AN: Still own nothing. debating changing something I put for my summary at the beginning of the story. I said I was going to leave something(s) out from Van Helsing, but I'm not so sure now. it will bring back character(s) I intended on leaving out.

IM me at xXTheObsessorXx or msn messange me at najstrong at msn dot com to become a part of the plot-ish. You can also send me a review! I will need the help, trust me!

This choice will effect many chapters to come...so..yeah.

Bolded Italics is excerpt from the end of chapter 11.

Enjoy, my lovelies, review like crazy!

By Request, no center thingy for the chapter.

Chapter 12: Something to Believe in

"Hermione." he called

No response.

"I know you hear me!"

She was still walking away, crying in silence.

"HERMIONE!" He shouted. She finally turned around. His face full of anger. Hermione swallowed hard.

This cant be good..her mind foresaw the outcome.

He stopped her in her tracks with his powers as she began to run.

"Leave me be!" Hermione gritted through her teeth.

He had a hold of her now, and pinned her against the nearest wall. Rage was written all over his face. "HOW DARE YOU!!" The Count roared. Hermione let out a whimper, and tears fell down. "Everything I have done, has been for you. And yet, you refuse me and my intentions!"

She confessed mentally that he was right. "Don't you get it! I'm saving you from your mortal troubles, and more importantly, yourself. If I let you go, I can't begin to imagine what you'll be tempted to do."

Hermione's face was stained with tears. He didn't know what it was like to have fear. She couldn't begin to summarize her fear of him.

"I want a life that is mine!" she stammered. "I've been just property for what? Months now? I want to be able to lead my own path. And you're just trying to trap me in your world. Not everything is how you see it. Us mortals, as you call us, can break at some point. I'm surprised myself that I've survived this long. I've broken, but a different kind. Not the kind that is in your favor."

A blackness was in his eyes. He was definitely craving her blood. And he had been for a long time. Sure, he did have his daily servings, but it wasn't enough to Dracula. Her blood would finally make things right.

The girl tried to break his hold, but he came in closer, and thrust her into her. She felt his breath on her neck. It was as cold as the winter air.

"Who the fuck do you want me to be?" Hermione demanded to know. "Like one of your former brides? Who obeys your every whim? Who will throw themselves at you whenever you want to?"

"Silence!" he hissed. Hermione's heart was pounding from the fear. The fact was that he didn't want her to change. He liked her the way she was. "You don't have your mind straight. I am here to guide you.."

"Let me go! I just need to be away from you, and everyone! You're doing everything but helping the situation at hand!"

"Listen here!" He thrust her to him once again, and held her. "You will be a good mortal, and do as I say without questioning. Understand? And If you try to leave me, so help me, you will wish you never did." He lifted her head up slightly, and stared at her neck. Lust filled his cold eyes. Hermione whimpered again and nodded. He finally let go, and she sped up to her room. He knew he was wrong, but had to make a point. He'd pay for this later. And suddenly, his master was calling. He returned to his office. The Count had a somewhat feeling of guilt again. He hoped she could find something to believe in. Maybe even, to believe in him, or herself. Regret crept through his bones, and he wondered what he had done.

(AN: To the order the next day.)

Ginny Weasley had just returned from Hermione's house. She collected some things that she thought would help to "find her". Harry and Ron gave her a funny look.

"Is that...?" Harry started, but he didn't want to finish. He could see it in Ginny's eyes. She was desperate to find her best friend. Ron was quiet.

"It's none of your concern." Ginny whispered. She departed to her room and shut the door. This had gone on since the letter. Ginny scrambled through everything. Today, she found a letter from the Vatican. She read what it had inside. It described all bout Hermione's past, and what would happen if she succumbed to Dracula.

Ginny had a hunch she was one step closer to finding Hermione, but wasn't sure anymore.

She had grieved, but in denial. She was mad at Hermione for leaving. She was mad that Hermione didn't say anything to anyone.

Ginny silently cried again. For both of their sakes, she had to find something to believe in.

(AN: To Hermione...)

Hermione had left herself in her room. It was mid afternoon, and she had attempted to sleep all night. Insomnia took over. She had a craving to die. She was scared of what else would come from the Count. Would he continue in his outbursts? She had no idea.

She began to sing, having trouble with the words because of her exhaustion and tears. Nevertheless, Hermione's voice was beautiful. One of the servants could hear the enchanting words, and pressed their ear against the wall.

If I smile and don't believe
Soon I know I'll wake from this dream
Don't try to fix me I'm not broken
Hello I'm the lie living for you so you can hide

The song was by one of her favorite bands, Evanescence. She was astonished she still had that verse in her head. It had been a long time since she had even listened to any form of music. The lyrics described the last events.

Hermione was lying on her bed. Waiting for something to believe in.

AN: Please Read and Review...and help me choose. The next chapter will tell of Dracula's meeting with Satan, and then finally confronting Hermione after their encounter. Might make a video again inspired by Chapters 11 and 12. Might be looking for a beta because I am careless a tad bit when I write, hence forgetting certain errors in my story.