The Mathias Prophecy Book II

MATHIAS PROPHECY BOOK II

Friends Enemies and Allies

True to its nature, March came in like a lion, blustery and chilly. Harry had been working hard in school and her special lessons continued. Snape had taken to dueling with her, and she enjoyed trying to best him, but could not quite match his skill. Professor Lupin generally acted as referee, but sometimes she would duel with him too. She often had fun with these matches, but found that she came away bruised and tired. It had finally gotten to where Madam Pomfrey complained to both Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore, so that dueling was now limited to brief encounters of no more than fifteen minutes.

Sirius was teaching her in Transfiguration Class and working with her on her ability to transform. She would often fly outside now, and had taken to meeting Dumbledore when he would apparate on his return from the Ministry. He would laugh, knowing it was Harry, and called her his little Phoenix. Dumbledore was pleased that Sirius and Harry had been able to work together in class and the anticipated problems had not materialized. Sirius did not show her any favoritism and was not any harder on her than the other students. In fact, he had found he really liked teaching and Harry was enjoying his classes more than when Professor McGonagall had been teaching.

Harry also continued to work on her Charms, and every Sunday evening Dumbledore would give her a new Charm to perfect by his return on Friday. She loved to play his little games, and would often try to add her own touches to the illusions he wanted. He had laughed with delight when she had done a scene of swans swimming and set them to music.

It pleased them all to see her so happy, but they all knew trouble was brewing. Voldemort had been doing more and more raids on Muggles and Wizarding families through out the country. Torture and killings were becoming more frequent, and he continued to try to recruit new members to his cause. Harry was never told much, but was able to follow the events in the Daily Prophet. She knew it was only a matter of time before her scar would begin to hurt again, and hoped that what ever was to come, would not be as painful as being sent back in time to the night of her parents death. All she knew was that the Prophecy had said she would be betrayed by someone close. She spent many an evening discussing this with Ron and Hermione, but neither of them had any more clues than she did who it might be. It was one such evening that they were rehashing the entire problem again, and decided to try to figure out who would actually try to betray her and why.

"I personally think it is Professor Snape," Ron remarked shaking his head vigorously.

"Ron, I told you Snape is a good guy now. You can't blame the man because he made a mistake. He has Dumbledore's trust and that's good enough for me," Harry insisted, hands on her hips, defying him to refute her trust in the Potions Master.

"Just the same, he would be the logical choice. He was a Deatheater for Merlin's sake."

"Ron, Harry's right," Hermione interjected, "Professor Snape has been protecting her since she started at Hogwarts."

"I think it might be someone from Slytherin House who is in touch with the Malfoy's. You know half of the Slytherins didn't come back after the Christmas recess. It's obvious their families are loyal to You Know Who," Harry stated matter of factly.

"I might remind you that Professor Snape is the head of Slytherin House!"

"Ron, Professor Snape has been summoned any number of times by the Dark Lord, and has refused to go. He is in as much danger as I am since he is now considered a traitor. No, it has to be somebody that can be seduced into doing something or getting something they really want."

"What about Mr. Filch? He has access to the entire building and he really wants to be able to do magic. He's angry and probably bitter, seeing as how he's a Squib," Hermione suggested thoughtfully.

"No, I don't think so. Even the Dark Lord can't give him any magical ability. He might offer him the chance for revenge though, but I doubt he'd go against Dumbledore.

"If you don't think it's Snape or Filch, then who do you think it could be? Didn't the Prophecy say it was someone close to you? What about Remus, or even Sirius? It's supposed to be a friend," Ron suggested trying not to sound like he was pointing fingers.

"Ron, how could you!" Hermione protested angrily, "Sirius is Harry's Godfather, and spent all that time in Azkaban for a crime he didn't commit. Professor Lupin was her parents friend. He has never shown anything but affection for Harry. They both devoted their lives to keeping her safe and defeating You Know Who."

"Sorry, Harry, I just wanted to point out that everyone around you is suspect. I don't really think they would betray you anymore than me or Hermione," Ron apologized, his face red with embarrassment. "I know they really care about you."

"Apology accepted, Ron. I didn't think you really meant it. You're right though, it will be someone close to me. If I could only figure out who it is, maybe I could stop them from doing something stupid. You Know Who will offer anything to get to me, but that doesn't mean he will keep his promise."

"Maybe he will do something that the person can't fight against," Hermione suggested, "he's threatened people and their families before."

"You know," Ron looked thoughtful, "what about Neville? I heard a rumor that his parents are in St. Mungo's. That's why he lives with his grandmother. I overheard my dad and mom talking and they said his father used to be an Auror, and that You Know Who's people tortured them."

"Ron you shouldn't listen to gossip," Harry remarked with annoyance, deliberately looking away. She was aware that what Ron had just told her was the truth, but had promised Dumbledore long ago not to say anything. "For that matter it could be Seamus or even Colin."

"I still think it will be one of the teachers," Hermione stated trying to smooth over the conversation. "Can't you just use your power as an empath to find the person?"

"No, Hermione, it doesn't work that way. I can feel their emotions, and sense their feelings. If it is someone who is my friend, they may still like me, but may be angry or afraid, or even jealous. I think that may have been in the Prophecy. All I know is that there is one person who it absolutely is not, and that is Dumbledore," Harry grinned. "Anyway, lets talk about something else. I'm tired of racking my brains on who it might be, I need to think of something fun for a change. How about organizing a game of quidditch?"

"Harry, are you feeling okay? You know Dumbledore cancelled the quidditch season since Slytherin doesn't have half of its team and the situation with You Know Who is getting worse," Ron looked at her with exasperation.

"Ah...but I have an idea, and if I can get Dumbledore to agree..." She shrugged with a wicked smile.

"Here we go again," Hermione laughed, "let's hear your plan."

"What do you think of a friendly game of students vs. teachers?"

"Harry, you may have hit on something!" Ron shouted with glee. "Most of the teachers are able to play quidditch. Didn't Sirius and your dad play together?"

"Yes, and I know Snape played for Slytherin. If we can get enough staff together we could even combine students and staff to make up the teams. It would be great fun."

"Do you think Dumbledore would agree?" Hermione asked doubtfully.

"I don't know, but I bet he will if we can convince Professor McGonagall. She is a big quidditch fan, and I'm sure she was disappointed that we wouldn't be able to play."

So when do we ask her?" Hermione wanted to know. "We'll have to make sure she's in a good mood."

"I think we should go right now. She has been a bit harried lately, and could use a bit of a diversion. A good game of quidditch may be just the thing to get her to relax."

"I'm with you all the way!" Ron grinned with pleasure, "So long as you do the talking. How about you, Hermione, do you think we can convince her?"

"It's worth a try. A good game of quidditch would lift all our spirits and help the morale. Everyone has been getting more and more worried about You Know Who."

"Then lets go. I think she's still in her office." Harry jumped up and headed for the door, Ron and Hermione close behind.

They made their way over to the Deputy Headmistress Office, and were just in time to run into Professor Snape, who was going up to see her on a matter of class business. It seems the third year Gryffindor students had once again been playing practical jokes in his classroom and had nearly caused an explosion. He had been furious and had taken fifty points from Gryffindor, but had also made an appointment with Professor McGonagall since she was head of Gryffindor House and he expected her to discipline the students involved.

"What are the three of you up to this evening?" he inquired eyeing them with suspicion.

"Professor Snape, you may be of some help to us," Harry said pleased to have run into him. "We have an excellent idea to improve morale, and were on our way to see Professor McGonagall."

"Indeed?" Snape arched his left brow, "what is this idea you're all so excited about?"

"He'll never go for it, Harry," Ron remarked with disappointment.

"Oh, Ron, give Harry a chance to tell Professor Snape what she had in mind before you go and give up."

"Miss Granger is right, Mr. Weasley. I am more than a little interested in Miss Potter's ideas. If it will benefit the school I may be of some help."

"Good," Harry shook her head up and down with delight, "it will involve a game of quidditch."

"Miss Potter, did not the Headmaster cancel the rest of the season due to the situation with Lord Voldemort?" Snape queried, noting how Ron and Hermione flinched at the name.

"That, and the fact that your house team is left with only two players, but I have an idea as to alleviate part of the problem."

"This should be quite interesting," Snape arched his brow.

"I totally agree," Professor McGonagall's stiff Scottish accent came from her door. She had heard voices in the hall and had looked out to see what was going on, since she had been expecting Professor Snape.

"Professor, may we all come in?" Harry asked giving her a smile that would rival one of Sirius'. "We will only take up a few minutes of your time since we know how busy you are."

"Harry, if you're trying to butter me up, it won't work," McGonagall looked at her shrewdly, as she ushered them into the office, indicating where they should sit. Professor Snape remained standing, his hands behind his back. "Now what is this plan about playing quidditch?"

"It's a simple idea really, why not form teams involving the teachers and the students? I happen to know most of our teachers have played quidditch in the past. I think it would be good for morale."

"It would be beneficial, but what about the situation with The Dark Lord. That was part of the reason the season was cancelled too?"

"Listen, the grounds are pretty much protected, and if the students don't want to participate it's their right not to. Everyone will respect Dumbledore more for not allowing the student body to be intimidated and frightened by a madman's bid for power, and it will boost everybody's confidence that things will be okay."

"Hmm..." a familiar voice came from behind them, "what do you two think of her idea?" They all looked to see Dumbledore smiling in the doorway, looking from McGonagall to Snape.

"Headmaster, you have returned earlier than anticipated," Snape greeted him, his dark eyes questioning.

"Yes, Albus, is everything all right?"

"Yes, everything is fine. Ron, your father said to say hello, and to behave yourself," Dumbledore winked. "Now I am more than a little interested in Harry's plan for a quidditch team involving the teachers. How do you both feel about it?" He nodded to the two teachers.

"I think it would be worth considering, Headmaster."

"I agree with Professor Snape. I think her idea is worth exploring, especially if it helps the students to stop worrying," Professor McGonagall smiled at the three students.

"How would you make up the teams, Harry?" Dumbledore asked, his blue eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"I think we should use students from all the houses, and make up a team of students and then see which teachers wanted to play. Since there are more students than teachers, maybe we could do several games, like the best of five. That way everyone will get to play."

"I think that's a great idea, Harry," Hermione agreed.

"Me too, I think it would be neat to play against the teachers. Let's see if they can still live up to their reputations," Ron grinned, looking at Professor Snape, his eyes challenging the former Slytherin player.

"Very well, I will consider your request, and discuss it at the staff meeting on Friday," Dumbledore smiled at them looking over his glasses. "In the mean time I want the three of you to see how the other students in all the houses feel. Each of you can talk to the house Prefects and they can fill in the students in their houses. I will see you all in my office on Friday evening following dinner, and I will make my final decision."

"Yes, Sir," they all answered rising from their chairs, knowing Dumbledore was dismissing them.

"We'll go and start speaking to the Prefects tonight," Harry stated to them all as they left Professor McGonagall's office. "I think we should all split up, this way we can save time. We can meet back in our common room and then talk to the Gryffindors."

"I'll take the Ravenclaw's," Hermione informed her as she turned the corner towards the Ravenclaw tower.

"You can go on down to the dungeon, and see the Slytherin Prefect," Ron told her firmly," I'll go and see the Hufflepuff Prefect."

"You want to go to the Hufflepuff Common Room to see that pretty little redhead, Celia Ravenwood. I know you have been looking at her with more than a little bit of interest."

"I do not!" Ron exclaimed, but his face was beet red.

Harry was laughing as she headed for the stairs leading down to the dungeon and the Slytherin Common room. Finding the door to the Prefect's room, she knocked, hoping he was there, but there was no answer. Turning to where the entrance was hidden for the Slytherin Common room, she knocked again, not knowing the password. A moment later Roland Grayson, a rather handsome member of Slytherin House, appeared at the door.

"Well if it isn't Miss Harry Potter," he sarcastically announced over his shoulder, "come to visit us in the dungeon."

"Knock it off Roland; I'm here on the request of the Headmaster and Professor Snape. I have a proposition they wanted me to see you about. Where is your Prefect?"

"What can I do for you, Harry?" the Slytherin Prefect asked coming to the door. His name was Stuart Byron and Harry had always gotten along with him. He was also the present captain of the Slytherin quidditch team.

"I am trying to get all the students together to start playing quidditch with the teachers. I know you have lost most of your team so we would integrate all the Houses into maybe three school teams and play against the staff."
"Interesting idea, Potter," Roland said looking at his Prefect.

"The Headmaster and Professor Snape have agreed to this idea?" Stuart asked, his eyes alight with excitement.

"They liked it, and it will be discussed at the staff meeting on Friday. I am to see the Headmaster after dinner on Friday and he will let me know about their final decision. I know he wants us all to work together right now. It will also help some of the other students to realize that not all of Slytherin House is loyal to a certain dark wizard."

"It seems to me that some of the other houses have lost some of their students too," Stuart remarked uncomfortably.

"They have, but we both know that yours was the hardest hit. It isn't right that people think all of you have gone bad," Harry told the two boys candidly, " the Gryffindors and Ravenclaws have each lost three students and Hufflepuff has lost two."

"But we have lost half of our house and five of our quidditch team was among them."

"So hold your heads up high, and let the world know that just because you're in Slytherin doesn't mean you practice the Dark Arts. Hell, my parents were betrayed by a fellow Gryffindor. Now do you want to play quidditch or not?"

"I'll discuss it with the rest of the house members and we'll let you know tomorrow at breakfast."

"Good enough, I'll see you then. Goodnight to you both," Harry waved to the two boys as she headed back towards the stairs from the dungeon. Rounding the bend, she ran head long into Professor Snape. She knew he had been listening to her conversation. "It's not polite to eavesdrop Professor."

"I did not wish to influence the members of my house, Miss Potter. I do respect you for your candor with them and I hope you gave them a boost. Most of the Slytherin students have been shunned by the rest of the houses."

"I know, it's particularly hard on the brothers and sisters. I know you have at least two students in Slytherin with a sibling in one of the other houses."

"In fact there are four at the present time, and yes it is very hard for them. I hope this little idea of yours will work."

"If nothing else I'll get to beat you at quidditch. I sure haven't bested you dueling just yet. I'm beginning to get frustrated."

"Indeed, Miss Potter, and what makes you think you will beat me in quidditch?"

"What makes you think I won't, Professor?" Harry countered with a mischievous grin, "After all, weren't you a seeker too?"

"I was, and I also still coach from time to time with the Slytherin team."

"Why do I think it was you who taught them all those nasty moves they love to use so much?" she asked, her green eyes bright, her smile growing wider.

Professor Snape laughed out loud, much to Harry's surprise, and nodding, turned on his heel and went down to his quarters.

Harry hurried back to the Gryffindor Common Room to find Ron and Hermione waiting for her. They had been so excited that they had told the Gryffindor Prefect, James Woodbine, about Harry's plan for the quidditch matches. He had liked the idea so much that he had put it to an immediate vote, which had been unanimous in favor of playing. The other two houses would discuss the idea and inform Harry and the others in the morning. There had been some grumbling about allowing the remaining Slytherin team members to play, but both Ron and Hermione had argued in their favor, much to Ron's credit, since he still did not trust any of them.

Harry went to bed happy and excited, and was curious as to how Sirius and Remus would react to the idea, but decided to wait until the morning to find out. She was drifting off to sleep when Snuffles let out a low growl, and she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her head. Her scar was hurting! She managed to get out of bed and stumble over to the fireplace, to summon help. Uttering the spell the way Sirius had taught her, she called on Dumbledore.

"Headmaster, my scar, please come," she sobbed trying hard to conceal her tears. She was nearly doubled over with the pain, and wondered if Snape's tattoo was also burning.

"I'm on my way, Child. Try to remain calm."

"Please hurry." Harry cried as she sat down on the floor with Snuffles, who was now quite gangly and awkward looking. The pup climbed half onto her lap, and licked her face, sensing her mistress distress. "It's all right, puppy," Harry told her rocking back and forth with the pain. "Dumbledore will come and make it better."

"I'm here, Child," the Headmaster said entering her room, kneeling in front of her. Snuffles whined and wagged her tail, but did not move from Harry's lap. "How soon after you went to bed did it start?"

"Not long, I was just drifting off to sleep," she explained as he touched his wand to her forehead. A moment later, there was a frenzied knocking on her door, and Dumbledore opened it for her while she got unsteadily to her feet. Professor Snape was there with Sirius and Remus.

"Miss Potter, are you all right? I came as soon as my mark began to burn and assumed that your scar may be hurting. I met Black and Lupin on the way; apparently they were with Dumbledore when you summoned him for help."

"I'll live," Harry smiled at Dumbledore.

"You're sure you're okay, Princess?" Professor Lupin asked with concern.

"Honestly, I'm fine."

"You really had us worried," Sirius stated brushing the hair away from her scar. It was an angry red and again had the appearance of being fresh. The last time it changed like that Harry had been attacked by Voldemort, and sent back in time.

"It's red again, isn't it?"

"Yes, Child, I'm afraid so," Dumbledore replied as he turned to Professor Snape. "Severus, give me your arm so that I may relieve the burning in your mark."

Snape pulled up his left sleeve. Harry noted that his tattoo was almost black.

"It really doesn't hurt so much, Albus. This really isn't necessary."

"Nonsense, Severus, you know it is burning and uncomfortable."

"You'd think being a former Deatheater he would be able to lie a little better about it," Harry teased him impudently, as Snape rose his brow and the others grinned.

"Now, Child, Severus needs a little TLC from time to time too," Dumbledore stated, his expression daring Snape to contradict him.

"Headmaster, I always appreciate it when you assist me. I just don't feel you need to do so every time I have a little discomfort."

"It pleases me to make sure those I care about are safe and comfortable. I consider every one of you my family and don't like to see you in any distress," Dumbledore beamed, looking at them all with affection. "Now, it's time for Harry to be in bed and then we will all go to my office and discuss our next move. It's obvious that Voldemort is going to try something again, and I'd like to be prepared."

"Read the Prophecy, it says I'll be betrayed by someone close. Let me know if you can think of someone I haven't ruled out already," Harry remarked sarcastically as she climbed into bed.

"I see your memory is excellent. Let's hope it was just as good during the test I gave today," Snape eyed her sardonically.

"Of course, I knew all the answers," Harry quipped, knowing that he had probably already graded the papers. While she was sure she had passed, she knew she didn't get one hundred.

"Harry, do you want me to stay for awhile?" Sirius asked his brow furrowed with anxiety.

"I'm fine, Sirius. If anything else happens I promise I'll wake you up."

"You better, or I'll give you detention with Snape."

"Gee, maybe he'll take me shopping again."

"No, I'll tell him to be sure you have to clean all the cauldrons and gut the salamanders."

"Then for sure he'll take me shopping since he would never do something you would want him to," she laughed, and Snape actually gave her a brief smile of agreement. "I do want to tell you both I am very happy to see how well you have been getting along. If you keep it up you may actually become friends."

"I believe she may still be suffering the after effects of the pain in her scar."

"Harry, I think Snape is right, are you sure you're not feeling a bit feverish?" Sirius joked putting a hand on her forehead.

"See, you both are actually agreeing with one another. We may be witnessing the beginnings of an epiphany!"

"Harry," Remus laughed, "you're not going to give up on the idea that they will become friends, are you?"

"No, I'm not. They're both so much alike it is driving me crazy that they do not get along."

"Well, Child, I wish you success in this endeavor. I have been trying since they were boys, and this is as close as anyone had ever gotten."

"And it's as close as she will ever get," Snape remarked with disdain, "Black and I are simply tolerating each other for both her sake and yours, Headmaster."

"Keep up the attitude Professor and you and Sirius will be in for a rude awakening. If you continue to have such a strong dislike for one another I have a little cure that will show the two of you how alike you actually are."

"Interesting, Child, may I ask what it is?"

"Come here, Headmaster and I'll whisper it in your ear. I had a teacher do this once to two students who acted just like them, and it worked like a charm."

Dumbledore moved over to where she was sitting up in bed and she whispered her plan into his ear. "Do you really think it will work?" he smiled mysteriously at the two men.

"It's worth a try. In any event they will have an excuse to be nasty to one another."

"Then I shall help you with it, if their behavior does not continue to improve. I think it is a very interesting experiment."

"Princess, what are you both up to? I may just want to be a part of it too."

"Remus, we'll tell you when the time comes, since you will be directly involved anyway. In the meantime I can't trust you not to tell Sirius," Harry looked at him with a wicked smile. "Now, if you all don't mind, I am very tired and would like to go to sleep. I spent the better part of the evening trying to convince everyone we could still play quidditch despite Lord Voldemort."

"Princess, would you be very disappointed if the staff decided not to allow the games?"

"Put it this way, you think Voldemort can get cranky? Then you haven't seen me at my worst yet. I'll make him look like he's up for saint hood."

"Harry..."Dumbledore warned sternly looking at her over his spectacles. "I don't want you trying to bully the staff."

"I don't have to, Professor McGonagall will probably do that for me," she grinned defiantly as the other three men tried not to snicker. They all knew that McGonagall was a big quidditch fan and would do almost anything to get the school to resume even a modified season.

"Good night, Child," Dumbledore shook his head as he leaned over to give her a gentle kiss on the forehead.

"Good night, Professor," she replied knowing better than to try his patience any further.

"Good night, Harry," the other three men said as they followed Dumbledore from the room, and Sirius blew her a kiss from the doorway.

Harry just smiled, and rolling over, she snuggled into the blankets and fell asleep. She slept well for several hours, dreaming about playing quidditch, before she woke up with a jolt. She sensed something was wrong, but didn't know what.

Pulling on her robe and slippers, she grabbed her invisibility cloak, along with her wand, and went out into the dark hallway. Deciding not to wake up the Headmaster, she headed towards the dungeon. Her instincts told her to go to Snape. If there were something going on with Voldemort, he would be the one most likely to figure it out. As she neared his chambers, she winced as her scar began to hurt. Reaching his door, she sensed he was in danger, and her scar was throbbing. She decided to take a chance and enter his chambers.

"Deadly nightshade," she whispered, using the password he had given her for emergencies. Stealthily pushing open the door a crack, she peeked inside. Snape was there with Lucius Malfoy! Lucius had him down on the floor and kept hitting with a Cruciatus curse, while Voldemort's image was watching from within the flames of the fireplace.

"Severus, you should have known better than to betray me a second time. I would have made you my second, and given you anything you asked for," Voldemort spoke coldly, "now I will have to have Lucius kill you as a warning to that old fool Dumbledore." The evil wizard laughed cruelly, "But first, I want you to tell me how Harry is doing these days. I understand she is getting quite powerful. Just what skills does the little brat possess?"

"Why should I tell you anything?" Snape replied calmly. "Even if I knew, I would make sure you never found out."

"Lucius, please give Severus something to think about," Voldemort directed the other wizard with a leer.

"Crucio!" Lucius spat out with glee, "are you having fun yet Severus?" he taunted as Snape pulled his knees up in pain, but never uttered a sound.

"Lucius, I will be the one to speak to the traitor, not you," Voldemort warned Malfoy softly, his voice dripping icicles.

"Yes, Master, I just thought..."

"You are not to think! You are merely to follow my commands in this matter. I believe I made that blatantly clear from the beginning?" Voldemort's eyes blazed red and Harry noted that Snape's eyes glittered with laughter.

"How does it feel to lick the boots of your master?" Snape taunted Lucius, coolly. "Do you really believe all the nonsense Lord Voldemort tells you about doing away with the Muggles and keeping the blood lines pure?"

"Crucio!" Lucius yelled again, the wand shooting white-hot light into Snape's stomach. "Shut up and listen to Lord Voldemort, he will command our world and the Muggles will be nothing more than play things for our amusement."

"Lucius, I warned you not to speak! I will not be interrupted by an inferior wizard," Voldemort smiled as a tongue of flame shot from the fireplace, hitting Malfoy so that the hem of his robes caught fire. Snape lay on the floor laughing at Malfoy as he struggled to put them out. "Severus, you have courage and talent. I will miss you. No other wizard has ever been able to fight off the Cruciatus curse like you; such stubborn command of your emotions! Lucius if you have finally finished playing with your robes I would dearly love to see Severus endure a few more blasts before he dies. Maybe if you break a few bones this time he will yell for mercy."

"Yes, Lord, I shall do as you command," Malfoy responded directing his wand at Severus knees, watching coldly as he bit his lip and curled into a semi fetal position from the pain, but refused to utter a sound.

Harry watched the whole scenario with fascination. She needed to create a diversion and get to Snape. He was unarmed and she did not see his wand anywhere. She assumed that Lucius had found a way to get into the castle but knew that the spells on the building kept Voldemort from doing so. She could also feel the darkness and anger that always surrounded him and Lucius hatred as well. Such strong emotions were extremely distressing, and she wished she had woken up Dumbledore. She could feel Voldemort's strength, even though he was not actually present in the room. Harry decided to try to lure Lucius out into the hallway in an effort to get to Professor Snape. She could feel Snape's pain and needed to heal him to get them to safety. Making sure she was totally invisible under her cloak, she pushed on the door so that it was partially open.

"Master someone is here," Malfoy looked up at the door as it swung inward.

"Go and see who it is you fool," Voldemort directed angrily.

Malfoy walked over to the door and stepped out into the hall. As he stepped out, Harry pressed her body around the door and eased herself by him into the room. Moving swiftly over to Professor Snape, she sat down next to him on the floor, letting her body brush up against him. She knew instinctively he would realize who it was and not display any indication of her presence.

"No one is here, Master." Malfoy said with confusion as he came back into the room. Perhaps a draft caught the door."

"Malfoy, you ass, the door was closed tightly and sealed with a password. No, we have a visitor, don't we Harry Potter?" Lord Voldemort laughed maliciously. "I am aware of your presence. The scar on your forehead sees to that, it has made us inexorably linked until one of us dies."

Harry's heart was beating so hard she thought it would burst. She was trapped as much as Snape, but at least she had her wand, if she could use it against Malfoy before Voldemort tried to stop her or harm Snape...

Sirius woke with a start, and for a moment, he was confused. Something had awakened him, but he wasn't sure what. He has been dreaming about Harry and Snuffles. They were playing outside, and he was laughing at their antics. Then the dream started to turn dark. The sky went gray and the wind had sprung up. He had gotten a sense of foreboding, and had started running towards them, calling Harry's name, when he awoke in a cold sweat, his heart beating wildly, sheets rumpled around him.

"Sirius, something is wrong," Remus quiet voice came from the darkness. He was sitting up in the bed, looking over to where Sirius lay on his cot. The wolf within him had sensed Sirius anxiety, and knew that he was awake. Remus had also awoken with a feeling that something was not quite right and immediately thought about Harry.

"I feel it too, old friend. I think we had better go and wake Albus, if he isn't already up."

"Come on then, I think Harry is in danger."

"I do too. I don't know how, but I think it has something to do with Voldemort. I hope she hasn't left the building," Sirius said pulling on his pants and a shirt, as Remus hastily put on a set of robes.

"Harry would never leave the building if she thought that Voldemort was nearby. She may be daring and often reckless, but she is not stupid," Remus stated matter of factly as they each grabbed their wands and headed up towards the Headmaster's rooms.

They never made it however, as he met them half way there.

"You both feel it too?" Dumbledore questioned his blue eyes bright with worry.

"Albus I think Harry is in danger," Sirius informed him as they headed down towards her room.

"I agree, but we need to go down to the dungeon. I sense that is where the trouble is coming from."

"The dungeon!" Sirius snorted, "I knew that greasy git Snape couldn't be trusted."

"Sirius, you know Severus has changed. He's been helping Harry for six years," Remus chided him; "he is actually quite fond of her, although he would never admit it to you."

"He likes her?" Sirius questioned feeling jealous and protective at the same time. "I thought he was merely trying to satisfy his debt to James."

"Originally, yes, but he has come to recognize that she is not James," Dumbledore told him quietly. "She has humbled him like no one has ever been able to do."

"Albus, you were able to get through to him," Remus whispered as they descended the stairs to the dungeon.

"He has always had a good heart; it's his priorities which were mixed up. Harry is right when she says he and Sirius are very much alike."

"I could never be like him. He's a Slytherin!" Sirius tightened his jaw in denial.

"I might remind you that Peter Pettigrew was a Gryffindor," Dumbledore rebuked him sharply. "Severus is a Slytherin because of his mind, and his desire to succeed, so the sorting hat put him into Slytherin."

"Then how come Peter was put into Gryffindor?" Remus asked confused.

"Because of his extreme loyalty. As I recall the sorting hat took its time with him, as it did with Severus."

"But Peter was loyal to Voldemort," Sirius swallowed hard, the truth finally dawning on him after all these years.

One only had to be loyal to be in Gryffindor, but that did not mean you had to be a good person. Peter had been weak and had fallen prey to the Dark Lord's seductive power, never having a second thought about the irreparable harm he would be doing.

"And Severus is loyal to me," Dumbledore stated matter of factly. "He realized that Voldemort was the wrong route to his desires, and it cost him his family and many of his friends. He is like a son to me, as are the two of you. I know he would protect Harry with his life. Not just to fulfill his debt, but because he cares about her, just as the two of you do."

Both men looked at Dumbledore, but didn't reply, each was sure he realized that their feelings for Harry had to be kept to themselves until she came of age. They knew that what ever happened, her happiness had to come first, and now there was another competitor for her affections. As they reached the dungeon level, Professor Dumbledore indicated they should be quiet, and carefully leading the way, he moved towards Severus Snape's private quarters. As he did so, he muttered a charm so that they would be masked from view as they moved forward. Alert to possible danger they moved cautiously, staying together, wands drawn. Rounding the corner, they were just in time to see Lucius Malfoy disappearing into Snape's quarters.

"Malfoy," Remus hissed, "What is he doing here?"

"It can't be anything good; that much is certain," Sirius replied dryly.

"Hush..." Dumbledore warned them, "He is speaking with someone in the room. It sounds like Lord Voldemort."

"How did he get in? I thought the castle had been charmed to protect the students from his getting into the building?" Sirius asked with concern, as they moved slowly forward. Then his blood froze in his veins, as he heard Voldemort addressing Harry. She was in Snape's quarters. 'If that bastard has gone back to Voldemort and put her in mortal danger...'

As if reading his mind, Dumbledore shook his head and nodded towards the doorway. From where they were standing, they were able to see into the room. Malfoy was standing over Snape with his wand drawn, preparing to curse him, and Voldemort's head was visible in the fireplace.

"Lucius, it seems Harry Potter is not going to reveal herself too quickly. Why don't you curse Severus again, lets see how she enjoys watching him in pain."

"I shall be more than happy to do as you request, Lord," Lucius sneered. "Crucio! Crucio!" Lucius laughed as he cursed Severus twice in quick succession.

Snape rolled away from Harry, and looked towards the fire, addressing the evil wizard.

"You're a fool Voldemort, if you think Potter is in this room. She's safely tucked away in her bed, sleeping. I gave her a sleeping potion after she felt your presence earlier," Severus lied, hoping Harry would not reveal herself.

"Oh, Severus, do you really believe that I will fall for your little charade? I know Potter is in this room, but I should have guessed she would be too cowardly to show herself," Voldemort remarked in an attempt to anger Harry into revealing herself.

"Potter is not a coward; if she were here she would do her best to stop you."

"Would she, I wonder?" Voldemort narrowed his eyes. "How much does she dislike you, Severus? Enough to watch you die? I had planned on having Lucius torture you into unconsciousness and then bring you to me so I could make an example of your betrayal. Now though I think I have another idea. Lucius I am going to count to three. If Potter doesn't reveal herself I want you to put the Avada Kedavra curse on Severus and kill him."

Harry knew she had to act quickly. She had to stop Malfoy and knew he would do what Voldemort ordered without so much as a second thought. She had hold of her wand, knowing her actions would reveal her position. Swallowing hard, she prepared to do her best to save Snape.

"One...Two..." Voldemort counted, his eyes gleaming.

"Expellarmus!" Harry yelled, disarming Malfoy and sending him falling backwards into the wall, revealing herself as she scrambled to her feet, the invisibility cloak falling onto the floor.

"Ah, Potter, at last! Malfoy you fool grab the girl and stun Severus. I want them both," Voldemort yelled, as Malfoy attempted to get up from the floor and get to his wand.

"Stupefy!" Sirius yelled, charging into the room and directing his wand at Malfoy, but he dodged the blast and rolled away from him.

"Sirius Black," Voldemort hissed, "you and your meddling godchild will die together."

"Sirius, look out, Malfoy has his wand," Harry warned him as she moved over to Snape.

"Crucio!" Two voices erupted at the same time. One was Malfoy, and Sirius fell to his knees, the other was Remus, who had directed the same curse at Malfoy, who screamed and was writhing in pain. Remus moved to pick up Malfoy's wand, where it had fallen beside him, but Malfoy grabbed his ankles and Remus fell to the floor.

"Remus Lupin, the werewolf. You have caused me a good deal of trouble. Now you shall all die together!" Voldemort laughed insanely.

Suddenly the fire grew more intense and a large burst of flames lashed out to engulf the room as Snape pulled Harry to the floor in a vain attempt to offer her some protection from the inferno.

"Inverto Directio," a powerful voice bellowed from within the room, and a violent maelstrom engulfed the room sending the flames back into the hearth.

Lord Voldemort emitted an inhuman scream of pain, following a bright flash and the sound of thunder. A moment later there was total silence, as they all looked around stunned. Dumbledore was standing in the middle of the room, wand still pointing towards the hearth, blue eyes the color of steel, his jaw set in anger.

"Is everyone all right?" he asked calmly without moving.

"I believe Malfoy has escaped, Headmaster," Snape remarked almost casually as if this sort of thing were a daily occurrence.

"He kicked me in the groin when Albus came into the room. He managed to dive for the hall just as Voldemort tried to incinerate all of us. I think he went into the Potions classroom," Remus informed them sitting up weakly.

"Then he's gone. I'm certain he had help getting into the building, but I'll have a search instituted immediately," Dumbledore said lowering his wand, the threat over.

"If I get my hands on the bastard he'll wish he had never been born," Sirius gingerly moved his aching limbs as he fought through the last of the curse. "Harry, are you all right?"

"I think so," she responded, staring at Dumbledore in awe. She had never felt such power, and sensed that what he had just done was only a portion of what he was capable of doing.

"Child, you were very brave to try and help Severus by yourself, but you should not have done so," he remarked gently looking down at her with concern. "Promise me that if you ever sense any hint of a spatial disturbance in this building again you will come for me at once."

"Yes, Headmaster," Harry replied relieved he was not angry with her. "What is a spatial disturbance?"

"It is very advanced magic. You felt something wrong, like a shift in the atmosphere before a storm?"

"Yes, and I followed it down here."

"What you felt was Lucius getting into the building. He had to have had someone help him from the inside to get past the security charms," Dumbledore explained, his features etched with worry. "Severus did you see how he get into the dungeon?"

"No, Headmaster. There was a good deal of banging on my door, and someone yelled help me, so I went to see what was wrong. When I opened the door, Malfoy hit me with a Cruciatus curse and forced me back into the room. He then summoned Lord Voldemort's presence through the flames, as you saw. I apologize for not using better judgment when I went to see what was wrong."

"There is nothing to apologize for Severus. You thought someone was in trouble and acted accordingly."

"Albus, do you want us to go and alert the others. I'm sure they're probably awake by now," Remus stated dusting himself off., and helping Sirius to his feet.

"Yes, get everyone and institute a thorough search of the building. I want to know about anything that is amiss or seems out of place. Also, let me know about any student who may have been out of bed. Get Mr. Filch to help you and send for Hagrid to search the grounds and the forest," Dumbledore instructed with authority. "I also think we need to start doing night watches again until this is resolved. The safety of the students has been jeopardized."

"Albus, if I may, I'd like to see that Harry is safely back in bed before I join the search," Sirius asked bending down to make certain Harry was truly unharmed, as Remus headed out the door for help.

"Sirius, I'm fine, but Professor Snape is injured. Malfoy broke his knee caps."

"Severus," Dumbledore gasped with concern, "please forgive me. I was so concerned with the actions of Voldemort I failed to notice you were severely injured. I shall summon Poppy immediately."

"Headmaster, Nurse Pomfrey will be needed for the search. Why not let Harry mend the bones. After all, she is a natural healer."

"Are you up to it honey?" Sirius asked, disturbed by the way she was still looking at the Headmaster. He was worried that after witnessing Dumbledore's display of power she may be afraid of him.

"Harry, do you want to try and mend the bones?" Dumbledore studied her features, his blue eyes scrutinizing her carefully. He was more than aware that his display of power had astounded her.

"Yes, I can do it," she turned to the Potions Master, "Professor lay still. Sirius if you'll adjust his night shirt so that it is above his knees I can get started."

"Okay," he smiled amused by her feelings of discomfort regarding adjusting Snape's clothing by herself. "Do you need me to hold him?"

"I don't think this will be too uncomfortable, just make sure he stays still so I can feel where the damage is."

"Miss Potter, do you really think that I would move? I pride myself on my tolerance to pain."

"You may be tolerant to pain, but I'm not. You seem to forget that I can feel whatever you do."

"Understood," he replied pursing his lips, "whenever you're ready then."

Harry closed her eyes for a moment, and held her hands over Professor Snape, feeling his aura and pain. She could feel his sinews and tendons, and the blood flowing through him. Gently she put her hands on his knees and a blue light emanated from them. She held them over each knee for about five minutes on each side. She was able to feel the cracks and broken vessels within his bones and began to heal them from the inside out. She restored marrow, bone, tendons and muscle so that the knee could once again flex and support his weight. When she had finished, she sat back on her heels, and smiled down at him.

"Has anyone ever told you that you have nice legs Professor?" she teased, as Snape readjusted his nightshirt.

"I believe she's pulling your leg, Severus," Sirius laughed at his pun.

"Child, it amazes me how you can still laugh after all you have been through," Dumbledore beamed as Severus stood up, flexing his knees, testing their strength, and Sirius gave Harry a hand up.

"Why, Headmaster, didn't anyone ever tell you that laughter is good for the soul?"

"Many times, Harry, many times," he replied putting his arm around her shoulders. "Sirius if you and Severus would go and help with the search, I will accompany Harry back to her room. I would like to speak with her privately."

"Of course, Albus." Sirius understood that Dumbledore wanted to discuss what Harry had witnessed, and his concern was reflected in his fatherly demeanor towards her.

"I believe we should start down here, Black. I'm sure the others are working on the upper wings." Professor Snape pulled on his bathrobe and slippers and followed Sirius out the door towards the Slytherin Common Room.

Harry followed Dumbledore back upstairs to her room, and they passed Remus on their way. Dumbledore informed him that the other two men were searching the lower wing, and that they should all meet in his office as soon as the search was completed. He would be with Harry, should they need him in the mean time.

"Phoenix feather," Harry uttered her password, and Snuffles greeted them both happily. Kicking off her slippers, she hung up her robe on the hook over the bathroom door and climbed back into bed as Dumbledore took a seat in the chair by her bed.

"Harry, I know you're somewhat disturbed by what happened tonight."

"I...Professor..." she shook her head trying to find the right words.

"You knew I had a great deal of power," he spoke slowly trying to help her to understand. "I don't usually have to display such examples, but my children were in trouble. I didn't mean to frighten you."

"I'm more stunned than frightened. In any event it's not you I'm afraid of."

"Voldemort, then?" he quizzed seeing the worry in her eyes.

"No, Headmaster. I am afraid of myself. You always tell me that one day I'll be as powerful as you, and I've always had a sense of your powers but never actually saw them until tonight."

"Why does it disturb you so much?" he asked gently placing his hand on her head.

"What if I hurt someone, or get angry and do something to someone without really meaning to?"

"You won't," he smiled.

"You can't know that. What if I become like Voldemort?"

"Harry, the reason I know you won't misuse your power is because of your sense of right and wrong. You have a kind and gentle soul, and a brilliant aura surrounds you. It's why you can transform into a Phoenix. Fawkes sensed it a long time ago, when you displayed your loyalty to me in the Chamber of Secrets. It's what helped you to protect the Philosopher's stone, and to bring Cedric's body back to his parents."

"How do you know I have a brilliant aura?"

"I can see it," he told her, his blue eyes twinkling with delight. "It is one of my powers. Just as you are an empath and can feel it."

"That must be weird, seeing all these people surrounded by different light all day long."

"No, Child," he laughed merrily, "I am able to control it, just as you can control feeling the emotions of others."

"Oh. Headmaster, do you have any other powers I should be aware of?"

"I have other powers, but none that you need to know about at this time. If I need to use them, I will though. I just don't want you to feel frightened or uncomfortable."

"Hey, I care about you, remember? You're a member of my family, and I could never be afraid of you. I feel what you can see, and you're always so nice and warm, like a teddy bear," Harry's eyes looked into his, locked in understanding, and she tweaked his beard with a wide grin.

"Go to sleep now. It's late and you have classes tomorrow. I'll stay while you fall asleep."

"More likely you'll stay to put a sleeping charm on me," Harry yawned as he stroked her forehead.

"Now what makes you think I would do something like that?"

"Because I know..." Harry started to reply, but Dumbledore's silent charm had already taken affect.

He smiled tenderly as he tucked the blankets in around her. Kissing her forehead, he put the lights out, and patted Snuffles on the head as he left the room without a sound.