Chapter 368: Venturing into the Dark Forest

Chapter 368: Venturing into the Dark Forest

Disclaimer:

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I make.

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

-Author notes-

Chapter 368: Venturing into the Dark Forest

Harry and Daphne appeared in the middle of a grassy clearing, the moon casting just enough light to reveal their surroundings.

"Huh? I thought we were going back to the castle... This is..." Daphne looked around and spotted the wooden house where the groundskeeper lived, with the ominous Dark Forest looming behind it. "The Dark Forest?"

"This is close to where the signal was triggered. I think it came from inside the forest," Harry said, his gaze fixed toward the trees as he tried to detect any signs of disturbance.

"I didn't realize the forest was inside the wards. Are they that big?" Daphne had never explored the Dark Forest herself, but she knew it extended far beyond the castle grounds.

"No, the forest is massive. Only the entrance near the castle is within the wards' range... and that's where it happened."

"What about the Headmaster? Wouldn't he have sensed it too?" Daphne asked.

"I'm sure he did, but he must have his hands full right now." Harry pointed his wand at the castle and sent his Patronus. A brilliant silver owl flew towards it at great speed.

"A message?" Daphne noted.

"I told him not to worry, that I'll investigate. He's likely handling other things at the moment." Harry glanced at her. "And..."

"Don't even think about it. I'm coming with you." Daphne flashed her wand. "See? I'm ready. Just give me a second to transfigure my shoes and dress into something more... practical."

Harry nodded, pulling out his goblin steel staff and adjusting his enchanted jewelry. He wasn't sure what they'd find in the forest, but he wanted to be prepared for anything. He then tranfigured his elegant suit, back into its original form... some heavily enchanted black robes he bought over the summer.

"I see it... stay close," Harry told her as they approached the source of the noise.

They emerged into a small clearing with a pitch-black pond at its center.

Two figures stood near the water. One, taller and looming, was gripping the other and seemed to be leaning into their neck.

Harry was about to intervene when the taller figure turned and released their victim.

In the faint moonlight, Harry and Daphne could now see who it was.

The taller figure was not a Hogwarts student. The limp body of the other person, their neck twisted grotesquely, was unmistakable.

"Karkaroff..." Harry muttered in shock.

The Durmstrang Headmaster's eyes were wide open, blood dripping from his mouth and the gaping wound in his neck. His head hung at an unnatural angle, his face frozen in terror.

"And who might you be?" The tall figure, now revealed, glanced at Harry and Daphne with a calm, almost amused expression. His bright eyes flicked to Daphne. "Ah, a young couple looking to spend time together on this beautiful night... how unfortunate you had to witness this."

"You killed him." Daphne's voice was steady as she stared at Karkaroff's lifeless form.

"I did," the tall man admitted without hesitation. "But don't mourn for him. He was a coward and a traitor. There was nothing good to say about him. He's much better off now..."

"You're..." Harry noticed the blood staining the man's mouth and the unnatural gleam in his vibrant yellow eyes. "A vampire."

The man's eyes widened in approval. "Very good! You must be an excellent student to figure it out so quickly."

"Who are you?" Daphne asked sharply.

The vampire shifted his gaze to her, a strange smile forming on his lips. "Mmm... you two are remarkably calm for being in the presence of a murderer. How curious that is. But if it's my name you want, my lady..." He bowed slightly, his tone mockingly polite. "My name is Rabastan Lestrange... at your service."

A.N: - Remember to comment, vote, and/or leave a review if you have the time. Those things help me a lot and I would really appreciate it.

You can Support me on P@treon if you like and get 15 advanced chapters.

You can also find images of some of the characters from the fic for free. Like Lyra, Holly, among others.