Okay. I have been asked questions about Harry's out of character behavior. Well…you'll just have to wait and see what's going on. ;)

This chapter will be in Harry's POV

"thinking"

"talking"

Chapter 23

Harry POV

Harry stayed in the Magic Box after Xander left and listened to Tara and Giles' conversation. Buffy and Willow showed up not long afterward talking quietly. They sat down at the table and Willow immediately grabbed a book and began flipping through it.

"Good, you two made it." Giles nodded in approval, "I have much to inform you about."

"What's up Giles?" Buffy asked flinging back her blonde hair.

"Well, Buffy we have been researching Dracula and all of his abilities. You already know about his turning into a bat and well most of the stories are actually very much true. He is able to control individuals with his bite and a type of hypnosis. The individuals under his control are usually unable to fight his influence. They behave normally unless it there is a conflict between their usual behavior and their master."

"Great so how do I avoid his mind tricks?" Buffy asked frowning.

"Avoid looking directly into his eyes. If he catches your eyes he may be able to roll your mind. This ability of his will give him complete control over you. You will be nothing more than a slave. However, the thing that you should be most wary of is his bite-"

"Ew. No fangs are getting towards me!"

Giles took off his glasses and began cleaning them as he continued to lecture her as if she had not interrupted, "his gaze can also hold you immobile for a few moments. He could bite you in those few seconds so please be careful. If he bites you, Buffy, then you will be under his thrall. It is impossible to regain control again."

"Wait, so what's the difference between the eye thingy and the thrall?" Willow frowned in confusion.

"Well, the eye thingy, as you so eloquently termed it, makes you his slave and the thrall has more control of their actions, but they are still incredibly open to Dracula. Dracula usually puts someone under a thrall because they interest him."

"Like I want to be a friend interest or hanky panky interest? Because I'm so not for the hanky panky interest. I mean yeah he's hot in that suave gothic vampire type way, but ew." Buffy wrinkled her nose in disgust.

"Yes…well…that is to say" Giles began to stutter.

"Great, well not so great. But ew and um…no. Buffy just say no." Willow looked toward Buffy with wide eyes. Harry had the feeling hat she just stopped herself emitting from a stream of babble.

After Giles lecture and a quick review of Dracula's abilities Giles dismissed everyone to their respective homes. He held Buffy back and Harry suspected that he was going to tell her about Xander's outburst earlier. It didn't really matter, but he would be sure to inform Dracula of the recent developments.

He didn't allow himself to think about thralls and hypnosis.

(I wish I could leave it here, but this is wayyy too short)

-scene change Dracula's hideout-

Harry entered the mansion and smiled as he saw Xander sitting in a chair. Xander stood up as he saw him and hugged him and Harry leaned into his embrace. The other boy was so warm, he nuzzled his head in Xander's chest and the brown haired boy chuckled softly. Harry pulled back with a grin. This is why he gave in to Dracula's thrall. For Xander.

He opened his mouth to speak and then gasped softly in surprise as Xander's lips met his own. He moaned and wrapped his arms around Xander's neck, pressing his body fully onto the brown eyed boy's. Xander's arms wrapped around him as a tongue nudged into his mouth. Harry sucked on his tongue gently and Xander groaned. The deep sound sending a vibration through Harry's body. Eventually they ran out of air and they broke away gasping. They grinned at each other stupidly.

"The master wants to see you." Xander said after a moment. Harry nodded and then smiled as Xander leaned down for a quick kiss. Xander motioned him to another door and Harry stopped for a moment, just so he could stop smiling like a loon.

"Master?" Harry walked into the main room to see Dracula lounging on a throne like chair. The vampire turned to him with a smirk and Harry felt a shiver go down his spine. It wasn't a pleasant feeling. Dracula motioned for him to come closer and Harry stopped about two feet away from the man's chair.

"What have you learned?"

Harry shifted slightly, "Buffy and Willow showed up not long after Xander left. Giles informed everybody about some of your abilities and he held Buffy back after the lecture was over. I assumed that he told her about Xander's odd behavior and negative comments. It's unclear whether or not they know that Xander is under your control." Harry licked his lips.

"They do not suspect me."

Dracula laughed a dark and pleased sound.

"This is perfect. I will go to the slayer tonight since she will not be coming to me. Afterward she will be drawn to me and Xander will bring her here." Dracula smirked and then stood up from his chair. He moved close to Harry, and then wrapped his left arm around the small boy's waist.

Harry took in a surprised breath before Dracula's lips met his in a hard and rough kiss. Cold lips crushed against his and he whimpered in pain. A hand buried itself in his hair and titled his head slightly, the owner seeking a better angle.

Sharp teeth nipped until Harry opened his mouth and a cool slick tongue ravaged his mouth. Harry wasn't allowed to breathe. The unwanted invasion continued nonetheless.

"Master." Xander walked into the room and Dracula separated his mouth from Harry's and smirked in amusement as the green eyed boy gasped for breath.

Harry turned quickly to see Xander, but the other boy paid him no mind.

"He doesn't care?" the thought hurt. Xander did not seem to mind at all what Dracula had just done. Maybe he thought it was consensual, which it really wasn't, or maybe he just didn't care at all.

"He doesn't care about me…" Harry blinked back tears and swallowed a lump in his throat, "but the kiss? Our kiss?"

"Xander didn't care. He doesn't care. He doesn't care. He doesn't care." With a deep breath Harry reinforced his occulmency shields. He could not afford a break down right now.

"What is it Xander? I'm very busy." His hand traveled down to Harry's ass and gave it a rough squeeze. Harry swallowed his bile.

"Harry needs to get home soon or the girls will suspect something. He is supposed to research some sort of herb for the girls." Xander's tone gave no indication of jealousy or anger. Harry felt his heart sink into his chest.

"Fine." Dracula released Harry. Harry nodded at Dracula before walking away. He didn't look up to catch Xander's eyes as he walked out the door. He knew Xander's eyes were on Dracula. Harry didn't matter.

He didn't matter.

Not anymore.

Poor Harry. Next chapter he will make some connections and have a few epiphanies and relevations about himself. Harry will become his own person soon enough. It was supposed to be this chapter, but well….im tired of typing today. lol.

Enjoy and I'll see you guys two days from now!