Black Beauty

[Professor Starr Kimaki]

It was early in the morning. Real early. The "early in the morning" where the moon just started to head down toward the horizon while the sun lingered to spread its light. The three-in-the-morning early. Know what early I'm talking about? Good, because that's how early it was.

Anyway, Starr always had a thing for early. A habit she'd never been able to kick after graduating from Hogwarts and traveling the world for a few years. So, while treating herself to a bit of early, she took to roaming the halls in search of early bird students. Luck didn't happen to be on her side tonight, though. Not a creature stirred in the halls. How depressing.

It didn't take long for her to get a new destination in mind. It was about time for her to visit and old friend. She thought he'd like a visit, anyway. Even if it was from a panther at three o'clock in the morning.

Her long black tail swished back and forth behind her as her massive claws clicked against the tiled flooring. Starr rounded a few corners here and there until she came face to face with Ericus' office door. A growl rumbled from her throat as she looked up at the door knob. Damn... too high. Stupid paws.

She looked down at her huge paws and lifted one, carelessly scratching it against Ericus' door. It was a horrible sound, but at least it'd get his attention. Her claws dragged down his door again and again, not really caring whether or not he was already up and on his way to open it. C'mon, Ericus. Wake up.

[Professor Ericus Black]

Sleep. Something Ericus didn't do normally. He was never awake when he was supposed to be or asleep when he was supposed to be. His feet plodded softly across the tiles of the great hall. A black cloak flew about him but never in front of him. What an odd and eventful night it had been. However, now he had to get back to his office and sleep for at least four or five hours. Maybe less, who knows.

His wand was gripped lightly in his hand. Didn't want to get attacked, now did he? Ericus took the long and winding corridors through the ground floor to come to a life-size picture frame. It seemed to be completely empty except for the fact taht it was essentially a doorway to a staircase.

Emerging from the other end of the empty framed stairwell, Ericus straightened himself out on the third floor. Quite a number of things were lying aroudn. Most of it parchment and such like that. Needless to say, though, Ericus could care less about parchemnt and pretty much everything else. He just needed some sort of relaxation.

He had rounded many corners before finally reaching the small corridor that was the way to his office. Something was odd. Something else was in the hallway. Ericus stepped lightly down the hallway before he could make out a shape on the ground. Well, it didn't seem human. It had paws and it was scratching at his door. Ericus gripped his wand a little tighter and aimed it at the beast. "Away with you!" He shouted. Ericus began to mouth the words to a spell.

[Professor Starr Kimaki]

By now, Starr had carved thick slivers of wood off of Ericus' door and was beginning to become impatient. Where is he... he should be in his office. Stupid Ericus... The panther's large paw lowered to the floor and she stood there, staring up at the door knob. Maybe I should just give up and transform back. I could open his door then. But how do I explain the huge scratches...? Her black ears flicked with frustration and she backed a few paces away from the door.

She was still thinking it over when a familiar male voice shouted at her from down the hallway. The panther's blue eyes flashed as Starr turned her black head to gaze at an angry looking Ericus. His wand was drawn and his lips were parted to utter a spell. No! Starr thought fantically. A thunderous growl errupted from her throat and the panther lunged down the hallway toward Ericus, her claws unsheathed.

Her stride faltered slightly as her claws dug into smooth floor, but it didn't stop her from hurtling toward him anyway. The large, lithe animal version of Starr stretched and practically galloped down the hallway. Finally, being a few feet away, the panther pushed off and flew through the air toward him, making to knock him off of his feet. You were always a moron, Ericus.

[Professor Ericus Black]

Ericus was almost down uttering the incantation but this animal noticed him and started to rush him. Ericus, being startled, stopped right before the last syllable. The green light the seemed to be about to emit from his wand shrank away. Ericus had his wand a loft now. He had to be quick if he was going to live through this.The beast lunged at him all of a sudden.

Ericus, thinking quickly slammed himself into the wall to avoid the flying animal. Casting a quick glance, Ericus could see that it was a panther. Just an odd predatory cat. This was weird to him though. How did a panther manage to get into the school? Maybe it snuck past him when he opened the door. Maybe there was an animagi hiding among the school. Erither way, this being was in trouble. Ericus could care less if it was dead or not. It wasn't going to bother him one bit if this thing was cast outside hurt or maimed. He just wanted it out of the way.Ericus pointed his wand at the animal, and speaking softly, spoke the word, "Crucio!"

[Professor Starr Kimaki]

The panther's black claws swooshed cleanly past Ericus' shoulder as he turned away from her. There was a heavy grunt as her paws made contact with the floor again and she practically skidded for a few yards. Starr lifted her head and craned her neck around, fixating her brilliant blue eyes on Ericus as his wand lifted again. No... Fear struck her heart moments before a red light swelled at the tip of his wand. No...

The spell hit her square in the chest and immediate pain roared through her body. The panther let out an ear splitting, roar-like scream that became more and more human by the second. It felt like lightning, fire, muggle bullets, and knives were tearing at her body all at the same time. The panther writhed on the ground, still screaming as its figure suddenly started to change. The forelegs shortened and lost hair while the hind legs lengthened. Ears returned to the skull and silky black hair sprouted from the skull as all cat-like features melted away.

Starr's human scream ripped through Hogwarts' hallway as she writhed on the ground, tears pouring down her face. The pain was unbearable. Her nails broke and her fingers bled as she scratched the ground, still writhing about while her continuous scream never seemed to end.

[Professor Ericus Black]

Ericus' eyes stayed fixated on the panther as his spell slammed into it. The roar it emitted barely phased him. It was in the school and it could have harmed him. He wasn't going to be happy for a bit. However, something was happening. Ericus could see the cat features almost melting away. It was an animagi. Who could it have been though? Ericus took a few steps towards it to gaze upon the face.

It was a familiar face. Someone from Ericus' past. And his present. Starr Kimaki. Ericus felt a small surge of fear and guilt for a moment. He hadn't released the curse, though. Finish it. She's weak. Ericus stared for a moment longer and ripped his wand away from Starr's writhing body. He flung himself to the floor as he let go and lay still for a minute.

What have I done? He thought to himself. Ericus kneeled and looked at his wand. Something was weird. It was almost as if something was controlling him. That was impossible. Ericus couldn't be controlled. Maybe something was making him act this way. He looked over his shoulder and gazed at Starr. Only a moment ago Ericus had been torturing her. It could have been much worse, though. Much, much worse.

Ericus stood up. He was shaking a little. It was creepy to think what he almost had done earlier. What he had almost done in Syn's office the other day. It was dangerous in this world to be sure. Ericus was definately sure that he was paranoid now. Not even looking back this time, Ericus spoke. "Starr? If you can hear me? If you can, just get up and follow me into my office. Theres some stuff in there already." He took a few steps forward and then opened the door. He slid through the opening and opened it fully to allow her to enter. If she could still move.

[Professor Syn Kimaki]

Syn had just gotten back from a short, unexpected trip. He had had to run (or apparate if you wanted to be correct), to England to meet with some people regarding his cousins funeral. He had just gotten back and decided to drop by Ericus' office to deliver some paper work.

The castle was dark. Well, darker than usual. It was a little odd considering you could already see the sun coming up. In fact, it was almost like the castle's walls were trying to tell him something was wrong. He didn't know what though.

He reached the last hallway before Ericus' office. That's when he saw her. His wife. Starr, was laying on the ground.

He ran up to her body, dropping the papers on the ground. What...happened here?

He shook her. Starr... wake up.

[Professor Starr Kimaki]

It seemed that as quick as the pain had started, it stopped. Just like that. In the blink of an eye all of the roaring feelings were cut short. Her body stopped convulsing and her scream faded into mere echos throughout the corridors. She wanted to get up. She wanted to pull out her wand and hex Ericus. She wanted his voice to go away. How does he know... how does he know... how does he know... That's all she could think as her hazy gaze floated to his broad silhouette. How does he know...

She wanted to get up. She wanted to pull out her wand and hex Ericus. She wanted his voice to go away. She couldn't get any of them. Her body gave out on her. Staring motionlessly at Ericus, her body just ... gave out. Maybe it was from shock. Maybe it was from the sudden lack of feeling. Maybe it was from shock.

Starr's mind began to wander away from what just happened. She could hear her husband coming. His voice was soft and far away. His footsteps pounded in her head. "He... n-no... I... it wasn't..." Starr's words didn't make sense, even to her. She could feel herself losing consciousness. "H-Hex... the... the panther... Eri---" Her mind was no longer with them.

[Professor Ericus Black]

Ericus' frame still stood in the dark doorway of his office. It was almost impossible to see him. Unless you had a light. Ericus could hear Starr muttering. She'll come to. And she won't try anything funny. Unless she knows what can happen now. Ericus thought to himself lightly holding his wand in one hand. He had almost not given up the hold on the curse. He still couldn't figure out why. Even though it had only been moments ago.

That didn't matter too much anymore. Starr was going to tell someone. He had to modify her memory to keep her from remembering. Ericus turned back towards the hallway. Someone was at her side. Ericus almost sprinted forward, his wand at the ready. "Avad--- Oh..." He said slowly, stopping in his tracks. Ericus lowered the wand from the point at the man's head. It was only Syn. "It's just you." Ericus turned back towards his office.

Taking only a few large steps, Ericus was back in his office. He waved his hand a little. All the lights in the room came on. Ericus made a small bed like cushion on one of his trunks. "Syn! Bring her in here. I have a small thing set up." Ericus called out down the hall. Ericus needed her in the vacinity. But he needed Syn away from her. Thats the only way he could modify her memory. Unless she woke up first.

[Professor Syn Kimaki]

Syn had thought he'd heard the beginning of the killing spell released from Ericus' lips. But no, that couldn't be. Ericus was there friend. He'd known them for years. It was probably something like avoir. But still, why would he be saying Bye to someone at this time of the night?

"It's just you."

Who were you expecting Ericus? Santa Claus? He snapped at Ericus.

He watched as Ericus left to go back in his office and commanded Syn to bring Starr in there. Syn felt like something odd was going on, but he didn't exactly know what. Something was telling him not to go, but he did anyway. He layed Starr on the makeshift Bed Ericus had made and then looked at him.

What the hell happened to her? And don't tell me you don't know. You do. I can see it in your eyes.

As he said this, he had his right hand on his wand. Just in case he needed quick access to it.

[Professor Ericus Black]

Ericus remained relaxed and calm as Syn had done what Ericus had asked. He disregarded the remark that Syn made earlier. His wand still held lightly in his hand and out of view. Syn, however, seemed impatient. And Ericus was becoming annoyed at impatience. Syn was becoming too much of a bother to protect anymore. And Starr had worked his last nerve by mutilating his door. Ericus could see Syn's wand held in his hand. Immediately rising from his chair Ericus pointed his wand directly at Syn's face.

"I'm tired, of everyone believing me to be insane." He waved his wand, causing a box in the corner to hurl itself towards Syn. "And I'm tired of protecting you and your wife here. And if you want to know, she tried to attack me in animagi form. Im not sure if you knew about that. And she didn't seem like changing to show it was her. Just a straight lunge towards me." Ericus paused, breathing heavily.

He was tired of Syn's weak attempt at being a wizard. Nothing but a bother and a slight annoyance. Taking Starr from him was one of the things that had driven him over the edge. Ericus only protected Syn to protect Starr. He didn't care if she thought she was powerful enough. "And now, Syn, just for fun and possibly just a small insight. I'm going to say this once," Ericus moved his wand point down to face Syn's chest. "Crucio!"

[Professor Syn Kimaki]

Syn was a little surprised when Ericus practically jumped to his feet and started talking to him.

"I'm tired, of everyone believing me to be insane."

G, I wonder why they would say that! Syn smirked.

Syn was tired. It was late. He was frusterated and crabby. His attitude from his first couple semesters at school was returning to him, and he could care less. He knew something was up.

"And I'm tired of protecting you and your wife here. And if you want to know, she tried to attack me in animagi form. Im not sure if you knew about that. And she didn't seem like changing to show it was her. Just a straight lunge towards me."

Protecting Us? What they hell are you talking about Ericus? If anything, we've protected you. We gave you a home Ericus. We gave you a job. And from what I've noticed, Starr has no problem turning into a panther, but has trouble turning back to a human. Maybe your not as much of a friend as I thought you were Ericus.

"And now, Syn, just for fun and possibly just a small insight. I'm going to say this once, Crucio!"

Syn gasped and collapsed on the floor, he couldn't believe what had just happened... no, it couldn't have happened. Syn was dreaming. He had to be. Ericus, his friend since school, couldn't have done this. That wasn't the Ericus he knew.

Syn screamed in pain. It felt like he was on fire, and someone was stabbing him everywhere he touched. He couldn't breath. Syn was never that strong when it came to pain, and felt like he was going to faint. He couldn't though. He forced to keep himself awake, while fighting the pain. He couldn't... he couldn't faint. He had to make sure nothing happened to Starr. Thats all he was thinking about. He didn't give a damn about himself. Starr couldn't be hurt.

[Professor Ericus Black]

Ericus stared at Syn's aching body. It was almost enjoyable to him. And yet, at the same time, horror struck him. His wand flew out of his hand at the power he used to release the curse. His hand ached and his neck burned. Ericus slumped back into his seat and stared at Starr's body on the trunk which contained his prizes. Not scholarly prizes. But items taken from defeated wizards.

He knew that Syn could still hear him. He was still slightly angry at both of them. Starr, for trying to maul him in the hallway. Ericus spoke loudly so that both of them, though half-conscious, could hear them. "Syn I have protected you since we left school. I saved your life not too long ago when the death eaters collapsed the Hospital Wing. And I have protected Starr numerous times, although she may not realize it. You two seem to think that whatever it is thats going on, I'm not important enough to be a part of it." He glared at his desk, a hole in it from one of the sparks fired from his wand.

[Professor Starr Kimaki]

Through all of the commotion, everything that was happening around her, Starr managed to remain perfectly still. She had regained consciousness only moments after being lifted into her husband's arms, but had no plan of taking action. There was a numb hate gnawing away at her belly while Ericus' sly voice toyed with her ears. Though the steady drum of her heartbeat clogged out most of the conversation, she was still able to make out most of what was going on.

The two men cast harsh words between one another before, inevitably, Ericus overthrew her husband and sent him writhing to the floor under the Cruciatus Curse. Bastard... Starr thought harshly, peeling open an eyelid to reveal a slit of blue, which shifted to gaze hotly at Ericus. Instinct told her to spring up and attack the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, but her physical strength advised her otherwise.

Starr could merely lay there while Syn's scream tortured her eardrums. It seemed like ages before the office fell silent again and her limited vision allowed her to see Ericus' wand go flying while he slumped into a nearby chair. Once again, she was forced to listen to his malicious drawl. How she was growing to loathe that voice. After witnessing the way he so brutally attacked her husband, she couldn't help but wonder if the attack on her was a mistake at all.

Silence befell the room again and Starr seized it as an opportunity to act. There was a pressure on her right thigh, indicating where her wand lay nuzzled close to her body. Thankfully, Ericus was positioned somewhere to her left, which was also the direction her head was facing. Being careful not to move too quickly, and while Ericus was distracted by the hole in his desk, Starr dug her hand into a pocket and curled her fingers around her wand.

She moved quickly and silently, tearing her wand out of her pocket and pointing it meaningfully at Ericus' throat while she lunged off of the bed to stand between him and her husband. Blue eyes burned hot with fury while her gaze fixated on him. "You made a grave mistake, Black," spat Starr with a flick of her wand. Invisible ropes sprang from the ground and twisted unforgivingly around the man's body, constricting him. "Maybe the reason we don't include you is because you continue to insist on being a traitor."

[Professor Syn Kimaki]

Syn managed to start breathing again after the curse had left him. He slowly got up, then noticed Starr run over to Ericus and stick a wand to his throat.

"You made a grave mistake, Black,"

Syn watched as Ericus was tied up with something. He couldn't tell what. Ericus acted like it was ropes, but he couldn't see anything except Ericus tense up a little. Ah well. It worked.

"Maybe the reason we don't include you is because you continue to insist on being a traitor."

Syn got to his feet, thinking of his next action. He knew what he was going to do, Starr wouldn't like it, but he just wanted to get out of there. They needed to be safe.

He reached for Starr's wand arm, which was pointed very firmly toward Ericus. Syn reached out and pulled it down. He didn't look at Ericus, and whispered to Starr.

Starr. Lets... Lets go, I.. don't want anymore trouble.