The Baron sat in the small cell idly flicking through Voyages with Vampires. The dementors had removed what was left over from dinner and most had left him. Several had stayed behind to keep an eye on him no doubt. Vladimir thought with a smile. They had no doubt informed the governess of the death of a prisoner and possibly that he was sitting in the dead mans cell. He smiled. What could she do anyway? More likely than not she wasn’t even here, replaced or out hunting?

He got up and left the book there on the cell floor. He wouldn’t need it. No doubt the next poor soul would pick it up. It would give him something to read. He stalked past the dementors flashing his teeth as he passed. He didn’t really know what to make of them and more than ever he wished he knew what they made of him. Probably they see just another demon, another predator in the food chain who can’t possibly harm them. He took a deep breath, this place felt cold he had a lurching in his stomach every time he passed one of the guards. This is silly he couldnt be affected by them he wasnt human. he felt miserable. maybe he was just a second son doomed to a life of coming second, it was after all just his imagination that regrets were surfacing everytime his silent escort glided too close. perhaps he was hungry he allway felt better on a full stomach.

He stood outside in the courtyard, in the cold early hours of the morning; the snow was still falling and would soon stop altogether by the time the sun raised. The wind had changed; he was now up wind. As he looked at the snow-covered walls his mind went back.

 *** - - -***

Durmstrang sometime in the late 1700s. Snow was everywhere. Its whiteness dazzled the eyes. The stillness, peaceful and unthreatening the night was still. Jacob stood with his back to Vladimir looking at the castle school that lay before them. Killishandra walked up to Jacob and put her arm through his.

“ This will be perfect, my love.” She said in a soft purr. Jacob looked down at her upturned face and smiled.

“How could I refuse anything to you” Jacob replied and turned back to look at the castle. Vladimir crossed his arms across his chest and scowled deeply. Madness, whimsical madness all because a doe-eyed mistress demanded it. As the couple in front of him stared ahead at the castle, Vladimir stalked past them his hair hanging loose. He strode up to the castle gates and stalked through. He knew the couple followed behind him.

“He is eager, Jacob. He lonks fvor the hunt, the kill.” Killishandra smiled at Vladimir as he threw a cold look at her over his shoulder.

“ He enjoys the barbaric vays. He still prefers to use the svord than the musket!” Jacob answered her in a mocking tone.

“ I came because you asked me too brother. No other reason could have induced me to come to the ends of the earth.” Vladimir had snapped back.

“ Not the fact that you vere indebted to me younker brother?” Jacobs mocking voice followed Vladimir across the courtyard.

“ He is the perfect killer, he does not discriminate betveen the vorthy and the rogues. He’s as ruthless as a buccaneer loyal only to you my love. Ve need more like him.” Killishandras voice followed close behind. Vladimir scowled and said nothing. They stood beside him in front of the door.

“ Ve certainly do not. His is the vanderink type. Loyal but lonks to roam aroad” Jacob had said looking straight into Vladimir’s eye.

“Are Ve goink in or talkink out here all night?” Vladimir snapped.

“Alright. After you Baron” Jacob said with a mock bow.

“To think two Baron’s doink my biddink! Revengink me for that …” Killishandra never finished. The doors opened, the wizards and witches were expecting them. The blood bath ran. Only one in ten survived as was the agreement. These were drained of thier will and lined up dociley along the outsde wall. The outside wall still untouched sparkling white belying the salty redness horror within it keep.

***---***

The Baron shook his head as though through this act he could shake away the memories. He turned on his heel and went back to get his book.