Follow Me

A/N: Thank you to all that have reviewed the story so far, and a thank you in advance to all those that will continue to do so. I have to admitt it does an ego good to see the number of people that are enjoying this story.







[...] or {...} = mindspeak

~...~ = parseltongue

'...' = thought





CHAPTER 4





Norische woke up reasonably early the next morning and went out into the main living area, unfortunately, he had neglected to move his trunks into his room last night so all of his stuff was still out there. Last night he was so tired he didn’t even bother to get his sleeping pants on, he just stripped and got in bed. So, when Norische finally decided to try and get out of bed he just picked up his jeans and put them back on, not bothering to button the fly.



Rubbing his eyes as he opened the door, Norische didn’t notice his father and Remus sitting there drinking coffee. He simply went over to his trunk and opened it and pulled out a small black bag. After a minute of two of rummaging through the bag he picked out two vials and drank the contents of each, then shivered at the taste, nasty bitter stuff. Then with a yawn he turned and placed the bag back into his trunk and started rummaging through his clothes, not realizing that his jeans were slowly falling down in back.



“Norische….” Severus started.



Norische had been crouching trying to find the shirt he was looking for, but when Severus spoke, it startled him and somehow he ended flat on his butt staring in the direction the voice had come from.



“Ah hem… Norische would you kindly pull up your trousers, if Remus blushes any worse I am going to have to sedate him.” Severus teased.



Norische looked a little confused then realized what his father had said. “Sorry.” With a mumbled apology, Norische stood up and fixed his jeans then buttoned the fly to make sure they stayed in place.



“Are you not even going to say good morning?”



“Mornin’” Norische mumbled.



“Not in a pleasant mood are you,” Then Severus expression changed to concern. “Are you feeling all right?”



Norische glared in the direction of the voice, his eyes not yet capable of focusing well. Then turned back to his trunk and started rummaging again. “Vampyre…..morning…..” then Norische made a rather rude noise and kept on rummaging. Finally, he found the clothing combination he was looking for, and with a yawn and a stretch, he stood back up and headed back to his room. “Shower.”



“One word sentences, hmm. I must remember he is definitely not a morning person.” Severus chuckled.



“Severus, you realize that you are going to have a problem with that young man?” Remus smiled softly.



“What do you mean luv?”



“A pranic vampyre, in season, with that body… I have a strange feeling that we are going to be over our heads with this one.”



“You are probably right.” Severus contemplated something. “I wonder what the two potions he took were?”



“You should probably ask him once he gets out of the shower, and you should probably make arrangements to get all the ingredients that you will need to make the medicines that Madam Pomfrey gave you last night. Since we have quite a while before the ceremonies start tonight, perhaps you should test him on his potions when he truly wakes up.”



“Yes that would be best. I also need to speak with Albus and let him know what is going on.”



As Severus stated this, there was a knock at the door. “Why do I have a feeling I know who that is?” He mumbled as he went to answer the door. “Albus, I was just thinking about coming to see you.” Severus stated as he opened the door for the headmaster to come in.



“Excellent, then I assume things went well last night?” Dumbledore asked.



“Not exactly as expected but….” Severus smirked, looking a little embarrassed really. “I find that I do indeed have a son, and that he will be joining me from now on. It was decided that he would spend part of his time in the dorms and part of his time here, using my guest bedroom. I am going to put a separate door for him to enter by, so you might want to choose a painting for him if you don’t mind.”



As they were speaking a dripping wet young man with a towel loosely wrapped around his waist came through the connecting doorway, and walked over to his trunk. Apparently he didn’t notice Dumbledore was present…as he bent down to get his toiletries, he managed to give the headmaster an excellent look at a rather well toned, muscular leg.



“Norische!” Severus called out in frustration. “Would you kindly put on proper clothing before you come out here, the Headmaster does not wish to see your body any more than Remus does.”



Norische threw his head back, sending tiny rivers of water in every direction. Norische blushed as he stood back up and looked directly at Professor Dumbledore. “Sorry, shampoo…” was all he said as he lifted his bag of toiletries, he then turned and casually walked back into the other room.



“Ah…yes.” Dumbledore cleared his throat, you could see the twinkle in his eye just radiating. “Not a problem Severus, I will make arrangements for the new door immediately, was their any thing else that you or your son required?”



“Thank you Albus, but not that I am aware of. I will be testing him on potions today to ensure his proper placement but other than that we are…shall I say…playing it by ear.” Severus shook his head.



Dumbledore smiled. “I will be happy to give you a complete copy of the information that was sent with him. Severus, you may with to note that you are listed as his only acknowledged relative, and that in a secondary position is his godmother Parinitra of the Vampyric High Council of Elders. Also this came today from Parinitra for you.” Dumbledore handed Severus a package. “I am afraid that I have much that must be done before the ceremonies tonight, so if there is nothing else I shall see you then…oh if you wish special arrangements for your son’s ceremony just let me know.



Albus nodded towards Remus and turned to leave. After the headmaster left, Severus went over to his chair and sat down, still holding the package. Remus stood up and came over to his side and sat down on the arm of his chair. Placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. Inhaling deeply Severus cautiously opened the package. Inside was a box, when he first opened it he was shocked. Inside was a collection of photos, and several small bags. Severus had just started going through the photos when Norische appeared in the doorway, this time he had a pair of black leather pants on, although he was barefoot and didn’t have a shirt on yet. Norische was attempting to towel dry his hair when he came over and sat down in the abandoned chair. “What ya got?” Norische asked.



“Apparently your godmother sent me a package.” Severus stated as he continued to go through the photos.



“She didn’t. Dammit she said she wouldn’t. Oh…. Crap….” Norische took the towel and hid his face.



“Is there a problem?” Remus asked.



Norische pulled the towel away and with a miserable look he stated. “Yeah that is all the crap she has blackmailed me with my whole life, I guess she thought you needed it just in case.”



“These are baby pictures, and pictures of you growing up. How is that black mail?” Severus was looking at each picture reverently, realizing how much of his son’s life he had missed. Then he picked up the little bags. He opened the navy blue one and poured the contents into his hand. It was a collection of tiny teeth. Severus looked at Norische curiously.



“My baby teeth. Pari…kept everything.”



The burgundy bag revealed an ebony lock of hair tied with a blue satin ribbon. “My first hair cut.” Norische stated.



The golden bag, had a small dried piece of skin in it. Severus again looked at Norische confused. “My umbilical cord.”



When Severus started to open the black velvet bag Norische stopped him. “Ah…. my circumcision….” He stated with a blush. Severus coughed and resealed the bag. Taking note not to open that one by mistake in the future.



Norische sat down on the floor between the two chairs and started pulling pictures from the box looking at them. The three of them spent several hours going through the content of the box, Norische spending much of his time laughing and hiding his face. Pictures of his first bath, of his first birthday, pictures of him in nappies, and running naked through the house, there were pictures of his first kiss, and his first date, his graduation from a muggle school and his class mates. Then near the bottom of the box there was a black leather envelope, bound in black satin ribbon. “Ah… you shouldn’t open that one father….”



“Why?” Severus asked concerned.



“I really don’t want to say, but” Norische knew that would not suffice his father. “Ok, I tell you what, have Remus look at the pictures in the other room and if he thinks you need to see it, then go ahead…if not then leave it be…please.”



Severus looked at his son then at Remus. He then nodded and handed the envelope to Remus who gave Norische a concerned look but stood up and went into their bedroom. Closing the door quietly.



Remus slowly opened the envelope and pulled out several black and white photos. The first showed Norische’s mother pregnant standing there with one hand on her huge belly and the other hand waving, her smile was so beautiful Remus could easily see how Severus had fallen in love with her.



The second photo showed the same beautiful woman caged, she had a wild look in her eyes and you could clearly see several wounds on her naked body.



The third photo showed the Angelica again naked in a cage, but laying outside the cage was a small child, he had his tiny hand inside the cage brushing the hair from her face.



The fourth photo showed a boy a little older trying to pull the door of the cage off its hinges and a terrified Angelica huddled in one of the far corners of the cage.



The next photo shows the same little boy hanging limp from a set of chains, the boy was naked and there were literally hundreds of whip marks from the boy’s shoulders to mid thighs. Remus saw the picture and knew the child in the picture had to be Norische; the boy must have been beaten severely for trying to rescue his mother from the cage. Remus felt nauseous and didn’t even try and hold back his tears… his werewolf rage began to well up in him and he was doing everything he could not to loose control.



The next photo showed Angelica hanging from the same chains, apparently unconscious. Blood pooling underneath her dangling feet from the beating she had received.



Remus could not look at the other photos; he placed the photos back inside the envelope and tied it tight again. Taking a deep breath, he walked back into the other room. Remus walked up to Severus, and handed him the envelope.



“Promise me you will never open that envelope…..” Remus stated with a shaky voice.



“Remus…”



“PROMISE ME!!!” Remus screamed.



Severus dropped the envelope and stood up immediately. He put his hands on Remus’ shoulders and looked into his eyes. Severus saw rage, undeniable, uncontrollable rage. He knew that Remus was struggling not to loose control but he was quickly loosing the battle. “I Promise.” Was all he said.



Norische was sitting on the floor with his knees pulled close to his chest, his head buried in his arms, trembling. Remus nodded then looked down at Norische. Remus knelt down cautiously and put his hand on Norische’s shoulder. Norische raised his head and looked into the tear-streaked eyes of the werewolf. Remus didn’t ask, he simply wrapped his arms around the boy and held him tight. They shared a moment of understanding and silence between the two of them; then Norische spoke up. “They can’t be destroyed, I’ve tried. I have tried every spell, incantation and curse I know. I have tried cutting, burning, even acid, nothing works, and I can’t throw them away or give them away they keep coming back. Pari said my grandfather did it so I would never forget, but even without the photos…I will never forget…never.” Norische said at just barely a whisper.



Severus knelt down and ran his finger through Remus’ hair; Remus closed his eyes at the gentle touch. “I don’t know what was in that envelope, nor do I think I will ever wish to know…but son,” Severus paused waiting for Norische to focus his attention on him. “I can not change the past, I am just very, very glad I am here to be a part of your future.”

It took a while for the level of emotions to calm down enough that the three of them could start their day properly.



*****



Norische walked out of his bedroom putting on his silver mesh shirt. “Father, I wanted to tell you I am sorry about this morning. I guess I am not ah…modest… I didn’t mean to well, show my ass to Remus, or flash Dumbledore either. I just never think about stuff like that.”



Severus snorted. “It is quite alright. Just try and remember in the future.” Then something caught his eye. “Come here Norische.”



Norische walked over to where his father was sitting sipping on another cup of coffee. Remus was sitting across from him nibbling on a croissant. “Yes father?”



“Lift up your shirt please.”



Norische lifted his shirt and smiled, he knew what had caught his father’s attention. Hanging from each nipple was a ring; on the ring was balanced an adorable tiny silver bat. “Like them?”



“I didn’t notice these this morning. But yes they are quite appropriate.”



“I took them out when I showered, I have a total of five piercing actually. Both ears, both nipples and…ah…one other…” Norische blushed just a little.



“One other?” Severus raised an eyebrow to his son.



“Yeah…and if you ever see that one, just run a stake through my heart right then please.” Norische lowered his shirt and went about putting his boots on.



Severus was having fun with his son’s embarrassment, “And where exactly is the ‘one other’ located, that my seeing it would cause such distress.” Severus placed his typical Snape face on, giving no indication that he was teasing his son at all.



“Ah… don’t worry about it, you will never see it.” Norische was being very evasive.



“Young man I do not like having to ask a question more than once.” Severus stated with a slightly harsher tone. Remus hid his amusement behind his pastry and kept his mouth shut.



“Fine…. I had my scrotum pierced when I was fourteen…there are you happy.” Norische clearly didn’t like his father knowing this piece of information but it was his own fault really he did mention five piercings.



“Scrotum?” Severus looked slightly flushed.



“Yes, now shut up about it…ok…” Norische just had to get out of the room right now it was getting way too hot. “I’m going to smoke.” With that, Norische walked out of the room and headed out to the courtyard to smoke.



“All I want to say is …. OW!” Remus smirked and tried very hard not to laugh.



“Dear Merlin, fourteen years old…. How did he manage that? First smoking, then it was the restricted items, now a rather unusual piercing. What else has that boy been able to do?” Severus stared at the closed door and continued to sip his coffee.



*****



While Norische was outside he took his time and looked around a little, he found the Owlery and the Astronomy tower, the Quidditch pitch and the edge of the dark forest. He wandered down by the black lake for a while then realized what time it was getting to be so he headed back up to the school. He was almost to the dungeons when he saw his father and Remus walking towards him.



“Good. There you are, I want you to follow me.” Severus motioned Norische to follow him towards the potions lab. Once inside Severus went over to the black board and started writing down a list of potions, nothing more than just the list.



Draught of Living Death

Veritaserum

Polyjuice Potion

Wolfsbane Potion

Draught of Peace

Invigoration Draught

Dreamless Sleeping Draught

Amortentia

Purification Potion

Mandrake Draught



Interesting, from simple to complex the potions were varied enough than they would give a genuine idea of Norische’s abilities and skills. “Father do you mind if I go get my equipment?”



Severus pulled several small items from his cloak. “Engorgio”. “Since I am here to supervise you may use any of your supplies you wish, although you may wish to check my storage room first so that you don’t deplete your own supplies.”



Norische rushed over to check and found that his father had indeed brought everything, even his general supplies that had still been packed. “Great! Where do you want me and what do you want me to start with first?”



“You may use what ever station you wish and you may choose the potions at your discretion.” Severus was elated at his son’s excitement.



“Father did you get my wand?”



“I’m sorry Norische I didn’t, do you want Remus to go get it? Or you may borrow mine if you wish.” Severus answered.



“If I could use yours for a minute it would be appreciated but if Dad could go and get mine it would be easier for me.” Norische stated but he didn’t lift his head “Oh and there is a box that should be with my wand it says Concitator in silver letters on it, if you could get that too I would appreciate it.”



Remus nodded but when Severus looked at him, Severus could see the tear in his eye, and gave Remus a questioning glance. Remus leaned into Severus and whispered. “I’m a Dad, I have a son.” Severus smiled and leaned down kissing Remus on the forehead. With that Remus wiped his eyes and rushed out to get the items requested. Severus handed his son his wand for the moment.



“Cool.” Norische turned to the first station and set up the first cauldron, putting in the required amount of water along with one dollop of mineral oil, and lit a flame underneath. Using “Tempus.” Norische set a timer for twenty minutes.



The second station Norische put the cauldron to heat at a much lower flame, just barely noticeable again using “tempus” he sat that cauldron for forty-five minutes.



The third station was put to work, with this one Norische put in, Valerian Officinalis, Jobberknoll Feathers and Hamamelis Viginica. After cutting up the ingredients and measuring the proper amounts, Norische set the “tempus” charm for three hours. The Veritaserum was finished except for the simmering.



Norische much preferred to use the ancient name of the ingredients rather than the more modern name, since most of the really interesting potions were written using those terms. He had made it a point to memorize all the Latin names as well as the ancient alchemic and Druimatic terms when he was only thirteen yrs old.



Now Norische started going through the vials in his boxes and set aside certain ones, but remembering what his father said he went into the storage room and grabbed a couple of bottles and two baskets of ingredients then came back to the station with his arms full.

Before Norische started to work on chopping the next set of ingredients he went and retrieved his mortal and pestle, he knew once he started he would have to be quick on this one and wouldn’t have the time to run and get his supplies. Quickly Norische glanced over at the first station, three minutes left. Then the timer on the first cauldron was going off. Norische rushed over to it and put in the powdered root of asphodel and then set the timer for ten minutes. Rushing back to the chopping he was doing.



Remus came back just as the first timer went off and handed the items to Norische with a smile. “Thanks Dad.” Remus wasn’t sure if Norische realized he had just called him Dad but he didn’t care, it made Remus so happy he just smiled and moved out of the way to stand over with Severus.



“Father, on the purification potion did you have something specific in mind, like did you want it focused on the dark arts or just a general purification potion?” Norische asked as he set up his next cauldron.



“Since I haven’t seen it in a while why don’t you do one focused on the dark arts.” Severus was a little leery but it would be a good test of Norische’s skills in that area as well.



“I don’t have any hair from a black dog, or a grim…do you?”



“Yes I believe I do, I will be right back.” Severus smirked; the boy really did know his potions. Once again, Severus could feel the pride for his son swelling up inside his chest.



Back to the first cauldron, Norische added the sopophorous bean, and Valerian Officinalis roots and set the Concitator to stir appropriately for the Draught of the Living Dead. Then as the potion was stirred, Norische added seven half pinches of wormwood, once after each five stirs clockwise. Draught of Living Dead done.



The timer on the second cauldron went off. Thankfully, Norische had just finished cutting the innocuous parsley, and started to add the ingredients in. He prepeared equal portions of Belledonna, Tsuga Canadensis, Hyoscyamus Niger, Eschscholzia, Arnica chamissonic and Innocuious Parsley and set the “tempus” to four hours. The Wolfsbane potion was finished except for the simmering.



“Father do you happen to have Jojoba oil, I have some but not enough?” Norische asked as he started his next cauldron. Before he could finish adjusting the fire, a container of oil was placed in his hands. Norische put in half Jojoba oil and half almond oil and set the “tempus” for twenty minutes.



Severus also handed his son a vial with several long black hairs in it. “I only needed one father.” Norische grinned up at his father, and went about setting up the next cauldron. This one he started with mineral oil but did not turn on the heat immediately. Instead he put equal portions of black mustard seeds, peppercorns, and black pepper into his mortal and started crushing them, once satisfied he poured the powder into the oil and added Verbascum thapsus, Valerian Officinalis roots and stinging nettles, then started the fire to a full boil. Watching the surface of the potion closely Norische waited until the appropriate moment and added the single black hair. Purification Potion was done.



“Sorry to bother you again father but do you know how long those lacewing flies have been stewing?”



“Not quite 17 days I believe.”



“Crap, I didn’t want to use mine, but oh well.” With that, Norische started his next cauldron. He took out his vial of lacewing flies, he used his father’s leeches, bicorn horn powder and boomslang skin, and started the potion going. The knotgrass and fluxweed would be added in seventeen minutes, Norische set the “tempus” and went back over to start his next cauldron.



Since this one was going to be an infusion he had to work it a little different. Norische ground the moonstone into a fine powder and poured it into the cauldron, then chopped the Veratrum Viride into small but manageable pieces. “Father is it permissible you to help me on this one…” Norische asked as he poured in the alcohol for the infusion.



“What do you need precisely.” Severus asked, with his arms folded across his chest.



“I need you to do “conglacio” at the same time I do “Incendio”, it will fuse the ingredients together and allow the potion to mature.”



“Very well, when you are ready.”



They both pointed their wands at the cauldron. “On three, one, two, three.”



“Conglacio”



“Incendio”



A red burst of magic hit the caldron at the same time as a blue glow enveloped it. Norische looked into the caldron, the potion was boiling deep underneath a thick layer of ice. After a few seconds the ice broke and a thick bluish foam seeped through the crack. Draught of Peace done.



The tempus on the polyjuice potion was going off, so Norische went over and added the final ingredients and set the ‘tempus’ to two hours. The Polyjuice potion was done except for simmering.



“Father I have a problem. The Amortentia… I only know love potions that are specifically species focused; I am not sure what you are looking for. Can you be more specific?”



“Normally the Amortentia that I teach is unspecific so that it works on the majority of individuals.”



“Ok, well I can do that…ah do you want it strictly white magic or do you want me to use blood magic?”



“While I would like you to tell me about your blood magic Amortentia I would like you to stick to the basic white magic. What ingredients do you use for your blood magic potion?



“There are actually three, but only one is species basic, and that one includes menstrual blood, cinnamon, Trillium erectum, Orchis Maculata Root, and crushed black beetles. It works very well but sometimes the menstrual blood must be species specific…although I find standard human is acceptable, it is easy to manipulate the spell to species specific if you simply allow for the correct type of blood to be used.”



Norische explained the blood spell as he set started grinding the ingredients for the basic Amortentia. Monarda fistulosa, Boswellia carteri, Jasmine, Commiphora myrrha, and Petitgrain. After he had gotten the consistency that he wanted Norische added the ingredients to the cauldron and set about stirring counter clockwise at a slow and steady pace, after 120 times he turned the fire on to a low boil and set the ‘tempus’ to twenty minutes. The Amortentia was finished.



“Father, on the Invigoration Draught I honestly don’t know what you want. The one I use consist of frankincense, myrrh, patchouli, and vetiver, but is that what you are wanting?”



“No.”



“Crap. All right then what about the Invigoration Potion of Queen Isabel. Eight ounces vodka, one ounce orange blossom water, one ounce rose water, one ounce rosemary hydrosol, one ounce infusion of hydrosol, one ounce infused water of vervain, five drops rosemary oil, four drops may chang oil, two drops chamomile oil, two drops spearmint and one drop neroli oil.”



“That is not what I was wanting either.” Severus looked at his son with a smile, “However. Since you know the makings of two draughts that would more than work for the same use. I will allow this one to pass without having to make it… we will work on the one I wished you to make in class this year anyway.”



Norische looked down crushed. Then went about to make one final check on the potions that were still brewing.



Severus tilted his head and looked at Remus confused. “Norische what is wrong?” Remus asked.



“I failed…” Norische whispered, as he went about pouring the finished potions into the appropriate containers.



“You did no such thing.” Severus stated, realizing what had upset Norische now. “Just because you do not know the potion I teach does not know you are not aware of an acceptable alternative. The two potions you gave would also be considered as Invigoration Potions, and the fact that you knew the details of the Queen Isabel youth potion was quite impressive.”



Apparently, this did not make Norische feel any better. “I had a whole week to study my potions book, I should have been able to make the potion you teach… but I didn’t bother to study my book and so I failed, plain and simple.”



Norische finished putting the completed potions in their containers then turned to Severus with his head down. “The Wolfsbane Potion will need three hours and twenty minutes, the Veritaserum needs an hour and forty minutes and the Polyjuice Potion will be done in thirty four minutes.”



“Very well, then lets look at what you have finished.” Severus went through and examined each one of the potions for scent, color, and consistency. After making several notes in his notebook, Severus turned to Norische and stated. “You have successfully completed nine of the ten potions you were assigned. Which would give you a ninety on your O.W.L.s, However, since you were able to give me the exact ingredients in proportion to two alternative potions proving to me that you are able to find a suitable substitute for the required potion if necessary, I will give you half credit for that potion. Also since you were able to create a Purification Potion that was specific to black magic and the blood magic potion as well, I will give you three extra points for that. Hence, your overall score on your O.W.L. for Potions is ninety-eight points. The highest score I have ever had a student achieve I might add.”



Norische looked up at his father and beamed. “Really?”



Severus smiled at his son, “Yes really. You were absolutely accurate when you informed me that you are quite gifted in potions. In fact, considering your score I would like you to work as an apprentice with my fifth, sixth and seventh year student. I am quite sure that seeing these result the Headmaster will have no problem authorizing this.”



Remus walked over to Severus and put his arms around his waist, “Our son is quite talented isn’t he Severus.” Severus returned Remus’ embrace. “Quite”.



“However, since you did not complete the final potion you will be scrubbing these cauldrons and putting away the ingredients until the Wolfsbane potion is complete, you will then bring it, as well as the end results of the Polyjuice Potion and the Veritaserum to my suite where Remus and I will be waiting. You have three hours; I expect this place to be clean and everything in its place by that time. Oh also make sure you have restocked any of your ingredients that you used…the school pays for all of my ingredients and since you were doing your placement testing I cannot allow you to use your own ingredients with out replacing them.”



“Yes father, no problem.” Norische smiled and started gathering up the items that needed to be cleaned.



Severus and Remus started walking out of the classroom. “Oh and Norische,”



“Yes father?”



“Please keep your potion supplies in your room, I honesty don’t have the space for them in my area…and I will arrange for a cooling cabinet for you to keep in there as well, I don’t wish your items taking up all of the space in there either.” Severus said with a smirk.



Norische grinned from ear to ear, “Yes Sir, No problem.” He had won his father’s trust; Norische knew that Severus acknowledged how good he was at potions.



With that, Severus and Remus headed back to their suite. “That was sweet, I think you are going soft on me Severus.” Remus teased.



“I am by no means going soft” Severus scowled. “I do however respect the boy’s ability and must admit that his skill level with potions is impressive. I don’t think I need to worry about him knowing how to properly use any ingredient he has.”



Norische couldn’t help it he had listened in on their conversation as they walked down the hall. “WHOO HOO!!”



Remus looked back over his shoulder toward the potions classroom, and smiled.



“What?” Severus asked.



“Our son seems to be thrilled with your evaluation. I believe that was a whoo hoo, I just heard.” Remus couldn’t help but snicker at the boy’s enthusiasm.



*****



Norische rushed the finished potions to his father as soon as they were done. Severus looked over the potions, he handed the Wolfsbane Potion to Remus who sniffed it cautiously. Remus looked at Norische and smiled. “I don’t believe I have found a potion of this quality anywhere…except of course those your father makes me.”



Norische beamed proudly. “Dad, did you know that I can make a werewolf attractant as well? It works great for mating season.” Norische couldn’t help but tease his ‘Dad’.



Severus interjected “You will keep that little item to yourself young man. Remus needs nothing of the sort.”



Remus laughed and whispered, “We’ll talk later…” in Norische’s ear. Which caused Norische to laugh as well.



“By the way Dad, are you suppose to test me for Defense Against the Dark Arts?”



Remus noted that Norische had continued to call him ‘Dad’ and couldn’t help but smile. “Unfortunately, I probably should. Since I am not sure what type of training you have had.”



“Well we have four hours before I have to be in the great hall for the sorting ceremony, as long as I have time for a shower and to get dressed…if you want to I am ready.” Norische was pumped up from his testing with his Father and wanted very much to prove himself to his Dad as well.



“Very well, get your wand and come with me. Severus please join us, I might need your assistance.” Remus extended his hand to Severus who took it and nodded. “We will need to go to my classroom, I have everything I will need to test you properly there.”



“Lead the way Professor.” Norische said and then followed the two down the hall to the D.A.D.A classroom.



As they entered Norische took in the entire room, looking around to see where everything was and what might be a possible threat, after all this was a Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. The room itself wasn’t truly remarkable, it was a long narrow room with a number of desks that had been pushed against the sides of the room leaving the center area open and available, Norische assumed for dueling or something like that.



“Ok Professor, how do we do this?” Norische asked.



“Well first I am going to give you a list of curses or spells, and I want you to give me the proper counter curse or counter measure.” Remus stated as he went over to the desk at the front of the room, and picked up a series of papers that he had laying on top in a stack.



“First one. Prior Incantato?”



“Deletrius”



“Second one. Petrificus Totalus?”



“Ennervate”



“Third one. Incenio?”



“Conglacio”



“Fourth one. Lumos?”



“Nox”



“Fifth one. Sonorus?”



“Quietus”



“Sixth one. Engorio?”



“Reducio”



“Seventh one. Stupify?”



“Relashio”



“Eighth one. Incarcero?”



“Exonero”



“Ninth one. Accio?



“Emite efastado”



“Tenth one. Cruccio?”



“Finite Incantatum”



“Excellent you got ten out of ten correct! Now lets see if you can use your knowledge in a practical manner. Severus would you mind a small duel?” Remus was thrilled that Norische appeared to have as much skill in Defense as he did in Potions.



“Not at all Remus. Is there anything specific I should attempt or avoid?”



“I leave it to your discretion, just remember that this is only a test, I want our son to remain in one piece please.”



“Do you mind if I make a comment Professor?” Norische asked



“Go right ahead.” Remus responded.



“Professor Snape,” Norische used their formal titles since they were technically in a classroom, “I want to remind you that I am Vampyric, some of the curses you try to use on me wont work…also if you wouldn’t mind Sir I would appreciate you using Crucio on me.”



“WHAT?!” Severus was shocked. “I will do no such thing!”



“Sir, I really feel I must make a point, and the only way to do so is to show you strait up. So please, trust me and use the curse.” It was very apparent that Norische wanted to show both Severus and Remus something but Severus desperately wanted to refuse.



Breathing deeply, “Very well, but if this does not work out, I will have you butt in a sling for a month.”



Norische smiled, “Professor Lupin, is it permissible for me to take off my shirt…I just got it last week and I don’t really want to risk it getting damaged.”



Remus nodded and watched as Norische pulled the silver mesh shirt over his head and laid it down on one of the desks.



“Since Norische wishes to show us something about the Cruciatus curse, we will start with that… and I will tell you now, if this does not work as soon as your butt heals from what ever your father will do to you, it will be back in a sling for another month from what I will do to you is that understood.”



“Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.” Norische mumbled as he took position in front of Severus; wand in hand.



Severus shook his head. “Very well, on the count of three. One, two, three. Crucio!”



The bright light of the curse headed straight for Norische, but in a fraction of a second Norische had two huge charcoal gray wings surrounding him. The Cruciatus curse reflected off of the wings and bounced harmlessly to the other side of the room.



“What the bloody hell?” Severus stared at Norische and the huge wings for a moment.



Norische lowered one of his wings slightly and peaked over it looking at his father. “Hi father….ah… vampyre…remember?” Norische couldn’t help but laugh at his father’s expression.



Remus was ecstatic and walked over to Norische. “Norische that was amazing. How did you get them out so fast?”



“Instinct I guess. It usually happens before I think about it.” Norische spread his wings out fully for both Remus and Severus to see them in their full glory. In total, his wings spanned a good ten feet from tip to tip. “It works the same on any unforgivable course, as well as all other minor curses. In fact, I have only found a couple of them that can penetrate my wings. I would have told father to use the Avada Kedarva curse to show you that I am immune to that one too but I knew he wouldn’t go for that at all.”



“All of them. Wait a minute, exactly how do you know that you are immune to those curses.” Remus was suddenly concerned by this knowledge.



“A month or so ago some guys in black robes with masks tried to grab me, when I was in New Orleans. Things got out of hand and they threw everything they had at me. I ended up pretty bruised and a couple of broken ribs but nothing more than that.”



Severus listened and then rushed to Norische, grabbing him by the forearms staring intently into his eyes. “Tell me about these individuals? Tell me every single detail.”



“Not much to tell really. I was coming out of a bar in New Orleans on Bourbon Street called Whips and Chains and these guys in black robes with stupid masks came up and tried to grab me. I thought they were a part of the whole New Orleans thing so I brushed them off and started walking down the street towards my motel. One of them tried the Imperio curse on me, but before I could really react my wings were up and locked in place. Then they started with Stupify, Reducto, Petrificus Totalis, and Stupefacio, they even tried Somnus…but none of them worked. Then they started with the Crucio and the Avada Kedarva. Finally I got pissed of and started throwing what they were doing to me back at them. It took about twenty minutes and they were all out.”



“Sweet Merlin… how many were there?” Remus asked.



“I’m not sure, maybe ten or so…I think… I don’t know it all happened kinda quickly.”



“Severus we have to tell Dumbledore about this immediately.” Remus stated.



Severus was still in shock that someone would try and kill his son…but he nodded.



“Do you mind if I put my shirt back on, or do you want me to leave my wings out for now?”



“No put your wings back, ah…we will …. Well I don’t know what we will do but we definitely need to talk to Albus.” Remus was quite shaken with the news as well.



“By the way, what about my test?” Norische asked as he slipped his shirt over his head and tugged it into place.



“Considering the level of skill you just explained, and the fact that you verified what you stated…. as well as the fact that you can give the counter curse for all of the various spells I mentioned I believe you received a perfect score on this O.W.L. Now lets go talk to Dumbledore.” Remus pulled Severus close to him, both of them still having problems with the idea that they almost lost their son only a month ago.





*****



Dumbledore was not only surprised but if Severus didn’t know better perhaps the old man was actually shocked at the information. Norische retold the experience and answered questions for about an hour.



“Do you know if this is a common trait amongst vampyre?”



“Not sure, never needed to ask anyone before. If you want, I can have Pari come and talk to you guys. I am sure she wouldn’t mind.”



“Perhaps another time, I have a full day ahead of me as do you. Remember the ceremony is in only two hours.” With that Severus, Remus and Norische left Dumbledore’s office and headed back down to their quarters.





A/N2: This story does indeed have multiple pairing. As will be explained in later chapters. While I would love to give you all the details now about who will end up with whom, I am afraid that you will just have to wait. I will say that it is primarily slash, but there is a couple of het pairs as well.



I am trying to post a chapter a day or at least every other day. And just to let you all know, at this time the story is over 600 pages long, and has 60 chapters...and still going. It is actually the first book in a three book series, so this will not be the only time you get to meet these characters.