AN: I would just like to thank everyone who reviewed! Sorry I took so long to update this, I have no decent excuse for it at all. This story is already pre-written... so I honestly do have no excuse! I apologise!
CHAPTER THREE: Concerns and returns
The supposedly horseless, unless you had been unfortunate enough to see the horrors of mortality firsthand, coaches came to a halt, and students began disembarking. Soon there was a crowd in the entrance hall as students greeted each other and made their way into the Great Hall. The first years were ushered into a line waiting the moment all the other students had taken their seats at their house tables. They were kept at bay by McGonagall's almost evil expression in the meantime.
Harry made his way down the stairs, blending in with the crowd. He entered the hall, immediately spotting Ron's red hair at the Gryffindor table beside a mass of brown bushy hair that could only be one persons; Hermione's. Harry smiled, and made his way over.
"Budge up, will you?" He tapped Ron on the shoulder indicating he wanted to sit between him and Hermione. Ron turned to him with wide eyes.
"Harry! Where have you been?" He jumped up out of his chair. Harry smirked at him and sat down. He immediately got a face full of bushy hair as Hermione hugged him fiercely.
"Oh Harry... I was so worried..." For a moment Harry thought she was sobbing. He rubbed her on the back.
Harry noticed the new students were being led into the room. A hush was falling over the large hall. Harry gave his friends a look, and they too silenced. Ron settled down beside him.
After the sorting, Dumbledore's speech and the food, the three Gryffindor's were finally heading up to their dorms. As it was, Hermione was head girl, and was given her own room in the tower. It was almost natural instinct for Harry and Ron to follow her into her room.
"Right Harry, we want to know everything. We were told absolutely nothing." Hermione sat down on her bed, "You know Harry... you look different."
"Yeah mate, you're almost as tall as me. About time you grew!" He laughed. "Arg, but your hair's beginning to look like Bill's only it's not red."
Harry smiled. He hadn't seen his new appearance, but he liked it despite never seeing it. The thought of whether telling his friends had been running through his mind almost as much as the newer thoughts of Severus, but he hadn't decided yet. He didn't know how they'd react, but he supposed they'd be rather shocked.
"There's nothing much to tell really, only that I spent almost two solid weeks in a hotel room in Knockturn alley." Hermione gasped.
"Knockturn alley! Don't you know of that places reputation? You could have been killed!" She was sounding exasperated.
"All right Harry! What did you see down there?" Ron seemed impressed he'd lived down there and survived. If you could call becoming a half-vampire survival.
"Not much, as I said I stayed in my room mostly. I knew there would be people out there looking for me, and I wasn't ready to be found. I just needed some time to myself." Harry shuffled himself back so that he was sitting beside Hermione, his back supported by the pillows on her large bed. His hair now hung on his shoulders he noticed.
"That's understandable." Hermione gave him a small smile. "But that's no reason to go and get everyone so worried about you!"
"I didn't ask them to worry." Harry frowned. He was again wearing his school cloak, and had developed quite the habit of pulling it tight around himself.
"I know that Harry, but you must understand there are a lot of people out there who care about you. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you, you know." She wrapped her arm around him and gave him a sideways hug. She placed her cheek on his but pulled back. "Oh you're so cold! Are you feeling alright?"
Harry nodded. "Yeah I feel fine. You're just really warm." He smiled at her. Harry couldn't help but notice her eyeing his teeth. Hermione had always been one to notice teeth, her parents being Muggle dentists and all. If anyone figured out what had happened to Harry, it would be Hermione.
Ron shuffled himself up to sit on the other side of Harry. It was a bit of a tight fit, but he didn't mind. Just so long as neither of them touched his hands, Harry was beginning to feel very particular about who touched his hands. He kept them hidden in his cloak.
"We're just glad you're alright." Ron said. "Nice room Hermione." He added, finally actually looking around the room.
"Yeah it's not bad, is it? I'm glad I can have you two in here whenever I want though." She smiled.
"So tell me about your holidays." Harry asked, putting an arm around each of his friends and leaning back. Ron gave him a bit of a peculiar look, but Hermione lent in closer to his touch.
"Well, mine were just the same, aside from worrying about you anyway. Oh and Mum gave me your books to give you. She got you some other stuff too, dunno what though." Ron said.
"My parents didn't take me on holidays this year, I told them I wanted to prepare for school. I got my books before the book lists were even out. At the end of last year I asked Dumbledore if he could tell me as soon as possible what books I would be needing."
Ron snorted.
Harry chuckled. "You're going to have to help me in Potions this week 'Mione," He started. She gave him an apprehensive glance. "Because I made a deal with Professor Snape." Ron gaped at him, but Harry ignored him. "I said that if I make every assigned potion this week perfectly, then he'd give me the ingredients and the tools to brew a potion that will enable me to become an Animagus in about a months time."
Harry had to laugh at both their expressions.
"You're studying to become an Animagus Harry! But... that takes years not months! And I hope you've registered..."
"You made a deal with Snape? Are you insane? Harry... there is something wrong with you..."
"Oh stop it both of you! No Ron, I have not gone insane. And no Hermione I have no intentions of registering. Yes Professor Snape knows and no Ron, he is not a completely evil git. Hermione, McGonagall knows but I do ask of you to not say anything to her that I told you, I was forbidden to tell anyone... even the two of you." Harry knew he had to be stern. He didn't want to get McGonagall in trouble. "If you don't believe me, I'll show you the book she lent me. It has her signature on it as a sign of her ownership of it. And don't even suggest that I stole it, because I would never do such a thing." He finished by taking a deep breath of air. Harry tensed when he realised he could smell their blood. He was so close he could see it pumping through Hermione's veins, see it glowing through her skin... what he wouldn't do to taste it...
"Harry, are you sure your alright?" Hermione's voice brought him back to attention. He'd been staring at her neck.
"Huh? Oh yeah, I'm just tired." He took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. He scalded himself for thinking such bad thoughts, but he was just so thirsty... He licked his lips.
"Maybe you should go and get some sleep. We start off tomorrow with double potions remember." Hermione yawned herself. "I think I might be getting some sleep too." She added. "We'll talk some more tomorrow alright?"
Harry nodded. "Yeah alright. You know I appreciate your concern, 'Mione. I didn't mean to worry anyone."
"I know Harry, I know." She gave him another hug before pushing both him and Ron off her bed. "Right, out the both of you. Good night."
"Night." They both said before leaving Hermione and heading off towards their dorm.
It was dark when they entered, and it was clear that Neville, Dean and Seamus were already asleep.
"G'night Harry." Ron muttered as he climbed into bed.
"Night Ron." Harry got into his own bed. He lay down but didn't even feel slightly tired. He knew it was going to be hard trying to sleep at night, but he knew he'd manage. Finally Harry drifted off to sleep.
Harry and Ron had met up with Hermione in the common room, and they had walked down to the Great Hall together. Not much more was said about Harry's running away incident, of which he was grateful for. They took their seats at the Gryffindor table, and immediately Ron began stuffing his face. The sight made Harry feel slightly sickened. He looked down at the food before him, and didn't much feel like eating. But he knew he had to. He picked up a piece of dry toast and proceeded to eat it.
"Harry, how can you eat just that? Looks like you're on a diet or whatever the girls are always doing. You don't need to loose anymore weight, you'll be knocked off your broom too easily." Ron said through a mouthful of kippers.
Harry thought he was going to be sick. "I don't feel like much today." Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Severus who also seemed to be having the same problems with the food. Harry had to smile. Severus caught his eye for a moment, the black depth glimmering like a tiny jewel at the bottom of a very deep ocean. It seemed to stand out to Harry above everything else in the room. He was sad when Severus looked away to talk to Professor Vector.
After breakfast, they made their way down to the dungeons for their first double potions for the year. Harry was actually anticipating it greatly. Ron looked sour.
"I can't believe this is a prerequisite for becoming an Auror." He grumbled, knowing he had to do it in order to qualify to sit even one aptitude test.
Harry grinned. "Yeah I know." He said while trying to sound disgusted at the thought of another year of Potions. Harry was silently awaiting Severus's entrance. It was always brilliant and spectacular. That man really had a way with his cloak.
And his entrance was everything Harry expected and more. Harry couldn't take his eyes of the man, who had changed in the subtlest ways, which made him even more alluring. It was strange to look at him and think He is part Vampire... and I caused it. But Harry knew he didn't want it any other way. He felt he had finally found himself.
"Settle..." Severus said, despite the class already being quiet and tentative. Severus went into his normal beginning of the year speech, and emphasised the importance of their year as he had yet failed to teach even the most ill adept student the NEWT standard of potions making. Harry zoned out during this, too busy staring at his mouth and neck to listen. I've tasted that sweet blood... was all he could think.
It turned out the first potion they would be brewing would be the Drought of the living dead- a very powerful sleeping potion. Harry knew of it, he'd taken it a few times. It was mostly given to those who were in a bad way in the hospital wing or, in Harry's case, those who suffered potentially dangerous nightmares. It was also exceptionally difficult. Harry bet Severus must have set this one on purpose, to try and throw Harry off. Harry knew it wouldn't work.
Harry cast a quick glance towards Hermione who was looking worried. Harry was sure she was thinking that there was no way he'd be able to pull this one off perfectly. But Harry knew he could.
The class went as it normally would, Severus not paying Harry any more attention than he ever did. But Harry accepted his, knowing that it would not look good for him to suddenly start acting chummy with his supposed enemy. They were given the time to brew their potions, and Harry set out.
He could feel Hermione's eyes on him, watching his every move. Harry felt confident. It was like he'd made this potion a million times, and realised that he didn't even need to look at the board for instructions. He was so caught up in his work he didn't hear Hermione calling his name until she tapped him hard on the shoulder. Harry nearly dropped his wand into his cauldron from the shock.
"What?"
"Harry... you..." She murmured, her eyes wide.
"Yeah I know I already know this one by heart. Don't ask how, I just do." She shut up and continued with her own, and soon it was time to finish.
"Right. Please fill a flask full of your potions and place them on my desk for marking." Severus was patrolling around the room. He came to Hermione's cauldron. "What's this I see?" He said, peering into her cauldron. He picked up a ladle and studied the potion closely. "Tell me, Miss. Granger, what colour was this supposed to be?"
"Clear, Sir." She muttered. Hermione's was not completely clear.
"So explain to me why I see a hint of green to yours?" Harry heard a few of the Slytherin's sniggering, even though Goyle's cauldron was overflowing and oozing out pink foam.
"Because I stirred it one too many times counter-clock wise." She stated.
"Five points from Gryffindor." He straightened and moved to Harry's cauldron. Harry could see Malfoy's face brighten. Severus usually had something to say about Harry's potion. Harry held his breath. Severus looked at it, smelt it, looked at Harry, and then walked on. Harry felt like whooping for joy, only he knew he'd done it well. He could see the disappointment on many of the Slytherin's faces. He also saw Hermione's surprised look.
This was the first time Harry had outdone her at Potions.
Hermione and Ron trudged together to their last class of the day, which was, unfortunately, History of magic. Harry on the other hand had a spring in his step. He felt more alert as the day grew old. He figured it was because the night was coming all the more closer. Hermione hadn't shut up about Harry's new intelligence at Potions, but he just put it down to her feeling a bit down at being outdone by someone who barely got grades above a D for dreadful.
They took their usual seats and Binns began his usual speech. His raspy old voice rang out through the near silent room, the only other noise, other than his voice, being the scratching of very few quills. Ron's eyes had glazed over and he was staring into the back of Deans head who was sitting in front of him. Hermione was frowning but managing to make notes, and then there was Harry. He was sitting with a straight back, his eyes alert and his quill moving faster than Binns' lips.
Ron gave him a disgusted look.
"Harry, you have gone insane. Since when have you ever bothered to make notes?"
Harry barely gave him a side-glance. "I'm tired of copying off of 'Mione." Was all he answered.
The class finished and Harry rolled up his two feet of parchment that he'd written his notes on. Hermione was shocked once again; she'd only managed a foot and six inches. Ron, of course, had nothing.
"I don't know what's gotten in to you, but if you're still like this tomorrow..." Ron started.
Harry paused his steps. "Look Ron, if you're worried that you're going to start falling behind me because I've actually started..."
"No Harry, it's not that." Ron's ears turned red. "Not that I wouldn't know what that was like..."
Harry rolled his eyes. "It's not my fault okay? Look, I want to do well this year, that's all." He tried to say in a passive tone.
Ron frowned. "Yeah I know mate, I'm sorry. I guess I'm just not used to seeing you working that's all." He smiled.
Harry grinned in return. "I bet it would be the same for me if you actually did some work. I'd probably die on the spot."
They laughed.
Meanwhile, Hermione watched interestedly. Harry had kept his temper. Usually, despite Ron being his best friend, Harry would let his anger dominate his rational thinking. She and Ron had been on the firing end of his temper more than once.
"Come on Hermione!" Ron's voice suddenly brought her back to the present.
She shook her head. "Yeah, sorry. I was just thinking about something."
"Probably making that stupid potion again in her head." Ron whispered to Harry. He chuckled.
After eating they headed back up to the common room.
"If we thought sixth year was bad, then this is bloody horrible!" Ron groaned as read out his nice long list of homework. "We've got that two foot potions essay on the importance of brewing the stupid potion of living life or what ever its called right, then the two feet of crap for Binns on even more bloody troll wars not to mention charms." He said in one breath. "And all done in two days on top of whatever we get tomorrow."
"It doesn't really sound that bad. At least it's not hard, just a lot of rambling on I reckon." Harry sat at a table and began writing his potions essay. "Better to get it done tonight."
"I agree with Harry." Hermione sat beside him and became engrossed in her work. Ron just shook his head and sat down, staring blankly at his parchment. Hermione caught him trying to look at her work. "No Ron, not this year. You were in the class, do it yourself." And now he had something else to grumble about.
After only around half an hour, Hermione and Harry had both finished their potions assignments. Ron had barely started.
"On to charms then 'Mione?" Harry was smiling at her.
"I'd say so." She pulled out a fresh piece of parchment. They set to work. Ron sighed loudly for the umpteenth time. "Oh fine!" Hermione thrust her potions essay at him. "Just make sure you change it a bit at least!" He smiled gratefully.
Harry had already written six inches on the trolls by this time. Even Hermione had to marvel at his newfound speed.
Soon Harry and Hermione had finished their work, just as Ron was starting his charms essay.
"Lets go to my room, Harry." She got up. Ron went to follow. "No, you're going to stay here and finish your work like we have. It might be easier if we leave you alone to do it."
"Okay." Harry got up. "Not that I'm taking sides or anything, but I think it might help if we're not here to distract you Ron." Ron gave him a dirty look. Harry just gave him a small smile and left with Hermione.
"Feels good to have it all done, doesn't it Harry?" Hermione said as they settled on her bed.
Harry lent back and rested his head on her shoulder. "Yeah it does."
Hermione stroked Harry's hair. "You know, I don't really understand whats happened to you, and you've changed so much over the past few months, but I think whatever it was, it was for the best." She rested her cheek on his hair.
Over the past year, Harry had become closer with Hermione. While Ron was his best mate, she was his best friend. Ron would always be there with Harry and involved in all the action, but Hermione was there through all the rest. After Sirius's death, it was Hermione who Harry had cried to and confessed he felt like he was going crazy with sadness, not Ron. He didn't feel that he could do that with Ron.
Harry couldn't help but think that if Hermione knew the truth, that she might not think it to be the best. He really wanted to talk to her about it, but knew he couldn't. Not yet anyway. Harry stayed silent.
"To tell you the truth, I didn't think you'd be able to do it." Hermione suddenly said after a few moments of silence. Harry knew what she was referring to. "But... then I saw you today. And you know what? I felt jealous." She shifted away from Harry. He didn't like the absence of her body heat.
He didn't know what to say. So Harry said nothing and waited for Hermione to continue.
"Harry, I saw something in you today that I've never seen before. And... I didn't really know what it was at first." She frowned.
"What was it?" He asked, feeling it time for him to speak.
She looked up at him, tears in her eyes. "Happiness." She sniffed. Harry lent in and pulled her close. "I know I'm being stupid Harry, but I never thought I'd see you look like that again." She let her tears fall to his shoulder. "Not truly anyway." She gave him a smile. "I'm really happy you've found yourself."
Harry smiled at her. "So am I 'Mione, and I might tell you about it someday. Please don't cry." He wiped a tear off her cheek.
She laughed. "Really Harry, what has happened to you? I'm glad you're happy, but you're scaring me!"
Harry laughed. "Aren't I allowed to be kind and caring?" He pouted.
"Oh shut up! You know what I mean. You really have changed so much. I'd like to know what made you happy." She settled herself against him again. Harry sighed.
"I can't 'Mione. Not yet."
"So there is something then." She studied him intently.
Harry nodded. "You could say that. Please don't ask me about it." He felt a little uncomfortable. Hermione sensed it.
"As I said, I'm happy for you and you know I am. But I can't help getting the feeling I wont like what ever happened... Call me crazy, but I even get the feeling that... that your not Harry anymore. Not the Harry I knew anyway."
Harry gave her a curious look. Was she hinting she knew? Or was he just being paranoid? He shifted on the bed, suddenly getting the urge to see Severus.
"I'm right aren't I Harry?" She whispered.
Harry went stiff. He had to leave. "Look 'Mione, I've... got to go see McGonagall." He looked at his watch. Hermione caught his hand. Harry flinched badly and drew his hand back with more force than he needed to use.
"Ouch..." She muttered, wiggling her fingers.
"Don't touch my hands." Harry suddenly growled at her. He was very particular about his hands.
Hermione looked at him and felt a fear curse through her whole self. Harry's eyes looked uncharacteristically dark. "What's wrong Harry? Why don't you want me touching your hands...?" Her voice shook lightly.
"Just don't." He straightened up. "I have to go." He walked to the door and exited. He made sure not to slam it shut. Ron gave him a puzzled look, but Harry just walked past him and up into the dormitory. He went straight to his trunk and dug out his invisibility cloak.
After drawing the hangings around his bed shut, Harry donned the cloak and left. He managed to catch the door and snuck out. His feet moved and he needn't ask them where they were taking him.
To Severus's office.
Harry reached the door in no time, and quietly knocked. He heard footsteps on the other side, then the door swung open. He slipped in and tapped Severus on the back.
"It's me." Severus shut the door and Harry pulled the cloak off. Before Severus had even said a word, Harry had pulled him into a hug. Severus just stood there, not knowing what to do. Harry pulled back. "Sorry." He muttered.
"How come you're here?" Severus asked him, although his tone lacked the usual snideness. Harry smiled lightly.
"Why else? To see you." He took a step closer to him.
Severus gave him what Harry supposed was a pleased look. "You did well today."
Harry smirked. "I know."
"I think you gave Miss. Granger quite the shock." Severus put his hand on Harry's cheek and kissed him gently.
Harry smiled into the light kiss. "I know I did." His cool lips stuck to Severus's as he spoke. "And I know I will again." He kissed him with more pressure, bringing his body closer so that they touched. "Can I stay here with you for a while?" Harry asked as they pulled away from each other.
Severus frowned. "Only if you've done all your homework."
Harry laughed. "I'm all yours then." Severus looked mildly impressed.
"If you haven't..."
Harry cut him off. "I have." He gave him a quick kiss.
"In that case, good. I suppose I can allow you to take up a fraction of my precious time." He gave that half smile Harry had seen him give McGonagall the previous day.
"It's not like you don't have enough of it! Only all the time in the world!" Severus led him to the leather couch, where he pushed Harry back and laid himself on top of him. Harry was pleased with their positioning. "Hermione is so suspicious." He whispered as they broke away for oxygen.
"I have no doubt that she wouldn't be. You do realise she will figure it out."
Harry nodded. "Yes. I just hope it's not until I at least finish here." Harry frowned. "What about you though? Do you intend on teaching here much longer?"
"I haven't decided to tell the truth. I always assumed I'd be teaching here for the rest of my pathetic life, but I can't see that happening any more. I'm actually glad about that. Teaching the same batch of dunderheads day in and day out is not exactly riveting. Only to get a new batch the next year... It's just so tedious. I suppose I should be thanking you." He gave Harry a funny look.
"Or cursing me. But I doubt that would work. I hear we're now resistant to all curses and hexes." Harry brightened. "Hey... this could be fun. I think I just figured out a way to fake our deaths! Lets get into a huge and spectacular duelling match where we keep hitting each other, but it wont really hurt us, and then finally wipe each other out at the same time! Or so it will look anyway."
Severus had to smile lightly at his enthusiasm. "Not a bad idea. But I'm thinking other thoughts for the time being." He lent down and kissed Harry hard, forcing his tongue into his mouth. It took only moments for Harry to recover from the shock.
When they parted, Harry managed to speak again. "You know... I didn't really picture us becoming like this when I bit you. But I'm glad we are because I couldn't stop thinking about you all night… I've come to the conclusion that Vampires are very sexual." Harry smirked.
Severus groaned. "Well act the Vampire you are because I'm not going to wait all night for you." He brought his hips up to meet Harry's. He was pleased when he found him to be in the same state as he.
"You won't have to." Harry wrapped his legs around Severus's slim waist, and his arms around his neck. "I'm all yours right now."
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