Cupid Wings

26. Cupid

It is taking too long. He needs to change back but too many people are still milling around, things are being sorted. No one has thought to remove Dolohov from his grasp yet, maybe they are too scared to approach him. He is certainly being given a wide berth.

'The Aurors are stabilised and have been taken back to St Mungo's,' announces Uriah, he is joined by Madeleine. The party seems to be getting bigger, rather than smaller.

'Where's Harry?' asks Rosmerta as she joins the group.

'Safe,' says Severus, a bit too quickly.

'Around somewhere...' says Anthony, at the same time.

'Overseeing things,' says Rudyard.

His mate stays silent and still, watching him.

'But he was in the corridor, just before. He was here,' she says, eyeing the Hunter warily. 'Where did that come from?'

The Hunter growls, deep and warningly. Rosmerta steps away.

'Is it dangerous?' she asks.

'Madam,' Severus sneers. 'Despite just saving a room full of twenty-odd children, two professors, and a number of villagers, as the beast currently has its jaws locked around a Death-Eater's neck and is perfectly capable of killing the man in mere seconds, your question is a moot point...'

'A what?' she asks.

'Perfectly debateable but also utterly irrelevant.'

The Hunter thinks that maybe her lack of observation skills is why she's been subjected to the Imperius Curse twice.

He growls again and Dolohov winces, drawing to attention to the fact that the Hunter does, indeed, still have his jaws locked around Dolohov's neck.

'Perhaps, Minister, it might be an idea to take Dolohov away. I imagine the Hunter's jaws might be starting to ache somewhat, it would be a shame if he were to lose concentration and try to close them...'

Dolohov whimpers.

'Ah, yes, right,' Kingsley deep velvet voice rumbles. 'Are we safe to draw wands?'

The Hunter looks at him and blinks slowly in acquiescence.

'Robards, Dariad, I believe the prisoner is yours...'

The Hunter resists the urge to snap more wands, instead he stands slowly, not caring that his heavy paws trample Dolohov who flinches beneath him. It is not until he tries to stand on his trick ankle that he fully understands his pain and he yowls.

His mate is beside him in seconds. Long slender fingers delving into his fur, gently pushing him back to the floor.

'Professor, I heard it crack as he jumped onto the bar. I think he caught it on one of the beer pumps,' says Anthony.

The Hunter lays his head in his mate's lap, sorrow biting at his soul. They know what this means.

'Everyone out!' exclaims Madeleine and people turn and stare, most not understanding who she is, let alone who she is to start ordering them around.

'YOU HEARD THE WOMAN,' roars Severus. 'TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. YOU'VE WASTED ENOUGH OF IT. NOW OUT!'

'Professor?' asks Saskia timidly.

Kingsley ushers out the Aurors and Dolohov. Aberforth takes Rosmerta by the arm, with promises of a Firewhiskey and a seat by the fire in the Hogshead.