Harry Potter's : Fantastic Beasts Guide

Lauren pushed open the door and strode into the room, settling into the chair beside David.

"Any progress?" she asked casually, watching the tattered cloth flutter aimlessly in the air.

David sighed, rubbing his temples. "No luck. I still can't trace where they went."

Lauren narrowed her eyes. "Then it's time we try my method."

David glanced at her warily. "And what would that be?"

"We find the werewolves," Lauren said, twirling her wand between her fingers. "They were the last ones to come into contact with your friends before they disappeared. Even if they weren't captured, their disappearance must be connected to those beasts."

It was a solid plan, but David hesitated. "Are you sure you're healed enough for this?"

Lauren scoffed, waving away his concern. "It was just a minor injury. A night's rest was enough. You underestimate our ability to recover."

David raised an eyebrow. "Should I be jealous? Are you offering to turn me into one of you?"

A smirk spread across Lauren's lips. "If you want, I could grant you the First Embrace. When my grandfather wakes up, I'll inform him. He won't object."

"Thanks, but I'll pass," David replied quickly.

Lauren clicked her tongue in mock disappointment. "Suit yourself. But you should know, I won't extend the offer again."

David shook his head, suppressing a smile. "Fine. So what's next?"

"Not much for now. Those werewolves won't come out during the day," Lauren explained. "Tonight, I'll send out all my people. They'll notify us the moment there's movement. It's much more efficient than us wandering around aimlessly."

David still wasn't convinced. "Are you sure about that?"

Lauren shot him a glare. "I've been fighting them for years. Trust me, I know what I'm doing."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked to the door. Before David could object further, her body dissolved into a cloud of black mist and disappeared.

David sighed, dismissing the tracking spell with a flick of his wand. He had no choice but to wait.

That Evening

David checked his pocket watch before heading out. As he stepped into the dimly lit corridor, a cloud of black mist appeared before him, materializing into a well-dressed vampire in a black tuxedo.

"Good evening, sir. Do you require assistance?" the vampire asked with a slight bow.

David studied him curiously. "Who are you?"

"Nicholas Resignio, a servant of the Count," the man introduced himself. "May I escort you somewhere?"

"Actually, yes. Do you know where Lauren is?"

"Lord Earl is in the study. Allow me to take you there."

As they walked, Nicholas kept half a step ahead, gesturing elegantly to various paintings and artifacts along the corridor, recounting their histories. When they finally reached a dark brown wooden door adorned with intricate carvings of bats, Nicholas gestured toward it.

"The Countess awaits within."

David knocked lightly.

"Who is it?" came Lauren's voice from within.

"It's me."

"Come in."

David opened the door to find Lauren sprawled lazily on the sofa, her legs propped up on the table. Judging by the crumbs around her and the remnants of snacks, she had kept herself quite entertained.

"What brings you here?" she asked, licking the last bits of biscuit off her fingers.

"Any news about the werewolves?" David asked as he took a seat beside her.

"Not yet, but don't worry. I've sent out all my people. If those bastards make a move, we'll know about it."

She pushed a plate toward him. "Want to try one? They're newly developed, really good."

David hesitated before picking one up. It looked like an ordinary sandwich cookie—two black biscuits with a chocolate-like filling. But knowing Lauren…

Breaking it open, David found the inside to be a thick, red, viscous liquid.

He grimaced and, with a flick of his wand, discreetly discarded it into a nearby trash bin.

Lauren snorted. "Wasteful."

Two tiny bats emerged from her fingertips, flitting around David's hair in playful retaliation before carrying the plate back to her.

A knock at the door interrupted them.

Lauren sat up, quickly gathering up her scattered snacks with practiced efficiency. "Enter."

Nicholas stepped inside and bowed. "My Lady, we have found the werewolves on Jacques Street. Shall we move now?"

Lauren straightened, all traces of her laziness gone. "Of course."

She shot David a look. "Time to go. We can't let those mutts slip away."

David stood up. "I'm ready."

But before they could leave, Nicholas positioned himself in front of Lauren, his expression amused yet firm.

"My Lady, hand over the rest of the snacks."

Lauren blinked innocently. "What snacks?"

"I may be old, but my sense of smell is as sharp as ever," Nicholas said, smiling. "Too much sugar dulls your strength."

Lauren glared at him but reluctantly waved her hand, making the hidden treats float toward him. "One day, I'll replace you."

Nicholas chuckled. "You'll have to wait until Prince Dracula wakes up. Until then, I must insist."

With a small burst of black flame, he incinerated the snacks before her eyes. Lauren muttered curses under her breath but said nothing more.

With that settled, she grabbed David's arm and stormed out, Nicholas following closely behind.

The moment Lauren stepped onto the street, several vampires surrounded her.

"Status?" she asked.

"Some of them entered a building ahead. Our people are covering the exits. We haven't alerted them yet."

"Well done." Lauren nodded approvingly. "Take me there."

She took a few steps forward before pausing. Her gaze locked onto Nicholas, and a mischievous glint flickered in her eyes.

"Nicholas, go ahead."

Nicholas sighed, the corners of his lips twitching with exasperation. "As you wish."

With a subtle motion, he signaled for the group to move. As they advanced, the hunt was officially underway.