WARNING- This chapter contains violence.
Chapter Twenty-Three
The trio of vampires had been waiting in the clearing now for only mere minutes, but to them it had felt a lot longer. Anticipation and excitement wrapped around them as they waited for the enemies to arrive. Even Hermione could feel the build up for what was about to happen, causing her magic to crackle around her body, and enveloping the air around them.
They didn't speak, they didn't move, they simply stood like statues in their defensive positions as they patiently waited. Their gazes trained on the outskirts of the clearing, waiting for any kind of movement to signal the enemy vampires.
Abel and his family had long gone, for Demetri could no longer sense them. Whether they left so quickly because of the vampires chasing them, or because of them being Volturi, he wasn't sure. He was just glad that they had left unscathed, when they did.
Finally, as the anticipation became almost unbearable, movement finally caught their attention. Emerging from the outskirts of the clearing were no less than ten vampires from the Romanian Coven, slowly and confidently walking towards them. Obviously they felt that because they outnumbered the three Volturi vampires, the fight was going to be an easy victory.
A young woman with strikingly long black hair and piercing red eyes, who didn't look that much older than Hermione herself, walked further ahead of the rest of the group. Looking at the three vampires in front of her, she grinned menacingly at them, then held up her hand stopping the others from walking any further.
She turned her head to the side, without taking her eyes off the three Volturi members and said,
"Look what we have here gentlemen." She grinned. "Volturi scum."
The others chuckled at her words, before she turned her head fully back to the three vampires in front of her. Her gaze travelling slowly across all three of them before stopping fully on Hermione. At the sight of her, the female's eyes widened in both shock and fear.
"You." She hissed out. "So the rumours are true then, a vampire witch with a heart." She said in broken English. The fear that had been etched on her face only moments ago, suddenly cleared as another malicious grin spread across her beautiful face. "My Masters will be so disappointed that they didn't get the chance to meet you in person. But I will take great enjoyment in describing how it was I who killed you."
Hermione felt unafraid at the other vampires' words, and did not fear her for some reason. Perhaps it was the fact that she already knew how she was going to die that stopped her from being afraid, she wasn't sure. Feeling confident Hermione tilted her head defiantly, her own smile gracing her face as she said,
"I wonder how you will be able to tell your Masters that, when it will be you who dies at my hands." Once again the female vampire had fear flash across her face and Hermione used that to her advantage. "From your words I take it you have heard about my powers then. Perhaps a small demonstration is in order for you all." She had been studying the group and sought out the vampire she had viewed as their biggest threat. One of the males, who was as big and burly as Felix stood to the left of the female, almost like a bodyguard. Her plan was if she could weaken him, then that could help the trio. She lifted up her hand slowly, causing the vampires to recoil as they wondered what she was about to do. With a deadly sneer, she waved her hand slightly before pointing it at the male and shouting, "Crucio."
All at once the vampire began to moan and writhe in pain, but somehow he was strong enough to resist it.
Tapping into her magic she pushed it out of her hand, enhancing it, causing the green light of the unforgivable curse to escape and illuminate everything around the male vampire.
His moans of pain quickly turned to screams of agony, as he clutched his head and fell to his knees. His body rolling and contorting with the pain of a thousand knives.
The other vampires watched in stunned silence before the female, who was most likely the group's commander, let out a feral growl.
"Enough." She yelled out in anger. "It is time to put an end to you scum once and for all." She turned to the others and yelled, "Kill them and have no mercy but leave that bitch to me."
Hermione stopped her spell as the Romanian vampires' came charging towards them, and together they clashed in a fierce battle.
Four members of the other group ran towards Felix, in the hopes of overwhelming him, but they had underestimated his strength and stealth. He was quick to move away from the four vampires and ducked as one tried to land a punch on him. He rammed his head into their stomach, before pulling off the other male's head with ease. The other three took Felix's momentary distraction to set upon him again, and for a brief moment they were able to overpower him, but he quickly pushed his body backwards slamming himself and the vampires into a nearby tree.
Demetri, who wasn't nearly as strong as Felix, but was quick in his movements, managed to body slam one vampire who had been running at him to the ground, his arms outstretched as if to grab at Demetri. They had tussled on the ground, Demetri having the advantage of being on top, while the other vampire lashed out trying to hit any part of the Volturi vampire that he could reach. Someone grabbed on to Demetri's throat from behind, causing him to try and pry their fingers from around him. The vampire underneath managed to land a punch at Demetri's stomach causing both Demetri and the other vampire to topple backwards. The hands that had been gripping onto his throat slackened, and he was finally able to retaliate. He punched the vampire in the face several times, causing cracks to appear on his cheek and lips, before putting pressure on his throat and squeezing as hard as he could, before the sound of shattering could be heard. With a small twist the vampire's head came off in his hands and he flung it mercilessly to the ground in disgust, before picking himself up and re-joining the battle.
While the attention of the other vampires was mainly on Demetri and Felix, Hermione's eyes were focused solely on the female vampire and the male she had just tortured. He was still lying on the ground, the aftershocks of the curse tearing through his body, and causing his large solid frame to tremble and spasm.
"This is going to be fun." The other female hissed before advancing towards Hermione.
Hermione's eyes narrowed and she let out a roar, before running to meet the other female halfway. Together they met in a whirl of flying fists and angry snarls, as the rest of the battle was lost to them.
The other female grabbed Hermione by the hair and flung her around, before letting her go. She went flying through the air and crashed into a rock, slamming her head against it hard. Luckily for her she was a vampire and not a mortal otherwise her neck would have snapped at the impact.
Hermione rose to her knees and glared at the other female who looked mighty pleased with herself, causing Hermione to snarl at her in warning.
"You'll pay for that." She hissed out, before standing straight to her full height.
"I doubt that Volturi scum." The other vampire replied with a wicked grin, as she had the audacity to beckon Hermione over to her.
Hermione could have used her magic to her advantage but she didn't want to at the moment, wanting to save that as a last resort. She had been practicing her fighting skills with Felix and Caius and wanted to try them out first.
Rolling her shoulders and moving her head side to side, as if to crack her neck, she moved back into her defensive position and focused all of her attention on the female vampire.
Seeing Hermione do this, the female copied her and moved into her own position. As soon as she had, the two females once again ran towards each other, jumping in mid-air and grabbing each other by the shoulders. The moment they reached the ground Hermione punched the female in the stomach before flipping her over her shoulder.
The other female was quick and ran at Hermione, her head butting into her chest, and sending them both flying across the clearing. Hermione punched the other female twice, before they rolled across the ground, with Hermione having the advantage as she straddled the other female, wrapping her hands around her throat and adding pressure. Before she could do any damage however, the other female rolled them across the muddy ground, slackening Hermione's grip around her throat. She flipped Hermione onto her back and let out a growl as she then wrapped her own hands around Hermione's throat.
Hermione's eyes widened and she tried to kick her legs to buck the other female off of her, but to no avail. Her hand reached out and the tips of her fingers brushed against a rock. Stretching her body and arm out to the side, her fingers eventually wrapped around the hard object, and with all the energy she had she whacked the female across the head using all her strength and power.
The female vampire screamed at the impact and immediately rolled away from Hermione, her hands clutching at her now cracked face.
Hermione got to her feet and kicked the female hard sending her flying into a tree. She took a couple of steps towards her, and seeing Hermione advancing slowly the other female rose unsteadily to her feet, still clutching at her face before setting off into a run, away from Hermione and away from the battle.
Not wanting to lose track of her Hermione began to run, trying to catch up with the fleeing female.
"Coward." Hermione roared, as the female vampire weaved in and out of the trees.
Just when Hermione thought she was catching up with the injured female, she turned then disappeared amongst trees, and Hermione lost sight of her completely. She tried to follow her but to no avail. She stopped and looked around trying to hear any distinct noises or sense her but she couldn't hear or see anything. Turning her back against the path she had just entered from she searched the trees in front but couldn't locate her.
The Romanian vampire crouched down low on top of a tree branch high above the forest floor and watched as Hermione looked around for her. Waiting until her opponents back was turned, she stood up and jumped down grabbing on to Hermione's back.
They once again rolled through some bushes, but what neither of them knew was that they were headed towards a steep rocky embankment. They hadn't realised their precarious position until the two of them tumbled down the embankment together, neither wanting to let the other go, as they crashed into rocks and debris.
Finally reaching the bottom, the sudden jolt separated them sending the other female flying across the dirt with a last final bump.
Hermione could do nothing but lie on the ground, as her head spun and ringing could be heard in her ears. She tried to move but every part of her body ached and protested against such movements. Eventually Hermione managed to flip herself onto her stomach, when she heard the other female groan out in pain from in front of her.
Shaking her head gently, trying to stop her vision from spinning, she squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, before opening them and locating her enemy.
The other female vampire was lying on her side, her back facing Hermione, motionless. Her clothes were ripped and covered in dirt just like Hermione's was.
Hermione's body ached and there were probably parts of her that were broken, as she slowly pulled herself across to where the other female was lying. Ringing could still be heard in her ears, and she was incredibly disorientated as she clawed her way across the grass and dirt, unable to stand on her feet just yet.
Finally making it over to the other female, she reached out a shaking hand, and grabbed the other vampire by the foot, hauling her across the bumpy ground until she was fully underneath her.
One red eye moved to look up at Hermione's face with fear and trepidation, the other eye was missing as well as part of her face. Hermione recoiled back in disgust, realising the damage that she had inflicted, despite the fact it was necessary.
"It seems." The other female rasped out from cracked lips. "I underestimated you." The pain she was feeling was unmeasurable. Her body was broken and her face was cracked. She knew that in time it would all heal itself, but time, it seemed was not her friend at the moment. "End it." She pleaded. "Kill me now." She said, knowing that she would rather be put out of her misery than stay alive through all of this.
Whether it was guilt or something else Hermione didn't know, but with a slight nod of her head, she wrapped her hands around the other female's throat and began to pull. Before she could do anymore damage however, a cry of 'no' could be heard, before something hard hit into Hermione, knocking her from her kneeling position and sending her across the dirty ground.
Her vision had blurred further as she tried to flip herself onto her stomach, not realising that the throat of the female vampire was still clasped in her hands. A shadow crossed Hermione's vision before a strong grip grabbed at her hair, before banging her head off the ground several times. She had no energy to stop the big burly male vampire that she had tortured earlier and feared that this could be the end for her.
"Volturi scum." She heard him cry out as his fist connected with her face. He raised his clenched hand up for a second time, while Hermione squeezed her eyes shut, ready for the painful impact, which to her surprise didn't come.
The male vampires hand was suddenly grabbed in mid punch, before it was twisted and broken off in a loud crack. He howled in agony and slumped backwards, away from where Hermione was lying.
"You will not touch her again." Felix yelled as he flung his body on top of the other male, who was no match for the powerful Volturi vampire.
Demetri came to Hermione's side and cradled her head gently on his lap.
"You sure do know how to cause a stir." He sniggered, although the worry was clearly etched on his face, as he gazed around him at the scene.
Hermione tried to smile but the pain was too much, and her vision darkened. She was weakened and sore just now, but in time her body would regain its full power and strength back. Perhaps next time she wouldn't be so heavy handed in the fighting.
"How is she?" Felix's anxious voice came from somewhere above her.
Demetri sighed and gently stroked her dirt covered hair.
"She'll live." He answered truthfully. "But she's going to be sore for the next few days. So I don't think we should move her from here just yet."
"Alright. I will go and gather up all of the bodies and burn them. Then I'll go hunting for her. She needs to keep up her strength in order to heal fully." Felix said before his voice drifted away from them.
Demetri looked down at his friend, somewhat in awe. She was fearless and took risks, sometimes when they weren't needed, but she done what she had to do no matter what the cost to her was. He admired that about her but at the same time feared her reckless behaviour.
"Next time we get into a fight with some enemy vampires, don't go running off where we can't see you, alright." He said planting a small brotherly kiss upon her forehead.
She grinned at him and tried to nod her head in reply but it was too painful. Perhaps she had been a tad foolish with her antics.
"Alright." She managed to say in a hoarse whisper.
Demetri sighed and held her small frame to him. He had promised to protect her and so far he was doing a lousy job of it. Only half way through their journey and already she was hurt. He knew that he shouldn't blame himself as they had all been embroiled in a fight, but still he couldn't shift the guilt that he felt and wondered what Aro would say when he found out.
"My little witchling I'm going to have to move you alright. So this might hurt a little." Standing to his feet, he bent down and scooped up her petite body into his arms. She didn't moan or make any sound, but her eyes squeezed shut betraying how much pain she was currently in.
He walked over to a large tree and sat down with her still cradled in his lap, while Felix gathered up the remains of the scattered bodies to burn back in the clearing. They would stay here for a couple of days until she was better and able to continue the rest of their journey, until then he would take care of his little witchling and make sure she healed quickly.
They only stayed for one day in the forest in Mako, Hungary, while Hermione recovered. Luckily for her nothing was broken but she did have several small cracks over her body. Felix and Demetri took care of her while the cracks knitted painfully back together.
Felix went out hunting for her twice so that she could feed and keep up her strength, as the regular intake of blood made her heal quicker. He did try and say that drinking human blood would be better for her, but as expected she was having none of that.
They took turns chaperoning her while they too went out hunting. The battle had taken it out on them as well, but unlike Hermione, neither of them had any injuries. They were more experienced and refined when it came to the art of fighting. Something that Hermione was still lacking in. Despite all her practice recently, she had learned some skills in fighting, but when it came to putting them into a real situation, Hermione was reckless and didn't have the finesse that the other two vampires had. That would come in time with practice and experience. Despite this Hermione was still very much a force to be reckoned with.
When they told her of this reckless behaviour she giggled at them and said that was her Gryffindor tendencies coming out in her. They of course didn't understand the full meaning behind her words, but she explained all about her house and what being a Gryffindor stood for.
So that was how the trio of vampires spent the night in the forest, with Hermione explaining more about the school she had attended. About the four houses and what character traits you had to have, in order to be sorted into a particular house. Felix and Demetri were of course intrigued by all of this. The magical world, although a complete mystery to them, also seemed so wonderful and surreal.
They had only seen Hogwarts from the grounds, when they had first went to go and fight Hermione, and then again when they collected her. But they wished they could go back and see it properly. They were especially intrigued about all the hidden dangers that she spoke about, like the Chamber of Secrets and seeing the big snake skeleton. And they really wanted to meet a centaur, creatures that again they didn't know even excited until they met Hermione. There was so much about the magical world that they wanted to know and understand better.
Hermione had told them that, this was how she felt when she had first turned into a vampire as well, and when she first got her letter to attend Hogwarts. She had spent her whole childhood reading fairy stories and wishing she could be a part of that world, that when she got her letter she couldn't believe it. Joining the vampire world however, had been such a different experience altogether.
When the sun rose the next again morning, Hermione was up and about, but she was a little slow on her feet, as one of her ankles had cracked at a rather odd place, slowing her down.
She was, of course, insistent that they leave, but Felix and Demetri were both reluctant to while Hermione was still injured. They all knew that they were behind schedule with traveling to Arefu however, so instead of being further delayed, they agreed that Felix, since he was the biggest and the strongest, would carry Hermione on his back.
She of course needed much persuading at this idea, believing it was undignified. But when the two vampires explained that they had no other choice and would have to stay there longer, she quickly relented. Much to her own chagrin and to the amusement of the two males.
After checking the area and covering all the evidence of their battle up, they set off from Mako and finally crossed the Romanian border, as they made their way into enemy territory. It didn't take them long to cross paths with more members of the Romanian coven as they stood guarding the border waiting.
Luckily for the trio, Hermione's magic was still at full strength, and thanks to her concealment spells, they could walk amongst the other coven members without fear of been caught or having to fight more, as Hermione was still recovering from the battle to enter upon yet another one so soon. So they took this opportunity to spy and see if they could gather any useful information.
They hid amongst the trees with Hermione still being carried on Felix's back. She wasn't a hindrance to him because of his vampire strength, and most of the time he didn't even remember she was there.
"Demetri are you in position?" Felix asked into the walkie talkie. They had agreed to take different trees and spread out so that they could hear the other coven members better. There was only a small group of about five guarding the border. But the trio didn't want to draw any more unnecessary attention to themselves.
"It's stud to you Hercules and yes I am." Demetri said with a small grin, not that Felix or Hermione could see him. "Are you hearing anything at your end?" He replied.
Felix and Hermione had sniggered at him, before Felix said,
"Nope nothing useful. What about you?"
There was silence for a couple of minutes before Demetri finally replied,
"They are talking about Abel and his family and wondering where Lela and the other group of vampires are. I take it they must be the ones we took care of." He said sounding quite smug.
"Must be." Felix said with a small chuckle. "What else are they saying?" He asked.
Again there was silence before Demetri answered,
"They are concerned that she's not back yet and are worried that something's happened. They are discussing whether or not to send someone after them to check." Demetri laughed again then said, "Not that they will find very much."
Hermione rolled her eyes at her friend, but could not hide the small smile. Boys will be boys especially when it came to their victories.
"If they send someone to check and can't find them, then they might head back to Timisoara and tell their Masters. Maybe this is a good thing and we can draw them out of hiding." Felix said in that now familiar commander's voice.
"Now that sounds like a plan. Perhaps we should have left them a little trinket after all." Demetri replied with an exaggerated sigh.
Felix grinned although neither of the two vampires could see it and said,
"Well actually I may have left a small trinket."
Hermione who had been listening intently quickly asked,
"What did you do?"
He laughed at her shocked voice and said,
"That disgusting male who attacked you, I may have left his hand in the dirt as a small token. He wore a ring on his middle finger so one of his friends may recognise it."
Hermione remembered the punch that the male had laid on her, and how she had waited for the second one which never arrived. Instead she had heard the crack as Felix had grabbed him by the wrist and snapped his hand off, with so much ease.
"Good." She said firmly.
"Right, I think we've heard enough. Let's leave now. Hopefully they will do what they've just said, and if they don't then perhaps we can find another way to draw their Master's out to play." Felix said.
With that, the trio of vampires made their way back down to the ground and set off once more and headed to their next stop which was Arad. They couldn't stay long here as this city was fairly busy compared to the others that they had been in. They needed to stop and feed however before they carried on to Deva.
Just as before they found a forested area to hide in and chaperoned Hermione, while one of the two males of the trio went to feed. Felix was last to go and when he came back he had a nice large pig with him for Hermione to feed from.
Once they had finished, they set off again and headed to Deva, their last stop before going to the dragon sanctuary where Hermione's friend would be.
Timisoara, where the Romanian coven was based, was in the middle of both their two stops in Romanian, so the three vampires found themselves even more vigilant than before, as they looked out for enemy vampires. They did not meet any at either Arad or Deva, and didn't know if this was a good thing or not.
Felix and Demetri told Hermione how the city of Deva was found in the region of Transylvania, where the fictional character of Count Dracula was supposed to live. They went on to explain that this character was supposed to be based off of Vlad the Impaler, or rather Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia.
Hermione had heard the basics of this story, but was nonetheless enthralled by it anyway, as she listened to both the males talking.
They explained how he was a member of the House of Draculesti, Vlad Dracula, and how he was revered by the Romanian people from both North and South of the Danube whom he protected. Despite protecting those who saw him as a leader, he was also a cruel man who impaled his enemies, with his reputation spreading across other countries. That was how the character in the Bram Stoker's book got the name of Dracula.
"So I take it he wasn't actually a vampire then?" Hermione asked, hearing the myths and stories surrounding him.
The men chuckled before Felix said,
"No he wasn't but he knew many people who were, as the Romanian Coven didn't hide themselves from humans. That didn't mean he didn't want to be one however. But he was far too evil and no-one wanted him as a vampire. He would have killed thousands if he was and probably would have been worse than the Romanian Coven and the Volturi Coven put together." Felix explained. "He was unstable and unreliable and even his own people who were vampires could see that. They didn't want him as one of their own."
Hermione found the whole subject to be fascinating, although a little morbid especially when the two males told her about his other forms of torture that was reported throughout history. Like him killing children and then cooking and feeding them to their own mothers. That in itself disgusted her. How someone could be that cruel she had no idea.
Well she did, she thought, Voldemort when he was alive done cruel things himself, although they paled in comparison. He was not above killing innocent women and children, because of their blood status or because of their connections. Harry and his parents were prime examples of that.
She shuddered not wanting to think of such things and quickly changed the subject as they made their way to Arefu.
Arefu, they told her, was a commune in Arges County in Southern Romania, which was split into three villages, Arefu, Capatanenii Pamanteni, which was in the centre, and finally Capatanenii Ungureni.
Arges County as a whole was made up of Mountains, hills with deep valleys, lots of forested areas and flat lands, with rivers. There was a long winding road called the Transfagarsan, which passed through the mountains and linked up several small villages together. Hearing all this Hermione could understand why the Dragon Sanctuary was found in such a place.
It was in a remote location, hidden from muggles. There was plenty of natural food and drink sources available, and was easily accessible. It was perfect.
Once they had reached Arefu, Hermione had no idea where she was supposed to be going, so waved her wand and sent a patronus to Charlie, asking him for help and guidance. She hoped that they would reach the sanctuary soon for nightfall was nearly upon them.
It didn't take long for Charlie's dragon patronus to arrive and when it spoke, Demetri and Felix recoiled back in fright.
"Hey Mione glad you could make it. Just follow my patronus and he will lead you to the sanctuary. Don't worry if you can't see it at first, just think of Hogwarts and muggles. See you soon."
Hermione laughed at Charlie's eager voice. She understood what he meant by his message, as muggles who looked upon Hogwarts would only see a ruined castle because of the magic protecting it. That was the same as the Dragon Sanctuary. She could understand why it would have such protection because muggles who looked at it wouldn't see the large walls of the sanctuary or the dragons they housed. It was truly brilliant.
The dragon patronus huffed before butting Felix's hand. He had not been expecting it, so instantly pulled back from it. Hermione couldn't contain her laughter at seeing the big powerful vampire looking so wary.
"Relax Felix it can't hurt you. It's made from light and is caused by the person's happy thoughts." She turned to the dragon patronus and smiled, how apt that Charlie's patronus was a dragon, she mused. "Go ahead and lead us to Charlie."
The dragon turned its back on the three vampires and gently spread its wings before flying through the air, not going fast that the three vampires couldn't keep up, but fast enough so that it kept a steady lead. They travelled over large hills and through small forests. They walked over flat grassy areas and made their way across some water, until finally they began to walk through a thick dense forest. It was now nightfall but because of their superior eyesight they could see just as well as they would if it was daylight.
Eventually the dragon flew around their heads twice before the light faded into nothing.
Hermione looked in front of them with a huge smile on her face as she saw a giant wall about 100ft tall, with a portcullis big enough for humans. She had no idea how the dragons entered the sanctuary, but Charlie would be able to explain everything later.
She could feel the magic of the sanctuary radiate around them in long crackling waves, and it brought so much pleasure and excitement to her. She had been away from the magical world for what seemed like a lifetime now, but was only mere months. Being around it again was like a soothing balm to her.
She climbed down from Felix's back and hobbled closer to the giant wall, her hands outstretched towards it, as she felt the magic of the wards tingle against her skin. It only left her feeling exhilarated and wanting more.
"Hermione what is it?" Felix asked cautiously, coming to stand next to her.
Without removing her hands or eyes away from the sight in front of her, she calmly and quietly asked,
"Look in front of you and tell me what you see?"
He looked to where Hermione said and frowned,
"I see a crumbling wall and some overgrown grass and shrubs. Nothing special."
Hermione laughed and nodded her head then said,
"Put your hands out and tell me what you feel."
Again Felix frowned at his friend, but then curiously done as she asked. He put his hands out expecting to feel nothing, but instead felt a small tingling sensation on his palms. He gasped in surprise and immediately pulled away.
"Is something there?" He asked seeing the triumphant look on Hermione's face.
"There sure is." She laughed
Not wanting to miss out on anything magical, Demetri came over and done the same thing as Felix and Hermione had. He too could feel the slight tingling on his palms.
"What is it?" He asked looking at his friend, with a small excited smile.
Finally, she turned to look at the two males, her eyes alight with excitement and happiness.
"That my boys, is magic." Just as she spoke a creaking noise could be heard, as the portcullis slid up revealing a beaming red headed Weasley and another tall wizard with shoulder length dirty blonde hair. He wasn't smiling but he seemed pleasant enough.
Felix and Demetri instantly stood in front of Hermione, blocking her from any possible danger, but she gently put her hands on each of their arms and smiled up at them.
"It's alright, that's my friend Charlie." She said reassuringly.
Parting, although reluctantly, the boys moved allowing Hermione to step between them. She slowly made her way to Charlie, sniffing him and instinctively checking him out. She done the same thing to the other wizard next to her friend, and once she was completely satisfied she smiled warmly.
"Hello Charlie how are you?"
He grinned, making detailed notes of everything he had just witnessed before stepping towards her, slowly and respectfully. She was after all a vampire.
"I'm doing great. You can't believe how excited we've all been waiting for your arrival. Although it's late and nearly everyone is already in bed." He pulled out his wand and smiled before saying, "I'm just going to let you three into the wards so that you can come in." With a swish and a flick, he beckoned the two male vampires forward.
As soon as they stepped through the boundaries of the wards, both sets of mouths opened wide at the sight. They gazed around in wonder not believing that the crumbling wall had now turned into this.
"Amazing." Demetri beamed, completely impressed and enraptured by the powerful magic.
"It is." Felix agreed.
Charlie clapped his hands once suddenly, pulling them out of their trance, a small happy smile on his own face.
"Ok let's get inside and get you all comfortable. You can tell me all about your travels and then I must leave for bed. Not all of us can stay up all night like you can." He said, with a small amount of jealousy. "Tomorrow when the whole team is assembled I will give you the guided tour and if you want, you can meet our dragons."
Demetri looked somewhat uncomfortable with that. He wasn't sure if he was quite up to the task of seeing them yet.
"Oh and this is Phil by the way. He is my partner here at the sanctuary and is also my life partner." He said taking the other wizards hand in his and smiling affectionately at him, which Phil reciprocated.
Hermione beamed at Charlie and giggled.
"So Rita Skeeter was right then eh." She joked, knowing that the disgusting vile woman had speculated about Charlie's love life in her column. Charlie simply rolled his eyes and sighed at her, though the smile couldn't be wiped from his face. "Ah well I'm pleased for you. It's nice to see you Phil." She said with a genuine smile.
"It's nice to meet you too Mione. Charlie has told me a lot about you and I have to say it's such an honour to meet you, all three of you in fact. I'm incredibly excited, so please forgive me, as I have never met a vampire before."
She laughed at him and patted his arm.
"Don't worry we don't bite." She teased. "These two strapping men are my friends Demetri also known as stud, and Felix also known as Hercules." She said laughing at Charlie and Phil's curious expressions. "It's a long story, one we'll explain soon enough." Hermione said with a knowing smile.
"It's nice to meet you Phil and Charlie." Felix said.
"Yes and don't let my little witchling fool you. Her name is also wench." He said with a mischievous gleam in his bright red eyes. Hermione grinned hitting him across the arm playfully, while Charlie broke out in laughter.
"I see some things never change then Mione." He teased, referring to her days as a Hogwarts student.
She sighed then said,
"What is this pick on Hermione day?" She laughed.
"Speaking of you, what's with the hobbling?" Charlie asked pointing to her injured foot with concern.
She sighed again then said,
"All will be revealed soon enough."
With that the three vampires and two wizards made their way into a large open spaced living area, with several couches and chairs, and two large dining tables. There was a roaring fire burning and several lamps were lit. There were hundreds of books lining the walls, and Hermione felt instantly compelled to go over and peruse them, but somehow managed to refrain herself.
Instead she moved over and sat on one of the couches next to Felix and Demetri, with the former, picking up her legs to drape over his lap, so that she could rest her still healing foot.
Once they were settled Charlie conjured up a tea set for him and Phil, and listened as the three vampires told them all about their travels. He couldn't believe that the Hermione who sat in front of him now, was the same small girl with big bushy hair and buck teeth that he remembered back when she was 12.
She had grown up to be a very elegant and accomplished witch, and she was even more startling as a vampire. He was incredibly excited to have her here, for however long she needed, not only to catch up with her properly, but also to study her.
He never once thought he would be given the opportunity to be this close to not only one but three vampires, never mind being able to study them. But Hermione herself was also truly fascinating because she still contained her magical abilities as well as new vampire skills.
Since he had heard about her, he had studied and read as much as he could trying to find out if there had been anyone else like her before, but there was no information out there. She was one of a kind and so unique to both of their worlds, that he was both honoured and privileged to have her here now.
Once they had told the two wizards about their travels and everything that happened, the wizard made sure that their guests were comfortable and told them which areas they could go into and which areas were heavily warded and forbidden.
They excused themselves and made arrangements to meet the three vampires at 6am, which was in seven hours' time. With that they left their guests and headed to their living quarters, but before either went to bed, Charlie quickly wrote down a letter to Albus Dumbledore, telling the powerful wizard about everything he had heard with regards to the three vampires. He sent it off with Albert his eagle then went to bed beside his lover.
The next again day was going to be busy and he was excited to have a little more interaction with his new vampire friends. They would also get the chance to meet the rest of the team, get a tour around the sanctuary and maybe even meet the dragons who were in their care. To say he was looking forward to morning was an understatement, he was completely giddy with happiness and excitement. Until tomorrow, he thought, before eventually succumbing to sleep.
Just in case you are wondering, the reason why I haven't made Hermione an excellent fighter just yet, despite the fact she is powerful, is because I find that unrealistic. With time and experience her skills will improve, her magic will improve and she will be a stronger person. Just now she is still learning and developing. I hope this makes sense lol. Anyway thank you for reading. Xx
