I do not own…
Chapter Forty-Six: The Dark Mark & a New Familiar
A crowd of hooded and masked wizards, tightly packed and moving together, were marching across the field with their wands pointed in the air. They had the muggle owner and his family high in the air and controlling them like puppets, trying to scare and humiliate them. These wizards kept laughing and pointing up at the floating bodies. Tents crumpled and fell as the marching crowd swelled. A few times the marchers will blast tents; catching them on fire. Vanessa couldn't stand the sight of the marchers as the two of them were small children. Bill, Charlie and Percy stood beside their father, fully dressed and having their wands out.
"We're going to help the Ministry!" Mr. Weasley shouted over the noise. "You lot…get into the woods and stick together! I'll come and fetch you when we're sorted this out!"
Fred and George took their dads' orders seriously as they grabbed Ginny's hand and hurried to the woods. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Vanessa followed after them. That was until the crowd that were running away from the marching wizards got in the way and separated Vanessa from her cousin and the others. She tried to get through the crowd and catch up but there were too many people in the way. Then one of the mask figures started casting spells down her way. Vanessa took out her wand and blocked the hex. The two went back and forth with hexes and jinxes for a bit until another hex hit the mask wizard.
"Vanessa!"
It was Hunter that came and hex that guy, Axel and Dawn were with him.
"Are you okay?" He asked
"Yeah but I lost Harry and the others in the crowd." She said
"Come on guys, we should head for cover too." Dawn said
"Where's' your dad?" Vanessa asked
There was a blast of blue flames a few yards away.
"Pretty much having the time of his life fighting them." Hunter said "Let's go."
He took a hold of her hand and they all turned around and ran towards the woods. So far it was less crowded and less noisy. The deeper they got it seemed that they were in a safe area that was until Vanessa and Axel sensed a few of those masked wizards heading their way.
"Have they been following us?" She asked
"Run." Axel said
Hexes and curses were thrown their way as they ran. Vanessa and the others were able to throw some of their own spells over their shoulders as they ran.
"We need the boy alive!"
"Which one?"
Having enough of this, Vanessa took off her medallion and teleported back towards the mask wizards and jumped them as she disarmed them and knocked them out. Another was flying their way on a broom and she used her powers to control the bats in the area and had them attack that one. Axel turned into his demon form and attacked a mask wizard that tried to sneak attack on Vanessa.
Not understanding why but more just kept coming and Hunter and Dawn stood with Vanessa and Axel casting protecting shields and curses. The mask wizards surrounded them in a circle. Then something vast, green and glittering erupted from the patch of darkness and into the sky. It was a colossal skull, comprised of what looked like emerald stars, with a serpent protruding from its mouth like a tongue. The moment this rises higher and higher in the sky all the masked wizards, who were now shivering in fear, took off.
"What the hell?" Axel muttered after transforming back. "Why did they run off?"
"That's the Dark Mark." Dawn said "It's… It's His mark."
"Voldemort's mark." Vanessa said before placing her medallion back on.
She was a bit annoyed as her hair was still white but luckily her eyes were turned back to green. Dumbledore did warn her that the medallion wouldn't be able to cover her appearance anymore as her powers grow. Looking over where the mark was conjured she saw her cousin and his friends surrounded by other wizards. She, Hunter, Dawn and Axel hurried over there.
"Harry!" Vanessa called
"Vanessa." Harry said
"Are you guys okay? What the hell happened?" Vanessa asked
Harry explained how certain members of the Ministry thought it was them that cast the Dark Mark. Then they found the house-elf Winky where the mark was conjured, unconscious along with a wand. A wand that turned out to be Harry's. Mr. Diggory was being an ass and assumed it was still Harry until Mr. Weasley reminded him who Harry was. The man continued on digging his own gravy. He then assumed that Winky must have learned the spell from Mr. Crouch but back down after Mr. Crouch yelled at him and reminded him how he was against Dark magic. This just led nowhere and had Mr. Crouch fires Winky by freeing her with clothes. Winky didn't take it well. Hermione wanted to comfort her but couldn't as Mr. Weasley wanted to get them back to the tent. Fred, George and Ginny were already there with their older siblings and had been safe when the attack was happening. Hades had arrived and was relieved that Hunter was okay and took him, Axel and Dawn back to their tent. Before everyone went to sleep Mr. Weasley informed Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny that the mask wizards were known as Death Eaters, followers of Voldemort. Then he and Vanessa told them that the followers had run off when they saw the mark. Ron was confused on why they ran since they were Voldemort followers. Bill told them that these were the followers that denounce the dark lord and would be terrified as they would have to face his wrath.
"So…whoever conjured the Dark Mark…" Vanessa said "Were they doing it to show support for the Death Eaters, or to scare them away?"
No one knew the answer.
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Vlad's case has been cleared and now he was a free man; much to some wizards dismay. It was night time when he was released and was about to head off to see his daughter. From what her letter told him she was staying at the Weasley's house, so he was gonna head there. That was until he noticed a familiar man waiting for him in the alley way. The vampire king wasn't in the mood to deal with him now and just tried to leave. He was only a few buildings away when the man appeared in front of him.
"Good Evening, Lord Tepes."
"Good Evening, Lord Einar Magnusson." Vlad said with a cold tone.
"13 years and you're finally free." Einar said "I've never understood why you didn't just kill them all for what they have done. You have the power to control your people and have them destroy these wizards."
"And create another war. Make them hate us even more. Still seeing us as nothing more than mindless monsters." Vlad scoffed "That is why you and I never agreed. While I'm trying to keep the peace, you want to cause a war. Isn't that why you and those that followed you left. Why are you even here, Einar? Did you think that I would change my mind and agree that you were right?"
"I know better than to think that. I have come to greet an old friend for his freedom and hoped we could put the past behind us in a truce." Einar said
Vlad raised a brow at this.
"You remember my son, Mikael?" Einar asked
The vampire king only nodded as he did as the boy was two years older than Vanessa.
"He has become a remarkable young man. Strong, intelligent, a great warrior and knows his responsibilities. He would make a good husband for Vanessa when she comes of age." Einar said
"Einar...I'm about to see my daughter that I haven't been able to be in contact with in the last 13 years and you're suggesting that I place her in an arranged marriage." Vlad glared "Are you trying to make me kill you because I'm pretty close to."
"I'm just saying...to bring peace to our people, this is the only way." Einar said
"Oh please, Einar. It's only for you to gain total control through your son." Vlad glared "Do not think I can't see right through you. I won't give up my daughter's life for this. I suggest that you and your son to stay away from her."
Einar tried to argue some more but Vlad didn't want to listen and vanished out of there.
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The next morning they all headed back to the Borrow. Mrs. Weasley came out of the house in tears and hugged Mr. Weasley before quickly hugging the twins. She had heard the news and thought the worst. When she showed Mr. Weasleys the Daily Prophet she turned to them again and apologized for shouting at them about not getting enough O.W.L.s.
Sadly Mr. Weasley had to go back to work to do some damage control because of the Daily Prophet. One of the journalists had slander what Mr. Weasley had said and made it sound like there were dead bodies in the woods. Percy had gone along, thinking that his boss Mr. Crouch would be needing him. While they left all the boys started playing some Quidditch to distract their minds. That was until Vlad appeared. Vanessa and Harry quickly ran up to him and hugged him.
"When did you get out?" Harry asked
"Just last night. Sirius wanted me to tell you two that his Hearing went well and should be out in a month." Vlad said
"Dawn will be happy to hear that." Vanessa said "Did you hear about the Dark Mark at the World Cup?"
"Oh yeah, I heard. These are signs that you two need to keep in mind and keep your guards up." Vlad said and looked at Harry. "Vanessa told me that your scar hurt three days ago and that you had a dream about Voldemort. What do you remember from it?"
"Not much really. But I did see Baba Yaga with him." Harry said
"I would say surprising that she would as she hated him but at the same time…not at all." Vlad said "If your scar hurts again and have one of those dreams at the same time I want you to tell Dumbledore right away. He'll know what to do? Understand?"
"Yes, sir." Harry said
"Now…I believe I still owe you two birthday presents, am I right." Vlad said
The two smiled at the mention of presents.
He had given Harry a book of Quidditch Teams of Britain and Ireland, new Quidditch gloves and a broom compass. For Vanessa, he had given a ring with the family symbol on it and to their surprise a large egg.
"Dad…Is this…what I think it is?" She asked
"I worked it out with the Ministry and I got the paperworks for you and license for it." Vlad said "Every Tepes had gotten a dragon as their familiar when they reached 16. Now its' your turn."
"What kind is it?" She smiled
"Don't know. I would have gotten a Romanian Longhorn but they are endangered right now so I couldn't get one. The man who sold me the egg says it's a new breed." Vlad said
"This is a legal egg…right?" She asked
"Yes, it is." Vlad said
"Hagrid is gonna be really jealous once he hears about this." Harry said
"Maybe he could watch over it when I have classes." She said
This made Harry nearly trip.
"Wait…you're not actually gonna take that to Hogwarts are you?" Harry asked
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On the last week of summer vacation Vanessa and Harry had gone to Transylvania, Romania with Vlad to see his home country. It was a very beautiful country and the two had a grand time. His castle was still up and cared for with the help of his servants. During their stay they had met with other members of the coven that were like family to Vlad. Vanessa had been taking care of her dragon egg the whole trip. She had kept it completely warm like her "Care of Dragons" book told her to do and many other things to keep it alive. On the third day of the week the egg started to hatch. The baby dragon was a female that had white scales, green eyes and had little golden horns on the top of its head. Vanessa was a little confused as the dragon looked a bit of an Antipodean Opaleye dragon and a bit of a Romanian Longhorn. She believed that this had to be a new mixed breed but she didn't care as she loved her dragon who she named Danica. Harry was a bit nervous being around her as he remembered being around Norbert and how aggressive it was. It didn't help that she would nib him when he was near her. Vanessa told him that she was either playing with him or teething. Unlike Norbert, Danica actually believed Vanessa was her mother and would follow her everywhere. Vanessa fed her, taught her how to capture her own food and Orion showed her how to fly a little.
Then it came to the day where they had to take the Knightbus to get to Kings Cross Station, London. Vlad said that he would take care of Danica for her as she would be a hasel taking care of a baby dragon during the school year. As much as she didn't want to, Vanessa was gonna leave Danica at the castle. But Danica had other plans. When no one was looking she ended up sneaking in one of the kids bags. No one had noticed. They had met up with the Weaselys' at the train station. Mr. Weasley still had to work and couldn't see them off but Bill and Charlie were there. Vanessa had shown Charlie pictures of Danica to get his opinion on what kind of breed she was. Charlie was intrigued as these two dragons would never crossbreed and wished that he could study her.
"I might be seeing you all sooner than you think." Charlie said grinning.
"Why?" Fred asked
"You'll see. Just don't tell Percy I mentioned it…" Charlie said, then spoke in a voice that sounded like Percy. "It's classified information, until such time as the Ministry sees fit to release it,' after all."
"Yeah, I sort of wish I were back at Hogwarts this year." Bill said
"Why?" George asked impatiently.
"From what I heard you're all going to have an interesting year." Vlad said
Suddenly the whistle blew and Mrs. Weasley chivvied them towards the train doors. Ron was still trying to get information from his mom and older brothers but none will tell them.
"You'll find out this evening, I expect." Mrs. Weasley smiled "It's going to be very exciting…mind you, I'm very glad they've changed the rules…"
"What rules?" Harry, Ron, Fred and George asked together.
"I'm sure Professor Dumbledore will tell you…Now behave, won't you Fred? And you, George?"
The pistons hissed loudly and the train began to move. The twins tried again to get something out of them but Mrs. Weasley, Bill, Charlie and Vlad just waved them off. When they were far away they went to their separate compartments. Vanessa had to meet up with the other Perfects, new Head Girl and Head Boy. Fred and George met up with their other friends, Ginny left to meet up with her friends while Harry, Ron and Hermione went into her own. Some of their friends Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, and Neville Longbottom came into their compartment to talk about the Quidditch match. Then Draco Malfoy appeared and tried to humiliate Ron's family again until a strange noise was heard coming from Harry's bag. He went to open it and quickly closed it when he saw that it was Danica.
"What are you doing here?" He whispered
Harry didn't want Draco to see her but Danica was getting impatient and was trying to get out. Ron ended up shutting the door in Draco, Crabbe and Goyles' face before Danica scratched her way out of Harry's bag. Danica growled and started flapping around the compartment, looking for Vanessa.
"Harry, what is a Dragon doing here?" Hermione gasped
"This is Vanessa's dragon." Harry said, trying to grab ahold of Danica.
"I thought she left her at your dad's home." Ron said as he too tried to grab her.
"Looks like she decided to come along." Harry grunted as he caught her. "Hand me my dragon gloves."
After getting his gloves on he placed his cloak over her from everyone else as he looked for Vanessa. Danica growled and hissed as she didn't like this and tried to get out. After walking down a few compartments she must have smelled Vanessa nearby and started being complicated and was getting harder to hold on to her. It came to one point where he ended up falling down next to Vanessa's compartment.
"What was that?"
"Don't know. I'll check it out."
Hunter opened the door and saw that it was Harry.
"Harry? What happened to you?" He asked
"Ah…can you get Vanessa. Something of hers ended up in my bag." He said
Hearing her mothers' name, Danica started breaking loose and ran inside.
"Danica?" Vanessa said in surprise.
Danica flew into her arms and cuddled into her embrace.
"Um…It looks like Danica decided to come with us." Harry said when he got up.
"Yeah I see. Thanks, Harry." She said "Everyone this is Danica, my dragon."
After a few hours the Hogwart Express slowed down and finally stopped in the pitch-darkness of Hogsmeade station. When the train doors opened, there was a rumble of thunder overhead. Vanessa placed Danica under her robes and headed out as she, Rain, Dawn and Artism help escort everyone to the carriages. Hunter and Carlos helped bundle up Orion and Dude for Vanessa. The rain was now coming down so thick and fast.
"Hi, Hagrid!" Carlos yelled
They saw the giant at the end of the platform.
"All, righ' Carlos?" Hagrid bellowed back and waved.
"Are you sure it's safe to cross the lake with the rain, Hagrid!" Hunter said
"We'll be fine! See yehn at the feast if we don't drown!" Hagrid yelled
The new first years looked worried when he said that.
"Ooh, I wouldn't fancy crossing the lake in this weather." Evie said
Everyone waited in line along the dark platform with the rest of the crowd. A hundred carries with Thearsle pulling them stood waiting for them outside the station. Some of the Slytherins' were trying to bump ahead but Vanessa and a few other Prefects put a stop to it. Draco backed down when Luke gave him a disapproving look. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville climbed gratefully into one of them. Vanessa, Rain and Dawn were able to get in one with Hunter, Carlos and Jay.
"Hows' Danica?" Carlos asked
"Not wet and calm." Vanessa said as she let Danica out
"How are you gonna hide her?" Jay asked
"Yeah…how are you gonna hide her when she gets…bigger." Dawn asked
"Still working on that." Vanessa said "I'm gonna have to ask Professor Dumbledore."
"Why not use an Undetectable Extension Charm on a suitcase? That's what I used for Morgana." Hunter said
"You had to, she's now big as a bus." Jay laughed
"Lukas and other Slytherins have no idea you have a 45 ft poisonous snake in your trunk?" Vanessa said "Would have thought they would sneak into it as a prank or something."
"Fred and George gave me something to keep them from digging in." Hunter smirk