Disclaimer: I own only the obvious, the rest belongs to JK Rowling.
Authors Note: Thanks for all the reviews. Hope you like this chapter as much as the last.
-Chapter Six-
Harry had almost fallen asleep when the vampires finally showed up; first in through the window was Cian, followed by a beautiful woman with the same hair and eye colour. She was wearing the latest fashion of black wizard business-robes, decorated with silver and gold intricate patterns. Her name was Pyralis.
He had barely had time to properly introduce himself to her, when another head popped up over the windowsill. Pale skin stretched over sharp cheekbones, framed by midnight black, shoulder-long hair. The blue eyes were cold and emotionless.
//Mr Potter,// Cian began. //This is Zev. Following him is Athan, and the last one is Ramsis.//
Harry nodded politely to all the vampires in the room. While the first four were pale as marble, Ramsis had nicely toned skin and amber coloured eyes. The long black hair was kept in a neat ponytail, and the man himself was wearing a nice, fashionable suit.
//I know what you're thinking Mr Potter,// Harry looked at Ramsis. //And you're right. I am not fully vampire, but half and half.// The man smiled at him, and Harry nodded in understanding.
//So, what brings the five of you here to my humble home?// Harry asked. Cian had sat down in the chair that stood by the desk; Athan, Zev and Ramsis on the old bed, and Pyralis sat down in mid-air. He suddenly realised how weird it must've been for the Zabini's when he had done that.
//Business Mr Potter,// Cian replied lightly. //We want to know what happened at the end of the TriWizard Tournament two years ago.//
//It was in the Daily Prophet, so why do you need to hear it from me?//
//We want to know how the Dark Lord came back to life.// The blue-eyed vampire, Zev, said bluntly. //It was either asking you or that Snape- fellow.//
'You better tell them,' the voice said, 'they'll prove useful in the upcoming war.'
And Harry did just that, avoiding some parts and adding some others. By the end of the tale, all the vampires were looking thoughtful. Cian and Pyralis were trying to remember if they had ever come across a spell like that, and Zev and Athan were arguing quietly whether it was possible to do that or not.
'And I thought Malfoy and Ron had it bad!' Harry thought in amusement as he watched them.
//Don't mind them.// He turned and faced Ramsis. //They do that every time their paths cross, no matter if it's in the middle of a war or if the sunrise is just moments away.//
//They remind me of two boys in school,// Harry said, amusement evident in his voice. //So, what side are the vampires going to take, Voldemort's or Dumbledore's?//
//They don't know yet,// Ramsis answered. //They're currently trying to find out who has the best chance of winning the whole thing, but I think most of them will side with Dumbledore.// Harry nodded in understanding. //Last time almost all of them sided with the Dark Lord, and the only thing they got out of it was to get more than half the vampire population killed.//
//Sad years indeed,// Zev commented from his place at the bed, Athan was looking smugly triumphant. //And the fact that the Slayer Organisation stuck their overgrown noses into it didn't help our cause.//
//And what cause is that?// Harry asked.
//Don't listen to him,// Athan shot in. //He's always messing with other peoples minds.//
//And who was the one running headless through the Tower of London in a dress?//
//It wasn't my fault that the fledglings chopped my head off, though it was fun.//
//If you enjoy going around headless, I'd be happy to help you lose it again!//
//Boys!// the two of them turned to Pyralis, looking like first years caught red-handed in the middle of a prank. //Behave yourself, will you? We're not here to scare young Mr Potter, but to see what side we should take in this war.//
//Sorry.//
Harry met Cian's eyes and the First Vampire winked to him, amusement written all over the porcelain-like face.
//Now, now, everyone,// the old vampire said, //the dawn is but a few hours away, and I know that none of you have fed tonight.// It wasn't a suggestion, but a direct order and the other four vampires quickly disappeared through the window and into the night after they had bid Harry goodbye.
//What a bunch.// Harry said and looked at Cian. The vampire was watching him closely, searching for something. //What did you want to talk about?// he asked after a while in silence. Those golden, unwavering eyes gave him the creeps.
//Straight to the case, eh? Very well, tell me this Mr Potter, who do you think has the best chance of winning this war?//
//Dumbledore's side.// Harry replied at once, putting all his hopes on one single card.
//And why is that?//
//As you said Cian, they have a powerful Pretender on their side.//
-------------------------
Severus sighed as he put the pen down. He knew he shouldn't have postponed going through the fourth years tests, they were even worse than usual! Even Longbottom's had been better and that said something.
He sighed again and rubbed his hands over his face. It was in the middle of the night and he was correcting wasted pieces of good parchment. Where were the Death Eaters or Rex Chase when you needed a break? And to make things worse, a bloody headache was beginning to make its presence known.
'You do know that you don't have to finish all those...things tonight?' his inner voice said to him. 'Why don't you just go to bed, or take a nice long stroll on the grounds? That always calmed you before.'
'First step towards madness: having an inner voice.'
'But it is a good idea; and look, you're already halfway towards the Entrance Hall!'
'Second step towards madness: said voice has a personality of its own.'
'You should write a book about that. 'Ten Easy Steps to Madness' by Severus Snape.'
'Oh, good God.'
How he had got all the way to the lake, and why he'd gone there was beyond him. He suspected that Albus had something to do with it; the old Headmaster was probably sitting in his office, munching on a Sherbet Lemon and happily manipulating people here and there. Why he always ended up with the maniacs was a question he had asked himself more than once each day.
First you had the friendship with Malfoy in school. The power-addicted idiot had nearly gotten him killed several times, but he'd never had the guts to stand up to the boy and had been the silent shadow that followed Malfoy around.
Then there was Voldemort. Enough said about that case.
And last, but not least, there was Dumbledore. Lady Luck really hated him for some reason or other.
'You forgot to mention Rex Chase.'
Chase was a category of his own. The man was loyal as a Hufflepuff, smart as a Ravenclaw, cunning and sarcastic as a Slytherin, and stupid and impulsive as a Gryffindor. Not to mention that he was powerful. Those five things combined could very well cause the apocalypse, and he wouldn't put it past Chase for trying. The crazy idiot had walked straight into the Dark Lords fortress, got hold of him and walked straight out. Without anyone noticing until it was too late.
'Though you must admit that it was fun to see him get the better of Fudge, and get away with it.'
'Which side are you on?' Severus asked annoyed as he headed back towards the castle, and the security of his dungeons.
'Third step towards madness: discussing with the voice inhabiting your head.'
-------------------------
Harry and Cian had been telepathically talking all night long, both sharing some of their experiences with the other. The First Vampire was extremely interested in what had happened in Harry's first, second, third and fifth year, and the green-eyed teen had told him some of it. The man had laughed when Harry had told him about the tricks he, in the disguise of Rex Chase, had pulled on Snape.
//So, young one,// Cian had said when he was finished laughing. //When are we going to talk to Dumbledore?//
//We?// Harry asked. //I knew there was going too be a catch along the line somewhere.//
//Of course there would. I need to talk with the Headmaster, but I highly doubt that Hogwarts herself would let me in if I wasn't with someone that Dumbledore trusted.//
//Hold it! You mean to tell me that Hogwarts is alive?!//
//Of course she is, how else do you think that the corridors and doors can change places? Or the moving staircases? Or the fact that a stone gargoyle is guarding the entrance to the Headmasters office?//
//I don't know, never really thought about it.// Harry replied. //I guess I thought it was one of those unexplainable, weird magic things.//
//Oh no, young one, you're highly mistaken there. When the Four Founders first built the castle, each of them weaved some of their personality, magical essence and life-force into the fundamental stones the school was built up on; that's how the house common rooms were created by the way.//
//I guess you should know that better than anyone huh?//
//You guessed right,// Cian replied. //I was there myself, watching over them while they were building it. So, how are we going to get into the school?//
Before Harry could answer his aunts voice reached them, telling him to get down that instant and make breakfast for Vernon and Dudley or there wouldn't be any food for him until dinner.
//Lovely family you have there Mr Potter.// The vampire commented.
//Oh, shut up.// Harry thought quickly for a few minutes. //Hey, I have an idea, but I'll need your help.//
//Sure, sure, but what about the talk with-//
//Well, I guess this is a good time as any to go talk with him, but first we need to get past my...um...charming guardians.//
//Alright, what's the plan?//
-------------------------
Petunia was happily humming and cooking food for her husband and her son. If that little, abnormal brat didn't want breakfast or lunch, it was his own fault. Her little Dudders needed to eat before they sent him back to that awful school, Smeltings. Imagine that they had forced the little angel to go to karate and dance clubs, and that they had said that he was fat. Hah! The boy was growing, he needed a lot of food.
Vernon was reading the paper and Dudley was busy babbling about the date he had that evening.
"Don't worry pumpkin," Petunia said to him as she put his breakfast in front of him. "Today we'll go out and buy you a brand new suit." She sighed happily. "Imagine that my little boy has grown up into a wonderful gentleman."
"Now, now, dear," Vernon didn't even look up from the paper. "Don't start crying again. Where is that dratted boy?" he looked towards the stairs. "If he isn't here within the next two minutes, I'm going up there to get him, abnormal nonsense or not!" Just then two pair of footsteps could be heard coming down the stairs, and a second later two strangers in robes walked into the kitchen.
The woman was wearing a green robe with a golden leaf-pattern at the hems. Her black hair was piled on her head in an elegant beautiful bun, and the brown eyes were twinkling merrily. The man at her side was wearing a deep forest-green robe, also with golden leaf-patterns all over; the white hair hung to the middle of his back, and the golden eyes shone with wild, untameable power.
They looked like a king and queen.
"We are here to tell you that Harry won't be home today," the woman said, her voice sounding like a breeze through the leafs. "He's going with us to get hold of his school supplies."
"W-wh-who are you?" Vernon, her brave, brave husband, asked.
"I'm Cheney, and this is my wife Xylona." The man replied in the same kind of voice as the woman. "Have a nice day." Both of them disappeared with a 'pop', leaving the Dursley's to look confused at each other, and Dudley to close his mouth.
-------------------------
//That was fun.// Cian said as the two of them appeared on the road to Hogwarts. //Now, do that little handy magic of yours and change these stupid robes back into my own clothes! Oh, and could you shorten the hair while you're at it?//
//Watch it vampire,// Harry replied as he took out his wand and did just what the other had asked of him. //I'm not someone you can control or boss around as you do with the other vampires.// On second thought he added a golden ring on the vampires hand, and one on his own.
//What are these for?//
//If someone asks, we're married, and need to speak to Dumbledore about protection for the rest of the family.// He replied.
//Good idea.// They began walking up towards the castle. //You know what's weird?//
//What?//
//That I know that you're a male, and still am talking to a female.//
Harry chuckled at the vampires reply.
//Messes up your view of the world, doesn't it?// he asked as he knocked on the door to the castle. Almost instantly it was opened by McGonagall. The Deputy Headmistress looked them suspiciously up and down. "We need to talk to the Headmaster." Harry said to the witch.
"Ah, you must be here for the Defence Against the Dark Arts job!" the Head of Gryffindor House seemed relieved. She opened the door enough for them to enter, then dragged them towards the Headmasters office talking all the time. "We've already had a few people on interview, but none of them knew their stuff. Thank heavens that someone decent finally came along. One moment please." McGonagall quietly told the password to the gargoyle and it jumped out of the way. "Follow me please."
//Defence Against the Dark Arts?// Cian asked. He didn't sound happy.
Harry shot him a playful grin.
//Well, I had to get even with you for tricking me into getting here, didn't I? Besides it isn't that bad here, you'll get used to the craziness soon enough. There's nothing to worry about 'honey'.// he quickly made his way through the doors of the office before the First Vampire had a chance to take revenge.
//Call me that one more time and we're officially divorced.//
Inside the office they were met with the sight of Dumbledore sitting behind his desk looking tired, Snape standing by the window looking ready to kill someone or something, McGonagall standing opposite the Slytherin Head of House and a black grim-like dog sitting there and generally looking stupid. Right in front of them stood the Minister of Magic himself with two Auror's on each side.
//What the hell is that idiot doing here?// Harry asked angrily.
//This promises to be interesting.//
The Minister looked them up and down, carefully avoiding Cian's eyes. Then he turned back to the Headmaster.
"Albus, what is this about? I thought you said we could talk undisturbed."
"We're here because my husband wants to apply for the Defence position." Harry said quickly. "But if it was inconvenient, we could come again. I told you we should have owled them first." The last part was directed at the vampire.
"No, no, of course it isn't inconvenient." Snape surprisingly said and led them further into the room. "Please, have a seat."
//Ok, now this is beginning to worry me.// Cian said as he sat down in a chair that popped up.
//Yeah, I agree,// Harry replied. //I've never seen Snape act so...nice!//
Dumbledore was beginning to perk up again, and the twinkle in his eyes was back. Fawkes flew over to him, beginning to be petted.
"I'm afraid this can not wait Cornelius," the old Headmaster said. "We are in a desperate need of a good Defence teacher, and school's only a few weeks away."
"But-"
"No, I'm afraid the Headmaster is right." McGonagall quickly cut the Minister off. "If you would come with me, I'll show you the way out." She herded the Minister and his two Auror's out of the office and closed the door behind them.
Harry and Cian just looked confused, and even more when the dog, Snape and Dumbeldore sighed in relief.
"You came at the nick of time, my friends," Dumbledore said, "the Minister caught us unaware with his arrival, which was, no doubt, the meaning of his visit. I can't thank you enough Mr and Mrs...?"
"Joyleaf," Harry replied. "Lily Joyleaf, and this is my husband Theron." Both of them shook hands with the Headmaster.
"Pleased to meet you; this is Severus Snape, Potion Master and possible future colleague."
"Hello." All they got back was a court nod.
"I'm sorry Albus, but I really have to go," Snape excused himself. "I have a potion brewing, and it is in one of its most critical stadiums. Good day." He nodded to the three of them, and left.
"Now, you said something about wanting the Defence position?"
//I'm going to get you for this one Potter.// Cian growled before replying to the Headmasters question. //Yes sir.// Dumbledore jumped when the voice invaded his head, and stared at Cian and Harry in surprise. //I would also like to talk to you about what you can offer the vampires if we join your side.//
"Well, well, this just got more interesting. Proceed Mr Joyleaf."
-------------------------
Several hours later, Harry and Cian left the Headmasters office. Cian had gotten the job as the Defence teacher, and had also gotten a good deal for the vampires if they sided with Dumbledore. Harry had just played the dutiful, beautiful, sweet, loving wife.
//I wonder what the Minister wanted to talk to them about.// Cian said as they were walking back towards Hogsmeade.
//I'll see if I can't figure it out, and yes I'll tell you what I find.// Harry added before the vampire could say anything. //I guess I'll be seeing you again at the start of term.//
//Don't go and get yourself killed now, Mr Potter,// the First Vampire said. //I still have to get even with you for that stunt you played in there.// He mentioned towards the school.
Harry just laughed and disapparated.
-------------------------
Harry appeared again in an alley near the Leaky Cauldron. He quickly changed into Rex Chase, and walked towards the pub. Maybe he could find something out from some Ministry workers, or sneak into the Ministry building and check out what else they had information on.
The second he entered the pub, he knew something was wrong. All of the Leaky Cauldron had gone deadly quiet, and everyone were staring at him; some in wonder and others suspiciously.
As he walked through the pub, the stares followed him until he had exited. He took out his wand and tapped the right brick. A second later the entrance to Diagon Alley appeared and he stepped through.
The same thing happened here. People stared at him, mothers dragged their children out of the way, others whispered and pointed.
'Voice, do you know what's going on?'
'Nope, but watch it! Eyelevel to the right!'
Harry turned quickly and caught whatever that was headed towards his head; when he looked at the thing he saw a small stone. The people that were staring gasped, and somewhere in the back of the group hurriedly disappearing footsteps could be heard.
'What the hell is going on here?'
'I don't know, but maybe there's a clue in the Daily Prophet?' the voice suggested.
Harry walked over to a both that was selling the wizarding paper and picked one up.
'Oh, shit.'
'The Daily Prophet, 18th of August 1997
REX CHASE, FRIEND OR FOE?'
-------------------------
Well, what do you think? A long chapter at last! Please review.
Thanks to:
WolfMoon, Hannah Abby, Creamy Mimi, BloodRedSword, A-man, Harry and Hermione's Daughter (Ol' bean!), Mike Potter 2002, RJLL, QuidBrm, Bookworm, Jenn, Miranda Flairgold, tima, Trance Snape, Maxennce, Sophie W., aziandorkess, Nkari, Rhea, Phoenix of Light, Naia, Rachel A. Prongs, ( ), Fin-Phoenix, Korinna Myorin, LunarMist DarknessEclipse, CG Anna Marie, Blizzard, coconut-ice agent h/h, Usa Yui and Usa Kou, Ashley, daemonhart, Confuzzler, Tinabinna87, WeasleyTwinsLover1112, Hockeyguy14, Richan, JUDGEMENT, Blipidy-Bob, Arianne, Ruskbyte, SilveRain, bubblegum*girl, Amber Evans Potter, Skysong and Lady Phoenix Gryffindor.
Thanks to Ryshora for beta-ing this chapter. Please go and check out the fic we're writing together. It's called 'The Key to Triumph' under the pen- name Red Rys. I get the names for my characters from lost of places, but mostly from baby-naming sites.
Authors Note: Thanks for all the reviews. Hope you like this chapter as much as the last.
-Chapter Six-
Harry had almost fallen asleep when the vampires finally showed up; first in through the window was Cian, followed by a beautiful woman with the same hair and eye colour. She was wearing the latest fashion of black wizard business-robes, decorated with silver and gold intricate patterns. Her name was Pyralis.
He had barely had time to properly introduce himself to her, when another head popped up over the windowsill. Pale skin stretched over sharp cheekbones, framed by midnight black, shoulder-long hair. The blue eyes were cold and emotionless.
//Mr Potter,// Cian began. //This is Zev. Following him is Athan, and the last one is Ramsis.//
Harry nodded politely to all the vampires in the room. While the first four were pale as marble, Ramsis had nicely toned skin and amber coloured eyes. The long black hair was kept in a neat ponytail, and the man himself was wearing a nice, fashionable suit.
//I know what you're thinking Mr Potter,// Harry looked at Ramsis. //And you're right. I am not fully vampire, but half and half.// The man smiled at him, and Harry nodded in understanding.
//So, what brings the five of you here to my humble home?// Harry asked. Cian had sat down in the chair that stood by the desk; Athan, Zev and Ramsis on the old bed, and Pyralis sat down in mid-air. He suddenly realised how weird it must've been for the Zabini's when he had done that.
//Business Mr Potter,// Cian replied lightly. //We want to know what happened at the end of the TriWizard Tournament two years ago.//
//It was in the Daily Prophet, so why do you need to hear it from me?//
//We want to know how the Dark Lord came back to life.// The blue-eyed vampire, Zev, said bluntly. //It was either asking you or that Snape- fellow.//
'You better tell them,' the voice said, 'they'll prove useful in the upcoming war.'
And Harry did just that, avoiding some parts and adding some others. By the end of the tale, all the vampires were looking thoughtful. Cian and Pyralis were trying to remember if they had ever come across a spell like that, and Zev and Athan were arguing quietly whether it was possible to do that or not.
'And I thought Malfoy and Ron had it bad!' Harry thought in amusement as he watched them.
//Don't mind them.// He turned and faced Ramsis. //They do that every time their paths cross, no matter if it's in the middle of a war or if the sunrise is just moments away.//
//They remind me of two boys in school,// Harry said, amusement evident in his voice. //So, what side are the vampires going to take, Voldemort's or Dumbledore's?//
//They don't know yet,// Ramsis answered. //They're currently trying to find out who has the best chance of winning the whole thing, but I think most of them will side with Dumbledore.// Harry nodded in understanding. //Last time almost all of them sided with the Dark Lord, and the only thing they got out of it was to get more than half the vampire population killed.//
//Sad years indeed,// Zev commented from his place at the bed, Athan was looking smugly triumphant. //And the fact that the Slayer Organisation stuck their overgrown noses into it didn't help our cause.//
//And what cause is that?// Harry asked.
//Don't listen to him,// Athan shot in. //He's always messing with other peoples minds.//
//And who was the one running headless through the Tower of London in a dress?//
//It wasn't my fault that the fledglings chopped my head off, though it was fun.//
//If you enjoy going around headless, I'd be happy to help you lose it again!//
//Boys!// the two of them turned to Pyralis, looking like first years caught red-handed in the middle of a prank. //Behave yourself, will you? We're not here to scare young Mr Potter, but to see what side we should take in this war.//
//Sorry.//
Harry met Cian's eyes and the First Vampire winked to him, amusement written all over the porcelain-like face.
//Now, now, everyone,// the old vampire said, //the dawn is but a few hours away, and I know that none of you have fed tonight.// It wasn't a suggestion, but a direct order and the other four vampires quickly disappeared through the window and into the night after they had bid Harry goodbye.
//What a bunch.// Harry said and looked at Cian. The vampire was watching him closely, searching for something. //What did you want to talk about?// he asked after a while in silence. Those golden, unwavering eyes gave him the creeps.
//Straight to the case, eh? Very well, tell me this Mr Potter, who do you think has the best chance of winning this war?//
//Dumbledore's side.// Harry replied at once, putting all his hopes on one single card.
//And why is that?//
//As you said Cian, they have a powerful Pretender on their side.//
-------------------------
Severus sighed as he put the pen down. He knew he shouldn't have postponed going through the fourth years tests, they were even worse than usual! Even Longbottom's had been better and that said something.
He sighed again and rubbed his hands over his face. It was in the middle of the night and he was correcting wasted pieces of good parchment. Where were the Death Eaters or Rex Chase when you needed a break? And to make things worse, a bloody headache was beginning to make its presence known.
'You do know that you don't have to finish all those...things tonight?' his inner voice said to him. 'Why don't you just go to bed, or take a nice long stroll on the grounds? That always calmed you before.'
'First step towards madness: having an inner voice.'
'But it is a good idea; and look, you're already halfway towards the Entrance Hall!'
'Second step towards madness: said voice has a personality of its own.'
'You should write a book about that. 'Ten Easy Steps to Madness' by Severus Snape.'
'Oh, good God.'
How he had got all the way to the lake, and why he'd gone there was beyond him. He suspected that Albus had something to do with it; the old Headmaster was probably sitting in his office, munching on a Sherbet Lemon and happily manipulating people here and there. Why he always ended up with the maniacs was a question he had asked himself more than once each day.
First you had the friendship with Malfoy in school. The power-addicted idiot had nearly gotten him killed several times, but he'd never had the guts to stand up to the boy and had been the silent shadow that followed Malfoy around.
Then there was Voldemort. Enough said about that case.
And last, but not least, there was Dumbledore. Lady Luck really hated him for some reason or other.
'You forgot to mention Rex Chase.'
Chase was a category of his own. The man was loyal as a Hufflepuff, smart as a Ravenclaw, cunning and sarcastic as a Slytherin, and stupid and impulsive as a Gryffindor. Not to mention that he was powerful. Those five things combined could very well cause the apocalypse, and he wouldn't put it past Chase for trying. The crazy idiot had walked straight into the Dark Lords fortress, got hold of him and walked straight out. Without anyone noticing until it was too late.
'Though you must admit that it was fun to see him get the better of Fudge, and get away with it.'
'Which side are you on?' Severus asked annoyed as he headed back towards the castle, and the security of his dungeons.
'Third step towards madness: discussing with the voice inhabiting your head.'
-------------------------
Harry and Cian had been telepathically talking all night long, both sharing some of their experiences with the other. The First Vampire was extremely interested in what had happened in Harry's first, second, third and fifth year, and the green-eyed teen had told him some of it. The man had laughed when Harry had told him about the tricks he, in the disguise of Rex Chase, had pulled on Snape.
//So, young one,// Cian had said when he was finished laughing. //When are we going to talk to Dumbledore?//
//We?// Harry asked. //I knew there was going too be a catch along the line somewhere.//
//Of course there would. I need to talk with the Headmaster, but I highly doubt that Hogwarts herself would let me in if I wasn't with someone that Dumbledore trusted.//
//Hold it! You mean to tell me that Hogwarts is alive?!//
//Of course she is, how else do you think that the corridors and doors can change places? Or the moving staircases? Or the fact that a stone gargoyle is guarding the entrance to the Headmasters office?//
//I don't know, never really thought about it.// Harry replied. //I guess I thought it was one of those unexplainable, weird magic things.//
//Oh no, young one, you're highly mistaken there. When the Four Founders first built the castle, each of them weaved some of their personality, magical essence and life-force into the fundamental stones the school was built up on; that's how the house common rooms were created by the way.//
//I guess you should know that better than anyone huh?//
//You guessed right,// Cian replied. //I was there myself, watching over them while they were building it. So, how are we going to get into the school?//
Before Harry could answer his aunts voice reached them, telling him to get down that instant and make breakfast for Vernon and Dudley or there wouldn't be any food for him until dinner.
//Lovely family you have there Mr Potter.// The vampire commented.
//Oh, shut up.// Harry thought quickly for a few minutes. //Hey, I have an idea, but I'll need your help.//
//Sure, sure, but what about the talk with-//
//Well, I guess this is a good time as any to go talk with him, but first we need to get past my...um...charming guardians.//
//Alright, what's the plan?//
-------------------------
Petunia was happily humming and cooking food for her husband and her son. If that little, abnormal brat didn't want breakfast or lunch, it was his own fault. Her little Dudders needed to eat before they sent him back to that awful school, Smeltings. Imagine that they had forced the little angel to go to karate and dance clubs, and that they had said that he was fat. Hah! The boy was growing, he needed a lot of food.
Vernon was reading the paper and Dudley was busy babbling about the date he had that evening.
"Don't worry pumpkin," Petunia said to him as she put his breakfast in front of him. "Today we'll go out and buy you a brand new suit." She sighed happily. "Imagine that my little boy has grown up into a wonderful gentleman."
"Now, now, dear," Vernon didn't even look up from the paper. "Don't start crying again. Where is that dratted boy?" he looked towards the stairs. "If he isn't here within the next two minutes, I'm going up there to get him, abnormal nonsense or not!" Just then two pair of footsteps could be heard coming down the stairs, and a second later two strangers in robes walked into the kitchen.
The woman was wearing a green robe with a golden leaf-pattern at the hems. Her black hair was piled on her head in an elegant beautiful bun, and the brown eyes were twinkling merrily. The man at her side was wearing a deep forest-green robe, also with golden leaf-patterns all over; the white hair hung to the middle of his back, and the golden eyes shone with wild, untameable power.
They looked like a king and queen.
"We are here to tell you that Harry won't be home today," the woman said, her voice sounding like a breeze through the leafs. "He's going with us to get hold of his school supplies."
"W-wh-who are you?" Vernon, her brave, brave husband, asked.
"I'm Cheney, and this is my wife Xylona." The man replied in the same kind of voice as the woman. "Have a nice day." Both of them disappeared with a 'pop', leaving the Dursley's to look confused at each other, and Dudley to close his mouth.
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//That was fun.// Cian said as the two of them appeared on the road to Hogwarts. //Now, do that little handy magic of yours and change these stupid robes back into my own clothes! Oh, and could you shorten the hair while you're at it?//
//Watch it vampire,// Harry replied as he took out his wand and did just what the other had asked of him. //I'm not someone you can control or boss around as you do with the other vampires.// On second thought he added a golden ring on the vampires hand, and one on his own.
//What are these for?//
//If someone asks, we're married, and need to speak to Dumbledore about protection for the rest of the family.// He replied.
//Good idea.// They began walking up towards the castle. //You know what's weird?//
//What?//
//That I know that you're a male, and still am talking to a female.//
Harry chuckled at the vampires reply.
//Messes up your view of the world, doesn't it?// he asked as he knocked on the door to the castle. Almost instantly it was opened by McGonagall. The Deputy Headmistress looked them suspiciously up and down. "We need to talk to the Headmaster." Harry said to the witch.
"Ah, you must be here for the Defence Against the Dark Arts job!" the Head of Gryffindor House seemed relieved. She opened the door enough for them to enter, then dragged them towards the Headmasters office talking all the time. "We've already had a few people on interview, but none of them knew their stuff. Thank heavens that someone decent finally came along. One moment please." McGonagall quietly told the password to the gargoyle and it jumped out of the way. "Follow me please."
//Defence Against the Dark Arts?// Cian asked. He didn't sound happy.
Harry shot him a playful grin.
//Well, I had to get even with you for tricking me into getting here, didn't I? Besides it isn't that bad here, you'll get used to the craziness soon enough. There's nothing to worry about 'honey'.// he quickly made his way through the doors of the office before the First Vampire had a chance to take revenge.
//Call me that one more time and we're officially divorced.//
Inside the office they were met with the sight of Dumbledore sitting behind his desk looking tired, Snape standing by the window looking ready to kill someone or something, McGonagall standing opposite the Slytherin Head of House and a black grim-like dog sitting there and generally looking stupid. Right in front of them stood the Minister of Magic himself with two Auror's on each side.
//What the hell is that idiot doing here?// Harry asked angrily.
//This promises to be interesting.//
The Minister looked them up and down, carefully avoiding Cian's eyes. Then he turned back to the Headmaster.
"Albus, what is this about? I thought you said we could talk undisturbed."
"We're here because my husband wants to apply for the Defence position." Harry said quickly. "But if it was inconvenient, we could come again. I told you we should have owled them first." The last part was directed at the vampire.
"No, no, of course it isn't inconvenient." Snape surprisingly said and led them further into the room. "Please, have a seat."
//Ok, now this is beginning to worry me.// Cian said as he sat down in a chair that popped up.
//Yeah, I agree,// Harry replied. //I've never seen Snape act so...nice!//
Dumbledore was beginning to perk up again, and the twinkle in his eyes was back. Fawkes flew over to him, beginning to be petted.
"I'm afraid this can not wait Cornelius," the old Headmaster said. "We are in a desperate need of a good Defence teacher, and school's only a few weeks away."
"But-"
"No, I'm afraid the Headmaster is right." McGonagall quickly cut the Minister off. "If you would come with me, I'll show you the way out." She herded the Minister and his two Auror's out of the office and closed the door behind them.
Harry and Cian just looked confused, and even more when the dog, Snape and Dumbeldore sighed in relief.
"You came at the nick of time, my friends," Dumbledore said, "the Minister caught us unaware with his arrival, which was, no doubt, the meaning of his visit. I can't thank you enough Mr and Mrs...?"
"Joyleaf," Harry replied. "Lily Joyleaf, and this is my husband Theron." Both of them shook hands with the Headmaster.
"Pleased to meet you; this is Severus Snape, Potion Master and possible future colleague."
"Hello." All they got back was a court nod.
"I'm sorry Albus, but I really have to go," Snape excused himself. "I have a potion brewing, and it is in one of its most critical stadiums. Good day." He nodded to the three of them, and left.
"Now, you said something about wanting the Defence position?"
//I'm going to get you for this one Potter.// Cian growled before replying to the Headmasters question. //Yes sir.// Dumbledore jumped when the voice invaded his head, and stared at Cian and Harry in surprise. //I would also like to talk to you about what you can offer the vampires if we join your side.//
"Well, well, this just got more interesting. Proceed Mr Joyleaf."
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Several hours later, Harry and Cian left the Headmasters office. Cian had gotten the job as the Defence teacher, and had also gotten a good deal for the vampires if they sided with Dumbledore. Harry had just played the dutiful, beautiful, sweet, loving wife.
//I wonder what the Minister wanted to talk to them about.// Cian said as they were walking back towards Hogsmeade.
//I'll see if I can't figure it out, and yes I'll tell you what I find.// Harry added before the vampire could say anything. //I guess I'll be seeing you again at the start of term.//
//Don't go and get yourself killed now, Mr Potter,// the First Vampire said. //I still have to get even with you for that stunt you played in there.// He mentioned towards the school.
Harry just laughed and disapparated.
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Harry appeared again in an alley near the Leaky Cauldron. He quickly changed into Rex Chase, and walked towards the pub. Maybe he could find something out from some Ministry workers, or sneak into the Ministry building and check out what else they had information on.
The second he entered the pub, he knew something was wrong. All of the Leaky Cauldron had gone deadly quiet, and everyone were staring at him; some in wonder and others suspiciously.
As he walked through the pub, the stares followed him until he had exited. He took out his wand and tapped the right brick. A second later the entrance to Diagon Alley appeared and he stepped through.
The same thing happened here. People stared at him, mothers dragged their children out of the way, others whispered and pointed.
'Voice, do you know what's going on?'
'Nope, but watch it! Eyelevel to the right!'
Harry turned quickly and caught whatever that was headed towards his head; when he looked at the thing he saw a small stone. The people that were staring gasped, and somewhere in the back of the group hurriedly disappearing footsteps could be heard.
'What the hell is going on here?'
'I don't know, but maybe there's a clue in the Daily Prophet?' the voice suggested.
Harry walked over to a both that was selling the wizarding paper and picked one up.
'Oh, shit.'
'The Daily Prophet, 18th of August 1997
REX CHASE, FRIEND OR FOE?'
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Well, what do you think? A long chapter at last! Please review.
Thanks to:
WolfMoon, Hannah Abby, Creamy Mimi, BloodRedSword, A-man, Harry and Hermione's Daughter (Ol' bean!), Mike Potter 2002, RJLL, QuidBrm, Bookworm, Jenn, Miranda Flairgold, tima, Trance Snape, Maxennce, Sophie W., aziandorkess, Nkari, Rhea, Phoenix of Light, Naia, Rachel A. Prongs, ( ), Fin-Phoenix, Korinna Myorin, LunarMist DarknessEclipse, CG Anna Marie, Blizzard, coconut-ice agent h/h, Usa Yui and Usa Kou, Ashley, daemonhart, Confuzzler, Tinabinna87, WeasleyTwinsLover1112, Hockeyguy14, Richan, JUDGEMENT, Blipidy-Bob, Arianne, Ruskbyte, SilveRain, bubblegum*girl, Amber Evans Potter, Skysong and Lady Phoenix Gryffindor.
Thanks to Ryshora for beta-ing this chapter. Please go and check out the fic we're writing together. It's called 'The Key to Triumph' under the pen- name Red Rys. I get the names for my characters from lost of places, but mostly from baby-naming sites.
