I'll Take it Shaken, Not Stirred

Chapter 21: Mind Games

History: "You give your hand to me, and then you say goodbye; I watch you walk away, beside the lucky guy. Oh you'll never know... the one who loves you so. Well, you don't know me..." What does this prove? It proves I own a Michael Bublé CD. I do not, however, own any rights to Harry Potter.

Recap: James, bored of the "romantic talk" and annoyed that Sirius has made him miss a full moon expedition, sneaks into Hogsmeade. In the Three Broomsticks, he discovers Praedam (who has recently been sacked for mysterious reasons) and Silth having a conversation. The two seem to have once been partners but are now at odds, and Silth says that he is working for someone called "The Foreigner." The two exit the pub and James follows. Silth murders Praedam and James leaves to tell Ministry wizard, Gilbert Korcesh, of this. As James hurries towards the castle, however, he is caught at wand point by Silth himself.

******************************************

"When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it had happened or not." –Mark Twain

James could here his Professor chuckle lightly, as he had heard him minutes before in the pub. "So you saw that little scene, did you, Potter?"

"If I say 'no,' can I leave?"

Silth chuckled again. "It's a pity, Potter."

"What's that?"

"I never taught you, but I saw you in some of the other classes... you were a brilliant flier, and student, too, according to Elliot."

"Elliot? Oh, you mean that bloke you just killed?" James growled.

"He would've killed me," said Silth indifferently.

"Bully for him."

"Now, now, Potter. I really don't think you're in any position to be rude to me."

"And I really don't think my manners will have any effect on what you do to me."

"True. But I'll regret it no matter what. You should've minded your own business, boy. It's such a pity..."

"You already said that."

"You shouldn't have come to Hogsmeade tonight. Any other night, and I would not have to. But now... I have no choice, I hope you understand."

"If you're going to kill me, I wish you'd hurry up about it. You didn't give Praedam this soliloquy, and you've known him much longer."

"He was an old man," scoffed Silth. "He ought to have known better. You are a young man and your recklessness is excusable. But it's of little consequence, and it does not change what must be done. It's regrettable but necessary. Avada..."

"Stupefy!"

Silth fell forward onto James's back. James moved quickly out of the way and the unconscious body of his professor fell to the dirt ground. The Head Boy looked up to see Korcesh standing over him with his wand still raised. He looked thoroughly hassled.

"Er... thanks," said James a little awkwardly, for he wasn't entirely sure what was proper etiquette in such situations.

"Of course," replied Korcesh, hastily bending down and rolling Silth over onto his back. "You should hurry up to the castle," he added, as the crowd began to swarm over in this direction.