The Three Broomsticks

A swift gust of wind swept through the wizarding pub as Alastor Moody stepped into the room through the doorframe. Turning around to close the door he groaned slightly. With a loud bang the cold wind ceased and the floorboards creaked as the former Head Auror walked across the room, loud thumps coming from the ground as he did so. Stopping at the bar he sat down on the wooden stool infront of him and threw several coins onto the polished surface.

"Butterbeer, Rosmerta. Might not be staying though, I might have to get some..business finished." he grumbled. Leaning down he pulled his walking stick against the bar and waited for the landlady to serve his drink.

When the drink had came he practically ripped of the cork and took a swig of the delicate substance. Just as he had put down the bottle he turned around, his magical eye has spotted something. Turning around he limped off to the blonde haired Slytherin, Draco.

"You won't be cursing anyone here son!" he snapped standing in the way between the opposing students.

Hermione was going to leave peacefully and follow him instead. She was getting out her wand ready to duel. Then, Moody had arrived. "Oh, hello Moody. I was just going to umm.....," she said as she was quickly hiding her wand. "I was just leaving the conversation to go get some candy," she said.

Cho took her drink from Rosmerta and smiled at her she turned back the Lupin
"I'd love for you to comeback your were the best defence agaisnt the dark arts teacher ... but it is to risky espeically if professor Snape hates you"

she paused sippping her drink and smiled
"Any way did you her about the DA ?"

Remus looked down knowing already the job was not a wise idea. Snape hated him, even if Albus made Severus produce the wolfsbane.. Severus would still want to get him fired, and that was not just a risk to Remus but to everyone there ".. no I have been away, not seen many of my old students, accept from Harry, Hermione, yourself and Ron..but they have not said anything.."

With all caution of somebody who had just entered the lair of a sleeping dragon, James slipped silently into the crowded in. He was breathing heavy, a thin layer of perspiration had began to collect on his pale cold flesh. It was hot, even within the shelter of the inn. To a normal person it was a average day, comfortable and breezy. But to him, it was like wandering threw the Shara in a parka.

The vampire scanned threw room around him briefly with his emerald eyes, taking in the various shapes and locations of those around him. His vision was so blurred from the heat of the sun he could barley see. There were quite a lot of people in here. A fact that made him rather uneasy. He never really liked wizards all that much.

Adjusting his his long heavy coat, which had been charmed heavily to shield him from the sun. He began to make is way toward the bar. Taking careful steps and to not collide with any of the other patrons, feeling quite literally as blind as a bat.

He was oddly dressed, caught somewhere between a vagrant and a homeless person. His jeans were faded and worn, hanging loosely from his hips. Secured to him by a cracked brown belt. A Grey hooded sweatshirt covered his torso, whit the hood pulled up as to better hide his face. Over that was the a for mentioned charmed coat, which was very Mad-Eye Moody in appearance, with many deep pockets. His hands and feat were wrapped in what looked like filthy rags, a feeble, yet successful attempt to keep the sun form scorching his flesh

He took a seat at the bar next to a somewhat shabby man (Remus). Who seemed to be having a conversation with, from his guess. One of the female students from the castle, though he could not make her out in the blur to be certain. He switched his focus to the bar tender than had began to waltz over. Before she had the chance to speak he cut her off with a one word answer the question he knew she was going to ask. " Firewhiskey." He said, his voice low and primal. The barmaid looked taken aback, surprised that such a vicious sound came from such a worn and sickly looking man.

James reached into one of his interior pockets for his money, his arm bumping into Remus as he did. "Sorry!" He exclaimed in alarmed tone. Turning slightly to face the man he had banged into. A look of panic on his face. "Accident.. My eye sight isn't to wonderful right now.." He grumbled. Lifting his head to speak. He was actually pretty attractive. Or would be if he bothered to take care of himself, and bathe on a semi regular basis. A thin line of stubble graced his face, giving him a somewhat rugged appeal. While his features remained sharp, and quite charming in a rather "bad guy" kind of way. Long locks of greasy blond hair remained tucked beneath the folds of his hood, occasionally slipping loose to fall into his face. He was also a bit sickly looking. Gaunt, with skin that was so pale it almost glowed. Deep purple lines ran under his deep set eyes, which combined with the thin layer of sweat, made him appear feverish.

He lowered his head again quickly, slipping the required amount of money silently onto the table. He closed his eyes, resting his elbows on the bar, and his head in the open palms of his hands. He had been out again last night. Hunting for someone that could put him in contact with the order. His search had lead him far, a mistake that ensured that he was caught out after sunrise. It was now far to late in the day, and he was much to weak to walk even the several feet down the road to his room at the hogs head. No..he would wait here, wait here for the sun to go down. Then he would return.

Cho nodded as she listened to Lupin she really hated Snape he had betrayed Lupins trust as a result forced Lupin into hiding.

"oh well Harry formed it he taught all defences spell and now vey good at stunning people and I've learnt how to do a patronus so I guess I kindas should thank you for teaching harry that one"
she giggled a sipped her drink

Remus couldn't help but smile ".. It was just lucky I was asked to come to Hogwarts that year to make sure he would be protected.. could have been a lot different, but Harry soon mastered it, so please don't thank me.."

Remus turned and listened to Draco's voice. His eyes tightened into a glare.
He strolled towards them, looking mainly to Draco Malfoy "... is that a threat I hear?" he asked with a low growl in his throat.
Lupin was very protected with his friends, he didn't care what snide comments Draco would come out with, or that his father was a death eater, he would not stand by it

The sound of raised voices reached his ears. Something was happening. His body reflexively tensed. It was a common reaction of his to danger.

James turned on his stool slightly. His green eyes peering out from under his hood, trying to catch sight of what was happening around him. Though it was a useless gesture. His daytime blindness made it impossible to make out anyone more than a foot or two away.

He reached his hand into his coat. Hoping he went unnoticed in the confusion. His cold clammy fingers wrapped around the hilt of his blade. It wasn't much. Especially in a fight with wizards. But it was better than nothing.

Remus was still in a very protective state, but Drago wasn't worth him getting banned from the tavern, or being unable to teach once more at Hogwarts.. there was plenty of time to have a quiet word with the boy.

Remus forced his body to turn around, to keep out of it, but to see listen out encase there was something else to come. He walked to the bar and ordered himself a red rum.

Growling at Malfoy as he retreated he stomped over to the shabby, and scarred man and sat down next to him, a slight creaking noise appeared as he did. Leaning forward onto the table he looked at his old friend, a smile followed with his usual permanent glare.

"So, Remus. Your returning to Hogwarts then? Rgh, I still have nightmares of being cramped in that enchanted chest. This thing doesn't keep still, ever since that scum wore it." he said beckoning to his magic eye, which of course was whizzing in its socket uncontrollably and also usually was harder to see things than usual.

Letting out another strained groan he sat upright in his chair and frowned. Another question had struck his mind, and of course it was the very reason Lupin left Hogwarts.

"What about your Lycanthropy? Snape brewin' another Wolfsbane Potion or what?"

"... what?" Remus asked rather rudely ".. there is only wolfsbane.. nothing else.. no one had told me of any new potions for it, but no matter what someone invents.. will never cure it.." He sipped his glass and put it down and pulled a sour face ".. and I amd going to go and see what happens.. if I get too many complaints then I will leave, no fuss.. but I need to money.. even if Lily did give me some money, a letter which she and James wote, years ago, which was never given to me... till now.. but I want to give Tonks a wedding she will remember.. there is nothing I want to buy for myself.. I just needed money to keep me living.. nothing more.. i am not a material person.."

"Yeah, well ok then. I mean is he brewin' a supply for you? I think we know that by now Remus." he said with a little chuckle.

"So, your finally acceptin' that Tonk's is the one, eh? When's the weddin'?"

"...I will not start.. till next month.. I am just worried at cutting it too fine, I have to have the potion brewed fresh everyday for the week leading to the full moon." he said not looking at Moody, and just speaking under his breath as the barman walked past him on the otherside of the bar

"There is no day set yet.. but in these times.. sooner is better than later I think.. and yes I gave into her.. only problem is.. Lily seems to have taken to me.. "

James relaxed once more. The hostility in the air around him seemed to have died down. Wizards... He though, his hand still resting on the hooked blade hidden under his coat. Nothing but bullies.. Not that his own race was any less prone to outbreaks of violence. They however had a excuse. Wizards more often than not seem to be motivated simply because they have the power to do so. And somehow, somewhere. They got the impression that this power gave them the right to rule. A rather one sided view point, that the goblins are often kind enough to remind them of.

The air around him seemed to settle. As the sounds of the conversation next to him began to settle on his ears. James listened in out of habit, eves dropping was a was one of his few talents. He was quietly stunned when the man he had been sitting next to revealed himself as a werewolf. James listened more closely on there conversation, quickly growing irritated with the direction it was taking. He bit his lip, trying to hold back what he wanted to say. Fidgeting in his seat uncomfortably. In the end temptation one, and he turned to face the man fully, his emerald eyes glaring out from under his dark hood.

"There is no reason to be ashamed of what you are." He said non nonchalantly. Cutting into the conversation, his eyes fixed on Remus. His fangs were clearly visible now as he spoke, but he didn't care. Though this man was obviously a wizard, and James had no love for wizards. He was also a lycan, and that was the closet thing he had met to kin since he arrived in this god forsaken place. And he was willing to throw caution to the wind if it meant solidarity with a oppressed kinsfolk.

His words for the moment seemed to have gone unnoticed. Though he was unsure if weather or not the man had heard him at all over the noise of the inn. James cleared his throat preparing to speak again. Is there a taboo on me or something? He thought, curious of the odd behavior he was receiving. But he had only just finished that thought when fate decided that now was the time to show him there was not.

There was a sudden clatter. His long forgotten drink was now strewn across the bar, some of it dripping into his lap. James gave a short cry of alarm and panic, leaping bolt upright to his feet, oblivious to those around him. He looked around, his eyes settling upon the culprit. He could see her clearly now that she was so close, though he wished almost immediately that he couldn't. She was very pretty, though a few years younger than him in apparent age. But it wasn't that that bothered him. A sudden weight had settled into the pit of his stomach as he looked at her. She looks just like... He thought, his green eyes growing somewhat wide with disbelief. No, there's no way..

James cleared his throat again, seeking to gain control of the situation, lowering his head so his eyes vanished in the darkness of his hood. "I assume..." He said, his voice full of suspicion. "That was a mistake." His fangs glinted as he spoke.

"Oh my I'm So So sorry" she stuttered

James relaxed, and nodded. The hostility seemed to drain from him almost immediately, replaced instead by curiosity. “Don’t worry about it...” He said, somewhat absent minded. “Firewhiskey is probably the least threatening thing to ever be spilled on me.” He smiled, amused at his own attempt at a joke.


"Strange though..." He said, lifting his head so his eyes were once again visible. "Your apology was...sincere. Not something I would expect from a wand-carrier. “ James stressed the last word, a tiny bit of venom creeping back into his voice. “Those of your kind that I have had the...misfortune of knowing. Would never apologize to a non-human.”

“I guess that my initial impression were wrong.” He said. Transfixed by her beauty, and kindness. “Perhaps there is such a thing as a ‘good wizard’?”

Cho's cheeks turned a bright pink as she apoligized again the man she was talking to seemed to be transfixed by her and it was making her uncomftable and she felt like running back to the castle but that would be rude and Cho wasn't like that so she kept a smile upon her face.

Cho listened intently to what the man was saying about his past and how people treated him Cho felt for him she hadn't even taken in to consideration the fact he was for use of a better word 'Different'

"I I Don't really think It matters what you are"
She stuttered
as she smiled a reasurring smile at him
"Why should it"

"I'm Cho by the way Cho Chang"

"James Benette." He said, reaching out his hand to shake hers, as was
the human custom. He stopped mid gesture however, his green eyes
settling on a patch of skin that had become exposed as he reached
forward. There clearly visible on his pale white flesh, were a series
of small purplish blotches. A pained expression spread across his face.
It was spreading again. He slid his hand into one of his coat pockets.

"If anyone asks you though its Redcap." He said, attempting to steer
the conversation away from what had just happened. "I'm supposed to be
incognito. I don't think your a death eater though, so I think I'll be
safe with you knowing." Something about her seemed to tell him that he
could trust her.

James gestured for her to sit with his free hand, taking his own seat
as he did. "If only everyone thought like you." He said laughing. Still
shocked at how she was treating him. As if he was a wizard himself, an
equal. "There would be a lot less suffering in the world."

"I'm sorry for staring earlier." He said, somewhat embarrassed. "I
hope I didn't make you uncomfortable. I'm just not used to this kind of
treatment. And you look like someone who used to be very close to my
brother and I, before he died." James fell silent for a moment, his
thoughts traveling back to the night of his brothers murder. "Not many
wand-carriers would have apologized to a vampire. They would sooner
stake me."

James chuckled slightly. Wiping away a fresh layer of sweat that had
gathered on his forehead. "Bit foolish of me being out in the day." He
said, looking up at cho. "How can you stand it? Doesn't the sun bother
you? Its so bright." James glanced toward the window and squinted as if
to prove his point. Even though he couldn't actually see that far.
"Still though...I wish I could see a real sunrise once. The way you
can. I hear they are quite beautiful."

Cho Noticed the purple blotches on James's Perfect Ivory Skin which seem to be reflecting the sunligh which was creeping in through the window
"Hi James" she replied with a massive smile on her face even as he told her about how he was on the run .

"No I'm not a Death Eater" said Cho she laughed she knew she was the complete oppisite to a death Eater. Cho Wondered what such a friendly man had done to of angered the death eaters .
She bit her lip then spoke "So Hope you don't mind me asking but why are They after you"

eventhough Cho had been about to leave the pub she sat down in the seat which he had offered her something about this man intreguied her but she wasn't sure why.

Cho Continued to listen as he Explain that she had reminded him of someone and the death of his brother she could tell by his expression that it still haunted him.
"I'm So Sorry" she wanted to know more about what had happened but it wasn't really her buissness.

Cho Laughed as he asked her howshe coped with the sunlight
"Well It usually not very sunny her in England" she said still slightly giggling
she met his eyes as expressed his dream to see the sunlight
"It is very Beautiful" she gushed "Amazing" he mind driffed to the Yule Ball when her and Cedric were sitting out in the grounds watching the sun rise she snapped out of it when she felt a tear rolling down her cheek
"Sorry" she said wipping it off her cheek.

Cho noticed Malfoy confronting her over her previous comment
"I'll say whatever I like Draco " she spat turning back to face James

James nodded when she gave her condolences for his brother. It was strange but she was the first person to have said anything. Death was so common among his people that such things were often excepted with little more than a solemn nod. There was no time to stop and properly grieve, everyone was simply to busy trying to survive.

"So Hope you don't mind me asking but why are They after you"

He glanced around at the people around him. They all seemed to engrossed in there own conversations to over here anything he said. "I was part of a group of volunteers that came here to offer our services to anyone resisting The Dark Lords rise to power." He said, starring off into space. "When he was defeated the first time there was a strong anti-vampire sentiment following the war in my country. Many innocents were killed as a result, including.." James paused, taking a breath to steady himself from the rush of memories..

"Including-my-brother." He practically spat out the sentence, as if he wanted to be rid of it as quickly as possible. "We, myself and the four others that came with me. Were supposed to be here fighting and representing our race. Showing the wizarding world that there are 'good' vampires. But things didn't go quite according to plan."

James leaned in across the table, his voice barely above a whisper. "We had gotten word to meet a contact somewhere near the place called 'Diagon Alley'. He was supposed to put us into contact with members of the Order, allowing us to fulfill what we had come here to do. Something about the situation seemed strange, but nobody would here my protests. It was of course an ambush."

"They waited for us to enter the alley with the contact before they attacked." James paused again, it was clear to anyone that he was relieving in his mind the events of that night. "They came all at ounce, at least a dozen. They seemed to appear out of the shadows around us. Our leader was the first to die, caught a killing cure in the chest. The rest of us ran, we had no chance in a fight. They are after all wizards, and we were armed with nothing but knives and our own fangs. It is illegal for vampires to use magic you see, even to own a wand.." A bit of resentment had crept into his voice.

"It was a slaughter. I was the only one to make it out alive." James clenched his left and into a tight fist, his knuckles turning even more white. "I wish I could have gathered there bodies..But I am sure they are looking for me. I gave the ones chasing me a bit of a close call. Someone has to be out for revenge. Myself included." The last words escaped his mouth as a hiss.

His eyes moved back to cho, and he noticed the tear running down her face. "Erm I'm sorry.." He stammered, looking a little worried. "Did I say something wrong?"