Disclaimer: I don't own anything- except the story, and well, my vampire ramblings, and Erasmus- well you get the picture.

A/N: Thanks for the reviews! I think some of you will be surprised at the direction this chapter has gone. Enjoy!

The night before…

Draco stood for a long while, trying to figure out his next move. His father had probably lost his mind. He shuffled over to the couch and lay down. Why would anyone in their right mind be proud that he had drawn blood? What did that prove? That he may get to the point that he could kill his father?

He plumped a pillow and fell into a fitful sleep.

Severus opened the door to his room as soon as he was sure that Draco was out for the night. Something had to be done with the boy. His anger was too great. He had become a threat.

Damn Erasmus for meddling. He knew that no matter what, one of the boys would be hurt by the arrangement. But, at the rate that Draco was evolving, there was really no choice in the matter. If he didn't get him out of there, Draco would become completely uncontrollable. They did not need a rampaging wildling on their hands.

At least Harry was moving along rather well, he could leave him for a time if Erasmus stayed in his wake. Besides, the ancient git deserved some sort of punishment, and Severus could think of nothing better than to force Erasmus to teach a first year's potions class. The old coot would probably go mad.

Severus walked back into his bedroom and sliced his arm near the fire, calling his sire. After a few minutes, Severus felt the air shift and the presence of his master behind him.

"Erasmus." Severus turned around.

"To what do I owe this honor, Severus?" Erasmus asked facetiously.

"I need to take Draco away from here."

"Why? What is wrong with the dragon?"

"You know very well what is wrong with him." Severus snapped. "Now, I have to find a way to control him. All because of your meddling. You will do your part. Since I have to take care of this, you will watch over the Potter boy and take over my classes."

Erasmus gave Severus a rather amused look. "For how long?"

"As long as it takes." Severus replied snidely.

"Well, I always liked children. I am sure that I can find something to teach them." Erasmus said with a sinister twinkle in his eye.

"Remember, the Dark Arts are not taught at Hogwarts. I'm taking Draco to the manor. If anything occurs that can be classified as something that you might not handle well, you can contact me there."

"Of course, Severus. Take your boy. This is all I was trying to do in the first place. Do not worry about your position, I am sure that by the time you come back, your classes will be more than prepared for you."

Severus quickly packed some clothing for Draco and himself and carefully grabbed the boy in his arms, careful not to wake him. In an instant, they were gone.

Erasmus smiled. He would have the ability to corrupt the Potter boy. This was to prove most amusing. And thanks to Severus, perhaps he could manage to regain a following; a following the likes of which the wizarding world had not seen for a very long time. The current reign of terror would be in for a big surprise, and Erasmus always loved power. Ah yes, this would be most profitable.

Once Severus reached the manor he gently laid Draco on a sofa in the study. Hopefully, he would sleep through the night. Severus, on the other hand, knew that sleep was more than likely out of the question at the moment.

At least Erasmus would teach the students something. Granted his knowledge of potions was a bit out of date, but the students would have the chance to learn ancient potions that were considered lost- except for their pristine copies buried in the recesses of Erasmus' mind. He could only hope that Erasmus would not create a mess of things.

Severus watched Draco throughout the night. The boy's sleep was rather restless. He seemed addled with nightmares, their source, Severus could only guess. Much damage had been done to the boy, and Severus wasn't sure of the extent that the boy would heal. But hopefully, he would manage to save the boy from the path he was currently following.

That morning at breakfast, Harry received a package from Professor Snape that, to be blunt, shocked him. Not that the contents shocked him, but rather, the fact that Snape had sent him a package in the first place. Harry opened the accompanying letter and began to read.

Mr. Potter,

I hope that this finds you in good spirits. Something occurred last evening that needs my immediate attention. Something with my son. I have enclosed a personal bloodstone for you as well as the instructions for the potions to refresh the stone and the irritation from the sun. I regret that I can longer tutor you properly.

If you need anything, Master Erasmus is taking over my classes until I return. You may go to him for anything that you need.

S. Snape

He looked up at the head table, noticing that Snape was absent, and in his place was the imposing figure of the master vampire. Harry could hardly contain his rage. Once again, he was being abandoned. At least the others had an excuse; they all seemed to drop dead around him. Snape chose to abandon him. Great.

Harry balled the letter in his fist and snatched the parcel off the table.

"Harry, what's wrong?" Hermione asked, concerned.

"Nothing. Absolutely nothing. It has simply come to my attention that more people than I thought were using me."

Harry stalked out of the hall, Hermione called after him. She began to get up to follow, but Harry glared at her in such a way that she truly feared his temper. She let him go.

Harry just could not believe it. Bloody Slytherins. He should have known better to trust again.

Harry stalked up to his room and dumped the package into his trunk, not really caring if anything was harmed at the moment. Why hadn't Snape just let him die when he wanted to? Oh yes, he was the bloody savior of the wizarding world…wonderful. They needed him to save their ass. How easy it was to forget. It was always interesting that no one was concerned until he might actually abandon his post, Merlin forbid!

Maybe he would simply refuse to fight. Let Old Moldy try to kill him. He really didn't care anymore. Maybe they would begin to care after he lost…if then.

Harry threw himself down on the bed and closed his eyes, feeling the burn of the sun from the window tingling on his skin. He had forgotten to take his potion… Oh well, maybe he would burn to a crisp. What would they do then? He would become Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Smelled-Like-Bacon.