Er ist ein Gott

by Emperor Vanquest

A Harry Potter from Ch. 16 of my Ficlet file travels to the TB Universe to explore his powers. His arrival and actions certainly shake things up. Potential SS Relationships in line with the show, not Sookie centric. Primary focus on Harry, Godric, and Eric as well as the various "villains" of the show. Extreme AU, many OC. Need a Beta.

1. Chapter 1

Harry Potter x True Blood - Er ist ein Gott

Synopsis: This will be a fic of a fic so to speak….my Harry Potter from Ch. 14-17, Age of Apocalypse, will be transported to Bon Temps to embrace his newfound Divinity.

Chapter Setting: Earth, 2008 to start, then from there.

Characters: Harry Potter, True Blood O/C.

Disclaimer: No profit is sought, or accepted, in the publication of this fanfiction. It is purely being written and shared for enjoyment; no remunerations are accepted or expected by the author. All right, privileges, and copyrights belong to their respective holders/owners. I freely admit to having been on a Harry Potter X over kick the last few months, and will try to give special thanks to authors who inspired me on my bio page. Until then, however, if you see something similar too another author of this genre, please point it out to me and I will check my notes as to whether or not I could have accidentally modeled my characters, names, places, events after another.

Please enjoy and review with your comments, critiques.

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Chapter 01. - A Prayer is Answered

Previously in this Bullshit Fic:

"I charge you to be fair in your judgments, in your actions, and to mete out punishments, rewards to existing life as you deem proper, and provide for your creation as you deem fit. My law concerning a universal judgment is thus: You shall consult with me prior to taking any permeant actions, or smiting a universe from the multiverse; we exist outside of spacetime. We have eternities to reach a decision."

Through the Veil, Ch. 3; Ficlet File Ch. 16

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0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo

December 31, 2007, Bon Temps, LA, USA

At the old Landry Plantation, on the outskirts of town by the swamps near the burnt husk of the formerly stately home that had once seen generations of Landry harvesting their sugar cane, in the middle of the afternoon, among the tall grasses, a being suddenly appeared.

His arrival was otherwise unremarkable from his sudden appearance…he came without sound, without lights, and seemed oblivious to the winter chill which hung in the air and nonpulsed by the winter mud that seemed to cake his bare feet.

The being was rather average in height, standing at a respectable 5'11, clothed in white salwar suit with gold trim, decorated with a runic pattern none would recognize.

His short trimmed black hair danced to the breeze and his startlingly vibrant emerald green eyes glowed with an inner power before their brilliance faded and became a verdant forest green.

Harry Potter, child of the First Firmament and deity in his own right, had come to Bon Temps in his quest to further understand and refine his powers…or at least a version of Harry Potter had.

You see, once Harry had ascended to godhood, he'd experienced what no mortal could perceive; his consciousness becoming linked to every version of himself, in every reality, that ever could or would exist.

He knew that this reality was not his own reality, just as a he knew that he was not the Prime Potter…yet he also knew instinctively that he was free to reign in this universe as he saw fit to further the Prime Potter's goal of understanding his power, and that at his choice his essence would one day merge back with the Prime Potter to convey his knowledge, experience, and powers.

"Interesting," he spoke to the wind as it caressed his flesh and he squished his feet.

For the first time his body was experiencing sensation.

He could feel life beneath his feet, in the soil of the ground.

From the bacteria which thrived in the wet conditions of the Louisiana mud breaking down these winter grasses, to the animals and insects of the air him, the fish and animals in the swamp, to the residents of the town some miles away, Harry felt life.

He also sensed Death.

"Strange," he said as he sensed several hollow lifeforms near him, dim lights of souls that barely shown.

He focused his senses and extended his awareness to the entire planet.

A pattern began to emerge concerning these dim lights.

Touching the minds of each and every one across the globe, he learned that these hollow life forms were vampires of all things….and that the oldest shown the dimmest, while the newly turned still fed the flames of humanity within their soul.

"Here's as good a place as any," Harry said looking around at the wreck of a house until his eyes turned white, clouding with power, and he began to rise from the ground and into the air.

He rose until he hovered even with the tree line of the ancient property, as suddenly storm clouds gathered, and thunder began to rumble.

Suddenly the wind picked up and began blowing with hurricane force until it suddenly ceased.

Not a blade of grass moved, nor an insect twitched, as all movement ended and seemingly time came to a stop for the 650 acres which comprised the Landry Estate.

Suddenly, without the wind actually blowing, dust began to blow in the field Harry floated over.

It started small at first…seemingly dust catching the wind, until more joined it, and the grass of the fields disappeared as it was broken down under Harry's power and began blowing in a nonexistent wind….the molecules of the plant breaking down, and the atoms being reshaped to Harry's desire.

Soon it was more than the grass that surround him, and the entire property was shrouded from view by everything breaking down to it's very atomic components, being reshaped into structures and forms Harry desired.

Had anyone from town stumbled upon this scene they'd have surely feared for their lives given the scale of the events transpiring and just how alien it all seemed.

Harry, while still floating in midair and overseeing the clearing of the land, reached out with his mind and magic to transfer ownership of this property to him so the locals wouldn't bother him, he backdated the paperwork accordingly, and accessed the internet of this particular earth to settle on a home design he'd find appropriate.

Deep groans and tremors were heard and felt as the Earth shifted and the land leveled to Harry's desire, sending shockwaves throughout the Southwestern United States triggering alarms and causing a mild panic among local geologists.

The magic being expended sent ripples through the Earth and shifted ley lines, causing some to become more powerful, others less powerful, and others to lose power entirely.

Creatures of Magic, magical heritage, or supernatural origin the world over felt the shifts.

Many instinctively felt fear at the cataclysmic change they'd felt, others rejoiced, and one in particular, a Maenad presently residing in the Marble Palace in Calcutta, felt a divine flavor to the changes and recognized them for what they were.

The ancient being known as MaryAnn Forrester, turned to her associate, Karl, from her lounging chair and beckoned him close.

"Prep the Jet; we're leaving soon," she said closing her book quickly.

"Is everything alright," Karl asked with some concern.

Scornfully, MaryAnn replied.

"A god has set foot on Earth for the first time in recent memory….I sense he is West…I must go to him," she said urgently, hoping to be the first to greet what she believed would be her beloved Dionysus.

All of this transpired in the minutes it took for Harry to clear his land, form his home from the dust of the Earth, and raise a functional, if decorative, wall along the borders of his expansive estate.

"There we are," he said with some contentment as the last finials and weathervanes formed along his property, as the cobbled drive continued to form and emerge to form his paved driveway.

In the distance a large barn emerged housing farm equipment, a wall of three story row houses, very modern in their appearance, emerged across one of the expansive fields in a clover shaped community with their own back gardens and front yards, an elevated community center with swimming pool, spa, and fitness center, and an elegant cottage house and leasing agency emerged in the center of the space.

A brewhouse finally coalesced and formed as an adjoining wing to Harry's main house, with space to brew large batches of Spirits, Beers, and Meads.

As the final touches of his property and planned community came to fruition, Harry looked on and smiled.

"Let there be light," he said with a smirk as the street lamps shown briefly which lined not only his drive but also which dotted his little project in the distance, before dimming and going out indicating he'd successfully integrated the houses and community into a power grid he controlled.

Finally, he turned his attention to the massive hill he'd created and the replica of Castle Howard which sat atop it and the looping drive. Hopefully protecting it an it's lawns from the low lands of the state and its susceptibility to floods.

"That should get the attention of the locals shortly," Harry said with a chuckle.

Slowly, the dust storm finally ended, but only after forming a veritable legion of footmen, maids, chefs, butlers, groundskeepers, and other household staff.

Harry approached the constructs, all perfectly modeled after human men and woman, and stopping in front of the group, he observed his work.

"A bit old fashioned for the time, but necessary," he said with a smile.

"Let their be life," he called before taking a deep breath and blowing a strong wind which caused the clothes the constructs wore to fly about before suddenly stopping.

Without warning their eyes opened, and his creations all dropped to their knees in supplication.

"You all have your roles here," he began speaking quietly, "please go forth and tend to them."

Without speaking all disbursed, save for Harry's valet and Head Butler, Pascal.

"Would my Lord care for a drink before the evening meal," the eloquent voice of Harry's servant asked.

"Please Pascal," Harry said as he began ascending the steps that would take him from the ground level into the second floor of the elevated palace.

"Please meet me in the vaults afterword," Harry said as he observed his handywork and was referring to the secured vault's he'd installed blow the lowest official level of the home which would house pure bars of gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals and gems he'd created to sell as a source of 'official' income.

"Of course my Lord," Pascal said before bowing and leaving to fetch Harry's drink.

Harry made his way into his Palace and observing the opulence was proud of his work.

"It is good," he said with a smile as Gardens of Flowers, Ornamental Shrubbery, and Fruit Trees of all type suddenly sprang from the grounds of Harry's new Castle Hill Estate.

Magical gates of wrought iron began to form at each cardinal entrance to the public streets, with guard rooms attached, while security guards formed into being to conduct both constant patrols of these sacred grounds and man the posts of their god's home.

In the Office of the Secretary of State of Louisiana, Papers, and Payment, magically appeared creating the Hill Crest Estate Company, Inc. as an S-Corp, privately held, which would conduct the commercial growing of sugar cane, construction, management, the production, distillation, bottling, marketing, distribution, and sale of various liquors, and any other lawful business within the Great State of Louisiana.

Solicitations for employees to farm Harry's estate for the new year of 2008, to work in his brewery, and to live in his planned community were sent to newspapers across the state of Louisiana, while advertisements for brew-masters, craftsmen, carpenters, metalurgists, glassmakers, and others necessary for the production and design of bottles, barrels, and other necessities went out across the globe.

Harry wanted none but the best to work with, and for him.

0oO0oO0

From his vacation home in Shreveport, Sheriff of Texas District 9, Dallas, Godric awoke suddenly as massive waves of power began to flow over him; he felt filled to the point of being saturated with an energy that made him feel for the first time in memory.

An ache formed in his chest and his long silent heart actually began beating for the first time in over 2,000 years.

It was a painful experience that he neither understood, nor welcomed.

Clutching his aching chest while in the comforts of his safe room, Godric collapsed as the pain intensified.

What is this magic! He howled in pain, sensing the agony of his progeny as well.

As suddenly as the pain hit, and the beating of his heart began, it suddenly and without warning ceased; where before Godic was splayed and panting on the floor of his day room, tears of blood flowing freely from the pain, it suddenly passed and he was able to sit up properly.

He made his way swiftly to a landline in his underground abode and promptly called the Queen of Louisiana to alert her to some unknown danger, before calling his childe to place him, and his fellow Sheriffs, on alert as well.

This will require some investigation, he though as he observed the damage and destruction of the room he'd caused while in the throws of pain.

0oO0oO0

From her home several miles away, Adele Stackhouse, grandmother to Jason and Sookie Stackhouse, nearly collapsed as she felt a presence unlike anything she'd experienced in her life….almost like she were in a high pressure room.

It was a sensation most everyone that was normal in town would describe and which would cause massive confusion, and some wide-spread fear, the moment Harry's feet touched Earth upon his arrival.

Looking down to the broken plate Adele had dropped when the pressure had suddenly hit her, Adele shook her head.

"Damn these dropsies," she muttered.

"I need to see Doc Johnson about these dizzy spells," she rationalized to herself to explain the experience she'd just had.

0oO0oO0

Detective Andy Bellefleur, of the Renard Parish Sheriff's Office, was driving along Highway 10 that would take him toward the southeastern boundary of Renard Parish to the scene of a call he'd got for a Breaking and Entering when he came upon a strange sight.

He rarely traveled along Highway 10, as fewer than 20 families lived out this way, far from the parish seat in Bon Temps.

"Rosie, this is Andy….anything been going on at the old Landry Plantation," he asked as he neared a large and imposing wall with lit decorative gas lamps every few meters atop the structure.

He slowed down so he could truly observe the change that'd been made, and appreciated the fine masonry of the white painted wall with decorative finials between the gas lamps.

"What's that Andy," came the reply over the radio. "The old Landry place…of '10?"

"Yes woman…I'm going down Highway 10 and there's a damn big wall been put up starting at the end of the old Landry Farm near the bridge….when'd this get done," the gravely and irate voice of the Detective called.

"Any I ain't heard nothin about the Landry Farm…you're call was for the Willis' off Rabbit Branch Road. You made it there yet," she asked.

He was just about to lay into her for ignoring him when he came to a break in the tree line behind the fence.

"Jesus Fuckin' Christ Rosie! There's a got-damn Castle at the Landry place!" he screamed into the mic and skidded to a halt.

In the distance he clearly saw massive barns, an array of houses, and off the side of the castle was some type of massive industrial type building….made completely of stone.

"What'er you yapping about Andy," came the voice of Sheriff Bud Dearborne.

"There's a got-damn Castle at the ol' Landry Place boss….when did this happen," he asked with honest confusion.

"What're you talking about Andy….ain't nothin goin on out there…now git to your call!"

"But boss," he began but was cut off as his phone rang.

It was the victim he'd been going out to interview.

"No buts Andy….Sheriff's Orders," Rosie chimed in.

"Bellefluer," he said speaking into his phone and slowly starting to drive again.

"Andy, this is John Willis, Angela's son," the voice of his victim's son began.

"We've had to run mama up to Shreveport…she's showing signs of a stroke. We won't be at the house by the time you get there…I'm sorry Detective. I need to let you go. I'm driving," the man said somewhat distractedly before ending the call suddenly.

"Well got-damn," he said in frustration.

Deciding to press on, he made his way down Highway 10 and finally came to a large gate leading into the property with a call box.

Curiosity raised, he slowly turned into the paved drive, and was met by a security guard.

"Afternoon Sir. Welcome to the West Gate of Castle Hill Estate. How can we help you today," the guard asked with a smile.

Andy got out of his car to greet the man.

"Howdy…I'm Detective Andy Bellefluer with the Renard Parish Sheriff's Office, and I was just on a call out this way," he began slowly.

"When did all this go up? I ain't been out here in years, but never expected to see anything like this off Highway 10…." He trailed off.

The guard smiled.

"She went up fairly quickly after the land was leveled. I've been here since day one though," he smiled.

"Welcome to Castle Hill Estate; a working farm, brewery, distillery, and planned community," he began sounding official.

"Would you like me to ring the main house to see if they're open for a visitor or tour? It'd probably be nice to have our local LEOs familiar with the area," the guard finished before indicating he'd be happy to make the call.

Andy thought swiftly before nodding his ascent.

"Please; I'd love to meet the folks runnin this place," came his reply.

The call was quickly made and before long the mighty gates swung open and Andy was able to drive through.

"Just follow the sign Posts that direct you to "Potter House," and you'll be fine Detective. Have a pleasant visit," the man called before Andy took off and began driving the winding and looping roads that took him through well manicured lawns, gardens, and some woods before he eventually reached the drive to turn and climb the large hill upon which sat the largest house Andy had ever seen.

Parking his car in the "Guest Parking Lot" Andy slowly made his way toward the main house.

He was greeted on the lawn by another security guard.

"Hello Detective Bellefluer," the man greeted him.

"Please follow me," he said as they made their way to the main house's front door.

"It's a bit of a climb," he said jokingly indicating the three flights of steeped stairs that connected the entranceway to the front lawn and circular front drive for the owner's use.

"Sweet Jesus this place is massive," Andy said in awe.

"She's a beauty, that's for sure," the man replied with a smile.

"I'm going to be passing you off to Bertran, one of the footmen who can give you a brief tour while we await Lord Potter," the guard said leading Andy into the house, as they were greeted by a man in a smart black three piece suit.

"Thank you Gerald, and welcome Detective Bellefluer to Potter House and the Castle Hill Estate," the tall man began.

"I'm Bertran and I've been asked by Lord Potter to give you a brief tour of the House and grounds while he finishes up before he can greet you for drinks in the Green Room….if that's ok?"

"Perfectly fine," Andy said distractedly too caught up in the opulence and splendor around him to really pay attention.

And so he was given a tour of the main house, it's various rooms, the artwork and statuaries, the grounds and the fountains, before finally making his way back into the main house and an upstairs room resplendent with green themes and furnishings.

Andy had been particularly impressed with the iron braziers placed strategically along the grounds to allow for those wandering or working the grounds to knock off the winter chill.

He was taken aback by the expensive wall covering, their vibrant emerald green color, and the absolute fortune in silk furniture coverings he saw.

Obviously it was the green room mentioned earlier.

A fire was cackling away merrily in the hearth, much the same as he'd seen throughout the house and grounds given how cold it was outside.

"Y'all don't use gas," Andy asked in confusion as every fireplace throughout the home had either been burning wood or coal.

"We have our own processing plant for natural gas to run the stoves and a the generator plant," Bertran replied, "but for the most part Lord Potter prefers more traditional methods to heat and cool his home."

"Oh," Andy intelligently replied.

They were suddenly joined by a young lady dressed in a traditional maid's outfit who placed a rolling cart with finger sandwiches and refreshments within easy reach for Andy.

"Lord Potter will be right down," the woman began, "but he's asked that his guest feel free to indulge while you wait," she said with a smile.

"Thank'ye kindly ma'am," Andy said as he rose to sample the little chicken salad finger sandwiches, egg salad squares, fruit, and cheeses the tray contained.

"We'll leave you here detective…Lord Potter shouldn't be long," came the reply as the maid left through the door she'd entered to Andy's left, and Bertran left through the door behind him.

After fixing one of the small plates provided with a snack and pouring a tall glass of the sweet tea offered, Andy made his way to a comfy looking wing back by the fireplace to sit and relax.

Andy quickly devoured the sandwiches, his favorites actually, and made two more trips back to enjoy the delicious square miniature delicacies, before he finally felt content and began to truly relax in the chair as the fire played before him.

He involuntarily began blinking rapidly as his head slumped to the side and he nodded off.

Jolting suddenly in embarrassment at his lack of professionalism, Andy cleared his throat and sat up straight.

"I hate I've disturbed you Detective," an amused voice called from his left unexpectedly.

"Jesus Christ," he cursed as he jumped nearly out of his seat from the fright.

"I'm terribly sorry detective, but I came just came in an saw you'd nodded off; I hate I woke you as I know how valuable sleep is to police," the man spoke with calm and compassionate tones, soothing the tension away from Andy.

"No, ah…terribly rude of me; I'm sorry," Andy said awkwardly standing and offering his hand to the Master of the House.

"Andy Bellefluer, pleased to meet'ya; I'm with the Parish Sheriff's Office," he said as a way of introduction.

He took in the sight of the man before him, dressed in an odd white suit, and white lace-less Alistinos.

"It's a pleasure Detective; I'm Harry Potter, and welcome to my home; well, one of my homes," he said with a chuckle and a wave for Andy to retake his seat.

"What brings you all the way to Renard Parish Mr. Potter; how long have you been here," Andy began genuinely curious and confused as he focused on the palace around him.

Harry smiled before he replied.

"Sometimes I feel like I've been here longer than the Earth itself Detective; but I only officially moved into my home today after construction completed. I'm planning to operate a cane farm and small scale distillery here," he said pointing out the window to the large building in the distance that Andy had parked near.

"It's been fairly hush-hush, but I'm planning on investing quite heavily in Renard Parish, and the location was chosen specifically because of the natural gas reserves that will allow me the conditions necessary to provide my own electricity, private waterworks and sewage systems, and worker village necessary to hopefully make small batch ultra premium spirits, affordably for the ultimate consumer," Harry said with a smile.

Andy thought about what he'd said.

"Well I'll be damned," he said with a smirk.

"All that here…in our little Parish," he asked excitedly.

"Oh yes," Harry continued.

"We've got the main farms to be contracted throughout the state for sugar cane, but we've got a extensive gardens, golf course, spa and wellness center, and other things opening for the public in addition to this being a functional farm and brewery," Harry finished.

"As is I'm looking to employ 500 people for the links, restaurants, and as assorted staff before we can open though," Harry said sitting back and began to truly observe the man before him.

Opening his senses he saw the self-doubt, confusion, and anxiety that constantly flowed through Andy Bellefluer's very soul.

"That's gonna be a big impact for Bon Temps," Andy said.

"Does the mayor know about this?"

"Not yet; I've been waiting for construction to finish before I began advertising for positions," Harry replied.

"Some of these industries like our carpentry shops and bottle plant will take time to get up and truly running, but I've just sent out advertisements for Positions and such today."

Andy's phone began ringing and it showed the number for Sheriff Dearborne.

"You got a mighty fine home Mr. Potter," Andy said rising suddenly, "but I gotta take this. Maybe I'll see ya in town?" he asked as he shook Harry's hand and answered the call.

Harry waived him away with a nod, as Andy hastily made his way from the Green Room to the front of the house.

"Bellefluer," Andy gruffly said answering.

"Andy where in the ever-living Hell are you boy!"

"I'm off Highway 10 on the Willis call boss; I've stopped by to see Renard Parish's newest employer since Granny Willis had to be rushed to Shreveport."

By now he'd made his way through the passages that would take him to the entrance hall.

"What the Hell are you talking about boy! You aint been answering your radio or phone for the last six hours! I've had to call in the reserve deputies to go'ona look for ya!"

Andy drowned in confusion and checked his watch and saw it read 3:45…45 minutes since he'd originally turned onto the mysterious property.

"Boss I've only been here 45 minutes…..why'd you call in the reserve deputies….I aint missed no calls," he replied in confusion and rushed through the doors only to be greeted by the stars, and the lit gas lamps and lighting of the estate.

"Wha'the…" he trailed off as Bud continued to cuss and holler.

"Get back to the godam station Andy. NOW!"

The line terminated.

"What in the Hell just happened," Andy asked in confusion as he swiftly made his way to his car and turning it on saw that the dash clock read as 10:00.

"Aint no damn way!" he seethed as he looked back to the house, to himself, and his watch in betrayal.

"It was damn daylight just a few seconds ago….he said recalling being able to vividly see the grounds and Brewery in the light of day as Mr. Potter explained things to him….which was after his nodding off spell.

Confused, embarrassed, and angry Andy swiftly drove back to the West Gate and called in over the radio that he was coming in for an immediate report.

He was greeted by the frustrated replies of Rosie and others that had been pulling overtime looking for him.

"What a fuckin way to start a new year," he grumbled and turned on his lights and siren once he was back on Highway 10.

His lights eventually faded with a trail of exhaust in the cold as he sped away.

0oO0oO0

In New Orleans, Queen Sofie-Ann had summoned her Sheriffs and prominent courtesans, such as the Ancient Vampire Godric, to discuss the disturbance which had woken all vampires within her state during the day, many of the older vampires feeling extreme pains throughout their bodies.

"The strongest reactions and reports seem to be in the Northwest of the State," someone spoke up.

"I can attest to the particular violence and strength of the occurrence," Godric announced.

"The pain was unbearable, and I felt my very organs being effected…" his soft voice trailed as he recalled what it felt like to have a heartbeat and how painful the experience was.

The queen continued to drink her champagne and flippantly replied.

"Really, I barely woke…wouldn't even have called a council if so many hadn't reported a much different story."

Several vampires scowled at the queen's disregard for the stories being told by those from the north of the state.

"My queen it was something…unnatural," the drawl of William, Bill, Compton began drawing the Queen's gaze to his.

"Oh really," she asked of the young vampire.

"It must be investigated," he replied.

There was a scoff from a tall blond vampire, Eric Northman the Sheriff of Louisiana Zone 5.

"It's being looked into already Bill…the only thing we can do now is continue to be vigilant and report if additional oddities are observed," he spoke in his quiet voice.

"Eric's right," the queen replied as she rose.

"Look into it Eric since the effects seem to be centered in your area. I don't have time for this foolishness. It was a pleasure as always to see you Sheriff," she said with a plastic smile to Godric.

"Queen Sofie," he replied with a slight bow as she brushed past him and toward her pets in the main house.

With a grim look, Godric sent a silent command to Eric to get to the bottom of this.

Eric's form blurred before disappearing as he sped from the room, an act soon mimicked by others as they raced to their vehicles and left the palace, or in Eric and Godric's case flew back to their homes at great speed.

Bill Compton was left alone in the room, before the Queen returned and beckoned him on as she began stripping.

0oO0oO0

In the woods near the edge of town, Lafeyette Reynolds sat in deep contemplation and payer as the incense burned about him.

He repeated the same prayer he always prayed before his day off ended:

Lord let this day end as well as it began;

Let my riches multiply by my rest;

Let my coworkers find peace without my presence;

And let tomorrow be a better day.

Allow my rest to grow my riches,

To increase my patience,

And to bring me closer

With family and friends.

May tomorrow greet me with a new dawn,

A better day,

And the Happiness I deserve.

Amen.

He took his glass of cognac, and flicked a few drops around his shrine in offering as was his ritual, before taking a drink of the amber liquid himself.

"Das it!" he said with a smile as the spirit burned its way to his stomach.

Suddenly his phone rang.

He rolled his eyes seeing it was a regular.

"Hullo," he said gruffly as he sat down and lit a cigarette.

The voice spoke to him in a hurry.

"Yeah….I know Curtis….$75 for a quarter ounce,"

The conversation continued for a short time before Lafayette closed the phone and packed a small bag as he made his way to his car and off to deliver to a regular.

0oO0oO0

From his throne overlooking the dance floor of Fangtasia, a former video rental store, Eric Northman observed the writhing mass of Vampires, Fang-Banger Groupies eager to live out a fetish, and saw none of it as deep in thought as he was.

Suddenly a pair of fingers snapped in front of him.

"About damn time," his childe, Pamela, said with a smirk having brought him from his brooding and musings.

"What is it Pam?" he asked taking a cell phone from her.

"It's Delois…she's found something," came the reply.

Eric grumpily took the phone and listed to the report from the human on the call, spinning the tale of a freak storm and appearance of a wall on his property line in Bon Temps earlier that day.

"Send an agent to Delois and have them verify her report," Eric said throwing the phone back at Pam.

She scowled and began walking away.

"Whatever you say boss."

0oO0oO0

The festive air of Merlot's was fast approaching fever pitch as the drunks gathered around the big TV in the Billiard room to watch the Fluer de lis spark and drop in New Orleans.

"Three, two, one….HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

The crowd erupted in cheers.

From near the kitchens, Sookie Stackhouse rubbed her temple in pain as the thoughts of the drunks nearly overwhelmed her.

At least I didn't end up in the damn floor like earlier, she thought with chagrin.

As she took the beers to the men at table 17, she had her ass grabbed more times than she'd care to admit and the folks around were too drunk to hear who done it.

"Oh Sook, look how purdy!" Arlene called.

"Yeah, aint it grand," she replied half-heartedly.

"Order Up!" Sam called from the kitchen since this was Lafeyette's night off.

"Kitchen's closed," he said as the last dish left his window.

"Tara, get last call on drinks," he cried out as the drunk crowd began singing a horribly off tune rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

"You got it," she said as she finished the drink she was working on and then reached over and rang the last call bell to signal that anyone that wanted a drink needed to order it now.

A flurry of patrons came to the bar and placed last minute orders, and the busboys hastily worked to clean off the tables and the confetti laden floors.

"God I wish things was different around here," Tara wished.

How little she knew things really were about to change.

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Chapter 02. - The New Neighbor

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0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo

January 25, 2008, Bon Temps, LA, USA

Harry had been in Bon Temps almost a moth, and he'd mostly spent his time and attentions on his search for staff for his more public activities.

He was presently walking through the extremely large home, larger in actuality than the actual Castle Howard to allow more freedom of movement and to repurpose the rather small bedroom spaces of the home for other purposes.

The smooth and cool feel of the stone beneath him sang of strength, while the sunlight streaming through the windows told a story of love, happiness, warmth, and continual rebirth.

He was still getting used to the song of the universe in the back of his mind, and occasionally he sang as well.

Without really having a destination in mind, he began walking from the Kitchen Stairwell in the East Wing toward the Great Hall.

He passed several staff cleaning and arranging furniture, and he was pleasantly surprised at how warm and homely the structure felt, even though it appeared cold and impersonal.

"There you are my lord," the voice of Pascal said as Harry rounded the corner and saw Pascal discussing something with a few footmen at the bottom of the stairs in front of him.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting then," Harry said with a smile.

"What's going on?"

Pascal dismissed the footmen to their assignment.

"It's a minor matter but, Mr. Kilpatrick is in the Garden Room with your attorney Sir," he replied nervously with a pointed look at Harry.

Looking down at himself and realizing he was naked, Harry blinked and suddenly he was wearing a posh grey three piece suit and blue tie, accented with an ebony wood cane capped in silver, with a gold roaring lion's head on top.

He leisurely made his way toward the read of the house and the Garden Room.

"Have you had anything to eat yet my Lord," Pascal asked as they continued along.

"Not today….I don't think," Harry said with a frown.

"I'll have the kitchens send in an Eggs Benedict then, and I'll take your guests' orders," Pascal concluded after looking at the hallway's grandfather clock.

"That will be very nice," Harry said as they finally left the Great Hall and entered the Garden Room.

"Please keep your seats," Harry said with a smile as he walked in and joined the two men sitting in the corner by the left fireplace.

"Mr. Potter," his attorney said shaking his hand, "this is Mr. Andrew Kilpatrick who's applied for the position of Executive Director of the Brewery."

Harry turned and began shaking Mr. Kilpatrick's hand before joining them around the fire.

"So tell me about yourself Mr. Kilpatrick," Harry began with a smile.

Nervously the other man leaned forward and began.

"I've been apprenticing with Mr. Carlisle with Maker's Mark for the last 10 years, and he stands behind my application," Andrew said.

"I've got my BS in Chemistry and a MA in Business Administration. I've assisted Mr. Carlisle in the running of all aspects of the Distillery from start to finish, and have contacts with all the folks you're gonna need from the state liquor boards across the country to the best companies for distribution. I'm happy to answer any questions you have for me Sir."

Harry observed Andrew and gazed into his very soul.

His soul was broadcasting feelings of nervousness, unease, and a deep desire to prove his worth.

Harry was pleased.

"Sounds wonderful," Harry said rising.

"Give him a contract Fenton and a $25,000 and his choice of one of the houses in the worker village as a signing bonus. If you will excuse me I've got to get to town, but I look forward to working with you Andrew," Harry said with a smile as he quickly left the room.

"Wha," Andrew asked the attorney in confusion.

"That's Mr. Potter," he said with a shrug as he removed a packet of paperwork for Andrew to sign.

0oO0oO0

Sookie was making her way into town for her gran to get a few groceries when she saw the unusual sight of a fleet of fleet of SUVs and then a really old car followed by even more SUVs.

Turning onto the same street as the fleet of cars, she followed them all the way into town and to the Piggly Wiggly.

She was surprised to see a large number of ladies and gentlemen in thick wool travel cloaks, and fancy looking dress get out of the SUVs and descend on the Piggly Wiggly while a handsome man with black hair slowly exited the old timely, beautiful if old, silver car that had been in the midst of the convoy.

Sookie parked a few spaces down and began her slow trek up toward the store when the gentleman she saw started walking behind her.

The parking lot was fairly crowded and Sookie was relentlessly being bombarded by the wandering thoughts shoppers as they approached the store; she hastened her steps intent on getting this chore over with as soon as possible.

Harry, following behind his retinue at a sedate pace, listened distractedly to the various songs of the souls around him…particularly entranced by the highs, lows, and sometime painfully emotive notes of the woman in front of him.

His pocket suddenly started vibrating, and it distracted him from his musings as he removed the cellphone his staff had presented him recently.

"Hello," he began as he finally entered the store.

"This is an important call regarding your existing credit card account; please press 1 to speak to a representative now," a recorded voice said.

Before Harry could do anything the line went dead.

"How strange," he muttered and began to walk away from his silver Rolls Royce Phantom I. Touring Car.

"What's strange Sir," Bertran, who'd been sent along to attend Harry by Pascal, inquired.

"A recorded call for auto insurance…as though I'd need it," Harry replied with a chuckle.

"Where did Lila and the others disappear to," Harry questioned as suddenly the cooking staff emerged as a train from the soda isle laden with tonic waters, sparkling waters, bottled waters, soda of every flavor and variety, and turned into the spice isle clearing it of almost everything they had."

"What's going on here," a manager with horrible acne said striding up to Harry and making to poke him in his chest.

In seconds Bertran had the idiot by his finger, and by a pressure point in his shoulder, howling in pain on his knees before Harry.

"Hands off lad," Bertran warned.

"My Lord is a very forgiving man, but I'm not," he said with a wicked smirk.

"Please let go!" the man sobbed in pain.

"It's ok Bertran. You can release him. I'm sure he's learned his lesson," Harry said with a smile before reaching down to take the young man's hand and help him up.

"Hello there young man. I'm Harry Potter and I'm the owner of the Castle Hill Estate off highway 10…the old Landry Plantation," he clarified once he saw the man didn't know what he was talking about.

"We're having to stock up the main house's larders, and I'm afraid we may be clearing you out today as I've got a big community picnic planned to introduce myself…also to launch the golf course, spa, fitness center, and our little community."

"So I'm sorry for the disruption, but I guarantee you're going to move a lot of inventory today."

Several of the older ladies had gathered once they heard the young man's screams, and were suitably impressed by what Harry said that he just shook his head and walked off, muttering the whole way, instead of replying or engaging further.

"Well then," Harry said to Bertran brushing off the young man's rudeness.

"How about we go check out the most important food group: BACON! MUAHAHAHAHAHA," Harry said with an evil chuckle.

With a roll of his eyes, Bertran retrieved a cart knowing that they'd be clearing out the store of their pork products shortly.

In the auspices of getting a loaf of bread from isle 4, Sookie had observed the development from start to finish once she heard Jerome's internal monologue about 'taking the pretty boy' down a peg or two in his store.

As the strange man, now known as Harry Potter, made his way away rom the registers and toward the produce, he turned suddenly and caught her eye before winking, and continuing his conversation with his attendant…cane tapping away.

"What an unusual sight," Mrs. Eldridge, an old biddy that used to play bridge with Sookie's Gran until she went on the Ali and shat on her couch.

The oils left behind couldn't be cleaned, even with a Rug Doctor, and Gran had to burn the antique couch which she'd refused to pay for.

They'd been on the outs ever since…six months on the feud was strong.

0oO0oO0

In Dallas that same night, Godric awoke with an unease about him….a tension that would not leave him.

He had a pounding headache, his joints ached, his chest felt tight, and he was actually sweating….it was as though he had the damn flu; which was of course impossible.

His phone suddenly rang, and removing it he saw it was from his childe Eric.

Speak childe; I'm in no mood for conversations, he began in the old tongue.

There is a significant magical presence in my zone Maker, Eric replied as he stood before a bleeding figure chained to a column at Fangtasia.

Significant in what way?

Oppressively powerful Maker…a presence I cannot handle alone.

What has Queen Sofie decreed with for you to do then Eric?

She ignores my report Godric; she has ordered me to deal with the witch or witches that have taken up residence on the outskirts of some small town called Bon Temps.

Have you been able to identify the witch young one?

Godric moved from his study through his home and to his kitchen, where he began warming a bottle of True Blood for breakfast.

No Maker, Eric replied with frustration, but I have finally been able to identify where its base of operation is…and I need your wisdom Maker.

Godric looked at the clock above his fireplace and saw that the night was young.

I can fly to Fantasia and be there in two hours childe, he said as he began drinking the warm bottle.

I will however have to return within a week as there is a disciplinary matter I must oversee soon, he finished.

Thank you Godric. I await your arrival, Eric said ending the call.

The man before him had passed out long ago, after divulging the oddities that had begun happening at the old Landry Plantation and the known changes that had seemingly happened overnight.

Snorting in derision at the weakling, Eric turned to Pam and instructed her to heal the man, then glamour him to forget the events of the evening.

He left the man to her tender mercies.

In the former video rental store above the torture chamber he'd just left, Eric was greeted to the sights, sounds, and smells of vampires and humans dancing, grinding, drinking, and in some instances fucking the night away.

Snarling in annoyance he bellowed that the club was closed and for everyone to leave.

It quickly cleared and Ginger swiftly made her way from behind the bar and began sweeping.

"Godric will arrive shortly Ginger…see this place is presentable," he growled before storming off to his office.

0oO0oO0

"Lafeyette! How much longer on those corn fritters and gumbo," Arlene yelled through the kitchen window of Merlot's at their head chef.

"Give it 'bout three moe minutes sugga….that steak for table 10's almost medium," he said pressing the meat on the grill and watching the clear juices pool.

Sookie exited the freezer carrying the ice cream bucket and began fixing her table's hot fudge brownie Sunday.

"Hey Lafayette, where's the cherry's," she asked looking around the station where the desert toppings were normally kept.

"Check the back Sook," he said as the grill flared and he had to move several pieces of meat to ensure they didn't burn.

A timer started beeping to the side for the steak fries.

"Can you grab that fa me bitch?" he asked as another flame flared.

"Sure thing!" she called back with a smile.

She quickly took care of the fries before returning to garnish her desert, and tucked the ice cream in the kitchen freezer to replace the empty tub before walking back.

"Thank's gul!" he called back as he plated several items of food and rang the bell for pick-up.

The restaurant was abuzz with activity and patrons. Jason and his road crew were in the back playing pool, Andy and many of the Sheriff's Department were seated by the fireplace having dinner and drinks, and damn near everyone from Bon Temps was out tonight it seemed; then he walked in with his retinue.

"Hello and welcome to Merlot's," Sookie began as Harry removed his coat and handed it to one of his attendants.

"Isn't this lovely," he began with a genuine smile.

"There's 6 of us my dear," he indicated with a wave.

"I got just the place; if you'll follow me please," she said with a smile.

They were soon seated across from Andy and his group at the big table Sam liked to use for groups of 8 or more, but it was the only free table that could seat everyone.

"My name is Sookie and I'll be your waitress this evening," she said placing a menu in front of each person as they sat.

"Would anyone care for a cocktail or appetizers before dinner," she finished and took out her pad.

Harry reached out with his senses and while the others were ordering a cocktail or appetizer, he heard the song of this woman's soul once more.

It was more complex than most, and there were familiar notes to memories he couldn't rightly recall just yet.

Returning his focus and attentions to the present once he sensed she'd spoken to him, he ordered his appetizer, a cocktail, followed by water, and away she went.

He, Pascal, Bertran, Andrew, James, and Evaline enjoyed their time together, even if they drew the attentions and fleeting glances of many in the restaurant.

From the corner of his eye, Harry noticed movement, and turned just in time to see Andy and his colleagues standing up.

"Detective," he called out happily.

"I didn't even see you over there," he said rising and making his way to the detective.

They shook hands in greeting.

"'Lo Mr. Potter; how y'all doin," he asked.

"We've heard so much about this place we decided to come try a few of their famous steaks and dishes," Harry said with a smile.

"Please come join me and my table for desert," he said seeing that there were no bowls left behind by the Deputies.

"We'd love to," Kenya said smiling at the handsome man.

"Definitely," Rosie chimed in.

"A little choc-o-let never hurt nobody," came from Kevin.

Andy grumbled and gave in to the peer pressure he faced.

Soon more chairs were added to their table, room was made and where there were six now there were ten.

Harry nodded to Bertran, who exited the table after excusing himself and quietly made his way to the front to pay the tab of the local LEOs, as well as placed a $400 tip on their server's table before any of the Deputies were any the wiser.

"Ya really don' have ta do this," Andy mumbled in thanks as Sookie placed his favorite fried cheesecake and ice cream desert in front of him.

"It's the least I can do since I'm causing so much traffic to come through your town Detective Bellefluer," Harry replied honestly.

"I can't wait to try your liquor once it's ready," Kevin spoke up.

"My daddy told me about his trip to Ireland; to visit the homeland ya know, and he had some a that there Bunratty Castle Honey mead and shoot fire it was good!" he chuckled.

"Least what e' brought back was," he finished with a smile.

"We've got our first run of mead going and it'll be aged, bottled, and ready for sale by this time next year," Andrew spoke up in excitement.

"Oh wow," Kenya said with interest as she devoured the handsome man with her eyes.

"Detective, Deputies, where have my manners gone? This is Andrew Kilpatrick, the Brewmaster and Executive Director of our Spirit Operations at Castle Hill Estate Brewery. James is the Executive Director of my Golf Course, while Evaline is the Chief Events Coordinator, and Executive Director for the catering services and facilities we offer for public use," Harry concluded.

"I'm sure you'll also remember meeting Pascal and Bertran," he said referring to the investigation that had transpired about Andy's 'disappearance' when they'd first met.

Everyone gave their mutual greetings, as Sookie came with new cocktails for the Potter Group, and Harry offered to treat the LEOs to a drink as well.

They all accepted.

"That's the spirit," he called out.

"Bring us a few bottles of your best Whiskey, for the gents and your best champagne for the ladies."

"Is Cook's Extra Dry ok," Sookie asked.

"Make it three bottles," he finished with a smile.

"Thank you Mr. Potter," the ladies gushes as they ran their eyes up and down him, or one of the other men in the group.

"So how's the Clover coming?" Andy asked leaning over to speak to Harry. He was referring to the 'planned community' slash worker village Harry included in his estate.

"We're doing well. So far we really only have Andy, Evaline, and a few others out there in the section I'd reserved for upper management….but it's slow going finding folks that know how to work the land and want to live on site."

"I can't imagine many'd turn ya down Mr. Potter. Just from what I seen them houses are nice," he said with a smile as he sipped his whiskey.

"Here we go," Sookie said placing the few appetizers she could carry on the table before making her way back the short distance to the kitchen window and returning with more.

In the distance, Jason and his crew began laughing boisterously at something, and Mrs. Maxine Fortenberry began hacking into her napkin.

"Thank you Sookie," Harry said with a genuine smile.

Unnoticed by anyone at the table, in the back corner a vampire sat observing them, drinking a water…his gaze followed Sookie to each table she went to.

Sensing the power of Harry, and the danger he likely represented, he quickly dropped a $20 bill on the table and hastily, but quietly, exited the establishment to report to his Sheriff that he'd located the likely target.

Finally, Harry's groups steaks arrived, along with Sam Merlot and the head chief as well.

"I hope y'alls gonna enjoy these now," Lafayette said placing Harry's steak, a nice and tender 14 oz porterhouse, blackened, with steamed broccoli and rice pilaf down in front of him.

"Smells heavenly," Harry said with a smile to the man, "and that's a lovely shade of lavender," he complimented on his eye shadow.

"Thank ya darlin; bon appetite," he said before returning to the kitchen.

"I hope y'all enjoy," Sam said as he passed his plates laden with various cuts of choice select cuts of steak around the table to help Sookie.

"Oh that fil-a is so good!" Rosie gushed to Evaline who'd selected the bacon wrapped Filet Mignon with blackened shrimp spears.

"Lafayette always does a great job," Andy admitted as he poured himself another drink.

"Sookie," Harry called before she could peel away, "how about a plate of blts for the deputies to help sober the up…actually, how about you go ahead and place an order for 20 so we can all sober up. We're likely gonna be here awhile."

The look that came over his face as he bit into his steak was one of bliss.

"Sure thing Mr. Potter," Sookie said in disbelief as she wrote out a new check and made her way to the back.

The company had fun talking, laughing, joking, and making merry on into the night, and once the last morsel had been consumed, their plates were promptly cleared with the platter of BLTs brought, new drinks poured, and a few more deserts ordered.

"Good lord how long have we been here," Andy asked as he looked to his watch and saw it was 10 o'clock.

"Long enough to enjoy yourself Detective," Harry joked as he sipped his drink and snagged a half of one of the BLTs that had been delivered so long ago.

The restaurant was nearly empty by this point.

Jason's crew had long since cleared out, and there were only a few regularly lining the booths at the front, or nursing drinks at the bar.

Suddenly the bell rang for last call.

"Damn we been here awhile," Kenya said boisterously as she drained her champagne flute before chomping on a sandwich as well.

She'd made her way over to Andy at some point and the two had been giving each other doe eyed glances like middle schoolers in love.

Harry, allowing himself to feel the effects of the evening, began to pleasantly buzz.

As he opened his eyes he saw Sam milling about cleaning table tops and chairs as one of the busboys followed behind with a broom and dustpan.

"Mr. Merlot," he called unexpectedly.

"Come join us for a minute," he said waiving him over.

Sam cautiously approached the boisterous table that had been extremely courteous of his other customers, and tired as he was nearly collapsed into a chair he'd pulled over to speak with he mysterious gentleman.

"How can I help you Mr. Potter? Have you enjoyed your dinner?"

"It's been amazing," Evaline spoke up,

"Phenomenal," Pascal spoke up.

"Best steak EVER!" Andrew said with a belch.

"Y'all got da best damn food in town Sam," Andy slurred.

"I'm full as a tick," Kevin squeaked in his high pitched voice.

"I know you've heard me mention the catering business that Evaline's gonna be running, no doubt you've overheard me talking about the restaurant we'll have for the golf course and on the grounds of my estate," he began.

"What I'd like to offer Mr. Merlot, is for you to have first right of refusal in managing that property."

"Do what?" Sam asked as he blinked owlishly at Harry.

"You've done an amazing job here making this place feel like home," Harry continued.

"No one's a stranger, you have amazing staff, and you can taste the love that Lafayette puts in his food."

"Tonight was an audition as it were Mr. Merlot," Pascal, by far the most sober man at the table, spoke up.

"My Lord wants to see the established businesses in this town prosper with our investments…not be hurt," he said reaching down to his side and removed a folder with a fancy golden family crest which he handed to Sam.

"I'm not trying to buy Merlot's, nor am I trying to get you to franchise Merlot's," Harry continued.

"You'd have complete control over theme, staff, menu, décor, marketing, everything for a space comparable to this, you'd get a set salary, a percentage of gross receipts, and housing on the grounds included," Harry said with a smile.

"It's all outlined in our letter, with a sample contract, photos, and an invitation to come tour the facilities Mr. Merlot," Pascal picked up.

"Got-Damn Sam that's a hell of an opportunity," Andy spoke up.

"Be nice to have two quality restaurants to choose between," Kenya spoke up with her hand suspiciously under the table near Andrew's lap.

"I don't know what to say," Sam began taking the folder, "but let's talk about this when we have more time….I can't think about something like this right now…you understand don'tcha?"

"Of course," Harry assured the man.

"Thank's for choosing Merlot's Mr. Potter, everyone. It's been a pleasure to serve y'all tonight," Sookie's voice said as she placed one of the black bill folios in front of Harry.

Briefly opening it and seeing they had a tab of $1,500, mostly for the alcohol Harry had bought for his retinue and the Deputies, Harry reached into his jacket and removed a band of hundred dollar bills.

"Here you go Ms. Stackhouse," Harry said with a smile.

"Please divide the remainder evenly between everyone that was working tonight, including Mr. Merlot and that nice busboy that had to clean up after that rather rotund woman earlier," Harry said.

"Mr. Potter, I'm not above my staff getting a well earned tip, but that's too much," Sam began only for Harry to cut him off.

"Mr. Merlot I own several very profitable ventures. This is a small town in a rural state where everyone deserves a blessing every now and again. You're a hard working businessman. You deserve 10 times this for your investment in the community."

Harry said quelling his protests.

"As a matter of fact," he said taking the bill back from Sookie, "the meal I just had was one of the most enjoyable of my time here on this Earth," he said fishing into his jacket and removed four more bands of $100 bills.

"That's $50,000 dollars!" Andy so eloquently spoke.

"Jesus," Arlene said from across the room having listened in on the conversation.

"Someone better take this, cause I'm leaving it and the bill here," Harry said placing the pile of cash on the table as his group stood as one.

"For God's sake Sam Merlot take the money!" Arlene called from across the room.

"Was all dis racket out here," Lafayette called as he walked out of the kitchen only to see a pile of money on the table and Harry's group standing.

"Everything ok boss man," he asked looking at Sam for some direction.

Sam, lost for words, looked between Harry and his group, the money, and all his staff that had suddenly congregated around the table.

"This isn't a trick Sam…this meal was amazing, and the company was too. Please let me show you how much I appreciate your welcoming us here this evening," Harry said with sincerity.

"Thank you Mr. Potter," Sookie finally spoke up and gave him a hug.

That broke the floodgate and suddenly Arlene threw herself at him, followed shortly by Tara, with handshakes and claps on the back from Lafayette and the other workers.

"Detective," Harry started once more as they made their way outside, "can I offer you and your friends a ride home?"

"I've got Kenya covered boss," Andrew said as Kenya dissolved into giggles.

"I'm good to drive Rosie," Kevin spoke up.

"I'd appreciate it kindly Mr. Potter," Andy said too drunk to realize he was still sitting at the table, and facing a wall, while everyone else was almost at the door.

"Pascal," Harry called and pointed to Detective Bellefluer.

"Come again! Please," Tara called which caused the group to chuckle a bit as everyone made their way into the parking lot.

Harry was surprised to see that there was a group of hollow people standing in the parking lot awaiting him.

Sensing the potential for hostility, everyone suddenly stopped and tensed.

"Do not make a move," the succinct and tightly controlled voice of Eric Northman ordered.

"And why is that," Harry questioned as he immediately sobered.

"Your presence has caused a disturbance, and we require you to submit to questioning," came the reply.

"I jolly well think not," Pascal said making his way from Andy and standing in front of Harry.

"My Lord is tired; if you wish for an appointment, we can be reached during normal business hours, or by special appointment," he said wearily looking over the vampire before him, "at this number," he concluded before presenting Eric with a business card.

Eric bore his fangs in frustration.

"This is not a request human," he hissed.

"It's ok Pascal," Harry calmly spoke.

"Everyone get home safely," he called over his shoulder.

"There seems to be some misunderstanding that I'll have cleared up shortly," he smiled to assure the group behind him.

"Pascal, please bring the car around."

"Yes my lord."

"Now Mr. Northman," Harry said after gleaning the vampire's name from his soul, "how can I help you," Harry began lazily walking toward the ancient vampire.

His cane gave a light tap each time he hit a rock in the gravel and dirt lot of Merlot's.

"You will come with me for an interrogation," Eric said as he gazed into the pools of emerald that had so many women, and men, swooning for Harry once they locked eyes with him.

Harry smirked.

"I think not Mr. Northman, and it's quite rude to use magic on people without their consent."

Before Eric could reply or really comprehend what had just happened, the Rolls pulled up beside Harry, Pascal driving with Bertran comfortably leaning to the side in the front seat.

"If you have legitimate business with me Mr. Northman, you can contact me for an appointment. I'm not above inviting a vampire into my home if shown the proper courtesies," he said stepping into his car.

Eric made to move but couldn't…it was as though he were rooted to the spot and all he could focus on were those beautiful eyes.

"Yes," he quietly agreed as though he'd been glamoured.

From his vantage point in locking the front door of Merlot's Lafayette observed Harry alone with the known Vampire Sheriff Eric Northman, and he nervously observed afraid that the Vampire was on his tail for selling V.

"Oh shit," he muttered before swiftly leaving the front to return to the kitchen.

"What's goin on?" Tara asked.

"Dat's Eric Northman gul," he nervously, and quietly, replied.

"So?" she asked in confusion.

"Who's Eric Northman.

"The Vampire Sheriff,' Lafayette urgently whispered.

"So? We aint vampires Lafayette."

She left the door after Mr. Potter got into his car and drove off.

"You ain't on that shit are ya," she asked curiously.

"No bitch…but I's movin what I got," he replied cryptically.

"Fuck Lala…" she said punching him on his shoulder.

"Why you fucking around with them damn fangas? They is dangerous!"

"I know…but da shit sells for 10 times what I gets for an ounce of Golden Kush," he replied.

"I only gots a few bottles, and it's worth it….shit keeps fo'eva."

"If you smart you gon' get rid of it Lala….you don't need to end up no snack for a fanga," she said as she stormed off to finish closing the bar and counting her till.

---

Chapter 03. - Juvenile Escapades

---

That same night Eric confronted Harry, Godric was observing from the sidelines.

He'd clearly overheard what Harry had said to his childe, and observed that Godric appeared to be incapable of independent movement for sometime….he just seemed rooted to the spot in the parking lot after allowing their target to escape.

He swiftly made his way down from his vantage point to investigate.

Eric! What happened child!

Eric looked to Godric with eyes seeing past him.

I just finished a lovely conversation with our target. I tried to glamour him, but he pointed out it was wrong to use magic on someone against their wishes Maker, Eric replied.

What is this nonsense, Godric growled not liking that his childe seemed to be under the effects of some spell.

Snap out of it Eric, he said slapping Eric's cheek which stunned the younger, if taller, vampire.

Eric hissed and bore his fangs as he awoke from the enchantment.

"That HURT," he screamed in English at his Maker as his fangs descended involuntarily.

"Good Eric," the soft voice of Godric replied as he bore his own fangs….our prey has eluded us. He has power over us childe…we must be more cautious than you were."

"Come," he suddenly said.

"I smell them still," he said before he blurred and disappeared.

The two ran at their top speeds and caught up to the cars entering the estate just as the gates were closing.

A light shimmer, imperceptible to the human eye but clearly visible to both vampires, ran the length and breadth of the large and imposing Western Gate.

There is magic on the gate Eric, Godric said form their hiding place in the woods far outside of the guard's vision.

Let's double back and vault the wall by the bridge, Eric offered.

Godric nodded and they quickly sped away back north along Highway 10, around two miles away, before they quickly came to the wall section that was far enough off the road to have the light of the gas lamps along the wall to be obscured by the dense trees that marked the bounds of the property.

As one Eric and Godric lept high and easily landed atop the 12 foot walls, perfectly balanced with their supernatural grace.

If we cut along the path there, Eric began pointing to a game trail that was just visible through the moonlight and dense brush, we will be able to enter the back of the property near where we saw the main house.

The main house sits near the river according to what we learned from the detective last week, Eric informed Godric.

You have mapped this operation out well childe; let's go, Godric said as he moved to jump down only to find his boots were seemingly melding to the top of the wall.

"Was ist das!" Eric hissed as he tried to lift his own feet and found that his boots seemingly were melting into the stone of the wall.

What is this magic, Godric hissed being unfamiliar with this type of bewitchment.

The two struggled desperately in an attempt to free themselves, but no matter how much they struggled they could not break free.

Their flight would not answer their call, nor could their speed and strength enhanced legs move quickly enough to escape the clutch of the wall.

For over an hour the two struggled as hard as they could to free themselves to no avail.

Maker, Eric began slowly, it is approaching dawn.

The note of worry in Eric's voice didn't escape Godric.

We will think of something childe. Peace, he said in an attempt to calm the panic rising in them both.

"You could simply ask nicely to be let go," a voice called from the shadows of the forest.

"Show yourself coward," Eric hissed bearing his fangs.

A chuckle was his only reply.

"What do you want," Godric asked suddenly resigning himself to do what was necessary to free himself and his child from their captivity.

Suddenly, an old lantern began to glow from the light of a large white candle held aloft by none other than Bertran.

"My Lord will have words with you concerning your attempt to trespass on his lands Vampire," he said throwing an iron collar to both Eric and Godric which they caught with ease.

"And what is this, Eric said clearly eying the old fashioned restraint with distaste.

The swing of the lantern caused shadows to dance across the face of Bertran as the light of the moon continued to shine.

"The price of admission," he replied.

"Place them on and once you lock them, you will be freed to follow me. They can only be removed by My Lord."

Bertran smiled wickedly toward the two vampires, completely unconcerned with their anger.

"I will have your head for this witch thrall," Eric threatened.

Silence childe!, Godric admonished as he carefully placed the metal collar around his neck.

After Eric had complied, Bertran invited them to follow him.

They found that they could suddenly jump down and the trio made their way through the woods.

"It will be about a half hour's walk," Bertran began conversantly, but was cut off as Eric lifted him by his throat into the air.

"Eric no!" Godric screamed only for the burning of flesh to meet his senses and Bertran to unexpectedly drop to the ground.

Eric's screams rang through the night.

"You shouldn't have done that," Bertran growled as the collar about Eric's neck was glowing red hot, burning into the tender flesh.

"I am sorry for my childe's actions, he will not misbehave again," Godric pleaded as he attempted to assist Eric in removing the collar only for his hands to be severely burned in the process.

Bertran stood over the flailing, and burning, vampire with contempt in his eyes.

"My Lord offered you peaceful greetings when he could have left you out to meet the sun," he spat.

"My Lord is far too forgiving and merciful," he said crouching down to Eric's eye level.

"Hold him," he ordered Godric.

"Listen well hollow man," he said over Erics grunts of pain, "you will not be given a second warning. You will behave and show the utmost respect for My Lord, his Property, and this sacred ground. Are we understood?"

"I apologize; we are clear," he said through clenched teeth.

"Good," Bertran said waiving his hand and the collar immediately cooled leaving behind burnt flesh.

"Let's go; carry him. We will be racing the sun now because of his delay," Bertran ordered to Godric.

The trio made it to the Terrace Court of the palace just as the sun began to rise, and Bertran lead the duo down to ground level and down to a set of interior bedrooms and suites with no windows.

"My Lord has commanded these rooms be made available for your use; he will meet with you in a few hours. Please feel free to freshen yourselves with the amenities available. The clothing in the wardrobes should fit, and," Bertran paused as though contemplating a contemptable word, "there are four liters of O Negative in the mini fridge of your dresser," he said indicating the ornate wooden furniture in each of the rooms of the suite.

"For assistance you may pick the phone and dial 411. A member of the household staff will assist you."

"We would greatly appreciate the removal of these collars," Godric said as he attempted to glamour Bertran.

"As a matter of fact, we are very appreciative that your master has allowed us these luxuries; however, we would be more comfortable in our rest if we were to have them removed."

Bertran, eyes glazed and mouth slightly crooked from the power of the ancient vempire began to walk forward and mutter.

"Yes; terribly uncomfortable. I'm sorry you're inconvenienced sir," he began.

Once he was within Godric's comfort zone, he raised his hand as if to cast a spell before bringing it down unexpectedly and striking Godric so hard he stumbled away.

"And lo, My Lord saith: 'Keep thine Pimp Hand Strong, and Meet Justice as it is Due. Amen.'"

He slowly backed out of the room before Godric recovered his wits, and locked the two dangerous creatures in their suite.

Maker, Eric wheezed.

Popping his jaw back into place, Godric retrieved the human blood for Eric and began to tend to his childe.

As Eric was sipping from the bloodbag like a demented Capri Sun, Godric answered the phone in his childe's pocket that had been ringing constantly for the last 30 minutes.

"Finally," the voice of Pam, Eric's childe, answered.

"Pamela; now is not a good time," Godric began only for her to interrupt him.

"What is wrong with Eric Grandmaker," she questioned.

"I sense he is in incredible pain and danger….I can't sense where he is….I'm getting flashes of woods, and you…" she trailed off in extreme fear wracked with sobs.

"We are on a job right now der nachkomme. We are in the witche's den at the old Landry plantation….we are without escape," he said in false calm.

"Any actions taken to retrieve us at this time would prove more dangerous than meeting the witch; take no actions," he ordered before ending the call.

Having drained the entire liter easily, Eric began to sob as his wounds reopened and he began to heal much more slowly than he should.

There there child; Maker is here, Godric cooed as he began stripping Eric and taking him for a bath to scrub off the dead and charred skin in an effort to speed his healing which the collar was apparently slowing.

0oO0oO0

Dawn greeted Castle Hill just as it always did: bright and early.

Much too early for Harry who'd forgotten to close the drapes from his observing the grounds under the light of the gloriously full moon, and he woke somewhat groggily at 5:45 in time to stumble from bed and, like a muggle, struggle with the drapes to the point the hanger came loose and promptly beaned him in the middle of his noggin.

He slept rather peacefully in a crumpled heap until Pascal came to wake him at 7:00.

0oO0oO0

Once he'd had a chance to fix his room, perform his morning ritual, and have breakfast with the household staff, Harry was taken to his office in the Great Cabinet Room of the palace as Bertran had a report to give him in private.

"So what's going on Bertran," Harry asked with a smile.

"Yes," Pascal interjected. "Why wasn't I told prior to bothering our Lord with this?"

Bertran ignored the glowering of Pascal and began telling his tale.

"My Lord a groundskeeper and security guard approached me last night to inform me that the enchantments on the River Wall, West, had been activated and the finials were reading as magical dark creatures were attempting to invade your lands," he began as Pascal interrupted.

"Blasphemy," he snarled with nostrils flaring.

Harry palmed his brow and began pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Let me guess; vampires," he asked looking up hoping he was wrong.

"Indeed my lord; hollow men were trapped by the defenses of the wall; the one from last night and another."

Harry sat in silence as one of the fire girls came and began prepping and lighting the coal fueld fires for his office.

"I had to place them in the crucible collars my lord," Bertran continued.

"Did you have any difficulty in containing them," Pascal asked.

"No Sir; the House provided wonderfully."

"As it should in service to our lord!"

"That's enough adulation Pascal; please." Harry replied.

"Yes my Lord."

Harry sat back in his chair and reached out his senses to connect with the two vampire guests.

"They sleep," Harry said finally opening his eyes.

"Eric was burned to the brink of death Bertran, but he is recovering. You did well in utilizing the collars, as no doubt his actions severely threatened your life to cause such damage to his body," Harry began steeping his fingers in contemplation.

A sheaf of paperwork suddenly appeared in his "In" tray which Pascal began reading over while Harry continued to focus his attention and senses on the Vampires far below him at the other end of the house.

"My lord would speak with these hollow men," Bertran asked in confusion, "after all they've done?"

"Not everyone is as lucky as we to know the love of our Lord Bertran," Pascal cautioned.

"You should not be so quick to deny others, even with their faults, the chance to bask in his presence and seek redemption in his sight.

"Dial it back Pascal," Harry cautioned as he took the offered paperwork and began signing authorization forms to diversify his portfolio and more soundly establish his public wealth and persona.

One of the contracts that caught his interest was for Brinks Security trucks that would make monthly transport runs from his home to take his created gold to one of the largest banks in the US for sale on the world market.

"How are our stores at present," Harry asked focusing solely on Pascal and holding up the Brinks contract to indicate he meant their stores of bullion bars, dust, and other precious metals or gems.

"We're down to 535 14 lb. gold ingots, 275 14 lb. platinum ingots, and 355 14 lb. silver ingots my Lord," Pascal said removing a small notepad form his jacket pocket.

"What's the exchange rate today?"

"$1,232.86 per oz of gold my Lord," Pascal replied.

"That's a little over 110 million in gold alone…Bring in a few more pallets of sandbags and I'll change it over to gold to dump in the Chinese market; I've got plans for this world and we're going to need a few billion to start some of the businesses I'll need to make it happen."

"At once my Lord; what do you want me to do with the hollow men," Pascal asked before he turned to the task he'd been assigned.

"Leave them to me; for now they are guests…not honored guests, but guests nonetheless," Harry replied.

His phone suddenly beeped.

"My Lord there's a call for you from JP Morgan's Hedgefund…..a Mr. Donaldson returning your call," his private secretary's voice announced from the speaker of the phone at his desk.

"Thank you Sandy," he replied. "I'll take it."

"Leave the vampires to me Bertran; ensure Security is guarding them at all times with all appropriate countermeasures," he said dismissing the man.

"Dick! Thank's for getting back to me so soon. I take it you received the shipment," he asked with a smile.

The two would talk of wealth, investment strategies, and Harry delivering another $20 million to him in the next month over the course of the next hour.

0oO0oO0

Sam Merlot sat at his desk looking at his cut of the 'tip' Harry Potter had left the night before.

Equally split, each of the ten folks, including himself, that had worked last night went home with $4,850.00…Sam fully expected everyone to call in sick today as they celebrated the unexpected windfall.

Could he be…..Sam started to think before forcing himself from that line of thought and focusing on other things….like the paperwork sitting on the desk in front of him.

The "Contract of Employment" laid out his job title, role within Castle Hill Estate Company, Inc., his outrageous compensation of $250,000.00 per year just to set up and manage Mr. Potter's restaurant in addition to his own, an annual award, a 'bonus' of 20 percent of gross receipts, as well as quarterly incentives for various goals such as employee retention, sales increases, or local, regional, or national recognition/awards for the restaurant, waivers and covenants that recognized his right to not only independently own Merlots, but continue to operate it while working for Mr. Potter as well provisions for termination only for cause.

It seemed fairly straightforward, deceptively so, and Sam'd be crazy not to take this opportunity God'd sent his way.

A knock came at the door from Lafayette.

"Hey boss man," he said.

"You gots a minute?"

"Always for you Lala," he said with a smile as he span his chair around to give his head chef his whole attention.

"Bout las' night boss…." He trailed off as he took a seat.

"Did Mr. Potter say something to you Lafayette," he asked with concern.

"Nawl! That red bone brotha….Bernard or whatever his name was slapped my ass while I was takin tha trash out, but no; dis aint bout Mista Potta."

"You was countin draws back here when Mista Potta was confronted by….by a…..by a Vampire," he finally spit out.

"Jesus Lala! Is he ok?! What happened," he asked making to stand but Lafayette calmed him down.

"Jesus…it was Eric Northman Sam…weren't nothing we coulda done…he da Sheriff of this area….he's untouchable and deadly."

"Well god damn it what happened?"

"Mista Potta…he walked away, got in his car, and left. I high tailed it to the kitchen afta lockin tha door before da Sheriff could spot me; we don' need that kinda shit here. I just thought you needed ta know boss," he finished standing and left before he could be questioned further.

"Definitely not with her if the vamps are after him…" Sam muttered before opening his safe, counting tills, and loading the cash registers for the lunch service.

0oO0oO0

Pam, blood leaking from her eyes, ears, and other bodily orifices, wracked with worry over no answer from Godric, paced within the dark and lonely basement of Fangtasia.

"I'm sure he's ok Pam," Ginger called out coming down the stair with a True Blood.

"He always has been darling," the sweet voice called.

"I've known y'all over 20 years Pam; he's gonna be fine…" she tried to say but Pam was suddenly on her choking her.

"Shut your Fucking Mouth! You don't know what I've felt…the pain he's in….then nothing," she sobbed before sinking her fangs into Ginger's neck to abate her weak feeling.

Ginger screamed as the true blood spilled all around her.

0oO0oO0

The day passed with Harry observing a few brave souls out on the links braving the winter chill, even if it was in the low sixties, as well as several families walking along the trails and walks through the golf course forest and botanical gardens.

The tours of the house had started the week before, and almost everyone raved about the spiced cider, snacks, and hot coco that Harry provided for all his visitors.

Night was fast approaching, and with it the grounds had begun to empty, apart from those that were going to or from Clover Village.

Yet it was still daylight, and would be for at least another hour.

Harry slowly made his way down to the ground floor, and to the suite where his guests were.

Knocking, and receiving a reply to enter, Harry opened the door wandlessly and made his way into the suite.

"I understand you all wanted to speak to me last night," Harry said as he entered the sitting area and common room of the suite.

Eric bore his fangs in irritation while Godric shot him a look.

"You've demonstrated your power witch; there's no need in keeping my childe in this constraint," Godric's soft and melodic voice began.

"Release him this night, whole and unmolested, and I shall remain your prisoner."

"Maker No!"

Be Silent! I command you obey me this evening. I order it as your Maker, Godric hissed in their mother tongue.

Are we talking in old German now, Harry asked clearly amused.

Briefly taken aback by Harry speaking a long dead dialect of one of the ancient German Languages, Godric pressed on.

"I am solely to blame for this trespass against you. Please allow my childe to leave and live on. Do with me what you will."

Harry, still in the door of the suite, turned on the spot and beckoned the two to follow him.

Reluctantly they followed him out of the basement and into a stairwell that took them to a warm and inviting hallway…the drawing room hallway.

"While under my roof I grant you guest rights," Harry began.

"To that end, so long as you bring no harm to me or mine, nor those under my protection," he said with a pointed glare to Eric," you shall enjoy the same courtesies, protections, and benefits, as any other member of my household.

He stopped before ornate double doors, and snapped his fingers, before throwing the doors open and walking into the dimly lit room.

"This is the garden room," he began and the shutters have been drawn for your convenience. It's ne of my favorite rooms of the palace actually; spectacular views," Harry said as he led the two in.

The doors closed of their own accord behind them, and in the distance the chimes of a clock tower could be heard signaling it was 5:00.

Harry stopped at a small marble topped table that held a Crystal pitcher of water, and six crystal goblets, as well as s small platter of salt and bread.

"I offer you these rights so we might conduct our business peacefully; then if you so desire, the boon will be withdrawn. You'll no longer be subject to the same severity of punishment for such juvenile pranks as trespassing…"

Harry looked the two over.

"Regardless of what you choose hollow men, you will be allowed to leave in peace; my offer will allow us to have further conversations, and further acts of aggression or the desecration of my sacred lands will not be as gently tolerated."

"We accept," Godric spoke up.

"Wonderful," Harry said conjuring an anthem knife that seemed to be made of a gleaming silver metal with a golden core, before pricking his finger ever so delicately and allowing a single drop of blood to pool on the blade.

As he drew his blade from the finger, Godric observed there was no wound.

Suddenly, the two vampires were overwhelmed by the scent of the blood and the power it contained.

It may have been a trick of the light, but Godric swore the red blood turned golden for just the briefest of moments, before Harry carefully dropped the small amount of blood into the pitcher.

"I see you were able to make use of the snack packs Mr. Northman," Harry said with a chuckle as he took a crystal rod and began stirring the pitcher, mixing the small drop of blood completely with the water.

"I've not been in that particular set of rooms before, and I have to say that your tastes are exquisite," he said looking up to Godric as he removed the rod and incinerated it before conjuring another one, barely dipping it in the pitcher, and then stirring the first goblet.

"I'm sorry; what do you mean," Godric replied confused as to what Harry menat as well as his actions with the water.

Harry smiled, finished stirring the first goblet, removed the crystal rod, incinerated it the same as the last and repeated this process of conjuring a rod, transferring and mixing a single drop of water from one goblet to the next until he'd finished with the sixth goblet.

"What are you doing witch," Eric growled in frustration without bearing his fangs….an act which severely tested his patience.

"Firstly," Harry replied after taking a two small crusts of bread and dipping them into the sixth goblet before laying it in the course pink salt on the small golden plate, "I welcome you Eric Northman, and you Godric Reinhard into my home, my court, and my kingdom. You shall find meat and mead at my table, shelter and warmth in my beds, and peace so long as ye abide my laws. So mote it be," he spoke offering the bread and salt to Eric first, then to Godric.

The two shared a look before Eric reluctantly took the, oddly flavorful smelling bread.

"We don't eat," he sneered.

"Eric," Godric warned.

"Fine," he groused before popping the offering into his mouth and reminded himself he had to chew before swallowing.

"And for you," Harry said offering the last piece for Godric.

"Thank you Mr. Potter," Godric said with a small bow before eating the offered ritualistic food.

Harry sensed that the two had indeed swallowed, then smiled.

There it is, he thought with joy.

They shan't be so hollow shortly.

"Thank you both," Harry said as he flicked his wrist and the plate of bread, salt, the anthem, and all but the sixth goblet disappeared in a burst of fire.

"I'll take those back for the next intruders we have; they aren't for honored guests," he said with a wave of his hand and the collars around Godric and Eric's necks vanished just as Harry sensed them beginning to fill.

Before Godric could reach up and feel his free neck Eric was on the floor writhing in pain.

"Eric!" he had just enough time to scream before he too was brought to his knees.

Harry quickly levitated the two and brought them over to the couches in the lounging areas overlooking the South Lawn, and did his best to comfort them.

"I know this is painful," he cooed to Godric before moving on to Eric.

"But this is necessary and will only be temporary. I promise. It's part of my protection," he said feeling Eric break out into a fever as the magic progressed through his body.

Godric suddenly let out an ear splitting howl of pain that transformed into an almost roar before he sat bolt up right, drenched in sweat and clutching his chest, as color slowly started to return to his pale body.

He fell back, passed out from the pain wracking him.

"What…..what have you done," Eric choked out as his mouth began to foam, as he felt what he thought was the fluids of his body burning.

"I've helped you," Harry said tenderly brushing a strand of hair out of Eric's face.

"You will awaken shortly and all of this will be over; sleep for now," Harry said leaning over and placing a gentle kiss upon Eric's fevered brow.

Before Eric could form the words to protest he was asleep.

"Well shit," Harry grumbled looking from his finger to the crystal chalice which still sat on the marble topped little table.

"Maybe I should have used 9 or 13….at least they haven't exploded," he said flippantly as he snapped his fingers to banish the contents of the glass into a bottle within his private stores for further testing, unlike incinerating the others.

He reached out with his powers and did his best to stabilize the two and make them as comfortable as possible.

0oO0oO0

Being the first to pass out, Godric was the first to wake…and he awoke with quite a start.

"Eric!" he called out into the dim light only to see a thin sheet had been draped over both him and his childe.

"I was wondering when the two of you were going to wake," Harry spoke form behind him.

Godric felt the chill of the room and noticed that power was radiating from Harry in waves he'd not sensed before giving the naked areas of his flesh goose pimples.

"I'm sorry about the chill," Harry said with a casual wave of his wand toward the two large wood burning fireplaces that flanked the door which suddenly roared to life.

"I dozed off myself and the staff are loathe to disturb me if I'm asleep…bless them," he said picking up a book that had slid from his lap and into the floor.

"How long have we been asleep," Godric asked with a raspy voice.

He suddenly grabbed at his throat in confusion.

Harry gave a mental nudge to Pascal to come to the Garden Room with breakfast for three.

"I'll have something for you to drink shortly Godric," Harry said rising and walking to sit closer by.

"Let me help you up," he said as taking one of the thick blankets from the back of a wing back and wrapping it around the smaller man after removing the thin sheet.

"Thank you Mr. Potter," Godric said as he felt his bare feet scrape along the ornamental rug beneath them, and noticed the chill affecting him more than normal.

"What time is it?"

Harry looked to his watch.

"It's half seven a.m.. You were both out the entire night."

Godric thought furiously.

"What did you do Mr. Potter," he began with a crackling voice only to be interrupted as Eric suddenly gasped and sat up.

"Excuse me please," Harry said as he made his way over to check on Eric, and repeat the same process of blanketing him.

Just then, Pascal entered with several kitchen staff who were wheeling carts, and carrying a small table with chairs for the three and placed both the table, chairs, food, and drinks in the middle of the room right against the windows overlooking the South Lawn.

"My throat," Eric croaked.

"I know Eric; hold you voice, and have some water. You as well Godric," Harry said as one of the servants handed a glass to both men.

They drank greedily, before having to stop and come up for air between gulps.

"What did you do to us," Eric asked after their plates had been served at the table.

"It's it obvious," Harry asked with some amusement looking between them.

They both observed the other, and apart form noting the slight pink completion could discern no difference.

"No," Godric quietly replied.

"How about this then," Harry said with a snap of his fingers as suddenly the shutters covering the windows flew open and the Glorious Light of a new day instantly flooded the room warming all in its radiance.

Eric and Godric hissed, bearing their fangs, before instinctively flinging themselves over the couch they sat upon in an effort to escape the true death.

Harry couldn't hold it back any longer.

He started laughing.

Deep belly laughs that rattled the table each time he'd beat his fist upon it.

"Oh you two are precious!" he sobbed.

Maker what's happening, Eric asked as the light of the sun continued to touch his skin and warm.

I don't know childe, he replied as he cautiously raised his hand and bathed it in the light of day for the first time in over 2,000 years.

He observed a vein in his wrist pulsing.

"Bei den Göttern!"

"What is it Godric," Eric said in alarm as he watched his beloved maker cradle his wrist.

"Eric….childe….I…..I have a pulse," Godric cried in disbelief.

"What," Eric blurted before immediately thrusting a finger to his own neck and discovering he did as well.

"What is this magic," he cried out in fear.

"How about the both of you stop; seriously, I'm about to piss myself you're being so ridiculous. Come have some breakfast and I'll answer your questions," Harry suggested as he wiped the tears from his eyes on the sleeves of his house coat.

Exchanging looks of caution, Godric slowly stood and then saw a sight he'd been denied for the entirety of his undead life.

He saw the light of day, and how it bathed the Earth in its gentle glow.

He saw the mist rising from the frost as the grounds slowly cleared of their wintery blanket.

He saw birds flying, flowers in bloom, and so many people milling about for life in the day.

In awe, Godric cautiously rounded the couch, made his way to the table where Harry was digging into his eggs benedict and sat down cautiously, still terrified and in awe of what was happening.

Eric shortly followed after he observed his Maker was safe and whole.

"What are you," Eric finally asked as his stomach gave a rumble.

"Help yourself," Harry said pointing to the bundle of silverware, true silverware, beside each vampire.

"Maker…it's silver," Eric said raising his fork with awe.

"And those are eggs," Harry said with sarcasm pointing his fork at them.

"Oooo…..Ahhhhh."

Godric, unable to process everything he was thinking, chuckled at the absurdity of all this.

"This is the best dream I've had in centuries. When I awake I must truly thank you Mr. Potter; these do smell delicious," he said with a goofy grin before digging into his eggs with gusto.

"Oh Eric these are orgasmic!" he said through a mouthful of poached egg, hollandaise, and smoked salmon.

"Yeah, Vickie does a good Benedict," Harry agreed.

"And you're not asleep. I promise."

Slowly Eric gave into his hunger and ate with abandon.

"Is there anything I can get for my lord," the voice of Pascal spoke up from the door.

"We need some warm clothes and comfortable shoes for our guests, and assign them new quarters near my suite Pascal," Harry replied.

"It will be done at once," he said with a bow before leaving.

"What are you," Eric asked once more.

"You haven't figured it out yet childe?" Godric suddenly spoke up, a bit lucid even though there were bits of egg and salmon stuck to the corners of his mouth from his enthusiasm at eating true food for the first time in literal millennia.

"Ein Gott," he said dipping his head toward Harry.

Eric suddenly paled as Harry smiled and took a drink of his strong Earl Gray.

Slowly, and without warning, a giggle escaped Eric's mouth, before he was reduced to a laughing mass on the floor.

Mind momentarily broken by the possibility Godric could be right.

"I see why you were laughing earlier now Mr. Potter," Godric spoke up as he speared a browned potato cube.

"Oh?"

"It's very amusing to see someone in the throws of insanity," he laughed as Eric was alternating between muttering and sucking his thumb.

"By this afternoon the two of you should have your hormones and brain chemistry level out to normal levels," Harry responded.

"Is there anyone we need to call to assure them of your safety and wellbeing," Harry asked slicing into his grilled green tomato.

"Pamela," Eric suddenly cried out and stood up.

"There's a phone over there," Harry said pointing to an ornamental rotary phone on a stand near one of the fireplaces.

Eric blurred before appearing in front of the phone and dialing the number for Fangtasia.

A groggy Ginger answered.

"Fangtasia," she began.

"Ginger it's Eric," he said only for Ginger to scream out Pamela's name, the phone dropped before Ginger picked it up and Eric heard a great commotion as Ginger made her way, likely, down into the basement of Fangtasia.

He heard the creak of one of their daybeds, and Pam hiss at being awoken, before she snatched the phone from Ginger.

"Eric," she pleaded.

"Yes darling, I'm fine; Godric's fine….we're more than fine. I need you to come to me tonight," he said looking over at Harry who nodded.

"Godric and I have completed our investigation. We're guests at," he said looking to Harry.

"Potter House, West Gate is at 89516 Louisiana Highway 10, Bon Temps," he called to Eric as he dabbed his mouth with his napkin.

"We're at the old Landry Plantation in Bon Temps….did you hear the address?"

"Yes Eric…I'll be there as swiftly as possible," she said with relief as Eric ended the call.

"Girlfriend?" Harry asked.

"My only childe," he replied slowly before sitting down and continuing his breakfast.

The three continued making small chat as Godric and Eric, ravenous as they were, made quick work of the additional food in the chaffing dishes at the side of the room before Pascal finally returned with outfits suitable for the two men and the winter wind sweeping the grounds.

"Pascal please have the house staff stoke all the fires; there's a bit of a chill lingering," Harry called out as Pascal was leaving.

He nodded before closing the door once more.

The logs crackled merrily in their hearths as the room finally began to feel warm and comfortable.

"That was amazing," Godric said fully saited and sitting back, basking in the sunlight.

"I agree; delicious," Eric chimed in with a nod of appreciation to Harry.

"I know you're going to think I'm being weird," Harry said summoning a small bowl of yogurt for each of them, "and I know you're both very full, but you should eat this Activia…your digestive systems have been restarted, and adding a pro-biotic to your meals today will help you later this evening and in the days ahead…trust me," he said shifting uncomfortable at a rather violent memory.

"I'd like to go outside please," Godric spoke up with hope in his voice.

Harry nodded and indicated he was free to change into the winter clothes that Pascal had left him….same for Eric.

The trio shortly made their way to the Northern Gardens, and the Fountain Court overlooking the forest where they'd been captured the night before.

---

***To Be Continued***

Author's Commentary:

A Note Concerning my writing style.

Thank you all sincerely for playing in my sandbox!

Original Chapter Date: 10/24/2018

Polished Date:

Reviews are welcome, and appreciated. Please feel free to share this story file with your friends, chat groups, etc. I welcome all constructive criticism.

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