Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/6165112.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Underage
  Category:
      M/M
  Fandom:
      Harry_Potter_-_J._K._Rowling
  Relationship:
      Harry_Potter/Severus_Snape
  Character:
      Draco_Malfoy, Hermione_Granger, Original_Male_Character(s)
  Additional Tags:
      Creature_Fic, Blood_Drinking, Complete
  Stats:
      Published: 2016-03-05 Chapters: 52/52 Words: 113062
****** Against His Nature ******
by riffraff84
Summary
     Severus has just turned 38, and if the Ministry have anything to say
     he won't reach 39 unless he can tame his wild nature and capture his
     mate.
Notes
     I don't own them, I just play with them.
***** Chapter 1 *****
Against_His_Nature
 
“Shit.” Snape muttered to himself as he stared at his fellow co-workers sitting
evenly spaced around the table. How he forced himself to do this every year was
beyond him. Streamers, balloons and party hats decorated the small room, making
it overbearingly bright and obnoxious. With a large sigh and a fake smile of
enthusiasm Snape gingerly took his seat at the table. The only thing good to
have ever come out of this particular day every year was the fact it would be
another 365days before he had to endure it again.
 
“See Severus, we’ve gone all out this year.” With a familiar scowl darkening
his eyes, Snape stared at the elder wizard across the table. Albus Dumbledore
finest headmaster Hogwart’s had ever seen was sitting beaming at him. A jester
party hat with three bells sat almost comfortably on top of the elder wizards
grey hair making him look just a little more insane than usual. With a laugh
and a flick of his wand sparkling fireworks and a rousing cheer erupted over
the table, making Severus roll his eyes.
 
“Was that really necessary?” Snape muttered as he idly brushed the stray
sparkles from his shoulder, where they’d settled on his robe.
 
“Of course it was. It is not every day our Potions Professor turns 38 now is
it?” Snape groaned inwardly, as he watched the other members of the faculty
hiding smirks behind their party napkins and whistles.
 
“Thanks.” Snape mumbled beneath his breath as he watched Professor Minerva
McGonagall begin pointing at the multitude of plates laid out on the table.
 
“Now we’ve got all your favorites; blueberry crumble, cream cakes, shortbread,
ham and cheese sandwiches, fizzing sherbets, birthday cake and of course,”
McGonagall paused and reached beneath the table, to pull out a large bottle
with a ribbon tied around the neck. “Vintage fire whisky from the cellars.”
McGonagall shook the bottle teasingly as Snape reached for it immediately. If
he were going to get through the meal, he’d need at least two glasses of the
amber liquid.
 
For as long as Severus had been professor at Hogwart’s, Albus had every year
organized a small party for Severus’ birthday. Every year the parties had been
different. For his thirtieth they’d all dressed up and for his thirty fifth all
the food had been Slytherin green. Severus had begun to believe that Albus was
trying to better humiliate him with every year.
 
Severus hated it.
 
He’d never celebrated his birthday as a child, and had until being employed by
Albus never celebrated his birthday as an adult. The ‘Snape’ family were a
proud well connected pureblood wizarding family and celebrating birthdays only
signified how much closer they were getting to death. It was a morbid thought
but with Severus’ life how it was in service to the Dark Lord, every birthday
was one more year he’d managed to survive. 
 
Severus swilled his third glass of whisky around in the glass as he watched
Albus polish off the last cream cake, the icing sugar clinging to the man’s
bushy grey beard.
 
“Presents!” With the sugary feast devoured the table was cleared with a cursory
flick of a wand before an array of brightly wrapped presents appeared on the
table in front of Severus. This was the part Severus hated the most. Having to
be gracious for receiving gifts he didn’t want or need, and further more was
capable of buying for himself if he should have wanted them in the first place.
With a long sip from his glass of fire whisky Snape began to unwrap the gifts.
A new edition potion text from McGonagall, a large velvet potions travel case
from Flickwick, three new waistcoats from Madam Pomfrey, another fortune
telling paperweight from Sinstra and an assorted array of small practical gifts
from the other absent teachers. The most interesting present however was
Albus’.
 
“I’ve seen you admiring it for a long time Severus; I thought you deserved it
this year.” Severus stared at the beautifully cradled ball of crystal
shimmering on its three claw footed stand. It was an Eclomenical Ball. The ball
was rare, and very expensive. Snape had seen only one on display at
Withershaw’s and Ranks Magical Devices shop in Diagon alley. He’d been admiring
it for months, and had wondered how such a device had made it onto the common
market without the Ministry confiscating it. The ball was designed to watch,
monitor and even alter dreams of anyone within its vicinity. It was a perfect
gift.
 
“Thank you.” Severus was genuinely appreciative and stared at the ball in awe
as the party moved from the table in the staff room, onto the more comfortable
armchairs seated around the fireplace.
 
Severus chose not to join his co-workers and instead after a dubious thank you
for the party and presents left to return to the safety of his dungeons.
 
His dungeons were his sanctuary. They were cool, quiet and totally devoid of
meddlesome students at this time of year. Reaching his rooms, Severus put aside
his assortment of gifts and collapsed onto his favorite armchair beside the
fireplace. With an exhausted sigh of relief that he had yet again survived
another birthday, he closed his eyes to rest.
 
His solitary moment was interrupted almost immediately as he felt the swell of
the fireplace in front of him, followed by the flap of robes as someone stepped
out of the flame onto his rug.
 
“Don’t you know how to knock?” Severus growled low in his throat as he cracked
opened one eye to glare lopsidedly at his visitor. Severus knew who had come to
see him. There was only one person arrogant enough as to use the floo
connection into his rooms without prior invitation.
 
“Of course I do Sev but I figure you’re so hopelessly devoid of a life that the
likelihood of me ever interrupting anything important is slim to non
existence.” Lucius Malfoy smiled confidently at Snape as he brushed his robes
free of floo powder before helping himself casually to a glass of Snape’s
vintage fire whisky. Snape ground his teeth in irritation as he watched the
blonde haired wizard casually peruse the pile of gifts Snape had left on the
coffee table. “Nice.” Lucius muttered a mild display of interest as his gaze
swept over the glowing orb, before flippantly sitting himself down in the arm
chair opposite Snape’s. Snape bit his lip forcing back a sneer of irritation as
Lucius took a large sip of his whisky before crossing his legs over and staring
smugly at Snape across the short living room space.
 
“What do you want?” Snape finally snapped his patience already waning having
spent the last three hours at the humiliating spectacle that was his yearly
birthday party. 
 
“Nothing Severus, Is it too much to assume that I am just here to wish my
friend a happy 38th birthday?” Lucius sipped again on his glass of whisky, the
innocent smile he’d flashed the potions master not quite reaching his piercing
blue eyes.
 
“There are only ever two reasons you come to see me Lucius, either you want
something or you’re here to gloat.” Snape snapped as he pried himself out of
his armchair and wandered over to his liquor cabinet to pour himself a glass of
whisky. Lucius barked a rich melodious laugh as he swilled what remained of his
whisky around the crystal glass. Snape chose not to refill the blonde’s glass
not wanting to give Lucius any reason to stay longer than necessary.
 
“You think so little of me these days Severus,” Lucius poured what remained of
his drink down his throat his gaze narrowing at Severus before lightening a
little as he reached into his cloak and pulled free a small sealed letter. “I
was at the Ministry this morning and I offered to bring you this.” Severus
rested his glass on the mantelpiece above the fireplace as he reached for the
letter and snatched it from Lucius’ grasp.
 
“What is it?” Snape scanned the outside of the letter cautiously, noting his
full title and name scrawled perfectly on the front and the unbroken ministry
seal on the back. Lucius’ smile turned disturbingly smug as he crossed his leg
over and sat back confidently in the armchair.
 
“I’d call it a long overdue birthday gift from the Minister of Magic.” Snape’s
eye twitched slightly with nervous irritation as he broke the seal on the
letter and opened it. Like most formal letters from the Ministry the letter was
scrawled in an elegant hand and Snape held it up to the light in order to read
it better.
 
“Professor Severus Julius Snape,”Snape read aloud pausing only briefly to
glance up at Lucius over the top of the letter to see for himself that Lucius
smug smile was still in place.  
 
“The ministry regrets to inform you that due to the current hostile climate
within the wizarding world that specific ancestry laws regarding pureblood
families have been reinstated and will be enforced.”Again Snape paused, a
niggling feeling of worry fluttering in his chest. “As referred to in Section
1123, Act 9 of the Old Law Magical Compendium, ‘Pureblood Wizards and Witches
upon reaching their magical age of majority must be arranged in marital
agreements and/or are willing to contribute to the creation of new life with a
partner of equal status and willingness.” It took a moment for what Snape had
just read to himself to sink in but when it did it hit like a thestral to the
chest.
 
“They can’t do this.” Severus shook his head in disbelief as he glared at the
letter. Lucius chuckled to himself, his smile growing larger into a self-
satisfied smirk that only a Malfoy could ever produce.
 
“I’m afraid they can Sev. The law has always been there it is just that no one
saw fit to enforce it.” Lucius tilted his head to the side in amusement as
Snape reached back for his glass of whisky on the mantelpiece and drained the
amber liquid in one go. “Seems the Minister of Magic is getting jumpy about
this war. He seems to think by marrying off the purebloods he can ensure the
safety of the wizarding world. He’s increasing our population with new blood
and at the same time preserving the old families and the old magic.” Sev shook
his head and began to pace back and forth in front of the fire, his disbelief
beginning to turn to outrage and anger as Lucius continued to taunt him. “It
seems to me Sev, you’ve just become prime meat in this war.” Severus spun
around angrily mid stride at Lucius description of him, finally losing his
temper. “Every self respecting pureblood parent is going to want to secure
their son and daughter to a strong pureblood family. Being the last of the
Snape line you’re going to get slaughtered when this gets out.” Lucius’ smile
had turned vicious and Snape was tired of hearing the blonde’s self-righteous
voice of reason.
 
“Well I guess I now know why you are here?” Snape snapped abruptly in his
characteristic potions master snarl. Lucius chuckled and nodded, not in the
least hesitant about his motives.
 
“I thought I’d get in early before the pawing masses begin beating a path to
your door.” Lucius’ gaze followed Snape around the room, the potions master
pacing again like a caged animal. The letter from the Ministry was so tightly
clenched in Snape’s hands the ink on the parchment had begun to run with the
perspiration.
 
“Forget it, I’ve got no intention of acting on this piece of rubbish.” Snape
threw the paper into the fireplace. The fire spluttered and coughed before
spitting the letter from the ministry back out onto the carpet. The edges were
scorched a little but all in all the letter was still in readable condition.
 
“I wouldn’t be so hasty as to reject my offer yet Severus. If you do succeed in
avoiding the inevitable offers from countless families, as well as undoubtedly
a Ministry enforcement team, there will still be our Dark Lord to contend
with.” For the first time since he’d opened the letter Snape’s thoughts strayed
to Voldemort. Almost immediately Snape stopped pacing and stared at Lucius
coldly. Lucius knew he’d won and smiled crookedly in self-congratulation. “You
know as well as I do Severus, Voldemort will use this situation to his
advantage. He will ensure marital alliances made within his ranks are loyal to
him. If you do not choose a suitor for yourself, he will choose for you.” Snape
closed his eyes in defeat as Lucius rose steadily from the armchair and took
the necessary steps over to stand in front of the potions professor. “Draco is
young Severus, he’s intelligent and good looking. He’s also very willing and
certainly won’t disappoint you.  The alliance between our families would be
looked favorably upon on both sides of this war.” Lucius rested a hand on
Snape’s shoulder but the potions master shook it off sharply and stepped away
from the blonde.
 
“I am not going to be forced into a union I neither desire or need Malfoy.”
Snape’s voice was icy cold his glare quite formidable as he stared at Lucius
over his shoulder. Lucius nodded in silent acknowledgement and stepped towards
the fireplace.
 
“They are not suggesting marriage Snape, a simple night with my son would be
enough to secure the Snape family name and satisfy the Ministry laws.” Lucius
took a hand full of floo powder from the silver box above the fireplace and
tossed it into the fire. The flames erupted and turned green almost instantly.
“You forget I know what you like Severus, what you crave. I can ensure my son
knows how to please you so that the experience is not as wretched as some I’m
sure you’ve experienced.” Snape’s gaze narrowed dangerously as Lucius glanced
back at Snape as he made to step into the fireplace. “Perhaps had you fucked
Lily Evans a little harder in school you might not be in this situation now?”
Lucius’ smile was pure evil as he stepped into the flame and disappeared. Not a
second later the crystal glass that Snape had been holding shattered into a
thousand pieces as it hit the fire surround, thrown with some force from
Snape’s hand.
 
“Fucking birthday.” Snape shouted finally expressing his anger and rage in an
uncharacteristic display of emotion. Glaring at the fireplace where Lucius had
been moments before, Snape grabbed for his cloak and with his wand tucked into
the sleeve of his robe took off out of his rooms and into the night.
***** The Right Thing To Do *****
CHAPTER 2 (The Right Thing to Do)
Harry Potter yawned as he sunk lower into the bubbles of his bath letting the
warmth of the water wash away the aches and pains of a summer spent with the
Dursley’s. Only an hour before he’d been anxiously sitting outside his
relative’s house, waiting for Remus Lupin to come and pick him up. He’d been
packed and ready all week for the trip to the Weasley’s and today couldn’t have
come soon enough. This summer had been tough but it would hopefully be his last
spent with his atrocious relatives. By this time next year he’d be an adult and
legally allowed to perform magic outside Hogwarts’ grounds.
He’d be his own man.
Smiling at the thought Harry closed his eyes to enjoy his bath a little more
but just as his hand had slid below the surface there was a knock on the
bathroom door.
“Hey Harry,” Harry sat up immediately and glanced guiltily at the closed door
of the bathroom. “Mum says dinner is ready, so hurry up.” Ron’s voice filtered
in through the door, and despite it being locked Harry still blushed a little
and grabbed for his towel. There were few times in Harry’s life when he had
privacy, and of those times none of them had been at the Weasley’s.
“Yeah coming.” Harry called back as he hauled himself out of the bathtub and
into the warm towel he’d tugged off the radiator a moment before.
Drying and dressing himself in jeans and a long sleeved shirt Harry attempted
to tame his messy head of hair before he scuttled downstairs.
The kitchen was chaos, as was usual in the Weasley’ house hold. Most of the
family was already seated at the table and Mrs. Weasley was busily handing out
plates of food. Harry took his seat between Fred and Ron gratefully accepting
the large overstuffed plate of sausages and cabbage that Mrs. Weasley passed
him.
“Sinking ships upstairs were you Potter?” George inquired from across the table
with a curious smile.
“Yeah, you were up there so long you look like a prune.” Fred winked across the
table at his twin brother and Harry pointedly avoided answering them knowing
they were being crude.
“You’ll go blind if you do it too often Harry.” Ron added causing a pink stain
to flush onto Harry’s cheeks, as he glanced across the table at Ginny and Mrs.
Weasley who thankfully hadn’t overheard the conversation.
“Where’s your Dad Ron?” Harry shoveled a large fork full of mashed potatoes
into his mouth as he glanced up to the head of the table to find Mr. Weasley’s
seat empty.
“Outside talking to Lupin, they’ve been out there since you arrived.” Ron
mumbled around a mouthful of sausage, gravy dribbling precariously down his
chin. Harry nodded and glanced out of the kitchen window into the darkened
backyard. Sure enough Harry could see Mr. Weasley and Remus Lupin outside on
the gravel path talking. Harry stared at them for a few minutes watching what
appeared to be a very serious conversation pass between them. Lupin had been
quieter than his usual self when he’d picked Harry up at the Dursley’s, but
Harry hadn’t thought much of it.
“So Harry what do you want to do for your birthday this year?” Mrs. Weasley’s
pleasant inquiry drew Harry’s attention back indoors.
“I’m not sure but I’d like to go to that new Quidditch Shop in East End.” There
was a muttering of enthusiastic agreement from Ron and his brothers.
“Oh good that’ll make a nice day then. We’ll go to the shop in the morning and
we’ll use the tickets Arthur got from the Ministry to go and see the cannon’s
play their night match.” Another round of enthusiastic mumbles rose from around
the table just as Mr. Weasley and Remus came in through the back door. Harry
watched cautiously over the rim of his orange juice glass as both elder wizards
glanced in his direction silently before joining the party already seated at
the table. Swallowing a lump of sausage Harry smiled mildly at Remus who helped
himself to some mashed potato and passed the bowl down to Mr. Weasley.
Conversation passed easily between them as the meal progressed but Harry was
cautiously observing Lupin to see if anything was wrong.
It was only as Remus leant over the table to pick up another helping of pie for
desert that Harry noticed the letter sticking out of the werewolf’s coat
pocket. The letter wouldn’t have meant anything if Harry hadn’t caught the
flash of ink that spelt out his name on the front of the letter.
“Is that from Hermione? I’ve been wondering where her letters have been going
to.” Harry reached for the letter as Remus sat back down again. In a split
second Remus had dropped the pie he’d been holding and grabbed at the letter
Harry had slid out of his coat pocket. Harry stared at Remus in shock as the
werewolf snatched the letter out of his hands and stuffed it back into his
cloak pocket.
“It’s just your book list for this year Harry, Remus has offered to collect
your things for you while we’re watching the game tomorrow evening.” Harry
frowned at Mr. Weasley who’d interrupted what Remus was going to say not a
second before.
“Oh,” Harry didn’t quite know what to say as everyone stared at him. “You don’t
have to; I’m capable of buying my own things.” Remus shrugged his shoulders
flippantly a cautious smile not quite meeting his eyes as he glanced down the
table at Mr. Weasley.
“Don’t want you missing the game Harry, I’ll take care of things for you.” With
another smile Remus finished off his pie and rose from the table to politely
take his leave. Harry knew when he’d been lied to, but he refused to believe
his elder friend would do anything to deliberately harm him. Harry walked with
Remus to the fireplace in the living room, leaving the Weasley’s behind to
clear up the kitchen. Remus paused in front of the fireplace as he gathered a
hand full of floor powder and turned to face Harry.
“Happy Birthday Harry, you’ve grown into a fine young wizard.” Harry stared
blankly at Remus’ random comment but offered a hug and a thank-you to the
werewolf who readily accepted it. Harry frowned as he watched Remus step away
from him and disappear into the floo leaving Harry shaking his head in
confusion. Remus had never been an outwardly emotional person and the comment
he’d made seemed to fit the awkward kind of mood Remus had been in since
picking Harry up from the Dursley’s. Pushing his concerns aside as birthday
paranoia Harry joined Fred, George and Ron upstairs to go through some of the
details of the Cannons quidditch strategy for tomorrow’s game before bed.
It was very late when Harry tiptoed down the crooked staircase in the Weasley
house. The sausages at tea had made him thirsty and without wanting to wake up
half the household Harry had come downstairs to get a drink. Harry cringed as
the bottom step creaked when he put his foot on it. Adjusting his step Harry
skipped over the last step and onto the polished floor of the hallway. The
kitchen was just across the hall, and Harry tiptoed towards the darkened room.
Harry quickly made himself a glass of water in the dark kitchen and was heading
back for the stairs when light spilling out from under the doorway into the
living room caught his attention. One glance at the clock in the hall said it
was too late for anyone to be out of bed but Harry could hear the mumble of
voices coming from within the living room. Curiosity had gotten Harry into a
lot of trouble in the past but past experiences couldn’t dampen the pull
curiosity seemed to have on him. Turning from the kitchen to the living room
Harry tip toed over to the closed door and bent down to see through the key
hole.
Harry couldn’t see much through the small space but he could hear a lot more
clearly now the voices within.
“Are you sure we’re doing the right thing Arthur?” It was Mrs. Weasley’s voice
Harry identified first as he strained to hear what was being said.
“No I’m not sure but considering the options that are open to us, Harry seems
the obvious choice.” Harry’s ears pricked up at the mention of his name and he
pressed himself closer to the keyhole to try and see whom else was in the room.
“At least Ginny has agreed to try and make it work. It seems such a shame to
put such a burden on them so young.” Mrs Weasley sounded saddened and Harry
frowned a little as he watched a piece of parchment get passed from Mr. Weasley
to Mrs. Weasley.
“It’s that bloody Fudge. Bumbling idiotic fool.” Mr. Weasley sounded angry, as
he seemed to pace back and forth in front of the fireplace. “At least we don’t
have to worry about our other children.” There was a mutter of agreement from
Mrs Weasley.
“I wish I could say the same about poor Severus…” In that instant Harry felt a
hand on his shoulder and like a guilty scared rabbit he practically sprang from
his place by the door and squealed like a trapped cat. The light in the hall
was flicked on immediately and the door to the living room was flung open, Mr.
and Mrs Weasley staring out into the hall.
“What are you doing up Mr. Potter?” Headmaster Albus Dumbledore stood before
Harry, staring at the young wizard pointedly over the tops of his half moon
glasses.
“Albus, we were expecting you to come in through the living room.” Mr. Weasley
commented quickly not sure what to make of the situation. Harry opened his
mouth several times in an attempt at an explanation but in the end he merely
shook his head and held out the now empty water glass to the elder wizard by
way of explanation. In his fright Harry had tipped the entire contents of the
water glass down himself and was becoming rapidly aware of the water soaking
into his cotton boxer shorts.
“A slight miscalculation Arthur nothing to worry about.” Albus smiled past
Harry at the Weasley’s before changing his gaze back to Harry. “I suggest you
take yourself back up to bed Mr. Potter, tomorrows going to be a big day…”
Something in the twinkle of Albus’ eye told Harry that tomorrow wasn’t just
going to be a big day because of his birthday but Harry chose not to comment as
he scurried red faced and guiltily back up to his bedroom. Whatever was going
on was yet another secret being kept from him.
***** Tendrils of Panic *****
CHAPTER 3 (Tendrils of Panic)
“These are fucking awesome seats…” George was abruptly cut off as Mrs. Weasley
slapped him hard across the back of the head, as the eight of them took their
seats in the stands of the quidditch pitch. Harry was the last to shuffle along
the line and was about to sit down beside Remus when Mrs. Weasley sprang up
from her seat abruptly.
“Oh you can sit here Harry dear, it’s a better view.” Harry frowned deeply at
Mrs. Weasley as he glanced at her seat conveniently located between Hermione
and Ginny. Harry sighed as he nodded and awkwardly shuffled further into the
seats to take Mrs. Weasley’s while she took up his at the end of the row. Harry
smiled mildly at Hermione who was holding hands with Ron, before glancing
across at Ginny who was practically bouncing off her seat to try and get a
better look at the field. Mrs. Weasley had been acting strange all day.
Wherever possible she’d made Harry walk, stand and sit next to Ginny. It was
becoming irritating; especially when it appeared only Harry was seeing it.
“Popcorn?” Ginny offered her popcorn to Harry as the players flew out onto the
field. Everyone was on their feet cheering and shouting enthusiastically except
Harry who was staring worriedly at Ginny looking for signs of something not
right. Ginny however didn’t seem strange at all and as the game progressed
Harry relaxed again and got into the spirit of his birthday.
At halftime the game was tied, and Harry was animatedly discussing the Cannons
seeker with Ron over the top of Hermione when he felt a warm hand come to rest
on his jean-clad thigh. Harry jumped a mile as he turned abruptly back to face
Ginny who was smiling at him warmly.
“Come and get a drink with me.” Ginny shouted in order to be heard over the
crowd moving about the stands. Harry wondered why Ginny hadn’t asked Hermione
to go with her, but nodded in agreement and followed the young red head
shuffling out of the stands. Harry followed Ginny down to the drinks stands and
fell into line behind the several other people waiting for drinks. There was a
companionable silence between the two of them as they waited in line, Harry
smiling to himself as he took in the atmosphere of the game.
“Harry,” Harry turned his attention back to Ginny from his perusal of the crowd
when she addressed him.
“Yeah, you want some money?” Harry went to shuffle through his pockets of his
coat but Ginny reached out and grabbed his hand firmly in her own. Harry paused
and stared down at their joined hands, watching strangely as Ginny linked her
fingers with Harry’s so that they fit snuggly together.
“Would you be my boyfriend Harry?” Harry hadn’t been expecting that and stood
staring at Ginny in shock. Ginny blushed a little as she dragged a dumbfounded
Harry up to the drink attendant and asked for two pumpkin juices. Carrying the
tray of juice Ginny pulled Harry to the side of the walkway and smiled up at
him. Only then did it hit Harry what had been asked of him, and he opened and
closed his mouth several times searching for an appropriate reply.
“Sure, I guess.” Harry stumbled over his words making Ginny blush even more and
smile a little embarrassed. “What I mean to say is ‘Yes’ I want to go out with
you. I didn’t realize you liked me like that.” Ginny shrugged her shoulders
coyly and took a sip from the straw in her juice. “I guess that explains your
mum all day.” Harry nervously laughed as he thought back to the strange
behavior of Mars Weasley.
“Yeah, she thinks she’s a match maker or something it’s best to ignore her.”
Ginny laughed too as she handed Harry his own juice and discarded the tray.
“So what do we do now?” Harry muttered as he drank some of his juice and
glanced around him, noting now that everyone was returning to their seats for
the second half of the match.
“We go back and watch the rest of the game and ignore my brothers taunts about
us holding hands.” With a bright smile Ginny leant forward and kissed Harry
gently on the cheek before dragging him back towards the stands where the rest
of the family were sitting. All in all it had been one of the stranger
birthdays Harry had had, but it certainly had its rewards.
*********************
He pinched the bridge of his nose tightly as he closed his eyes and took a deep
calming breath.
“I can not believe you of all people are asking this of me Albus.” His voice
was tight and clipped barely containing the anger that simmered just below the
surface. “Was it not a condition of my employment that I continue to consume
the potion?” Opening his eyes Severus stared at Albus in vain hope. The
headmaster sat comfortably in his high winged back chair, nursing a hot
chocolate and cookie not at all ruffled by their present conversation.
“Indeed it is a part of your contract to teach Severus, but the Ministry
believe….” Albus took a large bite out of his cookie the crumbs raining down
like snow onto his beard.
“The Ministry doesn’t know anything!” Snape barked irritably finally loosing
his iron control and patience.
“Perhaps,” Albus replied calmly as he continued to watch Snape pace stiffly
back and forth in front of his desk. “But in view of the current situation I
fear there is little else I can recommend you do.” Snape paused mid stride to
glare at Albus’ flippant attitude towards the present situation. “You have
already made clear you refuse to choose a suitor for yourself…”
“You know why I can not do that Albus.” Snape growled his eyes flashing
dangerously as he continued to glare at the elder wizard.
“Indeed, but in light of the Ministry Law’s there is no other choice. You must
stop taking the potion and let nature take its course.” Albus sat back in his
chair and folded his arms across his chest, his final resolve on the issue set
solid as stone. Snape ground his teeth together in anger as he clenched his
fists at his side.
“And what of the students?” Snape spat nastily knowing well that he’d lost the
fight.
“With any luck you will find a mate before your next cycle, your behavior will
undoubtedly be far more manageable if you have a willing supplicant at your
disposal.” Albus smiled brightly at Snape who was still glowering at the elder
wizard in hatred.
“And if I do not?” Snape growled watching with some minor swell of satisfaction
as the sparkle from Albus’ eyes dimmed a little at the comment.
“We will cross that bridge when we come to it Severus.” Albus brushed off the
seriousness of ‘that bridge’ with infuriating ease and Severus sneered slightly
as the headmaster rose from the chair just as the large wizarding grandfather
clock chimed from the reading room. “Ah, the students will be arriving. I
thought perhaps you may wish to meet the train this year?” Snape knew when he’d
been defeated; the headmasters comment more a command than a request. With an
irritated sigh Severus turned to leave the office but only managed to reach the
door before Albus spoke again. “Do not despise who you are Severus, take this
opportunity to explore the years you could have enjoyed as a young adult…”
***** Gift *****
CHAPTER 4 (Gift)
“Do you guys have to do that?” Harry shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he
tried to keep his gaze away from his two smooching best friends and out of the
window instead.
“You wouldn’t be complaining if Ginny were here.” Ron teased, as he and
Hermione finally broke apart for air. Harry rolled his eyes and settled back in
his seat as he watched the world flash by the train window. Ginny was with her
younger friends in another compartment catching up on the summer holiday
gossip. In a way Harry was almost relieved the young red headed girl had sat
with her friends for the majority of the trip. Since Ginny had asked him out on
his birthday Harry hadn’t had a moment to himself. Everything they’d done it
had been done together. Quite honestly Harry was almost happy to be returning
to school where he’d at least get his classes away from Ginny. Harry hadn’t
ever had a serious girlfriend but he was sure relationships weren’t supposed to
get this heavy so quickly. To Harry it felt as if everyone was pushing he and
Ginny together closer and quicker than Harry had time to comprehend.
“Ah there you are scar head…” Harry rolled his eyes and sighed heavily as he
felt the door to the compartment roll open and a familiar voice filter into
him.
“Fuck off Malfoy haven’t you got anyone else to play with?” Ron spat sharply at
the blonde who was leaning casually in the entrance to the compartment, his two
meaty bodyguards standing just behind him for support.
“Go screw yourself Weasley, hasn’t anyone told you it’s dirty to handle
mudbloods.” Draco smirked cruelly as Ron went to lunge for him only to be held
back by Hermione who was glaring at Draco angrily.
“What do you want Malfoy?” Hermione snapped once she’d ensured Ron wasn’t going
to try and throttle the other wizard, or worse attempt to hex him. Draco
shrugged his shoulders flippantly before turning his attention to Harry who was
ignoring them all in favor of staring out of the window.
“Just thought I’d drop in and see if Saint Potter here has found anyone blind
and stupid enough as to be his partner yet?” This caught Harry’s attention and
the boy turned to stare in confusion at Draco who was smiling smugly in the
doorway.
“That’s none of your business Draco.” Hermione rose to her feet quickly and was
trying to push Draco out of the compartment while Ron tried to close the door,
both friends glancing cautiously back at Harry.
“Time’s ticking Potter, the Ministry won’t wait forever…” Hermione finally
pushed Draco out of the compartment and Ron slammed the door closed and flicked
the latch. Harry watched as both Hermione and Ron sat back down on the opposite
seat each cautiously glancing at the other before both looked at Harry.
“What was that all about?” Harry muttered suspiciously as he watched Ron glance
at Hermione for what appeared to be an answer.
“Just Draco being his usual obnoxious self, it’s probably gotten out about you
and Ginny being together.” Harry frowned deeply in confusion as Hermione
deliberately avoided looking him in the eye her hands twisting nervously in her
lap. Harry knew he was being lied to. First Remus had lied to him and now his
best friends were lying to him. Something was going on and Harry was going to
see to it he found out what.
“Oh, yeah I didn’t think of that.” Harry shrugged his shoulders uncaringly
noticing how his friends visibly relaxed their secret still safe.
Harry didn’t speak for the rest of the journey to Hogwart’s instead he sat
staring at the darkened world beyond pondering what surprises this year at
Hogwart’s would hold for him.
********************************
The train lurched to a stop at the station and Snape sneered in mild disgust as
he heard the excited twittering of students as they began to disembark.
“Welcome to Hogwart’s!” The half giant beside him roared his familiar welcome
and Snape rolled his eyes as the usual gasps of surprise echoed from the first
years stood nervously on the platform. To avoid being trampled by over anxious
first years and the clumsy oaf of a half giant Snape stepped away from the
massing group on the platform and over to the Thestral drawn carriages that
were lined up on the road waiting for their payloads. Snape couldn’t remember
his first year at Hogwart’s. His subsequent years of teasing, abuse and mental
anguish had quite overshadowed the defining moment in his wizarding life.
Sighing heavily Snape glared at a few fourth years that scrambled giggling into
the first carriage, their shy glances in his direction a sure sign of what had
transpired over summer. Glancing over the crowd of students now waiting for the
carriages Snape noted with irritation the high number of couples standing close
together waiting their transport. It was altogether a disgusting display of
hormones that Snape could only see getting worse in the coming weeks. Teenagers
at the best of times took any opportunity of fawning over each other without
having expressed permission to do so by the Ministry of Magic.
Slowly Snape oversaw the filling of carriages with his usual distain and
snarling remarks. It was only as the crowd thinned that Snape noticed one
particular absence from the masses of faces he’d just seen.
“Potter.” Snape growled low in his throat as he spun around to search the
platform behind him. The potions professor was stunned as he came face to face
with the boy who lived standing directly behind him.
“Professor Snape.” Harry acknowledged quietly with a nod of his head his eyes
flashing with their usual cold regard towards the professor. Snape couldn’t
bring himself to say anything as he watched Harry climb into the last carriage
purposefully leaving the door open for Snape. Snape’s eye twitched in
irritation as he realized that he’d been left to ride alone with Harry back to
Hogwart’s. On another night other than this Snape would have gladly walked
rather than share a carriage with the boy but it was raining and his cloak was
premium wool.
The tension in the carriage was thick and Snape pointedly avoiding making small
talk. In the darkness of the carriage it was easy for Snape to look at the boy,
Potter’s attention firmly rooted on something outside. As much as Snape hated
to admit it Potter had grown over the summer, and although he would never be as
tall as Snape he was at least now on an equal level. The boy had lost weight
too, no doubt the last of his childhood puppy fat that had kept him looking
more like a boy than a young man he had become. His face had narrowed slightly,
his chin more defined and bearing the traces of a five-clock shadow. His
clothes hung from his slender frame like oversized curtains, his robe far too
short after his growth over summer and far to wide to fully show off the
masculine physique he’d developed in his absence from school. The boy’s hair
still hung in unruly untamed curls about his face and his beautiful green eyes
still flashed with a hidden intensity. Aside from all the changes the boy had
undergone over his holiday there was no hiding however the slight droop of his
eyelids, the tightness of his lips and the darkened shadows under the boy’s
eyes. Every summer Potter returned to Hogwart’s in a similar state. Exhausted
and tired from lack of sleep due to concern, worry and anxiousness over what
would lie ahead of him this year.
Snape felt the twinge of sympathy for the boy but squashed it quickly with a
shake of his head. Potter needed many things in life but he certainly didn’t
need more sympathy.
Finally the carriage pulled to a stop outside the doors of Hogwart’s and Snape
hastily climbed out, leaving Harry to trail behind him at his own pace. It was
strange that the boy hadn’t traveled with the usual golden trio. By passing the
main entrance into the hall Snape took the staff entry and slunk into his seat
beside McGonagall. Like always Snape passed a cursory glance around the hall.
When he’d first begun teaching it was to see the new faces among the crowd, now
though it was to see whom had not made it back this year. Snape’s gaze finally
fell onto the Gryffindor table where Potter now sat with his regular group of
friends. The Weasel and Granger were holding hands beneath the table and Snape
tutted in disgust as he took in their sickening display of affection. It was
little wonder why Harry had decided to travel alone if that was what he’d had
to endure on the train.
A flash of blonde caught Snape’s gaze drawing his attention from the
Gryffindor’s back to his own house. This year in particular the benches had
begun to look bare, his student body rapidly diminishing as Voldemort influence
of the Slytherin families grew.
“Professor.” Snape snapped his attention to the blonde now standing in front of
the table. Draco Malfoy was his usual self, immaculately dressed, perfectly
poised and stunningly beautiful. Snape recognized instantly the boy’s new
robes, his hair brushed flat and his face blemish free. It seemed Lucius has
instilled a new sense of self-pride in his son over the summer and Snape had a
sinking feeling that it was done for his benefit. Temptation never came in such
a perfect package as Draco Malfoy.
“Yes Draco.” Snape snapped irritated by the fact Lucius had not heeded his
earlier declaration and was serving Draco up like a platter of meat.
“I went to Belgium this summer,” This was not new news for Severus, he himself
having pushed Lucius into sending the boy to the exclusive camp to learn
defense and dueling. “Dad said you liked these so I brought you back a box.”
Severus’ lips thinned impossibly tight as Draco slid the beautifully wrapped
box of chocolates across the table to him. It took Severus every inch of his
willpower not to scream as he stared at the flamboyant bow, and the sickly
yellow wrapping on the box. To anyone who was watching the gift clearly had a
message. Severus couldn’t bring himself to answer the boy who stood coyly
staring at his hands twisting in his lap.
“Oh Severus they’re Brandy Cherries, how delightful.” Severus’ eye twitched as
the headmaster reached over and carefully inspected the contents of the box.
Severus could already hear the few whispers that had broken out around the
hall, but thankfully most of the student populace was still engaged in their
own conversations to notice the situation Draco had put Snape in. “Well Severus
aren’t you going to thank him?” Snape turned to glare at Albus, whose eyes
sparkled with knowing amusement. Snape could hardly believe that the headmaster
was actually enjoying watching Snape suffer. Snape ground his teeth angrily but
showed no outer emotion to betray his angry thoughts. With a forced smile Snape
turned to look back at Draco who looked far too innocent as he looked up from
beneath his eyelashes.
“Thank-you.” Snape gritted his teeth as he spoke causing Draco’s familiar
Slytherin smile to return with force before the boy turned to strut confidently
back to the Slytherin table. Snape slumped in his chair and glared menacingly
at everyone in the hall as Dumbledore clapped his hands and began the start of
term routine. Lucius had won this round but Snape would be damned if he won the
next one.
***** Purple Hell *****
CHAPTER 5 (Purple Hell)
“I’m only asking you to watch out for him.”
“I can’t be held responsible for his actions once his instincts kick in.”
“Indeed not but I would feel better if you who knows what he will be going
through kept an eye on him.”
“This is ludicrous. If he reaches the cycle before finding his mate you have no
way of preventing him from seeking out a victim.”
“Yes, but I have faith in him to control himself.”
“He will suffer unnecessarily if you force him to do this.”
“And he will be killed if I do not force him to….”
“…Very well I will watch to see that he doesn’t maim any of the students but
beyond that the consequences are yours to bear.”
********************************
Harry sighed as he watched Ginny sit plaiting her hair in front of him. They
were supposed to be completing their homework but Harry hadn’t seen Ginny write
a single word on her parchment for the last hour. The red head was too busy
preening and whispering to her friend sitting next to her. They’d been at
school for almost three weeks and Harry was beginning to tire of watching
everyone around him fawn over each other. Harry was sure dating hadn’t been
such a big thing last year, but he supposed perhaps it was only because he had
a girlfriend now that he was noticing other couples. Harry had hardly seen
Hermione and Ron, the couple rarely apart. Not that Harry wasn’t pleased for
his best friends; he was just feeling a little lonely.
With a sigh Harry closed his books and began packing his things back into his
school bag.
“Where are you going Harry?” Ginny inquired quickly as she watched Harry get
ready to leave. Harry restrained himself from rolling his eyes at the red heads
comment. He’d spent the last three weeks explaining where he’d been and what
he’d done to the young witch, so much so that Harry had just begun to start
lying so that he didn’t have to explain much to her.
“To the dorm.” Harry shrugged casually has he slung his bag over his shoulder
and headed for the exit of the library. Ginny was on his tail immediately
having collected her own books in a messy pile under her arm.
“I’ll come with you then.” Harry signed inwardly as Ginny fell into step beside
him as the passed through the corridors. Gryffindor’s common room was empty
when they arrived, most students still making the most of their free time after
dinner before returning to their houses. Alone in the common room Harry dropped
his things by the stairs leading to the seventh years dormitory and flopped
down on the couch in front of the fireplace. Ginny hovered cautiously by the
door her books still tucked under her arm.
“Harry?” Harry glanced across at Ginny who was shifting nervously on her feet
her eyes staring hopefully at him. Harry nodded his head in indication he was
listening, as he kicked off his shoes and tucked his feet up under him. “I
thought maybe we could,” Ginny paused a pink stain coloring the apples of her
cheeks as she giggled nervously.
“Could what?” Harry grumbled already losing his patience with the witch who had
a habit of giggling girlishly when put in an awkward situation.
“You know, make out.” Ginny trailed off as she stared at Harry expectantly.
Harry was stunned that Ginny had been so forward and wondered if all girls
asked for that sort of thing.
“We just did.” Harry muttered awkwardly remembering the brief kiss they’d
shared in a secluded section of books in the library. Ginny tutted loudly and
rolled her eyes, before dumping her books on the coffee table and slumping down
on the couch beside Harry.
“A kiss on the cheek doesn’t count as making out Harry.” Harry bit his lip in
embarrassment as Ginny flicked her hair back behind her ears and leaned in
closer to him. All they had done since getting together was briefly kiss one
another and hold hands. Harry had thought that was what was expected of him,
especially in public where anyone could watch. Harry wasn’t an exhibitionist
and certainly wasn’t going to become one anytime soon. “A proper kiss has
tongue.” Ginny snapped as she pulled herself up and slung a leg across Harry’s
lap so that she was sitting comfortably a top of him. Harry shifted
uncomfortably beneath the red heads intent stare, her blue eyes unnervingly
determined.
“What if someone walks in?” Harry breathed out heavily as Ginny reached for his
hands, bringing one up to rest on her waist and the other to cup her delicate
breast. Harry had never felt a breast before and stared at his hand that rested
feather light atop of the girl before him. Ginny rolled her eyes again and
shook her head as she leaned in to kiss Harry’s chin.
“So what if they do? We’re a recognized couple now and we’re allowed to make
out, in fact if people don’t start seeing something more than just polite
friendship between us they’re going to assume we’re frigid or something.” Harry
sighed heavily as Ginny nuzzled his neck softly her red curls tickling his
nose. “If you don’t know what to do Harry, it’s okay because I can show you.
It’ll be fun I promise you.” Ginny pulled back a little to smile at Harry, who
at length nodded his head in agreement despite the niggling part of his brain
that hadn’t liked what he’d heard just now. ‘A recognized couple’ wasn’t
exactly the terminology Harry would have used to describe their relationship;
it sounded like something out of a textbook. Before Harry could ponder anymore
Ginny had leaned in and pressed a firm kiss to his lips, her tongue flicking
over Harry’s coaxing him to part his lips and allow her access. Harry did so
obediently, and having resigned himself to the fact he wasn’t going to get out
of this, closed his eyes and relaxed into the couch to enjoy his first real
French kiss.
********************************
Teetering dangerously on his uncooperative legs Severus struggled to drag
himself into the bathroom. His breathing was labored and sweat dripped from his
forehead and rolled down the slope of his nose to drop onto the front of his
already soaking wet robes. The thumping of his heart echoed in his ears so loud
he could hear nothing else. Slumping heavily against the sink he struggled to
keep himself up right as his vision swam and his body began to shake and
tremble. He stared longingly at the bottle of violet colored potion that sat on
the sink just below the mirror. For 25 years he’d routinely sipped from the
bottle every morning and night, the acrid taste of liquorish mixed with radish
almost comforting in its foulness. It was coming up to the forth-straight week
since he’d last taken a sip and withdrawal had begun to set in. His nature so
long repressed had begun to work its way through what remained of the potion
built up in his system and he was fighting every urge his body demanded but he
was slowly losing the war.
Glancing up at his reflection in the mirror Snape was horrified to see what he
had become. He face was ashen, his shoulder length hair a wet mess stuck to his
head and face. His once dark obsidian eyes had begun to turn back to the blue
he’d been born with. Carefully he ran his tongue along his teeth wincing a
little as the sharpening incisors sliced it open. The tangy metallic flavor of
blood filled his mouth and he groaned in pain as his stomach contracted and had
him doubled over in an instant. Shaking, he was disgusted to find himself
automatically reaching for the purple potion on the sink. Forcing himself
upright Snape uncorked the bottle and with strangled cry of anguish tipped the
entire contents of it down the drain.
After watching the swirl of liquid finally disappear Snape pulled himself out
of the bathroom and into his small comfortable living room. Grabbing his thick
hooded death eater robe from the concealed wardrobe Snape flung it about his
shoulders. He needed to get out, he needed the freedom to run and he needed
time to let nature take its course without constant agonizing reminders of what
the Ministry was forcing him to do.
Stumbling like a drunk Snape made his way from his rooms through the deserted
corridors of the school, still breathing heavily and shaking like a leaf. It
was far too late at night for anyone to be out of bed and so he made it unseen
out of the doors. The icy cold wind that blew up from the lake cooled his
flaming skin almost instantly as he pulled up his hood and stumbled down along
the path. Refreshed by the cool outdoors and the freedom it provided he began
to run zigzagging dangerously close to falling over as his disorientation still
clouded his vision. Once at speed it was easy to let go and with an open
mouthed but silent scream of pain he swept himself up into the night air and
disappeared with a whoosh of air.
************************
Harry watched from the window as the figure ran into the night, their cloak
flapping around them. Harry’s eyes widened impossibly as in the blink of an eye
the figure leapt into the air the cloak transforming into black velvet wings as
they took to the sky and disappeared behind a cloud. Not half a second later
another figure appeared from the door, this one similarly dressed in a hooded
cloak to hide their identity. Unlike the first this person ran straighter and
more quickly, unlike the stumbling stagger of the first. Like before the second
figure leap into the air and with a flash turned into a bat that followed the
first into the clouds. Harry stared at the clouds for a long moment hoping to
catch a glimpse of the two bats but they were long gone and Harry was left to
wonder who on earth it had been. With a heavy sigh Harry turned back to the
common room, to stare at the couch where only a few hours before he’d ‘made
out’ with Ginny. The experience had not been quite what he’d expected and
despite the momentary thrill, it left him feeling rather flat. He hadn’t slept
at all. The two words Ginny had mentioned rotating in his mind continually as
he tried to piece together why she would say something like that. ‘A recognized
couple’, there was something fishy about it. The words would have sounded
better coming from Hermione but even she referred to Ron and herself as
boyfriend and girlfriend. The thought puzzled Harry and he was rapidly
beginning to get a headache. With a sigh he returned to his dormitory. After a
cursory glance out of his window to look for the bats he climbed into bed and
closed his eyes in an attempt to find rest.
***** Virus *****
CHAPTER 6 (Virus)
They smelt.
The fetid stench of rotting flesh, burnt wood and sour milk engulfed his
classroom like a dust storm rolling in from the desert. It was vile and made
him heave. The smell had become worse over the last few days steadily engulfing
his senses until this point at which he was sure he was going to be ill. The
nasty creatures he called students had never seemed this bad but with the added
sense of their stench Severus was rapidly wishing he’d taken another
profession. The smell lingered in the halls where they’d been and it hung in
thick clouds above the great hall turning his stomach off the food in front of
him. The entire school was drenched in a rancid odor that made him shudder with
revulsion.
The elder students were the worst and he found himself consciously holding his
breath as he watched his seventh year students take their seats in front of
him. Glad that he was sitting down, Snape glared with a new found disgust at
his seventh year class, swallowing back another heave as he forced himself to
stand up and address them.
“Today you will be completing a surprise test.” There was a groan of
disappointment that fluttered around the classroom from the students and Snape
smiled inwardly at returning at least a little of the discomfort they were
giving him. “There is to be no talking, the test will take the entire class.”
Snape flicked his wand and the papers stacked on his table darted out around
the classroom onto the desks in front of the students. “As always there is an
anti cheating ward on the room and if any of you so much as shift on your seats
I will know!” With a satisfied nod Snape moved hastily back to his desk as far
away from the students as possible. “You may begin!” There was a momentary
scuffle of papers and quills but before long the room had fallen into silence,
the students’ heads down and their hands furiously scratching away at the
parchment.
Snape breathed out a little in exhaustion as he slumped in his chair his lip
still unconsciously curled up in disgust as the scent of the students continued
to wash around him. Trying to concentrate on marking other homework Snape only
twice glanced up to ensure his class was still working. It was the second time
that he’d glanced up when something caught his eye.
Harry Potter was staring at him. The green-eyed boy was blatantly gawking at
him like a sideshow attraction. Snape glared back hoping to spur Potter back to
his work but for some reason his face wouldn’t co-operate. Reaching up Snape
felt the trickle of perspiration that had broken out on his forehead and begin
dripping down his nose and neck. Snape’s breathing hitched up a notch as he
felt the glamour he’d erected in the morning beginning to crumble and his hands
begin to shake. This was not what he needed now. Quickly Snape made to get to
his feet ready to stumble if necessary out of the classroom and into his
private office away from his students. Snape quickly regretted getting up from
the chair as he stumbled against the desk.
“Professor Snape, are you alright?” Snape swallowed heavily and opened his
eyes. The classroom had begun to swim before him, the blobby mass that had
become of Harry Potter now swayed from side to side. Trying to open his mouth
and dismiss his class Snape found himself unable to form the words. Shaking
violently now Snape could no longer hold himself up and with a shocked gasp
from the students in the classroom Severus collapsed behind his desk. Distantly
Severus heard the scrape of stools on the stone floor before the inevitable
patter of feet scurrying over to him.
“Professor are you alright? Hermione’s gone for help.” The scent of them
clustered all around him was overpowering and Snape felt himself begin to heave
“He’s going to spew.” Just hearing the words made a shiver of mortification
swamp Snape’s self-pride and putting pay to what was left of his control. A
firm hand on his shoulder managed to roll him over onto his stomach before what
little he’d eaten for lunch was coughed up in a spatter against the floor.
There was a disgusted muttering ‘ewww’ that rounded from the students hovering
around him, everyone undoubtedly moving away. Making a concerted effort not to
open his eyes and reveal what the glamour had hidden for the past week Snape
listened as someone sat down at his side a gentle hand on his back, while the
other held back his hair from his face as he threw up again.
“You’ll be okay sir; I can hear them coming now.” It was Potter’s voice that
hovered above him. It was Potter that held his hair back and gently patted his
back. The irony wasn’t lost on Snape even in his present condition. Having
spent a lifetime trying to protect the boy that lived, that said boy was now
protecting him. The sound of rushed footsteps entering the classroom made him
feel ultimately happier and with an exhausted sigh Snape gave himself over to
the darkness that pulled at him from within.
*************************************
Harry sat quietly in Dumbledores office swilling the cold dregs of his tea
around in the deep cup nestled in his lap. McGonagall had walked him up to the
headmaster’s office after Snape had been rushed away by Madam Pomfrey and Filch
to the infirmary. Harry had been sitting for over an hour staring at the books
on Dumbledore’s office shelves before the headmaster had arrived back via his
fireplace. The greying wizard had acknowledged him with a brief smile and a
cordial nod before disappearing quickly into his observatory the door closing
behind him. Dumbledore hadn’t reappeared since going into the observatory over
half an hour ago and Harry was beginning to think he should just leave. Putting
the cup down on the table Harry stood up and grabbed for his school bag that
he’d dumped by the chair on the way in. Harry hesitated to just leave and so
tip toed quietly over to the closed observatory door. Harry raised his fist to
knock but was startled as the door swung open and Dumbledore’s smiling face
appeared.
“Harry, I am sorry for keeping you but this emergency had to be dealt with
immediately.” Harry frowned a little as he caught movement over Dumbledore’s
shoulder. There was someone else in the observatory with the headmaster but
Dumbledore was doing a fine job of blocking Harry’s view. With a hand on
Harry’s shoulder Dumbledore guided him away from the door and promptly closed
it behind himself, the twinkle in his eye and the beaming smile never
faltering. Harry’s lips tightened in irritation but he obediently followed
Albus back to the overstuffed armchairs by the fire, where yet another pot of
tea had been placed on the table.
“How’s professor Snape?” Harry inquired softly as he politely declined another
cup of the lemon tea.
“Not himself I’m afraid Harry, he is quite unwell.” Albus sipped from his tea,
his sparkling eyes quietly assessing Harry’s reaction over the rim of the
teacup. Harry nodded in silence, not really sure what else to say. Professor
Snape wasn’t his favorite teacher and it wasn’t as if Harry really cared about
him. It was only out of good nature and partial fear that he had helped the
potions professor when he’d collapsed. Severus Snape wasn’t the type of wizard
to be overcome by anything smaller than apocalyptic war. He was strong,
arrogant and too overly conscious of his environment to be taken ill so
violently and with little warning. “Poppy thinks it is a virus he’s picked up,
no doubt from one of the muggle borns who’s brought it with them from summer.”
Albus shrugged his shoulders casually and sipped from his tea, his gaze not
quite meeting Harry’s this time. Harry knew a lie when he saw one and tightened
his lips in anger as he decided to press for information. There was no way what
Snape was suffering from was a simple muggle virus. No virus Harry knew of
changed the colour of people’s eyes and the temperature of their skin so
rapidly.
“He was shaking and” Harry paused and watched as Albus nodded for Harry to
continue. “He was cold to touch, like ice and his eyes they turned….”
“Just a fever Harry I’m sure.” Albus cut the boy off abruptly and stood up from
his chair, his teacup abandoned on the armrest. “Now enough about Severus he’s
in very capable hands. What about you and Miss Weasley.” Harry couldn’t keep
the shocked expression from his face as he stared at the headmaster like he had
two heads. Never had Albus changed the subject of a conversation so quickly or
so obviously. Albus Dumbledore was a master of manipulating conversations and
situations to his advantage without a fault yet something Harry had said had
seemed to upset the elder wizard and had thrown him off his usually sharp
guard. It took a second for Harry to realize the headmaster was waiting for an
answer and another minute to think of an appropriate reply.
“Good, thank you for asking.” Harry mentally kicked himself at having not been
able to come up with something more convincing. If truth were told things with
Ginny were rapidly spiraling out of control but not in the way Harry had
expected. Dumbledore had clearly picked up on Harry’s hesitation and the boy
quickly berated himself yet again for being so readable.
“Little problems in a relationship only help to strength the bond of
understanding between couples Harry.” The twinkle in Dumbledore’s eyes had
returned behind the half-moon glasses a knowing smile twitching at the corner
of his lips.
“It’s not a relationship.” Harry snapped immediately, already tiring of hearing
about his so called ‘relationship’ with Ginny. “Why is everyone so quick to
label us, and push us into something? Only last Christmas Lupin was warning me
about making rash decisions about women, and now look, everyone’s so eager to
see me and Ginny shacked up together.” Harry paused and watched a strange
twitch of guilt wash over Dumbledore’s otherwise emotionless face. “Ginny’s
just my girlfriend. It’s nothing serious just a girlfriend.” Harry emphasized
every word as he flopped back into the couch, pouting a little and scowling at
the fireplace.
“Oh, I’m sorry Harry I was under the impression you and Miss Weasley were, in
an intimate relationship. I apologize.” Harry snapped his gaze back at
Dumbledore at the word intimate, unable to contain the blush that crept up into
his cheeks.
“What’s that got to do with anything?” Dumbledore sighed and smiled at Harry’s
awkward embarrassment.
“Everything my boy, it has everything to do with it.” Harry was confused but
didn’t have time to question the headmaster before there was a knock on Albus’
door and the Minister of Magic walked in. Harry watched Fudge’s gaze shift
between Albus and himself clearly something being passed between the elder
wizards.
“I’m sorry Harry, we’ll have to finish our conversation at a later time I have
a meeting with Mr Fudge.” The Minister of Magic was already in the room making
himself comfortable by the fireplace, as Albus walked Harry to the door. “Thank
you for your kindness towards Professor Snape this afternoon Harry and here’s a
couple of lemon drops to keep you going.” Harry smiled crookedly at the
headmaster as he dropped a handful of lemon drops into Harry’s shirt pocket.
With one last glance back at the Minister of Magic, Harry left, the weight of
confusion sitting heavily on his shoulders. Undoubtedly it would be another
sleepless night…
***** Makes Fools of Us All *****
CHAPTER 7 (Makes Fools of Us All)
“That’s quite a collection of gifts Severus for someone as ungiving as
yourself.” Snape rolled over in bed and stared at the blonde figure standing in
the doorway, a bouquet of freshly picked herbs in one hand and a large bottle
of whisky in the other.
“Fuck off Malfoy.” Snape rarely swore but considering how he felt Lucius Malfoy
was the last person on earth he wanted to see right now. He felt tired, drained
and hungry. The hunger was the worst because no matter what he ate it wouldn’t
abate. The hunger that clawed at his stomach wouldn’t be sated by house elf
made meals and it made him sick to just think about it. On top of how dreadful
he felt was the cards and gifts that had poured in. Just as Lucius had first
predicted Snape had become prime meat in the marriage market and every
pureblood family were sending him offers of marriage and gifts as sweeteners to
the deal.
“I know how you hate flowers.” Malfoy wiggled the bunch of herbs as he smirked
at the array of sickly flower arrangements adorning every spare surface of
Snape’s bedroom. Snape rolled his eyes and gestured to the bottle of whisky.
“That better be vintage.” Malfoy chuckled as he conjured a chair at the side of
Snape’s bed and with a flick of his wand called two glasses from Snape’s liquor
cabinet in the living room.
“Older than the both of us put together.” Snape rolled his eyes at Malfoy’s
boast and snatched the glass from the blonde’s hand in order to down the amber
liquid in one go. Usual practice was to savor every mouthful of the vintage
alcohol but Snape needed something to dampen the swell of hunger that rose in
his body at having another warm body so close to his own. There was silence as
the two of them sipped a second glass of whisky each wizard lost in their own
thoughts. Snape could feel Lucius staring at him though and knew the silence
wouldn’t last long.
“My offer still stands Sev. You don’t need to put yourself through this. Draco
is…”
“Not the one.” Severus muttered darkly swallowing the heave that threatened to
turn nasty at the mere memory of what Draco Malfoy had smelt like in his
classroom the last two weeks. Lucius fell into silence, his lips tightening
slightly but not betraying what he was thinking. “You may as well give up
Lucius, Draco would be nothing more than a meal for me, besides the fact it’d
scare the boy half to death.”
“You think my son can’t handle your kind?” Lucius looked mildly affronted at
the insult but Severus had neither the energy nor the care to argue.
“I think Draco is in love with a delusional idea of me and I assure you reality
would be far more confronting than the bullshit you’ve been feeding him.
Besides the fact the boy’s young, he doesn’t deserve to be exposed to….” Snape
paused rethinking what he was about to say. “No one deserves to be witness to
my disgrace.” Snape ended quietly and took a long sip of his whisky.
“Are you afraid he’ll leave you like Lily did?” Snape looked up from his glass
and glared at Lucius over the rim his blue eyes flashing angrily as his upper
lip twitched over the extended canines.
“Lily Evans was a fool to think she could tame me and you are a fool to
underestimate what I can do.” Snape ran his tongue unconsciously over his
bottom lip as his eyes focused on the creamy white skin of Lucius neck, the
pulse point just throbbing above the neckline of the robe. Lucius stood quickly
and leaned over to Snape, pressing his face directly into the other wizards
causing Snape to growl at the closeness of such a temptation.
“No one calls me a fool Severus Snape, and you forget that when the hunger
drives you insane it will be to me you will come begging less some innocent
student dies and your place as Voldemort spy in Hogwarts is made redundant.”
With a nasty growl of his own Lucius had stood back up straight and with a
flurry of robes disappeared into the flames of the fireplace. With fists
clenched and teeth grinding Snape threw himself back against the pillow and
closed his eyes willing his body back into submission and control. Lucius
Malfoy was persistent but Snape had willpower on his side.
***** Fire Starters *****
CHAPTER 8 (Fire Starters)
“How’s his condition?”
“Normal, with all things considered.”
“And the hunger?”
“Will get the better of him eventually. He can’t go on for long without
feeding, he’s fighting it but it’s in his nature.”
“Any sign of a mate?”
“He won’t sense anything until he feeds, hunger blocks out everything else.”
“He needs a donor then?”
“Forget it, Donor’s rarely work out. Besides the fact there are very few people
we can trust with this secret.”
“Find him a donor.”
“Is that an order?”
“No, I’m just asking as one of his own kind for you to help him.”
“I’ll see what I can do……”
********************************************
“Dance Harry, you’re just standing there. You have to loosen up.” Harry rolled
his eyes as Hermione took a hold of his hands and forced him to flop about to
the beat of the music blaring around the hall. Harry hated dancing and had only
agreed to dance with Hermione to stop her from pouting when Ron had refused to
dance with her earlier.
“This isn’t my thing.” Harry leaned closer in order for Hermione to hear him
over the music. Hermione laughed and shook her head uncaringly.
“We all have to do things we don’t like Harry!” Hermione shouted back as the
music died down and a slower much more intimate tune drifted around the hall.
Feeling awkward by the sudden change of mood, Harry led Hermione from the dance
floor weaving between the couples already joined together for an intimate
dance. Ron, Ginny, Neville, Dean and Seamus were sitting in a group beside the
teacher’s platform at the end of the hall.
“Good dance?” Ginny inquired brightly as Harry sat down beside her and took the
offered cup of punch he was offered. Harry nodded mutely his gaze lost in his
cup. Of late he’d tired of Ginny’s conversation and the constant prodding of
his friends for him to get closer to the girl. Ginny sighed heavily when Harry
wasn’t forth coming with further comment leaving his friends to pick up the
slack silence that followed.
“It was a good idea of the prefects to hold a dance.” Seamus leaned back in his
chair and patted Hermione on the shoulder in congratulations. The dance had
been a rather quick decision on the behalf of the prefect student body. The
main reason behind the dance was to help provide further opportunities for the
purebloods to make good on the Ministry’s new laws. Most students realized what
the dance was about and only one green eyed messy haired teen was oblivious to
the truth.
“Brilliant I’d say, gives us a chance to see who’s shacked up with whom.” Dean
laughed, as did the others around the semi circle of friends. Harry didn’t
laugh however and merely stared blankly out at the swaying couples on the dance
floor. As Harry continued to watch something came to his abrupt attention.
Couples were kissing, fondling and touching in the darkened spaces between the
flashing disco lights. The intimacy of the couples however was not surprising,
what was most disturbing however was that the professors chaperoning the dance
were doing nothing to prevent the blatant displays of foreplay happening right
before them on the dance floor. Frowning in confusion Harry glanced up behind
him at the raised platform. The headmaster and Professor McGonagall were
playing cards, obliviously turning a blind eye to the happenings in the great
hall. A few other professors were scattered along the table, each lost in their
own activity clearly bored with the entire idea of a school dance. The one
notable absence in the faculty presence was Professor Snape. Since his collapse
in the classroom the snarky bastard hadn’t taught a single class and had hardly
been seen in the halls. Harry had been disgusted to find himself mildly worried
for the elder wizard, his concern compounded by Dumbledore’s lying. The whole
situation smelt bad and Harry had a feeling he was missing something major
happening around him.
”What’s wrong Harry?” Harry jumped a little as he felt soft fingers ghost
across the back of his neck drawing his attention back to Ginny. The young red
head was snuggling into his neck, playfully nibbling on his earlobe. Harry
wasn’t in the mood and firmly pushed Ginny off him as he rose sharply from the
chair.
“I’m going to go see Hagrid.” It was partially the truth. Harry had promised to
visit the half giant for tea at the start of the week he just hadn’t expected
to go to him now. Shrugging on his cloak Harry made for the door, only just
catching movement before Ginny stepped in front of him.
“I’ll come too.” Ginny reached for her own cloak but Harry stopped her
abruptly.
“No,” Harry paused realizing how harsh he’d sounded in his rush to stop the
girl from coming with him. “Fang doesn’t like you.” It was a total fib and
Ginny looked a little shocked at the news.
“Oh, I guess I’ll just stay here then.” Ginny sat back down next to Hermione
who was glaring at Harry, clearly not impressed with her friend’s sharpness.
Harry shrugged and having successfully secured his peace, moved from the hall
and out into the grounds. It was dark outside, only the moonlight illuminating
the path that led down to Hagrid’s hut. Huddling in his cloak against the wind
Harry jogged the last few meters to Hagrid’s door and knocked twice. There was
no answer and so Harry knocked again a little louder. Again there was no reply
and Harry stretched across the top step to see into the lighted window of the
hut. Despite the candlelight streaming out of the window the hut appeared to be
empty both of Hagrid and his overly large dog. Harry decided Hagrid couldn’t
have gone too far and so sat himself down on the top step to wait for his
friends return.
Harry was skimming rocks into upturned flowerpots when he heard the sound in
the darkness. The trees at the edge of the dark forest just beside Hagrid’s hut
rustled in the wind and Harry was sure he saw shadows moving between the trunks
and undergrowth. Swallowing heavily Harry nervously drew his wand and stared
into the darkness, trying to focus his gaze on the rapid movement between the
trees. Gryffindor bravery drew Harry to his feet, the boy cautiously moving
towards the tree line his wand held out in front of him.
“Hello? Who’s there?” Harry’s voice got caught in a sudden gust of wind that
whipped his cloak about him and ruffled his hair in his face. As expected there
was no reply from Harry’s call and so the boy continued to move towards the
trees. A chill ran up Harry’s spine as he felt the ghost of a gaze sweeping
over him. Someone was watching him. Swallowing nervousness he paused and
searched the tree line again for signs of life. This time he saw a figure in
the shadow cloaked from head to toe in a black robe. The figure was staring
straight at him the glittering of hidden eyes sparkling in the moonlight.
Harry’s breath caught in his throat as he remembered seeing two similar figures
leave the castle almost a month ago. Harry was frozen to the spot as he
continued to stare at the person not knowing what to do.
It was only when a warm hand came crashing down onto his shoulder that Harry
screamed and spun around abruptly, only to come face to face with Hagrid.
“What ya doin’ out ‘ere Harry?” Harry clutched at his chest as his heart
threatened to thump right out of his body.
“There’s someone in the forest.” Harry turned back around and pointed to where
he’d seen the figure only seconds before. Hagrid raised the lantern above his
head casting a shadowed light into the edge of the forest. Predictably there
was no one there. The figure disappeared just as quickly as Harry had seen it.
Harry sighed heavily and lowered his wand, clearly a little shaken by the
incident. As Dumbledore said at the start of every term there were dark things
in the Forbidden Forest and the place was forbidden for a reason.
“Enjoying your dance then Harry?” Hagrid led Harry the short distance back to
his hut and lumbered inside carrying several large logs of wood for the fire.
“Not really.” Harry shrugged his shoulders as he climbed up into one of the
large chairs and let Fang hang his head in his lap as he stroked the mutt’s
ears playfully.
“Dancin’ ain’t my favorite thing to do either Harry.” Harry smiled as he
watched Hagrid stoke the fire with the new logs before setting a kettle of
water on the hearth in order to make tea. “So how are you and Miss Weasley
then? I ‘ere you two are quite the couple?” Harry groaned and pushed his face
into the plush wing back of the chair.
“Not you as well.” Hagrid sat himself down in the chair opposite Harry having
produced a small plate of buttered scones and what looked like tuna and corn
sandwiches.
“What’d I say?” Hagrid inquired apologetically as Harry reached for a sandwich,
helping himself.
“Everyone is always on about me and Ginny. I’m sick of hearing about what I
should and shouldn’t be doing. I feel like the world’s watching my first
girlfriend, its uncomfortable knowing everyone’s watching my every move.” Harry
grumped as he chewed on his sandwich before reaching for another, both for
himself and Fang.
“It’s them new laws, ain’t it?” Hagrid reached over to pour the tea.
“What new laws?” Harry’s frown deepened as Hagrid handed him the cup of
steaming tea before sitting back with his own cup in hand.
“Them laws about ancestry and all that. It’s a load of old nonsense if you ask
me, purebloods shouldn’t be forced into doing anything if they don’t want to.”
Hagrid took a sip from his tea cup having blown the steam away with a sharp
exhale. “If they’d have sent me a letter I’d have torn it straight up, but I
suppose they figure being half giant and all I don’t need to be included.”
Hagrid shrugged his shoulders as he watched a blank expression wash over
Harry’s face.
“I don’t understand.” Harry whispered wondering how on earth he’d missed such a
change in the laws. Hagrid sipped his cup of tea again, this time nervously
swallowing as he realized that Harry had no idea what he was talking about.
“Oh, I guess no one told ya then, perhaps I shouldn’t have said anything.”
There was a silence that clung to the warm air of the hut, as Hagrid didn’t
further elaborate. Harry was waiting for some kind of explanation but it was
obvious the half giant had decided he’d already said too much. “So, did I show
ya the ‘igniters’ I bought from a traveling zoo last week?” Hagrid’s change of
conversation wasn’t subtle, but Harry knew better than to make his friend
uncomfortable by pressing the last issue.
“No, what are igniters….” With a fake smile Harry allowed Hagrid to drag him
into his kitchen where he was soon lost in conversation with the giant about
the flaming little creatures that Hagrid was keeping in a cauldron on his
stove. Despite the diversion of the creatures however, Harry’s thoughts were
elsewhere. When the opportunity arose Harry excused himself for the night and
made his way back to the castle for a silent reflection on what had happened.
***** My Other Source *****
CHAPTER 9 (My Other Source)
“Where did you get it?” Snape looked up suspiciously from the three vials
sitting on the Headmasters desk. The contents of the vials glistened crimson
against the morning sunshine streaming in from the windows. Dumbledore was
reclined casually in his chair his fingers steepled in front of his chin as he
stared at Snape seriously.
“How they were obtained is none of your business Severus.” Snape’s lips
tightened in irritation. Was it not bad enough that he had to suffer through
the painful process of naturalization without having to suffer the indignity of
being fed like a wild animal? “Consider them a gift.” Snape huffed contemptibly
and was about to tell Albus where to shove his gift when the elder wizard
reached over and uncorked one of the vials. Almost instantly the air filled
with the metallic flavored scent that sent chills of exhilaration down Snape’s
spine and re-ignited the empty burn of need in his stomach. Without realizing
it Snape had unconsciously moved himself over the top of the open vial, his
eyes closed as he inhaled deeply on the fresh aroma still lingering.
“Straw Severus?” Snape’s eyes snapped open immediately when he heard Albus’
smug tone of voice. Snatching the humiliating spectacle that was the offered
crazy straw Snape begrudgingly picked up the vial and took a long sip of the
liquid inside. The liquid was cold and made him shudder. Ultimately he would
have preferred body temperature but no doubt the vial had been stored for safe
transport. The liquid settled heavily in Snape’s stomach making him groan in
satisfaction that he hadn’t felt since he’d stopped taking his potion. Licking
his lips between the automatically dropped incisors Snape continued to sip the
liquid through the straw, his sky blue eyes defiantly cursing the old man who
was smiling at him.
“You need to be sparing with it, but constant. Blood lust dulls your other
senses making your ability to find a mate harder.” Snape growled beneath his
breath as he drained the last few drops of crimson life from the vial before
licking the straw clean as well.
“Who suddenly made you an expert on my behavior Albus?” Snape politely burped
behind his hand already feeling the calming affect the liquid had on his body,
and the way the aches and pains of the past weeks were finally beginning to
ease.
“Again, I have my sources.” Suspiciously Snape nodded his head as Albus
unwrapped a sweet from the tray on his desk and promptly popped it into his
mouth. “I would expect you to be well enough to return to classes. The blood
will calm your temper and make the heightened senses much more bearable.” Again
Snape nodded this was not news to him at all. He had, after all grown up in a
family that had embraced their heritage, although only ever behind closed
doors.
“And what of the hoards of suitors barricading themselves outside my door?”
Snape shuddered as he thought about all the cards and flowers he’d received
from over enthusiastic students, parents and strangers alike. Albus chuckled
and shook his head, his smiling eyes beaming knowingly over the tops of his
half moon glasses.
“You have no doubt dealt with student crushes before Severus. I have faith in
your ability to turn away any unwanted attention from students.” Snape sneered
at Albus’ implication towards his reputation, but chose not to comment and
further incriminate himself. “As for the families currently requesting an
audience, I shall personally write to each of them informing them of your
refusals.” Snape sighed and nodded in thanks to the headmaster. Intimidating
students was a piece of cake compared with trying to intimidate adamant
parents. There was a short pause where Albus stared at Snape in thought before
sighing heavily, an unusual thing for the ever-happy headmaster to do. “I can
not however help you with the Malfoy’s and Riddle.” Snape too sighed heavily
and turned his attention to the fireplace crackling away on the far side of the
room.
“He’s persistent and I fully expect to be summoned sooner rather than later to
receive my orders in the matter.” Albus nodded in agreement an expression of
sympathy washing over his face as he stared at Snape’s blue eyes.
“Perhaps it is the lesser of two evils to simply entertain Draco Malfoy. You
know that Riddle will look favorably on the match between you and the boy so if
you give them the impression you’re thinking on the idea it might buy you a
little time before Riddle gives you the ultimatum.” Snape sighed again and
turned his gaze back on Albus, the blue of his eyes fading behind the mask of
magical concealment he’d erected over himself to avoid detection.
”You’re right, it would buy me time but I can’t very well seduce the boy not
when it goes against everything I value.” Albus smiled at Snape’s rarely shown
conscience. Standing up, Albus moved around the desk and placed a comforting
hand on his potions professor’s shoulder.
“Boys like Draco Malfoy do not need much to keep them entertained Snape. Use
your charms and persuasive nature to convince the boy you’re interested, and
then play with him a little until you discover your mate. It’s a small
sacrifice to make, and I assure you the boy will get over you despite his
fathers urgings.” Snape rose from the chair and walked with Albus over to the
fireplace where the floo was already connected. “Go to bed and get some rest
Severus. I hear Professor McGonagall is an abysmal Potions teacher and your
classes are in disarray!” Snape growled angrily wondering why no one had told
him of this earlier. However before Snape could say anything Albus had pushed
him into the fire and with a sparkling smile from the elder wizard Snape was
gone.
***** All Things Dark *****
CHAPTER 10 (All Things Dark)
“What’s going on?” Harry sat down in front of Remus who was busily scrawling
his name on various documents.
“Nothing much, just some Order work that’s all.” Remus shrugged his shoulders
and went back to his papers, ignoring the stern glare that Harry threw his way.
“That’s not what I meant and you know it.” Harry growled angrily as he slammed
his hand down over Remus’ breaking the werewolf’s quill and splattering ink all
over the parchment on the table.
“Harry!” Remus stood up immediately and clutched his injured hand to his chest
and glared, similarly angry with the boy. Harry didn’t back down though and
merely raised his head in defiance, determined to get an answer.
“Contrary to your misconception about my knowledge, I do in fact have
absolutely no idea what you’re talking about Harry.” Harry’s gaze narrowed
dangerously as Remus folded his arms across his chest and did his very best
impression of an angry professor.
“I want to know about the laws, about the letter.” Remus’ angry gaze faded
immediately only to be replaced just as quickly with an expression of guilty
regard. The werewolf shifted awkwardly from one foot to the other behind the
desk before striding unsteadily over to the armchair by the fireplace.
“You needn’t bother about it Harry, I sorted it all out for you.” Harry didn’t
like Remus’ tone of voice and followed the elder wizard across the room, to
stand in front of him, hands on hips.
“I don’t care if it’s sorted or not, I want to know what’s going on.” Harry
stared into Remus’ brown eyes desperately. Remus Lupin was helpless to reject
Harry’s pleading gaze, and sighed heavily as he closed his eyes and collapsed
back into the armchair in defeat.
“Fine. The Ministry of Magic has reinstated the ‘bloodline marriage act’ to
ensure the wizarding population and magical signature is not put at risk due to
the impending war.” Harry was silent and Remus dared to crack open one eye to
gauge the boy’s reaction. From Harry’s passive expression however, Remus was
sure the boy had no idea what he’d said had meant. With another sigh Remus sat
up and leaned in closer to where Harry had taken up a seat on the coffee table.
“The ‘bloodline’ act requires of age and unmarried purebloods to procreate or
be in a recognized relationship that without doubt will lead to…” Lupin trailed
off as he watched recognition dawn in Harry’s expression.
“Children.” Harry finished feeling suddenly devoid of emotion as his mind
strayed to Ginny and his unorthodox relationship with her.
“Indeed.” Remus nodded in agreement before continuing. “The bloodline act goes
back to Merlin’s time. It was originally a way of purifying magical bloodlines;
by ensuring the right families were connected through marriage from an early
age. I believe muggles refer to the practice as ‘arranged marriages’?” Harry
nodded once in confirmation but his thoughts were still straying towards Ginny.
The twist of betrayal, hurt and manipulation was beginning to curdle in his
stomach. Harry swallowed the lump of anger that threatened to choke him. Remus
knew what Harry was thinking, the boy’s every emotion written across his face.
With an exaggerated sigh Remus continued. “I’m sorry Harry, as your legal
guardian till you reach your majority I am obliged to arrange a partner for
you.”
“Ginny.” Harry whispered, the single word expressing to Remus that he’d figured
out the pieces by himself. Remus shifted awkwardly in his chair and reached
forward to place an apologetic hand on the boy’s shoulder.
“I thought I was doing the right thing by you Harry, you seemed happy with her.
I would have given you a choice but Dumbledore insisted that you didn’t need
that kind of stress hanging over the relationship.” Harry stared at Remus, the
elder wizard clearly upset that he’d gone behind the boy’s back.
“So instead you’ve gone and arranged my marriage, decided my future for me.”
Harry snapped angrily his temper frayed to its limits.
“No, you’re not obligated to marry her just….” Remus trailed off his gaze
dropping guiltily from Harry’s.
“Get her pregnant.” Harry snapped darkly hating the words in his mouth. What
was the Ministry of Magic doing? Creating an entire generation that would be
strangers to at least one of their parents.
“It sounds worse than it is Harry. We all have to make a sacrifice.” Remus
closed his eyes sadly and turned his face away from Harry’s smoldering
expression of anger.
“And what’s yours werewolf?” Harry didn’t mean to sound so cold, so heartless
and regretted the comment immediately when Remus got up and walked away from
him.
“I sacrificed your Godfather Harry,” Remus paused at the window and slumped
against the frame, his back still to the boy who now hung his head in shame in
his lap. “Sirius was my life, and although I as a classified ‘dark creature’ am
not required to produce children, I have still sacrificed my better half for
the sake of this war.”
“Sorry.” Harry whispered apologetically as Remus sighed and turned around from
his stare out of the window.
“I apologize too.” Remus met Harry half way across the room and hugged the boy
tightly in his arms. “Enjoy the time you have with Ginny Harry, things could be
worse considering the situation. She agreed to be with you when asked, which
goes some way to showing how much she really does care for you.” Harry nodded
in agreement as he stepped back from Remus and headed for the door. Harry
paused before he could exit however and glanced back to where Remus was just
sitting back down at his desk.
“Remus?” The werewolf glanced up from his work encouraging Harry to go on with
a short smile. “Do you know of any wizards that have the animagus of a bat?”
Remus frowned at Harry’s question and shook his head quickly.
“Bats are seen as dark creatures Harry, no wizard in the course of history has
ever been a bat.” Harry’s own frown deepened as Remus quickly added. “Except
Vampires of course but there haven’t been sightings of vampires for millennia.”
A chill ran up Harry’s spine as he remembered the two figures he’d seen running
from the castle several weeks ago. With a forced smile Harry left, hurriedly
scurrying down the hallway desperate to talk to the one person who might shed
light on what Vampires were doing at Hogwarts.
***** Textual Study *****
CHAPTER 11 (Textual Study)
“Vampires!? Are you sure Harry?” Hermione sat up on the end of her bed to stare
at her best friend in disbelief.
“I’m positive I saw two of them running from the castle, and last Monday I’m
sure I saw one in the forbidden forest after the dance.” Harry watched as
Hermione brushed back her unruly brown locks and blinked the sleep out of her
eyes.
“Why didn’t you say something earlier?” Hermione snapped as she reached into
her trunk and pulled out several large textbooks, none of them on the required
reading lists for Hogwarts.
“I didn’t know, I just thought they were wizards.” Harry barked impatiently.
Hermione was already flipping through the pages of her textbook. Hermione
glanced up pointedly from her reading to glare at the boy-who-lived.
“Third year transfiguration Harry, ‘Only Vampire’s have the animagus form of
bats.’” Harry rolled his eyes at Hermione’s lecture as she went back to the
books.
“So what do you think they’re doing at Hogwarts?” Harry inquired as Hermione
continued to scan her books.
“I’m not sure but it’s probably something to do with the pureblood laws.” It
took a second for Hermione to realize what she’d just said and instantly
snapped her head up to stare at Harry guiltily. Harry rolled his eyes and
sighed heavily as he flopped back down on the bed.
“Don’t worry Hermione, I already know.” Hermione stared down at her friend
laying beside her, his face a sad expression of defeat.
“How?” Hermione whispered momentarily putting her books aside in favor of
comforting Harry.
“Hagrid let it slip when I went to see him on the night of the dance, then I
went to see Lupin and demanded that he tell me what was going on.” Harry
shrugged his shoulders uncaringly at Hermione’s apologetic smile.
“I’m sorry Harry, we were sworn not to talk about it around you. You’re taking
this pretty well considering.” Again Harry shrugged as he pulled himself up
from the bed and fiddled with the cuff on his Weasley jumper.
“I guess I realize everyone else is in the same position. At least I like
Ginny.” Harry paused and glanced up shyly at Hermione who was twisting a lock
of her curly brown hair around on her finger. “Have you and Ron…” Harry trailed
off a pink stain coloring his cheeks as he met Hermione’s gaze.
“We’ve messed around if that’s what you mean, but we haven’t…” It was
Hermione’s turn to blush her curly hair falling into her face as she ducked her
head in embarrassment. “It’s enough to keep the Ministry off our backs. So long
as the relationship will ultimately lead to…that, then they’ll leave us alone.”
Harry nodded falling silent as Hermione went back to her textbooks,
conveniently changing the topic of conversation. “After the ‘master’ of the
Vampires was killed during the shadow wars of the 5th century, most of the
Vampire families went underground fearing the Ministry of Magic would hunt them
down. Without a leader they were defenseless.” Harry shifted closer to Hermione
under the relative privacy of the girl’s curtained bed, so that he could better
see the textbook and the words she was pointing to. “According to this text,
most chose to settle into wizarding society, through the use of strong
inhibiting potions that subdued their instinctual nature.”
“You mean the blood sucking, murderous kind of fang instinct.” Harry supplied
as he pointed to the inked artwork in the book. Hermione rolled her eyes and
slapped Harry’s hand away in irritation.
“Don’t be a stereotyping prick Harry.” Hermione snapped sharply as she
continued to read from the text. “When the Vampire families went underground
they successfully hid themselves from history. The last recorded official
victim of a vampire was during the 7th century. He was a wand maker in Scotland
and was found dead in his back garden two puncture wounds to his neck. The
Ministry took little notice of it due to the man’s inebriated state at the time
of his death and his broken arm which suggested he’d simply fallen down the
stairs from the back door.” Harry sat staring at the information that Hermione
was reading, quite intrigued by what he was being told. This was proving far
more interesting than anything else he’d been taught in defense class about
Vampires.
“So they do kill people then!” Harry murmured quietly as they both paused to
listen to one of Hermione’s roommates turn over in their sleep in the next bed
over.
“Rarely.” Hermione whispered in return as she closed the first textbook and
opened another. “A vampire never kills without just cause or provocation of
some sort. Sure Vampires need fresh blood to quell the lust but if done
correctly a victim may never know they have been bitten. The only time Vampires
have been known to kill is in retaliation for loss of their own kind or
similarly in protection of fledglings or mates.”
“What’s a fledgling?” Harry inquired as he watched Hermione flip over the page
in her textbook and point to a particular paragraph.
“A fledgling is an un-matured Vampire not yet in his or her majority and
consequently has not yet inherited their power or talent as the Vampires refer
to it as. Vampires don’t come of age till their mid twenties.” Harry was
impressed by Hermione’s knowledge although a little concerned at why the young
witch knew so much.
“How come you’re the book of knowledge concerning Vampires?” Harry whispered as
Hermione closed both her textbooks and returned them to her trunk with a quick
flick of her wand.
“To become a head researcher, I need a topic of study for college. I chose
Vampires because so much is not known about them.” Hermione blushed when Harry
shook his head in disbelief. “Yeah, I know it’s a bit early to be studying for
college but I thought I’d get a head start.”
“So what’s your theory about them being at Hogwarts?” Harry stretched out
beside Hermione on the bed, lowering their voices as they heard one of the
girls get up to go to the bathroom.
“I’m not sure, it could be the Ministry laws. A Vampire can still technically
be of a pureblood wizarding family and thus bound by the laws like the rest of
us. I know for sure though that a Vampire would settle for no less than their
‘mate’ to meet the ministry’s requirements.” Hermione paused, as she yawned
still not completely rested from her interrupted sleep earlier. “Apart from
that, Dumbledore might be enlisting the help of them for the coming war, who
knows.” Hermione shrugged and Harry smiled at his best friend as he carefully
slipped out of the curtained bed.
“Whatever the reason Hermione, we’ll have to keep an eye out for them.”
Hermione nodded sleepily in reply, and with a whispered goodnight Harry snuck
out of the girl’s dormitory and back to his own.
***** Casualties of Survival *****
CHAPTER 12 (Casualties of Survival)
Severus glanced up from his cauldron to stare at the blonde haired student
quietly doing his homework on the table in front of the classroom. Malfoy
junior was the image of his father at that age only lacking the spark of
evilness that only years of service to the dark lord could provide. Draco was
lost in his work so Snape stared at the boy unashamedly assessing the blonde’s
attributes.
He was gorgeous. It was just a shame the boy knew it. The boy was toned from
several years of Quidditch training; he was lean and tall but far from being
gangly. His face was flawless, an attractive mix of matured cheekbones and
chin, with a still youthful complexion and texture. Despite Draco’s outward
appearance however Severus could see deeper. The self confident, arrogance hid
secrets, the boy’s body bearing the tell tale scars of home discipline that
only a skilled gaze such as Severus’ could ever detect. Severus knew Lucius at
school, had seen first hand the man’s own self-discipline. It was predictable
that the blonde had taught his son those same values.
“Professor?” Draco’s voice drew Snape from his distant gaze, his eyes snapping
up from Draco’s hands to the boy’s inquiring face. “I’ve finished my homework
would you like me to leave?” Snape shook his head in reply and kicked out a
chair from in front of his desk, gesturing for Draco to come and sit in it.
Snape watched the blonde move purposefully around the benches and over to the
chair, the boy’s scent growing stronger as the distance between them decreased.
Since Snape had been rationing his crimson gifts the overwhelming scent of
disgusting children had dulled. The chaos of his senses had calmed sufficiently
enough for him to detect each subtle difference in smell between each of his
students and the people around him. For the past week he’d made it a game to
challenge himself to remember the scent of certain people. Draco had been one
of his first experiments. The blonde smelled of apples, fresh crisp and
surprisingly tart. The scent was at present masked a little by soap and
expensive aftershave but Snape was sure if he closed his eyes he’d still be
able to pick the boy out in a crowd. Draco sat down in front of the desk, his
hands folded in his lap. Snape took a deep breath and sighed heavily. All week
he’d followed Dumbledore’s advice, wooing the boy into a false sense of
fondness on his behalf. Today though had been the final straw when Draco had
leaned in for a kiss during potions, as Severus had bent over to inspect his
cauldron. The resulting detention had led to this moment, and Severus found
himself unable to keep up the charade with the boy who would only suffer in the
end.
“What is the consequence if you fail Draco?” Severus’ cold tone never wavered
as he stared directly into the blonde’s steel blue eyes.
“Pardon?” Draco replied a little too quickly and with a mixed expression of
horror and shock plastered across his face.
”You heard me the first time Draco, don’t make me repeat it.” Severus narrowed
his gaze at the blonde who instantly ducked his head to his chest and had the
good grace to look embarrassed.
“He’ll take away everything.” Draco muttered beneath his breath unable to lift
his head to meet Severus’ gaze.
“And what is so important that you can not afford to lose it?” Severus’ voice
had turned cold unable to keep his own emotions from bubbling to the surface.
Lucius Malfoy was a manipulative son of a bitch, and not even his son was safe
from such plots.
“Everything.” Draco trailed off again but this time raising his head a fraction
to catch a glance of Snape’s obsidian eyes, masked perfectly to hide the blue
beneath. “He says I’ll get to choose, that this is just temporary.” Draco
gestured between himself and Snape. The potions professor snorted in disgust
and shook his head; Lucius’ lies to his son beginning now to creep out.
“Draco, if I take you as my own it will be for life. There is no ‘Temporary’
about this situation.” Draco’s naive steel blue eyes widened impossibly the boy
for the first time looking genuinely horrified. Snape allowed himself a small
twitch of amusement at the boy’s reaction. Spending a night with your Potions
professor was a far cry from spending your life with him.
“But…” Draco stammered unable to find a reply. The last thing Severus needed
was to see a Malfoy crumble and so quickly continued to save Draco’s pride.
“There are far greater concerns in this world Draco than losing your father’s
love. You know as well as I Draco that Lucius neither cares for you nor loves
you like he should. It is about time you grew a backbone. Once you turn 17
there is nothing he can legally do to stop you, you need to take steps now to
prove your independence.” Severus sighed heavily as he saw the glistening of a
tear as it slipped down Draco’s cheek. Severus remembered Draco as a baby and
the crocodile tears the boy use to shed in his crib when Lucius ignored him.
This tear though was not without emotion and although it was alone on his cheek
it told of so much pain. “Is there someone you’re interested in Draco?” Knowing
not to draw attention to Draco’s moment of weakness Severus changed the topic
slightly. Draco wiped his face unconsciously with the sleeve of his robe and
glanced up reluctantly at the elder wizard. Severus rolled his eyes and shook
his head. “I’m not asking you to name them Draco, a simple yes or no is
sufficient.” Draco blushed and nodded by way of explanation.
“Good, then you should take steps to get involved with them. The sooner you are
recognized with someone else, the better the chances are that Lucius can’t
force you on to me.” Snape stood up from his desk and circled around the
classroom to his private potions store. For a few moments Severus shuffled some
glass bottles around on a shelf before returning to his desk with a small vial
of liquid, which he placed in front of Draco.
“She’s with someone else, I think it’s all arranged.” Draco whispered as he
watched Snape gesture to the vial pointedly.
“Then work your Slytherin side boy and worm your way in. These Ministry Laws
are all about survival of the fittest and in this game there are always going
to be casualties.” Snape’s gaze twinkled knowingly as a familiar Slytherin
smile twitched at the corner of Draco’s lips. “Two drops in her drink will be
suffice to get her to notice you, the rest you must do yourself with your
charms.” Draco nodded his thanks and slipped the vial into his robe pocket as
Snape sat back in his chair feeling a lot better about his current situation.
With Draco out of the way and occupied with other things, Snape was free to
explore his new unrestrained self.
“What happens when my father finds out about this?” Draco was already gathering
his books and was ready to leave when something struck him. Turning to glance
over his shoulder at Snape, Draco’s blue eyes hid a fear that Snape could
sympathize with.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it Draco, now get lost before I take
points for being out after curfew.” Draco nodded and scampered away, the door
closing behind him and leaving Snape in silence to think about just what he’d
done.
***** Low for You *****
CHAPTER 13 (Low for You)
‘Pansy, Crabbe, Goyle, Draco, Seamus, Dean, Longbottom, Granger, Weasel,
Pavarti.” Snape paused and opened his eyes having walked the length of the
classroom identifying each student by their scent as he passed by them. Snape
knew where they were all sitting and had realized half a second late that
someone’s scent was missing. He’d become good at this game and prided himself
on his accuracy, yet today he’d noticed a mistake. Glaring down at the
Gryffindor side of the room Snape mentally went over the scents again. ‘Seamus,
Dean, Longbottom, Granger, Weasley and…Potter.’ Snape glared at the boy-who-
lived hunched over his potions diary scribbling away furiously as he tried to
get everything copied down before the lesson ended. Taking a detour around the
Gryffindor side of the room Snape lingered behind Potter and took a deep breath
in.
Nothing.
The boy was scentless. Snape hadn’t encountered a student yet that didn’t smell
of something unique yet Potter’s aura was clean. It was strange that Snape
hadn’t spotted it before now but then he supposed he hadn’t actually been
looking for faults. Determined to see if the boy smelt of anything, Snape
leaned over Harry’s shoulder on the pretense of glancing into the boy’s
cauldron. The liquid inside the cauldron was a lavender colour. It should have
been a deeper purple and Snape might have taken points if he hadn’t closed his
eyes and took a deep breath in while hovering over Harry’s shoulder. This time
Snape smelt the faint hint of soap on the boy’s skin and the dry scent of pine
that was undoubtedly the boy’s shampoo. There was nothing unique about the
scent though, nothing that identified the boy’s mood, his feelings or what he
was thinking like the other scents in the room did.
Snape was stunned and didn’t realize he still had his eyes closed until
Potter’s breath brushed over his cheek.
“Professor?” Harry’s voice was clearly nervous and Snape snapped open his eyes
a little stunned to find himself face to face with the boy who was staring at
him closely. Potter let out a sudden gasp as he stared into Snape’s gaze, and
it was only then that Snape realized the glamour had slipped revealing the
sapphire blue eyes to the boy who was so damn close to him.
“Ten points Mr. Potter for not adding the ‘ground muscle’ quick enough. Class
Dismissed!” Snape practically snapped himself in two as he stood up straight
and strode hastily to the front of the classroom, conscious to keep his back to
the students. Pretending to straighten his papers on his desk Snape watched in
the reflection of the glass jars behind his desk, as the classroom emptied.
When the classroom was finally empty Snape slumped against his desk and hung
his head between his arms. He should have felt the glamour slip, he should have
had better control over his magic but Potter’s scent, or lack there of, had put
him off had made him forget himself. Snape shook his head and reached for his
wand casting the glamour back over himself. He had to attend dinner today in
the great hall and despite wanting nothing more than to take tea in his own
quarters, Snape knew better than to defy Dumbledore’s strict orders. Whatever
was going to happen at dinner was important and Snape reluctantly had to be
there. Gathering his things Snape checked the classroom for cleanliness once
more before striding from the room and up the corridors towards the great hall
********************************
“Why do you suppose Fudge and his cronies were here?” Harry flopped down in the
armchair of the Gryffindor’s prefect lounge, exhausted after a full day of
classes and feeling satisfactorily full after another Hogwarts feast. Ginny sat
down beside him on the padded arm of the chair, her legs slung over Harry’s lap
and her arm wrapped around his neck. Harry was uncomfortable sitting like this
in front of his friends but didn’t need the embarrassment of kicking Ginny off
in disgust. Hermione and Ron sat together on a love seat by the fire, while
Dean, Seamus and the Patel twins sat around the card table by the window to
play chess.
“Checking on everything no doubt.” Hermione muttered being curiously vague. So
far only Hermione knew about Harry’s knowledge of the Ministry Laws and so the
pair of them were keeping up the charade of naivety on Harry’s part. Everyone
knew why Fudge had come to Hogwarts. The irritating little man was making sure
that the purebloods were doing their duty, the evidence of which had been clear
with the amount of couples that had been sitting together at the house tables.
Ginny had made a point of sitting beside Harry tonight at the table, where
she’d usually have proffered to sit with her friends. Harry proffered her to
sit with her friends too but had graciously accepted her company despite the
stifled and awkward conversation that had passed between them.
The trio sat in relative quiet discussing the day’s classes, the coming
Hogsmeade weekend and the Christmas Holidays. It was late by the time Hermione
and Ron got up to go to bed. Harry too, deliberately excused himself to bed
having hardly spoken to Ginny all evening. Having dropped Hermione and Ginny
off at the stairs to the girl’s dormitory Harry and Ron stopped by the bathroom
before heading up to their dormitory. Ron stood beside Harry at the basins as
they cleaned their teeth.
“My sister was quiet tonight, you two have a fight?” Ron mumbled around a
mouthful of toothpaste. Harry swilled his mouth with water before shaking his
head.
“No. We’ve just got nothing much to say to one another.” Harry shrugged his
shoulders as he washed his face and dried it on his own monogrammed hand towel
that hung from the hook in the bathroom.
“Oh, I just thought something might be wrong that’s all.” Ron cautiously
glanced at his friend’s reflection in the mirror as Harry headed for the
urinals.
“We’re fine Ron, I’ll let you know if we’re not.” Harry didn’t mean to sound as
sharp as he did and instantly regretted it as Ron nodded sadly. “Go on up to
the dorm, I won’t be long.” Harry called over his shoulder as he pushed aside
his pajama bottoms and stepped up to the ceramic bowls. Harry listened as Ron’s
feet padded out of the bathroom leaving Harry to relax and slump against the
wall as he emptied his bladder. Silence hung in the cool tiled room and Harry
closed his eyes as he continued his nightly ritual. Hearing footsteps on the
bathroom floor again Harry shook his head. “Ron, I said I wouldn’t be long…”
Harry glanced over his shoulder to look irritably back at his best friend but
was shocked to find his friends youngest sister standing in the doorway. “Shit,
Ginny!” Harry snapped as he quickly tucked himself away and spun around to face
the young witch. Ginny was leant against the doorframe her pale blue nighty
just long enough to brush against her thighs. Her red hair had been brushed and
lay in curly cascades down her shoulders.
“You know don’t you.” Ginny’s voice was icy cold, and wavered a little with
what Harry could only describe as fear.
“Know what?” Harry played the dumb card as he walked over to the sinks to wash
his hands. Ginny huffed in mock amusement and shook her head tightly.
“Don’t bullshit me Potter, you know about the law and you’re making me suffer
because of my decision.” Harry stared at Ginny’s reflection in the mirror the
young red headed witch twisting the lace of her nighty in her hands as she
stared at the floor guiltily.
“You could have explained it to me, I wouldn’t have been mad. We could have
worked something out.” Harry whispered biting his tongue as the anger that had
been building since he’d first found out about the laws threatened to spill
forth. Ginny huffed another contemptible laugh and shook her head.
“Worked something out? Like marriage you mean?” Ginny bit sarcastically as she
folded her arms almost angrily across her chest. “I agreed to do this Harry as
a friend helping out a friend who was going to be in deep shit if I didn’t
help. Surprising, as this seems Harry I don’t like you in that way, you’re like
another brother to me. I’m sorry but I’m not really attracted to you.” Harry
snorted in shocked sarcasm and shook his head in disbelief.
“You say that like it’s supposed to break my heart Ginny well I’m sorry to
disappoint you but it’s not. Do you think I’m that shallow and self centered
that I think everyone’s in love with me?” Harry could no longer contain his
anger, his voice raising several notches so that he was bordering on shouting.
“I didn’t mean it like that Harry I was just pointing out the fact that I’m
doing you a favor by agreeing to this. Without me you’d have been swamped by
offers from families to fuck their daughters. I though I was doing something
good by allowing you to be with someone you knew.” Ginny was shouting now too,
although tears were rolling down her eyes unlike Harry who was stoically cold
faced.
“Don’t think you’ve done me any favors Ginny Weasley, deceiving me into
thinking you like me just to get a root is pretty low even for you. And in all
honesty I wouldn’t have considered touching you if I could have helped it. The
ministry might rule your family life but I don’t give in to fuck wits like
Fudge.” Harry strode towards the exit of the bathroom practically pushing Ginny
out of his way as he went.
“Harry please, don’t end it like this. I’m sorry! The Ministry will force you…”
Ginny called back but Harry was already striding down the corridor heading in
the opposite direction to the Gryffindor dorms.
“Forget it bitch.” Harry muttered beneath his breath as he blindly took each
deserted corridor he came to, not quite knowing where he was going but
definitely not ready to go back to his dorm despite the lingering curfew.
***** Discovered and Found Wanting *****
CHAPTER 14 (Discovered and Found Wanting)
He couldn’t sleep. He had a headache and he was hungry. Tipping the whisky
glass vertically Severus licked what was left of the few drops of crimson
liquid from the rim of the glass before slamming it down irritably on the
coffee table. Restlessly he stood up and began to pace silently willing both
his headache and the hunger to just disappear. The hunger would have been
easily cured had he not just sipped the last of his meager rations; the
headache was more complex and born entirely from the bane of his existence,
Harry bloody Potter.
The boy had seen him or at least a part of him. Nothing as yet had begun to
circulate about the Potions Professor’s strange behavior but Severus wasn’t a
fool. Vampires were covered in third year basic Defense Against the Dark Arts,
surely Potter hadn’t been stupid enough as to not put two and two together. The
boy had his friends too, and if Potter hadn’t worked it out the blasted Granger
girl might have.
Twisting his hands nervously in front of him, Snape paused in front of the
mirror above his mantel and turned to stare at his reflection. Severus had
never taken a great pride in his appearance, but as he stared at the figure
looking back at him from the mirror the image felt foreign, unreal. Snape
closed his eyes and then with a whisper of magic dropped the glamour.
Swallowing thickly Snape opened his eyes again to stare back at the blue-eyed
creature he’d become. A small smile twitched at the corner of his lips just
revealing the bone white tip of a sharp incisor. The pounding of his headache
made him groan in anger as he stepped away from the mirror. There was no way he
could spend the rest of the night cooped up in his rooms, he needed fresh
air….and fresh meat, something that would no doubt help him cope better with
his headache.
Grabbing his cloak and his wand from the side table Snape pulled his hood up
and fled from his rooms, striding purposefully through the dungeon corridors
heading up towards the exit from the castle. Snape turned at the corner of a
darkened unlit and mostly unused corridor and practically fell over a body
sitting on the ground. Stumbling into the wall Snape turned ready to hiss and
scream at the person he’d tripped on but his retort fell silent when his eyes
adjusted to the darkness and focused on the boy.
“Potter?” Snape’s voice betrayed the slight surprise the professor felt at
seeing the boy so far into the castle.
Harry clambered to his feet stammering apologies as he brushed dust from his
sleep pants. Harry fell silent as he finally looked up guiltily to meet his
professor’s gaze. Snape watched the change in the boy’s expression as guilt
turned to fear and the boy took several steps backwards into the wall. Snape
might have realized then that he’d forgotten his glamour, had it not been for
the scent that engulfed his senses.
The boy had smelt of nothing before, he was bland and non-existence but now his
scent was overwhelming powerful. Snape took a deep breath in to assess the
complexities of the aroma. The boy smelt of peaches and cream, of well-aged
brandy and a hint of cinnamon. Snape shivered unconsciously as he closed the
distance between the boy and himself desperate to inhale more of the boy’s
fantastic aroma. Harry whimpered in fear uselessly fumbling around for his wand
even as Snape’s figure loomed over his own. Harry was plastered to the cold
stonewall trying not to freak out as he felt Snape grab a hold of his neck and
tilting his head to the side so as to nuzzle against his throat. Harry froze in
fear as he felt the tickle of Snape’s hair on his skin and the soft exhales of
breath against his throat. Snape was too lost in the boy’s alluring smell to
care that Harry was practically having a heart attack, his body rigid and his
hands shaking like leaves as they tried to push the elder wizard away from him.
Being so close to Harry brought forth another need in Severus’ helpless body,
the lust for liquid life. Automatically Snape flicked out his tongue caressing
the rapidly thrumming pulse point in the boy’s neck. Harry let out a squeal of
horror struggling with all his might now to be free of Snape’s firm grasp.
Snape couldn’t hear anything except the pounding of his own blood and the rapid
beating of his heart.
If it hadn’t been for the scorching pain that tore up his back Snape might have
sunk his fangs into the struggling boy, but as it was the pain had him howling
in agony almost instantly.
“Severus let him go!” The voice that entered his scent addled brain was very
familiar and Snape shook his head as he looked over his shoulder and focused on
the figure just stepping out of the darkness. Automatically Severus growled as
the new scent of an entirely different kind arrested his senses.
“Octavia. Go away.” Severus spat out the name almost in disgust. Harry, who’d
been almost relived to see his savior, now began shaking again as the same blue
eyes that Severus had, stared out from behind the figure’s hood. The figure
chuckled as he threw back his hood revealing the man’s identity. Harry had
never seen the man before. He was tall and thin like Severus but far better
looking. His face was rounder and bore no tell tale signs of a life spent in
Voldemort’s service like Severus’ did. The man had long brown hair that was
tied back at the nape of his neck by a black ribbon. He had a tiny well trimmed
goatee on his chin and like Severus had sapphire blue eyes and pearly white
incisors just visible when he talked.
“I see you’re still as hospitable as ever Severus.” The man had a wand in hand
and was slowly approaching Severus and Harry, the boy still held firmly in
Severus’ grip against the wall. Severus snorted at the other wizard’s sarcasm
before shaking his head.
“I saw him first, get your own.” Snape growled when the other wizard came to a
stop beside them and reached up to clamp his hand down around Snape’s, which
was still wrapped around Harry’s throat.
“Let him go Severus, if you touch him Albus will personally remove you from the
gene pool.” Snape’s grasp on Harry’s neck loosened and the boy slumped heavily
down the wall as the other man drew Snape’s hand away entirely.
“It’s his fault I’m in this position in the first place.” Harry watched in fear
as the stranger put away his wand and backed Severus up against the opposite
wall, clearly putting himself between Harry and his potions master. The
distance between himself and Snape clearly made a difference as Harry watched
Snape retain a little of his usual sanity. “Shit.” Severus whispered as he
glanced at Harry over the other wizards shoulder before closing his eyes and
sighing heavily.
“We all made mistakes in youth Severus, you’re like a fledgling again re-
learning everything you’ve been taught.” When it was clear Severus had regained
his self-control, the stranger stepped away from him and leaned casually
against the wall next to Harry, who instinctively flinched. The man chuckled at
the boy’s fear and shook his head at Severus. “You always were attracted to the
difficult ones.”
“What are you doing here?” Harry watched on in surprise as Snape recast his
glamour successfully hiding the blue eyes and the sharp front teeth that had
kept Harry’s attention till now. Adjusting his cloak Snape stepped away from
the wall and reached over to Harry. As if by instinct Harry cowered but was
stunned as he watched Snape untuck his wand from the waistband of his sleep
pants and place it firmly in his hand.
“There are two of us in this corridor Potter that would not think twice about
making you our last meal, I suggest you keep a very tight hold of that less one
of us forgets our place.” Harry nodded but before anything more could be said,
Harry had cast a stunning spell and sent the two vampires spiraling through the
air and slamming them into the end of the corridor wall. Not waiting to see if
the two vampires were well, Harry took off and disappeared into the deserted
school.
“Bastard!” Octavia swore as he and Severus threw off the spell and stood up to
dust themselves off. Severus huffed an almost proud laugh at Harry’s boldness.
The boy-who-lived had not been placed in Gryffindor for nothing. Harry had
taken the opportune moment as it had arrived to make his escape and quite
successfully if Severus had wanted to admit to the compliment.
“You didn’t answer my question before.” Severus pulled his hood up to disguise
himself as he followed Octavia out of the castle and into the fresh night air.
“Why do you think I’m here?” Octavia threw back over his shoulder as the pair
of them fell into step beside one another as they headed towards the forbidden
forest. Severus raised an eyebrow in irritation and the other man laughed
contemptibly. “When Albus contacted me about the laws, I knew you wouldn’t
settle for the easy root just to please the Ministry. You were brought up a
traditionalist Severus, and all the inhibiting potion in the world can’t
suppress the values you were given as a boy.” It was dark in the forbidden
forest but neither vampire stumbled as they walked easily between the
undergrowth and trees, their night vision kicking in instinctually. “Besides
I’m here to save you from making inconvenient snacks of your students less you
expose us all to vampire hunts once again.” Snape rolled his eyes and paused
beside Octavia both of them picking up the unmistakable tangy scent of fresh
blood on the breeze. “I have connections Severus, how do you think I’ve
survived this long?” The pair began walking again this time in the direction of
the scent, Snape’s stomach growling in hope. “You will need my help if you’re
to find him Snape, you can’t afford to waste time.” Snape hesitated as they
came to a clearing. It was only a small patch of open grass and in its center
lay a body, lifeless, naked but still warm. The face of the victim was hidden
entirely, a simple white mask sparing those who’d come to feed the indignity of
knowing the identity of the victim. “She’s fresh, I have them taken from places
where no-one will miss them. It’s easier this way, saves the time wasted on the
hunt and allows you to take what you need without risk of killing them.” Snape
nodded and stepped forward as Octavia sat himself down on a fallen log and
gestured for Snape to take the first meal. “This will make finding your mate
easier Severus.” Severus knelt before the body and pushed his nose into the
neck of the faceless woman.
“Finding him was the easy part Octavia, convincing him to be with me is another
matter entirely….” Snape smiled a very Slytherin grin before burying his fangs
into the steady pulse and sipping from his first proper meal in over a decade.
Octavia let out a loud laugh as he watched Severus greedily take his fill.
“You always were my most willful but gifted student Severus Snape.” Octavia
whispered by way of reply before he closed his eyes and fell into a trance,
ever watchful for danger or threat.
***** Blind Faith *****
CHAPTER 15 (Blind Faith)
“Harry calm down.” Albus pushed his nightcap back on his head as he leaned over
and handed Harry the cup of steaming lemon tea. The boy’s hands shook violently
threatening to spill most of the liquid down into his lap. Harry was white as a
sheet, his skin clammy with nervous perspiration and his eyes fearfully darting
about the room. Albus sighed as he watched Harry struggle to sip from his cup.
“How can you be so calm when they’re out there, he’s teaching here!” Harry’s
voice trembled, barely containing the panic that threatened to spill forth.
Albus shook his head as he bit into a shortbread the crumbs falling into his
beard and onto the front of his purple sleep robe.
“I hardly recognize this fear in you Harry, I believe not even Voldemort can
inspire such a reaction.” The headmaster deliberately avoided addressing
Harry’s outburst, until the boy was a little calmer. There was no point in
trying to discuss the issue when Harry was clearly upset.
“Voldemort I can predict, I know what he’s capable of. This, though. This is
different. He’s hunting me, he smelt me for godsake!” Harry snapped, his voice
cracking in slight hysteria. Albus nodded silently as he watched Harry finally
take a gulp of his tea. By the time the headmaster had counted to three Harry’s
pupils had narrowed and the boy seemed to have calmed down a little. “Who’s
Octavia?” Harry whispered his voice evening out into its usual calm tone.
“Octavia is Professor Snape’s childhood mentor.” Albus smiled mildly pleased to
see some sanity having returned to Harry’s behavior. Harry’s brow creased a
little in confusion as he watched Albus pour another cup of lemon tea.
“Fledglings or immature Vampires are assigned an elder mentor who teaches them
life skills so they can adjust to being a Vampire.” Harry nodded in silence
quietly processing this new information now that he wasn’t over reacting to the
whole situation.
“So you knew about Snape.” Harry queried cautiously, intent on getting his
facts straight. There had always been rumors floating about the castle about
Snape’s nightly wanderings and fetish for black but everyone had assumed they
were just malicious jokes about the hated potions professor.
“I have known since he was first enrolled as a student here. Children no matter
what heritage deserve an education Harry, despite what the Ministry would have
you believe.” With a sigh Harry nodded in agreement. Harry knew first hand how
hypocritical the Ministry of Magic was when it came to distinguishing good and
bad in the wizarding world.
“Then why hasn’t this…” Harry paused and waved his right hand awkwardly in
front of him as he searched for an appropriate word. “…situation not arisen
earlier if he’s always been one of them.” Harry waited patiently while the
headmaster considered the question. At length Albus replied.
“Since the age of 16 Professor Snape has been consuming an inhibiting potion
that suppresses a Vampires nature. It essentially freezes the undesirable
aspects of a Vampire’s instincts while still allowing them to live a relatively
normal life undetected in wizarding society.” Albus paused and stared at Harry
sternly over the tops of his half moon glasses. “That was until the Ministry
reinstated the pureblood ancestry heir laws.” Harry deliberately looked away
from the headmaster his jaw automatically clenching in anger as he remembered
the fight he’d just had with Ginny not a few hours earlier. There would be
little doubting that Remus had come to Dumbledore after telling Harry about the
laws, and judging from the headmaster’s expression the man knew Harry was
angry. “You must forgive me Harry for interfering but I thought it was in your
best interest not to have to worry about it. You are the last of the Potter
line and as sad as the truth is, you may not live long enough to have children
of your own to continue your bloodline. The Ministry’s laws require of you to
produce an heir. Without a prior arranged relationship you would have been
inundated with requests to be farmed out to various families.”
“The one part of my life that could have been normal and they’ve taken that
away from me too.” Harry muttered coldly only just managing to glance back at
the headmaster, his anger about the manipulation still too raw to address full
on. “So what has that got to do with Snape? If he’s a Vampire he’s not
pureblooded.” Harry changed the subject quickly, the bitter tone of his voice
not going unnoticed by Albus who made a note of it but didn’t choose to
question it.
“Indeed Snape is not a pureblood but the Snape family is still recognized as
being so by the Ministry. As you probably remember from your defense classes,
after the shadow wars the remaining Vampire families went underground only to
reinvent themselves as pureblood wizarding families once the inhibiting potion
had begun to circulate. Snape’s entire family history was re-written so that it
appeared they were of pureblood heritage. Without the magical means of
detecting a Vampire who’s under the influence of the potion, the Ministry was
clueless. Thus Snape is bound by the same laws as all the other wizards and
witches of pureblood families.” Albus trailed off as he watched Harry chew over
the information, processing it carefully before replying.
“Then if it’s just for show why didn’t he just do anyone for the sake of an
heir, why the whole, fang thing…” Harry watched as the headmaster tutted and
shook his head chasting the boy’s insensitivity.
“Would you yourself agree to just choose anyone to sire your children Mr
Potter?” Harry, realizing his mistake, shook his head quietly in agreement.
“Then you realize why Professor Snape is choosing to find a mate suitable for
himself in the traditional way. Do not be judgmental on Professor Snape’s
behavior Harry, when you yourself despise the way in which you are being forced
to pick a prospective mother to your heir so young.” Harry sighed heavily and
lowered his gaze guiltily to where he was twisting his hands in his lap.
“So can he suck and chew on anyone?” Harry whispered cautiously glancing up at
Albus who laughed deeply and stood up from his chair.
“I have faith in Professor Snape’s self control Mr Potter. He may be a Vampire
but he does not prey on defenseless children.” Harry got up from the armchair
as well and yawned loudly, unaware of just how tired he was. “I think we have
discussed this for long enough tonight Harry, you should return to your dorm
knowing you are in no danger of being eaten while you sleep.” Albus walked
Harry to the door of his office and opened it so that the boy could walk
through and into the corridor. “I would ask of you to respect Professor Snape’s
privacy in this matter Harry, Vampires are classified dark creatures in the
eyes of the Ministry and should they find out about Professor Snape we risk re-
igniting an old war.” Harry nodded in agreement again and after the whisper of
a fond goodnight Harry toddled off back down the revolving staircase to head
for his dorms. Despite how rotten the night had started out being, Harry was
suitably satisfied that he had at least some sensible answers to his questions,
but most importantly he had an apology from Dumbledore over the debacle with
Ginny.
***** Harry Bloody Potter *****
CHAPTER 16 (Harry Bloody Potter)
“When was the last time you got laid Severus?” Snape glared up at his elder
mentor from over the top of the daily prophet, suddenly wishing he’d taken
breakfast with the rest of the staff in the great hall rather than in the
privacy of his quarters with Octavia.
“None of your business.” Snape snapped as he went back to his buttered toast
with rather more enthusiasm than was really necessary. Octavia barked out a
loud throaty chuckle and defiantly pulled down Snape’s newspaper to stare back
at the potions professor intently.
“A month?” Octavia paused carefully assessing Snape’s expression. There wasn’t
a single betrayal of emotion on his cold expressionless face Snape was sure,
but Octavia was too good an occlument not to read the answer as clearly as
Snape was reading the paper. “Four months?” Octavia tried again his blue gaze
never leaving Snape’s artificially brown one. “No, a year!” Octavia sounded
horrified, the smug grin on his face only serving to irritate Snape into
confessing.
“A long bloody time that’s how long.” Snape finally snapped hating the way his
mentor broke him so easily. After years of besting even Voldemort’s occlumency
skills, his old mentor had cracked him without even batting an eyelash. Octavia
knew Snape’s weaknesses and played them for every scrap of information they
could give.
“You can tell.” Octavia smiled as he inhaled on the steam of his tea before
sipping from the cup cautiously.
“Fuck you.” Snape spat bitterly as he flicked up his paper again and went back
to the article he was trying to read earlier.
“You’re going to have to be smoother than that to catch him Severus. A young
fledgling like that will need attention and coaxing.” Snape sighed heavily and
put aside his paper clearly not going to be given the time to just sit in
silence and read. Octavia could clearly see what was running through Snape’s
mind and smiled mildly at his charge. “You don’t have time to sit and read
Severus. The Ministry is going to be on your arse within the month and you
don’t need to give them any reason to look too closely at your lifestyle or
family.” Octavia nodded at the dark mark on Snape’s forearm just visible from
beneath the sleeve of the thin night robe.
“Then what do you suggest I do first, as if coping with Dumbledore and the
Ministry, as well as keeping the Malfoy’s and Tom Riddle away aren’t enough to
deal with.” Snape didn’t mean to sound like a petulant whining child but it was
hard not to be when Octavia still looked at him with those disapproving but
demanding eyes.
“I think the first thing is to establish if this boy is actually a potential
mate, and not just your over reactive hormonal body latching onto the first
thing with legs, a cock and a pulse.” Snape growled at the insult but knew
better not to argue. Octavia despite looking at least five years younger than
Severus was actually about twenty years older and had been living without the
inhibiting potion for a lot longer than Severus had. Severus silently gestured
for Octavia to go on, not yet willing to add the complexities of the situation
that Octavia didn’t know yet. “You’ll have to be careful, scent him out again
see if there’s subtle changes when he’s conscious of you and not and we’ll need
a blood sample. It’s not much point in going through this if he can’t carry.”
Severus nodded and sat back in the chair his arms automatically folding across
his chest. It was time to tell Octavia the bad news and see how he reacted.
“That’s a good plan Octavia in theory but let me enlighten you to this boy’s
heritage.” Octavia looked skeptically at Snape but gestured for him to
continue. “His name is Harry James Potter.” Octavia’s skepticism fell from his
face immediately as the name widened his eyes. “Apart from being the boy-who-
lived and body number one on the dark lord’s shit list, he is in fact the son
of the late James Potter and, as you would have known her, Lily Evans.” Snape
trailed off as he watched his mentor’s expression change dramatically, the
small expletive that fell from Octavia’s lips barely audible even in the
silence of the room.
“You’ve got no intention of pursuing him as your mate have you?” Octavia’s
voice had turned an icy cold whisper as he watched Severus shake his head
sternly.
“Apart from him being my student, and the risk which a relationship would cause
both to myself and him, I will not lower myself to bed the son of a woman I
slept with over twenty years ago. Besides I despise him, and the scandal and
chaos such a relationship would cause on both sides of this war would be far
greater than the rewards. I would sooner bear the wrath of the entire Ministry
of Magic than take Potter as my mate.” Severus stood up from the small kitchen
table and strode into his lounge room, listening as Octavia followed him.
“If he is a potential mate Severus you will be powerless to resist him once he
comes into heat. You will be fighting a losing battle, and you will be
potentially harming him too. If you loved his mother, it is no wonder you are
attracted to him now.” Octavia protested angrily hardly believing that his
student was yet again burying his instincts like he did so long ago.
“I will not do this!” Severus argued his glamour slipping as the anger rose in
him. “How many mates do you have Octavia?!” Severus pointed an accusing finger
at his mentor who folded his arms defensively across his chest and shook his
head angrily.
“Three. I have two children by my first two, and a third on the way from my
newest acquisition.” Severus smiled triumphantly as if he’d won a silent war
with himself.
“Then there is the proof that there are other potential mates out there for me
without taking Potter!” Severus argued rather pleased with himself. However
like he’d done when Severus was young Octavia soon sucked the wind out of
Severus’ short won victory.
“That may be so Severus, but they could be anywhere in this world. How many of
them are you going to meet stuck in this place? You can not move without both
Voldemort and the Headmaster knowing about it and in your current state I
wouldn’t risk letting you out beyond the castle walls less you lose control
like you did last night.” Octavia paused as he watched Severus’ gaze narrow his
hand instinctively going for his wand. Severus had grown up into a talented
wizard but time had no affect on a mentor’s ability to predict their students.
“Don’t humiliate yourself by trying to best me Severus. You have yet to even
experience the power a fully-grown Vampire can wield without the fog of that
potion running through your veins clouding your nature, and I have had years to
perfect harnessing just that power. So don’t push me.” Octavia’s voice lowered
dangerously and Severus dutifully let go of the hilt of his wand and lowered
his head in silent submission. “Now listen to me.” Octavia took the necessary
steps across the lounge to stand close to Snape, his smooth hand coming up
under Snape’s chin to draw the younger Vampire’s gaze up to meet his own. “You
need to take this opportunity and use it to your advantage. So the cards are
stacked against you but our kind has overcome worse obstacles than those you
currently face.” Snape nodded silently as he allowed Octavia to run the tip of
his thumb over Snape’s lips in a soft gesture of compassion. “I taught you well
Severus, you need to let go and let yourself experience everything your
heritage can give you.” Octavia dropped his hand from Snape’s face and stepped
back away from him to collect his cloak from the hook by the door. “I have
faith in you Severus to do this, and I will help you where I can. You were an
attentive lover Severus, show the same kind of attentiveness to the boy that I
taught you and he’ll be putty in your hands by the end of the month.”
“And what of Dumbledore, Voldemort and the others?” Severus whispered as he
watched his mentor sweep the cloak over his shoulders and pull the hood up to
hide his identity.
“We’ll deal with that after you’ve secured him as your mate.” With a smile
Octavia opened Snape’s door and stepped into the deserted corridor, most
students were making their way to their first classes of the day and hardly
noticed him. “I’ll be in touch Severus.” With a cheeky wink Octavia was gone
and Snape was left feeling much the same as he’d been the day he’d told Octavia
back when he was 16 that he wanted to suppress his heritage with the potion.
***** All is Fair *****
CHAPTER 17 (All’s Fair)
“Hermione? Are you listening to me?” Harry nudged Hermione rather hard in her
shoulder, causing the girl to snap her head around to him and smile somewhat
guiltily.
“Sorry Harry, just concentrating.” Hermione whispered her gaze already
wandering back to what had held her attention for almost an hour. Harry
followed Hermione’s gaze and was surprised to find it lingering on the
Slytherin bench on the far side of the classroom. Draco was busy with his
potion, his two fellow Slytherin housemates bickering over what looked to be a
botched potion.
“Yeah but on what?” Harry muttered drawing a glare from Hermione who promptly
lowered her gaze back to her own work. Harry shook his head as he continued to
stir the potion in their shared cauldron. Hermione had been spaced out and
somewhat distant for over a week. It wasn’t like Hermione to ignore people or
tune out of conversations she was involved in but at random points during the
day Hermione would just stop and gaze into space. Ron hadn’t noticed his
girlfriend’s lack of interest in him, but Weasley’s weren’t known for their
powers of perception. Harry had noticed it especially during Potions and
Defense. The girl who would rather die than fail a subject was concentrating
less on her classes and seemingly more on the Slytherin’s in the class. Harry
was concerned but knew better than to question Hermione’s behavior, the girl
was volatile enough as it was without questioning her actions.
The clock tower struck three o’clock and Harry hurried out of the Potions
classroom, with Hermione trailing behind him. Harry had been eager to get out
of the classroom since he’d first walked in and seen Snape sitting behind his
desk. The Potions professor had been awkward all week after the incident in the
hallway. Not two words had passed between the pair of them, Snape seemingly
determined to ignore Harry’s presence even so much as to not take points. Harry
was glad in a way he wasn’t being forced to talk to Snape not quite knowing
what to say to a man who’d tried to suck on his neck only a week before.
Out in the corridor Hermione seemed to regain a little of her sensibilities and
began animatedly talking about their latest homework assignment for the
weekend. The pair of Gryffindor’s were just about to take the staircases up
towards the tower when a very familiar voice called Hermione’s name.
“Granger!” Hermione froze mid way through her sentence automatically stopping
to turn around and face the blonde at the bottom of the staircase. Draco was
panting as if he’d run to catch up with them, and Harry narrowed his gaze
suspiciously at the Slytherin wondering what on earth he wanted. “I was
wondering if you’d want to work on the Potions assignment together this
weekend.” Harry stared at Draco as if the blonde had grown a second head.
“Professor Snape suggested it; he thinks it would be beneficial to combine our
knowledge.” Harry’s mouth dropped open, hardly believing the polite boy at the
bottom of the stairs was the same bastard that had made Hermione and his life
hell over the past four years. Half expecting Hermione to laugh and say no
immediately, Harry was floored when his best friend nodded quietly.
“Sure Draco.” Harry turned his shocked stare at Hermione, who smiled rather
coyly a tiny blush rising in her cheeks.
“Um, Hermione you promised Ron you’d go into Hogsmeade with him this weekend.”
Harry ground out from between clenched teeth hardly believing Hermione had
agreed to Draco’s request. Having heard Ron’s name Hermione snapped herself out
of her stare down at Draco, and shook her head in slight guilt.
“He’ll understand Harry; he knows I need a good Potions mark to get into
college. Besides you can go with him.” Hermione smiled at Harry before glancing
back at Draco who was watching the exchange with what Harry could only describe
as a smug smile of success. “I’ll meet you outside the library tomorrow morning
after breakfast.” Hermione smiled once more at Draco before turning on her heel
and disappearing up the staircase leaving Draco and Harry glaring at one
another.
“What are you doing Malfoy?” Harry spat once Hermione was out of earshot. Draco
instantly turned into his normal arrogant self and leant casually against the
banister of the staircase a smile of smug satisfaction still playing at the
corner of his lips.
“What does it look like Potter? I’m ensuring a little security for myself.”
Harry scowled at the blonde who shrugged his shoulders and turned to leave
obviously pleased with his work.
“If you’ve got her under a spell Draco, Dumbledore will stop it. Love spells
are forbidden.” Harry snapped ensuring Draco paused and turned back to him,
determined to get the last word.
“I don’t need a spell to get women to notice me Potter, I have what they call
‘charm’ something you must have missed out on judging on the whispers that are
going around about you and the Weasley girl.” Harry’s face paled slightly as
Draco let out a cruel chuckle. “But never mind Potter, give it enough time and
the Ministry will find you a whore to practice on.”
“Fuck off Draco, when Ron finds out about this he’ll kill you.” Harry shouted
watching as the blonde shook his head in obvious amusement.
“All’s fair in love and war Potter, and there won’t be a damn thing Weasel will
be able to do if I get to Granger first.” With a flippant huff of contentment
Draco strode away leaving Harry fuming on the staircase. With a shake of his
head Harry instantly set off to find his best friend. If Draco was going to try
and sabotage Ron and Hermione’s relationship, Harry was going to do everything
in his power to help his best friends stay together.
***** Assumptions *****
CHAPTER 18 (Assumptions)
“I’m assuming from that expression he’s found a potential mate?” Albus sat down
on the armchair opposite his guest who politely declined all offers of tea and
biscuits.
“He has.” Octavia nodded sharply but didn’t elaborate. Already Octavia could
feel Albus prodding his mind for information but 60 years of occlumency
training kept his mind well sealed from the headmasters wandering gaze.
“Well? Who is it?” Albus snapped a little abruptly when he hadn’t successfully
invaded the Vampire’s mind like he managed to do with most everyone else.
Octavia remained passively silent his expression not giving anything away. Like
Snape, Octavia had practiced his mask of indifference and could affectively
hide even the most disturbing of emotions.
“If it’s a fellow professor I’m sure I can arrange a little leave for the two
of them to further the romance?” Pressing for information Albus pushed on,
desperate to see even a flicker of emotion of Octavia’s face.
“It’s not a professor.” The reply was cold and meaningless.
“Well who then?” Octavia could see the elder wizard becoming frustrated. It was
easy to see how Severus had fallen under the man’s thumb for so many years,
prodded and manipulated into doing almost anything for the headmaster.
“It’s a student.” Had he wanted to Octavia might have spared a sick smile at
the expression on the headmasters face at that admission. It was obviously not
in Albus Dumbledore's plans for his Vampire in residence to find a mate among
the student populace. “Don’t look too horrified Albus, surely you weren’t as
dense as to believe Snape would take a mate that was less than perfect and
equal to himself in power? Young blood will keep his healthy, and increase the
chances of producing strong offspring.” Albus didn’t like what he was hearing
but Octavia ignored the elder wizards darkening expression.
“Are they in Slytherin?” Albus’ tone of voice had turned just as cold as
Octavia’s currently was.
“Surprisingly not.” Octavia huffed offering his own slight surprise at Snape’s
choice of mate.
“I don’t believe I’m going to like the answer to my original question am I?”
Octavia rolled his eyes as Albus rose from the armchair and strode over to the
fireplace where he paced past the warm flames twice before pausing to hear
Octavia’s answer.
“I doubt many will like the answer Albus but considering the circumstances who
are you to speak out against it having encouraged Severus to stop taking the
potion in the first place.” This fact caught Albus off guard and his hardened
expression softened a little having obviously now realized his mistake. Octavia
took a small pleasure in seeing the ‘famed’ Albus Dumbledore momentarily
unseated, questioning his own decisions.
“He is bound by a ministry contract not to engage in relationships with his
students. I demand you tell me the students name at once so I may protect them
from him.” Octavia shook his head hardly believing Albus’ about face.
“No Albus, I have no intention of telling you this students name. The longer
you are kept in the dark, the less likely you are to interfere.” Octavia stood
up from the armchair and walked towards the window his cloak drawn around him.
“Since Severus is now mostly in control of his instincts I see no reason why I
need to continue to report to you about his activities. I shall stay in the
area if only to lend my support to my student in this pressing time.” With a
mildly polite incline of his head Octavia stepped out of the window and with a
gust of wind disappeared into the night sky. With Octavia gone Albus collapsed
back in his armchair and hung his head in his hands. If the Ministry found out
about a student teacher relationship, they would doubtlessly start
investigating Severus’ past. If it came out about the Order, the Vampire and
even Harry’s prophesy there would be a lot of people going to Azkaban in the
very near future.
***********************************
Harry sat in the library opposite Hermione. It was quiet and dark the library
having mostly emptied of students as the curfew neared. Harry however was
hurriedly working to finish his Potion’s Essay that was due tomorrow morning.
Hermione although reluctant had offered her expertise for the evening and Harry
was glad. Hermione and Ron had had a falling out over the weekend. Draco had
succeeded if only for a little while. Ron was very much aware of the blonde
now, as well as Hermione’s actions. Try as they might though, Ron and Harry had
had no luck trying to convince Hermione that Draco had her under a spell. The
girl might be smart but she was stubborn and pigheaded when it came to issues
she believed she was right about.
“You need to note the author here, and the page reference here.” Hermione was
quietly showing Harry how to reference his books correctly, the boy eagerly
sucking up the information in the hopes of getting a good grade this time. Not
that it usually mattered how hard Harry worked, Snape never saw fit to give him
anything above a pass.
“So how was the weekend with Draco?” Harry cautiously broached the subject
Hermione and Ron had refused to talk about all day. Hermione’s lips tightened
and her scowl returned to her forehead as she continued to point to various
references Harry was fixing on his parchment.
“Pleasant.” Hermione replied sharply choosing to ignore Harry’s questioning
gaze.
“Did it help with your assignment? I mean having his extra knowledge and
stuff?” Harry pressed trying not to sound as if he was fishing for information
for Ron, who would undoubtedly drill him as soon as he got back to the dorm.
Harry finished his references and with a sigh of satisfaction rolled his
finished essay up and put it into his school bag for tomorrow. Hermione sighed
heavily as she sat back in her chair and stared at her best friend.
“I think he likes me.” Harry raised a surprised eyebrow at Hermione’s comment
but chose not to reply, the girl obviously wanting to get something off her
chest. “I might have been under a spell….” Hermione looked guiltily up at Harry
who rolled his eyes and shook his head. They’d been trying to tell Hermione
that all weekend but the girl had remained insistent that she wasn’t. “…but,”
Hermione cut Harry off before he could scold her. “I think the reason he did it
was because he genuinely likes me and if he hadn’t I might not have noticed him
in that way.”
“I can’t believe I’m hearing this from you Hermione. This is Draco Malfoy we’re
talking about, he doesn’t do anything that’s genuine. He’s a sneaky, low
bastard that considers nothing below doing to get what he wants.” Harry
insisted in a loud whisper as he stared at Hermione who seemed torn between the
truth and something else.
“I know that Harry and I don’t really trust him but when he kissed me….”
Harry’s expression told of his surprise, his mouth gaping like a fish as he
stared wide eyed and slack jawed at his best friend. Hermione pointedly ignored
him and continued on regardless. “…something happened that doesn’t happen when
I kiss Ron.” Harry was still speechless and didn’t even bother to try and
fathom a reply. In the silence a small blush crept up Hermione’s cheeks, her
nervousness unusual in the face of a usually confident young witch. “It felt
dangerous Harry, it gave me a thrill, an excitement I don’t get even when Ron
and I….” Hermione paused and shifted awkwardly in her seat. “…Well you know,
when we mess around and stuff.”
“You’re going to dump Ron aren’t you?” Harry managed to whisper around his
still stunned expression. Hermione sighed and nodded quietly.
“Don’t judge me Harry; you did the same thing with Ginny. She didn’t excite
you, well neither does Ron to me. He’s safe, comfortable and too damn sweet.
Yes that’s what I want in the long run, but right now I want to see what else
is out there.” Harry sighed heavily as he watched Hermione twist her hands
nervously in her lap. Reaching over Harry grabbed Hermione’s hands in his own
and squeezed them tightly.
“Do whatever you want to Hermione. The Ministry is forcing us to do things we
don’t want to, you’ve got every right to live life how you want to live it. So
what if you break Ron’s heart, that’ll make three of us going against what
we’re supposed to do.” Hermione smiled brightly and leaned across to kiss
Harry’s forehead.
“Thank-you Harry, I’m sorry it didn’t work out with Ginny.” Harry shrugged his
shoulders and turned to get his book bag from the floor.
“Well if Draco can cause excitement in you with just a kiss, there’s hope for
me yet….” Harry’s laughter died on his lips as he looked up from his bag to
come face to face with Severus Snape looming over Hermione’s shoulder. Harry
froze and instinctively swallowed the sudden lump in his throat as he sought
out the potions professor’s eyes. The fear that had risen so quickly died the
moment he realized that Snape’s eyes were the dark onyx pools they were
supposed to be.
“Potter, Miss Granger curfew passed over half an hour ago.” Snape’s voice was
it usual even and icy tone.
“Sorry sir, we got caught up in our homework we were just leaving.” Hermione
was already out of the chair her books shoved haphazardly into her bag
desperate to avoid a detention. Harry was slower off the pace, put off by
Snape’s piercing gaze that hadn’t left his once. All week Harry had avoided
passing conversation with Snape and it seemed strange to come face to face with
the wizard he’d been trying so hard to avoid.
“You have thirty seconds to be out of my sight Miss Granger or I will see you
in detention tomorrow evening.” Snape’s commanding voice wasn’t to be ignored
and Hermione instantly turned heel and took off scrambling from the library at
speed. Harry stumbled over his own feet as he too made to run but was stopped
by a firm hand grasping his shoulder.
“Professor?” Harry glanced at the hand on his shoulder and then up into Snape’s
onyx eyes. Harry’s breath hitched in his throat as he watched Snape lean down
the elder wizard gently nuzzling in to Harry’s neck and inhaling deep on the
boy’s scent. “Can you not smell me like a piece of meat?” Harry pushed Snape’s
hand off his shoulder and stepped away, already drawing his wand as he put a
few steps distance between his potions professor and himself. Snape sighed
heavily and hung his head a little, his gaze dropping from Harry’s in what
Harry might have described as shame did he not know how proud and defiant the
Vampire before him was. “You’ve been doing it all week, standing close to me
during class, making a point of walking past me to get to your seat in the
great hall at meal times. What the hell do you think you’re doing!?”
Harry had had enough. He’d put up with Snape’s odd behavior all week and he was
rapidly losing patience. Whatever Snape was up to Harry wanted it to end now
and he didn’t care if it caused him a years worth of detentions with Filch for
being rude to a Professor.
“If you’re trying to intimidate me with this whole ‘Vampire’ shit then it’s not
working. I know you’re not allowed to touch a student, Dumbledore told me. And
if you’re trying to make a snack out of me think again because I’ll curse you
with everything I know.” Harry puffed out his chest in defiance as Snape’s lip
curled in irritation the wizard obviously returning to his usual menacing self
after a momentary slip.
“Don’t think yourself that important Potter, I’m merely scenting you out for
experimental purposes. It’s been a considerably long time since I had the
displeasure of being aware of people’s unique aromas and yours is quite feral
compared to the others around you. I’m simply working you out on a whole new
level.” It was a lie but Severus was confident the boy hadn’t seen through it.
“Now I suggest you too follow Granger’s lead and return to your dorm before I
remove fifty more points from your house total on top of the ten I’ve already
deducted for your disrespect of a professor.” Harry opened his mouth to shout a
protest but was silenced as Snape raised his wand threateningly. With a glare
Harry turned and disappeared from the library leaving Snape to breath out
unsteadily and collapse against the table edge.
The boy smelt divine and made Snape shiver from head to foot. He was
intoxicating and Severus hadn’t even realized he’d been lingering too often
over Harry’s desk in class or detouring round the castle just to catch the
scent of the boy-who-lived. Shaking his head Snape took a moment to recover his
sensibilities before rising to his feet. Snape needed room to think, and space
to breathe he also needed the help of Octavia if he was ever to conquer this
problem. Making up his mind Severus headed back for his rooms to collect his
cloak. He had almost twelve hours before dawn to free himself for a little
while and he fully intended to make good use of the hours given to him.
***** Donor *****
CHAPTER 19 (Donor)
Harry sat at the Gryfindor table idly rolling his quill back and forth across
the grain of the wood. He was bored. All of his friends were spending the
weekend canoodling with their partners in Hogsmeade and spending time watching
the sickening display of love was quite off-putting. Admittedly Ron was still
spending the weekend at the castle but the red haired boy was miserable
company. Hermione had dropped her bombshell on Wednesday after defense class.
Ron’s foul language could be heard all the way to Hagrid’s hut. If that hadn’t
been bad enough Ron had sought out Malfoy in the Slytherin dungeons, and there
they’d come to blows over Hermione. Punches and curses were thrown wildly until
Professor Snape had stepped in to break them up. Ron still sported a nasty burn
on his arm and a black eye as testament to his fight. However sorry Harry felt
for his best friend the last thing he wanted to do was feel miserable as well.
Since word had spread about Harry dropping Ginny all interest in Harry from any
of the other girls in school had died. Harry silently wondered what rumors had
been spread about him to make him so suddenly ineligible to the other sex. All
in all Harry and Ron made a sorry pair playing a slow game of wizard’s chess
alone in the great hall.
Harry was just about to make his next move when he heard the creak of the door
opening to his left and a very familiar tall dark figure stepped through the
entrance. Harry tutted and rolled his eyes in exasperation. The last person
Harry needed to deal with right now was Severus Snape. With some purpose Snape
strode across the hall over to where Harry was pretending to be engrossed in
the game of chess. Snape raised a cautious eyebrow as he glanced from Potter to
a very forlorn looking Ron and then back to the boy who lived.
“Do you swim Mr. Potter?” Harry looked up abruptly from the chessboard to stare
at Snape in mild suspicion. Ron didn’t even acknowledge Snape’s presence the
boy merely staring sadly into space.
“Yes, why?” Harry mumbled defensively not trusting anything that Snape said.
The wizard had been strangely placid since the incident in the library.
Something had changed; his nasty persona into a far calmer façade. Harry was
cautious though, Snape knew how to suck someone in with trickery and Harry was
determined he wasn’t going to fall for any of Snape’s ploys.
“I thought perhaps you’d enjoy a swim in the hot springs on the far side of the
lake.” Harry’s wide eyes instantly gave away his surprise. No one aside from
the professors were allowed to cross the lake to use the hot thermal springs.
The springs were outside the limitations of the schools wards and were open to
attack.
“But won’t Dumbledore…” Harry went to protest still a little suspicious. Snape
rolled his eyes an unusual gesture for the usually stern wizard.
“What the headmaster does not know will not hurt him. Gather your things and
meet me in the entrance hall in fifteen minutes.” Harry was dubious to say the
least about accepting Snape’s offer but curiosity and the thoughts of escaping
boredom won out and with a quiet nod he left Ron alone and headed for his dorm
to gather his swimming things and a towel.
Fifteen minutes later Harry was waiting in the entrance hall patiently for
Snape. The elder wizard arrived a few minutes after Harry carrying a small
satchel over his shoulder and wearing his summer weight-teaching robe.
“Come along the weather forecast is blustery for the lake and I don’t wish to
be caught in the middle.” Snape took off striding down the path towards the
edge of the lake, Harry scurrying along behind him. Reaching the shoreline
Harry spotted a small rowboat bobbing up and down in the shallows. It was a
similar boat to the one the first years arrived in at the start of every school
year. Standing at the edge of the lake Snape gave a flick of his wand and the
boat trailed over to them. Snape climbed in first and Harry scrambled into the
rocking boat behind him. Sitting low in the boat Harry huddled down in his
cloak and jumper as Snape flicked his wand again and the boat took off across
the water. Harry officially hated boats and closed his eyes, as the waters got
rough towards the middle of the lake. Snape was silent the entire trip merely
concentrating on the waters around the boat obviously looking for signs of
danger from within the murky depths. Harry knew from the tri-wizard tournament
that all sorts of things lurked beneath the surface of the lake. It was a good
fifteen-minute trip across the lake before the boat hit the soft sand on the
far bank. Snape easily stepped out of the boat, quietly offering back his hand
to Harry for aid as the boy struggled to keep standing straight.
Already Harry could smell the slightly sulfurous air as he followed Snape up
the winding sand path. They bypassed several smaller springs until finally the
path widened onto a rock plateau, a large bubbling spring steaming away in the
relatively protected cut out in the side of the hill.
“It’s freezing.” Harry grumbled as he huddled down in his cloak as he watched
Snape kick off his boots and put his things down by the edge of the spring.
“Then hurry up and get into the spring then Potter.” Harry nodded and began to
undress having already pulled his board shorts on beneath his robe back at the
castle. Harry was just pulling his t-shirt over his head when he caught a
glimpse of Snape. The man was undressed to his waist, and was already picking a
path into the warm spring water. Harry had never seen Snape without his layers
and layers of robes and was surprised by how toned the tall thin man was
beneath the clothes. Snape wasn’t anything special to look at; he was painfully
thin but with good muscle definition where he needed it. His skin was milky
white having hardly seen the light of day from beneath his teaching robes.
Snape’s chest was smooth and free of hair, and only a light dusting of dark
hair led down from his belly button into the waistband of his shorts. Not that
Harry was paying much attention to the other man’s body, what had caught his
attention was something far more serious. Beyond the milky white skin and toned
muscle Harry could see the scars. Hundreds of them littered Snape’s skin like
military stripes on a uniform. Some of the scars were raised and ugly no doubt
from much deeper wounds but most were flat ghostly pale lines that stood out
from the professor’s skin. Among the old scars were fresh ones, angry red lines
infected and sore. On top of all the scars however was the dark mark that stood
out just as fresh and sore as it had been the day it had been burnt into the
professor’s flesh back when he was younger. The mark made Harry wince, the boy
unconsciously reaching up to touch his own zigzag scar on his forehead.
“Are you going to stare at me all day Potter or are you going to get in.” Harry
shook his head and blushed profusely as he realized he’d been staring in
silence for a good five minutes. Snape smiled crookedly as he watched the boy
hurriedly remove his t-shirt and scamper into the warm depths of the spring.
Snape had already submerged himself beneath the warm water and was perched on a
rock ledge beneath the surface. Harry dog paddled across the length of the
spring and perched himself beneath a slight overhang out of the wind. There was
an uneasy silence that hung between them as Harry nervously watched Snape
recline in the water his eyes closed and his lips slightly upturned in
relaxation.
“Relax Potter, I can feel your tension from all the way over here.” Harry
jumped a little when Snape broke the silence first, the elder wizard opening
his eyes to reveal the sky blue gaze and the tips of his incisors just
breaching his lips. Harry instinctively went for his wand that he’d foolishly
left lying with his clothes on the rocks. “Don’t stress Potter I have no
intention of feeding. That is why we have come here.” Harry frowned but tried
his best to relax a little more. Despite appearances Snape didn’t seem to be in
the same frantic mess he’d been in when Harry had met him in the hallway the
few weeks before.
“Why have you brought me here?” Harry whispered his voice getting caught in the
wind and drowning out the sound. Snape curled his lip in mild irritation but
chose not to reply with his usual biting sarcasm. Just getting Harry here had
been a miracle without ruining it with his vicious tongue.
“Because we need to talk.” Snape inwardly rolled his eyes at the cliché reply
and was reward with the predictable answer from Harry.
“We could have done that at the castle.” Harry queried suspiciously his gaze
nervously seeking out his wand again. Snape sighed and shook his head
irritably.
“Potter, do you think I’d have brought you all the way out here if I could have
done this at the castle?” Snape had lost his patience and the usual sarcastic
tone had slipped out automatically. “The salts in the water help my cramps,
which I get regularly when I haven’t fed. Further more the sulfur smell from
the pool goes someway in masking your own scent, thus allowing me to have a
clear head when talking with you.” Snape snapped irritably before sighing and
relaxing back into the waters, trying to keep himself under control. A small
smile tugged at the corner of Harry’s lips as he stared at the professor.
“My scent scrambles your thoughts does it?” Harry watched as Snape sneered
angrily, a sure sign Harry had hit on something raw.
“Don’t flatter yourself Potter, I haven’t smelt randy, hormonal teenagers in
nearly ten years so forgive me if your scent upsets me a little.” Harry looked
mildly affronted as he watched Snape brush off the comment with his usual
disregard.
“I am not randy!” Harry snapped abruptly despite the slight pink colour that
was creeping into his cheeks.
“Spare me the dramatics Potter, you’re barely 17 and you’ve just dumped the
only possibility you ever had of having sex, that didn’t involve the center
fold of Witch Weekly and your right hand. So don’t try and tell me you’re not
horny as hell.” Harry was shocked that Snape could say something like that and
stared at the professor his mouth agape. Never had Harry heard Snape talk so
crudely before, it was almost an entire flip from the professor’s usually dry
conversation. There was silence for a moment and Snape instantly regretted
bringing Harry to the springs, where he’d unintentionally let his guard down in
the soothing waters. “Sorry.” Snape rarely apologized but what he’d said was
certainly out of order for a professor to be discussing with a student. Harry
shrugged and lowered his gaze to stare darkly at the ripples in the water.
“It’s not like everyone doesn’t know anyway.” Harry muttered to himself not
meeting Snape’s sky blue eyes. “What’s she saying about me?” Harry whispered
wondering silently what on earth Ginny had been saying about him around the
school. Snape shrugged silently before swimming across the short distance to
sit beside Harry on the ledge out of the wind, which had picked up considerably
since they’d reached the springs.
“Nothing you should take any notice of Potter, a woman scorned will always be
bitter. Besides I have already seen the piles of letters building on Albus’
desk of prospective suitors vying for your hand now that Weasley is out of the
way.” Harry sighed heavily, so the attention from the opposite sex hadn’t
stopped, Dumbledore was just screening it before passing it on. This didn’t
surprise Harry one little bit. Harry glanced up at Snape who was once again
reclined in the water, his eyes closed and his breathing steady. Having Snape
this close was rather unsettling for Harry, who shifted awkwardly beneath the
water.
“So what do you want to talk about?” Harry worried his lip as he watched Snape
open his eyes, the deep sapphires turning to stare directly into Harry’s
emerald ones.
“I need a donor.” Snape’s gaze never left Harry’s, intent on seeing what the
boy’s reaction to the comment was. Harry frowned in confusion and shrugged his
shoulders in uselessness. Snape rolled his eyes but tried hard to keep his tone
from being accusing and sarcastic. “I require a regular supply of blood Potter,
it is what keeps my behavior in check without the influence of the potion.”
Harry’s gaze narrowed suspiciously a picture beginning to form in his mind of
what Snape was suggesting. “I am not permitted to hunt because of the risks of
exposing myself to the ministry, aside from the other dangers associated with
it. If I don’t feed I will become a danger to the students and I leave myself
open for abuse from those who’d wish to use my condition to gain the upper hand
in this war.” There was no name attached to the last statement but Harry read
between the lines. Voldemort would like nothing more than to enslave the
Vampires to suit his own cause. “If I had a mate I would naturally take it from
them but as I do not I need someone who’s willing to donate to my cause.” Snape
trailed off and watched carefully as the cogs turned over in Harry’s head,
silently working out what was being asked of him. The instant it clicked Snape
saw a dramatic change in Harry’s expression, the boy automatically looking
horrified.
“There is no way in hell you’re sucking on my neck, why the hell don’t you ask
Dumbledore or Malfoy or even Crabbe and Goyle for all I care!” Snape twitched
in irritation at the boy’s irrational argument; Harry’s voice at least an
octive higher as his fear began to rise again. It would be possible for Snape
to ask any of the people Harry had listed but the truth was it made an excuse
for Snape to get closer to Harry without suspicion. Octavia and he, had come up
with the plan earlier in the week. Being a donor for a vampire required a
certain amount of trust and intimacy, and if Snape could pull it off he’d have
Harry by the next cycle of the moon. Snape wasn’t of course going to admit to
the truth and instead shook his head easily in reject of Harry’s argument.
“I have considered the options Potter, Dumbledore is too old I need young
blood. Malfoy is pre-occupied with his own problems at present, and as for
everyone else I need someone who I can trust with my secret.” Harry swallowed
nervously his gaze dropping automatically to focus on the tips of the white
incisors he could see just beneath Snape’s lips. In his laps in conversation
Harry never even noticed as Snape invaded his thoughts easily discovering the
boy’s inner struggle and the many questions running around on the tip of his
tongue. Snape smiled mildly the boy was so easily broken; it was a wonder
Voldemort had not won the war by now with such a feeble opponent.
“It doesn’t hurt Potter, you shouldn’t feel a thing. Perhaps a little
lightheadedness afterwards and two pin pricks in the side of your neck but
nothing noticeable.” It was a partial lie but Snape was trying to convince the
boy, not turn him away. “Dumbledore won’t need to know, it’ll be our secret.”
Surprised by how Snape had managed to answer his question without it being
asked, Harry sat back from the elder wizard and climbed out of the spring.
“I’ll think about it.” Harry whispered as he reached for his towel. “Can we go
back to the castle now?” Snape nodded and lifted himself from the springs,
unsure what Harry’s answer would be. The pair of them weren’t exactly friends,
and neither of them trusted the other but Snape hoped Harry’s curiosity won
over and drew him to the elder wizard. It was a long shot but Snape was willing
to hope…
***** I Like Cock *****
CHAPTER 20 (I Like Cock)
“You shouldn’t smile as much Hermione, people will talk.” Harry cautiously
glanced over his shoulder as he heard a small group of giggling first years
come scampering past their table in the great hall. Hermione sighed almost
wistfully her gaze firmly planted on the empty seats over at the Slytherin
table.
“Why shouldn’t I smile Harry, I’m getting some.” Harry rolled his eyes as Ron
let out a miserable groan beside him before dropping his head onto the table
with a rather nasty bang. Hermione winced in sympathy but shrugged her
shoulders when Harry glared at her for her insensitivity.
“That might be true Hermione but the rest of the school shouldn’t know about
it.” Harry snapped as he lifted Ron’s head and dutifully placed a pile of
napkins under his best friend’s forehead for comfort. “And neither do I have
the stomach to picture such goings on.” Harry shuddered as he watched
Hermione’s gaze stray to the entrance, where Draco and his lap dogs had just
walked in. “Will you concentrate on my problem for moment Hermione?” Harry
snapped when it was clear Hermione couldn’t draw her gaze away from the blonde,
who’d totally ignored her undoubtedly to preserve his reputation.
“Sorry Harry, what are you going to say to him?” Hermione reluctantly drew he
gaze back to her best friend who was doing a fine job of tearing a hole in his
jumper as he fidgeted with the cuffs.
“I don’t know, I can’t believe he asked me in the first place. It’s kind of
weird considering we hate each other.” Harry grumbled beneath his breath as the
great hall began to fill with more students coming in for dinner.
“Perhaps that’s why he’s going to suck you dry and get rid of you Harry.” Both
Hermione and Harry turned to glare at Ron, whose contribution to the
conversation was neither helpful nor inspiring.
“Ignore him Harry, Professor Snape wouldn’t dare harm you in anyway and I doubt
he’d ask your permission to kill you.” Harry tutted loudly, the conversation
having degenerated into talk of his abysmal demise, something that Harry had
already visualized for himself. “Perhaps he genuinely needs your help. I don’t
know too much about blood lust but I hear Vampires can go crazy if denied it
for any extended period of time. I suppose he figures you can be trusted.”
“Or that you’d make a tasty meal…” Ron butted in abruptly earning himself a
glare from Harry and a firm swat to the side of his head from Hermione.
“Oh shut up Ronald, just because your life is in the toilet at the moment.”
Hermione snapped before turning back to Harry who was looking far less
confident about the whole situation. “Maybe you should talk to him some more
about what being a ‘donor’ involves. It might help your decision if you know
what you’re in for.” Before Harry could reply a brown owl came screeching into
great hall, it circled a few times before landing with an awful skid on the
table in front of Ron. Ron barely sat up to take the message that was strapped
to the owl’s leg. Hermione and Harry sat in silence watching as Ron read his
letter. A notable change occurred in Ron’s expression as he came to the end of
his letter, a small smile twitching at the corners of his mouth in a very
familiar Weasley way.
“Well don’t keep us in suspense Weasley, who’s it from?” Ron’s smile widened as
he folded the letter and put it in his top pocket.
“It’s from Mum. She and Dad have arranged a friend for me.” With a grin
befitting even that of his elder more mischievous twin brothers, Ron turned
around on the bench and looked over to the Ravenclaw table. Both Harry and
Hermione strained to see over the heads of the other students in the hall, to
what had caught Ron’s attention. Ron waved politely at whom ever had caught his
attention and both Harry and Hermione stared shocked as a pretty, petite young
Ravenclaw waved back. In Harry’s opinion she was nothing special. She was
attractive but plain, with strawberry blonde hair and pretty blue eyes but none
of her features could take away the obviousness of her breasts that were barely
contained in her school blouse. It was hardly surprising Ron knew who she was
and it was plainly obvious what had caught the Weasley’s full attention. A
blush rose in the girl’s cheeks as she and her friends giggled together at
Ron’s attention.
Hermione huffed with contempt and sat down with her arms folded across her
chest. Having ogled the young Ravenclaw a little longer Harry too turned back
to face Hermione across the table, a small smile of amusement tugging at the
corner of his lips as he took in Hermione’s expression.
“How quickly I am forgotten for a pair of perky tits.” Harry raised a smooth
eyebrow in Hermione’s direction, easily identifying bitterness in the girls
tone but choosing not to comment upon it.
“Be fair Hermione, you dumped him.” Harry watched as Hermione’s lips tightened
in irritation as Ron got up from the table and moved over to join the
Ravenclaw’s at their table. “Besides The Ministry has laid down the rules, time
is of the essence or so we’re lead to believe.” Harry laughed and although
Hermione smiled at the joke didn’t quite manage a laugh. With a shake of his
head Harry turned his attention to the front of the great hall where Dumbledore
was just rising to call attention in the hall for dinner. Harry’s gaze caught
Snape’s completely by accident and the boy felt his chest tighten slightly in
worry. Snape would be expecting a reply sooner rather than later and Harry
wasn’t inclined to say ‘No’ to a Vampire and a Death Eater.
Harry was still caught in Snape’s gaze when he felt a hand come to rest on his
shoulder. Spinning around Harry was surprised to find Professor McGonagall
smiling down at him.
“The headmaster wishes to have a word with you in his office after tea Harry,
the password is sugar snaps.” Harry nodded and watched as McGonagall joined her
fellow co-workers at the top table. Dumbledore began with the usual notices and
Hermione leaned over to inquire after McGonagall’s message.
“What do you think he wants?” Hermione whispered. Harry sighed and shrugged his
shoulders just as the meal appeared at the table and the usual chaos of dinner
began in earnest.
**************************************
“Minister.” Harry stared at the bumbling little fat man across the room, barely
concealing his disgust as he sat down beside Remus who was perched on the arm
of a reclining chair. After dinner Harry had hurried up to the headmaster’s
office and was quite surprised to have found several Auror’s, Remus and the
Minister of Magic already in the room waiting for him.
“Harry my dear boy, enjoying school I hope?” Harry’s lip curled in mild
irritation but the boy covered it with a weak smile having had Remus nudge him
hard in the arm. After a brief but awkward pause Fudge continued. “Well I
suppose we must get down to business. Something has come to our attention Mr.
Potter that is quite distressing.” Harry resisted the temptation to sigh and
roll his eyes knowing damn well what the Minister of Magic was here for. “It
appears you have broken off your arranged engagement with Miss Weasley and have
made no intentions to re-establish a relationship with anyone else.” Fudge
paused and waited for Harry to reply.
“If you mean I dumped her, then yes I did.” Harry took amusement in watching
the Minister of Magic get slightly flustered at his uncaring tone of voice.
“You are aware Harry, that just because you are famous you are not excluded
from the ‘heritage laws’ that have been re-established by the Ministry?” Fudge
stared pointedly down his nose at Harry who had folded his arms angrily across
his chest and was beginning to scowl. Dumbledore was strangely quiet in the
corner no doubt having learnt his lesson previously about interfering in
Harry’s life.
“Forgive me Minister Fudge,” Harry met Fudge’s stare straight on, a twitch of
irritation catching the corner of his lips. “I thought I’d just fuck around for
a while and see who I knocked up first.” There was a short gasp at Harry’s
comment and Harry received a short slap on the back of his head from Remus who
was horrified but not surprised by Harry’s reaction to the Minister’s probing
questions.
“You think this is a joke Mr. Potter? But if you are not formally linked to a
witch within the next month we shall be forced to arrange an engagement for
you.” Harry’s resolve was only strengthened by the threat and he stood up
abruptly and stepped within the Ministers personal space.
“And what if I don’t like witches? What if I prefer cock?” Harry knew he was
pushing the Minister’s buttons and sure enough everyone stared at him in shock
at his sudden outing. It was all crap but the satisfaction it gave Harry at
seeing the expressions on their faces was certainly worth the lie.
“You’re not are you?” Remus was on his feet immediately his voice high pitched
and bordering slightly on hysterical. It was at that moment however that the
doors to Dumbledore’s office opened and a frustrated and rather angry Severus
Snape came in.
“Sorry I’m late; potions don’t brew themselves you know.” Severus paused aware
suddenly of the tension he’d just walked in on. “Did I interrupt something?”
Severus looked towards Dumbledore who was purposefully keeping out of the
conversation.
“No, No Severus. Harry was just discussing his choices in life.” Dumbledore
glanced at Harry who shrugged his shoulders still aware that Remus was waiting
for an answer to his previous question.
“Well if his life is anything like mine, the choices are abysmal.” Snape strode
over to the chair Harry had previously occupied beside Remus and sat down,
leaving Harry to perch precariously on the arm of Remus’ chair. With the
tension broken the Minister of Magic got stuck into his lecture, about
responsibility and sacrifices for the war. Most of it was aimed at Harry and
Severus but Harry’s attention was firmly rooted on Snape, whose bored
expression didn’t falter once during Fudge’s entire diatribe.
When it was over Harry left with Snape, the elder wizard determined to see him
to his dormitory so that the boy wouldn’t wander after curfew. Remus had given
Harry a looked that clearly indicated the previous conversation wasn’t over,
but Harry ignored it. Perhaps if they thought he was queer they’d back off on
the whole ‘reproduction’ thing. Harry stood silently beside Snape as the
revolving staircase deposited them back into the quiet, torch lit corridors of
the lower school.
“It’s humiliating being lectured about sex isn’t it Potter?” Harry fell into
step beside Snape as the man glanced down at him sideways. Harry couldn’t tell
what Snape’s expression was the shadow of the torches hiding most of the man’s
face.
“I wouldn’t know I’m not getting any, so that lot didn’t mean anything to me.”
Snape smiled crookedly down at the boy and shook his head in silence. The boy
had a Slytherin spirit if he was riled about something.
“Don’t worry Potter, not all of us are using this law for an excuse to fuck
anything with legs.” Harry paused and stared up at Snape in shock hardly
believing what Snape had just said. Snape rarely swore and never in front of
students but the boy’s scent had lulled him into a false sense of calm and the
word had just slipped out. Shock turned to amusement on Harry’s behalf and the
boy let out a bark of laughter at Snape’s expense. Snape begrudgingly allowed
the boy the luxury of laughing at him without reprimand, taking the moment
himself to stare at the flawless face of youth beside him. In silence Snape
walked Harry to the fat lady’s portrait and paused against the railing as Harry
whispered the password and stood in the doorway.
“I need to know Potter, have you thought anymore about my situation?” Harry
sighed and nodded reluctantly. Snape raised an eyebrow expecting to hear
further explanation.
“I want to know more about it before I make my decision though. Can we talk?”
Snape nodded, his lips tightening lightly in mild irritation. The boy had a
brain after all, and despite his Gryffindor bravery was doing his research,
something Snape didn’t really want him to do. The more Harry knew about what
being a donor required the more reasons the boy would have not to go through
with it.
“Of course,” Snape paused and began making his way back down the staircases
heading towards his dungeons. “Come by my office tomorrow evening and we’ll
discuss it over tea.” Harry nodded in agreement and watched until Snape had
disappeared completely from view down the stairs. With a heavy sigh Harry
turned and went into the common room. He was putting off the inevitable with
Snape but at least he’d be prepared.
***** Bending the Truth *****
CHAPTER 21 (Bending the Truth)
“You’ll have to bend the truth Severus, the boy will run a mile if he knows
what he’s in for.” Octavia reclined on the bed his arms behind his head as he
watched his younger student slowly dress himself in front of the chest of
draws.
“I can’t lie to him.” Severus glanced over his shoulder as he straightened his
waistcoat; smoothing out invisible crinkles with a careful hand.
“I’m not suggesting lying to him, just omitting to tell him certain aspects of
a very complex relationship.” Octavia grinned cheekily as he rolled over onto
his side as Severus moved to sit on the end of the bed in order to pull on his
boots.
“If I fuck this up Octavia, I won’t get a second chance. I might as well start
taking the potion again and just leave the Ministry to hook me up with some
family whore.” Octavia chuckled at Severus’ pessimistic tone of voice. As a
young student Severus had never had much faith in his own abilities. The boy
was gifted both in magic and his family’s talent but he’d lacked the social
skills needed for self-confidence. Severus hadn’t changed much in the years,
although the Dark Lord’s presence in his life had wearied a Vampire that should
never tire or grow old.
“You look nice.” Octavia changed the subject as Severus got up from the edge of
the bed and pulled on his clean teaching robe.
“Do you think I’ll make him suspicious?” Severus stood in front of his mirrored
wardrobe door and took in his appearance before glancing back at Octavia in the
reflection behind him.
“I think he’ll be too nervous to even notice to be honest but I’m appreciating
the view so that’s all that should matter.” Severus narrowed his gaze at
Octavia in the reflection but before he could snap at the elder Vampire the
wards to Snape’s chambers shivered. Two loud knocks echoed from the sitting
room. “He’s early?” Octavia sat up quickly from the bed and was just heading
for the fireplace and the floo network when Severus grabbed his arm and stopped
him.
“It’s Draco.” Severus sighed and wandered into his living room, where with a
flick of his wand he opened the door to stare at his Slytherin student. “What
do you want?” Snape stood between Draco and the living room successfully keep
Draco’s wandering gaze away from Octavia who was listening to the conversation
from over by the fireplace.
“I came to tell you thanks. It worked.” Draco dug around in his pocket for a
moment before passing the vial back to Snape who quickly squirreled it away in
his own cloak pocket with a scowl of irritation.
“Seeing as though it was my potion that brought this about can I have the
displeasure of knowing to whom it was given?” Draco blushed a little and
lowered his gaze to the floor.
“Hermione Granger.” Draco whispered, only glancing up once to catch the slight
shock on Snape’s face before the usual stern mask of disregard fell back into
place.
“Well your father will be pleased won’t he? You know how to piss off Lucius
don’t you Draco?” Snape muttered in the most sarcastic tone he could muster. If
it was not bad enough that Draco had defied his father’s wishes in courting
Snape, the boy had gone and fallen in love with a mud blood. Draco nodded
guiltily and Snape sighed heavily at the boy’s own inability to stand up to his
father. “Fine, I will sort everything out once I have found my own mate. Now
get lost before I remove points for interrupting my evening.” With a nod Draco
scuttled away leaving Snape to close the door and make his way back over to
join Octavia, who’d sat himself down in the armchairs in Severus’ front living
room.
“Lucius Malfoy won’t take this lying down; he’s determined to have an immortal
heir. I heard whispers in the pub that he’s asking around about our kind.”
Snape flicked his wand in the direction of his liquor cabinet and poured both
himself and Octavia a glass of whisky with careful control of his wand.
“Lucius Malfoy is an irritation, that would Voldemort not notice his loss, I
would eradicate with a single curse.” Snape sipped his whisky enjoying the
calming burn that slid down his throat. Octavia smiled at his student and shook
his head.
“You Severus Snape are a demanding son of bitch. I would not wish to be in
Potter’s shoes if he should agree to be your donor. The boy doesn’t stand a
chance.” The joke was met with a mild smile of acknowledgement from Snape
before again the wards shivered as someone approached Snape’s door outside.
“That will be him, so I shall take my leave.” Both Octavia and Snape stood up
from their chairs, Octavia downing the whisky in one go before stepping towards
the fireplace. “Be gentle Severus, the boy has spirit you would no wish to
break it too soon.” With a wink Octavia had left in a green eruption of flames
from the fireplace leaving Severus to glance over his appearance once more
before answering the door.
The boy stood nervously back from the door into Snape’s office as it swung open
to reveal the potions professor in his usual immaculate dress. Harry was out of
breath having run the distance from the Quidditch field to the dungeons with no
stops. He’d been at Gryffindor’s Quidditch practice but it had run late and one
thing Harry knew Snape hated was tardiness.
“Sorry, we lost a bludger over the forest.” Harry rushed out hastily, his gaze
firmly planted on the floor as he fiddled with the hems on his muddy Gryffindor
shirt. Snape arched a smooth eyebrow as he glanced over Harry’s bedraggled, wet
and muddy appearance.
“You better come on through; mind you take off your boots though.” Snape turned
and led the way through his office to the door at the back of the room. Harry
had always wondered what was through the door in Snape’s office but had never
had the courage to neither look nor ask. Opening the door Snape stepped into
his private living room and paused briefly to watch Harry ogle at the room in
surprise. “I like my luxuries.” Snape muttered feeling the sudden need to
explain his cluttered but luxurious chambers. “The boots!” Snape snapped as
Harry went to take a step into the room. The boy blushed and hastily bent over
to pull off his riding boots. Snape’s gaze lingered on the boy’s backside in
the tight riding leathers a little too long and instantly chastised himself for
the slip. The boy was intoxicating and Snape thanked Merlin for small mercies
that the boy’s scent was masked by rain, dirt and stale sweat.
With the boots gone Harry padded silently into the warm quiet room and took in
his surroundings. Snape had disappeared into an adjacent room and so Harry was
free to peruse the potions professor’s tastes in décor and his impressive
collection of books and wizarding artifacts.
“You can sit on the towel and I’ve ordered coco from the house elves.” Snape
returned to the living room to drape a purple colored towel across the second
mostly unused armchair beside the fire. Harry gingerly sat down on it conscious
of the fact he was dripping wet and covered in mud. Snape sat himself down in
his own armchair facing the boy who was now fidgeting nervously. The pair sat
in silence for a long time before the pop and crackle of magic signaled the
arrival of the house elf with two mugs of coco and a plate of shortbread. Harry
thankfully cupped the warm mug in his hand as he stared at Snape above the rim
of his mug.
“Well you can start Potter, I do believe you asked for this meeting after all.”
Snape reclined back in his armchair; successfully hiding the swell of
nervousness that rose in his throat as he wondered what Harry was going to ask
first. Harry nodded in silence and took a deep sip of his coco before placing
it on the side table and reaching into the pocket of his pants. Snape watched
both in amusement and surprise as Harry pulled out a small folded piece of
parchment and smoothed it out so that he could read it properly. “Miss
Granger’s influence no doubt.” Snape motioned to the piece of parchment in
Harry’s hand. The boy blushed and nodded almost guiltily. “You do realize my
condition is meant to be a private matter Mr. Potter?”
“She worked it out herself.” Harry whispered quickly by way of explanation.
Snape didn’t swallow the lie but nodded for Harry to continue.
“First off, I want to know what a ‘donor’ does exactly.” Snape’s lip curled in
irritation of the question, having expected something far more complicated for
the first question.
“Exactly what it means Mr. Potter, you willingly allow me to harvest your
blood.” Harry ignored the biting sarcasm determined more than ever to see he
got answers to the questions Hermione had instructed him to.
“Okay, how do you do that?” Harry pressed, already feeling sweat breaking out
on his forehead in nervousness. Snape chewed his bottom lip unconsciously with
his right incisor as he thought through his next reply. Octavia had told him
not to scare the boy but how could he not scare him when ultimately the answer
would be through a bite.
“A single bite to a pulse point, usually the neck but not confined. A donor may
choose where the blood is harvested from.” Harry nodded and Snape breathed a
small sigh of relief that he hadn’t run screaming from the room. Snape
shouldn’t have expected anything but Gryffindor courage from the boy though,
determined even in the face of fear itself.
“Alright, now how often?” Harry unconsciously reached up and wiped the sweat
from his brow and loosened the collar on his tunic, hardly believing how hot he
was becoming under Snape’s penetrating stare. Snape catalogued every flinch of
the boy’s face and every movement he made, slowly gaining a better insight into
the boy’s thoughts. Not that it wouldn’t have been just as easy to penetrate
the boy’s mind via occlumency but he needed to build trust and there was no
trust in force.
“Twice a week should be sufficient for a Vampire of my age and health, although
should I require it you may be asked to donate more often.” Again Harry nodded,
the heat of being in Snape’s rooms now becoming overwhelming. Harry found
himself physically panting as he tugged at his tunic and undid the buttons with
a fumbling mess of shaky hands. Harry didn’t know what had come over him so
suddenly. He’d been fine outside, almost cold in the wet windy night air. Snape
watched the scene playing out before his eyes with rapture. The boy’s body was
responding to him, his magic reaching out to Snape’s making the boy feel like
he was in a furnace. Snape had witnessed the first connections of magic in a
Vampires mating several times as a young man. He’d been witness to Octavia’s
first mate and the poor woman’s gasps for air as her body had reacted with the
Vampires. Harry was experiencing a similar reaction to Snape’s strong
unconscious magic, and the sight was very pleasant in Snape’s opinion.
“Is it hot in here or is it just me?” Harry stood up abruptly and dragged his
tunic over his head leaving him in a white singlet that clung with sweat to his
slender but toned upper body. Snape managed to keep his expression the same
despite the urge to smile smugly at the power he now held over Harry. Harry’s
reaction was a good sign; it meant he was receptive to Snape’s magic, to his
attentions and ultimately to his mating. The boy didn’t know it yet but he’d
already been marked by his potions master.
“I’ll cool the room a little if you like.” Feeling somewhat sorry for the boy
Snape flicked his wand and lowered the temperature in the room a good five-
degrees for Harry’s sake. If the boy overheated and passed out the night would
be ruined. Harry relaxed in the cooler air as he slumped back down onto the
towel and breathed a ragged sigh of relief.
“Okay back to the questions,” Harry glanced back at his parchment already
halfway through the short list. Better able to focus now without the heat,
Harry read the next question aloud. “Will anything happen to me by agreeing to
do this?” Snape frowned a little and so Harry clarified. “Magically I mean.
Will it affect my school work?” Snape worried his bottom lip again with the
same pointy incisor, plotting a reply that would neither be lying nor be the
truth. In truth Harry’s magic would play havoc until some sort of equilibrium
between them was established through the shared transfer of blood but that
wasn’t what Harry needed to hear if the boy was going to agree to be the donor
in the first place.
“The collection process might tire you when we first begin, which in turn will
affect your magic a little but in time you’ll grow used to it.” Snape was good
at lying; he’d had nearly twenty years of experience at doing so under
Voldemort’s careful gaze. Harry accepted the explanation after careful
inspection of Snape’s expression, no doubt trying to find an aspect of
falsehood in the professor’s face.
“One more.” Harry whispered as he folded the parchment back up and put it in
his pocket again. “Will you share me with your other Vampire friend?” The
question was surprising but Snape’s answer came automatically out, accompanied
by a small growl in the back of his throat.
“No. I don’t share what’s mine.” Harry’s eyes widened a little in fear as
Snape’s gaze turned the sea blue and the man bared his teeth.
“Sorry I asked.” Harry muttered as he stood up abruptly from the armchair and
shuffled over to where his boots were still beside the door. Snape got up too,
cursing his inability to control certain aspects of his nature. He’d scared the
boy, just like Octavia had told him not to.
“Potter I…” Snape went to apologize but Harry cut him off.
“I agree to be your donor. With an attitude like that, I figure I might as well
be under the protection of a Vampire than turn you down and risk being lunch
anyway.” Snape was floored and totally speechless as he watched Harry hurriedly
pull on his boots again. “Thank you for the coco sir, I have no doubt you’ll
come and find me when you want something.” With a shrug of his shoulders Harry
had left leaving Snape panting heavily as he inhaled deeply on the scent around
him and the lingering taste of Harry in the air. With a shudder of excitement
Snape warded his rooms again and strode over to the chair Harry had previously
occupied. Snape tore the towel from the armchair and held it up to his nose and
inhaled deeply. Under the dirt, the rain and the sweat there was the hint of
fragrance that only Harry Potter could produce. Shaking his head clear of the
scent Snape took the towel with him as he disappeared into his bedroom for the
night. The boy had agreed to be his donor but that was far from the end of it….
***** No Deal *****
CHAPTER 22 (No Deal)
“Oh for fucks sake, get a room.” Harry growled as he wandered into the owlery
only to come face to face with Hermione and Draco locked in an embrace by the
window ledge.
“We did have a room till you arrived Potter.” Draco wiped the corner of his
mouth with a smooth finger as Hermione backed away from him and straightened
her blouse, her gaze not quite meeting Harry’s. Harry glared at the blonde who
smiled smugly as he adjusted himself with little care of the audience.
“Snape’s doing his rounds. I passed him in the fourth floor corridor on the way
up here.” Harry moved between the roosting owls and found Hedwig in the corner
ruffled up and sound asleep, her head under her wing. The bird was clearly
pissed as Harry stroked her head to wake her, the forceful nip she gave Harry’s
finger meant more than just a warning. Frowning at his bird, Harry handed
Hedwig his letter before taking her to the window and tossing her out into the
night air, a little more forcefully than usual considering the bloody finger
she’d left him with.
“What are you doing up here?” Draco watched Hedwig disappear into the night
before turning back to Harry who was heading for the door again to leave. Harry
got the distinct feeling he’d interrupted something, especially judging from
Hermione’s blush.
“Certainly not what you were doing up here. Don’t you ever tire of being a man
whore Malfoy?” Harry snapped over his shoulder as he pulled his invisibility
cloak around his shoulders once again. Draco looked on with mild envy of the
cloak but chose not to comment as he replied with a similar insult.
“Don’t you ever tire of being Harry bloody Potter?” Draco glared at Harry who
huffed a contemptible laugh and shook his head.
“Yeah Malfoy, all the time. Want to trade places?” That was obviously not the
reply Draco was hoping to receive and the boy reached for his wand. Hermione
was quicker however and snatched the blonde’s wand before standing angrily
between the two immature boys.
“Won’t you two just grow up?” Hermione shouted as she glared at both boys still
staring at one another. Harry backed down first and smiled as he shook his
head.
“You’re scum Malfoy, I hope what ever it is you want in life is worth the
effort of being such a bastard.” Harry pulled up the hood of his cloak and
disappeared through the owlery door leaving Draco cursing Harry’s name as
Hermione tried to placate him.
It had been a little over a week since Harry had agreed to become Snape’s donor
and the boy had heard and seen little of the potions professor. Harry was
beginning to wonder if he hadn’t just dreamed everything that had happened, as
Snape had made no effort to acknowledge Harry’s agreement. It was all too quiet
in Harry’s opinion and that was what had spurred the boy into writing to Remus.
He wanted to ask the werewolf what was going on within the Order and if indeed
it had anything to do with the current peace. Harry was just turning the corner
into the sixth year corridor that lead to the Gryffindor common room, when he
ran into Snape.
Harry had slammed into Snape’s back and sent the wizard tumbling into a statue
of Helga Hufflepuff. Harry froze automatically hardly daring to breath as he
watched Snape recover himself and spin around, wand in hand. With the
invisibility cloak Harry was pretty sure he was safe but as he watched Snape’s
gaze turn topaz blue in the darkness a swell of dread took over his body. Snape
inhaled deeply twice, a familiar scent reaching his nose, causing a wicked
smile to twitch at the corners of his lips.
“I know you’re there Potter,” Snape lowered his wand as he allowed his eyes to
stare at the nothingness, knowing for well that Potter was right there in front
of him. “You and your fathers cloak might have eluded me for the past four
years but without the potion in my system I can smell you two corridors away.”
Snape smiled when he heard a heavy sigh followed immediately by the rustle of
fabric before Harry’s bodiless head appeared out of the darkness.
“I needn’t remind you Potter, that curfew is set for a reason and your breaking
it violates more than a dozen school rules.” Snape paused as he watched Harry’s
darkening expression. “I could have you expelled for this.” Snape’s smile
broadened as he watched Harry’s defiance grow all of a sudden.
“Expelled? You’d seriously have me removed from the school knowing what I’d
offered you?” Snape’s smug smile fell immediately, the Potter boy was smart. He
knew what the stakes were and had used them to his advantage. With a growl of
mild irritation Snape shrugged his shoulders in defeat.
“I knew you had Slytherin tendencies Mr. Potter but your manipulation of the
situation quite surprises me.” Harry smirked as Snape tucked his wand back into
the sleeve of his robe.
“Well if you are making the most of your new found confidence, let me demand my
half of our deal. I believe I skipped supper, and you will do quite nicely for
a late night snack.” Harry shivered from head to toe as he saw the wicked gleam
in Snape’s gaze. “Follow me.” Harry nodded and having pulled up the hood of the
cloak yet again followed Snape obediently through the school and out of the
front doors of Hogwarts. It was cold outside and windy, and Harry had to hold
the cloak tightly around him to stop it from blowing off. Snape it seemed
ignored the wild wash of his robes flapping around him as he strode towards the
edge of the forbidden forest. Harry hesitated on the edge, as Snape strode into
the darkness his figure momentarily disappearing into the moonless dark before
returning when he realized Harry hadn’t continued to follow him.
“Afraid of the dark Mr. Potter?” Snape’s eyes sparkled in the moonlight and the
pearly white incisors caught the flashes of reflection from the lake’s surface.
Harry swallowed nervously and shook his head.
“Not of the dark but rather what lurks within it.” Harry whispered
instinctively reaching for his wand. Snape laughed cruelly and shook his head.
The boy might have been a selflessly brave Gryffindor but he was still human, a
thought that made Snape shiver with anticipation.
“Nothing that wanders beneath the forest canopy is darker than I am Mr. Potter.
Even Voldemort himself would think twice before coming between a Vampire and
their meal.” Harry’s hands trembled at the deep, resonating tone of Snape’s
voice, as the elder wizard removed his own wand and lit the end of it with a
cursory flick. The dim glow of the wand end gave Harry a little courage to
follow Snape into the darkness but it did not alleviate the feeling of regret
that flooded his thoughts, at having accepted Snape’s offer in the first place.
Harry became disorientated in the darkness very quickly and found himself
instinctively sticking close to Snape’s side. Harry didn’t care that the
closeness of them reignited the strange heat within him or the humming in his
ears that had affected him in Snape’s chambers over a week ago. All that
mattered was being close to the wizard who exuded a power and confidence that
Harry could hide beneath. Snape secretly smiled to himself as Harry’s arm
brushed several times against his waist. The boy was so close his scent was
like a perfume on Snape’s own body.
“Here is far enough.” Snape stopped in a small clearing, illuminated by the
dappled moonlight shining down through the canopy of the trees above them.
“Lean against the tree. I don’t like chasing my prey.” Snape gestured to the
solid trunk of a nearby tree and Harry dutifully leant against the scratchy
hard bark. Harry’s gaze dropped to the ground as Snape approached him. The
vampire’s cloak was still whipping around him in the same wind that whistled
around the tree branches above them. Harry swallowed heavily as the humming in
his ears and the heat in his body increased as the distance between himself and
the vampire decreased.
Snape was practically on top of him within a few steps and Harry closed his
eyes and leant heavily against the tree, as he felt Snape’s body heat burning
against his own rising temperature. Sweat had broken out on Harry’s forehead
and the boy’s nails now dug into the tree behind him. Snape grabbed a hold of
the boy’s chin and dragged his head to the side to expose the milky, tender
skin of his neck. Harry was shaking, his jaw set stiff in Snape’s firm grip as
the elder man lowered his face to Harry’s neck and swiped a warm wet tongue
over the boy’s pulse point. Snape swallowed a growl of contentment at the first
salty taste of the boy’s skin. The boy tasted just as good as he smelt and
Snape had to triple his efforts to control himself. Two more swipes of Snape’s
tongue across the boy’s pulse point before Snape opened his mouth and sank the
two long incisors into Harry’s neck.
Harry screamed.
Snape wasn’t surprised and was prepared for the inevitable struggle the boy put
up as he felt the first sucks of blood from his neck. With his full weight
behind him Snape pinned the boy against the tree as he continued to lap at the
droplets of crimson fluid he drew from Harry’s body. Snape knew it wasn’t
painful. In fact he prided himself on being controlled enough to ensure that it
wasn’t. Harry’s scream had come from fear and the sudden realization of what
he’d agreed to. Harry’s struggles lessened as the boy’s blood pressure began to
drop through mild blood loss. The boy would undoubtedly be light headed by now.
Having taken a suitable fill Snape retracted his fangs and licked the bite mark
closed with a swipe of his tongue. Without the weight of Snape’s body pressing
into his own, Harry’s knees gave out and he collapsed onto the leaf littered
damp ground.
Casually Snape removed a tissue from his cloak pocket and wiped a small smear
of blood from his chin before he too sat down carefully on the ground, unable
to hide his satisfied smile. The boy had been sweet with youthfulness and tangy
with the unmistakable taste of virginity. Snape had tasted a few bloods in his
time and the virgin sacrifices had always had the tang, whereas unknown whores
had had the musky after taste of used goods. With his lust satisfied for
another week Snape could now focus on the boy, who was just beginning to come
to again, some colour returning to his cheeks. Fear flickered in Harry’s eyes
as awareness came back to the green orbs now staring at Snape.
“Don’t bother with running Potter. You know you’re safer with me.” Snape’s
voice had deepened to a satisfied purr like a contented house cat, as he folded
his arms across his chest and silently read the boy’s expressions. Harry was
still weak with blood loss as he hauled himself up to sit properly with his
back against the tree. Harry didn’t know what to say and instead reached up
instinctively to touch the two pinpricks on his neck. Snape watched with
curiosity as to what the boy would do and say.
“Will it bruise?” Harry whispered as he hissed a little in pain as he ran his
fingers over the bite.
“Undoubtedly, it would be in your best interest to relax next time. The more
you struggle the more damage I can do.” Harry nodded in silence his eyes
sliding closed momentarily as a shiver ran up his spine as he remembered the
soft fall of Snape’s hair on his shoulder and the scent of expensive cologne
that the elder wizard was wearing.
“Why do I keep getting too hot, and I hear humming in my head?” Snape twitched,
as he considered the question. It wasn’t the time for truths just yet; let the
boy handle the current situation before moving on.
“Stress.” The reply was short and to the point, not allowing Harry to further
ask questions Severus didn’t want to answer just yet. Rising to his feet Snape
offered his hand down to Harry and helped the boy up. It took a moment for
Harry to regain his balance as his blood pressure adjusted itself yet again.
“We should return to the castle it’s late and both you and I have classes
tomorrow.” Turning Snape headed away from the clearing leaving Harry to trail
after him closely, stumbling a little on fallen branches and twigs. Harry
stared at Snape in the gloom, mildly impressed with the elder wizards imposing
figure and confident gait. The man undoubtedly deserved his reputation as
fearsome creature and Harry couldn’t argue. As the forest thinned a little and
the pair of them exited out onto the lawns of Hogwarts Harry fell into step
beside Snape, comforted almost by the man’s presence. Reaching the quiet castle
Harry paused in the entrance hall as Snape went to go in the opposite direction
down towards his dungeons.
“Thank you.” Harry whispered into the silence causing Snape to pause and glance
back over his shoulder at the young wizard.
“Shouldn’t I be the one to express gratitude Mr. Potter?” Snape had turned back
into his usual sarcastic potions master drawl as he stared at Harry waiting at
the bottom of the staircase. Harry shrugged his shoulders and lowered his gaze,
wondering silently why he’d said anything at all.
“Am I only a meal to you Snape?” Harry bit sharply not meaning to sound as
bitter as he did. Snape smiled crookedly in a very Slytherin way. He was amused
by the boy’s sentimentality.
“For the time being, yes.” Snape arched an eyebrow in challenge as Harry’s lip
stiffened and his expression darkened angrily.
“So I’m not getting anything from this at all?” Harry snapped watching as Snape
turned around fully to face him, his arms folded smugly across his chest.
“I made no deal for returning the favor Mr. Potter. Should you have wanted
something else in return for your services you should have stated it before you
agreed.” Snape watched as Harry’s anger boiled over. The boy was obviously only
now realizing that despite his assumption of protection he was in fact
receiving very little retribution for his service to Snape. “Besides, I believe
my leniency towards your lax behavior in school should be ample return on your
investment, don’t you think?” Snape turned around and headed towards the
dungeons, his wand flicking back over his shoulder at the house points board.
“…and that reminds me ten points from Gryffindor for being out after curfew.”
With that Snape was gone leaving Harry fuming as he stormed his way up to his
dorm, cursing his stupidity in assuming Snape would be fair about their
arrangement.
Down in the dungeons Snape flopped down in his armchair. Octavia was already
reclined in his own chair, a glass of whisky in hand as he smiled at his
student.
“There is an old saying Severus, you shouldn’t provoke an already angry pixy.
It won’t do to push him too far. You’re trying to entice him not turn him
feral.” Octavia stared at Snape through the amber liquid in the bottom of his
glass as Snape laughed and shook his head in smug contentment.
“On the contrary Octavia, the boy can’t resist a challenge. This chase has just
begun.”
***** Secrets *****
CHAPTER 23 (Secrets)
“What’s with the turtle neck Potter? Got something to hide have you?” Harry
snatched his collar away from Draco’s searching fingers as the blonde reached
for him across the picnic blanket.
“Do you have to bring him everywhere we go?” Harry snapped as he glared at
Malfoy who was stretched out in the sun beside Hermione. It was a Hogsmeade
weekend but with Hermione and Draco’s relationship a secret the trio had been
forced into a more private activity than joining their schoolmates in
Hogsmeade. Hermione had arranged a picnic beside the lake behind Hagrid’s hut.
Ron had been invited but the red head had had a better offer involving his
arranged ‘friend’ at the three broomsticks. Harry had been seeing less and less
of Ron over the past couple of weeks. The boy doing his duty for the sake of
The Ministry at the expense of his friends.
“Has your father contacted you yet?” Hermione changed the subject, pointedly
ignoring Harry’s earlier comment as she addressed Draco.
“Not yet, but I’m expecting it and so is Snape.” Harry bristled at the mention
of Snape’s name, having avoided the wizard for the better half of the week.
Harry was no yet in the mood to address the issue Snape had raised about
returning the favor and Harry was still planning his mode of attack.
“What’s Snape got to do with you fucking Hermione?” Harry earned himself a slap
from Hermione at his crudeness but Draco merely smiled at the comment, almost
pleased with himself at having achieved the seemingly impossible.
“It was all arranged between Snape and me by my father when the new laws came
into effect. Father believes an immortal heir will stand him in favor with
certain unnamed parties in this war. It was assumed Snape would take the offer
my father made but Uncle Severus isn’t the kind of Vampire you blackmail into
anything.” Both Hermione and Harry stared at Draco in shock hardly believing
what they were hearing from the blonde.
“You know he’s a Vampire?” Harry spat out in shock, making no attempt to hide
his surprise from the blonde, who chuckled quietly.
“I’ve known since I was young. Father knows too. Why else do you suppose
Snape’s been loyal to our family? Out of fear my father with tell you-know-who
and the ministry. How do you know?” Draco opened his blue eyes and stared at
Harry who was momentarily speechless before he managed to form a suitable
reply.
“It was by accident.” Harry didn’t elaborate and Draco was sensible enough not
to question it. The pair of them were enemies after all, and despite their
common ground and momentary truce, the trust required for spilling secrets was
still a long way off.
“How did your father find out?” Harry whispered wondering silently how this had
all come about and what it meant now.
“At school.” Draco turned over onto his side, his hand coming to rest on
Hermione’s thigh where his fingertips drew little circles on the girls exposed
skin. Harry ignored the couple’s attentions as he concentrated on what Draco
had to say. “Father said Snape came to him for help after your mother broke up
with him when she found out he was a vampire.” Harry was silent as the reality
of what Draco had just said settled in. “Apparently Lily Evans went straight to
your father with the information. Who then turned on Snape with the help of his
friends. That was the event that made Snape start taking the potion, to hide
his identity in case your father went to the ministry.” Harry couldn’t think
straight as he stared at Draco. The boy was busily tugging at the hem of
Hermione’s skirt playfully, unaware that what he’d said was so shocking to
Harry.
“That means Sirius and Remus knew about Snape.” Hermione supplied putting voice
to Harry’s own inner thoughts. Remus had known about Snape for all these years
and had never once told Harry to be careful of him. Harry could feel the anger
rising in him, his fists clenching a little around his glass of pumpkin juice.
“Not that it matters who knows Hermione. When my father gets wind of my
defiance and Snape’s involvement, Snape will be exposed to everyone. Unless of
course Snape can find a mate and hide himself again before the Ministry have
time to investigate him.” Harry watched as Draco sat up and pulled Hermione to
his lips, deeply kissing the young witch in a sickening display of love. Harry
quickly used the couple’s inattention to excuse himself from the picnic. Harry
was angry and the first person he was going to was Remus. Neither Hermione nor
Draco even acknowledged Harry’s leaving as the boy stormed away back to the
castle.
************************
“Harry what on earth are you…..” Remus Lupin stood stock still in the doorway
to the kitchen at number 12 Grimmauld place. Harry Potter sat in the chair at
the end of the table nursing what appeared to be a half bottle of fire whisky.
“Shut up Lupin and tell me the truth for once in your life.” Remus was a little
taken back by Harry’s tone of voice and instantly went on the defensive as he
put his groceries on the bench and approached the boy at the end of the room.
“I’d appreciate a little respect Harry. When you tell me what you’re doing
here, when you’re supposed to be in school.” Remus stared at Harry pointedly
but the boy ignored him and took a deep swig of fire whisky from the bottle
before shaking his head at his godfather’s best friend. “How did you get here?”
Remus demanded sharply, already on his way to the fireplace in the other room
to fire call Albus and inform the headmaster where his lost student was.
“The floo network in Dumbledore’s office. I’m not stupid like you think I am.”
Remus paused, a handful of floo powder clenched in his fist. “Why didn’t you
tell me my Mum and Severus were dating in school?” Remus’ angry expression
changed instantly as Harry’s comment sank in. With a deep sigh Remus replaced
the floo powder in the silver jar above the fireplace and dusted his hand on
his trousers.
“Sirius and I didn’t think it was important you knew about it. The past is the
past Harry. It has nothing to do with you.” Remus padded silently over to the
liquor cabinet Harry had already raided upon his arrival and helped himself to
the expensive brandy he found inside. The wolf returned to slump on the couch.
Harry shook his head as he stared at the werewolf hardly believing Remus was
still keeping secrets from him, after those same secrets had killed both his
parents and Sirius.
“Well funny thing is Remus, it does concern me. Especially when I’m now the
donor of the same Vampire you and my father made life a misery for!” Harry
shouted angrily unsure of where his sudden protectiveness for Snape had come
from. Harry had always assumed it had been his mother that had been the
compassionate one, the one who’d been understanding and calm but this new
information had made his mother out to be just as bad as his father had been.
“You’re what!” Remus stood to his feet immediately, hardly believing what had
been said.
“Now you know how it feels to have secrets kept from you Remus.” Harry took
another swig from his bottle of fire whisky as he watched Remus begin to panic.
The werewolf was pacing back and forth past the fireplace in such a state.
“Have you any idea what you’ve done!” Remus screamed in the similarly high
squeaky voice that Harry remembered from Dumbledore’s office when Harry had
suggested he was gay.
“Not entirely no, but I suppose that’s the thrill of it.” Harry arched an
eyebrow in challenge to the werewolf who was now practically livid.
“This isn’t a game Harry James Potter!” Remus roared, causing Harry to stagger
back a little in surprise at seeing the wizard so angry. “Your mother dumped
Severus as soon as she found out what he was because she was protecting herself
from him. And now you’ve walked straight back into his clutches.” Remus stepped
forward and clutched at Harry’s collar practically lifting the boy from his
feet with a strength Harry wouldn’t have imagined the thin man could have.
Harry was scared as he stared into Remus’ eyes, the yellow hint of a wolf just
flashing beneath the brown eyes. “Vampires are selfish creatures Harry, with no
concern for any other life except their own. You will stop this immediately or
I will stop it for you!” Remus shook Harry forcefully with his hands, the boy’s
head snapping back and forth with the power of the shake. Harry winced in pain,
Remus’ hands surely leaving bruises. Defiant however Harry shook his head.
“No!” Harry shouted only to find a stinging slap coming down onto his face
before he was thrown across the room and into the corner. Stars popped before
Harry’s vision as he caught the eruption of flame from the fireplace shortly
before a familiar figure stepped from within.
“Harry come here.” Harry unsteadily rose to his feet and stumbled over to the
headmaster who was still standing by the fireplace. Remus was angrily standing
by the doorway on the opposite side of the room. “I suggest you wait until
after the full moon before coming to explain to me what has happened here
Lupin. Harry, you will return this instant to your dormitory and I will decide
tomorrow on your punishment for leaving school grounds during term.” Harry
nodded and having grabbed a hand full of floo powder quickly stepped through
back into Dumbledore’s office. Harry didn’t wait around for Dumbledore to
return and instead ran the entire way back to his dormitory completely ignoring
everyone who dared to get in his way.
***** So Soon *****
CHAPTER 24 (So Soon)
“I didn’t think you’d need it again so soon.” Harry stood in front of Snape’s
desk fiddling with his potions textbooks, his gaze firmly fixed on an invisible
spot on the floor. Last night at Grimmauld place had been a disaster and Harry
was decidedly stiff and sore after Lupin had lost his temper. Not that it made
Harry any less angry just a little more sedate. Potions had been first up and
not surprisingly Harry had landed himself a detention, with very little effort
on his behalf. Now though he found himself yet again in Snape’s office staring
at the professor behind the desk.
“Neither did I to be quite frank but I’ve acquired a taste for you. And why not
use what’s at my disposal while I can.” Snape stood up from his desk and having
tidied a stack of parchments moved to the inner door that Harry knew lead to
the wizards private chambers. Harry obediently followed, relaxing almost
instantly the moment he passed through into Snape’s little sanctuary. Snape
observed Harry closely; the boy had looked tired in class and had sat rather
awkwardly on his stool. The temptation to just invade the boy’s mind and find
out the problem was ever present but again Snape needed the boy’s trust more
than he needed answers to his questions.
“I shouldn’t oblige you. I haven’t decided what I want in return yet.” Harry
grumped as he dropped his books by the door and moved to sit in the armchair
he’d occupied last time he’d been in Snape’s chambers.
“There’s no need to make me suffer Mr. Potter, when you can not make up your
mind on the matter.” Snape had discarded his outer teaching robe and was over
by his liquor cabinet pouring himself a glass of expensive single malt whisky.
Harry sat down and watched as Snape moved about his living room in his usual
homely tasks, such as lighting the fire and candles. Snape knew he was being
watched closely but ignored it, allowing the boy a little freedom. Harry sighed
quietly as he stared at Snape performing his menial evening tasks. The idea
that this man had ever dated his mother was almost a laughable idea. His mother
had always seemed so light, so carefree and friendly, where Snape was exactly
the opposite. Harry silently wondered if his mother’s betrayal had anything to
do with Snape’s current personality. It didn’t bare thinking about and Harry
shook his head to try and rid his mind of the thoughts.
“Since we’re in more comfortable surroundings this time, I thought you might
like to lie down while I collect. Light-headedness and fainting is
unfortunately a side effect I can do little about.” Harry’s eyes widened
impossibly as he watched Snape open a small wooden door off from the living
room, and gesture inside. From where Harry sat he could already see the large,
overly grand bed in the center of the room. The thought of being anywhere near
Severus Snape’s bed made Harry shiver in concern. “But if you’d rather stand
against the wall that’s fine by me.” Noting Harry’s hesitation Snape offered
the boy an out. Snape had been determined to get Harry into his bedroom
tonight. Not for anything more than to see what the boy looked liked rolled in
the opulent black fabric of his silk sheets. The thought made Snape growl
inwardly as Harry reluctantly nodded after careful consideration of the options
before him. “Take off your shirt, the blood tends to pool and drip when you’re
lying down.” Snape entered the bedroom and lit the few remaining candles,
illuminating the room in a warm glow. The room was beautiful. Snape’s taste in
furniture was of the highest quality and was evident in the oak four-poster
with matching drawers and mirrored wardrobe.
“Do I have to?” Harry spun around hastily, remembering the bruises on his arms.
The glamour cast on his face hid the purple and blue handprint on his cheek but
it didn’t reach the finger prints curled around his upper arms left behind by
Remus.
“No. If you’ve got too much money to spend on replacing stained school uniforms
every week then by all means keep it on.” Snape barked sarcastically as he
finished his whisky and put the glass on the table beside the bed. Harry sighed
heavily and reluctantly began unbuttoning his shirt. Worry was clearly etched
in his expression as he stared at Snape’s reflection in the mirrored wardrobe
doors. Snape watched the boy carefully, quietly observing each tantalizing
expanse of creamy white flesh that was exposed to him. Snape’s perusal of
Harry’s upper body came to a screeching halt however when the expanse of white
flesh was interrupted by the shining purple bruises that wrapped around Harry’s
upper arms like armbands.
“What are they?” Harry closed his eyes and swallowed heavily as he watched
Snape close the distance between them, to come and stand not more than an inch
in front of him to inspect the bruises. Like before the closeness of Snape
brought Harry’s temperature up and sweat broke out on the boy’s forehead. The
humming in his ears was still there but not bad enough as to block out Snape’s
demanding tone of voice.
“Nothing.” Harry whispered shakily not daring to open his eyes and face his
professor.
“Bullshit!” Harry’s eyes flew open immediately shocked that his professor had
uttered such language. Snape reached for Harry’s chin like he’d done last time
in the woods and tilted the boy’s face towards the candlelight. “And drop the
glamour Potter.” Snape growled low in his throat having just now felt the
tingle of magic that hovered over Harry’s face. Harry whispered the incantation
and the magic fell away leaving the stinging handprint on his face visible to
the inspecting eyes of professor Snape. “You will tell me now who did this to
you.” Snape’s voice was low and barely audible between the man’s clenched
teeth. His grip on Harry’s chin however was surprisingly soft and the
fingertips that inspected the bands of bruises on his arms were tentative and
caring.
“I got in an argument with someone, it doesn’t matter with whom.” Harry
whispered as Snape dropped his chin and allowed the boy to sit down on the
trunk that was at the end of Snape’s large bed. Snape stared at the boy, his
rage barely contained within him. “Why should you care anyway, I thought you
said I wasn’t getting anything in return for this.” Harry gestured to the
fading bruise on his neck that Snape had left last time he’d harvested Harry’s
blood. Angry that Harry had turned the situation into the negative again Snape
snapped abruptly.
“Cut the crap Potter, you know damn well I have a duty to protect you. Not only
now are you my student but you’re the only thing sitting between me and the
hundred other students I might enjoy taking blood from, most less willing than
you to become a donor for me.” Harry stared up at Snape who was now pacing back
and forth like a caged animal, clearly upset. Snape could smell the person’s
scent mixed with Harry’s but couldn’t quite place it and it infuriated him
knowing someone had touched his property.
“I know about my mother.” Harry knew it wasn’t the time or the place to bring
it up but Snape’s mood couldn’t get any worse and Harry wanted the truth before
he proceeded with his agreement. If what Remus had said about Snape being a
dangerous creature was true, Harry wanted out now before things got too
complicated. Snape paused mid stride and tilted his head slightly in Harry’s
direction. “You went out with her in school, dated her for a while.” Snape’s
gaze narrowed suspiciously at Harry who watched cautiously as the obsidian eyes
turned into sapphire blue instantly.
“A mistake I assure you I didn’t repeat.” Snape whispered between clenched
teeth his unnerving gaze never leaving Harry’s. Harry swallowed heavily but
continued nonetheless.
“I know she left you when you told her you were a vampire, she went to my Dad
for help.” Snape growled audibly and Harry instinctively began crawling back up
the bed to get away from the Vampire who had now curled his upper lip up over
his extended canines. “If you liked her why did you tell her? You knew she’d
get scared.” Snape predatorily stalked around the side of the bed, sizing up
the boy who’d automatically reached for his wand from the pocket of his
trousers.
“I was guided under the miss apprehension that she loved me. Vampires are
immortal Harry, we mate for eternity and I wanted your mother to know that
before she committed to me. I was wrong however in assuming how deep her
affection for me was and she turned on me and ran to that blasted Potter and
spilled my secret. They already hated me and the information was just what they
needed to make my life that little bit more miserable. But I refused to be
blackmailed with my heritage and so beat them by consuming the potion. Without
the evidential proof of my heritage their finger pointing was seen by the
professors and The Ministry as nothing more than school yard bullying.” Harry
fell silent as Snape climbed up onto the bed beside him. The closeness of the
Vampire once again caused Harry to heat up and the humming in his ears to
increase. With Snape’s hand in the center of his chest Harry was forced to lie
back into the black satin sheets as the elder wizard straddled him and pinned
the boy’s hands with his knees to the bed. Harry closed his eyes and
automatically tilted his head to the side quietly replaying Snape’s
instructions last time to relax. A smile curled at the corner of Snape’s lips
as he bent his head and licked a warm wet trail across Harry’s neck. The boy’s
pulse was rapid and his chest was rising and falling erratically, but this time
with an emotion entirely different from the fear of the first. One more lick
across the flesh and Snape sank in his teeth, causing Harry’s body to jerk up
beneath his own with slight pain. The boy relaxed quickly again and Snape
slowly sipped his fill of the boy’s youthful fluid.
Harry didn’t know how long he lay still for Snape’s body pinned to his not
allowing his body to cool and making him pant heavily. Finally though Snape
retracted his fangs and swept his tongue over the bite mark cleaning it of
excess blood and sealing the wound closed. Unlike before there would be no
bruising, the boy had heeded his warning last time and remained relaxed the
entire time. Harry was lightheaded again but hadn’t passed out, although his
vision swam a little. Snape smiled down at the boy before calmly extracting
himself from the bed and moving around to finish the two fingers of whisky he
had left in his glass on the side table. Harry stiffly rolled over on the
sheets and stared as he watched Snape adjust himself obviously not aware of his
audience. It came as quite a surprise to Harry to realize the Vampire had
enjoyed himself so much and it unnerved Harry a little, to wonder if he should
have enjoyed it as much as he did.
“Are you going to tell me who did that to you?” Obviously satisfied with his
restored state of dress Snape turned back around to face Harry in the bed who
was just sitting up, having regained a little of his blood pressure.
“Remus, I fought with Remus.” Harry whispered, watching as Snape’s lips
tightened slightly for a moment before thinning out again as the unknown
emotion passed. “I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again. Now I suggest you have
a shower, we have company and I don’t believe introducing you to him smelling
of blood is such a good idea.” Harry glanced towards the open door into the
living room but he couldn’t see anyone. Severus however knew who was waiting
having heard them come in via the fireplace fifteen minutes ago. Showing Harry
to the bathroom with a clean towel and toothbrush Snape left the boy to his own
devices, while he met his mentor in the living room.
********************
“Do you always pin your prey like that, it’s enough to make the boy shit
himself not arouse him.” Snape rolled his eyes as he flopped down into the
armchair nursing the second whisky that Octavia had graciously poured for him
while waiting for him to finish in the bedroom.
“It amused me.” Snape muttered around his glass as he stretched and purred in
contentment at having once again consumed a fresh supply of blood. Octavia
rolled his eyes and shook his head.
“Not everyone shares your sick fantasies Severus, I though you might have at
least kissed him.” Octavia crossed his legs over on the footstool as he too
reclined back in the armchair beside the fireplace and eyed his student
carefully.
“It’s too soon he’ll run if I push it, especially now he knows about his mother
and me.” Snape downed what was left of his whisky in one go, still careful to
listen to the shower running incase Harry overheard their conversation.
“Who told him?” Octavia whispered in curiosity.
“I don’t know how he found out but I believe he went to see Remus Lupin about
it afterwards.” Snape growled at the very mention of the man’s name and Octavia
arched an eyebrow in surprise at the sudden possessiveness of the Vampire
before him.
“I take it the wolf did something to the boy?” Snape nodded his lip curling in
anger as he stood up from his armchair and went to pour himself another calming
drink of the finely aged alcohol in his liquor cabinet.
“He did. So I thought you and I might pay the wolf a small visit tomorrow
evening, to discuss the issue.” Snape ground out from between clenched teeth as
he swilled his amber liquid around in its crystal glass. Octavia smiled and
nodded in understanding more than willing to help his student bring a werewolf
down to size during the full moon. Snape was just about to offer up his plan
for tomorrow when the door to the bedroom opened and a freshly washed and
dressed Harry appeared in the entrance.
“Potter, I don’t believe you’ve been properly introduced to my mentor.” Snape
gestured to Octavia who dutifully stood up and approached the somewhat
apprehensive boy in the doorway. It was hardly surprising Harry was scared
after the last time he’d met with the other Vampire in the hallway. “Harry
Potter, this is Octavius Salazarith Mantithicus.” Harry stared at the elder
vampire in shock, hardly believing the mouthful that Snape had just uttered.
“I thought your name was Octavia?” Harry whispered carefully as Octavia smiled
at him and offered his hand out in friendship.
“It is, well to Snape anyway.” Octavia spoke as he led Harry into the living
room and sat the boy down on the footstool with a cup of tea a house elf had
just dropped in. “When a Vampire takes on a fledgling their name is changed to
the female form, to represent their status as ‘mentor’ or mother figure. It’s
very traditional but Snape prefers it because it’s easier to pronounce. Most
who know me simply call me Octavia.” Harry nodded as he sipped his tea wincing
a little at the tightness of his bruised cheek. Octavia silently observed the
boy’s injured face but said nothing as he glanced back at Snape with an arched
eyebrow of surprise. Snape nodded in acknowledge of the silent comment from his
mentor and went and sat back down in his armchair so as not to make Harry feel
uncomfortable by himself.
“So Harry, I hear you’re rather inept at Potions?” Harry turned around to face
Octavia, hardly believing that the man had said what he had. Behind him Snape
groaned and shook his head, a slight flush rising in his cheeks at his mentor’s
thoughtlessness. Octavia laughed at Severus and Harry’s reactions, his voice
deep, melodic and hiding a lifetime of knowledge. “No need to be embarrassed
Harry. I fear no one will ever live up to Snape’s own mastery of the subject,
thus it is best for us mere half wits to simply enjoy the privilege of failing
under his tutelage.” Octavia arched an eyebrow at Harry whose smile broadened
at the sharp insult the man had just thrown at Snape. Snape growled at the
comment but chose not to lower himself and reply to it, despite the
overwhelming urge to snap.
“I think I like you.” Harry smiled around the rim of his teacup as he watched
Octavia closely. In the light of the room the Vampire appeared far less
menacing than he had been in the darkened corridor when they’d first met. Harry
allowed himself a moment to appreciate how perfectly sculptured the man’s
features were compared to Snape’s weary wrinkles and sallow cheeks. He was
handsome in a very rugged way, the slight darkness of a five o’clock shadow on
his chin giving him an appearance of wildness in direct comparison to Snape’s
starched formal exterior. Harry wasn’t aware that he was staring or that the
two vampires were presently reading his thoughts as easily as an open book.
“I don’t suggest continuing down your current path of thoughts Mr. Potter.”
Snape’s voice snapped Harry out of his stare, only realizing now the dirty
little thought that had popped up unexpectedly as he’d stared at Octavia.
Octavia was laughing again, his head tilted back as he bellowed loudly in
amusement of Harry’s last thought. Snape was less than amused and sneered in
anger at his mentor who was thoroughly embarrassing the boy.
“I wish you wouldn’t do that, you know I can’t stop you.” Harry spat a little
angry but embarrassed more than anything. To know someone had been reading his
mind without him even realizing was rather off putting and upsetting.
“I apologize Potter, we both should have known better than to invade your
privacy.” Harry nodded at Snape, in acceptance of the apology as Octavia
finished laughing but still shook his head in amusement.
“Oh to be a teenager again, and have nothing to worry about except, sex, school
and where the next meal is coming from.” Octavia stretched and stood up just as
the clock on Snape’s mantel chimed midnight. “Well I must be off.” Both Harry
and Snape stood up as Octavia stepped towards the fireplace readying himself to
leave. “It was a pleasure meeting you Harry Potter. I hope you will share more
enlightening thoughts with me next time we meet.” Harry blushed at the comment
but knew better than to nod. Snape rolled his eyes as Octavia turned to him and
smiled. “I will see you tomorrow night.” With a wink Octavia was gone leaving
Harry to stare at Snape in confusion.
“What’s going on tomorrow night?” Harry inquired as Snape moved about the
living room cleaning things up and tidying the mess.
“Nothing you should concern yourself with Mr. Potter. Now I believe it is time
for you to return to your dorm. You may use my floo to get into the Gryffindor
common room.” Harry stared at Snape, having noticed the twist of jealousy in
Snape’s tone of voice since Harry’s dirty little thought about Octavia’s body.
“The floo? I am capable of walking up six flights of stairs Professor.” Harry
paused as he grabbed a hand full of floo powder from the silver jar above the
fireplace. “Or are you afraid I might follow your mentor if I’ve given the
chance to wander the castle alone?” Snape’s gaze narrowed dangerously at Harry,
who was carefully assessing the situation ready to run if Snape attacked him
for his boldness. Snape shook his head and growled low in his throat.
“It is not you I have to worry about Potter. What I fear is Octavia’s ability
to wander alone in the castle as well.” Snape nodded his head towards fireplace
and Harry threw in the powder instantly turning the flame green. “Goodnight Mr.
Potter.”
“Goodnight Professor Snape.” With a flash Harry was gone leaving Snape to fume
to himself, his pride somewhat injured that the boy had thought Octavia was
more attractive than he was…..
***** Moonlight Visit *****
CHAPTER 25 (Moonlit Visit)
“Not enjoying yourself are you Lupin? Silver was never your colour was it?”
Snape smiled cruelly. He transformed himself back from his animagus form so
that he could sit easily on the branch above where the werewolf was angrily
tugging at the pure silver chain around his neck. The silver chain expertly
pinned the wolf to the ground. In the tree opposite Octavia hung upside down
still in bat form, but listening intently to what was going on around him. A
werewolf like Remus Lupin was easily tracked. Snape knew the wizards’ favorite
hangouts during the full moon having on many occasions delivered the Wolfsbane
potion to him. Snaring the beast had been a challenge but nothing two fully
grown Vampires’ couldn’t handle with only a few scratches and nicks. Despite
his transformation Snape knew Remus was listening to him, the man ever present
in the beast and aware of everything.
“You shouldn’t have hit him Lupin. I don’t take kindly to receiving my property
back damaged.” Remus let out a long angry howl and tugged particularly
ferociously at the silver chain that didn’t budge from the ground. Snape
chuckled and shook his head, pleased his comment had angered the man.
“And he is my property. Or he very soon will be. Surely you can smell him, I
can. His scent’s divine.” Another angry howl and Snape laughed as the wolf
began straining towards the tree where Snape was safely sat out of reach.
“Did he tell you he’s agreed to be my donor? The boy’s far more open minded
than his mother and may I say quite fearless when facing a creature like me.”
Snape took delight in watching the werewolf continue to stir and thrash about
against the chain holding him firm. Snape knew the wolf wanted his blood but
the feeling was entirely mutual on Snape’s behalf as well.
Snape taunted Remus into the early hours of morning when with the falling of
the moon, the man returned to his human form. Snape dropped from the tree and
walked over to where Remus was lying curled up, naked and fragile on the ground
the silver chain still looped around his neck. Bending down Snape unlocked the
chain and helped the man to sit up. What remained of the yellow flickers in
Remus’ brown eyes focused on Snape, who met the icy cold stare with a sapphire
blue one of his own.
“Don’t fuck with me a second time Lupin. I need a mate and you know as well as
I that Harry is the one. If you keep your mouth shut about this until I’ve
covered my tracks again, I’ll keep making the Wolfsbane. If not you’re on your
own and judging from tonight the pain might just kill you next time.” Remus
blinked and what remained of the amber in his eyes was gone, leaving behind a
tired, weary wizard who was well and truly defeated.
“Don’t hurt him.” Remus whispered his throat raw from the evening’s activities.
Snape smiled as he helped Remus to his feet before taking off his own cloak and
draping it over the wolf’s in order to keep him warm in the freezing morning
air.
“On the contrary Lupin, I intend to make sure he never gets hurt again.
Immortality awaits the boy-who-lived.” Remus nodded quietly as both of them
looked up as a flap of wings overhead signaled Octavia’s leaving.
“If the Ministry find out they’ll hunt you.” Remus whispered leaning heavily
against Snape for support. Snape shrugged his shoulders uncaringly.
“The Ministry can only hunt us, if they have proof of what we are and I do not
intend to give them any chance of obtaining that proof.” Snape led Remus down a
shortened path and down through a garden towards the back door of a very
familiar house. “Once we’ve mated I’ll start taking the potion again and no one
will be any the wiser.” Snape opened the back door to Grimmauld place and let
Remus go inside. The wolf paused and glanced back over his shoulder at Snape
who had no intention of going inside.
“Lily never meant to hurt you Severus, she was just scared that you’d hurt
her.” Snape sighed and lowered his gaze to the back step, his head shaking
automatically.
“She shouldn’t have gone to James. She knew what he’d do. You of all people
should have understood what I was going through, should have stopped him and
Sirius.” Snape finally lifted his gaze from the back step to stare at Remus
coldly, with the same expressionless mask he’d perfected over years of hiding
his emotions.
“I was misguided” Remus replied by way of silent apology. Snape didn’t want to
hear it though and turned his back to stalk away from the house.
“So was I.” Snape muttered under his breath as he apperated away back to
Hogwarts where a class of second year potions students would be fearfully
awaiting his arrival.
***** While The Vampire Is Away *****
CHAPTER 26 (While the Vampires Away)
“Mr. Potter,” Harry paused in the hallway and glanced back at the headmaster
who was weaving his way around the crush of students trying to get to their
next classes. “Have you by any chance seen Remus today, I had thought he’d be
coming to see me like I asked.” Harry shrugged his shoulders carelessly, still
not entirely happy with the werewolf after the previous outburst. “Never mind,
I’ll fire call the house and see if he’s there.” With a bright smile and a
swirl of royal blue robes the headmaster left, leaving Harry to run the last
few corridors in order to get to potions on time.
“You’re late Mr. Potter, five points from Gryffindor and see me after class.”
Harry sighed heavily as he skulked over to his bench beside Hermione. Professor
Snape hadn’t even turned around from the board he was writing on to identify
who’d walked into his class late. It went without saying that Snape could smell
the boy enter a room at fifty paces but to the untrained student it merely
seemed like he had eyes in the back of his head.
The class ran as smoothly as a seventh year potion class could, with only
meager points lost for ineptitude. Snape sat at his desk and watched as the
students began leaving right on the bell, all of them grumbling about the
latest homework assignment. Harry took his time packing up his things knowing
that he was staying with Snape anyway.
“You wanted to see me sir?” With the last student exiting the room, and the
door closing behind them Harry stood up and addressed the elder wizard. Snape
was observing Harry closely over his joined fingertips.
“Yes, I thought you might be interested to know that I…” Snape paused as if
thinking for an appropriate adjective. “…discussed the incident that happened
between you and the wolf with Remus last night.” Harry’s face paled a little as
all the dreadful things Snape could have done to Remus came rushing into focus.
“What did you do to him?” Harry whispered a little more accusingly than he’d
meant to. Snape huffed a contemptible laugh and rolled his eyes at the boy’s
suspicion.
“Typical Gryffindor, loyal and protective despite the betrayal.” Harry
tightened his lips in irritation of Snape’s rather accurate description of him.
“But don’t despair Potter, I did nothing to permanently harm the wolf. I simply
gave him something to remind him of his own situation in life.” Harry nodded,
deciding it was better he didn’t know what had gone on between the Vampire and
the wolf.
“I think Dumbledore’s suspicious, and Remus is sure to tell him…” Snape cut
Harry off with a hand on his shoulder having moved out from behind his desk to
stand beside the boy in the center of the room.
“The headmaster is always suspicious Potter and after last night Remus knows
better than to talk to anyone about us.” Snape not realizing his slip padded
quietly over to his potions store cupboard and replaced some of his own bottled
ingredients from his sample potion. Harry frowned, his attention picking up on
only one word out of the entire comment.
“Us?” Snape froze at Harry’s voice. His hand paused in the action of putting
back a large bottle of salamander blood on a shelf. “Don’t you mean, he knows
better than to talk about you?” Snape let out a nervous breath, silently
cursing himself for being so lax. The boy wasn’t stupid despite appearances to
the contrary, and he had an uncanny knack of picking up on subtle subtext that
others missed. “I’ve got nothing to lose if he tells anyone I’m your donor. I’m
just your willing victim, remember?” Snape cringed at the boy’s suspicious tone
of voice. Trying to relax Snape finished replacing his ingredients before
daring to look back at the boy, who was now stood in the entrance of the store
blocking the path out into the classroom.
“Of course Potter, just a slip of the tongue.” Snape met Harry’s narrowed gaze
with his usual impenetrable cold stare as he moved to push the boy out of the
way. But Harry stood firm and shook his head.
“Bullshit, you twitched. You always twitch when you lie.” Snape arched a
surprised eyebrow in Harry’s direction, the boy now looking entirely too smug
for someone who was supposed to be pissed off.
“I never twitch Potter, and I would ask you not to use that language in my
classroom less I remove your tongue for a week.” Again Snape went to move past
Harry back into the main classroom but Harry was once again blocking the path,
with more determination than ever. Snape glared at the boy and drew his wand
instinctively. Harry didn’t even flinch, as the tip of Snape’s wand was pressed
against his throat in a threatening gesture. Harry could feel the warm glow of
the end of the wand against his skin but stared defiantly into Snape’s now
sapphire gaze.
“No, you didn’t always twitch because I think the lies you told were just
manipulations of the truth so you’re conscience ignored them. But of late, I’ve
watched you twitch on three occasions when I’ve known you’ve been lying.” Snape
lost his temper quickly, his fear of Harry’s discovery overwhelmed by the boy’s
arrogance.
“This is nonsense Potter, now I suggest you remove yourself from my path or I
will forcefully move you myself.” Harry knew he’d pushed his limit and with a
lingering glare obediently stepped out of Snape’s path to allow the potions
professor to stride out into the classroom. Harry watched Snape circle around
once he’d put a safe distance between himself and the boy, his wand still
raised angrily. “I would appreciate it if you did not accuse me of lying again
Mr. Potter. Now I suggest you remove yourself from my classroom less I take
further action for your blatant disrespect of my authority.” With a nod Harry
collected his school bag and books from the bench he’d left them on earlier and
made his way to the door. “Oh and Mr. Potter,” Harry paused and glanced over
his shoulder at Snape who had returned to his desk, his wand safely back in his
cloak sleeve. “I wish to see you tonight, please come by my chambers after
dinner.” Snape didn’t raise his gaze from the parchment he was pretending to
read on the desk, even when he heard the boy laugh in the doorway.
“Good to see our little disagreement hasn’t put you off your appetite
Professor.” Snape clenched his teeth and resisted the urge to curse the boy
into next week, as the brat closed the door behind him as he left, still
chuckling at Snape’s expense. Snape was angry, and decided to spend what
remained of his free periods before dinner locked in his chambers sulking with
a bottle of whisky.
********************************
Harry ran down the corridor, barely skidding to a halt outside Snape’s office.
He was late having spent the last hour in the library engrossed in a book about
mythical creatures. Without knocking Harry stepped into the office and was
surprised to find it empty. Snape was usually waiting for him in the room to
escort him into the man’s private retreat but tonight the office was dark and
empty. Harry warily looked around him as he tiptoed into the office. A single
wall torch lit the room, casting shadows across the stone floor.
“Snape?” Harry whispered as he negotiated his way around the desk and over to
the doorway that Harry knew led into Snape’s private rooms. Predictably there
was no reply and Harry sighed as he stepped up to the closed wooden door that
led into Snape’s chambers. Harry was sure he wasn’t too late that Snape had
changed his mind. Being rather anal about his privacy Harry knew Snape wouldn’t
have left his chambers unlocked but the boy reached for the door handle all the
same. The boy practically shit himself when the door pushed open with little
effort. A chill ran up Harry’s spine as the door swung wide to reveal the cold
dark room beyond. Instinctively Harry reached for his wand. Something hadn’t
felt right since he’d stepped into the office.
“Snape?” Harry called again into the darkness of Snape’s rooms and when he got
no reply he bravely stepped inside. Unlike the times before, Snape’s chambers
were bitterly cold through the lack of a fire. The darkness within was only
broken occasionally by the glint of a glass object on Snape’s many bookshelves.
Swallowing nervously Harry tip toed across the living room, carefully avoiding
tripping over the unfamiliar furniture scattered about the room. Automatically
Snape’s door slammed closed behind Harry, making the boy practically jump out
of his skin. With his heart racing and sweat breaking out on his forehead Harry
began to feel his way along the back of the armchair towards Snape’s bedroom.
Harry might not have been as fearful as he was, if it wasn’t for the thought of
what Snape would do to him if he should be discovered in Snape’s rooms
unaccompanied. Reaching the archway that Harry hoped led to Snape’s bedroom, he
paused when he heard a flutter of wings behind him. Whipping around Harry’s
eyes darted back and forth in the darkness searching for the source of the
sound. It was impossible to see anything in the darkness though and so Harry
put the sound down to his imagination. Turning back to the archway Harry heard
the whoosh of air behind him right before a velvety thing brushed past his
head.
“Arghhhhh!” Harry wasn’t prone to screaming, but the idea of anything creepy
and crawling rushing him in the darkness just freaked him out. With his hands
waving about his head like a lunatic Harry swatted at the velvety flying thing
that kept swooping at him. Blindly Harry tried to run for the door but
miscalculated where the coffee table had been and tripped over it in
spectacular style. Sprawled on the carpet in front of the fire Harry continued
to swat at the air around his head, unaware that the creature that had attacked
him was now standing large as life in front of him, a large smile breaking on
his face.
“Oh do stop that Potter, you look like a turtle that’s been flipped on its
back.” In Harry’s fear addled brain the familiar voice began to register and
slowly the boy stopped waving his arms and opened his eyes.
“Octavia?” Harry stared up at the glowing blue eyes of the Vampire standing
over him. In the darkness the man looked like nothing but two headless eyes
bobbing in mid air, but with a flick of Octavia’s wand the room erupted into
flame and light, revealing the man’s body wrapped in long flowing black robes.
“What are you doing here?” Squinting as his vision adjusted to the new light
Harry accepted the elder man’s hand up from the floor before dusting himself
off after the fall.
“Probably the same thing you’re doing here, looking for Severus.” Octavia
flicked off his outer cloak and tossed it carelessly over the back of an
armchair before helping himself to Snape’s liquor cabinet. Harry stared at the
elder wizard still entranced by the man’s youthful appearance compared to
Severus’ own aged features. Beneath the robe Octavia wore leather, tight
leather pants and soft leather boots with a black snug fitting t-shirt. A
silver cross hung around his neck and glittered in the torchlight. The man was
everything Severus was not, and then some.
“So you haven’t seen him either then?” Harry sat down gingerly on the edge of
Snape’s armchair, still rubbing his knees where he’d scraped them on the coffee
table.
“Nope, suppose he’s gone to see Riddle. He wouldn’t willingly pass up an
opportunity of a meal with you.” Harry swallowed thickly as he watched an
amused smirk catch the corner of Octavia’s lips just revealing the tip of
pearly white incisors.
“I would have felt it if Voldemort had summoned the death eaters.” Harry
watched as Octavia circled Snape’s rooms, easily sipping from his glass of
whisky as he casually inspected a few items of interest that caught his
attention on Snape’s bookshelves. Harry wouldn’t have dared to even touch
anything in Snape’s rooms let alone be here uninvited but Octavia was happily
making himself at home.
“Very receptive to him aren’t you Potter? It’s not good practice to be letting
rogue wizards fuck with your mind.” Harry raised an eyebrow at Octavia in
surprise. Surely the vampire knew he was the boy-who-lived and what that title
automatically meant. “You should have Severus teach you Occlumency, he’s rather
good at it.”
“Tried that. He nearly killed me.” Harry snapped sarcastically and rather
bitterly, causing Octavia to chuckle in what appeared to be a private joke.
Harry didn’t think him dying was so funny and so glared at the Vampire who
instantly apologized.
“Sorry Potter, Severus never was a patient student. He tires very quickly when
his peers do not pick up a subject as quickly as he does.” Having circled the
lounge one last time Octavia came to sit down on the armchair opposite Harry.
The Vampire reclined easily into the cushions, and smiled at Harry’s tenseness.
The boy was perched on the very edge of his own seat as if afraid the chair
might swallow him whole. “You’re genuinely afraid of him aren’t you?” The
question came out of nowhere and Harry felt a shudder role down his spine. The
Vampire was reading his mind, or at least skirting the edges of it assessing
the most immediate of Harry’s emotions. The boy knew he had no defense and was
powerless to stop Octavia from reading his thoughts.
“No…” Harry went to protest loudly, using the excuse to shake his head to try
and shake Octavia’s gentle prodding.
“Don’t lie Potter. Lying is such a filthy habit.” Octavia’s blue eyes glittered
in the firelight his penetrating stare pinning Harry fearfully to the chair.
“You shouldn’t be afraid of him, his bark is far worse than his bite, as you
well know.” Again the knowing smile twitched at the corner of Octavia’s lips as
the man finished his whisky and put the empty glass aside.
“It’s not that bite I’m worried about. He knows things no one else does. He can
do things that make my skin crawl just thinking about, he’s…” Harry paused
trying to find the right word to describe how he felt about Snape. “…evil.”
Harry finished, wondering if he’d aptly described the man who made his knees
tremble everytime they passed each other in the hall.
“Evil?” Octavia huffed a gruff laugh and shook his head, the gaze he threw
Harry assuring the boy he’d sounded as childish as he’d felt. “Evil is a
relative description Potter. Just because your notion of what is right and
wrong differs from his, does not mean that what he does is ‘evil’. Perhaps it
is not him that you are afraid of but instead fear that what he believes in is
more right than what you believe in or at the very least what you’ve been told
to believe in?” Harry stared at Octavia watching carefully as the man assessed
him with a cautious gaze. Harry sighed inwardly. As much as he didn’t want to
say it, some of what the vampire had just said had made far too much sense.
After a stagnate awkward pause Octavia broke the uneasiness with a smile and a
yawn. “So tell me Potter, do you have a girlfriend?” Harry took a second to
register the question and the abrupt change of topic before he could reply.
“No, not anymore. I dumped her.” Harry didn’t particularly want to talk about
Ginny with almost a complete stranger but the alternative conversation wasn’t
appealing either so Harry took the lesser of two evils.
“Bet the Ministry’s happy about that.” Harry shrugged his shoulders uncaringly
at Octavia’s comment and the vampire smiled and nodded in agreement. “Severus
can’t stand the hypocritical bastards. Forcing an entire generation to copulate
like rabbits, it’s not entirely natural is it? But sadly you do have to comply
willing or not. So any suitors on the horizon?” Octavia was fishing for
information and Harry silently wondered why the man was doing so.
“There’s no one I like. Besides Snape’s not looking for anyone so why should I?
We’ll defy The Ministry together, and he’s said already he’ll look after me.”
Octavia’s eyebrow rose high into his hairline in surprise, having not expected
that reply from the boy. Perhaps Snape’s charms were working already on the
boy.
“What makes you so sure Severus isn’t pursuing a relationship as we speak?
After all, Severus doesn’t just have the Ministry to please, Riddle will want a
say too.” This comment took Harry off guard and the boy opened and closed his
mouth several times as he tried to formulate a response in his mind. Harry had
just assumed that Snape was going to defy the Ministry and there had been no
sign that the wizard was looking for anyone.
“Who’d have him?” Harry spat out not quite realizing how jealous he sounded.
Octavia was smiling to himself as he watched the boy play out the scenario in
his mind. Being the donor to a Vampire and having the said Vampire sleeping
with someone else surely wasn’t going to appeal to the donor. Harry was showing
all the signs of starting ‘possession’ even if he hadn’t realized it. “He’s
hardly attractive, not for a wizard anyhow and certainly not for a Vampire.
Just look at you compared to him and you’re older than him by about a thousand
years or something.” Harry gestured pointedly at Octavia who couldn’t help but
grin as he stretched out his leather clad legs in front of him and parted his
knees slightly to allow Harry a great view to his tightly contoured groin.
“Five hundred and three actually.” Octavia chuckled as he watched Harry peruse
his figure casually reclined in the armchair. Octavia could sense the boy’s
mild irritation but underneath the vampire could also sense the young wizard’s
hormones raging wildly away just beneath the surface. Young boys were always
horny, it was a fact of life but Harry in particular was beginning to smell
very much like a fledgling in heat. Octavia was impressed that Snape’s
attentions had incited such a powerful reaction from the boy already, without
Harry even realizing. It was time to test the waters. With a smile Octavia
leaned forward towards Harry, drawing the boy’s attention from his leather-clad
thighs up to his captivating blue eyes. “Are you saying I’m attractive Mr.
Potter?”
“Compared to Snape you are.” Harry whispered all of a sudden becoming very
nervous with the Vampire hovering so close to him. Octavia smiled and
unconsciously licked his lips his eyes predatorily watching Harry’s every
reaction as he pushed further forward into Harry’s personal space. The boy had
moved back in his chair to try and put some distance between himself and the
Vampire. However he was now pinned against the cushions at the back and Octavia
was still edging forward.
“Severus isn’t so bad, and given time away from the ‘inhibiting’ potion he’ll
grow youthful again. The dark mark naturally ages him but when Tom is gone,
Severus will be free once again to look as beautiful as he did as a fledgling.”
Harry held his breath as Octavia hunched over him, now completely enclosing
Harry’s personal space. “Shall I tell you how beautiful he was?” Harry closed
his eyes and automatically tilted his head to the side as he felt the Vampire’s
presence over the top of him. Harry knew what was expected of him when Snape
fed from him, so Octavia’s presence in place of Snape’s incited the same
instinctive reaction. Octavia’s voice was deeper than Snape’s but not as silky,
yet it still washed over Harry in waves that made him shudder. “He was tall,
lean but muscular. He had long silky black hair that he always tied in a black
ribbon at the base of his neck. His face was narrow but finely featured, his
nose wasn’t crooked then. Sirius Black broke it in second year. He had thin
lips, warm eyes and a narrow neck. His skin was creamy white, kissed only by
the sun during the Quidditch season.” Harry’s breath hitched in his throat as
Octavia paused and licked a long wet trail up the side of Harry’s neck,
mirroring the path Snape’s did when he fed. Harry’s mind had long repressed the
image of Octavia hovering over him and had instead replaced it with the
tantalizing image of this unfamiliar Severus Snape being described to him. “Do
you think him as handsome as me now Harry Potter?” Octavia whispered as he drew
his lips from Harry’s neck and brought them around to hover over Harry’s
slightly parted ones. Harry nodded but just barely as he leant automatically
towards Octavia who was staring at him closely. The boy was like putty in his
hands completely under the spell of Severus Snape, without even realizing it.
The boy couldn’t even tell the difference between the illusion of Snape and the
reality of him.
It was perfect.
Octavia smiled and leant in the last inch to press his lips to the boy’s.
Having indulged the boy so long he felt almost obligated to provide the pay
off. Inexperience played on the boy’s tongue as Octavia grasped the back of the
boy’s head and pulled him in tightly forcing his tongue past the tight lips of
Potter and into the warm cavern beyond. Harry groaned into the kiss as
Octavia’s tongue swept around his mouth tasting every inch. Octavia envied
Snape’s choice in mate as he continued to explore the boy’s mouth with his
tongue. Harry Potter was a powerful wizard but he was also so submissive, so
willing and so wrapped up in Severus Snape, he didn’t even realize he was
kissing a man for the first time in his life.
The kiss lasted for another few moments before a sound caught Octavia’s
hearing. Like lightening the Vampire drew away from the boy and put several
steps worth of distance between them. Harry was still collapsed in the chair
totally captured by the Vampire’s presence and scent.
“He’s back.” Octavia whispered more to himself than Harry as he heard the
shuffling of robes on the stone floor outside in Snape’s office followed by the
scrape of a stool as Snape walked into it in the darkness. Harry was still in a
daze as the door to the lounge swung open and Snape staggered in, his death
eater robes hanging around him like thunderclouds and his mask grasped in one
bloodied hand.
“Bad night Severus?” Octavia went to Snape’s side and helped him over to his
chair. Snape sat down with a grimace while Octavia went to get Snape a glass of
whisky. Snape’s gaze re-focused in the light and fell on Harry Potter slumped
in the opposite armchair. The boy looked practically debauched his lips kiss
swollen and moist, his hair tussled and his school trousers tented in arousal.
“What the fuck did you do to him Octavia?” Despite his pain Snape leaned
forward and tilted the boy’s head to the side clearly inspecting Harry’s neck
for signs of puncture. Octavia rolled his eyes as he brought Snape over a glass
of whisky and smiled at his own handy work.
“Don’t stress I didn’t touch him. I just provided a little image of you that he
might not have expected.” Octavia leant over the back of the armchair that
Harry was slumped in and gently prodded the boy. Harry was out like a light the
senses having overwhelmed him and made him pass out. “He’s out like a light.
Too much for one night I think his body isn’t used to sensation.” Octavia moved
out from around the back of the chair and over to where Severus was nursing his
drink, clearly in pain. “You need some rest.”
“I need more than that.” Snape whispered as he stared at Harry longingly before
glancing up at Octavia with the same expression. Octavia rolled his eyes and
reached over to take the whisky glass from Snape’s shaking grasp.
“Come on then, it’s been a while for both of us….” Taking a hold of Snape’s
hand Octavia helped his student from his seat before leading him into the
bedroom and closing the door behind them.
***** Lily White *****
                       **** CHAPTER 27 (Lily White) ****
 
Snape’s eyes snapped open as the sound of paper being slid across the floor
drew him from his pleasant snoozing. Sitting up Snape glanced over the side of
his bed to see the lily-white envelope in the middle of the floor.
 
“Accio letter.” Snape flicked his hand in the general direction of the envelope
as he muttered the charm beneath his breath. The paper flew from the floor into
his hand and he collapsed back onto his soft pillow with a sigh.
 
“If it’s from that infernal old man you call an employer, tell him to fuck
off.” Snape slid his finger beneath the seal of the envelope as he glanced
across at Octavia who was sprawled across most of the bed, his head buried
beneath the pillow in an attempt at getting a few minutes more sleep. Rolling
his eyes Snape pulled the letter free of its envelope and instantly recognized
the familiar childish scrawl he’d had the unfortunate displeasure of having to
mark for the past six and half years.
 
“Potter.” Snape muttered beneath his breath causing Octavia to remove his head
from the pillows and look up in mild surprise.
 
“I forgot he was out there. Poor boy’s probably been treated to your moans all
night. That’s enough to give anyone nightmares.” Octavia chuckled as he leant
over Snape’s shoulder to glance at the letter as well.
 
“Your humor isn’t appreciated this morning.” Snape snapped irritably as he
began to read the letter out loud.
 
‘Snape,
Sorry about intruding on your privacy last night, I didn’t expect the door to
just open like that and I didn’t realize you’d been summoned. Please don’t take
any house points. I’ll take a detention instead if you’re mad at me. I hope
Riddle didn’t take too much out of you. I heard you moaning so I hope you’re
not in too much pain. I have classes this morning, and I waited as long as I
could incase you wanted to eat, but I have to go or I’ll lose more house
points. Sorry again,
 
HP.’
 
“Apologetic little pixy isn’t he?” Octavia reclined back in his pillows and
stretched with a wide tired yawn. Snape ignored his tutor and instead threw his
legs out of bed and got gingerly to his feet. Voldemort had been in a
surprisingly good mood the recent ministry laws providing a source of much
entertainment for the dark wizard.
 
“Afraid I’ll remove enough house points to put Gryffindor out of the cup this
year more like.” Snape grumbled as he shuffled over to his closet and pulled on
a long silk robe to cover his nakedness. Octavia was still stretching languidly
on the bed his perfectly sculptured body putting Snape’s scarred, withered and
bruised one to shame. “What did you do to him last night?” Snape collected his
wand from within the pile of robes scattered at the end of the bed and began
tidying his room, while he let a bath run for himself in the bathroom.
 
“Tested his fixation on you.” Octavia watched Snape circle the room, the
potions professor clearly in pain but stubbornly ignoring it. “You’ve got him
hooked. He’s practically pining for you, or at least his instincts are. I don’t
think he’s actually felt it yet but it’s there even if he doesn’t recognize it.
I suggest you push forward a little more, challenge him, see what he does.”
 
“Challenge Potter?” Snape had disappeared into the bathroom and Octavia was
left to follow the professor into the cool marble room. “Forget it. If that boy
wants something he can come and ask for it. And I doubt he’s going to be asking
for what I want anytime soon.” Octavia rolled his eyes as he sat down on the
edge of the sunken marble bath and reached into the warm water to help Snape
wash his back.
 
“You might be surprised Sev, the boy kisses like he wants it.” There was a
stagnate pause and Octavia braced himself for what he knew was coming.
 
“YOU DID WHAT!”  Snape spun around in the bath, splashing water all over the
floor and Octavia as he glared at the elder Vampire, half in shock and the
other in anger. Octavia shook his head and slid into the bathtub beside Snape
who was practically seething in rage his eyes a sky blue colour.
 
“Control yourself Severus, you know I’m no threat so back down before I take
you down.” Octavia’s voice had dropped to a low growl his gaze firmly meeting
Snape’s in a show of dominance. Snape immediately dropped his gaze and backed
off from his threatening stance. Octavia could best him in any fight and Snape
knew he was in no condition after last night to even attempt a challenge of the
elder, much more experienced Vampire. “Good. Now listen to me carefully.”
Grabbing one of the herbal soaps from Snape’s collection above the bath Octavia
began washing Snape’s hair, the younger Vampire submissively allowing the
gesture of friendship. “The boy’s primed. You need to show some more interest
in him if he’s ever going to come to you. I think you need to ensure you get
some more alone time with him, get him used to your scent, your presence.
Perhaps a remedial class?”
 
“The boy needs help in all of his classes just name one.” Snape grumbled as he
rinsed his hair and stood up from the bath to dry himself. Octavia took the
time to wash himself as Snape dried and dressed himself in his usual immaculate
school attire.
 
“Dark Arts, that’s something he’s interested in and something you’re
surprisingly good at.” Octavia joined Snape back in the bedroom when he was
dressed before both Vampires headed for the lounge room and the waiting
breakfast trays the house elves had brought in.
 
“Here at Hogwarts the syllabus contains only ‘Defense’ Against the Dark Arts,
not the practice of it.” Octavia shrugged his shoulders carelessly as he stole
toast and jam from the tray and began collecting his cloak and things from the
night before.
 
“All minor details Severus compared to the greater goal. The main thing is
sharing an interest with the boy. It makes you seem more…” Octavia paused as he
glanced over his shoulder, searching for the right word to describe Snape’s
situation. “Approachable.” Octavia settled on his comment and threw a handful
of floo powder into the fire.
 
“Are you suggesting I don’t have an approachable personality?” Snape barked his
face schooled in its usual dark glare. Octavia arched an eyebrow at his student
before shaking his head.
 
“Just see to it you get some quality time with him. Voldemort is not going to
be as lenient with you next time around Snape and I believe there’s a Malfoy at
your very door now.” With a smile Octavia was gone not a second before a knock
resonated around the lounge room and Snape’s wards shivered. Snape rolled his
eyes at his mentor’s keen senses before flicking his wand at the door and
allowing his visitor inside.
 
“Lucius.” The elder Malfoy was the last person Snape wanted to see today,
especially after a meeting the night before.
 
“Severus.” Lucius strode into the lounge room and confidently sat himself down
on the armchair opposite Snape, where the wizard was having his breakfast.
“It’s come to my attention that Draco has taken a bed partner.” Snape groaned
inwardly but remained passively indifferent as he spread his toast with butter.
 
“Really?” Snape paused as he bit into his toast and munched on it quietly.
“Your 16 year old son has a girlfriend, should this surprise me?” Snape wasn’t
going for sarcastic but he was neither in the mood nor had the patience to be
playing games with the blonde wizard so early in the morning.
 
“Who is she?” Malfoy growled his gaze narrowed and challenging. Snape ignored
him however and shrugged his shoulders carelessly.
 
“No idea.” Pausing Snape took a sip of his tea watching carefully over the rim
as Malfoy silently seethed. “Contrary to your beliefs Lucius, your son does not
inform me of every sexual conquest, nor would I wish him to. He’s a healthy 16
year old and where he sticks his cock is of no concern to me.” Patting his lips
free of crumbs with his napkin Snape stood up and banished the breakfast tray.
Malfoy stood up as well looking more than just annoyed that he hadn’t received
the reception he’d expected.
 
“This doesn’t change anything Snape. I know the Minister has been here, I’ve
seen the list they’re already writing up for you, and I assure you none of
those on it would be suitable for the dark lord. He was lenient on you last
night but he’ll lose his patience with you soon enough. If you don’t take the
offer of my son, you won’t have anywhere to hide. The ministry will know about
you and so will ‘he’.” Lucius’ voice had dropped to a growl and Snape was now
standing off against the blonde.
 
“If you’re trying to blackmail me Lucius you shan’t succeed. I know far too
much about you for you to risk challenging me. If you reveal my heritage to
anyone it will be you who will have nowhere to hide.” Lucius sneered angrily
but had no reply. With a growl Lucius spun around and strode from the lounge
room letting the door slam behind him. Snape sighed heavily and shook his head.
Lucius was on the warpath and Draco had better watch himself. Determined to
warn the younger Malfoy, Snape gathered his things and with one last glance
around his chambers strode off to find the Slytherin.
***** Where He Sticks It *****
CHAPTER 28 (Where He Sticks It)
“You’re rather distant today.” Hermione nudged Harry hard with her elbow as
Professor Minstrome wandered past, checking study hall. Harry shrugged his
shoulders and continued to stare at the same page he’d been staring at for the
past hour.
“I think I did something stupid last night.” Harry whispered when Hermione
nudged him again. Hermione rolled her eyes and shook her head just as the clock
tower chimed and study hall came to an end.
“You’re always doing dumb things Harry, what was it this time?” Hermione
gathered her books together neatly while Harry merely scooped the unorganized
chaos off the table and into his similarly unorganized bag.
“I kissed Octavia.” Harry whispered beneath his breath as they passed out of
the great hall and into the bustling corridors and stairwells. Hermione stared
at Harry for a moment half expecting there to be something more to the boy’s
conversation but when Harry nudged her shoulder for a reply, she realized that
was it.
“So?” Hermione shrugged her shoulders carelessly and Harry sighed heavily.
Since Hermione had been going out with Draco the witch had become a lot less
innocent and prude than when she’d been dating Ron. Harry wasn’t quite sure
Hermione’s sexual liberation was a good thing and silently cursed Draco’s
influence. If that wasn’t enough either, Ron too had stopped hanging out with
them due to Draco’s presence. Harry had hardly spoken two words together to Ron
all week, not that the red head was doing nothing. He was, as whispers spoke,
heavily involved with his Ravenclaw family ‘friend’. “A kiss is a kiss Harry.
For me to make an accurate comment on the situation you’ll have to be more
specific.” Harry rolled his eyes and with a quick glance over his shoulder
pushed Hermione into a deserted classroom and closed the door.
“I kissed another MAN Hermione. He stuck his tongue down my throat and sucked
my face for almost ten minutes. What more do you want!” Harry snapped abruptly
irritated by his friend’s lack of helpful insight into the situation. Hermione
dropped her bag on the floor and jumped up to sit on the table while Harry
paced back and forth past her.
“Was it any good?” Harry stopped pacing abruptly to glare at his best friend
who was smirking widely. Hermione laughed and shook her head as Harry went back
to pacing. “Sorry, I was just trying to help with the tension. You’re so
uptight Harry, you need to relax and enjoy this sort of stuff.” Harry glanced
over his shoulder to look skeptically at the young witch.
“This coming from the most uptight senior in our year.” Harry muttered to which
Hermione had the good grace to blush knowingly. Draco had changed her attitude
to many things but certainly not her stress when it came to schooling. “And it
has nothing to do with relaxing and enjoying it. I can tell you now it was
fucking fantastic. What I can’t handle is the fact it was with a ‘HIM’ rather
than a ‘HER’. I’m not gay.”
“Typical muggle thinking Harry. I’d have thought seven years at Hogwarts would
have taught you to be more open minded.” Harry came to a stop and stared at the
witch who was carefully twirling a stray hair around her finger in an attempt
at keeping it out of her eyes. Hermione rolled her eyes when Harry waited
patiently for some kind of explanation. “Oh for Merlin’s sake has nothing
you’ve learnt sunk in yet Harry?” Hermione jumped down from the table and
walked over to the chalk board on the far side of the classroom and began
drawing a small diagram. Harry trailed her watching carefully as her sketch
appeared. “Magic is central to every aspect of this world Harry, it’s deeply
entrenched in our heritage. Without magic there are no witches or wizards, but
consequently without witches or wizards to pass on the skills and the
signatures there is no magic. Love isn’t a chemical state of mind here Harry,
it’s a part of your magic. It’s your magic’s way of finding a suitable partner
that will ensure a new magical signature is created when your magic combines
with your partners.” Harry stared at Hermione blankly, and the young girl
sighed and rolled her eyes. “There is no gay or straight in the magical world
Harry, only the person for whom your magic is most strongly attracted to.”
“Do you think Draco’s the wizard your magic’s most strongly attracted to?”
Harry whispered in curiosity, causing Hermione to blush and shrug her
shoulders.
“I don’t know. All I know is that I enjoy being with him more than anyone else
I’ve dated. It’s good to be with him, but I doubt I’ll ever know for sure
until…well you know.” Hermione flicked her wand at the chalkboard erasing the
diagram she’d used to try and explain her point to her best friend. Harry
nodded and followed Hermione back to the door of the classroom having collected
their bags on the way. Hermione paused before she opened the door and glanced
back over her shoulder at Harry.
“Of course that’s all irrelevant for a Vampire. They mate for life, so not only
does the magic play a part but so too does compatibility, tolerance, fertility
and most of all physical attraction and scent.” With a shrug and a smile
Hermione was gone leaving Harry to stare after her, having once again had the
life sucked out of him.
“Thanks for the chat.” Harry whispered sarcastically as Hermione disappeared up
the stairs towards the Gryffindor tower leaving Harry to trail slowly after her
at his own pace. He was confused. If Octavia wanted him for a mate then why
hadn’t he pressed the issue more and why had he stopped when Snape had come
back. With a sigh Harry trudged his way up to the common room determined to
take some time out to sit and think about what had happened last night.
**********************************
“Draco open the door.” Snape thumped on the closed door again and stepped back
as he listened to the whisper of voices, the scuffle of feet and the rustle of
clothes from behind it. Folding his arms across his chest and putting on his
best scowl Snape waited patiently for the door to be thrown open, and a far too
breathless blonde to appear in the doorway.
“Professor, can I help you with something?” Snape ignored the blonde’s fake
smile of surprise and pushed his way into the boy’s bedroom. Senior Slytherin’s
were given the privilege of their own dorm rooms, a privilege they were not
supposed to abuse. Circling the room Snape took in the hastily made bed, the
barely closed closet and Draco’s disheveled appearance. Snape stared at the
blonde who was trying to hide an erection behind a strategically positioned
potions text. A blush was creeping its way up into Draco’s cheeks as the boy
shifted awkwardly from one foot to the other under Snape’s piercing stare.
“Miss Granger, you have to the count of three to remove yourself from Master
Malfoy’s bedroom before I report you both to the headmaster for lewd conduct.
One….” Snape began to count his gaze not leaving Draco’s even as he heard the
scurry of feet on the floor behind him. Snape caught the reflection of Hermione
in Draco’s wardrobe mirror. The girl was barely dressed, her bra slightly awry
and her skirt twisted up around her thighs. She grabbed her things as quickly
as she could and by the count of three she was gone the door having closed
behind her. With the girl gone Snape sighed and dropped the stern act he’d just
put on.
“Must you do that in here Draco? Do you know how long it took the student body
of Slytherin to get the headmaster to agree to allow seniors to have their own
rooms?” Snape turned away from Draco and went and sat himself down in the
armchair by Draco’s small fireplace. Draco sighed and tossed the potions text
aside uncaringly as he slumped down on his unmade bed. Snape rolled his eyes at
the boy’s lack of shame the erection still tenting the silk green boxer shorts.
Snape had known the blonde since he was a baby, had even changed his nappy and
rocked him to sleep some nights when Narsissa couldn’t have been bothered. Yet
there were still somethings that Snape didn’t need to be a party to and the
boy’s hard on was one of them. “For Merlin’s sake Draco, cover it up I neither
desire nor wish to be witness to your sexual prowess.” Draco chuckled and
dutifully pulled a blanket over himself as he sat up to face his godfather.
“We weren’t actually doing it, more pretending to. Hermione hasn’t done it yet,
so we’re practicing. Just getting her used to the idea of me being on top.”
Snape shuddered and sneered in disgust. “Well at least I’m doing it sensibly.”
Draco defended himself pointedly causing Snape to merely shake his head and
reluctantly agree. Compared to Draco’s previous forays into sexual
relationships this one was the only one to have lasted more than a week.
“Sensibly or not, you need to tone it down in public Draco. Your father came to
see me this morning and he’s less than pleased you’ve defied his wishes and
found another partner.” The colour fell from Draco’s face immediately and Snape
was sure the boy’s cock had instantly wilted at the mention of Lucius.
“What did he want?” Draco whispered quietly, his previous bravado and
confidence melting away leaving nothing but a defenseless child behind.
“He wanted to know who you were dating.” Snape moved over from the chair to the
bed and Draco sat up beside the elder wizard in silence. “I told him I didn’t
know, but you know as well as I that he’ll be trying to find out.” Draco nodded
in agreement. “If you intend being with Hermione Draco, you need to keep it
quiet and out of sight from prying eyes. Once I’ve secured my own mate then I
can help you, but until then no more public displays of affection in the
hallways alright.” Again Draco nodded and Snape smiled in mild comfort of the
boy.
“Has Octavia found you a mate yet?” Draco whispered cheekily watching as Snape
scowled and his lips tightened in irritation.
“No.” Snape snapped as he rose from the bed and walked over to Draco’s desk
where the boy’s homework was lying open on top of it. “I don’t need Octavia’s
help to find a mate Draco Malfoy. He’s just watching my back while I search.”
Snape leant over the desk and grabbed Draco’s inked quill and corrected a few
mistakes on the boy’s charms homework.
“You’ve found him haven’t you?” Snape paused in his perusal of Draco’s homework
and glanced over his shoulder back at the boy. “You’re frustrated because he’s
not coming to you.” Snape sneered irritably at Draco and stepped away from the
desk, heading for the door. “Dating’s not as easy as you remember it to be. Is
it Professor?”
“Goodnight Draco.” Snape barked in annoyance, choosing not to reply to the
boy’s taunts. Opening the door Snape watched over his shoulder, as Draco began
laughing at him, payment no doubt for having interrupted the boy’s private time
with Hermione. With a shake of his head Snape left, he had another errand to
run before retiring for the evening.
***** As Good As *****
CHAPTER 29 (As Good As)
“Not again.” Harry groaned as he opened the letter that had been dropped in
front of him at the breakfast table. It was less than a week before the
Christmas Holidays and Harry had expected to have a nice quiet holiday alone in
the castle.
“What?” Hermione inquired as she glanced over Harry’s shoulder and read the
short two-paragraph letter. “Occlumency again?” Hermione whispered in curiosity
as Harry dragged his diary out of his bag and noted down the days that Snape
had requested his presence for the lessons. “I thought you failed miserably?”
Hermione muttered as she watched Harry fold the letter up and put it neatly
with the others he’d received. There was a letter from Remus asking Harry to
spend Christmas day with him, yet another letter from the Ministry informing
Harry of his requirements regarding the new laws and finally Snape’s letter
bringing more bad news for the Christmas Holidays.
“I did. I think he’s torturing me. It’s bad enough I let him feed on my neck
without invading my private thoughts yet again.” Harry finished his toast and
stood up from the table. Charms practical exam was first thing this morning and
Harry didn’t want to be late. So having scoffed down breakfast het was now on
his way to the class, with far too much else on his mind rather than the coming
exam.
*******************************
Harry sat down on the edge of the dueling platform in the empty great hall.
Christmas Holidays had started on Friday and the entire castle was empty except
for the few professors and students who’d stayed behind. Harry was used to
spending Christmas’ alone and the quiet allowed him time to think. He had been
doing a lot of thinking lately especially about Octavia. The Vampire had been
on Harry’s mind since the kiss in Snape’s rooms. The boy had done a lot of
analyzing of what had happened in relation to Hermione’s theory but not a lot
had made sense as yet. Harry had seen a lot of the Vampire, having spent most
evenings in Snape’s chambers allowing the man to feed. Octavia was always there
when he was, always charming and polite, and much more sociable than Snape.
Harry was beginning to find he quiet enjoyed the elder Vampire’s company.
“Are you so eager to start your lessons Mr. Potter that you’re here
deliberately early?” Harry jumped out of his private thoughts as he heard Snape
sweep into the great hall, the man warding and locking the large doors behind
him so that no one would interrupt them.
“No. Just nowhere else to be.” Harry sighed as he stood up and watched Snape
discard his outer teaching robe and roll up the sleeves of his crisp white
shirt. Snape was still formally attired despite the holidays and Harry felt
rather underdressed in his jeans and baggy t-shirt. Even in only his shirt,
waistcoat and black trousers Snape still looked immaculate.
“Good to see you’re employing your time constructively Potter.” Snape muttered
sarcastically as he climbed the stairs onto the dueling platform and gestured
for Potter to do the same. Harry climbed the steps and untucked his wand from
within the waistband of his jeans. From previous attempts at Occlumency Harry
knew the wand would be little help against Snape’s attacks but he pretended to
be ready all the same. “Seeing as though your last attempt at this ended so
abysmally, I’ve taken advice from Octavia and we’ll approach this a little
differently.” Harry raised an eyebrow in mild surprise, having half expected to
be flat on his back within the first twenty seconds. “Octavia believes that by
me showing you how to construct the barriers in your own mind to begin with, it
will help you in defending against the attacks.” Harry nodded quietly as Snape
raised his wand and pointed it at Harry. “Don’t try and repel me. I need
complete access to try and find a suitable barrier you can use in your mind.
Follow me through my progress so you know yourself what you are going to be
looking for in the future.” Harry nodded and having lowered his wand prepared
himself for the inevitable.
**************************************
“I’m satisfied with your progress Potter. Had I known you needed someone to
hold your hand through this process I might have obliged you sooner and saved
all our previous failures in this subject.” Harry lay on his back staring at
the ceiling and panting heavily. The boy was covered in sweat from head to toe,
he was sore and he was mentally exhausted. Snape on the other hand was still
immaculately dressed, not a bead of sweat anywhere to be seen. The man hadn’t
even stretched himself. The two hours had been grueling and Harry had spent
most of the time flat on his back, reliving some of his most horrible memories.
Surprisingly enough though, he was now actually making progress. Snape had
spent half an hour in Harry’s mind showing the boy how to erect barriers
against the mental attacks, and it had worked. Harry knew what he was trying to
do now; albeit he wasn’t very good at it, he now knew how to defend himself.
“Water?” Snape had sat himself down on the bench that ran along side the raised
platform and was pouring both himself and Harry a large glass of water from the
pitcher the house elves had delivered for them. Harry nodded and crawled to the
edge of the platform where Snape handed him the glass.
“This isn’t easy.” Harry whispered as he swallowed the entire glass of water
and politely asked for another.
“Nothing in life is easy Potter. You need dedication and practice to become
good at something.” Harry sipped from his new glass of water as he stared at
Snape who was casually reclined on the bench, thankful for the momentary rest.
There was silence that hung in the air, awkwardness on Harry’s behalf in that
he didn’t know what to say having allowed Snape to see most of his private
thoughts all evening. In the end though Harry couldn’t stand it any longer and
was determined to ask the questions he’d been dying to ask Snape since Octavia
had put them in his mind.
“Does Octavia have a mate?” Snape glanced up from his drink to stare blankly at
the boy for a moment. When Snape assured himself the question was genuine and
not some joke he carefully answered it.
“Yes, he has several but I fail to see where that is any of your business.”
Snape snapped feeling a familiar swell of jealousy rise in his chest at the
thought of Harry being interested in Octavia’s life and not his.
“Oh. I was under the impression he was looking for a mate like you were.” Harry
whispered a little deflated that Octavia was already taken. Snape watched
Harry’s reaction closely, his jealousy rising with each twitch of the boy’s
eyes. The glamour Snape religiously kept erected to cover his eye colour fell
away as jealousy turned to anger in Snape’s mind. Octavia was sabotaging his
chances with the boy. He’d seen the images in Harry’s mind to prove it. The boy
liked Octavia.
“Just because he pays you attention and kisses you Potter doesn’t mean he wants
another mate. Octavia’s a selfish flirt and wouldn’t think twice about bedding
you and dumping you a moment later.” Harry stared at Snape in shock, hardly
believing how quickly Snape’s mood had changed. His eyes had turned the
familiar sky blue colour Harry was growing accustomed to.
“Merlin, don’t get all shitty. I just asked if he was looking for a mate that’s
all.” Harry defended himself as Snape stood up abruptly from the bench and
strode back over to the end of dueling platform, obviously ready to begin the
lesson again. Harry quickly scrambled to his feet clutching at his wand
defensively.
“Enough occlumency. I think you need practice in dueling.” Harry squeaked as he
ducked a curse that was thrown at his head with some force.
“No way, not with you in this mood you’ll kill me!” Harry squealed as another
curse came flying past him scorching the sleeve of his t-shirt. Snape wasn’t
listening however and instead was focusing all his anger into every one of his
curses that Harry was trying to block, dodge and weave his way around with
little success. Snape was fuming. The Vampire part of him was screaming that
his property was being taken from him and Harry was unfortunately bearing the
brunt. Snape was in a completely different world as curses tumbled from his
mouth with ease. As Snape’s anger increased so did the curses and Harry found
himself no longer able to protect himself against the unknown curses being
hurled at him. Snape was shouting now, screaming each curse with vehemence as
Harry tried to duck out of the way. The boy was helpless and turned to run but
a curse struck him in the back and brought him to his knees in agony.
He screamed.
The scream shattered the clouds in the charmed sky above them and seemed to
break through Snape’s anger. Without realizing it the ‘Crutiatus’ curse was
sitting on the tip of Snape’s tongue as the angry fog surrounding his mind
cleared and he was left staring at Harry’s writhing body at the other end of
the platform.
“Fuck.” Snape swore loudly and ran down the platform having ended the
unforgivable on the boy. Falling to his knees beside Harry Snape carefully
rolled the boy over and cupped his face in his hands. “Harry? Harry! Can you
hear me?” Snape stroked the boy’s face gently for a moment watching as the
green eyes swam into focus and the boy’s shakes subsided a little. Snape saw
fear deep within the boy’s eyes and silently cursed himself over and over again
for letting his temper get the better of him. For the first time since he’d
stopped taking the inhibiting potion Snape wished that he hadn’t. Everything
would have just been fine if he’d accepted his fate and just taken to bed any
of the offers he’d been made when the law had come into effect.
His temper had been one of the things he’d begun taking the potion for in the
first place. He was volatile as a Vampire, possessive and angry and despite his
own thoughts he knew he couldn’t control himself. Snape knew as soon as he’d
found out Harry was his mate that he should have abandoned the idea. Potter
the-boy-who-lived wouldn’t want him, wouldn’t be allowed to want him, he
shouldn’t have tortured himself by thinking it possible. And now he’d
endangered him with his reckless jealousy, he was a liability without the
potion. “I’m so sorry.” Snape whispered as he lifted the boy’s limp form into
his arms and carried him out of the great hall towards the infirmary. No doubt
the alarms had been set off by the use of an unforgivable inside the school and
Snape knew as soon as Dumbledore found out what had happened Snape would be as
good as dead.
***** Hidden Agenda *****
CHAPTER 30 (Hidden Agenda)
“Merlin’s balls Severus, you always did like damp dark little hovels didn’t
you? Is all this self torture really necessary?” Octavia pushed his way through
the tiny gap in the rocks behind Albus, his night vision adjusting easily to
the pitch-black cavern beyond. Albus flicked the end of his wand and
illuminated the damp dark hole and its twittering inhabitants. Thousands upon
thousands of bats hung from the roof crevices like a fluttering black carpet.
The stench of droppings made Octavia curl his lips in disgust as the headmaster
began to pick a path over the uneven rocks.
“Your comments aren’t helpful Octavia.” Albus glanced over his shoulder and
stared at the other Vampire pointedly.
“How are we to find him in here?” Octavia whispered as they wandered further
into the colony of bats, looking for one particular bat amongst the thousands
of others. Albus came to a stop in the largest part of the cavern and glanced
up at the roof and its sea of beady, brooding eyes and fluttering paper-thin
wings.
“Severus?” Albus silenced Octavia with a wave of his hand before calmly
addressing the twittering wildlife audience staring down at him. “I want to
talk to you my boy, now come here.” Albus held out his wand firmly and pointed
to it with his other index finger. There was silence for a moment but when no
bats moved Albus tried again. “Please Severus. By hiding you’re not only
punishing yourself but others as well. The Ministry is beginning to ask
questions. Please come here.” Again Albus held out the wand and pointed to it
hopefully. There was another brief moment of silence before at length there was
a fluttering of wings and the whoosh of air as one of the black, tiny creatures
flew down and came to rest upside down on the end of Albus’ wand.
“Very sensible of you Severus. Now come along back to Grimmauld Place and we’ll
discuss this over tea.” Carefully Albus scooped the bat up into his cupped
hands and placed him carefully into the dark safety of his deepest cloak
pocket. Octavia had watched the entire scene play out before him with mild
irritation. His student was being pandered to like he was still a fledgling
when all he really needed was a good firm kick up the arse. With Severus
squirreled away in his pocket Albus carefully negotiated his way out of the
cave back out into the frosty evening.
“You do realize he won’t change back unless he’s sure he’s safe.” Octavia
muttered as he dusted some dirt from his cloak as he joined Albus on the
windswept rocky outcrop they’d arrived at. Albus smiled his familiar grin and
with his eyes sparkling nodded before disappearing with a pop leaving Octavia
to follow him.
Back at Grimmauld Place Albus wandered into the living room where a tea tray
had already been sat waiting for their arrival. Octavia hesitated on the
threshold of the living room as Albus carefully extracted the small bat from
his pocket and hung him on a candlestick above the fireplace.
“I’ll leave you to it then. Severus was always stubborn and pig headed as a
student so I doubt much has changed. Good luck.” With a flippant wave of his
hand Octavia was gone again leaving Albus and the bat alone in the warm cozy
living room. Albus could feel the beady eyes watching his every move as he got
comfortable in the armchair and poured himself and Severus a cup of tea.
“You should know he’s been asking for you.” Albus sipped from his teacup
casually as he eyed the bat carefully for signs of a reaction to his comment.
“You should have come to me as soon as you realized it was Potter.” The bat
ruffled its wings in a flurry and Albus assumed it to be Snape’s way of showing
irritation to his comment. “I was the one who encouraged you to stop taking the
potion Severus, I asked Octavia to find you a donor. I was prepared for the
consequences whatever they were.” Again a flutter of wings just as irritated as
the last movement. Albus rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Don’t swear at me
Severus Snape, you brought this on yourself by trying to handle it alone. This
is new for you. You need guidance and not the kind of guidance Octavia is all
too keen on giving you.” Albus watched as the bat took off from its perch on
the candle stick and flew over to the curtain rod over by the window seat, its
back clearly turned on the elder wizard. Albus tightened his lips as he sipped
from his tea trying to ignore the obvious statement Snape was making. “Don’t be
childish Snape, this isn’t the time. I received a letter from The Ministry
officially requesting that you unite yourself with certain listed persons, or
face imprisonment or forced genetic extraction from your person. I also know
you’re ignoring your summons from Voldemort. Lucius Malfoy has been sniffing
around the castle for the last two weeks looking for you. You’re risking your
entire position as spy by this childish pointless charade!” Dumbledore rarely
got upset but Snape’s lack of attention was getting to him. For a moment the
bat didn’t react but with a flutter of wings the bat fell from the curtain rod
and transformed back into a very pale, very dirty disheveled and majorly angry
looking Potions Professor.
“I nearly killed him Albus.” Snape whispered his voice raw and hard with lack
of use.
“Nonsense the boy’s fine, a little shaken but surprisingly high spirited
considering his professor beat the crap out of him.” Snape raised a slightly
surprised eyebrow. Albus Dumbledore never swore. As a general rule the
headmaster didn’t need to resort to profanity in order to get his point across
but in this case it seemed the word was important. “It seems your student is
showing more maturity than you are in this situation Severus. The boy even
believes he’d been expecting to be cursed by you for the past seven years.
Apparently it has come as a relief to him to finally have the tension between
the two of you broken.” Snape sneered irritably, trust the boy who lived to
take everything in his stride. Snape shuddered involuntarily his hands shaking
around the shaft of his wand as he tried desperately to hold it still. Two
weeks without a feed was upsetting his natural instincts and all he could hear
was the pound of blood through Albus’ veins. “Here, he gave me this to give to
you.” Having seen the glazed hungry look in Snape’s sky blue eyes, Albus flick
his wand and smiled when a large plastic bladder appeared in his hands. With a
click of his fingers a drinking straw appeared in his other hand before the
headmaster offered both items over to the Vampire. Snape muttered something
unintelligible beneath his breath as he stepped forward to take the blood
filled package and the straw. Albus smiled crookedly to himself as he watched
Snape stick the straw through the sides of the bladder and began sipping, the
straw sticking out from between Snape’s two extended incisors.
Albus watched on in silence as Snape emptied the blood package the professor’s
shakes subsiding and a little colour returning to his pale withdrawn face.
“I’m going to start taking the potion again. I can’t live like this Albus.”
Snape muttered as he wiped some spilt droplets of blood from his chin with the
sleeve of his already soiled robe.
“That is of course your choice Severus.” Albus paused and Snape prepared
himself for the inevitable ‘but’ that he knew was coming. “But do you honestly
believe it is going to change anything now that you know Potter is a potential
mate?” Snape sighed heavily and shrugged his shoulders. Whatever the
consequences, Snape just wanted to stop feeling like he did around the boy.
“Perhaps it is best to discuss this with Harry. According to Octavia the boy is
already captivated by your aura.” Snape growled low in his throat at the
mention of his mentor’s name.
“Octavia’s a thieving git.” Snape spat out automatically, his instincts kicking
in yet again. Albus chuckled and shook his head causing Snape to blush in
embarrassment of his possessive nature.
“Octavia has no intention of taking Harry as his own Snape. The boy has no
other claim on him and it is obvious from his defiance that he has no intention
of acting on the Ministry’s pushing. He’s yours for the taking should you wish
it.” Albus watched carefully as Snape played this new development around in his
mind for a moment before muttering the inevitable question.
“And you’d allow it, knowing what I am? What he’d become?” Snape stared at
Albus skeptically, wondering why on earth Albus was being so calm about this.
Albus shrugged his shoulders casually and shook his head.
“Who am I to stand in the way of a Vampire and his mate? The boy obviously
shows no interest in other students around him, thus I can only conclude that
he was meant for you.” Albus paused and finished his cup of tea before
replacing the china on the tray with a quiet chink. “Besides, think of the
protection a Vampires blood would give running through Potter’s veins?” Bingo.
Snape finally saw the reasoning behind Albus’ unexpectedly calm resolve on the
subject. No one would willing give up a talented young boy to a Vampire without
having an underlying motive that outweighed all the risks associated with
Vampire heritage. Albus was using the situation to his advantage to better
equip the boy to face Voldemort and Snape wondered silently how long it had
taken Albus to agree to the situation.
“There’s always a reason with you isn’t there?” Snape muttered a little
bitterly as Albus rose from the chair and stretched the kinks from his neck.
“I like to think myself prepared for the worst my boy. Your uniting with Potter
will ensure the boy’s immortality and it will come as a complete surprise to
Voldemort.” Albus winked and moved over to the fireplace ready to floo back to
Hogwarts. “You have the weekend to clean yourself up before the order descends
on this place for Christmas. I also suggest staying clear of Lupin this festive
season, having heard of your altercation with Harry he’s out for your blood.”
Snape rolled his eyes as he watched Albus root around in his pockets of his
cloak for a moment before removing a hand full of floo powder. “I’ll see you on
Christmas Eve, Harry will join us then too.” With a smile Albus was gone
leaving Snape alone at Grimmauld Place to consider the options before him.
***** Christmassy *****
CHAPTER 31 (Christmassy)
Snape sat in the corner brooding silently as he watched the witches and wizards
exchange gifts and laughter around the Christmas tree. He had intended to spend
Christmas at Hogwarts this year but his impromptu disappearing act had changed
the plans of the entire order, most of whom were now drinking spiced pumpkin
juice and telling rather bad jokes. It was bad weather outside and from his
seat in the window Snape could watch the snow drifts begin to bank against the
house. Inside however it was toasty warm, everyone wearing their festive attire
and merrily humming along to the Christmas carols Mrs. Weasley was playing on
the piano. Harry Potter had arrived an hour ago and Snape had made himself
small and insignificant. He’d not spoken to the boy since the incident in the
great hall and had no intention of doing so now in front of all these people.
Remus wasn’t helping either hovering constantly over the boy like Snape would
launch himself at the boy-who-lived at any moment.
“Professor?” Severus glanced away from his stare at the Christmas tree and was
surprised to find Harry standing beside him looking rather nervous in his
Weasley monogrammed jumper. Snape didn’t speak and instead stared at the boy in
silence trying to ignore the intoxicating scent of the boy hidden roughly
beneath a cheap aftershave someone had brought the boy as a present. “I got you
this.” Snape glanced down at the beautifully wrapped gift that the boy was
offering him. He didn’t want to touch it having not gotten the boy something.
“Please, it took me a long time to find it.” With a sigh Snape accepted the
gift and carefully unwrapped it. Snape stared at the gift in silence while
Harry fidgeted to his side.
“Where did you find it?” Snape lifted the charm from its wooden box and held it
up to the candle light. The emerald stone hanging from the claw at the bottom
of the chain sparkled in the light before turning a blood red as Snape
continued to handle it. Snape chuckled as the stone turned from red to a fiery
orange and then back to its original emerald green.
“Do you have to ask me that particular question?” Snape dropped the charm back
into its wooden box and closed the lid with a snap before glancing suspiciously
across at the boy.
“I suppose not but I don’t suggest trying to acquire anything like this again.
I hope you weren’t stupid enough as to pick it up in person?” Harry shook his
head vehemently and Snape seemed satisfied that the boy hadn’t been as stupid
as it would have seemed at first glance.
“How come it changed colour for you and not me? I only managed to get it to
change to a light grass colour before it went back to emerald.” Harry watched
as Snape put the gift in the pocket of his cloak before turning his attention
back to Harry who was doing a very good job of ruining Snape’s hope of avoiding
the brat all Christmas.
“Control Potter, you can’t feed a ‘reflection rock’ too many emotions at once
or it won’t work.” Harry didn’t understand his blank gaze a very clear
indication of it but he still nodded as if he’d understood everything Snape had
just said. Snape shook his head as he stood up. Weaving his way through the
partygoers Snape made his way out into the cooler, quieter air of the
conservatory. The little glass house Remus had added onto the house last
summer, was icy cold compared to the warmer lounge room, snow drifted up the
sides of the glass while frost clung to the windows. Snape hadn’t expected
Harry to follow him but wasn’t surprised when he turned to sit down in the
wicker armchair and found the boy hesitantly stood in the doorway. Snape sighed
inwardly and gestured for Harry to have the seat opposite him. For a long time
Snape stared at the boy silently admiring how very much like his mother he
actually was. There were differences of course but the subtle hints of a smile,
the emerald of his eyes and his awkward show of confidence were all traits
reflected in his mother’s image.
“I’m sorry I cursed you Potter. I didn’t mean to lose my temper.” Snape lowered
his gaze almost guiltily from the younger wizard’s unable to stare into the
green eyes he’d lost years ago and nearly lost again through stupidity.
“Yeah, shit happens.” Harry shrugged his shoulders carelessly, unsure what to
say to the potions professor, who was clearly unaccustomed to appologising for
anything let alone his curses. Snape managed a crooked smile at the boy’s reply
typical brave Gryffindor.
“It’s a difficult position the Ministry has put you in, forcing you to choose
so quickly a person to share your future with. I have no right to make judgment
on whom you choose to be with and I should not have reacted the way I did to
your comments about Octavia. There was no reason for the outburst.” Snape
didn’t quite meet Harry’s gaze but the boy was staring at him closely for some
reason and it was quite off putting for the professor.
“You’re lying. I saw you twitch again.” Harry raised a cocky eyebrow in Snape’s
direction who instantly took to the defense. Snape had been trying to get
himself out of the situation as diplomatically as possible but the boy was
determined to make him pay. Snape went to protest his innocence but Harry
silenced him with a shake of his head. “You know he smells like apples don’t
you, he tastes like them too.” Snape fell instantly silent his gaze
automatically narrowing in jealousy as he realized Harry was talking about
Octavia again. Harry knew he’d gotten Snape’s attention and so immediately
continued. “You smell of burnt toast and cinnamon.” Snape’s brow furrowed
deeply wondering silently if he was being mocked in some cruel joke. “You’re
not pleasant to talk to, you’re obnoxiously right all the time, you’ve always
called me Potter and quite frankly your propensity to hate everything I do
drives me insane.” Snape’s lip curled in a sneer of anger, his fists clenching
as he listened to the insults. However before Snape could lash out at the boy,
Harry had continued completely ignoring the darkening mood of his potions
professor. “But beyond all that, you’re different. Unique I think accurately
describes you. And I like it. Or at least I think I like it. I haven’t really
paid you much attention until you stopped taking the inhibiting potion.”
Snape’s anger calmed quickly as he tried to focus on what the boy was trying
very inarticulately to say. “You do know you’re better looking without the
potion don’t you? Younger perhaps? Not that I’ve ever looked at other men like
that, in order to have some comparison on this sort of thing, but I don’t think
it matters in our situation does it?” With the very last ramblings the pieces
fell into place for Snape and the man shook his head and grimaced slightly at
the thought of the consequences of them.
“You know don’t you?” Snape whispered in the familiarly low overly cold voice
he used for his most horrifying attacks on naughty students.
“I’m not an ignorant child Snape. I can read. Did you think I wasn’t going to
go looking for an explanation the moment you asked me to be your donor?” Harry
raised a challenging eyebrow at Snape who shook his head in mild disbelief of
the boy’s cock sure attitude. Snape was secretly impressed by the boy’s
resourcefulness. He’d not given Harry Potter enough credit for his intelligence
or at the very least his research skills.
“Yet knowing what I intended you still continued to come to me willingly? Are
you suicidal Potter?” Snape spat more in curiosity than any real anger.
“Not suicidal, just desperate.” Harry chuckled bitterly to himself and Snape
unfortunately knew all to well what the boy was talking about. “I weighed the
alternatives up and you came out on top. I decided I’d rather be alive and
eternally bound to a Vampire than dead having shagged some nameless witch and
leaving behind a child the Ministry forced me to create.” Snape nodded silently
in understanding. The choices for them both had never been very promising. The
boy was just trying to make the best out of a rotten situation.
“You do realize once it’s done…” Snape was cut off by Harry who groaned and
rolled his eyes.
“Yes I know there’s no going back. Hermione’s notes for her college ‘research
project’ did come in handy.” Harry smiled cheekily but Snape merely sighed and
shook his head in disbelief. When he’d thought about chasing Harry he’d never
imagined it would have been so easy. The boy was practically throwing himself
into his arms.
“We would have to be careful until you reached maturity. Then you could start
taking the potion.” Harry shrugged his shoulders in a generous sign of willing
agreement as Snape began to think aloud of everything he would have to take
care of. Harry listened for a good ten minutes while Snape listed off a
multitude of problems and obstacles they would have to deal with. Harry was
growing impatient having not quite expected Snape’s reaction to the news. With
a sigh Harry stood up cutting Snape off mid sentence.
“Are you going to kiss me or not?” Snape arched an eyebrow slowly as the boy
stood with his hands on his hips looking a lot like a new wife who’d been left
home alone for too long.
“Do you think that’s really appropriate here?” Snape whispered silkily the
sounds of the party in the living room making their way softly out into the
cold glass room.
“Probably not but I want to get it over with sooner rather than later.” Snape’s
gaze narrowed irritably the tone of the boy’s voice lending a certain level of
‘forced intention’ to the comment.
“If that’s your way of asking for one you’re not going to get many Potter.”
Realizing his mistake and how his comment had just sounded Harry hastily made
to rectify the situation.
“I didn’t mean it like that.” Harry sighed in exasperation feeling thoroughly
awkward and totally out of his comfort zone. It was almost unthinkable that
he’d be asking Severus Snape for a kiss and in some small part of his mind he
thought perhaps the idea should disgust him. But after Octavia’s imaginative
words the night in Snape’s chambers Harry couldn’t get the idea of Snape
kissing him out of his head. “This is so completely out of my realm of
experience. I’ve hardly had a girlfriend let alone a….” Harry paused unsure
what to say as not to offend Snape. “….well a male thing. I don’t know how to
ask. Octavia just kind of jumped on me before I had a chance to think. It was
good though.” Snape curled his lips over his extended incisors in an irritated
growl as Harry once again brought Octavia up.
“New rule Potter.” Snape announced as he too stood up and began advancing on
the boy predatorily. “Under no circumstances are you to ever bring Octavia into
a conversation about the bedroom. Understand?” Harry nodded unaware that he’d
backed himself up away from Snape until he’d hit the icy glass wall of the
conservatory. Snape’s gaze was a deep sapphire blue with an intensity that made
Harry shiver from head to toe. “And for future reference,” Snape’s voice was
like silken clouds rolling over Harry’s body as the elder wizard pinned him
against the wall, pressing his body the entire length of the boy’s. Harry
couldn’t breathe as he stared into Snape’s eyes as the man dipped his head and
flicked his tongue out across Harry’s chapped, dry lips. “You shouldn’t ask for
what you want. I should know by the way you smell and the way you look at me
what it is you want.” Harry’s body began to shut down as he inhaled the scent
of what was purely Snape’s aroma. The humming that Harry had heard on many
occasions in his head reached its peak as Snape pressed his lips firmly but
carefully against his. Harry couldn’t hear or feel anything other than Snape
against him. The man’s heart beat cut through the buzzing in Harry’s ears. The
soft brush of robes against the tiny amount of exposed flesh made shivers run
up his spine and the wet flick of a tongue coaxing his lips to part made a
whimper rise in his throat. Even with his eyes closed Harry could tell the man
kissing him was Snape it was so different from all the other kisses he’d ever
had. Parting his lips Harry allowed Snape access and the man invaded with ease.
Harry was weak as Snape drew his tongue into a soft play for dominance. To
Harry it felt as if the man was trying to suck the air from his lungs with
every skillful swipe of his tongue against his own.
With a lasting flick and a teasing nip of Harry’s lips Snape pulled away
allowing the boy to whimper audibly. With a satisfied smirk Snape tilted the
boy’s head to the side and with extended incisors went for the pulse. Harry
wasn’t expecting the bite and gasped loudly as a whole new sensation poured
through his body. Harry knew he was hard he had been since Snape had first
licked his lips but with the added sensation of the gentle lapping of Snape’s
tongue against his neck Harry found it impossible to control himself. Harry was
sure Snape could feel him pressed against his knee but he didn’t care as he
thrust a little against the elder wizard. Snape smiled to himself and pushed
his knee back against Harry’s groin as he continued to feed. Harry groaned at
the sensation and Snape wasn’t surprised when the boy shuddered against him and
came in his pants. Harry fell limp in Snape’s arms allowing the Vampire to
continue feeding unhindered for a good ten minutes before finally Snape pulled
away, gently licking the puncture wounds closed before standing back a little
from Harry to survey the damage. The boy looked thoroughly ravished, his lips
swollen, his hair and clothes tussled and a damp patch forming on the front of
his jeans. Snape was totally satisfied with himself as he lifted a finger and
gently wiped away a few stray droplets of blood from the corner of his mouth.
Harry was watching him through hooded eyes a little embarrassed but so
completely blown away by how passionate the seemingly cold wizard could be.
“I think I’ve finally decided what I want from you for being your donor.” Harry
whispered still a little breathless. Snape raised an eyebrow in curiosity,
encouraging Harry to go on. “I want kisses like that every day.” Snape smiled
and nodded in silent agreement. Harry leant in for another kiss but someone
clearing their throat drew the pair apart quickly.
“Sorry to interrupt but I thought you might like to come and join us for some
Christmas cake and coffee.” Remus Lupin stared at the pair standing fairly
closely together. Harry blushed a bright red colour as he turned away from his
guardian in an attempt at hiding the wet patch on his jeans. Snape however made
no attempt at excusing himself and merely nodded in casual reply.
“Fine, we’ll be there in a minute.” For a long moment Snape and Remus stared at
one another and Harry was half expecting there to be a massive fight. However
at length Remus backed down and lowered his gaze to the floor in defeat.
”Sorry for interrupting.” Snape smiled inwardly to himself glad he’d made his
point to the werewolf before this had all happened. With Remus gone Harry
relaxed again as Snape moved away from him to collect a few of his things off
the coffee table. Harry removed his wand from the sleeve of his jumper and went
to scourify himself but Snape stopped him with a point of his finger.
“Don’t you even think about it. I want you upstairs and in the shower before
you even face those people in there.” Harry frowned in confusion as Snape
pushed him out of the conservatory and towards the stairs leading onto the
second level of Grimmauld place. “Vampires have a keen sense of smell but you
don’t need to be a Vampire to know the scent of sex on someone even with a
cleansing charm.” Snape pointed upstairs and Harry nodded and began to make his
way up. Harry paused halfway up and turned to grin at Severus cheekily over his
shoulder.
“Are you coming up with me?” Snape was a little surprised at Harry’s boldness
but scowled all the same.
“No.” Snape muttered firmly watching as Harry pouted before running off up the
rest of the stairs and disappearing. “Horny little bugger.” With a smile Snape
composed himself before joining the party back in the living room. Harry was
going to be handful to look after but Snape was sure he was capable of the
challenge.
***** A Winter Dance *****
CHAPTER 32 (A Winter Dance)
“Tonight is the night Harry.” Hermione sang in a high-pitched girly tone that
was very un-Hermione. Harry sat on the edge of the sink watching her slide the
blood red lipstick on her lips before blotting it on toilet paper. Tonight was
the winter dance an occasion usually reserved for frivolity and good fun. This
year however with the looming deadline for the Ministry’s laws it was a chance
for those singles left alone to find someone to latch onto and save themselves
the humiliation of being set up with a stranger by the Ministry. Harry wasn’t
looking forward to it at all despite knowing that Snape would be amongst the
chaperones.
“So you’re going to do Draco.” Harry muttered flatly as he watched his best
friend step back from the mirror and admire her dress. Since Hermione and Draco
had first started going out Harry and the blonde had come to a truce of sorts.
It was a tentative agreement on both their parts to try and get along for
Hermione’s sake. It didn’t of course mean they gave up appearances, just that
the pranks and insults bore less effort behind them. “I thought Snape warned
you two not to be so public.” Hermione rolled her eyes another un-Hermione like
trait she’d picked up from Draco in the last few months.
“There’s going to be nothing public about what he and I are doing tonight.”
Hermione snapped over her shoulder as she adjusted the straps on her dress
before turning back to face her date for the evening. Harry wasn’t impressed at
being taken to the dance by Hermione. It would make people talk and gossip was
never a good thing.
“If you do it, won’t an official record be sent to the Ministry and then won’t
Lucius find out about you two?” Harry held out his arm and let Hermione loop
hers through it as he escorted her out of the bathroom and down the grand
staircase towards the hall.
“Draco says it’s all under control. Professor Snape’s going to help.” Harry
paused on the bottom step of the staircase and stared at Hermione in horror.
“Help in what!” Harry demanded to know causing Hermione to chuckle and shake
her head at Harry’s obvious jealousy.
“Not that Potter. He’s going to help conceal the evidence from Lucius at least
until he and you have……” Hermione trailed off realizing her mistake. Harry
sighed heavily.
“You can say it Hermione, I know what I’m doing.” Harry lowered his voice as
the pair of them passed through the doors into the great hall and got swept up
in the flow of couples onto the dance floor. Harry glanced around the candle
lit hall searching for Snape but he couldn’t see any signs of the elder wizard
as he danced easily with Hermione.
“Fine, once you’ve mated with him.” Hermione whispered against Harry’s collar,
her hand on his shoulder and his arms around her waist as they swayed together
in time to the music. “I’m sure everything will be fine Harry. I’m positive
he’s doing this for more reasons than just the ‘law’.” Hermione took Harry’s
extended silence as having ruined his mood and instantly set about restoring
what little happiness he’d had before she’d thoughtlessly brought up the topic
of conversation.
“It’s not love though is it Hermione. Not exactly what you expect for your
future.” Harry muttered over the top of Hermione’s head as he continued to scan
the crowd looking for Snape.
“Look around you Harry. How many of the couples in here do you think are in
love? Well apart from Ronald, we all know he loves himself.” Harry refocused
his gaze on the dancing couples around him, for the first time noting the
awkwardness between some and the downright loathing between others. Yet they
were all still being civil to one another dancing together and pretending to
enjoy themselves in the face of the Ministry having arranged their futures for
them. “Love’s not so much an instantaneous attraction Harry. It’s something you
can learn to do. Perhaps you should just try to love Snape incase we don’t win
this war. If you die you don’t want to have never been in love.”
“That’s an awfully depressing and bleak outlook Miss Granger.” Harry
practically jumped out of his skin as he felt a shadow fall across him and
Hermione. Harry could smell the man behind him and could feel the soft brush of
his robes against his own as the wizard shifted to avoid the dancing couples.
“Professor Snape, how’s your evening?” Hermione stepped back from Harry
carefully observing the flicker of blue in Snape’s gaze as he glanced between
the couple.
“Not quite as depressing as yours seems to be Miss Granger but there’s time
yet.” Hermione smiled to herself at Snape’s dry joke as the professor led them
both from the dance floor and over to the table to get a glass of punch.
“I came to inform you both that the Minister of Magic is here this evening.”
Hermione sat down on a bench beside the wall while Snape and Harry stood
together besides her sipping their drinks. Harry stood closer than was really
necessary to Snape seeking out the man’s company having been deprived of it all
day. Harry had become more dependent on Snape since they’d kissed the pull of
bond between donor and Vampire growing stronger now their feelings had been
revealed to one another.
“What does he want?” Harry grumbled as he sought out the Headmaster and his
Ministerial guests over by the snack table.
“Overseeing the creation of the next generation Potter. I think he’s actually
pleased with himself. Does he really believe this law will only increase our
numbers and not Voldemort’s too?” Snape shook his head as he sipped from the
punch grimacing a little when he realized it had been spiked, no doubt by some
enterprising student. Had he wanted Snape might have made a point of seeking
out the perpetrator but at present he was neither in the mood nor the frame of
mind to be hunting down rogue students.
“I hear St Mungo’s is expanding their pediatric wards for the influx of births
they’re going to be expecting over the next few years.” Hermione whispered,
regurgitating the tid bit of information she’d read in the Prophet that very
morning. Snape huffed a contemptible laugh and shook his head.
“Fools.” He whispered as he finished his spiked punch before grabbing Harry’s
out of his hand before the boy could take a sip. Harry frowned in confusion but
was silenced as Snape gestured for the door. “Master Malfoy is waiting for you
in the Slytherin common room Miss Granger, the password is ‘points from
Gryffindor’.” Harry tutted loudly at the password the Slytherin’s had chosen
for their common room. Hermione blushed a little as she nodded and rose from
the chair to leave. “I complete a dorm inspection at 11.30pm; I don’t expect to
see you anywhere.” Snape finished as Hermione disappeared leaving Snape and
Harry standing like awkward statues on the side of the room. “Come on Potter,
we’re going for a stroll.” Snape turned and strode from the hall leaving Harry
to scurry after him dubiously checking to make sure no one had seen them leave.
Snape it seemed didn’t care who saw him leave and it wasn’t until he was
outside on the front path leading up to the castle that the wizard slowed his
steps so that Harry could catch up.
“Where are we going?” Harry huddled down in his cloak as he fell into step
beside his elder counterpart. Snape had dropped the glamour as soon as he’d
come outside his sky blue eyes glowing in the darkness and the tips of his
fangs catching the moonlight.
“We have three hours to kill before I have to go and do my rounds and I didn’t
intend spending them in the company of Minister Jackass and his hand puppets.”
Harry chuckled as he jumped childishly down the steps that lead from Hagrid’s
hut down to the lakes edge.
“Are you hungry?” Harry inquired teasingly as he bent down and picked up a few
pebbles from the shoreline and began skipping them into the water.
“No and don’t throw stones.” Snape snapped as he slowly walked along the edge
of the water. Harry completely ignored him and continued to skip the rocks into
the inky depths of the lake.
“Do you want to make out?” Snape paused at Harry’s comment and glanced back
over his shoulder at the boy who was smiling cheekily.
“Do I look like a randy teenager Mr. Potter?” Harry sighed and shrugged his
shoulders as Snape went back to walking and Harry continued to skip rocks.
Snape smiled as he heard the splash of water a second before a large wet
projectile came hurtling out of the lake and hit Harry square in the head.
“Ow, fuck!” Harry swore as he held the bump on his head that the flying sea
sponge had made undoubtedly leaving a bruise.
“I told you not to throw stones didn’t I?” Snape chuckled, not ever sparing
Harry a backward glance to see if the boy was okay. Harry dropped what remained
of his collection of skipping stones and jogged to catch up with the Vampire
who was heading towards the edge of the forbidden forest.
“You could have warned me.” Harry muttered still rubbing the bump that had
immediately appeared on the side of his head. Snape smiled crookedly but chose
not to reply.
“Stay close,” Harry didn’t need an excuse to stay close to Snape at anytime but
as they entered the edge of the forbidden forest Harry dutifully closed the gap
between them so that he was practically glued to the elder wizard’s side. Harry
had never followed this particular path through the forest. The path was
weaving its way along the shoreline of the lake where the shore met the edge of
the forest. They walked in silence for a long time, Harry quietly listening to
any signs of danger from the forest on his left and the lake on his right.
Snape didn’t seem all that worried even going so far as to close his eyes for a
little while as he walked.
“Where are we going?” They’d been walking for a good fifteen minutes when Harry
couldn’t stand the silence any longer. Snape glanced sideways at the boy who
was tiring quickly of the walk.
“It’s just around this bend, wait and see.” Harry didn’t want to wait and so
took off at a run up the short incline and around the corner of the path. Harry
slowed his run when he came upon a ramshackle stone lookout. The place was
creepy seemingly perched in the middle of nowhere. The stone walls were covered
in creepers and vines effectively camouflaging it against the forest
background. Rounding the outer edge of the lookout Harry found the entranceway
looking out over the lake and stepped inside. Harry curled his nose up in
disgust at the damp, mossy scent that lingered in the darkened hut. The place
looked like it hadn’t been used in millennia and every surface was covered in
dust and dirt. Harry silently wondered what the place had been used for
originally as it was so far removed from the castle and in the middle of the
forest.
“It is part of the old Greenhouses.” Harry jumped automatically, Snape’s sudden
presence catching him off guard.
“All the way out here?” Harry muttered as he walked around the various items
left discarded in the hut.
“It’s not so very far away from the main castle Potter and I am talking several
hundred years ago in the founders time before the forest was planted.” Snape
dragged a dangerously old chair over to the doorway and with a flick of his
wand transformed it into a hanging love seat that rocked gently in the breeze
blowing up from the lake. Harry smiled and dutifully joined Snape on the seat
both of them staring out onto the lake. They sat in silence for a long time
Harry staring at Snape and Snape staring out at the lake. Finally though Harry
began to fidget the teenager’s attention span wearing thin very quickly.
“You do know what Hermione and Draco are planning on doing tonight, don’t you?”
Harry muttered, carefully observing Snape’s reaction. Snape’s lips tightened a
little as he glanced across at Harry an almost sarcastic twitch playing at the
corners of his eyes. Harry sighed heavily. Okay so he knew. “I’m just surprised
you’re letting it happen.” Snape sat back in the seat and folded his arms
across his chest as he turned to stare at Harry who was fidgeting with the
cuffs of his cloak.
“I don’t have very much choice now do I Potter? Besides I believe what we will
be doing in two days time is far more scandalous don’t you?” Harry frowned not
quite understanding what Snape was referring to and then it hit.
“Doing what!” Harry scoffed in shock as Snape rolled his eyes and pointed out
at the surface of the lake where the round reflection of the moon was rippling
in the water.
“The full moon represents a time for heightened magical power in Vampires. It’s
long been a time when ceremonies have taken place and is a perfect evening
for…” Snape paused carefully selecting his words as not to offend the boy. “…It
is customary Potter to take a mate on the evening of the full moon.”
“Thanks for the warning.” Harry muttered a little bitterly still sore from
having had Hermione’s depressing lecture on love or lack there of. Snape noted
the boy’s slumped shoulders and sour expression. With a sigh Snape leaned over
and pressed a soft kiss to Harry’s unsuspecting lips. The kiss was gentle,
tender, soft and not demanding, a far cry from the one they’d shared before.
Harry hardly dared to breathe as Snape pulled away from him the sky blue eyes
meeting his emerald ones.
“I can’t promise you romance Potter. I confess I hadn’t intended on ever taking
a mate what with my life dangling precarious in the pocket of the dark lord. I
know I’m not an ideal partner although I am told I have certain talents that
make up for my unattractiveness.” Harry managed a smile kissing was certainly
one of Snape’s talents. “And I know this hasn’t been the ideal courtship but I
will take care of you Harry. I can teach you things you never thought you’d be
capable of doing. I can help you harness your magic and channel it through your
Vampric blood.” Snape trailed off seemingly having realized how open he’d just
been with the boy. Harry smiled as Snape stood up abruptly from the love seat
and stepped out of the hut into the night air. Harry followed him the love seat
changing back into the rickety old chair it had been before Snape’s magic had
transformed it.
“I think I’ve finally decided what I want in return for being your donor.”
Harry whispered as he stood beside Snape staring out at the lake. Snape glanced
sideways at Harry encouraging the boy to continue. Harry sighed heavily before
taking another deep breath and turning to stare into Snape’s questioning eyes.
“You.” Harry whispered as he reached out and took a hold of Snape’s hand,
entwining his fingers with the potion stained digits of his potions professors.
Snape stared down at their entwined fingers before glancing up and back out at
the lake.
“Don’t think just because you’re being cute you’re going to get me into bed
sooner Potter.” Snape muttered. Harry’s sentiment was not lost on him but the
coy joke broke the uneasy tension between them. Harry chuckled and rolled his
eyes as he let Snape’s hand drop after a firm knowing squeeze.
“A boy can try can’t he?” With a smile Harry turned to run but Snape was
quicker and lunged at him, pushing them both over the edge of the short drop
down to the lake. Harry screamed prepared to hit the icy cold water but the
impact never came. When he opened his eyes he found himself sailing on the air,
Snape’s frame wrapped around his own and his cloak floating around him like
papery wings. Harry laughed as he watched the world beneath him, Snape’s arms
securely wrapped around his body. To Harry it was kind of like riding his broom
but much better in the company of Snape.
***** Information Overload *****
CHAPTER 33 (Information Overload)
Harry stared off into space. If he heard one more sentence about Draco’s sexual
escapades he was going to take himself off and beg for the dark lord to kill
him. Hermione had been going on since the early hours of the morning having
woken Harry up just to tell him the ‘supposedly’ good news. All in all it
wasn’t good news for Harry who’d not only had to put up with graphic details
about Hermione’s first time but now had the added pressure that within days
Snape would be demanding the same of him. Silently Harry wished Hermione had
girlfriends she could talk to about this stuff having had little experience
himself his contribution to the conversation had been limited to yes no answers
all morning.
“…Oh and I didn’t realize it was that colour…” Harry threw his spoon down in
disgust having suddenly lost his appetite for the creamed rice he’d ordered for
breakfast. “Sorry, that just reminded me…”
“Can you stop?” Harry interrupted Hermione part way though her sentence cutting
her off and shutting her up immediately. “I don’t want to hear about Draco’s
cock Hermione.” Harry ground out beneath his breath, so that he wasn’t tempted
to raise his voice and announce to everyone who cared to be listening what
Hermione and Draco were up to. “I’m a guy. I don’t need to know about that
stuff. I have no interest in other men’s penises. I have my own I have the
displeasure of looking at everyday.” Harry muttered as he pushed his bowl of
creamed rice away and settled on a dry piece of toast. Hermione sunk back in
her chair a little looking rather miffed that Harry had reacted as he’d just
done.
“I beg to differ Potter but I believe you have a very great interest in one
man’s cock in particular.” Harry choked on his toast coughing and spluttering
as his eyes widened at Hermione’s sideways comment.
“That’s different.” Harry ground out once he’d cleared his throat with a
swallow of pumpkin juice. “And my names Harry, you’re picking up all these bad
habits from Malfoy.”
“How is it different?” Hermione ignored Harry’s last statement and instead
focused on the present argument, determined to find out why her best friend was
acting like a prude. “You’d don’t know the first thing about having sex with a
man Harry. I thought I was helping you.”
“Well you’re not.” Harry spat out as he rose from the table only to turn around
and come smashing into a firm, familiar chest. Being so close Harry had to
strain his neck up to properly meet Snape’s gaze the elder wizard calmly
staring down at him with his usual disdainful glare.
“Mr. Potter, Miss Granger I wish to see you both in my classroom before class.”
Harry nodded as best as he could considering his strained neck. Hermione too
added her agreement before Snape swept away from the table leaving Harry
breathing heavily and his pulse racing. The elder wizard was practically
leaking sexual magnetism and Harry shuddered as the humming in his ears died
down and a sweat formed on his brow. Hermione was staring at Harry when the boy
finally regained a little of his motor function enough to bend down and pick up
his school bag.
“Not the same is it?” Hermione muttered sarcastically as she followed Harry out
of the great hall and down towards the dungeons. “You’ll be on your back
screaming his name before you know it and then you’ll realize what I’ve been
talking about.” Hermione whispered as they reached the closed door of Snape’s
classroom and knocked before entering.
Draco Malfoy was already sat down at a bench at the front of the classroom when
they entered and Snape was leaning against his desk tapping his fingers
impatiently on its smooth top.
“Lazy stroll was it?” Snape barked irritably as Harry and Hermione took up
seats beside Draco while the elder wizard spelled and warded the door of the
classroom closed. “Now as I was just saying to Draco, Lucius Malfoy is as we
speak on his way here with the Minister of Magic and several Aurors.”
“He can’t have found out already?!” Hermione choked as she glanced from Draco
to Snape and then back again.
“Not about your evenings activities Miss Granger no, but he is in the process
of ensuring his son and I are forcefully required to procreate.” Harry frowned
in confusion as he watched Snape begin pacing back and forth past his
chalkboard.
“You said he couldn’t force you.” Harry spoke calmly his voice not betraying
the panic that he felt raising in his chest at the thoughts of Snape being
taken from him.
“Indeed not but under the ancient laws powerful family lines which have the
potential to come to an end because the heirs have no intention of bonding,
maybe forcefully required to mate with bloodlines of similar strength and
standing thus creating new bloodlines while still continuing the older ones.”
Harry, Draco and Hermione were clearly lost and so Snape broke it down for them
more simply and with a much more sarcastic tone of voice. “Another words being
the last of the Snape family I am obligated by law to join with a mate who’s
both of equal standing as myself thus chosen by the Ministry. Lucius has
somehow convinced Fudge that the Malfoy name is just such a family the Snape’s
should be connected with.”
“Bastard!” Draco spat out before any more could be said. Snape huffed a chuckle
at Draco’s outburst, the blonde beginning to go red in the face with anger at
his fathers scheming.
“Indeed Draco, your father wasn’t in Slytherin for nothing.” Snape continued.
“It is now essential that we try and prolong the time before the Ministry
demands something of me and Draco. Once I’m bound to Harry, there will be
nothing they can do and once I’m consuming the inhibiting potion again your
father can’t blackmail me.” Draco nodded his cheeks still an angry red and his
fists clenched in his lap. Hermione leaned over and pressed a sweet kiss to
Draco’s hot cheek in comfort and both Harry and Snape rolled their eyes as
Draco’s anger immediately lessoned.
“Class is due to start you better get into your usual places before the rest of
the class start arriving.” Snape flicked his wand at the door of the classroom
and unwarded it to allow the rest of the students’ access. Hermione and Harry
scurried back to their right desks at the back of the classroom while Draco
arranged his things on his desk to look as if he’d been there only moments
before the rest of the class came streaming in. Snape had composed himself into
his usual manner by the time the class had filled and the lesson had begun.
Snape had set a task for the lesson and before long the classroom was full of
cauldron smoke, foul smells and the quiet chatter as pairs conversed. Harry was
helping Hermione chop the next ingredient for their potion when he felt Snape
come to hover over his shoulder.
“I want to see you tonight.” Snape whispered as he leaned over Harry’s shoulder
pretending to adjust the boy’s grip on his knife. Harry shivered but kept his
eyes on his work determined not to give them away.
“Isn’t that a little risky with ‘Them’ here?” Harry whispered back hoping that
no one else was taking much notice of them.
“Perhaps but I need to feed and….” Snape trailed off and Harry felt a hand
gently brush his waist in a very intimate gesture. “…I need to make sure you’re
prepared.” Harry didn’t know what to say in return to that comment, hardly
knowing what he was going to be prepared for. With a quiet nod Harry
acknowledged the professor before the man was walking away from him having
taken a very unnecessary five points from Gryffindor for sloppy chopping
skills. With a sigh Harry glanced over at Hermione who was still continuing to
chop her own ingredients although Harry knew she’d been listening to the
whispered conversation.
“Prepared for what?” Harry muttered watching as Hermione shrugged in silence
leaving Harry to turn over the idea that he may have missed some fundamental
issue in his mating with Snape.
***** Riding the Wave of Sleep *****
CHAPTER 34 (Riding the Wave of Sleep)
“So you do understand why we’re doing this then don’t you Professor?” Harry
stood in the corner of Dumbledore’s office hidden beneath his father’s
invisibility cloak. The Ministry and Lucius Malfoy had arrived at lunchtime and
it had taken them most of the day due to Snape’s classes to get the man alone
long enough to talk to him. Harry had snuck in behind Snape into the
headmaster’s office, knowing that there was no way he was going to miss out on
what the old bumbling idiot demanded of Snape.
“Of course.” Snape was doing surprisingly well considering what Fudge and
Lucius were asking of him. Lucius seemed all together too smug as he stared at
Snape and Draco sitting side by side on the couch in front of Dumbledore’s
fireplace. Dumbledore hadn’t said much since the meeting had begun but Harry
knew the old man had seen him having acknowledged him with a nod of his head in
Harry’s general direction. Draco wasn’t holding up to well and on occasions it
had taken a firm stare from Snape to have the blonde hold his tongue.
“Well then. I guess if you’re both agreeing to this then, I’ll give you a week
to….” Fudge paused mid sentence to search for an appropriate word. “…Well sort
out the intimate details shall we say.” Fudge smiled widely as if pleased with
himself at securing yet another important alliance and heir, to swell the ranks
of the side of the light. Snape merely nodded without comment and remained
seated even as the Ministry officials began to leave. Harry overheard Fudge
asking about him to Dumbledore but the elder headmaster merely brushed the
comment aside as he escorted the group from the room. Lucius still stood by the
fire staring at his son and Severus.
“I warned you Severus.” Lucius whispered so that his voice didn’t carry to the
others who were undoubtedly still chatting outside Dumbledore’s office. “I’ll
inform the dark lord of your choice, he’ll be sure to be pleased with the
alliance.” Lucius smiled the famous Slytherin grin that made Harry’s skin crawl
with hatred. “Perhaps we should celebrate with a drink in your chambers?”
Lucius inquired brightly as if nothing he’d done was even out of the ordinary.
Snape didn’t acknowledge the comment and merely stood up, pulling Draco with
him.
“No. Considering the circumstances Lucius, Draco and I have matters to discuss
this evening if you’ll excuse us.” Snape moved towards the fireplace, Draco
dutifully trailing behind him. Lucius followed both of them over to the roaring
fire and watched as Snape threw a hand full of floo powder into the flames.
Both wizards disappeared in seconds leaving Lucius standing alone in front of
the fireplace a smug smirk still twitching at the corners of his lips. If Harry
wanted to he could have killed the blonde right there and then but he
restrained himself and instead tip toed out of the room leaving the smug Malfoy
behind.
*************************
Harry took the long route to the dungeons. Despite his calm outward appearance
in Dumbledore’s office Snape was fuming and Harry didn’t want to bear the
consequences of an angry, hungry vampire. Harry was sure the extra half-hour
he’d given Snape would be sufficient time for the elder wizard to have calmed
down. Still draped in his invisibility cloak Harry made his way through Snape’s
classroom and into the Vampire’s quiet living chambers. Harry paused on the
threshold of room to assess the situation. From what Harry could see there were
several broken bits of furniture, glassware and paper scattered across the
floor, a sign Snape had already taken his anger out on his personal
possessions. The man himself was sitting in the armchair by the fireplace, his
eyes closed, his head rolled back against the cushions of the chair and a large
glass of whisky gripped firmly in his hand. Harry hesitated to announce himself
half wondering if Snape wasn’t still upset enough to injure him. The decision
however was taken from him when Snape shifted in his armchair and cracked open
one iridescent blue eye.
“I know you’re there Potter, fear is a scent I recognize on almost everyone.”
Harry sighed heavily and slid the invisibility cloak off his head so that Snape
could see him, or at least his floating head.
“Where’s Draco?” Harry inquired softly as he took off the invisibility cloak
completely and hung it on the hook beside Snape’s door.
“Asleep in my bed bottling up that sort of anger can exhaust a person.” Snape
swilled the glass of whisky around in his hand before raising it up to take a
long sip of its amber contents, the man’s eyes still closed. Harry took two
steps cautiously into the living room, just enough so he could see past Snape’s
bedroom door and into the room where Draco was fast asleep on Snape’s bed.
“How come Lucius didn’t know about him and Hermione?” Harry whispered still
lingering back from the armchair he usually sat in when he was in Snape’s
company.
“Records don’t get checked on a regular basis, there’s too many for the
Ministry to keep track of since this new law came into force. The only time
they get looked at is if there’s a query and obviously Lucius doesn’t think his
son’s relationship with the unknown girl has gone far enough for the Ministry
to have a record of it.” Harry huffed a contemptible laugh and shook his head.
Malfoy the great schemer had underestimated his own son’s willfulness. Snape
found the irony rather amusing too, although he merely smiled crookedly before
taking another sip of his whisky. With Harry’s most pressing questions out of
the way, the boy was left with not much else to say and so stood awkwardly
behind the armchair watching Snape as he relaxed in his own chair. Admittedly
Harry had wanted to ask what Snape had meant earlier in the classroom about
preparation but Harry thought that a little too forward in the present
situation.
“You’re thinking too hard Potter. You’re projecting your thoughts all over the
place.” Harry swallowed nervously wondering if Snape knew what he was thinking.
Closing his eyes Harry tried to clear his mind before he risked re opening his
eyes again. When he did re-open them however Snape had opened his own and was
sitting properly in his chair his whisky finished and put aside.
“Come here.” The command sent thrilling little shivers down Harry’s spine, the
man’s voice forcing him to move forward even before his mind registered that
his body had already obeyed. Harry came to a stop in front of Snape’s chair his
heartbeat raising a notch at the increased proximity between them. Snape smiled
crookedly as he’d felt the change in the boy’s heart rate. It had been just
like Octavia had said. The boy was needy for him craving him and growing
attached to him. It was a sure sign the boy was already preparing for mating
without even realizing it. Snape crooked his finger in Harry’s direction before
glancing at his own lap. Harry knew what to do and although he did it with
little grace, he dutifully climbed up onto Snape’s lap and knelt hovering over
it his face just inches for the professors. Snape inhaled deeply on the boy’s
scent his lips tightening to try and restrain a sigh of pleasure that
threatened to escape.
“So hungry.” Snape whispered against Harry’s lips as he flicked his tongue out
to moisten them before pressing into a deep kiss. Harry closed his eyes as he
parted his lips and allowed Snape complete access to his mouth, the man’s
questing tongue caressing every part of the hot cavern. Despite the knee
weakening kiss however Harry had remained steadfastly hovering above Snape’s
lap his thighs quaking dangerously as he struggled to keep himself from sitting
down completely on the elder wizards thighs. Snape and he had been close before
but never this close. Snape drew away from the kiss his pearly white incisors
immediately emerging as the last of his day’s glamour dropped away leaving
nothing but pure Vampire behind. Harry was panting with the effort it had taken
to engage in the kiss and not sit down. The boy limply allowed Snape to nudge
his head to the side to expose the creamy white flesh of his neck. Harry knew
how this part worked and closed his eyes and relaxed as much as possible,
without sitting down, as Snape licked the spot on his neck twice before sinking
his teeth inside. Harry could feel the pulse of his blood running through his
head as Snape sucked and lapped at the crimson fluid. The vampire took his
time, certainly feeding longer than he had ever done before. By the time Snape
was finished Harry was light headed and a little shaky but still coherent
enough to feel the man seal the wound before flopping back in his chair with a
satisfied moan.
Harry kept his eyes closed until the world stopped spinning and then
reluctantly opened them to stare at Snape. The Vampire was slouched back in the
armchair, a smile twitching at the corner of his lips and a small droplet of
blood clinging to his bottom lip. The man was pure sin as he stared at Harry
with the steel blue eyes and the boy shuddered as he felt Snape’s hands come up
to rest on his hips.
“Sit down Potter.” Snape’s voice was husky, deep and commanding, his firm hands
on Harry’s hips pushing the boy down to finally rest on his lap. Harry didn’t
need prompting his thighs having gone way past numb some time ago, so he
collapsed rather hard onto Snape’s lap. Snape’s gaze didn’t leave Harry’s until
the boy had sat down properly. It was only when Harry let out a gasp of
surprise that Snape’s eyes closed automatically in pleasure.
Snape was hard.
Harry could feel the pulsing package against his backside, straining in the
man’s trousers. It felt huge and Harry choked back a whimper as he realized the
man had gotten off on feeding.
“It turns you on doesn’t it?” Harry shakily whispered, having remembered
glimpsing Snape in a similar state after he’d fed previously. Snape opened his
now opal blue eyes the hint of arousal flickering within the blue depths. Snape
nodded in silence as he reached up with his own finger and swiped away the last
droplet of blood from his lips and brought it across to smear on Harry’s lips.
Harry licked at the crimson fluid and cringed slightly. It tasted metallically,
salty and tangy. It wasn’t pleasant in the least so what ever Snape saw in it
Harry certainly didn’t.
“Blood lust is the only thing you won’t inherit from me. Only pureblooded
Vampires crave the crimson fluid.” Harry silently thanked Merlin for that
saving grace. Craving Snape was one thing; craving blood was an entirely
different matter. Harry continued to sit on Snape’s lap the heat rising from
the other man’s throbbing cock making Harry’s own temperature rise somewhat.
“Is there….” Harry paused and shifted awkwardly on Snape’s lap making the elder
wizard suck in a gasp of air at the movement. Harry stopped moving immediately
but continued with his very inarticulate inquiry. “I mean, should I…do you want
me to…”
“Potter, you’re not ready till the full moon but….” Snape paused and opened his
eyes as he sat up again in the chair and leaned in close to Harry’s face. “If
you know how to ride me, I’d appreciate it.” Harry held his breath as he sough
his memories for something that would help. Distantly Harry remembered Hermione
having said something about pretending to ride Draco in a chair in the
Slytherin common room and so Harry assumed it meant the same thing. Harry
nodded and Snape groaned as he collapsed back in the chair and let Harry get to
work. Harry decided enthusiasm had to make up for inexperience and so with his
hands draped over Snape’s shoulders he began to thrust back and forth rubbing
his backside up and over Snape’s sizable package with each movement. When Snape
didn’t make any comments to the contrary other than a stifled grunt of pleasure
Harry assumed he was doing it right so doubled his efforts, pushing back and
forth against the man’s crotch at a quick pace. Snape’s hands were still locked
around Harry’s waist but were doing little more than leaving bruises. It took a
good ten minutes before Snape’s fingers dug into Harry’s sides and the body
beneath Harry’s stiffened in a quick jerk before relaxing again. Harry stopped
what he was doing when he heard Snape sigh pleasurably and whisper Harry’s
name. The man’s eyes were still closed and his imposing incisors not quite
hiding the smirk of satisfaction on his face.
Harry sat for a long time staring at Snape’s emotionless but relaxed face,
until at length Snape’s eyes opened and focused on Harry. The colour of Snape’s
eyes had changed marginally to a much cooler, calmer blue than the iridescent
colour they’d been earlier at the height of his pleasure. The man’s features
had softened a little too and Harry liked the more relaxed carefree expression
that swept onto the vampire’s face.
“I hope that was okay? I’m not sure I did it right. It didn’t do anything for
me, was it supposed to?” Harry whispered innocently watching as Snape huffed a
quiet chuckle and shook his head.
“When was the last time you wanked Potter?” The question was a strange one but
Harry dutifully thought back to the last time he’d taken himself in hand for a
bit of relief.
“Just before I became your donor.” Harry was shocked himself by his answer
having not actually realized how long it had been. Snape nodded as if he knew
exactly what the answer was going to be.
“Exactly. Your body has been preparing for me since I first identified you as
my mate. Nothing but me excites you and even then it won’t until you’re in your
cycle during the full moon.” Harry stared at Snape not really knowing how to
reply to such information. Hermione’s research certainly hadn’t stretched into
the sexual habits of Vampires and neither of the two books in the library had
mentioned anything. “And to answer your other inquiry, I’m more than positive
you were doing it right.” Snape sat up and Harry shifted automatically back
onto the man’s thighs rather than his lap and watched with rounded wide eyes as
Snape reached between his own legs and cupped his groin with a grimace. “I
remember why I didn’t do this clothed last time, that’ll take three washes to
get out at least.” Snape muttered more to himself than to Harry who was staring
at the damp patch that was finally forming at the front of Snape’s black
trousers.
“I need a bath, get up.” Snape pushed Harry off his lap and like that the mood
was gone leaving Harry feeling rather deflated. “I suggest you climb into bed
with Draco. It’s too late to be going back to your dorm.” Harry trailed after
Snape into the bedroom where Draco was lying open mouthed and drooling onto the
pillow completely lost in deep sleep oblivious to everything around him. Harry
looked reluctant to get into bed with Draco who didn’t make the prettiest
picture of dreamless sleep. Snape was already beginning to strip off his soiled
clothes in the doorway to the bathroom and Harry caught glimpses of flesh as
the man passed by the entranceway to get into the sunken bathtub. With a sigh
Harry stripped to his boxers and climbed into the far side of the bed, furthest
away from Draco. The boy had turned over into his own drool patch and was
happily continuing sleeping. Snape came back into the room after a brief bath
and slid into bed beside Harry his arm draped over the boy’s waist.
“Is he staying here all the time?” Harry whispered into the darkness as he
settled in against Snape’s chest.
“While ever the Ministry and Lucius are snooping around, yes. It has to look
like I’m fucking him so he has to stay the night. Dumbledore agrees.” There was
a long pause of silence before Harry continued.
“What about when we…..” Harry stopped half expecting a reply. Instead however
what he got was the soft even breathing of Snape against his neck, the vampire
already asleep having not heard Harry’s concerns. Harry closed his eyes in a
vain attempt at sleep but he knew his mind was far too occupied with the new
situation and information to get any kind of rest.
***** Last Minute Regrets *****
CHAPTER 35 (Last Minute Regrets)
“And he actually came?” Hermione whispered in shock as she quickly continued to
scribble down what Professor McGonagall had written on the board. Harry nodded,
hardly believing that only two days ago the roles of the conversation had been
reversed between Hermione and himself. Instead of talking to Harry about Draco,
Hermione was now the recipient of a detailed retelling of Snape’s feeding from
Harry.
“Yeah creamed his pants.” Harry whispered beneath his breath cautious so as not
to draw attention to himself and Hermione from the professor who was sitting at
her desk marking homework.
“Wow, good work Potter.” Hermione beamed proudly across at her friend before
ducking her head back down quickly as McGonagall glanced up to see who’d been
whispering. Luckily she hadn’t picked Harry or Hermione but the two didn’t say
anything more until the clock tower struck for lunch and the classroom began to
clear. “Now you’ve done that the next step is just around the corner.”
“What’s that?” Harry inquired as he joined Hermione outside in the corridor and
the rush of students to get back to their common rooms before lunch began in
the great hall.
“A real hand job of course, actually touching it.” Hermione whispered as they
negotiated their way up the moving staircases and into the packed Gryffindor
common room.
“I don’t think I’m going to get time for that Hermione, the full moon is in a
weeks’ time and with the Ministry and Lucius lurking about we have to be
careful.” Hermione rolled her eyes but nodded in agreement nonetheless. Things
were delicate with Lucius about the place; one false slip and Lucius could blow
Snape’s cover before the Vampire had time to take even a sip of his potion.
“Listen don’t worry about it, you’ll be fine. I’ll meet you back down here in
ten minutes.” Harry nodded in agreement not entirely sure he believed what
Hermione had said. With a wave they parted to go to their separate dorms and
Harry was left with the niggling feeling he should tell Hermione about the
whole ‘excited’ bit Snape had explained to him.
********************************
“Severus you look worried and tired.” Snape closed his eyes tighter as he felt
the fire swell before a familiar figure stepped out onto his lounge room floor.
“Octavia I thought I told you it wasn’t safe to come visiting.” Snape muttered
listening as the elder vampire huffed in contempt before slouching down in the
chair opposite where Snape was sitting.
“I needed to see you before the full moon. I needed to see for myself that you
had everything under control.” Snape opened his eyes his glamour dropped so
that his eyes matched that of his mentor’s.
“I can’t do this Octavia. The place is crawling with Ministry officials and
bloody Lucius fucking Malfoy won’t leave me alone. Draco’s going stir crazy
being cooped up with me all the time.” Snape sighed and held his head in his
hands, clearly exhausted after a full week of keeping up appearances for Lucius
and watching over his shoulder for The Ministry.
“You need to relax Severus. While ever you don’t give the Ministry cause to
investigate your actions they’ll ignore you. As for Lucius…” Octavia paused and
Snape watched as the elder Vampire’s lips curled up in distaste. “…I could
remedy the situation.” Snape rolled his eyes and shook his head.
“Take out one of Riddle’s trusted interns? Do you want me to survive this war
or not?” Snape snapped sarcastically at Octavia who shrugged his shoulders but
nodded in agreement that the idea was stupid.
“Alright dumb idea.” Octavia muttered as he paused for a moment of thought
before continuing. “What you need is some cover, someone to keep Lucius busy
during the times when you and the whelp need to be together.” Octavia pondered
on that thought for a few moments more before continuing with the rest of his
idea. “So long as you don’t mind me being privy to some of your more intimate
moments, I could be look-out for you. Get Albus to say I’m a teacher in
training and I’ve come for a week to observe your work. That’ll explain my
appearance to the Ministry and to Lucius. I could also keep Draco busy so that
Lucius doesn’t suspect a thing.” Snape nodded as he processed the idea slowly.
“I don’t know how Potter’s going to react yet. I can’t tell how often he’ll
need me.” Octavia shrugged at Snape’s comment.
“Minor problem Snape, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. When’s he
due?” Octavia folded his arms across his chest and began absently twitching his
leg his face a picture of concentration as he hatched his plan.
“Full Moon is on Friday.” Snape muttered having already begun to have doubts
about what he was doing. This was HARRY bloody POTTER he was attempting to
seduce not some orphan farm boy from the west. Lucius Malfoy and the Ministry
were the least of Snape’s worries if the dark lord found out what he’d done and
what he was. Sensing Snape’s rising panic Octavia stood up and crossed the room
to kneel before his charge, his hands clasping the stained potion fingers of
the younger Vampire.
“Forget them all Snape, we’ll still be here long after they’ve all gone. For
once in your life Severus Snape take the risk and do something for yourself.
Something purely selfish, something you want, something you need.” Snape stared
into his mentor’s eyes and nodded blindly. “You lost his mother Severus, don’t
lose him.”
***** Full Moon *****
CHAPTER 36 (Full Moon)
“Head between the knees Potter, you’re beginning to turn blue.” Harry stared at
Draco’s upside down face from between his knees, the blonde casually reclined
on Snape’s bed as if he owned the bloody thing. Tonight was the full moon.
Harry knew it was because Snape had had the morning off to deliver Remus’
Wolfsbane and Professor Sinstra had been flitting around the castle predicting
doom and gloom all day.
“Where is he?” Harry muttered awkwardly his head still between his knees as he
tried to calm his breathing.
“I told you, they’re at a staff meeting. Then Octavia’s taking Snape out for a
fly and you’ve got to go meet him up at the owlery at 10.30.” Draco rattled off
the schedule just as he had done for the last ten times Harry had already asked
him about it. Everything was planned down to the very detail and Harry was
beginning to feel as if the entire world knew what he and Snape would be doing
later on.
“How’s he holding up?” Hermione strolled in from Snape’s living room carrying a
tray of heartburn potion, breath mints and a large bottle of whisky.
“Like a virgin on her wedding night.” Draco bit sarcastically as he took the
cap off the whisky bottle and had a swig for himself before pouring Harry a
large glass. “Here drink this.” Harry downed the amber liquid in one go before
putting his head back between his knees. Draco shook his head and took another
small swig from the bottle as he relaxed back on the bed. Hermione perched
herself on the corner of Snape’s large trunk that sat at the end of the bed.
“Hang in there Harry, it’ll be fine.” Hermione patted Harry softly on the back
but that only caused Harry to burp loudly, to which Draco tossed him the bottle
of heartburn potion.
“Just think of immortality Potter, of being able to transform into a bat and
fly without a broom. Or if none of that appeals just think of screwing Snape
every night?” Hermione threw a glare at Draco over her shoulder at his last
comment the blonde wasn’t being helpful at all.
“I think that is the problem Draco, he is thinking about screwing Snape every
night. This is for life and an extended one at that!” Harry groaned and tucked
his head closer between his knees, panic beginning to rise in his chest. Before
Hermione or Draco could say anymore though there was a shudder as the fireplace
swept into flame in the living room and someone stepped out. Fear momentarily
caught all three of them as a shadowed figure appeared in the doorway but
relief quickly replaced the fear when a familiar smiling face appeared from the
shadow.
“Evening Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy. I do hope you have Professor
Snape’s permission to be in here so late?” Albus Dumbledore came ambling into
the bedroom and having greeted the occupants proceeded to sit himself down on a
comfortable looking stool he’d conjured from Snape’s coat rack. “Feeling a
little ill Mr. Potter?” Harry having gone back to hanging his head between his
knees glanced up at Albus who’d cocked his head sideways to get a better look
at the young savior of the wizarding world.
“I think I’ve fucked up.” Harry breathed out. All the emotion, fear and anguish
he’d bottled up over the past few months coming out in a wave of five little
words that made up his sentence. Albus smiled and sighed lightly, his warm
smile and twinkling eyes making Harry feel marginally better but far from good.
“I have been on this earth long enough now Mr. Potter to say with confidence
that life will always take twists and turns you don’t expect but have to deal
with anyway. It might not seem reasonable at this moment in time but you and
Severus are right for each other in a funny kind of way. None of us perhaps can
see it but in time I think this decision might turn out to be the saving grace
in your life. Without Severus you perhaps might not survive this war, yet with
him you might only find happiness not love like you’re expecting.”
“This is kind of not helping…” Harry muttered, Dumbledore’s words not doing
anything to make him feel better about what he was about to do. Dumbledore
chuckled and shook his head again at the young wizard.
“The truth is not supposed to solve our problems Harry. It’s only there to help
guide us in finding our way.” Harry rolled his eyes but chose not to say
anything more. Dumbledore was obviously in a reflective mood and Harry had
neither the time nor the willpower to work out what the elder wizard was trying
to say. “Severus told me to bring you this.” Dumbledore handed Harry his
invisibility cloak that he’d left in his dorm in his rush to get to Snape’s
chambers after dinner. “He said you should wear it and be careful, Lucius
Malfoy is on the prowl.” Harry nodded and accepted the cloak dutifully standing
up and pulling it on before sitting back down to put his floating head back
between his invisible knees. “Well I better get going the less I know about
this entire situation the better off you shall all be.” Dumbledore smiled and
with a twinkle in his eye had gone back through the fireplace leaving the three
students alone once again.
“It’s time to go Harry,” Hermione glanced at her watch and with a squeak rose
from the trunk to help pull Harry to his feet.
“Breath mint.” Draco laughed as he tossed Hermione the packet of extra strong
mints to which she popped one in Harry’s mouth.
“Good luck Harry and be careful.” Harry nodded and took a deep calming breath
in before pulling the hood up of the cloak and sweeping out of Snape’s chambers
to head towards the owlery.
********************************
Harry stood in the freezing owlery, his fathers cloak whipping around him like
a whirlwind as he tried to hunker down against the cold. Why ever Snape had
chosen such a miserable, dirty, cold place for their first time mating was
beyond him, although the view and the moonshine was a nice touch. Harry wasn’t
sure how long he’d been standing at one of the open parapets staring down over
the great lake but the time he’d spent in the rays of the moon had calmed him
of his previous doubts. In fact in the light of the moon he’d begun to get a
little hot under the collar and rather eager for Snape to get there. A flapping
of wings from the roost behind him had Harry spinning around on instinct.
Despite the invisibility cloak Harry was still jumpy about getting caught
especially with the ministry crawling all over the castle. Nothing in the
shadows caught Harry’s attention and so the boy turned his attention back out
at the reflection of the moon on the lake.
“You should learn to pay more attention Potter.” Harry practically jumped out
of his skin when a voice addressed him out of nowhere. Spinning around Harry
watched as a bat transformed mid flight into Severus who stepped effortlessly
on the ground and turned towards him.
“How did you know I was here?” Harry whispered his pulse rising and a sweat
breaking out on his forehead as it always did in the presence of Snape.
“The wind caught the cloak and I saw your feet.” Harry looked down and sure
enough the tips of his boots were poking out from beneath the cloak. Harry went
to pull the cloak completely off but Snape stepped forward and placed a hand on
Harry’s shoulder where the boy had already exposed his head.
“Don’t take if off if someone comes in I need it to appear that I’m alone.”
Harry stared at Snape in the darkness the wizard in complete Vampire change.
His eyes were the most reflective pools of blue Harry had ever seen, his long
extended incisors caught the light of the moon and his long black robes fell
from him like extra wings. For the first time Harry could see the changes in
Snape’s face, the younger looking skin, less wrinkles and firmer jaw. The man
was growing young again without the inhibiting potion.
“How are we going to…. you know?” Snape stepped up behind Harry and shifted him
over to the open parapet he’d been standing looking out of before. Harry
shivered as he felt Snape’s hands slip beneath the invisibility cloak and
gently caress his arms and back.
“You need to be facing the moon and you need to trust me.” Harry nodded; his
eyes sliding closed as he felt Snape lean over his shoulder and gently kiss him
on the lips. The kiss was gentle, tender and almost caring. The kisses
continued, drawing Harry away from his thoughts to focus just on the gentle
caresses of Snape’s hands on his body beneath the cloak. Harry’s body responded
immediately, his cock rising to the occasion finally after several months of
drought. Harry was helpless in Snape’s skilled hands every movement designed to
bring the maximum of pleasure. Harry heard the whisper of a charm against the
side of his neck before his clothes vanished beneath the cloak leaving Snape’s
roaming hands smoothed against warm flesh. Harry shivered from head to toe, a
shaky sigh of pleasure creeping out from between his lips. The humming in
Harry’s ears blocked out all other sounds and his body surrendered completely
to Snape’s manipulative hands. Harry wasn’t sure how long he stood, Snape’s
hands roaming his body, exploring every crease, every smooth plain and every
delicate curve until he was mewling desperately. Snape’s caresses turned firmer
in minutes and before he even realized what was happening Harry was being bent
over the stone parapet. His head was hanging over the edge to stare down at the
deep darkness below while his hands braced himself against the stone work.
Harry hissed in ecstasy as his cock was crushed between the silky fabric of his
father’s invisibility cloak and the hard sharp surface of the stone. Snape was
pinned behind him his body heat raising Harry’s own fire several degrees more.
Harry sucked in a deep breath of air as he felt Snape lift the back of
invisibility cloak to expose Harry’s pert backside. The icy cold wind whipped
across the warm exposed flesh and Harry squeaked in surprise when he felt
Snape’s hand come to rest on his cheeks, cupping his backside and massaging it
with firm strokes.
“Severus.” Harry whispered breathlessly his youthful exuberance ensuring he
wouldn’t last much longer.
“Hold it.” Snape growled against Harry’s neck pushing the boy firmer across the
stonework trapping his cock against the cold hard stone. Harry whimpered his
gaze firmly fixed on the world below as he felt a wet probing finger circling
his puckered entrance. The first intrusion took his breath away robbing him of
air and causing him to choke in surprise. The actual idea of what was happening
made Harry shiver in concern but the feeling was amazing. The second probing
digit drew a cry from his lips and a small wince of pain but Snape’s smoothing
hand on his back rubbed away the intensity of it. The third was nearly Harry’s
undoing, stretching him painfully and undoubtedly tearing a little of the
flesh. Harry cried out loudly this time in protest slamming his body against
the stone wall in front of him in an attempt at escaping the intrusion.
“Potter.” Snape growled again immediately removing his three fingers after
defiantly wriggling them around determined to loosen the boy before the main
event. Harry had tears running down his face, the pain of being slammed against
the stone combined with that of Snape’s intrusive fingers had managed to wilt a
little of his confidence and had certainly took the edge of his own pleasure.
“There’s too much cloud cover tonight, I need to time this right so I need you
to trust me. Without the moonlight this is pointless.” Snape tightened his hold
on Harry and straightened the boy a little to better adjust the angle. Timing
was everything and even if Harry didn’t know it, his life was in danger if
Snape didn’t do it right. Harry listened quietly to the rustle of Snape’s own
robes before he felt the heated, wet head of something far rounder than three
fingers pressing against his backside. Harry stiffened prepared for the worst
but it didn’t come. For a long time Snape did nothing his hands simply holding
Harry in position, his hot cock pressed against Harry’s crack but not
insistently. Daring a glance over his shoulder Harry watched Snape staring out
at the sky through the parapet to where the moon was behind a cloud. The man’s
face was expressionless and Harry sighed as he turned back to stare out at the
world and wait.
Harry didn’t have to wait long and no sooner had the moon revealed itself from
behind the clouds and had shone its light onto his face than Snape had slammed
into him with brutal force.
Harry screamed.
Never had the boy screamed so loud and with so much anguish before in his life.
The pain was intense, like a hot, thick rod being shot through his entire body.
The pain was awful but no sooner had he sunk to the hilt, Snape had leaned over
Harry’s shoulder and with a kiss to his lips had then sunk his teeth into the
side of the boy’s neck. The pain vanished as quickly as it had come and Harry
felt himself go weak as he was left with the throbbing sensation of Snape’s
thick member filling him from behind. Without the pain Harry could appreciate
the sensation, the slide of skin against skin as Snape began to thrust in
similar time to his laps of blood from Harry’s neck. With his hands braced
against the stonework Harry pushed back against Snape’s shallow thrusts,
deepening them to the point where the tip of Snape’s cock brushed the parcel of
nerves inside of him that made fireworks sparkle in his vision. Harry could
feel Snape increase the pace, the thrusts deepening as the vampire drank deeply
from his victim’s neck. Harry was beginning to feel light headed and had it not
been for the stones holding him up he might have collapsed at Snape’s feet.
Snape instinctively felt the change in the boy in his arms and adjusted his
timing accordingly. The moon was still out but a cloud hung ominously close by
and Snape needed to finish it before the cloud covered the light. Snape
deepened his thrusts, Harry unconsciously tightening his muscles to suck Snape
inside each time. It was all too much for Harry, who with little warning
shuddered and came all over the inside of his father’s cloak. Snape felt the
boy’s orgasm and sighed inwardly, youth were so easily pleased. With the boy
limp in his arms Snape took his fill as he enjoyed it, hard and deep. With a
moan against Harry’s neck Snape came not long after his partner, spraying his
seed deep within the boy. Harry’s body practically jerked in two at the wet
warmth filling him and no doubt the boy had already begun to feel the effects
of Snape’s own magic curling into his body.
It was done.
The boy was his and in turn Snape had finally secured his mate.
“Snape?” An unfamiliar and very unexpected voice penetrated the silence and
Snape threw himself back from Harry like lightening, tearing all connection
between the boy and himself rather violently. Harry was too surprised by the
intrusion to even notice the searing pain in his backside and neck where Snape
had pulled so violently away from him. Collapsing on the floor Harry was
grateful that the invisibility cloak covered him as he lay in a mess on the
dirty, cold floor staring up at the two men now facing each other.
“Lucius, can’t a wizard jerk off anymore without interruption.” Snape’s voice
was an angry growl and Harry watched as the potions master casually wiped his
blood stained mouth on the sleeve of his robe before confidently tucking his
still glistening cock back into the confines of his trousers. Lucius watched
Snape in silence carefully assessing what he’d just seen as if trying to pick
Snape’s lie. Snape was a master of deception however and at length Lucius
huffed and shook his head.
“Weird kink that is Snape, where’d the blood come from?” Lucius gestured to
Snape’s robe where he’d wiped his mouth.
“Supplier. And before you bother threatening me, Dumbledore already knows what
I do up here in the privacy of my own time.” Snape barked out coldly his
expression not betraying a hint of the truth. Harry however was paying little
attention to two warring wizards. His own attention was now firmly focused on
the blood streaming down his neck and shoulder and pooling on the floor beneath
him. Snape hadn’t sealed the wound in his haste to disengage himself for Harry
and so the boy was rapidly losing blood from the two points in his neck.
Uselessly Harry tried to cup his neck with his hands to stem the flood but the
blood was trickling out through his fingers and he was swimming between
consciousness and darkness.
“I’m sure The Ministry would like to know….” Lucius was determined to blackmail
Snape with his newfound information and tried to continue the conversation by
stepping further into the room. The blonde’s progress was halted however as a
large winged bat swooped in from outside and went straight for Lucius Malfoy’s
head, screeching and flapping its wings in irritation. Snape smiled to himself,
he knew the bat in question very well and was more than pleased to see him.
Lucius began swatting at the bat diving at him.
“I suggest you run Lucius, it’s attracted to the sweet scent of your
aftershave.” Snape added quietly watching as Lucius’ eyes widened in horror
before the blonde spun around and left striding from the room, the bat not a
second behind him. With the door safely closed Snape sighed heavily and
relaxed. Glancing at the open stone window Snape expected to see the glitter of
Harry’s cloak but what he saw made his blood run cold. On the floor by the
window a thick, pool of blood was forming and although Snape couldn’t see Harry
for the cloak the man knew it was from the boy.
“Harry!” Snape whispered in fear as he knelt down and began feeling around for
the boy. His hands instantly came into contact with the boy and having dragged
the cloak from him finally got a good look at the pale shivering body of his
mate. Harry was covered in blood from the wound on his neck and looked to be
struggling to keep consciousness. “Shit.” Snape muttered beneath his breath as
he dragged Harry’s hand away from the wound and leant forward to lick the area
in order to seal his mistake. In his haste to get away from the boy he’d failed
his one duty as the boy’s protector. Harry was shaking and pale and Snape
sighed as he scooped the boy up into his arms and wrapped the cloak around him
to preserve his modesty as he strode from the owlery.
Mating was over but it was time for Snape to fulfill his other duty as Harry’s
protector.
***** Desperate Needs *****
CHAPTER 37 (Desperate Needs)
“This isn’t working out how I planned it.” Snape muttered as he tucked the bed
sheets in around Harry’s fragile body, sparing only a brief glance back at
Octavia as he continued his task.
“We established that some months ago Severus.” Octavia muttered sarcastically
as he rubbed his arm, somewhat battered and bruised from Lucius violent swats.
“Besides it’s done now isn’t it? The boy’s officially yours and I suggest you
begin taking the potion again as soon as possible.”
“I nearly killed him.” Snape whispered beneath his breath as he brushed a stray
hair from Harry’s forehead before gently removing the boy’s glasses and putting
them safely on the bedside table. Octavia rolled his eyes and muttered
something about ‘the disgusting displays of love’ as he headed out into Snape’s
lounge room in search of a drink. Snape joined Octavia after another few
moments of fussing around Harry. Octavia offered Snape a glass of whisky with
one hand and in the other he offered a very familiar purple potion. Snape
sighed but knew it was for the best. Harry’s behaviors could be better
controlled than Snape’s and unlike the true Vampires, Harry’s blood and magical
signature would be clean until he reached majority.
“He’ll wake up horny, they all do.” Octavia shrugged flippantly, remembering
his own three mates. “They demand it at such inappropriate times and you’ll be
powerless to say no. It is how they adjust to the change, how they bond
themselves with you. It’s all very tiring.” Snape washed down the potion with
another glass of whisky before answering his mentor.
“I can’t just drop everything to have sex at a moments notice. I’ve got classes
to teach and an image to uphold.” Snape ground out silently wondering why he’d
agreed to take Harry on as his mate and not just walked the other way.
“Forget classes Sev, he’s your number one priority now, or at least until he’s
carrying. Fledglings tend to come into their own when they’ve got one in the
cauldron. It gives you some time then to start weaning them.” Snape shook his
head and closed his eyes with an exhausted sigh. Everything was just too much
to cope with at present and having just left Harry bleeding to death on the
floor Snape had a feeling he wasn’t an entirely model mate.
“Dumbledore’s going to kill me if he doesn’t finish school.” Snape trailed off,
the ramifications of what he’d just done beginning to sink in now the fog of
pleasure had blown from his mind after the mating.
“The boy’s strong willed and resourceful. He’ll be fine. All you have to do is
keep the Ministry off your back.” Octavia smiled at Snape before rising from
the armchair and heading for the fireplace. “I’ve got to go and make sure
Malfoy’s occupied, I suggest you get some rest. Give it till tonight before you
start taking the potion again. It’s good to go a few rounds with him without
the potion so he gets the benefit of your protection.” Snape nodded and with a
sigh watched Octavia disappear.
*****************************
It was midday by the time Harry woke up and when he did it was with some
urgency. Sitting up panting Harry had an overwhelming urge for something, or
more particularly someone. Glancing around the bedroom Harry noticed Snape was
nowhere in sight and the boy tried to calm himself for a moment so he could
think straight. What had happened last night had been amazing, painful but
brilliant nonetheless? Harry tried to let his mind process the fact he was
Snape’s mate for life now but the painful throbbing in his groin over shadowed
any other thought. Stuffing his fist into his lap Harry tried to will the
feeling away but his actions only made him feel sick to the stomach and
threatened a headache.
By the time Harry forced himself out of bed sweat had broken out on his
forehead and his cock had swollen to angry painful proportions. It was
embarrassing to say the least that Harry felt he had no control over his body
and so with a sheet wrapped around him he shuffled quickly over to the closed
bedroom door and poked his head out. A sense of relief washed over him the
instant his eyes fell on Snape sitting at his desk grading papers. Draco was
stretched out on Snape’s couch reading a Quidditch magazine. Not wanting to
draw attention to himself from anyone but Snape Harry desperately whispered
Snape’s name. The potions professor looked up instantly but so too did Draco
making Harry flush in embarrassment and curse quietly to himself.
“Hey Potter how you feeling?” Draco spoke first seemingly unaware of the
desperation and flicker of fear in Harry’s gaze as he glanced at Snape before
answering.
“Fine.” Harry’s voice was strained as he glanced across at Snape who’d risen
from the desk, instinct telling him what was Harry’s problem, along with the
scent of arousal that clung to the air.
“Why don’t you go upstairs and have lunch Draco. I need to have some time with
Harry.” Draco took the hint from his uncle and with a barely concealed smirk
disappeared from Snape’s rooms letting the door fall closed behind him. No
sooner had Draco left that Harry scurried out from behind the door to the
bedroom and slammed into Snape’s chest like a thestral. Snape let Harry cling
to him for the moment ignoring the raging hard on that was pressed into his
thigh from beneath the sheet wrapped around the boy. “Are you alright?” Snape
gently tilted Harry’s head to the side and inspected the bite mark from the
night before, happy to see that it had sealed properly despite the prolonged
open exposure. Harry barely managed a nod. Snape’s body heat pressed against
his own did very little but further fuel his current desire. Snape remained
silent for a moment watching as Harry tried desperately to fight the natural
urges of his body. The boy was doing a good job of it too but Snape didn’t want
to prolong the suffering. “Shhh calm down Potter. It’s natural your bodies
craving me, it’s what happens during your cycle.”
“I think I need….” Harry trailed off, gritting his teeth as he forced himself
not to root embarrassingly against Snape’s leg like a horny dog.
“It won’t last long, a day or two at the most. It’s a mechanism that ensures
sex happens when you’re at your most fertile.” Harry wasn’t really listening,
the need for Snape overshadowing anything else. Snape was sure had the boy
heard what he’d said he would have undoubtedly flipped out. But as it was that
conversation could wait until after the boy had sated himself. “But I can see
you’re in no state to be listening to this, so shall we adjourn to the
bedroom?” Harry obviously felt the change in Snape’s behavior and before Snape
could mutter a surprised gasp Harry had pushed him back into the chair at his
desk. Snape was surprised by the power with which Harry had pushed him and
watched in shock as Harry threw away the sheet and climbed up onto his lap, the
desk chair creaking ominously underneath their combined weight. “Merlin Potter,
I’m not bloody sixteen anymore.” Snape snapped a little abruptly as Harry leant
forward and attached his mouth to the elder wizards and kissed him with wild
abandon. Snape was breathless when Harry pulled away the boy’s gaze a little
wild and his eyes the most vibrant blue colour Snape had ever seen in one of
his own kind.
“Not Potter, Harry.” Harry ground out from between clenched teeth as he
wriggled around on Snape’s lap as he slipped Snape’s belt out of its loops and
went to work on the zipper of his trousers. Snape hadn’t expected such a
violent reaction from his mate and silently wondered if this is what Octavia
had meant when he’d said Harry would be needy. Either way it didn’t bother
Snape. This was exactly what he liked, although he’d always thought his mate
would need some coaxing to get to this stage. Snape’s rational thought shut
down the moment Harry tugged open his trousers and roughly pushed the waistband
of his underwear out of the way to expose his still hardening cock. Harry
wasn’t prepared to wait though and went to position himself over the man’s
barely filled flesh. Snape caught the boy before he could breach him and
quickly grasped the boy’s face between firm hands to ensure the boy was
listening to him. “Enough!” Snape’s angry growl was unexpected and Harry
stilled immediately, his body falling limp and submissive under Snape’s firm
control. “Tell me what you want.” Snape barked watching carefully as Harry’s
chest continued to rise and fall in a rapid pace the boy’s round blue eyes
silently pleading with him.
“You,” Harry whispered his voice a little raw. “In me.” He finished quietly his
eyes closing as he leant in towards Snape who’d leant forward to press a kiss
to the side of the boy’s neck. Snape had noticed Harry’s hands had strayed to
his own stomach clutching at the skin there as if in pain. The boy actually
needed him and it surprised Snape the intensity behind that need.
“Alright.” Snape whispered against Harry’s neck as he stood up, placing the boy
onto the edge of his desk and lifted the sinewy pliable legs up over his
shoulders. Harry’s whispers were divine music to Snape’s ears as he let his
trousers and underwear drop around his ankles. Harry was blindly scrambling at
the desk’s contents, students parchments becoming a tangled torn mess as Harry
fought his urge. Knowing there was little he could do but give it to the boy,
Snape took a few moments to suck his fingers and loosely prepare the boy’s
still slightly red, virgin tight hole before plunging into the boy in one solid
fluid movement. Harry’s scream was nothing like the painful one of the night
before and Snape was forced to keep himself buried in the boy as Harry arched
off the desk in ecstasy. Resigning himself to the fact this was hardly how he’d
imagined his first few hours with his mate, Snape closed his eyes and lost
himself in the sensations. If anything Snape was proud he’d chosen a mate whom
despite outward appearances fucked like a minx. It was easy to fall into the
moment and Snape enjoyed every minute of Harry’s warmth wrapped around him,
squeezing him and milking him into ecstasy. He came with a shuddered gasp and a
whisper of Harry’s name on his lips. They continued to root more slowly after
that Snape thrusts more gentle until his softening cock slipped free Harry
collapsed in a boneless heap on the masses of parchment spread over Snape’s
desk having lost his own load the second Snape had entered him.
Snape sat down exhausted in his desk chair staring his trousers around his
ankles, his limp cock glistening with cum and Harry’s spread legs exposing the
still twitching hole in front of him. Silence hung in the chambers for some
time before at length Harry sat up. His eyes returned to their normal green
colour and he looked a lot more in control of his own sensibilities than he’d
been when he’d first emerged from the bedroom an hour ago. Harry looked
embarrassed all of a sudden at what he’d just done and Snape sat up quickly his
hand cupping Harry’s cheek in silent comfort.
“Don’t be like that Potter. I know it’s not you it’s the part of me within you
now that’s causing this.” Harry nuzzled into Snape’s hand hardly believing it
was his most hated potions professor that he was seeking comfort from. It
didn’t seem real that he was technically ‘married’.
“Can you please call me Harry? It makes me feel less like a whore.” Harry
whispered his eyes firmly closed not wanting to meet Snape’s gaze. Snape
chuckled and shook his head, gently drawing Harry down off the desk to come and
sit on his lap, his chest firmly pressed against the boy’s.
“You’re no one’s whore Harry. Except when I want you to be mine on occasions.”
Harry managed a smile as he nuzzled into Snape’s neck, inhaling deeply on the
unique aroma of spices that only Snape smelt of. “Seeing as though you weren’t
in the proper frame of mind to answer me last time I’ll ask you again. How are
you feeling?” Snape gently brushed a stray hair from Harry’s face as he leaned
up to kiss the side of the boy’s neck.
“Everything’s different.” Harry whispered as he closed his eyes and tried to
concentrate on the new fuzzy kind of tingle that rippled through his veins and
tugged playfully at his own magic. “Not in a bad way just not what I expected.”
Harry finished as he opened his eyes and glanced back over his shoulder at
Snape who was listening intently for some kind of ill health in his mate.
“You’ll have plenty of time to adjust and you’re lucky you won’t inherit the
full strength of my magic until about 23 or 24 as is customary in vampires.”
Harry nodded in understanding, still lying heavily on Snape’s chest as if
drawing strength from the closeness. Harry felt Snape shift uncomfortably
beneath him and apologetically Harry got up from the man’s lap. Harry blushed a
little as he stood up and realized he was actually staring at Snape’s penis for
the first time. Snape smiled as he caught the blush creeping up Harry’s cheeks
as he stood up and bent down to pick up his trousers. Snape would have liked to
have a shower but there was little telling when Harry would need him again so
there seemed no point. “Go and have a shower and calm down a little. I need to
sort this mess out.” Harry looked guiltily at the mess of student work
scattered over Snape’s desk before smiling apologetically and moving to help
clean up. Snape stopped Harry quickly with a kiss to the lips before directing
him with a stern glare to the bathroom. Snape needed time to himself to think
and so too did Harry.
Harry emerged from the bathroom an hour later, a lot more himself and in far
better control. He found Snape reclining in his armchair by the fireplace with
Draco sitting cross-legged at his feet trying to do his transfiguration
homework.
“Sorry, I fell asleep in the bath.” Harry shrugged his shoulders as he slunk
into the lounge room and flopped down into the chair opposite Snape. Snape
nodded in understanding and with a flick of his wand had sandwiches, juice and
custard tarts on the coffee table for them all.
The trio ate in silence, until finally the clock above Snape’s mantel chimed
its hand spinning around to land on ‘time to see Dumbledore’. With a sigh Snape
got up and having pulled on his teaching robe headed for the door. Snape paused
beside where Harry was still sitting in the armchair finishing his sandwiches.
Harry smiled as Snape lean down and press a gentle kiss to his lips.
“I need to feed tonight so wait up for me. Play nice with Draco and if Lucius
turns up, hide.” Harry nodded and with another brief kiss Snape had strode from
the room leaving Harry smiling stupidly and Draco staring at him with a smug
and amused smile.
“What?” Harry snapped as he stared back at Draco whose smile had turned into an
all out Slytherin grin.
“Well? Is he any good?” Draco queried as he pushed his homework aside and
climbed up into the armchair Snape had just vacated. Harry blushed and shrugged
his shoulders.
“Why do you want to know? I thought you were straight?” Harry snapped watching
as Draco rolled his eyes and sat back in the chair rather like a smug cat
that’d had its bowl of cream.
“Come on Potter, I was supposed to be his mate. My father’s only real incentive
for me being with him was that Severus Snape has somewhat of a reputation in
the bedroom.” Harry blushed again unable to control himself all of a sudden as
a vivid flash back to the mornings sex caused goose bumps to break out over his
skin. “That good hey?” Draco smiled, Harry’s facial expression telling what the
boy hadn’t verbalized. Harry rolled his eyes and shook his head at Draco’s
cheeky grin.
“It’s none of your business.” Harry snapped before conveniently changing the
subject. This was the last thing Harry needed to be discussing right now when
other far more pressing matters needed to be addressed.
***** Useless Teacher *****
CHAPTER 38 (Useless Teacher)
Harry collapsed backwards into the pillows scattered over the bed, a giddy
content smile on his face as he tried to catch his breath. Snape took a moment
to recover himself before rolling up to sit on the edge of the bed in order to
catch his own breath.
“You’ll be the death of me Potter.” Snape glanced over his shoulder at the
sprawled out, sinful image of his mate behind him. Harry had managed to go most
of the day without the cravings kicking in but after dinner it had gone
spiraling out of control. 7.30 had seen the newly formed couple rooting like
rabbits against the barely closed door of Snape’s private chambers, Harry
calling Snape’s name like a mantra. Now though with his urges satisfied once
again Harry could think straight and smiled ruefully as he watched Snape wince
as he cracked his back after such strenuous exercise. Harry was beginning to
enjoy staring at Snape’s backside and curved slender back as the man stood up
abruptly and moved into the bathroom. Harry sighed as he watched Snape’s naked
figure disappear into bathroom before returning a few moments later draped in a
fluffy black bathrobe and carrying three purple vials of liquid.
“What’s that?” Harry inquired with a yawn as he stretched and sat up as Snape
sat back down on the edge of the bed.
“Inhibiting Potion.” Snape answered simply as he uncorked all three vials
before moving over to his dresser where a decanter of whisky sat with two small
glass tumblers. It took a moment for Harry to click what the purple vials were
for and by that time Snape had moved back over to the bed a glass full of
whisky in his right hand.
“I thought you said you wouldn’t be taking it again?” Harry moved over hastily
to sit beside Snape, concern mirroring his features as he watched Snape take a
liberal swig of his alcohol before shaking his head.
“I’ve got no choice Potter. As soon as the Ministry discover my records joined
with yours they’ll inform Lucius that his bid for family claim on me is void.
Malfoy’s don’t like being double-crossed, so I am expecting him to blow
everything demanding an inquiry into my heritage. For the sake of not being
caught I have to consume the potion.” Harry quietly nodded wondering if the old
Snape would go back to hating him now that he’d served his purpose as a mate.
Snape read Harry’s thoughts easily and shook his head as he wrapped a
comforting arm around the younger wizard. “Nothing will change Harry. I’ll just
go back to being an ordinary wizard.” Harry sighed heavily as Snape continued.
“It won’t be forever, just until I can guarantee our safety both from Riddle
and The Ministry.”
“What about me?” Harry whispered gingerly eyeing off the purple liquid that had
begun to react with the air and was fizzing slightly.
“You won’t have to take it until you inherit my full powers in your mid
twenties and hopefully by then this war will be over.” Snape pulled Harry
closer to him and hugged him tightly against his chest in comfort. “Everything
will be fine Harry I promise.” With a small grim smile Snape reached over Harry
and grabbed the first vial, tipping its contents down his throat in one go.
Harry watched Snape grimace at the taste before dutifully going back for the
next one. When all three vials were empty Snape downed what was left of his
whisky before climbing up into bed properly his body already reacting to the
potion. Harry lay down beside his mate and snuggled into his side, warmth
beginning to spread through Snape’s body. Snape knew it wouldn’t take long for
the potion to re-establish itself in his blood stream and unlike before he’d
have no adverse side affects. In a way Snape felt secure again knowing his
secret was once again hidden from the world.
************************************
“You’re not concentrating!” Snape hurled the textbook across the platform at
Harry, who’d yet again collapsed in a heap on the floor.
“It’s not like I’m not trying!” Harry shrieked back as he threw the textbook
back at the potions master, who had lost the last shred of his temper a good
fifteen minutes ago. They’d been at this for three hours now and both wizards
were at the end of their frustrations with each other. “I can’t do it! It’s
worse now than what it was before. It’s all this fucked up magic it’s messing
with my own!” Harry shouted when Snape stalked over to the window and stood,
arms folded behind his back, his eyes closed tight as he tried to find an ounce
of patience for his petulant and whining student.
“Don’t blame my magic for your ineptitude boy!” Snape snarled over his
shoulder, his onyx eyes glaring a hole through Harry like he was made of glass.
“I warned you it would take some time for your magic to find equilibrium with
my own. Don’t imagine I am not suffering through this as well!” Snape spun
around from his stance by the window his wand twitching irritably in his hands
as he began pacing the length of the platform trying to control his temper.
It had taken less than a week for him and Harry to go from sex nearly three
times a day due to Harry’s neediness, back to their usual distain and hatred of
one another. Admittedly it was in the most part due to Harry and what Octavia
had described as a ‘cooling off period’. As Octavia had explained the fledgling
was trying to cope with the upheaval of magic in their system and the
strengthening of the bond between Vampire and mate. What made matters worse
however was the Ministry’s current strangle hold on Hogwarts. With the deadline
passed for the reinstated laws Ministry enforcers paroled the halls like
sentries weaseling out those families, unfit, unwilling or just plain stupid to
have done nothing about their legal requirements. The pressure on Snape to
balance everything was enormous and his patience with Harry’s teething period
was way past thin.
“Then if you know what I’m going through give me a break!” Harry struck out as
Snape circled around him, catching the elder wizard on the arm with a hefty
thump of his fist. Harry knew he’d fucked up the instant his fist connected
with Snape’s arm. In the blink of an eye he had been thrown against the far
wall and was being held up against it by an invisible fist around his neck.
Snape hadn’t even flicked his wand and Harry stared wide eyed at his mate who
was standing, feet apart, head down on his chest breathing heavily.
“Enough!” A familiar voice broke the silence. Snape’s head snapped up at Harry
a second before the magic holding the boy to wall disappeared allowing him to
fall like a rock to the floor. Snape looked just as shocked as Harry did at his
own use of wandless magic and quickly crossed the room to help Harry up from
the floor.
“What was that?” Harry whispered sheepishly as Snape checked him for injuries
before turning back to Octavia who’d swept down from the rafter’s of the hall
and come to a perfect landing on the end of the platform. Snape shrugged his
shoulders in an uncharacteristic display of emotion as he watched Octavia
stride down the platform towards them.
“Do you two ever stop bickering?” Octavia snapped, sounding just as irritated
by the pair’s three-hour occlumency lesson as the participants were. Snape
looked sideways at Harry with a grim sneer but chose not to reply to Octavia’s
comment. “You’d have thought all the fucking would have eased the tension a
little.” Octavia flicked his hand at the pair casually waving off Snape’s
attempt at outrage at the comment. “You are a useless teacher Severus.” Octavia
declared as he gestured to Snape with a rudely pointed finger. “The boy is
clearly struggling to isolate his emotions and you are not giving him
instruction or guidance on how to achieve this.” Again Snape went to open his
mouth in a shout of defiance but Octavia was hearing none of it and continued
to talk straight over the top of Snape. “As for your little display, if we
check the signature on the magical residue you’ll find quite clearly it is
Potter’s signature, therefore Potter’s magic you just used.” With a cursory
flick of his own wand Octavia illuminated the familiar patterned code that was
indeed Harry’s magical signature, although Harry did notice some bits weren’t
the same as they were before. Snape stared at the illuminated hovering cloud
before it dissipated and left Octavia staring at him quietly. “I knew this
would happen as soon as you began taking the potion again.” Octavia muttered as
he wandered over to the bench beside the platform and sat down on it his long
legs stretched out in front of him.
“Is it traceable?” Snape whispered, as he joined his elder mentor on the bench.
Harry wasn’t sure what the elder wizards were talking about and so hurried
quickly over to sit at Snape’s feet. Harry had come to enjoy sitting in Snape’s
presence in just such a position. The slight touch of the man’s leg against
Harry’s back and Snape’s occasional gentle touches to Harry’s head told of
quiet affection. It wasn’t a lot but Harry felt comfortable sitting at the
man’s feet protected without losing his identity due to, too much contact.
Octavia smiled down at Harry and shook his head.
“Probably not but it’s something to look out for. You’ve finally come into your
full Vampric magic while temporarily off the inhibiting potion. By retaking the
potion again, your talents are finding another outlet. Conveniently Harry’s
magic has become that outlet. He’s a fledgling who hasn’t yet come into his own
vampric powers. He’s also struggling through adolescents and is at present
still finding his feet in an experience sense.” Octavia paused and wiped an
invisible spec of fluff from the sleeve of his robe. “You are just simply
drawing on Harry’s power, which he has yet to harness himself.” Snape nodded in
agreement, his hand gently falling to Harry’s shoulder where he ran his index
finger up and over the two pin prick bite marks that were just healing after
his last feed.
“So what does it all mean?” Harry leant into Snape’s touch, his eyes fluttering
closed as he accepted the small show of affection. Octavia watched the display
with a slight smirk on his face before replying to Harry’s question.
“The most pressing thing this represents is that there is no way you two can
hide the fact you’ve bonded. Even with the records sealed Snape’s magic will
expose you both without even realizing he’s done it.” Snape closed his eyes and
hung his head against his chest. “So we’re going to have to deal with The
Ministry and Lucius Malfoy immediately. Then I predict we’ve got about a week
before word reaches Riddle. In which time we’ve got to concoct a plan so that
Severus’ heritage remains hidden from his master.” Octavia stood up from the
bench and offered a hand down to Harry. “But first things first. Severus you
need to take yourself off and have a chat with that infernal old meddler
upstairs and leave Harry and me here to actually learn some occlumency.”
Octavia shooed Snape away with a wave of his hand and despite a warning scowl
Snape did as he was told leaving Harry standing opposite Octavia in the empty
hall.
“I can’t do this you know.” Harry muttered as he watched Octavia throw off his
cloak onto the bench before reaching inside his waistcoat pocket and pulling
out a very familiar looking chain.
“Nonsense Potter, you’ve got Severus’ blood in you now and all good wizards
know vampires occlumency skills are to be bested by none but their own kind.”
Octavia held up the chain, and Harry watched the emerald green stone flicker
into a rainbow of color. Harry stared at the stone in awe. He’d brought Snape a
reflection rock for Christmas and although he didn’t know much about them or
what they were supposed to do he knew Snape carried the gift in the pocket of
his robes everywhere he went. “Do you know what this is?” Octavia queried
watching as Harry nodded in reply. “Good, because it’s going to teach you
discipline and control.” Octavia beckoned Harry over to him and gently laid the
stone in Harry’s open palm. “A reflection rock, only accepts one emotion at a
time. So I’m going to teach you how to isolate memories and their associated
emotions so not only will you make this work,” Octavia pressed a finger to the
rock and Harry watched as the green colored swirled into a purple and blue
pattern. “But also how to block certain emotions and memories necessary for
occlumency understand?” Harry nodded gingerly still not convinced. However he
was willing to give it a try, after all anything was better than another three
hours of being battered and pushed around by Snape’s useless teaching method.
***** To Us He Is No One *****
CHAPTER 39 (‘To Us, He is No One’)
“Don’t look so smug.” Snape hissed as he watched the Ministry officials that
had haunted Hogwarts halls for over two weeks leave through the front gates and
disappear into the cloudy skies. Octavia was leant against an open parapet, a
smug smile tugging at the corners of his lips and his arms folded confidently
over his chest.
“And why not? Are you jealous that I am a superior teacher to yourself
Severus?” Octavia boasted as he watched Snape turn from the open stone window
to stare across the owlery at his elder mentor. Snape sneered in irritation.
Octavia had succeeded where Snape had failed for the past six years of Harry
Potter’s education. He’d taught the boy occlumency and in less than four days.
“Don’t flatter yourself Octavia, his success was virtually guaranteed being now
my mate.” Octavia rolled his eyes at Snape’s casual brush off. Years of
teaching the young vampire had taught him to read Snape’s irritation like a
book and pursuing the topic would only end up in a slanging match that Octavia
would undoubtedly win. “How is Draco?” Snape inquired coolly as he circled the
owlery displaying an uncharacteristic nervousness that Octavia had felt
building all week in his charge.
“Safely locked in the room of requirement, looking a little bloodied and
bruised I admit, but surprisingly alive.” Octavia paused as he watched Snape
slump against one of the open parapets on the other side of the owlery, his
long hair and cloak flapping about him wildly in the strong wind blowing in
from the south. They would be getting snow again he was sure. “It is a pity
Hogwarts doesn’t have a track team. I believe I’ve never seen a young boy run
as quickly as young Mr. Malfoy did this morning.” Octavia smiled to himself and
Snape glared back at him over his shoulder. This morning the news of Harry and
Snape’s relationship had broken in spectacular style across the castle. Snape
knew it had been coming but the sight of Lucius Malfoy screaming through the
castle after his son had been quite confronting. Chaos had ensued for most of
the morning. The Minister of Magic had arrived with a small army of clerks and
specialist on wizarding law shouting and demanding explanations on how ‘The Boy
Who Lived’ was now bound to his potions master. To add to the chaos, Lucius had
been very vocal at accusing Snape of his Vampire heritage, spilling the secrets
of Snape’s family history to anyone who’d listen.
Snape had dutifully sat back in the armchair by the fire and let them all
argue, rant and rave ignoring any questions thrown his way. It had been amusing
to watch it all pan out and what ever the Ministry and Lucius were throwing at
him would be nothing to what he would face when Voldemort summoned him. At
lunchtime, Dumbledore had finally corralled the masses into the great hall and
in front of the entire school Snape had been required to perform various
experiments to prove that ‘yes’ he was indeed bound to Harry Potter but that
also his signature showed no signs of Vampire Heritage. It had been a pathetic
display and Snape had stood back and watched as Lucius had demanded Snape’s
rooms be searched for the ‘inhibiting potion’. Octavia thankfully had foreseen
the coming chaos and had along with Snape wiped clean Snape’s entire rooms of
any possible links to both Voldemort and Snape’s family heritage. Naturally
Lucius had been flaming when the Ministry had dismissed his claims and with a
loud public disownment of his only son had strode from the castle with a
thundering fury. Snape knew where the blonde would go next and so had retreated
to the privacy of the owlery to await his next fate.
Octavia had been with Harry all day in the Greenhouses, well out of the way of
both the Ministry uproar and Lucius. The boy had been spared the indignity of
being questioned by the Ministry over his relationship with Snape. Dumbledore
had simply called on Remus, who as Harry’s legal guardian had acknowledged he’d
arranged for Harry and Snape’s union. Snape had taken great delight in watching
Fudge’s face explode in humiliated fury as his own laws had come around to bite
him on his arse. As it currently stood, there was not a damn thing the ministry
could do about Harry’s union to Snape, without completely going back on their
own stupid reinstatement on the bloodlines law. In Snape’s opinion it was the
ultimate revenge for ruining his 38th birthday.
“You’re nervous Severus, you need to calm yourself.” Octavia whispered calmly
as he circled the owlery, and came to a stand still behind his younger charge.
Snape was still slumped against the rough stonework of the towers open windows,
his gaze staring coldly out at the approaching darkness of the evening. Octavia
reached up and placed a firm hand on Snape’s shoulder pulling the wizard back
against his chest. Snape leaned into the familiar warmth of his mentor, the
wash of the elder’s magic tingling along his body in a comfortable wave of
heat. “You shouldn’t doubt yourself Severus. You have stayed ahead of him so
far what makes you think you will fail now when nothing has changed.” Snape
closed his eyes surrendering himself into the swirl of Octavia’s voice and the
protection of the elder Vampire’s magic. Snape smiled as he felt Octavia invade
his mind just as he did when Snape was under his tutelage when he was young.
Snape had built so many barriers to hide his thoughts, memories and emotions
against Voldemort, that it felt strange to allow Octavia such rare access. Not
that there was anything in his mind that Octavia hadn’t already seen, even the
darkest secrets Snape kept were never hidden from his mentor. Octavia was
silent for a long moment searching for something in the myriad of emotions and
images in Snape’s mind. “You’re afraid you will fail the boy.” Octavia
whispered his breath ghosting across Snape’s neck, as Octavia ran the tips of
his incisors across Snape’s skin in a strangely intimate caress. Snape merely
nodded in reply. “You shouldn’t worry my protégée. You have already proved
yourself in his eyes. You cannot fail. I will protect him for you while you are
gone. ” Octavia gently nipped at Snape’s neck, scraping the skin but not
drawing blood. “Besides, did I not promise your father to watch over you and
protect you from yourself?” Octavia pulled away, allowing Snape to carefully
reassemble each of the walls in his mind until he was back to his guarded self.
Octavia reached over and lifted Snape’s arm turning back the sleeve to reveal
the trail of blood that began dripping from the dark mark that had flared into
life during their brief discussion. Snape stared at the mark and then glanced
back up at Octavia who smiled ruefully.
“He is no one to us Severus. Your blood will keep you safe if you only place
your trust in it.” Snape sighed as Octavia severed what lasting connection he’d
created between himself and his charge, finally allowing Snape to feel the
burning agony of the mark on his arm. Snape crumpled to the floor holding his
arm his teeth gritting as he tried to let the wave of agony pass. Octavia
stepped back and helped Snape up from the floor, carefully dressing his charge
in the familiar black robe and white faceless mask. Snape breathed heavily as
he watched Octavia step over to the open window and step up onto it, his cloak
whipping around him like a tornado of fabric. “There is another side of this
war Severus Snape, whose loyalties lie with no one but their own kind.” With a
knowing glance back at Snape, Octavia launched himself out of the window and
Snape watched as his mentor fell several meters before his body transformed and
the small, winged bat swept away into the darkness on an updraft.
Snape shook his head and turned from the owlery. Octavia’s words rang clear
through his mind as he descended through the castle to answer his summons. He’d
lingered too long and he’d undoubtedly pay. Finally as Snape ran out beyond the
castles wards, he sealed off what remained of his thoughts and apperated away
into the darkness.
************************************
His agony filled wail sent creatures flapping from their roosts into the night
sky from the trees above him. The circle had closed in on him as he’d twisted
and writhed in excruciating pain on the damp, forest floor. His master circled
him like a hawk selecting its prey. The lavish robes that hung from the
withered, almost inhuman frame floated over him as another careless flick of
the wand pointed at his body brought fiery pain once again. As the last round
of cruses ended, he collapsed on the damp ground, his cheek pressed into the
blessed cool of the decaying leaf litter beneath him. His body had been broken
but his mind had shut down impervious to the hammering of his master’s
insistent prodding. Time stood still as he felt a ghost of a breeze whip up
through the trees surrounding their gathering. The hot, fetid breath of his
master crept along his spine as the creature leant down over him, dragging his
head up from the floor to glare into his eyes in disgust.
“You have become an irritation my alchemist.” He didn’t flinch, as the snake
like tongue flicked out at the end of the hissed sentence, touching Snape’s
face like a lick of death. Snape stare back into the fiery red eyes his head
empty of thought and his face a mask of indifference. The lack of emotion
enraged his master who flung him effortlessly across the circle and into the
rough tree trunk with a sickening snap of his back. Curled around the tree
roots on the floor, his body paralyzed by pain he watched as the creature
screamed his temper to the heavens. He’d seen traitors dealt with countless
times before and he knew what was coming as he watched the creature slide
across the short space over to him. “You are no longer of any use to me Snape,”
A boney, long fingered hand wrapped around Snape’s neck, tightening to cut off
the air. Snape didn’t fight it as he stared at the creature feeling as the
nails of the fingers wrapped around his neck pierced the skin like razors.
“Your willfulness once amusing has now outgrown your position among my ranks.
There is no room for self enterprising here Severus Snape, you will die a
traitor!” Voldemort screamed into Snape’s face, the unearthly wail causing the
circle of followers to step back in fear. Snape didn’t flinch however as the
scolding tip of Voldemort’s wand descended onto his temple. Closing his eyes
Snape waited for the words of the curse and as the green explosion swept over
his body he gave himself up to the darkness of death.
*************************
Ten beady, glowing eyes had watched as the gathering had come and gone leaving
behind the victim of their evening. They waited patiently, watching as the
cloaked figures disappeared one by one into the night. Finally as silence
settled over the forest, they swept down to the ground beside the crumpled
corpse of the wizard and into the envelope of their wings carried one of their
own…
***** The Uprising *****
CHAPTER 40 (The Uprising)
“Must you stare at me?” Harry threw the pillow off his head unable to sleep
with the weight of the eyes staring down at him. The bat clinging to the drapes
of his dorm room bed fluffed its leathery wings in reply before settling back
on its upside down perch. Harry sighed heavily and rolled over to glare at the
blonde sharing his bed. Draco’s mop of blond hair stuck out from beneath the
covers, the gentle rise and fall of the boy’s chest a sure sign of his deep
slumber. Not that Harry was jealous of Draco’s sleep after all the blonde was
exhausted having run for his life from his father this morning. It wasn’t ideal
that Harry was sharing a bed with Draco the single bed hardly gave them room to
move and Harry found it unsettling sharing a bed with his old enemy. However
Octavia had insisted he keep the two of them under a watchful eye all night,
hence the shared accommodation.
“Is he alright?” Harry finally settled on his back his hands behind his head as
he stared up at the bat. Snape had been summoned this evening just as had been
predicted. Surprisingly Harry hadn’t felt it, his scar hadn’t burnt or bled
just tingled a little. It had confused him but when he’d confronted Octavia
about it the Vampire had merely shrugged his shoulders and shooed him into bed
with Draco. “I should be feeling something, maybe a vision or a dream.” Harry
sighed in exasperation as he watched the bat shuffle along the burgundy covered
drapes out of a draft. “Voldemort will be angry. I always get the worst pains
when he’s torturing someone, or when someone dies.” Harry whispered matter of
factly as he reached up to touch he scar. Since mating with Snape, Harry hadn’t
experienced a single vision from Voldemort. The pain in his scar had almost
disappeared and the rawness of the scar that had never fully healed had in fact
crusted over as if it was fixing itself. Neither the two Vampires nor
Dumbledore had cared to explain to him what was going on. All Harry knew was
that he felt as if Voldemort’s connection with him was temporary disconnected.
“I feel sick though.” Harry muttered as his stomach lurched in protest at the
thoughts of someone dying tonight. “Maybe it’s the occlumency.” Harry reached
to his neck and touched the ‘reflection rock’ that hung around his neck.
Octavia had taught him to channel his occlumency skills through the rock and in
theory it was so simple. Harry had wondered why Snape hadn’t taught him this
sooner. Harry was still fingering the chain around his neck when he felt the
flap of wings before a solid weight fell onto the bottom of his bed causing it
to creak slightly.
“Don’t you ever sleep Mr. Potter?” Octavia lay reclined across the bottom of
Harry’s bed having removed himself from the drapes. Harry stared at the Vampire
who was polishing one of his pearly white incisors with his index finger.
Octavia was dressed a lot more casually than Harry had ever seen him, in
leather pants, dragon hide boots, and a black silk collared shirt. He looked
rather less imposing than when he was wrapped in his cloak. Admittedly the
Vampire’s eyes still shone iridescent blue in the darkness and his sharp
incisors caught the slight flicker of moonlight but if you didn’t pay those
features much attention, Octavia almost looked like a normal wizard.
“Aren’t you afraid of being caught hanging around the castle? I thought most
Vampires had gone underground since the wars?” Harry muttered just as
sarcastically back at Octavia who arched an eyebrow in the fledgling’s
direction.
“Indeed, I would have done were it not an inconvenience to my business.” Harry
stared at Octavia who pushed Draco’s feet out of the way so he could stretch
out further on the end of the bed, like a giant house cat.
“And what business would that be?” Harry inquired snappishly, irritated by
Octavia’s calm attitude when Snape was somewhere out there fighting Voldemort.
“Blood of course.” Harry didn’t have a reply to such a straightforward answer
and so stared at Octavia in confused silence. “Contrary to the lies the
Ministry tells the general wizarding populace there are several hundred Vampire
families still active. Unfortunately fledglings are being born with
intolerances to the ‘inhibiting potion’ due to its blanket use within the
colony,” Harry watched carefully as Octavia continued his explanation. “Due to
this intolerance to the potion fledglings are requiring blood to feed from.
Without a continuous supply to those needing it the fledglings would be forced
to hunt thus risk exposing our kind to the cruelties of a biased Ministry of
Magic yet again.”
“So you find blood donors to feed the Vampires?” Harry whispered watching as
Octavia nodded casually. The pair fell into silence as Draco snorted in his
sleep, tossed several times before settling back down on Harry’s pillow drool
forming in the corner of his mouth. Octavia rolled his eyes at Draco’s antics
before crooking his finger and gesturing for Harry to come to him. Crawling out
of the blankets and sheets Harry clambered across the short space over to
Octavia. Harry squeaked a little in surprise as Octavia dragged Harry into his
lap so that Harry was sat in the hollow between Octavia’s cross legs. Harry
stiffened a little in awkwardness as Octavia pulled him back against his chest,
his delicately long hands, slipping underneath Harry’s pajama top to splay like
a fan across his stomach. “What are you doing?” Harry hissed trying to pull
Octavia’s hands off his stomach. Octavia nuzzled Harry’s neck and automatically
the boy fell limp and submissive in his arms leaning his head to the side
allowing the elder, dominating vampire to feed if he wanted.
“Fledglings are so easily manipulated.” Octavia smiled to himself as he
flattened his palms completely against Harry’s tense stomach allowing the flow
of magic between them just as he’d done with Snape earlier in the evening.
Harry’s stomach stopped churning and a sense of peace swept over him as he
leant back into Octavia’s arms. “There is a reason you don’t feel him anymore,”
Octavia began his voice a soothing mellow wash over Harry’s body. “Vampires
feel only their own kind. Having accepted Snape’s blood and heritage during
your mating you now share in his powers, his abilities. Snape’s magic is
forcing Voldemort’s connection from your body. It’s an automatic reaction due
to the Vampire blood running in your veins now. It is our natural defense
system that ensures the integrity and purity of our bloodlines and is the
reason The Ministry classifies us as dark creatures, unable to integrate with
other inhabitants.”
“But you’re integrating with the wizarding world now aren’t you?” Harry
whispered breathlessly as Octavia stroked his fingers across his belly in
soothing circles.
“Indeed, we maybe selfish creatures who are loyal to none but our own kind but
we are perfectly capable of living harmoniously with other inhabitants of our
world. The ministry simply doesn’t wish to see this. Fear is the one
controlling weapon The Ministry has over its people. The Vampires have always
known this hence our current status as dark creatures.” Octavia took a deep
breath in and rolled his neck, straightening a kink out as he basked in the
fledglings tingling magic. The pair sat in silence for a long moment before
Octavia’s relaxed body stiffened not a second before there was a tapping on the
window beside Harry’s bed. Harry snapped out of his euphoric state of bliss as
Octavia flung himself from the bed and out of the privacy drapes. Shivering in
the cold Harry followed Octavia to the window where the elder Vampire had
thrown it open and was staring at a bat, swishing back and forth to try and
hold its position in front of the open window. Octavia was nodding in silence
as he stared at the bat as if in deep conversation. All Harry could hear was a
tiny high-pitched squeal, unable to decipher anything passing between the one-
sided conversation. Octavia sneered in anger at the end of the conversation
before throwing the window closed again as the bat drifted off into the night.
“What’s going on?” Harry padded bare footed after Octavia who was silently
moving about the dorm collecting his own and Harry’s cloak.
“We need to leave now.” Octavia murmured his eyes shining almost opaque in the
darkness as he tossed the cloak at Harry before unceremoniously dragging Draco
from his slumber. Draco was disorientated and blindly allowed Octavia to throw
on his cloak and his boots before being dragged out of the dorm. Harry scurried
to keep up with Octavia’s long strides as the Vampire practically ran down out
of the Gryffindor tower and into the deserted hallways of the castle.
“Where are we going?” Harry called out breathlessly as he stumbled down the
stairs into the main foyer. Octavia came to a complete stop in the center of
the foyer his body spinning around to face Harry. Before Harry could even
question Octavia’s intentions the Vampire had caught Harry by the neck and
pulled both he and Draco into the huge, dark folds of cloak. Harry found
himself pressed face to face against Draco, both of them pressed tight against
Octavia’s chest.
“Headmaster.” Harry felt the rumble in Octavia’s chest as he spoke. Poking his
head out from the fabric surrounding him Harry stared up at Octavia’s face. The
Vampire looked deadly, his incisors fully extended, his eyes narrowed so that
barely a flicker of sapphire blue was visible. The Vampire’s arm was extended,
straight and rigid, the hand not even trembling as he aimed his wand squarely
at the wizard standing opposite him. Harry could see Albus Dumbledore standing
across the other side of the foyer his own wand drawn and aimed at Octavia.
Harry had never seen the Headmaster look so fearsome the usual twinkle of mirth
completely vanished from his gaze. Harry glanced back at Draco within the
confines of Octavia’s robes, a mask of fear covering Draco’s pale face.
“Where are you going with my students Octavia?” Albus inquired calmly although
his voice held no hint of levity it usually did. A smile twitched at corner of
Octavia’s grim set mouth, the humor not quite meeting his dangerous gaze.
“It is ironic don’t you think, that a party so wholly unconnected with this war
should signal the beginning of the end of it?” Octavia’s voice had dropped in
tone the darkly mellow voice causing ripples of fear to spiral through Harry’s
body in a cold shiver. “They are coming Headmaster.” Octavia breathed out in
almost a hiss as an icy cold wind swept through the castle from seemingly
nowhere and blowing out all the torches and candles in the entire school.
Instinctively Harry wrapped his arm around Octavia’s waist, as he felt both
wizards flick their wands into a small illumination against the icy darkness
now enveloping the castle.
“If you take the boy you will condemn us all to death. He is our only hope.”
Albus’ voice cut clear through the darkness and Harry was sure he heard an
undertone of worry just beneath the headmaster’s seemingly calm address.
“He is no longer a pawn to be manipulated and used in this war.” Octavia spat
out as professors began appearing from the staircases into the foyer
undoubtedly alerted to something amiss in the castle. “If you wish, I will ask
the council if it is in our interests to partake in this war,” Harry watched
from within the warm confines of the cloak as Albus nodded solemnly. “Our
assistance will come at a price, if indeed at all.” Just as Octavia finished,
an ear-piercing siren rang throughout the castle forcing everyone to cover
their ears. Harry cupped his ears against the painful sound as he watched
professors begin scrambling to get to the house dorms to rouse the students.
“Good luck Headmaster. I shall be in touch.”
Before he knew what was happening Harry and Draco were being ushered out of the
foyer into the bitterly cold night. Octavia urged them to run in front of him
as they headed for the gates. Behind him Harry could hear ominous sounding
bangs, as locks, seals and wards began shutting down the castle. As Harry ran
through the gates he glanced into the sky. Above him in the distance he saw
them coming. An army in flight that rolled like a thundercloud across the sky
towards Hogwarts. Harry stopped dead in his tracks to stare. The war had come
and far sooner than he ever imagined. Harry was suddenly torn he should be back
in the castle preparing to fight with his friends. Yet even as he turned to run
back an intense clenching of his heart prevented him from moving. He
desperately wanted to go back and fight just as he’d been preparing to do since
he’d started at Hogwarts, yet his heart ached with pain at the very thought of
not being with Severus Snape. “You can not ignore the pull Harry, it will kill
you both.” Octavia breathed, as he stood tall and with a careful arm dragged
Harry and Draco back into the warm safety of the folds of his cloak.
“Your place is beside Snape and should we choose to fight it will be together
united that we will enter the battle. You cannot fight this alone you are one
of us now.” With a resigned nod, Harry closed his eyes and collapsed against
Octavia’s chest. As the roar of brooms drew ever closer Octavia whispered the
charm and with a sickening pop the trio was gone.
***** A Decision Already Made *****
CHAPTER 41 (A Decision Already Made)
“Come along,” Harry stumbled over the coble path as he tried to keep up with
Octavia. It had been a shock to Harry’s system when he’d regained his bearings
after apparition to find they’d apparated right into the center of Diagon
Alley. The place was completely deserted, shop fronts closed and the street
torches blown out. Draco clung to the back of Harry’s cloak as the pair of them
blindly followed Octavia down the darkened side street of Knockturn Alley.
Harry had previously had bad experiences with the narrow and sinister coble
street and so stayed close on Octavia’s heels. The vampire didn’t slow his
stride as he confidently wove his way through the twisting narrow walkways his
gaze constantly alert for danger. Harry’s own gaze kept flicking to the shop
windows they passed the occasional movement behind darkened glass making
shivers run up his spine.
Octavia wound around a right hand corner in the street and stepped up the front
stoop of one of the darkened shops. The shop was just like all of the others
they’d passed in the Alley. Its second story hung precariously out over the
street and its dirty lead lined windows seemed cluttered with artifacts Harry
was unable to identify. There was no sign or name on the door to tell what the
shop was and Harry had a feeling it wasn’t what it looked like upon first
inspection. Harry practically ran into the back of the elder vampire as Octavia
came to a strand still on the top step. Consequently Draco ran into Harry and
the pair of them fell against Octavia with an undignified grunt. Octavia glared
back over his shoulder at the two young wizards who hastily straightened
themselves and took a step back from the Vampire. Satisfied that he’d corralled
his ducklings Octavia turned back to the shop and flicked his hand casually at
the bell hanging from a rusty nail beside the door. Harry watched the crackle
of wandless magic hiss through the icy cold air the bell’s tuneless clang
making Harry cringe and look cautiously over his shoulder back into the
darkened street.
For almost two minutes they stood on the stoop after the bell was rung and
Harry and Draco began to fidget in the cold drafts tearing down the street
behind them and curling around their bodies. Octavia didn’t seem too impressed
when he rang the bell a second time this time with an angry pointed index
finger that left a scorch mark on the bell’s corroded surface. This time it got
a response and Harry leaned to the side to see around Octavia as the door
creaked open. Before Harry got a chance to see who had opened the door, Octavia
had kicked out with his dragon hide boot sending a doe eyed, floppy eared
creature flying back into the shop and allowing the door to swing open freely.
Both Draco and Harry cringed and practically jumped out of their skins as they
followed Octavia into the shop and the door blew closed behind them. Octavia
stood in the middle of the shop watching as the creature he’d kicked so
violently picked itself up from the floor and shook his body with an irritated
mutter.
‘Ungrateful, selfish, nasty Vampires.” Harry could now see in the dim light of
a coach lantern hanging from a hook behind the counter that the creature was a
house elf. Admittedly the elf was a yellowish green color, and had a tiny tuft
of hair on his head between his floppy ears unlike any house elf Harry had ever
seen. However Harry was sure the creature was still a house elf. Octavia hissed
at the elf’s insults, his incisors bared. With a scared screech the house elf
took off into the back of the shop his tiny feet padding away.
“What was that?” Draco muttered watching as Octavia sneered in disgust at the
creature.
“It was a house elf but years of servitude in this Apocathary amongst the fumes
of the potions have caused it to change in certain attributes. The most
irritating of which is its bad attitude.” Octavia snapped at Draco before
wrapping his cloak around his shoulders and striding through to the back of the
shop after the elf who hadn’t returned. Draco and Harry scrambled after Octavia
quickly who was climbing the stairs at the back of the shop. Harry and Draco
were still negotiating the steep, crooked staircase when they heard Octavia
call back to them. “Incoming!” Both Draco and Harry looked up at Octavia at the
top of the stairs just as he stuck his boot into another of the house elves
sending it flying through the air down the stairs. Draco and Harry ducked as
the screeching orange house elf came rocketing past them before landing with a
muttered insult about Vampires and a large thump at the bottom of the stairs.
Draco sniggered into his cloak the first smile the blonde had let out since
he’d been chased through Hogwarts by his father earlier in the day. Harry too
couldn’t help but smile despite a voice in his head that sounded remarkably
like Hermione. She would have undoubtedly begun lecturing him about cruelty to
creatures and SPEW if she’d been here. Thoughts of Hermione back at the castle
however put paid to Harry’s amusement and yet again he found himself feeling
guilty for not staying behind.
Composing themselves Harry and Draco scrambled up the last set of steps to
Octavia who’d already raised his hand and knocked on the door at the top of the
stairs.
“Enter.” Octavia opened the door handle and stepped up into the room. Harry and
Draco quickly followed on his heels. The room was warm and softly lit with
candles that floated in the air. Several large armchairs sat in a semi circle
around the fireplace where a long metal bar had been set up above it and where
three large bats hung upside down in the firelight. There was nothing special
about the room. Its simple design and lack of much furniture was a sure sign it
wasn’t a permanently occupied place. What caught Harry’s attention however was
the stretcher laid out by the window a thick woolen blanket draped over whoever
occupied it. Harry knew who it was the instant he laid eyes on the dark cascade
of hair that hung over the edge of the stretcher.
“Severus!” Harry pushed past Octavia and took off across the room, skidding to
halt beside the stretcher where he knelt down on the floor. “Severus?” Harry
whispered nervously as he reached over and tugged the blanket away from the
face. Sure enough Severus Snape lay on his back on the stretcher. His face was
bruised, burnt and bloodied but Harry could tell it was his mate despite the
injuries. Reaching out Harry laid a hand on Snape’s cheek, sucking in a deep
breath as he felt how icy cold the wizard’s pale skin was to the touch.
Severus’ eyes were closed but Harry could feel the soft ghost of air against
his hand as his mate breathed in and out. Harry glanced back over his shoulder
to look at Octavia for some kind of explanation but what he found staring back
at him caused him to stiffen in fear. Octavia was standing exactly where Harry
had left him but now three large figures stood beside the other vampire. Each
Vampire had a similar set of pearly white incisors just visible poking out from
beneath their upper lips. Their eyes shone with various shades of blue and they
were all wrapped in the high necked thick black cloaks both Severus and Octavia
owned.
“You must be his fledgling.” The first of the Vampires stepped forward towards
Harry the boy instinctively backing himself up against Snape’s stretcher.
Unlike Octavia this Vampire was tall and thin, he had auburn hair that cascaded
in waves down his back and was constrained in a black ribbon at the base of his
neck. He was clean-shaven his face was angular but his high cheekbones gave him
almost a feminine quality. “You are not what we expected.”
“Alexander, leave him be.” Another of the three Vampires stepped forward and
cut off the firsts approach towards Harry. This man was shorter than the first
and certainly older. His brown hair was flecked with gray and his eyes shone
pale blue from between the creases of age lines at the corners of his eyes. “I
can smell his fear from here.” Harry watched as the elder of the Vampires
approached and knelt down beside Harry reaching out with a gentle hand to
stroke his fingers down Harry’s cheek. “Impeccable taste.” The vampire
whispered as he stroked his fingers up and down Harry’s cheek his gaze not
leaving Harry’s. “Just like his father.” Harry closed his eyes automatically
and tipped his head to the side in submission as the elder Vampire leant in and
nuzzled Harry’s neck before pulling away. “I had doubts Octavia that he would
ever return to us. I owe you an apology for doubting your teachings.” Harry
opened his eyes and breathed out with a sigh of relief once the vampire had
stepped away from him and back over to Octavia who was now reclined in one of
the armchairs by the fireplace, a glass of whisky in his hand.
“Apology accepted,” Octavia paused and glanced over the rim of his glass at
Harry who’d gone back to staring at Severus’ lifeless body on the stretcher.
“He is beautiful though isn’t he Attila?” Octavia finished as he sipped from
his amber liquid.
“Who’s this then?” Harry glanced up as the last unidentified vampire spoke, as
he circled Draco who was looking once again scared shitless.
“Fangs off Mortimer, he’s Severus’ godson and of absolutely no interest to
you.” Octavia snapped as he gestured for Draco to come and sit in front of the
fireplace with him. Draco scrambled to obey plonking himself practically on top
of Octavia’s feet in front of the fire. Alexander and Attila chuckled at
Draco’s fear as they too settled in the armchairs in front of the fireplace.
Harry stiffened as he felt Mortimer approach him the vampire reaching down and
prying Harry’s hand away from Snape’s.
“He needs rest little one his body is rejuvenating itself. Your presence will
do nothing but lengthen the process by draining him.” Harry allowed himself to
be pulled away from Snape and led by his hand over to the fireplace where all
four Vampires were now sat in the armchairs, glasses of whisky in their
clutches. Harry sat himself down directly in front of the fireplace and
shuddered as he kicked off his boots to try and warm his frozen feet. Silence
hung in the little room and Harry found himself transfixed on the flicker,
crackle and snap of the flames in the fireplace. Harry could feel the slight
tug at his mind, a conversation was being undertaken behind him between the
elder Vampires but he had no intention of trying to get in on it. His skills in
occlumency were barely capable of blocking his own mind without attempting to
project what he was thinking to someone else.
At length Attila spoke aloud.
“Is he carrying?” Attila nodded his head in Harry’s direction and the boy
spared him a confused look over his shoulder. Octavia snorted into his whisky
in obvious amusement.
“I doubt it. Snape barely gave himself enough time to mate before he began to
take the potion again.”
“Then next cycle perhaps?” Alexander offered to which Octavia merely shrugged
his shoulders as he turned back to face Attila. Harry could feel the elder
man’s gaze staring at him and he began to get angry. Somewhere out there
wizards and witches were dying while they sat here drinking whisky and
discussing his relationship with Snape.
“Can you stop talking about me like I’m not here?” Harry growled over his
shoulder surprising everyone except Octavia with his outburst. Octavia smiled
at the stunned expressions on his fellow Vampire’s faces amused to see how they
would react. “Shouldn’t we be going to a council or something? I thought you
told Dumbledore you’d discuss helping them fight?” Harry stared at Octavia who
glanced sideways at Attila who was still staring at Harry intensely.
“What about Hermione? What if she dies?” Draco spoke up, suddenly growing a
backbone when Harry reminded him about the war they’d just walked away from.
There was silence from the four Vampires before Attila spoke up.
“What you see before you Harry Potter, is what remains of the old council.
Alexander, Octavia, Mortimer and I are among the few of our kind that still
remember the old days before fear and prejudice corrupted the world we live
in.” Harry stared in shock up at Attila who stood from his armchair and walked
over to the fireplace to warm himself. Harry lowered his gaze back to the floor
to stare at Attila’s brown leather boots.
“Then are you going to help?” Draco whispered earnestly his fingers clutching
at the bottom of Octavia’s robes.
“A decision has already been made but we cannot act upon it until Severus is
well enough.” Harry glanced up at Attila as the vampire bent down to bring his
face level with Harry’s.
“And what’s your decision?” Harry whispered watching as Attila’s eyes turned a
beautiful sapphire blue.
“Tom Riddle has been an irritation to our way of life since the moment he drew
his first breath. Despite claims to the contrary Riddle was brought up fearing
us like most wizards. In his plans for complete and absolute power we are his
only real threat. Being immortal has its advantages Mr. Potter and try as he
might Riddle has never managed to achieve total immortality. Riddle has
terrorized nearly every creature in our world only we have been spared his
wrath until now.” Attila paused and glanced back towards where Severus was
still lying on his stretcher. “You do not attempt to take a vampire’s life and
expect to live Mr. Potter. We are a proud race and after the Shaddow Wars that
decimated our people we found strength in protecting our own kind. If Riddle
wins this war he will hunt us down one by one just as the ministry did after
the war trying to ensure the total eradication of our kind.” Attila smiled
smugly as he reached out and ran a slender finger across Harry’s cheek
seemingly fascinated by the boy’s green eyes. “But we are a resilient group of
individuals and those of us who survived began to pick up the scattered pieces
careful to avoid gaining attention from The Ministry. That was until Riddle
rose to his current throne.” Attila swiped a finger across Harry’s chapped lips
in silent comment before rising from his crouch and returning to his chair
beside Mortimer.
“If you’re immortal you can’t die. How does Riddle intend to kill you all, how
did The Ministry do it?” Harry inquired completely entranced by Attila’s voice,
as he calmly relayed the history.
“It is the magical signature in our blood that keeps us alive. We are capable
of passing that signature to other vampires draining us of life and allowing
death to become us if stressed beyond a point of reasonable survival. It is a
way of protecting our kin by passing on our signature on to protect others. The
ministry achieved it through torture, threats and deprivation. I assume Riddle
will do the same.” Harry shuddered at the very thought of being tortured. How
an organization that claimed to be a peacekeeper could subject any creature to
such a horrible fate was beyond redemption in Harry’s eyes.
“You never answered my original question, what is your decision?” Harry
whispered as he shuffled over on his knees to Attila who had beckoned him over
with a warm smile.
“Riddle is a thorn in our side that we will remove with very little effort.
However so too is the current ministerial power which like Riddle will fall
beneath us. We are not loyal to either side we simply wish to be left alone to
govern ourselves like the other dark creatures in this world.” Harry nodded in
understanding, a smile just twitching at the corner of his lips. “But we must
wait for Severus’ recovery before acting. He is our only way into The Ministry
and we need his power and knowledge to support our own against Riddle.” Just as
Attila finished a groan rose up from the stretcher in the corner followed by
Harry’s name hoarsely whispered. Harry shot to his feet and scrambled over to
Severus’ side clutching the wizards hand in his own and squeezing in comfort.
“Severus?” Harry whispered gently brushed a stray piece of hair from Snape’s
forehead before leaning down and pressing a chaste kiss on the potions master’s
cracked bloodied lips.
“Harry,” Snape’s voice trembled his eyelids just barely opening to reveal the
sickly gray-blue of his eyes. “Stay.” Snape tried again his weak hand pulling
at Harry’s. Harry nodded in understanding as Snape’s eyes fell closed as his
breathing evened out. Harry felt tears rolling down his cheeks as he stared at
Snape’s fragile body his gaze lost on his mate.
“Do not fret fledgling he will be strong again before you can blink.” Harry
glanced up as he felt Attila come up behind him his index finger reaching out
to wipe away Harry’s tears. Just as he spoke there was a loud thunderous crack
that rang through the air causing the room to shake violently around them. An
icy cold breeze just like that which had overtaken the castle blew out the fire
and the candles, plunging the room into darkness.
“It is time to move on.” Octavia announced from somewhere in the room. Harry
felt himself being swept up in a cloak his face coming to rest against
Octavia’s familiar chest and surrounded by the man’s warm scent.
“We will meet on the shore, be quick.” The last thing Harry heard was Octavia’s
muttered charm before he was swept up into a sea of black leathery wings, icy
cold air and silence.
***** What Is Love? *****
CHAPTER 42 (What is Love?)
“Blackpool!” Harry squeaked in shocked as he stood on the pier staring back at
the illuminated beach front of Blackpool promenade. Octavia chuckled as he
tightened his arm around Harry, who was shivering in the icy cold winds and the
spray from the sea hitting the pier below them. Harry had never actually seen
Blackpool in person but Dudley had gone there with his aunt for the
illuminations one October and Harry had sat under his stairs, listening
enviously to Dudley’s descriptions of the place when he’d got back.
“Don’t sound so disgusted Harry. This place is a veritable melting pot of
different blood types all in one area.” Harry glanced up at Octavia his mouth
agape. “What?” Octavia snapped, before continuing. “They get their fairy floss,
thrill rides and holiday. I get a regular blood supply its win, win for
everyone.” Octavia nudged Harry forward and the pair of them began down the
pier back towards the shoreline. “Besides we don’t have to hide our identities
here. With the muggles being fond of frivolities while on holiday we blend in
perfectly with the eccentric crowds.” Octavia gestured towards a group of
teenagers hanging around smoking at the end of the pier. As they approached
Harry smiled as he saw what they were dressed in. Just like Octavia they had
Dracula style cloaks on, big black boots and had painted their faces white with
sets of fake fangs in their mouths. Harry chuckled as they passed the group,
the teenagers all simply nodding at Octavia as if he was apart of their group.
Octavia returned the nod and Harry glanced up to catch the elder Vampire’s
tongue flicking out to lick his lips. “I’m hungry.” Octavia muttered as he
steered Harry towards a pink, terraced house that had a hotel sign hung outside
and a no vacancy sign in the curtained front window. Like many of the family
run hotels along the shoreline the house didn’t look out of place. It was only
when the door swung open after Octavia had nudged it with the tip of his wand
that it became apparent the house was of wizarding origins.
Harry allowed Octavia to lead him through the huge hallway and into the lounge.
Harry was clearly shocked by what he saw. The lounge looked like it belonged to
a huge grand hotel complete with velvet couches and chairs, chandeliers, a bar,
a huge fireplace and a large reception desk. What caught Harry’s attention more
than the actual place however was the inhabitants. The place was alive with
Vampires coming and going both in muggle form and as themselves. Several bats
flew back and forth across the lounge and some hung upside down on the gold
bars that hung over the fireplace.
“Wow.” Harry muttered as he felt Octavia usher him forward towards where Attila
was already sitting by the fire waiting for them.
“Indeed our little hide away has kept us safe for decades undisturbed.” Octavia
smiled as they came to a stop beside Attila who stood up to greet them.
“Well we’re all here let’s get you settled. A council of war has been called
hence the hectic goings and comings but it will settle down once we’re all
here.” Attila wrapped his arm around Harry’s shoulders and began leading him
towards the grand staircase back out in the hall. Octavia was close behind as
they climbed the staircase. Attila and Octavia smiled and nodded to the various
occupants as they passed in the hallway and Harry was sure they were sharing
mental conversations despite his inability to be included. Finally after
rounding an unusually twisted hallway Attila came to a door and promptly
unlocked it with a casual flick of his hand before allowing them all inside.
“Severus is already settled and the young blonde wizard is hiding in the
bathroom after the bellhop tried to bite him.” Attila hung by the door as he
watched Harry navigate himself around the grand designed hotel room and over to
where Severus was already settled comfortably beneath the blankets and sheets
on the four-poster bed. “We did apologize, it’s a habit you understand.” Attila
laughed a little guiltily as he watched Harry check on Severus before striding
to the bathroom and knocking on the door.
“Fuck off,” Draco’s timid voice shouted back. “I’m not lunch!” Harry rolled his
eyes and glanced back at Attila and Octavia. Octavia had sat himself down in
the small sitting area in front of the fireplace his eyes falling closed as he
settled. Attila was still standing by the open doorway looking for a sign to
leave.
“Thank you for the room. When will we know what the plans are?” Harry inquired
as he stepped away from the bathroom leaving Draco to stew for a little while
longer.
“Plans are already in motion Harry. We just need Severus’ recovery and we’ll be
all set.” Harry watched as Attila smiled warmly his sea blue eyes flashing in
amusement as he watched Draco stick his nose out from behind the bathroom door.
“If you’ll excuse me then, I have some things to attend to.” With an
understanding nod Harry watched as Attila left carefully closing the door
behind him. Harry relaxed for the first time since leaving the castle and
collapsed on the padded blanket box at the end of the four-poster bed. It had
been the middle of the night when Octavia had taken them from Hogwarts and only
now as the sun was beginning to set again did Harry begin to feel the weight of
his fatigue.
“Are they gone?” Draco crept out of the bathroom and glanced around his gaze
falling on Octavia who had already collapsed on the chair by the fire and was
sleeping soundly.
“They don’t mean you any harm you’re under Severus’ protection.” Harry shucked
off his cloak and wandered over to the wardrobe. He needed to change out of his
pajamas and he needed a warm shower to relax his tense muscles.
“Fat lot of good it does me, when he’s out like a light. I nearly became
someone’s meal.” Draco joined Harry by the wardrobe and smiled when he found a
beautiful array of clothes hanging neatly in rows. “Do you think they’d mind if
we borrowed them?” Draco dragged out two gray nightgowns both of them far too
large for either Harry or Draco but they’d do for the evening. Harry shrugged
his shoulders and took them anyway as he headed for the bathroom.
“I’m going for a bath. Just have a look around see if there’s some other
stuff.” Harry called over his shoulder as he stepped into the white marbled
bathroom its glittering gold fittings adding a touch of class.
“Stuff that. You’re not leaving me alone out here with him. We’ll share the
bath, it’s big enough.” Draco pushed past Harry to get into the bathroom as
well and Harry took the opportunity to glance at the sunken marble bath in the
corner of the room. It was huge with big luxurious taps, smoothed marbled
sides, and mermaid shaped faucets on all three sides. Harry sighed as he
watched Draco begin stripping off. Obviously Harry wasn’t going to be allowed a
little time to himself. Reluctantly Harry stripped and slid into the huge
bathtub opposite Draco. As Draco had surmised there was plenty of room in it
for both of them and Harry reclined beneath the bubbles to relax while Draco
pottered around with the soap at the other end.
Harry was sure he was beginning to fall asleep when he felt Draco’s hand shake
his shoulder waking him from his relaxing silence.
“Do you think they’re okay?” Draco muttered when Harry opened his eyes and with
a stretch began soaping his body to wash away the day’s grime. Harry shrugged
in silence he didn’t really want to think about them not being okay, so instead
he tried to forget about it by distracting himself. Draco got the hint that
Harry didn’t want to discuss what they’d left behind so changed the subject as
he rinsed his hair. “Are you and Snape happy together?” Despite the change in
subject Draco was obviously sticking to the tough questions and Harry sighed as
he tried to come up with an answer to something he hadn’t yet worked out
himself.
“I don’t know.” Harry shrugged, “It’s still really new to me and how I feel
about him. It’s strange.” Taking the shampoo from Draco’s side of the bath
Harry soaped his own hair carefully.
“Do you feel special when you,” Draco paused, awkwardly as he stared down at
the rapidly depleting bubbles in the bath. “When you do it?” Draco finished as
he reached out of the bath and grabbed one of the white fluffy towels from the
warming rack. Harry averted his gaze unconsciously as Draco climbed out of the
tub and stood carefully to begin drying himself.
“Do you and Hermione?” Harry threw the question back at Draco unsure how to
answer it himself. Draco sighed and sat himself down on the padded powder bench
beside the sink the towel wrapped tightly around him for warmth.
“Yeah, I feel comfortable with her, like she’s not judging me. I like it when
she stares at me with that cute satisfied little smile as if I’m the only
person in the world. She’s warm to cuddle up to and I feel sort of full when
we, you know.” Harry stared wistfully at his hands that were beginning to get
wrinkly beneath the water. Harry wasn’t sure he’d ever experienced with
Severus, what Draco was describing with Hermione. Sure they’d had sex but the
feelings hadn’t been quite what Draco had explained his own to be like.
“I don’t think we’ve actually made love.” Harry mumbled as he climbed out of
the bath and accepted the other towel that Draco handed to him. Draco raised
his eyebrows in a suspicious scowl but Harry continued before the blonde could
interrupt. “I mean we’ve had sex but it’s all been kind of quick, needy, lust
filled mating more than actual love.” Harry evaluated quickly feeling suddenly
very empty inside as if agreeing to be Snape’s mate had doomed him to a life
without love. Draco slipped his overly large nightgown over his head as Harry
did the same both of them using the provided hotel toothbrushes to clean their
teeth at the sink.
“Maybe there just hasn’t been time. Snape’s not exactly been free to do what he
wanted these last couple of weeks. It’s all been kind of hectic.” Draco mumbled
around a mouthful of toothpaste before spitting it out and drying his mouth on
the towel. Harry knew Draco was trying to make him feel better but it wasn’t
working so Harry just nodded a sad smile on his face.
The pair made their way back out into the main room and paused as they saw
Octavia standing beside Severus’ bed the potions master himself sitting up
against a pile of pillows.
“Severus!” Harry beamed as he launched himself across the room and up onto the
bed.
“Be careful Potter he’s only just woken up.” Octavia cautioned as Harry threw
his arms around Snape’s waist and laid his head against the man’s lap. Severus
smiled warmly down at his charge still too weak to hug Harry back. Snape simply
settled for gently running his fingers through Harry’s damp hair. Draco sat
down cross-legged on the end of the bed as Octavia pulled over a small trolley
full of food.
“Harry make sure you and Draco eat something. Severus can have some of the
fruits but I’ll be back later with a more substantial meal for him.” Harry
looked up from Snape’s lap and nodded in understanding at Octavia’s smile. “My
mates have just arrived and I have some shopping to do…” Octavia grinned evilly
again the points of his incisors showing between his lips. “I’ll be back at
dawn.” With that Octavia was gone in a swirl of robes and creak of the door.
Draco was already helping himself to a plate of food from the trolley and Harry
after one last squeeze of Snape’s waist ducked over to fill both a plate for
himself and for Snape.
“Have some berries.” Harry shoved a fork full of ham into his own mouth as he
reached across and popped one of the tiny round blueberries into Snape’s mouth.
Snape’s eyes were still a sickly pale blue but some of the color had returned
to his face and his bruises and burns were beginning to heal. Snape sucked the
berry till it was gone his eyes never leaving Harry as the boy busily fed both
himself and Snape.
Draco and Harry quietly informed Snape over the next half an hour what had
happened at the castle watching carefully for the silent nods Snape made as he
listened. Finally as their story and their meal came to a close Snape opened
his mouth to speak for the first time since waking up.
“Tired.” The one word was scratchy and barely audible but Harry got the
message. Pushing the finished trolley of food away from the bed Harry helped
Snape lay back down again and climbed up in beside his mate.
“I’m going to sleep over there.” Draco gestured to the huge chaise lounge that
sat in front of the bay window. It was already set up with a pillow and
blankets. Harry silently thanked the blonde who nodded understandingly and
disappeared under the covers of his own bed. With a flick of his wand Harry
blew out the candles and settled in beside Snape. Snape lay on his side,
staring at Harry.
“I’m glad you’re not dead.” Harry whispered as he reached up and brushed some
stray strands of hair away from Snape’s bruised face. Snape allowed himself a
smile at Harry’s comment before he leant in and pressed a warm chaste kiss
against Harry’s lips. Harry melted the instant the man’s lips met his own so
soft and light. It was a kiss Harry had missed in the brief time they’d been
apart. Closing his eyes Harry rolled over and wriggled back into Snape’s front
so that the entire length of his body pressed back against Snape’s. Harry
smiled as he felt Snape nuzzling his neck the gentle scrape of his incisors
creating a familiar tingling sensation down his spine. Submission was easy and
Harry relaxed back into the warmth and comfort of Snape as the vampire chose
his position and sank his teeth into the soft flesh. As Harry felt the gentle
laps of Snape’s tongue he surrendered himself to the feeling and fell happily
into slumber.
***** Council of War *****
CHAPTER 43 (Council of War)
“You awake?” When Harry woke up it was to the insistent nudging of Draco. For
this time of the morning the blonde was entirely too close to him and Harry
scowled as he stretched in the bed. Automatically Harry rolled over away from
Draco having expected Severus to still be in bed beside him. When Harry’s gaze
met the empty bed beside him however he sat up abruptly. The sudden movement
made him dizzy and his vision swam as he swallowed back the urge to vomit as he
lay back down against the pillows. “Here. He told me to give this to you when
you woke up.” Harry carefully opened his eyes as Draco’s blonde head swam into
focus above him, two glass vials of red potion in his grasp. With Draco holding
his hands steady Harry eased himself up and swallowed both vials of potion
before lying back down. “He said you’d need the iron. I think he drank too
much. Octavia went shit crazy when he came in about an hour ago.” Draco put
aside the now empty vials and watched carefully as the colour returned to
Harry’s face. Feeling better Harry sat up slowly from the bed and looked around
at the sheets. It was only then that Harry realized that the crisp white sheets
around him were stained with brown smudges and puddles. There was no mistaking
what the fluid was and Harry reached up instinctively to touch the side of his
neck. Sure enough there were two familiar incisor marks in his neck along with
what Harry assumed was bruising and crusty dried trails of his own blood.
“Fuck.” Harry swore in pain as he went to get up out of bed but found a similar
set of puncture wounds and bruises on his inner thigh, in the junction between
his leg and groin.
“As I said, Octavia lost his shit when he saw you. I thought you were dead.”
Draco offered Harry a hand as the brown haired boy finally managed to stand up.
Swaying a little in light headedness Harry made his way to the bathroom and
moved to stand in front of the mirror above the sink. Harry winced at his own
reflection as he stared at the purple and green bruises on his neck and the
caked dried blood that stuck to his hair and pooled in his shoulder joint. “You
look like shit but on the upside Uncle Severus looks much better this morning.”
“Where is he?” Harry spoke softly to Draco’s back the blonde dutifully turning
his back to allow Harry to use the toilet in some semblance of privacy. With
the flush of the toilet Draco turned back around and helped Harry sit on the
side of the marble bathtub as he began to run the warm water.
“Not sure. Octavia came in about an hour ago and Snape was already up. They
argued about you for a bit and then Snape shoved those potions in my hand
before he and Octavia took off.” Like they had done the night before Draco and
Harry climbed into the bath together each boy sitting comfortably at either end
of the marble tub. In quite companionship Harry and Draco washed themselves
neither boy daring to look at one another for more than a few seconds. Their
relationship was tentative still and despite the most recent events both of
them knew their friendship was out of necessity than anything else.
“Did he tell you not to leave the room?” Harry queried as he scrubbed what was
left of the dried blood from his hair and neck careful not to reopen the
puncture marks on his neck. Draco shook his head as he stepped out of the bath
and dried himself with another of the clean fluffy towels before helping a
stiff and sore Potter from the bath as well.
“Then we’ll get dressed and see if we can go and find him. I think I need some
sugar and I want to know what’s going to happen. There’s a war going on out
there.” Harry wrapped the towel around his waist similarly to Draco and both
boys stepped out of the bathroom and into the cooler air of the bedroom.
“That’s weird. Do you two always share a bath?” Both Draco and Harry froze mid
step as an unfamiliar voice addressed them from over by the fireplace.
Automatically Harry went for his wand and Draco stepped unconsciously back
behind the safety of Harry as he took in the short slender vampire standing by
the fireplace.
“Who are you?” Harry spoke calmly still not lowering his wand as he took in the
young vampire before him. The boy had sparkling ice blue eyes and was blonde
like Draco, although his hair was cut short and spikey. Harry couldn’t tell how
old the vampire was but he was certainly not as old as Snape or Octavia. Harry
took in the vampire’s attire. He stood up in a dark pair of trousers, a soft
mauve shirt rolled up to his elbows and a darker mauve waistcoat.
“If you’re here for a snack you can bugger off. My uncle is Severus Snape.”
Draco snapped bravely from over Harry’s shoulder and Harry watched as the
vampire rolled his eyes at the comment. Draco sounded far braver than Harry did
but Harry supposed it was easy to be brave if you were hiding behind a human
shield. Having not detected any immediate threat Harry lowered his wand and
stepped away from Draco who was still eyeing the vampire in fear.
“No blood lust here. I’m not a pureblood see.” For full effect the young
vampire near the fire smiled widely and Harry couldn’t help himself but chuckle
as Draco huffed in contempt despite having seen for himself the lack of
incisors within the smiling mouth of the vampire. Feeling still light headed
Harry sat down on chaise by the window that had served as Draco’s bed the night
before. “I’ve brought you up some clean clothes.” The blonde vampire gestured
to the various items hanging on separate hooks by the wardrobe. Draco hustled
quickly over to the items and quickly chose the pair of light grey trousers and
Slytherin green shirt for himself before tossing the slightly small set of grey
trousers to Harry as well as the blood red collared shirt. There were two
matching sets of black robes similar to Snape and Octavia’s hanging over the
armchairs by the fire and Harry assumed they were for them as well. “I brought
this for you too. Nasty business that rejuvenation, can really take it out of
you.” Harry worried his bottom lip with his teeth as the unknown vampire
stepped over to him holding out a large glass of pumpkin juice and three
chocolate cookies towards Harry. Harry didn’t miss the sideways glance that the
vampire spared at the blood stained sheets on the bed before looking back at
him seriously.
“Who are you?” Draco now fully dressed except for his black robes reiterated
the question Harry had asked earlier. Thankful for the change in attention
Harry sipped his pumpkin juice and ate his cookies as the vampire went to sit
down in the armchair opposite where Draco had sat beside the fire.
“Kaden.” The vampire supplied easily cautiously glancing over his shoulder to
ensure that Harry was drinking and eating. “I’m one of Alexander’s mates.”
Harry listened carefully to the conversation passing between Draco and Kaden as
he finished his sugary treats and began to get dressed.
“One of?” Draco noted cautiously as he assessed the other blonde. Kaden laughed
in a rich melodious tone as he shook his head at Draco.
“Such a wizard.” Kaden muttered before explaining himself. “Indeed, I am one of
two of Alexander’s mates. Alexander has recently taken a fledgling and I am
pleased that I can share his attentions.” Draco glanced across at Harry a
smooth telling eyebrow rising in silent conversation. Harry knew what Draco was
implying, the previous night’s conversation about love beginning to look a
little shaky even in Harry’s opinion.
“So do you know what’s going on?” Harry having finally dressed himself joined
the blonde pair by the fireplace and perched himself on the arm of Draco’s
chair.
“I know only what I am told.” Kaden stood up and handed both boys the warm wool
outer robes from the back of his chair. “The elders are currently in a meeting
downstairs and I am to bring you both to the lounge so you can eat and
socialize.” Harry and Draco obediently accepted the robes and pulled them on as
Kaden led the way to the door. Both Harry and Draco paused to collect their
wands from the room before they both trailed after Kaden into the bustling
corridors of the hotel.
 
*******************************
“I can’t tell you how please we are that you have returned to us Severus.”
Snape inclined his head in silent acknowledgement as Attila handed him the
silver rimmed glass. Snape closed his eyes as he inhaled deeply on the tangy
metallic scent that clung to the crimson liquid within before he took the first
tentative sips. It was body temperature and Snape licked his lips as he
swallowed two mouthfuls. Snape had to admit it wasn’t to his taste but then
since he’d had Harry nothing could compare. At the thought of his mate Snape
inwardly cringed he’d lost control last night and drained the boy more than he
should have. In his haste to rejuvenate his injured body he’d taken too much
and left the boy lifeless and pale. If it hadn’t been for Octavia’s appearance
this morning he may have done the unthinkable.
“We were impressed by you choice of mate Severus. He is beautiful.” Snape drew
his attention away from his inner thoughts back into the room and nodded
quietly as Alexander addressed him from across the table.
“Indeed he is. I would assume that you have checked his fertility Octavius?”
Snape watched as Mortimer drew Octavia into the conversation. Octavia eyed
Snape cautiously as everyone in the room, including Snape waited for an answer.
Octavia rolled his eyes and drained his glass of blood before moving to replace
it with whisky.
“Of course I did.” Octavia snapped irritably daring Snape to challenge him in
front of the other vampires in the room. Snape growled low in his throat at
this new bit of knowledge but chose not to confront his elder about it in
present company. It was customary for a mentor to sleep with his protégé’s
chosen mate to attest to the mate’s ability to bear heirs. Snape knew Octavia
had not slept with Harry and so it made him wonder why Octavia was lying.
“Good, then we will eagerly await good news regarding the Snape family heir.”
Both Octavia and Snape nodded their heads at Attila, as the remainder of the
elders came to sit down around the meeting table. Octavia sat down beside Snape
who glanced at him silently an undisclosed conversation passing between them.
Octavia shook his head in refusal to answer the question as Attila called the
meeting to order. “A missive arrived this morning via our sources in Knockturn
Alley.” Attila held up the parchment of paper to the view of the gathered
vampires who all looked upon it with suspicion. Snape eyed the seal carefully
and sighed heavily when he recognized the mark in wax that matched the tattoo
on his own forearm. “I shan’t bother to regale you with specifics, suffice to
say that Tom Riddle offers various things in order for us to support his side
of the war. The letter came with a gift…” Attila snapped his fingers twice and
Snape watched as two wizards entered from a side door dragging a naked young
woman along with them. Her face was covered up with the familiar white mask
Snape had worn many times before and her creamy white skin was only broken by
the black angry tattoo on her forearm that marked her ownership. Snape was
disgusted and looked away from the woman as she began to struggle and curse in
the arms of her captors as she realized the eyes of the vampires staring at
her.
“This gift proves nothing but his ignorance about our kind. He treats us as if
we are creatures to be bribed and manipulated.” Alexander spat angrily as the
woman was dragged back out of the room, with a wave of Attila’s hand.
“Indeed. What do you say to these offers Severus? He is after all your master
too.” All eyes turned to Snape who sighed and shook his head.
“He was never my master. I am a Vampire and I am loyal to no one but my own
kind.” There were nods and mutterings of approval at Snape’s words and Octavia
smiled proudly at the potions professor beside him. It had been a very long
time since Snape had been a part of Vampire society but Octavia was glad his
younger protégé had not forgotten the values he and his family had instilled
upon him as a child. “Voldemort offers us nothing he is merely trying to secure
us as allies. Once the war is won he will decimate our numbers and take from us
everything we have worked over the last century to maintain.” Again a muttering
of voices broke out around the table from the elder vampires and Snape watched
as Attila smiled at him knowingly from the end of the table.
“Very well the council decision still stands. We will defend against Tom Riddle
and his Deatheaters.” Attila glanced around the table ensuring that all those
present still agreed with their original decision.
“But what of The Ministry of Magic?” Mortimer spoke up cautious of Snape’s
company. “Surely if we defend against Riddle, they will assume we are fighting
with them?” Once again everyone looked to Snape and Octavia for a reply.
“Then we make them a deal.” Octavia spoke up before Snape could and the dark
haired vampire watched as his mentor stood up from the table. “We want our
dignity back. We want to be allowed to practice our traditions without fear of
reprisal and vampire hunts.” Snape watched as the gathered group nodded in
understanding as Octavia continued. “By now they will have suffered losses and
I am sure Severus can attest to the fact that without Harry Potter they will be
questioning whether they can win. I believe if we make them an offer of aide
they will be powerless but to accept.” Octavia turned to Snape who was staring
at him quietly. He knew it would come to this, bargaining with Harry for the
sake of the Vampires way of life however it still hit a raw nerve and Snape bit
his lip hard in anger.
“And you are sure that Harry Potter is the key to this war Severus?” Attila
addressed Snape directly and the professor dragged his sapphire gaze away from
his mentor to face that of the elder Vampire at the head of the table.
“He is.” He spoke softly in agreement before rising from his seat to stand
beside Octavia. “However he is my mate and his is one of us. If he comes to any
harm I will hold you all personally responsible and act accordingly.” Snape
could feel the piercing blue eyes of the council staring at him, all of them
easily reading the thoughts that he projected from within.
“You are protective of him, it is pleasing to see. We were worried that you had
completely forsaken your heritage when you accepted that mark on your arm.”
Alexander smiled at Snape from across the table and Snape lowered his head in
silent acknowledgement of the praise. “The Snape family has been an important
part of our way of life for millennia and as such you and Harry are both under
our protection.” Alexander continued and Snape watched as the remaining members
of the council stood up and turned to face him.
“We will protect him Severus.” Attila affirmed as the entire council bowed
lower to Snape even Octavia. Snape took a deep steadying breath and nodded
firmly as Attila finally looked at him for confirmation.
“Very well. Octavius you will arrange a meeting with The Ministry?” Octavia
nodded in understanding. The council watched as Octavia turned to Snape and
leaning down pressed a chaste warm kiss to Snape’s lips.
“I am proud of you Severus. Your heirs will know what it is like to live in
freedom because of the sacrifices you have made.” With a firm squeeze of
Snape’s shoulder Octavia turned and swept from the room his mission clear.
Snape sighed as he watched the retreated figure of his mentor before turning
back to the steel blue eyes of the council.
“Well now we have much to discuss however Severus I suggest you return to your
mate.” The rest of the council sat back down as Attila addressed Snape who
remained standing. “I think considering the situation you need to spend some
time preparing Mr. Potter for what is to come.” Snape had the good grace to
blush already knowing that the council had probably been privy to his thoughts
about what had transpired the night before with Harry. He had been lax in his
carefully warded thoughts and he had undoubtedly left his mind unprotected as
he’d entered the council.
“Thank you council.” Snape inclined his head politely at the remaining members
of the council before turning to leave the same way Octavia had finally glad to
be out from under the scrutiny of his elders. Outside of the chamber and with
the door firmly closed behind him Snape took a moment to lean heavily against
the doors and take a deep steadying breath. The decision had been made and now
the consequences of that decision would remain to be seen. Snape hoped that he
had done the right thing. With another heavy sigh Snape pushed away from the
doors and strode off into the hotel to find Harry and Draco.
***** Vampire's Lore *****
CHAPTER 44 (Vampires Lore)
“Could you fit any more on that plate?” Harry inquired as he watched Draco
return to the table with another plate full of food. Kaden had led them down to
what Harry had assumed was the dining room. The pair of them had sat down at an
empty table by the window so that they could look out at the falling snow and
the wild spray of the ocean beyond. The muggle holiday makers could be seen
wandering back and forth along the seafront and Harry wondered why anyone would
choose to take a holiday to the beach in the middle of winter.
“I eat when I’m stressed. I’m worried about Hermione.” Draco began munching on
the miniature pastries as he stared worriedly out at the world beyond the
window. Harry too was worried about those they’d left behind and was very
conscious of the vampires that wandered around them in the dining room. Unlike
Draco Harry hadn’t missed the glances in their direction or the quiet
conversations that were passing between the diners around them. Kaden had left
them to eat alone but promised to be back as soon as he could. “Do you think
they’re still alive?” Draco mumbled around a blueberry muffin as he turned back
to Harry from his gaze out of the window.
“I don’t know. I keep telling myself I’ve done the right thing but look at us.”
Harry gestured at Draco’s plate and then at the generally quiet population of
the dining room. “We’re sitting here eating breakfast like we’re on fucking
holiday. There should be more urgency or something.” Draco stopped eating and
pushed his plate away from himself as he too looked around at the witches and
wizards in the dining room.
“Yeah, it’s like they don’t even care.” Draco whispered his appetite lost as he
looked around at the Vampires.
“Well fuck them, I’m going to find Severus and then like it or not we’re going
back to London.” Harry gritted his teeth angrily as he went to get up from the
table having eaten nothing himself. However before he could stand three figures
came to a stop beside the table halting his progress. Both Harry and Draco
looked up at the company.
“Hope you enjoyed breakfast?” Kaden smiled his beaming grin down at the two
wizards unaware of the tension he’d just interrupted. “I thought you might like
to meet some people who might have a little more information than me on the
situation.” Draco smiled politely back but Harry’s attention was completely
elsewhere.
“Sure.” Draco whispered his good manners spurring him to answer when it was
clear Harry was not going to say anything. If Kaden noticed Harry’s inattention
he didn’t mention it as he gestured to the tall brunette girl beside him.
“This is Claire. She’s Atilla’s youngest daughter.” Kaden introduced the young
girl and Draco politely leaned across the table to shake her hand. She was
perhaps in her mid 20’s and Draco could tell that she was intelligent just by
the sparkle in her sea blue eyes. She was also very much a pureblooded vampire
as she was practically humming with magic and the twin points of incisors
flashed as she smiled. Again Harry didn’t acknowledge the girl and Draco smiled
awkwardly at the trio as he went to kick Harry under the table for his
rudeness. Despite the kick Harry’s attention had not wavered from what had
captured it and it wasn’t until Kaden introduced the next person that Draco
understood what had caught Harry’s attention so intensely. “And this is Darius.
He’s Mortimer’s mate.” Draco again leaned across and shook the young man’s hand
trying to not look at what Harry was blatantly and unashamedly staring at.
Darius was tall like Claire but had long black hair with tips of red that was
tied up nearly with ribbon at the base of his neck. He was similar in looks to
Octavia with hard features, a five o’clock shadow and prominent nose.
And he was very, obviously pregnant.
“Umm,” Draco didn’t know what to say as Harry stared at Darius’ rounded stomach
that unfortunately happened to be perfectly in Harry’s line of sight from his
sitting position at the table. As the silence stretched it became awkward.
Draco chewed his bottom lip nervously as Kaden, Claire and Darius all now
stared down at Harry’s gawking, stunned expression.
“Wow, this is awkward.” Claire muttered finally breaking the silence and
causing Draco to laugh in a nervous chuckle that sounded far too loud to his
own ears in the now silent dining room. Whatever Harry was doing it had
captured the entire attention of the dining room who was now staring at the
group of five by the window. Darius however didn’t flinch under Harry’s obvious
stare but Draco didn’t miss the flash of angry sapphire blue that crept into
his gaze.
“Have I offended you Mr. Potter?” Darius finally spoke his arms coming up to
fold protectively across his chest in a show of defiance. Harry didn’t reply
and continued to stare at the young man’s protruding stomach. Draco having
sensed impending doom surrounded by vampires who’d think nothing of eating him
alive, now began to panic. Draco stood abruptly from the table causing all
present to draw their wands. Uncaring of the wands pointed threateningly at him
Draco spoke in hurry.
“He’s special in the head.” Draco rushed out as he pointed to Harry who only
now was beginning to come to his senses. “I think its low blood sugar or
something? Uncle Sev totally fucking ate him alive last night and blood was
everywhere. Harry was all shaky and shit this morning. He might have brain
damage or something.” Draco cringed inwardly at the verbal hemorrhage that
flowed from his mouth as he tried desperately to back pedal the situation that
was rapidly spiraling out of control. The magic in the room was oppressive and
Draco had the sinking feeling that both he and Harry were about to be cursed
into a puddle of goo. Harry having now realized the situation he was in began
looking wildly for an escape route. However before either of them could flee a
strong melodious voice broke the tension.
“Kaden, Claire it’s lovely to see you both.” Draco practically sighed with
relief as Snape stepped up to the table his imposing presence in the room
bringing the tension back down to normal. Harry’s eyes widened in fear as Snape
turned his polite smile from Kaden and Claire to glare at him angrily for a few
seconds before addressing Darius. “Darius.” Harry watched as Snape reached out
and cupped the elder boy’s cheek with his open palm, his thumb running
soothingly over the cheek in an almost intimate gesture. Darius closed his eyes
and nuzzled against Snape’s hand before it was carefully drawn away. Draco
looked carefully across at Harry having them both witnessed the display between
the two vampires. “What my god son is so inarticulately trying to say…” Snape
paused as Darius opened his eyes to reveal the sky blue gaze that all vampires
shared. “Is that Harry is not accustomed to vampire lore and was somewhat
surprised by your appearance.” Snape watched as Darius nodded in understanding
a small smile breaking out onto his face as he glanced across at Harry.
“Oh. I didn’t realize. The tattoos are a traditional family thing. Do you like
them?” Harry watched as Darius reached up and shifted his hair away from his
neck to reveal the intricate tattoos that curled up his throat and into his
hair line. In all honesty Harry hadn’t even seen the tattoos let alone the
vampires face but knowing better than to embarrass Snape further he nodded with
a mild smile. “The one on my arm is Mortimer’s gift to me. I got it last summer
when I reached my majority. I confess I kind of like them though.” Darius
rolled up the sleeve of his robe to show only parts of the beautiful tattoo on
his arm. The gathered group nodded and offered their murmurs of approval.
“Well I am sure Harry is sorry if he caused any offense.” Snape glanced
sideways at Harry who whispered another apology at Darius who merely smiled
warmly and accepted it. “Perhaps the three of you would like to show Draco
around. He is a great dueling partner if you’re looking for one Claire.” Draco
raised a smooth eyebrow at Snape as the trio of young vampires turned their
attention on him. “If you need me Harry and I will be in our room.” Snape
smiled at Draco in warning and the blonde nodded in quiet understanding as he
was swept up by the Vampires and escorted from the room. Their excited
conversation about dueling techniques filtered out as they disappeared from
view.
Taking a deep steadying breath Harry finally looked up at Snape, who was now
standing with his arms folded angrily across his chest and staring down at
Harry with a very familiar glare.
“You need to refocus your thoughts.” Snape’s voice was calm as he reached
forward and tugged the reflection rock on the gold chain out from beneath
Harry’s robes. Harry looked down at the stone and sighed heavily, the swirling
colors a sure sign he’d lost control of his thoughts and had allowed a room
full of vampires unchecked access to his thoughts. “Close your eyes, breathe
deeply and focus on one thought. Just like Octavia taught you.” Snape coached
Harry through the familiar process Octavia had taught him watching carefully as
the younger wizard brought his thoughts under control. Closing his own eyes
Snape tested Harry’s barriers in his mind and when he was satisfied that Harry
was safe he sighed and softened his expression.
“Sorry.” Harry whispered quietly his gaze dropping to the floor. “It wasn’t the
tattoos.” Harry trailed off as he felt Snape reach out and place a gentle hand
under his chin.
“I know Harry, as does Darius.” Harry looked horrified up at Snape only now
realizing what had happened. Darius had lied just as Snape had done. Harry felt
his stomach turn uncomfortably as the light headedness he’d had earlier
returned with vengeance. “Come. I don’t want to discuss this here.” Taking a
firm hold of Harry’s waist Snape guided them both out of the dining room and
upstairs to their room.
Once upstairs Harry couldn’t stand it any longer and no sooner had Snape let go
of Harry’s waist the boy had stumbled into the bathroom to throw up. Darius’
predicament had shocked him to the core, had twisted everything Harry had been
brought up knowing. Harry liked to think he had an open mind. He’d accepted
being a wizard, he’d accept magic as part of his everyday life and he’d
accepted the fact that he was probably in love with Severus Snape and that
undoubtedly made him gay. However what he couldn’t come to terms with is that
quite possibly in his near future he could be pregnant. Especially considering
there was a war currently going on in which he had a rather large part to play.
Snape sighed as he took off his outer robe and listened to the retching of
Harry in the bathroom. Snape knew he’d pushed it with Harry. He’d bent the
truth and hidden key details of the vampire and mate relationship from the boy
in the hopes the magical bond would ease the transition when these rather large
details had finally emerged. This was not however going as Octavia might have
suggested it would go. As the sound of Harry’s vomiting quietened down Snape
moved over to the small wooden box of potions on the side table and removed two
vials. With the vials in one hand Snape also grabbed the bottle of whisky and a
small glass tumbler before moving into the bathroom.
Harry was lying on the floor beside the toilet his knees curled up into his
chest and shivering on the cold tiles. Putting the whisky and the potion
bottles down on the side of the bathtub, Snape flushed the toilet. He then
moved back out into the bedroom and removed the quilt from the bed before
returning to the bathroom. Rolling up his sleeves Snape sat down on the floor
beside Harry and draped the quilt over the shiver boy. For a long time Severus
sat in silence just watching and listening as Harry’s erratic breathing began
to slow down. The boy had yet again dropped his barriers in his mind and
Severus although tempted knew better than to just look into what his mate was
thinking. Patiently Severus waited until at last Harry’s watery green gaze
flickered open to glance up at him between the tears rolling down his cheeks.
“I’m sorry I embarrassed you.” Harry whispered his head swimming. Snape
shrugged his shoulders silently as he reached gently over Harry and grabbed the
whisky and glass off the edge of the bathtub. Harry watched as Snape poured a
generous amount of whisky into the glass and took a swig from it before
offering it to him.
“Sip it, you need the sugar.” Carefully Harry accepted the glass and sat up a
little, his eyes closing against the dizziness as he sipped at the whisky.
Harry had never been a drinker and he’d only ever drunk the few mouthfuls of
whisky that Snape had offered him in the last few months. “I’m sorry about last
night. I’m still learning things about myself too.” Snape watched as a little
colour began to return to Harry’s face as the boy continued to sip the whisky.
“Due to the inhibiting potion I never reached my own maturity as a vampire.
When I stopped taking it this year my body and my magic was thrown into turmoil
and has only in the last few weeks since I took you as my mate, begun to
settle. It is partially why Octavia is still mentoring me.” Snape spoke calmly
as he continued to monitor Harry’s health. The boy was looking better but far
from normal.
“I like Octavia. He’s cute.” Harry whispered as he thought about Snape’s
mentor. Snape huffed a small laugh as he caught the coy smile that tugged at
the corner of Harry’s lips.
“I guess I deserved that.” Snape shook his head at Harry, knowing well he was
being punished for his touch of Darius down in the dining room. “Jealousy
doesn’t suit you Potter.” Harry had the good grace to blush as he dropped his
gaze to the floor. The intimate gesture that had passed between Darius and
Snape had triggered an emotion that Harry couldn’t quite explain. “Besides that
touch was necessary to calm him down. A fully matured vampire riled is a
dangerous thing, a hormonal one even more so.” Snape took the now empty glass
from Harry’s hands and poured himself another as he handed Harry the two
potions vials. Harry held the vials as he watched Snape’s steady hand uncork
them both. “They’re an iron supplement and a pepper up potion.” Snape offered
in explanation as Harry downed both potions without hesitation, a clear
indication that he trusted his mate.
“I wasn’t prepared to see that.” Harry sighed and lowered his gaze once again
as he handed the empty vials back to Snape. “I guess it should have clicked at
some point, I mean what else does sex lead to.” Snape’s eyebrow rose a fraction
and Harry knew that Snape was biting his tongue on a sarcastic reply.
“I’m guessing that Granger’s research didn’t cover this particular topic?”
Thankfully Snape reigned in his sharp tongue and Harry was grateful as he shook
his head in reply. Taking another sip of the whisky in the glass Snape took a
moment to consider how to approach what he’d done his best to avoid with Harry
since late summer. “It is not a forgone conclusion. Not every vampire and mate
is able to conceive. Unlike wizarding couples we do not use fertility potions
as it usually results in complications.” Snape paused and carefully measured
Harry’s reaction to the new information he was being fed.
“There’s a potion for everything.” Harry whispered as he watched Snape roll his
eyes, yet again trying to control his sarcasm.
“Not everything but most things.” Snape answered as he swilled the amber liquid
around in his glass in contemplation. “A vampire’s fertility is based on a
number of factors but most important is the connection between both parties
magic, or talent as elder members refer to it as. The process is far more
complicated and risky in same sex mates than it is in traditional
relationships. Some vampire couples never conceive thus most pureblooded
vampires are allowed to take several mates in their lifetime.” Snape finished
off the whisky in the bottom of his glass before slowly rising from the floor.
He was beginning to get cold and had stiffened where he’d sat on the floor,
having himself not fully recovered from his own encounter with the Darklord.
Sensing Severus’ need for comfort Harry dutifully stood up with the help of
Snape’s hand and allowed himself to be guided out into the bedroom. Climbing up
onto the bed Harry was pleased and relieved to see that the sheets had been
replaced from last night by fresh, crisp white linen. “I’ll call for some
lunch, you need to eat properly.” Snape flicked his wand in the general
direction of the fireplace. The firecall was brief and Snape returned to sit
beside Harry on the bed.
“Is that why Octavia has three mates?” Harry questioned as Snape relaxed back
against the pillows his hair falling in a cascade around his face. Harry
couldn’t help but stare once again quietly reminding himself that Snape had
grown quite handsome during his detox from the inhibiting potion.
“My mentor has had the good fortune to find three mates, all of whom have been
extremely fertile and have resulted in pureblooded heirs.” Snape screwed his
nose up in mild irritation at Octavia’s good luck. His mentor had a reputation
amongst the pureblooded families as a determined flirt. “But as he reminds me,
one cannot find a mate if one is not looking. I believe Octavia looks
constantly and from all over the world.” Harry smiled at the hint of jealousy
and competition he heard in Snape’s tone of voice.
“Will you take other mates then?” It was an awkward question that Harry wasn’t
sure he wanted to know the answer to. When he’d imagined his future in wedded
bliss he’d always assumed it would be just he and his ‘female’ partner. He had
only just recently come to terms with wanting Snape, let along having to now
share him with someone else. Snape glanced across at Harry to assess his
expression. The boy was jealous yet again and Snape found himself quite amused
that the bond between them had grown to such a point so quickly.
“Considering we are currently at war I think one mate is enough at present.
However the council may be somewhat pissed if they find out that you are not
fertile considering my mentors bold declaration earlier this morning.” Harry
frowned at Snape who sighed heavily and shook his head as he remembered the lie
that Octavia had seamlessly fed to the council of elder vampires that morning.
“It is somewhat an expectation that a mentor will screen his charge’s potential
mates. Particularly if said mate is a fledgling below the age of majority.”
“Screen?” Harry queried not entirely liking where the topic of conversation was
heading.
“Sleep with.” Snape supplied calmly.
“I don’t want to sleep with Octavia.” Harry whispered somewhat horrified at
what Snape had suggested.
“Music to my ears I assure you Harry.” Snape smiled crookedly across at Harry
who blushed and ducked his head in embarrassment having unconsciously declared
his loyalty to Snape’s attentions. The professor’s use of his first name was a
treat Snape had not bestowed on Harry since they’d reached Blackpool and the
very sound of his name in Snape’s voice sent shudders of excitement up Harry’s
spine. “But don’t concern yourself with that. For some reason Octavia saw fit
to lie to the council this morning, suggesting that he had already slept with
you.” Again Snape glanced across at Harry the question very clearly etched on
his face, even if he hadn’t verbalized it.
“No. He hasn’t touched me.” Harry quickly supplied the answer and was rewarded
with a possessive hug, as Snape pulled him over to sit in his lap. Harry
obligingly shifted to settle into Severus’ arms, his face pressed against the
elder man’s chest and his head tucked safely beneath his chin.
“Good I don’t share.” Severus ground out softly and Harry smiled inwardly
content with the answer. The pair sat quietly in the bed Snape’s arms loosely
wrapped around Harry’s body as the boy drank in the warmth and scent that was
purely Snape. It surprised Harry how much he’d grown accustomed to the
vampire’s presence in his life and he wondered if it was their magic still
mixing or something else that was drawing these emotions from within.
“Draco asked me if I was in love with you.” Harry trailed off as he pressed his
face into Snape’s chest not willing to meet his elders gaze.
“And what was your reply?” At length Severus prompted Harry to continue as he
watched the brown haired boy look slowly up at him. Snape gasped audibly in
surprise as he watched Harry’s normally emerald eyes soften and change into a
beautiful azure color.
“I think I do.” Harry whispered totally unaware of the change in his eyes or
the fact that his body was practically humming with magic that certainly wasn’t
his own.
Snape couldn’t have resisted the boy if he’d tried as he leant down and pressed
his lips softly against Harry’s in a delicate soft kiss. Blocking out
everything else but his mate, Harry deepened the kiss his hands roaming up to
slide into Snape’s soft hair as the elder wizard laid them out on the bed. The
kiss was fluid and seamless, Snape relinquishing his dominance and allowing
Harry to explore his mouth with his tongue. They parted briefly for air and
Harry gasped loudly and threw his head back against the bed as the intense wave
of magic swept over him. Snape drew back a little and watched the boy’s face
carefully as he rode out the sensation. When Harry opened his eyes again Snape
was pleased to see the familiar emerald green returned to Harry’s eyes.
“Are you well enough for this?” Snape whispered against Harry’s stomach as he
pushed up the boys red shirt and began sucking on his nipples. Harry nodded
silently and twisted his hands into Snape’s hair as the man trailed kiss down
his chest and stomach. With a whispered charm Snape divested Harry of the
trousers and was pleased to find the boy hadn’t worn anything beneath. Snape
continued the kisses down Harry’s abdomen; his lips ghost over Harry’s hardened
cock before continuing on down to his inner thigh. The purple bruise and twin
puncture marks in the junction between Harry’s leg and groin made Snape pause
in his attention. He really had lost control last night and he was sure Harry
wasn’t aware of just how close he might have come to death. Snape closed his
eyes and sighed deeply he had to learn to control himself better if he was to
take care of his mate.
“Severus?” Harry’s voice squeaked breathlessly as the boys hands fell away from
Snape’s hair and he sat up on his elbows to look down at the potions professor.
It was clear that Harry had thought he’d done something wrong as he waited to
be told what.
“Nothing Harry.” Harry opened his mouth to protest but was cut short as Snape
engulfed his cock with one long lick of his tongue.
For the next fifteen minutes the silence in the bedroom was only broken by
Harry’s gasps of pleasure and cries of exasperation as Severus sucked the boy
to the precipice time and time again, each time drawing him back from the edge
without relief, only to begin the dance again. Finally Snape couldn’t contain
himself and with a firm hand he rolled Harry over onto his knees and carefully
positioned the boy’s hands on the edge of the headboard. Lost in pleasure Harry
allowed himself to be manipulated into position, his brain only registering the
firm touch of the smooth hands of his elder worshiping his body. Snape took a
moment to prepare himself his hands gliding down the curve of Harry’s spine and
hips before grasping the firm globes of the young boy’s pert backside.
“Say it.” Snape paused his cock pressed between the boys flesh.
“What?” Snape’s voice wavered as he tried to keep himself in control. Harry
glanced back over his shoulder to meet the elder man’s gaze. Snape bit his own
lip hard as he took in the swollen lips, messy hair and thoroughly debauched
look on the boys desperate face.
“Say you love me too.” Harry breathed out raggedly his gaze hopelessly waiting
for Snape to reply.
“This is what you need isn’t it?” Snape whispered as he leant forward and
pressed a soft kiss to Harry’s spine causing the boy to gasp as he nodded.
“I need to know this isn’t just some forced relationship, or convenient fuck
because the Ministry changed the laws. I don’t trust these feelings. I keep
thinking I’m being manipulated.” Harry breathed out finally putting voice to
the niggling feelings he’d felt since Snape had first claimed him back in the
owlery at Hogwarts. Sitting back Snape pulled Harry back to rest against his
chest the boy shaking slightly.
“I admit I was cautious of this at first after what happened with your mother.
I honestly thought I could ignore the fact you were clearly meant to be my
mate.” Harry sighed as he felt Snape press soft gentle kisses against his neck
where the purple bruises had blossomed after Snape’s last feeding. “But the
time I’ve spent with you I’ve come realize you are truly something special. I
am very lucky to have found you.” Harry smiled as tears streaked down his face.
“And though I am not prone to this kind of romance, I believe I can make an
exception just once.” Harry tilted his head to the side his gaze meeting that
of Snape’s over his shoulder. “Harry, I love you too.” Snape whispered as Harry
closed the gap between them, his lips capturing Snape’s in deeply passionate
kiss.
Snape felt the change in Harry immediately as the boy melted into his arms and
the kiss turned desperate. Gasping loudly Harry yet again allowed himself to be
shifted into position. His head thrown back on Snape’s shoulder and his back
arched as the elder wizard prepared his body. The smooth slide of Snape’s cock
nestling into his puckered opening had Harry mewling in pleasure. Snape growled
deep in his chest as he gripped Harry’s hips, pistoning himself back and forth
into the familiar tight hole. Harry knew he was lost when he felt the sharp
points of Snape’s teeth graze the back of his neck. Without even being touched
Harry came all over the clean sheets Snape’s name crying from his lips. Snape
drew back from Harry’s neck consciously biting his own lip as he continued to
thrust with wild abandon into the wizard in his arms. Harry felt the elder
wizard stiffen behind him before Snape let out a guttural groan as he shot his
seed deep inside his mate. Harry shuddered from head to toe as the sensation of
magic tingled up and down his spine robbing him of breath for a few brief
seconds of bliss.
“Fuck.” Snape rasped out as he slid himself free of Harry and rolled over onto
the untouched side of the bed. Harry remained where he was, his fists gripping
the headboard of the bed and his head hung between his arms as he tried to calm
his breathing. Out of all the times they’d had sex this was the first time
Harry had actually felt like he wasn’t a whore. He felt loved, touched and
completely secure under Snape’s masterful hands and powerful magic. It had also
been the only time that Snape hadn’t fed from him during it. Snape stared at
Harry for a long time enjoying listening to Harry’s labored breathing.
“Why didn’t you feed?” Harry queried when he’d finally got his breathing under
control and the rush of Snape’s magic mingling with his own finally began to
calm.
“Because I took too much last night, you need recovery time.” Snape stretched
as he felt Harry’s gaze sweep over his body. In their rush neither of them had
managed to get fully undressed and both of them looked thoroughly ravished.
“Plus I expect Octavia back soon with news from London. In the next few hours
we may be fighting on the front line.”
“Shit.” Harry whispered as he lowered his gaze, his thoughts drawn firmly back
to reality from the lust filled haze he’d been in a moment before.
“Quite.” Snape sat up and re-zipped his trousers before sitting up properly on
the bed. “Come here we need to do this now before I forget.” Harry frowned in
confusion as he watched Snape slowly roll up the sleeve of his shirt.
“Forget what?” Harry watched as Snape leant across to the side table where he’d
left the bottle of whisky earlier. Snape uncorked the decanter and took a swill
of the liquid before handing it over to Harry.
“Swill it around you mouth before you swallow.” Snape instructed and Harry did
as he was told. Still in the dark about what Snape was doing. “I’ll open the
artery, and then you lap at it. Don’t suck.” Harry’s eyes widened impossibly as
he watched Snape left his own arm to his mouth, only now realizing what he was
intending Harry to do.
“What!? No! I thought you said I wouldn’t inherit the blood lust.” Harry rushed
out as he went to grab Snape’s arm preventing the vampire from piercing the
skin on his forearm. Snape rolled his eyes and shook his head at Harry.
“You are not a pureblooded vampire Harry, so no, you will not inherit my blood
lust. However you are still a fledgling unable to access the full potential of
your own vampire talent. I need to be able to keep track of you when we are
fighting the dark lord so I can help protect you. The only way I can do that
with surety is through sharing blood. I have been able to access your magic
since I first fed from you. It is usual for a mate to only be allowed to drink
from their master once they have reached majority but considering the situation
I need a way of allowing you to use my magic if you need it and this is the
only way I know.” Harry nodded at Snape’s seriousness as he reluctantly let go
of Snape’s arm.
“Ok,” Harry whispered as he watched Snape sigh knowing that the boy was opposed
to the idea but willing to trust him none the less.
“Good. Now again lick, don’t suck.” Snape reiterated his instructions as he
drew his forearm up to his mouth and pierced his own skin with the razor sharp
incisors. Blood instantly pooled at the wound site and began to run down
Snape’s pale arm as he gestured for Harry to come closer. Dutifully Harry did
as he was bid and with prompting settled himself against Snape’s side. Drawing
his now bleeding arm up to Harry’s lips, Snape watched carefully as the boy
poked out his tongue and tentatively licked at the thin trail of blood. Harry
shuddered at the taste and pulled away the metallic tang and bitter scent
assaulting his senses. “More, I’ll tell you when to stop.” Snape drew his free
arm up to the back of Harry’s head, guiding the boy back down to his arm.
Closing his eyes Harry once again licked at the crimson fluid his tongue less
hesitant this time as he lapped at the pin pricks. The taste was foul and Harry
shuddered against Snape’s side as he continue to lick and swallow, trying very
hard not to think about what he was doing. “Well done,” Snape drew his arm away
from Harry satisfied they boy had ingested enough of his blood. Harry opened
his eyes and watched as Snape drew his arm back up to his own mouth and lick
the wounds with his tongue carefully sealing them again. Once he was sure he’d
fixed himself up Snape leaned across and kissed Harry his tongue expertly
cleaning up the smears of blood on the boys chin and lips before sliding inside
to thoroughly ravish the boy. Breathless the pair drew apart and Harry opened
his eyes to stare at the lust filled sapphire gaze of the vampire before him.
“I know it’s not your thing but that was a big turn on. If I was 20 years
younger I’d fuck you again right now.” Harry let out a surprised and shocked
laugh completely stunned by Snape’s bold declaration.
“If you were 20 years younger I’d be kicking your arse right now for not
telling me beforehand what you’ve just done.” Harry and Snape jumped apart as a
familiar voice spoke up from the doorway. Harry heard Snape tut loudly as he
got up from the bed and moved to pour himself a glass of water.
“But I’m not so the point is not up for discussion.” Snape supplied as he
watched Octavia move into the room.
“True. So I brought lunch and we need to talk about what’s happening in
London.” Behind Octavia trailed Draco. The young blonde was pushing a room
service cart but it was not the cart that caught Harry’s attention. Instead it
was the unfamiliar tall redheaded witch that followed them in that left Harry
wondering what was going on.
***** And Then There Was Two *****
CHAPTER 45 (And Then There Was Two)
“Harry! Octavia says they’re all still alive. A few curses and broken bones but
they’ve survived.” Draco bustled in and plonked himself down in the armchair by
the fire as he began to uncover the food on the room service trolley. Harry
quickly re-dressed himself before he joined Draco over by the fire hungry for
food and something to take the metallic taste of Snape’s blood out of his
mouth.
“I shan’t ask you how your morning progressed Severus, judging from the smell.”
Octavia’s eyebrow raised a fraction at Snape who rolled his eyes and sneered in
irritation. There was nothing sacred when his mentor was around and nothing
that he could hide even if he tried. Snape continued to drink his glass of
water as he watched Octavia join the young wizard sitting by the fire ravishing
the room service trolley. “You need to eat too Severus. She’s clean and I
figured you need it before tonight especially considering your little fuck up
last night.” Octavia gestured flippantly at the tall red head that continued to
stand quietly near the door her eyes cast to the floor. Snape glanced
cautiously over at Harry who had paused in his own meal to stare at him an
unknown conversation passing between them. Before anything could be said
however Octavia scoffed loudly and shook his head at his younger charge and his
mate. “He’s a vampire Potter get over it. Just because he drinks a bitch
doesn’t make them lovers.” Octavia glared at Harry pointedly before glancing at
Snape. “Get on with it Severus. We need to talk without her presence.” Harry
turned back to his meal intent on not watching the scene play out before him.
Snape sighed knowing that Octavia was right. Putting aside his glass of water
Snape sat himself down on the trunk at the end of the bed before gesturing for
the young woman to come and kneel before him. The witch obeyed without comment
and knelt between Snape’s legs. With an apologetic glance up at Harry, Snape
brushed the woman’s hair from her neck before leaning forward and biting.
“So, Draco tells me you met Darius this morning Potter.” Octavia ignored the
scene over by the bed and casually addressed Harry. Harry jumped a little at
the question as he drew his gaze away from Snape and up to the elder vampire
addressing him. Harry glared sideways at Draco for opening his big mouth, but
the blonde merely shrugged apologetically as he continued to eat from the
selection of plates on the trolley.
“Yeah.” Harry whispered guiltily remembering the scene in the dining room
earlier.
“Don’t worry about it Harry. Darius is a pain in the arse. Swans around like
he’s the only male vampire to have ever had a kid. Mortimer doesn’t help
putting him on a pedestal and spoiling him rotten.” Octavia snorted in contempt
as he bit into another sandwich his gaze carefully assessing Harry’s reactions.
The boy was so easy to read despite having a good hold of occlumency. “Word is
Mortimer’s got his nose out of joint, what with Severus over there claiming the
boy-who-lived as his mate.” Octavia smiled crookedly as he heard Snape choke
and cough over by the bed clearly amused by what his mentor had said.
“He’s a fool if he thinks Darius is going to help him rise to chair of the
council. He’s too volatile.” Snape spoke having finished with the witch. Harry
smiled inwardly as his mate came over and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead
before stealing a few sandwiches from the trolley. Octavia watched the exchange
between his student and his mate with curiosity, the change between them quite
pleasing.
“You can go. The house elf in the hall will see you out.” Octavia waved
dismissively at the young woman who obediently left the room, closing the door
silently behind her as she went. Harry was glad when she’d left and he settled
back in the chair to finish his lunch. Satisfied that the witch had left,
Octavia turned back to the group who sat around the fire place.
“Well I arranged a meeting tonight with the Minister of Magic and Dumbledore.”
Octavia scooted Draco over on the large chair so that he could sit beside the
blonde who was still eating but listening intently. “The Minister of Magic was
a jackass and I shan’t bore you all with his ramblings but I believe his
supporters are wavering. So I am hopeful that they will accept our terms even
if he does not.” Octavia didn’t elaborate on the terms the council had
discussed this morning and Snape merely nodded in understanding.
“And they’re all okay?” Harry prompted as he looked at Octavia hopefully.
“Yes. There are injuries and losses but no one close to you. The Aurors are all
out in skirmishes and raids. Hogwarts has been over run and that is where they
believe Riddle is. The majority of refugees are in the Ministry, or have been
sent home.” Harry sighed heavily as he felt Snape’s hand come to rest on his
shoulder, the potion stained fingers squeezing slightly in comfort. “Lupin and
the headmaster asked after you. I believe they and ‘The Order’ are staying at
number 12.” Octavia chose his words carefully watching as both Harry and Snape
nodded in understanding. Draco had become close to them and was Snape’s godson
but he was still the son of Lucius Malfoy. Draco it seemed was oblivious to the
information he’d missed. Harry assumed that the blonde was just happy that
Hermione was well and safe.
“So our next course of action is?” Snape prompted as he watched Octavia smile
softly having alleviated both Harry and his own worry about those they’d left
behind.
“We prepare ourselves to kick the shit out of Riddle.” Octavia stood up from
the seat beside Draco and stepped out from the small seating area around the
fireplace. “The council is preparing our own force downstairs and those not
able to fight are being scattered to our safe places around the country.” Snape
moved away from the boys and trailed Octavia over to the door. The boys were
still talking quietly over by the fireplace and Snape took the time to speak
quietly with his mentor. “I’ll have cloaks and leathers sent up for you and the
boys.” Snape nodded and took a step closer to Octavia so that their
conversation would not be overheard by Harry and Draco.
“How is it really?” Snape whispered knowing well that his mentor had down
played the seriousness of the state of the Ministry.
“Chaos. Fudge doesn’t know what to do first, the death eaters are winning every
battle. They’ve got no one to pin their hopes on, no one to fight for.
Dumbledore is refusing to let the Order of Phoenix help until he knows that
Harry is safe with them. Your little fledgling means the world to them.”
Octavia eyed Snape cautiously watching as the younger vampire closed his eyes
and sighed heavily. “Don’t stress Severus, this will all work out. Harry has us
on his side now. Riddle won’t know what hit him. The boy has changed and Riddle
will never be able to predict him like he did in the past.” Snape nodded as
Octavia reached out and pressed a comforting hand to his shoulder
“Is that the reason you lied to the council this morning? Harry told me you
haven’t touched him.” Snape lowered his voice as he heard Draco and Harry
talking over by the fire, unaware still of the elder’s hushed conversation.
Octavia’s stern expression softened and he quietly shook his head at Snape. He
knew from the expression on Snape’s face that he was concerned about the
consequences of lying to the council.
“No I didn’t lie to them. I didn’t need to check Harry’s fertility.” Snape’s
frown deepened as his mentor stepped impossibly closer and reached his hands up
to cup Snape’s cheeks. “Close your eyes and concentrate on Harry.” Closing his
eyes obediently Snape did as he was being instructed as he focused his mind on
his mate sitting not more than a meter away from him. “Feel him breathing.”
Octavia’s voice was quiet and smooth his breath just ghosting against Snape’s
face. “Breath in his scent, listen to his pulse and feel his magic…” Octavia’s
voice trailed off as he watched Snape sharing the bond with his mate. “Do you
feel it?” Octavia whispered as he watched the expression of concentration
change on Snape’s face. Snape’s eyes snapped open an audible gasp of surprise
falling from his lips as he stared at his mentor in shock.
“There are two magical signatures.” Snape breathed out in shock and Octavia
smiled as realization dawned on Severus face.
“Congratulations Dad.” Octavia whispered as he dropped his hands from Snape’s
face a warm smiled on his lips as Snape continued to stare at him in shock.
“I’ll meet you downstairs in an hour. Get yourself and the young wizards
ready.” With a congratulatory pat on Snape’s back Octavia spared the two
wizards over by the fire a sly smile before he turned and left, leaving Snape
still staring in shock at where his mentor had stood not a moment before.
***********************************
 
Harry stood nervously in the center of lobby of the hotel. All around him bats,
vampires, witches and wizards bustled and flew to and fro across the room.
Draco stood beside him, the pair of them dressed in soft leather trousers, deep
forest green dueling robes and beautiful black cloaks. The cloaks Snape had
explained were those favored by vampires as they seamlessly changed as the
vampires transfigured between bat and wizard form. They also provided the
wearer with the ability to slide into shadows and hide when needed. Harry knew
the cloak wasn’t as helpful as his father’s invisibility cloak but it was the
best the vampires could offer in protection and he’d thankfully accepted it as
Snape had secured it about his person.
“Did you see where Uncle went?” Draco whispered as he stood close to Harry in
the organized chaos of the lobby. Harry shook his head as he scanned the crowd
around him having lost Severus and Octavia in the swell of people.
Finally though the bustling seemed to slow and Harry and Draco relaxed a little
as Severus and Octavia appeared from a back room, trailing the other members of
the council. The small group of seven vampires approached them and Draco leaned
sideways in towards Harry.
“Merlin’s balls, they look scary as hell.” Draco whispered to Harry as the two
wizards looked at the group striding towards them.
“Is it wrong to be turned on right now?” Harry chuckled nervously across at
Draco as they both took in the sight. All the vampires looked similarly
attired, leather pants, thick wool robes and the same beautiful cloaks Harry
and Draco wore. The swirl of the cloaks around the group was like a tornado of
black and Harry bit his lip as he glanced at the men’s faces stern and austere.
There wasn’t an ugly one among them and Harry had to admit he’d pretty much hit
the jackpot with Snape.
“If I wasn’t so fucking scared I think I’d have wood right now. They’re fucking
impressive and I’m straight.” Draco chuckled back quietly at Harry the two boys
blushing as the group stopped in front of them. Snape and Octavia didn’t miss
the guilty smiles that graced Draco and Harry’s faces but neither vampire chose
to speak of it as Attila addressed the now silent lobby.
“You two will portkey first to the Ministry. We will follow afterwards. The
Ministry’s wards are a somewhat delicate operation to breach. We are after all
Dark Creatures and despite the Minister agreeing to this meeting we doubt he
would roll out the welcome mat for us.” Attila sneered in irritation at the
very mention of the Ministry’s laws that had oppressed their kind for years.
“Once The Minister has agreed to the terms of our assistance, we will attack
Hogwarts at once. Our intelligence says that is where Riddle is and we cannot
allow him to become aware of our alliance with The Ministry and have time to
defend. An immediate attack will hopefully catch him before he can regroup.”
Attila looked around at the face in the full lobby. Everyone was listening
intently and nodding in muttered agreement. “Octavius and Severus are our
guides to Hogwarts. You need to keep your formations and protect our own. Good
luck and stay safe, we will regroup here to celebrate our victory.” Attila
ended his speech and the group in the lobby began moving around again in last
minute preparations for their invasion of The Ministry of Magic. The small
group of vampire elders remained still however and Harry sighed as Snape step
forward to them.
“Wands out and stay close to one another. It may take us a few minutes to get
through the wards into the arrivals hall of the Ministry.” Dutifully Harry and
Draco drew their wands as Snape stared at them seriously. “Be careful the both
of you.” Snape was clearly torn about letting the two wizards out of his sight
and Harry felt warmth spread through his body at the clear display of
protectiveness that Snape had displayed.
“Are we ready?” Octavia stepped up beside Snape and smiled warmly at the pair
of young wizards. Harry and Draco nodded firmly as Octavia handed them each a
porcelain salt and pepper shaker. “Just shake and wait then.” Octavia shook his
own hand in demonstration however before either Draco or Harry could do so,
Snape leant in and pressed a swift kiss to Harry’s lips.
“Remember I’m with you.” Snape whispered against Harry’s lips as he drew back
and both he and Octavia stepped away from the two boys. Harry held Snape’s
azure gaze for a long moment before he sighed and glanced at Draco.
“On three?” Harry whispered and watched as Draco nodded. “One, Two……” As the
boys shook their respective portkeys, there was a swirling of magic before twin
pops echoed in the lobby of the hotel and the two young wizards disappeared.
***** Smells Like Fudge *****
CHAPTER 46 (Smells like Fudge)
It was dark.
Unnaturally so, Harry thought.
He’d landed with a less than graceful stumble on the marble floor. The sound of
his dragon hide boots on the floor sounded like an elephants in the silence. It
was with an envious grace of someone who had grown up using portkeys, that
Draco stepped out onto the marble beside him a second after Harry’s arrival.
Harry held his wand out dutifully in front of him, his knuckles white as he
practically choked the wood with his hand.
“Shit this isn’t scary or nothing.” Draco whispered as he too held his wand out
in front of him, both boys aiming into the darkness. As the pair adjusted their
vision to the lack of light, Harry and Draco began to take in the deserted
arrivals hall of the Ministry of Magic. The central fountain of the foyer was
silent the water in its base still as ice. The arrival tubes that twisted down
from muggle London above were abandoned and unmoving against the walls. The
reception desk that usually held the wand security Aurors was vacant and the
archways that led into the maze of corridors and elevators of the inner
Ministry were like black holes of darkness. Harry couldn’t agree more with
Draco’s statement and he swallowed nervously as he continued to glance around
the abandoned hall.
“No offence Draco, but you aren’t helping our situation here. For the son of
death eater you’d think you’d be used to this crap. I kind of wish Hermione and
Ron were here with us.” Draco instinctively stepped up closer to Harry’s side
despite the insult. The young wizards found themselves needing the brush of
each other’s bodies against their own to steel their nerves. Harry had always
been into battle with Hermione and Ron. He knew their moves, knew he could rely
on them to pull their weight and protect each other. Draco was an unknown
quantity and Harry was nervous about his presence.
“I thought you were a brave Gryffindor and all?” Draco muttered his scared gaze
meeting Harry’s in accusation.
“Sorry my Gryffindor bravery seems to have fucked off without its usual
backup.” Harry snapped a little bitterly as he bit the side of his mouth in
worry. Snape had told them to stay together and that it would be a few minutes
before the Vampires would make it through the Ministry’s wards. These few
minutes were beginning to feel like an eternity as they stood like sitting
ducks in the dark.
“Good job your Gryffindor back up isn’t far away then.” Both Harry and Draco
practically jumped out of their skin as a voice addressed them from over by the
wand inspection desk. Harry winced a little as someone whispered a charm and
lit the end of their wand. Draco and Harry adjusted their vision to the pin
prick of light over by the desk and it was then that Harry recognized the small
group peeking out from behind the desk.
“Harry it’s us!” Harry sighed in relief as the faces of his friends popped up
from behind the desk. Hermione, Ron, Seamus, Dean, Neville, Luna and the twins
beamed at him from across the room
“Fucking hell. Way to give us a heart attack ‘mione.” Draco pushed past Harry
and jogged the short distance over to Hermione. The pair shared a brief kiss
and Harry smiled sideways at seeing Draco’s bravery suddenly return in front of
his girlfriend.
“Where did you guys come from?” Harry accepted the warm embraces from his
friends as the small group stood in front of the deserted reception desk.
“Downstairs in the courtrooms.” Ron offered by way of explanation as he nodded
to his brothers. “Fred and George overheard what was happening tonight, so we
thought we’d sneak out and roll out the welcome mat for you guys.” Harry smiled
at the Weasley brothers having missed his friends terribly since Octavia had
swept him and Draco out of the castle a few days ago.
“Speaking of that, where are they are?” Draco whispered as he looked across at
Harry who shrugged his shoulders. Maybe the vampires had encountered more
difficulty breaching The Ministry’s wards than they’d planned. At that very
moment Harry felt a shiver of wards and heard a familiar sound of hundreds of
pairs of wings fluttering around them.
“Get out of the way, incoming!” Harry declared as he shooed his friends back
behind the reception desk as hundreds of bats flooded into the darkened
receiving hall.
“There are hundreds of them!” Hermione explained as she watched with wide eyes
as the bats began settling upside down on various surfaces around the room.
Harry smiled at his friend her appreciation of the situation more than the
others due to her research project.
“I thought they’d all died out.” Longbottom whispered in awe as the swarm of
bats finally settled having successfully broken through the wards of The
Ministry of Magic.
“Yeah apparently the vampires aren’t as rare as The Ministry think or would
like to have us think.” Harry muttered as the group of wizards stood up from
their crouch behind the desk as seven bats fluttered down from the roof.
Seamlessly the bats transformed midflight into the Vampire council, Attila in
the front, Snape and Octavia just behind him and the other council members
behind them.
“This isn’t exactly the welcoming committee I expected.” Atilla raised an
eyebrow as he glanced from the misfit group of young wizards and witches to
Snape who laughed with genuine mirth.
“Atilla, allow me to introduce you to just some of the members of Dumbledore’s
Army. A small group of stupidly brave students from Hogwarts who find mischief
and adventure wherever they go.” Snape gestured to the group as he spoke in the
familiar potions professor drawl he’d favored back at Hogwarts. Harry was not
surprised at all that Snape knew about Dumbledore’s Army, having had the
vampire invade his thoughts countless times in the past. Nothing had been
sacred during his failed occlumency lessons
“Merlin! When did Snape get hot?” Fred leant forward onto Harry’s shoulder the
red headed twin whispered softly against Harry’s ear.
“Yeah, check out his hair in that warrior braid and those leather pants.”
George muttered on Harry’s other shoulder. Harry sighed audibly as he stared at
his mate once again truly enjoying the impressive sight the tall vampire made.
Harry knew that George and Fred were teasing him the pair undoubtedly privy to
what the whole wizarding world would now know, that Harry and Snape were a
couple.
“Well Dumbledore’s Army is quite a respectable looking bunch.” Attila smiled
warmly at the group, all of whom noted the points of vampires’ incisors that
caught the reflected light from Luna’s still glowing wand. The compliment was
genuine and Harry was amused as he watched Snape roll his eyes, unamused by
Atilla’s approval of the group. “So are you able to show us to where this
meeting is to take place?” Atilla inquired of the gathered group.
“Of course.” Ron spoke confidently as he stepped forward and offered his hand
out to Atilla in friendship. Harry knew the gesture was a large one, as the
Weasley’s had been brought up to fear vampires. Atilla shook Ron’s hand softly
and Harry smiled widely as Ron turned to lead the way into The Ministry.
“Oh but don’t tell them we were up here. We’ll get into so much trouble.”
Neville offered nervously over his shoulder at the group of elder vampires, all
of whom chuckled at the declaration.
“Indeed Longbottom, you can be assured of our secrecy.” Snape muttered as he
joined Harry and followed the group down into the darkness towards a very
important meeting, leaving the army of vampires back in the entrance hall
waiting for the next set of instructions.
**************************
“I’m not even a vampire and that smells like bullshit.” Ron muttered tiredly
from where he was slumped on the floor, one end of the Weasley Twin’s
Extendedable ears attached to his head. Dumbledore’s Army had been shut in a
little room just down the hall from where the Vampires, The Order and The
Ministry of Magic were heatedly discussing the terms of the agreement. The
group had taken turns listening to the meeting through the extendable ears that
the twins had snuck into the main room when they’d first arrived at The
Ministry.
“Are they still arguing?” Draco yawned as he shifted in the chair careful not
to dislodge Hermione who was fast asleep on his lap. Ron nodded sleepily from
over by the door the drone of the elder wizards and vampires arguing in his
ear. Harry glanced around at the gathered group of his friends in the room. It
was clear the group had been prepared to fight, most wearing dueling robes,
with their brooms, leather protectors and cloaks. Yet here they were half of
them asleep as they listened to the politics of their elders while Voldemort
ran circles around them. Anger bubbled up quickly in Harry as he stood up
abruptly and strode over to Ron. With a firm yank Harry snapped the extendable
ears from Ron’s head causing his best friend to stand up with a loud yelp.
Ron’s yelp woke up Hermione and the few others that had fallen asleep over the
past three hours.
“Fuck this.” Harry declared angrily as he stalked across the room to where
Draco was sat. Draco raised an eyebrow at how very similar Harry looked to
Snape as he swept across the room, his vampire robe swirling around him like
the potions professor used to. “Do you fear me?” Harry stopped in front of
Draco and stared down at the blonde in question. Confused by what he was being
asked Draco shrugged his shoulders unsure. Harry rolled his eyes and turned to
Hermione instead. “Have I changed at all since I became a vampire?” Harry asked
of Hermione who slowly shook her head.
“Not in the important aspects no.” Hermione yawned sleepily as she glanced
across at Draco who nodded in agreement.
“Then why are they arguing when we’re no different from wizards and witches.”
Harry looked around the group of his friends who all lowered their eyes, almost
embarrassed by what they were thinking. Harry knew what they were thinking and
sighed heavily. “I don’t drink blood.” Harry whispered as he looked around at
his friends. “I’m not a pureblood and I’ll never inherit that trait from
Severus.” Harry trailed off as he watched the group turn towards Hermione for
confirmation.
“True.” Hermione confirmed as she smiled at Harry warmly. “And even Purebloods
only need meager amounts of blood to survive.” She continued as the gathered
group nodded in understanding.
“Then what’s stopping wizard’s and witches donating blood like they do in the
muggle world, so that the Vampires don’t have to hunt.” Longbottom spoke up
from across the room and the gathered group muttered their agreement.
“So that’s the solution? How come the idiots next door can’t work it out?”
George sat up from where he’d been leaning against his twin.
“Pride and prejudices.” Luna whispered softly.
“Then let’s show them how it’s done.” Harry straightened his cloak and
unsheathed his wand from the folds of his robe. “I trust you all with my life.
Do you still trust me, despite me being a vampire?” Harry addressed the group
and was rewarded as the group verbally called their agreement.
“Bloody hell yes.” Ron stood up beside Harry, his own wand in his hand as he
reached across to clap his best friend on the shoulder in comradery. The rest
of the group stood up with their wands out, a new determination sweeping across
their previously glum mood.
“Good because we know Hogwarts better than all of them together. We can make
this work and we can fucking kick Tom Riddle’s arse.” Harry declared as the
gathered group shouted their enthusiastic agreement.
“Uncle Severus is going to be pissed.” Draco spoke as he stood up beside
Hermione. Harry shrugged his shoulders uncaringly.
“If we don’t finish this, they’ll be fighting among themselves until Riddle
wins by default. Besides if I’m already involved in the war the vampires can’t
say no. They’ve got a duty to their own.” Harry smiled conspiratorially as he
watched Draco smile in return and shake his head.
“Blackmail? You’re a Slytherin after all.” Draco smiled as he unsheathed his
own wand and took Hermione’s hand in his own, squeezing in comfort.
“So you’re coming with us?” Ron inquired as he looked between Hermione and
Draco carefully.
“I’m pretty sure Snape said that we weren’t supposed to spilt up, so where you
go, I go.” Draco smiled confidently at Ron before glancing at Harry.
“A Gryffindor in the making.” Fred laughed as he rustled Draco’s blonde mop in
friendship, causing the blonde to blush self-consciously.
“Right then, let’s blow this joint.” George declared as he pulled out a small
innocent looking watch from his pocket. “Portkey anyone?” He laughed as the
group of misfit young wizards and witches all gathered around the portkey.
“Stay together and pray to Merlin we all come home.” Harry whispered seriously
as with a confident nod, George activated the portkey and the group disappeared
from the room.
***** Know Thy Enemy *****
CHAPTER 47 (Know Thy Enemy)
“Merlin’s balls, I think I wet myself.” Longbottom breathed out heavily as he
slumped against the wall of the Shrieking Shack, the group having run across
the grounds to the broken down house. Deatheaters were everywhere and the small
group had barely made it into the shack without being seen. Harry’s entire plan
hinged on them getting inside Hogwarts without being detected. There was no way
their little group could fight the death eaters out in the open but once inside
the castle Harry hoped they’d have the advantage of knowing their battlefield,
enough to get the upper hand on Riddle’s followers.
“Okay, everyone good?” Harry queried as he glanced around at the cold wet faces
of his friends. When he was sure everyone was in one piece, Harry continued
with his plan. “From here we split up into pairs so we can get into the castle
undetected.” Harry paused and gestured to his friends. “Neville and Luna you
need to get down into the kitchens and see if any of the house elves are left,
we’re going to need the back-up.” Neville and Luna nodded in understanding.
“Twins you’re on ghost hunt and distraction.” Fred and George smiled
mischievously as Harry glanced at them knowingly. “Give our castle visitors
something to keep them occupied.” Harry turned to Hermione and Ron. “You guys
need to go and find the Marauders Map; we’re going to need to keep track of
everyone.” Ron smiled and nodded. “The rest of you you’re on clean up duty,
take out who you can but don’t risk causing a scene.”
“And what are you and Draco going to do?” Hermione inquired as she watched
Draco look at Harry warily. Harry sighed and smiled crookedly at Draco.
“We’re going to go and find Riddle.”
“What!” Draco squeaked in fear, his eyes widening impossibly.
“If I can kill Riddle then the house of cards will fall.” Harry whispered
softly a fearful tension falling over the group.
“Do you even know how to do that?” Draco queried in an unbelieving tone of
voice.
“No.” Draco groaned as Harry continued. “But I figure it’ll come to me.” Harry
finished as he watched Draco shake his head in disbelief.
“We’re gonna die.” Draco muttered and turned to Hermione to press what Harry
might have termed as a last passionate kiss on her lips. Once Draco and
Hermione’s kiss had finished the group sat in reflective silence for a moment
to consider the consequences about what they were about to do.
“Okay everyone, see you at the end.” With a group hug Harry watched as his
friends disappeared in twos down the dark tunnel towards the castle. Finally
though it was only Harry and Draco left in the cold shack.
“Ready?” Harry inquired as he snuggled down in his cloak against the cold,
inhaling on the scent that was purely Snape.
“As much as I’m going to be.” Draco took a deep steadying breath and Harry
smiled as he saw the bravery flicker in the blonde’s fearful blue eyes. Harry
nodded and pulling up the hood on his vampire cloak took off down the dark
tunnel. Draco, following Harry’s lead, pulled his own hood up and with a sigh
followed Harry into the darkness.
*************************************
The castle was cold and dark. The moon provided only meager amounts of light
through the windows and helped create long dark shadows in the halls. Harry
breathed out heavily as he crept along the dark hallway towards the staircases
that he knew lead towards the Gryffindor tower.
“Shhh.” Harry put his finger to his lips as he and Draco flattened themselves
against the wall, the shadow of a large statue hiding them as two unfamiliar
Deatheaters came strolling casually past them. The vampire cloaks hid them
well, their bodies seamlessly melting into the darkened shadows allowing them
to pass unseen.
“What now?” Draco whispered finally daring to breathe once the pair of
Deatheaters was out of sight.
“Upstairs to Gryffindor tower, there’s somethings I want to get.” Harry
whispered softly back as he scurried up the first set of stairs. Usually the
huge staircases would be alive with the chatter of students, ghosts and
portraits. The light from the candles and skylights above them would bathe the
staircases in a sunny glow and the constant shifting of the staircases would
provide ample amusement. Now however the staircases were frozen in place, the
portraits were empty and only the eerie sound of the howling winds and cold
drafts through the castle provided any sound at all. Hunkering down in his
cloak further Draco stayed close to Harry, as they negotiated a particularly
large hole in one of the crumbling staircases.
“Now’s not exactly the time to be packing your bags Potter, shouldn’t we be
thinking more about how to kill you know who.” Draco whispered harshly as they
once again flattened themselves against the walls of the castle. Harry rolled
his eyes. Draco certainly wasn’t like his usual partners in crime. The blonde
was obviously not willing to be blindly led into unexpected danger, like
Harry’s usual crew were.
“I’ve got Godric Gryffindor’s sword in my trunk, I figure that’s got to help
the situation.” Harry glanced over his shoulder at Draco who was clearly
unimpressed with the plan.
“That’s your plan. To challenge Voldemort to a swordfight? You don’t even know
how to duel properly.” Draco muttered beneath his breath as the pair of them
finally made it to the sixth floor corridor that led to Gryffindor’s common
room. Harry glared at Draco in the dark the flash of the blonde’s blue eyes
behind the hood of the cloak silently challenging Harry to say otherwise. Harry
sighed and shrugged his shoulders.
“It’s the best plan I’ve got.” Harry muttered as they snuck their way down the
corridor towards the portrait of the fat lady. Draco fell silent then as they
approached the round doorway into the common room. “That’s not good.” Harry
whispered as he pushed on the empty frame concealing the doorway and found it
opened easily, no password required. Draco nodded but held his tongue as the
two boys stepped nervously over the threshold into the dark common room. The
place was trashed. Couches, chairs and tables were upended, and the portraits
and wizarding artifacts that had been previously hung on the walls were now
broken, shredded and strewn about the floor. The cold moonlight shining in from
the high cathedral windows made the shadows long and the room feel neglected
and abandoned. “Come on, my dorm room is two flights up on the left.” Not
wanting to spend any more time than necessary in the exposed common room, Harry
gestured towards the staircase on the left. Both boys cautiously began the
upward spiral to the dorms, their wands held in front of their bodies.
“Wow, they left in a hurry.” Draco muttered as the two wizards stepped into
Harry’s dorm. The place was in a similar state of ruin as the common room.
Clothes, books, trunks, beds and personal items lay scattered on the floor.
Harry took a nervous breath in as he stared at the chaos lying around him. The
one place he’d ever referred to as his home lay in ruins around him. The
familiar things of his and his friends had been broken beyond repair as if
someone had thrown them in fits of rage. Harry felt tears prickle his eyes as
he stared at the torn drapes around his bed and the shredded linen and school
robes. Thankfully Hedwig had been in the owlery with the other owls when
Hogwarts had been attacked and he had turned up at the Burrow a few days ago
according to Ron. “Don’t worry Harry it is just stuff. He can’t take the
memories attached to it.” Draco whispered softly as he placed a gentle hand on
Harry’s shoulder. Harry nodded silently and wiped his eyes with the back of his
hands unsure of where the swell of emotion had come from.
“Yeah I know I’m being silly. Just start looking for the sword it was up here
somewhere.” Draco nodded in understanding and turned towards the wardrobes over
by the far wall. Harry sighed heavily as he watched the blonde begin searching
through the strewn clothes and broken brooms before he turned back to his
upturned trunk that had once stood at the bottom of his bed. Kneeling down
Harry began to rummage through the contents on the floor looking for the sword
and trying to ignore his personal belongings and those of his house mates.
Unaware of his surroundings Harry put his wand down on the floor as he bent
down to look under the bed having remembered distantly shoving the sword under
there for a time. What Harry found made him laugh out loud as he pulled out the
unharmed copies of Wicked Witch and Quidditch Witches Monthly. Seamus had a
standing order for the porn magazines that he sneakily had delivered to an
unnamed empty post box in Hogsmead. The boys had often sat up at night ogling
the pictures of scantily clad witches and sharing sweets. Harry shook his head
in mild amusement as he flicked through the pages of the magazine marveling at
how much his life had changed. There was a time when he would have loved to get
to second base with any of the witches in these magazines never would he have
imagined to be drooling over wizards and no less fucking Snape. Lost in his own
amused memories Harry laughed as he called out to Draco. “Turns out Voldy’
isn’t a fan of Wicked Witch.” There was silence after he’d spoken and Harry
suddenly felt the hairs on his neck stand on end. Something was wrong. “Draco?”
Harry whispered shakily as he dropped the magazine and looked behind him at the
figure now blocking his escape.
“Indeed Potter.” The voice was icy cold and cut through the silence like a
knife. Harry reacted immediately snatching up his wand from the floor and
scrambling over the strewn belongings to put some distance between he and Tom
Riddle. “Surprised to see me?” Voldemort was different Harry noted in fear as
he took in the figure before him. The snake like creature he’d met countless
times in the past was gone, replaced by an older version of Riddle from the one
Harry had seen in Dumbledore’s pensive. “Do you like what I’ve done with the
place?” Riddle stalked across the room kicking items of particular annoyance
out of his way as he went but still careful to cut off any escape route Harry
had. “I like your new cloak. Given to you no doubt by my traitorous little
alchemist.” Riddle spat nastily his eyes narrowing in anger as he pointed his
wand threateningly in Harry’s direction. Harry didn’t waver. His back was to
the shattered window beside his bed and his wand was firmly pointed at Riddle
his gaze never leaving that of the dark wizard before him.
“He is not yours.” Harry ground out from between his chattering teeth trying
desperately to sound confident but knowing that the shaking of his wand hand
was betraying his emotions. Riddle knew his opponent well and merely smiled
cruelly at Harry’s weak defense of his lover.
“Such is love that you defend the vampire.” Riddle waved his wand dismissively
and Harry braced himself physically as he watched the glowing green tip of the
dark wizards wand slice through the darkened room. “It matters to me not. When
I have done with you, I will simply remind him of his loyalties and he will beg
to return to my fold.” Harry watched as Riddle turned to face him finally
showing Harry the red glowing eyes of the snake that Riddle truly was. “Now is
it too much to hope that you’ll simply die or are you going to play the stupid
brave Gryffindor hero like your mother and father tried to be?” Harry ground
his teeth together in anger and adjusted the grip on his wand, tightening his
hold on the willow to the point he was strangling it. “Well judging from that
silence I assume we’re going to play this game once again, very well…” Before
Harry could prepare himself Voldemort had thrown the killing curse at him and
he found himself diving for cover as the curse exploded on the wall of stone to
his left. It took a moment for Harry to recover his senses from the bright
flash of green in the darkness but no sooner than he had than he felt a surge
of adrenaline and he was on his feet letting similar curses out.
This was the situation Harry had wanted to avoid. He knew he would never win a
duel with Voldemort they were too evenly matched and Harry didn’t know enough
dark magic to counter Riddle’s extensive knowledge. Each of them had an
intimate understanding of the others moves and both fell into the routine of
mirroring each other’s actions. It was very clear to Harry that Riddle was
reading his mind with a practiced ease of a skilled occlument. Unconsciously
Harry was reading Riddle’s mind too the vampire blood in his system allowing
him the luxury of reading Riddle’s mind just as easily. It was too late now
however to change the plan like Harry had meant to and like the duels they’d
had before ultimately they came to a stale mate.
With his wand outstretched in front of him Harry shook as he watched the arc of
gold entwine with the similar arc of green from its brother on the other side
of the room. The darkness sparkled with magic as the twin wands fought for
dominance curled in the familiar dance. Harry didn’t take his eyes of the snake
like glowing orbs of Tom Riddle. The wizard found sick delight in the display
and Harry felt himself weakening physically even as Riddle’s lips curled up in
triumph having sensed Harry slipping. With a renewed vigor Riddle strengthened
his own magic and Harry found himself screaming as the power of the connected
wands dragged him to his knees in pain.
‘Just die Potter.’ Voldemort was in his head the twisted evil laugh barely
audible above his own screaming. With his body failing Harry finally closed his
eyes trying to block out Voldemort’s cruel taunts. In doing so however his
outstretch wand arm began to waver causing the entwined magical stream to
fluctuate wildly about the room. It was clear Harry was losing not for any
other reason but that he was physically weaker compared to the fully grown
wizard before him.
‘Severus’ The image of Snape prickled at the forefront of his mind as Harry
felt the closing in of the darkness in his mind. The golden trail of magic from
the tip of his wand was weakening to a pale lemon colour. No sooner than he’d
thought about the vampire in question then he felt a swell of cold air rise
around him causing the sweat on his overheated skin to cool almost to ice. The
wind swept around the room like a tornado causing Tom to stumble a little on
the trashed belongings scatter all over the dormroom floor. The sound it made
was like the roar of a train thundering through the castle and both wizards
grimaced but neither lowered their wand or broke the connection.
‘Harry.’ The voice that engulfed him was liquid honey, deep and melodic in his
mind blocking out the rancid bitter tone of Riddle. There was a flutter of
velvet wings against his face wiping at the tears of fear he had shed before a
strong powerful set of arms transfigured around him pulling him upright from
his knees once more. “Show him who you really are Harry. Find it deep down
inside. The tingle in your spine that you know is the vampire in you.” Snape’s
breath was warm against Harry’s neck in the suddenly frigid air of the
dormroom. Harry could see his own misted breath as he took a deep steadying
lung full of air and refocused his attention. Snape was pressed firmly up
against Harry’s back, his left arm wrapped protectively over Harry’s stomach
the wand in hand glowing ominously. Harry concentrated on the feel of Snape
pressed against him as he let his eyes follow the extension of his own arm out
in front of him. Snape’s hand trailed down it strengthening the weakening arm
before the powerful, long potion stained fingers wrapped around Harry’s own
grip on the wand, tightening the grasp once again. “Find it Harry. Use it.”
Harry stared at Snape’s fingers wrapped around his own on the wand still
pointed at Riddle.
Shifting his gaze Harry followed the golden arc of his own magic across the
room to where Riddle was stood, clearly angry by Snape’s sudden appearance.
Harry met the angry red gaze of the elder wizard with his own green eyes
suddenly pleased he could no longer feel Voldemort in his mind.
“This changes nothing Potter! Die!” It was Riddle’s turn to scream now his
anger fueling his magic as the green arc tightened on its golden brother.
“No. Fuck you Tom Riddle.” Harry breathed out as he blinked, his eyes turning
the brilliant violet colour, having found the tingle of magic Snape had spoken
of. Harry knew the feeling, having experienced it each and every time Snape and
he had made love. It was raw and unstable but it made him feel alive as if he
was soaring in the clouds atop his broom. The rush of magic that shot through
his body had him shaking and had it not been for Snape holding on to him he
would have fallen back to the floor. The purple tendrils of magic spiraled from
Harry’s wand splitting the darkness as they sought out their target.
Unprepared for the new magic Tom faltered as the purple tendrils hit him in the
chest robbing him of breath and causing him to buckle. The green arc of magic
faded and Harry was assaulted suddenly by a wave of magic and memories causing
him to spasm in Snape’s arms. Snape held himself firm, his strong arm not
letting go of Harry even as he felt his young mate engulfed by Tom’s memories
and magic. It was as if the vampire in him was taking back from Riddle what the
wizard had stolen for the innocent child so long ago. Finally though Snape felt
Harry weakening and with his own hand wrapped around Harry’s hand he flicked
the boy’s wand and sent a disarming charm across the room to Riddle. Tom fell
to his knees his wand spiraling out of his hand and into the darkness of the
rest of the room.
Harry could barely stand as he stared at Tom’s prone form. The wizard was
kneeling before him his head hung against his chest his hair hanging in long
messy tendrils about his face. In the silence Harry could only now hear his own
rapid breathing the icy cold air causing a mist cloud to form in front of him.
The silence was broken by laughter and Harry could hardly believe it as he
watched Tom raise his head to stare at him in sick amusement. Tom stared coldly
right down the length of Harry’s still pointed wand, Snape’s grip over Harry’s
hand on the wand not wavering.
“You’ve become exactly what you were fighting against!” Riddle cackled
hysterically the sound clearly born from a sick mind. “Welcome to the dark side
Potter! How does it feel being a one of us?” Riddle’s voice was screechy and
high pitched as he spat blood out onto the floor his white teeth stained red.
“No.” Harry had begun to shake in Snape’s embrace and the vampire could feel
Tom’s last ditch attempts at invading Harry’s mind and corrupting him.
“Come on Potter! Finish the job. You’ve taken my magic and its clear you’re one
of them so complete the circle. Kill Me!” Riddle was screaming now, an amused
laugh choking in his throat as he dared Harry to kill him using Riddle’s own
magic. Harry could feel Tom’s magic and knowledge swirling around inside of him
but he fought it as he began to shake his head. He would not do this. He would
not become what Riddle wanted him to be. He would not kill Tom Riddle.
“Noooooo!” Harry screamed back at Tom, the wizard before him still staring at
Harry and laughing in madness.
Suddenly from the darkness Snape caught the flash of a vampire cloak and before
he could move a silver streak swung through the air.
The sound of the sword as it slammed down into Riddle’s back was sickening and
Snape unconsciously sucked in a deep breath as he tightened his hold on Harry.
Both Harry and Snape watched as the silver sword slid through Riddle like he
was made of nothing before the bloodied tip thrust out from his chest. Riddle’s
eyes widened impossibly in surprise as his hands came up to clutch uselessly to
the sword tip buried in his chest. Harry’s gaze never left Riddle’s as he
watched the dark wizard die before him. Blood pooled at the corner of Riddle’s
mouth before the wizard took his final breath and fell sideways into the rubble
that had once been Harry’s dorm room. Riddle’s death was surprisingly
uneventful and Harry didn’t dare breathe as he stared at the body now slumped
before him, almost expecting something else to happen.
“Sorry, it took me a while to find Godric’s sword.” Snape could hardly believe
his eyes as he watched the figure pull off the hood of the vampire cloak to
reveal a very familiar blonde mop of hair.
“Draco!” Snape gasped out in genuine surprise his arms falling away from
Harry’s body now that the threat had passed.
“Godfather.” Draco smiled coyly at Snape before nodding his head in the
direction of Harry. “I couldn’t have Saint Bloody Potter with blood on his
hands now could I?” Draco whispered as he looked from the pair of wizards
across the room back at his own hands. His hands were drenched in Riddle’s
blood from where he’d plunged the sword into the dark wizard. “Figured us
Malfoy’s are already guilty. Oh damn…” Draco shrugged his shoulders at Snape
before bending over and proceeding to vomit spectacularly onto the floor.
Leaving Harry’s side Snape quickly negotiated his way over the piles of mess to
Draco and knelt beside the blonde, his hand soothing the young wizards back as
he continued to vomit.
“Always the drama queen.” Snape whispered as he watched Draco sit back up and
wipe his mouth with the sleeve of his robe. “Well done Draco.” Snape hugged
Draco tightly to his chest causing the blonde to smile genuinely happy for the
first time in a long time. Draco remained in Snape’s hug enjoying the rarely
bestowed love from his elder having never really experienced it from his own
parents.
Snape felt the change in the air coming before it happened and he automatically
stiffened around Draco as he glanced up from the blonde to Harry across the
room.
Harry wasn’t sure what was happening but as he stared at Voldemort’s body he
felt his own begin to fail and his breath being ripped from his body. Unable to
speak Harry felt himself falling to the floor beside Voldemort as a swirl of
icy wind swept around the room again.
“Harry!” Snape was yelling and Harry couldn’t breathe as he lay beside
Voldemort the other wizards vacant gaze staring at him. “Fight it!” Harry
wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do as he watched a soft ghostly blue mist
begin escaping from Tom’s slightly parted lips. From his own lips the same mist
began escaping but in a soft green colour. Harry began convulsing, his body
spasming as Snape held him tightly to his chest helplessly watching as the twin
ghostly mists began rising from the two wizards up into the swirling wind.
“Don’t leave me! Fight it for fucks sake, fight it!” Snape was screaming
hysterically now as he shook Harry forcefully willing the boy to wake up and
fight even as the twin mists danced together in the air above them.
"What do I do?” Draco screamed at his godfather from across the room as he
watched Voldemort’s body begin to turn to ash and get swept up into the swirl
of mists and wind above Harry and Snape.
“Get help!” Snape screamed back at his godson already feeling the life slipping
from his mate while he held Harry uselessly. “Please Harry, fight it!” Snape
was still screaming as he took Harry’s face in his hands, drawing the younger
wizard up to him to place a tender kiss on his now cold blue lips. “Please
Harry don’t leave me.” Snape whispered his voice disappearing into the roar of
the wind as the ash and soft colored clouds swept out of the broken windows of
the dorm leaving a deathly silence in their wake. “Harry?” In the silence Snape
stared at his mate lying motionless in his arms. The green eyes had turned
vacant and Harry’s cold blue lips lay partly open the soft exhale of air gone.
“Merlin…” Draco watched in horror as his godfather tried to look for a pulse
but when he found nothing he collapsed in a sobbing heap over Harry’s body. The
sound of his godfathers cries of anguish were heartbreaking and Draco felt
himself collapse to the floor, tears flooding his own eyes as he stared at the
sight before him. The blonde could hardly believe it. Surely fate would not be
so cruel. Curling up Draco began to sob mirroring Snape’s heartbreak as they
sat together in the darkness of the cold dorm room not knowing what to do next.
***** Breathing Underwater *****
CHAPTER 48 (Breathing Underwater)
The soft sound pierced the silence of the warm room drawing his attention from
his book. He stood up abruptly from his seat by the fire and strode quickly
over to the bed. The prone form amongst the beautiful silk white sheets lay
silent for a second before letting out a sharp gasping intake of breath. The
effort of the breath made the body snap up from the bed and he quickly knelt up
beside the form to sooth the effort.
“Shhh, little one. Breathe.” He soothed his hand over the scared forehead of
his younger charge, smiling as he watched the ragged breathing finally even
out. “Harry?” Daring to hope he spoke softly to the brown haired boy in the bed
and watched as the long lashes fluttered against his cheeks. “Slowly.” He
whispered again as he removed his wand from inside the sleeve of his shirt and
flicked it at the drapes of the window, closing them. In the darkened room he
watched as the eyes finally flickered open and he smiled widely at the green
gaze staring back at him.
“Severus?” Harry’s voice was hoarse from lack of use and Octavia chuckled
softly above him.
“Alas no fledgling. Severus does not cope well with loss. You will have to
content yourself with me as your nurse maid for a little while.” Octavia’s
smile was warm and understanding as he helped Harry sit up, careful to prop the
boy up with several fluffy pillows. Breathing hurt and Harry swallowed in pain
as he adjusted to the new position in bed. “It will take you a little while to
get used to it again.” Octavia slid off the bed and moved over to the armchair
and table that had been set up by the fireplace. A pillow and blanket was
draped over the back of the armchair and several empty plates and cups were
stacked on the table, as if someone had been staying there for a considerable
time. “Here. I had these brewed for you.” Harry watched as Octavia collected
two vials of potion from an ornate apocathary box above the fireplace. “They
will help with the pain.” Harry nodded as Octavia approached before dutifully
swallowing each vial of potion, coughing with the effort of it.
“I’m really hot.” Harry whispered suddenly realizing that he was sweating and
panting which was difficult considering his problems with breathing.
“I’m afraid there’s no potion to fix that but I can put you in a bath to sooth
the fever until it passes.” Nodding, Harry allowed Octavia to gently lift him
from the bed and carry him through the bedroom and into the bathroom. Harry
gently wrapped his arms around Octavia’s neck comfortable in the strong embrace
of the vampire.
“What’s with all the blood vials?” Harry whispered against Octavia’s neck as he
took in the beautiful bedroom over Octavia’s shoulder, noting acutely the large
collection of empty blood vials stacked in boxes by the door in the main
bedroom.
“Snape.” Octavia muttered cryptically as he gently lowered Harry onto the step
into the sunken marble bathtub. Harry allowed Octavia to gently pull the grey
nightshirt off over his head leaving him naked before he carefully slid himself
down into the gloriously cool water of the bath. Octavia sat himself down on
the step Harry had vacated to carefully watch over his charge. Harry closed his
eyes and let the soothing water calm the heat of his skin for a long moment
before he finally opened his eyes to look up at Octavia.
“You’re a bit blurry.” Harry muttered as he scowled aware now that he didn’t
have his glasses on. Octavia whispered the wandless charm and Harry found
himself quickly re-acquainted with his glasses bringing the beautiful bathroom
and Octavia back into focus. “Wow this is a beautiful bathroom.” Putting voice
to his thoughts Harry smiled innocently as Octavia chuckled in amusement.
“Thank you. I like this room too. It gets the sun in the winter and has great
light to read. It was Severus’ favourite place to come to when he stayed with
me.” Octavia reached across and grabbed a soft cloth and a musky scented soap.
“That was of course before the ministry confiscated all suspected vampire
associated assets.” Harry dutifully moved forward and allowed Octavia space to
begin gently washing his back with the cloth and soap.
“So we’re in your house?” Harry prompted relaxing completely at the gentle
attention that Octavia was paying him.
“Yes.” Octavia whispered concentrating on his job of keeping Harry cool in the
water but at the same time silently assessing the boy’s health. “It is my
family estate in Wales. I grew up here before my father was suspected of being
a vampire and we were forced to flee. You and Severus are my guests until such
time as Severus’ property and assets are returned to him. I hear Dumbledore is
advocating his innocence in regard to Voldemort’s Deatheaters.” Harry smiled
silently, knowing well that the least Dumbledore could do was defend Snape’s
role as spy during Voldemort’s reign.
“What’s happened since…well you know?” Harry glanced over his shoulder at
Octavia. Octavia knew it was coming and had wondered why the boy had taken so
long to get to the point.
“Lots.” Octavia answered cheekily, causing Harry to groan at the comment.
“I’m serious Octavia. I can’t remember anything after Draco killed…..” Harry
trailed off his body stiffening in horror at the memories of what had happened
in the dorm room.
“Calm yourself little one.” Octavia sensing the change in Harry, soothed his
hand across Harry’s back before helping the boy to sink lower into the cool
water, his head resting on a towel so that he could look up at the elder
vampire. “He is gone Harry, that much has not changed. As for everything else…
well let us just say, the world is a little different now.” Harry frowned but
didn’t speak as he waited for Octavia to continue. “You have been gone from us
for six weeks. Suspended in the world between the living and the dead.”
“I was dead?” Harry whispered, Octavia’s previous comment about Snape now
seeming to make sense.
“Not exactly.” Octavia shook his head in thought before continuing. “Vampires
are notoriously hard to kill, that is why we are referred to as immortal. From
what little information I’ve managed to gather these last few weeks, when you
used vampire talent to fight Riddle your magic took back from Riddle what he
took from you all those years ago. The vampire in you sought out the power he
stole and simply took it back, leaving him powerless and vulnerable. However
when our dear Draco Malfoy ran the little bastard through with Godric's sword
he inadvertently killed you as well, through the magical link you shared with
Voldemort.” Octavia paused and let Harry absorb the information for a moment
before going on. “Of course you would have died had you not been made a
vampires mate. Severus’ blood has kept you on the precipice for weeks and we
have all been waiting to see if you had enough fight left in you to return to
us.”
“So those blood vials are Severus’ blood and I’ve been drinking it?” Harry
shuddered in abhorrence his gag reflex causing him to dry heave in the tub.
Octavia rolled his eyes and reached into the tub gently lifting Harry’s arm out
of the water to show him the purple bruises at the crook of his elbow.
“Transfusions actually.” Octavia corrected mildly irritated that Harry still
had not gotten over his clear aversion to blood. “That and your Gryffindor
fighting spirit pulled you through. I had faith you had something to fight
for.”
“You mean Severus?” Harry blushed coyly and Octavia smiled crookedly at the
brown haired boy.
“Him too.” Octavia supplied cryptically not giving Harry time to question the
strange comment before he continued. “Suffice to say you have impressed me
Harry Potter with your tenacity to reclaim your life. Most fully matured
vampires would not have weathered such an ordeal and survived as well as you
seem to have done.” Harry beamed proudly as Octavia gently soothed his hand
across Harry’s cheek in pride.
“So what else has changed?” Harry whispered once the moment between them had
come to an end.
“This and that.” Octavia shrugged as he stood up slowly from the step to the
bathtub, having checked to make sure that Harry’s fever had finally settled.
“With the influx of Severus’ blood over the past six weeks and with the mix of
Riddles magic your body has been forced into early maturity, thus the fever. As
your magic settles into its new equilibrium the fevers will lessen in
intensity.” Harry nodded as Octavia gestured for him to stand up and step into
the soft fluffy towel he was holding open for him. Gingerly Harry stepped into
the towel still unsteady on his feet after his lengthy stay in bed.
“So am I a vampire now?” Harry unconsciously ran his tongue over his upper
teeth to check for points. Octavia rolled his eyes and shook his head as he
moved Harry over in front of the sink and mirror.
“You are a vampire’s mate Harry. By default you are one of us as you have
vampire blood running through your veins and thus have inherited some of our
magic and traits.” Octavia paused and adjusted Harry’s glasses on his face and
brushed the unruly mop of hair out of his face. “You must be a pureblood
vampire to inherit blood lust so you will never have that particular trait.
However a little of Severus’ blood every once in a while keeps you safe Harry,
so suck it up.” Harry nodded in understanding as he looked up at Octavia who
stared down at him pointedly.
“So nothing bad has happened from me having all that blood from Severus?” Harry
queried watching carefully as Octavia grimaced slightly.
“Not exactly but you are one of a kind Harry. This sort of thing can’t really
be predicted.” Harry’s fear rose as Octavia moved to the side, finally allowing
Harry to see his reflection in the mirror.
“Shit.” Harry muttered as he stared at his reflection. Gone was the emerald
green gaze he’d inherited from his mother and in its place was a violet gaze
with little flecks of gold. “Will it go away?” Harry leaned in closer to
inspect his newly coloured eyes knowing that his eyes had always changed back
to green after the vampire in him had settled.
“I don’t think so.” Octavia mused intently cautious of Harry’s reaction to the
news. “It was unexpected but I’m guessing it has something to do with Tom. In
his absence I believe a little bit of Severus has replaced him. A good thing I
think in my opinion. Severus really is an exceptionally powerful vampire.”
Octavia concluded as he allowed Harry one last look at himself in the mirror
before guiding him back out into the warmth of the bedroom.
“I guess there’s no hiding I’m a vampire now.” Harry muttered as he sat down on
the edge of the bed still a little tired. Octavia huffed an amused chuckle as
he began selecting clothes for Harry to wear out of the closet.
“Do not worry yourself Harry things have changed in that regard too.” Harry
finished drying himself as Octavia came over to help him dress in the robes
he’d selected. “Fudge’s council turned against him after you and your band of
fool hardy students took off to fight Riddle. The aurors took direction under
Dumbledore, myself and Severus to come to your aid, while we left Arthur to
sort out the Ministry.” Harry stood as Octavia helped him into the soft grey
trousers and white shirt. “That wizard has a natural gift for diplomacy and as
such he is the forerunner for next fortnight’s elections as Minister for Magic.
He is proposing mandatory integration programs to ensure understanding between
wizards, creatures, vampires and muggles.” Harry smiled glad that Arthur
Weasley was sorting out the old prejudices that had longed plagued the
wizarding world. “While he is caretaking the position, he has also seen fit to
return the vampire assets and has included vampire and dark creature history in
the curriculum for Hogwarts students once it is rebuilt.” Octavia buttoned
Harry into his shirt and waistcoat before draping a beautiful emerald green
robe around his body. Harry admired the robe and fingered the beautiful silver
crest embroidered on the point of the collar. “Snape’s family crest.” Octavia
explained as he smoothed out the creases in the material before kneeling so
that he could slip Harry’s feet into a pair of dragon hide boots.
“Is he okay?” Harry queried as Octavia stood up and took a step back to assess
Harry’s appearance. Octavia met Harry’s nervous violet gaze with a sympathetic
one of his own.
“He is distant, cold and moody.” Octavia spoke matter of factly as he reached
out and took Harry’s hand in his own.
“No change from usual then.” Harry chuckled weakly causing Octavia to smile at
the joke.
“Indeed.” Octavia paused and tightened his hold on Harry’s hand. “Severus has
seen a lot of death. He has lost loved ones before and knows pain. He closes
himself off when things get too much for him. He has not handled your absence
well. On top of his new responsibilities within the council he has struggled
and I was wondering if he hadn’t lost hope.” Harry nodded as Octavia squeezed
his hand in comfort. “But he will be well once he sees you.” Octavia brightened
and let Harry’s hand go to move towards the door leading from the bedroom.
“Unfortunately the house elves will have informed your friends and family that
you have awoken, so I expect quite a crowd downstairs.” Octavia opened the door
to the hallway and Harry took a shallow breath in testing his lungs to ensure
he wasn’t still in pain. “Lupin has not left the house since you were brought
here. His presence has done nothing for Severus’ mood.”
“Sorry.” Harry whispered guiltily knowing well that Octavia had probably had
little choice but to accept Remus’ presence in his house while ever he was
here.
“No trouble, I understand that your family situation is complicated.” Harry
blushed as Octavia closed the door to the bedroom behind them and offered Harry
his arm for support. Feeling suddenly very unsure of himself Harry took
Octavia’s offered arm surprising himself by how he needed the help. “I will
attempt to move the group on as soon as I am able but you must tell me if you
are feeling not well and I will have them removed immediately.” Harry nodded as
they followed the grand, candle lit hallway before descending the large wooden
staircase into an impressive receiving hall.
Harry could already hear the excitedly loud chatter of his friends and family
as Octavia led him towards the closed doors of the library. Like always Harry
was an open book and Octavia smiled to himself as he read the boys mind easily.
Despite the vampire blood running through his veins Harry really was a truly
terrible occlument. A house elf popped in front of Harry and Octavia as they
approached the wooden door and Harry smiled his thanks to the little creature
who dutifully opened the door for them.
“Calm, shallow breathing until your lungs have regained their strength.”
Octavia warned as he and Harry stepped into library. No sooner had Harry
stepped into the library than his eyes flickered around the room seeking out
his mate. They found the tall, austere figure standing by the window his arms
locked behind him and his gaze lost out into the sunshine of a garden beyond.
Harry felt his heart swell as the closing of the door behind him had Snape
spinning around to face him. Their gaze met across the room and Harry felt the
prickle of tears in his eyes as a feeling of relief rose in his chest. Snape
looked just as perfect as he had done the night they’d been at the Ministry.
The vampire was stood up in cream coloured slacks, a white collared shirt
rolled to his elbows and brown dragon hide boots with silver buckles. His hair
was neatly pulled back at the nape of his neck and tied with a simple white
ribbon. He looked a little tired and drawn but was no less gorgeous. ‘Sin
wrapped in chinos.’ Harry thought to himself unable to stop the smirk from
reaching his lips even as tears fell down his cheeks. It seemed for a second as
though Snape would move towards him but before he could Harry was swept up in
an excited talking crowd of friends and family. Harry lost sight of Snape in
the crush and so he resigned himself to dealing with the others questions and
hugs one by one. Snape would have to wait.
***** Lost *****
CHAPTER 49 (Lost)
“Now lunch at the Burrow tomorrow.” Mrs. Weasley declared pointedly as she
allowed Octavia to lead her from the library. Slowly as the afternoon had
dragged on Harry had dutifully spoken to, sat with and answered questions of
all his friends and family. It was exhausting and Harry had not been given a
spare moment to see Snape in the constant stream of well wishes. Harry sat
himself down tiredly on the chaise as Octavia escorted the last of the
chattering Weasley clan from the library, leaving only Tonks, Remus, Draco and
Snape left in the library.
“You look tired Harry; sorry we all needed to make sure you were okay.” Remus
spoke calmly as he perched himself down on the chaise beside his best friends
son. “You had me worried.” Lupin breathed out as he leaned in and hugged Harry
tightly.
“Will you be okay here Harry? Remus and I were going to go back to Grimmauld
Place tonight to continue the repairs.” Tonks smiled down at Harry who looked
up calmly from Remus’ hug.
“But only if you’re okay though.” Remus confirmed as he glanced over to the
window where Snape’s figure was still stood by the window, his back to the
room. Harry was sure Snape had heard the implication in Lupin’s tone of voice
and Harry sighed heavily at the wolf.
“I’ll be fine Remus.” Harry croaked watching as Snape’s shoulders stiffened
marginally at his mates comment. With reluctant hugs and yet another
confirmation that he would be attending the lunch with the Weasley’s at The
Burrow tomorrow, both Tonks and Lupin left. Harry took a deep breath and winced
painfully, the pain potion having worn off some time ago. In the silence Harry
sat and stared at Snape’s turned back, nervous all of a sudden at what would
come next. Sensing the tension Draco stood up from the armchair by the fire as
he glanced between his godfather and Harry.
“I’m going to go fire call Hermione and tell her you’re okay. I’m glad you’re
back Potter.” Draco smiled as he gave Harry a firm hug before glancing
cautiously back at his godfather. “My rooms down the hall from yours if you
need me.” Harry nodded understandingly as Draco patted him gently on the
shoulder before scurrying out of the library and closing the door behind him.
The library was silent now and Harry slumped a little on the chaise and closed
his eyes suddenly tired. Taking another painful breath Harry opened his eyes
and glanced across at Snape. The vampire had turned around from the window, the
sun now just setting behind him in the garden. Harry met Snape’s gaze once more
and then watched as Snape’s cold, expressionless mask crumbled. Tears fell like
rain down the man’s cheeks as he stared at his mate. It was the first genuine
display of emotion Harry had ever seen in the elder wizard.
“Severus.” Harry got to his feet and strode confidently across the library
floor, easily falling into Snape’s tight embrace. Harry felt Snape inhale
deeply above him his face buried in the top of Harry’s hair as the boy snuggled
into his chest. For a long time Harry merely stood in Snape’s presence allowing
the elder wizard to simply hold him in comfort while he brought his emotions
back under control. Harry knew Snape was a man of pride and he would not
appreciate Harry drawing attention to his moment of weakness. As the sun
finally set in the window behind them, Snape reluctantly loosened his hug on
Harry’s person allowing the boy to draw back from him slightly. Harry cocked
his head back and smiled up at Severus admiring the handsome features of his
mate.
“I thought I’d lost you.” Snape whispered as he brought his hand up in an
attempt to tame Harry’s unruly hair just as Octavia had done earlier.
“You should be so lucky, it takes a lot more to kill Harry Bloody Potter.”
Harry croaked his voice finally cracking with overuse and his chest rattling in
pain causing him to cough weakly. “Can we sit?” Harry pleaded. Having just
remembered Harry’s situation Snape instantly snapped into action drawing Harry
across the room back over to the chaise where he dutifully helped his young
mate to lie down, a pillow under his head.
“Are you feeling okay? Has Octavia explained what happened?” Harry chuckled and
nodded his assertion to Severus’ insistent questioning. “I’ll get you a drink.”
Snape went to stand up from the chaise but Harry reached across and firmly took
hold of the vampires’ hand, pulling him to a stop.
“I’d prefer a pain potion if you wouldn’t mind, my chest aches but I don’t want
you to go.” Harry tightened his fingers around Snape’s and the vampire simply
nodded and sat himself back down beside Harry on the chaise. Snape drew his
wand from a side pocket on the band of his trousers and flicked it once with a
muttered charm. With a crackle an ordinary looking house elf appeared before
them nervously tugging his ears as he looked to the vampire as if it might get
eaten.
“A pain potion for Mister Potter. Check with Master Octavius first as he may
have one already prepared.” Snape was rather demanding and sharp to the elf and
Harry frowned a little wondering why Snape was unusually terse with the
creature. The elf pulled his ears and nodded its oversized head in
understanding before disappearing from the library with a pop. When the elf had
gone Harry went to question Snape’s terseness but was cut off as Snape supplied
a reply to the unspoken question. “Please don’t lecture me on house elves
Harry. Kringle has been in the service to Octavaius’ family for as long as I
can remember and is quite insane. Were it not for his unyielding loyalty and
ability to run the house Octavia would have gotten rid of him years ago. You
need to be firm and precise with your instructions or the message gets lost in
translation.” Harry chuckled and shook his head, amused that Snape knew him so
well as to predict what he was going to question.
“Octavius said that Dumbledore is petitioning for you to have your family
assets returned to you.” Harry was unsure why he felt nervous in Snape’s
presence and struggled to find small talk in the silence of the library. Snape
had made no move to address the tension between them and was merely staring at
Harry as if he might suddenly disappear again.
“Yes. There is Snape manor in Ireland and a cottage in the south of France that
belonged to my family which I am eager to have possession of. Along with
several Gringotts vaults that were confiscated from my father in the early days
of my families association with Riddle.” Snape’s comment was clipped and short
not leaving any room for further discussion. Harry chewed his lip nervously as
they fell into silence again, the awkward tension stretching between them as
Snape continued to stare at him. After five minutes of staring and silence
Harry could handle it no longer having never experienced such awkwardness
between him and Snape before, even when they’d first been establishing their
relationship.
“Um. Have I done something wrong? Why do you keep staring at me? Don’t you…….”
Harry paused and went to pull his hand free of Snape’s suddenly feeling very
much like he was being rejected. “…not want me anymore.” Harry finished his
voice trailing off as his gaze fell to the floor not willing to meet Snape’s
gaze. Harry had expected a different reaction when Snape had finally gotten him
alone and he couldn’t help feel the disappointment begin to swell inside of
him. Sensing Harry’s changing mood Snape immediately cursed himself for his
stupidity and the insensitivity he’d shown towards the boy.
“No, nothing’s wrong Harry. I’m just worried you might be rethinking your
decision to become my mate? You’re free now the war is over. I thought perhaps
you would want to go back to your old life.” Snape trailed off as he gestured
to Harry’s lavender eyes by way of explanation, watching carefully as Harry
shook his head vehemently.
“I wouldn’t trade this for anything, not now. I was meant to be your mate or
else I wouldn’t have survived the war.” Harry paused and chewed his lip
nervously. “I can’t say I would have chosen you as the person I’d fall in love
with but I know now I can’t live without you.”
“Love?” Snape raised a perfect eyebrow in Harry’s direction, a smirk quirking
at the corner of his lips as he focused on the one word Harry had used. A rosy
red blush crept into Harry’s cheeks as he lowered his gaze coyly away from
Snape having never actually said the words.
“Trust you to find amusement in that. Harry Potter loves Severus Snape, there I
said it.” Harry declared defiantly suddenly very nervous that Snape didn’t feel
the same way about him. “You don’t have to say it back. I know this whole
situation is just to ensure a convenient snack.” Harry looked away from Snape
and was surprised when he felt Snape reach over and cup his face in his hands
drawing the boy fully around so that he was forced to meet Snape’s gaze mere
inches from his own.
“We past convenient snack a long time ago Harry, I thought I made myself clear
the last time we had this discussion.” Harry closed his eyes automatically as
he felt Snape flick his tongue softly across his lips, the ghost of the
vampire’s breath against his cheek causing goosebumps to break out over his
sensitive skin. “Besides was it not love, you would not be carrying my heir.”
Snape whispered against Harry’s lips softly nibbling the flesh as he flicked
his tongue teasingly against Harry’s.
“What!” It took a moment for Snape’s comment to sink into Harry’s lust filled
thoughts but when it did his eyes sprang open in disbelieving shock.
“Enough, we’ll discuss it later. Now shut up and let me show you just how much
I love you.” Snape cut Harry off once more as his mouth closed over Harry’s
taking advantage of the boys shocked gasp to thrust his tongue into to warm wet
cavern of the boy’s mouth. All rational thought left Harry’s mind as he focused
on Snape’s expert attentions. The vampire was simply amazing and Harry melted
into Snape’s arms. Never would anyone ever have believed Snape was such an
expert at this considering the potions masters fearsome reputation among
Hogwarts students. The very thought of how different his schooling career would
have been had he known about Snape earlier made him laugh. Snape paused in his
ministrations to look up at Harry from where he was currently divesting the boy
of his trousers.
“Sorry just a thought.” Harry chuckled again as he reached down and brushed a
stray stand of hair that had fallen free of Snape’s ribbon, away from his face.
“Care to share it?” Snape queried as he raised a curious eyebrow up at his
lover.
“Not really it’s kind of pervy.” Harry muttered as a blush crept up into his
cheeks. Snape’s smile turned deviant as he whispered a charm to remove the rest
of the boy’s clothes, tired of undressing Harry by hand.
“More pervy then having your potions professor suck your brains out through
your prick?” Snape’s voice deepened as he lowered himself down Harry’s body and
flicked his tongue against Harry’s tip. Harry had quite forgotten that Snape
was capable of reading his thoughts and already knew what he’d been thinking
about.
“Nope.” Harry squeaked before he groaned as Snape engulfed his cock with one
long suck.
Harry wasn’t sure how long he lasted but before he knew it he was cumming in
thick tendrils down Snape’s throat. Harry’s hands tightened in Snape’s hair
ruining the perfectly brushed silken locks, as he called out Severus’ name.
Harry’s chest ached in pain but he ignored it as he felt himself being flipped
over, his head resting on the pillows of the chaise and his hands being
positioned to hold the arm of the chair as he knelt. Everywhere Snape touched
felt as if it was on fire and Harry whimpered and mewled softly, desperate as
Snape positioned himself and thrust inside his mate. Despite the pain Harry
cried out in elation as he felt Snape’s unrestrained thrusts against him, the
man’s fingers digging into his hips surely causing bruises on the pale skin.
Unsurprisingly Snape lasted much longer than Harry had but it was with a cry of
pure ecstasy that Snape finally came, pushing Harry over the edge once more as
the heat flooded inside of him.
“Fuck.” Snape cursed against the side of Harry’s neck as the boy fell limp
beneath him having clearly passed out, no doubt with a mixture of pain,
exhaustion and pleasure. With a satisfied smirk Snape sat back on the chaise
and gentle moved Harry’s limp naked body into a more comfortable position on
the lounge. Snape let his gaze wander unashamedly over Harry’s supple youthful
frame, allowing himself the luxury to drink in every inch of the boy’s body.
“Beautiful.” Snape whispered beneath his breath as tucked his hair back behind
his ears before flicking his tongue out over his pointed incisors. Lowering
himself towards Harry’s exposed inner thigh Snape was intent on feeding but he
paused mid bite when a familiar voice broke the silence of the library.
“Don’t even think about it, he and your child need every drop while he’s still
healing.” Snape growled over his shoulder at Octavia. Octavia merely folded his
arms across his chest and shook his head unmoved by Snape’s dominate display
towards him. “Put your fangs away Severus, you know I’ll win.” Snape raised a
dubious eyebrow in Octavia’s direction and for the briefest of moments Severus
was sure Octavia questioned his own ability to live up to the threat, now that
Snape had finally come into his own matured vampire talent.
“Really?” Snape poked in jest breaking the moment of tension between his mentor
and himself. Octavia visibly relaxed and rolled his eyes at his charge as he
crossed the library towards the liquor cabinet by the fire.
“Perhaps but let’s not test the theory. I’d rather not have a pissing
competition over Harry, when you clearly know I am of no threat.” Octavia
glanced over his shoulder at Snape who was carefully dressing himself again,
uncaring of his mentor’s privy to his nakedness. Snape grabbed a blanket from
another of the reading chairs and draped it carefully over Harry before joining
his mentor by the fire and accepting the offered glass of whisky.
“I did bring him a pain potion but it seems you’ve found a much more inventive
cure to the boy’s distress.” Octavia sat down in the plush velvet armchair by
the fire gesturing for Snape to do the same. Obliging Snape sat and spared
Harry a glance to see that he was still passed out before engaging his mentor
in conversation. Over the past six weeks he’d talked to hardly anyone so
consumed was he by Harry’s ongoing fight for his life in the bedroom upstairs.
Now however Snape knew he had to face some of the things Octavia had brushed
aside for him to save his and Harry’s privacy. “He fucks like a little minx by
the way. I was quite enthralled by the sight.” Octavia waved his hand casually
at Harry causing Snape to roll his eyes and sigh heavily. He had been far too
enraptured by Harry to notice anyone who had stepped into the library.
“I’m glad I could oblige your fantasy.” Snape muttered coolly as he sipped at
his whisky. He himself was not unaccustomed to an audience during intimate
moments but he assumed Harry had neither the experience nor the desire to be
watched when having sex.
“Indeed but I would advise checking him Severus. He needs time to process
everything that has happened. Have you told him yet?” Octavia muttered as he
sipped from his whisky carefully assessing Snape’s reaction to the question.
“Of course.” Snape snapped abruptly before trailing off as he realized that
Octavia didn’t believe him. “In a manner of words.” Snape trailed off as he
gulped a mouthful of whisky avoiding Octavia’s stern gaze.
“If you do not tell him, I will. He needs to be prepared for what is coming. It
will not take long for the press to grab a hold of the information, what a
front page that will make. ‘Harry Potter – The Boy Who Defeated Voldemort,
pregnant and vampire.’ The damage control needed will be immense.” Octavia
paused and watched as Snape sighed and nodded in reluctant acceptance. Despite
isolating himself and Harry over the past six weeks, the public were now
demanding an audience with The Boy Who Lived. Draco had played the role of
unlikely hero well and had taken a lot of the publicity in the past six weeks.
“The council is expecting you to re-take your families seat. We need to provide
a united front if we are to change the wizarding worlds perceptions about our
people.” Snape chewed his bottom lip in silent contemplation as he listened to
Octavius’ accurate summation of the situation between the wizarding world and
vampires.
“I don’t want him to be a pawn in this game Octavia, he deserves to be left in
peace.” Octavia sighed at Snape’s declaration and nodded in quiet
understanding.
“And he will be but we have to manage this situation carefully. If we play it
right Harry might just be the link we need to make the wizarding world accept
us. If the boy who lived can survive being a vampire’s mate then we will appear
to be less of a threat. Arthur is working to ensure compliance but there will
still be pockets of wizards that don’t accept us.” Snape shrugged his shoulders
and finished off his whisky as he stood up quietly from the armchair.
“If I am going to accept the seat on the council, then I need to sort out my
affairs. Will you watch over Harry for me while I’m gone?” Snape glanced over
his shoulder at where Harry was still passed out on the chaise lounge, his
breathing labored as he struggled with the pain in his chest.
“Of course.” Octavia finished his own drink and stood up beside Snape. “I’ll
make sure he rests.” Silently Snape thanked his mentor before he turned and
strode from the room, determined to sort out his affairs so that he could spend
as much time with Harry as possible.
Octavia watched as Snape left before sighing heavily and walking quietly over
to where Harry was lying on the lounge.
“I hope you’re ready for this rollercoaster Potter. He’s going to need you.”
Brushing his hand gently over Harry’s forehead Octavia sighed before settling
himself in the armchair to watch over his charge.
***** WTF *****
CHAPTER 50 (WTF)
“Fucking, mother fucker, piece of shit, arsehole, cock sucking dickhead…..”
Snape cringed inwardly as he leant against the hall wall beside the bedroom
door. Inside the room beyond the door he could hear Harry’s angry curses and
shouting punctuated with the sound of smashing glasses and shattering pottery.
Octavia was not going to be happy if Harry destroyed his home. It had taken
Harry several moments to register what Snape was telling him but when it had
finally sunk in the reaction had been not entirely unexpected. Going from being
the boy who lived, to the boy who defeated Voldemort to now the pregnant
vampire mate it was hardly surprising that the boy had reacted as he had. Snape
winced in sympathy as he felt the wall shudder as a particularly large object
had been thrown against the door beside him. Whatever had struck the door had
obviously shattered and cracked into a million pieces but in its wake there was
silence finally from within the room. Snape worried his bottom lip as he
debated whether to attempt to talk to his mate again. Just as Snape pushed
himself away from the wall having decided to try once again to talk to Harry,
the door to the room flew open.
“Harry I….” Snape went to speak but was cut off immediately as Harry stepped
out of the doorway and held up his hand.
“How far along am I?” Harry took a deep calming breath in as he met Snape’s
gaze.
“One to two months. It’s difficult to precisely narrow down insemination date
in males because of the magical component, which can happen at any point within
a two to four week period of mating.” Snape easily slipped into professor mode
as he precisely explained the situation Harry now found himself in. Harry took
another deep breath obviously still upset. “But really Harry you’re missing the
point, you need to….” Harry once again cut Snape off by holding up his hand in
Snape’s face, very clearly not in the mood.
“I need to do nothing Severus. What I need is to understand what I’m going to
do now? This wasn’t exactly in the plan for my post war celebrations.” Harry
muttered irritably as he unconsciously ran his hands over his stomach.
“What we are going to do.” Snape corrected cautiously as he watched Harry
quietly contemplate his slightly rounded stomach. “The council believes we
should organize an interview to tell our side of the story before, this gets
leaked.” Snape reached forward and pressed his own hand gently against Harry’s
on the boy’s stomach.
“The council can go fuck themselves and what You can do is go and get me
Darius.” Harry once again held his hand in Snape’s face to stop the
conversation. Harry inwardly cringed trying not to let his angry expression
drop despite the fact that Snape’s gaze had turned a deep purple color and his
expression had begun to darken.
“May I remind you Potter,” Snape growled. The points of his incisors had
dropped below the curl of his lip. “The council of Vampires is what turned the
tide of the war and of which I am now a member.” Harry couldn’t help but take a
step backwards as Snape rose to his full imposing height, the mild manner now
disappearing behind the pissed off vampire façade. “I suggest you think very
carefully about your next choice of words.” Snape’s voice had mellowed and
Harry cringed as his mate dared him to continue with the conversation.
“And I suggest you put the fangs away and go and get me Darius before I and our
vampire child walk out that front door and into the waiting arms of the media.”
Harry steeled himself against the rising temper on Snape’s face.
“Potter, are you blackmailing me?” Harry knew he was pushing it but simply
shrugged his shoulders trying to ignore the creeping feeling of fear that
spread up his spine as Snape’s posture stiffened.
“No, We’re mates remember. I’m simply manipulating you into doing as I say just
like you and Octavius have been doing to me.” Harry declared as he bravely
turned and headed back into his bedroom. Snape went to yell at Harry’s
retreating form but was stopped mid yell as Harry turned back and held up his
hand to indicate he wasn’t finished. “Oh and go get me some of that peppermint
choc-chip ice-cream that Draco likes, I’m eating for two now…” Harry waved two
fingers in front of Snape’s murderous expression before turning and retreating
into the bedroom, slamming and warding the door behind him before Snape could
reply.
“Ouch, he’s got attitude and a baby on the way.” Snape spun around instantly at
the sound of a voice behind him. Draco was standing in the hallway eating a
bowl of ice-cream. Draco looked up just in time from his bowl as Snape raised
his wand his expression angry. “Fuck………Octavius! Harry pissed off Snape and
he’s going to kill me!” Draco dropped the bowl of ice-cream and ran like the
wind down the corridor, calling Octavius’ name. Snape was left muttering curses
and expletives beneath his breath as he strode down the corridor after Draco.
****************************
“You should still be exercising regularly. This crap isn’t going to help the
process.” Darius swallowed the spoonful of peppermint ice-cream pulling a face
as he put the spoon back in the bowl and moved over to the garden bench where
Harry was already sat. Darius grunted a little as he leant backward lowering
himself awkwardly down on the stone bench, one hand on his back and the other
steadying his weight. Harry watched Darius’ every movement already wondering if
he would look as awkward and fat as Darius now looked, when he was pregnant.
“I just asked for it to piss him off.” Harry sighed as he turned to sit cross
legged on the stone bench facing Darius. The attractive young vampire was
gently rubbing his rounded stomach to sooth the child within. Noticing that
Harry was staring, Darius smiled and gently took Harry’s hand to press it over
the spot where the baby was kicking.
“There is a lot you need to learn about Vampires Harry.” Darius spoke calmly as
Harry smiled crookedly at the soft kick of the child before removing his hand
with a sigh. “There are traditions, expectations and cultural protocols that
you need to understand about our world.” Harry sighed heavily again. A little
part of his brain had known all those months ago when he’d agreed to be
Severus’ donor that the situation wasn’t black and white. He’d pushed the
irritatingly real facts aside for the last few months, almost believing that if
he didn’t acknowledge the truth he wouldn’t have to face it. However this
latest monumental truth had brought with it a tidal wave of new responsibility
on top of the truths he’d tried to ignore earlier.
“I know. I just for once wanted to be normal.” Harry whispered his gaze
lowering from Darius in guilt.
“There are all kinds of normal Harry. Normal is only what you make it.” Darius
watched cautiously as Harry raised his eyes slowly from where he was twisting
his hands nervously in his lap. “Severus is an extremely powerful vampire. His
family is one of the most respected among our kind. You and your child will
want for nothing. Perhaps you need to re-evaluate what is truly important
here.” Again Harry dropped his gaze suddenly feeling very stupid and selfish
all of a sudden. Knowing that his words had sunk home Darius smiled and reached
across to place a warm hand on Harry’s knee.
“I’m being ridiculous aren’t I?” Harry muttered watching as Darius shrugged his
shoulders not willing to commit to an answer. “I’m going to need help.” Harry
continued when Darius made no attempt at consoling him.
“I can teach you what you need to know Harry but it’s up to you to change your
attitude towards this new life.” Harry stood up quickly, offering a hand to
Darius as the heavily pregnant vampire struggled to stand up from the bench.
Huffing and puffing Darius finally made it to his feet with an exhausted sigh.
Once he’d recovered Darius gestured back towards the house and the pair walked
slowly beside each other down the gravel path. “All I can say Harry is that
Severus loves you. I don’t know what will happen in the future and we know we
can’t change the past, but at the very least you can accept the opportunities
offered to you and embrace the positives of your new path.” Darius waddled up
the wide stone steps back up into the conservatory at the rear of Octavius’
house. Harry paused on the top step as Darius turned around and placed a
comforting hand on his shoulder. “Look on the bright side Harry, you’re
immortal now. You’ve got a lifetime to beg forgiveness for the mistakes you
make.” Darius laughed and Harry rolled his eyes and smiled as he watched Darius
waddle off into the manor in search of his mate to take him home. Shaking his
head Harry sighed and with a final glance back at the sunset closed the doors
of the conservatory determined now more than ever to get his shit together.
***** A Brand New Day *****
CHAPTER 51 (A Brand New Day)
Harry stood quietly in front of the mirror. He took a deep breath and turned
his body to the side. With a shaky hand he smoothed out the invisible creases
of his robe as he took in his appearance.
For three weeks he’d imposed a confinement period on himself. Darius had told
him of the tradition and Harry had known then he would follow the deeply
entrenched vampire tradition. Admittedly female confinement usually lasted the
entire pregnancy but he’d merely requested three weeks. After which time he’d
finally do as the vampire council and the ministry of magic was asking of him
and meet with the public and media regarding what had happened with Voldemort
and more recently Snape.
With the exception of Darius no one had been permitted in his rooms. Everyone
had been confused by Harry’s strange request at first but once Octavius and
Darius had explained the tradition the general populace had respected his
privacy and had left him to himself. Today though was the final day of his
confinement and the three weeks he’d spent readjusting his attitude as Darius
had described it was over. For three weeks Darius had rigorously schooled him
on Vampire law and tradition. They’d practiced everything from traditional
language to magic and spells. The amount to be learnt had been immense but with
each new thing he learnt about Vampires he’d come to realize just how
privileged he was to be Severus’ mate. The history behind the laws was what
Harry had found fascinating and in some respect deeply disturbing. The shadow
wars had been a bloody mess and many of the fears that the wizarding held
regarding Vampires were based on pure lies. It had made Harry even more
determined than ever to make sure Vampires and wizards would live harmoniously
together, which meant he had to lead the way with his own behavior.
“Harry?” There was a tentative knocking on his bedroom door before Darius’
belly poked through the gap in the door long before the vampire’s smiling face
appeared. “Are you nearly ready? Severus and the council are already at the
Ministry.” Darius stepped into the room and closed the door behind him, finally
looking up at Harry in shock. “Wow.” Darius muttered as he took in Harry’s
appearance.
“Too much?” Harry whispered as he looked at Darius’ expression in the
reflection of the mirror. Darius waddled over to stand behind Harry in front of
the mirror, the elder boy’s stomach bumping Harry in the back causing Harry to
chuckle and smile at his mentor.
“Not at all, you look perfect.” Darius reached up and gently tugged on Harry’s
collar adjusting it so that he could see the new beautiful tattoo that curled
up from his shoulder to the back of his neck. It was a winged serpent that
curled around a wild vine. Darius had helped him design it, ensuring that it
encompassed aspects of his own family and Snape’s. The blood red robe hung over
a pair of tailored black pants and finely embroider white shirt. The outfit had
cost a fortune as it had been made of Vampire silk, the same material the
cloaks he and Draco had been given back in Blackpool. However Darius had
insisted that money was not an issue for this particular situation. “Don’t
stress Harry, you’ve got this. It’s all about confidence.” Harry nodded and
placed his hands over his stomach. The robe skirted and smoothed out the bump
so that he appeared no less weighty than he’d been before.
“Where’s Draco?” Harry whispered as he stepped away from the mirror to grab his
wand and tuck it carefully into the sleeve of his robe.
“In the hall waiting for you. Severus, Octavius and the council have gone ahead
to begin the official briefings. Mr. Weasley will have already been sworn in as
Minister for Magic by the time you get there.” Darius helped Harry on with the
small bat shaped pin a small token but of huge importance. The pin signified
vampire heritage and was worn in secrecy by most vampires. For the first time
since the shadow wars a vampire would openly display the pin as a sign of
heritage. It was a clear message to everyone, witch, wizard, muggle born and
vampire alike. Darius had warned him that he might be arrested just by wearing
it but with Arthur in charge of the ministry it was a risk Harry was willing to
take.
“Good?” Harry questioned when he finally felt himself ready for the brief floo
trip into the ministry. Darius nodded and opened the door out into the hallway,
where Draco was leaning against the hall waiting patiently for them.
“Merlin’s balls, you look….” Draco stood up abruptly from his position against
the wall and stared at Harry in shock.
“Jealous you’re not the only wizard that looks good in red?” Harry muttered as
he did a turn for Draco’s approving gaze. Draco blushed and self-consciously
straightened his own robes suddenly feeling a little underdressed as he stood
beside Harry.
“Are you coming with us?” Harry inquired of Darius as he followed Draco down
the grand staircase in Octavius house towards the receiving hall.
“No, I’m too close to my due date to floo and apparate and I’m too fat to fly.”
Darius sighed heavily as he waddled down the stairs behind Harry and Draco.
Draco hid a smirk behind his hand as he watched Darius and Harry both
unconsciously ran their hands over their own matching baby bumps. Admittedly
Darius looked like he was just about ready to pop, as opposed to Harry’s barely
rounded tummy, but the unconscious habit both men had developed was kind of
cute.
“Thank you for everything.” Harry turned around and embraced Darius gently once
Draco had helped him on with the vampire cloak Snape had given him before the
war.
“You’re welcome Harry. I know you’ll make Severus proud. You make a very fine
Vampire’s Mate.” Darius walked with Harry and Draco to the fireplace in the
receiving hall that was connected to the floo network. “Remember Harry,
confidence and presence. It’s all about appearing like you know what you’re
doing even if you don’t.” Harry chuckled and nodded understandingly as he took
up a handful of floo powder.
“Ready?” Draco inquired and as Harry nodded, he threw his own powder into the
fireplace and disappeared in a flame of green. With a large deep breath Harry
smiled one final time at Darius and with his own handful of floo powder
disappeared in a similar green flame as Draco’s.
“Good luck Harry Potter.” Darius whispered once the two figures had
disappeared, silently praying that everything would work out fine.
****************************
Harry stepped out of the floo with ease his cloak swirling around him with the
swell of the large fireplace behind him. Holding his head high Harry briefly
dusted off the specks of floo powder before he took in the busy entrance to the
Ministry of Magic. Unlike the last time Harry had been in the Ministry of Magic
the hall was once again awash of sunlight and sound as witches and wizards
busied back and forth through the many entrances. The fountain too once again
was providing a soothing flow of water in the center of the hall.
As Harry looked around the movement of people in the hall slowed as the
populace began to realize whom it was who was standing in front of them.
“Shit, way to make an entrance.” Draco whispered beneath his breath as he too
realized that the movement and voices in the hall had practically stopped at
Harry’s grand entrance. Harry stiffened his back and tilted his head up more
determined more than ever to exude confidence as Darius had instructed him.
Draco was just looking around wondering where he and Harry were to go when a
tall Auror strode across the hall towards them.
“Mr. Potter, Master Malfoy. The Minister of Magic and Council of Vampires are
waiting for you both in hall number 6.” Harry inclined his head slightly in
acknowledgement as the Auror gestured towards one of the tunnels that led to
the lifts down into the Ministry. Both Draco and Harry began towards the hall
but were stopped by two more Aurors at the entrance to the hall. It was clear
that they were checking wands as was the norm within the Ministry. Draco went
to hand over his wand for inspection but was paused when Harry spoke.
“If at this point you do not know who I am or what my wand has done and still
required me to surrender my wand for inspection, then I pity you both.” Draco’s
eyes widened impossibly as he watched Harry address the two auror’s in front of
him. Never would Draco have imagined Harry would speak like that to an Auror
and it was scary at how like Snape Harry suddenly sounded.
“Of course Mr Potter, our apologies.” Harry smile inwardly as the Auror’s
instantly bowed their heads in acknowledgement before stepping out of the way.
Harry straightened his back and confidently strode down the hall and entered
the lift leaving Draco to trail quickly behind him in the wake of Harry’s
cloak. It wasn’t until the lift doors had closed that Harry finally breathed
out with a heavy sigh of relief.
“Merlin Harry, that’s different.” Draco whispered quietly glancing nervously up
at Harry’s new found confidence.
“Yeah, time for a change Draco.” Harry muttered quietly, once again
straightening himself up as the ding of the lift indicated they’d reached the
right floor. No sooner than the doors to the lift had opened than the bright
flash of camera bulbs popped and excited journalists began assaulting him with
questions. However as soon as Harry opened his eyes and glared at the crowd in
front of him, a stunned silence fell over the crush of wizards and witches.
Harry’s upper lip twitched in irritation as he stepped out of the lift, the
crowd parting silently as he moved through the crowd towards the central raised
platform in the center of the hall. Draco scurried after Harry hardly believing
what was happening around him. With a confident gait Harry stepped up onto the
platform and sat down on the padded chair sitting at its center. There was a
scurry of people that suddenly filled the room and having taken another deep
breath Harry finally looked up at the vampire council and Arthur and the
ministers who were sitting in seats around the outside of the platform.
For the first time in three weeks Harry finally met Snape’s gaze. The potions
professor looked immaculate and Harry’s breath caught in his throat as he
watched Snape stand up immediately. The whole room seemed to be staring at the
connection that happened between Snape and Harry, as the elder vampire’s gaze
flickered purple and the pearly white incisors extended below his upper lip.
Nervously Harry licked his lips but schooled his expression as Snape stepped
down from his seat beside the council and joined Harry and Draco on the raised
platform.
“Harry, you look…” Harry closed his eyes and allowed himself a brief smile as
Snape came up to his side and pressed a chaste kiss against his cheek. “I’m
sorry.” Snape whispered as he stood back up again as Harry composed himself
once again and straightened himself in the chair. Snape’s hand came to rest
comfortingly on his shoulder as Harry shook off his cloak to reveal the
stunning red robes and the sparkling gold pin. There was a gasp that echoed
around the chamber at the gold pin but Harry felt Snape’s hand tighten on his
shoulder in support.
Harry nodded softly as he turned his attention on Arthur who had risen to
address the group. “We welcome the delegates of the vampire council to the
Ministry this morning and we appreciate the time Mr Potter and Professor Snape
have given to this meeting.” Arthur smiled at Harry warmly and the boy couldn’t
help but smile back despite trying to keep his expression schooled and calm.
“Well in the interest of Vampire, Wizard relations we welcome Harry to address
our public assembly. Please if you will hold your questions to the end. Mr.
Potter the floor is yours.” Arthur gestured at Harry before he sat back down
and Harry stood up. The time had come to stand up for himself for the first
time in his life, and with a deep breath Harry began the story from the
beginning…
***** Epilogue *****
Epilogue
(3rd Year of the New Vampire Order)
Yawning Harry watched as his son scuttled past him on the way to his father’s
laboratory. Harry knew that Xavier James Snape was pushing his luck with
Severus in such a mood but his son would only learn the hard way. Sure enough
after a few moments Harry heard the inevitable breaking of glass before
Severus’ voice called to him.
“POTTER!” Shaking his head Harry stood up and headed quickly towards the raised
voice. Sure enough Harry spied his son sitting on the floor at his father’s
feet looking up at Snape with teary eyes on the verge of crying. “He bit me!”
Snape grumbled as he lifted his son from the floor acutely aware of the smashed
glass and spilt potion scattered around Xavier.
“He’s getting his fangs.” Harry sighed heavily as he followed Snape out of the
laboratory, his son clutching to his robes. “He just wanted to show you. You
know he adores you when you’re home.” Snape grumbled his agreement as he sat
down on the armchair in the library as Harry went back to his writing desk. He
was currently in the middle of writing his latest book chronicling the history
of vampire lore. Octavia had helped Harry with his first successful book last
year detailing the history of vampires in Europe. The text was to be included
on the syllabus of Hogwarts in the New Year. Minister of Magic, Arthur Weasley
had pushed through new laws allowing vampires the same rights as wizards and
just last month the first legal blood donation and collection center had opened
in Diagon Alley. Finally after centuries of living in the shadows Vampires were
now free to walk openly in the magical world. “I’m sure you went through a
teething period when your fangs dropped.” Harry smiled as he watched his son
open his mouth wide to show his father the small pearly incisors that had
dropped in the last few weeks.
“Indeed he did, he chewed through an entire box of teething rings within a
week.” Harry laughed out loud as the door to the library opened and Octavia
strode inside his robes swirling around him as he entered. Snape blushed a deep
red color at Octavia’s comment.
“Uncie O!” At the sudden appearance of Octavia, Xavier wiggled off of Snape’s
lap and ran over to his uncle his mouth open in greeting as he prepared to show
yet another adult his new pearly whites. Harry watched as Octavia swept the
dark haired boy up in his arms, muttering his approval of Xavier’s baby fangs.
“How are Hermione and Draco?” Harry inquired as Octavia moved over to join
Snape on the lounge. Controversy had surrounded the Malfoy fortune since the
war had ended. Although Draco had been cleared of all charges the Malfoy estate
and fortune was still in dispute. Lucius’ body had never been found among the
dead at the castle with the other deatheaters and Draco’s mother had been
sentenced to Azkaban when the first round Deatheaters trials had begun. However
until a decision was made whether to declare Lucius dead Draco was not entitled
to the family fortune. Thus Octavia had welcomed the couple into his home until
such time as Draco could inherit the fortune.
“Fine, Hermione is busy with study and Draco is fussing over wedding plans.”
Harry snorted in amusement as both Octavia and Snape rolled their eyes
dramatically. If there was any a wizarding odd couple it was Draco and Hermione
the traditional roles in their relationship completely about face to the norm.
However Harry was happy that they seemed made for each other. Everyone had
moved on with their lives since the war and Harry was pleased that life had
settled into a comfortable normality. He’d always wished to be normal and just
as Darius had said to him 3 years ago; he’d accepted his new life as, as close
to normal as possible. Harry hardly flinched when both Severus and Octavius
rose from the lounge leaving Xavier sitting sadly amongst the cushions.
“The council is meeting for pre-dinner drinks, to discuss some issues with the
wizarding passport policy Harry. Are you okay to come along later with Xavier?
Ron said he would watch Xavier for us so we could stay a little later.” Severus
stopped in front of Harry’s desk as he questioned his mate politely. Harry
nodded and closed his eyes as Snape leant across the pressed a warm passionate
kiss on Harry’s lips. None of the heat had cooled from their relationship and
Harry sighed wistfully as Snape nipped at his bottom lip as he pulled away.
“Merlin, I can smell him from over here. That time of the year again?” Octavia
laughed cheekily and Harry felt himself blush almost immediately, as Snape
growled possessively in the back of his throat. It had taken a lot of getting
used to the way vampires openly discussed their sex lives but Harry had finally
got used to Octavius’ teasing and the councils flippant comments about his and
Snape’s relationship. “Planning on giving Xavier a little brother or sister?”
Harry rolled his eyes as Severus shrugged his shoulders at Octavia.
“Not sure but we’ll have fun practicing regardless.” Severus smiled wickedly in
Harry’s direction before both he and Octavia disappeared out of the library,
leaving Harry with his son. As soon as the two elder vampires had left Xavier
began crying and Harry quickly got up to pick up his son. Soothing the child in
his arms Harry walked over to his desk and picked up the stuffed toy bat Snape
had brought home from Blackpool on his last business trip away with the
council.
“Come on Xavier, let’s go and get you bathed and then we can go and bite some
even tastier old vampire gits.” Harry chuckled as his son opened his mouth in a
wide laugh the pearly white incisors sparkling in the light. With a kiss on his
son’s head Harry made his way up the stairs of his and Snape’s house. For the
first time since the war Harry felt happy that his son would grow up in a world
free from the constraints and fears he and Snape had lived through.
Harry’s life was normal and he was damn proud of it.
 
THE END
A/N Hey, the first of my longer fics that I'm shifting across from AFF.net.
Reviews are always appreciated. Will update with some more in the coming days.
Thanks Riffraff.
Please drop_by_the_archive_and_comment to let the author know if you enjoyed
their work!