Chapter 7

There was a general 'dropping of jaws' in the class, as people stood aghast staring at this new Sidnay. This was the first time Harry had ever seen Sid not wearing sunglasses: his eyes were a bright and penetrating color of red, although oddly hypnotic and melancholy.

Sid was quite impressive in his armor, and there was a lot of excited chattering as he strolled forward and sat down on a chair. Sid's hair was an almost violent shade of blood red, which added a sharp contrast to his black armor.

"A lot of you are probably wondering," began Sid as the class went silent, "why I am dressed in this way. I feel it only reasonable that I offer an explanation before you begin to think this was some kind of attention grab. When Professor Hagrid approached me and asked me to explain my culture to you, I decided the best introduction to vampire culture is to view the attire of the vampiric warrior. However, before we start into anything I must explain a few things that simply must be known to understand what will follow. Firstly, a vampire is probably the most dangerous… magical creature known. Even werewolves," his eyes darted briefly to Marie, before continued, "can take a potion to tame, and when they are wild, they can act predictably: I know from experience. Even so werewolves are only particularly deadly at one might a month. A vampire however seeks to quench their thirst every moment: it is a never ending curse. This in and of itself does not constitute why a vampire is dangerous: mosquitoes do the same thing. No vampire is deadly because they can think abstractly and logically. Physically about, ten times stronger than a human being, yet still weaker than a wild werewolf, a vampire is brutally rational logical and, therefore deadly. Before I frighten too many of you, vampires have two great problems: one, they are stuck in a state of permanent melancholy, unable to experience much pleasure, and the pleasure they may experience will eventually disappear. Secondly, vampires have their own brand of magic, which is difficult for humans to understand, but they have difficulty using wizarding magic, which is a good deal broader, varied and therefore gives the wizard a leg up on a vampire in the magic department. Vampires however can see, hear, and read minds inherently. I say 'read' because occlumens and legilimens is a completely different department. It is insanely difficult to block a vampire from detecting thoughts. I strongly suggest you avoid a scenario where it is involved.

"Because vampires are so melancholic, they are usually no real threat to humans if they are left alone. We are perfectly happy to live off of the blood of other creatures, but people seem to think we look specifically for humans. This is rubbish. However, there is a lot of tension between vampires and humans, but that has more to do with thousands of years of persecution. I assure you all that I greatly prefer playing guitar to attacking humans. I will now accept any questions."

The crowd looked surprised; Harry just noticed that Hermione had attended though she was bundled up in a light jacket. She looked rather shock by the site of Sid in black metal armor. She walked over to Harry, and whispered to him, "Harry what's going on? Why is Sid wearing all that armor?"

Harry shushed her as Ernie Macmillan asked, "You said you were going to explain to us about…err… warriors?"

Sid nodded, "Yes I apologize for my absentmindedness. Yes. The vampire warrior is taught a way of life which echoes such ideals as Chivalry and Bushido. Vampires…do not use magic directly, like say a wizard does. Vampires prefer hand to hand weapons imbued with their own magic. Needless to say that in battle vampire casualties are very high, but a vampire seeks death because it is better than a never changing life."

Another girl raised her hand, "What? You mean vampires don't want immortality? I would kill for that!"

Sid turned and looked at her, and she instantly seemed to realize that she had said something wrong, "A typically human answer," he said with a smile, "So you would trade what you have for something that is never changing? What makes life good is the change and experience pleasure. The theory behind eternal life is that you can experience everything possible and have fun, but if it becomes torture would you really want it?" the girl cast her eyes down and remained silent.

However, a boy Harry recognized from the Hufflepuff quidditch team said with a smirk, "You're still using swords and lances? I would have thought that with all your 'powers' you could think of something more lethal."

Sid rolled his eyes and shrugged, "Perhaps, but when you have gone through intense training and a sword is magically imbued, and it becomes a little more than merely sharpened steel and becomes an extension of the warrior's soul."

The Great Hall buzzed with voices, many talking excitedly about their classes ('you should have seen him Emerald…he was Dreamy.'), when Harry and Sid walked through the doors of the hall, Harry shivering form the cold wind, but Sid still sweating, "It gets hot in that armor man…" Sid explained, "Its Goblin made…but my father had it…modified for me." They headed for the Gryffindor table and sat down. Soon however Hermione came in, her cheeks rosy from the cold winds, and Ron followed yawning and stretching, and they both sat down, when Ron addressed Sid, "Hogsmeade weekend tomorrow mate…you gonna try out for that show?"

Sid smiled, "Hell yes." He took a swig form his flask, and Harry noticed his eyes wander overtop of Ron's head where Harry saw the girl Maria walk through the doors, but his musings were interrupted by an angry Ginny slamming her books down next to him, "God if I have to deal with Bills class one more time…" before Harry could reply, he noticed Sid was gone, yet he had not heard, nor seen him move, but he caught a glimpse of a dark figure slip out of the doors…

(Change of POV to Sid)

The sight of her had awakened something in him. Maybe if he really played well at the concert she would notice him…maybe even speak to him! Pushing his way through the crowds of people towards the common room, maybe he could squeeze some time in for his guitar before class…

He ended up getting so absorbed in his music that it was sometime later when he realized he was 15 minutes late for Defense Against the Dark Arts. With a gasp he broke into a run and burst into the classroom, panting, "IM sorry Professor Weasley…but I." Professor Weasley looked up and smiled, "Well at least you showed up to class…and brought us your guitar to show off your flashy guitar skills I imagine."

Too late Sid realized that he hadn't left his guitar in the dorm. For several moments the room was silent while Sid thought it through, "I thought it was a bit awkward when I ran here…"

Professor Weasley laughed along with the class, "Take a seat Sid, and try to be on time more often though. Were just talking about the Egyptian creatures we will be studying this unit. TO make up for your lateness, maybe you can tell us about Mummies."

Sid thought for a moment, "I know they're the Egyptian equivalent of a vampire: except they aren't bitten they use magic…They are the corpses of Witches and wizards which have in their life time been cursed, so that they cannot rest after death… they are actually more like a werewolf vampire mixture. They utilize zombies and other mummies to defend their territory…if a mummy bites or curses you, than you are cursed in your after life, and your body will become possessed…it's more complicated than that. I remember my granddad telling me about his wars against them in Turkey…nasty business there."

Professor Weasley smiled, "Correct Mr. Dracule. I knew you wouldn't disappoint me in your definition. Yes mummies are the natural enemies of the vampire, and utilize zombies at times. They are this definition into your notes," there was a scurry for quills and parchments, "A Necromancer, is any entity which resurrects the dead, to do his bidding: it is Necromancers Lord Voldemort utilizes to create his armies of inferi. Another question for you guys, how do you kill an inferi?"

Hermione's hand shot into the air, and surprisingly so did Neville's. Even Bill looked surprised, "Very well…for a change we will ask Neville." Neville went red, "Well…err…Sid was telling me you had to take off its head…"

Bill laughed again, "Impressive Neville, 5 points to Gryffindor."

As the class progressed Sid seemed to shrink back, and becomes someone …not darker, simply less illuminated, his faces covered in shadows cast by his top hat and capes collar, and Harry couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind…