Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter

Warnings: Violence , and Mature Themes.

Chapter 5

Harry was making his way to the Headmaster's office after having a long chat with Hermione. He had asked her what she had meant when she said that her magic seemed to be stronger. He had read about Vampires and knew that they were incapable of using magic. Hermione had picked up her wand, and made the tip light up, showing that she was still a Witch. She had explained that she felt more powerful, and had a greater amount of magic in her core to call forth. This was the first time that he was hearing about this, and he told her as much.

"But Harry, you have to have noticed it by now. You have been casting spells for three years now!" Hermione exclaimed.

Harry stared at her confusedly.

Hermione took a few deep breaths, her mind whirring with possibilities. It was certainly possible that Harry, being younger than her, wouldn't be as sensitive as her, but something told her it was something else.

"Harry could you tell me what you feel whenever you cast a spell?" Hermione asked.

"I don't feel anything Hermione, I just concentrate on the spell, make the proper movements, and cast it. I've never felt a pull as you described."

"What about the time you cast the Patronus harry? Try and remember what you had felt that time." Hermione said gently.

Harry thought back to that night, shuddering slightly as he remembered the sight of hundreds of Dementors closing down on his body, lying beside Sirius. He remembered thinking that he could do it; he had done it before after all. He remembered the emotions that he had used to make the Patronus, but he tried remembering the feeling that Hermione was describing.

He could remember it now, buried beneath his adrenaline, and anxiety. A feeling of power, coursing throughout his body, centred primarily on his torso, and as he cast his Patronus, a good chunk of it rushing out of his wand, with a definitive pull.

"Yes . . ." Harry breathed. He shook his head, memorizing the feeling; it was one of the most amazing things that he had felt. Was this what Hermione felt like every time she cast a spell?

"Yes Hermione! I felt it that day, it was amazing, it's an amazing feeling right?" Harry asked.

"Yes Harry, it is." Hermione replied smiling. She mentally shortened down the list of possibilities.

"How much magic did you use from your core overall?" Hermione asked curiously. Harry was powerful, of that, she had no doubt. This would help her determine exactly how powerful he was.

She watched as he closed his eyes again, and she could pin point the exact time that Harry had felt his magic, his grinning face was a dead giveaway.

"Approximately, a little more than half of it." Harry replied. Hermione covered her awe admirably, she knew that it would only make Harry wary.

"Hermione?" Harry asked.

"Yes Harry?"

"Do you think that I should try casting magic now, I think I've figured out how to feel my magic." Harry said excitedly.

"Sure Harry, go on."

She saw as Harry grabbed his wand and concentrated and then muttered, "Lumos"

Nothing happened.

Harry again muttered the same spell, but the wand tip didn't light up. She saw Harry looking at his wand, a confused expression on his face.

"What's wrong Harry?" Hermione asked.

Harry just shook his head and continued doing the same thing a few more times, before he got frustrated and put down his wand.

"Harry . . . what's wrong?"

"There must be something wrong with my wand Hermione, I can feel my magic if I concentrate hard, I feel it rushing through my hand, but as soon as it comes in contact with my wand, it just . . . stops, you know." Harry tried his best to explain what he was feeling.

Hermione frowned. They were both in the same situation and she hadn't felt any difference in her wand, if anything, it seemed to be more suited to her now.

"I don't know Harry. . . I didn't feel anything like this from my wand. I'm sure Professor Dumbledore will be able to explain it." Hermione replied, squeezing his hand gently. And so, with Hedwig held in Harry's hands, they made their way to the Headmaster's office.

After Harry had explained; to the best of his ability, the events that led to Hedwig becoming a phoenix, silence descended in the Headmaster's office.

"Professor," Hermione said, interrupting the silence, "Harry tried casting some spells, but he said that his wand wasn't working for him."

Dumbledore didn't give any outward reaction to this piece of information, but he thought up various reasons for this, most of which were reasons stemming from one piece of information that he was reluctant to share with the two students in front of him. But still, he needed to tell them something.

"Ah. . . about that, there is a person that I would like you to meet. She was my mentor, and has expressed her desire to take you up as her apprentice, Harry. I'm sure that she will be able to answer any questions that you may have." Dumbledore said.

Harry and Hermione were shocked. Dumbledore wasn't exactly young, his mentor must be ancient.

Dumbledore chuckled slightly as he correctly interpreted the tow student's expression.

"Miss. Granger, I have informed your parents that you are safe and are at Hogwarts, I think that a personal owl from you would make them feel better. The same goes for you Harry, I think that Sirius would like to know." Dumbledore suggested gently.

"But, what should we tell them happened? Do you think that we should tell everyone that we are essentially Vampires?" Harry asked, he had been thinking about this for some time now.

He had been thinking about everyone that he knew and what their reaction would be. The Weasleys were nice people overall, but they tended to look at anything even remotely Dark with extreme prejudice, they were a definite, no. Remus was a Dark creature himself, being a Werewolf; but the intense loathing and hate that Werewolves and Vampires had was legendary, and Harry wasn't sure of his reaction. He was sure that Remus would attack him or anything, but he didn't think that he could handle a change in the relationship that he had developed with him through the last year. He could see himself telling Sirius, but his relationship with Remus was the only thing that was making him hesitate.

Harry looked over at Hermione and saw that she was biting her lips slightly. He realized that she was in a much more pressing situation that him, her parents were muggles, and had been very understanding, but he was sure that they would draw the line at Hermione turning into a Vampire.

Hermione glanced at him, and looking at the fear in her eyes, he gained confirmation that he had correctly interpreted her thoughts. He smiled slightly at her, and turned his head to the Headmaster.

"Professor, I don't think that anyone needs to know about the specifics of the attack. I think Hermione agrees with me when I say that no one needs to know about us right now." Harry said. Turning his head, he could see Hermione nodding along with his words.

"That decision is entirely up to the both of you, but I think that it would make you feel better if you shared the news with someone." Dumbledore said.

The two of them nodded, neither having any intention of saying a word to the others.

"Splendid. Now my mentor has asked me to escort the both of you to her office on Monday, i.e. tomorrow. Why don't you go down to the kitchens and have your breakfast, I presume you know the way?" Dumbledore asked with an amused twinkle in his eyes.

Harry nodded sheepishly, and got up to leave the Headmaster's office.

"Also Harry, baby phoenixes like to eat assorted fruits, I'm sure our kitchens will be able to provide them for you. Come by my office when you have free time, I would love to teach you how to take care of your Phoenix." Dumbledore said excitedly. He looked at the crooning baby phoenix, and said, just as Harry was leaving, "But, I daresay you would be needing any instruction, Hedwig looks quite Happy in your arms."

A contented trill was all that he received in response.

Breakfast provided a much needed distraction for the two Vampires. Harry had been shown the kitchens by Fred and George, after they had given him the map, and then Harry had shown it to Hermione shortly afterwards. They had reached a mutual decision not to tell Ron, as knowing his eating habits, he wouldn't be able to reach his classes. At first, Hermione had started ranting that employing house elves as slaves was not right. But Harry had pointed out that the House elves looked happy, and had convinced Hermione to ask them how they had felt about it. It had taken many discussions, but Hermione had relented under the combined assault of Harry and the elves. But even after having their full, a hunger still remained.

After breakfast Harry had suggested that they go to the library to research about Vampires in detail. Hermione had looked surprised at Harry's suggestion, but remembered his resolution and quickly grabbed his hand, dragging him enthusiastically, smiling the whole way.

As Harry was searching for relevant books, having to go back to the table every time he found a useful book, he realized how much he had missed casting magic. He only hoped that whatever was wrong with his wand could be fixed as soon as possible.

They read throughout the whole afternoon, each lost in reading their own book. While reading, Harry realized that his head seemed much clearer, and focused, something that sped up his reading immensely. He could recall facts faster, and had improved his memory retention. Pushing it out of thoughts as another thing that must have changed as a vampire, he read on.

They went down to the kitchens silently. Each lost in the facts that they had read today. They had lunch, but again they could feel the hunger, and by the looks of things Hermione seemed much more affected than Harry was. As they were walking back to the library, Hermione tentatively voiced her thoughts.

"Um . . .Harry?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah?"

"Do you feel hungry?" Hermione asked; her voice barely audible.

Harry's head snapped up to look at Hermione. They had stopped walking, looking at each other, standing in the corridor.

"Yes, Hermione. I too feel the hunger." Harry sighed. There was one thing that remained constant in each and every book that he had read. The source of a vampire's power, their very life. The one thing that they needed to survive. . .

"D-Do you know . . ." Hermione asked feeling utterly nervous.

"Blood." Harry whispered.

Hermione shuddered slightly, she could clearly hear Harry's whispered word. It seemed to pierce her very core, sliding up her spine. However morbid the thought might be, she was thankful that it was Harry that was in the same situation as her, if it had been anyone else, she was sure that she wouldn't be handling things as calmly as she had been. She had realized the meaning behind her hunger as soon as she had started reading this morning, but had been reluctant to bring it up. She didn't know if what she was feeling was felt by Harry as well, but as she had finished lunch, she was barely able to control herself. It didn't help matters that, whenever she thought about ingesting blood, instead of revulsion, her hunger seemed to return with a vengeance.

Harry caught sight of Hermione's face and was shocked to see the desire in her eyes. She definitely was hit with the hunger much harder than he was.

"I don't know what we are going to do about that Hermione, but I am sure that we will get answers tomorrow. We can hold off until then right?" Harry asked gently.

Hermione nodded her head hesitantly. Harry smiled and they spent the rest of their time in the library, and in the evening they visited the Headmaster for his promised lesson on phoenixes. It was a very enjoyable lesson, and Hermione had also tried to take care of Hedwig and enjoyed it immensely. Dumbledore said that Fawkes had requested that he watch over the young phoenix during the night and Harry had agreed, however he did so reluctantly.

After dinner, the two of them then made their way to the Gryffindor tower, to sleep for the night. It was odd to see the Gryffindor tower, which was always full of life and people, so deserted. It looked the same, the house-elves had made sure of that, but it didn't feel the same. Both of them decided to call it an early night and headed to their dorms. Newly turned Vampires needed their sleep after all.

Hermione punched her pillow in frustration. She had been trying to sleep for the past two hours, but her hunger was demanding she do something about it. She knew that Harry was right. She had thought that she would be able to curb her hunger for another day, but it simply wasn't possible. It had gotten much worse as the day wore on, she was able to keep it in control in front of the Headmaster; his lesson was absolutely interesting, and was a pleasant distraction. But, walking back to the dorms with Harry, she was hard pressed to control herself. She jumped at Harry's suggestion to sleep early, she wasn't sure what she would have done if she had spent some time alone with Harry.

She was beginning to feel a little lightheaded. Slightly alarmed, she decided that she needed to talk to Harry. Unaware that she was still in her nightgown, she made her way to Harry's dorm, her heartbeat elevating with each step she took. Here she was, Hermione Granger, going up to Harry's dorm, at night, with no one else inhabiting the tower apart from them. She blushed, and her hunger increased. She opened the door slightly, wincing at the small creaking of the hinges.

She saw Harry lying peacefully in the bed, asleep. Looking at Harry's peaceful, sleeping form, she almost changed her mind. But, she walked forward, almost in a trance. She walked over to the other side of the bed, directly in front of Harry's turned face, and almost screamed.

"Couldn't sleep?" Harry asked gently.

Harry's eyes snapped open as he heard the dorm room's door creak open. He quickly peeked through his blinds and caught sight of Hermione, closing the door. He was slightly alarmed at her condition, her body was making small jerks, and her face was flushed. He recognized the signs. Hermione's body was demanding blood, and she wasn't able to hold out any longer. His decision was simple to make, Hermione was his best friend, and he would help her, whatever the cost.

He remained still, feigning sleep, until Hermione was directly in front of him.

"Couldn't sleep?" Harry asked gently.

He watched as Hermione almost jumped. After settling, she sat down on the bed, nodding her head slowly, almost ashamed. Harry sat up, and shifted such that he was sitting beside her.

"It's nothing to be ashamed of Hermione." Harry said kindly.

Harry saw as Hermione, still looking at her lap, shook her head, tears beginning to form in her eyes. Harry knew how she was feeling, and was determined to help her. He placed her hand gently on her shoulder, turning her around to face him, and cupping her chin, brought up her head.

Hermione looked at him with tear filled eyes, her lower lip trembling. Harry knew what Hermione would do if the situations were reversed, and hugged her, putting one of his hands on her head, stroking her hair. He murmured soothing words that Hermione often used to cheer him up. Hermione began crying in earnest, her tears dripping onto his nightshirt. After she had calmed down, Hermione gave him a tight squeeze and separated from him.

"I-I'm s-sorry Harry, I-I tried, b-but . . ." Hermione said, her words broken.

"It's not your fault Hermione, I can feel it too, but it doesn't seem as bad to me, as it is for you. But I would be lying if I told you that I was bothered by it. If it helps, I think that you need to loosen up. It's our nature." Harry said and hugged her again, tilting his head slightly, exposing his neck to her and guiding her head towards it with his hand.

Hermione didn't need any more encouragement, instincts taking over; she nuzzled his neck with her nose, and kissed a spot, before she sunk her fangs into his neck, drinking his blood.

The taste was unlike anything she had ever tasted before, it was as if all her favourite flavours had been wrapped as one and presented to her. Drinking her fill, several mouthfuls; she separated and a pleasured moan escaped her lips. She was euphoric. Her eyes were glazed over in bliss. As she regained her senses, she blushed brightly at her actions, and turned apologizing eyes towards Harry.

Harry smiled. "Glad you liked it Hermione."

Hermione's blush increased, and she began feeling sleepy, unbelievably sleepy.

"D-Do you . . .?" Hermione asked, her blush increasing again.

"No." Harry said, and noticing the hurt look in her eyes added, "maybe tomorrow."

Hermione nodded absently, sleep overwhelming her. She motioned for Harry to lie down, and as he did so lied down beside him. Both of them sharing the pillow.

"H-Hermione?" Harry stuttered.

"Shh. . .Harry go to sleep." Saying that Hermione drifted off to sleep.

Harry stayed awake for a few minutes, contemplating using another bed, but his hunger had increased as he had offered Hermione his blood, and feeling tired joined Hermione in the land of dreams.

A/N:- So how was it? Review your thoughts and as far as the Harem goes, I have been giving it a lot of thought and have decided on a three girl Harem.

Hermione- I think that's obvious.

Daphne- So much empty space to work on.

Tonks- Cause she is just too awesome. Seriously.

Thank you for reading, and tune in for the next chapter.