The Mathias Prophecy Book I

THE MATHIAS PROPHECY

PART V

THE PROPHECY

"Welcome home child," Dumbledore said from behind his desk, as Harry stepped from the hearth in his sitting room. "I'm sorry to have spoiled your trip, but I am greatly concerned for your safety."

"I understand," Harry answered looking around.

Professor Snape who had returned first was standing by Dumbledore's desk. As Harry moved further into the room, Professor Lupin arrived and exited the hearth.

"We were lucky, Albus," Lupin said as he came forward, "they just got back as I was getting ready to leave The Leaky Cauldron to find them."

"There was no trouble then?" Dumbledore queried uneasily.

The three exchanged glances, before Professor Snape answered, "We barely averted a confrontation, Headmaster. Lucius Malfoy and MacNair almost cornered myself and Miss Potter in an alley. I had to appearate us back to The Leaky Cauldron from the city."

"Were there any Muggles nearby?" Dumbledore asked with concern. "Did anyone see you?"

"No, Headmaster, no Muggles were nearby, and we were gone before Lucius could find us. I gave Tom instructions to send our belongings and say we had left over an hour ago, should anyone come in asking about us."

"Good, Severus, now why don't the three of you go down to the Great Hall for dinner? I'll join you there shortly," he instructed, rising, "oh, and Harry, come back up here for dessert after you've eaten and refreshed yourself. I want to speak with you," Dumbledore told her as she turned to leave. "Do you know the password?"

"Yes Sir, Plum Pudding," Harry replied.

"All right, I'll see you about seven o'clock then," Dumbledore said, studying her over his half moon spectacles. "Sirius also asked me to tell you Ron had cancelled, and to return this to you when you got back," he said handing Harry her invisibility cloak.

Harry's face turned beet red, and she felt as if her stomach had dropped down to her feet. Sirius either knew or suspected Ron wasn't going out on a date, and how much did Professor Dumbledore know? She didn't say anything, merely took the cloak with a nod and mounted the moving stairs. Her heart was pounding in her chest, and upon entering the hallway, she practically ran to her room. Removing her traveling cloak, Sirius letter fell to the floor. In her haste to leave the Headmaster's Office Harry had forgotten about it. Tearing it open she read his brief note.

HARRY,

SORRY I HAVE TO LEAVE WHILE YOU'RE AWAY. I WOULD RATHER SAY GOOD-BY IN PERSON BUT TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. I FIGURED OUT THE REAL REASON RON HAD YOUR CLOAK, AND AM LEAVING IT WITH DUMBLEDORE. I DIDN'T TELL HIM WHAT YOU THREE WERE UP TO, BUT I THINK YOU SHOULD. I AM ALSO DISAPPOINTED THAT YOU FELT YOU COULDN'T COME TO ME ABOUT THE PROPHECY, AND HAD TO LIE. YOU SHOULDN'T BE AFRAID TO TALK TO ME. I CARE FOR YOU MORE THAN YOU KNOW. PROFESSOR DUMBLEDORE WILL KNOW HOW TO CONTACT ME. DON'T SEND AN OWL, IT'S TOO DANGEROUS. I'LL BE IN TOUCH AS SOON AS I CAN.

LOVE,

SIRIUS

P.S. YOU CAN TALK TO REMUS WHEN I'M NOT THERE. HE'LL HELP YOU AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. HE'S A GOOD AND LOYAL FRIEND.

Harry re-read the note three times before she realized she was crying. Sirius was not only gone, but had left feeling disappointed in her. She couldn't even send him a letter by owl to apologize. Lying down on her bed, she buried her face in her pillow, and cried herself to sleep, Sirius letter in her hand. She had long since lost her appetite. She was awakened two hours later by a gentle nudge on her shoulder. She opened her eyes to see Professor Dumbledore standing over her; with Ron and Hermione waiting anxiously just inside the door.

"Professor...is anything wrong? What's going on?" she asked in confusion.

"I'm sorry child; I didn't mean to frighten you. We were concerned when you didn't come down for dinner," Dumbledore said calmly, brushing his hand over her forehead. "Do you feel all right? You have no fever."

"I'm o.k., I guess I was just tired from being out all day."

"We were worried, Harry. When we saw Professor Snape in the Great Hall, we figured you came back early," Ron explained. "You never came down for dinner so we went up to the teacher's table and asked where you were. That's when Professor Dumbledore said he'd come up and check on you."

"Harry," Hermione said coming into the room and looking closely at her friend, "you've been crying. Your eyes are red and swollen, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing, Hermione. I'll be o.k."

"Humph, I'll bet Professor Snape was in one of his bad moods and that's why you're so upset!" Ron exclaimed.

"No, you two, it's just a personal matter, and Professor Snape was actually quite courteous," Harry informed them with a faint smile.

"Snuffles is gone again isn't he?" Hermione asked intuitively, careful not to use Sirius name. "That's why you were crying, isn't it?"

"Partly, but I'd rather not go into it now."

"Harry, you've had a rough week, come up to my office and we'll talk. I'll have some dinner sent up for you. Ron and Hermione can come up too and have some dessert."

"Professor, would it be all right if I talked with you privately before Ron and Hermione come up?"

"Certainly child, you can eat while we talk," Dumbledore smiled, but his eyes were serious.

'He knows,' Harry thought, 'he's just giving me the opportunity to tell him.' Out loud she said, "Just give me a minute to wash my face Professor, and I'll be right up."

"Ron, Hermione, why don't the two of you come up in an hour. Harry should be finished eating by then," Dumbledore said looking at his watch.

"Yes, Sir," they said in unison, and headed off towards the Gryffindor common room as the Headmaster went towards his office.

Harry hurriedly washed her face, and looking in the mirror, ruefully surveyed her reflection. Hermione had been right. Her eyes were red and swollen and her unruly dark hair was disheveled more than usual. Grabbing a vial of saline eye drops she had purchased over the summer in a Muggle pharmacy, she put two drops in each eye as directed. They soothed her eyes and they didn't appear as red. She then brushed her hair, making sure her scar remained covered. Finally, she picked up the package containing the candy for Ron and Dumbledore, along with Hermione's book and headed upstairs to the Headmaster's office. She was determined to do the right thing. Taking a deep breath, she uttered the password to the Gargoyle guarding the entrance to the Headmaster's Office. The door swung silently open, and mounting the stairs, she felt like she was going to her doom.

"Come on in Harry," Dumbledore's melodic voice called as she knocked, "take one of the chairs by the fire, and I'll take the other."

"Yes, Sir," Harry replied, but before taking the seat he had indicated, she turned her attention to Fawkes, in an effort to summon her courage. "Hey pretty bird, "she smiled stroking his comb gently, as the Phoenix trilled contentedly, "I'm sorry I forgot to bring you a cracker."

"So that's why he's getting fat," Dumbledore said lightly, "you're spoiling him, Harry," the Headmaster smiled, as she took the seat opposite him.

"He's my second favorite bird," she whispered pretending the Phoenix couldn't hear her.

"Second?" Dumbledore questioned eyes alight with laughter.

"Yes. I have to give Hedwig priority or her feelings will be hurt," Harry grinned.

"I understand completely," he winked. "Now why don't you have something to eat? Dobby sent up many of your favorite dishes," he told her waving his hand towards the table laden with food. There were fried chicken breasts, mashed potatoes, carrots, fresh salad, and a carafe full of apple cider.

"My God Professor, does he really believe I can eat all this? It's enough for four people."

"Just eat what you can," Dumbledore laughed. "You know Dobby; he always goes overboard trying to please you."

"I know," she replied, taking a piece of chicken, some carrots, and a small bowl of salad. Professor Dumbledore poured her a tall glass of the cider as Fawkes flew off his perch, and alighted on his shoulder.

"He's looking for a treat," Dumbledore informed her warmly. Taking a few carrots, he placed them onto a saucer, and began feeding Fawkes one at a time.

"HA! I'm not the only one who spoils him," Harry teased studying the bird. "Professor, if I ask you a question about Fawkes, will you promise not to laugh, or think it's stupid?"

"Harry, there's no such thing as a stupid question," he said looking at her curiously, "what do you want to know about him?"

"Well..." she said collecting her thoughts, "I know Fawkes is a Phoenix, and every so often he goes up in a poof of smoke, to be reborn from his ashes."

"That's correct," Dumbledore affirmed trying to keep a straight face. He suspected where Harry was going with this line of conversation, but didn't want to hurt her feelings.

"Um...aren't there any female birds...?" She stammered, not entirely sure how to approach the subject. "I mean...don't they lay eggs or something too?"

"Of course," Dumbledore replied, now openly smiling, his blue eyes sparkling with mirth. "I don't believe that was a stupid question at all. These birds live a long time, but they do mate once every ten years. The female will lay one egg, and both parents will care for the hatchling until it can leave the nest. That's one reason they're so rare."

"I told you that you would think it was funny," she pouted.

"I'm sorry, Harry, I can't help but smile. You're one of the few persons who have ever had the good sense to ask me that question."

"Really?" she asked in amazement.

"Yes, most people just assume they just beep being reborn from their ashes, but they do have a genuine life cycle; albeit a long one," he explained patiently as Fawkes dozed on his shoulder.

Harry nodded her understanding and stared off into the fire for several minutes before speaking. "Professor..."

"Hmm...?" he responded, knowing she was finally comfortable enough to talk about what had been troubling her.

"I've done a bad thing."

"Child, what could you have done that has you so upset you cried yourself to sleep this evening?" he asked soberly.

"Sirius is upset with me," she replied sadly.

"I sensed that before he left, but he wouldn't say why."

"He wants me to tell you, but if I do I might get other people in trouble too."

"Did you do something you shouldn't have?"

"Not exactly," Harry answered taking a sip of cider, and studying the amber liquid in her glass, averted her eyes, unable to look at the Headmaster.

"It wouldn't have something to do with your cloak, would it?" he prodded.

"Yes."

"Harry," Dumbledore said gently tilting her chin up to look at him, "you'll feel better if you tell me. I promise no one will get into any trouble if they're innocent."

"I gave Ron and Hermione the cloak. They were going to try and find the copy of the Prophecy you told me was in the Restricted Section of the library," she said in a rush.

"Sirius knew this?"

"He figured it out. He was with me when I brought Ron the cloak this morning before breakfast. I told him Ron had a hot date."

"I see..." Dumbledore said mulling over the information.

"Now he's angry at me."

"For lying to him," Dumbledore stated sternly.

"Partly, and also for not trusting him enough to just ask him about it," Harry replied, her voice unsteady, as she fought back more tears.

"I believe he must be disappointed in you."

"Yes, he told me so in his letter," she whispered.

"As am I," Dumbledore agreed bluntly.

"I...," she began, but was unable to complete the sentence as her voice broke and she started sobbing uncontrollably, unable to look Dumbledore in the face.

He allowed her to cry for a few minutes before he got up and put his arms around her. Allowing her to feel his comforting warmth with her empathic sense, he spoke soothingly, "Hush now Child. You did the right thing. Some lessons are better learned the hard way."

Harry just clung to him, allowing him to comfort her, all her inner senses alert to his incredible power. She stayed that way without moving for approximately fifteen minutes, until her tears were finally spent. Finally, releasing her grip, she wiped her eyes on the sleeve of her robe, and looked up at him. "How much trouble am I in Professor?" she asked shakily.

"Go into the bathroom and wash your face, and then we'll talk," he replied keeping his voice stern, but his blue eyes were bright and warm.

Harry nodded and went into his bathroom. Having washed and dried her face for the second time that evening, she returned to her chair, ready for the chastising that she thought was at hand.

"Fawkes seems a bit distressed, Harry," Dumbledore said allowing the bird to perch on the arm of her chair, as she resumed her seat. His feathers were all fluffed out and he was making an odd noise in his throat, resembling the high pitched bleat of a lamb.

"I'm sorry pretty bird," she crooned, rubbing his head with her finger, as she looked at him with wonder, "I didn't mean to upset you."

Fawkes was staring at her, his head cocked, dark eyes unblinking. Harry had the odd sensation that he could understand what she was saying, but shrugged it off, thinking that it was totally absurd. Suddenly, he began to bob his head, and letting out an odd shrilling sound, opened his magnificent wings, and flew over to the package Harry had brought upstairs with her. Grasping it in his talons, he dropped it in Dumbledore's lap, perched on his shoulder, and started trilling happily.

"Now Fawkes, you mustn't go taking things that don't belong to you. This is Harry's. She had it in her hand when she came in," he admonished the Phoenix, laughing as the bird looked at him opening and closing one eye. "I'm sorry, Harry. Fawkes is just being curious."

"Is he Professor? Or does he know that I brought you back a present from London?" Harry asked, eyeing the bird suspiciously, as Professor Dumbledore returned the package to her. She had the distinct impression that the bird had deliberately winked at Dumbledore, but had no way to prove it.

"Fawkes is a very perceptive bird, Harry," Dumbledore remarked his eyes bright, as he eyed the package in her lap.

"Then maybe he thinks we'll both feel better if I give you these," she said reaching into the package. Bringing out the three smaller packages, she smiled as he took them, and proceeded to open each one individually.

"Toffee," he smiled with delight as he put one into his mouth and closed his eyes, savoring the taste, "and what are these...? Ah...cherry drops...and watermelon drops too!" He beamed like a small child. "You know, Harry, you certainly understand how to make an old man happy."

"Professor Snape helped to pick out the toffee," she told him candidly, "I chose the hard candies, and just in case nobody's told you lately, you're only as old as you feel."

"How old does that make me?" he inquired, sampling a watermelon drop, his smile broadening.

"Oh...I'd say one hundred and fifty going on ten," Harry said brazenly, giving his long white beard a gentle tweak, as he raised his eyebrows in amusement. "Seriously though, how much trouble am I in Professor, and what about Ron and Hermione?"

"Hmmm..., well it seems to me that no harm has been done," he remarked thoughtfully, "and you've learned a valuable lesson about trust. Therefore I'd say none," he informed her calmly, looking at her over his glasses.

"What about Ron and Hermione?" she asked anxiously.

"They've done nothing but borrow your cloak, which I believe you gave them, and subsequently it has been returned unused," Dumbledore told her knowledgeably. "So, since I'm sure this won't happen again, let's just keep this our little secret, shall we?"

"Yes Professor," she said with relief, but didn't miss the warning in his voice.

"Good, now that we've settled that little matter, Ron and Hermione should be arriving any minute. We need to get these dinner dishes cleared away." He rang for the house elves, and Dobby appeared almost instantly.

"Harry Potter, how lovely you are," he said jumping from side to side. "Dobby heard how Harry was really the girl from the Prophecy, and Dobby thinks it's wonderful. He Who Must Not Be Named, will finally be defeated once and for all, and we will be free to live without fear!" he said giving her a slight bow of respect. "But Harry Potter's eyes are all red. You've been crying!" Dobby exclaimed flattening his ears in distress. "Has someone hurt Harry Potter? If so..."

"Dobby, I'm fine, really," Harry interrupted him, wondering if he ever stood still. "Professor Dumbledore just helped me to solve a personal problem, that's all," she told him firmly, to get him to calm down.

"Headmaster, is this true? Harry Potter is o.k.?"

"Yes Dobby, Harry is fine," he informed the house elf. "Now if you will have these dinner dishes cleared away and send up some desserts for Harry and her friends, I would appreciate it."

"Right away, Headmaster," he said snapping his fingers twice. The dirty dishes vanished and almost immediately a table full of sumptuous desserts appeared in their place. There were lemon tortes, chocolate brownies, assorted cookies, and three kinds of puddings. "Would Harry Potter like anything else? If so just tell Dobby and he'll get it for her," he looked at Harry hopefully as he jumped up and down.

"That's fine Dobby," Harry responded putting her hands on his tiny shoulders to stop his constant motion, "thank you."

"Dobby is glad Harry Potter is happy," he smiled, his round saucer like eyes shining as he turned his attention back to Dumbledore. "Does the Headmaster require anything else?"

"Have you notified the watcher elves to remain on alert?"

"Yes Headmaster. I spoke with Thera and Hermes myself. They said they would notify the others immediately."

"Very well, Dobby, you can go now. I'll ring when we're finished."

"Farewell Harry Potter, good night Headmaster," Dobby said disappearing with a pop, mischievously leaving a large bubble in the air, which floated up to the ceiling before it dissipated.

"He's adorable, but I wish he would stand still once in a while," Harry told Professor Dumbledore, shaking her head, "he makes me dizzy."

"I know the feeling," Dumbledore responded rolling his eyes.

"Professor, what is a Watcher Elf?"

"They're another kind of elf. They keep an eye on the grounds around the school."

"How come I've never seen them, and I've been here at Hogwarts for six years."

"You don't see them because they can become almost translucent and blend in with the scenery around them," Dumbledore explained.

"Do they look like Dobby?"

"No, they're quite pretty actually. They look like young children, short and slender, with pointed ears, and pastel colored hair with eyes to match."

"Could I see one sometime?" she asked with fascination.

"They're very shy, but I'll ask Thera and Hermes. They're the leaders of the colony here at Hogwarts."

"There's a whole colony? Don't tell Hermione! She'll start a free the Watcher Elves movement next," Harry groaned, remembering what Hermione had put them all through after deciding the house elves were little more than slaves.

"I'll take it under consideration," Dumbledore replied as there was a knock on his door. "Come in children," he called, and Ron and Hermione entered.

"Good evening, Headmaster," Hermione said formally.

"Hi Harry! Nice table Professor!" Ron added gaily, taking a seat on the couch and reaching for a tart.

"Ron, where are your manners?" Hermione admonished. "We haven't been asked to sit down yet!"

"That's all right, Hermione," Dumbledore laughed jovially. "Please feel free to help yourselves."

"Thank you for inviting us Professor," Hermione said looking at Ron in disapproval.

"Um...," Ron moaned happily, "I think I've died and gone to Heaven."

"Well if you'll come back down for awhile I have something for you," Harry grinned as she reached into her package of treats and handed him the box of chocolates.

"Chocolate Turtles," he read out loud opening the box. Taking two out, he set them on the table side by side, and gave them each a poke. "Hey, Harry, something's wrong. They won't even go back into their shells, let alone walk."

Harry, Hermione, and Professor Dumbledore all laughed, as Ron's face turned as red as his hair.

"Ron, you ninny," Hermione said shaking her head, "Harry's playing a joke on you. They're Muggle chocolates. You just eat them."

"Muggle chocolates...They don't do anything?"

"Actually, Ron, they do one thing...," Harry said taking one and popping it into her mouth, "they taste good!"

They all laughed again, including Ron, who grinned sheepishly as he offered the others a piece of the chocolates.

"I have something for you too, Hermione," Harry said pulling out the book and handing it to her.

"Oh, Harry!" Hermione squealed in delight as she scanned the title, "I can't wait to read it!" she said, slipping it into her robes before Ron or Dumbledore could see what it was. "Thank you."

"No problem," Harry said looking at her fondly, as they started to attack the table of goodies Dobby had laid out for them.

"Now Harry," Professor Dumbledore said soberly as he leaned back in his chair, "I know Professor Lupin told you I have a surprise for you. Sirius, Remus, Severus, and I discussed this last night in depth before I decided whether to give it to you. In light of our earlier discussion, I feel that it is the right choice, and is now doubly important. I asked Ron and Hermione to be here too as I believe it also pertains to them.

"What is it Professor?" Harry asked frowning.

"We all agreed you should be allowed to read this. It will be kept in my office for the time being, should you wish to study it further," he said handing her a large parchment scroll, neatly tied with a fine red ribbon.

Harry's heart was beating so fast she thought it would burst as she untied the ribbon. She was afraid to say what she already knew, and felt more ashamed of her earlier actions than she had before. Slowly she unrolled the scroll until she could see the top line, and read it to herself, 'THE PROHECEY OF MATHIAS.'

"Professor, are you sure about this?" she asked, swallowing hard, her eyes wide with wonder.

"I thought this was what you wanted?" he asked, his blue eyes meeting her green ones with understanding.

"Harry what is it?" Ron questioned with concern. "you've turned as pale as Professor Snape."

"Ron...," Hermione said shrewdly, "I think Professor Dumbledore just gave Harry the Prophecy to read."

"What! Harry, is it the Prophecy, like Hermione says?"

"Yes..." She answered in a whisper, thinking that wanting and having really were two different things. Did she really want to know what was in this parchment? She felt suddenly afraid, even though she had firmly believed that the future was what people made it. Nothing was set in stone. She didn't move or say anything for what felt like an eternity, the room so quiet you could hear a pin drop, her eyes locked with Dumbledore's as she fought an inner battle with herself. Finally, she made the decision they were all waiting to hear. "Ron, make some room on the table. This parchment seems quite long."

Ron and Hermione both scrambled to clear away the dessert plates so Harry could unroll the parchment scroll in front of her, while Dumbledore sat looking on without comment. Glancing around the room Harry had the distinct impression someone else was watching, but the only persons there were the four of them. Deciding she was just feeling nervous, and that it must be Fawkes, she unrolled the scroll, as Ron let out a low whistle.

"It's all written by hand," he said, looking down at the small neat calligraphy. "Can you read it Harry, it seems awfully faded in spots."

"I think so," she replied studying the words. "How about if I read it out loud, and then we can decide if what's in it is actually true, like so many people believe it is?"

"Should I take notes?" Hermione offered eagerly.

"I don't think that will be necessary Child," Dumbledore said candidly as Ron and Hermione moved closer to Harry so they could see the parchment better.

"All right then, here goes," Harry nodded as she began to read in a slow clear voice.

THE PROPHECY OF MATHIAS

AS TOLD BY CHANDRA MATHIAS AND WRITTEN BY HER HUSBAND ARTEMIS

31 OCTROBER 1921

A HALF BLOOD ANGRY BOY HE'LL BE

TO BECOME THE ANGRY WIZARD WE'LL SEE

WITH SKULLS AND SERPANTS HE WILL RISE

WITH EATERS OF DEATH TO BE DESPISED

CAUSING PAIN AND DESTRUCTION THROUGH OUT THE LAND

SO THAT THE GOOD KIND DUMBLEDORE MAY

HOLD THE DARK LORD'S POWER AT BAY

HE BRINGS TOGETHER A VALIENT BAND

LED BY THE PHOENIX TO STAY HIS HAND

BUT STOP HIM HE CANNOT DO

EVEN WITH PURE EYES OF BLUE

TO THAT TASK THERE SHALL FALL

A YOUNG WITCH WHO WILL ANSWER HIS CALL

NOT YET BORN AND YET TO BE SEEN

HER FATHER A PURE BLOOD WIZARD IS HE

MOTHER'S A MUD BLOOD WITH EYES EMERALD GREEN

HER HEART IS AS GOOD AS ANY I'VE SEEN

THE CHILD IS HALF BLOOD WITH THE LIONS PURE HEART

BORN IN THAT SIGN

SHE'S THE LAST OF HIS LINE

FOR SOON THE SERPANTS TONGUE SHE WILL GAIN

THROUGH PARENTS LOVE GIVEN UP IN PAIN

AND THE DARK LORDS MARK ON HER HEAD THERE WILL BE

LEFT THERE FOR THE WORLD TO SEE

BETRAYED BY A SECRET KEPT IN VAIN

FOR THE DARK LORD HAS VANISHED

ALONG WITH THE RAT

DISAPPEARED IN THE NIGHT

BOTH OF THEM BANISHED

THOUGH NO ONE KNOWS HOW

THE WITCH SHE SURVIVES

ALL ALONE NOW

FROM THE RAT'S FALSE DEATH

COMES IMPRISONMENT AND LOSS

SHE FACES A FUTURE OF PAIN AND DESPAIR

IN THE HOME OF THE MUGGLES

FOR HER FATHER'S NOT THERE

BUT THE EVIL LORD IS NOT YET DEAD

MERELY BIDING HIS TIME TO RECLAIM HIS STEAD

WHEN SUCH TIME AS DUMBLEDORE'S CALL

COMES ONLY ONE DECADE

FROM THE EVIL ONE'S FALL

HE'LL BRING THE WITCH HOME TO HOGWARTS YOU SEE

THOUGH HIDDEN FROM ALL THE WORLD SHE'LL BE

TO TRAIN HER IN HER WITCHING SKILL

AND WATCH HER SMILE WITH EACH NEW THRILL

BUT THE EVIL LORD IS LURKING NEAR

TO TRY AND STEAL THE STONE SO DEAR

FOR HIDDEN ON A HEAD HE'LL BE

WHERE NONE WILL EVER THINK TO SEE

BUT THE POTION MASTER HE IS CUNNING

AND SUSPECTS TO WHOM THE DARK LORD'S RUNNING

SO DUMBLEDORE HE WILL MAKE

THE TEACHERS DO CHARMS

THAT EVIL CAN'T BREAK

BUT THE DARK LORD IS SMART

HE CHOSE HIS HOST WISELY

AND MANAGED TO GET THROUGH THE CHARMS

TO HIS PRIZE

BUT WILL FIND HIS WAY BLOCKED FROM WHAT HE REQUIRES BY THE MIRROR WHO KNOWS WHAT HE DESIRES

THE WITCH WITH TWO FRIENDS

WHO TRUE TO HER BE

WILL FOLLOW HIM THERE

BUT NOT FOR ALL THREE

THE FIRST WILL SACRIFICE HIMSELF

PLAYING A GAME OF WIZARDS CHESS

THE NEXT WILL GO AFTER

SOLVING THE PUZZLE

TO HELP THE FIRST FRIEND

IN HIS TIME OF TROUBLE

AND FINALLY THE WITCH

STILL HIDDEN SHE IS

WILL FACE HER FIRST TRIAL

WITH EVIL SO VILE

AND TRIUMPH SHE WILL

WITH THE STONE IN HER POCKET

FOR THE DARK LORD CAN'T SWAY HER

PURE HER HEART STAYS

AS MOTHER'S LOVE BURNS

TO DRIVE HIM AWAY

THE NEXT TRIAL WILL COME

ANOTHER YEAR LATER

AS THE DARK LORD HE WAITS

IN THE CHAMBER STILL HIDDEN

TO DRIVE OUT THE MUD BLOODS

AND MUGGLES ALIKE

FOR TO DESTROY HIS MUGGLE FATHER

HIS SOUL WAS SO BIDDEN

TO RULE WITH FULL POWER

AND RETURN TO NEW LIFE

A YOUNG GIRL HE'LL KIDNAP

BUT TO HIS DISMAY

A PURE BLOOD SHE'LL BE

AND HIS PLAN GOES AWRY

FOR A HOUSE ELF WILL HELP

THE WITCH WHO IS HIDDEN

AND SLOW THE DARK SERVANT

WITH HIS MASTER SO WICKED

WHO PLANNED THE WHOLE PLOT

WITH THE DARK LORD'S REQUEST

TO SLAY HER THE NEXT TIME

THE TWO CHANCE TO MEET

IN THE CHAMBER SO DEEP

BELOW HER TWO FEET

THE BASILISK SHE MUST FACE

AND HER HEART IT STAYS TRUE

FOR LOYAL TO DUMBLEDORE

SHE WILL REMAIN

FOR THE PHOENIX AND SWORD

WILL COME AT HER CALL

TO THE DARK LORD'S DISDAIN

TO HELP HER RECOVER

FROM THE POISONOUS WOUNDS

THOSE FANGS DID DELIVER

AND WILL SAVE HER FRIEND'S SISTER

WITH POISON FANG TO THE HEART

TO THE DIARY OF THE DARK LORD

WHICH HE DID START

WHILE A STUDENT AT HOGWARTS

ALONE IN THE DARK

'

THE THIRD YEAR THE DARK LORD WILL REMAIN AWAY TILL THE RAT HE RETURNS HIS MASTER'S PET STILL

AND WATCH THE WITCH

TILL HE MAY COME

AND CAUSE HER POWER

TO BE UNDONE

AN ANIMAGUS THIS ONE IS

THE ONE THEY THOUGHT TO HAVE DIED

BY ALL EXCEPT HIS FORMER FRIEND

WHO KNEW THE SECRET KEEPER LIED

HE BETRAYED THEM ALL IN ONE WEAK MOMENT

CAUSING THE DOG TO LIVE A LIFE

AMONG THE DEMENTORS

WHO CAUSE SUCH STRIFE

BUT ESCAPE FROM HIS PRISON CELL HE WILL

TO GUARD THE WITCH

HIS DAUGHTER STILL

WITH THE HELP OF THE WOLF

WHO TEACHES HER WELL

THE LESSON OF THE PROTONUS SPELL

TO KEEP HER SOUL FROM LIVING IN HELL

TOGETHER THEY WILL CATCH THE RAT

WHO CHANGED ALL THEIR LIVES

IN THE DROP OF A HAT

BUT THE POTIONS MASTER

HE WILL COME

AND FAILS TO BELIEVE THEM EVERYONE

BUT OUR WITCH SHE WILL SAVE THE DAY

AND TURN BACK THE TIME AWAY

TO SPARE HER FATHER AND A STRANGE BEAST

AND SEND THEM SAFELY ON THEIR WAY

BUT THE RAT GETS AWAY FREE AND CLEAR

SO THE NEXT TRIAL WILL COME

IN THE WITCHES FOURTH YEAR

WHEN HOGWARTS WILL HOLD

THE TOURNAMENT OF CHALLENGE

THE WITCH STILL HIDDEN SHE WILL BE

A CHAMPION CHOSEN BY MAGICAL MEANS

FOR EVIL IT TRACKS HER STILL

HIDDEN IN HOGWARTS WAITING TO KILL

FOR POLYJUICE KEEPS ONE ALIKE

A FRIEND AND TEACHER WHO CAN STRIKE

HE'S HIDDEN WITHIN HOGWARTS WALLS

TO COME WHEN EVER THE DARK LORD CALLS

FOR THE PORTKEY

DOES THE DARK LORD HAVE

TO BRING HIM HER BLOOD

TO MAKE A POTION

AND RESTORE HIM TO LIFE

GIVING DEAD LIMBS NEW MOTION

AFTERWARDS A DUEL THERE WILL BE

BUT OUR LITTLE WITCH YOU WILL SEE

STAYS PURE AND TRUE AS WAND STREAMS ARC

FREEING THE SPIRITS OF THOSE IN THE DARK

AMONG THEM TWO PERSONS

WHO HOLD HER SO DEAR

THEY FIGHT FOR HER LIFE

AND HELP HER ESCAPE EVIL'S CLUTCHES SO NEAR

BUT THE DARK LORD HE LIVES

AND IS MORTAL AGAIN

WHILE THE WITCH BLAMES HERSELF

FOR HIS EVIL RETURN

BUT DUMBLEDORE'S COUNCIL

HELPS EASE HER PAIN

IN THE FIFTH YEAR SHE STAYS HIDDEN ONCE MORE

WITH THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX GUARDING HER DOOR

TO GUIDE AND PROTECT HER THROUGH EACH NEW STRIFE

AS DUMBLEDORE WATCHES HER SOUL SPRING TO LIFE

FOR IT IS THEY WHO WILL GUIDE HER WAY

TOWARDS DESTINYS CALLING

AND LIFES NEW BEGINNING

BUT NOT FOR A WHILE YET

AS EVIL HOLDS SWAY

IN THE SIXTH YEAR SHE IS HIDDEN NO MORE

TO BE SEEN BY THE WORLD AS NEVER BEFORE

FOR ANOTHER TASK AWAITS AT HER DOOR

AND THE DARK LORD IS WAITING

TO EVEN THE SCORE

AND ON ALL HALLOWS EVE

SOON SHE WILL SEE

THAT WHICH IS LOST

AND BROUGHT BACK TO THEE

A DECISION SHE WILL HAVE TO MAKE

BUT HER HEART IT IS TRUE

MAKE NO MISTAKE

AND PAINFUL THOUGH IT WILL BE

HER FATHERS PRIDE SHE WILL SEE

THE DARK LORD IS ANGRY

AND BY THE MOONS COOL WHITE RAY

HE TRIES TO KEEP THE WOLF AT BAY

WITH DEADLY POISON HE STRIKES TO KILL

BUT SHE WILL FIND HER HIDDEN SKILL

AS AN OLD CHARM SHE BRINGS TO MIND

TO SAVE HER FRIEND

AND ALLY IN KIND

THE POTION MASTER WILL BRING THE PLANT

AS SHE RECITES AN ANCIENT CHANT

THEN TO DUMBLEDORE SHE WILL SAY

I KNOW YOU KNEW ABOUT THIS DAY

WHEN TIME TURNED BACK

AND WENT AWRY

A LETTER HE WILL GIVE HER THEN

WRITTEN BY A LONG STILLED PEN

FOR HER FATHER HAD THOUGHT IT THROUGH

AND KNEW HIS CHILD'S HEART WAS TRUE

THROUGH PAIN AND GRIEF

SHE WILL SHOW

THE DARK LORD COURAGE

BEYOND HIS BELIEF

BETRAYAL AGAIN BY SOMEONE CLOSE

WHO FALLS PREY TO THE DARK ONE

TO CALL ONCE AGAIN

THOUGH NOT JUST YET

WILL THIS HEARTBREAK OCCUR

IT WILL COME IN THE SPRING

WHEN THE ROBIN DOES SING

AND FLOWERS ARE BLOOMING

WITH SCENTS OH SO SWEET

IN THE WARMTH OF THE SUN

THEIR PATHS AGAIN MEET

FOR JEALOUSY RAISES

THE CALL THEY ALL DREAD

TO LATE SHE WILL REALIZE

THE WITCH OH SO TRUE

WOULD HAVE GIVEN HER LIFE

FOR A FRIEND LIKE YOU

FOR NOW SHE IS ANGRY

SO DARK LORD BEWARE

FOR YOUR DOOM SHE PREDICTS

WITH DEVIL MAY CARE

WHEN OUT FROM THE SHADOWS

ANOTHER WILL COME

AN ENEMY THAT HATED AND SCOFFED HER BEFORE

WILL AN ALLY BECOME AND REMAIN UNKNOWN

TO ALL BUT THE WITCH NOW ALMOST GROWN

AND AS EVIL GROWS STRONGER

AND DARKER BY DAY

HE KEEPS THE DARK LORD'S

DEATH EATERS AWAY

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE REARED HER

AND SHUNNED HER AWAY

SHOULD NEVER HAVE PLAYED

WITH OLD MAGIC THAT DAY

FOR ENCHANTMENTS WILL FAIL

AND HELP YET TO BE SEEN

AS THE DARK LORD'S FOLLOWERS

RETURN TO THE SCENE

HE WILL HOLD THEM HOSTAGE

TILL THE DARK LORD MAY COME

BUT THE YOUNG WITCH

WILL PREVAIL TO SEE HIM UNDONE

THEN THERE WILL COME

A PROUD GROUP OF THREE

AND PROTECTED BY ANCIENT

MAGIC SHE'LL BE

BY THEIR LOVE AND GUIDANCE

THEY SHALL BE KNOWN

AS THE PROTECTORS SHE CHOSE

AND WILL BE NO LONGER ALONE

THE FIRST IS HER STRENGTH TO DO NO WRONG

THE SECOND HER COURAGE TRIED AND TRUE

THE THIRD HER ENDURANCE

TO GUIDE HER ALONG

THROUGH TROUBLED SLEEP

AND NIGHTS OH SO LONG

FINALLY WISE DUMBLEDORE

HE WILL BECOME

KEEPER OF THE TRUST

PROTECTOR OF EACH ONE

NOW THE SEVENTH YEAR HAS BEGUN

WHEN THE FINAL CONFLICT

YET TO COME

WILL BRING OUR WITCH TO DESTINY'S DOOR

AGAINST THE DARK LORD SO SURE

SHE'LL BRAVELY STAND

TILL NEAR THE END

WHEN ALL SEEMS LOST

AND SHE'S IN GREAT PAIN

HER MOTHER'S LOVE WILL RISE AGAIN

AT HER DAUGHTER'S BEHEST

AS THE DARK LORD WILL FALL

MARKING AN END TO THE QUEST

AND SPARING THEM ALL

FOR NOW SHE MAY REST

THE DEED IT IS DONE

FOR HER HEART IS WAS PURE

AND HER GOODNESS HAD WON

Harry just sat, staring at the parchment, not knowing what to say, as Ron shifted nervously in his chair. Dumbledore sat watching them, his face impassive, while Hermione was lost in thought. It was Ron who finally broke the silence.

"Whew, Harry...we're all in there. You, me, Hermione, Dumbledore..."

"Shut up Ron.," Hermione stated sharply, "can't you see she knows that?"

"But Hermione, it's down right spooky," he protested shrilly, as his voice cracked, "everything's there...right from Harry's first year, but what I don't get is that it said she was hidden."

"I was a boy...everyone thought so....my father...he understood and hid me...the disguise...it fooled everyone...until I got too old. He couldn't stop my adolescence...the normal physical changes," Harry whispered to them, her green eyes far away. 'Sirius, where are you? I need you now more than ever,' she thought to herself. 'Did you know you were the dog in the prophecy, or didn't you realize it until it was too late?' Out loud she spoke to her friends, "Well, now we know what it says. A Poet Laureate Chandra Mathias was not," she said pretending to shake off her dark mood.

"Harry, aren't you the least bit concerned? What about the stuff in there that hasn't happened yet?" Ron demanded worriedly.

"Ron's right, Harry," Hermione agreed, "What are we going to do about it?"

"Nothing," she replied.

"What, nothing?" Ron gasped.

"Harry, you can't be serious?" Hermione questioned bewildered by her friend's attitude.

"Look you two, I appreciate your concern. I really do, but the future isn't set in stone. Hagrid always says not to worry about something that hasn't happened yet. That's exactly what we're going to do; Que sera, sera, and all that stuff."

"Bravo, Harry," Dumbledore approved with a little clap of his hands, "well spoken, well spoken indeed."

"Thank you, Professor," she smiled. Redirecting her attention back to her friends, she spoke candidly, "I know you two well enough to know you're both worried about that final confrontation."

"But Harry," Ron protested, "that prophecy says you're going down in pain."

"It also says Voldemort is going to die, but it doesn't say if I do too. The future is what we make it Ron. Maybe Chandra Mathias really saw this stuff, or maybe not. I can't hide my head in a hole and just wait for it to happen. I fully intend to go on about my life as usual and I want you two to do the same."

"Harry's right Ron," Hermione agreed with admiration.

"Besides, if I go out, at least I'm taking Voldemort down with me," Harry said holding her head up with pride.

"Then I'm going to be there with you every step of the way, just like I've been so far," Ron replied fiercely, "and so will Hermione," he added seeing her nod in agreement.

"Thanks guys, I knew I could count on you," Harry answered giving them both a hug.

"Now, I believe it's past your curfew," Dumbledore smiled. "Ron, Hermione, I'll give you both a hall pass should you run into Mr. Filch or Professor Lupin on hall duty tonight," he told them taking out a parchment, and penned the required statement of permission for being out of their common room so late. "Now off to Gryffindor Tower, both of you," he directed them. "Harry I'd like a word with you before you go," Dumbledore said handing her a similar note.

"Good night Ron, Hermione, I'll see you both at breakfast," Harry told them as they rose to leave.

"Good night, Harry," they replied in unison as descending the moving staircase.

"Very convincing performance, Harry," Dumbledore said holding out his arms to her once Ron and Hermione were gone.

"You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can't fool Dumbledore," Harry said deliberately misquoting the Muggle proverb, as she allowed him to comfort her for the second time that evening. "I'm frightened," she told him honestly, green eyes wide with wonder and concern. "I wish Sirius was here."

"I know child, but he'll be very proud of you, for all that's happened tonight. Now go on and get to bed. You're tired and so am I," he told her, brushing the hair from the scar on her forehead, before releasing her.

"Good night Professor, sleep well," she said studying his face. He was tired, and tonight his features reflected the worried look in his blue eyes.

"Good night, Harry, and thank you for the candy," he winked as she disappeared from view down the stairs.

Reaching her room, Harry knew that even though she was physically tired, her mind was too alert to permit her to sleep. Deciding to deliver the rest of her little presents, she pulled out her invisibility cloak, and headed back out the door. Deciding to go to the dungeon first, to bring Professor Snape the book she had bought him, she crept quietly down the stairs. The hallways were dark at this hour, and the wall sconces cast eerie shadows on the walls. When she arrived at the Potion Master's door, she knocked twice and waited. She knew he wouldn't be pleased that she was abroad at this hour, and decided to leave the book where he would find it and go. She had written him a little note on the fly leaf, so she knew he would know she had been there. She was about to put the book down and leave, when he opened the door.

Looking around, he grumbled in annoyance at not seeing anyone there. As he turned to go back into his room, Harry's sense of mischief took over, and she tapped him on the back. He spun back around angrily, and looked up and down the passage, before speaking in an icy tone.

"Peeves, I worn you," believing it was the poltergeist, "I'll have the Bloody Baron after you." He waited a moment for a response, but of course none came, and he turned back into his room.

Harry was enjoying her little game, and attempted to follow him, but as she did so, she accidentally brushed up against him. For a moment she thought he would realize she was the one playing games with him, but he didn't seem to notice. So she moved over to his desk, as he moved over towards his sofa, where a book lay open on the table. Apparently she had interrupted his reading. Slipping the book out from beneath her cloak, she turned away from the desk, to find him standing behind her. 'Now what am I going to do?' she asked herself, when he suddenly spoke up, staring at where she stood beneath her cloak, shocking her so badly she jumped and almost fell over onto him.

"Miss Potter, hasn't anyone ever mentioned that a lady doesn't visit a man in his room at night?" he asked, continuing to stare where she remained hidden beneath her cloak, arms folded over his chest.

Harry was too stunned yet to say anything, and had the distinct impression that he could almost see her. She shifted uneasily, unsure of what to do.

"Miss Potter, I'm waiting for your answer. I know you're here, I can sense your presence, and I also watched you place that book on my desk. You had to remove your hand from beneath the cloak to do so."

"I meant no harm, Professor," Harry said, nervously pulling the cloak from her head, giving the impression that is was floating in mid air.

"You're not only out past curfew; you deliberately have been playing a practical joke on me, allowing me to believe Peeves was up to his usual tricks."

"I was with Professor Dumbledore until about fifteen minutes ago. When I got back to my room I knew I couldn't get to sleep so I decided to bring you this book I bought for you while we were in London. I was going to leave it by your door, but then you came out, and I guess I kind of got carried away," Harry told him in a rush, hoping he would not be too angry, and believe the truth.

"What were you doing with the Headmaster?" he asked ignoring the book she had brought, but was secretly pleased that she had thought enough of their trip, and him, to buy it.

"He let me read the Prophecy tonight," she said knowing that he was aware Dumbledore was going to allow her to see it.

"Do you believe what it says?" he asked studying her intently.

"Yes," she replied, unable to meet his intense stare.

"Then go up to bed, before I bring you back to the Headmaster for this bit of mischief," he told her with his usual sardonic smile, dark eyes glittering wickedly.

"Yes, Professor," she answered unable to believe her ears. 'Professor Snape is actually not going to give me detention.' She thought in amazement, before telling him out loud, "Enjoy the book." Then, pulling her cloak back over her head, fled from his rooms; thinking that she had made a new friend, albeit a moody one, as the sound of his low laughter followed her.

However Harry did not go to bed, as she still wanted to give Remus his present. Taking the stuffed wolf from her room, she headed down the stairs to the main hall, where a small desk sat during the night. It was here, that the professors would spend the evenings during their hall duty, in between nightly rounds. Approaching quietly, she noted that Remus was sitting reading by the light of a single torch.

"Professor Lupin," Harry said cautiously so as not to startle him.

"You can take off your cloak Harry. You should know better than to be downwind from a werewolf. I caught your scent as soon as you came down the stairs," he told her turning around to face her.

"You can do that when you aren't in wolf form?" Harry asked removing her cloak, trying to remember if he'd taught them that in class.

"So can Sirius. We both retain the ability, although mine is stronger," he said studying her with interest. "Now, why are you out of bed at this hour? It's well past curfew."

"I bought you something while I was in London with Professor Snape. I couldn't sleep so I decided to give it to you tonight."

"I suspected you might be out and about tonight. Professor Dumbledore told me he was going to show you the Prophecy tonight before I left for the Leaky Cauldron this afternoon. Do you want to talk about it?" he inquired with concern.

"No, not tonight; I need some time to think. I just came to give you this," she explained removing the wolf from inside her robes. "I hope you like him. He looked lonely on the shelf in the store. I thought he could use a friend," Harry remarked coyly, hoping he wouldn't find the wolf offensive.

"Harry," Professor Lupin responded with a huge grin, "you're the only person I know who would give a werewolf a stuffed wolf. I promise to take good care of him. He's an endangered species you know."

"I know," she laughed, pleased that he liked the toy.

"My malady doesn't bother you at all, does it?" he asked, referring to his lycanthrope.

"No, actually I think it makes you kind of special."

"Special, how?" he asked curiously.

"Some people think you're a monster, but you're not. You see people for what they are and are aware of how inhuman the human race can actually be," Harry explained seriously. "I think it's cool that you're a werewolf. I'm only sorry that it's so physically painful for you. If I could at least change that for you I would."

"You're a very special person yourself, Harry," he responded touching her cheek gently before turning his attention back to the stuffed wolf on the desk, "Does he have a name?"

"He didn't come with one."

"In that case, I'm open to suggestions."

"Then let's call him Captain."

"Captain?" Remus questioned.

"Yes. I'm reminded of an old Muggle movie about a princess. She was in love with the Captain of the Guard, I can't remember his name, but an evil wizard wanted her too."

"What happened to them?"

"The wizard cast a spell on them when she wouldn't marry him," Harry said shaking her head sadly, "she was a hawk by day, and the captain was a wolf by night. The only time they could be together as humans were those few seconds when time shifted between sunrise and sunset."

"How sad. Did the movie have a happy ending?"

"Of course," she smiled, "it had something to do with an eclipse; the spell was broken, and the Captain destroyed the evil wizard."

"Well then, Captain it is," he said absently stroking the wolf, "and now you had better get yourself off to bed before I have to give you detention. I am on guard duty you know," he grinned.

"Yes Sir, Captain," she teased giving him a mock salute before pulling on her invisibility cloak and disappearing. She had the feeling he was scenting her as she turned in the opposite direction, making certain she was going upstairs. 'Well Remus,' she reflected thinking about how hard his lycanthrope must be for him, 'since I want to try transforming, maybe I'll do something for you and try for a hawk, besides I love to fly.' She grinned at the thought of the look on both Remus and Sirius faces if she surprised them some moonlit night by showing up as a hawk while they were out together.

Reaching the second floor, Harry still had one more stop to make. Bypassing her room, she headed up to the third floor and opened the door to the tower which led to the roof. The stairs were dark, as there were no torches lit here, and she didn't have her wand with her to do the illuminous spell. Mounting the stairs, she had the same uncanny feeling that she had felt in Professor Dumbledore's office that she was being watched, and kept stopping to listen, only to be met with silence.

Reaching the tower she opened the door to the turret and edged out onto the roof. It was cold, and she was sorry she didn't have on her winter cloak. Pulling her invisibility cloak around her tighter, with her head exposed, she had an ethereal appearance. If anyone had seen her they would have believed her to be a ghost.

The crescent moon cast a fine shadow, and the sky was filled with stars. Off in the distance, she heard an owl, and she could see a single light on in Hagrid's cottage. The wind ruffled her thick dark hair as she sat down on the cold roof and looked up into the sky. Locating the constellation of Orion, she followed it over to Canis Major, the Dog Star; the one Sirius was named for. Staring up at it, she spoke out loud.

"Good night Sirius. Please be careful and stay safe, where ever you are. I'm sorry and I miss you. Please don't take any unnecessary chances, and come back soon. I need you here and I'm afraid. I feel so alone and lost," she sobbed, her voice lost on the wind.

She stayed that way lost in thought for another few minutes, before the cold finally stirred her. Standing up slowly, she let out a long sigh, and disappeared quietly back down the stairs towards her room, and a warm bed. She never saw the dark shape that stood in silence watching her.