Clicking the clasp of his cape and straightening his formal wear, Vlad stares into the mirror. He looks at himself for a brief moment, knowing that in 5 years time he'd have no reflection and would be forever cursed to stalking in the shadows. He let out a short sigh, he hated how much black and red suited him, but he usually refused to wear them to avoid looking more vampiric then he already does with his ghostly pale skin. Usually opting to wear blindingly bright colours but he had to make exceptions when they travelled to places where other Vampires would be able to see him. His father would demand it, saying that he'd make himself look like a laughing stock and that he'd have no son and heir of his seen in such a way.
"Whats the matter Master Vlad?" His observant friend and pet hell-hound Zoltan asks.
"Nothing, just don't like dressing up... I better go." He pets his hell-hounds before trying to leave his room to only be blocked by a enraged Ingrid who had a murderous look on her face. And shoved right past him and walked into his room.
"Right zombie snot! You really think i believe this whole 'Wizards' story do you? What are you and dad up to?!" she glared at him furiously waiting for an answer.
"Ingrid, I don't know what your on about. I didn't even think Wizards existed until today I-"
"THATS BECAUSE THEY DONT!"
"You cant just! -" Before he could finish his retort, his father interrupted their argument shouting to him from down stairs and shacking the whole castle.
"VLADIMIR!" taking his que he rushed out his room and headed down the stairs hoping to avoid another confrontation with his sister.
"Ah, Vladdy! Come, come" the Count gestures for Vlad to approach him and holds out one of his Dracula broaches towards Vlad, which Vlad stares at confused. "Take hold of it Vladimir." As soon as he did Vlads world spun around him and he felt like he was falling into a void while being squished and pulled apart all at once and he landed heavily onto the ground. Legs threatening to give in, but his fathers strong grip kept him standing and Vlad winced as he felt his innards revolt.
"What in the name of all that is evil was that?" Vlad asked clutching his stomach, legs trying to re-stabilise.
"Ah, is what they call a port key. Your Grandfather Dragos Dracula was a Magical Vampire and made it, just like you Vladdy..." The Counts eyes widen and looks back to Vlad. "Two Magical Dracula's.. Oh my Son and Heir! Oh just wait till the clan leaders hear about this!"
Rolling his eyes and turning away from his over excited Father, Vlad looks around where they actually were. The walls were damp with mountain dew seeping in from above with moss covering the walls, spider webs covered every crack, corner and crevasse he could see and the floor was rife with dust, dirt and god knows what else. This place was definitely what he'd expect a Vampire market to look like. The large expanse of the cave was lit by very few burning torches leaving most of the area in absolute darkness, not that he minded that. Living with Count Dracula, you grow use to this kind of thing. Not to mention his night vision has started to kick in early, which rather scared Vlad at the thought of his powers developing so early on at only 11.
"Welcome to Dârmoxa market Vladdy. I've always wanted to bring you here, it really is... delightful. Especially when the blood pits are open!" Making a mental note to avoid the half-fang fighting pits Vlad started to refocus on the market.
The streets between the many shops and market stalls were packed full of other Vampires, many of which were wearing old ragged clothes with the odd noble with the same silk high quality formals he and his Father were wearing. He'd never seen so many in one place not trying to kill each other. As if could sense Vlads confusion his Father enlightened him. "This area is part of the neutral ground Vladdy, we cannot hurt our enemies here and they cannot hurt us. But stay close by me, i'm not having one of those street fangs lay a fang on you. The barbarians ignore such things." His Father said, putting a hand on his shoulder before walking him down the bustling street of Dârmoxa market.
"What does that list of yours say you need Vladdy?"
"Well i need...
1 Wand, 1 small cauldron, 1 set glass, 1 telescope, 1 set brass scales, potions kit...
Three sets of plain black work robes, One winter cloak, Pair of dragon hide gloves and a... pointed hat?-"
"Ha! no son of mine shall wear such a thing. Anything else?"
"Well, there are a bunch of magical books here but i guess i'll get those with the Professor tomorrow. But i can also get a Owl or a Cat or a Toad." His father hummed in acceptance and they carried on.
As they were walking down the streets Vlad couldn't help but notice the looks they were getting. He noticed the lower class Vampires (he could tell by the ragged and worn clothes they wore) parting and making way to allow the Dracula's through, some even bowing in respect as they walked past. Looking up, he could see his father smirking, drinking down all the attention they received like it was a bottle of vintage blood. Vlad supposed all his fathers boasting of being the "Prince of Darkness" actually meant something to those outside the family, not that he actually understood why the title was so respected.
They continued on for a few minutes coming to into a shop carved into the stone of the cave with a damaged wooden sign above the opening that said in blood script "Mythrandrils Apothecary". The store was rather dark, the only light coming from the very few candles on the counter. The shop itself was surprisingly clean as it had no spider webs, dust or muck scattered around the room as Vlad would expect most places had. Jars of rather disgusting mushed contents and god knows what else lined the walls in shelves and racks of various kinds of equipment lined the wall behind the counter. As they strolled in, the Count looked around looking for where the shop keeper had gone off to. Before looking down to see a bell with "Ring for service" carved into it. His father looked at it oddly before flicking the bell with his finger nails which let out a rather loud ding...
A rather youthful man enter the room appearing behind the counter within a second. He took one look at the two Dracula's before him and quickly lowered his head in sign of respect to the Count.
"Count Dracula! Its an honour to have you disgrace our store. My apologies for keeping you waiting."
"Ah, you must be Mythrandrils son. I take it hes gone off on another one of his... holidays."
"Indeed your Grace, how can i help you? I take it this is your son. I must say he has definitely taken up the Dracula look." The Count looked down on Vlad, smiled and chuckled. Vlad didn't really liked being paired to his father, as he didn't want to be the same Evil Vampire as him but didn't say a thing as he could tell it meant a lot to his father and he didn't want to ruin his current ecstatic mood.
"Quite right, i need anything you have thats on this list." The Count gestured for Vlad to hand over the list.
"Holy bats, accepted by the Wizards i see. You must be proud Count. Well i shall do my best to acquire these items. I shan't take long."
A few minutes later, a small cauldron, brass scales and a potions kit with the exact ingredients listed were presented on the counter.
"These are the only things i have on the list. For the rest i'd recommend 'Gusto's Supplies and Stores'." The young vampire then turned to face Vlad. "I'd take great caution in carrying the potions kit young Dracula. It contains Mandrake oil. Good luck with Wizards." he smiled and Vlad nodded but at the same time didn't exactly know why the oil would be a issue. He'd have to ask his father later. His father paid and they left and headed towards the next store.
The supplies store they were recommended was a lot more grandeur compared to the previous store. This one had 2 marble pillars outside its entrance and the interior was a flock of Black and Red carpets and drapes with old fashioned furniture placed around. It felt a lot like Castle Dracula, their old home, which brought up some unexpected emotions in Vlad. He missed his old home, he didn't exactly know why but he felt more at home there. But at the same time he wasn't able to do the things he loved like he could in Stokely such as going to school and making friends.
In classical Dracula fashion his father dragged him along to the front desk, not even looking at the queue that has been purposely formed. Attracting annoying looks from the middle classed Vampires that have been forced to wait in the queue. Upon reaching the desk the Count stared down a older looking Vampire who's head was down as he was focusing on his writing and not the customers in front of him. His hair was brown with hints of grey coming up and wore circular glasses. Not even raising his head to meet them he stated:
"Might i remind you there is a queue for a reason, i don't care if your in a hurry-" he cut himself off short upon looking up to see a disgruntled Count Dracula.
Standing to his feet immediately and bowing his head trying to recover from insulting the Count. He man nervously apologised. "Count Dracula, my deepest apologies i did not think we'd be seeing you for another few days. I take it this is not about your regular delivery of Chateau Peasant?" Nice change of topic Vlad mused.
"Indeed, i'm here to get some supplies for my son and heir!" The Count flung his arm around Vlads shoulders. "After all, cant have him going off to Wizards school without proper equipment can we?" His father said rather proudly hoping that everyone in the store would hear. Which they did as the room immediately quietened with a few gasps around the room.
"Well well, by my cape. Another Magical Dracula, your blood must be strong to sire such talent Count." The Count smirked at Vlads cringing not really wanting to hear about his siring. "Well then, what can I get you then young Dracula?" Vlad handed over the list, the man read it briefly and flitted (Vampire super speed) off to gather what he can.
Taking the opportunity Vlad had a question still lingering on his mind. "Dad, why is it everyone seems to know us here? You never really let me out of the castle to notice."
"Ah, back in the day before i met your Mother. Me and your Uncle Ivan would reek havoc on the breather settlements around here. Ivan the blood thirsty they called him, and naturally through the many clan wars we've fought through they have all grown to respect us Vladimir. The Dracula's are more-less Royalty Vladimir. Don't ever forget that, since one day, you will have to step into my shoes like i did with my own father."
"Right.. wait a minute... Uncle? Since when did i have a Uncle?"
"Have i never mentioned my Brother before? I could i sworn i told you about him before. Maybe not.. I haven't seen him for 100 years you know. Probably slipped my mind. You'll meet him soon, in a few years his eldest will need to access the blood mirror for his 16th. Though i doubt he'll last." Not sure what his father meant by that but unable to ask as the elder shop employee returned with a pile of items in hand.
"1 set glass and telescope. Oh and this also arrived for you yesterday Count Dracula." he placed down a clear box that had a large tarantula inside with the name "Imilda" printed on the seal of box. "I have set up tailoring room 5 for you Count Dracula, we can provide all the uniforms for your son here. We even have a pair of Dragon hide gloves which i'd like to offer without charge in penitence for my early outburst."
Nodding in agreement the Count picked up the items, placing them in a bag and paid. Dragging Vlad to the tailoring room to be greeted by a smart looking young vampire male. Which did not look Vampiric at all in his tailored black suit with blood red tie and unusually coloured skin.
"I'll leave you to be fitted. I'm going to pick up your gift. See you in an hour Vladdy." before he could question his father. He was gone. Leaving a rather confused Vlad behind.
"If you could step onto the stand here young Master. We can begin." the tailor stated with a kind tone to his voice. Which Vlad found very refreshing compared to listening to his familys usual groaning.
The fitting took a lot longer then he expected, arms feeling tired and sore for having to be stretched out and holding still in the air to allow the employee to get to work. He did find out how the man looked slightly tanned and not ghostly pale. Saying it was a applied substance that allows you to give off the appearance you have a tan which Vlad immediately asked where he could get his hands on it.
Feeling like hours have passed and to his relief finally allowed to lower his arms to his sides and sit down on a nearby chair. The employee started to fold the uniform that hes just prepared, made and adjusted to his exact size.
"Ah Vladdy," his father walked into the room looking rather happy with himself with a bag and some sort of box in hand. "I trust you are all finished here?" his father looked over to the Employee who nodded and handed over 3 bags which carried all his uniforms.
"Wonderful, take hold Vladdy. When we return i can show you your Gifts!" Still confused why he was being gifted things Vlad took hold of the broach he was presented with and braced himself for the sickly feeling of being torn through reality again.
Landing firmly on the ground in the exact spot they had left Stokely Castle in. Vlad stumbles over to the table, grabbing hold of it trying to support himself again. It wasn't as bad this time but his legs still threatened to give way.
"If Dragos made the port key how come we're back here and not at Castle Dracula?"
"Ah, he perfected its ability to return the traveller to the exact spot they left in. So its not just connected between two permanent locations. The only permanent location is the market of course."
"So... What are these gifts you keep going on about. And why am i even getting any. Its not really like you to be so.. kind?"
"Oh Vladdy, don't pretend i don't spoil you!" Vlad rolled his eyes remembering the argument last night about not getting a TV. "Besides, you've brought Magical power back to the Dracula's! Not that i'm surprised, after all you have my immensely superior genes after all." Of course, his father would take the credit for his son being born with a rare gift.
Raffling with one of the bags he carried the Count pulled out a black animal skin with fur that looked oddly familiar... wait a minute.. "Is that a Carpathian panther?" There's no way that could be what i think it is. There's pretty much extinct now.. Oh dad you haven't...
"Yes! Only the best for you. There's only three left in existence, well, two now. But have a look at this, come come." hi father gestured him to come over the the box he laid onto the table. Turning it around to give Vlad a look to see whats inside through the bars of the other side of the box.
"A cat? But i thought you said you don't like having pets?"
"Ah, but its different now Vladdy. Since owls wont be able to deliverer your letters to me, she will. Of which i expect a letter at least once a week, so i don't die of boredom without my only child here to entertain me."
Before his father could continue, Ingrid interrupted their exchange from the corner of the room, to which neither Dracula males were aware she was sitting the entire time. "UHH, YOU STILL HAVE ME! I WAS BORN FIRST!"
"Oh Ingrid do be quite! two seconds back and your already ruining my time with my son!"
"Ugh! I hate you more then Garlic!" Ingrid stormed off and up the stairs, no doubt to sulk.
"Take your things up stairs Vladdy, i'm late for my Coffin. I'll see you tonight." With that his father flitted off. Leaving Vlad to carry all the bags up to his tower room. Half way up, he stopped for a breather, suddenly wishing he hadn't used his father favouritism to get a room that required going up a thousand steps.
"Ah, Master Vlad. How was your outing with the Count?" Zoltan asked as Vlad dropped all the bags and his new pets carrier box to the floor and collapsing back onto his bed.
"Wasn't too bad to be honest Zoltan, i'm surprised dad didn't shove any blood bottles at me."
Not getting a reply from Zoltan, he stopped looking at the canape of his bed and looked back at his room. Hearing hissing and growling. He noticed Zoltan having and stand off with his new pet.
"Oi! Leave her alone." Moving to open the carrier barred doors and lifting up the black furry feline with red eyes and holding her into his arms. He couldn't help but smile and the feline purred and nuzzled its head into his chest.
"Does it have a name Master?"
"Haven't thought of one yet, how about... Raven?" the cat mewed and nodded. Vlad had a strange feeling this is not ordinary cat. As for one, its red eyes aren't exactly normal and he had a feeling it could also understand what he was saying which is... odd.
Vlad couldn't sleep that night, too excited as in the morning he'd be having his first experience in the Magical world. He knew it wasn't exactly normal, but it'd be a get away from Vampires completely as long as hes able to keep his secrete. He might even be able to find a cure for himself, of all the placed the wizards must surely know. He eventually manged to drift off to a blissful sleep, this time it wasn't the rising sun the woke up him, it was a rather angry-
"VLADIMIR!"
Groaning and turning over in his bed to glance at his bedside cloak his eyes widened when he realised what the time was. 8:58am. Hes going to be late! He jumped out of bed and quickly changed into some clean(ish) clothes. This time opting to go with a white shirt, Navy blue hoodie and green shorts along with his white vans. Quickly washing his face and teeth, he rushed down stairs to be greeted by the same stern looking women from yesterday.
"Ah, Mr Dracula, thank you for finally gracing us with your presence." she was rewarded a small amused chuckle from his father. "Now come, come." she held out her arm for Vlad to take it "We should get going. We should be back in around 2 hours Mr Count. Good day" Bracing himself for the same terrible sensation of the port key, he was surprised to feel this felt much, much worse.
Body being squeezed and sucked into a void like water in a straw they landed rather smoothly in a bustling street, but Vlad couldn't focus on that right now as he turned away and retched as his stomach was forced to clear itself of Renfields lovely dinner the previous night.
"Yes, should have warned you. Overtime you'll get use to it. Here drink this." Vlad looked at her rather hesitantly "Its stomach settler" Drinking the weird yellow vile he immediately felt his stomach relax and the relief washed over him.
"Since your father managed to already get most of the supplies we'll just need to get you a wand and your course books. But first, we need to stop off at Gringotts bank to get your funds released. Come along, stay by my side at all times Mr Dracula."
Looking at all the people here felt strange, one again he managed to make himself stand out like a sore thumb in this crowd. Everyone was wearing robes mostly white and grey with the odd person wearing black. He'd probably fit into the crowd more with his Vampiric tunic and cape then his rather bright green shorts and navy blue hoodie.
Arriving in Gringotts made Vlad very uncomfortable. At first he was awed by the gold leaf marble that stood proud around the main reception area and the crystal chandeliers that lit up the expanse of the hall. But when they slowly walked down the reception he couldn't help but notice that all the Goblins that were sat on desks count coins and doing paper work all stopped and stared at him, burrowing into his eyes. He couldn't help but feel like they knew exactly what he was. He wasn't scared by them as he'd seen plenty of them enslaved as servants in other Vampire Castles when his father took him to balls to show him off. Ah, that maybe why the stares have turned to evil glares.
"Professor, why have you brought a Vampire into my bank?" Vlad barely noticed they had stopped at the main desk until he heard a rather old and stern looking Goblin spit his species name at him.
"Hogwarts business Marth, he is to be a Student at Hogwarts. We have come to withdraw his school fund for the year. Its under the name Dracula."
The Goblins eyes widened and fixed a glare back at Vlad, making him feel more uncomfortable and wanting to just bolt out of there. But he stood his ground, he wasn't going to show the Goblin had any effect on him.
"Dracula? I hope you know young one, that if your father dares enter this bank, a stake will be the least of his worries." The Goblin moved a finger and traced the scar that went from eye brow to nose. "We've had dealings with your kind before. Don't think we'd let ourselves fall back into slavery." Before Vlad could have the chance to retort - not that he would have - the Goblin walked off and began speaking to another Goblin behind the main desk in their own rustic language.
The stern Professor held his shoulder trying to reassure him. Noticing his rather anxious stance. "Try to ignore them, their not known for their manners."
"250 gallons. That is your yearly fund young one. Take it and leave us." The Goblin threw the large bag of coins at him which he managed to catch and realise how heavy it was. As they quickly walked out, Vlad exhaled a rather loud sigh of relief upon hearing the doors close behind them. Then he was confused again. What on earth are galleons? Kindly the Professor explained how the Wizarding currency worked with Knuts, Sickles and Galleons. It was rather confusing but he understood non the less.
"Ollivanders, here Mr Dracula we shall get your very first wand. Now its important that you do not loose or break it. Exact replacements can be hard to come by."
Walking into the seemingly empty shop Vlad noticed how every wall spaced was taken up by stacks upon stacks of wand boxes, most likely replacing the bricks with them he mused. It was rather dusty like his home and smelt rather odd. One hes smelt all day, but here, here it was stronger and pungent. It was magic with pure absolute power. It made his deeply hidden dark side giddy. But he quickly buried all the emotion that was threatening to up root when and old wised mans head popped around the corner on a moving ladder.
"Ah Professor, i take it this young man has come to buy his very first wand." The man wore rather old and raggy Victorian styled clothing and had white crazy hair that looked even more uncontrollable then his own. his voice was soft and full of knowledge.
"Yes, hes a rather... unique case. Im sure you wont have a hard time finding him something suitable." She turned to Vlad "I'll get your books while you are getting your wand, don't leave here until i return." He watched her leave the shop and when the door closed he looked back at the old wizard who was now studying his face.
"Unique case hey? I wonder... Now what might you be young man? You have no need to fear, i have sold wands to many magical creatures in my day."
Feeling a bit nervous and anxious Vlad only just managed to stutter the words out while looking to the floor. "Im a.. a, er.. Vampire.." taking a chance to look back up he saw the amazement in the older wizards eyes.
"Vampire? Well well, you are a first, this should prove interesting... Now lets see..." The man walked off searching all the shelves behind the desk and swung back and forth on the moving ladder of his which amused Vlad quite a bit unable to stop a small chuckle escaping his mouth. The man returned a few minutes later with a selection of boxes and opened all 5 of them up and laid them on the table in front of him.
"Slowly wave your hand over these boxes and focus on feeling the energy they give off. If one seems to click with you pick it up." Vlad did so, slowly waving his hand over them, but he didn't feel any attraction to them, if anything he felt repulsed by them and when he hovered over the 4th wand he quickly stood back and brought his hand away as quickly as possible, feeling a slight burn on his skin and natural instinct to jump back.
"Ah, my mistake. That one contains unicorn hair." He took the box away and put it on the work bench behind him. "What about this one?" He still felt no connection to it man hummed and walked away to search for more.
This repeated over and over 4 times and when the man came back empty handed Vlad started to worry he wouldn't be able to get a wand.
"I've only ever come across this kind of situation before, it was in a wand makers history of 'Magical Creature Connections' some unknown creature that went by the name of Dragos apparently-" Before the man continued Vlad cut him off, thinking that this might be the reason why he wasn't connecting.
"Dragos is my Grandfather. Dragos Dracula."
"Ah, well then that solves it." He says pulling up a book from under the desk. "It says here, a wand wasn't able to connect to his magical core because of his unknown nature. But instead he used a power conducting ring, although its recorded here that he stopped using it after his 16th birthday and was still able to summon his magic. I take it that's something Vampire related?"
"We come into our main Vampire powers at 16 and then a power boast at 18. So i have to wear one till i'm 16 then?"
"Yes, it would appear so Mr Dracula, i take it that is you surname?" Vlad nodded, the man may as well know his name if hes being so helpful.
"Well lucky for you, i have just the thing. I made one along time ago when i was studying the idea myself. Now. I just got to remember where i put it." The man went running off again, turning his store inside out. At one stage he was crawling on the floor and managed to knock his head on the shelve causing a few boxes to fall on him.
"Ah ha!" the man call half his body sticking out of the top shelf dangerously. This guy really doesn't care if he falls..."Here we go."
The man climbed down and presented Vlad with a dusty old black box which opened with a creak. Inside was a black mettle ring with a red sapphire in the middle. The mettle formed stylish curves around the sapphire to hold it in place. It looked beautiful and that smell of power increase ten fold upon looking at it. It felt like it was calling to him. He couldn't help blankly staring at it.
"Well put it on then."
He slid the ring on his right hands index finger and it fit perfectly. What a coincidence he mused. The ring seems like it had just connected a long lost part of him back into himself that he didn't even know was there. The rush of power through his veins felt incredible. And Hellfire did he feel powerful right now. He noticed the smell of power in the shop had massively decreased, this must be what was causing it.
"Ah, by the look of you. I'd say its a perfect match, How strange, what are the chances of that."
The bell on the door alerted Vlad that another person has just entered the shop, looking back he noticed the stern looking Professor with a small bag by her side. A bit took small for carrying all those books he required...
"I take it your all done here?" Vlad nodded and the man he guessed was called Ollivander smirked at him.
"A very unique case indeed Professor. One i'm glad i could be of service to." They paid Ollivander and apparated back home.
"Well Mr Dracula, it would appear we no longer have to worry about your wondless magic. Although. Now you cant even use a wand, it will prove difficult to keep up the illusion that you are normal wizard. If the truth comes out, you will still be allowed to continue at Hogwarts but you must be ready to face it." Vlad nodded in agreement. "Well, i shall see you at Hogwarts Mr Dracula. Good Day."
Great. New life and hes already starting to stand out from the rest of the crowd. Let alone the high possibility of having his secrete revealed to everyone because of the blasted ring. Hopefully things wont get worse. Oh wait...
"VLAD!" The painful screeching of his sister breaks him from his thoughts.
"What now Ingrid?"
"Seeing how your going to be gone for most of the year now, i want the tower room."
"Never gonna happen. And we both know what dad will do if he catches you trying to move me out while i'm gone." Vlad didn't like playing the 'Favourite child' card but it came handy against his sisters ire.
Unsurprisingly she grumbled, muttered death threats under her breath and stormed back off.
Reaching his room and dragging books out of the magically expanded bag - i really need to know how to do that - Vlad laid the books out on his desk and began to read "Wizarding World for the Dumb" he may as well learn about the world hes about to enter.
Already a chapter in and finding himself fixed to the book with Raven sleeping on his lap he was caught off guard and slightly jumped when he heard the front door bell.
"Oh bats." he muttered. Remembering he was meant to be meeting Robin today. How was he meant to tell him about all this. How he was going to have to leave Stokely for most of the year and leave him and his school just after starting...
A/N
I think you all know who's coming up next. Robin shall be making a appearance and im going to try and style the story more focusing on Vlads view of everything rather then a 3rd person perspective. Review and let me know what you want to see in the future. Thanks!
P.s Again sorry for any spelling mistakes you see or auto-correct mistakes you see.