Origin of sin

Chapter5: The Masks We Wear

"What have we here? It seems I've caught myself a Malfoy."

"What are you doing here Draco?" the blonde had never heard his name said in a way such as this. It was a low sensual hiss against his skin filled with so much innuendo that it was more than sexual and terrifyingly threatening at once. "Are you spying on us Dragon?"

The blonde didn't pause to register this new nickname because even if he had enjoyed the show from earlier he didn't think he himself would like to be subjected such treatment. As he felt the vampire rub his cheek against his exposed neck his mind was sent uncontrollably reeling. What was the vampire going to do? Would he drain him…kill him? Or did he have other…uses… for him? For some reason that was quite easily explained by his panic and fright between the options of a quick death and being left on Blake's mercy he preferred death. And still even in his distress his body seemed to refuse to comply and he could feel stabs of arousal pierce his panic. He didn't know what to think, what to do…His blood rushed in his veins and try as he might he could not calm his frantic breathing.

While such thoughts ran trough the blonde's head Daemon let a bitter smile grace his lips. Malfoy was despite all still a child, so naïve and inexperienced when compared to him. And it would be him, Daemon, to pull away the proverbial 'rose glasses' from the boy's eyes.

Draco felt something wet and cool sliding down his neck and was quickly brought back to reality when he realized the sensation was of Blake licking a path along the jugular vein that throbbed with the pressure of his wild heartbeat.

The vampire gave a shuddering breath that brought goose bums on the wet trail of skin under it. He then felt the cool breath on his earlobe.

"You blood would be so sweet Draco and I haven't fed on a mortal for a while. Would you let me," he ran his tongue along the blonde's jaw line "taste you?" he whispered against his parted lips, the vampire's mouth so close that it touched their corners.

While the immortal talked his hands had loosened his hold on the boy but had not stayed idle. One long-fingered limb had snaked inside the front of his robes dragging the still clawed digits slowly over Draco's naked torso while the other had moved to his neck and had proceeded to caress the sensitive stretch of skin shooting bolts of pleasure though him. The feeling was unlike anything he had ever experienced and he unconsciously leant back into his captor's hands. It didn't take long for his breath to hitch and his eyes to flutter even though he struggled not to give into the amazing sensations that were drowning any thoughts of struggle that passed his dazed mind.

"Let me taste you Draco."

The voice was different than before, deeper and more melodic. It lulled him into a sense of security and mindless bliss, turning the small caressed on his body into flaming strokes of pleasure that sent hot and cold waves through him, making him tremble in desire. In no state to understand his actions he could only concentrate enough to breathe an almost inaudible 'yes'.

He barely felt when the twin fangs pierced his flesh before his world exploded in color and sound and feeling. His senses were overloaded to the point of pain but not quite. Thundering waves of pleasure and lust, hunger and need followed by a flood of satisfaction, fulfillment and content washed over him. It seemed like forever until at last the load became too much for him to take and darkness claimed his vision, his body going limp in Daemon's hands while the two bleeding wounds on his neck were closed without a trace with lick from the vampire.

&&&

"Why are you playing with him Deamon?"

Velin said as he stood up and with a simple wave of his hand cleaned himself and repaired his clothes which he donned quickly, his wounds already closing not even a scar remaining to show. It was a good thing to be a vampire when it came to self-healing.

"Life is a Stage Velin, we all have our roles and young Malfoy is unfortunate enough to be in the centre of the current Play."

On the other side of the Chamber Soalr was doing the same and gazing questionably at the other two Angels while he cracked his abused spine and let out a faint sigh.

"Yes, yes I know Daemon. I remember the plan but some times it's hard to understand the workings of your mind. I don't understand why you let him see our weakness?"

"What he saw is no weakness he could exploit, nor could his father and Voldemort. Dumbledore is out of the question entirely. I just …" he sighed. That was something quite uncommon and alarmed his two partners. "…they are so innocent my brothers. They have no idea of how the world really is. Despite all appearances they are sheltered from the harsh reality," his face suddenly lost all traces of his previous weakness "and I will make sure by the time my stay here is over they are well acquainted with our world."

The other two stared at him and for the first time in all the long years since they had become a team seeing just how merciless their leader was. To kill – it was something understandable and to some extend natural, but to take away one's innocence…A small wicked smile graced Soalr's lips easily mirrored by the spark of amusement in Velin's dark yes. If they had had any doubts of the success of this mission they would have been evaporated the instant and even those small traitorous parts of them that had secretly whispered to them that their leader might try to shelter his old friends, despite the costs, were quieted when seeing the glacier unforgiving look of the Blake Clan's Second in Command in shadow.

The moment passed and the fake obsidian eyes lost the look which was replaced by his normal guarded expression.

"Get cleaned and get dressed then go back to your dormitories. It's getting late and it won't do to have suspicion fall on us from the first day. Good night and pleasant …dreams." With that the other two nodded, fastened their cloaks around their bare shoulders and exited the Chamber.

The last comment about the dreams hadn't really been needed since vampires didn't sleep the way mortals did and it was easily guaranteed that their 'dreams' would be pleasant. Instead of sleep they 'rested' - a sort of meditation that consisted of 'dreams'. Every vampire chose their dreams that were most commonly fantasies of said individual or a simple black void that let them ease the strain on their senses.

Daemon was rumored to be one of the few vampires that preferred the void rather than dreams. Of course no one but Daemon knew the truth about that particular rumor.

Heaving the unconscious Malfoy over his shoulder he left the Chamber and made his way to the dungeons, his shadows protecting them from being noticed.

&&&

Up, left, block, attack, dodge, feint left- attack centre.

Serth easily blocked his attack and with one smooth move Daemon's sword was sent flying out of his grasp while he stumbled backwards but his Master was not finished. With another slash of his blade he had Daemon's clothes cut cleanly down his front, another step and he had the edge of his blade pressed against Daemon's neck. The boy stood still as he waited for his punishment. Master Serth abhorred it when his students – the very few he had taken in his time- didn't prove they were exceptional. For him failure was NOT an option, even when it came to training. He did not believe in trial and error, he did not believe that if you showed your apprentice kindness and gently encourage them they would give better results. He simply wasn't that kind of man.

The edge of his serpent blade slid across Daemon's throat leaving a trail of blood at its wake but the boy didn't flinch or try to pull away – he knew it would be fruitless, he would simply take his punishment and hope Master Serth would let him live another day.

"What was your mistake, boy?" the man hissed his golden eyes cold and unforgiving. Daemon idly wondered how could the same eyes show such a wide range of emotions from pure undiluted hate at the face of a mortal enemy to kindness and love when the Master was with his family.

"I put too much faith in my attack's success and let myself open on the side, Master." his voice was even and his eyes were trained on the far wall, not wanting to meet the Master's cold gaze again.

"Yes, you did. And how come you made that mistake when you knew it was one?" there was no use arguing that he had realized it after he had done it "I think you are slacking my apprentice."

"Yes, Master"

"Do you think you deserve punishment for your lack of devotion to your training?"

"Yes, Master"

"Good. Be in my chambers at eight."

With that the Blake Clan leader stepped away and put the sword on the weapons table next to the door then left without another glance towards his apprentice.

Daemon didn't move from where he stood, not even blinking. Finally his eyes moved towards the weapons table and the blade that was still decorated with his crimson blood.

For everyone in the school Daemon was one of the coldest, heartless some called him, people among the Clans. That was not so. He still had his emotions even if they were dulled and rarely managed to break through his façade, nor was he without feeling in the physical sense of the word. There were rumors among the other students that he could not feel pain because every day they saw him practicing with the common teachers who were merciless against him, they were unforgiving and usually Daemon sustained more than one deep cut or injury that would have any other student sent to the Hospital wing but he didn't even flinch. He just kept on fighting.

There was this one time that had already turned legend when one of the teachers had almost cut off his right hand in an attempt to disarm him but he had simply switched hands and continued with the duel. Such deep wounds took a long time to heal even with vampire healing but what had turned it into a legend was that the sword that had done the damage had been spelled to not allow natural healing to take care of the wound and still Daemon fought and even came close to disarming his opponent. He had been seen on the training grounds the very next day, his arm heavily bandaged but wielding a sword.

His eyes moved from the sword and after repairing his clothes with a wave of his hand he stepped out of the room. He would be the best, whatever the cost. With that though he made his way towards the baths – his Master would not be pleased if he was not clean for tonight and the fight had left him a mess. He did not want to risk his Master being unsatisfied with his performance twice in one day, he would not give him reason to break his apprenticeship.

&&&

Daemon lay on his back in his bed in the Slytherin dungeons, his eyes moving under his closed lids. From time to time a muscle contracted or his lids twitched as he 'dreamt'. It was his curse. Whenever he did not enter the void he was forced to relive his life, which was not a pleasant thing most of the time. Suddenly his eyes stilled and he mercifully fell into the welcoming darkness.

&&&

Draco Malfoy woke up with a start and immediately jumped into a sitting position, his trembling hands clutching the sheets that were wrapped around his sweat-covered body. His unfocused steel-gray eyes darted around the closed curtains around his bed, his breath erratic as he scanned the immediate area for danger.

Slowly his senses awoke and he took in the familiar surroundings of his own bed in the Slytherin dorms.

Releasing his death grip on his covers he reached for his wand that usually stayed under his pillow at night and let out a sigh as he felt its comforting presence in his hand in his strong grip. Wand in one hand he used the other to push the curtains of his bed apart and carefully slipped out of his bed into the dark room, his heart picking up a more quickened pace as he came closer to the curtains that were drawn around Blake's bed. With an unsure hand he gently parted the heavy hangings and took a peek inside.

Blake was lying on his back, his form unnaturally still and tense. With one last look at the sleeping form of the vampire in the relative darkness of the bed he released the curtains to close and quickly and silently slinked back into his bed, shutting his curtains tightly around himself.

His grip on his wand loosened and he drew his covers up to his chin then tucked his hand still holding the wand under his pillow before he laid his head over them.

Had it all been a twisted dream? Had he imagined it all? A small tingle on the side of his neck made him reach his free hand and run it over the side of his neck. A pulse of pleasure ran trough him as his fingers passed over the spot where he expected to find he twin puncture wounds but the skin was as smooth as it ever was.

But of course vampires had their ways of covering their trail… 'No' he decided 'it wasn't a dream'.

With that though exhaustion that had been held at bay but the adrenalin rush he had experienced when waking swept over him and he reluctantly closed his eyes and surrendered to sleep, wand safely held in his hand under the pillow.

&&&

Deep obsidian eyes opened as he felt Malfoy returning to his own bed and flashed killing curse green before a small smirk tugged on his lips. The taste of fear and excitement in the air was delicious. 'Soon Dragon' he thought as his eyes closed once again 'soon you and all the others will see what had been hidden before your very eyes'

With that smirk Daemon returned to the land of his 'dreams' only this time they were of better times when he had roamed free with his brothers, hunting their pray and sharing each other's bodies, before entering the void once again.

&&&

He sipped his coffee under the stares of his fellow Slytherins, who he had not acknowledged besides a general 'Good morning'. He was the only person besides a few of the teachers who was drinking the black brew and was getting quite a few questioning stares. He briefly wondered if they could be a little more obvious, so much for Slytherin cunning and slyness. He lifted his copy of the 'Daily Prophet' and scanned it but aside from a few Death Eater attacks and Fudge's propaganda there was nothing interesting in the newspaper.

'Good morning!'

His eyes didn't move from the page he was 'reading' as Soalr's annoyingly awake mental voice greeted him.

'Good morning, Soalr. Would you mind not being so happy? It's too early.'

'Oh, but Daemon after last night I feel so refreshed! And considering it's been way too long since I've had some sweet mortal blood and I'm surrounded by said mortal blood, yet I do not claim it you are just going to have to cope!'

'Fine. Just go bother Velin, ok?'

'Sure boss.'

Daemon shook his head seemingly at the new of the rise of the cost of dragon blood on the market, while he really was amused by Soalr's antics. Despite his studious and naturally assertive, calm nature the man would never rest nor would he give up on his childish antics, though if he had to be honest with himself Soalr had always managed to lighten his and Velin's mood even when there was nothing to feel good about. He wondered if perhaps Soalr suffered from some kind of personality disorder. He could go from cool scholar to hyperactive five-year-old like in the blink of an eye.

'Good morning Daemon. I trust you rested well?'

'Good morning Velin. Yes, my rest was peaceful.' Directing his thoughts to Soalr too he added 'How are you assignments coming along?'

'Why don't you see for yourself? Just look up.'

Closing his paper Daemon took a sip of his coffee and threw an idle glance across the Hall, sweeping his eyes the other tables, seemingly with no particular reason. Finally his eyes rested on the Ravenclaw table and he nodded at Soalr who waved cheerfully at him they went back to his animated discussion with…

'Who's the boy Soalr?'

'His name is Terry Boot and he is distantly related to Olivander. He seems to like me. The facts that I am a fuckin' walking library and have spend last night and the last hour discussing his distant uncle's wand making skills has nothing to do with that of course.'

Daemon could felt he sarcasm drip from Soalr's words. He was doing well, already in contact with his target, now he only had to work on the other.

'What about your secondary contact?'

'Daemon I have to say that I'll be forever grateful she is only my secondary! The bitch actually had the gall to make fun .Of.My.Hair! If it weren't for the fact that I know it'd compromise us I'd have gutted her right there! Remind me to give my condolences to poor Velin. You're still punishing him for decapitating Avaram before you questioned him, aren't you?'

'He deserves it. It took a week more to get that information through other sources. You know I hate delays. Besides you know Velin won't let her get over his head. Don't pity him.'

With a shake of his head that was synchronized with something Boot said Soalr send his amusement back trough the link and returned his full attention to his conversation with the tall Prefect.

'Velin? Report.'

Daemon's eyes strayed over to the other member of the team who was busy showing Ron Weasley the right way to grip a knife with a butter knife.

'Everything is going according to plan. Just as you said they immediately pounced on me when I said I've taken a course in muggle martial arts. Granger is still reserved towards me but after I started a discussion on the merits of introducing physical education into wizarding schools she seemed to lighten up.'

'Good. What about the Quidditch?'

'They need a Chaser and a Seeker. I'll try for both though I think I'll be better as a Chaser.'

'You know which will suit you better Velin.'

With a nod that was seemingly to the way Weasley was holding the knife Velin returned his attention to the small crowd of sixth and seven years around him who were all very eager to get tips on fighting muggle style.

Daemon made one more sweep of the Hall with his eyes the lifted his drink to his lips. Setting his cup down again he lifted his gaze to the boy who had just seated himself on the bench across from him.

"Good morning Draco. Did you sleep well?" he asked in a pleasant voice.

The blonde shot him a look and cocked his eyebrow.

"Yes, thank you. And yourself?

"Best sleep I've had in a while" he said his smirk widening a fraction. "You should try the strawberry jam. It's very good this morning." He said handing it to the blonde. The boy only looked at him once then took the jam and put a small amount of it on his roll.

He chewed briefly then licked his lips for stray bits of the blood red sweet substance and smirked at Daemon.

"Yes, it is good."

The students around them shot covered look between them wondering what the hidden meaning of the exchange was but were unable to get further than speculating about the two flirting. Quite a few were admiring Malfoy's nerve to get involved with the proven dangerous dark creature. Of course there were those who wrinkled their pureblood noses at the thought of consorting with a creature but everyone knew no one would dare stand against Malfoy.

Since his Father's imprisonment Malfoy had been named heir of the Malfoy fortune and had received the title Lord Malfoy along with all of the assets be it material ones or political connections that came with it. He was officially one of the 'big fish' and had personal dealings with quite a few people at the Ministry.

Not a long time after the end of the last school year there had been a breakout from Azkaban and all the Death Eaters that had been caught at the Department of Mysteries had escaped aided by the Dementors, though the Ministry denied the latter and still kept the foul creatures as guardians of the wizard prison.

Since then Lucius Malfoy had returned to his Master Voldemort and after some punishment had once again taken his place as his right hand only this time he had severe competition for it in the face of his own son who had gain favor from the Dark Lord with his wonderful work at recruiting younger members and people from the Ministry, not to mention the boy was powerful and was extremely useful in raids. It was quite obvious for those that were part of the Dark Lord's forces that there was quite a bit of animosity between father and son, the two were practically waging their own personal war for the Lord's favor and it was obvious that it wasn't Lucius who was winning so many of the elder Malfoy's allies had eagerly flocked towards his son making the hostility heighten.

"Then it seems we have similar tastes Draco." Daemon said biting into his own thickly covered roll not moving his black eyes away from the blond before him.

"Yes, it would seem we share some preferences" Draco said his eyes guarded.

Daemon smiled and finished his breakfast. He knew despite his initial fright Draco would soon see what the Blake can offer him and even now Daemon could smell the faint sent of lust overlapping with the other's nervousness and anxiety. He wondered when Draco Malfoy had grown a backbone.

&&&

"Yes, just like that." Velin leaned back on his seat "That way you have more leverage against a solid object so it won't slip out of your grasp after you strike"

"Cool! Will you show us more tonight? That move you mentioned to disarm." Ronal Weasley was ecstatic. Finally someone to show him how to fight! Maybe if he proved he was able to fight against the Death Eaters they would let him join the Order.

"Sure but we might have homework to do before that if the teachers give us any. Do they set assignments on the first day here?" he said directing the question towards Hermione.

"Not usually but it happens. And seeing how we have Potions this afternoon I'd say that we'll have homework."

"So the Potions Master here is demanding?"

A few people around him laughed out right at that. Finally Ron answered.

"Demanding? The git's not demanding, he's a bloody menace! Only the Slytherins can live trough his classes and not curse him the second the door of the classroom had closed behind them!"

"Ron! Don't talk about a Professor like that! You never know who will hear you!" 'So the girl is careful. I wonder how she and Weasley became friends. Must have been Daemon's doing…' seeing the red-head about to protest he held up a hand and continued "Yes, he is unfair to other Houses but he is a Potions Master. You have to give him credit even if grudgingly – a mastership in Potions is not something that you receive easily. He must be brilliant to have gotten it!"

The whole table stared at her and she flushed a little under their gazes.

"Hermione, are you sure you don't need to go to Madame Pomfrey?" Ron's voice cut trough the silence making he glare at him. The red-head flinched and held his hands up defensively" hey! I'm allowed to be worried when you start to defend Snape of all people!"

The bushy-haired girl huffed.

"I am not defending him Ron! I am only stating facts!"

"Yeah...riiight…"

"Oh honestly! Grow up Ron!" With that she grabbed her bad said a quick 'see you in later' to Velin and swept out of the Great Hall. Velin raised an amused eyebrow at Ron who reddened and coughed a bit uncomfortable then finally managed top mutter "women" before standing himself and taking his own bad.

The red-head peeked in Velin's schedule and seeing they had Defense together smiled at the new student.

"Come on Velin or we'll be late for Defense against the Dark Arts."

"Coming" Velin too got his bad and they made their way out of the Hall.

On their way out they passed the sixth year Slytherins who were making their way towards Care of Magical Creatures.

Spotting Daemon and Malfoy nearing them Velin stopped as did Daemon and the two exchanged a few polite words before they went on their way.

Turning around to continue his way towards his next class Velin saw Ron looking at him in question and hint of suspicion.

"Why are you talking to that snake?"

Velin only leveled him a look and shrugging his shoulders lightly easily replied.

"He is a friend…more of an acquaintance really, it's only polite to wish him a nice day."

Ron threw him another suspicious look and continued to so all through the period when he thought Velin wasn't looking.

&&&

Draco on the other hand didn't question Daemon and the two made their way to their class making idle talk about the teacher who if Malfoy was to be believed had tried to kill the blonde in his third year sending a wild hippogryff after him. Daemon didn't pay much attention to him.

&&&

"Hey, Damien!"

"Hello Soalr. How are you this morning?"

"Wonderful! I just know this class is going to be interesting. Terry here told me the teacher was a great lover of all things that bite, sting and are generally dangerous to one's health."

"Ah, then you'll probably enjoy the class. Are you planning on training any dragons soon?"

"No, that's old news. I'm interested in chimeras now. Oh my! I forgot to introduce you! Terry this is Damien Blake, a friend of mine that helped me when I had some problems concerning a dragon. Damien this is Terry Boot, he has the most amazing ideas on the origins of magic"

"Pleased to meet you Mr. Boot, I hope Soalr here hasn't already worn your nerves out with his insistent chattering?"

The Ravenclaw smiled a little at Soalr's indignant look.

"No, your friend has his own quite fascinating theories on the subject."

"You must have more patience than me then. I hexed him on the second hour after we were introduced to each other."

"That is not true!" Soalr countered" It was the fourth hour!"

All four boys, including a silent Malfoy chucked at Soalr's exclamation.

"You remember Draco, Soalr?"

"Why yes! The cute blonde from the train! Nice to see you again Draco."

The blonde shot him an 'evil eye' but nodded none the less.

Hagrid's booming voice made then seize their conversation and head to where the half-giant was standing before three large wooden boxes.

"All right class, gather around the boxes…"

&&&

As they went through their classes all three of the vampires were very aware of the way their teachers' eyes seemed to stray towards them, how they were called to answer more questions than their classmates. They also saw McGonagall exchange brief words with Weasley and Granger. They did not miss the slight shine in the blue eyes and a smile on the red-head's face and Granger's inquiring eyes at the Transfiguration teacher as she nodded once.

In the late afternoon three headed with their respective Houses towards their last class for the day which happened to be an All-Houses class Potions.

The three sat with their new 'friends' on opposite sides of the classroom and waited for the infamous Professor's arrival.

They did not have to wait long as only minutes after they had taken their seats the man came storming into the room his robes billowing behind him. Reaching his desk with long strides he turned on his heel and faced the class, idly flicking his wand, closing the door with a bang. His dark eyes swept the room and leveled a glare at the students.

"This is NEWT level Potions. Since you are here it is assumed you have shown potential in the field on your OWLS. I don't assume." He said pointed looking at the group of Gryffindors" You will have to earn your place in my class and any who don't take their work here seriously will be dismissed immediately." His eyes search the room and found Daemon, Velin and Soalr's eyes among the crowd." Just for your new students I will repeat what I say to every student in my class. I do not suffer incompetent students and have no patience for fools who take this class as a joke. I hope you don't disappoint me as many of the," his eyes once again strayed towards the Gryffindors "incompetents I've had to endure during my time here. Your work is on the backboard and any help you might need with this potion is on page 36 of your Potions texts. Now get to work!" he sneered.

'What's his problem? You know, Daemon, I think he just might be give you some competition in the sneering department.'

'Thank you for informing me Soalr.'

'One of these days Cardan Daemon is really going to make you shut up. And do you remember how he silenced someone the last time?'

'Ok, ok. By Salazar! Can't you guys take a joke?'

Silence met his question.

The class thankfully went without any cauldrons blowing up or bubbling over. Snape snapped, no pun intended, and showered the Gryffindors and the only two Hufflepuffs in liberal amounts of degrading sarcasm, at times including a few of the present Ravenclaws, while raining praises on the Slytherins.

But while outwardly he seemed concentrated on humiliating his students his keen eyes were observing three particular young men that felt his gaze heavily on the backs of their heads.

Finally the class ended and the non-Slytherin students hurried to leave the gloomy dungeon classroom as fast as possible without running.

Velin left first with Weasley. As Soalr walked out of the door he sent one last though to Daemon who was still putting away his parchment and quills next to Malfoy.

'Well, he's all your now. Make bat-boy squirm Daemon'