The Mathias Prophecy Book II

THE MATHIAS PROPHECY II

Auld Lang Syne

Harry was flying in her animagus form up in the unused third floor hallway, with Sirius following along as Padfoot. She had stopped calling him Snuffles when he transformed to avoid confusion with her puppy. She had learned that little Snuffles was actually going to be quite large, and was a Newfoundland. They loved water and had originally been used to rescue drowning victims. The puppy was running behind Sirius and jumping mischievously trying to catch Harry when she would fly low, but Harry made certain not to let her do so. The little pup learned quickly and seemed to realize that the Phoenix was actually her mistress, and enjoyed the game she was playing with her. Reaching the end of the corridor, Harry almost swooped into Professor Snape. Landing on the windowsill, she quickly transformed, the puppy running up to Snape, her chubby little body wagging with her tail. Sirius transformed in front of the Potions Master.

"Professor Snape," Harry laughed, "I'm sorry, I almost flew into you, but I didn't expect to see you when I came around that last bend."

"You should watch where you're going, Miss Potter." Turning towards the other man, he frowned, "Black, the Headmaster is looking for you. He wants to go over your schedule with Minerva before we leave for the cemetery."

"I'm sorry, Harry, but I have to go. Maybe Professor Snape will stay with you a while so you can practice flying. I think you have the transformation just about perfect."

"It's almost automatic now, I love changing. When do you think I can start to fly outside?"

"Don't rush it, Miss Potter. The Headmaster will tell you when he feels you are ready."

"Snape is right, Harry. Albus doesn't want anyone to know about this. If you go outside, you're more likely to be noticed. Besides, it's cold out, and I have to try and run in the deep snow," Sirius grinned, "while you can stay nice and dry in the air."

"I may be dry, but I'm sure the wind isn't exactly warm this time of year. I'll wait. Are you going to stay, Professor Snape? I really would like to fly some more."

Snape studied Harry intently for a moment, before replying, "Unfortunately, Miss Potter, I need to finish my lesson plan for the upcoming semester. The Headmaster wishes to see it before he leaves tomorrow evening after dinner. Why don't you seek out Mister Weasley and amuse yourself with a game of chess?"

"Ron and Ginny went out with their parents to Hogsmeade for lunch, and then they are going to do some shopping. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley will be going home this evening, since they are announcing Percy's engagement tomorrow with Penelope's family. I was invited to go along with them, but I decided not to intrude."

"More likely you are avoiding a certain young man," Snape remarked, looking down at her.

"I am not!" Harry exclaimed blushing.

"George Weasley," Sirius said flatly, and Snape nodded. "Harry has told me she would prefer that they just remain good friends."

"I think George will be a rather persistent suitor. He appears to be quite smitten with her."

"I'll keep that in mind," Sirius replied.

"Excuse me, but I don't believe how the two of you are acting. He gives me one kiss and you're both acting as if we're going for a roll in the hay! There is such a thing as trust you know!"

"You kissed him?" Sirius asked looking at her sternly. "When was this?"

"I did not kiss him, he kissed me. And it is really none of your business," Harry stamped her foot angrily, and the puppy whined in confusion.

"As your godfather it is my business," he stated firmly as she bent to pick up Snuffles.

"If I'm not mistaken he kissed her on Christmas. I saw them from the window in Albus office when I got up to check on them."

"You were spying on us! Who do the two of you think you are? I don't invade your privacy."

"Harry, why didn't you tell me George Weasley kissed you?"

"What difference does it make whether I told you or not? George and I are friends, nothing more. I can't believe we're having this conversation. I didn't do anything wrong!" Harry yelled angrily, turning and running down the hall towards the stairs. Sirius didn't trust her and Snape had the nerve to tell him about something that was none of his business.

She had been so happy all week long, and now this! Today of all days, when they were going to the cemetery to visit her parents grave. She had needed and wanted their support when it came time to read her father's letter, now she didn't even want to go.

Harry was so angry she hadn't been paying attention to where she was going, and ran head long into Hagrid, who was coming up the stairs to see Professor Dumbledore.

"Whoa, Harry," Hagrid laughed as she bumped into his huge form, "yer runnin' like yer being chased by a ragin' dragon."

"I'm sorry Hagrid; I wasn't looking where I was going. I have other things on my mind just now."

"Yer not havin' a problem with yer pup are ya? She seems happy enough."

"No, Hagrid, Snuffles is fine," Harry replied looking over her shoulder, to see if Sirius and Snape were following her. "Look, I can't talk just now; maybe I'll come down and see you later. We haven't had much of a chance to talk lately."

"Sure an' I'll be glad ter spend some time with ya. Bring the pup an' she can play with Fang," Hagrid said, referring to his boarhound.

"I will," she agreed, moving away rapidly. She knew Sirius and Snape would be along shortly, and she wanted to be away before they showed up.

She was so angry and wanted to talk to someone, but she didn't know who would listen. She couldn't go to Dumbledore; he would just smile and tell her it was a part of growing up, that Sirius was just looking out for her. She was also sure Snape hadn't been looking out that window by accident. Dumbledore was extremely protective of her too. Besides, he was leaving tomorrow and had enough on his mind right now. Ron and Ginny were out of the question. She had already told Ron she would not date him, and here she was kissing his older brother. In any event, they were still in Hogsmeade. Hermione would listen, but she would not be back until tomorrow, when the Hogwart's express arrived.

All these ideas were flying through her mind, when she found herself in front of Remus' office door. Incredibly, she found herself knocking., 'I must be mad,' she thought. 'Remus is Sirius best friend. He'll just stand up for him.'

"Harry," he smiled opening the door, "come on in."

"I'm sorry, Professor, you're busy. It's not important anyway," Harry replied trying to leave, but Remus caught her by the arm.

"First of all, I'm just reviewing my lesson plans for the semester. Secondly, I am never too busy to listen to you. I can tell you have something on your mind. Now come in and sit down. I was beginning to get bored anyway and could use a little diversion," he steered her inside and sat her in the seat by his desk, placing Snuffles on the floor. "Now how about having a cup of tea with me?"

"Thank you, I will."

"Good. It's always nice to talk over a relaxing cup of tea. I believe it helps one to really see things as they are."

"Before or after you've read the leaves?" she shook her head beginning to feel better.

"Both. The tea helps one to relax, and then you can determine the possible cause or outcome of the problem by reading the tea leaves," Professor Lupin grinned handing her the cup of tea. "Now, what can I do for you?"

"I don't know that you can do anything for me."

"Well, what is the problem? I can almost assure you that it's nothing that I haven't heard before."

"Sirius and Snape are my problem!"

"Really?" he questioned mildly. "What are they doing, fighting again?"

"No, Snape is spying on me and told Sirius George Weasley kissed me," Harry blurted out and Remus sat back in his chair laughing.

"I don't think it's funny!"

"I'm sorry, Princess, but Snape has always been a bit of a spy, that's how he ended up going to the Shrieking Shack when I nearly attacked him in wolf form. As for Sirius, payback really is a bitch. He knows what he was like at George Weasley's age, and he's probably terrified. He's just not used to having the responsibility of a teenaged girl."

"So why would Snape tell Sirius he saw us kissing?"

"Snape has sworn to protect you, and if he feels you may be threatened, he'll act on it. He may just be concerned that if you become involved with George it will distract you too much, and it may further endanger the Weasley's."

"So what should I do?"

"Nothing," Remus folded his hands under his chin thoughtfully.

"Nothing, why? Sirius is fit to be tied and I can't have Snape following me around all the time."

"Sirius needs time to adjust and so does Severus. They both worry about you. Sirius trusts you, but he's afraid of letting you down. He's also more than aware that you may one day decide to take a lover. I know he would rather you wait until you're married or at least of legal age," Professor Lupin explained calmly, but he was blushing. "As for Severus, be glad that he's keeping an eye on you. Remind him that you're aware of his concern, but he also needs to give you a little space. If he knows you appreciate his concern, he'll be more forthcoming."

"I'll try, but you make if seem so simple," Harry smiled, as Snuffles went over to the door and began wagging her tail. "You have another visitor. It's probably Sirius. I left him and Snape up on the third floor."

"Enter," Remus responded to the knock on the door.

"Ah...Child, I suspected you might be here," Dumbledore looked concerned as he entered the room. "Severus and Sirius are worried. They said you were angry with them and took off after your transfiguration practice. They checked your room and you weren't there."

"Did they tell you why I was angry?"

"All they told me was that you were upset over a young man."

"No, I'm upset because Professor Snape saw George Weasley kiss me on Christmas, and he told Sirius, who was not exactly happy. I got the feeling he doesn't exactly trust me."

"Nonsense Child, he's just being overprotective. He's worried you'll get too involved at a young age. You've been very sheltered and have had to deal with not being allowed to express your feminity until a few months ago. He just doesn't want you to be hurt. As for Severus, he watches you to keep you safe from Voldemort. He is also acutely aware that you are vulnerable to your emotions."

"I have been telling her pretty much the same thing."

"Well I expect some privacy and a little trust. Sirius needs to realize that he can't protect me from growing up, and if Professor Snape insists on playing sleuth, he should realize that not everything I do is subject to his approval."

"You're quite right, Child, but somehow I don't think I was the one to help you realize that under the circumstances their behavior is quite normal," Dumbledore mused, looking at Professor Lupin with a twinkle in his eye. "It's good to know that while I'm away Remus can be someone you can turn to for advice and guidance."

"I'll do my best, Headmaster," Professor Lupin nodded, acknowledging the older wizard's compliment.

"Now, Child, if you'll allow me to open the door, I know two very anxious people are probably there waiting to see if you'll accept their apologies for causing you such embarrassment."

"Don't bother, Professor," Harry replied getting up to open the door herself. Snape and Sirius were both waiting on the other side as Dumbledore had predicted. Sirius was pacing nervously, while Snape was standing as still as a statue, arms folded across his chest. Harry stood framed in the doorway staring at them in exasperation, "Well, what do the two of you have to say for yourselves?"

"Miss Potter...Harry..."Snape began, staring right back, his dark eyes unreadable.

"May we come in, honey? It's rather uncomfortable talking in the hall," Sirius asked giving her his hurt puppy expression.

"That's not for me to say, this is not my office," she remarked knowing that Remus had gotten up to stand behind her.

"Seems to me, that talking in the hall can't be anymore uncomfortable than making a person feel they're not trusted and being spied on. How about it, Princess, should I let them in?" Professor Lupin asked trying hard to look annoyed at his friend and co-worker, but failing miserably.

'God bless you, Remus,' Harry thought before answering, "No. If they have anything to say to me, they can do it from out there. If I feel their remarks are worthwhile I'll let them in."

"Very well, Miss Potter," Snape began, staring back at her, his dark eyes challenging her to refute his remarks; "I merely told Black about the Weasley boy since I know how fond you are of them. I did not mean it to be an invasion of your privacy. When I was watching you over the holiday, I had merely looked out the window to be certain everything was all right, as my mark was burning slightly."

"Fair enough, I don't mind you watching my back, but I expect you to respect my privacy."

"I shall do so, unless I feel you are endangered, should that occur, I will intercede."

"Okay, you can come in if you still want to," Harry told him moving aside for him to enter, as Dumbledore nodded to the Potions Master, unable to hide his pleasure. "Sirius, what's your excuse?"

"Harry, I didn't mean to upset you. I just...well...don't want to see you in a situation where you may be hurt. I trust you, and I didn't mean to make you feel that I thought you were doing something behind my back," Sirius explained uncomfortably.

"Sirius, do you really believe I would have a relationship I wasn't ready for? I'm not about to enter into a relationship with anyone seriously right now, but I do expect to be able to spend time with my friends. I also expect that I will date from time to time, but I do not intend to get involved emotionally or sexually for quite a while. I have too many other things to worry about."

"Harry, I...Oh, Merlin," Sirius ran his fingers through his thick dark hair, "you have no idea how foolish you just made me feel. You're just like your father. He could always make me see his viewpoint. You both have a great ability to put things into the proper perspective."

"Ruff, ruff!" Snuffles came out of Remus office and began tugging on Sirius' robe. "Ruff, ruff, ruff," she barked, tail wagging madly, as Harry bent to pick her up.

"So, Snuffles, should we forgive Padfoot for acting like a fool, or should we let him feel guilty for awhile?" Harry asked the puppy as she licked her face.

"Ruff, ruff!" Snuffles barked, squirming to get out of Harry's arms and going to Sirius, as Remus stood laughing.

"I think she wants you to forgive him, Harry," the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor smirked. "Sirius has begun to understand that you have your father's sense of responsibility and your mother's temper."

"Please can I come in, Wings?"

"Wings?"

"Uh huh," Sirius grinned, "Remus is Moony, I'm Padfoot, and I've decided you will be Wings."

"You know, he can be quite impossible to deal with at times," Harry threw up her hands, looking at Remus with a smile.

"He just gets carried away when it comes to people he cares about. That's why he was so upset when he thought I was the one who was spying for Voldemort. He and your father had always tried to protect me from feeling bitter about being a werewolf. Sirius thought all they had done had just not been enough, so that Voldemort had been able to bring me into his circle."

"But I was wrong, and my damned stubbornness had blinded me to the real weak link in our little band of Marauders. If I had just listened to James..." Sirius voice trailed off at the memory.

"Okay, you're forgiven," Harry said hastily, to stop Sirius from feeling guilty. "Come on in before the Headmaster gets a chill from the draft."

"Thank you, Child," Dumbledore beamed as she pulled Sirius into the room.

"Miss Potter, you do have a knack for bringing people together."

"Does this mean you and Sirius are becoming friends?"

"Miss Potter, you are asking for a miracle," Snape sneered disdainfully, "you would have better luck chasing rainbows."

"Oh, I don't know, Professor. Any leprechaun will tell you there is a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow, if you just know how to look for it."

"Severus, I believe you may have met your match with our little Phoenix," Dumbledore's blue eyes glinted with mirth, "I'll bet she even gets that N.E.W.T out of you at the end of the semester."

"Do you really believe she will mix the Wolfbane Potion correctly?" Snape asked mildly, his dark eyes challenging his mentor.

"I not only believe it, I will bet you a pound of lemon drops against a bag of your favorite peaches that she does it."

"Can I get in on some of this action?" Sirius asked excitedly. He was pleased that Albus had such confidence in Harry.

"What would you wager, Black?"

"I'll bet you a good dinner out at the restaurant of the winner's choice."

"Very well, and do you wish to wager too, Professor Lupin?" Snape asked with animation.

"As a matter of fact, yes. After all, she's doing it for me," Professor Lupin winked at Harry with a smile, "how about if the loser covers the other's classes on the Friday of his choice for the next school year?"

"Hmm...are you up to covering Potions? As I recall it is among your least adept abilities."

"I won't have to worry about it since you'll be covering Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"Remind me to come down with a case of the flu on that day," Harry groaned, knowing how much Snape would enjoy tormenting her in Defense class, as they all laughed. "I don't suppose I can get in on this, since I'm the one who has to mix the potion?"

"Sorry, Miss Wings," Sirius patted her head, "but you shouldn't be betting."

"No, Black. Let her do it. I'm curious to see what she'll bet."

"Albus? Do you think we should?" Sirius deferred to the Headmaster.

"There's no money involved, so why not. I'd like to know what she'll wager myself."

"Okay, if I mix the potion correctly, you will promise me that you'll be nice to Neville Longbottom for his entire last year at Hogwarts. If I screw up and don't get it right, I'll clean the dungeon on Fridays for the same amount of time, but there is a catch to the wager."

"Really Potter, and what might that be?" Snape asked arching his brow, arms crossed in his familiar sardonic stance.

"The Headmaster has to be on hand to make certain that everything is in order."

"You think I would cheat?"

"Let's just say you might make it a bit more difficult than it should be," she chuckled impudently.

"She's got your number, Snape. Are you willing to take her challenge?" Sirius taunted his former adversary.

"If Albus agrees to be the intermediary I will be more than happy to meet her terms."

"I'd be delighted," Dumbledore beamed with pleasure.

"I thought you would. Professor Snape will win either way."

"What makes you say that, Miss Potter?'

"If I mix the potion correctly, you only have to give Dumbledore a bag of lemon drops, Sirius gets dinner, but you do too, even if you don't like the restaurant, and you will be ecstatic to teach defense class."

"Interesting assessment, but what about you?"

"Then you have the satisfaction of knowing you did your job well, something that I know means a lot to you. If I don't get it right, you get a free helper for the year, and still have the time to work with me to mix it properly. If anyone ever thought you didn't belong in Slytherin, they were mistaken. You come out on the winning end no matter how you look at it," Harry informed him smugly.

"Princess, sometimes I think you're far older than sixteen."

"She certainly has a sense of what makes people tick," Sirius shook his head with wonder.

"That, my dear young ones, is because she cares about others more than herself," Dumbledore hugged her fondly. "Now I suggest that we finish going over the lesson plans so we can get to the cemetery by two o'clock as we had planned. That is, if Harry still wishes to go."

"I almost did change my mind, thanks to two certain people who almost ruined my good mood," she tossed her head indicating Sirius and Snape, "but yes I still want to go."

"Then I shall meet you by the main door at one thirty. You and I will go on ahead and the others will meet us there," Dumbledore stated looking at her seriously. Harry understood that he felt she should have some time alone first.

"I'll be there on time," she replied, looking wickedly at Snape, who always made it a point to mention when she was late.

Sirius, Snape and Dumbledore left for the Headmaster's Office while Harry and Remus resumed their tea.

"Are you sure you don't want me to leave so you can get your work done?" Harry asked as Remus placed a sheaf of papers in his drawer.

"Actually, I was just finishing when you came in. I am enjoying the company. It's not often that I can rescue a damsel in distress."

"In that case, Captain, I am in your debt," she grinned, pretending to curtsey, and the puppy wagged her tail in agreement.

"What do your tea leaves say?"

"Lets see," she said studying them with a frown, "that's really odd."

"What? Do you see something dangerous?"

"There appears to be a deer and some new friends, but there is also a snake. Do you think it's Voldemort?"

"Perhaps, but it could actually be anyone in Slytherin or even an encounter with a real snake. Is there anything else?"

"A woman, but she is by the snake. Maybe Voldemort has a girlfriend," Harry said in an attempt at levity.

"Or maybe you will have a conversation with a snake. You know I have never heard you speak Parsel Tongue."

"Neither has Sirius. Maybe when the weather gets warm we can find a snake and I'll ask him how he is doing."

"Would you really? I'd love for you to do it for my first years," Remus said, excited at the prospect of having her talk to a snake in his class.

"Professor, consider it done. I'll just leave it to you to procure the snake and make the necessary arrangements for me to be able to sit in on your class."

"Princess, the Captain will be forever grateful."

"I'll remember that when I take your next pop quiz," she teased playfully. "What do your tea leaves say?"

"I see a Grim, but it might be Padfoot or puppy Snuffles too. I also see a bird with wings outspread. Maybe it's you," he smiled, putting his cup on the table. He didn't want to worry her, but he had a snake in his tealeaves too, wrapped around a woman. "It's almost time for you to meet Albus," he remarked checking his watch, "so I would suggest you hurry along and I'll see you in a little bit."

"Then I'd better take the pup out for a quick walk since I think I will leave her home, and I will see you later," Harry replied.

Scooping up the puppy, she left Remus to his thoughts. She didn't see him studying his cup again or the deep frown on his features.

Harry hurriedly took Snuffles for a brief walk and then returned the puppy to the basket she used as a bed beside Harry's fireplace. Curling up with a large stuffed animal, which one of the other students had given her to act as a surrogate mother when Harry could not be with her, the little dog promptly fell asleep. Harry ran a brush through her unruly hair, and pulling on her heavy winter cloak and a pair of gloves, she went downstairs to meet the Headmaster, the letter secured in her pocket.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Professor, but I had to make sure Snuffles was secured before I came down."

"I only just arrived myself, Harry," Dumbledore smiled, greeting her with a kiss on the forehead. "We don't have too far to go, it's only a brief walk, but since there is still snow on the ground I thought we would just apparate," he said as they left the building, the winter sunshine bright against the snow.

"Headmaster, you know I can't apparate."

"No, but I can, and it's a simple matter to bring you with me," he replied, his blue eyes twinkling.

"You just want to tease me since you told me under no circumstances was I allowed to even try and apparate," she pouted, curling her lip.

"And I meant that. We are going to apparate only to save time. If it were spring, I would enjoy the walk. Besides, I thought you would like to be alone with them for a little while," Dumbledore gently tilted her chin up to study her face.

"I would like that."

"Then come over here, and hold onto me as tightly as you can," he instructed as they reached the path which led towards Hogsmeade. Harry put her arms around the old man, and was surprised at the warmth and strength emanating from his body. "All set?" he asked kindly, raising his wand into the air.

"Yes, Sir," Harry nodded, remembering the time Snape had apparated them back to the Leaky Cauldron, following their encounter with the Deatheaters. A moment later, she felt herself moving through time and space, and found herself standing at the gates of the cemetery.

"Are you all right?" Dumbledore inquired studying her intently.

"Is it always so disorienting when you apparate?"

"You get used to it," he smiled in amusement, "but that is one reason you need to be eighteen and have a license to do it. Just like driving a car in the Muggle world."

"I'll keep that in mind," she said following him through the gates and into the graveyard. They walked for a few minutes in silence, when Harry suddenly stopped, frozen in her tracks. "Professor Dumbledore," she cried shakily, "this is the same cemetery where Voldemort was returned to his body."

"Are you sure, Child?"

"Yes, I remember that odd marker over there. I was tied up to that tall monument two rows up. He said it was his father's grave." Harry paled at the memory of her encounter with Voldemort two years earlier, which had cost the life of another student following the Triwizard Tournament. "This is where we dueled and the wand streams arced," she pointed nervously, "and there is the place where I was able to use the port key and get back with Cedric's body. That bastard used this cemetery on purpose. He must have known they were buried here," Harry sobbed, realizing she had begun to cry.

"Hush, Child. Voldemort is not here now, nor will he return. I have put blocking spells around it to keep his evil presence away."

"You knew it was this place?"

"It was the closest and easiest cemetery for his needs at the time. He moved his father's body from the cemetery in Little Hangleton where he had been buried originally. I came as soon as I was certain of what had happened, while you were under the influence of Severus sleeping potion. I had hoped you wouldn't realize where we were. I'll understand if you wish to leave."

"No. I came to say good-bye and now I need to more than ever, but I always thought they were laid to rest in Godric's Hollow. How did they come to be here?"

"I led everyone to believe they were in Godric's Hollow. I did not want to see any of the Deatheaters try to desecrate their graves by using their remains for dark magic. Only a select few knew this was where we actually buried them."

At least now, I understand why my parent's presence was so strong when the wand streams connected," Harry wiped the tears from her eyes, "how much further is it?"

"Just a short distance," Dumbledore took her hand and began to lead her through the maze of headstones until they reached a secluded area beneath a large oak tree. There was a small stone bench there, and the grave had been covered with a fresh grave blanket. Harry thought she saw a movement out of the corner of her eye, but no one was there, yet she could sense that they were not alone. "Professor, there is someone else here," she kept glancing around cautiously, but could see no one.

"You're quite right, Harry. I have a special surprise for you." He stopped and sat down on the bench. "Artemis, I want you to meet Harry Potter," Dumbledore said quietly watching the tree.

A small figure seemed to emerge from the tree. She was about the size of a ten year old, and her hair was pale violet and her eyes were the same. Her tiny ears were pointed and peeked out from beneath her hair. Harry knew she was one of the watcher elves Dumbledore had told her about the night she had read the Prophecy.

"Hello, Miss Harry, I'm Artemis," she said shyly. Her voice reminded Harry of tiny bells. "I watch the place of those who have the endless sleep."

"Hello Artemis, it's nice to meet you. Have you always watched this place?"

"No, only since the Evil one came two years ago. I used to watch the woods nearby, but I saw what happened that night and sent word to the castle. You are very brave."

"Thank you, Artemis."

"I wanted to tell you that we all believe in you. I have seen you many times since you came to Hogwarts. Dumbledore always treats us well. We live here in peace, but the Evil one has caused us all to be afraid. He enslaves our children, and kills us when he can find where we blend with the scenery. You have a great power within you and an aura unlike any I have ever seen, except for maybe Dumbledore. Hermes and Thera have asked me to give you a great gift." The elf pulled out a small talisman attached to a cord, "This is a talisman of the elf god, Luna. She will protect you by night and keep your dreams free from strife. Should you ever be in need of help you are to say Luna Servo three times and those of us who watch will send you protection and help," the talisman then magically disappeared from Artemis hand and reappeared around Harry's neck.

"Artemis, this is a great gift you have given me, but I'm not sure I am worthy of such an honor," Harry responded with awe, as Dumbledore looked on approvingly.

"You have the power and the heart. We of the woods can see that, but you are very young and must face great Evil. If we can help you to overcome it then please do not refuse our gift."

"Then I promise to try and live up to your expectations, but why do you talk about yourself as if you are an old woman. Surely you can't be much older than I am?"

Artemis laughed, and looked at Dumbledore in amusement. "I am older than the wise one who brought you here today. I was fifty years when he was but a babe in his mother's arms. We of the wood live a long time, Miss Harry, and we age differently than other beings. We do not reach maturity until we are seventy-five of your years. Thera and Hermes are my parents, and I will lead the colony with my mate when they have gone to the long sleep."

"Artemis, you are two hundred years old?"

"I am little one, and I hope one day to be able to watch the children of the child I see before me now grow and be free to explore the wood without fear. I must go now," she smiled, "but I will be watching." Artemis then vanished back into the tree, as Harry just stood with her mouth open.

"Professor, why do I feel like something very special just happened to me?"

"It did, Child. Artemis does not usually show herself, but she wanted to meet you. She would not have given you that talisman if she did not believe you were capable of handling Voldemort. Luna is a very powerful goddess. Use it well."

"Does she always stay by my parents' grave?"

"I don't know, Harry. She watches the entire cemetery, but I do know that she always sees to their graves. Your mother was her friend."

"My mother knew her?"

"Yes. She met her when your mother was just a little girl coming to Hogwarts for the first time. Your mother happened to get a glimpse of her and thought she was a lost child who had gone into the forest. She tried to find her and got lost in the forest herself. She was frightened, but kept trying to find the little girl. I believe she thought that they would be able to comfort each other. Artemis was so impressed with her tenacity that she showed herself and brought her back to school. They were friends ever since. One of the hardest things I ever had to do was to tell her that Lily and James were killed."

"How did she react?"

"She asked about you. She knew I believed you would be special, and she had seen you before your parents went into hiding. I often suspected she knew you were a girl, but she never said anything. I told her you were alive and had been sent to live with your mother's family until you were old enough to come to school. She has been watching you since the day you started here."

"Headmaster, do watcher elves live in the cities too?"

"Yes, Child they do. Have you ever had the feeling you saw someone out of the corner of your eye, but no one was there?"

"Yes, I felt that way today, when Artemis was watching us."

"Then it is usually a watcher elf. I believe your talisman will be of great value to you even in the city."

"I see," she replied looking over at the grave, solemnly.

The marker was simple polished granite with their names and dates of birth and death engraved on it. A simple inscription read, 'They died for what they believed in, and for their beloved child, Harry.' Moving over to the grave Harry took out her wand, and with a wave, produced a bouquet of lilies. These she placed on top of the large wreath covering the grave, what Muggles called a grave blanket, and then moved over to sit with Dumbledore on the bench.

"It's peaceful here, I'm glad."

"I selected this site myself. I made sure they were together. Your aunt did not want any part of the arrangements."

"She probably didn't even come to the funeral," Harry remarked bitterly.

"You're wrong, Child, she came and so did your uncle. I brought them. If it is any consolation to you she cried."

"My aunt Petunia cried at my parent's funeral?" Harry asked in disbelief.

"Harry, your aunt and your mother were sisters. It is true that your aunt was jealous and afraid of your mother's powers, but that did not mean she didn't love her."

"Yeah, well she certainly hates me."

"No, Child, she's afraid of you. She knew from the beginning you would have the same ability, but she still took you in. She and your uncle treat you unfairly, but it is because they fear what they do not understand. I have told you that before. They hoped they could keep you from the magic, but saw it in you even when you were unaware of the things you were doing. However their fear has also been a benefit to you."

"I don't understand. How could their being afraid of me have been beneficial?'

"It has made you independent and resourceful. You care for the people around you and do not wish to see anyone hurt. You never put yourself first. Look at your cousin, Dudley. How do you think he is turning out as a person?"

"He's a bully. He is spoiled and arrogant and has no respect for anyone or any thing. I think he uses my aunt and uncle unmercifully...Headmaster, now I think I see what you're saying. "

Dumbledore smiled, "I knew you would. Now, I see the others have arrived," he nodded towards the path, "they will be here shortly."

"I'm sorry we're late, Headmaster, but Minerva needed to make a last minute change with Black on his schedule. It appears there was a conflict with the sixth years," Snape arched his brow at Harry.

"What kind of conflict?" Dumbledore asked watching Harry. He knew she did not want Sirius to teach her class, but had a feeling that he would be doing so.

"We had to change our sixth year schedule;" Sirius said quietly, "Minerva needs to be in the office on Wednesdays."

"Story of my life, nothing ever goes the way it should," Harry muttered to herself.

"Honey, Minerva and I tried every other combination so that I would not have to teach your class on Wednesdays, but there was always a conflict. Remus and Severus both tried to work it out too."

"Princess, Sirius really tried. We all know how much you don't want Sirius to teach your Transfiguration class."

"Miss Potter, I even tried switching my Friday Potions class to Wednesday, but then there was another conflict."

"It doesn't really matter. I'm going to fail anyway."

"Harry, you don't have a problem with transfiguration. What makes you think you'll fail if I teach the class?" Sirius inquired, his face etched with concern.

"I can't pass it if I don't go," she replied sarcastically. "I'll just cut class and hide somewhere, so you won't be able to find me."

"Child, why is it so important to you not to have Sirius for your instructor?" Dumbledore inquired patiently, ignoring her last remark.

"Because everyone knows he's my Godfather. If I do well they'll say he's been helping me or being easier on me than the rest of the class. If I don't, then I might start to feel he is deliberately being harder on me because he expects more from me because of Voldemort."

"Harry, I promise neither of those things will happen, and if they do, then I will change my days at the ministry so that Minerva will be available on Wednesdays," Dumbledore looked at her over his half moon spectacles, his blue eyes serious. "In the meantime I want you to promise me you will go to class as usual."

"I'll try it, but the minute I think there's a problem I will not go," Harry answered, meeting Dumbledore's stern gaze with one of defiance.

"Very well, but if there is a problem you are to notify me by owl immediately."

"Fair enough," she said, a trace of a smile playing about her lips. It was rare for Dumbledore to give in so easily, and she felt he was only doing so to make her feel better.

"Miss Potter, I believe you have cast a spell on our Headmaster."

"No, Professor Snape, he just doesn't want to go away and see me miserable and upset. So he gave me a bit of a concession," Harry told the Potions Master, as Dumbledore put his arm around her shoulders, giving her a brief hug.

"Harry, did you put the lilies on your parent's grave?" Sirius asked, looking at the grave sadly.

"Yes, and I believe the watcher elf put the large wreath on it."

"Watcher elf, which one?"

"Artemis," Dumbledore answered for her.

"Lily told me about Artemis, but I never met her. It is a rare occurrence to see a watcher elf. I have only glimpsed them myself."

"I've never even had that experience," Remus remarked, from where he was standing looking at the grave. "How about you, Severus?"

"I have seen them on a few brief occasions, but it was with the Headmaster, and we were on business concerning the Dark Lord."

"Harry has had the unique experience of not only speaking with Artemis; she has been given one of their most powerful amulets."

"Which one, Princess?"

"Luna."

"Whew, that is a real honor," Remus whistled in amazement, "may I see it?"

"It is around my neck. She put it on me," Harry indicated the amulet of a small woman impressed on an orb, which appeared to be the moon.

"Princess, did you know that the elves believe Luna controls the phases of the moon. It's where we get the term lunar. She looks with favor on those who have been attacked by the night creatures. An old story goes that she once had a lover but the sun god was jealous, so he sent a wolf to attack him. Luna found out and went to rescue him, but when she arrived, he was dying. She used her healing magic to save him, but the sun god refused to give up. Therefore, when Luna was at her strongest her lover would become a mad wolf. The sun god condemned him to do so for the rest of his life, and anyone he met would suffer the same fate, if they survived his attack."

"Do you think they know you are a victim of the sun god's curse?"

"Probably, the few times Sirius ever thought he glimpsed them, was when we would explore the forest during my transformations."

"Sirius, did my father ever see them?"

"Your father once told me that Artemis came to them the day they were married. She gave them a moonstone as a wedding gift. It was the only time your father ever saw her, and he never said if he ever glimpsed any of the others during our marauding days."

"Miss Potter, you have gained the trust and affection of the watcher elves. It is a very rare and unusual experience. They have their own magic and knowledge, just like the house elves. You are to be commended."

"Thank you Professor, they're really interesting beings. I would have liked to speak with Artemis longer, but it seems that she set the parameters for our conversation."

"Maybe she will visit you again, Child."

"I would like that. I still don't believe she's older than you though," Harry laughed shaking her head, and for a split second she swore she heard Artemis bell like laughter, as Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled.

"This is a nice place, Albus," Sirius remarked taking a seat on the bench beside Harry, while Remus laid some yellow flowers on the grave.

"I see Remus has his own way of saying hello," Harry observed quietly.

"Indeed, Miss Potter."

"Does it bother you that I put Wolfsbane flowers on your parent's grave, Harry?" Remus asked with concern. "If you like I will take them away."

"No, I think it's a nice way to say you have come to visit," Harry assured him reaching into her robe pocket and retrieving her father's letter.

"Are you ready to read James letter, honey?" Sirius questioned, his brown eyes filled with concern.

"I'll never be ready to read it. It is just something I have to do. If I don't read it, I'll always wonder what it said. This letter is the last thing my father did before he died. It was important for him to let me know what he felt. The only problem is that if I read it I will have to admit to myself they're dead. That's always been something I have tried to avoid," Harry explained looking at the grave. She couldn't make eye contact with any of them, or she would start crying.

"Miss Potter...Harry...You yourself stated that you need to let go," Snape spoke quietly. He moved to stand in front of her, blocking her view of the gravesite to make her look up. "You were right; we all need to be able to go on. We can't carry our guilt and pain forever. Your father would want you to go on. He would like you to remember him, but not to grieve. Your mother would feel the same way. She loved you very much, they both did. They would be very unhappy knowing you felt guilty about their deaths. I know James would want Sirius and Remus to remember him fondly, and not to feel they failed in their endeavors to protect him. Lily always cared about what happened to them and she would be so unhappy to know her friends and only child were still grieving so long after her passing."

"And what would they say about you, Professor?" Harry asked looking into his dark eyes.

Snape could not bring himself to answer that question, and turned away, since he did not know, but Sirius answered for him.

"James would say that Severus had more than redeemed himself, Harry. He has watched over you since you arrived at Hogwarts. He sent for Dumbledore when Voldemort went to Godric's Hollow, risking his own life to try to stop his killing them. Severus has spied on Voldemort, and has risked torture and death innumerable times; yet he remains loyal to Dumbledore. Lily would tell him to be your friend and ally, because she would know you could trust him."

"Child, Remus was James' best friend, and he loved Sirius like a brother. True, he did not get along with Severus, but they respected one another, and Lily loved them all. Like you, she could see the good in all people. They would both want you all to move on," Dumbledore gently stroked the hair from her forehead, exposing her scar.

Harry didn't respond right away, but just sat staring at her parent's final resting place. Her face was a myriad of expressions as she fought a silent war with her emotions. Finally, she sighed, and tore open the letter. She carefully unfolded it, and laying it open upon her lap, began to read.

Dear Harry,

By the time you get this letter, your mother and I will have been gone for fifteen years. I asked Dumbledore to hold it until after Halloween following your sixteenth birthday. He alone knows why.

I am writing this while you're hiding in the garden. I was both shocked and amazed to see you tonight. My little girl, now almost grown. How lovely you are. If you only knew how badly I want to hold you and tell you things will be different. That your mother and I will leave before Voldemort arrives, but that will not happen. He is evil and cunning. He must have realized you would warn us. I'm sure he has some other plans to destroy us all if we survive the night. He sent you back to die as a visitor, but must have also realized that if we escaped he could kill us some other way later on. I'm certain he knew something to take such a risk. Please understand that we both love you more than life itself. You have a great destiny and God has allowed us a brief glimpse of it. Your mother is also aware of your identity as she returned after you left the house. I told her everything since we have never kept secrets from one another. We reread the Prophecy together. She too, has chosen to remain and protect you, even though she is aware of the consequences.

No parents were ever more proud of their child than we are of you. You have risen above every adversity Voldemort has set in your path, and will continue to do so. Do not worry, little girl, for even though we are physically gone our spirits will be with you. You are a survivor, Harry, and will win in the end. I will sign this off now as your mother wishes to add a postscript.

Your Loving Father,

J.P.

P.S.---I knew in my heart you were special the first time I ever held you in my arms. Tonight I got a brief glimpse of how special. My little girl, who had to be disguised as a boy. I may never have been able to put pretty pink dresses on you, but I promise I'll be there when you become a young lady. I'll watch over your first kiss, and cry with you should you ever have a broken heart. When you find your true love, I'll rejoice in your happiness. I'll cry, as mothers do, on your wedding day. Finally, when you hold your first born, as I have held you, my soul will sing with joy. Whenever you think of me, remember to say "Abra Kadabra." You just can't seem to say it right, with your garbled little baby voice twisting the syllables, and your chubby little face twisted into a frown. You see, there really is a magic to it, since it has always made me smile. Love,

Mama

Harry just sat, tears running down her face, unable to speak, shaking emotionally. Dumbledore and Sirius attempted to hold her and offer her comfort, but were unable to do so. Her mother's last words had been her salvation. Dumbledore understood, but she had never spoken about it to the others. Did her mother have a premonition of what was to come, or was it merely a coincidence? She would never know. She was vaguely aware of someone taking the letter from her lap, but paid no attention. As she sat, trembling, her attention wandered towards the woods on the edge of the cemetery. Amazingly, a large stag stood watching.

"Albus, when was the last time anyone saw deer in these woods?" Sirius asked following her gaze.

"There haven't been deer in these woods for over twenty years," he whispered.

"Well there are now," Remus stated quietly.

"What are the three of you talking about?" Snape asked puzzled. "Where do you see a deer?"

"On the edge of the woods, by that large birch tree," Harry sobbed looking from Snape and back to the stag. "Don't you see him?"

"No...I don't see..." Snape suddenly inhaled sharply, as he caught site of the large animal. The stag then leaped into the air as if to run and vanished!

"Please, someone, tell me that I didn't just see what I thought I saw," Harry begged shakily, but no one answered, for they all felt the same way.

Slowly, Dumbledore rose from the bench, "Harry, we need to be getting back," he said gently taking her by the arm. "It's getting late, and I want to be sure the school is secured before I leave."

"Headmaster, may I fly back? I need to be alone right now."

"I do not want you to return to Hogwarts unaccompanied. Sirius will follow you just as in the building. Be certain no one sees you transform when you get there."

"I will fly directly to your office. If anyone spots me they will think its Fawkes," she remarked quietly, the tears still running down her cheeks. Harry did not wait for his reply, but transformed and took off, gliding on the wind, as if she had done so all her life. On the ground, Sirius also transformed and took off running behind her.

Harry's heart was in turmoil, but flying made her soul feel free. Had the deer been the spirit of her father, or was it just an illusion? Snape didn't see the large stag until she pointed him out, and even then he almost missed him. Perhaps the deer was real and had just migrated back to the woods, maybe they all thought they saw him vanish into thin air. She had no answers.

Sirius transformed in a secluded area behind the castle and used the main entrance to enter the building as soon as he saw Harry's Phoenix, tapping gently on Dumbledore's window, and Snape allowing her access to his office, as the others had apparated and arrived first. Racing up the stairs, he uttered the password and joined them in Dumbledore's sitting room. Harry was sitting on the love seat with Snape, who was gently rubbing her neck. Remus was pouring the tea, and the Headmaster was sitting opposite her, a worried frown on his face.

"Harry, honey, are you feeling any better?" Sirius asked, worriedly, eyeing Snape. 'He cares about her too; otherwise he wouldn't be trying to make her relax and feel better,' Sirius remarked to himself, pulling up a chair.

"I'm just tired, that's all. What happened to my parent's letter?"

"I have it here, Child."

"I promised Ron that when I had read it I would show it to him," Harry answered taking the envelope from Dumbledore and putting it back in her pocket. "Well, Remus, so far part of my tea leaves was right," she directed her attention to the Defense Professor.

"I should say so. You made a new friend, and there was a deer in the woods."

"Really, Harry? What else did they say?" Sirius questioned trying to draw her out of her low mood.

"Nothing much, there was a snake with a woman. That could be anything. Remus wants me to speak Parsel Tongue to his students, so maybe that's it. Of course, it may also be another encounter with Voldemort. I don't usually put much stock in what my tea leaves say. It's all a matter of interpretation."

Ignoring the possibility of an encounter with Voldemort, to prevent her becoming more despondent, Sirius looked at her with interest. "You're going to speak Parsel Tongue for one of Remus' classes. Can I sit in?"

"Well, soon to be Professor Black, you will have to take that up with your colleague, Professor Lupin," Harry replied, her mood beginning to brighten.

"Remus, can I? I have never heard Harry speak Parsel Tongue; I think it would be fascinating."

"Of course, Sirius, I can hardly wait myself. Now I just have to find a snake."

"Ask Professor Snape. He's quite adept at conjuring them. I should know, since he threw one at me once."

"Severus, when did you throw a snake at Harry?"

"I did so in Harry's second year during the dueling club when Lockhart was teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts. I wanted to see Potter's reaction to an unexpected danger."

"Actually, he told Malfoy how to do it. However, I dodged the snake and it almost bit another student. That's when everyone, including myself, learned I could speak Parsel Tongue. Up to that time I thought I was speaking in English to the snake."

"Did you not have another episode before you started at Hogwarts?" Dumbledore asked with mischief in his blue eyes.

"Now Headmaster, you know that was purely an accident. I had no idea I had any powers that day at the zoo with my cousin. I couldn't help it if I made the glass disappear around the Boa Constrictor's display and Dudley fell in. Besides, the snake was happy he was free," she smiled wickedly, as Snape arched his brow and the others laughed.

"I will be happy to supply the snake for your class, Remus, but if you would really like to hear her I could do so now provided Albus doesn't object."

"So long as Harry feels up to it," Dumbledore nodded.

"Nothing poisonous please, I wasn't too pleased with the cobra you threw at me that time."

"How about this?" Snape smiled pointing his wand at the floor. Almost immediately a large python appeared. The snake appeared confused and frightened, and began climbing up the leg of the table.

"Don't be frightened," Harry said quietly to the reptile, "no one will hurt you here."

"You can understand me?" The snake questioned. "Why am I here?"

"So that I can speak to you. My friends are unable to do so, and think it is amazing that I can talk the language of the snakes."

"I want to go home, can you send me?"

"I will have the wizard who brought you here send you back," she replied, turning to Professor Snape. He had been watching her along with the others, completely fascinated. "Professor, the snake would like you to send him back now."

"Very well, Miss Potter," Snape replied, his eyes glittering. Moving towards the snake, he uttered the reversal spell and the animal disappeared.

"Now, is everyone happy? I talked to the snake for you."

"Miss Potter, you have an amazing skill. It is rare in a Slytherin, and almost unheard of in someone from another house."

"According to our Headmaster it is just a little present from Voldemort. I inherited it from him the night I acquired this scar."

"Even so, you had to have had some ability to be able to do it so easily."

"Snape is right, Harry. I am fascinated at how you just talked to the snake," Sirius grinned. "I wish I could do something like that."

"Well, I wish someone would get a Muggle tape recorder so I could hear how it sounds. I only hear English when I speak to them."

"You really don't know how you sound, do you?" Professor Lupin inquired.

"No, I don't. Ron says it sounds like a snake, but since I've never heard myself..."she shrugged. "In any event, if I decide to work with animals I have a great future as a herpetologist in the snake section of the local zoo," Harry quipped rolling her eyes playfully. "Now if you will all excuse me, I have to see to Puppy Snuffles. She is probably hungry and needs to go out to relieve herself."

"Do you want me to come with you?" Sirius asked his brown eyes still filled with concern.

"No, I think I want to be alone for a little while. I will see you at dinner. We can sit together since after tomorrow you will be up on the teachers table, and I will be back with the Gryffindors."

"Promise you will sit with me?"

"I promise. I will sit with you on one side and Ron on the other. We can all face Remus and Professor Snape."

"And where will I be?" Dumbledore questioned his blue eyes twinkling.

"You my dear Headmaster will be on the other side of Professor Snape since I see Trelawney has been coming down during the recess. Everybody knows she has the hots for the Potions Master, and he is absolutely not interested. We need to keep him safe from her advances."

"Miss Potter, where do you get these strange ideas from?" Snape inquired, his expression passive, but his cheeks had a tinge of color to them.

"One only needs to be observant Professor, to know what goes on in this building. Besides, I heard her telling Professor Hooch how sexy she thinks you are," Harry laughed, mounting the moving stairs before he could reply, as the other professors looked on trying hard to conceal their amusement.

Harry hurriedly tended to her puppy, and played with her for about an hour before she had to go down to the Great Hall for dinner. True to her words, they all sat together, with Ginny Weasley on the other side of Sirius. Harry was relaxed since her ordeal at the cemetery and enjoyed listening to Ron and Ginny tell her all about the latest gadgets his brothers had invented for the magic shop. She noticed that Snape was also acutely interested and suspected that it was because he wanted to be prepared for whatever was going to crawl out of his cauldrons next. Ron had also purchased some more Furried Fingered Foulies for Professor Lupin, to use in class, and he was delighted. Following their meal, Harry adjourned with Ron and Ginny up to the Gryffindor Common Room.

She told him about her visit to the cemetery and allowed him to read the letter. He listened in fascination when she mentioned that it was the same cemetery where Voldemort had regained his body. He was also more than a little interested in the stag that had mysteriously appeared at the edge of the woods, and then vanished.

Ginny wanted to know all about Artemis, as she knew about Watcher Elves, as did Ron, but had never met anyone who had seen one. They questioned her at length all about her amulet, and were fascinated by the story Professor Lupin had told her about the Elf god Luna.

Harry also asked them about their day, and found out that Mrs. Weasley had finally given in on the twins going to work for the ministry when she saw how popular the magic shop was. Mr. Weasley was quite proud of the twins and said he knew they would do well. Ginny made sure Harry knew that George and Fred had asked about her, and told Harry that she thought they both had a crush on her. Harry dismissed the notion and told them she thought of all the Weasley's as her surrogate family.

They topped off the evening playing with the puppy and then Ron and Harry engaged in several games of chess, with Ron winning two out of three games. Harry then bid them both goodnight and retired to her room. She fell asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow, and her dreams were filled with visions of her parents smiling and hugging her, letting her know that she was never really alone.