Welcome Back to England

The long form of a dark haired man stretched lazily atop one of the lower branches in a large old backyard tree. He took a great bite out of the apple he'd brought with him for his day of relaxation and munched happily. Life was not necessarily great, but, for the moment, it was peaceful.

The Dursleys would be leaving to retrieve Harry from the train station soon. Horatio had traveled to Surrey before Harry to make sure things with the host family were satisfactory. As usual, the Dursleys were grumpy and resentful at having to retrieve Harry but held enough of a healthy fear to prevent any negative actions to be taken against Harry.

The Dursleys were not a pleasant group of people, Severus had not been lying when he gave Horatio that bit of information. Upon Harry's arrival, they were equally wary and grumpy. They avoided Harry in large but made sure to take adequate care of him lest "the freaks" find out.

Then, a small house elf threw a fly into the soup. The Dursleys discovered Harry was not allowed to do magic outside of Hogwarts and resumed their pre-Hogwarts brand of treatment for Harry.

When they received a letter or two warning of the dangers of mistreating an adolescent wizard, especially this adolescent wizard, with a signature that sure enough looked like Dumbledore's, the Dursleys rethought their treatment once again. They stopped loading the responsibilities upon the slightly small for his age Harry Potter and treated him more like a pariah than a slave.

Then, the big fat one decided Harry receiving owls was dangerous and disruptive and must be stopped. He placed large burglar bars on Harry's window only. Aside from looking utterly ridiculous to have bars on only one window, on the second floor, this action also annoyed Horatio. Before he could develop an appropriate counter-attack, the red-headed twins from Harry's school solved the problem for him by ripping the bars off and taking Harry with them to "the Burrow."

Horatio stayed behind a while to ensure the Vernon Dursley understood the grievances of the actions and then joined Harry.

Every summer after that was largely uneventful in regards to the Dursleys. Horatio considered it mission one accomplished and could not help but believe he was better suited to the job than Severus.

The school year, however, was a different story entirely. The idiot headmaster seemed to not understand that a killer, possessed teacher and a killer vampire were both hunting Harry. He did not believe in updating security and thought that merely re-strengthening the wards every summer was sufficient.

Luckily for Harry's current sake, with Rajen's influence, Quirrel-mort was more interested in gaining power subtly in the outside world before setting his sights on Hogwarts. Horatio deduced they were biding their time until they could snatch Harry right from underneath the headmaster's nose. As a result, even while away from Hogwarts, Harry was largely off of the current 'most wanted list.'

Horatio still wanted to smack the old man on the back of the head for his lack of foresight. For Harry, the years at Hogwarts were like a series of hoops he was forced to jump through, for Rajen and Quirrel were not the only ones after Harry it seemed.

Third year, the headmaster practically invited a suspected Death Eater and escaped convict to waltz into Hogwarts and possibly attack Harry. As it turned out, the man only wanted Harry's year-mate's rat, but the headmaster had no way of knowing that. In the end, the rat, who turned out to be a human, was captured but unfortunately a wayward spell permanently confounded him. The convict, who was actually Harry's godfather escaped the aurors but not before pleading his case to the headmaster who believed him. Harry still had to live with the Dursleys.

Fourth year was largely uneventful but not from the headmaster's lack of trying. Hogwarts sponsored and hosted the Tri-wizard Tournament; Dumbledore invited a school full of dark wizards in training and one ex-death eater in to participate. Fortunately, however, only those over seventeen years and in either sixth or seventh year could enter the tournament; Harry was for once, not caught up in the middle of things.

Now, Horatio was mentally preparing himself for the summer to precede Harry's fifth year at Hogwarts. There was a nagging feeling at the back of his head that promised to cause trouble later should it be ignored, but Horatio couldn't figure out what the problem was.

He withdrew his pocket watch from his black slacks and rolled himself off the tree. He slinked his way around the house and into the garage. Sitting in the back of the car, invisible to human eyes, he waited.

VOVOVOVOVO

Harry stuffed his hands into his pockets as he walked through Hogwarts for the last time before leaving for the summer.

"Wotcher Potter!" a voice called from further down the hallway. Harry looked up, blinking twice to see if it fixed him from seeing double before he noted it was Fred and George.

"What are you two up to now," he asked apprehensively.

"As if we'd be up to something," Fred smiled. George grinned maniacally, slinging an arm over Harry's shoulders.

"Come along, little Harry, and see the wonderful making of the Weasley Brothers. Ah, here comes our snake-ish accomplice now," he gestured to the approaching blond.

Harry covered a hand over his mouth to smother his laughter. Malfoy, the prince of Slytherin approached the Gryffindor trio lugging a large bucket up the corridor.

"What is that?" Harry asked once the blond was close enough. He covered his nose as the stench reached him.

Fred grinned, "For your safety,"

"And ours,"

"We cannot answer that question."

Malfoy gingerly set the bucket down, "The esteemed Would-Be head of Slytherin House is almost finished her pre-send-off rounds. Professor Montegut should be making her way past here shortly. We need to finish setting up. Move, Potter."

"Montegut?" Harry questioned incredulously. "You guys are going to be in so deep when she finds out!"

The prank team raised the bucket over the arched frame of the corridor entrance, running a magical vein to the floor. The trio stepped back to admire their handiwork.

"You see, Little Harry, once our dear potions' professor crosses under the arch, the bucket's support will collapse, dumping leftover final potions upon her."

"Is it safe?" Harry would not have wanted the icky goop dumped on him.

"Of course!" George assured.

"We hope," Malfoy added.

Fred and George grabbed hold of Harry's sleeve before screeching, "We must flee!" They, Malfoy just behind, slipped beyond a tapestry backed statue. Judging from the sounds, Harry could only guess it was horribly crowded.

"There's no way I'm getting caught here for this. Harry turned to head in the other direction.

"Aw, Harry!"

"Spoil sport."

"Then you'd best hurry, Potter. I hear her boots clicking." Harry quickly darted in the other direction.

"Potter!" A shrill voice called from atop the stairs. He whirled. "What have I told you about running in the halls?" Montegut started towards him. Harry outstretched his hands.

"No!"

Montegut halted beneath the arch, "No?" She seemed taken aback but quickly recovered, Taking a menacing step forward, she continued, "That's right, 'no' running in the halls."

Confused by the bucket's inaction, Harry slowly lowered his arms.

"Professor, I-" The bucket came crashing down just as Professor McGonagall climbed the stairs to witness. Harry looked on dumbly as the now potion covered potion professor grew steadily redder with fury.

"Mr. Potter! This is the last straw! We are going to the headmaster's office this instant!" Montegut grabbed Harry by the arm, dragging him towards the stairs.

"But Professor, I-"

"Enough, Mr. Potter! I've heard more than enough of your excuses over the years."

"Professor Montegut, is there a problem here?" Professor McGonagall demanded politely.

"Potter is the problem here."

"I had nothing to do with it, I swear," Harry looked hopefully to his head of house.

"Did you check for a magical signature?" McGonagall questioned.

Montegut flushed, whether from embarrassment or anger, Harry didn't know. The dour professor waved her wand over the scene of the prank and then over Harry. The scene glowed bright orange, burnt orange, and neon pink. Harry's wand hand glowed a very faint muted green.

"So you see, Professor, not only has Harry not performed magic within the past half hour nor does his signature match."

Montegut scowled, "Just because his magic did not set the trap does not mean he held no hand in it."

"Very well, but I am on my way to Professor Dumbledore's office anyway, I will accompany Mr. Potter. Did you not promise Professor Sinestra aid in sending off the Slytherins?"

Looking non too leased at missing a chance to penalize Harry, Professor Montegut nodded curtly and headed to the dungeons, still dripping potion ooze she didn't dare risk magiking away. Professor McGonagall nodded for Harry to follow her, which he did, shooting a glare at the true pranksters' hiding place as he walked by.

"Mr. Potter you really should not allow her to bait you so," McGonagall commented as they topped the stone gargoyle.

"But I didn't do anything, Professor," Harry defended. "Let's face it; all Hogwarts Potions Professors have it out for me."

Harry could have sworn a wave of sadness flashed across his head of house's face before she recovered masterfully. "Guilty or not, Mr. Potter, Professor Montegut can only cause you problems if you let her. And no Hogwarts teacher will ever 'have it out for you.'" She knocked on the headmaster's door before turning to leave.

"Professor," Harry called, "I thought you had to visit the headmaster's office, as well?"

"Of course, how else could I escort you?" She disappeared as the stone rotated. Harry shook his head and turned back to the door just as it opened for him.

"Ah, Mr. Potter," the headmaster looked up from his paperwork, "do come in. What can I do for you today?"

Harry shuffled uncertainly to the front of the old wizard's desk, "Ah, Professor Montegut sent me to see you."

"And she didn't escort you herself?" the headmaster asked, brows risen.

"Professor McGonagall took care of that for her."

The headmaster smiled before looking down to his papers. He finished a sentence before smiling and returning his sight to Harry. "Your crimes are?"

"She thinks I set up a prank, sir, one that dumped old goop on her head when she walked through a doorway. She ran a signature test that came up negative, but she still doesn't believe me. I swear I had nothing to do with it, sir."

"Do you know who did?"

Harry faltered, "I didn't see who was responsible when the bucket fell."

The Headmaster nodded, folding his papers before him. "We haven't seen much of each other lately, Mr. Potter. How have you been? Did you enjoy the tournament?"

Harry hoped that was the last of the prank he'd hear. "The dragons were brilliant, sir."

"Ah, yes, they were. And we had the opportunity to bond with students from other schools as well, creating new lifelong friendships."

Harry smiled politely, "Just the same, I'm glad Diggory won."

Dumbledore laughed heartily, "As am I, my boy, as am I." He pulled off his glasses to clean the lenses, "Tell me Harry, how are you looking forward to this summer?"

Harry tried to turn his grimace into a regretful smile. Summers with the Dursleys were bearable, by some of the most extreme senses of the word, since he began Hogwarts, but they were hardly the best months of his year. "A break from school work is always nice."

"I have been exchanging paperwork with the ministry regarding Sirius' pardon, but it does not appear the paperwork will be formalized before summers end. I apologize, but you will have to wait another year before moving to your godfather's home."

Harry bottled his disappointment; he had not expected anything more, really. And it wasn't like Sirius and he were especially close, in any event. But it would have been nice, he wagered, to live with someone who did not considered him a crime against nature and welcomed his presence, even if that person was at times strange.

Still, best to give the headmaster a bright face like he wanted, "I'm sorry to hear that, sir. It would be nice to see him more, but Dudley and I've got some great plans for the summer," Not actually together, though.

Harry didn't register the headmaster's displeasure from Harry's lack of disappointment. The man kept his opinions to himself. Harry was becoming far too independent from the order member's the headmaster selected to watch over him, especially since Arabella Figg no longer had to govern him in the Dursley's absence. He needed some way to draw Harry back inward.

The headmaster circled his desk and placed an old hand on Harry's shoulder, "Let's put all this prank silliness behind us, Harry, you are destined for great things."

Harry scrunched up his face, immediately thinking of the nickname he carried outside of school. 'The Boy Who Lived,' more like, 'The Boy Who Lived to be average and suspected of crimes they had nothing to tie him to.'

"I understand, sir. But honestly, I've never been one for pranking," he assured the headmaster.

VOVOVOVOVO

Lord Draug prided himself upon being unlike many other vampire lords. No matter the matter's size, when he granted council or accepted a report, he listened so that he would never be in the unawares when it came to his empire. He glanced to Savvas out of the corner of his eye. The man was correcting the notes a recorder, his court Kiirar, was taking of everything Constantine reported on.

As Constantine continued his report, mentioning his younger sister Dionysia's prior involvement, Severus decided he may have to lay his pride to the wayside for a couple days. Every three months for the past four years, he had a trusted member of his court check on Harry. Every three months, his scout would return exactly three days from when he left and tell him all was fine and his ghostly stand-in was doing an excellent job of protecting Harry.

Four days had passed since he sent his surveyor, four days and not one word. The timing of the visit ensured Harry's safe transport from Hogwarts to Privet Drive, and yet, no word had been delivered of such an occurrence.

Severus like to tell himself his father would be gob smacked by the excellent way he stayed on top of things, but he was learning that one important thing going to wayside quickly unraveled his already shaky foundation. Time had softened the animosity he felt for the previous Lord Draug. But that didn't mean he wanted his since passed father watching from wherever he was watching to see him make a mess of his newly reassembled empire.

Then again, it would serve the old man right, Heru Zephirus Morambath Draug. When he left Britain, Savvas had Severus believe the empire was in much better shape than what he returned to. Only recently had rebellions and problems really settled and Severus could begin to be a peacetime ruler. In short, he was thrown into a pit where half his subjects remembered him in awe as the former great warrior who mysteriously disappeared and the other half wondered how he thought he had the right to come to their home and take over.

Savvas had become an invaluable aid during his rule, helping him to readjust to the minds of a Draug versus that of an English vampire. Severus could not, however, adjust to Harry being so far away. Before he left Hogwarts, he knew he had grown entirely too attached to Harry. He told himself it was not his fault, the bond formed on its own. Unfortunately, that did not change the fact that he thought and felt subconsciously of Harry as his own flesh and blood vampiric child, hence the messengers. He only tried to make the trip personally once. It almost resulted in disaster and got him one of those disapproving looks from Savvas. Of course, he still had the right to go on his own, but Savvas was usually a sound source of judgment. As a type of mini-revenge, his messenger was always one of Savvas' children.

Usually, such was the same of this time, he sent Dionysia, and such was his distraction.

"Heru?" a voice called him. He startled from his reverie and took a quick glance at Savvas who was peering at him inquisitively.

"Your report is sound Constantine," he stood from his chair and clapped the other vampire on the back a warm smile upon his face, "You will deliver to me a recommendation tomorrow, survey your team heads as to whether or not we should advance. I will take your recommendations into consideration and by two days from now you will know whether or not we will send more warriors to the west."

Severus turned to Savvas, "How are our relations with the Swiss and the Dutch as of their receipt of our gifts?"

"Very well, Heru. The treaties have been signed and they both are most eager to speak to you about a closer alliance with the empire. My sources have even heard talk of their desire to join us." Savvas closed the pen he'd been editing with.

"Very well then," Severus looked into the great fire place behind Savvas, the flames danced in his eyes. "Constantine, keep your teams in their current positions on the border, stay off the British Council's radar and territory, but keep our friends discreetly informed of your intentions."

"And what are we to say are our intentions?"

"The truth," Severus stated simply, "reconnaissance."

Constantine nodded, gathering the folder from the coffee table before bowing and exiting the room.

"Kiirar, excuse us," Savvas ordered. The reported looked to Severus for confirmation which he received and left quietly, leaving his notes behind.

"Heru-," Savvas began.

"Do not call me that in private, Savvas, or I will have to cut out your tongue," Severus warned solemnly.

Savvas smirked, "You would attempt to at any rate. I was proud, you didn't flinch nor look around when Constantine addressed you, but you do know your family is never fooled by your overly gracious act. We all have the benefit of knowing the grumpy truth."

"Even after three years, I still feel like my father owns that title. Most of our people believe that anyway." Severus defended while pouring himself some of the blood liquor Savvas insisted he keep in his private meeting room.

"The title, along with all its responsibilities, belongs to you, but it is nevertheless beside the point. You were distracted through much of the second half of Constantine's report," he chided.

Severus grimaced at the soured taste of his drink; he never acquired an actual like for the liquid. "I meant Constantine no disrespect. He knows this and notes were taken."

"I was more looking for the reason behind your distraction." Savvas cocked his head slightly, a small sly smile gracing his features, "You distraction arose when he mentioned Dionysia. She is a lovely woman, don't you agree?"

Severus looked incredulously at his mentor, "Steer away from whatever turn your mind just took. I sent her on assignment; she is later returning that usual, that is all."

Savvas smirked, "You are not getting any younger. The empire's climate is settling; things overall are going quite well. It would not hurt to consider settling down and having a child or two."

Severus shifted on his feet uncomfortably, looking into his glass, "I mean no disrespect or disregard to Dionysia, but I doubt she and I would make a good match. I was just worried about her mission."

Savvas sighed, "Call it what it is. I know she went to check on Harry for you. I am positive she is just running late. You know your father married twice; neither time was for love or some other poetic reason. His marriages were for honor and power respectively."

"I am not my father. I do not plan on impregnating a woman and having to save both her and my honor through marriage." Severus placed his glass on the tray.

"Any children with Dionysia would be powerful indeed…"

"Enough!" Severus demanded exasperated. "You have succeeded in driving me from my own study, which I know was your main goal to begin with. What time does Cyril's transport arrive?"

Savvas' smirk returned, "Not till late this evening."

"Then I will take my leave," he retrieved his heavy coat from the racks near the door, but didn't put it over him yet. "I will visit three of the soldier wards to check on progress before I return, have an excellent day."

"Be cautious," Savvas called after his retreating back.

Severus fastened his coat against the dry cold air, the temperature was by far barable, but the wind made standing outside less than pleasurable.

"Heru!" A voice called against the wind. Severus turned to allow Dionysia to catch up with him.

"I did not realize you were back on base. You are late," he accused simply.

"Did you want the job thorough or quick? I just arrived; I knew you would want my report at once."

Severus held the launch back door open for Dionysia, "What is it?"

"My survey took me into Virtyr's territory," she lowered her hood.

"Well, then?" Severus questioned impatiently.

"Albus Dumbledore has indeed resumed his delving into the vampire world. Everything is very hush-hush between the clans. Virtyr and his clan are receptive of most anyone bidding for an alliance, including the humans. Their sacred laws of secrecy are only enforced when convenient.

"Virtyr has assumed the position as leader of the territory. The Mele remain largely out of politics, but the Undergrounders have cemented their backing of Virtyr's home clan, the Cora. The Ohtars have a new leader well into place, but rumor has it Randie Furie's child is itching to reclaim his sire's position."

"So not precisely weak enough to invite invasion," Severus mused.

"There's more, Rajen has upped his recruiting. He targets young men mostly, anyone who seems misguided. Vampires, humans, anyone he can pull into his grasp."

"Is he turning the humans?"

"No one personally, but his minions have been rather free with their venom. Twenty new fledglings in the past three months; that's up nearly eighty percent from this time last year."

Severus dragged a heavy hand over his face, "Any good news?"

"Harry seems well for the most part," Dionysia grinned chipperly, "He is a bit of a loner, not a valued trait in a Draug, but surmountable nonetheless. We are social creatures, perhaps more so than other clans."

Severus pinned Dionysia with his glare.

"You should bring Harry here to begin his training. The older he gets, the harder it will be for him to adjust," she took a breath to continue her tirade.

"I've heard your arguments before," Severus interrupted. "The political environment is still too volatile. Can you not imagine the uproar? Harry is hailed as the boy hero of the wizarding world, pulling him would upset the precious balance so badly even the far eastern clans would draw in on our borders." Severus leaned against a riveted doorframe. "I feel more indebted to that child than I've ever felt for anyone. He isn't human, nor a vampire. He is caught in a limbo that I could save him from if it weren't for these thrice damned laws and codes." He restlessly paced the narrow walkway. "Do you assume I enjoy abandoning the child to whom I am for all purposes the blood father of?"

Dionysia sighed, rising from her seat to approach the door leading to the outside. "He has the ghost. I assume you will want to meet with your advisors to discuss this new information?"

Severus pulled his coat closer together and signaled one of the guards to bring a vehicle to him. He pulled his gloves further onto his digits, "I have already arranged to meet with my council this evening." Shaking his head to dispel the drab mood, he turned the ignition over as the port opened. "Don't be late!" he yelled flippantly as he rode off into the oncoming snow storm.

VOVOVOVOVO

Harry yawned and adjusted his glasses as he awoke from his nap. Blinking around, he observed Hermione taking notes furiously from one of next year's potions books. How she convinced Mistress Montegut to give her an advanced copy of the syllabus, Harry would never know. Montegut was by far Harry's least favorite teacher, and he was convinced he was her least favorite student.

Ron claimed it was because she did not like boys, and Harry's positive marks, despite her efforts, in the class upset her. Harry was inclined to believe him, but Ron was also one who told him to win in wizard's chess you had to get all the pawns first. Harry lost several galleons his second year because of that. Aside from learning that wizard's chess was not that different from its muggle counterpart, Harry also learned one other important lesson: Ron Weasley was not one to count on when it interfered with his own personal gain.

Harry often felt the odd man out in his year. Seamus and Dean were best mates. The girls mostly stuck to their own, and while Ron tended to follow him around, they did not mesh well. Neville was married to his plants and alternated his time between the library (where he often studied with Hermione) and the greenhouses; he also was an accepted third member in the Seamus and Dean coalition. Hermione was a good friend but she cared more for studying than spending time with Harry, so Harry was left alone, with Ron.

He tried to develop a hobby in flying but quickly discovered, while he excelled at it, he did not enjoy it very much. He tried to become interested in plants, no avail. He naturally caught onto his subjects well enough to make passing, if not average, marks and had no initiative to study harder to be at the top of the class with Hermione.

"You know, Mione," Harry drawled, "I'm sure Montegut won't be pleased if you read all the material before the first class starts- again. She doesn't like it when you steal her thunder. Look at how mad she was during the last few weeks after Cedric won the tournament."

Hermione glanced up before looking back down, largely ignoring Harry. "Some of us prefer to be prepared. And no teacher would be upset by their students taking extra interest in their subject. You should try picking up a book sometime."

Harry grinned, "I do, twice a year, in fact. Once to take it out of my trunk and once to repack it." He could see the small smile on Neville's face.

"You're insufferable," she countered.

"It's part of his charm," Neville interjected in a perfect imitation of the blasé tone Harry liked to use whenever he succeeded in bugging Hermione.

Ron entered the compartment and seated himself next to Harry. Harry noted that the red head once again did not completely close the door.

"Besides, why should I read the book when I can just snatch your notes at the end of the day?" Harry asked.

"The book would be shorter," Ron commented offhandedly, pulling at the now too short sleeves of his jumper. "I swear Mum's got to be using shrinking wool these days!" The sleeve refused to stay put.

"Potter!" a voice called from the doorway. The compartment's occupants all turned at the noise. "That was creepy how you all did that in sync."

"What do you want, Malfoy?" Ron spat nastily. Harry rolled his eyes and sat back to wait for the ritual mini-pissing contest that occurred whenever Draco and Ron were within spitting distance.

"Lovely sweater there, Weasley. Maybe your mother should have considered the rising price of yarn when she decided to have so many kids. I hear it is possible to get it at a discount."

Ron, predictable as ever, jumped up to defend against the insult. "Least my mum cares enough to stay in the same country with me. Where's Lady Malfoy going with her new boyfriend this summer?"

"How dare you speak like that to me, Weasel!" Malfoy drew his wand.

Ron followed suit, "Stuff it, ferret-face."

Harry jumped in between the middle, "Much as I'm enjoying the show, gotta love theater and all that, I am assuming you shouted my name from the hallway for a reason?"

"Malfoys never do anything without reason."

Harry nodded, "Of course not. Now, what do you want?"

"You saw the headmaster," Malfoy prompted.

Harry smirked, "That I did."

"Did you tell him about the prank?" Malfoy pressed.

"I didn't lie to him," Harry pushed his hair down and forward to flatten it, "but I didn't out you guys, either. I'm not going to get myself in trouble for you."

The Slytherin sneered, "You act as if I'm asking you to do something crazy like go after a criminal after curfew or sneak into a forbidden area of the castle." He crowded Harry, "I just need to know you'll keep your mouth shut. No one knows you knew about the prank, but if they find out about my involvement, I'm not going down alone."

"I didn't do anything," Harry affirmed through gritted teeth, a heat started rising within him, "And I'm not about to take a fall. I tried to warn Montegut." He shoved Malfoy away from him, "Don't push me, Malfoy."

Harry reentered his friends' cabin and secured the door shut behind him, meeting Malfoy's gaze as he pulled the blinds over the door's window.

VOVOVOVOVOVO

Horatio twitched restlessly as Vernon Dursley cut off another fellow driver. The offended car blasted its high pitched horn. The pudgy man largely ignored the traffic victim and swerved into another lane to make his exit to the airport.

The man's frustration doubled as he was unable to find a parking slot.

"Damn boy," he mumbled. "Damn freaks. Making me come to London on a Sunday, I'll show those abominations."

Horatio's eyes narrowed as he exited the car, it might've been time to reaffirm the no-touching-of-the-Harry rule.

Making his way into the airport, he tagged along with one of the parents through the platform barrier.

"Well, well, if it isn't my old friend, Horatio Evans."

Horatio's form blurred as he twisted on the spot, shocked at being seen let alone reorganized.

A tallish man stood before him, dressed more like a business muggle than any wizard Horatio expected to see on the platform. From the shaved head to the expensive Italian shoes, everything about the non-wizard screamed money and confidence.

The half ghost grinned genially, "I'm sorry, mate, I believe you're mistaken me for someone else." He turned to quickly dart to a more populated area and ran directly into another man, shorter and less confident but of similar dress. The main difference, however, Horatio recognized this man.

"Quirrel?" he slipped, taken aback by the horrible scars adorning half of the man's face.

"You see there; you do recognize me Horatio," the first purred from closely behind him.

"Voldemort," Horatio stated simply.

The man flashed as fanged grin that didn't quite reach his eyes, "Voldemort was my human name. I'm back to Tom Riddle, now. Thomas, if you will."

Horatio checked the large column clock, the train would be arriving at any moment with Harry.

"Well, as fun as it has been catching up with the two of you," he swung one arm backwards into Riddle's nose, the other jabbing forward into Quirril's solar plexus. Using the former professor's doubled body as a launch-pad, he flew up and over, Before his feet touched the ground a strong arm yanked him backwards by his collar. The heel of Riddle's free hand came down upon the base of his skull like a sledge hammer, and the world faded to black.

VOVOVOVOVOVO

Severus gathered his advisory council. Severus could not afford to ignore any aggressive actions on Rajen's part. Once the vampire finished with Western Europe, he would move to the Draug Empire and his long-time enemy, Severus. Although Severus wanted nothing more than to use the full force of the empire on his own ground and terms, he could not justify exposing his people to a war they had no part in the making.

"Rumors of Rajen's rise have been confirmed. The Ohtar claim they hold no part of it."

Severus leaned against his high backed chair, "We are confident Virtyr has no alliance with him? Has he decided my 'betrayal' warrants his own?"

Cyril crossed his long legs at the ankle, "Virtyr is not stupid. As the second strike against us, he knows Rajen and his allies will be dealt with in a permanent fashion. Not to mention any grievances he has with you are far less than the ones he holds with Rajen. However, your Headmaster Dumbledore has had contact with Virtyr's people. He seems to be fishing for information and possible alliances himself. So far, Virtyr and the headmaster both have no knowledge of our movements."

"We have spies in their camp, it is not unreasonable to believe they have the same for us," Dionysia pointed out.

Cyril sneered, "True, but a Draug would never betray his empire." Severus rolled his eyes minutely, agreeing with no such sentiment.

Dionysia growled lightly at Cyril's dismissal. Savvas headed off the approaching conflict, "You both make valid points, but not only must we never underestimate our enemies, we also mustn't forget that as our allies grow in number, the potential for betrayal does as well. And while we concealed the extent of former Heru Draug's illness, it was hardly a closely guarded secret. Severus, I request permission to head the western offense. A high warrior's presence will crush Rajen's organization."

"With Virtyr none the wiser," Cyril added in awe.

Severus reclaimed his seat at the head of the table. "You are right, a high warrior should lead whatever actions we decide on. But as Rajen has enlisted Voldemort, any actions will involve human wizards. As they are connected with Virtyr, we will not be able to prevent his learning of our interference, regardless of our precautions."

"Then I will meet with Virtyr personally before hand, Perhaps even discourage his alliance with your headmaster," Savvas conceded, only his tone betraying his distaste for the vampire in question.

"Any recommendations from you will be met with an instantaneous decision to do the opposite," Severus reminded. "Besides, you will be needed here. As my father's closest advisor, the people have the most faith in you."

Cyril quickly looked up, "Where will you be? May I lead in Britain?"

"Rajen is threat largely due to my inactions. It is only right that I be the one to take him down."

"Heru," Savvas interjected, "You have all of your people here to support you. This isn't a fight you take alone."

Severus smiled with his eyes, "Don't worry, I won't be." The smile turned into a grin, "Cyril is coming with me."

The other council members concealed their laughter as Cyril shot up into the air, arms extended towards the ceiling in victory.

"Unless anyone has something to add, I call this meeting to an end. I will be leaving for England immediately."

VOVOVOVOVO

Harry wiped his sweat from his brow as he continued his garden work, he realized he should've been more upset when the headmaster told him he could not stay with Sirius. Then again, Sirius could practically compete with the Dursleys when it came to quirks.

A crack broke his concentration; his hold on the rake slipped, and he nearly took out one of Aunt Petunia's flowers. He glanced up sharply, cracking his neck in the process. He scanned the yard for any sign of Dudley preparing to spring out at him.

"Dudley?" he called, receiving no response. He looked around once more before resuming his raking, keeping an ear out for the noise. He never saw the reddened eyes hidden like smoke within the bushes.

VOVOVOVOVO

Severus donned a pair of sunglasses as the airplane door was opened for him; he was reminded of a previous return to England. He smirked as the attendants gathered the luggage Severus and Cyril carried for show; his previous occasion was not afforded a private jet.

Cyril scrunched his nose at the overwhelming human odor. "My nose is actually burning, Heru! How can you stand this?" Severus chuckled at his cousin's discomfort.

"If it is any consolation, you do get used to it," Severus offered.

"I don't want to get used to it," Cyril whined. "We're here. Let's hunt old what's-his-face and his side kick you-know-who for good measure. We grad your kid and get out." His face became dreamy, "And we return to sweet non-human infested Draug territory." The humans regarded the grumpy, slick looking vampire oddly as they deposited the luggage into the waiting car. Severus tipped them generously and smiled apologetically before entering the car.

"We have humans in our land. You should spend more time around them." Severus commented as the car moved smoothly along. "Enjoying the west, cousin?"

Cyril kept his gaze fixed on his window, "You lied to me." Severus turned away to hide his amusement. "And human loving is your thing. I prefer more…physically pleasing pursuits," he grinned devilishly.

"You'd get more women if you took the time to see past their skirts."

Cyril hummed noncommittally, "So what is first on the agenda?"

"You will go to Virtyr. Gauge how willing he'd be to giving me an audience, mention we'd like to be of service in dealing with Rajen."

"And if he says he doesn't want our help and to get out of his country?" Cyril considered it a distinct possibility.

"Then we'll have to make a decision, we either are silent in our activities, dealing with Virtyr's ire afterwards, or we let them deal with Rajen on their own. If they succeed, excellent. If they are conquered, we'll take over the fight before it reaches the Swiss border." Severus twirled the stem of a crystal glass stocked by the rental car company, the liquid rose precariously near the top of the rim while never passing. "Of course, nothing is ever that easy," Severus smirked, watching Cyril roll his eyes from the corner of his own. If Rajen re-rose to power, his physical strength and size would double, especially against an outside force like the Draugs. He wasn't completely confident he could lead the Draug from such a conflict unscathed.

VOVOVOVOVO

Severus waited until the only light remaining within Number 4 Privet Drive were from Dudley and Harry's windows. He crept around back, unlocking the poorly secured sliding door. The vampire paused, a chill creeping up his spine as he sensed a pair of eyes upon him. He closed the door, turning to scan the area with black eyes; seeing nothing other than a stray cat on the other side of the back fence. Severus chided himself for being overly paranoid and entered the Dursley home.

He was pleased to note about a fifth of the dishes in the washer were dirtied by Harry. He approached the cupboard with no small amount of trepidation, knowing the Dursley's penchant for using the room for human storage.

Taking a few moments to unseal the lock, he opened the door and sighed relieved. There was no sign of Harry even crawling into the tight space, save a few hairs near the entrance. Looking closer, he identified Harry's trunk. Rolling his eyes, he resealed the cupboard and went in search of Harry's room.

The downstairs left little for him to complain about. Walking towards the staircase, he heard a door upstairs open and shut softly. Heavy footsteps headed towards Severus. The vampire ducked into the open bedroom of Vernon and Petunia Dursley. Man-Dursley's snoring hitched, and Severus prepared to vanish into the shadows, but the breathing soon returned to normal. Severus relaxed and re-solidified.

While the boy-Dursley was busying himself in the kitchen, Severus ascended the steps. The darkened hallway was familiar, and he and he had no difficulty finding Harry's door. Placing an ear to the wood, he could hear the faint sounds of a living human; Harry seemed to have already fallen asleep.

Severus touched the knob of the door and quickly jerked back, the smell of milk and cold cereal assaulting his nose seconds before boy-Dursley's heavy footsteps assaulted the steps of the staircase.

Hiding behind the guest room door as Dudley entered his bedroom, Severus got his first look of the child now teenager in years. The young man was actually smaller than his footsteps made him seem.

Severus returned to Harry's door, twisting the knob and entering.

Harry was indeed asleep at his desk, head planted upon his parchment, cheek sticking to the ink. Severus ghosted his fingers over the teenager's messy fringe. Harry sighed, turning his face and relaxing into the desk.

Severus leant over, listening to Harry's heartbeat for irregularities and inhaling his scent. The vampire felt the same chill again. He snapped his head upward, catching a pair of glowing eyes. Severus stared at the pitch falcon, seeing past the animalistic disguise, through to the vampire beneath.

Severus' fangs elongated as the falcon held his gaze. He temporarily vanished the window's glass and jumped from the second floor to the ground below as the falcon descended alongside him.

The owl transformed mid-land into a tall vampire. Severus and he circled each other, bearing their fangs with primal aggression.

"Rajen," Severus snarled, waiting for the vampire to attack.

Rajen's eyes narrowed, and he straightened from his antagonistic pose. "Severus," he stated plainly, tone relaying none of his posture's previous challenge. "I assumed you'd left Britain for good last time."

Severus stayed on the offensive, knowing the bastard could never be trusted. "You're fishing, Rajen," he spat. "Why are you here?"

Rajen smiled, "Just checking in on your boy. Quite a lovely little thing he has turned into, wouldn't you agree."

Severus growled, eyes morphing to their demon habit; his nails turned hard and blackened.

"Now, now, Severus," the vampire raised his hands in a placating gesture, "I was only stating the obvious."

"He belongs to the Draug," Severus growled, the blackness rising to the surface of his skin, "You will stay away from him."

"How old is he, Severus?" Rajen asked, "Fifteen?"

"None of your damned business how old he is," Severus replied harshly, fingering the wrist latch of his blade.

"His time is coming up," he went on as if uninterrupted.

Severus lunged for the other vampire, slamming him upon a large tree.

Rajen grunted but then laughed in the fuming face of the Draug leader, "You won't kill me, Severus."

Severus released the spring-loaded clasp on his knife, the forearm-long weapon settling comfortably into his palm. He jammed the piece flat against the older vampire's neck, "Why would I pass up this chance? The great Rajen, all alone, neck beneath my blade. I don't think there's anything I'd rather do than kill you."

"Rajen laughed, albeit a bit breathlessly with his neck constricted so, "Do you notice a key player missing from this meeting?"

Severus narrowed his eyes.

"Your ghost, half-breed. You seem to have misplaced your phantom friend," the oily vampire smiled maniacally. Severus' eyes darkened impossibly, the shadows gathering on his face.

"Where is he?"he asked, voice filled with gravel.

Rajen accomplished the feat of chuckling without moving. "Remove the dagger."

Severus inched forward, fighting his instincts. He growled in frustration, slightly lowering the knife.

"I may tell you. That all depends on you being a good boy."

Severus re-raised the knife.

"Severus," a voice purred, the sound traveling solely due to the vampire's will.

Severus looked past the vampire in his grasp and the tree behind him. "Voldemort?" he questioned confused.

"Hmm, my loyal potion maker held many secrets, no?" Riddle asked.

"You aren't joined with Quirrel?" Severus increased the pressure from his hand as his prisoner tensed to take advantage of his distraction.

"I would rethink my strategy, if I were you, Severus," Rajen advised.

"What happened to Quirrel?" Severus demanded from Riddle.

Riddle smiled, revealing his shark-like teeth, the only thing the vampiric blood hadn't reverted to a more human state. "I will have to tell him you were asking, he will be touched beyond words."

Rajen reclaimed Severus' attention, "He's waiting for us now, Severus. Should we not return he'd be most disappointed; I shudder to think of what may become of your precious half-breed."

"Two for the price of one seems like a fair-trade to me," Severus countered.

Rajen seemed unperturbed, "Were you your father, I might believe you'd take that bargain. But you're not." The older vampire tilted his head over the sharp edge, leaning close to Severus, "You'll never fill his shoes. How can you expect to take the place of the greatest vampiric leader in all of history?"

Severus snarled, his blade digging into the preternatural skin, "Tell me where you took Horatio."

A white rim began to glow around Severus' black on black eyes. His dagger heated, the metal glow matching that of his irises. Rajen winced, feeling the thin layer of diamond on the edge of the blade cutting through the thin skin of his neck. A small line of blood seeped through the skin.

"Brent Cross Shopping Centre, release me."

Severus had no intention of letting the other vampire leave with his life. He twisted his arm to penetrate Rajen's heart.

A huge, dead weight slammed into him from the side. Severus rolled, narrowly avoiding Riddle's huge snake's venomous fangs. Riddle grabbed his leg, flinging him into the same tree he assaulted Rajen with.

Rajen made to grab Severus' throat, but the younger vampire shook Riddle's hold and ducked out of the path. With one arm, he grabbed Riddle by the shirt front and with the other, Rajen. He pulled the two vampires into each other. Using the tree as support, he jumped up and kicked both of them in the head.

He lunged over the two for his fallen weapon.

Police cars screeched around the corners of both ends of the street.

Looking around, Severus noted the humans peering from their windows, including every Dursley and Harry Potter.

He turned back to Rajen, coming face to face with the barrel of Rajen's gun.

"This isn't over, Draug," Rajen spat, one arm supporting his side-clutching partner.

"All of you, drop your weapons! Put your hands up!" the police ordered.

Rajen and Riddle made a great show of blowing up the tree, startling all the lawmen into firing.

Severus ducked and prepared for at least one piece of lead to hit him. Nothing touched him. He looked up; a faint, muted green haze surrounded him. He looked over to Harry's window. The wide-eyed teenager looked ready to faint. Severus nodded imperceptibly, holding Harry's gaze.

In the split second between the police firing and their reloading while wondering why their bullets halted midair, Severus scanned the area for Nagini, Riddle, or Rajen. As he suspected, the group had vanished in the confusion.

Taking one last look at Harry, Severus darted into the side yard between the Dursleys and their neighbors, vanishing in the shadows.

VOVOVOVO

After signaling Cyril of his plan to retrieve Horatio, Severus sifted through the shadows near the rear to Brent Cross mall. The building was abandoned for the evening, even the guards were missing. Severus withdrew his pistols, on the ready for an ambush by Rajen's men.

He entered through a side window-vent. The only sounds signaling life were coming from the second floor. He ascended the stairs to a half level, quickly turning to head up the second flight.

A blast of orange light zoomed past his head, narrowly missing chopping off some of his hair. He turned, ready to fire when an explosive force sent him sailing backwards, debris falling atop him. He scooted from underneath the wood, firing off on three black robed wizards, death eaters. He darted over to a broken column as the other wizards scurried for cover.

Severus ducked lower behind the remains of a plaster column as a myriad of light surged from across the mezzanine platform. Cursing as a burning hex grazed his bicep, he discharged his firearm over the debris aimlessly. He glanced up to the ceiling worriedly, wondering how much longer the walls would support the metal and plastic covering before the giant fan blades would come crashing down in the absence of the column's support.

Mortar cascaded from above, falling through the missing plastic panels in the high ceiling.

"It's over Draug!" an attacker called, "Come out peacefully and we will hold you for ransom instead of killing you outright."

Severus grunted as he was forced to shift further behind his disintegrating column as it became narrower. From his vantage point he could see a dark haired dog transform behind a desk on the lower level into a human with dark hair. The human nodded to him, his wand drawn.

"Alright!" he yelled, "Cease fire!" The shooting halted. Knowing Rajen had already moved Horatio, Severus judged the distance from the top of the railing next to him to the stairs beneath. He vaulted himself up and over the rail, the human Sirius Black covering his movements. The vampire landed roughly and rolled to Sirius' hiding place.

"And here I thought you'd died before I escaped prison, Sni- Snape."

Severus sneered, "There's an underground escape route beneath this building's basement level, we can get out through there."

"Lead the way, monkey boy."

The two evaded Raken's Death Eater allies and escaped through the underground hallways. Traveling through the tunnels, they climbed out of a man hole near the order 's headquarters, Grimmauld Place. Severus halted as it appeared Sirius was leading him toward the order's headquarters.

"Black, I-," Severus started.

"They're expecting you, Snape," Black informed tiredly, "Wouldn't want to upset the headmaster, would you?"

Severus shook his head and bit the inside of his mouth. The night was about to get a whole lot more interesting.

Welcome back to England Severus.

End Chapter

Kiirar – Chronicler

Heru - Lord