One would assume light offered a sense of comfort and safety. It didn't. The glowing wand cast a clear path but created creepy shadows. And it made it all the more easier for the Hufflepuff Killer to find them.

Being the first one, Wesley was forced to open every door, not knowing what was behind it. There was no one to shield her from the scariness of snoring portraits, or black emptiness of open classroom doors. The 13-year-old found herself shivering, bare feet freezing against the cold stone floor and nightgown offering little protection from the January air.

Her hand hurt from gripping the wand tightly, and she bit her lip to muffle every scream brought on by various creaks and noises from the old castle. Wesley was not unaware that, if the killer appeared, she was the only one who could protect the others. Lori and Sarah could not shield themselves from any curse, less they dropped Miranda. And Miranda couldn't possibly do anything, so sick and bundled up. She had to stay strong - had to be brave, and she was, at least, she hoped she was. But, face pinched and shoulders scrunched, Wesley did not feel very mighty at all.

At last, paranoia making the short walk seem like forever, the group had reached the Entrance Hall. It was frightening, Wesley decided, to see such a busy place empty. She wanted the closeness of the crowd. Even more, she wanted to know teachers were watching over them. But no brightness lit the crack beneath the Staff Room Door, and the torches that lined the walls were extinguished. It seemed to the Hufflepuff that they were completely alone.

Sarah called for a halt, and Wesley walked back, over to the older girls. Nodding, she began to crouch down, then jumped back up. She had to watch over them. She needed to stay alert while the others rested. Giving a strained smile in answer to the prefect's question, Wesley managed to give a very quite, "Yes," not wanting the murderer to hear.

As Miranda thanked Sarah and Lori, Wesley nodded along, eyes unfocused as they darted down the hallways for any movement or abnormalities. The two older girls were doing an amazing job - Prefect Vanessa had only had to levitate Wesley to the kitchens. But they were going to the Hospital Wing, which was still a long way to go. Brain tightening with anxiety, the third year tried not to think about that, only focusing on the now.

But her focusing was cut off by a comment made by the captain, "A cape?!" Wesley exclaimed, mind loosening with interest, "What color?"

The brief happiness was shot down by a sudden noise however, a creak from deep in the walls and the sound of water whooshing past. Then Wesley remembered what she was supposed to be doing. Unable to apologize for fear of drawing the villain's notice, she bit her lip and offered a wobbly smile before her emotions disappeared behind the furrow of her wrinkled brow.