A pillar of flames burst to life, whirling in heatless blue. It only lasted a few moments before fading away, revealing….

A tall gentleman dressed in what appeared to be a Victorian era outfit. A long black coat over a ruffled white shirt. Long black trousers ending in polished buckled black boots that reflected the lights of the great hall. Finishing the outfit was a black top hat settled atop long dark hair that cascaded down to the middle of his back. Peering out from beneath the brim of the hat were a pair of emerald eyes that seemed to survey the room before settling on the Headmaster.

“Albus, my boy. Why have you summoned me?”

The Headmaster blinked before rallying. “I’m afraid you have the advantage of me, young man. To the best of my knowledge we have never met.” He offered the apparent young man a twinkling smile.

The young man in question released a sigh, leaning on a cane that Albus was sure hadn’t been there a moment before. The cane was headed by a sphere of some sort, while the shaft appeared to be some sort of black wood. Those green eyes regarded the Headmaster for a moment before closing. “I see. It would appear that there could only be one of two things. Either you are not the man I thought you were… or this is not the world I thought it was.”

Dumbledore fought back a sigh as he considered the young man once again. “That is quite the statement, my boy. Though perhaps we could address some other issues, such as how you came to be here and who you are?”

The young man straightened, tucking his cane beneath one arm. “You are indeed correct, dear boy. I have been remiss in my behavior.” Reaching up, he removed his top hat, revealing a lightning bolt shaped scar on his forehead, then sweeping it into a bow. “I am Lord Harrison Potter. A pleasure to make your acquaintance once again, Albus.”

Albus blinked, ignoring the sudden clamor of the students in the great hall discussing what they had just heard. “Harry?” His gaze flicked up to the scar before returning to those green eyes, ones he remembered from a decade and a half ago looking up at him from a basket. “My dear boy, where have you been all these years? And why do you appear so much older than you should? You should only be a teenager.”

The young man in question seemed to sigh. “It appears that you still don’t listen, Albus. That was a behavior I thought you had broken in your fifties. It would seem that there are some differences between our worlds. Not the least of which being that my local analog appears to be missing. Interesting.” He glanced around the great hall then sighed. “Though perhaps we should move this discussion to another place so as to not disturb the students any further?”

Professor Snape sneered from his position at the faculty table. “Arrogant, just like his father.”

Harrison Potter turned from the Headmaster to regard the Potions Master. “Oh? Considering that my father has been dead for over six hundred years, I fail to see how you could know anything about him, Professor Snape.”

The chatter in the room grew.

Severus’s sneer deepened. “It would seem you’re delusional as well as arrogant. No doubt you’re here for some nefarious reason. That’s all you can expect from a Potter.”

Turning away from Snape, Harrison regarded the Headmaster from beneath the brim of his top hat, which had been returned to its place atop his head. “Albus, while I realize we haven’t had the chance to build the rapport of working together over the decades that I have had with your analog on my world, I would hope that my familiarity with my version of you would allow me to interact with you in a more familiar manner. Again, I ask that we move this conversation to another room.”

Ignoring his Potions Master with some difficulty, the Headmaster nodded, “Of course, dear boy, of course. Let’s join the other champions, perhaps?” However, something suddenly caught at his attention. “Though do excuse an old man. Did you say that you’ve known me for decades? How can that be? Harry Potter should only be in his mid teens.”

Harrison sighed. “I’m not sure who you think me to be, Albus, but I’m no teenager. I am in fact, a friend of your associate, Nicholas Flemmel. We worked on the Philosopher's Stone together, more years ago than I care to remember.”

The scoff from Severus was ignored as Dumbledore’s eyes narrowed. “Are you an alchemist then?”

Another sigh escaped from the impossible Potter. “No, Albus. My longevity is from a quite different circumstance. Again, I ask that we take this conversation elsewhere.”

“Something to hide, Potter?”

Turning to regard the Potions Master, Harrison merely nodded. “But of course. Do we not all have things to hide?” Lips curling into a sneer of his own, he tapped the inside of his right forearm.

“How dare you!” Severus made to draw his wand, only to stop as the glowing point of the cane was suddenly an inch from his nose. He hadn’t even seen the man move.

“I would suggest that you calm down, Snape, lest you escalate things beyond your abilities.”

Dumbledore palmed his own wand, though he was careful to keep it from the sight of not only the two potential combatants, but that of the students as well. “Now now, there is no need for violence. I’m sure Harry has a perfectly reasonable explanation for his statements, one I’m sure he can share with us all here, if only to reduce the tensions we all are feeling.”

Another sigh escaped from the long haired Potter. “I have tried repeatedly to move this conversation elsewhere. So be it. What comes next is on your head, dear boy.” Removing his cane from its position threatening Snape, he settled it upon the floor, then rested both hands on the stone. “Allow me to formally introduce myself again. I am Harrison Potter, former Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter, before turning it over to my only living relatives. I am also currently Lord of the Potter Coven, head of all Vampires in the British Isles.”

Pandemonium erupted in the Great Hall.

Most of the students scrambled to put as much distance between themselves and the self identified vampire as they could, rushing towards the back of the Great Hall. Several of the older students from the Gryffindor table, as well as many of the Hufflepuffs, however, had drawn their wands and pointed them shakily at the vampire.

Nearly the entire contingent of students from Durmstrang closed ranks, pulling back to one side of the Hall, though they were careful to keep their wands aimed down while keeping an eye on the vampire. The Beauxbaton students were similarly arrayed in a defensive formation. Many of the Hogwarts students found themselves hiding behind the foreign students. Only a few had their wands out.

The reaction at the faculty table was similarly diverse. Each of the Heads of House had their wands drawn and leveled at the vampire. Hagrid was looking at him with a mixture of curiosity and wariness that was normally absent from the jovial half-giant. Others, such as the Divination Professor, merely peered at the newcomer in confusion.

With wand now held at the ready, Dumbledore considered the man calmly leaning on his cane after dropping that particular bombshell. Was he deluded or was he an actual elder vampire, somehow within the walls of Hogwarts?

“I can sense your thoughts, dear boy. And while I’ll admit this is the first time you’ve allowed me within her walls, for a reason you still haven’t shared, I will firmly state that I wish her no harm. It has been a request of mine for many years to be allowed access to your library, one which you promised me those same years ago but have yet to deliver. I do hope that we can put this little issue behind us and interact like civilized beings.” Those emerald eyes seemed to twinkle at the Headmaster in much the way he usually did with his students. Albus found he didn’t enjoy being on the receiving side of that look.

“Potter! Explain yourself!”

With a sigh, the self identified vampire turned to the Potions Professor. “Severus Snape. In the years that you have been in service to my Dumbledore, only twice has he allowed us to meet. Both times you were an insufferable prat, simply due to the fact that James Potter is a distant member of my family and I bear a likeness to him. The first time your behavior was excused and corrected by your Master. The second time your behavior was corrected by me, after which you were no longer allowed to meet with me.”

Leaning further on the cane, the vampire focused those green orbs and for just a moment, Severus felt a moment's hesitation. There was a feeling of being the focus of a predator, very much like being in the presence of the Dark Lord. That only served to reinforce his dislike for all things Potter and the words to a spell touched his lips.

Those words tumbled to the floor, much like his wand, as he drew his suddenly bleeding hand back, cradling it against his chest. At least one of his fingers had been broken and the back of his hand nearly crushed, and he hadn’t even seen the thing move.

“I warned you. There will not be a second warning. I do hope that is the end to our violence here.” The vampire turned back to the Headmaster, whose wand had never wavered. Fortunately, there were no other attempts at a spell. “Perhaps, dear boy, we can move this conversation, as I suggested earlier? It would appear that both your faculty and students are a bit on edge.” There was a hint of a smile on the vampire’s lips.

Dumbledore considered the man, no, creature, before him for a moment before sighing and returning his wand to its holster. Given the speed shown by the vampire, only the elder wand would have helped and it was currently sitting in a drawer at his desk. “Do you give your oath that you intend no harm to those in Hogwarts?”

Harrison nodded. “I give my oath to cause no harm to those who do not attempt harm upon myself.” There was a flash of white light and the Headmaster could feel the weight of the oath settle into the room. With another sigh, he nodded and gestured towards the doors of the Great Hall. Another glance gathered up the Heads of House, save Severus, who he waved back. Pausing a moment to speak with several of the Prefects to help get the students settled, he then led the group, himself first, then Potter, then the House Heads, out and to his office.

***

Harrison Potter, Elder Vampire, Coven Leader, leaned back in his chair, hands resting on the head of the cane resting between his legs. “So, this Goblet of Fire of yours somehow summoned me across the void and is now supposedly going to compel me to compete in the Tri-Wizard Tournament, a contest that in my world was discontinued due to the unfortunate percentage of casualties. I gather the same is true in this world from the grimace on Minerva’s lips.”

Shaking his head, he continued. “Should I fail to compete, the Goblet will relieve me of my magic as consequence for breaking the contract. My dear boy, that is quite the story you have to tell. No less dramatic than my own, I suppose, given my origins and how I have finally gained access to Hogwarts.”

Amusement danced in those emerald eyes as he considered the Headmaster from beneath the brim of his hat. “However, I believe we are operating under a misconception. The Goblet will not be able to compel me to compete, nor do I have any inclination towards doing so. Rather, I shall take the time to avail myself of your library, which my own Dumbledore should have long ago given me access to.”

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair and regarded the young looking man before him. As before, he was struck by how familiar those eyes were, not to mention that scar. Was it possible that young Harry had been brainwashed, tricked into believing a preposterous story about being a vampire? Where had he been all these years and how was he able to appear older? There had to be more to the story and being a vampire sucked from another world was impossible, even for magic.

“My dear boy, I do believe you should take the threat of the Goblet seriously. It has drained many a wizard over the centuries.”

“Then I need not worry, as I am a vampire and not a wizard.”

Professor Sprout blurted out, “But how can that be? Hogwarts’ wards should have kept you out?!”

A chuckle escaped the vampire. “Ah, the vaunted wards of Hogwarts. A millennia of power and intent. Yes, they would normally keep someone like me out. However, you specifically summoned me, via the Goblet. That would mean that I never had to cross the wards. Of course, my dear boy Albus could have let me in at any time, just as he lets in the various minions of your latest dark lord. There are always exceptions with any ward scheme. Additionally, once within the wards, Hogwarts has never maintained anything that would affect me. At least not the one in my world.”

“But still.. A vampire? In Hogwarts? Headmaster, what are we going to do?”

“Pamona Sprout, I have already given my oath. You have witnessed it. Magic has witnessed it. Hogwarts herself has witnessed it. Your students shall be save from any imagined depredations from myself. I cannot say the same for the knowledge stored in your library.” A soft chuckle tumbled from the vampire.

McGonagall scowled at the young looking man who thought himself to be a vampire and very well may be. “Be that as it may, I would like to see assurances, Mr. Potter. I do believe that for the safety of everyone here, you should give over your wand.”

She was not prepared for the chuckle that was the Potter response, her scowl deepening.

“Has Hogwarts' quality of education really fallen so far that they don’t cover vampires? Or is your information just taken from unreliable sources? Really Albus? Thinking I still use a wand?” Harrison gazed from the Gryffindor Head to the Headmaster. “Though this does neatly segway into why I have no fear of your Goblet, my dear boy. That reason being that I do not use traditional wizarding magic. No vampire does. Not can my magic be taken away as it can from a wizard. It is an intrinsic part of my being and cannot be separated from me.”

Albus kept the scowl from his face. “The Goblet is an ancient artifact of incredible power and unknown capabilities. I would not take it so lightly, my boy.”

The vampire rolled his eyes. “Very well then. If it will assure you of things, let us go inspect the Goblet.” With that, he suddenly rose and stepped from the room faster than any other present could react.

The Headmaster stared at the empty chair for a moment before rushing from his office, followed closely by the other Professors. There was a vampire loose in Hogwarts. He had no reason any longer to doubt the boy, having spent the entire interview process feeling out the young man’s aura, one that felt older than his own, along with that dark taint that he hadn’t felt in many years, since his time with Gellert on the continent.

The group hurried to the Great Hall, where students were once again scrambling to put themselves far from the vampire who was standing inspecting the Goblet.

“Mr. Potter! Please do not rush about like that. We need to finish our conversation!”

The vampire shook his head, though he didn’t turn away from the Goblet. “I fear that conversation was doomed to go in circles until we can deal with your obsession about this here ancient artifact.” He reached up and tapped the side of the wooden construct, eliciting a sound more like metal on metal than the thunk of wood on wood that was expected. Those emerald eyes seemed to blaze for a moment.

“There is indeed a web of magic within the Goblet that compels the chosen Champions to compete, lest they lose their magic…” He trailed off at the startled gasps from among the students. Chuckling, he turned to consider the Headmaster for a moment. “I see you didn’t warn anyone as to that little aspect. Still with the secrets, my dear boy? Tsk tsk.”

Turning back to the Goblet, he poked it again with his cane, this time resting the tip against the side of the construct. “However, that web might not be as tight as you might think…” Those eyes ignited with a glow that seemed to encompass the Goblet as well, a brilliant green that shimmered and pulsed even as it flickered like flames. Lines of fire crossed the over the Goblet before expanding into a sphere several feet across, just shy of the vampire’s hand on his cane.

“It’s a nice bit of spellwork. I haven’t seen its like in centuries. And while this type of spellwork does predate even myself, that doesn’t make it unknown. In fact, I bet that with enough time, even you could get past these protections. However, what’s most important right now is…” he trailed off as there was the sound of breaking glass and the lines of fire seemed to shatter before scattering into motes of light that swiftly faded away. A wave of pressure rushed away from the Goblet, ruffling hair and tugging at clothes.

“There we go, no more compulsion to compete, even if it wouldn’t have affected me.”

“What have you done?!” Albus rushed past the vampire to inspect the Goblet, as did many of the other Professors, including those from the other schools.

With a whistle and a wave, the vampire stepped away from the sudden rush and lazily strode from the room.

***

“Are you really a vampire?”

Harrison looked up from the book he was reading to see a young lady with bushy brown hair and intense eyes staring at him, her arms crossed over her chest. He raised an eyebrow at her. “Are you really a little girl?”

The scowl and slight blush on her face was a proper reward. “Oh really. That’s not even an answer.”

Grinning, he nodded. “Of course it isn’t. It’s a question. I just thought we were asking pointless questions that we already knew the answer to.” With that said, he turned his apparent attention back to the book. There were some here that he had only heard of but had never been able to get his hands on.

With a huff, the girl sat in a chair across the table from him, those arms still crossed. Glancing up from his book, he suppressed a sigh before slowly setting the book on the tabletop, careful to keep his place. “Is there something I can help you with, young lady? I do hope you have something more interesting to ask besides questions you already have the answer to.”

The girl opened her mouth for a moment then closed it. He could see the various thoughts behind her eyes before she finally seemed to settle on one. “How are you related to the Boy Who Lived? Are you really his ancestor?”

Frowning, Harrison shook his head. “I’m afraid you’re still operating under a misconception. I’m sure Albus doesn’t want this getting out, but as I’m under no obligations to him, I have no reason to keep the information to myself. You see, I’m not really from your world. Yon Goblet somehow was able to summon me from my world, and from a lovely dinner I might add. While it’s possible that your Boy Who Lived had an analog in my world, there is no possible relation between myself and anyone here, Potter or otherwise.”

A sigh escaped the girl this time and her arms unfolded, hands coming to rest in her lap. “Oh. I had hoped…” She trailed off for a moment. Just as Harrison was about to return to his reading, she finally continued.

“The Boy Who Lived… Harry Potter is the savior of the Wizarding world. He ended the tyranny of the Dark Lord and then disappeared. It would have been nice if we could have had him back with us to give him the rewards he deserved. Not to mention finding out how he had banished such a dangerous wizard.”

In spite of himself, Harrison found his interest piqued. After carefully marking his place in the book with a piece of ribbon, he closed it and settled it on the table. What followed was a mostly one sided discussion about the so-called Boy Who Lived and Vanished, as well as the history of the Dark Lord Voldemort. He found himself fascinated by the history of the wizard who had nearly brought Wizarding Britain to its knees.

Nothing like that had happened in his world, mostly due to the Potter Family’s control of the Wizarding world. Backed up by the might of the Potter Coven, which, for all their dark nature, was a light organization, worked to keep people like this Voldemort in careful check. Terrorists and Dark Wizards were dealt with swiftly and finally. There had been arguments from people like Dumbledore, who didn’t like the Potter final solutions, but in the end had been unable to oppose the entrenched power block represented by hundreds of years of Potter influence.

As their conversation about the Dark Lord neared its end, Harrison leaned back in his chair, carefully regarding the young lady across from him. “That’s quite the tale, my dear girl. It seems that this version of the Wizarding world lacks any type of strong central power. At least ones that are willing to do anything about the ills that befall the everyday wizard. This Voldemort of yours would never had risen to power in my world.”

Leaning forward, he rested his elbows on the table and clasped his hands together, gazing over his steepled fingers. “What would you like to do about it? Not what you think the wizarding world should do, but you, personally.”

The look of surprise lasted only a moment before those intelligent brown eyes narrowed. “Well… I have a few ideas…”

***

“Mr. Potter. I was hoping you could explain why there are a pair of vampires waiting just outside the ward line?”

Harrison looked up from where he was sprawled in a comfortable chair, a large tome in his hands. The book snapped shut and he stood, smiling at the Headmaster. “Ah, Albus, my dear boy! It would appear that the representatives for the local covens have arrived! I’ll head out to the Ward line to talk to them. Do not worry, they shant try to cross. Our business should conclude swiftly as well.”

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Dumbledore strode after the elder vampire. He had been able to confirm that information, at least, by querying the castle wards. They identified Harrison Potter as a vampire of some strength, but lacking in hostile intent. That was surprising as it was generally the consensus that most vampires lacked control of their thirst, especially given how long Harrison had been in the castle since his summoning. It had already been a couple of weeks.

As they strode down the main hallway towards the castle gates, he asked, “How is it that you were able to contact these vampires? I don’t imagine you were able to floo them, as you wouldn’t know any of the floo addresses in this world. Nor would any of my students know any such creatures.”

“Tsk. Really, my dear boy, you underestimate me. I sent an owl to the Goblins. I do thank you for the use of your owlery. I haven’t been able to order one of my own yet, as I would prefer to pick one out in person, but the castle owls are more than capable of assisting me in that regard.”

That information had Dumbledore pausing for a moment before he hastened after the vampire. “Ah. Well then, you are welcome. I would, however, prefer if you would keep me informed if you were trying to have guests at the castle.”

“I’m sure you would, dear boy. However, I will ask that you remain here at the castle. The vampires of this land do not trust you. Do not worry, your wards will keep them out.”

The Headmaster watched the vampire Potter stride away. Things had not gone well since he had been summoned. This was not the outcome he had hoped for. Potter was supposed to be a young man, easily molded to be the one to save the wizarding world. A worthwhile sacrifice for the Greater Good. Instead he was a confident, powerful vampire who had no respect for his elders. Or anyone.

Perhaps Nicholas had something to say about this. Potter had mentioned the Alchemist on multiple occasions. Without the elixir of life, Nick had only a limited amount of time left, however, there was still some little vitality left in the old wizard. It was time that he spent that energy for the betterment of the wizarding world.

***

“I’m sorry, my dear boy, but could you repeat that?”

The Headmaster suppressed the urge to frown, instead reaching up to stroke his beard. “I was hoping that you would consider participating in the challenges, not as a competitor, but as an example of what it is possible to achieve. Given your skill and experience, it wouldn’t really be a fair competition even if you had been compelled to compete. Rather, I would like you to showcase some of the magic that is possible for our audience. There will be representatives from most of the European countries in attendance and it will be a great chance for you to introduce yourself to the world.”

Harrison slowly closed the book in his hands, though he kept a finger marking his page. Cocking his head to the side slightly, he regarded the younger man, those green eyes flashing for a moment. “And what will you offer me in return for my performance?”

Albus blinked. “I beg your pardon?”

The Vampire Potter sighed and shook his head. “Surely you don’t expect me to perform for an audience for free, do you? I expect sufficient compensation for my efforts. I believe we can come up with a suitable fee. My contact with the Goblins can give you a figure.” Tapping a finger to the book in his hands, he suddenly smiled. “Alternatively, you could allow me access to some of the books I hear you have hidden in your office. Ones that you didn’t trust even to your forbidden section.”

The Headmaster’s hand tightened on his beard before he could control himself. “I beg your pardon!”

“By all means, beg away. Something you seem to forget is that you have essentially kidnapped me. I should slay you where you stand for your part in this. However, my affection for your analog, as well as my not knowing who else was involved in this plot has stayed my hand. My access to this library has defrayed some of my ire, but even this wealth is running short.”

Harrison gently set the book on the table, waving that hand through the air. “Unfortunately for you, my ability to go without sleep, coupled with a learned ability to read and process information quickly, is allowing me to swiftly deplete your library of unknown tomes. I should have brought this up earlier, but I am nearing the end of my time in here and must soon search out the other perpetrator of the spells that brought me here. So unless you can provide me with some other incentive, either to perform for your wizards, as well as to prevent my search for the cause of my suffering, things shall be growing very complicated very quickly.”

Dumbledore had to resist the urge to once again reach for the Elder Wand. A battle in the library would be disastrous, even should he prevail, for numerous reason. After many a soul searching moment, he finally gave in. “Voldemort is still alive.”

“Ah this matters to me why?”

Albus couldn’t keep the shock out of his eyes and his mouth threatened to drop open. Gathering his senses, he did allow a frown to show. “I share perhaps the most critical information in years and you ask why it matters? Voldemort is the most terrible Dark Lord in decades. His return will spell disaster for the wizarding world!”

“And again, why does this matter to me? This is not my world. We do not allow Dark Lords to rise to power. This Voldemort is a being of your own creation, one that your world will need to deal with, just as you should have dealt with the underlying conditions that created him. Oh yes, I’m aware of the way your wizarding world is running things. Between my time spent in the library as well as conversations with staff and student alike, I have been dismayed by the differences between our worlds. You should have done more after confronting Gellert and your failure to do so in this world speaks ill of you and your government.”

“What happened with Gellert was a tragedy and I hoped to never face something like that again. What would you have had me do?”

“What your analog did, which was actually guide the wizarding world. You speak of equality between wizards and the non-magical, yet you don’t even treat your new bloods with equality. You do not train them in your traditions and then question them when they cannot understand what they do not understand. You allow the pureblood faction to rule over things, perpetuating the cycle. This is not how my world works and it is no wonder that you continue to produce local Dark Lords. Gellert was only allowed to rise to power in my world because he was on the continent, out from the Covens reach and influence, alongside your own.”

Emerald Green eyes narrowed at the Headmaster. “The fact that you know your Dark Lord is still around and have apparently done nothing about it tells me far too much about you, my dear boy. Things I do not find flattering at all.”

Albus waved a hand and conjured a chair, sinking into it with a sigh. “Things aren’t quite as cut and dry as you try to make it, Mr. Potter. My influence is not as great here as it seems to be in your own world.”

Harrison waved away the comment. “That’s not true. You merely choose to wield your influence differently here. But again, that is neither here nor there. It only shows that you still do not know me. Not surprising, as you haven’t taken the time to get to know me. However, perhaps now you will take the time to figure out how to properly approach me, if you wish to gain my assistance in any of these matters, from your tournament to your Dark Lord.”

Reaching for his book, he slowly opened it and found his previous place. “Return when you have an offer.”

Recognizing the dismissal and restraining the urge to scowl, Dumbledore slowly rose from his chair, banishing it with a thought and leaving the library. It was time to reevaluation things, for sure. Though perhaps not in a way that the Vampire would desire. Especially after Nicholas arrived.

***

“Albus. How many vampires have you interacted with before this?”

The Headmaster blinked at the Alchemist. “None that I can recall, actually.”

“Then allow me to educate you on something about the nature of vampires. They all bargain. Their unlives are filled with bargains. If you do not offer them value for something, then they will be forced to take. However, true vampires, as it would appear this Harrison Potter is, are bound by their bargains. They will honor them with a fervor you cannot truly understand.”

Leaning back in his chair in his office, Dumbledore stroked his beard as he considered his oldest friend. “Is it truly as simple as that? We can bind him in a promise to help?”

Nicholas Flamel leaned back in his own chair. “As with all things, simple does not necessarily mean easy. Vampires, especially the Elders, are a canny lot. They have many centuries of experience. I do hope, Albus, that you are not trying to cheat this vampire. That would go… poorly.”

Dumbledore was quick to wave away the suggestion. “I had hoped to enlist your services in this endeavor.”

The Alchemist nodded with a sigh. “I had hoped you would ask. Not only is your brand of diplomacy useless in this matter, my own experiences with the vampires of the continent should hold me in good stead. Very well, I shall head to the Library to confront your vampire. Do excuse me, dear boy.”

***

Albus watched from the Judges’ Table as the Vampire Elder, Harrison Potter, strode from the Champions’ Tent onto the arena grounds. Nicholas hadn’t fully explained the deal he had made with get Potter to participate in the event, but he knew it had cost the Alchemist dearly. It had also cost him a few of the tomes he kept hidden in his office, ones that he had gotten from Gellert those many years ago. Not to mention tweaking the wards to allow Potter to travel through them.

The other champions had been avoiding the Vampire. Their time in the Champions’ Tent was the first they had spent together since the selection Ceremony. Albus wished he had been able to observe their interactions.

Shaking away those thoughts, he instead concentrated on Harrison. While he wasn’t personally acquainted with any vampires, he had made a study of their abilities during the War, as Gellert had recruited at least one team of vampires. Their physical abilities were definitely great, though they wouldn’t be as useful against a creature as formidable as a dragon. Especially a nesting dragon defending her nest. The Hungarian Horntail was also a particularly nasty breed.

Harrison Potter strode to the middle of the arena floor, standing amidst the rocks strewn about, making no effort to find shelter. Instead, he concentrated those green eyes on the reptilian monstrosity before him. He carried no wand, only the cane with which he had arrived. Tapping that cane against the stone floor caused a resounding boom, one that could be felt in the chest. Even the dragon recoiled slightly before roaring defiance.

Pillars of stone rose around the vampire before shifting shape, growing slimmer and more pointed. They then began to rotate fast enough that a whine could be heard. The dragon grew more alarmed as she shifted lower to hover over her eggs.

“I have no desire to kill you, great dragon. I merely require something from your nest, something that does not belong.”

The dragon cocked its head to the side, regarding the vampire for a moment, before that draconian gaze shifted to her nest. Gaze switching between the vampire, her nest, and the floating, spinning stones, she hissed before bobbing her head. With a nudge, the golden egg was rolled away from the nest. A stone hand arose from the arena floor, grasped the egg, and carried it to Harrison. The stones in the air ground themselves to dust.

Lifting the golden egg overhead, Harrison smiled at the mixed cheers and boos. Seems not everyone was happy with how easily he solved the challenge. They really should have expected something like that though. He was a centuries old vampire.

Back at the Judges’ Table, Dumbledore sighed. That was quite the display of power. He was sure those spinning stone drills would have been able to at least severely injure the dragon, even it didn’t prove fatal outright. That type of damage would have been able to bypass the creatures natural magical resistance, since it wasn’t a spell directly cast at the dragon. Yet another sign that he needed to recruit Potter to help save the wizards from themselves.

***

“No, I will not be attending your ball. Anyone I would ask is either too young, being a student, or one of the staff. Unless you would be allow me to invite someone from outside?”

“Who did you have in mind?”

***

“Introducing Harrison Potter and his companion, Gwennog Jones of the Holyhead Harpies.”

***

“No.”

“What do you mean no?”

“I mean, No, I will not be going into a lake in the middle of winter to retrieve something I don’t even know what it is. You have offered me nothing that will convince me to get into those waters. I have more than enough to keep me busy as is.”

“But… the thing you will miss most is down there.”

“Somehow I doubt that, as I have the tomes secure upon myself.”

“Tomes? I’m talking about Miss Jones.”

The Elder Vampire scoffed. “The fact that you took a celebrity hostage for a competition, I’m guessing most likely against her will, does not bode well for you. You certainly did not have my agreement to involve a hostage. Therefore, her safety, and retrieval, is your responsibility. Now if you’ll excuse me, my dear boy, I have more important things to do than explain what’s wrong with your tournament.”

***

Barty Crouch Jr. looked up as the door to his office opened, revealing one vampiric Potter. There was no need to keep the scowl off his face, as his assumed identity had fought plenty of vampires in his time and had no love for the creatures. His master might have wanted to make use of their abilities during the war, but had never had the chance to recruit them before the other Potter had banished him, however that happened.

“What do you want, Potter? I have lessons to prepare for.”

“I was hoping that we could have a discussion about why your magical signature was part of the matrix that convinced the Goblet to summon me to this world. Also, I wouldn’t go for that wand if I were you. I’d much rather you be in one piece for this conversation, and dragging it from your corpse would be troublesome.”

Folding his arms across his chest, Barty debated on going for his wand regardless. However, that would not serve his master and perhaps, just perhaps, he would be able to make this work regardless. The vampires had almost served his lord before. There was no reason to think that this one would be any different. No matter that he was a Potter. Vampires were still slaves to their needs.

“Fine. Take a seat and we’ll discuss things.”

***

“Albus, my dear boy. I think there is something here you should deal with.”

The Headmaster looked up from his paperwork, wondering how the vampire had managed to get past the gargoyle and into the room without his being informed by either the wards, the portraits, or his own various magics. Banishing that thought for later, he decided to follow the Potter ancestor, only to blink in surprise as they arrived at the door to the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor.

“I’m ensured that only you and I may enter. I thought it best that way.”

Both curious and dismayed at what might have happened to his friend, Dumbledore quickly made his way into the office, only to stop as a different familiar face was revealed. “Barty?”

The unconscious man slumped in the chair behind the desk failed to respond, though the vampire Albus had somehow forgotten was behind him replied instead. “That was the name I got out of him eventually. Seems you’ve had a disguised Death Eater in your school for months, only charged with teaching your students how to protect themselves from people like him. Not only that, but you’ve had him over the security for this tournament you tried to rope me into. Additionally, he was partially responsible for my summons, alongside your own modest efforts, I might add.”

Dumbledore had his wand in hand and a spell on his lips even as he spun away from the unconscious man to face the vampire. He was therefore surprised when he found Potter with his arms folded rather than preparing an attack.

“And what do you plan to do with this information, Mr. Potter?”

Those emerald eyes regarded for him for a moment before narrowing slightly. “For the moment, nothing. I’ve already learned from Crouch that your summoning me was not the intended result. That you were trying to summon my local analog, which you have somehow misplaced. He also confessed to having no idea how to send me home. That, my dear boy, will be your mission and your penance. It is also your last chance.”

Magic seemed to blaze from that steely gaze as he continued, “Our conversations have been disappointing, Albus. Even Nicholas has been disappointed in the way you have wielded your influence and power. Not to mention allowing your Dark Lord to run amuck. Your tasks now shall be to find me a way home whilst I deal with your problems as they should have been. That being said, I shall be out of the castle for a couple of weeks. You have until I return before we settle things, one way or another.”

For a moment, Dumbledore considered just ending things there. The Elder Wand in his hand certainly agreed with the idea. However, there was something about the look in Potter’s eyes that stayed his hand. “Very well. I shall see what I can do to find a way to send you home. No doubt with the assistance of the Goblet.” He waved his wand at the unconscious Barty. “What do you plan to do with him?”

“He’s coming with me. We’re going to be working closely to clean up your mess and hopefully deal with your Dark Lord issue for good.”

Albus wasn’t sure how he felt about that.

***

The crowd erupted into cheers as Cedric Diggory appeared on the platform, the champion’s cup clutched in his hands. Behind him, the hedge maze faded into the ground, revealing the ruffled forms of the other two champions. They slowly made their way out of the former maze even as the officials congratulated the Hogwarts’ champion on his performance.

Suddenly a number of figures arrived on the platform amidst a burst of black smoke. The smoke cleared to reveal the figures clad all in black, complete with cloaks that nearly enveloped their forms. Only the lack of the typical silver skull mask kept the crowd from scattering fright. The aurors on duty nonetheless had their wands in hand and leveled on the invaders.

Dumbledore had the Elder Wand in hand and closed ranks with the other professors and Headmasters as they arrayed themselves against what he could sense were numerous vampires, alongside other non-humans.

Those on the platform were encouraged to leave, the tournament officials, Diggory and his father, all making a swift exit, though the clearly exhausted Cedric had his wand clenched tightly as he took a place alongside the professors, ignoring his father’s efforts to get him to move into protection.

Another stream of black smoke streaked across the sky to land at the center of the platform. From it emerged Harrison Potter, clad similar to the others, though his outfit was edged in silver. The Headmaster could feel power emanating from the cloak.

The Vampire Elder rested his hands on the cane that suddenly appeared in his hands, the draconian head gleaming with a light that had to be the effect of some unknown spell. “Citizens of the Wizarding World. A decade and a half ago you were plagued by one of the most feared Dark Lords of all time. Only the timely intervention of my ancestor, Harry Potter, prevented the fall of Wizarding Britain. What was not known at the time though, was that Voldemort was not truly defeated that night of All Hallows Eve. Rather, he was turned into some sort of wraith and fled to regrow his power.”

Reaching into his cloak, he withdrew a burlap sack, which he then upended. Out tumbled something about the size of a human baby, though a twisted mockery of one. It had wrinkled red and scaly skin, with a snake-like nose and wide, unseeing red eyes.

“Your Dark Lord was looking to bring himself back to life, with the assistance of some of his servants, who you have allowed to run free. Fortunately for you all, I have dealt with the servants. Their Master, on the other hand, somehow managed to turn himself once again into a wraith. Meaning that he's still out there, waiting to return.”

Potter offered the assembled wizards a wide smile before sweeping into a bow. “Congratulations, Wizards and Witches of the Brittish Isles. You have found yourselves a new savior. Another Potter to deal with the mess you have left behind.” Straightening from his bow, he allowed that smile to broaden, a grin with far too many teeth.

“I do hope you’ll enjoy the show, as I’ll be here for a while. And to think, you all have Headmaster Dumbledore to thank for why you now have a Vampire Elder taking over your country…”