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CHAPTER SIX: Blood Lust
Harry awoke to find himself in Severus's arms and in Severus's bed. He felt sort of thick and sluggish, and decided to close his eyes and snuggle closer to Severus. The warmth was excellent, and all around him was the rich scent of the man whose arms held him tight. Harry really didn't want to move. A dull thud had developed in the back of his head, and he knew it would become worse once he sat up.
Since he was already awake, Harry found it hard to get back to sleep. So he started thinking. He needed a plan against Voldermort and now was as good a time as any to start formulating those plans.
First of all, Harry needed to know where Voldermort was. But where the hell was he? That was the main obstacle. What Harry needed to do was draw him out of his hiding place. But how? To do this, Harry needed to know his intentions. It was obvious he wanted Harry dead and immortality... maybe Harry should think about other aspects of Voldermort's demise for the time being.
The next was how to do it? A duel was simple enough, yet would it be effective? It would be a disaster if Voldermort discovered Harry and Severus's secret and had time to flee. Perhaps the killing curse? It was true it had failed once before, but that was only because it's intensity had been lessened because it had lost some energy when rebounding off Harry himself. But there was a problem. Harry didn't know how to perform the killing curse. Maybe Severus knew? Harry actually hoped he did.
Speaking of Severus, Harry felt him stir. Smiling, Harry lent over and kissed him gently on his lips. He watched as Severus's eyes fluttered open.
"Good morning." Harry smiled.
Severus smirked at him. "Why are you looking so happy? I thought you'd be suffering this morning."
"No, that's what you were hoping. And I'm happy because I got to wake up next to you." Harry kissed him on the nose.
"You're right, I was hoping that." He took a hold of Harry and rolled on to his back, pulling Harry on top of him.
Harry chuckled lightly, lying on top of Severus. He laid his head next to Severus's who turned his head to face Harry, kissing his face. Harry was grinning in appreciation. "I didn't know you were such a softy ..."
The kisses paused. Next thing Harry knew Severus was moving and he found himself being literally thrown up into a sitting position. Harry was right, the headache hit him full force and he groaned.
"Oww ... Why'd you have to go and do that?" He mumbled, holding his head. While he may not be able to die without a wooden stake to the heart, he could still feel pain.
"You know perfectly well why." Severus was smirking, but put his arms around Harry, turned him around, and pulled him back to rest against his strong chest then proceeded in kissing his neck, gently running his fangs along the taut skin.
Harry was purring. "Hmm... I love it when you do that..." He lent his head to the side to allow Severus more room to lap at his neck. Harry could feel Snape hardening against his backside, since they were both still naked, and felt himself also harden in the process.
Severus ran a nimble hand down Harry's stomach until he reached the tangle of soft dark curls that surrounded the fleshy base of Harry's cock. He immediately felt how hard Harry was and wrapped his hand around the length gently, causing Harry's hips to propel forwards. Severus continued kissing his neck, while stroking Harry slowly... his other hand smoothing along his chest. However, Severus would never admit to the fact he got a bit of a shock when Harry moved fast as lightning and pounced on him, pushing him back onto the bed.
Harry collapsed, exhausted but invigorated, and rolled off Severus. He lay there, legs and arms sprawled, letting the after affects of his orgasm take him away.
Finally, Harry turned to face Severus. "Damn, we are good aren't we?"
Severus smirked at him. "Indeed we are."
Harry took a deep breath and lifted himself up on his elbows. "I'm going for a shower, would it be stupid to ask if you're coming?"
"Yes, it would be."
Harry nodded. "I thought so." He rolled over, and stood a little shakily. He stretched, waited for Severus to rise, and they made their way to the bathroom.
After showering, they emerged and Harry headed straight for the room in which his potion lay. After pulling it out of the cupboard, Harry checked it to make sure it was still looking as it should.
"I still can't believe I made this." Harry commented proudly, looking at his creation.
"To tell the honest truth, neither can I." Severus said honestly.
Harry laughed. "You know what, I've been thinking. I have a feeling I've gained something of yours by choosing you and tasting your blood- it being your knowledge of potion making."
Severus nodded his head. "And, by the sound of it, some of my intelligence."
"I'll take that as a compliment!" He smiled, opening the old book. "Right, part one of phase one is done. I really hope they don't all take that long." He grumbled, looking thought the potions closely. "Oh good, if I start part two now it should be ready in about four hours. And it's to be taken straight from the cauldron."
Harry set to work, brewing this potion in yet another of Severus's cauldrons. It seemed the man had an endless supply of the things, but that was rather fitting considering his profession.
Every now and again Harry caught Severus looking at him, and finally, after about the sixth time, Harry winked at him causing him to startle and look away suddenly. This caused Harry to smirk and almost ruin his potion.
It was four hours later and Harry was adding the final touches to his potion. Finally, after a few more minutes, it was done.
"Finished!" He said as he sat, sighing heavily but feeling the excitement within him grow. "I'm supposed to take two hundred millilitres of this potion, then another two hundred of the first one. Do you have some measuring glasses?" Harry asked Severus.
"Over in that cupboard." Harry headed over to the cupboard, and pulled out two.
At his potion, Harry ladled out the right amount and held it up to his mouth. He was too nervous to drink it at first, but then threw it back so suddenly he almost chocked on it.
"Arg! I should have considered taste... " He screwed his face up, his taste buds not at all pleased. Harry heard Severus snort. "Hey, don't you laugh, you're next." Harry grinned, refilling the cup.
Severus frowned. "I didn't think you were really serious about that."
Harry nodded. "Of course I was! Come on, what can it hurt? It's not like there's not enough." He thrust the goblet Severus's direction.
Severus accepted, feeling grateful. He smelt the disgusting looking concoction, before following Harry's lead and drank it in one large gulp.
"Disgusting, if I do say so myself."
Meanwhile, Harry had already drunk the second half of the potion and was in the process of handing some to Severus.
"This ones not so bad." Harry said, watching as Severus drank it. "I thought I'd feel different, but I feel nothing. I hope it still works, considering we're not exactly human now."
"I don't see why that should be a problem. The potion is designed to work with human DNA, which would be the same as a vampire since we're still made up of the same cells and chromosomes and all that. And I doubt that we'll feel any of the affects until we've taken the final two potions. The only surprise I've got is that I'm not keeling over with stomach pains. Normally I would have expected death, and would not have trusted any potion you made, but now I'm immortal death is irrelevant."
Harry snorted. "I guess that's a bonus then. It's exciting to think that in three more weeks, hopefully, we'll be able to transform. At first I was thinking I'd become a bat, but I don't think I will because once I finally do take more blood then it'll come naturally. I think I want to become a snake."
Severus nodded. "Yes, I can picture you suiting a snake. And not just because you're a Parselmouth. I wouldn't mind becoming one either, I've always been fond of snakes."
"That's because you're head of Slytherin." Harry smirked.
"Probably." Severus said, rolling his eyes. "As for the moment, it might be an idea to make an appearance in the Gryffindor common room. I have no doubts that there will be some suspicion as to your whereabouts."
Harry sighed. "I know, and I suppose I should go. You know I'd rather stay here though, don't you?"
"Of course I do." Severus smirked, pulling Harry into his arms. Harry smiled, and kissed the man. "Now go, I don't fancy seeing Dumbledore any time soon." Harry grinned, and left.
Harry made his way back to the common room, and entered. He spotted Hermione and Ron on the couches.
"Hi." He said, as they hadn't noticed him yet.
Ron turned around and smirked at him, then whispered: "Was your night as good as mine supposedly was?"
Harry quirked an eyebrow as Hermione snorted. "Ahh... I don't know, was it?"
"I'd say it probably was." Hermione said, glaring daggers around the room.
Harry smirked. "What's going on?" He asked as he sat down.
Hermione huffed. "They think that Ron and I had sex together last night." She said straight out, causing Harry to laugh.
"What! Oh... that is funny." He paused. "You didn't... did you?" They had been drunk, so anything was possible.
"No!" Hermione said through clenched teeth.
"I thought you said you wouldn't care what they said, 'Mione?" Ron asked.
"I was drunk, Ron." Hermione said, rolling her eyes. "I just wish they'd stop looking at me like that. What's it to them if you stayed in my room? It's not like we haven't been friends for bloody years."
"It's okay 'Mione," Harry said, wrapping an arm around her. "Do you want me to help you get them off your back? I don't think Severus would mind if I snogged you for a good cause."
Harry got the reaction he intended for. "Harry!" Hermione laughed. "I don't think we need to go that far, then they'll think I'm playing both of you!"
"I bet they'd just be jealous, 'Mione." Harry said soothingly. "You are incredibly stunning you know."
"How would you know Harry? You're gay, remember?" She was grinning.
"Oh sorry, I forgot." Harry said, slapping himself on the head but later regretting it. He hadn't quite fully recovered from his hang over yet. "Well then, Ron and I are incredibly gorgeous."
"Harry... please don't ever say that about me again." Ron said, looking queasy.
"Sorry mate, but it's all true. I have the best looking friends in the whole school. Aside from one person, that is." Harry grinned.
Both Ron and Hermione rolled their eyes. "How did the potion go?" Hermione finally asked.
"Great. Severus and I have already taken the first stages of it. Next week I begin phase two." Harry was proud.
"Good work, I'm still surprised you know. And jealous." Ron said enviously.
"I agree, that's some talent you've got there Harry." Hermione smiled.
Harry shrugged. "Yeah, I know as much as Severus does. We figured it happened when I took his blood." Harry said, laying back with his arm still around Hermione.
"That could be logical. I should look into it." Hermione said, probably already making a mental journey to the library.
"Yuk, I still can't believe you sucked his blood." Ron said, scrunching up his nose.
Harry just rolled his eyes, but noticed that someone was coming over.
"There you are Harry, where were you all night?" Neville said, not looking at Hermione and Ron.
"Hello to you too Neville. Sorry, but I was here. I just didn't get back till really late, and then I left early. You must have missed me." Harry said with confidence.
Neville frowned. "Where were you though?" He got a little jittery.
"Just out. No where of your concern." Harry said, getting annoyed. He turned to Hermione and Ron. "Do you two fancy a walk?"
Ron and Hermione nodded. Harry said his goodbyes to Neville and the trio exited the Gryffindor common room.
"Nosey git." Harry muttered as they walked.
"I agree." Ron said. "You should have seen him last night, when I was going into Hermione's room in my P.j's. Completely suspicious."
"As I said before, jealousy." Harry grinned as they approached the tree they liked to sit under. The weather was growing continually colder, but it was still pleasant outside for the time being. There was a late afternoon breeze, and all three Gryffindor's were thinking rather fondly of their scarfs.
Harry lay back on the cool grass, Hermione and Ron both opting to sit against the tree. Harry couldn't believe how much his life had changed, and how good it felt; despite that he knew that what happened could've proved to be his demise. He took a moment to take a look at his friends. They were the best friends, the only friends, he'd ever had. They had been through so much together even from the very first moment they met. Ron was great, even if he could succumb to a little jealously at times... and Hermione was the best, her intelligence coming in more than handy on numerous occasions.
But, for the moment, all Harry could think about was their blood. Suddenly, a picture was in his mind where he was hovering over Hermione, his teeth bared, and preparing to take her blood. It was almost as if he could taste it, and he craved it...
"Harry!" Hermione cried as Harry suddenly stood and moved so that he was standing above her. It was almost as if he was entranced, like there was something taking over him. "Ron... I think there's something wrong."
Ron jumped to his feet. "Harry, mate... what are you doing?" He pulled Hermione up by the hand, and Harry took another step towards her.
"It's okay... it wont hurt a bit..." Harry's voice said in a deathly calm tone, his eyes boring into Hermione's.
Hermione watched, horrified, as before her eyes Harry's own eyes changed and began to glow a sinister green. She jumped in shock when he hissed at her, revealing his pointed teeth that appeared even more elongated and definitely sharper.
'Blood... blood... must take her blood...' An urging voice was running through Harry's head. He obeyed, feeling his body take control. He frowned when he realised that the blood was moving away from him, it's heat growing colder as the distance increased. Harry moved towards it, following it, being continually reminded by the voice of how much he needed and wanted that sweet blood that was just so close...
"NOO!" Harry suddenly screamed, clutching his head. Something was not right, he should not be thinking like that... he had made a choice; he would not take human blood...
'But you must...' The voice in his head persisted. 'You must, if you are to survive... you must do it...'
"I WONT DO IT!" Harry bellowed out loud again. He had lost scent of the blood, and knew he really didn't want it but there was that voice... He felt himself falling to the ground, and curled up tightly. "Don't say it..." He whispered harshly to himself. "That is not what I want..."
'Yes... yes, you do. It's what's best...'
Harry couldn't bear to hear that voice any more. He reached into his cloak and pulled out his wand. Standing up, Harry blasted the nearest thing in frustration- the tree they had been sitting under.
It was only when he had to duck a lethal flying splinter of wood that Harry realised what he'd done.
Hermione and Ron had bolted, realising that there was something dreadfully wrong with Harry. They knew thay had to find Professor Snape, as he might be the only one who could possibly help.
"Listen to him 'Mione," Ron said to her as they approached the entrance to the castle. "He sounds like he's gone mental."
"I know Ron, I know. We just need to find Professor..." Hermione let out an oomph as she ran straight into someone. Looking up, she was cursing to find McGonagall.
"Miss. Granger! Do watch where you are going!" She paused, looking out the door. "I must ask, what is going on with..." She paused, her eye's widening as Harry blew up the tree. "Stay here." She ordered, heading out the door.
Hermione was speechless.
"What do we do?" Ron whined. "This is not good! What if she figures something out?" Hermione grabbed his arm.
"Come on, we can still find Snape in time." They hurried off to the Dungeons and were soon banging on Snape's door. Thankfully, he was there.
"What's the meaning of...?"
"Professor! You must come with us! Something is wrong with Harry, and McGonagall is suspicious..." Hermione said quickly, and Snape didn't hesitate in following them out the door.
They didn't speak as they made their way back up to the entrance hall and out the door.
Harry knew he was stuffed when McGonagall came storming out of the castle. Feeling defeated, he slumped to the ground.
"Mr. Potter!" Her stern voice rang out. Harry really needed a good excuse and quick.
Harry looked up, staying silent. He was worried, but at least the voice in his head had ceased.
"Just what are you doing?" McGonagall said, advancing. Harry sighed in relief when he realised his craving for blood had gone completely. Now he just felt drained.
"Sorry, I didn't really mean it." Harry said lamely. "I was just a bit frustrated."
"A bit frustrated? That is no excuse. Do I want to know why? Or should I send you straight to the hospital wing?" She was now standing above him.
Harry hesitated. What could he say? But then a thought struck him. "I guess I was just feeling a little put out, you see Hermione and Ron just told me they were interested in each other. I guess you could say I was jealous." As much as he knew he was in trouble, he couldn't help but try to bite back a smile. He knew how much Ron and Hermione would want to kill him for saying something like that... but maybe they'd want to kill him anyway, after what had just happened.
McGonagall looked at him closely. "You really need to keep that temper of yours in touch. But I'm afraid I'll be seeing you in detention..."
"Mr. Potter's in trouble again, I take it?" Harry's heart skipped a beat when he heard Severus's voice. He looked up into concerned eyes, also noticing Hermione and Ron. He looked at them apologetically.
"Not that it concerns you, Severus, but Mr. Potter has a detention with me." She paused, "But perhaps there's something you need done, Professor, that Mr. Potter can assist you with?" Harry knew that McGonagall must have figured that Harry would see detention as being even worse if it was with Snape, but little did she know that the thought excited Harry beyond belief.
Severus shot Harry a look. "I don't know Minerva, don't think you can just throw your detention subjects at me." He paused. "However, I have a rather nasty looking cupboard that could do with a clean out. I suppose Mr. Potter can take care of that for me." He smirked.
McGonagall nodded. "That settles it. Next time, Mr. Potter, do try to keep your temper in check. Otherwise the headmaster might need to be called." She nodded at Severus, and then headed off.
Harry sighed. "That was so close..." He paused. "I am so sorry." He said, looking at Ron and Hermione. "I have no idea what came over me, it was the strangest feeling."
"What happened?" Severus asked, after checking there was no one around.
Harry looked at him. "I don't really know. One minute I was thinking, then the next it was like there was this voice in my head... telling me to take their blood, that I needed it. I knew I didn't really, but it was like it was consuming me. It was really scary."
"Harry got this strange look in his eyes and they started to glow. I thought he was really going to try and bite me, his teeth had increased in size and everything." Hermione said, still shaken from the incident.
"It might be an idea for the two of you to head back to the Gryffindor tower." Severus said, concerned.
Harry stood up. "Hermione... please understand, I am so sorry. You know I would never intentionally try to harm you."
Hermione looked at him warily. "I know Harry, I know." She said after a few minutes. "You just scared me, that's all." She smiled lightly.
Harry sucked in an emotional breath. He had come so close to hurting her, and yet Hermione found it in her heart to forgive him so quickly and willingly. Harry really didn't deserve so much sometimes. "Thankyou." Harry smiled and squeezed his eyes shut when Hermione pulled him into a hug.
"I just think we should be careful, maybe try to figure out what's happening." Hermione said, as she pulled back. "Come on Ron, we should get back. I'll see you later." She smiled lightly, and her and Ron walked back up to the castle.
Harry turned to Severus. "I really don't know what happened, only that I know it wasn't me."
"We need to talk, but not here. Come to my office." Severus said while looking Harry in the eye before pivoting on the spot and powering off towards the castle. Harry waited a few moments, and headed back up after him. He knew he had to be cautious as to who saw him going into the dungeons, since he was without his invisibility cloak, and crept as silently as possible down the corridor.
Finally, Harry reached Severus's office and he was granted entrance.
Harry sat on the couch with Severus, who put his arm around him and pulled him close. It was almost like the man sensed Harry's state of unease, and sought to comfort him, but did it in a way the didn't suggest he was meaning to do so. Harry buried his face into Severus's neck, breathing in his rich scent and grasping his hand with his own. It was reassuring for Harry to know that Severus was there and willing to do so.
"Do you think it really was me?" Harry asked although his voice was muffled.
Severus was silent for a few moments. "No, I don't. And I don't want you thinking that either. If the cravings were going to be so impacting, don't you think I would have felt them too?" His voice was not harsh.
Harry shrugged. "I don't really know what to think."
"Well I've been thinking, and I have a suspicion this may have something to do with the Dark Lord." Severus felt Harry tense.
"But how would he know about... about..."
"I'm not entirely sure, but I don't doubt that this could possibly be one of the Dark Lord's sinister plans. The only thing that worries me is how he is implanting these thoughts in your head. If he really is, that is. It must be a form of possession."
Harry nodded. "Yeah... I remember when Ginny told me what she felt like when Voldermort possessed her, and she said that she had no recollection of any of the events. I can remember everything, only I don't know why I did what I did."
"Maybe it's not possession of that sort..." Severus frowned.
"I'm just afraid it'll happen again... maybe next time there wont be a chance for whoever wittinesses it to get away. I don't want to hurt anyone." Harry curled up closer to Severus, feeling frightened and frustrated. He relaxed a little, the feeling of Severus's hand stroking his hair soothing him. Harry looked up to find Severus looking at him.
Severus brushed the hair out of Harry's sad eyes, leaning in to kiss him. Harry's arms went around Severus as he kissed him, relishing everything the other had to give. Harry pulled away.
"Maybe I should leave, everybody would be a lot safer."
Severus frowned. "I don't think that will solve anything. And where would you go? Back to Knockturn alley?"
Harry shrugged. "I don't know, anywhere away from civilisation."
"And you expect me to let you go?" Severus tightened his grip on Harry.
"It's not like you'll really be loosing much, maybe a shag here and there... but I'm sure you'll find some one else easily." Harry tried to pull out of Severus's grip. "You are incredibly handsome."
"I'm not letting go, so you can stop struggling. I want you to hear this; I will not let you run away. Didn't you say so yourself that you didn't want to let the Dark Lord rule your life?" Severus paused. "Not to mention it'll be rather hard to find someone else who is doomed to live for the remainder of time for me to shag."
Harry smiled lightly and stopped trying to break free of his grip. "I wasn't planning on running away, just going away so I wont be a threat. And it might not be Voldermort who's doing this, it really could be me."
"Yes, that may be so, but we can't rule out any possibilities until we know more." He narrowed his eyes at Harry who again began squirming to free himself of his grip yet again.
"But knowing more might mean that it's already too late. I can't risk that, I really can't. What if I wake up in the middle of the night, craving blood, and attack everyone in their sleep? Not only would I be killing them, but sending them to hell never to rest again. I don't want that to happen. If I'm not here, then neither is the risk. " Harry pulled away and stood up.
Severus followed, realising that Harry was serious. "But it also might not happen again. We can work on your Occulmancy, strengthen it, and possibly find the answers with that." Severus paused, and then spoke again in a quiet voice. "And I wouldn't want you to go."
Harry looked up, feeling shocked at what he'd heard, and realised with one look into the mans eyes that he was as sincere as he'd ever be. The emotion shining in his inky black depths was so bright and obvious, that it caused Harry's lower stomach to lurch. He didn't realise just how much Severus had come to... Harry couldn't pick the right word.
"You mean it?" Harry whispered also, in awe.
Severus nodded.
Harry swallowed, furrowing his eyebrows. Severus had come to mean a lot to him, and Harry didn't think he really could just walk away. But if leaving Hogwarts meant leaving Severus, Harry knew he had to think twice. But was endangering everyone worth it? Was it really for Harry to decide?
"I don't know... I'm so confused." Harry finally succumbed to Severus's arms again, allowing the embrace to envelop him completely. "I just don't want to hurt anyone."
"Which is understandable, but stay put for now will you?" Severus pulled back and placed a gentle kiss on Harry's mouth. Harry enjoyed Severus's soft moments, which were so unexpected but so welcomed. It felt nice to know that someone wanted to treat him that way, to be tender and gentle and even more so knowing it generally wasn't in that person's nature to do so.
Harry nodded. "Okay, but only for you. And if I get even the slightest notion that something is not right, I'm going to have to revoke what I just said. Or I'll be found out and my heart pierced with a wooden stake."
Severus gave a grim smile, and nodded once. He knew Harry was right, but he wasn't to know just yet what the future held for them.
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