CHAPTER ONE: The choice is yours
His head was hurting and Harry was feeling strangely blurred. His eyes were sightless, only making out dark shadows in an equally dark and shadow-filled room. Or he supposed it was a room, Harry didn't know. He couldn't remember where he was, or why he was feeling so strange. There was a pain in his body, and he was feeling lightheaded despite lying down. He managed to move himself and realised he was naked between silky sheets.
He groaned, finding his voice sore and husky. He heard a movement in the room. Harry forcefully pushed himself up, his head spinning.
"You have a choice... where I had not." The movement was gone, beyond the curtains and flowing into the gentle night breeze.
Harry shivered. He knew that voice... it was that stranger, Meier. He fell back on the bed, suddenly remembering what had happened. What did he mean that Harry had a choice? A choice about what? Harry took a deep breath, and swung his legs around. He gingerly placed them on the carpeted floor. He was still feeling dizzy, but it was receding. Now steady, Harry stood and slowly went in search of a light.
He found it and flicked the switch. He cringed as pain flared in his eyes.
Once recovering and his eyes had adjusted to the light, Harry looked about the small room. His clothes had been folded and placed on the only chair the room held. It appeared to be a small hotel room, though Harry knew it wasn't the Leaky Cauldron he was staying in, he could tell that much. Once he had dressed, Harry found his glasses on a small bedside table. Under them, there was a folded piece of parchment and a quill next to it.
Curious, Harry picked up the parchment. His name had been printed on it in curly lettering that looked as if it had taken much precision and care to do so perfectly. He flipped it open.
Dearest Harry,
I regret that I must be leaving you, as I did so much enjoy your company. I also sincerely regret that I did not consult you before I changed you... but the choice is with you which path you choose to follow. I was not given that choice. It's a rare thing for such decisions to be enabled, but I, being different from most, feel that you deserve it for your kindness. If one day we should be chanced by again meeting, I hope I find you well.
Farewell,
Meier.
Harry stared at the letter intently. He felt confused by it, also having never seen writing like it before. It vaguely resembled his potion professors hand writing, all swirls and elegance. But that, for the moment, was irrelevant. What the hell was he supposed to be making a decision about? His mind was whirling when he noticed a post scriptum on the bottom of the page.
P.S
Since I will be leaving, I do hope you'll accept my invitation to stay in the room I have rented, the room in which I am regretful to leave you. If you will do me this honour, the room is yours until the next coming Saturday.
Harry raised his eyebrows at this. It suited him just fine to be able to stay where he was, it would solve his current housing problem for the time being. He was still puzzled and was feeling too weary to dwell on his wonders any longer. He took off his cloak and lay back down in the bed. He must have slept all day, for it was night and Harry was sure morning had been and gone already.
Meier's skin had been cool and soft to touch, and each time he connected with Harry, Harry couldn't help but melt and surrender completely. He knew the beautiful man had been seducing him and, despite knowing he'd never thought of another man that way before, willingly let him. He had been gentle and made Harry feel just so good...
The Order of Phoenix was in complete shambles. Harry Potter had disappeared, and had not been sighted since. At first it was suggested that the Dark Lord had been involved, but that was dismissed after an Order representative had been in to interview the Dursley's. Lupin had volunteered for the job and had managed to speak civilly to the Muggles for around ten minutes, before Petunia had thrown a vase at his head, narrowly missing him. Lupin had taken that as his cue to leave.
A week passed, and then two. Order members were positioned everywhere from Privet Drive, Muggle London, Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade to Hogwarts itself. But no one had seen hide or hair of Harry. Everyone was becoming panicky, as yet nothing was heard from the Dark Lord, but Dumbledore was as always his optimistic self. He had said that he could see something like this happening, and that Harry would return when he was ready. His words proved to be correct in the end.
It was time to leave, and Harry was feeling apprehensive. He had made his choice, but was still a little anxious at testing it out. He knew what could possibly happen to him if something went wrong, but decided that it was now or never.
He stepped out of the dingy lobby of the small hotel he'd been staying at, his cloak tightly around him, and... felt nothing. He was safe for now. He knew he must be deep in Knockturn alley, and decided to head for the familiar surroundings of Diagon alley. He'd decided he'd had enough time on his own, and knew there would be people there waiting to find him. Those order members never left him alone these days, not since Sirius's death anyway. Not to mention school would be starting soon.
He began a brisk pace up the dim path, crossing many strange beings on the way. He knew they sensed his change too, but none dared approach him, for it was a rare sight for them to witness a wonder such as Harry. Not many who knew of Meier ever set foot in the light of day again.
After walking for what seemed like hours, Harry emerged. He recoiled in the full light and knew he wouldn't be able to last all day in it, not yet anyway. He set out to find a familiar face quickly. Harry made his way towards his favourite shop in the whole street, Quality Quidditch Supplies, and drew his hood back. He felt a little like everyone was watching him, but knew it was just his nerves. No one would be able to notice the differences, not unless they knew what they were looking for.
Harry, growing impatient, swept his eyes up and down the street hoping to lay eyes on Mr. Weasley, Lupin or Tonks, or even Dumbledore. But his heart sunk when he did finally recognise someone; Professor Snape. The professors' eyes caught sight of him, widened, and then he set at a fast pace towards Harry probably thinking he was most likely to run at the sight of him. Harry stayed where he was, thinking it could be amusing to make Snape run.
"I was wondering how long it would take for someone to finally notice me." Harry looked at his watch. "A whole five minutes, I expected more of Dumbledore," Harry shook his head and tutted. He noticed his voice had changed, it was deeper and definitely huskier, but that was probably because he hadn't used it properly for nearly two weeks.
Snape reached out and grasped his arm. Harry flinched at the touch. The last person who had touched him was Meier.
"You'll be coming with me, Mr. Potter. For reasons unbeknown to myself, there have been quite a few worried about you. And I must say, you look like absolute hell," he frowned at Harry, and began tugging him along. After a few moments of silence, Snape spoke, "I suppose I must ask where you have been?" his eyes narrowed.
Harry snorted. He knew he must look bad, but didn't know how bad. He hadn't seen his appearance since he'd met Meier. "I was in Knockturn Alley, if you must know."
Snape gave him a look, but said no more. Harry just shrugged and let himself be towed along.
After floo-ing back to Hogwarts, and into Dumbledore's office, many of the Order members were summoned. Dumbledore's office was soon swarming with people, many who were both scolding and hugging Harry. It all felt strangely surreal. Harry assumed many noticed a difference in him, but probably dismissed it as him being grumpy that he'd finally been found. Dumbledore had yet to do more than offer him a cup of tea, which he accepted, probably wanting to spare Harry of telling his story more than once. Harry was mildly grateful.
Once the room had settled, everyone taking their respective seats, Dumbledore addressed the room. "As we all know, the disappearance of Harry was of concern, but we are happy to see him back. Many of you will want a hard word with him, but I suggest we let Harry speak before any decisions are made," he said as he sat back down.
Harry hated the feeling Dumbledore gave him, like he was speaking and Harry wasn't really in the room. He couldn't be bothered dwelling on it though. Dumbledore would do what Dumbledore would do.
Many questions flew his way, and Harry answered then in a calm and neutral tone. Someone suggested he must have been on some sort of illicit potion, because of his state of calmness and his toneless voice, but that was soon dismissed when Harry accidentally sent sparks shooting out of his wand in anger. That was the Harry they all had come to know, full of anger and compulsion. There had been many gasps when Harry had said he'd been staying in Knockturn Alley, and he accidentally let it slip that he'd met someone. He hadn't planned on telling anyone of Meier.
"He just pointed out the place where I ended up staying. Said it was the only secure place in the whole alley. And it was secure; I locked myself in there and was barely even disturbed by the house-elves," Harry said in a bored tone. "I never saw him again after that."
They seemed satisfied with this answer. Then Lupin piped up.
"You know, Harry, if you wanted some space you should have just said so..."
"And nothing would have happened. Look, I'm tired of being so bloody cautious, but I've come to the conclusion that whatever happens, happens. I'm tired of being frightened by Voldemort and of my life being so restrained. I will no longer be held back because of him. You've all heard the Prophecy, it's him or me," Harry sat back in his chair, slowly drinking his black tea. He vaguely noticed he had to keep brushing his hair out of his eyes, or the fact he'd let his fingernails grow more than what they used to be.
"Harry, there's no need to act rash. I know it's a burden having the fate of the evilest wizard in your hands, but if you don't take this seriously..." Lupin was frowning.
Harry grew angry. "So now I'm not taking this seriously? What was he going to do, walk up to me in the street and blast me to hell? To tell you the truth, I wouldn't mind if he had have done that!" he stood up and stormed to the door, and groaned. "Will you let me out? I'm tired."
"Not just yet, I'm afraid, Harry," Dumbledore said passively. Harry knew he might as well just retake his seat.
Harry sighed, taking his glasses off and rubbing his eyes. He caught sight of the colour of his hand, and had to marvel at how much it reminded him of Meier's. He took his other hand and smoothed it along the other, closing his eyes and smiling lightly at the softness so much like that of the man he realised he missed. He snapped back to attention to find a few curious eyes focused on him.
"What?" Harry asked, laying his hands gently in his lap and looking around the room.
Nobody spoke for a moment.
"Are you feeling alright Harry? We lost you for a moment there," that was Arthur Weasley's voice, coming from a place to his right.
"As I said, I'm tired," he looked suspiciously around the room.
Molly seemed to deem it safe to talk. "And if you don't mind me saying so, you look hungry too. When was the last time you ate anything?" she got up out of her chair to take a closer look at Harry and poked him in the ribs.
He thought for a moment. Harry had, in a way, lost track of the days. In fact, if it hadn't been for the elf informing him that his paid stay was up, he probably would have just stayed in his room.
"A couple of days, I suppose," Harry shrugged, not really feeling hungry although knowing he hadn't eaten since being in that room. "I sort of lost track of time." Molly Weasley looked shocked.
"No wonder you're tired mister, you've got no energy! Dumbledore, we need to get some food into his boy!" She advanced on Dumbledore. Soon after, a house-elf, surprisingly not Dobby, had appeared with a tray full of food for Harry. He looked at it a little apprehensively.
I've made a choice, Harry thought to himself. I must do it, as much as the thought repulses me. I don't want them to be suspicious. He picked up his fork and prodded his vegetables. They at least didn't seem too bad, but he wasn't appreciating the sight of the steak and kidney pie. It smelt funny. It took him a while, but he finished as much as he felt he could stomach. At least Molly looked a little happier and Harry had to admit, he did feel a bit better.
"You're welcome to stay here tonight Harry, as its only tomorrow night when the students will be arriving. I'm sure Molly won't mind picking up your school books for you, will you, Molly?" Dumbledore looked at her. Harry knew he wasn't being asked if he wanted to stay, but rather being told.
"Of course I don't mind, anything for Harry," she smiled at him, but Harry noticed she seemed worried. Harry once again cast his eyes about the room, and he was disgusted to find that most eyes were full of pity. He couldn't help but growl out loud, the noise stunning a few people sitting near him.
There was one person whose eyes weren't full of pity, but of suspicion. Severus Snape kept a close eye on Harry. He watched as Harry zoned out, studying his hands. Severus had to admit he looked somewhat different, and it wasn't just the colour of his skin. His eyes had darkened, and his face seemed more angular in a way. One thing he was shocked to notice was how feminine he appeared. Until he growled of course, and that was when Severus noted Harry's gleaming teeth, of which appeared to be sharper and pointier than he'd ever noticed before. There was definitely something not right.
Harry caught his eye. Severus didn't back down to the intense gaze. Yes, he decided, something had happened to Potter while he'd been down in that Alley, and he was going to find out what it was.
Harry knew he'd startled a few people by growling, but sighed and rolled his eyes. "Can I please go now?"
Dumbledore looked at him a moment longer, before he nodded. "Severus, would you see Harry to the Gryffindor tower? I will see to it that someone else will be up in a couple of hours."
Harry looked at him as if he'd suddenly grown another head. "Don't tell me I need guarding now do I? What do you think I'm going to do, run away again?" he sighed as Snape came and stood beside him.
"We don't know what you might do, Mr. Potter," Snape looked at him, his gaze only downcast slightly. He noticed that in the few short weeks, Harry had gained significant height.
Harry rolled his eyes and headed out the door, not even looking back at anyone. Snape followed. Harry reached the hall and paused, pulling his cloak tighter around him, despite the summer heat, and proceeded to walk mostly in the shadows. Snape easily caught up to him.
"I know you've changed," he said in a low voice. Harry, not stopping, turned to look at him.
"Of course I've changed. I'm tired of taking all Voldemort's shit. I will not cower like everyone else anymore," Harry said in an equally low tone.
"Language, Potter. School may not have started, but that doesn't mean you can talk to your teachers disrespectfully. And you know that's not what I'm talking about." Snape grabbed Harry on the arm, much like he had earlier that day, and pulled him to a halt. "I'm going to find out what's happened to you..." He looked at him closely.
Harry smirked at him. "Are you now? And just what do you suppose has happened to me?" He pulled his arm out of Snape's grip.
"I'm not entirely sure," he raised a hand to touch Harry's face, but Harry caught it.
"I didn't say you could touch me," Harry's lip curled in sudden anger, revealing sharp teeth. He tightened his grip on Snape's wrist.
Snape frowned at him. "That's some grip you've got there, Mr. Potter," he winced lightly when Harry roughly let him go. He had an imprint of Harry's hand on his wrist that was sure to bruise.
Harry grinned at him, but stayed silent.
"I never bothered to take notice of your teeth before, have they always been that pointed?" Snape took another step towards Harry, who didn't retreat.
"What's with the sudden interest? What's it to you if I have sharp teeth? I bet if there were any others out there who had grown up never being permitted to eat sweets and other such foods that there would be a lot more people with teeth like this. I guess I could thank the Dursley's for that at least," Harry sneered at him. "Are we going to stand here and chat all day, or are you going to hurry up and escort me to the tower?" Harry put a hand to his chest and pushed him out of the way.
"I don't know how you're doing it," Snape said suddenly, frowning at Harry.
"Doing what? I don't know what you're talking about." Harry said in an exasperated voice. He was getting tired of the gits' nosing around.
"Doing this. I know what all your changes mean, yet there are a few things that just don't add up." Snape was studying him intensely again.
"What doesn't add up? Not that I care what you're rambling on about, but you're really starting to get on my nerves." Harry walked ahead. He felt Snape's eyes on his back.
"Existing in the sun. Eating."
Harry stopped short and spun around on his hells. "What the hell are you talking about? You making it sound as if..." Harry's eyes grew wide, before he burst out laughing. "Oh Merlin!" Harry exclaimed, doubling over in laughter. "You think that... that..."
"Quit that noise. I want to know how." They had finally reached the Fat Lady's portrait.
"Oh, I don't know the password." Harry frowned.
"Wendelin the Weird," Snape growled.
"And weird she was!" The Fat lady sung, as she swung open.
Harry shrugged and followed Snape into the common room. It was exactly as he remembered it, although a little lonely with only he and Snape there.
"You shouldn't be in here," Harry smirked at him.
"I have every right to be in here, since I was appointed to guard you, not to mention my position as a Master of this school," Snape smirked in return.
"Oh yeah, sorry, I forgot about that." Harry plopped down on his favourite armchair by the fire, even though the fire wasn't lit. "I suppose now that I'm back here I can use magic?" he thought aloud.
Snape nodded.
"Good," Harry waved his wand and lit the fire. "Ahhh... that's better." He relaxed back in his chair, closing his eyes and enjoying the heat.
"How?" Snape asked him again.
"How what?" Harry replied lazily.
"How are you doing it? I can tell you're infected. Dumbledore and the rest of them may be blind, but I'm not." Snape sat opposite him.
"Infected? I don't know what you're talking about." Harry accio-ed the foot cushion to himself and propped his feet up on it.
"Yes, you do."
Harry opened his eyes. "Must you stay up here? You really are annoying me."
"Stop avoiding the truth. How are you doing it?"
"You won't be happy until I admit I'm infected by whatever it is I'm supposed to be infected with, will you?" Harry asked tiredly.
"No. This man you met, he was a Vampire, wasn't he?" Severus knew he had hit a sore spot mentioning him.
"Don't you talk about Meier like that." Harry growled, sitting up.
"Meier? So that's his name, rather old fashioned. Why are you being so defensive?" Severus smirked, knowing he was getting somewhere.
"I don't like you insulting my friends." Harry kicked the footstool away.
"If I'm insulting him, then I'm insulting you."
"I'm used to your insults." Harry smirked again.
Severus' eyes grew wide. "If that wasn't a confession, I don't know what would be. It's true, isn't it?"
Harry looked at him intently. Should he tell Snape? What did it matter, it was only a matter of time before Dumbledore figured it out and he was kicked out of Hogwarts. Then Harry could go and seek out Meier all the sooner.
"What gave it away?"
"What I want to know is how?" Snape suddenly seemed a little uncomfortable. Harry supposed this was because he was afraid Harry would jump him any moment. Harry had to smirk to himself.
"I don't think you'll like the details, Professor." Harry remembered back to Meier's touch and shut his eyes, smiling lightly.
"I'm sure I'll manage," the deep voice cut into Harry's thoughts.
"Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you." Harry went on to explain of how he met with Meier, deep in Knockturn Alley. "Most of it's pretty hazy after that. But I remember when it happened." Harry touched his neck.
"Was there some sort of ritual?"
"I guess you could call it that, or the best sex I could ever imagine having." Harry smirked as Snape's eyebrows rose slightly. "If you're interested, he left me a letter." Harry pulled the piece of parchment out of his cloak and handed it to Snape.
Snape read it. "I think I understand now," he mumbled. "It's my guess you chose to let your human side dominate?"
Harry nodded. "Yeah. Although..." He shuddered. "At first, I didn't trust myself to leave the room. I think that's why Meier left me in there and paid for a week's stay. I still get urges. But I did find another note." Harry paused. "This one was a bit of an informative one. I didn't find it until a few days after, because he'd left it in my cloak pocket."
"What did it say?"
Harry yawned. "It said that I have the power to allow one person a choice, without being condemned into the dark for eternity. Meier wrote that he gave me that power, as he knew what it was like to endure an eternity of loneliness. It was then I realised how old he must be, just by looking at his writing. He looked really young though... You realise I'll stop aging once my body finishes growing and all that." Harry smirked again.
"Have you... chosen that person yet?" Snape asked, a little tentatively.
Harry shook his head. "No. You were the first person I spoke to since seeing him." Harry paused. "You're going to tell Dumbledore, aren't you?"
Snape looked at Harry for a moment before replying. "It's my duty to, you know that. We can't afford to have you posing a threat to the students, especially if you intend on finding someone to... give a choice, as you put it."
"I figured as much. Do you think you could give me a head start?" Harry asked hopefully.
"I'm afraid not. If you don't mind though, I wouldn't mind asking more." Snape was being strangely considerate. Harry thought that it was probably because the man pitied him, yet he'd never known Snape to pity anyone. He was moderately grateful.
"Yeah, I don't see why not. I suppose this will be the last couple of hours I'll have to put up with you, so I guess it won't hurt me talking to you like a civilised person." Harry sat back in his chair, looking at the fire. The bright light hurt his eyes. He turned away.
"You, civilised? I must say I wasn't expecting that. Maybe this is a change for the better." Snape gave him a weird kind of crooked smile. "How do you feel? Not that I care, I'm just curious."
"I feel fine. But... no, I can't say that," Harry smiled, blushing.
"Don't think that anything can shock me, Potter, please don't hesitate in speaking your mind."
"Alright, just remember you said that. Well, I was going to say I miss Meier. More specifically, I miss his body. Although we met only once, I can't get him or his touches out of my mind. Once I'm dismissed from here, I intend on finding him again. My only fear with that is I might find myself compelled to lose my human side forever." Harry frowned. "After all, I will be around for a while."
"Yes, for all of eternity."
"Hmm..." Harry agreed, thinking. It felt strange to be talking to Snape like this, but he decided it wasn't all that bad. He looked up at the man he had come to despise. Harry almost laughed at his next thoughts. He surveyed Snape's appearance, his pale face and long black hair. "You know, you could almost pass as a night dweller yourself." He smirked.
Snape smirked back. "I know, and I'm sure you heard the many rumors during your early years. Now it seems it may well be possible. I've never heard of a, I suppose you could call you, half-human, half-vampire, before. And never of one can who exist in the daylight. I wonder if there are more of you out there?"
"I don't doubt there are. And I may be able to exist in the sunlight, as you say, but I can feel it trying to harm me and I have no doubts that it will if I'm in it for a prolonged amount of time." Harry began rubbing his hands together again, Snape noting that glazed look in his eye again.
"Why do you do that?" he asked suddenly. Harry startled.
"Do what?"
"That... with your hands." He pointed to Harry's hands.
"Oh, that. I don't know... my hands just feel so different." He rubbed them together again. "Here," He stood up. "Feel them and you'll see what I mean." He knelt in front of Snape and held out his hands.
Snape eyed Harry curiously as he took the hands into his own. His first impression was that they were colder than his own, not icy, but cool, and amazingly soft. He ran his fingers over Harry's palms, and around his wrists, feeling strangely compelled to continue doing so.
"Addictive, isn't it?" Harry was looking at him strangely, a sort of longing in his half-lidded bright green eyes.
"Yes, it is. Do they ever warm?" Snape clasped his hands over Harry's.
"Not much, no. But it feels so nice when they are." He shut his eyes. "Like now..." He sighed as if in great contentment.
Snape continued to skim his fingers over Harry's hand, his own movements lulling him into a state of absolute calmness. "They feel sort of... surreal," he muttered.
"Yeah, that's it. It's like I can't believe they're my hands," Harry murmured feeling relaxed by the touch. "Hmm... please don't stop..." His head drooped, and he laid it gently on Snape's knees.
Harry snapped his eyes open when he heard a voice just outside the door. Someone was talking to the Fat Lady. He wrenched his hands away and scrambled back to sit on his chair just as Mr. Weasley popped his head into the room. Harry supposed he was a little surprised to see Harry and Snape sitting civilly in the same room.
"Dumbledore sent me to take over, Severus. How are things?" The portrait closed behind him.
Harry looked at Severus, lightly panicked. Was he going to tell now?
"Fine, Arthur. I was trying to convince Mr. Potter here to tell me more of his time in the infamous Knockturn alley, but he insists there is no more to tell." He shot Harry a look. He wasn't going to tell. Harry felt like hugging him for he had decided he wasn't quite ready to leave Hogwarts. Maybe Snape wasn't all that bad. Harry was shocked at thinking that.
"Ahh I see! Always the suspicious one, aren't you, Severus?" Arthur said in good humour, although it was obvious Snape didn't appreciate it.
Snape stood, giving Harry one more glance, and headed towards the door. "At last I can stop this tedious time wasting. Good afternoon, Arthur." He nodded before exiting. Harry founding himself keeping his eyes on the man until the last inch of his cloak had disappeared.
"How are you feeling, Harry?" Harry gave Arthur an uninterested glance.
It was going to be an awfully long night.