Chapter Eight

Day 12

11:00 a.m.

Hogwarts

"Harry my boy! It's so good to see you!" Harry twisted his head to glance at the doorway, and the elderly man standing in it.

"Hello Professor Dumbledore." Harry yawned in greeting. He saw the man grin before turning his head back and resting it back on his Sire's chest.

"I heard about your little predicament." Harry nodded as the Headmaster made his way to the bedside. "But no worries, we'll have you back to playing Quidditch and wreaking havoc amongst the other students in no time."

"You mean you won't kick me out?" Harry asked hopefully. Under him, Spike stirred.

"Whassa matter?" The vampire asked sleepily. "And why aren't you asleep?"

"Visitor." Harry replied. He sat up, giving Spike some room to stretch and sit up.

"Hello." Dumbledore greeted. "I must say it's an honor to have two vampires from the Order of Aurelius under our roof." Spike growled softly and Dumbledore quickly added on, "Three. It's an honor to have three vampires from the Order of Aurelius under our roof." Spike quieted.

"How do you know about them?" Harry asked curiously. "Us."

"I read dear boy." Dumbledore said with a smile. "There are not many books about vampires, apart from the transformation from human to vampire, feeding habits, and general weaknesses." Dumbledore said. "There is very little on the family groups, but it is out there along with the names of the major groups."

"I'm guessing that the others, the ones who took us, don't read much? They knew very little about us, and by little I mean little. They knew of our lives for the past twenty years." Angel piped up from the other bed.

"Riddle never was one to do his homework." Dumbledore commented. "But enough about that. Harry, you will return to classes the day after tomorrow, if you feel well enough by then." Dumbledore glanced over at Spike. "Your Sire may accompany you if you both wish it."

"How? I mean, I know the classes are inside from what Harry told me….but vampire's and sun still don't mix. And with this being a castle….well, castle's have windows and windows equal sun." Spike pointed out.

"I doubt you've heard of it but there is a brand of magical tattoo. It will protect you from the sunlight, crosses, and other minor troublesome things." Harry could almost see Spike's ears perk up.

"Really? I thought our only hope was the Gem of Amarra!" At that he turned to Angel and glared. "And you destroyed that!" HE accused.

"You'll all get your tattoos tomorrow, but for now I believe you have some very worried friends to reassure." Dumbledore said, staring at Harry. Harry's eyes widened."

"Bloody hell! I almost forgot about Ron and Hermione!" Harry exclaimed in horror. Dumbledore chuckled.

"I'll send them right in then." Dumbledore retreated as Harry shook his head. Seconds after he exited the hospital wing two figures rushed into the room, startling Spike into his vampire face. He snarled at them in warning.

"Eep!" Both figures backpedaled and Harry chuckled.

"It's okay guys." Harry said, directing the statement to his friends and Sire. "Spike, it's just Ron and Hermione. My friends, remember?" Spike shook off his vampire face.

"Scare a bloke to death why don't you? Next time knock, or walk in." Spike whined.

"S-sorry." Hermione stuttered. "We were just so anxious to see Harry…." Spike waved her off.

"'S okay. No harm – this time. Just remember next time yeah?" Both nodded, Ron with his jaw dropped nearly to the floor.

"Well guys, are you okay?" Harry asked after a moment of silence.

"We're fine. The curses they used weren't as bad as they seemed." Hermione answered. But Harry's attention was now on Ron, who was staring at them oddly.

"Ron?" Harry asked. "Are you okay?" Hermione elbowed the redhead.

"No. I don't think I am." He finally said. Harry flinched. "My best friend is a vampire."

"And you teacher is a werewolf." Hermione said calmly.

"But he's only dangerous on a full moon! A vampire is always dangerous." Spike growled softly. "See?"

"Sire, stop. Please." Harry said. Spike quieted as Harry turned and buried his face in his chest.

"You better scram before I introduce you to real danger." Spike growled at Ron. Harry heard a pair of footsteps rapidly head off in the other direction.

"I'm so sorry Harry. I'm still here for you." Hermione said. "You know how stubborn Ron can be." Harry nodded. Soon, she was gone as well.

"If he can't stick by you, he isn't a real friend." Spike said softly. Harry nuzzled into the hand that was petting his hair.

"If he comes around…."

"I'll behave. Now sleep childe. Angel and I will be taking you into the Forest tonight to teach you how to hunt. It's one of the first things we should have done but couldn't." Harry nodded.

TBC

If it's sloppy, I'll fix it later. I did this at school.