[Library] The Nights Are Growing Longer

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

The distant howl of the wind seemed to follow Dan down the long dark corridors of the castle, muting the sound of his own footsteps as he made his way through the maze of Hogwarts castle. His hands where shoved deep down in his trouser pockets as he tried to stop the lose change jangling too much. The very sound of metal upon metal reminded him a bit too much of the sound of a suit of armour closing in behind him and that was something he did not want to experience again. With a small shudder at the thought the headmaster bowed his head as he continued to wonder around the corridors of the deserted castle in the dead of the night.

‘The joys of being headmaster’ Dan mumbled to himself in an attempt to break the deafening silence that lingered. For once he was wishing a student would venture out of bed, maybe one of the ghosts start running riot and smashing statues…anything to stop this mind numbing boredom! Even as he rounded the corner in the corridor he half expected to see a student sneaking back to their commonroom with an arm full of cream buns, but alas darkness.

‘Where is everyone?!’ Dan cried out in vain as he just listened to his own voice echo down the hallway. He needed some action, in more ways then one.

[Helia Ollivander]

"Power isn't so enticing once it's attained, is it?"

Helia removed herself from the alcove she was lounging in. A dark cloak hung over her shoulders, and the hood hid her features in shadows. She stared at her old school mate, a little proud at how far all her friends had come through the years. Just to think, Dan used to be one of the most troublesome students in the school, and now he was the one disciplining the troublemakers of the school. How times changed...

How long had it been anyways... two, three years since she'd last seen the great Professor--no, Headmaster--Hubbles. Too long by any means.

"I hope I'm not interrupting any important conversations with yourself?"

The thought was amusing, considering her past few months...

"I don't mean to intrude on you... I have some news that I thought you might find pertinent to know about... as well as a favor to ask. Do you have some time?"

She didn't want to worry her old friend right off the bat after so long, but she also was not one for beating around the bush, and she didn't know how her information might affect the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Hopefully it would not become a problem... but it did have the potential to be hazardous.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

It seemed that Dan’s pray’s had been answered as a shadow like figure appeared out of the darkness and slowly started to approach. The problem was that over the years Dan had learnt that if something moves out the darkness towards you it tends to be a big, evil monster wanting to kill you. As a result of this judgement Dan felt this throat go try and the Hufflepuff in him was pleading with his now heavy legs to turn and run in the opposite direction. But, luckily, the headmaster instinct kicked in and knowing that he did not want anyone else to run into this…well whatever it was he stood still, back straight, head held high and his hand gingerly reaching into his jacket pocket to pull out his wand if needed.

Then the cloaked figure spoke once more and Dan could not help but feel as if he recognised the voice, it was like a distant memory, a voice of his past that he knew he should know. Straining his eyes through the darkness Dan tried to pull out facial features when everything slowly started to fall into place. It was Helia!

“I think the conversation with myself can wait a moment for you.” A cheeky smile filled the headmasters face as he thought about this, once student of his. He had always gotten on well with Helia and the shock of seeing her inside the castle was completely forgotten through the pleasant joy of seeing this witch once again. However what she had to say next made the toothy grin on Dan’s face falter as the conversation took a more serious turn. But then Dan was not going to let that affect him, he had to try and at least look like a confident individual who was capable of running a school.

“I always have time for you Helia.” Dan stated plainly, he took a few steps forwards towards his old friend reduce the gap between them to a comfortable distance. “I am more then willing to hear you out and help as much as I can.”

[Helia Ollivander]

"I'm glad to hear it," she said, finally removing her hood and meeting her old professors face. It felt like she was home again: two a.m. in the halls of Hogwarts, confronted by one of the few teachers who would let a student skip curfew if they had a good excuse, or a good bribe. There were a few things that had changed though. There was now a streak of gray hair framing Helia's face, and there, on the left side of her face, was a silvery green, crescent shaped scar--three slash marks across her cheek, and one deep line across her eyebrow, meeting at her temple like some horrible claw had tried to rip half her face off.

"You see, Headmaster, there are some... frightening disturbances in the world. All of nature is rebelling against some force. I've been hunting it down for the past few years...it's been leading me on an awful wild goose chase. First I followed it to Hong Kong and Mekong, I thought it might be some sort of ancient dragon being revived, but just as I thought I was getting close, the presence disappeared. Then I followed it to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, same thing happened. Just when I thought I was reaching the source, it was gone."

Her voice began to shake with frustration and disappointment, "Eventually I chased it down to Ireland, which made sense. If Nessy had broken free of Loch Ness, she would surely have searched out the old dragon magics, but... that wasn't it either. The Loch has been completely placid, and the guards of the Lake have seen no movement from the serpent. I was about to go completely mad, when I fell upon an old Druid village, hidden in deep magic in the forest of Killarney..." her eyes glazed over and began to gently glow the same silvery-green color as her scar.

'Those cursed old druids!' she thought. 'Tricking me into that ritual with them.'
'Lady Helia, it had to be done.'
'You say that, but I'm sure there could have been another way!'
'Shh, your friend is staring. We can feel him.'
Helia shook herself out of the trance, her eyes becoming clear and blue again. "Sorry about that, must've drifted off...where was I?"

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

It was defiantly a night of surprises for Headmaster Hubbles, after wanting to have some form of adventure that night he stumbled across an old friend but the biggest, well shock of it all was when she removed her hood. Dan tried his best not to react to the disfiguration of Helia’s face but the frown that creased the man’s brow and the opening of his mouth in disbelief spoke volumes. He wanted to say something, ask how this had happened but his words seemed to get caught in his now dry throat and alas all Dan could do was try not to stare at the scars and try to focus on the story she was now telling him. The problem was all that, Dan not being the most subtle of characters in the world could not help himself but gawk at Helia.

That was not to say that the story she was reciting was not interesting, quiet on the contrary. The cryptic tale confused the headmaster as he tried to focus on what she was saying, tales of druids, the Loch Ness monster and travelling the world. It seemed a long story for someone who only a few years ago owned a wand shop in the local village. But before Dan could understand the full extent of the story Helia had stopped talking and seemed to be looking off into space. Dan did not know what to do, maybe he should cough to make his presence known, but then as soon as this thought past through his mind it seemed to snap Helia out of her own little dream world and once more she locked her sharp eyes upon him.

“I…I…er…a druid village or something...” The frown appeared on the headmasters face once more as the concern overpowered him. “…Helia, what the hell happened to you? You look worse then Girty after a full moon.” It seemed to be a bad habit of Dan’s that he became the protective older brother of many of his ex-students and Helia was no exception.

[Helia Ollivander]

She couldn't help but smile a bit at the professor's reaction. It hadn't been the first time someone reacted as such, and she could tell it wouldn't be the last. This was the life of one who'd been magically scarred.

"The druids," she nodded with a familiar roll of the eyes, "They figured out that I was an Ollivander and said I had been horribly trained, that I hadn't been bonded with my home forest. I had no idea what they were talking about... boy but I found out. They said they wanted to perform and ancient rite, precious to the wandmakers of olde, one that would strengthen my ability to read for wands and owners and make more harmonious wands and... well, you know me. I couldn't pass something like that up. They asked where I made my first wand, and I told them here, and so they started this ceremony trying to create some sort of link between me and the Forbidden Forest... but something went wrong."

She lightly touched her scar, remembering that night with horrible vividness. "For a while everything was just fine, I could feel the consciousness of the forest melting in with my own, I could hear what all the little forest creatures were saying to each other, birds talking about molting season, unicorns complaining about hoof rot. But then as we got deeper into the heart of the forest, something started fighting, like it knew what was going on and... it was so hateful, Professor Hubbles. It wanted me out, and it wanted me out badly. Somehow it turned the spell back on the druids and on me, I tried to focus and fight back but it was ancient, powerful magic like I've never seen before. The druids had to use the last store of their energy just to end the ceremony before... before whatever it was could do anything worse to me. This," she indicated the scar with a wiggle of her eyebrow, "This is what happens when olde magick goes wrong."

Breathing deeply, Helia gathered herself up to finish her story, "It wasn't all bad though. The ceremony had been mostly completed by that time, so I'm still connected with the forest, but ever since then I've been having these awful dreams, like the forest has been sending me visions of what's going on and... I don't understand it, it's all muddled and unclear, but there is something very, very evil in the forest, Professor Hubbles, and it's very, very mad at me for knowing it's there." She knew it sounded a bit crazy, but what could she do? She hadn't even gotten around to asking her favor, but she thought Hubbles needed to know the circumstances before she got to that. For all she knew, he might be quite furious with her for trying something so dangerous, for trying to link herself to the forest without his permission, she had no idea what could happen. But if she knew anything at all, it was that whatever Dan did, it would be the right thing. No matter what the Daily Prophets had been saying, she knew he was all about protecting Hogwarts and those inside its walls.

[Zenobia Zymurgy]

Sure, it was dark, and there had been more than mental things going on the last few months here at Hogwarts, but Zenobia never let that deter her from a cheeky midnight snack in the kitchens. She seemed to only get hungry when she was alone at night, and so very bored. So here she was, her head buried deep into one of the refridgerators in the kitchens, a couple of the house elves mumbling and groaning as the light from the refridgerator glared onto them as they snoozed under the counters.

'Zenobia, this is every night this week. It's a good job we're here to restock the bloody cold box isn't it?' grumbled Wilfred, one of the older house elves before he mumbled under his breath, heaved a sigh and flipped over, pulling the shabby grey blanket over his head. His sudden outburst shocked her and she turned her head to face him, her hand in the middle of stuffing a giant blueberry muffin into her mouth, the crumbs dropping off creating a mess on the floor as her eyes widened and she took a few seconds to swallow the mouthful she had just crammed in.
'Omm..Sorry Wilfred' she apologised, before quickly grabbing a chunk of cheese and half a bottle of milk then shutting the door with her foot as she scampered off towards the hallway, her arms and mouth full of food.

As she wandered the corridors with her arms full and her mouth still skillfully holding the entire blueberry muffin, she waddled in her pink bunny slippers and her oversized American Jersey emblazed with The Mighty Ducks, she was finding it hard to carry all of the snacks she had taken and was every few steps having to adjust her position and move the food around. It was as she rounded a corner when she almost reached back to the Gryffindor common room that she had to halt abruptly as she saw the Headmaster and a woman ahead of her. Gasping in shock, she ended up dropping all the food, the blueberry muffin and the glass bottle, creating a loud high pitched smash on the stone floor by her feet, spraying the milk over her bare ankles and onto her shirt.

Looking down at being caught out of bed at this time, stealing food, and being caught by the Headmaster of all people she almost made matters worse.
"Oh for f..." she said, before realising the obscenity that was about to slip from her mouth.
"Merlin's sake" she continued as she looked up to the Headmaster with a grimace on her face. She bit her lower lip for a moment and she sighed and began to wipe down her shirt.

"I suppose it's too late to say I was sleep walking, eh sir?"

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

In his time Dan had seen many a thing, he had travelled the world, seen exotic places and met wizards and witches from all cultures but never before had he heard such a tail. It was like a story that would be told around a camp fire while you were out in the middle of the wilderness, something to scare the children and make them hide behind their mothers. But this story sent a shiver up Dan’s spine because he knew it must be real as he had faith and trust in Helia. The mere thought that there was something waiting in the forest, something angry…something that could be a possible danger to Hogwarts and its residents.

The little voice in his head was screaming madly, why was it always him? Why had everything bad had to happen when he was in charge of the school just to make him look even more like an incompetent fool? The papers would have a field day, he could just imagine the headlines now of the Daily Prophet as they slate his every move and once more beg for his removal as head of the school. But then, his job was expendable while the students of his school where not. They had to be his priority, the reputation of Dan Hubbles was already tainted, already in tiny little pieces, a little bit more bad press will not so too much damage in the long run as long as those who he cared about where safe. Yes, that would be his priority; he will sacrifice everything he has to save the school from this growing threat in within the forest.

The Headmaster then snapped out of his thoughts and back to reality at the sound of glass smashing from within the darkness. Pulling out his wand and spinning around to look to where the noise had come from the headmaster was relived to just see a student. The look of relief was clear on his face as he quickly pocketed his wand and shot an apologetic glance over at Helia. “I am sorry to say Miss Zymurgy but I think it is a bit too late for the sleep walking line.” He offered the young Gryffindor a small smile as his gaze passed over the milk that was slowly spreading across the flagstone flooring of the corridor. “But then there is not point crying over spilt milk.” Dan gave a small chuckle at the terrible joke before giving a small, nervous cough as he noticed no one else was laughing. “Clean this mess up while I just have a quick work with my friend and then I shall personally escort you back to your common room.”

Without another word Dan turned back to Helia, he talked in a low, hushed voice as he was sure that Helia did not want a random Gryffindor listening into their conversation. “I am sorry for what has happened to you…but you said before you had a favour to ask of me. What was it?” Dan looked back over at Zenobia to make sure she was doing as she was told. “Unless you want to carry on this conversation in a more private place…we could go to my office if you like once we have escorted our nightwalker back.”

[Helia Ollivander]

It was rather poor timing on the part of the Gryffindor girl. How was she supposed to finish her tale and her request with a student right there? Professor Hubbles seemed to be handling things well, and was being very courteous by offering to change venue or get rid of the girl, but Helia had other plans. "Oh, don't worry, Head Master," she said, her old familiar smirk creeping onto her features. "Let her take her time. Cleaning should be done thoroughly, don't you think?" she turned and faced the girl. Helia wasn't sure which she hoped for more, that the girl wouldn't be frightened of her scar, or that she would be. Up til this point anyone who had seen it had been aghast and shocked in some form or fashion, though if anyone were to break that streak it would be a proud Gryffindor. "Though, I also really can't have you listening in, I'm afraid." She pulled her wand from her robes pocket and aimed it at the girl's face, "Muffliato." The invisible spell warped the air around it as it left Helia's wand, entering the girl's ears and filling them with an unidentifiable buzz so that Helia and the Head Master could continue their conversation unbothered.

"Yes, my favor," she said, returning her wand to its resting place and turning away from the student that she might not accidentally read her or the Head Master's lips as they continued their conversation. "You see, Head Master, I've kept up with all the news regarding the school and your leadership of it. I figure the less news of this that gets out, the better. If we can solve this problem before the outside world even knows it exists, well won't Head Master Hubbles be the brave savior of the school?" she paused for a moment before continuing her proposition. "I'd like to come back to school, as the Keeper of Keys and Grounds. With my connection to the forest, I could try to isolate the intruder, figure out what it is, then you could put together a hunting party and destroy the thing, whatever it may be. I just need some time to settle down the forest and figure out what's wrong."

She paused, waiting the decision of her old professor, dearly hoping her request would be accepted. Although she thought it was a brilliant idea, Head Master Hubbles might think it too dangerous and risky, but at the same time, having an inside edge on any dangerous creatures or wizards, as well as bad press, might be enough incentive for him to let her stay. "Also, if I can get rid of the intruder, I might be able to finish the Druid's ritual, finish the spell and stop having these horrible visions. Perhaps learn to control these and later on be even more beneficial to the school. How about it, Hubbles? Am I hired?"

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Dan was not sure what he had expected, in his past favours were either him lying to someone’s other half to cover up for their miss deeds or of a more sexual nature. It must not be forgotten that Dan Hubbles, once upon a time, had a reputation and still from time to time the past had a habit of biting back at the headmaster and for the briefest of moments he was worried about what Helia was about to say to him and was more then thankful that Miss Zymurgy had been temporarily defended. However after his old student had asked him the question the headmaster let out a breath he had not realised he had been holding and with a laugh of relief Dan’s hand subconsciously ran over his stubbly beard as he tried to work out what to say.

“Is that it?” He could not help but laugh; even at the extreme he had been expecting something about closing the school down. Although the whole concept of something dark and dangerous living in the forest right next to the school still gave him the willies he was more then willing to agree to this favour. “Yeah, of course we can do that. Simmons was on about doing something else with his life…” Dan broke off as he made eye contact with Helia, his hand dropping to his side and his trademark lopsided grin crinkled his weathered features. “The job is yours. Congratulations.”

The headmaster held out his hand as a way of sealing the deal with a good old fashioned handshake. “It is yours for as long as you need, however…” his gaze wondered back to the Gryffindor. “…if you would not mind trying to reframe from hexing my students in the future it would help.” But it seemed that the man then hesitated on this thought. "Well...you can hex the Slytherin's but if I find out you have ever even sent a spark after a Hufflepuff I will hunt you down." The wide grin on his face was a sign that he was only joking...although if she did do something to one of his precious Hufflepuff's the smile may just fade.