Chapter 2- Vampires
It was almost dusk when Mrs. Weasley entered the enormous library of No. 12 Grimmauld Place where Ron, Ginny and Hermione spent most of the day.
She found them huddled together on an overstuffed Victorian-style couch, whispering in hushed tones.
"Ehem," Mrs. Weasley cleared her throat.
The trio looked up and found Mrs. Weasley standing by the oak door looking worried.
"I need to talk to all of you. Kindly follow me to the kitchen," said Mrs. Weasley.
Without a word Ron, Hermione, and Ginny followed Mrs. Weasley down the grand staircase to the kitchen. As the teenagers passed the once opulent receiving hall, they found a gathering of sullen looking wizards putting on their traveling cloaks. They saw Mr. Weasley who gave them a small nod as they passed by. Kingsley Shacklebolt was there talking intently to Alastor Moody. Tonks who was carefully adjusting Remus Lupin's cloak. The Weasley twins were also there, tweaking their brooms. Bill Weasley was standing behind his brothers and plus a few others whom they did not recognize.
As they entered the kitchen, Mrs. Weasley said "Please have a seat."
Quietly they sat down.
"Something terrible has happened," started Mrs. Weasley as she wiped a single tear from her left eye.
"Is Harry alright?" asked Hermione.
"From what Mrs. Figg has reported, Harry is fine," replied Molly Weasley, trying her best to give a small smile.
Ron gave out a huge sigh of relief. The girls followed suit as well with smiles on their faces.
"But…" began Mrs. Weasley.
Almost immediately any joy in the air vanished as the 3 young wizards stared intently at Molly Weasley.
"A group of deatheaters attacked a small muggle village last night, killing all the inhabitants except for a young boy."
Mrs. Weasley was crying as she relayed the horrendous events of last night.
"Oh no," said a shock Ginny Weasley.
Hermione was crying on Ron's shoulders. Ron was staring blankly into space, while one arm was around Hermione, trying to comfort her.
"Dumbledore has instructed the Order to bring Harry here. He believes that Harry is safer here with us," added Molly Weasley.
"I thought there was a protection charm on the house," asked a teary eyed Hermione.
"Yes, there is. That charm will keep Harry safe as long as he stays inside or does not venture further than a specific area around his relatives' home, but Dumbledore said that knowing Harry he'd rather have him here," replied Mrs. Weasley.
Harry Potter was rummaging through his trunk and throwing his invisibility cloak, a small pouch filled with gold galleons and his Gringott's key, the Marauder's map and several objects into his rucksack. He put the pack over his shoulder and hurried down the stairs.
As Aunt Petunia saw his nephew make a mad dash toward the door, she asked "Harry, where are you going?"
"Out," came Harry's short reply.
"Harry, you can't leave. It's safer here," pleaded Aunt Petunia as she held her nephew's arm.
"I can't have him get away with this," answered Harry without looking at his aunt as he grabbed the door knob.
Without a second thought, Harry opened the door and there stood their neighbor Mrs. Figg.
"Where are you heading?" inquired the old Squib
Mrs. Figg's presence caught both Harry and Petunia completely by surprise. Harry leaped back and drew his wand.
"Mrs. Figg?"
"It's not safe to leave this house," warned Mrs. Figg. "Don't leave this house, Harry," she added as she entered the home and closed the door behind her.
"I have things to do," said Harry.
"What things Harry? Like trying to get yourself killed," said Mrs. Figg as she did her best to block the exit.
"Voldemort killed a whole village. I will not stand here and do nothing," cried Harry.
"You'll be helping more if you stay here. The Order will be here soon to fetch you. Dumbledore sent me here to make sure that you don't leave."
"I went through a month without news and all of a sudden Dumbledore is giving me orders. I'm not a child," replied Harry rather acidly.
As he made another grab for the doorknob, they heard several thuds coming from the Dursley's back yard.
"Secure the perimeter," ordered a deep male voice.
The Riddle house seats on top a hill overlooking the town of Little Hangleton. The former home of the wealthy Riddle family had lain in ruins for years, with its once manicured gardens overgrown with weeds and the elegant brass fittings now dull and unmaintained. The only caretaker of the house mysteriously died 2 years ago. The people of Little Hangleton had tried in vain to find a descendant of the Riddle family. They wanted the house either repaired or destroyed, because it has become an eyesore in their picturesque village. Little did they know that a descendant of the Riddle family has taken up residence in the bowels of the derelict structure, Tom Marvolo Riddle, the dark lord has made his father's house his lair.
"My lord," started Peter Pettigrew as he bowed lowly in front of his master. "They're here."
"Where are your manners, Wormtail? Show them in," ordered Voldemort who was sitting on a throne made of dark wood covered in red velvet, on his lap was Nagini.
Wormtail bowed again and went to do his master's bidding. After a few moments, he returned with 2 companions, a tall beautiful woman with dark hair that went past her waist and an equally striking man with broad shoulders. The stunning pair was dressed in black from head to toe.
"Ah… greetings my friends," said Voldemort, arising from his throne.
The woman smirked, "Why have you called me here?" Her name was Lamia, queen of the vampires. The man who was with her was her consort, Claudius.
"That's what I like about you, my dear. Straight to business," replied Voldemort.
"I have a proposition."
"What is it?" asked the vampire queen with a heavy Eastern European accent.
"Serve under me and you and your kind will once again rule the night."
"Hah! Vampires serving a wizard, the whole idea is laughable," replied Lamia with disgust.
Voldemort slammed his fist on to a table holding a large stone basin with runes etched on its edges. "What's laughable is that the vampires have been reduced to mere scavengers. Feeding on animal blood, and draining the blood on newly dead human corpses."
With a wave of his hand, Voldemort conjured up an image of the vampire colony living deep in the Forbidden forest. The once feared race of immortals, have been pushed by wizarding law to a mere fraction of its former existence.
"I promised your people, freedom. Freedom to feed again on human blood," enticed Voldemort.
"What service would you require of us?" inquired Lamia.
"Strike fear in the hearts of both wizards and muggles alike."
"What's my guarantee that you will deliver your promise?"
Voldemort waved his hand again, the scenery in front of them changed. It showed the village of Little Hangleton. With an evil smile, he turned to the vampires and said "Enjoy."
Lamia gave an equally evil smile and called on her coven to feast on Little Hangleton.
Upon hearing the commotion coming from the Dursley's backyard, Harry approached the backdoor cautiously with his wand raised. Aunt Petunia was cowering behind him.
"What's going on?" she asked with terror in her voice.
Instead of answering, Harry gestured for her to stay silent. He then heard a click and the backdoor swung open. Acting on his instincts, Harry yelled "Expelliarmus." His spell sent the intruder flying across the yard.
"Arthur, are you ok?" came a familiar voice.
"Tonks?!" Harry called out, immediately lowering his wand and running out the door.
Harry found himself surrounded by several wizards with their wands raised and pointed at him. He saw Tonks helping Arthur Weasley on to his feet.
"What?" asked a bewildered Harry.
"Where did you find the real me at Hogwarts?" asked Alastor Moody, as he stepped out of the group with his wand still raised.
"Professor Moody? What's this?"
"Answer me," demanded Moody.
"I found you inside a magical trunk in your office," answered Harry, his eyes darting to each wizard present.
It was only then the Moody lowered his wand and the others present followed suit.
Harry dashed to Mr. Weasley's side as he came closer; he saw that Arthur Weasley had a large gash on his forehead that bleed rather profusely. Tonks was applying pressure on the wound with 1 hand and trying to hold Mr. Weasley with the other.
"I'm so sorry, Mr. Weasley," said Harry, holding on to the wounded wizard on the other side.
"No worries. We should have knocked," replied Mr. Weasley.
"Let's get him inside," came the voice of Aunt Petunia.
Fred and George Weasley came over and gently aided their father, one on each side, towards the Dursley's kitchen.
"Nice shot, Harry," commended George lightheartedly.
"Even though you did hit our father," added his brother, Fred.
"I'm so sorry," was all that Harry could say as he watched the retreating forms of the Weasleys, followed by Tonks.
"Like what George Weasley said, nice shot," said Moody, approaching Harry. "But don't be too quick to lower your wand," he added. "You have to be sure whether that person is friend or foe."
"Lay off it, Alastor," interjected Remus Lupin.
"Lay off it Remus?!" What if we were deatheaters? Harry could be dead by now," replied Moody.
Before Remus could reply, Tonks called out "Harry, help us."
Harry ran towards the house and saw Aunt Petunia and Tonks fussing over Mr. Weasley, whose outer robe was soaked with blood.
"Go upstairs and get the first aid kit," instructed Aunt Petunia.
Without hesitation, Harry did as he was told
"Here it is," said Harry as he handed the kit to Tonks.
"He is still bleeding," cried Petunia as she continued to apply pressure on to Arthur's forehead.
"This will help," said another wizard who just entered the house, followed by Bill Weasley.
The wizard handed Tonks a small leather pouch. Tonks immediately emptied the pouch's contents on to the kitchen table. Harry saw several vials filled with different colored concoctions. Tonks poured a green colored potion on a clean gauze pad and applied it to Mr. Weasley open wound. Arthur Weasley winced, but the bleeding stopped almost instantaneously. She then proceeded to wrap the wizard's forehead with gauze bandages.
"Drink this, Arthur. It will help replace the blood that you lost," instructed the wizard who handed Tonks the potion-filled pouch.
"Thank you, Shen," replied Mr. Weasley as he drank a small vial containing a clear, thick liquid.
At this point, the wizard named Shen took off his hood. Harry saw a handsome Chinese wizard, probably in his 40's, with dark hair that was neatly parted on 1 side. This was the first time that Harry has seen him, but he had an air of familiarity that surrounded him.
"Is the perimeter secure?" asked Moody.
"Yes," replied Bill Weasley as he assisted his brothers in wiping the blood off their father's face.
"Then we need to leave as soon as we can," replied Moody.
The assembly of Order members nodded in agreement.
"Kindly get your trunk ready, Harry," requested Lupin, giving Harry a small yet friendly smile.
"I'm not going," Harry sternly replied.
"Why?"
"I need to go find and kill Voldemort" (at the sound of Voldemort's name the gathered wizards cringed).
"We have strict instructions from Dumbledore…" started Moody.
But Harry interrupted with great anger, "Why should I obey him. Everybody expects me to defeat Voldemort, but I'm kept in the dark. If Dumbledore is truly a great wizard, why did he let those innocent people die? If he won't do anything, then I will!"
"That is exactly why Dumbledore keeps you in the dark. You act and think like a child. You let your emotions lead you," replied Moody calmly. "If you face the dark lord now, you will be killed."
"What do you want, Harry?" asked Kingsley Shacklebolt.
"To defeat Voldemort," came Harry's answer.
"Then let us help you."
Harry mulled in over and said, "Let me get my trunk."
At the stroke of midnight as the village of Little Hangleton slept, dozens of vampires and deatheaters entered the village. Leading the vampires was their queen, Lamia. Alongside her was her consort, Claudius.
Lamia began to address her gathered coven, "My children, tonight we reclaim what is rightfully ours, the right to feed on fresh human blood."
Upon hearing this, the vampires expressed their delight, each exposing their razor sharp fangs. The deatheaters present proceeded to form a circle in the middle of the village's main square. With their wands raised, they yelled out in unison "Accio." In an instance, people, who were in their night gowns and pajamas, flew out of their homes through the windows and doors (the reason why the deatheaters accompanied the vampires was that a vampire could not enter a person's house without being invited in, so it was best to bring the victims to them). The vampires descended upon their victims, biting and reaping their necks to access the blood-filled veins. When a vampire finished draining blood from a victim, he or she would just move on the next. Screams of pain and terror filled the night air. This scene continued until none was left alive in Little Hangleton.
Harry arranged his books, quills, & parchments as neatly as he can in his trunk. Aunt Petunia was quietly folding up his remaining robes. She had placed all of his clothes in order, as she put the last few items in the trunk Harry remembered the conversation they had the previous day.
Petunia gave Harry a motherly hug. Harry was surprised, but he returned the gesture.
"I have one more thing to give you Harry," added Aunt Petunia.
She then proceeded to pull out an envelope from her skirt pocket. She gently handed Harry the envelope.
"What is it?" asked Harry.
"Open it," answered Aunt Petunia with a smile.
Harry pulled out an old wizard picture.
"It's from your parents' wedding"
Harry stared at the photo, tears welling up in his eyes. His mum was wearing a white wedding gown, she had white flowers in her hair and she was holding her husband's arm. James was beaming, looking handsome in his formal robes but his hair was still a mess. Harry then spotted Aunt Petunia wearing a powder blue outfit trying her best to straighten out Lily's train. Next to Aunt Petunia stood a young witch, who wore the same powder blue dress. She looked like Lily but had the same dark hair as Petunia.
"That's our younger sister, Rose and over here is, our parents," Petunia's finger trailed to the left side of James.
Harry saw a middle-aged couple who were smiling. His maternal grandfather had his hand on James' shoulder while his wife was trying his best to flatten his father's hair.
Harry smiled at the sight of this.
"Where are my dad's parents?
Aunt Petunia swallowed hard and replied, "They were killed by Voldemort's followers a few months after your father finished his studies at Hogwarts."
Harry felt an anger rise up inside him. An anger that completely consumed him, it was at that point that he vowed that he will destroy Voldemort even if it lead to his own death.
After packing his belongings, Harry dragged the heavy trunk together with his broom towards the landing of the stairs. Aunt Petunia was right behind him, carrying Hedwig in her cage. The Weasley twins met Harry and Petunia halfway down the stairs and offered to help. With the twins carrying Harry's trunk, he was able to take Hedwig from his aunt.
"I guess this is goodbye," started Harry, as he laid Hedwig's cage beside him.
Aunt Petunia smiled and said, "Take care of yourself and try to have a good term."
"I don't know Aunt Petunia, especially with all the things that are happening. I'm not optimistic that this will be a good year," replied Harry.
"I'm hoping that everything will be alright in the end. Bye Harry," said Aunt Petunia, giving Harry another hug. "See you next summer."
Harry smiled at his aunt, before joining the others in the kitchen.
"Is everybody ready?" asked Moody as Harry entered.
"Yes."
"We will be going to No. 12 Grimmauld Place on brooms, since it is most likely the safest way for us to reach our destination. The Floo and Portkey networks are heavily monitored," said Moody.
Kingsley Shacklebolt stepped up and explained their strategy, "Harry will be flying in the middle of our formation. Since there are 10 of us, 6 will surround Harry and 2 will fly ahead to make sure that the coast is clear. The remaining 2 will fly behind us, making sure that we are not being followed."
"In case, we are attack, don't break formation whatsoever. Our main goal is to get Harry to headquarters. Even if we lose someone tonight, we have to fulfill the task that has been appointed to us," added Moody.
The wizards present nodded in understanding, except for Harry who felt a hard lump form in his throat. He felt uneasy that just his mere presence could put others in harms way. Before Harry could protest, he felt someone leading him to the backyard.
"Stay close, Harry," Shacklebolt instructed.
Remus Lupin and George Weasley mounted their brooms and flew ahead, scanning the skies for any danger. Once it was safe to proceed, George sent down an enchanted origami swan to the awaiting party.
"Mount your brooms," ordered Moody.
Harry mounted his Firebolt and 6 wizards surrounded him, these included Mr. Weasley (who was looking better), Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Fred Weasley, a wizard named Reginald and a young witch whom Harry did not recognized. Taking up the rear were Shen and Bill Weasley.
The group soared through the fields of surrey and made their way through the skies over London, until they reached their final destination, No. 12 Grimmauld Place. Waiting the entrance hall were Mrs. Weasley, Ron, Ginny and Hermione. When Harry stepped into the room, Ginny and Hermione ran over and gave him a hug, much to Harry's surprise.
"Welcome home," greeted Mrs. Weasley, together with one of her trademark bone-crushing hugs.
"Thanks Mrs. Weasley," said Harry.
Molly Weasley immediately let go of Harry at the sight of her husband who was rather pale and had flecks of dried blood on his face.
"Dear Merlin, Arthur, what happened?" she inquired with much concern.
"I had a little accident, that's all," replied Mr. Weasley.
"It was my fault. I'm sorry," said Harry.
"Harry, don't be sorry. It was an accident," reassured Mr. Weasley.
"Arthur, let me have a look at that forehead," said Mr. Weasley as she was trying to peel of the bandages.
"No Molly. I'm fine."
"I still have some of that wound remedy that Aunt Muriel made."
At the sound of this Mr. Weasley turned paler and said, "Molly, anything but that."
"Oh, don't be such a chicken. Come on before that wound gets infected."
Mr. Weasley looked to his children with eyes pleading for help.
"Sorry Dad. We can't help you with that one," said Ron, who then turned to greet Harry with a firm handshake, 'Welcome back mate."
A/N: Big thanks to Randl Scot, my sole reviewer. I really hoping that I get more reviews, since I love reading everybody's comments, good or bad.
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