Yay! Onto Chapter 6. Thanks to everyone who’s reviewed, you are my motivation to keep posting even though I should be working on my term paper…this is funner though. Don’t own them, never will, don’t get any money and okay with it!:) BTW: Wolf Severus is color blind.

We left off with Severus leaving Julian and Virtyr after discussing plans with the upcoming war. Now, onto the story:

Chapter Six

Harry snuggled closely to the thread bare blanket he kept in his cupboard. The small child, surprisingly, had a smile on his face as he dreamt.

Harry ran through the wild meadow, laughing as the flowers titled his legs. Growing tired, he collapsed onto the ground, closing his eyes as he regained his breath. A wet tongue started licking his face. Harry giggled as he rolled to escape the dog slobber.

He gazed at the open sky, dreaming one day he could take flight and always be as happy as he was at that moment. Turning to the right, he frowned as the endless meadow gave way to No. 4. His uncle barged out the front door, yelling intelligibility at Harry.

Harry tried to get up but stumbled over Night who he’d forgotten was with him.

Vernon Dursley kept raging forward, he was no more than five yards away.

Night couched down, baring his teeth as he let forth an unearthly growl. The large wolf’s ears were plastered to his skull. Dream Vernon stopped dead in his tracks. Night advanced upon the whale. Harry stopped crying as he saw this. Vernon changed directions, heading towards his house as Night stalked the beast that dare threaten Harry.

The wolf lunged and Vernon slipped before quickly hobbling into his safe haven, slamming the door on the raging animal.

The wolf trotted back to Harry, head held high in accomplishment. Harry laughed at his dog’s antics before reaching out to scratch him behind the ears.

Jumping from his seat before Harry, Night attacked Harry’s face with wolf spit. The small boy giggled. Night ran off into the thin forest, and Harry followed him, laughing as they alternated chasing each other.

VOVOVOVOVOVOVO

Virtyr slowly weeded through the grime that served as a welcome mat for the Underground vampires’ territory. Gradually, the cement flooring gave way to stone slick from constant water. Crinkling his nose, the elder vampire stopped near a cement wall jutting out from the circular walls of the tunnel. Tapping twice with two fingers, he waited.

About two minutes later, dividers emerged from the floor; the water drained. Virtyr stepped from the raised portion of the tunnel into the small hole created by the vacancy. He kept his face still as the floor beneath him lowered, revealing an unknown layer to the sewer system.

Virtyr repressed a shudder; the chill of death present in the Underground was unparalleled by any of the other clans. He assumed he was welcome as no guards stopped him from traversing further into the tunnel.

For a good fifteen minutes, he traveled the straight corridor. Finally, he reached an entrance. Two iron doors stood ten feet tall in an offshoot of the tunnel. Apprehensively, he approached the entryway. Tapping twice once again, he stood back and awaited a response.

Slowly, the two doors opened, releasing a groaning sound. Fire light brightened the tunnel. The silhouette of a tall man-like creature motioned him inward. Virtyr greeted him with a small bow which the creature returned before turning to head further into the lair.

The Underground vampire led Virtyr to a section of their territory that seemed more elegant than the rest. The rich color of the corridor contrasted sharply with the other vampire’s garish appearance.

“Is Blaz still in charge here?” Virtyr asked the naked back head of the vampire. In response, the vampire turned slightly, still walking, looked at Virtyr and turned forward once again. Virtyr felt disrespected and longed to throw one of the many vases gracing the hallway at the pompous urchin, but he restrained himself.

They finally reached a heavy wooden door. The pompous urchin opened it for him before heading back the way they came. A familiar voice beckoned Virtyr to enter.

Virtyr smiled pleasantly at the vampire leader of the Underground, “Blaz, so good to see you after all these years.”

The younger vampire rose from his seat to greet Virtyr. Blaz, like any Underground vampire, was a bit rough around the edges, but he knew how to interact with his above ground allies.

“How are you, old friend?” Blaz asked, his voice thick with an eastern European accent.

“Times have been hard above ground. Surely you’ve heard of the fiasco with Rajen and Randie Furie?”

Virtyr set about the task of convincing Blaz to aid them in their coup d’état. Blaz was reluctant at first, but eventually his desire to see Virtyr and his childhood friend Julian rise back to power won out. Together, Virtyr and he convinced the rest of the Underground vampires to engage in guerilla war fare, weakening the empire Rajen built bit by bit.

VOVOVOVOVOVOVOVO

Time passed very slowly for Severus. Day after day he engrained himself further and further into the wizarding world. He became very much Dumbledore’s right hand man, but he could never persuade the old man to move Harry to a different home. Many times Dumbledore became suspicious of Severus’ concern but in most cases Severus passed off as the result for his regard for Lily.

Severus’ war on Randie progressed smoothly; bit by bit the Undergrounders wore down the defenses of Rajen’s empire, breaking them apart in small pieces to a number more manageable to Severus and his allies.

Although Severus couldn’t make it every day, a couple times a week he traveled to the Dursley residence bringing Harry food and company. With his help, the small boy managed to become only slightly less than average size of children his age. Severus felt a pang in his heart every time he had to leave Harry, but he knew it to be for the best.

Nearing the boy’s eleventh birthday, Severus noticed an overabundance of owls residing on Privet Drive. Every morning, Vernon’s blue car was covered with a whitish sludge that tended to brighten Severus’ day when he witnessed Vernon’s reactions to it.

Eventually, the headmaster sent Hagrid to check on the boy, Severus gave Hagrid some money to buy Harry an owl. The games keeper was so trusting, he didn’t question Severus’ actions. Whether or not Harry ever knew the truth about his soon-to-be Potions Master’s actions didn’t matter as long as the child was happy.

VOVOVOVOVOVOVOVO

The night before Harry’s first school year was to start Severus was a mess. Dumbledore was becoming more and more insistent upon Severus re-infiltrating the Death Eaters. This wouldn’t have been something Severus minded if it weren’t for the way the man told him to do. In Severus’ presence, gone was the grandfatherly man who offered you laced lemon drops. In his stead was a beyond cold general who could care less which of his pawns got taken as long as he was left standing.

The headmaster ordered him on threat of Azkaban before their conversation had even started. The demon inside him raged against his cage and, for the first time in a long while, Severus wanted to release him. Pacing to and fro in his dungeon quarters, Severus could feel the power just behind his fingertips, begging to be released. The demon pulled at his senses, creating an almost high feeling, telling him to let it go so everything could be better.

Standing still before his fire place, Severus let the sensations wash over him. The demon had stopped raging, preferring to sooth Severus into submission, and the beast within him was quite, content to go along for the ride. Opening his eyes, the deep brown started giving way to a ring of blue, followed by the spreading of black, like ink to parchment. All he had to do was let go, the demon would take care of Dumbledore, Voldemort, and Rajen. It promised to look over Harry after Severus was gone. All he had to do was let go…

A sharp knock on the door broke him from the trance. He gasped for air as he pulled the demon back in, hardly believing he’d been about to sacrifice his soul to it. Searching for the noise, he settled on the door, remembering after a moment a knock meant someone was on the other side.

He crossed the room, feeling vaguely like he was doing everything through a layer of mud. Opening the port revealed a rather pissed looking Minerva McGonagall. The stern woman barged into his quarters without invite, asking him on the way if he had fire whiskey before planting herself in one of his armchairs.

He figured that their treating him like a human meant he was doing a good job, but Dumbledore with his orders and McGonagall making herself quite at home in his quarters was starting to get on his nerves. She was lucky she was one of the few humans at Hogwarts he actually liked.

“Make yourself at home,” he drawled as he crossed over to his liquor cabinet. He poured two drinks, handed one to her and keeping one for appearances.

“That man is insufferable!”

Severus raised an eyebrow, “Hmmm, that man,” he stated pensively. “You could be speaking of a number of people. Filch perhaps? Maybe Filius or last year’s head boy who we all know you keep chained in your closet during the day to practice naughty things on during the night. So tell me, who exactly has earned your ire this time?”

Minerva stared at Severus who, now relaxed in the opposing armchair, looked back nonchalantly. “I don’t keep him in my closet,” she responded flatly. “It’s Albus!” she screamed abruptly, almost upsetting her drink. Severus winced in worry for his furniture; the smell of alcohol was a bitch to get out.

“What’s he done now?”

“He’s to stay here and let Hagrid of all people retrieve the first years from the train, by himself! One half giant and dozens of eleven year olds floating on water in tiny boats!”

Severus didn’t like the idea either; it seemed too dangerous for his tastes, “The squid will toss them back out should they fall in.”

“Simultaneously traumatizing the poor dears in the process! Why are you so calm about this?”

“Because there is nothing we can do. The first years arrive tomorrow and the old man is immovable once he’s decided something, what can we do?” Severus leaned back as Minerva slumped in her chair.

“What do you suppose he’s up to?” Minerva asked, ever suspicious of the headmaster ever since the situation with the Potter’s.

“I wish I knew, Minerva,” he responded softly, looking into the fire. I wish I knew.

VOVOVOVOVOVOVOVOVO

Later that night, Severus sought out Julian. The other vampire was at his house in Brittany, dining with his sire.

Entering the room, his robes open and flaring behind him, Severus angrily slumped into the vacant chair to Virtyr’s left.

“Problem, Severus?” older vampire asked.

Severus glared at him before returning his gaze to the table top, “I almost lost control earlier.”

Julian and Virtyr exchanged a look. “Did you lose control,” Julian questioned hesitantly.

“I said almost,” Severus snapped back before looking away apologetically, “It was too close for my liking. I could feel him taking hold of me, of everything. It would have been complete had not Minerva startled me just as I was letting go. He’s getting stronger.”

“Have you been feeding it more?” Virtyr asked, his tone gentle.

“No! That’s why don’t understand it! I drink blood, I eat well, and I haven’t taken a soul in years. I do my best not to exercise his power and yet he is still gaining strength,” he explained frantically, getting up from his chair to work a path into the plush carpet.

Julian rose from his seat to poor Severus a glass of blood wine, “It could be the stress. For the past decade you’ve been either on the run or running a war. Not much time for relaxation.”

“You’re making me sound like a damn human,” he said acidicly, snatching the proffered glass from Julian’s hand. “Maybe it’s the stress,” he mocked.

“Severus,” Virtyr reprimanded calmly.

“I apologize, I know you mean to calm me, but damn it! What if I lose it? Sure he might take out some of my enemies but what about when Lord Draug finds out? What about the high council? They already want my head for interfering with human affairs, why not assassinate a couple of the important mortals on the way out. Who will protect Harry when I’m dead?”

“First of all, the human has nothing to do with this-“

“He has everything to do with this!”

“He has nothing to do with this,” Virtyr calmly repeated, “You will not lose control, nor will you assassinate Dumbledore or Voldemort. Rajen I make no guarantees, he needs to die anyway.”

Severus slumped into the dining chair, twirly his wine glass as he watched the crystal reflect the light, “We don’t know what will happen. You’ve never felt the pull. It’s the most exquisite feeling in existence when he wants it to be, when I’m weak and he thinks he can lure me in. It’s better than blood from your sire or to your child, as if every fiber of you is filled with delicious warmth to the point where you know you’ll die if it stops but can’t bear it continuing. I wanted it; I still want it.” Severus shifted his gaze to land miserably on Virtyr, “I can’t protect him from myself.”

Virtyr rested a hand on Severus’ shoulder, “We’ll always be here to help.”

“Even with Harry?” Severus asked, disgusted with his own weakness.

“Even with Harry,” Virtyr promised and Julian nodded in agreement. They may not approve, but they wouldn’t let Severus destroy himself.

VOVOVOVOVOVOVOVO

By the next evening, Severus regained most of his snarky attitude. He sarcastically baited Minerva at every turn to keep her from worrying too much about the firsties. During his spare time, he snuck down to the boats to charm them so no students could fall out, not understanding why no one else had thought to do that.

Too soon, it was time for the feast.

VOVOVOVOVOVOVOVO

~Earlier that day~

Harry was beyond nervous. He was alone in a train station looking for a platform that couldn’t exist. Throughout the day, Hagrid told him stories of his parents and their school days in Gryffindor which, according to Hagrid, was the house of the most noble and brave wizards in Europe. He imagined what fun he’d have in that house as he searched for the mysterious platform.

At the same moment he heard a loud female voice instruct someone to hurry up and something about Hogwarts. Looking around, Harry caught his first glimpse of a red headed sea. He lost his cart as he watched the first of the red heads run through a solid wall.

Gathering up his courage, he approached the friendly looking woman.

“Excuse me.”

“Yes dear?” The kind woman asked.

“Um, how do you-“ he cut off, gesturing toward the wall.

“Oh, it’s your first time, dear? Not to worry, Ronnie here is a first year as well,” she stated warmly, pushing a red headed boy only slightly taller than Harry in front of her. The boy, Ronnie, smiled awkwardly, but friendly. “All you have to do is walk straight at the column between platforms nine and ten, best do it at kind of a run if you’re nervous.”

After a moments hesitation and a soft nudge from Ronnie’s mother, Harry closed his eyes and ran top speed at a brick wall, hoping Hedwig, his knew favorite owl even though Night was still his favorite pet, didn’t get to hurt when he crashed.

But the impact never came. He opened his eyes and gasped. He was still in a train station but this one was much more- magical looking. Hedwig hooted softly and he took his cue to start moving again, boarding the train and looking for an empty compartment.

Near the back of the train, he found one and stored his trunk under the seat. He had to put Hedwig in the pet compartment as owls were not allowed on the train.

Although Harry was excited about going to Hogwarts, he couldn’t help but feel disheartened by leaving Night. Over the years, the odd wolf (which he discovered wasn’t a regular dog during his fourth school year) had become his best friend. Whenever Night was there, the Dursley’s stayed away even though they didn‘t know of the animal’s presence. He explained to Night that he wouldn’t be around until next time and he thought the animal understood. He hoped he wouldn’t forget about him or be mad at Harry when he went home next summer.

Harry was lost in his thoughts when a knock startled him. The same boy he’d seen poked his head in the compartment, asking if it was alright to join Harry.

“Go ahead,” Harry said amicably.

“My name’s Ron, Ron Weasly.

“Harry Potter.”

"Really? Do you have the uh?" Ron asked hesitantly, gesturing to his own forehead.

"What? Oh, heh, yeah," Harry pushed back his fringe, revealing the lightning bolt scar on his forehead.

"Wicked!" the other boy exclaimed.

The two boys spent most of the train ride talking about Hogwarts and Ron's family.

"So," Ron began, mouth full of chocolate Harry'd given him, "What house you hoping for?"

"I don't know much about them. Hagrid told me a bit about my parents and Gryffindor."

"Imma be in Gryffindor, m'whole families there already. It's the only house worth being in," Ron said as seriously as one could with chocolate practically falling out of his mouth.

Harry and Ron exited the train, chatting incessantly. Harry spotted Hagrid and ran over to say hello, Ron trailing behind him.

"'ello there 'Arry. Ready for 'Ogwarts?" the half giant asked, thumping Harry on the back with his huge palm.

Harry laughed as he stumbled forward, "Great Hagrid!"

The half-giant called all the first years too him, leading them to the boats. "So Harry, are you ready for the sorting?"

"Yes, I wanna know where I'm put. Is it true we have to wrestle dragons?" Harry looked up with wide eyes.

Hagrid chuckled loudly, "No, no 'Arry. See there's this 'at and it looks inside ur 'ead, see? It tells you where dey should put ye and ye’ll be in Gryffindor I bet ye.”

Hagrid continued speaking as a Gryffindor spokesman as he lead the way to the boats, slipping in a bad word about the Slytherins here and there. Harry ate up every word.

The first years entered the great hall, mouths open in awe. A young girl Harry met on the train, Hermione, noticed the stern looking woman at the head of the stairs first.

Hagrid approached the woman.

“The firs’ years, Professor McGonagall,” said Hagrid.

“Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here.”

McGonagall turned to the children, “Welcome to Hogwarts, the start of term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your Houses.

“The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. I shall return when we are ready for you.”

Draco Malfoy did a horrible impression of a swagger to Harry.

“Harry Potter, My name’s Malfoy, Draco Malfoy.” Ron looked down, hiding a laugh with a cough. Draco’s eyes narrowed, “Think my name’s funny? Don’t need to ask yours, red hair and tattered robes say it all, Weasley. You’ll learn that some wizards are better than others,” Draco leered at Ron before turning to Harry, “I can help you there.” Draco offered his hand but before Harry could accept or deny, Professor McGonagall returned, tapping Draco’s soldier solidly.

“We’re ready,” she said.

The first years followed her into the hall where they caught site of an old hat sitting upon a short stool. Harry’s eyes traveled to the large table beyond the stool, falling upon a pale man with dark hair and strong features. The man wore black clothes and held a stern expression. Harry could not bring himself to look away from the dark eyes.

Severus could not believe his eyes upon seeing Harry enter with the other first years. He hadn’t seen the child with his true eyes since the boy was a baby. He knew Harry possessed the same eyes as Horatio and Lily, but seeing them in the face of his boy now nearly halted his breathing. He couldn’t hear the sorting occurring around him. Green eyes bore into his own, staring through any disguise he’d donned for the sake of the humans around him.

Julian glanced down into the Great Hall from his reclining position on one of the window sill. He watched his brother caught by the boy Harry Potter. The boy seemed to be just as entranced. He wondered why no one around either of them saw their behavior as odd.

He could tell the boy was important to Severus. More than any words Severus ever gave him, his look towards Harry told him how important he was. Both were startled as Harry’s name was called.

Harry’s heart pounded as he approached the hat. What if he couldn’t be sorted, he didn’t want to go back to the Dursleys’. He’d get to see Night sooner, but he wouldn’t be able to find out what was up with that teacher at the head table. Almost tripping, Harry climbed atop the chair. The hat sat upon his head, falling to just below his eyes.

‘Ah, Harry Potter,’ a voice in his head began.

‘Please, don’t send me back, please,’ he begged the hat.

‘Hmm, good mind, brave that’s for sure, with a thirst to prove yourself…

Better be…’

AN: Thanks for reading, I’ll try to update soon but I have finals this week so I apologize in advanced. Tell me what you think :) Reviews are always cherished.

*Part of this chapter is directly adapted from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.