It took almost a week for things to start to settle down after Vlad's public proposal. Rumours had run rampant, which in hindsight should have been an obvious outcome. The students of Hogwarts seemed to have the greatest imaginations in all of Britain, and a penchant for jumping to the biggest conclusions. Some of things being said were utterly ridiculous, there were rumours about Daphne being pregnant for garlic's sake! Although, Vlad didn't feel like he could really judge, he'd not been in the Wizarding World for that long, especially compared to those who grew up in it. Perhaps the only reason Wizards and Witches get married young is because of such things.

It wasn't like that for Vampires, if you got pregnant out of wedlock you kill it.

Vlad was violently pulled out of his thoughts by someone running into his shoulder. As they passed him, they pushed something into his pocket. Upon looking at the retreating figure, he immediately knew who it was. Hermione Granger.

Vlad opened what he found to be a note that she'd handed him.

Vladimir,

I know everything. Meet me by the Black Lake after dinner.

Hermione.

ooo

Hermione had finally built up the courage to confront Vlad. She knew that there were better ways to get his attention than nearly pushing him over, but she was sure Harry and Ron would've seen. They always seemed to be near by at the worst of times.

So now Hermione was sitting with her legs crossed primly, looking out over the vast lake. It really was quite tranquil at this time in the evening, the last rays of sun reflecting off the water as the air begins to cool around her. After waiting for the sun to completely set, the peace was broken by a disruptive howl of the wind. Turning her head behind her to see the source, Hermione saw Vlad standing there looking both demonic and angelic with the lights of Hogwarts shining around him like a halo whilst also shrouding his face in darkness.

"You wanted to see me?" It was phrased as a question, but Hermione could tell it was anything but.

Stumbling on her words and her feet, Hermione rose to reply, "Y-yes. I know everything. About you being a Death Eater, why you turned Greengrass. I-I… I just wanted you to know that the Order of the Phoenix and Dumbledore's Army are here for you. I'm here for you. They told me I wasn't supposed to talk to you, or tell you about us knowing, but with everything that you're going through I thought you might need to know that someone's got your back."

Vlad's expression hardened and he speed ran to stand directly behind her to whisper dangerously in her ear. An intimidation technique he picked up from his Father. "Perhaps you should have listened to them, Hermione. Do you know how dangerous it is to be alone with a Vampire at night?"

Vlad didn't want to do this, he'd do anything to regain his friendship with Hermione, but he had a not-yet-fully-turned fiancée to look out for and if the Dark Lord were to find out it could prove fatal for Daphne. So Vlad knew what he had to do to drive the girl away, and hopefully keep the rest of the Order away too. He took a deep breath through the nose, making sure to audibly hum at the smell of her blood, and wrapped his arms around her to keep her in place. She was visibly shaking now, so he let himself dive deeper into the recesses of his mind where the evil Vampire lived.

He laughed at her trembling, and let his fangs drop. "Whatever Severus said, Hermione, it's not the truth. Was it something along the lines of, 'because of Vlad's bleeding heart he turned Miss Greengrass' or 'Vlad was forced to take the Dark Mark'? I'll let you in on a secret, I did it all with pleasure. And in the name of all that is bloody, I would do it all again. Would you like to see my Mark? It's quite impressive really, so much intricate detail."

Vlad pulled up his sleeve to show her the tarnished skin, where it was once a gleaming porcelain. Taking another breath, Vlad traced her carotid artery with his teeth, pressing lightly but not enough to puncture the skin. He groaned loudly, "I can smell the magic in your blood, it's so strong. Would you mind terribly if I take a small sip? I promise I'll only take a little."

This seemed to finally tear Hermione from her terrified state and awaken her Gryffindor nature. "This isn't you, Vlad. I know it's not. I know you were forced to take the Mark, I know you were forced to turn Daphne and I'm certain that you were forced to propose to her as well!"

Vlad let go of her and speed ran to face her head on, he'd come this far he couldn't let his façade down now. His dark frown turned into a vicious grin and he laughed again, just as manically as before. "Is that what this is about, Hermione? Are you jealous of Daphne Greengrass? Of her being engaged to me? Of her long, straight, blonde hair? Of her larger breasts? Of her finer physique? Of her prettier face? Or is it all of the above?"

The humane side of Vlad that he'd locked away for this encounter was screaming from within the box he's been put in. He could see tears leaking slowly from Hermione's eyes and streaming down her cheeks, Vlad knew he would hate himself forever after this, but it had to be done. Yes, there were probably much nicer ways to make her stop talking to him. Like the truth, perhaps. However, this was likely to be most effective in keeping her from trying again and putting herself, Daphne and Vlad in far more danger.

His words had obviously hurt and angered her, but it was especially clear when she started yelling at him. She'd wiped the tears from her face fiercely, "That's not true, Vlad, you're my friend! I just want to help you! Vlad please, just let the Order help you. They can hide you away where Voldemort won't be able to find you! They can help protect—"

Vlad cut her off, "I don't need protection if I didn't want the Dark Lord to find me, trust me, he wouldn't be able to. Save yourself some effort, Hermione, leave me alo—"

Vlad himself was cut off by a sharp pain in his arm causing him to clutch it and groan slightly. Vlad eyed her hungrily once more, and speed running to stand directly in front of her to breath her in again.

"Duty calls, my dear." He whispered darkly, before licking up her neck and nipping her lightly, almost possessively. "Don't get yourself killed before I get a proper taste, yeah?"

With a final laugh, Vlad ran off in the direction of the gates.

ooo

Upon arrival at the Dark Lord's location, he knelt in front of the vile megalomaniac in the centre of the room where he was seated on a grand throne. Though Vlad wasn't certain where they were, it was clearly a place of opulence. The large hall featured church-like arches, and Death Eaters lined the walls like a mural.

"You called, my Lord?"

The Wizard's deranged grin broadened and he laughed much like Vlad had done earlier in front of Hermione. The similarity sent shivers down his spine.

"Why yes, my precious Vampire. As you may not be aware, every once in a while I gather my Death Eaters for a Revel, this is one such occasion. As your first Revel I thought it fitting for you to provide us some entertainment. Don't you think, Vladimir?"

If Vlad had blood pumping around his body, it would've drained from his face, "Excuse my ignorance, my Lord, but I don't quite understand your meaning."

Voldemort laughed some more, "My dear boy, I wish for you to duel my other Death Eaters. Only those of my choosing, of course. I wish to see just how powerful you are."

After a brief pause, leaving Vlad to feel the tension all around him, the Dark Lord spoke again. "Needless to say, this will not be a regular occurrence at our Revels. At our next we shall resume the usual activities."

Vlad didn't particularly wish to know what happened at normal Revels judging by the evil yet pleasured smirks surrounding him and eyes glittering with excitement. Vlad just nodded numbly, not entirely sure what he was expected to do now.

Voldemort pulled a small piece of parchment from seemingly nowhere and called out the name of his first opponent. By the time the list was nearly completed, Vlad had battled Amycus Carrow, Antonin Dolohov, Lucius Malfoy, Rodolphus, Rabastan, and Bellatrix Lestrange, Thorfinn Rowle and Professor Snape. He'd surprisingly beat them all, though he suspected that Severus was going easy on him. He could tell why the Dark Lord had chosen them, even with his Chosen One status they were difficult to beat, all specialising in different parts of dark magic.

In order to win, Vlad had to access the part of himself that he'd shown Hermione. As he battled each opponent Vlad felt himself being more and more consumed by the darkness, it made him want to be sick. He hated that this part of him even existed, why couldn't he just be normal?!

Though, Vlad supposed, this was the most normal he'd felt in a long time, surrounded by Death Eaters. The thought of which only made him feel worse. He wasn't like these people, just as he wasn't like regular Vampires. Vlad had too much empathy. Deep inside though, he knew that wasn't always the case. He had moments, such as this, where he could clearly see his Vampire heritage. And that scared him to his very core.

Trapped in his thoughts, Vlad almost missed the next person Voldemort called from his list. "Fenrir Greyback."

The name caught his attention, "Greyback?" He asked stupidly. The Werewolf stepped out from the gathered crowd, towering over Vlad and frowning at the recognition in his tone.

"You know me, boy?" His deep voice penetrating through the silence.

Vlad hummed, "Yes. Well, I know of you. You turned my Mother's boyfriend, Patrick Lupin and his brother, Remus."

Greyback frowned further, "Your Mother, she's a Vampire, yes?"

Vlad looked back at him incredulously, "Obviously."

The Werewolf sneered at the comment, "I only ask because Patrick was never one to stray from the Pack Rules. It's unspoken but fully agreed upon that 'no Pack member shall take the undead into their bed'."

Vlad laughed, a genuine laugh, at the ridiculousness of the statement. "You realise no one will take your 'Pack Rules' seriously if they rhyme, right?"

Greyback growled at that, clearly unimpressed by the blatant disrespect shown by the young Vampire. Not that he expected any less but it got under his skin, "Well at least my Mother wasn't a whore who slept around with other species."

Vlad knew that the Werewolf was just reacting emotionally to him undermining his authority within his own Pack, but something about Greyback's insult just triggered something inside of him. The side of Vlad that was fiercely protective of his family.

"Say what you will about me, Werewolf." Vlad growled back at him, his voice deep and booming around the room. "But don't you ever insult a member of Clan Dracula."

Vlad sneered and flashed his fangs, eyes turning black. Greyback growled some more and and his eyes flashed the yellow of his Wolf form. The two leapt at each other, teeth bared, anger flaring. No magic was used in this round, well, aside from Vlad transforming into a wolf just to mock Greyback.

Once again it was a tough fight, Vlad having to resort to hypnotism to stop the Werewolf from ripping out his throat with his teeth. When Greyback suddenly stopped and let Vladimir up off the floor, the whole room went silent and Voldemort glared at the two.

"What is the meaning of this?" The Dark Lord asked viciously.

Vladimir, mask of evilness back in place, smirked at him. "I've clearly beaten the disgusting Wolf, my Lord. Allow me to demonstrate."

Vlad proceeded to command Greyback to curtsy to his Lord with all the grace of a noblewoman causing the room broke out in demeaning laughter.

"Now do you see my Lord? I've taken control of the creatures mind."

The Dark Lord smiled, "Very impressive, Vladimir. Is that a power you posses as a Vampire? Or are you using magic?"

Vlad chuckled lightly, "I fear, my Lord, that the answer is quite underwhelming. It is a power typical of Vampires. However, that being said, I'd say that my time at Hogwarts has definitely helped improve my Vampiric abilities. Simply put, it is both."

Voldemort nodded at his answer, "Well, that's all for now my dear friends. Until next time."

The gathered group slowly dissipated, disappointed mumbles filled the room at the Revel coming to a close, until it was just the Dark Lord and Vladimir left in the large room. Once again, Vlad approached the Wizard's throne. "I believe you were dismissed, Vladimir."

"That may be the case, my Lord, but I have something I wish to discuss with you." Any trace of the manic happiness Vlad had displayed that night was gone, left behind was anger.

"And what exactly do you wish to discuss with me, boy?" It was clear from the annoyance lacing his tone that the Dark Lord doesn't receive many complaints from his followers. However, unlike the rest of the Death Eaters, Vlad was forced into it so there was no way he was going to make it easy for him.

"I don't appreciate being nothing but a Gladiator, performing for your entertainment." Vlad stood tall and emulated the son his father wanted him to be. His fangs dropped again, his eyes turned black, lighting stuck and thunder crashed on every emphasised word, "I am a proud Vampire. I could have killed every single person in this room tonight, including you. It would've been easy too, but I have restrained myself because I am bound to you now. I am here to serve you for the purpose of war, not as a jester. That is all."

Vlad stormed out of the room, and ran back to Hogwarts.

ooo

It was dawn by the time Vlad arrived back at Hogwarts, he raced through the corridors toward his Common Room. Unfortunately on his way down he got caught by a few rays of sun through the windows. Upon entering the dim dampness of Slytherin, Vlad patted himself down, extinguishing the few flames on his clothes.

"So you really do burn in the sun." Vlad turned to see Malfoy looking at him from the leather couch in front of the fire.

Vlad rolled his eyes at the boy as he made his way to his dorm room, "Why do you think I don't take Herbology?"

All the other boys in their dorm were fast asleep still, so Vlad quietly got changed into his school robes and headed back out for an early breakfast. However, on his way to the Great Hall he ran into Professor Slughorn.

"Ah! My dear Mr Dracula! I've been meaning to have a quick chat with you. Nothing to get worried about, I'd just like to invite you to one of my special dinner parties. I used to host them all the time when last time I taught here! Only for the best students, of course. The party is next Friday evening at 7 in my office, I do hope to see you there Mr Dracula." The Professor seemed to just go on and on in a never ending stream of words and useless information.

Vlad, on the verge of a terrible head ache from the incessant probing in his skull in the form of the Professor's irritating voice, quickly agreed to everything the man was saying without really thinking about it.

"It's sorted then!" Slughorn exclaimed, "I'll owl you the rest of the details."

ooo

Vlad, having been up all night like a normal Vampire, started feeling incredibly sleepy around the time he was supposed to be heading to his second class of the day. Defence Against the Dark Arts. With Professor Snape. Honestly, he'd rather do anything else right now.

Usually Vlad would walk at a normal pace between classes like the rest of his schoolmates, however, given his current state of tired after not having slept since yesterday morning Vlad wasn't feeling much like himself. So he stayed behind as the crowd died down, and promptly fell asleep in his chair.

Vlad woke up with a start. "Garlic! How long have I been asleep?" He muttered to himself, looking down at his watch. He was 20 minutes late, Snape was going to kill him! Vlad, panicking, speed ran into the Defence classroom without even thinking and came to a stop in the middle of the room so fast that had he almost fell over.

"Nice of you to finally join us, Mr Dracula. Would you care to explain to the class exactly why you're interrupting the lesson as well as arriving late?" Severus raised an eyebrow at him.

"I'm sorry, Professor, but I had a late night and accidentally slept in." Vlad looked at the man, trying to communicate that he was only late because their 'master' had him out until ungodly hours. "As I'm sure you're aware, Sir, that it is against my biology to be awake when the sun is up."

Snape sneered at him, "And I'm sure you are aware, Mr Dracula, that as it currently stand Hogwarts does not cater for the needs and whims of Vampire and you are therefore required to attend classes during the day the same as your classmates. Because of such requirements, you are late and tardiness is not tolerable in my class."

Vlad looked back at him, face blank. "I guess I'll be leaving then." This time turning to leave at a regular speed. Unfortunately for Vlad, Snape can be terribly unpredictable and as such he wasn't expecting the Professor to bind him where he stood.

"No no, Mr Dracula, you don't get to just leave my class room. Not without my permission." Snape waved his wand, rotating Vlad's body back to face him.

Vlad found his face hadn't been bound like the rest of his body and took the opportunity to retaliate, "You might be my Head of House, my Professor, and my guardian, Sir. But that does not stop me from being more powerful than you."

On the last word Vlad broke free of the spell and flashed his fangs. He knew he shouldn't let himself indulge the emotions he was feeling, but Vlad was overcome with desire to teach the pathetic breather a lesson. He knew this wasn't him, what he was really like, but with all this pretending in front of other people Vlad was scared that it was becoming reality. Without thinking any further on it, Vlad speed ran toward the Professor intent on giving him a taste of his own medicine and tying him up. He wasn't sure what with yet, but he had super-speed so what did it matter?

As he was almost at the Professor a cage appeared out of nowhere. It must have been placed there with magic, because there's no way a person could have put it there fast enough to actually get the Vampire inside. Vlad stop instantly, looked at the bars surrounding him and with a frown reached out to touch it. When skin met metal the silence was broken by the sound of sizzling, and Vlad ripped his hand away from the bar.

His eyes met with Snape's and Vlad laughed at him, his 'guardian' had been in cahoots with a slayer. It was a bit ironic.

"Who have you been talking to, Severus?" Vlad's tone and expression turned dangerous, "This is argentallium, only Slayers know about it."

The Professor ignored him, turning to address the class instead. "The best way to apprehend a violent dark creature is to know it weaknesses. For example, this cage is made from a silver alloy mixed with garlic, called argentallium. It's said to drain the power of a nearby Vampire, are you feeling it's effects, Mr Dracula?"

Vlad's eyes turned black and he growled, "If you come over here I can show you just how effected I am."

ooo

It had been a long week for Vlad. After the incident in Defence the scared and worried looks had only increased. To make matters worse he was expected in Slughorn's office for some inane dinner party and once again he hadn't a thing to wear that wasn't Vampiric! He really should have gotten Snape to buy him some dress robes when he was picking out gemstones.

Speaking of the Professor, Vlad had gone back to meet with him the next day to apologise. His magical guardian had accepted the apology and surprisingly given one of his own, but stating that he definitely wasn't happy about being called Severus in front of students. He proclaimed he only did so because he needed to get Potter thinking he was on the side of the Order. The boy was apparently quite the hinderance when you're trying to sneak out of the castle in the dead of night to attend Death Eater meetings, especially if you don't have super-speed.

Finally deciding that if he was going to have to wear something Vampiric he might as well take it all the way. Vlad chose black button-up shirt with matching trousers, a black vest, a slim crimson tie and his black leather jacket. Vlad popped the collar of the jacket and made his way to the party.

Upon arrival, Vlad noticed that all but two seats were occupied, one next to some broad shouldered idiot he vaguely remembered as McLaggen and the other right next to Hermione. Almost out of instinct, Vlad moved to sit next to Hermione. It only took a second for his brain to kick in and tell him that he shouldn't have sat there, but by that time he was already past the chair by McLaggen. So he kept walking to sit next to his former friend whom he'd managed to completely alienate from his life. To keep up his charade, Vlad smiled wickedly at her giving her a brief view of his fangs. Hermione blushed deeply and looked away quickly, he wasn't sure if it was because she was angry or embarrassed at the subtle reminder of their last encounter.

Slughorn swiftly started up conversation with the group going around the table asking various questions about a particular student's talents or their family. When he got to Vlad the whole room seemed to pause their quiet side conversations to listen in. "So, Mr Dracula, do tell us what it was like growing up in Transylvania."

The question surprised Vlad, he felt certain he was going to be asked about his powers.

"Um…" Vlad started, he wasn't sure what to say. "Well, it was quite lonely I suppose. My Father essentially locked me and my sister inside the castle all the time, so we didn't interact with the Breathers down in the village. I always resented him for that. I used to sneak away to go play with the children there but if their parents saw, they'd drag them away. It was nice though, a beautiful country. But then an angry mob ran us out of town."

Slughorn hummed at his short spiel and asked his next question, clearly still intrigued by Vlad's life. "And where was your Mother during all of this?" He paused momentarily before explaining himself, "I only ask because you haven't mentioned her at all."

Vlad, continuing with the truth, answered firmly. "I don't know about you Professor, but personally I wouldn't consider the woman who ran off with another man, who wasn't even the same species, when her youngest child was only three years old as any kind of Mother to me."

The Professor frowned, "I'm sorry to hear that."

An awkward silence defended upon the room, almost suffocating the group until Slughorn moved his attention to Hermione. "So Miss Granger, what is it your parents do in the Muggle World?"

She smiled lightly, flushing at the room all looking at her. "They're dentist, actually. Like Healers but for your teeth." Hermione clarified.

Vlad hummed slightly, and flashed his fangs. "Perhaps they could have a look at mine? They could do with a sharpening."

Hermione looked at him wide eyed, Slughorn laughed jovially assuming Vlad to be joking, where as the rest of the table seemed unsure. He just smirked, leaning back into his chair, and allowed the conversation to continue without saying anything more.