32

Chapter 32: Misfire

"I'm sorry, Mr. Malfoy, but I assure you we goblins have not made a single mistake." Gornuk told the man evenly.

Lucius sighed in exasperation. Altair was the only possible explanation for why he was now unable to grant guest access to others, but did he really want to tell the goblins this?

Narcissa gently nudged her husband on the arm. "If Lordship were transferred over to another relative, we would have been informed of it, correct?"

Gornuk eyed the extremely ruffled witch with unguarded suspicion. "If he or she had no objections to such public exposure, then that would indeed be proper procedure."

Narcissa frowned at his comment. It was plain that all three understood each other perfectly well, yet none were comfortable enough to speak of the matter at hand.

"Gornuk," Lucius said in an insincere softer tone which he usually reserved for Draco, "Have you spoken to this new Head? Do you know his motivations for restricting guest access? I have learned that I can still access all my vaults, and yet, if there were something he did not wish others to see, my access would have also been revoked."

"I cannot say." Gornuk said obstinately, causing Narcissa to grow angrier. When Narcissa looked about to hex his head off, they heard an opportune shout from the other side of the room. "Griphook!" Gornuk exclaimed with surprise. "I was just about to tell these people that-"

But Griphook firmly ignored him, only having eyes to regard Narcissa appraisingly. "Back again, Misses?" he asked somewhat mockingly. Lucius shot a quick look at his wife. "Gornuk," he said assertively, not taking his eyes from the couple, "I believe I can assist them from here, thank you."

Gornuk seemed relieved to hear these words for he quickly scurried away.

"Good luck, Griphook." he threw over his shoulder before cackling to himself.

Again, the second goblin ignored him. "Right this way if you please, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy. This is a matter best heard by as few ears as possible..."

.oOo.

Griphook purposefully lead them through a back hallway, making several turns before he was satisfied they were in far enough. The deeper they went inside the labyrinth that was Gringott's bank, the colder the air seemed to become. Out of the corner of his mouth, Lucius hissed- "Again?" in reference to Griphook's greeting. Narcissa was stark in the face, too surprised to even purse her lips. She gave him an imperceptible nod.

"Right." Griphook announced gruffly, "Here we are, Private Room 119. Stand back!" Pressing his scaly hand against a sensor on the door, Griphook extracted a key from his pocket and fit it inside the lock. With a click, the door swung open to allow the three entry. "Have a seat." Griphook said needlessly, gesturing for the two to sit across him at a low glass table. "I have all the necessary documents and files still here."

Lucius' eyebrows rose sharply at the use of still. "You mean...you have spoken with him recently?" he asked sharply.

Griphook nodded, taking a folder from the drawer and placing it openly between them. "A few days ago, in fact. Early in the morning or extremely late at night, your pick."

Lucius tried not to gape. The timing was perfect, too perfect...

"Griphook," Narcissa said tentatively. She had never called the goblins by their names before, and so wasn't sure if it was considered polite or impolitely personal. "We don't understand what's going on."

Griphook gave her a toothy smile. "Then I am doing my job correctly." he said cryptically. "Allow me to enlighten you. You had submitted a request for Albus Dumbledore to access your vaults, correct? But this request was denied. This could mean one of two things. Either, we made a mistake or you are not the head of the Black family, and I assure you it was not the former."

Silence reigned as the both Malfoys sat digesting this information.

"But there is only one lineage!" Lucius protested eventually. "I have looked at the Black family tree and have ascertained that Altair can't possibly be the sole heir. If anything, the heir would be Sirius Black, but he was disowned ages ago."

"Then what could this mean?" Griphook wondered with glee. "If not you then who? You have already learned that Altair is the one in control of the ancestral vaults."

"But it isn't possible for Altair—the man has already been pronounced dead!" Narcissa said.

"Ahh, but not everything works in ways of wizard documents and signatures, Mrs. Malfoy. The situation is complicated, I assure you, but well worth the entertainment." Griphook lectured as if to two small children. "You think we goblins do not have allegiances. We have allegiances to those who are loyal to us. Just think, by the end of this war, I shall have the sword of Godric Gryffindor hanging in our halls once more. The Light has greatly wronged us by stripping us of our rights, but we don't pretend that the Dark will treat us any better. Therefore, we make little connections. Smaller ones. We work between the workings. Goblin law is not the same as Human law."

"So who is this heir?" Lucius pressed. "And how?"

Griphook's eyes gleamed with uncontained excitement. "I cannot tell you who, for I have sworn an oath never to reveal that fact. But I think you are on the right track with How. Think: Is there someone or something which connects Altair, Sirius, and perhaps even yourself? Think of the family tree. Think of the lines..."

Lucius shut his eyes, trying to recall the Black Family Tree at Grimmauld Place. Yes, there was Altair, but was there a shoot off of his name? Where was Hasan? Were they even blood relatives? And Sirius? He was childless! The only possible relation he had was his godson Harry Potter, and the boy was bloody missing! Was that a dead end or the answer? And how did that even connect to him? He had Draco...a missing past with Altair...

"The sword of Godric Gryffindor?" Narcissa questioned sharply. "But isn't that in the headmaster's possession? Do you mean to say that the Headmaster has bought your loyalties?"

"Do not jump to so hasty a conclusion." Griphook said heatedly. "I am loyal to the messenger not the keeper."

...the sword of Gryffindor...the sword...the dagger. Lucius's eyes snapped open. The Malfoy family dagger...Hasan.

"The Head of the Black family is Hasan Castell!" Lucius exclaimed suddenly.

Narcissa gaped at him. "Surely not that little boy! He's but Draco's age!"

"Ah, but Goblin law, Mrs. Malfoy!" Griphook said, smiling proudly. "Altair's son, backed by an unconsummated adoption proposal by your family...need I say more?" Griphook asked. "It's complicated indeed, but since he is still a minor, Altair has seen fit to take over his finances. However it is important to note that there are no age restrictions to who maintains power over ancestral vaults."

"DRACO!" Narcissa gasped at once, as if a sudden realization had hit her literally in the chest. "Have we thrown away his only inheritance?" If Hasan was Lord Black, it meant that he trumped over Draco for the Lordship...her thought was that Hasan had also claimed the inheritance set aside for Draco.

"I repeat, do not jump to hasty conclusions! You only worry yourself, Mrs. Malfoy. Not only is the adoption ceremony not complete, but because it is initiated through the dagger, it is a connection of necessity and safety as opposed to a continuation of a line. In other words, Draco, your biological son, will assume the mantle of Lord Malfoy, not Hasan. Hasan will, however, benefit politically from having your family associated with him. In case of emergency, you would also be solely responsible for his welfare. Like I said, in Human Law, Altair Castell is dead. If something were to happen, you would be for all intents and purposes his caretaker. Yet, in Goblin Law, the rights transfer to the young Castell. Fascinating, yes?"

Lucius pressed a hand to his forehead. This was all so confusing- Altair was acting on behalf of Hasan who was not blood-related to either Lucius or Altair...but wouldn't Harry Potter, head of the Potter line and godson of Sirius Black have just as much weight riding on him? Why was the icon being ignored? Was it for the fact that Harry Potter was truly dead?

"So why deny Albus access to the vaults and not us?" Narcissa enquired. "They belong to Hasan now, do they not?"

Griphook grinned, "Technically, you do not have access to all the vaults. There is one which is only accessible to the Castell family. Vault 7765. What's in it? I can't say. Do I know what's in it? Not at all."

"What I don't understand," Lucius began picking up steam, "is why we're disregarding Harry Potter in all of this. We speak of Altair because he's relevant to this mess, but Sirius Black was asked by Albus to send in his own request as well. If anything, this indicates that Black comes immediately after us in terms of rank. If I am not Lord Black, if Draco is in the Goblin's eyes usurped by Hasan, and if Sirius Black is not Lord Black, then wouldn't the progression naturally go to Harry Potter? Not Hasan Castell?"

"Good deduction skills, Mr. Malfoy." Griphook said tonelessly, "But I have already told you that Hasan Castell is Lord Black."

"But you do not deny that Harry Potter would be the natural heir?"

"Deny? No." Griphook said at last. "But I am curious as to why you still look like you're thinking about it. Are all humans so funny as to search for answers when the answer has already been given?"

Narcissa shot the goblin a glare. She didn't like the condescension with which he spoke to her and her husband.

"I don't mean offense," the goblin continued as if sensing her seething attitude, (he had practice from dealing with dragons), "I am just remarking a quirk of the human race. But suit yourself. If you must have something to think about, think about this: what do Hasan Castell and Harry Potter have in common? Come back when you have the answer."

.oOo.

Defense Against the Dark Arts class ended uneventfully with Barty lecturing them on the importance of public appearance. Not that Hasan was extremely egotistical, but he couldn't help but think the entire lecture was about him. It froze him to the core to entertain the idea that Barty Crouch Junior knew who he was! All this crap about deceptive appearances, spells, charms, potions, or otherwise- such as simply having two different personalities- felt horribly mocking. Barty was dangling his own hidden identity in front of the unsuspecting class just as much as he was taunting Hasan about his. Of course the man had to be thinking of Hasan, right? Especially when he glared at the jade-eyed boy from time to time, although that very well could have been from the knowledge that Hasan had robbed him of his snake...regardless, Hasan was not very happy as he left the class for Care of Magical Creatures. He trusted Snape to keep him safe for the time being, but what would happen when Barty decided to strike? Snape had to keep up his appearance too. As Hasan trudged down to the field, he vaguely noticed that Draco had not come with him...

.oOo.

Defense Against the Dark Arts class ended uneventfully with Barty lecturing them on the importance of public appearance. Not that Draco was extremely egotistical, but he couldn't help but think the entire lecture was about him. Draco glared at the man throughout the entire period, angry because the man was needlessly endangering them both for a good laugh. The man's eyes were twinkling with Dumbledore-like creepiness, so much so that Draco wondered why Barty didn't other bursting out in full-blown laughter. It would have been just as subtle.

As the rest of the class filtered out, Barty nonchalantly stepped in front of his desk, casting a shadow over him.

"That was foolish." Barty remarked gruffly when it was only the two of them left in the room.

Draco snorted, not appreciating his interference at all. "Me? You practically gave yourself away with that little speech."

"And who would suspect?" Barty challenged, "Meanwhile, Draco Malfoy, suspected Death Eater spawn, can't take his eyes off his Defense instructor. One would think you were plotting the great Mad-Eye Moody's demise, or worse, using his information in your latest scheme."

"Well aren't I?" Draco replied forcefully, shoving his books none too gently in his bag.

"Yes, I suppose you are." Barty admitted somehow amused, "but not very well. I give you one task, boy, to blend in, and all I see is unease amongst the entire Slytherin house. I don't suppose you actually made progress in your task?"

Draco glared at him. Moody's electric blue eye glared back.

"This isn't a joke, boy! I have gathered from tidbits dropped around the staff room that Dumbledore is taking a trip out of the castle within the week and do you know what that means? Do you? That means we're taking a little trip ourselves to the Dark Lord! And if you don't have anything useful to give him then we better both start digging our graves!"

The boy paled drastically as Barty gave him a rough shake. "Do you understand me? This whole class I have tried to pound into your brain that the most dangerous enemies are the ones seen and ignored! You, boy, are being seen and watched and the disharmony within your house only adds to that. Heed my advice because whether you like it or not your reputation will be the deciding factor in your fate. Blend in. Get information. Deliver it."

Draco's expression became stony. "I don't take orders from you!" he spat.

"Why you little-!" Barty flung his wand between them just as an owl bolted into the room. Barty lowered his wand. "We'll have to do this again sometime, but right now your Aunt Bellatrix needs to see you."

"What-?" Draco asked, completely taken aback. What did Bellatrix have to do with anything. As if seeing the confusion on his face Barty explained.

"She's been on my case to allow you to see her. Something about support for your first task."

"My Aunt Bella is here? At HOGWARTS?" Draco cried.

"No, you daft boy! We're going to the forbidden forest," Barty growled, "Now hurry up before your aunt hexes me for being late."

It took approximately ten minutes for the two to stroll unnoticed out of the castle. They almost had a run-in with Filch, but a quick notice-me-not charm took care of that. Draco wasn't sure about this Barty person anymore. One second he was yelling at Draco for being too anti-social, the next they were sneaking out of the school like old chums. He supposed they were technically on the same side of the war now, but he was beginning to understand that sometimes sides of war and the people in the war were two different things.

They arrived out of breath a half-mile into the forbidden forest, far enough from the Care of Magical Creatures class that Sirius Black's booming voice couldn't be heard. Bellatrix was waiting for them, posed against a tree with a dazzling smile on her face.

"My baby nephew!" she crooned, smothering Draco in a perfume-laced hug. "Oh! How I missed you!...Barty," she greeted her ex-cell-neighbor. "What took so long?"

"We were having a chat." Barty supplied before Draco could say anything.

"About the meeting I presume."

"Yeah." Draco said uncomfortably.

"How exciting!" Bellatrix continued. "I remember my first task! He was so pleased with me I couldn't stop hexing people for a week!"

Draco frowned. "Don't take this the wrong way, but Aunt Bella, what are you doing here? Aren't there wards? What if you're caught?"

"Wards? Only at the edge of the forest." Bellatrix explained with a twirl of her black hair. "And they're weaker now anyway to allow for long distance apparition closer to the school. I hear Dumbledore has been taking a few trips outside the castle."

"That's what I said," Barty snorted.

"And as to why I'm here? I thought that would be obvious, Draco. I'm here to see you of course! Your mother and father would have wanted to before your first meeting with the Dark Lord, but as they're tied up in Gringotts business I have come in their stead...Although, they don't know that." she added as an afterthought. "So how has your task been going? Have you made good progress? Oooh, he'll be pleased to hear that."

"I believe it's going well." Draco reported with an arrogant air.

"Well? The boy has effectively ostracized his friends, cutting off any important information!" Barty cut in irritated.

"I'm sure that won't be hard to fix. Buy them some sweets for the poor babies." Bella said sweetly. "Besides, people can't tell you half as much as good observation will."

"There's nothing to fix!" Draco protested, "Just because you're at the school Professor Moody doesn't mean you see everything."

"Really? Try me?" and Moody's magical eye buzzed in challenge.

Draco was about to open his mouth to shout something- anything- to make the man shut up, but luckily Bellatrix interrupted.

"You're an all-around lucky little boy." Bellatrix remarked, "You know you were born at just the right time. Imagine if your task goes well. The Dark Lord will return to his full and former glory and you will rise with him!"

"His resurrection is almost complete?" Barty exclaimed in surprise. Being at Hogwarts had caused him to lag in Voldemort's status updates.

"Yes! Our Lord needs only a few more essential ingredients and his body will be remade!" Bellatrix smiled. "Blood of a servant, blood of an enemy, bone of a father...it will be glorious! And you, Draco, you will be the pride of our whole family. Can you imagine it? All the glory? His resurrection will mark the new age of His regime. We only have to be patient."

Bellatrix laughed to the sky as Barty cackled against a tree. But Draco wasn't seeing how horrible they looked or how insane they acted. All Draco could see was the power of a fully resurrected Dark Lord with himself as a member of the new inner circle. He could imagine being the pride of his mother and father, the dignified and righteous heir of the Malfoy family. Did his stomach still churn? Did he have any doubts?

Only those that were mixed with illusions.

.oOo.

Minerva McGonagall's face darkened as Filius recounted the events of the last Dueling Club. The two were alone in the staff room and a warm fire was burning in the hearth.

"It was unbelievable. I would never have expected it from a Slytherin!"

"Aren't Miss Lovegood and Mr. Castell close friends, though?" Minerva questioned. "Not that Slytherins can't feel, but they are notorious for their sense of House Loyalty."

"Yes, I suppose," Flitwick said, too excited about the event to have actually considered what she said. "It was just a shock was all. It seemed too Gryffindorish if you ask me."

Minerva frowned. A Slytherin acting as a Gryffindor? Then where did that leave Neville?

"And Neville?" she asked. "He actually aimed for Miss Lovegood?"

Flitwick seemed to know where she was going and sighed. "In Mr. Longbottom's defense, it was a game of the last survivor."

"Last man standing is how the muggles say it."

"Yes, that. Well, he was only playing the game."

"But morally, don't you think there is something wrong with the way he attacked an innocent bystander instead of the enemy in front of his face?"

"Minerva, morally I would have to agree with you. I don't understand it really." Flitwick whispered, "When Neville was a first year, he was always so shy in my class. Hardly speaking, you know. But then all this boy-who-lived business and...he's changed."

"I couldn't agree with you more." Minerva said triumphantly. "How was Moody's reaction, if I may ask?"

Flitwick thought back to the night of the dueling club. "Disappointed almost. You know how Moody always works front to back. I don't think he appreciated the Slytherin-like way Neville tried to eliminate Miss Lovegood."

"Do you think that Neville knew how Hasan would react?"

"Well, they were friends, Neville and Hasan...they were all found outside the girls' bathroom last year...come to think of it I don't even think I saw young Mr. Malfoy at the club!"

"You mean he was left alone for an entire night?" Minerva asked sharply. "The entire school was practically at the club!"

"The club is not mandatory." Flitwick said defensively, "And I hope you are not letting House prejudices get in the way of your judgment."

Minerva sniffed. "Of course not. I'm only saying that it's suspicious. And I do hope that Albus will stop meddling in the affairs of others. I know for a fact that Augusta would never raise her son to pick on the weak."

"Like I said," Flitwick said, "there we agree."

.oOo.

Dinner, as it was oft to do, came rolling around again at 6pm sharp. Hasan sat down, still in the throes of speculation, for he had noticed that Draco had mysteriously disappeared before Care of Magical Creatures. What could have taken him so long if not a nice chat with Barty Crouch Jr. the Death Eater? Well, it wasn't as if Draco had tried to kill him...yet, and "Moody" couldn't do much now because it was still in the middle of the school year. Right? Hasan sighed as the food magically popped onto the table.

"Hey, Hasan. You look a little down." Tracey said. "Is everything okay?"

"Oh? What? Yeah..." Hasan said. "Sorry, I was lost in thought." the jade eyed boy looked down at his lap a moment before making eye contact with the Slytherin girl. "How are you doing, Tracey?"

Though not used to Hasan being particularly rude, she was pleasantly surprised that he had enquired after her.

"I'm doing good, I think. I just have this Charms Test that's literally killing me right now!"

"I know, right?" Daphne agreed, suddenly appearing at Hasan's side. "Ah, mashed potatoes, my favorite! Hey, Hasan, do you know where Neville went to? I borrowed a quill from him and I was going to give it back, but then he went off with Ginny somewhere."

"Neville?" Hasan asked startled. He hadn't even talked to the boy since the beginning of school really...

"Yeah, aren't you guys friends?" Daphne asked. "Oh, never mind I see him...and Ginny's with him too. Give me a second."

As Daphne went to return Neville's quill, Hasan was left wondering if Neville really was a friend, because if Neville wasn't a friend and Draco wasn't a friend, then was Hasan friendless? He had Luna, Tracey, Daphne, Hermione,...but there was something significant about Neville and Draco after the Chamber incident. (To be fair, Luna was there too, but the experience had improved their relationship instead of damaging it so he wasn't really focused on her.)

It was Draco that had suddenly changed- not that it was his fault. And Neville? Hasan whole-heartedly blamed Dumbledore for his sickening metamorphosis. And what about Hasan? Wasn't he greatly changed after learning about what Altair had done to him?

And what did this mean? Were their bodies not their own? Were they simply little puppets, little impressionable lives formed by a more powerful generation?

"Hasan, you look upset again." Tracey said with a frown. "What's on your mind?"

Hasan was about to say nothing, because really he didn't feel like talking about it, when he noticed Draco enter the Great Hall with Theo and Hermione. Hasan felt something akin to jealousy bubble in his stomach, because how could Hermione- someone so different- be allowed to walk (nearly) side-by-side with Draco when he couldn't?

"Draco's here." he mumbled quietly as he loaded his plate. Luckily, Tracey was too distracted by the newcomers to press on with her therapy session.

Soon, Hermione, Theo, Draco, Daphne, Tracey, and Hasan were packed into the Slytherin table. But what was odd was that Draco was the one doing most of the talking.

"How are you doing?...That Charms Test, huh?...Me too!..."

It was so different from the previous version of Malfoy that Hasan had to do a double take. Why was he being so... social all of a sudden? Hasan nearly jumped in his seat when his name was called.

"Hasan?

"-Yeah?"

"I was just wondering if you'd like to do with Potions Project with me." Draco looked at him imploringly, not trace of malice in his eyes.

"...but Snape just mentioned it! It isn't due till the end of the year!" Daphne exclaimed.

Draco gave Hasan a charming smile as he addressed her. "But a little extra research never hurt anyone."

Though he didn't directly call Hermione out, the girl perked up and readily agreed with him.

"Yeah, Hasan. That'll get your mind off things." Tracey said soothingly.

"Hmm...Yeah, why not?" Hasan said with a smile, though he was truly reluctant. It was so unfair of Draco to involve all of his friends in this. Oh, the power of peer pressure!

"What potion did you have in mind?" Hasan pressed on nonchalantly.

"I'm not sure yet, but I'm sure we'll think of something." Draco said with a smile. "Wow! I haven't felt this carefree in a long time. I guess now is as good as a time as any to apologize for being such an arse lately." He gave them all very seriously looks.

"Never thought I'd say it, but it's good to have you back Malfoy." Daphne said teasingly.

Hasan frowned at his plate. Suddenly, a loud ringing echoed throughout the room, causing everyone to look up at the staff table. Dumbledore stood erect in all his gloriousness, goblet of pumpkin juice in hand, with his other holding an oddly bent spoon.

"Excuse me, but may I please have all of your attentions?" His old voice rang out clear as a bell as he held the cup and spoon high for all to see. "Good! Now, I have a few announcements to make, but you will be back to your dinner in good time. First," he said, eyeing the room, "I would like to announce that the first Hogsmeade weekend for third years and up is coming soon and will be held on October 31st, so that you can enjoy Wizarding culture before the Halloween Feast! I request that all permission slips be turned in before October 20th to your Head of House. Please do not worry about security for Alastor Moody and Remus Lupin will act as your chaperones."

So, a Death Eater and a werewolf? Hasan thought dubiously. Not that he didn't like Lupin, but Dumbledore's sense of security and their sense of security was probably very different.

"Now as for the second order of business," Dumbledore began with his signature twinkle in his eye. "It has been decided by our staff members that Hogwarts will again host its annual Yule Ball to kick off the Winter Holidays!"

"Yule Ball?

"Yule Ball?"

"Yule Ball!"

"What's a Yule Ball?"

The murmurs were deafening. At just a hint of celebration, most of the student body began to talk uncontrollably, causing Minerva McGonagall to smile triumphantly. It was her idea, after all, that the school needed some cheering after two school emergencies.

"Quiet!" Albus shouted, "I know it's very exciting for many of you, but it may be daunting for the rest of us. If anyone is interested, a week before the Ball Professor McGonagall will be instructing a dance workshop. Dates or partners are not required, although encouraged to create bonds within the school. Thank you."

As soon as the old wizard sat back down with his funny spoon and silly goblet, the Great Hall exploded into sound once more.

"A Yule Ball!" Daphne exclaimed excitedly. "Oh! I remember my mother used to love those!"

"It'll be so fun!" Tracey added. "I don't know why they ever stopped."

"I'll have to get a date, you know." Daphne continued. "And a dress..."

Across the hall, Ginny could be heard shouting "OH NEVILLE!" Hasan almost felt sorry for the boy. But he was a little more concerned with his own matters. He guessed he had to ask Luna by propriety, but what if she rejected him? It wasn't bloody likely, but what if? Luna was a pretty girl and if boys felt pressured to ask out a girl, well then, she was a girl, wasn't she?

Hasan determined to ask her then and there, but a quick scan of the room revealed that Luna was nowhere in sight...Not for the first time, something in his gut told him something was wrong. Without really thinking about it, he stood up and fled.

.oOo.

The grounds outside were spotless and brittle. The cold causing the green little blades of grass to crunch under foot. It wasn't even November, yet the cold at night was undeniable. Why Hasan decided it would be a good idea to leave without a cloak, he had no idea. Why he thought Luna was outside now, when he had just seen her in Divination, he didn't know. What he did know was that Luna had at one point mentioned her intention to go out in the forest in her Animagus form, and if she had decided to do so before dinner and then been suddenly attacked, well it wasn't such a farfetched idea anymore.

"Luna?" he called. "Luna!" This was asinine! She couldn't hear him out here! "LUNA! LUNA IT'S HASAN!"

Merlin, why was it so bloody cold? He began shivering, wrapping his sparse wizards robes around himself. "LUNA!"

Just when he was about to turn back (just for a jacket, of course), he spotted a pale figure in the distance. Hasan squinted and as the figure approached, its ghostly luminance in stark contrast to the darkness outside. This was not safe. At all. Hasan gripped his wand tighter and curled it to his body. His shivers became jerks. He bit his lip. This was not looking so good. If that was the Dark Lord...or even a Death Eater...an enchanted being? A ghost? He was really ill prepared to take something down right now, even if he had all of Altair's training. If something were to go wrong, who would find him in the morning?

Mentally, he berated himself for not telling anyone where he was going. Shit! Shit! Shit!

"Luna?" he called again, softly this time. If that figure truly was Luna, then why wasn't she responding? Still, it seemed as if it were approaching...Hasan began to back up, but then, that didn't make any sense. How was he to see what it was if he kept retreating? Stealing his courage, he crept forward, slowly as to not cause a disturbance. When it was near enough, he whispered, "Lumos!" In an instant, her whole face lit up. The slight features, the interesting earrings which caught the light. "Oh, Luna! Thank goodness!"

His heart skipped a beat as he bounded towards her, not really questioning why she wasn't responding. As he put his arms around her freezing form, her heard- barely audible- her mumbling...something. He took his head from her shoulder and looked at her straight in the eye. She appeared to have a glaze over look, mouth moving, mumbling. Muttering what? Her unfocused gaze lead Hasan to believe the Inspiration had taken her again, so he felt safe enough to put his ear nearer.

"Returning right, half-love can restore what pain has taken. A half-path forms at midnight on the seventh moon. Yet immobile, many halves fail to reach a whole. The one...who knows...reaches a crossroads." Luna whispered each word carefully, like little chicks laid safely in a nest. Hasan didn't know what to make of it.

"Luna? Luna?" he shook her gently, knowing that he couldn't drag her back to the castle in this state. "Luna? Can you wake up? Luna...I'm really cold!"

He shook her again before sighing. This could take forever! Resolving to lead her back to the castle and maybe sneak her down to Snape's office, he grabbed her hand and began the trudge. But no sooner had he reached the castle doors, then the doors had flung open. Hasan, mouth agape, could only stare as none other than Severus Snape himself came rushing out of the building.

"Hasan!" the man breathed. "Miss Lovegood?"

"Severus, she's in a trance, we need to get her back to your-" Hasan stopped as he felt a slight tugging on his arm.

"Hasan? Oh, hm. What a nice dream! Hello Professor Snape!"

Hasan's face flamed as he imagined what the scene must look like to his professor.

"Get inside!" Snape yelled. "Now, it's freezing cold and neither of you had any sense to bring a cloak!"

Hasan let a smile crawl over his face. Was that worry he detected?

"What's happening, Hasan?" Luna asked. "When did you and the professor get here?"

"Just now. I'll explain later, okay Luna?"

The girl nodded as the three hastily retreated to the dungeons.

.oOo.

"I was out there because I realized Luna wasn't at dinner." Hasan answered.

"Then pray, Miss Lovegood, why were you out there?" Severus asked exasperatedly.

"I was looking for Shadow!" Luna replied with a smile. "He's a thestral who I talk with, but then the Inspiration must have got me..."

Inspir-? What? Severus turned sharply towards the boy, currently sipping hot chocolate on his couch. "What is she talking about, Mr. Castell?"

"Hasan."

"Fine, Hasan." Severus rolled his eyes. "What is this Inspiration? And Shadow?"

"Her Animagus is a horse, remember?" Hasan said. Severus gave him a look which said 'How the bloody hell was I supposed to get that from her nonsense?'

"And the Inspiration?"

Hasan glanced uneasily at Luna. "I'm not sure how to describe it." Hasan began.

"Well, professor, it's sort of like visions." Luna chimed in. "But I'm not a seer. See, it's like I get hints from the universe. A little tugging her and there, and when it's over I can't fully remember anything, or at least I'm not sure what I was supposed to learn from it."

Severus' lips pressed into a frown. So this was why Hasan gravitated towards the innocent and seemingly normal girl. It was because she wasn't really normal. And again, Severus wondered why the universe hated him. He was never going to rest again with these two together.

"I see. Did you know that you were forbidden to go into the forbidden forest?"

"But Professor Moody does it all the time!" Luna protested.

"He- what?" Severus hissed.

"Yes, today Shadow told me that a strange woman with darkness around her came trampling through the woods to meet with him and some boy."

"Moody..." Hasan breathed, setting down his mug. "What could he have been doing? And who was the boy?" he sent a pointed look Severus' way, knowing that they both knew who the boy was.

Severus couldn't take it. "Fine, you can continue to go to the forest as you have been, but if you get caught by any other staff member there is little I can do. You must also inform me whenever you decide to take an excursion, and do try to avoid unseemly hours. Contrary to public opinion I do need sleep."

"Thank you!" Luna grinned, skipping out of the room.

Hasan said nothing. He locked eyes with Severus and opened his mouth.

"You won't tell anyone about Luna's condition, will you?"

"Which one?" Snape asked.

"Both, but I mean her Inspiration."

"I won't unless necessary." Snape said. "I swear it."

Hasan nodded. "Thank you."