Disclaimer: Can be found in the first chapter.

~*~

Chapter 3: Facing the Issue

~*~

After a short time, Harry found himself in Snape's office, sitting in the chair he had occupied not six hours ago.

"Now, Potter, why is it that you've been requesting obviously undercooked food lately?" Snape asked, sitting in his chair with his feet on the desk.

"I'd rather not discuss it," Harry answered, straining to keep his Vampire at bay. With Snape so close, his scent was overwhelming Harry's better judgment. He could smell Snape so clearly in the small room, and Harry had a considerably difficult time keeping himself from lunging at the man.

"And why have your eyes been changing when you're emotions get the better of you, Mr. Potter?" Snape asked, an evil smirk on his face.

"Again, I'd rather not discuss this, Sir," Harry said, damning himself for not looking away previously.

"Why is that, boy?" Snape asked, moving to lean towards Harry.

"It's a personal problem, and I'd rather deal with it on my own, Professor," Harry answered, his voice the gruff baritone.

"Why has your voice changed?" Snape asked.

"I would rather not discuss this," Harry barked, causing Snape to snap back into his seat. "Can I please go, Sir?"

"Yes, you're dismissed," Snape answered, his shock still evident.

Harry practically sprinted out of the small office when Snape answered.

"The boy's hiding something, and I'll be damned if I can't figure it out," Snape said, to no one in particular.

~*~

Three badgers later, Harry stealthily made his way back to Gryffindor tower. Because of his encounter with Snape, he hadn't had his invisibility cloak, so he had to rely on his hearing to maneuver the castle without being found.

"The fucking bastard knows something," Harry thought, prowling along a corridor. "And the bastard had to fucking confront me about it."

He finally got to the Fat Lady's portrait, gave the password, and slipped into the tower. He went up to his room, slipped off his uniform, slipped on his pajamas, and collapsed onto his bed.

Almost immediately, Harry slipped into a restful slumber.

~*~

The next morning, Harry was roused from his slumber by Ron's hollering.

"But it's a Hogsmeade weekend, Mione!" Ron shouted, clearly audible through two stories and one thick door.

"You have homework to do, Ronald," Hermione said, pointing to the pile of work Ron had let sit. "You'll do that before you even think of going to Hogsmeade."

"How about I do half?" Ron said, oblivious to the disgruntled, half dressed person coming down the stairs.

"All or no Hogsmeade," Hermione responded. "If you want, I'll stay and help you."

"You're a live saver, Mione," Ron said, sighing in defeat.

Harry saw his chance, and he went over to Ron and smacked him on the back of his head.

"What the fuck was that for?" Ron bellowed, turning around.

"Waking me up, Ron," Harry said, his voice short. "I was asleep until you started bellowing about doing your homework."

"Sorry, mate," Ron said, sheepishly. "I didn't mean to wake you."

"Yeah, right," Harry said. "You know I haven't been sleeping well lately, and last night I actually slept for a few hours, until you started complaining about your homework."

"Where's your homework, Harry?" Hermione asked, noticing he didn't have his bag with him.

"I did it last night," Harry answered. "That's why I was out so late. I was in the library finishing it up."

"Oh, well, have fun in Hogsmeade, Harry," Hermione said, turning to Ron. "If Harry can get it done in a few hours, surely you can as well."

"Right, Mione," Ron mumbled, plopping at the table and grabbing the nearest book.

Harry went back upstairs and changed into a loose pair of jeans and a green dress shirt. He rolled the sleeves about halfway up, and slipped on his black Converse. He ran a hand through is perpetually messy hair, and went to the Great hall.

~*~

Harry wandered around the small village, his pockets laden with sweets from Honeydukes and pranks form Zonko's. He was surprised being around this many people this long hadn't started to negatively affect his self-control.

"Well, if it isn't the high and mighty Mr. Potter," a familiar voice drawled.

"Why?" Harry asked himself as he felt his back stiffen. He knew his eyes were changing, and he was afraid to speak because he knew his voice had dropped.

"What are we doing without Weasley and Granger today?" Snape asked, walking around the boy to look at his face.

"They're in the common room doing homework, Sir," Harry managed, before his voice was changed too much.

"And you felt you were above such trifles?" Snape asked, determined to get a rise out of the boy.

"I did my homework last night. I was on my way to the common room when you asked to talk, Sir," Harry said, letting his voice drop completely. If it wasn't for the throngs of people, Harry knew he'd have leapt at Snape and claimed him.

"Really, Potter," Snape said, amusement in his voice. "What was the assignment for Potions?"

"Twenty-four inches on the properties of the Wolfsbane potion, due next class," Harry answered, looking up to meet the older man's steady gaze.

"And how long was yours? Just long enough to meet the assignment, I suppose," Snape said, sneering at the young man.

"Actually, Professor," Harry said, emphasizing 'professor' more than necessary, "my essay is nearly twice as long as the assignment. You forget, I know the Wolfsbane potion because of Remus."

"Touché, Potter," Snape said, his gaze wavering slightly as he noticed Harry's eyes were blackening rapidly.

"If you don't mind, I'm going to go back to the castle now," Harry said, turning to leave.

"Come to my office at eight, Potter," Snape said. "There are things we need to speak about."

"Yes, Sir," Harry said, before hurriedly making his way towards the castle.

"One more time should give me the information I need to corner Potter," Snape thought, grinning.

~*~

"Why is he insisting on spending more time than necessary in my presence?" Harry said quietly, sitting in his clearing in the Forbidden Forest. "The man despises me to the very core, yet he wants to 'talk' about something? I don't get it."

The young man could feel the desire coursing through his veins at the thought of seeing Snape again, and he shivered with disgust. There was no way he was going to 'claim' Snape in any way.

~*~

"You're early, Potter," Snape said, after answering the knock on his door.

"I wanted to get this over with so I can go spend some time with Ron and Hermione," Harry answered, his gaze holding Snape's.

"Sit," Snape said, gesturing to the chair. Harry did so.

"What do we need to talk about, Sir?" Harry asked, after taking his seat and politely refusing tea.

"Why have you been acting so strangely?" Snape asked, not wanting to beat around the bush any longer.

"I have my reasons," Harry said, shortly.

"Would one of them have to do with your having a creature inheritance that you came into on your birthday?" Snape asked. Harry's eyes widened momentarily.

"How did you figure that out?" Harry asked, his voice dropped and was more gruff than usual.

"The way you avoided my questions last night," Snape said, smirking.

"Why do you have to be such a prick?" Harry asked, his voice dripping with anger. "If you must know, I'm a Vampire. Happy?"

"Really?" Snape asked, shock on his face. "I had you pegged for a Werewolf."

"I'm a goddamned Vampire," Harry said, getting to his feet. "And, just so you know, you're my mate."

Harry then turned, opened the door, strode through it, and slammed it on his way out.

Snape sat there, motionless, for a few minutes. After he regained control of his limbs, he ran as fast as he could to the Headmaster's office.

~*~

A/N: Here's the beginning of some of the conflict. It's not much, but it's started.

I'm really humbled and pleased by the support this story has gotten thus far. I know that my writing isn't up to the level of others here, but the immense support shown to this story give me hope.

Thank you for all the faves and reviews.

More reviews would be awesome!

-KD