58A/N don't ask guys, just don't even ask. My parents have officially divorced and I'm in the loving custody of my aunt that oh, by the way hates everything I do/say. Sigh.
You will be getting regular updates from now on so enjoy. This chapter is blah, a filler if you will; now I need some opinions. I was thinking of making the vampires actually dark y'know, make em on the dark side not light jus cuz I reeeaally dislike Dumbledore and think Harry's pathetic. But its ultimately up to you guys also here are possible pairings I could do. I also kinda NEED your responses to continue so yeea jus sayin'. Be warned that either way there will be Dumbledore bashing; nope you don't get to change my mind on that one. Everything else though is up for discussion.
Harry/Darren – god knows why you would want them together, I don't see them getting along.
Hermione/Darren
Vancha/Darren
Draco/Darren
Debbie/Darren – I guess I could fit her in
Tom riddle Lord Voldie/ Darren – meh ive read a few their pretty good. I'm confident I could make it work
Other suggestions upon request. Personally I can't find many strong female characters for Darren in the HP world and obviously there are hardly any in the Cirque world.
Darren stilled, the entire hall was silent. Then slowly, at a snails pace, the young prince turned to the Malfoy scion. Head tilted just so, Darren have a wide dazzling smile and the blond- along with the entire hall- visibly paled. "My name is Darren; you may address me as such."
He glanced at Crepsley and the older man's lip twitched, it seems dramatics were instilled into the mans very being. Of course after the Cirque who could blame him, besides this was fun. Larten turned to the blond, "Young man, do you perchance have a question for my prince?"
Darren could tell the older vampire was cackling madly in his head. As the young wizard tried to regain his pride Darren smiled at the crowd again, "As the esteemed headmaster seems to have forgotten to mention, I am the Vampire Prince. And you," he glanced at the blond, "are officially first on my list pretty." The young vampire practically purred.
Tsk tsk Darren, you are not giving them a good impression Crepsley mentally grinned at his charge. As the boy practically scowled the vampire general grinned ear to ear; further frightening the masses. There was a reason Larten's nick name was Creepy Crepsley, the man was downright terrifying. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end, and they were interrupted with a high pitched
"Hem Hem" The pink blob looked red in the face, horribly clashing with her chosen outfit. Hilarious. "Headmaster! I suggest we take this to your office? I have a few…issues with the current guests." They could both tell the thing was trying to maintain a warm -fake- friendly attitude.
Darren smirked; she's like a large toadish strawberry. Oh wow, it's like a strawberry version of Violet Beauregard in Charlie in the Chocolate factory! Think shell ooze strawberry juice if I pop her?
Larten Crepsley blinked owlishly at the prince; I have not a clue what you are talking about Darren
The young vampire definitely scowled and this time and a certain Gryffindor managed to wet his pants. The headmaster calmly stood up and ushered the guest's into the hallway. Darren turned and heard the bird-like woman that had sat beside the headmaster call the great hall to silence.
The four walked to the staircase that led to the old man's office; all the while the two vampires were insulting the wizards and the impracticality of their school. I mean isn't it just a bit freaky that quite literally EVERYTHING stalks you in this castle. Even the fucking pictures stare at you let alone the armor.
Larten gave a disapproving glance at his charge Darren you are an adult in human standards, refrain from being quite so vulgar… but I agree, these wizards are strange beings; especially the Light wizards. Reminds me of the early crusaders to tell you the truth.
Hmm Darren did not like the comparison, and as they drew into the office he felt somewhat claustrophobic.
The old man-Dumbledore if Darren tried to recall- sat at the table and smiled at them, but he could practically taste the concealed wariness and distrust. "Now Delores, what seems to be the problem here?"
The Pink stain puffed her chest out and gave the two men a hard stare, unfortunately the only thing it made them do is cringe at her creepy frog like eyes. Yep, no intelligent life there. "I was under the impression headmaster," she sneered, "that this was a learning institution. Allowing dangerous creatures into the school is unacceptable. As the senior under secretary to the minister of magic I cannot condone these half-breeds among young impressionable students."
Dumbledore was about to speak when a hard cold voice responded, "Half-breed? Whatever do you mean madam? We are not half-anything. We are Vampires, and are born as such. There is no conversion involved and to tell you the truth all the myths about our species are false. I implore you to not speak out in ignorance." Larten glared at the woman.
Huh, why did you say we are born Vampires, you and I both know that is not possible.
Larten put on an indifferent mask and smiled at the headmaster, you know that, and I do as well, but to tell the outside world will bring unnecessary complications. Play along Darren; we don't want another Steve on out hands. The young prince stiffened, Steve was still a slightly sore subject. He had never seen his ex-best friend again but a decade ago Darren had checked up on his family. Apparently Steve left to study archeology, the closest he could get to the supernatural. Guilt and age-old resentment soured Darren's mood. Suddenly he wanted to leave this office and seek out their accommodations.
The pink lady huffed in indignation, "Do not presume to know more than the ministry! As the senior under secretary I have the knowledge and power to question you. Even if it is true you are still dark creatures! Headmaster Dumbledore, I demand you fire call the minister at once!" For a second the old wizard calmly assessed the pink blob and proceeded to the fireplace.
Darren though was slightly confused, "wait you're a secretary?" the boy looked baffled, what power does a secretary have?
Before any one of them could respond the fireplace gave a green tinged spurt of fire and a fat man in a suit came out. The man had shifty eyes and a nervous sweat already breaking out. Darren could only stand and wonder how anything ever got done in this magical community if their leader looked like a weak pigeon. "Now see here Dumbledore, what's this I hear about a security threat at Hogwarts?"
Delores Umbridge gave a sickly sweet smile, "The headmaster has invited these creatures," she spat the word, "to Hogwarts. I was merely pointing out that this kind of act is unacceptable and should be remedied.
"Well Albus, what do you have to say for yourself! I knew it from the start, you're trying to start a riot and aim for my job!" the fat man flustered and was starting to look red in the face.
Darren himself was not quite happy anymore. He was tired, hungry and thoroughly sick of the people in his immediate vicinity. Looking to end this as fast as possible Darren interrupted Dumbledore and strode to the minister. He reached into his cloak and pulled out a piece of parchment. "Minister of Magic, as you well know I am Prince Darren Shan. This here is an invite to your country and school signed and documented by you sir, and the headmaster here. My mentor and I have come here on your bidding to repay a dept of gratitude," he paused in his monologue to give a hard glare at Umbridge, "This lady here has insulted my kind, my culture, and me; this in retrospect insults my father the King. I suggest matters be handled or I will be forced to leave and any cooperation between our races will be deteriorated." Darren was quite proud of himself; he managed to not go through his first course of action. Punch first and question later.
The minister wringed his bowler hat, "Am I to presume that as a threat your highness?"
"Not at all minister that is simply my Prince's opinion. We would never go to war with the wizards, it is not our way to become involved in mortal affairs" Larten grimly replied
Dumbledore chose this moment to intervene, "Now gentlemen, I think we all need to calm down. This is simply an exchange of cultures and information. We've already discussed this Minister Fudge; I think it would be prudent to return to our daily activities. I'm sure professor Umbridge has lesson planning to complete." Darren tuned the rest of the conversation out and focused on the interesting knickknacks around the room, it wasn't until he heard the click of the door closing behind him that he noticed only Larten. The headmaster and he were left. Darren glanced at his friend imploring with his eyes, but Crepsley only gave a small almost unseen shake of his head.
Sighing Darren turned to the wizened old man, "So Mr. Dumbledore, why have you really brought me and my companion here?" There was an eerie twinkle in the wizard's eyes.
"My boy, whatever do you mean? I only wish to show you our wonderful school, give you a chance to make connections with people your own age. Also I am sure that you are aware that practically nothing of your kind is known to the magical community. Unlike your violent counterparts- which our myths are based off- your people are highly secretive."
I fastened a cold flat gaze on the manipulative bastard. His entire monologue was riddled with double meanings, and the prince knew that he would have to play this underhanded. "Sir, my name is Prince Darren, but I would prefer to be called Darren. Do not attach anything else; it is unfitting. Also, I am aware of your practiced speech, what I mean is what your long-term motifs? My people have are long-lived and thus know the political strife within your community. Also, please do not lie, it is insulting." Darren felt objectified by the 'my boy' bit, he was also quite old now and certainly did not enjoy being spoken to as a child would be. Oy, this is going to be a hard year.
Larten's eyebrow raised a small fraction.
Well well Darren, it seems that perhaps you have learned something of what Seba manages to bash into your thick skull.
Darren gave a small mental snort I feel like I am talking to a lawyer. Yeesh and they call us bloodsuckers!
The two companions assessed the man in front of them; Dumbledore's eye's lost that twinkle and hardened. There was a miniature western showdown thing going on, of course without the whole western part. Dumbledore gave them a strained smile. "Yes I see how things are but I must assure you Darren that I hold no ill regards. As you have just stated things are quite unstable at the moment. A great threat has come to this world and I am sure that even your people will feel its impact. I only thought to create an alliance that could benefit both parties."
I raised my eyebrow at the confirmation to his suspicions-an army- that is what he is creating. For such a manipulative man this wasn't subtle; of course that could be on purpose. "Yes," he said dragging out the s, "your dark lord. But you forget that we are dark creatures -by your standard I assure you- and your last war did not affect us. It was the Vampaneze that involved themselves, as you know we are very efficient at avoiding mortals."
Larten, the bastard, finally decided to help end this conversation as he noticed my agitation, "Mr. Dumbledore, as I have noticed, you wizards do not easily accept creatures. Especially Light wizards. One simply has to observe the werewolves to see how discriminated they are," he pursed his lips. "Alas this is not a discussion for now though, alliances can be discussed at a more prudent time. My prince is tired and you must also have preparations for tomorrow."
Dumbledore did not look pleased at how he was unable to control the conversation. "Yes it would seem best. Mippi?"
A small house elf popped into the room with a crack, "sir has called Mippi?"
"Yes would you lead these gentlemen to their rooms please? If you both would follow her I will see to your schedule tomorrow."
Darren gave a slight inclination of his head and Crepsley bowed before they were ushered out of the room.
As the two vampires left, Dumbledore fire-called Severus Snape. They both sat and Snape scowled as he heard what transpired. "This is foolish Albus, nothing is known of the vampires. We have not been in contact with their kind in centuries, and to learn that they hold no likeness to their purple cousins is alarming. For Merlin's sake we didn't even know there was a difference much less a monarchy!"
Dumbledore only frowned lightly, "Yes I can understand what you are saying, but it is necessary to convince them to join us. Tom will be aware now that they exist and will approach them. Darren is young and even though it may not seem so, it will be easy to get him on our side. I am confident that with him integrated in everyday school life he will create a bond with some of our students. What child would not in this circumstance, and with the Prince the King will only follow."
Snape looked skeptic, "but we do not even know the King's name! I'm telling you Albus nothing good will come of this. The Dark Lord is already aware of the Prince here and has sent a group of Deatheaters to the States for the other convoy."
"Hmm, that was faster than anticipated. Tom is gaining his former self back. I heard that after his initial resurrection he is gaining his form and sanity. This could be troublesome for us Severus but even if this fails at least we will be able to learn more about the vampires' culture. As you stated we know nothing, and getting to know your friends is just as important as getting to know your foe," Dumbledore smiled and opened a lemon drop.
Severus' scowl deepened, "but what are they, friend or foe?" He sighed again and sent a glare at the headmaster, "I still do not approve of having a vampire brat roaming the halls of Hogwarts."
His answer was another grandfatherly smile, "All for the greater good my boy"