AN: Again, thankyou to those of who reviewed! I thought another update was in order! (Not too long to go now! )

CHAPTER EIGHT: A touch of dishonesty

The next two weeks passed pretty much uneventfully. Of course, in this duration of time, Harry had to transform for his friends, and even taken them down to the dungeons to see Severus's own new morphing abilities. It seemed they were endlessly amused by it.

Harry and Severus had continued meeting up, and worked on perfecting their transformations so that now that could do them effortlessly. Also, as both realised, they had to work on their coordination when it came to moving about. It wasn't as easy as they first anticipated, but they improved as time moved on.

Now though, it was time for the Christmas holidays to begin.

Harry was a little apprehensive about going to Grimmauld place, but since it was a lot safer for him there, and yes he protested, then he would be going there. But at least the house would be relatively full. Order meetings were still in full swing, now that Voldemort was literally out in the open and everyone knew he was back, and were still held in the basement kitchen.

Harry's only worry was Severus. Of course, it would look suspicious for him to suddenly start spending more time there, and having meals and all that. But Harry would just have to wait. And this he knew.

But Harry and Severus made sure to have a good last night together.

They were to take an illegal port key to Grimmauld place. That was Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny, from Dumbledore's office. It was still relatively risky to Floo there, and although illegal port keys were highly risky they could be easily covered up from Hogwarts due to it's extreme wards and protective measures.

Upon arriving, Harry found the place to be just as dull as he remembered it.

It still smelt old and musty, and those horrid elf-heads were still on the walls. The only good thing was that Kreacher was dead, Harry never found out how, just that his head was thankfully not on the wall.

"This place is still dismal as ever." Harry groaned, looking about his and Ron's room.

"Yeah... you can say that again." Ron sighed.

They got up, the Kitchen being their desired destination, and entered to find a lone man seated at the table and reading the paper. He turned around and Harry was happy to see Remus.

"Remus!" He said, rushing up to the man. "How are you?"

Remus smiled. "I'm fine, Harry. How are you? It's good to see you're looking well again."

"Yeah, I'm great. I'd just like to apologise for earlier this year... I didn't mean to be so rude to you, I was just frustrated." Harry said.

"That's okay Harry, I forgive you." He was still smiling. "Would you and Ron like some tea?" He asked, raising his wand. Harry nodded, so did Ron, and sat next to him.

"Thanks." They said, sipping the hot liquid. "I'm glad you're here Remus." Harry said, looking at the man fondly. He'd always liked him.

Remus blushed lightly. "Thanks, Harry."

This caused Harry to laugh. "You're a funny one, you know that?"

Remus frowned. "How do you mean?"

"I don't know, you just are. In a good way." Harry grinned at him. Harry was sad that Remus didn't have someone special to love, and he thought the man more than deserved it. He knew it was all due to his lycanthropy, and the fact that this lowered his self-esteem when it came to women. But there wasn't much Harry could do.

But Harry was suddenly finding he couldn't take his eyes off Remus. No, he wasn't attracted to him in a sexual way but... but he could smell his blood, see it pumping through his veins... Harry wanted it, needed it.

"Just do it... do it, you need it..." A voice told Harry.

Harry shook his head. "No... I don't." He tried to fight it.

"Yes you do, and you know it. It's what you want, what you crave... everything you could ever lust for..."

Harry found the voice very tempting.

Remus was talking to Harry, but Harry wasn't responding his eyes had clouded over and were glazed, and he was staring right at him.

"Harry... are you okay? Ron, come here and help me." Ron didn't reply. Remus turned to him. "Ron? Ron, what's wrong?"

Ron was frozen to his seat. He knew what was happening. Suddenly, he found himself though and managed to scream out to Remus. "Remus, get out of the way!"

"Huh? What're you..." He cried out suddenly as Harry hands latched on to his arms, and a pain flared through his body. Remus turn to Harry, whose eyes were focused on his neck and noticed, to his horror, long sharp teeth bared and aimed for his throat.

But as soon as it happened, Harry grunted and recoiled, pulling his hands to his body and crying out in pain.

Remus was stunned and only then noticed that Harry's fingernails had torn open his shirt and sunk deeply into his arms and drawn blood.

Harry had fallen to the ground, and was still crying out in pain. But when he looked up, Remus could tell, just by looking in his eyes, that he was out of whatever trance he'd just been in. He knew something was horribly wrong, but also knew that Harry was in pain.

"Harry... get up, we need to wash that off you." He pulled Harry up, who was looking painfully startled, and lead him over to the sink and ran cold water over his hands. Soon, all the blood had washed off to reveal angry red welts.

Harry was breathing harshly, the pain still strumming through his fingers. He looked up at Remus, and knew that he knew something was wrong. Taking a deep breath, he went back to the table and sat, looking at the ground.

"Harry, what was that?" Harry heard Remus's voice. Harry looked up to see him and Ron both looking at him, still mildly frightened.

"Remus... there's something I have to tell you." He said. "I... I'm... I was bitten by a vampire." He heard Remus gasp.

"Knockturn alley..." Remus whispered out loud. "That's why my blood burnt you, a lycan's blood is fatal to a Vampire even if it is only touching their skin. But Harry... it doesn't add up."

Harry told Remus of what he was, but left out any details of Severus. "Remus... are you going to tell anyone?"

Remus looked at him intently. "Harry... I really should, but I don't want to. I know how it feels to hide a dark secret, but if you're dangerous..."

"But that's the thing, I'm not. At least I wasn't. It wasn't me who wanted to hurt you, well it was, but it was this voice telling me to. It's different from an urge or an instinct... like there is actually someone there telling me what to do."

Remus seemed to consider this. "Indeed? Have you considered it's possibly Voldemort? You never did after all master Occumlancy."

Harry nodded. "I have, and that's what I'm afraid of. But I really have no way of finding out. You're the first person I've really hurt, although I did sort of hurt Hermione a few weeks ago." Harry frowned. "I'm really sorry Remus, believe me I had no intentions of hurting you, that's the last thing I'd ever want to do."

Remus nodded. "I know Harry, I believe you. Maybe it's best if we do well Dumbledore at least, I'm sure that once we get down to the root of this problem that he'll let you stay at Hogwarts. But I'll refrain from doing so if you really forbid it."

Harry had to smile. He knew he could always trust Remus. "Thankyou so much, Remy. But for now I really don't want to tell him. I don't think I could bear not being able to go back to Hogwarts; I'd miss everyone too much. Not only that, but I refuse to go back to Privet drive. Oh, and I suppose you ought to know I'm an animagus as well."

Remus's eyebrows rose. "Really? Since when?"

"Since a couple of weeks ago. I'm a snake. But you can't tell anyone that either. I did it illegally of course." Harry smirked lightly, and transformed without giving Remus a chance to say any more.

While in his form, Harry heard Ron's voice. "You know Harry, it mightn't be safe for you to be like that... we don't know who might walk down those stairs." He looked warily up at the stairs that led down into the kitchen, as if expecting someone to be standing there. And lucky for Harry there wasn't.

In silent agreement, Harry resumed his homo sapien appearance. "Thanks Ron." He said, and then looked back at Remus. "What do you think?"

Remus nodded, looking impressed. "Nice work Harry, I guess it's only fitting you're a serpent with you being a Parselmouth. I must ask how did you do it?"

Harry really did smirk, raising an eyebrow. "Sorry Remus, I was under austere instruction to keep that information strictly to myself. I'm sure you'll understand though."

"Yes, I understand." He smiled lightly. But frowned.

"What's wrong Remus? Please... I know it may seem like I could turn into a brute at any given moment, but I swear I'm not dangerous. You'll be safe anyway, because I'm sure whatever it is that possess me and gives me a lust for blood would have realised that yours will kill me. Please... I wont hurt you." Harry stepped closer to Remus and was glad to see he didn't retreat.

"I know Harry... but you must realise that I'm still a little weary. Although, I did hurt you..." He extended an arm for Harry's hand, but Harry withdrew it.

"Don't Remus... don't touch my hands." He said, malevolently narrowing his eyes.

Remus was a little stunned. "Harry...?" He asked, probably thinking Harry was having another episode. He noticed Harry's eyes widen at surprise at himself.

"Sorry Remus, it's just that I'm very particular about who touches my hands." Harry held them under his cloak, clasping them together.

"Oh... I see. That's okay, but you had a pretty nasty burn."

Harry shook his head. "No, it's okay." He pulled his hands out. "Look, they're gone. All healed. While I do feel the pain, the wounds heal almost instantly. I am immortal, you know."

Realisation dawned on Remus. "Yes... you are. I'm impressed." He looked curious. "May I see your hands? I promise I wont touch them."

Harry swallowed, almost audibly, then walked back over to Remus and showed him his hands. Remus looked on interestedly, and instruction Harry to turn them over.

"It's alright Remus, you can touch them now. I feel safe near you." Harry gave permission.

Remus nodded once, and then took Harry's hands into his own. Of course he immediately felt the differences, and marvelled at them. He looked up at Harry, about to speak, but saw that his eyes were closed and his facial expression was that of extreme contentment and almost pleasure.

"Harry...?" Remus said, running his fingers over Harry's palm. Harry opened his green eyes almost groggily.

"Damn Remus, you better stop that before I do do something." He raised an eyebrow, smiling slyly. Harry turned his head when he heard Ron snort from the table.

"Don't listen to him Remus." Ron said.

Remus was intrigued. "What do you mean, Ron?"

Harry sighed loudly, taking his hands back from Remus. "Remus, let me tell you a few things about Vampires or half-vampires. First of all, touch means everything. And by everything I mean everything. For instance, just having my hands touched is like..." He blushed lightly. "I'll allow you to use your most indecent imagination."

Remus raised both his fair eyebrows. "Really? I never knew that. There isn't really all that many really intricate details about the Vampires documented, only that of their behaviours. But tell me, does it really feel like...?"

Harry nodded. "Oh it feels almost better than..." He cocked his eyebrow and hastily looked down. "But only when they're in contact with other hands or... other body parts." He added, to avoid confusion. "Now do you know why I'm a bit fussy about who touches them?"

"Yes, I can see your reasoning now. That would become a nuisance, wouldn't it? What if you had to shake hands with some old, ugly man?" Harry could tell that Remus was definitely showing interest. Dark Creatures had always sparked his interest

Harry shrugged. "Take away the old and the ugly and I wouldn't have a problem." He grinned, flashing his sharp, white fangs.

Remus laughed, shaking his head. "Harry, you really are a..."

He was cut off by the clearance of a throat issued by Ron. "If you two don't mind, I really don't want to hear any more..." He said looking a bit put off.

Harry laughed. "Maybe you should leave then Ron? I'm allowed to converse with a friend, wherever that conversation might lead, aren't I?"

"You know you are, but really... as if Remus wants to hear about your attraction to men." Ron stood. "But I think I'll leave anyway." He walked up the stairs and out of the kitchen.

Harry couldn't help but laugh. "Sorry Remus, please tell me if I'm offending you."

But Remus was smiling. "It's okay Harry. I'm not offended. It's clear that you can't talk to him about it, but I just want you to know that you can always talk to me."

Harry grinned. "Thanks Remy. You're a great person and friend, you know that?"

"Now Harry, you know I don't take compliments well." He said, but was looking amused.

"Well, don't take it as a compliment. I was only stating a fact." Harry was still smiling.

"If you insist."

Harry nodded. "I do. But really, you don't mind me talking of such things? I know it's not exactly common or even respected in the Wizarding world to have relationships that aren't exactly... conventional."

"It's alright Harry, I know what it's like to need to talk about something only not have anyone to talk to. Or not have the guts to talk to. There's no use me denying it, Harry, but if I were to dissuade you from talking of such things then I'd be a great horrible hypocrite myself." Remus was smiling softly.

Harry's grin returned. "You're joking! I would never have guessed it!" Harry slapped him on the shoulder.

"Yes, you confided in me so I feel only that I should confide in you. Or more like, as guilty as it's beginning to make me feel, off load onto you. It's something I've never really spoken about, Harry. I guess it just feels good to be able to speak of it and not feel ashamed or exceptionally differing even more so than I already am from everyday wizards." Remus was looking a little... sad.

"Hey, it's okay Remus. I don't mind, really! You'd know if I was worried." He gave him a reassuring smile. "I bet if I weren't already with someone then you'd have something to really worry about." It dawned on Harry about two seconds after he'd said it that he'd said too much. Far too much.

Remus had raised eyebrows. "What's this Harry? You've got someone..." He was smiling. "I'm happy for you. Is it too much to ask who it is?"

Harry's eyes were wide. "Yes Remus, for now it is too much. Maybe one day I'll tell you, but today is not that day. Please understand that."

"Yes, certainly. Everybody's entitled to their privacy." He lost his grin almost as suddenly as he'd gained it. "Harry... this person, he isn't... isn't like you?" He intruded.

Harry knew at that moment he had to do something atrocious and lie to Remus. So, shaking his head he denied it. "No Remus, he is as human as they come." He smiled, hoping that he didn't look guilty.

Remus nodded. But then his eyes went back to Harry. "Harry, what's this about your interest in me? Please, must you really jest like that?" His smile was back.

Harry laughed, feeling light again. "Oh Remus, I was not talking in jest. Far from it. There may be something in the future for us yet, and maybe if they ever find a cure for lycanthropy I could grant you eternal life of darkness. And of me."

Remus knew Harry was playing with him. "Thankyou Harry, that is very generous of you. But for now I think I'll settle for being your friend."

"Alright, I suppose that'll suffice. But now that I'm literally a Potion's master I might be able to find you a cure."

Remus looked mildly stunned, and surveyed Harry a moment before he spoke. "You're not kidding this time, are you? I heard you were going well at school, but..."

Harry shrugged. "I don't know what happened. I did brew the animagus potion though."

"You did? But... but even Snape himself would find those to be quite the challenge. Merlin Harry, maybe this is a change for the best!" Remus laughed.

Harry was serious. "Yes, maybe it is." He said thoughtfully. He looked up at Remus. "Remus, thankyou for taking this so well. It wasn't long ago that I hurt you and yet here you are joking with me and acting like one of my best mates. It's probably more than I deserve."

"Harry, it's not what you are that concerns me. It's who you are. If you were a down right prat of a person, half-vampire or not, then I might've acted differently. But you're not. Yes, you may have hurt me, but a small physical pain is nothing. Circumstances would have been different if you'd hurt me emotionally. Besides, I have faith that it really wasn't you fuelling those actions."

Harry sighed with emotion. Remus really was someone special. "You have no idea how much that means to me, you know." He said, putting his hand on Remus's. Remus looked down at the contact with interest. Harry's skin was amazingly cool.

Remus, smiling, opened his arms up to Harry.

Harry succumbed to Remus's embrace, relishing the fact that he really did have another great friend who trusted him despite his earlier actions. Harry rested his chin on Remus's shoulder, their bodies making complete contact, and couldn't help but think that if it weren't for the mans Werewolf blood then he would have taken him in an instant. With Remus's consent of course.

Harry pulled lightly back out of the warm embrace, although both kept their arms around the other. Harry, knowing what he was doing and knowing that he would be hurting Severus, hastily pressed his lips against Remus's.

Remus startled at the action, not expecting it, but nevertheless kissed Harry back.

Neither moved to make it any deeper.

Harry, smiling sheepishly, pulled away. "Sorry... can't say I was really planning on doing that. Caught up in the moment, you know?"

But Remus didn't mind, he was quite flattered. "Yeah, the moment." He said, still a little stunned. He shook it away.

"Oh... do you mind if we keep that to ourselves? I wouldn't want a certain person to find out... not that I'm one to be dishonest; I've never done anything of the sort before. Let's just say it was out of friendship, shall we?" Harry asked hopefully, only then realising how close he and Remus still were and that they were still holding onto the other. Harry gently removed himself from Remus's arms completely.

"Yes... that would be a wise thing to do, I'd say?" Remus said, still frowning slightly. He didn't like it that he was the one who Harry had been fraudulent with, nor the fact he had liked it. He made to hold out his hand, but pulled it back. "I was about to say we'll shake on being friends, but I doubt that's a good idea."

Harry laughed. "It's okay Remus, I'm not some out of control lunatic you know. I can control myself, as much as that seems completely unreasonable at present." Harry held out his hand. "It's okay, lets shake."

Remus, eyeing Harry's hand, gradually took a light hold of it. "Alright." They shook hands, Remus paying careful attention to the look in Harry's eyes. It was obvious he was trying to conceal something, but Remus was unknowing as to what that may be. He had vaguely thought of it possibly being lust, but brushed that absurd thought aside. Harry may have kissed him once, but he certainly wouldn't be lusting over him..

"Good. Well that settles that. One day you'll be able to boast you've been kissed by a vampire and not been changed." Harry smirked at him.

Remus smiled in return. "Yes, maybe I will."

Thanks for reading! Please review.