A/N: Haven't said it for a while: This isn't mine... Well, the plot and Andraste are, but the HP stuph, not so much. Thank you for reading... and to those that review... SUPER THANK YOU! This is my first FF, more so a preparation for the full original book (staring Andraste) that's in the works... and any suggestions, comments, criticisms, compliments, or insults are much appreciated. (Well, not so much the insults, but I'll take what I can get.)
Chapter 39
"Are you ready for this?" Andraste asked, stepping back to admire the transformation she had done to Severus.
"I feel like a fool," he said, staring into the full length mirror in his bathroom. There was no denying that she had, of course, done a wonderful job changing him into Draegon; but the upcoming events of the night had him feeling even more anxiety than he had on his wedding day. Had it not been for the inordinate amount of pride he possessed, he may have mentioned the stomach ache that he interpreted as nerves and found comfort in the fact that Andraste had a similar one.
"You'll be fine. But we need to go, the feast is starting."
"Are you sure we didn't forget anything?" Severus asked, trying to postpone the inevitable. "Or we could always wait until after dinner to go." Andraste couldn't help but laugh at the uncharacteristic display of apprehension that her brave ex-spy and fearsome potions master was showing at the thought of facing the students he normally towered over.
"No we didn't, and no we can't. Let's go," she said, pulling him out the door. Before he even had the time to gather himself for the task ahead, they were standing at the entrance to the Great Hall. Luckily they had postponed their arrival enough that most people were already seated at one of the many tables scattered around the edges of the room; but, Severus found with dismay, that did nothing to make their entrance inconspicuous.
"Of course they'd notice us," he thought to himself, "how could they not notice a vampire and a girl with orange hair?"
"Do you not like my hair?" she asked him in her own thoughts, more to point out that she could hear what he was thinking than to actually inquire about his opinion. "I was thinking about leaving it this way for good," she teased.
"Had I wanted my wife to have orange hair, I would have married Tonks."
"Good point," she agreed, laughing out loud. Andraste made a point to carry on the conversation, effectively distracting Severus from his nerves throughout dinner until Dumbledore stood.
"Now that we have all finished this delightful meal, I believe it is time for the party to start. As Professor Snape has once again chosen to avoid the festivities, I am going to hand the floor over to our other Professor Snape, Andraste, if you would." Andraste stood up from her chair and waited for the students to settle back down.
"I'd like to start by introducing you all to Draegon." Severus raised his hand and waved in acknowledgement to the cheering students. "I'm sure many of you have questions, and he said he would be delighted to answer what he can throughout the course of the evening. As for the performance you have all been waiting for," she said, pausing while more clapping and hollering arose from the crowd, "you're going to have to wait a while longer. We would like to enjoy ourselves for a while before I end up totally embarrassed." She looked to Albus for an approving nod, and once it was received, continued. "The normal rules apply. Aside from that, have fun." She waved her hand and the brightness that shined through the Great Hall dimmed considerably, leaving only a thin row of candles and the glow of magically carved pumpkins to light the atmosphere.
Mist swirled around their feet as costumed students began to head towards the dance floor, already moving to the music that filled the air.
"Would you care to dance, Draegon?" she asked, leaning towards Severus.
"Do you think your husband would mind terribly?"
"Oh, don't worry about him, he's a cranky old coot," she said teasingly, rising from her chair and pulling him up after her. Students watched eagerly as Draegon led Andi into their midst, some going as far as to try to duplicate the complicated dance he was leading her in. It wasn't until the sound of the first song was replaced with applause that either realized that the kids had formed a large circle around them and were paying more attention to them than they were the person they were dancing with. Much to their amusement, Hermione didn't waste a moment once they stopped dancing.
"You never told me you could dance, Andi," she said brightly, bouncing up to them in a way that seemed to fit the winged fairy she was dressed as. "You were incredible, Draegon. Oh, you probably don't remember me, do you? "
"Of course I do, Hermione," Severus said, concealing the humor that he felt. "Andraste has talked of you much, I almost feel as though you were my own student." Hermione looked away for a moment as she blushed; missing the discreet pinch that Andi gave Draegon.
"So you already know that I'm an obnoxious bookworm then, and much too stubborn for my own good."
"That is not always a bad thing," Severus responded, thinking about how many times the girl's studious nature had saved the day...and his wife.
"It's not always a good thing either," Hermione quipped back.
"Everything must be balanced," came a voice from behind Hermione that made her jump just a bit. "Draegon, why don't you show Hermione a few of those steps; while I do believe I'm too old to tango, I seem to recall Professor Andraste owing me a dance."
"I'd be delighted, Headmaster," he responded, slightly concerned by the fact that Hermione really did seem delighted. Albus pulled Andraste off to the side slightly as the next song began, one that Severus was displeased to discover was a slower waltz.
"Can I ask you a question, Draegon," Hermione said shyly after a few minutes of casual conversation about the weather and life at Hogwarts.
"Yes, Hermione?"
"You have, uh... I mean... you're a vampire, right?" she finally spit out.
"Yes I am, and no I won't make you one, too," he laughed.
"No, that's not it," she said, a bright blush rising on her cheeks. "I was wondering, I mean, what was it like the first time you... you know."
"I'm afraid I don't know, Hermione," he said gently, truly curious as to where this was going. "Could you be more specific?"
"Thefirsttimeyoukilledsomeone," she said, staring so hard at the wall behind him that she almost tripped over her own feet.
"I don't think I caught that, could you try again slower?"
"The first time you killed someone!" she said, exasperated enough that everyone within ten feet of them heard.
"Oh," Severus said, seeing for the first time how bothered she was still was about Jeremy and irritated at himself for not noticing before. "Let's go talk somewhere more private, okay?" he said gently, putting a hand on her back and leading her towards the door of the Great Hall. Once they reached the top of the staircase that led to the school grounds, Severus sat and gestured for Hermione to do the same. He studied the young girl for a moment, thinking to himself how odd it was that he had come to adore her so much in the last few weeks. She didn't just embody the characteristics of a Gryffindor, she had the best traits that all of the Houses prized.
"I'm sorry," Hermione finally said. "This is a mistake, I don't know why I'm even bothering you."
"You have nothing to be sorry for," he said, resting a hand on her shoulder so that she wouldn't get up. "Andi told me what happened, Hermione. I'm sure you have a lot of questions and I'll answer them if I can. I just have one of my own first."
"Yes?" she asked quietly, still refusing to meet his eyes.
"I'm flattered that you came to me, but why didn't you talk to Andi about it?"
"I don't know," Hermione answered, wiping a small tear from the corner of her eye. "She's so busy... getting ready to save the world and stuff... I didn't want to bother her with something so stupid. And Snape...have you met her husband?" she asked, and then continued without waiting for a response. "I know he could help... I mean, I know he feels really bad for some of the stuff he's done and it's just... everyone hates him but he's actually really nice, and I know that he would understand...but I don't want anyone to think I'm not glad that Jeremy's dead... it's just that I'm only 16 and I already killed someone, and it was so easy. All I remember is wanting him dead, and then he was, and there was so much blood," she said, tears flowing freely down her face.
"Hermione, look at me," he said, turning her chin so that she was facing him and looking her straight in the eyes. "What happened is hard, I know it is. Taking someone's life is a very serious thing, and it's going to take time for you to move past it, but let me ask you this... did you enjoy killing him?"
"No," Hermione said, the look on her face horrified. "Of course not, I did it to protect Andi."
"And that's the point, Hermione. You didn't enjoy it... you did it to save someone you love – and that's what counts. You're not a killer and you'll never be. You love life way too much for that – and that makes all the difference." Hermione stared into space for a moment, letting his words sink in. "It's going to take time to really move on Hermione, but it wasn't your fault... the first thing you need to do is understand that."
Hermione looked up, giving Draegon a small smile. "Thank you. It helps so much just being able to talk."
"Sometimes that all it takes," Severus replied with his own smile. "But as a matter of course, I suspect that Andraste and Professor Snape would want you to talk to them. Nothing is so important that they don't have time for you... and besides," he offered with a smirk as he stood and offered her his hand, "last time I checked, they expect you to help save the world; and saving people seems to be a trait of yours."
"Thank you, Draegon, really."
"Anytime, Hermione. You know where to find me," he said as they walked back into the Great Hall and he headed towards Andraste.
"No, I don't," Hermione thought to herself as she watched him walk away.
"What was that about?" Andraste asked when Severus walked up to her and Albus.
"We will discuss it later, mi amour. For now, I would like another dance."
"Actually, Draegon," Albus broke in, "I believe that we've promised the students a show."
"I still don't think this is quite fair, Headmaster," Severus said, his voice dripping with a last minute groveling attempt.
"Oh, let's just get it over with," Andraste insisted, grabbing Severus' hand and walking towards the front of the Great Hall. With the music dying down at the end of the song the students were dancing to, it didn't take long for them to notice that Draegon and Andraste were up on the stage, strapping on guitars and doing what only a few students recognized as last minute tuning. There was also, some of the students noted with curiosity, a person that they didn't recognize situated behind a large black drum set. The activity up on the raised platform was enough to cause everyone to gather closer, and quiet the noise to an excited buzz. Andraste scanned the audience as she prepared, grateful that Hermione, Harry, and the Weasley kids had all managed to find spots in the very front; there were at least a few truly friendly faces for her to focus on. All remaining noise silenced as the room went black, with the exception of the deep blue glow that surrounded the elfin vampire..
"I usually play for muggles," Draegon began, his voice soft and dangerous, and yet filling the air of the Great Hall. "A beautiful cult of silly children, desperate to believe that vampires are real, and magic may just exist." A cheer rose up from the crowd, a room of people that never realized how blessed they were to have the abilities they possess. Draegon raised his hand to silence them, and continued. "While I must admit they do provide wonderful snacks," he said, wiping the corner of his mouth to be sure that no one missed his point; "tonight is a wonderful treat for me as well. Tonight," he hissed, "tonight I take the stage with a woman that has refused to become like me over and over again... the only woman I have ever given this offer. Instead of eternal life, instead of the eternal bliss I have offered her, she has chosen to marry one of your kind, to stay with your kind, and to teach you." Another cheer rose up from the crowd as Andraste began to glow a quiet, deep red. "Tonight, you will get your wish, as I may just get mine," he said, accenting his sentence with a deep laughter as Andraste gave him a concerned look. "But, first, yours... You wanted to be entertained, and we will most certainly oblige. Mi amour," he said, focusing on Andraste, "would you?"
Andi nodded and began to pick out the first chords of a song that only a few of the students – mainly muggle-borns – recognized. It only took the first few notes of the intro for Harry's face to light up in gratitude as he started singing along to "Real World," a full speed, full band version of the first song she had played for him. It was obvious that even the students that didn't know the song they were playing were immediately entranced by Draegon's silky voice and advanced guitar skills. Even Harry was so involved in the show, that he was completely oblivious to Ron's laughter and attempts to get his attention, until finally Ron gave up. Cheering rose throughout the room as the song ended, but it was quickly silenced by Draegon holding up a hand.
"This life you live... your 'real world', is a land of fantasy and fiction to muggles, just as my life is something that most of your kind will never know." He stopped for a moment and surveyed the students with dark eyes. It was obvious that some of the younger ones were already feeling unsettled by the atmosphere he and Andraste had created, and he got a small sense of satisfaction out of knowing what they had in store. "Tonight," he whispered, letting malice seep into his voice before raising it dramatically, "tonight that all changes!" The doors to the Great Hall flew open and fifty vampires soared into the room. While they were a variety of different ages, the dark eyes and hair that Draegon possessed were common to them all. Students gasped and a few reached for their wands; only to find that where their wands once were, there was but a single black rose, something traditionally thought of as a warning from a vampire... a warning that the one that bared it would soon become a vampire themselves. "You seem to be noticing," Draegon said with laughter, "that things are not going quite as you may have expected."
"Draegon," Andraste demanded as vampires lined the stage and circled the students, "what's going on? What are they doing here?"
"Shhh, mi amour. All will become clear soon enough," he said before turning his focus back to the frightened students. "As I was saying. This does not mean that the show won't go on, on the contrary, I assure you it is a show that you will never forget." He looked back at Andi for a moment and then put a black bass in her hands, whispering something that none of the students could hear.
"Not until you tell me what's going on," Andraste insisted, fury raising her voice above the crowd.
"Play it or they die!" he hissed at her. After a moment of silence she reluctantly obeyed and began to play a slow dark rhythm that Draegon added to with his guitar. A few moments into the song, as vampires stalked slowly through the frightened students, he began to sing in his deep, captivating voice. "A darkened mist can swirl around my heart; to match the cobra curled around my waist. Blood from my last kill still dripping from my lips; a bittersweet fresh metallic taste. As the night grows dark the wind grows colder – it would freeze me half to death if I could feel. It's been forever since I knew the warmth of another," he sung, beginning to advance on Andraste. "Unless, of course, the other was a meal. It doesn't hurt that much I've often whispered. It will all be over, soon just close your eyes. But I can't help but believe that life is tragic; since every time I kiss a girl she dies." He was steadily getting closer to Andi, even though she was moving back for every step forward he took. "It's the cost of dark love, but I love it."
"Though I'm not sure she would feel the same," Andi weakly added.
"Every single one I've taken – how I loved it," he responded.
"But they were dead before they knew your name," Andraste spat out at him, seeing the look of fear and concern on the students... all of them except Ron; who looked oddly amused. Draegon set both of their guitars to the side as he reached Andi, but the music continued to play as he continued to softly sing, holding her in an unpleasant grasp in front of him.
"So let me whisper to you all those sweet words, lose yourself in the warmth of my breath. Try not to scream if it starts to hurt – After all, my dear, all it is is death." To the horror of the students, he accented his point by sinking his teeth into her neck and holding her struggling body against him for a moment before letting her drop limp to the ground. The stunned children watched as her figure began to writhe on the floor, and small aspects of her looks began to change. Painful screams echoed through the Great Hall as Draegon continued to sing, but faster and harder this time, raising his voice above the sounds of the suffering woman at his feet. "It's the cost of dark love, but I love it. It's the price you pay so I can have my fill. It's the night, it's the hunt, it's the full moon above... the look of wonder in the eyes of my kill. It's the sacrificial lambs for my species, It's the way my laugher echoes through the night. The price of dark love but I love it. It's the thrill of the kill..."
"It's the bite," Andraste quietly finished for him as her screams ceased. Students gasped as he leaned down, offering the creature that was their teacher his hand. She took it and stood, facing the crowd. Her once red hair was the darkest of blacks, and her gray eyes had again deepened to a shade only a fraction lighter than her hair. Her skin, although normally fair-toned, had become pale ivory, and her blood red lips wonderfully framed the teeth that had become obviously longer and pointed. While Draegon's vampiric features were tempered by his elfin blood, hers were not.
"Calm, my children," Andraste said, attempting to sooth the frightened students. It was obvious that some of them were on the verge of panic, and that would have taken all of the fun out of it. "The night is young, and there is much fun to still be had. Do not think of Draegon as evil for what he has done; if I wished it or not, he has given me a great gift... although I pity the one that must tell your potions professor." Her comment had the intended effect, and made some of the students laugh nervously. They were obviously totally pulled in by the show they were watching, the moments they were experiencing; so much so that none had noticed how calm the other teachers remained. "As a matter of fact," she said, baring her teeth maliciously, "I think I could get used to this."
"You won't have time," an angry voice shouted from the middle of the crowd. Before Andraste or Severus could pinpoint the source of the disturbance, Draco Malfoy had made his way to the front and lunged himself, dagger in hand towards Andi.
"What do you think you're doing?" she sneered, jumping back from his reach as Severus twisted the knife out of his hand and held him by the collar. Draco struggled against Draegon's grip, his face red with fury.
"You killed my father, you bitch! I'm going to kill you myself, and that traitor, as soon as I find him!"
"Is that so, Malfoy?" Draegon asked quietly, venom seeping through his voice as he shoved Draco to the ground.
"Well," Albus said, standing from his chair and getting the students attention; "this is definitely a new development, but I have never been one to see a party go to waste. So do try to enjoy yourselves. Draegon, Andraste, bring him." The students watched in shock and confusion as the two escorted Malfoy off the stage as though nothing had happened. Only a few had come to their senses enough to realize that the other vampires had disappeared, and none had yet to realize that their wands were back in their proper forms.
They followed the headmaster to his office, Draco floating behind them, struggling against the hold of the spell that Severus had placed him under.
"What is the meaning of this?" Albus asked once they were settled, his voice soft but clearly angry nonetheless.
"I don't have to answer to you, I'm not your student anymore," Draco spat at the headmaster.
"You are quite right, Draco. You are not my student anymore. However, you have just made an attempt on the life of one of my professors; so you can answer to me or you can answer to the Ministry. It is your choice."
"Then send me to Azkaban. As a matter of fact, I welcome it." Tears were starting to roll down Draco's face as Andraste reached into the bare surfaces of his mind. What she saw there horrified her, and made her understand why Draco would rather kill her and go to prison than face his life.
"Headmaster," Andi said softly, "can I have a moment alone with Mr. Malfoy?"
"Absolutely not!" Severus shouted, his voice louder than even he expected. "He just tried to kill you."
"Who the bloody hell are you?" Draco demanded at the stranger. His life was falling apart and he had no desire to let any more people then necessary witness it.
Andraste kept her eyes on Albus, completely ignoring the outbursts from both of them. "I'm taking him downstairs for the night, Professor Dumbledore." Her voice was soft, but there was no doubt that it was full of determination. The confusion on the faces of those around her would have been enough to make her laugh, had the situation not been so serious.
"That is not possible, Professor Andraste," Albus said. "You know I must contact the Ministry. What he has done is a very grievous offense."
"Quite the contrary, Albus," she said quietly. "He has done nothing but add to the show that we were giving the students. And I would testify to nothing else." Her eyes were full of the silent challenge that few were willing to give the Headmaster; one of the things that both lightly irritated him, and made him respect her. With her mind made up, she went over to where Draco was sitting without waiting for a response from Albus. Kneeling down enough to be eye level with him, she offered him her hand. "Please Draco," she said, using a word that he had rarely heard in his life. "I would like the chance to answer your questions." Draco studied the woman in front of him. In his eyes, she had been the catalyst that made his entire life fall apart and he hated her for it; but no one had ever given him a choice before, or offered him the chance to have his questions answered. He was taught that with great ability came cruelty, that there was no good and bad, only power and those to weak to seek it. That principle had ruled his life; and as his own magical powers grew, he had become more and more of a slave to the beliefs that his parents beat into him. And yet, sitting in front of him was the most powerful witch he had ever met, asking him to please let her answer his questions.
"Why don't you just let him send me?" Draco whispered so that only Andi could hear. "I don't understand, I tried to kill you. You should hate me."
"Come with me and I'll explain," she offered, a small smile touching her still vampiric lips. Instead of responding verbally, Draco placed a hesitant hand in hers and stood. They headed to the door without another word.
"Does he have to come?" Draco asked Andi, noticing that the stranger was leaving with them.
"Yes, he does Draco," she said, squeezing his hand in reassurance. "You'll see why when we get downstairs." The two men followed Andi to the dungeon in silence, both lost in their own thoughts as Andraste tried to steel herself for the task ahead. She had no idea what it would take to get Draco to say what she already knew, and prayed that Severus would give thought to his own life before he responded to Draco's with anger. He, of all people, should be able to understand most what Draco was going through.