The Beings We Are

By: Lore or mess.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, I just write fanfictions. Anything else that seems familiar is also coincidental.

Warnings: This story contains homosexual relationships. Lot's of 'em. If you are offended by this or in any way feel uncomfortable, you have the choice to continue reading or forego reading this story. The choice is yours. However, I will not entertain any sort of derogatory comments made concerning this issue. This warning has been posted.

Chapter 1

Hope for the Dead: Part I

"Dad!"

Col jerked awake with a start, instincts alive and wild at the muffled yell. The body pressed up against his naked side stirred and gave a soft moan before snuggling closer to him. Col took a moment to remember the previous events and allowed himself to sink back into the bed with a tired sigh when he realized the situation he was in.

Two impatient knocks came from the door.

"Dad! The play starts in an hour! Get up!"

Another moan and Col felt an arm snake itself around his waist. He raised a hand to press against his eyes. Just how did he get himself into this again? Oh… right.

— Hope for the Dead —

Somewhere in the English countryside, flowers turned to face the East as though welcoming the impending sunrise. The dew from the leaves on the trees slowly vaporized into mist in the warming air. Animals woke to carry out their morning hunt. Birds greeted each other in shrill chirps. Indeed, the world was looking forward to yet another day, its beauty reaching its peak as first light approached. The sight of it all would have snatched away the breath of any who gazed upon it. Alas, such beauty was not meant to last, as a dark and ominous shadow flitted through the shades of the forest. Its shape would have made one mistake it for a giant bat of sorts, but it was no bat for it did not fly. No, it was a man, wearing a cloak so black and sinister that it flew behind him like wings. He moved so quickly, no human eye would have been able to discern his presence if they did not know that he was there. His feet made no sound as they treaded upon the forest ground. His eyes gazed ahead with determination. It was only from the barely noticeable frown on his forehead that one would be able to tell that he was worried.

'I must make haste. The sun is rising.'

Col added speed as he made the last few miles to his destination. The cottage came into view, surrounded by towering black pines. It was a fairly normal cottage, double storied and light brown with large windows. There was a tiny garden in the front, sporting odd plants that he could not recognize. By then, the sun had already ascended beyond the edge of the horizon and the very uncomfortable prickling on his back, which was facing the sun, was extremely good encouragement for him to get inside as soon as possible. Col didn't even trouble himself to try the front door. He merely leaped the way to the small balcony on the first floor and let himself in through the glass slides.

"A bit late this month. I hope nothing obstructed your journey."

A man was lounging on the queen size bed, wearing nothing but a cream-coloured cotton robe. His long blond hair fell around his face weightlessly as he looked up from a thick book to pierce Col with dark blue eyes. If he was surprised or indignant at him for having leaped into his bedroom while the man looked to be ready for bed, he didn't show it on his pale aristocratic face. Col shrugged off the remaining prickles on his back and moved closer to the bed after pulling the blinds into place to prevent the sunlight from entering.

"No, but the council had wanted to discuss and determine something before they sent me to you. It seems that three more vampires have been found dead. They want you to move to headquarters as soon as possible."

The man's face darkened. Whether it was caused by the news of the death of their kinsmen or by the subtle order given to him, Col wasn't sure.

"I'm sure we've been through this. I will not involve myself in politics or power-play. Submitting judgment is one thing but I will not relocate myself to headquarters, or anywhere, for that matter."

"Julian, it is no longer about simple power-play, it's become more than that. This war must be stopped. Too many of our clan have died, murdered by that crazed wizard. The council needs your voice… and your presence. Head councilman Skayle said that he formally requests you to accept this invitation for he has dire news to deliver to you in person. He trusts no messenger to convey it."

A few moments passed as Julian stared at Col with an unrelenting expression. Then he sighed in resignation and got up from the bed to return the book to the shelf across the bedroom.

"Perhaps I am merely trying to hold onto the peace that I have finally acquired. So many years, so many wars have passed and I have been there to witness them. Perhaps I am merely stubborn in that I do not wish to a part of the bloodshed anymore."

Col said nothing to answer to Julian's quiet musings, knowing that he wasn't expected to. Still standing in front of the shelf, he saw Julian run his long, pale fingers down the spine of the book he had been reading. With his enhanced eyesight, Col could read the faded silver title printed upon the worn leather. It was a book on Old Norse folktales. He brushed aside his thoughts when Julian turned to face him.

"Stay the day. We leave at dusk."

— Hope for the Dead —

"This is an outrage! Are we about to lower ourselves to mere dogs?! There will be nothing left of our pride as vampires!"

"Calm yourself, Iago. We are merely saying that we should consider helping the wizards if only to vanquish Voldemort. We are not asking anyone to become 'dogs'…"

"HAH! Helping wizards! Have you forgotten how they treated us in the past? Hunting us down, branding us dark creatures! Filthy, evil vermin deserving a stake through the heart!"

"How can you ask us to help these… these ill-bred magic users!"

Julian observed his fellow council members with weary eyes. He had just only arrived at the vampire headquarters with Col and been shown his temporary room before a council meeting had demanded his presence. At first, all had been well, with Head Councilman Pearys Skayle reading the latest statistics on where the vampires stand in the war between Voldemort, the Light wizards and vampires. Everyone at the council table had given their views and ideas on how to advance in their position in the war. Then, everything went to hell when Pearys told of the plan to create an alliance with the Light wizards in order to defeat Voldemort.

"This is an insane proposal! Estar loco! Do not think for even a minute that any of the vampires would agree. There is simply no possible way that—"

"Perhaps we should hear out the head councilman's plan before making hasty assumptions. The final decision can wait till a later date."

Iago glared heated at Julian for a moment but nonetheless sat down to listen when all he received in return was a blank look. Pearys glanced sideways at Julian and gave him an appreciative nod.

"I have thought long about our current status, specifically concerning the scale of our forces. Unfortunately, no matter how I view it, we are at a disadvantage compared to the wizards. Voldemort would defeat us if only in sheer numbers. While we may be more powerful than them on an individual basis, should they decide to collaborate and attack, the result would be disastrous. I am sure all of you are familiar with the strength of the magic they wield?"

A few nods were seen around the table and Julian could practically hear Iago grinding his teeth. Next to him, Aleksandr's lips were pressed together into a thin line.

"I understand Iago's objections. These people are the same ones who have wronged us time and again for many centuries. But when in times of war, new rules apply and for the sake of survival, we will do what it takes. There is no doubt now that Voldemort will not stop until this clan is wiped from the earth of Europe. We have not much time and we cannot afford to face the consequences should he decide to attack us head-on. This plan to aid the Light wizards… Perhaps if I worded it differently… This plan to utilize the Light wizards will give us the leverage we need to win this war. They can provide us with the information we need to overcome Voldemort, and even if that is not enough, their magical abilities can be used against him as the most expedient weapon without any loss whatsoever to ourselves. To put it bluntly, think of it as us vampires using the wizards to eradicate one of their own."

The end of Pearys's speech was met with varying degrees of thought. Even Iago was seemingly mulling it over with an expression of grudging acceptance on his face. Not long after that, the meeting was adjourned once it was agreed that the final decision was to be made during the meeting the day after next. Iago and Aleksandr immediately left the room in a flurry of clothes while the rest of the council members stood to greet Julian and thank him for attendance. They were old faces to him, having lived under his advice for decades. After exchanging some words, he excused himself and left the meeting room only to find Pearys outside, waiting for him. The older vampire smiled widely at him then gestured for him to walk while they conversed.

"I know better than to ask of your health. A vampire as old as yourself is not nearly as foolish as some who would neglect the well-being of their body. So that only leaves the question of what you have been up to lately. Any conspiracies I need to know of?" teased Julian.

His companion laughed heartily. "It's good to see you again, Julian. Glad to know that you haven't lost your edge even after being a hermit for so long. No, no conspiracies to pass my time away. This war has taken too much of it already." At this, Pearys sobered. "I thank you for coming, Julian. We need you here, and not only for your counsel. Our clan cannot suffer any more losses. I'm sure you understand."

Julian understood. He had known that this order would come someday ever since the start of the war with Voldemort. Being the second oldest vampire living, the oldest being Pearys, he was too important to the clan to be killed. Voldemort had very little knowledge of the vampire ranks but still, it was only a matter of time before he sent his Death Eaters after Julian. Not that he could not hold his own against wizards but as Pearys had said, the clan cannot risk enduring any more losses. Theirs was already a small army. The loss of a leader would be last thing they needed.

Julian sighed as he recalled what had started it all. A few years ago, the self-proclaimed Dark Lord Voldemort had begun gathering followers under his campaign of pureblood superiority. The campaign was in reality a farce to recruit little servants to do his bidding in ridding Europe of muggles and muggle-born witches and wizards. Many magic users, under the illusion of power, flocked to him like flies to rotten fish. He later christened them Death Eaters, those who would answer to his every beck and call like the good little minions they were. Granting them the use of what wizards called Dark Magic, he regularly sent them on terror inducing sprees in the wizarding and muggle worlds. He killed, destroyed and caused immense chaos without refrain. But that was not enough for him. After some time, in which the general wizarding population has been reduced to trembling cowards who fear to even utter his name, Voldemort decided that he would go one step further in his 'campaign'. Why become a lord in the shadows when he could become a lord for real? His objective changed from exterminating muggles and muggle-borns to establishing himself as supreme ruler of Europe, wizarding or otherwise. But to do this, he would need an even larger and stronger militia under his command. That was when he started to approach the magical creatures. Werewolves, centaurs, merpeople, giants, veelas… Of course, vampires were not exempted.

Unfortunately for Voldemort, he was not as irresistible as he thought himself to be. The vampire council had a mere single vote which was unanimously agreed without hesitation. When the word got to Voldemort that none of the vampires will 'assist' him in his oh-so-righteous efforts, the wizard had immediately turned to threats. After a second and third time of the same response, he finally came true to his word and sent his followers to hunt down the vampires. Initially, it was a laughable move on his part as everyone knew that wizards were no match for grown vampires. But Voldemort proved that he was not a Dark Lord simply for his horribly disfigured features. With every attempt, he began to improvise. He began to discover methods to kill the undead. And what was originally entertaining encounters for the vampires slowly became deadly bloodbaths. Indeed, the demented wizard had formulated the sickest ways to neutralize his night walking non-supporters. However, seeing the corpses of their dead clansmen only served to fuel the vampires' resolve that they had made the right decision. They could never and would never work with someone who dug out the hearts and decapitated their opponents' heads. But then, they were presented with another problem. Lately, bodies have started coming in in twos and threes, meaning Voldemort had found yet another way to strike at them. They needed to fight back. That was why Julian was not surprised when the order came for him to relocate to headquarters. None of them were infallible or without weakness and the toll was already too high. Something had to be done.

"The scouts have detected recent unrest amongst the younger generation. They are having second thoughts about joining Voldemort." Here, Pearys grimaced. "They seem to think that if staying neutral means being beheaded, they prefer being a powerful minion."

"Is something being done about this?" asked Julian sharply. They really did not need a juvenile rebellion in the clan right now. Any sort of fraction must not exist.

"I have sent all those available to influence them otherwise. But this subject has been raised once, it will not go away easily. Especially if we do not show progress in this war."

By then, they had reached Julian's temporary room. It wasn't anything fancy or unique but had the distinct feel of antique England to it. Would one expect less from immortal beings? Taking their seats in the red armchairs in front of the fireplace, they continued their conversation now that it was less easy to be overheard by others.

"I understand their position. After all, it is the younger generation that Voldemort mostly targets as they are, sadly, easier to defeat and or turn." said Pearys.

"How dire is the situation?" asked Julian.

"They have begun to question why the council did not accept the initial offer. They argue that, as Dark Creatures, is it not right for us to side with Voldemort."

Pearys watched as Julian's face grew slightly sour. He would be right to think that his younger friend was mentally berating the foolishness of the younger vampires.

"Still so naïve, them. Do they not see that what Voldemort is doing is simply and directly against our interests? We are vampires. We feed on humans, or more specifically muggles, the ones that the psychotic wizard is so desperately trying to obliterate. In other words, he is killing our means of survival. Siding with him is the same as committing a slow suicide. Even if we do decide to side with him and with some slip of fate, he wins this war with the Light wizards, what then? What will become of us with no food and a reputation for being blood-sucking monsters? Shall we all migrate to a different continent in search for provisions? Will he let us? Let us not forget that he would no longer have a need for us by then. What makes them think that he would not do us in like how he did with all his other enemies? We would be weak without blood and he would have known all about our abilities. It would be too simple to kill us all and eliminate the threat to himself should we even have half a thought about an uprising."

Julian finished somewhat irately and turned his face to the side to recompose himself. Pearys sympathetically allowed him a moment. He knew that Julian had a minor issue with wars. Having lived as long as him, if not longer, Pearys was aware of how taxing it could be to be a witness to everything. It was one of the reasons why Julian had chosen to live in solitude. He remembered a time when the blond vampire was just teeming with life and loved to travel to the ends of the globe "Just to see what's there!". And it wasn't so long ago that Julian… Pearys quickly diverted his thoughts. Seeing the already melancholy expression on Julian's face, he knew that now was not the time to tell him. Not yet.

"Besides, we're only 'Dark Creatures' because the wizards decided so, in all their infinite wisdom on all things existing. Voldemort can't call us on something his own kind determined without our opinion. What's more, we never liked them anyway. Wizards, that is."

Julian, recognizing the act of distraction, smiled at Pearys in thanks. Following his lead, he began to talk of a different subject.

"This plan of yours, this alliance, just how exactly are you going to go about it? I am certain the wizards will not accept it without some level of suspicion, if they decide to accept it at all."

"Ah, that is the problem with statistics. Always so detached from the overall picture. You see, while the data sound as though the wizards still have some hope left, the bitter truth is, they are desperate. Voldemort has his spies everywhere and any operation devised inside the wizarding ministry will, without a doubt, be foiled before its time. Only a small organization called the Order of the Phoenix led by one Albus Dumbledore has made any significant difference in the war. The wizards are so anxious for any sort of resolution that they could not refuse our aid should we offer it. I dare say that they are in worst shape than we."

"Is that so…" Then, Julian caught the slight glint in Pearys's eyes. "There is more to this than a simple alliance in an attempt to vanquish Voldemort, isn't there?" he asked suspiciously.

"Oh, no. Just some requests that the wizards might want to consider in return for our cooperation. Some tiny changes to some laws and restrictions. After all, we're putting ourselves on the battle field for them. There should be rewards for such courageous and righteous behavior. Especially when we could have simply left them to their own problems."

"But I thought Voldemort was both our problems… Wait. Do you mean to say that they do not know? That these proud, arrogant magic users have no idea that Voldemort is out for vampire blood? That we share a common enemy?" Julian asked Pearys rather incredulously. Pearys simply smiled at him with a sly gleam in his eyes.

The sheer absurdity of it all caused Julian to break out in chuckles. To think that it would be so easy. The wizards would most likely consider their alliance a godsend. Any sort of reservations Julian had concerning the wizards' reactions were instantly erased. If this treaty worked, then the deaths of all the vampires slain by Voldemort's Death Eaters would at least be compensated by a better future for the clan. It wasn't much, but Julian doubted that it would be enough even if they killed Voldemort. They will take what they can get.

Pearys watched Julian chuckle at the wizards' ignorance but couldn't quite join in. His mind had once again strayed to the thoughts of what must be said that night. What Julian must hear. What he had a right to know. Watching his relaxed face now, Pearys couldn't quite bear to say it. To him, Julian was as good as the son or nephew he never had. He was his oldest companion and confidant. And Pearys would never ever like for him to feel unhappy. But it must be told.

"Julian, I trust Col told you about a certain dire message?" he asked, already beginning to regret doing so.

"Yes. He said that you wanted to deliver it in person. What could possibly be so important?"

"And you've heard about the most recent deaths?" Julian nodded, listening intently. Pearys hesitated, not knowing how to break the news to Julian without breaking something else too.

"The bodies were found in Germany, Julian."

Julian continued to look at him intently for a moment. Then, realization dawned and his eyes widened fractionally. Out of a corner of his eyes, Pearys saw pale fingers tighten their grip on the scarlet armrest of the armchair Julian was sitting in. They stayed like that, motionless for several moments before Julian slowly began to lean back into the armchair and closed his eyes, an unreadable expression on his face.

"I am sorry, Julian." said Pearys softly.

"Say it."

Pearys remained silent. Julian's voice was barely above a whisper.

"Say it, Pearys. I want no delusions, no misunderstandings. Just… say it."

The older vampire hesitated for only a moment.

"Vincent Valentine is dead."

Julian showed no outward reaction to this, but Pearys was more than certain that that was not the case inside.

"I am sorry, Pearys… Could you give me a moment to myself? I—"

"It's alright." whispered Pearys understandingly. "I have to retire for the day anyway. If you need anything, you know where to find me."

Julian nodded absently, eyes still pressed close. Pearys gave him one last concerned look before retreating quietly from the room.

— Hope for the Dead —

A blur of darkness dashed across the grassy hills and open meadows. There was no moon that night, which only served to better hide the presence of the 'darkness' that was moving so rapidly through the silent landscape.

'Of all places, why did he choose Fishguard to meet? It is too out of the way. Not to mention, it takes far too long to travel to. Information is of no use if it is not exploited at the right time, which is more often than not, immediately.'

Indeed, that was the reason why Haze was rushing so quickly back to headquarters. Normally, he wouldn't move at such a high speed with such impatience, but his wizard informant had just supplied him with intelligence that might determine the outcome of the war. Why the haste then? Because apparently, Voldemort was getting the same information from his own spies at that moment, if he didn't already know of it before then. And Haze refused to be the scout who brought back useless information.

However, as he run-leaped past leaf littered plains, he couldn't help but wonder about the dependability of what he'd just learned. He knew it wasn't his place to wonder about his scout orders and the significance of the intelligence he'd received, but really, a prophecy? The only reason he'd actually taken it seriously was because his informant had proven himself reliable in the past and the repercussions should it be true had persuaded him. So, here he was, running as though the sun was on his back, in the dead of the night, in the middle of nowhere, to relay perhaps the most ridiculous piece of intellect he had ever heard.

Haze was just some ways away from Carmarthen when he felt it. In only a split second, his entire being froze like a deer in the headlights. But it was not headlights which had caused this reaction from him. It was a magical backlash. A very strong magical backlash. It washed over him, making his hair stand on end, giving him goose bumps and making his senses go wild with paranoia. He was immediately alert and cautious. One didn't feel something like that in the middle of nowhere. He could tell that it was not a natural occurrence, but there was also no one near him who could have caused such a disturbance. A simple check confirmed that it was wizard magic.

Now, Haze was in a dilemma. He stayed perched on a secluded hill, considering his options. On one hand, he could ignore the backlash and continue on his way back to headquarters, relaying important information but never knowing if he had just overlooked a major event that might influence the war. On the other hand, he could make a detour, investigate the incident and perhaps gather more information that might be useful to his clan. If it proved to be a mere accident or nothing at all, it would still do to notify the council about the unexplainable magical explosion. One option used more time but the other was an ignorant one. What to do… Then, there was another thing which concerned him. Any witch or wizard who could cause such a powerful explosion would not be anyone to disagree with and Haze had no idea whether he or she was a 'friendly' or the other way round. A fleeting thought entered his mind and he inwardly laughed hollowly at the thought that it might very well be Voldemort himself who caused that backlash. If so, Haze had little to no chance of getting away unharmed.

Hesitating another moment, he turned then began to head towards the direction from where he had felt the magical outburst, all the while vampiric eyes at their full potential looking for any sign of anything out of the ordinary. Namely, black robes and white masks. And with that, he would unknowingly come to a scene where he would make one simple decision, and that simple decision alone would change the lives of many.

Author's Notes: I finally typed this. Really, this fic has been in my head for months! Well, I've hit a slight block for Hogwarts Mareschal and I'll probably be working on this till I get over it. Hope readers from HM aren't too mad or disappointed. On the other hand, I hope this story will appeal to a larger group of people as Harry will be the main, or co-main, character in here. The writing style is slightly different from HM but I'm experimenting. Tell me what you think. I know everything pretty much doesn't make sense right now but like in HM, suspense is one of the key elements in this story too. And there are warnings posted for relationships so I will not entertain flames concerning those. Otherwise, I'd like to know what you all think. Reviews, opinions, constructive criticism are very welcomed.

Vincent Valentine – Yes, that Vincent Valentine, from Final Fantasy VII. I just love borrowing characters. Don't own him.

Estar loco! – It's crazy! (Spanish)

Until next time, good night everyone.