Dark Wizard Collector: A Hogwarts Fanfiction

Chapter 37

The next time I opened my eyes, I found myself in the Hospital Wing of Hogwarts. Madam Pomfrey exhaled in relief as I sat up and held my head. "Oh, thank goodness, I was beginning to worry about you, Miss Zeria."

"What happened?"

"Well you had quite a tumble. Mr. Malfoy said he saw you in a crowd near the door to the cellar of Three Broomsticks, and someone knocked you down the stairs by accident. Luckily, he was able to carry you back to Hogwarts." The healer explained, and handed me a glass of thick green liquid to drink. "Come on, drink up. It'll help with the ache."

Taking the prescribed concoction, I downed it quickly, and handed her the glass back. "Thanks," my voice was meek and the effects of the potion rid me of a ghastly hangover. However, the story she knew was not the true one. Within the hour, I was walking the hallways back to my office. Madam Pomfrey advised me to return to my chambers within the castle and rest there till dinner.

Once inside my office, I disrobed and unlatched my bedroom door. Under my large down blankets I sank into a groggy sleep. What felt like seconds later a tap from my office door reached my ears. Conjuring a robe, I opened the door to find a house elf holding a tray of food. "Professor McGonagall asked that I bring you some dinner since you were not present." It squeaked cheerfully, and brought the platter of roasted chicken, potatoes, and an arrangement of vegetables.

My mouth watered, and I gratefully thanked the tiny elf. "What's your name?" I asked the creature, and it gasped in surprise.

"You... You wish to know my name?" Its crescent-moon shaped eyes sparkled.

"Why yes," I laughed, "I'm Maera."

"I'm Jan."

"Well, thank you Jan and send Minerva my thanks as well. Cheerio." I smiled, and sat at my desk where the food tray glistened.

The elf disappeared leaving me to enjoy the bounteous meal. Not ten minutes later a knock came at my door. Flicking my wrist, the door opened and revealed Professor Busterforth.

"Sir?" I inquired and pulled my robe closer around myself.

"I apologize for intruding Miss Zeria, but I was wondering if you could help me with something." He said, darting his green eyes around the small office.

"It depends what this something is Professor." I chided, and underneath my cedar desk I had my wand at the ready.

"You seemed to have an expansive knowledge of the Dark Arts and I was wondering if you could curse the green houses."

"And why would I do that?" I eyed the portly fellow with skepticism.

"Well, I was rather hoping that I could perform a reversal curse."

I caught on to his plan, "And you would do this in order to show off to Professor Sprout."

Busterforth was quiet.

"You fancy her, yes?"

He shrugged at my inquiry and I nodded.

"Very well, but if I get in trouble for this, you must tell the Headmaster the truth. I shall not have Dumbledore angry at me. Understand?"

"Of course, and thank you Miss Zeria. You are brilliant." Professor Busterforth quit my office and I returned to silence.

The night ended silently; a little too silently for my tastes. When the clock struck eleven, I rose from my bed, and took the shape of a black rabbit. The entire castle was mine to roam. However, I came across two others who thought the very same thing. James Potter and Sirius Black were sneaking from Gryffindor Tower to the Astronomy Tower with such familiarity that I knew this was not the first time they had been on night walks. That wretched Fat Lady must have known when I asked her to keep an eye out for mischief.

In the open air of the turret, I watched the two boys practice a few elementary spells. They spoke to each other about holiday plans. I became greatly bored by their idle talk, and turned tail toward the Owlery. Many of the owls were out hunting, but I spotted a rather thin barn owl with tousled feathers. It appeared that this particular owl had come back from a very long flight. Soundlessly, I transfigured into a small grey owl and approached the traveler.

"Wotcher," I greeted him with a soft hoot.

The owl gave a half-nod in reply.

"Have you seen Avenger recently?"

"Who?"

"The enormous black Eagle Owl that belongs to Miss Zeria."

"Oh... him. Who wants to know?" The barn owl's yellow eyes narrowed as he inspected me. "You're not from around here, are you?"

"No, I am not. But I need to find Avenger. It is urgent."

"Well, you are out of luck little one. He has disappeared off all travel routes and no owl has seen him for weeks."

"Do you know what happened?" I insisted on collecting any word on the whereabouts of Avenger.

"You are mighty concerned about that rogue. Is he your father? Heh, no he's you lover isn't he?"

"Just tell me what you know!"

"What is in it for me?"

"Your life."

"Nice try, Grey-Small."

In seconds, my claws were scratching the barn owl's smug face. "I warned you!" I screeched as he flapped his wings to force me off him. "Tell me!"

"Alright! Bloody Hell! Just put your talons away!" The barn owl begged, but I did not and screeched threateningly instead. "Avenger's bitch witch sent him on a suicide mission to find a dark wizard. Last place any owl saw him or heard screech of him was around October in Knockturn Alley. That's all I know."

"Thank you." I replied, and transfigured back into my regular state. The owl hooted in fear, but before he could escape from my range I blasted him with the Killing Curse. "Avada Kevadra! And watch what you say you silly creature." The other owls that were present did not escape from me either as I wiped all their memories clean. In a snap of black feathers, I was a raven gliding down to my chamber window. At least now I had a place to begin my search for Avenger.