Author's Note: I had a chapter ready, but I hated it. This one, I am not responsible for, as I have no idea as to its origins. Blame the Muse and sleep deprivation.
Harry felt Danielle squeeze his arm as the doors to the ballroom opened. Applause from the gathered crowd washed over him and Harry felt the same adrenaline he had discovered on stage at St. Jude's. This was a performance of a sort, and Harry would not disappoint anyone of his or her expectations. Vlad led the way and Harry followed behind, his anxiety starting to mount.
Dracula had asked him to shift into his real appearance and keep it from here on out and Harry had done so, feeling just a little exposed. He had been "growing" all summer, but he had not felt ready, really ready, to reveal his appearance. Now, he had no choice. It was time to commit to this role of "young man come into his own", even with Dracula swearing he was a prince of some sort. Really, the vampire had delusions of grandeur when it came to Harry.
Remember, you are the prince they have come to see. Vlad's voice drifted across Harry's mind as he and Danielle took their place in the center of the floor. Danielle stepped into his arms, a waltz started, and Harry committed to the role he needed to play this evening.
He kept his focus on Danielle for the first two dances before he claimed his aunt from Dudley. Harry got to keep her for only one dance before Remus came back to her side. Harry surrendered her to Remus and took a moment to study his surroundings.
He had seen the ballroom when it was covered and shaded, but it had taken on new life. The floor itself was a light wood, but it was so polished that Harry couldn't hope to identify it. The walls were papered and Harry had to suppress a smile at the gold-leaf dotted along the designs. Only an immortal could enjoy decorating something ordinary so lavishly and still consider it subpar. There were mirrors decorating the walls, and tiny cherubs rested in the corners, staring down at the dancers in alabaster indifference. The ceiling was painted a mix of golden sunny skies flowing into a silver starry night. In the center of it was the chandelier, glittering over everything.
Dracula had arranged everything, from the music to Harry's dance partners. He was never left wanting, and Danielle came back every three or four dances, just to keep him on his toes. He met girls and women from different places and of different ages.
The youngest girl was fifteen years old, from Germany, and had accompanied her widowed father this evening. She had never heard of Harry before, but blamed that on not following current events as closely as she should. She doubted that the man claiming to be Dracula was the real thing, and thought that the actor playing him did very well in all of his attributes.
The oldest was a proud great-grandmother of a hereditary ruling family from Italy that still managed to produce a wizard here or there in their offspring. She had been invited to Lord Dracula's house before, thank you very much, and mentioned more than once that Harry was too thin and needed fed more often. Harry assured her that he was merely thin from overwork and would regain his former health in no time at all. She had threatened to take him home with her so that he could properly rest without hovering vampires, and Harry had to bring up the fact that his aunt would miss him. That brought him peace on the food subject, and the talk had just turned to "pretty young ladies" when the song changed and Danielle had returned to rescue him from the woman.
"Thank you," he whispered as Danielle stepped back into his arms and they started on the next round of dancing.
"For what?" she asked, truly perplexed.
"For saving me from maternal hovering." He said softly, motioning with his head towards the retreating woman.
"Oh, you're welcome. It was nothing. The young men are wonderful this year, but you're far more interesting at the moment. Uncle Vlad told me that you are a wizard and attend the English school, is that correct?"
"Ah, yes. I didn't know you knew about the magical community." He said as he negotiated a rather tricky little step that had caused problems in his earlier dancing practice.
"Your governments do not keep secrets as well as they think they can." Danielle told him. "A person may find the odd and strange if he knows where to look." She told him with a wry grin.
"Does your Uncle Vlad know you are this scarily intelligent?" Harry asked as they maneuvered around another dancing couple.
"I hope not," she giggled. "If he knew, he would cease to underestimate me, and then I would not learn anything at all from him." Harry snickered with her at her guile and the two devoted all of their attention to the music and the dance they were sharing.
This could not compare to his experiences at the Yule Ball in his fourth year. For one thing, he was having way too much fun. Everything from the music and the company he kept put him at ease. He was relaxing in every sense of the word. The role had started to become second nature and he found himself preening a little under the attention. What was wrong with enjoying the performance? Nothing at all.
Once he had justified that it was okay to have fun at a ball and celebrate his birthday at the same time, everything fell into place. He met everyone he could and spoke with each group. Some people knew his story and asked for autographs. He gave them, just a little embarrassed at the notice, but content to make someone else happy for the evening. Even non-magical people looked at him in a slight hint of awe, making him think that Vlad had something to do with it. He posed for pictures if asked, and danced with anyone willing to approach him during his free moments.
He was learning a lot. He learned that Danielle was content to be an escort (and she made sure to emphasize that that was all she was, contrary to many young men's ideas of what her position was) for now, but she had dreams of attending university and studying to become a historian. Harry found that she was passionate about the subject. "You don't understand, Harry." Danielle told him with a patient tone to her voice. "History for you is meaningless numbers and facts. I blame your professor at school. History consists of numerous stories and intrigues, triumphs and heartaches, beginnings and endings. It cycles over and over again. Empires rise and fall, discoveries are made and forgotten."
"So you like the fact that it is stories?" He asked, still not completely understanding what she was trying to tell him.
"No, it's more than that," she explained. "It's the fact that it continues, that it grows. Nothing happens in a vacuum, and it continues to build on what has come before to create what will be. It is the safest way of telling the future without magic."
"Really?" Harry was surprised. He had never thought of history as a part of divination. Could it really be that simple? To know what was to come, just look to the past? "Could you tell me what will happen to me?" He asked, suddenly curious if Danielle's ideas would pan out.
"You are viewed as the personal savior of the wizarding world, yes?" She asked without any hint of awe in her voice. For her, it was a theoretical exercise and nothing more. Her attitude put Harry at ease and he found himself telling her everything that had happened to him over the years (heavily edited, of course) in response to specific questions.
Her forehead knitted as she thought over everything he told her. "It's difficult to be sure. I can see three or four ways your situation could play out, and I don't wish to distress you." She said. "Saviors never have really happy endings, you know." She said softly.
"I've caught that idea a time or two," He adjusted as the music changed and they relaxed into the waltz. "Is there any hope for me?"
"Look at all of the supposed saviors in history." She said. "Saviors traditionally rescue someone or something from a threat. The list is varied and from different backgrounds. Muhammed the Prophet, Augustus Caesar, Constantine, Martin Luther, Napoleon Bonaparte, Stalin, Justinian, Christ, Alexander the Great, Sun Wen Ti…the list goes on and on. One group or another at some point in time considered each one a savior, a person that contributes something to a society to save it, so to speak. Some go on and live out their lives, but more often than not, there is not a happy conclusion. They inevitably change the world. Sometimes for the better; sometimes for the worse. Either way, change happens, just like it did before."
"Are you saying that I am doomed to change the world?" Harry asked, a smile breaking out across his face.
"Without a doubt, so long as you take care of yourself. People will listen if you are as important as Uncle Vlad tells me you are." She said. "I think I'm ready for a little refreshment. Would you care to join me?" She asked.
"I could use a little something to drink. What time is dinner going to be served?" he asked. His stomach was starting to make its displeasure known.
"Uncle Vlad usually lets us dance for an hour and a quarter before the meal is served and then after that, more dancing, then coffee and some little tidbits, and we usually end about three or four in the morning." She explained as she led the way to the punch bowls at one end of the ballroom.
"He expects me to dance that long?" Harry asked in astonishment.
"No. If you get tired, you can always go into one of the sitting rooms. The men tend to gather in one, and the women in the other. There are light refreshments in each room, card games, and other quiet amusements. This is a party, but not everyone cares for dancing. I don't blame you in not wanting to dance all night. You should try it in heels."
"Er, I think not. You are a far stronger person than I, Danielle. My hat goes off to you and your suffering feet." He told her in the most serious voice he could muster. His statement seemed to please her and she offered to point out various people while they finished their refreshments. He heard all kinds of gossip about the crowd that filled the room. Some were vampires, and Harry couldn't believe that the rest of the regular people did not notice that there were a few vampires roaming about. Some were wizards, and Danielle's knowledge of the magical communities was astonishing.
"That one is affiliated with that Dark Lord your country is so concerned over," Danielle's voice said in a soft voice, close to his ear. Harry's head shot up and his gaze followed Danielle's direction. There stood the Order of the Phoenix's former spy, William Zareh, trapped in conversation with a rather aggressive woman. Harry felt the corners of his lips turn up at the thought of Zareh dealing with a woman. It didn't seem possible, but then again, teachers always had that mystique of not having a life outside the school building.
"Please excuse me, Danielle, but he was one of my teachers. I think I'd like to go and say hello." Harry told her.
"Of course. I'll be ready for another turn around the dance floor in a few minutes. Remember, you're under Uncle Vlad's protection, so that man can't hurt you while he's here."
"I remember, but he won't hurt me. I know it." Harry said as he took his leave of Danielle. Danielle only shrugged and went off to find someone for a gossip while Harry made his way across the room to come up to Zareh's side.
"Hello, Professor Zareh," Harry said.
"Mr. Potter!" The man seemed genuinely happy to see him. Harry smiled as the man shook his hand. "You are looking a thousand times better than the last time I saw you." He looked Harry over again and shook his head. "I don't know what they do for you at that other school of yours, but I do have to say that I like the results."
"Good, clean living." Harry said lightly. "And lots of junk food. You are not looking bad yourself. Not being a spy anymore must agree with you." Harry had lowered his voice as he said the last part and was gratified to see Zareh pale the slightest bit.
"How in the world did you know about that?" Zareh asked, his voice slightly panicked.
"I have many contacts in the wizarding world, Professor Zareh. Don't worry. I know many secrets, and yours is safe with me." Harry said in an undertone.
"Thank you." Zareh said in a grudging sort of way. "Are you enjoying your summer holiday, Mr. Potter?"
"Yes, I am. Vlad is quite a good host, and between the two vampires, I may very well end up spoiled beyond all redemption."
"Somehow, I can't see that happening." Zareh told him. "I understand this is your birthday party…many happy returns."
"Thank you. My birthday is not for another four days, but I have learned that challenging Dracula is never an easy thing to do." Harry smiled as Zareh gave him an understanding look and the two shared a laugh.
"I understand all too well. Khalid likes to rummage in my closet and replace things without my knowledge."
"I think that's a universal vampire trait." Harry said after a moment's thought. "Vlad has started replacing certain articles of my wardrobe, and I really hope he'll stop in a little while. I actually like a lot of the things my aunt has picked out for me."
"Give up hope now, Mr. Potter. It won't happen." Zareh told him. Harry smiled and asked how things were going at Hogwarts and whether the man was returning as Defense professor. The whole while, Harry was hiding his construction of his illusion. It was time to allow the Dark Lord's student and Harry Potter seen in the same place. He focused a little more and made the illusion appear behind them as he ended the conversation with Zareh and moved away.
"He is a very nice person, isn't he, William?" Tom asked as he materialized beside the man.
"Tom!" Zareh clutched at his heart and took a breath. "I didn't know you were here."
"There's a great deal you don't know about me, William," Tom's image said as he moved up to the man's side. "Then again, there's a great deal you don't know about a lot of things, so I suppose I shouldn't be concerned overmuch with what you do and do not know."
"May I ask what you are doing here, Tom?" Zareh asked, trying to still his racing heart.
"Oh, the same thing everyone else is doing, I imagine. Dance a little dance, eat a little cake, and wish the Boy-Who-Lived congratulations for making it another year on this earth. That sort of thing." Tom paused before a grin manifested on his face. "It is amazing that he has managed another year, hasn't it? I mean, with the Dark Lord and all."
"Quite amazing." Zareh agreed. "Have you given any thought to our offers?" Zareh turned fully towards the boy and found himself surprised. It seemed the lad had grown a bit, and started filling out. Even the outfit spoke of a care he'd not seen on the boy before. He'd changed, and Zareh couldn't find anything wrong with that idea.
"The Order couldn't keep the Potter boy safe from his own Muggle uncle; how in the world can they keep me safe from a lunatic madman bent on world domination?" Tom's voice drawled as he studied the dancers in front of them. "Honestly, William, you're a little naïve."
"I am not naïve. I just know that you'll be better off away from the Dark Lord than you are close to him." Zareh explained, one hand coming out to rest on Tom's shoulder.
"Really?" Tom's voice loaded that one word with a million overtones, everything from mocking to disbelief. "I find that hard to believe. It was good seeing you again, William. Please take care of yourself. The Dark Lord does not take kindly to traitors and spies. I'd hate to see you killed for being an idiot." Tom moved away and disappeared before Zareh could follow him.
That boy will be the death of me, I swear it. Why doesn't he trust the Order? He's almost as bad as the Potter boy!
Harry chuckled to himself as he moved away from Zareh and went in search of Danielle. She had to be here somewhere, and he was determined to have her next to him for a while. The Italian Great Grandmama had found him again and he had made his escape by saying that he saw Danielle looking for him. He had a feeling the grandmother would find him again if Danielle did not appear. He had just slipped behind a rather stout gentleman and was prepared to wait for the better part of an hour if it would save him from the Italian Great Grandmama when he heard Dracula calling him. He stood up straight and saw the vampire coming straight towards him.
"Ah, Harry! There you are!" Vlad said as he came up, a man trailing behind him. "There is someone I want you to meet." Vlad gestured the man closer. Harry took a moment to study him. He was older, a little bumbly, and obviously nervous. "Minister Lewandowski, this is a very good friend of mine, Mr. Harry Potter. Harry, this is Minister Lewandowski, the newly elected head of the Polish Magical Cooperative."
"It is nice to meet you, Minister Lewandowski. Your work must be extremely interesting." Harry said as they shook hands.
"It is at that, Mr. Potter. It is an honor to meet you. I have heard much about the Boy Who Lived, and nice to see so many vicious rumors dispelled."
"Ah, thank you," Harry said softly. Exactly how does one respond to that?
"Lord Dracula was telling me of your ambitions. We must talk more about those reforms you would like to start."
"Of course," Harry said. "I would enjoy that." He sent a desperate thought to Vlad. I have reforms and ambitions?
Naturally. Just go along for now and let Uncle Vlad arrange everything.
"I will have my secretary contact yours." Minister Lewandowski said. "And now, I'll leave you to enjoy your birthday party. Many happy returns."
"Thank you." Harry told him. Minister Lewandowski moved away with a definite spring in his step.
"What are you plotting, dear Uncle Vlad?" Harry asked under his breath.
"Nothing you need worry your already busy mind over, my little magus." Vlad said. "Now, where did your partner go?"
Danielle appeared not a second after Vlad's question (and Harry was sure it was some sort of trick) with a bright smile on her face.
"Harry, you must come and meet the French Minister. Mon Dieu, he is a wonderful man." Danielle dragged Harry away from Vlad and towards a rather thin and slightly familiar man.
"Ah, Danielle, my angel. You found him!" Minister Devereaux paused long enough to bow over Danielle's hand before turning to Harry. Harry recognized him from the short incarceration at Hogwarts. The man had been at an Order meeting in the Great Hall.
"Mr. Potter, I wish you a very happy birthday. I do not think you remember me…"
"Of course I do, Minister Devereaux. It is nice to see you again." Harry said as he shook the man's hand.
"Ah, you do remember me!" The minister seemed genuinely delighted. "May I borrow you a moment? Danielle, chere, surely you won't mind his brief absence?"
"Of course not," Danielle said, waving them away. "Uncle Vlad wants to dance with me now. Go on."
Minister Devereaux and Harry bowed as she moved away and Harry found all of those manners that Vlad had insisted he learn were useful. The minister motioned for Harry to follow him to what Vlad called the men's salon. He picked up two glasses of champagne and handed one to Harry before removing them to the far corner.
"Mr. Potter, I have a great many things to tell you, but few of them can be said in a polite or diplomatic dance of words. Moreover, I'm afraid that people may mistake my meaning if I did not use the plainest of words." He said in a low voice.
"By all means, Minister Devereaux, speak plainly," Harry said. "You won't offend me."
"I may, and I do not wish to do so, but I may not be able to avoid offending you." Devereaux warned him. "It all depends on your current situation and outlook on the world. When we first met at the Order meeting, and please correct me if I am wrong, but I received the impression that you were not exactly…happy in Albus Dumbledore's care."
Harry took a sip of champagne as he thought of his answer. "It was not the place I wanted to be at that moment." Harry admitted. "What of it?"
"Mr. Potter, my government has noticed a very startling trend in the English government of the last fifty years. Too long has Albus Dumbledore had so much control over things in England. The English Minister of Magic allows the man to make decisions for him, and there is just too much of his influence. We hope to see it end."
I'm sorry, Minister Devereaux, but I fail to see what Albus Dumbledore has to do with me." Harry said patiently.
"Lord Dracula told me you were modest, but I did not understand the level." Minister Deveraux said. "You are very much a figurehead for the wizarding world in England, particularly among the younger generation. You are a figurehead for them, a beacon of hope. My country is looking for change, and we think that you are that change coming onto the horizon."
Harry stared at the man with his face in a frozen mask of polite puzzlement, but inside he was screaming. He didn't want this. He wanted to fade into the background, not be some beacon of hope or whatever the man said he was to the younger generation.
"I assure you, Minister, that my influence is not as large as you think on the English magical society." Harry told him. "I am just a small part of it all."
"Again, Mr. Potter, you underestimate your power. I can see that you have yet to experience your true influence, but I will leave that for now. I do wish to tell you that my government supports you, now and in the future. We hope to welcome you as a friend to the French people, and a confidant to our own magical community."
"Thank you, Minister Devereaux. I am flattered and I hope to fulfill any role you say I may have to your government." Harry wanted to fade into the background and disappear. He didn't want this at all. He wasn't what this man thought he was.
Minister Devereaux left Harry a few minutes later, asking him to think things over and offering a card with his contact information. Since when was I a political figure? Harry asked himself as he pocketed the card.
"Harry!" Dracula said as he poked his head into the salon. "It is time for dinner! Did you not hear the gong? Really, now, let's not keep everyone waiting for us."
Harry snapped out of his contemplation and frowned. "What have you been telling everyone, Vlad? Why does everyone seem to think that I am some sort of political candidate?"
"I?" Dracula's voice was full of incredulity. "I have done nothing except confirm a few rumors that I was a friend to you. That is all, little magus." Vlad wrapped an arm around Harry's shoulders and squeezed. "You laid the framework long ago by not taking sides. Now, everyone is hoping that you will pick his side. Nothing wrong with that."
Harry decided that he wasn't going to argue with the vampire. If he tried, the vampire might decide that Harry was looking tasty. Not a good way to go, especially since his Aunt Petunia would most likely be upset at the shattering of the perfect gentleman vampire image she had of Dracula. Harry knew better.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!" The crowd finished the song and Harry felt as though he was in the middle of a very scary dream with fire included. Well, the fire was on his birthday cake…his and Dudley's, of course. The combined weight of thirty-four candles on a four layer cake was enough to make him wonder if there was a fire marshal in the ballroom. Surely, this was illegal or dangerous for everyone in the room?
"Now make a wish." Dracula told the two of them in a whisper. Harry felt his jaw clench. A wish? For it all to be finished. Harry blew out his candles to thunderous applause. He smirked at Dudley's face. He probably wished something about him and Polina. Typical teenager. Lucky him.
Dracula led Harry away from the cake for more introductions to Very Important People. He met the magical prime minister from China and even though he spoke to him for almost ten minutes, he still couldn't hope to pronounce the man's name. The closest approximation he could produce was Mr. Long, and Mr. Long seemed to accept that with good grace. He received an invitation to visit the magical government of China, still under the rule of an emperor. The emperor had heard of Harry, and had "pestered" Mr. Long, his prime minister, to wish the Boy-Who-Lived a happy birthday and extend an invitation for a visit.
As the evening passed, Harry received more invitations from all over the world. It seemed that every country wanted a visit from Harry Potter. He finally succumbed and dragged Remus along with him as he met the people Dracula insisted upon, allowing the older man to keep track of the names, countries, and invitations.
"Must I meet absolutely everyone?" Harry said in a whisper he knew Dracula would hear.
"No, not everyone," The vampire replied close to Harry's ear. "Just the ones I feel you need to meet. Things are happening, little magus. Many interesting things."
"If I find out that you are doing this for your sole amusement, Vlad, I shall be very upset with you."
"You would ruin my fun?" Vlad asked with a snicker. "No, no. I assure you, Harry, all of this is very necessary. Please, just humor an old vampire." Vlad gave Harry's shoulders a squeeze as he directed Harry out of the ballroom and towards another room tucked away from the other salons. Vlad motioned Harry into the room and followed, firmly shutting the door and locking it. Harry paused only a few steps into the room. There was a group of people waiting at the other end. This group caused Harry to falter the slightest bit. This was a group of vampires, and Harry had a feeling that they were indeed necessary.
As they approached, every vampire made a gesture that Vlad returned. Harry suspected it was a salute of some sort, but he played dumb. Let the vampires keep their secrets. He'd rather not know and be safe in his ignorance. After all, vampires were one of those groups you joined for life…or for eternity.
"Lord Dracula," the group murmured as the pair approached. One woman stepped forward and offered her hand to Dracula. The strange thing Harry noticed was that she offered it wrist up. Dracula smiled, took her hand, and turned it over to drop a kiss on the back of it. Harry followed Dracula's example and then stood, feeling little butterflies of nerves in his stomach. He calmed by taking a deep breath.
"This is the boy?" One of the vampires asked in a bored tone. He appeared young, but Harry had a feeling he was ancient, as old as Dracula, perhaps. His features were hard to place in terms of nationality, but Harry had little doubt that this man was successful at passing himself off as nothing more than a beautiful man. Dark hair curled down over his shoulders while brown eyes blinked drowsily. He felt Harry's eyes on him and turned to lock gazes with him. Harry felt a frisson of shock and he had to fight the urge to hide behind Dracula. This vampire was dangerous, and Harry knew it, instinctively.
"He is," Vlad's voice said, and Harry felt himself relax. He was under Vlad's protection this evening. He was safe.
"Not as safe as you might think, child." The man said as he rose in a fluid motion. Harry threw up his Occlumency shields and waited. As one, the group winced. "Must you?"
"Cassius, this is Harry Potter. Harry Potter, Cassius." The vampire offered his hand and Harry took it. The vampire allowed the clasp for a mere second before stepping back away from Harry.
"You are insane, Vlad." Cassius said. "Absolutely insane."
Dracula ignored Cassius's statement and gestured forward another vampire. Harry had no doubts as to her origin. She was dark haired, dark eyed, and dark skinned. Perhaps somewhere from the Middle East? Either way, she was beautiful and Harry had the feeling that that was how she survived, attracting young men that lost all of their common sense when faced with her beauty. Harry was in danger of the same thing.
"Parmida, Harry Potter. Harry Potter, Parmida." Again, the handshake lasted a second before Parmida stepped away. Harry was beginning to become concerned. Why were all of them acting as if he had something contagious?
Another vampire stepped forward and offered his hand. This one was as fair as Parmida was dark. "Bohdan, Harry Potter. Harry Potter, Bohdan." Harry took the man's hand and was surprised when the man lasted almost a full ten seconds before releasing Harry's hand.
An older vampire came forward. She was older in appearance, at any rate, a woman of forty, perhaps. She reminded Harry of McGonagall as her no-nonsense mouth spread in a smile as she took Harry's hand. "Neith, Harry Potter. Harry Potter, Neith."
"I wish to read his future, Vlad." She said calmly as she took Harry's hand and held it. "If you would approve."
Not another prophecy! Harry wanted to wail, but Vlad only placed a hand on his shoulder. "Harry?"
"What does that entail?" He asked, amazed that she still held his hand. It must be thirty seconds by now. It was a record.
"A drop of blood. Your palm. My eyes." She shrugged and Harry considered the idea.
"Do I have to know what you see?" He asked.
"Not if you do not wish to know." She answered, stroking his palm. Harry sent a questioning thought towards Vlad. The vampire squeezed his shoulder again, giving his agreement.
"Alright." He said calmly. How bad could this be? He saw a drop of blood appear on his wrist, even though he could not see the cut made. The drop travelled down to his palm and he saw that Neith was saying something, but her lips were moving too fast for Harry to catch anything. All at once, he felt his body pitched backwards and the space behind his eyes went fuzzy. He tried to pull away, but nothing happened.
"Lower your shields." Cassius said from his right. Harry's head rolled and met the vampire's eyes. "The vertigo is due to your shields. Lower them." Harry fought the sick feeling in his stomach as he tried to keep his body upright and to avoid disgracing himself in front of all of these vampires. This was unlike anything he had ever felt, and he was scared. Gut-wrenching fear ate at him. The other vampires gathered around him and he felt their support. Vlad's arms wrapped around him, holding him in place. "Lower your shields!"
Harry lowered his shields and the vertigo was replaced with a languid glow in his entire body. Vlad caught his sagging body and held him, smoothing a hand over his hair. His eyes shut and he allowed himself to be held, allowed the vampire to support him. Neith dropped his hand and stepped away. Harry's eyes slid shut as he saw her smile at him.
When his eyes opened again, he was on a couch and surrounded by vampires. Their stances were completely different. They were open and friendly. More than one hand touched him. One held his hand, another petted his hair. Another stroked his arm. "What?" Harry managed.
"Your future was difficult to see." Neith said, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "I forgot to tell you to lower your shields. I apologize for your discomfort." She said.
"Salright." He told her. "What's wrong with me?"
"Side effect, I'm afraid." Vlad said, his voice far too cheery for Harry's taste. "It'll pass."
Harry grumbled and all of the vampires laughed. It was good to see Harry be the child he was, no matter how many years he actually had to his name.
"Harry, I have a rather serious question for you." Vlad said, pulling Harry onto his lap. Harry struggled for a minute before he gave up. The vampire would just do what he wanted, with or without Harry's approval. One of the vampires held out a glass to Harry and he took it. How had Cassius known Harry was thirsty? He sipped at the champagne and then lowered it, wondering what Vlad wanted to ask him. "We all were talking while you were resting (had the vampire said "napping" Harry never would have forgiven him), and we thought this might be the best thing. May I adopt you?"
"Adopt me?" Harry asked, confusion settling in. "What do you mean?"
"I would claim you as my own, nothing more. You would still live with your family. I would just be your…well, godfather, so to speak, and Khalid your loveable older brother. A permanent protection, Harry, and one I gladly give."
"Is there anything more to that?" Harry felt someone take the glass from his hand.
"No responsibility on your part, really. I'm sure you won't mind visiting here from time to time, right?"
"Not at all." Harry said. "I've enjoyed my visit here.
"Good, good. I will visit you in England, and you here. Other than that, there will be nothing I require from you." Vlad explained. "I will have a bit more authority should anyone question our relationship. It may come in handy later."
"I really don't want to know my future, Vlad." Harry told him.
"We won't tell you." Cassius told him. "I can warn you that after you are adopted, we all become your uncles and aunties. Expect spoiling."
"I'm in very grave danger of being spoiled." Harry grumbled.
"Yes, you are, my little magus." Vlad reached up and tapped Harry's nose. "So, I may adopt you?"
"Have you asked my aunt?" Harry asked.
"Yes, and while she does not understand what it all entails, she agreed to any protection I may offer you." Vlad told him.
Harry thought it over for a minute or two before nodding. "I agree." Harry said calmly. If his aunt said it was alright, who was he to argue with her?
Harry jumped as he felt his collars undone and pushed away from his neck. Terror spiked through him. "Vlad, what are you doing?" he gasped.
"I only need bite you to claim you." The vampire explained as he shifted Harry in his arms. "You will not be turned, or a vampire. It will only hurt for an instant, I promise." He said. "You already agreed."
Harry felt a spike of pain at his neck and he thrashed in Vlad's arms. As Vlad had promised, the pain only lasted a second before it faded. This was…nice. Harry relaxed and sighed, allowing Vlad to finish. He had no bones left in his body a minute later. A thought drifted across his mind. If this is what vampire prey was subjected to as they died, then vampires really were the best predators alive.
Vlad pulled away and held Harry, hugging him close and crooning to him. Harry smiled and closed his eyes. He felt wonderful. That could be addicting if he let it.
"Mine." Vlad said harshly as he healed Harry's neck. Harry only nodded and smiled again. He was…spacey. Loopy. Something…
"Yours. Now let him breathe, Vlad."
Oh, oxygen deprived. Vlad's arms loosened and Harry felt some of his loopiness dissipate as oxygen entered his lungs.
"How do you feel, Harry?" Parmida asked.
"Different." He said. "Relaxed."
"It is the same all the time." She explained. "Do you think you can stand?"
Harry considered the question before attempting it. Vlad's arms wrapped around him and held him in place. "I don't think Vlad will let me." He explained to her.
"Vlad will be possessive for a day or so." She said with a laugh. "You'll have to share him sometime, brother."
"No, I don't. He's mine." Vlad nuzzled Harry and Harry could only roll his eyes. Why were undead creatures so willing to be affectionate towards the ones they wanted to protect?
"You'll have to explain to Lucian how my hair achieved this state." He told Vlad. Lucian was rabid when it came to Harry's appearance, especially this evening.
"Mine." Vlad said again. "I suppose we should go rejoin the party, hmm, little magus."
"That might be best." Harry told him. "After all, you were the one that decided this was a good idea. I was happy with a cake and some ice cream. You wanted a ball."
"And why shouldn't I give you one? Hmm?" Vlad allowed Harry to stand and Harry only snickered as the vampires all attempted to fix Harry's appearance.
"I can do it." He told them, using a touch of magic to soothe his wild hair and remove the wrinkles from his clothing. "Shall we return to the party?"
"If we must," Vlad said, clearly unhappy about the idea. "I don't get to spend any time with my new child." Vlad pouted.
Danielle poked her head into the room. "There you all are!" She said sharply as she saw them. "Dancing, now!" She ordered.
Harry only grinned before giving Dracula a wink. "The lady's command is my wish." He told the vampire before disappearing.
"Isn't the saying 'The lady's wish is my command'?" Cassius asked as Harry slipped through the door and back to the ballroom.
"I think he meant it exactly the way he said it." Vlad told him, a smirk across his lips.
"You found a charming little boy, Vlad."
"Yes…I wish he would teach me some of his tricks."