The Mathias Prophecy Book I

THE MATHIAS PROPHECY

PART 6

THE UNSEEN WATCHER

The next few weeks saw a flurry of activity. The Great Hall was being decorated for the Halloween feast, which was to be a costume affair, and the Quidditch matches were underway. Harry's team had won all of their games, and Malfoy had started speaking to her again, after being knocked off his broom during a particularly violent game. This had made him angrier than ever, but at least now he was being vocal about it.

In fact, Harry's only problem seemed to be a lack of sleep. She would fall asleep quickly enough, but then the nightmares would start. She didn't say anything to Dumbledore, or anyone else for that matter, since they really weren't specific. They always seemed to be about her parents and Voldemort, but that's all she could remember before waking up with a cold sweat. Unable to go back to sleep, she would prowl the castle at night, in her invisibility cloak, only to become more unnerved by what she came to call The Unseen Watcher. Ever since the night in Dumbledore's office when she had felt someone was watching her, but no one else had been in the room, the feeling had persisted. It had grown worse with time, and she was becoming jumpy. The interesting thing about it was, that she felt no sense of danger, only this unseen presence, yet no one was ever there; not even Mrs. Norris.

Harry just took it in stride, shrugging it off to a peculiarity native to Hogwarts and her lack of sleep. She had been hiding the dark circles under her eyes with make up and went about her daily routine as usual, until one day after Transfiguration class. Malfoy was in a bad mood, having gotten on Professor McGonagall's bad side, and was loudly complaining after class. Harry liked the stern old witch, and as head of Gryffindor House, she owed the Professor her loyalty.

"That stupid bitch McGonagall made a fool out of me in class today," Draco complained to his friends, Crabbe and Goyle, as they walked towards the dungeon stairs for Potions class. "She took my broom and turned it into a jackass, but she didn't do that to Potter's," he said vehemently. "She turned Potter's into a sleek white stallion. You know what she can do with that broom don't you? For that matter so can Potter, no wonder she rides it so well," he laughed harshly, pleased with the implication.

"That's rich, Draco," Crabbe agreed maliciously, "they can 'Ride the Pony' any time they want to."

"Why bother with transformation," Goyle grinned, "when all they need to use are their broom handles."

They found the whole idea deliciously funny and kept it up knowing Harry and Ron were following them. They had overheard the entire conversation and didn't miss the sexual innuendo, causing them both to become angry, but it was Ron who acted first, feeling it was his duty as a gentleman.

"Knock it off Malfoy," he yelled, deliberately bumping into him, causing Draco to drop his books.

"Ron, don't..." Harry called too late, as Malfoy pulled out his wand, directing it towards Ron.

"Boils Epidermis Eruptus," Malfoy recited, as Ron ducked, and a stream of blue light hit Crabbe. Almost immediately huge red sores started erupting out of his skin, oozing foul smelling pus.

Malfoy then dove towards Harry, who deftly avoided him by dodging to the right, and catching his leg with her foot, caused him to fall onto his face. By this time they were surrounded by a large group of students from both houses, who were egging them all on, as Goyle grabbed Ron and put him into a head lock. None of them saw either Professor Snape or McGonagall coming towards them at a run.

"Potter and Malfoy!" Snape exclaimed angrily.

"Stop this fighting immediately," Professor McGonagall yelled sharply.

"Petrificus Totalus!" Snape directed his wand towards the fighting students and they all froze in place.

"That will be quite enough!" Professor McGonagall informed the group, her brogue thick with anger. "All of you get onto class immediately," she waved her arms at the crowd of students who had been watching the foray. They moved away rapidly, not wanting to incur any more of her anger.

"What is the meaning of this?" Snape asked icily, his eyes glittering dangerously.

"I'm going to release you and then Professor McGonagall will escort you all to the Headmaster's Office. Mr. Crabbe she will drop you off at the Infirmary on the way so Madame Pomfrey can see to your skin," Snape informed them coldly, waving his wand

"Malfoy started it!" Ron blurted out before Malfoy could say anything.

"Harry! Ron!" Hermione panted running up the hall. She had missed the altercation in the hallway, having stopped to see Professor Flitwick, following Transfiguration. "What ever is going on?"

"Miss Granger, I suggest you get down to the dungeon since you are already late for class, and mind your own business," Snape threatened looking down his nose at her.

"Hermione, do as Professor Snape says, this is no concern of yours," Professor McGonagall added.

"Yes, Ma'am," Hermione reluctantly agreed heading in the direction of the dungeon.

"Minerva, will you tell the Headmaster I will be right up?" Snape addressed the Deputy Head Mistress. "I want to get the students started organizing the necessary ingredients for their potions.

"Of course, Severus...as head of Slytherin House you should be present... since Slytherin students are involved," she replied haughtily looking at him shrewdly.

Professor Snape merely nodded, gliding swiftly down the corridor without a sound, as Professor McGonagall directed the disobedient group upstairs, leaving Mr. Crabbe off in the infirmary before going to Dumbledore's office.

Professor Snape rejoined the group by the time they had reached the Headmaster's Office. Harry knew he was furious and he glared at both Draco and Harry as they were ushered in to see Professor Dumbledore.

"Headmaster, these students were observed fighting in the hallway," Professor McGonagall explained to the Headmaster. "Mr. Crabbe was also involved and is now being treated in the infirmary for a case of boils. He was hit with a misdirected curse from Mr. Malfoy."

"Thank you for bringing them to my office, Minerva. Do you know what started the altercation?"

"No, we haven't yet had a chance to question them," she said, indicating Professor Snape.

"Very well, Minerva. If you would be so kind as to take Mister Malfoy and Mister Goyle into the other room and get their version of the story, Severus and I will talk with Mr. Weasley and Miss Potter. Let's see what they have to say to the Head of their rival houses," Dumbledore directed shrewdly, as the students exchanged glances among one another.

Professor McGonagall nodded her understanding, herding the two Slytherin students into the other room, closing the door behind her. Dumbledore merely sat behind his desk, hands arched beneath his chin as he rested his elbows on the desk, and nodded to Professor Snape to begin questioning Harry and Ron.

"Tell me, Miss Potter, who began the incident?" he asked coldly. Harry didn't answer, but looked over at Ron, who was shifting uncomfortably, and trying to avoid looking over at Snape. "It seems you've lost your voice, perhaps you've contracted a case of laryngitis? Or maybe you've just forgotten how the incident started? If I give you some Veritaserum it will jog your memory," Snape interrogated her as he watched Dumbledore to make sure he was not overstepping his authority.

"Be my guest, but you won't like the answers," Harry told him defiantly. She knew Dumbledore wouldn't allow it and had let Snape have his say to gauge their reactions, but she didn't like to be threatened.

"That little bit of cheek will cost Gryffindor fifty points, Miss Potter," Snape rasped, his voice dripping acid.

"Why not just ask Professor Dumbledore to have all our points voided since you think I'm the one who started the whole thing," Harry said, her voice rising angrily as she took a step towards him without thinking.

"Take care, Miss Potter, you're treading on dangerous ground," he said looking down at her, his face impassive, but his dark eyes were burning like hot coals.

"For someone who professes to want to protect me so much, you're awfully quick to threaten me," Harry responded shaking with anger. "Potter and Malfoy were fighting in the hall so it's automatically Potter's fault. Wake up Snape...The Junior Death Eater is just like daddy. He'll go out of his way to get me into trouble and you just keep letting him get away with it!" Harry screamed slapping Professor Snape in the face as six years of frustration erupted like a flood.

Snape didn't move a muscle, merely looked at Harry in astonishment. Professor Dumbledore rose from behind his desk as Ron looked on in shock.

"Severus, are you all right?" Dumbledore inquired. He knew the slap hadn't injured him, but wanted to be sure Snape had his anger under control.

"I'm fine, Headmaster," Snape said placing his hands behind his back.

"Professor...I...," Harry began unable to find words to explain her behavior. She was numb inside. She looked to Professor Dumbledore for support, but none was forthcoming. She could feel his anger; his usually warm blue eyes had gone cold. Harry knew she had overstepped her bounds. She felt alone and confused, and sank down onto the floor. Placing her arms around her knees she began to tremble violently, when Ron spoke up out of concern for his friend.

"Professor Snape, Headmaster, Harry is innocent of all wrong doing. She tried to stop me. I started the whole thing."

"You Mr. Weasley?" Snape questioned sarcastically.

"Yes," Ron answered with more confidence than he felt, "I knocked the books out of Draco's arms."

"Ron, was this done deliberately?" Dumbledore asked patiently, all the while observing Harry's unusual behavior.

"Ron, don't..." Harry sobbed faintly, still sitting on the floor.

"Harry, Draco deserved it. I know you'd rather not say anything, but I don't want to see you punished for something you were trying to stop."

"Ron...I hit Professor Snape...I"

"Hell Harry," Ron interrupted before she could say anything else, "we've all wanted to give him a good kick in the ass at one time or another. You just did it, and if it hadn't been you it would have been someone else whose buttons he likes to push, like Neville. You always say he does it just to get us to think, so maybe if he knew why you lost control he would understand." Ron kneeled down beside her on the floor, looking up at the Potions Master as he continued," I know you're upset and embarrassed, but there will always be guys who say stuff like that. You were in the boys dorm long enough to know that," he said in an effort to elicit a smile, but failed. "Malfoy, and his friends are crude jerks, and you know damn well that he's not going to tell McGonagall what he said about the two of you."

"Ron...please don't...it's not fair. You'll end up in trouble and somehow Malfoy and his crew will get off again."

"Not this time, Harry. Even Professor Snape won't sit still for Malfoy's remarks. For all his bad tempers I've never known him not to behave like a gentleman. Rude and arrogant at times, but he would never say what they did, especially in a public place," Ron asserted nodding as he stood back up to face him.

"Ron, suppose you tell us exactly what did happen," Dumbledore remarked from behind his desk as he studied the boy with admiration. Ron was a good and loyal friend to Harry, and a true Gryffindor.

"Yes Sir," he replied as Harry put her face back down mortified.

Ron calmly recited the entire incident for the Headmaster and Professor Snape. He knew he was in trouble, but his mother's wrath would be worse than anything they might give him for punishment. After Ron had concluded his story, Dumbledore looked over at his Potions Master.

"Severus will you have Minerva bring Malfoy and Goyle back in here please."

"Right away, Headmaster," Snape replied looking at him with understanding, knocking on the door to the other room. "Minerva," he said when she responded, "The Headmaster requests that you come back in now."

"Did these two say anything to you, Professor McGonagall?' Dumbledore asked when she entered.

"They merely said Draco was minding his own business when Mr. Weasley attacked him."

"Mr. Malfoy, did you do anything at all to provoke Mr. Weasley?" Professor Snape asked tersely.

"No Sir," Malfoy feigned innocently as Goyle shook his head negatively, "we were just walking down to Potions."

"So you didn't make any remarks about Professor McGonagall and her broomstick?" Snape's voice dripped venom as Professor McGonagall looked on with interest.

"Well...um..."Goyle sputtered.

"Shut up you fool," Draco said furiously, nudging him in the ribs.

"This is quite serious," Dumbledore interjected, "your remarks were rude and inexcusable. Severus, I want fifty points each deducted from Slytherin House immediately, and that includes Mr. Crabbe," he directed his Potions Master, referring to the injured boy. "In addition, all three boys will write a letter of apology to both Professor McGonagall and Miss Potter. It will be no less than one hundred words in length and will be reviewed by me prior to their being delivered. Finally, they will do a full week of detention, to be determined by Professor McGonagall."

"Yes Headmaster," Snape acquiesced as he glared at the two boys, "the two of you are to get down to class, and had better have your ingredients properly laid out by the time I get there. Pick up Mr. Crabbe on your way, and he is to do the same," he told them furiously as they scrambled for the stairs. He liked Professor McGonagall, even though they had their differences, and he had a good deal of respect for the witch.

"Albus... Severus..."she said looking from one to the other, "what did they do?"

"Minerva, I won't tell you the details. Suffice it to say they made a number of off color remarks about you and Harry," Dumbledore explained not wanting to cause his Deputy Head Mistress any embarrassment.

"So Mr. Weasley and Miss Potter are innocent of any wrong doing?" she questioned hopefully.

"Not entirely, Minerva. Mr. Weasley started the foray defending both of your honors," Dumbledore smiled, "however, he should have exercised better self control in a public place so fifty points will be taken from Gryffindor, and you will do this Friday evening's detention with Professor Snape. I believe he usually has someone clean the dungeon," Dumbledore looked at Snape who arched his brow in amusement.

"Yes Sir," Ron answered with a nod, "but what about Harry?" he asked worriedly, looking to where she still sat on the floor. She hadn't moved the whole time he had been speaking with the two professors, and Dumbledore and Snape both knew his concern was genuine.

"We'll deal with Miss Potter, I expect you to get to class and be prepared as well when I get there," Snape told him sternly.

"Yes Professor Snape."

No one spoke until Ron had left the office, when Professor McGonagall asked, "Albus, what ever is going on, why is Harry sitting on the floor?"

"Harry slapped Severus in the face. She became so distraught that she just sat down and hasn't moved since," Dumbledore explained. "Harry, do you have anything to say in your defense?"

Harry didn't move or look up. Her breathing was even and regular, so they knew she wasn't crying, but she appeared to be ignoring them.

"Miss Potter, the Headmaster is speaking to you," Snape said harshly, annoyed by her attitude towards Dumbledore.

"Miss Potter, Harry, you need to talk to us," Professor McGonagall said in her crisp accent as she gently touched Harry's arm. Harry jerked her head up startled, wide-eyed with fright.

"Voldemort...no," she cried out confused and frightened. As her eyes flew open, she groped for her wand, as Professor Snape grabbed her by the wrist. "Professors...?" she questioned as her vision cleared and Snape released his grip. She stood up unsteadily, still unsure of what had just happened.

"My God, Albus, look at the child. She's totally exhausted. The poor girl fell asleep," Professor McGonagall said studying Harry. "Look at the circles under her eyes; she probably hasn't slept in days," she told him indicating the dark rings where Harry's make up had been smeared off. "It's no wonder she went off on Severus, her nerves must be frayed to the breaking point."

"Harry,' Dumbledore spoke up quietly, "this still doesn't excuse your behavior, but it does help to explain it."

"Headmaster, if I may intervene of Miss Potter's behalf," Snape said slowly, studying Harry astutely. "I am uninjured, and I believe she hasn't been sleeping well since she and I returned from London," he informed his friend, aware that he would catch his meaning, as he refrained from mentioning the Prophecy aloud.

"Is this true, Harry?" Dumbledore expressed with concern as she looked at the three professors.

"Does it really matter Professor?" she responded lamely. She didn't really care what happened to her anymore. The whole wizarding world believed in The Prophecy and in her ability to defeat Voldemort. Too bad she didn't believe in herself. The nightmares and lack of sleep had begun to destroy her confidence.

"Minerva," Dumbledore frowned, "will you go and get Remus Lupin for us, and then see to Severus' class. I'll fill you in after I've decided on an appropriate disciplinary action for Harry."

Dumbledore did not explain why he wished to involve the other Professor, but Minerva McGonagall was a clever woman, and suspected it had something to do with the Prophecy.

"I'll see to it immediately, Albus,"she replied looking at her dejected young Gryffindor. In the six years since Harry had been at Hogwarts, she had never seen the child so withdrawn and lost. "Should I tell Professor Lupin what's happened?'

"Yes, and tell Professor Sinestra to cover his First Year class." Professor McGonagall hurried from the room and Harry could see the concern etched into her face as Dumbledore redirected his attention back to her. "Harry, I'm still waiting for an answer to my question. When was the last time you got any sleep?"

'I...can't really remember...I...the nightmares..." she stammered, shifting uneasily, under the gaze of Dumbledore's intense blue eyes.

Snape was immediately alert, and his back straightened even further. "Nightmares, Miss Potter? What kind of nightmares?"

Harry didn't answer. She didn't want them to know she was worried.

"Miss Potter," Snape began slowly, gritting his teeth against losing his patience, "I suggest you..." He didn't get to finish the sentence for at that moment there was a sharp knock and the door opened revealing Remus Lupin.

"My apologies, Headmaster, for not waiting for your permission to enter, but I felt the urgency of the situation warranted ..."

"That's all right, Remus," Dumbledore interrupted, waving him into the room, "there is no need to apologize. It seems Harry is reluctant to talk to us."

"It seems Miss Potter has been having nightmares for some time," Snape informed him with a meaningful stare.

"Albus..." Remus started, but stopped as he got a good look at Harry. "My God Harry, you look awful. Albus, how could we have missed this?"

"Harry has very cleverly been hiding the circles under her eyes with makeup. It appears she has been quite skillful at it too," Dumbledore explained shrewdly, examining Harry's worn features for the second time.

"Harry,' Remus said, putting his arm around her shoulders, "don't be frightened. We're just trying to help. Tell us what's been going on." His werewolf senses had alerted him to the smell of fear and confusion as soon as he had entered the room.

"Remus," she said sagging into his arms, "I think I 'm going crazy."

"Crazy, Miss Potter?" Professor Snape asked with a nagging feeling of dread.

"It's all right, Harry," Dumbledore attempted to reassure her, "just tell us why you think you're going out of your mind."

"Nightmares...every night... and I think I'm being followed."

"Followed, Miss Potter, by whom?"

"I don't know who's following me. Can I sit down?" Harry asked timidly.

"Come, child, over on the sofa," Dumbledore directed, his demeanor softening, "now why do you believe you're being followed?"

Remus helped Harry to settle herself on the sofa, wrapping the blanket throw around her. He could feel her skin was ice cold, and knew it would also offer her a sense of security. He then sat down beside her in a show of support to help bolster her confidence. Dumbledore remained at his desk and Snape moved over to stand by the fireplace.

"Now answer Albus question, Harry. Why are you so sure you're being followed?"

"Because I can sense someone's presence," Harry told them shifting uncomfortably as the men glanced at each other.

"Do you feel threatened in any way?" Snape pursed his lips thoughtfully.

"No, not really...at first I thought it might be Peeves, but it's not."

"How do you know it's not Peeves?" Lupin inquired calmly, as he watched her expression.

"It's hard to explain..."Harry began, choosing her words carefully, "do you remember when you told me you could scent me?"

"Yes, so can Sirius, go on."

"I think it's kind of the same thing, only instead of smell I can sort of 'feel' a person's aura."

"Are you certain it's a human being?" Professor Snape asked his dark eyes boring into her.

"Yes, I'm sure."

"How do you know Child? For that matter how long has this been happening to you?" Dumbledore seemed concerned, but Harry could still sense his anger, although it wasn't as pronounced as it had been earlier.

"I know because people and animals feel different. I remember Sirius once said that the Dementors couldn't feel him the same way when he was in dog form. That's what helped to keep him sane in Azkaban and helped him to survive. I can feel animals, but it's a different kind of energy, like when I was able to sense Remus' wolf."

"This is definitely a person," Remus said looking at her with interest, "not one of the castle ghosts?"

"No, it's not a ghost. They feel cold and clammy, depending on their incorporeal circumstances. And to answer Professor Dumbledore's question it started the night I read the Prophecy. I felt like someone else was in the room with us, but I just assumed it was Fawkes, even though it didn't feel right, and passed if off as nerves. Then, I felt it again later that night. I was up on the roof star gazing because I couldn't sleep; you know the place, by the missing gargoyle. Well, on the way up through the third floor tower, I felt like I was being followed."

Snape shifted his weight as the men looked at each other again in silent communication. "You've continued to have these feelings all this time, Miss Potter, and told no one?"

"I knew you'd all think I was losing my mind," Harry said growing distraught all over again.

"Hush Child, you're not crazy," Dumbledore reassured her.

"No, Harry, you're just more perceptive than we all realized."

"I don't understand," she stated looking at Remus perplexed.

"Headmaster, I think we need to give Harry an explanation," Professor Lupin said rising.

"I agree. Severus are you in accordance with us?"

"It would seem the wise thing to do."

"Very well, how long will you be, Remus?"

"It will only take me a minute," Professor Lupin said as he went over to the door and stepped out. He was back in less than five minutes.

Harry watched him with curiosity, wondering what was going on. As he resumed his seat she shifted uneasily, and looked beyond him. She could 'feel' another presence in the room. She stood up slowly, aware that the three men were watching her, and moved over towards Dumbledore's desk. She paused for a moment, and then moved halfway to the office door. Her heart was beating faster, and she instinctively reached out. She could feel the soft folds of an invisibility cloak. Grasping it firmly, she gave a hard tug, and jumped back in shock.

"I didn't mean to get you upset, Harry, and what's this I hear about you slapping Snape in the face?" Sirius asked, trying hard to sound stern, but was unable to keep from smiling. 'Hell, the SOB probably deserved it,' he thought to himself.

"Sirius... you all lied to me!" Harry exclaimed incredulous. "How could you do such a thing?" She was shaking from anger, hurt, and confusion, and her nerves were visibly frayed.

"Child, sit down and let me explain," Dumbledore said firmly, as Sirius steered his obviously distraught and exhausted goddaughter back to the couch. "First off we didn't lie about Minister Fudge. He did want to put the Dementors around the school. The Order was able to stop him, along with the Board of Governors. There were enough votes to override his decision. While all this was going on we all felt that Sirius should disappear again for his own safety, but he's as stubborn as you, and didn't want to leave you just now. So I gave him the invisibility cloak that was stored in with the Pensive and set up a room on the third floor in one of the storage areas. He's been keeping watch at night, without having to transform, and risk being seen, in an effort to protect you."

"Why wasn't I told?"

"We all agreed that if you knew Sirius was still here you might tell someone and unintentionally put him at risk."

"In other words I couldn't be trusted. I could live for almost sixteen years pretending to be a boy, and never tell a soul, but I couldn't be relied on to keep Sirius whereabouts a secret," Harry whispered, feeling her eyes fill up with tears.

"Of course we trust you," Sirius said, trying to put his arm around her in an effort to comfort her, but she shrank away from him. 'Oh, Merlin,' he thought worriedly, 'I've lost her trust. All I wanted was to try and protect her from Voldemort.'

"Sirius didn't mean to mislead you. He just wanted to keep the Dementors from using you to get to him. When it was decided not to put them around the school, he was in a better position to keep watch if you didn't know he was here," Professor Lupin responded logically.

"You can be sure the Dementors would have done so, Miss Potter. You've only had limited experiences with them, but they would have drained you of any feeling you possessed. They have ways of making people talk. I know...I've worked with them."

"Severus is right Child, and as an Empath you're particularly susceptible to their hungers. They are drawn to you like a moth to a flame."

"I'd go back to Azkaban if I thought it would keep you safe," Sirius said, his brown puppy like eyes meeting her green ones.

"Don't ever say that!" she replied sensing his concern for her was genuine, finally allowing him to comfort her. "You're still not out of the doghouse yet," she whispered in his ear, so that the others wouldn't hear. "It wasn't very nice to follow me up to the roof and listen to my worries about you."

"I promise I'll make it up to you," he whispered back. Inside his heart was in turmoil. He knew she wouldn't scan his emotions unless he gave her permission, and was grateful for it. His feelings about Harry were out of control. She was his goddaughter, but he wanted more. 'Just keep telling yourself she's too young yet, give her time to finish growing up. You've nothing to offer her right now but a life on the run. Oh, James, why did you do this to me?'

"Now that we're done with this Muggle greeting card moment," Snape interrupted their whispering sarcastically, "I believe we still have some disciplinary action to hand out." He didn't like their secrecy but refused to admit that he was jealous.

"Now, Severus, calm down. Harry knows that what she did was wrong and that she will have to be punished, despite the extenuating circumstances," Dumbledore admonished looking over his half-moon spectacles at all of them. "Sirius, wipe that scowl off your face. You and Severus may not always see eye to eye, but the fact of the matter is Harry did slap him without provocation. I will not condone anyone, student or otherwise, to commit a violent act against another person while in this building," the warning note was unmistakable in his voice.

"Albus," Professor Lupin began, "you're not going to expel her are you?" If that were the case, he would resign immediately and take Harry and Sirius home with him. He didn't have much, but what he did have was theirs if they needed it. Sirius was his best friend, and like it or not, he was becoming quite fond of Harry.

"No, Remus, you can relax," Dumbledore answered with the ghost of a smile. "As Headmaster it's my duty to maintain order, and as such, sometimes I have to mete out punishments." He rose from his desk and moved over to where Harry sat beside Remus and Sirius. "You, my dear child," he remarked, placing his hand on her head, "have a tendency to cause an old man to worry more than he needs to."

Harry could sense his affection for her and knew that he was no longer angry. She met his eyes and saw that the familiar sparkle was back. She was curious though about what he planned to do next. She knew he was up to something, and she wasn't going to be let off with a letter of apology and a weekend of detention.

"Now Harry, I saw several things today," he said looking down at her. "You are loyal and protective of those you care about, and you'll stand up for what you believe to be the truth. These are true Gryffindor attributes," Dumbledore beamed, "however you also have a good deal of Slytherin in you as well. You're cunning, and smart, and know how to attain your desires, but you need to learn how to control that part of you, and...you need to regain your self confidence."

"Professor?" she questioned. Harry didn't know how he knew she didn't believe she could really fight and defeat Voldemort, but true to his nature, he did.

"So...there will be no Saturday trips to Hogsmeade unless you need to replenish personal items. Then you will be accompanied by either me, Professor Lupin and Snuffles or Professor Snape for your own safety. Is that clear?"

"Yes Sir."

"You will be given private tutoring by both Severus and Remus. Professor Snape will work on advanced potions with you and both of them will teach you advanced techniques to protect yourself from the Dark Arts. Finally, even though Sirius isn't on my actual payroll, he has a genuine talent for transfiguration. You will spend Sunday's working with him and I will also come and give you some advanced charms to work on. This way Sirius gets to spend some time with you and we can all keep an eye on you. You will also be expected to keep up with your regular studies. Do you understand?"

"Yes Sir." Harry was secretly pleased, and had the feeling Dumbledore knew it as he returned to his desk.

"Now, today is Thursday," he continued as he resumed his seat, "you're both physically and emotionally exhausted. Therefore I'm excusing you from classes for the remainder of today and tomorrow. I'll see that you get your homework. I want you to spend this time sleeping and relaxing in your room. You are not to go to the common room or down to the Great Hall for meals. The house elves will see that you get a tray. We will all take turns keeping an eye on you. In short, you are under house arrest until I decide otherwise," he said with a wave of his hand. "I'm going to have Professor Snape bring you up some of his sleeping potion. You are to go right to bed and take it. This way you will be able to sleep without being disturbed by any more nightmares. Now Harry, in the future, tell us of any dreams, now matter how trivial, about Voldemort," he finished sternly.

"I will Professor," Harry replied quietly, her voice echoing her exhaustion.

"Severus, if you will go get the potion and stay with Harry after she takes it I would appreciate it. Madam Hooch can fill in for the rest of your afternoon classes."

"Yes Headmaster," he answered smugly as he moved swiftly to the door. Harry knew he was pleased with her punishment, and wondered if it was because he was getting to teach her about the Dark Arts.

"Remus you and 'Snuffles' escort Harry to her room and see that she gets settled in until Severus returns with the sleeping potion. Then come back and we will work out a schedule for her."

"Come on, you naughty pup," Sirius teased smirking, "you're being put on a leash because you landed in the dog house. It's off to bed with you." He transformed and the three of them left the office.

When they reached Harry's room, she uttered her password, "wildflowers," and they entered. Dropping her backpack by the desk, she went over to her dresser and chose a nightgown, while Professor Lupin lit a fire in the hearth.

"That's one thing I've always loved about school," she commented before going into the bathroom to change.

"You should," Remus Lupin replied wryly, "we don't have central heat, and the castle is one thousand years old."

"I love to just sit watching the flames, while my mind wanders."

"Harry have you ever been able to transpose your image into the fire to communicate with another wizard?" Sirius asked. "I know you've seen both me and Dumbledore do it."

"I've never really thought about it. The Dursleys have an electric fire place, and other than Ron's family or you and Dumbledore, there really isn't anyone for me to try it with."

"Well then," he mused, "you're going to learn, but not today. You need to rest. Now go and change your clothes and get into bed. You look as if you will fall asleep standing up."

"I feel like it," Harry agreed going into the bathroom to change into her nightgown. It was a lovely pale blue satin material which seemed to flow with her as she moved. Putting her dirty clothes into the hamper, she returned to her bedroom as a knock sounded on her door. "Enter," she called, knowing it was Professor Snape.

He was carrying a small vial of purple fluid, with a metallic cast that seemed to change with the light. She knew it was the sleeping potion, having taken it after Voldemort's return following the Tri-Wizard Tournament.

"I would have been back sooner," he addressed them all, "but I took the trouble to make the potion more palatable. I added some peppermint flavoring, Miss Potter, to make sure you drink it all. It is quite bitter otherwise; as I'm sure you're aware."

"What no hemlock?" she asked lightly as Sirius snickered at their exchange.

"No, I'm all out. I used arsenic instead," he countered with a straight face.

Climbing into bed, she reached out to take the vial. However, before she could open the stopper, she let out a painful cry, her hand automatically going up to her scar. The three men scrambled to support her.

"My head...Voldemort..." Harry moaned her eyes stinging with unshed tears.

"Albus, we need you now," Snape said into the fire, "Harry's scar is hurting."

"It's all right, Harry" Sirius comforted as he held her, "Albus is on his way."

"It's never been this bad before," she cried as another wave of intense burning pain seared through her head.

"Try and relax, Harry," Professor Lupin told her as he sat down on the bed behind her, and gently began rubbing the back of her neck, while Sirius continued to hold her.
"It's getting worse, please make it stop!" she begged.

"Try and fight through the pain, Miss Potter, just like you would a curse," Snape instructed, coming over and cupping her chin, so their eyes met. "That's right, you're doing fine," he coached, as they maintained eye contact as another wave of intense pain shot through her.

She stiffened visibly, but continued to follow Snape's instruction, while Sirius held her, and Remus massaged her neck.

In the course of these events, Dumbledore came into the room. His keen eyes took in the situation immediately. He was pleased to note how well the three men had responded to the crisis, and that they were all working together. He could see the pain etched into Harry's face, and the tension in her body. He knew Voldemort was up to something major.

"I'm here, Harry, you're going to be all right," Dumbledore's soft voice soothed as he placed his wand to her forehead. He grew even more worried as he saw that the scar now looked like a fresh wound, it was an angry red, as if she had just received it yesterday, not sixteen years hence. Yet, he gave no outward sign of his concern, as he did not wish to alarm her, "Easy now, child, the pain will cease in a minute," he said gently, wiping a stray tear from her cheek. "Severus, is your mark hurting as well?" Dumbledore asked as Harry began to relax, still cradled in Sirius tender embrace.

"No, Headmaster, there is no pain. The Dark Lord is not attempting to summon me."

"Severus, you know better than to lie to me," Dumbledore shook his head, eyeing him astutely, "now give me your arm and explain yourself."

"Humph...wants to run back to the fold no doubt, and tell Voldemort Harry's weakening."

"No, Sirius, he wants to find out what he's planning. In case you don't realize it, Halloween is less than a fortnight away. If I recall the Prophecy correctly, I'm in for a rather bad time," Harry stated interceding on Snape's behalf. She had felt his pain and sensed his plans during their eye contact, which convinced her more than ever that he had some form of telepathic ability.

"Severus, is this true?"

"Yes, Headmaster, I thought that if I answered the summons I could discover his plans, preventing the possible attack on Miss Potter.

"Bad move," Harry said looking at Snape, "that may be just what he wants you to do."

"What makes you say that, Harry?" Lupin asked.

"Look, the four of you are looking at me like I don't know what I'm talking about, but try and think like Voldemort. You're planning something big to get to Potter, and maybe do some other damage as well. So...why not try and lure Snape back and give him faulty information. This way you have a better chance of getting your quarry, because she's less protected. If it works, fine, you not only get rid of Potter, you can kill Snape for being a traitor at the same time. If it doesn't you haven't lost anything, you just go ahead with the original plan anyway."

"Very interesting theory, Harry," Dumbledore replied weighing the possibility over in his mind.

"It's not a theory, Professor!" Harry exclaimed getting exasperated. "One of the reasons you gave me to my aunt an uncle was so I would be able to think like a Muggle. Voldemort, a.k.a. Tom Riddle, was raised in a Muggle orphanage wasn't he?"

"Yes Child, go on, what are you getting at?"

"It's one of the reasons he's so powerful. He thinks and does things like a Muggle. I mean, think about it...how many people has he actually killed himself? He only kills when his Death Eaters fail or he wants to prove a point. It's easier that way. If something goes wrong there's someone else to blame. You then kill the intended victim yourself and punish or kill the person whose job it was supposed to have been in the first place. That's how it's done in the Muggle world. You keep your hands clean as much as possible, using intimidation to keep your followers under control. There's no honor in it and everything's kept hidden under the table. It's not like that in the Wizarding world."

"I'm impressed with your reasoning Harry. I believe you may be right. Severus, give me your arm so that I can relieve your discomfort. Then I want you to sit with Harry while she sleeps."

"Very well, Headmaster," Snape replied doing as Dumbledore requested, exposing the skull and snake tattoo on his left forearm. It was almost black and Dumbledore knew it must be very painful, but Severus showed no outward indication of his discomfort.

"Now drink your sleeping potion, Harry. After you've rested Sirius will come back up and you can dine together in your room. One of us will be with you constantly, in one form or another," he winked at Sirius, "until after All Hallows Eve."

"Sleep well, and I'll be back later," Sirius smiled rising.

"Wait, before you go, there's something for you in that bag over there. Don't open now, wait till later. I think you'll be amused," Harry said indicating the bag she had brought back with her from London. "Now be a good dog and don't bite Professor Snape on the way out, I think he's had enough for one day. Remus can bring the bag for you."

Sirius just laughed and gave Snape a low growl as he transformed and trotted off towards the door.

"Don't worry, I'll take good care of him, and make sure he behaves," Remus teased, going along with the joke, as he followed him out.

"Harry...your potion..," Dumbledore said looking at her over his glasses.

"Miss Potter, sleep well," Professor Snape told her as she picked up the vial and swallowed the contents.

"Good afternoon, Professor...Headmaster...," she mumbled as the potion took effect almost immediately and she sank into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Harry never heard Dumbledore tell Snape to watch for any signs that Voldemort may be attempting to break through into Harry's unconscious and cause her to dream. Nor was she aware of Snape gently tucking the covers in around her and brushing her cheek with a kiss, before he settled down with the book she had given him.

He found the book 'enlightening,' to say the least. It had a recipes for a potion containing cow's dung, that was supposed to improve virility, and others that were made from perfectly ordinary herbs, promising a young woman instant gratification. Of course, it did not say exactly what type of gratification. The thing that really drove him crazy though, was the recipe to create a sleeping potion from pig's feet and corn. It sounded more like an afternoon snack than anything that would put you to sleep! If it worked, it was simply due to having a full stomach. Severus Snape was so amused he actually let out a soft chuckle and wondered what Albus would say if he were to offer him the virility drink. Somehow, he did not think his longevity was due to leading a purely celibate lifestyle.

After he finished reading he made up his mind to write an article, for The Potion Master's Monthly, on the ridiculous things that Muggles believed made up potions. He then sat back and kept a silent vigil on Harry, until Sirius came to relieve him for dinner.