Ah! Finally! Sorry about the wait. Mum's birthday last weekend, and I didn't inspired, so that's the excuse... er... explanation.
But I think this chapter's worth it. However, just so you have a warning, this pushes the rating to the limit at one point. You'll be able to guess when. But it's kind of important to the plot (and I've wanted to write it for ages). So I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 10: Mate
Before they knew it, Hallowe'en was nearly upon them. Not many seemed to have noticed Harry and Ginny's progressing relationship, which was handy. In fact, people seemed too worried about their own relationships to notice the one going on with the teachers.
The ball had been decided as masquerade. Old-fashioned had been the theme for decoration, music and costume, and already people seemed to be preparing. Harry was getting quite annoyed in lessons by the excess of giggling from the girls and gossip about dates, costumes and make-up or charms. He had more than once threatened them with detention should they continue. This had scored him more points with the boys, because they were getting equally of (and nervous about) the giggling.
Harry and Ginny were chaperones. A number of the teachers had opted out, but the Headmaster, Heads of Houses, and the DADA teachers were chaperoning. Harry and Ginny had been chosen because they were young and therefore more likely to temper the strictness of McGonagall (for example). Harry and Ginny had also as good as volunteered anyway, so the teachers who were not looking forward to dealing with raging hormones had opted out.
The idea was good. The ball began at half-past six with a 'traditional' feast. At half-past seven, the tables and food disappeared and the dancing began. At ten o'clock, all third-years and under had to leave to go to bed. The rest of the school left at midnight. The music was going to be played by a popular band, but with a variety of old-fashioned songs mixed in with one or two modern ones. The students had been advised to look at some old-fashioned dances, as they may well be played and groups dance the correct one.
It had taken James considerable courage to ask Lily to the dance. However, he had been polite, respectful and explained that he wished to go as friends and fellow Heads, to promote unity within the school. After all, if they – with their famous feud – could unite, surely others could as well. Lily agreed, but was confused when she felt disappointed at the fact that they were going as 'just friends'.
Lily and James were patrolling the corridors when they heard music. And voices. Singing.
A male voice sang: "Our lives will change when tomorrow comes."
Then a female voice. "Tonight our hearts drown the distant drums."
James and Lily edged closer, wondering at the owners of two very good voices.
Male: "And we have music, alright,
Tearing the night."
Both: "A song
Played on a solo saxophone.
A crazy sound."
Then the female: "A lonely sound."
Both: "A cry that tells us
Love goes on and on.
Played on a solo saxophone.
It's telling me
To hold you tight
And dance
Like it's the last night
Of the world."
"Merlin, they're amazing!" Lily whispered. "I love this song."
Those words alone proved that it was a Muggle song to James.
The male voice took over. "On the other side of the Earth
There's a place where life still has worth.
I will take you."
"I'll go with you." The woman promised.
The man sang dramatically. "You won't believe all the things you'll see.
I know 'cause you'll see them all with me."
Two loving voices sang. "If we're together that's when
We'll hear it again...
A song
Played on a solo saxophone.
A crazy sound.
A lonely sound.
A cry that tells us
Love goes on and on.
Played on a solo saxophone.
It's telling me
To hold you tight
And dance
Like it's the last night
Of the world."
Plaintively the woman sang: "Dreams
Were all I ever knew."
Promisingly the male told her: "Dreams
You won't need when I'm through."
And together their voices rose. "Anywhere we may be
I will sing with you.
Our song.
Played on a solo saxophone.
So stay with me
And hold me tight
And dance
Like it's the last night
Of the world."
By this point Lily and James had identified where the voices came from. The Defence classroom. They peered inside cautiously.
James gasped as they saw Professor Potter and Miss Westley in the room, bathed in the light of the nearly full moon. She was leaning back on the desk from the front, as the professor's hands surrounded her waist loosely.
"I never knew you had such a good voice." Ginny murmured. It was clear neither of them realised they had eavesdroppers.
"A hidden talent." Harry responded. "I have many."
"Oh? Which talents remain hidden?" Ginny asked.
"Here? Well, the dancing, singing, Quidditch seeking, spell-mastering... You know that no one else here is capable of mastering the Truth Charm but me? They have to use Veritiserum every time! Or other truth potions." He looked down at her softly. "Any talents you know of?"
"Well, you do have a certain habit of always getting into trouble. And somehow getting yourself out of it as well. You managed to put up with Ron and Hermione's arguments every other day..."
"Merlin knows how those two got together." Harry joked.
"Probably the same way our lovely Head Boy and Girl will. The arguments cover up the fact that they fancy each other. Ron got at Mione for attention, James pranks Lily for the same." Ginny smirked.
"At least he's deflated his head now. On the other hand, I have a true version of the problems between him and Snape. Like Snape knows way too much about the Dark Arts, even though Dark Arts is a completely incorrect terms for most of them..."
"Harry, love? You're ranting." Ginny told him, placing her hand over his mouth.
"Sorry." He mumbled. She removed her hand. "It's just... some of those so-called Dark Arts can be used for perfectly legitimate reasons too. And a supposedly light spell can be just as deadly as Avada Kedavra."
"Such as?"
"Levitation. You levitate someone out of a high window, they fall to their death. Not only that, but the death is far more painful and lengthened because they know it's coming. Or you Summon someone's heart strongly enough and it kills them." Harry explained.
Ginny nodded. "Yes, but others..."
"Evil Arts would be a more appropriate term. I can't imagine a good use for a Body-Ablaze Curse, can you?"
"No." Ginny looked a little put out.
"Sorry, I've gone off topic. What were we talking about?"
"Snape and James."
"Oh yes. Well, turns out Snape's been doing some rather awful things to the younger years, along with the rest of his group. God, at least I don't have to teach Lucius."
"So he's not as bad as you thought?" Ginny teased.
"He had legitimate reasons behind his actions. He just hates him anyway. Besides, wouldn't you want to protect the kids you found?" Harry asked.
"Yes. So, anything else?"
"How on Earth did Ron manage to get Mione pregnant?" Harry wondered.
"Well, Harry, you see, when a man and a woman love each other..."
"Oh, shut up, you. I know that. I'm just... surprised. Mione seemed like the type to remember protection."
"Oh well, they were caught up in the moments, celebration..."
"All six of your brothers were caught up, even Perce, and that surprised me!" Harry laughed.
Ginny looked at him suddenly, her eyes raking over his face, a predatory glint in her eye.
"What?" Harry asked.
"Your laugh. God, it's been heard precious little in the last few years."
"Well, it was heard last year, but you were in school." He grinned at her. "Now I haven't got that responsibility..."
"What if he finds out, Harry? What if he discovers you're here?"
"He can't. Besides, he doesn't even know I exist. He's more concerned about recruiting and killing. Of course, it's only a matter of time until he discovers the Gryffindor line..."
"What?" Ginny gasped.
"This year, Gin. That's when he finds out." Harry explained. "And then he searches for a spy, one of his becomes our own..."
"Harry, if you knew this would happen... Why did you come? What if you change things?" Ginny demanded.
"I don't think I do. There's a reason I was selected, Ginny. There's a reason you were allowed to follow. There's a reason we are here, now. If only to prevent the half-blood bastard from killing one person."
"But Harry..."
"Enough, what if there are prying ears? Besides, I believe there's another hidden talent you ought to remember." His voice had changed, becoming seductive, dangerous.
"Oh, what is that?" She changed too, she put her head to one side coquettishly.
"Well, I think it went something like this." He told her.
His hands tightened around her waist. He leaned his head in and caught her lips with his own, tenderly massaging them in a sweet kiss. She kissed back, throwing her arms around his neck and pulling him closer. He slipped a hand up to hold her head as he deepened the kiss, fire and passion flaring up. She responded happily, hungrily, devouring his lips. As his tongue slipped into her mouth, she welcomed it, moaning ever so lightly as she felt the lust and need intensify.
James and Lily stared, looked at each other, and then swiftly and silently closed the door and headed down the corridor at a quiet run.
When they were far enough away, they stopped, breathing quickly.
"What on Earth...?" Lily began, shocked.
"I could have coped without seeing that." James winced.
Lily laughed, but then her eyes narrowed. "What did he mean about Snape doing something to kids? And you protecting them?"
"Bullying. Severely. Snape does it, but the rest of his group are just as bad, if not worse." James explained. "I just hope they don't progress any further than they already have, because then it could mean a sentence in Azkaban."
"What?" Lily hissed. "It's that bad?"
James nodded. "I know you think we did it just to hurt him or them. Part of it was hate, that's what started it. But by fourth-year, they started on first-years, and it began to get serious thereon. It's horrible, what some of them will do. We may get a reputation as goofs and idiots, but every one of the younger years, and some older years, especially Muggle-borns, know that we will help them."
Lily nodded, still shocked by it. "You're a good person, James."
"So are you."
XXXXXXXXXXXX
"There's a what? A what in the where?" Ginny asked, semi-incoherently the morning of the full moon and the day before Hallowe'en.
"We believe it is a Lanydadd." Dumbledore answered. "How a Welsh demon got to Scotland I don't know. In the Forbidden Forest. Too close to the school to be safe. I thought you would be the best for the job."
Harry groaned. "I hate those things! The blood doesn't come out, no matter what you do!"
"What? You've met one?"
"Several. Simple enough to handle. Cancel our classes for the rest of today. Tell them to do some research on the significance of Hallowe'en to Dark Spells and Creatures and the magical significance of the day to the Light." Harry ordered. "C'mon, Gin. Sooner we get started, the sooner we get back."
'And we'd better get back in time,' Harry thought.
Ginny nodded. "Old clothes then?"
"Definitely. No robes, too easily caught. Just grab trousers and a shirt, with a warm jacket, it's nippy. Make sure you've got your weapons." Harry commanded
"Sir, yes, sir!" Ginny saluted him, military-style, and marched out.
"Don't tell anyone where we are. Just say we're on business." Harry advised Dumbledore, before disappearing himself.
"Merlin help you both." Dumbledore sighed, praying that they would be safe.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Shit!" Ginny swore as the Lanydadd's long claws raked through her skin.
"Ginny, keep down!" Harry yelled.
Harry's sword snaked out. The demon had taken them by surprise. They had been tracking it, when suddenly the scent went cold. The demon had taken to the trees, and they could not follow. They had tried in vain to find it. It found them, imprisoning them against a small cliff within the forest. The light was dying, and the temperature was dropping.
'Please, finish this soon!' Harry begged anyone who was listening. 'If I transform while Ginny is here...' And yet, that had never seemed like a problem. She satisfied every part of him. Including the... Vampire? How was that possible? He suddenly realised that she had sated his lust more easily than anything. But surely she couldn't be... He saw her dodge the Lanydadd and throw it off. 'She's a Moonlight Vampire. Like me.' With a sudden burst of strength, Harry whipped round and caught the horn on the demon's head. With a swift blow, he sliced it off. Instantly, the Lanydadd howled, and melted into water.
Harry and Ginny were breathing heavily. Harry gasped as he saw the blood across Ginny's stomach.
"Gin, are you okay?" He asked.
"I... I think so." She replied, wincing.
"Night soon." Harry gasped. We'll never get back in time."
"Wh-what?"
"You're one, aren't you, Gin?"
"One what?"
"Struck by the Lust Curse."
"Harry! How did you...?" Ginny's eyes widened. She'd been trying to work out how to tell him for weeks.
"Me too. And I realised you sated the Vampire as well as me." Harry explained. "Gin, we're in the middle of the Forest. We'll never make it before moonrise. And then we'll be too close to the school. What if we hurt someone?" Harry asked.
"We can't. We stay here." Ginny told him.
"And we hurt each other?" Harry raised a brow.
"The Vampire..."
But she couldn't say anything further. The sun had set. Automatically, they removed their weapons, sending them back to the school with wandless Banishing Charms. They couldn't risk the vampires taking control of them. And before long, the moon rose.
"Ginny..." Harry moaned.
"Harry..." Ginny murmured.
The moonlight hit them.
They fell to the ground. Pulling in deep breaths, they changed. Lust lit in their eyes, burning red. Their canines elongated, their teeth sharpened. Nails became razor-like and they no longer felt the cold of the air.
(A/N: They'll be referred to as Harry and Ginny, but it's the vampire, not them, as such. Okay?)
The Vampire gasped in air. He was free! Finally, after so long! He looked around him. There was the scent of a recently dead Lanydadd. Good. Those creatures were deadly. And then his eyes fell on something more beautiful than he could imagine.
The Vampire drew in breath. Her chest heaved as she felt the fresh, free air around her. Finally! She scanned the area. A dead demon, nothing to her. But then, the scent! So intoxicating! And then she saw him. A male. Hers.
The Vampires approached each other. They stared at one another for a moment. And then she struck at him, her nail drawing blood across his cheek. He recognised the challenge, the suggestion. It was clear that she was his life-mate, in both forms. This form was much freer, though. He struck back, she caught it on her arm. And so began the fight between them...
Harry snarled as her nails raked at his shirt. His jacket lay on the floor, forgotten. He punched her in the face, taking the chance to yank off her own jacket. She growled, and kicked his legs from under him, then pounced on him.
The nails and lust made short work of their clothes and shoes, reduced to rags and strips of leather.
Ginny stared down at him, before seizing his mouth with hers, her tongue bleeding against his sharp teeth. She tasted his blood as his own bled in her mouth. It was invigorating, enthralling. She needed him. Desperately.
Punching him again and stimulating his body beneath her, she broke the kiss and marked him as hers. Fixing her mouth on his chest, around one nipple, she bit. Her teeth penetrated skin finally, and she felt the sweet blood of life flow into her mouth, into her body. She felt him shudder and moan in exhilaration. When she had finished, she grabbed his head and thrust it to her breast, where he returned the favour. She felt herself quake and let out a scream of delight. Her hands fell as he drank, her blood leaving her body. His hands gripped her waist, nails biting deep into her flesh.
When he ceased, he pushed her back and then pressed her to him, the blood of the wounds mixing and cementing the blood bond.
And then she grabbed him and cemented the sexual bond.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
The Marauders were roaming the Forbidden Forest this full moon. Having heard nothing of the Lanydadd, they had no reason to avoid it. While it took trouble to keep Moony in line, they still enjoyed each jaunt. This time they ventured deep into the forest. And came upon a shocking sight.
A man and woman. They were... having intimate relations, to put politely (of course, Sirius would just say they were shagging later, but that's Sirius, isn't it?).
'Merlin, what are they doing?' James thought.
'I didn't know you could do that!' Sirius looked shocked.
'Cool!' Peter thought. (A/N: Pervert! Did I mention I despise Peter?)
'Blood! Blood!' Moony's senses took control. They smelt enough like human to set the senses on hyperdrive. He pounced.
The couple broke away. The Marauders shrank back as they recognised the signs of the Moonlight Vampire. Blood covered their bodies, bites on their chests.
'They mated!' James gasped.
Their eyes shone with the red fire of lust, their elongated canines glistened with fresh blood and their nails were stained with it.
The male snarled at the werewolf. "Cease, I command thee!" Moonlight Vampires could speak and think, but rarely used it. They were superior to werewolves as demons because they kept those facilities. Werewolves were forced to obey them. Few knew that.
Moony growled.
"Cease! Would care for us to eat your friends? We're quite hungry and it would... heighten the experience." The female snarled.
Moony growled again, but backed to the Marauders to protect them.
"Leave, if you wish to live." The male ordered.
"Animal blood is so foul, we wouldn't want to drink it, but we can force ourselves. We're so hungry..."
The werewolf and Animagi scattered.
But something got at James. He knew who the Moonlight Vampires were.
XXXXXXXXXXX
That morning, the word got out that Professor Potter and Miss Westley were missing in the Forbidden Forest.
Dumbledore was worried. He knew what they were, and what that could cause... Swiftly, he went to his office, and checked a map of the Forbidden Forest. Ah, that's where they were
"Professors Videl and Kettleburn, would you come with me please? I have located our wayward DADA teachers." Dumbledore told them. "We won't be long. Just until the end of your first classes at the most." He then called a house-elf and handed him a note addressed to Madam Pomfrey.
"My God, what were they doing here?" Videl asked aghast as she saw the two naked forms, covered in blood.
"Are they alive?" Dumbledore asked.
Kettleburn verified their pulses. "Yes, they are. But... Oh Merlin! Dumbledore, did you know about this?"
"What?"
"They're Moonlight Vampires. I can see their marks. They're life-mates. Most likely in both forms from the way we've seen the two of them act." Kettleburn informed him.
"Yes, I knew. They were cursed in the same battle against Voldemort. I sent them after a Lanydadd yesterday morning. I was under the impression they'd be back in time for them to be locked in their rooms. It seems not. They remained here so they were far enough away from the school to focus their attention on each other." Dumbledore realised.
There was sudden sound.
Dumbledore and the others whipped round.
A centaur with a white palomino body and blond hair faced them.
"Going to curse me, Professor?"
"Firenze. Can't be too careful in this situation."
"Yes. These are the two. Yes. The stars read of their coming. They will protect the line."
"What line?"
"Mars lies bright as Scorpio rises. They join and protect. Hallowe'en marks a special day for them. His parents died, so will they die again."
"What?"
"Past and future are entwined as Evil's threat looms closer. He will find the Heirs he searches for, and when he does, their destruction will mean his survival. The stag shall bear a lion, marked by a celestial sign."
"What are you saying?"
"Do not alienate them. These two are your only hope." The centaur explained cryptically and galloped away.
Dumbledore sighed. "Conjure stretchers and blankets. We'll say they had a stronger fight with a Lanydadd than we thought. It's true, to an extent."
XXXXXXXXXXX
Harry awoke in the Hospital Wing. He blinked, and then turned, seeing Ginny in the bed beside him.
"Gin!" Harry gasped.
Ginny shot up, awake, clutching the sheet to her naked body.
"Harry!"
"We must've lost more blood than expected." Harry told her. "And we..."
"Mated." She murmured, then gave him a feral smile. "I guess I definitely got you in the end, Mr Potter."
"That you did, Miss Weas – Westley." Harry grinned, correcting his slip.
"So," Ginny mused, "think we could get away with doing it in the hospital wing?"
XXXXXXXXXXX
A/N: The end of the chapter! So, what do you think? There's evilness in there. I hope the transformation and mating didn't offend anyone, but it was necessary.
I'm back at school now, finally. Going alright so far. I actually managed to write my first piece of coursework already. Tonight. Isn't that cool? I like to keep on top of things.
To my reviewers... There's so many of you! I'm overwhelmed! I broke three hundred with the last chapter! I have about three hundred and thirty now! It's amazing! So thank you. I'm so happy you like it so much!
Please continue to review. Oh, and would someone please e-mail me and explain how a Yahoo!Group works? Because I get invitations, but I've no idea how to use 'em.
Thank you!
Lol, Tanydwr