A Secret Beginning to Spread
Vlad walked into the great hall and was intercepted by hermione before he reached the Slytherin table."Hello Vlad!" She said.
"Hello Hermione."
"I was wondering if you want to join S.P.E.W?"
"What's spew?" He asked
"It's not spew it's S.P.E.W. Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare. Can I put you down?" She asked.
"Sure why not?" he said and he felt his heart beating hard. He sat down at the Slytherin table feeling his pulse. He usually never had a pulse, but he gets one every now and then, but there was no reason for his heart to be beating. Maybe he was sick.
"Talking with your girlfriend Dracula?" Draco peered over at him from a few feet down the table.
"What are you going on about Malfoy?"
"Young Dracula has a crush on Granger!" Vlad blushed and put his hand against his face. He never blushes. Blushing is caused by blood and his heart almost never even beats. Besides he doesn't even like Hermione that way, right?
"Shut up Malfoy!" So much for not letting Draco get to him. Vlad ignored Draco throughout breakfast and for the next week. He had been skipping meals trying to avoid Draco. He couldn't stand him. He was going to Defense Against the Dark Arts the next week feeling uneasy. He still had not gotten a response from his dad. What if Moody did something? Last class was very interesting, but concerning. Vlad walked into the classroom. Mad-eye was already at the front and Vlad knew he was watching him with his blue eye as he sat down at his usual spot at the back of the room. Instead of putting his bag on the floor he kept it on his his desk to block himself from Moody's view.
"Okay," Moody said "We are going to lay off curses for today and study…" Moody wrote something on the board. "Vampires."
Vlad sunk into a deep hole. Moody had to know! Why else would they study vampires? Hermione shot her hand up.
"Yes Ms. Granger?" Moody looked at her
"It's just, we studied vampire last year with professor Snape."
"Yes but you didn't learn how to kill them!" Moody barked making Hermione jump. "Vampires can control the mind, hypnotise you, kill you. They have power beyond what you can believe. They didn't teach you this last year because you are too young. Well you need to know!" Moody looked around the room full of frightened children, but no one was as frightened as Vlad was.
"Now," Moody continued "Who knows anything about how to identify vampires." No one raised their hand. Not even Hermione and she always does. "Dracula, you tell me something. You lived in Romania, how do you identify a vampire?"
"Er-" Vlad didn't know what to say. What if he said something that wasn't known about vampires to wizards? "They have fangs?"
"Yes," Moody said "But fangs retract. Looking at someone there is no exact sign of them being a vampire. That is why you must have constant vigilance." Moody had calmed down and was finally starting to treat them normally. "Can anyone name one of their powers?" Hermione raised her hand this time.
"Well," She started. "They can turn into a bat or a wolf."
"Good Ms. Granger. What else?" He scribbled down what Hermione said on the board. Vlad raised his hand. Maybe if he showed Moody he wasn't scared then he might lose his suspicion. "Mr. Dracula."
"Maybe, um, shooting fire." Everyone in the room looked at him strangely.
"Yes, good." The list went on and on. It was mostly him and Professor Moody. Hermione stopped after the few things in their books were said. Hermione kept looking at him looking at him in awe. Like she was trying to put together a puzzle. They then went on to weaknesses the list was short. Sun, Stakes, and garlic. Vlad could have said more, but he didn't want to give Moody any ideas.
"See," Moody said looking at the list. "You must have constant vigilance!" They spent the rest of the time taking notes and discussing how to kill a vampire. That was one conversation Vlad zoned out. He knew that Moody was watching him, but he didn't care. He didn't want to contribute anymore then he needed to.
Vlad was happy when the period ended though that was by far the easiest class so far. He went to the great hall for lunch and left to spend some time outside. He walked outside and sat in the courtyard. Though Vlad sometimes hated home, he was a bit homesick. He was about to go inside when he saw Alin fly up behind him with a letter.
"Hey buddy!" Vlad said petting his owl and the owl hooting before nipping Vlad fondly and handing him the letter.
Dear Vladdy,
It's nice to here you are enjoying the book! Remember to study it! About your question with the mad- eye fellow. I have never heard of him! I did have an unfortunate encounter with a Barty Crouch, but beside that no. If you want to bite him though I would not be opposed! Wizard blood is very good. Don't forget to study even more. I could send you more books if you'd like. Also about yours eye turning black I want you to come back here soon! You need to be trained in to be a vampire. After all you are the chosen one Vladdy!
Your Father,
Count Dracula
Great… That is exactly what Vlad had expected. To come home. He already knew that he wasn't going, but still.
The next few weeks were nothing much. Vlad was doing well in all of his classes. A lot better than he thought he would. Maybe except in transfiguration and divination, which is ironic considering those are two of his vampire powers too. He had not forgotten what his dad said about a Barty Crouch. He had heard the name before but he could not put his finger on where. He kept his dad's letter in his bag along with all his other stuff. It was kind of dangerous to carry around considering it had all of his secrets in it.
In defense against the dark arts, Moody had announced that he would put the imperius curse on them! Hermione complained and Moody had her leave the room. That made Vlad feel a bit uncomfortable because if something went wrong, Hermione would be the one that could fix it. No one in the class could fight it off. Moody even made Neville do gymnastics! When Harry tried he fought it off and nearly beat it. Moody was beyond happy. Then it was Vlad's turn.
Vlad stood up at the front of the room. He looked at Moody and at his feet waiting for Moody to put it on him.
"Imperio!" Vlad felt a remarkable feeling. He was completely relaxed and blissful. He heard Moody's voice in his head. Roll around on the ground like a dog. Vlad obeyed. The laughter in the room was distant. Bare your fangs Moody said in his head. Vlad stopped the feeling draining. Bare them the voice said. Vlad started to open his mouth, but stopped. He looked up at Moody and managed to muster,
"I don't have them" Moody looked at Vlad. Stunned, almost frightened. Moody released Vlad and Vlad went back to his seat. Vlad only heard Moody slightly whisper "Yet." Vlad didn't pay attention to anything only one thing was going through his head. He knows.
Vlad wanted to skip charms and transfiguration, but decided against it in the end. He didn't want to be behind. The more he thought about Moody really did not have anything against him. Moody is a really paranoid person. If he did tell someone, no one would believe him.
Vlad didn't pay attention at all during charms. He already mastered a lot of it on his own. Out of all the subjects charms came easiest to him and he really liked professor Flitwick. He and the professor would always talk to each other after classes.
"Are you alright Vlad? You aren't paying much today." Professor Flitwick said to Vlad in his high voice.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Vlad lied.
"Okay." Flitwick said eyeing Vlad. Vlad knew he could never fool Flitwick. They talked too much and Vlad is a bad liar. Vlad walked out of the charms classroom going to transfiguration. He didn't want to deal with professor McGonagall. She's nice enough, but she is very strict. At least she likes Vlad more than other Slytherins. He walked in the room filled with the Slytherins and Hufflepuffs. Draco was sitting in the corner with Crabbe and Goyle. Vlad took one of the only remaining desk near the front of the room.
Professor McGonagall was talking about turning something into something. Vlad wasn't paying attention. He couldn't get his mind off of what happened in defence against the dark arts. Vlad pulled his dad's letter out of his bag and reread it. How did Moody know? Vlad looked at the name Barty Crouch written in his dad's fine handwriting. He had heard that name before, but he couldn't remember where. He would probably ask Hermione later. She out of all people would know.
"I would of course I would like it if my students would pay attention in class!" Vlad looked up at Professor McGonagall. Her light eyes glaring at her through her square spectacles. Vlad heard Draco laugh behind him. " Next time you would like to take up a bit of light reading Mr. Dracula, I would suggest the library and not my classroom." McGonagall snatched Vlad's letter from under his desk and folded it up.
"Um, Professor," Vlad said terrified that she took the only thing that he had that told his secret. "I need that."
"Yes, well you should have thought of that before you started to read. You'll get it back tomorrow." She put the letter in her desk and started to teach class again. Vlad stared at the desk the whole time. If she read that… He could be kicked out! Maybe murdered! The bell rang for the end of class. Vlad walked out with his mind on the letter. What would his dad say if he came home because they found out and tried to kill him? They would have to move again.
Vlad ate dinner fast. He thought that he could sneak into McGonagall's room when she was at dinner. He stood up and started to walk out of the hall. He looked around the hall that McGonagall's room was in. He walked to her room and knocked on the door. That way he would know if she was in there. Vlad walked in and looked around. Vlad sighed in relief Empty. He walked up to the desk where McGonagall put the letter. He jiggled the handle. It was locked.
"Alohomora!" The drawer opened and Vlad peered in. The letter wasn't there! McGonagall must've taken it with her. Vlad slammed the door shut. Probably not the wisest choice because he heard a faint voice from the outside of the door.
"Professor?" Vlad looked around for a place to hide. He jumped under the desk just as a girl with long blonde hair walked through the door. She looked like she was a year younger than him. Vlad knew she was from Ravenclaw because of the colour of her tie.
"You can come out. I won't tell." Her voice was light and high. Like a young child. Was she talking to him? How did she know he was there? Vlad backed up from under McGonagall's desk and faced the girl. "What are you doing under her desk?" she asked.
"I'm, er-" He looked around the room trying to find a reason. He finally decided on the truth. "Professor McGonagall took my dad's letter and I came to get it."
"Oh, okay. You could have just asked her for it back. She's nice."
"I did already. She wouldn't give it back. Sorry but what's your name?"
"I'm Luna Lovegood." Luna stuck out her hand for Vlad to take. Vlad shook it and noticed she had a firm grip.
"I'm," He started.
"You're Vladimir Dracula. Everyone knows who you are. Coming to school late and all."
"Yeah, but you can call me Vlad."
"Vlad," she said looking like she was thinking. "I like that. I can take you to Professor McGonagall if you want. I can persuade her to give you the letter back."
"Thanks." Vlad said seeing no real way out of it. Luna was nice, but made him a bit uncomfortable. Luna lead him down the hall and into a passageway.
"I found this on my first day." She said looking around at the walls of the passage. "I was lost going to charms." Vlad and Luna walked through the passage and ended up in front of the teacher's lounge. Dinner must have been over for her to be here. Vlad looked at Luna. Nervous that Professor McGonagall had already read the letter. Luna knocked on the door and there was no answer. She opened the door and Vlad peered in. She looked up from what she was reading. It was the letter! She had look of mix of fear and anger.
"Luna," McGonagall said her voice loud. Her eyes were wide and she scurried over to Luna. She pulled out her wand and pointed it at Vlad. "Go! " Luna looked from Vlad- who had his hands up- and McGonagall. She ran out of the room.
Before McGonagall was able to say anything Vlad yelled "I can explain!" He started to recall all that had happened since he left Transilvania. How he moved to Stokley, how he had to leave, and how he was crowned the chosen one… By the end of his story McGonagall lowered her wand and Vlad relaxed.
"You better sit down Mr. Dracula." McGonagall walked over to the door and locked it. She then put (what Vlad presumed to be) an anti-alohomora charm on the door. She sat down hesitantly next to him.
"I'm sorry." Vlad broke down crying. All the fear, worry, and anger that was in McGonagall's eyes softened. She leaned in and hugged Vlad tightly.
"There's nothing to be sorry for." Right then Vlad realised that Luna was right. She is nice. Vlad wasn't sure how long he cried into McGonagall's shoulder before she pulled away.
"You know I'm going to have to tell Professor Dumbledore?"
"Please don't." Vlad pleaded. Professor McGonagall looked over Vlad. His nose was red and stuffed up and his eyes were red from crying.
"Okay," She said. "I won't tell him. But you'll have to. But, not now. When you're ready."
"Thank you," Vlad looked at Professor McGonagall. She had pity for him in her eyes. He had never told anyone, not even his dad, everything he had just told her. "A lot."
Vlad walked out of the teacher's lounge, noticing that it had grown dark outside. He was walking to the common room, when he realised how hungry he was. After weeks of skipping dinner, it was finally coming back to him.
"And what are you doing out of bed Mr. Dracula?" Vlad looked up and saw Snape hovering over him.
"Sorry Professor." Vlad said looking up at Snape's big nose, trying not to look in his eyes. Vlad wasn't scared of much, but something about Snape made him want to crawl under his desk and hug Mr. Cuddles the second. "I was talking with Professor McGonagall, about - er- homework"
"Homework?" Snape eyed Vlad suspiciously. "You'll get off the hook this time Mr. Dracula, but if I catch you out of bed one more time." Snape stopped there and walked off to wherever he was going. He was walking in the way of Dumbledore's office. Vlad shook it off and kept walking.
"Living death." The wall that hides the Slytherin common room slid open. It must've been really late because no one was in the common room and there are almost always up late. Vlad walked down the hall and into the room shutting the door quietly behind him. Everyone was asleep, every squeaky board sounded like a bomb going off. Vlad slid into his bed when he smelt it. It was wonderful. It smelled delicious.
Vlad took off his sheets and knelt down under his bed. It was coming from his trunk. The blood. Vlad almost felt his eyes turn black to match the darkness in the room around him. Don't drink it! It's blood! Vlad said in his mind. What are you waiting for! Another voice said even louder. Drink it! You're hungry. Vlad shut his eyes. He felt like his head was being split open. He had to fight all his urge to not scream out loud. Drink it! Vlad slid out the trunk and opened it. He dug to the bottom and found it. I clear bag labeled A+.
Vlad hopped in bed and pulled all the curtains around him. He took his finger nail and popped open the bag. The smell got stronger. He wanted it bad.
0
"Albus!" McGonagall just left the teacher's lounge and was banging on the headmaster's door.
"Yes Minerva?" Dumbledore opened the door. He was still dressed in the robes from dinner despite.
"Sorry to bug you at this hour, but one of the students, Vl-"
"Yes?" Professor Snape was behind Dunbledore. Also dressed in his robes.
"Sorry Severus, but this is strictly for Dumbledore."
" I was just leaving anyways." Snape walked out and started to go down the stairs and McGonagall wasted no time.
"Albus, it's about Vlad." McGonagall said still checking over her shoulder for any wandering person, though she knew that no one could be there.
"Ah, yes" he said stepping aside for her to walk in. "How is he doing? Has he made any friend?"
"Well, no not that I know of, but it's something else." She paused hesitantly. "He's a vampire." Dumbledore stopped for a moment befoe calmly sitting down.
"I knew there was something different about him." He said looking off into space thinking.
"Is that all?" She said a little shocked at how calm he was compared to her reaction. "The students could be in danger!"
"Minerva, he couldn't hurt a fly if he tried. If it wasn't for his ambition, he would most definitely be in Hufflepuff." Albus looked up at Minerva. She still seemed on edge.
"If the parents find out we let a vampire in the school! Who knows? It's one thing to hire a werewolf, but this Albus?"
"Minerva don't worry he'll be fine.
Join Qfeast to read the entire story!
Sign In. It is absolutely free!
