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Chapter 2
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A thunderous booming on the main doors brought Minerva McGonnagall from her bed chambers. Clad in her dressing robe she went to answer. They hardly ever received visitors by this method. At least not unannounced and planned visitors. She had caught a quick glance at the clock in her room, it was well past midnight. Holding her candle she watched the floor ahead of her. A small wave of her wand lit the corridors so she could wander without the fear of tripping.
Still the visitor at the doors continued to pound on the door. Minerva idly wondered if Albus Dumbledore could hear the noise in his tower. All of the other professors were away on vacation, leaving herself and Albus. Poppy had remained at the request of Dumbledore so they could keep Severus Snape from falling down dead after any of his meetings. She faltered in her step when she thought of this. But Death Eater would not knock. For that matter most wizards wouldn't have remained outside this late in the night trying to smash the door in and wake everyone in the castle.
She had been wakened from a pleasant dream. One where she was at her childhood home playing in the butterfly garden her mother was so fond of. She had done that every summer while attending Hogwarts. It was perhaps her favorite memory of her old home. It was still standing, but it had been given to her eldest brother upon their parents death. She didn't mind terribly since she was always invited whenever she wished to come. She had bought a smaller house in North England and recreated the garden. Many of the butterflies were transfigured as they were not native to England, like her mother's. She would spend a few weeks there over the summer with her younger sister. It was a nice way to relieve the stress of being a teacher.
The visitor was still pounding at the door. "I'm coming. I'm coming," she muttered as she drew closer. Why hadn't they just entered by now? The doors would open to anyone friendly to this establishment. It seemed odd to have a friend this late at night not barge through the doors. Reaching out she wrenched to door from the relentless battering.
The scene on the other side shocked her enough to drop her candle before she drew her wand. A vampire was standing on the threshold with a large bundle wrapped in its cloak. Its face attracted her attention. Red tinged eyes, the tell-tale sign of Bloodlust. The long white porcelain face with high cheekbones. Two long fangs protruding over colorless lips. But the signs of Hunger were overridden with the strange expression of desperation.
"Who are you and what do you want?" McGonnagall demanded wand poised at the intruder's throat.
"The boy is in need, madam," the vampire responded calmly. By its voice you would be unable to tell it need to feed. It spoke in such a polite manner it was hard to believe the man was a vampire. "He is a student at this school and requires your assistance. If I may enter and take him to your infirmary?"
That explained why he had never entered. Minerva did not lower her wand as she considered. Was the boy in desperate need? And who was it? "Let me see him." Her voice was surprisingly steady. Obligingly, the vampire shifted the bundle in his arms to show the boy's face. "Harry," she gasped. Her wand arm fell when she recognized the pale, drawn face and the identifying scar. The moment of shock faded quickly and her guard resumed. "What have you done to him?"
"I, madam, have done nothing to harm the child. While he is still alive, the boy would fare much better in your Medi-witch's care than in mine. If I may?" He brought the discussion back the question of entry. Minerva had always believed that it was a myth that vampires could not enter without invitation, but here one was requesting.
"Minerva, is there a problem?" the soft, calm voice of the Headmaster drifted towards her. How long had she been standing before the vampire with her wand drawn. She neither lowered her wand nor averted her gaze from the potential threat holding Harry Potter. A sharp intake of breath signaled Dumbledore's identification of the 'visitor' and Harry. "I see," he said. "And what are you doing here?"
"I have come, sir, to place this boy under your care," the vampire explained once again, a small amount of annoyance filtering through. "If I might be permitted to take the lad to your infirmary, he shall mend better."
"Minerva," Albus addressed her calmly. "You may lower your wand. The man is not posing a threat to us. Nor do I think he will." Turning to the vampire, he said, "You may accompany us to the hospital wing so you do not frighten our nurse by your unexplained presence."
"I thank you, sir," it said nodding his head politely. He then stepped over the threshold.
"Minerva, if you would lead the way," Albus said gesturing her forward. She nodded curtly and set off at a brisk walk for Madam Promfrey's infirmary. "Now, perhaps you could tell me what happened to young Harry, here?"
"I am sorry, sir, but a long winded explanation is not in my capacity to preform at the moment. Perhaps you can settle for my name until a better time."
"I can settle for that at the moment."
"Irvan."
"Thank you, Irvan. I'll wait to question you until you are in better health." Irvan nodded his agreement and they continued down the corridors to the infirmary. Albus was studying this new person covertly, but had a feeling the vampire knew. He had a strange premonition that this was a vampire from old, but could not discern its age. It was about as tall as himself and glided along side him with an unnatural grace. The physical appearance was nothing unusual, not like the manner with which the vampire had conducted himself. It was quite apparent that the vampire needed to feed and soon, but he had made no movements to do so, nor had he attacked Harry who was laying limp in his arms. And the cordial way he conversed bespoke of a cultured man, not the psychotic, blood lusting killers the books spoke of.
Upon entering the ward, Poppy went on the offensive. Something had already woke her that night, and that something was sitting in a overstuffed chair, dozing. Severus Snape had returned and for once in his life had gone straight to the infirmary instead of his rooms or to inform Dumbledore. Poppy was glaring at them for disturbing her patient's rest. Albus doubted that Severus was truly asleep, unless she had given him some version of the Draught of the Living Death. On closer examination, he saw the horrible signs of the Cruciatus Curse. Uncomfortably twitching muscles. Poppy would not have given him a sleeping potion while he was in this condition.
"Lay him on the bed," he told the vampire. To Poppy he said, "You need to look to Harry. As I understand it, he has been through something terrible." As predicted, she immediately went to Harry's side and blanched as she recognized the man clad in the black waistcoat. "He will not harm you, Poppy," Albus assured her by placing an comforting hand on her shoulder. "He was the one who brought Harry to us," stating the obvious in attempt to keep her from hexing the creature before her. Dumbledore still did not understand why the vampire had not attacked one of them to satisfy his Hunger. He must be near starving if the signs were so prominent.
Irvan cautiously backed away from the bed, careful to not make any sudden moves that might be misinterpreted. Dumbledore was amazed at the man's control. The vampire glanced at Severus as he made his way to the door. "If you will excuse me, Headmaster Dumbledore, I must feed before we have our conversation."
"Of course, Irvan. And you are welcome to enter once you have finished," Albus added, figuring that once the creature left he would have to be invited in once again. Irvan simply nodded once in thanks and seemingly disappeared.
"Do you trust him?" Minerva questioned once they were alone.
"Not precisely. He has not harmed Harry nor us, so I believe he can be trusted, but I know nothing about him."
"He's a vampire."
"True. But the issue of trust should be weighed after we have talked with him," he said firmly. He was curious about the creature, but Harry needed to be look to first. Then find out what Severus was doing here. "How is he, Poppy?"
"He's fine. Weak. Exhausted. But other than that I don't see what might have caused any problems. If anything I would say the boy has just recovered from a severe cold, nothing life threatening. He's asleep right now, and I'd like to keep it like that for the moment."
"That is good news," he answered. "What about Severus?"
"The Cruciatus Curse. I gave him something for the after effects like I normally do. And he normally leaves. But tonight he just sat there, saying something about waiting. Then he just fell asleep."
"Thank you, Poppy, you have been a great help. We'll wake Severus and leave you to your work."
"Of course, Albus."
Albus placed a hand on the professor's shoulder, waking him with a mere touch. The beetle black eyes focused on his for a moment as he attempted to figure out the situation. Albus smile reassuringly. "Come on, Severus. We will discuss this in my office." He pulled back to allow the lanky man to rise. He did not miss the furtive glance the Potions Professor cast towards Poppy and Harry. The questions would be answered in time, but he had a strong feeling that Irvan and Severus knew each other. The vampire had been careful not to watch the dark hair professor too much.
"If you no longer require my presence, Headmaster, I'll return to my chambers," McGonnagall said to dismiss herself. She knew that Severus disliked informing before an audience.
"Thank you, Minerva. I would appreciated it if you kept an eye on Harry for the next few days."
"Of course, Albus. I would never let harm come to someone from my House." Nor any other House, Dumbledore added mentally. Minerva was a strong willed woman but cared deeply for all the students in the school. Despite the general dislike for Slytherin students. But that never got in the way of a professional relationship with Severus. McGonnagall nodded and departed for another corridor.
"Come, Severus. I am intrigued by tonight's events and I have a feeling that you know more than I," he said turning to the reclusive wizard.
"I have a feeling I do, Headmaster," was all he said as they walked up the spiraling stair towards Dumbledore's office.
"Please have a seat. Lemon drop?" he offered the small tin of the little yellow candies. Severus would refuse and then meeting would begin. He had tried one once when he was still a student and reacted violently against the taste. He had been eleven, before he was well trained in schooling his face into a mask. At that incident, the boy had found the candy far too sour for his tastes and showed it visibly. Unfortunately, he had been in the room with James Potter. Severus most likely held those bad memories in relation to lemon drops. Albus kept trying to get the man to put the memories behind him.
"No thank you, sir." Always formal. It seemed that was part of the boy that had never left. Or perhaps it was a defense mechanism that kept him from getting to close to anyone. Albus hoped to force him out of this condition. It would not always be necessary to remain cold and distance.
"Perhaps you would begin with your meeting tonight."
"It appears Lucius is getting suspicious about the Ministry's knowledge about the raids. And the Dark Lord seems to think all the information the Ministry is receiving must go through you first. He doesn't think it is me, no doubt Lucius does, hence the reason for calling the meeting. He warned me against giving him any reason to suspect me." Severus spoke in a detached manner, reliving the nights events at a distance, refusing to be caught up in it again.
"That is serious. Especially since not all of my information do I receive is from you," Albus said cautiously. He could not reveal the other source out of their protection and for Severus's. It held no relation on the level of trust he gave the man, but on the consequences the knowledge might pose. Severus understood this, he knew, but he suspected the man was resentful that he couldn't be trusted completely and unconditionally. Albus pitied the man for the torment he went through, all the while knowing the Potions Master's pride would keep him from accepting or even desiring pity. "I assume you know about Harry's predicament?" Moving on to topics that need discussion.
"I do."
Albus waited for him to continue. When it was obvious he would not do so without coxing, the Headmaster began his questions. "May I inquire how you knew about Irvan's imminent arrival?" One way or another questions would be answered. But he had to go slowly to keep the Potions Professor from clamming up as he was wont to do.
"He told me he was coming. I waited in the infirmary for him to come, but it seems Pomfrey put a silencing charm around the ward."
"Why didn't you approach me about this?"
Snape looked to his hands, uncomfortable. "I would have, had I not fell asleep in the hospital wing."
"How do you know Irvan?"
"Headmaster, I would prefer to cover that with Irvan present. You will no doubt have questions that I cannot answer."
Albus nodded in understanding. "Would you like some tea while we wait?"
"No thank you. I shall return to my quarters and wait for the morning. It might take him some time to return."
"Very well. And thank you, Severus." The man started at this, leaving Albus to chuckle slightly. "I know you were behind all of this somehow," he said, eyes twinkling merrily. "Rest well. We'll discuss this in the morning." Snape nodded and left the room, slower than normal but with just the same amount of billow to his robes.
Idly he wondered if it was true that vampires turned to dust in the morning light. Intuition never allowed him to believe it completely, but one never knew. There were many questions to ask the man when the time allowed it.
Chapter 2
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A thunderous booming on the main doors brought Minerva McGonnagall from her bed chambers. Clad in her dressing robe she went to answer. They hardly ever received visitors by this method. At least not unannounced and planned visitors. She had caught a quick glance at the clock in her room, it was well past midnight. Holding her candle she watched the floor ahead of her. A small wave of her wand lit the corridors so she could wander without the fear of tripping.
Still the visitor at the doors continued to pound on the door. Minerva idly wondered if Albus Dumbledore could hear the noise in his tower. All of the other professors were away on vacation, leaving herself and Albus. Poppy had remained at the request of Dumbledore so they could keep Severus Snape from falling down dead after any of his meetings. She faltered in her step when she thought of this. But Death Eater would not knock. For that matter most wizards wouldn't have remained outside this late in the night trying to smash the door in and wake everyone in the castle.
She had been wakened from a pleasant dream. One where she was at her childhood home playing in the butterfly garden her mother was so fond of. She had done that every summer while attending Hogwarts. It was perhaps her favorite memory of her old home. It was still standing, but it had been given to her eldest brother upon their parents death. She didn't mind terribly since she was always invited whenever she wished to come. She had bought a smaller house in North England and recreated the garden. Many of the butterflies were transfigured as they were not native to England, like her mother's. She would spend a few weeks there over the summer with her younger sister. It was a nice way to relieve the stress of being a teacher.
The visitor was still pounding at the door. "I'm coming. I'm coming," she muttered as she drew closer. Why hadn't they just entered by now? The doors would open to anyone friendly to this establishment. It seemed odd to have a friend this late at night not barge through the doors. Reaching out she wrenched to door from the relentless battering.
The scene on the other side shocked her enough to drop her candle before she drew her wand. A vampire was standing on the threshold with a large bundle wrapped in its cloak. Its face attracted her attention. Red tinged eyes, the tell-tale sign of Bloodlust. The long white porcelain face with high cheekbones. Two long fangs protruding over colorless lips. But the signs of Hunger were overridden with the strange expression of desperation.
"Who are you and what do you want?" McGonnagall demanded wand poised at the intruder's throat.
"The boy is in need, madam," the vampire responded calmly. By its voice you would be unable to tell it need to feed. It spoke in such a polite manner it was hard to believe the man was a vampire. "He is a student at this school and requires your assistance. If I may enter and take him to your infirmary?"
That explained why he had never entered. Minerva did not lower her wand as she considered. Was the boy in desperate need? And who was it? "Let me see him." Her voice was surprisingly steady. Obligingly, the vampire shifted the bundle in his arms to show the boy's face. "Harry," she gasped. Her wand arm fell when she recognized the pale, drawn face and the identifying scar. The moment of shock faded quickly and her guard resumed. "What have you done to him?"
"I, madam, have done nothing to harm the child. While he is still alive, the boy would fare much better in your Medi-witch's care than in mine. If I may?" He brought the discussion back the question of entry. Minerva had always believed that it was a myth that vampires could not enter without invitation, but here one was requesting.
"Minerva, is there a problem?" the soft, calm voice of the Headmaster drifted towards her. How long had she been standing before the vampire with her wand drawn. She neither lowered her wand nor averted her gaze from the potential threat holding Harry Potter. A sharp intake of breath signaled Dumbledore's identification of the 'visitor' and Harry. "I see," he said. "And what are you doing here?"
"I have come, sir, to place this boy under your care," the vampire explained once again, a small amount of annoyance filtering through. "If I might be permitted to take the lad to your infirmary, he shall mend better."
"Minerva," Albus addressed her calmly. "You may lower your wand. The man is not posing a threat to us. Nor do I think he will." Turning to the vampire, he said, "You may accompany us to the hospital wing so you do not frighten our nurse by your unexplained presence."
"I thank you, sir," it said nodding his head politely. He then stepped over the threshold.
"Minerva, if you would lead the way," Albus said gesturing her forward. She nodded curtly and set off at a brisk walk for Madam Promfrey's infirmary. "Now, perhaps you could tell me what happened to young Harry, here?"
"I am sorry, sir, but a long winded explanation is not in my capacity to preform at the moment. Perhaps you can settle for my name until a better time."
"I can settle for that at the moment."
"Irvan."
"Thank you, Irvan. I'll wait to question you until you are in better health." Irvan nodded his agreement and they continued down the corridors to the infirmary. Albus was studying this new person covertly, but had a feeling the vampire knew. He had a strange premonition that this was a vampire from old, but could not discern its age. It was about as tall as himself and glided along side him with an unnatural grace. The physical appearance was nothing unusual, not like the manner with which the vampire had conducted himself. It was quite apparent that the vampire needed to feed and soon, but he had made no movements to do so, nor had he attacked Harry who was laying limp in his arms. And the cordial way he conversed bespoke of a cultured man, not the psychotic, blood lusting killers the books spoke of.
Upon entering the ward, Poppy went on the offensive. Something had already woke her that night, and that something was sitting in a overstuffed chair, dozing. Severus Snape had returned and for once in his life had gone straight to the infirmary instead of his rooms or to inform Dumbledore. Poppy was glaring at them for disturbing her patient's rest. Albus doubted that Severus was truly asleep, unless she had given him some version of the Draught of the Living Death. On closer examination, he saw the horrible signs of the Cruciatus Curse. Uncomfortably twitching muscles. Poppy would not have given him a sleeping potion while he was in this condition.
"Lay him on the bed," he told the vampire. To Poppy he said, "You need to look to Harry. As I understand it, he has been through something terrible." As predicted, she immediately went to Harry's side and blanched as she recognized the man clad in the black waistcoat. "He will not harm you, Poppy," Albus assured her by placing an comforting hand on her shoulder. "He was the one who brought Harry to us," stating the obvious in attempt to keep her from hexing the creature before her. Dumbledore still did not understand why the vampire had not attacked one of them to satisfy his Hunger. He must be near starving if the signs were so prominent.
Irvan cautiously backed away from the bed, careful to not make any sudden moves that might be misinterpreted. Dumbledore was amazed at the man's control. The vampire glanced at Severus as he made his way to the door. "If you will excuse me, Headmaster Dumbledore, I must feed before we have our conversation."
"Of course, Irvan. And you are welcome to enter once you have finished," Albus added, figuring that once the creature left he would have to be invited in once again. Irvan simply nodded once in thanks and seemingly disappeared.
"Do you trust him?" Minerva questioned once they were alone.
"Not precisely. He has not harmed Harry nor us, so I believe he can be trusted, but I know nothing about him."
"He's a vampire."
"True. But the issue of trust should be weighed after we have talked with him," he said firmly. He was curious about the creature, but Harry needed to be look to first. Then find out what Severus was doing here. "How is he, Poppy?"
"He's fine. Weak. Exhausted. But other than that I don't see what might have caused any problems. If anything I would say the boy has just recovered from a severe cold, nothing life threatening. He's asleep right now, and I'd like to keep it like that for the moment."
"That is good news," he answered. "What about Severus?"
"The Cruciatus Curse. I gave him something for the after effects like I normally do. And he normally leaves. But tonight he just sat there, saying something about waiting. Then he just fell asleep."
"Thank you, Poppy, you have been a great help. We'll wake Severus and leave you to your work."
"Of course, Albus."
Albus placed a hand on the professor's shoulder, waking him with a mere touch. The beetle black eyes focused on his for a moment as he attempted to figure out the situation. Albus smile reassuringly. "Come on, Severus. We will discuss this in my office." He pulled back to allow the lanky man to rise. He did not miss the furtive glance the Potions Professor cast towards Poppy and Harry. The questions would be answered in time, but he had a strong feeling that Irvan and Severus knew each other. The vampire had been careful not to watch the dark hair professor too much.
"If you no longer require my presence, Headmaster, I'll return to my chambers," McGonnagall said to dismiss herself. She knew that Severus disliked informing before an audience.
"Thank you, Minerva. I would appreciated it if you kept an eye on Harry for the next few days."
"Of course, Albus. I would never let harm come to someone from my House." Nor any other House, Dumbledore added mentally. Minerva was a strong willed woman but cared deeply for all the students in the school. Despite the general dislike for Slytherin students. But that never got in the way of a professional relationship with Severus. McGonnagall nodded and departed for another corridor.
"Come, Severus. I am intrigued by tonight's events and I have a feeling that you know more than I," he said turning to the reclusive wizard.
"I have a feeling I do, Headmaster," was all he said as they walked up the spiraling stair towards Dumbledore's office.
"Please have a seat. Lemon drop?" he offered the small tin of the little yellow candies. Severus would refuse and then meeting would begin. He had tried one once when he was still a student and reacted violently against the taste. He had been eleven, before he was well trained in schooling his face into a mask. At that incident, the boy had found the candy far too sour for his tastes and showed it visibly. Unfortunately, he had been in the room with James Potter. Severus most likely held those bad memories in relation to lemon drops. Albus kept trying to get the man to put the memories behind him.
"No thank you, sir." Always formal. It seemed that was part of the boy that had never left. Or perhaps it was a defense mechanism that kept him from getting to close to anyone. Albus hoped to force him out of this condition. It would not always be necessary to remain cold and distance.
"Perhaps you would begin with your meeting tonight."
"It appears Lucius is getting suspicious about the Ministry's knowledge about the raids. And the Dark Lord seems to think all the information the Ministry is receiving must go through you first. He doesn't think it is me, no doubt Lucius does, hence the reason for calling the meeting. He warned me against giving him any reason to suspect me." Severus spoke in a detached manner, reliving the nights events at a distance, refusing to be caught up in it again.
"That is serious. Especially since not all of my information do I receive is from you," Albus said cautiously. He could not reveal the other source out of their protection and for Severus's. It held no relation on the level of trust he gave the man, but on the consequences the knowledge might pose. Severus understood this, he knew, but he suspected the man was resentful that he couldn't be trusted completely and unconditionally. Albus pitied the man for the torment he went through, all the while knowing the Potions Master's pride would keep him from accepting or even desiring pity. "I assume you know about Harry's predicament?" Moving on to topics that need discussion.
"I do."
Albus waited for him to continue. When it was obvious he would not do so without coxing, the Headmaster began his questions. "May I inquire how you knew about Irvan's imminent arrival?" One way or another questions would be answered. But he had to go slowly to keep the Potions Professor from clamming up as he was wont to do.
"He told me he was coming. I waited in the infirmary for him to come, but it seems Pomfrey put a silencing charm around the ward."
"Why didn't you approach me about this?"
Snape looked to his hands, uncomfortable. "I would have, had I not fell asleep in the hospital wing."
"How do you know Irvan?"
"Headmaster, I would prefer to cover that with Irvan present. You will no doubt have questions that I cannot answer."
Albus nodded in understanding. "Would you like some tea while we wait?"
"No thank you. I shall return to my quarters and wait for the morning. It might take him some time to return."
"Very well. And thank you, Severus." The man started at this, leaving Albus to chuckle slightly. "I know you were behind all of this somehow," he said, eyes twinkling merrily. "Rest well. We'll discuss this in the morning." Snape nodded and left the room, slower than normal but with just the same amount of billow to his robes.
Idly he wondered if it was true that vampires turned to dust in the morning light. Intuition never allowed him to believe it completely, but one never knew. There were many questions to ask the man when the time allowed it.