Chapter VII: Scarred.

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"Please, have a seat," Jäger offered as he walked casually towards the young ladies. Warily, they seated on the couch, their eyes not leaving the man. Hermione was unconsciously stroking the ruby which held Liam's familiar.

Jäger noticed this and smiled sullenly at her.

"Quite taken to Liam, aren't you," he said softly but it still made Hermione jump and release the ruby.

"He risked his life to save us," Hermione said suddenly cold as she glared at him. "You seem surprised to hear that." The man smirked and faced the fireplace.

"Liam was a coward and a pest. He lives for no one but himself and yes it surprised me to hear that he risked his life to save you but I could see why," he smiled as he gazed upon her making Hermione uncomfortable. It was like he was measuring her but his gaze held more. Admiration? Hermione wasn't sure but for a moment, it seemed like it. His demeanor became hard and icy.

"Down to business," he said coldly as he tucked his hands behind his back. "I am a rather busy man though I abhor Liam, I could hardly fault him in finding you irresistible," his lips twitched. "Be that as it may. What do you want?"

"This is starting to be a bad idea," Luna whispered. Out loud, she said, "We wish to interview you for your recent exploits against the vampires. My name is..."

"Luna Lovegood," Jäger said as he continued to watch the flames. "Reporter for the Quibbler. I have heard off you. Quite too often I might add. And Hermione Granger." Jäger paused. Hermione saw his brow twitch which puzzled her but other than that, his demeanor was calm. "Your interview will jeopardize what we have worked for so long."

"Why did you agree to see us?" Hermione said curtly. She was starting to despise his pompous attitude but she was sure there was something more than he was showing.

"Not my idea," he said almost gruffly. "The Archer wanted to let everyone to know, especially the vamps, that we mean business." He turned to face Luna who was watching him in interest. "He especially wanted to see you. I don't know why. He's been eager to see you. Don't tell him I told you."

"You... you were against it?" Luna asked confusingly.

"At first. But since the Daily Prophet kind off "announced" our presence, we felt that it's time to discreetly tell them who we really are."

"But you are reluctant," Hermione said with certainty.

"We work in the shadows, my lady. To announce our presence is to give our enemies the upper hand."

"Then why?" Luna asked.

"My partner thinks that we could get an edge."

"Edge?" Luna blinked.

"Fear," Hermione smirked. Jäger smiled in approval as he looked at her. But then, his face fell as if her tried to be serious.

"Exactly," he said. "Fear nulls one's basic logic so one would not function properly in a battle. Although it would be hard to find them, they would lay low for a while when they hear about us."

"You're quite confident your reputation will scare them, aren't you?" Hermione sighed. But Jäger was still stoic but she could feel his hesitation.

"No," he finally said. "I do not think so. But my partner believes it."

"It seems to me that you and your partner have different styles in combat," Luna thought out loud.

"Indeed," he sighed. "The Archer leaves witnesses." Dread filled the ladies spine. Were they going to survive this interview? He had implied that he never leaves any witness and he was freely volunteering information to them. Seeing their distress, he sighed and looked at the flames once more.

"Do not be alarmed," he said. "I have vowed that nothing will happen to you. You are safe from the vampires, Death Eaters and me." But they were still wary.

"And your partner?" Hermione asked. She heard what was like a whimper from him and sighed.

"It was him and the others that I had given my vow," he turned looking defeated. "But if you still do not believe me..." he kneeled in front of Hermione and took a cane that was leaning beside the fireplace. As if it was a sword, he whirled the cane into a salute and then rested the tip on the floor. "By my blood and honor, I will be your shield to defend you and your sword to fight for you. I will be your champion when you need me and I will be your wings so you will not fall. Your safety will be my priority and your soul will be free."

Hermione was speechless. No one had ever promise something close to what Jäger had vowed. Not even Ron.

"I don't know what made you think that I'm worthy but I accept," Hermione said. With a sigh, which sounded like elation to her, he stood and bowed.

"Now that we have established that I shall not harm you, shall we begin?" he asked but then sighed. "To tell you the truth, I don't know where to begin."

"For starters, why did you only vow to protect her?" Luna smiled as she glanced at her friend.

"Logically I am only one man and could effectively protect one of you," he said rather coldly but Hermione caught the slight twitch of his lips. It was like he was suppressing a smile. "The Archer has vowed to protect you, Lady Luna."

"And who is this 'Archer'?" Hermione asked. She noticed that his deep violet eyes became sullen.

"He is a friend," he said softly. Hermione couldn't place it but she felt she heard his voice before. "Maybe a little tormented but a good friend." His eyes held a certain gleam as he sat on the chair and rested his elbows on his legs. "Perhaps we should start as to the manner which we met."

"Talking about your friend while he is not present seems rude," Hermione said but smiled. "But since you're offering." This brought a genuine smile on Jäger's face which took Hermione by surprise. He had the sweetest smile that made him look gorgeous. If she didn't know any better, he was putting the coldhearted hunter act to intimidate them. But she saw right through it now. But she also knew that he could be as coldhearted as he appeared.

"Very well then," he looked at Luna meaningfully. "His code is Archer but Liam called him the "Scarred One."

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a/n: a little short but please bear with me.