"Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential"
~Winston Churchill

Harry followed after Tom, his new clothing felt comfortable on his skin, the material brushing together making a soothing sound that he trained all his concentration on. Freaking out was certainly not an option. The elder vampire did not turn around once as they made their way through the labyrinth. The candles were flaring and their flickering flames glowed bright in the dark corridors, making his shadow extend outwards, brushing with Tom's as they walked together. Glancing down at the shadows he saw that his was almost caressing Tom's, the blackened extremities twining together to form a large expanse of darkness. Shivering slightly Harry saw that Tom was looking at him, one perfect eyebrow arched, transforming his face into a mask of impatience emphasised by the rough gesture into the door to his right. Scowling slightly Harry walked in and was greeted with a merry sight. There was a large table, the frame made of what looked like white gold and the table top made of crystal, sparkling in the light being emitted from the chandelier above. Ivory chairs were tucked under the clear surface, the cushions covered in white silk. The walls were a soft burgundy colour accentuating the warmth of the room and the floor was made of cherry wood, its glossy surface reflecting the activity in the chamber. A fire crackled happily in the hearth, the flames licking the logs trying to strip the bark off their surface, the warmth this task was emitting successfully banished the cold from the room. Sitting at the head of the table was Alderan, a warm smile gracing his features as he surveyed him. Inching his chair out he stood up and walked over to them and clasped Tom's hand.

"Tom would you mind coming by my chambers later?" asked Alderan, however Harry could hear the order behind the kindly uttered words.

"Of course, I must attend to my students now" said Tom, bowing gracefully and exiting.

After the door was closed Alderan gestured that he and Harry should go over to the table. Sitting down Alderan handed Harry a goblet, the fawn coloured contents smoking slightly, wafting the scent into his nostrils. It smelled slightly of mango with an underlying scent of tangerine.

"What is this?" asked Harry once Alderan had sat down.

"It is to help you ingest food, you will need one every month. I thought if we perhaps ate it would set you more at ease" answered Alderan softly. Grateful for the vampyre's generosity Harry watched as a door to the left of the fireplace opened. In entered a man, his skin was pallid like Harry's but he seemed to cower in Alderan's presence, his posture displayed subservience. He carried a tray laden with dishes, sniffing the air Harry felt a hunger pang at the delicious smells. The man placed a plate in front of him, it consisted of a bloodied steak with a variety of vegetables. The man then placed a bottle in front of him and uncorked it, it smelt sweet and a little metallic. With a start Harry realised it was blood. Procuring a wine glass the man poured out a generous measure of the crimson liquid, it sloshed against the sides of the glass before settling. Doing the same for Alderan the man stood back a little as if awaiting orders.

"That will be all Sanguini" said Alderan dismissively, looking at the vampire again he saw that he was the one at Slughorn's party from the year before.

"Now Harry I know that you will be a little reserved about drinking blood however you really do need it. If you are uncomfortable drinking human blood then animal shall suffice but in my opinion tastes vile," at this Alderan wrinkled his nose, "If you don't drink then you will die as your body needs the excess nutrients to keep your body functioning, I know that this is a lot to tell you at once but Tom has told me you are uncommonly stubborn."

Warily Harry lifted up the glass and sniffed. It truly smelt delicious and its scent seemed to sing to him, luring him like the sirens lured sailors. Hopefully though this wouldn't end in a shipwreck. Taking a sip tentatively Harry felt the flavour lather his tongue and inflame his senses. Swallowing he was left with an inexplicable need for more. Gulping the rest he grabbed the bottle and brought it to his lips. Drinking down the contents quickly he looked around hungrily, his thirst not sated. It felt like his throat was bone dry and only the blood would quench it.

Suddenly he was aware that he was standing up and he stilled for a moment. Listening intently he heard a heartbeat somewhere down the hall. Drawn towards it he ran to the door, grasping the door handle he pulled at it. When it wouldn't give he tried again. Growling he turned back to Alderan. The elder vampyre's face was filled with concern.

"Harry you cannot leave" said Alderan calmly, contrasting with his expression.

Stalking forward Harry growled again and made to lunge at him. Suddenly he felt a pair of hands clamp around his arms and snarling he turned to face his attacker. Tom appeared unruffled but his eyes contained cold fury shimmering in the blue irises.

"Let me go" growled Harry, his voice was filled with acid.

"I'm afraid I cannot do that Harry" said Tom coolly, his composure not as concrete as Alderan's. Twisting Harry tried to release himself from Tom's hold in vain. The elder vampyre's hands were like pincers and if Harry was still human his bones would have been shattered. Baring his teeth Harry tried to snap at Tom but before he could get a good hit his jaw was seized and his head turned quickly. Alderan's face loomed into view, he held up a phial and tipped it into Harry's open mouth. It tasted slightly sweet and Alderan rubbed his throat to coax him to swallow. As the contents went down his oesophagus Harry's vision quickly faded to black.

Harry opened his eyes, the first thing he registered was a pain searing through his forehead. Groaning slightly he rubbed his eyes and looked around the room. It was the same room he had woken up in earlier with the exception of Tom sitting on the couch and watching him with worry flashing in his eyes.

Sitting up Harry wished he hadn't as his world spun, mixing into a whirl of colours and confusing his already muddled brain. Groaning again he saw Tom approach him and peer into his eyes, Harry watched as a little of the concern left the elder vampyre's expression. Sighing in relief he sank back into his pillows as Tom took a seat on the edge of his bed.

"What happened?" asked Harry groggily.

"Your bloodlust was stronger than we had anticipated, normally it takes a few weeks for it to fully develop but in your case your magic is accelerating the process. I had warned Alderan of this but he was sure that it would be manageable" Tom's face evidently showed how stupid he thought this plan was and explained the fury that Harry had seen shining in them.

"So I'm a freak in this world too" muttered Harry bitterly.

"No you are the one thing that can possibly win this war. Alderan told me that our last oracle before Bellatrix foretold that you would lead us to victory. The fact that your magic is so strong is a great sign so no Harry you are not a freak in this world" said Tom, if Harry never thought the man was incapable of it he would have swore Tom was acting like he cared about him.

"Why do prophecies always rule my life?" asked Harry, irritated at how weak his voice was.

"You are special Harry, Fate has chosen you for many tasks and for that you should be thankful. You have the power to change which would never have been possible for mere mortals. I know it seems like a huge burden to bear but I have promised Fate and Alderan that I will assist you in this endeavour."

"What can you do?" asked Harry morosely.

"I can train you to develop your powers and channel your energy instead of letting it control you. I have a few other students already and tomorrow will be your first training session. We need you to get ready for returning to Hogwarts and this will be a gruelling task but one I am sure you are up to. I have watched you grow over the years and when you met me in the graveyard I knew you were well on your way to being the man that was prophesised to lead our struggle. Now anyway it is almost four in the morning and I suggest you get some sleep, the sun will be up soon and you are not ready to endure a full day. I shall send a pupil of mine, Lysander Chevalier, to collect you" said Tom standing up and straightening his clothes, from the state if them it appeared if he had been sitting on the couch for a long time. Smiling at him Tom then turned and walked out of the room, closing the door gently behind him.

Lying back down Harry yawned, even though he had slept all morning he felt drained and groggy. Hoping that it was just an after affect of the potion Harry snuggled into the covers and promptly fell asleep.

A sharp knock on the door brought him back to consciousness. Stretching he felt his muscles groan before throwing the covers off and standing up. He was still a little drained but felt a lot better than he had when he talked with Tom, now that he was alert he was sure he had imagined the caring tone Tom had used when explaining everything to him.

Stumbling over to the door he turned the brass handle and opened it revealing a man around about his age. He was around six foot and had his shoulder length honey blond hair tied back to the nape of his neck reminding Harry of Tom. His clothes also mirrored what Harry wore to dinner - he was now clad in pyjamas - except his shirt was brown complimenting his chocolate coloured eyes. Lysander's skin was tanned, showing his French heritage but lighter than it had been before the transformation if his melanin levels were affected like Tom had said. Through the fabric of his clothes you could tell he was toned, not overly muscled but strong enough to be able to up a good fight.

"I think Tom would blow his top off if you came to training like that" remarked Lysander, his eyebrows raised as he took in Harry's appearance.

"Give me a minute" said Harry closing the door in the vampyre's face.

Looking around the room he saw a pile of clothes on the couch, the same trousers and boots but this time his shirt was red and reminded him of the blood he had drank last night. Taking a deep breath to stave off the nausea he pulled of the pyjamas, folding them neatly and placing them on the couch. Putting on the clothes quickly he walked briskly to the door to see the vampyre pouting.

"That wasn't very nice you know" his voice ringing with mock hurt.

"I'm sure you'll survive" replied Harry dryly.

"If I don't I will haunt you" threatened Lysander, his warning somewhat ruined by the grin plastered on his face.

"So when did you arrive?" asked Harry as they walked down the corridor - Harry never had a clue where they were so there was no point in asking where they were going.

"I came around a year ago, took my parents by surprise" replied Lysander.

"Where did you come from?"

"France originally but we moved to England when I was ten, I still went to Beauxbatton's however as according to my mother it offered a broader education."

"Oh we had some of your year over for the Tri-Wizard tournament."

"Yeah I was amongst them but I doubt you'll have noticed."

"Yeah I was a bit focused on not dying" laughed Harry, Lysander was easy to talk to and he found that he that liking the blond vampyre was easier than he thought it would have been.

"I did not envy you one bit, Tom really loves his tests" groaned Lysander.

"What did you have to do?" asked Harry his curiosity roused.

"Oh he locked me in a room with five werewolves and made me fight them, it was only after I found out they weren't real."

"I'm going to die" said Harry, emphasising each word.

"No you won't Tom's a good teacher, you'll be fine" reassured Lysander when they stopped in front of a non-descript door. Gesturing for him to go in Harry's stomach was suddenly feeling a little queasy despite the reassurances.

What had he gotten himself into?

A/N: Hey thank you for the feedback! I'm making this Harry/Voldemort now as I can see it benefiting the plot more. Sorry KhairulJBlack I really did try to pair Harry with an OC but it never really worked, however I will pair Lysander with a canon character so I hope that suffices :)

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter, it is the property of JK Rowling and I am evidently not her!

I apologise for any spelling and/or grammar mistakes contained within this chapter.

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