Phan at Hogwarts

#3 || Creatures of the Night

Dan knew the Carrows personally. They had recognized him during DADA, and sneered. Mocked him, and made a point to use him for "demonstration."
The worst part of class with the Carrows was the punishment, because every time the siblings would snap at him, he would snap right back. The first time he was punished it was a hit across the face. When Dan had commented on Alecto's hair, he had been cursed, And thrown back against the wall with sudden magical force. Others had gotten much worse, for much less, but it still seemed to Dan like the Carrows seemed to have it out for him.
The others said that before the school had become this hellhole it had been a haven from the rest of the world, but now it seemed like the world would be an oasis compared to this castle.
But nights, when everyone was silent it asleep, became Dans makeshift safe place, away from the abuse of the death eaters, and the taunts and stares of other students. His isolation went from forced to chosen, and a freedom of sorts.

And know he was bringing Phil to it. He had promised to meet him right outside the Hufflepuff common room after midnight, and he was jittery in anticipation, although he couldn't decide why. Was it simply because he was bringing another person into the danger of the night with him? Was it because he may have finally made a friend? Or was it something to do with seeing Phil's cobalt eyes and sunshine smile?

Dan slipped a thin black robe over himself as he walked toward the now familiar secret passage way, his heart racing in anticipation. When he finally emerged with his wand lighting the corridor, he saw Phil standing nervously by the Hufflepuffs door. "Ph- Phil! Hey! Come here!" He beckoned in a whisper. The boys face lit up as he turned to see Dan in the hallway. "Dan!" He scurried over to him, holding his fluffy white robe tight. "Are we really going to the kitchens? I tried once and got lost." He grinned sheepishly. "I know." Dan admitted. "I, er, I was following you." He scratched the back of his neck, not noticing Phil's blush. "Anyway, come this way. And be quiet. We don't want to get caught. Did you hear what they did to Neville Longbottom? He tried to rescue this kid from detention and they beat him bloody." Dan said touching his own scar where he had been struck by the Carrows.
Phil seemed to get paler before answering. "Yea, I did. This place seems less of a school and more of a prison... In fact, most of the Hufflepuffs are awake right now, teaching each other's healing spells and such."He grinned proudly. "It turns out I'm quite good at them!" Dan smiled. "Good, because I've got a feeling I'm gonna need your help eventually."
"Oh Dan, don't say that, it's bad luck! We'll be caught for sure!"
"I'll make sure you make it back okay." Dan chuckled. "Anyway, come this way, and climb behind that painting- yeah, the one of the pear- and here we are!"
Dan had grown accustomed to the warm torch lighting and smattering of elves across the kitchen, but Phil took it in with fresh eyes.
"Hi Winky, heard from Dobby recently?" Dan greeted them. "Aw Rabbit, you shouldn't eat that much in one night!" He giggled to a particularly plump elf with a tuft of green hair. "Hi Batty! Do you have any extra food for us?" Dan asked the one who seemed to be in charge. "Of course Master Daniel! Right this way!"

Phil had never seen Dan talk so tenderly or be so polite. It seemed like he respected the Elves more than he did the teachers, which was probably true. "So you guys make the food every day?" Phil asked as he nibbled on a spare lemon tart. They had made a circle by the fire with tea and milk and biscuits sat in front of them. "Yes Sir! Every Meal!" Squeaked Batty proudly. "And I've even suggested a few!" Dan told him, grinning. "That's neat. We should have cereal tomorrow morning, it's my favorite..." The end of Phil's sentence hung loosely in the air as sleepiness overtook him. He set down his teacup and curled into a ball by the fire, placing his head on Dans lap. Dan paused in his conversation with the jaunty elves to look at Phil, his face growing warm all of the sudden. But he smiled and slowly coursed his fingers through Phil's fringe, twirling the end of it in his fingers.
He looked up at the elves who where nudging each other and pointing, smiling behind their hands. "What? What is it?"
"Oh we just think that Master Dan and Master Phil look very... tired. If you like, you may stay here as long as you like, whenever you need!" Said Winky. "Oh Winky, thank you! We'll come every night!" "Oh but sirs, you must come on Sunday's! The Carrows Come here to inspect every Sunday evening!" she said fearfully. "Oh yes!" Moaned Rabbit. "They throw biscuits every where! So wasteful!"
Dan froze. "B-but Rabbit... Today's Sunday." "Oh is it? I was sure it was June."
"Phil! Phil get up, hurry! We've got to go! The Carrows are coming!"
Phil whipped his head up and was on his feet in a moment, and grabbed Dans hand tightly.
"Oh no Dan! We've got to get back to The common room!" They dashed to the door Phil calling "Thanks for the treats!" Behind him.