A Vampire's Soul

A Vampire’s Soul, chapter nine

Pairings: Harry/Draco, Harry/Ron, slight Harry/Ron/Hermione, Ron/Hermione, Harry/others

Rating: NC-17

Warnings: Vampires, so there’s blood mentioned; Slash; some Het, and multi-partners.

Words: About 3,600

Notes: Trying to do things different in this fic than others.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and its characters, nor do I own anything from Dracula.

.-.

Running on fumes, Harry invaded the refrigerator for more blood. Unable to help himself, he pulled out all the other kinds of blood other than stag and guzzled them. He needed the strength to transform into a wolf and try finding a weakness in the spell that surrounded Grimmauld Place. He wanted out.

Unfortunately for him, what he drank wasn’t enough. Thoughts of biting someone spun around in his head so fast that he had to sit on the floor, head in his hands, and try settling his monster down.

His body screamed for Ron, Hermione, Tonks, Snape, and Luna; it screamed for those he had already taken blood from. He shook his head, trying to clear it. The last thing he wanted was to create more Blood Dolls.

Ron and Hermione weren’t there. After finding them together, his envy and jealousy shining through, and then leaving the room, they had decided that being there at the time wouldn’t be good for Harry. So, they left.

They’ll be back, they told him, but they weren’t sure when. It aggravated Harry to no end.

And Malfoy was still not talking to him. Harry had half a mind to just jump Malfoy and take his blood, but something was stopping him, and not understanding what was making Harry even more restless.

He needed to get out, and to hell with what everyone else thought. He didn’t consider himself dangerous, not compared to the way all those other vampires were.

And speaking of which, his body (and the monster inside) was screaming for revenge against the vampire who had bit him in the first place. Somewhere deep down he knew that he had been bitten by one vampire and Turned by another. He hoped to find his Sire, and in order to do that he couldn’t stay cooped up in Grimmauld Place. They all knew that, too. Remus knew that, and so did Mad-Eye Moody, whom was the one that was guarding the place at the moment.

Harry licked his chops; he hadn’t bitten Moody yet. Brain in high gear, he devised a plan of getting out of Grimmauld Place and finding his Sire.

He used his nose first to seek out Moody, and when he found him at the front door, he walked more silently and stealthily. Moody was just putting out his pipe and leaning against the wall by the door, looking calm and sure of himself. Harry didn’t think it was a good idea to take the old Auror by surprise, so he decided on the direct approach.

“Good evening,” he said, emerging out of the shadows.

Moody didn’t act scared, but Harry noticed that the hand holding the pipe had gripped it harder, knuckles gone white, and his magical eye revolved around his head quickly before taking aim on Harry. Both eyes trained on Harry, and a hand slowly going under his robes for his wand, he finally spoke.

“Evening, Potter. What can I do for you?”

“Well, first, you can leave your wand where it is; and second: you can give me your blood.”

Harry’s fangs grew. Dropping his pipe, Moody took out his wand and quickly announced a spell, but Harry transformed into a bat before the spell reached him. It zoomed past his furry, little head and he flew at Moody, who tried to aim his wand at Harry, but Harry dived wildly and snatched it out of Moody’s hand. He was about to break it, but thought better of it and just transformed back. He pocketed Moody’s wand swiftly, and then gripped Moody’s shoulders before Moody could react.

“HEL--!”

Harry snapped his fingers and Moody was put under a Silencing Spell.

“Don’t try my patience, Moody,” said Harry in a low, austerely voice. “I’ve had it up to here with you mortals always thinking you know what’s good for me. And you know what? You don’t know what is always good for me. So, be good and give me your life’s blood.”

Moody shook his head ferociously, but slowed to a stop when both his eyes (even the magical one) met Harry’s. The old Auror went limp, going under Harry’s spell, and Harry moved quickly to take advantage of it. Although he didn’t care for Moody’s scent, the blood beneath the man’s skin smelled pretty good, so he sank his fangs deeply into Moody’s neck and began sucking hastily.

Minutes later, Harry finally realized that he nearly drank all of Moody’s blood. He stopped just in time. Harry took out his wand, did a healing spell, laid Moody’s own wand next to him, and then did a loud spell up the stairs to wake Remus. He’ll be gone by the time Remus found Moody, but at least Moody will get the help he needed.

Transformed into a wolf, Harry was able to easily sniff out the weak spot in the spell around Grimmauld Place, broke through it, and then scampered out into the darkness and toward the nearest woods. Absently, he wondered whom it was that set the spells in the first place, but then figured that that wasn’t really important and let his nose lead him to the nearest river. He wanted to make sure he was close to running water, since soulless vampires can’t cross it during this time.

He’ll be back for his other stuff later. Right now he needed answers, and to get them he needed to find his Sire. He also needed to seek out the rest of the Horcruxes. He was falling behind on his quest and he couldn’t afford to lose any more time.

Maybe he should have talked to Ron and Hermione first, but he was pretty sure that they wouldn’t let him out of Grimmauld Place so he’d still have to find a way to escape. Once he finished his duties, he’ll come back, apologize to his friends, and then be initiated into the Order.

Harry growled. Damn it, Malfoy was going to join the Order before he was at this rate! Digging his paws into the ground, he stopped and turned his dark, shaggy head in the direction of Grimmauld Place. He wasn’t just leaving his friends behind; he was leaving his so-called soulmate.

Harry lowered his head, nose nearly touching the dirt between his paws. Merlin’s beard, did he really want to leave, just like that?

After a few minutes of arguing with his conscious, and his soul, Harry elected to come back sooner. Perhaps once he located another Horcrux or his Sire, he’d come back for his friends. Yes, that was it. That was what he’ll do.

Determination set, Harry continued his trek in the woods to find a river. He actually didn’t have too far to go to find one and he lapped at it as if he’d been running for miles.

.-.

Remus was not happy. He was so far from happy one would think it was the full moon.

When he found Moody, lying on the floor nearly dead, he immediately summoned a large vial of Blood Replenisher from the kitchen and forced Moody to drink it all. Then, taking out his wand, he carefully levitated Moody upstairs to his room, placed him on the bed, and then fire called a Healer from St. Mungo’s.

He knew what had happened to Moody the moment he laid eyes on him. Harry, madly in need of human blood, had almost killed Moody and then used the opportunity to somehow elude the spells around Grimmauld Place and ran off. When Remus knew that Moody was in capable hands, he searched the ground outside for signs of where Harry went. It must not have occurred to Harry to turn into a bat and fly, because Remus had spotted Harry’s wolf tracks in the dirt near the forest.

There were times when Remus wished he could turn into a wolf at will, but he couldn’t, so in order to find Harry he’d have to track him the wizard way.

But first thing he had to do was owl a few people about the situation.

.-.

After filling his belly with plenty of water (which was something a soulless vampire would never do, he knew), Harry kept his keen nose to the ground and followed the somewhat familiar scents toward the Black Forest. He had to start somewhere, and that somewhere was back to the scene of the crime—to the place where he’d first been bitten.

Oddly enough, Harry had a feeling he would know just which vampire it was that bit him by smell. The stronger the smell got the faster he ran toward the source. He lifted his head only a few times, but it was enough to know that he had made it to the Black Forest.

Keeping his mind on track, Harry soon found the gazebo in which they had found Hufflepuff’s Cup in and began to do a thorough search with his nose. He sniffed around the area as best he could until he could distinguish one scent from another. He immediately began to follow it, running through thick undergrowth and thorny bushes to a spot that smelled of blood and decay.

The first thing he wanted to do when he smelt it was transform back into a human and toss fire spell after fire spell at the area, but he held himself in check. The fur on his neck stood on end as he surveyed the place: it was like a graveyard only no one was buried, and there were skulls decorating every pole and tree branch.

He lifted his nose into the air and tried his best to seek out the one who had bit, and nearly killed, him.

He inched forward, keeping his senses sharp, as he made his way to his prey.

.-.

“He’s gone?” said Malfoy, eyes bulging. “What do you mean he’s gone?”

“Just what I said, Draco,” said Remus as he rubbed at his tired eyes. “He just about drained Moody of all his fluids, transformed into a wolf, found a weak point in the enchantment placed around the house that kept him from leaving, and… left.”

Malfoy frowned. “And just where did Potter go?”

“You’re guess is as good as mine,” said Remus. “But I do have a hunch.”

“Which is?”

Remus drained the last of his wine and poured himself another glass. “He could have gone to find his Sire. There are many other possibilities as to what Harry’s doing out there.”

“You don’t think he’d go find the nearest person and drink their blood?”

“He had plenty of Moody’s blood, so why go find another to drain? No, I think Harry has a plan and which he decides to do right now is anyone’s guess.”

“So, he could just be looking for his Sire,” said Draco, staring at his own glass of wine. When Remus offered him some, he gladly took it, knowing that if he didn’t occupy himself with something while they talked, he might start doing something uncouth like bite his fingernails.

“Yeah, that’s all he could be doing right now, and frankly, I hope he does find his Sire, because his Sire is the only person who can control Harry better than anyone else.”

Malfoy frowned in thought and Remus was about to ask him what was on his mind when he spoke.

“What about soulmates?”

Remus sighed. “I’m not so sure about how much control a soulmate has over the vampire. Like I had said before, I don’t know quite enough about vampires and their ways because werewolves and vampires don’t normally get along real well.”

“But as a friend…”

“I don’t know, Draco. Friends Harry and I may be, but the monsters that live inside of us… that’s an entirely different matter.” He stared at Draco for a bit before going on. “So you’re… you’re OK with the possibility of being Harry’s soulmate?”

Malfoy scowled. “I never said I was OK with it. But what choice do I have?”

“You made that choice when you agreed to have sex with him.”

“I know, I know…” Malfoy sighed heavily. “So I’ve been told.”

Remus smiled for a moment, and then frowned at a sudden thought. “You’re not thinking of going after Harry, are you?”

Malfoy stared at Remus as if he’d gone mad. “Go after Potter? You’ve got to be joking! What do I look like to you, a bloody Gryffindor?”

Remus smirked as he tried hiding a laugh.

“Sorry I brought it up.”

“You should be,” Malfoy scoffed. “Imagine, me, acting like a Gryffindor! Preposterous!”

Remus shrugged. “People are known for doing things they wouldn’t normally do when a certain situation arises.”

“What situation are you thinking, Lupin?” Malfoy sneered, looking more annoyed than before. “Do you honestly think that I would go and… that I would be somewhat… that I fancied Potter in some way?”

“Well, you must admit, you have been looking antsy about Harry not being here.”

“I’m just worried that Potter might go bite my mother or a friend or… or just someone that I know! I’m not worried about Potter himself! The nerve!”

Malfoy stood and stormed up the stairs and into his room. Remus sighed and leaned back in his chair. He wasn’t too surprised by Draco’s outburst. The boy must be having a heck of a time figuring out his feelings if he was willing to deny his anxiety he felt for Harry’s well-being. Remus knew in Draco’s actions and the way he would lash out that Draco was concerned about Harry. The thing going on between them must be frightening to the lad.

Remus had just poured himself another glass of wine when the fireplace flared to life and Professor McGonagall’s head suddenly appeared.

“Minerva,” said Remus, a little shocked to see her face in the fire.

“Remus,” said McGonagall. “I got your owl and I alerted the other Order members. Tonks, Kingsley, and Dawlish will be dropping by soon, and Worple has agreed to help you search for Harry.”

“Thank you,” said Remus. “Would you care to stay for a while and have a glass?”

“Thanks for the offer, Remus, but I’m quite busy at the moment. Especially with the way things are now at Hogwarts. Perhaps some other time.”

Remus nodded. “All right. I’ll see you some other time. Take care, Minerva.”

“You too, Remus. And good luck with Harry.”

The moment she disappeared from the flames, Remus tossed back his drink.

“He better know what he’s doing,” he murmured.

.-.

Indeed, Harry did know what he was doing; especially with a stake in his right hand and the concealment of the shadows surrounding him.

He only had a split second chance before it would sense him near, and if he wasn’t careful, it would warn the rest. He knew that this particular soulless vampire was the one that bit him, and if Harry had more time he’d kill the bastard slowly and painfully, but he didn’t want to risk it. Just kill the evil monster and fly away, that was the plan.

He crept as close as possible from behind, the trees keeping the moon and stars hidden. Just as the soulless vampire heard Harry from three feet away, it turned and screeched upon seeing him. Harry had no choice but to lunge at the monster and thrust the wooden stake through it’s heart.

It continued to scream as its body melted and shriveled up. The piercing noise that it made alerted the nearest soulless vampires and they charged toward Harry, claw-like hands stretched out and fangs long and gleaming. Harry rolled, retrieved the stake from the dead vampire’s chest, and plunged it into the closest vampire, killing it immediately.

Unable to move away fast enough, a soulless vampire attached itself onto Harry’s back and tried to bite his neck. Snarling, Harry grabbed hold of the monster’s arms and flung it up and over his head. The vampire flew a few feet and ended up impaling itself on a sharp branch, which shook the entire tree and loosened a few skulls from the limbs.

Another vampire flung itself at him, jaws wide open. It nearly sunk its teeth into Harry’s shoulder, but Harry swung around faster than he thought possible and smacked the other vampire right in the mouth. Before it had a chance to attack again, Harry stabbed the stake into its heart and out again like a sword. The monster shriveled on the ground at his feet. The more he killed, the faster they were coming at him, and the more strength he used up. He panted, beginning to feel weak and thirsty.

With the last of his remaining energy, Harry was about to transform into a bat and hide in a tree when a huge, tawny colored wolf dashed out of the shadows. The beast let out a loud, spine-tingling howl that had the other vampires backing off involuntarily and looking apprehensive.

This was no werewolf, Harry knew. And when the wind shifted and the smell of the huge wolf hit his nostrils, he knew instantly just whom it was. His entire body heated up and his soul sang with such emotion that he couldn’t help transforming into a wolf and bound over to the other wolf’s side. Harry had done what he came to do, and that was to kill the soulless vampire that had bit him, so there was no reason to hang around. Together, he and the other Daywalker fled back into the darkness, and kept on running—side by side—along the riverbed.

.-.

Ron and Hermione returned to Grimmauld Place as promised, but were surprised to hear what happened to Harry.

“And no one knows where he’s gone?” said Ron, concern clearly shining in his eyes. Hermione looked ready to cry.

“No, we don’t,” said Remus. “I’m sorry. But we’re working on it.”

“I don’t know how it happened,” said Kingsley, who’s head was sticking out of the fire, “but the Ministry now knows of Harry being Turned. Some are asking for Harry’s termination, but there are some that actually still have their senses and are asking mainly about how Harry Potter is supposed to kill You-Know-Who now. I’m not sure what to tell them.”

“Thanks for letting me know, Kingsley,” said Remus. “Just do what you can, and if it’s not good enough for them, that’s too bad. Tell them that you’re doing everything in your power and if they can’t accept that…”

“I have been,” sighed Kingsley. “Believe me, I have been.”

“When will you be here?” Hermione asked, still looking unnerved about the events.

“As soon as possible, Miss Granger. Tonks will be there before me, and Dawlish should be arriving sometime in the morning. He’s up to his ears in work as well.”

“Ginny and Luna left about an hour ago, but I’m not sure if and when they’ll be back,” said Remus. “I know that the look on their faces showed how worried they were for Harry, but I’m thinking that Ginny is more relieved that Harry isn’t here than anything…”

Draco Malfoy poked his head into the sitting room, looking weary. “Potter’s not back yet?”

Everyone’s head turned, except Kingsley whom wouldn’t be able to see Malfoy anyway from his position.

“No, he’s not,” said Remus. “Do you think he’ll come back?”

With everyone staring, Malfoy went red. After a moment, he shrugged his shoulders and left. Ron, Hermione, and Remus looked at one another.

“What’s wrong with the Malfoy boy?” Kingsley asked.

“He’s been like that ever since Harry left Grimmauld Place,” said Remus. “He’s not saying it, but I think he’s missing Harry.”

“He does look pretty distraught,” said Hermione.

“It’s true, then?” said Ron, looking pale. “Harry and Malfoy are…?”

“It’s not a for sure thing, but it seems that way,” said Remus.

“What’s going on, Remus?” asked Kingsley.

Remus looked back at him, a slight frown on his face.

“There’s a good possibility that Draco and Harry are soulmates.”

.-.

“You foolish, foolish Fledgling… I knew you were bold, but I didn’t think you’d be so irrational that you’d hunt down your Biter and kill him.”

Harry leaned back against the other’s large, strong frame and let him continue to massage his sore shoulders. Fighting soulless vampires was harder than it looked—he had used muscles in that melee that he didn’t think he had.

“I’m sorry—I didn’t know they were so fast…”

“To an inexperienced Daywalker, they are. But with more training you could become a lot stronger and faster than them.”

Harry laid his head back onto his Sire’s shoulder. “I’m so glad that I found you… I thought it would take weeks—or even months!”

A soft, teasing kiss was placed right below Harry’s ear, and it made him shiver.

“I would have contacted you sooner, but I was too busy…”

“I can imagine…” guilt was slowly filling his belly. “Is any of it because of me? I don’t mean to be difficult…”

Another soft kiss to his neck, and Harry moved his body back more into his Sire’s; his Sire wrapped warm, powerful arms around him. He felt protected.

“Don’t worry about it, Harry; I forgive you. I’ve always known that you were stubborn.”

“I don’t mean to be, honest. Everything just seems to happen to me and no one seems to understand…”

Harry sighed at the feel of lips on his neck again, and his face heated up when he felt the razor-sharp points of fangs press gently against his skin. He tilted his head, clearly submitting to his Sire, but his Sire didn’t bite down; he let up and began licking lovingly at his neck instead.

“I understand you… more than anyone knows.”

TBC