It had been a full week since my encounter with the vampires in the woods just beyond the limits of Hogsmeade.
My students had grown to dislike me. I heard their whispered conversations and lamentations. By their words, I was a harsh taskmaster, too demanding to be a proper teacher. Why should I insist they learn the foundational principles of potion making when not one of them intended to become a master brewer? Surely memorizing the most popular and frequently used formulas was more than enough. Even the workload of my class, something I considered more than fair, promoted discontent. Exercises created to improve student's knowledge were, evidently, unwelcome.
It mattered not. I would not alter my teaching style and class due to discontent students. I knew they were capable of what I expected of them and would not allow them to squander their potential. It was only by the uplifting of other mages that advancements benefiting all mages could be made. My door remained open. If any of them required assistance, I was more than willing to assist.
Additionally, Albus had delivered the schedule for the dueling club that I had requested of him. The club was set to begin in two week's time. The emphasis of the club would be defense with offensive magic and spells interwoven.
I approved of this approach. The students attending Hogwarts were not learned nor powerful enough to defeat the dangerous creatures that would seek to do them harm. Prioritizing defense would allow the students a better chance of escaping deadly situations. I was sure Albus had developed the club this way purposefully, playing on the student body's desire to compete to help them grow more able to protect themselves.
In added welcome news, there had been no further incidents involving vampires or supernatural creatures of any kind preying on the students. Even still, I patrolled the grounds in the evenings. Were Hogwarts's wards not so restricting, I could have summoned another to protect the grounds in my stead, but I made do with the hand I had been dealt.
The incident in the forest had forced me to rethink my approach to certain problems. Two students had nearly died under my watch. Had I been less proactive, waiting to construct my wards, they would be dead. This world was no longer the story I knew. It was a living, breathing world with actions and consequences. I needed to be proactive if I wished to avoid negative consequences.
It was for this reason that I now stood in the second floor girl's lavatory. I had waited until the restroom was vacant then entered, cloaked under an invisibility spell.
The Chamber of Secrets was something I intended to deal with later in the year, but the events of last week had altered my plans. I would not allow the serpent slumbering in the depths of the castle any longer to potentially awaken and harm the students or faculty of this institution. While I remained a professor within these walls, the safety of those within them was my responsibility, and I would henceforth be more proactive with their defense.
In addition to my staff, sword and satchel, I had equipped myself with a special arsenal designed to aid me in my battle with the basilisk. I did not expect much trouble, but, as I had learned many times over, it was far better to be prepared than wanting.
My dark robes had been replaced with a dark cloak with silver, spiderweb trim. A silver-banded ring with a square-cut diamond affixed to its top was wrapped around my right ring finger. Dark, forest-green boots garbed my feet snugly.
My body lost substance as it morphed into a mass of silver mist. Flowing forward, I seeped through the miniscule gaps between the sink and the floor left by the secret entrance to Salazar Slytherin's chamber.
As I progressed, I felt a magical barrier hampering me, its power threatening to violently evict me from this most sacred tomb. Rather than risk attempting to pass before it was dealt with, I flowed back into the bathroom and coalesced, becoming substantial once more.
Frowning, I held my staff in front of me and channeled my power through it, gritting my teeth as the ancient barrier resisted my strength. The barrier had weakened over the years, I could feel it. Where it should have been unmovable as stone there were cracks forming. That the barrier held against me for as long as it did so many years after its creation spoke volumes of the mastery Salazar Slytherin obtained in the ways of magic. However, strong as his waning barrier may be, my magic proved superior.
With one last push, a pulse of magic able to be felt through the air was released with the death of the barrier, blowing my hair back before the room stilled once more. I retracted my staff and allowed myself a satisfied nod. Once more, my body lost substance as I took the form of mist, flowing through the gaps in the floor and sink without resistance.
Reforming once I was through, I took in the sight of the cavern around me with my vampiric vision. Dark, rough rocks surrounded me on all sides. The small ledge I stood atop was at the foot of a cliff descending far into the Earth. I could see the bottom, though only just. What was beyond it, I could only guess from memories of having seen it on a screen.
Before I descended, I prepared my last item. Withdrawing a long strip of enchanted cloth from a pocket in my cloak, I wrapped it around my head, covering my eyes with the enchanted blindfold. Immediately, my vision turned dark, and I saw no more.
Perhaps this was paranoia when considered in tandem with my other preparations, but I would not allow this beast to best me because I underestimated the threat it posed. A basilisk's hide resisted magic and their very gaze could kill. I was not so arrogant as to believe my life was too powerful to be terminated, undead though it may be. It was a risk I simply would not take.
My blindfold firmly fastened to my head, I stepped over the edge and allowed myself to fall. Wind whistled in my ears as I dropped. Soon after my feet left stone, they landed on more rock, though not a sound was produced by my landing.
With hearing unparalleled, I navigated my path forward. I could sense the piles of stone around me, skirting them as I pulled the hood of my cloak over my head, maintaining as much silence and stealth as I could muster. It wasn't long before the rough rocks gave way to cleanly cut stone. I had arrived.
Though I could not see the structure, a large shape reminiscent of a head lay before me. I inhaled deeply, grinning when I detected a hint of living blood in the air. It was muted, hidden beneath the stench of death, rot and feces, but it was there.
My sword was drawn from its sheath, no sound ringing from the enchanted scabbard. I advanced.
I was growing closer. The scent was stronger, more prevalent. The closer I came, the more pervasive the sound of dripping water. It was all around me. My feet were two steps removed from a pool that extended out towards where the scent drew me.
I stopped at the foot of the water, debating my options. While I could speed across the water and attempt to strike at the serpent before it awoke, I risked being delayed by the stone barrier that was clearly positioned between the serpent and myself. Alternatively, I could chart a wide course around the pool, traversing the walls to reach the basilisk's sanctum.
I was unable to make a decision before a great grinding sound rose in front of me, the stench of blood, the rhythmic pulse of flowing crimson assaulted my senses, growing closer.
My lips thinned into a line as I readied my blade. It was obvious what had happened.
The serpent no longer slumbered, awakened when I dismantled the barrier surrounding its home.
A violent hiss proceeded a whoosh of air.
I leapt towards the roof of the cavern, feeling air suck away beneath me as the large serpent's fangs snapped through the space I'd occupied a fraction of a moment ago.
Frostbrand pointed towards the beast, I extended my offhand behind me and a wave of air blasted forth from my outstretched hand, propelling me down onto the basilisk. I dug into the serpent's hide the moment I felt it beneath me, slashing and stabbing as fast as I could strike.
The basilisk screeched in pain, its scaly hide writhing and bucking beneath me as it thrashed and rolled in an attempt to dislodge me from its body.
My nimble feet moved with the snake's haphazard motions, allowing me to maintain my advantageous position directly behind its head, keeping it from coiling back around to snap at me as I was too close. All the while I danced to maintain my position I cut into the basilisk's flesh. I could feel the air grow cold as frozen crystals jutted from exposed wounds, expanding down into the basilisk's veins and muscles. The snake was slowing.
A great rush of air behind me was the only warning I required to leap to the ground directly in front of the Basilisk's head. The basilisk's tail connected with nothing. Had I not moved, it would have pummeled me free from its body and likey sent me flying uncontrollably into the wall of the cavern.
Now with its prey before it, the basilisk attempted to catch me in its jaws once more. Its speed was great, but mine was superior.
I dashed to the side cutting upwards with my blade as the basilisk's neck passed, scoring a deep cut directly past its jaw. As the beast recoiled in pain, I seized my opportunity.
I darted forward and stabbed Frostbrand into the basilisk's underbelly, sinking the sword into the hilt. I began running along the basilisk's length, dragging Frostbrand with me, severing muscle and bone as I went. The basilisk thrashed and heaved, attempting to free itself, but its movements had turned sluggish, it was in its dying throes. Before I had even reached halfway down the creature's body, it had grown still.
As assurance, I withdrew Frostbrand from the snake and ran back to its head, leaping atop its skull and skewering the blade down and through its brain.
The basilisk did not twitch.
I held out my hand and two squelching sounds accompanied the success of my telekinetic spell. The eyes of the basilisk floated into an enchanted pouch I had prepared to contain them before disappearing into my satchel. I would experiment with them later.
The basilisk dead and its eyes no longer present, I removed my blindfold and took in my work.
Blood poured from the deep laceration in the basilisk's underbelly into the water of the cavern like a waterfall. Crystals of ice gathered at the edge of each wound Frostbrand had inflicted on the basilisk. The beast itself lay unmoving, lifeless against the stone. In the fiction I knew, this creature had been felled by a frightened twelve-year-old. Against a master of my caliber, this result was inevitable. Whether my caution in regards to the basilisk's gaze was warranted or not I would soon determine, but that was for later when I had returned to Ravenscrest. There was plenty of work for me to focus on in the present.
I passed across the water to the large, stone-carved head in the chamber. Planting my staff into the ankle-deep water, I pressed my power against the barrier just as I had the one protecting the entrance to the chamber. This barrier lasted longer. But with nothing hampering my concentration, it fell in time.
Walking into the opening in the statue made by the opened mouth, I was assaulted by the stench of rot and death. Bones of small animals lay piled in the basilisk's lair, clattering across the ground as I was forced to walk through them. The room was large and domed with smooth was stained black with dried blood and other filth.
My initial disappointment at the esteemed Chamber of Secrets's appearance was soon banished as I felt something. Gusts of swift wind cleared the floor in the center of the chamber as I began inspecting it more closely. There was something beyond the floor beneath me, but I did not have the capability to access it as intended. I was not a parseltongue as Salazar had been. It was likely that he had tied this enchantment to the same, parseltongue commands that allowed Harry Potter and Tom Riddle to access the Chamber without being killed by the wards.
As much as I wanted to investigate further, I knew I would have time in the future to return to this place when I could take my time and dismantle the wards, accessing the path lower into the chamber without risk of damaging anything therein. Being hasty would serve to do nothing but potentially spoil the spoils I could enjoy later. I would wait until I had a full day to investigate the area. I possessed other tasks with which to occupy my time. The basilisk was still leaking blood, and I desired to collect it.
I gingerly made my way back to the stone floor and went about retrieving vessels of varying sizes from my satchel. I would harvest everything I could from the basilisk as I had its eyes – skin, blood, venom, fangs, tongue, muscle, bone, everything. I did not know what items I could create with materials from such a legendary beast, but I eagerly awaited the opportunity to experiment.
X
"Master! A visitor has arrived at the gate!" the small, spindly form of Draip cried as he scampered into my workspace.
"I am aware, Draip, though I thank you for your vigilance. I will be permitting them entry. Should they stray from the path or attempt anything nefarious, see to it they are not allowed to leave my lands." I felt the guest's presence through the wards when the large knocker affixed to the wrought iron gate at the very edge of my lands was used. It, like the vast majority of amenities I had crafted since establishing myself here, was enchanted. The magic inherent in the gate and the fence it was attached to would inform me when someone attempted to breach my perimeter, be it amicable or nefariously.
So far, the individual at the edge of my lands had followed the instructions left on a wooden sign next to the gate and knocked. If they stayed on the path of cobbled stone for the lengthy journey to my home, I would meet with them. If they did not, my guardians would deal with them.
I gently placed the basilisk muscle I had been observing back into its vessel and stood from my workbench, magically cleaning my hands as I did. "Prepare refreshments, Draip. We will host a guest soon." I locked the door to my alchemy lab behind me and made for my sitting room.
The room was professional but not stuffy. A scarlet couch with velvet cushions sat on either side of a simple oak coffee table. A fireplace stood at the head of the coffee table with a bookshelf stocked with histories and fairy tales on either side. I sat on one of the sofas and settled in to wait, saying a word of thanks to Draip as he appeared with a plain white cloth and polished the table before hastening away to continue with his preparations.
My guest must not have been in any rush, for nearly a full hour had passed before a knock finally sounded at my front door.
Draip answered the door and, before my guest could greet him, said, "The Master waits in the sitting room. Follow me."
If my guest was made uneasy when a demon answered the door, there were no verbal queues to give away the fact.
Draip hobbled into the sitting room, a single figure following a respectful distance behind him.
She stood a fair five feet tall, though her presence did not suffer from her shorter stature. Sleek, golden blonde hair fell down just past her shoulders. A gentle, friendly smile rested upon her ruby lips, prevalent against her smooth skin, pale like that of a corpse. Crimson eyes latched onto me inquisitively as she stepped across the threshold into the sitting room, her rufous dress gliding just above the dark wooden floors of my home. A simple gold chain with a sapphire gem affixed to it hung from her neck.
"Master, I present your guest." Draip said, bowing dramatically. The imp was nothing if not dramatic.
"Thank you, Draip. Please retrieve refreshments for our guest." I said, my eyes never leaving those of the woman who had waltzed into my home unannounced.
Draip scurried off towards the kitchen to do as he was told.
"Please, sit." I said, motioning to the sofa across from me.
The woman nodded and said, "Thank you." Her steps were light, barely making a sound as she seemed to levitate to the sofa, sitting down properly and folding her hands in her lap.
"My name is Victor Beolfag. Welcome to Ravenscrest – my home." I said, maintaining a cordial demeanor, though prepared should the conversation stray from amiable.
The woman slightly declined her head in a respectful nod. "Thank you, Lord Beolfag, for welcoming me into your home. My name is Anastasia Romanov, but please, I insist that you call me Ana."
"Then I must insist you call me Victor." I responded easily. It was clear to me this woman was important, powerful. Her presence weighed on the very air, the sureness of her movements as if they had been practiced for decades. When dealing with unknown entities, it was always best to put forth what you wished to receive. I wished to maintain a pleasant conversation with this woman until I knew more of what she wanted.
"I have retrieved refreshments, Master." Draip said, shuffling into the room with a brass platter laden with scones, fruit, teacups and a delicate china teapot balanced precariously in front of him. The imp set the tray on the coffee table and backed away a few steps, awaiting further orders.
"Thank you, Draip. That will be all for now."
"Of course, Master. Call if you require more." Draip dashed away, leaving Anastasia and I alone. Neither of us had broken eye contact throughout Draip's display.
As I was the host, I was the one to break our locked gaze, constrained as I was by the necessity of manners. I looked down and hefted the teapot, filling both cups before setting the pot back atop the tray.
"Sugar?" I said, looking up at Anastasia questioningly.
"No, thank you."
I picked up a teacup and its saucer and held them out to my guest.
She took both in graceful hands with a grateful smile and nod, lifting them up before her mouth and taking a sip. She hummed appreciatively. "Delicious."
"Thank you. I have spent many years cultivating and breeding these leaves." I lifted my own cup and took a small sip of the dark liquid, before setting it on the coffee table. "Ana, may I ask what has brought you to my door?"
Anastasia took another sip of her tea before setting her cup and saucer down on the table. She folded her hands in her lap, sat up straight to meet my eyes and said, "I am here to apologize and make amends for the actions of my subordinates. Their activities were unsanctioned by me, but, as their master, the responsibility for their affront still rests on my shoulders. I have come to offer my services and resources as recompense for the slight they, and therefore I, have committed against you."
My expression was guarded as I held Anastasia's gaze. This was the reason I had permitted her entry to my estate. I had expected something of this nature. Anastasia was clearly a vampire. Vampires had slighted me recently. It would seem I was correct to leave the male alive; to allow him to return to his master.
"As I am a professor at Hogwarts, the safety of its student's is my primary concern. Your servants threatened that safety. Had I not intervened, this meeting would be occurring under starkly different circumstances." I said calmly, assuring there were no changes in my posture or tone of voice.
Anastasia nodded. "Yes, Damien and Boudica overstepped their reach, disobeying explicit orders I had mandated – unquestionable laws that have been in place for centuries as I am sure you are aware. They were neonates, unlearned. They did not understand the gravity of their folly. My failing to control my subordinates nearly ended in the deaths of two of your students. I had initially thought to bring you a head, but had you desired it, you would have taken it yourself. You are a thoughtful individual. I am here to amicably rectify the injustice my domain has inflicted upon you however I can."
While I did not outwardly react, her terminology had awakened slumbering memories within me, memories I would rather remain dormant. To ascertain whether what I had extrapolated was true, I said, "What domain has wronged me, Prince?"
"Glasgow, and please call me, Ana." Anastasia said proudly. "I hold much influence. What must I do to make amends, Victor?"
I did not so much as twitch, though internally I was rapidly altering plans and plotting new ways to ensure I remained safe. The potential danger of this world had just increased astronomically. "Before anything else, I must have your word that no further incidents like that which brought us together will occur." I said, focusing on what I could affect in the moment rather than allowing myself to drown myself in thoughts of the future.
"You have it." Anastasia said immediately. "My sect will not prey upon Hogwarts nor any witches or wizards ever again unless we are provoked. Boudica was rightfully dealt with by you. Damien and their sire, Almec, served as examples to my subordinates to heed the laws that have preserved our people for so long."
The more she spoke, the more complete the picture of who the woman before me was became. She was honorable – she had arrived at my home alone to atone for a failure in her leadership. She was powerful – a vampire would not last as Prince in such an influential city unless they were skilled. She was ruthless but just – she meted out punishment for breaking a law that could have brought her people into a war. Had I not successfully defended my students, witches and wizards would have gone on the hunt for vampires. A conflict of such scale would benefit no one.
"Additionally, you will have copies made of your domain's lore and knowledge to be provided to me so that I may distribute them amongst my students and colleagues. Clan secrets are exempted from this demand." I said. So long as she was indebted to me, I would use the opportunity to learn as much about her and those who supported her as possible. It was possible things were not as dire as I initially believed upon confirmation of to whom she belongs, but I would not know for certain unless I was allowed access to information that would be restricted to me in any other circumstance. I would not allow the opportunity to become better informed about a potential enemy to pass me by.
For the first time since she'd arrived in my home, the slightest frown tugged at Anastasia's lips before it was quickly banished. "You ask for much, Victor."
"I ask for nothing. If you wish to make amends, this is the price. Refuse, and that will be the end of it. I will still not seek open conflict with you and yours, but I will eliminate any of your number I happen upon." I held Anastasia's gaze, urging her to feel the truth of my words. She may be powerful, perhaps more powerful than I anticipated she was, but she was in my home. She could not threaten me here and knew it. It was why she had approached me here in the first place, a gesture of goodwill that she truly intended to atone.
Anastasia gently picked up her teacup, taking a sip from the cup, her eyes clouded by deep thought. With a clink she set the cup back down on its saucer. "Very well. I will provide what you ask."
I allowed a small smile onto my face. "Then you and yours are forgiven, Ana."
She returned the smile. "I am pleased to hear that, Victor. As we have now returned to pleasant terms, I would seek to make a request of you."
Intrigued, but also cautious, I said, "I am listening."
"As I walked your impressive lands, I felt powerful magic unlike any I have encountered before. It is clear you are a powerful kindred, but your mystical might is likely unmatched. I would seek to trade with you: knowledge and influence for knowledge and power."
"I am among the wizard's nobility. That is the extent of the influence I desire. My knowledge is not so easily bought."
"Among wizards you hold influence, yes; I am offering a seat in the Hellfire Club."
For the second time during this meeting, I found myself carefully controlling my features. Yet another term I was familiar with in a context I found worryingly apt. It was possible the Hellfire club she spoke of was nothing other than the mundane organization that existed in my shorter life's world, but it was just as likely that she was referring to a far different version of the same entity I recalled from a fictional world. Like Anastasia's Princehood, it should not exist here. How was it I had resided here for years without any inkling to such important information? No, I knew the answer: My isolation. From this point forward, I would need to be more active in the world lest more impossibilities befall me while I am unprepared.
"Hellfire?" I said, feigning disinterest. "What the mortals plot has little bearing on us. Why would you have a seat to begin with?"
Anastasia smiled a secretive smile. "That is my business, Victor, but I can provide what I offer."
"For magical secrets enough to surpass your masters." I said, infusing my words with incredulity. The magic of Tamriel was not worth what she was offering, even if it was the Hellfire I believed it to be.
"Secrets enough to make me powerful enough to intimidate challengers, yes. Strong enough to surpass those above me? You underestimate my elders, Victor."
"No, I do not." I said seriously, lips thinning into a line. "You underestimate me and what you ask of me."
Anastasia fixed me with a scrutinizing gaze, her eyes betraying her consideration. "I will admit to curiosity about you, Victor. A powerful elder unknown to us appears as if from nowhere teaching at a wizard's institution. Your past, your strength, your magic, your motives – you are shrouded in mystery."
"I am no threat to you or yours so long as I am left alone. Provoke my ire, and I shall retaliate with a force you cannot weather."
"You can be assured, Victor, none of mine shall ever wrong you or yours again. I wish to foster a long lasting, mutually beneficial relationship with you. Hence, my proposal."
"Once more, I would stress that what you offer is not sufficient for what you ask."
"Victor, I have been impressed with what I have seen of your power and home, but I have not seen anything to support your claim that your secrets are so valuable."
Narrowing my eyes, I said, "If you seek to know more about me, you must reveal more of yourself first."
Anastasia seemed to sit straighter, a pleased expression on her face. "A question for a question then? I accept. As you are my host, you may ask the first question."
Taking a quick sip from my tea, I said, "You are clearly old and powerful, holding great influence among your society, but I would ask whether your positions stems from political maneuvering or eclipsing strength."
"Both." Anastasia said, a proud shine in her eyes. "I have learned the games we play well. When I saw an opportunity to increase my own standing, I took it. My power ensures none move against me for fear of destruction. I am only six sires removed from Cain himself. Though I am substantially younger than most elders, the veracity with which I have delved into the magic inherent in my blood has allowed me to rise to the pinnacle few ever reach. As such, rivals pass me by. Not solely due to my strength, but because of the secrets our kind would lose should I die with no apprentice to inherit my power."
That was why she wanted my magic, why she was strong and learned enough to recognize the effects and power of the magic woven into the walls and trees of my home and wanted it for herself. The more magical secret she hoarded, the more secure her own position.
Setting her teacup down after taking a long drink, Anastasia said, "I believe it is my turn now, Victor. What is the name of your sire?"
She was direct, seeking particular information to attempt to fill in the gaps on her own. I entered into an agreement with her, so I answered honestly with, "Lamae Bal, formerly Lamae Beolfag."
Anastasia's eyebrows drew together in evident confusion. "I do not know of an elder by that name."
"I would be surprised if you had heard of her. She enjoys her privacy even more than I." That as well as the obvious fact that Lamae Bal currently resided in Tamriel. At least, as far as my current knowledge was concerned. This conversation had done well to illuminate me on the many aspects of this world I was still ignorant of. I would need to invest more time and resources into forging a better understanding of this new world and to search for any other unexpected forces. Perhaps I would summon more servants once this meeting concluded.
"She must be powerful indeed to have sired a kindred like yourself."
"While I can understand and even appreciate your attempt to divulge more information, I am afraid I will say no more of her or her whereabouts. I did not dishonor the spirit of this exchange by lying to you, but understand I will be in breach of her trust should I reveal more."
Anastasia raised a single hand, sitting back from where she'd leaned forward in interest. "I understand completely, Victor. Thank you for your candor. What else would you ask of me?"
"Hellfire – what specifically would joining its ranks grant me that I could not acquire on my own?" I needed to learn more of the Hellfire club that existed in this world to determine whether it contained supernatural beings I needed to prepare for or if it was entirely mundane.
"The club is home to more influential and politically powerful mortals than any other organization on the planet. Through Hellfire, you would have access to the movements and intentions of every annoyance the mortals possess. Additionally, any objective you wished to complete amongst them could be easily aided by Hellfire or even done through an intermediary they would contract. You would gain influence over mortal development with little to no risk to yourself. There are few in Hellfire's ranks that could pose a genuine threat to myself. From my measure of you, you would thrive with its resources as greatly as I have."
It was likely the Hellfire Club from the fiction I knew then. I began making plans in the back of my mind as I continued our conversation.
"I would not be able to dedicate myself to any position until my current term at Hogwarts is concluded. I have made a commitment to the school and its students – one I will honor." Not mentioning the fact that taking a seat in Hellfire would require me to take a more active role in world events. From her answer, this sounded similar if not identical to the club I had initially thought of when she had mentioned the name. Being a known associate of Hellfire would make me enemies for no reason other than my association with them, no matter how infrequent that association would be. While the information acquired from it would benefit me, the price of exposure was one I needed to consider. There were other avenues through which I could learn about the world without such risk, lesser though they were.
"That is not a concern. In fact, it is better. I would not be able to bring a wholly unknown individual to the floor immediately. Completing your contract at Hogwarts would allow me the time I would need to prepare for your arrival." Anastasia leaned forward once more, a victorious smirk on her face. "I take your question to mean you are interested?"
"Provisionally. We would need to renegotiate the price you ask, but that can be done in the future. As that question was asked in response to my own and did not seek any information immediately useful to you, I will grant you another."
Anastasia smiled and tilted her head to the side. "You are quite the gentlemen." Her playful teasing fading, she said, "What clan do you belong to? Your gifts are too varied and too contradictory for me to ascertain your origins."
"I belong to Clan Beolfag." I answered honestly. Tamriel vampires were not structured in the same way as Anastasia's kin, but my answer was true and would bridge the gap between our differing systems enough for her to draw the correct conclusions.
Anastasia's teacup, which she had lifted after asking her question, froze partway to her mouth. Cunning eyes bore into my own as Anastasia absorbed my answer. Slowly, she set the teacup down without drinking from it. She folded her hands in her lap, intently focused on me. "Are you saying what I believe you are saying?"
"I cannot be certain of the conclusion you have drawn."
Anastasia's eyes were narrow as she sat, "You belong to a clan named for your sire. I would think the insinuation is obvious."
"Whatever deeper truth you extract from my words is yours alone to determine the veracity of. It is my turn now." I had told the truth, but I was being intentionally misleading. By revealing what I had, Anastasia, and therefore those she associated with, would view me as a greater threat and tread with caution. Simultaneously, she had drawn the wrong conclusion. While Lamae Bal was a clan matron, she was also the progenitor of an entire bloodline of vampirism. That made me a first generation vampire of her line by Anastasia's metric. I was five steps above Anastasia on the vampiric hierarchy; she was ignorant to that fact.
"Ask your question." Anastasia said in a calm, controlled voice. Her eyes still swam with desire, for information and my power, but she had clearly grown used to controlling her emotions and desires to better deal with others of her kind.
"What is known in your circles of a man called Gellert Grindelwald?"
Tilting her head in confusion at the sudden change in topic, Anastasia said, "He is a powerful wizard who has gathered a notable organization of followers around himself. We are aware of him, but we do not involve ourselves with the affairs of mortal mages."
"I give you this for free as a token of good faith and friendship. Soon, Grindelwald and his followers will incite a major war among the Wizards of Britain. Grindelwald believes wizards to be superior to all others. I am sure you have noticed his actions against wizards. Soon, he will target non-magical mortals, half-breed humans, werewolves, vampires. Be prepared to defend yourself and your domain or you will be swept away by the tide he unleashes upon the world."
Anastasia lifted her chin, projecting confidence as she said, "You are certain of this?"
"Yes."
"I thank you for the information, Victor. You do not know how much this will aid me."
"I expect the kindness to be returned in the future."
She nodded sharply. "It will be. You may ask another question."
I shook my head. "It is your turn. I insist."
Anastasia seemed as if she wanted to protest, but she said, "Very well. You claim I underestimate your magic. While your wards are powerful, I could construct equal protections with my thaumaturgy given enough time. Would you be willing to offer me a demonstration as to how your magic is stronger than mine?"
I smiled a fang-filled smile. "Seffadia?"
The shadows created by the velvet cushion Anastasia sat upon writhed unnaturally, swelling up around the vampire seated atop them.
The vampire was on her feet and standing at the threshold leading to the hallway faster than a mortal could blink. A glowing red rune the color of blood floated in the air before her. From what I felt of the magic, it was some form of defensive spell.
The shadows of the sofa flowed together, coalescing into a feminine form that rose to stand just in front of where Anastasia had been sitting. She was tall, standing even taller than myself. Her hair was pale like bone; her skin like volcanic ash. Her only clothing was a skirt cut to reveal the entirety of her legs, covering only her modesty. Her hair fell in front of her to obscure her chest.
"Is this woman no longer a guest, My Lord?" a voice like a tinkling bell spoke from the woman of shadow.
"She is still welcome, Seffadia. She requested a demonstration. I provided one. You are dismissed."
Seffadia grinned at the rune raised before Anastasia, saying, "The walls have eyes, vampire. The books hear. The floor breathes. Mind your step lest our master loose us upon you." Seffadia stepped backwards towards the fireplace as she spoke, her body losing tangibility and bleeding shadows. When she was finished speaking, she began chuckling. Her voice had risen to a full laugh by the time her shadow-self flowed up the chimney, intermixed with the smoke of the fire.
"Was that sufficient?" I asked when Seffadia had gone, turning to look at Anastasia.
The magical rune she had summoned was gone. She stood straight with impeccable posture, her hands clasped gently in front of her. There was no ire evident on her face. No fear. No discontent. The only emotion I could detect was desire.
"Name your price." she said, her eyes locked onto my own, a starving shine to them. "I will pay whatever you ask to have access to your knowledge."
"Presently, I can think of nothing I would trade it for. I have everything I desire and could easily acquire anything else I might need. In the future, I would likely be willing to trade limited secrets for access to Hellfire, but even that is insufficient to adequately compensate me for anything other than rudimentary lessons."
"I will return when I have what I believe to be adequate payment. I will also send a parcel containing the tomes that will act as my apology for my subordinate's actions against yourself and your students."
Sensing her intent to leave quickly, I stood and walked over to her, extending my hand. "I hope this is the beginning of a long, mutually beneficial relationship, Ana."
Anastasia shook my hand, nodding as she said, "I hope the same, Victor. Your books will be here by this time tomorrow. It will likely be some time before I contact you again, but I will return when I have more to offer you."
"Then until we meet again." I said as I released her hand. "May I show you to the door?"
She shook her head. "Thank you, but there is no need. Until we meet again, Victor." I felt a flare of magic. Just below Anastasia's neck on her chest, visible just above her dress, a glowing crimson symbol appeared on the sapphire of her necklace, invisible and undetectable until only a moment ago. The next moment, Anastasia was gone, her presence disappeared from my manor and grounds.
I smiled at the air she had vacated. "Interesting." When she activated her necklace, I was able to determine what it was. It was a Gate Stone, likely partnered to another in her home. She had managed to craft a Gate Stone.
My respect for her had just risen. Not only due to her magical mastery, but because of her foresight. She knew I would be prepared to face intruders in my own home, though she had woefully underestimated my preparations, and she had prepared a method to safely flee a potentially hostile confrontation should she have needed it. When I first crafted my wards, I had allowed for transport out of them via Gate Stone to transport potential guests through my own gatestones. I had not expected entities in this world to already possess Gate Stones of their own. I would need to adjust my ward array to compensate for this new knowledge.
"Draip."
"Yes, master?" the imp said, scuttling down from where he'd hidden in the ceiling.
"Be prepared to receive a shipment of books sometime tomorrow. I want multiple copies made and the originals sent to the cave." I did not expect Anastasia to attempt anything openly hostile, but that did not mean she wouldn't attempt to gather information about me. I would feel safer if books penned by her hand were well away from my secrets.
"Of course, master. I will take care of it."
"I must return to Hogwarts. I have less than three hours before I must teach my first class." Between harvesting the basilisk, experimenting with the materials I'd recovered from the basilisk and my meeting with Anastasia, the night had run its course.