DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.
Warning: Mild Swearing
Chapter Ten - A Murder of Ravens
The soft jingle of harness filled the air, broken only by the occasional snort or whispered word. Shifting lightly in the saddle, Harry glanced up at the overcast sky. His eyes narrowed on the black dot circling above the group, fingers tensing as the crow let out a raucous cry. Breathing deeply, he glanced over his shoulder and searched out each member of his team, frowning when he found Seamus riding innocently next to the carriage bench.
"Jealous?" Hermione asked with a straight face, avoiding his murderous glare in leu of adjusting her left stirrup iron.
"He has a job to do." Harry said mulishly, patting BlackHeart's neck. His gaze was jerked upward as a dark blur fell slowly from the sky, wings flaring as it landed on a naked branch. The crow laughed harshly as it was quickly joined by several others, all arguing loudly and hopping from tree to tree. BlackHeart halted suddenly, feathers along his neck rising slightly. Frowning, the raven-haired wizard followed his mount's steady gaze.
A small cottage was set back from the road, its roof sagging from the weight of the snow resting atop it. Its windows were dark and the door hung open, blown powder banked against the wood and seeping inside. Silence reigned from the barn, not a cock's crow or a cow's call sounding.
"Something's wrong." Hermione murmured, drawing her gelding to a halt next to BlackHeart. The horse pinned his ears back and rolled his eyes, prancing nervously and chomping on the bit. Resting a calming hand on her mount's sweat dampened neck, the witch pointed at the path leading to the house. "The snow's unbroken. Surely someone would have had to go into town, or the barn at the very least."
Ron bobbed his head in agreement, tugging gently on the reins as his pony blew out sharply, the gust of air cracking loudly. "It looks completely abandoned. Except the house is to well maintained, as are the outbuildings."
Running his tongue over his lips, Harry considered the information. Beneath him, BlackHeart grunted and raked the ground with sharp talons, creating creases in the hard earth. A sudden bout of laughter startled the murder of ravens, sending them fleeing their lofty perches for the safety of the sky. Tensing, he turned and focused his angered glare on Seamus. "Go check it out, carefully." He ordered Ron, a hint of steel in his voice as he pinned the Irish wizard with his eyes. "And take Dean and Seamus with you."
"Yes, sir." Ron murmured, catching the whisper of anger in the raven-haired wizard's words. Putting his heels to his pony's sides, he urged the animal into a smooth canter. "Dean! Seamus! With me!" He hollered, directing the plunging pony into the deep snow leading to the house.
"Tighten up!" Harry called loudly, shooting a quick look over his shoulder at the flurry of movement his order caused. Seeing the guards completely surround the carriage and draw wands and weapons, he nodded shortly and turned back to watching the cottage.
Ron shook his head as his cries failed to summon anyone from the interior of the small house. To either side of him, Dean and Seamus sat anxiously, their horses displaying the same emotions as their riders. "Ride round the perimeter Dean. Seamus, take the barn." He said quietly, sliding off his pony and dragging the long reins over its ears. Glancing back at Harry, he flicked his fingers and drew a short dagger, nodding when the other wizard tapped his nose in understanding.
"Fred, in the air." Harry muttered, one of his hands falling to rest on the hilt of his sword. The crack of wings unfolding had Hermione's gelding jumping sideways and banging into BlackHeart. Hissing, the hippogriff made a grab for the animal's muzzle, sending the horse skittering backwards into the deep snow.
"Harry." Hermione snapped, "control your animal." She rolled her eyes as the wizard glanced at her before clucking softly, the noise immediately bringing the dark hippogriff's antics to a halt. Shaking her head, she ran cold fingers down her wand and searched for Ron.
"Hello?" Ron called, pushing through the waist deep snow piled before the door. His fingers tightened on the reins in his hand as the pony planted its hooves and refused to go closer to the cottage. "For the love of Merlin." The redhead grumbled, yanking on the reins and rolling his eyes as the animal stretched its neck out and laid dainty ears back.
"I can't see anything through the windows." Dean stated as he appeared around the corner of the cottage, his horse had its nostrils flared and was flashing the whites of its eyes. "There aren't any footprints around the cottage nor any evidence that someone has been around here recently."
Before Ron could reply, the pony leapt forward suddenly and sent him flying backwards into the sagging door. With a groan, the wood broke free of its hinges and fell inwards, taking Ron with it. Squealing in terror, the pony whirled around and stumbled into a gallop, stirrups banging against his sides and reins sliding through the snow. It seemed to happen in slow motion. The shod hoof catching in the loose leather. The sharp scream of fear as the animal's head was dragged down by its own weight. The resounding snap of bone as foreleg gave.
"Shite!" Harry barked, flinging himself off BlackHeart and trudging quickly through the snow. He approached the pony's heaving body cautiously, moving nimbly aside as a swinging hoof skimmed his thigh. Drawing a long dagger, he waited for his chance then lunged forward and dropped his weight onto the animal's neck, stilling its frantic, pain filled thrashing.
Whispering softly, he ran a gentle hand over its muzzle before grabbing it firmly by the chin and pushing its head up. The dagger settled against the pony's throat, blade shining silver for the second it was still. The movement was quick, ending the animal's pain and life. Placing one last pat on the sweat covered neck, he rose and looked in the direction of the cottage.
Ron's face paled as he saw the blood stained dagger in Harry's hand and the grim look he wore. He stumbled toward the lead Lion, ignoring the wide eyed wizards trailing him on their skittish mounts. "No one inside," he croaked, pushing past the raven-haired wizard. He fell to his knees next to the limp body of his mount, shaking hand gliding over cooling neck.
"I'm sorry." Harry said, eyes focused on the ground as he tried to pretend he wasn't holding the blade that had ended the animal's life. Wiping the dagger on his dark pants, he sheathed it and then looked up at Dean and Seamus through emotionless eyes. "Report."
"The barn appears to be empty. All of the doors have been sealed completely so I couldn't get in." Seamus mumbled, fingers caressing his horse's neck. At Harry's nod, he turned the animal around and trotted toward the carriage, taking up his place next to a shocked Draco.
Dean met Harry's jaded eyes and swallowed. "The cottage is empty. However, all of the winter stores and clothes are still inside. It's like they just vanished."
"Signs of an attack?" Harry questioned, raising his gaze and peering around them vigilantly. He shook his head as he found the family of crows back among the nearby trees, black spots in a sea of gray and white.
"Only the fact that the door was half-open. All of the furniture was fine and there wasn't any blood." Dean murmured calmly, twining a strand of his horses pale mane around one of his fingers. He shifted in the saddle and shot a quick look at Ron before wheeling his mare around and nudging her toward the waiting group.
"I'll give you another minute, Ron, but we need to be on our way." Harry said softly, already heading back to his team. BlackHeart clacked his beak in greeting, neck stretched out as he awaited his rider's gentle touch. Smiling, Harry caught the animal's heavy head and tickled him lightly at the base of his beak.
The crunch of snow heralded Ron's arrival, his gaze downcast as he paused behind Harry. "I'll ride up with Neville." He muttered shortly, shrugging Hermione's comforting hand off his shoulder and continuing his slow trudge.
Leaning his head on BlackHeart's shoulder, Harry watched his friend and sighed. The redhead had purchased the fiery little pony shortly after they had officially graduated from training and progressed to being true soldiers. Since then, the pair had been inseparable companions, even though it was hard to say who the boss was. Shaking his head, Harry caught the iron and swung himself up into the saddle. Silently the group headed onward, leaving the slowly stiffening body of the pony for the birds.
XxXxX
Harry couldn't believe his eyes or his luck. Versil was spread before them, the last town before they entered the cold arms of White Forest. And it appeared just as empty and deserted as the small cottage they had searched hours ago. Heaving out a sigh of disbelief, he tugged BlackHeart around and met the eyes of his team.
"Alright, here's what's going to happen. Fred, Ron, George, Neville, and Dean are to remain with the carriage at all times. Ginny and Dean are going to cover the stores on the right side of the road, Hermione and Seamus will check the ones on the left. If no one is there, take what we need and leave some money on the counter. I want a complete sweep of each store, every room, every attic, every cellar. If you find anything, alert me immediately. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, leave the building." Harry stated, eyes flicking from person to person to make sure they acknowledged his words. He dismounted in a lazy movement and dropped the reins, knowing the hippogriff would remain there unless he was spooked or called. "I want a weapon in every hand, or a wand, your choice."
"What about you?" A voice interrupted, causing everyone's eyes to dart to the blond sitting on the carriage bench next to Neville. The elbow the portly wizard sent into the noble's side was easily observable, as was the look of indignation on Draco's face.
"I'm going to look around." Harry answered grim faced, sword already dangling from his fingers. Arching a dark brow, he tipped his chin and gave the order for his team to disperse. Shooting one final glare at the blond, he swung the sword up to rest against his shoulder and began to plow his way up the road.
"Alone?" Draco hollered, climbing from between Neville and Ron. Ignoring the whispered warnings of his guards, he planted his hands on his hips and chased after Harry.
Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath before swiveling slowly. Opening his bright eyes, he glared down into the sparking blue orbs before him. "Yes." He grit out, wiggling his gloved fingers on the sword's grip.
"Isn't that dangerous? Perhaps I should help, I can go with Seamus and Hermione." The blond said suggestively, drawing his wand and waving it under Harry's nose. He jerked back when his wand was snatched from his hand. "Give that back!" He snarled, stomping one booted foot much to the amusement of everyone watching.
"No, now get in the carriage." Harry stated calmly, sliding the wood into the back of his pants. Shooting a look over the blond's head, he tipped his head and gestured for one of his team to come and get the noble. Turning back around, he took one step before stumbling under the body that slammed into him. Gasping at the cool fingers delving under his shirt in search for the wand, he wheeled around and grabbed the front of the other wizard's robes.
"I don't want to!" Draco screeched, trying to wiggle free. His efforts earned him a hard shake and a roguish smirk from the raven-haired guard.
"Allow me to assist you." Harry mumbled, loosing the blond and ducking down quickly. Scooping the wizard over the opposite shoulder of his sword, he stormed toward the carriage, bellowing for George to get the door.
"Put! Me! Down!" Draco roared, following each word with a blow to the center of the wizard's back. He froze under the hard hand that settled abruptly on his bottom, pinning his struggling body in place.
"It would be my pleasure." Harry hissed, stepping around the opened door and thrusting the blond into the startled arms of his chaperone. Backing up, he slammed the door closed and slid the bolt into place. Smiling smugly, he turned and strutted away from the carriage, freezing when he heard the door fly open.
"Do you know who I am? You can't just treat me like some back alley whore!" The blond screamed, fists waving in outrage. Bouncing up and down, he continued his rant, ignoring the fact that his friends and guards were watching him in delighted shock.
Sighing in disgust, Harry placed his sword in its sheathe and headed back toward Draco. Scooping the wizard up bridal style, the raven-haired wizard carted him back to the carriage and tossed him inside. Pinning him in place with a glare, he grabbed the door and closed it softly.
The door had no more then clicked in place when it was thrust open again. "Get in there!" Harry grumbled, planting a splayed hand in the middle the blond's chest and pressing him backwards. Slamming the door closed again, he leaned his shoulder against it and grimaced as he drew one of his short daggers. Considering his left hand, he tipped his head and lowered the shimmering blade carefully.
"Let me out!" Draco screamed, banging on the door. He jerked unhappily on the handle and tried to force the small door open with his weight, finding it held closed under someone else's body.
Harry smiled as he pricked his finger, blood rising to the surface of the tiny wound. He ignored Hermione's startled gasp as he placed the finger against the wood of the carriage door, slowly tracing the outline of the door while whispering quietly. Reaching the bottom of the door, he raised the finger and popped it into his mouth. In a flash of blue the door vanished, leaving the side of the carriage empty.
"That's dark magic, Harry." Hermione hissed in shock, eyes wide as she glared at the wizard.
Harry slid the finger free and smiled innocently, ignoring the pounding continuing behind him. "It all depends on the way the magic is applied, Hermione." Sheathing the dagger, he rolled his shoulders and stepped away from the carriage. "Back to what you were doing everyone!"
The order caused many of the group to jump, jerking around and heading in the direction of their assigned search or guard zone. Still smiling to himself, Harry pushed through the snow that had been blown into the middle of the street, his eyes searching the shop windows and alleys. One of his hands searched out the comforting feel of metal, finding the hilt of a dagger easily. It was the flash of dark fur that drew him to a halt, the soft rumble barely audible over the howling of the wind
XxXxX
Giving one final shriek, Draco crossed his arms and flopped back onto the soft bench of the carriage. Glaring at the ceiling of the small vehicle, he began to list every reason why he shouldn't adore Harry.
"Back alley whore?" Blaise asked, biting back the snort of laughter that threatened to escape, he held his hands up in surrender as narrowed blue eyes were leveled on him. "You really need to go easier on the poor guy. He's just doing his job."
"Yes, well . . . he had better learn some manners." The blond sulked, glancing around the carriage and pausing as he met Pansy's pale eyes. Hitching a brow, he wrapped himself in his cloak and shivered at the chill that seemed to be creeping into the carriage.
"Perhaps once you learn to behave like a gentleman, he'll come around." Severus muttered, still slightly shocked over his pupil's outrageous display of emotion. Shaking his head, he unburied the book that had been lost in the melee and began to search for his page.
"I am the perfect gentleman." Draco mumbled, kicking the carriage door with the toe of his boot. He ignored Pansy's unladylike snort and fussed with the collar of his shirt, repairing the damage caused by Harry's rough treatment.
"Give it up, Draco." Pansy said softly, folding her own arms and glaring down into her lap. "Wizards like Harry and Theodore only want one thing, and with their looks they're guaranteed to get it." Her lower lip quivered and she balled her hands into fists, shaking off the gentle hand Blaise settled atop her numb fingers.
"Harry Potter is nothing like that snake." Draco argued, leaping to the defense of the raven-haired wizard without thought. Sitting up quickly, he held a hand up and began ticking each statement off on his fingers. "He is a gentlemen. He actually cares about my safety. While he may act like a crude beast sometimes, he takes good care of his friends."
"Oh, and that'll make a difference once he gets what he wants!" Pansy hissed, fingertip jabbing Draco repeatedly in the chest.
"If you two ladies would quit squabbling, I'm sure-"
The low plaintive wail rose hauntingly from somewhere nearby, bringing an immediate hush to the loud arguement occurring within the carriage. Exchanging frightened looks, the three nobles and their chaperone all reached for their wands.
"It was just a wolf, right?" Pansy asked quietly, sliding closer to Blaise and swinging the tip of her wand back and forth as she tried to figure out where she should point it. A soft howl in the distance was the only response.
A/N: Thank you to all those who took the time to read and review. I had to work overtime on Friday night and hadn't gotten around to writing this chapter yet, so I hope it was up to everyones standards.
Crystal Malfoy – lol, I honestly wasn't going to update this weekend but your pm got my butt in gear. Hope you enjoyed.
Denai – I'm glad you're enjoying it and I'm definitely having fun writing it.
PleiadesWolfe – Who knows what will happen to pull the pair together; a blizzard, starving wolves, mad werewolves, a tyrannical dark lord, frightened thestrals, an angry hippogriff, at this point anything is possible.
Wolve Spirits – Glad you're enjoying and thank you for the compliment.
LandUnderWave – Neville is one of my favourite characters because he's always in the background and thus more useful, his patterns and reactions aren't as well known as the other characters so I've got room to play.
Peaceful Angel – lol, if I sleep to long I start to get amazingly, good, weird dreams, that will make excellent stories. Now if only I had time to write them all.
wizli – I'm sure Ginny and Hermione will be tenacious in the their attempts to get the pair together. I don't really know where the plot from this one came, only that I'm glad it was the one I chose to start writing after Dying Flames.