An Auror's Work is Never Done

Chapter 10 The Turning

Nicholae took me on a journey that lasted until just before the early morning light could be seen. We landed on the porch of a magnificent country house.

He led me into a long hallway, holding my hand all the while. "It is time for me to retire. Feel free to explore the house and its grounds at your leisure. I have several House-elves who will get you anything you should desire. This will be your room. Mine is next door. The only thing I will ask of you is to please not endeavor to enter my room while I am sleeping. I can be most...unpleasant if one wakes me before I am ready."

"I can relate to that. I'm the same way."

"I look forward to finding out."

I blushed.

"The loveliest rose cannot compare to the bloom in your cheeks. I suggest you take a short nap at the very least this afternoon. I am sure you will have many questions for me when I wake. Until tonight." A kiss on my hand and he left me alone in the hall.

Curious as to what my room looked like I opened the door. It was decorated in the same color scheme as my Marauder Room at Hogwarts, pale green, silver, and white. 'This vision thing is a bit unnerving.' I was only use to Draco knowing my innermost thoughts.

I wandered around the large room, taking note of the huge bed draped in pale green satin sheets with silvery curtains pulled back. On the vanity was an envelope addressed to me.

Aurora Dawn,

I am delighted beyond words that you are at long last here with me. I will assume I did not have time to tell you details about the house. I had the villa built in the early 1900's in the hope you would one day join me here. It is named 'Casa da Vento', the House of Wind. There are stables, a swimming pool, and more on the grounds. Please feel free to call upon Mimi. I have assigned her as your personal elf. I will see you tonight, Dear One.

Nicholae

'Stables! It's been SO long since I've ridden.' Exploring further, I walked into the bathroom and opened another door. Inside was row upon row of clothes; dress robes, everyday robes, Muggle clothes, nightwear, more than one person could possibly wear in a lifetime. Seeing a racy, black teddy and blushing I quickly grabbed a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. He'd even thought of underclothes.

Dressing in the fresh garments I called Mimi.

"Yes, Miss Aurora? How can Mimi be of assistance?"

"I'd like to go to the stables but I don't know where they are."

"Master Nicholae has enchanted a broom that will take you anywhere on the estate you ask it to."

"Oh!" 'That's a handy trick. I'll have to remember that one.'

"Are you hungry?"

"Actually, yes. I'm starved."

"Come with me and I'll fix you up with some pecan waffles. How's that sound?"

"Delicious." She led me to the kitchen. "Pardon me for being nosy, Mimi, but you don't speak like any House-elf I've ever met before."

"Master Nicholae insists any elf in his employ be educated."

"His employ?"

"We are free elves."

'Well, Herms would love him at least.'

Some time later Mimi handed me the broom. I climbed on the Dragon's Fire XT and said, "To the stables please." The broom zoomed up and took me to the front of a huge barn like structure. The stables were magnificent. The housing itself was large, capable of easily accommodating twenty horses or more. Six stalls were currently occupied. There were two grey Arabians, a Palomino, one Bay, a tan Tennessee Walker, and a striking jet black Thoroughbred.

"Beauties, aren't they?"

I jumped.

"Sorry. Didn't mean to startle ya. I'm Denver. I take care of the horses."

"Hi, Denver. I'm Aurora. You're not from around here are you?"

"Texas. You?"

"Louisiana originally."

"Small world. Come to take a ride, I assume?"

"Yes. It's been a long time since I've ridden though. I'm not sure if I can remember how to put the tack on."

"Not a prob. I'll take care of that. Any particular horse?"

"No."

"How well do you ride?"

"Pretty good."

"Trail or pleasure, fast or slow?"

"Pleasure, fast."

"Blondie will do ya fine then. He loves to race."

I rode the Bay over lush meadows and soft hills. He seemed as eager to put distance between the casa and us as I was. We stopped at a babbling brook where I let Blondie rest and cool down. Mimi interpreted the tranquil setting with the news lunch would be served shortly. Blondie and I made our way back to the stables where Denver was waiting.

"Enjoy your ride?"

"Very much, thank you."

After lunch I took a short nap. When I got up I prepared a list of questions to ask Nicholae. Mimi directed me to the library and I settled down with the newest Dean Koontz novel. My host had a very extensive collection of books from every genre, Muggle and Wizard, lining the four walls.

Three hours had flown by before I set aside the finished hardback and looked at the clock. It was only 4:15. The sun wouldn't set for at least three more hours. I went to discover the mysteries of the remainder of the house.

I found a beautiful glassed in patio that looked more like a tropical jungle than anything closely resembling a room. 'A sunroom in a Vampire's home. How odd!' I also discovered a game room, six additional bedrooms, five baths, dining room, an office complete with two computers, and a large ballroom. I'd just started to climb the steps to the attic when I heard his chuckle.

"So inquisitive. It is a trait I admire. You will have to save upstairs for tomorrow. Our evening meal awaits us."

Nicholae poured himself a glass of thick, red liquid from a wine bottle. "Do you mind?" he asked indicating the goblet. "I can have it later if the sight bothers you."

"Umm, no, it's fine. I guess I'll have to get use to it."

"If you are sure."

I nodded. Questions gnawed at the edges of my conscious along with the fear of uncertainty and change.

"I am ready to answer your questions whenever you wish to ask them."

Calling on my Gryffindor courage I started. "Will it hurt?"

"A little. I have never turned another. I shall endeavor to make it as painless as possible."

"What'll happen to me? I mean, what's it involve?"

"I will drain your body of nearly all its blood. Then I will feed you mine. We will exchange blood three times each. This insures you will be strong enough in body and mind."

"Can something go wrong? What if I'm not 'strong enough'?"

"I have heard of some who succumb to the madness of the Blood Fever but their sires were in all instances very young. Those who go mad are worse than beasts. The fever rules their minds. They live only for the next kill."

"What if I..."

"It will not. I will not let you."

"But if it does?"

"It will not," he said angrily, pounding his fist on the tabletop.

I put a hand over his. "If it does, promise me you won't...you won't let me live like that. I don't want to become an animal."

"It will not come to be!"

"Please, Nicholae. If it does."

"If it will ease your mind, I swear it."

"Thank you. Where do you get the blood?" I asked motioning to his bottle.

"The Muggle blood bank believes I run a hospital."

"That's a relief. When will you do it?"

"In three days. I would have you fully recovered from your ordeal and there are preparations to be made."

"Oh."

"Am I truly so horrible wanting you to share this life with me?" The anguished glint in his eyes intensified my guilt.

"No. That's the problem." I stood up and went to gaze out the window. "Part of me wants to refuse this even if I have pledged myself to you. The other part longs to be with someone again. I just don't know if I love you. Urgh! I'm so confused!"

"In time I am confident you will return my feelings. For now it is enough you are here with me."

"Nicholae, I admit I'm very attracted to you but what if I never return your love?"

He was unable to answer that question.