The Legend of the Serpent's Tongue

Legend of the Serpent's Tongue

Part 3

A Day with Dumbledore

Following the encounter with the Death Eaters at the Burrow, Harry and the others had spent a quiet weekend relaxing in the little house just outside of Ottery St. Catchpole. All agreed that there had been enough excitement and just wanted to spend some time with each other and establishing a routine for the household chores. Fortunately, no one had been seriously injured, and Molly Weasley had sent Harry word that George was driving her crazy. Apparently, he could not wait to get back to working in the joke shop with his brother. He was recuperating on the couch inventing a spray mist to change a person's voice into that of various animals, depending on the pitch of the voice. Harry just laughed and told her not to worry, that he must be feeling better, since he was being so inventive.

Harry was also pleased to note that Dobby had arrived the following morning. He would be staying with them until the end of August and would be helping around the house. She enjoyed the little house elf, and knew Phaedra was used to the house elves helping to look after her needs. All the same, Harry and Circe had both agreed that Phaedra needed to learn how to take care of her own belongings. It was time she started doing simple chores around the house since she would not always be in a situation where she would have the luxury of a house elf to do it for her. The little girl was glad she was being included but couldn't understand why she would not always have house elves to do things for her. Circe and Harry tried to explain it to her.

"Now, mummy, you know that Hazel has always been my elf at home since I was a baby, so why wouldn't she stay with me when I am grown up?"

"Hazel is very old, Phaedra, and she would not be happy in a new home. She was both your Uncle Severus' elf and mine when we were children, and she wasn't young then."

"But what about Belle or Crumpet? They also could be my house elves when I am all grown up."

"Perhaps, but what if you have to travel a lot? House elves do not generally accompany their master and mistresses everywhere. You may be in a situation where you need to leave them at home. It is their primary duty to care for the household."

"No, I will bring them with me," Phaedra stated stubbornly. "After all they will be mine."

"Phaedra, do you know that my friend Hermione would be very upset if she heard you talking like this?"

"Why Miss Harry? Doesn't she have one of her own?"

"No, she doesn't, but that isn't why she would be upset. Even if you offered her one, she would refuse."

"Doesn't she like them?"

"Yes, she loves them," Harry smiled amused, "but she doesn't believe in keeping slaves."

"What are slaves?" Phaedra asked curiously. "I don't have any, I only have some elves."

"Hermione would tell you that your elves are slaves," Harry told her patiently. "A slave is when you own another person. They are not always treated well, and have no say in when they can take a day off. They can only do what you want them to do, and have no rights. They do not get paid, and are considered property, to be bought and sold."

"Mummy did we buy our elves?"

"Most of our elves have been with the Snape family for many generations."

"See, Miss Harry we didn't buy them. They just work for us because they want to."

"Hermione would say you should pay them and let them have time off and other things. It is wrong to own another person."

"But they aren't people, Miss Harry, they're house elves!"

"They may not be people like us, Phaedra, but they are intelligent, sensitive beings."

"So Miss Hermione thinks we keep them because we don't want to pay them?"

"Miss Hermione thinks they need to be respected and given a chance to make their own choices about who they work for," Harry replied carefully.

"Then we can ask them who they want to take care of. I like having house elves. They keep everything clean, and cook the food, and..."

"That is the problem. It isn't wrong to have an elf, it is wrong to own an elf."

"I still don't understand. Don't Muggles have servants?"

"The Muggles who can afford it do, but they don't own them and haven't for many generations. Muggles pay their servants to take care of things for them. Miss Harry didn't have any servants. She used to have to help around the house."

"So Miss Hermione thinks we should keep our elves but give them money?" Phaedra asked looking from Harry to her mother in confusion."

"Miss Hermione thinks we should free our elves so they can work for money for whom ever they want to," Circe explained patiently.

"You mean give them clothes?" Phaedra demanded horrified at the idea. "Then they will be upset and maybe even cry and..."

"Phaedra, it is all right. We aren't going to give the elves any clothes," Circe comforted, "even if we did our elves are treated well, and would stay with us anyway. We would just pay them too."

"But if we are keeping the elves, then why do I need to do chores and things?"

"So that you know how in case you don't have an elf to help," Circe stated firmly. "None of our elves are here with us now and you can't always ask Dobby to pick up your things. He is also a free elf and works for Professor Dumbledore."

"Dobby likes Mr. Headmaster Dumbledore so why shouldn't he like helping me if Mr. Headmaster Dumbledore tells him to?"

"Dobby needs to look after everyone else too," Dumbledore's warm voice came from the door of the bedroom Harry and Phaedra were sharing. "You can't expect him to be everywhere. You need to learn how to care for your own belongings too. You will need to know how when you get to Hogwarts."

"Don't the elves at Hogwarts take care of the students?"

"Not their personal property. They merely prepare the food and keep the building clean as well as do the laundry. The rest is up to each student. You will need to manage your schedule, and take care of your belongings on your own."

"Hmm...I guess I will have to help then. What do I have to do Mr. Headmaster Dumbledore?"

"Your mother will give you some simple tasks like making your own bed in the morning, or setting the table for dinner, and making sure Hannibal is fed and cared for. I heard your Uncle Tiberius has been doing some of that for you," Dumbledore replied looking at Phaedra over his half moon spectacles, blue eyes twinkling.

"Umm...yes, I know I promised...but..."

"I guess I will just have to take Hannibal back if you can't take proper care of him," Harry remarked pretending to look stern.

"No, Miss Harry...I promise to take better care of him. He is just a bad puppy and likes to chew on my shoes and jumps a lot. Uncle said he would help to train him."

"Very well, but we will talk with your uncle later on and see if you shouldn't be helping him too."

"Okay," Phaedra agreed hugging her, "I promise to do better. I really love him."

"I'm sure he loves you too," Harry smiled.

"Are you ready to go, Child? While you are having your animagus form registered, I have some business to discuss with Arthur Weasley while we are at the Ministry."

"I'm ready when ever you are."

"Can I come too?" Phaedra pleaded. "I have no one to play with today."

"Not this trip, Little One, but I am sure your Uncle Severus and Sirius will have something to occupy you for a few hours," Dumbledore beamed. "You can come with us when we go to the zoo so Harry can talk with Nagini for Mr. Moody."

"Isn't that the big snake that belonged to the bad wizard?" Phaedra inquired her brown eyes glowing with excitement.

"Yes, Little One. Nagini belonged to the bad wizard. You will need to be very good when we go though, and then we will go and have ice cream afterwards."

When are we going? Is it soon?" Phaedra demanded growing more excited at the prospect of going to the city with Dumbledore and Harry.

"I will talk with Mr. Moody today and arrange a day," Dumbledore replied, "but you must promise to be a good girl and listen to Miss Harry when we go."

"I promise I will be so good...you will forget I am with you!"

"Phaedra we would never forget you are with us," Harry laughed.

"Come on Mummy, I have to do some chores and take care of Hannibal so that I can go with them the next time," Phaedra said tugging on her mother's sleeve.

"All right," Circe shook her head at her daughter's enthusiasm, "we'll go down and speak with Uncle Tiberius right now and he can help you with the puppy."

"I'm coming Hannibal," Phaedra called as she ran out of the room ahead of her mother, as they could hear the puppy barking in the yard.

"How are we traveling today Professor, floo or apparating?"

"We will apparate to the ministry since it is getting late," Dumbledore nodded, his blue eyes sparkling at her smile, "but we need to do so from outside the front gate. The wards prevent us from doing so within the house," he explained leading her downstairs.

"Good morning, Honey," Sirius greeted her as she came down the stairs.

"Harry, you are looking well this morning," Snape also acknowledged her; admiring the pale yellow summer robes she had chosen to wear to the Ministry for the day.

"Thank you, and good morning. Why are you both being so sweet today?"

"Honey, we're sweet to you every day," Sirius remarked giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

"Um...nice aftershave, what kind is it?"

"I have no idea, I borrowed it from Severus," Sirius admitted red faced.

"It is one that was given to me a while ago from an old friend," Severus answered looking fondly at Dumbledore.

"Ah...yes, I recall I gave it to you for your birthday last year. It is called Warrior Wizard," Dumbledore beamed, "if one believes the advertisements it is guaranteed to attract the witch of your desires."

"And am I the witch of your desires?" she grinned eyeing them.

"Time will tell," Snape arched his brow, "as you well know."

"Do I Severus?" Harry teased brushing up against him as she moved to open the front door, "and what about you, Padfoot, am I the witch of your desires?" she questioned heading up the path to the gate.

"What does your empathic talent tell you?" Sirius countered, brown eyes warm, referring to Harry's ability to feel the emotions of others.

"It tells me you are both very happy today. What are you up to?"

"My dear Harry, why would you ever think we were up to something?" Severus sneered.

"Because you are both still bound at the wrists," she snickered. "I know you are driving one another crazy too."

"Now how do you know that?" Sirius asked trying to sound casual.

"I heard you yelling at one another in the shower this morning all the way up into the attic. It seems that Severus prefers his showers cold in the morning, much to your displeasure," Harry laughed. "Don't worry, you only have until Friday if you both continue to get along. I can forgive the incident in the shower; that is if Severus didn't do it on purpose?"

"It was an honest mistake. I thought Sirius knew I preferred a cold shower in the morning. It helps to get you going."

"Going? I was practically blasted into the next life!"

"With you having come back from the veil once, I see no reason to be worried," Severus remarked dryly.

"And that gentlemen, is why you are still bound together," Harry smiled sweetly, rolling her eyes in exasperation at their bickering. "Now behave and try to entertain Phaedra for a little while. She is starting some chores today and needs encouragement. She relies too much on the house elves at home."

"There is nothing wrong with her reliance on the house elves," Severus replied, "that is what they are there for; to serve their masters."

"I would love to see the outcome of this conversation," Dumbledore interrupted, "but if we don't leave now we will be late."

"I apologize, Albus, I didn't mean to delay you from your day," Severus answered.

"Have a good time with Albus. I think he has a bit of a surprise for you today," Sirius hinted giving her a hug by the front gate.

"What sort of surprise?"

"If I told you now, it wouldn't be a surprise, now would it?" Dumbledore laughed. "Now let's go," he directed raising his wand, and she followed his lead.

"The Ministry of Magic," they said together and disapparated, appearing a few minutes later in front of the Ministry.

Harry followed Dumbledore into the building, and as soon as they had gotten their security visitors passes, he brought her up to the third floor. She followed him down the corridor and they made a left turn at the end of the hall stopping at a door with gold lettering, which read, REGULATORY AND REGISTRATION OFFICE. Opening the door, Dumbledore entered with Harry in tow. It was the standard office with a large counter and baskets full of forms, each basket labeled with the nature of the documents. Dumbledore led her over to the one marked Animagus, at the end of the row. Scanning the other baskets Harry noted the one marked Werewolves, and thought about Remus. She wondered what it must have been like for the little boy when his parents had to bring him here. She was distracted from her thoughts by Dumbledore handing her a large sheaf of forms and a quill, as another man entered from the back of the office. He was bald and rather obese with a black mustache, and bowed profusely to Dumbledore. Harry judged his age to be about seventy, but she could not be certain since wizards aged differently than Muggles.

"Professor Dumbledore, how good to see you again. You have helped us all to see the light, and your presence here is greatly appreciated."

"Good day, Willingham, and how is your family?" Dumbledore inquired pleasantly.

"My dear wife, Eloise, is fine, but I don't know what to do with that son of mine. He is off again on some scheme to get rich quick, and is driving his mother and me to drink."

"Horace always did like to take the easy way out of things. If I recall correctly he used to try and pay some of the other students to do his term papers when he was at Hogwarts," Dumbledore replied amused.

"Yes, well..."Willingham sputtered, embarrassed that Dumbledore would remember his son's apparent laziness. "What can I do for you today? I understand you have to get one of your students registered as an animagus?"

"Actually she is going to be one of my new teachers, and yes she is an animagus."

"Very well, Miss...Er," Willingham turned to acknowledge Harry's presence, "why...you're...you're..."

"Harry Potter," she completed the sentence for the awe struck man. "It is nice to meet you Mr. Willingham."

"Miss Potter...I...I heard the stories...I just couldn't believe...you're a Phoenix?" Willingham questioned still in shock.

"Yes, Bernard, Harry is able to transform into a Phoenix," Dumbledore remarked casually, his blue eyes twinkling merrily.

"Mr. Willingham, are you all right? You seem a bit...well...flustered," Harry stated uncertainly, not sure if she were over stepping her bounds.

"Yes, yes, my dear. I was just so surprised to see you. I never thought I would meet a real celebrity. Please, come this way," Willingham directed her through the gate to the inner offices. "The animagus committee will be right with you. Have you completed your forms yet?"

"I only just got them," Harry replied, looking over at Dumbledore for help, but he was studying the ceiling. Harry knew he was testing her ability to react in unfamiliar circumstances.

"Yes, yes, how stupid of me. Just fill them out and I will return in a little while to escort you to the committee," he said directing her to a chair.

"Harry I need to go and see Mr. Weasley for a bit, but I will be back in time to take you to lunch. I daresay it will take that long with your registration process."

"Yes, Sir, I will be here waiting," Harry glared at his amusement.

"Professor Dumbledore, please give Arthur my regards. I don't get to see him as often as I used to since his promotion to Minister of Magic."

"I will be happy to," Dumbledore replied, and left the office, giving Harry a wink.

Harry spent the next half hour filling out form after form. The ministry asked for all kinds of personal information from the names of her parents to the number of moles on her body. She had no idea why they wanted to know about her human form, but reasoned that since she changed into an animal these must change into some kind of marking too. Finally, she gave a long sigh and put down her quill.

"Ah, finished, I see," Mr. Willingham smiled, "then let's go to the next room and you will meet with the committee."

She followed him inside to a large chamber with three persons, two wizards and one witch, sitting at a long table. One of the wizards had a camera.

"You are Miss Potter?" the witch asked formally.

"Yes, I am Harry Potter."

"I am Melinda Spellbinder, and these two gentlemen are Connor O'Banyon and James Turnbolt. We are the animagus registrars and will be recording the markings of your animal. The whole procedure will take a few hours, and we will be asking you to transform a number of times."

"I understand," Harry answered calmly, but her stomach was in knots.

"First though, I need to take you into the other room to verify any scars, birthmarks, or tattoos on your body. They will be used as identifying marks and depending on your clothing they will change with your animagus form," Melinda Spellbinder explained, confirming Harry's suspicions as she led her into a small dressing room. She then assisted Harry to disrobe down to her bra and panties. Harry was embarrassed and the other witch assured her that is would only take a few minutes as she carefully logged the marks down on a sheet of parchment. Harry then donned her robes again quickly and followed her back into the committee room.

"Well now, Miss Potter, it is good to meet you. I knew your father and mother," the wizard who had been introduced as James Turnbolt smiled. "You are the image of James, but you have Lily's wonderful green eyes, although I am sure you have been told this a number of times."

"Yes, I have, but I don't mind hearing it. Did you know my parents well?"

"I went to Hogwarts with them, but was two years ahead of them. I was in Gryffindor as well. Connor was in the same year as they were but he was in Hufflepuff."

"I knew your father and his friends, but not well," Connor O'Banyon smiled.

"I'm sorry to say that I didn't know them as I am only twenty-five and didn't go to Hogwarts. My family lived in France and I went to Beauxbatons," Melinda Spellbinder informed her, "but all I have heard for weeks is the antics of the Marauders and all about how Mr. Black was sent to prison without a trial, and more stories than I can recall."

"I'm sure some of them have been exaggerated with time," Harry smiled, but she was wary of the young witch whom she noted was not wearing a wedding ring. She was tall, slim, and blond, and Harry thought, very pretty. She wondered if she were on the committee when Sirius registered and felt a pang of jealousy. Harry could sense that the young woman had been quite taken with her godfather's handsome looks.

"Very well then, shall we get started?" James Turnbolt commented. "I am afraid you will be quite exhausted by the time we're finished, but it can't be helped. If you would like a short rest just let us know."

"I will," Harry agreed.

"Now, Miss Potter, I will need several photographs of you at various angles," the other wizard, Connor O'Banyon explained coming forward with his camera. He took pictures of her face, full front, side face and body, and then photos from the rear.

"Excellent," Melinda Spellbinder remarked when he had finished. "You are quite photogenic, Miss Potter. I will just start documenting these, and put them with the other reports."

"Miss Potter, now we will need you to transform, and Connor will do some more photos and I will examine your markings and write them down. Melinda I want you to add them to the record."

"Certainly, James, I can correlate them with the photos of her human self."

"Are you ready, Miss Potter?"

Yes, Mr. Turnbolt, just move back a bit. I generally like to transform with my wings spread, and I don't want to hit you by accident."

"As you wish," he agreed stepping back a few paces.

Harry then did the transformation spells in her mind and the Phoenix sat trilling up at them. She could tell they were all enthralled to be in the presence of such an unusual animagus, and they were all smiling. Mr. Turnbolt slowly stepped over to her and gently stroked the soft feathers. He then indicated their texture and began to examine the colors. At the same time, Connor O'Banyon was taking photographs of each section of her magnificent plumage and Miss Spellbinder was documenting their findings. This went on for a long time, and Harry was beginning to get tired when the door opened from the outer office and Professor Dumbledore appeared. Deciding to take a few liberties since she was also becoming quite bored, Harry flew over and he extended his arm for her. She sat trilling pleasantly as Dumbledore laughed at her antics.

"Professor Dumbledore," James Turnbolt greeted him, extending his hand, "I am so happy to see you."

"Hello James, it is good to see you again. I see you are almost finished with Harry?"

"Yes, Sir, we are. Connor just wants to get another picture of her beak and the talons, and we should be all done."

"Ah, Connor, I have a student I would like to send to you when he finishes next year," Dumbledore addressed his associate, " he is a friend of Harry's in fact, named Colin Creevey. The young man is a whiz with a camera."

"Professor Dumbledore I would be happy to meet with him. I always need new photographers for the various duties requiring photo documentation. As you can see, I am short handed. That is why I am doing Miss Potter's registration, although it has been a real pleasure to finally meet her," the wizard replied as he snapped his final two pictures, and Harry let out an annoyed squawk when he picked up her tail feathers for the final photo.

"You can turn back now, Miss Potter. You are now an officially registered animagus," James Turnbolt nodded pleasantly as Harry transformed. "I am glad to have been able to meet you. Please tell Remus Lupin and Sirius Black that Connor and I said hello."

"Of course, Mr. Turnbolt. I will be happy to."

"Let Mr. Black know that I send my greetings also," Miss Spellbinder purred in a voice that caused Harry to bite back a snide comment."

"I will tell him," she smiled sweetly, thinking, 'like hell I will,' as Dumbledore led her from the offices and out into the hallway.

"Harry, if I didn't know better I would think you were jealous of Miss Spellbinder," Dumbledore remarked, looking at her thoughtfully.

"You noticed the look I gave her?"

"I did. You have no call to be jealous of her."

"I can't help it. If you could hear how she literally drooled each time she mentioned Sirius..."

"I might remind you that you are still underage and that you have no formal proposal from any of your protectors as of yet."

"So you're saying I am wrong to be jealous if another woman shows interest in any of them?"

"Yes...and no. What I am saying is that you need to be patient. You don't want to make any hasty decisions. You know how they all feel. The question is which one will win your hand in marriage, if any of them. Remember they will be bound to you for life as your protectors. Would you want two of them to be denied the chance of happiness with another person, be it male or female?"

"No, of course not, but I think they would want me to be happy with their choice of mate, regardless of the type of relationship. I have very deep feelings for them all. It is just so confusing at times. How can I choose between them?"

"What about George Weasley? I think he really cares about you."

"He does, but I make sure he sees other girls too. Headmaster, I can tell you I am not in love with him. He is fun and all, but I know inside of me it will never work."

"I see," Dumbledore replied contemplatively, as he led her from the building.

"Are you angry with me?"

"No, Child, I just want you to be happy. I know how the three of them feel and I know each of their weaknesses and attributes. I also know yours. I don't want my children to be hurt," he answered placing his arm around her shoulders.

"Then you could always elope with me," Harry teased to lighten the mood.

"Alas, I am afraid that won't be possible," he beamed, "but I am flattered by the offer."

"It never hurts to ask," she hugged him gently. "If you were only one hundred years younger, you would be in big trouble."

"Indeed?" he laughed happily, not in the least embarrassed by her affection. Over the years, many of the students had professed their love for him, so it was only natural for Harry to do so too, even if she were only playing. He knew that she thought of him as her grandfather and a mentor, as he thought of her as his granddaughter and protégé.

"Now how about telling me where we are going?"

"My dear, first we will go to lunch and then I have something important to tell you."

"Is it something good or something bad?"

"Maybe a little of both," he hinted, "but you will have to be a good little witch and enjoy a quiet meal with me in a fine restaurant first."

"Will anyone else be joining us?"

"Alastor Moody and Arthur Weasley will be there for dessert and coffee."

"Is there some sinister secret you are all keeping from me?"

"Not at this time, but there are things you will be told shortly," Dumbledore replied mysteriously. "I merely want you to be prepared for them."

"All right, but you are scaring me," Harry remarked a knot forming in her stomach.

"There is nothing for you to be afraid of. Not yet anyway," Dumbledore looked down at her kindly. "Ah...we have reached our destination."

Harry looked up to see they were in front of a rather large restaurant in a part of London that was frequented by the wizarding community. It looked rather exclusive, and was called The Rendezvous. He led her inside and they were greeted by the host, a young wizard about thirty.

"Professor Dumbledore, I have your private table reserved for you and the young lady," he smiled and then gasped as he noticed Harry's scar. "You're Harry Potter!"

"Hello, Seldon," Harry smiled reading his nametag. I am happy to be in such a fine establishment."

"Thank you Miss Potter. I am sorry if I embarrassed you," he said leading them to a quiet table in the rear of the restaurant.

"That's all right; I am sort of used to it."

"Professor, I will send the rest of your party when they arrive for dessert."

"Thank you Seldon, and tell your mother I said Hello," Dumbledore replied, blue eyes shining with mirth.

"Yes Sir, I will. She will be happy to have heard you were here," the young man replied as Harry and Dumbledore took their seats and he placed the menus on the table before returning to his post.

"Would you like a glass of wine?" Dumbledore asked looking over the wine list.

"Headmaster, are you feeling all right? You just asked me if I wanted a glass of wine."

"You are quite grown up enough now to enjoy a glass of wine with your meal, Harry. I am going to have one."

"Oh, then I guess I will try some. I have never really had any wine before. Not the good stuff anyway," she grinned remembering a few parties she had been to in the Gryffindor common room.

"I see you did attend a few parties while in school," Dumbledore whispered mischievously.

"I won't deny it," Harry answered red faced, hiding behind her menu.

"Have you decided what you would like for lunch?"

"I think I would like the flounder stuffed with crabmeat," Harry stated hoping she hadn't chosen something too expensive.

"Excellent choice, I will have the same. It comes with a salad and baked potato too. We shall also have a nice white wine, which I think you will like."

Harry sat quietly while Dumbledore placed their order and a few minutes later the food appeared on their plates. She was somewhat uncomfortable and he gently placed his hand on hers, and smiled warmly, to ease her apparent discomfort.

"Headmaster, what is going on? Is something wrong?"

"I told you before there is no need for you to be concerned just yet. I just want us to have a pleasant lunch before we talk business."

"Am I in some kind of trouble?"

"What? Oh no, Child, you aren't in any trouble. Now relax and eat your lunch. It isn't every day I get to take a young lady out to eat."

"All right, I guess you will tell me in your own good time, just don't keep me in the dark. I remember what it was like when you kept all that information from me, and then after what happened at the Ministry..."

"Did I not tell you everything when you were finally ready, and the incidents were more easily remembered?" Dumbledore asked recalling how he had erased her memories after Sirius had fallen through the veil in the Department of Mysteries Death Chamber.

"Yes, but it still hurt, and I don't ever want to have secrets kept from me again if it involves the people I love and the things that are expected of me," Harry replied, her green eyes wide with anxiety, as she recalled the memories of all she had been through in her fifth year.

"You won't Harry. You are a young woman now, and your opinion matters to all of us. We only have your safety at heart."

"I know," she smiled looking up at him. "Now, I'm starved, and this wonderful meal will be getting cold," she remarked taking a forkful of the fish.

They talked quietly about Hogwarts while they ate, and Dumbledore was pleased that Harry was so excited about teaching there. He knew that while Potions was not her best subject, she would do a good job, especially with Severus supervising her. He told her not to worry about the Potion Master Exam, which she would be taking in the spring. He was confident that she would pass with the tutelage the Snapes were to give her.

He was also pleased that she liked the wine he had selected but was wary enough not to accept a second glass, since she was not accustomed to drinking it with her meal. Harry was relaxed and was just about to ask when the others would be joining them for dessert when Arthur Weasley and Mad Eye Moody entered the restaurant.

"I see our guests have arrived for dessert," Dumbledore remarked, rising to greet the other two men.

"Hello Harry," Arthur Weasley greeted her as he took his seat.

"Miss Potter," Mad Eye Moody's gravelly voice followed with a nod, his blue eye casting about the room, his brown one on Harry.

"Good afternoon Mr. Weasley, Professor. It is good of you to join us for dessert," Harry replied graciously.

"Harry what would you like for dessert?" Dumbledore inquired studying the dessert menu.

"I think I would like a hot fudge sundae with whipped cream and strawberries."

"I will have the cheesecake and a cup of coffee."

"I will second that," Moody growled with a wink.

"Well, I am going to have the apple pie ala mode with a cup of tea," Arthur Weasley said licking his lips in anticipation.

Their desserts appeared almost as quickly as they had decided on what to order, and the three men sat eyeing Harry and talking about the Ministry while they all ate their treats.

As soon as they had finished, everyone sat back relaxed, and Dumbledore smiled at Harry.

"I know you have been wondering why we are all here, Harry," Dumbledore began quietly, "and it is time you knew. We want to give you this," he beamed pulling a small gold chain from his robe pocket with a small medallion on the end. A phoenix was etched into the medallion. "You will be officially sworn in as a member of the Order of the Phoenix with Ron and Hermione at the meeting on Saturday night," he explained putting the chain around her neck.

"Do Ron and Hermione know about this?"

"Ron will be given his medallion tonight at the Burrow, and Hermione will be there on Saturday. I sent her an owl this morning. This is the first time I have made an exception and did not wait until you were all eighteen."

"We are doing this since the three of you have more than earned the right to be involved, and you and Hermione will be of age shortly. Ron already is eighteen, but I asked Albus to wait until after he had finished Hogwarts," Arthur Weasley smiled. "He doesn't know about this, so it will be a surprise for him after dinner tonight."

"He will be ecstatic," Harry laughed. "Now he won't need his extendable ears."

"Aye, you three will be the best thing that ever happened to the Order," Moody shook his head with pleasure.

"Thank you Professor, I'm flattered. Did Ron start his Auror training today?"

"Ha! He sure did. Got knocked on his ass too during a surprise sneak attack, but came back up fighting. The boy's got spirit, I'll give him that."

"Ron will do just fine; he is a loyal and trustworthy person."

"He should be one of my best people once he adjusts to his partner," Mad Eye laughed.

"Why, who's his partner?" Harry asked curiously.

"Draco Malfoy," Mr. Weasley stated soberly.

"You have got to be joking. They are like oil and water. Whose idea was that?"

"Mine," Dumbledore smiled wickedly, eyeing her over his glasses.

"Next you will probably tell me he is going to be allowed into the Order," Harry looked at Dumbledore, her green eyes blazing.

"Do you think he should be excluded?"

"I think he will still bear watching for awhile, but I believe he will eventually be an asset, much as Severus has been," Harry answered carefully.

"You're a smart one, lass. I said the same thing myself," Moody concurred. "It will be interesting to see how you do with your free lance training. I know you will like your partner."

"If I'm free lancing why do I need a partner?"

"All my people have a back up. You just got lucky though, since yours will be Sirius," Moody laughed. "He and your dad made one hell of a team and I think you two will be even better."

"You just can't beat that Potter and Black combination," Harry quipped, "it is unstoppable," she grinned, and they all laughed.

They concluded their business and then Moody and Arthur Weasley went back to the Ministry. Professor Dumbledore paid for their meal and they left the restaurant. Harry learned that she would be told about the circumstances surrounding the meeting of the Order after she was officially sworn in on Saturday. Her common sense told her there was trouble brewing again, especially after the attack at the Burrow.

"Now Child, let's go and find a present for Professor Lupin. I happen to know it is his birthday today."

"Is it? He never would say when it was. Let's buy him a cake for after dinner too."

"I think he would like that, but unfortunately I will not be there. I am dining at the Weasley's to present Ron with his medallion."

"I will save you a piece and you can have it later."

"I won't argue with that," Dumbledore chuckled.

"What do you think he would like for his birthday? I'm glad I brought some money with me so we don't have to stop at Gringott's," Harry remarked referring to the wizard's bank.

"I think he would like something useful," Dumbledore responded thoughtfully.

"You give useful, I'll give him something for fun," Harry smirked as they walked up the street towards the Leaky Cauldron and the entrance to Diagon Alley.

"Hello Albus, how are you Harry?" Tom asked as they entered.

"I'm fine Tom, and yourself?"

"Doin' just fine," Tom smiled as they passed through the brick wall into the shopping area.

They walked around and browsed through the various shops looking for a gift for Remus. Dumbledore found him a book on counter charms he thought Remus would enjoy, since he would be teaching Charms in the fall, but Harry was stumped as to what to get him.

"I have no idea what to buy for him," she sighed as they passed another shop. "I already gave him a chess set last Christmas. I want to give him something that will make him happy, but I just can't think of anything. If it were Sirius, it would be easy."

"Why not give him a pet?" Dumbledore inquired as they passed the Owl Emporium.

"I would give him an owl except we already have so many animals. Besides, animals become upset around him. They can sense the wolf."

"Hmm...Then why not give him some new robes or a cauldron?"

"No, I don't want to give him clothes, and a cauldron would be better for Severus. I want something he can have fun with, like Sirius does with his motorcycle."

"Then why don't we go over into some of the Muggle shops and maybe you can find something there."

"We aren't exactly dressed for it. No I will find him something," Harry sighed. She searched a little longer and then just shook her head. "Headmaster, I give up. There just isn't anything he might find fun."

"I have an idea for you, but I have one request first."

"Oh?"

"I want you to call me Albus," Dumbledore chuckled, his blue eyes warm with affection. "You are no longer a Hogwarts student and I am both your Trust Keeper, friend, and soon to be employer. It is time you used my given name."

"I'll try, but I am not used to calling you by your first name," Harry said lowering her eyes shyly.

"Good, now I will tell you my idea," Dumbledore pursed his lips in anticipation, "I happen to know that Remus is an avid poker player. Why don't you get him a game table with a new set of poker chips and cards?"

"Sweet quiet Professor Lupin is a poker fiend?"

"Among the best players I have ever had the pleasure to lose to."

"You lost to Remus?" Harry asked dumbfounded.

"Unfortunately, he took me for two bags of chocolates, and a box of taffy. We usually play for candy or some other treat," Dumbledore explained amused. "Now when Sirius birthday comes you might as well know that he likes to play in the snow. He loves winter sports. In their younger days, your father and Sirius used to go tobogganing often, and sometimes Remus and Peter would join them. He also used to skate, but it's been a long time."

"What about Severus? Does he do anything for fun besides read potions journals?"

"He likes to play billiards, and is especially good at snooker. He fancies himself another Joe Johnson."

"I know what billiards is, but what is snooker, and who is Joe Johnson?"

"Snooker is a variation of billiards where you have to shoot a red ball into the pocket first before you can shoot any of the other colors. Joe Johnson is a champion snooker player. Severus and I usually play for our favorite sweets."

"When do Sirius and Severus celebrate their birthdays?"

"Sirius is in February and Severus is in April."

"Albus, my parent's headstone only gives the year of their births. What months were they born?" Harry inquired softly.

"I don't recall the exact dates, but your father was born in January and your mother in September."

Harry didn't respond, as she followed Dumbledore towards a small shop whose sign read, Wizmugs Toys Games and Sporting Goods. We specialize in all forms of Wizard and Muggle items. The shop was located near the top of the street and sandwiched in between a butcher shop and a furniture store. Harry had never noticed it before, but she only had limited experiences shopping on Diagon Alley, and most of that had been either for school or with Professor Snape. A small bell over the door announced their presence as they entered, and the clerk looked up from where she was waiting on another customer and smiled briefly at Dumbledore.

Harry was fascinated as she had never been in a toy store with wizard toys, even though she had her miniature Quidditch game that she had gotten as a gift for her birthday. There were all kinds of games; some were similar to Muggle games, such as Wizard's Scrabble. The pieces floated and could be read from either side, or a version of Monopoly that was based on the Wizarding world. It included Diagon and Knockturn Alleys, the Ministry of Magic, Gringott's, Azkaban Prison, Hogsmeade, and Hogwarts! The pieces were made to look like witches and wizards, and they flew around the board on little brooms. The play money was made to look like galleons, sickles, and knuts and instead of railroads, you could own major floos in the network.

She was so fascinated with the game she decided to buy it to play with Phaedra. She felt that the little girl was bright enough to learn how to play, even though she was still a little bit younger than the recommended age of eight. She then moved over to where the card tables were located and Dumbledore helped her to select one. Next, she found a carousel with poker chips and cards. Harry then paid for her purchases, keeping her scar covered to avoid being recognized, and they left the store.

"Remus will be pleased," the old man remarked as they walked back towards The Leaky Cauldron.

"I can just see the lot of you all playing on Saturday nights. It should be quite interesting. Do you think Phaedra will like the Monopoly game? I never knew there was a wizard version."

"I think she will enjoy learning how to play. She really loves being with you."

"I love being with her too. We are almost like sisters. I like to think she is the sibling I never really had."

"I'm glad you feel that way. I know Severus is delighted that you care about her so much."

"There was a time when Severus Snape would have been furious if I had shown his niece any kind of attention. Now he has done a three hundred and sixty degree turn around, although he is still rather aloof with me at times."

"He is a good man, Harry. Like you, he suffered a great deal from Lord Voldemort. It made him very bitter, and he is still coming out of it. Voldemort put a stain on his soul that you are finally beginning to erase."

"I know, but Sirius suffered just as much. Albus, I never asked you this before, but why did you believe he was guilty of betraying my parents? You never even went to question him and as Chief Wizard of the Wizengamot and his friend, I would have expected you to look into the matter. You knew he was an Auror and a member of the Order of the Phoenix, yet you turned your back on him. You didn't do so for Severus, why?"

Dumbledore frowned, and his blue eyes studied her intently, as he formed his thoughts. He needed her to understand how things had been during the first war.

"Harry, when Voldemort was in power the first time, it was chaos. People we all thought we could trust were being implicated, and everyone was suspicious of the least little thing. When your parents were killed, I believed that Sirius was still the Secret Keeper. He never told anyone what he had done, and I had no reason to believe otherwise. He was in such a state of shock and hysteria, that we all believed he was totally mad, and in fact, he was, but not in the manner we all thought. I was shocked and had to act quickly, for your safety and well being."

"But you never even went to see him, or saw to it that he got a fair trial," she responded shortly.

"No, but he never tried to contact me, or even Remus for that matter. Remus was devastated. Moreover, you must remember, we all thought that Peter was dead. No one knew they were animagi."

"Sirius could have proved it though, if you had just gone to see him."

"Possibly, Child... Have you ever asked Sirius why he didn't try to contact any of us?"

"He told us the night he confronted Peter in the Shrieking Shack that he had felt dead himself. He blamed himself for failing and believed he should be punished. He was given the incentive to escape when he saw the picture of Peter disguised as Scabbers the rat in the paper. When he realized he was here at Hogwarts, well...you know the rest."

"I know I have disappointed you at times, but I have only had your welfare at heart."

"I know," Harry said stopping to look at him, her green eyes sad, "but I still can't help feeling angry at times. I was really lost when I thought Sirius had been killed, and that whole year you kept your distance from me. You thought you were protecting me, but all that happened was that I very nearly lost it," she stated flatly, as they started walking up the street again. "I wanted to tell you what you could do with your so called plan that night after the fight in the Ministry."

"I was more than aware of your anger," he answered gently. "When you disappeared from your aunt's house the week following your return from Hogwarts, I knew I had mad a terrible mistake."

"I think that was the worst part. Up until then I thought you were all powerful, but that's when I realized you were human, and could make mistakes. It came as such a shock to me. I couldn't understand how Albus Dumbledore, the greatest wizard of the century, could make such a grievous error."

"Harry, you were only fifteen. You believed that I was perfect. All you knew was what had been told to you by others, and I was equally to blame. That day at Grimmauld Place, when you saw Sirius alive, I knew I had to do something drastic or you would completely break down. That's part of the reason I wiped your memory of what happened for that year," Dumbledore explained, his face serious. "The other reason was that I was afraid."

"Afraid?"

"Yes, I was afraid you hated me, and I couldn't bear the thought that I had made such a complete mess of your life. I knew I would one day have to tell you the truth, that's why I put your memories into the pensive. I had hoped that when you were older you would be able to understand and forgive me."

"Albus Dumbledore, how could I not forgive you? You're the only real parent figure I have ever had. I think that's why it hurt me so badly. I was afraid you were just using me as a means to an end."

"In the beginning, that may have been true, but I grew to love you and hated watching the way your mother's people were treating you."

"Why did you leave me there? You knew Voldemort hadn't returned yet."

"I still felt it was the safest place for you, besides it made you independent and headstrong and fearless in the face of adversity."

"I still think you should have sent me to live with the Weasleys, or at least some other wizard family, but it no longer makes a difference. Voldemort is dead and I have a home with people who care about me now. So I guess I can forgive you," she smiled. Turning to face him, she abruptly and kissed him on the top of his nose.

"Now what brought that on?"

"That is so you will know that I do forgive you and I still love you. You're mistake was not giving me the time I needed to grow up and feel secure with the people around me. Now that I have, I just wanted you to know that I still cared."

"I'm glad," Dumbledore smiled his features relaxing.

"You still haven't told me about Severus."

"Severus sister came to me with him when his wife died. He was in shock and very nearly on the verge of a complete breakdown. He confessed everything, and begged my forgiveness. He agreed to spy for the Order. It was a perfect arrangement since he was a member of the inner circle. He wanted revenge for the deaths of his wife and son. I am not going to violate Severus confidence and go into any of the other details with you. If he wishes to tell you, he will do so himself."

"Maybe I should just let sleeping dogs lie. I know he was bitter about his school days, and my Dad and Sirius were absolutely hateful to him."

"He is getting over it. After Voldemort's death, when your father's spirit was in the house, and told Severus he should have chosen him for his friend, I know Severus was moved. I think he always wanted to be with them, but was too proud to admit it."

"I think you're right, now let's go into this bakery and buy Remus his birthday cake. If I recall, he loves chocolate and strawberry short cake," Harry told him pointing to the bakery sign a few doors down.

"Then we will see what we can do to make his birthday a happy one," Dumbledore beamed.

Dumbledore insisted on paying for the cake, and purchased a large strawberry short cake and a box of cookies. In addition, he got a cheesecake to bring to the Weasleys for dessert. Harry just smiled and shook her head.

"Albus Dumbledore, your sweet tooth is showing," she teased, pretending to sound stern.

"I just thought that Phaedra would enjoy the cookies and I can't go to dinner at Molly and Arthur's house empty handed."

"Why don't you and the Weasleys come back to our house after dinner and have dessert with us? We could make it a double celebration. Mine and Ron's being taken into the Order and Remus' birthday."

"Ordinarily I would say yes, but I will be going back to Hogwarts tonight from the Weasley's house. I have some arrangements to make for the graduation ceremony, but don't forget to save me a piece of birthday cake. I will be back by tomorrow evening, if only for a few hours."

"You better be, or I will eat your piece of cake myself!"

"Hasn't anyone ever told you you're supposed to respect your elders?"

"Sure, but all's fair in love, war, and strawberry short cake!" Harry laughed, rolling her eyes and running her tongue over her lips in anticipation.

"Then I had better make sure I collect my piece," Dumbledore's blue eyes sparkled with mirth. "Now I think we should be getting back to Ottery St. Catchpole. I want to see that Dobby hides the cake from Remus as I suspect you would like to surprise him."

"I think he would like to feel special for a change. You know how shy he is. It is one of the things I love about him."

"Why?"

"He gives you the impression that he is so vulnerable at times, and yet sometimes I think he is the strongest one out of all of us. It's amazing how he can live in the moment, even though he is fully aware of the beast that he is harboring. He's taught himself how to coexist with his animal half, and uses it to his advantage."

"Yes, he is more than aware of the wolf, it has heightened his senses, and he has used it to his advantage in helping the Order, and as your protector."

"I know. He has the best self control of almost anyone I know, except maybe you."

"You don't think Sirius and Severus have self control?"

"Hah! Sirius is as impulsive as I am, and Severus has nerves of steel, but he shows his anger, and will let you know it when he's pissed off. I am hoping he will not be so intimidating anymore now that Voldemort is dead. He has a soft side that is incredible, and when he lets it show he positively glows. It's as if he is two different men."

"Severus has had to work through a lot of pain and humiliation, as you well know. You have helped him to begin to feel and trust again. You have reached him in places that even I couldn't touch."

"I don't believe that. I think he just needed to know he was loved and not just a tool for the good of the Order, the same as me."

"Perhaps, Child," Dumbledore responded thoughtfully, "but you see him in a way that the rest of us do not. As his soul mate you are able to break through the walls he has set up around himself in such a way that he has to examine his true feelings."

"Gee, if I had known that sooner, maybe he wouldn't have been such a nasty bastard for the first five years I was in Hogwarts. He certainly did an about face with me over the past two years."

"Do you deny you have feelings for him like you do for Sirius and Remus?"

"No, I have come to see the man he really is, if only he'll let him out. That's why he is bound to Sirius. They are so alike and yet they don't see it, how come?"

"Different reasons, mostly because of the way they were both brought up. Their differences come from the fact that Sirius was always outgoing, unafraid, and had the handsome looks that attract others to him. Severus was quiet and reserved, it made people think he did not want to be bothered with them, and he does not exude Sirius' charm. Add that to his tall thin build and angular features...well," Dumbledore shrugged.

"I see what you mean;" Harry replied thoughtfully, "Sirius was still quite handsome even after the horrors and harshness of Azkaban. Something in Sirius helped him to survive when others could not. Severus would not have been able to stand up to the Dementors. He has the same courage as Sirius, but not the strength. It has been whittled away a little bit at a time and he is only now beginning to find it again."

"Exactly!" Dumbledore exclaimed, "your powers as an empath gave you the insight into each one of them when you chose them as your protectors. Did you not make Sirius your strength and Severus your courage?"

"You're right and Remus is my endurance. He has helped to keep me going when I thought things were too tough. He is always there to let me talk things out and advise me when I can't talk to anyone else."

"You see, when you chose them you knew inside of you what it was that had drawn you to each of them," Dumbledore smiled as they approached the area where they would disapparate.

"And the one person in all the world we all trusted and came to with our innermost secrets just happened to get the job as Trust Keeper," Harry grinned meeting Dumbledore's blue eyes.

"Are you ready to disapparate?"

"Can I say something first?"

"Of course, Child, what is it?"

"I'm glad we had this time together. I like it when we talk."

"So do I," he winked, "now let's get home and hide this cake!"

"Ottery St. Catchpole," they said in unison, and vanished.

Remus was out back with Phaedra when they went into the house, and summoning Dobby they had him take the cake to the kitchen and told him it needed to be kept cold. Harry then sneaked upstairs and wrapped her gifts, the table having been magically reduced in size for easy handling. She then went in search of the others, and found Sirius and Severus working in the Potions Lab Severus was setting up in the basement. She was pleased to note they were getting along. Tiberius was away on business for the Order until the evening and Circe was shopping in the village with Molly Weasley.

Harry spent the remainder of the afternoon with Phaedra, and the little girl was delighted with the new game Harry had brought home. Harry, Phaedra, and Remus spent the rest of the next two hours playing until Circe returned and Harry went in to make dinner with the assistance of Dobby and Circe's elf, Hazel, who had arrived from London to assist her mistress.