The Legend of the Serpent's Tongue

The Legend of the Serpent's Tongue

Part 4

Happy Birthday Moony

Harry smiled in anticipation as she sat peeling carrots for dinner. Remus would be totally surprised. She was just sad that Dumbledore would not be present for the celebration. She had found out that Remus' favorite food was roast beef, medium rare, which given the fact that he was a werewolf made sense.

Dobby had secured one large enough to feed them all from the butcher shop that catered to the Wizarding community in Ottery St. Catchpole. Harry had volunteered to cook dinner that night and with the help of Dobby and Hazel, Circe's elf. Her planned meal was well underway. In addition to the roast and the carrots, she had decided on mashed potatoes and broccoli in cheese sauce. They would have the cake and cookies Dumbledore had purchased for dessert. She was humming a happy tune to herself when Sirius and Severus entered the kitchen.

"Now what are you so happy about?" her godfather asked jovially.

"I can guarantee she never hummed like that when she was peeling the wormwood bark for her potions lessons," Snape remarked casually.

"I am in a good mood, and I think Sirius knows why."

"Albus gave you your medallion?"

"Actually that is one of the reasons, but not the primary one."

"He admits her into the Order early and it isn't the reason she's so happy?" Snape questioned looking at Sirius askance.

"Beats me why she is in such a good mood. Maybe we did well today and she will set us free," Sirius looked at her with a wry smile, turning on his charm, indicating where he and Severus were still bound at the wrists.

"Forget it Padfoot, you and the Potions Master will be best mates until the end of the week unless you both do something so extraordinary that you become true blue to one another for the rest of your lives."

"You have about as much chance of that as you do of beating the Headmaster at gin rummy," Snape scoffed.

"What makes you so sure I can't beat the Headmaster at gin rummy?"

"That's easy, no one ever does. He's a pro when it comes to the game," Sirius laughed.

"Just like you are a pro on the toboggan and Severus at snooker?"

"I believe our little witch has been having a tête-à-tête with Professor Dumbledore," Snape remarked with interest. "What else did he tell you?"

"That would explain what she's up to," Sirius ruffled her hair, "it is Remus' birthday."

"I suppose you are planning a party?" Severus rolled his eyes.

"Now, Professor Snape what ever gave you that idea?"

"You're smiling and cooking dinner."

"So, maybe I just like to cook."

"I sincerely doubt that. You aren't the domestic type."

"Sirius am I the domestic type?"

"Well...I think you could be, given the right man to settle down with."

"See, Severus, I could be the happy little house wife."

"Before or after you duel it out with the powers of evil?" Snape sneered.

"Care to take me on?" Harry glared looking at him over her glasses.

"Now you've done it Sev, you had better hide. The Mistress of good and light is going to zap you."

"Hmm...It would be interesting to see if she can. Last time we dueled she lost."

"Humph, tell that to your old boss, since he is no longer with us."

"But you didn't beat him in a duel. As I recall your telling of the events in question he disarmed you quite easily."

"Ah...but cunning and common sense triumphed. He thought I would fight, instead I played innocent and he lost."

"You are aware, Black, that her response only reinforces my belief that she should have been in Slytherin," Snape scowled at his nemesis.

"Not necessarily, she was very brave to take on Voldemort in the first place. That is a genuine Gryffindor trait," Sirius smiled maliciously.

"Are you two going to spoil my good mood by quibbling again?"

"We're not quibbling. We just have a different idea of where the Sorting Hat should have placed you, Honey. I believe you belonged in Gryffindor and Severus feels you should not have told the hat to put you there."

"Maybe we could start a new house then. It could be called Potter and the symbol would be the phoenix."

"I think that would be an interesting idea," Dumbledore's voice came from the back door.

"Headmaster, I thought you were dining with the Weasleys tonight," Harry smiled pleased to see him.

"I am. I merely stopped by to speak with Tiberius about the meeting on Saturday. Has he arrived back yet?"

"He came in about fifteen minutes ago," Severus informed him, "he's down in the potions lab setting up for tomorrow."

"I will see him there then," Dumbledore nodded moving off towards the hall and the door to the basement.

"I thought you and Sirius set up the lab earlier?"

"We did, Potter. My uncle is planning to show you some of the more complex potions that we do not teach at Hogwarts. He is also making a small work area for Phaedra. This way she will not get into any trouble."

"Sirius, I'm doomed. Between the Snapes teaching me more advanced potions and you and Moody working with me on Auror training I will be battered and bruised even worse than when I was doing all that advanced training to face Voldemort."

"Don't worry Honey, I won't rough you up too much, and I'm sure working with Severus and Tiberius one on one will be a lot different than when you were a student at Hogwarts."

"You always told me you liked your private tutoring sessions in Potions," Snape said coolly.

"I do, just like I love to watch you work. It will be interesting to see your Uncle Tiberius in action too," Harry smiled setting the carrots on the stove to cook.

"Then you are in for a real treat. He could have been one of the most successful Potions Masters in the Wizarding world, but he chose to follow a different line of work," Snape said giving her one of his rare smiles.

"Sounds like fun," Harry remarked with interest. "Now while Dobby and Hazel

finish cooking I think we should all go and get ready for dinner. I don't suppose either of you got Remus anything for his birthday?"

"I sure did," Sirius smirked. "I am giving him a new black wool cloak and a pair of Dragon Hide boots and gloves for the winter."

"And I have made him up several potions to help him with his joint pain as his transformation nears. Unfortunately his Wolfsbane Potion cannot be made this far in advance."

"I love the way he has these potions ready. He knew I would find out it was Remus' birthday and made sure he had something ready to give him," Harry remarked to Sirius as she eyed Severus with a sly smile.

"I happen to know that he made the potions up today and did it purely on his own. He told me they were for Remus' birthday today. So this time Miss Wings, he is innocent of trying to pull off a fast one."

"May I ask what you are giving him, Potter?"

"You can ask, Severus, but I'm not going to tell. I think you will all like it though. The Headmaster helped me to pick it out, and please stop calling me Potter!"

"I call you Potter because there is something incongruous about a girl named Harry."

"Hey, I picked the name for her," Sirius grinned evilly.

"Severus, please call me Harry. I hate it when you call me Potter."

"I believe we have been through this before, and Potter is your name," Snape sneered.

"Yeah," she replied as they walked from the kitchen, "and so is Harry. Besides, you always thought of my father as Potter."

"In case you haven't noticed, we all are in the habit of using our surnames when referring to each other. I usually call Sirius by his last name as well as Remus, and they do the same."

"Well I want it stopped. How would you like it if I started acting like a Marauder and began calling you a greasy git?" Harry challenged, folding her arms over her chest in defiance.

"Now this is getting interesting," Sirius laughed, "I know James would love watching the both of you going at one another."

"I am not my father, Sirius. I am merely trying to make a point and Severus knows it."

"Do you think I am a greasy git?" Snape questioned sarcastically.

"Don't be an ass. You are not greasy in the least. You merely had oily hair, and now that I have shown you not to use the conditioner with each shampoo and to blow-dry your hair you no longer have that problem. So do not ask stupid questions."

"She has quite a temper, Black. Don't you agree?"

"She takes after Lily in that respect. Her sense of adventure and curiosity she got from James."

"If you both don't stop talking about me like I'm not in the room I am going to go and get my wand and hex you both into the next century!"

"I am sure my great-nephew would find it quite interesting. He would be fascinated with the advances made in the art of potion making. As for Black I am not certain what he would like about the next century," Tiberius Snape stated coming from the door to the cellar, Dumbledore following.

"I would want to find out if they did away with the horrors of Azkaban," Sirius remarked seriously."

"Ah, my boy, that is all behind you now," Dumbledore comforted, "horrible as I am sure the situation was it has made you a stronger person."

"That is why he's my strength," Harry said giving Sirius a quick hug as they all headed into the parlor where Remus, Phaedra, and Circe were playing the Wizard's Monopoly.

"Uncle, did your day go well?" she inquired.

"Not as well as I would have liked, but I was able to obtain some of the information Dumbledore requested."

"Now Tiberius don't be so modest, you gathered more than I could have hoped for," Dumbledore advised gratefully.

"Thank you Albus, but I feel it is not half enough. The Death Eaters are still quite active, and we need to proceed swiftly if we are to stop another insurrection."

"And so we shall, Tiberius, but we also need to be cautious in our investigations. The Ministry is still not without its spies."

"I understand, Albus, but it is so damn frustrating at times to know who the guilty parties are and not be able prove it."

"Mummy, what is a guilty party?" Phaedra asked confused.

"What? Oh Phaedra, it is not the kind of party you are thinking of. It means a person who did something wrong, and on that note I think we should wait to discuss this later."

"Definitely, but we should not be talking about Tiberius mission until Saturday," Dumbledore advised, "especially not in front of Phaedra and Harry."

"I can understand not wanting to talk in front of Phaedra, but why me? You gave me my medallion."

"You are still unofficial until your swearing in ceremony," Dumbledore informed her looking over his glasses, blue eyes twinkling.

"Humph...and you all think I should have been in Slytherin? Sometimes I wonder about the Headmaster."

"Now Harry, you know that Albus is probably as true a Gryffindor as Godric Gryffindor himself," Remus said rising from the sofa and coming over to stand beside her.

"And I'm not?"

"Of course you are, Child. You just have a number of strong Slytherin traits as well."

"Hmm...Like breaking rules?" she beamed back at Dumbledore, her green eyes reflecting her mischievousness.

"Exactly!" he agreed as they all laughed, Phaedra looking from one to the other in confusion.

"Mummy, is Miss Harry bad?"

"No dear, she is just headstrong and willful."

"She is actually very much like you Phaedra," Severus told his niece amused.

"Then you must love her as much as you do me," she smiled with pleasure.

"Ahem, I think we should get ready for dinner," Harry informed them, changing the subject, cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"What's for dinner Princess?"

"We are having your favorite dinner, Remus."

"Oh? Is there some reason we are having a roast beef on a Monday night?"

"No, I just thought you would like a treat."

"Sirius, did you tell her?"

"Tell her what?" Sirius snickered.

"You know what!"

"If you are asking Black if he told Harry it is your birthday," Snape interrupted with aplomb, "then no, he did not."

"Then who did? I can see by the big grin on her face that she is up to something."

"I am the guilty party," Dumbledore beamed placing his hand on Remus' shoulder. "Harry and I both agreed you need a little extra attention from time to time. After all, with Sirius and Severus always in the forefront she worries that you sometimes feel left out of her affections."

"I couldn't have put it more eloquently myself, Professor."

"Professor?" he questioned looking at her over his half moon spectacles.

"All right, Albus," Harry flushed with embarrassment, as they all looked on amused.

"Ah, it seems our little princess has truly been accepted into the world of adulthood. She has been given the right to call Dumbledore by his first name."

"Remus," Harry nudged him playfully, "stop teasing me!"

"I remember when Albus had me call him by his given name for the first time," Circe smiled. "It is a kind of milestone."

"Yeah, sort of like losing your..."

"Sirius, watch it Phaedra is here!" Harry interrupted.

"I want to hear what Mr. Sirius lost," Phaedra demanded innocently.

"Mr. Sirius didn't lose anything," Tiberius smiled arching his brow while the others shot knowing glances at one another.

"That's right Phaedra," Sirius agreed. "I was going to say it was like losing your homework. You get that nervous feeling in the pit of your stomach and feel uncomfortable on the inside. That is how you feel when you are grown up and call Professor Dumbledore by his given name for the first time. It is a real honor to do so."

"I think it's time we got you washed up for dinner," Circe said taking Phaedra by the hand. "I think Miss Harry has something special planned for dinner."

"Are we going to have a party for Mr. Remus' birthday?" Phaedra asked following her mother from the room as Harry looked on until they were out of earshot.

"Losing your homework? That is the worst lie I have ever heard. We all know damn well what you were really going to say!"

"And what is that, Honey?" Sirius asked innocently, his brown eyes glowing with laughter.

"Never mind, and wipe that silly grin off your face," Harry laughed growing redder by the minute. "Albus are you sure you can't stay for Remus' birthday dinner?"

"I'm sorry Harry, but I promised Arthur and Molly. I know you wouldn't want Ron to be disappointed."

"No, I suppose not," she replied unable to hide her disappointment completely. "Ron will be surprised and I know he still feels he is shadowed by the accomplishments of his brothers. Please tell him I will speak with him tomorrow."

"Of course, Child, and I will be back tomorrow to claim that piece of cake."

"Cake, what cake?" Remus' eyes lit up like a little boy.

"We got you a birthday cake. It was supposed to be a surprise. If you are a good little werewolf you may just get a few presents too," she teased, "now if you will all excuse me I am going to go and get ready for dinner."

"Do we need formal robes tonight?" Sirius chuckled.

"No, but if you don't behave I will let Severus put a leash and collar on you."

"Sorry Harry, I'm not into any of that kinky stuff," Sirius taunted.

"Yeah, but Severus might be, he is a former Death Eater," Harry joked over her shoulder as she ran from the room. "I will see you tomorrow Headmaster, have a good time tonight."

"You too, Child," Dumbledore called after her. "Remus I am sorry I won't be here, I know it means a lot to Harry, but I am giving Ron Weasley his medal to the Order tonight."

"I understand, Albus, and I will see to it that no one eats your piece of cake."

"I will hold you to that, now if you will all excuse me, I have to be going. I promised Molly that I would be there by six and it is already a quarter to."

"Good night, Albus," the men all replied walking him to the front door.

"I will see you all tomorrow night," Dumbledore nodded as he passed through the front gate. "The Burrow," he stated raising his wand and disapparated.

Harry reached her room in the attic to find Phaedra all excited that they were having a birthday party for Remus.

"Miss Harry did you get him a present?"

"Yes I did. He likes to play a card game called poker so I got him a new card table and the cards and chips used for the game."

"What could I give him? I don't have a present."

"Well, how about if you make him a nice card?"

"But that isn't a present."

"Then why don't you make it from both of us and we will give him the presents together?"

"Will you help me? I never made a card before. Will we use magic?"

"No, we don't need to use magic. All we need is some pretty paper and crayons or maybe some other decorating items. I think I may have some in my trunk," Harry said opening her trunk to where she stored such items. Pulling out some construction paper, crayons, glitter, and some old scraps of felt she had taken from Privet Drive, she sat down at the desk in the room she and Phaedra shared.

"What do we have to do now?"

"First we will fold the paper in half and then in half again so it looks like a little booklet. Now you have to draw a picture on it and write 'Happy Birthday' on the front," Harry explained passing the paper and crayons over to Phaedra.

"What should I draw?"

"What would you like to draw?"

"Can we draw Mr. Remus' wolf?"

"If you want to, I don't believe he would mind. You can glue some of this old black felt on it to make it look like fur."

"I have something better, Miss Harry," Phaedra replied dashing over to her wardrobe. "I have this old fur hat mummy was going to throw away. She let me have it for dress up," she beamed pulling an old gray faux fur hat from a bag in the back of her closet.

"We can cut some of the fur off and glue it on the wolf. We can use some of the gold glitter for his eyes."

"Whoopee, this is going to be the best birthday card ever," Phaedra declared happily, as she set to work drawing the wolf on the front of the card.

Harry was amazed to note that the little girl was quite an adept artist. In no time, at all she had drawn the outline of a running wolf under the full moon with some trees in the background. Harry then cut some of the fur from the old hat and helped Phaedra to glue it on the card. She then glued a pinch of gold glitter on the space they had left for the eye, and used silver glitter for the moon. Phaedra then wrote 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY,' in large block letters across the top.

"Next we have to write him a message on the inside."

"What should we say?" Phaedra asked curiously.

"How about, 'Have a howling good time'?"

"That's funny. Can I draw another wolf?"

"Can you draw one sitting with a birthday cake?"

"Okay, but how many candles?"

"Just put one in the middle and write thirty-eight on the cake."

"Is that how old he is?"

"I think so. Remus, Sirius, your uncle Severus and my Dad all went to school together, and my Dad was twenty when I was born. I'm going to be eighteen so they must be thirty-eight."

"I can ask my Mummy. She would know," Phaedra replied as they heard Circe calling them as she came up the stairs.

"What would I know?" she inquired looking at the two girls as she entered the attic.

"How old Mr. Remus is. Miss Harry says he is the same age as Uncle Severus."

"Your uncle is actually a few months older, but they are thirty-eight."

"You were right, Miss Harry!" Phaedra nodded happily, completing the drawing of the cake. "Should we glue some more fur on the wolf?"

"No, lets just color him to save time. We can put a little glitter in the eyes and on the candles."

"What are the two of you up to now?" Circe smiled shaking her head.

"Miss Harry and I are making a card for Mr. Remus' birthday. Miss Harry said I can give him the present with her."

"What did you get him Harry?"

"A new poker set and a game table to go with it," Harry explained pulling out the gift. "Dumbledore reduced the table to make it easy to carry. He used the standard spell so we can just reverse it."

"I think all the men in the house will enjoy playing. I might join in from time to time myself," Circe laughed. "I used to be quite good."

"I've played a little when I was at school, but I never really got into the game. I do like to play pool though."

"Have you ever played with my brother? He is an excellent billiards player and loves to play snooker."

"So I was told by the Headmaster. I have never had the opportunity to play with him. Maybe we could get a pool table and put it downstairs."

"We won't need to. I don't know if Albus told you yet but after your birthday we will be staying in my brother's London town home because of the Death Eater trials."

"No, no one said a word to me about this. It would be nice if I was at least asked," Harry responded shaking her head in annoyance.

"Harry, I'm sure Albus was going to tell you. He probably just didn't want to get you upset so soon after your ordeal with the Dark Lord," Circe replied in an effort to diffuse Harry's rising temper. "Now come on, it's time to go down to dinner. You can talk to Albus tomorrow night about it. Let's not spoil Remus' party."

"You're right of course," Harry agreed. "I will speak with Dumbledore tomorrow when he returns."

"I'm sure he will have a reasonable explanation," Circe nodded in approval. "Phaedra have you finished the card yet?"

"Yes, Mummy, do you like it?" she questioned holding up the card for her mother's approval.

"You did a beautiful job," Circe praised her daughter.

"Yes, she has a remarkable talent. I can't draw well at all," Harry smiled ruefully. "I always wished I could."

"Neither can I," Circe acknowledged, "but Severus can, and so can our uncle."

"I didn't know Severus could draw," Harry remarked as she and Phaedra followed the older witch down the stairs.

"Yes, he used to love to draw and he has painted a few of the still life pictures in his town home. I will show them to you when we go back."

"I would like that," Harry smiled as they reached the first floor. "I see the scent of food has brought the men down before us."

"Mr. Remus, we made you a card, and Miss Harry has a present from us."

"She does?" Remus laughed his hazel eyes sparking with mirth, "can I open it now?"

"Not until after we have dessert," Harry laughed giving him a quick kiss on the cheek, "Happy birthday."

"Thank you, Princess."

"My mouth is watering at the prospect of that roast," Sirius remarked as they took their seats in the dining room.

"Mister Remus," Dobby beamed coming into the room bobbing back and forth, "Harry Potter says you are to sit at the head of the table tonight since you are the guest of honor."

"Thank you, Dobby. I would be delighted if you and Hazel would join us for dinner."

"Dobby and Hazel eating at the same table as wizards?" the little elf questioned aghast. "Oh, no, Sir. Dobby is freed but such an honor...Dobby is not worthy of it...and Hazel...she would be shocked."

"In that case I insist you both eat in the dining room with us and use the tray tables. You are both part of our family. If Hazel gives you any problems with dining in here you tell her that I said I would be insulted if she refuses."

"Tell her that I want her here too, Dobby," Circe interjected, "that way she will be less likely to refuse."

"Yes, Miss Snape," Dobby said bowing with a flourish, "I will see that Hazel comes in for dinner. We will use the tray tables like Professor Lupin requested," Dobby replied formally before he disappeared with a pop.

"I believe Hazel will be scandalized," Severus informed them coolly, "she has never dined with the family in all her years of service to us."

"Severus is right, Remus, it is most unusual," Tiberius remarked, arching his brow.

"Apparently you have not heard about Harry's friend, Hermione Granger, and her attempts to bring the plight of the house elves enslavement to the attention of the general public as well as the Ministry. She believes all the elves should be freed, and given proper wages and benefits."

"I believe Severus has mentioned Miss Granger. He told me she is quite the adept at Potions."

"Yes, unlike Harry she is a natural. It is a shame she chose not to pursue it. She actually made the Polyjuice potion in their second year," Severus informed his Uncle Tiberius emphatically.

"I don't think now is the time to discuss Hermione's proficiency at potion making," Sirius interrupted knowing how hard Harry had worked to please Severus. "Besides which, when a person has to work for something they appreciate it all the more," he winked at Harry from across the table where he was sitting with Severus.

"I meant no insult to Harry, Black. I was merely commenting on Hermione's skill."

"Just drop it," Harry interrupted the two men before they could start arguing. "This is supposed to be a party for Remus, and I won't have the two of you spoil it by quibbling. Now pass the mashed potatoes. I'm hungry."

"Me too!" Phaedra exclaimed with a toss of her blond curls, and they all laughed.

Dinner was a pleasant affair from then on, and while Hazel was uncomfortable at first, Dobby reassured her and so did Circe. Phaedra was delighted when Hazel made sure she got a piece of the strawberry short cake that had two large fresh berries and extra whipped cream, while Remus pretended to frown.

"Hmm...It's my birthday but your piece of cake is bigger than mine."

"That's because Hazel loves me so much," Phaedra giggled opening her arms wide in exaggeration of the house elf's affection for her.

"Then maybe I should have Hazel come and work for me."

"Mr. Remus, you can't take Hazel away from us...we love her. Mummy he can't have her can he?" Phaedra asked worriedly.

"No, Phaedra, Mr. Remus is merely teasing you."

"I don't know, Phaedra. You had better hope my friend Hermione doesn't knit her a hat or something."

"Hazel, you wouldn't leave us would you?" Phaedra questioned the elf.

"Miss Phaedra, I have served the Snape family since your Uncle Tiberius was a little baby. Even if you gave me clothes I would not leave you."

"Good, because I love you," the little girl smiled, and the elf blushed.

"Moony why don't you open your presents?" Sirius prodded, noting the look of disapproval on Severus and Tiberius faces over Phaedra's display of affection for the elf.

"What should I open first?"

"I think you should open Severus' gift first," Harry replied.

"All right, I will," Remus agreed reaching for the box. Unwrapping it, he found the vials of potions Snape had made for him. "Severus, thank you. I will put these to good use. I appreciate your thoughtfulness," Remus smiled gratefully. "Now how about if I open this one," Remus answered selecting a small package. "The card says it is from Professor Dumbledore."

"I know what it is," Harry teased.

"I suppose you were with him when he picked it out?"

"How did you ever guess?"

"Padfoot told me."

"Bad dog," Harry pretended to glower at Sirius.

"It is a book of charms. I will find this very useful for the upcoming year at Hogwarts," Remus said flipping through the pages. "Phaedra would you hand me that other small box please?" he indicated a small package at the end of the table.

"Who is it from Mr. Remus?" Phaedra asked as he read the card.

"It is from your Mum and Uncle Tiberius," he told her as he opened the package. It contained a new journal, bound with leather, and embossed with his name. "Circe, Tiberius, thank you. I have kept a journal since I was a child."

"I am glad you like it," Tiberius nodded.

"Now let me see what Padfoot has gotten for me," Remus eyed his friend who was pretending to study the ceiling. Tearing off the paper, he opened the box revealing the new cloak, gloves, and boots Sirius had bought. "Sirius you shouldn't have gone to so much trouble," Remus' hazel eyes gleamed with pleasure at his friend's gift.

"You deserve it old friend. Now open the one from Harry and Phaedra."

"I wonder what those two could have gotten for me...hmm...what an unusual card."

"I made it special for you," Phaedra beamed. "Miss Harry showed me how."

"I will treasure it always," Remus smiled. "I like the motif."

"I drew your wolf. Miss Harry said it would be okay."

"I think you did a wonderful job. Now let me see the present."

"It is in two parts," Harry commented, "open the smaller box first, since the other one will go with it."

"What could you have gotten me that is so mysterious?"

"Something Dumbledore suggested you would enjoy. I wanted to give you something that you would enjoy simply for the pleasure of it."

"Ooohhh..." Remus laughed, opening the chips and cards. "What is in the other box?'

"Open it," Harry chuckled.

"Now this will really give me hours of pleasure," Remus shook his head with approval as he revealed the poker table.

"You just need to bring it back up to normal size. Dumbledore used the standard spell to reduce it so I could wrap it."

"I love it, Princess," Remus' delight was evident on his face as he enlarged the table. "Anyone up to a game tonight?"

"How are we supposed to play with our hands bound together?" Sirius queried as Snape nodded in agreement.

"You two are not getting free that easily," Harry rebuked them. "You can hold the cards with your free hand and bet with the other."

"She is bound and determined we stay together for the week," Severus scowled.

"Think of it as my getting even for all those years of your taking house points when I didn't really do anything to deserve losing them."

"Indeed?"

"You took out your anger and humiliation at the hands of my father and Sirius on me."

"Hey, that may be fine for Severus, but what about me? I never took house points from you."

"No, but you and my Dad were the reason he did. If you both hadn't been such nasty arrogant teens..." Harry shrugged, lowering her eyes.

"Point well taken, Honey," Sirius allowed putting his free hand on hers. "We really were a couple of arrogant gits."

"Then make me a happy girl and play cards with Remus. I understand he is quite a good poker player."

"He's a demon," Severus sneered.

"Well I'm up for a good game," Tiberius said looking at Remus with interest.

"Do you men mind if I play too?" Circe inquired. "It's been awhile, but I was a fair player."

"It would be our pleasure," Remus smiled.

"Can we play too?" Phaedra asked feeling left out.

"No, Phaedra, you are too young. When you are older we will teach you," Circe replied firmly.

"Don't worry, Phaedra. You and I can go outside for a while. I saw that your Uncle put up a swing in the back yard. We also need to take care of the dogs."

"Okay Miss Harry. Will you push me on the swing?"

"Of course, we can take turns on it," she answered as they rose from the table, and the others adjourned to the parlor to set up the poker game.

Harry entertained Phaedra out back for over two hours and they had a great time playing with Snuffles and Hannibal. Harry decided that Hannibal was aptly named as he was quite protective of Phaedra, but she also felt he was a bit funny looking. His legs were too long for his body, and he had the stocky build of both his Boar Hound father and Newfoundland mother, but his head was all wrong. He had jowls like Fang, but was fluffy like Snuffles. His bark was deep and threatening, but he was so friendly that Harry joked that all any burglar would have to do was feed him and he would let them in. Phaedra immediately came to his defense, hugging the over large puppy, who planted a big slurpy kiss on her face with his large pink tongue. As the evening wore on, Harry and Phaedra took turns on the swing and watched the sun set together. They then sat on the back porch looking at the stars and listening to the adults in the other room laughing and playing their card game.

"Miss Harry, which one is Mr. Sirius' star?" Phaedra queried looking up at he sky.

"Do you see that really bright one, over there?" Harry replied pointing out the star in the constellation of Canis Major.

"You mean the one that is really big?"

"That's the one. That is Sirius. It is also known as the Dog star."

"How come?"

"Because it is supposed to be one of two hunting dogs that follow Orion into battle. Follow my finger and you will see that the constellation Sirius is in forms a sort of big dog," she explained pointing out the stars. "The constellation is actually called Canis Major. Canis is Latin for dog and major means big."

"You said there were two dogs. Does the other constellation have a name too?"

"That one is Canis Minor, or the Little Dog. Follow my finger. Do you see the group of stars that look kind of like an odd shaped W?"

"Yes, what is that?"

"It is called Monoceros, or the unicorn, since that odd small star at the point represents the horn."

"But where is the Little Dog?"

"Canis Minor is right above it. See the star I am pointing to?" Harry asked directing Phaedra's attention to the constellation Monoceros.

"The one that is the bottom of the first part of the W?"

"Yes, now follow my finger straight up and you will see another star with one above it. The first one is Procyon and the other one is Gomeisa. They are the two stars in the Little Dog. Procyon means before the dog. It comes onto the horizon just before Sirius, which is how it got the name."

"What does the other name, Gomeisa, mean?"

"Bleary eyed, but I don't know why."

"Maybe it was tired and didn't want to come out!"

"Maybe," Harry laughed, "it sounds like a good reason to me."

"What are the two of you up to sitting out here in the darkness?" Snape's silky soft voice inquired startling the two girls, who both jumped.

"Uncle Severus, you scared me," Phaedra pouted.

"Get used to it Phaedra. If you have him at Hogwarts in a few years, he will do it all the time. He likes to catch the students unawares to see if they are doing something they shouldn't be."

"Humph, if he does it to me I will just tell Mummy and she will yell at him."

"You had best be careful, Severus. Phaedra is going to give you a run for your money when she comes to Hogwarts. There is nothing worse than having one's big sister on their case," Sirius grinned wickedly, leaning on the doorframe.

"I have no doubt that Phaedra will be an excellent student and her behavior will be exemplary."

"Miss Harry, what is zemplary?"

"No Phaedra, it is pronounced egg-zem-pla- ree. It means excellent."

"Oh."

"So what were you both talking about?" Sirius smiled.

"Miss Harry was teaching me about the big dog and the little dog stars. She also showed me the unicorn and told me about the names of some of the stars."

"Did you know that Mr. Sirius is going to teach all about the stars at Hogwarts?"

"Really? Does he know all of the stars in the sky?"

"I know most of them, and all of the constellations. Would you like to learn some more?"

"Can I? Miss Harry do you know them all too?"

"Not quite as good as Sirius, but yes, I learned them in Astronomy class at Hogwarts."

"But I'm too little to go to Hogwarts."

"I can teach you some of them each night when the sky is clear like it is tonight," Sirius assured her. I will even get out my old telescope so you can see them better."

"Uncle Severus, did you hear that? I am going to lean about the stars. Miss Harry will you still teach me potions?"

"Of course. Potions by day and the stars by night. I think you will be way ahead of your schoolmates when you go back to school in September."

"I expect you to keep up on your summer reading too," Severus looked at Phaedra, pretending to sound stern, but his slight smile belied his manner.

"I will. I like to read. I have three books to read and do a report on."

"Then why don't you start reading them in bed tonight?" Circe's voice came from behind Sirius as her silhouette appeared in the kitchen behind the two wizards. "I think it's time you got ready for bed."

"Do I have to Mummy? I'm not tired."

"Yes, you have to. It is past nine. I want you to take a bath and then if you still aren't tired you can start your reading."

"What about Miss Harry?"

"Miss Harry is old enough to stay up."

"Don't worry Phaedra; I won't be up too late. I have to start teaching you potions tomorrow and also need to get ready for my Auror training this week."

"I forgot you are going to start teaching me the potions tomorrow. What are we going to make?"

"Nothing yet, you have to learn all the equipment first and I will want you to know all the safety procedures. So I will start teaching you them first, and when you can show me that you understand them we will make something special for your Mum."

"Can't I mix just one thing tomorrow?" Phaedra wheedled softly.

"No! You need to learn safety first. Maybe by the end of the week you can actually start to make a potion. Do you have the potion book I gave you for Christmas?"

"I brought it with me. Can we make something out of it?"

"I think so. I will look it over with your uncles and then we will decide what you should make first. So go on and get ready for bed," Harry hugged her.

"Come along, Phaedra. You can wear your new nightgown tonight," Circe told her as she ushered her back into the kitchen.

"The pretty blue one that makes me look like a princess?"

"Yes, so let's get you into the tub. I can see you have been playing with Hannibal. Your clothes are filthy."

"Uncle Severus I am going to wear my pretty nightgown. Will you come with Mr. Sirius and tuck me in?"

"We will be up to tuck you in," Severus nodded, gently stroking her cheek.

"See you in a little while," Sirius smiled as Phaedra followed her mother out of the kitchen towards the bath.

"I am pleased that you are being sensible and teaching Phaedra safety and equipment before attempting to show her how to mix anything," Snape remarked thoughtfully.

"No one ever said Harry wasn't sensible," Sirius stated emphatically. "She may be impulsive at times, but she is smart enough to know how to do things in the proper manner."

"I will be interested to see how you do tomorrow. Uncle Tiberius and I will be showing you some of the medicinal potions that are not taught in school. There are some which are used for diseases which would be terminal in Muggles."

"How come we don't share that kind of knowledge with them? It seems unfair that they should die when we have cures for diseases like diabetes or cancer."

"We share them when it suits our purpose, or when we feel they are able to handle the knowledge. They are usually given to the Muggle world by a witch or wizard who pretends to be a Muggle in the scientific community. Insulin was given to them a number of years ago. When they are ready, they will be given the full cure for diabetes. Their cancer drugs do not equal ours and they prefer to deal in synthetics. Our drugs for some of the worst diseases are all natural. Many of them have been handed down from ancient times or made from exotic plants only found in places like the Amazon or the African jungles," Snape intoned as if she were a first year student.

"Was he always this stiff in class?" Sirius joked.

"Only when he wanted your full attention while he was teaching the subject matter," she stated matter of factly. "Severus can get very passionate when discussing his potions. On the other hand he hated teaching Sex Ed."

"Severus taught Sex Education?"

"Only to the fifth year boys."

"Wait a minute...you were still disguised as a boy in your fifth year. You were in his class with all the boys?"

"She was... although I did not know Harry was a witch at the time," Snape grinned back at Sirius evilly.

"It was interesting, to say the least. I read Hermione's notes for the girls' class. Poppy taught that one along with Professor McGonagall."

"She let you read the notes from her Sex Ed class?" Sirius questioned amazed.

"Of course not, I used my invisibility cloak to sneak into her dorm when she was in Hogsmeade one weekend."

"I would be most interested in hearing what Hermione would say if she knew what you did."

"I think she would just laugh and shake her head, Severus."

"Why would you think that, Honey?"

"Because I told her a long time ago when she found out I was a girl. We were talking girl talk and she realized I had not been in class with her at the time."

"I'm surprised she didn't ask about the boy's class," Sirius teased.

"She did," Harry laughed, grateful that the dim light coming through the kitchen windows hid her red cheeks. "She really enjoyed hearing all the questions the guys asked, especially Ron."

"Really, and what were those questions?"

"Really, Sirius, if you have any questions in that department maybe you should ask Professor Snape," Harry teased laughing aloud.

"What is so funny Princess?" Remus inquired coming out the door to sit with them in the evening air.

"Sirius was just about to ask Severus about sex."

"What!?"

"It seems Miss Wings was in Severus' Sex Education class with the boys at Hogwarts. She was just telling us how interesting it was."

"Really...and here I thought there was something you actually didn't know about Padfoot," Remus grinned. "So Princess, you must have enjoyed Severus' sex talk immensely for you to remember it so well," Remus mocked playfully..

"I was especially interested in the sexuality of werewolves. He seemed to be quite versed in the subject," she countered evenly.

"Ahem...yes...well...you know it is the animal instinct which causes werewolves to be...ah...so..." Remus stammered unable to meet her eyes.

"Sensual?" Harry prodded, touched by Remus' apparent bashfulness.

"Now Miss Wings, you really shouldn't tease Moony. It is his birthday after all."

"I'm not teasing him. I think it's cute the way he gets all shy and reserved," Harry smiled giving Remus a hug.

"Oh how touching," Severus remarked smugly, "he gets all tongue tied around her when it comes to his other nature."

"Severus, you had bloody well knock it off. You are quite obviously jealous of the attention Remus is getting. Maybe if you were a little bit nice from time to time I would be more affectionate towards you too. I didn't remove that mark just to satisfy a whim!" Harry remarked referring to how she had been able to remove the Dark Mark tattoo from his left forearm. "I did it because I do care."

"If I were you I would watch my step, Snape. You do not want Harry to get angry with you. She does have a temper you know," Sirius warned. "If you get her angry she may just put that mark back on your arm."

"You can just stop that kind of talk too! I would never do such a thing! I am not my Dad and I am not a wild fifteen year old like the two of you were. I still get angry when I realize how you were both a couple of arrogant bullies. Some hurts can't just be forgotten, believe me I know," Harry scolded her voice cracking.

"Princess, Padfoot didn't really mean what he said, and Severus was just teasing me in his own manner."

"Honey, what is it that you are finding so hurtful? It isn't something we did in school as boys is it?"

"No...But there are times...times when I just....well...sometimes I find myself still mad at Dumbledore."

"Harry, Albus did what he thought was right. He is wise and powerful, but that does not always make him right," Severus soothed. "If he could go back and change some of his decisions he would do so, if for no other reason than to make you happy."

"I know...I am just...I don't know...feeling a little lost tonight. I can understand why Severus was so nasty to me at times. Hell, when I was younger and dressed as a boy I was almost a dead ringer for my Dad."

"Except for your eyes," Sirius said putting his hand on her shoulder.

"There is still a remarkable resemblance," Snape arched his brow giving her one of his rare smiles, "but you are much better looking."

"I'll drink to that!" Sirius chuckled bringing the bottle of Butterbeer he had been holding up to his mouth, as the sound of a window opening above interrupted their conversation.

"Uncle Severus... Mr. Sirius," Phaedra called, "you can come and tuck me in now."

"We'll be right up, Phaedra, and don't hang out of the attic window like that!" Snape called back, pulling Sirius into the yard so they could look up at her.

"Okay, Uncle Sev," she replied lowering the screen.

"Harry, I will see you later," Snape nodded. "Come on Black, we had better get up to Phaedra before she tries to sneak downstairs."

"She can be quite adventurous at times," Sirius agreed, "kind of reminds me of another young Miss I know."

"And who might that be?" Harry looked at her godfather, green eyes twinkling.

"Why Miss Potter, surely I need not have to tell you her name," Sirius quipped leaning down look into her eyes. Harry had the feeling that if they had been alone he would have kissed her.

"Let's go Black. You can say goodnight to Harry later," Snape said dragging him along, the edge to his voice unmistakable.

"Would you like to go inside, Princess?" Remus inquired when they were out of earshot.

"I'd rather sit out here on the porch and enjoy the night air."

"The rose garden smells wonderful, tonight."

"I know, and while I understand how you feel about the full moon, tonight is the first crescent. I think of all the phases of the moon the crescents are the most beautiful."

"It is one of the few that I can enjoy too." Remus replied putting his arm around her shoulders.

"Have I ever told you that you are really cute?"

"In which form?"

"Both," Harry grinned, "you are just lovable no matter whether you are human or canine."

"I'll keep that in mind," he pursed his lips giving her a slight squeeze.

"Remus did you know that there is a constellation called the Lupus?"

"It's located between Scorpius and Centaurus, if I remember correctly. I think the legend says the king of Arcadia was turned into a wolf when he fed meat to Zeus containing sheep, goats and parts of his son. Zeus struck his family down with lightening, and brought back the dead son."

"I like the legend the Watcher Elves tell better. I think Luna's lover becoming the wolf because of the sun god is a sweet story."

"They both have merit; after all, the natural prey of the werewolf is human flesh."

"Remus, please don't get maudlin on your birthday. You were so happy before," Harry remarked taking his hand in hers.

"I'm sorry, Princess. I know you care about me just like Sirius does."

"You're very special to both of us. I worry about you as much as Sirius does. Yet, there are times when I think of all of my protectors you are actually the strongest."

"What makes you think that?"

"I can sense an inner strength about you. I'm not sure if it is my empathy doing it or just something you project in your manner.'

"Are you sure you are not just sensing the wolf?"

"No, he's there too, but I can tell the difference. He is powerful and wild. I think what I feel is a part of your soul. It's warm and kind, yet capable of great power and love, yet there is sadness there too.

"No happiness?"

"You are happiest when you are with those you love. I can feel it and it shows in those mysterious eyes of yours."

"I have mysterious eyes?"

"Yup, you do," she grinned. "Sirius has warm eyes, and Severus has fathomless eyes."

"Now that is interesting. I would say you have curious eyes."

"Why?"

"They get this sparkle when you are interested in something, they are always questioning. They are also very pretty."

"Why Remus Lupin, I believe you are flirting with me," Harry responded coyly.

"Am I?" Remus asked tilting her chin up with two fingers so she could look him in the eyes.

"Remus..."

"Hush," he whispered and then gently brushed his lips over hers. "Let's go for a walk," Remus said pulling her to her feet. "I may not be able to enjoy a walk in the full moon, but I can tonight."

"You're a born romantic," she smiled as he put his arm around her waist and they strolled off.

"It's not often I get to spend the evening with a pretty young woman."

"Flattery will get you everywhere," she teased, looking up at him.

"In that case..." Remus stopped walking, and looking down at her, they locked eyes, as his lips met hers again. This time his tongue sought hers, and she responded in kind. When he finally released her neither spoke. They merely walked together in silence, each deep in thought, yet content in each another's company as they wandered back towards the house. Reaching the kitchen, they separated, each one eyeing the other with a sly smile, and Harry went up to her room as Remus went into his.