The Bonds That Tie
The rest of Harry's party for turning seventeen was great. Tom and his followers weren't used to fun, but found that this celebration of turning another year older was a good time. Music, food, laughter. How could anyone go wrong with it? Harry enjoyed just spending it with everybody. It was still a fantastic night despite Sanguini coming through to test Harry, and then the situation at the ministry. The party ended a little after midnight, everyone going off to bed. Draco, Harry, and Severus didn't sleep, of course. Draco was now doing a lot of what Harry had done during his nights, just read up about things. Harry gave him material to go over regarding the coven, and the same to Severus, but Harry and his mate spent the rest of their night celebrating Harry's birthday in private. Making love more than once. The two might not sleep afterwards, but it was fun to cuddle up nude and just talk. The next morning after everyone woke up and had breakfast, Harry did have to send off his friends, the ones who hadn't been living there slept over because it had been late and it was just easier.
So Hermione and Ron left with Arthur Weasley to return to the Burrow, then Fred and George left to get back to their shop in the Alley. Neville went with his parents to Longbottom Estate. Seamus, Dean, Hannah, Angelina, and Alicia all departed as well. Bill and Fleur were gone too. Natalie, Astoria, and Daphne all returned home since the all clear was given and their parents were never death eaters, just suspected and proven wrong when Harry gave the list to Amelia of who worked for Tom. Officially, those residing in the house were the former death eaters, the ones who had kids, the Malfoy's, and Tom. Others who stayed were Remus and Tonks, though Nymphadora did leave to return to work as an auror. Remus didn't want to leave Harry because they really never got to spend much time together after Remus left post of DADA teacher. This was all due to their parole, and Harry being in charge of them for the next year to ensure they didn't break the law.
Harry had worked that Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco could return to Malfoy Manor, but a quick inspection of the place left to be discovered that it would need a lot of work to restore it. And not all that restoration could be with magic, then there was rebuilding the wards that had been around it. Time would be required, and while that went down; Harry was happy to house his family in his manor. Most of the morning after all that took place was rearranging the sleeping arrangements. Harry had said he didn't care who moved where as long as there wasn't any fighting over the rooms. Pansy moved to a smaller room and the boys split up between the room they had before and the one the girls had inhabited. Harry didn't pay much attention to where the others decided to be; he knew there was shifting though based on whose energy went where since he was keyed into the magic of the home itself with himself as Lord Potter. Harry only took aside his mate and the Malfoy's to go over how the initiation ceremony would go tonight.
The rest of the death eaters and Tom were figuring out their community service volunteer work decisions. Amelia had said she wanted to know by Monday, according to Harry during one of the conversations last night during the party. Despite not needing to be fully hidden away, Harry chose to keep the floo connections closed since people could apparate to him, and as for mail, owls could get through the wards and if anyone tried to follow; they'd find that they couldn't because the protections around the house would take those who didn't know the truth right through without ever seeing the castle. There would be an illusion of the bird still flying, and finding a tree to sit on. Harry found his manipulation of illusionary spells incredible.
"So how will tonight go, Harry?" Draco asked.
"We'll apparate to the gates of the coven's base and I'll walk you inside. The coven will have gathered already by the time we arrive, so don't let it get to you all the vampires in the room. Mother and Father will get to stand near the front, off to the side, to watch. Sanguini will be standing center with the council behind him. He'll give a little greeting speech to everyone, then just announce the two new are joining before giving your names." Harry tried to recall his own initiation February. "It's an over-glorified welcoming and once announced, everyone gets human blood to drink from a goblet for the toast." He added. "Mother, Father, not to worry. You're getting wine." He told them.
"Then what takes place?" Severus wondered.
"Sanguini will then bring forth the options for you to choose from regarding your badge of membership to the coven. Again, those items will be choker-like necklace, ring, bracelet, and regular necklace. You can pick whatever one you want, but remember whatever you choose, you wear all the time." Harry informed. "Sanguini will explain their enchantments and then there's just a little party where you can mingle with the others. It's very simple. Oh, and Sanguini will announce that Draco is my brother and Severus is my mate."
"Do we have to call him lord?" Draco inquired.
"Depends on the setting. I do when everyone gets together, out of respect in greetings. The rest of the time, he knows I just call him San or Sang." Harry stated. "It's your decision, really, as long as you're not being a disrespect welp to him, he's pretty laid back and fine with anything." He shrugged.
"And you said the other event happens this week too, right?" Narcissa questioned.
"Yes, the convening of our allied covens from around the world. You two, unfortunately, can't attend that. It's vampires only." Harry told them. "It's optional for you, love, and you as well, Dray. We'd be away from my house for a week, five days. Most of it is for everyone to catch up, some of it is meetings. I've been told it's a good time, but haven't attended until this year."
"As your mate, I feel it would be proper to attend all activities with you as a show of support…So I suppose I'll attend it." Severus said.
"Do we have to be there the whole time?" Draco looked at Harry now.
"I suppose you don't, but long enough to meet the other covens is probably expected." Harry mentioned.
"I don't want to be there all week, but I'll come for the first night to meet everyone." Draco agreed.
"Lovely. I'll tell San tonight." Harry smiled. "Trust me, it might seem overwhelming to see how many people are part of the coven…But everyone is a riot. Friendly and accepting. You'll love them." He assured lightly.
"We believe you." Severus and Draco said at the same time.
. . .
The rest of the day went smoothly, everyone just relaxing. Some of the death eaters had picked their volunteer work, and Harry was keeping a list to send to Amelia. The time was finally 8:45 pm as Harry was ready with Severus, Draco, Lucius, and Narcissa.
"Alright, we'll be back later. Probably after midnight. Behave yourselves, Remus is in charge." Harry told the group. "You four, link up." Severus held Harry's left hand, Draco held Harry's right, then Narcissa had Draco's left and Lucius had Narcissa's right. "Don't let go." He reminded before they disappeared from everyone else's sight.
The five appeared in front of a set of silver gates and looked around to find there were no trees, or grass. It seemed like stone walls and ceiling over them. Harry raised his ring to the gate as the metal creaked and split apart in the middle to allow them inside. Harry walked forward and the other four followed, taking everything about the castle before them in. Harry reached the castle doors and opened them up to get everyone inside the entrance hall.
"Where are we?" Draco asked.
"The coven's base," Harry replied.
"But…We were, like, outside when we arrived. It was a cave?" Draco wondered.
"We are underground." Harry informed. "I took us past the outside barrier with apparition. Only vampires can do it, and those with them. Humans can't see where the barrier is, but to them it's basically an clearing in the woods. The entry to the base is a large rock wall, but I took us right past the hidden entrance." He explained. "Magical folk can pass the barrier, though. So the hidden behind a rock wall is the protection against them getting into the base. Magic won't touch it, and neither will regular apparition."
"High security." Lucius remarked. "That's wise."
"Vampires and werewolves aren't exactly well liked or accepted by society. We have to be careful." Harry reminded as they got to the doors of the gathering hall. "Here we are." He said before pushing the doors open. It was nothing new to Harry to see everyone around, but Severus and Draco were taken by the amount of people in the room, and then there was Lucius and Narcissa staying close to one another while walking into a room full of vampires.
"Ah, my dear Harry…" Sanguini greeted, arms up in welcome.
Harry walked ahead of his mate, brother, and adoptive parents to offer a bow to his creator. "My lord," Harry stated.
"Wonderful to see you again, child," Sanguini said.
"It was only a day since the last," Harry smiled to him. "I've brought your two new members." He added, motioning to Severus and Draco. "My mate, Severus Prince, and my brother, Draco Lucius Malfoy."
"It's a pleasure to have you among us, mate and brother of Harry," Sanguini told the two. "And who are the extras?"
"Mine and Dray's parents. Well, his birth, my adoptive." Harry mentioned. "Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy."
"Lovely to meet you formally. I am Sanguini." Sanguini bowed his head respectfully. "Shall we begin?"
"Mother, Father…This way." Harry guided them over to the side where they could watch things and then Harry returned to Sanguini, now standing on his right side and facing Severus and Draco. "On your command," He told his creator.
Sanguini started by raising his hands to silence the room, not that it was very loud since Harry entered with extras. "Welcome, brothers and sisters, to another momentous evening where we initiate two new vampires to our growing family." The lord began. "Tonight, we have two people close to our own Harry Potter. The first being his brother, Draco Malfoy. And the second is Harry's mate, Severus Prince." Sanguini introduced. "Join me in welcoming them into the family." He added as goblets of blood were levitated to everyone in the room, except Lucius and Narcissa, who got wine glasses of red wine. Sanguini held his goblet up, and everyone else did the same before taking a unified drink. After that, the goblets vanished and Harry was given a square black case to hold. "Now, for selecting your object to act as a badge for membership into the coven." Sanguini motioned to the case as Harry opened it. "You may choose whatever you like…" He offered.
Offered in the box two sets of four pieces of jewelry. The same ones Harry said there would be; two types of necklaces, the ring that Harry used, and then the bracelet. Draco and Severus felt odd to have all eyes on them, and they glanced to Harry, who held the box open for them. Harry gave a reassuring smile for them to go ahead. Draco was first to select necklace and slide it over his head, the stone gave a quick glow. Severus chose the ring, setting it on his left hand middle finger, where Harry's sat too. The stone glowed in acceptance before Harry closed the lid and handed it off to one of the others.
"Harry, would you like to explain how the objects operate?" Sanguini looked to his young one.
"The coven name is Sanguis Latro, which is Latin for Blood Marauder. These objects can always take you here to the base if you just want to visit, or there's an emergency. All you have to do is say Carpe Noctem, meaning Seize The Night. These pieces will also alert Sanguini if you're in need of help, he'll make the call on bringing however many people to assist." Harry explained. "The object is latched onto your signature, it will let you know when you're in need of blood and if you're unable to get it; Sanguini will know and will arrange some brought to you. If you need help, you can summon Sanguini to you by using a drop of blood on the stone and uttering Auxilim, which means help. Or Veni, which is come." He continued. "If you need everyone, you just say Latrones Auxilim, meaning Marauders Help." He paused. "You've seen my ring do it before, but when it flashes red; the coven is calling you to help them. The portkey shifts and just by saying the coven's name; you'll be taken to wherever they are."
"I guarantee you that you'll be telling me this again by tomorrow, Harry…" Draco muttered.
"You won't forget, brother. I promise." Harry chuckled.
"And with that, the initiation is complete. Severus, Draco…Welcome to the coven." Sanguini clapped his hands together.
"Thank you," Draco and Severus replied in unison.
"Now, we celebrate!" Sanguini announced to the room. The others instantly began to chat with one another as Sanguini and Draco saw Severus motioning for them to follow him. "I take it upon myself to introduce new members to the coven before the rest jump you to learn more." He gave a small laugh. "I am leader of the coven, but also head of this vampire council and an elder vampire." Sanguini informed. Severus and Draco saw Harry nod that it was okay and then the two walked with Sanguini to meet the rest of the council, which was just a small group of four other vampires, likely elders. There were three woman, and two males, including Sanguini.
Harry greeted some of the others he was closer, but also didn't leave Narcissa and Lucius alone because it was easy to see they were just a tad nervous to be in a room with this many vampires. After Sanguini introduced Severus and Draco to the council members, the two males returned to Harry's side, and Harry took over introductions to some of the people he hung with during events. Sanguini ended up talking to Lucius and Narcissa, just telling them that they had great kids, which got the Malfoy parents to lighten up a little, and enjoy another glass of wine. It was nice, Harry liked calm nights like this.
. . .
The hours just ticked away, soon almost midnight. Harry had taken Lucius and Narcissa home around 10:00 pm; he could tell they didn't want to stay too long. Severus, Harry, and Draco would be leaving when the event was over. Sev and Dray had loosened up with the others, so friends made all around.
"Harry, will you be attending the coven gathering?" Sanguini questioned.
"Yes," Harry nodded. "Severus will be as well, but Draco is only staying the first day to meet everyone." He informed lightly.
"Excellent, and that's fine." Sanguini replied. "Seems they're handling coven life well."
"I knew they'd warm right up to it once in." Harry smiled. "Sev always said he'd join when it was offered, Draco is the one who wasn't sure. I think our parents told him to, so he'd have people after they died."
"That seems to be the going rate for a lot of the members." Sanguini agreed. "Those who still have families that are human and maintain contact and relationships." He added. "Now, if I may steal you for a few moments, Harry…There's a matter I need to discuss with you?"
"Sure. Sev, Dray…I'll be right back." Harry informed them and walked away with Sanguini. "What's up?"
"I have a rather young vampire the scouts located in their last rogue hunt." Sanguini began. "A female child. In all my years, she's probably the youngest child I've ever seen turned. Appearing about two years old."
"What's this to do with me?" Harry asked.
"I was hoping you'd talk to her so we can find out what happened. She was found alone, huddled in a corner. I believe she's in need of feeding, but I can't get her to take blood." Sanguini explained.
"I suspect she was probably turned, San. That's how it goes with the rogues, they just change at random. There doesn't seem to be a pattern," Harry reminded.
"The situation, Harry, is that you know vampires don't age once turned. This girl is different," Sanguini expressed. "We found her as a baby, appeared to be just a couple months old. She's been here for a week and she has grown to appear two years old."
"Okay, that is odd." Harry nodded. "So you want me to talk to her? And you think she'll respond enough at two years old to tell me what happened?"
"She won't reply to anyone I have here who works with rogue-turned vampires. And she seems scared of everyone else I've tried. But you're young, good with a lot of things. Maybe you'd be less threatening?" Sanguini hoped.
"I suppose I can give it a try." Harry told his creator. "Where is she?"
"We have her in one of the rooms right now," Sanguini said. "I can take you to her."
"Your lead then," Harry invited.
Sanguini led Harry to the stairs, then down a hallway and to a room. Sanguini stepped aside and let Harry get to the door. Of course, Harry knocked first and didn't get an answer. The vampire opened the door and looked inside slowly, finding the girl laying on the bed. As Sanguini said; she appeared rather young and was just laying down, staring up at the ceiling. Harry moved inside more and Sanguini shut the door behind him. Harry got to the bed and sat down on the edge, looking over the girl. How was he going to do this? Talking to a child should be easy, but this one was a toddler, they barely spoke any words. Still, Harry had to try; maybe he could get through.