Author's Note: And here we go again! NOTE: This chapter has not gone through the beta. I didn't want to make you all wait any longer, so I just posted. Please let me know of any mistakes in the forums! ;)

"Papa?" Harry asked in surprise. Khalid and Dracula were related?

"I raised Khalid after his parents' deaths," Dracula answered Harry's unspoken question. "He became a vampire by one of my former friends." Dracula rapped his claws on the side table. Former. Oh.

"No masks, little magus. He can know." Khalid moved over to Harry and ran a hand over Harry's hair. "You can tell him." Harry leaned back in his chair and batted Khalid's hand away. Harry had discovered that Khalid enjoyed bestowing physical affection on his friends, and would often invade personal space without so much as a "by your leave." Most of the time, it was okay, but now, he wanted to think without Khalid petting him.

Dracula reached out and refilled Harry's drink. He was obviously giving Harry time to think without "listening in" on Harry's thoughts...or so Harry thought.

"Voldemort and I share a mental connection. No one knows how it happened, or why, but it exists. He invaded my dreams and started...I don't know what to call it. He kept offering me the usual things, you know, power, and respect, anything I wanted, so long as I joined him. Then he offered me equality, equality to him. I said no. He offered again, and again. Repeatedly. Finally, he quit taking 'no' for an answer. He started teaching me. I gave in. It was easier than dealing with his anger. I concocted a persona and appearance to keep suspicion away from me and on a boy that didn't exist. I mean, can you imagine the headlines? 'Boy-Who-Lived is Boy-Who-Betrayed!' It's better that no one knows. Well, now you, Khalid, and Sensei Leonard know. That's it." Harry reached out and took his glass. This fruity drink was good. He wondered if he could get some to take home with him. It would be nice at Hogwarts after a long day.

"Did he hurt you?" Dracula asked.

"Physically? Yes." The growl from both vampires was simultaneous. "It wasn't bad, nothing I couldn't heal." Harry heard Khalid snort from behind him.

"The little magus is not being entirely open about his 'lessons', but it is an adequate explanation." Khalid helped himself to the fruity drink, as Harry thought of it. "Yes, he has been hurt, but he will survive, as he always does."

"But the purpose!" Dracula demanded, his hands banging off the armrests of his chair. "What is the purpose? Why go through such things?"

"I learn a lot. I am learning more than magic. I'm also learning his plans, his tactics, his thought processes. I'm able to predict what he will do, in almost any situation. I can help his victims right away, should they require it, keep truly awful things from happening, things like that."

Dracula frowned at Harry and sighed before relaxing back in his seat. He folded his hands in his lap and studied Harry. "I cannot convince you to stop?"

"No. Not until it is finished."

"Ah. I suppose all I may do is offer you sanctuary here, should you need it." Harry smiled, knowing he had won this argument. "You will take care?"

"Every care I can take without arousing his or another's suspicion." Harry promised.

"Very well," Dracula conceded. "You will let me know if my new friend needs help?"

"Of course." Harry finished off his fruity drink and allowed Dracula to refill it.

"When you say it, what do you mean?" Khalid asked from the corner. Khalid liked to hover in strange places, like corners, dark spaces, rafters, well, anywhere from which he could surprise someone. So many of the vampire stereotypes must come from Khalid. He certainly seems to enjoy himself.

"I mean when Voldemort is defeated, the war is over, and I can go back to being 'just Harry'." Harry sank back into his chair and closed his eyes.

"The headaches you've had...they are becoming worse?" Khalid said more than asked.

"How did you know about those?" Harry asked. He hadn't told anyone about them. Not Paul, not Hermione, not even Aunt Petunia or Remus!

"I can tell," Khalid set down his glass on the end table and stalked towards Harry. "The headaches, the dreams, the tense shoulders, everything points to some stressor, something you're keeping from us." Khalid paused and tapped one finger on his lips. "I wonder what that is."

Harry looked up at Khalid and shook his head. "That would be telling." He picked up his glass and finished off his fruity drink again.

"And you should tell us," Dracula commented. "Just in case."

Harry looked between the two vampires and held out his glass. Khalid and Dracula shared a look and Dracula refilled Harry's glass.

"What do you want to know?"

The bed curtains slid back and Harry winced away from the light. "Ugh," Harry moaned, trying to bury his head among the pillows without his headache blossoming into an explosion.

"Harry? You should have been up some time ago." Lucian said as he maneuvered a breakfast tray closer to the bed.

Harry pulled the blankets over his head and groaned again. "Lucian, do me a favor? Just take my head off at the shoulders."

"Er, why?" Lucian asked, trying to find Harry under the blankets.

"Not so loud." Harry whined, batting Lucian's hands away from him.

"Did you have a fruit drink last night?" He asked, refraining from wagging his finger. He decided to save his scorn for the master. Honestly, giving a boy alcohol of that level.

"Um, yeah." Harry said in a whisper.

Lucian rolled his eyes and swore. "Just stay right there." Lucian said. He turned away from Harry and went to the bathroom. He found the aspirin and returned to the bedroom. He shook out two pills and held them out. "Painkillers for that monstrous headache I'm sure you have."

"Not moving." Harry grumbled.

"Okay. I'll just leave you to suffer then." Lucian moved to put the pills away when he saw one of Harry's hands emerge from the blanket. He placed the pills in Harry's hand and held out the cup of tea. Harry emerged long enough to take the painkillers and then sank back into his bed.

"I'm going to leave you some water. Make sure you drink it. You're dehydrated, and that's why you feel as though your head is tap dancing. I'll inform the master you're unwell."

"Kay." Harry promptly disappeared under the blankets again. Lucian shook his head and went off in search of Dracula. He stormed down the stairs and found the vampire in the main entryway, talking to a beady little man and making large gestures with his hands.

"We'll want it big, just so, around the chandelier. It would lead into the ballroom, naturally, and go around the circumference of the room." Dracula said as Lucian approached. "How is he this morning, Lucius?" he asked, completely nonchalant at the literally 'ticked off' expression Lucian was wearing.

"HE is dosed with painkillers and attempting to sleep off whatever you gave him last night. Master, I am rarely exasperated with vampire ways, but why are you subjecting him to the fruity drink? I thought you liked him!"

"And so I do, Lucian. I just needed to ensure that he would be in one place for most of the morning while plans are made." Dracula signed something on the beady man's clipboard and waved him away. "I have many things to do at the moment, Lucian. Do inform me when he is feeling better." With those words, Dracula was gone.

"Stupid vampires!" Lucian muttered to himself before returning to Harry's quarters. Lucian stopped halfway up the stairs. "WHAT PLANS?" he bellowed, knowing that Dracula would hear him, no matter his location in the castle. He descended into annoyed muttering and went down to the kitchen to let them know that Harry would not be joining everyone for breakfast and to arrange a tray for mid-morning, on the hope that Harry would be awake by then.

"You are planning this party without his knowledge, Papa. That will not set well with him."

"He needs to start meeting people in our circle. It's close to his birthday; what better way to celebrate such an event than by holding a party?"

"A formal party. A ball. Does he even know how to dance?" Khalid shoved the menu away from him. "He doesn't care for that particular meal. Try something else."

"Hmm. Perhaps a roast?" Dracula shook his head. "Could you ensure that the cook makes a final approval of this? I'm sure she wouldn't like me treading on her territory."

"Certainly, Papa. You may want to mention your plans to him at some point." Khalid gathered the papers in front of him and stood from the table.

"Thank you, Khalid. I'll take your thoughts into consideration." Khalid nodded to his father and disappeared.

Dracula turned back to the invitation design in front of him.

Vlad Tepes, Voivod of Wallachia

requests the pleasure of

your company at his summer home in the Carpathians

on 12 June for his annual Summer Gathering.

Dancing RSVP

"Very nice," He said to himself. "Very nice indeed."

Harry slept on, blissfully unaware of anything going on in the castle. He woke somewhere around ten am, still a little pained behind the eyes, but able to sit up under his own power. He gave a little moan and started the long process of getting out of bed. Before he could so much as throw back the blankets, Lucian appeared and started fussing, all the while muttering about stupid vampires.

"Hi, Lucian." Harry said softly, mindful of his head.

"Feeling better?" Lucian asked as he held out Harry's robe. Harry allowed Lucian to assist him as he got out of bed and swayed on his feet.

"A bit. Head still hurts a little." Harry admitted.

"By the time you've eaten and got something to drink in you, the headache should disappear. Let's get you into the shower."

"Sounds brilliant." Harry was so much out of it that he didn't mind that Lucian was the one that started the water and helped him with his pajamas. Harry only cared about the water and how good it felt. I am never drinking again. He vowed to himself.

Harry managed to finish his shower without any major mishaps and wrapped his bathrobe around him. He paused to look in the mirror and had to do a double take. He looked horrid, but there was also a surprise waiting on him. He found hair on his upper lip. When did that happen? He stared at himself. I'm going to need Remus to teach me how to shave. On second, thought, a shaving spell. I think.

He stopped long enough to pull on his underclothes, knowing Lucian probably had set out his clothing for him while he was showering. Harry entered his room and was accosted by a tiny little man wielding a tape measure.

"Ah, Harry. Up on the stool, if you please." Dracula said pleasantly while paging through a booklet.

"What's going on?" He asked as he stepped up.

"Just some measurements." Dracula said absently.

"Measurements for what?" Harry asked as he allowed the man to wrap the tape measure around him.

"Just indulge an old vampire, would you?" He said, paging through a catalouge of some sort. Harry couldn't read the language, so he gave a mental shrug and allowed the little man to do his work.

Lucian entered the room with a tray, stopped, and glared at Dracula. "I thought you were going to do this AFTER his breakfast."

"It won't take long." Dracula said calmly. "You'll be able to feed him, Lucian, do not worry so much." Lucian only snarled at the vampire before ducking out of the room. Harry heard him slamming around in the sitting room and he wondered if any of the priceless valuables (he guessed they were priceless; they looked extremely old) were in danger from Lucian's temper.

"Thank you, I am finished." The man said as he slipped from the room.

Harry stood on the stool for a moment more before stepping down from the stool. "Thank you, Harry. Are you still up for a drive today?"

"That sounds great." Harry admitted. "What was all this about?"

"I have no idea." Dracula said lightly. "See you in about an hour, Harry." With that, the vampire disappeared.

Lucian came back into the room and looked around. "Left, did he?"

"Yes. Do you know what's going on?" Harry asked Lucian as the man disappeared in Harry's closet.

"I'm afraid not. It's easier to give in, but not much fun." Lucian admitted. "Slacks and shirt, I think." Lucian said to himself. He laid out Harry's clothes and nodded to himself. "Breakfast is waiting for you in the sitting room. Best to hurry."

"Ah, Petunia! A moment of your time before you leave?" Dracula asked, sliding up to her. Petunia startled, but recovered quickly. She had found that dealing with the vampire was much like dealing with her nephew. Strange things would happen, and it was easier to accept them and move on, rather than becoming upset.

"Yes? What can I do for you?" Petunia asked as the vampire took hold of one of her hands and wrapped it in his own.

Dracula turned and started to lead Petunia away from the group near the car. "Dudley just had a birthday, and now Harry's birthday is approaching, am I correct?" Dracula said more than asked.

"That's right. Harry's birthday is on the thirty-first of July."

"I was wondering if you, Dudley and Remus would enjoy helping me plan a party for him to take place next weekend. It would give him a chance to be introduced to society, upper society, if you understand my meaning. He has a very important place to take, and better that he be introduced to all of that here, among friends, than be thrust into it by someone less than desirable."

"I think that is a fine idea!" Petunia agreed. She and Remus had talked about Harry throwing a party for his seventeenth birthday. Remus said that Harry's business partners already planned one, but Petunia felt Harry would far more enjoy a birthday with his friends, much like Dudley's birthday parties, than with stuffy old men. "What did you need help with?"

"Oh, a few things. I'll have a list delivered to your room later. For now, I believe that I am keeping you from your tour. I'll take good care of Harry today while you are out. I plan to show him some sights of the surrounding countryside. You are planning on shopping, yes?"

"That's right. Dudley's found something to occupy himself...Remus and I are going out and about to see what the town has to offer." Petunia eagerly told him.

"Then I shall leave you to your day." Dracula bowed low over her hand before disappearing.

"He's such a nice man." Petunia sighed to herself before joining Remus

Harry settled back into the car seat and smiled at his host. Dracula nodded and tapped a finger on the driver's shoulder. The man shifted the car into gear and pulled away from the house. "So, where are we going?"

"The little town down the road here. The locals call it 'Tepes'."

"I can see why." Harry said.

"Mm, yes." Dracula gave Harry another grin and then launched into the history of the town. Harry watched the scenery pass, asking a question here or there. His knowledge of Romanian history was woefully inadequate to keep up with everything Dracula was saying. I should look up some history this evening after dinner.

"I'll have Lucian bring up some books from the library for you." Dracula's voice broke Harry from his thoughts.

"Thank you," Harry saw something and turned back to his host. "The church looks very old."

"Yes. It is around four hundred years old. The original was damaged in a fire, so this was built." Dracula leaned forward. "Do you see the carvings there? You see the story?"

"Adam and Eve?" Harry guessed, seeing what he thought was a person hiding behind a plant of some kind.

"Correct. Many people could not read when this church was built. They read the stories through pictures." Dracula moved back to allow Harry a better view. "Ah, there is something you do not see everyday." Dracula motioned to a wizened man sitting in the doorway of a house. He was playing a violin. "A musician that plays for the pure joy of it." The car slowed to a stop and Dracula lowered the window. A lively little tune reached Harry's ears and he found himself smiling. "I believe this song is about a girl with two beaus."

"Sounds as though she is going back and forth between them." Harry said after a moment of listening.

"That is exactly what she is doing." Dracula said. The window went back up and the car moved forward. "How would you like to see the market place?"

Harry nodded and the car turned past the streets towards the center of town. It stopped and the driver opened the door. He handed a basket to Dracula. "We'll pick up a few treats here that the cook said I shouldn't serve to boys." Dracula left the car and led Harry to the marketplace. "I always enjoy coming here. Most of the vendors pretend they don't know me, which makes everything a nicer experience."

"I understand," Harry said. "Believe me, I understand."

Dracula only chuckled and threw an arm around Harry's shoulders. The marketplace held a little bit of everything and Dracula cheerfully translated what everyone was saying as each displayed his wares. He bought a few things that Harry recognized, like sweets, and a few things Harry was unsure of, but figured he could everything at least once. A few small bottles joined the basket and Dracula beckoned Harry closer to the woman at that particular stall.

"Harry, this is Mama Anica. She is the oldest woman in these parts. She wishes to say hello to you." Dracula placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and guided Harry to stand in front of the woman. She peered at Harry and gave a toothless grin before reaching up an arthritic hand to pat his cheek. She garbled some words at Harry, patted his shoulder, and abruptly turned away.

"Let's go have our picnic now." Dracula said, leading Harry away.

"What did she say?" Harry asked.

"Oh, just that you are a handsome young man...and that you have much ahead of you."

"Is she a seer?" Harry asked, almost stopping to look behind him.

"You know, we're never sure. We prefer to say that she is wise." Dracula led the way back to the car. Harry could only shake his head and follow his host.

Harry reclined against the pillows and stared up at the sky. Clouds drifted over his head and he felt perfectly relaxed. Of course, the light wine Dracula had offered him might have something to do with that relaxation. He had only had one glass, but it was a nice complement to the lunch they had shared. Well, demolished would be the better term. The sandwiches were gone, as well as the little cakes Dracula had bought at the market. There was still some fruit left, and Harry was slowly making large dents in that offering. Harry reached out and found another little bunch of grapes.

"You look content."

"I am content," Harry admitted. "This is relaxing."

The two of them lapsed into silence and Harry allowed his eyes to drift shut. They listened to birdsong for fifteen minutes or so before Dracula cleared his throat. Harry opened one eye and looked up at Dracula. The vampire was looking down at Harry with a funny look on his face. He appeared to be thinking about something particularly engrossing.

"You have to kill him, don't you?"

Harry didn't have to ask Dracula what he meant.

"Yes, I have to kill him." He admitted softly.

Dracula only nodded, as though he had already known. He stood and pulled Harry to his feet. He motioned for Harry to follow him. "I have something to show you, my friend."

Dracula led the way through the scrawny trees to a huge field. "How much do you know of my history?"

"Only what you've told me, and things I've heard." Harry admitted.

"When I was a young man, still mortal, I was the equivalent of a lord or prince. It's difficult to give a proper definition. I was responsible for the welfare of everyone in my province. Those were different times, harsher times. This veneer of civility I present today is a new development. I used to be a very harsh man."

"My country was a region surrounded by two strong empires. On one side, the Hungarians, and the other, Ottoman Turks. I spent some time as a 'guest' of the Turks, four or five years, I think. They even helped me to power, believe it or not. I was only seventeen or eighteen years old."

"I'm sure you already know of all the gory atrocities I committed. By today's standards, I am aware that they seem barbaric, disgusting and shameful. I have no excuses to offer. Know only that I understand that sometimes one must do what is distasteful in order to accomplish something greater than oneself. To protect my people, my lands, I had to become brutal, feared, and abhorred. Blood became a common sight."

Dracula looked out over the field. "Out there, men died by the thousands. I led them to their deaths. I killed many with my own hands. I can still feel their throats giving way, their bodies momentarily stopping my blade, and then yield. To watch the life light fade from their eyes, it is a terrible and wonderful thing. This massive strength called life, to disappear in an instant, is frightening. So fragile in that strength.

Dracula stepped closer to Harry and rested a hand on his shoulder. Harry looked up at the man. "I know what you must do. Moreover, I know why."

Harry stared at the vampire, unable to say anything. Dracula's lips twitched and he pulled Harry to him.

"As long as you and I live, Magus, you have a home with me."

"Thank you," Harry said into Dracula's coat. "Thank you."

Author's Note/Disclaimer: I make no guarantees of accuracy regarding Vlad Tepes or his actions. I did research, but there are many different sources of Vlad Tepes, who he was, and what he was really like. Many of them contradicted each other. I did my best with my limited time and patience.