The Bonds That Tie
It had been an eventful day so far, and probably still not over. It was never that easy for Harry. It went from meeting to full on attack by Dumbledore and aurors at Malfoy Manor to Draco being hurt with a curse that would kill him, then onto Harry having no choice but call his creator, Sanguini, to ask him if there was anything that could be done to help Draco. It came down to what Harry assumed would be the only option; turning Draco into a vampire. Harry hadn't wanted to do it, but it was the only way to save him. It would put a damper on the plan for Draco to be the one feeding Severus when he got changed, but they'd figure it out. Right now, Harry was just grateful his brother was alive. Well, as alive as you could get being undead. Harry knew everyone had questions, but was glad they were holding off on asking.
"Well then," Sanguini stated. "All seems well here."
Harry pulled from the hug with Draco to face Sanguini and bow respectfully to him. "Thank you."
"Any time, child. That's what I'm here for. I hope with time, your brother and mate will join us too. Don't be a stranger, Harry. Drop in for a visit." Sanguini smiles. "I'll be off now, and yes, you may reveal things to your group. I trust they can keep the secret?"
"Of course," Harry nodded.
Sanguini stepped away and vanished from sight. "So you clearly kept us in the dark about something, like I called months ago." Draco remarked.
"I didn't have a choice." Harry told him. "It's coven laws. You don't talk about the coven to outsiders of it."
"Well, your creator said you could tell us now," Draco stated.
"Tell you after we're out of the entrance hall," Harry sighed.
"That's where we are? This isn't a living room?" Hermione asked.
"No, no. This is just the main entrance. Come, follow me." Harry stood up. "Dray, slow." Draco nodded as he got off the couch and moved slowly beside Harry. It felt like he was walking one step every few minutes, but he stayed right next to Harry the entire time.
"Merlin above, this feels weird…" Draco muttered.
"It takes some getting used to." Harry nodded.
"Where are we, Harry? Is this, like, some abandoned vampire castle?" Ron wondered.
"I'll tell you when we're in the main room." Harry responded as he took them through a long corridor, then turned left to enter the living room. "Grab a seat anywhere." Everyone did so, Draco with his parents and Severus. Harry lit the fire easily and then grabbed a seat for himself. "To answer your question, Ron, and I'm sure it's on everyone's mind…This is Potter Castle. It's my family's home up to my grandparent's time, then they moved into Potter Cottage in Godric's Hollow." Harry informed. "It was listed on my inherited properties at the bank when I took up Potter Lordship last year. Took a while to find as it's under Fidelius, but all the Potter's are gone except me, so I was never passed the information. I am the only secret keeper here and it's off the radar to everyone, including the ministry."
"What about the floo connections? They found Malfoy Manor through those?" Lucius inquired.
"I closed all the connections off last time I was here, removed them from the network," Harry said. "The only way to get here is portkey or apparition. It's why I knew it was safe if we were attacked at the manor."
"How did you get everyone here, though?" Hermione asked.
"I manifested the portkey magic from my ring into a portal everyone could step through and end up in the foyer, which is where we were before." Harry revealed. "Only way to open it was calling the activation word in Parseltongue." He added. "For the time being, this is where we'll be hiding out. We're off the grid, no one can find us here unless you go outside the wards of the grounds. Those are marked off by flags and if you happen to come into contact with them, they'll stop you from leaving and flash once as the warning you're about to exit the ground's protection if you press on." He stated calmly.
"When school starts again…How are we gonna get there and here? Dumbledore saw us, actively working with Voldemort's follower's, Harry…If we leave, we'll be seen as traitors and arrested on sight." Hermione mentioned.
"All this will have blown over by September, it's already been set in motion. Seeds of doubt planted where they needed to be." Harry commented. "Calm yourself, Hermione. I'd never risk your education." He chuckled. "Remember I told you just tonight that it's a poor player who plays the game, and a wise one who plays their opponent? He walked right into the trap I set. Dumbledore admitted tonight in front of all those aurors and members of the Order that it was always intended for me to die. How I said that he's the one who put Tom on the path of darkness. That Tom outright said he wouldn't kill me to get the last piece of his soul. All that information is now out in the open, and the Order and as well as aurors will take it to the ministry and Dumbledore will be investigated for creating this entire mess and starting the war." He explained. "I told you I wouldn't have to destroy him because he would do it to himself. We just have to lay low for a bit, I've got Kreacher and Kolly at Grimmauld keeping an eye on things and reporting to me."
"Harry, I love the way you think." Voldemort grinned. "I couldn't have done it better myself."
"It was brilliant," Bellatrix agreed.
"The only thing not part of the plan was Draco taking a blast meant for me." Harry glared at his brother. "You heard Voldemort, and Sanguini, Dray…If it had hit me, there was a cure. You risked yourself needlessly and left me no choice but to turn you…" He muttered.
"Well, I'm not a mind reader, Harry…I didn't know." Draco huffed. "I just wanted to keep you safe."
"I told you I had it under control." He sighed. "Either way, Dumbledore attacked someone innocent, it's gonna look bad on him. I can play Draco being the victim card."
"Alright, so you've explained where we are and how Dumbledore is gonna fail…" Pansy said calmly.
"What about this vampire guy who turned you?" Theodore pushed.
"That was Sanguini, he's an elder vampire who sits as head of the vampire council and leader of the coven." Harry informed lightly. "He is the one who turned me, I tracked him down in those days after Severus and I accidentally bonded." He went on. "I was inducted into the coven in February, all members have an object that ties them to it. Mine is a ring that I've kept hidden under a glamour. It's more than a sign of membership; it's communication and a portkey. To either the coven's base or where the coven is currently located. Communication is what you saw, I can call on just Sanguini or all of them. I told you why I couldn't tell you. It's against the rules."
"But you broke them, to save me?" Draco asked gently.
"My status in the coven isn't the same as everyone else's there. I was turned for a specific reason…" Harry remarked. "My role is to get the people to see that vampires aren't dangerous. The rogue ones are, those who refuse a coven and run rampant. But those in a coven function a lot like normal society does. Sanguini believes I can bring everyone together, that's why I was changed into one of them. The world hasn't turned their backs on me for being a vampire. It took some adjusting, but I'm no different now than I was two years ago. The world still sees me as the boy who lived." He shrugged.
"Hah! Told you that it was personal as to why you were changed!" Draco grinned.
"Yeah, yeah," Harry gave a dismissive wave. "It's whatever. Not much has changed in being a vampire. Surviving on blood kind'a sucks, and maybe not sleeping, but that's it." He mentioned. "San admitted he wasn't in his right mind when he changed me, and only took off because he realized he could have endangered the entire coven. All vampires lose control at some point, forget to feed, get stressed, refuse to accept what happened."
"So why you, though, Harry?" Blaise inquired. "You told us on the train that he knew who you were. It wasn't an accident."
"Every wizard and witch knows who I am. The lightning bolt is kind of a dead giveaway. There are muggle vampire covens, then there are magical ones. Sanguis Latro is a magical one. Every vampire in it is a witch or wizard. Muggle vampires don't have the same abilities we do, and they are affected by magic. That's why wizarding dark creature hunters have specialized spells against us because we're not like the muggle ones. We can take spell damage just fine and not be affected." He explained. "Either way, the year I was turned was when the ministry was trying to shut me up about Voldemort being back, but also cracking down on all dark creatures. San's coven was being attacked; he was stressed with all the attacks. It was blood rage, I don't hold it against him for attacking me. Part of it was no control, subconsciously, it was let's see Harry Potter survive as a dark creature and behind that was hope that if I was one of them, I could help them. You've nothing to fear from them, they're allies. So are some of the werewolf packs."
"When have you had time to do all this?" Severus questioned gently.
"I told you I spent my nights staying busy. Over Easter Holiday, or that day I fed from you and we talked was the one I'd gotten the vampires and wolves to stop fighting over territory." Harry informed.
"If S-Sang-Sorry I can't remember his name…But if this guy figured things out right away, what he did…Why didn't he take you under his wing after the twenty-four hours?" Ron wondered.
"Sanguini, Ron. And it's because this particular coven doesn't assume that a newly turned vampire is going to want to associate with them. The vampire gets the choice to stay rogue, or connect with the others. I was rogue for a while, but I also had school. I hadn't cared much about being a vampire until Sev and I bonded; he'd told me to leave him alone…So I went off to find the guy who turned me to see if there was a way out of it." Harry remarked.
"That's where you got all that information about mating and the soulmate bond," Severus stated.
"Yes. I was supposed to be made part of the coven during that time…But I got called away when Tom tried to hurt you, then I had the bank stuff to handle, then catch the train." Harry nodded. "So the next time it happened was February. Sanguini asked me if I wanted to be part of the coven in December, I agreed. We just didn't get a chance to do the ceremony until February."
"Do I have to join the coven?" Draco wondered.
"Not if you don't want to. Most join it to be taught, have a place to call home so they aren't rogues. This coven is made up of those who were turned against their will and shunned. Sadly, most of it was bitten by muggle vampires with no control. Doesn't matter who did the turning. Everyone else there are families, mates, children of mates…But one big vampire family. It's a place to turn to for those who don't have teachers or anywhere else to go. But it has to be the vampire's choice. So no, you don't have to join, Dray. I can teach you as San taught me. Well, the things he taught me, I learned quite a bit on my own."
"But why did Sanguini say to bring Severus and I by for a visit?" Draco asked.
"No, no. That visit comment was for me. I only go when I'm called for something, or needed advice…Like when Sev and I fought after he kept the me being a horcrux thing a secret. Sanguini is the one who told me about breaking the soulmate bond, and while it's entirely possible, it would probably kill us both." Harry said. "Sanguini only said for you two that he hopes you'll join. Just a…Family is growing thing. After all…Our own families we have now will eventually die and that can be a lonely life to lead without your own kind." He informed. "But it's not required. You don't have to join, neither of you. Well, they might want to meet Sev, it's a mating tradition. But he's not required to join."
"Why do you call him San, but called him Lord Sanguini earlier?" Hermione asked.
"I use either, depends on the situation. Serious things that I go to him for, I'm calling on him as leader of the coven and that commands respect. So I call him Lord Sanguini. Other things, like casual, I use San. And he knows that." Harry stated.
"You're not gonna call me your young one or child, are you…" Draco muttered.
"Of course not, Dray. Sanguini is just very old fashioned, old being the operative word. I forget how long he's been around, but he's an elder vampire…So…He could be anything over five hundred. If I remember the vampire hierarchy. Elders run all the covens, then there are Masters or heads/leaders of covens. There's the council…Elite, Guards, Hunters, Healers, Normal, which are just vampires part of the coven who have no role and just there."
"So, that Sanguini guy is not only an elder, but a master?" Bellatrix questioned.
"There's only one coven for magical vampires, Sanguini founded it. Makes sense he's in charge of it. There are other magical vampire covens out there, but mostly those are small packs of rogue vampires only after blood, those who don't share Sanguini's feelings about melding the two worlds together. A lot like everyone against Voldemort's plans or the pure blood ideals. Sanguis Latros is the largest magical vampire coven in England. The other covens, who are not rogues, are actually those formed in other countries. I've yet to meet the others, but San has told me they all gather once a year for a week of celebrations and meetings. It's usually coven heads and the elders of that country's covens. Any vampire from the covens is welcome, though." Harry shrugged.
"When is this event held?" Severus inquired.
"I don't know, Sanguini hasn't told me, but he has mentioned that when it's planned; he'd like me there." Harry informed. "Sanguini wants me as his second in command, which he's allowed to bestow on the vampire he sired, to raise them up as the next master of the coven. I've told him to calm down because I've got enough on my plate."
"What is…Sanguis Latro, Harry?" Luna asked.
"It's Latin, for Blood Marauder. It's the coven name. The Latin terms are used with the coven item given at initiation." Harry said. "I can't tell you those unless you're a member. Sorry."
"So, is it the same for me now? As you? Only human blood, not sleeping?" Draco wondered.
"Basically." Harry nodded. "Also…Ron, Hermione, and Luna…Are your parents going to be worried that you're not around much. I mentioned before, we're on lockdown until this smooths over. I do promise before next school term starts…But for now?"
"We're good." Ron nodded.
"We're both seventeen, our folks have no say." Hermione informed. "Also, I may have altered my parents' memories to not having me…For now. I was staying at the Weasley's after this year ended. I don't want anyone using them against me, or hurting them. So I've sent them off out of the country."
"We live on our own." Fred and George stated together.
"My father is unaware, but would be content with letters to know I'm alright…If that's possible?" Luna hoped.
"We can't take the risk of owls…I could bring him here, for safe keeping. Up to you, my friend." Harry offered.
"I would like that very much, Harry. Thank you. Father knows of things; he's on your side." Luna smiled.
"I'll make arrangements later in the week, once everyone is settled here." Harry promised. "Any other questions?"
"One," Draco paused. "Who is gonna feed me? I already know from feeding you that it's gonna take time to stretch feedings."
"I will." Narcissa offered. "You're my son, and I fed you all the same as a baby. It's no different."
"You sure, Mother?" Draco inquired.
"Of course I am." Narcissa told him.
"I can help with feedings too," Lucius nodded.
"That settles that. We'll keep you at three times a week, to start…" Harry said.
"I had a question…" Severus looked at his mate.
"I'll change you in a couple days, Sev. Would work out to train you and Draco at the same time." Harry stated.
"Okay, that was one of my questions…The other was who was feeding me since my godson is out." Severus wondered.
"I'm still working on it." Harry remarked. "Virgin blood is preferred at first feed, but not required. San obviously prefers is because as it's quite obvious, the best."
"I won't feed from the kids." Severus told him.
"I didn't expect you would, Severus. Calm down," Harry smiled.
"There's plenty of us here to help for a short time." Voldemort offered. "Not to worry, Severus."
"Thank you, my lord." Severus bowed his head.
"We all good?" Harry inquired as the people in the room nodded. "Lovely. Now, come along. I show you around." He told the group. "Mind you, I've only been here one other time and last time I saw it, it was very dirty. The elves have been working hard to get it cleaned up and prepared for living in."
"We don't judge and thank you, Harry, for taking us in." Lucius said gently.
"There's no need to thank me, Father. This is family, even if we're not all connected by blood. I do anything for the people I care about." Harry replied. "Besides, you took me in first. This is me repaying the favor, and protecting my family." He added. "Come. There's a lot of house to go through." Harry led with Severus beside him as they went back to the main entry way. "Okay. These two doors; the left is the old library, now more of an office space and right is the formal dining room. These halls off the entrance door, left takes you to a bunch of office spaces. I think the first one is a Billiards Room with a small bar and across that is a bathroom. The last room down that hallway is the new library, and two stories high. To the right of the house is the new Potions Lab."
"Originally, it was the basement, right?" Severus inquired.
"I switched them. There's better ventilation on the main level. Also, if you go up this way just a tad, is a Sun Room which you're free to use as a greenhouse, if ya like. I know you grow some of your on ingredients." Harry informed. "There's also a small bathroom in this upper hallway too."
"You know me so well." Severus chuckled.
"I make it my job to learn about you. We are, after all, spending and eternity together." Harry chuckled.
"That's more than fair," Severus replied.
"Moving on. Come on, there's more house to see." Harry guide them back to the main foyer. "Stairway upstairs using either left or right one. Doesn't really matter which. Right on through is the Ballroom. This way to the left has a small bathroom. The room beyond this point is the master bedroom and connected sitting room to it. This is obviously mine and Sev's space." He revealed. "To the right has the kitchen, pantry, and family room. Where we already were. This room over here on the right is like a small dining area, eating nook, I guess." Harry stated. "If you follow down from there, we're back at the greenhouse and lab."
"Onward to upstairs then?" Narcissa wondered.
"Yes, this way. There is also a stairways to the upstairs near the greenhouse and on the other side of the house where those office spaces are. But the main stairs are these spiral ones." Harry mentioned as they all headed upstairs. "Okay, this square, we'll call it, is all bedrooms. Two here right off the stairs, and two around the back over here. This side room to the right is an office, but also has a spiral staircase to take you up to the three tower rooms. I haven't done much with those yet, but right now, it's storage." Harry explained. "This space which would be over the potions lab have four bedrooms, but two living rooms and mini kitchens. Like, wall to wall as if it were a flat. There are two bedrooms in each, one at the front, and another at the back. Living room and kitchen in the middle. The left side of the house also has three bedrooms over the office spaces, and the very back is the second floor of the library." Harry showed them.
"What is the basement now?" Severus inquired.
"Converted into more bedrooms, sitting area. All pretty basic," Harry shrugged. "So, up to you where you all end up. Those of you staying, of course. I don't presume to assume you, Fred and George, will be staying?
"We've got the shop to run and we were hidden under a glamour when Dumbledore stormed the manor. We're safe," Fred informed.
"Just watch yourselves." Ron told his brothers.
"We will, Ronnie, don't you worry." George promised.
"I'll remain with the packs." Fenrir stated.
"We'll stay." Remus nodded with Tonks beside him.
"I think the rest of us will be." Hermione said.
"Then pick your places and settle in." Harry stated. "Come on, Sev." Harry held Severus's hand and pulled him along back up to the main level of the home, then to their bedroom.
It had been a long night, but all anyone wanted to do was pick their new rooms to stay in then eat dinner, and get some sleep. As of tonight, with Albus attacking the manor; the war had officially begun.