Title: The Innocence Of Guilt
Author: ENSIGN
Chapter 12 – I'm Her… Say What?
Location Unknown – Deserted Town – Spire: Throne Room
Harry stared bugged eyed at the man before him. He really wished he could turn away from the gruesome sight but somehow his body refused. He wasn't sure if it was fascination or horror that made him continue staring.
Then again, it could be that both of them had stabbed the man in seemingly fatal locations.
The Vampire Lord had stumbled back in surprise initially, before straightening and giving them an amused look as blood flowed down the front of his ironically white suit. The white shirt was rapidly turning a dark shade of red as more and more blood escaped. Harry's eye flicked downwards as he spied the small amount of blood pooling at the Vampire's polished formal shoes.
Dracula reached a hand to his throat and fingered the dagger's hilt gently before ripping it out in one quick motion. The serrated blade's hooked tip caught the flesh and literally tore out the throat.
Harry's left eye twitched as he could definitely make out the white translucent cartilage protruding slightly through the red flesh and blood.
The legendary Vampire, seemingly unconcerned with his further injury teased his open would with a clawed finger. Finding the piece of white cartilage, The Vampire pushed it back into his neck. He grunted and spat out a globule of blood onto the floor.
"That was rather rude of me, sneaking up behind guests when we so rarely have them here. Then again, I don't remember stabbing ones host as a method of greeting." The Vampire gave a feral grin that exposed his fangs.
Harry doubted anyone had met Dracula anytime lately, however as per the novel, Bram Stoker's description of him was rather accurate.
The Vampire lord had a rather strong face, high bridge thin nose and a lofty domed forehead. He currently had white hair pulled back in a ponytail and Harry didn't know whether to pay attention to the man's fangs or to the heavy white moustache that lay above them.
'Even got his eye color right.' He noted as he stared at the Vampire's blue orbs as he proceeded to rip the dagger out of his undead heart using his free hand.
The gathering of Vampires chose to remain in position and silent as they watched the proceedings. Harry almost wished they would do something rather than stand and watch. He never did like people staring.
"Rather nasty weapons you have here." Dracula examined the hooked tips. "Designed so that whoever extracts them incorrectly would further worsen the damage." Here he motioned towards his throat where the flesh and skin had already begun slowly knitting together.
"I thought you said nothing could live without its head or heart." Mary hissed seeing the regeneration process.
"I did. Dracula's a bit of an exception." He really wondered if the good Professor Helsing had indeed killed the Undead Lord or simply thought that he did. "Wish I had his regeneration." He winced at the pain every time he shifted.
Lucy had obviously heard their softly spoken conversation as did most of the Vampires around them. It was rather hard to avoid, seeing as most occupants currently had enhanced hearing in a near silent hall that easily echoed. "Father is an exception. He's sort of hard to kill."
At this point the Vampire Lord stared at his daughter. "You tried to escape again."
"Er… yeah. Would have made it this time had our guest not blown up the wards." She glanced at the two Unspeakables that were making sure to stay a certain distance from the Lord of Vampires.
"Very well, I'll deal with you later." Dracula announced and exploded into a mist of fine blood.
Mary jumped at the sudden action and took a step back as the bloody mist advanced towards them. Harry's hand clamping down on her shoulder prevented her from moving further and calming her down.
"Blood mist." He informed his partner as he tried his best to remember all the unnatural powers the Vampire Lord was assumed to possess.
The mist ghosted past the two Unspeakables and Lucy. As it passed Mina who had taken to leaning against one of the numerous support pillars, the Vampire Mistress burst into a similar red mist and both flowed quickly towards the dais.
Both Vampires reformed seated upon their respective thrones. As Dracula and Mina formed, high backed chairs rose out of the stone floor appearing besides the various Vampire Elders. Pillows and banners signaling their various clans appeared magically. They each took a seat as a small table formed beside their seats and two bottles and a pair of crystal goblets appeared.
"Come, you two are guest now that you passed the test." Lucy tugged at Harry's robes.
"Test?" Mary questioned still a bit lost with the sudden proceedings.
"If you make it to the throne room and defeat its guardian then you're allowed an audience with our Lord." Lucy stated as she tugged.
"Please don't do that. While my regeneration is increased in this form, my larger wounds are still healing. Besides can't you do something about that?" Harry gestured at the red runes glowing beneath their feet."
"Not while the Vampire council is in session, security and all that." Lucy said and led the two Unspeakables to a position to the left of the dais, it, like the Steward's platform was raised but lacking a throne.
With a snap of her fingers the stone platform grew wider and formed three high backed chairs for them. "Be glad, for today you're the guests of honor for the Tepes family." She gave them a smile and pulled off her crucifix.
The same blast of suppressed magical energy blasted out from her as her Vampire features were once again revealed. Harry flexed his claws as the magical energy washed over his wounds stinging them slightly.
The Boy-Who-Lived looked at the two bottles and realized they were filled with wine and blood. His animal instincts voiced its preference of something bloody, while his human one much preferred anything but blood. Using the provided corkscrew he popped the bottle, his forked tongue snaked out tasting the smell rather than his nose smelling it. He grimaced as his new senses cringed at the overwhelming sulphuric scent.
Reluctantly he went with a compromise and mixed the two substances in a single goblet. He noticed that most of the Vampires throughout the room had done pretty much the same.
Harry carefully cradled the crystal goblet wary of his newfound strength and tried the liquid combination. To his slight horror, his new taste buds and instincts found the beverage extremely inviting.
He tuned out the voices of the other Vampires taking as he focused on swirling the red liquid in his goblet. It was already nightfall back in England and they had probably been here easily five hours. The time coupled with the day's events had Harry's senses shutting down as more and more of his awareness left him. He mainly focused on swirling the red liquid and staying awake.
Despite being surrounded by beings that could easily kill him without much thought, Harry dozed off into a semi trance like state. After all, if they hadn't killed him for sticking a blade into their Lord they wouldn't be killing him in his sleep.
Harry gave a slight smirk that acquired the curious stare of his partner. If there was on thing he knew about most beings of nobility, they were always ruled by pride.
XXXXX
Location Unknown – Deserted Town – Spire: Throne Room
Mary leaned back into the cushion propped up behind her. She let out a breath as she allowed her body to relax. She winced slightly as her bruised and probably broken ribs caused her to cramp up. Coming off the adrenalin high was never a good thing when one had injuries.
She wondered how much her partner's wounds were affecting him. She knew that some of the deeper cuts he had taken had yet to heal, and Dragon physiology or not, no teenager should have to ignore the amount of pain he was no doubt feeling. She made up her mind to check up on his wounds later.
Her attention was gained when she heard the telltale squeak and pop of a bottle being unplugged. Seeing her mentor and friend slither out a thin forklike tongue to sample the taste sent a slight shiver up her spine. It most definitely disconcerting yet somewhat ironic that Harry had possessed the snakelike tongue, that most individuals associated with the current Dark Lord.
She raised an eyebrow seeing her partner smirk as he slowly swirled his crystal goblet in a daze. The man was definitely thinking something that would no doubt spell future headaches for her.
"Mary." She turned to see Lucy offering her a goblet filled with what she supposed was wine. Despite the state of her ripped dress, the Vampire Princess sat with the posture, pride and stature befitting her station.
"Thanks." She accepted the drink and took a tentative sip. The heavy body of the wine left a rather particular coppery aftertaste.
Lucy smiled seeing her reaction. "A rather interesting wine made from the sauvage de sang grapes. Cabernet Sang is a popular choice among Vampire kind for its distinctive coppery after taste."
Mary stared at the girl. "If my French is correct 'sauvage de sang' means wild blood."
Lucy smiled ignoring the on going meeting. "Correct. The grapes have high iron content and thus the bloody coppery taste."
Mary took another sip of her wine as Lucy filled her second goblet with a combination of the two drinks.
"Why do you do that? Isn't the wine's taste enough." Mary pointed out as she stared at the blood flowing out of the bottle.
Lucy raised an eyebrow. "To us Vampires, drinking blood is similar to having a meal. Therefore, you should consider this conclave meeting a formal dine and discuss. While we Vampires enjoy the wine with its bloody taste it has absolutely no nutritional content for us. Next question?" She seemed amused by the girl. "On that note, while it is a rather interesting charm, it is rather disconcerting speaking to a void of darkness. Would you be so kind as to lower your hood, rest assured that your identities shall remain a secret?
Mary looked to her partner that had forgone his hood. His identity was probably secure, the earlier bruises and blood stains had made it hard to discern. Now with his altered facial structure and eye color, most would be hard pressed to connect her partner with the legendary Boy-Who-Lived. That and the evil fanged smirk coupled with his new features dissuaded most for the typical expected image of the Wizarding World's savior.
She shifted her features and lowered her hood. "I'm a Metamorphmagus so this isn't my real face."
Lucy accepted the concession and nodded.
"From your earlier words I thought you hated Vampires and yet you're one? Isn't that a bit hypocritical?" Mary remembered.
Lucy turned to make sure her father was currently distracted by a conversation. "Please do not mention anything about our excursion to my father. He would be most… displeased. In regard to my words, I don't hate Vampires. I hate the lowborn turned arrogant scum that infests this castle. We of the Tepes family believe that Vampirism is not a gift like many others, but a responsibility." She paused to take a sip of her wine.
"We may kill humans who are our prey but we don't do so indiscriminately. With Muggle technology we are able to cultivate blood as well as obtain our nutrition from blood banks. Of course we do pay for magical donated blood which is the best kind. Blood is blood, whether is comes from a bag donated or a person. The only difference is the cultivated kind, it lacks a certain flavor." She informed the Unspeakable.
"Most turned Vampires immediately go on a power trip abusing their supposed immortality, going so far as to push their superiority on mortals. These are the lowborn trash I refer to. We may be superior in most ways, but that doesn't mean we should announce it. After all, quantity will sooner or later overpower quality and six billion humans…" she shrugged as she trailed off.
Mary nodded seeing her point of view. She supposed that Vampires did see the world slightly differently. "So what's this about you escaping? I assume a Princess would be able to do just about anything."
Lucy snorted. "I'm a secret. No Vampire other than the trusted and Elders are aware of both mine and mother's existence. That is the reason I wear this crucifix and pose as a human. The only times I am allowed out of this tower is with the company of either the Master or my mother."
"That sort of explains your desire to get out." Mary wondered how boring it must be being cooped up in a tower.
"It's actually a test of my abilities. No Vampire power and magic allowed, and should I escape the tower into the courtyard, mother and I will be formally introduced to the Vampire community." Lucy explained as she took a sip of her drink. The Vampire Elders were arguing amongst themselves again.
"So how old are you really? I have heard that Vampires age rather slow." Mary curiously asked the girl.
"Fifteen." Lucy smirked. "It's true somewhat. We age slightly slower in stature but our features age normally like humans. It all then than stops at our prime. It's the reason I'm still so small."
Mary had been wondering if she was just small at first, but now realized the Lolita looking teenager would grow out of the look in a few more years. "So jeans?" She looked at the Vampire's ripped dress.
"Seen them, bought them, wore them, father burnt them. Said it was unfit for someone of my station." She rolled her eyes. "One of the other reasons I'm trying to escape, then I can explore on my own and drop the Gothic Lolita look."
Mary smiled in amusement. The scary Vampire was still a teenager after all. "But you do the 'look' so well."
Lucy gave her an annoyed glare. "Leave me out of your fetishes."
Mary stammered out her denials.
XXXXX
Location Unknown – Deserted Town – Spire: Throne Room
"… Voldemort…"
The name had Harry snapping out of his daze and glaring in the direction it had come from. His awareness peaked as he focused on the current hot topic of discussion.
"He has sent emissaries to our various clans wishing our cooperation in the upcoming conflict." An elderly looking Elder voiced his concerns. Harry saw the irony in his description of the Vampire.
"The arrogance of that man knows no bounds." Mina hissed in annoyance. "We have received similar requests of him wishing an audience. We have so far declined."
"Voldemort is indeed bold to seek assistance from the Vampire clans without my express permission." Dracula added.
"Our clan believes he is hard pressed for support this time around. He ignored us the last time and only focused on the Werewolves." Another Elder suggested.
"We have received reports that most of his inner circle has been eliminated despite his ranks swelling from recruitment overseas."
"He should be dealt with." The Elder nearest to Harry voiced his opinion.
"Not as easy as it sounds. The treaties prevent us from openly declaring war." The older looking Vampire informed.
"I've heard that the man is no longer a mortal my Lord. There is evidence that he has partaken in the vilest of rituals and has shed his mortality."
Dracula's blue eyes narrowed. "None the less he is still a mortal, he can be killed can he not? The child of the Potter proved it sixteen years ago. Voldemort has simply bound his soul to this plane of existence. He is just as immortal as you or I. Death, while difficult, is still a possibility."
"What sort of rituals?" Harry asked, his eyes narrowed and his sudden interruption echoing throughout the hall.
The Vampire Elders turned to him. "You may be a guest of his Highness, but this meeting doesn't concern your Ministry." A thin Vampire dressed in a blue suit answered.
"I'm not asking this as a Ministry employee." Harry stood his goblet left unattended on the armrest.
"It matters not. This meeting is about Voldemort's affect on the Vampires, I doubt a mortal would be able to do much." The blue suited Vampire countered.
"I seriously doubt that." Harry strode forwards and brushed his fringe out of the way. "I took him out once and if you find him so annoying, I'm your best bet at taking him out again."
Most of the Vampire Elder's eyes widened in surprise.
"Besides, I came here to convince you not to join his cause, but hey, you're doing fine on yourselves already." Harry shrugged.
Dracula gave a deep laugh. "Well played indeed Harry Potter. Your faked death was indeed an excellent strategy. Tell me then, why you assume that you would be the one to defeat the current Dark Lord?"
"How about the fact that he has been as interested as a pedophile staking a young girl when it comes to me? After all I have only met him a total of five or so times." Harry pointed out. "Also being The-Boy-Who-Shares-You-Know-Who's-Hyphenated-Name means that I am also a prime candidate for death by his hand personally."
"Truth you may speak young one, however, we were looking for something a bit more… substantial." An Elder pointed out.
'Bingo.' Harry gave a feral smirk, his dangerous look further enhanced by the reptilian features. "Tell me gentlemen and ladies," he spotted two more females other than Lucy and Mina. "What do you know about prophecies?"
XXXXX
Location Unknown – Deserted Town – Spire: Guest Quarters
"Will you stop fidgeting and hold still." Mary snapped at her partner as she examined his scabbed wounds.
"And I keep telling you that 'I'm fine'." He tried to reach for his shirt but she held it out of reach.
"Not until I have made sure that all your wounds are healed and uninfected." Mary insisted as she forcibly turned him around to inspect his back where a massively long slash had been placed.
She examined the already scabbed wound. She was amazed that there wasn't the need for stitching or magic to seal the flesh. His Draconian physiology apparently had very rapid blood clotting and the ability to seal its own deep cuts.
"Don't bother about infections. In this state as long as all my wounds have scabbed over, I wouldn't be getting any infections when I manage to turn back." Harry informed as he summoned his shirt back and repaired it.
Mary stepped back, a frown on her face. She took in his changes once again noting the lack of a tail. His skin while still human had gotten rougher, as if his entire body was one big callus.
Harry blinked his inner eyelids as he wondered what was on his partner's mind.
"You really should master your transformation." A familiar voice spoke suddenly.
Harry checked his reflex action and instead glared at the corner of the guest room where Lucy in her Vampire form emerged from the shadows.
"Ever heard of knocking?" Harry pointed at the doorway.
Lucy smiled mischievously and knocked her hand on a nearby armoire.
"Why are you here? Shouldn't you be playing evil overlord's little Princess out there?" Harry asked slightly annoyed as he danced out of his partner's reach. His lack of sleep and current physical state was leaving him rather grouchy.
Lucy rolled her eyes and leaned against the armoire as Mary once again grabbed his shirt and forced him into a chair. After Harry's announcement of his identity and information regarding the prophesy, Dracula had them relocated to the guest quarters. The boy turned Unspeakable had been slightly surprised when the Vampire Lord had summoned a house Elf as their escort. Then again, who wouldn't want help that enjoyed work and refused pay?
"I was bored, besides, I rarely attend meetings." Here she seemed to perk up. "On that note, Mary," She addressed Harry's partner who was still examining his wound and applying healing charms despite his earlier refusal, "The Master has formally declared me as heir to the Vampire nation."
"Well good for you." Harry deadpanned sarcastically.
His partner's response held more enthusiasm. 'Wow! Really, I thought you had to escape?"
Lucy smirked in glee. "Mother argued that I would have escaped had you two not interfered."
"This is a good thing how?" Harry raised an eyebrow. Being the heir to the Lord of Vampires would most definitely involve politics, and Harry couldn't see why anyone would want any part of it.
"Not so at first, I'll just be required to attend every function hosted in my honor amongst the clans, until they tire of my presence. At least this will not be till my identity is revealed during the next official conclave meeting." Lucy rolled her eyes showing her opinion of anything formal.
Mary giggled. From what she had seen of the girl so far, she was anything but formal should she choose to be. Her foul language alone was enough to give an English noble woman a heart attack.
"The good part I guess is that I can finally leave this stuffy old tower and explore at my leisure. Father will definitely assign an escort, but meh." Lucy shrugged off that small detail.
Harry snatched his shirt and moved away before donning it. He frowned at the rips and tears in the fabric. "So basically, you were tired of listening to centuries old beings jabbering and decided instead to annoy us mortals in much need of rest." Harry summarized Lucy's visit
"You're not a very nice person Harry Potter." Lucy commented.
"You would be a bitch too if you were bleeding." Harry stared at her crotch making sure she got the message.
Harry smirked at the glare he received from the Vampire. He winced as Mary slapped his arm in retaliation for his comment. "Be nice James. She's our host."
Harry rolled his eyes. Mary still had trouble changing over to his real name. Then again, it probably was better that was. 'It would be pretty hard to explain her shouting 'Harry' during a skirmish.' He thought.
Lucy smiled at the other female in thanks. "Actually," She turned to Harry, "The council has come to a decision and the Master, requests your presence in an hour. I'm here to assist you two in getting presentable."
Harry snorted as he pointedly looked at the current state of Lucy's dress.
Lucy ignored the stare and grabbed his partner. "We ladies are going to freshen up, I suggest you do the same." The Vampire snapped her fingers and the room provided another washroom.
Harry smirked at Mary's lost look as Lucy dragged her into the adjoining room. He took one look at his ruined shirt and wondered if he remembered the correct charm to correctly fix fabric. Giving up he tossed it aside and stalked into the washroom.
Like all the other rooms in the tower, the washroom followed the dark motif. However instead of the obsidian stone that made up the rooms, the washroom was made from black marble with white veins running throughout the stone.
Harry raised an eyebrow at the extravagance the wealthy put into everything. For being a simple washroom it was overly large and had way too many shiny fixtures, the taps all being made from gold. The thing Harry found nice was that the entire room had been illuminated with soft orange light coming from enchanted crystals.
He spied the massive burgundy marble bathtub to his left, it was large enough to hold a small group. Knowing the highly sexual natures of some Vampires, he assumed it was a required feature. Directly opposite the entrance were two red marbled washbasins. Finally to his right were a two small cubicles holding a fairly large toilet and a shower. Beside that was a large walk in closet which he ignored. All in all, the bathroom was done up in a nice combination of red and black marble with gold fixtures here and there. He supposed that it was nice, but still to extravagant for his tastes.
Knowing he definitely didn't have the time for a bath he opted for a hot shower instead. He fumbled with his belt buckle, his long claws getting in the way of his fingers. Finally resigning that the simplest tasks were now impossible, he waved his wand.
'I feel like a Pureblood wanker using magic for the most basic things.' He thought as he shed his cloths and stepped into the shower.
XXXXX
Location Unknown – Flamel Manor – Nicholas' Study
The fireplace flared up in a burst of green flames as Nicholas Flamel returned to his family manor. He turned around to get a look at the clock on the mantle.
"Six in the morning." He mumbled as he deposited his cloak on a coat rack by the fireplace.
He had finally finished all his paperwork and decided to return home. Harry had yet to report in since his reported disappearance by the Intelligence Department. However Nicholas had faith that the lad would pull though. Harry just had an uncanny way to both get into and out of trouble.
He yawned tiredly as he removed a harness carrying a multitude of daggers and extra wands. It too joined the cloak hanging on the rack as he headed for the alcohol cabinet for a quick nightcap.
Conjuring up a couple of ice cubes he tossed them into a cut crystal glass and followed up with a generous splash of aged Irish whiskey. He slumped into the leather armchair surrounding the hearth as he nursed his drink.
Taking a sip he let out a deep breath in relaxation. Perenelle was no doubt asleep upstairs in their bedroom and would be nagging his ear when she awoke for spending too much time at the office.
Nicholas closed his eyes and enjoyed the crackling of the fire. For now it was peaceful. For the moment he was able to ignore everything that was going on in the World.
Flamel took a sip, his eyes still closed. He was long overdue on his retirement and had been considering a century of holidaying. This was just after Albus had just defeated Grindelwald. The two alchemists had predicted another century before the next Dark Lord rose. Of course Voldemort had to go and declare himself a Dark Lord curtailing Nicholas' holiday plans.
Nicholas' eyes snapped open at the incisive tapping coming from his office window.
He glared at the bird staring at him through the glass planes. The mail was rather early this morning. He waved his wand lazily, letting the avian messenger in. The delivery owl flew in and dropped an early edition of the Daily Prophet in his lap before flying back out the opened window.
Tucking his wand back up his sleeve, Nicholas used his free hand to unroll the paper. The name of his longtime friend in the headlines immediately caught his attention. He smirked, Albus Dumbledore had never been able to escape getting his name in the papers on a weekly basis. With his plethora of titles he was a constant target for the media, both good and bad.
Finally getting the paper unfurled, he brought the glass to his lips as he read. The liquor never made it to his mouth as fingers suddenly numbed, released their hold. The crystal glass bounced off the wooden floorboards spilling its contents.
Albus Dumbledore Murdered
Nicholas stared numbly in disbelief at the papers. Quickly his eyes scanned through the passages, years of reading the Prophet's tabloid writing styles allowed him to section out the relevant material.
His sleep forgotten, the immortal man sprung to his feet. Penning a note for his wife and leaving the Newspaper on his desk, he donned his harness and cloak. His shaking hands grabbed a fistful of Floo powder and flung it into the fires.
With a roar of green flames the Head of Unspeakables vanished back to the office he had vacated less than an hour ago.
XXXXX
Location Unknown – Deserted Town – Spire: Guest Quarters
Harry grabbed a towel that was conveniently in reach as he exited the shower. Drying his messy mop of hair he growled in pain as his claws punctured the drying cloth and scratched his scalp.
Staring at his blackened elongated nails in annoyance he tossed the towel aside and used his wand instead. He stared at himself in the mirror. He looked at his body, in his incomplete form he had gained a fair amount of muscle bulk, at the same time gaining a bit of height. Peering closer he noted that he still looked human except for the claws, eyes, elongated teeth and fangs. The last one he guessed wouldn't stand out among the Vampires. He opened his mouth to stare at the pointed serrated incisors as a thin tongue slithered out. He frowned at his new tongue and for a moment wondered how he was still able to speak.
'Magic.' He mentally answered the question.
Making a note to get his hands on Mandrake Restorative Potion as soon as possible he turned to where he had deposited his clothes. Harry raised an eyebrow. The House Elves were rather efficient creatures. All his clothes had disappeared and had been replaced with some new clothes hanging on the door. His Unspeakable cloak was nicely folded beside the new robes.
Learning his lesson he used his wand to put on the black pants, collared burgundy shirt and black vest. He was glad that the shirt was one of the old fashioned ones lacking buttons as he didn't know the spell to do them up. Using magic he threaded the emerald green ribbon through the collar and finished it in a bow.
Once again he approached the mirror and frowned at the messy mop that was his hair. Concentrating, he extended its length till it fell past his shoulder blades. Whipping his head back, he conjured up a ribbon matching his bow tie and bound his elongated side burns behind him. He smiled at the effect it had. His hair had been pulled back completely exposing his scar. The tying of the sideburns had allowed his hair to be loose yet pulled back and cascading down his back.
He prodded his scar with a clawed finger and grimaced. While not liking to show off his main claim to fame, he had learnt how much sway and use it had when reminding people just who he really was. Flash his scar and he cease being a sixteen year old teenager, instead he immediately became The-Boy-Who-Lived, the Wizard who took out the most powerful Dark Lord in the last five centuries.
Picking up his Unspeakable coat he checked that everything was still in place and that it hadn't been tampered with. The elves were excellent tailors and had repaired all the damage. He frowned as he realized that the magic suppression circle had managed to temporarily disable the cloak's protective enchantments. He cursed himself for forgetting his protective Mithril vest which would have saved him a whole lot of pain.
He put on the harness holding his spare wands and various other weapons. Checking that everything was in place he transfigured his cloak into a long black cloak with emerald trimmings to match his current style.
Harry noted he looked like a typical Pureblood noble and snorted in slight disgust as he was reminded of Lucius Malfoy. At least he didn't resemble the pretty boys of the Malfoy family in looks with his current facial features. Blinking with his inner eyelids, he turned and exited the room making note once again to acquire Mandrake Restorative Potion as soon as possible.
He only had to wait a few minutes before both ladies exited from their washroom.
He smirked at Mary blushing up a storm as she came out. The Vampire had no doubt forced her into the shower together. Vampires despite their ancient dress sense, were also well known for their lack of modesty.
Harry was extremely amused that his partner had been forced to adopt the lacy gothic style that Lucy favored. Mary was wearing a long flowing dark purple laced skirt and a purple frilled short sleeved blouse. Black lace covered the entire dress and hung off her sleeves, a black corset had probably been thrown in against her wishes if her lack of breath was anything to go by. Her cloak had no doubt been transfigured into the Witch's cape hanging down her shoulders and back. Harry raised an eyebrow at the fingerless shoulder length gloves.
Lucy on the other hand abandoned her previous clothes and had opted for a simple one piece gown. The black corset and choker was still in place as before. The gown had a red front panel with the rest being black. He noted the band of red around the arms giving the medieval look to the bell sleeve portion.
Harry was amazed that both their hair had been pinned up in elaborate designs. Magic really did make things faster.
"Would you escort us ladies?" Lucy grinned as she held out her elbow.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Whatever." He allowed the Vampire to grab his arm while waiting for Mary to grasp the other.
"Oh right." She realized he was serious and grabbed hold.
"Now don't panic. We're going to shadow meld, way faster." Lucy snapped her fingers, plunging the room into darkness. Harry discovered he had perfect night vision just before he felt like he had been plunged into a pool of freezing cold water.
"That was unpleasant." Mary shivered as she stared ahead at the two enormous giant doors before them. There had appeared outside the throne room.
"What an efficient way to kill someone's sex drive. I'll remember that the next time I require an ice cold dunking." Harry snapped as he felt goose bumps all over his arms. His current draconian physiology particularly hated anything cold.
"Sorry, Vampires aren't that sensitive to the cold. We sort of ignore it." Lucy didn't sound all that apologetic as she gave a smug grin at the group's male companion.
Harry glared at the Vampire as he wondered why all forms of long range magical travel were so horrible. He supposed that it was the price you paid for near instantaneous point to point transportation.
"Brought us outside the hall first, I wanted to get you used to the cold, it wouldn't be good if you started cursing up a storm."
Harry glared at the girl again. So she did know about the cold feeling.
She grinned as she grabbed hold of his arm. "Ready?" She didn't wait for an answer before she transported them again.
Harry had just managed to cast a warming charm before the sensation of cold hit him again. He held back the curse as they appeared in the throne room where Lucy's seat had been, the warming charm seemed to have no affect on the ice cold feeling that came with the Vampiric travel.
Both Unspeakables instantly noticed the lack of the many Elder Vampires from earlier. Instead the center of the room had a long dining table laid out.
A complete breakfast had been set up for them and amongst the usual morning dishes, Harry noticed a small platter of extremely rare steaks as well as a few more bottles similar to the ones before.
Both Vampire rulers were already seated awaiting them. Dracula sat at the table's head calmly sipping a from a crystal goblet, Mina to his left.
Harry seemed slightly surprised at the current setting. It had only been less than two hours ago when a bunch of ancients were having a meeting. He had been expecting a council session and not breakfast. He did take it in stride as he followed Lucy who was already moving towards the table.
"My wife decided on a less formal setting," Dracula stood as they approached, "Come join us. You must be famished."
"Thanks you for your generosity." Harry accepted as he pulled out the chair for his two female companions. He took his place besides Lucy who sat to her father's right. Mary placed herself beside him. Mina smiled at them as she poured some wine into her goblet.
"Eat, go ahead. Don't be shy. We'll discuss the important details later when you two are satiated." Mina invitingly waved at the dishes laid out.
"Indeed." Dracula nodded at Harry. With his part added, all three Vampires immediately helped themselves to the rare steaks.
Harry eyed the blood dribbling off the meat as they lifted it to their plates. He was tempted to try it as well but opted instead for the porridge.
"I thought that Vampire's don't get any nutrition from eating human food?" Mary finally spoke as she witnessed Lucy pouring a generous amount of blood from a bottle into her porridge.
"We don't." Mina said as she added a dollop of honey to her blood wine to sweeten the taste. "Only blood provides us with the necessary nutrients. However, all of us with the exception of Lucy were born human. We therefore still retain the fondness of human meals. It also allows for a longer meal to spend talking." The Vampire lady waved at her husband.
Harry found the situation slightly weird. He was sitting together with the two most famous Vampires in history and having breakfast. He gave a chuckle that caught the Master's attention.
"Something amuses you Harry Potter?" He questioned as he followed his daughter's example of blood porridge.
"Just the situation." The Boy-Who-Lived polished off his bowl.
"I see." The Vampire laid his spoon down. "So you wish to know our information on Voldemort?"
"I do." Harry stared into the Vampire's eyes. He felt the subtle tingle of mind magic and dared the ancient Vampire to try.
Dracula jerked back slightly as if struck as Harry's defenses activated. "A rather unique method of shielding ones mind," He commented, "I caution you that against Vampires the trick is only effective the first time."
"Noted." Harry broke eye contact. He had been expecting a much larger result.
"Now before I divulge this information I wish a favor of you Harry Potter." The Vampire grinned as he learned forwards.
"I'm listening." The others at the table either continued to eat or in Mary's case, silently watch the negotiation.
"My daughter," He indicated Mary, "Wishes to travel, you," He waved at the yellow eyed teen, "Shall be her escort and she your companion."
Harry's eye widened. 'Fuck.' He said internally as he thought it over.
"Why?" He finally spoke as he glanced at Lucy who was giving both him and her father a surprised look.
"You travel a lot if this excursion is anything to go by. Lucy wishes adventure, you can provide it and protection if the deaths of forty five Vampires are to be noted." Dracula gave a fanged grin.
"You are also rather interesting." Mina smiled.
"You aren't annoyed at the loss of so many of your kind?" Harry pointed out. He really didn't know he had gotten that many.
"No. I assign the useless irresponsible dregs of our society as security. Should they get eliminated, I wouldn't lose any sleep. Valdosta and Michal are able to keep them in line."
"So I escort your daughter till she gets bored or wishes to leave. In return you give me all information about Voldemort. No other strings attached." Harry confirmed as he remembered what being a Vampire's companion entailed.
"Yes." Both Vampires agreed simultaneously.
Lucy frowned at her parent's choice but remained silent.
Harry seemed to think it over for a while. "Deal." He reached out a clawed hand.
The Vampire Lord grasped it in agreement. "Protect her, Harry Potter, I would be most displeased if harm were to befall her. While our pact with the Wizards prevents our interference, we are able to provide assistance should you require it in defense of the Princess."
"Nice." Harry grinned.
"You shall be declared an ally of the European Vampire Nation, Harry Potter and…" Here he paused to stare at Mary. "Is your name really Mary Sue?"
Harry couldn't help it. His chuckle broke into a laugh at his partner's name.
XXXXX
Diagon Alley – Madam Primpernelle's Beautifying Potions
All three members of the group appeared outside the beauty saloon with a massive crack.
"Wow. Never tried double side along Apparation before." Harry commented as he steadied his two companions.
Lucy still looked slightly green at the Portkey ride they had taken to exit her home followed by the triple Apparation. "That was horrible. I'll stick to travel, Vampire style."
All three had left immediately after breakfast, both Unspeakables had retained their clothing. Harry had donned his cloak for cover, but had turned it black to prevent association with his job. Mary remained with her Witch's cloak as her ability as a Metamorphmagus allowed her anonymity. Lucy had her crucifix on and was currently 'human'.
"Hey Diagon Alley. Been here once." Lucy said in excitement as she looked up and down the street. "Don't remember it being this quiet though."
"It's the war. Everyone's afraid. They rather Floo into the stores get what they need and leave or use mail order." Mary commented slightly unnerved by the usually loud street turned ghost town.
"Why are you using Madam Primpernelle's?" Mary noticed the beauty saloon they had appeared in front off.
Harry sighed. "Because Slug and Jiggers Apothecary sells ingredients and a few common potions. Mandrake Restorative Potion is slightly more… exclusive." He explained tiredly, his lack of sleep getting the better of him.
His hand lashed out snatching a loose newspaper page before it could smack Lucy in the face.
"Nice catch." The Vampire commented.
Harry however failed to respond as his yellow serpentine eyes bore into the headline printed.
"Fuck." He summarized suddenly pale and shocked before recovering quickly. "Mary." He intoned seriously.
"Yes James?" The woman was getting worried, her partner never got like this.
"Take Lucy back to the safe house. Something important has come up." He pressed the article into the woman's arms as he strode into the store without a word.
"Huh?" Lucy stared as he disappeared into the store. "What's up with him."
"Oh god!" Mary gasped staring in horror at the parchment. "Sweet Merlin, he's dead."
"Who." Lucy snatched the paper out of her hands and read. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Well shit. This is bad for you magical folk." She said dryly.
"Come," Mary placed a hand on her charge's shoulder. "We must go." She activated her Portkey and the two vanished.
Inside the store, Harry dumped a piled of Galleons onto the counter. He ignored the Witch telling him he had overpaid. His shaking claws ripped the cork out and he swirled the liquid in the flask. He glared at the potion in his grip. Dumbledore had just been murdered. His claws tightened around the neck of the container as his rage grew. 'No.' he concluded, he wouldn't need the potion just yet.
His hands closed, crushing the flask in his hands. The shattered glass fragments crunching as they broke further under the intense pressure he exerted. Harry's yellow eyes focused on the liquid dripping from his clawed fingers to the floor.
He opened his palms and stared. There had been no pain when he had broken the flask. His skin had hardened and the faint outlines of scales were showing. His rage and magic had triggered the transformation further. The magical aura of rage and power was permeating the room. Harry vaguely noticed the store owner cowering behind the counter during his episode.
First, he needed information. He knew where to get it. The darker aspects of the Wizarding world were easily accessible. Second, he was going to track down the bastard cock sucking Death Eater who murdered the old man. Then, he was going to slowly render him bit by bit into small unrecognizable pieces. He was going to enjoy it and he knew just who to go to first.
'They will pay!' He savagely thought as he Disapparated, his exit punching through the store's wards and leaving a shockwave that blew out the store's windows.
XXXXX
Location Unknown – Unspeakable Safe House – Living Room
Lucy inspected the layout of the living room as she leaned against the mantel of the fireplace. Mary had chosen immediately to slouch into the couch as the Portkey deposited them in besides the fireplace. The Unspeakable shot off a miniature fireball and started a fire in the hearth.
The Vampire spied the girl's hands fidgeting with the cloth of her cloak. The girl was silently staring at the flames with a blank unfocused look in her eyes. If she didn't know better, Lucy would have associated the girl before her as a classic case of the Imperius Curse at work. However, she did know better, and Mary was definitely anxious. Lucy stared waiting for the Unspeakable to come back to herself. Vampires of her standing could be very patient if need be.
"I'm sorry, we don't have any blood, I can however, offer some tea." The woman finally turned her attention to Lucy after a minute of flame staring.
"Tea will suffice." Lucy moved to take a seat on the adjacent arm chair. "You're worried." The Vampire pointed out as Mary summoned a tea set from the kitchen.
"That obvious, huh?" She sighed as she conjured water into the teapot and heated it using magic. "I'm worried for James."
"James? Why his middle name?" Lucy seemed curious.
"His alias." Mary pointed out. "I only found out about him being Harry Potter less than a week ago."
"I see." Lucy grinned in amusement. "Now, on your topic of worrying. What are you worried about, his safety or his actions?" The Vampire leaned forwards.
"His safety of course," Mary blurted out, "I may not have seen them together but I have heard the rumors. Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter were very close to one another. I'm afraid he might do something that would get him killed."
Lucy's eyes glinted as she stared into the Unspeakable's eyes. "I would be wearier about his actions dear girl." A feral grin spread across her face. "I've seen that look before on many Vampire Elders. It's the look every Vampire Sire gets when they're informed of a slain Childe.
Mary leaned back as the Vampire leaned closer.
"It's the look of revenge. Revenge for a slain loved one, revenge that cannot be denied, revenge that matters not if you're innocent or guilty. It's the look of a man determined to kill." Lucy hissed viciously, her irises bleeding red as her natural instincts surfaced.
Mary turned away. She knew it was true even if she wished to deny it. James, even before she had known who he was, valued those that he befriended to an almost possessive point. She remembered the day he had given her the Mithril vest she now wore. He was willing to spend a ridiculous sum of money protecting her because she was somewhat close to him.
After she had recovered from the failed Killing Curse she had been approached by some of the Operatives in the main office space while he had been making his report. The Hit Wizards had said they were glad to see her alive and well. They also told her the fate of the man that tried to kill her. Harry had snapped, and brutally and physically assaulted the man. From what was explained, the man would never be able to eat anything other than through a straw, let alone talk or see again. Harry had literally beaten the man within an inch of his life.
Now he was faced with the murder of his mentor. Dumbledore had been rumored to be even closer to the teenager than she was. If Harry's brutal reaction to her death was any indication, she now knew what Lucy meant with her words.
"You don't know for sure, despite his need for vengeance, Ja… Harry would never risk innocents." She stared back at the blood sucker.
Lucy gave a dark chuckle. "Yes he wouldn't, but remember, his current instincts are that of a Dragon. They are awfully possessive, and nothing stands in the way of a Dragon out for blood." She licked her suddenly blood red lips. "Oh! How I wish I could be there as he mercilessly tears his enemies apart!"
XXXXX
Knockturn Alley – The Nesting Newt
Harry reappeared in the middle of the disreputable shopping distract with a tremendous boom. Punching through the alley's wards had once again resulted in a small shockwave that blasted two unlucky bystanders away from him. One was knocked unconscious as he impacted a brick wall, the other dazed when thrown into a barrel containing Dragon's dung fertilizer.
He ignored both the scream from the disgruntled store owner and the two bystanders. Instead his attention was on the faded sign board hanging by the tavern's door.
The Nesting Newt
He grinned. Not bothering to reign in his aura of power, he stepped into the tavern.
Richard Cox.
The name was an alias, the man dealt with information. His network of associates covered most of Europe and within their little circle they traded information amongst each other for profit, information that was most urgently wanted.
Harry strode to the counter where the barkeeper had risen from his stool in alert. Most of the patrons were staring at him warily. Knockturn Alley's reputation for holding the darker aspects of Wizarding society was mostly true. Anyone sitting in a tavern there, most likely had enemies.
"Richard Cox." Harry growled the name out.
The bartender pointed over his shoulder at a booth where two men were having a private conversation.
Two large sized bodyguards stood up from a table and made to intercept him as he approached. One man was still talking, however, the one he identified as his target was keeping an eye on him. The man had yet to draw his wand. Drawing a wand during a business transaction was not proper, not that Harry cared at the moment.
"That's as far as you go." One of the bodyguards spoke with authority as they both bared his way.
Waving both his hands violently, Harry unleashed a burst of raw magical force. Both men were tossed into the private booth and knocking the other two over.
Richard Cox was the first to respond as he was aware of an incoming attack. The man pushed the bodyguard off him and stood drawing a wand.
Harry flashed forwards and gripped the offending arm. Tilting it away, he redirected the curse. He felt the telltale feeling of Apparation as the man tried to escape.
'No.' He forced his magic against the other man's, aborting the escape. A fist into the man's solar plexus prevented any further resistance as he dragged Richard out of the booth.
He twisted the man's wand arm making him relinquish the weapon. Gripping his collar, Harry jerked the man face to face.
"Cox, you're a man who trades in information. I want to know every member of the Death Eater squad that murdered Albus Dumbledore!" Harry demanded throatily as he shook the man.
He felt hairs on his back bristle and spun around. Using his bare hands, Harry slapped the curse aside where it left a scorch mark beside a faded poster. He growled and released a blast of power knocking the attacker into the wall. The other Wizard slumped to the ground, unconscious.
Glaring at the rest of the tavern's occupants, Harry was satisfied when they turned away. Turning back to his captive, Harry was caught by surprise when the man had recovered enough to draw a second wand and fired a curse point blank into his stomach.
Harry stumbled from the force of the spell. His cloak's properties and recent magical resistance shrugged off the spell damage. Lashing out and gripping the arm, he crushed it hearing a satisfying snap.
Richard grunted at the pain and dropped the weapon. Forgoing the collar, Harry went for the throat this time. "Try one more time and broken bones will be the last of your worries." Harry hissed threateningly. "Now Dick, I'll make you a trade you wouldn't refuse. Tell me what I want or you lose the balls!" Harry held up a clawed hand showing just how he would deliver his ultimatum.
The man stayed silent as he glared at the Boy-Who-Lived. Harry growled and jerked his knee up. His kneecap slammed into Richard's groin and the man gasped in agony.
Harry released the choke hold allowing the man to fall forwards. He immediately grabbed a fistful of hair and jerk Richard's head back. "Who!" He growled threateningly, the draconian features coming into view as his hood slid back slightly.
The informant choked as he gasped out a name. "Jugson… Jason Jugson… Death Eater… been bragging lately about it… Don't know anymore."
"Where can I find him?" Harry demanded.
"Number sixty four, Hanover Street, Liverpool."
"Good." He dropped the man and Apparated out.
XXXXX
Location Unknown – Unspeakable Safe House – Living Room
"Where are you going?" Mary demanded as the Vampire moved towards the fireplace with a look in her eye the Unspeakable knew only too well. It was the look of determination.
"Harry James Potter, has agreed to the contract between my sire, the Master. As such he has been designated my companion till I tire of his service." Lucy snapped out quickly as she reached into the pot for a handful of the greenish powder.
Before she could throw it, the female Unspeakable had already drawn her wand. Lucy snarled in irritation before glaring at her. "Release the ward, woman. I have had just enough of waiting."
Mary snorted unfazed. "Join the club. James has always been one for disappearances without notification. Besides, what's got your knickers in a twist?"
Lucy blinked at the other female's reaction before frowning. "You have no idea what he agreed to, do you?"
Mary raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "He's been known to do stupid things, so what's a companion?" She did notice that while calmer, the Vampire's twitching fingers showed that patience was not one of her virtues, especially when this 'companion' this was involved.
"A consort of sorts," Lucy explained as Mary's eyes widened, "Not that type of consort." The Vampire corrected heading off the most obvious interpretation. "Of course such situations do occur." The Vampire added.
"Right…" Mary trailed off in slight disbelief. "So he's your consort."
"Companion." The other corrected. "A consort follows me. As a companion I follow him till I tire of doing so."
"I see…" The Unspeakable still sounded unsure.
Lucy sighed in annoyance at the lack of Vampire culture being displayed. "It means where he goes, by the order of my father, I follow, it is a learning journey of sorts for me. Therefore, leaving me behind while he goes off on a rampage sort of breaches the point."
"You didn't seem to mind earlier." Mary pointed out.
Lucy seemed to blush at that statement. "I forgot." She said softly.
Mary chuckled softly at the human like error, before realizing the look the Vampire was shooting her. "What?"
"The wards." Lucy intoned.
"No Vampire popping?" She asked.
"The best route to finding our missing in action query would be at your headquarters, as such I need the Floo. I haven't been to your Ministry Of Magic before."
"Oh, right." Mary stood and waved her wand as both females left through the fireplace.
XXXXX
Liverpool – Location Unknown
Harry appeared at the Liverpool Apparation Point via the use of a Portkey he had purchased in Diagon Alley. Having never been to that part of the country, he was unable to Apparate. The Apparation point was in a Muggle alleyway filled with large garbage dumpsters and the occasional trashcan.
His enhanced vision spotted the heat signatures of several rodents scurrying along the walls. The forked tongue flicked out tasting the polluted air. He had been forced to calm down considerably during his procurement of a Portkey. The man selling the service had been so terrified of his aura that he had been unable to focus correctly. Still his rage at Dumbledore's killers was slowly simmering away.
Stepping out of the alley he took in the midday hustle and bustle of the city as cars and pedestrians hurried about during the lunch hour break.
Discretely drawing his wand, Harry cast a Muggle Repelling Charm and proceeded to summon a map of the city from a travel agency across the street. He unfolded the piece of paper and discerned his location via the nearest street sign.
He browsed the map for a few minutes before he located the desired destination. The street was half way across the city beyond the river that separated it. Trusting the accurately scaled map he blind Apparated, the location firmly in his mind.
He appeared almost immediately at a street's corner. The magic fueling Apparation prevented him from appearing too near another person or into a wall. He looked up at the hanging sign and noted he was on the correct path. Counting the building numbers he Flash Apparated two blocks down to the correct residence.
Hanover Street while not part of the central business district of Liverpool city, it was still within the main city itself. There were a large number of civilian activities going on around him as he watched his target residence.
Like all the streets in English cities, Hanover Street was lined on both sides by old bricked buildings. They were all roughly four stories in height and some of them had attics present. The ground floors were mostly shops and stores, while the second floor and upwards were residential apartments.
Harry was vaguely amused that a Death Eater purist would be living in such close proximity to Muggles.
Number 64
He eyed the shop lot's number that was printed on a brass plaque above the store's signboard. The olden red bricked building was centered between two modernized counterparts. Both with glass panels facing the street, a yellow tinted one on the right and a clear multifaceted one on the left. He vaguely noted the multistory car park that was being constructed behind him across the street.
Observation of the Muggles walking on the sidewalk quickly showed the magical nature of the dwelling. All the Muggles were pointedly averting their gazes from the red bricked apartment. The entire building from the second floor up was most likely the residence of one Jason Jugson.
Harry's draconian instincts were screaming at him to charge into the place and tear the Death Eater limb by limb. He however hesitated slightly, running in would be foolish. He would walk instead.
Harry James Potter crossed the street and up the stairs leading to the apartment. His yellow eyes glowed in the darkened unlit stairwell.
XXXXX
Ministry Of Magic – Level Nine: Department Of Mysteries – Tactical Operations
"What do you mean 'you can't track him'?" Lucy hissed dangerously at the Unspeakable as he backed away from the irate bloodsucker.
"I… I mean just that Miss." He addressed the red eyed lady he no doubt suspected was a Vampire."
"Cool it Lucy." Mary placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "How can you not track him?" She once again asked for further clarification. "All Unspeakables have a variety of tracing charms woven into their equipment." It was also true that most Operatives also did indeed strive to remove them as well.
"It's just that, Griffin 08," The Unspeakable paused as his head shifted slightly. "The Operative known as simply Griffin doesn't exist. We have tried this numerous times before out of curiosity." He turned and pointed to a large pin up map of the British Isles behind him. Tapping it with his wand, he zoomed in on the Ministry building itself.
"Normally if one tries to trace an Unspeakable who has removed his tracking charms we get a default location of the Ministry itself. Your partner Miss Griffin 08 just doesn't exist." The man shrugged. "I'm sorry."
"Thank you." Mary waved him off as she turned to Lucy who was suddenly quite.
"Interesting." The Vampire's earlier irritation seemed absent as she pondered the new information. "There are no other methods to locate him?" She asked.
"Believe me Ma'am," The member of Phoenix Division sounded annoyed, "We've tried all of them. What ever he's using, it's good. He just doesn't exist. Only one who's shown a similar reading is You-Know-Who. But somehow I doubt they are one and the same."
"Very interesting," The Vampire turned to Mary, "Let us try my way."
Mary sighed and rolled her eyes, the Boy-Who-Lived really did have too many secrets. In her opinion this would have been easier if they had just gone to The Dragon. However the old man was currently missing as well.
"Where to now?" She turned to Vampire.
"Stonehenge, but first a small detour." The red eyed creature smiled at the challenge.
Mary gave a sigh and wondered why she had to be partnered with the difficult ones.
XXXXX
Liverpool – Number 64 Hanover Street
"Your cooperation has been greatly appreciated Mr. Jugson." Harry's growling voice mocked as he spoke to the badly mutilated corpse before him.
"A pity you resisted too long." He gave a dark chuckle. "Then again I wasn't going to let you live anyway."
Blazing golden eyes glared at the dead Death Eater. "No more mercy." He growled bearing his serrated fangs as he focused his magic.
With a thunderous bang, Harry Potter breached the wards to his next hunt.
Author's Note:
Yes once again I apologize for another late update. No excuse except that I have been really lazy lately. Been doing noting productive during my free time, gotta stop watching anime and playing computer games. A bit hard seeing as Starcraft 2, Tiberium Twilight and Bayonetta is coming out soon. Sigh. Anyway I really hope I can get it in gear and update soon. I promise the next chapter would be out before the 20th of February 2010. Aka a months time.
On another note congratulations to Lady Evans Potter on being my 1000th reviewer lol.
Also once again thanks to my beta Kia Lewis: The Stalker Of Stories.
ENSIGN
Nunquam Lamiae Morde "Me Ictus"