The Mathias Prophecy Book I

THE MATHIAS PROPHECY

PART 4

LONDON ADVENTURE

"I need to go to Gringotts," Harry informed Professor Snape, referring to the wizards' bank, as they stepped out into Diagon Alley.

"You don't need to spend your money, Harry; I told you this was my treat."

"No, you don't understand, since I'm here I thought I'd just pick up a few small gifts for some friends."

Snape nodded his understanding and they continued up the street until they reached Gringotts, the bank where all wizards kept their money. Harry withdrew a moderate sum and they continued up the block.

Their first stop was a small dress shop run by a plump little witch with mousy brown hair, a round face, and a small upturned nose, but the astounding thing about her was her blue eyes. They were the brightest blue Harry had ever seen, even brighter than Dumbledore's. She apparently knew Professor Snape, and looking up as they entered, called him by name, in an accent Harry couldn't place.

"Why... Severus Snape," she cooed, "it's so good to see you...and with a young lady," she said brushing past Harry and batting her eyes at Snape. "It has been too long since you've been here, and I have missed you. I said to my sister, just the other day, Tabitha..."

"Rowena," Snape interrupted her looking decidedly uncomfortable, while Harry tried unsuccessfully to suppress a snicker, "the young lady needs to purchase some new clothes."

"But of course. She is your niece perhaps, since I know you have not married?" she asked quizzically.

Harry had the distinct impression that "Rowena," had set her cap for Professor Snape, and clearly considered her a rival for his affections.

"Rowena, Miss Potter is one of my students!" he told her sharply. "I have brought her to you, as you have some of the most stylish clothes for young ladies in your shop, and your reputation is flawless."

"Thank you, Severus, you are so kind," she purred softly, turning to look at Harry. "Miss Potter...?!," she said her blue eyes growing wide in wonder, with a questioning expression on her round face, as she saw the scar on Harry's forehead. "Not, THE HARRY POTTER, the girl in the Prophecy, Lily's daughter?" she asked, thunderstruck. "Yes, you have her wonderful green eyes. She was so beautiful, with her green eyes and red hair, and she was always laughing too. Kind and gracious, she was," Rowena stated sadly, shaking her head.

Harry was becoming dismayed, and realized this woman had known her mother, but was too flustered to ask any questions. Professor Snape noted the expression on Harry's face and came to her rescue, with his usual aplomb.

"Rowena, Miss Potter is here to shop. She doesn't need you reminding her of her late mother," he said to the shopkeeper as Harry shot him a grateful look.

"But of course, Severus, my apologies dear," she said surveying Harry's clothes and shaking her head with a frown. "You young women today, Muggle clothes...and not even nice ones," she snorted. "Come along with me Child, I'll have you looking so beautiful all the young wizards will be begging at your feet for attention, just like your mother..."she said her voice trailing off as she steered Harry into a dressing room before she could object. Once inside, Rowena waved her wand and Harry was standing partially unclothed, with nothing on except her bra and panties, her clothes hanging neatly on a hook by the door. She was more than a little embarrassed, but Rowena just continued on, "There now, let me see..." she muttered thoughtfully, deftly conjuring up a Royal blue knit dress, with a square neck, and three quarter sleeves. It fit her perfectly, accentuating her curves in all the right places, and Harry couldn't suppress her smile. "Miss Harry, you look lovely," Rowena said surveying her handy work. "Come and we shall get Severus' opinion," she nodded leading her back into the other room, where they found Professor Snape looking out the shop window, watching the people on the street. "Severus, look at how she'll bloom with the right clothes," Rowena said optimistically as he turned to face them.

"Very nice, Rowena, I knew you could work wonders with her," he complimented the witch as he surveyed Harry's appearance approvingly.

"Thank you, Sevie dear," Rowena replied, sauntering up to him with a playful smile. "Give me a few more minutes and she'll be the Belle of Hogwarts" she winked, as Snape blanched.

Six dresses, two skirts, and four blouses later, Harry was done and Snape couldn't wait to escape from the store and Rowena's clutches.

"You've outdone yourself, Rowena," he said paying her, "her aunt and uncle will be pleased," Snape explained icily as she leered back at him.

"Come back soon, and maybe we could share a cup of tea together," she purred as they exited the shop.

Snape didn't answer, but just stared straight ahead, gritting his teeth, as he slammed the door behind them. Harry burst out laughing unable to control herself at the notion of Snape sitting down to tea with Rowena. She suspected that, given the chance, the little witch would be all over him.

"Harry, it would be wise if you stopped laughing right now," Snape threatened his voice like steel.

"I'm sorry Professor," she choked, "but I can't help it. If you could have seen the look on your face each time she called you Sevie..., Oh God...," she cried unable to control her laughing fit. "It was darker than when Neville Longbottom melted down two cauldrons in the same day!"

Professor Snape refrained from comment, his mouth clenched tight and his face unreadable. Slowing his pace slightly, he looked at his watch, and stopped abruptly in front of "Arabella's Fine Lingerie." "IN NOW! I'll wait here. I don't think you want me around while you purchase new undergarments," he said, his eyes glittering darkly, as he handed her three gold Galleons.

"Not really, Sevie," she said slyly, her cheeks burning, and ducked into the store before he could utter a sound. She emerged fifteen minutes later to find him looking up the street intently. "Is everything o.k.?" she asked as he whirled around, reaching for his wand, startled.

"Harry, don't ever come up behind me like that," he intoned sharply, frowning down at her, and noting the worried expression on her face, he softened his voice slightly. "I might have hurt you by accident, and yes, everything's fine for the moment. What would you like to get next?" he asked trying to alleviate her worry as she handed him his change.

"I could use a new cloak," she told him thoughtfully.

"What no shoes to go with all those new dresses?" he asked with his familiar sardonic smile.

"Them too, but I like Muggle shoes better, they're more comfortable," she said by way of explanation, noting Snape's arched brow.

"That's because you don't know where to shop," he replied leading her across the street. "You can get sneakers in Muggle London, but Coffee's makes the best shoes and boots to be had," Snape informed her as they went into a modest shop, with a sign in the shape of a shoe, which read," Jonathan Coffee Custom Shoes and Boots."

"Mornin', Professor Snape, what can I do for you?" A thin man with a balding head, and a jovial smile greeted him, and Harry wondered if Snape knew all the shops and proprietors on Diagon Alley.

"Good morning, Jonathan," Snape said exchanging the greeting. "I was just telling Miss Potter that you have the best shoes and boots in London," he leered, making sure to accentuate Harry's name, as he whispered in her ear, "that's for the "Sevie," then redirected his attention to the proprietor, "I'm sure she would like to try some on."

"You're, HARRY POTTER? Samuel," he called into the back room behind the counter, "we have Harry Potter in our store!" A young boy emerged and Harry supposed it was his son, judging by the family resemblance. "Miss Potter, this is such an honor," Jonathan exclaimed shaking her hand.

"Mr. Coffee, there's no reason to make a fuss," Harry said embarrassed by all the attention, glad there were no other patrons in the store. Glaring over at Snape, she mouthed, "I'll get you for this, Sevie," but his face remained impassive.

"Hello, Miss Potter, I'm Samuel," the child introduced himself, and Harry guessed him to be about ten. "How come you have a boy's name?" he asked curiously.

"Well Samuel," Harry grinned, "my family gave it to me for protection from the Dark Lord," she explained, refraining from using Voldemort, so that she wouldn't frighten him. "It means powerful leader." She noted the surprise in Snape's eyes that she would know such a thing.

"Daddy says you're going to stop He Who Must Not Be Named so you have to be a powerful leader. I like it, even if you are a girl."

"Thank you, Samuel, I like it too," she said, amused at his honesty.

"Daddy says you go to Hogwarts," he said looking over at the shopkeeper, "I'm hoping to get my letter next year."

"You'll like Hogwarts, it can be a lot of fun, and you'll make lots of new friends and learn how to do all kinds of magic."

"I hope so, but I heard from my friend Charles that his brother told him Professor Snape is mean," Samuel told her, looking warily over at Snape.

"Who is your friend's brother?" Snape questioned soberly, looking down at Samuel.

"Geoffrey MacDougal, sir, he's a second year in Hufflepuff," the boy replied, looking frightened.

"Ah...yes...MacDougal," Snape said thoughtfully, and Harry could tell he was considering the aforementioned student's performance in class.

"Miss Potter, he's not going to get into any trouble is he?" Samuel questioned worriedly.

"No", she reassured him, "you can tell your friend Charles that Harry Potter said Professor Snape is not mean, just very strict."

"Are you sure? Charles says he yells a lot."

"He's here shopping with me, isn't he, and you don't hear him yelling do you?"

"No, but you're not in class right now," he told her, thinking about it. "Why is he so strict, he only makes potions?"

"Samuel, that's rude!" The shopkeeper reprimanded his son, "You apologize right now to Professor Snape."

"I'm sorry, Professor," he said lowering his head. He knew that the Professor was one of his father's best customers, and if he got mad he might not come back.

"Apology accepted, Master Coffee," Snape replied, as if he were talking to one of his students.

"Samuel," Harry smiled, "Professor Snape is a Master Potions Maker. He's strict with his students because most potions are not easy to make. Often the ingredients can be harmful if they aren't mixed properly, plus the equipment can be dangerous if you don't use it properly."

"Really... I thought making potions was like mixing stuff up, like when mama bakes a cake. I didn't know it could be dangerous," Samuel said, his eyes opening wide and looking at Professor Snape with admiration. "Did he ever yell at you?"

"Uh huh, but when he yells it's only because someone made a serious mistake and he doesn't want anyone to get hurt," she explained carefully, realizing it was the truth. Snape looked on with approval.

"I'm going over to see Charles right now and tell him," he said shaking his head angrily. "I can, can't I, Father?" he added as an afterthought.

"Very well, but come right back," he directed his son, "I need you to help in the storage area today," he called after him as he raced out the door. "Miss Potter, thank you for being so kind to Samuel."

"No problem, he's a cute little boy," she grinned.

"Now come and let me fit you for some new shoes, no charge," he said pleasantly. "It's not often we have such a prestigious and pretty visitor to our shop."

"I'm sorry; Mr. Coffee, but I can't accept your offer," she told him politely while looking over to Professor Snape for help.

"Jonathan, Miss Potter doesn't like to be given special attention. I have the money for her shoes," he told the shopkeeper, neglecting to inform him that he was actually purchasing them.

"Are you certain, Miss Potter?" he asked kindly.

"Please, I'd be much relieved," Harry said, steadfastly.

"Very well," he answered shaking his head. He'd never known anyone who would turn down an offer of something for free.

Harry purchased two pairs of shoes for school and a pair of dress shoes. Professor Snape had also insisted that she get herself a pair of suede dragon's hide boots, which came up to her knees. She had to admit they were warm, comfortable, and stylish.

Next they went into" Camilla's Cloaks" where she was again greeted with what she had come to call, "The Harry Potter Shock Syndrome." Professor Snape found this amusing, and just shook his head, wondering how Harry could keep from screaming. He realized that she really didn't like being referred to as famous, and he remembered her first year when he had come down on her for being a celebrity. All the years he had taught her, he'd never really gotten to know her. He had just thought of her as James Potter's son, and that he was repaying his debt for James having saved his life. Now Lily Potter's daughter was another matter altogether. He remembered Lily fondly. She had always been kind to him... 'Push that thought out of your head right now, Severus,' he told himself as they walked back to the Leaky Cauldron for lunch. 'She's too young for you, just wait until she's older, and try to keep Voldemort from killing her. Damn that Prophecy!' he thought angrily, for allowing himself to become emotionally involved, even if it was one sided.

As they sat eating a lunch of chicken salad sandwiches and apple cider, he studied her features as if he had never looked at her before. She had James' thick unruly hair and his coloring, but her cheekbones were a bit higher and more pronounced. Her small nose was perfectly straight, and like her father she had a thin upper lip, while her lower one was more pronounced. She also wore the same type of wire framed glasses. But that's where the similarity ended. Her green eyes were Lily's, but somehow different. It was as if she could see into your soul. She also had her mother's laugh, and kind hearted nature, as well as her quick temper.

"Earth to Professor Snape," she called softly, interrupting his reverie, "you're a million miles away."

"Sorry," he replied blinking, and sat up straighter, as if that were possible. "I didn't wish to be rude."

"No offense taken, but you had a weird expression on your face."

"Weird, Harry, in what way," Snape asked curiously.

"Like you were lost somewhere, and didn't know how to find your way back," she responded thoughtfully.

"So where do you think I was?" he inquired, frowning at her intuition.

"Back in time; people look at me like that all the time," she told him uncomfortably.

"Was I really looking at you like that?"

"Uh huh, you were looking at James and Lily Potter, not Harry," she told him, unable to meet his gaze; "you were seeing them. Sometimes I wonder if anybody ever sees just plain old Harry," Harry explained wistfully.

"You aren't plain and you're certainly not old," he retorted sardonically.

"You know what I meant," she told him, gazing out across the room at the other diners, but not really paying attention to what was going on around her.

"Harry," Professor Snape told her firmly, "it's normal for people to look at you and see your parents. You are their natural offspring, so they'll automatically note the resemblance. You are just more aware of this because of the circumstances surrounding their death; and you're right, I was thinking about them."

"Can I ask about what?" she questioned him curiously. Harry was well aware that Snape and her father had been rivals, and that the Professor owed him a debt for saving his life once during the full moon, when Remus Lupin, nearly attacked him in werewolf form. This was why he kept on eye on Harry. He couldn't repay her father, so now he had to repay her.

Snape sensed her thoughts, for he studied her carefully for a moment before responding, "I was thinking that you have your mother's eyes, but they're just a little bit different. The green is softer, like fine jade, hers were more of an emerald, and yours give one the distinct impression that you could see into one's soul," he explained evenly; thinking to himself, 'Severus, you idiot, stop acting like a love sick school boy.' He continued aloud, "And your father's features are not as sharp as his were, your cheekbones are also somewhat higher."

Harry did not respond to this immediately, but sat looking at him before she finally spoke, "Why?"

"Why what," he asked impatiently.

"Why are you looking at me like you've never seen me before? I've been in your class since I was eleven."

"I might ask the same question of you," he replied sarcastically. "What's that children's expression, I'll tell you if you tell me?"

"Fair enough," she countered, "but you start first."

"I get the feeling you don't trust me," he said, pursing his lips.

"I don't."

"Very well," he said, arching his brow in amusement. "I've been looking at you differently because you are a different person," he told her, holding up his hand to stop her from interrupting. "The person in my class for the past six years was known to me as a boy, and was treated as such, until I had a rude awakening this past week."

"Ah...you're feeling guilty. It was easy to be hard on James Potter's son because of your old animosity towards each other, but Lily Potter's daughter has caught the infamous Severus Snape, off guard," Harry gloated, as he looked on, his dark eyes boring into her, his expression unreadable. "Don't feel too upset though, I think you've finally made it back into the Human Race, Severus," she said with satisfaction, taking his hand into hers. "I'm glad too, because I believe there's a very nice man inside of you that has been trying to get out."

"What makes you say that?" he asked, sitting perfectly straight, a slight twitch to his upper lip, his voice dangerously soft.

"I've scanned your emotions, remember. You have a lot of guilt about your past. Why can't you forgive yourself, everyone else has."

"No, not everyone," he replied harshly.

"Professor, there will always be comments and whispers," she said slowly, "and the people making them are just hypocrites. They pretend to know what they would have done under the same circumstances, but they don't, not really. They're just trying to salve their own conscience."

"You have no idea of some of the things I've done," Snape told her icily. Her uncanny intuition was making him uncomfortable.

"You're wrong, I do know," she replied, staring directly into his black eyes, "torture, kidnapping, murder, and probably a whole list of other things from spying to seduction; but your worst crimes were against yourself. You failed to prevent some of these atrocities when you could have done so. That's what you find so unforgivable. It's time to let go, Professor, I've forgiven you, so why can't you forgive yourself?"

"You've forgiven me," he said askance.

"Yes me. I know you could have done more to try and prevent my parents death, but your old rivalry with my father stopped you. I also know you feel responsible for the torture and subsequent insanity which resulted in Neville Longbottoms' parents being sent to a mental institution, probably for the rest of their lives," Harry told him heatedly. "Let it go, Severus, stop worrying about what you didn't do and think about what you can do! You need to do it for yourself, and I need you to do it for me. If you really believe in that Prophecy then I need you to be there for me. I may not know what's in it yet, but I have a feeling it can't be all good by the way all the teachers are acting, and believe me, I don't want to die."

Professor Snape stared at her for what seemed an eternity, before he nodded and spoke, "I'll take that under advisement, Miss Potter. Now let's get going, its past two o'clock and I too brought along some homework to do this evening. The third years had a test yesterday, and I need to grade them." He then paid the bill and Harry followed him out the door to Muggle London, confused and feeling that she had overstepped her bounds.

Snape was angry, but not at Harry. He had allowed himself to become vulnerable, and he didn't like that. She had a fantastic perception, and had read him like a book. 'Damn it,' he thought, 'why can't you just do what she asks? She came right out and said that she needed your help to stand up to Voldemort. Hell, she's afraid, and worried about what's in that prophecy. She's afraid it says she's going to die too, and the awful thing is that is doesn't come right out and say if she does or not,' he berated himself as he moved through the crowded streets. 'Why does she have to be so fucking nice to me about my failing to prevent her parents from being killed? And how the hell does she know about the Longbottoms? Even Neville doesn't know about my role in their torture.'

He was mulling this over when he realized she was no longer walking with him. Scanning the crowded London sidewalk, he saw no sign of her. Worriedly he began walking back in the direction they had come. 'Shit, Black will kill me if something happens to her and Dumbledore...' He couldn't even finish the thought. He had promised them both he would keep her safe and now he'd gone and lost her, and in a city she was unfamiliar with. He was growing more concerned by the minute when he spotted her standing in front of a small toy store, looking around nervously. Spotting him coming in her direction she started towards him and they met half way up the block. He wasn't sure if he should be angry or give her a hug, he was so relieved she was safe.

"Professor, you were moving so fast I was having trouble keeping up, then someone bumped into me and I lost you in the crowd," she explained, breathlessly, "so I decided to just stand and wait," she finished lamely, her voice unsteady.

"You did the right thing, Harry, but why didn't you just ask me to slow down?" Snape asked, relieved she was unharmed.

"I did, you didn't hear me," Harry told him warily. She was unnerved and didn't know her way around the city, and had worried he would be angry, especially after their conversation during lunch.

Snape nodded in acquiescence, giving her a brief smile to reassure her that he wasn't angry, and took her gently by the arm to prevent any further mishaps. "Now where would you like to go?"

"If you don't mind, I'd like to go back to that toy store. I spotted something I'd like to buy in the window for some friends."

"Of course," he replied steering her back in the direction they had originally come from. He was amused when she purchased a rather large stuffed black dog and a wolf with some kind of ecology information that promised a donation to endangered wildlife with each purchase. She then bought a mechanical rat that ran in circles when it was wound up. 'Presents for Black and Lupin,' he thought, finding himself feeling a little disappointed. 'Stop it, you fool, of course she's going to buy them something, she cares about them, and Black is her Godfather. Up to now you've been nothing but mean and arrogant with her.'

Next, they went across the street to a place called, The Sneaker Emporium, where he purchased her the new sneakers he had promised. He noticed she was more relaxed in the Muggle World, and suspected it was due to the fact that people didn't know who she was. Here, she was just an ordinary teenaged girl, with a scar on her forehead. Dumbledore had been right to let her aunt and uncle have her, even though they weren't the kindest of Muggles. She was able to grow up without fan fare until she had come to Hogwarts. This, he realized had kept her from becoming vain and conceited, and had given her the ability to think for herself, without the use of magic. He knew she was going to need all experiences from both worlds to defeat Voldemort. 'And I'll be sure to be there to help you, when the time comes. It's time to pay the debt I owe to James Potter for saving my life,' he told himself as the spectre of her father flashed through his mind.

"Let's go in here," Harry said interrupting his thoughts, and pulling him towards a candy store with the ludicrous name of "Dentist's Delights."

"Albus would absolutely love this place," he said, looking around as they entered. They had multiple kinds of chocolates in every variety and shape imaginable, mints, caramels, licorice, and hard candies that would delight any sweet tooth.

"What do you think he'd like?" Harry asked, her eyes gleaming in anticipation of Dumbledore's reaction to the sweets.

"Toffee," Snape replied knowingly, "then maybe some kind of hard candy."

"Toffee it is," she agreed happily, "I know he also likes lemon drops, but let's see

how he'll do with wild cherry and watermelon drops instead. I think I'll buy some chocolates for Ron too," she told him selecting some chocolate turtles, "he'll never figure out why they don't move," Harry said wickedly, as Snape looked down at her shaking his head in amusement. They both knew how Ron loved trying to catch the chocolate frogs that wizard children were used to. She then paid for the candy and they left the store both in a more relaxed mood than when they had entered.

"Is there anywhere else you wish to go?" he asked casually as they started walking up the street.

"I need a book store," Harry informed him.

"I'm glad to see you're trying to further your knowledge," he stated, pleased that she was looking for something to read, and interested in what kind of topic she would prefer.

"Sorry, Professor," she said peering over her glasses, "the book is for Hermione. Don't tell anybody but she's hooked on Regency Romances," Harry winked at him conspiratorially.

"Miss Granger reads cheap romance novels?" Snape asked unable to hide his smile as he led her to a book store he knew was on the next block

"Yup, she absolutely loves this one author and has been dying to get her latest book," she said looking over the signs directing shoppers to the appropriate sections. Finding the one she wanted she made her way through the aisle to the area marked ROMANCE, and scanned the titles. "Here it is," she said holding it up for him to see, "The Reluctant Countess," Harry quoted the title. "You look absolutely scandalized, Professor Snape. I can't imagine why," she laughed mischievously.

"I just can't imagine a studious and level headed person, such as Miss Granger, reading such trash," he answered disdainfully.

"Professor, we're talking about someone who had a crush on Gilderoy Lockhart," she said referring to the former Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher from her second year.

"She had a crush on that fool?" he asked with derision.

"Her and half the female population of Hogwarts, remember?" Harry reminded him with disgust. "I on the other hand, thought he was a real jerk! It's a pity you didn't do a little more damage to him during the dueling club," she said rolling her eyes in disappointment.

"If I had, half the female population of Hogwarts would have been heartbroken," he informed her surreptitiously, his left brow raised, and a slight smile on the corners of his mouth.

"Yes, but the other half, and the entire male population would have been eternally grateful."

"I'll keep that in mind in case he ever gets his memory back," Snape replied as they both laughed aloud. "Are you finished in here?" he asked when they had calmed down.

"Do you mind if I browse for a few minutes?"

"Not too long, it's getting late and I'd rather not be out after dark," he said seriously, and she understood his meaning.

"All right, I'll just be a few more minutes," she agreed as he moved over near the door and began watching the pedestrians for any sign of trouble.

She then deftly edged herself over to the section on WITCHCRAFT hoping to find a book that would amuse him. Looking over the titles she found a book titled, "Potions and their Many Uses" by someone using the pseudonym, A. Warlock. Flipping through the pages she laughed out loud, and quickly placed the book under her arm. She knew Snape would be scandalized and could almost hear him muttering about the ignorance of Muggles. She then paid for the books and went over to join Snape at the door.

It was close to sunset and she knew he wanted to have her back at The Leaky Cauldron before dark. He stopped short as they stepped outside, and grabbing her around the waist, pulled her around the corner into the alley. She opened her mouth to ask what was wrong, but he signaled her to keep quiet, and not say anything. She could hear voices approaching from where they had just come from.

"McNair, I thought you said Snape and Potter went into that bookstore?"

A chill went through Harry's spine as she recognized the man's voice. It was Lucius Malfoy. She also knew about McNair's penchant for torturing his victims. The two Death Eaters had tracked them down.

"Harry," Snape hissed in her ear, "Listen to me very closely. I want you to hang onto me as tight as you can. I'm going to Apparate us back to The Leaky Cauldron, do you understand?"

Harry didn't answer him, but did as she was told, and wrapping her arms around his waist as tightly as she could, prayed that they wouldn't be found before Snape could get them out of there. She knew this would not be a good time for a confrontation, and had no idea if they were the only two of Voldemort's men in the vicinity.

"Ready?" he asked, and seeing her nod, raised his arm high into the air with his wand and with a bright flash of light they disappeared just as Malfoy rounded the corner. They reappeared just outside of The Leaky Cauldron and, stepping through the door, found Remus Lupin getting ready to come and find them.

"Dumbledore sent me to find you," he told them both as they took a table in the back of the room.

"What's wrong? Has something happened to Snuffles?" Harry asked alarmed, but was careful not to use Sirius' name in a public place.

"He's fine, Harry, but he had to leave unexpectedly. The ministry wanted to put Dementors around the school again for your protection, but Dumbledore refused. He told them that many of the Dementors used to be Voldemort's allies, and that the ones who could be trusted would still have a detrimental effect on you. He reminded Minister Fudge that you are particularly vulnerable to them," Remus told her gently, trying not to sound too patronizing.

"I guess this is because of that stupid Prophecy?"

"I'm afraid so, Harry," he said, shaking his head. "Snuffles asked me to give you this note before he left, but don't open it here. Wait until you're in a safe place to read it." Lupin withdrew a parchment envelope from his robes. Her name was on it, written in Sirius familiar script. He then turned to address Professor Snape, "Severus, Albus feels you should both return to Hogwarts tonight. The Order got word that Voldemort may try and make an attempt to get to Harry."

"They already did," Harry said flatly, as Snape nodded.

"I had to Apparate us both back here. Malfoy and McNair spotted us a few blocks from here. I'll have Tom send our things. The sooner we get Harry back to Hogwarts the better," Snape replied with finality.

"I agree, Severus," Professor Lupin answered. "Don't feel too bad, Harry, Dumbledore has a surprise for you when you get back," he tried to ease her disappointment over Sirius having to leave and canceling the rest of her special weekend. "Your safety has to come first; you can understand that, can't you?"

"I know," she nodded, "I guess it's time to go back to practicing my Patronus spell, I've been getting a bit rusty. Somehow I don't believe the Dementors won't be showing on Hogwart's doorstep," she looked from one man to the other with a forced smile.

"That might not be such a bad idea," Snape agreed, giving her a brief smile of encouragement. "I'll go and settle up with Tom, and we'll head back immediately."

Professor Snape paid their bill and gave Tom some brief instructions. He then met Harry and Lupin by the fireplace and they returned to Hogwarts via the Floo System, since Harry was not allowed to Apparate, and in any case did not yet know how. Snape made it a point to ask Dumbledore for permission to teach her in order to help insure her safety. What he didn't know was that Remus Lupin had been thinking the exact same thing.