Chapter 6: The Uninvited

"Tonight, we stand on the precipice of history, my loyal followers. The time for shadows and whispers has passed. The time for rule, the rule of us, is now upon us. For too long, the wizarding world has cowered in fear of the so-called Ministry of Magic, those weak and feeble-minded fools who dare to call themselves our betters. They were nothing more than puppets, led by a false and broken leader, who bends to the will of those who are beneath us.

But we, my Death Eaters, we are the future. We are the ones who will reclaim the world for its rightful rulers. We are the ones who will bring about the reign of the Dark Lord, and in doing so, we will purge the weak, the traitors, and those who do not deserve the power that is rightfully ours.

It is not enough to simply terrorize our enemies; we must show them that we are united. That we are stronger than any force they can muster. That we, the true wizards, are the masters of the world, and that we are unshakable, undivided, and unstoppable. You, each of you, are a part of this new world order. You are my chosen.

Let any who think to defy us cower before our might. Let any who doubt our strength tremble in fear. When we move as one, there is no enemy that can stand against us, no force that can break us. Together, we shall bring about the darkness that will forever eclipse the light, and we shall rule for eternity.

No more divisions. No more doubts. We are bound by a common purpose: the rise of the Dark Lord and the fall of all who oppose us. You are my inner circle, my most trusted. And together, we shall show the world the true meaning of power.

Now, go forth, and do as I command. Bring the wizarding world to its knees."

Voldemort's words echoed in Cyrus's mind as he left the Great Hall of the Dark Lord's new manor, accompanied by a crowd of mid-ranking Death Eaters. The small castle, erected in the heart of the UK, now served as Voldemort's base of operations. The grounds were packed with hundreds—perhaps even thousands—of Death Eaters and other witches and wizards, all unified by their desire for chaos and power. The air was thick with celebration, now that the Ministry had fallen under the Dark Lord's control.

"The world is ours!" a random Death Eater shouted.

"Finally, we can do whatever we want!" another one cried out.

"Let's rid the world of Mudbloods!" someone else yelled.

Cyrus pushed through the crowd, his face contorting with distaste. These lowly Death Eaters know nothing, he thought bitterly. They lacked the discipline and refinement that he valued. Their unrestrained voices and behavior grated on him. Some of them needed to be put in their place. As he navigated through the throng, he suddenly found himself face-to-face with his mother, Xerina.

She gave him a serene look. "My son," she said calmly, "he has summoned you."

Cyrus nodded, keeping his expression blank. Inside, his heart raced with a mix of excitement and anticipation, but he had to maintain his composure. He followed his mother into the manor and through a series of corridors, eventually entering a grand, marble-lined room.

The room was filled with the high-ranking Death Eaters, standing in hushed clusters, whispering among themselves. They spoke in low tones, careful not to disturb the Dark Lord. Familiar faces were scattered among the group: Augustus Rookwood, Ephraim Avery, Bellatrix Lestrange, Corban Yaxley, Carver Crabbe Sr., Gregor Goyle Sr., Lucius Malfoy, Thorne Nott, Rabastan Lestrange, Rodolphus Lestrange, Severus Snape, Gideon Travers, Walden Macnair, Peter Pettigrew, Lucian Donovan, Lady Isabelle, Pius Thicknesse, and, of course, his mother, Xerina Crowstaff, was a part of the inner circle.

Xerina led her son to the far end of the room, where Voldemort sat on a high throne, framed by a roaring fireplace. The Dark Lord's cold, red eyes fixed on Cyrus as he knelt before him.

"Cyrus," Voldemort's voice slithered through the air, icy and controlled. "How fares the new hand?"

Cyrus glanced down at the magical metal hand that now replaced the one his cousin, Josh, had severed months ago. His thoughts darkened. That hand, made of enchanted metal like Wormtail's, was a constant reminder of the betrayal and the blood he intended to spill when he next encountered his cousin.

"My mother is skilled with magic," Cyrus said, his voice steady. "This new hand has enhanced my abilities."

"Good to hear," Voldemort remarked, rising from his throne. "And I also hear you've upheld our alliance with Goliath, the Acromantula?"

"Of course, my lord," Cyrus bowed deeply.

"I have another task for you," Voldemort continued, his pale fingers idly toying with his wand.

Cyrus's gaze sharpened. "Whatever it is, my lord, I will succeed."

"I know you will," Voldemort replied, his eyes glinting with an unreadable expression. "It's a task you're familiar with." The Dark Lord's gaze locked on Cyrus's. "Joshua Black. Arcturus Black. Sandra Emrys. Rina Emrys."

Cyrus's mind raced, confusion flickering across his features. He had long planned to end Josh and his parents, but what did that infant and his sister have to do with anything? His heart skipped a beat when Voldemort's next words settled in.

"All of them are Heirs of Slytherin."

The pieces clicked into place. He understood now. Voldemort was not only tasking him with eliminating his cousin Josh, but also with hunting down and slaughtering all the heirs.

Cyrus opened his mouth to protest, but the intense gaze from Voldemort silenced him. The Dark Lord's voice grew colder.

"This is your mission, Cyrus Emrys," Voldemort declared, his tone final. "And to aid you, you will have access to all the resources I have at my disposal, including my inner circle."

Cyrus's eyes widened slightly. One of Voldemort's inner circle under his command. The thought was tantalizing. The power and influence that came with that position could be used to his advantage.

Cyrus's thoughts swirled as Voldemort's cold words sank in. The weight of the task was monumental, but it wasn't the enormity of the mission that struck him most—it was the implications. He would not only be tasked with eliminating Josh, but also with erasing the entire legacy of two powerful families. The Black family. The Emrys family. And with them, the potential heirs of Slytherin.

His gaze flickered to the ground, collecting his thoughts. Killing Josh had always been personal, but now it was far more than just a matter of revenge. If Cyrus succeeded, he would become an indispensable force in the Dark Lord's plans.

Voldemort's voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him back into the present. "Do not disappoint me, Cyrus," the Dark Lord intoned, his voice carrying the weight of finality. "This task is not just a matter of cleaning up loose ends. It is a statement. Your success will determine your future with me."

Cyrus nodded, his face expressionless. "I understand, my Lord. I will carry out your will."

Voldemort's pale lips twisted into a thin smile. "Good. Remember, you have the support of my inner circle, should you need it. But I expect efficiency." The Dark Lord's eyes glinted as he sat back down on his throne, his long, skeletal fingers drumming on the armrest.

Xerina stepped forward, her voice a low whisper that only Cyrus could hear. "I will provide what you need, son. But be careful. This is a dangerous game you're playing."

Cyrus caught the look in her eyes—concern, but also approval. His mother had always been calculated, never one to act rashly. She knew the risks, perhaps better than anyone. But Cyrus was no fool. He had learned from the best.

With a final bow, Cyrus turned to leave the room. The weight of the Dark Lord's command pressed on him, but he could feel the excitement building in his chest. This was the beginning of something greater, something that would secure his place at Voldemort's side. But first, there was the matter of the Black and Emrys families. They would all burn, including his very own sister.

The night air felt colder as Cyrus strode through the courtyard of Voldemort's manor, many death eaters were still around, now celebrating by bonfires and liquor, enjoying a small feast. His mind was elsewhere. A whirlwind of thoughts—of vengeance, of power, of the mission ahead. But as he walked, the weight of the task loomed over him. He had to eliminate the Black family and the Emrys family, and there would be no room for error. Every move had to be calculated, every decision made with precision.

His mother, Xerina, followed closely behind, her silent presence almost as unsettling as the Dark Lord's. She had always been a quiet force in his life, guiding him from the shadows, but tonight, there was something in her gaze that spoke volumes. She was proud, but there was an undercurrent of something else, something that Cyrus couldn't quite place.

"You've been chosen," Xerina said softly, breaking the silence. "Voldemort doesn't make such decisions lightly. You have his trust."

Cyrus glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "I won't fail him."

"I know you won't." Her voice was firm, but there was a faint flicker of doubt in her eyes. "But you must remember, Voldemort's plans are in motion, and you are a part of them now. Do not let your personal feelings cloud your judgment."

"Personal feelings?" He repeated.

"Your sister," Xerina simply said.

"I've made my decision," Cyrus replied, "She made hers when she chose Black. She will die with the rest of them. They will all pay in the end."

Xerina's eyes darkened. "This is about more than just vengeance, Cyrus. This is about solidifying our place in Voldemort's vision. He wants complete control, and those families—those heirs—are a threat to his power."

Cyrus nodded, but his thoughts were already elsewhere. He had a score to settle with Josh, but the Dark Lord's plan was clear. The Black and Emrys families were standing in the way of Voldemort's ultimate domination, and Cyrus was the one tasked with removing them.

As they reached the gates of the manor, Xerina placed a hand on his shoulder. "Remember, you are not alone in this. You have access to all of Voldemort's resources, including those who have pledged their loyalty to him. If you need assistance, ask."

Cyrus didn't respond immediately. Instead, he scanned the darkened grounds, his mind working over the possibilities. He had a plan. He didn't need help. But Xerina's words lingered in his thoughts. There were powerful allies within Voldemort's circle—death eaters he could command. That could prove useful, but only if he chose the right moment.

"I'll handle it, mother," he said at last.

She nodded, "Do what must be done."

With that, she turned and left, disappearing into the shadows of the night. Cyrus stood alone for a moment. It wasn't just Josh that he had to kill. It was the entire legacy of the Black and Emrys families. Erasing them from existence would not only cement his place in Voldemort's favor, but it would send a message—a message that no one, not even the heirs of Slytherin, were safe from the Dark Lord's wrath.


"Is everyone here?" asked Gabriel Carson, a tall man with sandy brown hair, dressed in dark purple robes. Gabriel was a mediocre vampire hunter Neville had managed to find on short notice. They were gathered in a small classroom, surrounding a table covered with a map of the UK.

In attendance were Gabriel, Neville, Shaun, two resistance soldiers, Nyx and Dane, Josh, Sirius, Remus, Arlo Cortez, and Isaac Underhill.

"Alright," Gabriel said, glancing around. "What can you tell me about vampires?"

Shaun raised his hand. "They can't be in sunlight, they're weak to garlic, and can be killed with a wooden stake to the heart," he answered.

"No," Gabriel replied, pointing at Shaun. "Muggle-born?" Shaun nodded. "Of course. Muggle stories about vampires are very different from ours, kid," Gabriel said. "Don't underestimate Wizarding World vampires. What else do you know, kid? What do the Muggle stories say?"

"They drink blood, they're super strong, and they're immortal?" Shaun answered.

"That's true," Gabriel said, meeting everyone's gaze. "Vampires are pale, sometimes gaunt, but to tell if it's a vampire and not just a sick person, check for a shadow. If there isn't one, it's a vampire. They don't necessarily need blood to survive, but it makes them stronger and heals them faster. They can regenerate naturally, but without blood, it takes longer. Just like werewolves, all of their senses, speed, and strength are enhanced. With daily blood drinking, they get even stronger."

"What kind of abilities do they possess?" Neville asked aloud.

"Hypnosis is one," Gabriel answered. "But if you can resist the Imperius Curse, you can resist hypnosis."

"And what are their real weaknesses?" Nyx asked.

"Good question," Gabriel said. "That's why we're here." He grabbed a bag and dropped it onto the table with a loud thud. "You mentioned sunlight, but as it turns out, they can go outside, as long as they're covered from head to toe. The sun just gives them an intense sunburn, but it doesn't kill them." He reached into the bag and pulled out a machete. "Decapitation," he said, swinging the weapon through the air. "That's one way to get rid of a vampire if you can get close enough." He tucked the machete away, then pulled out a shiny metal stake. He turned to Remus. "Care to hold this?"

Remus grabbed the stake, but as soon as it touched his hand, he hissed and dropped it to the ground. He shot Gabriel a glare. "You—"

"—Silver!" Gabriel interjected. "Stab them with it, preferably in the heart. Anywhere else and it'll just weaken them temporarily." He reached into the bag again, pulling out a vial filled with red liquid, which he handed to Shaun.

"What is this?" Shaun asked.

"Dead man's blood," Gabriel said simply. Shaun grimaced, setting the vial down on the table carefully, wiping his hands on his pants. "If you get a vampire to drink this, it will weaken them long enough for you to go in for the kill." Everyone nodded in understanding. "And one last thing..." Gabriel's gaze swept over the group. "Do not, and I repeat, do not invite a vampire into your dwelling. If you do, it's over."

Gabriel glanced around the room one last time before nodding and removing his bag from the table. "Alright, it's all yours, Sirius."

"Thanks, Gabe," Sirius replied, stepping toward the map. "Ethan—Shaun's father—is in Glasgow, here," he said, pointing to the map. "Your mission is a straightforward pick-up. However, our intel indicates that Lady Isabelle has taken an interest in Shaun, which means his father might be in danger." Everyone nodded. "Gabriel will be running point since he knows more about vampires than the rest of us. Nyx and Dane will act as lookouts once you reach the destination. Gabriel, Neville, and Shaun will be the ones to retrieve Ethan."

"Why are we taking a couple of kids?" Gabriel interrupted, raising an eyebrow.

Sirius shot him a look. "You'd be surprised at how capable Neville and Shaun have been since the Battle of Hogwarts," he said. "Not only is Shaun skilled with magic, but he also has non-magical gear that'll make your head spin."

"Spin, boil, burn, explode," Shaun added with a grin. "I've got them all."

Gabriel nodded, his curiosity piqued. He hoped they wouldn't have to use those tricks, but he would see. "So, you grab Ethan and activate the portkey," Sirius continued, pointing to a broken mop stick with the mop still attached. "This'll get him back here faster."

"However," Sirius paused, locking eyes with the team, "if you're intercepted, you all have special abilities, which is why you were chosen for this mission." He looked at them again: Gabriel, the vampire expert; Nyx and Dane, masters of defensive spells; Neville and Shaun, with their own surprises.

"Defend yourselves, and get out quick," Sirius instructed. "And if you happen to take out a few enemies along the way, that's one less thing we have to worry about."

"What if Lady Isabelle shows up?" Shaun asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

"Don't worry, lad," Gabriel said, hefting his machete onto his shoulder with a confident grin. "I'll take care of her."

"Good," Sirius nodded. "Now, is everyone ready?" Shaun picked up his bag and slung it over his shoulder. It was filled with a mix of potions and powders. All Neville needed was his wand, just like Dane and Nyx. Gabriel, on the other hand, hefted his heavy bag back onto the table.

"I think you'll need this, just in case," Gabriel said, passing machetes, silver stakes, and vials of dead men's blood to Nyx, Neville, and Dane. The trio tucked their stakes and vials into their gear and strapped the machetes, sheathed, around their waists.

"We'll make our way outside the wards of Hogsmeade and apparate a few times until we reach Glasgow," Gabriel informed. Everyone nodded in agreement. "Alright, follow me."

"Good luck, gentlemen," Sirius said. Nyx shot him a pointed look. "And lady," he quickly amended.

"You've got this, Shaun!" Josh called out. Shaun waved back as he left the classroom. Josh turned to his father. "Are we sure we don't want to send more soldiers with them? I don't know about that Gabriel guy... He reminds me of Lockhart."

"Remind me who that was again?" Sirius asked.

"He was our second-year Defense teacher. Obliviated himself," Josh replied.

"Right, and took credit for what others did," Sirius added. "Don't worry, that's why Isaac and Arlo were in this meeting."

Josh turned to the resistance leaders. "We'll have another team ten minutes behind them," Isaac confirmed, as Arlo nodded. "As a precaution. I'll be leading that team, and we'll station ourselves in a nearby house." Josh nodded, feeling a little relieved. He hoped his friends would return in one piece and that their mission would go off without a hitch.


Gabriel led his team out of Hogwarts as the sun began to set. Shaun felt a knot tighten in his stomach, knowing the moon would soon rise. He couldn't help but worry—things never went smoothly in the Dark Lord's world. Soon, they were outside the wards of Hogsmeade, and the team was free to move.

Shaun grabbed Neville's arm, and in a flash, they apparated. They repeated the process two more times before reaching the city of Glasgow. "Alright, kid," Gabriel said, "Take us to your home."

Shaun nodded, scanning the area. He knew exactly where he was. His home was close. "This way," he said, leading the team forward. A few days ago, Shaun had sent his father a letter, letting him know they'd be picking him up and that he should be ready. His dad was always a last-minute kind of guy, but Shaun hoped this time would be different.

Moments later, Shaun found himself standing in front of his house. Dane and Nyx moved in opposite directions to check the perimeter. Shaun pulled out his house key, unlocked the door, and led Gabriel and Neville inside. "Dad?" Shaun called out. "Dad? Are you ready? Where are you?"

"In the kitchen, son," his dad's voice called back. "Come over, I have a surprise for you!"

Gabriel and Neville exchanged a glance.

Curious, Shaun led the way to the kitchen. His father, Ethan, was sitting at the table facing them, but there was someone else with him. A woman sat opposite him, her back to Shaun and the others. Shaun froze, his heart racing. Something about the back of her head, the familiar way her hair fell, triggered a strange feeling deep inside him. Was it... could it be his—

"Mom?" Shaun's voice cracked.

The woman turned to face him and smiled, but there was something unsettling about her expression—she didn't show her teeth.

"My son," she said, standing to her feet. Neville instantly felt that something was off. His suspicion deepened when his eyes drifted to the floor.

"I've missed you so much," she continued, her voice full of affection, as if she hadn't seen him in years. Her eyes were misty with what looked like happy tears.

Shaun's heart soared. More than anything, he wanted to rush forward and embrace her. He had missed her terribly. He never stopped loving her, despite her fears and the way she had abandoned him when he received his Hogwarts letter. He smiled, his legs almost carrying him toward her—until Neville gently held him back.

Shaun shot Neville a confused glare, but Neville shook his head slightly, his eyes narrowing in caution. He nodded toward the floor. Slowly, Shaun's gaze followed Neville's, and his stomach sank as he realized: his mother—his real mother—had no shadow.

"What's the matter, Shaun?" she asked, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Don't you miss your mother?"

"I'm sorry, of course I do," Shaun stammered, trying to regain his composure. He gulped and looked up at her, his heart still pounding. But something wasn't right. She was paler than he remembered. More than that, she wasn't the woman he'd grown up with—the woman who couldn't even eat spicy food or stand the sight of bugs. How had they found her? Why would they go after her? And why had his father never mentioned where she was all this time?

"Hello, Mrs. Spencer," Gabriel said, stepping forward and offering his hand. "I'm Gabriel Carson, renowned vampire hunter."

Mia looked at him in confusion. "Mia," she corrected. "I'm sorry, did you say... vampire hunter?"

"Oh, right," Gabriel said with a shrug. "I forget you're a Muggle. I'm sure you know Shaun's a wizard?"

Mia nodded sadly, her gaze turning toward Shaun. "Of course, I do. And I am so sorry for how I treated you when we found out. I've come to my senses now. I missed you—and your father. I'd like us to be a family again, maybe even come home."

"That sounds like a plan," Ethan said, standing up with a smile.

"Dad," Shaun said, his voice urgent. "We need to go."

Ethan frowned at his son's sudden shift in mood. "Go? Where?"

Mia's voice was softer now, almost pleading. "Go where, Shaun?"

"Well, uh, I had a trip planned for my dad and me," Shaun stammered, clutching his bag tightly.

"A trip?" Mia asked, her voice bright. "That sounds fun. Can I come? We could go as a family."

"It's a guy trip," Shaun blurted out, hoping to steer things in another direction.

"Oh, Shaun, come on now," Ethan said, walking over to his son and kneeling down in front of him. "Your mother should come with us. She wants to make things right, and maybe—" He trailed off, noticing the wide-eyed look Shaun was giving him. Ethan frowned and grabbed his son's arm, feeling him tremble. "Shaun, are you okay?" he asked softly.

Shaun leaned in and whispered into his father's ear, his voice tense with fear. "She doesn't have a shadow."

Ethan's throat tightened. He slowly turned his head to glance at Mia and then looked down. She had no shadow. Even for a Muggle, that wasn't right. His protective instincts kicked in as he stood up, positioning himself between Shaun and Mia, blocking her from view. Shaun subtly reached into his coat for his wand.

"Ethan? What's wrong?" Mis asked, feigning worry her eyes sparkling with a strange light. "Why aren't you smiling anymore? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Mia, sweetheart," Ethan said, swallowing hard, "Shaun and I and these lovely gentlemen have to go somewhere, but I promise, we'll come back—"

Mia's expression twisted into something more sinister. "Honey," she said in a sickly-sweet tone, "don't make promises you can't keep." Her voice suddenly grew loud and commanding. "Don't you dare move, boy!" She pointed at Neville, who had his arm half-raised, and he froze instantly, a chill of fear running through him. The room was deathly still for a moment before Mia's smile returned. "Honey, Shaun," she said softly, "I think it would be best if we stayed here, and your friends leave instead."

"Mia—"

"You heard what I said!" she snapped, her voice cold as steel. "You and Shaun are staying. Your friends are leaving."

"We can't do that," Neville said firmly, stepping forward.

"Maybe we should give them a few minutes?" Gabriel suggested, his hand on the hilt of his machete. Neville shot him an incredulous look, but no one moved.

Mia took a few steps back, sighing in mock resignation. "I guess the cat's out of the bag," she said, turning to face them. "Can I ask? What gave me away?" Shaun pointed to her feet. She looked down, realization washing over her face. Gabriel finally seemed to understand as well. "Ah, I see. No shadow. That's a dead giveaway. My mistake," she said, clasping her hands together with a small, self-satisfied smile. "Now, let's make this simple. You two can leave and take those peeping idiots outside with you, while Shaun and Ethan stay with me. I believe my son has a date with a lady."

"We're not going anywhere," Gabriel said, unsheathing his machete, his stance tense and ready.

But Mia was too fast. In the blink of an eye, she darted toward Gabriel, grabbed him by the coat, and tossed him across the table. He crashed to the ground with a heavy thud, groaning from the impact.

Mia turned to Neville, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "And you?" she asked coldly. "What's your move?"

"Not me," Neville said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "Him."

Mia looked down at Shaun, who had his wand drawn. "Incarcerous!" Shaun shouted. Ropes shot out of his wand and wrapped around Mia, binding her tightly and forcing her to the ground.

"Why, you little—" Mia growled, struggling against the ropes, her movements violent and frustrated.

Ethan's eyes were wide with disbelief. "What happened to her? Why doesn't she have shadow?"

"She's a vampire, Mr. Spencer," Neville explained, his voice grim. "She was turned by the same vampire who wants Shaun to join her."

"I can't believe this," Ethan muttered, staring at his wife—if that's even what she was now. "She seemed so... normal."

"It's a façade," Neville said, his voice hard as Gabriel stood up, rubbing his shoulder. "Something they're good at."

Shaun stared sadly at his mother, his heart heavy. He wanted nothing more than to reconcile with her, to someday see her again when he was older—or maybe have her come to him. But it was becoming painfully clear that wasn't going to happen now.

"I knew it!" Gabriel hissed, his eyes narrowed with disgust as he circled around the table. "I knew she was a vampire."

"Shut it, Carson," Neville spat, his tone sharp with frustration.

Mia's voice, sweet and syrupy, filled the air. "Shaun, sweetie," she called, her voice like velvet. Shaun couldn't bring himself to look at her. He felt the weight of betrayal all over again, the same gut-wrenching feeling he'd had when she'd abandoned him all those years ago. Ethan, standing to the side, stared at the wall, his face frozen in disbelief.

"You're my son, aren't you?" Mia asked, her words almost pleading. Shaun couldn't face her. The pain of her abandonment ran too deep. "I love you, Shaun. I would never do anything to hurt you."

Shaun hesitated, stealing a glance her way. Her eyes—no, they didn't betray her words. There was something in them, something that almost made him want to believe her. It was fleeting, though, because the next moment, Mia's expression twisted into a grin. Her teeth—sharp, glinting like daggers.

Suddenly, Shaun's world seemed to tilt. He felt weightless, as if the floor beneath him had disappeared.

"Come to me, my child," Mia's voice wrapped around him, honeyed and soft, like a melody he couldn't resist. "Release me, and we could be a real family again. Me, you, and your father."

Shaun felt himself drifting toward her, a smile forming on his lips. That was all he wanted. To be a family again. It had to happen now.

"Hey, kid!" Gabriel's voice cut through the fog in Shaun's mind, sharp and commanding. "Snap out of it!" He rushed forward and slapped Shaun across the face, the sting jolting him back to reality.

"Don't you dare touch my child!" Mia screamed, her voice shrill, fury in her eyes as she tried to lunge at Gabriel.

Ethan snapped out of his daze at the sound of her shriek, his protective instincts kicking in. "Hey!" he shouted, rushing forward to push Gabriel away. "I may not have magic, but I'll kick your ass if you touch my son again!"

Gabriel, still reeling from the slap he'd given Shaun, shot back, "Your vamp wife was hypnotizing him! He would have let her go otherwise!"

The room fell into a tense silence. The only sound was the distant pounding of Shaun's heart as he struggled to process the whirlwind of emotions and revelations. It seemed, even as a Vampire, Mia's motherly instincts were still there. She still held a connection to Shaun.

Gabriel stepped over to Mia. "You shouldn't have come alone, vamp," He spat, looming over Mia, machete in hand, his eyes cold with disdain.

Shaun's body tensed, his instincts screaming to push Gabriel aside, but before he could make a move, his mother's voice cut through the room, turning everything on its head.

"Who said I was alone?" Mia smiled—a chilling, predatory grin.

Everyone's hearts dropped in unison.

Before anyone could react, a body came hurtling through the kitchen window, crashing to the floor in a violent spray of glass. The room fell deathly still as they all looked to see the lifeless form of Dane sprawled on the floor, his eyes staring blankly into nothingness, blood already pooling around him.

For a moment, no one spoke, too stunned by the gruesome sight. Then, a terrible realization swept over them.

"Where's Nyx?" Neville murmured, his voice tight with panic.

Before anyone could respond, a voice shouted from outside, dripping with malice.

"Come out, come out, little wizards!" The voice was sharp and taunting. "Or maybe you should just invite us in… or we'll hurt your friend."

Neville darted to the broken window, his breath catching in his throat as his eyes fell on the scene outside.

In the backyard, five vampires stood, their faces twisted with hunger. One of them held Nyx in his grip, her body limp, her neck bleeding freely. Silent tears ran down her face as she trembled in the vampire's hold, her eyes wide with terror.

"Don't tempt us!" the vampire sneered, his voice laced with menace. "We will hurt her!"

The words hung in the air, heavy with the threat of what was to come, and the room seemed to tighten with dread. Gabriel moved to the window and peeked out. He was filled with fear in that instant

"Oh god," Gabriel breathed, his voice tinged with panic. "We're screwed. We are so screwed. This whole thing was a giant mistake."

Neville shot him a glare, his teeth gritted. "Exactly how many vampires have you killed?" he hissed, his tone dangerously low.

Gabriel swallowed hard, his eyes darting nervously. "Er, well, you see, it's a little difficult to get close enough to one—"

"How many!" Neville growled, his voice taking on a guttural edge, like the low rumble of a beast preparing to strike.

Gabriel hesitated, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "None," he muttered, squeezing his eyes shut as if the admission itself was painful.

A heavy silence settled in the room. Shaun, his face pale with dread, barely managed to croak out, "We're dead. We're so fucking dead."

Ethan, still trying to process the madness of the situation, sighed and turned to his son. "Under these circumstances, I'm going to let that one slide," he said dryly. Given the severity of their predicament, a curse word was the least of their problems right now.

""You've killed zero vampires?!" Neville spat, his voice tight with anger. "You talk a big game for a man who can't do anything. You're just like Lockhart."

"Just because I haven't killed a vampire," Gabriel hissed, his tone cold, "doesn't mean I haven't fought them. I used to have my own team."

"What happened to them?" Ethan asked, his voice quiet.

"Well, they aren't around anymore," Gabriel replied, his gaze dark.

"You mean they're dead," Neville said dryly. Gabriel's silence was all the answer he needed. "Merlin's beard," Neville muttered, frustrated. "Shaun, what kind of explosions do you have with you?"

"Mostly the regular kind," Shaun answered, rummaging through his bag. "No sun explosions; we ran out of those. I don't think the skin burning or boils one would really work on them. I have smoke bombs—those might be useful."

"What if we added Dead Man's Blood or powdered silver to your explosives?" Neville suggested, his mind working.

"It could work," Shaun said, considering the idea. "Maybe we could add the blood to one of the smoke bombs," he added, holding up a round bottle filled with a swirling grey potion. "It's worth a shot." Neville pulled out the vial of Dead Man's Blood and tossed it to Shaun, who caught it easily. He uncorked both vials and mixed their contents together. The potion bubbled briefly before settling into a murky, grayish hue.

"It looks like it mixed well," Shaun said, glancing at Neville, who nodded in approval.

"You've got ten seconds!" a vampire shouted from outside. "Or this is the end for this Dame!"

Neville's gaze darted to the window, then quickly shifted to Ethan. "Can you fight?"

"I'm a detective," Ethan replied, a slight smirk on his face. "Of course I can."

Neville moved over to Dane, quickly retrieving the machete and handing it to Ethan. "Aim for the head," he said. "It's the best way to finish them off."

"What's the plan?" Gabriel asked, eager.

"Shaun's going to smoke them out," Neville answered, grabbing his own machete with his left hand while his wand rested in his right. "Then, we attack the vampires while they're weakened."

Gabriel's eyes lit up. "Good, good," he said. "I can do that."

"You're staying here," Neville said firmly.

Gabriel's shoulders sagged in relief. "I can do that, too," he muttered under his breath. Shaun rolled his eyes. At thirteen, he was about to face down vampires. He couldn't understand how this grown man—someone who'd chosen this dangerous profession—could be so afraid.

Neville caught Shaun's eye. "On me, Shaun," he said as they moved toward the kitchen door leading to the backyard.

Ethan followed, glancing between his son and Neville. "When I open this door, throw the bomb," Neville instructed.

Shaun nodded, and the three of them took a collective deep breath, each of them fully aware of what was at stake.

Neville yanked open the door. "Now!" he shouted. Shaun ran out, shaking the explosive in his hand before hurling it toward the vampires. The bomb detonated with a loud explosion, creating a thick smokescreen.

"Nice try, kid," one of the vampires said, their voice cutting through the smoke. "We can see through *cough* smoke."

But as the smoke billowed around them, the vampires suddenly began to cough and gag, some dropping to their knees. Nyx was released and collapsed to the ground.

"What the hell is this?" one of the vampires spat, hacking violently. "What kind of smoke is this?"

The vampire looked up, only to see Ethan charging toward him. His eyes widened just before Ethan cleaved his head clean off with a swift stroke of his machete.

Neville charged at another vampire, swinging his machete with precision, but she caught his arm mid-swing, still hacking up the smoke. She fought against him, her strength surprising, but Neville remained firm. He pointed his wand and shouted, "Stupefy!" The spell hit the vampire square in the chest, knocking her back, but she wasn't unconscious.

Before Neville could press the advantage, another vampire lunged at his back, knocking him off balance and forcing him to drop his machete.

"Argh!" Neville grunted, struggling to stay on his feet. He considered shifting into his bear form, but before he could act, Ethan appeared, stabbing the vampire in the back with his own machete. The vampire growled in pain, releasing Neville and attempting to grab the weapon lodged in his back.

Neville, now free, reached into his jacket, pulling out a silver stake. With a swift movement, he turned and drove the stake into the vampire's heart. The vampire gasped, standing still for a moment before collapsing to the ground, dead. Neville spun around, only to be grabbed and slammed to the ground. Ethan was thrown on top of him in a sudden crash.

"Dad!" Shaun shouted, but the smoke that filled the air obscured his vision.

"That's enough," a low, menacing voice growled. Within seconds, the smoke was drawn into the wand. One of the vampires, who had been cloaked in a hood, pulled it back, revealing that half of his face was hidden. He removed his mask to reveal a young, striking man with white hair and piercing grey eyes.

Shaun rushed to his father, who was still on the ground beside Neville. He looked up at the white-haired vampire—who, to Shaun's surprise, also seemed to be a wizard—and the two coughing vampire soldiers standing nearby.

"You look familiar," Neville said, pushing himself up onto his hands and knees.

Shaun crouched beside his father, concern etched on his face.

"You may have read about me," the white-haired vampire said smoothly, his voice full of confidence. "I'm mentioned in a well-known wizarding book about vampires. While Lady Isabelle might have been one of the older vampires, I'm one of the first wizarding vampires, nearly as old as she is."

"Ah, I remember now," Neville said, helping Ethan to his feet. "Gaius Blackthorn."

"That's me," Gaius responded with a slight bow. "And I am Mia's sire. Speaking of her, here she comes."

The group turned just in time to see Mia striding toward them, dragging Gabriel by the neck of his clothes.

"Well, that man was a hassle," Mia muttered, tossing Gabriel's lifeless body to the ground. His skin was pale, drained of all blood. She bowed to Gaius who nodded her way. Mia glanced at her husband and son. "Now, where were we."

"Mia, please, don't do this," Ethan begged, his voice laced with desperation.

Mia approached him slowly, a cold smile creeping across her face, before backhanding him sharply. "I didn't marry a weak man, Ethan," she chided, her tone venomous. "The man I married was a fighter—a warrior who took down the bad guys without a second thought. The same man who helped me bring into this world a son who's just as strong."

Ethan's voice was low, almost a whisper. "I didn't marry a murderer."

Without warning, Mia's hand shot out, lifting Ethan off his feet by the neck. "Don't tempt me, honey," she warned, her eyes narrowing dangerously.

"Mum, please," Shaun spoke softly, his voice filled with emotion.

Mia's gaze softened as she looked down at her son. For a fleeting moment, something in her expression cracked, like a brief flicker of her former self. But it was gone just as quickly as it appeared. With a frustrated sigh, she tossed Ethan back onto the ground, her hands clenched in frustration.

"Mia," Gaius called, his voice calm but commanding. She turned toward him, and he gestured toward Neville. "It's time. Start with him."

Mia nodded, walking toward Neville, whose heart raced in his chest. His expression was steely, but inside, his mind raced—he had one last card to play. He just needed to bide his time.

"I'm sorry you're caught up in this," Mia murmured, her voice almost a whisper. Her words seemed to reach him, softening Neville's features for a moment. He couldn't help but wonder—had the old Mia truly faded away, or was there still a trace of her beneath this monstrous facade?

Shaun exchanged a glance with his father. Something about that apology felt… genuine. Was there a chance, even a small one, that Mia was still inside?

Mia grasped Neville's hair and tilted his head back, preparing to sink her teeth into his neck. But then, something impossible happened. A low, almost imperceptible rumble echoed from within Neville's body. His muscles began to twitch, his skin stretching as thick hair sprouted along his neck. His form started to grow, expanding rapidly.

Mia stumbled backward, shock written across her face, as Ethan grabbed Shaun by the arm and yanked him away. The two vampires—Gaius's guards—stared in stunned disbelief as Neville's body contorted, his shape shifting into something far more monstrous. Within seconds, Neville had transformed into a massive grizzly bear.

With a deafening roar, the bear charged. Gaius managed to dodge, his lithe form barely avoiding the swipe. But the two vampires, caught off guard, were not so lucky. Neville's massive paw swept through the air, severing their heads clean off in a single, brutal strike.

Gaius stood frozen, his eyes wide with shock, as the bear bellowed, blood dripping from its claws.

"There!" A voice rang out sharply. Shaun and Ethan whipped around at the sound. From the side of the house, Isaac Underhill and three resistance soldiers appeared, running toward them just in time. "Lethal spells only!" Isaac commanded, and he and the others launched attacks at Gaius. But the white-haired vampire was quick, effortlessly deflecting the spells with his wand.

In a flash, Mia snatched Shaun up in her arms and bolted away.

"Dad!" Shaun cried out, reaching for Ethan, but Mia's grip was too strong.

"Shaun!" Ethan shouted, panic rising in his chest as he ran after them.

Mia sprinted down several blocks, her legs moving with terrifying speed, carrying Shaun toward a deserted warehouse on the outskirts of town. She could hear Ethan's distant shouts, but she didn't slow down. She was already deep into the rural district when she finally stopped, out of breath.

Mia set Shaun down on the ground, her eyes darting nervously around as she tried to regain her composure. The frantic look in her eyes betrayed her calm façade.

Shaun, still on his hands and knees, refused to meet her gaze. "How did it happen?" he asked, his voice distant and full of pain.

Mia paused, looking down at him. "They came to me in the middle of the night," she said, her voice tight. "I don't know how they found me, but they did. Gaius… he read my deepest desires and offered me power. Strength. Strength to face you. To face your father."

Shaun slowly looked up at her, his expression softening just a fraction. "You needed strength to face me?" His voice was tinged with disbelief. "Why? Because you abandoned us? Because of who I am? And now you're what? Feeling guilty? Since when?"

Mia's eyes dropped, and for a moment, the harshness in her features faded, replaced by something that almost resembled regret. "Since the day I left," she whispered.

Shaun scoffed, shaking his head. "That day... that day you left me was the worst day of my life," he said, the words slipping out with a raw bitterness. "I thought I had a mom who loved me. A mom who would protect me—always. Who would see me as her child, no matter what." His voice cracked, and angry tears welled in his eyes. "But you didn't."

Mia's face twisted with grief, and she nodded, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'm sorry, Shaun," she said, her voice trembling. "I was scared then. Terrified. I didn't know what to do."

Shaun stood, his voice rising with frustration. "And I wasn't scared?" His words cut through the air like a lash. "You're my mom! You were supposed to be there, beside me. Like Dad was. He never left me. You abandoned him too. You know that, right? He was heartbroken. Depressed. He needed me to keep him from doing something… stupid." The words hung in the air between them. "But he didn't. Do you know why?"

Mia shook her head, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

"Because of me," Shaun said, his voice quieter now but full of conviction. "He needed to stay strong, stay clear-headed. He had a son to take care of." Silent tears slid down Mia's face. She wiped them away, but it didn't change the reality. Shaun's anger still burned in his chest, but there was something else too—a heaviness that felt like the weight of everything unsaid.

Mia's voice broke as she spoke again, barely a whisper. "I'm sorry, Shaun. I never meant to hurt you."

Shaun's heart tightened, but the ache in his chest refused to go away. Minutes ago, she had wanted to take him to Isabelle. She'd murdered someone—someone whose blood was still on her hands. Yet here they were, having a conversation about the past, about what had been broken and, somehow, what could never be fixed. The distance between them felt impossibly wide.

"Yeah, well, you did," Shaun sniffed, pushing himself to his feet. "But I think I get it now. The day I became a wizard... was the day my real mother passed away." Mia squeezed her eyes shut, her tears falling freely. Guilt and regret overwhelmed her, drowning her heart.

"Well said, kid," came a cold, mocking voice. Mia and Shaun snapped their heads around to see Gaius, his hand tight around Ethan's neck. Ethan struggled, gasping for air, but Gaius's grip was unbreakable. "I see there's no more connection between you two, Mia," Gaius continued, his tone dripping with malice. "That should make this much easier for you."

With ease, he tossed Ethan at Shaun's feet. "Go on, get rid of this man," Gaius instructed. "And then we'll take the boy to Lady Isabelle. Now!"

Mia wiped her eyes quickly, trying to steady herself, her breathing shallow. "Yes, of course," she replied, her voice barely a whisper, as she walked toward Ethan. She grabbed him by the shirt, lifting him to his feet with a strength that barely masked her inner turmoil.

"Mum, no," Shaun begged, his voice cracking, tears pooling in his eyes.

"Silence, boy!" Gaius hissed, his eyes narrowing.

Mia's gaze locked with her husband's. Ethan's eyes were calm, resigned. "It's okay," he whispered, his voice filled with a quiet understanding. "It's okay, Mia." Another tear slipped from Mia's eye, falling for the man she once loved, now condemned by the very hand she had once pledged to. She was being forced to end his life.

Her eyes fell on Shaun, and the raw desperation in his gaze tore at her soul. He was pleading, his tears a silent echo of all the pain she had caused. In that moment, something inside Mia shattered. She couldn't do it. She wouldn't. With a growl of defiance, she shoved Ethan away and lunged at Gaius.

"You traitor!" Gaius roared as Mia lunged at him, and the two collided in a violent struggle.

"Dad!" Shaun yelled, dropping to his knees beside his father. "Are you okay?" Ethan nodded, but their attention quickly shifted back to the chaos. Mia had transformed—her instincts now fully centered on protecting her family, no matter the cost.

Mia slashed at Gaius's face, grabbing his coat and throwing him across the ground. She lunged again, but Gaius seized her arm and snapped it with a sickening crack. Mia screamed in agony.

Shaun's instincts kicked in. Without a second thought, he rushed to his mother's side, ignoring his father's protest. He yanked a potion from his belt and hurled it at Gaius.

Gaius tossed Mia aside, catching the vial mid-air. It exploded in his hand, setting the vampire ablaze. Gaius howled in fury, thrashing violently as the fire consumed him. He screamed curses under his breath, struggling to reach his wand. Finally, he absorbed the flames into his wand with a growl. His teeth bared, half his clothes burned away, his chest, arm, leg, and part of his face horribly scorched. His eyes, glowing red with rage, fixed on Shaun.

"I don't care how valuable you are to Lady Isabelle," Gaius growled through his teeth, "I'm going to rip you in half!"

In an instant, Gaius was standing in front of Shaun and grabbed the young boy by the shirt. "I'm going to drain you first!"

"Get away from my son!" Ethan said, appearing from Shaun's writing, bringing down a silver stake, but Gaius caught his arm, snapping it. Ethan cried in pain as Gaius tossed him away, the silver stake dropping next to Shaun. Mia raised to her feet and ran at Gaius, screaming in anger.

Gaius turned a grabbed Mia by the neck. "You two are a stitch in my side," he said, glancing at Shaun. "This would be an opportune moment to say goodbye." Shaun was confused but his eyes widen in shock when Gaius stabbed his fist into Mia's chest. Mia blanched as blood spilled from her chest and mouth. "You could've had so much power," Gaius said to Mia who was struggling to breathe. "But you're just another failure." Gaius turned and tossed Mia a few feet away. He was momentarily distracted. When he turned back, he was surprised by with a silver stake to the heart. He looked down to see Shaun was the wielder of the stake, defiantly looking at Gaius. He attempted to choke Shaun but he wasn't strong enough as his strength and lifeforce waned. "Killed by a mudblood, how poetic," he breathed out and fell on top of Shaun, lifeless.

With every ounce of strength left in him, Shaun pushed Gaius's lifeless body off of him and pulled the silver stake from the vampire's heart. His heart hammered in his chest as he glanced over at his father, confirming he was alive. Then, without a second thought, he ran to his mother. The stake dropped to the ground next to her with a soft, metallic clink.

"Mom," Shaun gasped, seeing the gaping hole in her chest. "You're going to be okay," he whispered desperately, lifting his sleeve and offering his wrist to her mouth. "Take some of my blood."

Mia weakly pushed his arm away. She shook her head, her tears falling freely. "Not like this," she murmured, reaching up with trembling fingers to touch his cheek. She managed a faint smile, her voice cracking. "I'm sorry, my boy. My sweet boy. I should have come back."

Shaun's throat tightened, tears welling in his eyes. He grabbed her hand, desperate. "You did," he said, his voice shaking. "But you can stay with me, with Dad. We can be a family."

Mia's smile faded. She shook her head slowly, regret in her eyes. "Not like this," she whispered. Her hand trembled as she reached down, grasping the silver stake and holding it out to Shaun.

Shaun's breath hitched in his throat. "No, please," he cried, his voice breaking. "I can't."

"Yes, you can," Mia said softly, her eyes filled with both pain and love. "You have to. I don't want to live like this. I can't."

Shaun sobbed as Mia placed the stake into his hands. "I love you, Shaun. I always have. You are my son. Shaun Michael Spencer. You are strong. You are loved. Always remember that."

His hands trembled as he raised the stake above his mother's heart. His eyes filled with tears. How could he do this? It was his mother. He couldn't. He wouldn't. Why did it have to be him? Why was this his burden to bear?

Then, two hands—one his mother's, the other his father's—clasped around Shaun's, steadying him. Mia and Ethan exchanged a silent look, a shared understanding passing between them.

With a cry of agony, Shaun plunged the stake into his mother's heart. The life drained from her eyes, and Ethan stood motionless, watching as his wife's last breath faded. He had never stopped loving her, not even in the end.

"Mom!" Shaun screamed, his voice raw with sorrow. "Mommy!"

Ethan pulled his son close, his own tears falling freely. Together, they stood in the emptiness, both feeling the unbearable weight of loss—the loss of the woman they loved.