A/N: First off, I want to thank everyone for reviewing.
Secondly, after reading an extremely horrifyingly similarly planned story, I feel it necessary to update early. But, I am still going to expect about 40 reviews for this.
Disclaimer: Nothing mine
Author's notes
------16------
Kingsley and Remus quickly left the manor, meeting again just outside of Surrey.
"Why are we here?" Kingsley asked, looking around. His strong hand was tightly holding his wand.
"I have a feeling, Kingsley," Remus whispered as they began walking into the neighborhood; "Something's amiss here..."
"Something's always amiss, now," Kingsley said; "Remus, do you know about vampires?"
Remus stopped. "No," he said slowly, looking at Kingsley; "Why would I?"
"Well, and I hope you take no offense to this, but you are a werewolf," Kingsley said; "I was only wondering if maybe you might know a few."
"No, Kingsley, I do not," Remus lied, masking his knowledge. He couldn't completely place Kingsley's reason, therefore trust could not be handled.
"It's just," Kingsley said as they continued walking; "You remember the young man from England who went to Hogwarts with me until the middle of sixth year?"
"Manuel, I think his name was," Remus mused; "Why?"
Kingsley only sighed and shook his head, and Remus nodded; "He's a vampire," he said quietly; "And... I remember how he changed. Harry seems to have gone through the changes. It's baffling, how much he's grown, even you must admit that."
Remus nodded; "There is much that you know, and are still unaware of."
"I know one thing, though, like the back of my hand," Kingsley said; "Dumbledore is up to something, and it's making me rethink who I should trust."
"Things will be changing," Remus said, but as they turned the corner he stopped and held his breath, pulling Kingsley back with him.
"What—" Kingsley began, but Remus elbowed his gut and forced the other man into silence.
Something was odd about the street. The identical houses were still, too still even for the hour of the night when sleep was expected. The Remus and Kingsley both realized it.
The street was captivated by a spell of suspended animation.
"Who cast it?" Remus whispered, knuckles pale as he gripped his wand.
"See the ministry in the windows," Kingsley replied almost inaudibly, teeth gritted and mouth barely parted.
Remus looked and, low and behold, a figure was caught darting past the living room window. The door opened, and a man stood on the small porch.
Arthur Weasley.
The Weasley sire looked around before going back into the house. As he opened the door, wails and cries of mourning could be heard, then the door was shut and silence reigned again. Remus and Kingsley backed away, beginning to recognize the signature magical haze of boundary charms. They turned and ran down the road, reaching their point of entry.
"What the hell happened?" Kingsley asked anxiously, looking back.
"It appears that Harry's uncle has been murdered," Remus said, "Kingsley, you don't think..."
"No, even Severus has a head on his shoulders," Kingsley said.
Wordlessly, Remus nodded; "We need to go to his home, to make sure Harry and Draco are fine, in the least."
Snape Aparated to his home, quietly entering through the side door as was his habit. He saw Oswarae perched on the windowsill within, asleep. Snape inwardly sighed. The bird slept when Harry did, and that meant that Draco would be dosing somewhere as well. So, the thought cleared, Snape began an inspection of his home.
The charms and wards placed upon the house was much like those on Grimmauld Place, be it that Snape's home could not be located. The house was also protected from Aparating and disaparating; one would have to do so before getting near the property. It was a positive to the two-story home.
Quietly, the potions master ascended the stairs, coming to the landing. He spied the dagger on the table, and walked over to collect it. As he did, he saw a blonde head poke out from a doorway and face him. Snape looked fully to see Draco staring at him sleepily, blinking like an owl caught unawares. The blonde looked at the clock, and then cursed. It was apparently too late for the blonde's predilection, and Snape smirked fondly at this.
Chiding his godson silently, Snape patted Draco's shoulder while passing the doorway, and continued to his room. As he did he heard the door behind close slowly, and, sated that both of his wards were safe in bed, even if that meant together, Snape entered his own bedroom.
But he did not so much as get his shoes off when there was a loud knocking on the front door, as if it was being given a severe thrashing. Grumbling, Snape raced to it, not wanting to disturb the other inhabitants, and when he opened the door a tired and distraught looking Remus, followed by an equally anxious appearing Kingsley, fell in.
Literally.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Snape asked as he helped both men up; "Have you any idea what time—?"
"Severus, oh thank the gods you're here!" Remus said; "did you go to Surrey? Well, did you?!"
"Of course not!" Snape retorted in a hushed whisper; "And talk quieter!" he added, thumbing towards the ceiling.
"To the kitchen!" Kingsley hissed anxiously, shoving the two with him as he went to said room.
They all gathered around the kitchen, Kingsley moving to make tea with shaking hands. Snape allowed it, listening as Remus told him of Privet Drive. Soon, all were drinking tea with shaking, if not nervous, hands.
"It had to be him," Snape muttered, his hand feeling the mark on his arm through his clothing; "There is no other explanation."
"They may pin it to you, though!" Kingsley said; "Severus, Arthur's been saying that you show signs of betraying the Order. I and Remus don't believe it, but the others might."
"And All they would need is Dumbledore's approval to pass the judgment," Remus said sullenly.
"So it's come full circle," Snape muttered.
"Come again?" Kingsley asked, looking up from his cup.
"Don't you see," Remus said quietly, eyes darting about with sudden realization; "The Order is, in a sense, the Death Eaters for the Light. Both Dumbledore and You-Know-Who wish for the same thing."
"Power," Kingsley gasped, looking at the table as he replayed past events and happenings. It all fell into place.
"And..." Snape said; "Dumbledore manipulated them all."
"Minerva is a little weary," Remus said.
"Tonks is as well," Kingsley said; "But the gel's so young and naïve..."
"We have to find him out," Snape said; "Bring it all to the surface..."
"But the waters are so murky already..." Remus murmured.
"And the sharks, they circle in wait..." Kingsley finished solemnly.
They all nodded, sipping the steaming liquid.
From the corner of his eye, Snape saw the same blonde head slowly poke around the entryway. Remus couldn't suppress his smirk, and Kingsley looked away. A disheveled Malfoy was always a sight, and Draco was no exception. His blonde hair splayed off to the side, ghosting over the left side of his face, clothing disheveled as well. He flipped the hair out of the way, or tried to, hooded eyes looking from Remus, to Kingsley, to Snape, then again at Remus.
"Draco," Snape said; "P—"
But Draco held up his hand, index finger held up from the rest of the lazy fingers, and hazily, almost drunkenly said; "We told you so," then he disappeared, plodding footsteps soon being heard heading down the hall and up the steps.
The three men laughed at the sight, quietly though as to not have the blonde back down to provoke their amusement further. A disheveled Malfoy was always a sight.
Harry raised his head as Draco trudged in. He had been listening to the conversation downstairs to his best abilities, but it had only come to his ears as muffled words.
"Well?" Harry asked as he scooted over so Draco could climb back onto the bed.
"We've got Kingsley," Draco replied before burying his face in the pillow.
"You make it sound as if we're the ones doing the manipulating, when we're only watching the eminent being played out in our favor," Harry remarked, turning Draco slightly so he could see the beautiful face of his boyfriend.
Draco smiled, closing his eyes; "Oh, but with what you're thinking up," he said, opening his eyes and grinning mischievously.
"What?" Harry asked, smirk broadening; "When did you get into my mind?"
"While you slept," Draco said, "Well, I figured since you do it to me on every given notion, I thought revenge was in order. And I must say, a vat of oil on Granger's hair alone?" the blonde laughed; "You are Slytherin!"
Harry chuckled; "Well, they'll get what they deserve," he mused; "Tell me, Draco, if we had become friends all those years ago what do you..."
"If it's one thing I've learned, Harry, it's that rewriting the past with your thoughts only gets you nowhere," Draco said, pressing a finger to Harry's lips to still them. Removing his finger, Draco placed a gentle kiss there instead; "But, certain things could take you to cloud nine," he whispered.
"Lust Bucket," Harry said quietly, "I told you before..."
Draco sighed; "I know, and since we've been thrown into this I've literally become celibate. I haven't so much as fondled myself for fear of... something..." he added, averting his gaze with a confused expression.
Harry smiled and kissed Draco's cheek. Draco looked at him, smiling slightly; "But you're probably glad by that."
Harry only smiled more, leaning back and sitting up; "I want to go somewhere before School starts," he said.
"Well, where is there to go?" Draco asked; sitting up as well.
Harry shrugged; "Anywhere?" he suggested.
"Please, be more specific," Draco said, rolling his eyes.
Harry was about to reply, when they both heard the faint moving sounds from below.
/Somebody's coming up the stairs/ Draco thought to Harry, throwing his legs over the bed and standing.
Harry nodded, reaching over and pulling on a tank. Draco put on a pair of pajama bottoms, a random article of clothing from the floor, just in time for the door to open.
They couldn't have Snape being paranoid just yet, after all.
Remus' head slowly came into view with the opening of the door; "Harry," he said, walking in; "There is something... that's happened... you might not care, but..." the werewolf paused.
"Your uncle... he has been murdered."
Harry just sat there, watching Remus. The werewolf's mannerisms were justified for the news; gritting teeth, nervous tensing of muscles under the gaze, the smell of anger. Why would he be angry? Harry wondered, and Draco thought this as well. Vernon was dead, that was no cause of worry, more so celebration, but something must be running deeper than what the water showed on the surface analogy.
"By who?" Harry asked finally, solemnly enough.
Draco already knew. It was obvious who had committed the act. And before Remus chanced to answer, he looked down and whispered; "Voldemort;" in an attempt to distract himself, Draco bent down and put on a shirt, another article from the floor. It was Harry's, a dark muscle Tank, but Draco didn't care. Not at the moment, anyway.
Remus stiffened slightly, but made no move to shiver outwardly or gasp as most would have. Instead, he merely nodded, and Harry sighed and inclined his head as he scratched behind his ear in thought.
"So what should I even consider doing about it?" Harry finally asked, looking up tiredly at Remus, "I mean... there's not much that I could do, is there?"
"Harry, I can sense this coming," Remus said; "It will only be a matter of time before Arthur or Albus come to escort you elsewhere."
"Do you think I wish to run, Remus?" Harry asked incredulously; "I won't run. I'm not moving anywhere unless I find that it would be best. If Voldemort wants to hunt me down, then by hell let him come. The sooner he does the quicker I could end things," Harry finished, inclining his head again; "I'm just tired," he said, falling back, sprawled, against the softness of the covers and mattress.
Silently, Draco looked at Remus, rising. Harry lifted his head to watch Draco head for the door, and thought /Where are you going?/
Draco stopped and looked at him, smirking. /Only downstairs to fend off Dumblefuck so you can rest/ he said.
/Sure that's sensible?/ Harry thought. /Even if I may be able to get away with it, you might get hurt.../
"Worried, are we?" Remus asked, chuckling, and both vampires looked at him in mild surprise and confusion. Again, Remus chuckled; "I can sense the way the body reacts to emotions. Anyway, Harry, rest, you look like death. Draco, suppose you're coming down for a reason;" he paused, a knowing air about him.
Harry nodded, resting his head down on the bed again. Draco turned and walked out, Remus following and closing the door. The two walked down the steps in silence, reaching the kitchen where Snape and Kingsley were.
"Draco, tea?" Snape asked, rising.
Draco shook his head, taking instead the stool and dragging it over to the table. He sat on it, legs drawn up. Sighing, he let his wings show and fall, seeming to slump. The longest feathers graced the floor like whispers.
Snape froze, as did Remus. Draco's eyes snapped open, and he uttered a single word as he looked at Kingsley:
"Shit."
It was late, but the Three Broomsticks, the pub in Hogsmead, was still very active with life. Several wizarding folk still occupied the barstools, several parties chattered animatedly around tables. The pub was full of life and happy ramblings, each soul hazy from butterbeer.
But two people kept to themselves, instead watching the small bodies of people intently, though they only gave glances over in the given direction. Butterbeers untouched, they instead took to communicating by there own means.
Morgan was watching Amos from the corner of her eye, her gaze supposedly on her butterbeer. The sweet nectar of wizards brought her no warmth or false security, nor did it appeal to her as it once had. Amos himself was neglecting his beverage, eyes looking out the window. To anyone, it would appear to be a bad date, but they knew better...
Sabet had sent them out as soon as word came to them from a fellow vampire that Vernon Dursley had been eradicated, and he had instructed them both to travel as a pair to Hogsmead, should any activity occur. Now that Harry had joined them, they too were now involved in the Battle of the Fates.
What do you think? Morgan thought to Amos.
Amos' eyes shifted to meet her own, and he replied. We need to stay here for a while longer before we wander around.
Shall I search a few wizards, see if they know anything?
Amos sighed and mentally shook his head as he looked away, back out the window.
Nay, let us just enjoy the calm before the storm.
Morgan was silent, and then she sighed impatiently and turned in her seat. I'm feeling an urge, Amos. She projected. Something is not right...
And just as she finished saying that, the door to the pub burst open with a massive gust of air that blew out the lanterns and candles and extinguished the flames in the fireplace, scattered ash out onto the hearth, and caused several screams to rip through the air. Morgan and Amos were on their feet in an instant, fangs protruding and nails extending to form miniature claws.
Wait. Amos projected to his companion, and Morgan did, though unwillingly.
Kingsley only held a placid smirk on his features as he sipped on his tea; "Knew Manni was talking about someone I knew," he mused, setting his mug down; "So, Draco, I suppose Harry's a vampire as well?"
Dumbly, Draco looked at Snape, pointing at Kingsley. When Snape shrugged, Draco's head snapped in the direction of Remus. Remus nodded, and Draco slowly looked at the still smirking Kingsley.
"Who do you know?" Draco asked him; "Is it Faust? Or Amos? I bet it's Amos, he gets around like a single drink at a party..." he muttered, looking away.
Kingsley laughed, "No, no, I'm a friend of Manuel Hunt's," he replied; "Black isn't the only person I'm supposedly 'tracking' for the Ministry."
Draco smiled coyly; "You slimy bastard!" he exclaimed.
"Wasn't in Ravenclaw just for book smarts," Kingsley comments, sipping on his tea; "And no, Amos is all talk. He's quite insecure with that type of thing."
"Only rumors of the grape vine," Draco said; "So, are you with us, or are you just a little toy of Dumbledore's? If I want to, I'll read your mind inside out."
"No need," Kingsley said; "My loyalty's lie with the justified alliance."
"Ooh, clever," Snape said; "But no, if we were to form an alliance, it would have no name."
"Ah, so there would be no sure knowing unless one was a member of said organization?" Remus asked intriguingly.
Snape rolled his eyes and rubbed his temples; "Quite," Draco replied, turning and nodding to the werewolf; "What will we do if the Ministry comes for Harry?"
"What could we do?" Kingsley asked; "Arthur's the sodding minister," at this, Snape and Remus gave him horrified looks; "What?" Kingsley asked innocently; "It's been a night, okay? My language is not exactly under wraps."
"I would expect that from Draco," Snap muttered as he sat,
Remus nodded as he did the same.
"We'll fight, if we must," Draco said; "Or let Harry sort it out."
"No, he needs his rest," Severus said.
"He's been resting for almost three months," Draco said; "And besides, this is what he wants. He wants to be asked how he wants things to be. His whole life people have made decisions for him. It's only just' that he be given the opportunity. Though I can't say he'll have his say, anyway," he added smugly, crossing both arms.
Harry tired ignoring the conversation below, desperate to sleep. His head was pounding, all he wanted was to rest and seep a little longer. But nay, it would not come, so he rose to sit up with a heavy, frustrated sigh.
Harry's eyes caught the movement of Oswarae in the corner, the black bird having been there, silently, all night, both sleeping and keeping a close watch on things. Now, the bird flew over to the bed, perching on Harry's propped-up knee. Quietly, the bird let out a soft caw. Harry stroked the red-tinged midnight feathers.
/what will I do, Oswarae/ Harry miserly projected to the bird, sighing.
Oswarae leaned into the gentle pets, eyes closing over as he replied /Be indifferent/
/That's all you have to say/
/For you, that is what works/ Oswarae stated, lifting his head /Master must plan the arrival to Hogwarts/
/I've gotten it all mapped out/ Harry said /How did you know the name of my school, anyway?/
The raven seemed to smirk as the replied came. /Oswarae knows many things about wizard world. I have lived for a very long time/
/Oh?/ Harry asked /How old are you, then?/
/For me to know and you to never learn of/ Oswarae replied with a click of his beak /Draco is restless for some reason/ he commented after a silence.
/Probably just sexually frustrated because I refuse to lay with him/ Harry said as he leaned back. Having spoken with Oswarae for so long, he had come to understand the basic terminology that was often used amongst the species.
/It is not that hat worries me/ Oswarae mused, clicking his beak in thought. /He seems... distant?/ the raven looked at Harry, as if the answer might be inconclusive.
Harry shook his head. /That's not the case/ he replied. /Like you said, school's about to start. Plus, his father was released from prison/
Oswarae blinked. /Do the wizards know of this?/ he asked.
Harry shook his head. /No/ he replied. /Voldemort just arrived at Azkaban/
Oswarae knew Harry's connection to Voldemort had neither lessened, nor worsened, but that now, Harry was and had been checking in mentally on the Dark Lord. Oswarae knew that he was probably the only one besides Harry who knew of this, for Harry had kept this even from Draco.
Then there was a loud, resounding knock at the door, causing both vampire and raven to stop still in silence.
Draco's wings instantly went to his back and disappeared, the blonde jumping from the stool to land on the ground in a tense standing. Severus, Remus, and Kingsley had also risen from their seas.
"Dumbledore," Draco whispered.
"And Arthur," Remus muttered; "Draco, if anything happens..."
"You and Harry are to go where I told you to," Snape said brashly, walking out of the kitchen. Draco hurried to follow, but Kingsley held him back.
"No, Draco," he said, gently pushing the young vampire towards the stairs; "You and Harry need to get ready, just in case."
"But, Shacklebolt—!" Draco began, but Kingsley physically picked Draco up, and set him down on the third stair.
"I mean it, Draco!" Kingsley said, his tone demanding obedience. Wordlessly, and scowling, Draco nodded, before walking quickly up the steps.
Snape and Remus, Meanwhile, were at the door. Giving each other glances, Snape nodded and opened the door.
"Arthur, Albus, what a surprise!" Remus said enthusiastically; "What brings you—"
"Not now, Remus," Arthur said; "We're here to speak to Severus."
"Well, by all means, come in," Snape said through gritted teeth and unmoving lips. He and Remus stepped aside, and the two other wizards stepped in. the door was closed, and the four stood in the entrance way in silence.
Remus caught Kingsley's movements into the living room out of the corner of his eye, and then looked at Dumbledore and Arthur.
"What brings you here anyway, Remus?" Arthur suddenly asked.
"I was checking on my godson, Arthur," Remus replied simply; "I'm not to be irresponsible."
Dumbledore nodded, then, he sighed a tired, weary sigh; "I'm sure," he said, "Severus, there was an attack."
"Of which I'm aware of," Severus said; "Vernon Dursley is being taken to St. Mungo's, am I correct?"
"He's dead, Severus," Arthur said, a hint of a glar to his eyes; "And we have reason to believe that you commited the murder."
"Why would I waste precious energy on someone like him?" Snape asked; "It would be a waste of time, and Harry might not forgive me."
"Or worship the ground you walk on," Remus muttered incoherently, covering it with a cough.
Arthur glanced at him heatedly, before looking at Snape again; "After you barged into my home," he said; "You're the most likely suspect."
Draco grumbled as he went up the steps and walked quietly into Harry's room. He saw Harry sitting in the bed, the damned bird on his knee. They had obviously been conversing, but Draco paid it no mind.
"Well?" Harry asked, stretching and causing Oswarae to fly and perch on the bed post.
"Sev and Remus have it under control," Draco said as he plopped down; "Kingsley shoved me up the stairs, though," he grumbled, crossing his arms and pouting.
Harry smiled and laughed quietly as he pulled Draco to him gently, resting the blonde against his chest as he leaned against the headboard. Both laughed as Oswarae flew from the room.
"What's got you so clingy?" Draco asked, looking up at Harry.
"I have an idea," Harry said, "One that I think you'll love."
"Oh?" Draco asked, turning in the embrace and sitting up slightly.
"A night on me, in Muggle London," Harry said.
Draco's eyes grew wide in surprise.
"Yes," Harry said; "As a celebration before we have to go to school. We'll go to clubs, we'll drink, we'll dance, and we'll forget about all of this for hours."
"Oh, you've got me giddy like some girl," Draco whispered, leaning in to kiss Harry.
Harry returned it whole-heartedly.
"Gentlemen, have we forgotten our greatest adversary to date?" Snape asked, crossing his arms, as if in thought; "Surely He would be your culprit." He was having fun digging himself into such a hole. This would be driving Arthur and Dumbledore crazy.
"Severus, as much as I consider you a friend," Dumbledore said; "All signs are leading to you."
"Oh course, but at the same time, they are going in completely opposite directions," Remus piped up, looking around at the other three; "For you see, Severus has been here since I arrived at about nine, and the accident happened at what, ten thirty?"
There was silence to greet Remus' statement, broken only by Dumbledore's voice; "I agree, Remus," he said finally; "Arthur, this shall not reach the press. Remus, I want you to go to Hogwarts and Alert Minerva of the happenings. I am going to the Ministry to Alert the Order Members there. Severus..." there was a pause; "Wake Harry, I want to speak with him."
The three nodded, and Arthur and Dumbledore left. Remus sighed frustrated, before leaning his head back and shouting; "Alright, Kingsley, they're gone."
Kingsley came from the living room, "Better get to my flat," he said, "Don't want them coming over to find an empty place."
"Yes, you should," Remus said; "See you, and be careful."
Kingsley nodded, before he left through the door.
Morgan was tense and Amos was still as a statue as the figures entered. One wore burgundy robes of the Ministry fashion, the other, robes fit for a bounty hunter. Long, slick black hair pulled into a tress at the base of the neck, tan skin seeming to glow along with bright, almost opaque, blue eyes. The strong set jaw and the even placed features sent both Morgan and Amos into sustained and subdued terror.
Ellis Vander.
The wizard accompanying the wizincoma was none other than Gerald Horst, a secondary level Auror with apparently close ties to his companion. The two walked up to the bar, the pub's occupants settling back down in their seats. Morgan and Amos sat down as well, unsure of whether to leave or stay. They couldn't risk communicating telepathically; Vander would notice it.
"Barkeep, two Butterbeers, please," Horst said to a waitress passing by behind the bar.
"O' course, sirs," she said, giving them a smile.
Her eyes stayed on Vander for a while, before she finally poured the Butterbeers and handed them to them. Horst paid the money, then the two went to the only vacant table left in the pub. It was only about five and a half feet from Amos and Morgan's.
"So, Horst, how have you been?" Vander asked nonchalantly as he sipped on the beer.
"Very well, Vander, very well indeed," horst replied, doing the same; "And you?"
"Just returned from Switzerland," Vander said, and Amos stiffened. Morgan dug her nails into the wooden table, digging into the timber; "I swear, I will find those vampires."
"Must be hard, hunting for your own kind," Horst mused.
"I did not ask for my inheritance, and I'm bound to stop it from every happening to anyone else," Vander seethed; "No one should have to drink blood and kill innocent people just so that they could live..."
"Benefits, though..."
"This power is not meant for humans, or even mortals," Vander muttered; "It's too threatening."
"So, how many vampires do you think there are, then?"
"Too many, maybe five hundred, maybe more."
"Well, start swinging your ax, Vander; you've got a lot of work."
"I will live for centuries, Horst; I assure you I have plenty of time."
"Aye, but so do they, Vander."
"Let's go, honey," Amos said sweetly to Morgan, suddenly. It snapped her from her nervous trance, and she nodded.
"Of course, dear," she said, smiling as they rose and Amos wrapped his arm around her waist and they walked from the pub. But as soon as they had gotten down the street and turned the corner, both gasped and separated.
"I was about to bolt, Amos!" Morgan gasped, looking around.
"I know, we had to get out," Amos said, "Switzerland! He's getting closer!"
"We should have killed him, Amos, we had the chance!" Morgan said; "We could have—"
"What, tried to kill him and them be killed ourselves?" Amos finished; "No, even I have enough sense to know that we stood no chance. Besides, you know Vander has more power than us, what with that damn potion always near his grasp. We're like mice trying to fight the lion!"
"We need to get back," Morgan said; "Sabet and the others must know of this."
Amos nodded. Taking Morgan's hand, he began chanting. Soon, their forms began to fade, and as if blown by a sudden wind, they were gone.
TBC
A/N: I'm so sorry this was late, everyone, school is a bitch. But it's here, so read and review!
Thank you, by the way, for the 45 reviews! Until again!!!