A Vampire's Soul

A very big thank you to all of you here at AFF! Thank you so much for your replies and for sticking with this story. It looks like it'll be a long ride, but that's OK, right? I will probably be posting the next part tomorrow, because the school (library where I work) will be close all next week, so I won't be able to get online for a while, so I'll be giving you the next part sooner. Then, you'll have to wait a couple weeks for another new part.

Extra special thank you to seekinglala (weasleywench), for all your great replies to each chapter! I look forward to your replies especially each time I post a chapter. :) Thank you!!

Please enjoy! And please review!


A Vampire’s Soul, chapter eighteen

Pairings: Harry/Draco, slight Harry/Ron/Hermione, Ron/Hermione, slight Harry/Ron, Harry/others, other male/male (OMC/OMC/OMC)

Rating: NC-17

Warnings: Vampires, so there’s blood mentioned; violence; Slash; slight Het, multi-partners, and a touch non-con but not really.

Notes: ALSO, there will be a few OC’s from here on out, only because I need them for the story/plotline, but Proudfoot is a name mentioned in book six. Post-HBP.

I apologize for the Original character romp, but there’s a reason behind it; trust me.

Words: About 5,400

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or its characters, nor do I own anything from Dracula. I do own all the other characters in this story that isn’t in the Potter books.

Chapter written: May 23rd, 2007

.-.

During the trek to Castle Dracula, the tension between Proudfoot and the two vampires, Vega and Betelgeuse, grew more and more ominous. Proudfoot tried staying behind them, but they kept lagging enough so that he was smack dab in the middle. Their heated glances weren’t helping things either, and his wolf instinct was telling him to either fight or flee.

Then, right as the castle came into sight, Vega pulled out a wand from his robes and aimed it at Proudfoot’s throat. All movement stopped in that instant, and Proudfoot stared at Vega as non-threatening as possible.

“I can no longer control myself,” Vega panted. “And I know you’re a magic user too, so hand over your wand, nice and easy.”

“You’re making a big mistake,” growled Proudfoot, but he did as he was told, and gave Vega his wand. Vega handed it to Betelgeuse to hold onto for now, and poked Proudfoot under his chin impatiently.

“Clothes. Off. Now.”

“I must get my message to Potter straightaway,” Proudfoot complained as he started stripping. “There’s no telling where Worple is now. He could be dead for all we know!”

“I could care less right now,” Vega snarled. Betelgeuse nodded his agreement, staring wide-eyed at Proudfoot as skin was reveled a bit at a time. Even though Proudfoot knew what was to come afterwards, he still couldn’t stop his cock from hardening or stop his heart from beating faster.

“You want this, you little bitch,” sneered Betelgeuse. “Your heart just sped up.”

“W-what I want is to accomplish my mission before you two bite me to death.”

Vega touched Proudfoot’s cheek softly, watching his eyes gloss over with need. All three of them knew they couldn’t escape this even if they tried. Gesturing at the ground with his wand, Vega said, “All fours, pup—just the way you want it.”

“No…” Proudfoot moaned, but he couldn’t fight it. The sexual tension between them intensified, and even though the air around them was cool, they felt overheated in the mist. Once he was on all fours, Vega acted as if couldn’t get his clothes off any quicker, and Betelgeuse was already naked, stroking his rapidly growing cock.

Proudfoot looked over his shoulder at them and froze, cock twitching. He’d never been both scared and turned on before in his life. Still, if he died tonight, at least it would be after having incredible passion and not during a melee with Death Eaters or soulless vampires.

Vega slicked himself up quickly, wanting to feel that skin-tight looking arse around his cock. He was about to kneel behind Proudfoot when Betelgeuse’s face was suddenly there, swiping his tongue up and down Proudfoot’s hole. Proudfoot moaned and fell forward, face hidden in the crook of one elbow. Betelgeuse held Proudfoot’s arse in the air as he continued to lick and suck around his wrinkled hole, moistening it thoroughly. Unable to contain himself, Proudfoot whined and pushed back against that invading tongue, unsure if he would rather have a cock or just this wonderful tongue, but he wanted something.

“He is nothing but a little wanton bitch,” grumbled Betelgeuse. “I think he wants more than just one cock in his ass.”

Proudfoot’s breath hitched and his hands dug into the dirt below. They’re most definitely going to kill him, and if not by biting or losing a limb, then by fucking. Automatically, Proudfoot spread his legs wider. Betelgeuse reached down to roughly fondle his balls before finding his leaking cock and giving it a few good pulls. He whimpered like a dog in heat, begging, and then there are two fingers inside him, spearing him open. He opened his mouth to scream, but it got stuck in his throat and only a pitiful squeak came out.

“Let me at that arse,” growled Vega. He swatted his partner’s hand away so that he could get into position. Proudfoot couldn’t look; he kept his reddening face hidden in the crook of his elbow as he felt something more blunt enter him. He knew that there was no way he would get out of being the submissive one during this. It was just as his pack leader had told him: he was too soft.

Vega moaned aloud at the feel of such a tight arse. He gripped Proudfoot’s shoulders and moved slowly, shallowly, in and out. The whimpering pup under him was music to his ears. He could feel his fangs growing at an alarming rate, and he wished that he wasn’t fucking a werewolf right now; he wanted someone that was delicious.

Groaning eagerly with need, Betelgeuse brought his cock over to Proudfoot’s face, fisted a handful of his hair, and lifted him up enough so that he could push his cock into the whining werewolf’s mouth. Vega slid in and out, in and out, as he watched his partner’s cock disappear into the pup’s mouth and then slowly reappear again. Each time Betelgeuse thrust his cock in, he kept it in as far as Proudfoot’s throat was going to allow it and moved it in and out with quick, short thrusts, before pulling back. Proudfoot coughed and sputtered only for a moment, but seemed to take to cocksucking easily.

Vega snapped his hips harder against Proudfoot, the monster inside growing bit by bit. He clutched Proudfoot’s neck and held him tightly so he could drive his cock in and out faster. Betelgeuse began moaning continuously, as if he were about to come, but pulled out of Proudfoot’s mouth and grasped the base of his cock hard, starving off the urge. Vega removed his cock from Proudfoot’s arse with a slick pop.

“Wanna have a go?” he asked Betelgeuse.

“You know I wanna,” Betelgeuse rasped. He took over Vega’s position and, after allowing his cock to calm down some, slid all the way until he was balls deep. Proudfoot wailed, pushing back on his cock greedily. Betelgeuse grabbed his hips and jack hammered his arse until he was screaming.

“Let’s give him two cocks, like he always wanted,” said Vega.

“God…” Proudfoot moaned. The thought of two cocks in him nearly made him come.

Vega situated himself underneath Proudfoot, spreading Proudfoot’s arse cheeks wide to help so he could slide in next to Betelgeuse. His partner pulled out a little, to allow more room for him to enter, and then he pushed up the moment he felt heat at the tip of his cock.

As Vega pushed up, Betelgeuse pushed forward, and together they were stretching Proudfoot wide open. They winced when Proudfoot let out the highest pitched screech they’d ever heard. Once they were fully seated, Proudfoot’s arse clenched rapidly around them as he tried to get used to the feeling. He wanted to hide his face, but Vega was having none of it and he kissed him hard and wet, tongue sliding along his, almost endearingly. Proudfoot’s cock jumped between their bellies, leaking incessantly. He was dying now, he knew it.

“Start praying, bitch,” growled Betelgeuse, and together they began to move.

.-.

After the initiation was over, dinner was served. The dining room’s table was about as long as the one Harry had seen in the Great Hall at Hogwarts, and the table was also filled with things that he could have been eating at a Hogwarts feast. Harry sat on one side of Prince Vlad (whom sat at the head of the table), while Neal sat on his other side. There were a few empty seats at the table, but it was explained that not every Daywalker that was a part of the Order of the Dragon ate there for dinner.

“Rufus Scrimgeour is still at work,” said Neal. “So I would expect that he only had time to eat at the Ministry before returning to his duties. There are a few other Daywalkers that don’t stop here to eat as much as others do.”

Harry nodded, mouth full of mashed potatoes. Sitting across from him was a woman with long, blonde hair and hazel-brown eyes. She kept looking up at him and smiling, and Harry wondered if she had something on her mind to ask him or if she just liked looking at him.

“Harry, this is Patrick Mizar,” Neal said, introducing him to the bloke on Neal’s other side with dark hair and blue eyes. “He is a good friend of mine.”

Harry stretched out a hand to shake Patrick’s. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise, Mr. Potter,” said Patrick, his grip on Harry’s hand firm. “You’re Rufus’s Fledgling, I hear.”

Harry nodded. “Yes, I am.”

“I am so humbly honored to meet you. Not just because you’re so well known, of course. I have heard of the many great things you have accomplished.”

“Thank you,” said Harry, his cheeks feeling warm now. “You do know that I’m good friends with Remus Lupin, right?”

The dining hall became eerily silent. Harry looked around at everyone whom was staring at him, some with confusion and some with absolute shock.

“Remus Lupin is that werewolf that’s a part of the Order of the Phoenix, correct?” said Patrick.

“That’s right,” said Harry.

“Harry’s been friends with Remus way before he’d been Turned,” said Prince Vlad coolly.

Everyone began talking again all at once, no doubt discussing what they just heard. Harry tried not to let it bother him and went back to eating. Secretly, he wondered if members that weren’t there eating normal human food with them were those that had less of a good soul, or if they were just too busy, like his Sire was.

“You are brave to stay good friends with a werewolf,” said Patrick. “I don’t think I’d be able to stand being around one for too long without wanting to attack him… or her,” he added hastily. “How do you do it?”

Again, embarrassed, Harry cleared his throat and tried not to notice the curious eyes on him.

“Ah, well, I don’t find it too hard. I mean, we’ve gotten into a couple rows, but we’ve resolved it quickly. And we have…” Harry paused, not sure if he should tell them about the passionate night he’d spent with Remus after his transformation.

“Have what?” asked Neal, looking more curious than horrified.

Harry’s face felt so warm, he was sure it must have been red. “Well… I don’t think all of you would want to know…”

“Did you have sex?” the woman across from him asked, looking interested.

Harry scrubbed at his face. Now he knew his cheeks were flaming redder than a Christmas light. “Er, well… yeah, you could say that…”

“And you’re alive to tell the tale,” said the woman, impressed.

“Obviously he is,” said a haughty looking vampire sitting at the woman’s left. “Honestly, Asa, you’re so nosy.”

“Aren’t you one bit curious at all, Xavier?” said Asa. “This boy has done so many rare things in such a short amount of time, it’s remarkable. I, for one, am impressed.”

“Thanks,” mumbled Harry shyly. He wasn’t sure what they’d think if they knew he had a bond of love with Remus, so he kept it quiet.

Neal clapped Harry on the back. “Clearly, he is the Chosen One. I think we struck gold getting this one.”

“Who should we thank for that?” said Patrick sardonically. “Rufus or the soulless ones for attacking Harry?”

“Rufus, of course,” said Asa. “He’s the one that Turned Harry, thus saving his life.”

“If one calls this living,” grumbled Xavier.

“I suggest we change the subject before we upset our new member,” said Neal, gesturing at Harry who was trying to ignore their conversation, but finding it inescapable.

“Oh, I’m fine,” said Harry. “I’m used to others talking about me as if I wasn’t there.”

Prince Vlad banged his fist on the table, and all the Daywalkers suddenly looked ashamed. Harry stared at him, confused.

“I suggest we let Harry finish eating so that he can get back to his friends. He has enough on his plate without all of you adding to his pressures.”

Harry had never seen someone so in command before, and it made him respect Prince Vlad even more. The rest of dinner went by relatively quiet. Only a few times did someone talk, but when they did, they were only talking to each other in whispers.

When he finished, he excused himself from the table and slowly made his way out of the dining room. Harry wanted to leave, but then he realized that it would be rude not to say his farewells to Prince Vlad, so he found the sitting room and sat on the large, velvet sofa and waited. The fire going in the hearth was pleasantly warm and the sofa was comfortable. Sated, warm, and completely content, Harry dozed off.

He wasn’t sure how long he slept for, but something disturbed him and he awoke with a jerk. His senses were on high alert and it confused Harry so much that he didn’t think twice about it and he shot up from his spot. Prince Vlad was sitting in a high-backed chair beside the sofa, and when Harry suddenly stood and made his way to the door, he stood as well, perplexed by Harry’s actions.

“What’s wrong, Harry?” he asked.

Harry skidded to a halt in front of the door and turned to meet Vlad’s face. Worry must have been noticeable in his eyes, because Vlad’s gaze suddenly looked very concerned.

“I don’t know,” said Harry quickly. “Something’s wrong… I have to go…”

“This is interesting,” said Vlad carefully. “I cannot feel anything amiss.”

Harry hurried his winter cloak on that had been hanging next to the front doors. Prince Vlad could only watch in astonishment and curiosity as Harry moved as though his very life depended on it.

“I’m sorry, Prince Vlad,” said Harry hastily. “I must go . . . I’ll be back…”

With that promise, Harry ran out the double doors and into the night air. Vlad stood in the entrance, watching as Harry transformed into a wolf with such ease that it looked completely natural. Forcing himself to stay calm, Prince Vlad closed his eyes and focused all his senses; he was so curious as to what Harry felt that he wanted to feel it too.

After a minute or two, Vlad frowned in annoyance. He couldn’t feel anything. Why couldn’t he sense what the young Daywalker could? Irritated, Vlad slammed his fist into the side of the doorway. He concentrated harder, but still he could not sense anything.

Could it possibly be that Harry’s soul was in tune with the person in trouble? Could it be Remus Lupin that was in danger, or maybe one of Harry’s Blood Dolls? It was the only possible explanation that he could think of.

Deciding that it wasn’t any of his concern, Prince Vlad turned back inside his castle and shut the doors, though he did not lock them.

.-.

“No…” moaned Proudfoot, feeling on the verge of coming. Sweat dripped into his eyes, and wet strands of hair stuck to his forehead. His body moved back and forth in the dirt, the moon above them so close to full; Betelgeuse and Vega had come in him once already, but he had been starving off his own as long as he could. He knew that once he climaxed, they were going to finish him, and if he could make sure he didn’t come yet, he could still have a chance and maybe they would tire out before he did. Unfortunately, his plan didn’t seem to be working; it only made them fuck him harder and faster. Proudfoot sobbed, leaning his sweaty brow on Vega’s glistening chest.

“Come on, little pup,” Vega breathed in his ear. “Come for me . . . I know you want to…”

“No…” Proudfoot moaned again, shaking. “I will not… I will not come…”

“You have no choice,” growled Betelgeuse, grabbing a handful of Proudfoot’s wet hair and yanking his head back. “You WILL come for us… your Mother Moon wills it…”

“Please, no…” Proudfoot wailed, but he could no longer fight it. He was through with fighting. There was no hope.

“Yes…” Vega hissed, his cock pulsing hot seed within Proudfoot for a second time that evening. Betelgeuse continued to thrust, ready to come as well, but he wasn’t as close as Proudfoot was.

“MOTHER MOON, SAVE ME!” Proudfoot screamed as his climax overrode his senses, his fluids warm and sticky between their bodies.

Betelgeuse finally released himself inside Proudfoot, continuously pumping his hips as he rode out his pleasure.

Vega wrapped a strong hand around Proudfoot’s throat, nearly cutting off Proudfoot’s air supply.

“It’s about time you came, pup,” Vega snarled, fangs so long they were just past his bottom lip. “I can no longer stand the stench of your blood.”

“That makes two of us,” Proudfoot said defiantly, smirking. He choked when Vega’s grip tightened.

“Shut up!” Vega shouted, completely blocking Proudfoot’s air passage. Proudfoot pounded a fist into Vega’s chest weakly as he tried to struggle for air. Betelgeuse dug his fingernails into Proudfoot’s back and began scratching hard and ferociously, trying to break open the skin.

“Bite ‘em, Vega,” snarled Betelgeuse. “Show him who’s stronger . . . make him bleed!”

Vega opened his mouth wide and pulled Proudfoot’s neck closer as he continued to choke him. It might take a half hour or more to pierce the skin, but he was willing to try anyway. He might get lucky.

But just as Betelgeuse’s claws were getting through Proudfoot’s flesh—small rivers of blood oozing out slowly—an angry howl sounded in the distance. Both vampires froze.

“Another werewolf?” Betelgeuse asked.

“I don’t know,” said Vega nervously. “I can’t tell…”

All of a sudden, there was a crash of bramble, and out of the undergrowth came a black wolf: fangs shining brightly in the moonlight; claws digging harshly into the earth; green eyes glowing eerily; and a bright, red scar running down its forehead.

Vega was so surprised he let go of Proudfoot’s throat. Proudfoot gasped shakily as air filled his lungs once more, coughing hoarsely. Betelgeuse removed himself from Proudfoot’s backside, readying himself for a fight. Proudfoot saw his chance and rolled off and away from Vega. Not caring that his prey was getting away, Vega stood beside Betelgeuse, ready to fight as well.

“Who are you?” Vega demanded.

Unable to resist, Harry transformed back into his human form as his answer. Vega gasped at the sight and Betelgeuse just gaped stupidly at him.

“You were about to kill, weren’t you?” Harry snarled.

“So what if we were?” said Vega. “It shouldn’t matter to you; you’re a Daywalker too, aren’t you?”

Harry stepped up to them, gnashing his back molars. “Yes, I am… and I was just initiated into the Order of the Dragon,” he said, showing them his ring. He looked on the ground behind them: Proudfoot was still on his knees, coughing and gasping for air. “He’s the one you were going to kill?”

“He’s a werewolf,” sneered Betelgeuse. “What did you expect?”

Harry ignored him. He passed between them and then knelt down, placed a hand onto the werewolf’s shoulder, and looked him in the eyes.

“All right?” he asked.

“Are you—Harry Potter?” the werewolf said. Not something Harry was expecting to hear, but he wasn’t too surprised either.

“Yes, I am,” he answered.

“Thank Mother Moon, she has answered my prayers,” the werewolf panted. “My name’s Proudfoot. I came looking for you. I have urgent news…”

Harry helped Proudfoot to stand. “What is it?”

Proudfoot stared at him for a moment, and with a puzzled expression, said, “You won’t hurt me after I tell you, will you?”

Harry shook his head. “No, I won’t. I promise.” He shot a heated glare at the other Daywalkers, but they only stood there, looking amazed.

Proudfoot sighed heavily before he spoke. “It’s Worple… he was coming to look for you when he was attacked by soulless vampires. There was nothing I could do… but when he noticed me watching from a tree, he told me that he needed to find you straightaway, and that he had something you’ve been looking for…”

“What?” Harry interrupted, a bit too forcefully.

Proudfoot ignored the rudeness and said, “I’m not sure of its value or its meaning, but it’s a quill.”

Harry’s eyebrow rose. “A quill?”

“Yes,” said Proudfoot. “It bears an eagle on it. Worple said it was something that belonged to a Hogwarts founder named Ravenclaw. He wanted me to tell you he got it…”

Harry was stunned. No longer listening to what Proudfoot had to say, he stood and opened his senses as far as they’ll go. The other three stared at him as he stood there in silence for a few minutes, and then he swore loudly, making them jump.

“I can’t sense anything… why can’t I sense anything?” Harry moaned.

“You do not have any kind of connection with this Worple, that is why,” said Vega. Harry rounded on him so fast Vega took a step backwards.

“I sensed Proudfoot when he was in danger, so why can’t I sense Worple? I’ve never met Proudfoot before.”

“Are you sure?” said Vega. “Your senses are telling you otherwise.”

“You sensed me in trouble?” said Proudfoot, astonished. “But how?”

“He’s a werewolf!” Betelgeuse bellowed, pointing a shaky finger at Proudfoot. “There’s just no way you could’ve sensed him, unless you’ve had Bonding Sex with him.”

“I hadn’t,” said Harry. He wondered what Bonding Sex was, but decided to ask later.

“This is the first time we’ve met,” said Proudfoot, blushing at Betelgeuse’s comment.

“By the Great Dracula’s grave, what is going on?” Vega shouted at the sky, aggravated.

“I don’t know, but I must find Worple,” said Harry. “He could be in trouble.”

“He might already be dead,” said Proudfoot sadly.

Harry opened his senses again to full blast, and then he finally noticed something… Proudfoot DID smell familiar! How’d he not notice earlier? Instead of going off to look for Worple like he wanted, he got as close as he dared to Proudfoot and buried his nose into Proudfoot’s neck. Proudfoot gasped softly at the sudden intrusion of his personal space, but one whiff of Harry’s scent and Proudfoot was nosing around Harry’s neck as well.

“What the buggering hell?” Betelgeuse exclaimed.

Harry moved away from Proudfoot’s neck, eyes dilated and eyebrows raised. Proudfoot looked just as surprised.

“Remus?” they both exclaimed, completely baffled.

“What?” said Vega, taken back. But Vega slowly began to realize what was going on: Harry had Scented Proudfoot. It was rare that a Daywalker could Scent someone from so many miles away, especially those that, as far as he knew, didn’t have a Bond with each other.

“You smell like Remus,” Harry said to Proudfoot.

“You too…” said Proudfoot unnecessarily.

“You know Remus personally?”

Proudfoot’s cheeks tinted. “I do.”

“How personal did you get with him?” Harry said tightly, his chest constricting with a jealousy he couldn’t stop.

Looking away, Proudfoot said, “Well, if you can smell him on me, I think you know what we did…”

Harry’s hands curled halfway, almost into fists, as he fought off the urge to punch Proudfoot in the face. But he didn’t want to act like Proudfoot’s attackers, especially just after he had saved him from them. How would that make him look?

He turned his head away, breathing heavily. “I shouldn’t care… no, I don’t… I don’t care…” he chanted to himself. “I do NOT care…”

“You were… intimate with Remus?” asked Proudfoot carefully.

Harry nodded once, cheeks reddening. Deciding that it was safe to tell him, Harry leaned in close so that only Proudfoot heard him. “I have a bond of love with him.”

Proudfoot gasped. “No… you’re joking!”

“What now?” asked Betelgeuse impatiently.

“Never you mind,” said Harry. “I’m sorry, Proudfoot, but I must find Worple. I know that I can’t leave you here with them, so you’ll have to come with me.”

Proudfoot looked like he was about to disagree, but the look in Vega and Betelgeuse’s eyes made him too nervous to argue. He nodded, knowing that he just sealed his fate with this new Daywalker, whom apparently had been intimate with Remus as well.

“All right,” said Harry. “Get your clothes on and we’ll get moving. I doubt we’ll find Worple in time to save him, but I must get that Hor—that quill.”

As Proudfoot quickly dressed, Harry turned to the other two Daywalkers and said, “I need you to go to Castle Dracula and tell Prince Vlad what I’m doing. I promised him that I would return, but if I don’t come back he might get worried and come looking for me. Will you do that for me?”

Betelgeuse glared, looking as if he were about to refuse, but then Vega stepped up and said, “Yes, we’ll tell him. That is, if our Master really does value you that much.”

“Believe me, he does,” said Harry soberly.

Vega nodded, respect more clearly in his eyes than in his partner’s. “It shall be done. Oh, and here’s the werewolf’s wand. Might want to hold on to it in case he tries anything.”

“Thanks,” said Harry, though he doubted that Proudfoot would harm him. “Could you tell Neal what’s going on, too? You see, he’s my Sire’s Sire.”

Both Daywalkers nodded at that, understanding completely.

“No problem. Come, Betelgeuse, we’ve got a job to do.”

Once Proudfoot was done dressing, Harry asked him to lead the way. Proudfoot obliged.

.-.

“Remus?” said Hermione, knocking softly on the already open door. Remus was in the study room of Grimmauld Place, books piled around the desk and one candle lit.

“Come in, Hermione,” he said. He shut the book he’d been reading and rubbed at his eyes.

“I’m worried,” she said. “Harry should have been back by now.”

“I’m guessing he’s visiting or taking a nap,” said Remus soothingly. “I’m sure he’s fine, otherwise.”

“How can you be so certain?” she said, pacing the floor nervously. “I think he’s in danger. Wouldn’t he have made some kind of contact by now?”

“Harry’s a big boy, he can take care of himself,” said Remus tiredly. “I’m sure he’s just running a bit late…”

There was another knock on his door. They both looked up and saw that Draco Malfoy was standing in the doorway, an irritated look on his face. Hermione decided to leave, not wanting to face Malfoy’s wrath.

“If Potter doesn’t return by midnight, I’m going to – I mean, YOU’RE going to go look for him!”

Amused, Remus leaned back in his chair and placed his entwined hands over his stomach. “Oh, am I?”

“Yes! And you better do it, or you’ll find a silver arrow stuck in your chest!”

Remus sighed, putting his elbows back on the desk, and opened the book again. “I don’t respond to threats, Draco. Sorry.”

Suddenly, Malfoy moved to where Remus sat and went down on his knees. Remus stared at him, shocked.

“Please, you don’t understand… my chest hurts! I keep drinking potion after potion, but it doesn’t work. It’s supposed to work, but it doesn’t! I don’t like it, but I know why it won’t stop hurting, and if you don’t bloody do something about it, I’m going to owl Mother and SHE will make sure you do something!”

Remus’s eyes widen. “How long has your chest been hurting?”

“Does it really matter?” Malfoy sneered. “All I know is that I can’t take it anymore, and Potter needs to get his arse back here, pronto!”

“It matters, because from what I heard, the longer you two wait to complete your marriage of the souls, the worse it gets.”

“Marriage??” Malfoy cried, looking like he was struck by lightning.

“It’s the only word they can use to describe it,” smiled Remus. “You’ve had sex with Harry, right? Well, just sex isn’t enough. There needs to be a complete bond between the two soulmates. Once the two become one then the pain leaves, and the pleasures are increased ten-fold.”

Malfoy’s jaw dropped. “WHY DIDN’T ANYONE TELL ME THIS BEFORE?”

“Because no one can interfere once it has begun,” explained Remus, laughing with amusement inside his head. “It has to be a mutual thing in order for it to work unconditionally.”

Malfoy smacked his forehead hard with his fists a couple times. “Stupid, stupid, stupid…”

“You’re not stupid, Draco, you were just uninformed.”

“Well, now that I am, GET POTTER BACK HERE!”

Remus stared at Malfoy with one eye. “You sure you want to complete your bond with Harry?”

“YES!” Malfoy cried.

Remus stood abruptly from his chair. “Good. I’ll inform Harry immediately.”

.-.

Harry could smell something – they were close. When Proudfoot stopped in the middle of a clearing, Harry’s senses perked up. There had definitely been soulless vampires here; their stench was all around. Proudfoot pointed out where they came out of the trees and bushes and where Worple was standing when it happened.

“I was up this tree,” he said, pointing up at an old oak. “I was scared stiff at first, but then I remembered that my chief told me that if I didn’t face my fears, something worse would happen to me than what I feared would happen, so I allowed myself to be seen, and luckily it was only Worple that saw me.”

“The soulless ones didn’t sense you?” Harry asked.

Proudfoot shook his head. “No. I guess they were too busy trying to get at Worple to really care about their surroundings.”

“I believe it,” said Harry, remembering that the soulless ones that attacked him and his friends were only interested in them and not in Rufus who was hiding only a few feet away. “Ok, we need to figure out which direction Worple went… or where they took him.”

“Do soulless vampires even take prisoners?” said Proudfoot anxiously. “I thought they just killed.”

“I saw their dwelling,” said Harry. “I think it’s safe to say they like to take their kill there, skin them, and then hang their skulls in trees.”

Proudfoot shivered. “That’s disgusting.”

Harry raised a brow. “You’re not much of a fighter, are you?”

“It’s about time you noticed.”

“Where’d you get your name from, then?”

Proudfoot blushed softly, shrugging his shoulders. “I’m proud, but I’m not stupid enough to stick around where I might get killed.”

Harry snorted. “You sound like a Slytherin.”

“Actually…” Proudfoot began.

“Don’t tell me…”

Proudfoot nodded. “I went to Hogwarts, and yes, I was a Slytherin.”

“How old are you?” Harry said as he searched the ground for clues as to where Worple went.

“Younger than Remus, and older than you,” said Proudfoot, smirking. “That’s all I’m saying.”

Harry rolled his eyes. “Smart arse.”

“That’s what Remus likes to call me sometimes…” Proudfoot’s teasing smile faded. “Oh, God… you’ve got a bond of love with him! That’s more than any werewolf ever had with him or any other werewolf!”

Harry stopped to stare at him. “How many lovers has Remus had?”

“A scarce few,” said Proudfoot as they began searching the ground again. “Well, he doesn’t seem to be interested in us lately. We figured it was because he finally found someone to settle down with.”

“I thought he was going to stay with Tonks,” admitted Harry. “But he told me that they’re not serious.”

“That’s probably because he’s thinking of his lovers and how they’d—we’d—feel.”

Harry felt a twinge of jealousy again. “Just how many lovers does he have?”

“Only three others… more now, if you and Tonks are to be counted.”

“And you’re one of them?”

Proudfoot’s blush started from his forehead and ran straight down into the collar of his robes. “Er, yeah. Last time we were together, I think Dumbledore was still alive. Granted, I don’t recall exactly when the old wizard died… I think it was sometime last summer.”

“Abouts that, yeah,” grumbled Harry.

“Oh, sorry,” said Proudfoot. “I forgot that you were close to Dumbledore. I heard he really was a great man.”

“Yeah, he was…” Harry said tightly. He didn’t feel like talking about Dumbledore or anything that happened last year, so he opened up his senses more and hoped he’d find some clue as to where Worple was.

Proudfoot must have understood, because he didn’t say anything more and just continued to help Harry search for signs of Worple. The search seemed to take forever, and Harry was about to give up when he noticed something on the ground.

“What did you find?” Proudfoot asked when he saw Harry bend over to pick something up.

Harry held it up to the moonlight so that he could see it better.

“Worple’s wand.”

TBC

Bonding Sex: A Bond between two beings (vampire or werewolf) that have had sex, become lovers, and is usually connected emotionally. If there is rape involved, usually there’s no Bond, but sometimes the one attacked (raped) will get attached to the rapist or vice versa, depending on the situation.

Scented: Different for Daywalkers than Werewolves; A Daywalker can “Scent” or sense whom is their soulmate or Perfect Blood Doll. They can also Scent their Bonded (soulmate or Love Bond) on others, and Scenting one that’s not their Bonded/soulmate but has their scent on them is remarkable: it proves just how powerful the Daywalker is (and how much they love their bonded).

AN: Hmm, just what IS the quill? A horcrux, or something else? Dun dun dun! :D