A Vampire's Soul

Hello! Thank you everyone for all the lovely replies! It makes my muse so happy! School starts up for me again (college) next week, and it does look like I will be able to continue keeping Wednesday as the day that I update this, so that won't change. Only the hour will. I have two classes in the early morning, and then one class (pre-algebra, blah!) at night, so I have plenty of time in between them to post a chapter here. :) I will just have studying to do also, as well as writing this fic, but I think I'm well ahead of things for you peeps, so you won't have to worry about it, unless something comes up.

Anyway, enjoy the chapter! Please don't let the OCs scare you; I promise there will be more actual HP character interactions in the future parts (Trust me, I just wrote a few really good ones!) Next part will be next Wednesday!

..--...

A Vampire’s Soul, chapter twenty

Pairings: Harry/Draco, slight Harry/Ron/Hermione, Ron/Hermione, slight Harry/Ron, Harry/Remus, Harry/others, other male/male

Rating: NC-17

Warnings: Vampires, so there’s blood mentioned; violence; Slash; slight Het, multi-partners, and a touch non-con but not really. ALSO, there will be a few OCs, only because I need them for the story/plotline, but Proudfoot is a name mentioned in book six, I just don’t know his personality.

Words: About 5,620

Notes: I got a bit into my Original Characters here, and I apologize, but I will keep them as minimum as possible. Harry’s role in the Daywalkers’ world is growing, thus there needs to be Daywalker characters (as well as other Werewolves).

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 24th, 2007

.-.

Proudfoot couldn’t stand being in the same room as all those Daywalkers anymore. He needed to get out and get some fresh air. He didn’t want to leave Harry, of course, he just didn’t want any kind of fighting to happen between him and one of the Daywalkers, especially if Harry woke up and saw it.

Granted, Proudfoot didn’t know if Harry would let them or not right now, because he could tell that Harry was changing, a bit at a time. He wanted to do something for him, anything, because he saved his life, but he didn’t know what. Standing in the middle of Castle Dracula’s walkway, Proudfoot raised his head and inhaled the cool night air. Tomorrow night was the full moon, and he was feeling a pulse deep inside his belly, knowing full well that if he didn’t get the usual dose of Wolfsbane Potion, he was a danger to many.

“There you are,” said a voice from behind, making him jump. He turned around and was suddenly face to face with a Daywalker.

“Nicholas! Hey,” he said, blushing.

“What’re you doing out here, then?” said Nicholas, standing dangerously close to Proudfoot. “Going to howl at the moon?”

Proudfoot turned his head away. “No, just getting some fresh air. It was getting too much for me, being surrounded by all those vampires…”

“Mmm,” said Nicholas. He seemed to tower over Proudfoot, and Proudfoot backed up, but Nicholas followed him. “Don’t run away, I have something to ask you.”

Feeling shy, Proudfoot glanced up at him quickly, and then looked away again. “Um, yes?”

Nicholas grasped Proudfoot’s chin and made him look up. Their eyes locked, and that same feeling that gone through him before stirred again. It aroused him, but it frightened him as well. The last thing he wanted was to have a Bond with two Daywalkers, but if Harry could have a Love Bond with one and still live to tell the tale, then he supposed he could have some kind of sexual Bond. But Vega? He didn’t know if he wanted one, a complete Bond, with him at all.

“I want to know if you felt the same thing I did, back there.”

Proudfoot could feel his entire face heat up. “Er, um, yeah… yeah, I felt something…”

“Good,” said Nicholas sensually, and then before Proudfoot could say or do anything, Nicholas had moved forward and kissed him. Proudfoot squeaked and grasped Nicholas’s shoulders as he let him ravish his mouth. He gently released his lips and licked from Proudfoot’s chin to the tip of his nose. “As you can plainly see, I want you.”

“I—you’ll hurt me afterwards…”

“No, I won’t,” Nicholas said softly, kissing around Proudfoot’s lips. “Do you know why? Because I’m what they call the gentlest Daywalker in a century. I have never hurt a werewolf.”

Proudfoot shivered, grasping Nicholas’s shoulders tightly as they kissed again. It all felt too surreal; he could hardly believe this was happening. It took a while to pry his lips from Nicholas’s, and when he did, Nicholas moved his mouth to his neck and sucked.

“Teeth…” Proudfoot gasped in warning. Nicholas growled playfully and put a little pressure on Proudfoot’s neck.

“I couldn’t pierce through your skin even if I tried,” Nicholas gently reminded him. Proudfoot felt stupid after being told that, but it faded away when he felt a hand between his legs.

“I don’t think I should… have a…” Proudfoot gasped, Nicholas’s palm moving in circles against him. “… A Bond with another…”

“You haven’t completed the Bond with Vega, so it doesn’t matter now.” Nicholas slowly began undressing Proudfoot.

“But with you…”

“With me, you’ll survive, my little pup,” Nicholas rumbled against Proudfoot’s throat.

“Gods almighty,” Proudfoot moaned, rubbing himself against Nicholas’s hand like a dirty slut. Soon they were naked and behind a nearby rose bush in Prince Vlad’s garden. Nicholas pulled at Proudfoot’s cock as he licked and kissed his mouth, and Proudfoot kissed back, hungry. Nicholas seemed so prim and proper, but when it came to sex, he was a wild animal.

Proudfoot moaned and opened his mouth wide, accepting the Daywalker’s fluids—Bonding—as Nicholas spit inside, and then stabbed in his tongue. Proudfoot’s hips jerked wildly, but then Nicholas moved down to take his cock into his mouth, twisting his fist around at the same time he bobbed his head up and down. Proudfoot’s cock was completely hard and glistening with come and saliva.

Nicholas descended further, nuzzling his nose against Proudfoot’s balls on the way down, and started lapping at his hole. Proudfoot raised his arse off the ground and spread his legs wider, holding onto his thighs. Nicholas helped by pushing his legs up until his arse was more in the air, along with his feet, and the head of his cock rested wetly against his belly. Proudfoot whimpered at the feel of Nicholas’s tongue swirling around his puckered entrance, wetting it, before sliding his tongue inside. He couldn’t believe how hot it was getting him; his arse twitched wantonly.

“Please…” Proudfoot wailed. Nicholas understood that plead, but he pretended not to hear it as he continued to lavish Proudfoot’s arse. Proudfoot moaned and cried out when Nicholas doubled his efforts, and soon he was nearly weeping continuously.

Nicholas’s fangs were as long as they were going to get, but the monster in him wasn’t crying out for blood; he knew what the beast within him wanted, and he was more than willing to surrender. On his knees, he pressed himself as close to Proudfoot as possible, keeping those legs in the air, and rubbed the wet head of his cock around his lover’s spit-slicked hole. He aimed it until the very tip of it pushed against the hole. Painstakingly, Nicholas pushed forward, and bit by bit his cock began to disappear inside Proudfoot’s body.

Tight, tight clenching heat surrounded his cock. He tilted his head back and let out a long moan. Proudfoot whimpered beneath him, nails scrabbling up and down Nicholas’s arms, body shifting in the dirt.

“Dear gods, you’re exquisite,” rasped Nicholas. He hissed aloud when Proudfoot wiggled and then clenched around his cock. “Little tease, you’ll get what you’re begging for, and more.”

Proudfoot couldn’t answer even if he wanted. What followed next was so intense he thought he was going to die. Nicholas thrust so deep and hard in him the ground below him was giving way. The moon wasn’t completely full yet, not until tomorrow night, but it still pulled savagely at his mind and body. Proudfoot’s animalistic urges were rising, and soon he was pushing his hips up against Nicholas’s, meeting him halfway, just as rough as Nicholas was pushing down. They were fucking so hard now that he knew there’d be bruises later.

Nicholas licked at his lips, fangs long and shining in the moonlight, as he gazed down at his lover. He felt it deep in his chest, the feeling of something that had been lost long ago but wasn’t yet complete. His chest burned with it, yearning to pump, but still his heart remained idle. He bent his head down and pressed his fangs against Proudfoot’s neck as hard as he could. He could not break through the young werewolf’s skin, but he did make impressive indents; nevertheless, Proudfoot did accept his offer of his fluids.

Sweaty, dirty, and hoarse, they shook with emotion as they let themselves go, giving themselves over to the inevitable: to the Bond.

.-.

When Harry woke up the second time that night, he felt the unmistakable urge for blood, but there was another urge that loomed deep within him: the urge for flesh. He wanted to bite and chew and drink and eat human meat. He wanted a fully-grown human—all of it—or he’ll go insane.

But as he stood, three others were right there beside him, watching him dutifully.

“You’re awake,” said one of the vampires. His demeanor was calm and content; Harry didn’t know what to make of him.

“Indeed, I am,” said Harry. “Who? Where?”

“Have you forgotten already?” said a girl. “You’re in Castle Dracula and Prince Vlad had fed you some of his blood to keep you more sane.”

Memories flooded back, and Harry did everything he could to keep himself calm. He sat up slowly, but even then the others closed in and watched him like circling vultures. Harry only had a vague feeling of dread, wondering if these other vampires mean to do him harm.

“My name’s Nicholas Chambers. This here is Asa Nodes, and I’m sure you know Proudfoot.”

Harry nodded, remembering that he had saved Proudfoot from those two vampires. Why did he feel stupid now, about saving the young werewolf? He knew he did it for a good reason, but somehow he couldn’t grasp what the good reason was.

“Should we tell our Master that Harry is awake again?” Asa asked.

“No, he is out at the moment. He didn’t say why he left.”

Proudfoot was standing dangerously close to Nicholas, and it had Harry raising an eyebrow.

Nicholas noticed the look, and it only took a moment for him to realize why he was being given the look. Unabashed, he grasped Proudfoot’s hand into his.

“We have Bonded, Proudfoot and I.”

Harry was shocked, but he didn’t show it physically. It was like all his human emotions went on strike. He couldn’t make himself to care even if he tried. He stood, and it sent them all on high alert, but Harry held up a hand. They didn’t know what to do or say, as they watched Harry slowly make his way toward the double doors leading out.

“I’m surprised you’re still alive, Proudfoot,” Harry said as he walked away. “I would have thought you’d be ripped to pieces by now.”

“Why are you saying such a thing?” Proudfoot asked, exasperated. “I thought you of all people would be pleased about this.”

Harry shrugged, and it had the other Daywalkers stunned at Harry’s sudden coldness.

“It makes no difference to me; do what you wish. I have other important business to attend to…”

“Wait, you can’t leave,” said Asa. She stepped in front of him; arms out stretched and an insubordinate look on her face. “We’re working on the potion right now to help you, and you can’t go wandering around in your condition. Have you forgotten that a soulless vampire had poisoned you? You’re not well.”

“On the contrary, I’ve never felt better,” said Harry impassively. “Now stand aside.”

Asa raised her chin and stuck out her bottom lip defiantly. “You’ll have to go through me first.”

“Asa!” cried Donald Moon as he entered the room. “What are you saying? You can’t take Harry Potter on! If our Master finds out, he’ll…”

“I don’t care! Our Master wouldn’t want Harry to leave before he’s cured. I’m not doing this just for any innocent person out there, but for Harry himself. He needs to be put back right in order to defeat Lord Voldemort.”

A scary smirk formed on Harry’s face. “Oh, I’ll take care of Voldemort all right… right after I’ve quenched my thirst. Now move out of my way before I make an example of you.”

“Harry, please… think about what you’re doing…”

“I am thinking. What I’m thinking is what everyone here should be able to fully understand: I need blood.”

“But you’re not well!” Asa huffed. “I forbid you to… eep!”

Harry lunged at her so fast she couldn’t get to her silver cross in time. Harry had flung her away by the neck before the others could move. Asa landed on the floor hard, gasping for breath. Shocked and in awe, they stood there and stared at Harry. Harry stood in the doorway of the castle, staring back at them ominously. It looked like his mind was struggling with something, but whatever it was they didn’t get a chance to find out. Harry transformed into a wolf and left.

“We need to go after him before he claims his first victim!” Donald Moon bellowed. “If Harry kills, it’ll be the end of his power the Dark Lord knows not!”

.-.

After accepting the invitation, Severus Snape joined Remus and Draco on their quest to locate Harry. Draco was overjoyed at seeing his old mentor, and Snape was glaring daggers at Remus, not pleased that he let Harry go off on his own and get into trouble.

“What did you want me to do?” Remus demanded. “Keep Harry locked up like Sirius was? No, Harry would rebel and sooner or later he would escape anyway. It was best if I just let him come and go as he pleased, especially since he was looking for Horcruxes.”

“If anything’s happened to him, I’m placing you responsible,” growled Snape. “He’s the leader of the Order now, for Merlin’s sake! He has duties to fulfill.”

“I know that,” sighed Remus. “Let’s just stop bickering and start looking. Maybe we should start with Castle Dracula. He was summoned there, so maybe they would know where he is. Or better yet, we’ll find him there.”

“You better pray you’re right, Lupin, or so help me…”

Snape was interrupted by a high-pitched squeak above them. They looked up, and before they could say anything, the bat landed on the ground and transformed.

“Remus Lupin, I presume?”

“Yes,” said Remus carefully. “Who are you?”

“Neal Corvus. I am Rufus Scrimgeour’s Sire. You haven’t by chance seen Harry around, have you?”

“No,” said Remus. “As a matter of fact, we’re looking for him too. Did something happen?”

“I’m pretty sure something did happen, Lupin,” sneered Snape. “If he eluded us I’m sure he is able to elude other vampires. He always was a trouble maker.”

Neal raised a brow. “Not a fan, I take it.”

“You guessed correctly,” said Snape.

Remus sighed dejectedly. “Come on now, let’s not go there.” He turned to Neal. “Would you like to help us look for him?”

“It would be my pleasure,” said Neal kindly. “But I do not know how long I can stand being around you… I have never tested myself around strange werewolves before.”

“You don’t get any stranger than Lupin,” mumbled Snape.

Remus heard but decided to ignore it. “You’re able to be around werewolves that you know?”

“Certain ones it’s not as bad, but ones that I don’t really know too well… it’s dodgy. I don’t know how I’ll react. Sometimes it’s bad and sometimes it’s neutral.”

“Let’s stop gabbing already and find Potter!” Draco groaned, looking pale. “I can’t take this anymore…”

“What’s the matter with him?” Neal asked.

“He’s Harry’s soulmate,” explained Remus. “They haven’t fully bonded yet and it’s starting to drive him insane.”

“Harry’s soulmate?” said Neal, looking gobsmacked. “You’re joking…”

“Sadly, no,” said Snape.

“How interesting,” said Neal, looking pensive. “I thought soulmates were only a myth. I have heard about Perfect Blood Dolls, but I had no idea… well, we better hurry and find him, then, before it’s too late.”

“Why? What’s happened?” Remus asked.

Neal looked somewhat saddened. “While saving a young werewolf, he went and got himself poisoned by a soulless vampire.”

“Poisoned?” Remus gasped. “What does that mean? What’ll happen to him?”

Neal frowned. “It means that Harry’s soul will slowly deteriorate, and he’ll become like the soulless ones.”

“No,” groaned Remus, flummoxed. “You can’t mean that…”

“I’m afraid so,” said Neal. “But we mustn’t lose hope. We’re working on the antidote, but we’re not certain we’ll finish in time. We need to find him so that our Master can feed him more of his blood.”

“Why does he need your Master’s blood?” Remus asked.

“Because that will help keep him as sane as possible. If we’re lucky, Harry will be strong enough to realize what is happening to him and he’ll come back to the castle on his own.”

“We shouldn’t count on that,” said Snape. “We must find a way to locate him. Did Potter turn into a wolf or bat when he escaped?”

“A wolf.”

Remus couldn’t help feel a little proud at that. It was possible that Harry wasn’t long gone yet. Harry didn’t like turning into a bat if he could help it, and knowing that Harry would still rather be a wolf was uplifting.

“Good,” replied Snape. “We’ll see if we can track his footprints. Lupin, you’re a werewolf; sniff out his trail.”

“Just because I’m a werewolf doesn’t mean that I’m a bloodhound as well. Besides, I’m in human form; I don’t have any wolf senses.”

“Not yet,” said Neal. “But you will tomorrow night.”

Remus frowned. “Yes, I know.”

“It is a good thing for you that I brought you your potion,” said Snape ruefully. “Otherwise who knows what else will befall other innocent lives? Potter is enough to be worrying about at the moment.”

“Yes, Severus, you don’t have to rub it in,” said Remus.

“Enough talk already!” Draco snarled. “Let’s find Potter!”

“I’m going to contact Rufus,” said Neal. “He might be able to help us in the search, since he’s Harry’s Sire. I will do whatever else I can.”

“Good thinking,” said Remus. “For now, we’ll just use as many magical means as we can in tracking Harry down.”

“All right,” said Neal. “Oh, you better take these…” He handed them a few wooden stakes and silver crosses. “Just in case you run into any soulless vampires.”

“Before you go, could you tell us if you know anything about Worple? He’s gone missing.”

Neal sighed. “Oh, that’s right… I’m sorry to report that Worple had been attacked by soulless vampires, became a soulless one himself, and that it was he that had bitten Harry and poisoned him.”

“How is that possible, anyway?” Draco asked.

“Instead of sucking, they pump poison into the veins of their victims. Usually they do it to other vampires not of their type.”

Draco shivered visibly.

“Is Worple dead?” Remus asked.

Neal nodded.

They stood there in silence for a moment.

“His luck was bound to run out,” said Snape.

They all nodded their agreements sadly.

“Well, I better get going,” said Neal. “I hope you find Harry soon.”

“You can’t join us?” said Remus.

“No, I’m sorry. I’ll scout out the area from the air. It might go quicker that way.”

“All right,” said Remus. “Take care.”

Neal smirked. “Never thought I’d hear that from a werewolf. I guess that explains one reason why Harry loves you so much.”

Not staying to see Remus’s reaction, he transformed into a bat and rose into the starry sky.

.-.

“Harry’s gone?” Prince Vlad boomed, anger burning in his eyes.

The Daywalkers winced, bowing their heads low as they stayed knelt on the floor in front of their Master. After a few minutes of silence, Vlad shouted, “Well? Answer me!”

“We’re sorry, Master, but we couldn’t stop him. He flung Asa away like a rag doll and then transformed into a wolf and ran out the doors… Neal gave chase, but he hadn’t come back yet.”

Vlad stood in front of him and then snapped his fingers. “Up, Donald. I don’t like seeing you grovel at my feet, because you’re an elder, like me.”

“Yes, Sire. I’m sorry…”

“Don’t apologize. I want you to gather as many Daywalkers as you can and go after Harry. I want no excuses out of anyone. It is an order, and it will be carried out without question.”

“Yes, Sire,” said Donald Moon softly, bowing. “It shall be done.”

“Oh, and one more thing before you go.”

“Yes?” said Moon.

Vlad lifted an arm, and then his raven, Edgar, landed on it. “Bring me a piece of parchment and a quill. I wish to write a letter to Lilith.”

“What?” Moon gasped, as did the other Daywalkers. “Lilith? But she’s…”

“NOW, Donald. Don’t make me angry.”

“Yes, Sire…”

.-.

He watched as a young teenage girl bent down over a running stream, cupped her hands, and then drew water up to her mouth. Harry licked his lips as he surveyed her around the tree he was hiding behind. He didn’t have to hide too hard; the darkness was covering him nicely.

Water used to give him a feeling of well-being and goodness. Now, however, water didn’t look very inviting. He was afraid of getting too close to it and accidentally falling in. But that was silly; he’d drunk water before. He used to enjoy bathing in it as well. Harry shut his eyes tightly, as if in pain. He recalled what had been said to him before he left: he was poisoned by a soulless one, and soon, if he wasn’t treated, he will become one himself.

Perhaps water was the answer. Perhaps all he had to do was dive in and suck in as much as his stomach could hold. Determined, Harry stepped around and away from the tree. However, the sound of dried leaves beneath his feet alerted the young girl.

“Who is there?” she said, voice trembling. “I’m—I’m not alone, I’ll have you know. My father is just a few feet away. One little scream from me and he’ll be here in no time!”

Harry slowly moved forward. “Hello. I won’t hurt you. I’m actually pretty thirsty myself…” He licked his lips. “I would like a drink as well.”

“Oh…” said the girl. She didn’t sound too convinced, though. “All right then. As long as you’re not here to mug or rape me.”

Harry chuckled. “Why would I want to do a thing like that? I have a significant other already.” He reached the stream and looked down. He nearly jumped when he saw that his reflection in the water looked vague; not all there. He pulled away, hoping the girl hadn’t noticed.

“Do you?” she said, looking curious. “Who is your sweetheart, if it’s all right for me to ask.”

Harry almost grinned cheekily, but he kept himself in check. The moonlight was making the girl practically glow, and he could easily see a vein under her ear. Harry just about drooled.

“It’s all right for you to ask,” he said kindly. “My sweetheart’s—soulmate’s—name is Draco. He is quite attractive.”

“Oh!” said the girl, stunned. “You’re with another boy. Um, not that there’s anything wrong with it, of course. It’s just that you look… I mean… you don’t seem like you’re gay.”

“I’m bisexual,” said Harry, feeling a little annoyed. He moved closer to her. “My so-called sweetheart, however, is being difficult. I think he’s jealous that I’ve had all this experience with other people, men and women, and he hadn’t.”

“I can understand why,” she huffed. “When you love someone, you don’t like thinking about them being with another. It’s too painful.” She looked away and sighed, as if remembering something from her past.

Harry was so close to her now, he could smell what soap she used. She wasn’t too bad looking, as young girls went. She had dishwater blonde hair and blue-green eyes, thin face, small nose, and a silky dress that blew even in the lightest of breezes. Harry looked over at the water and shivered, wondering if he should just take a quick drink of it to see if it helped with his cravings, but when he looked back up at the girl, the craving for human blood grew again. He placed a hand on his chest, trying to quell the urge. He didn’t want to kill… that wasn’t him. He shouldn’t—he couldn’t… the only one he should be killing was Voldemort.

“Yes… it can be painful…” Harry gulped, staring at the pulse running through the girl’s neck. The only pain he seemed to be feeling now was the pain of hunger. He wanted it so bad… he needed it…

She stared at him with those big, bright eyes. His monster began to grow inside him. The craving was so bad now that he didn’t think he could control it. But he had to, for his sake – he was not a killer.

“Could you do me a favor?” Harry found himself asking. It was as if the monster within was taking over.

“What is it?” she asked.

Harry moved forward quickly and pulled her close to him. She gasped at the sudden close contact, cheeks blazing pink.

“Tilt your head back,” rasped Harry, fangs elongating. “And give me your life’s blood.”

.-.

The sudden Apparation beside them startled Draco so badly he nearly fell over. Snape and Remus both had their wands out and pointed in the direction of the sound.

“Wait,” said Rufus Scrimgeour, hands in the air. “It’s me.”

Remus lowered his wand, but Snape didn’t.

“You scared us,” said Remus.

“My apology,” said Scrimgeour. He glanced at Snape and raised an eyebrow. “You can put that away now, you know.”

“That’s one person’s opinion, vampire.”

“I take it I’m outed,” smirked Scrimgeour.

“Ron and Hermione thought it best if we knew,” replied Remus. “For Merlin’s sake, Severus, put it away.”

Snape glowered in irritation, but did as he was told, although reluctantly.

“I came because I sensed something wrong with Harry. I can’t pin-point his location, so I homed in on someone that was the next best thing…” He glanced at Draco and then Remus. “Interesting to see you two together in the hunt.”

“Why should it be?” Draco demanded.

“Draco is hurting from not Bonding completely with Harry. Is it always hard for vampires to Bond with their soulmates?” Remus asked.

Scrimgeour shook his head. “No. Harry is a first—in a long, long time—to have a soulmate. The thing Daywalkers have with each other is different. There are bonds of love and bonds of sex. A Love Bond is something you and Harry have with each other, Remus. But it is uncommon for it to be between a werewolf and a vampire. Yet, a Daywalker and a werewolf can have a Sex Bond. Two beings, vampire or werewolf, can have this kind of bond. Once they have sex and become close lovers, and there is some kind of connection to them, emotionally, then there’s a Bond.”

“I don’t understand,” said Draco. “What is the difference between the two?”

Scrimgeour pursed his lips in thought. “The difference is in the way two people love each other. There is a difference between real love and passionate love, is there not?”

“But if they’re both based on emotion…”

“Ah, I see why you’re confused. Hmm, how do I explain?” Scrimgeour tapped a finger against his bottom lip. “I guess you could say,” he said after a while, “that a Love Bond is mainly that, based on love. A Sex Bond is made from sex. Both must have powerful emotions behind them to happen, but the feelings are very different. Harry and Remus will always have that special kind of love between them—love that is pure and indisputable—and those that bond with sex will be emotionally attached, but they could still be in love with someone else.”

Draco blew a stray hair out of his face. “I see. I think.”

“Sorry I couldn’t make it clearer,” smiled Scrimgeour.

“I understand it,” said Remus, face slightly red from all the talk about having a love bond with Harry. “Now, let’s get back to the matter at hand.”

“You’re right,” said Scrimgeour. “We must find Harry.”

“Yes, enough of this mushy talk,” snarled Snape. “Let’s find Potter before he does any damage.”

.-.

The blood sliding down his throat made him moan and his eyes to roll into the back of his head. This blood was so pure and sweet, he swore the girl was a witch. Unfortunately, he could tell the difference. This girl was a Muggle who somehow accidentally found herself within a forest filled with magical beasts. Perhaps she was just camping and decided to explore the area. He didn’t think he believed her when she said that her father was close by. It was possible that she was telling the truth, but that didn’t worry him. Why would he be scared of a Muggle?

“There you are!” cried a voice. Harry was so startled he nearly dropped the girl. He had been so busy drinking her blood that he didn’t paying attention to his surroundings.

He turned his head, still holding onto the girl’s limp form, and glared at his intruder. He wasn’t too surprised to see Betelgeuse.

“What do you want?” Harry growled. Blood dripped unhurriedly down his chin.

“The Master wants you back at the castle,” said Betelgeuse indifferently. “He had sent out many of our people to search for you. It’s nice that I’m the first to find you.”

“Why is that?” Harry asked evenly.

Betelgeuse smiled, and it wasn’t a very friendly smile either.

“Because, I owe you one.” Betelgeuse flicked his wrists, hands palm-side up, and two very sharp stakes shot out from beneath his sleeves. “And now there’s a good reason for me to kill you.”

Harry growled deep in his throat. “What good reason?” he asked, gently setting the girl down on the ground without taking his eyes off the other Daywalker.

Betelgeuse grinned like a maniac. “That you’ve become too evil and corrupt to save, so I did only what was best and thrust a stake into your still heart.”

Anger flared to life throughout Harry’s body. He couldn’t think straight; the jibe about how his heart was still not beating bothered him worse now than being called evil. The challenge in the other vampire’s eyes was unavoidable. Harry knew that he would have to fight for his life, or flee. The thought of fleeing was tempting, but he had a feeling that Betelgeuse would follow. It was a good thing that he just ate; otherwise, he didn’t think he would have the strength to fight off the other Daywalker.

“What, no smart comeback?” Betelgeuse quipped. “That’s a shame. I thought you’d be much more fun than last time.”

“You didn’t put up a fight last time,” Harry reminded him.

“Exactly,” Betelgeuse declared, nostrils flaring. “Now, go to Hell!”

He charged at Harry, thrusting a stake forward. Harry dodged and took out his wand. He wasn’t sure just what spell to use against the other vampire, since he still had a soul. At the moment, however, it didn’t seem like he had much of one. Then again, Betelgeuse had the silly notion that he, Harry, didn’t have much of a soul either, therefore it seemed all right to kill Harry.

“Hell is for those with no soul,” retorted Harry. “And I, unfortunately for you, still have one.”

“It’s corrupted, so it’s good as gone!” Betelgeuse snarled. He advanced on Harry again, trying to use both stakes. Harry nearly got out of the way of the right wooden stake once he dodged the left one. It almost slashed through his shirt.

“You sound like a Death Eater,” said Harry, sneering. “And like a Death Eater, you’re dead wrong.”

“Shut up!” Betelgeuse tried and tried to stab Harry’s heart with one of the stakes, but Harry was too fast for him. They circled a tree a few times, and Betelgeuse growled in annoyance. “Stop trying to run away, you coward.”

“I wouldn’t need to run away if you give me a fighting chance. I don’t have wooden stakes like you do.”

“You still have your wand,” Betelgeuse pointed out. “But I guarantee that whatever spell you throw at me won’t hurt me.”

“You think so?” smirked Harry. “All right then. Impedimenta!”

Thinking he was triumphant, Harry grinned, but it faded when his spell was reflected off the other vampire.

“What in the--?”

Betelgeuse laughed. “I’m protected from all spells, thanks to this mixture of herbs, buckeye, and other magical items.” He pointed to a small pouch that was tied with some sort of hair and hanging off his neck. “You cannot harm me.”

Harry felt his stomach plummet. How was he supposed to defend himself against this crazy Daywalker when his wand was now rendered useless?

“You should have stayed with the ones you love back at your house. But it’s too late now. Prepare to die, Harry Potter.”

People’s faces flashed in Harry’s mind. His parents, Sirius, Ron, Hermione, Remus, Draco, the Weasleys, Rufus Scrimgeour… everyone that he cared for and loved, were flying by in his mind’s eye. He felt a strong surge of… something within him. His chest hurt, as if starving something off. Then, with a burst of speed, Harry swerved and ducked around Betelgeuse’s body just as Betelgeuse thrust a stake forward. When Betelgeuse turned to slash down at him, Harry swiftly grabbed Betelgeuse’s forearm, bent it upward, and let the momentum of Betelgeuse’s movement help impale himself onto his own stake.

The look of surprise on Betelgeuse’s face was somewhat satisfying.

“No…” Betelgeuse said weakly; blood trickling out of his mouth and nose. “This… cannot… be…” He slumped to the ground on his knees in front of Harry, grasping the arm that had the stake going through his heart. Pointlessly, he pulled the stake out.

“You… you’re not supposed to… kill…” Betelgeuse croaked weakly before his body hit the ground.

Harry stared down into Betelgeuse’s lifeless eyes, feeling no remorse or sorrow.

“Does it really count if you die by your own hand?” Harry said quietly.

TBC