The Mathias Prophecy Book III

The Mathias Prophecy Book III

Encounter at the Zoo

Harry awoke to the sun streaming in through the windows and a little face peering at her from the side of the bed.

"Are you awake?" Phaedra asked softly.

"I am now," Harry smiled, reaching for her glasses, "what time is it?"

"I don't know how to tell time. Uncle Severus says he will teach me so I can learn to mix the potions when I'm bigger."

"Come here," Harry said patting the bed and helping her to climb up next to her. She then took her watch off the nightstand and checked the time. "How would you like to start learning today? You can surprise your mum and uncle."

"Really, Miss Harry? You will teach me how to tell time?"

"You can't learn it all at once, but you can get started and then we'll practice."

"Okay, what do I do first?"

"Look at my watch. The big hand is the minute hand and the little one is the hour hand."

"What is this other one that is going around so fast?"

"It's called the second hand. You will not need to use that to tell time. It is used more to time things out like how long it takes you to run from the top of the stairs to the bottom," Harry explained hoping Phaedra understood. "Now the watch is numbered from one to twelve. The twelve is on top and the six is on the bottom. The three and the nine are opposite one another in the middle. Now from the twelve to the three is fifteen minutes, from the twelve to the six is thirty minutes, and from the twelve to the nine is forty-five minutes."

"From the twelve to the three is fifteen minutes to the six is thirty minutes and to the nine is forty-five minutes. What happens when you get back to the twelve?"

"That is one hour," Harry answered amazed at the quickness of Phaedra's mind.

"What about the other numbers? How do they work?"

"Each one is five minutes. You see these little lines in between, each one is one minute. So if you start at the twelve you can count: one, two, three, four, and the number one will be five."

"Then why is it a one?" Phaedra asked confused.

"For the hour. Every one of the big numbers is five minutes."

"So the little line after the big one will be six minutes?" Phaedra asked with a frown.

"Yes, that's right! Now keep going."

"Seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty!" Phaedra exclaimed proudly.

"That's wonderful, now keep going."

"I can't, Miss Harry."

"Why not honey?"

"I can only count up to twenty." Phaedra looked downcast.

"That's all right, I'll help you," Harry chuckled giving her a squeeze. Together they counted up to sixty, and Phaedra beamed with pleasure. "Now, you see that the big hand is on the twelve and the little hand is on the seven, which means it is seven o'clock. Whenever the big hand is on the twelve that means o'clock and the little hand is the hour. If the little hand was on the eight it would be eight o'clock."

"So that would be the hour, because the little hand is the hour hand?" Phaedra asked eagerly.

"Yes, Phaedra, see how easy it is. Now what time is this?" Harry asked setting her watch to eleven o'clock."

"It is eleven o'clock!" Phaedra said excitedly. "Can we do another one?'

"Sure, what is this one?" Harry asked as she set the watch to two o'clock.

"Two o'clock!"

"Very good, see how easy it is? Now you can tell what hour it is, later on we'll do some more," Harry told her as she reset her watch to seven o'clock. She would set it more accurately when she got downstairs. "You still need to lean how to tell the half and quarter hours, then we'll work on the minutes."

"Can't we do it now?" Phaedra begged with excitement. "I want to surprise mummy and Uncle Severus today."

"You already have," Professor Snape's silky voice came from the open door to the hall. Apparently, Phaedra had failed to close the door all the way, when she had crept into Harry's room.

"Professor Snape!" Harry gasped startled, "I didn't hear you come in. Have you been there long?"

"Actually, we have all been out here for the past fifteen minutes. When Circe found Phaedra had gotten up without her we started to search. She has the habit of getting into mischief," Snape smiled sardonically as he pushed the door open. Harry was embarrassed to see Circe with Dumbledore and Remus. They were all grinning, and Harry turned red with embarrassment. "We didn't want to interrupt her lesson."

"Uncle Severus, mummy, I can tell time! I know all the hours!"

"Yes, Phaedra, we heard," Circe said coming in and picking Phaedra up in her arms. "You should not have woken up Miss Harry. It wasn't nice."

"She didn't really wake me up. She was sitting here with Snuffles and waiting patiently," Harry smiled.

"You did really well teaching her how to tell the time, Princess. You should consider becoming a teacher after Hogwarts."

"Maybe I should see if anyone is planning on retiring soon," Dumbledore beamed, "then I could keep her at Hogwarts. Anything in particular you would like to teach, Harry?"

"Well, if Professor Sinestra leaves, Remus could teach Arithmancy, since Hermione told me he's as good at it as he is at Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"Oh, and I suppose you're going to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts?" Snape questioned sarcastically.

"Of course not, you are. I'm going to teach Potions!" Harry stated tossing her head impishly as they all laughed and Snape arched his left brow. She knew he was pleased with her idea.

"I'll keep your suggestion in mind," Dumbledore remarked eyeing his two professors playfully, "however at the moment I think we should go and have breakfast since Phaedra has seen fit to wake us all up."

"I'm sorry Mr. Headmaster Dumbledore. I tried to be real quiet. I didn't know mummy would get scared and come looking for me."

"That's all right, Little One, next time you will remember to wake your mother before you get out of bed," Dumbledore smiled, looking at her over his spectacles.

"I will notify the house elves we will be down shortly for breakfast. I know Remus would like to get an early start, and we can spend the morning at the zoo."

"That is an excellent suggestion, Severus," Circe said to her brother as the three men left to do their morning toilet. "Harry, the dining room is the third door on the left off the hall when you come downstairs," Circe informed her pleasantly. "Thank you for staying with Phaedra; she can be quite a handful."

"I think she's adorable," Harry replied winking at Phaedra as she swung her legs out of the bed. "I'll bet I beat you downstairs," she teased Phaedra.

"No you won't! Come on mummy, we have to get dressed," she pleaded squirming out of her mother's arms and running towards their room.

"I'll see you in a few minutes," Circe excused herself and hurried after her daughter.

Harry hurriedly washed and dressed, putting on her jeans and polo shirt with a pair of sneakers. She wondered if she should wear robes instead, since she didn't know if there was a wizard zoo, but decided she could always change if necessary. Following the directions Circe had given her, she found the dining room with little effort after seeing that Dobby put Snuffles outside in the garden. She was relieved to note that except for Remus they were all wearing Muggle clothing.

Snape cut an excellent figure in black trousers and a gray sport shirt, and Circe was wearing a yellow sundress and sandals. Phaedra looked adorable in a pair of pink shorts and a matching shirt with a pair of sneakers. Dumbledore too, was dressed in Muggle clothes. Harry thought he looked the epitome of dignity in a pair of navy blue slacks with a white shirt. His beard was neatly trimmed and his hair was pulled back and tied neatly. A bowler hat sat nearby along with a walking stick. Harry wondered if his wand was concealed in the walking stick. She knew that Lucius Malfoy kept his hidden in one.

"I won, Miss Harry. I got downstairs before you did. Do I get a prize?"

"Phaedra!" Her mother exclaimed, "that is rude. Mind your manners."

"I'm sorry mummy," Phaedra responded her lower lip quivering. "I'm sorry, Miss Harry."

"Don't cry, Phaedra. I will buy you a balloon at the zoo."

"You will!" she exclaimed with delight giving Harry a hug.

"So long as you behave."

"I will, I promise," Phaedra said as Harry took a seat at the table beside Dumbledore.

"I didn't get a chance to ask you before, Child, did you sleep well?"

"Like a baby."

"No dreams, then?"

"Only pleasant ones."

"I don't suppose you thought any more about our conversation from last night?"

"No, I was too tired. I soaked in the tub for twenty minutes and then went right to bed. I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow."

"Then I won't push you. When you decide, you can tell me either way," Dumbledore patted her hand.

"I know," she said as they touched foreheads affectionately.

Breakfast was an enjoyable affair, and they all ate well on eggs, bacon, kippers, scones, and fresh fruits. There was also tea, coffee, juice, and milk. The conversation centered on the plans for the day. Remus was going to check in with Sirius, and then had some other business for the Order.

The others were all going to the London Zoo. Harry had only been there once, and that was just before her eleventh birthday. She had gotten to go when there was no one to watch her while her aunt and uncle brought Dudley and his friend. It had been Dudley's eleventh birthday. Harry had enjoyed herself, until she had accidentally made the boa constrictor's glass enclosure disappear. Dudley fell in, and the snake escaped. She was punished by the Dursley's since they knew she was a witch, and did not want her to find out she had magical abilities.

Harry was looking forward to today's outing as if she were Phaedra's age. The only times she ever really had gone anywhere had been shopping for school or with Professor Snape. She had also been allowed to visit with Ron's family and go to the Quidditch world cup, but suspected it was because the Dursleys wanted her out of the way.

"Miss Harry, are you still going to talk to the snakes for me?" Phaedra asked as they left Snape's town home. Dumbledore had arranged for a car to pick them up from the Ministry.

"Yes, Phaedra, but you have to be very careful about what you say at the zoo. The Muggles will not understand. I can only do it if no one is around."

"I know, mummy told me all about the Muggles. She said they are just like us only they can't do any magic. Do you know any Muggles?"

"Yes, my aunt, uncle, and cousin are Muggles. So were my mother's parents. My good friend, Hermione, is a Muggle born witch. I live with my aunt and uncle when I'm not in school, and all of our neighbors are Muggles."

"Can I meet your aunt and uncle?"

"No, it would be better if you didn't."

"Why?"

"Phaedra, don't be asking Miss Harry personal questions. It isn't nice," Circe told her quietly, sensing Harry's reluctance to talk about her family.

"That's all right, Circe. Phaedra, some Muggles aren't very nice to Wizards and Witches. They are afraid or don't understand our magic. My aunt and uncle are like that."

"They don't like you?"

"Little One," Dumbledore interrupted, "Harry's family are not comfortable with magic. They don't like to know about our world and Harry would not want to upset them."

"Do you know any other Muggles I could meet?"

"Maybe, I'll have to think about it."

"Okay, but if you can't find some I won't be sad," Phaedra assured her with a smile as the car pulled up in front of the zoo.

"Harry, you understand Muggle money better then I do, would you be so kind as to pay the admittance charges. I have the money with me, but I always get confused," Circe admitted red faced.

"No problem, I will be happy to help you learn it later on if you like," Harry said taking the money from her, but she insisted on paying for herself. She then paid the clerk at the window and gave Circe her change once they had passed through the gates.

"Phaedra hold onto mummy's hand. The zoo isn't too crowded yet, but it will be busy later on. I don't want you to get lost."

"I want to walk with Uncle Severus and Miss Harry."

"Of course," Snape took her hand.

"Miss Harry you take Uncle Severus other hand."

"How about if I take your other hand instead," Harry grinned, red faced, as Snape stared straight ahead.

"We'll go into the petting zoo first, since I know Phaedra will like to see the farm animals," Dumbledore remarked leading the way. "I grew up on a farm and still love the country."

"Can you ride horsies?" Phaedra asked curiously.

"Not for many years, Little One."

"Were they winged or regular horses?" Harry queried softly.

"Both." he answered, blue eyes twinkling. "Did you know there is also another part to the zoo?"

"I wondered if their might be. How come I didn't see it the only other time I came here with the Dursley's?"

"You very well may have," Professor Snape told her, "but they couldn't, so you wouldn't have gone in."

"I'll bet Hagrid loves the place."

"No doubt," Snape agreed and Dumbledore smiled as they entered the petting zoo.

"Look, mummy! They have a pony ride. Can I go on it? Please can I?"

"I'll put her on, Circe," Snape told his sister, taking Phaedra over to the pony stand. They all watched as Phaedra went around the ring four times, and waved happily each time she passed them.

"What is it, Child?" Dumbledore asked watching her expression.

"I'm just thinking how much different my life might have been if my parents hadn't died."

"I know."

"Professor," Harry turned to face Dumbledore, "why is it the things we crave the most are the things we can't have?"

"Child, I wish I could answer that question for you, but I can't."

"I know," she sighed as Phaedra came running over to them.

"Did you see, Miss Harry? Did you see how I rode the pony?"

"Yes, honey, you did beautifully."

"Can we see the deer next?" she asked pointing over towards a large enclosure with several does accompanied by their fawns."

"I like deer. I think they are very beautiful," Harry said as Phaedra grabbed her hand and pulled her over towards the enclosure.

"Isn't your Patronus a deer, Harry?" Snape asked casually.

"A stag actually," she smiled.

"What's a stag?" Phaedra asked innocently.

"A stag is a boy deer," Circe replied. "Look over there," she pointed into the next enclosure, "see the one with the antlers? That is the stag."

"Is he the daddy deer?"

"I would think so," Snape replied amused.

"Phaedra," Harry whispered, "my father could transform into a stag."

"He could? Did you ever see him?"

"If I did I was just a baby, and can't remember it."

"Uncle Severus said your 'tronus was a stag. What is a 'tronus?"

"No, Phaedra, it's Patronus," Snape corrected.

"Puh-tron-us," she said slowly breaking the word into syllables. "What is it?"

"It's a very powerful protection spell. Not everyone can do it."

"Can you Uncle Severus?"

"I can."

"Can I ask what your Patronus is?" Harry looked at him with interest.

"You can ask, but I won't answer," Snape smiled sardonically.

"Professor Dumbledore, he won't tell us what his Patronus is," Harry pretended to pout.

"That's because it is a rather sore point with him," Dumbledore laughed as Snape scowled at him. "If I tell, he'll be furious with me."

"Don't be silly, Headmaster. Professor Snape cares for you just like we do."

"I know what his Patronus is too," Circe looked at her younger brother with a wicked smile.

"Circe, I would prefer it if you stay out of this," Professor Snape warned his sister, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Oh, little brother, do you really think I would tell them that your Patronus is a ..."

"Circe!" Snape cut her off. He was beginning to become annoyed at his older sister.

"Uncle Severus, please don't be mad at mummy. She's just teasing you like she always does."

"I'm not mad at your mother," Snape comforted her picking her up in his arms.

"Circe, do you have a Patronus?"

"I could never master it. It is among the more difficult spells."

"So I was told."

"How long have you been able to do it?" Circe inquired curiously. She could sense the power of the younger witch.

"I learned it in my third year."

"You what?!" she exclaimed astonished.

"Harry is telling you the truth, Circe," Dumbledore affirmed. "It was taught to her by Professor Lupin, before we all knew that Sirius Black was innocent."

"But Albus, she couldn't have been more than thirteen! The Patronus isn't even taught until the seventh year," Circe reminded him as they walked over to the duck pond. "Severus couldn't even do it until he was almost sixteen."

"Now that is interesting," Harry smirked, giving Snape an evil smile. "What did you say your Patronus was?"

"I didn't," he replied curtly.

"I wouldn't push him, Child. His Patronus is a sore point with him."

"Why? Is it something silly?"

"No, Child, it is just something he would rather not have."

Harry studied Snape intently, and he was aware she was scanning his emotions. After a minute, she nodded to herself and looked at Snape.

"I won't bother you again to tell me, Professor. It obviously distresses you."

"Aren't you going to ask me what my Patronus is?" Dumbledore eyed her over his spectacles mischievously.

"It's probably a Phoenix."

"Wrong, it happens to be a Griffin."

"Is it really, or are you teasing me?"

"He's serious. I have on occasion seen him use it," Professor Snape stated matter of factly,

"Miss Harry," Phaedra interrupted, "these ducks are boring. All they do is swim in circles. Can we go over and feed the goats?" she asked pointing to another enclosure.

"Okay, I'll get some of those crackers to feed them from the vendor." Harry stopped for the crackers, which proved to be made from rye, and took Phaedra over to feed the goats.

Phaedra delighted in the farm animals, and kept pulling them to every exhibit. She loved the cows, and laughed at the pigs rolling in the dirt. As they walked, Harry had the feeling she was being watched, but didn't see anybody suspicious. Several times she thought that Professor Snape was glancing over his shoulder a bit too frequently, but when he saw her watching, he stopped. Leaving the petting zoo, they went in to see the monkeys.

"Look, look," Phaedra ran ahead pointing at the monkeys. They were swinging from the tree limbs that were a part of the exhibit. "They can hang by their tails."

"They're called Spider Monkeys," Professor Snape said picking her up so she could see better.

They then moved further along and looked at the chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, and a mandrill. Phaedra was impressed with the blue and scarlet ribbing on the mandrill's face.

"Can we go and see the snakes now?"

"Very well," Circe sighed knowing Phaedra wanted to hear Harry speak Parsel Tongue. "Remember what we told you about the snakes and Miss Harry."

"Yes, mummy, I won't bother her," she called over her shoulder, skipping ahead of them. "Do you like snakes, Miss Harry?"

"They're okay. I wouldn't want one for a pet, but they serve an important purpose."

"What do they do that's so 'portant?"

"Important," she corrected, "and they help to control the rodent population. It means they eat the rats and mice."

"Yech...that's gross!"

"I think so too," Harry agreed, thinking about all the times Sirius had eaten rats to survive following his escape from Azkaban. "Lets see what kind of snakes they have."

Harry led the way down the aisle and they looked at black snakes, cobras, garter snakes, American rattlesnakes, and finally came to the large boa constrictor. After the incident with her cousin Dudley, the snake had been recaptured. As Harry stood looking at it the snake picked up it's head.

"I remember you," it hissed, "you helped me to escape for a few hours. Thank you, I had a great time."

Harry glanced around, and seeing no other visitors nearby, she decided to answer the snake. Lookin at Phaedra, she put her finger to her lips so she would stay quiet and then answered the large boa.

"I'm surprised you remember me. It was several years ago. I look quite different."

"Not to me. I knew you were female by your scent and the heat you emit from your body. Males and females are different."

"I'm glad you enjoyed a few hours of freedom, even if you didn't make it back to Brazil."

"Come again sometime. I don't get to talk to humans very often."

"What do you mean, very often? Is there someone else you talk to?"

"Yes, sometimes a strange male comes in. He talks to us all and calls us his children. He has red eyes and comes in the night, when no one is here. He brings a female of my kind with him, that he calls Nagini."

"This is very important. Does this man ever say or do anything unusual?"

"Yes...he will often meet with others who keep their faces hidden. Sometimes he exerts his dominance over them. He carries a stick of fire."

"Listen very carefully. This man is a danger to my kind. He kills for pleasure. Do not let him know you spoke with me."

"I will do as you ask," The snake replied and then curled up and went back to sleep.

"Miss Harry that was really something. Can you do it again?"

"No honey, there are people coming this way. Where is your mum and uncle?" Harry asked looking about worriedly. Large groups of children from a summer camp had arrived and were running all over the place unsupervised.

"They went over there with Mr. Headmaster Dumbledore," she pointed to an open door, and Harry could see some benches outside to sit on. Grabbing Phaedra by the hand, she ran for the door. "Miss Harry, slow down! You are going too fast!"

"I'm sorry, honey," Harry slowed down, "I have to find your uncle and Dumbledore, it's important." Just then, a man bumped into Harry and blocked her path.

"Excuse me, Miss Potter. It is Miss Potter isn't it. I don't think you remember me, I'm..."

"Phineas Phibes," she finished for him. "I have nothing to say to you, now please move."

"Who might you be little girl? Are you a friend of Harry Potter?"

"Never mind who she is, get out of my way," Harry demanded, trying to go around him.

"Please I just want a story for the Daily Prophet. I'm a reporter and you're news."

"You want a story," Harry remarked softly, I'll give you a story."

"Wonderful, can we go somewhere and sit down?"

"That won't be necessary; your story will be quite short. Your headline can read Harry Potter testifies against Phineas Phibes. Phibes was arrested and taken into custody by the Aurors under suspicion of being a follower of Lord Voldemort." Harry then reached out and grabbed his left arm, pushing the sleeve up to reveal the dark mark tattoo. "Phaedra run and get Dumbledore, now!" the child darted out the door at a run as Harry held onto Phibes.

"Let me go!"he hissed, attempting to pull out his wand, but Harry quickly kicked him in the shin, and the wand fell with a clatter to the floor.

The next thing Harry knew everyone in the room was frozen in place, and Dumbledore and Snape were there with her. A group of Aurors was also there, and took hold of Phibes, stunning him, to keep him from screaming and cursing.

"Thank you for coming so promptly Alastor," Dumbledore was saying to Mad Eye Moody.

"No problem. We've had our eyes out for Phibes ever since you told us he might be one of Voldemort's supporters," Moody replied as they walked over to Harry. "Nice job, Miss Potter. You didn't need to use any magic. We were the ones who froze the Muggles. They won't remember a thing."

"Thanks, but I found out that Voldemort has been visiting the zoo at night with his Deatheaters."

"Who told you that?"

"The boa constrictor," Harry grinned.

"I forgot you were a Parsel Mouth," Moody shook his head.

"I would say that it is most fortunate she is, Alastor," Dumbledore remarked, his blue eyes serious. "Did the snake say anything else, Harry?"

"Only that he brings his pet snake Nagini with him. I didn't want to attract attention to myself. All these kids came in from the camp."

"It's all right, Harry. We have Phibes. I don't think he will be too uncooperative during questioning," Moody claimed soberly. "Albus why don't you all go on along and finish your outing. I will send word when we learn anything from Phibes."

"Do you wish to continue, Harry?" Snape inquired.

"I don't see why not, unless you think Phaedra is too upset."

"She is with Circe. We'll check with her and see what she says." Snape steered Harry out the door as the Aurors retuned the people in the zoo back to normal. "Circe is Phaedra all right?"

"I'm okay Uncle Severus. Did the bad man hurt Miss Harry?"

"Do I look hurt?" Harry tweaked Phaedra's chin.

"I thought he was going to hurt you. What was the funny mark on his arm?"

Harry and Snape exchanged glances as Harry replied, "It was just a tattoo. Lot's of people have them."

"His was scary like the one on Uncle Severus'. Is Uncle Severus a bad man too? I heard you say the bad wizard's name."

Snape shifted uncomfortably, and a look of pain crossed Circe's face.

"Phaedra, let's sit on the bench and I'm going to tell you a story," Harry said leading the child over to sit down. Dumbledore had come from the building and was talking quietly with Snape and Circe, both of whom looked worriedly over at Phaedra.

"Now, you have seen the tattoo on your uncle's arm."

"It looked like the one the bad man has."

"That mark is called the Dark Mark. If you ever see it on anyone, you keep quiet and do not say anything. Then you go and tell your mum or Uncle Severus."

"Why?"

"Because, it is the sign used by the people who work with the bad wizard."

"Does Uncle Severus work with him too?" Phaedra asked looking scared.

"No, honey, he does not! He was a spy for Dumbledore and pretended to be one of them. In order for the bad wizard to trust him he had to let him put that tattoo on his arm. Do you understand?" Harry explained telling Phaedra only the part she needed to hear. It was up to Snape to tell her the entire truth when she was old enough to understand.

"Yes, Miss Harry. I know what a spy is. They watch people to find out stuff."

"That's right. Your uncle did just that. He is somewhat of a hero, too. The things he heard helped to save many people."

"How come he didn't save your mummy and daddy?"

Harry glanced at Snape, and then turned to answer Phaedra, "He tried honey, but it was too late," she said, swallowing hard at the memory of Snape's presence in Godric's Hollow the night her parents died. He had been brought there by Voldemort to see if he were trustworthy, and then sent away. Snape had summoned Dumbledore for help, but it had arrived too late.

"Phaedra, would you like to finish seeing the zoo?" Circe asked her daughter.

"Yes, mummy, can we go see the wizard zoo now?"

"Of course," she took Phaedra by the hand and headed off down a narrow sidewalk off to the left.

"Did you know Uncle Severus is a hero?" Harry overheard her ask Circe as they moved out of sight.

"I suppose you expect me to say thank you, Miss Potter?" Snape asked arrogantly, looking down his nose at her.

"No, Severus," she sneered, "it's one of the benefits of being an empath. You can look down your nose at me all you want, but I still know what you're feeling. Besides, I wasn't going to tell that sweet little girl what an SOB you used to be. She only needs to know the man you have become. It's up to you to tell her the whole story when she's older. Even I don't know the entire thing, but I will eventually," Harry tilted her head coquettishly, winking at Dumbledore, who stood beside Snape, beaming at her with pride.

"Come, Child, let us catch up to Circe and Phaedra. I'm sure you will like to see the animals. You have probably studied them in class," Dumbledore remarked taking her arm in his.

"Are you coming, Professor, or are you going to stand here all by yourself like a naughty little boy, who's been caught with his hand in the cookie jar?"

Snape scowled at her, following slowly after them. 'Damn that girl, she knows how I feel. Does she realize how hard this is for me? I never thought I could have any feelings for anyone again. I have been numb for so long...Oh, Merlin, Black had better appreciate her or I'll...'

"Uncle Severus, hurry up! Come and see the Hippocampus. Look they have eggs with babies inside!" Phaedra called excitedly looking at the strange animals, which were swimming inside of a large glass tank.

They had the head and forequarters of a horse and then the body tapered off into that of a large fish. The eggs were semitransparent and you could just make out the infant on the inside.

"Cool," Harry stared into the tank, "I always wondered what these looked like. They are actually quite pretty. If I recall correctly the Merpeople have domesticated the roans."

"You are quite correct," Dumbledore commented, "Hagrid would be proud."

"Hagrid would want to own one," Snape corrected him.

"I dare say you are right, Severus," Dumbledore sighed, "Hagrid does have a penchant for animals. He truly cares for them."

"Look mummy, look at the pretty turtles."

"No, Phaedra, they aren't turtles. They're fire crabs. They look like turtles though."

"They're so pretty," Phaedra, pressed her face up against the glass. Can we get one?"

"No, honey, they can be dangerous. They shoot fire from their rear ends."

"If I recall they are also a protected species," Harry remarked admiring the jeweled shells.

"You are quite right, Miss Potter. They are hidden from Muggles who would take the jewels out of their shells."

"Not to mention unscrupulous wizards who would use them as cauldrons," she smirked at Snape. "I'm surprised you don't own one."

"I do. It has been in my family for many generations. I inherited it, but I don't use it. It is too valuable."

Harry looked at Snape sideways to see if he were teasing her, and noted he was watching her with his usual sardonic stance.

"Now children, behave yourselves," Dumbledore admonished gently, "you both need to learn when to back down."

"You are of course, right, Albus. I apologize for my behavior."

"Headmaster, I think he's been hit with too many cruciatus curses. He actually is trying to be humble," Harry chuckled moving off to stand with Circe and Phaedra.

They continued through the zoo and passed many of the creatures Harry had learned about at Hogwarts. There were many birds, and Harry was glad to see there wasn't a Phoenix among them. There was however, an Augury, Fwooper, Jobberknoll, Diricawal, also known to Muggles as the Dodo Bird, and a Snidget, which was originally used as the Golden Snitch in earlier versions of quidditch. It was now protected, and reminded Harry of a Hummingbird.

Wandering back outside to see some of the larger exhibits, Harry and Phaedra were both quite taken with the Mooncalves. The exhibit was charmed to make it look like nighttime and a pale moon stood in the sky. The mooncalves were doing the intricate dance for which they were noted. They then went into an exhibit that was underground, and found it was the home of a group of Niffler's. Harry had some experience with them in her fourth year during Care of Magical Creatures class. These adorable animals were often used by Goblins to find treasure.

"Oh, mummy, cant we..."

"No, Phaedra, we can't have a Niffler," Circe told her daughter, exasperated, "they are destructive when kept in a house, and need to live underground."

"We could live in a cave," she reasoned hopefully.

"Phaedra, I don't think you would like living in a cave. They're too damp."

"How do you know?" Phaedra asked obstinately. "Did you ever live in a cave?"

"No, Little One," Dumbledore said coming to Harry's rescue, "but she knows someone who did."

"You do?"

"Yup, my godfather; he's good friends with Professor Lupin."

"You mean Mr.Remus?"

"Uh huh, they went to Hogwarts together."

"Does Uncle Severus know him too? He went to Hogwarts with Mr. Remus."

Harry could feel Snape watching her intently. "Yes, your uncle knows my godfather. They went to school at the same time too."

"Was he in Slytherin with Uncle Severus?"

"Phaedra, it isn't nice to keep asking questions to Miss Harry."

"But how will I ever learn anything if I don't ask?"

"It's all right Circe. I really don't mind, although I'm not too sure about your brother."

"If you don't answer her question she will pester us unmercifully all night," Snape told his sister, while Dumbledore winked at Harry amused. She had the distinct impression that he was enjoying Snape's discomfiture.

"No, Phaedra, my godfather was in Gryffindor just like Mr. Remus. Harry informed the curious child.

"I'm going to be in Slytherin when I go to Hogwarts. Mummy and Uncle Severus said so."

"I think you're too smart to be in Slytherin. I hope the sorting hat puts you into Ravenclaw."

"Not Gryffindor, Harry?" Circe asked with interest. Dumbledore was watching her curiously and Snape looked genuinely surprised.

"No. She is really clever and smart. I don't see any of the desires you would see in a Slytherin. She doesn't have that kind of ambition. I don't know about how brave she is yet, and I know she isn't a hard worker. She won't need to struggle to attain her goals. No it would do her well to be in Ravenclaw."

"I was in Slytherin, Harry," Circe smiled shrewdly.

"Was her father?"

"No...No he wasn't."

"I apologize. I didn't mean to appear like I was prying."

"It's all right, Harry. Circe's father was a Muggle. He was killed in a car accident on his way to our wedding."

"Circe...I...I'm sorry. I didn't know," Harry could feel the ache in Circe. She was mortified and didn't know what else to say to her.

"Harry, Dumbledore interceded, "didn't you promise Phaedra a balloon? I see the vendor right over by those trees."

"I had almost forgotten," she said giving Dumbledore a grateful look. "Come on Phaedra, let's go and pick out your balloon."

"Can I mummy? Can I go and pick a balloon with Miss Harry?"

"Of course," Circe smiled at her daughter.

Harry was grateful to escape the uncomfortable situation and much to Phaedra's delight bought a balloon for all of them. Phaedra's was in the shape of a unicorn, Dumbledore got a big red bird, and Circe and Severus both got a green snake, while Harry bought herself a lion.

Dumbledore beamed with pleasure, Circe laughed, and Snape looked dumbfounded.

"Severus, you need to let your hair down and do something impulsive once in a while," Dumbledore looked at him affectionately. "Harry you need to teach him how to live."

"Professor he knows how to live, he has to learn how to enjoy life. I think between the two of us we can fix what ails him."

"Have you any suggestions?"

"Well for starters, you can give him some of those lemon drops you have hidden in your pocket."

"Child, what makes you so certain I have lemon drops?"

"I saw you put them in your pocket before we left the house this morning."

"I really don't want a lemon drop."

"Nonsense, Severus, Harry is right. You have been too tense for too long. Have a lemon drop."

"Albus, I really don't..."

"Severus, I'm an old man, humor me," Dumbledore said with authority. Harry giggled with pleasure as the Potions Master succumbed to his superior. "And don't try to spit it out when I'm not looking."

"I won't," Snape scowled, putting the lemon drop into his mouth. "I look ridiculous, holding a balloon and sucking on a lemon drop."

"No Professor, you look like any other man who has spent a morning out with his family and friends at the zoo," Harry grinned as they headed for the pen containing the Graphorn.

Harry was standing looking at the Graphorn with Circe and Phaedra. The area was becoming crowded with visitors as it was now late morning. A wizard with his two sons accidentally bumped into Harry and she turned to face him startled.

"I beg your pardon, Miss...he began. "My word, you're Harry Potter!" he exclaimed loudly. "Look, Geoffrey, William, it's Harry Potter," he proclaimed shoving the two boys forward.

Harry could hear the crowd becoming excited, and they immediately began to move in around her to get a better look. She was being pushed and shoved and the eager crowd kept trying to touch her.

"Please everyone," she gasped, "stop shoving or someone may get hurt!"

Just as she uttered those words, a small boy, of perhaps three, toppled from his father's shoulders and fell into the pen with the Graphorn. The animal had become agitated by the crowd, and was now rubbing the thumbs on his feet into the dirt. Lowering its head, horns pointed directly at the crying child, it got ready to charge. Harry reacted without any thought for her own safety and leaped into the pen. The Graphorn immediately became confused, and spun around to look at her. Snorting, it sidled over to her left, and she was able to place herself between the animal and the terrified child. She could hear yells and screams in the back of her, but ignored them, as she continued to keep the Graphorn distracted. The Graphorn then lowered its head one more time and charged.

Harry could see the animal coming towards her in what felt like slow motion. She immediately dove over to her right, rolling up in a ball to protect herself. As she did so, she heard Dumbledore yell.

"Accio, little boy!" the child sailed through the air and straight into Dumbledore's arms.

Harry pulled her wand from the pocket of her jeans. "Stupefy!" she stunned the Graphorn within inches of being gored. As the Graphorn fell over, she felt a pair of strong arms around her. It was Snape. Picking her up, he carried her over to the edge of the enclosure and they were levitated to safety by Dumbledore, along with the Graphorn's keepers, amid cheers from the crowd.

"Get me out of here," Harry whispered to Professor Snape. She was shaken, and did not want any more attention than she had already garnered.

He carried her swiftly away from the crowd, putting her down on one of the nearby benches.

"Are you injured?"

"I don't think so," she trembled.

"Miss Harry, you saved the little boy!" Phaedra ran up to her, flinging her arms around Harry's neck.

"No, honey, Dumbledore saved the little boy. I just bought him the time and nearly got myself killed in the meantime."

"No, you jumped in with the Graphorn! You stopped him from hurting the baby!" she insisted.

"Are you able to stand, Child?" Dumbledore asked coming over to her with a strange man. He was about thirty, with sandy hair and a crooked smile.

"I think so," she said getting up slowly. Her legs felt like jelly, and buckled. The man with Dumbledore reached out to steady her as she sat back down.

"This is Jeremy Sloan, the child's father. He is also an alumnus of Hogwarts," Dumbledore smiled.

"I was in Hufflepuff. I knew Professor Snape and your father, but only in passing, they were a few years ahead of me. I just wanted to say thank you for saving my son. If you hadn't jumped in to distract the beast he certainly would have been killed."

"See, I told you that you saved the little boy!" Phaedra insisted, hands on her hips, and everyone smiled.

"It was a joint effort. I distracted the beast and Dumbledore got the child out of the pen. Then your Uncle Severus distracted the animal long enough for me to stun him. In any event," Harry addressed Mr. Sloan, "I'm glad your son is all right. The whole thing would never have happened if that stupid man had not caused such a commotion."

"I don't know what happened to him, but he seemed to have disappeared when my son fell," he told her angrily.

"No matter, Jeremy," Dumbledore soothed, "little Patrick is safe. Why don't you go on home? I daresay he now has a story to tell his grandchildren."

"My wife is waiting for me at the gate. I just wanted Miss Potter to know that I am in her debt."

Harry knew better than to argue, and just nodded, shaking the young man's hand. She had learned long ago, that when one wizard saved the life of another, their code of behavior required that debt be repaid.

"Come Child, let's retire back to Severus' town house and have some lunch. It has been a very exciting morning. I will notify the Ministry that there was no misuse of magic since you are underage. You were in a life threatening situation, and as such magic is permitted."

Harry smiled gratefully as they all trooped back to the street where the Ministry car was waiting for them. Circe and Phaedra had collected the balloons that they had let go when distracting the Graphorn, and Snape secured them in the trunk. Harry was tired and scratched from her encounter with the Graphorn. She was beginning to wonder if the man in the crowd had not caused the commotion on purpose. Mulling this over in her mind, she was staring out the window, when she realized that both Dumbledore and Snape were watching her intently. She got the distinct impression that they both were thinking along the same lines.

Freshening up before lunch, Harry changed from her soiled clothes, and put on her robes. They were to have their meal our in the garden, and Harry was glad to relax among the flowers and shrubs. There was also a formal herb garden, and she noted that most of the herbs were useful for potions. Snape noticed her interest.

"I like to grow some of my own ingredients. I also enjoy gardening. I find it very relaxing."

"Professor Sprout would be pleased to know you like to grow things. Unfortunately, like potions, I have to work at Herbology. I try to plant things, but they usually do not do well. I do not have a green thumb."

"You passed Herbology with an O.W.L."

"It is not my best subject. Oddly enough, Neville Longbottom has a wonderful talent with plants. You should be nicer to him. Someday he may own a greenhouse and be supplying you with potions ingredients."

"One never can tell where they will end up," Snape replied not rising to her baiting.

"No, they can't."

"Mummy, can I play with Snuffles?" Phaedra asked when she had finished eating.

"You will have to ask Harry. It is up to her."

"Miss Harry, please can I play with Snuffles?"

"I don't have her ball with me," Harry told her.

"That's no problem," Snape replied, taking out his wand and conjuring one.

"How come you didn't do that Miss Harry?"

"I'm not allowed to do magic outside of Hogwarts. None of the students are."

"But you did at the zoo."

"Uh...yeah, I suppose I did. Are you planning on expelling me Headmaster," she grinned at Dumbledore.

"I could, you know. I am sure Severus would be delighted. He is constantly on me about your flagrant disregard for the rules," Dumbledore looked at her over his spectacles, eyes twinkling.

"Uncle Severus, Mr. Headmaster Dumbledore is going to e'spell Miss Harry 'cause you want him too. What is e 'spell?"

"It is pronounced expel, and means to throw me out of school. They will break my wand too."

"Now, you three, stop teasing Phaedra," Circe interrupted, seeing the worried look on her daughter's face. "Miss Harry is not going to be expelled, but she really isn't allowed to use her magic outside of school. What happened at the zoo was an exception."

"What's a 'ception?"

"It means it was okay because there was an emergency."

"I'm glad. Now can I play with Snuffles?"

"Can I play too?" Harry laughed, taking the ball and tossing it for the dog to catch.

Phaedra was delighted, and laughed wildly, as they both took turns making Snuffles catch and fetch. After about a half hour, they gave Snuffles some water, and it was time for Phaedra to take a short nap. Circe excused herself, and took Phaedra upstairs, amid the child's protests that she wasn't tired.

Dumbledore excused himself too, using the excuse of having some Ministry business to attend to. Harry was left alone in the garden with Snape.

"Would you like to mix the Wolfbane potion for Professor Lupin again this month?"

"The moon won't be full for almost three weeks."

"Eighteen days to be precise. Would you like to mix the potion? You will be here since it will be a Sunday."

"Do you have a place in the house where you mix potions?"

"I have a potions lab in the basement. Would you like to see it?"

"If you really want to show it to me."

"Follow me," he said rising.

Harry followed him up the hall to a hidden door behind the stairs. She was reminded of her old cupboard at the Dursley's; only instead of a storage area, there was a steep flight of stairs.

"Lumos," Snape held his wand up lighting the stairwell. The went down two flights and were in the basement. It was just like any other old basement, with garden implements, tools, and assorted odd items put away until needed. Harry was beginning to feel uncomfortable, and wondered what the Potions Master was up, to when they reached a wall lined with varies bottles and jars.

"You don't have to worry Miss Potter; you have nothing to fear from me," Snape told her dryly. "It is not my custom to seduce under age witches."

Harry stared at him wide eyed. He had known what she was thinking. Was it just common sense, derived from her body language, or was it the telepathic ability she knew he possessed?

"I never said you did, but if your sexual prowess is as good as your dancing I may just look you up after I turn eighteen," she quipped, her face burning, unable to look him in the eye.

He stood frozen in place, staring down at her, and tilted her face up to look at him,

"Do not trifle with me, Harry," Snape warned his voice barely more than a whisper. "I am not someone whose affections you would want to play with."

"Professor, I did not mean...you've been hurt...I ...merely wanted to...to...make you feel..."

"Like a fool, Miss Potter?"

"No!"

"Than how?"

"Flattered or happy inside," she reached up to touch his cheek. "We share a similar loneliness, Professor. I didn't mean for you to feel like I was leading you on."

"Very well, come on," He turned abruptly, tapping the third brick on the left with his wand. Silently the wall swung inward. "I need light," he said to the air, and the torches on the walls sprang to life.

Harry followed him into a large room, similar to the dungeon classroom he used at Hogwarts, except this one was lined with shelves full of jars and pots. Two large cauldrons stood off in a corner and a smaller one stood off to one side. There were also several locked cabinets. Harry noticed that all the jars and pots were neatly labeled with their contents, and recognized the handwriting as belonging to Professor Snape. He was watching her carefully as she looked around.

"What do you keep in the cabinets? I see they are locked, and I assume they are also charmed?"

"Some of them have charms, others merely locked. They hold some of my more exotic ingredients."

"Can I ask what they are?"

"You can ask, but that won't guarantee an answer."

"I hope you're not doing anything illegal."

"No, I'm not, but I do know how to obtain some of the more, shall we say, expensive items."

"Humph, you have items which the Ministry would find, shall we say, unusual."

Professor Snape smiled sardonically, "So would you like to work with me from time to time over the summer or not?"

"Just answer me one question first. Does Dumbledore know..."

"About the unusual items in my stores?" Snape finished for her. "Yes, he has helped me to secure some of them. They may be useful in the fight to stop Lord Voldemort."

"Then I'll work with you. It would be good to practice making Professor Lupin's potion too. When do we start?"

"Tomorrow we will start making Polyjuice. It will take a month to prepare properly, so we will need to make quite a bit."

"Will we be doing anything else?"

"Veritaserum, and some of the sleeping and healing potions you already know. They are kept on hand for the Order. Alastor Moody has also asked if I would make some for the Aurors."

"Everybody is expecting more big trouble aren't they?"

"Perhaps, you should not worry yourself."

"Easier said than done," Harry said as Snape put out the torches and she followed him out of the hidden potions room.

Her mind was whirling. Snape was actually letting her help him. Was he doing it because he liked her, or just to keep an eye on her so she didn't get into any trouble?" She wasn't sure, but thought it may be both.

The rest of the afternoon Harry spent reviewing her potions so she would be prepared for the next day. Snape had the necessary books for her to use and was more than happy to let her use them. Professor Lupin returned by dinnertime, quite cheerful, and delivered a message from Sirius.

"He says he finds your solution to your Peeping Tom of a cousin quite interesting," and he laughed over it for nearly ten minutes. "However, he said to be careful. He also wants to know about anything suspicious or if the Dursley's are being particularly difficult. He says to send an owl to Dumbledore as well as any of us. You just can't send one directly to him."

"I know," Harry frowned.

"He sent you a present too," Remus smiled.

"Miss Harry got a present?" Phaedra came into the room with her mother. She was rubbing her eyes, and had just woken up from her nap.

"Phaedra, it's not nice to pry into other people's business."

"I don't mind," Harry smiled. How was your nap?"

"I dreamed I was flying on a big bird. It wasn't very nice. We went to a haunted house with a big snake in it. Then I woke up."

" Phaedra are you sure there was nothing else in your dream?"

"Phaedra had a dream?" Dumbledore smiled as he came into the room.

"Yes, she dreamed a large bird flew her to a haunted house with a big snake in it."

"You ate too many cookies after lunch, Little One," he smiled tousling her hair affectionately, looking at Harry with understanding.

"Miss Harry got a present. Mister Remus brought it for her, but I don't know who it's from."

"It is from my godfather. Do you want to help me open it?"

"Can I?"

"Sure," Harry handed her the package Remus had brought. Phaedra tore off the paper to reveal a small box. Harry showed her how to open it. Inside was an ivory and ebony hand carved Wizard's chess set. There was also a brief note:

Harry,

I thought you would enjoy playing with Remus and Snape, so I got this for you. I promise to be back by your birthday. Miss you very much. Keep me posted about what is going on. Love,

Sirius

"Miss Harry, what are these funny little men for?"

"It's a game of Wizard's Chess. I will teach you to play, but not tonight."

"Why?"

"Tonight you need to finish learning how to tell time, remember?"

"I remember, can we do some now?"

"It's almost dinner time, and I have to see that Snuffles is fed. Do you want to help?"

"Can I?"

"Of course, she really likes you. She is just a puppy yet, even though she looks big."

"I like her. I wish I could have a pet."

"Well, maybe we can ask your mum to think about something that will do well in an apartment," Harry grinned at Circe. "But you have to remember a pet takes a lot of work. They need to be taken care of."

"Please mummy, can't I have a pet?"

"You help Harry with Snuffles and her owl, and if you don't get bored I will see about getting you something small when the summer is over."

"Oh, thank you mummy, I won't get bored. I promise I won't," Phaedra said flinging her arms around her mother and hugging her. She then went over to Harry and hugged her too. "Will you help me to pick out a good pet for a 'partment?"

"If your mum says it's okay after the summer we will pick something out before you go home and I go back to Hogwarts. Now let's go feed the dog and then get ready for dinner."

Harry and Phaedra saw to Snuffles food and water and then Harry went to freshen up for dinner. The evening meal was delicious and consisted of a roast beef, mashed potatoes, corn, broccoli, salad, and carrots. Conversation centered on their activities of the day, and Remus listened intently to the story about the young Deatheater in the snake house. He was also very proud of Harry for being so brave and distracting the Graphorn. He too, had known the child's father, although only to say hello to. He then told everyone that the Weasleys were doing fine, and that Sirius was counting the days until he could be back for Harry. He also had a surprise for everyone, and following dinner, the house elves brought out the desserts that included a large tray of home made cookies from Molly Weasley. Phaedra was more than a little pleased.

Following dessert, they all retired to the parlor facing the garden. Harry had brought down some pieces of paper and pencils and made up some clocks to help Phaedra, and by her bedtime, she had learned to tell time correctly. All she needed to do was practice. Circe took her to bed with her for the night in case she had any other bad dreams. Harry had the feeling that Dumbledore told her about the similar dream she had some time ago, and it had been about Lord Voldemort.

Harry was looking for a chess partner, so Dumbledore accommodated her since Remus was tired from his trip and wanted to retire early with a good book, and Snape wanted to get ready to work on the potions tomorrow. Dumbledore was more than pleased that Harry was going to help with the preparations. He did not pursue the idea of hypnosis again, and she was grateful. Harry needed to sort out her thoughts on the subject and wanted to do a little reading about it first. She wished Hermione had not gone to America for the summer since she would have been happy to help her gather some information.

Finally, Harry yawned, and folding up the chessboard, she gave Dumbledore a hug and a kiss on his cheek.

"Now what did I do to deserve that?" he beamed.

"That was just for being you, and for letting me win those chess games. You didn't have to you know."

"I wanted to, Child. Now off to bed with you. It has been a long and eventful day, and I can tell you're tired."

"You're right, I am," she replied, gathering the game, and saying good night. She left Dumbledore to talk with Snape, who had just returned from the basement.

Harry changed into her nightgown quickly, and climbed into the big comfortable bed. She fell into a deep and dreamless sleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.