The Mathias Prophecy Book I

THE MATHIAS PROPHECY

PART 7

HALLOWEEN

Halloween morning dawned clear and cold, and Harry awoke feeling refreshed, hoping nothing was actually going to happen. Prophecy or no Prophecy, she was looking forward to the evening's festivities.

She had been working hard on her additional studies. She found the challenge invigorating and stimulating to her mind. She wanted desperately to succeed for Dumbledore, since he never failed to believe in her abilities. Working with the professors and Sirius on a one to one basis was enjoyable and she found herself looking forward to the weekends more than when she could go into Hogsmeade with her friends.

Harry decided that Sirius was even better at transfiguration than Professor McGonagall was. She had started trying to become an animagus in secret, hoping to surprise Sirius, and each night before going to bed, she would attempt the complex spells with various results. She kept trying to become a hawk, after the story she had told Professor Lupin, and she loved to fly, so it only seemed natural. At first, nothing happened, then she gradually got various body parts to change, but she just couldn't get it right. Once she almost had to summon help, when she couldn't get her arms to change back from wings. Another time, Hermione almost caught her with talons instead of feet, and she had to jump into bed, sliding her feet beneath the blankets, before allowing her to enter. Her feathers also kept coming out in various colors, and her nose would become a beak, but her head wouldn't change. The beak also seemed to be wrong somehow, and she was worried her hawk was going to turn out to be a chicken. Still, she kept trying. If her father and his friends could do it, she felt she should be able to also. True, it may have taken them three years to do it, but they had started when they were younger, and not as skilled as Harry was now.

Harry also found her Defense Against the Dark Arts training to be more than she had expected. The two men would often startle her with unseen or unfamiliar creatures. She had met her first Banshee, and an evil Genie, and been attacked by a Leprechaun who was told she was trying to steal his gold. They also used the Bogart several times, to make her practice the Patronus Spell to perfection. However, the thing she really didn't like to do was to try to fight through curses. She felt like she was back in her fourth year, when Barty Crouch had posed as Professor Mad Eye Moody, the former Auror, and would hit them with curses to see how they responded. Of course, it was more to gauge Harry's ability at the time, but it brought back too many unpleasant memories.

Both Professors knew this, but told her it was more necessary now, since Voldemort knew she had such a strong will. Being able to fight the curse would help to buy her time, should either the Death Eaters or The Dark Lord himself corner her. It was often painful and frustrating, and Snape often would push her endurance to the limit. He would later explain that Voldemort enjoyed watching others writhe in pain, and if she could tolerate the curses, she might be able to hold on long enough to escape. It had gotten to the point where she would walk into class with a feeling of dread, but still they persisted, until she finally got so angry that she not only avoided Snape's' Cruciatus curse, she hit him with one of her own, sending him flying into one of the dungeon work tables, while ducking another one from Professor Lupin.

She immediately ran over to him, as Professor Lupin stood grinning with pleasure at the sight. Harry was petrified she would not only be in trouble, but that Snape might be injured. To her utter astonishment, he just fought through the curse, got up, and gave her one of his rare smiles.

"Very good, Miss Potter, you avoided us both, and actually hit me," he said patting her on the shoulder to alleviate her concerns.

She had also been working with Snape on Advanced Potions, normally not even considered until the seventh year. He had allowed her to choose any potion she knew was extremely difficult to prepare. He would then work with her until she got it right. He was more than a little surprised when she chose the Wolfbane Potion for Professor Lupin.

"It might be a good idea if more than one person around here knows how to do it in case of emergency," she had told him truthfully. "I know you still feel uncomfortable with him at times."

He had merely nodded and warned her that very few Potions Masters could mix the complex series of ingredients correctly, but he was secretly pleased that she was willing to try something so difficult.

Finally, there was the time she spent working with Professor Dumbledore. Harry was fascinated with his ability to perform any charm she could think of. He was almost as difficult a taskmaster as Snape, only without the temper tantrums. He liked to make up games with her. He had beamed with pleasure when she had made a miniature copy of Hogwarts appear, complete with Whomping Willow and the squid in the lake.

She had felt a burst of pride when he had told her that she had not only inherited her mother's ability with charms, she had surpassed it. Her self-confidence had been bolstered in only two weeks. She knew she had the ability to continue to hold her own against Voldemort.

As she dressed for the Halloween Feast, she kept thinking about how much fun it was going to be. The students had been delighted when Dumbledore had decided to make it a costume party with music and dancing. Prizes were to be awarded for the best costumes. While Harry didn't believe her costume was too interesting, she felt one of her escorts was going to cause a stir.

True to his word, Dumbledore had not left her alone since what she came to call "the Broomstick Incident." She had done a lot of begging and pleading with him, and Professor Lupin had looked askance, but they had finally agreed to her idea. Sirius, forever the practical joker, had loved it. Snape of course, was furious, and felt it was far too dangerous.

She was to have Professor Snape and Dumbledore keep watch during the festivities, and 'Snuffles' would keep guard out on the grounds hidden in the shrubbery. Professor Lupin would accompany her, as she went as Little Red Riding Hood. It was to be a full moon, and he would go in his wolf form, for the early part of the evening. Afterwards, she would bring him to 'Snuffles' and they would go into the forest. Since not all the students knew he was a werewolf, she had planned to pass him off as a Siberian Husky, since they were often used in films, instead of actual wolves, due to the close similarity. If anyone asked, she would say that Hagrid had borrowed him from a friend. While most of the older students knew he was a werewolf many of the younger ones did not, and Professor Lupin preferred to maintain that part of his life in privacy.

As she completed getting dressed to go down to breakfast, there was a knock on her door.

"Who's there," she called, expecting Dumbledore, but Ron and Hermione answered instead. She quickly went over and opened the door.

"Hey Harry," Ron bubbled with excitement entering the room, "are you ready for tonight's festivities?"

"Sure am," she grinned back at him mischievously.

"What are you going as?" Hermione asked eyeing her curiously.

"She won't say. I've been trying to get it out of her all week."

"Sorry you two, its top secret, but I know you will both love it."

"I can't believe they're letting you go," Hermione stated seriously, "you could have been expelled for slapping Professor Snape."

"Are you kidding? Dumbledore knows how Snape can get, and there was Harry, totally pissed off because he practically accused her of attacking Malfoy."

"Ahem," Dumbledore cleared his voice from the door. They had been so busy talking they hadn't heard his knock.

"Good morning, Professor Dumbledore," Harry greeted him, her cheeks burning.

"Good morning, Harry, I see your two biggest fans have gotten here before me," he said, focusing his blue eyes firmly on Ron.

"Good morning, Professor," he mumbled in embarrassment.

"Hello, Headmaster, you look wonderful today. Are those new robes?" Hermione asked cheerfully in an attempt to change the conversation.

"No, Hermione, they're not, but thank you for the compliment."

"Did you ever feel like you've been caught with your hand in the cookie jar?" Harry giggled.

"Tell me about it," Ron responded guiltily.

"It seems I have another generation of Gryffindors who love getting into mischief," Dumbledore smiled, as Ron let out a sigh of relief, "the only difference is that this time it's two girls and a boy."

"Are you insinuating that my mother was a mischief maker?"

"Right up there with your father and Sirius. Remus kept them all from getting into worse trouble. He always kept a level head on his shoulders."

"How about that, Harry, it seems your mum was just as much into fun as you!" Ron laughed.

"You know Professor, I don't know too much about my mother. She and aunt Petunia did not get along. Most people always compare me to my father since we look so much alike. I'll bet you could tell me some interesting stories."

"How about we talk after your Charms lesson with me this week?" he offered, seeing the hopeful look in her eyes. "I think you'll find that the two of you have a lot more in common than just those green eyes."

"That's even better than getting a N.E.W.T. from Professor Snape!" she said, referring to the school's highest grade as they all laughed. Everyone knew the Potions Master rarely ever gave such a high grade, even to the Slytherins.

"Now young Gryffindors, how about we all go down to the Great Hall for breakfast? I'm famished."

"I'll vote for that Professor," Ron grinned.

He was always hungry these days. Harry supposed it was because he was growing again. His uniform trousers were starting to get short, along with his robes. Harry suspected he was going to be at least six feet tall, and he was already towering over her slight frame of five feet four. She knew he was self-conscious since most of his clothes were hand me downs, from his elder brothers. Harry decided she would buy him some new clothes for Christmas, to go with his mother's traditional hand knit sweaters that she had sent ever since Harry and Ron had met. She smiled to herself at the memory of her first Hogwarts Christmas, when she had received her first two real presents; the invisibility cloak from Dumbledore and the sweater from Ron's mother.

"What are you smiling about, Harry?" Hermione questioned as they went down the corridor towards the main staircase to the Great Hall.

"I'm just thinking about what to give everyone for Christmas this year."

"I'll worry about Christmas later; right now I'm focused on tonight's feast!" Ron told them. "My mouth is watering just thinking about all that good food."

"Be grateful you're even going," Hermione rebuked him. "That howler your mum sent was absolutely scathing. I thought for a moment she was going to Apparate right out of the envelope and box your ears."

"Don't remind me. Mum's howlers are far worse than the detention I did with Professor Snape!"

"She almost came down to Hogwarts, Ron," Dumbledore informed him with a twinkle in his eye, "I convinced her not to. I made her understand your intentions were honourable."

"Professor, you're wonderful. I owe you one," Ron shook his head gratefully. "It's not easy to convince Mum of anything."

"Has she told you that she will be here for the Christmas Holiday? Your parents are planning to spend Christmas with the twins in Hogsmeade. I believe your mother is still trying to convince them to give up the magic shop and go to work for the Ministry. They will all be coming to dinner here at Hogwarts. They're especially looking forward to meeting the "new" Harry," Dumbledore teased placing his hand on Harry's head and ruffling her hair.

"I've got to give it to you Harry. You even fooled Mum and Dad."

"I hope they weren't too angry," Harry replied anxiously.

"Not at all, Child, after they got over the initial shock Molly Weasley felt really bad that you had to be disguised as a boy all these years. As a matter of fact, I got a bit of a howler from her myself," he confessed, laughing at the memory of Molly's fury that poor Harry not only had to be raised by Muggles, she had to be made to act like a boy!

"Professor Dumbledore, Harry won't tell us about her costume for tonight. You wouldn't happen to know what it is, would you?" Hermione asked trying to wheedle it out of him.

"That, my dear, is top secret. My lips are sealed. However, in the true Gryffindor style of mischief, I know you'll both enjoy it," he smiled mysteriously. "Ah...we've arrived...enjoy your breakfast, children. Oh, and Harry, classes may be cancelled today, but you still have a private lesson this morning with Professor Snape," Dumbledore reminded her.

"I know. Nine o'clock sharp in the dungeon."

"Very well, I'll see you all later," Dumbledore said withdrawing to the head table.

The three friends nodded good-bye to the Headmaster and took their places at the Gryffindor table for breakfast, before resuming their conversation.

"How's your costume coming, Hermione?" Harry asked. She had been so busy with her private lessons she hadn't had time to go and see for herself.

"Terrific, I'm going as Little Bo Peep, you know. Professor McGonagall showed me a quick way to transform my broom into a staff, and I got a stuffed lamb in Hogsmead. I charmed it so it would bleat whenever I touch the head. My mother got me the hat and dress from a costumer she knows. She did an emergency root canal on her, and the woman was only too pleased to return the favor," Hermione explained referring to the fact that her parents were dentists.

"How about your costume, Ron?"

"I'm going as a knight! Brings back memories, eh Harry? McGonagall is letting me use the knight to ride from her giant chess set. She also got me some chainmail to wear over my clothes. My brother Charlie gave me his old Dragons hide boots to complete the outfit," Ron beamed with excitement. "Come on Harry...tell us your costume."

"At least give us a hint," Hermione pouted.

"Sorry, Dumbledore made me promise. I will tell you this though;" she said lowering her voice conspiratorially, "Professor Snape hates it!"

"Harry, what on earth are you up to? I thought Snape was helping to guard you tonight?" Hermione asked puzzled by this information.

"He is, but he doesn't like my costume. Dumbledore over ruled him though, so he has to put up with it," Harry grinned wickedly. "He was even more miserable when Dumbledore told him the teachers have to wear costumes too."

"What's he going as? Do you know?" Ron asked with interest.

"Zorro, that way he can still be comfortable in black."

"Do you think he'll have a real sword?"

"It's called a rapier, Ron," Hermione corrected.

"Well is he bringing one?" Ron questioned ignoring her.

"I think so. I'm not sure. He's a stinker for authenticity though, so I would venture to guess that he would.

"Ah Ha! You're going as the Commandant's niece, how romantic," Hermione guessed.

"Sorry, wrong again. You'll both just have to wait and see," Harry said slyly, with a coquettish tilt to her head.

Their conversation was interrupted by a commotion at the head table. They all sat watching curiously as Professor McGonagall and the Headmaster hurriedly excused themselves. Harry noted Professor Snape had not yet come in to the Great Hall to eat. Professor Lupin was absent since he was resting as it was a full moon, and Trelawney always ate in her room except at the beginning and end of the year.

"I wonder what's going on," Hermione said studying the instructors thoughtfully.

"I have no idea. Whatever it is, it must be something important, if both Dumbledore and McGonagall left together," Harry answered.

"Harry, you don't think it has something to do with the Prophecy, do you?" Ron demanded with concern. "It is Halloween, you know."

"I don't think so," Hermione interrupted before Harry could respond; "if it did they would have come and gotten Harry."

"Hermione's right. This is something all together different. We'll just have to wait and see what happens."

"Here comes Neville, and he's all excited. Maybe he knows something," Hermione told them studying Neville astutely.

"Hi guys," Neville greeted them bounding up to the table in a huff, "guess what's going on," he said grabbing a muffin. "Professor Snape caught Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle trying on their costumes. You'll never guess what they were coming as!" He said his eyes round with astonishment.

"I don't know, The Three Stooges, maybe?" Harry joked winking at Hermione as she snickered at the joke.

"What? No, who are they?" Neville asked in confusion.

"Never mind Neville, it's a Muggle thing," Ron said shaking his head. He was used to Harry and Hermione teasing him with things they both knew about the Muggles way of life. "What are they coming as?'

"Not what, who," Neville replied now that he had their attention.

"Neville, just get to the point," Ron said growing restless.

"Death Eaters!" Neville responded dramatically.

"What, you're kidding?" Ron gasped choking on a piece of bacon.

"Sounds like something they would do," Harry responded dryly, "how did you find out?"

"I had to go down to Snape's office to turn in the report he had me rewrite. He was just getting ready to come to breakfast. We were coming out of his office when Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle came from the boys' bathroom and rounded the corner heading towards the Slytherin Common Room in full costume; robes, masks, the whole get up. They must have been going to change out of them. Well, anyhow, Snape damn near had apoplexy. I never saw him so angry, and he's always getting mad at me. His face was practically purple. He sent me right off for both Dumbledore and McGonagall, and dragged the three of them into his office before anyone else saw them."

"I'll bet they get expelled," Hermione said with a toss of her head, "it'll serve them right."

"I'll believe it when I see it," Ron replied skeptically.

"I don't know, Ron," Neville replied hopefully, "everybody was pretty upset. Oh, there's Colin and Seamus," he said indicating their other friends. "I'm going to go fill them in, see you guys later," he said, glad to have someone else to relate his news to, and hurried off in the other direction.

"What do you think, Harry," Hermione asked, "do you think they'll get expelled?"

"I doubt it. Remember Malfoy's father is on the Board of Governors. All three of their fathers are also employed in the Ministry of Magic."

"Yeah, and they're also in You Know Who's inner circle, Deatheaters, every one of them," Ron hissed, "too bad no one wants to believe it."

"It's not that they don't want to believe it Ron, they need to be able to prove it. No, it'll be chalked up to good old-fashioned boyish pranks, or a very bad joke. They'll get detention and have to come to the feast as something else," Harry told them heatedly.

"Don't worry, Harry, they'll get what's coming to them," Ron reassured her. "Remember how we all cursed them on the train after fourth year?"

"I sure do. I needed that little reminder, thanks Ron," Harry reveled in the memory. "Now, if you two will excuse me, I have a lesson to get to."

"Aren't you supposed to wait and go down with Professor Snape? He's already in a bad mood and you're going down alone will just make it worse," Hermione reminded her gently.

"I can deal with it."

"Maybe we should walk you down."

"No, Hermione, I'll be fine. Snape took the boys to his office, remember? Therefore, he's probably still there. If they're still in conference I'll just wait outside the door."

"All right," she agreed doubtfully.

"Don't worry, Hermione. Harry can take care of herself. She is safe so long as she doesn't leave the castle, Snape and Dumbledore told her so. They're just keeping an eye on her because she's been having nightmares, and her scar has been hurting."

"Just take care, Harry, you have a knack for finding trouble."

"Not today, I have every intention of proving that silly Prophecy wrong!" she told them with determination, rising from her seat. She knew Snape would be angry, Hermione had tried to warn her, but she just needed some space and wanted to be alone.

Making her way out of the Great Hall, she took the stairs to the dungeon. She went directly to Snape's office, but found it empty, and assumed he had brought the three boys up to the Headmaster after all, so she went into the workroom.

Pulling out the Potion Master's text he had allowed her to use, she began checking which ingredients she had already collected, and which ones she still required for the Wolfbane potion. Snape would not even consider letting her attempt to mix the potion until she understood all the ingredients. He demanded that she know the brewing and preparation requirements, side effects, precautionary measures to prevent injuring herself, and the consequences of mixing the potion incorrectly. To make matters worse, she was to memorize all this information, verbatim. She was sitting pondering over the use of so many toxic substances that were harmful to both humans and wolves in one potion, when she became aware that Professor Snape was watching her. She looked up, expecting him to yell, but was surprised when he merely stood with his usual stance, back straight, and arms folded across his chest.

"You were supposed to wait for me."

"I heard you were unavoidably detained."

"You could put it that way."

"Professor, they got away with it, didn't they?" Harry asked bluntly.

"Miss Potter that should be of no concern to you," Snape sneered, knowing what she was referring to.

"Yeah, right, nothing ever changes," she muttered in frustration.

"They were given detention and their parents were notified," he informed her. 'There you go again, Severus, you're getting emotional where this girl is concerned,' he told himself. 'You know better, she's too young for you. Besides, she's Potter's daughter. Why would she even look in your direction?'

"Oh, whoopee...I'm sure Lucius Malfoy is laughing at all of us hysterically."

"Actually, no," he said with the trace of a smile. 'Be honest with her, she'll respect you for it. Let her know just enough so that Dumbledore doesn't get angry with you,' he thought, his mind racing. "He doesn't need Draco parading around in those robes and risking his family being exposed as followers of Voldemort," Snape explained with contempt.

"What about the other two?"

"Their fathers will do whatever Lucius tells them to."

"Professor, if I ask you a question about Draco and his two goons, will you tell me the truth?"

'Here's your chance Snape, go for it. You can earn her trust, then maybe as she gets a little older...' His mind struggled to reason with his heart, and aloud he replied, "If I feel it's relevant and something you should know," he said arching his left brow quizzically.

"Are they among Voldemort's younger recruits?"
"The robes and masks I found them in are the real thing. Does that answer your question?"

"Interesting way to hedge around saying yes," Harry mused. "Is Dumbledore letting them come to the feast tonight?"

"He feels he'd rather have them where they can be watched, so...yes...they'll be there, but not in their originally planned attire."

"Do you think they're involved in what ever Voldemort is going to try?"

"Possibly, but more likely he's using them to gather information," Snape responded with understanding. "The Dark Lord doesn't have any patience with inexperienced or inferior wizards, even if their fathers are members of the inner circle."

"Then why does he bother with me?'

"He considers you a worthy adversary. You almost killed him as a toddler, and keep managing to survive everything he throws at you," Professor Snape reasoned logically.

"Does he believe in the Prophecy?"

"No, he believes in what he can see and feel. He believes in his own power to make things happen. His worry is that the Prophecy will cause him to lose control of his followers, and they will start to see him as weak. That is why it is so important to him that he kills you."

"Didn't I say something to that same effect about two weeks ago?" she asked brightly.

"You're very perceptive. Now, how are you making out with the ingredients for the Wolfbane Potion?" he inquired, indicating their conversation about Voldemort and the Deatheaters was at an end.

"Not too well. The number of toxic substances and plants confuses me, and their interactions do not make sense. There are so many that will counteract one another..."

They worked together for most of the morning, with Professor Snape demonstrating and explaining the intricacy of this particularly difficult potion. He was pleased to note that she was better at Potions than he had always thought, realizing that if it was something that interested her she could excel far beyond the usual requirements. He made a mental note to speak with the Headmaster about a change in curriculum for the upper level students in an effort to stimulate their interest.

They had their lunch sent down to them, and when they had finished, Professor Snape prepared to mix the potion. Harry knew Professor Lupin was expecting it, tonight being the full moon, and he was concerned about the welfare of both Harry and the rest of the students he would encounter in wolf form during the Feast.

As Professor Snape worked on the potion, he would quiz Harry about each plant, chemical, and animal ingredient that he was putting into it. She was not always right, but he did not expect her to be this soon; however, he was pleased with her progress. She watched in fascination as he measured, brewed, and mixed each item, some of which had to be prepared ahead of time, and others that were mixed separately and brewed for a specific time, before they could be added together with the rest of the potion. When he had finally finished, he realized that she was smiling at him.

"I don't see anything funny, Miss Potter."

"I'm sorry Professor; I was just thinking that this has been the most fun that I've ever had in Potions. I liked watching you work. You almost make it look easy."

"I'll take that as a compliment," he told her with a slight smile and the familiar arch to his left brow; inwardly he was thinking, 'Severus, she's doing it to you again. Making you feel like you're a school boy having his first crush.'

"How do you know what to mix, and how to do it?"

"I simply memorize it."

"Have you ever made a mistake?"

"That is not the best question to ask a Potions Master," Remus Lupin's voice chuckled from the doorway. "I'm sorry, Severus, I didn't mean to interrupt. It's getting late and I was wondering how soon the potion would be ready."

"It's ready now, Remus, don't let it sit," he said, handing him a glass of swirling green liquid. "Miss Potter, explain to Professor Lupin the importance of drinking this particular potion immediately."

Harry knew he was quizzing her again, and directed her attention at Professor Lupin. "The potion contains a variety of toxins, which can be lethal if allowed to sit. Each one, in and of itself, is dangerous, but put into a solution of brine and wolf's blood they will interact with each other and create a calming effect on the central nervous system of a lycanthrope. When prepared in the right combination they are not fatal."

"Excellent, Miss Potter, you see, you can do outstanding work in potions when you take the trouble to try."

"Nice job Harry," Remus smiled. "Have you tried mixing it yet?"

"No, I don't think I'll be doing any mixing for awhile."

"Not until I feel she's ready, at any rate."

"Let me amend that, a long while," Harry laughed, looking over at the two Professors.

"Well, Miss Potter, you're going to mix quite a few batches before I even consider letting you mix one for Professor Lupin," Snape informed her stoically.

"What happens when I finally get it right?"

"Let me put it this way, If, by the end of the school year, you can mix the Wolfbane Potion correctly from memory as I just did, I will not only pass you in class I will give you a N.E.W.T."

"Professor Lupin, you're my witness. Now drink your potion. It shouldn't sit," she told him, crossing her arms in imitation of Professor Snape.

"Yes, Professor Potter," he teased, downing the bitter potion with a grimace. "It would be nice if the two of you could figure out a way to improve the flavor."

"I'll put him to work on the problem right away," Harry smirked, nodding over at Professor Snape.

"Miss Potter, it's getting late, you're excused. I will pick you up at seven o'clock, so be ready."

"You're sure you want to do this, Harry?" Professor Lupin asked warily.

"I'm sure. You drank your potion so you should be docile. You once told me you could recognize people you know when in wolf form by their scent. If I thought for a minute you might hurt someone I wouldn't do it," she reassured him. "You can hide under the table and I'll sneak you treats. Besides, Dumbledore and Professor Snape will make sure you don't get wild or nervous."

"All right, I'll see you later."

"Good bye, Professor Snape. Oh, and Captain, it's your job to keep the Princess safe from the evil wizard, so be alert tonight," Harry teased Lupin, as he laughed at the reference to the story she had shared with him, Professor Snape looking on bewildered.

Harry went directly to her room, and laid out her costume on the bed. It had been easy to fine a long red dress and a red hooded cloak. They had been delivered to her from a shop in Hogsmeade. She also had white stockings and a pair of black shoes, known as 'Mary Jane's,' which she had borrowed from Ron's sister Ginny. The entire outfit was complemented with a basket of bread, which she could carry over her arm.

Taking a shower, she arranged her hair neatly around her face, hiding her scar, and then dressed for the evening. Finally, she put on some makeup, and surveyed herself in the mirror. There was an air of innocence about her, and she was pleased with the effect.

Sitting down to wait, she had the overwhelming desire to look at the photo album Hagrid had given her of her parents. She knew it was the anniversary of their death; tonight would mark fifteen years. How ironic that the Prophecy had foretold of an attack by Voldemort, tonight, of all nights. Coincidence? Fate? She didn't know. She could only hope it was wrong.

Harry studied the pictures for what seemed a long time. They had been a happy family, and she could see how much her father and mother loved one another. Looking at her baby pictures, she tried to imagine herself now, without the scar that marred her forehead. It was impossible to do so.

As she continued to flip through the pages, she came across some pictures of Sirius, and studied his features. He had been very handsome, with his thick black hair, and big brown eyes. You could almost see the mischief in them. She sighed, thinking he still looked almost the same, just somewhat older, but had become thin and pale with a haunted look behind his eyes. 'Maybe when this is all over we can go away someplace and find some happiness again,' she thought as she heard a familiar scratching sound at the door.

Getting up to open it, she found Sirius, now in dog form, sitting up begging. He had a note in his mouth, and his tail was wagging. "Snuffles, don't just sit there, come on in and visit," she told him taking the note from his mouth.

He trotted in as she closed the door, but didn't transform, and proceeded to sniff her as she read the note.

HARRY,

PROFESSOR LUPIN AND I WILL BE THERE SHORTLY. SNUFFLES WANTED TO COME AHEAD OF US TO SPEND A FEW MINUTES WITH YOU. HE MAY ALSO BE SNIFFING YOU TO GET YOUR SCENT IN CASE ANYTHING SHOULD HAPPEN TONIGHT. PROFESSOR LUPIN WILL DO THE SAME WHEN WE ARRIVE. YOUR FRIEND AND TEACHER,

ALBUS DUMBLEDORE

"All right wise guy," Harry said turning to where 'Snuffles' had been sniffing the back of her skirt and her ankles, only to find him standing there grinning.

"Miss me?" he asked, flashing his brilliant smile.

"Always," she replied as he hugged her. "How's Snape holding up?"

"Hard to say, he just keeps eyeing Remus with mistrust."

"Can you blame him? You nearly got him killed and I decide to take the same werewolf to a costume party during the full moon! I'm surprised he's not having apoplexy," Harry said, pretending to look innocent and failing miserably.

"It would serve the nasty SOB right."

"Sirius, be nice. Snape has some good qualities too. He just doesn't like to show them. I'm not sure why, but Dumbledore trusts him and that's good enough for me."

"For you," he said kindly, "I'll behave, but I still don't have to like him."

"You may be surprised if you really got to know each other. You're both worse than two stubborn little boys!" Harry cried defiantly with a stamp of her foot.

"I know," he told her fondly, his attitude softening, "and before I forget, you look adorable."

"Thank you," Harry beamed happily.

"What are you doing?" he asked sitting down on the bed. "Looking at pictures?"

"Old photographs. Hagrid gave me this album after my first year at Hogwarts," she said as Sirius began flipping through the pages and looking at the pictures.

A myriad of emotions crossed his features as he looked at the pictures of James and Lily Potter, along with their old friends. Harry sat down next to him on the bed, and gently put her arm around his shoulders.

"I miss them," he told her sadly, "has it really been so long?"

"Fifteen years tonight."

"I failed them, and I let you down."

"No, you didn't. You couldn't know Peter would betray them to Voldemort."

"But we read the prophecy...we should have realized..."

"That he was the rat and you were the dog? You couldn't have known that. Not when it was happening, any more than my father could have known he was going to die. The father mentioned later is most likely you," Harry said trying to comfort him.

"I heard you that night on the roof you know....when you asked if I had realized I was the dog in the Prophecy. I wish to Merlin I had. Maybe things would have happened differently."

"I like to believe things happen for a reason. I don't want to feel their death was in vain. What I do know is that you and I survived. It's up to us to make things right again. Whatever is going to happen tonight I am going to need you to be there for me in the here and now. I do not believe for one instant that it's a coincidence the Prophecy predicts trouble on the fifteenth anniversary of my parents murder. So stop brooding about what happened fifteen years ago and give me a hug," she suggested boldly, "I sure could use one about now," she finished unable to hide the quiver in her lower lip.

"Harry, don't cry. I didn't mean to make you sad," Sirius groaned, taking her in his arms.

"I'm o.k. now," she said after a few moments, "you always make me feel safe."

"I'm glad. At least that's one thing I can do right."

"You never do anything wrong. You just tend to be impulsive," she smiled shyly.

"And you don't?" he teased, tweaking her nose.

"Never, I always do what I'm told and think things through," Harry responded smugly, bursting into laughter, as there was a knock on her door. Getting up from the bed, she went over to open the door.

Professor Dumbledore, dressed as Father Christmas, stood there holding a leash, to which Remus Lupin was attached, in his wolf form. Professor Snape, dressed as Zorro, was standing off to the side, watching him cautiously. The wolf Remus was alert, and his ears were pricked, listening, while his nose quivered, scenting the air around him. He gave a low whine as Harry moved aside so they could enter, and as soon as she had closed the door, he began to sniff her wildly, his tail wagging furiously.

"Now aren't you just the prettiest puppy," Harry crooned, scratching his ears.
"Hey, I thought I was a pretty puppy?" Sirius pretended to pout.

"No, you're usually a naughty dog," she smiled looking at him over her glasses.

"Good evening, Harry," Dumbledore interrupted their exchange with a smile, "you look absolutely lovely. You make the perfect Little Red Riding Hood."

"Thank you, Headmaster, and I didn't mean to be rude. You make a wonderful Father Christmas," she grinned surveying his costume. Professor Dumbledore was resplendent in a hooded dark green velvet cloak with gold brocade. His white beard was neatly combed and his long hair framed his face, disappearing underneath the cloak His robes were of a similar green with a gold cord around his waist. He had completed the ensemble with a pair of black suede dragons hide boots and a bag of goodies. "You should do a repeat performance at Christmas."

"I just may do that, Harry," he beamed with pleasure as Remus whined at Sirius.

"Harry, I have to transform. Remus wants to talk to me."

"Can you do that? I know you once told me Hermione's cat, Crookshanks, could tell you weren't a real dog."

"It's sort of a telepathy thing, with vocal sounds too, but we can understand one another," Sirius explained as Remus wagged his tail looking from one to the other.

"That's really cool," Harry remarked in fascination as Sirius transformed. He and Remus touched noses in greeting

"I'm glad all they're doing is touching noses," Snape said cryptically from over in the corner, where he was leaning on the dresser.

"Professor Snape!"

"My apologies, Miss Potter, it was a rude remark to make in the presence of a young lady."

"Apology accepted, but why are you standing all the way over there?'

"Let's just say that Lupin and I have some rather unpleasant history."

"Now, Severus that was a long rime ago and we didn't have the Wolfbane Potion then," Dumbledore reminded him gently.

"Professor Dumbledore is right. Lupin can sense your fear, and as an empath so can I," Harry reminded him, "just come over slowly and let him sniff you."

"I don't believe that would be wise," Snape hesitated with a frown, looking at both 'Snuffles' and Lupin.

Harry understood his feelings and turned to the two canines. "All right you two, I know you have some idea of what I'm saying," she informed Professor Lupin, "so be nice to Professor Snape, like your human half. Snuffles," she continued looking over her glasses at Sirius, "don't you go giving Remus ideas. If I think for one minute you're up to something I'll put a charm on you so you can't change back and take you to the nearest vet to be neutered!" Harry fumed at Sirius as Dumbledore choked on his laughter and Snape looked at her in shock. Harry just blushed as Remus got up and walked over to Snape. He sniffed him cautiously as Snape very slowly offered Remus his hand and the werewolf wagged his tail. Snuffles never moved, but sat watching Harry with his head tilted and let out a low growl.

"I believe your godfather is in a bit of a temper," Dumbledore said with amusement.

"Well...if I know him...I think that growl means you're in big trouble for that last remark," she volunteered as Sirius let out a short bark of agreement.

"Well, Child are you ready to go?"

"Yes, as long as Professor Snape is."

"It will be my pleasure, Miss Potter," he said moving over to her watchfully, as the werewolf followed.

"Then I shall go on ahead and let 'Snuffles' out into the garden. You two go along with Remus," Dumbledore instructed handing the leash over to Harry. "I'll see you both in the Great Hall," he finished as he withdrew with 'Snuffles" on his heels.

"Miss Potter, if you would be so kind?" Snape asked offering her his arm.

"I'd be delighted," she said maneuvering the leash into her other hand, placing her free arm in his. "You make a dashing Zorro," Harry admired his costume. He had on sleek black pants, with a v-neck black silk shirt, and the traditional black leather boots. He had topped it off with a flowing black cape, a black bolero, kerchief mask, and a rapier on his belt.

"Thank you," he replied pleased with her admiration. "Your Red Riding Hood will be absolutely spectacular."

"I hope it will turn a few heads," Harry smiled, as they walked towards the Great Hall with Remus, still alert, tugging on his leash.