Bastian pulled his hood up and shivered in the sharp night air, leaning back against the water tank and folding his arms in an attempt to keep some semblance of warmth. He squinted out into the darkness around him, and he waited.

It was two minutes before he heard the voice.

"Good morning."

He started, "G-good morning." He could just about discern a slightly darker figure against the other shadows and there was the barely audible sound of breathing. He swallowed, "I know the truth." He stated.

The shadow's silence seemed to say, that's nice. Bastian felt embarrassment threaten to rise up, but pushed it away.

"I know that you're my father."

There was a pause, then the voice said, "Really." Good for you.

"I overheard your conversation with mother." he tried again.

"I know."

Bastian's first reaction was of indignation and shock, though he quickly reeled it in. After a few moments of internal consideration, he asked, "How much of it was true?"

Deep in the shadows, in the part of the slightly darker shadow that could have been compared to a head, the barest hint of moonlight reflected off a suddenly revealed small white surface. Bastian smiled back.

"It seems you have learnt something during your time in this city, after all." The shadow seemed to pause reflectively, "And as for your question; I believe you can predict my answer."

"I must work it out for myself. That's nothing new." A gust of particularly cruel air sped across the roof and Bastian tightened his folded arms, tucking his hands in. He fancied he saw a cloak briefly billow out in the shadows before it was caught and returned to ambiguity, but couldn't be sure.

For the first time, the shadow started a line of conversation, taking Bastian by surprise.

"When was the last time you spoke with her Ladyship?"

"I wrote her last week."

"And did you inform her you had arranged a meeting with me?"

"Not directly," Bastian rolled his eyes, "Although I am more than sure that she is aware of it."

"In which case, it is certain she knows." The shadow murmured, somewhat wryly. There was a small pause, in which both parties considered the implications and consequences of this.

"She told me she is planning a visit to the city in the next month," Bastian volunteered.

The shadow did not reply, but its silence appeared to be in the affirmative.

"You are an invaluable conversationalist." The young vampire muttered, "And I'm bloody freezing."

"This was your suggestion." The shadow pointed out calmly. Bastian pursed his lips and said nothing, drawing his cloak tighter around him and stamping his feet.

"In which case, I shall take my leave. Good-"

"Wait." Bastian stepped forwards, "When can I meet you again?"

In his mind's eye, he saw the shadow frown, "You need to concentrate on preparing for your Final Exam. You cannot afford distractions."

"After the exam, then." The shadow seemed to consult an internal schedule, then a shift in light indicated a nod.

"I shall make sure to invite your mother."

"Mother?" Bastian raised his eyebrows, "Will she-?"

The question trailed off, and he realised that the lack of response suggested the question was irrelevant.

"I need to leave." The shadow said suddenly, "I have an appointment in three hours that I need to plan for."

"Of course. Thank you for coming."

There was a silence that made Bastian wonder, for a few moments, whether the shadow had already left. Then it was broken;

"You do not need to thank me - it is your right. I'm only sorry it hasn't been able to happen sooner."

Bastian shrugged, embarrassed, "Many men in your situation would not have bothered. They would have just paid me off to avoid scandal."

There was a second flash of white in the shadows, this time at the very edge of the roof.

"I should hope you are aware by now, Master von Blintz, that I could not be grouped with 'many men'. Goodbye."

"Goodbye." Bastian called back, but this time the shadows were empty.