Shadow's Truth

Chapter Nine

She's beautiful

, he thought to himself as he stood at the foot of her bed. He'd been watching her for over two hours, and she hadn't so much as stirred in her bed. She hadn't noticed he was there; which was a good thing for him. What bothered him though, was the fact that the girl sleeping in the bed had not yet sensed the undead creature hidden in the corner of the room. He had noticed the moment she and her friends had appeared on his property; she was a 'born-one', as described to him by his master. She was a wielder of death, and was dangerous; but was needed to fulfill his Lord's bidding after she finished the task of saving Britain from its current dangers.

He looked at the creature hidden in the corner of the bedroom. Glaring at the creature, Jamison released a deep growl from his throat. The creature slowly moved across the room, and slid across the bed covering Lenna's torso and lower body with a thick fog-like shadow.

Lenna woke up with a fright, and tried to move. She looked at Jamison at the end of her bed; her facial expressions told the man that she was confused. He was hoping she'd at least have screamed for him. He was only slightly annoyed with the fact she just looked at him, as if she expected it to be someone else standing there watching her. His lips curled into an evil smile, as he moved around the bed and sat down next to her.

Jamison gently ran a hand down the young woman's face, and shivered at the cool touch of her skin. He had expected it; after all, his master had explained to him that if he touched her, one of two things was going to happen.: She'd kill him, or he would just feel a freezing sensation that would quickly pass. He had been warned not to touch her just in case she did try to kill him. He was a valuable asset to his master.

"Mr. Higgs, I have no idea why you're here, but if you don't mind, I'd really like it if you'd let me up off my bed and get out of my room. I am not here for some pervert's sick fantasies," Lenna grumbled as she fought to try and move against the creatures hold of her. "Now, please let me go before I alert my friends of what you're doing."

"And how, pray tell, do you plan on doing that?" Jamison cooed, leaning into her. "The rooms have a silencing charm on them. You will not be able to get your friends' attention."

"You'd be surprised what I can do, Mr. Higgs. You should not underestimate me."

"Oh, I don't underestimate you, Ms. Snape. I've been told what you can do."

Shock washed over her features which made Jamison laugh, an intoxicatingly sick laugh. He did enjoy playing coy games with her. He enjoyed it more when he got the desired reaction out of her. Lenna had been the first woman he had enjoyed toying with. She wasn't like all the other women he had played this game with. She fought against him; she truly believed she could get away from him without hurting anyone. He had never seen a necromancer who did not like what they were. She was the first.

"Mr. Higgs, I have no idea what's going on here. I am only here to complete the task given to me by the Ministry of Magic. If you'd please allow me to get some sleep, my friends and I will be out of your hair by tomorrow," Lenna said ever so politely, wanting more than anything to be able to move on her own. She feared her own abilities, and didn't want to do anything stupid that would risk her losing Terence any time soon. "Please!"

"I do love it when you beg," he purred, and curled up next to her with enough room between the two that he wasn't touching her.

"You're sick!" she said, closing her eyes.

"Don't you want to know why I'm here?"

"Does it look like I care? I just want out of this bed so that I can kill you!" she hissed, turning her head to look at him. "I am going to kill you very, very slowly."

"Oh, but that wouldn't make my master happy. You see, he doesn't want your innocence spoiled by anyone in this family. It's why you'll never be with my nephew."

"And who is this master of yours?"

"The God of Time and Death, Chronos, the father of the Gods," Jamison replied smoothly.

Lenna looked at the man lying next to her as if he had grown a second head. She didn't believe in such things. There were no gods watching them; there was no one there that could possibly be a servant to such a person. She really did believe he was lying to her, but had no idea whether or not the man was senile or really did believe there were ancient gods to whom he worked for.

"You don't believe me, do you?"

"You got that right."

"Oh, but he does exist. The Higgs family has been watching over the Temple for centuries, my dear girl. The time will come when young Terence will have to take over my job as the temple guardian," Jamison explained.

"Right. You want me to believe that? Are you mad?" Lenna hissed.

"You do not have to believe me, Ms. Snape, but it is most certainly true. And my master has given me permission to help you on your quest to save Britain. Of course, if you do not deem him worthy of existence, then he may very well take back his gracious offer to help you and your friends," Jamison said slowly, making sure the young witch in front of him understood everything he was saying.

"And at what price does this master of yours offer his assistance to us lowly little witches and wizards?" Lenna replied, quite frankly getting tried of having to put up with such rubbish. She was bound to a bed and was really unable to say no to the offer. She was sure that if she refused, this Chronos, Lord of time and death, would have her killed.

"At no price at all, my dear. He just wishes to help one of his children. You are after all a Necromancer, a child of death. Why would he not wish to aid you one this journey of yours?"

"Mr. Higgs, for someone who takes orders from another, you certainly are stupid. I have only one father and he is in England. And I do not wish to have anything to do with some 'god' that in due time will come wanting payment for his help in this case. I am not gullible, nor am I naive. I have had my fair share of men who control and use others for whatever they deem so worthy of a cause. I am not about to throw my life into some 'god's' hands simply to find a cure to the epidemic back home," Lenna explained, her temper growing thin. "Now, I will ask you again, and only once more. Let me up!"

Jamison laughed at her, and slowly moved off of the bed. He moved towards the door, leaving the creature on her. He nodded his head, and opened the bedroom door to finding Terence, Marcus and Draco standing there.

"Lenna?" Terence called into the room, glaring at his uncle.

"I'm fine, Terence," Lenna called back, a smile on her face, "I told you not to underestimate me, Mr. Higgs. And, I do believe I contacted my friends when you thought I could not," she laughed coldly.

"Yes, but I have not let you up off the bed. And for such deception, I think I will leave Vladimir where he is," Jamison replied looking back into the room. "If she moves, Vladimir, you may use whatever force necessary until she agrees to the conditions given."

He didn't wait for an answer and quickly left the room, pushing his way through Marcus and Draco. Neither of the two Slytherins wanted to let the man go; though, they may have been mean and spiteful when they were younger, none of them agreed with going into a witch's bedroom without permission. They had been raised with more respect for women than that. Marcus had pinned Jamison to the wall, his hand tightly wrapped around the man's narrow throat. Terence laid a hand on Marcus' arm and shook his head to call the man off.

"Don't kill him. Lenna needs all of us when the time comes. If he is dead, then I cannot help her," Terence explained, as he felt Marcus' grip on Jamison loosen. "Thank you."

All the while, Lenna remained in the bedroom unable to move. She fought against the creature that had her pinned to the bed. She growled, snapped and snarled, and still the creature refused to relent.

Closing her eyes, Lenna found herself in a state of total calm. She had gone to the part of herself where the magic of the dead resided. Calling on that magic, the power she feared so much, and let it wash over her, allowing it to take absolute control of her. The magic prickled across her skin, and fled outwards until it hit the creature Vladimir. It recognized the creature, a creature of the night. The Undead. A vampire. She allowed the magic, her necromancy, to fill the vampire.

When she was sure she had the vampire under her control, she spoke, "Vladimir, I order you to release me from this bed."

She felt the vampire fight against her, fighting for control of its senses. Fighting to do what its master had said. He did not want to fail his master. He feared the man that had created him, and in allowing the witch off the bed, he would risk punishment. All of this, all the vampire's feelings, crashed upon Lenna's mind. She screamed, not because his thoughts hurt, but because she had seen who his master was, his true creator, and that frightened her. She felt him slide off the bed, felt his terror as he cowered in the corner. She felt herself slowly call the power back into herself, burying it again.

When she came back to her senses she looked around the room and found Terence sitting on the bed beside her, Marcus and Draco holding Jamison, and Hermione and Ginny looking ever so confused. Her attention turned to the vampire in the corner. She could still feel him; his terror, his pain.

Jumping out of bed, Lenna moved towards the vampire. A soft smile on her face she knew she should be afraid of the creature. She knew vampires were dangerous and what one could possibly do to her; but none of it mattered because she had a momentary glimpse of what this vampire's life had been like. She didn't feel pity, or anger; she understood him. He didn't fit in with the others like him because he had been created not just as a vampire; he was a mixed breed.

Crouching in front of him, Lenna extended her hand gracefully and gently touched his pale cold cheek. She had learned over the last seven years of being a Medi-Witch that a friendly smile and gentle touch was comforting. That a frightened child understood those two things when all else made no sense.

"I've seen him in my mind," she uttered. "I felt the terror he inflicts upon those he commands; and he scares me too. I will not let him hurt you, if you let me help you."

"Lenna, what are you doing?" Hermione questioned coming up behind her. "He's a vampire, and they're not to be trusted. He'll turn on you and kill you. I've read all about it. You can't offer your help to him."

"Hermione, please, do be quiet," Lenna said almost too calmly, for the panicked frightened feeling she was feeling. "He's terrified of his master, his creator. I've seen and felt his fear. I have seen his master, and it scares me, Hermione. I cannot allow for this creature to return to him. I won't."

"What are you talking about?" Ginny asked.

"Damian," Lenna began, noting that Vladimir shuddered. "Damian is his creator. Damian sent Vladimir to Jamison. Jamison is working for Damian. But that doesn't make any sense to me. Damian was defeated, we sent him away."

"Lenna," Ginny said, sitting next to her friend, "Damian is immortal, remember. We just sealed him away so he couldn't hurt anyone else."

"I am not working for this Damian that you speak of. I have told you that I work for Chronos and no other," Jamison seethed and felt Marcus' grip tighten on his arms.

"You will respect her, or I'll make you hurt for every disrespectful comment. Do I make myself clear?" Marcus growled.

"Perfectly."

Vladimir pressed his cheek against Lenna's hand, closed his green eyes, and felt her pull him in closer to her body. He felt the warmth of her body against his and remembered his days when he was alive. In spite of everything that had happened Vladimir felt comfortable and welcomed in her arms, like no one could harm him as long as she was there. She had promised to be his protector; she had promised to keep him safe and in doing so, became his new master. It was her magic that made him feel safe, it was her magic that had moved him from her bed, and now he was hers until he was killed.

Standing up, Lenna turned cold eyes on Jamison. She still felt cold from the use of her necromancy; she still felt the tingle it left on her skin. It was all because one man had over stepped his boundaries and come after her. She was angry and wanted to continue on her way.

Walking over to Jamison, she slapped him. "Touch me or mine again, and I'll make sure you suffer a very horrible death. You're master will be without a guardian, because I won't give Terence up. If you or this 'god' of yours try to stand in my way again, there will be hell to pay. Now, get out of my sight."

Jamison left the room grumbling, and was soon followed by Draco, Ginny and Hermione; Marcus however, paused at the doorway watching Lenna closely. She was suddenly aware that she was standing, yet again, in nothing more than the black lingerie that Terence had bought her.

"One of these days, Snape, I'm going to see what's underneath that sexy outfit of yours," Marcus purred, relishing in the scowl she gave him.

"In your dreams, Flint!" Lenna snapped in reply.

"Well, at least let Higgs there get the chance to," he said as he was leaving. He loved teasing Lenna, more so when he got the desired reaction out of her.

When she was alone again in her room, she turned and found Terence lying on the bed, his right arm over his forehead and his eyes closed.

"Vladimir, the sun will be up soon. You should return to your coffin and wait for nightfall," Lenna muttered and was handed a small doll sized coffin.

The vampire removed the lid, and slid into it comfortably in his shadow form. Lenna replaced the lid and put it in her bag so that the sun could not touch it, before standing in front of the large window to watch the morning sun rise. She had always loved dawn, but the sunset was equally as beautiful.

She heard the rustle of covers and saw Terence's reflection in the window as he wound his arms around her waist. A smile fluttered across her face as she rested her head on his shoulder. Even though she was supposed to be mad at him, the new morning light and the warmth of his body against hers seemed to make all her anger fade away.

He gently kissed her neck and felt her relax in his arms. Slowly he kissed down her shoulder and back again, until she pulled away and turned to look at him. He watched her eyes eagerly wander down his chest. Leaning in he placed a soft kiss on her lips, and felt her run her fingers down his chest in teasing circular motions.

A blush crept across Lenna's cheeks as her fingers curled around the elastic band of Terence's boxers. She suddenly felt like a nervous seventeen year old again; having for the first time seen her boyfriend naked. But she wasn't a child any more, and she had been with other men. Biting her bottom lip, Lenna looked up at Terence as if looking for reassurance that he wasn't going to break her heart again, or at least that this wasn't some sort of erotic yet horrific dream that when she woke up she would find herself alone.

Terence knew what she was searching for. He had to assure her somehow that he was here for real this time; that he never wanted to hurt her. His finger dropped to her tattoo, gently stroking the delicate skin. Immediately he felt the connection, felt her hesitate. But he showed her his heart, his true feelings. How he loved her, how he could never mean to hurt her, how much he wanted her right now. He felt her need as well and he swiftly pulled her to him, crushing her to his chest. His mouth sought hers, tasted her. He didn't want to let go at all.

Lenna kissed him with the same sense of urgency, needing him just as much now. His hands curved over her shoulders, sliding over her skin, across her chest. His fingers danced across her nipples. Her cheeks flushed. Only Terence could cause her body to respond this way. It was as though he was all she needed. She shivered against him and pressed closer. Her hands fumbled for a moment getting his boxers off, but they did indeed fall to the floor. They stood, completely naked in her room, flush against each other.

Terence moved his mouth to her ear, licking the lobe lightly, nibbling gently. "Lenna..." he murmured. She closed her eyes and said his name, barely a whisper. His hands continued their slow, tantalizing exploration of her body. She tasted so sweet, so silken. His tongue darted out, flickering against her collarbone, dipping between her breasts. He felt the catch in her breath, heard the small whimper of want. Lenna's hands curved over his body, stroking his buttocks teasingly, stoking the fire. His fingertips traced long lines across her belly and he smiled as she shivered, her grip tightening on his butt. He continued to swirl his tongue around her pert nipples, tasting and enjoying every second.

His fingers finally found their way between her thighs and began their careful exploration. She uttered a small cry, her nails biting into his shoulder blades. In on quick sweep, he lowered her onto the bed, his fingers never leaving her wet centre. He laid her back against the pillow, caressing her slowly, but with gentle force. Her legs began to shake and her breathing became more insistent. His eyes didn't leave her face as she closed her eyes. Oh, it was like sweet fire, burning her skin, getting warmer and warmer, almost there...so close... then he pulled his hand away, bringing her back down. She opened her eyes, watching him.

He took his place between her thighs, gently urging them apart. She rested her knees against his hips, her hands laid lightly against his chest. He was hard and hot, nudging her opening with a tender teasing. His mouth lowered to hers.

"Terence..." she whispered.

"Shhh..."His lips covered hers in a sweet caress. "I love you Lenna...so much," he murmured.

"Terence....I love you..." she whispered her mouth enveloped by his and with one fluid movement he was inside of her. They remained still, physically and emotionally connected. Then slowly he began to move in and out of her body. His fingers circled her tattoo, the tingling adding to the sensation. Her whole body shuddered and after a moment she matched his rhythm, moving with him in smooth, languid strokes, slowly building into an intense fire.

Slowly the intensity grew, building up and overlapping. Her body clenched as she finally allowed her own release, his name a strangled cry of love and ecstasy on her lips. She clung to him and soon he too reached his peak. They lay intertwined and sweating in her bed, trying to catch their breath. He kissed the tip of his nose and laid his head against her chest. She stroked his hair. Neither spoke for a moment. Then he looked at her.

"Lenna...I promise...I will never hurt you again." She nodded and said nothing, merely touched his cheek. Terence stood and helped her up as well. They made their way to the bathroom to clean up, only once in the shower he made love to her again, covered in soap against the shower wall.

Finally, clean and exhausted, they curled up together in her bed, clinging to each other;, needing the closeness. His lips grazed her ear and her neck. Lenna sighed softly. She patted his hand, saying nothing but he knew. He felt it too: a closer bond between them, a tie forever. He pulled her close and kissed her, not wanting to let her go. The sun had spilled its golden rays across the floor. With much reluctance, Lenna sat up. "We'd better go. It's getting late." He nodded. She straightened her bed and then together they walked out the door into the common room.

Standing in the doorway, Lenna's arms wrapped around Terence's waist, they took in the argument between Marcus and Hermione that came to a quick halt when they closed the bedroom door loudly.

"Work out your sexual frustrations?" Marcus snickered, noting the pleased looks on both their faces.

Nodding Terence replied, "I see you haven't."

"I would if she wasn't such a prude!" Marcus replied sharply, as Lenna chuckled.

"I am not about to sleep with you just because you and I are technically the only single ones!" Hermione snapped.

Lenna looked at Draco and Ginny who were sitting on the couch enjoying the scene. Draco's arm was looped around Ginny's shoulder. Slightly amused, Lenna turned her attention to Marcus and Hermione who were still arguing.

"It's only befitting that you two get together. I think it would be a rather interesting relationship," Lenna chuckled.

"You expect me to be with him after everything he put me through at school? Are you mad?" Hermione argued.

"That or date Ron, who hasn't had a stable job since Harry died. At least Marcus has some sort of money to support you," Lenna shrugged.

Hermione looked at Marcus who was snickering. "I think I'll take my chances with Ron," she said before she stormed out of the room.

Shrugging, the group followed after her. It was late, and they had to begin their journey into the unknown. They had to start somewhere; they just needed to find point A.