Chapter 3:
Vladimir Dracula, the Chosen One, was sat in the training room at Garside Grange trying to read the book Vampire Clans. It was times like these he really regretted dusting Bertrand.
"Brooding is thirsty work" Ingrid spoke as she flitted to Vlad's side with a bottle and a couple of glasses in her hands.
"I'm reading not brooding" Vlad pointed out holding his book up "What do you want anyway?" he asked as Ingrid poured out two drinks.
"umm" Ingrid smacked her lips "French Aristocrat, you can really taste the fear". Vlad was staring at her. "oh I think you should request the VHC's files on the wizards"
"Huum. You're a member of the High Council why don't you simply request them?" when Ingrid said nothing "they don't respect you because you're a girl. Tell me I'm wrong". Vlad thought for a moment "you already requested them but they wouldn't let you look at them" Ingrid just nodded "still looking at the files isn't a bad idea on the whole" He stopped to think for another moment "RENFEILD!"
After a few moments the human servant can running into the training room gasping for breath "Yes Master Vlad" he got out between breaths.
"Can you fetch some paper and a pen oh and the family seal"
"Paper, pen and seal right" and he took off running again.
Vlad, while waiting for Renfield to return, decided to a take a drink from the glass that Ingrid poured for him. He had just finished the glass when Renfield re-entered the room, he put the pen and paper in front of Vlad, he dutifully waited at the side as Vlad wrote
'Whoever holds this note acts in my name. Render them whatever assistance they require.
Vladimir Dracula, Chosen One.
P.S failure to comply and I will personally drive a stake through your heart'
Vlad held out his hand "seal". Renfield then gave it to him. Vlad held the seal in his hand, his eyes went red and the seal glowed with heat. He then slowly pressed the seal onto the paper. He returned the now cool seal to Renfield and gave the paper a once over before he proceeded to hand it to Ingrid. Who read it herself with a smirk and then turned to leave "leave the bottle" Vlad said before Ingrid flitted away.
Three figures, dressed in black, popped into existence just outside the gates of Garside Grange with a loud crack. They walked across the courtyard toward the door leading to the living quarters, not seeing the eyes of the gargoyles glowing red. "why do we have to come to filth infested place, the bloodsuckers should come to us" one of the men said but was quickly cut off by the one of his compatriots "because Carrow the Dark Lord has commanded it" Lucius Malfoy said firmly.
Lucius proceeded to step forward and with an air of supreme confidence nocked on the door with his serpent headed cane which created three sharp, loud knocks. After a minute the door was opened by a foul smelling bald, dressed loosely in servant's clothes. "what do you want?" Malfoy quick to take in the situation "we have business with your master" he said firmly"
"Business with the Master" confusion evident in his voice.
"Stand aside filth" said Evan Rosier, one of the figures in black. Renfield was pushed aside
"Better not speak to the master like that, the master will have your guts for garters" Renfield got out while cowering in the corner.
"WHAT IS ALL THAT NOISE!" a voice thundered "who dares enter my home and of their free will. Well done Renfield" the Count said with laughter.
"They said they had business with you master" Renfield said as he moved to hide behind his master
"Business with me, what business could I possibly have with Breathers" the Count then turned to face the three Death Eaters "well speak" he commanded.
Lucius summed up or all confidence and said "Count Dracula we come on behalf of the Dark Lord to discuss an alliance that would be mutually beneficial to us both" he explained in his smoothest, slickest voice.
"Oh well best do this over refreshments" clear disappoint was in the Count's voice "Renfield uncork a Duke and I suppose you best get something for the breathers as well" the servant hurried of to complete his tasks.
"Breathers" Carrow demanded
"well you are, filthy disgusting breathers even if you do have a magic" the Count walked towards his throne visibly amused with three annoyed wizards that were steadily growing angrier following behind him. Upon entering the room, the Count went and sat himself on his throne while the three wizards stood awkwardly before him. Malfoy began "the Dark Lord proposes …"
"Why should I care what some wizard wants, the last I interacted with your kind was three hundred years ago were some very disgruntled wizards were trying to dust me" the Count interrupted.
"A mutually be beneficial …." Lucius tried before being cut off again
"So you keep saying but you have yet say how"
The conservation was derailed once more by the arrival of Renfield with his silver trolley of refreshments which then dutifully laid out on the table before bringing his master a bottle and pouring him a glass. "umm Duke of Savoy 1792 a very good vintage" the Count said to himself while the Death Eaters where looking at the food they had been provided looks akin to disgust and revulsion.
"Now where were we?" the Count asked
Lucius Malfoy sensing that this was going nowhere came up with an idea "I would like to offer you an invitation to a private little get together we are having tomorrow at my home tomorrow where we be able to discuss matters properly" the Count and the Death Eaters came to an agreement and the wizards left the building and vanished with a crack from their disapparition.
"Why do I have to go" Vlad demanded of his father.
"Because I am your father and I have decided that the two of you will go" the Count said firmly. Ingrid looked shocked "I'm going as well"
"Well I'm not sending Vladimir into danger alone"
"Still don't see why you aren't going as you were the one who was invited" Vlad said
"I am far to busy to attend"
"Master has an important meeting with Miss McCauley" Renfield butted in from the corner.
"Anyway as it is tomorrow night, that leaves plenty of time for the two of you to go through all the files that Ingrid has filled my study with" he finished with a glare at his daughter.