A/N: Hello, all! i'm back again!
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!
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"He's going to be fine; he just needs some potion is all."
Aideen sighed, along with Sabet and Evan himself. With the two juvenile's guardians out and about, Sabet was left in charge of the two. There were bags under the great vampire's eyes; it was early, too early. He had been up late planning as it was, and had not expected this. He only hoped nothing else had happened.
This is why he had not settled to have children. This situation, finding two teenagers of the opposite gender together, one injured and the other uneasy; No, not a good way to start the day.
Adam rubbed his eyes as he went to a cabinet; "So… how did you heal him again, Aideen?" he asked conversationally; "the bruises he has sustained seem to be from someone pressing against him."
Aideen turned a furious red, and coughed. She did not want to answer. Sabet looked at her, hoping she would answer, though he was not about to pressure her. Evan though, was vocal on the matter,to some degree at least.
I… I began to feel incredible pain in my chest and I stopped breathing, he admitted, truth to the men but not to the girl, Aideen helped me to breathe again.
"Ah, okay," Adam said, finding the potion he wanted. That was good enough for him. He handed Evan the vial.
Aideen's blushing slowly receded as she eyed Evan. He glanced at her, then looked at Sabet. The vampire knew he was lying, and he would pay for it later.
May we go? Evan asked.
"As long as you promise to take that," Adam said, motioning to the vial in Evan's hands.
I will, Evan said, standing from his seat on the bed.
Adam nodded, and then shared a passing glance with Sabet. Aideen knew they were having a quick conversation, one she would never know about. She contented herself with this secrecy; she really didn't need or want to know, anyway.
"Thank-you, Adam," Sabet said, briefly shaking hands with the man; "Not everyone would get up so late."
Adam shrugged; "Eh, it's what I'm here for," he said as he opened the door.
The four exited the infirmary, going their separate ways. Sabet escorted the two to their wing, stopping outside of Aideen's door.
"Now, I must know the truth," was all he had to say.
"You could just 'read our minds'," Aideen said, and Sabet eyed her.
"I find honesty a far better form of conversation."
Aideen sighed; "We were simply talking, and then… the moon came out, and Evan…"
I couldn't control myself, Evan said guiltily, ashamed.
"And so... he ran... but didn't get very far," Aideen continued; "I saw he was hurt, and I… I helped him. Please Sabet don't kick me out!" she suddenly said, falling into him as she began to cry.
Worriedly Sabet patted her back, and then pulled her away from him; "Why would I?" he asked.
Upon realizing this, Aideen quickly wiped her tears away and straightened up. "No… no reason," she said.
Sabet sighed, "Well, nothing else happened?" he asked, glancing at Evan.
No! Of course not! Evan replied defensively; I was raised better than that.
"Well, all of this aside," Sabet said; "I have several guests arriving tomorrow, for a brief stay here. There are two I feel that you two will enjoy entertaining, and they are Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter. Now, be kind, congenial, and mannerly. They've a lot to go through in the next few months, and I want them to have at least one decent holiday."
"Yes, sir," the two said.
"Good, no get some rest."
Harry silently rode in the car, watching the scenery pass him by. He and Draco had taken the Hogwarts express and Remus had been there to retrieve them. They had quickly left London behind and had found a portkey that had taken them so far as Paris. But now they had a car and were quickly covering the country side. Remus was driving surprisingly well, though Harry had taken over driving at night so the werewolf could sleep.
Now Harry was in the front passenger seat. Peering around his shoulder he looked to see Draco sprawled across the back, asleep. The blonde had experienced motion sickness, and had thrown up twice despite the help of a charm and even a small potion. Eventually, he had laid down and fallen asleep. Eventually…
Harry looked over to see Remus chuckling, leaning his head against his hand. "What?" Harry asked.
Remus shook his head; "I just remembered that Morste has Sirius teaching younger animagi. He's always teaching hand-to-hand combat, for anyone foolish enough to take it."
Harry chuckled; "Why is that?"
"Sirius is one of the dirtiest fighters ever!" Remus replied good-naturedly.
"Keep it down!" Draco moaned from the back.
Harry and Remus chuckled to themselves. Reaching for the stereo, Harry could not find any English-speaking station. Sitting back, he enjoyed the rest of the drive.
"Hurry, hurry, he'll be here soon!"
"Who, Narcissa?"
"My son, Draco!"
Narcissa was bustling around the room as she got dressed, Faust watching her as he lay stretched out on the bed. They had not slept together, no, but laid together, yes. The marriage Narcissa was still trapped in was binding and true; both would suffer should anything over "friendship" be breached. But Faust had stayed with her. They had talked and lay together, and she had counted the scars on his flesh as he retold stories, and she had showed him a mark she had to endure every day, one she nearly died not to have it put on her. Their tales were somber but their understanding contrite.
And he had fallen for the beautiful woman, just as he saw the sun light her sharp, feminine features.
Now he watched as she put on her undergarments, and was trying to lace up her corset. Getting up Faust wrapped the sheet around his waste, and hastened to help her.
"How old is he, then?" Faust asked as he did.
"He'll be Seventeen in February," Narcissa said with a sigh; "He's grown up so fast, and I have missed so much…"
"You've got plenty of time to make that up, love," Faust said, tying off the corset off with a bow; "There."
"Thank-you," she said, turning and reaching up. But as her lips came close to his she shied away, walking across the room to the vanity.
Faust sighed; "I should… go…" he said, going over. he let the sheet fall, putting his pants on over his undergarments. He hastily put on his over shirt, and picked up the remainder of his things.
Narcissa slowly ran her fingers over the polished wood of her vanity, quiet. She looked back as Faust opened the door, and said; "When he is killed, and I know he will be, I will make you the happiest of men."
Faust looked at her, a small smiled gracing his features; "And I will make you the happiest of ladies."
He bowed his head to her, and left.
"Come on, boy, hit me harder!"
Smack!
"You call that a punch! COME ON!"
WHACK!
"That's all you've got? How will you protect—"
WHACK! CRACK!
Sirius hit the ground.
Evan stood some ten feet away, breathing heavily with his hands balled into fists. He watched as the other man got up, rubbing his jaw gingerly. The training had taken its toll on the teen; he hated being yelled at, tormented, and called names. It angered Evan, made him see red. And his teacher knew this all too well.
Sirius chuckled as the tart coppery taste of blood flowed over his tongue; he had bitten his cheek. He walked back over to Evan .spitting red spit out as he did; "Now that's a punch," he said with a grisly smile; "Now, we have to focus on that. Know what the source of it?"
Evan nodded. He rarely spoke during these things; he rarely spoke to Sirius. The two were content with this. Evan wanted to learn; Sirius was bored. It evened out.
"Good." Sirius said. "Do it again."
Evan blinked, and Sirius clarified; "Do whatever it was you did, then hit me again."
Evan sighed, and drew out everything that made him mad as hell. In the second of thought his eyes snapped open and he swung out at Sirius again. Once he hit the man's shoulder, the second, Sirius ducked. His foot swooped out and Evan jumped it, his own foot coming into contact with Sirius' chest. Sirius caught it, and wrapping his hands firmly around Evan's ankle, flipped the boy over in mid air and sent him face first into the ground.
"Good try, kid," Sirius said; "But you messed up. Again."
Evan got up, spat dirt out of his mouth and wiped off his face. Turning he looked at Sirius, who continued; "You have to focus on what gives you that boost, yeah, but you can't let your guard down. You can't forget that your opponent is a living thing, like you. They can breathe, think, and act."
Evan nodded. He had let his guard down, and that disgusted him with himself. He rarely did let his guard down, and normally it was heightened whenever he was around other.
"Hey, it was a good go, Ev'!" Sirius said happily, heartily patting the teen on the back; "That should be enough for today. Gotta get washed up anyway, guests are coming!"
And the man was gone faster than Evan expected. Evan looked around, and shrugged. He went to his room and got ready, then headed for the library. He walked in and for a moment, stood in the golden hue of light streaming from stain glass. He never really took the time to appreciate a century's worth of hard labor. All he knew about the glass was that a patient and intuitive monk had done them. Only one. To think one man could do such a thing…
Evan turned his attention elsewhere when he heard a page turn. Sitting beneath the stain glass windows on a mound of pillows, a book in her hand and countless more around her was Aideen. Evan smirked as he approached her. She had been reading constantly once Sabet had taught her English, and she was improving. Evan had taken it upon himself to learn some Italian though, in hopes of impressing her.
Ciao, bella…
Aideen's head snapped up and she stared at Evan, a small smile on her face; "Ciao," she replied, patting a nearby pillow.
Come è? il libro?
"It's good," Aideen replied, giggling; "When did you learn Italian?"
Evan shrugged, leaning back; Just recently, he admitted. I figured that if English became too hard…
"It's getting easier," Aideen said with a blush; "So, have you ever met Harry Potter? I found a history book, and he was in it a lot…"
Evan nodded; Yes, I have. But only once and it was awkward, he said. He's very important to Wizarding Society.
"A cel-lebrity?" Aideen asked, faltering on the word.
Evan smiled; of sorts, he replied.
They then heard the loud boom of a bell. Someone was here. Putting down her book, Aideen rose with Evan as he got up. Together they left the library and headed down to the foyer. When they reached the bottom of the stairs, introductions had already been made. The Elders were all present. Narcissa was choking the life out of her son with a hug, Harry was talking with Remus and Sirius excitedly. Evan and Aideen cautiously made their way down, unsure of where they would fit into the crowd.
Silence fell when the two stepped onto the marble floor. Sabet smiled and Narcissa came over as well, dragging her son with her as she did.
"Draco, darling, I want you to meet someone," She said; "This is Aideen. You're sister, of sorts."
Draco's eyes widened. "Huh?" he asked.
Aideen smiled, though a bit uneasy; "Surrogate, I suppose," she said, and he could hear her accent clearly, Italian.
"Oh! Sorry for my rudeness!" Draco said, holding out his hand. Aideen shook it, quickly, then brought it back to her other to hold in front of her.
"And this is Evan; he will be acting as you and Harry's guide, should you need one," Sabet said; "Of course, he's also a good companion."
Evan held out his hand, and Draco shook it. "Pleasure to meet you," Draco said.
Harry came over, beaming; "Isn't this great!" he asked excitedly; "Everyone's here! We might actually have a good Christmas Draco!"
Draco smiled at his lover; "Well calm down so you can meet our latest friends," he said.
Harry looked; "Oh, hey, Evan!" he said, shaking the boy's hand; "Oh, who are you?" he asked Aideen.
The girl was taken aback by Harry's sudden disposition, and she only stared; "Forgive him;" Draco said; "He's had too much sugar. But this is Harry Potter. Harry, this is Aideen, and you already know Evan…"
"Hi!" Harry said, then he turned to Draco; "Come on, Draco! Let's put our stuff up! I wanna talk with Sirius and Remus!"
"Go on, I'll be right up," Draco said, and Harry gathered his luggage and bounded up the stairs.
Narcissa, who had stayed silent throughout this, suddenly burst out into tinkling laughter. Everyone stared at her, bewildered, and she soon regained control. She sniffed and wiped her eyes, and looked at Draco.
"Last time I saw him, he looked ready to kill the world," she explained; "It's good to see that."
Draco simply eyed her. "Mother…" he said slowly; "Perhaps you should lie down?" he was serious about the matter. He thought she was going mad.
Narcissa realized that Draco had rarely seen her laugh, or smile, for that matter. She smiled kindly at him and patted his shoulder; "Draco, dear, I'm just overjoyed. No need for worry, I promise you."
Draco nodded. He realized now that he was looking down at him mother slightly. How much time had passed since he had seen her? "Mother, may we talk?" he asked earnestly.
The glow faded with Narcissa's worry. "Of course, dear," she said, taking her child's hand as she often did when he was in need of her. This time was no different.
When they left, Aideen and Evan exchanged glances. Aideen looked at Sabet, who had also remained silent, merely observing; "Morste…" Aideen said quietly; "That was…"
"Awkward? Of course it would be," Sabet said gently; "Don't worry. By tomorrow night, you will quickly feel different."
"But, tomorrow's the…"
"The gala? Why yes, indeed it is," Sabet said airily; "Be careful, you two," he said, then he departed to talk with Remus.
Evan and Aideen again exchanged glances; "Want to visit the garden?" Aideen asked, and Evan smiled.
The evening and following day passed without event. Harry and Draco decided to spend some alone time together, but during the afternoon, they found Aideen and Evan and decided to "bond" with their fellows. Aideen kept quiet, having her nose in a book as she ate up the English language. But Evan made up for it. He was imaginative, witty, and intelligent. Conversations ran from Quidditch, to food, and eventually, to the other inhabitants of the Castle.
"So, are there any other teenagers here?" Draco asked.
Evan nodded. Several, but they're all Muggle born, he replied; They're afraid of me and Aideen. They think they're cursed enough by being afflicted… he looked away for a moment. But it doesn't really bother us, does it Aideen?
Aideen looked up briefly; "No," she said quietly, diving into the book.
Harry watched her. She reminded him of Hermione for her eagerness to learn far exceeded his. "Aideen," he said; "Why do you read so much? You've always had a book in your hand every time I've seen you."
Aideen looked up, setting her book in her lap; "I'm learning English," she said; "I'm learning about the world I wasn't allowed to know."
Harry's lips pursed. Who was she then? "So… you never got out… at all?" he asked.
"No," she replied simply, and returned to her book.
Harry met Evan's gaze, and the werewolf shook his head; "Well," Draco said, feeling the tension and a need to relieve everyone of it; "shall we go in? I'm hungry."
The castle's Great Hall had been converted into a marvelous, lavish room for eating and dancing. The fireplaces on opposite walls blazed brightly and heated the rooms. Candles floated and lit the floor. Fine China sat on the tables, ornate flower arrangements situated in the middle. Quickly maids bustled around, charming this and that so that everything was proper.
But Sabet was not overseeing such things. Instead, he was in his chambers, straightening the collar of his shirt as he stared at his reflection. The mirror told no lies to the vampire. His hair had been let down from the usual low ponytail he kept it in. Hanging by his eye, in clear sight, was a grey hair. Sabet only sighed at this, weary and all too knowing of what it foretold.
Now that his hair was turning he knew his time on earth was rapidly drawing to a close. Old age caught up with vampires quickly. After two hundred years or so, it began to set in as the magic slipped away. By the end of the year, Sabet was promised a peppered head of hair. By the end of the decade, he would develop crow's feet on his face. And by thirty years… he would be hunched over. It seemed ludicrous, how little time it really took.
"Well, everything must come to an end," he said as he put his hair back, deftly tucking the silvery strand away.
No one else had to know until he could no longer hide it.
There were nearly four hundred guests, fellow outlaws of the Ministry, and a cherished few witches and wizards unhindered by encumbering disabilities. Harry and Draco had quickly fallen into another group of teenagers that inhabited the castle, dragging a reluctant Evan along. They soon felt tension though, between the werewolf and the others, and quickly relieved it by beginning to explain Quidditch. Some had known about the sport, but most didn't. Evan contented himself with listening, but really his eyes were roaming the open hall, in search of only one person. As his worry grew, he fiddled anxiously. Picking at lint on his robes, adjusting his collar, coughing. But none of those seemed to relieve his nerves.
Draco, taking a moment for Harry to explain the aspects of the bludger, sensed the young werewolf's anxiety. He walked over and said; "Evan, something up?"
Evan whipped around, caught off guard. But he quickly relaxed. I'm just looking for someone… he replied, eyes again looking around.
He seemed as if he were hunting, on the prowl. Perhaps it just seemed that way. But Draco knew who he was after; "Aideen?" he quipped knowingly.
Without a thought, Evan nodded. Then, his eyes grew wide as they landed on the top of the sloping stairs. There she is… the echoing thought was somehow whispered in awe, and Draco was drawn to look as well.
Aideen was standing halfway down the steps, nervous. Her ivory gown had pure black lace atop it. Her sleeves stopped at her elbows, and fans of lace billowed around her wrists. She wore a simple string of pearls. Her hair was tamed, curly, and up, though loose tendrils had been strategically placed. Her face had been highlighted with makeup…
Draco saw his mother standing at the top of the steps with a proud air about her. She had obviously aided Aideen in her appearance. Draco smiled and nodded when she saw him.
"Go get her," the blonde said, shoving Evan forward.
Evan nearly tripped over his dress robes, and turned to look at Draco sharply. Gathering up his dignity, he then strode boldly across the hall, walking up the steps to meet Aideen halfway. He gave her a gentle smile, and held out his hand. She smiled and took it, and he escorted her.
Draco tapped Harry on the shoulder and when his love turned he pointed. Harry smirked; "Oh, it's so cute," he swooned.
Draco chuckled; "Come with me," he whispered seductively, taking Harry's hand and leading him across the dance floor.
Evan took Aideen out to the dance floor, and finding positions, they began to glide about, like the couples around them. Aideen was blushing, a gentle smile on her features that made her entire face light up. Evan gently guided their dance, a mix of ballroom and Spanish dancing. He had lived in Spain for a time, and the upbeat music was what swayed him to remember the dancing he would watch and memorize in awe as a child. Aideen was a quick learner, and soon they had captivated an audience of other dancers.
Faust and Narcissa sat with Morgan, Amos, Sabet and Adam, watching approvingly; "Well, she's found her place here," Narcissa said with a thankful little sigh.
"Evan will take care of her, Narcissa," Morgan said, and Narcissa nodded.
"Oh yes, of that I'm sure."
"They are the future, aren't they?" Adam suddenly quipped; "Evan, Aideen, Harry and Draco?"
Sabet sighed; "I believe so," he said, briefly remembering the damned grey hair. "But, they are young, and we're still here!" he added with a gentle laugh, and the others joined in.
When the dance ended, their faces were close. Ignoring the applauds Evan leaned down, placed a small kiss on Aideen's lips. Aideen was taken aback by this action. It was unexpected, but so unlike the night before. He had kissed her without thought, but with intentions from his heart. It was a deep concept, this attraction.
"Thank-you," she whispered as they began to slow dance to the next song. She rested his head on his chest, face turned so she could look up at him.
Anything to make you smile… he projected to her.
"Oh, it's just so sickeningly romantic," Draco grumbled, having clued into the couple. He found the delicate balance interesting and a peak for his curiosity.
"Just ignore it then," Harry told him as they swayed to the music; "We were like that, once…" he couldn't say he missed those days, either.
"Yes, but we were so… poignant!" Draco said as he continued to study; "They're just so… so…"
"Gone with the Wind?" Harry finished, and Draco looked up at him confusedly.
"It's a Muggle book," Harry explained; "A love story set in North America during their civil war. Hmmm, she's not much of a Scarlet though…" he mumbled, now intrigued as well.
"See, now you're curious," Draco chastised; "It's quite interesting…"
Harry rolled his eyes, stopping; "come on," he said, leading Draco to a door; "I think we could have more fun elsewhere…"
"Ooh like the time we skipped Potions for the Broom Closet?" Draco asked excitedly, and Harry only chuckled.
Evan gently took Aideen's hand and led her to the side. I want to show you something, he said to her quietly. Care to leave this for a moment?
"Of course," Aideen said, and Evan smiled with a small squeeze he gave to her hand.
He then led her out of the hall. They traveled down a corridor Aideen had never been through. There were sconces that cast a gentle light, full and yet still provoking majestic shadows. She began to notice portraits of witches and wizards that failed to move, faded when false life had been drained from them. This saddened her. She did not know why, but it did.
Evan felt the shift in her emotions, and squeezed her hand gently again. He looked at her and smiled, and she gave him a small smile in return. He knew what he was about to show her would no doubt upset her, but hopefully put some of her emotions to rest.
Hopefully…
Finally, they stopped outside of a large, double door, moss growing on the bottom and sides. It was weathered, old, but somehow still retaining the life of something new. Aideen instinctively reached out and touched the wood, feeling the coarse and neglected wood. She felt connected to it, like she knew the forest it had come from… And it was dead. Dead, once majestic, now simple, every day.
Evan watched her for a time, and then took the golden doorknob in his hand. Aideen stepped back as he opened for her. There was a bright light, and then it dimmed. Aideen glanced at Evan, and he motioned to enter.
I think you deserve to know. He told her quietly, hand falling to couple with the one he held behind his back.
Aideen eyed him, then cautiously peered into the room behind the door. It was a vast chamber, with a dome shape and a crescent skylight. The shadow the moon projected on the floor fit perfectly with a carved, intricate design. Along the walls were statues, and tombs built into the walls. At once Aideen understood as she walked towards the center of the room. Bathed in the ethereal light of the moon, her hand over her mouth as her eyes squinted to keep back tears that flowed anyway, she was the picture of a fallen angel, desperate for Heaven again.
Evan watched on sadly, watched as she turned round and round, taking it all in and trying to grasp the reality… He knew the room well, knew why it was built. A commemoration he had come across when he was twelve, researched every now and then, and learned its secrets. He knew who the statues were loosely based on, what the signs and writing translated into…
This was a commemorate chamber, honoring the fallen of a war many had forgotten. But Evan had not. The war was still waging as well, Aideen being a refugee. Did she know? By her tears, Evan assumed she did. He decided that now was the time to intervene, to hug her. He stepped into the chamber and the door closed silently behind him.
Aideen whipped around, glaring at him through her tears, a half-hearted attempt to vent; "Why would you show me this?" she asked in a breath as he approached her.
Gently, Evan rested his hands on her arms. This, Aideen…? He replied, looking at her. This is what I know about you. You need to know it as well. It is not my knowledge to have alone. Gently, he wiped away her tears gently, taking her face in his hands.
Aideen held to his wrists. Overcome, she closed her eyes and fell into him, weeping openly. Evan held her tightly. The feeling of the nearly full moon practically burned the back of his neck, and he briefly looked up at it. Fighting a primal urge, he gritted his teeth and looked away, unwilling for his wounded throat to make a sound. He focused on Aideen, and what was going to transpire next.
Sabet sipped on his wine, now alone at his table, watching as everyone around them enjoyed themselves. HE was too busy making sure everything was safe, that all of the wards were still intact. IT took all of his power to keep such a large place so safe. Usually he was able to tolerate it with ease, but tonight was different. There were now an extra four hundred people to protect… Sighing he sipped on his wine.
Then there was a change. A light gust of air blew through the Hall, ignored by most but certainly not by the vampire. Things began to slow, and life became cold, scarce. Sabet was nearly on his feet when a hand rested on his shoulder, holding him down.
"Why Morste, won't you have a drink with me?"
Sabet sighed, and through gritted teeth replied; "There is no denying an armed Judas, now is there, Ellis?"
TBC
A/N: Dun dun dun! Oh I'm terribly evil, I'm so sorry for this horrendous cliff. Oh well, leave me comments!