SUMMARY: What if, in Coppola's Dracula, Mina was Jonathan's sister, not his fiancée? How would the story play out? Would she remain with her Dark Prince?

DISCLAIMER: I do not own either Bram Stoker's Dracula or Coppola's film adaptation, although I did write my dissertation on the Freudian aspects of vampire women, that was fun.

Dark Waltz

Chapter 1: A Long Journey

Jonathan Harker was sure that he would miss his train, having been held up by a telegram that came from the law office at the last moment and then hastily returning to his rooms to retrieve the miniature of his sister – Mina - that he had forgotten on his armoire. He didn't know what it was about the picture but when he travelled he always felt safer, as if his sister were protecting him. Mina for the past week had been constantly questioning him about his exotic assignment; Romania. To her the old Count in his ancient castle sounded like a terribly exciting place. She herself had only been as far as Bath for a holiday with her friend Lucy Westenra. Jonathan did not entirely approve of her association with the aristocrat but it made Mina happy and it was terribly convenient for the Westenra's to care for his ward while he was away on business.

For his part the whole affair seemed quite routine, a simple property transaction that he had to oversee in person due to the frail nature of the client. He assured Mina that the trip should not exceed two months, factoring in the time it would take him to travel there and to return and the possibility of ill weather conditions.

Jonathan was jolted out of his thoughts by the harsh tinny whistle of a train not two feet away from him; he then became aware that Mina was speaking to him:

"Johnny, you are sure you have everything you should need? I would hate for the count to consider me negligent of your needs, why, he might consider me a dreadful housekeeper!"

Mina looked upon him with a slight pucker between her brows, clearly worried that by her fault he would be inconvenienced of deemed inadequate. He attempted to assuage her fears:

"Don't worry my little Mina I have everything I need, moreso! Do not think I have forgotten my portrait; it would not do for me to forget you on all these wild adventures! In fact I may run away with a Turkish belly dancer, I dare say I have heard they are rather agreeable women!"

Mina laughed looking slightly relieved, the line between her brows lessening to leave her forehead free of worry.

"Do not jest so Jonathan! You yourself have said the most excitement you may encounter on this trip is to miss a train! Although I would not be entirely adverse to you bringing home a wife, then I should not be responsible for you! You are a terribly troublesome burden to me!"

The dimple in her cheek revealed her jocularity, the siblings had been inseparable since their parents deaths, Mina only being eleven at the time, Jonathan at fifteen had to take the mantle of head of the house, and become financially responsible for his young sister. He had never been bitter about this fact, always having been eminently practical, so much so that while the other boys were playing King Arthur he was studying accountancy, he would not be remiss in his duties. His father had always said thrift and graft build success, he being indicative of this by rising from the title of farmer's son to lawyer's clerk.

The dissolution of Mr Renfield's mind had provided him with a great opportunity, one that could greatly improve his own position and consequently Mina's marriage prospects, the sister of a manager was more likely to marry well than that of a clerk.

His thoughts returned to Mina again, and he asked her:

"Now never mind about me, will you be alright, I do not like leaving you so long with the Westenra's, I am sure they are decent enough people but the aristocracy are known for their…luxuriant tendencies. I should not want you to feel pressured or inadequate..."

"Oh posh Jonathan, I have been Lucy's friend since childhood and she has never minded that I am a simple school mistress! Now onto your train before it leaves without you and I expect letters telling me all the news!"

Kissing his sister's hand he entered the compartment door, his belongings already having been stored, and opened the window.

"You shall write to me if anything should go amiss, I shall come back at a moments notice!"

Mina sighed and gave a wan smile, used to her brother's incessant worrying.

"I shall be quite well; in fact you should not be surprised if you return and find I am married to a Lord, Lucy seems determined to have me trussed in silk and attending soirées."

Jonathan felt a twinge of fear before realising Mina's jest, he laughed and wished her well, the train began to move and she waved him off, secretly wishing that she could visit such far away places.

Neither knew that this long journey would bring about life changing events.

DISCLAIMER: I know not much has happened so far but I have planned out the future chapters, I warn you that I may skip forward in time to the more exciting parts, I know it can be frustrating when there is too much build up. Please review if you believe this story has some merit to it or you like the premise, and would like me to continue!

Lady Extremely English Voldemort, writing again after a long Degree related hiatus!

Dracula sees mina's picture, Lucy becomes ill, Mina cannot stay, Dracula insists Mina come to Romania before he will sign the documents