Prince Consort

Chapter 13

Albus gazed out of the window, surveying the ground of Hogwarts with unseeing eyes; the sound of the animals which usually brought comfort did not. His mind was in turmoil and things were happening in which he hadn't predicted, causing concern. He didn't like when things didn't go his way. Grimmauld Place had locked itself up and he couldn't get into it. Not by going by Floo or by going to its physical location, it's as if the Fidelus Charm had been redacted. Then something else most powerful replaced it. It must have been an incredibly powerful charm since he couldn't even sense the townhouse. Sirius Black couldn't have done it, and unless he had died and it automatically reverted back to the Black Estate which just simply wasn't the case. This he knew to be true since he had Fawkes send him a letter demanding his presence, he should have returned to Hogwarts immediately. He shouldn't have been able to fight the potion; he had just been given another dose.

This had been over forty-eight hours ago and he was irritated and concerned. The potion he gave Black couldn't have been found out by the Ministry, he had just paid Evan handsomely for purposely screwing up the results to make it seem as though Sirius was in perfect health and drug-free.

He would just get Fawkes take him to Black, it was risky but he wasn't in the mood for subtlety especially without Grimmauld Place open to him. Turning around and looking at the grandfather clock, he sighed in exasperation, he couldn't do it right now. The Order members would be arriving shortly; hopefully Black would appear eliminating his need to go into a risky situation. After this meeting, if Black was still not here, he was going to search out Lupin, fear that the potion had been discovered licked up his spine, it's who Black would go to if he regained his senses. He would have to take care of the problem and be done with it, even if it was distasteful, Black was useful after all.

He had to host the Order meeting in his office, something that he hadn't done before, and did not wish to do again due to all the Portraits and no doubt those who spied on Hogwarts from both the Dark side and the Ministry. Not everyone was happy that a vigilante group was trying to stop Voldemort. Especially those who believe it should be left to the professionals. It defeated the point when people became aware of who was in his organization. The last war they hadn't been careful enough and he had lost a lot of good people. The urge to cancel the meeting was strong, but he needed information.

"Albus why are we meeting here?" questioned Minerva entering the office, having received the call (through the coin at a godly hour) she was the only other at Hogwarts who was an order member except for Albus and Hagrid.

Albus did not include Hagrid in this, for he could do nothing, he did admittedly have his uses, right now he was away trying to gain the allegiance of the Giants. The Giant colony, they were uncivilized beasts, it was a waste of time, he didn't think they would join his side but at least he hoped to get Hagrid to convince them to stay out of the war. They were very destructive and the last thing he needed was them coming to Hogsmeade and wreaking havoc on the small village. That and he did not like Hagrid at the meetings, he was a liability with information, a few drinks and he was blabbing his voice also carried.

"A moment, Minerva," Albus sighed, making his way over to his desk, and taking his seat, his customary twinkle was absent, and gaze vacant as he continued to ponder his latest fears and failures. "If you will, be patient and wait for the others to arrive." he added, a vision of calm, prosperity and goodness,

Not even five seconds later, five others joined the room, asking the very same question, as the office expanded to fit them all. The large table and chairs were already set for each Order member, and Albus sincerely hoped all of them would be filled tonight, he didn't like this, he wanted to verify if Black had found out, heaven forbid. He asked the others for patience from him so he did not need to explain more than once.

Albus beaming at them as they entered, despite the early morning, as if he was greatly pleased to see them all.

"Albus, does the meeting have anything to do with the vampires joining?" Doge asked, eager for more information.

"Later," said Albus more curtly than he intended, unfortunately he'd opened a raw nerve. He had requested another meeting with the Vampire Lord to try and smooth things over and see if he could get him to relent on his decision to break the contract. He would have to apologise and it turned his stomach, but if it got him what he wanted then so be it. He hadn't been the one to injure the Potter boy, and he truthfully hadn't realized the extent of it otherwise he wouldn't have called them, not so soon. It wouldn't be a lie either, so that bloody vampire wouldn't be able to accuse him of lying yet again. That night had happened so fast he was still unable to comprehend it.

Doge blinked at his harsh word, before sitting down completely baffled by his changing mood. Now he wasn't so sure it was something good they were here to hear. Not that they had much good news to begin with, they were trying their best to bring down Voldemort. Unfortunately they weren't succeeding; more and more just seemed to pop out of nowhere. Soon Voldemort would have everyone he needed to sweep in and take complete control of the magical world. If that happened the world would never recover, it would descend to darkness, torture and pain until all things good was gone, perished. As old as he was, it wouldn't affect him…but it would the younger generation, his son, and his grandchildren. Coming out of his thoughts, he saw the majority of the Order members had arrived, a few were quite dauntingly empty.

"It seems as if they aren't coming, we may as well proceed? Don't you agree, Albus?" Minerva urged the Headmaster to begin the meeting without them. Shacklebolt, Tonks, Sirius and Dung still weren't there, everyone else had arrived on time, and the Aurors weren't usually late, Dung however, was unpredictable and rarely showed up. Too content to pilfer and sell items instead of helping their cause, she still didn't understand why Albus had asked him to join in the first place; he was a waste of space.

"Maybe they are held up at work?" suggested Hestia Jones to the quiet, contemplative room.

"Perhaps," said Albus, they could be out on an assignment, which would explain Black not returning when he'd asked. If anything the compulsion to work as an Auror was stronger than anything else because he'd made him that way. It would explain why Tonks had not appeared, it must be something big through for both high up Auror's to attend to it. Hopefully they would be arresting or rather in this case re-arresting the Death Eaters, which would help in the long run, fewer innocents to lose. The innocents in all this were wizards and witches who weren't pureblood's, those easier to mould to his image and carry it on to the next generation. Which had been working splendidly for the past three generations, four if you include the generation currently being born.

"Why are we here though? It's drawing unwarranted attention if someone is watching the school…watching you." Podmore pointed out the obvious. The Minister were keeping an eye on him, he was scared that Dumbledore was after his job. To set the meeting at Hogwarts to him was at the height of stupidity, he'd almost decided not to come.

"I am afraid…Grimmauld Place is no longer open to us," said Albus, sighing softly, his posture screamed defeated.

"What?" boomed Moody his eyes narrowed, "What does that mean?"

"A few possibilities, none good. Either we have been betrayed and the Death Eaters have taken over the house, or Sirius is no longer with us." said Albus, his blue eyes filled with worry, he couldn't tell them the truth, in fact Black was better of dead than the truth being revealed to the world. "Have you seen Sirius lately?"

"It's been at least three days for me," said Doge thoughtfully.

"He was at work three days ago," said Moody, "Tonks is off with the wizarding Flu; I wouldn't be surprised if Black ended up with it as well. Others might end up sick, so if you display any symptoms get them checked out….as for other…" wizarding flu was a bad thing to get, it infected the magical core, could reduce wizards to squibs. So the solution was no magic, bed rest and a gazillion potions to get better, ignore it then on your own magic/head be it.

"He would still get in touch," said Albus interrupting Moody, feeling a little petulant, it was how the potion worked. No, this was something worse than catching Wizarding Flu he could feel it.

"Haven't you had the wizarding Flu? I couldn't get out of bed for a fortnight!" said Hestia agog at the Headmaster's words.

"I see," Albus said, pretending to concede to her 'expert knowledge'.

"Maybe that's why he's locked down Grimmauld Place? To stop us from ending up sick too?" suggested Molly Weasley. She didn't like the thought of anything happening to anyone in the Order. They were all good friends, and to lose more would just devastate her completely. Nothing could cause her as much devastation as when she found out her brothers were gone; that she was the last of the Prewitt's and the family name wouldn't continue on. She'd tried very hard to make her family proud, and hopefully when she was reunited with them, not any time soon with any luck, they would be proud.

"Perhaps," said Albus, "If you hear from him, do let me know, and let him know I am asking for him." that would hopefully throw any suspicion of him if he had to resort to…drastic measures.

"As for the other news, Sirius has retired from being an Auror, I was asked to come in, with Tonks, Shacklebolt and Sirius out they needed someone with experience," Moody barked, annoyed that he had been interrupted and talked over.

"Excuse me?" Albus gaped at Alastor unable to believe it. "Are you sure?" he demanded of the Ex-Auror…or rather Auror now if he had returned to his old duties. He definitely must find Sirius Black now with all due haste, he had most definitely found a way to fight off the potion or someone had found out about it and cleared it from his system. He had much to do to ensure this didn't become a scandal. His earlier speculations seemed to be the truth, he would need to make due haste to Lupin's flat.

"I am," Moody barked, annoyed that he was being doubted even for a moment. By Albus of all people, they had been close for many years now; he should always take his word as truth.

"Thank you, Alastor," Albus said, eyes shadowed with worry that he couldn't fully conceal. "What were you asked to deal with that required someone experienced?" it could only be a Death Eater raid, that much carnage they caused.

Just then the Floo network flared, spitting out an out of breath Mundungus Fletcher.

"You-Know-Who attacked a Muggle street, he's becoming more brazen!" he rasped, coughing violently, slumping to the chair, blood coated his hand where it clutched at his side, the Death Eaters had found him hiding, listening to him and attacked him.

"A Muggle street?" Moody frowned, "You mean Privet Drive?" he had been called to the scene last night; he hadn't seen anything like it since Alice Longbottom. His magical eye observing Albus calling the resident Medi-witch to his office to heal Mundungus through the Floo.

"Why?" "What is he looking for?" "He hasn't attacked the Muggles yet, why now?" the Order all called out.

"He's after Harry Potter," Mundungus said.

"He's just a child, why?" Molly gasped in horror, he was the same age as her youngest son, hadn't he been through enough?

Albus stared at Mundungus intently, also wishing to know why he would be after Harry Potter, especially waiting so long; it had been two years since Voldemort had been brought back using Harry's blood.

"They said…well they were discussing…speculating how Harry Potter had survived the attack, talking like he'd taken a killing curse and it had rebound back onto their 'Lord'," Mundungus explained, sighing in relief as the Healer made her entrance, moving over to him and beginning to heal him. "He's to be captured, unhurt, nobody is allowed to kill him, and the 'pleasure' is for You-Know-Who himself."

Dumbledore paled drastically, staring at Mundungus as if he had grown two additional heads in the past few moments.

"We have to keep him safe," Molly urged, eyes filled with tears that didn't fall, quite honestly she just wanted to hug him, let him know everything was going to be alright.

"The attack happened at Privet Drive, they killed Harry's relatives, probably trying to torture information out of them, find out where he is," Mundungus revealed, breathing out in relief, the pain was already vanishing rapidly, he gladly accepted and swallowed the potions the healer gave him after gasping in shock at the news.

"Torture is putting it lightly," Moody grimaced, "I've never seen anything like it since Alice."

Everyone paled remembering what happened to the Auror, she had jumped in front of a young girl to save her, taking many Cruciatus Curses simultaneously. She had been in St. Mungo's ever since, later her husband had joined her, but not in the same ward, he had been cursed with something unknown and was in a coma, he had been there since little Neville was six years old, ten years ago now.

"By Merlin," Minerva murmured, clutching her hand over her mouth in shocked disgust.

Silence reigned in the room for a long while after, as people just sat there, not sure what to say or do in the face of such a horrific attack.

"There, take it easy, don't do to much," Poppy explained to the wizard, giving Albus a quick nod, leaving the room quickly, Mundungus stank something fierce and she felt the need to wash the stink away.

"What happened to you?" Hestia asked he looked as if he'd gone and lost a fight with a Hippogriff.

"They found out I was listening in," Mundungus grimaced, "Got a few curses off, few of theirs hit me before I Apparated away, used the Floo Network at the Leaky Cauldron to get here." his head was pounding as well, he just wanted to go home, have a bath then have a few drinks and not necessarily in that order.

"So they didn't find Harry? He wasn't there?" Arthur questioned, relieved at that, failing to realize a teenager the same age as Harry had died in the attack. His cousin, a one Dudley Dursley, just passed his sixteenth birthday. Surely they wouldn't have been discussing it in some run down filth place in Knockturn Alley.

"Evidently not, if anyone knows where Harry is, I believe it will be Remus," Minerva said, she knew through Slughorn that Harry and Remus had a close relationship. "Perhaps they should be notified and brought here for safety?" which house Harry was in didn't matter, she had a duty of care to all those who come through Hogwarts, not just her Gryffindors. "Just until they find somewhere more secure." they couldn't just invite everyone to Hogwarts, it just wasn't done, but surely for a few days it can't hurt.

"I shall write to him as soon as the meeting is over with," Albus said, even surer of his path now, today was turning out to be one of the most urgent days he'd had to date, and he'd been through two wars. Was it possible? Had Harry managed to reflect the killing curse onto Voldemort? Had Severus lied? He must find the wizard no matter how long it took and demand answers. Remus, Sirius, Vampire Lord then Severus Snape, he was beginning to feel very overwhelmed with the demands sitting on his shoulder. If Potter had successfully managed to evade Voldemort's attack what did it mean? What did it mean? It may actually answer some of the questions on why he had chosen the boy to aid his return to a body.

"Did they say anything else?" Moody asked, both eyes fixed on Mundungus, was it pure luck that he'd over heard that or did the Death Eaters want it to get out? It wouldn't be the first time, the best way to find someone let others do all the hard work and swoop in at the last minute, something he would do. Voldemort was a tricky wizard, smart, manipulative and dangerous.

"Nothing, that's it," Mundungus said, fully healed but still covered in blood, he didn't even notice that the healer had left, without so much as receiving a thank you.

"I think given the circumstances we should postpone the meeting," Albus said abruptly, his tone off, he quickly did some damage control, "I must warn Remus, Mr. Potter is in very serious danger."

Moody grunted in agreement, he didn't know the kid but he certainly wouldn't wish his fate on anyone if Voldemort ever found him.

"Perhaps you're right, Albus," Minerva agreed, still worried.

"If they need somewhere to stay, our home is warded," Molly bravely offered up her home.

"I shall let them know," Albus said, smiling in thanks to the woman.

Doge remained in his seat as the Order members either used the Floo Network in Albus' office or left through the Headmaster's office to go the long way. It was mostly the younger generation like Podmore who left the office instead of using the Floo.

"Albus, what happened with the vampires?" Doge queried again, watching his best friend closely.

"We are still in negotiations," Albus explained patiently, lying through his teeth of course.

"But it looks good?" Doge asked eyes alight with hope. He thought Albus was ingenious, when he had first proposed it he had a moments doubt, but willingly helped whenever he could. Then when Albus told him he'd found the Vampire Lord and had a meeting with him awe and amazement shot through him. To have a meeting with the Vampire Lord was a miracle, maybe it meant good things would come there way. They'd had multiple meetings, he didn't know the ins and outs, or what the exchange was, but he'd do just about anything to see it work out. They needed all the help they could get and with vampires on their side they could not lose - the Death Eaters wouldn't know what hit them, literally wouldn't know what hit them. The amount of innocent people they would save…it was quite overwhelming.

"It does," Albus nodded firmly, leaving no room to question him. "Now if you'll excuse me old friend, I have a few letters to write," a concerned look passing over his face.

"Of course!" Doge said reverently, "I'll leave you to it, if you need my help, you know where to find me," as always offering his support.

"I know, Elphias, thank you," Albus said a grateful smile on his face that conveyed a happiness that he could always rely on his old friend. As soon as he was alone the smile dropped from his face as a perplexed look took over. Regardless he did write a letter to Remus, warning him of the danger, even though he had no intentions of sending it out via owl. Steeling himself, he would find out through the werewolf where Sirius Black was and get him back under control. Do some damage control with the vampires and do all he could to solve the mystery of what happened that Halloween.

Prince Castle

Harry yawned, burrowing further into the warmth, feeling curiously well rested and warmer than normal. Blinking sleepily, he stretched out with a contented groan. After everything he had earned the thing that stuck in his mind the most, was his mum, falling to the floor dead. Ever since he'd learned they'd died for him, particularly his mother, leaving behind a 'protection' he'd felt even closer to her. It wasn't just his mum after all, now was it? Snape had saved his life too. He continued to lie there, thinking on everything, it was difficult being angry at someone, especially when they were treating you well, and protecting you. Everyone had their own way of doing things, especially Slytherins. They chose to take what they wanted, when they wanted it, by whatever means necessarily. They also took care of their own, whether they wanted it or not. That was only because nobody else would. Looking around he saw he was alone; his clothes he'd been caught in were washed and dried at the bottom of his bed. Severus was always up well before him and he never heard him coming to bed. He would have thought he didn't have a bed companion if not for the fact he had woken up during the night last night.

Removing himself from the duvet on the large queen size bed, he grabbed his clothes and got dressed. Compared to how immaculate everything else was, he looked like a ragamuffin. Slight exaggeration he supposed, now that the blood, sweat, cement, wood and dirt had been removed properly in ways that the spell couldn't. Even the holes in the knees of his trousers had been stitched up, rather expertly too, must have been a House-Elf.

It was too late for breakfast, and he didn't want someone going out of their way for him, he opened the door and walked out into the hall. As he walked down the hall, he noticed the portraits for the first time, inside a large room with an arch revealing even more portraits in the room. Harry got curious and stepped inside, cocking his head, they looked very similar to Severus; he must have gotten most of his looks from the Prince side of the family line. There was something wrong with them; they were still, not magical portraits. It was strange, since being here all portraits Harry had encountered were animated. Touching it, he could feel the brushstrokes, they were deep, and each portrait had been painted with a thick layer, no doubt probably done by an expert and at high cost. The gold plaque at the bottom of the one he was touching had Artemis Prince written across it along with the dates - he assumed were his time of succession. He'd never met a male with that name before.

The portraits at Hogwarts felt like water paints, cheap and hastily put together compared to these ones, the attention to detail was quite exquisite. These must all be the Vampire Lords, he had not realized just how long the line had been going, Artemis was the only one who did not have a portrait taken with his significant other, all he noticed were women, seated or standing next to them. He wondered if any of them had male partners. He couldn't see any from where he stood, so he curiously began to inspect each of them, memorising their faces, names, and the dates.

He pondered on whether they were just too early for magical portraits, perhaps there was another room filled with magical ones? Shrugging his shoulders as he finished inspecting the last one having circled the room, he made his way out, it would take forever to get a hang of this place, and this was only a single wing.

He passed the library again and grinned, he could get himself lost in there for weeks at a time. Which was a good thing really; he didn't have much else to do. His grin softened to a smile, as he picked up a book, remembering his friends always teasing him. They'd told him constantly he'd been sorted into the wrong house. Harry wouldn't have fitted into Ravenclaw though, he wasn't reading books to get best grades, and he was doing it to fit in, to survive in the magical world. His good grades just reflected his need for that really.

"What do you want?" asked Harry irritated as he turned around.

"You heard me?" asked Storm her face showing her surprise. Nobody had been able to hear her, she'd never, ever, encountered a human who was able to detect her presence.

"I could hear you the door squeaks when you open it fully, and there is a loose floorboard under my feet. The only way it would creak, is if

someone else was on it." said Harry bluntly. "You are also wearing new shoes; they scuffed before you even entered the room."

"You are good," said Storm impressed. He might be young, but he was sharp, smart he certainly wasn't stupid. Lord Snape liked smart, it didn't hurt that his mate was absolutely stunning. If he hadn't already been spoken for, she would have made a move on him.

"Why are you here?" asked Harry staring at her his face impassive.

Storm just smiled at him kindly, "You like books?"

Harry rolled his eyes; he was having him bloody watched? What did Snape think he was going to do? They had a deal, it's not like he was going to back out of it. Grunting in frustration he left the room, and began searching for Snape. The entire time the vampire followed him, raising Harry's ire even further.

"Where is he?!" demanded Harry spinning around, glaring at her.

"He's at a meeting." said Storm immediately as if it would explain everything.

"Not what I asked." snapped Harry his nostrils flaring at his anger.

"He is at a meeting." repeated Storm.

"Fine, I'll bloody find him myself." said Harry stomping off in the direction where two guards had stood yesterday. Only to find the woman once again in front of him, stopping him from getting any further.

"Stop." said Storm, she couldn't let Harry past.

"What are you going to do if I don't? Hit me?" snapped Harry, his green eyes flashing in fury.

"No," protested Storm violently, they'd be killed if they even thought of harming the mate of their Lord.

"I want to see him, if you don't take me to him I'll go myself." said Harry crossing his arms over his chest, challenging the vampire, his eyes never once looking away from hers.

"What part of meetings don't you understand?" cried Storm exasperated! It appeared as if Lord Severus' mate was just as stubborn, maybe more so.

"Any of it," said Harry "He's the one that demanded me here! Not the other way around now get him here now or tell him the deals off!"

"Really?" asked a smooth voice from behind Storm, sounding more amused than upset or even angry.

"Why are you having me followed? I said I'd stay!" snapped Harry.

"Storm," said Severus, not needing to say anything else, she simply nodded before leaving. When you worked for someone long enough, you understood their needs without having to be ordered.

"She wasn't here to keep an eye on you, she was here to keep you safe." said Severus bluntly.

"Safe?" echoed Harry, his heart sinking into the pit of his stomach. What the hell did that mean? This place was huge, the contents priceless, surely there was more wards than humanly possible on this building? Unless he was meaning Dumbledore, it was the only possible explanation. Who else seemed insistent on making his life as miserable as possible.

"Indeed." replied Severus sardonically. Seeing his mate was not comforted at all by his words, he continued on. "Albus Dumbledore is currently down in the Great Hall, he's rather…shall we say, put out. Since I did not uphold my end of the bargain or so he says."

"Why didn't you?" asked Harry bitterly.

Arching an eyebrow, had the information from yesterday not sank in? Or was he deliberately goading him.

"What? It would be easier to spy on him wouldn't it?" snapped Harry defensively.

"Yes," said Severus, "Yes it would, but I already have someone much closer than anyone I could send now."

"Ha, Langdon?" asked Harry shrewdly. "He has your coat of arms on a pendant I saw around his neck once."

"Sometimes the others get rather…overzealous in protecting me as I am the last heir and it will be the same for you." he made a mental note to make sure Langdon was more careful. He had a very valuable position, now that Dumbledore had been around; he'd probably investigated the signs. More than ever, he needed Langdon to keep a sharp eye on Hogwarts and on Dumbledore.

The last heir, he didn't like the sound of that…no he wasn't going to think on it, he refused. He'd spent his allotted amount of time, then he was gone, he was done. He wanted a family but with someone who cared who he would see more than a couple of times a day.

"Would you like to attend the meeting?" asked Severus out of the blue.

"Yes," said Harry immediately, what can he say? He didn't often get to see Dumbledore shot down. He wanted front seat tickets to the show.

"Put this on," said Severus, handing over a cloak, "He does not know who I am so please refrain from using names."

"Alright," said Harry eagerly, placing the cloak on himself, but he didn't see the point - he was sure Dumbledore would realize who he was immediately. He didn't really care, obviously Snape didn't either, and he knew the vampire wasn't stupid, he'd have thought the same thing.

"Let's go," said Severus, nodding in approval.

Harry felt completely ridiculous obscured completely by the robes, if he looked anything like Severus - then he probably looked like a Dementor but he had to admit it was a good look. He followed Severus though the halls, withholding a giggle feeling extremely daft. He tried to keep up with the twists and turns, wanting to memorise them. The place was enormous; huge just didn't cut it at all. Then he finally went through a door that had someone within. Not just someone, but Albus Dumbledore who looked extremely irritated.

"I apologise for the delay," said Severus his sarcasm obvious, yet his tone was much darker than Harry had ever heard it. It made shivers dance across his skin, his stomach tightened, made him feel funny deep inside. He'd never felt like that before, it drew him in like a moth to the flame. Harry had a feeling he was going to end up scorched.

"May we continue?" asked Dumbledore, with forced patience. To be nice to this vampire left a sour taste in his mouth. Unfortunately he needed vampires on his side. He hadn't expected it to be so hard, especially with all the latest restrictions on all 'dark creatures' these days. They should have been jumping at the chance for redemption of their species.

Harry sat down as he was directed, watching Dumbledore with hidden glee, everything was hidden actually. Since he still had the cloak on, there was no recognition in Dumbledore's' eyes, no dawning understanding he was too intent on staring at Snape. No not Snape, the Vampire Lord. It was so gleeful to watch Dumbledore speak in such a humbled way.

"Of course," said Severus wickedly, he never thought he'd see the day where Dumbledore was so desperate for something from him.

"We had a bargain," said Dumbledore for the tenth time that night, he wasn't getting through to the vampire. "You will lose your magic if you do not obey."

"So you've said, yet despite your words, I still have my magic and I'm still alive, so to speak." said Severus.

"I demand you give me what you promised!" snapped Dumbledore loosing his composure standing up, his magic swirling out around him. Nobody had denied him this way before, and truth be told he didn't know how to deal with it other than to intimidate.

"You broke your promise," hissed Severus furiously. Never leaving his seat, as he spewed such hatred at Dumbledore. He'd always loathed the wizard, he'd ignored all Slytherin's and encouraged the Gryffindor's to do whatever they liked, getting them out of trouble when it suited him. He'd waited so long to get one over the infallible wizard and now nothing would compare to this. He certainly would put it in a pensive to view later.

Harry shifted feeling completely embarrassed at his rather…extreme reactions. He didn't know why he was suddenly feeling this way all the time. Like all boys his age, he'd jerked off in the dorms behind silencing spells and curtains. Been given the most horrific 'talk' in his young life at the age of thirteen. He hadn't quite managed to look at Remus for at least a week after him talking about sex. He had to read up on vampires, see if it was Snape that was causing it. Vampires were extremely sexual creatures, but did they actually affect you without trying? He wished Remus was here; at least it was someone to talk to about things. He was much more comfortable talking about that kind of thing, well compared to how he had been at the age of thirteen.

"I handed Mr. Potter over in perfect health." said Dumbledore sitting back down, breathing deeply; he'd get through to this vampire if it killed him. "You must obey the vow."

Severus' hand found Harry's knee, as if sensing Harry was about to get seriously angry. Harry had been about to open his mouth and give the old man a piece of his mind. Harry bit his lip, withholding as gasp. Merlin he was beginning to feel fourteen again, unable to control his body. Severus' thumb sent tingling sensations as it tantalizingly stroked back and forth across his leg.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but Mr. Potter had to be healed when he fell unconscious - after you captured him without informing him what was happening." said Severus emotionlessly, he could smell Harry's furling arousal, and Harry's magic was reacting to his. They were soul mates he and Harry. They were meant to be together, and the budding bond was proof of that. He could sense it much more deeply than Harry, since human's senses were dulled compared to vampires. "Cracked ribs, a punctured lung and extensive bruising."

"He continued to run, we need to win this war, I do not know why you care, after all you went this length to get him…its obvious he wouldn't have come willingly for you." said Dumbledore his eyes narrowed in distaste, unable to stop his true nature showing through.

"As always Dumbledore, you assume you know best." sneered Severus, utterly disgusted. "Do not presume to know what I do or how I think."

"I want the boy returned to my custody," said Dumbledore standing up, he'd had enough. "Otherwise I will have no choice but to make your life extremely uncomfortable."

"Please do," said Severus chuckling wryly. "Truth be known, I think it's your life that will become…shall we say uncomfortable?"

"Do not say I didn't warn you." said Dumbledore angrily.

"I shan't," said Severus. "Corin, Storm…please show the Headmaster out. Make sure he doesn't accidentally drop anything either, do a sweep of the building afterwards." without saying anything telling the old fool he knew what he'd done.

"Damn you, you are condemning millions of innocents to death!" snarled Dumbledore as the female vampires took a tight hold of him.

"No Dumbledore, you did by not acting in the first place." said Severus, causing Dumbledore to pale and turn slightly green around the gills. Fear flashed through Dumbledore's eyes as he stared at the unknown vampire in front of him. While it looked like a million things were going on under the old fool's head, there wasn't, just one - what did he know?

"Take him away." said Severus after a few seconds of stunned silence.

Harry was stunned; he'd never, ever seen Dumbledore act that way. Never in all his years as a student, instead of being amused, he was worried and maybe a little curious. "What did you mean?" asked Harry.

"Exactly as I said," replied Severus relaxing, he removed his hand from Harry's leg as he felt his wards, checking for when Dumbledore was out of his castle.

"That doesn't explain anything!" argued Harry, "How did he not act?"

"Do you really want to know?" enquired Severus, turning to face his mate. "No matter the consequences?"

"What does that mean?" asked Harry shrewdly. A sinking feeling began to worm its way down into the very pit of his stomach. Perhaps his blaming Dumbledore for his parent's deaths hadn't been far off its mark.

Severus just tilted his head sideways for a moment, as if to say 'You already know or suspect'. Nevertheless, he realised he couldn't get to know his mate, or garner his trust without speaking. "Know your enemy Harry; it's the most important thing of all, especially when you are dealing with them."

"You knew what he'd do? That he'd fail in the vow?" Harry questioned, unsure of how to feel about that. On one hand it was completely sneaky and so very Slytherin, on the other hand he didn't like being played.

"No, I'd never put you at risk." said Severus his voice solemn and serious. No he had been prepared to ask a few of his men to fight the war, so he could secure his mates' well-being. Now there was no need, and he did get a lot of satisfaction from it, it couldn't be helped. It didn't mean that he hadn't want Harry brought here securely and safely as possible. "Ask Harry; do not feel the need to manipulate the conversation. I will answer all questions as honestly as possible." aware that Harry was asking them to force him to elaborate on the subject. He was good for his age, he'd give him that much.

Harry flushed in embarrassment, his pale cheeks taking on a rosy hue. "What do you know?" he asked, feeling slightly…Gryffindor. When you needed to dig for answers, especially in Slytherin you had to take the long way round. Sometimes even with Blaise and Teddy, it's just the way things were. He'd learned over the years, and now it was next to impossible to pry information out of him that he didn't want revealed. His weakness was his temper, and Blaise and Teddy exploited it like any real friend would. There was never much need to either, since Harry had told them everything. They were more than just friends; they were his best friends, his brothers.

"Around six decades ago, Albus Dumbledore was Transfiguration teacher at Hogwarts. He was there when the chamber of secrets was opened; the legend said it could only be opened to Salazar Slytherin's heir. What does that tell you?" said Severus calmly.

"Voldemort," said Harry, "So Dumbledore knew who opened the chamber?"

"Indeed, he definitely ensured the young boy blamed for it stayed at Hogwarts, although it was a great disservice, keeping him there, letting him see everyone graduate when it's the one thing he couldn't do." said Severus his voice filled with scorn. "Yes, Harry he knew, until this moment I didn't have definitive proof. His reaction spoke louder than any of his words since coming here."

Harry nodded quietly; there really was no denying that one, since he'd seen Dumbledore's stunned muteness for himself. He was responsible for both wars, the last one and the one currently brewing. All because he hadn't acted, he'd swept it under the rug and let Voldemort away with it. Starting of a chain reaction of events, giving the evil wizard the impression he didn't have to pay for his crimes. That he could kill, maim and hurt people without care. He was responsible for the death of his parents by his inactions.

"When can my friends and dad visit?" asked Harry.

"Straight down to business I take it?" asked Severus wryly, yet his gut twisted at the fact Harry wanted them so desperately. If he'd done things right, Harry wouldn't be saying those things. Unfortunately doing what's right or easy didn't deter him. He had to keep Harry safe, out of the war, it's why Severus acted when he did, and why he'd made sure Dumbledore couldn't touch him. The wand, the fact he survived Voldemort, it all added up. He wasn't about to let Harry become anyone's little hero, Harry was his and he'd be damned if he let anyone else touch him.

"I just want them to know I'm okay." said Harry, "For the past six years… they've been everything. Growing up with the Dursley's made sure I knew how to appreciate anyone in my life." a dark look crossing his features, he hadn't seen them since he'd accepted his place at Hogwarts. If he ever did see them it would be too soon.

"I can understand that…write to everyone, invite them to come tomorrow, inform them that someone will pick them up and bring them here. I do ask that you accompany me in a stroll around the castle and some lunch after you are done," said Severus.

Grinning he nodded his head; exuberance flowing through him, he couldn't wait.

Edited on 3/6/17 - I do hope you like this version better :)