"You have to mean it, Harry." He did. The only problem now was that he couldn't stop. [M for Violence, torture and substance abuse.]

After living at Spinner's End for an extended duration, Harry starts his first year at Hogwarts. What is going on with his aunt and Severus? Why does this annoying Smith boy want to be his friend? And why, for god's sake, are there vampires after him? So many questions and so little time to find answers. Sequel to 'In the Wake of Fire.'

AU: Growing up abused and starved, Harry struggles to maintain his footing in a new norm where his squib aunt treats him like a normal human being and teaches him ritualistic blood magic. If only that were the crux of the matter, he wouldn't be sitting in some rundown pied-à-terre, interpreting gang signs from his socially awkward abductor. And to top it all off, he's a fairy!