Aaand I STILL don't own Harry Potter! :D Yay~

A/N:
Wihu, it's only been 1,5 month since my last update! :D See? I want to change! ;)
*epic-high-five*

THIS chapter, ladies (and gents?), should be a tad more eventful. Please enjoy.

Chapter 27


Ron stared at himself in the mirror, horror written across his face. Nathanael was standing right behind him, stroking his chin in a thoughtful manner. His face remained serious, until finally the amusement simply became too much for the vampire prince, and he needed to clamp his hand over his mouth in order to hide the huge grin.

Ron's eyes narrowed.

"I saw that."

Nathanael cleared his throat.

"I... Don't know what you're talking about," he said with a voice that trembled with suppressed laughter. Ron whipped around and gave him a fierce glare.

"Would you kindly explain to me why the hell I'm wearing this?"

Ron was upset, and had a good reason to be. They had woken up early that morning, and although they had only slept for a few hours, both felt refreshed enough to leave Nathanael's bed and go back to Ron's room, where one of Trenton's assistants was waiting.

After a brief glance at Nathanael, but no questions asked, the assistant had calmly explained that Ron had an hour to get ready for the cleansing ceremony, which would take place in the great hall. He had also been kind enough to bring the white gown, which, as he informed Ronald Weasley, had to be worn during the full ceremony.

The dress was simple, white - almost see through, reached just beyond Ronald's knees, and, most importantly... looked absolutely ridiculous.

As if the dress itself wasn't bad enough, Ron was also instructed to carry a red rose with him as he walked into the hall.

Said red rose had been left on Ron's bed, and he stared at it with a disgusted frown.

"Nathan... Is this a test to see how much shame I can take before dying?"

Nathanael allowed himself to chuckle for a few seconds before placing his hands on Ron's shoulder. Their gazes locked in the mirror.

"It's tradition, okay? Look, you only have to wear it during the cleansing. We'll bring something for you to wear afterwards."

Ron sighed heavily, but nodded.

"I look stupid," he muttered and pulled at the frilly collar around his neck. "I mean, if I was girl, I'd be fine with it, but..."

"Stop fretting," Nathanael smiled and gave the back of Ron's head a quick kiss. "It'll be over soon. Besides, it's not like you'll be the only one. Draco will have to wear one, too, y'know. And Blaise, I imagine."

Ron did smile at that.

"Draco will look even more ridiculous than me."

"Oh, without a doubt," Nathanael smirked and placed his chin on top of Ron's head.

"I feel better now," Ron said with a pleased grin. But as he stared into the mirror, glance wandering from Nathanael's handsome features, to his own pale face, the grin faded. The reality dawned on him, not for the first time that morning, and a cruel, cold hand grasped his heart and gave a painful squeeze. Ron almost winced.

Nathanael's hands rubbed his shoulders gently.

"Don't be scared. Remember what I promised?"

"... Everything is going to be alright," Ron said, voice trembling slightly, but he managed a brave smile. Nathanael returned the smile.

"Yes. Everything is going to be okay. I won't allow anything else."

Ron leaned back into Nathanael's chest and sighed, gaze dropping to the floor.

"This is all so... surreal. So strange. I keep expecting myself to wake up in my bed, realizing that this was all a dream."

"Or a nightmare?" Nathanael asked carefully, voice tense. Ron didn't reply immediately. But eventually he shrugged.

"Maybe." Ron spoke quietly. "I'm scared, Nathanael. But the weird thing is that no matter how scared I am, I still want this. So... If this is a nightmare, don't wake me up."

He turned around in Nathanael's embrace and buried his face into the strong chest.

"Let me sleep for eternity."

Nathanael hugged him close, placing light kisses along Ron's temple. The redhead was shivering against him.

"Could you go over it again?" Ron mumbled. Nathanael smiled softly.

"Of course. First, there's the cleaning ceremony. You don't have to do anything. Trenton will be doing all the talking, and all you need to do is follow his instructions. Afterwards, you'll be allowed a few hours to rest and eat. During this time, the rooms will be prepared for us."

Ron nodded, hands fisting the fabric of Nathanael's robes, like a child clutching his teddybear.

"For your safety, there will be guards outside the rooms, just in case one of us loses control. But that's not going to happen," he added, voice determined, as he stroked Ron's back soothingly. "None of us will lose control."

"... Mhm," Ron sighed drowsily, secretly enjoying Nathanael's hands on his back more than he'd admit. They made him feel safe.

"And... The turning itself will start."

Ron blinked slowly, but his gaze never left the floor.

"You'll bite me, and... I'll drink your blood..."

His voice drifted off as images of what the turning would be like flooded his mind. Optimism seemed naïve.

"Don't be scared," Nathanael whispered. "It'll be over before you know it."

"... Liar," Ron said, closing his eyes with a heavy sigh. "It'll be over after I've endured hours of excruciating pain."

Nathanael sighed and gave a defeated nod.

"Yes. But I'll be there the whole time, okay?"

Ron nodded silently. Their bodies shared warmth for a little while, until Ron's words came out without his permission. Voicing his biggest and most obvious fear.

"What if I die?"

The question was sudden and direct. Ron tipped his head back to look at Nathanael, whose body has tensed up. The vampire's eyes widened briefly, before his face took on a determined frown.

"You won't."

Ron frowned and turned his face away with a 'tsk'.

"You don't know that-"

"No, I absolutely won't allow you to leave me. I forbid you to die."

Nathanael's voice was laced with anger. Ron carefully turned back to him, taking in the prince's expression. Crimson eyes glared at him, wide and unforgiving. Scared.

And strangely enough, it calmed Ron down more than any of the soothing words that Nathanael had spoken earlier.

He brought a hand up to touch Nathanael's cheek. Nathanael flinched, anger melting away as he leaned into Ron's touch with a bothered frown.

"Understood," Ron said quietly. Nathanael looked at him for a few seconds without saying anything. Then he closed his eyes.

"... I can't lose you."

"You're not going to lose me. Didn't you promise to make sure we get through this?"

"That I did," Nathanael said and smiled a little. He blinked slowly before leaning down to capture Ron's lips in a soft and unbearably slow kiss. It left Ron feeling dizzy. "I'm sorry. Guess I can't be quite as calm about this as I would like to be."

"All I ask is that you stay by my side, no matter what happens."

Nathanael pressed his forehead against Ron's with a soft sigh.

"I'll stay with you, even if the worst comes to pass. I'll follow you wherever you go."

"Don't say that," Ron whispered against Nathanael's lips. "Isn't this supposed to be a happy day? Let's not talk about dying." Nathanael's lips smiled against him.

"Agreed."

Someone knocked on the door, and after spending another few long seconds embracing each other, Ron and Nathanael let go of each other.

"Come in."

Harry's smiling face soon appeared from behind the door. He took in Ron's appearance, and reacted the same way Nathanael had. The corners of his mouth shook as he tried to remain serious.

"It, uh... Suits you?"

With a withering glare, Ron crossed his arms over his chest.

"Shut up, Harry."

Harry chewed desperately on his bottom lip as the laughter fought to leave him, but eventually managed to calm himself down. He cleared his throat and gave Ron a sympathic smile.

"Sorry about this, mate."

"Whatever," Ron sighed. "It's just for the cleansing ceremony, right?" He turned to Nathanael for support, and recieved a quick nod from the prince. "I'll change into something else afterwards. Right?" Another nod was recieved, and Ron was satisfied.

Harry took a seat on one of the chairs in the room and smiled.

"So, are you ready for this?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," Ron said, void of any sign of enthusiasm. Instead he wore an expression of utter dread. It made Harry chuckle.

"We're all here for you, you know. One of the doctors from Tyrone hasn't left yet, so if anything should happen, Merlin forbid, he's here to help."

Ron nodded, pale behind his freckles. Nathanael sent him a worried look. Harry noticed.

"So, Nathan," Harry started. "What about you? Have you prepared yourself?"

"Yeah," Nathanael started, gaze flickering to the floor. "... As thoroughly as I could," he finished, not realizing how similar his response was to Ron's. And while he tried to look calm, his lack of confidence was much too obvious.

Ron took a seat on the bed with a tired sigh.

"We haven't even started yet, and I'm already exhausted."

"You're nervous," Harry said. "It's only to be expected."

"Of course it is," Ron mumbled. "I... I just want this day to be over and done with."

"It'll be over before you know it," Nathanael said, voice gentle. Ron gave him a weak smile and managed a nod.

Harry stood up and gave a grin that was probably supposed to be optimistic.

"It's about time we get going. You guys ready?"

Nathanael and Ron turned to Harry, wearing matching expressions of cold fear and burning determination. Ron stood up and gave Harry a nod.

"Let's go."


"You sure I don't look ridiculous?" Draco hissed to Blaise, tugging on the taller boy's sleeve. They were both wearing white gowns of the same model that Ron was wearing, and Nathanael noticed the glowing glee in Ron's eyes as they approached the two Slytherins, who were standing outside the great hall.

"You look amazing," Blaise said, voice slightly sarcastic, eyebrow raised. "Jesus, Dray, will you calm down?"

"How can I be ca-" Draco's words took an abrupt halt as he noticed Ron and Nathanael, and his lips formed a slight smirk as his gaze fell on what Ron was holding in his hand. "Wow, Weasley. That rose really brings out the colour of your hair. Not to mention those freckles of yours."

"You sure you're one to talk?" Nathanael retorted before Ron had the chance to defend himself. The vampire prince pointed to Draco's pink rose. "That's cute. It matches the colour of your cheeks."

Draco looked like he wanted to come up with a snappy reply, but his expression soon morphed into a horrified one. He quickly shot his rose a glance, before turning back to Ron's red one, and finally turned to Blaise's yellow one. A miserable groan escaped him.

"Why did I get the pink one? Pink! The colour of... Ugh! Blaise, switch with me!"

Ron got the impression that Draco had been quite a handful the past few hours. The taller slytherin looked exhausted. Blaise shot Nathanael a tired glare before sighing.

"Alright, alright," the dark boy said, switched roses with his lover, and gave the pink rose a long, indifferent stare. Draco calmed down a little, but kept glaring at Nathanael from behind Blaise's shoulder.

"What time is it?" Ron asked Nathanael, voice low.

"Harry went to tell Trenton that we're ready, so it should only be a couple of minutes," Nathanael said and gave Ron a reassuring stroke on the back. Ron trembled slightly and couldn't help but to lean closer to Nathanael.

They spent a few seconds in silence. Ron stared at the floor, gripping his rose tightly. The thorns dug into his skin. Nathanael didn't say anything. Neither did Blaise. But all of a sudden, Draco did.

"What if I screw up?" He whispered, all traces of his previous mood gone. He looked terrified, much like Ron had felt the night before. Blaise gave his lover a calm look.

"You won't screw up," he said firmly. Draco's eyes were wide as he clutched Blaise's arm.

"Promise?"

"I promise," Blaise said and gave Draco's forehead a soft kiss. It was endearing, Ron reluctantly realized, to watch Draco seek comfort from Blaise. Draco never behaved this way around him, but the dread of what was awaiting them apparently made the Malfoy drop the rich-bastard-act. At least a little bit.

Draco shut his eyes at Blaise's kiss and buried his face against the taller boy's nape. He stayed that way for a few seconds, while Blaise's hands stroked his back soothingly. Blaise himself looked rather absentminded.

"You ready for this?" Harry approached them from behind Ron and Nathanael. The group tensed up and turned to Harry with four pair of wide, terrified eyes. Harry gave a crooked smile. "I'll take that as a yes."

Trenton, who had been walking a few steps behind Harry, joined them with a smile.

"This is certainly going to be interesting!" He said, excitement shining in his eyes, obviously not noticing the way Ron paled, or the way Nathanael swallowed tightly. "I say, this might just be the most exciting event I've experienced since that time I visited the human world and witnessed what they called 'the second world war'..."

Harry chuckled at Trenton's comment, but Ron easily detected the way Harry's smile didn't quite reach his eyes. His friend was nervous.

"Well then, let's begin!" Trenton said, looking like a child on christmas morning. "The three of you will enter through these doors when the music starts. You'll have to wait for a few minutes, but I trust that's not a problem. Unless one of you decides to run off, of course," he added, and gave a bark of laughter, not realizing that said three teens looked quite ready to do just that. Run away. Forget this ever happened.

Sadly, it was much too late for that.

Ron took a deep breath and turned to Nathanael, who brought up a hand to Ron's hair and gave it a tender caress that sent warmth through Ron's chest.

"Good luck, yeah?"

"... Thanks," Ron said and gave a smile.

Trenton left, and with one last encouraging smile, Harry followed the vampire lord. After a few seconds, Nathanael left, too.

Ron, Draco and Blaise stared after the vampires, waves of harsh reality washing over them. Ron watched as Draco and Blaise held onto one another, trying to be strong for each other, and desperately wished for Nathanael to come back. Wished for someone to hide behind, to cling to, to hold him.

But he was sick and tired of this fear. This was happening. He'd come this far.

He'd go through with this. No matter what, he'd go through with this.

"It'll be over before you know it."

Ron sincerely hoped that Nathanael was right.

And finally, the teens flinched and turned to the door. The music had started playing. It was starting.

"These are our last hours of humanity," Blaise said, voice low, before he turned to Draco, and even gave Ron a brief but friendly glance. "No more weakness. No more fear. We'll live forever." He turned to Draco with a tender look in his eyes. "Together."

Draco gave a pale smile.

"I think I can live with that."

Ron gave a short laugh.

"Me, too. Let's do this. We've come this far."

"Let's keep moving forward," Blaise said. "Until we reach our goal."

"Let's show them what we're made of," Draco said, with a small smirk. This unexpected positive attitude brought confidence to Ron's heart, and he couldn't help but to give a crooked grin.

"Agreed."

The doors opened.


Ron walked into the room, and fought the urge to slap a hand over his mouth. The hall was enormous. It had the shape of a globe. Hundreds of vampires were seated on the chairs circulating the space in the middle of the room, where the cleansing ceremony clearly would take place.

A young vampire with light hair and glowing yellow eyes appeared next to Ron and gestured for him to walk straight forward. There was a path leading into the centre. The floor had been covered with dark rose petals.

Ron swallowed and walked ahead, holding his rose to his chest like he'd been told to do, and tried to hold his head high. He couldn't see Nathanael anywhere, but then, he couldn't really make out the faces of anyone sitting in the hall. The only sorce of light were the floating candle sticks, similar to the ones at Hogwarts.

Ron cursed inwardly.

On the list of things he really did not need right now, being reminded of his human life held the top spot.

With an irritated frown, he forced himself to focus on the ceremony, heart pounding loudly in his chest. He was sure everyone in the room could hear it. And it wasn't just a figure of speech.

He could feel hundreds of hungry eyes glaring into his skin, and it became increasingly difficult to walk straight. The music didn't help. It was a ghostly, slow tune, that made Ron feel drowsy. His naked feet on the cool stone floor felt clumsy.

"Friends," Trenton's voice suddenly echoed through the great hall, startling Ron so that he almost tripped over himself. "We've gathered here today to witness the cleansing of these three humans, who wish to join our species."

The vampire lord stood in the middle of the room, waiting for them. He was clad in crimson robes that shimmered in the candle light. Although he spoke loud enough for everyone to hear him, his voice held a low tone that made Ron tremble.

How different it was to see Trenton like this. Gone were all signs of glee or humour. Trenton looked serious and cold.

Ron swallowed as he walked past the undead spectators, whose eyes traced his lightly dressed body from top to toe. It made his skin crawl.

When he finally reached the middle, where Trenton stood, he sighed with relief. Draco and Blaise eventually made it to the centre, as well. Ron glanced at them. Blaise's face was void of emotions. Draco was so pale that it was difficult to make out where his lips were.

But they were there. They hadn't run away.

"To clean away all traces of their humanity, and to prove their valor, this cleaning ceremony shall commence," Trenton spoke. "As soon as the sacred moonlight hits this floor."

A crack from the high ceiling suddenly sounded throughout the room, and Ron tipped his head back with a gasp. A gap, an opening, was steadily growing above them. Ron's eyes widened at the sight of the stars, and eventually, the moon.

Pale and cruel, it stared down on them. Like an indifferent judge.

"Humans," Trenton said, and was rewarded with three pale faces turning to him. "Stand here." He flicked his wrist and made an elegant gesture towards a large golden circle on the floor, that had been impossible to spot if it hadn't been for the added light from the night sky. It gleamed silently on the floor, and Ron took a hesitating step towards it. Trenton nodded. "Stand inside the circle. You will now be cleansed, and blessed."

Ron swallowed his nausea and put a trembling foot inside the circle. Draco and Blaise followed suit. Draco's breath came out in shallow shudders.

"Don't speak a word until it's over," Trenton said quietly and gave them a warning look.

The room went silent and deadly still, as they waited. As the gap in the ceiling continued to grow, more and more moonlight was let into the room, shining directly at the centre. Ron, Draco and Blaise stood in a triangle, backs against each other, staring silently at the crowd. Ron could hear his own heartbeat. It was fast.

Finally, with a loud creak, the gap in the ceiling stopped. Ron cast a careful glance upwards. The moon looked huge. But when Draco gave a silent gasp, Ron's gaze went down to the golden circle on the floor, which had started glowing with a hushed hum.

And then, two figures clad in dark cloaks appeared next to Trenton. As they came closer to the golden circle, their faces were slowly revealed in the golden light. Ron had never seen such beautiful women in his life.

One of them had black, straight hair, green eyes that shimmered in the moonlight, and a solemn look on her face. The other woman was blonde, with soft curls flowing over her shoulders, and icey blue eyes that made Ron feel as if she could see straight into his soul. She smiled at Ron, and when they came close enough, the blonde woman put her hand against Ron's cheek. It was cold and warm at the same time.

"I know who you are, Ronald Weasley," she said, voice like black silk. "Me and my sister knew who you were even before you came here. I am Evah, the older sister."

"I am Annah, the younger sister," the woman with black hair said and came to stand next to her sister's side. "The future holds much suffering and pain for you, Ronald Weasley. I implore you to gather your strength. You will need every ounce of it."

Ron's eyes widened and he opened his mouth to speak, but Evah immediately put her fingers against his lip and made a hushing sound.

"Calm yourself. Remember - You aren't allowed to speak in the presence of the goddess of the moon. I, too, have looked into your future. I have looked into your very heart. And you should know that no matter what troublesome events await you, your strength will carry you. You will reach happiness. And when you stumble, he will catch you."

He?

Ron frowned with confusion.

Evah's smile widened, and her eyes suddenly sparkled with emotion.

"He who holds your heart."

Ron's heart gave a few painful thumps at her words, and finally he returned the smile.

... He will stay with me, right? Forever?

"As long as you choose to stay with him, he won't leave you. Ever."

A burning lump gathered in Ron's throat. Gratitude, relief and joy washed over him in powerful waves.

Thank you.

Annah cocked her head to the side and although she wasn't smiling, Ron detected warmth in her eyes.

"Remember, Ronald Weasley, that although hardships never seem to cease, they are but obstacles that one needs to overcome. Nothing more, nothing less."

Evah removed her hand from Ron's cheek. Her touch lingered and tickled his skin.

"It is when you allow yourself to look into the darkness and recognize that you are part of it that you can become strong. Have no fear. Trust yourself. For you are one who is special," she whispered, words floating on the air like music. "To him, you are warmth."

The sisters took a step away from Ron, and slowly moved on to Draco, who was shivering against Ron's back.

No matter how quiet the room was, and no matter how much Ron's ears fought to listen to what they were telling the Malfoy, not a single sound escaped the conversation. The only thing Ron could hear were Draco's breath, still shallow and shuddering, but clearly calming down.

After a minute or so, the sisters finally moved to Blaise, and another seconds of absolute silence passed. When the sisters walked away from Blaise, the dark boy heaved a trembling, tense sigh. But his resolution dind't waver.

Evah placed herself in front of Ron, while Annah walked to the other side of the golden circle. Without speaking, they extended their pale hands towards the ceilings, fingers bathing in moonlight.

They stayed that way for a few seconds, and Ron noticed that although Evah's mouth was closed, her eyes looked extremely focused, as if they alone carried a conversation with the moon.

He was starting to feel nervous.

A prickling sensation washed over his skin, like the caress of a ghost. He shuddered and closed his eyes.

Several minutes passed by. Ron ignored the chill, and focused on simply getting through the ceremony.

It wasn't until the thick silence was broken by excited murmurs from the audience that Ron finally opened his eyes again.

At first, he didn't understand what people were getting excited about. Evah and Annah had stopped their silent discussion with the moon goddess, and simply watched the human boys in content silence. Evah was smiling, and Ron hoped that it was a good sign.

Trenton walked up to them with a nod.

"Well done, boys."

"... What happened?" Ron asked, still somewhat confused. It was over? Trenton gave him a smile and pointed to the rose that Ron still hugged to his chest. Ron followed his gaze, and his eyes widened.

The rose, that had been a glowering red, fully mature and blossoming just a few minutes ago, was now black, dried out. Dead.

Shock sizzled in his veins, as he tried desperately to come to terms with what had happened. Had he done something to the rose? Used wandless magic? No... He would've noticed. He wasn't even sure that he was capable of using magic anymore.

So what the hell had happened to the rose?

He glanced to Draco and Blaise, who wore similar expressions of wonder on their faces. Their roses were dead, as well. Ron turned back to his own rose and carefully touched one of the black petals. It almost cracked under his touch, and promptly fell to the floor.

As he witnessed this, Ron was struck by a wave of nausea. With a disgusted frown, he dropped the rose to the floor, and watched the petals scatter against the rocky surface.

Trenton gave him an unreadable glance, one that made Ron feel like he might've done something he wasn't supposed to, but soon turned to the audience again.

"The humans have been cleansed. Rejoice, friends, for it looks like we are to be blessed with an addition of three new members. Let us continue supporting them in this struggle, until it is finished."

Trenton nodded to the oracle sisters, who bowed to him and left the centre, diving into the shadows until Ron couldn't see them anymore. The vampire lord turned back to the audience with a darker expression.

"I realize that there are some in this room who do not agree with me in this matter, I ask of you to respect our wishes. The wishes of Tom Riddle, and Harry Potter. The wish of Prince Vlad Nathanael of the Dragulia clan. Not to mention the wishes of these three humans, who of their own will, has agreed to leave everything behind them, to join us immortals. They have proven their worth, and I shall not stand idly by if someone dares to oppose me in my own house." Trenton's face turned even darker, and his mouth turned into a snarl that displayed his sharp teeth. "Trust me when I say, should someone dare to hurt these boys, there shall be severe consequences."

Gratitude filled Ron up, until he almost choked on it.

They had the support of the Lord of the household. Ron hadn't realized, until this point, how much it meant.

"Thus, the cleansing ceremony is finished! You may all return to your quarters. What comes next is, as you all know, an act of utmost intimacy, which you aren't allowed to take part of. You shall recieve news on this matter tomorrow. That is all. Thank you for showing your interest and your support."

With a flick of his wrist, Trenton used magic to increase the light in the room, as the audience left the great hall, still mumbling amongst themselves. Some seemed genuinely interested and positive, while some of them gave Ron nasty glares as they passed him. Ron didn't have the guts to glare back, but he did have the guts to at least look in their eyes.

"That went well, didn't it?" Trenton said, fully returned to his old self, which in some ways made Ron feel more relaxed.

"You're surprisingly... regal," Draco pointed out with a weak smile. His voice was hoarse, forehead clammy, and Ron realized that the prickling sensation he'd felt during the cleansing might have been more than just a ghostly caress to the blonde ex-slytherin. He almost looked as if he was in pain.

Blaise had already taken notice to this, and quickly put his arm around Draco. The dark boy didn't show any signs of fatigue or pain. Only Draco was affected. Why?

But before Ron had the chance to ask, Trenton was already continuing his conversation with Draco.

"When I have to be," he said, and gave a wink. "I'm the lord of this house, after all. Consider yourself indebted to me - no one will even attempt to harm you boys now."

"Thanks," Ron said, not taking his eyes off of Draco, who was slightly out of breath. "Um... Maybe we should let Draco lay down for a little while..."

The Malfoy gave Ron a slight glare.

"Don't patronize me, Weasley. I can go on."

"Calm down, I'm just saying... You don't look so good."

"He's right, Dray. You look drained."

Draco gave Blaise a slightly hurt look, as if he didn't approve of the fact that Blaise agreed with Ron instead of him.

"I'm fine."

"Stop being like this," Blaise said, voice teetering on irritation. "You're obviously not well enough to continue right away." He turned to Trenton. "Would it be okay if we return to our room so that he can rest for a little while?"

Trenton nodded.

"Of course. I'm sorry, young Malfoy, but if you continue to the second phase right away, it might kill you. I strongly suggest you take your Zabini's advice."

"Is everything okay?"

Nathanael was suddenly by Ron's side, hand firmly attached to Ron's waist. Ron leaned into the touch and felt Nathanael's warmth chase away the chill from his bones.

"Malfoy isn't feeling too good," he explained and glanced to Nathanael's face, heart skipping a beat as he watched Nathanael's handsome features form a bemused frown.

"I see."

"You should rest up before we move onto the actual turning," Harry joined the group, looking rather concerned. "You're pale as a ghost, Draco."

"Why did it affect him, and not us?" Blaise said, voice slightly unsteady. "Weasley and I are just fine."

"That, uh..." Harry bit his lip. "That might be my fault."

"What do you mean?" Blaise shot Harry an upset look. Harry rubbed the back of his head with a slightly uncomfortable look on his face.

"Well... I've only been a vampire for a few months. The blood that Draco recieved from me might not be quite as strong as the blood that Ron recieved from Nathanael. And as we know, you were born with the virus, Blaise."

"This, however, does not mean that Malfoy's life is in danger," Tom's low voice joined the conversation, as he placed himself behind Harry and put a supportive hand on his young lover's shoulder. "It just means that he needs to rest."

Trenton nodded his agreement and crossed his arms over his chest.

"You needn't worry, Mr Zabini. He'll be fine in a few hours. I suggest you get some sleep. All of you. Even if you two are feeling fine," he gave Ron a pointed look as well, "I would still recommend that you rest before we move on. The process of getting turned consumes much energy."

Blaise calmed down a little and turned to Draco.

"You hear that, baby?" He gave Draco's sweaty temple a peck. "Let's go get some rest, yeah?"

Draco's pale fingers grasped Blaise's shoulder, and with a grumpy nod, he agreed.

"Fine."

The two slytherins left the great hall to return to their quarters. Soon enough, Trenton left, too. Harry turned to Ron with a smile.

"You okay?"

Ron nodded and realized with an embarrassed squeeze to his core that Nathanael was still holding his waist in a rather suggestive way.

"I'm fine. I didn't even notice that the ceremony was over until people starting chatting..."

"What did the oracles tell you?" Harry asked, looking more than a little curious. "I still haven't had the pleasure of meeting them, but they say it's one hell of an experience."

"Um..." Ron wasn't sure what to say. He wasn't sure if he wanted to tell Harry about what the oracles had told him. It was like a secret treasure that only he knew about. And unexpectedly enough, Tom was the one who saved him from Harry's curious prodding.

"Harry, there's a reason behind the fact that we couldn't hear a single word they said; What the oracles told him is something that was meant for his ears and his ears alone," he said and gave Harry a patient smile. "Whatever they told him, I'm sure it was meant to help him."

Harry turned back to Ron.

"Was it helpful? I can ask that much, right?" Harry said and turned to Tom, who nodded briefly with a mildly amused look on his face.

"Yeah," Ron said, and blushed slightly. "It was helpful."

Silence filled the hall for a few seconds, while Harry tried to analyze Ron's expression. Nathanael quirked an eyebrow, and Tom eventually rolled his eyes a little.

"We should take our leave," Tom said and gently steered Harry out of the great hall. "They need to rest."

"But I-"

"You need to rest, too. You barely slept at all last night."

"And whose fault is that?" Harry steamed as they walked away from Nathanael and Ron, who stared after them. When they were alone, Nathanael let out a soft chuckle.

"A fine couple, those two."

"They're totally meant to be," Ron laughed.

Nathanael's hand was about to leave his waist, and before Ron knew what he was doing, he'd already gripped Nathanael's hand and forced the hand to stay. Nathanael turned to him with a gentle expression. Ron stared at the floor.

"Are you okay?"

Ron nodded without a word.

"You want me to carry you back to your room?"

Ron blushed and shook his head wildly.

"... You want me to carry you to MY room?" Nathanael said and added a suggestive snigger. Ron gave him an embarrassed glare.

"What if I said yes?"

Nathanael's teasing expression smoothed out as he carefully watched Ron's sincere expression. He finally smile and bowed down to Ron's level.

"I wouldn't oppose," he said and slowly leaned in. Ron met the soft kiss half-way. When they pulled away, Nathanael's fingers stroked over his cheek and jaw. "You did excellent today, by the way. I'm proud of you."

"I dropped the rose," Ron said, hating himself a little for already being slightly out of breath. Nathanael certainly didn't have to do much to reduce him to a shuddering pile of want. The vampire prince gave a brief laugh.

"Don't worry about it. The rose symbolized your human mortality. The fact that it died during the ceremony meant that you're willing to leave all that behind you. It was supposed to die. Dropping it to the floor didn't ruin anything. Heck, it was probably just a good thing."

"... I don't know why, but it sorta grossed me out a little..." Ron admitted with a confused frown. "It was so... frail."

Nathanael watched him silently for a few seconds before giving Ron's forehead a kiss.

"Stop thinking about it. Let's go."

Nathanael started guiding him to the exit. Ron glanced to the vampire's face again, and his heart reacted the same way it did last time. Nathanael was so stunningly beautiful that it was difficult to tear your gaze away. What could he possibly see in someone as plain as Ron?

"As long as you choose to stay with him, he won't leave you. Ever."

Ron tightened his grip on Nathanael's hand and clung to those words, until they echoed and tumbled in his brain. Nathanael cast a glance to him.

"You nervous?"

Ron smiled and shook his head.

"Why would I be nervous? You promised you wouldn't let anything happen."

Nathanael returned his smile. The great hall was still bathing in candle light. Nathanael pulled Ron close in a passionate embrace. Ron's eyes flickered and went hazy as he felt Nathanael's lips trace his neck.

"Don't forget - you're forbidden to die."

Ron pressed his lips against Nathanael's nape. Pouring all his emotions and insecurities into the affectionate touch.

"We've reached an agreement."

TBC.


Tadadadadadaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. :D How's that?

Oh, and I recall one of my precious readers asked me a very good question (one that I'm surprised that no one else has brought up before, actually).
If you recall, Tom already told Harry that vampires don't breed. Yet for some reason, Nathanael was born a vampire. How is this possible?
You'll find out soon! ;) Stay tuned.