AN: hey guys! Here's the next chapter. It's longer than I expected but I couldn't help it. I tried to get all of Sept 1 into this chapter but it just would work. I worked hard on this chapter and can't wait for you to read this.

JK Rowling owns HP universe not me. I just own my imagination.

Please review at the end!

Matters of the Heart

Chapter 7

Sept 1

Unable to sleep, Harry rolled onto his back and huffed.

"Ugh. This is crazy." He grumbled to himself. Today is the day the students arrive and he has his thing with Snape. He doesn't know which one he's more nervous about. Ever since they spoke the other day and agreed to their little game he's been struggling with what to tell the man.

Do I tell him I'm a Vampire now or wait? If I wait and he finds out on his own that would be bad for us. I don't want him to feel he can't trust me but am I ready for him to know now? He's a smart man, he'll research Living Vampires once I mention it. No, I want to tell him...but how?

"Shit."

Getting up, he scratched his backside and stretched his back. Deciding it's time to get up for good, he headed to the bathroom to shower. As he passed his open wardrobe, he spied his broom propped just inside. It has been awhile since he's flown on his broom...

Merlin, you're stressing me out here! Go running, do sit ups, hey, even fly that damn broom, but please do something! I, for one, want to rest before we spend an evening with our Mate. I can't wait to bask in his magic, in his essence. So for the love everything Merlin do something to settle yourself down! His Vampire grumbles.

"Shut. Up. You are not helping the situation!" Harry said irritated. "But you're right. I need to do something or we're both going to go wonky." he said under his breath and more to himself.

Deciding not to shower, Harry changed into sweatpants and a tank. Put on his running shoes and grabbed his broom before heading out.

It's not even four in the morning when he enters the pitch but the darkness is a welcoming comfort to him. He climbs the bleachers to the teachers box and sits overlooking the field. He remembers when he used to love playing here, flying high and racing for the snitch. Merlin he misses those days. Sighing and clutching his broom tighter, he wondered, not for the first time, how much his life has changed in the last five years. It's definitely not what he expected or dreamed his future would be when the war was over. He smiled to himself as he realized it's so much better than he ever could have imagined. Deciding to take flight, he began to gather himself when someone spoke his name.

So wrapped up in his thoughts he missed the tingles again, or maybe they're just becoming a normal part of his life now.

Dude, wake up.

"Harry? What in blazes are you doing out here this early in the morning?" Severus asks. "Already breaking the rules, I see." He jokes.

"Severus?" Harry's so stunned at seeing his Other that he stutters out, "Uh...what?"

Smooth. Wake up, man

Severus sat next to Harry on the bench and stared out at the pitch. He's wearing his black cloak over black slacks and probably a black shirt. Harry can't stop wondering what's under that cloak and that thought makes him blush. They settle into quiet camaraderie while Harry watches him in his peripheral vision. His inner Vampire salivating at the closeness to the older man and Harry tries to keep that visual at bay.

He wonders why the man's out here, in the Quidditch pitch at four in the morning. Certainly he's not nervous about the students coming. Harry doesn't have to ask or wait long before Severus starts talking.

"I've been teaching for a long time now and I know what to expect. However, that doesn't stop me from feeling anticipation and apprehension each new year." The older man turned to face Harry, "I always walk the grounds in the early morning on the first. It helps me to release my pent up apprehension and prepare my mind for another year of prepubescent and teenage students. What about you, Harry? Why are you here this early?" Snape studies Harry's face and eyes and can't stop staring at how his eyes seem to glow in the early mornings light. It's mesmerizing.

"Same as you I suppose. This is my first year teaching and I guess I'm more nervous than I thought." Snape doesn't need to know about what else is bothering him. He ran a hand over the top of his head and looked out over the pitch, "I was going to go flying or for a run but when I got here it just felt right to sit up here. I used to love Quidditch you know. Even thought of doing it professionally at one point." He sighed, "But the war put a stop to that dream along with some others." He whispered.

Severus just stared at him, wondering, not for the first time, what happened to the man sitting next to him. "Harry, may I offer some advice?"

Harry looked back to Severus, trying not to get lost in those obsidian eyes. He inclined his head in a gesture to continue. "Sure."

"You're a good teacher already, Harry. You taught your own peers during your fifth year and they learned not only the spells and shields but how to apply them during a battle. The O.W.L.S from that year have been the highest in decades and we all know that was because of you and that club of yours. That's hard to do. Teaching your own peers is infinitely harder than teaching students you don't know. You're prepared; I've read your lesson plans and they're good." Smiling like he has a secret no one knows, Severus continued, "Be strict because if your not from the first day you will lose them. Be available for them if they need your guidance or their questions answered, and be fair because if you're not then you will lose what respect you have right now. But most importantly, Harry, don't let them see fear; or smell it for that matter. Use that Gryffindor courage of yours and you'll do just fine." He finished seriously.

Harry looked deep into Severus' eyes as he listened, surprised at how much his former professor has changed toward him. "It makes sense when you put it like that." He smiled, "Thank you. That actually helps a lot."

Severus nodded once, "Of course. Harry, you'll discover that I'm full of knowledge on every subject and I'm always right, never doubt that." He said with a slight chuckle before smiling at Harry; which shocked the young man almost speechless.

Harry burst out laughing, "Did you just make a joke? And laugh at it?" His face lit up with glee. "Merlin, you are human after all!"

"I'll have you know that even us dungeon bats have a sense of humor."

Harry's eyes widen at the mention of the known nickname before a smile lit up his face and he barked out a laugh.

"Oh god, how do you know that nickname? Wow, are you trying to shatter all my illusions of you in one night?" He laughed out.

Severus just harrumphed and then started laughing too. The sound a deep hearty baritone that went straight to Harry's lower region. The shiver that ran down his body made him blush and he had to turn away to hide his face. "I told you I know everything! You still don't pay attention, do you, Harry? Besides, I think it's you who's shattering my perceptions of the 'Savior'. I never would have thought that we would be getting on, and here we are talking and joking with one another. It boggles the mind." Severus stated matter of factly but with laughter in his voice.

"Seems we both have a lot to learn about each other this year." Harry said.

Severus agreed, "I'm looking forward to it." and Harry felt his cheeks redden more and looked ahead before Severus noticed.

They both sat and stared at the pitch for a while longer. Harry reveling in the feelings coursing through his body and wishing Severus felt the same.

He's so sexy. We are so lucky to have him as our Mate. Can't you just feel his magic? It soothes the soul...or the bond so to speak. I can't wait to taste him...in all aspects….

"Well, I guess I'll fly for a bit. I think I don't want to think...just do." Harry said, anything to stop the wonderings of his Inner Vampire.

"Very well, I'll see you at breakfast then. Have a good ride." And with a quick nod the potion master descended the bleachers. On the last step, he turned to watch as Harry mounted his broom and soared into the air. He watched the younger man fly up and around, lazily at first but he could tell the second Harry left everything on the ground and concentrated on only his flying. The man lowered his body close to his broom and shot higher into the sky...into the clouds, completely out of sight. Severus looked around for him and jumped when Harry zoomed past him from behind. He could hear the laughter and glee as the man zoomed by and Severus found himself smiling at the sound.

XxxX

Harry watched as Severus descended the bleachers before taking his broom and straddling it. He kicked off and floated for all of two seconds before allowing the broom to move toward the opposite goal.

Stupid human. Just fly your damn broom. I know you feel better now so lets see how good you really are on this thing.

Harry laughed at himself as he lowered his body to his broom and shot straight up into the clouds. He zoomed in and out of the clouds; unable to see the ground and loving it. The wind caressing his face reminding him of when he was younger. With a cheshire smile he whoops in pleasure with each dip and climb enjoying the feeling of nothing around him but air. At one point he left the clouds and plummeted towards the ground only to pull up and zoom into the pitch at top speed, laughing and hollering all the way.

Man, he really missed this.

XxxX

By the time Harry finished flying and trekked back to his room for a much needed shower breakfast was over. The students are arriving today, late afternoon so he has time to relax. Sitting on his couch, tucking his feet under his thigh, he picked up the old journal Filius gave him and tucked in.

The first entry is dated 1325 March. "Amazing." He whispered. The first quarter of the journal is written in Middle English, making it slower for Harry to read and comprehend. So after reading for hours he learned some interesting history. The most astonishing being that all the legends were true. In the beginning of the tribe there was a great King but present day there is not. What happened? And why did Fillius feel the need to give him the journal to read now?

According to what Harry could put together from the journal there were four Elders at the beginning of the Tribe; each one documenting different aspects of the Tribe and its beginning. Elder Paan, Elder Jobe, Elder Theon and Elder Ysmay, the latter one being the Head Elder. All four Elders came together to protect one single Vampire of great power and influence. Each one gladly giving their lives in unwavering servitude.

According to their entries all five Living Vampires became friends at a young age. The four who eventually became Elders and the King. Each one skilled in their own unique way. Elder Paan was best with his wand and spell work and every so often he was known to See things. Elder Jobe was a born leader, strong minded and strong physically. He taught and led their first Living Vampire Army. Elder Theon was gifted with Earth Magic and the skill to teach and guide. He taught anyone who wanted to learn how to control and master their magic. The oldest Elder; Elder Ysmay was the only female Elder at the time. She was gifted with the power of medicine. Her knowledge of herblore and natural science enable her to create potions. Thus becoming the tribes first Healer.

The last Vampire, the most powerful and regal of the group, became the leader. He became known as only King Pilou by the tribe and the Elders. In the beginning the tribe wasn't very big. Less than a hundred Vampires, but as the years passed they grew in numbers mainly because of King Pilou. He set forth all the traditions they still follow til this day and he believed in family and the power of love. He was fair but strict and he demanded loyalty from his tribe members. King Pilou was a true king for he possessed the gifts of all four of his Elders plus the natural ability to govern and lead. He was beloved by most and hated by some but he had the Elders. Always the Elders with him—beside him.

Suddenly an alarm blares through the school making Harry practically jump off the couch. "Shit. Really!? What the hell? 'Tempus'." The numbers four forty five flash in yellow. "Already?" How time flies when you're engrossed in your past. He marks his place before putting the journal on the table and stretched out. Then made his way to his room to get ready for the students; another shower, maybe a shave before adorning his newly pressed teachers robes.

Let the school year begin.

XxxX

Harry entered the Great Hall via the side door and sat next to the potion master. "Severus."

"Harry. You must have enjoyed flying this morning, I didn't see you at breakfast or lunch." The older man said as he poured himself some tea. Harry smiled widely, "Yes. Very much. I totally lost track of the time."

"Mister Potter. Albus is finally requesting an hour or so if your time tonight after the Welcoming Feast." The Headmistress said in a tone that tells Harry he can't say no.

No! We can't go! Tomorrow. Please please please. Tomorrow! I've been good all day!

"Minerva." Harry says glancing once at Severus then back. "I'm sorry but I have made other arrangements for this evening. I would love to spend some time with the Headmaster though. Can you tell him I can see him tomorrow after dinner?" Turning on his allure and looking directly into her eyes.

Severus watches the interaction closely and is shocked when Minerva agrees.

"Alright Harry. I'll let Albus know to expect you tomorrow night at seven." Smiling over at Harry then nodding once to Severus before taking a sip of tea.

"Thank you." Harry beams back and glances another look to Severus. The man is staring at him in awe. "What? I'm looking forward to learning tonight."

Severus laughs his low husky laugh, making the other teachers stop and stare.

Minerva stands and addresses the table, "Okay everyone, the train has pulled in and the students are boarding their coaches. The first years are being brought over by Hagrid. Severus you need to get into place."

"Yes Minerva." He stands and says to Harry, "Duties of the Deputy Headmaster are never ending. Off to guide the little tykes."

Harry giggles, "Have fun, Severus. Don't scare them too much on their first day!" He shouts out as Severus crosses the Great Hall.

"Who me? I would never!" He hollers over his shoulder, while placing a hand over his heart in jest. "That's for their first potions class, didn't you know?" He joked with a laugh before exiting the Hall.

All the other teachers, including Minerva, just stared at the receding man in black thinking 'what the hell?!' Then turned to look at the smiling young Professor.

Not long after the adults settled down the student started trickling in. Harry watched as they scanned the teachers table, taking him in before sitting at their prospective tables. The murmurs start right away and Harry tries to ignore it but with his exceptional hearing he can hear everything.

Is it almost over? The Vampire whines.

No! Now stop.

When all the students are seated, the Headmistress stood up and clapped her hands together. The Great Hall became quiet and the door to the right of the main doors opened to reveal Professor Snape leading a line of wide eyed first years to the center of the Hall.

XxxX

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