Ron felt a little drunk, the smoke had put his senses into a whirlwind and not everything was connecting. As far as he could tell, adrenaline was the only thing fueling him. Everything seemed dull and clouded but he had to ignore it.

He pressed his heel into the man's chest and felt his bones creak under his foot. It would be so simple to snap his ribs and crush his heart. The man shook and after a moment, he let out a crazed laugh. "Creatures with as much power as you have, strength beyond wizards and you still are so weak."

No one, vampire or otherwise, spoke. "You cannot kill us, who attacked your castle. The dark lord was willing to make you his allies but prefer to pick a losing side. Harry Potter will die and we will enslave your race and-"

The man screamed in pain, Ron had pressed harder and had heard snapping of his ribs. "A warning? That's what this was?" he snarled. The man's coughed and Ron pressed more.

"Ron, stop it! You'll kill him," Ron's breath hitched at Hermione's desperate voice. Arms wrapped around his waist and pulled, he let them do it. He turned his head, Harry had pulled him away.

The man wheezed another laugh "Silencio" the man was cut off and Ron's felt his focus shift to his mentor, Donovan Grey. "It seems this has been an attack attempting to create unease within our coven. We will make an official announcement later, for now, things need righting. Anyone injured must be treated," Donovan said.

And then slowly people moved.

Ron lowered himself to floor and Harry let go of his waist to get in front of him. Ron coughed.
"Your eyes are still glowy" Harry commented, he was nearly deathly pale and slightly vibrating. Coming down from an adrenaline high.

"So are the other vampires, must be our magic working against the smoke stuff," Ron replied letting out a sigh. He felt stomach pangs.

"Ron," Hermione kneeled in front of them both and offered a bottle no doubt filled with blood. He stared at it a moment.

"Drink up, you are letting your instincts control you, being hungry and sick from the smoke," a familiar voice said, Hattie Lameh kneeling next to Hermione.

He sighed and took it, at the first sip his hunger turned ravenous. He chugged until his stomach warned him to stop. He stopped and licked the extra off his lips. He buzzed with energy and his senses came slowly back to full capacity.

"Are all of you alright?" Ron asked, keeping his eyes closed for a moment. When he opened them he searched Harry and Hermione for injuries. A couple scratches on their person and some ash on their clothing.

"The humans are alright. The vampires, well we'll live" Hattie said and he noticed her dress bloody and she had a wound on her back was scabbing over.

"Sol? Is he okay?" Ron asked.

"He's a born vampire so he was a bit more affected by the smoke than others. But he should be up soon once he gets fed," Hattie said "Your highness, can I lift you?" she asked.

Ron nodded and Hattie stood and pulled him effortlessly to his feet. Hattie remained at his arm as he struggled with his balance for a second. Hattie let him go once he could stand on his own.

His best friends stood with him, Harry stood had that concerned look on his face. "Sorry I lost it, there," he said, his stomach twisted and it wasn't from digestion.

"It's… we'll talk about it later," Hermione said.

"For now, we should find out where the wolves are," Harry said and Ron turned to him.

"He's right, I went outside with him but there were no wolves so something didn't feel right. We saw dark shadow aim at the doors and that's when the explosion hit" Hattie explained.

"You saw it happen?" Ron asked, a little horrified. Who knows what could've happened to them.

"Hattie protected me from the debris and then we went back in to find you" Harry explained.

Ron collected himself again, settling into diplomat mode as Don had taught him. "Right, I can't thank you enough for protecting Harry for me," Ron told her. "But would you mind if you help me search for our missing wolves?" he asked.

"Not at all, your highness," Hattie said.

"Good, find your sister too and we'll search around the castle," Ron said, she left to find Zoey. "You should probably stay here to help with clean up," he told Harry and Hermione.

"What?" Harry began, outraged.

"It's freezing out there and neither of you has the nose or night vision that my vampires do" Ron flushes a bit at his phrasing. "Plus, you are more useful for cleaning up rubble and healing spells. Honestly, you guys don't have the energy reserves to trudge through the snow like I can. So…"

"I get it," Harry sighed. "It sucks that we're not on your level though"

"Well, you can always get turned into a vampire like me," Ron said and Harry side-eyed him. "Only joking, Harry" Ron laughed, it felt good and let out of the knot in his muscles that had him tense.

Hermione huffed "honestly Ron," she said, but color returned to her cheeks. She looked more beautiful like that. "Fine, go find Valkyrie."

"It won't take too long, hopefully," Ron said.

Xxx

Ron went out with Zoey and Hattie Lameh to find the pack. He worried what they might find but the tenseness loosened when he didn't smell blood in the air.

Zoey and Hattie launched themselves into the taller trees to try and spot them up high. "Highness!" Zoey flipped once before she landed, stabilizing herself easily. Ron wished he had that kind of athletic ease. "I think I've spotted them."

"Hattie!" Ron called and she landed as easily as her sister. "Let's go" they trudged through the snow, eyes glowing to see in the dark. Ron ran as soon as he caught sight of them.

They were all petrified, luckily it looked like only through normal magic and not by Basilisk. "Finite," he said finding Valkyrie first. Valkyrie began to move and jumped at him. He laughed as she licked his face, whining.

"I'm glad they're alright" Zoey sighed "maybe we were lucky that they only meant to try and scare us into joining them. They wouldn't kill our wolves if they wanted an army" she said.

Ron pursed his lips, it was too easy for them to ambush the castle. It was likely Don thought so too and was considering how to proceed. Why would they just outright attack if they wanted them to be allies.

He was missing a piece of the puzzle and it was bugging him. He pets Valkyrie "how likely is it for vampires to join You-Know-Who?" Ron asked.

Zoey considered "there are some who disagree with the current attempt to disperse the fear that wizards have of us. They believe it just makes us weak and after tonight…"

Ron nodded "tonight may have solidified those thoughts," he said. How could they inspire the rest of them to stand against him?

"Don't forget many of us used to be wizards, highness, many have a deep hatred of You-Know-Who and bigotry. We have seen prejudiced from wizards but we are also a stubborn culture," Hattie mentioned.

"Many in our coven will take this attack to our home personally. You can win their allegiance as you've earned ours and they will follow you against that man" Zoey said.

Ron considered this, he wasn't sure how to do that. How could he get vampires to rally behind him? "I've earned your loyalty?" he asked.

"Yes, your highness. To be fair, Harry Potter is a brave boy so he has earned my respect. Since you stand with him so fiercely I can do the same for our new Prince," Hattie promised him, lowering her head slightly.

"Thank you," he said, having no idea how but Harry had somehow found himself another ally. And in turn, so did he. They took off with the wolves back to the castle.

XXX

Ron moved through the crowd with Valkyrie at his side once he entered the castle again. He was doing his best to shake off the tension he felt but it clung on.

If vampires noticed him, they bowed their heads. He wasn't sure what to do with that. "Ron" he glanced around to find Sol and he sighed.

"I'm glad you're okay," Ron said.

"Me too" Sol said then poked his forehead "stop making that face. Look more sure of yourself, be glad none of us are dead and get ready to stand in front of them. You're a pillar, not a grenade" Sol said.

"A grenade?" Ron asked and Sol waved his wand behind him showing he wasn't about to explain.

"Nevermind, put on your face," Sol said and Ron slapped his cheeks. He forced himself to put on a stronger expression, he wasn't concerned. He was a Prince and he had the face of a leader.

"Good, let's go."
xxx

The group that settled in a room filled with a single large table was an odd one.

There was Mr. Ayumu Okajima, as Minister of Magic of Japan plus his silent attendant was back at his side. Ron felt a little confused. Where had Mr. Okajima's attendant been during the battle? He couldn't remember seeing the thin, bright-eyed man anywhere.

And then there was Pharoh Tomas, the Minister of Magic in Romania. He had a slight abrasion on his forehead but he seemed fine.

Sirius Black, formerly accused of being a death eater and serial murderer.

Harry Potter, only known survivor of the killing curse.

Hermione Granger, the brightest witch of her age.

Raya Grey, Queen of the Vampires and Donovan Grey, Patriarch.

Another man Ron didn't recognize sat at the table as well. He looked older than Dumbledore with stark white hair braided over his shoulder. Ron couldn't picture his descent but he had dark skin and bright orange eyes.

"Bow, low" Sol whispered. Ron moved his right leg back and put his hand across his chest and bowed to the man. Sol did the same.

"It's a shame that our first meeting had to come at such a cost," the man said, despite his old age, his voice was smooth. He spoke in Romanian

Ron straightened, he wondered if this was one of the elder vampires that Donovan had told him about. A council leader, no doubt "It is a shame, sir," Ron replied.

The man looked at him carefully, Ron stood tall "I am the Elder on the Vampire Council. You may call me Elder Codrin," he said.

"Yes sir," Ron replied "call me Ron," he replied. Elder Codrin raised an eyebrow and Ron inwardly gulped. This man was intimidating.

"Very well, Prince Ron. Sit" he said.

Ron sat in the empty seat beside Harry and Sol sat next to him.

"We have admittedly a few more guests, the incident tonight required we call on them," Raya said, the door opened and Ron lost his breath.

Dumbledore walked through the door followed by Kingsley Shacklebolt, Snape, Charlie, and his father. Ron stood up from his feet, he was more aware of ruby earrings hanging from his ears now than ever.

Nobody stopped him from crossing the room to see him "we'll talk later," Dad promised and hugged tightly. "I am glad that you're alright."

"Okay," Ron agreed to look to Charlie who gave him a grin. As everyone took their seats Raya cleared her throat.

"Just so we are on the same page, I will summerise the events of tonight. Tonights Christmas ball was marked as the day Ronald Weasley and now Grey excepted his title as Crown Prince to eventually take my place. Ronald is now effectively Crown Prince of the Grey Monarchy of Vampires. After the ceremony a man by the name Igor Karkaroff came to speak to myself and my husband," Raya said.

"Karkaroff was a death eater during the first war," Snape commented.

"It seems he's returned to the dark lord and he came to persuade us to side with them. That man and his servants are among the worst examples of wizards. To join them would be to admit what I have spent my life thus far attempting to reject"

"And what is that?" Dumbledore asked.

"That vampires are nothing more than monsters," she said meeting his gaze.

"Their attack was an attempt to scare our kingdom into joining him. Unfortunately, it may have worked for some," Don explained.

"It may prove difficult to persuade a few of our council members about choosing the wrong side," Elder said.

"What is that side? You have only said you wouldn't side with the dark lord. As far as I am aware, the vampires remained neutral in the 1st war" Snape commented.

"In the previous war, we were not targeted like this. He forced our hand but our decision was chosen several months ago. When I chose a successor in an untrained boy," Raya looked to Ron.

His face burned and he forced a neutral expression. "Yeah, so we choose Ron and as a result, we also choose Harry Potter. Oh don't look surprised, four eyes," Sol commented at Harry. "So the whole point of this meeting is that everyone here needs to choose action. So if you don't mind, Mother, can I direct and speed this up?" Sol asked.

Raya smiled "go right ahead," she agreed.

Sol stood up "right, first thing," he turned to Mr. Tomas and Mr. Okajima. "From the events you've seen tonight, what is your plan of action. Will you remain neutral or side with us?"

"The dark lord will likely target Britain first, I am not confident the spineless Fudge will stand strong against his force," Tomas commented first. He then turned to Dumbledore "no offense to the British in general."

"None taken, you are correct. He would likely aim to take down our ministry first and Fudge fears the dark lord," Dumbledore replied.

"Then why do you not aim to replace him?" Tomas asked, "you are a much greater man."

"Because my duties lie within Hogwarts. The facts are that if the dark lord were to take control of Hogwarts, he controls the future. That cannot happen and the ministry is likely to be taken regardless of what we would do," Dumbledore replied.

"Yeah, the Headmaster here and us, the vampires are willing to side against a should be deadman. Do we have your support?" Sol asked.

Tomas crossed his arms "I may not be able to directly oppose on a Ministery scale. I will, however, offer my support if it is within my power. I hope to keep our good relations with vampires."

"Great and you, Mr. Okajima, sir?" Sol asked.

"I can offer the same, it is also to my knowledge that East magic and European magic is different. If there is something I may assist within that aspect, I can help" Okajima said.

"Then what's the plan?" Sol asked.

"For now, our security in the castle will tighten. Our wolves are no longer enough. We can send some of our more combat-oriented vampires to monitor any suspected death eaters outside Britain," Raya sighed.

"The Prince and Crown Prince may be better within the castle," Elder Codrin commented in Romanian to Raya and Donovan.

"No," Ron responded with.

"What'd he say?" Harry asked.

"He wants me to stay here," Ron replied in English then continued in Romanian. "I need to remain at Hogwarts, in Britain. The war will be there and Harry will need me," he said.

"You are newly-turned and inexperienced. These wizards will be aiming for your weaknesses," Elder Codrin warned.

Ron bit his lips, he could taste his own blood "I need to remain at the center of this battle," he turned to look at Raya then bowed "please."

"The Elder has a point Ron," Raya said.

"Put guards on me if you have to then," Ron said, straightening and his eyes burned with the telltale signs of glowing. "I can't win anyone's respect and allegiance by hiding," he said.

Elder Codrin closed his eyes in thought and leaned forward on his elbows. Ron held firm as his eyes met gold, "after the events of tonight, without a doubt the enemy will know of your status. If you prefer not to hide then put yourself directly in others' line of sight."

Ron swallowed, which means his life walking through streets anonymously was over. "Yes, sir."

"Then that's settled," Raya sighed.

Ron relaxed, Harry did too and he saw Hermione slump a little in her seat. "The dark lord will no doubt have a plan in mind going forward. He will be looking for something to draw him to full power. The more intimate knowledge of vampires remains to be hidden from many even me," Dumbledore spoke.

"If the direction of this conversation is as I expect," Don began to speak, "then I have an answer for you and that is no. A vampire can't turn the dark lord," he said.

"Why not?" Hermione asked then covered her mouth.

"Because we have standards" Sol crossed his arms making Ron cough a laugh.

"What my son means to say is that should any vampire even attempt to turn him, he would be unable to draw his fangs," Don replied.

"He's repulsive okay? The smell is nauseating, we're more likely to throw up then to successfully turn him. The dark magic infesting his body makes it impossible for fangs to drop at all. Dark magic doesn't smell good. Like a rotting corpse or spoiled blood," Sol explained.

This was news to Ron but he'd never been around dark objects or people since he'd been turned. At any rate, it was a good thing that Voldemort couldn't be turned. "How extensive does one's corruption have to be?" Snape spoke.

"To deter a vampire from a bite?" Don asked. Snape nodded then rolled his sleeve to present the Death Eater mark. Ron held in a breath, he'd known that he was a former death eater, a spy in the first war. "Prince Ron, can you assist me?"

Ron nodded standing and he approached them. Snape stood and held out his arm. "Tell us your natural inclination, you might be able to judge better than more experienced vampires.

Ron wrinkled his nose from the smell permeating the dark "rotten" he said. Snape switched his arm and Ron sniffed despite how self-conscious he felt. "Not as bad," he said grabbing his forearm to get a little closer.

Closer, he could smell a tangy sweetness. His fangs dropped and he dropped his arm "no, it wouldn't put me off from biting him," he replied. He hated how he'd salivated a little from the smell. Did he have no standard?

"The degree must be substantial then. It's good to know should an issue arise. Our next discussion should relate to how we plan to gather information on his next move," Don began again.

Ron listened vaguely until it was over and he felt parched despite the bottle he had a good hour ago. Despite that he was hungry and in need of a bath, he still played the Prince role. He'd have to get used to it after all.

"I wish to keep in contact, Prince Ronald," Mr. Okajima said.

"Yes sir," he said bowing to him as the man did the same. The only people left were his dad, Charlie, Sol, Harry, and Hermione. "Sorry, you'll all have to get in line. I need to bathe and drink before I'm in shape to talk," he said.

"That's alright, I was just going to suggest that," Dad chuckled "Charlie and I will just ask where you're staying. How about that?"

"Thanks, Dad," Ron said then turned to his friends.

"How about you, Harry, and I go bathe and I can ask someone to guide Hermione to her room," Sol said.

"All of us?" Harry asked.

"The baths are communal but some rooms have private baths," Ron explained.

"Right," Hermione slumped.

Sol beside him perked with a sly little smirk, "Unless you'd prefer to-" Ron slapped a hand over Sol's mouth "ignore him," he said.

Xxx

Ron asked a guard to ensure that any women wanting into the bathing area use another one. He didn't want Harry freaking out over this. "So we just undress?" Harry asked as Ron took off the ruby earrings.

"That's the idea," Ron said, placing both sets in the box. He handed the box to a guard who bowed then headed out. He then fiddled with the clasp meant to loosen his cloak. It was more difficult than he expected since it was the Lameh sisters who had put it on him.

"Need some help?" Sol asked and Ron dropped his hands. Within a moment, Sol had his cloak off and jacket unbuttoned.

"Thanks," Ron turned to hang it in the storage section of the baths. He stripped then wrapped a towel around his waist to shower. He went through the motions until he waded into the hot, steamy water.

Ron sighed, that was much better on his tense shoulders. Harry glanced at him from where he slumped over the edge with his head in his arms. "Nice, right?" he asked. Harry nodded.

"You're used to it, then?" Harry asked.

"Being naked in front of other people?" Ron asked, raking a hand through his hair to sweep it off his forehead. Harry's lips twitched and Ron knew he had to push him a bit more. "Or being a blood-sucking vampire? Or is it being tall, unlike my specky little best mate? To be honest it's difficult to deal with" he said.

Harry smiled and laughed a bit and that was good. Harry frowned entirely too much and it didn't suit him. Sol waded into the bath then, sighing as Ron had. "Did you get any bruises?" Sol asked nonchalantly.

"A few," Harry raised his elbow, it black and blue. "But they'll heal soon, Hattie protected me when they blew the doors open."

"I saw her scab, how on earth did she heal fast?" Sol asked.

"Oh," Harry blushed "I cut my arm so I let her use some blood."

"Where?" Ron asked he hadn't seen any cuts.

"It's healed already when she l-licked it," Harry explained "I didn't know you could do that, did you know?" he asked.

"Of course," Ron replied and Harry put on a grumpy face. "Sorry, I just didn't think to tell you" he added.

They relaxed for a few minutes in silence and then Sol sighed loudly. "I'm so hungry," he admitted. "I could go for a whole bottle right now."

At the topic of blood, or food really, Ron's stomach grumbled and his mouth watered. "Me too," Ron agreed.

Harry glanced at him in surprise. Ron's blushed, sinking a little in the pool. His mouth watered. "What's that look for?" he asked defensively "I'm hungry, okay?"

"It's just you never let up that you're hungry anymore when you did before. I almost miss you being such a glutton," Harry said and Ron chuckled.

Xxx

After a nice bath and walking to his room with a warmed bottle of hearty boar's blood, Ron headed to his room in an old pair of pajamas and last year's Weasley's sweater that maybe shouldn't fit him so well.

Harry went off to find Sirius and Hermione with Sol. Ron opened the door to find his Dad reading a book and Charlie going through his wardrobe. "Hello," Ron said and Charlie grinned at him.

"Are all of these clothes yours now, little brother?" Charlie asked.

"I guess since this is my room now for when I come to the castle," Ron shrugged and melted into the hug Charlie gave him "I'm sorry,"

"It's alright, I'm sure becoming a prince was a lot process," Charlie said ruffling his hair and it made Ron feel so young for once.

"Let's talk, Ron," Dad added and Ron was guided to the couch area of the massive room. Ron momentarily forgot about his hunger. He made tight fists "I'm not angry although I entirely understand the full situation so why don't you explain,"

"Don is the Patriarch of the Vampires, a second in command position only below the Queen, Raya. Sol is their son and a Prince by his birthdate. They needed a second Prince," Ron said trying to keep voice even.

"So you were chosen as the second? Then you will inherit Mr. Grey's position? Is that how it works?" Dad asked.

Ron bit his lip and winced "stop that," Charlie said then took his hand and he relaxed his fist, he'd dug into them with his nails. His hands had bloody half-moon indents. Ron licked his lip, it healed instantly.

"Not exactly. Raya's a seer, a powerful one. She saw me as the King in the future," Ron replied, he glanced to his father.

Dad sighed "you made such a big decision without our input,"

Ron nodded "I regret not telling you but I don't regret accepting the title. I'm a vampire and the sooner I accept all of what that means, I'll be happier," he trembled.

"I've always taught you about how important decisions are in your life. Your mother might be angry and I'm not sure how your siblings will feel. What were you thinking Ron?" his father's voice was kept low. Not angry but not happy.

"I was thinking about how good it felt to be important to someone. I felt like you both would stop me and I didn't want to hear your arguments about why I shouldn't take the title," Ron replied.

Dad sighed "listen to me, Ron," he looked up to meet his father's eyes. "You are important to us, your family. You know the Weasley motto?"

"Family first," Ron said, "I know."

"Yes, even with family we find along the way. What's important to you is important to us, okay? We would have understood. I just hope you excepted for the right reasons, I never want you to have any regrets."

Ron hugged him and his father returned it "I won't, it's something I had to do. I'll be more honest now, okay?" he asked.

"Good," he got in reply.

Xxx

Dad had gone off to speak with Dumbledore and Charlie stuck around.

Ron sat back, leaning against Charlie now. He filled a glass with blood which was no longer warm but still palatable. As soon as the smell hit his nose, his mouth watered and his fangs dropped.

He chugged the first class then had another until the bottle was empty. Charlie shifted and he fell back onto Charlie's lap instead of on his shoulder. "You full now?" Charlie asked.

"Yes," Ron replied, lisping a bit with his fangs filling his mouth. He felt satiated and comfortable.

"It makes me glad you ate enough to be full," Charlie said and Ron frowned. "You're thin, Ron. A little thinner than you were before you left. I can see it in your jawline and shoulders."

Ron didn't notice much difference "I didn't notice," he said. He hadn't since he always tightened his belt on his usual clothes and they were either Charlie's old belts who was a bit stockier than him or Bill's who was lanky like Ron.

"Hm," Charlie hummed.

"I think it's because I'm training with Don and Sol's been teaching me to dance. Everything has been hectic so maybe I haven't been drinking as much as I should," Ron said. He hadn't been drinking more blood than when he was first turned even though he was increasingly more active.

"I don't mean to nag, Ron. I just worry, sorry," he got in reply.

"I didn't use to be the one to worry about," Ron commented and Charlie slapped his palm on Ron's forehead. "Wha-"

"Nope," Charlie then slacked Ron's cheek lightly "there will be no talk like that. Repeat after me, I'm loved by my family very much."

"I know," Ron flushed, shoving Charlie hand off his face.

"Not, I know, say it, Ron."

"Seriously?"

"Yes," Charlie replied "or I'll flick your nose."

"Flick my-" Ron scrunched his nose when Charlie did flick him. "Ouch, okay alright. I'm loved by my family," he grumbled.

"Not loud enough," Charlie said.

"I'm loved by my family very much!" Ron said loudly and Charlie grinned "I'm going to sleep," he said then closed his eyes.

Please Review, it gives me motivation if you want to next chapter sooner! Thanks for reading!