A World of Darkness 5

IMPORTANT: I realize quite a few of you are bored so far. I just have to set up the Vampire world and explain some things about Vampires before continuing. Please, stick with me!

Chapter Five</i>

Hermione had to force herself away from the private diary to eat her lunch. After being prodded for quite some time by a grumpy, hassled looking Retainer, she managed to pull herself out of the book and sit down for a nice lunch of hot soup. Her eyes kept straying to the book waiting for her on the table, but Hermione wouldn't chance spilling something on it. Instead, she went over what she had just read in her head, hoping to commit it to memory.

After awhile, Hermione finished her soup and returned to her book. The great King Cael had been a fierce fighter, and quite the ladies man. According to his journal, there was nary a woman who could refuse him their body. His life has been pretty straightforward from the beginning of the journal - until he met Zoe. Zoe was the illegitimate daughter of a Nobleman. She was intelligent, beautiful, kind, and full of life. She was a proper young lady, and refused to allow her heart to rule her mind. She served her father's wife quietly, content in her lot in life. Zoe's father was an ambitious man, and when the Great Cael (as he sometimes referred to himself) visited the Saracen household, he was immediately smitten with young Zoe.

Zoe, however, wanted nothing to do with the ladies man. No matter what the King tried, Zoe refused to sleep with him. Zoe had always dreamed of giving herself to the man she loved, and she felt nothing for the King except respect and reverence. The King spent most of his time chasing Zoe, and the more time he spent with her, the more he wanted her. Frustrated, he struck a deal with Zoe's father.

Back in those days, the Vampires didn't have Retainers. Vampires served vampires - and since Cael was the King of the clan, Saracen had no choice but to give in. Saracen gave his daughter up for marriage to the King, in exchange for a higher position in the court. They were wed at the stroke of Midnight - the only time possible for them, being creatures of the night.

All this was a fascinating read (and would make a good Romance book, Hermione thought), but what made it the most interesting was the first mention of the term Dhampir. Apparently Zoe was one, but Cael never really specified what Dhampir was. Hermione finished the tragic tale in but two hours. Setting the book aside, she sighed.

I wish I could find a love like Zoe and Cael...but without the tragic end, Hermione thought. Her head was aching from all the reading she had done; Hermione longed to know what a Dhampir was. She knew it would be found in one of the other two books, but her head was hurting her enough. It would be killing her if she read any more. Deciding to start one of the other books just before bed, Hermione returned the private diary to the table where a Retainer would reshelf it.

I wonder how Kind Alexion feels about his brother marrying an illegitimate woman? Cael had made a brief reference to his brother Alexion. After briefly checking the family tree at the beginning of the book, Hermione determined that there had only been one brother named Alexion. Curiously enough, the tree never named the 12 brother's parents. Hermione knew better to ask King Alexion who his father was, so she simply pushed the thought away. Carrying her two books with her, Hermione retraced her steps back up to her room. Feeling rather proud of herself (she had only taken two wrong turns), she set the books on the nightstand by the bed and took a shower.

Hermione dressed quickly and was on her way downstairs to search for something to do when Hermione turned a corner and spotted Quigley dusting off a vase with his sleeve. Apparently satisfied with how it looked, Quigley took a step back and turned. He registered no surprise that Hermione was there. He simply quirked his lips up in a small smile, which Hermione took as an invitation to join him. Hermione hurried across the hall and stood next to Quigley.

"Hello, Hermione. If you'll follow me, I'll take you to the Rec Room for some tea." Quigley turned quickly and walked off, moving fast enough for his robes to trail behind. Hermione moved after him, watching as he stopped to fix a lopsided painting or dust off another vase.

"What exactly do Retainers do?" Hermione inquired.

"Whatever they're told to," Quigley responded bluntly. Hermione thought back to that morning, when Quigley had exited that room. Hermione longed to know what he was doing in there, but she wasn't comfortable asking him out right.

"Can a Retainer ever refuse?" Hermione asked.

"Sure - but he'll be an outcast if he does," Quigley murmured, concentrating hard on dusting the frame to the painting. "It's an unspoken rule that you can never say no."

"Are Retainers sometimes asked to sleep with...?" Hermione trailed off. Quigley stiffened, and Hermione had opened her mouth to apologize for being so nosy when Quigley responded.

"Is this your indirect way of asking what I was doing this morning?"

Hermione didn't want to admit that it was, but she was always taught that honesty was best. Hermione had learned to lie with the best of them, but when speaking to a potential friend, Hermione found it was best to be honest.

"Yes," Hermione said. "You don't have to tell me, of course. I was just wondering...please, forgive me." Quigley relaxed slightly, and he dropped all pretense of dusting the frame.

"It's quite alright, Hermione. I can understand curiosity..." Quigley added. Hermione waited patiently for Quigley to continue. She had the feeling he would explain what he was doing in that room. As bad as Hermione wanted to know, she knew better than to push him into speaking before he felt he was ready.

"This morning I was...completing a duty. I am hardly ever asked to engage in...private meetings with a Mistress, but it does happen. Last night I was commanded to help...somebody raise their spirits."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "You were helping a depressed Vampire?" Hermione couldn't help but let her amusement at the thought color her tone of voice. Quigley caught it, and at first he seemed offended. Then he chuckled quietly and nodded. Hermione thought back to what he said about curiosity and decided to ask him what he meant up front, instead of trying to trick him in to telling her.

"What did you mean when you said you can understand curiosity? You seem so...I don't know. Content with whom you are. I see no reason you'd be curious about anything - you don't seem to be the type to go snooping." Hermione was frustrated. She couldn't put what she meant into words, but Quigley seemed to understand.

"Now days, I keep my curiosity under tight control. However, before I came here, I had no such self-control. I only wish I had." Quigley sighed and stopped walking, and it was only then that Hermione noticed they had been moving at all. Hermione was quite used to being somewhere she didn't remember going to, so she didn't let it bother her. "I was a young man, and like most young men, I thought I was invincible. I was too curious for my own good. This house had always been surrounded in mystery and rumors. And why not? After all, the people that live here only come out at night. When they do, they throw wild parties nobody ever gets invited to, yet many show up for. I was dared to climb across the fence with a ladder and sneak up to the windows during the day. I haven't been outside the fence ever since," Quigley said. He smacked the window curtains, trying to free any dust that might cling to it.

"Ever since? How long have you been here? Why haven't you left?" Hermione couldn't keep the questions from tumbling from her lips. Quigley sighed watched her intently.

"You should watch your curiosity while here. It can get you in trouble," Quigley answered Hermione's questions patiently, however. "When I had snuck up to the windows, the people in the house - the Retainers - noticed me. They grabbed me and pulled me inside before I could turn and run. My friends did nothing to prevent this from happening - they turned and ran away." Anger crossed Quigley’s face, but it was gone almost as quickly as it had appeared. "The Retainers were going to kill me. After all, I was a threat to their Masters and Mistresses. The vampires decided to give me a choice - death or entering a contract of sorts. Obviously I chose the latter."

Quigley seemed lost in thought, so Hermione didn't bother speaking. Quigley turned a corner and glided to the next to the last door on the right. It was just an ordinary door, and for once Hermione didn't feel apprehension as to what was behind it. She suddenly realized she felt safe with Quigley at her side. With a creak, the door was pushed open and Quigley swept through the opening. Hermione followed closely behind, only to stop on the other side.

Retainers were gathered around a pool table. Off to one side, a large couch faced a big screen telly. To the right of the couch was a large fireplace, and a refrigerator stood in the corner across the room for the television. An open bar stood next to the fridge, with more drinks than Hermione had ever seen. Retainers lounged all over the room, talking, laughing, eating and drinking.

Everyone quieted when they entered the room. Hermione felt her hands begin to sweat and she bit her lip. She remembered the welcome she received from most of these people when she first met them. She wasn't sure she could spend the entire day pretending not to notice the hostile glances directed at her. Hermione was about to mumble an apology and back out of the room when one of the older Retainers moved toward her, hand extended. Hermione took it gingerly, watching the man warily.

"It's nice to meet you, Miss. You’re a bit of a mystery around here. We'd all be very much obliged if you could tell us a little about yourself," the man said. Hermione nodded, too stunned to speak. "I am McKinley," he said, and went on to introduce everybody else. Hermione nodded politely and allowed herself to be led over to the couch. She took a seat and wiped her sweaty hands on her pants.

"Well, I'm a student at Hogwarts, and my two best friends are..." It didn't take long at all to tell everyone the important things about her, such as her love of books, studying, and rules. People nodded as she spoke, and when it became obvious she was finished, they drifted back into groups, talking and laughing.

Hermione relaxed against the sofa and silently listened to the conversation around her. The mention of a party caught her interest, and she turned to see four people standing next to the fireplace. They noted her interest and gesture for her to join them, which she did.

"Have you not heard about the party?" the one with odd yellow eyes asked.

"No. What's the party for?" Hermione asked. The others shared an amused glance. They looked...affectionate. Hermione knew the feeling wasn't directed toward her, but she couldn't figure out who it was directed at.

"Isn't it just like them not to tell the Guest of Honor?" the one with black hair commented. The others smiled and laughed, and Hermione knew they were thinking fondly of their Masters and Mistresses. Hermione smiled and nodded politely, as if this meant something to her. She didn't know how often they had Guests of Honor, but she was willing to bet that it wasn't often. Vampire...clans - it was the best word she could come up with - seemed to be very private, almost fanatically so.

"They're throwing the party in your honor, my dear," an older, grandmotherly woman smiled. She patted Hermione's hand before taking a sip of tea from her little cup. Hermione didn't like looking at her. She reminded Hermione too much of her own grandma, and Hermione knew a little of the types of things Retainers did for their Mistresses...well, it wasn't something Hermione wanted to picture her grandma doing.

"So I have to go? But I don't have any clothes...oh. But...I mean, I'm nothing special. There's no need for a party. In fact, I don't want one. Everyone will be looking at me, and I won't be able to leave, and -" Hermione was quite ready to go on for a long time about all the things wrong with the idea of throwing a party for her. Unfortunately for Hermione, the others saw this and quickly began to talk over her.

"It's alright, girl! There's no need to fret. You'll only be the center of attention for as long as the introduction takes. After that, everyone will be too caught up in his or her own world to notice you. Besides, I've heard that Master Snape is to be your escort. He'll make sure nothing happens to you," To everyone's surprise, this only seemed to upset her more.

"Snape? Snape? But he hates me! He'll spend the entire night insulting everything from my intelligence to my looks, and then I'll cry myself to sleep. I can't have Snape as an escort! Oh, this is worse than I thought!" In her agitated state, Hermione forget about the proper way of speaking of a respected teacher. She was becoming frantic, much to the perplexing of the Retainers.

"He's not all bad -"

"He won't do it in front of the King and Queen -"

"Give him a chance, lass, before you make statements like that -"

Hermione could already picture Professor Snape's dark eyes staring down at her in derision, lips curling in a sneer. She shivered and felt tears well up. She wanted her meanest teacher's approval, and seeing his distaste instead always upset her. She tried her best, but it was never enough. She had long ago given up on ever gaining said approval, but it didn't mean that his apparent hatred of her person was any easier to take. Spending the evening in his company was sure to be a miserable time for her.

"Come, Hermione. Let's take you back to the library for a nice calming book. Then you can get ready for the ball, and as soon as it's over, you may return to your room and continue to read. Doesn't that sound nice?" Quigley soothed. He had seen the rapture on face when she had entered the library. He smiled fondly at the young woman, and the warmth of his smile caused her to relax.

"It sounds wonderful, Quigley. Can you please show me the way back to the library?" Hermione asked. Quigley nodded his head and put his hand on her back, gently pushing her toward the door. Hermione thanked everyone for the wonderful time and received your welcome's, nods and smiles back. Quigley closed the door behind him and briskly set off down the corridor, Hermione following dutifully.

"You do realize, Hermione, that you are not a student of Master Snape's. You are a guest here as well, so there's no reason to be his doormat," Quigley commented idly as he turned a corner. Hermione frowned, going over Quigley's reasoning and coming to the same conclusion.

"It won't offend anybody if I stand up to him a bit?"

"Not at all. Most would expect it, in fact. You have quite the reputation," Quigley said dryly. Hermione flushed in pleasure. An article had been released awhile back on the three members of the Golden Trio. While it had stayed away from their personal lives, it had gone into detail about their character. Hermione had been described by the reporter as intelligent, headstrong, and stubborn. Hermione had been slightly insulted by the last two, but let it go.

"Thank you," she said as they stopped before the library door. Quigley nodded.

"I'll bring your clothes up to you later. It's nearly time for us Retainers to go back on duty, but if you need anything, just call." Quigley gestured at an intercom Hermione hadn't noticed before. Quigley turned and left before Hermione could say anything. Shrugging, she entered the library and headed for the same couch she had before. She picked up a book on title, "The Book of Nod". It was an odd title, but it sounded like it would have all the information Hermione felt she needed. Staring at the table of contents, Hermione suddenly thought back to Snape's words the night before.

"I am a Dhampir," Hermione whispered. She flipped through the pages until she reached the "D's" and ran her finger down until she saw what she was looking for. She flipped quickly to page 92 and stared at the title for a moment. It was written in cursive, with the bottom ends of the letters extended farther down than normal, ending in a point. Licking her lips, Hermione began to read.

The term Dhampir refers to the offspring of a vampire and a human mate, traditionally a male vampire mating with a human female, resulting in an offspring that is normally male. The Dhampir is known to have special qualities. They have been known to inherit traits from their human parent as well, which some speculate is where the ability to be in sunlight comes from. They also have heightened senses. For example, some can sense where vampires hide themselves from the world, therefore having the ability to be a superb vampire hunter. They are also known to be able to withstanding garlic and to reproduce more readily. These qualities would be passed down genetically to his offspring, and it was thought to last many generations. To read more about certain qualities documented Dhampir's have had, look below.

Each Dhampir has different abilities. Such abilities include: withstanding sunlight and garlic, reproducing with both humans and vampires, and low need to drink blood, quick healing*, and the ability to sense souls**. If a Dhampir does not need to drink blood and lives for a long time, then said vampire would not need to drink blood faster than a normal vampire.

Most Dhampir's are created by Sanguarian Vampires. These vampires are usually descendants from the original twelve and head of households in their own right.  It is unclear why these vampires produce more Dhampir's than others. Their blood is more pure, and it is commonly thought that a vampire that used to be human has more of a chance to have a Dhampir.

*All vampires have the ability to heal fast, but some Dhampir's heal fast even by Vampire standards. This ability also extends to healing others faster than they normally would.

**These types of vampires differ from the normal Blood vampires. The most distinctive way is that these vampires feed off the energy of the world around them. They can feel the emotions of others and as a result, many have frequent mood swings. While they enjoy feeding off the energy around them, it is a special treat for them to feed on a human soul. Their nickname is the Psi-Vamp, which is short for Psychic vampire.

Hermione sighed and sat back, absent-mindedly rubbing out a tension headache. So Professor Snape wasn't lying, Hermione thought. Not that I believed he would...but it all seemed so far-fetched. Hermione sat back and relaxed, staring out the window at the brightly colored leaves. If the place wasn’t so terrifying, it'd be beautiful. Those tree's are lovely, and the grass is so green...red grass buried beneath bits of skin flashed through her mind, but Hermione dismissed it. Rubbing her eyes, she leaned forward and returned to the Table of Contents page.

She scanned through it, glancing at the information she'll soon know. History, Infection, Vampirification, Anatomy, Physiology, Vulnerabilities, Flying, and a question: Are they evil? There was also a glossary in the back, explaining the common vampire terms. Hermione flipped through the glossary until one entry caught her eye. It was the title of the book. Leaning closer, Hermione quickly read the small paragraph.

Book of Nod, The - The "Secret" book for all vampires, containing the history of the race. This book has never been completely written, but parts of the book do exist all over the world in different languages.  Many vampires have copies of the original, filling in the book when new information is discovered. The whereabouts of the parts of the original, unfinished copy are unknown.

Hermione flipped to the front inside and noticed that a small stamp reading "Copy" was tucked into a corner. Hermione longed to read the original - the sort of things it must say! - but knew that it was so unlikely to be nearly impossible. Hermione decided to be content with reading even a copy, and planned on reading more after the dance. Standing, she grabbed the other book and exited the library. She cautiously made her way to her bedroom, setting down her books by her bedside and moving towards the balcony. She could just barely make out the doors behind heavy curtains. After a few minutes of struggling to figure out how to open the blasted door, Hermione stepped outside and breathed deeply. She wandered to the edge and lifted her face towards the sky, enjoying the feel of sunlight kissing her cheeks and the wind ruffling her hair.

Somebody swore back in her bedroom, and Hermione turned, alarmed. She relaxed when she saw it was Quigley, who was squinting up at the sun. He made his way over to Hermione, leaning against the railing and smiling. In that instant, Hermione could see the young lad he once was. She smiled over at him, and he grinned boyishly back.

"It's nice to be able to just stand around and enjoy being outside without needing to be somewhere else as quickly as possible," Quigley murmured. Hermione didn't respond, instead leaning over to see below. All she could see was grass, so she straightened up.

"Quigley, are you a Muggle?" Hermione asked. It was one of the questions she had been to polite to ask, but felt no qualms about it now. Quigley shook his head.

"No. But I was home schooled, so I wasn't really exposed to the realities of the world. I knew Vampires existed, but just didn't expect to ever meet one. A foolish mistake, on my part." He grinned and coughed. "The reason I came down here was to tell you that your clothes have arrived, and somebody has taken the liberty of buying you a dress for tonight. I've sent for some girls to help you get ready. Master Snape will be waiting for you outside of the doors to the dance hall. Try not to be late."

"Yes, Quigley," Hermione dutifully responded. Before leaving, he tugged a piece of hair. He's so affectionate. I've only been here a day and already he's the only person I trust. The sound of the female Retainers’ giggling made Hermione sigh in frustration. Airheads, Hermione thought, why is it always air-heads that feel the need to do my hair? Hermione frowned. The dance wouldn't be until later that night, around seven, which would be after dinner. Will it really take 5 hours to get ready?

Hermione sighed and squared her shoulders, mentally preparing herself for the torture she was sure to be subjected to. She bravely entered her bedroom, doing her best not to run screaming from the room straight to the library. I hate parties. Why should people spend their time doing frivolous activities when they could be reading a good book and learning? Hermione could never understand why Harry and Ron hated studying so much. To her it was something that allows her to escape her real life. What she didn't realize was Quidditch was Harry and Ron's means of escape.

The cold hand of the brunette woman gripped Hermione's wrist and dragged her towards the bathroom. She pushed her inside while the blonde girl turned the hot water on and began to fill the tub. The brunette closed the door and turned around, smiling happily at Hermione. She swept past Hermione to grab a towel and set it next to the tub. The two girls waited for several seconds, but for what, Hermione couldn't fathom. Finally, the blonde girl spoke.

"You need to get into the tub," the blond said in a soft, awed tone of voice. Hermione's eyes widened and her hands raised, palms extended outward as if to ward off a blow. She shook her head side-to-side, unable to do anything else.

"You have to get in the tub so we can wash your hair," the brunette said. She seemed puzzled as to why Hermione was acting this way. Hermione shook her head again.

"Not with the two of you in here," Hermione said as firmly as she could.

The two girls giggled a high-pitched giggle. Hermione winced, thinking of Lavender and Parvati.

"How else would we wash your hair for you?" the blonde said.

"Wash it...for me?" Hermione practically shrieked. The two shared a glance and then nodded in unison. "I don't need anybody to wash my hair for me. In fact, there's no reason for you to be here at all. I've been successfully showering myself for eighteen years - I think I can do it again."

"But Miss -" the brunette started to say.

"No buts. Please leave, or I'll make you." Hermione drew her wand from up her sleeve and let her arm dangle at her side, wand gripped loosely in her hand. The two girls shared another look and moved towards the door, giving Hermione as wide a berth as possible. The click of the bedroom door closing echoed through the room. Hermione sighed and relaxed against the wall. Thank god, Hermione thought.

Hermione drained the bathtub and went looking for the dress she was to wear. It was laid out on the bed, and her mouth dropped when she saw it. There is no way I'm wearing that! Hermione thought in frantic disbelief, she wheeled around and was heading towards the door when it opened - rather violently, she thought stupidly. Her heart dropped down to her stomach when her Potions Professor stomped through the doorway. He towered over Hermione and glared down at her.

"Miss Granger, what is your problem? Why will you not let these ladies fix you up for a ball that's in your honor? Are you a dunderhead? The honorary guest must always look their best!" Snape snarled. Hermione bit her lip to stop the giggled that threatened to escape. Snape rhymed! Hermione couldn't seem to get a grasp on her thoughts. The idea of going out in that...that...scrap of material was causing her to panic.

"Sir...I'll be more than willing to let them fix me up. If...if I could..." Hermione struggled to get it out. "If I can wear anything but that!" Hermione pointed toward the dress with a shaking finger. Snape slid his gaze from Hermione's hopeful face to the dress laid out on the bed. His lips twitched when he saw it. There was a dark pleasure in his eyes, and Hermione knew he was enjoying her discomfort. Hope died when she saw the dark glint - he's not going to help, Hermione thought in despair. She'd have to go out in that dress in front of Vampires!

"Miss Granger, if that's the dress that was laid out for you, then that's the dress you're going to wear. Now act your age, not like a sniveling child," Snape said smoothly. Hermione glared. Her panic was giving way to anger, and Hermione sighed in relief in her mind. While angry she could at least think more coherently.

"Fine, Professor. I'll wear the dress," Hermione said in a petulant tone of voice. That slinky, revealing dress. Hermione sighed and raised a hand to her head. She was getting a headache, which certainly wasn't contributing to her mood. "Now please leave so I can change and they can...fix me up."

Snape studied her for a moment before nodding once and sweeping from the room. As he passed the stand next to the doorway, he pulled out a vial and set it gently on the desk.

"Three drops, Miss Granger." And then he was gone. Hermione moved toward the vial on the stand. Examining it, Hermione recognized a Headache potion when she saw one. Sighting, she took the three drops and turned towards the dress. It was black, slinky, long tube dress that laced from the hips up loosely enough to show more skin than Hermione had ever (or will ever) show in public. It would cling to her body like she was wearing nothing at all. She would never be the type to wear slinky things and flutter her eyelashes. And yet here I am, about to wear this.

The two girls had observed her silently, noticing the defeated posture. They shared another glance and moved toward the poor girl as one. The blonde grabbed the dress and the brunette took Hermione's hand.

"Miss, we only want to make you look great for the ball. We promise not to over-do it," the brunette said. Hermione looked at her and nodded. It was obvious to the two girls that "the Miss" was not somebody used to wearing reveling clothes. In fact, they had heard she'd spent all day in the library.

After shampooing and conditioning her hair, the two girls set Hermione down at a vanity and began to mess with her hair. Spells were cast here and there, some several times because her hair wasn't cooperating.

Hermione's eyes widened when she saw her reflection. Her hair was extremely curly - as usual - and still bushy. They had left the bangs alone, but had managed to pin the rest up in a messy bun; several strands were allowed to fall free. Following the instructions the two girls suggested - after all, Hermione was a guest, and they were mere servants. She didn't have to respond - Hermione's make-up was applied. The girls weren't talking now, instead focusing on their work. Not liking the silence, Hermione decided to fill it.

"So what are your names?" Hermione asked. The girls hesitated, but after a raised eyebrow from Hermione, the girls answered her question. It does work! Hermione thought gleefully.  

"Tanya, Miss," the blonde said.

"Veronica," the brunette mumbled. She stepped back to admire her work and nodded. The blonde murmured her agreement and then moved aside so Hermione could see herself. They had put the barest amount of make-up on her, just enough to emphasize her features. Hermione had to admit, at least to herself, that she looked good. The blond held up the dress to Hermione, who swallowed and went to put it on.

She stepped out of the bathroom, her cheeks flushed. I can't believe I'm wearing this. Hermione was miserable. She didn't want to go to a ball, she didn't want to have to wear this dress, and she certainly didn't want to be the Guest of Honor. But what she wanted (or didn't) apparently mattered not even a little. So with a little sigh, Hermione followed the two girls out the door.

They went their separate ways at the bottom of the stairs. The girls left through a doorway that opened to the servants’ hallway. Apparently they aren't to work at the party, Hermione thought. Sighing, she made her way back through the Entrance Hall, which she hadn't been in since last night. The Ballroom was easy to find - she just had to follow the noise. The closer she got, the more nervous she became. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment to be in such a dress, and the heels were already killing her feet.

So the sight of Severus Snape standing outside the doors dressed as he was and waiting for her was almost too much. She stopped and stared. He looked just like the other men - hair pulled back, soft, elegant looking robes covering his frame. Hermione had never seen him dressed in such a manner, and it took a few moments to get used to. As she made her way to him, she promised herself that she would speak as little as possible. She didn't want to draw undue attention to herself, and she certainly didn't want to experience Snape's disparaging remarks on this night.

SS~HG***SS~HG***SS~HG***SS~HG***SS~HG***

Severus heard the girl heading this way, and thought it was about time too. The stupid girl had thrown a fit over getting help, and now she was taking her sweet time arriving. I wonder what she did with that horrible hair of hers, Severus thought viciously. He had been contemplating all Miss Granger's faults - and oh how many there were! - when he caught sight of her.

Stepping in to the light, Severus was surprised to see she looked pretty. Beautiful, in fact. The notion was a foreign one in connection to an ex-student and bushy haired-know-it-all. Her curly hair was up, pieces hanging down; her neck was exposed enticingly. The black dress showed of Miss Granger's generous curves and quite a bit of skin.  Severus had the strange urge to curl the piece of hair around his finger and nibble on her neck. Irritated at himself, he growled. Miss Granger looked startled and fearful, and Severus mentally slapped himself. I promised Dumbledore I would take care of her, which I won't be able to do if she fears me.

"Miss Granger. You look...acceptable," Severus said neutrally. Hermione nodded and smiled weakly up at him.

"You do too, sir." She looked uncomfortable and pale. Severus sighed. It's going to be a long night - I'm going to have to baby-sit her every second; I'll be unable to have a decent time. Severus grumpily held out his arm. Hermione took it tentatively and allowed herself to be pulled in to the ballroom.

And so the dance began.

My sources: http : // www . vampires . nu / pages / Terms . cfm / PageID /
http : // www . penddraig . co . uk / vampire / index . html

Delete the spaces if you wish to visit these websites. I'm giving credit where credit is due -- I got all my information from these websites, except for some of the stuff I changed around. Fanfiction.net won’t allow links to be posted, so I had to break it up.

The use of the term "Vampire" is what I was told referred to the mythical version of the vampire. The term "Vampyre" refers to real life people.

The story should pick up soon enough. If you want to see the dress that the Vampires want Hermione to wear, go to here: http : // www . feelingusa . com / img / Irg/ la/ 8238.jpg