It's In Your Blood | By : Cardinal Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Snape Views: 13043 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1 |
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story. |
Harry sat, feet dangling from a hospital bed at St. Mungos, a thick white blanket pulled around his thin frame. He was still numb, still in shock that it had really happened. Harry had defeated Voldemort exactly one month ago, and he'd planned on returning to Hogwarts for a "normal" Seventh Year. But everything had changed in the blink of an eye.
He'd been tracking a wounded centaur when he'd felt the cold presence slide up behind him. Harry had been unable to keep up with the quicker reflexes of the vampire as it had knocked him off his feet and fed mercilessly upon Harry's neck.
Harry couldn't recall much from that point, except that he'd suddenly found himself sitting in St. Mungos with healers, and mediwitches racing around and trying to sort things out. Harry tried to slowly sort through the past day in his mind, but everything seemed to melt into one painful blur. If it had been a year ago Dumbledore would be by his side, telling him of their next plan of action and that everything would turn out fine. With Dumbledore gone, slayed by Snape, Harry didn't know who would come to his side.
Wait, yes he did, where was Ron and Hermione? Remus? They'd been his only and constant companions on his path to defeat Voldemort and they'd been with him when he'd finally brought down the Dark Lord. All of that, however, seemed to pale in comparison to what Harry was going through now. He was forever alive.. forever alone, and forever in this torment that was so like hell that Harry was sure he could feel the very flames licking the soles of his feet.
"All right Mister Potter," a nurse came forward, her kind face round and loving as she gently touched his shoulder, "we've brought someone that we think may be able to help you deal with your problem."
Harry looked over the woman's shoulder and only the widening of his pupils showed surprise as he stared at the dark, brooding visage of Severus Snape. Harry had been sure that when Severus had resigned from Hogwarts (after killing Dumbledore and then being found innocent from the murder on account of the Wizards Oath that he'd sworn to Narcissa) that it would be the last time he'd ever seen the hooked-nose professor. Somebody shoot me.
Severus stood, quite surprised himself that he was in the room. Really it wasn't that he wanted to help Potter, but his good name (well, it really hadn't ever been good) had been soiled upon hearing that he'd "murdered" Albus Dumbledore. It seemed that everyone and their mother had adored the old fool and now Severus couldn't find work. Perhaps if he helped Potter in his time of need the wizarding world would see that he wasn't the cold, unfeeling bastard that everyone thought him to be. Maybe then someone would hire him. He was the best Potions Master in the world, or so he believed.
The witch smiled kindly to Severus and Harry, "I'll be just outside the door, here," she pointed, emphasizing her nearness to Severus should he try anything, "if you need me." With that the woman left.
"Why are you here?" Harry asked, his voice dead and hollow, his eyes showing the same lifeless expression as he stared at Severus' shoes.
Despite everything that had happened in the past year, Snape was still the same, "I've missed you," he sneered, "why do you think I'm here, Potter?"
Harry shrugged, in truth he didn't care why Snape had showed up at St. Mungos, and he also didn't know how Snape was supposed to help him with his .. problem.
Snape rolled his eyes, "Stupid prat, surely you've put together the clues from the past seven years?" When Harry made no attempt to answer the question, Severus sighed and continued, "Well, as it seems you haven't, I'm a vampire as well, Potter, and I believe that Minerva and the Ministry think I can be something of a help in making you see that it's not, in fact, the end of your life... No pun intended." The man smirked haughtily.
Snape.. a vampire... Now that Harry thought about it, it really wasn't that surprising. The first thought of every First Year was that their Potions Master was a vampire, but one quickly put the thoughts away when he openly handled garlic and silver measuring instruments in class. "But, you don't ... act like a vampire." Harry said slowly.
"That's because you've no idea what vampires are really like. I'm sure Granger practically wrote your vampirical essays for you. There are a few things you should know about vampires before you leave the hospital. One, we're not deathly allergic to the sun. It's not exactly something we enjoy, but we can deal with it. We see best in dim light. Our reflexes are marginally better than most humans. Being a vampire boosts your magical store, and no, you can't be killed by garlic, silver crosses, or holy water. The only way to kill a vampire is a wooden stake to the heart. We can't be killed by the Advada Kedavra but it does deplete our energy and magic, and it makes it very difficult to ever recover from a comatose state. Another thing, only those untamed fools that call themselves vampires, go around biting strange people. You never know what someone may have in their blood system. You only need to feed on blood once a month, but it has to be fresh, and most vampires have a chosen mate that they take the blood from." Severus took a deep breath, his mouth dry from the amount of talking that he'd done. He'd not spoken so many words to anyone in a year, "Did I leave anything out?"
Harry swallowed past the knot in his throat, "Does everyone know?" He hadn't seen a Daily Prophet or Witches Weekly, but Harry was terrified that everyone would find out and ridicule him for what he was. Harry remembered vividly the nasty letters and howlers that Remus had received while teaching at Hogwarts because he was a werewolf. Hogwarts! Will they let me come back?
"What about school? Am I allowed to go back and finish my final year?" Harry tacked the question on to his last.
"I spoke with Minerva briefly before coming, and she said that quarters would be prepared for you and me so that you can live at Hogwarts and still attend your regular classes." Severus answered coolly.
Harry's brow furrowed, "Why do I have to stay with you?" A bit more of the old Harry was beginning to peek out as he realized how awkward it would be to practically live with Snape.
Snape's face looked liked death-frozen over and wrapped for delivery, "Because I'm the only civilized vampire that you know, which means that I am the only one that can teach you about being a vampire. There is more than I can teach you, and tell you, but we'll get to those things later. I think that they're going to keep you here for another night of observation. Tomorrow you'll come with me to Hogwarts and we'll get everything set up and ready for our stay there." The man turned to go, but stopped suddenly and turned around, "And no, no one knows of your recent conversion. It is being kept hush-hush, so if you don't want people to know then I suggest you keep it from Granger and Weasley." With that Severus walked from the room, his black robes swishing across the floor as he left.
Harry sighed and flopped back on his bed. Not tell Hermione and Ron? They were his closest friends and they had always been there to give him the advice and guidance that he needed. Besides, how would he explain living with Snape?
-=-
"All right, Mister Potter, you're free to go, but remember that Mister Snape and Madame Pomfrey will be keeping a close eye on you and reporting back to us so take care of yourself." The kind witch said with a maternal smile for Harry as Severus ushered him out of the magical hospital.
The first silly fear that Severus wanted to address (although he already had the day before) was the cliché fear of the light. Severus really wanted to know who started the whole "don't let the light touch you or you'll turn to ash" lie because that's truly what it was. They were creatures of the night, yes, they excelled in the dark, obviously, but they weren't so weak that they couldn't walk beneath the bleary rays of the Sun.
Walking out into the daylight Harry winced a bit at the light that flooded his green eyes, but it was as Snape had said. It didn't hurt, it just gave him a bit of a headache. Besides that, everything felt pretty normal and Harry could feel his spirits lift a bit at the cool breeze that lifted his hair from where it lightly touched his cheeks.
"Since I'm going to be Potter-Sitting for a while, we're going to make a stop by Diagon Alley and buy what you'll need for school, and then we're going to go down Knockturn Alley to pick up some things that will make your vampire life more comfortable." Even as Harry greatly appreciated the beautiful day, Severus seemed not to notice.
"What sort of things will I need?" Harry was of course referring to the apparent 'must have list for vampires' that Snape had referred to.
"Clothes, mostly." Snape replied vaguely, to which Harry merely stared but decided not to press the man on the matter.
Shopping with Snape was definitely an experience that Harry had never wanted to have. Having the man peer over his shoulder constantly as he bought books and parchment was unnerving. The only time he was of help came when Harry was looking over the rows of crystal pots, all filled with ingredients of every kind for potions making.
When they turned down Knockturn Alley Harry felt his stomach plummet He hated this part of town and dreaded the stores that Snape would drag him through.
"This will be our only stop, Mister Potter, and even though I shouldn't have to tell you, this is the only time I want you to ever come to this street unless I am with you." Knockturn Alley harbored the worst kinds of scum.
Stepping in to the store Harry immediately huddled near Snape because they weren't the only patrons and the other people in the store looked like lunatics on crack who'd just been released from St. Mungo's. Sort of like myself. Harry thought with irony.
Severus seemed to know exactly what he was looking for as he zipped around the store, grabbing this and that and draping articles of clothing over his arm, "Here, go try these on, every vampire tribe has certain dress codes that it is obligated to keep. Until you choose a vampire mate you will be attending meetings at the Eternal House."
Harry wanted to ask more about these codes and this 'Eternal House' but before he could get the words from his mouth Severus was shoving him in the direction of the changing rooms in the back. Snapping his mouth shut, Harry glared at Snape but traipsed off to the back and began trying on the clothing that his former professor had chosen for him.
The first thing that Harry slipped in to was a pair of thick dragonhide pants that seemed to be extra thick in the knee area. The next thing on was a leather doublet of medium weight with contrasting shoulder rolls, and sleeves that were studded with metal. On his wrists he placed silver gauntlets that were encrusted with onyx jewels, and around his neck he tied a crystal tear drop that seemed to look as though the top could be open and something placed inside. Sitting down on the stool inside the small dressing room (amidst the creak of the leather that he was wearing) Harry stamped his feet down into a pair of black leather boots that were made of pig leather, and double folded at the top to end just below his knee cap. When Harry stood he immediately looked down and smirked at the half-inch heel on the bottom of the boot that clicked when he put it back on the floor from the silver that was encrusted on the bottom of the heel. The boots rounded in the front and Harry was sure that whomever he decided to kick would regret it.
Looking at the pile of clothing in the corner Harry had one last thing to put on, a leather duster coat that was extra long with silver clasps in the front, and long splits on the sides to allow for easy movement. "Do I have to put on the coat?" Harry asked as he swept the curtain aside and let Severus look at him.
"No, but you'll have to wear it to the meetings. Never trust another vampire that isn't your mate, which is the reason why all of the clothing you're wearing has high collars, to protect your neck, the leather is thick and hard to pierce. You must never let anyone besides your mate bite from your neck or wrists, those are sacred places now and you must protect them." Snape explained as he looked Harry up and down.
So that explains the silver gauntlets. Harry decided as he looked down at them and twisted his wrists so that the black jewels winked wickedly up at him.
"What's the necklace for?" Harry questioned as he reached up and touched the crystal trinket.
"You may not always be around your mate when you need a meal, this is a stopper to keep some of your mate’s blood in. The crystal keeps it fresh. Now, if that's all of your questions get back into your regular clothing and let's get out of here." Snape looked around in disgust at the scum that hung around the shop. He trusted no one.
-=-
After paying for the items and having them locked in a trunk, Harry followed as best he could (try keeping up with Snape's long strides while carrying a chest) but finally Snape got tired of having to stop and wait for Harry so he plucked the chest easily from Harry's hands, carrying it as easily as if it were a feather. "When you're fully recovered more of your vampirical strength will come to you. You'll find that lifting heavy objects is quite easy with your new found abilities."
Harry nodded, wondering how he would ever remember all of the information that he was managing to worm out of Snape.
"Touch my shoulder." Snape suddenly ordered, and even though Harry stared at him in bewilderment, he did so, reaching out tentatively, and as soon as his fingers rested on the shoulder of Severus Snape both were apparated to the front of Hogwarts. "Until you've fully recovered I don't want you apparating by yourself, it'd be hell to spend the rest of eternity splinched."
Harry winced in agreement, just imaging how awful that would be. Even though walking up to Hogwarts was a regular routine for Harry, and normally it brought so many fond and exciting memories, this time everything seemed different. He looked at the school with new eyes and he began to wonder how he would ever make it through his seventh year with the dark secret that was buried inside him.
As soon as Harry and Snape entered the front doors to the castle they were greeted by the presence of Headmistress Minerva McGonagall and the new Deputy Headmaster Firenze.
"Welcome Harry," Minerva rushed forward with open arms to embrace the Boy Who Lived, and who would apparently live forever.
Harry accepted the hug with a small smile as he locked eyes with Firenze, surprised that the centaur even stayed in the same breathing space with him as centaurs had a deep hatred for all things impure, such as vampires.
"Welcome back, Harry Potter, I hope that you're experience has not change the person inside of you." Firenze was basically saying that the only reason he accepted Harry was because of the person that he'd been before being bitten.
"I can assure you that I am." Harry spoke back confidently, feeling more like himself than he had in days, although most of it was bravado.
Firenze smiled, came forward and embraced Harry, "Good." Was the simple spoken words as the centaur stepped back, his hooves clicking softly on the polished, marble floor.
"Severus," Minerva's voice was cool and her eyes steel, "I trust that you are well." The words came out from gritted teeth. Minerva had not forgotten who had killed her colleague, Albus Dumbledore, and she knew that she wouldn't soon forget it.
Snape merely smirked that snarky smirk of his as he stared coolly at McGonagall, "Yes, I am very well, Minerva, if you don't mind Potter and I will be retiring to our rooms." With that Snape took Harry's elbow and guided him from the presence of the other two faculty members.
Harry gave Firenze and McGonagall a roll of his eyes to show exactly how he felt about Snape's treatment of them, but he went willingly with the man, after all, he was totally depended upon Snape now, at least until he got the hang of this vampire thing.
"So, who is the leader of the vampire house?" Harry asked to make conversation as Severus murmured the password to his old chambers and led Harry inside.
"His name is Chesek." Severus spoke while heading straight for the couch where he dropped down in a heap of dark robes, "There are six places of rank in each vampire house. Each house has it's own name and insignia to set it apart from other vampire houses around the world." The man explained as Harry chose a wingback chair near the fire to sit in, "The six places of rank are as follows: House Master, Assistant House Master, Alchemist, House Champion, Watch Dog, and House Messenger. The rest of the vampires follow orders from the six leaders much the same as any army would work."
Harry's brow furrowed with thought, "So I take it that you're the Alchemist?"
"Of course." Severus said with a hint of pride in his voice for none could match his potions skills.
"What about the other places?" Harry questioned curiously.
"As I said before, Chesek Vonture is the House Master, Vicente Delque is the Ass. House Master, I am the Alchemist, Lucien Vontae is the House Champion, Mayleen Tanner is the Watch Dog, and Draco Malfoy is the House Messenger." Severus finished even as his hand directed a bottle of brandy to the table. Sitting up he poured himself a small bit in a crystal goblet and then motioned for Harry to help himself.
Harry couldn't say that he didn't need a drink, because he did, and so he eagerly sat up and poured himself a generous helping into the goblet, "I didn't know Draco was a vampire." He commented, finding it interesting that Draco and Severus were in the same vampire house. "How do you decide which vampires are in what house?"
Severus took a dainty sip of his brandy, "There are three houses. Eternal is for the elegant, aristocratic vampires. Luna, for those vampires who live in the western woods and enjoy their night time wonderings. And then there is the Sola House, sola means alone and it is also a feminine word so as you should assume the Sola House is mainly females except for the rare male here or there."
"What House was the vampire from that bit me?" Harry wanted to know.
"It's hard to say, there are several vampires in the world that don't associate with one of the three Houses so it may have been a rogue vampire that attacked you. Most vampires that belong to a House have been trained to act better." Severus commented before yawning and then stretching. "I'm going to bed, Potter, stay up for as long as you like, but remember, tomorrow night I'm taking you to the Eternal House, you'll have to meet Chesek and Vicente before they'll allow you to come to the House as guest."
Harry nodded feeling a nervous coil drop in the pit of his stomach at the thought of meeting with these two vampires, "I'll remember." He watched Snape leave and then looked back to the fire with a heavy sigh. How would he ever make it through this dark and lonesome time? Sometimes the thoughts of living eternity as a vampire overwhelmed him and Harry longed for death. Was this normal for vampires? Did everyone feel this way when they were told that they were going to live forever?
-=-=-=-=-=-
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