The Mathias Prophecy Book I

THE MATHIAS PROPHECY

PART 2

REVELATION

As Harry woke, she stretched lazily, before realizing that she was not in her own bed. Opening her eyes in confusion, she looked around and remembered that she was in the infirmary. The events of the previous evening came rushing back, and looking around, she realized that "Snuffles" had gone. She was wondering what time it was when Nurse Pomfrey appeared in the door to the isolation room.

"Good morning, Harry. I trust you slept well?" She did not wait for a reply and just kept on chattering in a pleasant voice. "Professor Dumbledore was up here at the crack of dawn asking after you. I told him you were sleeping and not to wake you so he let you sleep," she said as a breakfast tray appeared on the overbed table. "Your two friends also tried to sneak in during the night, but Snuffles stopped them cold," she laughed, "but I will tell you that they were genuinely concerned."

"When were they here?" Harry asked as she examined the tray of scrambled eggs, bacon, a steaming bowl of oatmeal, and a glass of milk.

"About two o'clock this morning. Snuffles headed them off in the ward as they tried to sneak into your cubicle. Scared them silly; he just stood there with his head lowered, baring his fangs and growling. Young Mr. Weasley tried to reason with him but he snapped at him until the Granger girl got between them. She looked at him and said, 'All right Snuffles, we're just worried about Harry. What ever is wrong we'll come back tomorrow.' Then he sat down and waited while she dragged Mr. Weasley out of the room, muttering something about a cloak. If I didn't know better I'd swear Snuffles was grinning, especially when he heard Mr. Filch yelling after them in the hallway."

"Oh no," Harry groaned. "Filch caught them?"

"My yes, he took them directly down to Professor Snape who was on Hall Duty last night."

"Professor Snape was on Hall Duty!" Harry repeated, shaking her head worriedly as she picked at her food. "They'll get major detention for sure," she thought to herself, "and it's entirely my fault." Her worry over her friends getting into trouble because of their concern for her was distressing. Not only that, but Sirius had snapped at Ron! He could have just transformed and told them he didn't want her to be disturbed. After all, they did know he was "Snuffles." She started getting annoyed at Sirius for treating them that way. As she sat picking at her breakfast Nurse Pomfrey left to attend to her usual routine. A few minutes later the door opened again and Professors Dumbledore, Lupin and Snape entered along with Sirius.

"Good morning child," Dumbledore greeted her, putting one hand on her head affectionately. "You're upset, what ever is wrong?"

"What's wrong? I woke up to find out my Godfather almost bit my best friends, and when they tried to leave Filch came along and brought them to him!" Harry said pointing angrily at Professor Snape.

"She has Lily's temper," Professor Lupin said with a laugh, as he looked over at Sirius.

"Obviously," Snape agreed as Sirius just looked at them and rolled his eyes.

"Calm down Harry," Dumbledore responded patiently, "Sirius would never have bitten Ron or Hermione. Besides, Professor Snape gave them a rather interesting detention."

"They shouldn't have gotten any detention," Harry protested still upset.

"Miss Potter," Professor Snape said sternly, "they were out of bed after curfew."

"But they..."

"The detention I gave them," Snape interrupted in an oily tone, "is to spend the afternoon keeping you company in the isolation room of the infirmary. If you would prefer I could change it to something less agreeable. Maybe gutting some iguanas for the anti aging potion next week," he finished with a wicked half smile.

Harry just sat there dumbfounded. Snape was getting soft; either that or he was up to something. "Professor Snape," she said slowly finding her voice, "I have exactly seventeen months of school left here not counting summers off, during which time I may yet figure you out. You are an enigma of a human being."

"Why do you say that?" he questioned, his black eyes glittering strangely.

"I have never met anyone else who could be so nasty and nice at the same time. You really seem to enjoy keeping everyone of us off balance. I don't know why, but you can rest assured that I will find out," she told him with a flourish. Sirius and Remus snickered and Snape continued to smile evilly. "And as for you," Harry said directing her attention to Sirius, "you're still not off the hook."

"Harry, I just made sure they knew I wasn't fooling around. In fact, I've already spoken to them both in Dumbledore's office this morning and apologized. Forgive me?" he asked with a pout as he transformed into "Snuffles" and sat up begging, crying like a puppy.

"Well, since you put it that way," Harry said unable to contain her laughter, "I guess I have no choice. He barked twice and wagged his tail before changing back. Harry made up her mind then and there that she wanted to try and become an animagus, but would do so in secret.

"Now that we've settled that problem we need to get down to the business at hand," Dumbledore told them happily. "As you know Harry, the staff meeting will take place at ten o'clock. It will be held in the infirmary proper. You are to stay here until I send for you," he instructed with a mischievous smile. "Professor Lupin and Sirius will stay with you."

"I get the feeling you don't trust me Professor," Harry replied feigning hurt.

"Let's just say we don't want you coming out of the closet too soon," Dumbledore said looking over his half moon glasses at her, blue eyes twinkling.

"So I get to make another grand entrance?" she asked brightly.

"As a matter of fact yes," Professor Snape replied in his usual sardonic voice. "Nurse Pomfrey, will you please come in here, and bring Miss Potter the new outfit we all bought her for this wonderful occasion?" he called from the door. Harry got the distinct impression that he was enjoying putting one over on the rest of the staff. A moment later the nurse appeared carrying several packages wrapped in brown paper.

Uh.....I can't accept these," she said examining the new clothes they contained. There was a long black knit skirt with a green satin blouse to accentuate her eyes. New undergarments and stockings, which caused her to blush as she wondered how they knew what size to buy, and a pair of low heeled black suede shoes.

"Of course you can, Harry," Nurse Pomfrey beamed. "Professor Dumbledore sent me into Hogsmeade early this morning while he stayed in the infirmary while you slept. I had to wake up half the village. They're a present from all of us. The gentlemen bought you the clothes and shoes while I had the foresight to add the undergarments. Really, the nerve of your family for making you wear boys' underwear all this time! It's disgraceful!" she said indignantly.

"Now Poppy, I don't believe we should be discussing Harry's underwear, "Dumbledore admonished the nurse as Harry blushed in embarrassment.

"I totally agree," Sirius chimed in as he sat down next to Harry. "As her Godfather I feel this line of conversation is totally inappropriate, "he told them trying to look stern and failing miserably. He was finding Harry's new found femininity both amusing and uncomfortable. He knew that while she was pleased to get everything out into the open she would have some problems getting used to it. 'Women could be catty and cruel to each other,' he thought to himself, 'and Harry isn't used to that. Then there were the boys...up to now she had been one of them, but how would she react when they started to exclude her from their conversations?' He wasn't ready to think about her dating...

Professor Lupin had been studying both of them intently and could sense their confusion and anxiety. He was glad he could be there for both of them if they needed it. He shouldn't have much of a problem talking with Sirius, but he wasn't sure if Harry would confide in him. He made a mental note to give her a little extra tutoring in an effort to get her to express her feelings when he finally spoke, "Harry, please accept our gifts. We just thought you would want to look nice. You probably don't realize it but you're very pretty."

"Thank you, Professor," Harry smiled shyly, "but I'm really just plain old Harry."

"Do accept the gift, Miss Potter," Professor Snape added smirking, "I think the green blouse will look lovely on you.'

"Could that be because it just happens to be one of the Slytherin House colors?" she said smirking back at him.

"Now, Harry," Dumbledore said firmly, "as I recall the dress robes you wore to the New Year's Ball were green also."

"Yes, they were, but if you also recall I had to take a girl to that same ball," Harry responded defiantly, mortified at the memory. "What will people think?"

"They'll say you carried off a master charade for the good of the school in the fight against Voldemort," Dumbledore replied in a voice that brooked no argument. He had clearly anticipated this question. "Now it would make an old man very happy to see you the way nature meant for you to be seen. We kept you hidden for far too long."

"In that case, flattery will get you everywhere, Professor," she smiled up at him. "Why don't you all leave so I can finish my breakfast and get dressed?"

"We'll be back in an hour," Dumbledore said as he checked his watch, "it will be nine thirty then. Oh, and Harry, Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger will be attending the meeting too," he finished, watching her shrewdly.

Harry just smiled back at him nervously and nodded as they all left except Sirius. Her heart had begun to race and she was suddenly afraid. Sirius sensed her discomfort, causing him to hang back.

"Don't worry, Harry, true friends won't desert you," he told her calmly, thinking of Remus.

"I know," she answered staring into his soft brown eyes. "I'll see you in a little while."

Sirius winked at her in reply and left the room trailing behind the others, transforming into "Snuffles" before entering the hallway. Harry was too nervous to finish eating and headed to the shower. Relaxing under the stream of hot water she instinctively knew Sirius was right. Remus had been there for him and believed his story about Peter Pettigrew after he'd escaped from Azkaban. They had both been there to keep Peter, disguised as Ron's pet rat,"Scabbers," from harming Harry. If Ron and Hermione were true friends, they would stand by her.

She completed her shower, and drying off quickly began to dress. It was then that she found out being a girl was not that easy. Nurse Pomfrey was keeping a motherly eye on her from the other room, but didn't interfere with her attempts to get her clothes on properly. Her panties felt tight and uncomfortable to her after wearing boys' underwear for all those years, and trying to adjust her feminine napkin was more than an annoyance. Of course, it was rather funny when she told them about coming to the infirmary last night. Sirius had actually blushed when he realized why she had stomach cramps, she thought with a smile. It had been the first time she had been caught off guard, and she promised herself it wouldn't happen again. Putting on her bra proved to be a worse chore than the panties. Fortunately, Nurse Pomfrey had gauged the size well, and Harry believed that her age and experience as a nurse had something to do with it. However getting it hooked was another matter. She finally figured out that if you turned it around and hooked it in the front, then twisted it back around and slipped your arms through the straps you could secure it properly. Harry knew this wasn't the proper way to do it, having seen Aunt Petunia hook hers, but she didn't have the time to practice. She decided to ask Hermione about it as soon as possible.

Next came the panty hose. It took a few tries but she finally figured out that if you gathered them up like a pair of socks, doing one leg at a time, they would go on easier. The skirt and blouse fit perfectly, as did the shoes. It took her a few minutes to get used to wearing a heeled shoe, albeit a low one, but she was able to manage. Surveying herself in the mirror, she wondered what she would look like with make up. She'd seen Hermione put it on a few times, and was secretly a little jealous. The charade, although necessary in Dumbledore's eyes, had been a painful one at times. Nurse Pomfrey must have known what she was thinking and appeared with a small bag.

"I bought these for you too dear," she smiled as Harry opened the bag. "I didn't want to say anything in front of your Godfather. Men can be funny about when their little girls start to wear make up. They're afraid of them growing up," she explained as she opened a vial of mascara and a tube of lipstick. "I'll help you put them on if you'd like?"

"Thank you," Harry smiled as the nurse showed her how to apply the cosmetics. She then helped Harry to style her hair into a feminine style. Harry then went over to wait by the window. It was clear and windy outside, the clouds racing across the sky. She could see some of the other students heading towards the road to Hogsmeade, but was too high up to determine who any of them were. She wondered idly if Ron and Hermione were very disappointed at having to stay behind for detention, and determined to try and make it up to them. She was still staring out of the window when Sirius and Remus returned.

"Harry?" Sirius questioned from the doorway.

"Hmmm..." she said turning from the window to face them.

The two men just stood there gaping. Even though Sirius had known and enjoyed the other's reactions of the previous evening, he was stopped cold. 'How could anybody have ever believed her to have been a boy all this time,' he thought to himself amid mixed feelings which both excited and worried him.

Remus recovered first and letting out a low whistle looked at his friend and said teasingly, "Remember all those fathers you used to worry about? Well, I guess the shoe's on the other foot now. Payback is a bitch."

"She's never getting out of her room without a chaperone," Sirius responded, recovering himself.

"What, no convent?" she teased him playfully.

"Now that you mention it, that might not be such a bad idea," he answered grinning.

"I don't know Sirius," Remus laughed going along with the joke, "do they let witches into the nunnery?"

"Very funny," Harry said looking at them both affectionately. "It seems I have one overprotective Godfather whose best friend is a 'wolf in sheep's clothing'."

Remus laughed out loud at her remark knowing it was both an indirect comment about his whistle and his being a werewolf. Sirius just scowled and let out a low growl.

"Now be a couple of good canines and sit down and behave or I'll just have to put the two of you on a leash!" she teased them. Taking out her wand, she pretended to threaten them as they sat down to wait.

Sirius stretched himself comfortably on the bed while Remus took a chair by the door. Harry was too nervous to sit. She could hear the other professors beginning to gather for the meeting and the sound of Dumbledore's voice directing Ron and Hermione to join the group. She couldn't see any of them, but was sure they were wondering why the two students were invited to attend, as well as why they were meeting in the infirmary instead of the staff room.

"Good morning everyone," Dumbledore addressed the group with an air of authority. "I have invited you all up here on a matter of the utmost importance. Are there any among you that have not heard of the Prophecy of Mathias, either in whole or part?" he asked, looking around the group who shifted nervously in their seats.

"The what?" Ron spoke up without thinking, realizing that Dumbledore was directing his question to the staff.

"Sh...," Hermione whispered with a frown, "it's some kind of prophecy. I'll bet it's got something to do with Harry."

"My apologies, Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger," Dumbledore addressed them formally, "The Prophecy of Mathias is a series of divinations done before you were born. The part that concerns us today has to do with Voldemort," Dumbledore continued watching the group intently.

Hermione looked on with interest, and leaning over whispered quietly to Ron," See....I told you. If it deals with Voldemort it has something to do with Harry."

"But Albus," Professor McGonagall interrupted with a look of consternation on her face, "the part of the prophecy about Voldemort deals with a witch who is supposed to defeat him. No such person has ever been found."

"Perhaps, Minerva," Madam Trelawney said with interest, "but I have been casting my stones and they say that there will be much trouble ahead for a young woman who is close to Hogwarts."

"Are you suggesting that it will be one of our students?" Professor Sprout asked.

"Silence, ladies," Dumbledore instructed. "I have asked Professor Snape to explain the Prophecy to you in more detail. He has been reviewing it for most of the night. Severus, if you would?" Dumbledore said turning towards the Potions Master and indicating that he should come to the front of the room while the staff muttered amongst themselves.

Professor Snape stood quietly, looking down his long nose as if he were surveying a group of first year students, until his colleagues came to attention.

"I'll bet Snape knows more about what's going on than they do," Ron whispered to Hermione. "He seemed really weird last night when Filch brought us down to him, almost nice."

"Keep quiet," Hermoine hissed, "I want to hear this. Something really weird is going on, and where's Harry? I thought he was in here last night when "Snuffles" cornered us and made us leave. I hope he's o.k.," she finished looking around worriedly.

"Come to think of it, where is Professor Lupin? I thought all the staff was supposed to be here, and the moon won't be full till tomorrow night," Ron said looking around as Professor Snape began.

"Professor McGonagall is correct," Snape informed the staff, "the prophecy does deal with a young woman. She will be a very powerful witch with many talents, some of which are exceedingly rare. This witch has already fulfilled a portion of the prophecy, but she will need to be protected in order to fulfill her destiny."

"Severus, are you telling us that this witch actually exists?" Professor Flitwick asked him with an air of disbelief. "If so, where is she and how did she get to Hogwarts?"

"I shall address that shortly," he replied icily, unable to hide his annoyance at the interruption. "What we need to do is be prepared to defend the school against Voldemort and the Death Eaters should they decide to try and come after her, and I can assure you they will" he finished menacingly.

"Why?" Professor Sinestra asked from the back of the room. "If the prophecy is true the girl will defeat The Dark Lord. It seems to me he would be afraid of her."

"Voldemort fears no one!" Snape said standing with his arms folded and dark eyes glowing like coals. "If anything he will want to take on the girl to prove his superiority. In fact, he has several times already."

"Uh oh," Ron whispered, "here it comes. Snape is really mad and he's acting like Voldemort will just walk in here. Doesn't he know that Voldemort isn't stupid enough to face Professor Dumbledore?" Ron asked Hermione smugly, but she just shook her head shrugging her shoulders.

"Really Severus, you're acting as if you actually know this girl," McGonagall said haughtily.

"I do Minerva, and so do you," Snape replied as the professors in the room all started talking at once. "She has been a student here for the past six years. Professor Dumbledore has helped to keep her securely hidden from Voldemort for the past sixteen years, during which time she still had various altercations with him," he told them, looking at the expressions of disbelief on their faces.

"It's you!" Ron yelled at Hermione as he jumped to his feet upsetting his chair.

"Of course it's not!" she said taken aback by his outburst. "I've never even seen Voldemort!" she retorted.

"It is not Miss Granger, although she and Mr. Weasley are here for a reason," Professor Snape sneered, "they will be doing detention shortly."

"Excuse me, Professor Snape," Hermione said from where she sat, "but what does our detention have to do with this Prophecy of Mathias?" Her heart beating furiously as she dared not believe what she was thinking. Ron merely sat next to her looking confused.

"I'm so glad you asked, Miss Granger," Snape said in an oily voice as he studied her with interest. He could see her mind working, but she didn't want to believe it. "I will show you," he told her walking over to the back of the room and disappearing into the isolation area.

"Miss Potter," he said calmly once inside, "you're wanted in the next t room."

Harry who had been listening with Sirius and Remus looked up at Professor Snape as she prepared to leave, "Hermione has figured it out, hasn't she?" she asked quietly.

"I believe so," he replied arching his left brow in amusement, "she just doesn't want to believe it. Professor Lupin, Black," he turned his attention to the two men, "we should enter first. The staff was told that you would be arriving late, before Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley arrived. The Headmaster told them you were both on business for the Order," he informed them as they entered the outer chamber. The staff was also aware of Sirius wrongful imprisonment, and would help to conceal him while he was there. To fail to do so would be an affront to Dumbledore. "My dear colleagues," Snape said as they all entered the room, clearly enjoying the theatrics, "I would like to reintroduce you to one of our students."

Harry had hung back as the men entered the outer room and waited for Snape's' signal. Taking a deep breath she came out from behind them and walked into her future. At first there was total silence as everyone looked at her. Then, realization dawned on them, and everyone began talking at once, everyone except Ron and Hermione. They just stared at Harry as she stood waiting for their reaction with trepidation. Hermione was the first one to break the silence.

"You see, Ron," she said slowly, "I told you that if it had to do with Voldemort our Harry was involved."

"Harry? It can't be you. I mean, we roomed together for five years. We spent summers together. You just can't be a girl. This must be some kind of joke you and Hermione cooked up and somehow got the staff to participate," Ron said his voice shaking with anger and disbelief that his best buddy was a girl.

"Ron, stop it!" Hermione exclaimed. "Can't you see how hard this is for Harry?"

"Hard for Harry," he parroted her. "Harry is my best friend! My whole family loves him, ah, her....and Ginny....My God, what will she say?" he cried in exasperation, referring to the crush his younger sister had harbored for Harry. Harry had rescued her four years ago from the basilisk, after Voldemort had kidnapped her to try and regain his body, in the Chamber of Secrets hidden beneath the school.

The staff had calmed down and was now watching the exchange between the three friends with interest; all but Sirius who was becoming upset with Ron. He wanted to go over to Harry but Dumbledore restrained him with a hand on his shoulder.

"She has to be able to deal with this," he whispered to the younger man, "her character will be tested over the next few weeks."

"Ginny will be thrilled. I have never given her or any other girl reason to think that I was interested in them," Harry replied staring at Ron in dismay. She kept her voice steady but inside she wanted to cry. 'Ron will never forgive me,' she thought.

"What about Cho or Parvati?" Ron asked her, red faced. "How will they feel?"

"They'll say that I did a good job of carrying out the charade to protect the school and everyone from Voldemort." Harry said, holding her head high, repeating Dumbledore's words as she looked at him over her glasses. "They'll be right too, Ron Weasley. I certainly fooled everyone."

"Harry, Ron, please...You're creating a scene in front of all the professors," Hermione soothed in an effort to calm them down, looking over to where they sat in an effort to get them to intercede.

"Piss off, Hermione," Ron yelled angrily, "you're glad Harry is really Harriet."

It was the worst thing Ron could have said. Harry's anger and frustration with his attitude had been growing and now the dam was about to burst.

"Don't you dare ever call me Harriet, Ronald Weasley," she said turning on him menacingly, yelling as she pulled out her wand, "Wingardium Leviosa!" Ron had been unprepared for this as she levitated him up towards the ceiling. Attempting to grab his wand, it fell from his robes, hitting the floor with a shower of white sparks. "My name is Harry. It has always been Harry, and will always be Harry! Sirius and my mother gave it to me the night my parents and Dumbledore decided to pass me off as a boy. So don't you ever forget it! Harry....Harry James Potter," she finished. Gritting her teeth, she lowered him gently to the floor, picked up his wand, and handed it back to him.

No one moved while Ron extended his hand to retrieve his wand from her. All of the Professors had heard what the Headmaster had said to Sirius, and understood the expression on his face meant that they should not interfere. Each had watched with bated breath while the scenario had played out before them, amazed that Harry had the ability to levitate a person, a skill that should not yet be apparent in a young witch. Hermione just kept looking with dismay from her friends to her teachers, clearly dismayed that no one would do anything, as they all stood and waited. Then, very slowly, Ron's lips twitched and he smiled.

"Damn you Harry! How the bloody hell did you think I'd feel? Why didn't you tell us?" he laughed looking over towards Hermione.

"Mr. Weasley," Professor Snape said coldly, as the staff relaxed, "I believe you owe both of the young ladies an apology for your language and reprehensible behavior."

"Shut up Snape!" Harry and Ron yelled simultaneously without thinking, as Hermione rolled her eyes, and they started to laugh.

"Fifty points from Gryffindor," Snape sneered in response.

Harry just looked over at him and crossing her arms in front of herself, she imitated his pose and said, "Thank you, Professor. It's good to know things are starting to return to normal around here."

The whole room burst into laughter except, of course, Snape, who met her gaze with his own, black eyes glittering wickedly. The three friends then hugged and Sirius breathed a sigh of relief as he heard Harry say, "I'm going to tell you one heck of a story. I don't even know how much to believe myself," she said as they turned back to go into the isolation room together.

The staff meeting concluded an hour later after all the professors decided that Dumbledore should make a formal announcement at dinner regarding the Prophecy and Harry. They then discussed the events that had already taken place from the prophecy; and all were amazed to discover how much had actually happened. Additional charms would be placed on the school in an effort to protect both Harry and the rest of the students. Dumbledore had already dispatched an owl that morning to the rest of the Order. He knew the ministry would have to be told too, as the students would tell their families, and it would get back to them anyway. He wasn't happy with that, since several Death Eaters held prominent positions, including Lucius Malfoy. He also didn't want to alert them to Sirius presence here. Dumbledore knew he would need to use old magic to help protect them all and keep Harry safe.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione spent the rest of the day together in the infirmary. Ron was gradually getting used to the idea that Harry was actually a witch, and not a wizard, as they had previously believed. Hermione, on the other hand was delighted, and completely intrigued with the story. They spent the better part of the afternoon discussing why Harry's parents, Professor Dumbledore, and Sirius felt that it was important enough to disguise Harry as a boy until she was old enough to understand what they all believed to be her destiny.

"So," Hermione said thoughtfully "they really believe you're the witch in this prophecy?"

"Yeah, I think they're all nuts myself, but you must admit that Voldemort and I do have some history."

"Some history," Ron grunted, "more like a conflict for almost every year in Hogwarts."

"I can't help it if the lunatic is a glutton for punishment," Harry grinned.

"Really you two, get serious, we need to get a look at this Prophecy of Mathias," Hermione admonished. "We need to compare it to some of the things that have happened to Harry already, and then we can decide if the thing is for real," she finished with a hint of skepticism.

"My thoughts exactly," Harry agreed, "but it won't be easy. You know, of course, that we'll have to get it out of the Restricted Section of the library."

"Do you think Professor Dumbledore will give us a note?" Hermione asked hopefully.

"Come on, Hermione, you know that they aren't going to let Harry see it. What if it says bad things?" Ron asked pointedly.

"Ron, don't be silly. The prophecy said the witch would defeat Voldemort," Hermione said shaking her head, hair flying in all directions.

"Yeah, but what happens to the witch? I mean, she might get killed too!" he finished worriedly.

"Gee thanks," Harry said sarcastically, although the thought had also occurred to her, "but in case you haven't noticed, so far I haven't been that easy to kill."

"Harry, I'm serious. Voldemort really wants you dead. If he thought you were a threat before, what will he think once he hears about this?" Ron told her growing more agitated at the thought of her dying.

"All the more reason to get our hands on the copy in the library, and I have an idea how we can get it."

"Why do I think we're going night traveling with your cloak again," Hermione said disapprovingly.

"All right, I'd love to put one over on Filch!" Ron said smugly. "You should've seen the look on his face last night when he caught us in the hallway. You would've thought he was an Auror zeroing in on a group of Death Eaters."

"Ron's right, Harry, and we also have to watch out for Professor Snape," Hermione agreed.

"Well, if you'll give me a minute I think I can fully eliminate at least one of our problems," Harry replied with a hint of mystery.

"Oh, I just know we'll get expelled this time," Hermione scowled back at her friends," but let's hear you plan."

"Yeah, I could use a little adventure!" Ron said with excitement.

"O.K., first I won't be going to the library with the two of you," Harry told them looking towards Hermione.

"What, just Ron and me? Where will you be Harry?"

'I'll be with Professor Snape on a shopping spree in London," she answered mischievously.

"Shopping.....with Snape?" Ron choked. "Harry, you're daft."

"Nope, he invited me last night. Seems he feels I need new clothes. In fact, he chipped in on this outfit," she said, enjoying the discomfiture on both their faces.

"I don't believe it! Snape bought you those clothes?" Hermione asked incredulous.

"I said he chipped in, although he particularly liked this green blouse," Harry explained indicating the top she was wearing.

"I wonder why?" Ron snorted in exaggeration, "green is the Slytherin House color you know."

"So, he's taking you to London?" Hermione asked pointedly ignoring Ron. "Does Sirius know about this?"

"Of course, he agreed to it. I think he feels bad about me having to pretend to be a boy all this time. Besides, he can't take me himself, and Snape can afford it. I hear he comes from a wealthy family."

"Sure does," Ron told her shaking his head in affirmation, "it's one of those old wealthy pure blood families like the Malfoys."

"No Ron, Snape isn't like the Malfoys," Harry corrected him, "he's not prejudiced against Muggles and mixed bloods, and he has a conscience."

"Harry, the man is a mean slimy sneak," he protested testily," how can you say he has a conscience? He was a Death Eater!"

"I can say it because Dumbledore believes in him, and I'm an empath."

"You're a what?" Ron asked bewildered. "I thought you were a witch."

"Ron, you dolt, of course Harry's a witch! What she's trying to tell you is that she's also an empath," Hermione told him in annoyance.

"What is an empath?" Ron said looking at them both with curiosity.

"An empath is a person who can feel another person's pain and or emotions," Hermione told him knowingly. "I've read about them in Rare Magical Traits and Abilities."

"That figures, you read everything," he growled back at her.

"Hermione is right," Harry interjected before trouble could start, "although I usually am able to tune them out most of the time."

"How do you do that?" Ron asked growing interested in his friends otherwise unknown ability. "What am I feeling right now?"

"Well, I tune them out by setting up a mental block, this way I'm not overwhelmed with what others are feeling around me," Harry explained matter of factly. "Now, give me your hand and I'll tell you what you're feeling." Ron reluctantly placed his hand into Harry's while he waited with baited breath for her to speak. "You're happy that I'm not really sick, but you're still a little mad at me for not telling you I was a girl. You're having some mixed feelings about me and our friendship, and wondering if maybe it could develop into something more," she finished blushing.

"Could it?" he asked, trying not to sound too hopeful.

"Ron," she said slowly, "you're my best friend. I'd like to keep it that way, but if you're ever stuck for a quick date I'd be happy to help you out."

"Fair enough," Ron grinned at her. "You make Trelawney look even sillier with all her crystal balls and tea leaves.

"She's not trying to look silly; it's just her methods. Besides, she's a seer not an empath. I feel what you feel and simply put it into words; she claims to actually see the future, although I have my doubts. I also think Snape may have some sort of telepathic ability, but I can't be sure."

"You mean he can read our minds?" Ron asked her incredulous.

"I don't think he's that skilled, but he does have a fairly good idea of what we're thinking a little too often," Harry answered thoughtfully.

"Now I know we're all doomed," Ron moaned.

"Oh, Ron, knock it off. We need to finish listening to Harry's plan on how to get the prophecy," Hermione said looking at him and rolling her eyes impatiently.

"All right," he agreed, "so how do we get the prophecy, and when?"

"Well, I'm supposed to go up to London with him next weekend. So while I'm gone you and Hermione will take my cloak and start searching the library for it."

"Do you have any idea where it might be in the Restricted Section?" Hermione asked hopefully.

"Unfortunately no, but Madam Pince may have it listed in her card catalogue," she replied referring to the librarian. "See if you can get it open, but don't get caught if she has it locked with some charm or other. Just do the best you can."

"If we find it, what then, should we just take it and go?" Ron asked nervously.

"Hermione can do a spell on it to make a copy, if it's not too long. Or there may be more than one. Dumbledore told me she did a number of them. If that's the case then try and find only the one dealing with Voldemort and the witch. We don't care about the other stuff, not right now anyway," Harry explained considering all the possibilities.

"What if we can't find it?" Hermione asked her friend wondering what to do next.

"Then we'll keep trying. We can all ask a few discreet questions here and there too, especially the two of you. You can tell Sirius and Professor Lupin that you're concerned for my safety."

"Do you think they'll really answer our questions?" Hermione asked skeptically.

"I don't know but it's worth a try."

"Speaking of Sirius, how long is he staying?" Ron asked.

"I'm not sure. I know he'll try and stay as long as possible. He's enjoying watching me adjust and they all want to protect both me and the school, but it's not safe for him to stay in one place for too long."

"Well, maybe we'll get lucky and Voldemort will send Pettigrew to spy on you as Scabbers, the rat, and we can catch him," Ron told her referring to the animagus form Peter Pettigrew used.

"That would be nice, but I'm not counting on it," Harry responded somewhat downcast.

"Harry, please don't feel so bad. I'm sure Peter will be caught soon and Sirius will be cleared by the Ministry," Hermione comforted her friend.

"Of course they'll catch him, and then we can all have a big celebration!" Ron chimed, trying to sound happy in an effort to alleviate Harry's somber mood.

"Thanks guys," Harry said hugging them as a knock sounded on the door and Hagrid entered.

"Harry, "he said shaking his head in disbelief, "I wasn't at the meetin' this mornin' cause one of my critters was ailin'. Dumbledore, he just come and told me 'bout yer bein' a witch. At first I thought 'e was kidding, but then 'e told me 'bout the prophecy. I remembered when Tom and me was students 'ere and 'e were a studying it," Hagrid finished stopping in front of Harry's chair.

Harry knew Hagrid had been at Hogwarts with Tom Malvolo Riddle, the actual name of Lord Voldemort. It was Riddle who had framed Hagrid by telling the then Headmaster Tippit Hagrid had opened the Chamber of Secrets, and released the monster, which had resulted in the death of another student. This had caused Hagrid to be expelled, but Dumbledore had spoken up for him, and he was allowed to stay on as gamekeeper. Now, of course, he taught the" Care of Magical Creatures "course at Hogwarts. No one knew or understood any animal, magic or otherwise, better than Hagrid.

"So what do you think of our Harry's new image?" Hermione asked with a smile.

"I think she'll be a witch ta be reckoned with," he said grinning down at Harry, "an' a real pretty one at that!"

"Thank you Hagrid," Harry replied climbing up on her chair and giving him an affectionate peck on the cheek before sitting back down.

"An' I think Ron'll be the envy of every boy 'ere in Hogwarts. What, with you on one arm, and our Hermione on the other, well, 'ell be the talk of the school," Hagrid said winking at Ron.

"I never thought of that!" Ron answered proudly, puffing up his chest.

"Oh great, now he'll be acting like the Don Juan of Hogwarts! "Hermione scoffed.

"Who?" Ron asked, puzzled.

"Never mind, Ron," Harry laughed, "didn't I tell you everything would work out o.k.?"

"Well, I fer one am glad ta see yer all getting' along. Dumbledore said there was quite a tiff up 'ere earlier," Hagrid said looking at them all warily.

"Ron, do you have any idea what Hagrid's talking about?" Harry asked nonchalantly, trying without success to keep her face straight.

"Got me," Ron replied shaking his head negatively and grinning like a Cheshire cat.

"Really you two, you'd think things like this happened around here all the time!" Hermione reprimanded them with a stamp of her foot, smiling and shaking her head.

"They do, Hermione, this is Hogwarts after all," Harry said happily hugging her two friends and Hagrid looked on nodding his approval.

"Dumbledore'll be glad ya all made up nice like. He's big on 'happy endin's ya know," Hagrid told them with a catch in his voice. "Anyhow," he said recovering himself, 'e sent me ta fetch the three o' ya down ta the Great Hall fer dinner."

"But Harry can't just walk in there, nobody else knows!" Ron protested with concern.

"No. It would cause an awful commotion." Hermione agreed.

"You an' Ron are ta go in first an' take yer seats, an' I'll walk in with Harry as soon as Dumbledore makes 'is little speech 'bout our Harry," Hagrid explained.

"Well here we go again," Harry shrugged nervously.

"This should be real interesting," Ron chuckled, "can't you just see the look on Malfoy's face?"

"Yeah, and the owl he'll send out to dear old dad," Harry muttered absently as they left the room. She knew in her heart that Voldemort would know her secret within the next twenty four hours. If Draco didn't warn him then he'd hear it through the Ministry. Harry knew Lucius Malfoy held a high position protecting him from being thought of as one of Voldemort's Death Eaters. Unfortunately, when Harry had tried to tell them, only Dumbledore and a few others had believed her despite the fact that he had been a previous follower of the Dark Lord.

Ron and Hermione entered the Great Hall together, and as soon as they had taken their seats at the Gryffindor table, Dumbledore tapped his goblet with his fork for attention.

"Good evening students," he addressed them formally as a group, "I have a very important announcement to make regarding one of your classmates."

There immediately followed a ripple of conversation through out the Great Hall as Ron and Hermione found themselves glancing at each other knowingly. Harry had been listening from the hallway and Hagrid cracked open the door so they could both watch what was happening.

Dumbledore waited patiently until the students quieted down before he continued, "Many years ago a seer by the name of Chandra Mathias made a series of prophesies. Several of these are believed to have been about Lord Voldemort," he stated calmly as a low ripple of conversation erupted around him and the students looked on in apprehension. "They tell about a young witch who will be his major adversary and ultimately defeat him," Dumbledore continued as the students sat listening attentively, hanging on his every word. "That witch has been here at Hogwarts for the past six years; and for her protection she has been disguised as a boy since birth. It is now time for her to come forward and be recognized," he said, standing, and with all eyes upon him, raised his goblet in salute. "I'd like you all to meet Harry Potter, in her true form," Dumbledore finished with a smile as Harry and Hagrid entered the Great Hall together.

The room immediately erupted into a series of cheers, hoots, hollers, and cries of shock as Harry took her seat at the Gryffindor table beside her friends. The first thing Harry saw was Ginny Weasley, shaking her head and laughing. Parvati looked stunned, and Cho was cheering, but Draco Malfoy was sitting stock still. His eyes were boring into her and his face was livid with rage. She could feel the anger emanating from him across the room, but strangely enough there was no hatred. This puzzled her, but due to the massive out pouring of emotions going on around her, she let her mental blocks fall into place, as the din was far too much for her to cope with.

Looking over towards the staff table, she noted that Dumbledore was beaming, while Snape was watching her astutely, eyes glittering, with a slight twitch to his lips. Professor Lupin was clearly pleased and winked at her. The others were talking calmly amongst themselves, while Professor McGonagall looked over and nodded in approval. She had hoped Sirius would be there as" Snuffles," but he was absent, and Harry knew he must have gone to the Shrieking Shack. Even though she was disappointed, she knew it was for his safety and that Remus would tell him every detail later on.

As the students settled down, Harry was pelted with questions from all the Gryffindors, and students from the other houses stopped at her seat to talk to her. Most of them seemed happy and amazed, and some had even heard of the prophecy. Only Malfoy and his friends stayed away. Harry felt it had something to do with all the Professors being present since the group of Slytherin students wasn't foolish enough to try or say anything in front of them, especially Dumbledore.

Afterwards, she spent the better part of the evening in the Gryffindor common room, relaxing with Ron and Hermione over a game of Wizards Chess. Ron, of course, won two out of three games. Finally, tired and happy, she retired to her own room which Dumbledore had decreed she keep. This was both for her protection, and the fact that the Gryffindor girls' dorm was full. He had put a charm on her door and she was to change the password every week until instructed otherwise.

As she lay in bed, she wished "Snuffles" would come, but he did not appear. Drifting off to sleep she hoped he was safe and comfortable. Harry knew she could never forgive herself if something happened to him.

The dream started slowly. She could see the dark figure of a man in the hall and then the flash light from his wand. Her mother was carrying her, sobbing, "Not my Harry," as she attempted to get out through the kitchen door. Then, two wands flashed, and her mother fell to the floor, as Harry sat crying beside her lifeless body. She could see the red eyes peering at her from the darkness, and then she felt a searing white-hot pain in her head.

She awoke with a sharp jolt in a cold sweat, the fear making her heart feel like a hammer beating the inside of her chest. Her scar was burning, and she instinctively reached up to rub her forehead. Gradually, she became aware that she was not alone in the room. There was a figure sitting in the chair over by the fireplace, his features hidden by the darkness. Panic stricken, she grabbed for her wand on the bedside table when a familiar voice spoke from out of the darkness.

"That won't be necessary. You're safe and in no danger from me. In any event, if I had wanted to harm you I could have done so long before this. Your timing is impeccably slow."

"Snape, is that you? What are you doing in my room?" Harry asked peering into the darkness. "If Dumbledore or Sirius knew..."

"They are the ones who sent me," he interrupted her without as much as moving a muscle. "We thought you should be watched for any signs the Dark Lord may try something."

"He knows," Harry told him flatly. "I had the nightmare about my parents' death, and my scar is hurting."

"I know. He tried to summon me earlier this evening."

"How much danger am I in?"

"While you're here in the castle and on the grounds you're protected as much as is both magically and humanly possible. Once you leave though you can't be alone. The Headmaster and Black are worried about our trip to London," he told her gravely.

"I refuse to live like a hermit Professor, just because some sociopath wizard is trying to kill me. I've had to deal with him for most of my life in one way or another. Of course, if you would prefer not to go I would understand," she told him trying not to sound disappointed, and realized she had actually been looking forward to their trip together.

"I have no intentions of backing down. I merely wanted to make sure you understood it might be dangerous," he said, and she saw him incline his head within the shadows of darkness.

"In that case, I can't think of anyone who would know what to do in an emergency situation better than you, except for Dumbledore. It seems to me that traveling with a former Death Eater would warn them we weren't to be tangled with," she said with animation, wishing she could see the expression on his face.

"You're either very brave or very foolish."

"Don't forget stubborn," Harry said contritely.

"That too," he agreed and she could hear the amusement in his voice. "Now go back to sleep. I'll be here for some time yet."

"All right, just be careful when you leave. We don't need anyone thinking you were here for other reasons," she said sardonically, knowing he would understand her meaning.

"No one will see me leave. I can assure you of that. Your reputation won't be sullied by me," he replied quietly, but somehow she knew he had one brow raised, since his presence could cause more gossip than Voldemort.

"Good night, Professor Snape," Harry yawned, turning back over on her side.

"Good night, Miss Potter."

"Call me Harry when we're not in class, everyone else does," she said yawning again as she curled up with her pillow.

"Very well. Sleep well, Harry," he replied with finality, indicating their conversation was at an end.

She didn't see it when his wand moved deftly in her direction, as he quietly muttered a sleeping charm, to prevent any further nightmares. He knew trouble was coming, and he would be prepared for it. What he wasn't prepared for were the feelings of protection he was having for Miss Potter. He didn't like emotional attachments and tried to avoid them whenever possible. He quietly mulled this dilemma over in his mind as Harry fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.