The Mathias Prophecy Book II

THE MATHIAS PROPHECY II

Here We Go Again

Harry was ready for breakfast early, and heading over to Gryffindor Tower, she found that Hermione and Ron had already gone down. She hurried to the Great Hall, and spotting her two friends, took her seat at the table.

"I'm sorry we didn't wait for you," Ron said taking a forkful of scrambled eggs, "but Hermione has to catch the express. She's going home for the Holiday's, and we weren't sure if you still had detention this morning. Snape was absolutely livid when you didn't show up for class after going up to see Dumbledore."

"He mellowed out somewhat after I nearly froze to death. How much did Professor Lupin tell you guys?'

"He said you got locked on the roof after you went up there to calm down when Dumbledore sent you back to class." Hermione explained matter of factly. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, but you know the frostbite potion we all made for Madame Pomfrey? It tastes really lousy," Harry laughed. "I have to finish my detention this morning. Professor Snape and I are going shopping to buy his potion supplies, and finish his Christmas shopping."

"You're going to Hogsmeade? Will you stop off and see Fred and George for me; I need to get some of their jokes to give as gifts to some of the first years," Ron told her gleefully, planning to test some of his brother's new wares from the magic shop on the unsuspecting eleven year olds.

"Sorry, Ron, he's taking me to London. He didn't say so but I think we're going to Diagon alley."

"London! That is twice he's taken you shopping. The only detention he ever gives me is gutting the salamanders or cleaning out the cauldrons," Ron moaned, "he must be up to something."

"And what Mr. Weasley do you think I would be up to?" Snape's voice came mockingly from behind them, causing Ron to spit his mouthful of eggs into his napkin.

"Good morning, Professor Snape," Hermione said brightly, "you're up bright and early today."

"It is the same as any other morning Miss Granger, and I always arise early. In fact this is late for me, but I thought Miss Potter could use the extra sleep or we would have been gone already," Professor Snape glared unblinking at them all, and Harry had to suppress a giggle. "Mr. Weasley, I believe you haven't yet answered my question."

"Nothing, Professor, I'm sure the detention you gave Harry is within reason. I didn't mean to suggest you were doing anything wrong," Ron looked up at him nervously.

"Perhaps you would like to accompany Miss Potter and myself? It could be arranged." "Er...no...I need to go and see my brother Fred in Hogsmeade today."

"I don't suppose you're planning on obtaining any of his Furry Fingered Foulies? I have already confiscated a number of them from the third years. I did not find them amusing when they crawled out of the cauldrons."

"Absolutely not, Professor," Ron feigned innocence, "I would never bring anything like that into class."

"See that you don't. If I find any more I will be sure to search you out Mr. Weasley, and the detention will be much worse than what you're used to," Snape looked at Ron over his long nose, his dark eyes glittering in anticipation of Ron's misbehaving. "Miss Potter, I will meet you in fifteen minutes in Professor Dumbledore's office. We will leave from there."

"Yes, Professor, I'll be ready," she replied as Snape strode out of the Great Hall with a flourish.

"Harry, how did he know I gave the Furry Fingered Foulies to the third years?" Ron asked anxiously.

"Ron you stupid git," Hermione shook her head, "he's not stupid. Snape knows your brother's started that magic shop in Hogsmead, and he knows what their pranks are like."

"Hermione's right, Ron, if I were you I'd be very careful around Snape. He will be waiting to catch you doing tricks. Fred and George may have finished here at Hogwarts, but you haven't. Snape knows they both love to test their inventions on the students, so he will assume you're helping them."

"Listen to Harry, Ron. Mark my words, Fred and George will get us expelled one day, and they don't even come to Hogwarts anymore."

"I don't think it will be that bad, Hermione," Harry grinned, "but I don't relish the thought of the detention Snape would give any one of us. Somehow I don't think it will be shopping."

"I still say he's up to something. Have you heard from Snuffles?"

"No, and I don't understand what is taking so long. Pettigrew has been in custody for nearly two months, and yet nothing has been said. I thought it would go much faster than this."

"Well, you know that they're doing everything by the book. That list of names had some very important people on it, including Draco's father."

"Speaking of the little creep, I don't see him this morning. I thought he was going home on the train?"

"He was, but I overheard Millicent Bulstrode saying that Mr. Malfoy arrived very late last night and took Draco home, Crabbe and Goyle went with them."

"Hmm...that's really odd. I had a problem with the three of them last night on my way to Potions. If it weren't for Professor Snape...well...he stopped them as they were going to try to beat me up. He took them to Dumbledore and told me that they were going to do detention as soon as the recess was over."

"What! Harry, why didn't you tell us this before?" Ron demanded, angry that she had almost been attacked.

"I didn't really get a chance, they cornered me. Crabbe and Goyle pinned me against the wall so I couldn't reach for my wand. Draco went to whip me, but Snape came and stopped him."

"That Draco Malfoy and his friends will come to a bad end, Harry," Hermione shook her head with disapproval, "you had better be more careful."

"Don't worry, I will be. I don't fancy having the three of them trying to get away with something like that, and I don't believe Professor Snape was very happy with them either."

Just then, they were interrupted by the sound of several screeching owls, looking up, they noticed that the mail was arriving.

"Oh, good, the mail's here. I was hoping to get my copy of the Daily Prophet before I left on the train. It isn't the same without the two of you," Hermione smiled warmly.

"We'll miss you too, but have a good holiday and don't forget to tell your folks Ron and I said hello."

"I won't," Hermione answered as she unfurled the newspaper. "Harry," she gasped, "look, Sirius picture is on the front page, he's free!"

"Let me see," she grabbed the paper from Hermione and spread it out on the table in front of them. The headlines immediately jumped out at her, and her hands began to shake.

SIRIUS BLACK INNOCENT! PETTIGREW CONFESSES!

HOLIDAY RAIDS REVEAL FOLLOWERS OF THE DARK LORD!

MINISTER FUDGE AND OTHER OFFICIALS IMPLICATED

In a stunning revelation, the escaped convict Sirius Black has been cleared of the murders of thirteen people. One of his former associates, Peter Pettigrew, believed to have been murdered in view of many witnesses has turned up alive and well. Apparently, Pettigrew was a follower of the Dark Lord, and faked his death following the betrayal of James and Lily Potter, who were murdered by the Dark Lord. Their child, Harry, survived, and for many years, it was believed that Harry was a boy, until it was recently revealed that Harry is in fact female. She is believed by many to be the child mentioned in the Mathias Prophecy who will defeat The Dark Lord. Black spent twelve years in Azkaban where he was sent following the above incident. He never received a trial and escaped three years ago. He was cleared when the Auror Alastor Moody, also known as Mad Eye Moody, to whom Pettigrew confessed, apprehended Peter Pettigrew in November.

Following his confession Pettigrew has been held in a secret location to prevent being attacked by his associates to stop him from giving vital information. He has implicated several high-ranking officials within the Ministry of Magic, among them the head of the ministry, Cornelius Fudge. Also implicated is a high-ranking member of the Board of Governors, Lucius Malfoy. Minister Fudge was apprehended last night when he attempted to flee his home. Malfoy escaped and remains at large, along with several other ministry officials.

Due to the upheaval within the Ministry, the famous wizard, Albus Dumbledore, and Mad Eye Moody, have been working quietly with the remaining loyal governors and have temporarily appointed Arthur Weasley, formerly in the Dept. for Misuse of Muggle Artifacts, to be acting head of the Ministry under the auspices of both Dumbledore and Moody. Moody will continue to work tirelessly as an Auror to apprehend and bring to justice those followers of the Dark Lord. Albus Dumbledore will remain on as Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where both Harry Potter and two of the Weasley children are students. It has also been noted that Harry Potter is the Goddaughter of Sirius Black. There is no word as to whether the two will be reunited, and all parties involved were unavailable for comment.

"Wow, dad's the new Minister of Magic," Ron whooped with glee, "wait till Ginny hears, and the Malfoys have disappeared! That's why Draco's dad showed up to take him home, they had to get away fast. I'll bet You Know Who is not happy this morning."

"Ron, Sirius is free..." Harry whispered, afraid to believe it was true.

"Yeah, now you can have a real family again," Ron hugged her happily.

"Oh, Harry, this is just the best Christmas present you could have asked for," Hermione smiled taking her friend's hands in hers. "I just know he'll be back here to spend the Holiday with you. He wouldn't leave you alone after all that's happened."

"I don't know, Hermione. I haven't been told anything, and Sirius was only able to send a few brief messages through Professor Lupin."

"Don't worry, Harry, he'll be here. You mark my words, Sirius has never let you down yet," Ron said with a sharp nod, "he'll show up, and I'll bet Dumbledore knows when."

"Oh, shoot! I'm late; I was supposed to meet Snape in Dumbledore's office. Hermione, can I keep your paper?"

"Of course, Harry, you should frame it."

"I just might. I also have a present for you, but I'll send it by Owl Post. I have to run, Snape will be furious."

"My guess is he knew all about this morning's paper, and what was in it," Ron pursed his lips, "that's why he was in such a bad mood this morning."

"I think he knew, but I don't think he was in any worse mood than usual," Hermione corrected him. "You better get moving though, Harry, or he will be in a bad mood."

"I'm out of here right now," she remarked jumping up from her seat, "have a Happy Christmas and tell your folks I said hello."

Downing a glass of orange juice, Harry sped out of the Great Hall with the morning paper under her arm. She ascended the stairs two at a time, until she reached the Headmaster's office, where Professor McGonagall was just exiting.

"Miss Potter, slow down. What could be so important that you are running like a banshee?"

"Have you seen the morning copy of the Daily Prophet?"

"Yes, dear," the old witch smiled, "that's why I was with the Headmaster. He will be away a bit more frequently for a while, and he wanted to make sure everything was in order. Professor Snape is with him now. I believe they're both waiting for you."

"Ouch, I'm late for detention shopping with Professor Snape."

"Then I suggest you get upstairs. Severus hates to be kept waiting," McGonagall tried to look stern, but failed, seeing how happy her student was. "Lemon Tarts," she said uttering the password for Harry, and stood aside so she could mount the moving stairs.

"Come in, Child," Dumbledore responded to her light knock. "How are you feeling today?"

"Now that depends," Harry teased, "on whether you're talking about the aftereffects of being locked on the roof, doing detention with Professor Snape, or this morning's copy of the Daily Prophet."

"Hmm...how about all three?"

"In that case, I'm fine after my little misadventure on the roof, Professor Snape had better wipe the scowl off his face, and I can't remember reading such good news in the Daily Prophet for some time," Harry beamed.

"Miss Potter, the scowl on my face is due to the fact that as usual you're late. I expressly told you to be up here in fifteen minutes. You are ten minutes late, which means that is ten minutes less that you will be allotted to shop for yourself."

"I guess that means I won't be able to get your gift. I had something special planned too," Harry teased mischievously.

"Careful, Harry, you don't want to upset Severus when he's in a bad mood," Dumbledore told her his blue eyes twinkling.

"Headmaster, Professor Snape is in a fairly good mood. His bad moods are enough to scare the bejesus out of Lord Voldemort. In fact, I'm surprised he didn't."

"What makes you so sure I haven't, Miss Potter?" Snape addressed sarcastically, his left brow arched and his lips curled into a thin smile.

"Harry, promise me you will behave for Severus," Dumbledore admonished with a smile.

"I will be the perfect angel."

"All right, now before you leave, I want to tell you to be careful and do as Severus says. I do not believe you will have any difficulty from any of Voldemort's followers as they are scrambling to remain hidden. However, should they come upon you accidentally, you will be in danger, and we do not need a repeat of your last outing to London. Do you understand me Child?"

"Yes, Sir, I understand you perfectly," Harry looked at Dumbledore over her glasses.

"The other thing you need to be aware of is that you may also be followed by reporters, should they find out you're out shopping. I can't tell you not to speak to them, but I believe you will use good judgment in this matter?"

"Professor, you know how I feel about reporters, especially after the Triwizard Tournament. I have absolutely no desire to speak with any of them."

"Very well, now go and have a nice day. I will see you when you get back. Do you have the key to your vault at Gringotts?'

"Right here," Harry replied showing him the gold chain around her neck, "but I need to ask you something before I go."

"Of course, Child, what is it?"

"Is it true what Ollivander says, that he never forgets any wand that he's ever sold?"

"You don't need a new wand, so I can only guess that you're going to buy a certain person a replacement for the one that was broken before he went to Azkaban."

"I think it will be a nice Christmas present," Harry admitted red faced.

"I will let Ollivander know you're coming," Dumbledore beamed handing her a handful of floo powder, "now get going before Severus, leaves you behind."

"He can't, I'm in detention remember?" she laughed following Snape as he stepped into the hearth.

They emerged into the Leaky Cauldron, and Tom waved in greeting, as he was busy with a customer. Snape nodded in acknowledgment, as Harry waved, following Snape out into Diagon Alley. They proceeded directly to Gringott's Wizard Bank, where they each withdrew money from the assigned vaults. The Snape family vault was among the largest, and Harry, while not exactly poor, felt a bit intimidated by the Professor's wealth.

As they exited the bank, Snape steered Harry up the block and across the street to a rather grimy looking little shop called Abercrombie's Apothecary and Potion Supplies. They entered, and Harry found she was in a most amazing place. There were jars of all shapes and sizes containing almost anything you could think of that would go into a potion. They were in a variety of colors, and some were marked poison, while others said they contained dangerous materials. The shopkeeper was a squat bald man, whose face was beet red, and he immediately recognized Professor Snape.

"Greetings, Professor, I assume you're on a buying mission for the school?"

"Yes, and I also require some supplies for my private stores," Snape handed him a long parchment, "the items with the stars are for my personal supplies, so please don't mix them up with the school supplies. I will pay for those separately."

"This could take some time, Professor, do you wish to wait?"

"How long till you can have it all put together?"

"Half an hour at best."

"Very well, Abercrombie, we'll wait," Snape told him noting Harry's interest and hoping she would ask him about some of the things in the shop.

"And who might you're young helper be?" The shopkeeper asked cheerfully. "I see she's interested in my wares."

"Apparently so," Snape said looking over to where Harry was studying some jars of lizard bladders in a variety of sizes and types.

Harry sensed them looking at her and came back over to where Professor Snape was talking with the shopkeeper. "Professor, are all these things used in Potions?"

Potions, and medicines, Miss, er..." the man she had heard Snape refer to as Abercrombie, answered for him. "Oh, my...you're Harry Potter," he gasped noting the scar on her forehead.

"Who's Harry Potter?" she asked pretending to look innocent. "Professor, I think the shopkeeper has me confused with some one else," Harry looked at Snape, her eyes begging him to back her up.

"I'm afraid you've made a mistake, Abercrombie. This is Jamie Evans, one of my sixth years at Hogwarts," Snape told the man coolly.

"Jamie Evans? But the scar..." He looked from Harry to Snape in confusion, but Harry was unable to keep a straight face, and Snape arched his brow as he watched her start to grin at Abercrombie.

"Snape, you devil, she is Harry Potter! Miss Potter, welcome to my humble shop. Please...if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them for you."

"Thank you, Mr. Abercrombie, but I believe the Professor is in a hurry. If you could fill his order I would much appreciate it."

"Oh, absolutely....right away," he darted off with the list and began pulling items from jars and barrels.

"I thought you didn't want to be recognized?" Snape queried amused.

"I don't, but I felt sorry for the poor man. It was mean to tease him, although I did like the name you game me," Harry smiled warmly at the combination of the feminine version of her father's name with her mother's maiden name.

Snape gave her a thin smile, "It was the logical choice, your middle name is James, and your mother's maiden name was Evans."

"I'll keep it in mind in case I ever do decide to change my name, although I really do like Harry, just don't tell Sirius, I like to tease him about naming me Harry."

"You like having a boy's name?"

"Yeah, it's different, gets people interested."

"I thought you didn't like publicity?"

"I don't," she protested with a smile, "but I do like the reactions I get when people realize Harry is really a girl. Some of them are very funny. Look at how Professor Lupin reacted; he was in shock. You were so amazed your whole demeanor changed from tolerant to cordial. The other Professors were the same way, and the students, well...their reactions varied from stunned to laughing hysterically."

"You seem to look at it as a joke, remember it was done as a means of protecting an innocent child."

"I know that, but they couldn't keep me a secret forever. Loosen up Professor; you need to enjoy life more. You're too serious; you need to look at things in a more positive manner," Harry tossed her head defiantly; "you worry too much."

"My dear Miss Potter, if you had done or seen some of the things I have, you would not be so lighthearted."

"You need to let go of your pain, Professor. You know that as an empath I've felt it. You need to start living again inside. I know you've suffered because of Voldemort. I don't know half of what you've gone through, but Dumbledore does. It's why he's so protective of you. You're angry and hurting, but you're not alone. Don't you think Professor Lupin hurts inside? He hates what he is, but he can't change it so he tries to make the best of an unhappy situation. I know you and Sirius don't get along, but my guess it's not just rivalry. You're jealous of one another. He's also in just as much pain inside as you are, but he's trying to deal with it and put it behind him."

"Since when have you received a degree in Psychology, Miss Potter?" Snape asked coldly.

"Since I received this scar on my forehead, Professor. You lost a wife and child. I lost my parents. We're two sides of the same coin. The difference is that you brood too much, and I try to pretend it doesn't really affect me. It does, every time I look in the mirror, or when people realize who I am, but I keep on going, hoping things will be better. People believe I'm the key to making things right again. I don't know if I am or not, I can only hope that things will work out okay, because if they don't I may never see my eighteenth birthday," she stared up at him, unable to hide the worry in her eyes, hoping he would understand.

'Damn, Severus, she's doing it to you again,' he reflected to himself. 'She's coming to you for understanding, but you can't give it to her, because you don't have all the answers yourself. You're as vulnerable as she is, even more so, since you're afraid of how you're beginning to feel about her.' "Miss Potter," he said aloud," I believe Mr. Abercrombie has most of the order put together. Is there anything you would like to know while we're here? I'm sure he would like to tell you what the items are used for."

"Not right now, Professor," she replied unable to hide the disappointment in her voice. Harry had wanted him to open up to her. She didn't know why, but for some reason she really was beginning to like Professor Snape and wanted him to like her too. "I'll ask you about them later, although I didn't realize Lizard bladders were so popular an item."

"They're used for a variety of potions, one of which we will be making in class."

"What is it?"

"Skele-Gro, I believe you're somewhat familiar with it?"

"That's not funny, Professor, I actually drank that stuff a few years back. Please tell me you're joking."

No, Miss Potter, I'm quite serious. Now we'll see how well you are at making it. I understand you didn't particularly like drinking it when Lockhart failed to heal your broken arm."

"Did anyone ever tell you that you're evil, Professor?" Harry pursed her lips, and folding her arms around her chest, looked up at him tauntingly.

"Why thank you, Miss Potter, I thought you hadn't realized my true demeanor," Snape responded slyly, his brow arched, his eyes glittering mischievously. "Here comes Abercrombie with my packages. How much do I owe you Abercrombie?"

"Eight Galleons, two sickles for the school supplies, and ten galleons, four knuts for your personal items."

"Humph, highway robbery," Snape grumbled, paying Abercrombie. "Miss Potter, you get to carry the packages. Mind you, don't drop them; some of these items are in glass containers, you break it you'll replace it," he told her sternly. Now let's get going, I still need to go and get something for my sister for Christmas."

"Yes, Professor," Harry replied, thinking quickly. She needed to get Snape something for Christmas, and Abercrombie's would be the perfect place. Entering the street, she stopped suddenly, and Snape almost bumped into her. "Professor, I thought I saw McNair up by that alley," she told him hoping she sounded nervous.

"Get back into Abercrombie's now!" he hissed, "I'll go and investigate. If I don't come back in ten minutes, I want you to run back to the Leaky Cauldron and get back to school as fast as you can. Do you understand me?"

"Yes. Sir," Harry felt guilty lying to him when he was so concerned for her safety, but she needed to get back into the store without his asking questions. She immediately went into the Potions shop as Snape headed swiftly up the block."

"Mr. Abercrombie, I haven't got much time. I need to get something for the Professor for Christmas. Is there anything he particularly uses or wants but doesn't buy that frequently?"

"Yes, Miss Potter. He uses a variety of items, but they're very expensive. When I'm able to get it, he uses both Powdered Graphorn horn and Jobberknoll feathers. I have some of both, but they were set aside for another customer, but I could take some out for you."

"I don't want to deprive you of one of your regular customer's orders."

"Nonsense, for you Miss Potter, I will be delighted."

"Mr. Abercrombie, please I don't want any special treatment," Harry pleaded, looking out the window, knowing Snape should be returning any moment. "I probably can't really afford either one anyway."

"Have you three gold galleons?"

"Yes..." she replied suspiciously.

"Then you can afford both, and I don't want any argument. You just wait here while I wrap them up for you," he disappeared into one of the many crowded aisles in the store, and emerged a moment later with two small packages, each clearly labeled. "Three galleons are worth meeting such a special young lady," he smiled widely, taking her money, and putting them both into a small brown paper bag, which she slipped into her robes. "I don't know how you distracted the Professor, but here he comes now," he said as the door opened and Snape entered, looking relieved.

"Well thank you Mr. Abercrombie," Harry grinned, "your shop is full of some really neat stuff."

"It has been my pleasure to show it to you," Abercrombie answered following her lead, as he replaced a bottle on one of his shelves, giving the impression he was showing her the contents.

"Miss Potter, we can go, you were mistaken," Snape told her gently; concerned she was worried about thinking McNair had been following them.

He was aware she was scanning him empathically, but allowed her to do so. He believed she was just making sure everything was okay, but she was actually feeling guilty about deceiving him.

"Thank you, again, Mr. Abercrombie," she waved following Snape out the door, balancing his purchases in her arms.

"Now, I have to go to the jewelers. My sister loves earrings. I would like your opinion before I purchase some for her."

"Do you always give her earrings?"

"Usually, why?"

"Maybe she would like something else for a change instead," Harry explained. She had very little experience with buying gifts for other people, but felt that Snape's sister might be tired of the same old thing.

"What would you suggest?"

"Professor, I really don't have a clue," she told him uncomfortably. "I don't have much experience with buying gifts for people. Up until I came to Hogwarts, I never bought a gift for anyone in my life."

"Should I stick with jewelry?"

"Does she wear it often?"

"All the time."

"What does she wear besides earrings?"

"Bracelets, sometimes necklaces." Professor Snape told her as they entered the jewelry shop.

It was not a large store, but the selection was impressive, and from what Harry could see, it was a very exclusive shop. She felt extremely uncomfortable, and for a change pushed the hair off her scar before the shopkeeper came over to help them, thinking they wouldn't look at her like she was too poor to be there.

"Severus Snape, how good to see you again. I suppose you are looking for the usual for your sister?"

"I was, but my student has succeeded in talking me into something else." Snape indicated Harry who was trying to remain behind him, feeling very insecure in such a fine store. He gently nudged her forward, aware of her discomfiture.

"My word," the tall gray haired wizard in formal robes uttered amazed, "you're Harry Potter."

"Yes, Sir, It's nice to meet you Mr. Moonstone," Harry replied reading his nametag, which indicated he was the sales manager.

"Severus, I should have realized you knew Miss Potter, being a teacher at Hogwarts. Miss Potter, I am flattered to have such a prestigious customer as yourself come into our humble shop."

"Excuse me, Mr. Moonstone, but Professor Snape is the customer. I'm just here to give him another opinion," Harry said looking at some of the displays and both Snape and Moonstone were watching her. "Professor, was your sister in Slytherin?"

"Yes, she was Head Girl when she was at Hogwarts. She graduated a few years before I started, as she is quite a bit older.

"How much older is she than you?"

"Does it make a difference?" Snape asked curiously.

"I think it may. She wouldn't necessarily like the same type of jewelry that I would, so I have to think in terms of age and relationships. Is she married?"

"No, she has chosen to remain single, and she is ten years my senior."

"Okay, so I have a woman in her late forties, single, and devoted to her younger brother."

"How do you know she and I are close?"

"You're buying her an expensive gift. If you weren't close you wouldn't be putting so much thought into her Christmas present," Harry reasoned, surprised that Snape should have a sibling that he was able to demonstrate affection for, even on a limited basis.

"Miss Potter is very perceptive," Moonstone remarked casually to Snape.

"Mr. Moonstone, do you know the lady in question?" Harry looked up after studying something in a far case for a few minutes.

"She no longer lives locally, but yes, she still shops here when she's in London."

"Does she have a preference for any type of gemstone or precious metal?"

"She doesn't like yellow gold as much as white or platinum. She also will wear silver. She also likes onyx, emeralds, and of course diamonds. Of course, if you see something she might like, feel free to point it out."

"I believe she would like this broach, and I see there is a pair of matching earrings," Harry pointed into one of the glass display cases. Snape came over to see what she was looking at, as did Mr. Moonstone.

"You have excellent taste, Miss Potter," Mr. Moonstone complimented her.

"She certainly does," Snape agreed, admiring Harry's chosen items.

Harry stood looking quite pleased that they liked the items she had selected. She was certain they were quite expensive, but Professor Snape seemed fond of his sister, and he had stated she had been in Slytherin. Snape was quietly examining the broach and earrings. The broach was made of Jade, into which a platinum serpent had been inlaid, with a forked tongue of fine strings of onyx and emerald eyes. The earrings were two tiny serpents made of jade interwoven with platinum. The broach was made so that it could also be attached to a fine platinum choker, and worn around her neck, rather than as a pin.

"Do you wish to look at it closer Professor?" Mr. Moonstone inquired as Harry continued to roam around.

"Yes, and keep an eye on Miss Potter, and let me know if she appears to see something she likes," he told the manager quietly, so that Harry was unaware of their conversation.

"Of course, Professor, I shall be happy to do so," he replied unlocking the display and allowing Snape to examine the jewelry before going over to where Harry was looking at the crystal figurines. "They're very nice," he said to her, "would you like to see any of them?"

"No thank you, sir, but they are very pretty. I like the little castle. It reminds me of Hogwarts. I like the way the crystal is made to reflect so that it appears iridescent."

"It costs two gold galleons, if you're interested, or if you prefer there is another one which is inside of a globe that can be enchanted to reflect the weather and the seasons outside; it also changes according to the time of day."

"Really, it sounds interesting."

"Wait one minute and I'll get it out for you," Mr. Moonstone said going over to another display and removing the water globe for her to see. "It does resemble Hogwarts, doesn't it?"

"How much is this one?" Harry queried thinking Dumbledore would love it. The little castle was nestled in the middle and the weather was the same as outside. It was a typical sunny winter morning.

"Three galleons and two sickles."

Harry thought carefully, as she still needed to get the wand for Sirius and something for Professor Lupin. Fortunately, she had already purchased gifts for Ron and Hermione. Ron's brother's had helped her to purchase him some new robes, and she had gotten Hermione some of her favorite perfume and another one of the Romance Novels she so enjoyed.

"No, I'll pass, thank you anyway."

"It was supposed to go on sale tomorrow for two galleons, and one sickle," Mr. Moonstone smiled, "so I think I could make an exception for you and adjust the price a day early."

"In that case, I'll take it. I think our Headmaster will enjoy it," Harry grinned, paying for her purchase.

"I believe you're right, Miss Potter," Snape said over her shoulder. "Mr. Moonstone, will you wrap these up for me and see that they are delivered to my sister by tomorrow."

Snape gave the jade and platinum pieces Harry had selected to the sales manager, who bowed, smiling happily, having made such a good sale. She had not seen Snape indicate to the manager that he was also to wrap the little castle she had also admired.

Harry was growing tired, and her arms were beginning to hurt under the weight of the packages, which Snape made sure she was carrying securely. He made no effort to assist her and she knew it was because it was all a part of her detention. Still, she didn't complain as they headed further up the block. She had no idea where they were going, and started to fall behind him. She didn't want to become separated, and had to hurry her pace to keep up. Rounding the bend, Snape stopped in front of a fine shop dealing in rare books. Holding the door, he indicated that she should enter. It was an interesting shop, and she would have liked to look around, but Snape merely picked up a package, which he promptly gave to Harry to carry, and they left the store.

"Can I be nosy, and ask what it is you just got in the book store?" she asked curiously eyeing the package he had placed in her shopping bag with the other items.

"If you really must know, Miss Potter, it is a book for Professor Lupin for Christmas dealing with the Dark Arts. I believe he will find it very useful in his courses."

"His courses, or the special tutoring of a certain witch, who is about to collapse from exhaustion, trying to keep up with a certain tempermental Potions Master," she gasped.

"Both," he looked down at her arching his brow in amusement. "I believe we should go and eat lunch back at the Leaky Cauldron."

"That will suit me just fine," Harry responded, quickening her pace again. She didn't appreciate his purposely walking so fast just to annoy her, and she suspected he was doing just that. She had a stitch in her side by the time they reached their destination, and was glad to sit down.

"I see Snape has you on holiday detention," Tom laughed as he came to take their orders. "I always wonder who the lucky student will be each year, but this year I kind of had an inkling it would be you."

"Why Tom, don't you know our Potions Master just loves death by slow torture," Harry quipped still annoyed with Snape for making her walk so fast. She was still somewhat out of breath, and her pulse had finally slowed down.

"Miss Potter, you should be glad that I have only one more gift to buy. I did plan on leaving our packages with Tom and giving you a rest, but now I'm not sure you deserve it."

"Now Professor, it's Christmas, and I think Harry looks rather exhausted."

"Perhaps, but I'll have to think about it. In the meantime, Tom, I'll have the meatloaf special for lunch, and since I know Harry is not fond of meatloaf, she'll have the Cheeseburger with fries."

"What do you both want to drink?"

"I'll have a butter beer. Harry what would you like?"

"Cola will do fine."

"Coming right up," Tom grinned as the food appeared almost as he said it. "Enjoy your meal," he nodded going back to the bar to wait on another customer.

Harry sat eating quietly, she was more tired than she had thought, and still had to get Sirius his wand, and something for Professor Lupin. Snape was watching her, and he knew she was annoyed that he had made her walk so fast, so he decided to tell her why.

"I didn't just do it because you were on detention."

"Do what?"

"Rush you back here. We were being followed by a reporter from The Daily Prophet."

"Oh no...just what I don't need, some snoopy reporter asking me questions. Why didn't you say something?"

"I felt it would just get you angry. I know you like being out, and seemed to be enjoying yourself, despite having to carry everything."

"You know, a reporter may just make something out of me having to carry everything."

"Possibly, but more to get even with me. You see, he's a former student who also had to do Holiday detention with me, and I had far more shopping to do that year."

"Professor, if you do this to someone every year, how come this is the first I've heard about it?"

"Because it is always a sixth or seventh year that gets the lucky duty of helping me, by the time you're old enough to find out, they've usually graduated or moved on to some other assignment."

"I should have known there was a method to your madness," Harry smiled. "So who is the reporter that's following us?"

"You wouldn't know him. He finished at Hogwarts the year before you started there. His name is Phineas Phibes. I believe he was in Hufflepuff. I do recall he was not good at Potions, and had more meltdowns than Mr. Longbottom."

"It's no wonder you remember him. Does he have brown hair and a big nose?"

"He does, and he's wearing a gray cloak. Has he followed us back here?" Snape asked trying to sound casual.

"He sure has. Maybe he won't come over here. If we're lucky he may still be afraid of you."

"I'm sure I must still make him nervous, as he hasn't tried to approach you since we were in the jewelry shop."

"He's been following us that long?"

"Yes, but if he comes over you do not have to speak with him."

"Well, guess what, he's looking over here from the bar. I have a feeling I may not be having a peaceful lunch after all," Harry remarked with a shudder as the man started to come over to where they were sitting.

"Do you wish to try and leave?"

"I can't run and hide every time a reporter wishes to speak with me, Professor. I don't trust him though."

"Just relax and let me deal with him," Snape told her calmly, turning so that Phibes could see that he was aware of his presence.

"I do believe you're making him nervous, Professor," Harry grinned, as Snape gave Phibes his coldest stare.

"Do you wish to go back to school? We could be there in a few minutes. Tom will keep Phibes busy for us."

"No, I would like us both to be able to finish what we came to London for. Do you have much shopping left?"

"Only the Headmaster. I know you still need to go to Ollivander's. Is there anywhere else you need to go?" Snape asked as he continued to stare coldly at the young reporter standing by the bar.

"I need to get a gift for Professor Lupin. Any suggestions?"

"How about a collar?"

"Professor, that isn't very nice. If you had wanted to give him a collar you wouldn't have gotten him that book."

"Just because I bought him that book doesn't mean he shouldn't have a collar."

"Keep it up and I'll talk to Phibes," Harry countered getting angry that Snape still could not accept Remus malady of lycanthrope.

"Very well, I believe Lupin could use a new suitcase. The one he has is quite worn."

"I know, but I think Sirius gave him that when he first started teaching. He may just want to be the one to give him a new one."

"Very well, then how about a new briefcase?"

"Do you know of a place where we could get one?"

"Yes, believe it or not, there is a luggage shop right next door to the boot maker I took you to on our last visit."

"You mean Coffee's Custom Shoes and Boots?"

"Yes, it is run by his cousin, Stuart Browne."

"Then let's go. Will Tom keep our things here?"

"I should make you carry them, but our reporter may just find too good of a story in that. So, yes, Tom will keep them safely locked up," he told her paying the bill that had magically appeared on the table, and then vanished just as quickly, appearing in Tom's hand.

"Do I have time to go to the ladies room?"

"I think we both need to use the rest rooms, but we're lucky they're located near the entrance to Diagon Alley," he said steering her in the direction of the public restrooms and the hidden entrance to the outside.

They each ducked into the bathroom and after relieving herself, Harry quickly fixed her hair, hiding the scar on her forehead, and then exited the bathroom. Snape had not yet reappeared, but Harry did not have a chance to duck back into the bathroom, as someone touched her on the shoulder from behind.

"Excuse me, Miss, but you are Harry Potter, aren't you?" A quiet voice asked, as she jumped in dismay.

"I'm sorry, but you have me confused with someone else. My name is Jamie Evans," Harry replied smoothly recognizing the young reporter. "People often confuse me with her though, so it is an honest mistake," she lied, giving him her best smile.

"Miss Evans, our trip does not include your flirting with young men," Snape's icy voice came from her other side, "you are supposed to be on detention."

"Professor Snape, you probably don't remember me, I'm...'

"Phineas Phibes," Snape finished coldly, "I believe you were in Hufflepuff. I would appreciate it if you would leave Miss Evans alone. She is doing the same detention that I believe you did your last year at Hogwarts."

"Uh...yes, Sir. I'm sorry...I thought she was somebody else."

"You thought she was Harry Potter. Miss Evans and Miss Potter look very similar, but Miss Potter wears her hair differently, and she is also not quite as pretty as Miss Evans is. It is a common mistake, Mr. Phibes. Now if you will excuse us, Miss Evans still must finish her detention," Snape angrily took Harry by the arm and pushed her back into Diagon Alley. As soon as he was certain Phineas Phibes was not following any longer he slowed down, and turned to Harry, "Are you all right? I didn't plan on taking so long in the rest room."

"I think Jamie Evans will come in very handy from time to time. I'm glad you invented her for me. I assume you heard me tell him that's who I was."

"Yes, I was just coming back into the hallway."

"Well, then you are the hero of the hour," Harry smiled broadly, "in more ways than one. Lets get moving and I'll tell you why. I need to get those two gifts and we both need to get back to Hogwarts."

"Very well," Snape responded suspiciously, "now tell me what is going on."

"I'm not certain, but I think he may be a Deatheater."

"Phibes? What makes you believe that?"

"When he had his arm on my shoulder, his left sleeve was partially pulled up, and I saw the partial tattoo of a snake's tail."

"Are you certain?"

"Yes, but it could just be a regular tattoo. I didn't see the whole thing."

"We should leave now," Snape told her taking hold of her arm in an effort to turn her back towards the Leaky Cauldron.

"No, Professor, you still need a gift for Dumbledore and I need two more. It will take Voldemort himself to try to stop me, and even he'll have a hard time. I'm going to Ollivander's and the leather shop. I don't know what you have in mind for Dumbledore, but my guess is you already have it picked out. So let's get going and then head home."

"Very well, but if I say we have to leave immediately I do not want any argument. I'm only allowing you to do this since we aren't sure about Phineas, and I know how much you want to give Black his gift," Snape growled, "if he knew I let you take this chance he'd be furious with the both of us."

"Good, when you're both angry enough you can duel it out and maybe then you'll get along. You two have more in common than you realize," Harry remarked as they entered Ollivander's.

"Ah....Miss Potter...Severus...Professor Dumbledore said you would be coming. I have the wand ready and waiting," Ollivander smiled, his silver eyes staring at Harry, "would you like to see it?"

"Yes, I would," Harry replied, Ollivander's stare making her nervous.

"I know every wand I have ever sold. Sirius Black's is maple and mahogany, fourteen inches long. It is wonderful for transfiguration and has strong protective powers. The core enchantment in his was the single tail hair of a Griffin. Very powerful and protective of what ever they are guarding," Ollivander explained as he showed Harry the wand she was purchasing for Sirius. "I am happy for him, my dear. He has suffered greatly, but he has protected you without fail. Even from Azkaban he waited and watched, enduring the suffering to prevent those who would harm you from doing so, until He Who Must Not Be Named was able to summon his minions once again. The day is coming when he will be vanquished by the phoenix."

"Thank you, Mr. Ollivander," Harry paid him quickly, and put the wand safely away until she could give it to Sirius. Ollivander had always made her nervous, and today was no exception.

"Good day Ollivander," Snape nodded as they exited the wand shop.

They then hurried over to the leather shop where Harry found a new brief case for Remus and had it engraved with his initials in gold leaf. A gold wolf's head was emblazoned below them. Next, they went into a small dusty store, and the proprietor handed Snape a rather unusual shaped package. She knew it was for Dumbledore, but had no idea what it could be, but she didn't ask Snape. She knew he wanted to get them both back home and had been watching stealthily since she had told him of her suspicions about Phibes.

When they reached the Leaky Cauldron, Phibes was not there, and Tom told them he had left as soon as they had returned to Diagon Alley. He told Snape the young man had been rubbing his left arm, telling him he had bruised it earlier in the day. Snape and Harry exchanged glances, but said nothing. Harry returned via the floo system first, with Snape following. As before, Dumbledore was waiting for them.

"Welcome home, Harry, did you enjoy your detention with Severus?" he teased, his blue eyes twinkling merrily.

"I may start a campaign to free the students from unscrupulous Potions Masters. Talk about slave labor, "she grinned back at him affectionately.

"Severus, I know that scowl, what happened this time?'

"One of our former students is now suspected of being in league with Voldemort. What's worse is that he is working for the Daily Prophet."

Snape then went on to tell him all about Phineas Phibes, how he had followed them, and tried to talk to Harry. He also mentioned Harry's stubbornness and refusal to leave immediately following the incident.

"Harry, you should have left immediately," Dumbledore chastised her gently, "Sirius would have been very upset if something had happened to you. He could have picked up the wand himself."

"Headmaster, no one was going to stop me from getting this gift, not Snape, not Remus, not Voldemort, or even you. My mind was set, and you all would have had to use your best work to prevent me from getting to Ollivander's, and nothing would have worked!" she tossed her head stubbornly, facing off with Dumbledore, hands on her hips, challenging him.

"I could have stopped you very simply. All I needed to do was this," he said leaning over to whisper in her ear, and then kissing her gently on the forehead.

"Show off," she pouted, curling her lip, "I didn't think of that."

"If it makes you feel better, neither did Severus."

"Headmaster did I miss something?" Snape asked in confusion.

"No, Severus," Dumbledore beamed at him, "I'll tell you what I just said to Harry in a few minutes. In the meantime, I think Harry would like to go and spend some time with Ron and Ginny. Their parents will be here tomorrow for Christmas Eve and will be spending the night as our guests along with Fred and George."

"All right, I know when I'm not wanted. I can take a hint," Harry picked up her packages, and winked at Dumbledore affectionately, "I need to go and wrap presents anyway."

"We will see you at dinner, Child, please try to stay out of trouble."

"I do try. I never look for trouble; it just seems to find me. Besides, I keep you young with everything that goes on," she laughed, descending the moving stairs to go and join her friends in the Gryffindor Common Room, allowing the two men time to discuss the day's events.

No one had yet to say anything about Sirius returning, but Dumbledore definitely knew something, as he didn't say he would not be there for the holiday. Harry was growing anxious though, and before going to join her friends escaped to her room, where she reread the articles about Sirius in the Daily Prophet and wrapped her Christmas gifts. She had one other gift for both Sirius and Dumbledore. Colin had taken two pictures of her, one standing with Fawkes, and the other with her Firebolt broom, the quidditch rings superimposed in the background. She had then made the frames for each photograph from wood scraps she had secured from Hagrid, decorating them with colored stones she had gathered by the lake. These she wrapped along with their other gifts, and tied them together with red and green ribbons. She then left to go and join her friends for the evening, and enjoy a relaxing game of Wizard's Chess with Ron, and some girl talk with Ginny. Her heart was light, and despite her anxiety over Sirius, she was happy.