The Legend of the Serpent's Tongue

Legend of the Serpent's Tongue

Part 19

Halloween

Harry walked slowly down to lunch in the Great Hall. She had just finished her Transfiguration class with the first years and as usual, Mariah Flint was outspoken and obnoxious, costing Slytherin ten points. Harry's patience with the girl was wearing thin despite her resolve to treat the girl fairly.

Fortunately, the Parkinson twins were not as rash or as outspoken as their elder sister Pansy was. The two boys were consummate mischief-makers, much as Fred and George had been, but to a lesser scale. Nevertheless, the twins enjoyed pranking whenever they thought they could get away with it. Most of the staff tolerated their behaviors with a grain of salt, amused and happy that even with the uncertain times the twins were just enjoying being children. However, they did make one mistake. Neither really believed that Severus Snape, their Head of House, would not be open to their antics, when they played a cruel joke on Mr. Filch.

The boys had come across Filch's cat, Mrs. Norris, and secreted her away in an unused classroom. That evening at dinner, she was smuggled up to the Great Hall before feeding her a small piece of one of the Weasley's Canary creams laced with catnip. This resulted in Mrs. Norris sprouting feathers and bouncing around the Great Hall in a fit of frenzy with alternating meows and chirps. Filch had been beside himself, and Snape was livid that such cruelty to an innocent cat had been instituted by the students within his own house. He not only docked them both twenty points, he gave them detention. They had been ordered to clean the entire owlery by hand, including all the perches, from floor to ceiling, without magic. It had taken them three full days and Dumbledore remarked that he couldn't remember the last time the place looked and smelled so clean. Nevertheless, the prank had earned the twins the respect of many of their peers, since no one liked Mrs. Norris anyway, let alone Mr. Filch.

"Knut for your thoughts, Harry," Remus remarked as she took a seat beside him at the teacher's table.

"Oh, just thinking about how the past few weeks have been."

"The good things or the bad?"

"Both," Harry answered offhandedly. "The Deatheaters have been active raiding and killing. Voldemort has no fear these days. He even let the Hit Wizards send him an Avadra Kedavra. Of course, he can't die now, so he just laughed insanely and sent the spell back at them, killing one of them. I saw the whole thing with one of my visions when I was so tired I fell asleep before occluding my mind."

"I know, Princess, but Charlie and Bill are due back any time," he whispered. "Did Albus tell you about the package he received last month?"

"Yes, it contained an ancient tablet with half of the missing spells I will need. Too bad it isn't translated," she added bitterly, "that would be half the battle."

"Arsinoe is working it out as quickly as she can. In the meantime Charlie and Bill are bringing the rest."

"I know. Albus told me that they had originally only found half of the tablet and decided to send it on ahead. This way if it fell into the wrong hands it would be useless without the other part. They found the rest last week. I hope they don't meet with any trouble bringing it back."

"They're both good wizards and know how to protect themselves."

"But what if Voldemort..."

"Don't even think it!" Remus growled sharply. "Now tell me some of the good things that have happened. It will do no good to keep worrying about what might happen."

Harry nodded thoughtfully, "Well...our night out was lots of fun, Professor. I never knew you could be so romantic." She smiled warmly at the werewolf.

Remus had gotten Madam Rosmerta to give him the back room in the Three Broomsticks. He had set up a candlelight dinner for two, complete with enchanted violins and fairy lights.

"I'm glad to see that it made you so happy."

"You're not a bad kisser either, but I already knew that." She blushed remembering his having kissed her in the garden last summer.

Remus grinned, "What would you expect from the big bad wolf?" He howled softly under his breath.

"At least with Sirius there are no surprises."

"Ah, yes...A wild motorcycle ride against the night sky, Italian food..."

"Pizza," she interrupted.

"And a night of dancing to loud rock music," he finished.

"You forgot the snogging," Harry teased.

"I'm ignoring that part," he countered with aplomb.

"Jealous?"

"I trust you both implicitly."

"That doesn't answer my question."

"That's the best one you are going to get. How was the symphony with Severus? You never did tell us. You just walked around with a crooked smile the entire day afterwards."

"Wonderful," she beamed "They did selections from Strauss and Mozart. Then we went for a late night dinner in a quiet little French restaurant before Portkeying back to Hogwarts."

"What no snogging?"

"Considering a large gray wolf and a big black dog were watching us from the Astronomy tower when we got back we decided to keep it simple."

"You saw us?"

"No, Sev did. Of course you didn't see what happened once we came inside," she giggled, looking up at him through her lashes. Remus playfully growled low in his throat. "Now would you like to hear my favorite date?"

"Hmm...?"

"The day we all went to lunch and bowling."

"I am pleased you enjoyed it, Child," Dumbledore's soft voice remarked from behind, startling her. He had just entered from the anteroom behind the dais.

"Headmaster, you always seem to show up at the most interesting moments," Harry laughed.

"He just likes to keep us on our toes," Remus smirked.

"Sirius had a great time too, especially when he put that spell on my bowling ball and caused it to come back just before it hit the pins," she added, as they all smiled at the memory. "Speaking of my dear godfather, where is he?" For that matter where is Severus?"

"Sirius took Circe into Hogsmeade," Remus answered, not meeting Harry's eyes, "and Severus is on order business. I'm covering his Defense Against the Dark Arts class and Tiberius has his upper level Potions."

"Oh..."Harry frowned.

"Don't look so downcast, Child." Dumbledore stated, kindly.

"Why didn't Circe just apparate? She certainly doesn't need Sirius to bring her every time she has to go into town."

"Sirius is also on an errand for me," Dumbledore explained, "so he offered to take her on his motorcycle."

"There is no need to be jealous, Harry," Remus assured her.

"I am not jealous! I just worry about all of you, and Sirius has a habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time." Harry insisted. "I am even more concerned since having that vision from the Peyote."

"Don't become obsessed with it, Harry," Dumbledore soothed. "Visions are often difficult to interpret."

"Just the same, Headmaster, it wasn't pleasant. Tom Riddle has a knack for doing the unexpected."

"What exactly did he say?" Remus questioned. "You were crying and shaking so badly that you were babbling incoherently."

"I saw him talking to Lucius Malfoy. They were discussing a plot to destroy me but first Voldemort said he would attack me through my conscience. He told Lucius I wouldn't be able to stop him because I could never destroy those I loved. Then all I saw was Voldemort laughing. His face was twisted into the most evil expression I had ever seen. After that, the vision changed. I could still hear his laughter but I was surrounded by fire everywhere. I was trapped somewhere that seemed familiar, but I was too distracted to determine the location," Harry shuddered at the memory. "The next thing I knew Hermione was slapping me to bring me out of the trance and everyone was all around me. My scar had opened up and the blood was running into my eyes. I'm still not sure what exactly happened afterwards."

"Princess, we had all we could do to keep you still. Your magic was so strong you actually blocked the binding spells we had to use. You were having some kind of a fit, thrashing and screaming as you rolled on the floor. You kept yelling that you had to save them."

"Yes..." Dumbledore mused aloud, lips pursed in thought, "you seemed to be in pain and trying to free yourself. I want you to continue practicing your telekinetic skills. They have proven invaluable in the past and may once again."

"Headmaster, he means to kill me, but I will do as you say, even though I don't believe it will make any difference."

"Harry, Tom has been trying to kill you for the past seventeen years, and you have withstood every assault he has thrown at you both physically and mentally. This was merely a vision, and could mean any number of things."

"Like what?"

"I am not certain. That is why visions are so hard to interpret," Dumbledore stated, blue eyes studying her intently. "We don't even know if it was an event that will actually happen or just your unconscious fears manifesting themselves."

"Ron's vision wasn't hard to interpret. He was obviously shagging Hermione."

Dumbledore and Remus looked at one another and smiled at the memory of the young wizard's vision remembering the look on Hermione's face. Ron's movements and mumblings during the vision were unmistakable. Hermione had been mortified and Ron was beet red when he awakened, the stain on his trousers telling more than words. He had just looked at his fiancé and grinned sheepishly saying, 'It's going to be one hell of a honeymoon.' Hermione had then conjured a bucket of ice water, dumping it over Ron's head.

"Just the same, Harry," Remus reiterated, "Dumbledore is right. Ron may have just envisioned what he desires too. Not what will actually happen."

Dumbledore took Harry's hand gently before he continued, "Do you recall anything else from the vision that might help us to determine it's meaning?"

"Only that Voldemort said our final battle would begin when it had started, on Halloween, and that's today. My scar had been throbbing all morning."

"Princess, why didn't you tell us about your car earlier?" Remus admonished.

Harry shrugged, "I didn't want you to worry," she sighed pushing back her plate, leaving the chicken sandwich only half eaten.

Remus wanted to hug her but was unable to do so as all the students would see. Instead, he whispered softly in her ear, "We're all behind you, Harry. After all we are your strength, courage, and endurance as well as your heart, soul, and conscience."

"And Dumbledore keeps the trust so you that you will know what to do when guided by Ron's Right of Vision as the Keeper of the Goblet," Harry smiled, reaffirming the Protectorship. Thanks for reminding me, Remus."

"No problem." He smiled at Harry tenderly as the doors to the Great Hall flung open and Severus strode in, black robes flying behind him. He headed directly to the head table.

"Headmaster, the package has been delivered," he informed Dumbledore, black eyes glittering.

"And our two young wizards?"

"They are both waiting in your office."

"I trust there was no trouble, Severus?"

"Some, but the five Deatheaters who tried to ambush us will not be causing any more problems," Snape replied shooting a guarded glance at Harry. "Three have been apprehended and the other two escaped but will have to answer to the Dark Lord." His lips twisted into an icy sneer and Harry gave an involuntary shudder.

"I see," Dumbledore acknowledged. "Arsinoe will want to be there. She is in her office working on the first part of the translation. Would you go fetch her and bring her to my office? I will meet with you all shortly."

"Yes, Headmaster," he nodded turning on his heel. He strode out as swiftly as he had entered.

"Harry, Remus, if you will both excuse me I must attend to this immediately."

"It's the rest of the spell, isn't it?" Harry questioned with trepidation.

"Yes, Child. Bill and Charlie Weasley are home safely. Molly will be relieved as will the rest of the Order."

"Here, here," Remus agreed.

Dumbledore was rising to leave just as a large falcon flew in to the Great Hall. He carried a letter in his powerful beak. Swooping towards them, he dropped the letter in front of Harry and flew off. Her name was scrawled on the envelope. Harry blanched in pain, a shooting pain running through her scar.

"It's from Voldemort!" she gasped, as Dumbledore gently touched his wand to her scar easing the pain.

"Come into the anteroom now," the headmaster instructed, "and bring the letter." They moved into the small room behind the dais where Dumbledore and Remus began to examine the letter for any dangerous hexes that may have been attached to it. Once they were satisfied it was safe Dumbledore turned and nodded to Harry. "Go ahead, Child, open it."

Harry's hands shook nervously as she tore open the seal, a wax version of the Dark Mark. She slowly began to read the missive aloud.

Harry,

As I am sure, you are now aware there are no hidden hexes on this letter, since I am certain that old fool, Dumbledore, will have checked it over before allowing you to read it. So I will get right to the point. I promised you a surprise and since it is Halloween I thought now would be an excellent time to send it. Unless you decide to join me I am going to make sure you receive something extra special for Trick-or-Treat. Of course, it will be my extreme pleasure to perform a rather nasty trick. The treat will be mine as well since the link between us will enable me to feel your reaction, just as you can feel mine. How is your heart my dear? I know you are wondering what I could possibly do now to either bend you to my will or kill you. Believe me when I say that your pain will be my pleasure, for there are many kinds of pain Harry, and you need to be reminded of that. Do enjoy your feast tonight as it will undoubtedly be your last should you fail to concede and join my ranks of Deatheaters. You will have one hour to respond.

Morsmordre,

Voldemort

As soon as she finished reading, the parchment burst into green flames. The Dark Mark appeared in the middle, the parchment itself disintegrating, until only a small version of the dreaded symbol was left hanging in the air in front of them.

"I thought there were no hexes on that letter," she sputtered.

"There were no dangerous hexes, Harry," Dumbledore responded calmly, "but Tom is ingenious in his forms of intimidation. He is a powerful and cunning wizard. He knew I would examine the letter so he merely put a simple warning charm on it."

"You knew it was there?"

"Did you not sense something when you handled it?"

"I felt cold inside, like someone had walked over my grave. My scare was burning as if it was charged with electricity."

"You felt the power of the charm, Harry," Remus explained. "It is called the Exemplum Postremus, or final warning."

"Why isn't it taught at Hogwarts?"

"Because it is only used when two or more enemies wish to offer an ultimatum. It is a semi dark spell and rarely used."

"Semi dark, how can a spell be semi dark?" Harry questioned, looking from one man to the other.

"Well, Child, there is no danger from the charm itself. It is always the forerunner of something terrible to its recipient should the sender's demands fail to be met."

As Dumbledore was explaining the significance of the spell, Severus returned, entering the antechamber. Freezing abruptly, his dark eyes locked onto the slowly fading Dark Mark.

"Headmaster," he breathed, composing himself, "what has happened?"

"Harry has received an Exemplum Postremus from Voldemort," Remus answered, studying Severus intently. His heightened senses immediately picked up on Severus' fear, although the other wizard gave an outward appearance of composure.

"I see. You will need to send a reply, Potter. How long has he given you to respond?"

"She has one hour," Dumbledore informed him before Harry could reply.

"I have no intention of answering that piece of trash," she stated angrily. A sudden burst of pain shot through her scar and Harry grabbed hold of Remus.

"Even Wizarding wars have rules, Harry," Dumbledore counseled while Remus gently lowered her into a chair. "You have to send an answer. It is proper custom," Dumbledore said conjuring a quill and parchment.

"What should I say?" she asked absently rubbing her scar. It was burning intensely and felt as if it were boring into her head.

"The words will come from within." Dumbledore placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I cannot tell you what to say. The choice must come from you alone."

Harry stared at the blank parchment for a full five minutes, her brow creased in thought. Slowly, she picked up the quill, dipped it into the inkwell that had appeared on the table, and began to write.

Tom,

I am sure you are now aware I have received your short missive containing the Exemplum Postremus. It was very proper of you to send me this warning since I am sure you already know that my answer is a resounding NO! Do what you will, for it can be no worse than what I have already suffered through your vile actions. Our destinies are linked, cousin, and it shames me to admit that we are related by blood as well as magic. I will leave it to fate to determine which of us will succeed. You have besmirched the names of the founders as well as countless others in your quest for power, giving the world cause to hate all of wizardry. I cannot and will not allow you to continue. Even if it means I will die in the quest to restore peace to both our world and that of the Muggles, whom you have so ruthlessly butchered these past years, I will see you stopped and your Deatheaters in chains. You foul the earth with your presence. If there is justice in this world, I fully intend to see your soul returned to whatever loathsome pit it from which it was returned. Have a Happy Halloween, for I guarantee it will be your last.

In Exillum Mitto Morsmordre,

Harry James Potter

"Headmaster, may I use your seal?" she asked folding the letter and carefully and conjuring an envelope.

Dumbledore removed the seal containing the Hogwarts Crest from the pocket in his robes. Harry dripped some red candle wax to the back of the envelope and affixed it onto the flap. Taking out her wand she cast a spell on it so that the Dark mark would appear inside of a circle with a slash after the Dark Lord read it. It was the same mark she had used to be rescued from the tower roof to avoid freezing to death. Dumbledore's blue eyes were twinkling, his lips fixed in a shrewd smile.

"I told you the words would come from within."

"I believe Harry should use my raven to send the letter," Snape remarked. "It would be unwise of her to try and send Hedwig. The Dark Lord will have anti owl wards posted."

"I take it the raven already knows the way?" Remus looked at Snape, his expression unreadable.

"He does," Severus affirmed blandly. "I can send it if you wish, Harry?"

"Thanks." She handed him the envelope before placing her head in her hands.

"Are you all right, Princess?"

"I think I am going to be sick, Remus," Harry replied. Jumping up she tried to get to the wastebasket. Overcome with a wave of dizziness, she didn't make it, vomiting all over the floor. Remus helped her back to her seat.

"You need to lie down, Harry, "Dumbledore said as flicked his wand to clean up the mess.

"I can't. I have the third year Potions class and the second year Transfiguration class this afternoon."

"I will cover your Potions," Snape stated gently. 'Merlin I hate seeing her like this. She despises people having to see her appear weak. I know it bothers her,' he reflected to himself.

"I am sure Minerva won't mind helping you out with the second years Transfiguration class either," Dumbledore informed her. His voice brooked no argument. "You need to lie down and rest until dinner."

"Do I have to go to the feast?"

"It would be best. We do not know what Voldemort has planned. It will be safer for you with all of us present. If he thinks that you are afraid he will take your absence as a sign of weakness," Dumbledore added, voicing Severus thoughts.

"You're right, of course," she sighed.

"Come on, Princess, I'll stay with you."

"Remus, you have a class this afternoon too. It wouldn't be right to keep you away because I'm not feeling well."

"Nonsense, Child, I will have Hagrid cover the Care of Magical Creatures," Dumbledore proposed.

"But what about Phaedra? If Hagrid is teaching he won't be able to get her from school."

"I will go and get her myself. She will enjoy being apparated back anyway." Dumbledore smiled anticipating the child's delight at his coming for her. He made a mental note to bring some extra lemon drops. "Now as your employer and Trust Keeper I am ordering you to go and get some sleep. You will feel better and be prepared for what ever Tom is planning."

"Yes, Sir," Harry conceded, allowing Remus to help her upstairs. 'I wish Sirius were here,' she thought. 'I really need him now. What is he doing with Circe in Hogsmeade anyway?' she wondered.

"He'll be back soon, Harry," Remus remarked as if he were reading her thoughts.

"You don't think Voldemort will try to go after him in Hogsmeade, do you?"

"Sirius can take care of himself. He survived Azkaban didn't he?"

Harry merely nodded, allowing Remus to open her door and lead her into the sitting room. She flopped down on the sofa, kicking off her shoes, and curled up closing her eyes.

Remus closed the drapes on the afternoon sunlight to darken the room then conjured a fire in the grate. A pot of tea magically appeared on the table with a tray of biscuits. He shook his head at the uncanny ability of the house elves to know just what to send at any given time. Seating himself in one of her overstuffed chairs, he poured a cup of tea, and sat quietly watching Harry. She had fallen asleep almost immediately. Her face etched into a frown. 'Damn, how much more pain and tragedy will she have to endure now that the war is started again? I wish Sirius would hurry up and get back,' he mused. 'Damn, Padfoot, hurry the hell up will you? Harry needs you here. I know what you're doing is important to both Circe and Moody, but Harry is terrified inside even though she masks it well. You're the only one out of all of us that can make her smile in the face of adversity. She needs that special strength only you can give her.'

Harry moaned softly as the pain in her head intensified, a tear sliding from the corner of her eye. Remus got up, going into the bathroom. Soaking a washcloth with cool water, he muttered a spell to keep it cold. Returning to Harry, he placed it gently on her forehead, stroking her hair, until she seemed to relax. Meanwhile, a large black raven was winging its way towards the hidden lair of Lord Voldemort....

Voldemort sat beside his blazing fire, staring into the flames. His pet snake, Nagini, was wound around the back of his chair, her massive head resting in his lap. He sat stiffly, his only movement being the two fingers he used to stroke the massive serpent.

"Master," she hissed, "when will Lucius be back? I'm hungry. You promised he would bring me a treat."

"Patience my pet," he cooed in Parsel Tongue, "he is on a mission for me."

"Is it something to do with Potter?"

"He is arranging a little reunion party," Voldemort smiled coldly. "I have a special treat in store for Potter tonight should she fail to agree to join the Deatheaters."

"She is to become a Deatheater?"

"No. I have no doubt she will refuse."

"Then why did you send her that letter?"

"Fear, my dear Nagini. I have planted the seeds. Now we will watch it grow until she can no longer resist my will. Then I will strike."

"You will kill her?"

"In time, but first she must suffer. Yes...suffer...she will pay for her defiance through her heart. I will stab her as she stabbed me, but in a much different way."

"I do not understand."

"You will...yes...you will see how she crumbles. In the end she will beg for death," Voldemort laughed. His red eyes glowed with an inhuman hunger. He licked his lips in anticipation as a large black raven tapped on the window. "Aperio, he said, waving his hand. The window slid up with a groan. The raven flew in, warily hovering beside his chair, as Voldemort untied the letter. Nagini eyed the bird hungrily while her stomach rumbling in protest. "No, my pet. Lucius will bring your dinner and it will be something much more to your liking," he soothed the snake, twisting his lips into a rictus smile. Nagini laid her head back down onto his lap as the raven disappeared out the window into the setting sun. Deftly, Voldemort opened the envelope, scanning its contents. He leered with pleasure as he read Harry's reply. "Ah, Nagini, it is as I thought. Potter is an emotional fool!" Voldemort grinned evilly as he dropped the letter to the floor. It immediately began to disintegrate, the symbol Harry had conjured springing up in front of him, turning the smile into an outraged snarl. Leaping to his feet with unnatural speed, he tossed Nagini aside. The snake hissed in surprise, dropping down onto the floor with a thud, as a sharp knock sounded on the door. "Enter Lucius," Voldemort bellowed impatiently.

"My Lord," Malfoy whispered warily. Dropping to his knees, he set a small canvas bag down beside him. "All is in readiness." His cool gray eyes quickly scanned the room for the source of his master's anger, resting briefly on the floating symbol.

"Good, Potter has mocked me once too often."

"I take it she has refused My Lord's kind offer to join us?"

"Did I not say she would? Nevertheless, she has wrought my wrath by her blatant impudence," Voldemort seethed, waving his hand towards the now dissipating symbol.

"Yes My Lord. It will be my pleasure to join you in her destruction along with that of my son."

"Umm...Draco...He will be fodder for the rats. I expect you will kill him slowly?"

"I think it will be amusing to break his spirit with some kind of torture, following which, with your permission, I will offer his worthless carcass to Nagini for the final kill."

"She will enjoy the thrill of a human kill. She has had none for a long while. Leave just enough fight left in him to make it worth our while," Voldemort's eyes glittered in anticipation at the idea of watching Draco die. He chuckled evilly.

"As you wish, Lord."

"Master, " Nagini hissed, "am I to have human food tonight?"

"Not tonight, my sweet, but I know Lucius has brought you something to whet you appetite," Voldemort hissed back. "Lucius show Nagini what you have brought her to eat. She is most impatient."

"It is here, My Lord," Lucius responded. Opening the sack, he dislodged the large lump, which had been moving within. A large white rabbit hopped out in terror. Lucius has stolen it from the hutch in the backyard of a Muggle family after he had killed them.

"Ah...let us allow Nagini her pleasure in the hunt while we watch."

Lucius, still kneeling, threw the rabbit part way across the room, the snake slithering after it. The rabbit's nose was twitching furiously, eyes wide with fear, as he ran about looking for a place to hide from the stalking predator.

"Have I pleased you with my selection for Nagini, Master?"

"Yes. You may rise Lucius and we shall see how long it takes for our prey to succumb to death."

Lucius Malfoy rose gracefully to his feet. He knew Lord Voldemort was not just referring to the doomed rabbit, and the corners of his mouth twitched into a sly sneer at the thought of Potter and his worthless son, Draco...

Remus heightened werewolf senses alerted him to Sirius' return. Sirius' scent told Remus of his friend's anxiety and Sirius' footfalls were hurried and nervous. Remus looked up as Sirius entered Harry's chambers and placed a finger to his lips for quiet.

"How is she?" Sirius whispered, eyes darting over the sleeping form on the sofa.

"Not good, Padfoot. She's been restless and dreaming a lot." As if to confirm Remus' statement Harry moaned softly, curling into a tight ball. "I take it Dumbledore told you what happened?"

"Yes, I'm glad you were here for her, Moony. As much as I hate to admit it, I'm relieved that Severus was too."

Remus nodded, flashing his friend an understanding smile as he pulled up a chair beside him.

"I have been watching her and I believe she may be seeing some of what Voldemort is doing. Every so often, she mumbles in her sleep and has been speaking in Parsel Tongue. I wish I could understand snake language but unfortunately I'm limited to wolf speak and other forms of canine," Remus stated winking at Sirius, trying not to sound too worried.

"Does it seem like Voldemort is aware of her presence?"

"I don't think so, but I can't say for certain."

Both men sat quietly watching Harry sleep for another fifteen minutes, when Sirius spoke again.

"Moony..." Sirius voice caught in his throat, "do you think Harry would understand that a person could love more than one person at a time, but could be in love with only one of them?" His brown eyes locked with Remus' hazel ones for a brief minute before turning back to the sleeping form. Remus hesitated briefly while forming his reply.

"Harry is a very warm and understanding young woman. I think she would want what is best for all of us. She is only now coming to grips with her own feelings, Padfoot. That's why she is so torn up inside. She doesn't want any one of us to be hurt, but at the same time she fears being hurt herself."

"Um...that's what I thought too," Sirius mumbled. "She has a strong attraction to Severus."

"Does that bother you?"

"Oddly enough, no. He's changed, Moony, he's not the boy we knew in school."

"I'm glad you can see that, Padfoot. Harry has brought him out of his shell. She sees the man he really is, not what he pretends to be."

"Uh huh...she has brought him to life. I knew him before Hogwarts, you know. His family was as bad as mine. We were actually friends once, before Hogwarts, when we were just little boys."

"You never told me that. What happened?"

"He believed what his family told him. His father was very much like Lucius Malfoy. He never talks about it but I suspect they were unusually cruel. Circe is his half sister. Her mother died when she was a child and their father remarried. He wanted an heir. I think he was disappointed in Severus."

"It seems he and Harry really got the worst of it from their families. Neither one of them was wanted."

"No...That's why she was so determined that he not hate her just because of what James and I put him through."

"I was also a party to many of those pranks, Padfoot. In any event, Harry has brought about a change in him. He cares about her, but I think he has trouble expressing his feelings."

"He was never one to say much. Unless he was putting a curse on you," Padfoot grinned. "Do you think Harry will marry him?"

"I don't know, Padfoot. She loves you very much." Remus averted his eyes.

"We all agreed, Moony. The decision would be hers. Are you still seeing Arsinoe?"

"Yes, she's a wonderful young woman. She has no fear of me either."

"That's good, old friend, you need someone to make you happy."

"I know, but..."

Harry stirred in her sleep again cutting off their conversation. Taking a deep breath, she uttered a sharp cry as her eyes flew open.

"The rabbit...Don't kill the rabbit!" she yelled looking around in confusion.

"Harry...Harry...It's all right. You're here safe with us. You're in your own room," Sirius comforted, taking her into his arms, while Remus poured her a cup of tea. "It was just a bad dream, love."

"No, it wasn't!" She shook her head adamantly, but her hands were shaking as she took the cup Remus offered her

"What did you see, Princess?" Remus inquired gently.

"Voldemort was with Lucius Malfoy. I didn't know what they were planning but Lucius set it up for him."

"What was the rabbit thing all about?" Sirius asked puzzled.

"Malfoy had it in a sack. They fed the poor thing to Nagini. They thought it was funny watching it fight for its life. They compared it to me and Draco..." her voice trailed off as she shuddered again.

"Harry, you are not a meek rabbit. You are the most powerful witch of the age," Sirius remarked fiercely, startling Harry. She was unaccustomed to hearing him speak so strongly. "You're brave, smart, and caring, not to mention very pretty," he grinned, giving her a peck on the nose.

"And you, Mr. Black, aren't so bad yourself!" She smiled back warmly. "That goes for you too, Professor," she told Lupin. Taking a sip of the tea, she began to relax. "What time is it?"

"Almost time for the feast," Remus answered.

"Do I have time to shower and change into fresh robes?"

"I think so." Sirius glanced at his watch. "We have about an hour yet. Do you want us to stay for a bit longer?"

"Sorry, Padfoot, no getting to guess what I look like under my towel," she teased, getting up from the sofa.

"Miss Wings, do you really think I would do such a thing?"

"Yup, and so would our resident werewolf," Harry chuckled, giving Remus a shy glance. Both men just grinned back wickedly, getting up to leave.

"We'll pick you up in about an hour, Princess. In the meantime I will try and control this bad dog's naughty thoughts."

"Humph, you would do better to try and control your own," she snorted with a wry smile as they left.

Harry's scar was still prickling but she was used to it after so many years. She enjoyed the steamy shower and allowed herself to relax under the warm spray. Her thoughts drifted to her friends.

Arsinoe was translating the ancient Aztec writings as well as some she had gotten form Bill Weasley. He had secured them from another Curse Breaker he was friends with in Egypt. The hieroglyphics were complex and difficult, but Arsinoe felt they were much the same thing. Hermione's thirst for knowledge and study of ancient runes had impressed Arsinoe so much that she had granted Hermione a limited apprenticeship. Harry believed that with the two of them working for her they would unlock the secrets of the ancient magic. Hermione had been thrilled to be included, considering it a part of her duty to the Order to assist on such an important project. Harry had been delighted for her friend. She knew that if anybody could spot a clue of any significance it would be Hermione.

Harry had also warmed towards Arsinoe over the past few weeks during their lessons. She was a difficult taskmaster but her patience was a thing to be admired. Harry was now able to transform as quickly into her snake as she could her phoenix. Unfortunately, she could not go from one to the other. Try as she might, the most she was able to manage was to go from human to bird then back to human then snake in record time. She was growing concerned that she would never be able to accomplish the combination to winged serpent.

Her thoughts then drifted to Ron. He had grown into a wonderful young man and was doing well with his Auror training. Since Harry was going to do free lance Auror work for Moody, Ron would often meet her in the Room of Requirement with Draco. The three of them would practice their dueling skills. While neither of the wizards had ever beaten her she knew they could hold their own in battle should the need arise. Ron was also very much in love with Hermione. When ever she came into the room to watch his mouth would twist into a goofy smile and his eyes would glow with pride. This worried Harry immensely since the Deatheaters might try to get to Ron using Hermione. Harry knew all too well that she had already succumbed once, nearly getting her expelled. 'I'll never let that happen again,' she vowed silently. 'Ron and Mione deserve to be happy and I would never forgive myself if they were killed because they were helping me. I want them to live to see their children and grandchildren grow up.' As this thought passed through her mind she smiled picturing a group of little Weasleys with bushy red hair.

Draco was another problem. With Lucius having been resurrected, he was in grave danger. While he and Harry were not the best of friends, they had come to an understanding. She found he could be quite pleasant and was becoming more tolerant of Muggle borns. Harry believed this was a direct result of his association with Ginny and her family. She could tell Draco loved her as much as Ron loved Hermione. Unfortunately, this placed them both in double jeopardy. Lucius and Voldemort would target them out of revenge and utter hatred for Harry.

Sighing, she stepped from the shower and went to get dressed. Since it was Halloween, she chose a set of black robes trimmed in orange silk. She then put in her contact lenses to highlight her green eyes. Her unruly black hair was tied back at the nape of her neck with a black ribbon. She was glad that since she had allowed it to grow it no longer stuck up at odd angles. Placing her wand in her pocket, Harry couldn't help but notice that the ruby ring the Snapes had given her for her birthday was very dark. The dragon etched into the stone out prominently. The significance of the ring stuck in her mind. Something bad was afoot. The danger warning was not to be dismissed. 'I'll have to let the Headmaster and the others know,' she mused. Her reverie was interrupted by a knock on the door. Opening it she was surprised to see Severus, rather than Remus and Sirius.

"Are you feeling any better, Harry?" He inquired studying her intently. "I had expected to find Black and Lupin here."

"I'm okay, but my scar is prickling. It feels like someone is sticking little pins into it. I sent Remus and Sirius away so I could shower and change for the feast," she explained. "I thought it would be them when you knocked."

"I see," he frowned.

"Are you having any problems occluding the Dark Lord?"

"Some, but I'm holding my own. I can feel his emotions though. He's excited. My ring is dark tonight too. Something important is going to happen and I can't stop it."

"All we can do it wait," Severus replied feigning calm. Inwardly he was very worried. He had been right about Tiberius being Dumbledore's new spy. His uncle had been summoned by the Dark Lord half an hour ago. "Are you ready to go to the feast?" Severus asked as the other two wizards came out into the hall.

"Harry," Remus called jovially, "I see you're ready and Severus is here too."

"Lupin, Black," the Potions Master acknowledged with a brief nod, "We should be going."

"You look lovely tonight, Harry," Sirius said appraising her appearance.

"Thanks, you don't look so bad yourself. Come to think of it you all look good!" The three men were all wearing their best robes; Remus in navy blue, Sirius in dark brown, and Severus in his traditional black. They proceeded to the Great Hall as Harry filled Sirius and Remus in about the feelings she was receiving from Voldemort and the warning sign from her ring.

Reaching the Great Hall, they took their seats, as the rest of the staff and students came in for the celebration. Harry noted that the Aurors were present also, situated at strategic areas around the room. Glancing up to the far end of the staff table Harry realized that Phaedra and Circe were also present but Tiberius Snape was missing. Severus took a few minutes to fill Dumbledore in on Harry's condition before going to sit with his sister and niece. Dumbledore smiled briefly at Harry and nodded his understanding before starting the feast...

Tiberius had apparated to the designated site, taking his place among the other Deatheaters. Voldemort had accepted him into the inner circle following a rigorous session of questions and torture. Like his nephew, he was able to withstand the Cruciatus Curse without screaming for quite a length of time. He was also skilled with potions and had means of smuggling various artifacts and illegal materials into the country due to his many contacts within the import business. This had made him a valuable addition to Voldemort's forces, although he had not been entirely trusted.

Voldemort was more than aware that Severus had been a spy for Dumbledore, and the elder Snape might be one too. To gain Voldemort's trust Dumbledore and Tiberius had concocted a scheme to allow Voldemort access to the missing spells, which would vanquish his soul. The tablet was actually a clever forgery made by the Aztec tribe to which Arsinoe belonged. It had even fooled Voldemort's experts. The actual tablet was hidden in a secret room in the Headmaster's office.

Tiberius had accomplished the theft by being one of the Deatheaters who had attacked Severus and the Weasley's on the way back to Hogwarts. He knew that the Weasleys were carrying the forgery. The real tablet had been secured by Severus. The whole plot had been carefully timed so that Tiberius was present to cover Severus' upper level Potions class. They had also made sure Tiberius was one of the Deatheaters who had escaped. Severus also had to hit his uncle with several curses during the battle to prevent the Dark Lord from becoming suspicious. The other Deatheater who had escaped had been a new recruit who had been brought along for muscle. Voldemort had dealt with him severely. Tiberius was also put under the Cruciatus for a brief period for allowing the others to be taken but Voldemort had been pleased that he had succeeded, securing what he believed to be the key to his ultimate victory. Fortunately, Tiberius was also a skilled Occlumens, which had also aided in the plan.

Now, as he awaited the Dark Lord's appearance, Tiberius stood straight and stiff, with no signs of the pain he had endured earlier. He had made sure to take both a healing and pain-killing potion upon his brief return to Hogwarts. His blue eyes scanned the area where they stood and his jaw tightened behind his mask. They were in a clearing in the Forbidden Forest, halfway between Hogsmeade and Hogwarts. A large covered pallet stood off to one side, its contents unknown. Catching a slight movement from the corner of his eye, which would be imperceptible to most people, he realized they were being watched. All his senses seemed to be charged and on alert. Whatever the Dark Lord had planned, it was not good. As he considered the possibilities, Lucius Malfoy appeared and took his place in the circle. The Dark Lord then appeared within its center, raising his arms to address his loyal followers.

"Welcome my most trusted allies. Tonight will be the beginning of my revenge against Harry Potter. She has been the bane of my existence and a force to be reckoned with. Yes, she is an admirable foe, more than worthy of my special attention to her demise. Tonight we will strike at her by using her most deepest and hidden desires. We shall hit her through her heart and into her soul making her rue the day she was ever born. Even the mighty Dumbledore will not be able to console or help her. For only I hold the key that will weaken her resolve and secure her into our hands. Behold that which will make Potter the slave to my will!"

Lucius stepped forward and with one fluid movement pulled the tarp from the pallet. Tiberius breath caught in his throat. In his wildest dreams he had never expected to see what lay before him...

15