The Hunters

Emma was still awake when her wristwatch displayed the early morning hour of two a.m. She often had bouts of insomnia, especially when she was away from home. She walked out into the common room, but unlike her, everyone else was sleeping soundly. Vic was snoring loudly, and the smell of sandalwood was brimming from underneath the door of Jess’s room. Emma decided to go for a walk around the castle to cure this inconvenience. She grabbed her gun, put on a sweater over her tank top, through on some sweat pants and sneakers, and headed out the door. The castle was quiet, and the silence brought her some comfort. At home, she often woke up early, soaking in the sunrise while she walked three blocks to get some chai tea. No one was around, and the silence of the world wrapped around her like a warm blanket.

She rounded corridors and walked up staircases, until she came to the entrance of the Astronomy Tower. The entrance was above her. As soon as she looked at the wooden sign marking the room, a ladder majestically unfolded, giving her entrance to the tower. As she started up the steps, she froze. That smell, she thought. She removed the semiautomatic gun from her hip holster and pulled back on the slide. She was trained to be ready for any situation. This was the main reason she always carried her gun, even while she was sleeping. She slowly continued upwards, the smell becoming stronger. She gently pushed open the door, paused, and aimed her gun at the shadow coming from a large armchair. The man sitting by the window spat out his tea in surprise.

“My dear, I really don’t think I need to be shot.” The man wiped his mouth on his sleeve and put down his mug.

“You smell of wolfsbane. You’re a werewolf!” Emma still had the gun level with his head. She was shaking. Her thoughts flashed back to the rookie she had trained. She saw him lying on the ground, covered in blood. The distortion of his body ripped through her thoughts like a serrated knife.

“Correct. I do smell of wolfsbane, but the full moon was last week. Why, your scent is almost better then mine.” He smiled and stood up slowly, without making too many sudden movements. He displayed his empty hands at his sides for Emma to see, and smiled.

“My name is Remus Lupin. I’m here helping the Order. You must be Emma. I’ve heard many good things about you. Now.” Remus extended his left hand. “Do you think you can put that gun down?” Emma shook her head in agreement as she returned her gun to the safety position. Looking horribly embarrassed, she returned it to its holster.

“I’m sorry. I don’t meet many werewolves that aren’t wanted for murder. It's instinct to pull my side arm. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You seem to be the one that’s upset, or maybe that’s the lack of sleep. I don’t get much myself.” He could sense her lack of energy, not to mention see the dark circles under her eyes. He picked up a second mug that was on the window sill.

“Tea?”

“Yes, that would be wonderful.” Emma walked over and sat down in a second chair. I guess I’m just a bit edgy, she thought. Her mind flashed back to the wolf that killed Gray. She would never forget his face. A respected man among the community, who often volunteered to help at elementary schools. Little did the public know he was a blood thirsty beast. A shiver ran down her spine as she was handed a warm mug.

“This is chamomile. It should help you calm down. You know, I’ve met a lot of people that don’t like what I am, but you’re the first to point a gun at my head.”

“Yeah, well, a werewolf killed one of the hunters working for me. It was really messy, and he was just a rookie.” Emma gazed up to the ceiling, creating an awkward silence. She had always hated introductions and first impressions, because she didn’t ease well into either.

“Anyway, Remus was it?”

“Yes. My full name is Remus J. Lupin. I was a teacher here, until word got about my condition. But things have toned down, and Albus called me here to meet you and your crew. Now.” He waved his wand, levitating the cream and sugar toward her. “I hear that you are quite gifted with wandless magic.”

Emma blushed as the condiments rested on the side table next to her chair. She wasn’t one to be overly vain about her talents, even with the many awards and job offers she had received. She had declined the newspapers on numerous occasions, who wanted to run a story about her and her work. She was humble about it, dismissing the reporters every time. Truth was, she felt there was enough negative press in the world, and she didn't want to add to it.

“Yeah, that’s what they tell me.”

“Well, you certainly told Snape, or so I hear. That snake needs a good scare every once and a while.”

“You’re not all that fond of him, are you?”

“That’s one way of putting it. We go way back. My friends and I made his days here as a student more miserable then they already were. Sometimes I’m sorry about it, but you know, sometimes he really deserved it.”

“Yeah. He wasn’t the most pleasant guy I’d ever met. I guess talent doesn’t always go hand in hand with charm.” Emma fixed her tea, and then waved her hand. The cream and sugar floated calmly back to Remus, resting gracefully on the window sill.

“Tell me, how much do you know about the Death Eaters?” Emma questioned. Remus stood and walked over to the window. He stared out to the sky, as if trying to find one particular star. He remained silent for a few moments, memories flooding into his mind, but no words to describe them. The images of the Potters' graves came to him, and the funeral that never attended because of the full moon. Regret was a heavy weight that would always fall on his shoulders. Finally, he drew a deep breath and recounted the deaths of James and Lilly Potter, as well as Sirius Black.

“They killed my best friends. Death Eaters are cruel and vicious, but make no mistake. They are extremely cunning. I have no doubt they’ve already received word that you and your friends are here. You should be careful, and take care when outside of this castle.”

“Well, that’s no surprise. But I think I’ll be ok.” Emma looked up to Remus, and a single tear was trailing down his face. She walked over beside him, resting her right hand on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry for all of your loss. Look at it this way. With a group of bounty hunters on your side who’ve never missed a kill, I think you’ll be all right.”

“Well, that is reassuring. Albus wants to meet before breakfast. I think we’re going into Hogsmeade to do some snooping.” Remus slightly bent down and kissed her cheek. “Goodnight, Emma. I’ll see you tomorrow, minus the intent to kill me.”

“Yeah, tomorrow.” Remus walked out of the room and down the stairs. Emma was again left alone with her thoughts, although now they seemed lifted.

The corridors were dark and dank. Dampness clung to air, thick like a bad memory that can never be forgotten. Puddles of water collected on the dirt floor, the stone walls infested with mold. The tall blonde man walked through the candle lit corridor until he came to a giant cedar door. Before he could knock, a bold voice commanded him to enter.

“My Lord, how are you feeling this day?” The man at the desk was intensely focused on the letter he was writing. Slightly annoyed, he placed his quill into the jar of ink.

“Fair. The air here is damp, but I enjoy the comfort of dungeons.” His back was still turned as the guest seated himself in an armchair. “Any news?”

“Yes. The reports are confirmed. She is here to find you and assassinate you.” The man at the desk spun around quickly in his chair and aimed his wand. Screaming in agony, the blonde man fell backwards over the black leather chair.

“Lucius, why must you tell me things I already know?” He walked over to Lucius, towering over him in a dominant stance. He aimed his wand down, aiming for another curse. “I have so much hope for you Malfoy. Why must you disappoint me?”

“I am deeply sorry if I upset you, your lordship. If you would like, I can have Severus investigate. I understand he will be near her while she is at Hogwarts.” He hoped that this suggestion would redeem his honor.

“So be it. Now, leave me.” Lucius placed the chair upright and bowed, never turning his back as he left the room.

The sunrise awoke Emma and she let out a groan. Mornings, she thought, I hate mornings. After her talk with Remus, she had managed to get a few hours of sleep, but not nearly as much as she needed. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she found her robe and walked out into the common room. Everyone was already awake and dressed. Heath and Jess were preparing some herbs, while Briggs was cleaning his assault rifle. Vic wandered over to Emma with a smile and a hot mug.

“Do you want some tea? There’s no coffee.” Vic handed her the mug. Steam trailed from the top of it, releasing the scent of jasmine. The scent peaked Emma's senses.

“Thanks. I need it.” She wasn't human until she had her coffee, or at least awake enough to act like one. Slightly disappointed at the fact that this was tea, she reminded herself that is was the caffeine that mattered. Emma sat down on one of the plush blue arm chairs and lit a cigarette while glancing at the giant grandfather clock. She still had a few minutes before she had to function fully. Just as she was finally sipping her tea, an owl flew in the window and landed on the coffee table. She not only managed to burn herself with her cigarette, but drenched herself in hot liquid as well.

“God damn it!”

“It’s for you,” laughed Vic, as he handed her the letter. She looked at him with evil eyes. His sense of humor was always a little off, and he didn't mind having a chuckle at someone else’s expense. Emma held the envelope. A feeling of tension raced down her spine. For some reason, this seal gave her a sense of negativity. She traced the lines that graced the edges, a beautiful gold embossment with entwining hues of deep green. The seal on the back was a beautiful cursive ‘M’. Opening the envelope, she took a deep breath and removed the contents. Noticing that she looked worried, Vic called the others over for support.

“Well, what is it?” Emma waved her hand to shoo Vic away as she unfolded the parchment.

Dear Miss Marchbanks,

Please let me introduce myself to you. I am Lucius Malfoy, and I am pleased to hear that you have returned to England for a short time. I want to extend my hospitality to you by inviting you to a ball that I am having at my manor. Please feel free to bring one guest. I cannot wait to talk with you about your linage, which, as I have been informed, is quite impressive.

Lucius Malfoy

Emma sat in silence. She knew the name, oh yes, but only as a term of slander and mistrust. Why was he so interested in her? Well, she laughed to herself. That's no surprise. He wants to be first in line to kill me.

“Earth to Emma?” Vic comically waved his hand in front of her face. She pulled the lit cigarette from his lips and began to smoke it. Laying the parchment on the table, she looked up to everyone as they gathered around her.

“Boys and girls, this is our first official death threat.”

“Hold on, wait one minute. We’ve been here just less than twenty-four hours and we’re getting death threats?” Heath started to pace uneasily in front of the fire place. He was clasping his hands and beginning to sweat.

“Now, come on Heath. It’s all right.” Emma assured him, her voice slightly laced with sarcasm. “It was more directed at me then you.”

“And that makes it all right?” Heath questioned, his voice cracking in panic. He would never admit it, but he worried exhaustingly over Emma. She had taken the time to train him on magic, and even managed to help him accomplish a few basic potions. Jess walked over to observe the letter for herself. She closed her eyes and used her healer's intuition to see more then the written words.

“Emma, I’ve heard all about the Malfoy’s from my grandparents. They’re evil, more so then most people out there. And rumor has it that Lucius Malfoy is Voldemort’s right hand man.” Jess placed the letter back on the table, eager to release the feelings of hate she had felt from it. She sat on the floor, palms face down, grounding the negative energy running through her body.

“I know Jess. My great-great-great aunt already filled me in. I also have a fairly thick file on him back at the office. He’s a well to do wizard with lots of money and influence. It seems he gets his way through intimidation and threat. At most, we need to take this to the meeting this morning. I have a feeling that Professor Snape will have the information we need.”

Briggs tapped at his watch. He hated being late, and knew that would happen if they didn't get moving.

“Speaking of the meeting, we’re going to be late.” He playfully lifted Emma from her seat.

Taking the hint, she ran off to her room. Five minutes later she appeared dressed and ready. She chose something a little less bounty hunter, and little more laid back. She paired a pink mohair sweater with blue jeans, a belly holster and gun, and a pair of combat boots. Her hair was tied back in a long braid, the way she always wore it.

“Ok, let’s go.” And with that, the crew wondered from their chambers toward the headmaster’s quarters.