_____________________________________________
Chapter 5
____________________________________
Once everyone left the office, leaving Harry alone with the Headmaster, Harry had a sudden desire to know where Irvan had been during the summer. If the vampire had been close enough to bring him to Hogwarts after his dreaming incident, he must have been remarkably close. Not to mention very observant. And now that he knew he was going to be watched he wanted to know where Irvan was going to be. Inwardly he cursed himself for not bring up the question while the man was present. How was it possible to forget something of that magnitude.
He doubted Dumbledore would know, so he didn't ask that, instead he asked, "Sir? Where am I going to be staying for the rest of the holiday?" He knew for a fact that the Dursleys would not want him back after he had left. And he had a sinking suspicion that they would never want him back. The last thought would not have bothered him except that he was not of age and would have to go to an orphanage if something was not done. He would rather brave the Dursleys than have one more similarity with Tom Riddle.
"Here, I suppose, unless we can find another arrangement." Dumbledore's famous twinkle was back in his eyes with a vengeance. "I do not think your relatives would be pleased to have you returned without notice. And it seems that you need to have wizarding care incase your dreams become troublesome again," he added with a sad smile.
"Could I stay with the Weasley's?" he asked tentatively. The answer would be no, and he really shouldn't have asked because he would just put them in danger. But he wanted to visit them again. Mrs. Weasley was the closest he had to a loving mother. With them he felt like he belonged. It was a truly comforting feeling.
"We can ask. I believe with Irvan watching out for you, practically anywhere would be safe. And the Weasleys are fairly isolated from the cities. And if we keep your location a secret then there shouldn't be too much trouble." Dumbledore smiled at Harry's immediate mood change. "Go ahead and write a letter to Ron. I'll be sending one to Arthur and Molly later today."
"Thank you." Harry jumped out of his chair and sprinted to the door. "What day do you want me to suggest?"
The Headmaster chuckled at the question. "Don't worry about it, Harry. I'll cover that in my letter. Just tell your friend that you are going to spend the rest of the summer there."
"OK, thanks," he said rushing out the door to the owlery, before he could even think that he didn't even have a letter or even parchment to write on. He stopped cold when he heard Snape's silkily drawl around the corner. He knew enough to tread lightly around the man. And with his newly gained knowledge he wasn't so certain that the Potions Professor wouldn't snap his head off. Curiosity got the better of him though, and he stayed to listen.
"How could you even suggest such a thing, Irvan?" Irritation evident in the voice. Not being able to see the people, Harry relied on his ability to pick out emotions from the tone. It was not very difficult with most people, but Snape had an uncanny ability to suppress any variation in his voice unless very much outraged. As the incident with Sirius and Pettigrew during his third year, and the one with Fudge just after the Tournament showed beautifully. Especially when compared to his normal monotone drawl during class.
"I am sorry if my desire to keep you alive interferes with your desire to get yourself killed," Irvan responded evenly. Harry couldn't pick out any emotions from the vampire. He supposed the man had more practice at it than Snape. But there was a nagging thought that he read somewhere that vampires had no emotions. He wondered how true that might be. If he learned anything in Hagrid's Care of Magical Creatures, it would be those things had feelings to. "You know perfectly well that I cannot force you to do anything, and my suggestions can go unnoticed. I will, however, continue to make them despite you insistence. I fear that if you remain with him any longer, my debt will remain for eternity."
"So you are doing this for your own good." An accusation if he ever heard one.
"Correct. I am a surviver, Severus, but I am also a gentleman."
"So you have told me, but your concern now is Potter. If I had been thinking clearly back then I would have set you up with James."
"You cannot alleviate your debt through me, Severus. I thought we went through this before."
"We did and I know I can't. But he would be alive and I would actually be able to repay him, not be deeper in the hole." That was new. Harry had never really considered Snape's position in failing to repay his life debt to James Potter. "Now if you will excuse me I have work to do." Snape was definitely irritated, bordering on angry. Before Harry could think this over any further he was face to face with the vampire.
"Good morning, Harry," Irvan said revealing the pearly white fangs. Harry back away, momentarily shocked over seeing the tools for death so close. Images from Muggle movies flashed through his head, all showing the vampire joyously sinking his teeth into an innocent victim's neck. "If that is all that is bothering you, I can easily fix it," he added in a tone that could only be described as bemused. Well, that discredited the thought vampires were emotionless. Wiping his hand over his mouth, the fangs now appeared to be the size of normal teeth.
"Are they still there?" he asked, trying to find words to help him in the awkward situation. He did not remember being this scared during any of the times he encountered Voldemort. The Tri-Wizards' Tournament was on a completely different level and could not compare. To that, this was mild.
"Oh yes, they are. It is a simple illusion spell."
"You did it without a wand," he pointed out with sudden realization.
Irvan looked at him for a moment before answering. "I had my wands broken far too many times to keep replacing it. I am old enough now that I have little use for a wand for the simple spells. And I can get along quite easily without magic of that sort."
"So you are a wizard? I thought vampires had a different kind of magic," he said recalling some of the texts he read.
"I am not certain if you can classify us as wizards. But we are able to use wands as a means of concentrating magic," he said thoughtfully as if thinking about it for the first time. "We have a different kind of magic than wizards, most definitely. I am what we call an eccentric," he smile in amusement. "You do not find vampires in possession of a wand unless they are masquerading in the wizarding world."
"Why did you have a wand then?"
"I suppose I had gotten use to one when I was younger."
There was a pregnant pause while Harry digested this new information. "How old are you?" he asked, knowing vampires were pretty much immortal. But he had no idea what their general ages were.
"Around two thousand years."
Harry stood for a moment, stunned. He had thought Dumbledore was old. The man in front of him was far over one hundred times older and barely looked over twenty. He hadn't realized vampires did not age. But everyone agreed they were immortal, except that it was possible to kill them.
"Why are you answering me?" he asked innocently enough, finally gained the courage to ask what he really wanted to know. Eventually he would summon up the courage to ask why the vampire was here in the first place.
"I have no reason not to, and seeing as how I have been appointed your guardian, it seems appropriate that you should know who I am. I do not say trust because even Severus doesn't trust me outside his instructions." There seemed to be a small quirk of his lips at the statement, as if he found amusement in it. It seemed to Harry that Irvan had a very interesting sense of humor that might just apply only to vampires. Why would distrust be amusing?
"I don't understand that. You said you are his. What did you mean?" Harry was fairly certain that Irvan would decline to comment, much less explain. He knew that if he was in a similar position, he would be far to embarrassed to explain.
Irvan looked at him with an unreadable expression. "You are going to want the detailed explanation, I see. Well then, the courtyard is an acceptable location for us to have this discussion. Unless you prefer watching the squid at moments like these."
"No, the courtyard's fine," Harry agreed readily, eager to have an answer. Some instinct told him it was abnormal for a vampire to to be so passive; he thought that was the right word. Maybe it was all the books that were wrong, but something was distinctly unusual about the man before him. In silent conversation with himself, they walked to the courtyard. Harry choose a park-bench to bask in the summer sun before he remembered vampires hated sunlight. "Sorry, I wasn't thinking," he tried to apologize.
Irvan turned his head slightly to regard him. "Direct sunlight will kill younger vampires, especially ones that have been turned. I am merely-- sensitive to it. You should enjoy the sun. I know you haven't had much opportunity back at your relatives' house." Harry blushed in embarrassment. The vampire had definitely been very close to the Dursleys' house.
"Now about your question. I have a feeling this will be similar to the one I had with Severus a few days after the incident," he said softly, walking over to lean against a large willow tree, not the Womping Willow Harry had had so much trouble with. "Do you understand the concept of a Wizards' Bond?" Harry nodded. He knew everything the books to offer which was not considerable. "It's similar to that, deeper in fact. And is not something we vampires are proud of. Hardly anyone knows about the curse the unicorns placed on the vampires, it seems it has existed before the beginning of time. It was that curse Voldemort desired to use.
"I do not know how it works, but strictly speaking the vampire can only extrude unicorn blood with the aid of human blood. Once done, the human blood replaces everything the unicorn blood destroys, thus becoming integrated into the vampire. The more that has to be replaced the more attached to the human the vampire is. Thus a Vampire's Bond is formed. He has been saved and sustained by the human. Harming that human would result in harm to yourself because he is part of you. Say an extension of his body and as such are subject to his whims."
Harry listened stunned. He had no idea such magic existed. He had thought the Impervious Curse was the best anyone could to do to control another being, but this did sound similar to an Impervious. "How is that different from a Wizards' Bond?"
"A Wizards' Bond only connects two wizards in a debt situation. One is indebted to the other. The debtor is in no way controlled by the other, he only feels the need to repay."
"So if you were not indebted to Snape you wouldn't be here right now?"
"Possibly. Considering I choose to create that mental link in order for him to call me if he needs assistance, mainly out of concern for the Wizards' Bond, but I cannot say if I would have done so for merely the Vampire's Bond. Either way, I am here because Severus requested me and I am bound to obey."
"That's why Voldemort wanted you?"
"He wanted the vampires. Not me specifically."
"So none of this is normal for you."
Irvan blinked. "No, it is not. Before I was not so civil with humans, nor did I interact with them other than occasional food and fun. Even if I enjoy their culture and creations. But I would definitely not be answering your questions so calmly. Or thoroughly."
"Do you hate Snape?" That was random, he thought. It is really none of your business.
Irvan raised an eyebrow in consideration. "No. He did nothing but grant my request. If I 'hate' anyone it would be myself, or possibly Voldemort for creating the situation. I believe it is far better to belong to Severus than to Voldemort. I have always dislike senseless killings."
"What?!" That statement alone went against everything the books said. It discredited every text devoted to the study on vampires.
"I am a predator not an assassin," he smirked slightly as if knowing the reason behind the surprise. "If a kill does not satisfy some need for survival than it is senseless. Humans are notorious for that. Extermination on large scales. Insects, vampires, even themselves."
Harry let this sink in. So vampires did not just go around killing people for the fun of it. At least Irvan didn't. He was going to have to revise what he had learned in school. Probably talk to Remus about some of it. And of course he would talk to Hermione. She would love to know the true information. Ron most likely would not care in the least, but you never really knew about him. He did like Defense class.
Finally gaining the curiosity, he asked, "So you are going to be going everywhere with me?" He really wanted to know where to expect the man.
"It appears that way. Though while I do not have to be by your side constantly, it would be a good idea for me to be near."
"How will you do that? It would be rather suspicious if I had a vampire walking around with me."
"That point has not been decided yet. I believe it is up to Dumbledore and Severus to decide how it will be done." Irvan paused gazing into the distance as though listening to something far beyond Harry's senses. "A werewolf and an Animangus. Friends?"
Harry released a grin. "Remus and Sirius. Where are they?"
"Up near the main gate," was all Harry heard before he was running off to meet his Godfather and old Professor.
Eventually he saw the shaggy black dog trotting next to a slightly shabby wizard. Remus and Padfoot, or rather Snuffles. The dog changed his gait to pounce on Harry. "It's good you see you, Snuffles. You've been taking care of yourself, right?" he asked scratching the back of its neck.
Backing away from Harry 'Snuffles' transformed into to Sirius Black. "You know I have, Harry. What are you doing here anyway? Did Dumbledore bring you here just to meet us?"
"I wish. All I could figure out was that I was sick and they brought me here," Harry answered, not wanting to worry his Godfather to much.
"Well, it seems you are doing just fine to me. Hopefully we can catch up on things while we walk up to the castle. There isn't anyone that shouldn't see me up there, is there?"
"Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, Promfrey, and Irvan. That's all I know about."
"Who's Irvan?" Sirius asked, becoming deadly serious. Strangers would do that to a wanted man, Harry thought somberly.
"The man that brought me here."
"I assume that that is him behind you," Lupin said, growling slightly. The reaction slightly startled Harry and put Sirius on edge.
Harry turned around and sure enough the vampire was waiting several yard away from the reunion. "Yeah, that's him. I'm pretty certain Dumbledore trust him," he said cautiously. He actually had no idea what Dumbledore thought, but if he agreed with Snape's decision to keep him here then he really had no complaint.
"Really," Remus sounded skeptical. "If you don't mind, Irvan, I would like the opportunity to speak with you," he said cordially but not anywhere near friendly.
"I am sure you do," Irvan replied in the expected icy tones.
"Sirius, why don't you and Harry continue up to Dumbledore and tell him we're here," Lupin suggested strongly. Black glanced between Irvan and Remus trying to figure out what was going on, but in the end steered Harry along the path up to Hogwarts.
"You say Dumbledore trust that fellow?" Sirius tried to pry.
"I think he does," Harry hedged. "I don't know for certain. You can ask Dumbledore when we reach him. What are you and Remus doing here?" he said, steering the conversation towards less controversial.
"Well, Remus is teaching again. Took a lot of persuasion to do it. Both on Remus and the Governors. They seemed to think that he was going to be a threat to the students. After Dumbledore pointed out that no students were harmed by a werewolf that year they reluctantly agreed. Remus was harder to convince. He thought he would be a problem to the students and the reputation of the school. Not even the decision of the Governors would help. Luckily some slight threatening with pranks solved that problem. And I'm here as a precaution against anything that might harm you. As well as my own motive of spending as much time as possible with you. I can't wait to see Snape's face when he finds out," Sirius grinned.
Harry was slower to enjoy the joke. What he had seen of the Potions Master's other life made him sick. But he was not about to explain to his Godfather the level of cruelty Voldemort used, nor Snape's tendencies to be subservient to the monster. Any mention of Severus Snape brought that all back.
"You all right, Harry?"
"Yeah. I guess I'm still a little tired. Nothing to worry about. Pomfrey said I was completely healthy. And you know how hard it is to get her to release you from the hospital," he added in that 'I know all to well' tone used by victim of the same situation. "Guess what! I get to spend the rest of the summer at the Weasleys'. That includes my birthday."
"That's great, Harry. I'll be sure to come visit you. Looks like we've reached the castle, time to be reunited with Snuffles." Harry grinned at the name Sirius took as a dog.
* * * * * *
"What are you doing here?" Lupin bristled. The werewolf within was agitated over the presence of a vampire. "I seriously doubt Dumbledore trusts you."
The vampire Harry had introduced as Irvan and not moved from his position yards away from Remus. "I do not believe that Dumbledore trusts me either. But he trusts Severus. That should be good enough for you." Remus growled and advanced on the vampire. What was the game it was playing? Irvan retreated. "You should be pleased to know that I have promised two people not to harm anyone in association with this school. As such I am unable to defend myself should you decide I am a threat."
Remus halted in mild confusion at the statement. "So is Severus Snape your thrall?" he continued.
"No. If anything it is the other way around."
Now he paused completely. The absurdity of the statement shocked him."Why don't I believe you, vampire?" he spat the last as an insult. He had very little desire to get to know this thing on a real name basis. He had met one too many that wanted to bite his head off.
"You have no reason to. You will allow Dumbledore to explain everything, right?"
Lupin paused. The creature was acting oddly. Every other vampire he had encountered reacted violently towards him. Attacking the threat a werewolf caused, usually loosing the fight. This one was retreating. It must be here on Dumbledore's invitation. Vampires were unable to enter any private property without invitation. This one seemed safe. What a paradox, a safe vampire. The same as a tame werewolf, he added in afterthought. He was unlucky enough to be referred to as such. "We will go see Dumbledore. You first." Even so he disliked the idea of letting the leech out of his sights.
Chapter 5
____________________________________
Once everyone left the office, leaving Harry alone with the Headmaster, Harry had a sudden desire to know where Irvan had been during the summer. If the vampire had been close enough to bring him to Hogwarts after his dreaming incident, he must have been remarkably close. Not to mention very observant. And now that he knew he was going to be watched he wanted to know where Irvan was going to be. Inwardly he cursed himself for not bring up the question while the man was present. How was it possible to forget something of that magnitude.
He doubted Dumbledore would know, so he didn't ask that, instead he asked, "Sir? Where am I going to be staying for the rest of the holiday?" He knew for a fact that the Dursleys would not want him back after he had left. And he had a sinking suspicion that they would never want him back. The last thought would not have bothered him except that he was not of age and would have to go to an orphanage if something was not done. He would rather brave the Dursleys than have one more similarity with Tom Riddle.
"Here, I suppose, unless we can find another arrangement." Dumbledore's famous twinkle was back in his eyes with a vengeance. "I do not think your relatives would be pleased to have you returned without notice. And it seems that you need to have wizarding care incase your dreams become troublesome again," he added with a sad smile.
"Could I stay with the Weasley's?" he asked tentatively. The answer would be no, and he really shouldn't have asked because he would just put them in danger. But he wanted to visit them again. Mrs. Weasley was the closest he had to a loving mother. With them he felt like he belonged. It was a truly comforting feeling.
"We can ask. I believe with Irvan watching out for you, practically anywhere would be safe. And the Weasleys are fairly isolated from the cities. And if we keep your location a secret then there shouldn't be too much trouble." Dumbledore smiled at Harry's immediate mood change. "Go ahead and write a letter to Ron. I'll be sending one to Arthur and Molly later today."
"Thank you." Harry jumped out of his chair and sprinted to the door. "What day do you want me to suggest?"
The Headmaster chuckled at the question. "Don't worry about it, Harry. I'll cover that in my letter. Just tell your friend that you are going to spend the rest of the summer there."
"OK, thanks," he said rushing out the door to the owlery, before he could even think that he didn't even have a letter or even parchment to write on. He stopped cold when he heard Snape's silkily drawl around the corner. He knew enough to tread lightly around the man. And with his newly gained knowledge he wasn't so certain that the Potions Professor wouldn't snap his head off. Curiosity got the better of him though, and he stayed to listen.
"How could you even suggest such a thing, Irvan?" Irritation evident in the voice. Not being able to see the people, Harry relied on his ability to pick out emotions from the tone. It was not very difficult with most people, but Snape had an uncanny ability to suppress any variation in his voice unless very much outraged. As the incident with Sirius and Pettigrew during his third year, and the one with Fudge just after the Tournament showed beautifully. Especially when compared to his normal monotone drawl during class.
"I am sorry if my desire to keep you alive interferes with your desire to get yourself killed," Irvan responded evenly. Harry couldn't pick out any emotions from the vampire. He supposed the man had more practice at it than Snape. But there was a nagging thought that he read somewhere that vampires had no emotions. He wondered how true that might be. If he learned anything in Hagrid's Care of Magical Creatures, it would be those things had feelings to. "You know perfectly well that I cannot force you to do anything, and my suggestions can go unnoticed. I will, however, continue to make them despite you insistence. I fear that if you remain with him any longer, my debt will remain for eternity."
"So you are doing this for your own good." An accusation if he ever heard one.
"Correct. I am a surviver, Severus, but I am also a gentleman."
"So you have told me, but your concern now is Potter. If I had been thinking clearly back then I would have set you up with James."
"You cannot alleviate your debt through me, Severus. I thought we went through this before."
"We did and I know I can't. But he would be alive and I would actually be able to repay him, not be deeper in the hole." That was new. Harry had never really considered Snape's position in failing to repay his life debt to James Potter. "Now if you will excuse me I have work to do." Snape was definitely irritated, bordering on angry. Before Harry could think this over any further he was face to face with the vampire.
"Good morning, Harry," Irvan said revealing the pearly white fangs. Harry back away, momentarily shocked over seeing the tools for death so close. Images from Muggle movies flashed through his head, all showing the vampire joyously sinking his teeth into an innocent victim's neck. "If that is all that is bothering you, I can easily fix it," he added in a tone that could only be described as bemused. Well, that discredited the thought vampires were emotionless. Wiping his hand over his mouth, the fangs now appeared to be the size of normal teeth.
"Are they still there?" he asked, trying to find words to help him in the awkward situation. He did not remember being this scared during any of the times he encountered Voldemort. The Tri-Wizards' Tournament was on a completely different level and could not compare. To that, this was mild.
"Oh yes, they are. It is a simple illusion spell."
"You did it without a wand," he pointed out with sudden realization.
Irvan looked at him for a moment before answering. "I had my wands broken far too many times to keep replacing it. I am old enough now that I have little use for a wand for the simple spells. And I can get along quite easily without magic of that sort."
"So you are a wizard? I thought vampires had a different kind of magic," he said recalling some of the texts he read.
"I am not certain if you can classify us as wizards. But we are able to use wands as a means of concentrating magic," he said thoughtfully as if thinking about it for the first time. "We have a different kind of magic than wizards, most definitely. I am what we call an eccentric," he smile in amusement. "You do not find vampires in possession of a wand unless they are masquerading in the wizarding world."
"Why did you have a wand then?"
"I suppose I had gotten use to one when I was younger."
There was a pregnant pause while Harry digested this new information. "How old are you?" he asked, knowing vampires were pretty much immortal. But he had no idea what their general ages were.
"Around two thousand years."
Harry stood for a moment, stunned. He had thought Dumbledore was old. The man in front of him was far over one hundred times older and barely looked over twenty. He hadn't realized vampires did not age. But everyone agreed they were immortal, except that it was possible to kill them.
"Why are you answering me?" he asked innocently enough, finally gained the courage to ask what he really wanted to know. Eventually he would summon up the courage to ask why the vampire was here in the first place.
"I have no reason not to, and seeing as how I have been appointed your guardian, it seems appropriate that you should know who I am. I do not say trust because even Severus doesn't trust me outside his instructions." There seemed to be a small quirk of his lips at the statement, as if he found amusement in it. It seemed to Harry that Irvan had a very interesting sense of humor that might just apply only to vampires. Why would distrust be amusing?
"I don't understand that. You said you are his. What did you mean?" Harry was fairly certain that Irvan would decline to comment, much less explain. He knew that if he was in a similar position, he would be far to embarrassed to explain.
Irvan looked at him with an unreadable expression. "You are going to want the detailed explanation, I see. Well then, the courtyard is an acceptable location for us to have this discussion. Unless you prefer watching the squid at moments like these."
"No, the courtyard's fine," Harry agreed readily, eager to have an answer. Some instinct told him it was abnormal for a vampire to to be so passive; he thought that was the right word. Maybe it was all the books that were wrong, but something was distinctly unusual about the man before him. In silent conversation with himself, they walked to the courtyard. Harry choose a park-bench to bask in the summer sun before he remembered vampires hated sunlight. "Sorry, I wasn't thinking," he tried to apologize.
Irvan turned his head slightly to regard him. "Direct sunlight will kill younger vampires, especially ones that have been turned. I am merely-- sensitive to it. You should enjoy the sun. I know you haven't had much opportunity back at your relatives' house." Harry blushed in embarrassment. The vampire had definitely been very close to the Dursleys' house.
"Now about your question. I have a feeling this will be similar to the one I had with Severus a few days after the incident," he said softly, walking over to lean against a large willow tree, not the Womping Willow Harry had had so much trouble with. "Do you understand the concept of a Wizards' Bond?" Harry nodded. He knew everything the books to offer which was not considerable. "It's similar to that, deeper in fact. And is not something we vampires are proud of. Hardly anyone knows about the curse the unicorns placed on the vampires, it seems it has existed before the beginning of time. It was that curse Voldemort desired to use.
"I do not know how it works, but strictly speaking the vampire can only extrude unicorn blood with the aid of human blood. Once done, the human blood replaces everything the unicorn blood destroys, thus becoming integrated into the vampire. The more that has to be replaced the more attached to the human the vampire is. Thus a Vampire's Bond is formed. He has been saved and sustained by the human. Harming that human would result in harm to yourself because he is part of you. Say an extension of his body and as such are subject to his whims."
Harry listened stunned. He had no idea such magic existed. He had thought the Impervious Curse was the best anyone could to do to control another being, but this did sound similar to an Impervious. "How is that different from a Wizards' Bond?"
"A Wizards' Bond only connects two wizards in a debt situation. One is indebted to the other. The debtor is in no way controlled by the other, he only feels the need to repay."
"So if you were not indebted to Snape you wouldn't be here right now?"
"Possibly. Considering I choose to create that mental link in order for him to call me if he needs assistance, mainly out of concern for the Wizards' Bond, but I cannot say if I would have done so for merely the Vampire's Bond. Either way, I am here because Severus requested me and I am bound to obey."
"That's why Voldemort wanted you?"
"He wanted the vampires. Not me specifically."
"So none of this is normal for you."
Irvan blinked. "No, it is not. Before I was not so civil with humans, nor did I interact with them other than occasional food and fun. Even if I enjoy their culture and creations. But I would definitely not be answering your questions so calmly. Or thoroughly."
"Do you hate Snape?" That was random, he thought. It is really none of your business.
Irvan raised an eyebrow in consideration. "No. He did nothing but grant my request. If I 'hate' anyone it would be myself, or possibly Voldemort for creating the situation. I believe it is far better to belong to Severus than to Voldemort. I have always dislike senseless killings."
"What?!" That statement alone went against everything the books said. It discredited every text devoted to the study on vampires.
"I am a predator not an assassin," he smirked slightly as if knowing the reason behind the surprise. "If a kill does not satisfy some need for survival than it is senseless. Humans are notorious for that. Extermination on large scales. Insects, vampires, even themselves."
Harry let this sink in. So vampires did not just go around killing people for the fun of it. At least Irvan didn't. He was going to have to revise what he had learned in school. Probably talk to Remus about some of it. And of course he would talk to Hermione. She would love to know the true information. Ron most likely would not care in the least, but you never really knew about him. He did like Defense class.
Finally gaining the curiosity, he asked, "So you are going to be going everywhere with me?" He really wanted to know where to expect the man.
"It appears that way. Though while I do not have to be by your side constantly, it would be a good idea for me to be near."
"How will you do that? It would be rather suspicious if I had a vampire walking around with me."
"That point has not been decided yet. I believe it is up to Dumbledore and Severus to decide how it will be done." Irvan paused gazing into the distance as though listening to something far beyond Harry's senses. "A werewolf and an Animangus. Friends?"
Harry released a grin. "Remus and Sirius. Where are they?"
"Up near the main gate," was all Harry heard before he was running off to meet his Godfather and old Professor.
Eventually he saw the shaggy black dog trotting next to a slightly shabby wizard. Remus and Padfoot, or rather Snuffles. The dog changed his gait to pounce on Harry. "It's good you see you, Snuffles. You've been taking care of yourself, right?" he asked scratching the back of its neck.
Backing away from Harry 'Snuffles' transformed into to Sirius Black. "You know I have, Harry. What are you doing here anyway? Did Dumbledore bring you here just to meet us?"
"I wish. All I could figure out was that I was sick and they brought me here," Harry answered, not wanting to worry his Godfather to much.
"Well, it seems you are doing just fine to me. Hopefully we can catch up on things while we walk up to the castle. There isn't anyone that shouldn't see me up there, is there?"
"Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, Promfrey, and Irvan. That's all I know about."
"Who's Irvan?" Sirius asked, becoming deadly serious. Strangers would do that to a wanted man, Harry thought somberly.
"The man that brought me here."
"I assume that that is him behind you," Lupin said, growling slightly. The reaction slightly startled Harry and put Sirius on edge.
Harry turned around and sure enough the vampire was waiting several yard away from the reunion. "Yeah, that's him. I'm pretty certain Dumbledore trust him," he said cautiously. He actually had no idea what Dumbledore thought, but if he agreed with Snape's decision to keep him here then he really had no complaint.
"Really," Remus sounded skeptical. "If you don't mind, Irvan, I would like the opportunity to speak with you," he said cordially but not anywhere near friendly.
"I am sure you do," Irvan replied in the expected icy tones.
"Sirius, why don't you and Harry continue up to Dumbledore and tell him we're here," Lupin suggested strongly. Black glanced between Irvan and Remus trying to figure out what was going on, but in the end steered Harry along the path up to Hogwarts.
"You say Dumbledore trust that fellow?" Sirius tried to pry.
"I think he does," Harry hedged. "I don't know for certain. You can ask Dumbledore when we reach him. What are you and Remus doing here?" he said, steering the conversation towards less controversial.
"Well, Remus is teaching again. Took a lot of persuasion to do it. Both on Remus and the Governors. They seemed to think that he was going to be a threat to the students. After Dumbledore pointed out that no students were harmed by a werewolf that year they reluctantly agreed. Remus was harder to convince. He thought he would be a problem to the students and the reputation of the school. Not even the decision of the Governors would help. Luckily some slight threatening with pranks solved that problem. And I'm here as a precaution against anything that might harm you. As well as my own motive of spending as much time as possible with you. I can't wait to see Snape's face when he finds out," Sirius grinned.
Harry was slower to enjoy the joke. What he had seen of the Potions Master's other life made him sick. But he was not about to explain to his Godfather the level of cruelty Voldemort used, nor Snape's tendencies to be subservient to the monster. Any mention of Severus Snape brought that all back.
"You all right, Harry?"
"Yeah. I guess I'm still a little tired. Nothing to worry about. Pomfrey said I was completely healthy. And you know how hard it is to get her to release you from the hospital," he added in that 'I know all to well' tone used by victim of the same situation. "Guess what! I get to spend the rest of the summer at the Weasleys'. That includes my birthday."
"That's great, Harry. I'll be sure to come visit you. Looks like we've reached the castle, time to be reunited with Snuffles." Harry grinned at the name Sirius took as a dog.
* * * * * *
"What are you doing here?" Lupin bristled. The werewolf within was agitated over the presence of a vampire. "I seriously doubt Dumbledore trusts you."
The vampire Harry had introduced as Irvan and not moved from his position yards away from Remus. "I do not believe that Dumbledore trusts me either. But he trusts Severus. That should be good enough for you." Remus growled and advanced on the vampire. What was the game it was playing? Irvan retreated. "You should be pleased to know that I have promised two people not to harm anyone in association with this school. As such I am unable to defend myself should you decide I am a threat."
Remus halted in mild confusion at the statement. "So is Severus Snape your thrall?" he continued.
"No. If anything it is the other way around."
Now he paused completely. The absurdity of the statement shocked him."Why don't I believe you, vampire?" he spat the last as an insult. He had very little desire to get to know this thing on a real name basis. He had met one too many that wanted to bite his head off.
"You have no reason to. You will allow Dumbledore to explain everything, right?"
Lupin paused. The creature was acting oddly. Every other vampire he had encountered reacted violently towards him. Attacking the threat a werewolf caused, usually loosing the fight. This one was retreating. It must be here on Dumbledore's invitation. Vampires were unable to enter any private property without invitation. This one seemed safe. What a paradox, a safe vampire. The same as a tame werewolf, he added in afterthought. He was unlucky enough to be referred to as such. "We will go see Dumbledore. You first." Even so he disliked the idea of letting the leech out of his sights.