AN: Thanks for the reviews! I hit over 100 alerts for this story! Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Matters of the Heart

Chapter 10

Harry collapsed on his couch with a huff and rubbed his face several times. This night with Severus didn't go exactly how he wanted it to but all in all it wasn't so bad. He told the man things he thought he would never reveal to another living soul. What is it about that man that allows him to speak so freely?

You trust him, that's why. He's our Other. He completes us, you idiot. Do you think next time we meet we can have a little kiss?

Harry laughed and shook his head. "Slow and steady wins the race. I want him to want to be with me, to choose me so I will not be pushing myself on him until I know for sure it's what he wants."

Making it to his bedroom on shaky legs, he peeled off his clothes and fell onto the bed. His adrenaline is on high right now and maybe a run would settle him down. He got up and dressed in his running clothes and shoes and headed out to the pitch.

The night air felt great. The scents of the outdoors singing in his chest. Reaching the pitch he began to stretch before heading off, his tank riding up his torso as he moved allowing the night breeze caress his skin. When he finished he took a deep breath. Yeah, this is what he needs. He began his run, heading to the outskirts of the forest and up to the main gate.

On his second time around the ground his stomach cramped causing Harry to slow down. That's never happened on a run before. Then the scent of rabbit hit his nose and he felt his teeth come out. His mouth became dry and his instincts took over. He followed the scent into the forest, going deep in search of his prey. The urge to drink taking over his senses like never before. What's happening to him?

The forest was quiet, eerie even, as he walked carefully and silently through the trees and underbrush. His nose leading the way to the scent of blood, pumping fast through a rapidly beating heart. It's not as sweet as his Mates blood would be but it will serve its purpose. His head snapped to the left and he froze. His prey was on the move.

Stupid rabbit, ran right in front of him and he reached out with his quick reflexes and grabbed it up. Harry looked into the scared hugely round black eyes of the rabbit and turned on his allure. Instantly the rabbit settled down, closing its eyes; twitching it's pink nose, and laying its ears back in relaxation. Harry rubbed from its head to its fluffy tail a few times before lowering himself. His teeth pointy and his tongue ready for the delicious taste of Red. He pierced the skin on the back of the neck and moaned as the taste of blood hit his tongue. He swallowed once, twice, three times before he stopped and healed the punctures with his tongue. The rabbit didn't move during or after and Harry carefully stoked its back before placing it back on the ground.

He watched as the rabbit hopped away and under a bush. What was that all about? Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he sat against the nearest tree, bringing his knees up and wrapping his arms around them and laying his head on his arms. He breathed in deeply several times to calm himself.

That was sudden. Maybe slow and steady is not the right approach. We need his blood as much as we need his essence. Now that we've spent quality time with him the bond will demand more. I say we go back inside and march down to the dungeons, bang on his door and when he opens it; in his night clothes no less, we push him up against the wall and take what's ours. Sinking our teeth into his soft flesh and savoring the taste of our Mate. I say we push our body against his beautiful form and keep pushing until we've drank our fill and he's come in his pants. Then before our Mate can think we fall to our knees, push his pants down and use our tongue to lick him clean.

"Oh god, stop. You're gonna make me come." Harry moaned into his knees.

I want you to get up and go to him. Tell him the truth. We can't keep feeding on wildlife when he's right there.

"No." He said as he pushed himself up. "I will not take this choice from him. He has to want to be with me because he wants it. Not because I tell him he's my Mate. End of discussion."

He exits the forest by Hagrid's Hut and quietly rounded it heading to the front doors. Fang lifted his head at the sight of him but didn't move or make a sound.

I'm just saying. He's right there…the voice trailed off, knowing saying anymore would be useless.

Once back in his rooms, he took a long shower and climbed into bed. Sleep came fast and before he knew it, morning was here.

Last night's events keep running through his head. What he told his Other and what he'd learned about his mum. So many secrets kept for too long. He should hate Albus for what he's done to him and what he probably did to Severus. Oh Harry is sure the damage to Severus isn't as horrific as what was done to him, but the lies and secrets hurt just as much. But why? Why did the Headmaster feel it necessary to keep them in the dark about the roles they played in the war? Why did he fuel the ugliness Severus showed Harry instead of nurturing a camaraderie between them?

There's definitely more questions than answers at this point and only one person can answer them anyway. Dumbledore.

It's a good thing you're meeting with his portrait tonight. Maybe he can shed light on your questions.

"Yeah. Although he might not know the answers being he's just a picture. But you can bet your bottom knut I'm going to ask anyway." Harry said determinedly.

"Well, lets go to breakfast and see what awaits us. Hopefully the Headmistress won't scold me too much."

She probably will but we can handle her. Make sure you sit next to our Other so I can bask a little this morning. It's going to be a long day of kids and boredom.

"Yes, I could use a little pick me up too."

When Harry sat at the head table he was only the second one there. Professor Flitwick sat enjoying a cup of coffee and hot buttered rolls. "Good morning, Sir" Harry said as he sat and put his napkin in his lap. "Ready for today?"

"Yes, Harry. I can't wait to watch a new batch of kids learning magic. There's just something about the joy in their faces that makes me feel giddy."

"Really? I'm a bit nervous if I'm to be honest. Just want to keep whatever breakfast I manage to eat down." He said with a chuckle.

"Have you had a chance to read the book I gave you yet?"

"Yes! Oh, forgive me for not mentioning it before now! It's very interesting reading. Slow going because of the Old English but I've learned a lot about our history. I never knew how the tribe began or the founding Elders. I can't wait to read more but I have so much going on it will probably have to wait for a little longer until I settle in with teaching and such." Harry said as he loaded his plate with eggs and bacon.

"I found it fascinating myself and honored that I was given a copy to keep. I can't wait for you to read further and we can discuss it together." The Goblin said and Harry nodded in agreement because his mouth was full of eggs.

Smooth. Real smooth. Oh! He's here!

Just as Harry is noticing the tingle over his skin the side door opens and Severus strides through. They lock eyes before the man sits next to Harry. "Good morning, Harry, Filius." He says roughly as he grabs the coffee pot and pours a cup. Adding lots of sugar and cream before sniffing the aroma and taking a sip. His eyes closing in ecstasy.

Oh god. That will be our inspiration tonight!

Harry almost choked on his bacon but managed to cover it up with a cough-like clearing of his throat before addressing the new teacher. "Good morning, Severus."

Good morning soon-to-be-lover! You look so divine this morning! Can I lick your neck and maybe partake in a little red?

'Stop that!' Harry mentally cringes at the crude thoughts his Vampire is saying but on the outside he's smiling at the man and taking a sip of his own coffee.

XxxX

Classes actually went very well. The students were so much in awe of him that most just stared at him throughout the lesson. Harry managed to keep everyone in line once he stated his classroom rules. Simply put, be respectful and polite otherwise loss of points and/or detention. And he let them know his detentions wouldn't be in the castle unless the weather made it so.

Poppy was also correct in her prediction that the younger girls would be infatuated with him. Some actually drooling over their desks. Harry's Vampire wished for the end of the world several times over in just the first two hours of lessons.

Finally lunch was upon him and Harry slunk back to his rooms for a light snack and tea, deciding he would open Mikkel's letter then. He really did miss his friends and feeling a bit homesick he couldn't wait to read the letter.

Upon entering his rooms, he shed his teaching robes and kicked off his boots. In the kitchenette he started the tea and grabbed some sliced fruit from his cooler. Setting everything he would need on the table he picked up the letter from Mikkel and waited for the kettle to whistle.

With his tea made and he the consumption of a couple pieces of fruit, he turned the parchment over and broke the seal.

Harry,

It was such a surprise to see a letter from you so early into your quest. I thought for sure once you saw your Other you'd be busy shagging him into next definitely have a stronger willpower than I did. I couldn't keep my hands off Katrina when I knew she was meant for me. Although she tried to hold me off but I was too charming for her keep me on the hook for long. However, during that awful week she held me back, my Vampire drove me crazy. Always talking in my head and winding me up. By the time we consummated I was so strung up I didn't last long enough to blink. I was so mortified but Katrina, being the awesome Mate she is, understood and it's been bliss ever since.

I hope you know what you're doing with your Other. Once you've established any kind of relationship with your Other the bond will begin to grow. Your inner Vampire will be in your head to keep you on track until you consummate the bond with sex and blood. So, you're not going crazy as I'm sure that's what you're afraid of.

But Harry, I must warn you not to ignore the bond. Don't keep him in the dark too long. The bond won't wait until you're ready, it wants the connection so it will punish you if you deny it. Please promise me that if you start to feel under the weather or your magic seems a little slow that you'll immediately go to him. Claim him if you must, obviously don't do it if he really doesn't want it, but I'm pretty sure he's feeling something towards you even if he's not showing it.

Don't hold out on the truth either. I know you, you probably haven't even mentioned you're a Living Vampire yet and you won't until it becomes necessary. Tell him. He needs to know what you are and what he means to you. Trust me when I tell you he will be okay with it.

As far as your feedings go, since you've made contact with your Other half, your Red consumption will increase until you completely bond. This is just another reason why you shouldn't let this drag out so long.

Katrina says to get your head out of your arse and just tell him everything. She doesn't understand why your so worried about this man.

The Elders are buzzing around here like their arses are on fire. We don't really know what's gotten into them but since you left it's been a flurry of activity. They've even cleaned and readied the Bonding Room. You know that hasn't been used in thousands of years. So naturally everyone has an opinion as to why they prepared it. I for one think that they just want to go back to the Old ways of bonding but others think it's being prepared for someone of special rank. I guess, I hope, time will tell.

The gang all say hello and want you to come back safe. They can't wait to meet your better half.

Take care and be safe my friend,

Mikkel

Harry smiled. He knew Mikkel was the best person from his group of friends to explain everything to him and make him feel better. Harry wondered if he's doing the right thing. The fact is, Harry doesn't know if Severus is feeling anything towards him. The man is an expert at hiding his feelings, you know.

Deciding to stay positive, he finished his fruit and tea. He would spend his spare time reading the journal before going back to lessons. He looked at the letter from Hermione but just couldn't pick it up. He's not ready to read that one yet. It's been five years, he can wait one more day.

XxxX

Harry sat at the Head Table between Severus and Poppy. For some reason she sat next to him with a look of purpose. Harry cringed at the thought of what she could possibly want to talk to him about.

"Harry" she whispers quietly beside him, leaning into his personal space.

Harry just raised an eyebrow and inclined his head. The silent words for 'go on'.

"Something has come to my attention and I will need to see you tonight after dinner in my office, if you please." She stated matter of factly.

"What could you possibly have learned that warrants you speak to me immediately?" He inquired and a little nervous she might know the truth.

Man, she's scary. Don't push her buttons. Do you think she's figured out what we are?

'I wouldn't put it past her to have figured it out, but I can't ignore her. She'll hunt me down!' He thought to himself.

"Mister Potter, do not make me drag you up there by your ear. You will meet me in my office after dinner." She hissed through clenched teeth.

"Yes, ma'am. But I already have a meeting at seven with Albus and I've already changed this meeting once. I would really like to see him tonight. Can I come afterwards?" He said sincerely, "I promise I'll come right after." He tilted his head to the right and smiled brightly.

"It's hard to resist that smile, isn't it?" Minerva said from the middle of the table. "He gave me the same smile this morning when I was trying to reprimand him for leaving the Welcoming feast." She said, "made it hard for me to be mad at him even though I don't think he'll do that again." She finished then scooped more salad into her mouth.

"Hey!" Harry said playfully. All the other teachers laughed including the potions master. Harry just gave him a wink before turning back to Poppy. "I promise to be there by 8."

"And don't be late young man. I'll see you then."

XxxX

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