Reign O'er Me

Chapter 9 - Go To The Mirror Boy

I often wonder what he's feeling.

Has he ever heard a word I've said?

Look at him now in the mirror dreaming

What is happening in his head?

Go to the Mirror Boy, from Tommy, The Who

(********)

Following lunch, Bill had apparated to Gringotts, with Ginny's jewelry chest tucked under one arm. Tonks left for the Ministry, and Charlie and Remus had been dispatched to Diagon Alley to attempt to persuade the twins to at stay at Grimmauld Place for the time being instead of the apartment over their shop. Dumbledore and McGonagall had returned to Hogwarts, though Dumbledore said he would return that evening; Molly was upstairs, settling into her room, and Hermione had led a protesting Ron to the third floor Library. Nicholas Flamel had moved to a chair next to Harry, and had grilled him intensely on what had been taught in prior years in Defense Against the Dark Arts, as well the activity of the DA. Flamel seemed particularly interested in the DA, and in the lessons Harry described taught by the imposter that had posed as Moody.

Flamel finally asked, "Do you plan to continue the DA this year, Harry?"

"Honestly, Professor, I hadn't given it much thought, but it doesn't seem necessary with a decent teacher."

"Never the less, Harry, I think it would be useful for all concerned if you did. The only change I would make is to make the DA an official school organization; otherwise, it seems foolish to tamper with what clearly has worked so well." He paused for a moment, as if debating something, and then continued, "I will share this with the two of you, but I would appreciate it if it went no further. The DA did create a slight problem for the Headmaster. It seems that the OWL examiners found a great discrepancy between the scores of students who were in the DA, and those who were not. There was a great deal of concern that a group of students had managed to cheat in some fashion; however, Dumbledore quickly put that notion to rest. The fifth years that were in the DA did quite satisfactorily on their exams; most of the other students performed abysmally.

"Now, remember, that's to go no further; the scoring is still incomplete, and I should hardly be discussing such matters with students, particularly one who sat the exam; other than I wish you to completely understand just how much you did accomplish. You do not have to give me your answer now, Harry, but please give it serious consideration."

"He'll do it, Professor." Ginny grinned. "Just like I told you, Harry, your life's going to get a lot simpler. I felt your reaction when the Professor said he wanted you to continue."

"I guess I'll do it," Harry conceded.

"As you are learning, my young friend, he who has a partner has a master," Flamel told him. "You are most fortunate to have found one who guards your interests with such care. Speaking of guarding your interests, if I might impose on the two of you, would you show me the rooms where you are staying? I would like to inspect the security in that part of the house myself."

"Certainly, Professor."

Harry and Ginny led Flamel to the fourth floor; on reaching their suite, he drew his wand, and performed several spells as he walked about the suite. He spent several minutes wandering about; the teens settled on one of the couches, watching as he made his way through the rooms. Finally he returned to the sitting room and settled in a chair. "A quite through job, all in all. The protections are as strong as the day they were cast and have endured far better than the house itself."

"You've been here before, Professor?" Harry asked.

"Many times, my boy, many times, though not to these particular rooms. Even as recently as a century ago, the Blacks were quite active in the society circles of the wizarding world. Many galas and other events were held here. It looked quite different then."

They talked for some time; Flamel sharing a few memories of events that had happened there years ago, but eventually the discussion drifted back to school subjects. Flamel mentioned a book that he thought Harry would find of interest, leading to a discussion of books in general that might be useful. When the list passed four titles, Harry asked Flamel to pause for a minute; Ginny in tow, he went to his trunk for a bit of parchment and a quill. "They certainly just tossed everything in on top of everything else ", he muttered.

"They were in a hurry, after all." Ginny chided.

"I know, I... dammit!!!" Harry suddenly withdrew his hand, dripping blood.

"Harry! You've cut yourself."

"I know...." Harry answered, annoyed.

Flamel joined them moments later. "Harry, may I?"

Harry extended his hand to the professor, who inspected the cut. He moved his hand above Harry's, as if pulling something upwards; Harry and Ginny saw a flash of something silver leave Harry's hand and fly into Flamel's. Flamel then made another motion and the cut was healed. "Ah, that's better. And there I go again. Sorry, my boy, I'm simply not accustomed to using a wand as more than a prop in public for the most part. I suppose it doesn't matter here, anyway. But I would appreciate it if you two.... Harry, what do you cut yourself on? This splinter is magical. Strangely so."

"I don't.... Oh. The mirror. It must be from the mirror...." Harry's shoulders sagged, and he continued on, almost to himself. "Every where I turn, there's another reminder."

"A mirror, did you say?" Flamel waited until Harry looked at him again. "Harry, would you mind if I?" he motioned to the trunk.

Harry nodded; Flamel opened his hand toward the trunk and gestured; the contents of the trunk flew upwards; clothing flew to the closets and drawers; books, parchments and papers to the table, and shards of glass gathered in the air, then fitted themselves together and dropped into the frame. As Harry and Ginny watched open-mouthed, the mirror floated into Flamel's hands; he held it where they could see. The glass had fallen back into place, but was not whole; little was visible other than a network of cracks.

"This is most peculiar", Flamel muttered. "Reparo!" he commanded, but nothing happened. "Most peculiar indeed." He then said several words of a spell Harry didn't recognize, holding his right hand over the mirror. A golden flash flared, and then surrounded the mirror; it looked as if it rippled over the surface of the glass; at first, a few cracks disappeared; then with a soft crunching sound, the remainder closed and the glass was whole. But the mirror reflected absolutely nothing; its surface was completely black.

Flamel stared at the black disk for several moments; gingerly, he touched the surface with one finger. "Harry, what can you tell me about this?"

Harry looked sick; he whispered, "Sirius gave it to me. It was so we could...."

Harry's voice broke; Ginny took over; as she explained the significance of the mirror, she and Flamel lead Harry back to the couch in the sitting room. As Ginny finished telling what she knew, Flamel asked, "So it was bound to another glass. Do either of you know anything about the other mirror? And where it is?"

"Sirius had one. After... after, I tried to call. I'd hoped... but he must not... Remus might know. He had one, too, and he's been staying here. He might know."

Flamel nodded as he reached in to his robe. Withdrawing one of the devices Harry had glimpsed the other order members using, he spoke into it. "Remus Lupin!" Harry could barely hear Remus reply; Flamel continued, "This is Flamel. Could you join me in Harry's rooms on the fourth floor as soon as you return?" A pause. "Thank you. We shall see you shortly."

Flamel sat back waiting; Harry was lost in his own world; Ginny looked between them worriedly. A short time later Lupin entered, he was slightly winded; he'd obviously taken the several flights quite quickly. He looked at Harry and his expression grew concerned. "Is something wrong? Did something happen to Harry?"

"Remus, what do you know of this?" Flamel asked, showing the mirror to Lupin.

"James and Sirius enchanted those in our Hogwarts days. That one originally belonged to James. I still have mine; it's downstairs. Sirius had his, though I've not seen it since...." Lupin broke off, looking uncomfortably at Harry. "Peter had one, but it was broken in our seventh year. James caught him using it to spy on he and Lily; he shattered it shortly afterwards."

"Remus, might I ask you to get yours, and return here with it?"

Lupin nodded and walked back out; Ginny hesitantly asked, "Professor, what's wrong?"

"There is a powerful dwomer on this glass, my child. I do not understand how I could have missed this when I looked about your chambers."

"It's been in my trunk since Hogwarts," Harry offered. "But it was always like an ordinary mirror."

Remus returned, carrying an almost identical mirror. He held it out to Flamel who inspected it; it appeared quite ordinary, reflecting like a normal mirror. "There are unusual enchantments here, but this one is dormant. What can you tell me of their making, Remus?"

"Not much, I'm afraid. Sirius and James cooked these up after several late night trips into the restricted section. They were looking for something else; I don't remember what, though I know they didn't find it; at least while we were at Hogwarts. They were always rather secretive about it, even to Peter and me."

Flamel looked thoughtful for a moment. "Remus, have you seen any sign of Sirius' mirror?"

Remus shook his head. "No, but I've not touched the desk or table". He drew his wand. "Accio Sirius' Mirror!"

As the spell left Remus' wand, something happened to the mirror Flamel still held; the surface remained black, but something changed; the blackness was no longer still, but somehow roiled. Suddenly, a sound filled the room; it was somewhere between a howl and a yelp of pain; all color drained from Lupin's face "Padfoot!" he whispered before he could stop himself, dropping falling back into a chair.

Harry was jerked back into the present; he stood quickly and took a step forward, breaking Ginny's grip on his hand. He reached for the mirror, screaming "Sirius!" as Flamel watched, stunned. As Harry's hand approached the mirror, the darkness seemed to recede, as if drawing deeper and deeper into the mirror; an instant later, it looked no different from Remus' mirror.

Flamel pulled the mirror back before Harry's hand made contact; "Gently, gently, Harry." Ginny had sprung from her seat and had again taken Harry's hand. He stood there for a moment, swaying, and then pulled Ginny roughly into his arms, though she was unsure if it was an embrace or Harry trying to remain upright. "That's him, Gin, that was Sirius." Ginny could feel him shaking against her. Harry turned to Lupin, "You heard it too, Remus; you said it. Padfoot! He's alive!"

Ron and Hermione burst in; Hermione took in the wild look in Harry's eyes as he clutched Ginny; the colorless Lupin, and the unreadable expression on Flamel's face. "What's wrong?" she cried.

Harry turned to them, eyes shining. "He's alive, Hermione; he's alive! Remus heard him too! We both did; we all did!"

Ron and Hermione looked at Lupin; he looked like a muggle who had just encountered a ghost. He finally nodded. "We heard something."

Hermione barely whispered, "Sirius?"

"Yes!" Harry turned to Flamel. "What happened then? And what made the mirror change?"

Flamel shook his head. "I'm not sure. Something powerful was at work; I can still feel traces of it; but I do not know what woke it, or what caused it to end."

"Perhaps... Professor Dumbledore?" Hermione suggested, hesitatingly.

Flamel nodded. "And anyone else we might find that would shed light on how these mirrors were made."

Ginny gently extracted her self from Harry's arms; she tugged him back towards the couch. "Easy, Harry. You were shaking. Relax; we all need to think." Hermione moved to the couch to sit on the other side of Harry, taking his other hand; Ron moved behind him, placing one hand on Harry's shoulder.

Remus stirred. "I'll... I'll call Albus." Reaching into his robes, he extracted his communicator, and spoke into it rapidly.

Several minutes later, Albus Dumbledore entered. "What has happened here? Remus, surely there must be some misunderstanding or mistake."

Flamel, with occasional comments from Harry or Remus, explained what had happened. Dumbledore examined both mirrors; he and Flamel cast a number of charms, and were talking theory at a level incomprehensible to the others present; even Hermione only understood part of what they were discussing.

Harry's patience was wearing thin. "Enough! That's all fine and good; but Sirius is alive. Who gives a damn how or why; how do we get him back?"

Dumbledore and Flamel looked at each other for a moment, then Dumbledore spoke. "Harry, when Sirius passed through the veil, we believe he was transported to another plane. It was once a portal between..."

Harry then stood, his eyes blazing; Ginny was pulled to her feet with him as she tried to maintain her grip on him. Power was almost visibly radiating around him; the room shook; they all felt it. Later they would learn the old house had shaken to its very foundations; Molly in the basement kitchen had felt it as well. Hermione still held his right hand as he stood; but Ron pulled her back as Harry took a step forward.

Harry first turned to Lupin, "You said he was dead. You held me back when I..." He then whirled to face Dumbledore, "You said I'd lost the closest thing to a parent I had ever known. You said it was your fault that Sirius had DIED!" he said. He paused, breathing heavily; golden plasma had formed around his right hand. "This time, the truth, Professor, I want the truth! NOW!" The last words reverberated through out the house. Harry paused again, almost panting. Dumbledore heard footsteps coming up the stairs and glanced toward the door; it suddenly slammed shut and seemed to flow into the walls; not even a crack was visible. Harry felt Ginny clinging to his left arm, trembling; she whispered his name; he slowed his breathing and fought for some measure of control; the glow around his right hand faded, but they could still feel the barely leashed power flowing through him.

"No more lies, no more misdirection, no more half truths, Professor." Harry's voice was measured; no longer raised, demanding but controlled. "Tell me. And if I get as much as a hint of you holding back or trying to protect me from anything, the prophecy be damned; we're finished!"

"Harry, please... when I told you Sirius died, I indeed did believe he had irrevocably passed beyond this mortal realm. Even now, even if you have discovered some way of communicating, that may not mean... Please, Harry, I will tell you everything that I know of that chamber and the arch; please calm yourself. If your control should falter, even briefly, the power you've summoned could tear down the wards or bring the roof down on all our heads; but more importantly, I believe both Mrs. and Miss Weasley have become frightened, and might find comfort in knowing you are ok."

Harry turned to Ginny, still clinging to his arm; she smiled tentatively at him as he slipped the arm she'd been holding around her; he forced himself to relax; dissipating the power that had built up inside him. As he did, Harry then became aware of the pounding against the fused door. Dumbledore motioned toward the door with his wand. "May I?"

Harry nodded; Dumbledore restored the sealed door to its previous condition. Molly Weasley burst into the room, wand drawn; something flashed by her and Harry felt something clutching his right side; the one opposite Ginny. Molly took a few steps into the room, taking in Harry's stance, Ginny held close to him, Dobby clutching his other side; Ron holding Hermione where he'd pulled her back from Harry; Dumbledore with his wand in hand, Remus' pallor and an mix of puzzlement and amusement on Flamel's face. "What the bloody hell is going on in here?" she cried.

Several of those present began to answer; Harry drowned them out. "It's Sirius! He's alive!"

"Sirius? Alive?" Molly repeated; her wand dropping a bit as it became clear there wasn't an immediate threat.

"That is what we are trying to understand now, Molly," Dumbledore said. "Perhaps if everyone would remain calm and find a seat, we would be better able to explore what has happened here."

Ginny slid from under Harry's arm; she again took his hand and tugged him toward the couch; Harry started to follow; then became aware of Dobby. "Dobby?"

"Is Harry Potter all right?" the little house elf asked.

"I'm fine, Dobby. But what are you doing here?"

"Sir, Headmaster Dumbledore talked to Dobby about Harry Potters house and how Harry Potter's family could no longer care for Harry Potter." Tears gathered in the little elf's eyes. "Dobby was going to beg Headmaster Dumbledore to let Dobby leave Hogwarts and take care of Harry Potter and Harry Potter's house. But before Dobby could ask, the great wizard Dumbledore said he had called Dobby to ask Dobby if he would help the noble Harry Potter. So Dobby and Headmaster Dumbledore agreed, that if Harry Potter would have Dobby, Dobby would take care of Harry Potter and Harry Potter's house. Then Headmaster Dumbledore must go at once to Harry Potter's house, and Dobby followed."

"Dobby, that's... that's great." Harry wasn't up to sorting through this right now; he glanced back at Hermione, "I'll pay you, of course; can we work out the details later?"

"Dobby doesn't want paying; not from his friend Harry Potter. The noble Harry Potter freed Dobby; Dobby can never repay that debt."

"No, I insist. And you'll have time off and clothes, too."

"Dobby has grown fond of socks. Dobby shall do as the great Harry Potter asks; Harry Potter is a very wise wizard. May Dobby begin now? It has been a long time since Dobby had a house to care for."

"Yes, Dobby, you may begin," Harry said, thinking there was enough work at Grimmauld Place to keep Dobby busy for years, and right now, there were other things that needed his attention.

Dobby released Harry, and turned to Dumbledore, "Headmaster Dumbledore may Dobby ask one last favor?"

"Certainly, Dobby."

Dobby spoke very quietly to Dumbledore, "May Dobby ask Dobby's friends to help? There is much work that must be done for this house to be worthy of a great wizard like Harry Potter, and would take Dobby much time by himself. But Dobby's friends have little work to do now, and Dobby is not selfish. And Dobby's friends are wanting to help Harry Potter."

"Yes, Dobby, you may," Dumbledore chuckled.

As Dobby sped off; Ginny had succeeded in settling Harry back to the couch; Ron had moved around and settled on the arm by Hermione who had again taken Harry's other hand; Molly found a place on the other sofa. Dumbledore and Flamel quickly updated Molly. Dumbledore then turned to Harry. "The arch that now resides in the ministry is ancient. It was originally situated on the Salisbury plane near Stonehenge; little is known of it and it's history. Most believe that it predated Stonehenge; indeed, there are those who think Stonehenge was placed as it was due to the arch. There are legends that have passed down through the ages; most of them have a common thread that the arch was a portal to some other place; many of them describe a fantastic place; some believe this to have been Atlantis.

"Since records have been kept, many have passed through the arch; none are known to have returned. The arch was moved to its current location in the 1300s. Despite some wards that were set, muggles and animals kept wandering into it; it was decided to move it to a location where it could be protected and studied... a location where the ministry now resides. In fact, the location of the ministry has much to do with the arch and another artifact. For a time, the arch was used as means of carrying out executions; most of the stonework in the room around it date from that time.

"The arch has been studied for all the years records have been kept of such things; no one has ever discovered it's secrets, through many have tried; indeed, many have given their lives in the attempt. Among the Unspeakables, most believe that it is one end of a portal that once provided transportation between two locations greatly distant from each other, and that the other end was destroyed ages ago. Others have suggested that the arch is portal directly to the afterlife, and that no one would wish to return, even if they could. A few believe that the arch is nothing more than a means of execution that leads nowhere.

"A few through the years have reported hearing voices near the arch, but that they can never make out the words; opinions are even more divided what this may mean. Regardless, through known history, no one who has passed through the veil is known to have returned.

As Dumbledore finished, Flamel said, "While no one is known to have returned; but the claim was once made, in my youth. Those were confused and chaotic times, for wizarding kind and muggle both. The inquisition, the plague, the Black Death - there are times when I wonder how either of our societies survived those days. But as I recall the story, there was a witch who claimed her child had wandered through the arch, and that she had somehow achieved his return. There was some controversy over the claims; I believe it was even a factor in the arch being moved to its current site. Both mother and child died not long thereafter, to muggles if I'm not mistaken. The claim was never taken all that seriously.

Harry attempted to absorb this. "You've told me the theories; what do you believe?"

Flamel replied first, "I have always felt the arch as a means of execution made little sense. It is easy enough to snuff out a life as it is; indeed, it is much too easy. I cannot see any possible reason to go to such extremes for a means of execution that could be achieved in a far easier fashion. A great deal of effort and powerful magic was expended to create that arch; and though it's been tried from time to time, efforts to destroy the arch have never succeeded.

"And I find myself in agreement with Nicholas," Dumbledore said. "I believe the oldest legends all maintain the arch was a portal; a doorway to somewhere, if you will; not unlike some of the tunnels between Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, tunnel is now blocked, or perhaps the other end destroyed."

"But... a doorway... it goes somewhere," Harry mused out loud. "If there's a way in, there has to be a way out. And we know Sirius is in there. How do we get him out?"

"Perhaps the most useful thing to discover is how we reached him at all," Flamel suggested. "What can we learn of these mirrors and their making?"

Remus had regained some of his color by this point. "I've been thinking hard about that; James and Sirius had snuck out several evenings in a row using James' cloak, looking for something in the restricted section. They were very closed-mouthed about what. I don't think they ever found what they were looking for, though they made several attempts, even after making the mirrors. I know the mirrors were something they had stumbled across during their searches, but no more than that."

Dumbledore nodded as he remembered. "James and Sirius did make occasional nocturnal searches for reading material; a tradition that has been kept on more than a few occasions by some current students as well," the twinkle returning to his eyes for the first time since the confrontation with Harry. "Most of what they sought was harmless; after a time, I paid little attention to their nocturnal expeditions; indeed, it was far better that they be focused on research that some of their other schemes." To Lupin, "Do you recall anything at all they might have said?"

"I think I once overheard one of them mention thaumaturgy," Lupin replied. "But even for James and Sirius, that seems a stretch."

"Thaumaturgy... perhaps...." Dumbledore looked thoughtful. "Yes, that would explain much."

"Young Harry did cut his hand upon the glass, Brian, before I reformed the mirror," Flamel said. "In fact, that was the point where I first felt something, was when Harry cut...."

Molly interrupted, "But... even at their most reckless, maybe Sirius, surely at least James would have not have attempted blood magic while still in school."

Remus shook his head. "I wouldn't take that bet. Though it may explain why they were so closed-mouthed about it. Rigid observance of the rules was never a Marauder value."

"The only drawback," Dumbledore commented, "is even if they employed blood magic - to which even I have resorted in dire need - is that does not make the search a great deal easier. Perhaps a fourth of the tomes in the restricted section touch upon blood magic in some way."

"And it may not have been an accident that Harry's blood activated the mirror," Flamel added. "If the mirror were made by Harry's father and godfather, no doubt they both used their own blood in its creation. The strong blood tie between Harry and his father may have strengthened the enchantments in some fashion."

"So, if my blood touches the mirror, something could happen; we could reach Sirius again?" Harry asked.

"Perhaps," Flamel replied. "Or it may be necessary to break the mirror, and repair it with your blood on a fragment. But while we should proceed swiftly, we must be cautious. I cannot claim to know Sirius, in either his human or canine form; however, that sound we heard was of a creature in pain. I do not think another attempt should be made casually."

"Sirius has been there... for days. We have no idea what condition... or how much longer he can last." Harry forced himself to slow down, thinking. "How can we...?"

"Harry," Remus pleaded, "Please, please, don't let your hope run wild. It may have been a fluke, a one-time thing, or even something trapped from years ago inside the mirror. You've just gotten your life halfway together for the first time in I don't know how long, the Order is spread thin, we have no idea where to even..."

Harry stood and helped Ginny her feet; he then kneeled in front of Lupin and waited until Remus would look him in the eye. "Remus; Listen to me, Remus. As long as there's even a shred of hope, I'm not giving up. Sirius was willing to give his life for me. As for the Order goes, if they won't help, to hell with the Order. They need me more than I need them and I don't have to do this alone. Are you in, Moony?"

Harry didn't wait for an answer; he stood and faced Hermione, "This is one time where the solution can be found in the library. If anyone can find it, you can. Are you with me, Hermione? And Ron, I need you, mate."

"Of course, Harry." Hermione replied, as she and Ron stood and moved beside him.

"What was that you were saying about briar patches, mate?" Ron grinned. "Glad to see you've finally accepted we're going to come along anyway. Isn't this a lot easier?"

"And I'm not leaving your side," Ginny added.

Harry then turned to face Dumbledore, "We'll need access to the Hogwarts library, and transportation unless you think brooms would be safe. Anything you can pry out of the ministry on the arch might help. And, could we borrow your pensieve?"

"I shall set up a port key between the kitchen and the Hogwarts Library. And I will make inquiries at the Department of Mysteries. I know your Firebolt is still in Professor McGonagall's keeping; but your message is clear; you will arrive at Hogwarts one way or another; I may as well resign myself to accepting it and make it as safe as possible." Dumbledore said. "But I am intrigued by your request for the pensieve."

Looking between Dumbledore and Lupin, Harry continued, "Remus, if Professor Dumbledore is willing, would you place the memories of anything you remember about the mirrors in Professor Dumbledore's pensieve? Perhaps there's some clue there?"

"I'm in, Harry," Remus answered. "We can try."

"And you may certainly have use of the pensieve."

Finally Harry looked to Flamel, "And Professor, is there anything else, any book, any clue, or anything else you can find out about that story you told earlier?"

Then Flamel, "I will see what I might find."

Hermione nodded thoughtfully at Dumbledore. "I can look through the library here too; the collection here has many dark books that are not in the restricted section at, er, uh, what I think would be in the restricted section at Hogwarts."

"Perhaps you will find that the lack of an invisibility cloak will enhance your ability to become more familiar with the Hogwarts collection, dear girl." Dumbledore said with a straight face as the others laughed and Hermione colored. Molly sighed in relief; this was certainly an improvement to the situation she had walked in on. Hearing Harry's voice echo through the house, she had feared that someone - whoever was on the other side of that argument with Harry - wouldn't be leaving the room upright and under their own power.

"Professors, is there anyone else who knows much about blood magic?" Harry asked.

Dumbledore looked down for a moment and sighed. "Of the current staff, Professor Snape would have the greatest familiarity... his work, and his cover have often required that he work with many dark things."

"Will he help?" Harry asked, without hesitation.

"I shall ask him, Harry; but since our meeting a day ago, he has barely left his chambers; I have tried to see him twice, but each time he has refused me."

Harry nodded.

Flamel said, "Harry, if I may, I wish to take these mirrors and study them."

"What ever you need, Professor. Though one belongs to Professor Lupin."

"Thank you, Harry. Remus, if I may?" Flamel asked.

"Harry, unless there is some other matter you can think of to discuss further, Nicholas and I shall return to Hogwarts and begin; I would be grateful if you would plan to begin your search in the morning in order that we may have a few hours to prepare and ensure the safety of you all. And if Remus would join us, perhaps two hours from now, I will give him the pensieve so that he may begin collecting the relevant thoughts."

Harry had chaffed at this delay, but Hermione pointed out they could begin in the library on the third floor. Remus agreed to meet them later at Hogwarts, saying there was another errand he needed to complete in Diagon Alley first. Dumbledore promised to send a portkey for them to use in the following morning, and to meet them in the Hogwarts library. Dumbledore, Flamel and Lupin took their leave and walked down the steps in order to leave the house to apparate to their respective destinations.

Walking down the stairs, Flamel said softly, "Brian, did you fully realize the amount of power young Harry manifested a short time ago?"

Dumbledore chuckled, "Nicholas, I was very much aware. I expected for a few moments that I would directly experience the brunt of its force."

"Has Harry shown such strength before?"

"Harry... has always performed above expectations; any reasonable expectations; even beyond wildest hopes in a crisis. But no, I have never seen him manifest such raw power before. Indeed, I am not sure I could have withstood him had he chosen to attack. Did you see him seal the room? He didn't even move his hand; that was with the force of his mind alone."

It was Flamel's turn to chuckle. "My friend, I am not sure that we both together could have withstood him. The strength of his feeling for his godfather coupled with righteous anger was potent indeed. It is hardly a secret that I'm long past my prime - even you, my friend, are slipping past middle age. But sealing the door? Was there some significance to that?"

"When I returned with Harry from the ministry; I had closed him within my office and refused to allow him to leave until he heard me out."

"He clearly learns and uses what has proven effective."

Dumbledore nodded. "But this time he managed to control his anger. And that in Harry is a significant change, even from a few days ago. If Harry had manifested such power several days ago in my office, not only would he have walked out through what was left of the doorway, they would be updating my Magic Frog card even now."

"I suppose that in this regard, what escapes you, Brian, is obvious to me because of Perenelle. When Harry stood before you that night, he was woefully incomplete. That is becoming less and less the case, as their strengths reinforce each other's weaknesses. You perhaps owe more than you now realize to the Weasley girl; not only did she temper his anger today, she saved your Potions Master before." Again Flamel chucked. "I shall not tell Harry this, at least for some time, however, things might actually have been far better had you told him to hold Ginny Weasley's hand last year."

Remus joined the discussion as they reached the front door. "It was uncanny; Harry has always looked a lot like James, but for a few minutes there, it was like seeing James reincarnated. The total lack of doubt, rallying us to the cause, way he took control back there... and Ginny standing beside him, with her hair and build so like Lily..."

Dumbledore nodded as they walked outside, closing the door behind them. "I too was reminded of James and Lily."

"I will come to Hogwarts as soon as I finish in Diagon Alley," Remus said just before apparating away.

"You may as well start giving thought as to how you will accommodate them next year at school." Flamel said. "I hope you are not entertaining the thought they will quietly return to their dormitories."

"Truthfully, I had not yet even begun to consider that; it being over two months away. Though it seems a valid point. I am far more concerned about what I have not yet told Harry."

"As well you might, after today's encounter. At the very least, doing so should be easier as recent events seem to have eliminated the meanings we feared most from the second sentence. Harry has been indeed been freed, and Ginny is unharmed."

"And it may shed light on the next sentence as well," Dumbledore mused. "If Harry is the person referred to in the second person, does this suggest he might actually be able to free Sirius? And if 'the servant' refers to Pettigrew, this has disturbing implications as well. He was able to enter the castle and remain undetected before; I am worried about having Harry and other students in the castle with so few about; even the two of us together do not know every secret of Hogwarts."

"I am more concerned with 'death and the dead'. That strongly suggests more than a single issue or entity with which we must contend."

"Indeed, we cannot be sure 'death' refers to the same thing in both places. I am still perplexed by 'two shall be three then burn'; when I first heard it, I had thought the meaning were clear; that two should burn... but in the order it's given, it makes no sense."

"As events unfold," Flamel said, "their meanings will become clear. It would seem we have a reasonable understanding of the first portion. Doubtless, the rest will become clear as events unfold."

There were two pops as they apparated to a point near the Hogwarts gate.

(******)

On the fourth floor, Harry and Ginny had reclaimed their seats, and Ron and Hermione had taken possession of the other couch after Molly had risen to walk around the room. She settled into the chair that had been vacated by Flamel a few minutes before. "When we were cleaning last year, we never really got in here. This really needs a lot of work, and I still have no idea what we're going to do about a hippogriff in that third floor bedroom."

"We'll manage, Mrs. Weasley," Harry replied. "You never saw my room at Privet drive, did you? Not only is anything Dursley-free an improvement, but any house where you are will always be something theirs never was - a home."

"How can you say that, Harry? I failed you horribly. All the clues were there; I just didn't put them together..."

"No, you couldn't even imagine anything like that, and you can't know how much it means to me to know people like you exist, that are untainted by all the bad in the world and can still think the best of everyone, even the Dursleys."

Molly moved from her chair and settled beside Harry and held him close for several moments, rocking him back and forth. For the first time, Harry attempted to tease Molly, "Besides, Mrs. Weasley, that last care package you sent over more than made up for the rest."

It took her a moment to understand his meaning, "Harry, did you just... you did, didn't you."

Ron chuckled as Ginny gave him an annoyed look; Hermione looked at Ron with faux concern, "Ron, what have they done with Harry? You know, our shy best friend, about four inches shorter than you, wears glasses? That can't possibly be him over there."

"Harry, that does bring up something I had wanted to ask you," Molly ignored her youngest son and Hermione. "Mrs. Weasley seems rather formal, under the circumstances. Would you like to call me Molly?"

Harry thought for a moment, then looked at Ginny for several moments, then Ron. "I'd... that is, if Ginny and Ron er, wouldn't mind that is... I'd rather call you Mum."

Molly blinked back tears. "But Harry... I'm honored more than I can say that you would even think such a thing; but I could never take the place of your mother..."

"But you have; when she couldn't be here, you were." Harry thought back to his first Christmas at Hogwarts, when he had received the first of the five jumpers Mrs. Weasley had made for him, and how welcome she made him feel the first time he arrived at The Burrow. And how she and Bill had come to Hogwarts as his family during the tournament. "And you didn't have to be; you went out of you way to make me feel like part of a family," he glanced sidewise at Ginny, still with a bit of lingering guilt, "even after all that's happened between Ginny and me. I'll always love my mother, but calling you Mum takes nothing from her." He paused, hoping he had not presumed too much. "If it's ok with you, that is. And Ginny, and Ron."

Ginny's eyes shown into his; "Harry... I'm the seventh child. If there's one thing I understand, it's sharing... even though I'm not always real good at it." She looked between him and her mother, trying to put her feelings into words. "But sharing Mum... is easy; it doesn't make my share less... her heart just grows larger." She grinned, wickedly. "Besides, you've also just made Mum happy enough that she may - eventually - forgive your investment in Weasley's Wizard Wheezes."

Ron gave his approval. "Brilliant, Harry." Hermione was quiet, but blinked suspiciously.

"Harry, please call me Mum." Molly pulled him back in a hug, again slowly rocking back and forth. They sat that way for perhaps a minute; they all started as Mrs. Black's screaming could be heard from below.

"Honestly." Molly sighed. "I suppose it was just luck that no one set her off before now. I detest that painting. But I didn't think anyone else was here."

Ron stood, "We'll check it out." Hermione stood up with him.

"Not by yourselves." Molly said firmly.

"We'll all go." Harry stood, and then helped Ginny to her feet.

Molly insisted on leading the way; as they moved between the third and fourth floor, a banging sound could be heard. She increased her pace; a few moments later, they were moving down the staircase to the ground floor. The screaming had continued, not only from Mrs. Black's portrait but also from all the portraits lining the entrance hall. Molly suddenly stopped as she started to take in the activity taking place in the entrance hall; Harry and Ginny had also come down far enough to see into the room; Ron and Hermione behind them could not. As Molly, Harry and Ginny stood there gaping, Ron and Hermione slipped beside them until they could also see into the room.

"Bloody hell!" Ron finally attempted to verbalize what everyone was feeling. The troll leg umbrella stand was gone. At least 200 house elves, almost all of them wearing Hogwarts tea towels, were scurrying about the entrance hall. Some were removing screaming portraits, others were ripping up the frayed carpet; several groups were removing the peeling wallpaper, but the largest group was clustered around the portrait of Mrs. Black, who was still screaming, but this time in fear. The elves had attached some sort of cord to the portrait in many places, and as Dobby - clearly recognizable in his colorful clothes - counted off, the house elves pulled mightily on the cord. Slowly, very slowly, the portrait began to peel from the wall, in places taking large chunks of plaster with it. Dobby called for one more pull; the elves put their backs into it, and the portrait finally separated from the wall. Several house elves picked up the still screaming portrait and carried it down the basement stairs.

Dobby then ran to the group on the stairs. "Dobby's friends came to help Dobby. They will help Dobby fix Harry Potters house where it is fit for the great Harry Potter and his Wheezys."

Hermione spotted two house elves carrying away the mounted house elf heads. "Dobby," she asked, "where is Kreacher?"

"Kreacher betrayed this house and his master. But Kreacher was a house elf. When his master was killed, Kreacher punished himself greatly. Kreacher could not leave his bed. When Kreacher saw Dobby, Kreacher thought his time was over. Kreacher used the last of his magic to cut off Kreacher's head." Dobby shook his head sadly. "In many Dark houses it has long been so." Dobby then motioned them toward the stairs to the basement. "But come, come, see what Dobby and his friends have done."

Dobby led them down the stairs; everywhere they looked they could see where the house elves had started to work. Dobby proudly led them into the kitchen. They all looked around in wonder; the room was hardly recognizable. The rough walls had been given at least two fresh coats of paint, lightening it considerably. The fireplace appeared new and unused; the pots and utensils gleamed. The floor was freshly tiled, and the table covered with a blue-checkered tablecloth, and cushions had been placed in the seat of each chair. Molly walked into the pantry, and emerged shaking her head. "This is remarkable. This was all done in less than an hour; I barely recognize the place. The larder is fully stocked."

Dobby bowed. "We will make this a fit house for Harry Potter and his friends." He then ran back out the door; they could hear him issuing instructions to the other house elves.

Hermione was looking at Harry with disapproval written all over her face; Harry said, "Look, Hermione, I hired Dobby. I had no idea he would pull something like this. But, you know, this isn't so bad. This room actually looks pretty good."

"But Harry..."

"Hermione, look, I'll pay every last house elf every last Galleon you can get them to accept. I'll pay them willingly, cheerfully. But don't go leaving clothes thrown all over the house. All that did was make extra work for Dobby last year at school. None of the other elves would work in the Gryffindor common room."

Hermione looked scandalized, but said, "Ok, Harry, but I'm going to hold you to your word. I'll certainly try to talk them into taking a fair wage. But now, I want to start looking through the library here."

"I'll help." Harry turned to Molly, "We'll be in the library on the third floor, Mum."

She smiled at the first use of her new designation, "Ok, kids, be careful." She began to make a more careful inspection of the kitchen as Hermione led them back up the stairs.