WHISPERS OF CHANGE

                                    

                                          
The first night back at Hogwarts, and we were already breaking curfew, stalking the streets of Knockturn Alley  for Manticores. These vicious upper-level demons, notorious for hunting human males, never travelled alone. Our last encounter, in the muggle world, still sent shivers down my spine. Thankfully, today, a tracker hound had alerted us to their presence here.
Over the years, we'd trained dogs to sniff out demonic activity. Their unassuming nature made them perfect for covert operations. While we'd experimented with other animals, dogs proved the most adaptable, aiding in both detection and combat.
A low growl rumbled in my throat. Though I could sense them, their speed made them elusive prey. But my newly awakened power promised to change that.
James led the way, flanked by my twin cousins, Agnus and Astrid. My post was the rear guard. "Just need to glimpse them," I hissed, keeping watch for any surprises. 
"Spotting them is half the battle," Agnus whispered back.

An unsettling quiet blanketed the streets, broken only by the nervous rasp of our breaths. We prayed for continued slumber from the residents, fearing a late-night wanderer would stumble upon our grim task, or worse, become easy prey for the lurking Manticores. The dim moonlight cast long, skeletal shadows, deepening the chill that seeped into our bones. Though the streets offered little visual aid, a prickling sensation on my skin, a primal tingle, confirmed their presence. They were here.
A piercing scream tore through the night. "JAMES, ABOVE YOU!" Astrid shrieked. James reacted like a blur, dodging as a Manticore lunged. My fingers snapped, and the creature froze mid-pounce. Two more materialized, their menacing forms locked in a horrifying tableau as I added them to the chilling display.
We moved with practiced efficiency, dispatching the immobilized demons. "Close one," James admitted, sheathing his shortsword. We weren't solely reliant on magic. Wands, weapons, potions – our arsenal depended on the situation. The Book of Shadows, our family's ancient grimoire, held the answers, a legacy passed down through generations.
Back in Hogwarts
The common room door creaked open, revealing Harry hunched over a wizard chessboard. Hot cocoa and sandwiches awaited me, a familiar and comforting sight. Did this boy ever stop planning these late-night havens? Maybe he was unconsciously wooing me... or maybe I was just reading too much into it.
I banished the thought with a smile and settled across from him. "This is quite the spread, Harry," I teased.
"You always seem famished after missions," he replied, a touch of confusion flickering across his face. "And you unwind before bed, right?"
"Right," I confirmed, gratefully taking the mug he offered. Between Harry's post-mission check-ins and Luna's quirky support during the day, I don't know how I'd manage.
An hour later, the chessboard lay abandoned, and we called it a night. As I climbed the stairs, Harry's footsteps echoed behind me. Reaching the girls' dormitory door, I turned to face him.
"You don't have to walk me every night," I said, a teasing lilt in my voice.
His smile was shy, almost hesitant. "I know," he admitted. "But I like to."
A warmth bloomed in my chest, a confusing mix of friendship and something... more? The questions tumbled through my mind, but I held them back. Was I even ready for the answers?
"Goodnight, Phoebe," Harry murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair from my cheek – or at least attempting to. He turned and walked away, leaving me with a tangled mess of emotions.
"Goodnight," I whispered back, the echo of his touch lingering on my skin. What was happening here? With a sigh, I pushed open the door and tiptoed past my sleeping roommates, my mind buzzing with unanswered questions. Hopefully, James had remembered to feed the dogs – it had been a long, eventful night.