Summary:

Disclaimer:

Warnings:

Remy woke promptly at six the next morning, by habit rather than anything else and groaned as his barely rested muscles resisted movement. He forced himself out of his warm bet and hurriedly got dressed in the rather cold room. Inwardly he cursed the drafty castle as he went to the closet where he had hidden Stephan's previously bought Birthday presents and a few of the Christmas presents for next week. Magically levitating the small stack of gifts he crossed the hall to Stephan's suite and was admitted almost right away. Inside he was delighted to note that Stephan was still asleep. Smirking evilly, Remy set down the packages and made to give Stephan a taste of his own medicine. He tiptoed over to the bed and with a victorious cry pounced on the older boy who let out a squawk and was instantly awake his eyes wide with shock. At the look on Stephan's face Remy burst into laughter and seeing he had been tricked, Stephan hit the younger boy over the head with a pillow, pouting slightly. Chuckling, Remy cleared his throat and singing in a purposefully off tune operatic voice broke into a passable rendition of Happy Birthday. He didn't get far however before a now laughing Stephan hit him across the face again with a pillow. Stephan mock grimaced and said sarcastically, "Really Remy, your singing would flay a person alive, and I would much rather you gave me your presents instead of subjecting me to torture my misuse of music." "Prat," responded Remy as he got off of Stephan and retrieved the stack of gifts.

Remy handed Stephan a large heavy box first; Stephan tore into the paper and soon was holding a rather nice broom servicing kit. Remy then handed him an obviously book shaped package that proved to be a book on apparation. Remy had decided it would be good to have a basic grounding in how to apparate before they were actually taught to do so and had bought matching books on the subject for himself and Stephan. Stephan also opened a three-quarters length cape of Grey velvet the color of his eyes with a green and black snake twisting around across the back, followed by several flasks and vials of useful potions. Remy had made them all himself and most were poisons, but several were for invisibility and healing. Finally, after Stephan had opened what he thought was everything, and the bed was covered in a mish mash of colored paper, Remy pulled the last gift from his pocket and gave it to Stephan with a proud smile on his face. The box was small and almost square and wrapped in black silk; Stephan gingerly opened it and gaped when he saw the contents. He pulled out a silver ring with a dark red stone set in it. He looked from the ring to Remy with an inquisitive look on his face, urging Remy to explain.

"The stone isn't really a stone at all, it is really a small crystal container, containing a small amount of blood, mine actually. It will allow you to contact me wherever I am and will allow you and me to share a mental connection when you wear it. Put it on and I will show you." Stephan placed the ring on his right hand middle finger and immediately felt Remy's voice in his mind. "Hello darling, can you hear me?" He quickly responded by following the link and said, "Loud and clear, this is wicked Remy, thank you!"

"My pleasure, now why don't we have breakfast sent up, I don't much care to see my father this morning yet." The events of last night came flooding back to Stephan and he worriedly looked to Remy, noticing the dark circles under his eyes and his exhausted manner.

Not bothering to talk mentally he inquired as to what passed between Remy and Victor the night before. Remy hesitated momentarily, unsure of how much to tell the older boy, but eventually decided to take Stephan into his confidence. "Stephan you know I love you and I trust you with my life but what I am about to tell you must swear never to repeat, ok?" Stephan nodded seriously and on impulse drew his wand and placed in on the bed before him. "I swear on my wand that I will not repeat anything you tell me during this conversation to anyone besides you." Stephan intoned, there was a flash of light and his wand glowed momentarily before returning to it former appearance. "There, now it is official." "Thanks," Remy said gratefully before continuing, "As you know the Dark Lord made me his top assassin among other things and he took me into his confidence last night to tell me that he sees me as a potential heir." This earned a low whistle from Stephan and Remy smiled tensely before continuing. " He also told me that he more or less knows my father, Victor to be a traitor. He is just waiting for Victor to incriminate himself in his actions within an organization called the Second Order." "Hey wait, I've heard Father and Blaise talking about them, they are rather feisty from what I gathered, picking off the Dark Lord's followers without endangering themselves if I am correct. But why would your father be involved with them, and are your sure he is?" "I am sure, he has approached me and is basically forcing me to join. The Dark Lord knows, but Father doesn't know the Dark Lord knows. The Dark Lord wants me to feed him information from meetings and promised monetary rewards for all information I give him and each assassination I perform. I plan on following the Dark Lord but I still feel like I shouldn't betray my father, even if he is a traitor to all I have been brought up to see as right. Therein lies my dilemma, on one side, my lord and master, the Dark Lord, and potentially great power, on the other, the only family I have ever had, but promised and merciless death as a traitor."

By the end of the speech Remy was practically sobbing and Stephan pulled the younger boy close and let him cry into his shoulder while murmuring soothing words in Remy's ear. Remy jerked away suddenly though when a barely muffled alarm sounded from across the hall, and Remy's mind rushed immediately to the folder still under his pillow. He rushed out of Stephan's rooms and Stephan followed more than a little bewildered. True to form, the guards stationed outside Remy's rooms had entered at the alarm and the doors stood wide open to reveal a staggering and very drunk Victor being held at wandpoint by the guards with the mercifully unopened folder in his left hand. On the boy's entrance Victor turned his bleary gaze to Remy and slurred, "Ah, Remy my son, call your bloody guards off me, I have a right to be in my own sons rooms." An enraged Remy brought his temper viciously in check before responding in a controlled monotone, "Not before you give me back my folder father, or do I need to report your intrusion to the Dark Lord, no doubt he won't be pleased."

Victor burst into loud and boisterous laughter before responding incredulously, "Report me? Ha, you will do no such thing, you are grounded mister, you will not leave the castle grounds to report to your dear master anytime in the near future and your boyfriend will not be permitted to visit you. Once your initiation takes place you will stay here under guard at all times. You're to dark for your own good, I will not have my son prancing around like Voldemort's little lapdog" Victor deteriorated into half-sane laughter, clutching his stomach. Remy, Stephan and the guards looked shocked at the rant and that Victor had used the Dark Lord's name. It took a few moment for the insult to fully sink in for Remy and he furiously strode over to his father, grabbed the folder, and slapped him hard across the face before drawing his wand, jabbing it against Victors neck and muttering "sobrietus" before stalking out of the room. Stephan looked from the now prone and groaning Victor to his boyfriend's rapidly receding back. He was astonished at the scene and hesitated briefly in amazement before turning to the guards. "I know I don't really have authority over you, but could you get his Lordship to his rooms. I have no doubt he will have a killer hangover, and make sure he stays there, Remy is obviously upset and should be undisturbed. I will see what I can do to cheer him up."

The guards gave Stephan sympathetic glances as they nodded their assent and pulled the semi-conscious Victor to his feet, none to gently and dragged him out of the room. Stephan followed the newly formed mental connection to Remy and tried to locate his boyfriend. He got an image of lots and lots of books before the strong mental walls shot up and he was blocked from Remy's mind, but that was all he needed. Stephan set off at a sprint towards the largest library in the castle to where he had no doubt Remy had hidden to find solitude. Stephan was proved right and he found the young vampire in the far back corner of the library, curled up in one of the oversized armchairs, rocking back and forth and crying softly. Stephan's heart lurched to see Remy so desolated and he hurried over to the other boy. Remy made no move to acknowledge his boyfriend's approach and Stephan's heart lurched again. He sat next to Remy and pulled the younger boy into his lap, holding the still balled up boy close to him and running a soothing hand through Remy's long hair. Remy sighed and leaned into the touch, and in moments his crying had stopped. He lay there in Stephan's arms a long while, content to just be, comfortable and warm. Eventually he croaked out, in tear strained voice, "Thank you Stephan, you don't know how much that meant to me." "No problem Remy, but you gave me quite a scare, shutting me out like that, I know the mental connection is new but I felt so alone when you blocked me." "I'm sorry Stephan, I won't do it ever again." Remy smiled weakly his glassy eyes clearing and a hint of a smile forming behind them. "You know, we still haven't eaten breakfast and my instinct tells me it's getting nigh on eight. Why don't we order breakfast and eat it in your rooms, mine are a mess with all the wrapping paper." Suggested Stephan and Remy quickly agreed. On the way up to their rooms they stopped a passing servant and ordered two breakfast trays to be delivered to Remy's rooms. Then they walked up the stairs and down the many hallways to Remy's quarters, with Stephan's arm wrapped loosely around Remy's shoulders.

When they arrived, the guards had returned to their posts, and they looked glad to see Remy back and composed, the older guard addressed Remy after a small bow. "Lord Remy, there is a man to see you, he said on business, he brings with him a slave. He said he was expected, so I let him in, he is waiting for you in your drawing room," the man hesitated, "I hope I didn't act poorly in allowing him in, but he was some sort of dignitary by his dress and he said he would wait. He arrived just minutes ago." Remy sighed but assured the guard his actions were permissible before wiping the last of the tears from his cheeks and entering. As Remy had assumed, seated in one of the sofas was the man from the party and kneeling at his feet was one very sullen looking slave. On his entrance the man stood and the slave reluctantly touched his forehead to the floor in respect. "Welcome, Mr. Smithe, please be seated. Thank you for coming so promptly." The man smiled slightly before nodding his head in acceptance and returning to his seat before responding. "My pleasure Lord Remy, I brought Alex, that's what I call him, but of course you can change that if you wish. There are papers that need your signature, but other than that he is yours to do with as you please." Remy nodded and accepted the legal documents of ownership, looked them over and then, summoning a pen, fixed his signature to each of them. The documents disappeared with a small puff of smoke and would be filled magically at the department of ownership and claims. Then, Mr. Smithe handed Remy the black leather leash attached to Alex's collar, bowed deeply and apparated away. Once the imposing man was gone, the still kneeling Alex whimpered slightly in fear. Scowling, Remy addressed the slave, "Oh, get up and act like a man, I'm not going to hurt you. In fact I don't really have any need for a slave, I guess I will have to leave you with the staff and see where you are needed I'm sure they are short staffed somewhere." The slave hurried to get to his feet and stared at Remy with a bewildered expression on his face. Hesitantly he spoke, "M-master, may I ask you a question?" "Of course." "Don't you-don't you want me for your bed, at least, that's what all my past masters and mistresses have wanted? Am I lacking in appearance?" Remy was too gobsmacked to respond for a moment but eventually he worked out a reply, "No, I don't want you for my bed, that's Stephan, my boyfriends job, and I don't believe in having sex with someone against their will. How many owners have you had, what were your duties?" "6 Master. 5 were men and 1 was a woman, but she tired of me quickly and passed me off within weeks. They all used me for sex mainly, but I was also trained in housekeeping, defense, and I speak passable French, Latin, and German. My last master used me as a valet of sorts I went everywhere with him doing little tasks, fetching things and the like. Master, if you permit, I would much prefer to stay close to you for a while at least. I am not used to being around so many vampires, and the castle is so large. Please master, permit me to stay with you for a few weeks at least." Remy considered the slave's request and not wanting to appear a cruel master relented. "I guess you can stay close until you get to know your way around, though I assure you, you are quite safe from being eaten by any of the Sagoicci vampires. You are mine, and therefore off limits." Remy then smirked and turned to his silent boyfriend. "I seem to remember giving you a similar talk Stephan when you first stayed at the castle. Now I'll bet vampires seem just as normal as everyone else to you right?" "Well," responded Stephan with a smirk, "The eyes wierded me out at first, even yours, but now I see their beauty, especially in yours." Then he suddenly pulled Remy close into a quick and deep kiss and Remy had to drop the leash to avoid jerking Alex. Seconds later, Stephan and Remy's breakfast arrived and they had to reluctantly disentangle themselves to tell the house elf where to put the trays. The house elf set the trays on the coffee table and then disappeared with a small pop. Remy and Stephan sat opposite one another on the couches and Alex chose to kneel at Remy's feet. "You don't have to kneel all the time you know," commented Remy "it gets rather hard on the knees after a while, from what I remember, have a seat on the couch, much more comfortable I assure you." "With all due respect Master, I'd rather stay on the floor, I'm accustomed to it, it doesn't really bother me." "Suit yourself" responded Remy, but he reached down and unhooked the leash from Alex's collar. "I see no real point in this for now, at least you won't have to worry about tripping over it. Have you eaten breakfast?" Alex admitted that he had not and Remy quickly fashioned a meal by taking a piece of toast some egg and a sausage from his plate and setting them on his bread plate in front of Alex. Alex murmured his thanks and breakfast started in earnest.

Remy and Stephan discussed the travel plans for the Christmas visit to the Malfoy manor in France and Remy assured Stephan he would go even if he had to run away to do so. Remy hoped that once Victor was more clear-minded, he would revoke his grounding of Remy and let Stephan take him with him on vacation with the Malfoys. Remy hinted at his impending second initiation, not ready to trust his new slave with such information, and Stephan caught on quickly before deciding they would leave after the initiation and meet up with the rest of the Malfoys then. Once everyone was finished eating, Remy noted with surprise that the time had passed quickly and it was now almost 11:30. "We were supposed to be at Malfoy Manor by 12:00 for your party, we'd better hurry if we want to be on time. Alex you come too I guess, but first you probably should change into the Sagoicci uniform, I'll have a set sent up ASAP." Remy called for a house elf and made his request and moments later the elf returned with the servants' uniform for the Sagoicci family. Remy placed the file from the Dark Lord in a safe this time, spelled to only admit him. Alex quickly changed into them and then the three boys flooed to the Malfoy Manor.

Once they arrived, they dusted themselves off and Alex quickly assumed the proper position behind Remy before they left the fireplace in the front hall and went to find the Malfoy family. Stephan thought the house surprisingly quiet and part of him worried about the safety of his family. They entered the dinning room and found it dark, and at a glance totally empty. No sooner had they set foot inside however, was the room flooded with light and Draco, Blaise, Sophie and many of Stephan's Death Eater friends popped out from various hiding places shouting "Happy Birthday Stephan!" Stephan smirked and showed only a portion of his surprise as he thanked everyone and then found seats for him and Remy. Alex found a spot along the wall behind Remy and as of yet, no mention of his presence had been made. Once Stephan and Remy were seated, house elves bearing a massive chocolate cake entered. Across the top of the cake, spelled out in red frosting, were the words, "Happy 16th Birthday Stephan" and 16 candles burned atop the cake, giving off very Malfoy-esque green and silver sparks. The house elves set the cake in front of Stephan and everyone sang happy birthday to Stephan who blew out the candles before cutting a piece of cake for everyone, giving a somewhat larger piece to Remy. Alex was not offered any as he had still to be noticed, and Remy and Stephan were otherwise involved, but Alex didn't really mind. So far Remy had treated him the best out of all his owners, and he regretted being mean to him, though if he hadn't he'd still be with master Aloysius. The children chatted amongst themsleves and Draco and Blaise excused themselves after the cake had been consumed. Talk turned to school and graduation and then to politics. Some of the teens held the view that captured opponents should be enslaved rather than killed to spurn humiliation rather than merciful death. The talk of slavery brought Remy's attention back to Alex who had been dutifully silent all this time. Remy pointed out that he had acuired a slave and all attention turned to Alex who still remained motionless and silent against the wall. Remy got comments of praise on his good fortune at getting an attractive slave and a few requests to borrow Alex. Remy blushed but insisted he wanted to keep Alex personal for the time being and Alex was grateful again to Remy for his kindness. The party then adjourned to the sitting room for presents and a veritable mountain of gifts awaited Stephan.

Remy spent the entire time focusing on trying to stay awake as his sleep deprived brain caught up to him. Alex knelt at his feet and tried again, with less success to disappear. After Stephan had opened all his gifts and chatted with each guest briefly, the teens started to return home and soon Remy and Stephan were left alone. Stephan noticed his boyfriends obvious fatigue and decided a nap was in store for them. Stephan told Remy to relax and gingerly picked up the other boy before carrying him out of the room and up to his bedroom, with Alex following close behind. Stephan's room was exactly as he left it and he set Remy carefully down on the bed, before climbing up to join him. Alex took up a post on the floor and soon Stephan and Remy were asleep, cuddled close together and eventually Alex followed, feeling more at ease than he had in a long time.

Well, another chapter churned out by my unpredictable and utterly random muse, I honestly didn't plan this chapter and don't know where it came from, unless you count a liter and a half of straight up coffee as a source. Now all that remains is for those reading this thread to do the old R&R, your feedback is appreciated. Tell me if this totally blows or if you like it or if I missed something that should be changed, or whatever else, thanks.

Ciao

subsandwich