Even in Death

EVEN IN DEATH

By Elisabeth Sobyhan

Chapter Two :: The Wicked Games We Play

STAYING at the Haus de Schwarzen for Harry was beginning to become a trying experience. Sure, the manor was secluded enough so that he could explore the property by flying around it, but the dinners with Regulus were beginning to get strange. At his arrival, Regulus ate with him. Harry only assumed that he ate with him as to lessen the oddity of his affliction. He still sat with Harry at dinner but reduced his intake to a single glass of wine. And the days that Harry was out on the grounds, Regulus was seemingly putting things together. Harry had seen books of fabrics strewn across the floor of the library. It almost seemed like Regulus was planning something. Something big.

"Good afternoon, Harry," Regulus said quietly. "Did you enjoy your flight?"

"Yes..." Harry replied quietly. "Are you planning something?"

"Whatever do you mean?"

"I mean, the fabric books in the library, sending me out of the house during the day, the constant questions to when I'm leaving." Harry sighed. "There's something going on here. Something you don't want me to see."

Regulus sipped his wine. "Nothing is going on Harry." He set down his glass and looked intently at Harry. "The fabric books are for the lining in my coffin, I figured you haven't been able to fly since your sixth year at Hogwarts so I send you out, and the questions about your departure are merely thoughts. Your friends must miss you."

"Yes, they probably do." Harry pushed his plate away. "I write to them, so it lessens the pain of my absence."

"I'm sure it does."

Harry cocked an eyebrow. "Really, if there's something I shouldn't be here for, you can tell me to leave."

Regulus sighed, slipping down in his seat slightly. "No, I want you to leave, but he wants you to stay."

" 'He'?"

"Lord Phian..." Regulus replied. "Your powers of observation truly astound me, Harry. Yes, there is going to be a party here, but its not something for the living to attend." He gulped his wine. "The Feriae Coeo Salax is upon us and Lord Phian wants to make you a part of the 'game'."

"Game?" Harry looked slightly sick. "What game?"

"It's a cruel game, for both vampire and human. Phian hides a human among us, and it's every present vampire's task to find said human and drain them of life." Harry's eyes widened.

"Unless Phian finds you interesting... then and only then will he turn you."

Harry was shocked by what Regulus was telling him. The bodies they had found drained of blood and abused on the sides of roads, this was what it was from. Harry set his fork down slowly and leaned back in his chair. He rubbed his temples slowly, staring at the food in front of him.

"I suppose it would be reckless to run away."

"Probably..." Regulus replied. "Phian is very well connected, not to mention you have such an obvious face."

"He's right, Harry," a silky voice breathed in his ear. "I would find you."

Harry froze. He'd not sensed the man's presence until now. "Lord Phian?"

"What a good boy you are," Phian replied. "Knows how to address his betters properly."

"Master, please, anyone other than him," Regulus breathed.

Phian cocked an eyebrow. "Do you fancy him, Regulus? Would you like to keep him to yourself?"

"No, sire..."

"I didn't think so." Phian turned his attentions back to Harry. "Now that Regulus has explained the game, do you wish to take part?"

"Not particularly," Harry grumbled.

"What a pity." Phian grabbed Harry directly below his jaw. "I really didn't want to have to kill you."

"Master!" Regulus screamed.

"Be quiet, young one," Phian instructed. Harry made an awful choking noise. "I don't plan to drain him, merely snap his neck."

Regulus sucked in a sharp breath. "No..."

"Oh yes, young one." Phian smiled malevolently. "I believe he'll make a wonderful addition to the Garden, don't you?"

"Harry, just agree. There's no need to be defiant with him. Just do as he says."

Harry rose a shaky hand to Phian's face. The slender hand stroked the pale cheek before him. "I accept..." he breathed.

Phian let go and Harry slumped into his seat. "Wonderful. I knew that you would see things my way, little one." He ran a hand through Harry's jet-black hair. "I'm fairly sure that I have left you in capable hands to prepare yourself for the party. Good day, young ones."

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[End Chapter Two]