CHAPTER 5
Getting Soft
I really don't have a lot of reviews at all but I would love to know what everyone thinks, so please click that little button and leave a comment! A simple "this sucks" or "this rules" will suffice!
Of course I would be eternally grateful if you would leave constructive reviews, letting me know what you like, what you hate etc.
I can see the statistics so I know that considerably more people are reading than reviewing so please, let your thoughts be known!
Having said that, I feel like some people might dismiss this story for featuring what they think is a Mary-Sue, but it is not at all my intention for the character portrayed here to be overly powerful! I merely attempted to make it seem that way, much like how Canon Dumbledore seems to almost be an omniscient and almost omnipotent being in the first few books, but later we see the fact that he is not only an afraid and aging man, but also quite manipulative.
Anyway, please bear with me and read and review! Thank you so much to all my reviewers! If you have any questions, ask away! You give me the strength to continue!
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Laenaya returned to her room that night, angry and at the same time deeply upset. Rejection seemed excessively cruel to her, especially after a genuine attempt to make friends.
It now appeared to be even more laborious to fall asleep than before and so she stayed up the entire night selecting clothes and robes that she thought Snape would deem appropriate; or lying in her bed wishing that she had something to do that did not involve seeking Snapes approval.
The sun was finally beginning its painfully lazy climb from the earth to the sky. As the first fresh rays were released into this world, Laenaya instantly felt the waves of fatigue sweep over her. She could not see the sun from the dungeons, but she could sense that it was up and before long; she had no choice but to force herself up and to the Great Hall for Breakfast.
The ceiling revealed that, although the sun was up, the sky outside was grey and gloomy. She was grateful that what she saw was only a projected image of what was outside; otherwise her skin would have long been ablaze in unbearable agony.
Nevertheless, she could not stop looking up; she had not even seen a hint of the sun's rays in centuries. It was captivating.
Of course, Snape was also there but he extensively ignored her, as was to be expected.
She felt a pang of sorrow at seeing him converse with the other teachers, though he was not affectionate towards them, he was more amicable towards them than he would ever be towards her.
He even smiled occasionally, granted it was cynical but it was there nonetheless.
She was sitting right next to him and he didn't even glance at her.
She couldn't understand why it was bothering her so much. She would never deny the fact that he was attractive and interesting, but he was just a human, there was no reason why she should feel so guilty for what happened in his past, or anything at all.
'I'm getting soft. Perhaps being around so many humans wasn't such a good idea…'
With a jolt of pain she nostalgically remembered Lucius Malfoy. It dawned on her that he had probably also suffered the Cruciatus Curse in consequence of her actions. Maybe even all the Death Eaters…
At the teacher's table, the other staff members came to introduce themselves to Laenaya and she was pleased to see that she didn't seem to be the only eccentric figure in the crowd. The gamekeeper was definitely, at least in part, a giant; and she was sure to have spotted distinct goblin traits in the Charms professor.
It made her happy; maybe she would fit in after all.
"Did you have a good night Professor Darkstrom?" Minerva was just sitting down.
"I'm afraid I must get used to sleeping at nights." Laenaya yawned.
"Ah someone who shares my troubles!" A man wearing extremely shabby robes (Laenaya wondered whether Snape would apprehend him any minute) approached Laenaya and her only companion, and extended his hand to her.
"Remus Lupin, I teach Muggle Studies here at Hogwarts. You must be Laenaya."
"Indeed I am." Laenaya took his hand. This was the one that Dumbledore had informed her was a Werewolf.
Vampires and Werewolves had fought many wars against each other and with each other, though more recently against each other; she could smell those dogs from miles away.
This one however, had clearly not been born that way. He was a half-breed. She could not harbour animosity toward a half-breed; he could never help having been bitten. Besides, he was displaying pure friendliness. One thing was strange though, why would a Werewolf teach Muggle Studies?
"Ah yes, I do share your troubles indeed Professor. The moon was full last night, was it not? I am a creature of the night and am not accustomed to sleep when the moon is out." Laenaya attempted a warm smile.
She sensed that, to her left, Snape was subtly listening in.
Lupin returned the smile. "Tell me Miss Darkstrom, do you possess the ability of Animagus transformation?"
Laenaya, not quite sure where Lupin was headed with this, simply gave him a hesitant nod.
"I see." He grinned, "Anyway, please do call me Remus! I believe there is a solution to our problem, if you'd like, we could take a stroll outside together at the next opportunity and keep each other company." he placed a hand on Laenaya's shoulder
Laenaya, now understanding exactly what he meant, felt warm inside at being offered such innocent and honest friendship. Something treasured even among vampires.
"I'd like that very much Remus. Perhaps we could become a new generation of never before seen friends." Laenaya wondered what her army would think of their general if they saw her right now.
'Going horribly soft…'
"I look forward to it!" Remus squeezed her and Minervas shoulder before returning to his seat.
Suddenly Laenaya realized that she was not the only one at risk of being rejected by her friends and family, and her home. Remus would never have a home. To the Humans he was a dangerous Wolf and to the Wolves he was a slimy human.
She felt at one with the universe, once more she understood the cruelty that befalls all those who are different, all those who stood out. She remembered why in her youth she had sworn to become a revered, feared and powerful general and was now retreating to the simple life of a teacher.
"I'm glad that you will be getting along with Remus, he's a wonderful man!" Minerva said as she poured herself some more pumpkin juice.
"Yes, he seems so, though it may seem str-"
"Decided to get a dog, Miss Darkstrom?" Snape interrupted Laenaya, who just continued to munch on her cherry red pancake, which seemed to be found only on her plate.
"Oh Severus, really? I don't think Re-" Minerva began but Snape also interrupted her.
"I'd be careful if I were you, Miss Darkstrom. Some may mistake wolves for dogs, but they will always be wolves; as dangerous and treacherous as vampire bats. Although I am quite sure that you are perfectly familiar with treachery and violence." His voice was dripping with unnecessary venom.
"Severus, what on earth is wrong with you?" Minerva exclaimed, her voice full of authority and her lips pursed.
Laenaya marvelled at how shocked Minerva seemed, she had assumed that this was Snape's standard behaviour, it was after all much the same as the day before and the day that she first met him.
"Well professor Snape, I understand that you yourself have been compared to a bat several times, perhaps that means then that you are perfectly familiar with my nature as well." Laenaya pretended to check the time on the clock. "Well, I must be off. As the new resident bat, I have some students to frighten."
Without looking back to see the expression on his face, Laenaya made her way towards the dungeons.
Her first few lessons passed surprisingly smoothly, the only exception being clumsy first years dropping acidic substances on the floor, which she had to magic away after they created holes and burn marks.
She was amazed at the fact that she felt no urges to brutally torture and drain her students of their blood, she was actually enjoying it. There was something calming and it felt like the easy life, demonstrating how to gently stir a potion and even answering pubescent girls' eager questions about love potions. She was actually having a good laugh with the students, who seemed to be relieved that her temper was not as challenged as Snapes.
'Maybe things will go well after all. Oh my people, do not reject me Nyx be at my side…'
And so her first day passed, being fairly uneventful. She walked through the corridors, careful not to pass any windows or other places where sunlight could reach her. Though, to her delight, she would catch a glimpse of some of it from afar.
She also encountered Snape several times and could now understand how the students felt whenever they encountered him. He ignored her though of course.
When night finally came, she was so tired that when she got to her room she actually fell asleep without any effort, as strange as it felt.
She could not manage to get up for breakfast though and so she skipped it and went straight to her first class that day.
Coincidentally, as she walked in, she saw that it was Harry Potters year. After careful consideration, she decided that she wasn't going to shower the poor boy and his friends with questions or silly comments. He probably wanted a normal life, and he seemed grateful that she didn't say anything. Though she did mentally congratulate him.
As she was reading the list to check presences, a particular name caught her attention and her un-dead heart skipped a few beats, if it actually could.
'It can't be!'
"Draco Malfoy?" She read the name aloud and her stomach fluttered.
"Yes, present." A boy at the very front said coldly. His hair was blonde, his skin pale, he had to be Lucius' son.
"Tell me dear, what are your parents name?" she asked, masking her excitement. All the students turned their heads at the boy who flinched at being called 'dear'.
"What you mean you don't know?" He asked arrogantly. Ah yes of course, his arrogant tone reminded Laenaya of Narcissa. She rolled her eyes at the thought.
'This must be Lucius' son…'
"Unbelievable! Lucius Malfoy, Narcissa Malfoy? Never heard of them?" came the voice of the boy.
'Oh great…and he's obviously still married to her.' Laenaya rolled her eyes.
She called out the name of the next student, ignoring Dracos question and his shock at the fact that she didn't seem to know his father.
She couldn't decide how to treat him because she was very fond of Lucius and not at all fond of Narcissa. Memories came back to her of the night she rejected Voldemort's offer and of what happened months after.
-FLASHBACK-
"I suggest that we join the war, help the Wizards defeat Voldemort and then take their prisoners as gifts and for blood! Some of those Werewolf Dogs have joined them, it would be another perfect chance to intimidate those snarling fools!" Laenaya said as she sat at a table where 4 other vampires were gathered.
"General, we cannot afford to go about raping and pillaging as barbarians would! Let them have their quarrel and we will take the ones that lose!" One of the 5 vampires, Melexis his name, yelled as he slammed his fist on the table. Most of the others nodded.
"Well my Lord" Laenaya retorted cynically, looking around the room of gatherings at her Elder Vampire colleagues, "It is a bit late to adopt this cowardly vulture attitude since you have already signed the treaty with their Ministry! We who were once feared are now Beings remember? We cannot betray them! And since you were all too cowardly, you sent me to inform Voldemort of that fact. Well gentleman, I can tell you now that this was well played. You have nothing to worry about, for if he wins this war, it is my head which will roll first!"
One of them laughed cruelly. It was Drogan, who had wanted Laenayas position before she even got it, but he was not a good fighter and so had to content himself being senior counsellor to the 'Khaîn', Khaîn being the Vampiric title of King. Which meant that Drogan was a personal secretary to the Vampire King. He would never forgive Laenaya for getting the job that he so desperately wanted.
"Are you afraid my Lady?" he said sarcastically through fake giggles to Laenaya. This provoked her so much that she immediately got up, throwing her armchair across the room.
Weapons were not permitted indoors, except to the soldiers, but even they could not carry their swords into the Room of Gatherings, nor the Throne Room. So Laenaya used her brute force to pin him to the wall by his neck.
"Drogan you coward, how dare you insult me!" she yelled ferociously. None of the other Vampires interfered, even if they would have dared to do so, they wouldn't have. They all hated Drogan.
He couldn't talk because her hands were squeezing his vocal chords. He was choking, though of course he wouldn't die. That didn't matter to the General though; she could play the game of Prometheus and keep him choking until the end of time.
"I have a mind to rip off your head and scatter the rest of your body to the winds in the sun, coward!" Laenaya was raging now, she could barely contain her anger, and yet none of the other vampires reacted. One of them even yawned, being used to the Generals short temper.
"What is the meaning of this racket?" Boomed a demonic baritone voice from the Gilded Doors of the entrance. It was the Khaîn, the Vampire King, surrounded by his servants.
Laenaya quickly dropped Drogan the coward and got on one knee, as did the others.
"Drogan you useless maiden! What have you done to anger my General?" The King moved towards his secretary and kicked him violently before ordering some of his servants to take him away.
"Melexis, tell me what has happened." The King demanded as he made his way to sit on the miniature throne, which was raised on a platform overlooking the Gathering Table.
Melexis got up and informed his Khaîn of the quarrel that they had just had, while the King stroked his lavish fear-inspiring beard.
"What a fool! I only keep Drogan because he's the best dancer out of all you miserable lot!" The Khaîn laughed long and heartily at his own joke.
"Laenaya!" The King boomed, gesturing for her to come closer, which she did.
"Your Majesty." She replied and moved towards him.
"I am afraid that Melexis is right, he is the sensible one after all." The Khaîn said pensively, while Melexis the sensible beamed with pride.
"We will let the humans quarrel, and we will relish in the blood of the side who loses." The Khaîns voice was now filled with authority.
"With all due respect your Majesty, does our noble race think only of food these days?" Laenayas short temper got the better of her and she blurted this out.
The King laughed loudly again. "Ah little pup, you fight well but your patience knows quick limits! Heed the words of your wise Khaîn; this war will end soon and that snake Voldemort, will fall!" The King slammed his heavy gigantic hand on the arm of his throne. "Now go my children, enjoy the rest of the Night and her gifts! I for one, am summoning as many maidens as will fit on my bed to my bedchamber tonight, and I suggest you do the same!" The Vampires laughed with their King while Laenaya silently left the Chamber before her King could think of taking her to his bed.
The infernal patron of the night was a great admirer of all female creatures; hence his charming little habit of referring to all women as 'maidens', regardless of whether they were actual maidens or not.
As she exited the Chamber, she found one of her Ladies waiting for her.
"General, a human has been found. He claims to know you." The Lady announced.
"A Human?" Laenaya asked, puzzled.
"Yes, a Wizard speaking English."
Laenayas heart raced. "Take me to him."
The Lady led her to the dungeons where Lucius Malfoy sat patiently in a cell. They hadn't harmed him apparently.
"Lucius, what a pleasant surprise!" Laenaya remarked casually while making the guard unlock the cell.
"My Lady." Lucius said as he kissed her hand. "I left my master, without his knowledge, to come to you." Laenayas heart fluttered.
She led Lucius to her apartment in the castle of the Khaîn, hoping that the latter would not see her, as she was sure he wanted her in his bed tonight. Though the King was extraordinarily and endearingly amiable for a monstrous monarch he'd take any humanoids with lady bits, even some non-humanoids…
"Lucius, is it not dangerous for you to be here?" Laenaya worriedly asked as she closed the door behind her.
"I believe that he-who-must-not-be-named will be defeated soon." Lucius said eagerly.
"There has been a prophecy, it tells of a boy who will defeat the Dark Lord. He will be born as the seventh month dies. Severus heard it." Lucius replied Laenayas silent question and told her of Severus' account of what had occurred in the Leaky Cauldron when Snape interviewed Professor Trelawney, the supposed charlatan of divination.
They sat in silence for a while, the Vampire General taking in the information.
"Why are you telling me this Lucius?"
Lucius took her hand. "I wish to get to know you better. Without my master to get in the way, I could do just that."
Laenaya laughed darkly. "You're married you fool." Her tone of voice was not pleasant.
"I care not for that wretched narcissistic wife of mine, I am here for you. I have travelled countless miles to reach you, upon the penalty of my life. I believe there is something between us. Were I not married already, I would marry you instantly!" He touched her cheek.
She was somewhat excited by his touch, like a schoolgirl; but was he really declaring his love? Of course he was attractive but…love? It seemed a bit far-fetched.
This was the kind of man who could make a woman's knees give way with one look, but he was also the kind of man who could make empty promises to his mistress while his wife was away.
As if to underline that thought, one of Laenayas ladies entered.
"My General, another human is here. A Woman, also speaking English."
"Narcissa." Hissed Lucius angrily.
"Bring her in." Laenaya ordered in a monotonous voice.
Her Ladies sensed that Laenaya was not fond of the new guest and so they threw her in violently.
"Lucius, what are you doing here with her?" Narcissa sobbed.
"I wish to stay here, go home Narcissa." Lucius tried to dismiss her.
"Lucius, do not abandon your family for this mo-" Narcissas pleas were interrupted by Lucius, who clicked his tongue in severe annoyance.
"I am with child!" The pathetic woman was near tears.
Laenaya, who was getting bored of the drama, rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. She had taken a particular liking to Lucius, but this was ridiculous.
"Go back to your wife Lucius, I mean nothing to you." She said bitterly.
Narcissa got up, regained her composure and glared at Laenaya and Lucius.
"Lucius, if you do not come back to take care of your child, I will reveal to the Dark Lord where you are and you will all be killed!"
Laenaya got up. "I will kill you before you do it."
"If you kill me, the message will be sent immediately. I have prepared the spell already." She wiped the few tears that she had let escape and put on the most arrogant and triumphant facial expression that she could muster.
Laenaya considered this for a moment. What did she care if Lucius died? Well she did care. Even though she was not sure how sincere his feelings were, she seemed to care about him at least a little more than she cared to admit. Charm is so deceiving.
"Lucius, please leave. Either way, the Elders will not accept you and even if the King does, it would ruin his reputation." Lucius frowned to this. "If that Snake Lord truly falls, you can come back. Go back to your wife."
'Perhaps this unborn child is the one of which the prophecy speaks.' As this thought crossed Laenayas mind, she remarked that the same one seemed to be crossing Lucius' mind, judging by the way he was staring at her.
Lucius looked down at the floor and after a few moments of thought, walked towards Laenaya and kissed her hand again. "We shall meet again my Lady."
And with that, he and Narcissa disapparated.
-END OF FLASHBACK-
"No Neville dear, you must use the stone pestle and not the wooden one." Laenaya said, coming back from her memory.
"If you use the wooden one, the roots will explode!" She warned, smiling at the boy, who breathed a sigh of relief.
Laenaya looked over at Draco Malfoy and decided that she would treat him well. He was just a child, and she was going terribly soft after all.