A rather dangerous find

[Fitz Hargreaves]

Seated in a semi-dark corner of the library surrounded by many volumes propped open, laying upon each other a stout man glowered at the pages. Total silence reigned with barely a sound escaping his swift turning of the pages. Dust arose as the pages turned feverishly, a yearning had grown in him ever since his arrival at Hogwarts, a fierce desire to simply look through the restricted section, see how amazing it really was; whether the fame and desire from all mischievous students of Hogwarts was really kindled by anything worthwhile.
Using his intuition and calling upon a favour Fitz had acquired the keys to the ancient lock some time ago now. Leafing through the dangerous volumes some inclined to physically assault him he now had a more peaceful book, having tossed or rather flung aside one that had tried so very nearly successfully to bite off his little finger. The tricksy little devil had allowed him entry without any movement, and having no qualms about it, he had read with sheer concentration absorbing the words as if his life depended upon it. The book had been extremely interesting, offering startling viewpoints on the baffling topic of “werewolves a discussion”. Though that seemed harmless enough he had an avid fascination in such a rarity, though he heard from a particularly reliable source, that there was a werewolf in the very premises of Hogwarts he now sat in. Another dubious source had clearly exaggerated claiming they’d personally been assaulted and bitten by no less than three werewolves in as many months. How the youth had believed he would hoodwink him with such a story and obvious lie was quite beyond his belief. Though he believed there was the hint of truth, perhaps a werewolf really did reside in the Hogwarts, as a student or teacher he couldn’t guess, but he promised himself, he would find and publicly humiliate them, for the good of his readers and nothing else, such a juicy story would bring his ratings up again. Reading once more on describing the actual transformation of the werewolf with particularly careful attention to detail of emotion and suffering, he had been avidly entranced when the book took its opportunity pouncing roughly upon his poor finger a tiny blade protruding from the thick cover. His yelp of pain and shock resounded amazingly around the library, if not the entire school itself. Smashing the book several times rather violently in his rage he soon calmed himself when pity arose from the soft whimpering the offending object produced.
The book now lay some scant feet away, but strangely it began to move ever so slowly and cautiously away, even though the young gentleman was now absorbed in his next book. The book shuffled off further thinking its escape would finally come.

[Girty Hubbles]

Girty was slowly making her way around the dark corridors. She was on her way to met up with her brother. They both knew it was against the rules for a student to be walking around after hours but they needed to talk.
However as Girty silently made her way passed the library she heard a loud cry. After a moment of panic she managed to regain her composure. There was someone or something in the Library.

Pulling out her wand Girty pushed open the door, praying that it would not squeak. Silently she entered the Library, surprised to find it actually was lit. Slightly taken a back Girty slowly walked down the main aisle only to notice a man sitting in the corner. She stopped in pure fear, who was this man? Tightening her grip around her wand Girty looked on as the man read more books.

However her cover was blown when a book seemed to move beside her, Girty let out a small gasp, that seemed much louder in the silence of the room.

[Fitz Hargreaves]

Giving a strangeled yell eventually cut short by his own common sense kicking in after valuable seconds attracting attention Fitz whirled round almost krinking his neck, knocking the chair over backwards he fumbled around with his wand finally drawing it and directing it, now firmly towards the intruder; or perhaps in this circumstance I am the intruder he mused thoughtfully. Holding his wand aloft and muttered a precautionary lumos, his light feebly searched the surroundings. But try as he might holding his wand aloft and directing into crevices he couldn't find the intrusion, not until the damned book flew roughly at him once more. Hitting repeatedly several times to flatten the damned thing he trod harsly upon it, the pain still searing from his finger, a little blood slowly clotting. But on stamping upon the book which was the thickest volume he had really beheld so no damage would be done, he found the nuisance.
"Oh hello" he remarked at the student lying prone upon the floor; perhaps they thought it wise to lie like a tiger waiting for it's prey, was he the prey he wondered. Perhaps the better analogy was her as the hunted animal he mused, though he wasn't naturally violent, it seemed his natural wit and writing skills couldn't give him a feasible analogy here. Looking perplexedly down at the girl he offered her his hand dragging her swiftly to her feet.
"What brings you out of your bed at this ungodly hour?" he enquired interestedly, the frontpage headline already forming in his mind
"Students run amoke as Teachers slumber. Is Hogwarts ready for it's perpetual sleep?". Looking quizzicaly at the girl once more and absorbing the details of her clothing; it seemed she was fully prepared to venture out at night, a common occurance he guessed. No not a catchy enough headline he thought with a sigh.
"Often take a walk at night?" He asked retrieving quill and parchment from the desk and beginning to scribble down preliminary notes.

[Girty Hubbles]

This night was not going how Girty would have expected. She was out in the dark, but there was a stranger in the library who was helping her. Gladly taking his hand she pulled herself up and looked at the man with a small smile. However it soon vanished when he started asking questions about why she was out of bed. Biting her lip Girty thought long and hard about what to say, but it seemed the truth would be the only thing, this man did not seem that bad…whoever he was.

“I was on my way to visit a teacher when I heard someone in the library. And I came to see who it was. That was when I found you.”

Girty looked at the man and his appearance, his figure was bleeding and he seemed to be reaching for a quill and paper. This was not normal, there was no new teacher in school, Dan would have told her.

“Excuse me but….who are you?”

[Fitz Hargreaves]

Watching closely, though appearing as though he wasn't; an art perfected over many years, Fitz stood with parchment in hand and quill in the other, resisting the urge to write feverishly, realising the bite of the lip showed her unease, he lay down the tools of his trade and invited the young lady to take a seat gesturing towards another table, not really wishing her to view the books strewn throughout the library. Another set back included her prying question of who he was.
Wanting to waylay such a question which could easily prove his undoing, he was about to commit the cardinal sin of asking prying questions immediately. In fact I've already done so, but those questions could be simple curiousity by any person he reassured himself.
"Let's rest our weary bones," he said grinning as he sat down, with arms clasped as if in prayer before him his keen eyes glinted as he smiled reassuringly at the girl and stated without hesitation his alter ego "my name is Kieran Longstaff, assistant caretaker at the school. New mind you," he said grinning sheepishly to enact out his character, though he didn't like lying at the best of times he thought this strictly necessary at present, wearing blond wig to disguise his handsome features had been an option; luckily a friend knew pretty good magic to change his looks entirely for some time, via a polyjuice potion of course.
As headlines buzzed through his racing mind it settled upon a rather juicy one "girl frequently visits teachers chamber of an evening" but his conscience interupted that one perhaps a little less pejorative; "one gets plenty of sleep at Hogwarts". Again not good enough he thought wearily but if he let it rest he was sure one would come in due time.
"Are you often awake at this late hour?" He asked feining little interest and immediately remarking "I'll have to sort out all the dust mind you."
With any luck I'll have this girl hoodwinked

[Girty Hubbles]

We have a caretaker???

Girty blinked slowly at the as he offered her a seat, and she slowly moved over and took a seat, slipping her wand back into her pocket. She looked at the man with a sideways glance and listened to his question carefully. He seemed to be taking great interest in what the she was doing. Maybe he was going to report her, but she did have a perfect reason.

“Not normally. I remain in the common room doing work, but I needed to the hospital wing to met up with Professor…if you’re a caretaker why do you have a quill?”

Girty broke off from what she was saying and paid attention to the equipment he had with him. Trying to shake this thought off she simply guessed that he may have simply been researching. As she raised her gaze back to his face she managed a small smile only to be dazzled by one of his. Taken aback by how nice this assistant caretaker looked, he was too handsome for this job.

[Fitz Hargreaves]

An industrious pupils changes her wants, works exceedingly hard and closely with a Professor. Would begin his article, the plot really did thicken between the two, questions buzzed throughout his mind; how long had this affair been going on? With who? Who had made the first move? Countless others flew throughout his mind within seconds, but he wasn't so hasty. Whether this was true he would still begin the rumour.

But now he had to answer her prying questions, he was dismayed that she could simply ask such questions her sorely wished to ask, but he couldn't give away his position.
"I'm taking an inventory of all the books, the Headmaster isn't confident in the Librarian's work," he said simply dismissing her question out of hand but remaining polite. "Soon I'll have to begin mopping the Hospital Wing," he moaned "it hasn't seen a decent clean for years if you ask me." He declared slipping easily into the character of this caretaker. "perhaps I can escort you there, the corridors ain't safe at night you know," he added a small lexical choice of dialect to increase the believable nature of this caretaker. Chuckling he added "even caretakers can write you know, ah the damned prejudice against us, tisn't really a bad job," he declared though really he believed it quite below him.

[Girty Hubbles]

Girty looked on at the man and managed to give him a joyful smile at the mention of Caretakers actually being able to write. However at the mention of being escorted to the Hospital Wing made her a bit jumpy.

“Your…Your going to be cleaning the Hospital wing tonight?” She was trying to control her shaking hand as her eyes darted to the closest window. The cloudy sky blocking out all the stars and the moon. Looking back at Kieran she gave him a grimace.

“I think I may go straight to the Professors office. He was going to walk with me to the Hospital, but if you are cleaning we shall not get in your way. That room does need a good clean.”

Pushing her chair form under the table Girty shot up and began to walk away before turning around to face the man once more.
“It was nice meting you I may see you….is that the book you were reading?”

Girty noticed the book lying on the floor in a corner. The silver title shinning in the candlelight. 'werewolves a discussion' shined straight at her making Girty’s heart pound even more and she froze on the spot.

[Fitz Hargreaves]

As the young lady jumped about in agitation Fitz believed he was getting to the root of the problem. She was clear shaken, making him glad he hadn't come straight out with his questions, or else they would have compounded a much stronger reaction. As she began to bound away he arose wishing her not to leave so early, though he had only arrived at Hogwarts a few days ago he hadn't had the ample opportunity to grill a student as yet. This conversation without a true interview technique and without her knowledge of his real persona was actually quite refreshing too. Often he tried in vain to converse with people without their knowledge of his reputation, but they always, or nearly always believed he had a hidden agenda; which quite clearly he in fact did.
Smiling to himself he was about to arrest her fleeing the scene when she abruptly stopped, indeed standing stock still in such a way agitated Fitz more tah her erratic behaviour. Her personality was immensely interesting though he had known her for barely over a minute, the behaviour of just one person could fill volumes, but this one in particular sparked an interest.
On the surface she seemed rather agitated but she remained pleasant, apparently being open with him. Smiling in a kindly fashion he agreed
"yes I'm afraid that is the book I had been leafing through; trying to find a reference to other books written by the same author to categorise it you see," he explained the lie easily flowing from his tongue.
"But Miss I can't be in your way," he said a clouded expression appearing upon his features "They'd have me guts for garters tha's what that Fagin bloke keeps yelling at me, threatening to have me struck off already," with pleading eyes he sprang in front of the Young Hufflepuff in a serious almost whining tone he garbled tears easily filling his eyes
"please Miss, this is like the only job I've kept over a week, n n, I really wan' to be with witches and wizards ya see, I weren't tha' bright at school", that was quite a truth in fact; his only decent quality was writing and a certain charming nature. he knew he was layering it on a bit thick, but still he believed it to be effective and would allow this Young Lady to converse more freely with him.
One thing he had noticed which thoroughly aroused his attention, though he managed to mask it with a large sniffle; that she had been struck by the book, and that book was about werewolves; perhaps, such luck he couldn't believe, but perhaps she knew one of them here at the school.
"Oh Miss don' leave me yet, I'm aweful lonely," he said with particular emphasis upon the word awful.
"Do join me once more, won't you?" he asked pretending to quite visibly pull himself together by a fierce wiping of his eyes.

[Girty Hubbles]

Hearing the mans words Girty listened closely, and as soon as he leapt in front of her she gave into his boyish charm. With a small smile she gave him a nod, making sure she did not look at the book again.

“Ok I suppose I can spear five minutes. Dan can wait not like he has not left me waiting before.”

Girty mumbled to herself as she sat back down on her chair, glancing back out the window seeing that the clouds were now moving across the sky and revelling an almost complete moon. With a look of pity Girty turned back to Kieran and sighed. She was trying to think of something to start a conversation with as this man seemed to be rather determined to not be lonely, and a part of Girty found it hard to compile to his needs.

“So….what house were you in when you were at school? I do not want to be sitting her talking to the enemy.”

Girty mange dot give a small smile thinking about how the inter school revivals will double this year with the Quadwizard tournament.

[Fitz Hargreaves]

Finally he had a name; his perseverance was paying off, though truthfully he didn't much care for this stealthy approach of gaining information the results were just as satisfying and pleasing.
Dan, Dan the man, what teacher's first name is Dan? he wondered a brief look of concentration swiftly passing, one Daniel Hubbles, relatively new, Charms teacher, that's it, I remember Brucey doing a small article on thier family in fact isn't her sister the quadwizard champion for Hufflepuff he wondered silently, oh well I'll find out tomorrow when I interview them.
"Oh five minutes will be wonderful Miss, it'll set me up for the rest of the long lonely night you see, I don't get many visitors, most people believe me invisible I think," he moaned making it seem as though he were gradually becoming less agitated.

"I was in Gryffindor Miss, though the nerves didn't improve cause of it," he admitted glumly with a tiny sheepish grin "Oh he treated me dead nice that Dan fella, if it's the same one we've in mind, ain't 'is sis the champion mind you?" he said conspiratorially moving closer in. "Fancy that eh? If only I could meet the likes of 'er...but you're amazin too Miss," he rushed onwards upon seeing the blush "she's probably dead high and mighty, wouldn't look at us poor sods," he muttered carefully watching her expression for any hints of emotion, perhaps this girl would be useful as his confidant here at Hogwarts, giving inside information to him.

He had many agendas here at Hogwarts and if this conversation didn't heat up even more he'd have to ruthlessly discard it. He needed answers and would get them, by any means necessary.

[Girty Hubbles]

At the mention of her brother Girty became very interested. As Kieran leaned closer towards her, Girty could not help but lean in too. With a small smile she watched every emotion that passed on this mans faced and she focused mainly on his eyes. Before she could get to lost in his eyes she was abruptly woke by the sound of this man mentioning her. She did feel her cheeks warm up as embarrassment spread over.

Kieran really did not know who he was talking too which made it rather amusing. With a small smile Girty thought it would be fun to play a little trick on this man.

“Oh I share a dorm with Girty. She is a very nice person, down to earth and likes to keep a low profile. Well as low as you can get. I heard the papers are coming in tomorrow to do an article.”

Girty raised her eyebrows, that prospect of being interviewed by the newspapers would be rather fun. However Dan had warned her that some of the journalists can be very sneaky so she had to watch her back. Thinking of Dan made her realise why she was out at this time of night in the first place. If she was not going to hurry up the whole system would fall out of sink and Girty did not want to think what could happen.

[Fitz Hargreaves]

As the young lady leaned in her kept eye contact, his eyes twinkling as the clouds uncovered the moon once more. But what a spot of good fortune this young lady actually shared a dorm with the infamous Girty Hubbles. perhaps she would be of some use afterall, he thought with a winning smile designed to further put her at her ease. Mentally checking off her comments on her colleague he could now pin-point her out as a Hufflepuff, giving furher insight into her character; he believed stereotypes of houses existed to an extent, though he believed them rather dubiously at times. They formed a satisfactory basis which he could then add to over time and reflection of a person's character. This girl was seemingly too honest he believed, simmering in front of a new aquaintance who ahd been recently rifling through the restricted section of the library; though of course she wasn't to know that.
Being a writer he picked upon the irony of her words, indeed the Journalist to be interviewing was far closer than she could imagine. An further insight via this young lady into the character of Miss Hubbles would firmly swing the advantage in his favour for the interview tomorrow, purposely putting her off and seizing topic control would be relatively easy.
"Are the papers really coming?" He asked dubiously and so nearly enquired after which writer would be coming? But that would certainly draw unnecessary and unwanted attention to himself.
"Do you read much Miss? Once in a blue moon I suppose young people do," he chortled making sure the attempt at a joke was rather poor. "Bet it's wonderful knowin' that Miss Hubbles then, she sounds nice," he said confidently specifically choosing the word 'nice' to emphasis Keiran's bad grammer and upbringing that the youth would expect.
"But err, what's your name Miss?" he asked cautiously now dying to know.

[Girty Hubbles]

Girty managed to produce a tiny smile as the man continued to talk to her about herself. She was finding it very uncomfortable as she waited to correct him and tell him to be quite and stop being so kind. But something kept bugging her in the back of her mind, she was convinced that the Caretakers would know if the papers were coming, the headmaster would have told them to clean up a bit, make the school sparkle. However before she could set upon this argument Kieran said something that sent a shiver running down her spine.

The simple mention of the moon at the late stage Girty still found hard to bare. She gave another look out of the window watching the moon closely, the odd whips of a cloud sailing past it.

"But err, what's your name Miss?"

Girty froze on the spot, slowly she turned to face the mans handsome features once more but able to think of a name. Girty could tell her real one, not after everything he had said…and what she had said. Opening her mouth the first name that spring to her mind rolled off her tongue.

“Sophie Hardgreaves.”

She gave a small nod to back up the statement while her mind was racing. 'Sophie is not even in the same year as me, or come to mention it the same house. Maybe I should have used a name of a Hufflepuff, Grace would not have minded.'

[boofhead]

Striker had being reading in the relative quiet of the library, peering over a charms book he needed to read if he wanted to complete his homework. He read until he heard a loud voice of a male, disrupting his reading as the voice floated over like on a wind.

Usually you keep quiet in a library! Not talking like a damned kangaroo caught on a fence! He thought to himself as he stood, slamming his book shut. He slowly and quietly walked over towards the general direction of the voice, soon coming across a suspicious man sitting with Girty. Striker hid behind one of the shelving units in the library and watched carefully as the man kept asking Girty questions. The man sounded suspicious, the way he spoke, the way he looked and the way he kept prompting questions.

Soon Striker heard that Girty was the Quadwizard champion and he thought to himself he'd have to congratulate Girty a little later, a smile spread on his face as he did. Shaking his head, Striker hunkered himself down until Girty spoke about herself in third person, narrowing his eyes.

Girty has caught on, or at least is just protecting herself from a new arrival, He thought, slowly reaching for his wand. The man soon asked her for her name, knowing Girty she responded with anothers name. Standing up slowly, Striker had to intervene now, he had seen too much, especially noticing that the caretaker was in fact taking notes about what Girty was saying.

Striker had seen this sort of behaviour before, back home, and he knew how to respond. Turning away, Striker aimed his wand at a wall down the aisle he was in, concentrating he cast the spell, creating water to blast out of his wand into a floating sphere. Striker then moved the water sphere down into the spot where he knew there would be no water damage to books, then slowly raised the sphere above his head, dropping the water sphere down on his head, cold water showering over him.

He gave off a cry of shock as the water trickled and dampened his back, the sound obviously a little too loud. He nodded to himself before running back down the aisle, turning back to see a large puddle of water on the floor. He smiled before appearing near the pair and stood there, dripping wet.

'You're the new caretaker, aren't ya mate? Awesome... I just slipped over in a puddle down this aisle and I know that I'm not allowed to take care of it... I've always been told to get the caretaker or a Professor to actually clean it up, but there is no professor around and you are the caretaker, aren't you?' Striker said, putting emphasis on some words. Striker looked over at Girty and smiled. 'Hey, Sophie! Aren't you meant to be with me and Professor Hubbles now? He sent me off to come and find you, he's getting impatiant like he always does.'

Striker looked back at the "caretaker" and smiled. 'We didn't do well enough in class so we have to do a few make up classes, do you mind if we go now?'