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"Professor Potter?"

Harry turned toward the student who was holding her hand high above her head as if straining to reach the ceiling. He smiled, reminded of his own Muggle-born best friend.

"Yes, Miss Simms?"

She frowned for a moment and then a look of determination stole over her features. "Is the headmaster a vampire?"

"Emma!" a girl nearby burst out.

"You say that about the headmaster," a boy to her left said angrily. "It's forbidden."

Harry held out both his hands and said, "Quiet, everyone!" Once the murmurs and whispers died down, he spoke.

"The headmaster is not a vampire." Disappointed grumbling rolled through the room.

Harry then continued. "Miss Simms, as we've been studying vampires in class, I'm certain you are aware that many of the common Muggle stereotypes for vampires are untrue." She nodded. "Class, what are some common misconceptions about vampires?"

"They can't go out in sunlight!"

"Garlic keeps them away."

"Good, yes," Harry said. "Anything else?"

"They can turn into bats."

"You kill them with a stake through the heart!"

"Mr Nott," Harry turned his head toward the student who had spoken, "that one is true."

The chatter started up again and Harry shook his head, resigned to the fact that he wouldn't get the class's attention back at this point. "Your assignment is two feet of parchment on how to identify a vampire. Class dismissed."

Harry pulled off his boots and sat down on the sofa next to Severus.

"The students seem to think you're a vampire." Harry picked up a cup and poured himself some tea.

Severus raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching in suppressed humour. "And what did you tell them?"

"That you weren't, of course. Fortunately, they didn't ask if I was." Harry grinned, baring his razor-sharp incisors.