Chapter IX: Life's Pleasure

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Luna was reluctant to move. Right before her eyes was her friend, Harry Potter but he had changed since the last time she saw him. His eyes were darker and he seemed wilder. But his hair was always unmanageable but there was something about him that made her hesitate.

Harry had an aura of death upon him that he wore like a cloak. But when he smiled at her, albeit weakly, some of that darkness was lifted.

"I take it you know each other," Jäger said rather dryly. Harry gave him an icy stare but returned his smile to Luna.

"Hi, Harry," Hermione said weakly as she slowly walked towards him. Keeping his smile, Harry opened his arms and invited her. Tears that she could not stop came pouring from her eyes as she ran and embraced her friend.

Harry stroked her hair as he wrapped his other arm around her.

"I heard about Ron, I'm sorry," he said making her cry even more.

"One of these days you have to explain to me what the hell is going on," Jäger said as he watched the fire. Luna smiled at her friends and joined in the hug. The Hunter sighed in frustration and stood.

"I'm taking a walk outside," he mumbled as he passed the reunited friends. Harry gave him an acknowledging nod and mouthed "Thank you" to him. With a huff, the Hunter exited the door leaving the three to catch up.

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"This is insane," Jäger said as the portrait of the Fat Lady closed behind him. He couldn't believe that Harry had a side he didn't see before. While under his tutelage, Harry had shown anger and sorrow. But whenever Jäger mentioned Luna's name, a smile could always be seen in his face.

A smile Jäger knew quite well for he wore it a long time ago. A time he'd rather forget.

"The past has a way to haunt our lives and dreams," Jäger heard these thoughts but it did not come from him though it was on his mind. He tried to compose himself but his guest chuckled.

"Don't bother with the mask. I saw right through you a while ago. Harry and Luna may be intimidated..."

"Admit it, Lady Hermione. You were a little perturbed when you first saw me. But then, when our conversation continued, my deception faltered," he said in a sigh. "You're too smart for your own good, do you know that?"

"I know," she said sullenly as she sat on the ground. "It landed me into enough trouble as it is." The Hunter smiled and looked at her with admiring eyes. Hermione was taken back at this. He had the sweetest smile that made her confused. He took pleasure in the little things in life whenever he can. And by the looks of him... he's taking pleasure by being with her? She could not believe it. How could someone as handsome as him like her?

Did she say handsome? What was it with her? Was she flirting with danger? And did she think that he was dangerous?

Undoubtedly. But she wasn't sure whether he would hurt her physically or emotionally. By the looks of things it was the latter.

"So? How did you become a vampire hunter?" Hermione asked trying to get him out of her mind. But she failed.

"Same old, same old," came his reply although it was not the reply she had expected. "You know vampire killed loved ones and the search for vengeance and all that." He said it so casually that Hermione was surprised. She had expected some drama or angst or sorrow in his words but all she got was sarcasm.

"You don't want to talk about it, huh?" she said softly.

"Perhaps another time," came his reply just as soft.

"Everyone has his pains," she mused.

"We all share it to those who are important to us when we are ready," he spoke with such wisdom that made Hermione look at him. "Just as you will be when you will share to me your pain."

She could not deny something that he knew would be true. It would be insulting if she did otherwise. Despite his confusing demeanor, Hermione saw him as a wise man.

"Perhaps another time," she repeated the words he gave her making him laugh. It was like music to her. A real laugh without any emotion but pure joy. A laugh she had forgotten herself to do.

"Why are you here, My Lady?" he asked as he looked at the portrait of the Fat Lady. "Did Lady Luna wish a more... intimate interview?" Hermione recognized the implication of his words and found herself blushing.

"Luna is not what you think she is," she defended her friend. "And she's waiting for the right man."

"The 'Right Man', as you say, for her is in that room," Jäger pointed towards the Gryffindor tower. "An I am not implying that something would happen to sullen your friend's virtue however..."

"I saw her eyes, Master Hunter," Hermione sighed. "Though she misses him, she would not do anything to soil their relationship, as fragile it was."

"What if they were both in consent?" he asked in with a smile. However, Hermione was already picturing them consenting in an intimate manner and was trying desperately to erase the said image.

"Thank you for imbedding that thought in my mind," Hermione sighed. When she looked at him she found him smiling contently at her then looked away.

"Did anyone say you have nice eyes?" he said as he looked at the ceiling. It was a good thing too for she didn't want him to see her blush.

"Your attempt of flattery flatters me," she said sarcastically.

"Sorry," he sighed.

"You seemed arrogant and cold earlier and now you seem... jubilant. Why is that?" Hermione asked. Smiling, Jäger looked at her with kind eyes.

"The world pass by you so fast that there are many things that you will regret," he said sullenly. "Missed opportunities, failure... love." He looked at her questioningly but did not get a reaction from her.

"You sound like you speak from experience," Hermione's voice was soft. She knew what he was talking about for she too felt those things.

"I am," he said solemnly. "I take pleasure from the little things in life for that's the only place I could get the satisfaction of happiness."

"Does it always work?" Hermione asked. Smiling sullenly, Jäger shook his head.

"Hope is an illusion to a person like me, My Lady. It is always shattered by the heavy hand of reality."

"Without hope there is no life," Hermione looked away from him. She didn't want him to see what his words did to her. She remembered her beloved Ron and all the misery she endured. But somehow, being with this Hunter she could be herself.

"I haven't been alive in a long time," he smiled warmly. There was something in his smile that depicted there was something else he wanted to say. It was like he was admiring her but it was impossible... was it?

"You seem alive to me," Hermione couldn't believe she said that but it made him smile even more.

"Life can be given a chance by another," he smiled at her and gazed into the darkness.

For some reason, Hermione felt her cheeks burn.