Chapter 1
Severus Snape is a vampire.
Of course, he takes his blood replicators, but he’s still a vampire.
So when he suddenly starts smelling fresh blood every day, he’s naturally.... concerned.
And thus begins the hunt.
~*~
In a week, he’s narrowed it down to the fifth year Gryffindor class.
This is even more concerning, because last year was a tragic one for a few of them in particular.
He’s no stranger to self loathing, -and he’s done his fair share of self harm- but he has a very strong suspicion about who is doing this, and he can’t let it stand.
~*~
“Potter, stay after class, I’d like to speak to you a moment.”
“Yes, sir,” he says dejectedly.
After class is over, I direct him to the seat in front of my desk.
“Potter, I’d like to... talk to you, about what happened at the end of last year.”
Immediately, he can see the panic in Potter’s eyes.
“Here,” he holds out a Calming Draught. “It’s just a Calming Draught, nothing else. I won’t force you to talk, but I’m here if you would like to.”
After drinking the potion, Harry stares for a bit, before opening his mouth several times, “I... t-thank you, but I-I really don’t need to talk, I’m fine, r-really.”
Severus sighs. “Mr. Potter, I’m going to spend the next,” he casts a quick tempus, “hour talking. You may ask questions as you like, but I reserve the right to refuse to answer.”
And for the next hour, he talks. He talks about potions, and Lily, and his mother. He talks about how he got his mastery, and why he helped Dumbledore.
Finally, when the hour is up, Harry looks him in the eyes and says, “Thank you, sir. Could we, do this again, professor? And, uh, next time, I’ll talk?”
Severus gives a small smile, “Of course Harry, how about tomorrow, after dinner?”
Harry nods, “Sure. Um, see you tomorrow, professor.”
“See you tomorrow, Harry.”
He looks surprised that Severus used his first name, but walks out and closes the door without commenting.
Alone, Severus sinks down, laying his head in the desk.
Now he knew, it was definitely Harry, and hopefully they’ll reach a point when it isn’t.
Not anytime soon, of course. These things take time, time and patience. But eventually. Eventually....