Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Bound	By : goldhorse Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 126052 -:- Recommendations : 15 -:- Currently Reading : 31
Disclaimer: JK owns HP. Not me. I also don't own any quotes you might recognize. I make no money doing this, I just get the plot bunnies to quit interrupting my sleep.

Chapter List
- 38
- 39
- 40
“The last step is crushed oleander leaves,” Melody informed them the second they stepped through the DADA door on Wednesday morning.

“Morning to you too,” Draco grumbled.

He was tired; they both were. Working on their link had been much harder than they initially thought. They’d sat through intense legilimency for the better part of Sunday before they finally found the link. It was obscure, hidden in the back of the thought processing center. It made sense because they could share thoughts but it made it harder to shut them off. They also discovered that they could shut off the feeling link for a bit but not too long or the bond started to break. Such complications were disheartening.

“Yes well, I’m anxious to see that little guy pull through. This is his last treatment you know.” Melody led them through the door to Severus’s chambers. “He’ll wake up soon, or at least he should. Our luck it’ll be in the middle of class this morning.”

“How will we know?” Hermione asked distractedly as she crushed the leaves in the pestle.

“I’m going to put an alarm on the cage that will ring in the classroom. As soon as it goes off, I’ll run back here and check on him. A successful test puts us one step closer to our goal.” Melody sighed as she opened the tiny syringe package.

“We’re not going to be able to test this on a human before then. Do you think it will really work?” Draco asked as he poured the spring water into the crushed leaves and mixed them into a paste.

“Well he won’t be any more dead than he would have been in the first place,” Melody sniffed. “At least with this method we have a chance to cure the poison.”

“There is that,” Draco frowned as he loaded the syringe and handed it to Melody.

“After this, we’re going to work on separating the senses. I think we should probably start with sound because being deaf is better than being blind. Personal experience talking and all that,” Melody rambled on as she slowly injected the last part of the cure into the niffler.

“So who will be separating?” Hermione asked curiously before she cast the circulation spell.

Melody waited until she was done before speaking. “I’m thinking Draco since he’s done this before. We can run through all the senses with him first to see if they’ll all work and then we’ll try it with you.”

“How long will that take?” Hermione asked curiously. Melody merely looked at Draco.

“I can disconnect all five in about ten minutes.”

“Impressive,” Melody said, pleasantly surprised and obviously pleased. “Let me just ward this little bugger and we’ll get started.”

Draco had just regained his sight back when he saw a small black owl fly into the classroom. That was exceedingly odd, considering the classroom was locked up tight.

“Jezebel,” Melody said in surprise and took the parchment from its leg.

“Did that owl just fly through a door?” Draco asked in shock.

Melody giggled. “Yep. Jez is a very special owl. Victor was beyond hungry one night and came upon this little injured owl. It had two broken wings and a broken foot, looked like someone threw it into a tree. He decided to drain it to help himself and it out. Strangely enough, he was wishing he could save it when his venom released. He was shocked, to say the least. The owl started flopping in pain from the venom but didn’t die right away so he took it back to his lair. Seven days later, this emerged.”

She offered the owl her finger. It bit down lightly and sucked a few drops of blood out before licking it and hooting softly. Melody smiled and scratched its feathers. “Jezebel is some sort of strange vampire hybrid creature, much like a daywalker. She requires blood to live but can withstand daylight. She can also transform to mist which is why she can go through doors.”

“How old is she?” Hermione asked, creeping closer so she could take a better look. The owl had glittering black eyes and a blood red beak, looking almost comical in its appearance.

“I think she’s almost a century old if I remember correctly. Victor himself was born in the 1700s. Sampson was turned in 1779 by Victor.”

“How old is Tatyana?” Draco blurted out, remembering the mysterious vampire from the club that had lured the muggle to them.

“Ah, now that is a good question. She remains firmly in the ‘never ask a lady her age’ category but I have a feeling she’s been around since the 1850s or so,” Melody answered and then cocked her head. The owl was still perched on the desk, patiently waiting. “Looks like he wants a reply.”

Draco and Hermione stood by and silently watched Melody read the missive from Victor. They were both burning up with curiosity. No one had said one word about Sergei since they’d returned home. If they asked, the subject was changed. After Hermione had pestered her for a few hours, Melody finally snapped and said that his woman was safe and that was all they needed to know. What had happened?

Melody sighed heavily as she finished the letter and dug out a parchment and quill to return her answer. When she was done, she tied it to Jezebel’s leg and instructed the owl to return to Victor. Then she looked up and noticed the pensive stares she was getting.

“Well, sit down. You might as well hear this; you’ve pestered me about it since Sunday.” She waited patiently for them to take their seats. “Sergei’s defection didn’t go very smoothly at all. Many muggle gangs in America have a saying, blood in, blood out. It means that you fight and/or get the shit beat out of you to join the gang and to leave it. Vampires have shockingly similar laws. He had to fight the leader to allow him to leave.

“Sergei is not an old vampire by any means, maybe half a century old at the most. His coven leader has been around since the 1200s. Vampires change over the course of centuries, they get stronger, faster, less human, more blood thirsty. It makes the fight very difficult, especially for one so young. However, they do have a weakness. Strike a fatal blow and they can’t regenerate as quickly unless there is a ready supply of fresh blood. For example, if you were to break every last one of Alex’s bones a few weeks after he’d fed, he’d be healed in a matter of a few minutes. Sergei would take maybe a quarter of an hour. His coven leader, being as old as he is, would take weeks to fully regenerate, maybe even months depending on his deterioration.”

“So Sergei picked a fight with his leader?” Draco asked, not understanding where this was going.

“He did,” Melody said. “But he set the date for last night. He knew it would have been a while since Demitri had fed.”

“Demitri is his old coven leader?” Hermione asked curiously.

“Right in one. I haven’t said a word because unfortunately, I have to follow vampire laws. No one is to speak until the fight happens. Victor just sent word of its completion. Sergei has officially changed covens. Unfortunately, he’s almost damaged beyond repair. He’s lucky that Alex is a doctor and could piece him back together efficiently. It’ll take months for him to regenerate.”

“That’s horrible!” Hermione cried.

Melody gave her a sad smile. “The life of a vampire isn’t the glamorous one muggle Hollywood would have you believe it to be. Sure, they’re handsome or beautiful and have awesome powers and the like but they are a dark creature. They are dangerous and should be handled very delicately. I am lucky to have found such good ones in my lifetime but we now have to worry about Demitri’s coven. They smelled our bond that night and haven’t said anything because of the code but they have requested my presence in their coven this weekend.”

“You’re not going alone are you?” Draco asked in alarm.

“Oh no,” Melody said, throwing them the letter and sitting back in her chair. “They’ve requested much more than that.”

Draco and Hermione looked down at the letter:

Hello my little star,

It gives me both pleasure and pain to let you know that Sergei is part of our coven now. He was dismembered and slashed terribly but your bonded was magnificent and pieced him back together. We hold hope that he will pull through. Demitri also suffered fatal wounds but his coven hunted for him and he regenerated quickly. Sergei’s last words before he succumbed to the darkness were a vow to you little star. He will help you fight your battle.

Demitri’s parting words chill me to the bone little star. He requests your presence in his homeland this weekend. He wants you, your bonded, your acting master, his lover, and Roman and Julie to meet his coven there. He also asked for the Chosen One. His intentions are to ambush you for his new Lord and Master. See my little star, you have taught me well. He doesn’t know that I know the last part. You must show up. Good luck my little star.

Always,

Victor

They handed her the letter and sat in silence for a while. “Little star?” Draco asked, breaking the silence.

Melody smiled. “When I found Victor and Sampson and begged them to end me, they refused as you know. They could feel the energy pulsing from me. Victor likened it to a little star waiting to become a bigger one. He’s called me that ever since.”

“They want to ambush us,” Hermione whispered, unwilling to dance around the elephant in the room.

“They do,” Melody said quietly. “Moldy Shorts has them brainwashed so thoroughly it’s pathetic. He promised them ultimate domain of muggles. What they don’t know is that if the snake bastard takes control, it will be mass genocide. Oh, blood will flow in rivers for a while but then it will stop. The vampires will have to start preying on the wizards and that is when he’ll put his foot down and exterminate them.

“You know that for sure?” Draco asked.

“I do. Harmony saw it when she touched Sergei’s woman. Since his essence flows through her, she can reach his destiny through that. It’s difficult but Harmony insisted.”

“So what do we do?” Hermione asked.

“We go,” Melody answered. “My hope is that we can convince them of his real plans. Moldy Shorts might have charisma but I have empathy, something he could never possess. There is nothing more alluring to a vampire than someone who understands them and sympathizes with them. They talk a big game but the majority of them are just insecure and lonely.”

“And if they ambush?” Draco asked softly.

“We make sure Alex has consumed the sunlight potion and fed and we fry them to a crisp, the entire coven. It’s a waste really. Sergei said they have codes in place. They only kill the wicked that the muggles don’t capture. The rest of the blood is taken either willingly or under the thrall and only what is needed. The victim is then released and their memories wiped blank. It’s actually quite noble, in a twisted sense anyway. It would be sad to see them destroyed.”

“They are so easily swayed by the words of a madman,” Draco growled.

“They are. They all are Draco, even the Americans. Free blood is very hard to pass up you know. Living in the shadows takes its toll.”

“You think you can talk them out of it?” Hermione asked softly.

“I’m hoping I can talk them onto our side!” Melody laughed. “Harmony can’t see them very well though because they are already dead so we’ll have to play this one by ear.”

“Is Potter coming?” Draco asked.

“Hell no. Do you think I’m that fucking stupid?” Melody huffed. “They know damned well that the Chosen One is much too well guarded to sneak him out to meet a bunch of misguided vampires. I’ve got to be insane to ask you two to come but I have no excuse for you not to. Will you do it?”

“We will,” they said together. They didn’t even have to think about it.

“Thank you,” Melody said softly. “From the bottom of my heart. Now, back to work. We’ll need to at least nail Draco’s responses until then.”

Draco ran through the rest of the senses quickly. Melody told him to hold when he disconnected touch though. “Now, there’s something I’ve been a bit worried about and there is only one way to test this so please don’t kill me,” she pleaded and brandished a small silver knife.

“You’re going to stab me and see if she feels it,” Draco said flatly.

“Afraid so,” Melody croaked. “I wish that bastard of a bat was here. I TOLD him I didn’t want to do this.”

“Where is he anyway?” Draco asked curiously.

“He’s been in hiding,” Melody growled. “I think I hit a bit too close to the belt when I told him he must bond with Celeste to help your bond along.”

“You scared him,” Hermione said knowingly. “He’s not sure he’s ready for such a commitment.”

“Exactly,” Melody nodded. “Now, brace yourselves you two.”

She brought the tip of the blade down over Draco’s forearm and cut a deep line about an inch long. Hermione screamed out in pain first and then Draco winced. Melody quickly sealed over the wound and dropped the knife, her hand shaking.

“Damn it. You felt her feeling your pain,” Melody ground out. “Return all of your senses Draco. We’ll need to delve further I think.”

“Is this even going to be possible?” Draco bit out as he returned his sense of touch.

“I don’t know sweetie. I just don’t know. We’ve still got a while before class. Brace yourselves,” she warned and then raised her wand. “LEGILIMENS!”

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“What in the bloody hell is that?” Snape snapped during the middle of Melody’s lecture on sirens. A loud shrieking noise had filled the room.

“Oh, my alarm,” Melody said excitedly. “Can you take it from here Professor Snape? I have something I need to tend to real fast.”

“Very well,” Snape grumped and walked to the back of the classroom where Melody was standing at the projector. He cleared his throat and finished the lecture. “One way to combat the siren’s call is to play music more beautiful than that of the siren’s song. This was demonstrated in Greek Mythology by Orpheus. Circe herself told the crew of a ship to plug their ears with beeswax to drown out the call. Any questions?”

Ron raised his hand timidly.

“Yes Mr. Weasley?”

“Couldn’t you just, um, kill them?” Ron turned beet read when he received several scoffs.

“It is said that Sirens are so beautiful, it is near impossible to lift a finger against them. You can, as you so elegantly put it, just kill them by merely overcoming their charms.”

Melody walked in a few moments later with a big grin on her face and a sneaky thumb’s up to Draco and Hermione. The potion worked! They could hardly sit through the rest of the class they were so excited. As soon as they were dismissed, they packed their things away, lingering as long as possible until only Harry and Ron remained.

“Why don’t you two go on,” Melody instructed. “I’ll send her out in a moment.”

Giving her curious glances, the boys trudged out. She shut and locked the door behind them and then bounced up and down and motioned them all in the back. The niffler was happily chewing on a golden coin.

“He made it!” Hermione squealed and then kissed Draco passionately, overcome with happiness. He readily accepted it.

“He did indeed,” Severus drawled. “Any side effects?”

Melody nodded. “He’s very weak obviously and there seems to be some paralysis of his tail. It could just be a temporary thing though so I’ll keep an eye on him and see. Otherwise, he’s perfectly healthy. I think we’ve caught our first break Sev.”

“Thank Merlin for that,” Severus sighed and went to sit on a leather wing chair. Celeste jumped into his lap, still in her wolf form. He scratched her ear unconsciously.

“There’s more Sev,” Melody said quietly and then turned to the couple. “Why don’t you two head on to your classes. Be here after dinner as soon as you can.”

They walked out of the office in a daze. The niffler lived through the poisoning! That was one less thing they had to worry about. Now all they had to do was survive a coven ambush. Sighing heavily at the fact that their work never seemed to end, they headed to their next classes.

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“Are you two sure you’re ready for this?” Melody asked for the tenth time in as many minutes. It was mere moments before they were to portkey to Demitri’s coven.

“For the tenth time, yes!” Draco snapped.

He and Hermione had a very long conversation Wednesday night after their unsuccessful training session. They needed as many allies and as few enemies as possible. They talked strategy far into the night, simply holding each other in their bed in the ROR. If they could convince Demitri’s coven, then that would be a formidable force that they had on their side. If anything, them being completely neutral would be terrific.

The Dark Lord was already recruiting giants, trolls, and werewolves. They had…students on their side; A small band of them that called themselves the DA and followed Harry. There was the Order of course but it wasn’t as strong as it used to be and they feared it would crumble once Dumbledore’s “death” occurred. The Ministry was out, too many corruptions. Just how fair was this fight going to be? Sure they had themselves and the phenoms but could they really make as big of an impact as Melody had led them to believe? It had remained heavy on their minds since then.

“Don’t you snap at me!” Melody growled. “I know spells even the Dark Lord would blanch at.”

“When you start casting them, I’ll be concerned,” Draco snarked. “Now are we going to do this or are you going to have a nervous breakdown.”

“Shut up Draco,” Melody growled. She was a basket case and she knew it. “If we get out of this alive, we are holing up in the ROR tomorrow and watching cartoons.”

Celeste giggled. “I’m there.”

Melody gave her a goofy grin. “Will you be the ottoman or are you going to make sure Sev doesn’t fall out of his chair?”

“Oh, the chair definitely. I want to see in full color, thank you very much,” Celeste huffed haughtily. “Now, where in the hell is Alex?”

“He’s meeting us at the edge of the forest. He said he was bringing a snack. Guess we’ll see when we get there. Shall we?”

“No time like the present,” Severus drawled.

“Does he know?” Hermione asked timidly, referring to Voldemort.

“If he does, he doesn’t care to confront me about it,” Severus answered softly. “Necklaces on you two.”

They put on their glamour medallions on and donned heavy cloaks. The march outside was quiet, mostly because they were disillusioned and following a very stoic Snape and Melody. Celeste had shifted to her wolf form and trailed behind them so no one would bump into them. They broke their silence as soon as they were out of earshot from the castle.

“How much can they smell?” Draco asked curiously. He remembered just how much Lupin detected and wondered if vampires had the same senses.

“Everything werewolves can,” Melody said softly. “And more. They’ll sense your marriage, my bond, and your bonds to Sev. They could probably smell every blood bond he’s made even if they can’t pinpoint the source. It’s just not in their nature to reveal that they’ve smelled it. Werewolves are notorious blabbers. In Lupin’s case, I’m thankful for it. It helps us cover our tracks.”

“Do you think Fenrir will be there?” Draco asked.

“I highly doubt it,” Severus answered. “Fenrir hates vampires and he won’t be near them unless he’s been ordered to.”

“And if he is?” Hermione asked timidly.

“You cover him from head to toe in silver, don’t even hesitate,” Melody said with conviction. “I know I will.”

Severus chucked. “You’d turn him into statuary before you stopped.”

“Damn straight. Alex?” She called out as they reached the edge of the forest.

“Present! Should I have brought an apple for the teacher?”

“Oh stop that you smart ass,” Melody chided. “Did you down the potion?”

“Had to before I left. It’s still light in America after all.”

“Your snack?” Melody asked cautiously.

“Oh I figured you’d want to meet him first,” Alex said softly and summoned a figure that was bound from head to toe in ropes.

“Wormtail,” Severus said flatly. The rat-like man squirmed and whimpered but was unable to say anything through the gag.

“Caught this one trying to sneak his little rat self into the club,” Alex said lightly. “Figured he was much more trouble than he was worth. Besides, you’ll need your strength too.”

“You wish to share him?” Severus asked in surprise.

“Well, I’m killing him either way.” Alex shrugged. “I figured we might all benefit from it. He isn’t any good for anything else.”

Hermione paled. “Um,” she squeaked, trying to make an excuse to leave.

“You don’t have to watch sweetheart.” Alex smiled knowingly. “I know it’s callus but it’s what I am and I can’t change that.”

“I know it’s just…” Hermione stammered.

“I understand. Really, I do,” Alex said softly. “Why don’t you two scamper off for a few minutes alright?”

Hermione nodded and turned around quickly, walking away as fast as she could. Draco was hot on her heels. When they were out of sight, she slumped against the tree. “I’m sorry.”

“Hey, I didn’t really want to watch either,” Draco laughed nervously. “But now that we’re here…” he dropped off and kissed her tenderly.

“We don’t have time,” she moaned.

“Well, if they are feeding, why can’t we?”

“Don’t you feel weird, drinking my blood all the time?”

“Sometimes. I figure it’s a part of us though. Besides, we need to be as strongly connected as we can and until the bond settles and we have more time, it’s really the only way I can think of.”

He kissed her again, harder this time, hungry for her. She kissed back enthusiastically. He ground himself against her, his length hard and heavy against her stomach. He dragged his fangs over her pulse point, eliciting a gasp from her. He licked over the scrape, soothing the flesh and causing her to sigh. A scream rang out across the forest and he felt her shake. He bit down then to distract her from it. She moaned and quivered, her orgasm taking her over quickly. He released her and closed the wounds. She immediately latched on to his neck. He let out a guttural groan as he spilled himself in his trousers. They took a few minutes to clean themselves up and slow their breathing.

“Drinking blood does have its perks,” Draco chuckled and admired the pretty blush his wife was now sporting. She shook her head and grabbed his hand. They weaved through the forest to return to their party. They shuddered when they saw Pettigrew’s lifeless body carelessly discarded against a tree.

“I’m thinking a rock,” Alex said and transfigured the pale body into a tiny stone which he then picked up and threw deep into the forest. He turned around and grinned at the approaching couple. “Have fun?”

Hermione flushed and looked down, embarrassed. Draco merely smirked and held her closer to his body. He didn’t care who knew what they’d been doing. Who were they to judge?

“Are we ready then?” Melody asked quietly. She’d been standing against a far tree, her face a bit pale but stoic. She’d been witness to more than her fair share of feedings.

“I am,” Celeste said, looking over herself to make sure she’d cleaned up all the blood.

“Let’s go then,” Melody said, taking a deep breath and producing a golden chalice that Demitri had sent her.

“Ostentatious berk,” Snape griped.

Melody smiled. “Old vampire.” She held out the chalice for everyone to grab a hold of. The sickening pull behind the navel and subsequent drop to the ground had them all on edge.

“Ah, our guests have arrived,” a raspy voice wafted over them. It was musical in a way but sounded strained. If Sergei had done any damage to him at all, it showed in his voice.

Melody swept the area with her eyes, holding her body rigid until she scanned every nook and cranny of their new location. It was a graveyard which made Hermione shudder when she realized the similarities to Harry’s experience when Voldemort returned. Draco shuddered in reaction to her. His first instinct was to cast the sunlight spell and burn everyone before they had a chance to attack but he held back, steadying himself by pulling her to him tightly.

A grim smile settled on Melody’s face. “Demitri, I’m hurt. Can there be no trust between us?”

“Whatever do you mean?” Demitri called softly.

They couldn’t see anything through the thick fog that permeated the area. It was unnaturally silent. No movement could be heard. It was startling, especially to someone with enhanced hearing that was used to hearing at least the wind blowing and leaves crackling.

“You’ve employed a wizard to shadow you,” Melody said softly, a hard edge to her voice. “We came with the understanding that you wanted a face to face meeting, not an encounter with charms and misty minions.”

“How do you know this?” Demitri asked curiously.

“Perhaps Sergei told you, I can sense magic. You are not a wizard Demitri. Have him cancel it or I will.”

“You are so sure you can take them down?” Demitri asked in amusement.

“It would only take a second, I assure you.”

“I believe I would like to see this.”

“Very well but I request no attacks. I will merely take them down.”

“As you say young one.”

“I want your oath Demitri,” Melody bit out.

“And you accuse me of not trusting.”

“You bared your mistrust first. I am merely responding. Now, your word Demitri and I’ll know if it’s sincere.”

“Fine!” Demitri spat. “On my blood, you are safe.”

Melody breathed out and lifted her wand. A quick flick and the mist cleared. The sounds returned and they could see a coven of about twenty cloaked vampires standing behind a taller man. He was older, perhaps in his fifties when he was turned. His jet black hair hung to his elbows and his piercing black eyes were sharp and alert. He was dressed in an old style muggle tuxedo, obviously preferring the air of superiority it gave him.

“Impressive young one. I can see why our Lord spared you that day,” Demitri mused. “But you lied to him.”

“How so?” Melody asked lightly. They could tell she was struggling to stay calm.

“You are not bound to the man you called your master. You are bound to the vampire standing behind you.” He glided forward as if on air. “He is a striking creature, I must say. He is very green though. I can see why you would be drawn to him, and he to you for that matter. You are a very lovely and powerful woman.”

Melody’s eyes narrowed. “Flattery does not suit you.”

“So it doesn’t. However, I was speaking truthfully. You are both very powerful. It radiates from you in waves. So the question is,” he drawled, coming to a stop before them. “Why did you say you were bound to the daywalker?”

Severus stiffened, his eyes cutting toward the vampire. Draco’s grip tightened on Hermione just a bit, nervous and afraid that something was fixing to happen.

“He was my first master. It was hardly a lie,” Melody scoffed.

“And yet he has a lover.” Demitri looked into Celeste’s eyes and recoiled. “You are Vincenzo’s.”

“I am,” Celeste breathed. “He raised me for a few years until he was brought down by another American clan.”

“I had wondered why he defected. I can see why now. You are quite lovely, but still tainted,” Demitri said dismissively and merely blinked when Celeste bared her fangs. “You have his temper,” he said blandly and walked back over in front of Melody. “What most don’t realize is that daywalkers gain more than mere fangs from their sires. A bit of their personality leaks into the turning. In her case, Vincenzo was a stoic man with a slow burning temper but he was quick to snap if pushed too far.”

“This daywalker though, he is different,” Demitri breathed as he looked over to the Severus. “His sire was a soft man, capable of great love even as a vampire. I imagine he turned him out of pity for his mother.”

“You know Severus’s sire?” Melody asked, drawing Demitri’s attention back to her.

“I did. I turned him myself. He refused to join the coven but we kept in touch until one day, about thirty six years ago if I recall. He just…disappeared. I believe I know why now.”

“They killed him. The code,” Melody said reverently.

Demitri nodded. “No vampire can go against it.”

Draco stifled a snort. Hermione’s mind was whirring away. Her first thought was why they didn’t kill Severus and Celeste if they hated daywalkers so much. Demitri spun around quickly and slid over to them. He smiled brightly, as if he’d heard their thoughts.

“You two are hard to read, but I can smell your confusion. You want to know why the daywalkers weren’t killed.” He paused and waited for Draco to nod jerkily. “Simple. Daywalkers themselves aren’t a threat. They can’t turn anyone. They have limitations that we do not and vice versa. They are beautiful and deadly creatures and we respect them. However, we do not condone the making of them. Vampires are bound by the codes of the ancients. It’s in our programming. It isn’t in theirs. What is to stop them from exposing themselves?”

Hermione started to protest but Draco clamped down on her arm and she closed her mouth. She took a deep breath and let it out.

“So quick to defend,” Demitri observed. “I’ve heard of your type, brave and loyal to a fault, an admirable quality. Your husband is cut from a different cloth. He is fiercely protective, that much is true. But he is sly, cunning, ready to sit back and plan his next move where as you would charge in. A perfect pair, and more powerful than any I’ve encountered…save Merlin.”

Hermione couldn’t help it. She gasped loudly. “You knew Merlin?”

Demitri laughed melodiously. “I met him once child, a very troubled man but very powerful. You’ll find that there aren’t many figures of note that I haven’t met. I’ve made it sort of a hobby of mine to meet characters of note and side myself with the ones I believe will prosper.”

Draco’s jaw clenched and he had to fight down the urge to yell how stupid the vampire was that he’d sides with the Dark Lord. Sensing that he was at his breaking point, Hermione made the decision to ignore the vampire and turn around. She gently rubbed Draco’s cheek until he looked down at her, breaking his focus.

‘There’s hope,’ she simply relayed to him. He calmed instantly.

Demitri stared at them for a moment. “Impressive. You are able to tame the sleeping dragon. I stand by my first assessment, a perfect pair. Yet you are both tainted by the daywalker.”

Severus bared his fangs, unable to resist the urge to defend his children. Demitri walked over and cocked his head. “You bound yourself to these children as their father. Why?”

“They needed one,” Severus bit out, unwilling to explain more.

“I see. So you took the risk of them becoming like you to protect them?” Demitri questioned lightly.

“The ritual only allowed for a few traits to transfer. The need to drink blood comes from the venom.”

“True.” Demitri walked back over in front of Melody. “You did your homework first then. They are impressive though, both beautiful and dangerous. Each holds the other in check to keep their power balanced. They do not wish to use it to rule others, a rare quality indeed.”

“If you admire the quality,” Melody broke in. “Then why side yourself with the Dark Lord.”

Demitri raised an elegant eyebrow. “I could ask you the same.”

“It was a matter of choice, particularly the lack of one,” Melody sneered.

“Yes, I am aware he requested you because of your prior association with the daywalker,” Demitri drawled. “So my question then becomes why did he join?”

“The lure of power,” Melody bit out.

“And there you have it young one. The lure of power is very great and even vampires are susceptible to it.”

“And you are fully aware he will exterminate you the moment you’ve served your purpose.”

“What do you perceive our purpose to be?” Demitri asked in surprise.

“A glorified cleaning crew,” Melody sneered. “They merely wish for a way to dispose of the bodies of mass genocide.”

“He did promise us as much blood as we wanted.”

“That blood will be obtained by breaking your own codes,” Melody growled. “It won’t be despots and willing individuals. It will be those of non-magical heritages taken against their will, innocents, women and children. They’ll be placed under a spell to make them compliant and then given to you to dispose of. They’ll treat you like dogs, pets they can throw their scraps to.”

“How do you know all of this?” Demitri hissed.

“I’ve seen it in his mind,” Melody lied. “Just because I am a mere witch doesn’t mean I don’t have the same power to read the intentions of someone. He sees you as pawns. He wants you for your strength. If one of you should fall, it would mean nothing to him, a spare bit of ash that will blow away in the wind. His only thought is to rule.”

“He maintains that his thought is to rid the world of filth.”

“Oh yes, filth. Look at the girl you just called beautiful and dangerous. Truly look at her Demitri. See how strikingly beautiful she is, how fiercely loyal, and I can assure you she is exceedingly kind. She’s befriended werewolves, daywalkers, vampires, and those considered magical freaks of nature without so much as a blink. She is filth in the Dark Lord’s eyes. Her parents were non magical, muggles if you will. He wants to rid the world of her and others just like her.”

“Why?” Demitri asked, struggling to understand the concepts of a world he wasn’t a part of.

“You were around during the dark ages, weren’t you Demitri? When magic was revered and feared?”

“I was. Witchcraft was punishable by death,” Demitri said softly.

“It was and out of that hate, a hatred for those without magic surfaced as well. It grew into what it is today. Wizards consider themselves pureblooded if they have many generations of only magical blood in their family tree. The Dark Lord is a half blood. His mother was a pureblood witch that ensnared a muggle and kept him under her spell to mimic love. She grew to love him so much that she couldn’t bear to see him imprisoned any longer. She released him, expecting him to love her in return, especially since she was with child but he cast her away. She died giving birth to him in an orphanage.”

“So he pushed his bitterness on others.”

“Yes…and no,” Melody paused for a moment to let it sink in. “Nothing good can come of a child that was conceived under such pretenses. The Dark Lord as a boy was cruel and heartless, so different from his playmates. He never had empathy, was unable to love, and cared only for himself. His only ambition was to gain power, his one fear to die. Others mean nothing to him. He doesn’t crave the warmth of another. He is more heartless then the cruelest vampire.”

“You consider vampire’s heartless?”

“Some are. They are little more than animals but they still crave the touch of another, a physical connection if nothing more. The Dark Lord doesn’t. His only fondness is for his snake and that is because she holds something precious to him, not that he adores her for her company.”

“Why would he recruit us then if he has no reverence for anyone?”

“Can you honestly not see how beneficial an army of those who cannot die could be? You are lightning fast, inhumanly strong, and have the ability to bend others to your will.”

“Not you though,” the vampire breathed.

“No. I am immune,” Melody conceded. “But the rest of the army you will be fighting will hardy be that. How many humans could you rip apart single handedly? The killing curse won’t work on you either. They’d have to do it manually. It would be a bloodbath. Once all the muggles and muggleborns are extinguished, your usefulness will come to an end. You’ll have to start preying on the magical and it is then that you will be extinguished. It won’t be hard either. A few well-placed sunlight spells and you would turn to dust.”

“Then why bother with us at all if we are so easy to dispatch?” Demitri sneered.

“How many could you kill before someone was able to get off one spell?”

“It sounds like you are trying to convince me to join the other side.”

“I won’t lie, it would be a relief but I would be just as happy if you were to remain neutral,” Melody reasoned with him.

“Why do you fight so hard against him? Why not go back to your country and remain neutral?”

“He’s poised to take America next,” Melody said softly. “Besides, he wants me for his own personal use. I have something he covets and I will die should he chose to take it.”

“Yet you admit it so freely here.”

Melody gave him a grim smile. “I know who will talk Demitri. They won’t leave this place tonight.”

“You are accusing me of having traitors in my ranks!” Demitri thundered.

“I am,” Melody said blandly. She leaned closer and whispered so softly only a non-human could hear it. “And the wizard will be the first to go.”

“And you will execute him?” Demitri asked in amusement.

“No, I don’t have to. Would you like to see what the progeny of Vincenzo can do? Or perhaps your son’s progeny? They can even work together.”

“You feel he is a traitor?”

“Since we have been standing here uttering useless words, he has had a million thoughts fly through his head. The foremost one is that he would give nothing more than to have the task of exterminating you when it comes time to.”

“How do you know this?”

“Look into his mind if you don’t believe me,” Melody scoffed.

“I believe you, though I don’t know why,” Demitri spat. “Very well, show me what the team can do.”

Melody turned around and whispered instructions to Severus and Celeste. Without drawing their wands, they summoned the wizard to them. A man flew through the air, screaming in fear. With a snap of their fingers, he was bound, gagged, and hanging upside down in midair.

“Donnovitch,” Severus drawled. “How…interesting to see you here.” He cut his eyes at Demitri. “So the Dark Lord is aware of this little of tête-à-tête.”

“He is not actually,” Demitri said softly, admiring the gently swaying bound wizard. “I expressed interest in getting to know his most loyal servants. He informed me that if I wished to do so, it would be on my own time. However, this wizard was most interested in joining in on this conversation. I can see why. They do not know of your…abilities?”

Severus shook his head grimly. “So he was intrigued, was he? Whose idea was it to request the presence of the Chosen One?”

“It was his. He stated that I would get a boon if I brought the great Harry Potter in to the Dark Lord. Yet, I do not see him here.”

Severus snorted. “Potter has a 24 hour guard on his person at all times. His kidnapping is not possible.”

“I thought as much. However, it never hurts to ask, does it?”

Melody snorted. “So Sev, tell us about Donnovitch. I’m curious about him, very curious.” Her eyes narrowed. He caught her glance toward Demetri’s coven.

“Donnovitch is a sniveling little maggot,” Severus sneered. “He has illusions of grandeur but is too cowardly to seek them…outright anyway. He does what he’s told, spies on the Ministry. He is a non-entity in the Dark Lord’s eyes.”

“So he wouldn’t miss him should he become a meal?” Melody asked lightly.

Severus quirked an eyebrow in question. “No.”

“Severus, demonstrate your skills in mind reading please. I have no wish for surprises,” Melody asked softly.

Severus nodded and looked deep into Donnovitch’s eyes. “Legilimens!” He cried and invaded his mind while stunned vampires looked on. A few moments later, he pulled out. “Well, that was informative.”

“Do tell,” Melody said dryly.

“I believe you already know.”

“I do. Perhaps you should inform Demitri of your findings. They are quite…pressing,” Melody said cautiously. “I’ll inform the others.”

Severus nodded and cocked his head, asking for permission to approach Demetri. The old vampire nodded and linked hands with him. It reminded Hermione of the time that he and Alex had joined minds to find Melody. Melody had walked over to Alex and placed her hand at his temple. A few moments later, she did the same to Celeste. Finally, she walked over to them, her eyes cutting toward the now nervous coven. She placed one finger on Draco’s temple and gestured for Hermione to listen in.

‘It looks like Donnovitch wasn’t quite as cowardly as we thought. He’s convinced half the coven to overthrow Demitri and defect to the Dark Lord. Such an act is considered treason in vampire circles. We can’t leave here without destroying them. I’ve put up some wards to keep them from leaving but I want you to be careful. Keep an invisible shield up at all times. I’m going to place a picture in your mind of those who are dirty. We’ll need to stake them or run them through with a silver blade unless we can back them all into a corner. The sunlight spell is too dangerous to unleash any other way and could kill them all.’

She pulled away and widened her eyes in question. They nodded once and erected a barrier to protect themselves.

‘This is going to get very ugly,’ Hermione thought worriedly.

‘Probably. Are you ready for this? If we don’t destroy them, our lives are forfeit. They’ve heard too much.’

‘We have no choice. I’m not happy about it but I think I’m getting more used to the idea,’ Hermione admitted.

‘You are too good for me,’ Draco said in awe.

‘Stop that,’ Hermione snapped and then turned her attention to Snape who had just finished linking hands with Demitri.

“I see,” Demitri said darkly. “And your role in this?”

“We uphold the law,” Alex said darkly, speaking for the first time tonight.

“Very well,” Demitri said and gestured to Donnovitch. “Keep him somewhere. We’ll need him later.”

Celeste nodded and cast a few spells to bind the now frightened wizard high in a nearby tree. When he was secured, she turned around and stepped in front of Severus, leaning back to make better connection. He instinctively brought his arm around her waist and drew her closer.

“I see no reason not to bite this one,” Demitri said in amusement. “She obviously has her mind made up.” He smiled at Severus’s scowl and then whipped around, streaking over to his coven. “You wish to overthrow me?”

His voice was soft, barely audible but the meaning was loud and clear. About half of the coven shifted uncomfortably. The other half looked around in horror. It was exceedingly easy to tell the defectors in that moment, even if Melody hadn’t identified them.

“By vampire laws, a coven leader is never to be ambushed. If the coven wishes for him to step down, they merely have to request it. Yet you’ve decided to choose the most violent option. Why would you do so?”

The defectors started to run, turn into mist, anything to escape but found they were unable to. They turned back, wide eyed, unable to understand what was going on.

“Oh, I wouldn’t go anywhere,” Melody called. “You should never fuck with someone you don’t know!”

“Impressively smart sentiment young one,” Demitri drawled and then narrowed his eyes. “I’m waiting!”

Finally, one person walked out of the ranks. It was a woman with long orangey red hair and piercing black eyes. Her skin was pale with no freckles. Her fingernails and lips were blood red and her narrow eyed expression was deadly.

“Would you step down?” She hissed.

“Ah Naddie, I always wondered where your heart would truly lie. If you had chosen to come to me as a group, I would have considered it greatly. A big enough group warrants a coven of their very own. However, you have not. You have chosen treason and therefore I refuse.”

“You always were an old fool. You join the Dark Lord but you neglect to tell us that we could gain power. You save it all for yourself.”

“Power you say?” Demitri asked lightly. “You wish to gain power. What more power could a vampire want? You can crush stone, move faster than sound, drift through walls, bend others to your will, and roam the earth as a beast. Power, what does this word mean to you?”

“We want to stop hiding!” Naddie screeched. “Dark forests, mausoleums, abandoned castles, shadows, we are tired of hiding in the dark. We wish to be recognized as the superior race!”

“The superior race,” Demitri said sadly. “A coven of cursed souls a superior race. There are far finer specimens than us, some of which are standing in our midst tonight. As for the dark, if you tire of it, by all means, walk into the sunlight.”

“You call these finer specimens!” The woman yelled in outrage. “A green vampire, his human lover, two daywalkers, abominations if you ask me, and the bonded human children of the daywalker, more abominations.”

“You see them as abominations,” Demitri said. “I see them as our finest creations, able to go and do where we cannot, possessing our attributes without becoming a slave to them. The reason their creation is named an abomination in our laws, child, is not because they are an atrocity of a race. It is rather that they are too perfect of a specimen, so perfect that they cannot be controlled. One must possess morality and self-control so as not to break the laws of nature. These two are even more special. I wish you were old enough to feel it.”

“You have a hard on for daywalkers,” Naddie spat.

“Perhaps,” Demitri said with a sardonic smile. “Or perhaps I have a healthy respect for the fact that they could destroy me.”

“Two daywalkers, even with magic, couldn’t destroy a vampire.”

“Are you so sure?” Demitri asked sadly.

“I am!” She yelled. “We are superior!”

“If it is as you say, then vampires could control daywalkers. Would you care to try?” Demitri asked slowly. “I’m sure they would entertain you for a moment…until they tire of your games.”

“His mind is too tightly bound,” Naddie said sourly. “Hers as well. I could still crush them with my bare hands.”

“You could, if you think your fast enough,” Demitri taunted. “What say you to his children? A more deadly couple you will not find.”

She laughed. “Oh yes, two mere children with no enhancements.”

“But they are enhanced,” Demitri countered. “They can hear as well as their father. When the bond settles, they will be as strong. They possess fangs.”

“Not the ability to use them. Pretty decorations.”

“I see…and their magic does not frighten you?”

“I’ve seen no such impressive feats that would make me cower in my boots as you seem to.”

“Do not mistake my hesitance for cowardice! A hint of caution is what has kept this coven alive so long and I have no wish to disregard that for the delusions of a mere slip of a girl,” Demitri spat, his eyes glowing indigo in anger.

“You’d have us starve like rats in a cave.” Naddie screamed.

“I’d have you survive to see another sunset,” Demitri growled.

“COWARD!” She screamed and ran at him, a dagger in her hand.

It was almost too fast for the human eye to see as she leapt on top of him and struck him repeatedly. Fighting broke loose all across the graveyard. Flashes and streaks were barely seen as vampires sprang into action. Draco and Hermione held their shield as vampires bounced off of it and tried to keep up visually. It sent them back to that night in the pasture. Everyone but Melody had forgone magic to fight hand to hand. Draco noticed that Severus had conjured a stake and plunged it into the heart of a vampire. Deciding that was the wisest course of action, both he and Hermione conjured wooden stakes and struck.

They worked as a team. Hermione would stun one and Draco would plunge the stake in their heart. Then they would switch. It was very difficult, their enemy faster and stronger than they could possibly see or imagine and they were thankful for their shields. The fight dragged on for what seemed like hours, their energy dwindling because they had to keep moving to stay a step ahead of the lightning fast vampires.

A primal scream sounded out across the graveyard, stopping the vampires in their attacks. Demitri stood over Naddie, her black heart still pulsing in his hand as she fell. Seeing her fall seemed to take the wind out of the other vampire’s sails. They ran to the edge of the mausoleum in the corner of the graveyard and cowered.

Demitri, possessing only one arm and ripped to shreds, held the procured heart above his hands. “This is the creature you would choose to follow. Only five defended me. The rest will fall to the code.”

Melody and Alex stepped forward and caught the vampire as he fell. Alex quickly reattached his arm and mended what he could. Then Melody walked over to a heaving Hermione and Draco. “We’ll shield, you cast the sunlight spell, and remember…invisible.”

Draco cocked an eyebrow in confusion. Invisible?

‘She means that we can’t show them the manifestation of our powers, we can’t glow,’ Hermione clarified for him.

Draco nodded and brought her close to his body. The vampires that defended Demitri were all cowering behind a tree. Demitri was in a heap on the ground behind them. Alex leaned over him, still sealing his wounds. Melody stood behind Alex and placed a dark shield in between them. Severus and Celeste both raised their wands and placed another dark shield. Draco made a note to figure out how to do that.

He and Hermione built up their magic. It wouldn’t take too much to cast a spell strong enough to turn the defectors to ash. A few minutes later, they let loose. The entire graveyard lit up as bright as midday. Horrified screams filled the air as the vampires seemed to turn to stone and then flake away like ashes from a fire. It was both beautiful and ugly. They fell to their knees from exertion and cancelled the sunlight charm. The others dropped their charms as well.

“I was a fool,” Demitri rasped. “I was hesitant to join but I listened to the voices of the children. Only Sergei was as hesitant as I, which is why I sent him. I needed objectivity. He told me of a young one with immense power, still human and bonded to a green vampire. Do you have any idea how rare it is for a green vampire to have enough control to bond with a human?”

“I do,” Melody said, crouching down to eye level with the fallen vampire.

“I will fight with you, revenge for the corruption of my coven,” Demitri vowed, holding his hand over his heart.

“Thanks you,” Melody said, her voice breaking.

“We fight as well,” a deep voice sounded from behind them. A man with chocolate skin and long hair in braids walked to the front of the small group. “We did not wish to fight but to go against the majority is not recommended. We are ashamed of our cowardice. The six of you took on the entire coven. We don’t understand how but you are a worthy ally. Please accept our help.” He fell to one knee and placed his hand over his heart. The other four knelt as well.

Melody’s breath hitched. “I thank you all. You can’t defect from the Dark Lord though. He will exterminate you. Will you act as spies?”

“We will. We will protect your secrets and let you know of his moves.”

“Thank you.” Melody wiped a tear from her eye with a bloodstained hand. “We must leave. The wizard needs to be disposed of. I’m sure you can figure out a way to do that.”

“Oh we will,” Demitri hissed.

Celeste got him down from the tree and together, she and Severus bound him so they could make use of all his arteries. Then they placed a cuff to cut off his magic on his arm and stepped back.

“He will be no trouble now,” Severus drawled. “Now, we must be going.”

“Of course,” Demitri said, hauling himself off the ground. “Be well.” He extended his hand to shake with Severus. The dour man paused a moment before shaking the vampire’s hand and nodding.

Tired and bloody, the small group gathered around a battered tin cup and braced themselves for the sickening pull of the portkey. They landed at the edge of the forbidden forest in a heap but didn’t move for a few moments. Melody’s soft sobs could be heard in the darkness.

“Are you alright love?” Alex asked softly.

“I’ll be fine,” she said, clearing her throat. “It was just such a waste. There were only a handful of defectors. The rest were their spouses, unwilling to leave their sides. It’s just a waste.”

Alex struggled to get himself untangled from the mass and then pulled her into his side. Severus hauled himself up and then pulled Celeste from the ground and enveloped her in his arms. She was shaking but from adrenaline, fear, or sadness, it was hard to say. Draco merely pulled Hermione to his side on the ground. He didn’t have the strength to stand up and knew she was in the same boat. Her mind was awash in grief at having to take so many lives, no matter if they were dead or not. He was just happy they made it out alive. It struck home just how difficult fighting and trying to protect a few was going to be.

“Come you two, up to the castle with you,” Alex said softly, crouching down to their level.

“I can’t move,” Hermione squeaked.

“Same,” Draco said softly. “Just leave us till morning. I’ll put up a shield.”

“No, we’ll carry you,” Severus said. “No doubt the Dark Lord will receive word of the massacre soon enough. He’ll more than likely send a scout.” Severus gently took Hermione from Draco’s arms. Alex grabbed Draco and they made a quick trek through the school. They placed the couple in the tub in the bathroom and stepped out of the room.

“Bathe quickly and call us when you finish,” Alex instructed them as he shut the door.

Too tired to argue, Draco spelled their clothes away and turned the taps on. Hermione summoned two flannels from the cabinet and tiredly lathered them up. They bathed quickly, having to fill the tub twice to remove all of the blood from their bodies, so much blood. Luckily they hadn’t been hurt but if their shield had fallen once, they would have died. Unwilling to visit that thought, they finished and dried themselves magically. Then they summoned their robes and draped them over themselves as best they could.

“Ready!” Draco called tiredly.

Severus and Alex came back through the door and carried them to their beds.

“Rest,” Melody ordered. “You did so well. We’ll come check on you tomorrow and we’re going to watch cartoons all day long. I’ve had enough fighting for a while, haven’t you?”

They nodded tiredly, barely noticing the adult’s departure before they fell into the arms of Morpheus.

“They did better than expected,” Severus drawled when they closed the door. They continued on to his chambers.

“Agreed,” Melody said softly. “But there is still so much work to be done. Vampires can’t disassemble wards after all.”

“There is that,” Severus said, frowning. “Do you trust Demitri’s words?”

“Vampires, especially ones as old as Demitir, take betrayal very personally,” Alex said, his brows furrowed in thought. “He will see this as a personal slight on his person by the Dark Lord. I believe he will be with us until the end.”

“Finally, an ally,” Melody breathed. “We’ll need all the help we can get Sev.”

“We do,” Severus sighed and stopped outside his rooms to give the password to get in.

“I imagine you have some thinking to do,” Melody said, looking pointedly at Celeste and then back at him. “We’ll leave you two to it. See you in the morning Sev.”

Severus bade them goodnight as they walked through his floo. Celeste motioned to her still bloody body and disappeared into bathroom. Yes, he certainly had much to think about.

AN: Hello everyone. I'm glad to see that many of you are still enjoying my little story. ;) So, now our little group has a small band of allies. We're moving right along! You'll be happy to know that the Severus/Celeste story is in the works right now. I hope to get it out tonight or tomorrow at the latest. It'll be titled "Jumping With Both Feet" so look for that very soon if you're interested. It will fit in right behind this chapter. It's actually a sort of chapter itself but I figured I would keep it seperate to keep the story flow. As always, thank you everyone sooooo much for your reviews. They really do make me want to write faster and better. Keep them coming and let me know how I'm doing and if you find any mistakes. Until next time...love you guys!
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