Title: Rushing, Forever. (Chapter Three)

Author: P.L.S

Contact: ptwentyfour@yahoo.com

Summery: VALOR challenge response. Harry seems to finally find a peace as a vampire, until the public finds out. . . running, hiding, helping others who are in need; his life is suddenly filled by hate and fear when the Ministry takes down the protections and declare Open Season on all Dark creatures, with a hefty bounty for the supposedly strongest vampire ever created, Harry Potter.

Rating: (Changes with the chapter)- Ten years and up.

Disclaimer: Is this even needed? Is it? I own very little in this thing. What I do own is fair game for the rest of you. Don't sue me, I won't sue you.

Note: Thanks to you who read. I've been getting lots of good praise and suggestions. Don't be afraid to flame me; I actually like them for some odd reason. Someone told me that Gabby seemed to pop up out of know where. . . get used to it. In this chapter I do go into more on the veela, and hint (or openly point at) future conflicts. I guess I should tell you the reasons why I wrote this the way I did. . . but I'll save that for the end. I'm just going to say a few last words. . . . . Nitwit, Oddment, Blubber, and Tweak!


(1:08 am 23/03/07 West Los Angeles. California, United States)

It was simply intoxicating, the thrill of the eternal dance of life and death. He molded himself to the shadows, moving like a ghost after his prey. This man was very foolish if he thought a true vampire could be run from that easily, let alone stopped by a clip full of bullets that missed. No, he was a very foolish man, and with a very black heart too. Delicious.

Thwap, thwap, thwap, thwap, the sounds of him running through the streets echoed in the vampire's head, making him just as easy to track by sound as by the magical marker that had been placed with a touch at the club not two hours ago. The elongated eyeteeth and light jade colored eyes rimmed with the scarlet red of the hunt caught the moonlight and seemed to glow as the vampire grinned, making him look like the devil himself. Silently running ahead of the doomed man he placed himself just under a street light that was blinking on and off, perfect place to terrify his dinner. He really was just playing with his food, but he never really had a mother to tell him that it was wrong.

He saw the man stumble out of the back alleyway and lean up against the brick facade of an apartment building that looked like it was about to crumble. The drug dealer was breathing loudly, trying to catch his breath, and looking back every once in a while to check for someone following him. One last huff and he let out a low chuckle of relief, he actually thought that he had escaped his fate? He obviously never watched too many muggle horror pictures.

The vampire willed the street light to stay on, and help to hide him in plain sight, to blanket him in shadows and effectively hiding his features yet keeping his form in clear view, as the man pushed off of the wall and started to feel around in his pants pockets for something, a cigarette. He looked over to where his hunter stood and called out, Hey, buddy, ya gotta light?

the vampire pulled out a muggle lighter and lit it as the man came over. The doomed man looked up into the face as he took a drag on his cancer stick. The horror that crept over his features was wonderfully thrilling. Before the man could react much more, the vampire struck, in one fluid motion he had the man pinned against the lamp post and his teeth were sunk into the man's jugular. The blood was very sweet. Just as the blood of the sinful always was.

The vampire willed the lamp to go out as he maneuvered both his dinner and himself to the alleyway without removing his mouth from the man's neck. Every beat of the heart pumped more blood into his mouth and brought the human closer to his death. A few more sluggish beats and the vampire started to suck, just to be sure no one could save this fool. As he felt death come he let go and watched the empty body fall into a pile of rubbish.

Licking his lips clean, Harry walked away, smiling. Killing the wicked was always such a great stress reliever.

(6:41 am 24/03/07 Sapporo, Japan)

Ronald Weasley took another sip of his orange soda as Harry walked through the Japanese gardens to join him. Harry was under a rather good glamour charm and looked just like a regular human, with a few eye-catching features, like a messy mop of black curls and his blinding white smile. Both were dressed in muggle clothes, though Harry was obviously much better at it than Ron ever was.

Sitting down next to him, the figurehead of the Dark movement grinned at his best friend and one of the United Kingdom's best Aurors. I am very glad you chose to accept my invitation. Harry said. Ron smiled at his friend.

How could I ever turn you down? Ron answered, But I must ask, why Japan? He received a broad mischievous grin in answer. Harry stood and walked to the bridge and looked down at the water that was filled with huge white lilies.

Why, indeed? Harry whispered as Ron joined him. Harry looked back up at Ron and then started to walk, Ron quickly was walking beside him waiting, Japan is a neutral zone for now, but they are leaning toward siding with the anti-Dark. I just wanted for you to see Japan before they take a side in this idiots' war. China, Italy, and Japan will be lost to us soon, both are actually believing in the myths. Harry said with a sad voice.

Italy is ignoring the Vatican? Ron asked surprised. Harry laughed mirthlessly.

No, no. The Vatican is taking my advice. I told them to announce a neutral position and just act as a safe home, we don't need them to risk anymore by supporting us openly. They were reluctant to do so, but the press conference on Tuesday went well enough that I doubt the Roman Catholic Church needs to worry. We want to keep as many out of this war as we can, but the anti-Dark movement is making this a harder and harder task everyday. Harry said as they wandered through the garden's twisted paths.

Ron sighed dramatically, I thought all of You-Know-Who's followers would have been eager to drag the whole world down. How come you still have some sort of virtue?

Harry snorted, None of us want to ruin everything, I don't even think that the AD's do either. But then again, nothing is sacred in war, especially a magical war, like this. Harry looked up at the clouds floating overhead. Ron decided not to say anymore to put Harry into one of his melancholy moods.

So how's Hermione and her family? asked Ron fishing for a good topic. Harry smiled at Ron.

I spend all day with the most subversive and treacherous of the world, your bluntness is very refreshing. Ron couldn't figure out if he should be insulted or take Harry's words as a complement. Harry laughed and answered Ron's query, But Hermy's fine, her projects are saving lives. Jeff has been buying up all kinds of books for the libraries and his press is always turning out new copies of texts that were almost gone. Travis has just done his first bit of magic, a translating spell on a book, and been begging me for ages now to teach him to ride my old Firebolt, remember it? Ron nodded, prompting Harry to go on, I never could retire it, it was my first gift from my family, that I remember at least. I'm giving it to Trav, after he catches the snitch a few times on it. Harry leaned against a cherry tree that was ready to bloom and closed his eyes for a few seconds, Every time I see him, I think God, I'm so blessed to have friends like you and Hermy.' then after I leave I can't help wondering what a kid with my genes in him would be like. I could have a kid, but I have to wait seven hundred years and find a mate with similar magical power. We both know that's not going to happen.

Er. . . well, here. Ron handed Harry a greeting card, it was a birthday card today. Ron then dug out of his back pockets two identical white envelopes with golden vines trailing along the edges. Flowers burst into bloom as Harry looked at them. I also wanted to give you these, one for you, one for Hermione and Jeff. Susan and I are finally going for it. I wanted you to be my best man, but well. . . Harry grinned at him.

I know, I'm a wanted man. Besides I d be an awful best man. I'll try to make it, but no promises, okay? Harry hugged Ron tightly, God, I am so thrilled for you. She is a great woman, like her grandmum. She's perfect for you, Ron. Ron was blushing.

Fred was teasing me because she was a Hufflepuff in school. I actually challenged him to a duel for that. I feel so out of it when I'm with her, I wonder why she ever thought I was worth a cent. I feel like I'm going insane. Ron admitted for only the third time that year. Harry grinned.

It's a disease called love. I hope you never get over it. chuckled the vampire. The auror laughed.

You sound like you have felt like this. Ron said as he stopped laughing. Harry smiled and sighed.

I have. I have a couple of times, actually. this caught Ron's curiosity, another trait he picked up from his school age adventures with Harry and Hermione.

Oh? Really? Tell me everything! Ron was practically bouncing in joy. Harry never talked about any girlfriends or boyfriends if he swings that way.' thought Ron with a grin. As far as he knew Harry was something like asexual since his brief crushes at Hogwarts, and the vampire was probably still a virgin as well. Harry shook his head and let out a low chuckle.

Ron, you know that this requires privacy, right? I was famous, now infamous, meaning if any of out listeners overhear this they will go and spill it to a tabloid. Harry said, sounding very much like an older brother. Ron shrugged.

I thought we always met in places that you thought were safe. said the redhead. Harry shook his head.

Safe doesn't mean private. I have bodyguards in every corner and the Gremlins have swept the place three or four times. All of them are listening and watching for any indications on your part that you might be double crossing me, it's Janus's orders. He refuses to let me meet you unless I permit his hoard to watch me as if I could die in a second. Harry explained with a tint of anger behind his calm voice. Ron knew if there was one thing Harry hated, it was being in situations were he wasn't in control of the important factors and calling the shots. As far as this Janus guy went, Ron was sure Harry was rarely in control of anything.

So take me somewhere private. Ron said trying to help. Harry rolled his eyes.

Next month. Harry said, putting the birthday card into one of his large pants pockets. Ron nodded. It was the sign that it was time for him to go.

I'll see you. Ron said weakly. Harry smiled.

I know. Bye. Harry turned and walked down the twisting path, vanishing as he rounded a corner. Ron laughed, it was just so typically Harry.

(8:43 pm, 24/03/07, Greenwater Project Building Site, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico)

Remus Lupin looked around the area that Draco Malfoy had lead him to. It was quite literally in the middle of nowhere, and it showed no intentions of changing into anything resembling civilization just because the werewolf wanted to sleep in a real structure, not this tent pitched by the Indians here. The Malfoys had done their work very well, all of the natives were asking him when the village was going to be built and were showing him every possible view that they knew of.

Other than the insects and the humidity, both minor troubles, Remus was sure that it was going to be wonderful for the Nagas and the acromantulae, both races tended to like the warm and the bug infested areas of the world. But everyone knew to maintain the core and the wards there needed to be seven strong spell casters here at all times, unless Harry could visit every other day.

Remus was drawing in the moist dirt with a stick, plotting streets, a park, a school, the meeting house and room for growth, and a road to the lake he saw that day, where a resort or spa could go, something that everyone needed, and something that would attract residents to this place. Of course Remus loved the cool of England in the autumn and winter, he hated heat of any sort unless it was fire or body heat, both in purely romantic terms too.

As of now he was sweating in his undershirt and denim shorts and was unhappily unattached to anyone. It was a very depressing thing for him in the face of the current events. War was coming, or was just waiting for all the parties to declare it, and the Dark side's leader, the future Dark Lord if you will, was being his stubborn self, just like both his father and mother.

Remus laughed at some of those memories. Truly his days at Hogwarts as both student and teacher were the best he had ever had. The rest was just bland and depressing, in various mixtures depending on the weather and phase of the moon. Unless it was those interesting times, or adventures with the son of his old friends.

The boy, now man, had a unique outlook on how to live. One day at a time, always doing his best to give others encouragement and help to achieve their best, and never forgetting that he had to provide for the future. But it wasn't his future he was providing for, it was the next generation and trying to ensure no child had to be forced to grow up before he or she is ready. Remus always questioned why it seemed that Harry's idea of fun was risky and death defying, did the second generation Marauder have a death wish?

Señor Lupin! Come eat! We feast on big pig tonight! a child from the village ran over to him shouting. He stopped at the edge of Remus's drawings. Puzzled, he looked at the werewolf, What this? Remus smiled. He cast a translating spell on the boy so he wouldn't have to say too many things over again.

This is my idea of what will happen here at Greenwater soon. Street plan is here, Remus pointed to a kind of a grid that to a cartographer would have shown he was plotting around the huge trees and several buildings as well as the few hills, This is one of the schools, and this is the other one, Remus pointed to two modern looking buildings and the blueprints next to them.

Two schools? asked the boy. Remus nodded.

Magical and Non-magical, where you and the other non-magical children would attend. You'd learn science, history, a few languages, math, and a whole host of other things. The magical children would go and learn casting, history, a few languages, potions, and a whole lot of dull but useful things. In Paraguay and in Costa Rica there are universities for all to attend, if you get the marks. There are universities all over the world you could attend, become a doctor or scientist or whatever. We have tried to put one or two in each area we establish good ties in. But still everyone knows that Snape has made Peacebrook the haven of education. Only in the summer do his schools shut down, and that's just to do repairs.

breathed the boy in amazement, How good of marks do I need to go there? asked the boy. Remus smiled.

Perfect marks, plus the entrance exams are murder. You'd have to take physics, two languages for five or six years, and calculus in school here to make it there. The schools are small, only five thousand or less, so competition is vicious. Remus said. The boy grinned.

I'll do it. My mama is always telling me I was born to be great and to never settle, I'm going to become the best student, and return from Paraguay with a head full of knowledge that will help my people become great again. That's why the chief is helping you. Our people used to rule with the help of the magic shamen, but when the Spanish came their wizards cursed our people and the soldiers killed the shamen and their whole families. They keep the culture alive, but I can see that it dies with each telling of the old ways to the new children. We invented the world's most accurate calendar, you know. The boy smiled, I'm going to remind the world why our ancestors are still looked upon as geniuses.

Remus grinned and nodded. You are ready for greatness. I'm sure you'll outstrip all the great work of those that came before.

That's kind of what Señora Malfoy said to me. She told me that I was like her husband, always wanting to do my best for my family and never letting anyone get anything over on me. The child laughed, I think that she was really nice, but I don't know about Señor Malfoy though. He was always grumbling about the heat, saying the mosquitoes were worse than vampires, and he hated to go on those hikes he took everyday he was here. The funniest thing was that when the older kids caught a python and dropped it in his cot he didn't get mad. Most of the tourists hate snakes and get scared or really mad. He liked the python, and said he knew a man that could talk to it. Was he telling the truth? Remus laughed.

That idiot would like a big snake. Remus said with a grin, But, yes, both of us know a vampire who can talk to snakes. He says that snakes are more polite than most people, and they are always very helpful.

A vampire! the boy's eyes widen in shock, But I thought they were joking. Aren't vampires evil?

Nope, not him. He only sucks the blood of bad guys. Did I tell you I'm a werewolf? Remus said smiling, knowing that it was the first impressions that made the difference to the support they got from the muggles. The child laughed.

What's a werewolf? Are you part wolf or something? Or is it your clan or tribe? Remus smiled at the kid, who had no idea he was coming very close to the truth.

When the full moon rises I turn into a wolf. I take a medicine that helps me to stay human in my mind, so I don't go and bite humans and turn them into werewolves too. The boy was shocked but then fascinated.

How'd you get to be one? asked the child, excitement was very clear on his face. Remus was reminded of how Sirius and James looked all those years ago, when they told him they knew he was a werewolf. Both were thrilled to death over the story of how it happened, it was how he really go the nickname Moony'.

Well, all my childhood I grew up next to this wood, and a lady who bred big mean Husky dogs, well, they were mean to me. . . Remus started to tell the story.

( 7:30 am, 25/03/07, Parisian Catacombs, Paris, France)

The talk of striking back was growing among the three races of creatures said to be the gods' avengers. Harpies, the feather covered and taloned witches of the air, hated the way they had to hide just to stay near their lands. They yelled the loudest of the three for vengeance and death of the humans who were hunting them. They weren't gifted with the true Dark magic like the veela were, but their reputation for killing had branded them as Dark creatures to be slaughtered like the Naga people were. Wizards, they didn't respect the Great Mother of the Earth, they refused to trust in the Powerful Father, the creator of all, they treated all life as if it was made for them to use and throw away. What was worse was that they had corrupted the good human peoples of the old ways, the non-magical humans, into thinking the same way. It was all because of the wizards that they were below the Earth, waiting for a sign from a quarter veela girl, who wasn't even in her fifties yet. It was shameful to just let the most feared of the warrior races sit and preen their feathers, while a child was out there doing, Nemesis knows what, in the sunlight and fresh air.

The sirens, the temptresses of the rocky Aegean and the dangerous coasts of the world, were a bit more understanding, and not going stir crazy like the harpies were. They too blamed the wizards for the problems of the world, after all the wizards did help the non-magical humans to find all the technology and such that was polluting the waters they lived in. Year after year their numbers plummeted, more were dying younger, less children were brought into the world. The deaths were slow, painful, and seemed to eat their kind alive. It was worse for the sirens near the cities, no one really knew what was causing the illnesses, but they all blamed the humans. But they also had been watching the humans for years, crashing their ships, eating the dead, playing with the trinkets left over. They understood that humans, up until recently had no idea what they were doing was that bad, well, most humans. The wizards found out first, but by then they refused to help save anyone from the non-magical humans. It was awful the way they handled things, and the way they ignored the world. It was like they had forgotten what the cries of the Great Mother sounded like, or they forgot how to listen.

The veela, the children of both siren and harpy, were also the closest to the humans. Some lived as humans, feasting off of the humans' lust and inner most desires. They could put anyone in a trance with a slight smile, and when they sang, they were compared to angels. However, the veela had another side, the harpy side. If angered they seemed to transform into harpies, growing wings and feathers, throwing fire. The veela were the most feared of the three. They were also the most loved. They claimed that their being forced into the catacombs was good and that once the girl returned they would attack, but only the Light wizards. It was the Dark wizards who were helping them by keeping the air down there clean and by keeping water from flooding the space. They said over and over again that the sins against the Earth was now why they were down here. It was some political reason that when they tried to explain, everyone ended up more confused and angry than before.

All together, there were no more than seventeen hundred in the catacombs, a half of their flocks' numbers, the rest were elsewhere, hiding, not protecting their rights to the lands that they had lived on since forever. The veela were the smallest group, most of one whole flock had left at the instance of the matriarch, only a few children, including the one that was to give them a sign, was all that represented that group. But veela flocks were small by nature, most children left the flock and if they returned later it was when they matured fully. Harpies tended to stay in their flocks no matter what. Not even the most violent fights could break them up. Sirens did split off flocks, but only when an area had become too small for the flock to remain together. The veela really had none of that loyalty, because even if they came back, they still left and traveled alone.

It was for that reason the harpies were ready to fly and the sirens weren't trying to stop them as much as they could. Whispers against the veela flock that fled were rampant, and even a few of the veela flocks were whispering of taking off, and fighting without the word of the child.

Annabelle Tybalt was one of the veela from the flock that fled, and as such she was shunned by a great many, she had only seen one other from her flock, but they hadn't spoken in days. The granddaughter of the matriarch was highly respected, she had been the best student at Beaubatons and had even competed in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. For a quarter veela she acted like one of the legendary Furies, the tribunal of the most deadly and courageous of the three avenging races. It was always thought that it was strange that the quarter veela girl was more of a veela than her adopted, full veela sister.

Many who had come back from the human world said that when Gabrielle had prayed the night before she was used as bait in that tournament, she wished that she could give Fleur a bit of her spirit so that her sister would win. Her wish worked, but left Gabrielle in a delicate mental state. As every veela knew, Fleur didn't even bring little Gabrielle up, it was a child wizard, Harry Potter. Gabrielle was traumatized by this and had never fully recovered. No one had ever seen the girl swim, or do anything risker than fly around once in a while. It was said that now she was teaching wizards the old languages of the gods, and the old stories as well. It made Gabrielle a traitor to the whole race, if it was the truth. Annabelle liked Gabrielle, but if she was a traitor Annabelle would vote for exile or death for the girl. Preferably death.

Veela never liked traitors.

(1:23 pm 26/03/07 The Lucifer School of Languages and Literature, Peacebrook Collage, Peacebrook Village, Paraguay)

And remember you have your thesis on the Homeric Epics and the political and religious dogma of the era. Have a good night. The blond professor smiled at her seventy-four percent male class and left. She milked the magnetic attraction for all that it was worth with her students; if they weren't caught by her supermodel body, it was her ever-carefree charm, or her magic if need be.

Gabrielle knew how to hook their attention and then to attach it to the subject material. It was just like how her grandmother taught her and her sister, besides if that didn't work she just had to transform into her harpy state and attack. Given the number of wizards and magical people in the classes, she was sure they could shield the non-magical of the class. But she really didn't like to do that, to turn into a full harpy was painful if you weren't enraged, and while sprouting wings was nearly painless now, sprouting talons, feathers, a beak, and changing a few of her bones was not.

The professor of Greek literature, the five ancient Greek languages, and Phoenician was one of the few young, single, and magical professors who taught in the Lucifer School. The rest were older, married, muggle, some combination of the three. Of the ten professors, only she was a native speaker of the dead languages she taught, they were the languages that the veela still used in the flocks.

Gabrielle smiled as she stepped out into the sunlight, leaving the cold, metal building. It was a wonderful day, and she was going to go to the labs to spend time with the few on the whole earth who didn't lust after her. It was always refreshing to visit them, spending time translating the old scrolls that Jeff Dervish dug up in his trips to save the world's literature. It was quite humorous to listen to his son chatter on and on about the simplest things, and then beg her to take him flying. The veela grinned, that boy was going to grow up spoiled. He could get anything he wanted from his parents' friends. From what it sounded like, he had his Uncle Harry wrapped around his pinky.

Closing her eyes she apparated to her office in the main school building. When she opened them she put away her teaching visuals and grabbed her dictionaries, a few scrolls that she borrowed, and a few books that she knew would help Hermione with finishing her codes and Jeff with preserving and reprinting his books. The flow of information was important, and Gabrielle knew that those who had the highest power in the Dark movement must be teachers or scholars. They built the stability of the whole on the schools, the youth of the movement, and the computer networks that kept everyone in the know, something only a true lover of knowledge would do. It was a brilliant way of thinking as well, it preserved their ideals in the minds of tomorrow and made sure that everyone had a chance to learn everything they wanted to or needed to.

Hermione told Gabrielle that was the reason why the war with Voldemort took so long. No one could find the truth unless they were close to the real leaders of both sides, and even then many things were secret. As soon as the Light side of that war took down those barriers Voldemort fell. Hermione hoped that with the advances they were making and the progressive steps they were taking, that the war would end before they had to pass it on to her son and his generation. The war with Voldemort had been fought by three to four generations of wizards, far too many in Gabrielle's point of view. Veela, when they did fight, did so in one huge battle. Whoever won, won. There were no spies, no attack/ counterattack plans, no wars. When Gabrielle tried to explain to wizards, they couldn't understand it, but they did acknowledge that it might just be the best way. After all their wars, while long, would often be decided by one huge battle at the end.

Gabrielle finished packing her bag and she climbed out of her window and onto the fire escape. Putting her backpack on, she started to concentrate on growing her wings, and only her wings. It was trick only she had ever learned, most veela spent too much time traveling and seducing humans to bother to try to control their transformations like Gabrielle could. The wings unfurled from her back, making her look very much like the humans' idea of a Dark angel; black wings, white blond hair, and fair skin. Veela probably were mistaken for angels, the ability to seemingly create fireballs out of nothing and the magnetic attraction were gifts that were easy to abuse.

Gabrielle took off into the sky with one strong pump of her long wings. A few more pumps and she glided on the columns of hot air she sought out. Circling high over the village, or small city now, she spotted the labs of her friends. She twisted in the wind angling down to glide to a stop on the top of the roof. As she landed neatly on the roof she spotted two flying things, they were flying in the sun but her eyes were sharp enough to spy the shadows. Taking off the bag and casting a wandless ward on it she took to the air again. The Quidditch pitch was the only place where wizards were allowed to fly and it was on the other side of Peacebrook, so it meant some one was spying or getting ready to attack.

Summoning her courage she lit two fireballs, one in each hand, and sped off to attack them before they could attack her haven. Her senses grew sharper and she could taste the sweat of the humans, both male, wizards. Then she heard the voices,

Oi, Trav, what's that? asked a deep tenor male voice. Trav? Travis? Is Travis being lured into a trap?' Gabrielle flew harder. She had to save him if he was. She wouldn't let anything happen to him, ever.

Oh! It's Gabby! Hey Gabby, over here! Uncle Harry is teaching me how to fly! called out the child. She was almost there, and face to face with what was defiantly a vampire, which was someone a human child should never be around.

Get away from him. growled out Gabrielle, finally turning into her harpy stage.

-- To Be Continued. . . (Ooo. . . cliffie!)