The Mathias Prophecy Book III

THE MATHIAS PROPHECY

The Protectorship

Harry rose early the next morning, and following a quick shower, she dressed, ran a quick comb through her unruly hair, and donned her glasses. She preferred them to her contacts when she was just relaxing in the house. Heading on down to breakfast, she met Sirius just leaving his room. Professor Snape had already risen and gone down some time ago.

"Good morning, Harry. I see you have on your glasses today, how come?"

"Well my handsome godfather, I like to hide behind them. This way all the boys will leave me alone," she laughed teasingly.

"In that case, I will see to it that you get several pairs of them for all occasions."

"Actually, I usually wear them when I'm not going out or doing anything special. It's just easier and I'm used to using them, but if you would rather..."

"No, honey, I was just curious. You look just as pretty with glasses as you do with your contacts in," Sirius grinned reassuringly as they descended the stairs to the first floor.

"Are you going to be very busy today?"

"No, actually I have nothing planned since it is Sunday. Remus will rest most of the day, and Severus and I do not usually spend the afternoon gossiping. I thought I would just relax with a good book, or get a head start on the lesson plans for September. Do you have something in mind?"

"I thought I would look through the trunk of my mother's things. I know there are letters and books, but there may be other things too. Would you like to help?"

"I seem to remember telling you I would."

"You did. I just wanted to make sure you had the time."

"If I didn't I would make the time. I know how important it is for you, besides, I'm curious myself."

"Yeah, I still think it's weird how this trunk wound up in my aunt's attic. How did it get there? She said it was sent to her after my mum died. It had to have been in the house because her wand ended up being put into it too."

"We will probably never know," Sirius looked thoughtful as they sat down at the table.

Snape had already eaten and the others had not yet come down. Harry could hear Phaedra upstairs talking to her mother in the hall. She wondered where Dumbledore was. She hoped he had gotten some sleep.

"Harry Potter, good morning. Professor Black it is good to see you too!" Dobby appeared bouncing happily. "What can Dobby get Harry Potter and Professor Black for breakfast?"

"Scrambled eggs, toast, bacon, and some fried potatoes," Sirius told the house elf with a wink. He liked Dobby even if he couldn't keep still.

"Does Harry Potter want the same thing?"

"Do we have any fresh fruit too? I would like some if there is any."

"Dobby will see to it, Miss. I know there are oranges, and grapefruits, and melon, and..."

"Okay, Dobby, you don't have to get carried away. Just some melon will be fine."

"Dobby will see that you get some melon," He smiled happily, snapping his fingers. The food appeared almost as soon as he disappeared.

"Miss Harry, Mr. Sirius," Phaedra skipped into the room, Circe at her heels. "Good morning. Mummy is going to take me to the park today."

"That sounds nice. Do you like the park?" Sirius asked pleasantly.

"Yes, she will let me play on the swings. There is also a sand box and things to climb. Would you and Miss Harry like to come?"

"Thank you, Phaedra, but maybe your mum would like to spend some time alone with you," Harry smiled. "Mr. Sirius is going to help me look through my mother's things in that trunk."

"Can I help?"

"I thought you wanted to go to the park?" Circe smiled tolerantly.

"Hmm...I guess so. Do you think there is any treasure in the trunk?"

"Treasure?" Sirius looked puzzled.

"I read her a story to get her to sleep last night. It had a part about Leprechauns hiding their treasure in a trunk," Circe explained with a smile.

"Well, Phaedra, I don't think we'll find treasure. I think it will just be books and letters and maybe some personal items," Harry told the little girl who screwed up her face with displeasure.

"I think I will go to the park, instead. Mummy can I have some eggies for breakfast?"

"Of course, dear. I will have some too, along with a cup of coffee." The food appeared as soon as Circe has spoken.

"Good morning, Child. Did you sleep well?" Dumbledore asked as he entered the room.

"I did. The question is did you, or did you sneak down to the kitchen for another piece of Dobby's cake?"

"I went right to sleep," Dumbledore smiled, his blue eyes shining with mischief.

"After he had Dobby bring him up another piece of cake and a cup of tea," Severus spoke from the door.

"Now, Severus, what makes you think that?"

"Because Dobby is under orders to let me know when you sneak too many sweets. Honestly, Headmaster, you need to take better care of yourself."

"Severus, at my age a little indulgence in life is a good thing," Dumbledore beamed at his Potions Master and friend.

Harry lowered her head and snickered.

"Is something funny, Miss Potter?" Snape asked coolly. "I only have Albus best interests at heart."

"Is that why Dobby brought you a piece too? I heard you just as I drifted off to sleep," Harry grinned catching him off guard. It was one of the rare times she actually saw him taken aback.

"I simply joined him to make sure he did not eat too much," Snape replied with aplomb, recovering himself.

"Mummy can I have some cake for breakfast? I promise to finish my eggies first."

"No, Phaedra, you do not have cake for breakfast. Now see what the two of you have started with your talk of cake," she reprimanded the two men as Phaedra pouted.

"Phaedra, how about if you and I bake a cake together later. We can have it with dinner. This way you can practice mixing for when your uncle teaches you how to mix potions."

"Can I mummy? Uncle Severus will the house elves let us mix a cake?"

"Yes, the house elves will let you mix up a cake," Snape smiled indulgently at his niece.

"You just be good for Miss Harry and do as she shows you," Circe instructed.

"Goody, I'm going to mix a cake and go to the park today."

"Child, when you finish your breakfast I need to speak with you. Arthur wanted to be here too, but I told him it would not be necessary just yet."

"This wouldn't have anything to do with what you said to me last night?"

"It does, but it won't take long, and I will tell you again you needn't worry. Sirius would never let you go back to your aunt and uncle unless you requested to do so."

"Fat chance of that," Harry smiled as Sirius gave her a squeeze.

"Mr. Headmaster, Dumbledore, where is Mr. Remus. I want to tell him how much fun I had with him last night."

"He's sleeping, Little One. He needs to rest when the moon is full. You'll be able to see him this afternoon."

"He'll be glad he made you so happy," Harry smiled at Phaedra.

"Uncle Severus can you make his potion so it tastes good next time? I saw him drink it yesterday and it didn't taste good."

Snape studied his niece calmly before replying, "That potion has to be mixed a special way. I will need some time to work out the formula for it to taste better, otherwise it may not work."

"Miss Harry told me almost the same thing, but I know you can do it! You're the best potion maker ever."

"It seems Phaedra has just committed you to improving on the Wolfbane Potion," Sirius smiled meaningfully. "It wouldn't be right to disappoint her."

"No, it wouldn't," Snape answered coldly.

"Mummy, could I have some juice?"

"Of course," Circe responded, but before she could reach the juice pitcher, it floated over to her, landing gently on the table.

"Thank you, Albus."

"You should thank Harry. It seems she has been practicing," Dumbledore replied studying her intently. "I have been working with her, but sometimes she even surprises me."

"Miss Harry, you can make things float, like Headmaster Mr. Dumbledore?"

"Sometimes, but I really have to concentrate unless I'm mad or upset, then it can get out of control."

"Will you teach me?"

"Phaedra, you're too little to do magic yet," Snape reminded her gently. "You may not even be able move objects, most of us can't. It is a special power."

"Oh, I'll never learn how to do anything!" Phaedra crossed her arms over her chest with a sullen expression.

"Okay, I was wrong. She will definitely be in Slytherin by the time she gets to Hogwarts. That is a Snape stance if I ever saw one, and I know that particular one quite well," Harry informed them all shaking her head in amusement.

"Did I miss something?" Sirius asked confused.

"Harry felt my daughter should be in Ravenclaw since she didn't seem to have the ambition for Slytherin," Circe smiled. "I guess she realized she was wrong."

"Miss Harry tell Uncle Severus to let me do magic. I want to make something happen."

"Hmm...If I show you how to do something easy, will you behave?"

"Mr. Headmaster Dumbledore is watching you. Will you get in trouble? I don't want you to be e'spelled!"

"You let me worry about that," Harry said getting up from her seat and taking out her wand. She could feel everyone watching her, and sensed they were not pleased.

"Now you hold the wand like this," she said placing Phaedra's hand over hers and you say 'Abra Cadabra,' as you wave it at them."

"Mummy says that doesn't do anything."

"Oh yeah, look at them. What are they all doing?"

Phaedra looked at the others and laughed, "They're all smiling! It made them smile."

"Exactly, you see there are different kinds of magic. There is good magic, and dark magic, but the best magic is what comes from right here," Harry placed her hand on Phaedra's chest. "It is the magic from inside your heart. That's what makes them smile."

"Miss Harry, I love you. Please don't go away."

"What makes you think I'm going anywhere?"

"Mummy says you are going home with Mr. Sirius."

"That doesn't mean you won't see me, Phaedra. Mr. Sirius is my godfather and guardian. I am simply going home, like when I go back to the Dursley's."

"Will you still come on Friday and Wednesday?"

Harry looked over at Dumbledore and Sirius. Dumbledore nodded and Sirius winked at her. "I'll still come, and when it's time for us to all go to school I will send you letters by owl post."

"I'll get real mail?"

"Uh huh. You can tell your friend Althea that you get letters by owl post from your friend Harry Potter."

"Althea will be mad. She doesn't get letters, especially from Harry Potter!" The little girl gloated, and Harry was reminded once again of her uncle. "Mummy can we go to the park now?"

"Yes, so long as you have finished your breakfast."

"I'm all done. Do you have my pail and shovel to play in the sandbox?"

"They're right by the front door," Circe said wiping her mouth on her napkin. "You go and get them and I will be there in a minute."

"Okay, mummy." Phaedra skipped from the room.

"Harry that was very nice teaching her about 'Abra Cadabra,' Circe smiled. "Where did you ever learn that?"

"It's a long story, Circe. Let's just say it was the last gift my mother ever gave to me," Harry looked sadly at Dumbledore, who smiled lovingly with understanding.

"Mummy, come on. I'm ready to go."

"Be patient, Little One, your mother is coming," Dumbledore told her from the door.

"Thank you, Albus. Harry I will be back before lunch so you and Phaedra can do your baking."

"All right. Enjoy the park; I think it is going to rain later," Harry called as Circe left the room. "Headmaster, if you want to talk with me, I'm all finished eating."

"Excellent, we can relax over some iced tea while I explain what is going on. Sirius if you would check on Remus, I would appreciate it."

"I'll be happy to," Sirius agreed leaving the room. He knew Dumbledore wanted to talk to Harry alone.

"I will be down in the potions room. I have to finish the burn potion. Moody has also requested some more sleeping and pain potions."

"Yes, yes, Severus. He is making sure he has a good supply. The raids on both sides have been increasing," Dumbledore acknowledged with a worried frown. "Harry, if you would follow me. Severus has graciously given me the use of his private library to use as an office."

Harry rose and followed Dumbledore up the hall to a set of double doors. He opened them and she found they were in another short hall. There were a few rooms off this wing, and Dumbledore stopped at the second door on the right.

"Strawberry ice cream," the headmaster uttered and the door unlocked itself. "Come, Child," he ushered her into the room.

They were in the front of the house, facing the street. The outside wall had three long windows, and the other three were covered with bookshelves, lined with thick volumes. A plush maroon carpet covered the floor, and a dark green leather couch and chair flanked the fireplace. A large desk with a comfortable chair stood off to one side. It was definitely a man's room.

"Headmaster," Harry began slowly, as he directed her towards the couch, "are you and Sirius quarrelling?"

"No, Child. We simply had a difference of opinion. We finally agreed to have you be a part of this decision, since you are the one most affected. It is something that hasn't been done in about seventy five years, and then the circumstances were different."

"You talk like it is something really bad. Are you sending me away someplace?"

Harry asked expressing her worst fears.

"What? Oh, no, Child, I would never do such a thing unless you wanted it. Didn't I tell you it was nothing to worry about?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Now, relax and I will get us some iced tea. Then I want you to listen to what I have to say." He rang for the house elves and an elf Harry didn't know appeared. "Gem, please get us some iced tea," He directed the elf who nodded and disappeared. A moment later a tray with a pitcher of iced tea appeared on the table with two glasses. Dumbledore poured them each a glass and then sat back, studying her. "First of all, let me tell you that Arthur Weasley has never read the Mathias Prophecy. He is familiar with it, but doesn't know what is in it. So, when he approached me with this idea I was more than a little surprised."

"So this is something from the Prophecy?"

"Yes, Child, but don't get ahead of me. Have you ever heard of the Ritual of Protectorship?"

"Professor Binns went over it in the History of Magic. It is done to protect a witch or wizard who is in such great danger that the Ministry believes ordinary means of protection will be unsuccessful. He said it is more than a guardianship and less than a marriage, although there is a joining ceremony. There is no sexual relationship involved. Protectors can be male or female, and the Protectorship lasts for life, unless the person who was the subject of the Protectorship dissolves the relationship when the danger is passed, and if they choose to do so."

"I see you were paying attention in class that day," Dumbledore's blue eyes were twinkling. "The individual who is the protected person can marry within the Protectorship when they are of age, and witches and wizards in such a relationship have been known to fall in love quite frequently. Other times, they are more like parental or family relationships, especially if the witch or wizard is just a child. The point is each one is unique."

"So what does this have to do with me?"

"Arthur Weasley has suggested you enter into a Protectorship," Dumbledore held up his hand to keep her from interrupting. "Never having read the Prophecy he was unaware that it spoke of you having three protectors."

"I would assume the Keeper of the Trust is also one of the Protectors?" Harry asked shrewdly remembering that the Prophecy specifically mentioned Dumbledore in that role.

"A Protectorship involves five people one for each point of the pentagram. The person to be protected is placed at the top.. Then there are three who will act as guardians, they are the actual Protectors, each of whom is given a specific role or reason for being chosen. They must be adults and experienced wizards or witches. Finally, an older witch or wizard is selected who will be their teacher and help to guide their decisions, and is considered the Keeper of the Trust. That person must be a minimum of fifty years old. That witch or wizard must be a member of either the Order of Merlin or the Board of Governor's and in the Order of the Phoenix, since these are such uncertain times. He or she will maintain the trust and bond the relationship by guarding the immediate Protectors, and the person being guarded. It is considered a great honor to be a member of a Protectorship."

"What if something happens to the Keeper of the Trust?"

"If the danger still persists, a new one must be chosen. If the reason for the initial Protectorship has passed than the person does not need to be replaced, even though the Protectorship lasts for life. Now do you see why it is a unique relationship? The Muggles do not have anything like it."

"You said that Mr. Weasley never read the Prophecy, yet this was his idea?"

"It was. He does not know that I have been specifically mentioned in the role of Trust Keeper."

"This is so weird. I feel like I'm being pushed along by forces that are beyond my control. It's almost as if all this really was preordained."

"Perhaps it was," Dumbledore shrugged, "you know that Lord Voldemort was the heir of Slytherin. He is the last direct descendant of Salazar Slytherin."

"Yes, but that really had nothing to do with me. I'm not descended from Slytherin."

"Not from Salazar, no. I had hoped not to have to tell you this until you were older. You are aware that our world does keep track of all wizard marriages, and births, just as in the Muggle world."

"Yes, isn't there a magical quill that writes down the name of each magical child born? Isn't that how you know who to admit to Hogwarts?"

"Very good, Harry. It is one way we know who our ancestors are, and you have a very interesting set of ancestors."

"Do I?" she asked skeptically.

"Yes, you do. For one thing, like me, you are descended from Merlin, yet we are not directly related," Dumbledore explained, watching her intently.

"I always said the old boy was having a better time than people thought with Morgan le Fay in that cave," Harry muttered aloud to herself, and then realized Dumbledore had heard her. She felt the blood rush to her cheeks, as he looked at her over his spectacles, eyes twinkling merrily, but refrained from commenting. Instead, he continued to explain her heritage.

"You also have some other distinctive ancestors. Your father was a direct descendant from Godric Gryffindor, and your mother, even though she was Muggle born, was descended from Salazar Slytherin's younger sister. It is why you were able to yield Gryffindor's sword, and have some of the Slytherin traits."

Harry had jumped visibly. She was stunned, and her heart was racing. This was the reason she had survived Voldemort's curse. This was why Voldemort had told her mother to step aside. He would have spared her because she was his kin, however remote, but Harry was also descended from Gryffindor. She was a threat to his plans even then. Her mother's love and her parent's genes had combined to send out the old magic, as she played with her mother's wand that fateful Halloween night.

Harry could hear the blood rushing through her veins. She did not say anything. There was nothing to say. Gryffindor and Slytherin had been against one another all those centuries ago. It had been Godric Gryffindor that had caused Salazar Slytherin to leave Hogwarts. How ironic that Slytherin's last descendant was going to have to fight the descendant of his sister and the man that had caused his original downfall. This was made even more astonishing by the fact that Slytherin had been a purist and did not believe in the mixing of Muggles and Wizards; yet both Voldemort and she had Muggle lineage as well.

"Is there anything else you have never told me?" Harry whispered staring out the window.

"No, Child. I had hoped never to have to tell you under these circumstances," Dumbledore answered, but Harry suspected he was still holding something back.

"You said that Mr. Weasley never read the Prophecy of Mathias. Did you tell him any of this?"

"I told him after he suggested the Protectorship. He said that now it all made sense. He is very proud of you, and of his son, Ron. You see, Gryffindor's best friend was a wizard by the name of Ronald Weasley. The Weasley's of today are his direct descendants."

"No wonder it seems so important to them to be in Gryffindor House. Yet Ron is not mentioned in the latter parts of the Prophecy."

"No, he isn't, but that doesn't mean that he doesn't play a role. Perhaps Chandra Mathias did not see him there. He is mentioned in the earlier parts of the Prophecy. You have also had encounters with Voldemort that were not specifically mentioned. Hermione betrayed you, yet there is no specific mention of what occurred with Voldemort, nor was she designated by name as the one who would betray you. It also doesn't say anything about your ability to transform."

"That's true. Other people have said things though. Artemis said he would be there for me when the time came, and so did Cho Chang's great-grandfather."

"Circe told me that Chin has read your tea leaves. She is worried about both you and Phaedra."

"So am I. It isn't in the Prophecy, but she is Severus niece. Voldemort may try to get to him through her."

"It is very likely."

"What if I don't want to do a Protectorship?"

"You are old enough to refuse. If you had been younger, it would have been arranged for you. Sirius especially insisted that you be given the choice of whether to go ahead."

"Am I allowed to choose the three actual Protectors and the Keeper?"

"You may do so, but it must be approved by the Order and the Ministry."

"Naturally, now I do have some stipulations. I will only do this if the Ministry and the Order agree to my selections. I can almost guarantee they will not be pleased with them. There will be no changes. The three actual Protectors will be of my choice and must also agree. If any of them refuse it will not be done."

"Very well. I will inform the Ministry and the Order of your stipulation."

"While you're at it remind them that I'm the one who will be sticking their neck on the chopping block to try and stop Voldemort. My choices may very well be my last requests. You see, I haven't forgotten how vague the Prophecy is about whether I live or die, but it does say that Voldemort will fall."

"Do you wish to give me the names of those who will act as Protectors? I can present them to the Governor's and if they agree I will call a meeting of the Order."

"The situation is that grave?"

"It should be done before you return to school. Voldemort will try to get to you and is getting desperate. If he is to try to defeat you, it will be easier before you turn eighteen. I believe that is why the Prophecy specifically says your final battle with him is in your seventh year at Hogwarts."

"I don't understand. What has my eighteenth birthday got to do with it?"

"Your powers will come into full play once you become eighteen. Right now, you are still developing them. I don't think you will find any new ones, but now you will begin to perfect them and grow even stronger."

"No invisibility huh? I really did want to learn how you do it," Harry grinned winking at him.

"If you are capable, it has not presented itself. However, that is one power that often will not present itself until you are older. It usually remains dormant for a long time. I was almost thirty when I found out I possessed the skill. It often goes with being telekinetic. Yet you are an empath and I am not."

"How about telepathy? I have often wondered about you."

"Have you? Let's just say that I can't read your mind, but that doesn't mean I don't know what is in you head."

"Now there's an enigmatic answer if I ever heard one."

"You are getting off the track. Do you have any idea of who you would want to act as your Protectors?"

"That's the easy part of this whole thing. The names should be obvious to you," Harry smiled slyly. "Sirius Black, Severus Snape, and Remus Lupin are to be the actual protectors. We already know you will be the Keeper of the Trust, not that I would want anyone else."

"It will be interesting to see how the Governor's react to the names of the Protectors."

"Just tell them I said it's the ex con, the ex deatheater, and the werewolf or there will be no Protectorship. I have my reasons for selecting them. Will you inform the three I have chosen of my decision?"

"Not yet. They will not be told until their names are presented to the Order. Then they all must agree."

"Do you think they won't?"

"I think they will all be honored, but they may also feel they are not worthy of it."

"I have already anticipated their arguments. Sirius will say that he is my godfather, and this is a much more in-depth relationship. Severus will say that he is also marked for death by Voldemort and isn't ready for such a relationship, especially with me. Then there is Remus. He will quite simply say he is a werewolf."

"How should I respond to their arguments?"

"Tell Sirius that we never got the chance to develop a parent child relationship, we have been apart more than we were together. Severus should know that I too have suffered a great loss. It will also annoy Voldemort to no end knowing that his former follower is now protecting his worst enemy. We are truly opposite sides of the same coin. As for Remus, I can't change his being a lycanthrope, but maybe I can make it more bearable. I don't mind his being a werewolf."

"Remind them that as an empath I am aware of what is in their hearts. I have asked for them quite simply because we all care for each other. The reasons for each are written in the Prophecy. You see, Sirius is my strength, Severus my courage, and Remus my endurance. Didn't I tell you that the day we walked back from Hogsmeade? It took a strong man to survive Azkaban for twelve years, a courageous one to walk away from Voldemort, and lastly, no one should have to endure what Remus goes through every month, yet he never complains. I don't know what is going to happen to any of us, but maybe we can all find some kind of happiness and solace together. If I die, then at least I will have had people who care by my side. If I survive mores the better. Who knows what may develop. I will always have them close to my heart."

Dumbledore studied her for a few minutes, before speaking. He gently tilted her chin up to look into his eyes. Harry could feel his power, strength, love, and wisdom. He finally broke the silence, smiling down at her with such intense warmth that she wanted to hold onto it and store it deep into her soul

. "I have watched you grow, and struggle, laugh, and cry. I counseled you, and reprimanded you, taught you, and learned from you. I have watched you emerge from your cocoon and come out of hiding. You have changed from a Tomboy to a girl before my weary old eyes. Today I have seen that girl cross over the bridge to become a woman. I have asked a great deal from you and more yet to come. You have always given me your best; you are good, and kind, loyal and loving. You are as the Phoenix," he intoned quietly, hugging her to his chest, as she wept softly. They stayed that way for several minutes until Dumbledore released her. "Go on and enjoy the day. I will have an answer for you by tomorrow evening."

Harry dried her eyes and quietly left him alone in the study. Her head was spinning. She was descended from both Gryffindor and Slytherin. She also must have had some ancestor who was descended from Merlin himself. She was racing towards a destiny that both frightened and intrigued her. She had powers that were strange and unusual. Certainly none of her friends possessed the ability to speak Parsel Tongue, or had telekinesis. She was also an empath, a healer, and an animagus. How many of these skills would she need to defeat the Dark Lord? She had already used some of them in their confrontations. As she reentered the main part of the house, she was lost in thought. Could she find some of the answers in her mother's belongings? She doubted it. Her mother probably never knew she was descended from Slytherin's sister. Her reverie was interrupted by Sirius, who was just coming back downstairs.

"Harry, watch where you're going!" he called from the stairs as she nearly walked into a potted plant.

"What? Oh my gosh," she grabbed the pot just before it crashed to the floor from its pedestal. "Thanks, I guess I was so busy thinking about my conversation with Dumbledore I forgot to look where I was going," Harry admitted sheepishly.

"Did you come to any kind of a decision?"

"I did. I agreed to it, with certain stipulations. I'm sure Dumbledore will go over them with you later. Right now I want to tackle that trunk."

"What ever you want," Sirius eyed her curiously. She was being closed mouthed about the Protectorship. He knew it was her decision, and decided to leave the situation alone. If she wanted to tell him, she would. He followed her up the stairs to her room. "You said you read a letter from James just before he and Lily were married. Can I see it?'

"Sure," she grinned, "here it is. You are mentioned prominently."

Sirius took the letter and scanned it quickly, a smile etching his features. "I remember when he wrote this. We had a good time that night. It was the three of us, Peter didn't come."

"Good, that bastard shouldn't even have been invited," Harry was surprised at the vehemence of her tone. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound so angry, it's just that..."

"Harry, there is no need to apologize. I agree with you."

"Good, let's see what else is in here. Hang on to these letters, we can read them later," she said handing him the neatly bound stack. "These seem to be some of her old books from Hogwarts. I don't suppose we'll be using any of them?"

Sirius looked them over quickly, shaking his head. "I'm afraid not, honey. These aren't the current books, but they sure bring back memories."

"Well maybe I can find something interesting in them. If nothing else I know Hermione will read them, especially the spell book," Harry told him as she dug further into the trunk. "Here's another book." Pulling the book out, she thumbed through it, and smiled, "Look, Sirius, it's my baby book." There were pictures and a page with Harry's birth weight of seven and one half pounds, just as Dumbledore had told her. "I was 20 inches long with a ring of dark fuzzy hair."

"I told you that you looked like Harry in the newsstand where I lived. That's how you got your name. I'm just surprised you haven't wanted to change it."

"I like having a boy's name. It raises a lot of eyebrows," Harry chuckled diving back into the trunk. "Now what is this?" she lifted out a package wrapped in plain brown paper. Opening it, she found some of her mother's old robes from Hogwarts. She couldn't resist the urge to try them on, but they were too long for her. "I guess mum was taller than I am."

"She was, by about two inches. I guess she was about five-six."

"I wonder who I take after that I'm shorter than they are."

"I believe James' mother was about your size. She passed away when we were in our sixth year."

"I have all these relatives that I never knew. I have vague memories of my mother's parents, but they died when I was about four."

"Both of them?"

"Yeah, I heard my Aunt Petunia talking one time. My grandmother had been ill and died, and then my grandfather just kind of didn't want to live any more. He died a few months later."

"What else is in the trunk?"

"Here's another package," she told him pulling out the parcel. "Baby clothes! Look how tiny they are. Oh how cute."

"Are you going to save them?"

"Sure, maybe I'll use them one day."

"You'll make a very good mother, judging by the way you are with Phaedra."

"Thank you, but I have no desire to use them too soon," Harry laughed, as she wrapped them back up. "Now what is this?" Harry had found a rather large bulky package. It was pliable and Harry could tell that whatever was in it was soft.

"Maybe it's more clothes," Sirius suggested as she carefully unwrapped it.

"I don't believe it!" she exclaimed grinning broadly. "Look at what she saved for me. They're practically brand new." Harry lifted out three teddy bears, all of different sizes.

"It's the Teddy Bears we all brought the day after you were born, when we had to tell Lily about the Prophecy!"

"Can you remember who gave me each one?"

"I can still see it as if it was yesterday. I gave you this one," he said pulling out a large black one. "This one was from your father," indicating a medium sized brown and tan one with button eyes, "and the Panda was from Dumbledore."

"Put them on the bed for now. I have my first toys back. They can sit with my new doll."

Sirius did as she asked, shaking his head. He had been worried that going through her mother's trunk might upset her, but so far, she was quite pleased with the contents.

"Hmm...Now what is this? I think it may be a picture." It was a rectangular object and appeared to be framed. Opening it, Harry found that it was actually two pictures in a folding frame. On one side was her father, and on the other her mother. They were their wedding portraits. Like all wizard photographs they were moving, and looking at each other smiling. "I think my mother made up this trunk for me. It contains things that were important not just to her, but my father. Things she wanted me to have. I think she wanted to safeguard these items for me in case something happened to her."

"What makes you say that, honey?"

"No woman would put away her wedding pictures. They weren't married for that many years. She also put in some baby clothes and the teddy bears. Let's see what else is here." Nearing the bottom, she pulled out another picture. It showed her parents with Sirius and Remus while at Hogwarts. It had been taken down by the lake. "Ah ha! It is a picture of my parents with you and Remus."

"Let me see," he took the picture and smiled, "this was our seventh year. It was taken the day we got our exam results. Peter took it."

"Probably one of the few decent things the man ever did. Put it on my dresser with the wedding pictures of my parents." He did so as she dug deeper into the trunk. "Here is another picture. This one is Dumbledore. He still looks the same, his beard is just longer."

"I know. I'll put it on the dresser with the other ones. Is there anything else?"

"No, that's all of it. Let's read some of the letters," Harry remarked taking the sheaf of letters. She began reading them aloud. There were letters from her paternal grandparents to her father, letters from James and Lily Potter to one another, and letters from James to Sirius and Remus after he had asked Lily to marry him. They both laughed and cried as they read them, secure in each other's company. They had just finished and were putting them away when they heard Phaedra and Circe come in the front door.

"I guess it's time to go and bake that cake. Phaedra will want to start right away."

"What kind are you going to make?" Sirius asked as they started out of the room and down the stairs.

"What kind would you like?"

"Chocolate would be nice," Remus soft voice came from behind them in the hall. He had gotten up for the afternoon, but Harry could tell he was in pain.

"Then chocolate it will be. What time does the moon rise tonight?"

"Not until ten. You would know that if you had used your new Lunascope," he teased.

"I had a busy morning. I investigated the trunk that was found in my aunt's attic. My mother left me a legacy."

"A legacy?"

"Yeah, the trunk had letters form my parents to each other, along with you and Sirius. There were also teddy bears, baby clothes, and photographs of all of you. She also had some of her old books and robes from Hogwarts."

"What about her wand? I thought you said it had been in the trunk too?"

"Originally it was. I have it in a safe place for now. I may see if it can be placed in her grave with her. I understood from Dumbledore that my father was buried with his."

"Miss Harry!" Phaedra interrupted as they reached the first floor hallway, "Can we bake the cake now?"

"Sure can, I heard you come in and knew you would want to get started."

"Mr.Remus are you feeling better? Headmaster Mr. Dumbledore said you were very tired and needed to rest from being a wolf."

"I am feeling better, Phaedra," Remus smiled at the little girl. "I understand you had a good time playing with me last night."

"Yes, you're a very nice wolf. I had a good time. Can we play again some day?"

"We'll see," Remus replied noncommittally. Harry understood he still worried that he could cause her injury. "I am looking forward to having some of your cake. Miss Harry had agreed to make a chocolate one for me. Do you like chocolate?"

"I love chocolate and strawberry short cake. Can we make both Miss Harry?"

"Maybe we could do a chocolate strawberry short cake?"

"Umm...I would like that. Let's go!" Phaedra grabbed Harry by the hand pulling her towards the kitchen, as the two men laughed.

They were met in the kitchen by Dobby, and the house elf Harry had seen earlier, Gem. They gave them a recipe for chocolate cake, and Harry explained what she wanted to do.

"Dobby will get the strawberries, Harry Potter." He dashed off to another part of the kitchen, returning with a bowl of fresh strawberries.

"Phaedra you can help me to mix the dry ingredients," Harry said as she picked up a measuring cup.

"What are dry 'gredients, Miss Harry?"

"Ingredients," she corrected, "and they are just that. Flour, sugar, baking powder, any thing this isn't a liquid, like water."

"How do I do it?"

"Like this," Harry said taking a spoon and scooping some flour into the cup. You need to do it at eye level. This says you need four cups of flour, which is this line here. Can you read yet?"

"A little bit, and I can count to twenty and know my numbers. What are these funny numbers on the cup?"

"Those are fractions. They tell if it is a half or three quarters full. I will help you with that."

"How do I hold the cup at eye level and fill it?"

"Keep it on the table until it seems to be where you want it at the line, then you can hold it up."

Harry helped her measure and pour out all the dry ingredients. Phaedra was a quick learner, and with the help of the measuring cup began to understand her fractions. Harry then helped her to add the other ingredients, and allowed Phaedra to crack the eggs.

"Yech...raw eggies look like boogies," Phaedra grimaced, curling her lower lip.

"Kind of, the whites anyway," Harry agreed. "Now we have to mix it all up. Since I can't do magic, and Wizard houses don't use electric, I think we will have to do it by hand." Picking up a large wooden spoon, Harry began to stir the mixture. She took turns with Phaedra, while the house elves looked on with wonder.

"Harry Potter mustn't do such hard work," Dobby said trying to take the spoon. "Dobby can use his magic to stir the cake."

"Dobby, I think we are done anyway. Now we have to put it in the oven." She poured the batter into the cake pans, and handed them to the house elves to bake.

"How long will it take to bake, Miss Harry?" Phaedra inquired.

"The recipe says thirty five minutes. Therefore, we will clean up our mess while we wait. Then we will need to clean you off too," Harry smiled surveying her. Phaedra was covered in flour, with chocolate batter on her mouth, having scraped the bowl when they were done, licking the spoon.

Harry helped Phaedra to clean off the table, and clean up their utensils, much to the chagrin of the house elves. Once they were done, the cake was finished, and she took it out of the oven to cool. While the cake cooled, she took Phaedra to a small powder room on the first floor and helped her to clean up. Returning to the kitchen to check on the cake, they rinsed off the strawberries Dobby had brought them. Harry then showed Phaedra how to make whipped cream. Putting some of the fluffy mixture in between the two layers, they added some of the berries and then iced the cake with the rest of the whipped cream, decorating the top with the rest of the berries. The cake was finished, and the house elves used their magic to keep it chilled until dinner. Circe met them as they returned from the kitchen.

"Here you both are, did you finish the cake?"

"Mummy we made the best cake ever. Miss Harry taught me how to mix dry 'gredients and I got to break eggies. They were all gooey like boogies."

"Raw eggs can be rather messy. Now how about we go and have lunch and then you should take a nap."

"I don't want to take a nap. Can't I stay up and play with Miss Harry?"

"If you take your nap I'll share my teddy bears with you."

"You don't have teddy bears," Phaedra tossed her head unbelievingly.

"I found three of them in the trunk. They were given to me when I was a baby and my mum put them away for me."

"Can I pick one to sleep with?"

"You can sleep with all three if you want to. I think they were lonely all that time in the trunk with no one to cuddle them," Harry told her as they went into lunch. It had started to rain so they were eating in the dining room instead of the garden.

"Then I will sleep with them and they can meet Mr. Hoppity Hop," she replied thoughtfully as they sat down to lunch.

Snape, Sirius, and Remus had already come in and were helping themselves to a plate full of sandwiches and salads.

"How did you like mixing things, Phaedra?" Snape asked as she sat down beside him.

"I learned about 'gredients and fractions. Now can I mix potions?"

"You are still too little, but you can keep practicing. When you can read I will teach you a very easy potion."

"Really, Uncle Severus? You will let me do a potion?"

"Once you are able to read, I will help you to learn how to make some perfume for your mother. It will be awhile yet, though."

"How long?"

"After you finish first grade."

"That's a whole year away," Phaedra pouted.

"It will go quickly, Phaedra," Snape assured her.

"In the meantime you can practice by making cakes and cookies," Harry commented.

"I guess so. Miss Harry did you mix potions after first grade?"

"Miss Harry did not mix potions until she came to me at Hogwarts," Snape told Phaedra, arching his brow at Harry.

"Really?"

"My Muggle family did not mix potions. Your uncle taught me how."

Phaedra seemed satisfied with this answer and settled down to eat her lunch. Conversation was light, and no one asked where Dumbledore was. She wondered if he had gone to see the governors, even though it was Sunday.

Following their meal, she excused herself and went upstairs. She helped Phaedra to collect the teddy bears, and Circe tucked her in. Harry then retired back to her room, and began planning her Quidditch plays for the upcoming season. She also scheduled the practice sessions, since she was the Gryffindor Captain.

Dumbledore had returned in time for dinner, and when no one was looking, he nodded to Harry. She understood that the governors had agreed to her choices. Dinner conversation centered on the day's activities, and Dumbledore announced that he was calling a meeting of the Order for tomorrow afternoon at two o'clock.

"Harry will you stay with Phaedra while the meeting is in progress?"

"I'll be happy to Circe. I will help her with her chess game. She is enjoying learning how to play."

"I am afraid I have something else for you to do, Harry. Circe, Gem will keep an eye on Phaedra. I have arranged the meeting around her nap time anyway."

"But I want to stay with Miss Harry and play chess."

"We can play chess when you wake up. You will do better after your nap since you will be able to think better."

"Oh, okay. Can I sleep with your teddy bears again tomorrow?"

"Are they feeling better yet? They were very lonely."

"No, they need more cuddle time," Phaedra beamed going along with Harry's game.

"Then you had better sleep with them again tomorrow."

Phaedra was delighted to get to play with the 'new' toys again, and Harry was glad they were making her so happy. Following dinner, she brought the bears downstairs and played with Phaedra until it was time for her to go to bed.

Harry was also tired, and excusing herself went up and soaked in the tub. She knew Dumbledore would tell her what was going on in his own time and way. Drying off after her bath, she put on her nightgown and sat looking out her window at the garden petting Snuffles. Just as she was about to retire for the night, a soft knock sounded on her door.

"May I come in, Child?" Dumbledore's soft voice called from the hall.

"Of course," Harry said opening the door for him.

"I won't stay long," he smiled. "I just want to tell you that it took a bit of doing but the governors agreed. The Order will also not be easy to convince, so I have a plan."

"What kind of plan?"

"One that you should enjoy," his eyes were twinkling, and he was smiling slyly. Dumbledore explained what he had in mind, and Harry laughed with delight at his little plan. The Order was in for a big surprise...

Dumbledore and Harry had arranged for her to meet him in Professor Snape's library office a half hour before the scheduled meeting of the Order. His plan had been a simple one, and Harry would get to do some magic. She was excited, and hoped everything would work out. Her three protectors did not yet know they had been chosen, and had yet to agree, but she felt that her arguments were valid and everything would work out.

The actual meeting was to take place in another room off the wing by the library. It was a large front parlor, connected to a formal dining room by a set of pocket doors. These could be opened to make a ballroom for large parties. They had been opened for the meeting and chairs had been set up facing the long dining table, which was in the front. The elder wizards who held dominant positions within the Order would sit there.

A large crowd of wizards and witches filled the chamber, waiting anxiously. Sirius, Remus, Snape, and Circe were seated towards the middle of the room. Molly Weasley joined them along with Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, and Hooch.

"Does anybody know why Albus called this meeting on such short notice? Nothing has happened to Harry, has it?" McGonagall inquired worriedly.

"No, Harry is fine. She is doing quite well in fact," Sirius reassured the elder witch. "I'm not sure, but I believe I know the reason for the meeting. It has to do with protecting Harry."

"How would you know?" Snape asked looking at Sirius shrewdly.

"I am her godfather and have taken responsibility for her," Sirius snapped as Dumbledore entered the room, placing Fawkes on his perch before sitting down with the other senior wizards, which included Arthur Weasley as Minister of Magic, Alastor Moody, as Chief Auror, the wand maker Ollivander, and Chin Chang, the old Chinese master.

Dumbledore tapped a gavel that was on the table to bring the meeting to order.

"I wish to welcome you all and thank you for coming on such short notice. We are here tonight to discuss the protection of Miss Harry Potter. Everyone here has either read or is aware of the Prophecy of Mathias. Most of you believe, as I do, that Miss Potter is the witch mentioned in this prophecy who will liberate us from the evil of Lord Voldemort. Miss Potter is in danger from Voldemort and it is up to us to make sure she stays safe so that she may fulfill her ultimate destiny."

"How are we supposed to protect her, when we have enough problems trying to protect our own families?" A short stout wizard asked from the back of the room.

"I am glad you asked that question, Minniver. A few days ago, Arthur Weasley, as head of the Ministry made a proposal that would enable us to protect her, and help to safeguard Hogwarts when she returns there for her seventh year in a few weeks." Dumbledore addressed the room, answering the wizard's question.

"What about Sirius Black? Isn't she his goddaughter? Why hasn't he made arrangements to safeguard her?" Arabella Figg asked from where she was sitting up front.

"I have," Sirius replied hotly. "Mr. Weasley feels that we need to do more."

"If you will allow me to continue," Dumbledore spoke firmly, his voice brooking no argument, "I will tell you what Arthur has proposed. I have already been to each of the Governors, who are here tonight, and they have agreed to Arthur's proposal. I discussed it with Sirius Black also, and he wanted Harry to make the final decision, since it will directly affect her life."

"Albus," Professor Flitwick stood up on his chair to be seen and heard, "what has Arthur proposed that we have been called to order on such short notice? Surely, Harry has been doing well so far. She is becoming a very powerful witch."

"She is quite powerful, but she is young and still learning how to control her abilities. The prophecy predicts she will have her final encounter with the Dark Lord this year. I believe this will occur, as he needs to make a move before her next birthday, when her powers will be set. Arthur agrees and so does Alastor Moody."

"Headmaster, you said this will affect Miss Potter for the rest of her life. What can have such a far reaching effect?"

"Arthur has suggested she undergo the Right of Protection," there were audible murmurs through out the room.

"The Right of Protection is only used when a person is in grave danger," Ollivander stated calmly. "I know Arthur has never read the Prophecy, so I can only assume that he does not know that it states she will have three protectors. It also says Albus will act as Trust Keeper."

"I was unaware of this until Albus told me after I made the suggestion."

"What does Miss Potter have to say about this?" Ollivander asked, his silver eyes shining eerily.

"She has agreed, with the stipulation that she choose the protectors and that they must also be willing to accept the Protectorship. She will not do it if they do not want to. She has given me her reasons, and they are plausible. Interestingly enough they are mentioned in the Prophecy."

"Is she aware that the Order must approve of her selections?"

"She is acutely aware, and has asked me to speak on her behalf. She wanted me to remind all of you, as I did with the Governors, that she would be the one facing Lord Voldemort. She also knows that she may not survive this encounter, but if the Prophecy is to be believed, Voldemort will be destroyed. She has asked that you remember that when you make your decision."

"I believe we should waive the vote," Chin Chang spoke up quietly, "The Prophecy has stated it will be so, therefore it is."

"I will take that as a motion, will anyone second it?"

"I want to vote on the matter. I hear all these things about the Potter girl, but I have never seen her do anything." Minniver said and others nodded their agreement.

"If Miss Potter were to give you a demonstration, would you waive the vote?"

"I would."

"I want to know who she wants as protectors, first. Why all the secrecy?" The stout bald wizard, Minniver, demanded.

"There is no secrecy. If you wish, I will give the names of the three Protectors. She has stated that she wishes me to be her Trust Keeper."

"Give the names. Then, if we can't agree, you said she would demonstrate her power," Arabella Figg reiterated, shifting uncomfortably on her chair.

"Does everyone agree to Arabella's suggestion?"

"I will second it," Flitwick announced.

"Then the motion is passed," Dumbledore nodded. "The names of the three she has chosen to act as protectors are Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Severus Snape."

There was an audible rumble through out the room. Sirius smiled, Remus blinked with wonder, and Snape jerked to attention, visibly stunned that Harry would select him, despite their recent encounters.

"Dumbledore, does the girl realize that her godfather spent twelve years in Azkaban. Even though he has been proved innocent, it has to have affected his mind," The wizard known as Minniver spoke up.

"I can't believe she would want Lupin. Surely she is aware the man is a werewolf?" A wiry little witch spoke up from the middle of the room.

"Yeah, "Minniver continued, and why Snape? He was a Deatheater for Merlin's sake."

"Silence," Dumbledore roared above the din. "Why don't you ask her for yourselves? It will give her the opportunity to demonstrate her skill, and answer your questions while she dictates the role she wishes each of the young wizards to assume."

"Albus, should I go and get her?" Circe volunteered. She was astounded that Harry had named her brother. She worried about the emotional bond. If Harry died, he might not be able to survive another loss like the one he had before.

"That will not be necessary, Circe. Harry has been here all the time."

Sirius, Remus, and Severus eyes all flew over to Fawkes. Sirius grinned as Harry transformed, and the room erupted into a sea of voices, and screams of shock. Harry stood her ground, crossing her arms over her chest in imitation of Professor Snape, and waited for the din to die down before speaking.

"Good afternoon. For those of you who don't know me, I am Harry Potter," she spoke calmly, but with a quiet dignity. The scar on her head was clearly visible to all in the room. She had not attempted to hide it. "You wanted to see what I could do. My Phoenix is just a sample. I have been told that a magical animal animagus it quite rare. Most of you have heard that I can also speak Parsel Tongue. That was a little gift from Voldemort the night he gave me this scar. Mr. Minniver, I see you have a bruise on your hand and that it is swollen with arthritis," Harry said laying her hand on the purple mark. "I think that should do it."

Minniver gasped as she removed her hand, "She healed the bruise, and the pain is gone," the wizard told the group with awe.

"Arabella Figg, it's nice to meet you. How are all your cats? If you would still like to vote on the matter, I believe there is a quill on the table along with a piece of parchment. I'll get it for you." The quill and parchment flew across the room to land in her lap, as another ripple of conversation spread through the room. "You have all wanted to know why I picked these three wizards to be my protectors. The answers are quite simple.

"Sirius Black is my godfather, but we never did get to develop that relationship. He was thrown into Azkaban without a trial. Interestingly enough that has become an advantage." Sirius cocked his head curiously. "It has made him a stronger person. I doubt many of you here could have survived for twelve years with the Dementors. He gives me some of that strength every day. Maybe he is a little daft, but you would have to be to stand up to Voldemort. Severus Snape, former Deatheater. He gives me the courage to keep on going. I doubt anyone in this room except for maybe Dumbledore and Mr. Chang could do what he has done. He walked out on Lord Voldemort. He had good reasons to. It took a lot of courage to do that, and he has been teaching me how to use that same courage." Snape arched his brow in the familiar sardonic expression, and Circe smiled. "Finally there is Remus Lupin. What can I say? He's a werewolf. I can't change that. I can mix his potion every month to make it a little easier, that's true. However, for those of you in this room that think he isn't human and have branded him a monster, you're all wrong. I have never met a more caring and kind human being in my life. He merely suffers from a disease that causes him great pain, both physically and emotionally. I defy anyone of you to endure what he goes through. Yet, in all the time I have known him, he has never once complained. We could all learn the meaning of endurance from him. I know I have." A tear escaped from Remus eye, and he nodded his head so no one would see.

"These are the reasons I have chosen them. Professor Dumbledore has agreed to act as the Trust Keeper, and I wouldn't have it any other way. He has been doing so for me for the past seventeen years. I see no reason to change that," Harry commented. She then transformed back into her Phoenix, and flew once around the room coming to rest on Dumbledore's shoulder.

"I move that the vote be waived and the Protectorship be approved," Mr. Chang said standing in his dignified oriental manner. "Harry Potter is the Phoenix. She has seen and embraced her destiny. We should do the same and honor her request."

"I second the motion," Minniver answered. "May the spirit of Merlin guide and protect her."

"Let the record show that the Order has approved the Protectorship. Now if each of the young wizards will come forward and proclaim his desire to either accept or reject the honor please do so now," Dumbledore announced standing regally in the front of the room.

Sirius approached him first, his voice husky with emotion, "I accept the Protectorship, and will be her strength, as is decreed by the ancient laws." Dumbledore placed his hands on Sirius head and nodded.

Snape followed him, and stood straight and tall, his voice etched with pride, "I accept the honor bestowed on me as Protector. I will be her courage, as it is decreed by the ancient laws." Dumbledore then repeated the process, and Severus Snape went to stand beside Sirius Black.

Finally, Remus approached Dumbledore. His voice was barely audible, "I have endured and will continue to endure the pain and hardship that has been set upon me. I accept the Protectorship. I will be her endurance for all that lies before her, and help to ease her pain, as she has eased mine; as is decreed by our ancient laws." Dumbledore place his hands on Remus, before he moved to stand beside Snape.

Harry then flew from his shoulder, and transformed to face him as Dumbledore spoke firmly, his voice confident, "I accept the honor of being The Keeper of the Trust, and Protector of each one, as is decreed by the ancient laws set down at the beginning of time." He then placed his hands upon Harry's head, and she understood that he was bonding with each one of them. The room then went wild with applause. He waited for it to die down, and then addressed the wizards and witches. "The formal bonding ceremony will take place one week from today. At the request of Miss Potter it will be a private affair with only close friends, family, and the Elders present, along with the Governors. If there are no further questions or matters anyone wishes to discuss, then this meeting will be adjourned."

"Let the record state that there have been no further requests for discussion. This meeting has now been adjourned," Moody said from his place at the table.

The witches and wizards all relaxed as refreshments appeared on the table. Harry quietly slipped from the room, seeking to escape the crowd and any questions they may have. As she quietly moved up the hallway she was stopped by a quiet voice.

"Princess, thank you. You have given me something today that I thought I had lost. My humanity."

"She has also given me back my self respect, and returned pride to the name of Snape," Severus said following him from the room.

"Not to mention restoring my soul," Sirius smiled coming forward and kissing her gently on the forehead.

"Humph...I didn't do anything. All those things were there, you just misplaced them for a while. Voldemort has that effect on people. I just gave you the opportunity to find them again," she smiled, embarrassed at this show of affection. "Now let's go and find Phaedra. I'm sure she is awake by now, and probably bored. She would probably like to go out for some ice cream."

"Good idea, but we had better bring some back for Albus, or he will never forgive us for ditching out on the buffet," Sirius grinned.

"Don't be so sure. I think he is leaving Moody and Mr. Weasley to finish up with Circe," Snape answered pointing towards a beaming headmaster.

They all laughed, and Harry went and got Phaedra. The afternoon was spent having ice cream and taking Phaedra to play in the park. They returned to Severus' town home in time for dinner, bringing Circe a peace offering of her favorite flavor ice cream, butternut toffee. The rest of the evening was spent just relaxing and talking while Harry entertained Phaedra by working on her chess game.