Hi, Folks. Here an early christmas present. ;-)
Stir-crazy
One morning Harry found himself staring at the books in Severus study trying to decide what to do. He had completed all his homework for school already, either because the material wasn't as difficult as he was used to, or he got somewhat brighter after his transformation to a vampire. Whatever the reason was, Harry was now bored.
With Draco and Severus in class, Harry had no one to entertain him. He knew Severus would be back in the afternoon, but Harry did not know what he was supposed to do until then. It was boring to just sit here, in a room full of dusty books. He longed for a change of scenery. He just wanted to go out.
With a hopeful look he glanced out of the window, but strangely the shining sun didn't look as inviting as it usually would. Just looking at the sun caused Harry to have a headache now. Frowning, Harry turned away from the window and walked out of the study.
He came to a halt at the doorframe to the living room only to realise the living room was just as boring as the study. He considered walking back into his room, but he didn't really want to do that either knowing he would be just as bored there. Grumbling angrily, Harry crossed his arms. What was he supposed to do?
Suddenly his gaze fell onto the door that led to the club room. That's it, Harry thought excited, Severus couldn't object him going there. Curious now Harry opened the door and looked carefully inside. The club room was empty of course, with everybody else in classes. Grinning Harry entered and let his eyes room his new surroundings.
The room was furnished with comfy looking beanbags and sofas. Just barely Harry remembered the faces of the other kids of the club. Luna was there and he also remembered Blaise Zabini from Slytherin, but anybody else was just a blurred image in Harry's mind. Harry realised that the room wasn't very big and he wondered if the blood feast would be taking place in here.
The thought of the blood feast caused a cold shiver to run down his spin. He had absolutely no idea what is going to happen at the feast and wasn't really looking forward to it.
With a deep sigh, he let himself fall into one of the bean bags and then looked up at the ceiling. In the middle of the ceiling on an iron chain hung a chandelier with torches. Around the chain were painted bats. Harry wrinkled his nose at that. He still wasn't sure what he should think of him being a creature of darkness now.
Would he ever be able to walk around the lake with his friends in bright sunshine? Would he ever be able to sit with friends outside under the shadow of the old oak tree down by the lake, as they often had done in the past? He really missed his old life, he missed Ron and Hermione, but he wasn't entirely sure if he would go back even if he could. His new life wasn't too bad.
He had never thought that he would see in Severus a kind of father figure and it was definitely something Harry wanted to explore more. Even Draco was different now. He was funny and easy to talk to, but what Harry fascinated the most, Draco was a vampire to the core. The blond loved his life as a vampire and maybe, Harry thought to himself, maybe he would learn to love it too, if only he would have had the chance to choose in the first place.
Instead Harry still felt himself pushed into this new life against his own will and it was hard to adapt to all the new rules. He learned at the Dursleys to hate rules, because it was impossible to stick to them as the Dursleys loved to change them every now and then just to get Harry into trouble.
Now it was more important to stick to the rules and not to get exposed, because a rule breaking could endanger the whole club. This worried Harry a little, knowing his rule breaking nature. Would he be able to control himself all the time?
Sighing Harry stood up again. Looking the walls up and down Harry realised that they look very inviting to test his new abilities. Just to see if it is real, Harry thought to himself, nobody had to know and I'm not really endangering someone with that, am I? And with an afterthought Harry pushed one of the bean bags towards the wall. There, now. See Snape? I'm not even endangering my own life.
His heart doubled its beat in excitement as Harry prepared himself to his first wall walking. Harry placed his hand at the wall and sniggered to himself. Like spiderman. Then he place one of his soles of his shoe against the wall and wondered if he had to pull his shoes off first. As it seems it wasn't necessary, because he could feel the grip his foot suddenly has. Placing his other hand and foot against the wall Harry hung there excited and fascinated. Slowly he crawled higher up the wall. This is crazy. Ron would be so jealous. Harry was sure.
As Harry reached the ceiling, he wondered what it would feel like hanging upside down. Carefully he stepped on the ceiling and slowly he stood up hanging just with his feet. That's really crazy, was all Harry could think. He didn't even feel the blood pressure in his face he normally would feel when hanging upside down. It was like standing on the floor to him.
Very slowly Harry tried to walk. It worked without any problem. Feeling more and more confident Harry walked towards the chandelier. Before he could reach it though the door to the club room suddenly flew open. Harry jerked violently and felt himself losing his footing. Panicking Harry tried to get back to the ceiling and was more than relieved as he felt the ground under his feet again.
He looked down to see two students hurrying around the room.
"Are you sure it is here?" a girl asked.
"Yes, it must be. I had the book at the last meeting," replied the other girl.
"Okay but we need to hurry. The next class is starting in a bit."
"Here, found it! Let's go!"
As suddenly as the two girls appeared they vanished again.
Harry tried to get his breathing under control and to calm down, but something felt strange. Everything was different now. The chandelier was suddenly huge. Not understanding what happened and still wondering how he managed not to fall after his fright he looked down at his feet only to discover that he wasn't looking at human feet anymore. "What the hell?" Harry wanted to say but only a screech escaped his mouth.
Somehow Harry had transformed into a bat. He couldn't see much through his eyes, but he still had a clear picture of the room in his head. He screeched again and the picture of the room got more detailed.
Harry had no idea how to fly, or how he could get back down. His sensitive ears were ringing with all the flood of noise from the castle which had magnified when he had changed. He thought about crawling down, but he was too afraid to move a single muscle. So he stood rooted to the spot and hoped desperately that Severus would find him somehow.
-oxo-
Severus sat at his desk in his classroom and inspected the potions of his previous class while he waited for his next class to arrive.
Suddenly he heard a screech. Looking around the ceiling for what he was sure was a bat, he could not see anything, even with his heightened eye sight. Shrugging his shoulders, he went back to his work. The screech sounded again and this time it appeared terrified. Severus frowned, but then he jumped up in realisation.
"Harry!"
He stormed out of his class nearly colliding with two students and ran the stairs up taking two steps at once. In no time he reached his private rooms, banging his door open he yelled, "Harry?"
'Here!' Harry yelled as loud as he could, but all that came out was another screech.
Severus wasn't sure where the screech came from as it sounded too distant to come from the study, or the living room. Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm down and think about how to find Harry. For bonded vampires it was possible to communicate telepathically, but Severus wasn't sure if his bond with Harry was strong enough. He decided to at least try.
Concentrating on the boy Severus called out with his mind. 'Harry?'
'Ahhh! Where are you?' Harry tried to cry aloud startled, but there was only further screeching.
'Harry calm down' Severus commanded sternly, 'I'm talking to you telepathically, so answer me through your mind!'
'I cannot down again,' Harry whimpered thinking his words.
'Where are you?' Severus asked.
'In the club room,' was the answer and Severus frowned angrily.
'What in Merlin's name are you doing there?'
Harry gulped hearing the anger in the other voice. He decided not to answer this question as he was sure Severus wouldn't like his answer of 'I was bored'.
It didn't take long until the door opened and Severus entered the club room through the door leading to his quarters. He immediately looked up and scanned the ceiling until he spotted the little bat sitting near the chandelier.
'Ok Harry, you know that you have wings, don't you?'
'Yes, but I don't know how to fly with them.'
'That's one of the reasons why I told you not to use your new abilities without me,' Severus couldn't stop himself saying.
'I didn't plan to change into a bat,' Harry defended himself.
'We will talk about that on a later point. Right now, I need you to come down as soon as possible, as I should be teaching my next class, instead of being here!'
'Sorry.'
'I'm sure you are. Now spread you wings and get down!'
'What if I fall?' Harry asked, still afraid of using his wings.
'Then I will catch you, don't worry.'
Harry sighed. It helped to know that Severus was down there and ready to catch him, but that didn't really make the challenge easier. Taking a deep breath Harry jumped and then started to flutter with all his might.
'I'm falling!' Harry cried.
'Slow down. You need to flap your wings in a steady rhythm.'
'I can't' Harry cried still fluttering in a crazy haste. 'I'm too heavy. I will fall if I slow down.'
'No, you won't fall. Do as I said.'
'I'll run out of steam. I can't hold me any longer.' Harry cried hysterically.
Severus shook his head as he watched the small bat battling against gravity.
Harry was sure he would fall any second. It was stupid to try and fly. Now the ceiling was high above him and the ground deep down. He was completely exhausted, he needed a break. As he stopped just for a beat he fell but he realized then that, as soon as he start to flap his wings again he could gain back his height. Somewhat encouraged he did slow down into a steady rhythm. And then flying seemed to be a lot easier.
All too soon he landed on the floor before Severus. While he wondered how to transform back, Severus aimed his wand at the bat and transformed the boy back with a spell.
To make sure he was whole again, Harry stretched his arms out. Relief washed over him. He was human again, well as human as a vampire could be. His relief was short-lived however as he felt himself pulled forwards and pinned against Severus side. Before he understood what was happening he felt fast and hard smacks raining down on his bottom.
As fast as it started, it ended and Harry was pulled up. Two hands were on his shoulder and he looked up into the stern face of Severus.
"What part of 'no stunts without me' didn't you understand?"
"I didn't want to transform into a bat," Harry defended.
"Then explain to me, how you end up at the ceiling."
Harry hung his head, but two fingers under his chin forced his eyes up again.
"I was curious if it is true that we can walk up walls. I just wanted to test it. I even put the bean bag to the wall, for the case I fell."
"And what happened as soon as you realised that you can climb up the walls?" Severus asked.
"I reached the ceiling and wondered how it would feel hanging upside down, but then suddenly two students entered the club room and I was startled. I must have transformed then, because as the two left I was a bat."
"Why did you enter the club room in the first place?"
"I wanted to see different walls for once. I haven't been out for ages. I thought that would be okay. Don't I belong to the club, too?" Harry asked torn between guilt and the need to defend himself.
"What about your homework?"
"It's all done. It is really boring with no one around and I got fed up of reading." At that Harry clapped his hands over his mouth.
"So, whenever you get bored you do something stupid?" Severus concluded.
"No" Harry whispered, tears glittering in his eyes. This was all so unfair. He wasn't about to transform into a bat, it just happened. It was not an experience he wants to have again.
Severus sighed and after some hesitation he pulled the distraught child into a hug. They stood in awkward silence as Severus was still fuming, that he had to leave his lesson because Harry was unable to keep himself out of trouble. On the other hand he understood, that this experience was frightening to the boy and he want to offer at least a little comfort.
As the tremors that shook the small frame ceased Severus let go of Harry and said in a stern voice, "Go to your room and stay there. I will ask the elf to bring your lunch up to you. We will talk in the afternoon. Right now I can only hope my third year students didn't destroy my classroom."
"Yes, Sir," Harry replied in a low voice and with a bowed head he started to walk back to his room. His bottom was still smarting, but his heart was smarting too. He didn't mean to keep Severus from his lessons and he wasn't quite sure what was in the store for him in the afternoon. Was he going to receive a full spanking then?
Sighing Harry entered his room. He still longed to go out. What was he supposed to do now? Sit here and stare? A small pop startled him again. This time it was the elf bringing Harry's lunch. Harry considered not eating it at first, but without anything to do he finally sat down and started to eat. After lunch he lay down on his bed and stared up at the ceiling.
He must have been fallen asleep, because a knock on his door from Severus startled him. Without waiting for an answer the professor strode into the room. "The headmaster wishes to talk to me, I have no idea how long it will take, do you think you can amuse you a little longer without getting into any trouble, or should I ask one of my seventh year student to watch over you?"
Harry frowned offended but kept his tongue, instead he asked, "May I leave my room?"
"As long as you stay in my quarters you are free to move around. You still know the rules?" Severus asked sternly.
Harry hung his head and nodded, but as Severus was still staring expectantly at him he finally said, "Yes, Sir!"
"See to it, that you remember them well!" with these words Severus left Harry again.
Harry huffed. He wasn't looking forwards to spend more time alone, but having another student watching over him was more than embarrassing. Mumbling to himself Harry left his room and wandered towards the study. Maybe he would find an interesting book he could read.
As soon as he entered the room his gaze fell onto a familiar looking tome sitting on Severus desk. It was the Prince Book which Severus had been trying to get him to read. Slowly Harry went nearer wondering why Severus had stopped telling him to read it. Harry turned the book towards him and looked at the golden ornaments on the cover. It looked mysterious and Harry wondered why he had been so stubbornly against reading it. It wasn't as thought it looked dangerous. He opened the book and let some pages slide through his fingers until he spotted a word and stopped to read.
The title of the chapter read "Initiation – The Change into a Vampire"
Intrigued, Harry took the book to the living room, making himself comfortable on the sofa and started reading.
"The change starts with the bite of a Vampire. There are many types of bites, but most of them can be related to the three main types: the Robber's Bite, the Vampire's Bite and the Death's Bite.
With all bites, a special enzyme is inserted into the body, which starts the process of transforming a human being into a vampire. This enzyme is injected through the fangs into the bloodstream of the bitten human and spreads throughout quickly.
The impact of a bite is different however, depending on the duration the bite took.
The Robber's Bite is short and painful, normally done by wild vampires to satisfy their thirst. Muggles often die this while a witch or wizard will live through the pain while transforming into a vampire and will need to drink blood within a month in order to survive. Its name is due to human being robbed of his life both physically and mentally. Often the victims of a Robber's bite will have difficulties in adapting to the new situation and there is a danger of them becoming wild vampires of their own with no control over their drives of blood if they are unable to maintain control and follow the rules set down in family laws (see below).
Harry gulped, knowing that he himself was a victim of a Robber's Bite. He wondered what would have happened to him if Severus hadn't taken him in. He too had no control over himself, otherwise he would have never bitten the man. Harry shook his body and then continued to read.
"The Vampire's Bite is commonly used by vampire families and blood bond partners. The bite is based on the free will of the counterpart. The Vampire's Bite is also used to initiate the children of old vampire families. Normally parents wait until the child fully understands the situation and what it means to be a vampire before they practice this act. As such the age of a child being initiated in to Vampirism can vary based on the maturity levels of the individual.
The most significant difference of the Vampire's Bite to the Robber's Bite is the duration of the Bite. With a Vampire's Bite the Vampire drinks slowly and soon after the bite a further enzyme is released that dulls the pain and accelerates the healing process. During the bite, a feeling of intimacy will arise between the one biter and the other participant. The trust into each other forms a bond, also known as blood bond. It can be as strong as the family bond.
Again Harry stopped. He wondered how someone would call the bite he did to Snape. He definitely jumped at the man to satisfy his thirst, but when he tried to stop drinking, Severus had told him to go on. Harry assumed he probably tried to coax him to drink long enough so the healing enzyme could work. In a way, Severus must have trusted Harry, and he had told Harry, that they had a bond now. Harry was a little confused. Back then Harry was sure that Severus hated him, but obviously he was wrong.
Sighing, Harry's eyes glided back towards the book.
"The similarities and the differences between the family bond and the blood bond are covered in to following chapter.
The Death's Bite is named as such as it causes the death of the victim when the Vampire drains the body of all blood when feeding. A human will not survive this bite. Vampires are also susceptible to mortal danger if they incur such a bite."
A cold shiver ran down Harry's spin. He wasn't aware that vampires could die from a bite.
"For the old vampire families both the Robber's and Death's Bite are an outrage and they cause of families going in to hiding from the public. It's against their family codex and results in the immediate expulsion from the family. Humans do not understand the difference between the bites, and are unable to distinguish between Vampires.
As a result of this, Vampire families are forced to a strict lifestyle. Children who are born and raised in such families will not feel constrained by the laws of the family. Victims of a Robber's bite will often find it difficult to adjust to the new lifestyle and feel constrained by the new laws and regulations they need to abide by. As such there is a large risk of exposure for these Vampires.
It has been documented by Vampire families, victims who are discovered are often experimented on by the Department of Mysteries, British Ministry of Magic, through a series of tests, including pain limitation tests and blood feeding, which have caused large amounts of pain to the Vampire, and subsequent death.
Victims of the Robber's bite can be accepted in to one of the existing families, allowing them to be initiated in to the Vampire lifestyle. However victims still take time to adjust to the lifestyle and do not acknowledge or understand the risk the family has taken in accepting them in to the family.
The Prince Family is one of the oldest known Vampire families. This family is also known as The Family for bitten children and the inventor of blood bonds. After the family bond, the blood bond is the next strongest bond between two or more vampires. …"
Harry knew already the differences of family bonds and blood bonds. Severus had explained that at great length, but Harry was fascinated by the book and so read the next chapter about the bonds. Every now and then, Harry learned something Severus didn't tell him. For example, Severus never told Harry that a real blood bond only exists when both Vampires had bitten each other. A one-sided bond is very weak and the magic between the bond partners may react unexpected until the bond is completed.
A frightened look crossed Harry's face as he tried to imagine Snape biting him. The pain was still fresh in his mind from his first bite. While his body transformed, his neck was too stiff to move. Harry knew now, that the Vampire's Bite obviously is less painful because of the enzyme, but still Harry was scared by the idea of being bitten again. Maybe Severus knew that and therefore didn't tell Harry?
-o-
Severus strode through the corridors from the headmaster's office back to his quarters. His mind was still dealing from conversation with Albus.
Albus had wanted to send Harry back into classes and Severus had a hard time explaining that the boy was still not ready.
'Today I found him at the ceiling of the club room as a bat. He was scared and didn't know how to get back down and he didn't know how to change back. How do you think the students will react when Harry starts to climb walls with no restraint of his impulses to explore? Or when he suddenly changes in to a bat when he gets scared? He barely accepted what he has become, he needs time to come to terms with his abilities and maintaining control.'
Albus eyes had twinkled. 'You know, you have the boy down there for over a week. I'm sure he is stir-crazy by now. The boy needs a change of scenery. Can he at least go to his classes?'
Severus had arched an eyebrow 'How do you plan to explain that to his friends? That the boy is fit for classes, but cannot stay with them in the Gryffindor Tower?'
'There is really no way Harry could-'
'No, Albus. How often do I need to repeat myself? I know you want him back as soon as possible, but the boy needs more time to adjust. Otherwise he will be a great danger to all of us. Today was the perfect example. He didn't plan to transform into a bat, but it happened and he had no idea what to do, or how to get himself out of this situation. It's my duty to prepare him of all situations that may occur and to show him how to handle himself. Until he knows how to handle his abilities and is able to maintain control, he will not be ready to attend classes.'
With a deep sigh and a disappointed look Albus had nodded his head in acceptance.
Severus knew Harry was a delicate case. Different rumours were doing the rounds about what had happened to the boy-who-lived. All the more it was important to prepare Harry as good as possible.
'I do have an idea how to curb the rumours. Have you ever heard of a muggle illness called rabies' Severus had asked the headmaster.
Albus had looked up very interested. 'No. Please explain.'
'The illness is not well known in the wizarding world. Rabies is passed on through a bite. Dogs or other stray animals may have it. We could make up a story to make everybody believe that Harry got bitten by a stray dog which carried said illness. It would explain the bite and it may explain his strange behavior at the welcome feast.'
'What a brilliant idea' Albus had been excited. 'It's that near of the truth that it would distract perfectly from the fact, that it was a vampire who bit Harry. Excellent, my boy.'
With that Severus was dismissed. On his way down to his quarters, he wondered what he should do with Harry. Severus didn't believe a few smacks would really have the needed impact of seriousness for Harry to understand why it was wrong to climb the walls without supervision. On the other hand it was too late to give the boy a real spanking. If someone did something to earn himself a spanking, than Severus usually deal with that immediately and not hours later. So that was no option now. Maybe an essay about rules could help him to understand the gravity of the situation?
As Severus found the child in the living room, lying on his stomach and completely absorbed in a book, he stopped and watched the boy for a while. His heart softened a bit. Seeing Harry lying there that comfortable Severus realized that the boy had already changed a lot. He was adapting to his situation. After all Severus felt save enough to leave the boy in his quarters unattended, and today was the only incident that happened so far. Maybe a stern talk would be enough.
Harry was too engrossed in the Prince Book to notice his observer immediately, but while turning a page he glanced towards the doorframe and noticed Severus.
"How long have you been standing there?" he asked with a blush.
"A while," Severus answered and pushing himself away from the doorframe. "What are you reading?"
At that Harry blushed even more and slowly he lifted the cover of the book for Severus to read.
Severus arched an eyebrow in surprise, while he sat down on the armchair opposite of Harry. "The Prince Book?"
Harry nodded and pushed himself up into a sitting position, he studied his hands for a while, but then he looked up and said, "I'm so sorry, Sir. I shouldn't have been trying to climb the walls on my own, I realised that now and I'm sorry that I broke your trust into me. I'm really grateful for all you have done for me, for letting me stay here and for teaching me. I-"
"Harry, stop!" Severus raised a hand and the boy shut his mouth immediately looking with wide, fearful eyes at the man.
"Don't misunderstand me, Harry. It was wrong and dangerous what you did, but I… can understand that you wanted to test your abilities. It would have been nice if you could trust me that we will go over all your new abilities step by step, but I realised you have not much reason to trust me with our past," Severus raised his hand again to stop the protest he could see in Harry's eyes.
"Trust doesn't come over night. And the way you were thrust into this life wasn't easy for you. I do understand you. And… you haven't broken my trust into you. On the contrary… seeing you reading the Prince Book on your own accord shows me, how much you are trying to adjust and understand."
At the end of Severus little speech Harry had tears glittering in his eyes. "I was so scared. I'm sure I won't ever try anything on my own again," Harry whispered.
"Somehow I doubt that," Severus said and smirked. Harry looked up at him with a faint smile.
"Come on, let's have dinner."
Oxo
Although the fear of punishment was over, Harry still felt restless. Without any appetite, he pushed his food with his fork around his plate not really eating anything.
Severus studied the boy with a worried look. It seems Albus was right; the boy was getting stir-crazy and Severus had to do something against that.
"Okay, Harry. Come with me!" he said suddenly and stood up.
"But… I haven't finished my dinner," Harry stuttered in surprise.
"You aren't eating anymore, so I take it you are finished with dinner. Now, come."
Harry stood in bewilderment and then followed Severus into Harry's room.
"I'm not tired," Harry stated.
"I know," Severus answered and walked over towards the window to look out. "Perfect," he murmured and then spun around again to meet Harry's perplexed look. "We are making a short trip," he explained.
"A trip?"
"Indeed. You are in terrible need of fresh air."
"Oh, but it's already dark outside," Harry said, still confused.
"Perfect for two bats making a short trip over the grounds."
"B… bats? You want to fly?" Harry stuttered and Severus nodded.
"Yes. Your first bat experience wasn't supposed to be a bad one. I want to fix this."
"I don't know if this is such a good idea," Harry said nervously.
Severus smirked. "But I do! Since when are you afraid of flying? Aren't you the youngest seeker in the century?"
With big eyes Harry looked at his professor "Flying with a broom is completely different. I… I'm not good with batwings."
"Then learn it." Severus replied shrugging his shoulders.
Harry sighed and slowly inched nearer to the window. He looked down to see how deep his fall would be. As Severus' quarters are on ground level it wasn't very high.
"How do I transform into a bat. I mean willingly," Harry wondered.
"You have to concentrate and imagine yourself transforming. It should be easier for you now, as you have already transformed once."
Taking a deep breath Harry closed his eyes. He was still afraid of transforming, but he was a little bit curious how Severus would look like as a bat.
"Remember, Harry. You cannot talk as a bat, but we can communicate telepathically."
Harry nodded and within moments a small black bat fluttered on to the windowsill. Severus grinned and followed the boy.
'Ready?' Severus asked as he hopped onto the ledge next to Harry.
Harry looked at the other bat with big eyes. 'What if I fall?'
'You wouldn't'
'What if I transform while in the air?'
'That wouldn't happen either. Your bat instincts wouldn't allow that to happen. Enough dawdling, let's fly. And keep close to me at all times!'
With that Severus started to fly into the night. Harry's little bat heart was hammering in his chest with fear and excitement. Closing his eyes, he started to flap his wings and tried to follow the other. Hectically he fluttered with all his might and tire very fast in the process.
'Harry, slow down. Look at me. I keep my high with half as much flaps as you do. Find your rhythm. It's like swimming.'
'I can't swim'
'Well that explains a lot. Okay just copy me. Up, down, up, down…'
After a while, Harry managed to match Severus tempo of flaps. Together they flew between the forbidden forest and the lake leaving Hogwarts behind them. Harry took some deep breaths of the cool fresh air and closed his eyes. Now that he had found his rhythm flying was like breathing and not at all exhausting. This was freedom. Harry let out a screech of joy.
As they reached the side of the lake, Severus turned into a curve and finally landed on a big rock. Harry landed next to him and transformed back into his human form. With a look of amazement, he looked over the lake back towards the castle. With the lights in the windows, which reflected in the lake, it looked beautiful.
"What a great place! Thank you a lot, Sir," Harry said, while he turned around to look at his professor.
"You are welcome." Severus replied and sat himself down. Harry stood a bit longer, but finally settled down next to Severus and looked out over the lake.
"When we head back, can we fly over the lake?" Harry wondered.
"I don't think that would be wise" Severus answered.
Harry frowned, "Why not?"
"Vampires and water are not compatible. It has something to do with the surface of the water when using sonar. We lose our orientation. If you try that you really may fall down," Severus explained, studying the small waves which rippled the surface of the water.
Harry arched an eyebrow. He could not believe to lose the orientation with the castle in front of them.
Severus looked at the boy, practical hearing his thoughts. "Believe me, Harry. You do not want to try that. As a bat you cannot see the castle as you see it now. The picture of your surroundings you have as a bat is more a picture in your mind drawn by the ultra sonic your ears are hearing."
Harry hummed and then looked back over the lake. His gaze was caught by the reflecting image of the moon. Harry looked up to see the waning moon hanging deep on the sky.
"Not long until the next new moon, is it?" Harry asked.
Severus followed Harry gaze and then nodded, "Indeed. In five nights we will have a new moon night."
"Then you are going to have the blood feast?" Harry asked, still afraid of what would happen.
"We are, Harry. You are a part of the club, too," Severus pointed out.
"So…" Harry started, then gulped, "… are you going to bite me then?"
"What? No. What made you think that?" Severus wondered, he never told Harry anything of that, as he was sure the boy would prefer to bond with someone else.
Harry pulled his knees up and hugged them, "Well, the book said that the bond isn't complete until both partners have bitten each other."
"I never intended to bind you to me completely. I thought you would want to get to know the others of the club first. Normally the students form bonds between each other."
Harry casted a side glance towards Severus, "But… I thought… Do we have a bond or not?"
Severus looked deep into the emerald eyes of the boy studying them for a while, before he said. "Yes, we have a bond, otherwise we wouldn't be able to talk to each other telepathically, but it is weak."
"Because you need to bite me too, right?" Harry asked.
"Yes," came Severus answer.
Harry hugged his knees more tightly, frightened of the idea.
"Don't worry, Harry. I will not bite you. I don't bite students. It would be easier for you to bond with one of the club. If I'm not mistaken Draco seemed to be interested and you should know that's an honour, because until now he refused to bind with one of the club."
"But I can't bond to someone else, the books said… It's a violation of the codex?"
Severus smiled and shook his head, "well you certainly did pay attention to it."
At that Harry smiled.
"Well, Harry. You have to know that the club acts as a family. So as long as you stay within the family you won't break any rules. And as long as I don't claim you as mine, you are free to bond with anyone in the club."
Harry nodded, but he wasn't happy with Severus words. He couldn't explain what he was feeling, was he just uncomfortable with the whole situation or was he hurt by Severus words and rejection? He sighed and looked down to his toes. With his finger he drew the outline of his feet.
"What is it, Harry?" Severus asked, watching the pondering boy.
Harry looked up again, his eyes sweeping out to the lake. "I don't understand why I should bond to Draco. What's wrong with us having a bond? Wouldn't you like to have a bond with me?" Harry asked and then turned his gaze sideward to look at Severus.
Taken aback by his speech, Severus locked eyes with the boy. "It's not that," he said after a while, "you just give me the impression that you're not ready to bond with me. Truths be told, I'm not sure if I am ready either. After I lost my family and therefore the family bond I've had a hard time finding someone who I can trust enough. It has been a long time now, since I last drank real blood. When I opened the club, I never intended to bond with someone. You are my students and I would feel uncomfortable biting any of you. I don't know what have gotten into me. I could have prevented you from drinking from me, but somehow I didn't. It may be easier for you to bond with a student, but it is completely up to you, Harry. I won't do anything against your will in this matter."
Harry smiled again. So Severus was as scared as Harry was? In an absurd way, knowing that helped Harry a lot.
"It's time to head back," Severus said and stood up.
"Can we come back tomorrow?" Harry asked hopefully.
"I can't promise you that. I still have a lot of work waiting for me."
A disappointed look crossed Harry's face which tugged at Severus heart. Sighing, Severus said, "I will probably regret it, but I could ask Draco, if you wish."
"Really?" Harry asked, surprised at the offer.
"You will have to promise to behave."
At that Harry nodded eagerly. They headed back to the castle, getting there far too fast for Harry's taste. They landed in Harry's room and transformed back. Harry thanked Severus again for the trip, which had dissolved Harry's fear of transforming into a bat completely. Then the boy hugged the man bathing in the feeling of acceptance and safety he felt from the man.
Severus returned the hug and patted Harry's back. His mind still filled with green eyes that looked at him, hurt and asking him what was wrong with the bond they currently had. Severus was so sure the boy would hate it to be bonded to him but what Harry had said seemed to prove otherwise. Could it really be that Harry wanted the bond with him, the slimy dungeon bat, of all people?