.
"She looks more like a vampire with the pale skin an all," Ron commented. "How come she can still walk in the daytime though?"
"Maybe because she's still a young vampire and hasn't completely got to the point where she can't walk in the daytime," Hermione pointed out.
"Probably, though we should watch her closely. We don't need her biting anyone else," Harry suggested.
"Agreed," Ron and Hermione said in unison.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Days passed quickly and Ron still hadn't asked Hermione to the ball. Harry was also wondering why Krum hadn't tried to ask Hermione to the ball either but that was probably because they were still trying to keep Hermione away from him. As for Harry, he hadn't the foggiest idea of who he could go with except for Cho but he was still feeling a little guilty about Cedric's death. So unless she convinced him otherwise, Harry would have to turn her down.
One relatively warm day for winter, they were sitting in their Dark Arts class and Walter was lecturing them on Red Caps.
"Red Caps are old elfish creatures which are about four feet tall," said Walter as he was pacing the front of the cold classroom as the students were taking down notes.
"They are very difficult to kill and like to drop boulders on travellers. They enjoy the blood of humans and can be killed only by crosses, words from the bible, and swords with a hilt shaped like a cross."
Walter stopped pacing and turned to face the class. "Therefore the only people in this room who could possibly kill one would be Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy."
"Why are they called red caps?" a female Gryffindor student asked.
"They wear caps that are soaked in the blood of humans and so that they appear red," Walter explained.
"Will we ever encounter one?" another student asked.
"I don't think you have to worry about that," said Walter with a small smile. "They like to run around battle fields looking for victims or fresh bodies that have just been killed. They also inhabit the dungeons and prey on those who get lost."
A few students gulped at which Walter laughed in amusement, "Don't worry. These dungeons are quite safe. My armed skeletons patrol the school at night so you can all sleep safely."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Eventually the bell rang and the Walter dismissed the class for the rest of the day.
"Don't forget that for homework I want you to write an essay on Red Caps and how to best defend yourself against them," Walter called over the rustling of papers and bags. "It should be at least one scroll of parchment but no more than three scrolls. - That goes for you too Miss Granger."
"Really, must they always give us so much homework?" Ron commented on the way out. "As if our lives weren't hard enough."
"Well if you did your homework ahead of time and would actually read the books, it wouldn't be so hard now, would it?" Hermione huffed. "I'll see you all at dinner, I have something to do."
"She really worries too much about homework, don't you think? She's probably off to the library again to do some more research," said Ron but he stopped dead in his tracks when he realized what he had just said.
Immediately Ron started running after Hermione calling her name, "Hey Hermione, WAIT UP!!"
Harry ran after his two friends, catching up to them just outside the entrance to the library. "Why were you in such a hurry to run after Hermione?"
"I, uh, wanted to, uh," Ron began nervously.
"Common Ron, out with it, what did you want to ask me?" Hermione said impatiently though her face expression looked somewhat hopeful.
It took Ron a while to finally compose himself but he got down on one knee and took Hermione's hand.
"Would you come to the ball with me Hermione?" asked Ron before kissing her hand.
Hermione blushed and her face brightened with happiness at the question, "Why Ron, I'd be happy to accompany you to the Valentine's ball. It's about time you asked me. I was hoping that you would ask me or would at least not be a stupid git like last year if I went with someone else."
"Really?" Ron asked, not believing her.
"Yes, really," Hermione said and she gave Ron a kiss on the cheek. Harry's insides fell at the sight before him but he smiled at their happiness.
"How disgusting," said a snobbish voice that sounded all too familiar. "Mudblood kissing Weasel. As if it couldn't get any worse."
The trio turned around to face Malfoy who was standing against the wall with his two goons and Pansy.
"Stuff it Malfoy," Ron said angrily as he advanced on Malfoy. Or at least tried to since Hermione was holding him back. "At least I have a date to the ball."
"Why are you holding him back Mudblood?" Malfoy taunted, drawing his sword at which Harry's ring began to glow brightly. "Afraid that I might skewer him on this? At any rate, I already have a date, right Pansy?"
"That's right Draco," Pansy cooed in his ear.
Harry drew his own sword, prepared to defend both his friends. "That's enough Malfoy, put away the sword."
"Why should I?" said Malfoy. "Why are you trying to defend Mudblood and Weasel anyway? He just stole your girlfriend."
"She's not my girlfriend," Harry said through clenched teeth.
Malfoy laughed maliciously. "How quaint Potter. How about a duel, you and me swords only?"
"No Harry, you'll just get into trouble," Hermione warned but to no avail since Malfoy charged at Harry sword upraised.
Harry deflected the blow and Hermione immediately tried to go for her own dagger however Pansy had fired a stunning spell at her.
"HERMIONE!" Ron yelled and ran to Hermione's side as she crumpled to the ground. Crabbe and Goyle, not wanting interference from Ron, tackled him and held him down. "YOU SLIMEY BASTARDS, LET ME GO!"
Meanwhile Malfoy and Harry continued their duel in the middle of the hallway. Malfoy made the first move swung his sword diagonally and Harry blocked it, kicking Malfoy in the stomach.
"OOF," Malfoy wheezed as he was knocked back. "You'll pay for that Potter. I'll see you dead."
Malfoy charged at Harry and was throwing quick blows at him which Harry was having increased problems deflecting.
*Malfoy's never fought like this before though he could have learned over the Christmas break * Harry thought.
Spinning in a circle with his sword, Malfoy connected with Harry's arm, cutting deeply into his arm. Only Harry's quick reflexes with his sword prevented him from getting his arm cut off.
Harry's pain receptors in his brain went off as he spun away from the blade and Harry let out a cry of pain as the blood splattered onto the wall and onto the floor, some of it staining his robe. Malfoy then followed up by placing his sword point down on the ground, jumping into the air and kicking Harry in the chest with both legs.
Harry was knocked back against the wall and was barely able to block a blow coming down diagonally across his chest from the right.
Footsteps were now heard down the hall though Malfoy seemed to be unaware of them and the battle continued.
Ignoring the pain coming from his limp arm, a sudden burst of adrenaline came and Harry went on the offensive throwing blows right and left at Malfoy.
Eventually his attacks paid off and Harry managed to cut Malfoy across Malfoy's right thigh. Malfoy cried out in anger but the pain didn't seem to affect him.
"MR. MALFOY! DROP IT! DROP IT NOW!" a loud voice commanded.
Blinded by anger, Malfoy rushed at the sound of the voice and Harry saw Walter jump into action. Walter already had a bone spear in his hand and he easily deflected Malfoy's sword off to the side. There were also two skeletons with swords and shields present but they stood there allowing Walter to deal with Malfoy.
Walter followed up by swinging the other side of the spear and hit Malfoy hard in the shoulder. Malfoy flew to the ground but he used the momentum of his fall and rolled onto his feet, standing up to face Harry again.
Harry deflected the first blow and elbowed Malfoy in one of his eyes with his sword arm, following up by kneeing him in the stomach and kicking him in his thigh.
Malfoy doubled up with pain though he soon ignored it and quickly jumped aside to avoid Walter's spear being thrust at him.
Meanwhile Crabbe, Goyle and Pansy were watching in horror at Malfoy acting so aggressively. Even Ron was looking on in shock. While Malfoy was busy with Walter, Harry used the opportunity to draw his wand and heal his injuries inflicted by Malfoy and to revive Hermione.
Walter continued to push Malfoy back with quick thrusts with his spear, aiming at his legs as if to disable Malfoy.
Malfoy was steadily losing blood from the cut in his thigh but it didn't seem to affect him in his current state. The next time Walter thrust his spear at Malfoy, he swung his sword down cutting off the tip.
Walter looked a bit surprised at this and barely had time to block the blow coming from the right. Unfortunately the sword cut the spear in half and nicked his armour.
"You scratched my best suit of armour!" Walter exclaimed jokingly and swung widely with the part that had a point to get Malfoy to fall back.
Walter then threw the pieces at Malfoy who deflected them easily with his sword but by the time he charged at Walter again, he already had another bone spear in hand.
It appeared that Walter was holding back because now he unleashed a series of blows at Malfoy. He swung the spear, guiding it with his forearm while keeping the shaft under his armpit for support. The blow hit Malfoy directly in the side and Walter followed up by kicking Malfoy hard in the left knee. A loud pop was heard as the kneecap exploded and the bone punctured the skin on the back of his leg. Pieces of skin and blood droplets scattered into the air and fell to the ground.
"AHHH!" Malfoy screamed as his leg collapsed under him, but he didn't have time to fall to the ground as Walter sliced him upwards across the cheek with his spear point and twirled the spear, bringing it down on his right shoulder and finally thrusting the blunt end into Malfoy's stomach.
Malfoy fell backwards on the ground, unconscious, his sword clattering beside him. There was also a pool of blood forming under his broken leg and a sharp piece of bone could be seen sticking out through the skin behind the shattered kneecap.
"I have never seen Malfoy fight like that, do you suppose he could have learned how to do that over the holidays?" Harry asked as Walter went over to attend to Malfoy's unconscious body.
"It's entirely possible but it usually takes even the best person years to master a weapon. Still, his sword isn't ordinary and I must be careful around it," Walter replied, pulling out a handkerchief from his pocket and picking up Malfoy's sword with it. "Mr. Potter, could you please assist me in helping get Mr. Malfoy to the Hospital Wing."
Harry nodded and conjured a stretcher and levitated Malfoy's body onto it. Then he floated it behind him as he followed Walter to the hospital wing with the two skeletons following.
Ron and Hermione quickly got up and followed though Malfoy's goons and Pansy were too frightened and shocked to want to follow.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When they arrived at the Hospital Wing, Madam Pomfrey rushed out of her office to meet them. Walter's skeletons took their positions just outside.
"What happened?" she asked, levitating Malfoy's body to an empty bed.
"I'm not entirely certain," Walter explained. "I arrived in the middle of a fight between Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. Mr. Potter is unharmed but I had to subdue Mr. Malfoy before he killed him."
"Goodness, why do you give them such weapons?" Madam Pomfrey huffed.
"Because it was necessary for their duelling class," Walter said, holding up Malfoy's sword with the handkerchief. "If you will excuse me, I need to clean up the mess I made in the hallway."
"You're not getting off that easily Professor," Madam Pomfrey scolded. "Not until I look after you."
Walter gave her a weak smile, "I'm afraid that isn't necessary."
"Oh yes it is," Madam Pomfrey insisted.
"Not if I can help it," Walter replied with a bow. "Mr. Potter if you could please make sure Madam Pomfrey attends to Mr. Malfoy. I'll leave two guards outside to make sure no one bothers her work."
With that, Walter bolted out the door of the Hospital Wing with the sword just as Ron and Hermione arrived.
"Why is he in a hurry?" Ron asked as Walter whizzed by him.
Harry couldn't help but laugh. Bolting out the door like that was what he would have loved to do every time Madam Pomfrey kept him in the Hospital Wing longer than usual.
Madam Pomfrey sighed, commenting to herself as she went to attend to Malfoy. "Sometimes I think that man sets a bad example for the students around here. Mr. Potter, stay where you are. I need to check you over since your blood stained sleeve isn't my idea of coming out with a scratch."
"But - " he started to protest.
"No buts Mr. Potter, sit down," Madam Pomfrey insisted. "I'll attend to you when I'm finished with Mr. Malfoy."
The door to the Hospital Wing opened again and Alicia Spinnet walked in.
"Hi Harry," she greeted him merrily. "Professor Laikov told me that I would find you here. He seemed to be in a hurry, would you have any idea why?"
Harry only laughed and nodded.
"Care to explain why?"
"Sure, why not. It appears I'll be in here until Madam Pomfrey is convinced that I came out of the fight without a scratch."
"Fight? With who?"
"Malfoy," Ron said in disgust.
For the next few minutes, Harry related the story to Alicia, Ron and Hermione who listened attentively to him.
Hermione, Ron and Alicia laughed once he finished and Madam Pomfrey glared at them at which they immediately stifled their laughs.
"That's funny Harry," Alicia said, still giggling.
"Still, I'm taking away 30 points from Slytherin since Malfoy started the fight," she said, turning serious again. "Anyway, I just wanted to tell you and Ron that we have Quidditch practice this evening."
Harry grinned. "We'll be there. I haven't touched the broom in a while so this should be fun. I'm also sure that Ron wouldn't mind trying out his new Nimbus 2001."
"All right, I'll see you then," she said, getting up to leave. "Bye Harry. Bye Ron."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Later that evening, Harry was released from the Hospital Wing since he indeed didn't have a scratch on him, much to Madam Pomfrey's surprise. He immediately made his way up to the Gryffindor tower and grabbed his broom before walking to the Quidditch pitch for practice with Ron. Hermione tagged along just to see them practice but she also brought along a book so that she could study.
"All right, everyone mount your brooms," Alicia instructed once everyone had arrived on the field. "We're playing the Hufflepuffs next Saturday and we haven't had much practice since our game with the Slytherins. If we're to go for the Quidditch cup this year, we can't lose. Especially since we're tied with the Slytherins in points."
Seven brooms rose into the air and Alicia threw the Quaffle to Katie who caught it and tried to score on Ron. He blocked it easily and accelerated forward, throwing the Quaffle to Dean.
Meanwhile Ginny was down on the ground throwing golf balls to Harry and seeing if he could catch them. He didn't miss a single one.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Practice lasted a couple hours but soon it was time to go to dinner. After a quick shower, Harry, Ron and Hermione made their way down to the Great Hall where all the students were gathering for dinner.
"What dress should I wear?" Hermione asked Ron. "Preferably something that matches with your dress robes, don't you think?"
"Uh sure," Ron replied, not really paying attention since he was stuffing himself full of some potatoes.
Hermione elbowed Ron in the ribs at his reply, "Don't you care how I look? I am going with you to the ball right? So shouldn't you care how I look?"
"Of course I care how you look," said Ron, with a sheepish grin. "That's why I'm letting you pick out the dress because whatever you do will be perfect."
Hermione blushed slightly, "I'm glad that you think I'll look perfect for the ball but I'd like your input at least."
Harry quietly listened in during the entire conversation though he was more concerned about his ring which was glowing red again. Glancing at the high table, Harry noticed that Sepet was looking at him thoughtfully as if he knew something.
Harry quickly averted his gaze over to Parvati who was talking casually with Lavender. By now her skin had pretty much lost all of its colour and she was wearing bright red lipstick.
"Hey Harry," Ron called.
"What?"
"Are you done with dinner?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Let's go back, Hermione wants to start on that dark arts essay tonight and I need her help," said Ron.
"Oh, all right," Harry replied, still glancing at Parvati.
With that, the trio got up and walked back towards the Gryffindor tower to get their books.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Later that night after they had finished their essay, Harry was still lying in bed when his amulet that Hermione had given to him for his birthday started glowing.
Harry quickly grabbed his wand and cast a silencing charm around his bed so that it wouldn't wake everyone up. Then he carefully took out his amulet from under his pyjamas.
Immediately the bright glow of the amulet lit up the area around his four poster and Hermione's voice filled his ears, "Hi Harry."
"Hullo Hermione, what's wrong?"
"Sorry to bother you if you were asleep but I heard something in my room and opened the curtains slightly to see what it was," she explained.
"And?"
"Well, I saw Parvati getting up from her bed and pacing the room. She was also muttering something to herself as if someone was talking to her," Hermione said.
"Did she go anywhere?" Harry asked.
"You guess it - she just left, wake Ron up and get your invisibility cloak, we're going to follow her and see where she's going."
"All right, where do we meet you?"
"I'll be down in the common room. See you then."
The amulet stopped glowing and Harry quickly replaced it in his pyjamas and changed before going to wake Ron who was snoring loudly.
"Ron, wake up," Harry whispered as he shook him.
Ron only snored in response so Harry whipped out his wand and used the 'ennervate' spell to wake him up.
"What?" Ron yelled loudly. "I'm awake, I'm awake."
"GO BACK TO SLEEP RON!" Seamus shouted and two pillows came flying in his direction.
"SHH," Harry hissed, clapping a hand over Ron's mouth. "Do you want to wake everyone up?"
"Listen," he continued in a whisper. "Hermione saw Parvati sneaking out of her room. We need to go follow her to make sure she doesn't go biting anyone. Got it? We need to help her so get dressed quickly."
Ron nodded and quickly changed into something warmer while Harry grabbed the invisibility cloak, ring, which was already glowing, and his sword. Then the two of them made their way down to the common room where Hermione was waiting.
"It's about time, she's already left. Now we'll never find her," Hermione grumbled.
"That won't be necessary," said a loud voice that filled the room.
Harry noticed a faint glow coming from his shirt and he pulled out his amulet once again to find it pulsing with the sound of the voice.
"Hey where did you get that?" Ron asked pointing at the pulsing emerald jewel on the amulet.
"I gave it to him for his birthday," Hermione explained much to Ron's chagrin, "But that's not important. We need to find out where Parvati is going and fast."
"Who are you? How did you find out about this?" Harry asked.
"There are four amulets like your own in the world. I have one of them," said the voice. "but time is short and who I am isn't important. The person who you seek is going to the hospital wing."
"Why would Parvati go to the Hospital Wing?" questioned Ron.
"I believe there is an injured student in there who has just suffered fresh injuries. The blood will lure her there. But enough, go now. QUICKLY!"
Harry's amulet stopped pulsing and he quickly placed it back under his shirt. Hermione slipped the invisibility cloak around them and the trio made their exit through the portrait.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"OW, you stepped on my foot Hermione," Ron complained as they rushed through the halls.
"Sorry but it is hard to walk fast and keep this cloak on at the same time," Hermione protested.
"Quiet you two," Harry interjected. "I hear Walter's skeletons coming down the corridor."
Moments later, four skeletons carrying shields and swords came marching down the hallway where they were. The trio flattened themselves up against the wall just in time to allow the skeletons to walk past.
They waited a few moments after the skeletons had left in order to make sure that they wouldn't get caught before continuing on the way to the hospital wing.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When they arrived at the Hospital Wing, they saw that the two skeletons Walter had left there earlier were destroyed and there was nothing but the bones and a sword and shield left behind. The other sword and shield was missing but there weren't any signs of a battle since the bones weren't scattered all over the ground but in neat piles where the skeletons would have been standing.
The door was slightly ajar and the room was dark but Harry, Ron and Hermione could see the faint outline of a figure leaning over Malfoy's body from the moonlight coming in through the window. The only other light present was given off by Harry and Hermione's rings which were glowing brightly.
Quietly opening the door and checking to see if anyone else was around, the trio quietly tiptoed into the Hospital Wing. They slowly advanced towards the figure and it eventually became clear that it was indeed Parvati.
She had undone the bandages that Madam Pomfrey had put around Malfoy's injured leg and was lapping up the blood around his injury with quick movements of her tongue. They also saw two sharp fangs glinting in the moonlight protruding from her mouth.
Harry quietly drew out his wand and motioned for Ron and Hermione to do the same. However they were shocked at what happened next.
Parvati finished with the blood around Malfoy's leg and she licked her bright red lips, arching her neck while doing so, and bent down just over Malfoy's neck.
"Stop!" a voice that appeared to be coming from above them commanded.
"Why master?" they heard Parvati question.
"Because he failed to kill Potter this afternoon and isn't worthy of becoming one of us," the voice rasped. "His body is worthless, don't touch him. If the humans find out, it will be the end of us."
"But I'm hungry. I haven't had any blood since before the Christmas break and I feel weak," Parvati complained.
"Enough, I will provide a tasty morsel for you. Wait a few days and you will receive it. I trust that you can hold out until then?"
"Yes master," Parvati acknowledged submissively.
"Now open the window for me and then return to your chambers before anyone suspects."
Parvati walked over to the window and opened it. A flutter of wings above them was heard and a large bat flew out of the window.
Parvati closed the window again and quickly walked out of the infirmary to go back to the Gryffindor tower.
Footsteps and voices were heard coming down the hallway and Harry started to panic. Not wanting to be found in the Hospital Wing, the trio quickly ran out, careful not to let the invisibility cloak slip off them.
" - Two of my skeletons were destroyed there," they heard Walter say. "There's an intruder about. My skeletons will go on a higher status of alert."
"Professor," said the other voice which turned out to be Snape as the pair came running around the corner. "Your skeletons may not require sleep but they are nothing compared to living, breathing human beings with intelligence. Your skeletons are nothing more than mindless idiots."
"We need to check on Mr. Malfoy, Serverus. There's a vampire on the loose and we don't need any more students injured."
"I'm perfectly aware of that," Snape said disdainfully as they entered the Hospital Wing.
"Now's our chance, let's go," Harry instructed.
"What about Malfoy?" Hermione protested. "We can't just leave him here even if it is Malfoy."
"Not much we can do about that - Walter and Snape will take care of him," Harry countered. "Let's go."
With that, the trio took off at a brisk pace back towards the Gryffindor tower.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Once they arrived back at the common room, Hermione threw off the invisibility cloak.
"Walter knows that there's a vampire around but I wonder if he knows that his employer is one," Ron stated.
"He probably does though Sepet seems pretty good at hiding the fact that he's a vampire from the public," Hermione pointed out. "He could also have been the one that informed us about Parvati through the amulet but we didn't see an amulet in his office or on him. It can't have been Sepet since he was telling Parvati not to attack Malfoy, so why would he tell us to go after her if he was already there."
"We should keep a better eye on Parvati," Harry said. "Hermione, you're her roommate so that shouldn't be a problem. You could just tell us when she leaves."
"I know but what about Sepet? Where is he getting his meals from?" Hermione asked.
"Hogsmeade or some other local town," Harry suggested. "But we can't do much about that right now."
"Ugh, can we sleep on this?" Ron protested. "I'm tired and I don't want to have to worry about becoming Parvati or Sepet's next meal."
"All right, we'll discuss this later. At least Parvati won't be leaving her dorm and won't bite anyone else," Harry said. "Good night Hermione and be careful."
"Good night you two," Hermione returned and she cautiously went back up to her dorm.
Harry and Ron watched her go and waited until she was safely back in her dorm before returning to their dorm as well.
A/N: I was planning on posting this last Friday but I decided to change the plot so I finished writing it and editing today. The next chapter is already half-way written and I hope to post it by the end of this week (after I finish off all my homework for the week).
Messages to people who reviewed:
Holy Knight: No I don't play D&D but I do play Diablo II.
John Black: Thanks for reviewing. Please do keep reading. I think you won't be disappointed by the end of the book.
Flames: Whoa, thanks for the great review! When I started writing this, I didn't think anyone would think that this fic was a real copy.
SilverDagger: Thank you for the review.
^_^: Yeah I agree that 'ejaculated' was bad word choice in that context. It's been changed. Thanks for reviewing.
Quis: Thanks for telling me about the spelling/grammar errors. I try to go back and catch all of them but I can't be perfect. If you could be more specific on the locations of the errors, I will go back and fix them.
Elana: hmm, yes, I think I should do something with the Basilisk form but I haven't been able to think of anything just yet. I've been trying to be spontaneous with the ideas for the chapters but I don't always get everything. There's too much stuff to cover but maybe I can do more with it later or at least in the next book.
Marba50: Thanks for pointing that out and I've fixed that problem about there not being enough girls to match with guys. I just hope no one's disappointed but eh, I can't please everyone.
Princess Hermione: Thanks for the review! Harry's a little disappointed that Ron gets to go with Hermione but he'll be happy in the end.
BloodRedSword: Thank you. I hope that you continue to read.
Heather: There will be more H/Hr even though Ron gets to go w/ her to the ball. There'll be more plot twists to come.
Liedral: H/Hr will get together eventually but depending on how the plot works, they may not get together until probably book 7.
Fopalup: I'm glad you like the rings but as for whether or not Harry was jumping to conclusions, I hope this chapter answers your question.