Severus and Harry spent a few hours prepping ingredients for the long list of potions needed in the Infirmary. They mostly worked in a comfortable silence, but Harry did ask the occasional question.

Harry had fun working beside his da. He never thought potions would be this fun and relaxing. He tried not to think about the wasted time the past two years not caring about potions. But with his emotions in overload, he couldn’t help but lament them. The more he thought about it, the more upset he got.

Severus was in his own little world, so he didn’t realize his fledgling was becoming upset. A small phial smashed on the table, bringing Severus out of his musing. He looked over at Harry and saw he was upset.

“Harry,” Severus called out. “Harry, what’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry,” Harry said, looking up at Severus.

Severus’ brow knitted together. “What are you apologizing for?”

“I wasted away two years of learning potions,” Harry said. “I didn’t know it could be this relaxing.”

Severus nodded his understanding. “Well, it wasn’t all your fault with that.”

“What do you mean?”

“I wasn’t the most approachable teacher,” Severus said. “I didn’t make it easy for you. And if I remember correctly, I picked on you on your first day.”

“Yeah,” Harry said. “I was looking forward to potions. But I still didn’t take the class seriously. But I promise I will not be the same as I was the last two years. I’m going to make my potions perfect, so you can be proud of me.”

“I am already proud of you, my fledgling,” Severus said. “And I thank you for wanting to take potions seriously, but remember, I don’t want you to think that I want you to be perfect. I want you to reach your full potential though. Accidents and mistakes will happen. It is what you learn from those mistakes that count. Understand?”

“Yes, sir,” Harry said, smiling.

“Now,” Severus said, untying his leather apron. “I think we’ve earned ourselves a small break. Do you want a sandwich?”

Harry nodded as he took off his apron.

“Well, go upstairs and clean yourself up,” Severus said, slightly turning Harry towards the door and patting his bum.

Harry rushed to do what he was told. Severus chuckled at his fledgling’s antics. He waved his wand, putting the supplies in soak to be cleaned later. Going upstairs, Severus went into the kitchen and gathered the items he needed to make sandwiches. Harry came back into the kitchen when Severus was putting the full plates on the table.

“You did very well preparing the ingredients,” Severus said.

Harry beamed at his da, taking a bite of his sandwich. “Thanks,” he said, after swallowing his food.

“Do you think you can brew some of them?” Severus asked.

“Are you serious?” Harry asked, trying to contain his excitement. “You want me to brew with you?”

“I think you would do well brewing some of the simpler potions,” Severus said. “I think it would do you good to work on your potions.”

“Are you sure?” Harry asked. “I’m awful at potions.”

“The only way you will learn is by doing them,” Severus said coolly.

“I just don’t think my potions will be good for the Infirmary,” Harry said.

Severus could understand what his son was saying. And it hurt that he was part of the reason Harry was failing potions. He needed to change how things were and start anew.

“How about this,” Severus compromised. “The list of potions I have I will go through them to see what you should have learned in your first and second year. You will practice on them. If they are good, that batch will be for the Infirmary. But you have to pay attention.”

Harry nodded. “When do we get started?”

“Tomorrow. I may have a long list of potions to brew, but you still have other homework that needs to be done.”

“Boo,” Harry said, leaning back in his seat. “Can’t that wait? It’s the beginning of Summer. I’m with my new family.”

“Yes, I know,” Severus said. “And might I remind you that this new family you have is the Headmaster and the Evil Dungeon Bat.” Severus arched an eyebrow.

Harry huffed, crossing his arms across his chest.

“You’re not an Evil Dungeon Bat,” Harry sulked. “You’re just a meanie.”

Severus laughed.

“I’ll make a bargain with you,” Severus said.

“Okay,” Harry said, uncrossing his arms, picking up his sandwich and taking another bite.

“You will do a couple of hours of homework in the morning,” Severus said. “We will work on potions after lunch. The rest of the time is yours to do what you please.”

“Okay,” Harry conceded, shrugging his shoulders. “I guess I can live with that.”

“You’ll have to,” Severus said.

Harry wasn’t too upset about having to start his homework, but it was nice to be able to act like a regular kid and fuss about it a little. He had seen Dudley do it many times and get away with not having to do anything. His aunt and uncle went so far as to send Dudley’s teachers a note stating that some mystical emergency came up and he couldn’t do his homework. And the teachers bought it.

“Harry,” Severus called out.

Harry looked up at his da. He was so deep in thought, he almost forgot that he was sitting at the table with his da.

“Are you going to write to your friends, letting them know where you are?” Severus asked.

Harry’s eyes got big. Harry was still a little wary about writing to Ron and Hermione. He didn’t think he could take the rejection of his friends.

“Harry,” Severus said softly. “It will be fine.”

Severus’ reassurance made everything okay. Harry smiled and nodded.

“Why don’t you go and write your letters?” Severus suggested. “By the time you’re through, we can go talk a walk around the grounds. I can show you where the fun places are.”

Harry nodded and went to his room.

Severus waved his hand making the dishes go to the sink. He walked into the living room when the floo flared. Surprised, he turned. His wand was instantly in his hand.

___000___000___000

Harry walked into his room, closing the door behind him. He saw Hedwig sitting on top of the burrow.

“Hey, Hedwig,” Harry sighed, walking over to the desk.

He pulled out a few rolls of parchment and a quill. Hedwig flew to the edge of Harry’s desk.

“Hey, girl,” Harry said, letting his fingers get lost in her feathers. “I’m worried.”

As if she understood her master, Hedwig tilted her head to the side.

“Da says that Ron and Hermione will not abandon me now that I’m a vampire. Deep down I hope that’s probably true. They did stick with me when everyone thought I was the Heir of Slytherin. I just don’t want to alienate them because of me. Professor McGonagall said I can’t be in the Tower anymore.”

Hedwig hooted then lowered her head and softly nipped at Harry’s finger. Harry couldn’t help but smile at his owl. It was something about her that calmed his spirit. Hedwig bumped her head gently to Harry’s hand and then flew to the edge of the headboard of his bed.

Harry pulled the parchment towards him and started writing his letters.

___000___000___000

Severus raised his wand at the ready, waiting to see who would step out of the hearth.

“Hey!”

“What are you doing here?” Severus asked, lowering his wand.

“I’ve only been out of your sight for a few hours, and you’re ready to jinx me?” Remus said, dusting the ash off his clothes.

“I thought you were staying with Albus,” Severus said.

“Yeah, well,” Remus said, walking out of the sitting room. Severus followed. “After you left, we went back to his chambers. I was trying to calm down when he told me to go shopping.”

“It’s about time,” Severus teased. “You look like a ragamuffin.”

Remus didn’t respond to that remark, but he did glare at him.

“Anyway, dad should be home this evening.”

“Harry will love that,” Severus said.

“Where is he?” Remus asked.

“His room. He’s in the one attached to mine.”

Remus nodded and headed towards the stairs. Severus walked back to his lab to get started on the potions for Poppy.

Harry was finishing up Hermione’s letter when there was a knock on the door. Harry turned towards it when he opened.

“Uncle Remus,” Harry exclaimed, rushing to Remus’ side. “I thought you were staying with Grandpa.”

“Your Grandpa had different plans,” Remus said, smiling. “So,” Remus walked into the room, “how do you like your room?”

“I love it,” Harry said, walking back to his desk. He closed his letters. “Hedwig.”

Hedwig flew to Harry. Taking the missives, she flew out of the window.

“Do you think I can invite Ron and Hermione over?” Harry asked, standing at the window watching Hedwig fly away.

“I don’t see why not,” Remus said, rustling Harry’s hair. “This is your home too.”

___000___000___000

“Hey,” Harry exclaimed when he saw his guest walking down the street.

“Heya, Harry,” Ron called back.

Hermione just waved.

When the trio got together, Hermione rushed into Harry’s arms. Ron patted Harry on his shoulder.

“So,” Ron said. “You living here now?”

“Yeah,” Harry said, rubbing the back of his neck. “At least it’s not with my relatives.”

“True,” Ron nodded. “That’s good.”

“So, Harry,” Hermione said. “What was so important you couldn’t put in your letter?”

Harry not wanting to get into the details of him asking his best friends over, decided on stalling for a while.

“Let’s go inside,” Harry said. “We can talk more there.”

The trio was sitting in the sitting room. Hermione and Ron were on the sofa and Harry was pacing in front of the fireplace.

“Harry,” Hermione said. “What is it? You know you can tell us anything.”

“Yeah, mate,” Ron agreed.

Harry took a deep breath and faced his friends. His da and Remus told him that Hermione and Ron wouldn’t reject him. Boy, did he hope that would be true.

“Well,” Harry said. “Something happened earlier this summer.”

“Okay,” Hermione said.

Harry reached up and took off his glasses. “There was an accident and some things changed. And for the better.”

“An accident?”

“What happened?”

Harry raised his hand to stop the questions.

“Let me get this out,” Harry pleaded. “While I was at my aunt and uncle’s house, I was attacked.”

“Attacked?” Ron said.

Hermione walked over to Harry. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

“I’m fine,” Harry reassured. “Well, because of this accident I acquired a new family.”

“So, who is this new family?” Ron asked.

The door to the cottage opened and Severus came out.

“Fledgling,” Severus said. “Come inside.”

“Fledgling?” both of Harry’s friends called out.

“Come on in,” Harry invited, smiling.

“What’s going on, Harry?” Hermione asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Fledgling? Why would Professor Snape call you a fledgling?”

“Yeah,” Ron agreed. “Fledglings are the young of creatures.”

Harry said nothing. His heart started racing. Now, he was worried about his friends’ reactions.

“Are you a creature?” Hermione asked.

Harry nodded. Harry saw the level of disgust on his friends’ faces. Maybe Professor McGonagall was right. Maybe he shouldn’t stay in the tower this school year. Da and Uncle Remus said they would understand, but it looks like they weren’t.

“I can’t believe it,” Ron yelled. “A bloody creature. What are you?”

“I’m a vampire,” Harry said softly.

Hermione stepped back from Harry. That one act broke Harry’s heart. Everyone was right. He was a freak. He was a monster. And now, he was beginning to resign himself to the fact that he would be alone again. His breathing became erratic.

Severus walked out of the cottage and went to his son.

“What’s going on?” Severus asked. “What’s wrong?”

Severus rushed to his fledgling’s side. He saw that Harry was on the verge of panic. Severus was already in the process of opening his collar. He did not care who was around. His fledgling needed to feed before his panic attack turned into a blood rage.

Even though Harry could feel the warmth of his Da and smell his scent, Harry could still hear the disgust and hatred in his friends. Tears burned the back of his eyes as he realized that he will be alone.

“Go ahead, fledgling,” Severus prompted. “It’ll be alright.”

___000___000___000

Harry sat up with a shout on his lips. Tears streaming down his face. His heart was racing. He tried to calm his breathing, but nothing would help. Harry couldn’t think. It felt so real. Ron and Hermione didn’t want to be his friend anymore. It was elementary school all over again. Sitting alone during recess. Watching from afar as the other children played.

“A freak,” Harry whispered. “Nothing but a freak. Always be a freak.”

Harry’s breathing became erratic. His vision was getting cloudy. The room was dark, because of his newly improved eyesight, Harry was able to see clearly in the dark. Harry wanted to call out for his Da, but he couldn’t get enough breath in his lungs to scream out.

It was only seconds later both Harry’s bathroom and room door opened. The boy heard several footsteps but wasn’t comprehending that someone was talking to him.

___000___000___000

Severus felt his fledgling’s distress before he heard it. Scrambling out of his bed, Severus quickly put on his robe and rushed through the joining bathroom to Harry’s room.

Remus couldn’t sleep. There was a lot on his mind. He tried his best not to show how uncomfortable he was knowing that when Severus did get wind of what was in the Daily Prophet, old arguments and hatred would come back. Remus hoped now that his brother had a fledgling, Severus would listen to reason. Hearing a noise that he hadn’t heard in years, Remus rushed out of bed and headed to his nephew’s room.

Severus and Remus arrived in Harry’s room at the same time. The brothers looked at each other for a second before Severus rushed towards Harry’s bedside.

Harry’s whining progressed into moaning as he squirmed in the bed. Severus sat down on the bed. He lifted the boy by his underarms, bringing his fledgling to his chest. Out of instinct, Harry started nuzzling Severus’ neck. Severus brought him to the crook of his neck allowing Harry to bite down.

Remus, seeing that his brother had everything under control, headed back to bed.

Severus properly sat Harry on his lap while he suckled his neck. He rubbed soothing circles on Harry’s back, trying to calm his fledgling down.

“Shh,” Severus cooed. “It’s alright, fledgling. I’m here.”

Severus could feel Harry trying to stop. “No, take your time. I’m not going anywhere.”

That was all Harry needed to hear continuing drinking the calming liquid. After a little while, Harry finally stopped. After closing the bite, the boy lowered his head on his Da’s shoulder.

“Feeling better, dear one?” Severus asked, still rubbing Harry’s back.

Deep down Harry knew he was acting like a baby. He was going to be thirteen. He was too old to be snuggling up against his Potions Professor. He should just push himself away from the man and apologize for waking him and go back to sleep. That’s what his mind was telling him, but his heart couldn’t. Feeling those strong arms braced around him letting him know he was well protected. Still feeling the soothing liquid line his mouth and throat let him know he was well loved.

So instead of answering with what he thought he should say, he answered with how he was feeling. Not wanting to speak, Harry shook his head.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Just thinking about the nightmare, he had brought up more tears. How could he explain to his Da his fear of how his friends will react? That he would be ostracized like he was in grade school. That he would still be known as a freak. Harry pulled his trapped arms from his Da’s grip and wrapped them around his neck.

“It’s alright,” Severus soothed. “Whatever it is, I promise, it will be alright.”

Figuring Harry didn’t want to talk and didn’t want him to leave (not that he would), Severus stood up with his fledgling in his arms and walked to his room so he could be near his child.

Waving his hand, Severus fixed the duvet and sheets that twisted during his haste to get to his boy’s room. He waved his hand again bringing in another pillow for Harry to sleep on.

Severus sat down on the edge of the bed. Putting his hands under Harry’s arms, he tried to push the boy back. He instantly felt resistance. Harry started moaning.

“Harry,” Severus said softly. “I want to see your face. You are not going anywhere.”

After a couple of tugs, Harry relented and sat back on Severus legs, so they were looking at each other. Looking around, Harry noticed that he wasn’t in his room.

“Very good,” Severus praised. “Now, I know you don’t want to talk about your nightmare, but I can’t help you if I don’t know the problem.”

Harry lowered his head until he was looking at his hands in his lap. He felt his Da’s finger lift his chin.

“There is nothing to be ashamed about,” Severus continued. “But it is still late, and I want you to try and get some more sleep.”

Harry sighed, his shoulders sagging. “Okay,” the boy whispered. He began to slide off his Da’s lap when he was met with resistance. Quizzically looking at his Da, Harry saw the hard look on his face.

“Since you had a nightmare,” Severus said. “I don’t want you to suffer another. You will sleep here.”

Harry wanted to be embarrassed about the prospect of sleeping in the same bed, but he couldn’t keep his smile off his face.

That’s what Severus wanted to see. That smile brought back his fledgling’s glow.

“Come on,” Severus said, lightly patting Harry’s hip. “Let’s get in bed. It’s late and there is much I need to do tomorrow.”

Still grinning, Harry crawled over to the bed and scuttled to the other side, pulling the covers over him. Severus shook his head as he stood up to take off his robe. Climbing in the bed as well brought Harry to burrow into his side. Once getting settled, the two vampires went back to sleep.

___000___000___000

Harry was in the sitting room on the sofa, across from the fireplace. Even though the rest of the night was better sleeping with his Da, Harry was still troubled about his dream. Yes, he sent his friends letters, but how would they respond? Would it be like Professor McGonagall said? Just thinking about Hermione and Ron hating him brought dread to his heart.

The hearth turned green bringing Harry out of his thoughts. The anxiety Harry felt was instantly curbed when he saw who stepped out of the fireplace.

“Grandpa!” Harry exclaimed, rushing to Albus’ side, wrapping his arms around the elder wizard.

“My, Harry,” Albus chuckled. “Let me get the dust off of me before I’m tackled with love.”

“Sorry,” Harry said, still smiling.

“Why are you sitting here alone?” Albus asked Harry. Before Harry could answer, Albus asked more. “Where are Severus and Remus?”

Again, Harry didn’t have time to answer as Remus and Severus walked into the room.

“Albus, what are you doing here?” Severus asked.

“I live here,” Albus answered back.

Severus rolled his eyes. “I know that. Why are you here now? You said you weren’t going to come home until next week.”

Albus sighed.

“Take a seat. Give me time to freshen up, and we’ll discuss it,” Albus said, walking out of the room.

“What is going on?” Severus asked. He did not like being out of the know. Remus came home yesterday, and now, Albus is home. Something must have happened.

It didn’t take long for Albus to come back. Severus and Harry were sitting on the sofa. While Remus was in one of the wing-back armchairs. Albus took the other one. He didn’t waste any time before he started talking.

“There are two reasons as to why I’m home early,” Albus said. “One, after you left, Severus, I didn’t have the heart to stay any longer. I sent Remus to get his clothes and I decided I would finish what I needed to do and come home.”

Harry had a small smile on his face. Deep down, even though he wanted all his time to be with his Da, he still would have like everyone home at the same time. Then this place would truly feel like a home.

“And the second,” Severus prompted.

“Have you read today’s Prophet?” Albus asked.

“No,” Severus said, sitting back, wrapping his arm around Harry’s shoulders. “I haven’t had my coffee yet.”

“I wanted to be here when you saw the headlines,” Albus said.

Albus pulled the Prophet from the inside of his robe. Remus paled when he saw the paper. Albus handed it to Severus.

“What’s in the paper that I needed you here for?” Severus said, opening the paper. Severus looked at the headline. His fingers clenched.

TBC