The Legend of the Serpent's Tongue

The Legend of the Serpent's Tongue

Part 6

Relationships

Harry had given Severus and Sirius the cold shoulder all week, and only spoke to them when she was either working on a potion with either of the Snapes, or doing some more Auror training with Sirius. The two men were still bound at the wrists and were going out of their way to calm Harry's ruffled feathers, as Dumbledore had so aptly put it.

The Headmaster had come the day following the incident with the love potion, and Harry had a long talk with him. He had explained that he knew they were going to do something of the sort, but that he did not interfere as the Auror training was entirely up to Moody. He also wanted her to know that he understood her anger over his asking Phaedra to tell them if Harry was having any nightmares, and apologized after extracting her promise that she would tell them immediately should any occur. Harry wanted to know why he was so worried, since Voldemort was dead, but he said he was merely concerned, as the battle had taken such a toll on her. Harry decided not to ask any questions, and took him at his word, but she had a nagging feeling that he did not want her to know something just yet.

As the week wore on, Harry found she was becoming more and more the focus of Sirius and Severus attention in an effort to be freed from one another. She could tell they were concerned that she would keep them that way for the entire summer. Secretly, Harry had decided to free them on Saturday morning in time for the meeting of the Order and her swearing in ceremony, but in the meantime, she was enjoying watching them fall all over one another in an effort to win her favor. They had sent her candy, flowers, and small gifts. Severus had even written her a short poem, hinting at his affections, while Sirius had brought her a picture he had found in some of his belongings at Grimmauld Place. It showed her parents the day after she had been born, holding up their new infant. Harry noted she already had on a blue blanket.

Remus was giving Harry some extra attention himself, enjoying the fact he could get her alone once in awhile. They had taken to walking in the garden at night and watching the moon, as it waxed bigger each night. Remus said he really didn't mind the moonlit walks, and laughed when she asked him what he thought the two men were thinking. Sirius was giving Phaedra her nightly astronomy lesson, while Severus sat by faking boredom, watching Harry and Remus out of the corner of his eye.

"Well, Princess, I think if he had the chance he would turn his telescope on us instead of the constellations, and Severus has been scowling for the past hour. I know he would like to spend some quiet time alone with you, and so would Sirius. I just hope they don't try and hex me!" he laughed playfully.

"You know Padfoot won't, but Severus is another matter, although he is more likely to slip you some poison," Harry grinned, reaching up to push a stray lock of hair off his forehead.

"I think you are enjoying making them sweat this out."

"Who, me?" she asked innocently, green eyes glittering with laughter as they reflected off the moonlight.

"Are you going to let them go? It is Friday after all."

"Now Moony, you know I can't tell you that. Padfoot is your best friend and I'm sure he has probably asked you to find out whatever you can," she replied saucily, winking at him. "Severus actually tried to use his telepathy and get into my mind, but all he got was an Occlumency lesson."

"I'll wager he was actually probably pleased with that, even though he didn't find anything out."

"He did give me one of his rare smiles," she answered glancing over at the two men on the far side of the garden. Phaedra seemed to be enjoying herself, and Sirius was being extremely patient with her as she asked all kinds of questions.

"Well, Padfoot didn't ask me to find out for him. He wants you to feel that you can trust him, Princess, especially since he will be your partner should Moody ever need either of your assistance," Remus informed her seriously. 'If you only knew how much he really loves you,' Remus thought, 'I hate to see him look at me so jealously when we're together.'

"Remus," she nudged him, "you're not listening to me. I asked you about Severus."

"Sorry," he flushed, "what did you want to know?"

"I was wondering how he was taking being bound to Sirius for the past few days. Has there been any improvement in his attitude?" I know Sirius is trying hard, but Sev is such a complicated and quiet individual..."

"I understand your point," Remus nodded, "he is much better. They are actually talking to one another about things they never would have discussed otherwise, but Severus is a very private man, Harry. He doesn't like to show his feelings, especially to Sirius."

"My Dad and Sirius really did a number on him in school, didn't they?"

"Partly, but Severus wasn't always the innocent victim either," Remus defended his friends, "and it goes way beyond what happened at Hogwarts when we were kids."

"How so?" she queried intrigued.

"His family was all dark wizards, and his mother was a real witch, literally. She only had Severus to provide an heir to the line, and after that, she could have cared less. Circe is actually his half sister. Severus' father was widowed, and wanted a male heir, so he married again purely for convenience. If it weren't for his Uncle Tiberius, who walked away from the family like Sirius did to his, those two would have been made to follow in the family traditions."

"But Severus joined the Deatheaters," Harry stated confused.

"Only to please his father, who died in the service of the Dark Lord. I do not think Severus really wanted any part of what was going on. He has a gentle nature when he allows it to show, and then his wife and son were killed...well, add that to the equation, and you have an angry, lonely, and bitter man," Remus answered softly. 'What am I doing? I should be pushing her towards Padfoot, not Severus...yet he is her soul mate...I wonder what inner pain they both share...I can see the sensitivity..."

"It just seems so tragic, almost like a romance novel."

"What about Sirius? You said his life was like a novel too?" Remus reflected, taking the opening she had provided to boost his friend's image.

"So could yours. You suffered so much, but in a far different manner. You lost your best friends, all in one night, plus you have been shunned most of your life simply because of your...shall we say...chronic condition?"

"You can say it you know. I'm not ashamed of the fact that I am a werewolf, and I did get one of my friends returned to me...twice in fact."

"Yeah," Harry smiled warmly up at him, "and I happen to think you are a wonderful werewolf. You really are nice and fluffy, and I can't believe that without your potion you would hurt anyone deliberately. I think it is just from the pain and confusion caused by the transformation that werewolves get such a bad rap. Real wolves are also totally misunderstood too."

"Well, I wouldn't want to find out what I would do without my potion. I can remember what it was like before it was invented, Princess, and believe me it was no picnic. It still isn't."

"I'm sorry you have to hurt so much. I know how uncomfortable you are with it. I can see it in your eyes, even though you do a good job of trying to hide the pain you're in."

"One of those marvelous back rubs with your healing energy might help," he grinned, as Sirius looked up and scowled. He had apparently overheard the remark.

"Remus, will you answer a question for me about you and Sirius?"

"That depends on what it is."

"How close are the two of you? I have heard stories..." Harry's voice trailed off uncertainly.

"I see...well...we're both of the canine persuasion, if that helps to answer your question."

"Not really, but I don't suppose you will tell me anything else?"

"Harry, if you're trying to ask if we are lovers, I can tell you that we are not!" he stated emphatically. "Not in the way you're thinking anyway. We are close in a way that is hard to describe in words..."

"Soulmates?"

"After a fashion, yes, but that doesn't mean we can't love someone or marry them. It is sort of like you and Ron, but on a more intimate level because of our canine feelings too."

"I think I understand...dogs and wolves are pack animals, each having a place in the pack...it creates a bond among the members."

"Very good, "Remus smiled down at her, "I'm impressed that you are able to understand."

"Would it cause a problem if one of you had a relationship with someone you both cared for?"

"No, it wouldn't, especially if that someone was bound to both of us by blood, since they would also be a part of our pack."

"What if the pack member went outside of the pack?" she asked, glancing over at Severus, who was watching intently.

"Then we would just welcome a new member into it," he reassured her. 'She's torn between the three of us, and doesn't know what to do about it. Oh, Merlin, if only we could decide for her, but the choice has to come from her heart, otherwise she will only end up hating us," Remus considered as they walked back towards the two men. Phaedra's lesson had ended, and Circe had taken her up to bed.

"Still in the mood for that back rub?"

"Hmm...I would actually love it."

"Then you shall have it," she smiled, watching Severus and Sirius squirm uncomfortably. "Severus, do you have any of that muscle relaxant on hand that you make for Professor Moody?" Harry asked coming up to the two men. "The one made from Monkshood and Abyssinian Shrivelfig."

"I gave some to Lupin along with the pain relievers I mixed for his birthday gift," Snape replied coolly, "it is in the aluminum tin."

"I will go and get it, Princess. I have the box of potions Severus gave me in my room."

"Don't bother, we can just go into your room and you can take off your shirt," Harry said, noting Sirius was growling softly in his throat.

"Sirius, behave! I am giving your best friend and my protector a back rub to ease his suffering. If you continue to act like a jealous schoolchild, I may just give you some reverse aging potion and turn you into one!

"Then maybe I will be able to free myself from Severus," he grinned.

"No, then you would be young enough to have to go back to Hogwarts and have Severus for your teacher!"

"The reverse aging potion is on the third shelf from the left in my private stores," Snape sneered, looking at Sirius wickedly.

"Better yet, I will give it to both of you and you can have me and Remus for your teachers. Maybe then we will knock some sense into Sirius' head and manners into Severus'!"

"Harry are you suggesting that my manners are less than adequate?" Snape asked condescendingly

"Severus," Harry stated as they walked into the kitchen, "you are intelligent, mysterious, and have the potential to excel in whatever you do. However, you are one arrogant son of a bitch!" she nodded emphatically.

"Honey, I'm surprised it took you this long to find that out," Sirius laughed, enjoying watching Harry's interaction with Snape.

"Sirius, Sev may be arrogant, but you can be one down right vicious dog!"

"Hah, she has you pegged after all, Black. I'm glad to see she is not a fool for a handsome face."

"If I was, I would have been gushing over Lockhart like everyone else was, even if I would have had to keep it a secret," Harry reminded him bluntly, entering the bedroom Remus normally shared with Sirius at the rear of the house. "Besides, Sirius is better looking than Lockhart was any day, and he is not conceited about his good looks."

"Thank you, Honey," Sirius smiled warmly.

"Now, as for the two of you being separated, I want some honest answers from the both of you, while I give Remus his back rub," Harry remarked as Remus took the muscle rub from his top drawer and she motioned for him to remove his shirt. "Remus lay down here on the bed, so I can reach you better."

"Of course, Princess, you just make sure my two counterparts don't hex me," he teased.

"If they so much as try I will transform the two of them into a couple of chocolate cream pies and feed them to Dumbledore!"

"At least she picked something sweet for us," Sirius laughed, nudging Snape in the ribs.

"Indeed," Snape nodded, "why chocolate cream pies though?" he asked puzzled.

"Because," she replied kneading Remus back, "I love chocolate."

"See, Sev, she still loves us."

"You know, you two really ought to give Harry a little more credit. She really worries about you both...Ow! My spine is really hurting tonight, Princess, go a little lighter."

"Sorry, but it is from the healing energy. I had to let it penetrate deeper than usual. Your muscles are all tied in knots with your transformation coming in a few days."

"I know," Remus smiled sadly, "don't worry about it. You really are helping me to feel better."

"Severus, do you know of any potion he can use in his bath that will also help. It seems a nice hot bath combined with some kind of muscle relaxant could really help Remus."

"That's a wonderful idea, Honey. How about it Sev? Do you know of anything that Remus could use?"

"Hmm...Not off hand, but let me check my books. I may be able to make something up, or better yet, maybe Harry would like to try?"

"I'll do the research and you and your uncle can follow me and tell me if I am on the right track," Harry replied accepting the challenge of creating a new potion. "We can name it Moony's Miracle Muscle Relaxant," she grinned.

"I like that, Honey, what do you think, Moony?"

"I'm flattered."

"Hmm...Let's see if you can get it made, first, Harry. You are merely a novice potion maker. It is not easy to create something new. Have you any idea how to go about starting?"

"Oh goody,' she sneered, "we get to play Snapes' testing game."

"Snapes' testing game, what is that, Princess?" Remus queried lowering his neck as she kneaded the aching muscles of his cervical spine.

"He loves to give me these little verbal questions, almost like a quiz, to see how much I know. You both do the same thing, but are more direct."

"In other words, we would ask you directly how you might mix the potion, where as Severus is letting you tell him how to do it?" Sirius mused shrewdly.

"So tell us, how would you do it?" Remus asked, amused.

"I'll have to pull out his books and see what is already available and how it is made, first. If there is something, then maybe I can improve on it, otherwise I will have to research how water will affect the various plants and other items I might require to make the compound and how they will interact with one another too," she considered the matter, noting Snape had arched his eyebrow. "Then I think the next step would be to decide exactly how strong I would need to make the mixture to be sure it is safe yet effective. I guess then I could start trying various combinations to see the effects. I'm not sure how I would test them though," Harry said eyeing Snape warily.

"There are a number of ways to test the mixture, assuming you come up with something," he replied, lips twitching with amusement, "haven't I always had my students try the potions on themselves to see if they worked?"

"Yeah, but you always knew if they were right and had an antidote handy if they weren't."

"So now you are faced with a situation of what to do should the potion come out wrong, since it will be a new mixture. How will you handle that?"

"I don't know," she confessed, worriedly. "I don't want to test it on an animal since it may work differently, but it has to work on a human and a werewolf to boot!"

"Have you considered you may have to test the mixture on Professor Lupin?" Tiberius Snape's quiet voice asked from the door. Harry looked up sharply, as she hadn't heard him come in. He was leaning casually against the frame, eyebrow arched in the familiar Snape manner, studying her closely.

"Don't worry, Princess. It may actually be to your benefit to be able to test the potion on an actual werewolf."

"Remus!" she exclaimed hotly, "What if it is too strong and you collapse, or it causes your heart to beat irregularly, or it creates a toxic reaction on your skin, or..."

"I see you are considering all the possibilities, that is an excellent way to start," Tiberius remarked, pleased that she understood the dangers in creating a new potion. "Severus, she really does have possibilities. Harry may not be a natural at potions, but she will do quite well in her own right."

"If I didn't think she could do it, Uncle, I would never allow her in the lab, let alone teaching Phaedra."

"Princess, could you get my lower spine a bit more? It is really bothering me tonight." Remus interrupted apologetically.

"Sure, you're stiffer than usual, how come?"

"It happens that way sometimes," Remus reassured her, "some months are worse than others."

"So when do you plan on starting your research for Moony's new muscle relaxant," Sirius asked seating himself on the bed opposite her, pulling Snape down with him.

"I'll work on the research in the evenings when you give Phaedra her astronomy lesson," she replied, "so long as I can have access to some of Severus, books."

"You may," Snape nodded, "and perhaps my uncle will find some of his which you may find useful."

"I think I have a few that Harry will be able to understand," Tiberius responded thoughtfully.

"Understand?" she questioned puzzled.

"Many are quite old, and unless you are well versed in Latin, as my nephew is, then I suspect you will have a difficult time, as they are written in that language," Tiberius explained with a smirk.

"The only Latin I can understand is used in most of the spells I know, or are roots for common English," she confessed.

"Then maybe we should all teach you, Honey. Would you like to learn?"

"Sirius, I never knew you could read Latin."

"Umm...I can, and so can Remus. All the pureblood wizarding families make certain their children are tutored in Latin. Remus is better at it than I am, and much as I hate to admit it, Severus is better than either of us."

"Years ago, it was taught at Hogwarts, but since most books have been translated into English and Latin is considered obsolete, it was dropped a long time ago. I believe it was still taught in Albus' time though," Tiberius remarked.

"Oww..." Remus groaned again, as Harry started to knead his shoulders again.

"Hang on Remus," Harry said straddling his back in an effort to massage his sore muscles more comfortably while directing her healing energy more effectively.

"Uncle Severus..." Phaedra began coming into the room in her pajamas.

"Phaedra, why are you out of bed?" Tiberius asked sternly.

"I'm looking for Uncle Severus. He said he would read with me tonight," Phaedra answered contritely. "Miss Harry are you and Mr. Remus shagging?"

"What?!" Harry choked red faced, while Remus suppressed a laugh, Sirius snickered, and Severus and Tiberius arched their left brows simultaneously.

"Phaedra, where did you hear about shagging?" Circe asked in shock, coming in from the kitchen.

"My friend, Althea. She said that one day she saw her mummy sitting on her daddy, and her older sister told her they were shagging," Phaedra answered innocently, confused by the attitude of the adults.

"Phaedra," Harry began patiently, climbing off Remus, "Mr. Remus and I were not shagging. I was giving him a back rub. He is going to transform into his wolf in a few days, and he becomes stiff and sore as the time draws closer."

"Oh, I hope you feel better, Mr. Remus. Will you read to me now uncle?" Phaedra asked turning her attention to Severus.

"Yes, Phaedra, Sirius and I will be up in a few minutes. I think your mother wants to talk with you first," Severus eyed his sister with amusement. He was aware of her discomfiture with Phaedra's question.

"I will come with you, Circe," Tiberius smiled at his niece. "Harry, I will give you some of the books tomorrow and you can start your research," he said following Circe out as she took Phaedra back to bed.

As soon as they were out of the room, Sirius could no longer contain himself, and burst out with his barking laugh.

"Sirius, it's not funny!" Harry flushed, avoiding his gaze, but she couldn't hide her grin as she rolled her eyes. "Phaedra merely asked an innocent question. I'm sure Circe will explain things in a way she will understand for now."

"I'm not sure who is redder," Sirius laughed, tears running down his cheeks, "you or Remus."

"Padfoot, Harry is right, Phaedra really has no idea what shagging is all about," Remus replied, pulling his shirt back on.

"My niece is quite inquisitive when it comes to relationships," Snape remarked casually, "since she doesn't have a father at home, and Circe rarely dates. Phaedra finds it confusing. She is learning there are all kinds of ways people can feel affection for one another," he said studying Harry carefully. 'I think I'm falling in love with her. I never thought this would happen to me again, let alone with Potter's daughter,' he considered looking into her green eyes. 'I need to be strong, since I know she has deep feelings for Black, but I swear to Merlin if he ever breaks her heart he will know what it is to be tortured by a Deatheater.'

"Severus, what's wrong?" Harry asked confused. She had sensed his feelings for a brief instant.

"Nothing, I was just considering what you should say if Phaedra questions you about shagging," Snape lied smoothly.

"I'll just tell her the truth so long as Circe agrees with me."

"How much will you tell her exactly, Honey? You know she's only going to be seven."

"I'll just tell her shagging is a slang word for when two adults who love each other are close in a special way. That should satisfy her curiosity."

"And if she asks more questions?" Severus demanded.

"I will be as honest and open as her age allows."

"I think that is the prudent thing to do, Princess," Remus nodded pleased with her sensibility. "Now, how about if you and I have a nice cup of tea and a snack while Severus and Sirius go up and read her that story Severus promised."

"Wait a minute, it's Friday night. Are you going to separate us?" Sirius asked, brown eyes begging.

"Not tonight, Padfoot. You will just have to deal with one another until I feel you are ready to be two separate people again."

"Harry, Sirius and I are getting along and even finding out you were right. We do have some things in common. I see no reason to leave us bound at the wrist."

"I am well aware of all your similarities. You are both stubborn, smart, have strong family backgrounds in the dark arts, are both purebloods, and share a relationship with me. Is that enough for starters?"

"Are you as versed in our differences?" Snape queried looking at her down his long nose.

"He's handsome, your average looking, Sirius is an animagus, you're into potions, he's a prankster, you're serious, he's outgoing and you're shy. How am I doing so far?"

"You are one smart little witch, and I can see why you are so concerned that we get along," Sirius smiled. "I'm proud to be your godfather."

"Well then, my handsome godfather, flattery will not get you separated. I care about you both, and I want you to be friends. I think after all I have been through I deserve a miracle," Harry grinned giving Sirius a quick peck on the lips as she departed for the kitchen.

"Nice try, Black, but she isn't going for it."

"Have you got any better ideas?"

"Not at the moment, but I will think on it."

"You really have them fit to be tied," Remus laughed as he poured the tea, aware of his play on words.

"I know," Harry chuckled evilly, as the two men headed upstairs to read to Phaedra.

Remus sat studying Harry as she sipped her tea. She was growing more beautiful by the day. She still preferred to wear her glasses though, and he wondered why. She had such beautiful eyes. 'I need to let her know I care, but that it would be unwise to become too emotionally involved with me. I can't give her the kind of life Padfoot or Severus can. The Ministry would never leave us alone. Between her powers and my being a werewolf, well...'

"Remus, what is it? I can sense you're troubled about something."

"Princess," he began, "you know I care about you."

"I care about you too, so why the long face?"

"I don't feel you and I should become more involved than we already are," he answered carefully, taking her hand in his.

"I'm not sure I understand."

"What I'm trying to say is that I'm not good husband material for you."

"Why on earth would you think that?"

"Harry, to begin with, I'm a werewolf, and the Ministry can be...well...intrusive at times."

"Remus, I'm not afraid of the Ministry."

"Listen to me, you're a very powerful witch, and should you marry a werewolf..." he shrugged looking sad.

"The Ministry can go to Hell. If I think you and I belong together then I will never rest until people realize that we love one another and there is no dark magic involved, because that is what they'll be thinking, isn't it?" Harry demanded, gritting her teeth.

"Yes, Princess, they will. You have powers that are unusual and potent. I am considered a dark creature. The Ministry will worry that you are starting to practice what the Muggles would call Black Magic."

"Remus, if you and I should marry, and it is a possibility, then we will have many people who will support and understand that there is no dark magic involved. If need be we will go and live in a different country to be rid of the prejudice here."

"It will only follow us."

"Then we will just ignore it, and show them they are wrong!" Harry emphasized tossing her head angrily, knocking her glasses off.

"I hope you're right, Princess, but there is also another problem," he said picking her glasses up off the floor and slipping them back on for her.

"What is that?"

"I can't support you in the same manner that Sirius or Severus can. I am not a rich man."

"So you can stay home with the kids, and I'll go to work!" she grinned. "Besides, I have quite a sum of money in the bank, and I also don't think my other two protectors would want to see us starve."

"I should know better than to try and argue with a woman, especially when she inherited her mother's righteous attitude," Remus chuckled.

"That's right, but in any event we are a long way from any such involvement just yet. I am getting to know the three of you more every day, and time will tell how we all end up. It's nice to see my endurance is still working for me," she smiled, referring to his role in the Protectorship to help her face the difficulties before her.

"Can I offer you a suggestion?"

"What is that?"

"Listen to what your heart tells you. When you finally decide we will all stand beside you, whether it is one of us or someone else. You're happiness comes first. Take your time, go slowly, and just enjoy being happy."

"Remus, you are one special werewolf."

"I think so too," Sirius said from the door to the kitchen."

"I see it's puppy love time," Severus rolled his eyes.

"Severus, you just behave. It's not your fault you're not in the canine club," Harry teased, "but I think you're kind of cute anyway. Now if you will all excuse me I am going up, take a hot bath, and go to bed. Tomorrow will be an interesting day and I am looking forward to seeing Ron and Hermione."

"Has Miss Granger started her new job at the Ministry yet?" Severus asked as Remus rinsed out the teacups.

"No, she starts the Monday after our graduation. Our exam scores have to be finalized first."

"What has she been doing?" Sirius inquired with interest.

"She was on vacation with her parents in Greece. I got an owl from her two days ago and she is all excited about starting in the Order, but doesn't think there will be too much to do now that Voldemort is dead."

"How did you respond to that?" Snape queried.

"I sent her a letter by return owl telling her she should have been at the Burrow the night we were all attacked by the Deatheaters. Their leader may be gone again, but they are still out there causing trouble. I also reminded her it is good to be prepared in the event another dark wizard decides to try and wreak havoc."

"That's our girl!" Remus praised giving her a quick hug.

Harry just shook her head grinning as she left the kitchen and headed upstairs to relax in the tub. She had no idea that while she was dozing in a sea of warm bubbles her three protectors were having a serious discussion about both Harry and the upcoming meeting of the Order...

"Has anyone spoken with Albus since he was here on Wednesday?" Sirius asked.

"No, Padfoot, how about you Severus?"

"I have not heard from him, but I know he is worried about the information he has been receiving. The Deatheaters are up to something sinister and he has grave concerns about the security of Azkaban. The Dementors who have not been destroyed are still aligned with the dark faction, and Moody feels another escape from Azkaban may be planned.

"But the Dementors are no longer guarding the prison," Sirius argued.

"No, but they know the island better than the present guards. If taken by surprise the guards will be easily overpowered."

"Hmm...What about your uncle, has he heard anything from his sources in the export business?"

"I do not presume to question my uncle, Black, but if he has heard anything it has not been good. He is more on edge these days, and he is constantly changing and updating the wards around the house."

"We will be shifting to London in a few weeks to start the trials, so if anything is going to happen at Azkaban it will be before then," Remus interjected thoughtfully.

"I agree, but we should not let Harry know what is going on. She will find out soon enough after her swearing in celebration tomorrow. It is good to see her so relaxed and happy," Sirius smiled warmly.

"Listen you two, we need to have a little talk about Harry," Remus informed them seriously, as they sat relaxing around the kitchen table.

"I have noticed the two of you have been enjoying each others company quite a bit lately," Snape sneered.

"Yeah, and what was that little bit about marriage we overheard just before we came in?" Sirius questioned. "Are the two of you becoming that intimate in such a short time, Moony?"

"No, Padfoot, we are not! We were merely discussing the possibilities and I warned her that if she chose me as a husband I could not take care of her in the same manner as you or Severus. I wanted her to know that marriage to a werewolf would be difficult politically too."

"How did she respond?" Snape questioned with interest.

"She argued with me. She has Lily's sense of right and wrong, and simply said that we would deal with it," Remus smiled. "What really concerns me is that she is so torn between the three of us."

"Is it that bad, Moony?"

"I think so. I told her to take her time and enjoy being happy for a while. She's young and needs time to make up her mind. I think she is secretly worried about hurting us."

"I think so too," Sirius agreed. "I know she worries about how she feels towards me, and is confused since Severus is her soul mate."

"The decision must come from her. To press her too soon would be disastrous for all of us," Snape scowled. "She has to understand that no matter whether she chooses one of us or George Weasley, we will always be bound together and care about what happens to her."

"I think she is also worried about one of us falling in love with some one else. Albus told me the day she was at the Ministry with him she became jealous of one of the registrars when she asked about me?" Sirius remarked thoughtfully.

"Another new admirer, Padfoot?" Remus teased

"She was just a witch who was responsible for recording some of my markings, not that I have many."

"Obviously, since you are simply a large black dog," Snape remarked dryly.

"At least I don't smell like formaldehyde," Sirius countered.

"Both of you knock it off," Remus retorted, "you know it upsets Harry when you snap at one another. That is why she has you tied together. I have been spending some time with her all week, and we have both enjoyed one another's company. I think we should all spend some time alone with her. It will help her to decide how she really feels about each of us."

"You're practical as ever, Moony," Sirius chuckled, "and I agree."

"As usual, Lupin, you have hit the proverbial nail on the head," Snape agreed. "Should we all organize our schedules to be with her, or do you believe we should just do so as the opportunity arises?"

"If we plan our schedules she may become suspicious. I think we should all play this by ear," Sirius stated thoughtfully. "She is an empath, and can sense when we are hiding something. I want Harry to be happy above all else, no matter whom she marries. I will always be her godfather and her protector if she decides her life mate should be someone else."

"In effect, her happiness will be our happiness," Snape agreed, nodding.

"It is nice to see we all feel the same way," Lupin grinned, "now if you two will excuse me, I am going to go and do some research Albus requested and then go to bed."

"I guess you and I are still stuck with one another, Snivellus," Sirius leered evilly at Snape, "togetherness can be such sweet retribution."

"Knock it off, Black, or you will find out the true meaning of retribution," Severus glared dragging him to his feet and pulling him out of the kitchen, Sirius barking laugh taunting him all the way down the hall...

Harry dried herself off following her bath and donning a nightgown crawled into bed. Phaedra was breathing quietly in the opposite bed, but Harry sensed she was still very much awake. She knew Phaedra wanted to talk to her, so she decided to let the little girl know it was okay to do so.

"I know you're awake, Phaedra, so stop pretending to be asleep."

"How did you know?"

"I am an empath, and could feel your need to talk to me. I could also feel your anxiety over trying to hide the fact you were not asleep. If I couldn't feel your emotions you would have had me fooled."

"Really? That's great. I need to perfect my pretend skills since no one ever tells me anything."

"You are just a little minx," Harry laughed, "but with your family of telepaths it won't be easy to fool them."

"I didn't think of that, Miss Harry."

"Keep practicing, if nothing else you will be able to keep them out of your head and can learn Occlumency."

"What's that?"

"The art of keeping your mind clear so no one can read your thoughts or control them, like Voldemort tried to do with me."

"Ooo... that must have been scary."

"It was," Harry stated firmly to let Phaedra know she did not want to talk about it any more. "Now what do you want to talk to me about?"

"Do you love Mr. Remus?"

"Why would you ask that?"

"I don't know...I just thought...well...,"she stammered.

"Phaedra, what is wrong?"

"I want you to marry my Uncle Severus so you can be my aunt," Phaedra blurted out nervously.

"Phaedra," Harry replied going over to sit with her, placing an arm around her shoulders, "I will always be your friend no matter whether I marry your uncle or not. You are the little sister I never had."

"Oh...but do you love...Mr. Remus?"

"I love all three of my protectors, but that does not mean I am in love with them."

"I don't understand."

You can love someone, like I love you, or Dumbledore, or you love your uncles and not be in love with them. When you are in love it means you want to be with that person forever because they make your life complete."

"Mummy says Uncle Severus is your soul mate. Do you want to be with him forever?"

"I don't know yet. He can be my soul mate but that does not mean we are in love with one another. It means we have similar desires and goals and kind of think the same way. I know it's kind of hard to understand. I am not even sure I understand it myself, but that is just how things are. Many soul mates do fall in love with one another, but some of them don't. Mr.Remus and Sirius are soul mates, but they are not in love with one another."

"Hmm...But they both love you. Do they want to marry you?"

"They want me to be happy. I want them to be happy too. The Protectorship and the blood that was mixed in the goblet, bind them all to me. We will always be together, and when they do marry, their wives will understand that they must come if I am in trouble unless I dissolve the Protectorship."

"So you aren't ever going to go away from us?"

"No, baby, I will be with you whenever you need me," Harry hugged her comfortingly, "because I love you too."

"Me too," Phaedra replied hugging her back. "If you don't marry my uncle I won't feel bad, I promise."

"I'll tell you what; even if I don't marry him you can be in my wedding. How's that?"

"Really? Can I be the flower girl?"

"Depends on how old you are. You may just get to be a junior bridesmaid. We'll see. In any event I am not getting married just yet."

Miss Harry, I'm sorry I asked if you and Mr. Remus were shagging. Mummy said it wasn't nice."

"You meant no harm, Phaedra, so don't worry about it."

"Mummy sat with me and gave me a book she bought in a Muggle store that tells kids about making love. She said shagging is just the word the kids use."

"Did you look at the book?"

"She read it with me after Uncle Severus and Mr. Sirius read my bedtime story and Uncle Tiberius went to bed."

"What did you think of the book?"

"I thought it was gross. Do big people really do that?"

"Yes, and when you are grown up you will think it is okay."

"Yech...I don't think so."

"Trust me on this one, Phaedra, you will."

"That's what Mummy said too," she yawned, "but I still think you're daft," Phaedra said lying back down and curling up with her stuffed rabbit."

"Well, we can talk about it some other time," Harry responded giving her a kiss goodnight, "now go to sleep."

"Goodnight, Miss Harry."

"Goodnight, Phaedra," she replied climbing into her bed with a slight smile.

Harry was tired, but still took the time to examine her feelings about the men in her life. She loved Sirius very much, but was she truly in love with him? What about her relationship with Severus? How did he really feel about her? He had started out hating her, and for a while, they seemed to be getting quite close, but lately he seemed distant again. Was he afraid of being hurt or did he not want to hurt her? Then there was Remus. He did not want to subject her to the scrutiny of the Ministry. She had already had to deal with their ignorance and prejudices, and knew if she fell in love with him, she would have to do so again. It was all just so confusing. Maybe she should see more of George, but she did not want to be the brut of his jokes all her life. He was funny, yes, but she wanted someone who understood her feelings and challenged her intellect. Resolving to spend more time with each of them, she turned over and fell asleep. Harry had no way of knowing it would be one of the last nights she would rest without fear for a long while.