Chapter 2: The Spider's Web
-Mount Cemetery 22nd July, 1992
Time had flown by quickly ever since Hadrian entered the HP world. So, far so good he hadn't attacked anyone. Hadrian had been able to resist temptation for the best part of a week now.
Hadrian stirred beneath the covers, awoke early in the morning. He got up and looked outside his bedroom window and watched the sun rising. The sky was painted a bright blue and the shiny green grass glistened in the sun. He breathes in deeply and is almost overwhelmed by the smell of damp earth and the sweet scent of flowers of every kind. He can hear birds chirping, leaves rustling in the background, which only added to the tranquil atmosphere. Sunlight arrows shot through the branches of the trees. Hadrian lifted his face, letting the light and shadow dance across his skin. The feeling of security smothered him like the warm air as he stared out taking in the beautiful scenery that greeted him.
Today, was the day that Hadrian decided to go introduce himself to his brother.
Hadrian used a cleaning charm on himself to freshen up a bit. He then headed outside to the nearest bus stop and waited on bus to arrive.
-4 Privet Drive, Surrey, Little Whinging
There was a knock on the door of Number Four Privet Drive, Little Whinging.
Petunia answered the door and looked at Hadrian appraisingly before saying "We do not give out charity" She went to close the door, but Hadrian wedged his foot in the door and forced the door open.
Power radiated off the boy "I do not want nor need your charity, Mrs. Dursley. I'm your nephew. Hadrian Charlus Potter. I would like to be reunited with my brother".
"You're that supposed bastard child that lived with my parents. You look exactly like Potter" Petunia said bitterly "Except your eyes. You have her eyes".
A scrawny boy, no older than twelve with dishevelled black hair and round out-dated glasses appeared next to his aunt "A brother? But, that's not possible. Surely someone would have told me".
Hadrian merely raised an eyebrow at Harry "No one knew that I existed. I was born on the first of July, 1981. I was an unexpected, but welcomed surprise for our parents. They must have decided it was in my best interests to be sent away so that I would be spared from the toils of war and also protected from the threat of Voldemort. I spent most of my life in an Orphanage. I must admit it took me a while to find you. Now, that I've finally found you, I'd like the chance to get to know my big brother, before school. If that is alright with you?" He asked his brother who nodded his head eagerly as a growing smile spread across his lips.
"I'd like that very much".
Hadrian turned to Petunia with an unreadable expression on his face and said coolly "Don't worry Aunt Petunia I have no intentions of burdening you with my presence. Something tells me that I wouldn't be a welcomed addition to your household. That's perfectly fine because I'm happy enough staying where I am. If you want nothing to do with me. Then, I will respect your wish and not bother you or your family. My involvement in your lives will be the bare minimal. All I want is to keep in touch with Harry. Is that amenable to you?".
Petunia looked relieved "Yes, that's fine with me".
Hadrian clapped his hands "Good, now, if no one has any objections. I'd really like to catch up with my brother".
Harry looked to his aunt who gave him a small nod "You can go Harry, but just make sure your back before dinner" She told him firmly.
Hadrian noticed out of the corner of his eye that Mrs. Figg was peeking out of her window at them with a concerned expression.
Hadrian lightly elbowed Harry to grab his attention "Who's that?" He asked nudging his head in the direction of Arabella Figg.
"Oh, that's our neighbour Mrs. Figg. She babysits me from time to time when the Dursleys decided to on a family outing or holidays without me" He said rather embarrassed.
Hadrian placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and squeezed lightly "If you ever tire of those muggles of yours and need a place to lie low. You'll will always welcome at my place for as long as you need. The offer does not have a time limit. Just remember that you always have another option".
"Thanks Hadrian, I really appreciate it" Harry said genuinely touched by his brother's kind offer.
Hadrian smiled lightly and pulled Harry into a headlock and ruffed his hair "Don't get all soppy on me, Harry. You're not a Hufflepuff are you?".
Harry shoved Hadrian lightly and snickered "No, I'm a Gryffindor, just like mum and dad".
Harry and Hadrian went to the park and sat down on the swing set.
"So," Hadrian began "What do you think about having a long lost little brother?".
"I think it's great I've always wanted a brother or sister. It's not easy living with the Dursleys. Sometimes it can get rather lonely, especially when Dudley and his gang threaten anyone who remotely takes an interest in the freak".
"You're not a freak, Harry. You're just different from them. I learned a long time ago, that some muggles will fear what they don't understand. Whilst others will envy you for something that they will never possess. And unfortunately you'll find that they will express that fear and jealousy with hate. Therefore, they will try to destroy what they hate in some form or another whether it is with violence or their words. We could retaliate by destroying them or we can choose to rise above all the hate, prejudism, resentment and intolerance that muggles in particular spew out as the better representations of what man-kind has to offer" Hadrian told him as he rummaged in his pocket and took out his tobacco tin. He lit up a cigarette and inhaled deeply.
"You're smoking" Harry blurted out startled by what he was seeing.
Hadrian chuckled lightly with the cigarette perched at the corner of his mouth "What do you know. So, I am" He said sarcastic.
Harry frowned and furrowed his eyebrows "You shouldn't be smoking, Hadrian"
"I shouldn't be doing a lot of things, Harry, yet I do them anyway. What is life without a little risk every now and again? You only live-" He laughed "I was going to say once but, that isn't exactly true in our case now is it since you're The Boy Who Lived and I'm The Boy Who Cheated Death".
"How did you cheat death?" Harry asked confused.
"Don't be obtuse, Harry. It doesn't suit you. Does this look like a hickey to you?" He said tilting his neck to the side.
Harry blushed at the implication "I wouldn't know".
Hadrian rolled his eyes "Earlier during the summer I was involved in a hit and run. I should have died due to the severity of my injuries, but I didn't. I woke up hours later at The Leake Street Tunnel in Lambeth. I didn't know where I was or how I got there. I can only assume that I apparated via accidental magic and then I found this" He then took out the letter and handed it to Harry.
Harry took the blood stained letter and read.
His eyes widened in horror "You're a vampire!" He exclaimed.
Hadrian reached over and swatted the back of his head "Harry! A little discretion would be nice".
"But, you can't be it's daylight" Harry said in denial.
"There are two types of vampires, a living dead vampire also referred to as night-stalkers and then there is a rare breed of vampire known as living vampires also referred to as day-walkers. I unlike my lesser cousin the living dead have more of a tolerance to sunlight, I do not have an aversion to garlic and I do not need blood to survive. However if I go without blood for a pro-longed period, then I'll go feral. Blood to a living vampire is like Wolfsbane to a werewolf if you catch my drift" He explained.
Harry let out a small "Oh," and handed Hadrian back the letter.
"Does it bother you, Harry?" Hadrian asked as he tucked the letter safely away.
Harry shook his head "I don't care if you're a vampire. You're still my brother. No matter what".
Hadrian smiled as he took a last drag of his cigarette before stubbing it out. He stood up ruffling his brother's hair "Come on let's go for something to eat. You're skinnier than I am. And that is saying something. We need to get some meat on those bones".
"Hey!" Shouted Harry with a grin on his face.
Hadrian snorted "Barrett, left me a small fortune so don't worry about money, it's on me. Which, reminds me, I'm going to be staying at The Spider's Web in Knockturn Alley, tomorrow. I don't want anyone to find out about my little hide out. It's not much to look at, but its home for now. It can be yours too, should the need ever arise. I must take you to my place sometime and let you see my little slice of heaven".
"I'd like that" Harry said thoughtfully as he followed Hadrian out of the park and to the bus stop.
-Westfield London
After filling their bellies at McDonald's Hadrian decided to take his brother to the cinema as a birthday treat.
"What do you want to watch at the pictures? We could go and see The Addams Family. It has been recently released and I've heard good things about it?".
"I've never gone to the pictures, before. I don't really know what I'd like to watch and since you're paying I think you should be the one to decide on the movie" Said a rather excited Harry.
"Alright, then The Addams Family it is".
When they got there Hadrian bought a huge box of popcorn to share between them. He began flicking it at people during the movie. He smirked and passed the popcorn to Harry and gestured for his brother to follow suit and have some fun with him.
Harry soon caved and flicked the popcorn.
They both had to slap their hands over their mouths to avoid laughing when Harry managed to hit this one guy in front of them who slapped the back of his own head at being hit with the flying piece of popcorn.
After the movie, Hadrian took Harry into town to shop for some new clothes.
Hadrian had ended up going on a shopping spree, he practically had to drag Harry around all of the stores trying on clothes before buying them.
Harry had a new wardrobe of muggle clothes to take with him to Hogwarts. Although, at first being reluctant to accept the clothes Harry was grateful that he no longer had to be embarrassed at having to wear his school robes at the weekends whilst at Hogwarts rather than parading around in Dudley's old cast offs. He made a promise to himself that he would somehow make it up to his little brother for everything that he had so far done for him.
With their hands weighed down by several shopping bags, Harry and Hadrian made there way back to Number Four Privet Drive.
Harry turned to Hadrian and asked out of the blue "What's it like?".
Hadrian raised an eyebrow "You might want to finish your sentence, Harry".
"Being a vampire, what's it like?".
"It's like I've being born again, it's like seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and feeling everything for the first time. At first I was overwhelmed, but now I'm starting to adjust. I mean I've only been a vampire now for the best part of a week so it's a learning process.
The embrace is a gift like Barrett said, but it is also a terrible curse. All my new abilities and powers that I've been given are only meant for one thing and that is to kill. I'm a dangerous predator, Harry never forget that I'm designed to kill. You see I'm not a normal newborn. Newborn vampires are supposed to be bloodthirsty, violent killers who are more animalistic and wild than their older counterparts. Apparently, I'm an exception to the rule. You could say I'm tame for a newborn. I have more control than a typical newborn would have because I'm naturally skilled at Occlumency".
"How long does this newborn stage last?".
Hadrian shrugged in a nonchalant manner "It is impossible to predict since every person is different. Certain vampires may have to wait for at least a few years after their first year ends for their emotions to regulate and for their thirst to diminish. It's not something I'm concerned about as long as I feed regularly and don't lose my temper, then I'll be fine".
Harry grimaced "You haven't had the misfortune of meeting Malfoy or Snape yet".
Hadrian could sense that his brother was working himself up "Chill, Harry, if a situation ever arises that I feel that I'm on the verge of losing control. I'll just dose myself with the draught of peace and if needs be I'll down a whole bottle of calming draught. You need to stop worrying yourself so much. I've got this" He reassured.
Harry felt better and nodded "Thanks, Hadrian. I had a lot of fun".
Hadrian chuckled lightly "So, did I. Until next time, yeah?"
Harry nodded and opened the front door "I'll see you later, Hadrian".
Hadrian set the rest of the bags down on the front porch and enveloped Harry in a brotherly hug "Remember to write, alright? And if those relatives of ours give you any trouble I'll come sort them out. I'll scare them so bad that they'll think twice about treating you, badly".
Harry returned the hug "I will".
"I'll hold you to that" Replied Hadrian.
-The Next Day
Hadrian knew that his Hogwarts letter would be arriving any day now. So, he decided to spend the rest of his summer at The Spider's Web in Knockturn Alley. As Hadrian didn't want his safe house to be discovered. If no one knew about it then, it meant that when Voldemort did eventually return he wouldn't be forced upon the Dursleys.
Hadrian had chosen to stay at The Spider's Web under the alias name of Hades. He was looking forward to finally being able to soak in a hot bath. He quickly tidied the house and began packing his trunk that he had bought from Stowe & Packers Magical Trunks.
It is a lovely large antique steamer trunk with wooden support slats and leather banding which has a vintage heavy padlock that is immune to unlocking charms to prevent any sort of thievery and it also has an undetectable extension charm and hidden compartment. The lock is opened using a drop blood from the owner and as an added security measure. Should an unsuspecting thief attempt to open the trunk will find their finger cut off as a result due to a dark curse woven into the trunk.
Heading outside with his trunk in tow towards the bus stop.
-The Leaky Cauldron, Charing Cross Road, England
Hadrian headed on the bus over to The Leaky Cauldron. When he got their he was surprised to see Hagrid.
Hadrian, headed to the courtyard and waited for someone to come through as he tapped his foot impatiently. Fortunately, Diagon Alley seemed to be busy due to it being so close to the start of term. So, he didn't have to wait too long.
Hadrian swiftly entered Knockturn Alley and noticed a few wary glances in his direction as a fiendish grin spread across his face.
Hadrian, soon arrived at The Spider's Web. An infamous pub that is a renowned location for under-the-table deals. Dilapidated and grimy, the Spider's Web is no five-star hotel, but the menu's cheap, the food's good, and there's plenty of alcohol; it almost always has at least a few drunken customers seated at its traditional sleek oak bar table. The owner Deirdre Lémieux has a don't-ask-don't-tell policy with her customers the majority of which are engaged in criminal activity, but for a fair price, she can disclose scraps of information she overhears.
Hadrian entered the pub and went straight up to the owner "I have a pre-paid room book for this evening".
Deirdre raised an elegant eyebrow as she eyed his neck suspiciously and went over to the guest book and flicked through the pages "Name".
"Hades".
"Ah, yes. Your room is ready. However, I tend to use the attic room when I have special clientele staying. It is available if you would prefer to stay in a more shaded area" She told him and grabbed a key.
"No, that won't be necessary, Madame Lémieux" Replied Hadrian.
"Alright, then Hades. Follow me".
Deirdre led Hadrian upstairs to the guest rooms. The corridor was almost pitch black if not for the wall torches that gave off a soft orange glow. They came to a stop outside door number 9. Deirdre unlocked the room and handed Hadrian a spare key.
The room was quite spacious with a four poster bed. There also is an antique dresser, an old rickety desk with a three legged chair, a self-vanishing chamber pot and bed-side table that has an oil lamp on top.
"It's a little musty and outdated, but it'll do nicely".
"Should you need something, I will be at the bar. Breakfast is at 6am to 10am, Lunch is at 12pm to 3pm and Dinner is available at 5pm to 10pm. I have postal owls that should you wish to send a parcel or letter. It will cost 6 Sickles and 23 Knuts. Housekeeping will be around at 9am. Check-out is at 9:30am".
"I will keep that in mind, thank you".
Deirdre left without another word as Hadrian got settled in his room.
The Spider's Web, Knockturn Alley 23rd July, 1992
Hadrian had a long soak in the bath, before making his way towards Gringotts. The reason was mainly to have his existence made known to the wizarding community all whilst keeping a low profile in Knockturn Alley. He climbed the stairs up to the grand entrance doors. The uniformed guard at the door bowed to Hadrian as he walked inside.
He dodged around the people milling around in the lobby and went up to a rather bored looking clerk who was eyeing him, with a look of disdain.
Hadrian cleared his throat.
"Yes," The goblin asked with a rather sinister looking smile.
"This is my first trip to Gringotts" Hadrian told the goblin "I was Muggle raised, and therefore do not know whether or not my parents have an account with this branch".
"Your full name, sir?" The goblin inquired.
"Hadrian Charlus Potter, Youngest son of Lily and James Potter"
Hadrian looked around warily and sighed with relief. No one appeared to have heard his name.
The goblin, narrowed his eyes suspiciously before paging through a large book at his left.
"What's that?" He questioned intrigued.
"The registry book of births, marriages and deaths. If you're who you claim to be, your name will be in here, Mr. Potter".
After, almost ten minutes of flicking through the pages in the P section. The goblin ran his finger down the page before tapping his finger on his name that had been scrawled down below his brother's. "Ah, it would seem the Potters did in fact have another child. It states that you were born on the first of July, 1981, you were placed with your maternal grandparent until the twenty first of November, 1981. There is no record of residence after the Evans deaths'. And it would appear that Mr. Snape is listed here as your godfather and magical guardian" He said, evidently surprised by this.
"Excellent, would you ensure that Mr. Snape is well informed of this. I do not believe that he's aware of the honours that were bestow onto him by my parents".
The goblin nodded "I shall see to it, Mr. Potter. I can also confirm that you do have a vault with this branch. Am I to presume that Mr. Potter does not have his vault key?" He asked.
Hadrian nodded "I do not have my key, I presume it was left with my brother. I however, do not require access to the vault at this moment in time".
"Very well, then if there is nothing else, Mr. Potter-".
"I would ask that you include in the letter to Mr. Snape, that I am currently staying at The Spider's Web under an alias name. Tell him to ask for Hades".
The goblin took a quill and wrote Hadrian's message on a piece of parchment "I will see to it, our business here is concluded".
Hadrian then, wandered into Diagon Alley and entered Ollivander's wand shop. He looked around with curiosity the shop itself was old and dusty with shelves stacked with wand boxes. He approached the front desk and place a hand down on the bell Ollivander, a white-haired man with the most incredible blue eyes that Hadrian had ever seen came around from the back "Good afternoon, I see you've come for your wand, Mr-"..
"Hades Snape" He replied quickly, giving Ollivander his alias name in order to remain inconspicuous. Hadrian hoped that his godfather didn't mind too much that he was using Snape as his family name.
Ollivander inquired whilst taking measurement "Snape eh? I would have pegged you for a Potter. What with your hair and unmistakable eyes. Are you of any relation to Severus Snape?".
"You could say that Severus and I have a familial connection with one another". Which, wasn't a lie per say. Snape is listed in Gringotts as his godfather and magical guardian.
"I remember every wand I've ever sold. Severus ended up with a beautifully crafted wand of "12" inches, unyielding, Ebony with a Dragonheart String core" He said, eyeing Hadrian curiously "Now, Mr. Snape, which is your wand hand?".
"I'm right-handed, sir" Hadrian answered, fighting the urge to bat away the tape measure.
"I see. Well, let's give it a go, shall we!" The tape measure dropped to the floor as Ollivander piled several boxes onto the counter.
He endured almost twenty minutes of having wands snatched away from him. Hadrian had to take a deep breath as his temper was beginning to get the better of him. The store was in a shambles as the boxes were now towering on the counter at each failed attempt Ollivander only seemed to grow more excited.
Until finally, Hadrian found his wand. There were no words that he could use to describe the feeling that currently is coursing through him. He took a moment to get used to the new feeling as red sparks shot out of his wand.
"Your wand is "10 ¾" Inches, Reasonably Springy, Yew Wood and a Unicorn Hair Core. Quite fitting really given your name. An excellent match if I do say so myself". The wand has a stylish resemblance to ivory that features hand-carved skull details into the handle that is adorned with a fang bearing skull.
Hadrian asked curious "I'm interested in this wand's lore. What can you tell me about it, Ollivander".
Ollivander smiled lightly, young wizards and witches nowadays tended to overlook the lore behind their wands. It was nice to see a young wizard take such an interest in their wand. "Yew wands are among the rarer kinds, and their ideal matches are likewise unusual, and occasionally notorious. The wand of yew is reputed to endow its possessor with the power of life and death" He paused for a moment, before continuing "Now, Unicorn hair generally produces the most consistent magic, and is least subject to fluctuations and blockages. Wands with unicorn cores are generally the most difficult to turn to the Dark Arts. They're the most faithful of all wands, and usually remain strongly attached to their first owner, irrespective of whether he or she was an accomplished witch or wizard. Minor disadvantages of unicorn hair are that they do not make the most powerful wands although your wand wood compensates for this".
"Thank you that was very insightful. Do you have any standard Auror wand holder's in-store?".
"27 Galleons for a standard Auror wand holder, Mr. Snape".
It was a little pricey, but it would be worth it in the long run. "I'll take it, and could you throw in a wand polishing kit".
Hadrian paid for his purchases and slid his new wand into the wand-holder that Ollivander assisted in strapping onto his forearm. If the wand-maker noticed the faint silvery scars on his right forearm. He didn't let on much to Hadrian's appreciation.
Afterwards, Hadrian nipped into Flourish and Blotts.
Hadrian purchased his first year Hogwarts books second-hand. He didn't understand why people splashed out the cash to buy new books when you could buy them second-hand and save money. Besides, some of the books had nifty tips written inside from previous owners, which is a bonus in Hadrian's opinion and a bargain.
He returned to The Spider's Web. Tucking into a bowl of stew and buttered crusty roll. Hadrian noticed a few of the occupants were occasionally glancing over at him. He chose to ignore them in favour of his bottle of Knotgrass Mead.
Hadrian then noticed a woman with ebony black hair, her black eyes held an unnatural fiery glow to them. The purplish dark shadows underneath her eyes give the impression that she hadn't had a decent nights sleep in a very long time. She has powdery pale skin, which is only one shade from being white. What immediately caught his attention were her gleaming fangs that sent a chill down his spine.
She had been handing out flyers to her shop. Until her eyes landed upon Hadrian, she approached him "What's a young thing like you doing in a place like this?".
Hadrian raised an eyebrow "I could say the same about you" He winked with a beguiling smile.
"I'm merely handing out flyers to advertise my store to potential new clientele much like yourself" She purred with a wicked gleam in her eyes.
Hadrian smirked darkly as he raised the bottle of mead to his lips and took a swig and leaned over the table "Oh, and why is that?".
"Have you ever heard of The Coffin House?".
Hadrian shrugged "I've heard rumours that the stores sells old paraphernalia related to the Dark Art of necromancy, the dark art of raising the dead. Along with under the counter Daylight Amulets, Solis Potions and illegally imported Bloodwine from Romania" He drawled out.
"You've certainly been well-informed," She said and gently trailed a finger over his scarred neck.
Hadrian shuddered at the sensation as the woman withdrew her finger away and slid a flyer across the table "I hope to do business with you in the future, I'm Mardella and may I inquire as to who you are neonate?".
"You may call me, Hades, my lady" He took her hand and planted a small chastise kiss.
She placed a finger underneath his chin and stroked "Quite the flatter tongue, it was lovely meeting you, Hades".
"Before, you go why did you call me neonate?".
"Oh, it is an old term used for a newly turned vampire. Most simply refer to neonates as newborns, but I find that term quite derogatory" She explained.
"But, how did you know?".
Mardella laughed lightly "I wasn't sure, not until we spoke. Your eyes give you away. They're natural colour is emerald green, but as time went by they now could easily be mistaken for black. Which, mean it must be close to your feeding time. And when I trailed my finger down your neck your eyes flickered in colouration to what I could only compare to the flash of a killing curse. You did it subconsciously as a warning. Whether you realize it or not. You saw me as a potential threat and when I got a little too close too comfort. You reacted instinctively without actually being aware of it which, is typical behaviour for a neonate or young fledgling".
"Is it something that I can learn to control?" He questioned.
"Yes, with a bit of practise and self-awareness. It's like a defense mechanism, Hades. It's normally triggered when you feel threatened or angry. Once you've learned how to switch between your true face and glamoured one. It shouldn't be hard to learn how to switch your defense mechanism on and off at will".
"Thanks, I appreciate the advice".
"You're practically family now, Hades. Vampires always look after and protect our own. Regardless whether you're a Night-Stalker or a Day-Walker" She rose from her seat "The Coffin House opens at 8pm and closes at 5am. Your business is most welcomed, Hades, I might even be able to give you a special customer discount on certain items" She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.
After, Hadrian had eaten he hauled his shopping upstairs to his room. Before, nipping out of The Spider's Web for some proper nourishment.
-London
'We make our own monsters, then we fear them for what they show us about ourselves. The scariest monsters of all are the ones that lurk within our souls'.
Hadrian headed into London to prowl the streets. He normally walked through the back alleys for nocturnal critters that were in search of scraps of food out of the dumpster bins. However, he happened to wander upon a night-stalker tearing into some poor homeless bastard.
Hadrian's breath caught in his throat as a low growl emitted from the vampire as his head whipped towards him.
Hadrian swallowed, standing his ground knowing that it would do him no good to run as the vampire continued to prowl closer. "What did you see?".
"Everything" He whispered.
The man was still alive, clutching his throat. Hadrian couldn't help it as he tilted his head back and took in a deep whiff of the air. He wanted that man's blood so bad. Hadrian let out a small distressed whimper. His eyes were glowing Avada Kedavra green as his true face revealed itself to the vampire.
The vampire sighed "You're a Day-Walker, well that changes everything now doesn't it. I thought I was going to have second helpings tonight, but instead it would seem I will be sharing my main course since I can't very well let you starve, now can I? Go ahead, kid" He stood aside and gestured to the dying man.
It took every ounce of self-control not to flit over to the man and pounce on him like some rabid animal "I can't" Hadrian gritted out through clench teeth.
"What?" The vampire said astounded "Of course, you can Day-Walker I just gave you my consent didn't I?".
"I've never-" He began "I'm a newborn".
"Ah, the old moral dilemma. Trust me kid, that human's fate was decided long before you arrived. He's a dead man. Whether you feed from him or not. He will not be getting out of here alive. That I can assure you. If it bothers you so much I'll pull you off and finish him".
Hadrian looked hesitant "So, I won't be the one who takes his life".
The vampire shook his head "No, you'll just have a hand in it. Go on, newborn. You'll always remember the first time you taste human blood. Nothing compares to it. Not even sex".
Hadrian's cheeks tainted pink as he followed the vampire over to the man that was now trying to crawl away from them, but wasn't getting very far. He couldn't scream for help as the vampire had severed his vocal cords.
"Just follow your instincts kid, and let yourself go. Now is the time to give into your primal urges. This is what you're born to do. You won't get another opportunity like this and it'll satisfy your curiosity, no doubt" Coaxed the vampire.
Hadrian couldn't resist any longer. The beast rose within him and it wanted blood and it would make damn sure it would get it.
He sank his teeth into the warm flesh. It was like a knife cutting through butter. Rich and soft. As his teeth broke the man's skin a warm, sticky fluid gushed into his mouth. It rolled over his tongue and coated his throat. It was like pure ecstasy as he relished in the taste. A temporary connected form between Hadrian and the dying man. He was connected to everyone that the dying man ever met, ever felt and ever saw. An array of different feelings and images came as Hadrian explored the dying man's history through his blood. He didn't even notice or care about the vampire feeding next him. He was already too far gone as the feeding frenzy had begun.
It wasn't much longer before Hadrian felt a hand grip around the back of his neck and forcibly pulled him off.
Hadrian let out a vicious snarl, before it dawned on him. His eyes wild and impossibly wide he stumbled back a few paces and hit a wall and his legs finally gave way as he crumpled to the ground. Hadrian could only watch; he couldn't move, couldn't run, couldn't even breathe as the reality of what happened – what he had just done – hit him like a ton of bricks. His hands were stained with blood and that was something that he would never be able to clean off.
Hadrian didn't even realise he was sobbing until the vampire gathered him into his arms and picked him up from the ground as he mourned the loss of his innocence.
The vampire couldn't take seeing the haunted look in the young newborn's eyes. Worried, he de-materialized with Hadrian into a flock of bats and carried him back to his apartment. He knew from experience that the kid was soft-hearted as much as the newborn would probably out-rightly deny it.
He cleaned the blood of Hadrian's face and tossed their blooded shirts into the washing machine. And then handed the boy a small glass of fire whiskey. "Let it out, kid. No since holding it in. This is one of the many reasons why Neonates are more commonly referred to as Newborns. What you're feeling right now, kid is perfectly normal. I've been where you are myself. Emotional outbursts are common with newborns. Your emotions are heightened and haywire at the moment. But, it'll past with time. My sire refers to it as vampire puberty" He said jokingly trying to lighten the mood.
"He's dead..." Hadrian said with horror "I would have taken his life had you not intervened".
"Yes, you would have, but I must admit you did very well. Normally newborns will attack when forcibly pried off from their food source. You didn't. You certain have more control than a typical newborn would. You should think of this as an accomplishment".
"I hate myself for what I did" Hadrian hissed and looked away from him.
The vampire eyes glanced at the old and new scarring on Hadrian's forearms and wrist. He sighed heavily "I know you do, kid. I did too, when I first took someone's life. Life is cruel and unkind to those who are forced to live in a world were only the strongest can live in and the rest of us just have to try to survive day by day. But, you know what, kid, being human is a given, but keeping our humanity is a choice. In the world that we live in there are humans out there without a shred of humanity and then there are those who people call monsters that live among them and try to better themselves who have more humanity then, they do. What I'm trying to say is-" He pointed a finger at Hadrian's heart "You don't need to be human in order to have a shred of humanity. Killing humans will not rob you of your humanity. Killing without a single shred of guilt or remorse will. If you want to kill humans, then do it. But, kill the ones that do not deserve the right to call themselves human. Take from them what has been taken from us. My advice is to seek out low-life scum that prowl as we do at night. Protect those who cannot protect themselves because sometimes it takes a monster to destroy a monster. That man was dying, he wouldn't have lasted much longer, kid. We put an end to his prolonged suffering" The vampire reassured.
Hadrian felt a little better after the vampire's speech as he nursed his drink "Thank you, for doing this. You didn't have too, but I'm grateful for all that you've done for me".
"I remember my first year as a vampire, kid. It was tough and scary. I was only in my early twenties at the time so, I can't imagine what it has been like for you, so far especially without the guidance of a sire or mentor to watch and have your back" He shook his head "I'm Reuben by the way. What do you call yourself, kid?".
"Hades" Hadrian replied.
"Hades, eh? Not a bad name. Short for Hadrian ain't it?".
He gave a small nod.
"Where have you been staying?".
Hadrian narrowed his eyes slightly "Why do you want to know?".
Reuben laughed amused "Because I need to know where to drop you off before, the fire whiskey ails your pre-adolescent mind".
"Oh," He said a little embarrassed, "Um, The Spider's Web, in Knockturn Alley".
Reuben clinked his own glass of fire-whiskey and knocked it back and then refilled Hadrian's glass whilst he went to dry their wet stain-free shirts.
"Reuben exactly how old are you?. You don't look a day past mid-thirty".
"Living Dead Vampires age much slower than you Living Vampires do, Hades. I'm roughly in my late fifties now".
Hadrian choked on the amber liquid "What!" He exclaimed.
"Don't sound so surprised. On average a vampire will live to their late hundreds to their early two hundreds. You'll find yourself ageing much fast than a typical wizard would until you turn seventeen. Then, your ageing will slow down. I myself have only been a vampire for thirty five years which, means vampires tend to regard me as an Ancilla"
At the dumbfounded look on Hadrian's face.
Reuben rolled his eyes and went on to explain "An old term used for a Fledgling vampire. I'll only reach master status when I've been a vampire for over fifty years and then I'll become an elder when I've lived for a century as a vampire".
"Oh".
"Just out of interest do you know who sired you?".
"Barrett Beaumont".
Reuben who had just taken a gulp of fire-whiskey spewed it out and coughed "Barrett, Valmont Childe! Are you certain?"
Hadrian gave him a strange look "Yeah, after he dined. He left a note and dashed".
"You do realize what this means, you're of noble blood Hades. Can you imagine the scandal if the vampire community learned that Barrett, turned and selfishly abandoned you? Hades, you'd make the front page of the vampire times. It would cause international embarrassment and outrage because of your age and nobility".
This came as a surprise to Hadrian, he hadn't gotten around to building on Warlow's character or background to such an extent. "No, I didn't. But, I bloody well do now. This is just great. I'm already bleedin' famous in the wizarding world and now I'm going to be famous in the vampire community too now.
Reuben raised a questioning eyebrow in response.
"You really don't want to know" Hadrian said carding a hand through his hair "trust me, if I told you who I was. You would never believe me".
"Nevertheless, if you ever want to talk or go out for another drink sometime. Feel free to write, kid. We vampires have to stick together yeh know".
Hadrian smiled lightly "I'll be sure to do, Reuben. It is nice meeting you, I know that not all our kin are as generous or have a chivalrous bone in their body. I should consider myself lucky that it was you that I crossed paths with tonight".
"Good people can have dark pasts. And apparently, even people who have committed dark horrors can find even a moment of light, Hades. The world is not divided up into good and evil people. It is made up of various shades of grey".
"Amen to that, Reuben".