Reign O'er Me

Chapter 10 - Join Together

When you here this sound a-comin',
Hear the drummers drumming,
I want you to join together with the band...

You don't have to play,
You can follow or lead the way,
I want you to join together with the band.

Join Together, The Who

(**********)

"It must have been a bloody century since anyone's even looked at most of the stuff in here," Ron complained, as he brushed the dust away to read the titles along the spines of the shelved books. He had used his wand to clear away the dust and cobwebs on the first few shelves until one of the books opened, releasing a gale of it's own. They had coughed for several minutes with all the dust in the air; Ron had decided, not without rather detailed input from Hermione, that non-magical means might be safer in this unknown library.

Ron searched the stacks as Hermione, Harry and Ginny sat around a table, flipping through likely volumes. To free their hands, Ginny had placed one slender ankle against Harry's; both were careful to maintain contact.

"Foundations, castles, armor, swords... even doors. But not a single mention of anything made of glass, let alone mirrors." Ginny sighed.

"So far nothing here either. Are you having any luck, Hermione?" Harry asked.

"Nothing useful; though many of these books are quite dark. I doubt some of them would even be in the restricted section at Hogwarts."

"Ouch! Dammit!" Ron suddenly cried.

"All right, Ron?" they all asked.

"Bloody book bit me," he said, holding his hand.

"Did you find a copy of the Monster Book of Monsters?" Harry asked.

"I don't know. I'm really not interested in taking a closer look."

"It doesn't sound like anything close to what we'd be looking for anyway," Hermione coaxed. "But you're making good progress." She looked thoughtful for a moment, and then looked at Harry. "Harry, a little while ago you said something about a prophecy...."

Ginny and Harry exchanged looks. Hermione pressed on. "You weren't talking about what Trelawney said in our third year, were you?"

Ron had abandoned his search and moved to stand behind Hermione; he'd seen the look Harry and Ginny exchanged. He looked at Harry, his hurt obvious. "Ginny knows, doesn't she?"

Harry looked down, unwilling to look his first friend in the eyes. "Sirius... in his letter... told her. And since then, so much has happened; we haven't had a lot of time to talk. And I hated to dump this on you; though given what you've said, it's only fair you both should know." He paused, thinking. "Knowing this may put you at greater risk; my father told Sirius; Dumbledore knows; he heard the prophecy when it was given; and Flamel saw Sirius' letter, so he knows for sure. And from what Dumbledore said at Mrs. Figg's, I think McGonagall and Mum both know." He first looked at Hermione; she didn't waver; with difficulty, he met Ron's eyes.

Harry nodded slowly. "Before I was born, Sybill Trelawney was applying a teaching job at Hogwarts; Dumbledore met with her, and during that meeting, she zoned out like she did in third year." He paused; he felt Ginny's hand slip in to his; Ron and Hermione waited patiently. "What she said was, 'The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies....'"

"Oh, Harry!" Hermione said, as she began to parse through the words. "It all fits," she mused, "what you meant when you said you wanted to win, what Dumbledore said... and Voldemort marked you." She looked at him strangely, and repeated a strange turn of phrase Harry remembered Perenelle Flamel using when she'd examined them. "You're the champion presumptive...."

"Dumbledore told me the right after the Ministry," Harry said. "I wasn't sure what to say to any of you; then, Sirius told Ginny in his letter, and things since have happened so fast...." He looked apologetically at Ron.

"It's ok, mate." Ron said. "It's funny in a way; I'd always thought it would be Dumbledore...."

Harry shook his head, "I wish it were. But even at the ministry, all he did was buy some time. Sooner or later, it comes down to him and me."

Hermione looked horrified. "But it doesn't say you'll defeat him," she whispered. "It says one must die at the hand of the other.... Oh, Harry, how could you stand to keep something like that to yourself?"

"I've got a job to do, Hermione, and I'm going to give it everything I've got. You know, the two of you don't have to do this; the smart thing to do would be to get as far away from me as possible."

"Hermione may be the cleverest witch in our year, if not the whole school, but I guess neither of us are very smart," Ron said, grinning, "if you insist on putting it that way. What would you expect us to do?"

Harry grinned wickedly. "Well, let's see. There's the great Weasley baby race with a 200,000 Galleon prize."

"I thought the whole idea of our being here was to put an end to that nonsense," Hermione said primly.

Ginny, noting Ron looking like he had a comeback prepared that he was itching to use, agreed, "Hermione is right; we've got work to do; let's get back to the search."

Dobby had brought them a platter of sandwiches; he had told them Mr. Weasley was downstairs and Mrs. Weasley wanted Harry and Ginny to remain upstairs for now. Harry had looked a bit nervous; Hermione had reassured him. "Don't worry Harry, I already dealt with your biggest problem," as Ginny giggled.

After skimming through several dozen more books, the summons Harry had been dreading came. Dobby had returned and said, "Harry Potter, Sir, the Mr. And Mrs. Wheezy request Harry Potter and his lady Wheezy join them in the drawing room."

Harry looked helplessly at Ginny, who smiled encouragingly and said, "How can Harry Potter, who's beaten Voldemort time after time, possibly be afraid of poor little old Arthur Weasley?"

"Wow, that's such a tough one." Ron grinned wickedly. "Maybe it was something to do with snogging his daughter? Or maybe not, he didn't get upset when he heard about you and Michael Corner."

Ginny gave her brother a withering glare. "Michael kissed me exactly once." She looked at Harry and added under her breath, "He was a lousy kisser."

"Of course by the time the twins let the cat out of the bag, you'd already broken up with him, so maybe that doesn't count. But Harry here's a live one. But maybe it's about where you're spending your nights. What a waste when the two of you can't go for the prize."

Ginny looked crestfallen and on the verge of tears. She looked at Ron as if deeply wounded, then hung her head and said, "That's the only thing I regret."

Hermione glared at Ron; Harry had felt Ginny give his hand a quick squeeze and kept his expression blank. Ron stuttered, "I'm... I'm sorry, Ginny. I didn't...."

Ginny then looked up at Ron, a glare in her eye, and her wand in her free hand. "I only regret I didn't do it a lot earlier, you git. If you were half the Gryffindor even Percy was... Let's go, Harry." She pulled him from the room.

As they walked down the stairs, Harry whispered, "I'm sure glad you're on my side."

Ginny giggled. "Don't worry about Dad. Just let me handle him, ok?"

"Is that what you'll say when I get old and cranky? Just let me handle grumpy old Harry?"

Ginny suddenly stopped there, in the middle of the stairs between the 3^rd and 4^th floors and throwing her arms around him, pulled him into a kiss. "I didn't say anything before when you said you wanted to grow old with me. You don't know how much it means to me for you to talk about the future... our future, and about being old."

"Let's just hope I still have a future about five minutes from now."

Ginny led him down the remaining stairs and into the drawing room; the house elf crew had not yet reached this room. Arthur and Molly were already seated, waiting. Molly motioned to an empty loveseat near by; with a tug Ginny led Harry forward and they sat.

There was an uncomfortable silence; then Arthur, after being nudged by Molly, said, "Hello Ginny. And you too, Harry."

"Hi, Dad."

"Uh, hello, Mr. Weasley."

"I can't say that I'm very comfortable with this situation. Dumbledore has insisted that neither of you could have possibly intended for this," and looking to Molly, "And I still can't believe you encouraged them. And letting them... unsupervised... Ginny is far too young to..."

"Too young, Dad?" Ginny interrupted. "Didn't you and Mum get together at the end of your fifth year and her fourth? And didn't your mother; my grandmother marry after leaving Hogwarts after her fifth year? To Granddad, who she'd fancied since her 2^nd year?"

"That's totally different. Things were different back then."

"How, Arthur?" Molly asked, "How were they different?"

"It was accepted... It was a different time; it was just different."

"Mum, when did Dad kiss you the first time?"

"Molly...."

"Why, dear, it was on the train back from Hogwarts after my fourth year. I thought he'd never work up the nerve."

"Molly!"

"But that one time was all it took. The next year at Hogwarts, we must have seen inside of every broom closet in Hogwarts at least once a week. In fact, once...."

"Molly!!!"

"I'm still puzzled, Arthur dear. Or is it true what they say? That there's nothing a man fears more than his daughter will meet someone just like he was when he was a boy?"

"Please, Molly, I'm trying to talk to the children. This is serious."

"Dad, is it that you don't approve of Harry? From what you and Mum said, I'd thought you both liked Harry. That he was such a polite young man. Respectful. Brave...."

Arthur had not expected to be on the defensive. "Uh, Harry is a fine young wizard, but Ginny, the operative word is young. As in too young...."

"Too young for what, Father? He certainly wasn't too young to save me from Tom Riddle and kill Slytherin's basilisk. And that was three bloody years ago!" Ginny was showing the first signs of anger.

"Ginny, please, language. That's no way to talk," Molly scolded.

A look passed between mother and daughter; she needed to keep her temper. Molly then said, "Arthur, if it hadn't been for Harry, we wouldn't be having this conversation. And after he saved your daughter in the Chamber of Secrets, giving us another two years of peace in the process, didn't you say that Ginny could certainly do worse than to fancy a boy like...?"

"MOLLY!!!"

Ginny's voice was calm again. "Ok, then, what is it really? Is it the raw deal fate has dealt Harry? Don't look at me like that; you both know damned well what I'm talking about. Is it really that Harry's too dangerous? That Voldemort keeps coming after him? Is that the kind of values you've taught us? To do what's easy and safe, instead of what's right? You should have thought about that the first time you took him in at The Burrow. And if that's how you feel, what in bloody hell are you involved in the Order for anyway?"

"Ginny that's er, I meant, uh, that..." Arthur shook his head, frustrated.

"So that IS it, then. Harry's too dangerous for your precious little Gin-gin? It's different for you, for Mum, for Bill and Charlie, even the twins to risk everything by standing up for what they believe in and working for the Order, but not me?"

"Ginny... please listen; you're still in school; it's no that... you're not ready... maybe I'm not ready... I... I just want you to be safe."

"Then you should be ecstatic. I'm with the one wizard who can do something about Voldemort. Do you know where the sword came from that Harry used to slay the basilisk? It wasn't in the chamber. It wasn't even at Hogwarts. Even Dumbledore couldn't tell us where it came from, but Mrs. Flamel knew. In order to protect me, Harry pulled Godric Gryffindor's sword from his cold, dead hands from somewhere near Stonehenge. There's no place safer for me than with Harry.

"This isn't sudden. I've always loved Harry; even when he was no more than a dream from the stories you told me about the little boy who defeated the most evil wizard of them all. Then when I was 10, I met the real Harry, and my heart knew even then. He wasn't a fairy tale prince, but he was a very real hero. My childhood dreams came true a few days ago - fighting evil at his side.

"Dad, I already owe Harry a life debt; by wizarding tradition, you couldn't deny him my hand should he ask. Not that I thought he would; for a long time, I didn't think Harry knew I existed. I dated half the guys in my year or above trying to forget about him; I wanted him to be happy; if it couldn't be me, I wanted Harry to find his true love. After all, what could I possibly offer him, poor little skinny me in second-hand hand-me-down robes?

"If it hadn't been for Sirius.... While you were busy saving the world from biting teacups and playing cloak and dagger for the Order, if it hadn't been for Sirius, I might still be unhappy and working my way through the other half of the guys at Hogwarts. And Harry... you saw Harry last year.

"Understand this, Dad. I love Harry. That's not going to change. This is what I want. Not following him, not chasing him, but by his side. I'm with him. I'm sleeping wit... beside him."

Molly feared Ginny was about to push her father too far. "Ginny!!!"

Ginny continued, undeterred, "Yes, sleeping, Mum. Get used to it, both of you. It's not going to change." She looked down for a moment, and then raised her eyes to her father and continued softly, pleading. "Please be happy for me Daddy; give us your blessing. I love you too, Dad. Please don't make me choose."

Arthur's resolve had slipped away bit by bit; her last words, however, demolished whatever residual remained. Meeting her gaze, "This is really how you feel, Ginevra?"

"Dad, didn't Professor Dumbledore tell you we could have never bonded if either of us had any doubt?"

"No, actually, it was Perenelle Flamel... Ginny. This is going to take a little getting used to, but... you have my blessings. Harry, please take care of her." He looked down. "You now have my greatest treasure."

"No, Dad." Harry said, instinctively, recalling Ginny's earlier answer. "Ginny's heart is big enough for both of us."

Ginny had tugged Harry to his feet. "Come on, this is where I go and hug Dad and cry on his shoulder a bit, so he doesn't have time to figure out what just happened."

"I know all too well what just happened," Arthur said. "You've wrapped me around your little finger since you were born. It's no accident there have been no Weasley daughters for generations...."

Harry and Ginny talked with her parents for perhaps twenty minutes more, all small talk about Arthur's work and the progress Dobby and his friends were making on the basement and ground floor levels of the house. As they made their way up the stairs, Harry teased, "What's this poor little skinny girl routine? I happen to know this little skinny girl is wearing a half-million Galleon ruby and has a vault full of Galleons."

"But I can't keep it; Sirius is alive. Will you still like me when I'm just poor little Ginny Weasley again?"

"Oh, wow, I hadn't even thought about that. Though somehow, I don't think that pendant will go anywhere. What a mess this is going to be to untangle." He smiled at her. "And what a wonderful problem to have. Whatever else, they can hardly take back him being cleared."

"But we have to find him first. I wonder if Ron and Hermione have found anything?"

Ron and Hermione hadn't. In fact, after being successively knocked off his feet, burned and cut Ron had given up searching through the stacks. Hermione had taken his hand to steady it as she healed the cut, but she didn't let go. The search was temporarily set aside. Ginny and Harry entered the library unnoticed.

"Ron, you hypocrite. I wonder how Mr. Granger would feel about this." Ginny laughed.

"Get a room, you two." Harry chuckled.

"You know, it's Harry's house, at least for now," Ginny added helpfully. "He has plenty of rooms."

Harry turned to Ginny. "Do you think your Dad could handle this tonight, too?"

Ginny smirked. "Might be more fun to tell Mum."

Ron had been waiting for something like this. Summoning his most innocent, hurt look, "Harry... all through Hogwarts, it was you who showed us how to fight against him. And last year, in the DA, you taught us so much. But I have to say," Ron could no longer keep the smirk off his face, "I like your latest way of fighting You-Know-Who better than all the others put together."

They all laughed, Harry awkwardly holding his sides while trying to keep his grip on Ginny's hand. Finally, Harry asked, "Any luck?"

Hermione shook her head. "None. It's hard for Ron to sort through the books; some of them keep attacking as he tries to clear away enough dust to read the titles."

"Maybe Dobby or some of his friends," Ginny looked warily at Hermione, "are used to cleaning magical libraries and could help."

"Milady, may Dobby be of service?"

Surprising them, Hermione asked, "Dobby, we're trying to find books to help us reach Sirius. But it's hard going; both magical and muggle ways of removing the dust cause problems. Do you know how to safely clear away the dust?"

"Of course, Miss, all house elves know how to clean a library. And Dobby has much experience with very many dark books. But it will be very dusty. Harry Potter and Harry Potter's friends should go to another room while we work. And it will take a little time."

"Ok, Dobby, thank you." Hermione nodded. "Since these are my books, I will pay you for this since it's not part of your duties for Harry."

"But Miss has already given Dobby so many wonderful caps."

Harry sighed, "Just humor her, Dobby."

"Dobby will do as the noble Harry Potter asks, Miss.

As Dobby turned to leave, Ginny called out, "Dobby, wait. What did you call me a minute ago?"

"Milady, Dobby called Harry Potter's lady Wheezy 'Milady'. Is this not how Dobby should address the lady of the house? Would Milady prefer Miss Wheezy? Or Mrs. Potter?"

"Uh... just Ginny is fine, Dobby."

"Dobby could never be so familiar with great Harry Potter's beautify lady, Milady. While Dobby cleans, Milady might wish to inspect Harry Potter's rooms and see if they meet Milady's approval until Dobby can do better." He then turned and sped through the door.

Hermione and Ron were staring at Ginny, but Harry wasn't about to open THAT can of worms right now. "Hermione, did I hear that correctly? You actually asked a house elf to do something?"

Hermione looked slightly defensive. "I am paying him, Harry. And it's for Sirius. If it lets us find what we need faster...."

Harry nodded, his eyes communicating his thanks.

"Well, I've breathed enough dust," Ron declared. "Let's let Dobby have the place. Why don't we go see your rooms, Harry? It sounds like Dobby has done something up there."

They climbed the stairs to the fourth floor; if Dobby had done anything in Harry's suite, they certainly had not touched the rest of the floor. However, when they opened the double doors, it was like walking into a different house. The carpets and wallpaper had been replaced; the floors covered with a thick beige carpet; the wallpaper was also a light color that made the room seem much brighter. New drapes, a pale gold, hung at the sparkling windows, and all of the furniture had been recovered in a light red fabric. The tables and other wood were polished to show room condition.

"Wow, Harry, this is wicked," Ron said.

"It's hard to believe this is in the same house," Hermione agreed.

They toured the other rooms; the bedroom was immaculate; the sleigh bed polished and made with a cover displaying what Harry recognized as his family coat of arms. The trunks were empty and stored in the closets; their things put away, the table cleared of papers. "Harry, this is perfect," Ginny said. "Did Dobby actually say until he could do better? I've rarely seen such a fine room, let alone stayed in one."

"It's amazing what he's done in such a short time," Harry agreed.

"Harry, its getting late," Hermione said. "Perhaps the best thing to do is call it a night and get plenty of rest before tackling the Hogwarts library tomorrow."

Harry reluctantly agreed. "Maybe you're right. Dobby needs some time anyway. But I keep feeling that we're not doing enough fast enough. It's been days already since the Ministry."

"Harry, Sirius knows we're coming," Ginny said. "He knows to hold on. Dumbledore and Lupin have to have time to do their parts, too."

"I know, I know. It doesn't make it easier, though."

Hermione and Ron said their goodnights and headed downstairs; Ginny led Harry into the bath, which also was gleaming from Dobby's efforts. "I'm going to fill that tub with hot water and the thickest bubbles I can find. Are you going to join me or sit on the edge?" Ginny asked.

(**********)

An hour later they were lying together in the great sleigh bed, Ginny dressed in a pair of Harry's boxers and a t-shirt. She had spotted the snitch-patterned boxers in his drawer, and had claimed them at once as her sleep apparel. She had again bound their wrists; they were both sleepy. "I'd thought tonight we'd be able to remind Tom that nights no longer belong just to him, but I don't think either of us would last very long."

"I can't believe all that's happened. Just this morning we were in Little Whinging, we were staying at the Dursleys; now I'll never stay at 4 Privet drive again; Sirius may be alive, we're in his house, and you're still here."

"Of course I'm still here, Silly. Where else would I be?"

"I keep feeling I'm afraid I'm going to wake up. But remind me I never want to get in an argument with you."

Ginny giggled, striking Harry that he'd heard that quite a bit more when they were alone. "I told you, Potter, your life was going to get simpler. Just do what I say, and you won't have to argue."

"You know, I'm the one that's supposed to have been emancipated here." Harry teased.

"Isn't it lucky I came along to fill the void," she asked, grinning.

"Yes, Milady"

"Harry, that's what Dobby calls me. To you, it'll always be just Ginny."

(**********)

The next morning, Hermione had walked down to the kitchen a little before eight, followed half an hour or so by Ron, freshly showered but still yawning. Molly had asked Hermione to call Harry and Ginny as she finished preparing their breakfast; Hermione did so, suspecting that were still aspects of their lives Molly still wasn't prepared to confront directly.

Hermione knocked then entered; Harry was dressed; Ginny had a pair of jeans and a t-shirt laid out; the shirt had once read "He caught the snitch and all I got was this lame shirt" but now read "He caught the snitch and I caught the seeker."

"Ginny!" Hermione tried to sound shocked, "are those Harry's?"

Ginny glanced down, remembering the snitch-covered boxers she wore, and nodded. "Try it before you knock it. There're pretty comfortable. I can see now why guys usually don't bother with pajamas."

"Anyway, breakfast is ready."

"Ok, we were just about to come down."

Hermione waited in the sitting room; Harry and Ginny emerged from their room after a few minutes and the three headed down the stairs. As they passed the third floor, Harry noticed the carpets had been removed and house elf voices could be heard on the floor. He asked Hermione, "Have you looked at the library this morning?"

"Yes; Dobby delivered. Not one spec of dust in the whole place; but it will take forever to sort them all out; there's no index or catalog, and there's no organization; it seems completely random."

"Will it be any easier at Hogwarts? There are even more books there," Ginny asked.

"The Hogwarts collection is at least organized; we know what we're looking for is in the restricted section, and that alone cuts it quite a bit. And with a bit of luck, Professor Lupin can help us find some clues," Hermione replied.

They continued down the stairs and entered the kitchen; Molly greeted them as she placed a heaping plate before each of them; she then told the four teens that Tonks had earlier left a portkey for them that would transport them to Hogwarts. Molly placed the key ring that Dumbledore had used the previous day on the table in front of them, and told them how to activate it

They ate a leisurely breakfast, mostly listening to Hermione outline the search strategy she planned to use. Harry had tuned most of it out after the first few minutes, knowing that Hermione would give minute directions once they had begun; he was eager to get started. He hated the time they had already lost; the necessity of sleep; waiting until today to start in the Hogwarts library; however rushing into things headlong had not always been the best solution; they had at least made some progress last night in the Grimmauld Place library. Harry also worried about Snape; would he help? Even if he did, would it buy them anything? Could they even trust anything he gave them?

It was finally time to leave for Hogwarts. Molly hugged each of them, wishing them luck. Harry held out the portkey; they all touched it, and Harry triggered it. Shortly thereafter they found themselves in Dumbledore's office; Harry was surprised; he'd expected to arrive in the library.

Dumbledore was behind the desk; Flamel was seated nearby; suddenly the room filled with Phoenix song; Harry turned to Fawkes' perch; he had heard Fawkes trill a few notes from time to time, but nothing like this. To his, and the other three teens, amazement, Fawkes was not alone; the perch was shared with another spectacular bird. Both were in full voice. The teens felt their spirits soar, uplifted by the two birds joined in song, strangely, Dumbledore and Flamel did not look enthralled; they seemed to be alarmed. Harry's mind recorded this anomaly but for now, he merely listened.

After a few moments, the birds ceased their song; both professors nodded in greeting, and Dumbledore said, "I believe all of you are familiar with Fawkes. The phoenix on the right is Pymander, the companion of Professor Flamel."

Hermione said, "It is unusual to see two such creatures together; I've never even read of two such birds joining in song; that was exquisite."

Harry noticed a flicker of relief pass over Dumbledore's face; again, he filed this away to think about later.

Dumbledore waved his wand and conjured seats for them; two additional chairs appeared as well. "Professor Lupin will join us shortly; it is my hope that Professor Snape will as well. I know we had intended to start in the library; however, I changed the portkey to bring you here. I expect that you may want to come and go, and I believe it is safer for you to arrive here. I fear the castle is not as safe in the summer, with few people moving about. While I believe Hogwarts to be safe from any gross attack, I cannot be completely certain something has not slipped into the castle. Sirius was certainly able to slip in undetected."

There was a knock, the door opened, and Lupin entered, carrying the pensieve. He placed it on the desk, and then took one of the empty chairs. He nodded at the assembled group. "I've placed everything I could think of in there. I don't think there's very much."

"Thank you, Remus. We will view these shortly; let us give Professor Snape a few more minutes."

Another knock came a few moments later; and Snape entered the room. Harry noticed he did not look particularly well; his eyes were sunken and his features were paler than normal. "I am here, as you required, Headmaster."

"Thank you, Severus. We are here because Professors Flamel and Lupin have uncovered information indicating that Sirius Black may still be alive." Dumbledore continued, outlining the events of the day before; as he talked, the sneer on Snape's face grew.

"Headmaster, while an intriguing... tale, I do see that I have anything to contribute, and even less desire to do so. Regardless of your fondness for mongrels and strays, I can only view a world without Sirius Black as a better place."

Hermione stepped on Ron's foot as he started to make an angry retort; Dumbledore also gave all of the teens a cautioning look; to his relief, Harry showed no reaction. "Severus, I have asked you here because we believe the mirrors were made with some sort of blood magic; you have a great knowledge of such enchantments. I had hoped you might offer some clue as to how the mirrors had been enchanted."

"It is hardly surprising Potter and Block would have resorted to such magic in making trifles; they would always charge in where even the Dark Lord refused to tread. But in this case, I am afraid I know of no blood magic involving the enchantment of mirrors. But... No."

"Professor Snape, you remembered something," Harry said.

Snape glared at Harry. "So, Potter, turn about is fair play? Now you, like the Dark Lord invade my surface thoughts at will?"

"No, sir. I saw the look that crossed your face. I've learned to read your expressions over the last five years. Most of us do; it's a survival skill in your class."

"Then you should realize this, Potter, I meant exactly what I said about the world being a better place without Sirius Black's mangy presence. The only regret I have of his passing was that I didn't blast him through that arch myself."

Dumbledore motioned for Harry to stop, but he ignored Dumbledore and pressed on. "Is it because of what you showed me in the pensieve, Professor? And because of what almost happened with you and Professor Lupin?"

"What do you think, boy? Though I hardly 'showed' it to you. Like your father and his flea bitten sidekick, you charge ahead, without regard for anyone around you. However, what you saw, and what you know do not even make the tip of the iceberg."

"Harry..." Dumbledore warned.

"I'm sorry, Professor Dumbledore, but Professor Snape has asked me a question. I will answer it to the best of my ability." Harry said calmly, no trace of anger in his voice. "I think that's part of it Professor Snape, and I'm sorry for that. I apologize for everything that my father and Sirius Black ever did to you. They were wrong; no one deserves to be treated as you were. I also apologize for not always treating you with the respect that your position deserves. You deserved better, and I was wrong."

Snape looked at Harry, unbelieving. His look of incredulity was matched on the faces of Ron and Hermione, who were looking at Harry if he were barking mad. Lupin, however, looked thoughtful. "Severus, I too was a Marauder; I also apologize on their behalf, and my own. James was a git at 15; so was Sirius. We all were at that age, and you were as well. You always gave as good as you got; our advantage was there was four of us. But James at least outgrew that; that's why everyone remembers him as the man he was, rather than the hooligan he was as a kid."

Snape was livid. "Are you suggesting that I am acting...."

"Professor Lupin is suggesting nothing, Professor Snape, other than you still have a chance to make a difference." Harry spoke calmly, but interrupting Snape. "But I have not answered you fully yet. I have no doubt that how you feel about my father and Sirius' actions are a factor, but not a significant one. You are not that petty. Professor, I know the truth. Snape face flowed with emotion; anger, fear, hurt; more that Harry couldn't place. "I know, Professor. You don't hate me for our differences; you hate me for what we hold in common. Will you help, Professor? Please. If not for my sake...."

Phoenix song again trilled through the room; this time only a few notes; Snape turned, seeing both birds studying him intently. Turning to Dumbledore, he growled, "Can you not silence those over-plumaged budgies?"

"Why, Severus? Because you feel hope stir once again?" Dumbledore asked.

"I have no hope, Albus." Snape thrust up the sleeve of his rope, the dark mark plainly visible. And the Dark Lord does not let me forget. My mark has burned time and again these last two days. The Dark Lord wishes answers, and his servant does not come. He will reach me in some way at the last; a drop of poison, the thrust of a dagger; no doubt from one of my own students, thus destroying not only my half of a life, but another one as well to be added to my account."

"There is always hope, Severus," Dumbledore said gently. "And where there is life, there is hope. You know the fate that awaits Harry. He has not abandoned hope; he wants to live; to grow old. How long have you forced yourself to live under the same doom, for neither can live, for a mark foolishly acquired in a moment of despair?"

Snape started to speak, but was drowned out by swell of Phoenix song. Pymander took flight, followed by Fawkes. They both flew to Snape's chair, Pymander landing near his wrist and then gripping it with one claw. Fawkes alighted nearer Snape's elbow; first one, then the other dropped pearly tears to the Potion Master's arm. As they touched the mark, an acrid smoke filled the room; Dumbledore flicked his wand and the windows opened, a breeze blowing away the smoke. As they watched, unmoving, Pymander and Fawkes continued alternating dropping their tears on Snape's arm; it took time, and many tears from each Phoenix, but when they at last returned to their perch with another trilling note, Snape's arm was clear.

Snape looked at his arm with disbelief. "That's impossible. No one has ever succeeded in removing the Dark Mark. Loss of a limb merely means that it will appear elsewhere; I have tried every potion, every herb, every spell I could lay hands... even Phoenix tears.... The Dark Mark is more than a marking on the body." His voice dropped almost to a whisper; it was unclear if he were talking to those in the room or himself. "It is a mark on the very soul."

"My young friend," Flamel said, "the potency of Phoenix tears diminishes rapidly after their expression. The bottles in your laboratory still contain great virtue, but you have today experienced today are the power of those tears in their purist form. And I do not think a single 'over-plumaged budgie' could have given a sufficient number to have fully removed the mark. You have been given a great gift."

Snape continued to stare at his arm for several minutes. When he finally looked up, his eyes sought Dumbledore's; something passed between them. Snape turned reluctantly to Harry, not meeting his eyes. "Potter, I vaguely recall reading something involving the use of thaumaturgy in scrying; not with mirrors, but with crystal balls. It was in my days as a student, perhaps fifth or sixth year. It will be in the restricted section of the library. I'm afraid I do not recall more than that."

"Thank you, Professor Snape."

"Headmaster, if I may be excused. I have much to consider."

Dumbledore nodded, and Snape made a quick departure from the room. Before any discussion could begin about what had just played out, Dumbledore quickly moved to the next topic. "Now, there are the memories which Professor Lupin has so kindly provided." Dumbledore had them gather near the pensieve, and dropped them into Lupin's memories.

Harry of course was thrilled to see the images of his parents and young, carefree images of Sirius and Remus, but unfortunately, there was little more than that. At one point, Sirius and James had returned from one of their nocturnal adventures with several books, but move as they might, no one could catch more than an outline in a bag James had carried.

They emerged from the pensieve. "Thank you, Professor Lupin," Harry said.

"It's still Remus until the school year, and even then off duty. I'm sorry there wasn't more."

Harry shrugged. "We've at least got one clue to go on. And we know it's there, somewhere."

"But one that may end up broadening the search rather than narrowing it." Hermione commented. "We may have to expand our search into divination."

"Then we'd best get started." Harry did not want to discuss what had happened between Snape and himself with Dumbledore; fortunately, Dumbledore was equally reluctant to broach the topic in front of the other students or Lupin. "May we go to the Library now, Professor?"

Dumbledore nodded. Remus was joining them to help; though Harry thought it likely Dumbledore was more concerned about someone keeping an eye on them. In this case, it didn't matter; these eyes also came with a pair of hands, and both could be used to make faster work. Also, with Lupin along, it would be easier to delay any questioning about Snape; Harry knew he would have to discuss it with Ron and Hermione eventually, but he wasn't ready for that quite yet. They went down the spiral staircase and toward the Library.

Dumbledore dispelled the extra chairs, and leaned back in his seat. He and Flamel exchanged a look and Dumbledore shook his head. "You saw how they reacted to Harry."

Flamel chuckled. "Perhaps it is fortunate it is not near a burning day, though in truth that matters little; it will come when they choose, or perhaps by their caprice, but it will be soon, we may not have as much as a year. But you saw how Harry dealt with Snape, and you saw Pymander join with Fawkes to achieve his end. I do not recall of hearing of the like, ever."

"Fawkes has always been fond of Harry; they developed an affinity the first time he visited my office. Harry once had the misfortune to visit on a burning day, before he understood the nature of a phoenix, and had thought he had somehow destroyed my pet."

The two professors shared a chuckle then sat in companionable silence for several moments.

"It is good, I suppose, that none of them are schooled in Phoenix lore." Flamel finally said.

"I had feared for a moment that Miss Granger might have stumbled across the right book; it would seem that fortune has again favored the foolish. I did take the precaution of removing it last night, even though it is not in the restricted section."

"It would not be out of place to give a measure of thanks to your history professor as well, though I am not sure what they - or anyone - could do with the knowledge, even if they stumbled across it."

(***********)

In the library, Hermione organized and directed their search. Positioning herself near the catalog, she directed Ron and Remus in retrieving books that she, Harry and Ginny searched. They were joined a short time later by Professor McGonagall, who mentioned having heard about their search, and having little to do since curtailing her usual holiday travel at Madam Pomfrey's insistence, she would assist. She wouldn't quite meet Harry's eyes as she said it; he grinned at her as Hermione turned to give Ron and Remus a list of books to locate and whispered to her, "It's ok, I know you're here to keep an eye on us just like Professor Lupin, but it's still another pair of hands. Thank you, Professor."

"Professor Dumbledore is not concerned about the four of you, other than your safety, Harry. He has grown increasingly concerned about the security of the castle the last few days," McGonagall answered quietly.

"Regardless, Professor, thank you."

"From both of us," Ginny added.

They began searching through the books.

After an hour or two, a house elf appeared with a plate of sandwiches and a pitcher of pumpkin juice. Hermione insisted that they move away from the books to an empty table, visions of Madam Pince banning her from the library for life if any trace of their lunch were discovered in her Holy of Holies.

After lunch, they continued. As the afternoon wore on, they had examined hundreds of books, finding no references to mirrors or of scrying using blood magic. Harry leaned back in his chair; Ginny's calf hooked across his shin, and sighed. "This is like searching for a needle in a haystack."

"Wouldn't you just summon it?" Ron asked, bringing another stack of books to their table.

"It's a muggle expression; think about trying to doing it muggle style." Harry explained.

"It's a shame it takes so long for wizards to adopt anything new," Hermione said. "Once in a while even muggles have a good idea; if there were some sort of computerized index, this would be far simpler."

"How much more, Hermione?" Ron asked.

"We've made a good start, but it could take two or three days if we're unlucky," she replied.

Harry was frustrated with their pace; he hoped Dumbledore would be able to find something useful from the Ministry or that Flamel could unravel the secrets of the mirrors. Here, they weren't even completely sure what they were looking for.

Shaking his head, Harry looked toward the restricted section; Hermione must have been trying to keep their spirits up with her answer to Ron. They had only taken books from the first three shelves thus far; it could easily take a week to go through the entire restricted section at this pace.

As he continued to look toward the stacks of waiting books, he noticed a movement out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head, looking carefully, not quite believing his eyes. Harry then jumped up, shouting something; later, none of them would recall exactly what he had said. He ran toward the stacks, his wand out, and fired off a stunning spell. Ginny shouted his name as he broke away from her as she leapt up, following. Harry slipped as he rounded a corner entering the stacks; he dropped his wand. He scrambled on, however, and they heard him say, "Accio Wormtail!"

Moments later, there was an angry squeal and Harry staggered back into their view, struggling to hold a wildly clawing and slashing rat. Suddenly the rat changed into a short, balding man; he held a silver hand to Harry's throat as Harry fell back under his weight.

This assault on Harry lasted but seconds; when Ron had heard Harry utter, "Wormtail," he had passed even Ginny in racing to Harry. Moments after Pettigrew assumed human form, Ron had fired off a stunning curse; his was followed with a volley curses and hexes from the others in the room. A flash of light had left Ginny's hand; her wand had been left sitting on the table. Wormtail had flown off Harry and landed about 20 feet away; he was stunned, in a full body bind, and would no doubt feel the effects of Ginny's reductor curse when he came to.

Ron reached Harry's side first, but only few steps in front of Ginny and Hermione. Harry's face and arms had been bitten; blood flowed from several bites. Large purple splotches were already discoloring his throat; his scar had opened and was bleeding. Ginny grasped his hand with both hers, her tears flowing freely. Harry opened his eyes and croaked, "Did we get him?"

Ron nodded fiercely. "We got him, Harry. We got the bastard."

Lupin had paused near them until he saw Harry's eyes open; he then moved past him and was casting binding spells in such a fashion as an outsider might wonder if his goal were to secure a prisoner, or ensure not an inch of Pettigrew's body remained unbound. McGonagall had joined him, and had engaged her wand to ensure he could not change again in to his rat form. This completed, Remus remained standing over Pettigrew; McGonagall returned to check on Harry. As she reached him, he was demanding his friends help him stand.

"Nonsense, Mr. Potter. You will lie there quietly until I conjure a stretcher and we transport you to the hospital wing." She had fished in her robes for her communicator, and spoke into it quickly, first calling to Madam Pomfrey, and then to Dumbledore.

Harry, however, had paid her no heed. When she reached to restrain him, he rasped, "No, Professor. It's here. Wormtail knew what we were looking for; he'd been listening to us all day."

Harry reached his feet, and swayed there, supported by Ron's arm around his ribs and his right arm wrapped around Ginny's shoulders. Something was wrong with his left arm, but he ignored that as best he could for now. He staggered with their help to one of the stacks in the unrestricted section, Hermione and McGonagall trailing anxiously behind. They moved about halfway down the row, Harry attempting to scan books along a shelf just below eye level, clearly looking for something. He lifted his arm from Ginny's shoulder, and pointed to a section of the shelf.

"That one," he said. "Behind the others."

As Hermione looked where Harry had pointed; there was a book sitting sidewise behind some of the others. She moved several books aside to reach the volume Harry had pointed to.

"I've got it, Harry. How could you have possibly known?"

Harry hadn't heard her. His head lolled, and Ron and Ginny were suddenly found themselves bearing his full weight. Together, they gently lowered Harry to the stretcher McGonagall had conjured.