Harry Potter One Shots

(3) Like a Shadow

All rights belong to the author, Rabeeafatima

He cleared his throat and started.

"Harry"

Harry was immediately alerted because Professor Snape would NEVER use his first name so gently. He would always say Potter or rather he would spit Potter as if it was the most disgusting thing stuck under his boot. His mind raced with possibilities on the Professor's very unusual behavior. 'Maybe it's polyjuice like Moody-Crouch situation last year' was the first explanation that popped up in Harry's head.

"You are now... I mean I have ... just calm down first please". Severus's voice was almost pleading. He didn't know who he was trying to calm, Harry or himself.

Harry in his anxiousness didn't notice that Professor Snape, bat of the dungeons and deatheater extraordinaire was stuttering. "Harry you are now a vampire as I have turned you and now I am yo..."
Harry inhaled a sharp breath and sat bolt upright in bed. His mind didn't register the latter part of the sentence as his mind was running in circles panicking around the first part. 'He was a vampire now? No he can't be!' Suddenly an image of Uncle Vernon's visage calling him a freak came in front of his eyes.

Severus noticed that the child was on the verge of a nervous breakdown and he does not have the chance to explain now. Harry was heaving, his breaths coming in quick short gasps struggling to pull air inside his lungs not responding to his name being called repeatedly. Severus quickly climbed on the bed and moved behind the boy settling against the headboard then pulling the child backwards by his arms so Harry was in his lap, head resting against his chest.

"Harry listen to me child! Take deep breaths when I instruct. Am I getting my point across?" At Harry's weak nod he said "Breathe in" Severus himself inhaled deeply so Harry could imitate him.

Then "Breathe out" Severus repeated himself a few times until he was sure Harry has collected himself.

He started petting Harry carefully. "Good boy" Gentle praise was out of his mouth before he could stop himself. He tightened the arm around Harry's waist to pull him a little upright. A sob broke through Harry's lips and his shoulders started shaking.

"Are you happy now? You have taken your revenge, you always hated my father and me" Harry accused his voice so quiet that Snape had to lean a little to understand the words.

"Listen to me child. I did not turn you out of spite or because as you say 'I disliked you'."

"Then why did you do it?" Severus heart constricted a little as accusing emerald eyes glared at him. Severus sighed, feeling tired all of a sudden, more like emotionally drained as Vampires have abundant energy and they do not tire so easily. He decided to be completely honest with the child

"I just couldn't stop myself" were the first words that spilled out of his mouth. "I could smell your anguish and hurt and I couldn't miss the perfect opportunity to have what should have ALWAYS been mine from the beginning".

Harry was looking at him strangely and expectantly, his little face completely bewildered at the cryptic answer and eyes a little puffy from crying earlier. But Severus refused to elaborate himself turning his head slightly not being able to meet eyes of the child. He realized at that moment that 'Yes this was the true reason; it was selfish and petty just like every decision of your life.' His mind jeered. He could feel a bitter taste in his mouth. 'Yes he wanted to comfort Potter child, take away his sadness and sorrows but he only wanted to do that for Harry; his soon to be son not for James Potter's spawn.' His heart sank at the realization and overwhelming guilt seized him with the force of a tornado.

He was so lost in his thoughts that he was a little surprised when Harry slumped against his chest in apparent exhaustion, his face a picture of defeat and resignation. Severus felt another wave of guilt hitting him. He swallowed deeply. He knew why Harry didn't jump out of his lap at the earliest convenience and ran for mountains at the first chance. Why they weren't having a dueling match right now.

It was all because of Vampiric instincts and nature. It is making Harry recognize his Sire in the same way Severus himself could feel his newfound heir. In the same way his instincts were telling him to protect the child.

The newly bitten vampires were human equivalent of toddlers. They are totally dependent on their Sires for little things and are called fledglings. Fledglings are weak like new born in the first 40 days of being turned.

Severus felt slight shivering in Harry's small stature and he looked down at the child who had his eyes closed, a tiny frown between his eyebrows which should have no place on child's face. Severus quickly accioed soft blankets and wrapped the child in his lap in them. After a few moments he found himself cuddling the child to his chest to warm him.

'I am going soft' he thought in disbelief shaking his head at the ludicrousness of his own actions.

But Severus Snape didn't relinquish his hold on child until he sure Harry was in deep sleep, dozing peacefully.