Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

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Chapter III: Hunters

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Luna Lovegood and Hermione Granger arrived at the Hog's Head one hour before the agreed time. They always wanted to be careful and that meant checking the place for a set up before the meeting.

But being in Hog's Head brings back bad memories. They even wondered why Lunatic Liam would choose such a place. But one explanation comes to mind.

He was crazy.

They had hidden their wands under their sleeves for easy access in case things get rough. And things get rough almost every time they were on assignment.

The place was in a sad state as ever. Dust and grime is still the main décor in the place. But it was still empty save for a man wearing black with his legs propped on one of the tables and leaning his chair dangerously backward.

He was wearing a black trench coat but underneath he wore a white shirt under a black vest and trousers. He had an old fashioned felt hat that covered the top part of his face and a long staff rested against his shoulder. Hermione had a distinct feeling that she had met him before but could not place him anywhere.

Suddenly, he noticed their presence and slowly stood up. Hermione blushed as he walked towards them as she noticed that he, even with his dark persona, was fairly good looking.

He was about six feet four, and had an air of grace when he walked. But grace with determination.

"Good day, ladies," the stranger said in a calm voice as tipped his hat and walked out the establishment, carrying his staff with him.

"He's dangerous," Luna said as she found a table at the back, trying to be inconspicuous. But Hermione couldn't get her mind of him. There was something about him she could not place. Dark but has a tinge of light. He was surrounded by death but continued to live. That was what Hermione thought of him. It was in the way he walked and the tone of his voice.

And she was a good judge of character. Most of the times.

Luna looked at her curiously and smirked.

"I never figured you'd pick up men in such dubious places," she said in a teasing smile. Hermione blushed as she sat down across her.

"I do NOT pick up men," she defended hotly.

"Only check them out," Luna's smile widened as her friend sighed in defeat.

"It's been a long time, Luna," Hermione looked at her friend sullenly. "I haven't been in date since Ron and I..." she didn't continue. Ever since his sister's death, Ron had changed. The usual joyous and carefree man became a bitter shell of his former self. She had tried her best to help him but it was not enough. He had shunned everything in his life including her. It had hurt so much that she needed to get away for a while.

She needed to get away from the madness for she feared she would go insane. Luna smiled in sympathy.

"Just live your life to the fullest and let fate guide you to the path you have chosen," Luna said almost in a whisper.

"It seems like you don't even want to believe that yourself," she said just as soft. But Luna didn't answer.

Suddenly, an unexpected voice startled them back into the present.

"Why are Mistresses sad? Yes? Yes? Liam like see pretty smiles. Yes? Yes?" turning around, they found their contact gazing at them like a lost puppy. "Mistresses need drink. Yes? Yes? Liam take care of Mistresses. Yes. Yes." Liam went over to the bar and after a few moments was back with two butterbeers.

""What about you, Liam?" Luna asked as she accepted the drink with a smile.

"Liam still have Mistresses' gift. Yes. Yes," Liam smiled as he leaned on his staff, which was oddly familiar to Hermione. "Greatest treasure! Yes! Yes!" he smiled enthusiastically.

"I'm glad to hear that," Luna smiled and strangely, so did Hermione. She was not sure but Hermione thought that Liam was looking at her intently through his joyous smile. It was like a look of respect he had of her and his eyes told her that he was more of a person than he seems.

And Hermione was surprised that his eyes were a deep shade of violet. And she thought they were lovely and hid a deeper persona than he was showing.

"But Mistresses early. Yes. Yes," Liam shook his head. "Dangerous when not on time. Yes. Yes."

"Why, Liam?" Luna became wary and looked around using her eyes. So far, nothing seems out of place. But looks could be deceiving.

"Place have not been secured yet. Yes. Yes," Liam said almost paranoid. "Hunter even here to make place safe. Yes. Yes." The girls were stunned to hear this.

"They were here?" Luna asked first. Then Hermione gasped in realization.

"The man who greeted us a while ago," she said in realization.

"Jäger. Yes. Yes," Liam nodded. "Best. Yes. Yes."

"Are we safe, Liam?" Hermione asked. Liam smiled as nodded.

"Mistress always safe with Liam. Yes. Yes," he bowed. Luna smiled at his antics.

"And what about me, Liam?" she asked in mock jealousy.

"Mistress Luna is safe too. Yes, Yes," he said confidently. "Archer will keep you safe. Yes. Yes."

"The second hunter?" Luna smiled in intrigue. "And how do you know that?"

"Because Jäger will tell him so. Yes. Yes," Liam said in confidence.

"Are you sure?" Hermione asked with the same intrigue as Luna.

"Jäger will see that none of Mistresses get hurt. Yes. Yes," Liam's voice as steady and determined. "And Liam will make sure that those who do will suffer before going to hell. Yes. Yes."

The girls shivered as the seriousness of his tone. But after a few seconds, smiled. "Liam will take care of you for you are special to Liam," when he mentioned 'special', he glanced at Hermione.

"That's... ah... sweet of you," Hermione smiled sweetly at him. "And I'm sure you'll keep your promise."

"I always do," Liam said in a calm and straight and almost sexy voice, startling Hermione into a blush. "We now meet hunters. Yes? Yes?" he asked in his usual tone.

"Yes," the girls said in unison and Liam smiled as he led them towards their destination.

Not knowing that he would also lead them to their destiny.

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end of 3.

A/n: This series doesn't seem to be working.