Chapter 14

::glares at Ash:: Why have Harry and I been taken by demons?!

Because it's an integral part of the story; duh.

That's not fair! I don't wanna be taken by demons!

Well perhaps you should be a bit nicer to me then.

::growls::

I want to eat them. One of the red-eyed demons said, red eyes glowing with dark excitement. Suck them dry, their hot blood in my stomach, warming me from the inside out, listen to their souls crying for death while I eat their hearts.

We can't, Jik. Mika said reprovingly. Master wants them alive and unharmed.

Surely Master wouldn't mind if one or two toes are missing. Jik protested. Maybe a finger.

NO, Jik. Mika's mental voice was sharp, and she sent a mental prod along with her words.

Jik flinched away from the fierceness in his superior's eyes. Very well, Mika, they shall not be harmed, I promise I will not touch them.

Good. Mika said. Perhaps if Master is in a good mood he shall allow us to have them once he is done. They are presently distracted we should get them now.

What are they doing? Jik asked as he and his sister glided towards the pair of humans.

Mika shrugged. I do not know. I have seen many humans doing this, though never followers of Master. Therefore it must be a weak thing.

Jik nodded. It must. He echoed. His hand - as insubstantial as the shadows it resembled - touched the boy's forehead, and then the girl's.

They crumpled to the ground.

Mika placed one hand on each mortal's shoulder, and spoke the Ancient Word.

By the time the moon appeared, dissipating the shadows, the two Shadow Demons and their hostages were gone.

Draco snuck another glance at Aine as they headed towards the Gryffindor Tower. She'd been silent since the 'good night' she'd said to Annie. "Are you mad at me?" He asked. Dammit! Why did his mouth always bypass his brain?!

Aine shot him a startled look. "Wha' d'ye mean?" She asked.

Draco shrugged, endeavouring to seem casual. "Just though you might be angry because I didn't stand up for you at dinner."

Aine smiled, turning to face him. "Draco, I'm na mad at ye. I ken yer da works fer Voldemort. 'E probably wants ye te join the big ponce when ye graduate, am I righ'?" She barely waited for Draco's nod before continuing. "'Sides, I dinna need ye te protect me, Draco. I'm a big girl, well, sort of," she smiled ruefully, "an' I can protect myself. An' I'm guessin' tha' it certainly wouldn' endear ye te yer father if ye spoke out against wha' 'e believes in."

"And I'd prefer not to tell Father that I don't want to join the Dark Lord when I leave school until I can protect myself." Draco added.

Aine smiled. "See? I ken why ye dinna stick up fer me, an' I understand. Don't worry."

They continued on their way.

Cleo reclined on Tom's bed, watching him pace back and forth, ranting. Sighing, she got up and pulled him back, rubbing his stiff shoulders. "Relax, Tom, you're making me dizzy. Now, tell me, how long have you been planning this little return-to-my-former-body thing?"

Tom sighed. "Since you left to find that strange witch Meryll. Did you?"

Cleo nodded. "Yep."

Tom twisted around, scowling at her. "Why didn't you tell me?" He snarled.

Cleo stared back, unafraid. Honestly, sometimes Tom was such a pansy. "You didn't ask." She said simply. "Now be nice or I won't tell you anything."

"You'll tell me everything or I'll torture you until you do." Tom growled.

Cleo's red tongue flicked out to wet her lips. "Promise?" She purred.

"Just tell me." Tom had forgotten how annoying Cleo could be. Great in bed, but that was all she ever thought about.

The brunette rolled her eyes. "Oh alright. Geez, who shoved a broomstick up your arse and rechristened you Severus Snape? Meryll said she doesn't want to help. She said, and I quote; 'Tell Voldemort he can fuck his little blood war. If I fight in it at all it will be on the other side.'."

"WHAT?!" Tom jumped up and began pacing again. Meryll had been one of his best assassins in the last war. For her to have changed side...

Just then Wormtail burst into his chambers. "My lord, Jik and Mika have returned with the hostage." He panted.

Cleo stood up in all her naked glory, glaring at the ratty little man. "How dare you barge in here without even knocking!" She roared.

Wormtail cowered before her. "I'm sorry." He squeaked.

A cruel smile spread over Cleo's beautiful face. "Not yet you're not. But you will be. Tom and I will deal with you later. What were you saying about Jik and Mika?"

"They've come back. And they brought the hostage."

"Excellent." Tom said. "Let's go see a couple of Shadow Demons about a hostage, shall we?"

searching4romeo: Nah, nowhere really good. But I'm not sure how much net access I'll get, so I thought I'd warn you guys in advance. But your excellent writing managed to inspire me to write another chapter, in under a day. Feel proud. Hope you like this chapter.