Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter either. It belongs to its creator J.K. Rowling and probably Warner Bros. too. I'm not too sure about that. This piece of literature is simply the work of a humble fan. I also credit Laurell K. Hamilton for various themes, subjects, or references that I may use. It won't be a crossover but certain elements from the series will be used.
:Author Notes:
This will be leaning more toward alternate reality. It will have the same characters just a different spin on things. If you're not a fan or strong cursing or maybe even violence and bloodshed then there is a good chance that this story isn't for you.
"I know who and what I am. I am The Executioner, and I don't date vampires. I kill them." Anita Blake, the Executioner, Guilty Pleasures
Potter
Chapter Fourteen: Final Act de la Vampyre
By: Water Mage
"I killed no one!" argued Kevin, looking around, "You all have to believe me."
Roger and a trio of elder students raised their wands, pointing them unwaveringly at Kevin. Their gazes were horrified and unsure, bordering confusion. Kevin stood defiantlyglaring hard at the wands pointed at him. Harry had had enough. Roger's little domineering kick had gotten out of hand. The students holding the wands stepped forward as one, faces angry and harsh. Suddenly, they all stopped as a loud thud rang throughout the circular room. Everyone looked down confused at the sight of a knife stuck tip first in the wood floor. Heads turned andfollowed the knife's trajectory back toward its origin. Dozens of eyes stared in shock at Harry, who stood with his arm outstretched, wearing an expression of pure coldness.
Harry gave Roger, and the gang of wand holders an icy stare. "Put the wands away. This is not gang up on the vampire day."
"What are you retarded, kid?" questioned Roger dumbfounded. "Get the fuck away from the vampire or we'll hurt you, too!"
Kevin hissed baring fangs at the threat. All at once shouts of alarm and cries of disbelief came from the other Ravenclaws staring at the showdown. Terry shook off his shock and went with what his gut was telling him. He rose to his feet and joined Harry. They stood near Kevin who was surprised, but immediately his expression washed away into thankfulness.
"Can we at least let him explain first," began Terry speaking loudly and clearly, hoping he could calm everyone down. "We are Ravenclaws not Gryffindors. We don't rush into things. Let's just sit down and hear his side of the story."
"He's a bloody vampire!" snapped Roger.
He was shut up as the temperature in the room dropped unnaturally. Harry took a breath and was mystified at seeing white mist accompany the action. Shivering, he rubbed his hands together the friction providing some warmth. Lady Morgana descended upon them in all her preternatural glory. Hair moving by some unseen wind, she glided toward them, eyes radiating a glowing white. A stare that could have frozen even the cursed Medusa in stone, was fixed upon her usually beautiful face making her look hard and unyeilding. Speaking slowly and quietly, Morgana's voice came out in a deathly whisper that spanned the entireroom.
"Roger Davies, you will listen to what this child of the night has to say or I will make you listen," she smiled like a predator, and his head bobbed up and down in affirmation. Her head snapped up, and those blazing white eyes glared at the other Ravenclaws. "That goes for the rest of you also."
She got no arguments. Her eyes stopped glowing, and the unfelt wind stopped leaving her hair still. Harry stared around at the scared faces and wondered did his face mirror their own frightened ones. Lady Morgana had definitely put the itch in bitch and the night in nightmare with that display. Kevin had taken the time to wipe his face of the blood using his robe's sleeves. Looking depressed and solemn he gazed first at his friends, then Lady Morgana, and finally to the rest of their peers. He didn't bother to put back up his human face. This was not the time for games. If he was going to tell the truth he had to be true. No deceptions. No masks. Just him being himself, and honest. They had to believe him.
They had to.
And he began…
Kevin ran to the Hospital Wing. He could taste the hunger creeping at his thoughts. It called at him. Eating away at his self control, it hammered away at his senses and soul, threatening to devour and swallow him whole. The craving was upon him. He could feel his eyes begin to shine brighter, as his control on his human face began to slip. Portraits, statues, and armor blurred around him, as ran at an inhuman speed toward the place where he could find release.
The infirmary was nothing special. It was a long room with painted white walls, beds aligned in a neat rows, and shelves full potions and gadgets. Off to the side was a door that led to a small office. Just as he set foot in the room, the door opened and out stepped the Medical or Medi Witch in charge of this room. Madam Pomfrey was a short, middle aged witch, with graying hair and a warm, no nonsense attitude. Seeing Kevin in the door panting, eyes shining, and face dazed she let out a startledcry.
"Oh stars, child!" she swore taking his arm, and guiding him to a seat on the nearest bed. "I told you that you shouldn't go so long without feeding. You can't ignore the thirst."
"No," replied Kevin, panting heavily. "I can't let them know."
Madam Pomfrey shook her head, making sounds with her tongue as she walked briskly into her office. Kevin clenched the bed rail feeling his lungs working in overtime. His breath came in rapid pants. Shadows clouded in his head, whispering dark things. Blood pounded in his ears and his heart thudded loudly in his throat. Kevin's eyes bled from their shining lilac to deep red, as blood rushed through his system. His stomach gave a violent lurch and a low groan left his mouth as the thirst grew stronger.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
A pulse. He closed his eyes blocking out the sounds of Madam Pomfrey's heartbeat pounding so loudly in his ears. The very sound struck a chord deep within. Unconsciously, he flashed to the place where vampires go when the Bloodthirst takes control. The darkness, the animal, the soulless beast within liked the sound of her heart beating. It wasn't as strong as a younger human would have been. But that was a good thing. She would be easy prey. A feral grin slowly took over Kevin's face. He liked that. His hand clenched the bed rail tighter, and a crunching sound filled the air as the rail bent and twisted in his grip. He snatched his hand back, mind racing back to the surface of sanity. Sweating lightly, Kevin held a hand to his temple.
"Shit," he cursed softly. "This is cutting it too close."
Two loud bangs rang throughout the room. The door to the infirmary slammed and shutters guarding the window closed. Madam Pomfrey came in to the room holding her wand and potion in hand. Quickly, she walked to his side and handed him the vial filled with red, swirling liquid. So like blood, but not. It was a synthetic substitute that calmed his cravings for a longer time. But it was no match for the sweet, sweet, taste of fresh warm blood. Taking the vial, Kevin popped the cap and raised his head back, spilling the contents down his throat. A moan that could be best described as purely sensual left his throat. Kevin let out deep hiss, fangs lengthening, as the synthetic blood rushed through his body. It flooded his insides with renewed energy, giving him warmth and a strength that could only come from a fresh feeding.
Madam Pomfrey smiled, watching his eyes revert to their normal sparkling lilac. His fangs shortened retreating back into his gums. "There, that's better," she murmured soothingly.
He whipped his mouth, grinning like a drunken fool. "Thanks, Madam Pomfrey. That was close that time."
She gave him a frown. "I don't understand why you wait so long, Kevin."
He shrugged. "I can't let the others know that I practically thirst for blood on a regular basis. They know that I need blood, but they don't know how strong the thirst is. If they did…"
"I'm sure they'll still be your friends."
Kevin shook his head. "They probably would. I just… I would just rather we keep this on a need to know basis."
His withdrawn face brought back a memory of another young boy with similar colored, blond hair, also bearing a secret from his own set of friends. Her face softened and she agreed only on the condition that he didn't go so long, like this time, between feedings.With a smileKevin agreed, and not two minutes later he was walking down the second floor corridor on his way out of the school. He glanced at his watch. The Quidditch game had to be well in its way by now.
As he walked past Professor Quirrell's office, Kevin remembered he had a question for the professor. Last week Quirrell had assigned an essay but Quirrell being himself, forgot to mention how long he wanted it to be. Kevin neared the door that stood between two identical suits of shining silver armor. He raised his hand to knock then stopped. Frowning, Kevin placed his ear against the door. To a human the sounds coming from the room would be muffled, but Kevin was vampire. They were the creatures of the night, blessed with abilities that set them apart from their weaker prey, the humans. A deep hissing reached his ears followed by Quirrell's hysteric voice.
"Have you not found the way past that ssssssaditic hound to my sssssstone?" hissed the deep voice.
Kevin frowned harder, not recognizing the voice. Quirrell's voice soon followed the question. "N-n-no, M-my Lord."
Suddenly, the hissing grew louder and unrecognizable. It sounded angry and rushed. Kevin fell back as the door was wrenched open. He stared up into Quirrell's eyes and felt pure dread. They were glowing fiery red, as if the fires of Hell itself were burning in their depths.
"He'ssssssss heard too much," hissed the voice from nowhere. "Take the boy. Kill him."
Kevin said the only thing the situation called for: "Fuck that."
And he ran.
He ran full speed down the corridor. There wasn't a chance in hell that Quirrell was going to catch him. He swore mentally glimpsing the staircase ahead of him. The staircase to the ground floor was moving, changing floors. Putting on a burst of speed, Kevin leaped over the balcony railing. His arms flailed as he tried to remain upright in the air. Giving up, he just let the fall happen, and he dropped like a stone, landing on the bottom floor on his feet like a cat. He swept his hair back with his hand then took off again. Kevin's eyes widened, seeing Michael Corner come out of the ground floor bathroom. Quickly, he grabbed the boy's arm and continued to run. He half carried-half dragged, the poor boy past the Great Hall, and out of the Entrance Doors. They didn't stop till they appeared outside under the rays of the afternoon sun. Michael's feet became tangled under him and fell face first on the ground landing hard on his chest.
"Michael, come on!" said Kevin urgently, grabbing his arm trying to help him up. "We have to go!"
"Go where," Michael cried stubbornly in confusion. "How in the hell did you run so fast? What the hell is going on?"
"What's going on?" laughed Kevin a little hysterical. "Our Defense teacher is a fucking psycho. He's talking about cutting people up or some shit. We have to get help. He's probably near."
A dark figure swooped down on them with lightning speed. Quirrell appeared cloaked and eyes blazing red. He slapped Kevin to the ground and with the other hand; he swiped, with sharp, long nails, down the side of Michael's face. Blood and eye mucus sprayed everywhere as the nails dug into flesh, ripping deep, deep, gashes on the side of his face.
Quirrell's face looked nothing like it usually did. It was thinner, paler, and his bones could clearly be seen through the papery thin skin of his face. He cocked his head at Kevin, smiling, "I'm sorry I didn't hear you over the boy's screams and all. Did you say that he was near… or here."
Kevin lay sprawledagainst the ground on his back, staring up at the crazed professor with his mouth open in shock and horror. Michael, screaming bloody murder, blood dripping down his face, took shaky steps forward trying to run. Faster than Kevin could even follow, Quirrell's hand snapped out and snatched Michael back, holding his jaw in a harsh grip. Kevin didn't know why he couldn't move. His body seemed to be frozen in the spot. His eyes locked with Michael's. Lilac met blue in a stare. Michael, crying, screaming, fought with every ounce of strength his little body could muster. Quirrell tightened his grip on his jaw and Michael began to choke, clawing at the hand holding his face. Quirrell raised his arm, brining Michael up off the ground with the action. His toes scrapped against the grass, as his legs flailed about. Kevin gave a tiny scream, scrambling backward like a crab. A breaking sound reached his sensitive ears, the sound of Quirrell applying pressure on Michael's jaw, crushing bones and tearing ligaments.
Quirrell's red eyes bored into Michael's, as his mouth opened and his tongue came out, flickering, like a snake. "Halfling," he hissed, disgusted. "You're a dirty half blood. I can smell the muggle blood running through your unworthy body. You stink of it!"
Courage and adrenaline rushed through Kevin's body and he found he could move again. He couldn't let this monster do this any longer. His fangs appeared, and as he opened his mouth a low hiss erupted forth. Kevin crouched down staring at Quirrell with narrowed red eyes. Instantly his face began to transform. His skin took on a shiny, translucent sheen, his eyes glowed like liquid fire, and his now golden hair moved around in some unfelt wind. Kevin felt like a damn had been unblocked. While he always felt his vampiric powers flowing through his body, he kept them in check careful always of his strength and other abilities. Now there was nothing to hold him back from going all out.
Quirrell grinned slowly, like a feral animal. "Daywalker."
"Abomination," Kevin spat, growling low in his throat.
Kevin looked at Quirrell with the eyes of a creature of the night. He could feel, no taste, the waves of darkness that poured off his corrupted aura. To Kevin's enhanced vision, the air around him shimmered as if reality itself wasn't sure he should be in it. Kevin took a deep breath then immediately recoiled from the reptilian scent that came from Quirrell.
Quirrell gave a serpent like hiss then suddenly, his head ducked down to Michael's neck. Kevin sprang forward and Quirrell moved not even lifting his head. Kevin's eyes locked on Professor Quirrell's just as his teeth descended down upon Michael's neck. With a great wrench Quirrell ripped open the boy's neck at the jugular. Michael's blue eyes widened and his body convulsed and shook, as blood spilled everywhere like a powerfulwaterfall. Quirrell raised his head and chunks of flesh dripped from his grinning mouth. Slowly his mouth opened tongue extended, and he licked his lips, blazing redeyes slipping closed in sensual pleasure. Professor Quirrell dropped Michael's dead body letting him fall to the ground, his body crumbling like a broken doll. Michael landed on his back, lifeless blue eyes staring up into the sky.
"You bastard," Kevin whispered horrified.
Quirrell gave a low laugh that sent shivers down Kevin's spine. With a last smirk, he took off. His form was there then the next second he was sprinting across the grounds. Kevin chased after him. He didn't even think about it. His body reacted before he put thought into it. Their forms were blurs as they practically flew across the green grounds of Hogwarts. Quirrell was as fast if not faster than Kevin's vampire blessed speed. How was this possible, he had no idea, but Quirrell was successfully keeping ahead of him with no problem. The sun became shadowed and Kevin looked up, still running. They had ran into the Forbidden Forest, and he hadn't even realized it. Kevin shadowed Quirrell dodging, andducking trees and branches. This was nothing. He could do this in his sleep. His kind had been running through the forest stalking prey, since before humans had learned to master fire.
Dirt and leaves flew into the air as his feet planted in the ground, stopping his momentum. Kevin blinked, looking around the clearing he stood in. Tall, dark trees surrounded him on all sides. Kevin spun around in all directions, confused and bewildered. Quirrell had vanished. One second he had been there then the next he had simply disappeared.
Kevin grunted as a body connected solidly with his side sending himflying back, colliding solidlyinto a thicktree. The entire tree shook as Kevin hit it, sliding down, to land hard on his ass. He shook his head, clearing his eyes of the black spots. Growling saveagely,he was back on his feet running to the form of Quirrell, who walked confidently to meet him. They collided in mid air. Kevin threw a punch and his fist smashed into Quirrell's waiting hand. The sound of several of his bones breaking filled the air, and Kevin let out a pained filled scream. Quirrell took his arm and with an unnatural strength he twirled around, throwing Kevin like a rag doll into the brush. He slammed hard into the ground, winded and in more pain than he could ever remember being in. Shakily, Kevin stood up, blood dripping down the corner of his lip. Yelling like a raging beast,Kevin flew toward Quirrell. Dirt flew up behind him in a sidewayscyclone, as he moved faster than the blowing wind.
"Fuuuuckk youuuu!" he screamed, rearing back his arm and punching Quirrell solidly in the face.
Quirrell was about to laugh when the force of a speeding Volkswagen hit him square in the jaw. He rocketed backward into the air, landing only after hitting a tree, then breaking through it, hitting another one then stopping, the trunk cracked loudly with his collision.
Kevin stood his ground and crossed his arms. "Bastard."
Quirrell emerged from the rubble standing up. His form was battered and his face and body was covered in tiny scratches, where the bark had scratched off the top layers of skin. On his face was a dark colored area where it would surely form into a bruise in hour's time. Breathing heavily, Quirrell stared at Kevin with something that looked like amusement and anger mixed together. Kevin just balled his fist tighter, dug his feet harder into the ground, and bared his fangs in reply.
"Hmmmm," said Quirrell in a hollow voice. "It has been more than a decade since I have experienced pain… I have forgotten how… unpleasant the feeling is."
Kevin reeled back at this information. For the first time, he looked into Quirrell's blazing red eyes. He was different. Oh yeah, the killing people and being just a general psycho wasn't in character but there was more. His voice was different also. It sounded deeper, harder, and colder somehow.
"What are you?" whispered Kevin, with dawning realization that this was not just some dark wizard.
He laughed a loud, cold, chilling laugh that seemed to rub against Kevin's insides, making fear bubble deep within his gut. "What am I?" laughed Quirrell. "All I am is what I am. I lived seven lives at once. I was power and the ecstasy of death. I was god to a god. I was nightmare and darkness eternal, the ruler of this realm… Now, I'm bound to this shell, stuck in this vessel incapable of sustaining my true glory. I am…"
"Oh shut up, already!" snapped Kevin, looking at Quirrell in annoyance. "Stars! If I thought you were going to be speechifying I never would have asked. Nevermind then, forget I asked, oh ruler of this realm!"
Quirrell seemed suddenly to grow. He rose up, a great menacing shape like some shadow creature of old come to life. Kevin didn't let him have time to attack. Catching him off guard was his only option. With quickness Kevin pounced. He leaped the space of the clearing, jumping onto Quirrell. The startled man fell onto his back, howling in pain as Kevin's jaws latched onto his neck. His sharp fangs sank into skin drawing blood. He attempted to throw him off by bucking his hips, but Kevin slashed the side of his face with his nails, tearing off the top layer of skin. Suddenly, a black light built up around Quirrell and Kevin hissed, blocking his eyes. He screamed as the power overwhelmed him. This force or whatever it happened to be, was greater than he. It was old, ancient, something that shouldn't be in the world today. It built up in intensity then in a flash it filled the clearing, throwing Kevin off Quirrell's body, and across the clearing. Kevin slumped to the ground and knew no more as darkness claimed him, shutting him out from the world.
When he awoke the clearing was empty and the sun rode low in the sky. Groaning, holding his head, he stumbled to his feet. Kevin grabbed the tree as vertigo claimed him, his surroundings blurred and spun around him. All of a sudden, his stomach lurched and he heaved. The entire contents of his stomach emptied out of his mouth, landing on the ground. Some of it splashed against the front of his robes. Without paying attention to his surroundings, Kevin wandered out of the forest, thankful that anything didn't try and attack him. He was not in the frame of mind to be fighting anything. He came around the back of the school, entering through the doors that Hagrid usually used when he tended to the gardens near the greenhouses. With heavy steps, Kevin made his way up the stairs to the Ravenclaw dorm room.
"Times like these, I wish I would hurry up and get my flight powers," he whispered miserably.
The right side of his body felt like hell, his left side of his face was bruised, and his legs felt stiff and sore. His hand was sore but the bones were not broken anymore. That happens when you get smacked up like someone's bitch. It wasn't too bad, however. If he had been human then he would assuredly be worse off. Another plus was, thanks to being a preternatural being he would be fully healed by tomorrow.
Strangely, the hallways were unusually empty of anyone. He had to get his friends and tell the professors what happened. Quirrell was a psycho and Michael was dead…
"Free your mind," he mumbled at the mirror, watching as the glass became watery.
Stepping through, he was greeted by the sight of dozens of pairs of wide eyes and open mouths. Screams filled the room as he opened his mouth to ask what was wrong. He swore inwardly realizing that he was in his true form and they were seeing his face. It didn't strike him to think that blood, both his and Quirrell's, covered the front of his ruined robes that were dirty, torn, and ripped to almost shreds.
He cocked his head as, out of nowhere, Roger Davies pointed an accusing finger at him. "He's a fucking vampire! He killed Michael Corner!"….
Kevin took a deep breath and looked around the room. "And that's exactly what happened," he said, finishing his tale.
Roger let out a little sarcastic chuckle. "Do you really expect us to believe that Professor Quirrell, the teacher who asked me how to spell orange last week, really killed Michael Corner?" Roger looked around the room. "Who here thinks the vampire is making it up?"
Half the room raised their hands…
Harry cleared his throat. "Who here, thinks Roger is a dumbass, and believes Michael?"
The other half raised their hands…
Roger looked around the room, his eyes furious. "Somebody get me a sharp piece of wood, I'll stake this vamp myself!"
"I think that the role of eradicator is not yours, Mister Davies."
They all looked toward the portal behind Kevin. Professor's Dumbledore, Snape, Flitwick, and three wizards wearing badges over their hearts, stood in the portal doorway. They stared at Kevin with neutral expressions. The three wizards, all male, had their wands out and trained on Kevin. They were all brunettes, of various body builds; but their stances screamed training of defensive and offensive skills. Harry assessed the man with a guarded look. They looked like the policemen of the muggle realm but instead of guns they had wands.
"Mr. Entwhistle, please come with us. These areHit Wizardsand they're here from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement of the Ministry of Magic."
"We'll take it from here, Professor," said the tallest one. He looked down upon Kevin and spoke precisely in a clipped tone, "You are under arrest, Kevin Entwhistle, for the murder of one Michael Adam Corner, and also for the assault and attempted murder of one, Quintein Quirinus Quirrell."
No one knew what to say. This wasn't some regular professor. This was Professor Dumbledore, the Headmaster, and the law was on his side. Harry opened his mouth to shout "hell no" but Kevin caught his eyes and shook his head. Harry's mouth snapped closed, and he watched with the others, as they escorted Kevin from the room.
Silence was left in their wake. Harry walked to Roger. With cold eyes he stared up at the older boy. Roger stared back, not intimidated in the slightest. Without warning, Harry reared back his arm and hit Roger in the nose using the heel of his hand. The sound of his nasal bone breaking was satisfying, but he was still pissed. He barely paid a mind to the people who rushed to Roger's side. He ignored the shouting and cursing of those standing up.
Harry gave Terry a tired look. "I'm going to bed."
He walked up the stairs to his dorm. The slam of the door reverberated through the entire common room. Terry sighed, staring around the room, tuning out the sudden loudness of everyone talking back and forth. The question on his mind was the same as everyone else's…
… Was Kevin telling the truth?
The room was dark. It wasn't a room but an amphitheater, filled with rows of people, all dressed in wizarding robes. Sitting behind a judge's bench was a line of stern faced men and women. They were elderly and their expressions were harsh and unyielding. A spotlight shined down from the ceiling illuminating one form in the center of the room. The figure was none other than Kevin Entwhistle. He was tied to a stake, body bound by glowing ropes of tightly tied ribbon. The judge in the middle, with his cold gray eyes, and long graying hair began to speak to those in the amphitheater.
"Vampires have always been dangerous creatures," began the center judge. "We all know this. I think that time has let us forget. And that my fellow wizards and witches is what brings us here. Days ago, a young wizard boy was murdered by this creature, that is why we bring to trial, Kevin Entwhistle, heir to the Entwhistle bloodline, last descendent of the Vampire Master, Nickolaos."
A young woman with hair held back by a simple hair clip stepped forward. She wore a black duster over a pair of blue jeans and a white top. Her blond hair shined even in the semi dark room. She turned to the crowd, addressing those present with a commanding voice. "I am Angelita DeMarco, the Eradicator, and today I have come to serve justice. The vampire, Kevin Entwhistle, is guilty of the following crimes—" She produced a silver stake from the folds of her jacket. "The assault and attempted murder of Quintein Quirinus Quirrell—"
She stabbed Kevin in the right side of his chest with the stake. Kevin's screams was muffled by the roaring of the crowd. They weren't cheering. They were roaring chants of death and pleasure of justice being served. Angelita shook her head at the screaming. Her eyes closed and she took a deep breath before continuing. "The murder of Michael Adam Corner—"
Their eyes locked.
A tear slipped down her cheek and she stabbed him in his heart.
'I'm sorry," she mouthed, head turning, as Kevin looked heavenward.
His body rapidly deteriorated, then quickly before their eyes, turned to dust…
Harry snapped up in bed, holding his rapidly beating heart, "Holy shit…"
Breakfast the next morning was a solem affiar. Harry sat at the Ravenclaw table glaring around at the whispering, gossiping students. Hogwarts being Hogwarts, naturally no secret was left safe. Word spread like wildfire of Harry's boldness and Kevin's 'story'. Most of the school thought he was lying and those that believed him were too few. Right now the student body was segregating those that believed Kevin. They were pushed in the hallways, teased, and taunted to the point of peaking anger. Harry looked up at the Staff Table. Quirrell was supposedly still in the Hospital Wing getting treated, leaving the rest of the staff to sit at the table with somber faces. The Ravenclaws were the quietest table. They talked, but it wasn't in normal tones, because for them the death of Michael was all too near.
Harry along with his fellow Ravenclaws had all worn black today in remembrance for their fallen eagle. Harry wore black slacks, turtleneck, and black Nikes. Over this he wore his black duster. It wasn't a fashion statement. Under the jacket was hidden his guns secured in holsters, and his knives adorned his forearms. After what happened to Michael yesterday there was no way he was going out unarmed. He sat there, sitting still, staring lifelessly at his food. There was no way he could stomach food. Not after the nightmare that had awoken him.
"Harry, you there?" asked Terry, interrupting him from his musing.
Harry started, blinking quickly, focusing his attention on Terry. "Yeah, I'm here. I was just thinking. Last night I had a dream…"
Terry leaned forward, curious. "Dream? What type of dream? What happened in it?"
"Well," Harry sighed, trailing off. "I'll tell you later alright. You'll see why."
Terry nodded accepting his answer. He swept a hang through his hair. The black locks kept falling into his eyes, making him curl his lips up in annoyance. He usually wore his hair spiked up, but today wearing it in such style seemed wrong… When he woke this morning, he didn't have the heart to go the bathroom and fix himself up. Not while one of his friends was in jail and another was dead. How could he pretend like this was any other normal day at Hogwarts?
Professor Dumbledore stood up and began to say a few words in remembrance of Michael. Harry wasn't listening. He was still going over his dream. Coming to a decision, he turned to three people, sitting in different places in the hall. Carefully, he mouthed to them. It took near eight times before they each got the message word for word, only without actual words. They nodded in answer then turned back to their housemates. No one noticed any of this silent communication going on. Everyone was deeply involved in their own little conversations.
He tuned back into the world as Cho Chang stood in front of the Staff Table facing the room. Her long, straight black hair was tied back and a simple, black knee length dress covered her body. "—friend. I want to sing a lament for him. This is for you, Michael." She took a deep breath then began.
Cho's soft voice was a beautiful soprano. Her sorrowful tones brought out the beauty of the song she crafted, moving everyone. Harry closed his eyes, just letting the music wash over him. Her melodious voice touched something within them all. Their very souls felt uplifted with the words filling the hall. Girls sobbed and friends of Michael's shed silent tears, as the lyrics inspired within memories of times past.
Cho bowed her head, and whispered a soft, "Thank you".
Her reply was a roar of deafening clapping from every student and teacher present. She nodded in thanks, wearing a small smile, and then walked back to her seat at the Ravenclaw table between Roger and Marietta.
"I guess you all know I asked you here for a reason."
Seated next to the lake outside Hogwarts was a group of children. Hermione and Riley sat side by side, their long hair fluttering in the wind. Beside them sat Terry and Draco Malfoy. The pale Slytherin looked out of place next to the dark haired children but he didn't let it show. His face was the picture of placidness. A Malfoy didn't show emotions easily. The sun was fully out shining light down onto their meeting.
Harry stood before them duster billowing in the blowing wind. "There is something you all should know about me before we begin. I… have blessed sight."
"I read about that," said Hermione, quickly. "It's supposed to be really rare."
Riley raised her eyebrow. "What is blessed sight? Sounds like a rock band to me."
Draco cocked his head, mouthing 'rock band' but answered the question. "Basically, Harry can see things others cannot. Say someone tried to sneak into the school wearing someone else's face, using a potion. Harry would see right through it but others wouldn't."
Harry nodded. "That's right. Well, there is something that I have been 'seeing' since school started, but I never acted on it. I wasn't sure if I was being deluded or what. I had to be sure. Yesterday, I was proven right. I know you guys have all heard the story Kevin told. Hogwarts doesn't believe in secrets."
"The story of where Kevin blamed Quirrell?" asked Riley. At Harry's nod, she replied, "Yeah, we've all heard it."
Harry took a deep breath, digging his hands into his pockets. "I think Kevin was telling the truth. Since school began I've been getting nothing but evil vibes off Professor Quirrell. I kept it to myself, since I could have been imagining it, but now I know I was right. He's pure evil, guys. You haven't felt what I felt. There is a power surrounding him. A power that just feels…" he paused searching for the right word. "Wrong."
Hermione shook her head, bushy hair shaking with the action, frowning she asked, "Why haven't you told any of the Professors, Harry?"
"Who in the hell would believe me?" he snapped sarcastically. "Does Quirrell come off as a little bit dangerous to you? I needed hard proof." He sighed. "With Michael's death, I got the proof I need."
Draco picked up what Harry was not saying. He cocked his head, giving his friend a long look. "What do you want us to do?"
"Help clear Kevin's name."
Terry looked up and spoke for the first time since they walked outside. "How are we supposed to do that?" He looked ahead at the lapping waves of the lake. "The oceans are restless and the rivers are in turmoil. Something bad is going to happen," he said in a soft monotone. "They song of the blue has notes of destruction in its symphony."
The four of them blanched. Harry quickly explained to them, as basically as he could, that Terry was a Water Oracle. Terry blinked breaking free of his trance. Taking a deep breath, he re-centered his body and mind.
"Harry," Terry said, grimly. "I suggest you come up with a plan quick. Quirrell is planning to do something that can change the face of the world. I got flashes of Hell itself coming to our door and swallowing us whole."
Harry gulped; face a shade whiter, he took a deep breath. Calm. He had to stay calm. He locked out his feelings for now and switched into survival mode. He had to tell them what he had planned. His face went slack and emotion free. Harry stared at them with blankness. They tried to read his eyes, but it was impossible. The emerald green depths were simply empty. It was similar to how a lion looked caged at the zoo. His eyes were blank and looked non-threatening, but rouse it and it would unleash the beast within.
"Listen, I'm sick of waiting on the sidelines. The teachers are stupid fools. I suspect that Snape or even Matheson thinks Quirrell is faking his dumb act, but they haven't done anything," he said, scowling. "That's why we must do something. I'm going to get Professor Dumbledore and we are going to confront Quirrell. Of course, this isn't going to happen. I doubt that the Headmaster will even believe me."
"So what are we going to do?" asked Riley.
Harry looked around meeting each of their eyes. "We are going to split up then in two hours we are going to storm in Quirrell's office and make him tell the truth."
Draco shook his head. He looked at Harry then at everyone else. "You just said yourself that Quirrell was powerful and plus he's a fully trained wizard. We're a bunch of kids."
Hermione nodded her head agreeing. Riley and Terry on the other hand shared a look with Harry. They both knew fully well what the boy who lived was capable of. Harry touched a hand to the plain, silver ring adorning his finger. The same ring that Riley had given him as a Christmas present. He never took it off just like he never took off the Celtic cross that belonged to his mother. He looked at Riley and she nodded subtly. She was in. Terry met his eyes. He was in.
Harry looked to Hermione and Draco, forcing a smile on his face. "Forget I said anything. I'll just tell Dumbledore and let him take care of it," he said, sheepishly. "We have no hope of ever beating Quirrell. He is, after all, a fully trained wizard."
Hermione sighed in relief. "Thank goodness. Harry, I'm sure if you inform Professor Dumbledore of what you see in Quirrell he'll back you up."
"No offense, Harry, but we are way over our heads. Granger is right. Tell the Headmaster," said Draco, standing up. The others followed, they too, rising to their feet.
"I will," smiled Harry.
They talked a bit more than broke apart, walking together to the castle. Terry and Riley met his eyes as they walked to the castle doors. "Two hours," Harry mouthed silently, watching as they nodded. Once they entered the castle the five of them split apart, going their separate ways. After a promise from Hermione to tell Dumbledore, Harry set off. He would tell Dumbledore alright, but it was not like the man was going to believe him. Quirrell was the one who had shown up yesterday beat up, while Kevin looked the better off. Plus, he being a vampire didn't add to anyone's empathy.
Harry's black duster trailed behind him as he briskly walked to the Headmaster's office. The stone gargoyle that guarded the entrance glared at him when he stepped in front of it. Harry blew out a breath. He didn't have the password. He swore aloud, kicking the gargoyle at the base of its crouched legs.
"Listen, It. I don't have time for this. I have to talk to the Headmaster. It's fucking important," Harry snapped, glaring.
Amazingly, the gargoyle leaped to the side and the wall behind the statue split apart, opening quickly.
Harry's mouth formed into an o. It worked. Maybe it being password protecting was just a joke. He ran up the spiraling staircase, then down the narrow hallway at the top, before finally getting to the oak door that led into the office. Harry knocked once then twisted the knob opening the door. Light streamed in from the arched windows, throwing oblong rays of sunshine down upon the wood floor. Harry looked around.
"Hello, Professor Dumbledore?" Harry called into the silence of the room.
Silence.
There was no one here. Harry walked to the Headmaster's desk. A piece of white caught his eye. He reached down and picked up the letter sitting in the middle of the professor's desk. It was a summons from the Ministry of Magic. They wanted Dumbledore to give a statement of what he witnessed yesterday at the crime scene. Sighing, Harry felt a pang thud in his heart as he thought of Kevin. If his dream was prophetic then Kevin wouldn't survive his trial. He couldn't, no wouldn't, let that happen. Not to Kevin, his friend. Quirrell had to be brought to justice. He couldn't get away with this.
"Where in the hell is Quirrell anyway?" muttered Harry.
Suddenly, the air above the desk's surface flashed with a blue light. Above the desk appeared a flat, holographic map of Hogwarts and its surrounding grounds. Wide eyed, Harry stared down at the map of light in amazement. A blinking red light caught his attention. It was located in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom moving around as if searching for something. Below the dot was the label, Q. Quirrell.
"Going somewhere," whispered Harry in the silence of the empty room.
Harry realized with a start that he couldn't just let Quirrell leave. Who knows where he was going. He could be trying to leave the country, then they would never be able to clear Kevin's name, and he would die. Harry waved his hand at the map and it vanished. He couldn't wait on his friends. There was no time. Closing his eyes, Harry came to a decision. There was no choice. He would do this himself. Harry was armed with his two pistols and his knives. If worse came to worse, Harry would just put a bullet in Quirrell's head and worry about consequences later.
Quirrell had messed with the one thing Harry had few of… friends. When you fuck with Harry's friends. You fucked with him. Harry exited the office, feeling himself anticipate the coming battle with each footstep.
'Ready or not, here I come.'
Some of you probably recognize the words Quirrell was saying. They come from my favorite villain next in to Glory. I have to be in work in an hour so I'll give you a peek for the next chapter. Harry will confront Quirrell and finally come face to face with Voldemort. Powers, wills, and bullets will fly.