The Legend of the Serpent's Tongue

Legend of the Serpent's Tongue

Part 14

A Matter of Trust

"Hermione! Ron!" Harry called, coming into the main hall after dinner, on the way back to her room. Her two friends had just entered the castle through the massive front doors.

"Harry, it's so good to see you again," Hermione beamed, hugging her. "I came a little early so I could have some time to get myself settled in. I'm so glad we will be working together."

"She's just happy to be buried in the library, mate," Ron quipped, giving his fiancé a quick squeeze, before patting Harry on the back affectionately. "How does it feel to be back at Hogwarts?"

"A lot has happened since I got here," Harry stated, "but I had better wait for the meeting before going into it. I can fill in the details afterwards."

"Nw that sounds ominous." Ron studied Harry with interest. "What's up that's so important?"

"Nothing that can't wait," Hermione remarked, looking sternly at Ron. "I'm sure Dumbledore wouldn't want Harry to tell us anything now, even if we are both in the Order, and you're in Auror training."

"That's our Hermione, still going by the book," Ron sighed, but his grin belied his words.

"Have you guys eaten yet?" Harry inquired, smiling at her two friends.

"Yeah, we stopped at the Three Broomsticks when we got to Hogsmeade," Ron replied. "We figured we wouldn't be getting too much time alone once Hermione started working, and I had to patrol."

"Probably not," Harry agreed. "Come on, let me bring you guys upstairs and show Hermione where her rooms are."

"What about Ron? Where are the Aurors staying?" Hermione asked, following Harry up the stairs, while Ron levitated their trunks behind them.

"Tonks will be on the staff wing, but the men will all be sharing Trelawney's old tower."

"Oh great," Ron groaned. "Does that mean we'll have to write down our dreams like we did in fifth year?"

"You never know," Harry laughed, "just don't have too many erotic dreams about Hermione."

"Harry!" Hermione blushed, lowering her eyes demurely.

"But those are the best kinds," Ron teased, ginning at Harry. "Makes me want to get to the honeymoon all the more."

"Ronald Weasley," Hermione scolded, pretending to be shocked, "we haven't even had time to discuss our wedding, much less our honeymoon."

"I told you that what ever you want is fine with me," he smiled affectionately. "Mum and Dad are looking forward to the whole affair," Ron affirmed, as they reached the door to Hermione's rooms, located on the opposite end of the hall from Harry's.

"Here you are, Hermione. Your password is Hogwarts, A History," Harry opened the door, standing aside for them to enter. "You should have plenty of good dreams here."

"Harry, what's wrong mate? You sound positively done in. Have you been having nightmares again?"

"Don't worry about it," Harry said forcing a grin.

"Oh, Ron, can't you see? Harry must be dreaming about Voldemort. Something must have happened. That's why she doesn't want to discuss whatever is going on."

"You bloody well know Voldemort has been dead for over four months now, so stop making bad jokes!" Ron reprimanded Hermione, but he knew it was not in her nature to joke about such a thing.

"Stop it both of you!" Harry snapped. "Hermione's right, Ron. In a sense I have been dreaming."

"What kind of dreams?" Hermione questioned, genuinely concerned.

"I can't say before the meeting."

"Harry can't you tell us anything?" Ron demanded.

"I merely said I can't say anything. I never said I couldn't show you," she replied, pushing her hair away from the scar on her forehead.

"Bloody Hell!" Ron gasped. "Harry what's going on? Does Dumbledore know about this?"

"Of course he knows," Hermione hissed. "That must be why he called this meeting."

"Then what is he doing to find out what is happening?"

"Ron..."Harry began uncertainly, "the Headmaster has the situation well in hand."

"What situation? Why does Hogwarts have a team of Aurors assigned to it?"

"I believe it is part of the training program Moody has implemented," Harry responded, refusing to divulge any further information.

"Like hell! We've been put here for a reason, and I for one would like to know what it is. Haven't we all been through more than enough all ready?"

"You are quite right, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore's voice came from the door. The group all turned to look at him, and he smiled reassuringly at Harry. "You have all seen and been through more than your share of pain and loss because of the war. Unfortunately, you will be asked to face even more in the weeks ahead."

"Professor Dumbledore," Hermione said slowly, "you told us at the last meeting that Voldemort's followers were trying to find a way to bring him back from the dead. They've succeeded, haven't they?"

"Yes, Hermione," he answered, blue eyes studying her intently, "they have. Voldemort has arisen from the grave."

Hermione gasped in dismay, and Ron snapped to attention. Both had gone pale, and just gaped at Harry and Dumbledore in shock. Ron found his voice first.

"Professor...Dumbledore...are you...sure? This isn't just some kind of test for the Order is it?" he asked in a rush.

"Ron," Hermione scolded, "Professor Dumbledore would never make up something like this. That's why Harry's scar looks so new. She is aware of his presence."

"Is that why the Aurors have been assigned here? The only time Aurors were here when we were in school was when they were watching the grounds."

"Partly, Ron," Dumbledore answered, "but you are also here since you are the Keeper of the Goblet. Hermione is here for her new job and to keep her safe at the same time."

"Blimey, Harry, could things get any worse? I thought you had killed the bugger. How much more can they ask from you?"

"Harry, what about the prophecy? I thought it had been fulfilled," Hermione questioned.

"Only the Mathias Prophecy or at least that is what Dumbledore believes."

"I think Sybil's prophecy, the one that was destroyed in the Department of Mysteries, was a second prophecy. Harry has yet to fully vanquish the Dark Lord," Dumbledore explained with quiet sincerity. "We all will need to be strong in the upcoming weeks. For the time being the general public must not know."

"Does my dad know yet?" Ron asked. His father was now the Minister of Magic and a member of the Order of the Phoenix.

"He and Alastor both are aware of the situation," Dumbledore affirmed, referring to Alastor Moody, head Auror. "Now I suggest you get ready for the meeting. Harry, why don't you walk with Ron up to the tower while Hermione settles in? Then come to my office. The meeting will be in a hidden chamber in the dungeons within the hour. You will be directed where to go when you get to the lower level." They all nodded in agreement and Dumbledore left to see to some Hogwarts business.

"Come on, mate. Lead the way. I hope I get a bed with a view," he laughed, but Harry could tell it was forced. "I'll pick you up on my way back downstairs love." Ron turned, giving Hermione a quick peck on the lips.

"I'll be waiting."

"Just make sure you two make it down there. I wouldn't want to have to explain you absence," Harry teased wiggling her brows.

"Oh Harry... would we do anything that could be deemed improper?" Ron grinned, scarlet flush creeping up his cheeks.

"Well, I hate to put a damper on any ideas you may both have in that direction, but I think Professor McGonagall may have put some kind of a charm on Hermione's bed to make sure you both behave."

"She didn't! She wouldn't!" Ron exclaimed in dismay.

"If I know Professor McGonagall she would and did," Hermione laughed. "I'll see you two later." Hermione kissed Ron one more time, and then he retreated, levitating his trunk between himself and Harry.

They made their way through the halls in silence, each contemplating their own thoughts. Harry knew Ron was worried. She wanted to tell him things would be all right, but she wasn't even sure herself, and didn't want him to know how worried she really was. She wished she had someone to hold her and tell her it would be fine, and she was suddenly overcome by a feeling of melancholy. Harry wanted to know the pleasure of lying in the arms of someone she loved, knowing he loved her back. In that moment, she felt that she actually hated her two best friends in the world. They had one another to share this crisis. She had no one. Harry felt utterly alone.

"Knut for your thoughts mate," Ron's voice interrupted her reverie.

"Nothing, I was just thinking about what to get you and Hermione for a wedding present."

"Harry, did I ever tell you that you're a lousy liar?"

"Am I?" she replied noncommittally.

"Yeah, but if you would rather not talk about what's on your mind, then just say so."

"I would rather not talk about it." Harry felt ashamed about feeling jealous of Ron and Hermione's relationship. She loved them too much to be so resentful.

"Well then, whenever you're ready you know where to find me," he remarked seriously, setting his trunk down as they reached the tower.

"Ron, it's good to know you're here." Harry smiled, taking comfort in his presence.

"It's good to be here where I know I can help, Harry." Ron stared at her for a few seconds, and then opened his arms, taking her into a bear hug. He loved his best friend; not the same way he loved Hermione of course, but he instinctively knew she needed his reassurance and comfort. "It's all going to work out, mate. You're the strongest witch I have ever known. Even stronger than my Mum," Ron teased, eliciting a grin from Harry, as she released herself from his embrace. Mrs. Weasley was a very loving mother, but a strong disciplinarian. All the children, including Harry, knew when to keep out of her way.

"Well if your Mum had raised Tom Riddle, he would never have become Lord Voldemort. Molly would have put him into his place right off," Harry laughed. "Forget the Muggles; he would have gotten all his anger and aggression out blasting the garden gnomes."

"Yeah, I could just see him in his own business, Lord Voldemort's Garden Gnomes and Pest Control. Our Deatheaters will make short work of your gnomes and household pests. One sweep with our wands and Avadra Kedavra! Your pests are gone forever." Harry and Ron burst out laughing.

"Oh Ron," Harry gasped clutching at the stitch in her side, "I could almost see it actually happening. Do you think he might be interested in changing his line of work?"

"I wish," he winked. "Feeling better now?"

"Yeah," she smiled, "you always did know how to make me look at the bright side of things. You really do follow the butterflies," Harry joked, remembering their second year. They had followed the spiders into the forest to find Aragog, learning about Hagrid's role in opening the Chamber of Secrets. Ron's phobia of spiders had prompted him to ask why it had to be spiders and not butterflies.

"There's something to be said for butterflies," he smirked contritely. "Now let me go and get unpacked. I will catch you at the meeting."

"I have to go and see the Headmaster now anyway. I don't like to keep him waiting." Harry turned, heading back in the direction of Dumbledore's office. Reaching it, she uttered the password, "sugar quills," and mounted the moving stairs.

"Come in, Harry," Dumbledore called, as she knocked on the door at the top of the stairs.

"You wanted to see me, Professor?"

"Yes, Child, take a seat and have some tea with me."

"Yes, Sir," she sighed.

"Would you like a lemon drop?"

"No thank you, Headmaster."

"Then how about some of these chocolate biscuits? I know how much you enjoy them."

"Thank you," Harry smiled, taking one from the plate he offered. "Now I'm sure you didn't ask me up here just to have tea and biscuits. What's up?" she questioned, green eyes bright with curiosity.

"I have something serious I wish to discuss with you. I have asked your protectors to be here too. They should arrive shortly."

"Now that sounds ominous. Obviously our Trust Keeper has something important to impart."

"I am merely fulfilling my role in the Protectorship, to maintain the safety of all four of you, by instilling trust in the judgment of others, when it comes to serious and complex matters of magic. That is why the trust keeper is always a wizard over a certain age."

"In other words, you've been down that road before." Harry grinned at him over the desk.

"So to speak," he replied, blue eyes sparkling with their familiar twinkle.

"Well you must be concerned about something to call us all up here prior to a meeting of the Order."

"I am," he responded, as a knock came from the door. "Enter," Dumbledore called. Sirius, Severus, and Remus all entered together. "Sit down, gentlemen. Would you like some tea and biscuits?"

"Yes, please," Sirius replied, taking a chair beside Harry.

"I would like a cup of tea," Remus added as he sat down on the sofa.

"What about you, Severus?" Dumbledore queried. The tall lanky wizard had taken up his usual position, leaning up against the hearth.

"No thank you, Headmaster. I am not hungry; however I am curious as to why you wished to speak with all of us prior to the meeting."

"I was wondering myself," Sirius added, while Remus nodded in agreement.

"I see I have piqued all of your curiosity." Dumbledore studied them all shrewdly. "Then I shall get right to the point. Severus, how has Harry been doing with her Occlumency?"

"Quite well. She has also demonstrated an aptitude for Legilimency. Once she has fully mastered the Occlumency I think she will be able to pick up the other without any problems."

"Harry, have you made any kind of schedule to work with Arsinoe?"

"We have agreed to meet in the evenings during the week, why?"

"You need to be ready should something happen. I fear our time will be short, and I am sure that Voldemort will make some kind of move shortly. We need to be prepared."

"Headmaster, did Severus tell you about Phaedra's dream?"

"I am aware of the child's nightmare. She has a highly telepathic mind, and I find it interesting that she was able to pick up on what is going on."

"Is it possible that the Dark Lord is using her to get information about us?" Severus asked. His back was straight and his face stony, but his mind was racing worriedly, 'If that bastard even tries to hurt my niece...'

Dumbledore interrupted his thoughts. Studying his friend silently, his blue eyes reflected his concern for the little girl as well. "I believe it is entirely possible, Severus. You will need to be very alert to the child's moods, especially where they concern Harry."

"Is that why you have asked us up here, Headmaster? Because of Phaedra?"

"In part, but mostly because of my concern for your welfare Harry, as well as the welfare of others."

"I don't understand," she replied, puzzled, looking from one to the other. "Is there something you aren't telling me?"

"I have already spoken with your protectors individually before making a very important decision. That is why I wanted to know about your progress with the Occlumency."

"Oh, and what else did you talk to them about?"

"I was more than interested with your progress over the summer. I know you wished to become an animagimultiplico and have been working hard on your transfiguration. This will help you in your work with Arsinoe. She tells me you have the ability."

"Yeah, if you like snakes and feathered dragons," Harry remarked sarcastically.

"Harry, you need not sound so angry. There is nothing wrong with snakes and dragons. You may also be able to accomplish other animals as well."

"I want to be something fluffy, not some scaly old snake," she smirked. Fawkes let out a squawk and flew over to her, landing on her shoulder.

"It seems Fawkes is in agreement with you." Sirius grinned, petting the large red bird.

"Maybe we'll go for some flying later, pretty bird," Harry crooned. "I haven't flown with you for awhile. It would be nice." Fawkes blinked and trilled, then drifted slowly back to his perch.

"Headmaster, I want Harry to know that you spoke to us first about what you have in mind because you didn't want to worry her," Remus said. He sat watching her intently from the sofa. "I also want her to know that Sirius and I disagreed with you."

"Disagreed with what?" Harry asked warily.

"Now Harry," Dumbledore began, looking at her kindly, "I don't want you to get upset."

"What is it that you are afraid will upset me?"

"I think it would be wise if you did not attend any meetings of the Order until we can determine if Voldemort is able to see or act through you. He may try to possess your mind like he did in the Department of Mysteries," Dumbledore answered, blue eyes boring into her.

"I see...and Severus agrees with this?"

"Yes, Harry he does."

"Yet, Sirius and Remus don't?"

"Harry we think you are quite capable of making this decision for yourself. Remus and I do not believe you would allow Voldemort to jeopardize the safety of any of us. We feel that you would resist such an attempt," Sirius explained, putting his arm around her shoulders.

Harry sat looking from one to the other of the four men, saying nothing. Inside her emotions were reeling. She did not know if she was more angry or hurt. She did know that she felt Dumbledore did not trust her again. What's more, she felt betrayed by Severus.

"What about Phaedra's dreams? Don't you think she will put you at risk?"

"Phaedra knows only that the Order exists. She doesn't know my role and only a few of the members, and those are already known by the Dark Lord," Severus remarked coolly. "I will be able to track any nightmares she may have for information as to his whereabouts."

"I see," Harry replied, her voice unnaturally soft. She sat very quietly for a few minutes; the only sound was the ticking of Dumbledore's clock. Then she rose from her seat and walked over to Fawkes, her mind whirling. Harry waited for a few moments petting the bird, who sat watching her without a sound. She then moved to the door and let herself out without a word.

"Harry!" Sirius called after her as she descended the moving stairs, but she ignored him.

As she exited the tower, she moved swiftly down the hallway towards her room, head down, and careened into Arsinoe, who was just leaving her room.

"Oh, Harry, I'm sorry."

"No, It's my fault I wasn't paying attention to where I was going," Harry responded curtly, moving aside.

"I am on my way to the dungeon to meet the others for the meeting. I understand we will be directed where to go by Professor Snape."

"Yes." Harry was suddenly seething inside. Arsinoe was going to be allowed into the meeting, while she had been ostracized. Angrily brushing past Arsinoe, she was about to enter her room when Hermione came down the hall.

"Harry, wait! We can go together," she called.

"I'm sorry Hermione, but the Headmaster has asked me to do something. Why don't you walk with Arsinoe?" Harry nodded towards the other woman.

"Arsinoe Darkmoon?" Hermione questioned excitedly. "Are you the new teacher who will be doing the classes on Ancient Egyptian and Native American Mysticism?"

"Yes, I am." Arsinoe nodded with a smile. "You must be Hermione Granger. Albus has told me about you. Would you like to study some of my books?"

"Oh that would be wonderful," Hermione bubbled enthusiastically. "I'm sure Harry will be interested too."

"Arsinoe and I have already made some arrangements for me to study her texts," Harry said quietly, but her green eyes were boring into Arsinoe in a manner that would have frightened Hermione if she hadn't known Harry so well. "Now if you will both excuse me, I have something to attend to."

"Of course," Hermione answered, studying her friend uncomfortably. "We will see you later."

Harry nodded and spun on her heel, opening the door to her room. She was greeted affectionately by Snuffles, her Newfoundland dog. Petting her, she sat down on her bed, to think. As she did so, the medallion Dumbledore had given her moved beneath her robes. She had been so proud and honored when he had given it to her. Now all she felt was disillusionment. 'The Headmaster doesn't have any confidence in my ability to keep Voldemort from learning what the order is planning. He believes my presence at the meeting will be detrimental and therefore I'm not to be trusted,' she reflected bitterly. 'I am still nothing but a weapon to be primed when not in use, and then hidden away till I'm needed again.' She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she was startled by a knock on her door.

"Who is it?" she asked gruffly.

"Princess, it's me and Sirius. Can we come in?" Remus soft voice called.

"No, I prefer to be alone right now."

"Honey, for what it's worth we really do think Albus is wrong about this," Sirius answered worriedly.

"What do you care? You are never around these days anyway. Go and find your friend Circe. I'm sure she wouldn't mind a midnight motorcycle ride," Harry spat angrily through the door. She could hear Remus whispering softly to Sirius on the other side.

"Princess, how about if I skip the meeting and stay with you?" Remus queried.

"Don't waste your time. I am sure Arsinoe will enjoy your company," she yelled back at him, no longer trying to control her anger. "Now get the hell out of here. I want to be alone."

"All right, Love, we'll go, but I promise we will be back as soon as the meeting is over," Sirius placated her through the door.

Harry heard them move off, and then sat back down on her bed. She didn't move for a few minutes, and could feel the lump forming in her throat. Snuffled nudged her hand, giving a low whine. Absently she scratched the dog behind her ears, and then came to a decision. 'Severus would say that this is another impulsive Gryffindor action, but it is obvious that even he doesn't trust me. My presence here puts them in danger, so it would be best if I left,' she told herself. Sitting down at her desk, she took out some parchment and a quill and began to write.

Dear Headmaster,

I regret to inform you that I must resign my new teaching position here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, as well as my role in the Order of the Phoenix. It is obvious that you do not feel I can be trusted and that I am a threat to the security of the faculty, students, and the Order itself. Therefore, I feel it is best if I leave the school. Too many people have died already trying to protect me. You granted me an honor, which you obviously no longer feel I am not worthy to fulfill, so I am returning my medallion.

Regretfully,

Harry James Potter

Harry then folded the letter, and placed it in an envelope. Removing the medallion from around her neck, she hurriedly packed her trunk. Using a reducing charm, she shrank it to the size of a small wallet before changing into Muggle clothes. She then put the small trunk into her pocket. Putting Snuffles on her leash, she took up the medallion and the letter and headed out the door. Hurrying quietly, Harry made her way to the gargoyle guarding the entrance to Dumbledore's office. Placing the letter and the medallion on the gargoyle where they would be seen, she then looked down at the dog. "Come on Snuffles, we're going someplace safe, where they won't find us," Harry said, giving the dog a final pat. "I just hope that I don't screw up when we apparate. I would hate myself if I left a piece of you behind..."

Sirius was barely paying attention to Dumbledore as he related the news about Voldemort. He was worried about Harry's reaction to Dumbledore's decision. He had expected her to be upset, but she had grown silent and cold. 'Tears I could have dealt with...but anger? I have never seen her so furious...and then there was that bit about Circe and me. Oh Merlin, I wish I could tell her about our relationship, but I just can't, not now anyway. There is too much riding on the outcome. I wish this meeting would be over with so I could at least try to reason with her. I know Albus was wrong. He should put more faith in her abilities, and Snivellus...What an ass! She cares about the greasy git and he made her feel inferior! I should hex him from here to Azkaban for doing that to her...and he has the nerve to claim he loves her. Ha! He doesn't know the meaning of the word...' Shifting uncomfortably in his seat he glanced over at Remus. He was sitting with a scowl on his face, and Sirius knew he was softly growling, deep in his throat....

Anyone who didn't know Remus was a werewolf would have thought that the scowl on his face had to do with Voldemort's resurrection, and this new threat to Wizarding and Muggle society. That was not the case. He was worried and anxious about his Princess, as he liked to call Harry. His wolf senses had detected her icy control over her anger and hurt in Albus' office, and her unexpected departure from the office had alarmed him. 'Why the hell didn't I try and stop her? I told her Sirius and I disagreed with Albus. The way she looked...it was as if her whole world had just been ripped out from under her. She had been so happy that he had trusted her with that much authority, now she may never trust anyone of us ever again. As for Severus, he really let her down. Bad enough he didn't give her the Potions award at graduation. Now he's wounded her so deeply that whatever feelings she had for him may have been permanently destroyed. Then there were her remarks about Arsinoe...I don't know how to explain our relationship. Oh, Merlin I wish Albus would just hurry up with this damned meeting so I could try to talk to her again...

Severus sat with his back rigid, unmoving. Outwardly, he appeared to be absorbed in Albus' report of the events of the previous night and Voldemort's return. Nothing was further from the truth. His dark eyes were like liquid ink, and somewhere inside of him, a warning note had sounded. 'Damn Potter...doesn't she realize how vulnerable her presence would make the rest of these people. I only told Albus what I believed to be the truth...she isn't ready to successfully block out the Dark Lord. We have no way of knowing what kinds of powers he has now. Damn...why do I feel so bad? Because you hurt her you bloody fool,' the little voice inside of him argued. 'You took the one person in this world who truly understood what you feel and made sure to push her away. Why, Severus? Is it because you are still afraid to love her, despite telling her you intend to marry her? Or is it because you wanted for once to make sure a member of the Potter family was not given the benefit of the doubt by the Headmaster? You wanted to beat that Gryffindor pride and bravery down to a pulp and didn't care what it would cost? You betrayed her faith in you, just like when you failed to give her the award she so rightly deserved, merely because her father embarrassed you in public,' his conscience nagged. 'If you're smart you will get down on your knees to her and beg her forgiveness...tell her the truth you cowardly bastard. Tell her you're in love with her...'

Ron shifted in his seat, putting his arm around Hermione. He had wanted to save a seat for Harry, but Hermione had told him Dumbledore had given Harry something else to do. 'What on earth could she be doing? This is too important for her not to be here. She should be telling us everything that happened from the time she fell asleep till the time she encountered Voldemort in her dreams. This just doesn't make any sense,' he reasoned, deep in though. 'Harry is Dumbledore's successor, and needs to be at these meetings. She is the only one of us who can truly stop this horror. No, something is going on. Sirius and Remus have been behaving strangely from the time they came in, and Professor Snape is acting just like he did when we were in school.' Shifting again, he glanced down at Hermione, who looked confused and frightened.

"Hermione, did Harry say what she had to do for Dumbledore?" he whispered.

"Sh...No, Ron, she didn't, but she was acting strangely. It was almost as if I didn't know her," she whispered with concern.

"What do you mean?"

"She seemed to be acting like a different person."

"You don't think Voldemort had anything to do with it?"

"No, this was something different, and it scared me. I could feel her power, and I think she was angry about something."

"Didn't she say anything to you?"

"I already told you she didn't," Hermione countered, keeping her eyes on the front of the room.

Moody was staring at the ceiling with his magical eye, and he seemed absorbed in watching something. Suddenly Fawkes appeared in a shower of sparks, emitting a shrill squawk, startling them all. Moody stood up and whispered something to Dumbledore, who nodded silently.

"That will conclude our meeting for this evening. If I might have a moment with the Protectors in my office, and you too Ron, I have something to discuss with all of you," Dumbledore said soberly. Alastor it would be a good idea if you were to join us also. There are refreshments set out for everyone, and I am sure you could all do with a cup of tea right now. Hermione, if you would stay with Professor Darkmoon and introduce her to the other members I would appreciate it."

"Yes, Sir," Hermione agreed, looking nervously at Ron.

"I'll fill you in as soon as I know something," he whispered, giving her a peck on the cheek. "Introduce her to Mum and Dad and keep your eyes and ears open."

"I will, and Ron, be careful."

He winked at Hermione, and followed the others from the room. Dumbledore moved swiftly through the corridors, and Ron had to admit that he was having difficulty keeping pace with the older wizards. When they had reached the gargoyle, Ron saw that there was a letter resting on its feet and Harry's medallion was hanging above it. The Headmaster quickly retrieved them, and read the letter as they ascended the moving stairs.

"Come in gentlemen," Dumbledore invited opening the doors to his office. A pot of tea appeared on his coffee table, along with some cakes. "I see the house elves have anticipated our meeting." Dumbledore indicated they were to be seated, and once they were comfortable, he took an odd looking device from one of his shelves and began to study it, just as Dobby popped in.

"Headmaster Dumbledore," the elf cried hopping from one leg to the other. "Harry Potter has left Hogwarts."

Ron visibly jumped, Sirius head jerked up, eyes wide with worry, and Remus emitted a loud growl. Moody looked at Albus, flashing him a look of disapproval before masking his features, letting his magical eye rove over towards the windows. Fawkes merely blinked from his perch, ruffling his feathers.

"I am aware that Harry has left Dobby. Did she say anything to you before leaving the building?"

"No, Professor. Dobby thought she was only walking the dog. Dobby should have realized something was wrong though Sir."

"Why Dobby?"

"Harry Potter was wearing Muggle clothes Sir. She only wears them now when she is going someplace where she will be seen by Muggles," Dobby replied anxiously. "Dobby would have known Sir if she were doing something for the Order. Dobby should have realized that something was not right. She had on those clothes and no one was with her," the elf explained eyes wide with fear. "Headmaster, you asked me to make sure Harry Potter was well cared for. Dobby has failed."

"No, Dobby, Harry has a mind of her own. You did well to come to me," Dumbledore responded, reassuring him. "Now if you would go and speak with the Watcher Elves they may have seen where she has gone. Then report back to me."

"Yes, Headmaster. Dobby will go right away." He snapped his fingers and disappeared with a pop.

Dumbledore turned his attention back to the strange whirring object, which was still on his desk, studying it closely. "Ron do you have the goblet with you?" he asked.

"Yes, Sir," Ron answered. He had reduced the goblet in size and pulled it out of his robe pocket along with his wand. Returning it to normal size with a swift swish of his wand, he studied it briefly. "There has been no change, but I would have known immediately if there were. The flames would have lit my robes."

"Obviously," Moody remarked, his gravelly voice annoyed. "Weasley you need to secure the goblet in a safer manner. I will show you a spell to keep you from burning yourself up should it ignite."

"Albus we are wasting time. We need to find Harry." Sirius was doing his best to contain his anger. "Is it possible she just went to the cemetery? She does that when she's upset."

"No she did not. In fact, I believe she is no longer on Hogwarts property. She has resigned her teaching position and her place in the Order," Dumbledore stated flatly.

"This is your doing, Albus! You were the one who kept her from the meeting. You as much as told her she couldn't be trusted!" Remus shouted, leaping up in a rare display of anger, his growling turning into a vicious snarl.

"Headmaster, we need to act immediately," Snape interrupted, watching the werewolf warily. He knew that while Remus was usually reserved and in control, his anger could bring forth the traits of the wolf he harbored within.

"Why would you care, Snivellus? If I recall correctly you agreed with the Headmaster about Harry's not attending the meeting. You probably did more damage to her emotionally than Albus." Sirius yelled turning on his old rival.

"Enough!" Dumbledore shouted angrily. "The important thing is to get Harry back here to safety. We will discuss who is responsible for her anger at a later time."

"Excuse me, Professor," Ron interrupted, unnerved by the anger being displayed by the older wizards, "but I would like to know why Harry left. She loves Hogwarts, and cares about every one of us. Why wasn't she at the meeting?"

"Ron is right, Albus," Remus said, regaining his composure. "As Keeper of the Goblet and as an Auror assigned to protect her he deserves an explanation."

"Not to mention that he is her best friend, as well as a member of the Order," Sirius added coolly.

"You are both correct." Dumbledore studied Ron closely, blue eyes boring into him. "I want you to understand that sometimes I have to make decisions that are for the good of everyone involved, Mr. Weasley. This was one of them. Unfortunately, in making this decision I failed to account for Harry's genuine concern and for all of us, as well as her pride."

"Headmaster, what is it that you did that caused her to walk away, because that is what it seems she has done," Ron questioned, confused by the old Wizard's admission of having made a grievous error.

"I told Harry she could not attend any meetings of the Order until she had mastered her Occlumency. I was afraid that Voldemort would be able to possess her mind and learn about our activities."

"You what! Headmaster...how could you?" Ron sputtered in disbelief, amazed he was speaking to Dumbledore in this manner. "Harry was so proud of her role in the Order and your confidence in her abilities. She must feel as if you stabbed her in the heart. Harry herself would have refused to attend the meetings if she thought for one minute Voldemort was gaining control over her!" Ron defended his friend, red faced with anger and disappointment in the old wizard.

"Mr. Weasley, the Headmaster does not need your criticism of his motives," Snape's icy tone warned, "what he does need is your support in locating Miss Potter."

The whirring object on Dumbledore's desk came to a sudden halt, and he again studied it closely. He was just putting it back when Dobby reappeared.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, I have spoken with Artemis. She did not hear where Harry went, but she did see her apparate with her dog."

"She was able to apparate with the dog?" The old wizard questioned, a light of pride flaring in his blue eyes.

"Yes, they disappeared about twenty minutes ago. Just before you all came upstairs from the dungeons," Dobby affirmed. "Do you want Dobby to ask any of the others if they know where Harry Potter went to?"

"No, Dobby. I have already located Harry. She is in a safe place. You can return to your work now."

"Yes, Dobby will go back to work. Dobby believes you when you say Harry Potter is safe." He snapped his fingers and disappeared.

"Albus where is my goddaughter?" Sirius questioned worriedly. "You said you located her."

"I have, and she is quite secure of the moment. Mr. Weasley if you would go back and see to your fiancé and the others I would appreciate it. I believe you will be on duty this evening?"

"Yes Sir. I will be patrolling with Tonks," Ron answered. He knew he would learn nothing further, and taking another biscuit from the plate on the table left the office.

"Will you need me to assist you Albus? I can arrange for a security escort if you are planning on going after her."

"That won't be necessary Alastor. I will give Harry sufficient time to collect herself and then we will all go and speak with her," Dumbledore explained, nodding in the direction of the three younger wizards.

"May I ask where the girl has gone?"

"You can ask, but I have no intention of telling you at this time. Believe me when I tell you she is quite safe for the night."

"Then I will go and see to the Aurors." Moody rose, and let himself out.

Turning to the three younger wizards, Dumbledore smiled, blue eyes twinkling. "I think you will all be interested in knowing where she has gone. I am actually quite pleased at her ingenuity..."

Harry had reached the apparition point outside of the Hogwarts gates without incident. Taking care that no one had seen her leave the castle, she checked her watch to make certain that the meetin was in full progress. She was nervous and wanted nothing more than to reach her destination safely. She hoped she would not have any problems disapparating with the dog. She was also concerned with the Deatheaters. 'I'm not in the mood for a duel,' she thought. 'Then again, with the mood I'm in I could probably defeat the whole lot of them with one hand tied behind my back." Harry grinned furiously at the notion. "Come on Snuffles," she spoke quietly, kneeling down and holding onto the dog, "it's time to go." Raising her wand in one hand while holding Snuffles around the chest with her other one, she closed her eyes, and muttering her destination, disappeared into the sunset. She was unaware that the watcher elves had seen her go and would set up a relay system to track her amongst themselves...

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