Chapter 11 the masked ball.
By the way guys I know this story is like my other but it's a better version.
"So
where to next?" he asked changing the topic.
"Romania."
"Romania?"
"Yeah."
"Off to the land of the
Vampires!"
"I think I know a way to get you back…" she
sniggered evilly.
"Oh sod off Granger. Don't even think about
it."
Dear Miss Granger and Mr Malfoy,
At your request we have sent you your homework via the muggle e-mail service, Miss Granger I trust that you know how to use these interesting contraptions very well, on stating that I must stress the secrecy of this letter. Here in Romania you must attend the annual Masked Ball in Budapest where all members of high society are to meet. There, you will meet the next member of the Order, don't try to find them they will find you. As for your attire your costumes will be sent through muggle post, I don't want to put you in any more danger than that of which you are in now. The ball will take place at seven o clock 3 nights from now.
Your homework for this week Miss Granger is from Professor Snape your Potions Master who requires a 3 foot long essay on the Wolfsbane Potion and particular emphasis on the effects of numbing the senses of Werewolf gene whilst a full moon. In defence Against the Dark Arts your teacher requires you to simply attempt to create a Patronous Charm. Professor McGonagall your Transfiguration teacher requires you to write a 2 roll Parchment essay on the History of The Animagus including specifying the developments of the wizards and witches who attempted to become an Animagus back in the 11th century. Finally Professor Vector your Arithmancy Class teacher wishes you a safe trip and all she has given you is to revise and study with your study partner.
Hoping that you are well, be cautious
Albus Dumbledore
Hermione scrolled down the page once again.
A masked ball how exciting! Wow the lovely gowns
the exquisite masks, oh how this will be exciting.
Hermione
bolted from her seat, she just had to tell Draco.
"Hey Draco we're going to a Masquerade Ball!"
She jumped onto his lap as the book he was reading fell out of his hands.
"Oh what fun." He said sarcastically.
Hermione gave him a piercing glare.
"Sorry, it's just that mother holds one of these things every year, you know high society and all that stuff, which I usually have to host in order to improve my 'people skills' or so she calls it. But my people skills are quite good as a matter a fact so I don't need help in that department."
He gave her a gentle kiss on her cheek and all was forgotten.
"So what's homework now?"
He asked strolling up to the computer screen, Hermione trailing behind him.
"Blimey…We're in NEWTS year now…Ooh Snape that's harsh…McGonagall what else can you expect? Defence Against the Dark Arts…Patronus, interesting I already know how to do one…Arithmancy…what the hell? You sure you can get through this Hermione?"
"Oh that? Sure it can be done by let's say tomorrow? Besides you never told me you could do a Patronus what form does it take?"
"Guess."
A mischievous smile played across her lips.
"…Uh I don't know a ferret?"
Seeing Draco's reaction was the icing on the cake.
"Sorry couldn't help it."
"It's a serpent actually."
"As expected. So who taught you?"
"Who else? Father of course, by the time I was seven I knew most Dark Curses ever made. Which now means I am very fluent in Latin seeing as most Dark Curses are in Latin."
She nodded.
"But how did he teach you? I mean Harry was taught by using a boggart-"
"Lucky bastard."
"What do you mean?"
"First go, first try, first time I had 3 dementors running after me and Saint Potter got the easy way out by using a boggart!"
"3 dementors! On your first go? Wow, harsh well at least now you know eh?"
"Yea." Draco winced at the memory.
"So about this masked ball? Any more details?"
"Well he did say that our costumes will be sent through muggle post and that takes a few days. So I'm expecting that we will get our costumes on the day of the ball. Oh I wonder what my dress will look like?"
"Girls…" He said rolling his eyes but she completely ignored him.
"I need to get started with my homework now." She told him.
"Yeah, back to your old self again eh?"
She gave him a quick peck and went into her room.
He looked back at her retreating figure and turned on the TV.
Hermione walked into the room and sat at her desk idly staring at the computer screen. She had decided to write to Harry, Ron and Ginny. She hadn't been able to write to them for so long she always missed her friends and she couldn't write to them everyday since they weren't allowed to use owls. So she spent the next half-hour writing much to her loyal friends. Once she was done she re-read what she had written deciding not to tell them about her relationship with Draco.
It was only a fling, she told herself. Just something that would last for this trip and that's it, nothing more it's just a summer fling.
Dear Professor Dumbledore,
I have decided to send a letter to my friends if you permit it. Please understand I haven't been in contact with them for so long and from the minute I stepped on that train I began to miss them. I will try not to make it too long, it will be at the bottom of my homework. Thank you
Respectfully Yours
Hermione
Granger.
Dear Harry and Ron (Also Ginny if you're
there),
How has life been without me? Treating you well I hope.
Sorry Ron but I have had to abandon you this far in a NEWTS year. I'm
sorry I'm not there to check over your homework or essays or take
down notes in class for you. But do remember I will still be telling
you to revise. So how has it been? Exciting? Boring? Please tell me
it's getting rather dull here stuck with Malfoy for these weeks!
Tell me everything I am very eager to hear. Life here hasn't been
so bad, I am currently in Romania and am going to attend a Masked
Ball. Ginny isn't that exciting? Oh and I maybe even be able to see
Charlie whilst my stay here, I don't know how happy he would be
with Draco around. Oh Harry, Ron please do not worry for my safety
Malfoy hasn't tried to do anything to me, actually these few weeks
spent with him have been oddly…pleasant. Ok maybe not that far or
else you would begin to think I was losing my sanity but he has
actually been sort of okay. It was really fun travelling to all those
different countries seeing all the cultures and the scenery is quite
beautiful. Call me crazy but you know me this is going to be sent
along with my homework, I know what you're thinking – just like
Hermione. But I promised Dumbledore that this letter wouldn't be
too long so I must refrain from writing here now. Missing you
greatly! And expecting a reply soon
Love,
Hermione.
She finished reading her letter and decided that it was appropriate, so she then decided to do start her Potions Essay.
3 days later…
DING DONG!
Hermione quickly answered the door to her hotel apartment. A neatly dressed hotel manager smiled at her brightly and handed her two boxes beautifully wrapped, one in gold paper the other on silver.
"Package for Mr. Malfoy and Miss Granger."
"Oh yes that's me."
"Okay can you please sign here…" She handed her a pen and indicated to the bottom of the page. Hermione signed a neat curly signature. "And here…and here…okay then enjoy your stay!"
"Thank you."
Hermione took boxes and closed the door gently.
"Draco? Our costumes are here."
His head poked out of the other room and he smiled at her warmly.
"I wonder what you'll be."
He walked out and took the gold box from her hand.
"Hey wait! Gold meaning Gryffindor I think that box is mine."
"I know."
He carefully lifted the wrapping paper and stared in awe as he finally saw the amazing red dress that lay before him. He looked at the dress then looked at Hermione imagining her in the dress.
A smile played across his lips.
"What?"
"Here's your dress."
He handed the box to her.
She took it from him and looked at her dress.
It was beautiful, it was a blood red dress with V neck line and the skirt had full volume, it was a Victorian Styled ball gown. She lifted it out of the box and admired the fabric spinning around delightedly.
"I love it."
She gently put down the dress and looked into the box. In laid a gold eye mask with intricate patterns and swirls, some rubies were inset into the gold.
"Wow check out this mask."
She gently handled it and put it around her face.
"It fits perfectly."
"Of course it does."
"Now let me open yours."
Hermione grabbed the identical silver box and lifted the wrapper. Inside were black dress robes. The fabric was exquisite and the lining of the robes was green silk. The mask was identical to Hermione's only made out of silver with emerald inset into the metal instead of rubies.
"Wow Draco, this is some suit."
"Let me see…cool."
"Come on! We have to get ready! The Ball starts in four hours!"
"Hermione listen to yourself. Four Hours that's plenty of time."
"It is not! Well maybe not for you but for me I should have started at least half an hour ago."
The girl quickly ran into her room and slammed the door shut, a soft click was heard indicating that she had locked the door. Draco smiled at himself and sighed.
"Girls will be girls"
Three and a half hours later
"Hermione hurry up!"
"Patience is a virtue…" she replied in a sing-song voice.
"Well I seem to be lacking in that department, hurry up or else we'll be late!"
"Alright, alright don't get your knickers in a knot."
"What?! Oh…muggle term."
"Okay, okay I'm ready."
Hermione stepped out through her bedroom door.
Draco sighed and turned around to face her. His eyes widened in shock and he staggered backwards, the words...were superfluous.
The young woman before him was a breathtaking sight and it took his breath indeed. She stood there before him unaware of her own beauty. She looked down at her appearance slightly worried. The red dress fanned out from her curves flirtatiously, she looked elegant, rich completely beautiful. Her hair was pulled up into a neat and complicated bun yet it was still amazing, a few tendrils falling into her face giving off a sexy yet subtle look. Her make up looked completely natural yet her face glowed in excitement and her cheeks were tainted in a faint pink blush. As far as Draco was concerned she didn't need makeup. Her height was slightly elevated because of her wonderfully heeled shoes…she was perfect. Now all she needed was a mask.
She looked at him concerned.
"Good heavens…are you alright?" she touched his arm and he jolted at the faint contact.
He merely blinked and nodded silently, he gulped as she walked passed him.
This was one of the very few times Draco Malfoy was speechless.
"I…uh…so um where's your mask?" he asked finally being able to get his tongue to work after that sudden relapse.
"Right here…" she held up the gold mask and tied it securely around her face. By this point she looked completely unrecognizable.
"Yeah so um lets go."
He beckoned her through the door she walked through the door and gave him a small thank you before proceeding towards the exit.
The Masked Ball
There were dancing couples everywhere, all wearing elegant masks; all were dressed in high fashion couture. The crowd spinning, twirling and floating gracefully around the dance floor while the livening orchestral music featuring violins played in the background.
Hermione watched them dreamily as she sipped her wine, longingly watching them, wishing she could some day be one of them. Her mind then wondered to the reason why she was here – The order member.
Who were they? When will we meet them?
She looked around trying to find a familiar face but all were hidden behind masks.
She sighed and returned to her seat waiting patiently for Draco who had gone to get himself a drink.
At that moment there he appeared, looking ravishingly dashing, handsome and completely suave as he approached her. He fitted into the crowd, he belonged to this crowd, he grew up with this crowd. She smiled as he got closer and sat down next to her.
"Hey gorgeous" he greeted; a blush crept to her cheeks.
"Nothing to be embarrassed about I'd say you're the belle of the ball here."
Her cheeks were now as red as her dress.
"So who do you suspect the order member is? I haven't seen any of them."
Hermione gave no answer, instead her mind wandered again to the dancing couples, watching them twirl and sway to the music, the mood was somewhat romantic.
Draco watched her as she longingly gazed upon them. He set his drink aside, got up and stood in front of her. He held a hand out.
"May I have this dance?"
She looked up at him amazed.
"Dance with a mudblood? So uncharacteristic of you Mr. Malfoy are you sure no one will see?"
"So is kissing one, plus we're surrounded by muggles, purebloods here? Are you crazy?"
"You're here."
"Just dance with me."
She smiled at him greatly and slipped her hand into his as he lead her to the dance floor. He took one of her hands and placed another hand above her waist applying as little pressure as possible.
The song began and he lead her gracefully across the floor. Hermione closed her eyes and imagined they were floating lightly ascending from cloud to cloud. She never knew Draco could have such grace in his steps but he was aristocracy it was in his blood. Her imagination took her places her mind was afraid to go, with Draco she could be anywhere, this was one of those moments. She smelled the lovely scent of his cologne, she moved with the grace of the music he filled her senses in a way he whisked her away to a world where only him and her existed, where she was free. He twirled her gently and held her close not wanting to let go.
The moment could not be explained in words but let us attempt…the moment it was magical and well…intoxicatingly addictive. She rested her face against his chest listening to the rhythmic drumming of his heartbeat lulling her to sleep.
"Hermione…" he whispered arousing her senses. "mmm?" she replied.
"Come on the song ended."
Really she did not want to go, she wanted to stay there even just for a few more moments but reluctantly she let him lead her off the dance floor and back to reality. She was there to receive information not to dance. From a distance Draco saw an equally tall figure heading towards their direction, he had flaming red hair.
Oh no…it can't be…
The red headed figure approached them and whispered to them follow me…
"I am assuming that you are the order member?" Draco asked him suspiciously.
"Yes I am." Came a deep voice. "Now follow me we must make haste."
He lead them out of the room and behind the building into a secluded area.
"Now we mustn't dawdle I can't stay here for long." He told them.
"Charlie?" Hermione asked.
Oh god no…
"Hi Hermione" the red headed man said.
"Oh my gosh Charlie how are you?"
Oh crap…it's Weasley
"Sorry Hermione but I can't stay for such things I have come here to you that you're next stop is in Maritius, here are your tickets all the information is here."
He handed them a sheet.
"Now I must go…" he said hurriedly. "See you Hermione…Malfoy" He said more coldly.
In a matter of seconds Charlie Weasley was out of sight.
"Hey Draco just wait here for a minute. I need to go to the lavatory."
Hermione rushed off and back into the building.
"Don't take long I'll be waiting!" He called after her.
But she did take long…he waited there for a full half an hour and she never came back.
He began to grow worried and started searching for her…
Little did he know how much danger she was really in…
She ran quickly towards the bathroom, not wanting one minute without Draco. She ran quickly into the cubicle and did her business. She stepped out of the cubicle to find she was not alone in the bathroom.
A pretty lady stood there smiling at her, she had flowing jet-black hair that was dead straight. Her eyes were an odd sort of yellow or gold which mystified any onlookers. She was pretty and petite.
Hermione smiled back at her and turned to wash her hands, as she was doing so the petite girl simply stared at her. Hermione tried her hardest to pretend that she didn't notice but she felt so uncomfortable under the piercing gaze of the girl. She kept on pretending until she got to a point where she couldn't take it any more.
Hermione abruptly swung around.
"Ok, what do you w-"
But Hermione didn't get to finish her sentence, she had greatly underestimated the girl.
Even though the girl did look the same age as her, Hermione thought her completely harmless…obviously she was wrong.
As fast as lighting the girl grabbed a fistful of Hermione's hair and smashed her head against the mirror. The mirror shattered and Hermione was rendered unconscious. The girl looked at her in satisfaction as Hermione's blood slowly flowed from her head and began to pool around her.
The girl kneeled down put a finger in the red
liquid and licked it clean.
"Aaah…fresh and young too…still
warm…too bad I can't bite into you now oh no master would not
like that. Oh well plenty more blood to go around." She purred.
The girl grabbed Hermione's hair once again and dragged her across the floor leaving a trail of blood behind her.
Draco ran through the dancing couples in search for Hermione. Where are you? He asked desperately, then he remembered her words.
"Hey Draco just wait here for a minute. I need to go to the lavatory."
He ran towards the direction of the bathrooms.
"Hermione?! Hermione?!" He called, no response all was still and quiet.
"Hermione!" He called once again.
His voice echoed through the empty hall. He walked up to the Girl's Toilet.
He quickly reached out and grasped the door knob he only touched it for half a second but he quickly removed it as if it were poison ivy.
That's a Girl's Toilet, he told himself, I can't go in there.
But then he thought of Hermione and that was impulse enough he burst through the door only to find it empty.
He looked around and slowly stepped in, he did a quick inspection…nothing suspicious. That's when he noticed another part of the bathroom it was around a secluded corner.
He gaped in horror as he saw the horrifying sight. Now he wanted to find Hermione more than ever and kill whoever did this to her.
What he saw was a shattered mirror, shards of glass everywhere. On the floor he saw a pool of blood and from that pool of blood was a trail of blood that lead to a window, which too was shattered. Drops of blood splattered around the area of where the broken mirror was. Hanging from a piece of broken mirror still attached was a lock of Hermione's hair the chestnut brown lock stood out from the sight of red.
Draco was speechless at the sight. He slowly walked up to the strand of hair and grasped it tightly in one hand and closed his eyes, fighting back the tears. Once he opened his eyes they displayed a certain fire, a fire of determination, hope and anger. But especially, rage.
"Whoever did this to you Hermione I'll slaughter them." Draco quickly followed the blood trail, scaled the wall and leaped through the window.
He followed the trail of blood like an animal hunting its prey. The crimson trail glistened in the moonlight.
He smirked, "How stupid were her kidnappers?"
After about two hundred metres or so the trail had stopped right in the middle of the woods. And what eerie and dark woods they were. He looked around him alert and aware of any sign of movement, any indication that Hermione was near. Suddenly a cold wave of fear washed over him, it's dark….I'm in the woods…alone…in Transylvania…oh what a great day! Still he looked around desperately hoping for a sign, any sign but the thick white fog clouded his sight, he squinted into the darkness but saw nothing.
"Hermione where are you?" He whispered.
A cold rush of whined swept passed him ruffling his hair, he ran a hand through his blonde locks, looked up to the sky and sighed in frustration. That's when he saw it, that's when he felt it actually.
A red drop stained his robes, then another now falling onto his face. His hand reached up to wipe the drop away when it smudged red.
"What the..?" He breathed looking at his fingers.
He looked up to see the source of the blood. Golden yellow orbs staring back at him, a woman smiling at him she cocked her head to the sighed and swiftly leaped off the tree. She landed with perfect precision right in front of him. She smiled sweetly at him blood trickling from her mouth…making its way down her neck. She had long dark hair and a petite figure, she spoke with heavily accented Vampiric English.
"Too bad…so sad, I'm afraid your little friend is already with master, she won't be human for long."
"Who the hell are you?" Draco demanded his fists were clenched.
"Ooh quite temper we have now don't we? Don't worry I can change that, one brief moment of pain and-"
"Listen where is she!?" He growled.
"Don't you listen? She is with my Master. He will be feasting on her soon, her blood was quite tasty as well. Young and fresh, personally I prefer are more mature nourishment but blood is blood nonetheless…"
"Shut up!" He screamed. "Tell me where is she?! Where is your master?!"
"Now, now young one I can only answer one question at a time."
"Just tell me." He commanded through gritted teeth.
"First you asked who I was, well I must answer that question." She delicately lifted one foot and began to circle him, once behind his back she leaned close and whispered in his ear.
"Are you sure you don't want to live forever...?" she let her lips glide from his ear and along his neck leaving a trail of goose bumps. She stopped at the base of his neck and slowly opened her mouth.
"I'm sure" He said as firmly as ever. "Now who are you?!"
"Fine" she said, she let go of him and stepped back, in a flash she was standing in front of him, she was so fast it happened in the blink of an eye.
" I am Aletheia Draculia, blood descendant of The Great Dracula himself."
She gave a small curtsy bowing her head. Draco had to admit the girl was highly attractive. With her sleek dark hair, glowing golden eyes and smooth snow-white complexion. She wore a long black gown that kissed the floor, made of the purest silk, it was deeply v-cut revealing much of her cleavage. It was also complete with velvet cape, her lips were blood red and her teeth pearly white. Even though she was at least five hundred years old, she looked like she was his age.
"And I presume you are Draco Malfoy are
you not?"
"How did you-"
"Aah yes my family has great alliances with yours, Dragon of Bad Faith that is your name is it not?"
"No one calls me that but yes that is what it means." Draco refused to play with her mind games any more. "Enough with your diversions, now where is she!?"
"Ssh it is a full moon's night the Vrykolaka are coming." She advised.
"Werewolves? It's not full moon is it?" He looked up and saw the sky a cloud had moved and revealed what was concealed behind it, a full moon.
Then, he heard a howl. Shit…
Aletheia grabbed his garments and pushed him hard up against a tree.
"Ssh or they will smell you and I assure they are forever coveting a tasty snack." She hissed in his ear. He looked down at her sharply.
"I thought werewolves had alliances with your kind." He snapped.
She nodded her head.
"Yes, yes true enough the Vrykolaka and my kind have developed
quite an alliance but I have never personally favored them. Plus why
let them have all the fun when I can have a tasty morsel like you for
myself."
She smiled and pressed her body against his. Draco having his back against a tree couldn't back away or escape from this woman, or vampire or whatever she was.
Then without a warning she leaned in, pulled his head down and kissed him.
Draco was in complete shock , as much as that vampire was a good kisser he pushed her off reminding himself of the real object of his affections: Hermione.
"Get away from me you seductress of evil!" He yelled.
She gave a small laugh. "Vampires…" she informed him. "Although dark, we are highly sexual creatures."
"Sorry but the only one who gets this." He pointed to himself. "Is Hermione, now tell me where she is!" But all Aletheia did was look at him and smirk.
"Obviously you're no help to me! This is a waste of time." He swiftly turned around and headed towards an unknown direction.
"You'll never find her there." She called after him, "I can lead you to her…but there is a price."
He stopped in his tracks.
"Oh the price won't be great…just a taste of your blood is all I ask."
"And why should I trust you Aletheia?"
"Because I am your only hope of finding her."
"And all you ask is some of my blood?"
"Oh yes…blood like yours is very scarce…especially pureblood oh how sweet…muggle blood is abundant and plentiful but is weak compared to pureblood and especially from a hot, sexy wizard like you."
"You will lead me to Hermione and all you ask is my blood?"
"Yes." She purred.
"May I have your word on that?"
"On my honor and pride in being a pure descendant Dracula himself, on the word that I am indeed Aletheia Eudoxia Draculia I will take you to her myself in return for a taste of the blood that pumps in your veins this very moment."
He sighed then hesitantly turned around. "Fine take me to her."
"As you wish." She bowed her head and head off north. "Follow quickly for if we do not make haste Master will have already feasted upon her."
"Who is your master?" He asked running behind her, trailing like a dog's tail.
"Who else? Than my ancestor Dracula himself?" she said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"Just hurry." He ordered, and if it were possible she ran faster than she already was, which was saying something.
After fifteen minutes of running straight through the forest they reached a mountain gorge, in it was a dark looming castle. It looked so cold and foreboding, with its dark windows and looming turrets. The castle silhouetted against the brightness of the moon.
"Welcome, to Castle Dracula."
Draco stared up at the tall building before him lit torches illuminated the path to the door. Draco stared at the sight he had seen few castles like this before but this one had a certain darkness about it, so intriguing, so intimidating.
"Come," Aletheia beckoned. "I must take you to the Feasting Chambers, she is held there."
He obediently followed her as she crept silently through halls, rounded corners and pushed through doors.
They reached a huge door with ancient Vampiric markings and carvings on it.
"Now you must not utter a sound, be inconspicuous everyone is in there, Master does not like to be disturbed whilst feasting."
She opened the door and crept slowly inside, Draco followed. Inside the large room were at least five hundred Vampires chanting and whispering all wearing long dark cloaks all similar to Aletheia's.
The first thing Draco noticed was Hermione, she was held captive on a raised bier. Surrounding the bier (A/N: a bier is sort of like that table thing Snow White was lying on when she died or fell into eternal sleep or whatever.) was a Ring of Fire.
Her hands and legs were both tied while a cloth was tied around her mouth. She was still in her red gown. Draco saw that they hadn't blindfolded her eyes, they were wide, fearful and glistening with tears. He saw the back of her head had a big red gash on it but had stopped bleeding. Draco met her gaze she almost jumped back in surprise but he held a finger to his lips signaling her to be quiet. She did so but instead her eyes pleaded with him.
They held each other's gaze from across the room. Draco tried to conspire a plan to get her out of here but with the amount of Vampires that filled the room, it would be a miracle if he could execute any of his plans. That moment the doors on the other end of the room burst open.
All heads turned to their newcomer, their Master.
The Great Dracula himself.
All chanting stopped as their Master stepped into the hall. Now all you could hear was Hermione's muffled cries of fear and pain.
It broke his heart to hear her plead like that, now all he felt was rage and hate towards to him. Dracula calmly walked up to the centre of the room where the bier was placed.
He stopped at The Ring of Fire with a wave of his hand the flames died down. He gracefully stepped over the ashes and loomed over Hermione, inspecting every feature, every aspect of her body. Draco was enraged when he did this and it took all of his father's training to restrain himself. He watched helplessly as he watched Dracula grope and touch her in every way. Hermione's eyes never left Dracula. He looked just as refined and aristocratic as he was portrayed in the stories. Slick dark hair, long black cape and was very refined.
Dracula turned to the crowd.
"At the request of the Dark Lord he has humbly invited us to feast on this delicious treat, the blood of a witch how enticing…"
A low murmur was heard in the hall as his followers nodded in agreement.
Dracula leaned in close and whispered in Hermione's ear, "Not to worry my sweet, a brief moment of pain and you could be with me, as my wife and live forever."
He loosened the cloth around Hermione's mouth and let it fall free.
"Don't bet on it." Hermione spat.
"Ooh a feisty soul…very enticing indeed."
Hermione tried to wriggle out his grasp but he was too strong. You'd think that after a thousand years the guy would at least grow weak? Dracula placed his lips at the base of Hermione's neck and started planting small kisses.
Hermione closed her eyes and trembled in fear. Dracula swept her hair aside exposing more skin on her neck and leaned in. A tear cascaded down her cheek as she let out small whimper.
Draco couldn't take it any more. Just as Dracula's fangs were about to penetrate the delicate skin on her neck Draco pushed through the crowds.
"STOP!" He shouted. Dracula looked up and Hermione let out a sigh of relief.
Laughter was heard in the background, familiar laughter.
Dracula looked at him and smiled.
"Ah Draco Malfoy, Welcome, Welcome I've been expecting you." His greeting sounded much like 'velcum velcum' but still Draco understood.
"And you were expecting me how?" He asked as he gave him a murderous glare.
"Why Aletheia of course."
He outstretched his right arm and in walked Aletheia in all her pride and glory. Hermione recognised her immediately.
"You! You bitch! You did this to me!" Hermione accused.
Draco's gaze averted to Aletheia.
"Back in the Toilets… that was you?"
"Of course." She replied. "Why the blood trail lead straight to me, I had planned you find me all along."
"You conniving vixen! You seductress of evil!"
"I do hope you know that I take those comments as compliments, but I have done my part now you do yours come, spill it! I want your blood now!"
"And why do you want my blood?" He inquired to them.
"A Vampire as a Death Eater is a great asset to the Dark Lord, it is just a repayment for what he has so kindly done for our kind so many countless times." Aletheia answered.
"Whatever, I never wanted to be a Death Eater it is not you who decides my destiny that decision is up to me."
"But don't you see young Master Malfoy your destiny has already been decided." Dracula told him.
"I don't have time to listen to this bull." Draco pushed passed them and up to Hermione.
"Do you honestly think that we would let you escape so easily? A delicious morsel who so willingly wanders into my lair? I think not. Feed my children FEED!"
Fuck…
At the word 'feed' Draco as fast as he could ran up to Hermione and whipped his wand out. He stepped up onto the bier and stood in front of her shielding her from the hungry mouths of at least five hundred undead. He turned towards her and pointed to the ropes bonding her.
"Diffindo!" the ropes immediately snapped. Hermione stuck behind him.
"Do you have your wand with you?"
She shook her head.
Draco kept his wand out and surveyed his dilemma.
"Ok lets see quick thinking, quick thinking…one hundred to the left two hundred to the right…even more to the front and a lot behind us ok…I think I know how to do this," he thought out loud.
A group of Vampires advanced on them.
"Stupefy! Stupefy! Stupefy!" numerous bolts of red light shot out from his wand and several bloodthirsty undead fell unconscious to the floor.
"Nice job." Hermione whispered in his ear.
"Doesn't seem to be working" he whispered back. "Stupefy! Stupefy! Stupefy!"
Another group fell down.
"Ok ten down a million more to go!"
He turned and shouted curses at those who dared to try and take a bite out of him or his girlfriend. One crept up and wrapped a pallid hand around Hermione's foot, she squealed.
"Don't you dare touch her! Stupefy!"
The vampire was shot back and fell to the floor.
"Thank you" she whispered.
"Anytime Hermione anytime."
Draco surveyed the area and tried to mark out a clear path for them to escape.
"Can you walk?" He asked her, Hermione tried to take a step but cried out in pain.
"Obviously not. Ok Hermione on three I'll carry you and we're going to make a run for it ok?"
"What?! Are you sure I'm not that he-"
"I'm sure."
"Ok"
"One…THREE!"
In a flash Draco scooped up Hermione in his arms, jumped off the bier and ran for it.
Hermione had to admit she was really impressed his senses and agility were amazing.
She hugged his neck tightly while he dodged, jumped and pushed his way across the room. Eventually they had made it through the door Draco put Hermione down, slammed the door shut and locked it. He leaned against the door for extra support. Hermione's heart was beating wildly and her breathing was quick and rapid, so was Draco's.
The Vampires pushed the door but Draco held it shut, Hermione jumped back in surprise.
"You sure it'll hold?" She asked.
"Maybe," he panted, "Just until I can figure out our next course of action."
""What you haven't got a plan?!" she screeched.
"Well quite frankly I didn't quite think we'd get this far!"
"Well so much for optimism!"
"Just let me think!"
The Vampires pushed the door again, Draco tried his hardest to hold it shut.
Hermione tried the best she could to try and formulate a plan. She racked her brain for anything, any information she knew about vampires just anything. She thought long and hard, she had never thought so hard in her life, because this was a life or death situation. Then it hit her.
"Draco! Draco what's the time!?" she frantically asked.
"What?!"
"Just tell me what's the time?!"
Draco quickly lifted his watch. "It's…it's…five thirteen."
"Okay what time does the sunrise?"
"Uh…" He tried to remember the weather report he watched on TV the other day.
"Uh…five, twenty…one. Five twenty one!"
"Okay we have eight minutes to get out of here and stall!"
"What are you thinking?"
"Vampires turn to sand in the sun…sun rises in eight minutes."
"Oh!" Draco finally got her meaning. "Do you have any ideas on how to get out of here?"
"How am I supposed to know?"
"I don't know!"
The vampires pushed again this time they punched through, their hands were feeling everywhere trying to find their food.
"Run!" He ordered her; he grabbed her hand and ran. She winced at the pain in her sprained ankle but she ran anyway.
They reached down the hall when the undead finally broke through the door and started chasing after them making disgusting hungry noises.
"Food! Blood! Blood!" They cried running after them.
Draco dragged Hermione along deciding which way left or right, trying to remember which way Aletheia lead him through.
"I think it's this way!" Draco made a sharp right pulling Hermione along behind him, wherever they went the undead followed.
"We can't loose them!" she cried.
"Don't despair! We still can make it! We have…4 minutes!"
They both ran through a narrow hallway.
The vampires several meters on their trail, Hermione decided to delay them by grabbing one of her stiletto heels and hurling it at one's head Wonder woman style, the heel hit slap bang in between one's eyes. It's head cricked back and it collapsed.
"Nice one!" Draco complimented.
"Thanks" she breathed. She hurled another one, this time it smacked one in the head.
Finally Draco saw a ray of sunshine.
"I found a window!" He told her.
He entered a room, it had one window but was big enough to fit both of them. He locked the door, grabbed a chair and smashed it against the glass.
It shattered and both Draco and Hermione leaped out, Draco checked his watch.
"Sunrise in one minute!"
They both ran towards the woods, ran in one direction not caring how fast they were going or what was ahead of them all they cared about was getting away. The Vampires had followed them but disintegrated as soon as the sun's rays hit them. Hermione and Draco ran until they reached the end of the woods and where the venue for the masked ball was. That's when they had finally thought it safe to stop, when they had reached their salvation.
Hermione waved her hands in the air in a cry of triumph. "WOOHOO!" she cried and started dancing around.
She ran up to Draco and hugged him, he picked her up and spun her around in great joy.
"Finally! Glad that's over." He said wiping the sweat off his brow.
Hermione gave him a long and passionate kiss.
He smiled, "What was that for?"
"A thank you. For saving me, for risking your life for me, thank you Draco no one's ever done that for me before." She told him as she kissed him again.
"No not even Harry has done that." She said after they broke apart.
Hermione did a quick survey of herself.
"I look terrible."
She said picking leaves out of her hair.
"You'll always be beautiful to me." Said Draco.
"You don't look too bad yourself." She told him. Hermione tried to take a step forward but cried out as pain shot through her leg.
"It's your ankle isn't it?"
"Yeah. But I can do a quick spell can I borrow your wand?"
He gave it to her and she recited a quick spell, in no time she was as good as new.
"So where to next?"
"Back to the Hotel I guess."
"We're walking?"
"I don't have any money, do you?"
"No, but that's fine by me." He put an arm around her as they began to walk down the street.
"You know what?"
"What?"
"I think I should wear stilettos more often, you never know hen you might just need to whack a Vampire in the head some day."
He laughed, "That was a pretty good shot by the way."
"Thanks"
They continued to walk down the street and to their Hotel, laughing and talking about their 'triumph' over the undead.
