Chapter 3

Harry fell asleep soon after, enjoying being in close contact with another human being, although neither of them was human anymore. He fell asleep with a smile on his face, but that night was not a night for pleasant dreams. Instead, it was far from it.

He fell straight into a vision, and he did not like what he was being forced to see. He started screaming when Lucius Malfoy was put under the cruciatus curse, not aware that Severus was frantically trying to wake him. His body jerked and spasmed before Severus, who was trying to restrain him, realised what was happening and poured water over Harry's face, making him wake up with a start. He woke up to find himself in the cuddled in the strongest embrace he could remember being in. Once he inhaled he realised who it was. Severus. He could not stop the smile that spread across his face at the realisation. For the first time in his life someone was there for him when he needed them. This was all he had ever wanted; for someone to be there for him, cuddle him after a nightmare, to sing him back to sleep and make him feel better when he was ill. Someone to love him.

Finally his dream was coming true and with that realisation he snuggled in, relishing what he had missed since he was nearly two years old, though it was the embrace of a lover that he was now receiving rather than that of a parent.

Severus loved it when Harry leant into his touches, and he swore that he would not let anyone harm this precious angel. His soul mate, his husband, his. His to protect, his to love, his to touch and he would keep it that way. He would kill anyone who tried to take Harry from him and drain him dry. He knew that Harry loved him and that Harry knew that he loved him.

However, the dream came rushing back and he spoke quickly "Severus. Draco didn't take the Dark Mark. Please try and get him. He has escaped from the Riddle House on his broom. Please Severus, go."

Severus was torn as to whether he should leave and help his godson or stay and watch over Harry. He quickly realised he had to help his godson before something happened to him so he summoned his broom and with one last kiss for Harry he was flying out into the sky. Vampires don't need brooms but he decided to take it anyway as he didn't want to frighten his godson. Even though Draco had been told his godfather was a vampire he had never seen him kill anyone or act as a proper vampire in front of him such as flying with no broom.

By the time dawn broke Harry was dressed and making his way to the library. He had been reading extensively and his vampirism enabled him to memorise the pages of the books he read, drastically increasing his knowledge of the dark arts and potions in particular.

After all, potions were the basis of his husband's career and he wanted to learn about them so he could at least know something of his lover's profession. He was just starting to become worried about his lover when he heard a noise down the stairs. He went out into the lobby to see a very tired Draco and an annoyed Severus arrive. Severus took Draco up to a room, decorated in Slytherin green and silver, pulled the covers around him, gave him a couple of potions and Draco was asleep within minutes.

Severus stormed up to his room, or what was now their room since he and Harry had been bonded. Harry followed him and when Severus settled down Harry went over and started to give him a back massage, working out all of the knots. Severus could never be angry or annoyed when Harry was around; Harry always made him feel better. Before they knew it they had both settled down for a nap. Harry didn't care that he had just woken up about seven hours ago or even earlier; he fell asleep straight away, wrapped up in Severus' arms with a smile playing on his lips. He was happy for once but how long would his happiness last? Nothing ever lasted for him. Ever. Then and there he swore that he would never let Dumbledore rule his life again. The man was only his Headmaster, not his guardian.

By rights Dumbledore should have nothing to do with his life outside of Hogwarts; he never interfered in the lives of his schoolmates. It was just like Dudley's headmaster at Smeltings telling him what to do when he was in Little Whinging – it was laughable. From now on he would not listen to the Headmaster and find himself some real friends. Being a vampire had some benefits after all; he was now a natural Occlumens and could read people's thoughts if they didn't' have mental shields up.