www. starflowergem .com/w1_chapter_2 .html

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, Draco might kill me if I tried.

Chapter 1

Harry

A dull throb in my neck and the chill of the pounding rain greeted me when I woke up. My mind was a foggy mess and it took a moment for what had happened to sink in.

The all consuming terror of the attack returned in a matter of moments and I forced myself to stand on trembling legs. I had to get inside the house, there was no telling when that thing would be back, and quite frankly I'd much rather face uncle Vernon's wrath then that again.

It was a relief when my body obeyed my call and started toward the door. I would probably always fear that total lockdown I'd experienced just moments before. I hated that feeling of complete helplessness; powerless to do anything while that leech drained my blood.

I knew I hadn't recovered yet; my body was still weak and felt so incredibly heavy.

I ignored it as I pushed open the door and slipped inside. Safe, I was safe now…it couldn't reach me here.

I know that technically that wasn't true, but I had to believe it was otherwise I might have had a complete breakdown-and that was unacceptable.

I didn't move for a long time, just leaning against the door with a blank mind. I was brought back to myself when uncle Vernon walked into the hallway.

"What are you doing lazing about in here for, boy? I won't have your aunt's beloved garden ruined because of your negligence. Now get back outside!" He yelled at me, his face rapidly turned a ghastly plum color.

I didn't really hear what he said anyway, my whole being focused on the pulse jumping at the base of his neck. I wasn't sure what was so fascinating about it, but I couldn't tear my eyes away.

As strange as it may seem I could almost hear his pulse racing, the speed increasing with his anger. I don't know what happened, but there was a sudden spike of fear in the air and I vaguely wondered what had scared him.

It wasn't very important anyway, not when my vision was slowly turning red. Was I bleeding? I thought numbly…no, silly question, I'd just been attacked so of course I was bleeding.

Then the numbness overwhelmed me and sent me into oblivion.

When I came to next, I was curled up in my bed. The rain had stopped and sunlight was creeping into the room through the barred window.

It was strange because I couldn't remember going to bed at all.

There weren't any sounds in the house, either, so I assumed the Dursley's had gone out for the day.

Not that it really mattered; I'd still have to get all my usual chores done or face the consequences when they returned. That was not something I wanted to deal with, so I dragged myself out of bed and away from the comforting arms of sleep.

It wasn't until I reached the front room that I discovered the real reason for the unusual stillness of the house. And with that revelation I was forcefully reminded of the events of the previous day.

My mind didn't want to wrap around what had obviously happened…it had come back.

There was no other reason for the three lifeless forms draped carelessly in that room. A part of me knew that wasn't the case, but the rest of me didn't want to admit that I could have done that.

They looked like wax dolls, perfect replica's of my real family, frozen forever with their terror plain for everyone to see.

There was no blood, or other gore anywhere in site, though why should there be when it lived on the blood of others.

When I couldn't take it any longer I left the room, my mind shying away from reality.

I spent the next few days avoiding the den, carrying on as if nothing had happened and the Dursley's were simply away for an undecided length of time. I had to keep the house and yard tidy or face uncle Vernon's wrath when they returned.

When I could no longer ignore the stench I dragged their bodies into the back yard-cloaked in night- and I burned them. I couldn't have those grotesque dolls in the house when the Dursley's came home.

It wasn't long after that that the thirst returned, but I refused to acknowledge it, instead I forced myself to eat normal food. It tasted like cardboard, but it kept me alive and I was able to ignore the unwelcome thirst…if barely.

School was fast approaching and with it came a new fear.

I'd never been afraid of being around people before; then again I'd never wanted to drink blood before either. Both were unpleasant realities now.

I couldn't continue this twisted form of denial if I was to return to Hogwarts. It would be too dangerous, and I refused to subject my beloved school to the same fate as the Dursley's. Therefore I was forced to accept (however reluctantly) my new heritage.

Review!