The Legend of the Serpent's Tongue

Legend of the Serpent's Tongue

Part 12

Yea, Though I Walk Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death

Severus Snape had been sitting and quietly sipping a glass of firewhisky as he finished his lesson plans for the upcoming school year that was to begin in less than a fortnight. He had just put the final changes on his lesson plan for Defense Against the Dark Arts for the third years, when he became aware of a burning pain in his left forearm.

"What the Hell?" he muttered glancing down at his arm. A red mark had slowly begun to burn into the soft skin where Harry had removed the Dark Mark tattoo not three months earlier. As he watched, it was growing steadily darker and taking form. Snape inhaled sharply, and pushing back his chair, moved swiftly over to his fireplace.

"Incendio," he yelled directing his wand into the hearth, causing the fire to spring to life. Grabbing a pinch of Floo Powder, he threw some in, hoping that Dumbledore had not yet retired for the night. "Albus...Albus are you awake? This is urgent," he called sharply, the image now unmistakable as it seared into his flesh.

"Severus? What is wrong?"

"Get down to Harry's room. Something is happening," Snape's usually composed voice uttered with a note of alarm. He lifted his arm exposing the now almost completely visible skull and snake being burned into his flesh. "I will meet you there." Severus did not wait for a reply. Moving swiftly out of his door, he entered the secret passage to the second floor, climbing the stairs two at a time. He had barely exited into the second floor corridor when the screams began accompanied by Snuffles terrified howls.

Dumbledore was racing down the hall from the opposite direction, accompanied by a young woman whom he assumed was the new instructor. Lupin and Black had just flung open their doors, and Minerva was standing in the hall with her wand at the ready.

"What's her password?" Sirius yelled, as he and Remus threw their shoulders against Harry's door after finding it locked.

"Phoenix tears," Dumbledore responded directing his wand at the door, reaching Sirius side at the same time as Severus.

The men all stumbled into the room, with Minerva and the other woman waiting in the open door, wands at the ready as Dumbledore lit the lamps with a wave of his wand. Harry was sitting up in bed, shaking violently, her face in her hands, which were dripping blood. Snuffles had stopped howling, and was standing protectively beside her mistress' bed. Remus made an odd animal like sound in his throat, and the great dog relaxed, lying down on the floor, watching warily.

"Harry, Honey!" Sirius exclaimed reaching her first, and pulling her into his arms. "What has happened? You're bleeding."

"He did it, didn't he?" Severus' quiet voice asked silkily. "The Dark Lord has risen."

"Princess, is this true?" Remus questioned as he conjured a basin and filled it with water from the bathroom. Placing a washcloth into the water, he passed it to Sirius to clean the blood, which continued to drip from her hands.

"Harry? Answer us...it is all right. You're safe here, and so is Severus," Dumbledore informed her softly, his voice quiet and confident.

She raised her head, and Sirius and Remus both gasped. The lightening bolt scar was an angry open wound, and her face was covered in blood.

"Tonight...I...I was...there. I don't know...how. At first...I...thought it was...just...a dream," she sobbed.

Sirius balanced the basin that Remus had given him on the bed and gently dabbing at Harry's face while Remus did a spell to clean the linens

"Honey, you must have been dreaming."

"No, I was there! I watched...it was...in a clearing...I knew the...way!" she argued frantically.

"Harry, I want you to put your memory in the pensive. Where do you keep it?" Dumbledore inquired. "That way we can all see exactly what happened."

"It is on my closet shelf."

"She is telling the truth," Severus stated quietly. "The Dark Mark has been reburned into my flesh. I believe it occurred at exactly the same time as Harry was witnessing Voldemort's resurrection. I have already shown Albus," he remarked pulling up his left sleeve while Dumbledore placed the pensive down in front of her on the bed.

"Here, Princess," Remus handed her the wand from her nightstand, "this way you won't have to answer any more questions. We will be able to get an exact account of the events as they happened."

"Always practical," she offered giving him a wan smile, placing the wand to her forehead. She closed her eyes and began pulling the silver memory threads from within her unconscious mind, placing them into the swirling glow of the pensive.

"Albus, if you don't need me for anything I will return to my quarters." Professor McGonagall's soft brogue seemed to come from far off.

"Minerva if you would contact Alastor Moody, I would be most appreciative. Let him know what is going on and tell him I will be in touch as soon as I have more information. Have him notify the rest of the Order."

"Right away, Albus," she nodded, starting to leave the room as Harry opened her eyes.

"Minerva," Harry's shaky voice stopped her, "don't use the Floo system to notify Professor Moody. I think it would be prudent if you used Fawkes instead."

"Albus?" the older witch looked at Dumbledore, who was watching Harry shrewdly.

"Harry is right, Minerva. We do not want word of this getting out just yet. We need to proceed with caution."

"Very well, I will see to it immediately," she replied, moving off into the hall, and Harry finally noticed the silent figure who remained standing in the doorway.

"Who are you?" she asked pointedly, staring at the young woman.

She was stunningly beautiful, about as tall as Harry, with olive skin and thick black hair that hung straight down her lithe body to her waist. Her face the perfect oval, accentuated by high cheekbones, with full red lips. However, what struck Harry the most was her almond shaped eyes. They were pale golden amber, surrounded by thick black lashes, with fine brows, and appeared almost feral. She had only seen eyes like that on Remus, and then only during his transformations. They appeared to be looking directly into Harry's soul.

Coming forward, she dropped to one knee, lips curved into a fine smile showing even white teeth. Her fluid movements were almost stealthy, and like Severus, she never made a sound. Harry noted she was wearing a soft wrap around skirt and long blouse beneath magenta robes, which rivaled some of Dumbledore's. A jade bracelet in the form of a snake was coiled around her wrist and a gold and jade-feathered serpent hung from her neck.

"Good evening. I'm humbled to be in the presence of the one whom the ancient guardians of light have deemed worthy to act as their portal to guard us from the ancient lords of chaos and darkness. I am Arsinoe Darkmoon, Aztec high priestess among my father's people, and daughter of Isis on my mother's side. I have come in response to Albus' summons so that you may use your powers as the ancients have decreed with wisdom and love."

"Yeah, right, you and who else?" Harry asked testily. "And while you're at it, don't ever go down on your knees to me again. You look like a Death Eater."

"Arsinoe, I must apologize for Harry," Dumbledore's blue eyes looked at her sternly over his glasses as the young woman stood up gracefully. "As you can see she has just had a terrible shock, and I am sure she has a headache."

"Headmaster there is no need to apologize for me. I am quite capable of doing so for myself. However, I don't believe my personal problems are any of Miss Darkmoon's business."

"Honey, she has come a long way to help us. I know you don't like the attention and are distrustful of strangers, but she is a friend of Albus," Sirius counseled as he finished wiping the blood from her forehead.

"Princess, there is also no need to be rude," Remus remarked, studying the newcomer with fascination.

"Next Severus will be telling me that she is a Slytherin since she is wearing a bracelet in the shape of a snake," Harry replied sarcastically.

"Actually, Harry, I believe she is a member of the League of the Feathered Serpents. It is where Albus got the idea for the Order of the Phoenix."

"You are the head of the house of the serpent?" Arsinoe smiled, pleased that he understood the significance of her necklace.

"Yes, I am Severus Snape, head of Slytherin house."

Excuse me, Miss Darkmoon, I don't wish to be rude, but I am Sirius Black, Harry's godfather," he interrupted, staring openly at the beautiful young woman. "I understand you will be teaching here at Hogwarts with us."

Harry did not like the way Sirius was studying the new professor. She was already upset with him, not being used to the feelings of jealousy that were overwhelming her. Casting an annoyed glance at Sirius she closed her eyes, taking the washcloth from him and pressing it onto her scar in an effort to disguise her feelings. Concentrating, she used her telekinesis to flip the basin onto his lap.

"Bloody Hell!" Sirius yelled jumping up. "I don't know how that happened, sorry love," he smiled fondly at Harry, pulling out his wand to clean up the mess.

"Mr. Black I'm pleased to meet the one who is both protector to the young Quetzalpetzatl and friend to the one who shares his soul with the wolf."

"Wait a minute," Harry looked up suspiciously, "who or what is Quetzalpetzatl and how do you know about Professor Lupin?"

Arsinoe looked over at Remus, who stood gaping in amazement, then back to Harry, who was staring at her through narrowed eyes.

"Dumbledore, I fear I have made an error. Have I said something wrong?"

"No, Arsinoe, they're just confused by both your knowledge and words."

"I will explain then. Miss Potter are you familiar with the feathered serpent god of my people?"

"If you mean Quetzcoatl, then yes I have heard of him."

"I refer to you as Quetzalpetzatl since she is his twin sister. You speak with her tongue and can become one with the Phoenix. You are as the winged serpent. Dumbledore has asked me to show you that hidden within you is both the winged serpent of Quetzalpetzatl and the serpent goddess of life known to my father's people as Coatlicue and the Egyptian healing serpent known to my mother's ancestors as Uraeus."

"Are you trying to tell me that in addition to my Animagus form of the Phoenix I can also transform into both a snake and a feathered serpent?"

"Yes, the power is within you if you will..."

"You're daft! Albus you don't really believe this nonsense do you?"

"Yes, Child, I do. Arsinoe wouldn't say it if she didn't believe it too."

"And how do you explain her knowing about Remus?'

"Quite simply. As an instructor in my employ, she needs to be aware of his other nature. I told her."

"How dare you tell a stranger..."

"Harry!" Remus cut her off sharply. "It's okay. Albus has my permission to inform staff members that I am a werewolf. It is in my contract."

Harry just looked around the room, and slumped back onto her pillows. She was tired and confused, and she winced as another sharp pain shot through her scar.

"Harry, are you still having pain in your scar?" Sirius asked gently.

"I am sure she is," Snape interjected, "since my Dark Mark is also burning."

"He's probably resurrecting Lucius Malfoy. That's why I am still in pain," she said flatly. "I don't see how this could be happening to me. I thought the prophecy was fulfilled."

"Harry is right, Albus, she did kill him. What has gone wrong?" Sirius inquired, putting his arm around Harry's shoulder.

"I have been considering this. I believe they were two separate prophecies. The first was Chandra Mathias' Prophecy, which has been fulfilled just as she predicted. I think that the second prophecy, the one Sybil Trelawney gave me at the Hogshead, was a different one altogether. It is the only explanation that makes any sense."

"The evil one used the power of the ancient serpent gods to come back from the realm of darkness. It's up to you to use the same power to send him back," Arsinoe remarked solemnly.

"Then you all believe me that he is alive and probably reviving Lucius even as we speak?"

"It is time we saw what is in the pensive. Perhaps then we can determine what is going on," Dumbledore remarked noncommittally.

"Severus you believe me, don't you?"

"Yes, Harry, I do. I cannot believe that this tattoo came back without some kind of magic. Nor do I believe you had anything to do with it."

"Harry we need to see what happened so we can determine exactly how to proceed," Remus responded gently. "We all believe you."

"Remus is right. We know you would never say such a thing unless it was true. Now you try to rest while we review the events in the pensive." Sirius stroked her hair gently giving her a kiss on the forehead.

"Okay," Harry smiled, pleased with his attentiveness. 'Maybe I am silly feeling jealous, but I just care so much for him. I wonder if I am going to be like my dad was with my mum,' Harry mused.

Dumbledore set the pensive down on the sitting room table and they all gathered round it leaving the bedroom door open so she could observe them. Harry was not happy that Arsinoe was seeing what happened, but she had sensed Dumbledore's displeasure with her attitude towards the new witch, and did not want to anger him further.

Harry lay back on her pillows while they watched the events from her memory play out in the pensive. When her protectors and Arsinoe finally looked up, she allowed herself to put down her guard and scan their emotions as they filed back into her bedroom. Sirius was as usual his protective self and ready to take on whatever fight was in store for them. Remus was anxious and thoughtful, while Severus was grimly determined to downplay the danger. Albus merely looked back at her, blue eyes serious, and blocked her from feeling his emotions. She looked at him astutely as she sensed his power. Next, she focused on the newcomer, Arsinoe. Harry thought she would be terrified, but she wasn't. Instead, she was outraged and disgusted that Harry had been exposed to such dark magic. Arsinoe turned to study the young witch, her golden eyes unblinking as they locked with Harry's.

"This is among the darkest of magic to my people and I'm ashamed that you had to witness such a thing. He is strong, but you are stronger, for while he uses the power of the serpents he does not truly possess it as you do. However, we must move cautiously, as his evil is unprecedented. He can be injured; he will not die, for he is already dead. That which now moves among us has been brought back from the chaos of the abyss."

"Oh this just keeps getting better and better." Harry rolled her eyes, trying to disguise her worry, but her voice sounded hollow and high pitched in her hears.

"Honey, everything will be all right," Sirius remarked sitting back down on the bed.

"How can you all be so calm about this? Voldemort is back and I have no idea how to stop him." Harry's nerves were near breaking point, and Snuffles stood up to nuzzle her gently.

"Hey," Sirius grinned petting the dog, "that's my job."

Harry looked up into his soft eyes and gave him a halfhearted smile.

"Miss Darkmoon, are you familiar with this magic? Have you ever seen it done before?" Snape asked, dark eyes glittering with unabashed interest.

"The serpent is strong within you, but it is dangerous for you to discuss such darkness, for it has nearly seduced you once, and you have tasted the poison of the serpent's fangs," Arsinoe remarked wryly, eyeing his left arm.

"Interesting analogy," Remus mused. "Wouldn't you say so, Albus?"

"Severus is more than aware of the lure of the dark arts; probably more so than any of us. He has proven his loyalty and shown he can be trusted."

"Thank you, Albus," Severus inclined his head respectfully.

"You have said there were two prophecies about the young Quetzalpetzatl. I should like to hear them," Arsinoe said soberly.

"Harry, do you have any objections to my showing the prophecies to Arsinoe," Dumbledore asked, looking deeply into her green eyes.

"You know, Headmaster, sometimes I think you are the devil in disguise. You know damn well I can't say no to you," she pouted, "so why do you even ask?"

"I want you to accept Arsinoe's help, Child. I know how distrustful you are, but she has studied this ancient magic since childhood. She can help you where I cannot."

"Princess, I think you should listen to Albus. You are always telling us we keep you in the dark about our decisions for your safety. Albus is giving you the chance to show you are able to act in the manner befitting your ranking within the Order."

"Remus, just once in my life I wish I could sit back and look at things as objectively as you do. You always make things sound so simple," Harry sighed.

"I told you he was the one who always tried to keep us out of trouble," Sirius hugged her.

"I for one agree with Lupin. It would be unwise to refuse Miss Darkmoon's assistance. The League of the Feathered Serpents is amongst the oldest guardians of magic in the world," Severus quietly intoned.

"I don't know how I feel about a stranger interfering in my life, but I will at least give her a chance, on one condition."

"I will be happy to do anything that will make you fell comfortable enough to accept my help," Arsinoe agreed, amber eyes studying her keenly.

"First off, stop referring to me as Quetzalpetzatl. I am not a serpent goddess, despite whatever abilities you think I may possess. Secondly, you are not to discuss any of this with anyone other than the four of us unless I specifically ask or agree with them that you should."

"That's two things," Dumbledore chuckled, blue eyes twinkling over his half moon spectacles as he glanced at Arsinoe and then back to Harry.

"So it is," Harry met his gaze defiantly, the trace of a smile on her lips.

"Then I suggest we get started. Arsinoe, do you wish to use my office to read the first prophecy? I can show the second one in Harry's pensive as it was told to me. All I need to do is pull the memory."

"No, Albus. I can see the young Que...Er...Miss Potter is still in pain. I don't think she should be alone. For now, we should all stay with her. I will need to ease her discomfort as well as that of Professor Snape." She moved lithely across the room to Severus without a sound, and removing the winged serpent from around her neck, placed the amulet on his dark mark. It had an almost instant numbing effect. Next she moved over to Harry who was watching her with suspicion. "I know you don't trust me, but this might help you to see that I really want to help. I only ask that you allow me to help you as Albus would to ease your suffering. My doing so will also send a message to the dark one that you are amongst those who would see him returned to his eternal torments."

"Go ahead, Harry, we're all here and you know Dumbledore would never let anyone cause you harm," Sirius coaxed.

Harry merely nodded and held onto Sirius hand. Arsinoe then placed her amulet against Harry's scar. Harry winced once, as she felt a white-hot power shoot through the still raw wound on her forehead before a strange numbing effect occurred. The strongest feeling of the utmost peace and comfort she had ever felt followed this. She blinked in awe at Arsinoe.

"Are you a healer?" Harry asked.

"No, the feelings come from within you. All I did was to cause the influence of the dark one to flee. You are bonded to him as he is to you. Take care or he will try to gain control. He will use your own feelings and insecurities against you. You must guard against feelings of anger, hatred, and jealousy, for he feeds off them. The goodness and love within you will repel him. You have used a part of this once already to defeat him. I'll know more once I have read and seen the prophecies."

"Are you ready to read the first of the prophecies?" Dumbledore inquired. "The copy is kept in my office, but I can easily summon it."

"Please do, Albus," Arsinoe nodded seating herself at Harry's writing desk. The others had already conjured chairs, and Sirius continued to sit with Harry, absently stroking her hair.

"Accio Mathias Prophecy," Dumbledore stated. A few minutes later, the rolled up parchment flew in through the fireplace. The old wizard then gave it to Arsinoe.

The room was quiet while she read the prophecy that had already come to pass, every now and then glancing over at Harry with an amused smile. After she finished Arsinoe rolled up the parchment, tying it securely, and turned to Dumbledore.

"You hold the memory of the second prophecy within you?"

"I do. I shall place it into the pensive for you to see," he nodded. Pointing his wand at his head, he withdrew the silver memory thread placing it into the pensive, which he had retrieved from the sitting room and placed on the desk.

Arsinoe watched as the image of Sybil Trelawney rose up and floated in front of her... 'For neither can live while the other survives.' She watched the memory three times, studying it closely, before turning to the others in the room.

"The clue is in the wording. It simply means that he will not be able to continue should she live. His survival in his present form will not be assured otherwise, for he's no longer alive. On the other hand she can't live while he survives. She's linked to him and can't be free while his influence attempts to poison her soul."

"But I killed him once! He came back!"

"Hush, Child, let Arsinoe finish," Dumbledore counseled her soothingly.

"You killed his body, but he was ready for that event and learned how to restore his soul with the help of the ancient magic. You must now send him back to the abyss and destroy his body. Only then will you be free to live."

"So I have to kill him again?"

"No, his body is still dead, although it will always remain as you see it. I take it that the undertakers preserved it?"

"I believe so," Dumbledore replied.

"But won't it decay on its own?

"No, Harry," Remus answered. "When wizard undertakers prepare a body they preserve it with magic. Have you ever heard of some of the religious icons or saints preserved in Muggle churches that still look as if they are alive?"

"Yes, I saw something on the telly once, but what has that to do with this?"

"Those bodies were preserved with magic. Some of them were probably witches or wizards. This may surprise you but some of us do pursue the Muggle religions."

"So what your telling me is that his body is still dead?"

"Yes," Remus nodded emphatically.

"Then how is he alive? I don't understand."

"His soul is merely using the body as a vessel, as do our own. The difference is that our bodies still function. His doesn't," Arsinoe explained patiently. "He has no need to eat or sleep, and will be driven by his anger and obsessions."

"Then he can't be killed," Harry shuddered, her stomach knotting in fear.

"He can be stopped though. His body is immortal, but his soul can still be sent back. You must do the reversal spell and then destroy both his body and the copy of the spell his followers stole to prevent his ever returning."

"Then let me do the reversal spell now," Harry stated hopefully.

"I am afraid Harry, that there is more to it than that," Snape remarked.

"Professor Snape is correct. The reversal spell must be done in his presence, and during the full moon, since he was brought back during the new moon."

"Why?"

"Because you and he are opposites; one good, one evil," Arsinoe sighed.

"Do you know this spell?"

"I know where to find it. My people are searching for it even now. The one that you call the Dark Lord had the spell he used stolen from deep within one of our ancient temples. Fortunately the thief was unaware of the need to take the other spell from the altar beneath the Temple of the Moon in our ancient city of Teotihuacán, in present day Mexico."

"Miss Dark Moon, if Harry has to do this spell under the full moon..."

"Professor Lupin," Arsinoe smiled, "you will be able to better protect her as the wolf, for you will be able to sense the changes in the wind that will open the way to send the dark one back. You will also be able to guard her from those wizards you call Death Eaters. They fear your bite, lest they too bear the mark of the wolf," Arsinoe chuckled softly.

"I do not find that at all funny," Remus grumbled. "I would not inflict this curse on my worst enemy."

"Professor Lupin, I am sorry. Apparently, you are unaware that many of the Native Americans of North America revere the wolf. Those with the mark of the wolf are considered honored to be one with their brothers." Arsinoe smiled, golden eyes sparkling with amusement at the redness creeping up his cheeks.

"See that Moony, some people have the right idea about werewolves," Sirius grinned.

"Cool," Harry agreed. "I wish I had four legs and paws sometimes."

"Miss Wings, I thought you liked being able to fly?" Sirius teased.

"I love it, but sometimes it might be fun to join the two of you and find out just what it is you are trying to sniff out," Harry laughed, beginning to relax.

"Harry, if Miss Darkmoon is to be believed you have the Animagus form of the snake and a second magical animal in the guise of the winged serpent, or dragon if you prefer. I should think you would be pleased," Severus sneered.

"Sev, I never told you this, but while I recognize that snakes play an important part in the ecology, and they can be interesting to talk to, I don't much like them. You see, the girl in me likes soft furry things much better!"

"Rats are soft and furry," Severus taunted, referring to the late Peter Pettigrew's Animagus form.

"No, rats are fodder for the snakes," she shot back, "not to mention the canines and cats."

"And the furry animals are food for the dragons," he jeered with an evil smile.

"For that matter, so are humans, if you wish to get right down to it."

"Aha! You see, you will be able to stop the Dark Lord if you keep that in mind."

"You know, Severus, sometimes I just hate your logical mind," Harry replied, trying unsuccessfully not to grin at the way he had out maneuvered her. "So now what do we do?"

"We wait and see what Voldemort will do next," Dumbledore answered, "and we call an emergency meeting of the Order for tomorrow night."

"What about Lucius Malfoy? This will complicate things with Draco," Severus remarked.

"As of now, we don't have any proof that Voldemort has revived Lucius, although I won't discount the possibility after what Harry overheard tonight."

"I still don't understand how I even got there, Headmaster."

"Arsinoe, perhaps you would like to explain?" Dumbledore inquired, blue eyes twinkling at the beautiful witch.

"I can only guess, but among many cultures it is believed that when we dream our souls can actually leave our bodies, although they remain connected to them. While you were sleeping the connection to the Dark One and your own sense of curiosity and goodness brought you there. Has this ever happened before?"

"Sort of, but Voldemort was alive then. He was still dead when this started tonight."

"But your link is strong, and your soul, for what ever reason, was drawn there tonight."

"Professor Dumbledore, is this really possible?" Harry asked looking from one to the other.

"Harry, you have powers even you don't understand or know about, so yes, I would say that it is entirely possible."

Harry just sighed and buried her face in Sirius shoulder, happy to have him close to her. 'How am I ever going to face Voldemort again, let alone kill...no...destroy him? You can't kill someone who is already dead. Christ, I fell like I'm one of those people in a Muggle horror film, and now they're asking me to trust this strange Aztec witch.'

"Harry," Remus soft voice interrupted her thoughts, "do you want one of us to stay with you for a while? I'm not tired so I wouldn't mind."

"I can provide you with some dreamless sleeping potion if you wish," Snape offered, keeping his voice neutral, but Harry sensed he was genuinely concerned for her.

Harry looked up at Sirius, but he did not offer to stay, and could not meet her eyes. She felt a stab of pain in her heart, and all the pain and jealousy she had felt earlier came flooding back. Her empathic senses told her he was deliberately hiding something.

"I'll be fine. I promised Phaedra I would take her to Honeydukes tomorrow, so I had better get some sleep."

"Harry I would prefer it if you stayed on the Hogwarts grounds," Dumbledore stated firmly. "Phaedra can go to Honeydukes with Sirius and Circe. I believe he has to go to Hogsmeade tomorrow anyway on an errand for Alastor Moody."

Harry couldn't believe what Dumbledore had just told her. He was sending Sirius with Circe and Phaedra! 'How can he not know how I feel? Or maybe he does...Oh, Albus, why are you doing this to me?'

"I'll be happy to take them," Sirius said, before Harry could say anything out loud. "I'll bring you back some chocolate frogs, Harry. I know how much you and Ron like them and maybe you'll find that card you've been looking for. It's Sigmund the Sad, isn't it?"

"Yeah...yeah it is," she responded, looking at Remus as she fought back another round of tears and jealousy.

"Headmaster, if Black could take them in the morning, Harry and I promised to give Phaedra a tour of the castle so she doesn't get lost. I think that perhaps she would enjoy having a picnic lunch on the grounds first."

"Excellent suggestion, Severus, I shall inform the house elves to prepare you a basket and provide a blanket. Afterwards you can show her the grounds and the castle, and if Harry is willing maybe she will take her out onto the Quidditch Pitch and do some flying."

"I think she'll love it Princess," Remus encouraged her. "I wouldn't mind joining you, if Miss Darkmoon would like a tour of the building and grounds too?"

"I had planned on having lunch with Professor Dumbledore to review my curriculum with him," Arsinoe replied apologetically.

"Nonsense, I think it will do you good to see our fair school. In a few months, we will all be cooped up indoors with the winter storms and it will help you to get acquainted. After all, tonight's little adventure hardly qualifies as a proper introduction," Dumbledore beamed.

"In that case, Professor Lupin, I will be happy to join you so long as Miss Potter and Professor Snape don't feel we are intruding. You also said there is another teacher, Phaedra?"

"No, Miss Darkmoon," Severus arched his brow amused, while Harry snickered despite her hurt feelings, "Phaedra is my niece. She will be seven in September. Her mother is my elder sister and is in our Headmaster's employ as is our great-uncle, Tiberius Snape. I will introduce you tomorrow."

"Oh," Arsinoe flushed, embarrassed. "I was unaware any children were here."

"She is the only one until the students arrive next week. Phaedra will be going to primary school in the village," Dumbledore explained, blue eyes twinkling. "She is quite precocious, as I am sure you will soon find out for yourself."

"Then I look forward to meeting her. I am used to young children as I have several nieces and nephews, as Dumbledore knows."

"Well, Harry needs her rest, so I think we should let her get some sleep," Sirius remarked, still unable to meet his goddaughter's eyes.

"Severus I think I will take you up on the offer of some of the sleeping potion. I am out of practice with my Occlumency and would prefer not to have a repeat of Voldemort's earlier performance."

"I shall bring it up shortly," he nodded taking a dash of Floo Powder. "Incendio," he said pointing his wand into the fireplace. Throwing in the Floo Powder, he stepped inside and firmly stated, "Professor Snape's office," vanishing in a swirl of green fire.

"Do you want me to stay until Severus comes back?" Remus asked quietly. He knew Harry was hurting and confused by Sirius sudden change of behavior.

"No...I'll be fine, Remus. Sev won't be long I'm sure."

"Then we will say good night, Harry. If you need anything, you know Remus and I are just across the hall," Sirius remarked giving her a quick squeeze before standing up.

"Child are you certain you're feeling all right?" Dumbledore's blue eyes studied her closely.

"I'm just tired, Headmaster, and I was really looking forward to going into Hogsmeade with Phaedra tomorrow."

"I know, Harry, but it really will be safer for you here until we find out some more information on what is happening."

"I'll bet you would let Severus leave the grounds if he wanted to."

"I doubt I would be able to stop him. He can be quite narrow minded at times, as well as stubborn," Dumbledore laughed, "but don't go getting any ideas, Little Phoenix. I want you to stay safe. You will have a hard ordeal ahead of you, and you must be prepared."

"Yes, Sir," she conceded with a sigh. "I will see you all tomorrow," Harry remarked as they all headed towards the door. "Oh, and Miss Darkmoon," she called, stopping the beautiful witch, whom she gauged to be in her early thirties, "welcome to Hogwarts."

"Thank you, Miss Potter. I am looking forward to getting to know you better," Arsinoe responded. Turning back, she took Dumbledore's arm, and left without a sound, leaving Harry alone in the room.

While Harry waited for Severus to return with the sleeping potion, her mind was a torrent of conflicting thoughts and emotions. She was depressed and anxious, and it was an effort to try not to cry. Three months ago, she had a future. Voldemort was dead and she had three wonderful young wizards, albeit somewhat older, that wanted to make a life with her. Her only problem had been trying to decide which one she was actually in love with. All that had ended within the past twenty-four hours.

Her godfather and favorite among her suitors had been showing interest in an older woman. Not that she didn't want him to be happy; on the contrary, she cared enough to step aside if it meant he could finally find love and peace of mind. The twelve years he had spent in Azkaban had taken their toll, and she knew how much he felt he had missed. Nevertheless, what really upset her was that he was interested in Circe Snape, Severus' older sister. Harry felt as if she had been stabbed in the back, and that's what hurt the most. She still wasn't used to the cattiness of women, having masqueraded as a boy for so long.

Then there was Severus, himself. She knew that he wanted her, and she couldn't deny that he was her soul mate, but that didn't mean she was in love with him. Indeed, he was intelligent, and had an inner kindness that he tried to hide from the world. He loved to challenge her mind, and unbeknownst to most people he had a really good sense of humor. She respected him, and knew that his judgment on magical matters was usually sound, even if it wasn't always what people wanted to hear. He had been there for her from the day she had first entered Hogwarts, even if he hadn't been the nicest of teachers.

Finally, there was Remus, the one stabilizing factor in her life. He was always so calm and practical. She loved him too, but knew he would prefer she married someone else, since he was a werewolf, and the Ministry of Magic frowned on werewolves marrying and having children. He knew that if she determined she was in love with him she would go to any lengths to secure a happy future for them both, and the ministry be damned. He had suffered silently for most of his life with the various tragedies that had taken place. He deserved to be happy. They all did.

Voldemort had left deep scars which had finally begun to heal, but now that was all changed too. Tonight, Harry had somehow witnessed his resurrection from the dead. The source of evil that had plagued the wizarding world was back. Harry's future was bleaker than ever. Indeed, she may not have one anymore. If Voldemort had his way, none of them would be alive by this time next year. Harry had won the battle, but the war was about to resume...

She was pondering this when Severus stepped out of her fireplace and back into her bedroom with the vial of Dreamless Sleeping Potion in his hand.

"The Headmaster told me he would prefer it if I stayed with you for awhile. He is more worried than he is letting on."

"Severus you don't need to stay. You should try to get some rest too. Lord knows there will be many a sleepless night ahead for all of us."

"Just the same, I will stay," Severus responded calmly, pulling up a chair to sit by her bedside. "Whatever happens I am still your protector and have been watching over you for a long time. I shall continue to do so."

"Do you want to talk for awhile? I don't really need to take that yet," she said indicating the vial of purple liquid he had placed on her night table. "I only asked for it because I don't want to be seeing his red eyes laughing at me..." Harry's voice trailed off. The thought of Voldemort's evil smile sent a chill down her back.

"You defeated him once. You can do it again."

"He was mortal then! How do you stop a dead man?"

"I believe we went over this earlier. Miss Darkmoon has knowledge that is vital to your success. Why do you resist her help?"

"I don't know her. For all we know she is in league with Voldemort."

"I don't believe that for a minute. Albus trusts her implicitly and has known her family for a long time. He cares what happens to you, Harry. He considers you his family. You made him our Trust Keeper, but where is your trust in his judgment?"

"He's made mistakes before."

"He's human, just like the rest of us."

"I know, but it worries me when he has to ask for help from someone we don't know. I wish he had at least consulted with us before sending for her."

"Harry, she is a member of the League of the Feathered Serpent, which makes her Aztec royalty. They have knowledge that has been hidden for generations. Albus was wise to send for her."

"I guess," Harry shrugged staring off into space. "Sev, I'm afraid."

"I know."

"Why aren't you?"

"What makes you think I'm not?"

"You're always so sure of yourself."

"Harry, I have had to live with fear of the Dark Lord for more years than I care to count. I have trained myself to take it in stride and go on with my affairs. There is no point in worrying. What will be..." he shrugged, arching his brow.

"Severus. . . ." Harry lowered her eyes, "how come you can be so nice and caring one minute and such a pain in the ass the next?"

"What has that got to do with Lord Voldemort?" he asked, cupping her chin, an amused smirk playing about his lips.

"Nothing, I just wanted to know."

"I like to see people's responses. It also helps to keep the students guessing."

"You're evil," Harry chuckled.

"I was a Death Eater."

"I know. Ron still has his suspicions."

"How about you, are you suspicious of my motives too?"

"I think you're smart enough t know which side to butter your bread on." Harry pursed her lips thoughtfully. "You left the Death Eaters because of what they did to you when you expressed your opinion that torturing Muggles was a waste of time."

"And if Camilla and Marcus were still alive, where would I be then?" he questioned, referring to his wife and son.

"If Voldemort had taken a different approach and didn't waste his time with Muggle bashing you would have stayed."

"You're quite possibly right, but we will never know for certain."

"Answer me another question?"

"What is it?"

"Why did you force that kiss on me after the graduation when I was visiting my folk's grave?"

"I wanted you to know how I felt. You seem to be obsessed with Sirius Black. I plan on fighting for you."

"Well, Sirius seems to want your older sister," Harry replied glumly. "You're right though. I love Sirius. I have told you that before. He's my heart and you're my soul."

"What will you do if he marries Circe?"

"Smile and pretend to be happy at the wedding. Then I will go and have one hell of a good cry."

"I will be waiting."

"It doesn't bother you that he is interested in your sister?"

"He is from an old and established pureblood family. Just because I don't get along with him does not mean it won't be a good match."

"I'm not."

"You're not what?"

"Pureblood, as you have so often pointed out," Harry replied bluntly.

"I can overlook that. You are quite a powerful witch and I can teach you so many things."

"Love doesn't matter to you?"

"What makes you think it should?"

"You bastard! Don't you realize I could never marry anyone who isn't in love with me? It's what Dumbledore says makes me what I am."

"There you again, jumping to conclusions. I never said I didn't love you. You know I am not one to display my emotions in public. The question is...how do you feel about me?"

"I don't know. You know that I care for all three of you."

"Are you in love with Sirius Black or do you just love him? There is a difference you know."

"That's the problem. I'm not sure. I thought I was falling in love with him, but now he doesn't seem interested. . . ." Harry's voice cracked, as she fought off another round of tears. "It may no longer matter anyway, now that Voldemort is back."

"On the contrary, it may matter more than ever. Your love for each one of us may just be the deciding factor in this war. It may be what gives you the strength, courage, and endurance to fight and win," Severus replied, giving her one of his rare smiles, referring to each of their roles in the Protectorship. "It was that love that sent you into the Department of Mysteries a few years back. All you need to do is learn how to control your impulsiveness so that the Dark Lord does not trick you by using your emotions against you."

"That scares me even more. I haven't practiced any Occlumency in a long time."

"You will be starting tomorrow evening. I have prepared a Potions schedule along with my Uncle and we will also restart your Occlumency lessons."

"I suppose he will be working with me too?"

"If you think I'm hard, wait till he gets into your head," Snape sneered with a chuckle.

"Is nothing sacred any more?"

"That is the purpose of learning how to close one's mind," he teased. "Now take your potion and get some rest. We're entertaining Phaedra tomorrow, and that is akin to spending the afternoon chasing the golden snitch."

"Sev, if it makes any difference to you I happen to love Phaedra very much. I think she will be a wonderful Gryffindor when the time comes, "Harry grinned wickedly.

"Phaedra will be a Slytherin just like the rest of her family," he answered haughtily.

"Dream on Professor Snape. She's too brave and outgoing for Slytherin house and you and I both know it. In fact, she reminds me very much of the stories I heard about my godfather at that age." Harry did not give Severus a chance to respond. She had picked up the vial and swallowed it in one sweeping motion. She was asleep before her head hit the pillow.

Severus sat studying her with a slight smile playing over his thin lips. He was amused by her comments about his niece. He also knew they were quite true. 'Well my dear Miss Potter, you have the brave heart of the lion and the soul of a phoenix, not to mention the cunning and power of the serpent. If you seem to think Phaedra will be a Gryffindor you are probably right. I too can see her lion's heart already beginning to make its presence known, but it will make no difference. I will still love that beautiful and precocious child because she has an inner joy that was almost lost to my family a long time ago, and like you I would never let her fall prey to the darkness. Sleep well for soon you will be tested like never before and I pray to Merlin that you will stay strong and true as you have done before,' he reflected. Settling back in the chair he closed his mind to the thought that she could die. He couldn't face that idea. It was too painful, and he needed to be strong for her.