Chapter 9
As the year drug on the mornings started to dawn crisp with a heavy
mist that crawled across the grounds decking the blades of grass with
dresses of crystal moisture. I had not seen Dameon since our last
meeting when he requested to begin a relationship with me. Nor had he
returned any of my letters. Why doesn't he come? Has something
happened? These questions ricocheted throughout my head. I had begun
to worry about my mysterious guardian, which was a trait unknown to my
normal dispassionate attitude. The more I agonized over the
whereabouts of Dameon the more physical tear took place on my body.
Once again sleep went by the wayside and I spent lonely nights
sketching in front of the fireplace. My drawing pad had been blank up
until now. Each time I began with slender cheekbones that curved down
to a softly rounded chin. From there dark brooding eyes and a chiseled
roman nose. Then I would pause to look at my work... it was Dameon
staring back at me from the paper window. Am I pining for him? This is
ridiculous! He's just a boy; he's not even worth my thoughts! None the
less every time I set out to draw one of the professors or a student
it would twist and mold itself into an image of Dameon. Deep circles
formed under my eyes and I became increasingly irritable due to my
lack of sleep. Hermione noticed my sudden transformation in manner and
approached me one day while doing homework.
"What's been wrong with you lately?" she inquired
"Nothing," I quietly answered. Why is she bringing this up?
"Raven your lying. You might be able to fool the professors into
thinking that, but I know you better," Hermione folded her arms to
show she was serious on the matter at hand.
"For one thing I don't feel like talking about it and for another it's
none of your business!" I glared at Hermione.
"I'm not trying to pry into your personal affairs, but you're my
friend and... well, if anything's bothering you I just want to let you
know I'm here if you want to talk about it," she looked
sympathetically toward me. I have nothing to say to you Hermione so
don't think kindness will open my heart.
I attempted to avoid her the rest of the afternoon although she made
that extremely hard by sitting next to me in every class. What in the
hell is wrong with her? Is nothing private?
Our Defense Against the Dark Arts class was held that day out on the
grounds.
"Today I thought it would be a nice change of plans if we did some
hands on activities. As you all may have been aware Hagrid, the
ground's keeper, has been absent since the beginning of the year. He
graciously agreed to travel to Israel in order to pick up our special
"activity" just for this lesson," Lupin announced.
We were directed to a small stone cottage near the edge of the forest.
Moss encrusted the wooden of the sloped roof. From the inside of the
antiqued hut came three loud barks that made me almost jump out of my
skin. The door creaked open to reveal a giant of a man with a shaggy,
matted head of dark hair that mingled with his bushy beard. Through
the mass of hair you could still see the man's beetle black eyes
glimmering. His massive bulk was covered with a sleek coat of rabbit
fur that looked as though it was hand sown. Suddenly a great black
hound bounded from behind Hagrid. I jumped backwards instinctively not
knowing whether the dog was friendly or defensive. The enormous beasts
jumped up on Harry's robes and began to lick his face vigorously.
"Down Fang!" came the stern command of Hagrid as he strode over to
pull the dog away from Harry, "Ah, it's good to see you all again!" I
watched as he bent to bear hug Harry, Hermione, and Ron with one
immense swoop of his arms. He's gigantic! Where did they get this guy?
"Er, hello professor!" came his gruff voice as he turned to address
Lupin.
"It's good to see you back Hagrid! Did you manage to acquire the
package?"
"Of course! You didn't think that I would travel all that way for
nothing?" Hagrid laughed deeply, "it's around back." We all
accompanied him around the side of the chalet. There was a massive
cage constructed of heavy steel bars and in the shadows lurked a
creature which emitted loud hisses. Apparently it saw us approach
because the noise abruptly stopped.
"What we will be studying today is a species of miniature dragon
called a wyvern. If you will all move closer to the cage you will see
that this variety only reaches a length of seven feet. The eyes of
this creature allow it to see only thermal activity; making it an
extremely thorough predator. A poisonous barb on its tail is a second
weapon to its teeth. A wyvern's bite doesn't necessarily contain
poison, but its mouth is a natural breeding ground for bacteria so
when it bites its prey it infects it with deadly diseases. This is
what usually kills the wyvern's victim. Also if you will notice it
does have a pair of leathery wings although due to natural selection
they were never developed enough to allow the wyvern to fly. Instead
the tendons in all four of its legs lengthened to make it able to
track its prey on the ground and trees will ferocious speed. Today we
will be dissecting a few of the retractable venomous spikes on its
tail. Can anyone tell me the medicinal properties of this toxin?"
Lupin inquired
As usual Hermione's hand shot up, although I didn't hear her answer. I
was watching the wyvern pace the interior of its enclosure. It slender
neck arched allowing it to observe its captors. The golden viper eyes
surveyed me maliciously and he emitted a low guttural growl. You would
love to get out of there wouldn't you? To sink your teeth into our
flesh and rip us apart. You fear nothing... I wish I could feel like you
again.
"Now if everyone will take their place around the cage I will apply a
slight stunning spell and then we will be able to begin removing a few
of the spikes. Make sure all of you adorn your dragon hide gloves when
handling the spikes because the poison can easily enter your pores,"
professor Lupin instructed. With a flick of his wand a soft blue light
erupted from its tip and hit the dragon's side. He roared in pain;
staggered for a few seconds then slumped to its side. Lupin along with
Hagrid's help unlock the latches to the sides of the impound.
"Now all of you come forward." Most everyone hesitated, evidently wary
of being this close to a dragon. "Don't worry," coaxed Lupin, "He
won't be awake for another few hours. When removing one of the spears
take a firm grip on it and wedge a finger between the skin and the
spike's base. Then lightly twist and pull and it should slide out
quite effortlessly. While a few of you are doing this the rest will
accompany me while I point out some of the wyvern's defenses."
I decided to get the most boring thing over with first, Lupin's
lecture. He instructed us to the head of the scaly beast.
"A wyvern's head is covered in thick calluses that provide a strong
armor against most creatures' claws or teeth that try to attack this
vulnerable area. Here come feel," began Lupin. All of the girls' faces
frowned in disgust and shied away from the brute. I rolled my eyes at
their preppy girlishness and walked over to the dragon's head. I laid
my hand softly on its thick snout. Under my touch the creature
trembled. Its nostrils flared taking in my sent. This action alarmed
me. That's not supposed to happen. Anything that's completely asleep
shouldn't be able to control its body so thoroughly.
"Professor I don't think it's totally unconscious," I warned. The
girl's let out slight yelps of panic and shrunk behind Lupin.
"Raven that's improbable. Any creature that received that great of a
shock doesn't have the physical capacity to remain awake," he assured
us.
"I'm telling you I felt it move!" I said more forcefully.
"I promise you we're completely safe," he spoke, slightly more
perturbed.
I turned back towards the monster. Its eyelids are twitching. He's
searching for us. I looked down at the tail of the wyvern where the
spikes were being gradually being removed. If this thing starts to get
up it could maul all of them.
"Hermione, Harry, Ron back away... now!" I commanded. I drew forth my
wand. I don't know what good this thing will do but I'll kill this
dragon before it even gets up.
"Raven what are you doing?" Lupin forcefully inquired.
"I don't give a damn whether you do anything or not, but this thing is
awake! Now you can sit back and watch me kill it or you can help! But
I'm not going to let it maul everyone here, because of your idiocy!" I
snarled
"I don't appreciate your disrespectfulness Raven," he said calmly,
"what you felt was probably just a muscle spasm. Now I must ask you to
put away your wand or I will have to confiscate it during this
lesson."
"Well here you go!" I snapped and thrust my wand at him. He took it
serenely and placed it in his coat. You freaking idiot! You might not
trust me but I know what I sense!
As Lupin continued to instruct I turned back to the wyvern. Its eyes
snapped open and it shook its head vigorously. It swung its tail
knocking away all of the students and nearly hitting a few in the head
with its poisonous tail. Lupin turned about to see the beast get to
its feet free from all constraints. I was frozen face to face with the
wyvern. In my peripheral vision I saw Hermione standing behind the
wyvern; wand withdrawn. Obviously the reptile felt her presence was a
larger threat, because he turned from me and started to advance on
Hermione. Her eyes opened wide in fear and she backed away shaking.
Hermione run!
"Hagrid, get the other students inside your house! I'll get Raven and
Hermione! Quickly!" Lupin yelled in ernest. Even though he had issued
this command many of the students remained to watch the demise of
Hermione so he was forced to leave us alone and herd the rest of the
children into the hut.
You dumb beast! I've had enough taken from me and you won't take her!
My mind was clouded with rage. I tore after the wyvern and reached
Hermione before he could attack. I placed myself in between the animal
and her. Deep within the recesses of my brain an instinctive switch
kicked on. I bent low to the ground and issued a low growl. It
extended its neck and roared spraying us with saliva. I brandished my
teeth matching his ferocity of his nature. His eyelids narrowed
scrutinizing my aggressive behavior. He's trying to intimidate me.
Maybe he's afraid I can actually hurt him. If I can keep this façade a
little longer Lupin can reach us. That's when he advanced even
further. We were already plastered against a line of trees; we
couldn't retreat any further. I have to make a decision. I know I
can't physically win, but I don't want him to hurt Hermione. A sharp
pain snapped from my previously wounded shoulder and radiated through
my arm. I bent over gasping with the stinging twinges which caused my
whole arm to spasm. The brute watched my abrupt weakness and seemed to
swell in a new found courage. I glanced down at my arm. The silver
cuff that had covered my brand was melting off my wrist and a red glow
outlined the crook-shaped scar. Without warning my body snapped
upright. What's going on?! I can't... control... my body! Everything that
happened next seemed like I was watching a movie... but it was someone
else playing the role of myself! My entire intemperate mass vaulted
toward the beast. I slashed at his throat before springing backwards
out of his reach. A purple liquid oozed from the cuts I had made. He
bellowed in fury and charged. Each time he made a swipe at me I was
always a few inches out of his grasp. My body felt oddly light
allowing me to make these swift movements. Then every few seconds I
would dart in claw him and revert back to a safe distance. This
taunting game of cat and mouse continued for several minutes. By this
time his whole breast plate was covered in long gashes. About the
tenth time I darted in I slipped on a sandy patch and fell into his
leg. He reared up in an attempt to crush me under his front claws.
Holy shit! I grabbed a handful of dirt and through it into his eyes.
The wyvern howled and came down just enough off balance where his paws
landed on either side of me. I crawled away and watched as clawed his
face trying to remove the dust from his vision. Thank god here comes
Lupin! The beast regained its composure flaring its nostrils
heatedly. We stood facing each other tensely. Damn it Lupin get
Hermione! I can handle myself! I paid dearly for my moment of
distraction. In one fail swoop the dragon had loped towards me. It
violently swung its armored head to the right slamming me sideways and
sent me spinning on to the ground. Then the dragon placed one of his
clawed paws upon me and began to press with all of its weight trying
to press me into the dirt. Its suffocating weight buried into my
chest. My muscles stained to remove the leathery clamp off my lungs. A
malicious smile curved across the dragon's lips. The creature leaned
down to my face mocking my failure. Then like a dog playing tug of war
he clamped his teeth around my right arm, released his penetrating
weight, and began to brutally snap his head to and fro. With every
rapid crack of his neck his teeth elongated the tears of my muscles'
sinew. I was helpless against its grasp; forced to be drug about like
a child's toy. Although I could see my mangled arm I felt nothing.
Finally he freed my arm and I dropped to my knees. He paced before me
as if waiting for the most opportune moment to finish off his kill. My
butchered arm hung limp at my side. Its bloody, mangled remains were
twisted within the torn fabric. I need a weapon, anything! A spiraled
stick caught my attention so I grabbed it maladroitly and clambered to
my feet. I'm not left handed, yet I feel comfortable wielding it here.
I felt a heat radiating from the stick; a signature energy all its own
flowing through it. The feeling pulsated in time with my heartbeat.
With every breath I took its power swelled. A cold breeze blew into my
face. I can smell your fear. The dragon's eyes dilated and it began to
back away fearfully. You won't escape that easily. I began to laugh
insanely. A dark hand had clasped around my heart. My mind yearned to
drive the stake through his chest and watch a fountain of blood spew
from its innards. My fist clutched the javelin tighter. No longer was
it wood I touched, but a cold metal. A slender blade flashed
dangerously in the blinding sunlight. Its severe edge ridged with
small saw-like teeth. Its appearance mirrored my driven hate. I
aligned the sword's point with my adversary's heart. Now you die. We
flew at each other with a single fluid motion. My sword pierced his
flesh with direct accuracy. It ripped straight through the dragon's
muscular breast and lacerated his bulging jugular vein. Steamy blood
sprayed, burning whatever it touched. From the mortally wounded beast
issued a blood-curdling scream. Its sides greatly heaving in an
attempt to grasp breathe. The dying animal collapsed to its side
shaking the ground as it went. Both of its eyes glazed over, but even
in death the predator's shrewdly malevolent smile remained. So it is
done.
I staggered clumsily onward. The sword now felt so weighted in my
grasp that I dropped it to the ground. It shriveled back into dead
wood. The enthralling energy that had driven me to ensure the death of
the wyvern had disappeared. I looked wearily upon the slain heap and a
despair settled over me that I had only previously felt with my
dreams. So much death. The blood soaks the grass... suffocating it...
taking its life as I have taken this ignorant creature's. Such beauty
and life turned gray in decay... it reminds me... of that dream. All of
the students... my friends... dead. Is killing still a sin of this kind if
I kill to protect? I looked up at Hagrid's home where my class mates
had been herded into for safety. Their faces were pressed against the
glass fogging most of it except for the few peepholes which they
stared through. Lupin flung the door open and raced to my side. I
looked up at him.
"Maybe you'll listen to me next time," I hissed almost inaudibly. My
words slurred numbly. He made a move to assist my tipsy movement, but
I thrust him away. At this point my extreme exhaustion led me into a
state of delusional daydreams. I was reliving every awful second of my
dreams. Their screams, the battered bodies, the high icy laugh. I was
caught in a prison of my own horrors. My reality had become abruptly
mixed with hallucinations. Where are they...I can't see them. I must
make sure they're not dead... let them be alive, oh God please let them
be alive. I struggled through the cabin door. Looks of amazement
befell my presence. I vigorously searched the faces. There! Harry,
Hermione, Ron they're all alive. Then my effort wasn't in vain. I
turned to f ace Harry. An impulse asked my hand to travel up his face
where it rested on cheek. He didn't reject my touch, but stood fast.
"I thought that you were... I couldn't find you and it was so dark."
He began to quiver; he inhaled in short sharp breaths. Why do you
tremble so? Are my words that frightening? He let out a small cry
before clasping his hands tightly to his forehead. He staggered
forward with pain then collapsed comatose upon the floor. What have I
done?
"Harry!" Hermione and Ron gasped almost simultaneously. They shook him
in an attempt to awaken him but to no avail. Lupin gently pulled them
away from Harry.
"Hermione lead the rest of the students up to the castle. While you're
there get Madam Pomfrey. Go quickly now." Lupin instructed. I watched
his face. It was darkened with fear. Then he turned back to me, "But
you stay."
I backed against the stone fireplace and leaned up against the wall.
Hagrid bent low and tenderly lifted Harry's slight frame on to a
rumpled feather mattress. Hagrid glanced worriedly at Harry and then
walked across the room to stoke the fire. We all sat in silence for
many minutes. I shifted uncomfortably from one foot to another and
finally slid down the wall to sit on wooden floorboards. The walls
were decked in earth ware, dried herbs, and several cooking utensils.
A fire crackled happily throwing an eerie light inside the cabin.
Outside the light dimmed and a beautiful sunset made it seem as if
someone had splashed a bucket of red paint over the sky. I watched
Harry's breath rise and fall. Harry what has happened to you? If I
have hurt you... forgive me. Just please try to wake up. Finally I got
up and walked over to Harry's bedside. My action got the attention of
Lupin and Hagrid who both stood up immediately with my approach to
Harry.
"Oh, so I save everyone's life in the damn class and this is how I'm
treated! Shit! It's not like I hit him or anything! He blanked out on
his own!" I spat.
"That may be, but as soon as you touched him he jerked away and was
holding his scar. In the past, pain from his scar meant that there was
danger of Voldemort." Although his face was very stern a hint of
kindness still remained in his voice.
"I don't believe this!" I through up my arms in disgust. My anger
level was hovering somewhere near boiling. I folded my arms grumbling
to myself and flopped into a large leather chair. For a while I had
forgotten about my fatigue, but the minute I began to relax a wave of
sleepiness washed over me dragging my eyelids lower. I was just about
to doze off when a slicing pain cut through my arm and snapping me
awake. I sat up perturbed and delicately lifted the slashed remnants
of my sleeve. Deep gashes matted with dried blood mangled my whole
arm revealing ripped sinew and possibly even flashing glimpses of
bone. Dang, that wyvern tore the shit out of me. When my eyes met the
blood a weird sensation came over me; the same as when I saved Harry.
My tongue strained against the boundaries of my mouth willing me to
lap up the blood that seeped from the gash. The thought appalled me
yet I still had that urge... to... to drink my own blood. I turned my head
to free myself from such obsessing thoughts. What in the hell am I
thinking! Regaining my sensibilities I ripped off a shard of my ragged
sleeve with my teeth and began to wrap it around the remnants of my
appendage. Every time the cloth touched my sin I was forced to wince
from the tenderness of the injury. The door to the cabin slammed shut
and three adults streamed in cramming the hut. Leading the pack was
Dumbledore, then McGonagoll, and finally Madam Pomfrey. At the sight
of the professors I slunk back into the corner trying to avoid their
attention.
"Where is he?" gasped Madam Pomfrey
"Over here," pointed Lupin.
"Ah hello Hagrid," Dumbledore greeted the friendly giant, "Quite a
note you came back on," Dumbledore chuckled.
"Er, yes professor," Hagrid grinned.
"Albus come here a minute," beckoned Madam Pomfrey, "this is very odd,
but there seems to be nothing medically wrong with him. It's just like
the energy was drained from his body and he fell into a deep sleep."
"When Raven touched him he grabbed his scar and just collapsed,"
Professor Lupin explained.
"What do you think this means Albus? Could she be..."McGonagoll paused
after noticing me sitting quietly in the corner.
"Oh please continue. I enjoy listening to your theories on how I'm in
league with Lord Voldemort. How I'm out to kill your precious champion
of darkness, the great Harry Potter!" I laughed derisively.
"We never said that Raven..." Dumbledore spoke sincerely.
"But how you thought it!" I growled. I bared my teeth hatefully
towards the people standing over me.
"Is there something you've been hiding? If so, you have to tell us,"
pleaded Professor McGonagoll.
I looked up at them my face shrouded in darkness. I exhaled painfully.
"A secret you say. I have many of those. But I can't... (I have to tell
them. Maybe they can help, but this curse... what if it hurts them... I
wish you were here Dameon.)"
"Please Raven. Your answer may help explain Harry's sudden illness,"
Madam Pomfrey said desperately.
"I have nothing to tell." I turned my head away from the group of
teachers. I can't tell them. Not now and maybe never. I must find my
way back to London. At least there I won't endanger any one.
Harry suddenly groaned and drew the rapped attention of everyone in
the room. I could see his dark outline in the dimly lit cabin. He
rolled over and his eyes fluttered open.
"What happened?" he croaked.
"You seem to have fainted and have been out for about an hour,"
Dumbledore answered. Has it been that long?
"What happened to the wyvern?" he sat up stiffly
"That damn beast is dead," I whispered from my corner.
"Raven you're okay," he smiled warmly.
"Hell, yeah! What did you think I'd been eaten?!"
"Well I saw him bite you and after that, I don't really remember
anything."
"If you knew me better you would understand a little scratch won't
stop me," I ginned deviously.
"I'd call it more than that," he laughed softly.
"Harry, how are you feeling?" asked Madam Pomfrey.
"Fine, besides a minor headache," he shrugged.
"I believe, as of now, there's nothing I can do for Harry," Madam
Pomfrey told Dumbledore, "but I would like to inspect your arm Raven."
"I can take care of it myself," I muttered.
"I don't think that's wise," she said rather perturbed, "but if you
think your medical knowledge is greater than mine go right ahead. If
you change your mind you know where to find me." I flashed an
extremely dirty sign at her while Harry attempted to stifle a laugh.
The professors glanced at each other reproachfully, but allowed my
behavior to pass. Harry then edged out of the bed and walked over to
sit beside me.
"While I was asleep I heard you speaking to me. It was kind of muffled
so I couldn't really make out the words, but it sounded like you were
begging me to do something. The words made me feel safe like some one
was watching over me," he spoke quietly in my ear, "Thank you."
Why are you thanking me? I don't understand. But maybe I did
understand in some odd way. In the same moment our eyes met and the
flame that had been ignited by Dameon's passion blazed forth a warmth
from my breast. I could feel a reddish blush come over my face and I
turned quickly away. I don't understand this feeling. I'm so confused.
I suffer a love towards both of them. I shouldn't... I can't do this.
Everyone I get close to will be endangered by my presence. I shouldn't
have made such close relations anyways. This is not who I was trained
to be. I'm not a lover or even a friend. I closed my eyes. I wanted to
disappear and forget my conflicting thoughts.
"We had better head back up to the castle it's already dark and your
curfew is approaching," Dumbledore instructed. The teachers started to
file out.
Harry gave me a hand up off the floor, but instead accidentally
touched my injured arm. I slumped over struck with pain and stumbled
into Harry. I crumpled to my knees. Harry dropped to my side. His arms
wrapped around my shoulders cradling my weight on his knees. My right
arm felt as though spiders were crawling under my skin piercing me
over and over. I writhed beneath Harry's grasp; trying to brake free.
I felt an enormous hatred towards him; towards everyone. Get off of
me! I'll kill you! The pain subsided as well as my wrath. I fell limp
against Harry's chest breathing heavily.
"What just happened Raven?" Harry sacredly mumbled.
"I'm not sure," I gasped.
"That's it; let me see your arm! Excuse me Harry." Madam Pomfrey had
bustled back in through the door at the sound of my agony. She grabbed
my wrist and began to unwrap my makeshift bandage. I tried to prepare
myself for the site of my tattered arm, but once the cloth was taken
off I was shocked at the results. Under the oxidized blood the skin's
openings had sealed themselves. In place were several dark scars
running the length of my arm. Madam Pomfrey looked scrutinized the
scars and then looked astonished at Dumbledore.
"This is remarkable, the skin healed without any remedies. I've never
seen anything like it," Madam Pomfrey said dumbfounded, "Raven how did
this happen?"
"How should I know?" I said quite dazed.
"I would like to examine your arm again. Come to the Hospital Wing
tomorrow afternoon," the physician said extremely interested. I rolled
my eyes to this request and pushed myself away from Harry's warm
support to my feet.
"Do you feel well enough to go back to the castle?" Lupin asked with
concern.
"I'm fine! Harry's the one who almost dropped dead!" I snarled at his
kindness.
Our odd little party journeyed into the darkness and slowly progressed
up the long row of stone stairs. I trailed several steps behind the
others. The light from Hogwart's windows illuminated my other
companions. Madam Pomfrey was animatedly talking to McGonagoll and
Dumbledore and kept looking quickly over her shoulder at me. What are
you looking at? I'm not a side show entertainment you know!
Dumbledore opened the door and issued everyone forth, but I hesitated.
"Professor... I really don't feel like going inside... can I... um," I stood
dumbly lost for words.
"I understand," he filled in for my silence, "just make sure you don't
do off the grounds." He looked down at me through his spectacles.
Dumbledore smiled sadly at me before turning and gliding through the
oaken door. The face he displayed somewhat shook me. Why did he look
at that way? It's as if he knew something about me... something bad,
that he didn't want to admit.
I stood in the night considering Dumbledore's gesture. The chill of
fall bit into my bones and I pulled my cloak closer to my body. Out of
the shadows a cold touch grasped my sleeve. I bounded backwards.
"A tiny bit jumpy tonight aren't we?" laughed a familiar voice
"Dameon!" I flung my arms around his neck and hugged him tenderly.
"You've been worried for me. I can see it in your eyes," he lightly
stroked my cheek as he talked, "I don't think worrying suits you well.
It looks like you've lost a lot of sleep."
"I'm fine, but where in the hell have you been all this time?" I
demanded. As happy as I was to see him I was still pretty pissed off
that he hadn't contacted me earlier.
"Let's just say I had a few complications," he frowned.
"Dameon... something's happening to me and I'm not really sure what.
It's occurred only twice yet still it worries me."
"What are you talking about Raven?" His slender jaw visibly tightened.
"Inside me, it's like... like a chain was broken and now there's this
uncontrollable power, and I can't contain it. When I'm under its spell
I feel such hatred... towards everything. And today I was trying to
protect Hermione and when I was facing the wyvern I just snapped. I
thought by instinct like an animal. When I killed it I felt... happy.
There's another disturbing action I felt. When I was tending to my arm
the wyvern had bitten I began to lust for the taste of blood. This is
freaking me out a lot Dameon. Please tell me what is happening to me!
I'm so scared." Fearful tears trickled down my face. I don't want to
feel this way! It hurts so much! Dameon turned from me. I could see
his breath hanging in silvery clouds before him.
"Your arm," he paused, "did the wounds heal themselves?"
"Yes," I answered quietly.
"Then I can no longer keep the truth from you," his head drooped in
anguish.
"What are you talking about? I know I'm the bearer of Escryed. What
more is there?"
"There's a second part to the prophecy. The person who wears the
brand, from birth, is meant to transgress into one of us... a vampyre."
"But it couldn't be! I mean, I'm not like anything like you! I can't
read minds and I don't even like the idea of drinking someone's
blood!" I started to panic.
"No you don't understand what I am saying! Your not one now! As I have
already told you with the increase of your power so does that of those
in the portal. And, since vampyres physical abilities push the limits
of the body it is only appropriate that the dark lord would want you
to become one of us. We can perform extreme feats of strength and
agility not to mention our supreme mental capacity for learning. So
imagine the possibilities of what damage those in the portal could do
if they received such superiority?"
"They could kill everyone here," I choked. I placed my head in my
hands shakily.
"Raven, you've seen something, haven't you?" I could feel all the
blood drain from my face and turn ashen.
"It was a dream. I was standing on one of the castle's parapets. Below
me was sea of massacred bodies... all of the Hogwarts students. The
field was drunk with their blood. Harry, Hermione, Ron... all dead. And
then I felt Voldemort's hand on the back of my throat. I tried to
wrench away from him but I couldn't move. And that's when I woke up."
I sat down on the steps and laid my head on my arms, "I couldn't do
anything. And he just kept laughing and laughing!" I was now sobbing
so hard my words became suffocated with tears. Dameon rapped his arms
around me and nuzzled my neck consolingly.
"I know this will be hard on you, but you have to stand strong," he
began.
"I don't want this burden! I don't even want to live if I'll have to
kill the people I love!" I cried hysterically
"Quiet yourself little one. Dreams are not reality and your life is
not something you should just throw away. Also not all is yet lost.
You are only partially vampyrian, which means the dark lord still can
not take control over your senses." He sat quietly caressing my
shoulders soothingly, calming my depressed misery. Even in the gloomy
night I could still see ivory teeth glinting in an encouraging grin.
"But how did this happen? It's not like one of you ever came into my
room and sucked me dry," I managed to whimper
"That is an old process. We've come up with several new ways of
converting humans into immortals. For instance, the exchange of blood.
If a human ingests vampyre blood and then the same vampyre takes blood
from that mortal then the human will become one of us. So, when you
were shot earlier this year do remember it being laced in a toxin?"
"Yeah Dumbledore said something about that, but what are you getting
at?"
"The vampyre's blood in deadly to most humans, but since you maintain
the power of Escryed your body was able to survive the shock. Now all
the dark lord has to accomplish is the same vampyre to take your blood
and the ceremony will be complete."
"So basically I'm screwed."
"No, for as long as I remain at your side no one will harm you. In the
vampyrian sect you are my human and no other may approach you without
me ripping them to pieces. Listen to my heart," he pressed my head
against his chest, "our hearts beat as a whole and can not be
separated... even in death. You are my lover and I am yours. I know you
pain... not from fear... not from hate, but from your lost memories. A
mind is a locked safe. Although magic can erase memories from the
conscience the sub-conscience remains aware of these thoughts and it
wears and scraps at its cage; asking to be let free. This will draw
its owner towards the brink of insanity. I have felt like this before,
and I've learned how to soften the sensation. Lean to me and whisper
what you want to feel."
"I don't want to remember. I don't want to feel any more. I want my
mind to lie dead. Their pain... I don't how much longer I can carry it."
With that he placed his pale hands on either side of my temples,
closed his eyes, and furrowed his brow in concentration. I could feel
my brain go empty. A warm cloud encompassed the burden that had
plagued my thoughts since my dreams had begun. It lifted leaving my
naked mind creating a freedom I had never experienced. I was a child
sitting on woven carpet playing next to a crackling fire. A woman
foreign to me entered the room and came to sit by me. She quietly
untied my braid and started to comb my wavy hair. Her nimble finger
worked easily through the tangles she encountered. Then I felt a jolt
and the memory faded into a phantom mist and was replaced with
darkness once more. Dameon was bent over, his chest heaving for
breath.
"Oh God! What happened to you?" I panicked
"This is just an after affect. I'll be fine. I guess I underestimated
the extent of your burden" He smirked amiably.
"It was wonderful. I've never felt so free in my life. What was that
anyways?"
"A stronger form of hypnosis that only vampyres can perform. It's
meant to momentarily relieve painful memories, but I couldn't retain
my concentration. I'm sorry I couldn't relieve your pain for longer."
"No one's perfect," I pushed his greasy hair away from his face.
"May I have a chance at redemption," he simpered playfully. He leaned
so close to me that his eyelashes kissed my cheek. Our lips met for
the second time. He breathed life into my ragged body. The heated
passion melded us into one another. From him radiated an earthy smell,
but there was something else, a primal aroma that wafted around us
rekindling ancient impulses. We broke momentarily and I stared into
the eyes I was so accustomed to. They had turned a flaring crimson to
match his frenzied emotions. This break scared me slightly. What if I
suddenly woke up in my old apartment, alone once more?
"Is this a dream?" I asked almost afraid to hear the answer.
"Is life a dream?" he answered rhetorically, "Fear not my little dove.
I am just as much flesh and blood as any other person." I snuggled
closer to him to escape the gnawing teeth of the arctic wind.
"When you briefly entranced me I thought I saw... my mother. But I've
never been able to remember anything about my family; not even my
childhood."
"That's what I was telling you about. Your mind has been overly
beleaguered by your disturbed conscience. When I removed that anxiety
your brain could recall memories from your past. So... what was she
like?"
"The vision was pretty fuzzy. But I could make out her tall, slender
figure. She had really long dark hair that flowed down over her
shoulders. And I remember seeing her hands also. They were callused,
but so dexterous and gentle. They never pulled my hair while she was
untangling it. I wish... I wish I could've known her or at least
remember what she was like." I looked away sadly.
"If it was in my power I would reverse the hands of time, but I can't
and neither can you, so don't regret what you can't change my love."
He kissed my neck mischievously, "I have something I want to show
you." Dameon helped me to my feet and led me down the long staircase
to the meadow that edged the forbidden forest.
"Wait here a minute," he lifted his hand to signal me to halt.
He walked about ten paces forward and stopped himself. For a moment he
rummaged through his cloak and withdrew what appeared to be a small
metal whistle. He held in to his mouth and blew. A deep mournful note
issued forth. It seemed to me it echoed over the entire campus causing
the forest to sway and weep at the sound of the melody. From the
forest emerged an immense incandescent body. It padded softly across
the misty ground. As it approached I realized it was a dog... or was it
a wolf? Whatever it is its huge! Damn it's as tall as me! Its golden
eyes glowed ferociously in the gloom. Unlike most wolves I had seen
pictures of this one was pure white and that had a silvery tent about
it that caused its hair to shimmer in the star's glow. Its left eye
was sealed shut by a grisly scar that disfigured its noble face.
"DDDameon what is that?" I stuttered. My body had become tense not of
fear for myself, but for Dameon. I could feel an agitation rising from
the cavernous depths of my soul willing me to attack this canine. He's
done nothing to you Raven! If Dameon is comfortable with this beast's
company so should you. So just, relax!
"He's not a thing, Raven. His name is Aries. At one point in time all
magical creatures traveled in herds across the Earth. They were as
intelligent as any human, but then came the plagues that broke apart
these clans and turned most of them into dumb brutes that followed the
laws of nature instead of reason. Those animals who retained there
mental capacity became leaders of there kind. Ones such as that have
gained the knowledge to speak the human tongue. And Aries is one of
those rare types. He has become the god over all species of canine;
dogs, wolves, foxes, hyenas, and even lycans... or werewolves, as humans
call them," he turned from me to address the great creature, "Aries, I
have called you forth to introduce you to one we have sworn to
protect, Raven, bearer of the Escryed brand."
His silvery blue eyes observed me. His nostrils flared taking in my
smell. Then his thin black lips broke and he huskily laughed flashing
his cruelly sharp daggers.
"This child you say possesses such great power... she fears me and I am
not even her enemy."
"Aries, you must give her time. She's new to her position and I
believe your effort would be better put in teaching her rather that
teasing!" he frowned looking rather perturbed.
"Forgive me mortal. I know my impudence wasn't needed," he bowed his
head respectfully. Dameon then looked to me to do the same back, but I
refused to comply. If this dog thinks I forgive an insult that easy
he's sorely mistaken.
"Ah, now she's holding a grudge against me," the wolf chuckled
hoarsely. He paced about me analyzing my appearance, "I see now why
you took interest in this one. She holds a stiff air about her, a
pride or arrogance in her muggle abilities and heritage. A bit
stubborn, but a strong will to survive. I congratulate you on your
choice Dameon. She ought to be a successful student."
"Hello! I'm standing right here! It's not like I'm such an imbecile
that I don't understand what you're saying!" I growled overly agitated
by our animal companion's remarks.
"Raven, please excuse his behavior. He may be old, but he has retained
his roguish sense of mockery," Dameon stated curtly while the wolf
continued to smirk callously, "Aries would you be willing to take us
back to the den?" Aries nodded and laid down so we could board his
back. After we had both clambered on top of him Aries took off at a
swift trot. He made barely any noise while moving over the misty
grass. I leaned against Dameon listening to his breathing. He placed
one arm securely around my waist and the other hung on to Aries wiry
main. Aries threaded throughout the trees with great ease despite his
great size. I lost track of time and just sat enjoying my lover's
companionship. After what seemed hours we arrived in a clearing devoid
of all vegetation except for a colossal oak that stretched its
branched hundreds of feet into the atmosphere. At the foot of a tree
was a hole dug so deep into the ground that its inside appeared
darkened. Dameon slipped off of Aries's back and lifted me down
afterwards.
"Welcome to our humble abode. Come on, it's a lot more comfortable
when you go inside," Dameon insisted. Aries bounded in ahead of us. I
approached the entrance, kneeled by its opening, and slid down the
soggy embankment down into the warm burrow. Inside a soft blush
radiated from heated embers of a dying fire. There wasn't any true
furniture, but instead a nest made of animal fur placed over dried
leaves. This is where Aries had now bedded down and was now observing
our movements.
"I brought you here because I wanted to speak to you without chance of
someone from Hogwarts hearing. Now that your power has been fully
realized its potency will only increase. That's why I want to begin
training you how to channel it. Although Voldemort wishes to contain
it for his own purposes, as long as you are in control of your senses
you can use it to fight against him. Will you be willing to do this?"
He looked into my eyes entreating me to submit to his request.
"Fine... but first I have a few questions."
"I'll answer to the best of my knowledge."
"You told me I have power, but you didn't really tell me what that
entails. And after today I'm still kind of confused about what I did.
I transfigured a sword without my wand and the wyvern... I mean it
should have killed me, but instead... I killed it."
"You must always remember you are now a partial vampyre. The Mark of
Escryed can do nothing more but open portals. On the other hand, it
has been recorded that your brand can somewhat... magnify a vampyre's
abilities."
"And seeing that Voldemort wanted you stronger it really
doesn't help our situation, does it?" growled Aries. Great! Just what
I need!
"Anyways, what you witnessed today was just an example of a vampyre's
power. Vampyres are by essence more in touch with nature than any
other sub-human species. We can mold the atoms of any natural
substance into the form we desire. Therefore when you held the piece
of wood in your hand you were capable of feeling its life energy. And
then when your emotions became extremely strong it rekindled your
vampyrian instincts. So to protect yourself you reconfigured the
elements in the wood to suit you situation."
"But if it's only controlled by feelings how can I..." My jaw clenched
tightly in frustration.
"That is where I come in. Your training will allow you to command your
power. Then, when the moment of your fate comes you may face
Voldemort... and take from him what he took from so many others... his
life and his soul!" His nostrils flared heatedly. The intensity of his
voice caused me to back away fearfully. Dameon's eyes once again were
burning hatefully, but in a moments time had cooled off back to their
normal status. He looked away from me. Something flashed across his
face... was it despair?
"May I ask one more thing?" I asked hesitantly due to Dameon's
reaction to my last question. He nodded silently, "Today when I
touched Harry I hurt him. Will it always be that way?" He solemnly
looked at me biting his lip, "Please, Dameon, tell me the truth."
"I didn't really want to get into the aftereffects of using your
power. I thought, along with the bit about you being a vampyre, it
would be too much of a shock for you, but if that is what you wish..."
he stalled as if searching for the right words to say, "When a half-
breed, such as yourself, forces themselves to summon their powers, it
takes all their energy to complete the process. In order for the body
to survive the first living thing the person touches will be sucked of
their life force. That's why true vampyres drink blood. So when you
touched Harry you took his life force to restore your own, but since
you're not a full vampyre you weren't capable of taking it all... and in
turn killing him. Unfortunately as long as you live this will be the
result of each time you use your power, but the effects will slightly
dim as your training progresses."
I placed my hands over my face. This isn't fair. I've already been a
murderer once, and I don't want to become one again. I didn't even
have a choice. I can't deal with the guilt. I don't want to live that
way any more. Death is better than killing my own friends.
"Don't think that way..." He tried to place his arm around my shoulder,
but I pushed him away.
"Why not?! I hate living this way! I hate being afraid! I don't even
have a choice of who I'm becoming... it's not fair!" Aries got to his
feet glaring at me.
"You foolish child! Do you think you're the only one with problems of
this nature? You're so damn caught up in yourself...it's disgusting!
Many have lost everything to the dark lord! I myself lost a daughter
and wife and they were replaced by this scar which reminds me everyday
of what I failed to protect!" He was now roaring savagely, his eyes
glowing maliciously dwarfing my anguish.
"Aries, peace. She is new to this burden. Her fears and pains, if I'm
not mistaken, are equal to those you once had." Dameon had entered
between both of us allowing a wave of serenity to overtake the
tension. The wolf's head bowed shamefully and refused to meet Dameon's
tranquil eyes. Dameon walked to me and laid his chilled hand on my
cheek.
"I know you can't stand to be chained by fear; you're a free spirit...
and that's what I love about you, but you must fight through this, not
just for your own safety... but your friends as well. All will be well
little one... I swear that to you." Our gazes were interlocked for what
seemed an eternity. Both pleading with the other, he for my trust and
I for his compassion. And in some odd manner we both received what we
required. Then he spoke, "Now you must return to the safety of
Hogwarts walls. Aries..."
"I... I don't want to go back. They think I'm a monster or something
Just let me stay here with you. Please," I implored Dameon. He sighed
tiredly.
"People have always looked down on those different from them, but
don't let that get to you. Tell Dumbledore. Both he and the other
professors will understand. They care for the students like they were
their own children, and I assure you as long as you remain within
Hogwarts under their protection no true harm will come to you. And ...I
suppose you may stay for tonight, but before the first light appears
Aries will take you back. Do you understand?" he strictly instructed.
I nodded smiling.
I bedded down with Aries and Dameon on the furs. Although Dameon spoke
of the dangers outside Hogwart's boundaries I had never felt as safe
as I did now in his arms. Aries sat on the opposite side of the nest
still nursing his anger. I found myself playing with Dameon's
unbuttoned collar as I lay at his side. I watched his chest rise and
fall with each of his breath he took. My hand worked down his neck
till it met the deathly cold skin of his chest. His heart was
fluttering rapidly against the cage of his ribs. I looked up into his
eyes. The dim light of the embers danced playfully in the depths of
his eyes.
"Thank you for being with me," I murmured.
"There is no where else I would rather be more."
"What is it like to be you?"
"What? Oh, a vampyre you mean. Well, it's kind of hard to describe.
For one thing I can hear everything... almost to the point of driving
someone to insanity. But after a while I got use to it. And then I can
hear people's thoughts. That's more annoying than anything."
"What about having to drink blood?" He grew taught with pain.
"That is what I dread most of all every day of my existence. Some of
my kind thinks it sport to hunt those weaker than ourselves. I can
barely stand it. So when I must feed I find those near death who have
given up their wish to live. To them death is a great gift. I guess I
don't despise myself so much when I take from those people."
"I didn't know you felt that way. Sorry I brought it up."
"No, I should be more open with you on such subjects anyways," he
quietly kissed my forehead, "Now you should try to sleep. Aries will
be waking you up in a few hours to take you back." I snuggled closer
to him and allowed myself to slip into a lethargic trance.
As the year drug on the mornings started to dawn crisp with a heavy
mist that crawled across the grounds decking the blades of grass with
dresses of crystal moisture. I had not seen Dameon since our last
meeting when he requested to begin a relationship with me. Nor had he
returned any of my letters. Why doesn't he come? Has something
happened? These questions ricocheted throughout my head. I had begun
to worry about my mysterious guardian, which was a trait unknown to my
normal dispassionate attitude. The more I agonized over the
whereabouts of Dameon the more physical tear took place on my body.
Once again sleep went by the wayside and I spent lonely nights
sketching in front of the fireplace. My drawing pad had been blank up
until now. Each time I began with slender cheekbones that curved down
to a softly rounded chin. From there dark brooding eyes and a chiseled
roman nose. Then I would pause to look at my work... it was Dameon
staring back at me from the paper window. Am I pining for him? This is
ridiculous! He's just a boy; he's not even worth my thoughts! None the
less every time I set out to draw one of the professors or a student
it would twist and mold itself into an image of Dameon. Deep circles
formed under my eyes and I became increasingly irritable due to my
lack of sleep. Hermione noticed my sudden transformation in manner and
approached me one day while doing homework.
"What's been wrong with you lately?" she inquired
"Nothing," I quietly answered. Why is she bringing this up?
"Raven your lying. You might be able to fool the professors into
thinking that, but I know you better," Hermione folded her arms to
show she was serious on the matter at hand.
"For one thing I don't feel like talking about it and for another it's
none of your business!" I glared at Hermione.
"I'm not trying to pry into your personal affairs, but you're my
friend and... well, if anything's bothering you I just want to let you
know I'm here if you want to talk about it," she looked
sympathetically toward me. I have nothing to say to you Hermione so
don't think kindness will open my heart.
I attempted to avoid her the rest of the afternoon although she made
that extremely hard by sitting next to me in every class. What in the
hell is wrong with her? Is nothing private?
Our Defense Against the Dark Arts class was held that day out on the
grounds.
"Today I thought it would be a nice change of plans if we did some
hands on activities. As you all may have been aware Hagrid, the
ground's keeper, has been absent since the beginning of the year. He
graciously agreed to travel to Israel in order to pick up our special
"activity" just for this lesson," Lupin announced.
We were directed to a small stone cottage near the edge of the forest.
Moss encrusted the wooden of the sloped roof. From the inside of the
antiqued hut came three loud barks that made me almost jump out of my
skin. The door creaked open to reveal a giant of a man with a shaggy,
matted head of dark hair that mingled with his bushy beard. Through
the mass of hair you could still see the man's beetle black eyes
glimmering. His massive bulk was covered with a sleek coat of rabbit
fur that looked as though it was hand sown. Suddenly a great black
hound bounded from behind Hagrid. I jumped backwards instinctively not
knowing whether the dog was friendly or defensive. The enormous beasts
jumped up on Harry's robes and began to lick his face vigorously.
"Down Fang!" came the stern command of Hagrid as he strode over to
pull the dog away from Harry, "Ah, it's good to see you all again!" I
watched as he bent to bear hug Harry, Hermione, and Ron with one
immense swoop of his arms. He's gigantic! Where did they get this guy?
"Er, hello professor!" came his gruff voice as he turned to address
Lupin.
"It's good to see you back Hagrid! Did you manage to acquire the
package?"
"Of course! You didn't think that I would travel all that way for
nothing?" Hagrid laughed deeply, "it's around back." We all
accompanied him around the side of the chalet. There was a massive
cage constructed of heavy steel bars and in the shadows lurked a
creature which emitted loud hisses. Apparently it saw us approach
because the noise abruptly stopped.
"What we will be studying today is a species of miniature dragon
called a wyvern. If you will all move closer to the cage you will see
that this variety only reaches a length of seven feet. The eyes of
this creature allow it to see only thermal activity; making it an
extremely thorough predator. A poisonous barb on its tail is a second
weapon to its teeth. A wyvern's bite doesn't necessarily contain
poison, but its mouth is a natural breeding ground for bacteria so
when it bites its prey it infects it with deadly diseases. This is
what usually kills the wyvern's victim. Also if you will notice it
does have a pair of leathery wings although due to natural selection
they were never developed enough to allow the wyvern to fly. Instead
the tendons in all four of its legs lengthened to make it able to
track its prey on the ground and trees will ferocious speed. Today we
will be dissecting a few of the retractable venomous spikes on its
tail. Can anyone tell me the medicinal properties of this toxin?"
Lupin inquired
As usual Hermione's hand shot up, although I didn't hear her answer. I
was watching the wyvern pace the interior of its enclosure. It slender
neck arched allowing it to observe its captors. The golden viper eyes
surveyed me maliciously and he emitted a low guttural growl. You would
love to get out of there wouldn't you? To sink your teeth into our
flesh and rip us apart. You fear nothing... I wish I could feel like you
again.
"Now if everyone will take their place around the cage I will apply a
slight stunning spell and then we will be able to begin removing a few
of the spikes. Make sure all of you adorn your dragon hide gloves when
handling the spikes because the poison can easily enter your pores,"
professor Lupin instructed. With a flick of his wand a soft blue light
erupted from its tip and hit the dragon's side. He roared in pain;
staggered for a few seconds then slumped to its side. Lupin along with
Hagrid's help unlock the latches to the sides of the impound.
"Now all of you come forward." Most everyone hesitated, evidently wary
of being this close to a dragon. "Don't worry," coaxed Lupin, "He
won't be awake for another few hours. When removing one of the spears
take a firm grip on it and wedge a finger between the skin and the
spike's base. Then lightly twist and pull and it should slide out
quite effortlessly. While a few of you are doing this the rest will
accompany me while I point out some of the wyvern's defenses."
I decided to get the most boring thing over with first, Lupin's
lecture. He instructed us to the head of the scaly beast.
"A wyvern's head is covered in thick calluses that provide a strong
armor against most creatures' claws or teeth that try to attack this
vulnerable area. Here come feel," began Lupin. All of the girls' faces
frowned in disgust and shied away from the brute. I rolled my eyes at
their preppy girlishness and walked over to the dragon's head. I laid
my hand softly on its thick snout. Under my touch the creature
trembled. Its nostrils flared taking in my sent. This action alarmed
me. That's not supposed to happen. Anything that's completely asleep
shouldn't be able to control its body so thoroughly.
"Professor I don't think it's totally unconscious," I warned. The
girl's let out slight yelps of panic and shrunk behind Lupin.
"Raven that's improbable. Any creature that received that great of a
shock doesn't have the physical capacity to remain awake," he assured
us.
"I'm telling you I felt it move!" I said more forcefully.
"I promise you we're completely safe," he spoke, slightly more
perturbed.
I turned back towards the monster. Its eyelids are twitching. He's
searching for us. I looked down at the tail of the wyvern where the
spikes were being gradually being removed. If this thing starts to get
up it could maul all of them.
"Hermione, Harry, Ron back away... now!" I commanded. I drew forth my
wand. I don't know what good this thing will do but I'll kill this
dragon before it even gets up.
"Raven what are you doing?" Lupin forcefully inquired.
"I don't give a damn whether you do anything or not, but this thing is
awake! Now you can sit back and watch me kill it or you can help! But
I'm not going to let it maul everyone here, because of your idiocy!" I
snarled
"I don't appreciate your disrespectfulness Raven," he said calmly,
"what you felt was probably just a muscle spasm. Now I must ask you to
put away your wand or I will have to confiscate it during this
lesson."
"Well here you go!" I snapped and thrust my wand at him. He took it
serenely and placed it in his coat. You freaking idiot! You might not
trust me but I know what I sense!
As Lupin continued to instruct I turned back to the wyvern. Its eyes
snapped open and it shook its head vigorously. It swung its tail
knocking away all of the students and nearly hitting a few in the head
with its poisonous tail. Lupin turned about to see the beast get to
its feet free from all constraints. I was frozen face to face with the
wyvern. In my peripheral vision I saw Hermione standing behind the
wyvern; wand withdrawn. Obviously the reptile felt her presence was a
larger threat, because he turned from me and started to advance on
Hermione. Her eyes opened wide in fear and she backed away shaking.
Hermione run!
"Hagrid, get the other students inside your house! I'll get Raven and
Hermione! Quickly!" Lupin yelled in ernest. Even though he had issued
this command many of the students remained to watch the demise of
Hermione so he was forced to leave us alone and herd the rest of the
children into the hut.
You dumb beast! I've had enough taken from me and you won't take her!
My mind was clouded with rage. I tore after the wyvern and reached
Hermione before he could attack. I placed myself in between the animal
and her. Deep within the recesses of my brain an instinctive switch
kicked on. I bent low to the ground and issued a low growl. It
extended its neck and roared spraying us with saliva. I brandished my
teeth matching his ferocity of his nature. His eyelids narrowed
scrutinizing my aggressive behavior. He's trying to intimidate me.
Maybe he's afraid I can actually hurt him. If I can keep this façade a
little longer Lupin can reach us. That's when he advanced even
further. We were already plastered against a line of trees; we
couldn't retreat any further. I have to make a decision. I know I
can't physically win, but I don't want him to hurt Hermione. A sharp
pain snapped from my previously wounded shoulder and radiated through
my arm. I bent over gasping with the stinging twinges which caused my
whole arm to spasm. The brute watched my abrupt weakness and seemed to
swell in a new found courage. I glanced down at my arm. The silver
cuff that had covered my brand was melting off my wrist and a red glow
outlined the crook-shaped scar. Without warning my body snapped
upright. What's going on?! I can't... control... my body! Everything that
happened next seemed like I was watching a movie... but it was someone
else playing the role of myself! My entire intemperate mass vaulted
toward the beast. I slashed at his throat before springing backwards
out of his reach. A purple liquid oozed from the cuts I had made. He
bellowed in fury and charged. Each time he made a swipe at me I was
always a few inches out of his grasp. My body felt oddly light
allowing me to make these swift movements. Then every few seconds I
would dart in claw him and revert back to a safe distance. This
taunting game of cat and mouse continued for several minutes. By this
time his whole breast plate was covered in long gashes. About the
tenth time I darted in I slipped on a sandy patch and fell into his
leg. He reared up in an attempt to crush me under his front claws.
Holy shit! I grabbed a handful of dirt and through it into his eyes.
The wyvern howled and came down just enough off balance where his paws
landed on either side of me. I crawled away and watched as clawed his
face trying to remove the dust from his vision. Thank god here comes
Lupin! The beast regained its composure flaring its nostrils
heatedly. We stood facing each other tensely. Damn it Lupin get
Hermione! I can handle myself! I paid dearly for my moment of
distraction. In one fail swoop the dragon had loped towards me. It
violently swung its armored head to the right slamming me sideways and
sent me spinning on to the ground. Then the dragon placed one of his
clawed paws upon me and began to press with all of its weight trying
to press me into the dirt. Its suffocating weight buried into my
chest. My muscles stained to remove the leathery clamp off my lungs. A
malicious smile curved across the dragon's lips. The creature leaned
down to my face mocking my failure. Then like a dog playing tug of war
he clamped his teeth around my right arm, released his penetrating
weight, and began to brutally snap his head to and fro. With every
rapid crack of his neck his teeth elongated the tears of my muscles'
sinew. I was helpless against its grasp; forced to be drug about like
a child's toy. Although I could see my mangled arm I felt nothing.
Finally he freed my arm and I dropped to my knees. He paced before me
as if waiting for the most opportune moment to finish off his kill. My
butchered arm hung limp at my side. Its bloody, mangled remains were
twisted within the torn fabric. I need a weapon, anything! A spiraled
stick caught my attention so I grabbed it maladroitly and clambered to
my feet. I'm not left handed, yet I feel comfortable wielding it here.
I felt a heat radiating from the stick; a signature energy all its own
flowing through it. The feeling pulsated in time with my heartbeat.
With every breath I took its power swelled. A cold breeze blew into my
face. I can smell your fear. The dragon's eyes dilated and it began to
back away fearfully. You won't escape that easily. I began to laugh
insanely. A dark hand had clasped around my heart. My mind yearned to
drive the stake through his chest and watch a fountain of blood spew
from its innards. My fist clutched the javelin tighter. No longer was
it wood I touched, but a cold metal. A slender blade flashed
dangerously in the blinding sunlight. Its severe edge ridged with
small saw-like teeth. Its appearance mirrored my driven hate. I
aligned the sword's point with my adversary's heart. Now you die. We
flew at each other with a single fluid motion. My sword pierced his
flesh with direct accuracy. It ripped straight through the dragon's
muscular breast and lacerated his bulging jugular vein. Steamy blood
sprayed, burning whatever it touched. From the mortally wounded beast
issued a blood-curdling scream. Its sides greatly heaving in an
attempt to grasp breathe. The dying animal collapsed to its side
shaking the ground as it went. Both of its eyes glazed over, but even
in death the predator's shrewdly malevolent smile remained. So it is
done.
I staggered clumsily onward. The sword now felt so weighted in my
grasp that I dropped it to the ground. It shriveled back into dead
wood. The enthralling energy that had driven me to ensure the death of
the wyvern had disappeared. I looked wearily upon the slain heap and a
despair settled over me that I had only previously felt with my
dreams. So much death. The blood soaks the grass... suffocating it...
taking its life as I have taken this ignorant creature's. Such beauty
and life turned gray in decay... it reminds me... of that dream. All of
the students... my friends... dead. Is killing still a sin of this kind if
I kill to protect? I looked up at Hagrid's home where my class mates
had been herded into for safety. Their faces were pressed against the
glass fogging most of it except for the few peepholes which they
stared through. Lupin flung the door open and raced to my side. I
looked up at him.
"Maybe you'll listen to me next time," I hissed almost inaudibly. My
words slurred numbly. He made a move to assist my tipsy movement, but
I thrust him away. At this point my extreme exhaustion led me into a
state of delusional daydreams. I was reliving every awful second of my
dreams. Their screams, the battered bodies, the high icy laugh. I was
caught in a prison of my own horrors. My reality had become abruptly
mixed with hallucinations. Where are they...I can't see them. I must
make sure they're not dead... let them be alive, oh God please let them
be alive. I struggled through the cabin door. Looks of amazement
befell my presence. I vigorously searched the faces. There! Harry,
Hermione, Ron they're all alive. Then my effort wasn't in vain. I
turned to f ace Harry. An impulse asked my hand to travel up his face
where it rested on cheek. He didn't reject my touch, but stood fast.
"I thought that you were... I couldn't find you and it was so dark."
He began to quiver; he inhaled in short sharp breaths. Why do you
tremble so? Are my words that frightening? He let out a small cry
before clasping his hands tightly to his forehead. He staggered
forward with pain then collapsed comatose upon the floor. What have I
done?
"Harry!" Hermione and Ron gasped almost simultaneously. They shook him
in an attempt to awaken him but to no avail. Lupin gently pulled them
away from Harry.
"Hermione lead the rest of the students up to the castle. While you're
there get Madam Pomfrey. Go quickly now." Lupin instructed. I watched
his face. It was darkened with fear. Then he turned back to me, "But
you stay."
I backed against the stone fireplace and leaned up against the wall.
Hagrid bent low and tenderly lifted Harry's slight frame on to a
rumpled feather mattress. Hagrid glanced worriedly at Harry and then
walked across the room to stoke the fire. We all sat in silence for
many minutes. I shifted uncomfortably from one foot to another and
finally slid down the wall to sit on wooden floorboards. The walls
were decked in earth ware, dried herbs, and several cooking utensils.
A fire crackled happily throwing an eerie light inside the cabin.
Outside the light dimmed and a beautiful sunset made it seem as if
someone had splashed a bucket of red paint over the sky. I watched
Harry's breath rise and fall. Harry what has happened to you? If I
have hurt you... forgive me. Just please try to wake up. Finally I got
up and walked over to Harry's bedside. My action got the attention of
Lupin and Hagrid who both stood up immediately with my approach to
Harry.
"Oh, so I save everyone's life in the damn class and this is how I'm
treated! Shit! It's not like I hit him or anything! He blanked out on
his own!" I spat.
"That may be, but as soon as you touched him he jerked away and was
holding his scar. In the past, pain from his scar meant that there was
danger of Voldemort." Although his face was very stern a hint of
kindness still remained in his voice.
"I don't believe this!" I through up my arms in disgust. My anger
level was hovering somewhere near boiling. I folded my arms grumbling
to myself and flopped into a large leather chair. For a while I had
forgotten about my fatigue, but the minute I began to relax a wave of
sleepiness washed over me dragging my eyelids lower. I was just about
to doze off when a slicing pain cut through my arm and snapping me
awake. I sat up perturbed and delicately lifted the slashed remnants
of my sleeve. Deep gashes matted with dried blood mangled my whole
arm revealing ripped sinew and possibly even flashing glimpses of
bone. Dang, that wyvern tore the shit out of me. When my eyes met the
blood a weird sensation came over me; the same as when I saved Harry.
My tongue strained against the boundaries of my mouth willing me to
lap up the blood that seeped from the gash. The thought appalled me
yet I still had that urge... to... to drink my own blood. I turned my head
to free myself from such obsessing thoughts. What in the hell am I
thinking! Regaining my sensibilities I ripped off a shard of my ragged
sleeve with my teeth and began to wrap it around the remnants of my
appendage. Every time the cloth touched my sin I was forced to wince
from the tenderness of the injury. The door to the cabin slammed shut
and three adults streamed in cramming the hut. Leading the pack was
Dumbledore, then McGonagoll, and finally Madam Pomfrey. At the sight
of the professors I slunk back into the corner trying to avoid their
attention.
"Where is he?" gasped Madam Pomfrey
"Over here," pointed Lupin.
"Ah hello Hagrid," Dumbledore greeted the friendly giant, "Quite a
note you came back on," Dumbledore chuckled.
"Er, yes professor," Hagrid grinned.
"Albus come here a minute," beckoned Madam Pomfrey, "this is very odd,
but there seems to be nothing medically wrong with him. It's just like
the energy was drained from his body and he fell into a deep sleep."
"When Raven touched him he grabbed his scar and just collapsed,"
Professor Lupin explained.
"What do you think this means Albus? Could she be..."McGonagoll paused
after noticing me sitting quietly in the corner.
"Oh please continue. I enjoy listening to your theories on how I'm in
league with Lord Voldemort. How I'm out to kill your precious champion
of darkness, the great Harry Potter!" I laughed derisively.
"We never said that Raven..." Dumbledore spoke sincerely.
"But how you thought it!" I growled. I bared my teeth hatefully
towards the people standing over me.
"Is there something you've been hiding? If so, you have to tell us,"
pleaded Professor McGonagoll.
I looked up at them my face shrouded in darkness. I exhaled painfully.
"A secret you say. I have many of those. But I can't... (I have to tell
them. Maybe they can help, but this curse... what if it hurts them... I
wish you were here Dameon.)"
"Please Raven. Your answer may help explain Harry's sudden illness,"
Madam Pomfrey said desperately.
"I have nothing to tell." I turned my head away from the group of
teachers. I can't tell them. Not now and maybe never. I must find my
way back to London. At least there I won't endanger any one.
Harry suddenly groaned and drew the rapped attention of everyone in
the room. I could see his dark outline in the dimly lit cabin. He
rolled over and his eyes fluttered open.
"What happened?" he croaked.
"You seem to have fainted and have been out for about an hour,"
Dumbledore answered. Has it been that long?
"What happened to the wyvern?" he sat up stiffly
"That damn beast is dead," I whispered from my corner.
"Raven you're okay," he smiled warmly.
"Hell, yeah! What did you think I'd been eaten?!"
"Well I saw him bite you and after that, I don't really remember
anything."
"If you knew me better you would understand a little scratch won't
stop me," I ginned deviously.
"I'd call it more than that," he laughed softly.
"Harry, how are you feeling?" asked Madam Pomfrey.
"Fine, besides a minor headache," he shrugged.
"I believe, as of now, there's nothing I can do for Harry," Madam
Pomfrey told Dumbledore, "but I would like to inspect your arm Raven."
"I can take care of it myself," I muttered.
"I don't think that's wise," she said rather perturbed, "but if you
think your medical knowledge is greater than mine go right ahead. If
you change your mind you know where to find me." I flashed an
extremely dirty sign at her while Harry attempted to stifle a laugh.
The professors glanced at each other reproachfully, but allowed my
behavior to pass. Harry then edged out of the bed and walked over to
sit beside me.
"While I was asleep I heard you speaking to me. It was kind of muffled
so I couldn't really make out the words, but it sounded like you were
begging me to do something. The words made me feel safe like some one
was watching over me," he spoke quietly in my ear, "Thank you."
Why are you thanking me? I don't understand. But maybe I did
understand in some odd way. In the same moment our eyes met and the
flame that had been ignited by Dameon's passion blazed forth a warmth
from my breast. I could feel a reddish blush come over my face and I
turned quickly away. I don't understand this feeling. I'm so confused.
I suffer a love towards both of them. I shouldn't... I can't do this.
Everyone I get close to will be endangered by my presence. I shouldn't
have made such close relations anyways. This is not who I was trained
to be. I'm not a lover or even a friend. I closed my eyes. I wanted to
disappear and forget my conflicting thoughts.
"We had better head back up to the castle it's already dark and your
curfew is approaching," Dumbledore instructed. The teachers started to
file out.
Harry gave me a hand up off the floor, but instead accidentally
touched my injured arm. I slumped over struck with pain and stumbled
into Harry. I crumpled to my knees. Harry dropped to my side. His arms
wrapped around my shoulders cradling my weight on his knees. My right
arm felt as though spiders were crawling under my skin piercing me
over and over. I writhed beneath Harry's grasp; trying to brake free.
I felt an enormous hatred towards him; towards everyone. Get off of
me! I'll kill you! The pain subsided as well as my wrath. I fell limp
against Harry's chest breathing heavily.
"What just happened Raven?" Harry sacredly mumbled.
"I'm not sure," I gasped.
"That's it; let me see your arm! Excuse me Harry." Madam Pomfrey had
bustled back in through the door at the sound of my agony. She grabbed
my wrist and began to unwrap my makeshift bandage. I tried to prepare
myself for the site of my tattered arm, but once the cloth was taken
off I was shocked at the results. Under the oxidized blood the skin's
openings had sealed themselves. In place were several dark scars
running the length of my arm. Madam Pomfrey looked scrutinized the
scars and then looked astonished at Dumbledore.
"This is remarkable, the skin healed without any remedies. I've never
seen anything like it," Madam Pomfrey said dumbfounded, "Raven how did
this happen?"
"How should I know?" I said quite dazed.
"I would like to examine your arm again. Come to the Hospital Wing
tomorrow afternoon," the physician said extremely interested. I rolled
my eyes to this request and pushed myself away from Harry's warm
support to my feet.
"Do you feel well enough to go back to the castle?" Lupin asked with
concern.
"I'm fine! Harry's the one who almost dropped dead!" I snarled at his
kindness.
Our odd little party journeyed into the darkness and slowly progressed
up the long row of stone stairs. I trailed several steps behind the
others. The light from Hogwart's windows illuminated my other
companions. Madam Pomfrey was animatedly talking to McGonagoll and
Dumbledore and kept looking quickly over her shoulder at me. What are
you looking at? I'm not a side show entertainment you know!
Dumbledore opened the door and issued everyone forth, but I hesitated.
"Professor... I really don't feel like going inside... can I... um," I stood
dumbly lost for words.
"I understand," he filled in for my silence, "just make sure you don't
do off the grounds." He looked down at me through his spectacles.
Dumbledore smiled sadly at me before turning and gliding through the
oaken door. The face he displayed somewhat shook me. Why did he look
at that way? It's as if he knew something about me... something bad,
that he didn't want to admit.
I stood in the night considering Dumbledore's gesture. The chill of
fall bit into my bones and I pulled my cloak closer to my body. Out of
the shadows a cold touch grasped my sleeve. I bounded backwards.
"A tiny bit jumpy tonight aren't we?" laughed a familiar voice
"Dameon!" I flung my arms around his neck and hugged him tenderly.
"You've been worried for me. I can see it in your eyes," he lightly
stroked my cheek as he talked, "I don't think worrying suits you well.
It looks like you've lost a lot of sleep."
"I'm fine, but where in the hell have you been all this time?" I
demanded. As happy as I was to see him I was still pretty pissed off
that he hadn't contacted me earlier.
"Let's just say I had a few complications," he frowned.
"Dameon... something's happening to me and I'm not really sure what.
It's occurred only twice yet still it worries me."
"What are you talking about Raven?" His slender jaw visibly tightened.
"Inside me, it's like... like a chain was broken and now there's this
uncontrollable power, and I can't contain it. When I'm under its spell
I feel such hatred... towards everything. And today I was trying to
protect Hermione and when I was facing the wyvern I just snapped. I
thought by instinct like an animal. When I killed it I felt... happy.
There's another disturbing action I felt. When I was tending to my arm
the wyvern had bitten I began to lust for the taste of blood. This is
freaking me out a lot Dameon. Please tell me what is happening to me!
I'm so scared." Fearful tears trickled down my face. I don't want to
feel this way! It hurts so much! Dameon turned from me. I could see
his breath hanging in silvery clouds before him.
"Your arm," he paused, "did the wounds heal themselves?"
"Yes," I answered quietly.
"Then I can no longer keep the truth from you," his head drooped in
anguish.
"What are you talking about? I know I'm the bearer of Escryed. What
more is there?"
"There's a second part to the prophecy. The person who wears the
brand, from birth, is meant to transgress into one of us... a vampyre."
"But it couldn't be! I mean, I'm not like anything like you! I can't
read minds and I don't even like the idea of drinking someone's
blood!" I started to panic.
"No you don't understand what I am saying! Your not one now! As I have
already told you with the increase of your power so does that of those
in the portal. And, since vampyres physical abilities push the limits
of the body it is only appropriate that the dark lord would want you
to become one of us. We can perform extreme feats of strength and
agility not to mention our supreme mental capacity for learning. So
imagine the possibilities of what damage those in the portal could do
if they received such superiority?"
"They could kill everyone here," I choked. I placed my head in my
hands shakily.
"Raven, you've seen something, haven't you?" I could feel all the
blood drain from my face and turn ashen.
"It was a dream. I was standing on one of the castle's parapets. Below
me was sea of massacred bodies... all of the Hogwarts students. The
field was drunk with their blood. Harry, Hermione, Ron... all dead. And
then I felt Voldemort's hand on the back of my throat. I tried to
wrench away from him but I couldn't move. And that's when I woke up."
I sat down on the steps and laid my head on my arms, "I couldn't do
anything. And he just kept laughing and laughing!" I was now sobbing
so hard my words became suffocated with tears. Dameon rapped his arms
around me and nuzzled my neck consolingly.
"I know this will be hard on you, but you have to stand strong," he
began.
"I don't want this burden! I don't even want to live if I'll have to
kill the people I love!" I cried hysterically
"Quiet yourself little one. Dreams are not reality and your life is
not something you should just throw away. Also not all is yet lost.
You are only partially vampyrian, which means the dark lord still can
not take control over your senses." He sat quietly caressing my
shoulders soothingly, calming my depressed misery. Even in the gloomy
night I could still see ivory teeth glinting in an encouraging grin.
"But how did this happen? It's not like one of you ever came into my
room and sucked me dry," I managed to whimper
"That is an old process. We've come up with several new ways of
converting humans into immortals. For instance, the exchange of blood.
If a human ingests vampyre blood and then the same vampyre takes blood
from that mortal then the human will become one of us. So, when you
were shot earlier this year do remember it being laced in a toxin?"
"Yeah Dumbledore said something about that, but what are you getting
at?"
"The vampyre's blood in deadly to most humans, but since you maintain
the power of Escryed your body was able to survive the shock. Now all
the dark lord has to accomplish is the same vampyre to take your blood
and the ceremony will be complete."
"So basically I'm screwed."
"No, for as long as I remain at your side no one will harm you. In the
vampyrian sect you are my human and no other may approach you without
me ripping them to pieces. Listen to my heart," he pressed my head
against his chest, "our hearts beat as a whole and can not be
separated... even in death. You are my lover and I am yours. I know you
pain... not from fear... not from hate, but from your lost memories. A
mind is a locked safe. Although magic can erase memories from the
conscience the sub-conscience remains aware of these thoughts and it
wears and scraps at its cage; asking to be let free. This will draw
its owner towards the brink of insanity. I have felt like this before,
and I've learned how to soften the sensation. Lean to me and whisper
what you want to feel."
"I don't want to remember. I don't want to feel any more. I want my
mind to lie dead. Their pain... I don't how much longer I can carry it."
With that he placed his pale hands on either side of my temples,
closed his eyes, and furrowed his brow in concentration. I could feel
my brain go empty. A warm cloud encompassed the burden that had
plagued my thoughts since my dreams had begun. It lifted leaving my
naked mind creating a freedom I had never experienced. I was a child
sitting on woven carpet playing next to a crackling fire. A woman
foreign to me entered the room and came to sit by me. She quietly
untied my braid and started to comb my wavy hair. Her nimble finger
worked easily through the tangles she encountered. Then I felt a jolt
and the memory faded into a phantom mist and was replaced with
darkness once more. Dameon was bent over, his chest heaving for
breath.
"Oh God! What happened to you?" I panicked
"This is just an after affect. I'll be fine. I guess I underestimated
the extent of your burden" He smirked amiably.
"It was wonderful. I've never felt so free in my life. What was that
anyways?"
"A stronger form of hypnosis that only vampyres can perform. It's
meant to momentarily relieve painful memories, but I couldn't retain
my concentration. I'm sorry I couldn't relieve your pain for longer."
"No one's perfect," I pushed his greasy hair away from his face.
"May I have a chance at redemption," he simpered playfully. He leaned
so close to me that his eyelashes kissed my cheek. Our lips met for
the second time. He breathed life into my ragged body. The heated
passion melded us into one another. From him radiated an earthy smell,
but there was something else, a primal aroma that wafted around us
rekindling ancient impulses. We broke momentarily and I stared into
the eyes I was so accustomed to. They had turned a flaring crimson to
match his frenzied emotions. This break scared me slightly. What if I
suddenly woke up in my old apartment, alone once more?
"Is this a dream?" I asked almost afraid to hear the answer.
"Is life a dream?" he answered rhetorically, "Fear not my little dove.
I am just as much flesh and blood as any other person." I snuggled
closer to him to escape the gnawing teeth of the arctic wind.
"When you briefly entranced me I thought I saw... my mother. But I've
never been able to remember anything about my family; not even my
childhood."
"That's what I was telling you about. Your mind has been overly
beleaguered by your disturbed conscience. When I removed that anxiety
your brain could recall memories from your past. So... what was she
like?"
"The vision was pretty fuzzy. But I could make out her tall, slender
figure. She had really long dark hair that flowed down over her
shoulders. And I remember seeing her hands also. They were callused,
but so dexterous and gentle. They never pulled my hair while she was
untangling it. I wish... I wish I could've known her or at least
remember what she was like." I looked away sadly.
"If it was in my power I would reverse the hands of time, but I can't
and neither can you, so don't regret what you can't change my love."
He kissed my neck mischievously, "I have something I want to show
you." Dameon helped me to my feet and led me down the long staircase
to the meadow that edged the forbidden forest.
"Wait here a minute," he lifted his hand to signal me to halt.
He walked about ten paces forward and stopped himself. For a moment he
rummaged through his cloak and withdrew what appeared to be a small
metal whistle. He held in to his mouth and blew. A deep mournful note
issued forth. It seemed to me it echoed over the entire campus causing
the forest to sway and weep at the sound of the melody. From the
forest emerged an immense incandescent body. It padded softly across
the misty ground. As it approached I realized it was a dog... or was it
a wolf? Whatever it is its huge! Damn it's as tall as me! Its golden
eyes glowed ferociously in the gloom. Unlike most wolves I had seen
pictures of this one was pure white and that had a silvery tent about
it that caused its hair to shimmer in the star's glow. Its left eye
was sealed shut by a grisly scar that disfigured its noble face.
"DDDameon what is that?" I stuttered. My body had become tense not of
fear for myself, but for Dameon. I could feel an agitation rising from
the cavernous depths of my soul willing me to attack this canine. He's
done nothing to you Raven! If Dameon is comfortable with this beast's
company so should you. So just, relax!
"He's not a thing, Raven. His name is Aries. At one point in time all
magical creatures traveled in herds across the Earth. They were as
intelligent as any human, but then came the plagues that broke apart
these clans and turned most of them into dumb brutes that followed the
laws of nature instead of reason. Those animals who retained there
mental capacity became leaders of there kind. Ones such as that have
gained the knowledge to speak the human tongue. And Aries is one of
those rare types. He has become the god over all species of canine;
dogs, wolves, foxes, hyenas, and even lycans... or werewolves, as humans
call them," he turned from me to address the great creature, "Aries, I
have called you forth to introduce you to one we have sworn to
protect, Raven, bearer of the Escryed brand."
His silvery blue eyes observed me. His nostrils flared taking in my
smell. Then his thin black lips broke and he huskily laughed flashing
his cruelly sharp daggers.
"This child you say possesses such great power... she fears me and I am
not even her enemy."
"Aries, you must give her time. She's new to her position and I
believe your effort would be better put in teaching her rather that
teasing!" he frowned looking rather perturbed.
"Forgive me mortal. I know my impudence wasn't needed," he bowed his
head respectfully. Dameon then looked to me to do the same back, but I
refused to comply. If this dog thinks I forgive an insult that easy
he's sorely mistaken.
"Ah, now she's holding a grudge against me," the wolf chuckled
hoarsely. He paced about me analyzing my appearance, "I see now why
you took interest in this one. She holds a stiff air about her, a
pride or arrogance in her muggle abilities and heritage. A bit
stubborn, but a strong will to survive. I congratulate you on your
choice Dameon. She ought to be a successful student."
"Hello! I'm standing right here! It's not like I'm such an imbecile
that I don't understand what you're saying!" I growled overly agitated
by our animal companion's remarks.
"Raven, please excuse his behavior. He may be old, but he has retained
his roguish sense of mockery," Dameon stated curtly while the wolf
continued to smirk callously, "Aries would you be willing to take us
back to the den?" Aries nodded and laid down so we could board his
back. After we had both clambered on top of him Aries took off at a
swift trot. He made barely any noise while moving over the misty
grass. I leaned against Dameon listening to his breathing. He placed
one arm securely around my waist and the other hung on to Aries wiry
main. Aries threaded throughout the trees with great ease despite his
great size. I lost track of time and just sat enjoying my lover's
companionship. After what seemed hours we arrived in a clearing devoid
of all vegetation except for a colossal oak that stretched its
branched hundreds of feet into the atmosphere. At the foot of a tree
was a hole dug so deep into the ground that its inside appeared
darkened. Dameon slipped off of Aries's back and lifted me down
afterwards.
"Welcome to our humble abode. Come on, it's a lot more comfortable
when you go inside," Dameon insisted. Aries bounded in ahead of us. I
approached the entrance, kneeled by its opening, and slid down the
soggy embankment down into the warm burrow. Inside a soft blush
radiated from heated embers of a dying fire. There wasn't any true
furniture, but instead a nest made of animal fur placed over dried
leaves. This is where Aries had now bedded down and was now observing
our movements.
"I brought you here because I wanted to speak to you without chance of
someone from Hogwarts hearing. Now that your power has been fully
realized its potency will only increase. That's why I want to begin
training you how to channel it. Although Voldemort wishes to contain
it for his own purposes, as long as you are in control of your senses
you can use it to fight against him. Will you be willing to do this?"
He looked into my eyes entreating me to submit to his request.
"Fine... but first I have a few questions."
"I'll answer to the best of my knowledge."
"You told me I have power, but you didn't really tell me what that
entails. And after today I'm still kind of confused about what I did.
I transfigured a sword without my wand and the wyvern... I mean it
should have killed me, but instead... I killed it."
"You must always remember you are now a partial vampyre. The Mark of
Escryed can do nothing more but open portals. On the other hand, it
has been recorded that your brand can somewhat... magnify a vampyre's
abilities."
"And seeing that Voldemort wanted you stronger it really
doesn't help our situation, does it?" growled Aries. Great! Just what
I need!
"Anyways, what you witnessed today was just an example of a vampyre's
power. Vampyres are by essence more in touch with nature than any
other sub-human species. We can mold the atoms of any natural
substance into the form we desire. Therefore when you held the piece
of wood in your hand you were capable of feeling its life energy. And
then when your emotions became extremely strong it rekindled your
vampyrian instincts. So to protect yourself you reconfigured the
elements in the wood to suit you situation."
"But if it's only controlled by feelings how can I..." My jaw clenched
tightly in frustration.
"That is where I come in. Your training will allow you to command your
power. Then, when the moment of your fate comes you may face
Voldemort... and take from him what he took from so many others... his
life and his soul!" His nostrils flared heatedly. The intensity of his
voice caused me to back away fearfully. Dameon's eyes once again were
burning hatefully, but in a moments time had cooled off back to their
normal status. He looked away from me. Something flashed across his
face... was it despair?
"May I ask one more thing?" I asked hesitantly due to Dameon's
reaction to my last question. He nodded silently, "Today when I
touched Harry I hurt him. Will it always be that way?" He solemnly
looked at me biting his lip, "Please, Dameon, tell me the truth."
"I didn't really want to get into the aftereffects of using your
power. I thought, along with the bit about you being a vampyre, it
would be too much of a shock for you, but if that is what you wish..."
he stalled as if searching for the right words to say, "When a half-
breed, such as yourself, forces themselves to summon their powers, it
takes all their energy to complete the process. In order for the body
to survive the first living thing the person touches will be sucked of
their life force. That's why true vampyres drink blood. So when you
touched Harry you took his life force to restore your own, but since
you're not a full vampyre you weren't capable of taking it all... and in
turn killing him. Unfortunately as long as you live this will be the
result of each time you use your power, but the effects will slightly
dim as your training progresses."
I placed my hands over my face. This isn't fair. I've already been a
murderer once, and I don't want to become one again. I didn't even
have a choice. I can't deal with the guilt. I don't want to live that
way any more. Death is better than killing my own friends.
"Don't think that way..." He tried to place his arm around my shoulder,
but I pushed him away.
"Why not?! I hate living this way! I hate being afraid! I don't even
have a choice of who I'm becoming... it's not fair!" Aries got to his
feet glaring at me.
"You foolish child! Do you think you're the only one with problems of
this nature? You're so damn caught up in yourself...it's disgusting!
Many have lost everything to the dark lord! I myself lost a daughter
and wife and they were replaced by this scar which reminds me everyday
of what I failed to protect!" He was now roaring savagely, his eyes
glowing maliciously dwarfing my anguish.
"Aries, peace. She is new to this burden. Her fears and pains, if I'm
not mistaken, are equal to those you once had." Dameon had entered
between both of us allowing a wave of serenity to overtake the
tension. The wolf's head bowed shamefully and refused to meet Dameon's
tranquil eyes. Dameon walked to me and laid his chilled hand on my
cheek.
"I know you can't stand to be chained by fear; you're a free spirit...
and that's what I love about you, but you must fight through this, not
just for your own safety... but your friends as well. All will be well
little one... I swear that to you." Our gazes were interlocked for what
seemed an eternity. Both pleading with the other, he for my trust and
I for his compassion. And in some odd manner we both received what we
required. Then he spoke, "Now you must return to the safety of
Hogwarts walls. Aries..."
"I... I don't want to go back. They think I'm a monster or something
Just let me stay here with you. Please," I implored Dameon. He sighed
tiredly.
"People have always looked down on those different from them, but
don't let that get to you. Tell Dumbledore. Both he and the other
professors will understand. They care for the students like they were
their own children, and I assure you as long as you remain within
Hogwarts under their protection no true harm will come to you. And ...I
suppose you may stay for tonight, but before the first light appears
Aries will take you back. Do you understand?" he strictly instructed.
I nodded smiling.
I bedded down with Aries and Dameon on the furs. Although Dameon spoke
of the dangers outside Hogwart's boundaries I had never felt as safe
as I did now in his arms. Aries sat on the opposite side of the nest
still nursing his anger. I found myself playing with Dameon's
unbuttoned collar as I lay at his side. I watched his chest rise and
fall with each of his breath he took. My hand worked down his neck
till it met the deathly cold skin of his chest. His heart was
fluttering rapidly against the cage of his ribs. I looked up into his
eyes. The dim light of the embers danced playfully in the depths of
his eyes.
"Thank you for being with me," I murmured.
"There is no where else I would rather be more."
"What is it like to be you?"
"What? Oh, a vampyre you mean. Well, it's kind of hard to describe.
For one thing I can hear everything... almost to the point of driving
someone to insanity. But after a while I got use to it. And then I can
hear people's thoughts. That's more annoying than anything."
"What about having to drink blood?" He grew taught with pain.
"That is what I dread most of all every day of my existence. Some of
my kind thinks it sport to hunt those weaker than ourselves. I can
barely stand it. So when I must feed I find those near death who have
given up their wish to live. To them death is a great gift. I guess I
don't despise myself so much when I take from those people."
"I didn't know you felt that way. Sorry I brought it up."
"No, I should be more open with you on such subjects anyways," he
quietly kissed my forehead, "Now you should try to sleep. Aries will
be waking you up in a few hours to take you back." I snuggled closer
to him and allowed myself to slip into a lethargic trance.