Chapter 26: It's impossible to keep hiding your true colors
A/N: I have finals next week and I manage to write a nearly 9,000 word chapter. Ahahahahaha, that's procrastination folks. In any case...Thank you for the reviews and enjoy :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter
Everything seemed to blur together. I remember being in the hospital wing. Lying there for days and through those days sometimes I would hear talking of concern voices. Then I remember one day I heard arguing.
"I'm sorry we have too" Trigger's voice didn't have its usual patience's. Something was setting him on edge.
"She's doing just fine! Please" Whose voice was that, that was pleading with sorrow and anger?
"I'm sorry but her body is reacting a lot faster than it should. She's going to die if we don't move her." I wanted to open my eyes and reach out for Trigger, his voice was heavy with emotion but yet stern as if he was talking to a child in denial. But I couldn't reach out. My body wasn't working it felt so heavy and weak.
"Come on Padfoot, it's for the best." I heard another voice join in with a heavy sigh.
"Fine!" I heard the other voice that was pleading earlier nearly shout and then a heavy bang, as if a door was just slammed before my mind and body faded out back into the world of dreams.
I remember times in between where someone was reading me something, but I couldn't really understand. I never was able to remember anything until I officially woke up. And when I did wake up, I knew I wasn't in the hospital wing. It smelt a lot better, it was a lot more homey like. I felt like it was some where I belong and some where I loved to be.
Slowly I was able to open my eyes. I knew this room. I was back at Trigger's place in my room.
"You're awake!" I heard a squeal before I saw Fay's beautiful hair covering me as she threw me into a tight hug. "I'll go tell Trigger." She smiled happily as she pulled away and then as fast as I had ever seen her run, she left.
Seconds later she returned with not just Trigger but Scarlet, Icy, Elliot, Pandora, and a couple of others whose names I can't recall.
"Kobato!" Several cried out and all at once I was thrown into hugs after hugs. It was a bit over whelming.
"I'm alright" I said in the raspiest voice I have ever heard come from my lips.
"Hardly, you've been out for a month." Fay frowned as she rested her cold hand on top of my warm hand.
My eyes widened "A m-month" I muttered out in disbelief.
"Yes, we think your body is acting violently all of a sudden to the Vampire blood with in you." Trigger said with a somber smile.
"What then?" I questioned staring in the middle of my blanket, not wanting to meet anyone's eyes.
"You're going to die if you don't become a Vampire." Trigger answered. It wasn't really what I was expecting to hear, his words made my head shoot up at once. "It's rare for this to happen, but your bodies been under too much strain. It can't take this anymore."
"Am I going back to school this semester than?" I questioned, my mission seemed so far away now.
"No, you will be finishing your school work here." Trigger pointed to the bedside table which had several letters and school books.
"Then when do we start?" I asked in a quivering voice. I may have been ready for this, but I was planning on the summer, not in May. I still had time…well at least I thought I did.
"Tonight, for now get some sleep" Trigger smiled and planted a small kiss upon my forehead.
And with that everyone left me to sit in my own thoughts. Yes, I was exhausted but I didn't want to sleep. My mind was filled with fear and wonder. I just didn't want to sleep. So instead I grabbed the pile of letters. Some had been opened already, I think Fay had been reading them to me while I was asleep because I vaguely remember hearing her make funny voices.
There were several letters from Sirius, he actually wrote the most. Next was Lily and Raven. They seemed to have sent letters together. James and Remus sent a couple as well. And I even got one from Sev and Regulus. My favorite letter though, was the first one Sirius sent:
Dear Kobato,
I visited you in the hospital wing right after the Quidditch match (we won by the way), but you were asleep. I was half wondering if you were just ignoring me. I know you saw what happened in the great hall and believe me that girl threw herself at me. By the time I realized anything was wrong you were already passed out on the floor. I felt so bad, I wanted to help you. I mean to think this happened right as we were fighting! I really didn't mean to upset you. I just…well. Never mind.
I really hope you get well soon. I mi-…I just hope to see you soon.
L-Best wishes
-Sirius
His letter was very weird. He had crossed out words I mean really crossed out, or had started words then cut them off. I was sitting there for a good while trying to decipher it but I couldn't. The best I could formulate was that at the end of the letter he wanted to say Love Sirius, instead of Best wishes…but that was just a guess.
I spent a long time reading his letters because they all were like that. Scribbled out and have started words.
I was glad though. I couldn't stay mad at Sirius anymore. I was glad to know he was sorry and had some reasoning for his behavior. Whatever that was I didn't know, but it was a reason. It wasn't just him being…well a prick. He did still care about me and wanted to be my friend.
James mentioned in one of his that Sirius had just been upset about Lily's words that he took it out on me unknowingly. He also said Sirius hasn't been himself ever since I was put into the hospital wing. Reckons Sirius won't be alright till I am back, unlucky for him I won't be back till next year.
It was a long day. I had to fill in the blanks of what was all happening and I eventually did fall asleep. But around dinner time Fay came in with a tray of warm soup and woke me up so I could eat.
"Sirius wrote you some nice letters." She commented while taking a seat next to me.
"Snooper" I teased as I gladly took some soup. It was nice to be eating and in the company of someone other than my own thoughts.
Fay glared at me quickly "I was reading them to you, last time I be nice to you." Fay laughed, letting me know she was just teasing me as well. "I wrote to Sirius and your friends myself, letting them know how you were doing. Seeing as you couldn't…I'm that nice." She said attempting to make me feel guilty.
"Thank you" I smiled noticing how awkward this was. Last time I was really awake I was at Hogwarts talking with Raven, Kathleen, and Bri. And now here I am at home talking with Fay. I let my mind wander as I continued to eat my soup. This was all happening so fast.
"You're scared aren't you?" Fay questioned looking off into nowhere in particular.
Her words hit my ears hard. I tried not to frown as my voice quivered "For all the wrong reasons" slowly a couple tears made their way down my face.
Fay leaned forward and stared at me with her beautiful eyes "What do you mean?" She asked with sorrow in her voice.
I looked up at her and swallowed my soup hard "I used to be afraid that I would just drink blood from all my friends, but now I'm afraid no one will like me because I am a Vampire."
Fay listened with a smile. Once I had finished speaking she grabbed the tray of food and set it on the table. She gave me one last comforting look before she threw me into a hug "They'd have to be crazy to not like you. You still have the same heart just you will look much more like your age." She smiled and pulled away from our hug.
"I know…just maybe I won't be as pretty or something crazy like that." I said knowing it sounded crazy.
"Darling you'll be a Vampire. How will you not be pretty?" Fay laughed while looking at me with a furrowed and confused brow.
I thought for a moment while tapping my finger on my lips "I might look like a man or something stupid like that." I laughed trying to imagine what could go wrong.
"You'll be perfect." Fay and I both looked up from laughing to see Trigger leaning up against the door wearing his charming smile "Fay it's time, why don't you go down stairs."
My eyes widened, already? Could this really be happening this fast?
I tried not to sigh as I watched Fay nodded and give me one last hug before leaving me alone with Trigger. Once she left he moved from his spot at the door and headed over to me and took a seat on my bed with an indescribable look laced upon his face.
This was starting to feel like an out of body experience. I wasn't sure I was ready. But I had to be and that much I knew. If I wanted to live and if I wanted to save the world, I had too.
"Kobato" Trigger smiled, but it felt so out of place. Should we really be smiling at this? "You'll be fine." He carried on in his sweet voice.
"I know" I said in a faint voice that didn't sound like mine at all. I wasn't very convincing. Trigger smiled anyways and pulled me into a comforting hug.
"You'll be out for at least a week." He sighed as he pulled away.
I scrunched up my face, "Why?" I questioned wondering how it could take longer than a day.
He closed his eyes for a moment and then opened them to look at me with pitying eyes. "You're body will be growing and making up for the years that it couldn't. It will happen within seven days and unfortunately it will be extremely painful." He grabbed my hand and gave it a loving squeeze. It took me a moment to find my voice this wasn't what I wanted. I needed to respond to him, I needed to reassure Trigger I was ready.
"Okay" I said in a whisper as waves of nervousness started to take over.
"We will all be here for you." Trigger leaned forward and rested a gentle hand on my cheek. I couldn't say anything. I just stared into his eyes searching for some comfort, finally I gave up and closed my eyes and waited.
Everything seemed to be going so slow. Faintly I heard the seconds ticking on the clock, but they seemed to be going slower. This moment was taking longer as my heart seemed to pound faster and faster. The minutes slowed down even more as Trigger's soft lips finally touched upon my neck. I couldn't help but let out a soft gasp as his fangs dug into my neck in tender manner, softer than I was expecting it. All at once my body began to tingle as he pulled blood from my body. He was finally drinking my blood and I was finally becoming a Vampire. It was nothing like the time the mutant had drunken my blood. This was soft and gentle. I felt love and tenderness from every drop that was pulled from my body.
And this time my whole body seemed to be smiling in acceptance as Trigger pulled more blood from my body, instead of screaming in cruel torture.
Then just as soon as it started, it ended. Slowly I opened my eyes just as Trigger was pulling away from my neck. He wore a small smile as he wiped the blood off of his lips and teeth. He looked more handsome then I had ever seen him in my life in this moment. Within his eyes was a look of pride, I could tell that he was relieved as well. He had finally finished it. He had finally fully saved my life. He no longer had to worry about my safety. I was able to take care of myself. But the thought also seemed to break his heart as he realized I wouldn't need him as much.
I tried not to let a tear slip out of the corner of my eye as I watched Trigger's eyes swell with a mixture of emotion. I didn't get to take anything else in but Triggers face, because he was the last thing I saw before my body cried out in protest. Every inch of me felt like it was stretching and on fire. I felt my lips open and I knew I was screaming, but I couldn't hear it. I couldn't hear anything. I felt my body sweat and cry as it pulled itself farther and farther. I couldn't help scream, kick, and cry. Nothing I did was stopping this pain. It was almost unbearable. It was worse than the cruciatius cruse.
There was not a single part of me that did not hurt. Everything seemed to be on fire and pulling apart. I didn't feel like anything was mine anymore. I felt like I was somewhere else as my body split.
After that point everything was a haze for the next seven days. I knew I was screaming myself hoarse. I was thrashing around and bruising my body without a care. At one point I slightly remember me throwing my body against the wall only to be stopped my strong arms. I couldn't help it though. I kept trashing, I wanted everything to stop. This pain was too much to handle. I couldn't cry anymore. I could barely scream. My body was caving into the pain. Or maybe the pain was starting to stop? I had lost track of everything. I just wanted to wake up from this nightmare.
Slowly though the pain started getting less and less. My bones didn't feel like they were on fire and my head didn't feel like it was splitting in two. Everything was beginning to become clear. I could see again, I was somehow lying in the bed. My breath was still labored but I didn't hurt as bad. I just felt sore.
And I was very aware that I was alone in the room for once. I could hear faint voices far away. They were several rooms down at least. I could also smell them. I knew exactly who was in this household and to be honest it was a little scary.
My throat felt hoarse. Of course no one would be here…
I decided I might as well get up. I wasn't in too much pain anymore. So without a second thought I threw the blankets back and put my feet on the ground and stood up. Slowly I took my first step as a Vampire. I felt odd as I step forward, something was off. My legs are too long, this is weird, I tripped and fell flat on my face with a loud crash.
"Ow" I mumbled and rolled over on my back, noticing my hair wasn't short anymore. It was long. Slowly this time I attempted to get up so I could get a good look at myself. I had a hard time getting up though, I felt really lanky and tall.
I stopped attempting to get up after a couple moments and caved in and just sat on the floor. Shortly after I heard several pairs of footsteps that belong to…Trigger and Fay? Yes, I think so.
I didn't have to wait long to find out. Almost immediately after I heard the footsteps coming, the door crashed open.
"Is eve-" I turned my head to see Fay gasp and put her hand over her mouth. "Kobato! You…"
I couldn't find my voice as she rushed over to my side and threw me into a tight hug. I just didn't know what to say as she cried out of happiness into my shoulder. We were the same height. She wasn't hunched over giving me a hug. We were the same height. I felt my heart swell with pride as I pulled away from her hug.
"Look at you" Fay said smiled wiping the tears that had formed out of the corner of her eyes. She stared at me a bit longer before helping me stand.
"Sorry" I whispered out. I couldn't talk any louder. My throat was so dry.
"No need to say sorry, come on." Trigger smiled as he grabbed the other side of me and together with Fay walked me over to the mirror.
I was scared to look at first. Honestly what if I was ugly? Who knew what I would see reflected in that mirror. I caved in though and looked up in a quick glance.
Immediately my eyes widened and I didn't know who I was looking at. I let go of Trigger and Fay and walked closer to the full body length mirror. I couldn't stop looking. I still had my blue eyes and my white hair, but everything else looked so different. I was tall and I had beautiful long legs. My waist had curves. My face didn't look like a child but elegant and adult like. I looked my age, if not older. I didn't look like a child.
"See you look fine" Trigger said snapping me out of my gaze.
Turning around I smiled at him as best as I could. "Exhausted though" My voice was getting stronger. I my throat wasn't starting to burn as much. I was healing a lot faster than normal.
"To be expected." Trigger ruffled my hair with a smile "Why don't you get some rest?"
I slept for at least another day. When I did wake up I felt refreshed and I started noticing weird things about my body. I was starting to learn that if I didn't walk slow, I would be practically running. I was moving a lot faster in this body. Not only that, I had strange powers. I could produce ice out of nowhere, but it wasn't just ice it was almost all the elements. Earth, wind, water, fire…you know the usual. That was something I got from Trigger, his family was masters in the Elemental magic, something I didn't know. I knew Trigger used ice a lot, but I didn't know he could use all of them.
That wasn't all, I could also hear rooms and rooms away. That I did not like…I also didn't like how good my vision was. If I was outside I could see for miles. And I could see the weirdest things. It was taking a while to get used too, even with all this training.
Yes, I was going through training. May had already past and I was deep into my training. I barely had time for anything. After I had gotten a hang of my body, things were starting to get serious. I had been set out several time in tracings with Fay. Usually I would turn into my animgus form and spy as a dove.
We had just finished our 5th tracing that week and I was looking forward to a long night of sleep. The council had been working me hard so that I knew how to use my body right by the time school came around. They understood how important my mission was and they didn't want me to fail, but unfortunately I felt there was a flaw in this plan. Sirius had asked me to visit him several times. Apparently he got his own place, due to some inheritance from an uncle, and really wanted me to visit. But I had to keep telling him I was busy. We were up to writing at least once a week. So it had been hard I wanted to see him, but I had other responsibilities.
I understood these tracings were important, but I hated being around these Death Eaters and spying on them. It just was so heart breaking how much death and destruction I saw.
"Goodnight Kobato, see you tomorrow morning." Fay mumbled as we parted our way on the stair case. We just finished giving our report on what we had seen for the day and we were both ready to crash.
"Night" I mumbled as well as I head towards my room. With heavy feet and arms I dragged myself into my room and without giving a second thought I plopped right down on my bed in my attempt to start drifting off to sleep.
But I didn't get too. I felt this sharp pecking on my arm and I shot up forgetting my weariness instantly.
"What the…" I mumbled noticing the owl that had slid through my window. "A letter from Sirius" I grinned noticing the handwriting right away and pulled it off the owls leg. The owl didn't give it a second thought and flew off as I tore open the letter.
Kobato,
You keep saying you've been really busy with balls, but what about your health? Are you getting enough rest? I sure hope so. I just really want to see you. Maybe I could come to one of the balls with you? Everyone knows I can act formally enough for them…And then we could dance again. I'd enjoy that a lot. Wouldn't you?
Did I tell you, the other day I made my first chicken? I burned it sadly. I'm not near as good as a cook as our house elf, Kreacher, or as Mrs. Potter sadly.
Looks like I'm going over to the Potters on Sunday again. Maybe you could come too? I could ask Trigger, I know the Potters are in love with Trigger…sorry I just really want to see you, it's been ages you know? Who am I suppose to have these long chats with?
-Sirius
I smiled letting my heart sigh. I enjoyed these letters. I usually took them with on my tracings. They gave me a sense of hope and happiness to know there is someone out there who wants to see me. Every letter is the same always filled with, when can I see you? They never seem to change.
Forgetting all my weariness I wrote him back.
Sirius
Your letter came just as I was about to rest my eyes, though I will admit it brought a smile to my face. I had another long day at a formal party. This time it was at the Ebony's in celebration of Elliot's health. He has been healthy with no signs of relapse. I just had to give him my blessing as well, though I ended up staying much later than I wanted.
I don't think I could come to the Potters on Sunday, there is apparently a big meeting on Sunday that I cannot miss. They need my help for a recent tracing that has taken place. More and more illegal weapons are starting to show up and it is causing a lot of worry.
My birthday is coming up soon, maybe you can come to that party. Did you pass your apparition test? I sure do hope so, and then you can visit me as soon as you want! Just say the word and I will clear my schedule. It's just so non-stop here…I need a break. I would love to see you really!
-Kobato
I smiled and finished up the letter with ease, even though I had to lie and say I was at balls when I really wasn't... I wanted to send it right away, but I'll send it in the morning like I usually did. I set his letter right next to the stack of other ones I had formulated. I put them all right on my desk and next to them was the sapphire he had given me. It just…they reminded me of how sweet he could be.
One last smile and I snuggled up with my teddy bears from the mysterious givers and headed off for another peaceful sleep.
When I woke up in the morning, I woke up to the soft tap on my window. Slowly I walked over to the window to see Sirius owl had returned to my window. But it wasn't empty, it had another letter tied to its foot.
Feeling puzzled I grabbed the letter and let my weary eyes read as his owl stood perched on my shoulder.
Kobato,
Don't know if you have another party today, but if you do good luck. And smile for me.
-Sirius
I smiled at the sight of his writing. I had to write him back right away. I grabbed the letter I had finished last night and added some words onto the back.
Sirius
No parties today, I was asked to go on some errr…errands. I'm healthy and I'm fine. No worries please?
Oh and you put a smile on my face first thing in the morning.
-Kobato
Feeling satisfied with myself I rolled the letter up and tied it onto his owls leg with some pink ribbon and let it soar off into the bright morning sky.
With a skip in my step and Sirius lingering in my thoughts I headed downstairs for breakfast, realizing today was my day off.
"Morning!" I happily announced as I head to my usual spot on the table. But my smile didn't last long. It took only a moment to realize how tense and upset everyone was. Something had happened. "What…" I asked finally looking between faces at the table.
"You got a letter this morning." Trigger finally said not breaking his eyes away from his meal.
"Well I realize that, I got one from Sirius…" I said still feeling confused.
"You did? No not that letter." Fay said looking confused now about my comment. It was now clicking, we were talking about two different things. Who else could have written me?
Trigger sighed and threw a letter at me. I still raised a heavy eyebrow and looked between everyone curiously. Finally I let my eyes drop down to the letter. It was a very formal green envelope. The writing on it was in a perfect silver and held my name right in the middle. Obviously this was from a pureblood wizard.
I felt my heart skip a beat as I opened it.
Miss Nightray,
I would like to formally invite you to our ball tonight. It would be my pleasure if you would come.
Sincerely,
Lucius Malfoy
Inside was an official invite telling me where to go. I tried not to eye with distaste, but I knew what he was up to and what this party was for. I was off because Trigger and Icy were going to spy on this party. It was a little recruitment party and Voldemort himself was supposed to be there. Of course they would want me and my ties to the different magically worlds.
I swallowed hard and looked up from the paper with a disgusted look upon my face "You want me to go don't you?"
There was a silent nod. "You have too! We will get more information than if we were spying" Icy said firmly.
I looked away from him and turned over to Scarlet "Scarlet?" I questions knowing she was in charge of me and any missions regarding me.
"I already have a dress picked out. Sorry" She said with apathy in her eyes. "I know you were looking forward to your day off."
I let out a growl "No, it's fine." Even though deep inside I was truly upset. I was planning on sneaking a visit to Sirius'.
"You can have the next several days off if all goes well." Trigger promised.
"Its fine" I repeated and excused myself from the table, knowing full well Scarlet was following me. I didn't ignore her like I usually would, instead I tried to talk this out. "What color dress?" I questioned as she followed me up to my room, where the dress was already waiting no doubt, even if I had only been downstairs for a short while.
"I went with deep green dress robes" She answered happily keeping up with my fast pace.
"Perfect, can we get some silver flowers for my hair?" I tried to keep this like any undercover mission we had done, though I had not been on any. Usually I'm just in my dove form. This was going to be hard.
"Of course, perfect thinking." Scarlet responded as we made it into my bedroom.
"Ah yes, those dress robes are perfect" I sighed noticing them laid out perfectly on my bed. "What about weapons?" I questioned "Obviously I'll be taking my wand." I commented.
"You think you will need any guns?" Scarlet looked at me puzzled as I looked over the dress robes.
"Is my Nocturne of Love done being cleaned? I'll take that one." I asked now moving away from the dress to my wall of weapons. "And yes, I'd rather have one then not have one." I said finally answering her question.
Scarlet followed and looked at them as well "It is not" She sighed "I'd rather you take your Serenade of time." She pointed to the light blue and silver gun on the far left.
I stared at her raising a puzzled eyebrow "Serenade of time? You realize that only slows them down right?" I questioned.
She nodded "Of course, I don't want you to end up killing anyone. You will be safe." She attempted to reassure me. "Besides Trigger and Icy will be outside waiting."
I tried not to sigh, I knew I couldn't argue with her. "Okay" was what I managed to get out through my anger.
"Look, Kobato" Scarlet turned to me and rested a hand on my shoulder. "I know you don't like this, but you are supposedly 'friends' with these people, I know you will do your best." Scarlet looked at me with a stern look. It wasn't her authoritive look, rather her motherly look. It was one I was starting to grow accustomed too. She was starting to warm up to me and realize what helped me get through all this.
"I know. I will do just fine" I gave her a bow.
"Good" She smiled returned the bow "Now let's get you ready for the day, it's going to be a long day."
Scarlet was right. It was going to be a long day. And it was. It took us until 5 to get me properly ready and dressed for the party today. We had several issues with my hair and we couldn't decide what to do with it. The dress robes needed to be fitted and we couldn't find any shoes. I was beginning to feel like this was more of a hassle then it was worth, but I knew it was for a good reason.
At 5 I was allowed to rest a little bit before I headed out at 6:30. I took the time to write a quick note to Sirius.
Sirius
It was suppose to be my day off to have fun, but something came up. I'm now going to a pureblood ball...for wizards. I'm a little nervous, it's been a while. And well...you know the last one I went too I got you kicked out of your family. At least I can't do that this time.
Hope you made a better dinner tonight.
-Kobato
Truth be told, this took me a while to write. I was nervous. I was scared but most of all, I wanted Sirius here. He knew how to calm me and make me feel better without even trying. And right now I needed that.
I was becoming so twitchy too. I had just realized that this will be the first time anyone from the Wizarding community would have the chance to see me...not child looking. This was going to be interesting.
"Kobato? It's time to go" I jumped at the sound of Fay's voice.
"Okay" I responded wearily.
Together her and I walked down to the entrance hall where I said my goodbyes and went over the plan over and over again. I needed to know my back ups in case anything happened.
And then with one last hug, I was out apperating into the night. I arrived right outside the front doors of Malfoy Manor. With one great big sigh, I knocked on the door preparing for doom. I waited patiently while trying not to shake for someone to answer the door.
I didn't wait long until a squat little house elf was guiding me into the ballroom with ease.
"Please enjoy misses" The house elf bowed so low his nose was touching the ground as I walked into the elegant ball room.
My eyes were taken aback. It was stunningly filled with silver and green. There were little tables with dark green table cloths with silver accents in the corners of the room, in the middle was the elegant dance floor, so this was just a dancing party perhaps? Already there was a large amount of people littered here and there talking over either firewhiskey or some form of wine.
I didn't get to take too much in before my thoughts were interrupted "Ah and who might you be my fair lady?" I slowly as proper as I could turned my head to see none other than Lucius Malfoy himself grinning at me with a hand extended for me to take.
Smiling as best as I could as I took his hand in my hand "Why Lucius, I know it's been a year, but surely you haven't forgotten me?" I questioned in a proper playful manner.
He stared at me and took in my appearance still not able to comprehend who I was "I am sorry, one would think I would remember such a beautiful lady, but I am at a loss."
I lightly shrugged "It's alright, I have gotten a little taller I am told." I let out a soft laugh well 'shyly' covering my hand with my mouth. "It's me Kobato Nightray." I pulled my hand away and smiled with confidence.
His eyes widened as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing, but being the pureblooded wizard he is, he grabbed my hand and kissed it none the less "Why I should have known. Pleasure you could make it." He smiled warmly. "Come there are some people who would be pleased to see you." He didn't give me an option to not follow him, so I followed as willingly as I could.
"Of course." I smiled still playing my role perfectly.
He lead me to the other side of the room where I noticed Regulus, Nott, Avery, Mulciber...and was that Sev? I sure hope not. My heart lurched a little as we approached the group. It was Sev.
"My, who is this fine lady you have with you Malfoy?" Regulus question as we came closer into view. I just smiled and let Malfoy lead me forward.
"Black, surely you recognize Kobato here." Malfoy smirked, though I thought he really couldn't say that. He did not recognize me either.
There was a collective gasped at his words. No one seemed to believe that it really was me. Sev was the first one to step forward.
"You look beautiful." Sev said in a mere whisper but I heard him. I know I was the only one, my Vampire hearing helped a lot.
"Now if you will excuse me, I have more guest to welcome" Malfoy smiled importantly before leaving me with this group.
"It's been a while since I've seen you boys." I smiled to each one of them and took a light bow "I hope all is well?" I smiled warmly. But no one was speaking they were all opening and closing their jaws. It was Sev who recovered first.
"Yes, I've been doing well. Waiting for the next school year to start." He said trying to start idle chit-chat. This was going to be a long evening...
"I'm with you there, I'm excited to see Lily and Raven seeing as I had to leave school early." I noticed I was starting to get comfortable not good.
"You and your love for that mudblood." Avery sneered while narrowing his eyes.
I had to lie "She's very smart, my worst fear would for her to hex me in my sleep." Wasn't my best, but it would do.
"I am questioning again why you weren't in Slyhterin." Avery laughed.
I joined in "I'm just of nobler blood I suppose." Not letting the smile falter off my face. "In anycase, don't handsome young lads like yourself have girlfriends?" I questioned noticing I was the only girl standing in this group.
"Lu would have came, but she is grounded till farther notice." Nott said in a sad voice, he actually cared for the girl.
I looked at him confused "What happened?" I questioned.
"She wouldn't have seen, that's right!" Avery said in a serious tone. "You passed out just as it was happening." He commented.
"Right" Nott said now looking away upset "I'm going to go get drinks."
"Lu threw herself at Sirius Black right before the Quidditch match against Gryffindor." My eyes widened as I listened to Mulciber's bitter words.
"What?" I spluttered out. "There is no way that was her." I said looking between the boys in disbelief.
"Believe us it was her." Avery sighed and shook his head "Her and her twin tried covering up and saying it was Autumn, but no one believes them." I only half heard what Avery was saying. There was a much more important conversation going on near the other side of the room that I was hearing.
"No, I know that smell. A Nightray is here!" The female voice was sounding like she was panicking. Her blood...Cogsworth.
"What would someone of Royalty be doing here of all places?" A male voice retorted not afraid at all. He was not a Cogsworth, that much I could tell. No he was a Von Slatten.
"Beats me but we shouldn't stay to long." The female voice responded still feeling shifty. "I know we said we'd commit to this, but I don't know…how do we know he wants to free us and let us have free roam?"
"I'm sorry I spaced out a bit." I forced embarrassment I stared back at the group of guys I was with. "I would believe you though, in saying it was Lu."
"I'm surprised you aren't upset, we all know you have a thing for Black." Sev said finally piping up in the conversation.
"I already knew it happened, I saw it shortly before I passed out." I commented "But I didn't know who the girl was, nor did I care too much at the time." I laughed, knowing full well I dodged answering whether or not I liked Sirius or not.
"Drinks" Nott had finally come back and passed between us what looks like firewhiskey, I took it gladly, but I was really in the mood for some blood wine.
We all took a sip and let a small silence fall over us. I took the time to scoop out some more conversations. I didn't get very far, apparently the party was officially starting.
Lucius was standing in the middle of the room with an important smirk upon his face "Welcome everyone" All eyes were now on him. And the talking had all ceased. "Tonight we have several guests of honor, one of which many of you are anticipating." There were several cheers at his words. "He shall be here soon, but for now please enjoy yourself." He smiled and nodded to everyone, letting us get back to our idle chit-chat.
"Who would be the guests he was speaking of?" I questioned though I already knew the answer.
"The Dark Lord of course" All the boys answered in unison.
"Which is why I'm surprised you are here." Sev said turning right to me.
I let a smirk play upon my lips "Be surprised all you want." And with that I turned to leave, for off in the distance I heard more Vampires talking amongst themselves and I was curious.
The group I was hearing was not an old bunch. They all at least had to be in their 40's which is young by Vampire standards. And they were obviously from a lesser known family. But given their aura they were giving off I'd say they were Amundsons.
"Good evening" I greeted as warmly as I could. At the sight of me all four of the Vampires took a bow.
"Good evening Madam Nightray." They all said with a hint of guilt in their breath.
In this group there were three boys and one girl. All of whom looked very similar with brown hair and stunning brown eyes.
"No need to be so formal, the name is Kobato" I smiled warmly and extended the back of my wrist.
The middle boy grabbed it first and kissed it, ever so lightly letting his fangs drag across "Amundson, Dusk." He smiled warmly.
"The pleasure is surely all mine." I smiled.
The next by step forward and proceeded to do the same "Amundson, Liam."
And then the girl stepped forward "Amundson, Porcelain."
"That is a lovely name" I commented remembering hearing it somewhere before...
"Lastly we have me, Constant" He smiled cockily, I had heard his name as well...where though.
"We are very surprised that a noble such as yourself would come to a party such as this." Porcelain commented.
That's right, last week we did a tracing and found Porcelain and Constant guilty of 6 charges of breaking law 12. Turning muggles into mutants for fun. They weren't alone. They were with Marie Cogsworth. Sadly we couldn't turn anyone in. Otherwise we risked exposure.
"I am very close with Lucius Malfoy you see." I let a confident smile drift across my lips but yet confidence flash through my eyes.
Constant smiled as well "You still do not see the type." He commented looking me over.
I smirked showing my fangs "Neither do you, but don't think for a second the council doesn't know what you are up to. We have every one of your names." I flashed my eyes, sending a shiver down their spine before turning to leave them and find the rest of the Vampires.
Scarlet told me to do as I saw fit. I knew Liam and Dusk did not approve of this behavior. If I could pursued anyone to come back to the right side and away from Voldemort I would do it. Right now I knew I sure left the Amundson's deep in thought as I searched for the others.
I walked a little farther before there was a gentle hand grabbing my arm. I turned to see Regulus standing there with a somber smile playing on his lips.
"I'm sorry to bother you, but I was told to have you met someone." Regulus said as my eyes met his.
I did question but let him lead me. I was taking in every inch of him. He seemed to have an air of guilt, regret, and…sorrow? I could tell the regret easily. What did he have to regret?
"You know you don't have to be here." Regulus said as he was pulling me out of the ballroom. Where could we be going?
"I do though, I'm here for reasons that you don't need to know." I responded as politely as I could.
He stopped walking and pulled me aside in a small space in the hallway. "Kobato, you are better than all of this. You are free to do what you want!" He said in a harsh whisper.
I smiled, he didn't know what I was doing. And considering how "evil" or like his family he was, I was very surprised this was coming from him. "Thank you for the concern really, but you should be saying this to yourself, not me." I commented.
"No! I can't go back now, he'd kill me. You can still leave!" He pleaded.
I reached out and rested my hands on his heart. "Really, thank you. It means a lot, but I'm not what I appear." I smiled "It's too risky to tell you here, just…I'm glad your Sirius' brother. You deserve more credit." I turned and left him and went back out to the main hallway. He soon followed.
"You sure?" He questioned once more as he continued on leading me as if nothing happened.
"Positive, I'm not doing any of this for me. I'm not even an England for me." I responded with a confident nod.
He stopped in front of a grand door. "Then who are you here for?" He questioned with his hand resting on the handle.
"To save someone who needs saving." I smiled staring at the door handle waiting for him to open it.
He looked at me confused for a bit and then opened the door. Though I almost regret him opening the door because the minute he did I felt a shiver go up my spine as I felt an evil and dark aura surround me. I tried not to shutter as I confidently stepped forward into the room. Regulus had shut the door behind me, leaving me alone with whoever was giving off the dark aura.
I walked forward through the dimly lit room and noticed I was in a library of some sorts. Straight ahead of me was a desk and someone was leaning up against it. That's where all this dark air is coming from. And how did I not notice that before? The smell of blood, murder, and crimes, all coming from that one person…
"My my, Malfoy told me you were beautiful but I doubted that you would be this beautiful." The person finally spoke as he stepped forward towards me. In the little light we had I could tell he was handsome as well. He had beautiful black hair. A stunning figure as well. Any girl would probably swoon to the site of him, even if he was a bit older. But the one thing that turned me off was how deranged and evil he looked. It was him. Voldemort. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Nightray." He bowed and held out a sickly pale hand.
I grabbed it cautiously "It's a pleasure to meet you as well" I said as politely as I could, though deep inside I was trembling with fear.
"I am sure you are wondering why I called you here in private." He started pacing around me. I watched and kept all my senses on his every move.
"A little bit, though I'm not fully sure I care." I commented realize I was being a bit cheeky.
"You're last name…Nightray" He stopped pacing around and turned to me. "Surely it is not the last name of the head Vampires from America, now is it?"
I smirked lightly, finding it harder and harder to keep up my act. I was afraid. "It is, is that a problem?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Not at all" He inched closer to me and put his cold hand on my cheek "I think you will find we have a common ground."
I was trying my hardest not to flinch as he continued to trace the outline of my cheek bone. I was so afraid. I tried my hardest to keep my voice from not quivering "What common ground might that be?"
"You have nothing to fear" He smirked wildly sending a small shiver up my spine. He paused and continued to stroke my face as he peered into my eyes, searching and reading through my thoughts.
"You have power I do not have." He finally said while pulling his hand away.
I crossed my arms "Power?" What did this have anything to do with my Vampire blood?
"Yes, I know how the Vampires fear the four head families. And I plan to use that." He had a grin that could match Sirius' finest. But I wasn't falling for it. Not when my heart was screaming to run.
"That is if I agree." I narrowed my eyes ever so slightly.
"Ah yes, Malfoy said we might hit this little snag. Said you protect Mudbloods and other races" Voldemort frowned and continued on pacing. "But as you know I am only using the weak Vampires. You Vampires have built such a strong society that the weak ones come to me willingly. Especially at the thought of being able to drink blood from humans, apparently it's the sweetest." He stopped walking and now was eyeing me with curiosity. "They easily bend the rules for me and don't think I don't know about the tracings that go on. You want them dead…and once I take over I will want them dead too. They are just filling everyone with fear and causing death of muggles and mudbloods. I'm just using them." I let my eyes widen, he just continued to smirk madly. "Once I finally do take over the entire wizarding world, I will want them dead, I could care less about the filthy Vampires. I feel I can leave that up to you, if you help me get them under control." He folded his hands together and stared at me as he leaned up against the desk "Who knows maybe I will even keep you long afterwards for your hard work. Such a pity for a beautiful witch as yourself to go to waste."
I narrowed my eyes "You realize, I was once a pureblooded witch and now I'm considered a pureblooded Vampire as well?" I questioned. If he had such a problem with them, shouldn't he have a problem with me?
"Of course I know, I've been trying to search your mind as to why, but you won't give me that now will you?" He stopped leaning up against the desk and grabbed onto me, pulling my face close to his as he attempted to search my thoughts. I let him see just those memories freely. I knew which ones he wanted, anything to get him away from me.
"And what if I say no?" I questioned as he continued to stare into my eyes.
"I don't think you will. I am doing you a favor and you will be doing me a favor." He commented, still not letting go of me.
"Why me?" I tried keeping my eyes on him as best as I could, but his eyes were so fierce and freighting I had to break away.
"You have ties with Slyhterin and you can be trusted more than the rest of the filthy Vampires." He finally let go and step away from me. I didn't know what to say. When I came here this evening this was not what I was expecting…