Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction ❯ Before the Dawn ❯ Chapter Eight: Iris ( Chapter 8 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, the novels, or anything of the sort. The only thing I do own is this story and Iris Clayton.

 

Wow, I never would have thought that I reach eight chapters. This has been a blessing for me. With homework, studying, death of a friend, and college life, I thought I would have quit this story. Thank you for the wonderful reviews and I promise that this story is worth the time.

 

Since I got that out of the way, please enjoy this story. Read, Review, and Suggestions because I really need it.

 

--Thank you

 

Chapter Eight:

Iris

 

Fear was all I felt when Harry and I were at the tavern. I tried to warn him that wizards do not like vampires. I do not know why they do but I knew that I could have died at any moment if I enter the tavern. I wanted to tell Harry from the beginning, but I was having a nice time with him and I did not want to spoil it. I should have warned him, I should have…but I did not. Harry almost died because of me and I wish that I prevent it. I should have left the tavern or be forceful with him, but I did not either. He would not let me because he showed me that he really cared about me. For once in my life, I thankful that Harry is in my life and that he became a dear friend to me.

 

After the incident, I met a giant named Hargid. He is very nice and he knows Dumbledore. Harry told me about him one time. He says that Hargid is the Game Keeper at Hogwarts.

 

Hogwarts. When I think of the place now, I do not know if I want to go to the school. I did not think about the trouble I could cause for Harry or Dumbledore. I thought wizards would accept me as one of them, despite being a vampire. However, at the tavern, I do not know if they are accepting as I once thought. Maybe I should not enter Hogwarts…

 

But I came with Harry and he is excited for me to attend the school. I do not know how to tell him if I decide not to attend. He will be hurt and I do not want to see his green eyes sadden. I do not want to stop seeing him because I am slowly falling in love with him…

 

Diagon Alley is a pretty place: small, crowded, and amusing people. I was hoping they did not know about me as we walk within the crowd. The fear rose inside my soul whenever a person looks at me, malignantly. I hope the wizards will not kill me here. We approach a small corner, and then Hargid told us to remain there. We listened.

 

Harry and I did not say a word to each other until he pulls out his cigarette. I always wanted to smoke a cigarette, since I am not going to die of cancer or anything, but never got the chance. I was going to asked Harry but he only had one. He was searching for a lighter until I snap my finger and produced flames. He was surprised and did not say anything. He asked me how I did it and I told him, which was not a great idea.

 

He closed his eyes and his face twitched. I notice he started to sweat then his whole body shaken. Before I knew it, he collapses on the ground. I panic, screamed as I kneel to the ground and tried to wake him. When Hargid came near me, he pushed me to the side. He tried to wake Harry but it was no use. He told me to stay with him until he gets help.

 

Help…

 

Blood tears came to my eyelids. I refused to shed them as I tried to wake him. I called out his name numerous of time and still no reply. I caressed his soft, masculine cheeks when his eyes open slowly at a time. I was blissful. I longed to hug him for eternally but I stop myself. I just caress his cheek until he gains consciousness.

 

He gives me a fake smile when I was worried about him. I wish he would not. This makes me worry about him more.

 

When Hargid returns, he was thrilled to see Harry awake. He was about to asked Harry something but Harry refused to answer. Could it be about him, the man who name must be kept? What connections does Harry have with him? Why Harry is known as the Boy-Who-Lived? There is so much about Harry and his world that I never known. I wish he can tell me something, but I don't blame him. I did not tell him about my secrets, fearing he will hate me. I guess that is why Harry and I relate to each other. We keep things from others, fearing it will destroy them or us. I hate being like that.

 

After he checks Harry, he lets us go shop for books as long as we meet him back at the Harriet Haven.

 

What more can I say? Harry and I went to every store, looked at things, then to the bookstore. It was crowded but interesting objects there. He pulls to a section of the store for some reason. Either he likes books or tried to hide from a blonde haired man and his burly bodyguards. Still we got our books for school. Soon we went to a joke shop, which I am going again. Not because of the owners, but it was interesting. The store has gums that make your mouth smell like rotting fish, paper that make your skin turn red, and so much more.

 

The owners and twins, Fred and George are funny. They are taller than Harry and I, red short hair, brown medium-size eyes, and slender. Fred was wearing a black, short sleeve shirt while his brother, George, wore a green sweater. Out of the two twins, George is handsome, nice, knows what he wants, but demanding. I blushed when he gave me his number. I would laugh as well, if Harry was not in the room. I swear he was outraged when George kissed my hand. Actually, he was angry the whole time these young men were flirting with me.

 

As we walked through the streets, Harry called me pretty. He should not have told me that. So many people have called me beautiful but I never truly believe them. Besides, why should you believe them when the man you loved never told you those words? Or had a mother who was a cruel woman who never knew how to love.

 

Beside that point, we went for ice cream at the parlor. It has all kinds of flavors from Chocolate to Vanilla to Lizard's toe. Harry got Rocky Road while I stick to my beloved chocolate. I lick it a few times, trying to find the flavor. When I could not find it, I just bit into it. I still could not taste it. I don't understand. How can I taste chocolate but not chocolate ice cream?

 

Harry giggled when I looked his way. I did not get what was funny.

 

“What? What did I miss?”

 

He would not answer me. I was confused.

 

“Stop laughing, Harry and tell me what is funny.” I said seriously.

 

He stops long enough to point at a window. I was alarmed. I had chocolate all over my mouth. The chocolate starts from my chin to below my noise. He hands me a napkin. I wipe it from my mouth before anyone sees me. I thanked him still holding the napkin and ice cream cone.

 

We walked until we reach a bench to sit. I looked at my clock and grasp, it is six. I should be taking him home before the spell wears off. I knew Vernon would not allow Harry to leave his house, so I “brainwashed” him. It seems Vernon is nicer when all his hypocritical theories and hatred for anything out of the norm is removed. We had an interesting conversation. However, it is a time limited spell. It will only last until seven, so Harry and I have to leave...now.

 

Before I had the chance to stand, Harry asked,

 

“You're not going to finish it.”

 

I stared at him until I realized I have not finished the cone.

 

“No, I'm full.” I said plainly and throw it in the trash.

 

“Maybe next time, you should try vanilla before going to the stronger flavors.” He advised while finishing his ice cream.

 

“Maybe…besides this is my first time trying ice cream. By not tasting anything…I hate it.” I told him.

 

“Strange. You sure love that chocolate candy but when it comes to…” Harry paused, looking straight ahead. He sees someone.

 

“Hi, Harry!” yelled a girl of fifteen coming towards us.

 

He waved at her as she stood in front of him. I greeted her as well but she ignores me. I guess she notice I'm a vampire. Yet, she gave Harry a kiss on the cheek which causes my heart to break in two. I turned away from them and focus on the little girl showing her mother the doll she wants.

 

“I did not except you to be here. I thought you were going book shopping when you come over to our house in a few weeks.” She said.

 

I expected him to lie but he did not.

 

“I decided to do it now with my other friend. Iris.” He called my name. I look towards him and her. The girl looks at me hatefully without Harry noticing it.

 

She is a pretty girl. She has long red hair, fair skin, shorter than me, and wearing a tank top revealing her breast and a knee-length brown skirt. I notice that she had brown eyes and freckles like Fred and George. She must be Ginny, their younger sister. She folds her arms as we glanced at each other, knowing one of us is going to be with Harry.

 

“Iris, this is Ginny Weasely. Ginny this is Iris Clayton. Iris is going to school with us in several weeks.” Harry introduces us.

 

“Nice to meet you, Ginny” I pull forward my hand but she ignored it.

 

Instead she pulls her attention to Harry.

 

“How was your holiday, Harry?” Ginny asked him.

 

Harry seems surprised at her actions but does not say anything. He clears his throat.

 

“The usual, can't wait to leave the Dursleys.” He said somewhat excited.

 

Ginny smiled then turned serious.

 

“You did not write to me, Harry? I thought something happened to you.” She said, concerned.

 

My heart plumed to the floor. This was the person he loved the most. He is a good friend and that is all I want from him. I did not pay any attention to them but mainly saw the same mother and daughter coming out of the store. The girl got the doll she wants. She smiled at her mother as the mother gave her precious a hug. I wished I had that loving experience with my mother. Maybe I would not have chosen this immortal, lonely path.

 

When I turn around, Harry and Ginny are gone.

 

I did not know where they went but I better find him. It is almost time to leave. I walked the streets; it was not as crowded as this afternoon. I search the street, every square inch until I approach the back way. I heard voices as I walked closer. The closer I got to the noise, the more it became oblivious. I heard Harry voice first then Ginny. She was pleading and urging him for something. I hid in the shadows and saw Harry zipping up his pants while Ginny stares at him, softly. She kissed him softly on the lips. I became…angry. I don't know why I'm angry. Harry can date anyone he wants…anyone…I have no right to it. Still, I wish I knew he was going to meet her so I would not have gone.

 

This tears my soul to pieces.

 

He pushes her away when his eyes met mine. We stared at each other for awhile. I can see hurt and resentment in his emerald eyes. He regrets what he has done and ashamed. I could not stay furious with him any longer…but it hurts. I said, not trying to show my hurt,

 

“I am sorry for interrupting. I leave you alone. Harry, I am going home, thank you for everything. Good bye.” I said before leaving him and his lady friend alone.

 

I heard him call my name but I ignored it.

 

I went passed by Harriet Haven, where we were to meet Hargid. I did not care; I want away from this world. I am not go to Hogwarts. I just tear the letter apart and burn it to the smallest particle it can form. I got to the wall where this world and the mortal world separated. I remember the password and hopefully the tavern owner and his customers are gone.

 

I enter the room and notice it was empty. It must be closed I thought as I unlocked the front door with my nail. I was relief when I got the door open until I saw a figure walking…no gliding down the street. I thought it was a shape shifter but when I look at it closer, he is wearing a black cloak. I stayed glue to where I stand as the figure came closer to the tavern.

 

His eyes are red as blood, noise flat as a snake…he does look similar to a snake except he is human. Oh my God, the man who killed the people at the mall and he is about to destroyed the tavern. At once, I closed the door and hide behind the bar. My body is small enough to fill the space. I just hope he doesn't notices me or I will be a dead vampire. Could he be the Who-Must-Not-Be-Named? Could he really be the same person that the wizards fear and mortals are beginning to know? I do not know, but I do fear my life as the room turns icy cold when he gets closer to the tavern.

 

I peeks though the hole and saw him blasted though the door. I cover my mouth as he glides to the middle of the room. He scans though the room and smell for something. I grasped, he came closer to the bar before he was disturbed by a garden rat. I notice he have a missing toe but very fast.

 

The snake-like man saw the mouse and pointed what appears to be a wand at the mouse. I hope he is not going to kill the rat.

 

“Is the others coming, Wormtail?” he asked.

 

The rat then turns into a human. He is a rat looking human with yellow, rotten teeth, unkempt hair, and bibbed eyes. He is stout and missing a left finger. He bows to this man and reported.

 

“Yes, my lord, they are coming.”

 

“Good my servant, as soon as they come, we will begin the meeting.” The man said.

 

Soon people wearing cloaks and masks appear in the room. I thought they were the revival of the Klu Klux Klan as they parade their metals of bliss. They circle their master as another man came beside him. I grew frighten because they could find me at any minute and afraid of their plan. They already destroyed part of the mall, what else?

 

The man stands in his glory, smelling victory, head held high like nothing can stop him. He turns to his fellow servants, grinning.

 

“Welcome, my loyal servants, we are here to glory in today's victory.”

 

I heard applause and cheering, even Wormtail sneered in joy. I was scared to find out what they destroy this time around. I spy on them hoping he will reveal more answers.

 

He waited until the cheers die down before he begins.

 

“We destroyed the underground transportation for the muggles, in which, we killed…”

 

“Hundred this time, my lord.” Wormtail said.

 

More cheers can be heard by his supports. I felt sick. How can he kill so many innocent lives? Does he have a heart? Why is he doing this? I lean to the hole, listening to every word they say.

 

This time the man seems angry. He raises his wand and green light flash to the roof. The crowd remains quiet for the rest of his speech.

 

“Yes, hundred muggles died, but they still have not figure out that I exist. I want them to know my name and fear it…like the wizardry world fears me.”

 

“About that, my lord…” said the man beside him.

 

They all turn to the man, waiting for him to finish. The “lord” looks at him and smiled.

 

“Yes, Severus.”

 

Severus clears his voice before he asked,

 

“How are we going to handle our world? We are at war with the Ministry and they are trying to keep the public calm by denying the damaged in the muggles world. How are we going to put fear in their hearts? How are we going to get the public to fear your presences?”

 

The lord thought, putting his wand to his chin. He comes closer to the bar and covers the hole. I can't see anything. What is he going to do with the wizardry world? Rule it? He cannot rule both worlds, he cannot! My fear inside is come though my soul as he thinks. Suddenly he turns to his followers and spread his arms to the heavens.

 

“We remain silent until my plan is completed. After my third attack occurs in the muggle's world, then we remain silent unitl my second stage of my plan has arrived.”

 

“When will that be, my lord?” asked a tall, black-haired woman. She takes off her mask to reveal a beautiful woman but something in her eyes shows she is insane. She approaches her lord and bowed. He acknowledges her before answering her.

 

“When your nephew does his duty by the end of his term then…” he stops as he looks at his loyal servant Wormtail. “What do you smell?” he ordered.

 

Soon, my worst fears came true. My husband told me once that witches can smell vampires. I never believed him until now. He points to the corner. I tried not to make any eye contact with the man. Hopefully he does not notice me and go back to the meeting. Yet, he kept pointing, telling his master that someone is here.

 

The lord closes his eyes and smells the air. He takes his time, getting the fusty smell through his noise. Slowly, he opens his red eyes and stares to the ceiling. He looks at his servant then to my direction. He presses his long fingers together and turns around.

 

“Friends, I have found a person spying on us. She heard almost everything.”

 

Mumbling broke the silence. My eyes went small as my breathing grew faster. I have been found and I am going to die.

 

“She is behind the bar and the worst part is…not only is she a witch but our worst enemy, a vampire.”

 

”No!” I whispered.

 

The woman spoke,

 

“Let's kill the monster!” several others agreed. The lord hushed them.

 

“Wait, you can't just kill a vampire with simple magic…” he paused.

 

I was relief.

 

“No, we give her a chance to run before we use the curse.” He said before pointing his wand towards me.

 

I hear applauses as he counted to three.

 

“One”

 

I closed my eyes. My heart beats faster.

 

“Two”

 

I breathe slowly.

 

“Three”

 

I opened my eyes and jump out of hiding before he destroyed the bar.

 

“Get her!” He ordered.

 

They prepared their wands and chase after me. I flew above the ceiling and use a bloke spell to protect me. I landed on the floor and ran out the door. I ran from the tavern and knew they were behind me. So I ran faster, faster than I ever done before. I ran down Alcove Drive and Lancaster Street. I hid behind a car as two were on my tail.

 

They tried to find me until one points at the car.

 

“Crucio” the man yelled.

 

The car exploded but I move before it burned me. They used the same spell upon me but I bloke it. I ran to another street in the now darken streets of London. I tried to hide but it seems they kept finding me; so when I saw the park, I knew I was going to be safe. Therefore I ran to the park and trip over a log. I tear my black stockings. I cursed under my breath as I heard voices coming towards me. I stood and ran deeper into the park…well woody area.

 

I ran through the dark, crowded, and gloomy woods. Every branch tear something of my flesh, blood drips from my scars and heal. I cried through the pain, my breath is coming out of me. I was afraid, afraid to die. I do not want to die. I do not want to be reunited with my mother or my once husband. I cannot. I will not. I will fight for my life….

 

I slide on a hill and fell in a pond. I stood only to be face with one of the lord's man. He points the wand at me. I cannot believe it.

 

“Please don't kill me!” I begged. I knew that before I could drink his blood, I would die.

 

He did not say a word as he still point the wand at me. I begged him again but he did not listen to me. Therefore I kneel in the water and bow my head. I cannot believe I am going to die. The green light is on the tip of the wand, ready to strike me. I release a blood tears hoping Hell will be a nice place.

 

However, I did not die. The man puts down his wand. I look up and see his grim expression. He spares me, but why?

 

“I suggest you don't attend Hogwarts this year. Not only is the student body not ready for a vampire but you might cause Potter some problems this year. Don't expect me to save your life again.” He said before he vanished.

 

I search everywhere for him but he vanished in thin air. I am thankfully that he spares me as I stood from the pond and climb up the hill. I was dirty, bleeding, and cold. I had to get home. I had to see Harry. I need to tell him. So I kept climbing the hill on my hands and knees and by the grace of God, I made it. I walk to the park.

 

As I made it to the swings, I saw a tall man and shorter man beside him. They ran towards me which I was frightened again. I was this close to leave until I heard Harry's voice calling me. I ran to him and Hargid. I am glad, jubilant, every word I could think of to see them. I ran into Harry's arms and held him close. I cried,

 

“Harry, he is planning to attack London one more time before school starts. Wormtail, Severus, and the Dark Lord were there when the bomb exploded at the mall. He was responsible for….for…killing a hundred people at the subway. My God, Harry, he is going to do the same for the wizardry world! He is evil…evil…” I sobbed on his chest not caring anymore if he loves Ginny, I am happy that I'm in his arms.

 

Harry rubs my back, saying softly,

 

“It's okay, Iris. You are safe.”

 

I am safe. I feel safe in his arms…