Title: Harry Potter and the Vampire's Court

Author: Itzika

Summary: Of the dozens of pureblood families out there, there are eight that share a mission above and beyond that of the Wizarding World. And Harry is about to become very well acquainted, not only with those families, but with that mission.

Genre: Fantasy/Action/Adventure

A/N: Hi! Um, I like this plotline, so I actually went and started writing it. Seriously, I don't write nearly as many stories as I think of. Anyway, I have some other fics going, you might have noticed, but I think I'll be updating my new HP fics more often, as that is my current obsession. I do like reviews! When I get lots of reviews, I feel like I should write for the reviewers! So, please review!

Disclaimer: While I do own one copy of each Harry Potter book, I do NOT own Harry Potter itself.

Draco stared down the length of his wand at Albus Dumbledore, the man's promises ringing in his ears. Safety for his mother, protection for himself…

Did the man honestly think such things mattered anymore?

"My father died in Azkaban," he told the headmaster, "a week ago."

Draco could see the moment when Albus realized what that meant. He could see the man's body become, suddenly, so still that he might not have breathed.

"You can't be the last as well," Tom said softly to Albus. Draco twitched at the sound of the teen's voice; Tom could be so quiet Draco often forgot he was there. He looked over at the dark-haired boy, who was staring at Albus with a laser intensity. "You can't have been so irresponsible… Don't tell me," he said, voice rising in temper, "that you actually set yourself up to die without leaving someone in your place?!"

Draco's head whipped around to look at Albus fiercely. The blue eyes he knew so well were scanning the air beside Draco in vain, trying to see the one who had spoken. Draco's wand hand slackened its grip, lowering for a moment in relief as Albus shook his head infinitesimally.

Four Death Eaters ran onto the tower top.

Draco stiffened in surprise—he hadn't even heard the newcomers coming up the steps. Tom, on the other hand, ignored them, stepping forward slowly, as far from Draco as he could go. His eyes were boring into Albus' blue ones.

"Where's the fang?" he asked abruptly, watching Albus' face, listening for the answer.

Albus was talking to the new arrivals now, as pleasant as though they were talking over tea; but Draco could see the focus in his eyes and knew where the real conversation was being held. A glance at Tom confirmed his suspicions; the boy was nodding thoughtfully.

Draco missed the next question Tom posed as Albus made a remark to Greyback that the blond simply couldn't let go unchallenged.

"I didn't," he began, but Tom shook his head for him to be silent and Draco shut up. The dark-haired boy turned from Albus and walked back to the young Slytherin.

"Hate to say it, Drake, but if you don't do this, it's all going to turn out very badly." Tom's voice had lost all emotion.

Draco stared at Tom, wide-eyed. He had opened his mouth to shape the question when Tom interrupted, reminding him that there were other people there.

"Hush, Drake. Think for a moment." Draco frowned. Tom sighed. "Assuming you fail, who's next in line to receive this job?"

Draco's eyes widened in realization.

Tom was looking over Draco's shoulder not. His body had grown rigid in shock and fear. Draco made to look behind him, but Tom grabbed his shoulders, eyes panicky.

"Don't," he whispered frantically. "There's no time. Just—"

Draco raised his wand again, comprehension hitting him like a gut punch from the Whomping Willow. Dimly he heard Albus pleading—and then the voice he had feared screamed the words that would end it all…

And with a jet of green light and a rushing sound, the blue eyes dimmed, the body was thrown inexplicably over the tower's edge, and a year of planning and work fell to pieces.

Okay, I feel like I'm saying this a lot today, but this is a lot shorter than the other chapters will be. Please drop a review on the way out!