Song Of The Guardians

The First Mission

Harry and Hermione exchanged looks of uncertainty as the Freemans motioned toward a door in the dark alley. "Let's go," Sam said impatiently, wondering at their sudden hesitation.

"This looks a little dodgy," Hermione said quietly, glancing around anxiously. She hadn't been sure of what to expect of Arcanum, but a heavy, rusted door in a dingy alley didn't look very promising.

Sam waved her hand dismissively. "We don't want muggles to come this way too often," she explained. "It's supposed to look abandoned. It's perfectly respectable on the inside," she added with a prim little nod.

Caroline stepped forward and tapped the doorknob with her wand. She turned the knob and pulled the door open before stepping aside to allow her guests to enter first. Hermione and Ginny passed through the doorway, followed by Harry, Draco and Severus. The Freemans brought up the rear, watching the expressions of the others.

"Brilliant!" Ginny exclaimed, her eyes darting everywhere. The dimly lit room was enormous. There was a bar with comfy looking barstools and many tables bearing candles. The dance floor was spacious and looked perfectly polished despite all of the dancers. There were three pool tables near the far wall and two more tables for Exploding Snap. There was a band on the large stage, playing rock music while lights flashed over the dancing witches and wizards.

Sam looked around with a satisfied smile. "We pride ourselves on the decency of our business and it's patrons," she said to Hermione. She scowled when one of those patrons suddenly fell out of his chair, landing at her feet, laughing raucously. Sam scowled down at him. "Would you mind not being an idiot while I'm trying to impress the newcomers?" she snapped. "Enjoy your time here, but you've had enough to drink for tonight." She looked up, making eye contact with a burly looking bartender. She pointed at the drunken man as he hauled himself to his feet, still giggling to himself. The bartender rolled his eyes and nodded his understanding.

Caroline sighed. "Most of our patrons know to behave themselves while here," she said. "We have a zero tolerance policy for dueling, lewd behavior and streaking."

Snape's eyes snapped to Caroline while Draco chuckled. "Streaking?" Snape asked with an expression of revulsion.

Jenna snorted with laughter. "There's this guy," she managed to choke out, "that comes in every couple of weeks. He strips down and goes running through the club. So, we kick him out."

"Why do you keep letting him in?" Ginny asked giggling.

"It's the bouncers," Jenna replied. "They think it's funny, so they let him slide on in. They're quick to give him the boot once he gets naked, but it's so ridiculous that you can't help but laugh."

"As if on cue," Sam muttered, pointing toward a dark corner.

Harry squinted at the dark corner and managed to spot a mad looking wizard swiftly removing all of his clothing. Once he was nude, he straightened and grinned. He stretched his arms above his head and jogged in place, as if warming up. Once he was finished he started running through the dancing couples as squeals of surprise and disgust mixed with laughter.

"There he goes," Sam said dully, rolling her eyes. Severus stared incredulously at the strange man weaving his way through the crowd while Hermione flushed with embarrassment. Harry, Ginny and Draco were clutching at their sides and laughing.

Just as Sam turned to summon one of the bouncers, a young man jogged up to her, seizing her attention. "The naked guy is back," the man said, a smirk curling on his lips.

"Yes, Andy," Caroline said. "Everyone saw the naked guy just now. Just get rid of him."

"William," Andy called, waving over a very large man. "Crazy Naked Guy is back. Give him the boot." The man called William grinned wickedly and then stomped off to retrieve the streaker.