Chapter 339 - Secrets

Chris's mind was racing as she walked back to her room. The things she learned about vampires were beyond fascinating but the thing was, it wasn't a learning experience like in Hogwarts, everything she learned tonight could help her or used against her. She wasn't even sure that she should trust Oziyat or not. Her mind was clearly not ready to believe Oziyat's every word, but somehow, she got a feeling within her that Oziyat was honest, he was telling the truth. And this scared Chris. Maybe he could use compulsion like her and he was using it on her to make her believe stuff, who knew? She was in a completely unknown territory. But weirdly, her senses were very alert, even if she didn't mean to, she could feel Oziyat's aura, the truth in his voice, his hesitation, his curiosity and . . . his trust.

"I will see you tomorrow, Christina," Oziyat said interrupting Chris's trail of thoughts.

Chris realised they had reached the door of her room. She hastily gave a nod to Oziyat.

"Alright."

Oziyat gave his usual amused expression but Chris felt there was something else in his expression, something like worry. As Chris watched him walk away, she realised there was a way to find out what was going on or a little bit of it.

However, just after someone tries to trust you, it's hard to jeopardise their trust on you. But then again, who knows if they were honest about the whole trust-building thing?

So after just a moment of hesitation, Chris checked around if anyone was there, then made herself invisible and followed Oziyat. It was difficult because Oziyat was fast and Chris wasn't planning on getting close enough to get his vampire senses to recognise her or anything that sort. Also now many more vampire guards were patrolling, so she needed to be extra careful. There was no way she was repeating her mistakes, but it was getting difficult as Oziyat took different turns and walked faster.

Where the hell are you going? This is definitely not the way to royal quarters!

Finally, Oziyat stopped in his tracks and stood at the corner of a hallway, then suddenly changing her posture into a more commanding way, he strode in. Chris tiptoed after him and peeked around the hallway. In the middle of the hallway, Gweneth was talking to another guard and as they noticed Oziyat approaching them, they both straightened up and bowed.

"I have an important business with Royal Guardian Gweneth," Oziyat said to the other guard in the same commanding tone he used before.

The guard nodded instantly and hurried away, leaving Oziyat and Gweneth alone. As soon as the guard was gone, Gweneth broke into an easy smile and raised her one eyebrow at Oziyat.

"Important business, huh? Did you again break the rule and seduced the human you got today for blood?"

Chris suddenly felt weird. This was not the kind of conversation she was hoping to hear.

"No," Oziyat replied with full seriousness. "It's about the fact that you used magic when you captured our guest."

The smile vanished from Gweneth's face.

"It wasn't me," she grimaced. "Royal Guardian Ranae and the others . . ."

"That doesn't change my question," Oziyat folded his arms. "Why? As much as I know it should not be used in the presence of strangers, not at all. That's the rule, I remember."

"I . . . yeah, but she was strong, Prince," Gweneth tried to explain. "With her demon creature, it was hard to capture her and at that time, we weren't even sure why she was here. I think the others thought --"

"That she won't live to tell the tale?" Oziyat finished Gweneth's sentence and she fell silent. Oziyat looked frustrated. "This is not the first time, right? Guards are breaking rules left and right. Today a guard was spying on me and . . . and I think I know who is behind it."

Gweneth suddenly looked very alert and looked around for any sign of anything. Chris held her breath, standing behind a statue, even though she was invisible.

"Prince, not here, please," Gweneth whispered so low that Chris barely heard her. "We can't . . ."

"I know!" Oziyat snapped. "I know if someone heard me then they can easily use it against me. But do you know how I feel, Gweneth? About this whole situation? And now that Christina is here and it is the right time to make a stand but mother won't listen, because of --" Oziyat bit back his words and sighed. "I need to do something, Gwen."

"I understand," Gweneth placed her hand on Oziyat's arm comfortingly. "We will find a strategy. You know, I am with you on this. Also, I know a few others who will support you regardless --"

"Now careful, Gwen or you will get in trouble for talking recklessly," Oziyat interrupted and then smiled a little bit looking at Gweneth.

"I got carried away," Gweneth dropped her hand blushing furiously.

After that Oziyat whispered something and Gweneth nodded blushing more deeply. Chris tried but couldn't hear what they said before they walked out of the hallway.

***

"So . . . how are you?"

A familiar tall, pale, blond hair boy looked at Ginny intently through a round mirror.

"Better," Ginny gave a small smile sitting inside the tent, holding the round mirror in front of her. "Where are you now?"

"In our hideout, where else? The entire school is swarming with Death Eaters and Malgino's people," Draco scowled. "There are only very few places that are still hidden from them. I am glad this place is one of them. Though, it feels weird without you."

"Awww, are you saying you miss me?" Ginny said teasingly.

"Ginny," Draco rolled his eyes but smiled a little bit, then turned serious. "It's doesn't feel like Hogwarts, you know. There is no normal talking, walking around, sneaking, Quidditch, and well . . . you and your annoying friends. Except for Longbottom, who is suddenly very brave."

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, you know, he is rallying Gryffindors against Snape, Ethan and our new teachers, recruiting members for your Defence group, being stupidly courageous, you know the usual Gryffindor stuff," Draco shrugged. "The surprising thing is, people are actually following him. He is giving others hope that Potter and Norton are alive, and there was no reason to lose hope. I hate to admit but he is a hero now."

"Wow," Ginny looked proud. "I knew Neville will come through as a true Gryffindor. But does he know about. . ."

"You, Creevey and Lovegood being alive? No, he doesn't, no one knows except me. Don't worry I know how to keep a secret. But what about. . . Norton? Any news on her?"

"No, not yet," Ginny shrugged then immediately winced.

"Your wounds!" Draco reminded looking alarmed. "Why aren't they healed yet?"

"We took a blast, Draco. It's not something easy to heal but it will be fine, soon," Ginny retorted.

"I don't know if I should be impressed or depressed," Draco sighed.

"You know very well what would I prefer."

"Impressive, it is."

"Good answer," Ginny smirked. "Now, I think you should go. No need for making people suspicious. Stay safe and keep an eye on things."

"Yeah sure, it's not like I have anything better to do," Draco said sarcastically. "You know, Snape spared me once because I am his godson. I don't think he will save me again."

"You are talented. You will find a way," Ginny said reassuringly.

Draco grinned looking at Ginny for a while.

"I know I never said it but you and your snarky attitude are the only things keeping me sane in this mess, Ginny," Draco said and Ginny smiled at the compliment. "Take care of yourself, Weasley. I am counting on you to end this nightmare, bye."

And he disappeared. Ginny stared at her own reflection on the mirror, her smile dropping slowly. She really hoped she was right about Draco and about everything else.

Just then a few heavy footsteps sounded outside the tent, followed by Colin's frantic voice through the talisman.

"We are surrounded!"

_________ _________

To be continued. . .