The Unseen

Okay guys, I have a new chapter, and I hope you all like it. I would have had it up sooner, but my laptop keeps freezing, and I kept losing the majority of my Autosave in Word because I wouldn't SAVE it, and the previous auto save was up to like two chapters ago! MONKEY BUBBLES!!! Yeah, so I'm thinking about getting a new laptop, and still keeping this one for smut. %_%

mibella - Thank you my dear, I hope you continue to enjoy.

margaritama - He won't get mushy, but he's afraid he'll scare her off if he acts too forward with her. And at this point, he's probably right. And I'm sure the Unseen will take care of themselves. Once we figure out who's behind this, that is...

distinctlyME - *huggles* Yes I'm back. Dragon's back with a brand new beat....erm...chapter...ANYWAY!!! Yeah...I disappeared for a while. Got real busy. But hey, I've also got a Lumione story going on if you're interested. But I'll try to get this story finished with enough juicy details to make everyone happy. Good to see you again!!

Niccy - Here's my update, my little review kitten. I hope you enjoy!

angeles - I hope you didn't wait too long for this one...*evil grin*

angelnomiko - Here ya go! Enjoy!!!

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James ran through the Forbidden Forest, his cloak billowing out behind him as he dodged between the trees. He darted quickly, checking over his shoulder ever so often to make sure he wasn’t being followed. He traveled quite a distance, stopping only when he came into a clearing far from the school.

“Ah…I was wondering when you would show up.”

A holographic image phased into existence, and James grinned when he recognized the brilliant blue eyes.

“Master…I try to keep you waiting as little as possible.” He said. The twinkling blue eyes faded slightly.

“How is Romulus?” The Master asked. James frowned sharply.

“All right, I suppose, but his left leg won’t heal properly. He’ll walk with a limp for the rest of his life because of a pinched nerve.” He said, and snarled. “I couldn’t protect him! I’m supposed to be able to protect my friends, but how can I when I don’t even know what I’m protecting them against? I know that there’s a plan against Hogwarts. I know that someone is taking out the members of the Unseen, and that there’s an inside spy here. I know that Bellatrix Lestrange is involved, but what I can’t figure out is HOW? I’m an epic failure.” James said forlornly.

“James, you will face your enemies soon enough. The only thing you can do for now is keep those sharp ears open, those keen eyes wide, and that powerful nose to the air. Don’t take any chances, and to a certain degree, act as if everyone is your enemy. That’s how you can protect your friends.” The Master said. James looked at the hologram, his gold eyes staring hard into the translucent shape.

“Master….who are you?” he asked, stepping forward.

“I was what I am now: a shadow. I was always overshadowed by those more keen of mind, and more powerful. I made poor choices to garner attention, and instead I brought grief on myself. There was no redemption for me, and it’s too late to get it now. But I want you to do better. I want you to redeem yourself and your friends. Don’t ask for my identity again, James.” The Master said.

“Very well. I must get back to Hogwarts.” James said.

“Give the others my greeting.” The Master added, before fading out of existence.

“Yeah…fuck yourself.” James muttered.

“I heard that!”

James gave an uncharacteristic squeak when he was zapped on the tail, and took off through the forest again.

~~

Romulus relaxed against his pillow, having just gotten rid of his mother and father. They’d been with him since he woke up, and he had finally convinced them that he was okay enough for them to go home and visit another time. At present he was being visited by Orion, who was merely sitting quietly in a chair by the bedside, which was just fine with Romulus.

The door to the infirmary opened, and Phelan entered a small box in his hands.

“How’s everyone’s favorite book-wolf?” he asked, a broad grin on his face. Romulus raised a brown eyebrow.

“Fan-freakin-tastic. It’s all gumdrops and ice cream over here.” He said, and Orion snorted.

“Well…and here I went all the way to Honeydukes to get this wonderful double-fudge dipped dark chocolate truffle topped with crushed macadamia nuts. I guess I shall eat them myself, since you already have gumdrops and ice cream…” Phelan said, watching Romulus’ reaction. The young lycan immediately snarled.

“Get your premature grey arse over here with that chocolate or I’ll eviscerate you and use your gastro-intestinal tract as a condom while I fornicate with your skull….” He snarled. Phelan’s eyebrows traveled high.

“What?”

“Give me that chocolate or I’ll skull fuck you.” Romulus snarled. Phelan laughed, and tossed the small box on his friend’s lap. Romulus immediately ripped off the top, and pulled a small chocolate from within. He took a bite, and then moaned happily.

“Better than sex…..almost.” he grinned. Phelan looked over at Tobias’ bed, and sobered up a bit.

“Any good news from Toby?” he asked. Orion shook his head.

“No. Draca said it would take a while for the fucked up Draught of the Living Dead to work itself from his system. He’s lucky he’s not really dead…” he said sadly. Phelan approached Tobias’ bed, and looked down on his unconscious face.

“Wake up, you smarmy bastard.” He said softly. He thought he saw Tobias’ eyebrow twitch, but with no other movement, he wasn’t sure if it was his imagination.

Things were getting difficult at Hogwarts.

~~

Hermione sat in her room, a cup of hot chocolate in her hand. She’d been thinking all day. There was something suspicious about Romulus’ accident. He was very careful in the library. He treated the books like gods and goddesses themselves. He said the shelf had just collapsed on top of him, but he couldn’t remember much before or after, because of a forceful blow to the head.

And with the attack on Tobias not but a few days prior... Something was going on at Hogwarts, and she was determined to find out what. She sat down her mug of cocoa, and stood from the table. She needed to talk to the Headmaster.

Her mind worked like used to all those years ago, before she became afraid to think about things. And it felt god to think again. Somehow Tobias and Romulus were connected beyond being staff members. They were friends. As a matter of fact…all of the newest staff members and teachers were friends. A bit odd, but they were all qualified, and their very presence rejuvenated Hogwarts substantially. Were the other newest professors in danger? Was this really an accident? Should the staff that had been there longer worry about their safety? Should she worry about her safety? She was, after all, a ‘newer professor’ in technicality.
Her trek to the Headmaster’s journey didn’t take long at all, her thoughts taking up the traveling time. She knocked firmly on the door, a purpose finally in mind.

Headmaster Snape opened the door, and stared down at the petit witch in front of him. She looked determined. She looked….like she used to. Those eyes lit up with purpose, her mouth set in a line. Severus rarely smiled, but he almost forgot himself.

“Miss….” But he saw her tense up. “Hermione. Come in. To what do I owe this visit?” he asked, moving aside.

“There’s something suspicious going on here.” Hermione started. Severus tilted his head slightly at her. Straight to the point!

“Pray tell...” he purred.

“Well….it seems awfully suspicious that two of our young staff members were in ‘accidents’ so close together. There’s got to be some connection with them outside of their co-staffing and their friendship. And that brings me to another point: all of the younger staff members are friends. Does that mean that the others are in danger? Is it significant?” she asked, trembling with excitement at the thought of discovering something so big.

Severus thought this over in his slippery mind. Her thoughts had merit. It was a bit suspicious. But he didn’t want to think that Hogwarts was under attack. But he also wasn’t so naïve as to think it wouldn’t happen.

“Have you told anyone else your theories?” he asked her.

“No sir…as soon as they came to me you were the first person I came to.” She said.

“Good…very good. Well…I think we should keep it between ourselves for the time being.” He said. Hermione frowned, and looked up at him. “Not that we should forget about it, of course. That would be foolish on our parts. I merely think we should avoid causing a panic amongst the younger folks. You know how skittish the young ones can be.” He amended. Hermione nodded. She could see the merit in that idea. Besides, what if the wrong ears heard?

“All right, sir. Thank you for listening.” She said. This time he did grace her with a small smile.

“You’re very welcome, Hermione.” He said, and watched as she left his office.

He’d have to keep a closer eye on things.

~~

The next several weeks passed without incident, but once again the school drew into a nervous wreck. Tonight was the second full moon of the year. It was also the first night that Rhea would transform. She had met the Lycan professors at the front door after dinner, her stomach in knots after her friends had wished her good luck.
Phelan could smell the fear coming off of her, and he gently put his hand on the back of her neck. She jumped slightly, but looked up at him.

“I’m scared.” She whimpered.

“It’s understandable. But a few words of advice: just relax. The harder you fight the wolf the more painful the transformation is. It isn’t all that comfortable to begin with, but letting the wolf take over is so much simpler.” He said, rubbing her neck gently. She shot forward and wrapped her arms around Phelan’s waist, trembling with fear.

“Come on, mates, it’s time.” Romulus said, and opened the large doors of the school. The three walked down to the Forbidden Forest, with Rhea clinging to Phelan desperately. The sun was lighting up the sky with beautiful reds and purples, but Rhea was too preoccupied to notice.

Romulus’ cuts and bruises had healed up quickly, but like Draca predicted his leg didn’t quite go back to full use. It was like his leg was asleep, and was often hard to maneuver quickly. He limped a bit on it, always moving at a slow gait.

The unlikely trio reached the forest as the sun finally set, leaving the moon to light up the sky. Phelan and Romulus faced the moon with no fear, and their transformation was quick. Rhea’s eyes were drawn upward, and when the moon’s light caught her eyes, she felt a strange jolt through her body. Every muscle seized up, causing her to fall over. She was getting hot….terribly hot. Her muscles were burning as though she’d run a marathon, and she grabbed at the front of her school shirt, ripping away the buttons in an attempt to relieve the feelings of fire on her skin. She had broken out in a sweat, gasping for air as her internal organs began to shift.

She screamed in agony as the change began. She ripped her clothes from her body, rolling against the grass to relieve the pain. Phelan whimpered softly and started to approach her, but she lunged at him with a snarl, her face already morphing. Her skull elongated, sharp teeth sprouting from her jaw. Fur grew from her very skin, covering her in a dark shaggy coat.

Her first transformation took close to fifteen minutes, but when she finally reached her wolf form, she hit the ground, exhausted. Phelan edged forward, and nudged her with his wet nose. She opened her eyes, and swatted at him. Phelan nudged her again, and stepped back when she snapped.

Rhea stood to her paws slowly, getting her bearings like a newborn deer, and took a few steps forward. She was shaky on four legs, but after some gentle urging from Phelan and Romulus, she was able to jog easily. Everything was so different as the Wolf! The colors seemed a bit duller, but she could hear and smell everything! Aside from the transformation, it was rather nice…

The three wolves played in the forest all night, even sitting together on a hill to howl at the moon. Rhea was almost sad when she saw the first bits of light at the horizon. She followed Phelan and Romulus as they went back to Phelan’s hut, and Phelan lay down in front of the stairs and stretched languidly, rolling over on his back with his legs in the air.

Romulus’ bad leg hadn’t bothered him so much in the wolf form. There was a stiffness there that he couldn’t ignore, but there was no pain. It was a good feeling. He sat on his haunches and went forward, resting his head on his front paws. He watched as Rhea began to chase her tail, and gave a bark of laughter when she fell over from being dizzy. She rolled to her back like Phelan had, watching as the stars faded into the morning.

The transformation back was just as painful for her, but once she was finally in her human form, she curled up into a naked ball, completely exhausted. She felt strong arms pick her up, and was carried inside somewhere, where she was then laid on a soft bed, and tucked under warm blankets. She could smell the comforting scent of Professor Greyback everywhere.

Hmm…he smelled nice…

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Aww...wolf play time, and Hermione seems to be gettin' the old skills back. James is angry at the Master for his secrecy, and Snape is still sexy. I mean....yeah, no, I meant he was sexy. And Draco, he's a hot man-beast too.

NOW REVIEW, DARN YOU!!!!