Into The Long Dark

DISCLAIMER: Not mine, never will be. All HP characters belong to JK and Warner Brothers, etc, etc, etc; Rael belongs to me. Making no money off of this.

SPOILER WARNING: The events in this fic take place immediately after Book 6.

Thanks, Auntie!


Sunday, 10 August 1997

~~~~~~NINE ~~~~~~~~"AFTERGLOW"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Harry pulled his head away from the vampire's chest and leaned back slightly to look up. Rael was smiling at him with a slightly quizzical expression on his face. His eyes were once again a bottomless, pale grey. Harry could see a very faint glow around Rael, pulsing slightly. He shook his head, and blinked his eyes furiously in an attempt to clear them. The glow was still there. And his head was still buzzing, although not as badly as before.

Real ran his fingers along Harry's cheek. "Hey, are you OK in there?"

It was as if Harry was hearing him from a great distance. He carefully formed the words in his mind; his mouth thought it over, and finally responded. "M'ya, I'm OK. M'name's Harry."

"Hiya, Harry," Rael answered softly. He leaned in and planted a soft kiss on Harry's parted lips.

Harry returned the kiss, feeling Rael's tongue push over his own, eagerly exploring his mouth. Harry sighed, and pressed closer into the taller man's body. Without warning, there was a tangible rushing of air, pulling and grabbing at him, and suddenly Harry's senses switched back on with surprising force. The distant thump....thump...thump....thump of the music seemed as thunder. He heard the grunting and moaning as another couple banged against the stall walls a few cubicles down. A urinal flushed. One of the taps was dripping in time with the thumping music. The door to the lav banged shut. Harry snapped his head away from the kiss.

"What the fuck was all that?"

Rael looked down, smiling crookedly. "Uh, how about we find a better place to get to know each other, yeah?"

"Yeah, sure. Sounds good." Harry winced inwardly at the blandness of his response. To compensate, he lunged up and mashed his lips into Rael's, grinding his hips forcefully. Rael weathered the onslaught of lust, and gently pushed Harry back down with his lips.

"OK, tiger. OK, let's move it on out of the loo, shall we?" His smile was blinding. "Oh, you could do with a bit of a clean up." Rael attempted to straighten Harry's shirt.

Harry pulled the knife from his pocket, the blade snapping out with a loud click. He cast a few cleaning charms on himself and Rael. Folding the blade, he stuffed the transfigured wand back into his pocket.

"Wow, cool wand."

Harry nodded, and they both made their way out of the stall. There were a few other clubbers in the lav, and they threw furtive, jealous stares as Harry and Rael walked past them, through the door and back into the din of the dance floor. Harry found that his legs seemed to be a few beats behind the rest of his body. He had his right arm draped across Rael's waist, and his hand curled around his hip, and burrowed into Rael's front pocket.

The crowd had swelled in their absence, and the dance floor looked as if it were inhabited by a single, writhing mass of motion. Harry almost did a double take as he noticed that he could make out a couple of figures on the dance floor that had the same glow about them that he had seen around Rael. Looking up quickly, he noted that Rael was still surrounded by the strange light, that ghostly, pulsating aura.


What the fuck is going on? Harry tried to recall the chapters they had studied on vampires last year. His head seemed clear, but he was having trouble organizing his thoughts. All that made sense right now was Rael. Harry snuggled closer to the vampire. They moved up to the end of the bar. Rael flagged Ellen down, who acknowledged him with a quick nod.

"How you doin', Harry? OK?" Rael gave him a playful nudge.

"Yeah, I'm OK, I guess. Feel a little weird, though. Can't get my eyes to focus." Harry reached up and rubbed his eyes with his free hand.

Rael nodded. "Sorry about that. My fault. You'll be alright straightaway. As soon as that old dyke moves her fat ass over here, we'll head on outside for a bit of fresh air. That'll perk you up, eh?" He smiled that smile again, and leaned in, giving Harry a quick kiss. Harry nearly lost his balance in the aftermath of that kiss.

"Aww, how bloody sweet! Pillaging the cradle, again, Rael?" Ellen was standing on the other side of the bar, her cigarette in seemingly perpetual motion. Both men jumped, looking as if they had just been caught with their fingers in the batter bowl.

"A little less commentary, eh, luv? How about two sodas, with lime? Kiss kiss!" Rael mouthed two exaggerated kisses at Ellen.

"Save it, lover. You'll need it!" Smirking, she looked down at Harry and with a shake of her head, went to fetch their drinks.

"That's what I love about this place. The friendly, warm wait staff!" Rael boomed loudly. Ellen flipped him the bird.

Harry still felt odd. His senses were fire-bright, aware, but there was an annoying lag between them and his brain. He was feeling more like himself all the time, but he still wasn't thinking straight. The ethereal glow was still surrounding Rael. Looking out, he noticed that one of the figures on the dancefloor was moving towards them. It had that same aura about it that Rael had. Harry watched with fascination as the shadow moved closer. Before long, Harry could make out the features of the person approaching. Long, dark hair. Piercing grey eyes. Were they glowing as well?

Moving smoothly, watching, staring, taking Harry in, devouring him with those grey eyes. Coming closer, a predatory expression on that smooth, perfect face, the lips, supple and slightly parted, hungry, wanting, desirous. As Harry watched, transfixed on the approaching vampire, Rael pulled him in tight, just as the new arrival's fangs extended ever so slightly from under his upper lip. For a brief moment, Harry had the urge to fling himself into the new vampire's arms. Harry blinked, and looked up at Rael, who was also staring intensely at the approaching challenger. Harry saw that Rael's fangs were also extending, as the two vampires locked their eyes together as if involved in some ancient ritual.

"Here ya go, girls!" Ellen had plopped the two drinks on the bar.

Harry swayed again. His senses clicked on full force. What was happening? Rael paid the barmaid, smiling as he picked up the glasses. Harry craned his neck to see the other guy (vampire?) pass by with a friendly smile before clapping his arm around someone else and heading out onto the dance floor. He shot Harry a final toothy smile before disappearing into the dancing mass.

"C'mon, Harry, let's head out back, yeah?" Rael jerked his head towards the door to the patio.

It was a very large area, cobbled, and bordered by the building next door on one side and the high brick wall on the other two sides. Ivy covered most of the surfaces of the walls, and small white Christmas lights had been woven into the greenery. There were numerous benches, small tables, and groupings of chairs strewn about, and potted trees had been placed strategically to create little areas of seclusion. There were speakers on the patio as well, but the volume was very low, to allow for heartfelt murmurings. There were maybe ten other couples scattered about the space. A light breeze was stirring the lights, causing them to twinkle as they swayed amongst the greenery. Clouds moved swiftly overhead, illuminated from above by faint sparks of lightning.

Rael led Harry to a quiet corner in the back of the patio. They sat on a bench there, and Harry squeezed himself against Rael so forcefully that the larger man almost spilled their drinks.

"Sorry, Rael." That was the first time Harry had said his name aloud. Gods, it even feels good to say his name! "I don't know what's wrong with me."

Rael took a big swig from his drink as he handed Harry his. "I do. I'm what's wrong with you. I've marked you, and you're temporarily bound to me."

He paused a moment, gauging Harry's expression. "I can either turn you, claim you, or do nothing, in which case the effect will fade in a day or so."

Rael looked rather apologetic and pretended to study the armrest of the bench they were sitting on.

"I'm bound to you? Is that why I can see some sort of glow around you?" Harry paused, remembering the encounter inside. "That was another vampire, in the bar, wasn't it? I can see them now, too, right?"

Rael looked embarrassed. "Like I said, I've marked you. In doing that, I've enabled you to see part of my power, and that of other vampires. They can also see you, too." A worried look passed over Harry's face.

"Yeah, I know," Rael continued. "Since I didn't turn you or claim you as my own, you're fair game for another to claim. They, uh, can see your aura very clearly. And they can smell you, too. Basically, you're a vampire magnet for the next twenty-four hours." Rael picked at the bench seat.

Harry reached up to the bite marks on his neck, wincing in spite of himself when he brushed his finger over the ragged holes. They were not painful on their own, but a wave of intense heat shot through his body as he touched them. A tiny yelp of surprise escaped from him, and he fixed his eyes on Rael, who had a pained expression on his face.

"I didn't mean to do that, Harry, but I couldn't help myself. I wasn't ready for your power, your strength. You overwhelmed me. It was all I could do to stop myself." He gently rubbed his hand on Harry's inner thigh, teasing the tight bulge of his jeans. Rael continued.

"I've tasted a few wizards in my day, but none of them came even close to you. I've never felt power like that before. You're fucking beautiful, Harry."

Harry stared at Rael for a moment, and nearly drained his glass. He looked into those deep grey eyes, and almost felt the fall begin again. Tearing his gaze away, he stared at the cobblestones beneath his boots.

"So, I'm in your power, eh? So, what's it to be? Finish the job? It's not like I could stop you." More like I want you to take me, Harry thought.

Rael reached over and cupped Harry's chin, gently lifting it up so that their eyes met. Rael's voice was nearly a whisper.

"I would never condemn anyone to my fate. I know I don't have any right to ask, but I promise that I won't lose control like that again. Now that I know the kind of hot, sexy wizard I'm dealing with, that is." Rael smiled sheepishly.

Harry remained silent. Lightning flashed again briefly. A minute later, the grumble of thunder flowed over them.

This isn't what I came here for, Harry thought.

"This is what I want, Harry." Rael brushed his lips against Harry's, and moved his hand over the wizard's stiffening prick. He pressed and sucked his lips against Harry's, and their tongues rolled and dueled with each other in a frenzied ecstasy. After a moment, Rael withdrew and sat back on the bench.

Lightning flared, and off in the distance a trundling roll of thunder made its presence known. The two men sat silently as another, brighter flash lit up the patio. Harry looked at those grey eyes. He realized that he wanted him. Needed him.

Harry's head was suddenly spinning again. He tried to think, but it was as if his brain had turned to mush. All he knew was that he wanted to be with Rael. Now. Forever. He looked over at the vampire, and he began to speak even though the words sounded like someone else's.

"I want you, Rael." Harry smiled up at the vampire, and ran his fingers though the fire-red locks. "I'm yours, huh? Marked and all?"

Rael smiled. Lighting flashed again, thunder growling menacingly. "Well, you're just bound to me until the effect wears off. And about that mark."

"Oh, that's no problem," Harry stood up and dug his switchblade out of his pocket. Sitting, he flipped it open and murmured a healing charm, moving the blade over the bite marks on his neck.

Rael was shaking his head. "Um, sorry Harry, but you can't heal the mark. They're meant to remain for sometime, as a sign that you are taken. Don't worry. Most non-wizards never even notice them. " He shrugged, and made a painful face. "Sorry, I don't make the rules."

Closing the blade of his knife, Harry brushed Rael's cheek with the back of his other hand. "OK, Rael." Harry was aching for the vampire. Wanting. Needing him.

Rael leaned in and kissed Harry's mark gently, causing the wizard to tremble and moan blissfully. "May I walk you home, Harry?"

"Well, if you think it'll be safe. Me being a vampire magnet, and all." Harry tried to look serious, but his smile had other ideas.

"Hmmm, you're a wizard and I'm a vampire," Rael paused, cocked his head to one side, furrowed his brow and rubbed his thumb and forefinger exaggeratedly over his chin.

"I think we'll be safe as kittens!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Snape was lounging in his chair in the study at Spinner's End. Draco lay sleeping on the nearby threadbare sofa. The fire crackled vigorously in the hearth. Flashes of lightning lit up the windows, chased a few seconds later by the thunder, which was growing louder with each cycle. His gaze moved from the dozing Slytherin to the windows and back again, the fingertips of his hands steepled together, resting on his chin.

He had learned nothing unexpected from Draco. The boy's thoughts yielded themselves almost willingly to his probing. True, the results were blurred somewhat by Draco's slumbering state, but he had still been able to view the basic events. Snape had felt the spell hit Draco from behind in the alley, and had observed the views in the basement at Grimmauld Place. He had seen Potter throwing the Cruciatus. And the disgusting house elf. After that, Draco's memories had been disjointed, blurred almost, which was a sure sign that Potter had attempted Legilimency, as anticipated.

As much as he hated to admit it, Snape had to give Potter points for having the balls to even attempt such an abduction, and subsequent interrogation, albeit a botched one. Arrogant through and through, just like his father, he sniffed, a smile creeping across his features. How would Potter feel about dear old Dad if he knew the truth?

Reaching for his wand, Snape pointed it at Draco.

"Obliviate."

Pinching the bridge of his nose, he returned to his contemplative posture. He could make out the sound of the rear door creaking slightly as someone attempted to close it with stealth. Then, there was a bump, a gasp, and the clatter of crockery as that someone bumped into the kitchen table. Soon there was a muffled shuffle, and a hushed intake of breath from the hallway. Snape sighed, and rolled his eyes. Oh, bother!

"Wormtail!"

After a brief pause, Pettigrew huffed through the doorway, becoming slightly entangled in the ragged curtain that hung there.

"Ah, Severus! I didn't know you were here!" He shuffled over to stand beside Snape's chair, his hands clasped and rolling over each other madly. "Oh, and I see you've found Master Draco! Very good, Severus, very good, indeed!" Pettigrew smiled brightly, exposing his oversized, yellow-brown teeth.

"Why must you always hover about like an oversized thestral fly? Creeping in the shadows, rudely eavesdropping on my conversations, watching my every move! Mannerless guttersnipe! And here's a new word for your vocabulary: toothbrush!"

Pettigrew's head shook back and forth frantically. "No, Severus, no, I was not..."

Snape cut him off. "Silence! I would rather spend eternity with a one-legged French prostitute with leprosy than spend another second on this subject! Spare me your lies! I heard you stumble through the kitchen like a drunken hippogriff! This is becoming most tiresome!"

Pettigrew looked wounded, sucked in a deep breath, and stood up slightly. He remained silent.

Snape paused for many moments, enjoying the other man's discomfort as Pettigrew shifted about, his eyes darting about the room anxiously.

Pettigrew could stand it no more. "How is Master Draco? Where did you find him? Is he all right? We should let his mother know, she is very worried you know, Severus."

"Narcissa's sole concern is, and has always been, who will be fucking her each evening. Thankfully, neither of us are eligible for that nightly honor, for comfortingly different reasons. I have no desire to contract a nasty disease, and you are disqualified because she prefers intercourse with men." Snape could barely contain himself.

Before Pettigrew could sputter a response, Snape forged on.

"Perhaps you could shamble on over to Malfoy Manor and deliver this most pleasant news to Narcissa? I'm certain she will be worried to sleeplessness over the condition of her dear son. Just be sure to give ample warning before entering her bedchamber. I wouldn't want you to be blinded."

Pettigrew stared. "Now, Severus? At this hour?"

Snape sighed loudly, and made as if he were getting up from his chair. I cannot wait for the time when I will no longer have to play these charades, he thought wearily.

Pettigrew put his hands out in front of himself, waving them furiously. "Yes, yes, now would be a good time, Severus! Yes, I'll go now. What shall I tell her?"

"Finally, a lucid question. Tell Narcissa that her only son became overly inebriated and passed out in the bed of a male hustler, who proceeded to ravage her dear boy brutally. I was barely in time to save Draco from a life of indentured servitude as a concubine in Suffolk." Snape raised his eyebrows.

"You wish me to tell her that?" Pettigrew asked.

"I wish you to leave me, now!" Snape roared.

"Yes, Severus." Pettigrew backed out of the study, and there was an audible pop denoting this Apparition. Snape let out a deep breath, and settled deeply into his chair. Draco snuffled, and shifted his position on the sofa.

Outside, the lighting flashed more quickly, and the first drops of rain spattered against the windows.

Soon, he thought, soon.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Harry and Rael had made it most of the way down Larchmere Road when the first drops of rain had begun to splatter about them. They had encountered very few others out at this hour, but Harry was certain that he had seen the telltale glow of a vampire in the shadows just after they had turned off of Shipton Street. Rael had simply smiled and held him more tightly as they walked on.

They had talked very little during their walk, only briefly exchanging a few comments as they had passed through the business district. Harry pointed out Slappy's, which Rael also patronized, and Rael motioned to the coffee shop, which Harry promised to try the next time they went by. Mostly, they simply enjoyed each other's company, walking arm in arm down the sidewalk.

Harry marveled at how good Rael's body felt, all muscle and sinew, moving against him as they walked. The soft fabric of Rael's sleeveless flannel shirt, infused with his musky scent was making Harry sleepy. He could scarcely believe that only a few hours ago, he had been in the depths of rage and helplessness. And here he was, walking with a vampire, having just finished the most enjoyable snog-and-fuck fest of his young life. Harry could only imagine what Remus would say. Or Neville.

What in blazes am I going to do about Neville?

The fat, lazy raindrops brought him back to the present.

"Hey, I suppose I could just carry you." Rael gave him a gentle shake as they walked. "Or maybe we could just transport, or transmutate, or whatever it is you wizardy folk do."

Harry chuckled. "That's Apparate, if you must know. And why are you so sure I would Apparate us both anyhow, after that?"

"Oh, I dunno, maybe because of this?" Rael stopped under a buzzing streetlamp, and turned to face Harry, wrapping his arms around the wizard and once again cupping Harry's tight little backside.

Harry responded in kind. "Oh, so I'm just rough trade, am I? Mark 'em, squeeze their bum, and then have your way with them?"

Rael once again assumed his 'deep in thought' expression, tilted his head this way and then the other. "Uh, yeah, that would just about sum it up."

"Well, if you put it that way...." Harry was cut off as Rael swooped down and pressed his hungry lips onto Harry's.

They drew together ever tighter, their hands traveling, searching, drinking in, hungrily exploring each other's bodies. Their lips ground against one another's in a crazed dance, their breath coming as short, wet gasps. Harry was instantly hard, and he could feel Rael was too. The heavens opened up with a flash and a slam of thunder, and then the rain of the Gods poured down over them, drenching them and washing them clean.

And they strived to merge into one.

With a loud CRACK, they disappeared.


~~~~~~~~~


Snape had carried Draco into the small bedroom off of the study, settling the sleeping wizard on the low bed there. Draco would be out for a few more hours at least. With a final backward glance, Snape watched as the lightning flashes highlighted the pale, thin features of the sleeping Malfoy.

"Little bastard," he muttered as he closed the door.

Settling down once more in the shabby armchair, Snape gazed at the dying fire in the hearth, as outside the thunderstorm increased in intensity. Rain pelted the windows. After a time, he heard the rear door bang open yet again, slamming shut a few moments later. The loud click of the lock was followed by heavy footsteps in the kitchen. Snape once again heard footsteps in the hallway. This time, he did not call out, but waited until the steps had approached him and stopped just short of his chair.

Looking up, he saw himself standing there. "Ah, Headmistress. I've been expecting you. Please, sit down, be comfortable."

With that, the newly arrived Snape flowed and morphed into Minerva McGonagall, her tartan green robes dripping with rainwater.

"Good evening, Severus. We have much to discuss." Her tone was formal.

"Indeed we do, Minerva, indeed we do." Snape smiled.

Outside, the storm gathered its strength and roared on through the night.