HELLO! First of all, I would like to apologize for the wait. Do any of you have a stupid summer assignment? Well, that's what I was doing... SSOOOO BORING!
BTW, I am writing a story filled with dark creatures, and I don't really know anything about them. (So stupid... Like in my fic here vampires do have wings) Anyway, if I write something wrong about a werewolf, vampire, banshee or other creature, and it's annoying the heck outta you tell me and I'll fix it.
Disclaimer: I don't own. So don't sue. This is getting so dumb. I think I'll put a permanent disclaimer in my bio...zzzzzzz.....
Some Thanks are in order:
DaBear~ Thanks, I do my best.
trojjer~ Please do keep reading.
Lady FireUnicorn~ Thanks, Glad you like my writing style.
Jess S1~ Hiya! You'll see, glad to see you again!
Tisiphone AM~ Please come back again, I hope you like how it develops.
Skysong1~ *big grin* Thanks!
Ducky~ Hey, there you are! Thanks for coming and reading my fic, I really appreciate it, and it boosts my ego, see ya in school!
gual1~ Thank you, I'll try.
Rhysal Ash~ Here's another chapter!
Vicious Lily~ Dark Harry is what I'm shooting for, but it will take me a while to get my idea off the ground and flying.
saakotomaya~ You'll get plenty of surprises in this chapter!
Dark Academy, Chapter 2: Incidents on the Hogwarts Express
Hermione nervously moved her trunk back up onto the rack above her compartment. For a moment she had forgotten she was not disembarking. I'm shaking like a leaf, she observed. She leaned forward and hung out the train window. The train station at Hogsmeade was decorated like a little Christmas card, the scarlet engine puffing merrily into the air. Students were getting off, laughing, as they headed towards the horseless carriages that would bring them back to school from Christmas vacation. But not all the students were returning. Getting cold, Hermione pulled back into the compartment. There were soft sounds down the corridor, then a knock at her door. Neville and Ron slipped in. Their faces looked as white and nervous as she felt.
"Hey, Hermione," Ron greeted with a watery grin. Neville could only nod. "Could we-... Perhaps it would be better if we...shared a compartment?"
"Yes please!" Hermione was glad to hear her own voice was not as shaky as his. At that moment Ginny and surprisingly Cho Chang stumbled in.
"Um, Professor McGonagal said that the... remaining... students should move forward into the first car. They'll just detach the rest of the train," Cho stuttered out. The others just swallowed and nodded to show that they heard. They could hear occasional footsteps in the corridor step into one of the compartments around them.
"Oh, this is ridiculous," Hermione sputtered. "I mean, we'll be seeing Harry again and it's not like there won't be several teachers with us so we should be all right and I'm sure-"
"Hermione," Ron interrupted curtly, "You're babbling." Hermione fell silent. Suddenly McGonagal's voice rang in the air,
"Paredio eradica!" Suddenly the walls around them either dropped into the floor or vanished into thin air. Looking around they could see up and down the length of the car which now consisted of several seats filled with twenty or so students. Professor McGonagal stood at one end a small grim smile forced onto her face.
"I think we would all enjoy each other's company," she informed them. Ginny twisted around to wave to Luna Lovegood several seats back. McGonagal continued, "You have all consented to attend the Dark Academy the second half of the school year. I would like to say that I-and everyone else on the Hogwarts staff-applaud your courage. Usually we would never put students under such questionable safety. However under the circumstances, you, your parents, and the school staff have decided that this will aid you in protecting yourselves and others during these times when...You-Know-Who...attacks us once again. Many of you were chosen because you displayed tremendous bravery last year."
Quite a few students couldn't help but grin. Nearly all of the former members of Dumbledore's Army were there. Parvati and Padma Patil shared a seat with Lavender Brown just behind Dean, Colin, and Dennis Creevey. Farther on Justin Finch-Fletchly and Ernie Macmillan were watching McGonagal intently. Hannah Abbot and Susan Bones were sitting with Luna to one side. Everyone else: Katie Bell, Alicia Spinnet, Angelina Johnson, Anthony Goldstein, Michael Corner, Terry Boot, and Zacharias Smith were scattered about in seats. Only Fred and George were not present; neither was Cho's friend, Marietta.
"You were all warned about the Dark Academy's reputation. I think I can trust you to uphold the ideals of your houses," McGonagal stated. "Loyalty, bravery, a will to learn... Make Hogwarts proud."
"We'll teach 'em what we're made of!" Neville piped up, blushing hotly. Several other cheers joined him. After the students' shouts had quieted down, McGonagal turned to Hermione's raised hand.
"Professor, who will be accompanying us to the Academy besides you?"
"Professor Snape will join us, and Mr. Lupin has volunteered for the job." Lupin's name was greeted with more enthusiastic shouts.
"And-Yes, Miss Granger?
"We will be seeing Harry again, won't we?" McGonagal smiled.
"Yes, we will be meeting him along the way with another student to guide you around the Academy. Which reminds me," she said sharply, "If you ever need help come instantly to me, Professor Lupin, Professor Snape, or Harry. We will take care of the situation. Understood?" Everyone nodded.
"Good." Professor McGonagal stepped off the train to talk with Snape who had just stalked up. All the luggage was put away and the students watched out the windows as the rest of the Hogwarts Express was disconnected and tugged away.
"Moony!" Ron shouted out the window, waving to Lupin.
"Huh?" Terry Boot shot Ron a puzzled look,
"Moony, Mr. Boot," explained Lupin calmly, "is what I asked Ron to call me. The rest of you may do so if you wish."
"Cool!" Dean grinned as he helped Lupin with his trunk. Minutes later Lupin leaned back in his seat as the small train started and gained speed. Hope we're doing the right thing, he thought, bringing all these students to this school. And I hope Harry is all right or I'll never forgive Dumbledore.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The train seemed to chug as softly as possible past the countryside. All around students were quieting down, some hoping to get some sleep before they arrived in the morning. Dean was gathering up his Exploding-Snap deck after 102 games. Lupin was talking with Ron about the Order of the Phoenix's intentions up to date. McGonagal and Snape were at either end of the train car, conversing quietly with students around them. Ginny was curled up beside Hermione staring out the window into the black landscape.
"Wha-What's that?" Ernie Macmillan mumbled incoherently. Lupin, McGonagal, and Snape jumped up almost immediately, wands ready, to peer at what Ernie was pointing at. Outside flying parallel to the train was a pair of cloaked figures on broomsticks. They suddenly veered towards them overhead. Everyone could hear the soft thump as they both landed on the roof of the car. There was a top hatch in the center of the car. This was lifted up and the two figures landed in graceful crouches in front of them.
"Drop your wands and reveal yourselves this instant!" Snape barked, his wand trained on them carefully. Lupin and McGonagal came up behind them. If anyone had not been focusing completely on the intruders, they would have seen that every student had their wand out as well.
"So much for a civil welcome..." an extremely familiar voice sighed. A cold low voice answered, sounding slightly mocking,
"I give them credit though, Potter. It is wisest to be on your guard."
"H-Harry?" Lupin gaped. The hood of the taller figure slipped down. The disheveled black hair, emerald eyes, and lightning scar were unmistakable.
"Harry!" Ron and Hermione yelped. They rushed forward but Lupin beat them. Harry soon found himself caught in a big bear hug.
"Glad to see you, mate!" Ron grinned.
"Oh, Harry..." gasped Hermione.
"Glad to see you again, Potter," Justin Finch-Fletchly called out.
Lupin suddenly stood back and held his best friend's son at arms length. Harry was taller now, and had filled out a bit more-no longer his skinny self. He was no longer wearing his glasses. His expression was tired, like it had been at the end of last year. However, there was a strange light in Harry's eyes that flashed so suddenly he wondered if it was his imagination. Harry grinned, one that lit up his face and seemed to reach into the depths of his eyes.
"Are you satisfied that I am quite well, Professor?" Lupin smiled. Harry looked content, if not happy, and the Dark Academy went up several notches in Lupin's approval.
"Don't call me Professor, Harry. Moony for now." Harry raised a single eyebrow, and Lupin wondered where he had gotten that expression.
"Moony, the werewolf?" Everyone glanced up at Harry's companion who had not revealed his or her face yet. "You certainly are an improvement compared to Jennor."
"Yes," Said Harry calmly, "This is Remus Lupin. Moony, this is..." for a moment Harry seemed uncomfortable, a slight frown on his face.
"Kali. My name is Kali." The figure cut in smoothly, to hide Harry's hesitation.
"Kali who?" inquired Snape sharply. His eyes fixed on her. It definitely was a her.
"Just Kali. You are Professor Snape, are you not?" Snape nodded curtly. "Well, it is a pleasure to meet you. Until I know you better I'm sure..." She turned back to Harry.
"I'll go ahead and open up the West Wing for their use. Bring them up there when you arrive. I'm sure your... classmates, will want to talk to you. And try not to get in to trouble, Wonder Boy."
"Don't. Call. Me. That!" Harry responded heatedly, just as there was a sharp crack and the figure disappeared. There was startled silence for a moment as Harry fumed.
"Umm, Harry?" Harry spun around to face a timid Colin. "Who's Jennor?" Harry relaxed.
"A BIG pain. Also a werewolf." Everyone threw anxious glances at each other.
"So, Harry... What's this place like?" Ron asked.
"Are there anymore werewolves there?" Lavender asked nervously. McGonagal motioned that they all sit down.
"Uh, no. No more werewolves anyway..." Harry said slowly. "So, what do you want to know?"
"What'll our classes be?" piped up Hermione to no one's surprise.
"You'll be studying Ancient Runes, Espionage, Physical Defense, Magical Defense, Illusions, Study of the Races, Theory of Magic, Empathy Control, Elementals, Dark Artifacts, Kything, Tessering, Poisons, Necromancy..." Harry stopped as he saw his eyes grow big and his teachers frown. "It's not as bad as you might think..."
"Oh, okay then," Parvati stuttered.
"The teachers aren't too bad unless they decide from the start they don't like you from the start, which doesn't happen very often," Harry offered. "And I think there is even a muggle-born there, too."
"But Harry... Don't most of the students and staff support... You-Know-Who?' McGonagal asked, still frowning.
"NO." said Harry adamantly. Everyone stared at him in faint disbelief. He gave them a watery smile.
"They... they're too proud. Unless they choose to respect you or fear you they don't take orders from anyone. They consider serving someone else beneath them, and there is not one student there that fears him. Something about the dark Lord not having enough style..." Everyone was still staring at him. Neville's mouth was open wide.
"Look," Harry sighed, "You'll only get it if you see for yourselves. A few of the students there aren't half bad."
"Okay, Harry, we'll take your word for it," Hermione stated quietly. Harry smiled. It was nice to know they still trusted him. You didn't get a lot of trust at the Academy. Just then Padma Patil shrieked.
"THERE IS-IS SOMEONE-" Harry spun around and groaned as he caught sight of a familiar face. McGonagal was already retaliating.
"Stupi-"
"-Don't!" Harry shouted dragging her arm down. He dived forward and laid a hand on Padma shoulder, "Relax." Padma abruptly stopped screaming and a dreamy, restful expression floated across her face. Harry turned to the window and pulled it open. Blue-black hair flew messily around an unearthly pale gray face in which two swirling silvery eyes burned. The vampire grinned lopsidedly at Harry as he clung easily onto the side of the train.
"Fancy meeting you here, Potter," he slurred. Harry snorted as alcoholic breath washed over him. He knew that behind him his friends and teachers were staring in stunned horror at his... acquaintance.
"You know perfectly well why I'm here, Darkflight. And one would think that a 551-year old idiot would know not to chug down a glass so quickly," Harry responded icily. Darkflight however was staring, no, leering at Cho Chang at the moment. In the back of her mind Hermione wondered why the vampire was so old. He didn't look a day over eighteen. Oh, yeah. They're semi-immortal and stop aging...
"You're a tour guide tonight?" Darkflight chortled.
"You are definitely drunk. Bugger off and annoy someone else. Your superior and Attolia aren't going to be happy with you. You're disgusting when you're drunk."
"Oh, but Attolia likes me mellow... hic! I t-think so..." the vampire spluttered. He was swinging dizzily and the night breeze flowing past the train wasn't helping his balance any.
"Well, I like you better when you're sober and cynical!" Harry retorted pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.
"Rreeaallyy... I didn't know you swung that way, Potter." Hermione watched as a tick appeared in Harry's eye and his mouth form a grim line. His expression became even more frightening than Snape's when Neville blew up a cauldron. Darkflight didn't notice. He was too busy gloating over at Katie Bell.
"Darkflight..." Harry's voice was now low and dangerous.
"Huh?" The vampire turned just in time for Harry's fist to connect squarely with his face, followed by a horrible crunching sound.
"Owwowow!" Darkflight went spinning off into the trees, wobbling for a moment or two before spreading a pair of midnight bat wings, "What the heck was that for?" He bellowed. Harry leaned out the window to give his response.
"Just adding a little more pain to the headache you'll get by morning!" he bellowed. Not that he'll learn anything... Harry slid back in and shut the window with a bang. He turned around to a stunned audience.
"Uummm, sorry about that." Couldn't his life ever be normal? No sooner do they get used to the whole Boy-Who-Lived thing, than he gives them another reason to stare.
"Are there more characters like that near the school, Harry?" Lupin finally asked in the silence. Harry sighed. Here we go, he thought.
"Actually, that was one of my classmates," he stuttered. More silence. "He and another vampire, Bryron, live and study at the school."
"Ohh..." Harry felt his face redden. Snape took a deep breath, but an irate McGonagal beat him to the question, "What else attends this school, Mr. Potter?"
"You'll see," Harry answered.
"Harry?"
"Yeah, Neville?"
"Is that it?"
"Yes." Outside the turrets of a dark castle rose up through the trees. It wasn't at all like Hogwarts. Hogwarts gave you the feeling of adventure and home. The walls, roofs, and grotesque gargoyles certainly gave the feeling of adventure, but a dangerous one. These walls filled with dark windows and shadowy ledges told you that this place was drenched with secrets. The train slowed to a stop.
"You can leave your stuff here," Harry stated quietly as he stepped out into the bare ground just inside the walls. Not saying a word, they followed him. Up a set of step leading up onto what seemed to be an expansive stone plateau. A stone circle, a stonehedge, had been erected in the center. Strange runes and symbols were etched onto the surface. Walking together they followed Harry around it. Ron shuddered there were large black spots on the ground that could only be blood. Harry, however, didn't seem to notice it at all. They entered an ivy-covered door on the opposite side of the stone hill and up another set of steps. Harry then stopped in front of a pair of ornate bronze doors that opened up to reveal a long stone hallway, twenty doors on either side. Harry stepped back so that they all could come into the hallway.
"The castle is huge and there are not many students as at Hogwarts," he murmured quietly, "So you will all be able to have your own bedroom. Your luggage is already there. I'll come round in the before breakfast, to show you around. Goodnight, or, I should be saying good morning."
Just as Professor McGonagal was about to ask him a question, Harry's form suddenly shimmered, as if in a mirage, and vanished into thin air.
BTW, I am writing a story filled with dark creatures, and I don't really know anything about them. (So stupid... Like in my fic here vampires do have wings) Anyway, if I write something wrong about a werewolf, vampire, banshee or other creature, and it's annoying the heck outta you tell me and I'll fix it.
Disclaimer: I don't own. So don't sue. This is getting so dumb. I think I'll put a permanent disclaimer in my bio...zzzzzzz.....
Some Thanks are in order:
DaBear~ Thanks, I do my best.
trojjer~ Please do keep reading.
Lady FireUnicorn~ Thanks, Glad you like my writing style.
Jess S1~ Hiya! You'll see, glad to see you again!
Tisiphone AM~ Please come back again, I hope you like how it develops.
Skysong1~ *big grin* Thanks!
Ducky~ Hey, there you are! Thanks for coming and reading my fic, I really appreciate it, and it boosts my ego, see ya in school!
gual1~ Thank you, I'll try.
Rhysal Ash~ Here's another chapter!
Vicious Lily~ Dark Harry is what I'm shooting for, but it will take me a while to get my idea off the ground and flying.
saakotomaya~ You'll get plenty of surprises in this chapter!
Dark Academy, Chapter 2: Incidents on the Hogwarts Express
Hermione nervously moved her trunk back up onto the rack above her compartment. For a moment she had forgotten she was not disembarking. I'm shaking like a leaf, she observed. She leaned forward and hung out the train window. The train station at Hogsmeade was decorated like a little Christmas card, the scarlet engine puffing merrily into the air. Students were getting off, laughing, as they headed towards the horseless carriages that would bring them back to school from Christmas vacation. But not all the students were returning. Getting cold, Hermione pulled back into the compartment. There were soft sounds down the corridor, then a knock at her door. Neville and Ron slipped in. Their faces looked as white and nervous as she felt.
"Hey, Hermione," Ron greeted with a watery grin. Neville could only nod. "Could we-... Perhaps it would be better if we...shared a compartment?"
"Yes please!" Hermione was glad to hear her own voice was not as shaky as his. At that moment Ginny and surprisingly Cho Chang stumbled in.
"Um, Professor McGonagal said that the... remaining... students should move forward into the first car. They'll just detach the rest of the train," Cho stuttered out. The others just swallowed and nodded to show that they heard. They could hear occasional footsteps in the corridor step into one of the compartments around them.
"Oh, this is ridiculous," Hermione sputtered. "I mean, we'll be seeing Harry again and it's not like there won't be several teachers with us so we should be all right and I'm sure-"
"Hermione," Ron interrupted curtly, "You're babbling." Hermione fell silent. Suddenly McGonagal's voice rang in the air,
"Paredio eradica!" Suddenly the walls around them either dropped into the floor or vanished into thin air. Looking around they could see up and down the length of the car which now consisted of several seats filled with twenty or so students. Professor McGonagal stood at one end a small grim smile forced onto her face.
"I think we would all enjoy each other's company," she informed them. Ginny twisted around to wave to Luna Lovegood several seats back. McGonagal continued, "You have all consented to attend the Dark Academy the second half of the school year. I would like to say that I-and everyone else on the Hogwarts staff-applaud your courage. Usually we would never put students under such questionable safety. However under the circumstances, you, your parents, and the school staff have decided that this will aid you in protecting yourselves and others during these times when...You-Know-Who...attacks us once again. Many of you were chosen because you displayed tremendous bravery last year."
Quite a few students couldn't help but grin. Nearly all of the former members of Dumbledore's Army were there. Parvati and Padma Patil shared a seat with Lavender Brown just behind Dean, Colin, and Dennis Creevey. Farther on Justin Finch-Fletchly and Ernie Macmillan were watching McGonagal intently. Hannah Abbot and Susan Bones were sitting with Luna to one side. Everyone else: Katie Bell, Alicia Spinnet, Angelina Johnson, Anthony Goldstein, Michael Corner, Terry Boot, and Zacharias Smith were scattered about in seats. Only Fred and George were not present; neither was Cho's friend, Marietta.
"You were all warned about the Dark Academy's reputation. I think I can trust you to uphold the ideals of your houses," McGonagal stated. "Loyalty, bravery, a will to learn... Make Hogwarts proud."
"We'll teach 'em what we're made of!" Neville piped up, blushing hotly. Several other cheers joined him. After the students' shouts had quieted down, McGonagal turned to Hermione's raised hand.
"Professor, who will be accompanying us to the Academy besides you?"
"Professor Snape will join us, and Mr. Lupin has volunteered for the job." Lupin's name was greeted with more enthusiastic shouts.
"And-Yes, Miss Granger?
"We will be seeing Harry again, won't we?" McGonagal smiled.
"Yes, we will be meeting him along the way with another student to guide you around the Academy. Which reminds me," she said sharply, "If you ever need help come instantly to me, Professor Lupin, Professor Snape, or Harry. We will take care of the situation. Understood?" Everyone nodded.
"Good." Professor McGonagal stepped off the train to talk with Snape who had just stalked up. All the luggage was put away and the students watched out the windows as the rest of the Hogwarts Express was disconnected and tugged away.
"Moony!" Ron shouted out the window, waving to Lupin.
"Huh?" Terry Boot shot Ron a puzzled look,
"Moony, Mr. Boot," explained Lupin calmly, "is what I asked Ron to call me. The rest of you may do so if you wish."
"Cool!" Dean grinned as he helped Lupin with his trunk. Minutes later Lupin leaned back in his seat as the small train started and gained speed. Hope we're doing the right thing, he thought, bringing all these students to this school. And I hope Harry is all right or I'll never forgive Dumbledore.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The train seemed to chug as softly as possible past the countryside. All around students were quieting down, some hoping to get some sleep before they arrived in the morning. Dean was gathering up his Exploding-Snap deck after 102 games. Lupin was talking with Ron about the Order of the Phoenix's intentions up to date. McGonagal and Snape were at either end of the train car, conversing quietly with students around them. Ginny was curled up beside Hermione staring out the window into the black landscape.
"Wha-What's that?" Ernie Macmillan mumbled incoherently. Lupin, McGonagal, and Snape jumped up almost immediately, wands ready, to peer at what Ernie was pointing at. Outside flying parallel to the train was a pair of cloaked figures on broomsticks. They suddenly veered towards them overhead. Everyone could hear the soft thump as they both landed on the roof of the car. There was a top hatch in the center of the car. This was lifted up and the two figures landed in graceful crouches in front of them.
"Drop your wands and reveal yourselves this instant!" Snape barked, his wand trained on them carefully. Lupin and McGonagal came up behind them. If anyone had not been focusing completely on the intruders, they would have seen that every student had their wand out as well.
"So much for a civil welcome..." an extremely familiar voice sighed. A cold low voice answered, sounding slightly mocking,
"I give them credit though, Potter. It is wisest to be on your guard."
"H-Harry?" Lupin gaped. The hood of the taller figure slipped down. The disheveled black hair, emerald eyes, and lightning scar were unmistakable.
"Harry!" Ron and Hermione yelped. They rushed forward but Lupin beat them. Harry soon found himself caught in a big bear hug.
"Glad to see you, mate!" Ron grinned.
"Oh, Harry..." gasped Hermione.
"Glad to see you again, Potter," Justin Finch-Fletchly called out.
Lupin suddenly stood back and held his best friend's son at arms length. Harry was taller now, and had filled out a bit more-no longer his skinny self. He was no longer wearing his glasses. His expression was tired, like it had been at the end of last year. However, there was a strange light in Harry's eyes that flashed so suddenly he wondered if it was his imagination. Harry grinned, one that lit up his face and seemed to reach into the depths of his eyes.
"Are you satisfied that I am quite well, Professor?" Lupin smiled. Harry looked content, if not happy, and the Dark Academy went up several notches in Lupin's approval.
"Don't call me Professor, Harry. Moony for now." Harry raised a single eyebrow, and Lupin wondered where he had gotten that expression.
"Moony, the werewolf?" Everyone glanced up at Harry's companion who had not revealed his or her face yet. "You certainly are an improvement compared to Jennor."
"Yes," Said Harry calmly, "This is Remus Lupin. Moony, this is..." for a moment Harry seemed uncomfortable, a slight frown on his face.
"Kali. My name is Kali." The figure cut in smoothly, to hide Harry's hesitation.
"Kali who?" inquired Snape sharply. His eyes fixed on her. It definitely was a her.
"Just Kali. You are Professor Snape, are you not?" Snape nodded curtly. "Well, it is a pleasure to meet you. Until I know you better I'm sure..." She turned back to Harry.
"I'll go ahead and open up the West Wing for their use. Bring them up there when you arrive. I'm sure your... classmates, will want to talk to you. And try not to get in to trouble, Wonder Boy."
"Don't. Call. Me. That!" Harry responded heatedly, just as there was a sharp crack and the figure disappeared. There was startled silence for a moment as Harry fumed.
"Umm, Harry?" Harry spun around to face a timid Colin. "Who's Jennor?" Harry relaxed.
"A BIG pain. Also a werewolf." Everyone threw anxious glances at each other.
"So, Harry... What's this place like?" Ron asked.
"Are there anymore werewolves there?" Lavender asked nervously. McGonagal motioned that they all sit down.
"Uh, no. No more werewolves anyway..." Harry said slowly. "So, what do you want to know?"
"What'll our classes be?" piped up Hermione to no one's surprise.
"You'll be studying Ancient Runes, Espionage, Physical Defense, Magical Defense, Illusions, Study of the Races, Theory of Magic, Empathy Control, Elementals, Dark Artifacts, Kything, Tessering, Poisons, Necromancy..." Harry stopped as he saw his eyes grow big and his teachers frown. "It's not as bad as you might think..."
"Oh, okay then," Parvati stuttered.
"The teachers aren't too bad unless they decide from the start they don't like you from the start, which doesn't happen very often," Harry offered. "And I think there is even a muggle-born there, too."
"But Harry... Don't most of the students and staff support... You-Know-Who?' McGonagal asked, still frowning.
"NO." said Harry adamantly. Everyone stared at him in faint disbelief. He gave them a watery smile.
"They... they're too proud. Unless they choose to respect you or fear you they don't take orders from anyone. They consider serving someone else beneath them, and there is not one student there that fears him. Something about the dark Lord not having enough style..." Everyone was still staring at him. Neville's mouth was open wide.
"Look," Harry sighed, "You'll only get it if you see for yourselves. A few of the students there aren't half bad."
"Okay, Harry, we'll take your word for it," Hermione stated quietly. Harry smiled. It was nice to know they still trusted him. You didn't get a lot of trust at the Academy. Just then Padma Patil shrieked.
"THERE IS-IS SOMEONE-" Harry spun around and groaned as he caught sight of a familiar face. McGonagal was already retaliating.
"Stupi-"
"-Don't!" Harry shouted dragging her arm down. He dived forward and laid a hand on Padma shoulder, "Relax." Padma abruptly stopped screaming and a dreamy, restful expression floated across her face. Harry turned to the window and pulled it open. Blue-black hair flew messily around an unearthly pale gray face in which two swirling silvery eyes burned. The vampire grinned lopsidedly at Harry as he clung easily onto the side of the train.
"Fancy meeting you here, Potter," he slurred. Harry snorted as alcoholic breath washed over him. He knew that behind him his friends and teachers were staring in stunned horror at his... acquaintance.
"You know perfectly well why I'm here, Darkflight. And one would think that a 551-year old idiot would know not to chug down a glass so quickly," Harry responded icily. Darkflight however was staring, no, leering at Cho Chang at the moment. In the back of her mind Hermione wondered why the vampire was so old. He didn't look a day over eighteen. Oh, yeah. They're semi-immortal and stop aging...
"You're a tour guide tonight?" Darkflight chortled.
"You are definitely drunk. Bugger off and annoy someone else. Your superior and Attolia aren't going to be happy with you. You're disgusting when you're drunk."
"Oh, but Attolia likes me mellow... hic! I t-think so..." the vampire spluttered. He was swinging dizzily and the night breeze flowing past the train wasn't helping his balance any.
"Well, I like you better when you're sober and cynical!" Harry retorted pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.
"Rreeaallyy... I didn't know you swung that way, Potter." Hermione watched as a tick appeared in Harry's eye and his mouth form a grim line. His expression became even more frightening than Snape's when Neville blew up a cauldron. Darkflight didn't notice. He was too busy gloating over at Katie Bell.
"Darkflight..." Harry's voice was now low and dangerous.
"Huh?" The vampire turned just in time for Harry's fist to connect squarely with his face, followed by a horrible crunching sound.
"Owwowow!" Darkflight went spinning off into the trees, wobbling for a moment or two before spreading a pair of midnight bat wings, "What the heck was that for?" He bellowed. Harry leaned out the window to give his response.
"Just adding a little more pain to the headache you'll get by morning!" he bellowed. Not that he'll learn anything... Harry slid back in and shut the window with a bang. He turned around to a stunned audience.
"Uummm, sorry about that." Couldn't his life ever be normal? No sooner do they get used to the whole Boy-Who-Lived thing, than he gives them another reason to stare.
"Are there more characters like that near the school, Harry?" Lupin finally asked in the silence. Harry sighed. Here we go, he thought.
"Actually, that was one of my classmates," he stuttered. More silence. "He and another vampire, Bryron, live and study at the school."
"Ohh..." Harry felt his face redden. Snape took a deep breath, but an irate McGonagal beat him to the question, "What else attends this school, Mr. Potter?"
"You'll see," Harry answered.
"Harry?"
"Yeah, Neville?"
"Is that it?"
"Yes." Outside the turrets of a dark castle rose up through the trees. It wasn't at all like Hogwarts. Hogwarts gave you the feeling of adventure and home. The walls, roofs, and grotesque gargoyles certainly gave the feeling of adventure, but a dangerous one. These walls filled with dark windows and shadowy ledges told you that this place was drenched with secrets. The train slowed to a stop.
"You can leave your stuff here," Harry stated quietly as he stepped out into the bare ground just inside the walls. Not saying a word, they followed him. Up a set of step leading up onto what seemed to be an expansive stone plateau. A stone circle, a stonehedge, had been erected in the center. Strange runes and symbols were etched onto the surface. Walking together they followed Harry around it. Ron shuddered there were large black spots on the ground that could only be blood. Harry, however, didn't seem to notice it at all. They entered an ivy-covered door on the opposite side of the stone hill and up another set of steps. Harry then stopped in front of a pair of ornate bronze doors that opened up to reveal a long stone hallway, twenty doors on either side. Harry stepped back so that they all could come into the hallway.
"The castle is huge and there are not many students as at Hogwarts," he murmured quietly, "So you will all be able to have your own bedroom. Your luggage is already there. I'll come round in the before breakfast, to show you around. Goodnight, or, I should be saying good morning."
Just as Professor McGonagal was about to ask him a question, Harry's form suddenly shimmered, as if in a mirage, and vanished into thin air.
