#cedric pare

[sunshine-gumdrop]

🫣 personally, there wasn't ill intent behind the knee on knee hit by cedrik pare on patrik lane! Probably not...

But I can see Habs fans going off leafs because of it.

Hope he can recover speedily...

[grebenkin]

[annieqattheperipheral]

Cannot wait to listen to this tmr lmaaooo

0:00- Nick Robertson

1:31 - Cedric Pare

2:43 - Matthew Knies

4:14 - Marshall Rifai

5:42 - Craig Berube

[yourfavdope]

You didn't burn those flowers, did you|t.nott part 2

part 1

summary: Sometimes it's better for us if our prayers are not listening by anyone.

parings: Theodore Nott x fem!reader

warnings: bad grammar, lack of self -respect

word counts: 2131

author's note: It's part 2 and I hope y'all going to enjoy this. Also I started working on something bigger than one shots so I hope that you're going to like this.

Love is like poison, once you will be loved by a person, you’re going to end up in pain. The only thing that love is doing it’s just crushing your soul and you will never be the same.

“You didn't burn those flowers, did you?” Mattheo asked.

This night was so peaceful with a bright sky and music blasting somewhere behind us. I couldn’t see Theo tonight. He was way too drunk and his eyes once blue now was just dark and full of hatred. 

“I couldn’t. I���m still hoping that he’s going to change. He’s going to talk to me.” I responded and passed him a pack of cigarettes. 

Mattheo sighed and took one cigarette from the pack. Then he lit my cigarette. I really appreciated the fact that he was worrying about me. I decided to give him a chance because deep down I know that he liked me. We both know that I still loved Theo. 

Ever since we barely see Nott. And when we were seeing him, he was drunk or high. I lose all hope that he’s going to talk not only to me but also the rest of our group.

“So now you and Mattheo are a thing.” Pansy theoretical asked.

“Yeah… but he knows that I still have feelings for Theo and I didn’t burn those fucking flowers. I don’t think that I will ever be ready to do this” I responded.

Pansy looked at me and started to look for her favorite black skirt. I was really hoping that she’s going to say something but she didn’t do it. When I was finishing my makeup, she came closer. She sat down and at this moment I started to regret my wish. She was doing that when she wanted to tell me about something which wasn’t really good news to me.

“If you want to drop Mattheo and run back to your ex, just keep it in mind that Cedric is single,” she said.

“Pansy what the fuck are you talking about?” I screamed at her.

“When I was looking for a Nott because I wanted to ask him about a book I borrowed to him I heard something” she responded.

“Girl, don't try my patience” I said.

“Cedric was talking about getting back to you because you two did a project together. He didn’t tell what you two were doing but he was getting at you cheating Theo with him.” Pansy stated.

“You're kidding right?” I asked.

“If you want to take this as a joke then yes.” she ironically responded. 

“Fuck me.” I commented.

“What do you want to do with this?” she asked.

“Well I want to show him that me and him hooking up was just a simple mistake.” I responded.

Pansy nodded her head and started talking about her idea of revenge. I was just simply in shock because me and Cedric agreed that our relationship has to end. When Pansy was ready we went to a party and I decided to play a game with Cedric.

I was sitting at the counter. Mattheo was touching my thigh. And I saw Cedric sitting on the couch with Aurelie. He knew exactly what he was doing. 

“Go and talk to Aurelie, I know that you like her now.” I told to Mattheo.

“You sure?” he asked.

“Yes, we both know that we like to flirt with each other but you can’t kiss me because you’re going to betray Theo and I can’t kiss you because I love him. Holding hands and cuddling it’s nothing. So go and talk to her.” I responded and playfully hit his head.

I couldn’t wait long for him and Aurelie disappearing outside. I jumped off the counter and went to Cedric. I sat at his lap. The best part was that he wasn’t surprised, it was almost like he wanted me to do it. 

“Tell me, this is what we did, when we were doing a project” I asked. 

I knew that his friends were looking at us and were interested in this situation. So I kissed him on the cheek. I knew what I was doing but I didn’t know that Theo was here and he was looking. But when he saw this he just left. I mean that’s what Lorenzo told me after.

“Or maybe we were doing this” I stated. 

His face turned red because I didn’t knew what he told his friends and his friends were smiling, some of them were laughing.

“That’s what I thought. Next time, when you decide to make out with me while doing a project, just tell me what we did because I still don’t know. And I think I’m supposed to know.” I said.

Then I headed to the yard. I needed to smoke. It didn’t last long when the yard was full of people who wanted to know what just happened. I was making myself a drink when Cedrics’ friends were telling everyone what happened. I was really glad that some of our friends had a house where we could drink on the weekends. Once the party was over, a new week has come.

Something changed after that party. Me and Mattheo were still flirting because Aurelie and any other girl didn’t last long as befits Mattheo. Lorenzo was still a loser when it comes to drinking and poor Blaise had to take care of him. Pansy and Draco would still make out with us in one room. It was all the same but the change was in Theo. He was still intoxicated when we were seeing him but we could see him frequently. I mean I was seeing him more often than the rest of us. But he still refused to talk to us.

One time Pansy and I were talking about a borrowed book and even though Nott didn’t talk to us, he gave it back. He didn’t come to us and gave it back but the next day a book was laying in front of our bedroom. He was attending Quidditch again. He was signing me to be his partner at every work even though he was doing this all by himself. This is how three weeks passed. When we were all sitting in the common room when Elijah came with a big smile on his face.

“My dear friends, I will be throwing a party on Friday, so feel free to come and get drunk” he screamed, “And my dear Y/N, Cedric is also invited so yall can make a clusterfuck again” he added. 

I sarcastically smiled in response. 

“Oh come on girl, after your whatever that was everyone was concentrating on you and made a pretty big mess in my yard.” Elijah said.

“Thanks for reminding me. I would kill myself without this quick reminder.” I responded. 

Elijah looked at me and smiled. 

“Do you think that Theo is going to be there?” Blaise asked.

“I guess so.” I responded.

Before the party I decided to go to Muggle world for a pack of cigarettes. It was way much better than ours. It took me too long so I arrived a bit late. I always wonder how Elijahs’ parents never realized what was happening in their house. When I was inside I realized that I might have arrived too late because Lorenzo was already drunk. It’s not like he needed much alcohol, I just knew that at first they don’t drink too much. They are always waiting for some kind of drama and then the party begins. I was looking for Theo but I couldn’t find him, so I just sat down with my friends.

“Do you have it?” Pansy asked so I showed her a pack of cigarettes.

“Here’s your drink” Mattheo said while passing me a coup.

The smell was so strong and I knew that today I’m not walking by myself but someone is going to carry me from this house. 

Many drinks after, Theo came. He was already drunk so TROUBLE was screaming loudly. All of us were waiting for him to do something but he went to make himself a drink. 

Then to our surprise he sat with us. 

He sat next to me. 

The silence was so loud even though the party was yobby. He didn’t even look at us. He was just sitting. I was chugging my drink and thanks to the drunk Lorenzo, the silence was over. He started saying stupid things and Pansy started to respond to him. After a while they all were again loud but I felt really uncomfortable. When I was about to stand and go to make another drink, he grabbed my cup to make me a drink. 

“You should just chill Y/N and be natural.” Draco stated.

“Easier said than done…” I said but I was interrupted by a glass bump.

Theo decided to bring alcohol to our table. I looked over and saw Cedric. He was looking at me and if Lorenzo was telling the truth and Theo saw what I did last time, I wasn’t surprised that he brought alcohol here. 

After a drink Pansy and Draco just disappeared, Lorenzo went to some bedroom to sleep. So on the couch was me, Theo, Blaise and Mattheo. I chugged four more drinks and I knew that I had to stop. I was way too drunk so I decided to go outside to smoke but I took a drink with me. I also couldn’t stand Theo, I was happy that he’s with us but the way he acted, more like he didn't act unbearable.

I went to the end of the yard and the wind was whipping me gently. It was still night. Music was softly blasting and there was no one outside so I could be alone for a minute. But to be honest I don’t know how long I was sitting there. I knew that drink and half of cigarettes were gone.

When I got inside the mess was insane. A lot of broken glasses and blood. Fucking blood. I could feel like my heart stopped for a second. I sober up in a second. I started to look around but I couldn’t find him. But I saw Cedric all in blood. And I knew what happened. I started to look for Mattheo or Blaise. I found Blaise by the exit when he was looking for Theo.

“What happened?” I asked.

“Y/N” Blaise said while hugging me, “you didn’t come back for a solid hour and we didn’t see you in the yard so Mattheo went to look for you.” he added.

“I was just sitting at the very last corner of it,” I said.

“Yes, that’s the problem. It’s dark and we always know where you smoke.” he responded to me.

“I know, I just needed to be alone for a second and I’m sorry for worrying you.” I said, “but what happened to Cedric?” I asked.

“You weren’t coming back and Cedric started to make up the stories of you two doing a project. So Theo went to him and started to fight. Then he grabbed alcohol and just left.” Blaise responded.

“How long ago did he leave?” I asked.

“10 minutes maybe.” Blaise responded.

“I’m going to look for him. I might know where he is.” I stated.

I knew that Blaise didn’t want me to go alone and drunk at night but it was the only way to find Theodore.

The night was still peaceful but my heart wasn’t. The only place he could go was the heathland. We were always going for some privacy there because only we knew where it was. As I was closer and closer I could hear him breaking a bottle. 

“Theodore, can we talk!” I screamed when I was close enough. 

He decided to ignore me and just walk by.

“Theo, can you just fucking stop!” I screamed again. 

He ignored me again so I decided to walk faster to him. When I was by his side, I grabbed his wrist. He pushed me but I did it again. This time he stopped walking but he didn’t look at me. 

“Teddy, let’s just talk.” I calmly said. 

He grabbed me by my cheeks and kissed me. It was a long and passionate kiss but something was off. 

“I don’t want to talk. I just want you to love me but you had to choose fucking Cedric. At first I didn’t believe the rumors but then I saw how you smiled at each other. Every time you two were together, you were laughing a lot and I knew that he makes you feel good. And then the fact that they knew was even worse. Because that day I lost not only a girl I love more than anything but also my friends. And then I saw you and Cedric at that party and I realized that I need to let you go even though I still love you.” Theo said.

He was still holding my face so I grabbed his arm so he couldn’t just go away.

“It’s not like that,” I said and then I explained everything to him. I knew that he wanted to listen to me because he let me talk.

“I’m sorry, I really mean this. I love you and I don’t want to lose you ever again.” he whispered to my ear while hugging me. 

“Let’s clean you up.’’ I said and gave him a peck on the lips.

I wanted to start over, he wanted to start over and it was all that mattered to me.

“You didn't burn those flowers, did you?” Theo asked but it sounded more like he wanted to convince himself.

“I prayed that these flowers would burn on their own, because I couldn’t do it.” I responded and hugged him even tighter.

if you have any request just let me know!

[missriddle03]

Title: Blood tears

Parings: Mattheo Riddle x fem!reader

Small synopsis: Mattheo gets kidnapped (after the war) and forced to see memories of his dead girlfriend but it isn't what it seems

Time to read: just over 10mins

Word count: 1.8k

Warnings: Mentions of blood and angst

Mattheo was sitting in his bed thinking of y/n and remembering them before it all went dark. Once he had opened his eyes he had noticed an old friend that he and y/n had taken a liking to, was watching him.

“Tell me what actually happened to y/n” he told Mattheo. His name was Jordan and had been y/n’s friend for years. “I told you all I know” Jordan didn’t believe him so he ended up punching him.

Mattheo would have hit him back but his legs and hands were tied with rope on a chair. “Let me go” he tried escaping but it was no use. “You put yourself in this” Jordan told him with a smirk.

Mattheo had no idea what he would do but he didn’t want to think of y/n. He didn’t answer him but saw Jordan grab a remote and turned the tv on. Jordan got out his wand and penetrated Mattheo’s mind. Small bright pictures began showing up on the screen. Pictures of y/n and videos were playing of her too.

YEAR 1:

It was a bright sunny day as the sun shone down onto both of them. “Hey I’m y/n, nice to meet you” she said waving to Mattheo. “Mattheo, Mattheo Riddle” he expected her to run away screaming but instead she stood there smiling. “Have you had a nice day?” “Besides everyone freaking out at me then yeah, suppose”

Y/n was scribbling away at a small potions test that she couldn’t understand. “I can’t do this,” she muttered. Mattheo was sitting next to her and noticed how tense she was. “The answer is dragon heart and phoenix tear” he whispered to her. “Thanks”

YEAR 2:

“Do you think if there is an actual heir of Slytherin that’s opened the chamber?” Y/n asked Mattheo as she started reading some books about potions. “Maybe, I’m not believing anything till I see solid proof” he simply told her. Harry,Ron and Hermione were frantically running and splashing in the water and soon the teachers were rushing over..again. “There’s your proof, Riddle” she said before turning away.

“Mr Riddle please come this way” McGonagall had told Mattheo, taking him out of his lesson.”Now, this may be a shock” she said, guiding him into the infirmary. His jaw dropped realising that y/n was petrified on the hospital bed, Her hands were reading a book that was labelled ‘history of Hogwarts’ and her face looked like she had only just lifted up her head. “She was facing a mirror, take your time Mr Riddle” she said before leaving Mattheo sitting next to the frozen y/n.

YEAR 3:

“Those dementors scare the living daylights out of me” y/n laughed. “Well as long as they're doing their job I’m not bothered”. It was lunchtime as they were all gathered in the hall. “Do you think they’ll catch him? Sirius I mean” Mattheo thought about her question before responding. “I mean they have to”

The quidditch match wasn’t a great idea considering the fact there was a massive rain and lightning problem. “They honestly shouldn’t be letting them do this but it’s fun to watch” y/n said cheering people on. “It really is,” he agreed looking at y/n.

YEAR 4:

“Who are you hoping to win?” y/n asked Mattheo as they both were cleaning out their dorms but y/n came to help Mattheo clean his. “I’m not bothered who wins. Have you heard about the yule ball?” he asked. “Of course I have, why?” Y/n tied her hair into a bobble as a quick thing to stop her hair going into her face. “I was wondering if you wanted to go with me” y/n stopped doing everything. “Are you serious?” “You don’t have to-” “I would love to go”

“Oh my god, Theo someone’s dead” y/n told him as the body of Cedric was laying on the field. “It’s Voldemort, he’s back” Harry yelled. Y/n knew this was a sensitive subject as her best friend was the son of him. “Theo, ignore it” she held his hand to comfort him even though she knew she wasn’t great at comforting someone.

YEAR 5:

“Amortentia is the most powerful love potion in the world. It’s said to smell different to what attracts them” Hermione explained to Professor Slughorn. Y/n was talking with Mattheo about how he was now a player for quidditch until Professor Slughorn stopped them. “Y/n, Mattheo why don’t you come up and test this Amortentia” They knew they had no choice so they unwillingly walked over. “I smell vanilla and watermelon” Mattheo said, causing the other girls fawning over him to back away. “I smell..a cologne and,uh, cigarettes” y/n placed her hand on her arm and went to the back of the class distancing herself from Mattheo. They both knew he had smelt her and she had smelt him.

Mattheo was playing quidditch with his big supporter, y/n, cheering him on. “YOU CAN DO IT THEO!” she yelled as he scored a goal and massive cheers and claps flooded everyone’s head. “150 points to Slytherin” the commentator said. “100 points to Ravenclaw” the golden snitch zoomed past Mattheo as he told his teammate where it was. “SLYTHERIN HAS WON”. Afterwards, a small slytherin party was held for congratulations. “You know, you did better than I thought you would” y/n told him as he rolled his eyes. They shared glances as y/n noticed his eyes going from her left eye to her right and then to her lips. They both stepped in front of each and planted a kiss on each other’s lips.”Will you be my girlfriend?” he asked as she immediately nodded.

YEAR 6:

“Are you hiding something from me Theo?” she asked him as she started noticing his strange behaviour. “What do you mean?” “You keep skiving lessons, disappearing for days on end and not telling me where you’ve been. And I swear I’ve seen you going somewhere with Draco and pretending like you don’t even know what I’m on about” she felt relieved to let it all out. “I can’t tell you” “Yes you can, because I’m just going to think the worst. Like you fancy someone else or you’ve joined a cult or you hate me or something even worse like-” “I'm a death eater okay!” he blurted as y/n’s face dropped. “Are you serious?” He pulled up his sleeve to show the dark mark. “Why didn’t you tell me?” “I was afraid you’d hate me” he muttered more to himself than to y/n. She didn't yell at him, she didn't do anything but one thing she did do was hug him. Tightly. "I don't care, I just wanna know that you're okay"

Dumbledore's dead body plummeted to the ground causing alarm to anyone. The glass chandeliers smashed by Bellatrix as y/n and the other pupils started forming around what had happened. Y/n stood there noticing Mattheo with all the bad people. "why?" she mouthed, he bowed his head down as they all apparated away. "good god" she whispered.

YEAR 7:

"Have you seen Mattheo?" Hermione asked y/n as she stood their with Ron and Harry. "No I haven't" she coldy said. "Do you have an idea-" "No I don't! If I did I wouldn't be sitting here in Hogwarts" she yelled causing attention to herself. "Now please leave me alone" she said picking up her books and heading to her dorm. Pictures of them both were stuck to her wall so like a spitefull person she ripped them off the wall.

Voldemort and his followers stood in the grounds of Hogwarts as Mattheo came into view. Y/n rushed over so he could see her "You are such an asshole" she told him. Mattheo stood by his hand for a second till he decided to run over to her. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I had no choice" he was begining to panic. "Yeah well I still care for you no matter what you do" they both slightly laughed and it eased the tension. "My boy has gone soft has he?" they heard him say. "I rather be soft than be like you" he told Voldemort. He got out his wand and yelled "Crucio!" y/n was sent on the floor screaming in pain. "Father stop it, now!" indeed his father did stop using crucio but on one condition. "Kneel to me son" Mattheo lowered his leg onto the ground and bowed down to him. His wand was twisting about in his hand before he yelled a spell unleashing mayhem and Harry leapt out of Hagrid's arms. "Run!" Mattheo told y/n as she began disarming the witches and wizards. Mattheo was running with her before one of Voldemort's followers followed them both. They were getting close to a ledge that none of them wanted to fall down."How dare you disrepect the dark lord over a silly little girl" he cast a spell sending y/n falling down the abyss. "Avada kedavra" he said killing the man. She was holding onto Mattheo's hand. "Let go, you'll be okay" he kept shaking his head. "You can't hold on, I love you" "I love you too" she let go off his hand as she plummeted into the ocean.

••

"What did you want to get out of this?" Mattheo asked Jordan. "To know the truth about how she lived oh sorry I mean died" Jordan said. Mattheo gave him a puzzled expression before he pressed onto his arm and two men, tall and scruffy, stood with a girl in the middle with shoulder length hair. "Y/n?" he asked as his tears were mixing in with the blood from the punch. "Theo?". "I thought you died, I saw it" the blood dripped onto the floor and y/n's stomach churned. "Well turns out I almost did but Jordan sorta saved me. So, I wanted to go to you but me and Jordan had a deal so I couldn't"

Mattheo's eyes darted from Jordan to the guys and then to y/n. "You didn't even send me an owl or anything to let me know that you were alive. I was fucking hurting thinking it was all my fault when in reality you just lied, for months" Jordan was watching from afar "come on boys let's leave em to it" he said before they apparated away. "I did try to send an owl to you but my owl sent it back so of course I thought the worst. Jordan told me he went on a search to find you but said he couldn't" she explained. Mattheo couldn't pinpoint why she couldn't just tell him she was alive to save him from all the guilt and grief. "You could have told me that day but you didn't" "I was unconscious and thought I did die until I woke up and saw Jordan looking after me"

Y/n untied Mattheo from the ropes and let him stand up "I won't forgive myself for not telling you" "yeah well I still care for you no matter what you do" they couldn't help themselves from smiling. "I'm just glad you're okay, I still love you" "I still love you too"

[ugyunyun]

So I tried to recreate Tamura Blood in livly.

Using livly to recreate/cosplay fav is quite popular. I want to write down some of my attempts, so I won't forget them. Photos and gabbing down below.

At first I thought it's impossible, I mean, livly does have tons of hairstyle options, but how am I going to recreate Tamura's hair colors ??? Hom (player) can only wears one hairstyle, can't blame them, they have only one head after all. Tamura why are you so colorful?? Then I saw his Halloween special episode's look, yes! only two colors!

So I tried his Halloween look, and made him a tarot theme island as well.

I used two hair extensions to created the bang(?) that I am satisfied with, unfortunately they covered half of his face. BUT! It turned out to be a blessing since it also cut the full face paint in half. That's my favorite, or should I say, my proudest part of this attempt. Really glad that I managed to grab the face paint during creators week. Here's a closer look.

And then, the island.

Nothing really to say about here, just tarot stuffs. I also added a cup of coffee, and that hilarious necklace from Mechat Birthday onto the island as well. Named my island "Fine, I will do one reading for you!" during this attempt.

For livly, I let him hug Cedric (livly).

Awww, two good pals.

Idk why, I looked at this livly and immediately was like, yes, you are Cedric. I did recreate Cedric the other day, will probably post it in the near future.

Anyway, I also did Tamura's 2024 Christmas look.

No island for him though, too lazy to do so. Since he's our reindeer last year, I made a livly Tamura as well.

Ta da, reindeer Tamura, he's paring up with Cedric hom. Again, Tamura why are you so colorful?? I can only put one color on the livly, so I just pick one randomly. Somehow really like how it turned out.

Yeah, that's it. Bye.

[gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan]

Fields of Strife

Past =-= Next

Author's note: More of Alpharius, known as Zariel the Ultramarine Apothecary in Husbandry. Thank you to @sleepyfan-blog for letting me borrow Cedric. :)

Warnings: Theft of medical and other supplies? Uh...None else, as far as I know of. Please let me know if I need to update this.

Summary: Zariel is double checking the stock for various Controlled medications, as well as some other kinds of supplies, as he's noticed that the count has been off recently. There are also other mysteries that he's investigating. Some of the information he gathers from young Cedric gives him some answers, while giving him more questions.

Tagged: @barn-anon, @bleedingichorhearts, @c-u-c-koo-4-40k, @egrets-not-regrets, @kit-williams,

Tagged continued: @sleepyfan-blog, @whorety-k, @ms--lobotomy @bispecsual @thevoidscreams

Tagged continued: @i-am-a-dragon34, @gra93fruit-blog

Zariel was a very keen eyed sort, he had to be, for what his duties as an Apothecary are, as well as his True Duties to the Alpha legion are. Some of the older Space Marines in the base had noticed that young Cedric was hoarding food again. There were several bets as to why that was.

Zariel had managed to sneak his way into the place where Cedric and the other Primaris Marines were hiding another wounded Primaris Marine. It was an interesting, and concerning habit that for every Primaris Marine that Cedric, or one of his little friends found, who were wounded, they’d hide them until they recovered and then introduced them to Captain Ash’val.

Seeing the sanguine eyes, soft short yellow hair, wings and the dark, broody colors of a Blood Angel, that had given him pause. He hadn’t realized that Primaris Marines could get one of the rarest gifts of the Ninth Legion.

Zariel knows, for a bone deep certainty, that none of the Blood Angels, or their successor chapters know of this particular newly arrived brother. Especially, as his eyes flicker to the other’s helmet, and the weapons that are tucked by his side that reveal his specialty as a Librarian of the Ninth legion. 

Paring that with what he’d seen on the cameras, which young Cedric avoided the cameras as best he could while running fast through the base with four unbonded human teenagers that he’d allowed to escape… Well now, he knows he will need to have a chat with this particular younger Apothecary.

The conversation that he has with the Scout-ling certainly gives him more answers while giving him more questions as well. He’d gone after the other younger Primaris Black Templar and had noticed that the other was in a Flash Back, and terribly skittish once woken out of it.

He’d given the Scout-ling a friendly warning that he’d speak to him more later. Chaplain Feldarim is one of the highest ranking Officers in the base. He’s distracted, and helps with the partially fallen Imperial fist. 

Honorable Chaplain Captain Petras notices the fuss the others are making and insists on helping them with the situation. As the other is a Black Templar, and a Captain, he’s given some information of what is going on.

Zariel finds his reaction to finding out about the Imperial Fist having some… issues with faith as … telling. He’s all for heavy handed punishments. Certainly a passionate fellow, one might almost say he’s excessive in the methods of punishments he says that the Imperial Fist should go through, to purge himself of his weaknesses.

After that situation was dealt with- which had taken several hours of his day for the next several months, while he’d seen young Ramiel and Cedric, among the other Primaris Marines off and on. He was unable to grab Ramiel to speak with him, being far too busy with an Acute and Urgent Case.

Also, after the Chaplain Captain Petras left, he’d gone over the counts on certain medications and other supplies and noticed that the counts were off. That causes him to frown, as he goes over the records to see who’d counted these medications last and when it was.

He went over the discrepancies and the medications and some of the other supplies. He even calculates what it was that Cedric had used up in secretly patching up his hidden wounded fellow Primaris and the numbers didn’t make sense. 

He noted those things down and went over the video evidence of who had been in those areas in the last few days to see who the culprit could have been. He sees who it is, and tilts his head a little, eyes narrowing. Interesting. That person simply could have requested those supplies, but he hadn’t.

Zariel taps the desk he’s sitting at as he tries to think of what to do. His smirk is one that would seem out of character for who he pretends to be. But. He has the beginnings of a plan. Evidence of past wrongdoings, and a case to build.

From the way Cedric had reacted so poorly to a vague mention of Petras. He was one of the Space Marines that was going to be on the watch list. Zariel will need to find Ramiel and see what the other young Black Templar will give him. Also what he doesn’t say will also inform him of things as well.

He sends a message to his handler about the interesting situation that he’s come across. And how he’s going to be monitoring the situation and this new interesting cousin who wanders.

“I know that you and the others are hiding another Primaris Marine,” Zariel says as he watches the other, allowing some of the teal in his eyes and armor to show.

The way Ramiel moves, doing his best not to freeze or give himself away. He notices the way the other realizes the off color to his armor, and he allows a smile to cross his face as he purrs at him.

“I’m not sure what the procedures are in M42,” Zariel says, “But Scoutling Blood Angels and their successor Chapters are usually taken care of by their own Chapter, or those of the Line of the Ninth Primarch due to… complicated issues dealing with their gene-line.”

Ramiel is watching him carefully, eyes and face stone cold, while his ears are a bright red, one of the signals he’s noticed that means that Sons of Dorn are feeling emotions strongly. 

“I want to work with you all,” Zariel says, “And I’d rather not escalate this to Captain Ash’val or one of the Chaplain Captains.”

“... Jophie can keep his temper,” Ramiel says quietly, “And his hunger doesn’t cause him to bite others until he’s starving.”

“That’s good to know,” Zariel says, shifting a little in his seat, “I do want to know why you didn't take him to the Blood Angel and Successor run base, it’s only on the other side of the city.”

Which isn’t that far, all things considered for Space Marines at least. Ramiel keeps looking at him, but not directly in the eyes. That is something that he’s noticed that Cedric doesn’t do either.

“... Jophie doesn’t want to see them at this moment in time,” Ramiel settles on saying, which is true, and only part of his reasons.

“Why?” Zariel asks.

“Jophie’s reasons are his own,” Ramiel says. 

“Hm… I can help you boys,” Zariel says, “I’ve already been helping you all with things, but unless I know why you do something. I’m going to come up with my own reasons.”

“... Jophie’s had issues with First Born in the past that makes him hesitant to reach out to the older brothers that are here,” Ramiel decides on telling Zariel after a few moments of stubborn silence.

“Similar to why Catius won’t wear the blue and gold of Ultramar?” Zariel asks.

“... Similar to that, yes,” Ramiel says.

“... Hm…” Zariel says assessingly. “Very well then, you may go.”

“... Yes sir.” Ramiel says as he gives a salute and then swiftly leaves the office.

[sunflowerabyss]

Charms of Fate: Chapter 7

Paring: Remus Lupin x Fem!Professor!Reader

Series Masterlist

Plot: Amidst the echoes of a bygone era, you return to Hogwarts years after parting ways with Hogwarts. What begins as a journey fueled by nostalgia transforms into an unexpected reunion with Remus Lupin, now a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. As the past intertwines with the present, the two former classmates navigate the complexities of grief, the resurgence of friendship, and the unwritten chapters of their shared history in this tale of rediscovery and the magic that binds them together.

Warnings: none, I think, but let me know if otherwise.

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As the night grew more tense, you found yourself in the Great Hall, surrounded by students who were sleeping there for safety. Some teachers patrolled the castle and grounds, eyes alert for any sign of Sirius Black. Amidst the hushed murmurs, you overheard Snape's irritating voice engaging in conversation with Dumbledore.

"Headmaster, I believe I mentioned something about my concern for a certain staff member," Snape insisted.

Dumbledore, calm and collected, cut him off. "Severus, no one has allowed Black inside the castle. We have measures in place to ensure the safety of everyone."

You couldn't help but smirk at Dumbledore's dismissal of Snape's concerns. The conversation continued, but you gazed up at the enchanted ceiling, depicting the night sky with the swirling Milky Way above. Your eyes focused on the moon, and thoughts of Remus filled your mind.

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On this heavily stormy day, you find yourself shivering from the cold as you watch the Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff unfold. The atmosphere is tense, more so than usual, perhaps due to the recent events that transpired the night before. The game is chaotic, the broomsticks weaving through the turbulent winds, and the players struggling to maintain control.

Your attention is fixed on the two seekers, Harry Potter and Cedric Diggory, if memory serves correctly. They ascend higher and higher, disappearing behind the heavy and dense clouds. Many spectators have shifted their focus to the field, but you can't help but keep your eyes on the spot where the two young wizards vanished.

As you watch with a tight chest, a figure falls from the clouds—it's the Hufflepuff seeker. Panic sets in, but relief washes over you as he regains control of his broom, taking a moment to stop and recollect himself before darting back into the clouds. However, the sense of relief is short-lived as another figure plummets, seemingly unresponsive--it's unmistakably Harry. A collective gasp is heard through the stadium.

The pounding of your heart echoes in your ears as you watch, helpless. In the corner of your eye, you see Dumbledore standing up, his commanding voice cutting through the storm, "Arresto Momentum!" The incantation hangs in the air, a desperate plea to halt the fall and save a life. The entire stadium holds its breath, waiting for the spell's effect to unfold in the violent sky.

Cedric manages to seize the golden opportunity presented by Harry's fall. He dives skillfully, snatching the elusive snitch from the air. The Hufflepuff victory is bittersweet, as the primary concern lies with Harry's well-being.

Amidst the cheers and celebrations from Hufflepuff, you observe the Gryffindor house, witnessing the collective worry etched on their faces. The win seems hollow in comparison to the anxiety and concern for their friend. As a couple of teachers hurry onto the field to attend to Harry and take him to Madam Pomfrey, you can't shake the lingering distress.

Shaken by the Quidditch match, you hesitate before leaving the stadium. Near the entrance, you overhear Dumbledore and Minerva engaged in a hushed yet intense conversation about the breach of Dementors on the school grounds.

Dumbledore's voice resonates with fury, a stark contrast to his usual calm demeanor. "Minerva, this is unacceptable. What is the Ministry thinking? How did Dementors breach the school's protective wards?"

Minerva, her expression a mix of concern and frustration, replies, "I'm not sure, I'm afraid."

You can't help but interject, stepping into the dimly lit corridor. "Dumbledore, what happened? Are the students in danger?"

Dumbledore, acknowledging your presence, sighs heavily. "It seems Dementors have infiltrated the school grounds. I will sort this out with Fudge immediately," Dumbledore's gaze flickers to you. "In the meantime, please do go get warm professors. The weather is quite nasty today."

You waste no time and quickly Apparate into your room, seeking the warmth of the crackling fire. After donning some warmer clothes, you decide to head to the kitchen for a comforting drink. To your surprise, you find Remus there, stealthily snatching a couple of chocolate chip cookies. He looks better than the last time you saw how, though he still looks tired. There's a warmth in his eyes as he turns to look at you, a sheepish smile playing on his lips.

"Well, well, if it isn't the cookie bandit caught in the act," you tease, leaning against the kitchen doorway.

Remus chuckles, holding the pilfered cookies defensively. "Guilty as charged. It's just the perfect time for a little mischief, don't you think?"

You raise an eyebrow, smirking. "Mischief? Or just a craving for sweets?"

"Bit of both, perhaps," he admits, a playful glint in his eyes. "But the real question is, are you here to join me or report me to the cookie authorities?"

You feign consideration, tapping your chin. "Hmm, tough decision. I might need a bribe to keep this quiet."

Remus grins, extending the bag of cookies toward you. "Consider this your hush-money then."

Taking a cookie from the bag, you give him a mock stern look. "This better not become a routine escapade, Lupin."

"Oh, you have my word, dear," he says, winking. "Unless, of course, you want to join me in the glorious pursuit of evening snacks?"

With a laugh shared between you two, he gestures you to follow him.

You follow Remus to his office, where a dim glow emanates from the soft candlelight, casting shadows on stacks of papers marked with red notes and grades. Remus gestures for you to take a seat in one of the worn armchairs as he continues sorting through the scattered mess.

"Grading, I see?" you comment, your eyes scanning the sea of parchment.

Remus chuckles, taking a seat behind his desk. "Caught me red-handed. Needed a break, though. I can only stare at essays for so long before my brain starts protesting."

You join him, sipping on the hot chocolate you managed to conjure. "I understand. Half the time I think I just like to torture myself with the written work I assign."

Remus grins, leaning back in his chair. "Ah, the classic love-hate relationship with grading. I'm convinced every teacher has a secret stash of chocolate to get through it."

"I'm sure you're the only one who has a secret stash of chocolate, Remus."

You share a laugh, but the conversation takes a more serious turn when you bring up the incident with the dementors at the Quidditch game. Remus's expression shifts from amusement to shock.

"Dementors on the school grounds?" he exclaims, concern etched across his features.

You recount the chaotic events that unfolded during the match, emphasizing Harry's fall and the subsequent appearance of the dementors. Remus listens intently, his worry deepening with each detail.

"That's quite concerning," he says, running a hand through your hair. "Do you think Dumbledore is handling it?"

You nod. "He is. I talked to him and Minerva before I left. He said he was going to speak to Fudge as soon as possible. Still, it's disconcerting to think about dementors being so close to the students."

The office falls into an uneasy silence, the air thick with unspoken words. You can feel the weight of the knowledge you carry about Remus's lycanthropy pressing against your conscience. The internal conflict intensifies--part of you yearns to break the silence and reveal what you know, while the other hesitates, fearing the repercussions of such a revelation.

Breaking the tension, you finally speak, your voice carefully measured. "I haven't seen you around lately. Everything alright?"

Remus, ever the master of maintaining composure, flashes a reassuring smile. "Just caught up with work, you know how it goes. The life of a Hogwarts professor."

You take a moment, swirling the hot chocolate in your cup, contemplating your next words. "It's been a few days. How have you been?"

Remus leans back, attempting casual nonchalance. "Busy, busy. Grading, as you see, preparing for the next lesson."

Your gaze sharpens, and you pick up on the subtle nuances in his expression – a weariness beneath the surface, a hint of guardedness. The internal struggle intensifies as you decide whether to confront him or continue the charade. "Glad to hear it. DADA can be demanding."

He nods, eyes lingering on yours a fraction longer than usual, as if searching for something. "And how about you? Managing well?"

You take a deep breath, contemplating your next move. The tension hangs in the air, thick and palpable. The silence stretches, a heavy veil over the room, and in a sudden surge of resolve, you blurt out, "I know."

Remus, who had been maintaining a facade of casual conversation, tenses visibly. His eyes, once relaxed, now betray a flicker of apprehension. You watch as the lines of weariness deepen on his face, and a guarded expression settles in.

Remus, ever the master of composure, attempts to play it off with a forced chuckle. "I'm not sure what you're talking about," he says, his voice straining to sound nonchalant.

But you interrupt him, your own voice steadier than you anticipated. "Don't," you assert, a mix of sympathy and understanding in your gaze. "You don't have to pretend with me, Remus. I've known for a while."

Remus looks at you, a mixture of surprise and curiosity in his eyes. "How did you…?"

You give him a small smile. "Connected the dots. The disappearances, the potion from Snape, and then I heard he assigned an essay on werewolves. It all fell into place."

He chuckles, a bitter sound that echoes in the room. "Always the observant one, aren't you?"

Remus hesitates, a whirlwind of conflicting emotions evident on his face. He battles with the fear of rejection, the worry of burdening you with his lycanthropy, and the undeniable comfort of having someone who knows the truth.

You, sensing his inner turmoil, decide to bridge the gap. Gently, you reach out and take his hand. Remus is acutely aware of the stark contrast between your soft, small hand and his larger, calloused one.

"I was waiting for the right time to tell you," he admits, his gaze dropping to your intertwined hands. "I just never expected you to find out like this."

As Remus tenses, you look into his eyes with a reassuring gaze. "Remus, knowing about your condition doesn't change the way I feel about you. You're not defined by your lycanthropy."

He withdraws his hand, a defensive look clouding his expression. "You don't understand. I'm dangerous, a monster. You have no business being associated with someone like me."

You lean in, your voice unwavering. "Remus, you're not a monster. You're a kind, caring person, and I won't let your condition overshadow who you are."

Remus struggles with conflicting emotions, torn between his self-perception and your unwavering support. The weight of his secret begins to lift, yet the fear of rejection still lingers in his eyes.

Remus is silent for a moment, his gaze flickering with a mix of emotions. "I care about you more than I should," he admits, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I can't… I can't be with you the way I want. I don't want to hurt you."

You shake your head, a small smile playing on your lips. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

In the quiet office, you reach out and gently cup Remus' face, your thumb brushing across his cheek. "You're not alone, you know," you begin. "There isn't a day that hasn't gone by where I don't worry about you. You don't have to carry this burden by yourself."

He looks into your eyes, vulnerability laid bare. A soft smile plays on your lips as you lean in, placing a tender kiss on his forehead. The moment lingers, a reassurance that transcends words. Remus, despite his reservations, begins to feel the warmth of acceptance and understanding, and for the first time in a long while, the weight on his shoulders starts to ease.

[fanfictiongirlie]

HP: Forbidden - Chapter Ten

Click here for masterlist

Parings: George Weasley x Female OC (Slytherin)

Description:

Rosalie Riddle lives in the shadow of her father, going to Hogwarts made her feel safe and happy and when she meets George Weasley she feels a whole new emotion. Follow her story from the beginning of her Hogwarts Journey.

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Can fluff be a warning? Little bit of angst. Fred still dies, sorry.

P.s. So this is a rewrite from a fanfiction I originally wrote when I was roughly 16. It was awful, truly awful, but I adored the story so I decided to rewrite it ten years later. Enjoy.

The name calling was tonight, we had finished our dinners and shuffled around the Great Hall, not sitting in our house just sitting wherever. I opted to sit with the twins. Their younger brother didn't seem happy I was there but I didn't care. 

Soon Dumbledore was speaking and ready to call the names out. Firstly he called out a name from Beauxbatons; Fleur Delacour.

Secondly Viktor Krum, the boy I met the other day. 

And then for Hogwarts, I was hoping it wouldn't be Cedric. He was my only friend in the higher years so what are the oods. 

"Cedric Diggory!" Yelled Dumbledore. 

My heart sunk watching Cedric walking up towards and past Dumbledore. I was doubting Cedric's power but I've read that these challenges can be very dangerous. 

"He'll be alright" George whispered his arm going around my shoulder.

The goblet started to flicker again, and the lights in the room went funny. And then another piece of parchment flew out of the goblet, Dumbledore caught it. 

He muttered a name, but I didn't caught it, luckily he yelled it out, and he yelled Harry Potter. I looked over to Harry and laughed.

"You're always getting in trouble Harry" However, no one laughed with me. Instead a few people were yelling harsh things at him. Never thought I'd see the day people were mean to Harry Potter. 

Harry left and walked towards Dumbledore, he left the great hall and the professors left with him. 

"Maybe we should head out?" George spoke, I nodded and took his hand in mind. And we left the hall together. 

__________

Today was the day of the first task, Daphne and I were walking towards the arena together, I secretly bought a book with me. Through the grapevine, George had found out that the first task had dragons. I had never seen a dragon so I was very excited for that. 

"I'm so nervous for Cedric" I say

"I know, he'll be okay" Daphne smiled.

We climbed up onto the seats, a few minutes after we sat the twins sat behind us, George hugged me from behind, as he did his lips were ever so slightly touching my cheek, and honestly it made me dizzy. 

Once the cannon fired the take begun, Cedric was first, I watched him narrowly dodge the fire from his dragon. He wasn't doing so good at first, but luckily he got the hang of it after a while. He turned a rock into a dog to distract the dragon, and by tricking the dragon he was able to grab the egg and finish win his turn. 

Next up was Fleur, she took a lot longer than Cedric, and the dragon caught her skirt with it's fire, but eventually she got the egg. Viktor was quicker than Fleur and Cedric, but he hurt his dragon so he lost points, which made me not like him anymore. He seemed nice enough, but I couldn't forgive someone hurting these dragons. I felt so bad for them.

And then came Harry, I was actually so nervous for him, I couldn't imagine going against a dragon with my magically knowledge and Harry's knowledge was roughly the same as mine. 

Harry's dragon was different to the other three, it was angier, more scary looking too. It felt like forever watching him, finally Harry got his broom, and thats when the dragon got free and the two flew around the castle grounds. 

Eventually Harry came back and claimed his dragon, he didn't have points deducted for killing his dragon, I noticed. 

"Poor dragon" I frown. 

"You sound just like Charlie" George chuckles. 

"Charlie's the one older than Percy, right?" I asked, trying to remember the ages of his siblings was something I was really trying to learn. George nodded to let me know I was correct. 

Soon the scores were in, and Viktor and Harry were joint first. Cedric was second and Fleur last. 

___________

Christmas was only around the corner and something unexpected was here, Professor Snape had us Slytherins gathered together. And he was explained the Yule Ball to us.

"I personally don't care if you can dance or not, but Professor Dumbledore had decided everyone must have a dance lesson" Snape explained. 

"Malfoy, Riddle up here now!" 

Draco and I walk over to him. I had a feeling I knew what was about to happen. Snape proceeded to explain the art of dancing to use, and the steps we had to follow. He then played the music. 

Draco awkwardly placed both his hands on my waist, and I placed mine on his shoulders, and we very awkwardly followed the steps. We fumbled a few times, but ultimately we danced rather well. I had never attended the dances the Carrows would throw, but I always imagined going and dances, and the fact I was going to a ball was so exciting. Daphne and I would have to go dress shopping.

Once our dancing class had ended, it was lunch, before I even reached the room George stopped me, his face redder than usual. 

"Rose" He took my hand and pulled me to the side.

"I wanted to officially ask you to the ball, as my date" He asked. 

I smiled and nodded.

"Of course, shall we get lunch now?" I asked. 

"No, wait" He stopped me from walking.

"Yes George?"

"Actually, I'd like if, well if you wanted, maybe you wanted to go as my girlfriend?" He asked. 

"Really?" I ask, maybe too excitedly. 

"Yes really!"

"George, yes!" I giggle, his smile was so wide right now, we leant forward and hugged one another, tight. 

"Finally ay?" He asks, laughing. 

"I know right, but I don't mind us going slow" I admit. 

"Me neither Rose" He adds. 

"Now lunch?" I ask again.

"You love your food, don't you" He grins, taking my hand.

"You've tasted the food here haven't you?" I hadn't told him about the lack of food I get at home yet, nor have I told him about the abuse. One day maybe, but not today. I wanted to enjoy this without dark drama for a little while longer. 

[aghostwrites]

Hogwarts secrets chapter 4

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*WARNINGS- Age Gap, NSFW, angst, male teacher with underage female student, mentions of abuse, rough sex, degradation, underage sex, female orgasm, oral sex, unprotected sex, various kinks, body image issues, depression, mentions of self-harm.

Paring: Severus Snape X Female Student

*Minors Do Not Engage*

Word count: 6k

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Severus continues to hold me until I stop shaking, when it seems like I can function like a semi-normal human being again he walks me into his private chambers and immediately into the bathroom. “Get cleaned, I will have a house elf fetch you a spare set of clothes. Take your time Emma, everything will be waiting for you when you are ready.” He says then leaves me. I strip off all my clothes and put them in the sink. The tear in my dress is staring up at me as if it is taunting me, I whisper the fire spell and let the clothes burn to ash. I leave the remains in the sink and jump into the steaming water. The heat burns against my sensitive skin, I take a wash rag and scrub away the feeling of another man's hands on me. I am red and raw when I finally exit the shower. I don’t see a new set of clothes so I wrap a towel around myself and peek my head out into the room. Severus is there talking with Moxxie.

“And how is it you know Miss Gingerroot's favorite tea?” Severus asks, he sounds skeptical. Moxie just looks up to him with a genuine smile on his face.

“Mistress Emma and Moxxie are friends,” Moxxie says with all the confidence in the world. “Moxxie must go now, he has other tasks that must be done, please tell Mistress Emma that we’s hope she feels better.” With that, he snaps his fingers and is gone. Severus shakes his head and turns with my spare clothes and a cup of tea. He notices me peeking out of his bathroom in just a towel and quickly schools his expression.

“Miss Gingerroot, you spare clothes and tea. As I’m sure you heard, Moxxie the house elf sends his best wishes.” He holds out my clothes, I take them and rush back into the bathroom to change. Moxxie is a dream, he brought me my favorite pair of pajama shorts and Cedric's old quidditch jersey. He gave it to me last year when we gave dating a try. I wasn’t in the best place and we ended things almost as soon as they started, but I got his jersey out of it. It is about two sizes too big for me but it is soft and brings me comfort which is all I care about at this time. I change only then realizing there isn’t any new underwear, which makes me wish I hadn’t just incinerated the pair I had been wearing. I put the shorts on anyway and take a look at myself in the mirror. I look like a wreck, my face is red and my bloodshot eyes only add to the effect. I look shorter than I am in Cedric's jersey, it hangs just barely past the shorts I wear. I contemplate tucking the front of the jersey into my shorts so they are visible but decide that it is too much work and meekly walk out of the bathroom. Severus hands me the cup of tea and I finally smile. Moxxie found my favorite mug. It is black and purple with the words ``Zombie Brew” scrawled on the side. Severus looks at the mug as I take a sip but he doesn’t say anything. 

“How are you feeling?” he asks. I sigh, My skin is throbbing from all the scrubbing I did, but I am doing better than before.

“Not good, but better. Sorry about your sink.” I say not looking at him, his gaze burns into me.

“What happened to my sink?”

“I burned my clothes in it, so there are a few scorch marks. Sorry.” I told him. Severus sighs but doesn’t act angry.

“I wish you would have told me you wanted to get rid of them. I could have tossed them or thrown them in the pit if you were so adamant they would be burned, but it’s ok.” he motions me to his couch. “Please sit, I still have some cleaning to do before I can host detention tomorrow.” I sit, after everything I feel like I might have overreacted, and apologize again, my voice is so small and quiet I’m surprised he can even hear me. Severus stops and comes to kneel in front of me.

“Miss GingerRoot, you have nothing to apologize about. What happened was not and will never be your fault. You had every right to respond as you did, you would have had the right to act in any way you needed, I will never be angry at you for coping.” He holds a hand out, I let go of my mug and place one slightly warm hand in his. He squeezes my hand before letting go and standing to clean the classroom. I still feel a bit guilty, but his words have soothed me enough so it is not eating at me.

I finish my tea just before Severus re-enters his chambers. I have to ask him a question but I am worried about what he will think and say. The thought of being alone in a room full of people who don’t understand makes my heart race and my breath come out short. Severus places a new bottle of Peace in front of me, I look at him.

“It is not your recipe, but it will still help. Drink it and say what you want to say, if you need me just holler.” He says, then goes into his bathroom, probably to clean his sink and get ready for bed. I drink the potion and grimace, that does have just a terrible flavor. The brew starts working immediately, I am feeling calmer and sleep is trying to pull me under. When Severus returns I ask him.

“Can I stay here tonight?” I blurt out in a whisper. I’m embarrassed that I need an adult close to feel safe to sleep, it makes me feel like a small child when I had a nightmare and ran to my mom's room. Severus is silent but he doesn’t stop moving around the room, he goes into a linen closet and pulls out a set of pillows and a blanket.

“Even if you had wanted to return to your dorm I would have insisted you stay, I do not feel comfortable with you alone tonight. You may have the couch, if you do not like it I can adjust it to be more comfortable but it would not be appropriate to have a student sleep in my bed. No matter how scared they may be or how worried I may be for them.” He hands me the blanket and pillows. “Have a good night Miss Gingerroot.”

“What happened to calling me Emma?” I ask taking the things he hands me. 

“I didn’t want to assume you would be alright with me calling you by your name when that man,” He pauses as he clutches his hands into fists.

“He called me ‘Emmera’, my aunt calls me that. I don’t mind if you want to call me Emma, I would prefer it.” I cover my blush with the pillows. He clears his throat.

“Alright, sleep well Emma,” he says and waves his wand to extinguish the lights in the room.

“Goodnight, Professor Snape,” I say and set up the couch for me to sleep. I don’t sleep for long, at least it doesn’t feel long. I dream of Alfred, his hands are on me again but he isn’t the only one, other men are there. They grab me and pull me in every direction, I tell them to stop, and I shout at them. More hands touch me, I can’t pull away, and I start to call for help. Anyone, someone please help me. I hear Alfred's laugh as his hands travel up and down my body, I scream for him to stop and for anyone to come save me. I am pulled from my nightmare by a stern voice and hands shaking me. I open my eyes but all I can see is Alfred, my arms fling out wildly trying to get as far away from him as I can. He grabs my hands before I can hit him but instead of Alfred's voice, I hear Severus. He is calling my name and telling me to wake up. I stop fighting long enough for the vision of Alfred to vanish and Severus is kneeling next to the couch, he grips my wrists but lets go as soon as I stop trying to hit him. 

I thought I was done crying, I was wrong. I curl into a ball on the couch and cry into my arms. A weight settles on the couch next to me, I fling myself into Severus’s side and he slowly wraps an arm around me. He lets me cry. I am so tired of crying. 

“Hush now, love, it’s okay. He can’t get you, you are safe.” Severus whispers calming and reassuring words as I come down from my panic. I shake in his arms, my whole body shivers as if I am in the Arctic. I can feel a few phantom hands on me, every time I feel them I jerk to get them off. I don’t know how long I shake and flinch in Severus’s arms but eventually, his familiar scent lulls me back to sleep. I don’t dream after that, not really. Memories fill my head as I sleep keeping the bad dreams away. Memories of sitting in the library with Cedric, Tamsin Applebee, and Patrick Bagby as I tutored them in Potions or Herbology. Spending hours in the greenhouses with bare hands repotting plants or watering the soil. Sitting in class listening to Severus explain potions and proper safety, remembering him walking around the room peering over students' shoulders, and checking their work. How he got so close to me one day I could smell Lacewing Flies on him. That memory is so strong the scent follows me into the waking world. 

I am in a comfortable bed, it doesn’t feel like my bed at Hogwarts or my aunt's house, but it is comfortable and there is weight next to me. I turn to face the weight, it is a person, I must have crawled into bed with my mother again. The dream scared me so much I know but when I try to think about it I can’t recall what the nightmare had been about. I curl into my mother's side, she is snoring slightly but she puts an arm over my body and pulls me closer to her. I take a deep breath in and Smell Lacewing Flies and Wolfsbane before I drift back to sleep. 

When I wake again I am not on the couch like I remember, instead, I am in a queen-sized bed with black curtains around the banister and dark blue satin sheets. I look around the room in confusion until it all comes rushing back to me. Yesterday. Yesterday had been one of the worst days of my life, and I have had a lot of terrible days. I remember running to Severus, like a coward. I needed him there to stand up to my attacker, I should have never gone to Severus, not after everything. What was I thinking?

I remember crying a lot, then screaming and throwing things, and then even more crying. I remember my reaction to the dress I wore and how I burned it in the bathroom sink, Severus's bathroom sink.

“Dear, Merlin,” I mumble to myself trying to skip past all the embarrassing parts and remember how I ended up in this bed. I remember going to sleep on Severus's couch, I remember having a bad dream and him comforting me and something else. There is something else I can just barely remember, a memory still but a much farther distant one. I collapse back onto the bed stretching out until I take up over half the mattress. I shiver from the lack of heat in the dungeons, I wrap the black and blue comforter over my body and curl into a ball on my side. I remember curling up next to my mother when I was younger, sneaking from my warm, haunted room to her cool comforting embrace. Her hands were always cold, and mine were always too warm, while I would sweat and complain about how hot everything was she would glide over to my side and kiss my forehead passing some of her chill to me. 

I remember curling into something last night, finding a cool weight next to me in bed, and thinking it was my mother. I sit up out of the covers and take a proper look around the room, I am in Professor Snape's private quarters. I must have crawled into his bed last night when I was remembering my mother. I clung to him as I cried all evening and then when he was going to get rest by being far away from me I still managed to cling to him in my sleep. He even commented how inappropriate it would be to have a student in his bed, and I blatantly crossed that line. 

“Oh, shit,” I whisper, hoping Severus isn't still around and that I can slip away back to the Hufflepuff Dorm without being noticed. 

“Language,” Is the solo response I get from the connected potions room. My whole body stiffens and locks up. I don’t move and I hardly breathe, I hope that he is talking to someone else and I can sneak away unnoticed or at least without a confrontation.

“Come out dear girl, there is breakfast and coffee.” A second voice says welcoming me to my inevitable expulsion from Hogwarts. Still stiff and slow I crawl out of the covers and walk into the adjoining potions room. Only now do I realize how inappropriate I must look, in a pair of baggy shorts and an oversized jersey that covers those shorts almost completely. I enter Professor Snape's private potions room, he uses it for special classes or advanced studies, mostly though it is where he brews a lot of his own potions. In this room, Professor Snape sits behind his desk, hands folded in front of his face as he rests his elbows on the desk. Professor Dumbledore however is standing next to the desk on the far side from where I currently stand. “Sit down Miss Gingerroot. Severus told me everything.” 

My eyes zero in on Severus, I can't help but feel an overwhelming betrayal. I never asked him to keep everything a secret, he even said he would help me but yet, I feel betrayed. I never want anyone to see me like that ever again, the fact that it happened last night is embarrassing. If Professor Dumbledore knows well then the whole wizarding world knows. The Daily Prophet will get a hold of the news and run my name through the mud. Not only did I unwillingly mingle with a member of the Croutch family I immediately jumped into bed with a Hogwarts professor. I don't even know what I want to do for a career but I do know that I will never get that job now. Everything is a mess, this never would have happened if I had stood up to my aunt, never. If I had told her years ago that I would not be her toy then maybe I would be a happier student, a better friend, a successful witch ready to start something in her life.

“No,” My voice is shaky and hoarse, “I would like to stand for this if that is alright.” I don’t look at the two adults staring at me.

“What do you mean?” Severus asks, straightening in his seat to get a better look at my hunched figure.

“My expulsion,” I say ready for them both to remember why they are here and my actions from yesterday and over the summer. If Severus told Dumbledor everything then he must have told him about our… What do you even call what we did? We made out and there was some light groping, that doesn’t count as a hook-up, does it? Not to mention I just walked out of my professor's private chambers in my pajamas having just spent the night in his bed, with him. Merlin, what am I going to do?

“Oh, child, you are not being expelled.” Professor Dumbledore says. I jerk my head up to look at him. “You were assaulted and you went to a teacher for help. That is exactly what you should have done, the destruction of school property is only what can be expected from someone in your situation.” He says stepping closer to me, he reaches his hand up slowly but I flinch away and he immediately drops his hand. “I have alerted the ministry as to the events of yesterday and the living situation you are in. I am positive they will be able to work something out so you will not have to return to your aunt's care over the summer. We have also alerted all the staff that she is no longer welcome on the grounds under any circumstances. You will not have to deal with her ever again if you don’t want to. You are safe at Hogwarts.” 

Dumbfounded, I am unable to keep my legs standing so I walk past my headmaster and plop down into the waiting seat. Severus passes me a calming drought and I down it in one giant gulp. The effects start immediately and I can process the words said to me. “I never have to see her again?” I whisper still not fully believing the amazing news.

“Never,” Severus says. I want to cry, but I can’t, I am all teared out. 

“I will leave you two alone, Severus can answer any questions you may have. I wish you luck, Miss GingerRoot.” Dumbledore gives a small bow and then leaves the room shutting the door behind him. I look at Severus, he looks at me.

“So, you didn’t tell him everything,” I say. It has been worrying me since Dumbledore first spoke. Severus looks guilty for his part.

“No, you said we should forget it,”

“I don’t want to forget.” I interrupted him. My blush covers a good half of my face. He continues to look at me, now he is both shocked and confused. I owe it to him to tell him the truth, after everything he has done for me. “I don’t want to forget,” I say again.

“I- um, I have had this massive crush on you for almost two years now. I thought my attraction to you was because you were my favorite teacher who taught my favorite class, but it’s not. It’s more. When I saw you at the party, even though I voiced otherwise I hoped you were invited. If you were interested in me, then I could convince my aunt to betroth me to you. I know how crazy that plan was now, I mostly just wanted out and to see if you liked me the way I like you.” I mumble but he can hear me clearly since there is no other sound in the castle except for the light crackling of the fire.

“You know how I feel about you.” He says, but I slam my fist on the table.

“I don’t,” I shout, “We were both drunk and I was not exactly dressed modestly. You could have been acting that way because it was the situation we were in. I let my desire control me and I have no idea what was controlling you, but I can make a few good guesses.” I glare at him, my eyes sting with the tears they can’t shed. “I took advantage of you, I’m just as Slu-”

It is Severus’s turn to slam his hands on the table as he abruptly stands and walks around the table. His hands are in fists and shaking as they approach me. I cower away from him but he grabs my hands and pulls me to my feet, he places his hands on my shoulders and shakes me slightly. “Never, I mean Never, call yourself that. Never think you took advantage of me because I am not as innocent as you want to think. I had to use every ounce of control I had to not kiss and have you on that couch as soon as you sat next to me.” My eyes meet his and I can see the heat behind his eyes. “I have desired you too. If not for what just happened to you, I would gladly take you back to my bed and show you how much I desire you. Teacher- Student relationship be damned.” He says as his hands slip from my shoulders to hold my hands. 

“Please do,” I gasp out, finally finding my breath after his declaration. He brings my hands to his face and kisses my palms.

“Think about what you are asking, You are still a minor and you had a traumatic experience yesterday. Are you still sure?” He asks as he is almost vibrating with anticipation.

“I will turn 17 in three weeks, and I was molested by a creep. I feel the safest I have ever been with you.” Then I say the one thing I believe will convince him. “I can still feel his hands on me. Please make me forget them. Please.” I beg and that puts him over the edge. He pulls me by my hands towards his bedroom and closes the door behind us. Once the door is shut he spins and pulls me into a deep kiss, his tongue tangling with mine immediately as we both breathe deeply. His hands are on my back and mine wrap around his neck to tangle with his long hair, he lets out that low satisfying growl. 

“Mine,” He growled, reaching for the hem of my shirt and tearing it up and off my form. His movements were so fast I barely had time to protest. “Never wear something of another man while you are mine.” He says and attacks my breasts with his mouth. He harshly sucks on them and pinches my nipples between his fingers making me arch my back. I start to tear at his cloak and shirt while he walks us to the bed, I have him almost bare-chested when he drops me onto the soft mattress and finishes taking his shirt off. I have a moment to admire his chest, long but toned, with not an abundance of muscle but enough to lift me off my feet without any issue. Then he is back to suckling on my breasts, he latches onto one nipple while he ruffly plays and massages the other.

He pinches my nipple and I have to hold back my moan, I cover my mouth with one hand while the other bunches in the sheets underneath me. He detaches from my breast and glares at me, I want to cover myself believing I have done something wrong but he grabs both my wrists and pins them above my head. “I want to hear you scream my name.” He demands. I wiggle trying to relieve some of the pressure that has built up in his display of dominance.

“Someone will hear,” I say, looking at the closed door. He waves his hand at the door and walls around us, then slaps my tender breast, the one he had been sucking on. I yelp in pain and pleasure as the shock electrifies my lower region in a way I have never felt before.

“There we go, no one but me will hear your sounds.” He goes back to sucking my breasts, his free hand massaging the one his mouth can't attend to as he still holds my hands above us. I let out a quiet moan, still not able to let myself believe just yet. He growls over my chest making it vibrate, he lets go of my nipple in his mouth to kiss the sides. Letting go of my hands to play with my nipples he gives a soft nip of my skin then licks and sucks the mark, replacing the stinging with a dull throb. When he is satisfied he works his way down my chest and stomach, his fingers dragging on my skin leaving red claw marks covering my torso until he gets to the waistband of my shorts.

I watch him as he pulls my shorts down and sees the lack of panties, he stares for a moment before meeting my eyes. He looks like a man who has discovered the greatest treasure in the whole world.

“If I had known this was what was waiting for me, I may have just taken you when you came to my bed.” He grins, continuing to pull my shorts down without breaking eye contact then tosses them somewhere behind him. He ends up between my knees. Instead of racing back up my legs to where he wants to be, he takes his time and peppers kisses along my thighs. I look to the side, unable to watch this man look at me the way he is. He bites my inner thigh and I jolt looking down at him again, his cheek is rubbing against my skin and his hands are caressing my legs so gently. If I try to look away he bites me again causing me to jolt and look at him. He wants me to watch him, wants me to watch as this man worships my body in a way I never could have imagined.

He reaches his destination but pauses just looking at my most vulnerable spot, He takes in a long breath and then lets it out in a sigh. My legs tremble from the heat of his breath.

“Why so eager?” He asks looking back up at me. I cover my face as the embarrassment blooms across my cheeks. 

“Your breath, I can feel it on my,” I trail off, not able to say the words. Oh, Merlin, I must seem like such a child to him. He groans then continues to take deep breaths and let them out in hot sighs causing my legs to tremble more. I want to tell him to stop teasing me when I feel his wet hot tongue glide up my folds and press harshly against my clit. My moan is loud, too loud. I try to control my volume again but his tongue presses against my clit once more and all thoughts of controlling my voice die with the sensations that spread through my body.

I clench my hands in his hair pulling him closer to me as he enjoys the scent and taste of me. I don’t know what he is doing, all I know is that I never knew pleasure like this existed until now. I feel a tightening in my stomach, this feeling is familiar.

“Sev, oh gods,” I moan as he pushes one finger inside me and begins to thrust it in and out hitting a spot that makes my vision blur. “Severus, I’m going to,” He hits that same spot again and my words are drowned by my moan. Stars begin to dance in my vision as my relief reaches its peak. He thrusts a second finger into me and I hit my climax. I cum on his fingers, and his tongue works to catch everything I let out. 

He doesn’t stop moving his fingers as I come down from my high, but he does come up to kiss me deeply. This must be what I taste like, it is strange to be tasting myself but not unpleasant. 

“Green means you want to continue, Yellow means you want me to slow down, and red means I need to stop. Where are you at?” He asks, my mind is hazy but I understand his primary message.

“Green,” I whisper. He pulls his fingers out and I whine at the loss of his touch completely. I sit up in bed but stop the protest on my lips when I see him undressing the rest of the way. He pulls his trousers and briefs off in a single motion then tosses them to the side like he did all the other garments. I see him in his entirety and my fantasies were not even close, he is so much bigger than I imagined.

“You have thought about this then?” he asks with a smug grin. I realize I said the last part out loud, too embarrassed to speak. I just nod. He moves close and spreads my legs wider for him to stand comfortably between them, then leans in close his breath on my ear. “Tell me your fantasies.” I shiver. He pushes me back down and begins lubing up his cock in my excitement, his firm body holding me in place and my head trapped between his arms. 

I take one of his hands and place it slowly over my neck, he looks surprised at first but then grins. His fingers wrap around my neck cutting off my airflow, not enough to hurt but enough so that breathing is difficult. “Green?” he asks, using his free hand to position himself. I nod and he slides his cock into me slowly, agonizingly slowly, but I am grateful. I have never taken a cock this large before so his slow descent into my cunt is filled more with pleasure rather than pain. Once he has buried himself as far as he can he takes a moment to adjust to my tightness, I can feel my inner walls squeezing against him. 

There is so much heat, every inch of me feels hot and sweaty and my strained breathing comes out in gasps. He begins a slow and shallow thrusting, my hands that had been clenching the sheets wrap around him to steady myself against his movement. He doesn’t stay slow for long. Soon, he speeds up causing me to rake my fingers across his back, his moans combine with my increasing volume. 

I can feel everything about him. He is so tight inside me, I can feel the large vein under his cock as it rubs against a spot that has me babbling. His tip hits deep within to places I didn’t know were possible to reach, every time his tip hits that spot it sends a wave of relief and pain. As if he was massaging a knot in my core. So many sensations overwhelm me, pain and pleasure mixed with the sounds around us. His moans and my cries create an erotic playlist as he hurriedly moves inside me. I can feel the heat building in my stomach again, my walls constrict around him causing Severus to groan. I can’t help it and pull myself up to swallow his groan. He forces me back on the bed with his hand around my throat but he follows never breaking the kiss. 

“H-harder.” I gasp removing a hand from his back to the hand he has on my neck. I want him to squeeze harder and I want him to pound into my cunt.

“I’m close,” He whispers against my lips. I nod telling him I'm close too, he just needs to send me over that hill. He releases my neck long enough to grab my legs and push them forward. With my knees near my head and my feet up in the air, I struggle at first. If I look down at the point where we connect I am blocked by my stomach and the rolls that form. Severus follows my gaze, he sees the rolls of fat too, I must look gross.

"All this, just for me," He says instead, running his hand along the skin of my calf and kissing the inside of my leg. I want to cry from all the new feelings and sensations cracking through me. Sevrus cups my cheek holding me steady before slipping his hand down to wrap around my neck again. His grip tightens and I feel him start to thrust again.

He slows his speed but makes up for it by hitting that spot deep within me every time. I want him even closer, I wrap my legs around his neck. The slight change in our position allows him to hit a new place, and the weight of him on top of me pushes my walls. His cock begins to rub against my G-spot. I have felt this pleasure once before and only for a moment, I need him to know how good it feels.

“Yes, R-right there. Right there.” My eyes roll back into my skull, my fingers scrape against his skin leaving red lines. His grip on my throat tightens and his growling becomes primal grunts. 

"Sev-rus," I say, gasping every time he dots my vision with the amount of stimulation. The sounds of our bodies slapping together mix into our erotic playlist of grunts, moans, and cries of each other's names. 

“Cum for me, Emma,” he whispers against my ear, that is the last bit I needed to hit my peek. I scream his name as my vision goes white and my body trembles, my walls tighten around him as he continues to thrust deep, and my fingers dig deeper into his skin causing droplets of blood to form. “Fuck,” Severus curses as he feels me clench around his cock. 

I come down from my high, but my body is still trembling from the force of my orgasm. Severus pulls out letting my legs fall to his sides. He starts to pump his cock with his free hand, he hasn’t cum yet. I tap the hand he still has around my throat, it’s starting to hurt now and I need to be able to move for what I have in mind. He releases me allowing me to sit up and slide off the bed as he stands. His face looks pained from holding back his own release. 

I place one hand on his cock following his movements running up and down the length. He looks down at me seeing me ready to help him hit his peek just like he did for me. He removes his hand but still needs something to hold onto so he leans over me to prop himself up on the bed. I pick up speed moving quickly up and down, rubbing my thumb over the tip.

“Color?” I ask, hoping he will be willing.

“G-green,” He growls. I wrap my lips around his head and slowly take him deep into my mouth. He grabs the back of my head forcing me to take him all, instinctively I relax my throat and take slow breaths through my nose. I run my tongue along the vein at the bottom of his cock moving it the way I have learned always causes a quick finish. I want to savor him but I also don’t want him to wait too long and be in more pain. I bob on his cock sucking all my arousal from his shaft, he moans from my quick movements. Soon I can feel him start to pulse signaling how close he is. I take him all the way in my mouth feeling his head hit the back of my throat, I swallow on his head.

“Emma,” He moans as he cums down my throat, I swallow everything until he has fully released himself. He pulls out of my mouth and I let him go with a pop at his tip. We both stay where we are just looking at each other and panting from exhaustion. “How do you feel?” He asks, extending a hand to help me up. I try to pull myself up but my legs are out of commission.

“I can’t get up,” I tell him, he chuckles but bends and picks me up bridal style. I wrap my arms around his neck and tuck my head under his chin, it feels so nice being in his arms. He places me on the bed laying me so my head rests against his pillows then climbs into bed with me. I curl into his side and breathe in his scent, that calm feeling washes over me again like I just took a dozen bottles of Peace. 

“That was amazing,” I whisper, “But I like this part the most.” He slings an arm over me and begins to rub soothing circles on my back, I tuck one of my legs between his effectively tangling us together. 

“You did so well,” He whispers into my hair. After all the noise the two of us just made, it feels wrong to disrupt the silence that follows. Yet, Severus continues to whisper praise into my hair, his voice so gentle and soothing. I try to fight the exhaustion but after not sleeping well last week it takes me to the place of dreams as I listen to Severus’s loving words.

[aza-writes]

Hogwarts House Parties

Collection of One-shots relating to the tiktok trend of Hogwarts parties. Different parings for each fic

TAKING REQUEST FOR PAIRINGS

Guidelines

Tiktok Links

Slytherin

All Houses

Hufflepuff

Hufflepuff at Slytherin

All Houses

Hufflepuff

Slytherin at Hufflepuff

Draco

All Night

Draco x Gryffindor!Reader smut

Theo Nott

hufflePUFF

Mattheo x Hufflepuff!reader

George Weasley

Working Slytherin

George x Hufflepuff reader

Cedric Diggory

Party of our own

Cedric x reader

[mmmitchmmmarner]

honestly didn't know who cedric pare was 5 minutes ago but if you touch him again--

[grebenkin]

[lostoneshq]

(Limpa a garganta) O Escritório Um Tiro de Justiça exige a eliminação destas pessoas através de uma execução conjunta em praça públ— perdoem-me, li o texto errado. Gaston, pare de me enviar cartas! Enfim, O Conselho das Histórias NÃO reconhece as pessoas abaixo como integrantes do Mundo das Histórias, mas já que infelizmente estão aqui… Bem vindos, né? 🙄

(Damian Hardung, 28, ele/dele) Era Uma Vez… Uma pessoa comum, de um lugar sem graça nenhuma! HÁ, sim, estou falando de você CEDRIC SCHAFER. Você veio de MANCHESTER, INGLATERRA e costumava ser MECÂNICO por lá antes de ser enviado para o Mundo das Histórias. Se eu fosse você, teria vergonha de contar isso por aí, porque enquanto você estava AJUDANDO SEU IRMÃO MAIS NOVO COM A TAREFA DE FÍSICA, tem gente aqui que estava salvando princesas das garras malignas de uma bruxa má! Tem gente aqui que estava montando em dragões. Tá vendo só? Você pode até ser PRAGMÁTICO, mas você não deixa de ser um baita de um CÍNICO… Se, infelizmente, você tiver que ficar por aqui para estragar tudo, e acabar assumindo mesmo o papel de CAÇADOR SANGUINÁRIO na história SNOW WHITE… Bom, eu desejo boa sorte. Porque você VAI precisar!

[weasvlys]

My sweet, Pandora.

Paring: Fred Weasley x Pandora Diggory (Fem! OC)

Type: Enemies to lovers, slowburn.

Warning: sexual harassment (?

Masterlist.

Foreword.

Word count: 3190

Tags: @slvdsjjk

Note: I know that in the fourth movie there is no quidditch team because of the Triwizard Tournament, but for plot reasons, we’ll pretend there is ;)

iv. Hogwarts.

A couple of weeks had passed since that attack and the letter to Hogwarts had finally arrived, apparently they would select you home just like the first years, so it would be held at the same time, that terrified you, but not only that, but also having to see Fred Weasley again, and with it, paying your bet, and worse still, he'll see you in a ceremony where you would have to stand in front of the whole school with a ridiculous hat, it was a stupid idea, but still, you resigned yourself, and accepted as absolute, Cedric, for his part, was initially quite happy at the idea of ​​seeing you on that platform, however, upon hearing your opinion, he was reluctant, even capable of starting a riot, it was one of the things you loved about your brother, that he always wanted to help you any way he could.

You finished your bags and went downstairs to meet your father and Cedric in their travel cloaks in front of the fireplace, ready to head to Diagon Alley, you took flu powder and went into the fireplace and in a blink you were inside Quality Quidditch Supplies, since your brother wanted to buy a completely new training equipment, new knee pads, new helmet, etcetera, in your opinion it was an unnecessary expense, but you decided not to comment, until your name was pronounced, "And also for my daughter Pandora, who will also be joining the team" hearing that you were about to protest, until you saw Cedric's scolding look, and you backed up, "You won't screw this up, dad is very excited to see you play since the twins told him about your spectacular performance." Cedric said in a whisper after leading you to a corner of the store, "Well, they shouldn't have, you know very well that-" You said protesting but Cedric interrupted you, "Wanna know something? you play better than most of Hogwarts? Yes, exactly" he said responding to the sentence you didn't finish, you shut up, since you knew perfectly well that Beauxbatons stood out for its quality of teaching offensive Quidditch, so, you thought that it would not be such a bad idea to join the team, if you would already go through the embarrassment of being selected at 17 years old, the shame of losing a game would be wrong., immersed in your thoughts, you felt a soft pat in your shoulder "I know you'll be amazing..." your father's voice said, this was one of the first times when your father was trying to have an active place in your life, apparently, trying to be a father, "just like your mother" he continued, tears where starting to form in Amos's eyes, this was probably one of the first time he'd showed any kind of emotion to you, which makes you feel quite uncomfortable, but relived, at the same time, you didn't say a thing, and he just left.

You were looking at a leather breastplate when suddenly you heard a gruff and deep voice behind you "I don't think it's your size" that made you jump and when you turned you had Fred Weasley so close to you that you could feel his breath, you were blown away for a couple of seconds, but almost immediately, you separated him with your hand on his chest, and walked away, trying to avoid him, "What's happening baby? You're not gonna pay your debt?" He said laughing, in front of your father, "Well hello there, young Weasley" Amos replied, with a jolly smile, and you felt your stomach fell to the ground, "I hope he didn't hear about the debt thing" you thought, "what debt" your father replied,

"No, nothing dad, just something about a bet, but it doesn't matter..." you laughed nervously, trying to pretend nothing was happening, hoping that lie had convinced him, and just when it seemed your father wanted to dig deeper into it, you heard a crowd enter the store and a familiar voice behind you "Amos! What's up, mate?" You turned your gaze and there was Arthur accompanied by his brood of redheads and two browns sticking out and, on this occasion, he was followed by a short, plump and tender lady, equally red-haired, who you guessed was mother Weasley, they approached and greeted in the most affectionate way possible, the lady even gave you a sweet and motherly hug, she had a sweet smell of cinnamon and ginger, "You are more beautiful than your father said" said the lady taking you by the cheeks with both hands, that made you blush, "Call me Molly, dear" she said, "Amos, could we share a word?" Arthur asked your father with a knowing look.

"The ministry will deny it Amos," said Arthur in a whisper, it wasn't your intention to eavesdrop, but you were doing it, you had been surprised how little or almost nothing had been said about the incident at the quidditch world cup, the incident with the dark mark, "You and I know what happened over there, you and I saw the mark..." said Amos, a little elated, "since when has that ever been enough for the ministry?!" Repeated Arthur, "Pandora!" Said Hermione raising her voice, that caught your attention immediately, "Is everything alright?" she asked, it seemed that you had been immersed in that extraneous talk for a while, "Yes- yes of course" you answered, "It's just that since that bet you seem a bit... confused" said Ginny "Oh, believe me, I'm not nervous" you answered laughing "we didn't say you were nervous" repeated hermione, making fun of you.

———————-

"Promise me you will write" said your father to you and your brother, "remember there is no right house to be in" he addressed you, you only replied with a soft laugh "unless it's hufflepuff, then you will be in the right house" said your brother "or gryffindor", said a familiar voice behind you, Fred Weasley's, then, you got on the train, and as soon as the train left, you went seat by seat, but they all seemed to be full, until you found an empty one, all to yourself, you arranged your luggage and sat down, ready to sleep the whole trip, until, "May I, princess?" Said Fred, entering without needing an answer, "well you're already in" you answered without looking at him, "oh come on, are you still upset?" He answered, you just rolled your eyes, "what, beautiful, you won't pay?" He said leaning in front of you, again you could smell his sweet pumpkin candy scent, that melted you intensely, but now, you had the strength not to look at him, and just when you were about to let out a sigh, George entered, "what's up lovebirds? Can I put my stuff in here?" he said, also without waiting for an answer.

A couple of hours had passed, and that embarrassing situation was softened by the presence of Lee Jordan, and his girlfriend Tamil Raj, who was a sweet and funny girl, but determined and tough, qualities that you appreciated intensely, she was in gryffindor house, and seemed to have a somewhat complex relationship with Lee, who was very close to the twins, she had an incomparable love for him, and seemed intensely attracted to him but, at the same time, seemed to be somewhat embarrassed by his teasing habits, and while George and Lee were having an exciting chat, you and Tamil were getting close "what about Fred's look?... on you." Said Tamil, "shhh, he can hear you" you replied, you looked at Fred for a moment, definitely asleep, and a drop of saliva fell down his cheek as he snored loudly, he definitely wouldn't hear the conversation, "yeah... I don't think that's possible" she said looking laughing in a whisper, you returned your gaze to her and confessed "I don't know, I find him attractive but..." you were saying, you hesitated for a second "but what?" Tamil continued, "but he is a flirt, and it seems to me that he is with everyone, I don't want to get my hopes up, and much less give him the pleasure of having kissed me, if he kissed someone it would be someone who deserves it" you said, and finally you managed to get out what you had stuck, "oh, yes, he is a flirt, but something about his look on you, almost like... admiration" Tamil said, those words got stuck on your head.

———————-

"I'll have to go in that boat? But it's so... small." You said to the two meter man next to you "Go ahead, just get in" he answered, you couldn't refuse and you got in, you felt like an embarrassment in that tiny and apparently insecure boat, you could feel how with the weight of the big man you felt even more insecure, but you decided to trust, and you crossed the black lake, you found the huge castle beautiful from that distance, it was wonderful; It was beautiful to see those lights hanging from the ceiling and the night reflected in the sky, and that ceremony to which you had an almost inexplicable terror, began.

"Clara Cudlepot... Ravenclaw!" it sounded in the four walls, and a cheer followed, "Pandora Diggory!" You heard, immediately all eyes were on you, that made you feel small and exposed, it took you a couple of seconds to move your feet, but you made it, you walked up the stairs, and met the mysterious gaze of Professor Mcgonagall, you sat on small stool, and placed the old and neglected hat on your head, it was heavier than you expected, you looked everywhere, looking for the gaze of your brother, who you noticed was looking at you with an intense affection, and a contagious tranquility, you took a breath, closed your eyes and...

"Uhm... strange... you are a determined and tenacious young lady, but you are afraid..., and you have courage, with it you will do wonderful things..." said the hat's grave and eloquent voice, with a remarked hiss, "- where I will send you, which house will know how to perform your skills better... you are a leader, a boss!... you never lie, you never fake… but where?… I know… Griffyndor!" The hat chirped, and you felt your stomach drop into place, a cheer went up and a couple of "Hurrah! Hooray!" very particular envelope came out, and when you looked across the table, they were from Fred and another was from Cedric, who was on the other side of the dining room.

You were heading to the bench at the table and suddenly you heard a loud "Pandora! Here!" it was Tamil, who had a smile from ear to ear, and who was offering you a seat between her... and Fred, you hesitated and second, but took a seat, and on the way you received a couple of exited pats on the back.

"The Princess of Griffyndor, ladies an gentlemen!" Fred shouted, getting everyone's attention and receiving a couple of laughs, you just couldn't resist your happiness, and couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh at his comment, to be honest, Fred was funny from time to time, "Is that a smile?" he asked, nudging you gently, "Oh! Shut up already" you said, scoffing, to which you received a couple of chuckles, and suddenly, from the empty plates in front of the table you craved a feast worthy of Hogwarts, of every dish you could think of, and you quickly rushed to put on your plate a bit of each dish, and the chatter was even more enjoyable, "See the girl over there?" she said, "The brunette?" You asked, "yes, she's Angelina, and she's been after Fred for years," Tamil said, "but I think Fred has been stronger, hahaha." She finished, you didn't understand why she had given you that information, but she definitely saw them as a couple in the near future, "in her dreams" you thought.

"You know?, I know of a way to get into the girls' dormitories without getting caught..." Fred said suddenly, his mouth still half full, "So? " You asked, not giving it a thought, "well, I thought since you owe me, I might take a ride sometime soon and claim it..." he said, as his voice became softly deeper, "Fred, there is no way, on earth, that I would kiss you..." you said, staring into his eyes, even though you liked him, there was no way he could read that in your gaze, "Sure? Because I'm pretty sure that in the tent, before the attack, you were ready to pay your debt" he said, sneering, "You disgust me" you said angrily.

Eventually dinner ended, and you started walking towards the common room, you wondered what it would be like, if it was as cozy as they described, and if there really were big parties as Tamil have mentioned, You were confronted with an unpleasant scene, Angelina grabbing Fred's arm, or Fred giving Angelina his arm? Either way, it made you feel an inexplicable disgust in your stomach, and you could feel your hands and feet boil, as they laughed and Angelina gave him a kiss on the cheek you could only think that he didn't know you were around, because if he did he would stop, wouldn't he? Was she his girlfriend? Or why did he have that kind of touching? Was he almost unfaithful to you? Did he see you as a distraction? But Tamil said that... sunk in your thoughts you turned to look up and , you didn't notice a brown boy in front of you, and suddenly, you bumped into him, falling on your butt, just like the "I’m- I’m sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going." you said trying to stand up, when you pushed your hair out of your face, you saw a handsome boy in front of you, extending his hand "it's… hum… ok..." he said, with a hidden smile, you took his hand and stood up, "I'm Edward Parkinson..." he said, his voice was very masculine and sensual, but it seemed that it was not forced "I am-" you were about to say while shaking his hand "Pandora Diggory" he interrupted you, "I saw you at the sorting, I’m not a stalker ~haha~" he said with an awkward laugh “what is uncomfortable? The sorting?” He continued "well yeah, I guess it was" you said in a laugh, "you're from ravenclaw" you said "yeah, you know, the house of the bright…" he said making fun of the motto, that made you laugh "well... I guess I should be going" you said "yeah, go ahead, see you later" he said, you turned and went, "Parkinson... from something that rings a bell..." you thought, "Of course!”, he was the Slytherin girl's brother, Ginny had told you about her, and her family's bad reputation, it didn't seem to you that he was 'evil', as Hermione had described them, but either way you would go carefully.

———————-

You were in a small armchair in front of the fire in the common room, drinking something that Tamil had called "Drink of Gods" and Hermione as "The booze of fools", whatever it was, it was starting to have an effect on you, "Surely McGonagall won't come?" You asked George, "Sure! She never comes down, and even less if you put some potion in her night tea hahaha" he replied elbowing Lee, who was next to him, "You put sleeping potion in her tea?!" You asked upset, "She does it by herself" said Tamil, "Guys! Stop bothering her!" he replied giving Lee a smack on the head, while with his other hand he held two shots of a yellow liquid that was releasing sparks "You have to try this! You'll love it!" she said as she handed you one of the shots, you looked at the drink for a second and hesitated, the morning of the next day would be the first day of school, and you definitely didn't want to show up with a hangover, "I-I don't know Tamil, it's getting late..." you replied "Oh, come on!" she begged, "Don't beg her Tamil, she's obviously a coward, she doesn't even pay her dues!" Said Fred mocking you, that made you furious, you fixed your gaze on him and without thinking you took that liquid in one gulp, and instantly you felt your stomach roar and a puff of fire came out of your mouth, almost like a roar, and as soon as you had the chance you put your palms over your mouth, and that burning was over to leave a funny tickle in your throat, "What was that?!” You said “It's called Fire Wisky princess, possibly they didn't have it at your royal school but it's often drunk here...” said Fred, annoying you, to which Tamil punched him in the arm, somewhat hard, which Lee and George responded with laughter, and in a few moments that drink was having an effect on you, your words were starting to stumble and your gaze was getting blurry.

"And? Did you like it?" asked Tamil, who seemed to be having the same effect, "Mhjm~" you said, "You know? I never imagined doing this... I mean, at Beauxtons everything has to be perfect, every potion, every spell, your hairstyle, your clothes, even how you stand! And here you are so... relaxed" you said "Forget about that!" said Tamil giving you a push, "tomorrow you'll wake up... you'll have breakfast and get dirty if you want..." she continued, "And I guess that must have been soooo hard..." said Fred, who had reddened cheeks and messy hair, that made him look even more handsome, "Leave her alone!" Said Ginny, "Pardon me, okay!?" You said getting up hurriedly and heading towards him "Not all of us have the problem of being as cute as you" you said slapping him on the cheek to which you received a couple of giggles, "Why don't you kiss me already?" Fred said, so close to you that you could feel his breath, the warmth twinning of his body, and his withering brown eyes on your lips, he put his hand on your waist slowly, pulled you close to him, and opened his mouth softly, and suddenly, when you felt him close to you, he pulled away, "See how simple it is guys?" He said mocking you as he looked at Ron and Harry, you felt your stomach drop, and an unexplainable pain, it was like... humiliation, "You're an idiot!" you said pushing him away from you, and you walked away from him, and suddenly you felt a hand squeezing your butt followed by a "Come on baby!" That came from Fred, immediately and without hesitation you turned around and slapped him across the face, and he gave you back a dumbfounded look, as if he had expected his technique to work "This may always work for you with Angelina, but not with me!" you told him while he was still holding his cheek with his hand, and quickly went up to the dormitories with Tamil and Ginny behind you, and only managed to hear a "You're a barbarian!" From Hermione .

--------

“I've never been humiliated like that before”, you said to Tamil as you finished settling on your bed, you looked at the clock next to you, "12AM" you thought, she gave you a comforting look, "you did the right thing" she said, "I know..." you said in a sigh, and she blew out the candles, and in your mind only one thought came to mind "Fred Weasley will never kiss me".

[wingzemonx]

VIKTOR - Capítulo 11. La Noche Más Oscura

VIKTOR

Por WingzemonX & Denisse-chan

Capítulo 11. La Noche Más Oscura

Los ojos de Suzane se abrieron de golpe en cuanto sus sensibles oídos captaron los primeros vestigios de la explosión. De inmediato sus reflejos reaccionaron, y rodó del sillón, tirándose pecho a tierra al suelo. Centró su mirada desde su posición hacia la ventana de la sala, a través de la cual fue capaz de notar el fogonazo que cubrió el aire por un instante.

Llegó casi de inmediato a la misma conclusión que Cedric.

—El granero —susurró despacio para sí misma—. ¡Maldición! ¡¿Cómo no lo vi antes?!

Eso que le estuvo ocasionando estornudos en la tarde no había sido sólo coincidencia, sino algo premeditado para distraer su olfato. Era un truco simple, y había caído directo en él.

Dio un manotazo con frustración al suelo, pero eso fue todo lo que se permitió dejarse llevar por sus emociones. Ahora era momento de actuar.

Rápidamente alcanzó sus botas, y comenzó a calzarse. Tomó su revólver, su rifle, y se dirigió sin vacilación a la puerta de la cocina.

— — — —

Casi al mismo tiempo, en el piso de arriba, la reacción de los otros ocupantes se daba de forma similar. Al ser sacado de esa forma tan abrupta de su sueño, Klauss Romani saltó de inmediato de su cama, vestido únicamente con su ropa interior, y se asomó hacia afuera. Entre la oscuridad, distinguió el fuego consumiendo los escombros de lo que alguna vez fue el granero de la propiedad.

—¿Pero qué demonios…? —exclamó aturdido.

—¡Klaussie! —espetó Vermillia alarmada desde la cama. Igualmente se había despertado, y cubría su cuerpo desnudo con las sábanas blancas—. ¿Qué ocurre? ¿Nos atacan? —preguntó con voz temblorosa.

—¡Es lo más seguro! —respondió el detective en alto, y rápidamente buscó sus pantalones en el suelo y se enfundó en ellos—. ¡Quédate aquí!, no salgas por nada, ¿oíste?

Dada esa instrucción, corrió con rapidez hacia la puerta.

—¡Klaussie!, ¡ten cuidado! —le suplicó Vermillia a sus espaldas mientras él salía al pasillo.

— — — —

A diferencia de los dos detectives Lycanis, Jolly no fue despertada por la explosión; no tuvo el privilegio de siquiera tener oportunidad de conciliar el sueño antes del repentino suceso. El estruendo la sacudió de su cama, y la hizo ponerse al instante de pie de un salto, y correr hacia donde había reposado a su cañón Holy Molly. Tomó su arma firmemente entre sus manos, y pegó la espalda contra la pared a lado de la cama, temerosa de que hubiera algún disparo.

Aguardó, hasta que el escándalo de la explosión se disipó, y quedó en su lugar un preocupante silencio. Se asomó por la ventana sólo lo suficiente para poder mirar al exterior, pero lo adecuado para ponerse de nuevo a cubierto si percibía algo fuera del lugar. Desde el ángulo de esa ventana no tenía una vista directa al granero, pero si alcanzaba a percibir el fulgor anaranjado del fuego alumbrando el panorama.

Miró apremiante a su alrededor, con la esperanza de que Melissa hubiera vuelto mientras intentaba dormir, pero lamentablemente no era así; la cama de Melissa seguía vacía.

Encontrar a la testigo era lo más importante. Así que sin siquiera tomarse un momento para calzarse sus botines, se dirigió presurosa hacia la puerta del cuarto.

— — — —

Cedric siguió protegiendo a Melissa con su cuerpo un rato más, antes de atreverse a alzarse y mirar en dirección a la zona de desastre. El brillo del fuego era captado sin problema por sus agudos ojos, pero sus sentidos parecían más agobiados por la aguda, casi dolorosa, respiración de Melissa debajo de él.

—¿Qué está… pasando…? —exclamó la sierva entre inhalaciones profundas, provocadas de seguro por el miedo. Y no podía culparla.

Cedric se puso de pie, y ayudó a Melissa a pararse también, aunque ésta necesitó apoyarse contra el marco de la puerta para no caerse, pues sus piernas flaquearon al instante.

—Aguarda aquí —le indicó Cedric, y se aproximó hacia el barandal de la terraza, parándose sobre éste con firmeza. El viento frío, combinado con el humo, le golpeó la cara.

Agudizó su mirada. Los restos del granero habían volado en todas direcciones, y el fuego amenazaba por extenderse por la maleza seca del campo. Escuchó el resonar de los silbatos de alerta, y desvió su atención hacia un lado. Distinguió tres siluetas que se movían rápidamente por el campo en dirección al área de la explosión, mientras uno de ellos hacía sonar su silbato para alertar. Eran los tres oficiales del Distrito Cuatro que habían ido a apoyarlos. Habían recibido la instrucción de igualmente sonar sus silbatos si algo ocurría, y era admirable que acataran la orden entre tanto caos. Aunque resultaba un poco de más, pues sería imposible que alguien no hubiera notado tal desastre.

—¡Det. Helsung! —escuchó la voz de Luke debajo de él. El detective Spekerus no tardó en aparecer en su rango de visión, desde detrás de la casa—. ¡¿Están bien?!

—¡Sí! —le respondió Cedric rápidamente—. Melissa está bien. Los oficiales del Distrito Cuatro se dirigen al área de la explosión. Puede que necesiten apoyo.

—Entendido —respondió Luke, asintiendo, y a Cedric le sorprendió un poco notar una expresión firme y seria en su mirada que no recordaba haberle visto en el corto tiempo que llevaba de conocerlo—. Ponga a la testigo a cubierto. Yo iré a investigar.

Sin esperar respuesta, Luke comenzó a correr con rapidez en la misma dirección que los otros oficiales.

Cedric no ocupaba que se lo dijeran dos veces. Se bajó rápidamente del barandal, y corrió hacia Melissa. Ésta apenas y pudo reaccionar cuando el detective la tomó de la muñeca, y comenzó a jalarla hacia el interior de la casa.

—¡Te llevaré con la oficial Williams! —le explicó en alto para que lo escuchara entre todo el ajetreo que debe estar recorriéndole la cabeza—. ¡Ella te cuidará y te mantendrá segura!

Melissa no dijo nada, ni dio señal de haberle escuchado siquiera. Se limitó a únicamente correr detrás de él, dejando que él la guiara sin oposición alguna.

— — — —

En cuanto Jolly salió al pasillo, se encontró casi de frente con Klauss, que salía corriendo de la habitación contigua. El detective Lycanis apenas y reparó en ella, pues prácticamente la pasó por alto y se asomó presuroso al interior del cuarto de las chicas.

—¡¿Dónde está la sierva?! —exclamó frenético, girándose hacia ella una vez que se dio cuenta que la habitación estaba vacía.

—Bajó por agua y aún no ha vuelto…

—¡¿Qué dices?! —exclamó Klauss en alto, y de inmediato se puso en marcha hacia las escaleras—. ¡Tenías un sólo trabajo, Williams!

Aquellas palabras estremecieron de sobremanera el interior de la oficial, provocándole una pequeña punzada de dolor, pero también de culpa en el pecho. Por más que quisiera responderle algo a Klauss, la verdad era que tenía razón; era su responsabilidad cuidar de la testigo. Debería de haberla acompañado a la cocina, no dejarla sola en ningún momento. Pero, ¿cómo sabría que algo como eso pasaría? Y, en realidad, ¿qué había pasado? ¿Y si Melissa estaba cerca de aquel sitio…?

Jolly sacudió su cabeza con fuerza, y se obligó a apartar esos pensamientos. No era momento para paralizarse, sino de actuar como la oficial de policía que era. Aferró una mano fuerte a la correa de su cañón, y siguió presurosa al detective por el pasillo.

No tuvieron que avanzar mucho en realidad, pues antes de llegar a la escalera, ambos casi chocaron contra Cedric y Melissa, que entraban desde las puertas de la terraza. Jolly suspiró aliviada en cuanto la vio a salvo, pero Klauss parecía mucho menos contento.

—¡¿En dónde estabas, tonta?! —exclamó con enojo, fijando su mirada como cuchillos sobre la sierva—. ¡¿Quién te dijo que podías ir sola por ahí cómo te plazca?!

Melissa se encogió, abrumada por los gritos del Lycanis. Ya de por sí la situación de afuera claramente la había alterado demasiado, como para ahora tener que recibir los regaños enfurecidos de aquel hombre.

—No hay tiempo para eso —intervino Cedric, colocando medio cuerpo delante de Melissa—. El granero ha explotado. Es probable que estemos bajo ataque.

—¡No me digas! —espetó Klauss, sarcástico—. Jolly, llévate a la sierva contigo. Vayan al cuarto con Vermillia y enciérrense ahí. No le abran a nadie que no sea yo; a cualquier otro, dispararle con ese cañón tuyo. ¿Entendido?

—Sí, señor —susurró Jolly con la mayor firmeza que le fue posible—. Ven, Melissa.

Jolly tomó rápidamente a la sierva de su muñeca, y comenzó a guiarla de regreso por el pasillo en dirección a la otra habitación. Melissa, similar a cómo había ocurrido con Cedric, no le quedó más que dejarse llevar.

—¡Tengan cuidado! —les gritó Cedric desde atrás con fuerza—. Oficial Williams, se la encargo.

—¡Sí!, ¡no te preocupes! —le respondió Jolly con mayor optimismo mientras se alejaba por el pasillo—. Déjamelo a mí…

—Tú ven conmigo —le indicó Klauss a su compañero, dirigiéndose entonces hacia la terraza—. Necesito que me des un panorama completo de la situación con tu visión nocturna.

Cedric permaneció un poco más en el pasillo, viendo como las chicas se alejaban, pero al final se giró sobre sus pies y siguió a Klauss hacia afuera.

El Detective de Primer Grado se paró frente al barandal, y volteó desesperado hacia un lado y hacia el otro, aunque lo único que alcanzaba a captar con sus ojos eran las llamas del granero a lo lejos y lo que éstas alumbraban, mientras que con su nariz sólo percibía el humo de la explosión, además de un olor amargo que le provocaba comezón y molestia.

—Raíz de Luna Nueva —susurró con fastidio, mientras se cubría la boca y nariz con una mano. Era una vieja hierba que antiguamente se creía que tenía la propiedad mágica de ahuyentar a los Lycanis, aunque en realidad luego se descubrió que el verdadero problema era que muchos de su especie eran alérgicos a ella, en diferentes niveles—. Esa cosa está prohibida. Pero no debería esperar menos de Serge Karllone.

Por suerte para Klauss era más una molestia ligera, pero tolerable.

—¡Novato!, ¡dime lo que ves! —le exigió con apuro, señalando al frente—. El Cráneo está por aquí, lo puedo sentir.

Cedric se paró a su lado, y obedeciendo a su instrucción comenzó a recorrer el campo con la ayuda de su vista agudizada, intentando detectar cualquier movimiento sospechoso. Pero bajo esas circunstancias, lo difícil sería identificar qué no era sospechoso.

—De momento sólo visualizo al Det. Stillion y los oficiales del Distrito Cuatro —informó, apuntando con su dedo hacia el campo, donde las figuras de los oficiales ya estaban cerca del fuego, pero mantenían su distancia. Luke iba entre ellos.

—¿Algo más? ¡Vamos! —insistió Klauss, impaciente—. Eso no explotó solo. El perpetrador debe seguir en los alrededores.

Cedric estaba de acuerdo con su afirmación, pero bajo esas circunstancias era difícil proporcionarle el dato que su compañero tanto requería…

Pero de pronto, detectó algo más: unas siluetas moviéndose entre los árboles, muy cerca del granero, y de la posición de los oficiales. Y para su horror, por un momento logró captar el brillo anaranjado del fuego, reflejado en los cañones largos de sus escopetas.

—¡Oh no! —exclamó alarmado—. ¡Están ahí! ¡Es una emboscada…!

No se detuvo a dar más explicaciones, y de inmediato tomó su silbato y comenzó a soplar con fuerza con él para alertarlos. El sonido cruzó el aire hacia los oídos de los oficiales, que alzaron al mismo tiempo sus miradas en dirección a la casa y se pusieron alerta.

Pero fue tarde.

— — — —

Los primeros disparos que salieron de entre los árboles tomaron por sorpresa a los oficiales. Uno de ellos, un Spekerus de pie a unos cuantos metros de Luke, recibió de lleno una bala en el cuello que le atravesó de lado a lado, y se desplomó a sus pies. Aquello tomó por sorpresa al detective novato, pero no dejó que lo le paralizara. En su lugar, se giró en la dirección que venían los disparos y, por mero instinto y guiado por el sonido, disparó uno de sus revólveres hacia la oscuridad, repetidas veces mientras retrocedía en dirección a los escombros.

Sus disparos lo cubrieron lo suficiente a él y a los demás oficiales, para poder buscar resguardo detrás de los escombros en llamas, o al menos no estar tan expuestos. Luke se tiró al suelo de sentón, justo detrás de lo que quedaba de una las paredes del granero. Rápidamente, y sin que su mano le temblara ni un poco, abrió la recamara de su arma, y comenzó a reemplazar las balas que había disparado.

—¡¿Quiénes son?! —escuchó que preguntaba lleno de pánico uno de los oficiales del Distrito Cuatro, otro joven Spekerus de seguro no más de veinte, tirado en la tierra a su lado, aferrado a su rifle y con su cuerpo temblando por completo.

—Hombres de Serge Karllone, supongo —respondió Luke con una sorpresiva calma. Cerró de nuevo la recamara de su arma, y la tomó con fuerza con una mano, mientras con la otra sujetaba su rifle—. Creo que la Det. Constantine diría en una situación así que estamos muy expuestos si nos quedamos en este sitio. Que deberíamos movernos a la casa y ahí reagruparnos… Sí, creo que eso debemos hacer.

Asintió con firmeza, como una confirmación hacia sí mismo.

—Debemos disparar en dirección a aquellos árboles para cubrir nuestra marcha, y correr hacia la casa.

—¡Al demonio! —exclamó en alto el oficial Spekerus que temblaba a su lado—. ¡Esto es un jodido campo de guerra! ¡No me enlisté para esto!

Empujado por el miedo, en especial luego de ver a su otro compañero caído hace sólo unos segundos atrás, aquel oficial comenzó a correr despavorido en dirección a donde habían aparcado su vehículo, sin darse cuenta que lo hacía directo hacia campo abierto.

—¡Jimmy!, ¡no! —gritó su otro compañero al ver lo que hacía. El joven Spekerus no avanzó mucho, antes de que un disparo desde la posición de sus enemigos le volara la cabeza por un costado, y se desplomara en el suelo—. Oh, por Alzama Molak… —susurró el último oficial del Distrito Cuatro, horrorizado.

Luke, por su parte, dejó escapar un pequeño silbido, que era difícil decir qué tipo de emoción intentaba transmitir con aquello. Parpadeó una vez mientras miraba en dirección al segundo oficial caído.

—Bueno, ni hablar —concluyó sin más, incluso sonando un poco frío al hacerlo. Se puso de pie entonces con rapidez, con sus armas en alto—. ¡Andando! —le indicó al tercer oficial, y sin darle tiempo a recomponerse, comenzó a correr hacia la casa, disparando rápidamente en dirección a los árboles.

El último oficial, un Lycanis un poco mayor que los otros dos, se obligó a pararse lo más pronto posible y correr detrás de él, disparando hacia atrás lo mejor que pudo.

El trayecto hacia la casa, sin embargo, se sentía aún más largo de regreso que como se había percibido de ida. A mitad del camino, una bala le dio directo en la espalda al oficial de apoyo, que sólo dejó escapar un largo gruñido de dolor.

Luke miró de reojo un instante hacia atrás, en el momento justo para ver al oficial caer hacia el frente y perderse entre la maleza. Pero no se detuvo, y fijó de inmediato su atención al frente y siguió corriendo.

Se movió hacia un lado y hacia el otro para esquivar los disparos que se abalanzaban contra él. Uno de ellos dio contra el suelo a milímetros de su pie, levantando una pequeña nube de polvo, y parte de éste, terminó entrándole en el ojo. Aquello irremediablemente lo destanteó, y lo hizo casi caer al suelo, aunque pudo sostenerse para sólo plantar una rodilla en tierra.

—Vaya, esto es mala suerte —susurró para sí mismo, mientras intentaba limpiarse el ojo con su antebrazo, sin soltar ninguna de sus armas. Quizás no tuviera la vista de un Nosferatis, ni ojos detrás de la cabeza, pero juraría que podía sentir los cañones de todas esas armas, apuntándole desde la distancia y preparándose para acribillarlo en cualquier momento. Era como un cosquilleo en la parte trasera de su cabeza que, de hecho, no era del todo desagradable—. Creo que hasta aquí llegamos, Chica.

Su pequeña compañera, aún dormida en el interior de su camisa, no le respondió nada.

Un largo y estridente aullido cruzó en ese momento la noche, distrayendo por completo al detective de la sensación que se cernía detrás de él. En el momento en el que alzó su mirada, sólo alcanzó a ver como una enorme figura negra se dirigía hacia él entre la penumbra, un instante antes que las detonaciones comenzaran de nuevo.

Aquel ser oscuro se lanzó contra Luke, lo tomó con su hocico del cuello de su camisa, y lo jaló con rapidez consigo, justo antes de que los disparos golpearan la tierra en el lugar exacto en el que él había estado.

Aunque, no todos, en realidad. Uno de ellos logró conectar justo en una de las patas traseras de aquel animal oscuro, pero éste se limitó a sólo soltar un pequeño gruñido, y no frenó ni un poco su larga carrera hacia la casa.

Mientras era jalado por aquella criatura, Luke miró hacia atrás con su ojo bueno. No tardó en reconocer los ojos verdosos de mirada aguda, asomándose entre aquel rostro de lobo de pelaje negro como la noche.

—¡Oh!, ¡Det. Constantine! —exclamó Luke, contento—. ¡Vino a salvarme!

—¡Cállate! —exclamó la voz de Suzane, proveniente de aquel lobo—. ¡Intento concentrarme!

Luke no tardó en notar el ligero renqueo en el trotar del lobo, mientras seguía moviéndose con agilidad para escurrirse y esquivar los disparos.

—¡Detective!, ¡está herida!

—No me digas —respondió Suzane con ironía.

El lobo siguió avanzando con sobresaliente agilidad por el campo, hasta llegar a la sombra de la casa, la cual rodeó hasta ponerse a cubierto, y con ello lejos de la mira de sus atacantes ocultos.

— — — —

—Maldita sea —exclamó uno de los hombres oculto entre los árboles en los límites de la propiedad, en cuanto el lobo negro se alejó lo suficiente y desapareció de su vista. Era un matón Nosferatis de orejas grandes y rostro alargado. Bajó su arma con frustración, tomó el cigarrillo de entre sus labios con su mano libre, y dejó escapar una densa nube de humo espeso frente a su rostro—. Ese se nos escapó.

—No importa —añadió uno de sus acompañantes de pie a su lado, apoyando su respectiva arma larga sobre su hombro. Era otro Nosferatis, de estatura baja, pero fornido—. Nos despachamos a tres, y ese otro va herido.

—Pero ahora saben que estamos aquí.

—Era lo planeado, tonto —añadió un tercero, con la mitad de su oreja arrancada de su cabeza por el disparo de alguno de esos oficiales, pero poco parecía importarle. Todos eran Nosferatis; sólo pistoleros de dicha raza podrían disparar con tanta precisión en la noche—. Bien o mal, somos el señuelo.

El primero de ellos volvió a dar una larga calada de su cigarrillo, y volvió a dejar escapar el humo, ahora dejándolo flotando sobre su rostro.

—Tanto alboroto por una estúpida sierva —exclamó con molestia—. Espero que al menos ese idiota pueda cumplir con su parte.

—Claro que lo hará —comentó otro más del grupo con tono burlón—. Está a prueba su reputación, y su vida de paso. Si falla, el jefe se asegurará de que tenga una muerte dolorosa.

—¿A uno de sus consentidos? Lo dudo —indicó el hombre del cigarrillo con desdén. Sus ojos contemplaban aún hacia el firmamento estrellado sobre ellos—. Pero algo tengo seguro: no me gustaría cruzarme con ese sujeto en una noche como ésta. Que Alzama Molak tenga piedad de las pobres almas en esa casa…

— — — —

—¿Esos fueron disparos? —inquirió Melissa, con dejo nervioso, asomando apenas un poco sus ojos por encima del borde de la cama, detrás de la cual se había refugiado.

—Descuida, aún se escuchan lejos —le informó Jolly desde un lado de la ventana, sujetando firmemente a Holy Molly entre sus manos. Intentaba tranquilizarla, pero al verla de soslayo y notar el brillo apagado de sus ojos, supo que no lo había logrado.

No podía culparla por estar asustada; la situación ciertamente lo ameritaba. Incluso ella misma, tras todo su entrenamiento y práctica de tiro, era la primera vez que se encontraba en el centro de una situación tan complicada y peligrosa como esa. Hasta ese momento, lo más peligroso que había hecho era participar en la persecución de un ladrón que escapaba de la escena del crimen, pero ni siquiera entonces había tenido que disparar ni una sola bala. Y claro, no tenía tampoco a Holy Molly con ella en aquella otra ocasión.

—Deja de lloriquear —le reprendió Vermillia desde el otro lado de la habitación, mientras terminaba de colocarse de nuevo su vestido. Ambas la habían encontrado desnuda en la cama en cuanto entraron presurosas al cuarto, situación que a Melissa le había hecho casi desmayarse de la impresión—. Klaussie se encargará de esos idiotas en un instante, siempre lo hace. Y si acaso alguno de ellos se atreve a llegar hasta acá…

—Yo las defenderé —declaró Jolly con voz ferviente, apretando aún más su arma entre sus dedos—. Tendrán que pasar sobre mi cadáver antes de tocar a cualquiera de ustedes.

—Yo no vengo tan indefensa cómo crees, Williams…

Hecha aquella afirmación, Vermillia se dirigió hacia su bolso de viaje, esculcó entre las cosas que ahí traía, y extrajo un pequeño revólver de bolsillo, color plateado. Jolly contempló el arma, un poco alarmada.

—¿Por qué traes eso contigo, Vermillia?

—Una mujer debe de poder defenderse a sí misma en este mundo tan peligroso —explicó con tono de jactancia, mientras posaba sujetando su arma hacia arriba.

—¿Tienes licencia para portarla?

—¿Qué acaso eres poli…? —Vermillia calló antes de terminar su frase, al darse cuenta rápidamente de con quién hablaba—. Bueno, da igual. Es sólo apuntar y jalar el gatillo, después de todo.

Dicho aquello, realizó una demostración, alzando su arma al frente, y deliberadamente apuntando a Jolly con ella, incluso cerrando un ojo aparentando que intentaba apuntarle con mayor precisión. Aquello no le hizo mucha gracia a la oficial.

—Por favor, baja eso. Y aléjate de la ventana, que algún disparo podría alcanzarte desde ahí.

—Ya, ya —exclamó Vermillia con fastidio, y retrocedió unos pasos hasta ponerse a cubierto—. Relájate, Williams. Ya te dije: Klaussie se encargará de todo. Sólo tenemos que quedarnos aquí y aguardar.

Jolly guardó silencio, sin deseos de responderle nada más de momento. Se giró entonces a mirar con precaución hacia la ventana. Esperaba en serio que Vermillia tuviera razón, y que los superiores pudieran encargarse de todo ese asunto por su cuenta. Pero si no, lo que había declarado hace un momento por supuesto no lo había dicho en serio: defendería a esas dos chicas, como dictaba su deber.

De la forma en la que su padre estaría orgulloso de ella.

— — — —

Una vez que los disparos comenzaron, Klauss y Cedric por igual tuvieron el impulso de tirarse pecho a tierra en la terraza, y cubrir sus cabezas, a la espera de que cualquier disparo desviado pudiera alcanzarlos. Una vez que cesaron, ambos se levantaron sólo lo suficiente para echar un vistazo, Cedric apenas asomando un poco sus ojos por encima del barandal.

El detective de tercer grado detectó con horror los cuerpos de los tres oficiales abatidos en el campo abierto; pero ninguno era el Det. Stillion, al menos. Alzó más su mirada a lo lejos, en la dirección en la que había visto a los hombres armados entre los árboles. Distinguió sus siluetas moviéndose hacia otra dirección, quizás con la intención de acercarse más a la casa.

—Son unos cinco —informó Cedric con seriedad—. Todos deben ser Nosferatis, para poder disparar con tanta precisión de noche.

—¿Alguno de ellos es el Cráneo? —cuestionó Klauss apremiante, de cuclillas a su lado.

—Difícil decirlo —respondió Cedric, dubitativo—. ¿Todo esto no va totalmente en contra de su modo usual de operar? Todos los expedientes al respecto mencionan que el Cráneo siempre trabaja solo, y ataca a sus víctimas con la mayor discreción posible; esto es lo contrario a eso.

—Tendrás que aprender a sacar tu nariz más seguido de los expedientes, novato —le respondió Klauss, sonando casi como una reprimenda—. No estamos hablando de un asesino en serie que mata mujeres en un callejón oscuro, sino de un maldito matón de la mafia. Lo que les importa es cumplir su encargo, sea como sea.

Cedric no podía más que darle la razón en ello. Lo más seguro era que usualmente el Cráneo contara con el factor sorpresa como una ventaja, además del control y conocimiento del terreno. Pero en esta situación debió de dar por hecho que lo esperarían, y tendría que enfrentarse con más de un oficial armado y entrenado. Así que su estrategia debía cambiar.

Pero de ser así, ¿cuál era esa estrategia exactamente? Volar el granero para llamar su atención, aniquilar a aquellos que se acercaran para reducir sus números… ¿y luego? ¿Cuál sería su siguiente paso? ¿Hacer que se atrincheraran en la casa? ¿Algún ataque frontal? Cedric se había preparado mentalmente para otro tipo de encuentro, y ahora estaba pisando terreno desconocido. Y eso lo desconcertaba demasiado…

Fue sacado de sus pensamientos en cuanto detectó el rabillo del ojo la figura grande y negra que se movía desde detrás de la casa, y se colocaba justo debajo la terraza en la que se encontraban. Tanto Cedric como Klauss reaccionaron, tomando sus armas en alto.

—¡Tranquilos!, ¡somos nosotros! —pronunció rápidamente la voz de Luke, agitando una mano en el aire. No tardaron en darse cuenta que efectivamente se trataba de Luke; y Cedric reconoció también al enorme lobo negro a su lado.

—Det. Constantine, ¿está bien? —le preguntó Cedric, preocupado al verla como respiraba con agitación, además que su nariz percibió el rastro de sangre que provenía de una de sus patas traseras.

—Fue herida mientras me rescataba —informó Luke, con bastante normalidad al decirlo—. Fue muy heroico, en realidad.

—Mejor guarda silencio si no vas a decir algo importante —le reprendió Suzane, acompañada además de un gruñido amenazante de lobo—. Y véndame la herida, ¡rápido!

Luke asintió, guardó su pistola en su funda, dejó el rifle en el suelo un momento, y desgarró al instante parte de su camisa para poder vendarle con el pedazo de tela la herida de bala.

—¿Herida, Suzane? —masculló Klauss, algo burlón al hacerlo, pero también con cierta preocupación impregnada—. Eso fue muy descuidado de tu parte.

—Tú también ahórrate tus comentarios, Romani —protestó Suzane, alzando su rostro de lobo hacia él—. Esto fue sólo un señuelo para llamar nuestra atención. Escondieron los explosivos en el granero, ocultando su olor con Raíz de Luna Nueva. Debieron hacerlo la noche anterior, pero no entiendo cómo pudieron hacerlo bajo nuestras narices sin que nos diéramos cuenta.

Esa era una buena pregunta, y Cedric también se lo preguntó. Lo único que se le ocurría era que pudieron haber contado con la complicidad de los oficiales del Distrito Cuatro que tuvieron la guardia la noche anterior, pero aquello sería una acusación muy seria, en especial si no tenía pruebas que la respaldaran.

—No importa —añadió Suzane con voz más calmada, parándose firmemente en sus cuatro patas una vez que Luke terminó de vendarla—. Es casi seguro que el verdadero ataque viene en camino. ¿Y la sierva?

—Está en el cuarto con Vermillia y Jolly —respondió Klauss—. Está a salvo, por ahora.

—Vendrán por ella, y por todos nosotros de paso. Debemos evitar que se acerquen a la casa, y abatir y someter a los que podamos. Con algo de suerte, el fuego y el humo llamarán la atención de las autoridades del Distrito Cuatro, y vendrán algunos refuerzos.

—Aprehender al Cráneo es nuestra prioridad, que no se les olvide —les recordó Klauss con severidad—. Helsung, señálame en qué dirección están los tiradores.

Cedric se sobresaltó un poco al escuchar aquella repentina petición.

—Por ahí —indicó señalando al frente—. Los cinco se están moviendo. Creo que vienen para acá…

—Bien —susurró Klauss con seriedad. Le pasó en ese momento su rifle a Cedric para que lo tomara—. Ustedes quédense aquí y protejan la casa, ¡que nadie entre ni salga! Suzane, quedas a cargo. Cuida que ninguno de los novatos meta la pata, incluida Williams.

Los ojos del Lycanis comenzaron a brillar de un fuerte fulgor dorado, y Cedric, que estaba de pie a un lado sujetando su rifle, notó como los músculos de su cara se tensaban, igual que los de sus brazos, y poco después igual los de su espalda y torso descubierto. Comenzó a encorvarse, hasta plantar sus manos contra el barandal, y dejó escapar un largo gruñido. El cuerpo se fue cubriendo rápidamente de un grueso pelaje rubio, y a cambiar de forma hasta convertirse en un enorme lobo, casi tan grande como un león, fuerte e imponente.

Cedric dio instintivamente un paso hacia atrás. Aunque por supuesto sabía bien de la transformación de los Lycanis y había escuchado descripciones de éstas, era la primera vez que le tocaba ver una de cerca. Y ciertamente era algo impresionante, en especial en el caso de Klauss, cuya transformación se veía más grande e intimidante que la de la Det. Constantine.

Klauss, ya por completo en su forma de lobo, saltó rápidamente por encima del barandal, cayó con firmeza con sus cuatro patas a menos de un metro de Suzane y Luke, y comenzó a correr con increíble velocidad por el campo, en la dirección que Cedric le había indicado. Sólo hasta ese momento Cedric fue capaz de salir de estupor.

—¡Espere! —gritó en alto, acercándose al barandal, pero para ese momento Klauss ya iba bastante lejos—. ¿Va a enfrentarse él solo contra los cinco tiradores? ¡Es muy imprudente!

—Así es ese sujeto —gruñó Suzane, aunque sonando más frustrada que molesta—. Si no fuera por esta herida, podría haberlo cubierto; maldición. Pero descuida, novato. Aunque no parezca, él sabe lo que hace.

Cedric miró con preocupación hacia el campo, observando con su visión de Nosferatis como aquel enorme lobo se alejaba y se internaba entre los árboles. Esperaba que la Det. Constantine tuviera razón.

— — — —

No tardó mucho tiempo antes de que uno de los Nosferatis que se movían entre los árboles notara igualmente la enorme criatura peluda que se lanzaba a toda velocidad por el campo, directo hacia ellos

—¡Viene alguien! —le advirtió rápidamente a sus demás compañeros, señalando en la dirección del lobo dorado. Los cinco se giraron, alzaron sus armas, y abrieron fuego al instante, liberando una ráfaga de disparos, cuyos estruendos retumbaron en el aire.

Para sorpresa de los cinco, un segundo antes de que comenzaran a disparar, la enorme criatura a la que apuntaban comenzó a moverse de lado a lado por el campo en largos y precisos saltos, esquivando con asombrosa agilidad su oleada de disparos, y dejando a cada uno atónito.

Ninguno había visto algo así antes. Todos sabían que los Lycanis se volvían fuertes y ágiles al transformarse en su forma de lobo, en especial en las noches de luna llena. Pero esa no era una de esas noches. ¿Quién era ese lobo?

Aquellos pensamientos y su ensimismamiento en ellos terminó siendo su perdición, pues para cuando alguno pudo lograr reaccionar, el lobo ya se encontraba subiendo la colina a escasos metros de ellos. Para cuando el primero logró volver a disparar, la criatura ya se había lanzado al frente, no sólo haciendo que la bala sólo golpeara la tierra, sino que precipitando todo su peso contra el primero de ellos. Lo empujó a tierra con sus patas delanteras, estrellándolo con fuerza contra el suelo, azotándolo.

Lo siguiente ocurrió en cuestión de unos cuantos segundos. Los hombres alzaron sus armas, y al instante siguiente el lobo se lanzó contra el más cercano de ellos, alargando su zarpa derecha contra él. El movimiento no sólo desarmó al Nosferatis, sino que además le provocó tres cortes profundos en su torso, de los cuales surgieron largos rastros de sangres que impregnaron el aire delante de él. Uno de los matones disparó al instante, pero el lobo se movió hacia un lado, haciendo que el disparo terminara impactando contra otro de sus compañeros en el lado izquierdo de su pecho. Aquello lo dejó impactado por un instante, lo suficiente para que el lobo se le aproximara por un costado, y lo tomara del brazo entre sus fuertes fauces, clavando sus colmillos en su piel. El hombre gritó de dolor, pero no por mucho pues rápidamente el lobo sacudió su cabeza, alzándolo del suelo, y lo lanzó como un mero muñeco por los aires, haciéndolo estrellarse contra el tronco de un árbol.

El último de los matones de pie, aquel que había sido alcanzado en una oreja por un disparo, retrocedió al ver todo esto, pero no flaqueó. En cuanto arrojó a su compañero hacia un lado, alzó su rifle y disparó una y otra vez. El lobo se volvió a mover una vez más, cubriéndose detrás de los árboles y haciendo que estos recibieran los impactos. Corrió en un largo círculo, hasta colocarse detrás del Nosferatis. Éste intentó girarse rápidamente para encararlo, pero no fue lo suficientemente rápido, antes de que el lobo lo empujara con todo su peso al suelo, precipitándolo contra el primero de sus compañeros que había caído, y que apenas comenzaba a intentar alzarse, sin mucho éxito gracias a esto. Ambos terminaron contra la tierra uno encima del otro. El lobo no tardó en pararse sobre ellos, aprisionándolos con sus patas contra la tierra, provocando que ninguno fuera capaz de alzarse ni un centímetro. Encima la presión lo aplastaba sólo lo suficiente los pulmones para sentir que no podían respirar con normalidad.

Klauss recorrió su mirada rápidamente a su alrededor. El de la herida de garra seguía en el suelo, sujetándose el torso sollozando. El de la herida de bala igualmente estaba tirado, y la sangre le escapaba entre los dedos mientras presionaba su propia herida. Y el que había arrojado por los aires estaba claramente inconsciente, y quizás con un par de huesos rotos. Ninguno de ellos iría a ningún lado, pero no podía quitarles los ojos de encima.

Gruñó con ferocidad, y acercó su hocico hacia los dos que tenía sometidos, enseñando sus filosos colmillos, y exhalando su aliento caliente y amenazante sobre ellos.

—¡Hablen, escorias! —les gritó con ferocidad—. ¡¿Quién los envió?! ¿Fue Serge Karllone?

—Púdrete, imbécil —le respondió el matón de la oreja herida, volteándolo a ver sobre su hombro como le fue posible.

—Si fuera tú cuidaría mejor lo que digo —le advirtió Klauss—. Mataron a tres policías e hirieron a una detective condecorada. Nadie me reprocharía si los hiciera pedazos en este mismo instante.

Los dos hombres sabían que aquello no era una simple amenaza al aire: ese sujeto era totalmente capaz de matarlos ahí mismo si se le daba la gana. Pero también sabían que la información que podía sacarles era lo único que lo impedía.

—No te diremos nada —declaró el matón de la oreja herida, manteniéndose firme—. Y quiero un abogado.

—Aquí no hay abogados, idiota —espetó Klauss, y presionó en ese momento más su pata, aplastándolo aún más fuerte contra el suelo. El matón dejó escapar un largo quejido de dolor—. Ni Alzama Molak tiene sus ojos aquí esta noche. Sólo estamos ustedes y yo. ¡Así que hablen! ¿Los envió Serge Karllone? ¿Y el Cráneo? ¿Está aquí con ustedes? ¿Saben quién es?

A pesar de la presión, literal y metafórica, el matón de la oreja herida seguía firme en mantener su boca cerrada. Pero no era precisamente el caso de su otro compañero, aplastado justo debajo de él.

—¡Está bien!, ¡está bien! —exclamó en alto el otro matón, con su voz apenas logrando salir de su boca por la falta de aire—. Te lo diré, ¡por favor!

—¡Cállate! —le advirtió el matón de la oreja herida, pero su compañero no lo escuchó.

—Sí, nos enviaron por la sierva… Nos envió el señor…

Sus palabras murieron al instante, opacadas por el estruendo de un disparo en la noche. Un estallido de sangre brotó de un costado de su cabeza, manchando por completo la cara del matón de la oreja herida, y también el rostro canino de Klauss. El hombre quedó flácido en el suelo, muerto.

El detective reaccionó, saltando hacia atrás para alejarse, y alzó su mirada rápidamente hacia los demás hombres, intentando identificar cuál había disparado. Pero, para su sorpresa, los tres seguían justo igual que antes.

Pero eso tampoco duró mucho más.

Tres disparos consecutivos cruzaron el aire en ese momento, haciendo que Klauss reaccionara para moverse y esquivar. No obstante, ninguno de ellos iba dirigido hacia él, y pudo apreciar cómo cada uno impactaba las cabezas de los tres hombres caídos: primero el de la herida de bala en el pecho, segundo el de la herida de garra, y por último el que había impactado contra el árbol. Los tres murieron al instante de un disparo directo y preciso.

«¿Pero qué carajos…?» pensó Klauss atónito, incapaz de articular palabra alguna en voz alta.

¿Quién había hecho eso?

—Oye, no —la voz del último de los matones con vida lo alertó. Al girarse a mirar en su dirección, vio cómo éste se había sentado en el suelo, y miraba abrumado hacia las sombras que los rodeaban—. Espera, ¡¿qué estás haciendo?! —exclamó con fuerza, extendiendo sus brazos de manera protectora delante de él.

Klauss se puso en alerta, y observó atento hacia donde él miraba. Con sus ojos de lobo no lograba ver lo mismo que él con sus ojos de Nosferatis, pero alzó su hocico y aspiró profundamente el aire y… no percibió nada, más que el olor de la pólvora y el humo de los disparos.

—Les advertimos qué pasaría si se volvían una carga —masculló de pronto para su asombro una nueva voz, calmada y fría, proveniente justo de las sombras entre los árboles circundantes. Klauss retrocedió un poco, y se puso en posición de ataque—. No pueden decir que no se los dijimos —añadió la misma voz, y el sonido de sus pisadas contra la hierba se hizo presente un instante después.

«¿Había alguien más? ¿Cómo es que no lo percibí?» se cuestionó Klauss, en parte como un reproche, en parte escéptico.

Una figura comenzó a hacerse visible en cuanto la escasa luz de la luna y las estrellas lo alumbraron. Caminó con paso bastante tranquilo hacia ese estrecho claro en el que habían tenido su encuentro, aunque sus pesadas botas negras pisaban firme la hierba debajo de él. Klauss lo observó con atención, y aunque en parte deseaba verlo al fin, su apariencia ciertamente lo desconcertó un poco.

Era un hombre alto, complexión media, ataviado con una larga y algo roída gabardina azul oscuro que le llegaba hasta casi los tobillos, pantalones y camisa negra, y un chaleco a juego con la gabardina. Las manos las tenía totalmente cubiertas con guantes de piel negros. Y lo más importante, por supuesto: una máscara en forma de cráneo, color gris con algunas manchas marrones en ella como si se tratara de óxido. La máscara le cubría el rostro entero, e incluso en la oscuridad de la noche no alcanzaba a ver siquiera los ojos que se asomaban a través de esas dos cuencas redondas. Algo de cabello rubio muy claro y corto, se asomaba por la parte de atrás de su cabeza, pero era lo único de su cuerpo que alcanzaba realmente a apreciar.

«¿Es él…?» se cuestionó Klauss, un tanto reticente. La descripción que la gente daba concordaba, al menos en su mayoría. Pero más allá de su apariencia, lo más desconcertante era su presencia: no parecía tener una como tal, ni siquiera un olor. Era como si no estuviera ahí realmente; como un verdadero fantasma surgido de las sombras de la noche.

—Yo no… iba a decir nada —masculló tembloroso el matón de la oreja herida, aún en el suelo—. ¡En verdad no!

—Yo lo sé —respondió el hombre de máscara con indiferencia. Al instante siguiente alzó su mano derecha hacia el frente, y Klauss notó al fin el revólver oscuro de cañón alargado que sujetaba en ésta—. Pero si no ato todos los cabos, él se enojará conmigo.

Antes de que el último Nosferatis pudiera decir algo, o siquiera hacer el intento de ponerse de pie y correr, el Cráneo jaló el gatillo, propinándole un disparo directo entre los ojos, que hizo estallar la parte trasera de su cabeza. Su cuerpo cayó hacia atrás de espaldas, y sus ojos vacíos miraron mórbidamente en dirección a Klauss.

El detective se mantuvo quieto y sereno en su posición. Aunque hubiera querido intentarlo, no habría podido hacer nada para evitar aquello. El disparo fue rápido y certero, sin la menor vacilación. Además de efectivo, pues cualquier conocedor de la materia sabía que los Nosferatis eran difíciles de matar a disparos, a menos que apuntaras directo a la cabeza, cosa que ese sujeto había hecho de forma efectiva con los cinco que ahora yacían en el suelo, manchando éste con su sangre.

«Asesinó a todos sus hombres sólo porque uno abriría la boca. ¿Qué clase de demente es…?»

Alguien con menor temple que Klauss de seguro se hubiera horrorizado o paralizado por el miedo tras ver algo como eso. Pero él no era como otros, incluso no como otros detectives. Además de que estaba muy consciente de que paralizarse en ese momento y lugar sería su perdición. Y lo tuvo más claro cuando aquel sujeto alzó su rostro, y aunque seguía sin alcanzar a ver sus ojos, supo que los había posado justo en él.

Ambos se quedaron quietos y en silencio por un tiempo que pareció muy largo, pero que de seguro fueron sólo un par de segundos. Aquella pequeña tranquilidad se rompió cuando Klauss notó que el otro movía la mano que sujetaba el revólver, y se preparó para esquivar el inminente disparo. Para su sorpresa, sin embargo, lo que el extraño hizo fue abrir la recamara del arma, ladear un poco ésta, y dejar caer al suelo siete casquillos vacíos de bala, que tintinearon contra las piedras.

Siete disparos, de los cuales Klauss sólo había visto cinco. ¿Había quizás disparado contra los otros oficiales? ¿Quizás contra Suzane? Con un arma pequeña como esa era poco probable, pero viendo la buena puntería que tenía…

—Det. Klauss Romani, me imagino —dijo de pronto el extraño de la máscara, haciéndolo sobresaltarse—. Un placer conocerlo, al fin.

—¿Sabes quién soy? —cuestionó Klauss con precaución.

—Lo crea o no, mi jefe lo tiene en alta estima.

—¿Tu jefe? ¿No querrás decir Serge Karllone?

Él no respondió nada a aquella pregunta, y en su lugar metió una mano en el bolsillo interno de su gabardina, y extrajo de ésta siete balas que comenzó a introducir en las recamaras de su arma una a una, con toda la calma y paciencia posible. Eso resultaba increíblemente molesto para Klauss; sólo se estaba burlando de él.

—Bien, Sr. Cráneo, supongo —masculló el Lycanis, con su habitual actitud confiada para así intentar marcar un poco de dominio en la situación—. También es un placer conocerte al fin, pero admito que estoy un poco decepcionado. Las leyendas decían que usabas una gabardina color carmesí, y un cuchillo en forma de oz.

—Yo prefiero el azul —aclaró el hombre de la máscara con simpleza. De un movimiento de su muñeca cerró la recamara de su arma, ya cargada—. Pero también tengo uno de estos, si le sirve de algo.

Llevó su otra mano libre hacia su espalda, por debajo de la gabardina, y extrajo de aquel sitio un objeto, mismo que alzó en alto para que pudiera verlo. Era justo como los rumores decían, y como la sierva había descrito: un cuchillo grande, o una guadaña pequeña. Algo similar a una herramienta de cultivo, pero por su diseño era claro que esa en específico no había sido creada con ningún fin similar a ese.

—Bien, cómo sea —masculló Klauss con seriedad—. Cráneo, o cualquiera que sea tu nombre real, estás bajo arresto por el asesinato del Barón Karl Montallo, y de al menos otras diez personas en los que se te implica. Si vienes conmigo sin oponer resistencia, eso hablará bien de ti, y te podré ayudar a conseguir un trato que te libre de la horca.

—Es una propuesta muy amable, detective —respondió el Cráneo, apacible—. Pero se equivoca: yo no maté al Barón Montallo.

—No digas tonterías —le reprendió Klauss—. Sabemos que fuiste tú, tenemos a una testigo que te reconoció, y sabes que es cierto. No estarías aquí si no fuera así.

—¿Y está seguro de lo que su testigo vio? —soltó de pronto el hombre de la máscara, tomando un poco por sorpresa al oficial. ¿A qué se refería con eso?

Aquella pregunta apenas estaba tomando forma en la cabeza del Lycanis, cuando se vio forzado a tener dejarla de lado y reaccionar, pues aquel individuo acababa de alzar el arma de fuego directo en su dirección. Klauss saltó rápidamente, hacia un lado, esquivando el disparo por los pelos, y comenzó a moverse rápidamente alrededor para evitar ponerse de nuevo en su línea de tiro.

«Por la manera en la que disparó a los otros, tiene que ser un Nosferatis» concluyó mientras seguía moviéndose entre los árboles.

Cráneo se quedó de pie en su lugar, girando lentamente su brazo en la dirección por la que Klauss se movía. Se atrevió a dar dos disparos más, pero el primero impactó contra un tronco, y el segundo cruzó el aire en el espacio en donde Klauss había pasado a gran velocidad.

Klauss sigui�� moviéndose a su alrededor, hasta colocarse detrás de él. Cuando estuvo en la posición correcta, giró sobre sus patas traseras, y se impulsó con fuerza hacia adelante en contra de su atacante por la espalda. Él se giró sobre su hombro a mirarlo de reojo, pero Klauss estuvo seguro de que ya lo tenía. No había forma de que lo esquivara…

¿…O sí?

Antes de que sus patas pudieran tocarlo, para su sorpresa Cráneo desapareció de un parpadeo a otro de su posición. Por el rabillo del ojo, pudo notar como se había lanzado hacia su diestra, dando un largo salto y una maroma en el aire, esquivándolo. Pero mientras se encontraba suspendido en el aire dando su giro, al mismo tiempo había aprovechado para estirar su mano con la que sujetaba su chillo en su dirección.

Klauss se ladeó intentando esquivar el peligroso filo, aunque igual éste terminó alcanzándolo en su hombro derecho. Por suerte fue sólo una herida superficial, de la que apenas surgió sangre, y la adrenalina se encargó de opacar cualquier ápice de dolor.

«¿Cómo puede moverse con tanta agilidad? ¿No es un Nosferatis?»

Quizás era uno más atlético de lo normal. Pero, ¿tanto como para igualar su velocidad?

Tras esquivar, Cráneo cayó de pie contra la tierra con asombrosa precisión en su salto. No se había incorporado de nuevo, cuando volvió a alzar su arma al frente y dar un disparo más que obligó a Klauss a reaccionar y marcar más distancia entre ellos. Fue evidente para el lobo que esa había sido su intención y no herirlo de verdad, pues esa distancia le permitió a Cráneo retroceder rápidamente con libertad, internándose entre las sombras.

Klauss se paró firme, y alzó su rostro, olfateando el aire. De nuevo, a él sólo llegó el aroma natural del bosque, junto con el de la pólvora y la sangre de los caídos, pero nada más. Seguía sin poder captar el olor de aquel individuo. Y ahora que había desaparecido de su vista, no podía ubicarlo con seguridad a su alrededor.

«Su gabardina debe estar impregnada con una esencia que se mezcla con el aroma natural de estos árboles».

Era una idea un poco descabellada, pero no se le ocurría alguna otra. Y tampoco podía detenerse mucho a buscarla, pues ese maldito estaba ahí a su alrededor, listo para atacarlo y acabar con él a la primera oportunidad.

Tenía que estar alerta.

—Detective —resonó la voz del asesino de golpe, haciendo que Klauss se sobresaltara, mirando atento a todas direcciones, pues no logró identificar de dónde venía con exactitud. Era casi como un eco que resonaba y vibraba entre los árboles—. ¿No cree que ya han muerto suficientes personas por este asunto tan irrelevante? ¿Por qué no considera simplemente entregarnos a la sierva? De esa forma usted y sus compañeros podrán irse tranquilos a proteger a los buenos ciudadanos de CourtRaven que sí necesitan de ustedes.

—¿Y en serio quieres que crea que nos dejarás ir sin más? —exclamó Klauss en alto con escepticismo.

—No soy un monstruo, detective —aclaró la misma voz, de nuevo resonando desde ninguna dirección específica—. A diferencia de lo que puede llegar a pensar, no encuentro placer en matar a aquellos a los que no necesito hacerlo. Pero no puedo decir lo mismo de él.

—¿Él? —murmuró Klauss, confundido.

No era la primera vez que hacía mención a otro individuo; dijo algo parecido al justificar por qué mataba al último de los secuaces. ¿Se refería a Karllone? Eso fue lo primero que Klauss pensó. Sin embargo, la siguiente advertencia que surgió de los labios del Cráneo, lo dejó helado, y le dejó claro además que no se trataba de eso.

—Si deja que él haga lo que quiera, nadie saldrá de esa casa con vida.

«¿La casa?» pensó azorado.

Su cerebro no tardó mucho en procesar aquello y entender a qué se refería. Se giró rápidamente en sus cuatro patas, y miró en dirección a la casa de campo.

FIN DEL CAPÍTULO 11