Fires at Midnight (Cedric Diggory)

8 ~ Hogsmeade

8

Every night when Vixen walked onto her balcony she was swarmed by something. Sometimes flowers, other times humming birds singing a wistful melody, and even rain in which played a soft tune as it hit the stone of her tower. Cedric Diggory was a silly soul and barking up the wrong tree but every night whether he knew it or not he was getting closer and closer to this mysterious gir even though every night she burst everything into flames at midnight and the music was turned to screeching owls and wolf howls.

Soon Hogsmeade weekend was in sight. Students were on their best behavior so they could go to the village and get away from school without a chaperone. Vixen had every intention in taking advantage of this opportunity for silence but when the day came her curiosity got the best of her and she traveled alone after all the students left.

Vixen silently made her way into Dervish and Banges where she bought herself some useful magic equipment followed by ink and new quills from Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop then next was Gladrags Wizardwear where she picked up a new robe which was made with a very rare and soft wool. When finished with her errands she was proud of herself for not attracting any attention and she figured she deserved a drink for her efforts.

Quietly she entered the Hog's Head where she felt at ease. All the strangers wore a hood over their head and she could tell they did not want their identity known. She gracefully went to a deserted table in the corner covered in dust and grime like the rest of the pub but with a quick flick of her fingers the dust was blown off and a rag wiped the chair and table clean before she sat down.

A short stout fellow with a thick Scottish accent quickly made his way to Vixen. "Good day milady! Sorry bout the chaos outside. First Hogsmeade day for the rascals at Hogwarts and they tend to get a bit rowdy and loud but here you be in good company and quiet atmosphere. That is until the card games get started then you be hearing words you never knew. Well enough of me jabbering on what be ye poison this eve?"

"I hear the Hog's Head has a famous drink. Edradour Cream?"

The barkeep smiled at her and said, "Stout drink for such a frail young lady. We also carry a wondrous wine that lingers sweet berries for many hours. Perhaps the lady would care for such a taste of this passion fruit?"

Vixen shook her head, "monsieur I assure you that I know what I can handle or else I wouldn't be in this place in the first place now I ask you once more kindly, may I please have your best Edradour Cream if not I will take my business elsewhere!"

The look on her face told him just how serious she was. She wanted the drink she requested no matter how harsh and frankly the barkeep was a bit afraid of her and so he scurried away behind the bar and quickly came back with the drink. "Sorry for me mistake miss."

Vixen nodded her head and replied, "It is quiet all right monsieur. We both got what we wanted. I got my drink and you got your tip and nothing was broke."

The barkeep nodded and said, 'That's always a bonus. Enjoy your drink Miss and if you have another request please don't be afraid to yell."

Vixen nodded once again as she turned to her drink and pulled out an old leather bound book half the size of a normal book and was scribed in ancient writing. She was reading about the portus spell when she felt a familiar presence walk inside.

"You must be Miss. Venator!" said an unfamiliar voice

Vixen looked up from her book, obviously annoyed, to see a tall man with long white hair looking at her. A very wealthy man by his poise and cane he displayed along with the finely pressed black suit. Next to him stood Draco also in a black suit with a smug look on his face.