Chapter 8:
Vlad and the Count returned home to find Garside in chaos and not the fun kind. The throne room was like a war zone, the sofas by the fireplace had torn apart and the rest of the room looked little better, like a rabid animal had been let loose "RENFEILD" The Count cried thunder echoing with his voice. The human servant then came running into the room looking exhausted "WHAT is the meaning of this?" the Count gestured around the room.
"It was Wolfie master since coming back from his mother that pup has no discipline" Renfield rambled
"He's probably just bored; he probably just needs someone to give him some attention" Vlad said. The Count turned to look at Ingrid who had slinked into the room at some point "Hey don't look at me I'm much too busy"
"Well get your half fang do it then," the Count said
"What no I have plans for him other than being a nursemaid to a pre-pubescent werewolf" Ingrid said vaguely. The Count then looked at Vlad "Don't even think about it"
"Well, it seems we are left with little choice" the Count announced
"I'll get that pup under control master; you can count on me" Renfield declared
"Not you, you puss-brained imbecile, Wolfie needs more than just minding, he will require an education, something you lack entirely" the Count snapped at the human servant "he will require a tutor. The task of finding one I leave to you Vladimir"
"Me! Why not find one yourself"
"Because I am going to be far too busy preparing for the meeting with the wizards and then after that I have other things to take care of" the Count said
"Like what" Vlad demanded
"Well for starters I have to make the arrangements for Ivan's visit"
"Why is Uncle Ivan visiting?" Ingrid asked
"Oh, course Olga will be coming of age soon" Vlad said sounding indifferent and then said "Renfield I will prepare an advertisement for a tutor and you will then arrange to put it in an assortment of newspapers" Vlad left the room and then beckoned Renfield to follow.
Tobias Fletcher stood outside the special entry to the ministry that was used only for bringing dangerous creatures into the ministry and led directly to the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Two vampires appeared before him one was dressed in black robes and a black cape with winged dragon designs on the shoulders. This was Count Dracula, the prince of darkness, the mightiest of the vampire lords. Who famously once bested an entire anti-vampire task force in Romania over two centuries ago. The other vampire was dressed as a muggle teenager, in a black leather jacket and black trousers and boots. "Your late Count, the meeting should have begun half an hour ago" Fletcher stated
"Be grateful I deigned to come at all Wizard" The Count said in an aloof manner.
"Yes, well if you'll come this way" Fletcher waved his wand and the ground parted revealing a staircase going down, illuminated by burning torches which cast flickering shadows off the polished black stone of the walls. He then gestured for the two vampires to go first. The Count shot him a haughty look and strode ahead with the other vampire cautiously following behind. Fletcher sealed the entrance up behind him as he descended after the vampires.
Vlad followed his father into the open chamber, far below the assembled witches and wizards. An imitation tactic to ensure they were always looking up at them, the audience chamber of the high council of similar. The Count stood in the centre of the room bathed in light, Vlad stood to the back of the room almost merging with shadow. A wizard in a fancy set of red robes with a monogram 'M' on the chest was the first to speak "Vampire you will state your name for the official record" he nodded towards a young wizard taking notes.
"I am Count Dracula"
"Very well let us begin"
"Yes lets" the Count snapped irritably
The wizard carried on seeming to ignore the outburst "this meeting is carried out in accordance with clause 73 of the International Code of Wizarding Secrecy, which states: Each wizarding governing body will be responsible for the concealment, care, and control of all magical beasts, beings, and spirits dwelling within its territory's borders and so we have called the aforementioned Count Dracula to this hearing to answer questions regarding a recent series of vampire attacks that have left several muggles and ONE WIZARD dead as the Vampire of highest rank currently residing in this country we require you to give any and all information you may have of this creature to this department so as to aid in this creatures capture and destruction" the Count was about to respond when Vlad spoke from the corner "under the terms stipulated in the Vampire Convention.."
"WHO are you to address this committee" the lead wizard spoke in a superior tone
"Vladimir Dracula now as I was saying under the terms stipulated in the Vampire Convention a vampire's highest adherence is to Vampiric Law as stipulated by the Grand High Council, this has been counter sighed by the representative of the International Confederation of Wizards" Vlad spoke in a commanding andauthoritative voice that echoed around the chamber. "I fail to see how that is of any relevance" the wizard was on the verge of shouting.
"Oh but it is because under Vampire Law committing the act of or assisting in any way the destruction of a fellow vampire without prior authorisation from the High Council is illegal the punishment for which is ritual staking and so as you have stated that the intention of this department is the capture and destruction of the vampire I'm afraid neither my father, myself or any vampire can be of any assistance" Vlad replied in a smug tone. Muttering broke out among the assembled witches and wizards until one, a long dark-haired witch stood up and spoke "this committee respects the authority of the International Confederation of Wizards and is well aware of the aforementioned legal restraints placed upon yourself and is well on the way to making said arrangements with … the Vampire High Council" the last part was said with the utmost contempt. She then continued "this meeting was merely an introductory session, and we would therefor like to thank you for your compliance in attending tonight and would say that we will be in touch when we have any further need of you" she said with a forced niceness "Fletcher, you will see you out". As they were led out Vlad could hear the wizards muttering about the clear absence of the expected reporters and couldn't help the smirk forming on his face. It seems Vlad would indeed be owing Malfoy a favour or two, he didn't know if that was good news or not.