Chapter 35: Dangers Of A Vampire

I waited until he was out of my sight and then turned and headed toward the book store, needing to grab a few text for my next exam. I was browsing a shelf when I heard a scoff and glanced down to see a teenager that was very familiar to Draco Malfoy from when I was still in school. He rolled his eyes at the two women in front of him, sneering, "It's fine, no one is even hear. I don't see why you have to look like that." he was speaking to the younger woman, mid-20s it seemed, something was odd about her as I leaned out a bit, trying to get a better look.

"Shush boy, our Lord says this is important, so it is." "Aunt Bellat-" Draco had begun to speak, but the woman's wand was at his throat in an instant, silencing him. "Draco, remember what I said, dear. Cousin, he is still young, he will be alright. Let's just get what we need and get back to the manor." the other woman must be Draco's mother as she ushered her son away from the wand pointed at him. I blinked, remembering seeing that wand from somewhere and then it hit me like a sack of bricks. The younger woman was using polyjuice potion, her true form was all of the woman from the battle, the one that tortured Neville.

I felt anger building inside of my chest, I wanted to rip her throat out, I wanted to tear her into pieces and feed them to her family. I wanted this woman to suffer like none had suffered before her. I had barely the thought cross my mind before I was silently moving in the shadows, getting ever closer to where they had moved to. I was so close, I could just grab her and sink my teeth into her before she could raise that wand again, the wand that used a forbidden curse on my love. My fangs were out and at the ready as I reached out, claws sharp and fast, I wasn't letting her get away this time.

"I know she came for books boy, no need to rush." Augusta's voice filled the room and I lurched back into the shadows as the three of them faced Neville and his grandmother. "Oh, it's you Longbottom." Draco huffed out, clearly not interested in their arrival. "Come along Neville, no need to bother with this lot." Augusta said and went to walk by them, but the evil bitch got in her way. "Are you saying we aren't worthy of your company?" they eyed each other before Augusta smiled, replying, "My dear, I don't believe you wish to offend me, you may regret it deeply."

"Why you-" "Margo!" the older woman called out, taking the woman's arm and giving Augusta a slight nod of her head. "We must be going, nice speaking with you. Let's go now." they disappeared after a moment and Neville's eyes found me in the shadows, although I was unsure how. "Aethna?" I nodded and stepped out, my anger leaving me as soon as Neville smiled at me, my eyes changing back and fangs disappearing. "Young lady, why are you hiding in the shadows?" I looked at the ground, unsure if I should say what I know to be true, even if I had no proof.

"Forgive me, I got lost in the shelving and didn't want to interrupt." she waved my apology away and asked if I had gotten what I needed. "Just a moment, one last book and I'll be ready to pay." I turned a corner and quickly found the book I needed and turned only to run into Neville's chest. "Oopps. Sorry I thought you knew I was there." he said and grinned at me. I smiled and went to run my fingers along his chest when I heard Augusta's footsteps heading right for us. I stepped away and acted like I had just found the book and turned in time to see her waiting for us.

I paid and we walked out, Augusta leading the way to our next stop. "Neville, come with me, we have an appointment." her eyes met mine and I nodded, "I'll grab my paper and quills and then head to the car. I'm finished with shopping." her curt nod was all I got as they turned and headed toward a shop. I did my last stop and was heading for the Leaky Cauldron when I caught a glimpse of a window and turned to see the herb store. I smiled to myself and stepped inside, getting hit with so many unique and amazing vapors at once. I browsed along for a while, before stopping at a box covered and labeled not to touch.

I felt something make me stop and take a peek inside the box, revealing a huge blood red bulb and green leaves. I was entranced as it was so blood like in color, it made my mouth water slightly. I took a look around, trying to see if anyone was around. A witch appeared as I was standing up, her eyes darting back and forth. "Like it? It's very, very rare young miss." I looked back at the plant and asked, "How much for it?" the witch smiled and named an high amount, clearly upping the price since I was interested. "I'll give you 5,000 Galleons and no more, is it a deal?" the witch didn't seem to like it, but nodded and I quickly handed the money over and picked the covered box up.

The witch said that the plant grew in ponds from the far east and it's care, I made my way to the car and loaded my things in the trunk before climbing into the back seat. I wondered how long Neville and Augusta might take, I wasn't sure what they were going for. I sighed and settled in, maybe I could take a quick nap before we made it back to the manor. I leaned back and closed my eyes, thinking of Neville's warmth as he held me tight, making it easy to doze off.

"Oh my defying daughter, there you are." my eyes shot open, seeing my father standing in front of me in a field. I realized I had to be dreaming, it was a bright sunny day and he wasn't burning in it. His eyes were hard as he walked toward me, his fangs dripping with blood. "I was just enjoying a quick bite before I was heading out to search for you, low and behold that you would be the one searching for me." I shook my head, "I never want to see you again, I would never go out of my way to search for you." he chuckled, and calmly stated, "Now now, the witch part, the defying annoying part, may not want to be near me…however, the vampire in you, the true monster…she yearns for me, to teach her my ways and be free to do as she pleases."

I felt a pull inside, a pulse of truth from his words as the vampire tried to surface. "See, when you are awake, you are mostly in control, the spells protecting you help with that. Being around all the magic is assisting you in eluding me. But here, in your sleep, your true nature surfaces and is free to dream and wish what you really want. No matter where you are, the vampire will want to be near me, your creator. Aethna, come home. I promise you won't be punished." his smile was sickening as I took a step back, cursing myself for leaving the wards and wishing to have a normal day with Neville.

"Ah, yes, the young boy. Clearly smitten with you he is, even after all these years. He's grown up hasn't he?" "Stay out of my mind and stay away from him! He's mine!" I shouted, baring my teeth at him, making his eye twitch slightly. "Oh don't tell me, you've…" I blushed and looked away, my thought betraying me as he laughed out loud, and pretended to wipe a tear away. "That's wonderful, child. Act human all you want, but we both know that you would much rather have him one way, the monster will always win. It's our nature."

"It's your nature. I'm different. I will not allow you to control me any longer. I am a witch, not a vampire." I felt my voice wavering slightly, but I stood my ground, trying not to think of how good Neville's blood taste, I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of thinking he was right. I wanted Neville in a loving way, not food way. My father was almost at me now, my feet suddenly became frozen, I couldn't move anymore. "Don't deny it, you want to taste him, don't you?" I set my lips in a firm line and stared into his eyes, not answering him. That seemed to make him chuckle as he stood up straight, taking a look around.

"You always have the brightest and most beautiful dreams, I will give you that. Never have I experienced such light before, you are a surprise." "Stay out of my head, and out of my life. Go experience the sun in real life, see how you like it." I snorted and the sun seemed to darken as he rounded on me, teeth gleaming. "Listen here young one. I am your creator, I am your master. You will come home. I will find you and drag you back…and if anyone tries to stop me…" he smiled and licks his lips. "I'll rip them into pieces and pour their blood onto you, I'll make you my monster again. Soon. I'm getting closer again, the spells will not keep me out forever. I'm right here, stop me." his hand reached out for me…

"No!" I screamed as I woke up, reaching out and gripping the neck in front of me. My eyes focused and I saw my claws about to rip out Neville's throat. I released him and scooted back, pulling my legs to my chest and holding my head tight. He coughed and shook his head, trying to come close to me, but I moved back further. "Aethna, what's wrong? It's just a dream. Calm down. I'm fine." I shook my head and looked at him, seeing his sweet face. I was going to get him killed with my love for him. "Neville, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…"