Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters in the Harry Potter universe J.K. Rowling does. The title "Waking the Witch" is inspired by the Kate Bush song of the same name. I do not own the song either. It can be found on Kate Bush's album Hounds of Love. The name Rosaleen was inspired by the Neil Jordan film The Company of Wolves. I don't own any of the characters in that film, either! I do, however, own my Rosaleen MacDuff Jasper, who is of no relation or incarnation of Neil Jordan's character in his film.
Author's Note: I have read HBP, and even though there are changes concerning main characters in the canon, I will not be including them into my story and I will finish it as I first dreamed it all up last summer.
Waking the Witch
by Leah Pensotti
Chapter Seventeen: Love Song For A Vampire
"Let me be the only one
To keep you from the cold
Now the floor of heaven's lain
With stars of brightest gold
They shine for you - they shine for you
They burn for all to see
Come into these arms again
And set this spirit free..."
–Annie Lennox
"Love Song For A Vampire"
Back at Number Twelve, Rosaleen sat in the study with Tonks, the Weasleys, Kingsley Shacklebot, Mad-Eye Moody and Severus Snape. Rosaleen felt horribly guilty, knowing Lupin was hurt on her account. Molly Weasley patted her arm and Tonks glared at the sight.
"Why didn't this Dauphine finish Remus off?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Well, vampires do not take well to other species leftovers, for want of a better term. Remus has already sustained a bite." Rosaleen began to pace the floor, oddly thankful that his condition saved his life. Tonks gave her a cold stare.
"Well you should know about it, seeing as though you are one." Rosaleen saw the faces in the study turn twisted with confusion and looked to her for an answer. She stopped in her tracks and sighed.
"What dear Nymphadora is alluding to, is that I am a 328 year-old vampire." An audible gasp rose up in the room and everyone looked affected but Mad-Eye Moody. Rosaleen felt a pang of sadness.
"I assure you that Professor Dumbledore already knows of my condition. He has already informed Professor McGonagall and I myself told Remus, rather, he knew anyway thanks to his heightened sense of smell."
Rosaleen felt the thick cloud of silence set in and regret weighing heavy on her heart. No one would trust in her now. Snape sat up in his chair and his black eyes met hers.
"That night your parents were murdered...Collinwood changed you..."
She shook her head, affirming his statement and then told the members of the Order the entire story. Collinwood's plans for her, the Salem Witch Trials, her years of bloodlust, her capture and torture by the puritans, her second chance at St. Marina's and her hopes of ridding of Collinwood. Molly Weasley rose and embraced her warmly, stroking her hair and paying particular attention to the white streaks that mingled between.
"All those years at the mercy of such men...explains your appetite and the constant touch of chill on your skin..."
Mad-Eye Moody spoke up sternly, "I myself have known for sometime, Jasper. You have not fed off a human in some time, is that true?"
"Almost two hundred years. I am considered a traitor to other vampires because I kill my own kind–though only those who are hostile and wicked." Rosaleen looked at Moody, unflinchingly.
"As I thought." Moody shook his head and Rosaleen saw something of a smile on his face.
Tonks sighed fitfully and crossed her arms over her chest, "Tell them the rest, Jasper."
Rosaleen composed herself, "Collinwood wants me for more than just another bride in his harem...when he first met me in Salem in 1692...I was known as Rosaleen MacDuff...I seem to be the bargaining chip between Collinwood and Voldemort..."
Snape rose hastily and stared her down, You're Maleficent MacDuff's granddaughter? Why didn't you say something?"
Sensing his anger, Rosaleen found herself on the defensive, "I changed my name to Jasper in the early 1900's. I thought my family had long died out and it was not until the meeting when we discussed Collinwood's interest in the clan that I realized otherwise."
"We must find and contact your grandmother. You must receive the inheritance before Collinwood and You-Know-Who-Can." Arthur Weasley spoke up.
Rosaleen still felt Tonks and Snape glaring at her and sighed, "But after all that was said of Maleficent's 'great and terrible' power, I am not even sure that I want it."
"Better you than either of them." Tonks stated bluntly. Molly Weasley shook her head and patted Rosaleen on the arm.
"Before we get any wild ideas, I think we should speak with Dumbledore first. Nothing we spoke of leaves this house until then." She lead Rosaleen across the hall and up the stairs to Lupin's room.
"You should check on Remus, he was asking for you earlier."
"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley. For everything." Rosaleen nodded and murmured.
Molly Weasley smiled, patted her cheek lovingly and then nudged her towards the door. Rosaleen turned the knob slowly and stepped into the dimly lit room. Lupin laid in bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling wearily. Tears formed in her eyes as she called out to him.
"May I come in, Remus?" His head turned gently and his eyes focused in on her. Lupin nodded slowly, seeing the glaze of tears over her eyes.
"Yes, of course." He patted the bedside and she sat on it. Rosaleen looked him over and saw the faint scars on his neck, Moody had done a formidable job with the patching up. However, he looked pale and zapped of energy.
Rosaleen smiled sadly at him and felt fairly certain that their relationship had strained, "Remus, I am so sorry. I should've told you that I changed my last name almost one hundred years ago. I thought my family was extinct other than me. My father was Martin MacDuff. My grandmother is looking for me, but I am worried about what effect the inheritance would have on me if I were to accept it. I don't want to become what I was."
She hung her head with guilt and confusion and he reached up and cupped her face with his hand, tracing the curve of her lip with his thumb. Rosaleen leaned into his touch, taking in the tenderness. She still wore her red formal gown, though her hair was back to its normal shade.
"Rosaleen, I will help you as much as I can; I won't allow you to slip into your former self." Rosaleen took the hand on her cheek in her own and kissed his palm.
Feeling the pull of bravery in him, Lupin sat up slowly and allowed his face to hover a few inches form hers with his free hand and he ran the length of her pale neck and shoulder with a bent finger. Soon, both of his hands returned to the curve of her face, where he leaned in tentatively and kissed her full lips.
Rosaleen pressed herself to him and the kiss grew more urgent and feverish. Her fingers twined in his hair and his arms enveloped her by the waist as she opened her mouth to him to deepen the kiss.
As they drew apart slowly, they remained caught up in each others arms. Rosaleen smiled sheepishly, brushed his hair away from his face and smiled.
"I suppose I better let you rest. I'm sure you're tired."
Lupin shook his head and kept her from leaving, "Please stay."
Rosaleen's eyes widened and she chuckled, "That may be moving a little too fast..."
"No, not in that manner. Please don't leave." Rosaleen saw the look in his eyes and kicked her shoes to the ground. Lupin lifted up the bedcovers and she slipped in beside him–formal gown and all. Her back to his chest and his arms around her; Lupin turned out the light, kissed her beneath her ear and whispered.
"Sweet dreams, dear Rose."
Lupin awoke early the next morning just before dawn. He blinked and almost did a double take, seeing Rosaleen huddled up beside him. The events of the night before flooded his mind; and despite being bitten by one of Collinwood's brides, it had been a wonderful night.
He sat up on one of his elbows and looked down at her, still not believing that she was there. Lupin's finger traced her collarbone and the two small scars and then he kissed her forehead, all the while marveling in the feel of her body so close to his.
Rosaleen's eyes fluttered and then opened sleepily, finally focusing in on him. As she smiled, her pointed canines pointed out from her lips.
"'Morning, Remus." She spoke in a muffled manner.
Lupin smiled and nodded, "Good morning yourself. Did you sleep well?"
"I believe I did. How's your neck?" Rosaleen shifted toward him and touched his neck where he had been bitten. Lupin nodded and locked eyes with her.
"I may feel better than I ever have. Though I am a little disappointed that we did not get to see the end of the Opera–I know that sounds silly, but I really enjoyed it. Will you tell me how it ends?" Rosaleen nodded, it was the least she could do considering all that he had been through on her account. She hated it though, that the ending of La Traviata was tragic and bittersweet.
She explained how Violeta pushed Alfredo away per his father's behest. When the finally reconciled, it was too late–she was suffering from consumption. She died in Alfredo's arms.
Lupin looked a little depressed by the ending and pulled her closer to him. Rosaleen could not believe their proximity and how quickly the awkwardness had dissipated between them. It was unreal, like a dream.
"Perhaps I am glad that we did not see the end." He ran his fingers through her hair and captured her lips with his own. Between kisses, they discussed the future.
"What shall we do, Remus? What about the others?"
"They don't have to know–at least not yet."
"Keep it a secret? A clandestine affair?"
"Just for a little while. By the way, I don't think 'affair' is a very complementary term for what we have."
"I should probably go and change. I am still in my evening gown."
"You look lovely."
Rosaleen started to laugh and Lupin buried his head in her neck and long hair. He wished that the next day was not Monday and that she didn't have to return to Hogwarts so soon. Rosaleen sat up and rose from the bed and Lupin followed suit. As she picked up her shoes, she saw that he was standing in front of the door and blocking her exit.
"Remus..."
He smiled triumphantly and sighed, "Just one more moment of your time, Professor."
He leaned down and kissed her again and Rosaleen emitted a mischievous smile, "I've really got to go, Remus. You better change out of your pajamas. I'll see you downstairs for breakfast." She pulled him to her and kissed him gently on the cheek and afterwards disapparating into her own room, where she found the pink-haired auror waiting for her.
"Late night?" Tonks eyed her suspiciously Rosaleen dropped her shoes on the floor and shook her head.
"Tonks, let me explain..." Tonks cut her off before she could finish.
"No need, Jasper," she stressed Rosaleen's last name hurtfully, "I may have to work with you, but I will be keeping an eye on you. I will not allow anyone else to get hurt."
"Neither will I. In your heart, I know that you realize that." Tonks stood up and nodded solemnly, the last words that Rosaleen spoke not truly registering.
"I'll see you downstairs." As Tonks brushed past her, Rosaleen still felt the pang of regret for keeping secrets and having Lupin get injured on the mission.
Later at breakfast, Rosaleen was met with the news that Dumbledore and McGonagall would be on the way to discuss the MacDuff inheritance and the action that the Order should take given the new circumstances. She took a seat between Arthur Weasley and Mad-Eye Moody while she avoided looking at Lupin wearing a ridiculous grin for the duration of the meal. If she did, she would surely laugh out loud.
Perhaps the others would be inclined to think that he was delirious due to severe blood loss.
Rosaleen had showered, pulled her hair into a ponytail and dressed herself in a pair of jeans and a forest green sweater. She was feeling much more comfortable than she was in the red evening gown that she had spent the previous night in.
As Molly Weasley brought Rosaleen her tea, she noticed that Rosaleen's teeth poked out from her lips. She heard Mrs. Weasley's breath make a sharp intake as she set the cup and saucer down. Rosaleen thanked her quietly as three figures appeared in the hall.
Dumbledore made his entrance into the kitchen followed by McGonagall–and much to Rosaleen's chagrin, Severus Snape. She knew that he felt mislead by her asking about the research he had offered to do on the MacDuff's. He glowered in her general direction and once again she began to feel guilty.
"Professor Jasper? May we have a word with you in the study?" Dumbledore spoke aloud. Rosaleen shook her head, rose from the table, met eyes with Lupin and followed the three up the stairs.
Once in the study, Dumbledore asked her to tell them what she knew of her family, why her parents immigrated to the States, what Collinwood had said to her the previous night and why she had not been more forthcoming with her lineage. She explained her parents wish to start over away from her father's pureblood family, Collinwood's desire to obtain power from her wizarding heritage by making her one of his brides and that she had never met her grandparents and ultimately feared the inheritance because she did not wish to spiral back into darkness.
"...As for last night, Collinwood alluded that Voldemort will get what he desires and in turn will receive what he 'deserves.'"
Dumbledore stroked his beard thoughtfully and sighed, "I believe as the rightful heir in the MacDuff bloodline, you are the only one capable of harnessing or controlling what your grandmother has to give. If bestowed on another, it could be catastrophic."
"Professor Snape has offered his services to aid you in seeking out Maleficent MacDuff. If any news reaches your ears, you are to report to Professor Dumbledore or myself immediately." McGonagall stated.
Rosaleen nodded and replied, "I will."
After Dumbledore and McGonagall departed downstairs to have a cup of Molly Weasley's tea, Rosaleen turned to do the same until Snape caught her once more by the wrist.
"Careful, I bite." Rosaleen pulled away and mock-bared her teeth at him.
"Yes, I know. It's quite interesting and it explains so much." Snape hissed lowly and Rosaleen sighed.
"Why did you offer aid? What are you expecting in return? Out with it, Professor Snape." He stepped closer to her and looked mysterious.
"Please, call me Severus. We will be spending lots of time together on our mission. May I, in turn, call you Rosaleen?"
She did not like the way her name sounded coming out of his mouth, but she shrugged, "If you must, Severus."
"Well then, Rosaleen. I am merely fascinated by the hunt. Besides, you have seen so much–over three centuries of experience." He gave her a satisfied smile with a hint of venom.
"Fine. When do we start?" She folded her arms across her chest and he leaned into her a little too closely.
"Tomorrow night in my office as we usually do. No cutting corners and not cat and mouse games. We will make better progress if you are completely honest. Until then, Rosaleen." Snape walked out of the study, leaving her lost in her own thoughts.
About two hours later, Lupin opened the door of the study to find Rosaleen lounging in the chair by the fireplace and staring off into space. He looked a little concerned and called out to her.
"Rosaleen?"
She snapped out of her reverie and flashed him a wan smile. He sat in the chair opposite her and studied her features intently.
"Is everything alright?"
She nodded, "Fine. I'm fine. But I want to know everything you know about Severus Snape. Dumbledore wants me to work with him to find Maleficent and claim what is 'rightfully' mine. We had become friends, in an odd way, united by research and history. But now...after last night...he knows I am a vampire and a MacDuff..."
"I'll tell you, though I doubt you will find comfort in any of it."
Lupin watched as she nodded solemnly, firmly set in her decision and then he began when he first met Severus Snape at Hogwarts.
A/N: Next up–Snape and Rosaleen take a field trip, Harry, Ron and Hermione get close to the truth, more Collinwood and Lupin to come!
Please Read and Review!
To AstarelUndomiel: I hope this gets to you in time! Thank you for the kind words and I hope you enjoy this chappie before your journey!
To lupinsiriusluva: No worries with Remus, he is back and better than ever! I am glad to see that you feel so passionately about Dauphine! That rocks!
To Sarah: There will be more Heathcliff Collinwood very soon! He is relentless, sexy and intriguing! I kind of picture him as a Hugh Jackman/Clive Owen-type (both of them absolutely fantastic looking fellas). Thanks for the review!
To Angel of Harlem: Sirius will return very soon! Thanks for the praise and the "steak"/ "stake" thing. I didn't catch it when I was proofing at 2 a.m.:-) It happens sometimes and it helps when you have fantastic readers to help! Also, I beg forgiveness from Freddie Mercury by vowing to name a chapter "Who Wants to Live Forever." I just happened to be writing the last chapter to the Smith's song, and it really encompassed the feeling of the chapter! Glad you are enjoying the story and I am happy to have you as a friend! Love ya!