The Mathias Prophecy Book III

THE MATHIAS PROPHECY

The Ritual of Protection and the Rite of Vision

The formal Rites of Protection Ritual took place the following week. It was held in the Snape residence where the Order had met to discuss that same issue. The Board of Governors, Elder members of the Order and friends and family members of all parties involved were invited to attend..

Harry studied the guests quietly as she waited for the Ceremony to begin. An old witch, who appeared in poor health, was there. Harry had never seen her before, but did not need to be told who she was, since she recognized Sirius eyes. It was obviously his grandmother. There was also another couple, who remained on the fringes of the gathering. They appeared uncomfortable, and Harry realized they must be Remus' parents. His features resembled his mother's, but he had light brown hair like his father and the same slight build. Circe and Phaedra were there for Severus, as was his Great Uncle. He too, was tall and thin, his black hair was now streaked with silver, but he had blue eyes. His stance was stiff and proud, like that of his nephew.

The Dursley's did not come. Harry had known they would not, but the entire Weasley family was there. Hermione, too, had been invited to attend. She was all excited about the whole affair, having read all about it. Ron just rolled his eyes, while Harry grinned. He had gotten new dress robes, and Harry learned that he too was to play an important role in the ritual. While not a member of the actual Protectorship, as her closest and most trusted friend, he would become the Guardian of the Goblet. In time, Harry would understand the significance of this, as it would enable him to see through her eyes when he stared into it. It was a unique gift, and not to be taken lightly. If he were to misuse it in any way, he would be permanently blinded.

It was a warm August day, and Harry's dress robes felt quite uncomfortable. She found herself wishing for air conditioning, or at least a spell to cool down the room. The Rites of Protection was a formal ritual, with Mr. Ollivander presiding, since Dumbledore was to be Keeper of the Trust. As usual, she found his silver eyes disturbing. He always made her feel as if he were looking through her.

Harry stood at the top of the Pentagram, with Mr. Ollivander in the middle. Ron stood at his side to act as a witness. Finally, a bell sounded, and the room went silent. The ritual was about to begin.

"The Ritual of Protection is one of our ancient ceremonies, and one of great importance," Ollivander intoned. "It has been handed down through time, and the magic contained in it is old magic of the strongest kind."

Ollivander then lit the Goblet of Fire with a wave of his wand. He then gave his wand another wave and a jeweled handled antique ceremonial dagger appeared. Moving over to Harry, he took her hand, and made a small deep cut along her lifeline. Placing her hand over the goblet, he then let her blood run down into the fire. The flame sparked a brilliant blue, shooting sparks into the room.

Harry then followed him to each point of the Pentagram, where the Protectors had taken their positions. Ollivander then added their blood to the goblet. As each of them pledged to offer her their strength, courage and endurance, for the dark times ahead, she would then accept their gift. As she did so, a rope of golden light would erupt from the goblet and join them by their right hands at the wrist, before disappearing back into the flames. When she reached Dumbledore, and accepted his pledge to be Keeper of the Trust, the golden light came from the goblet and whipped around the Pentagram, joining them all together. Ollivander then turned to Ron.

"Ronald Weasley, I offer you this Goblet of Fire in the name of the Protectors, the wizards Sirius Black, Severus Snape, and Remus Lupin, along with their Trust Keeper, the Magus Albus Dumbledore. It is now their sworn duty to guard and protect the witch known as Harry James Potter, as written in our ancient laws. As Guardian of the Goblet, you will be granted the Right of Vision. As her most trusted friend and confidant, you will see through her eyes so that you may send them to her aid whenever the flame appears. Do you accept this honor?"

"I Ronald Weasley, trusted friend of Harry Potter, accept the Goblet and the Right of Vision."

"Then perform the charm that will ensure your fidelity for all who are present. For it is they who will witness your pledge and will know of your false heart should you be deemed untrue." Ollivander then handed Ron the burning goblet.

Ron held the goblet between himself and Harry, and chanted the spell that came with a message of forewarning.

"Soon this flame will burn out,

But when it springs to life

The Protectors I will summon them

For she'll be in great strife

Into the flames then I shall look,

To find her near or far.

For I shall see

What she doth see

Friend or foe in kind.

But should I falsely use this gift

I'll be forever blind."

A beam of red light then snaked itself out from the goblet, hitting both Harry and Ron directly into their eyes. Disappearing back into the goblet, there was a sucking noise, and the flame disappeared in a flash of sparks.

"The ritual is now complete. May we all celebrate to the health of those who have been joined in this right that it will be successful," Ollivander announced as the room erupted into wishes of success and health.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in a Feast of Celebration. The guests and witnesses were all eager to talk with Harry, but she would have liked nothing better than to go upstairs out of the limelight.

Ron, of course, was in his glory, and Harry was glad to let him enjoy the attention. She knew it often bothered him that she was such a celebrity, but people often forgot he was her friend. His family was visibly proud, and Hermione kept smiling at him in admiration. He had taken on an awesome responsibility, with a dire consequence for misuse. Harry knew that Hermione and Ron were in love with one another, but both were too stubborn to admit it. She had known they were meant for each other that first day on the Hogwart's express, when the three eleven year olds met and formed a bond of friendship. She determined to see them together before her final confrontation with Lord Voldemort. Her reverie was interrupted by a soft voice from behind her.

"My grandson chose his best friend wisely. You are very much like you father, but the fire in your eyes comes from your mother."

Harry whirled around and found she was looking at the old witch, with Sirius soft brown eyes.

"You knew my parents?"

"I did. I watched James and Sirius grow up. They were like brothers. I am Andromeda Black, Sirius grandmother. It warms my heart to see him smiling and free. He would not let me come and see him in Azkaban, and stayed away after he escaped. I owe you a debt of gratitude for helping him to be exonerated. This is the first time I have seen him in almost sixteen years."

"Surely he contacted you after he was cleared of any wrong doing?"

"Only briefly. He wanted to keep me away. He was afraid Lord Voldemort would exact his revenge on me for Peter Pettigrew being captured. In a sense, his parents were victims of the Dark Lord, as were yours. Your parent's death devastated him, yet he refused to proclaim his innocence, not even to me. Yet I knew in my heart he wasn't guilty."

"Have you spoken to him yet? Does he know you're here?"

"He is aware that I am here, but he is avoiding me. It was Dumbledore who arranged for me to come."

"Wait here," Harry said as Dumbledore approached them. "Professor, will you stay with Mrs. Black for a few minutes while I go and knock some sense into Sirius?"

"I will be delighted," the old man beamed.

Harry spotted Sirius on the opposite side of the room talking with Mr. Chang. Making her way through the crowd, she bowed to Mr. Chang, interrupting their conversation.

"Forgive my intrusion, Mr. Chang, but I need to have a word with Sirius."

"Ah, the Phoenix is in need of your attention," he smiled at Sirius, "I will leave the two of you alone." He bowed graciously, and then moved off.

"Harry, what's wrong?"

"What makes you think anything is wrong?"

"Your eyes are flashing and you're glaring at me. If looks could kill I would be in big trouble."

"You are in big trouble. Why are you avoiding your grand mum?" Harry fumed. "You're all that old woman has left, and instead of making her feel better you're breaking her heart."

"Harry, honey, you don't understand..."

"I understand well enough. She needs you, Sirius. She is very ill and may be dying. I can sense it."

"She's ill...dying?"

"Yes, I don't know what is wrong, but I can feel her pain and sickness. She's heartbroken over you and it's made her condition worse. She is losing her will to fight her sickness. Now get over there and beg her forgiveness. She believed in you when no one else did!" Harry hissed angrily.

Sirius stared at her for a few seconds, and then moved off across the room to where his grandmother and Dumbledore stood talking. Harry watched as he looked at her and then took her into his arms, both of them crying. Dumbledore looked over at Harry and nodded with approval as Sirius helped his grandmother find a place to sit. Wandering off, she spotted Remus talking with his parents. She could sense their discomfort. 'Let me see why they treat him so miserably,' Harry walked over to where they were sitting

"Really, Son, you should have known better than to call such attention to yourself," his father ridiculed him. "Your condition is not something we like people to know about. What possessed you to accept a Protectorship?"

"I asked him to," Harry said coming up to them. "You blame your son for his being a werewolf. Maybe if you had kept a closer eye on him as a child, you wouldn't have to make him feel guilty for your mistake," Harry looked at Mr. Lupin coldly.

"Miss Potter," Mrs. Lupin began, her face red with embarrassment," my husband does not mean to sound like we don't care about Remus. It's just that people have shunned him for so long. He's afraid that he will be hurt again."

Harry could feel Mrs. Lupin's conflicting emotions. She was defending her husband, but knew it was a lie.

"No, Mrs. Lupin, he's ashamed of him. He blames Remus for his having to move around and not being able to keep a steady job. Instead of trying to defend and protect him, he ran and hid. What's worse is that you allowed it to happen," Harry told them with disgust. "You are his mother! Yet you too have treated him as less than human."

"Harry...don't...you don't understand what they have been through," Remus looked down at her sadly.

"I'm sorry, Remus, but this should have been said a long time ago. You can be mad at me, but I'm going to say it," Harry turned her attention back to the Lupins. "For all your hiding and wishing he didn't have this condition you should get down on your knees and thank whatever god you believe in that your son grew into such a fine man! I asked for him specifically because of his humanity. He has endured your shame and disgust along with the ignorance of people who believe he is less than human, not to mention the physical pain he goes through. I would have ten of him if I could, for he has more than earned this right." Harry stood defiantly looking up at Remus' parents. Mr. Lupin shrugged and stalked away, red faced and angry.

"Miss Potter, thank you for caring about Remus. It has been difficult for all of us," Mrs. Lupin lowered her eyes. "My husband, Roman, wanted to have him permanently confined to St. Mungo's but I wouldn't allow it. Remus is our only child, we do love him, but my husband well...he hasn't been able to face the fact that our son is a werewolf because of him. He was supposed to be watching Remus the night he wandered off...."

"Mum...please...don't..."

"No, Remus, she's right. This needs to come out into the open. Maybe then, your father will forgive himself. Anyway, as I was saying, he was watching Remus. I was away visiting my sister. Remus was a curious child, and it was a warm night. He saw what he thought was a big dog outside of his window and wanted to play with it. My husband heard the door close, and then the screams," Mrs. Lupin was crying, "he was too afraid to do anything. By the time he got his wand, and had worked up the courage to face the werewolf, it was too late. Remus was alive, but he had been bitten on the leg. We tried everything we could think of, but it was no use."

"Miss Potter," Mr. Lupin had seen his wife's distress from across the room, and controlling his anger returned to face them. "My wife and I have lived with our son's affliction for over thirty years, what would you have us do? Announce it to the world?" Roman Lupin asked her bitterly, putting his arm around his wife.

"Yeah, I would. You should be shouting from the rooftops. Look our son is a werewolf, yet he is a finer human being than you. He cares about people and doesn't ridicule or isolate them for being different. He would never willingly allow himself to be placed in a situation where he might injure someone and cause his illness to spread. He has a disease like cancer or tuberculosis; he's not a monster. I love him, because he is still my son, no matter what!" Harry's face was red, and her green eyes were like ice. She was shaking with anger, when a little girl's voice spoke from beside her. It was Phaedra.

"Miss Harry, tell them that I played with Mr. Remus and his potion makes him friendly. He is a nice wolf I love him. They don't have to be afraid."

The Lupin's were staring at Phaedra as if she had two heads. Harry looked down at her in surprise as Remus gently brushed her blond curls with his hand.

"I think you already told them, Phaedra."

"This child...he didn't harm her?" Mr. Lupin asked in disbelief.

"No, the Wolfbane Potion makes him docile. He would never have allowed her near him otherwise. I myself took him to a Halloween party. I went as Little Red Riding Hood. He was the wolf," Harry grinned at the memory. "We even took pictures."

"We...we didn't know. He never tells us..."

"Maybe it's because you have never given him the chance. Why don't you start now? I think you will be more than a little surprised. I saved his life you know," Harry grinned as they looked at her puzzled. She could sense Remus getting annoyed. Now he would have to tell them everything.

"Remus, what does she mean she saved your life? What happened?" His father asked swallowing hard as Harry steered Phaedra over towards her mother and uncles.

As they moved off, she could feel Remus' parents anxiety that their son had nearly died. 'Two down, one to go,' she muttered to herself as she approached the Snapes.

"Miss Potter, I am Tiberius Snape. I am honored to make your acquaintance." The elder Snape stood up offering her his hand. "You have bestowed a great honor on our family. Perhaps it will help us to erase the mark upon our name."

"The mark on your family name is your own fault. If it is to be erased then it will be through your family's actions, not my asking your nephew to act as my protector."

"Nobly said!" Tiberius Snape praised her, arching his left brow."

Harry couldn't help but snicker softly.

"I apologize, Mr. Snape, I do not wish to be rude, but I was thinking of my friend Ron."

"The young wizard who has been given the Right of Vision?"

"The same. Your nephew takes particular delight in sneaking up on him when he least expects it. My thinking is that you are even better at it."

"Why would you think that?"

"You're hiding something."

"You're an empath."

"You're a telepath. Lower level than Circe, but more so than Severus."

"My nephew tells me you are able to mix the Wolfbane potion. That is quite an accomplishment. What else are you capable of doing?"

"I can talk to snakes."

"I know. It is not a common skill. Are you versed in the Dark Arts?"

"Only enough to know I want no part of them. It seems to be a favorite subject among the Snapes. I certainly hope no one tries to interest Phaedra in them at a young age. It would be a shame to see her have to suffer like the rest of you did." Harry locked eyes with the older wizard, holding her ground in the manner she usually did with Severus.

Neither of them was willing to give up, and Circe and Severus looked on with interest. It was a battle of wills, and they knew that their Uncle Tiberius was a formidable figure with an incredible mental capacity. He had been the one to teach them how to impose their will on another person. It was a favorite sport with him.

"You cannot win, Miss Potter."

"You think not?"

"Your will is strong, but you are not yet ready to try and pit it against The Dark Lord. If you have ever looked into his eyes you would know this," Tiberius Snape said casually, without breaking his eye contact.

"I have looked him in the eye, and I'm still standing," Harry refused to back down so easily.

"Then you are indeed blessed, or just very lucky."

"Probably a bit of both," she replied feeling herself beginning to weaken.

"Indeed, did you know it is the wise person who knows when to back down, but a foolish one to try and keep going?"

"As in live for today to fight for tomorrow?"

"Interesting analogy, but it is accurate," Tiberius said still maintaining eye contact. He knew Harry had begun to weaken.

"Great Uncle Tiberius, you said you would get me some ice cream, but you didn't"

"I will just as soon as Miss Potter and I finish our little game."

"Very good, Mr. Snape, you still haven't broken off despite the distraction."

"I might say the same for you. You're a fighter if I ever saw one."

"No, Sir, I'm a survivor," Harry smiled, as she blinked, breaking off their contest. "Now I think you should get Phaedra that ice cream."

"I will be happy to do so. Would you like some too?"

"I think I would prefer a cold drink. Someone should outlaw formal ceremonies during the month of August."

"I will cool the room," Severus Snape told her taking out his wand. "Refrigeratio conclave," he casually waved his wand, and the room temperature immediately became more comfortable.

"Come, Phaedra, I will get you that ice cream. Miss Potter would you like some iced tea?"

"Yes, thank you."

Tiberius Snape immediately moved off towards the buffet table with Phaedra.

"You have impressed Uncle Tiberius," Circe smiled. "He likes you."

"How can you tell?"

"Trust us, Harry," Snape told her with a thin smile. "He is not an easy man to please. As our family patriarch he likes to feel he is in control."

"And you don't?" she asked sarcastically.

"It's a family trait. We like to come out on top."

"Yeah, and it nearly got you all screwed. You need to know when to back off."

"We're learning, Miss Potter," Tiberius voice said from over her shoulder, and she jumped. Like his nephew, he moved swiftly and silently. "Did I startle you?"

"Let me put it this way, I have got to turn you loose on my friend Ron. He goes bonkers when your nephew sneaks up behind him. You would positively cause him to pee his pants," Harry laughed with delight accepting the glass of iced tea he had brought her. She actually liked the elder Snape, and was enjoying his company.

"Would I?" Perhaps I should go and introduce myself to the young man. I do know his family. I went to Hogwarts with his grandfather, and have had occasional dealings with Arthur Weasley. He is a fair and intelligent man."

"Then by all means, go and say hello. I'm sure Ron would like to meet you."

Tiberius Snape smiled satirically, and moved off to speak to the Weasley's, making sure to come up behind Ron, who jumped visibly when Mr. Snape spoke. Harry could see that he and Mr. Weasley were not only acquainted, but also appeared to be on very good terms with one another. Ron took the opportunity to wander over and talk to Harry.

"You did that on purpose," Ron smiled sheepishly.

"Just reminding you that we start back to school in three weeks; I thought you had better be prepared. Professor Snape will be going back to his usual strict self. Aren't you glad we have him instead of his uncle?"

"You can say that again," Ron looked at his Professor warily.

"Miss Harry, is Uncle Severus a nice teacher?"

"Phaedra, your uncle is a strict teacher, and Miss Harry and her friends tend to get detention quite often."

"Are you naughty in school?"

"Miss Harry talks back to the teachers in school. It is not a good idea, especially with your Uncle Severus," Harry chuckled impishly.

"Yeah, and your uncle can get very angry with her," Ron chimed in smirking.

"Uncle Severus you won't get mad at Miss Harry when you go back to Hogwart's will you?" Phaedra asked concerned.

"Not if she behaves herself. Otherwise I will give her detention."

"Miss Harry what if Uncle Severus tries to get you e'spelled?" Phaedra was clearly becoming worried and upset, and was starting to cry."

"Oh, honey," Circe picked up her daughter, "Uncle Severus isn't going to get Harry expelled. He will only give her a detention if she misbehaves in class. He is her protector and will look out for her where ever she is."

"Do you promise, Uncle Severus?"

"I promise," Severus smiled at his niece, taking her from his sister. Ron looked stunned at this display of affection towards the little girl.

"Harry," he whispered, "is Snape actually smiling?"

"He does sometimes. Contrary to popular belief the Snape family is quite human," Harry cast a mischievous glance at Snape who had overheard Ron speaking to her.

"Mr. Weasley, I would not make this display of emotion known amongst your fellow students. You might find that gutting the salamanders is a permanent job," Snape looked down his nose at the young wizard, an unmistakable warning in his voice.

"Honestly Professor Snape, I won't say a word," Ron promised curling his lower lip, dismayed that he had been overheard. "Come on Harry, let's go and sit with Hermione."

"I'll be there in a few minutes. I still have some people I have to speak with."

"Okay, I'll tell my mum you're still greeting people. She wants you to come and visit us for a while. She worries about you."

"I know, and tell her I worry about all of you too," Harry said as Ron moved off towards his family and Hermione.

Harry glanced around the room, and spotted Dumbledore talking with a man she knew had to be his brother, Aberforth. Excusing herself, she went over to where they were sitting.

"Ah...Harry, I want you to meet my brother, Aberforth," Dumbledore smiled.

"I'm happy to meet you, Sir," she told him politely, shaking his hand.

"I was wondering when I would finally get to meet you. My brother has denied me for years. I would beg and cajole, but he absolutely refused to introduce you to me."

"He knows I don't like a lot of attention. People wouldn't want to meet me if I were just any old witch. They want to meet the person who survived Voldemort's curse."

"The boy who lived that was actually the girl in the Prophecy," Aberforth Dumbledore replied ruefully.

"Exactly, if it wasn't for your brother I never would have had any privacy or the chance for a somewhat normal life," Harry smiled at the Headmaster.

"You chose him to act as your Trust Keeper. I am a bit astounded. There are times when he wants people to believe he is daft."

"There is a fine line between genius and insanity, and we're all a little bit of both," Harry grinned as Aberforth laughed jauntily. "Besides, I just made what he has always done for me official."

"Child, you know how to make an old man happy."

"I could make you even happier. I have a present for both of you. If you are anything like your brother," she smiled at Aberforth, "you will enjoy this too." Harry reached into her pocket and pulled out a bag of lemon drops. Both old men reached for them at the same time. "Now wait just one minute. You have to share them. I expect you to divide them evenly," she looked from one to the other.

I promise to share them, Child," Dumbledore waved his wand and the bag was turned into two smaller ones, and the two Dumbledore brothers each took one with a smile.

"That's better, now you two behave. I am going to go over and visit with the Weasley's."

"Miss Potter," Aberforth stopped her, "could I have your autograph?"

"Headmaster, your brother wants my autograph," Harry pursed her lip in vexation.

"Aberforth, Harry does not give autographs."

"Okay, I meant no offense," Aberforth replied pleasantly. "I do hope we will meet again. I would love to hear about some of your adventures. My brother always just says you are a lovely child."

"Really? He tells me I'm more like the Wicked Witch of the West," she teased evilly, backing away across the room. Dumbledore looked at her over his glasses, blue eyes twinkling. Harry was still smiling as she approached the Weasleys.

"Harry, dear, sit down and join us," Molly Weasley hugged her; "we are so happy for you, and proud of Ron. I just know that You Know Who will think twice about going after you now."

"Harry, this is just such a fascinating ritual. Did you know it goes back to before the time of Merlin?" Hermione asked excitedly. "You are one special witch. The last time it was done was seventy five years ago."

"Hermione, I was told. I am just happy that Dumbledore was able to convince the Governors. I wouldn't have done it otherwise."

"What about the Order of the Phoenix? How did you convince them to let you have a former Deatheater and a werewolf? I could see them saying okay to Sirius. He was actually innocent and is your godfather, but the other two? How did you do it?"

"Why, Hermione, it was magic," Harry answered mysteriously.

Hermione and most of the Weasleys did not know that she was an animagus, let alone a magical one. Dumbledore had sworn the Order to secrecy after Harry had transformed during the meeting.

"Are you getting ready to move into your new house with Sirius? Or will you be staying here now?" Mrs. Weasley asked cordially.

"Molly, dear, I told you they will all be shifting to the house Sirius bought just outside of the village of Ottery St. Catchpole," Arthur Weasley informed his wife.

"We're going to Ottery St. Catchpole?" Harry asked with surprise. "Isn't that the village near your house?"

"Yes, Harry dear, we're going to be neighbors," Mrs. Weasley responded brightly.

"How come nobody told me?"

"It was supposed to be a surprise," Sirius soft voice answered from behind Harry. His grandmother was with him, and she was smiling happily at Harry. Apparently, their reunion had been a happy one after all

"I am surprised. We'll be neighbors with the Weasleys," she hugged Sirius happily. "Who else is coming? Is there enough room?"

"Originally, it was just to be the two of us," Sirius explained, "but with the Protectorship, Severus and Remus will be coming with us. Circe and Phaedra will also finish out the summer with us, before she retires back to Cornwall; but Dumbledore will be heading to Hogwarts to oversee the preparations of the new term. He will check in with us daily, though, to make sure everything is okay."

"It is also easier for Moody. The Aurors can keep watch easier since we will all be so close," Arthur Weasley explained. "Andromeda, would you like to sit down?" He asked getting up to give her his chair.

"No thank you Arthur, I was just getting ready to leave. Alastor Moody will be escorting me home, but I wanted to say good bye to Harry before I left."

"Do you have to leave so soon?" she questioned the old woman.

"Yes, dear, I'm afraid so. I have an appointment with the Healer in the morning. I will have to be in hospital for a few days. My illness is a difficult one to treat, but not impossible, but the treatments tire me out for several days."

"May I ask the nature of your illness?"

"I have a very deep seated cancer. It is difficult to find a full healer to get to the root of it, so I have a combination of magical healing and chemotherapeutic agents. The local healers feel they can affect a cure, but it will take time."

"I see, and would a full healer be able to destroy the cancer cells?"

"Yes, but they are very expensive, and the few that are available are all booked for months in advance when their skills are needed outside of their regular practices."

"Have you tried to get one to come and help?"

"Yes, but I either can't afford their fees or they can't see me for at least six months. My local healers feel that they should have the disease under control by that time."

Harry studied Andromeda Black intently, and used her healing ability to scan for her disease. Andromeda Black would be dead before the six months. The cancer was deep and getting worse. The chemotherapy had helped to slow it, but not enough. She needed to be healed and soon. Making a decision, she looked up at Sirius.

"Sirius, may I see you privately for a minute. Mrs. Black don't leave just yet, please?"

"Of course dear, I'll just visit with the Weasley family."

"Harry, is something the matter?" Sirius asked as she took him aside to a quiet corner.

"Sirius, I have to heal her. She will not last another six months. I scanned her and the cancer is getting worse. The healers and the chemo have helped, but it is starting to grow out of control."

"Honey, are you sure?" Sirius looked sick.

"Positive. You have to convince her to let me help. Get Dumbledore and the others if you have to. She may not believe I'm capable."

"Meet me in the parlor by the garden. I'll bring her if I have to carry her," he answered tersely.

Harry quietly exited the room while Sirius got Dumbledore and the other Protectors together. They explained to his grandmother that while untrained, Harry was a full healer. The old woman was reluctant, but Sirius begged her, using his charm.

"Sirius, it's no wonder you were such a hit with the girls, but I'm your grandmother!"

"You're also my best girl, and I want to keep you that way," he smiled boyishly.

"Andromeda," Dumbledore looked serious, "trust us with this. Harry would not do it if she thought you were not seriously ill"

"She healed me, and saved my life. I was shot with a silver bullet. She healed the wound and removed the poison from my body with old magic," Remus assured her.

"She has also healed me, Mrs. Black. I recently had two broken kneecaps. She has also healed my niece. The child fell a few days ago and broke her arm."

Mrs. Black just looked at all of them and shrugged, "I suppose it will be all right, even if she is unable to effect a cure, she may slow down the cancer some more. You're all sure she knows what she is doing? She is very young."

"Grandmum, Harry may be young, but she is very powerful. If she didn't think she could help you she wouldn't even have said anything. She doesn't like to draw attention to herself."

"All right then, I'll let her try. Where is she?"

"She has gone into the other part of the house. Sirius and Albus will escort you. It would draw too much attention if we all left at once," Snape answered thoughtfully.

"You are quite correct, Severus. If anyone asks just say that Harry has gone to get something for Andromeda before she leaves and that Sirius accompanied her. Tell them I have gone to the lavatory."

Snape arched his brow, but merely nodded, moving off with Remus while the other three quietly exited the room. They led Andromeda Black down towards the parlor, where they found Harry nervously pacing the floor. She looked up and smiled at they entered, relieved that they had managed to convince the old witch to allow Harry to attempt to heal her.

"Mrs. Black, thank you for listening."

"Have you ever tried to argue with this handsome devil? It isn't easy."

"Which one? I think they're both kind of cute," Harry grinned at Dumbledore and Sirius, as Sirius grandmother laughed softly.

"Harry, do you need my grandmum to do anything special?"

"It will be easier for me if she is lying down."

"Of course, dear. I'll just lie on the sofa," Andromeda said sliding off her shoes and stretching out."

Harry knew Sirius could see how tired and drained his grandmother looked, and she could feel his anguish and worry. She looked up at him and smiled setting his mind at ease, and then turned her attention to his grandmother.

"Just close your eyes and try to relax. This will probably take a while. You might just want to take a nap while I work."

"Then I'll warn you that sometimes I snore," the old woman smiled, closing her eyes.

Harry kneeled down beside her and took several deep breaths. She then began the healing process. She wanted to scan Andromeda Black's entire body to make sure she found all of the diseased cells. She quickly scanned her head, working on down to her torso. The cancer had started to spread into her lungs, and Harry quickly killed the cells she found there. She then worked her way down into Andromeda's abdomen and pelvic area. There were tumors in her intestines, and one kidney. The other kidney and her liver had a few cells that were easily taken care of. Harry found that the primary source of her cancer had been in her ovaries, and had been snaking itself outwards. She worked backwards, killing the tumors in her other organs first. She then began the tedious task of working on her primary site. Her whole pelvis was involved, and the cancer was more advanced than Harry had at first thought. Still she kept on going, unaware of how much time had been passing.

She was in a deep healing trance, when Mrs. Weasley came to find them. People had been asking for her and she had determined to find out what was going on. Entering the small parlor, she was completely taken back. Harry was kneeling beside Andromeda, staring straight ahead of her, and a blue green light was emanating from her hands. Dumbledore had looked up when the door opened and immediately put a finger to his lips to silence any comment she may have had. Taking her by the elbow, he quickly took her from the room.

"Albus," she whispered, "I had no idea Harry was a healer. I thought she was just able to do the usual healing spells. Will Andromeda be all right?"

"We hope so. She has a very involved cancer, and was unable to afford a full healer."

"Harry is a full healer? That is a rarity. When did this all come about?"

"Last year, Molly, but let me go back inside for now. There are many things you do not yet know about Harry. I shall have Arthur fill you in later," Dumbledore informed her calmly. "In the meantime tell anyone who asks that Harry will be back shortly. If they press you, just say that she had to lie down for a little while due to a headache from the stress of the ceremony."

"Anything you say, Albus."

"Oh, and Molly...if you will get her something to eat. Harry will need to eat and rest when she is done. This healing has taken almost an hour. I believe she will be done soon."

"I will see to it at once. The poor lamb will be exhausted," Molly Weasley went back to the feast, her mind in a whirl. She wondered what Arthur would tell her later, and how much did her son Ron know about his best friend. If Molly had ever had any doubts about Harry being the witch in the Mathias Prophecy, they had been quelled.

Ten minutes later, Harry sat back, pale and exhausted. It had taken all her healing powers to get to the core of Andromeda Black's cancer, but Harry had succeeded in curing her. She looked at Sirius and smiled, as the old woman opened her eyes. Her cheeks were flushed with color and her eyes sparkled.

"I feel twenty years younger. I don't know what you did young lady, but I haven't felt this good in a long time."

"I'm glad," Harry smiled wanly. "Now you can enjoy the rest of the feast with Sirius. I'm sure you have a lot of catching up to do. Just check with you regular healers tomorrow, the cancer was deep, but I believe you are totally cured."

"Andromeda, if they should ask any questions, just tell them you were at a party and one of the guests was a full healer. Tell them they would prefer to remain anonymous, since they did not charge you. I wouldn't want Harry to get into any trouble since she is unlicensed," Dumbledore told the old witch, who nodded.

"They won't hear it from me that I was healed by a seventeen year old without any formal training," she smiled at Harry, her brown eyes warm.

Sirius could see how weak Harry had become, and helped her to her feet.

"I'll meet you both back inside," he said to Dumbledore and his grandmother.

"In that case, may I have the pleasure of escorting you back?" Dumbledore asked offering his arm to Andromeda, as they exited.

"Oh, Albus, you always were a bit of a flirt," she said as she linked arms with him and they went back to the feast.

"Now don't they make a cute couple?"

"That's my grandmother you're trying to pair off. He's far too old for her," Sirius responded protectively.

"Don't be silly. I think they would do quite well together," Harry looked up at him as he supported her. "Besides, she's old enough to make her own decisions."

"How are you feeling?" he asked ignoring her remarks.

"Weak, and very tired. I need to rest and eat something," she leaned her head on his chest.

"Molly Weasley will have something already for you when we get back inside," he said helping her from the room.

"Mrs. Weasley?"

"She came in and saw you healing grams. Albus is going to have Arthur tell her about your special talents. How much does she know?"

"I think she knows most of it, since she was at the meeting the other night, but didn't realize how strong my powers actually are," Harry explained as they approached the corridor leading back to the feast. "She'll be happy to give me some mothering."

Harry couldn't have been more right. Molly met them as they came in and sat Harry down with her family. She fussed over her, filling her plate so that she would eat a good meal. She kept checking to make sure she was feeling all right, and worried that she wouldn't get the rest she required after such an extensive healing procedure. Ron smirked, but Harry loved every minute of it. If she couldn't have her real mother, Molly Weasley was the next best thing.

Glancing around the room, she noted that Remus was sitting with his parents, and they were actually smiling at one another. Professor Snape was sitting nearby with his uncle and sister, while Phaedra came over to sit with Harry and her friends. Sirius kissed Harry on the forehead, and went to sit with his grandmother. Both of the Dumbledore brothers were seated with them. Harry snickered and told Ron and Hermione that he was looking out for his grandmum's virtue. They too, laughed, and asked Harry what had happened. Since they knew she was a healer, she whispered to them how she had healed Mrs. Black, and that was why she was so tired. They then brought her up to speed on what had been going on during her absence from the feast.

Remus and his parents were talking for the first time in several years, and his mother couldn't look happier. She nodded her thanks to Harry from across the room. Tiberius Snape was looking proudly at his nephew. He had known that Severus had been a spy for Dumbledore after quitting the Deatheaters, but the stigmata of being associated with the Dark Lord had stuck with the family until now. People were talking with them that had been avoiding them for years. The senior Snape looked at Harry from where he was sitting, left brow arched, and a thin smile on his lips. He had been more than pleased with her, and was telling his nephew various tricks he should be teaching her to defend herself.

The feast finally wound down towards evening and Harry was happy to see it end. With the exception of Tiberius Snape, all of the guests had departed. He had lingered a few moments longer to speak with his nephew and niece. Harry was exhausted, and was looking forward to a hot bath, and a soft bed. She had found out from Dumbledore that they would be leaving tomorrow evening for Ottery St. Catchpole. She had already packed most of her things, since she knew she would be leaving soon anyway, and would do the rest in the morning.

She also learned that since her three protectors were teaching at Hogwarts, they needed to be there before the students arrived for time for the fall term. She was to go up on the train, as usual, and one of them would accompany her. The other two would see her off and apparate. They had decided not to let her travel alone, even on the Hogwart's Express, for her own safety. They had left it up to Harry who would travel with her, and she decided it should be Professor Snape. She had come to this decision since the last night of the full moon was the day before they needed to be at school, and Remus and Sirius had taken the train with her last June. Besides, it would be fun to see how the other students acted with Snape on the train. She wondered if he would favor the Slytherins. She also reminded him that he had to be nice to Neville Longbottom since she had won the bet last spring and made the Wolfbane Potion, earning a N.E.W.T. for her final grade.

"I would also like to remind you" he sneered, "that I will expect an equally outstanding performance during your independent study as a seventh year. You have seventh year O.W.L.'s this year too.

"I had a feeling you would say that," she cringed. "I just don't know what to try and make."

"How about doing the Draught of False Death?" Tiberius Snape suggested overhearing the conversation as he prepared to leave.

"We usually do not allow the seventh years to attempt it," Dumbledore remarked. "It is difficult to mix, and can be dangerous."

"Is it not among the advanced potions like the Wolfbane Potion?"

"It is," Dumbledore nodded, "but many feel it comes under auspices of dark magic."

"Isn't that the potion you like to use in your little speech to all the first years? You know, the one about cheating death?" she grinned at Severus, remembering her first year.

"It is. Would you want to try it? Since it is so difficult, you will only have to do the one. Should you choose something easier, you will need to do two."

"Will you allow it?" she asked looking at Dumbledore, her eyes shining with determination.

"Very well, but you are to follow Severus direction at all times."

"Do I earn another N.E.W.T. at the end of the year if I get it correctly?"

"If you can do it from memory, and pass your Potions exam with an O.W.L., yes, you will garner yourself another N.E.W.T. Otherwise you will be graded accordingly."

"I can live with that," Harry agreed. "Have Hermione and Ron given any thought to what they are going to do?"

"Mr. Weasley has not given me any indication of what he will prepare. Miss Granger is going to do two potions. One will temporarily cure baldness and the other will change the color of your eyes for twenty four hours."

"Cool, now all she has to do is find a bald man who wants to grow hair and change his eye color. Which reminds me, we don't have to test these potions to see if they work, do we?"

"I haven't decided yet," Snape smiled evilly.

"Well then, I don't know why you're smiling, since I will make you drink mine," Harry tossed her head, and Tiberius Snape laughed aloud.

"I see he's had you test some of the potions on yourselves?"

"He has, especially the poisons. Of course, no one has ever died so I guess he knows what he's doing," Harry grinned at Tiberius

"He should, half of the books in the library were written by our family. He has been doing potions since the age of six." She suspected that Severus had been very much like him before he had undergone the loss of his family, and his abuse at the hands of Lord Voldemort.

"I'll remember to make sure Phaedra knows that. He promised her she could start to learn after her first year of primary school. She will be six then."

Severus and Tiberius eyed her shrewdly and Circe smiled. She was aware of the growing affection between Harry and Phaedra.

"Harry, just make sure you're there when she starts to learn. You have the patience to deal with her. I'm not sure my little brother will be able to do so as easily as you do."

"I think he can be a lot more patient than he wants any of us to know. I'm beginning to think that all the aloofness and temper tantrums he likes to display are just an act. Besides, he dotes on Phaedra."

"Are you guys talking about me?" Phaedra demanded coming over with Sirius and Remus, whose family's had departed earlier.

"Yes, Little One, we are," Dumbledore said looking down at her kindly. "Miss Harry is saying how much your Uncle Severus loves you."

"I love him too, and Uncle Tiberius, but I love my mummy the most."

"What, you don't love us too?" Harry asked waving her hand towards Dumbledore, Remus, Sirius, and herself.

"I love you Miss Harry. You're like my big sister. And I love Headmaster Mr. Dumbledore, Mr. Remus and Mr. Sirius, even if he did do that mean trick on Uncle Severus in school."

Sirius grinned and Severus just looked at his niece with a scowl, while Remus snickered. Dumbledore ignored them all and looked over at Tiberius, who was watching the group with interest.

"Tell me, Tiberius, are you still in the import and export business?" Dumbledore asked steering the conversation away from the now infamous prank.

"Yes, Albus, I am still at it. It is amazing what people will collect. I also have a contract to buy artifacts for the British Museum. Of course, I need to work closely with the Ministry so that there is no contraband getting through."

"Indeed, have you had any recent problems?"

"Only a few minor ones. The Aurors and the Dept. of Magical Cooperation along with the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office have been keeping close watch on all items which may be considered irregular or contraband," Tiberius responded. "In fact I must be on my way as I have an early shipment coming in tomorrow morning. Gentlemen, ladies, I shall be watching the outcomes of the Protectorship with interest. Severus, I will be in touch with you and your sister soon. Good evening," he nodded, and stepping out the front door disapparated.

Harry went directly upstairs, as did Phaedra and Circe. They were all tired and Circe wanted to give Phaedra a bath before putting her to bed. Harry decided not to soak in the tub after all, and took a hot shower to save time. The healing process had taken its toll and she desperately needed to sleep. Pulling on her nightgown, she crawled into bed, and fell right to sleep.

Two hours later, she awoke screaming. The nightmare had been vivid. Voldemort was angrier than ever, and swore he would make sure they all died. He would kill Remus slowly with silver, Sirius he would give to the Dementors, but slowly, so they could savor that which he had cheated them of by escaping Azkaban. Then there was Severus. His former Deatheater and ally, would be made to suffer the most. He would torture him until he succumbed to the Imperious curse; then he would make him kill the one person that had truly believed in him. The one person he had called friend all these years; Albus Dumbledore. Harry would be made to watch it all, and then he would make her watch while he killed Severus, before he finally killed her. All this she had seen, and Phaedra would be used to bait the trap. She was sitting up in bed, crying and holding her scar when the door burst open.

"Harry, what is it? What has happened?" Sirius asked as he flew into the room and wrapped her into his arms.

"Child, is it Lord Voldemort?" Dumbledore's voice came to her as through a haze.

"Headmaster, look at her scar," Snape told him, "it is an angry red again, as if it were fresh."

"Princess, hold on. Albus will help."

"Harry, everything will be all right. Just try and relax," it was Circe, "she has had a nightmare. Voldemort is angry and aware of the Protectorship."

"Circe, how did you know?" Harry managed to gasp out.

"I'm a telepath, remember. I was just dozing off when I picked up your dream unintentionally. I make it a habit to check on everyone mentally before I fall asleep."

"Where's Phaedra? Is she all right?"

"Phaedra is fast asleep, and didn't hear you cry out. Fortunately she is a sound sleeper."

"Child, come, let me help you," Dumbledore gently eased her trembling body from Sirius arms, and touched his wand to her forehead. The pain ceased immediately, but she clung to the old man. "Severus, have you any sleeping potion? Preferably the one for dreamless sleep."

"I shall get it directly," he replied leaving the room in one swift silent move. He returned a few minutes later with the purple liquid.

"Here, Child, I want you to sleep. Circe can tell us about your dream, but I want you to remember that it is just that, a dream. Voldemort is merely trying to intimidate you to try to weaken you. You must not let him."

"He means to try and kill all of us. He will kill Remus and Sirius while I watch and then will torture Severus until he succumbs to the Imperious curse. He wants to make him kill you, and then he will kill the two of us. He intends to use Phaedra some how as bait," Harry sobbed in panic, ignoring Dumbledore's suggestion that Circe repeat Harry's dream for them. "Circe you have to take her away, please," Harry begged terrified for the little girl.

"Miss Potter," Snape said using the soft icy tone he reserved for instilling terror into the students to get her direct attention, "you may rest assured that Voldemort will in no way lay his hands on my niece."

"Severus, you didn't see his face. I did, he just kept laughing and saying he would kill us all. He's totally insane." Harry clung to Dumbledore and refused to let go.

"Harry, honey, calm down. You know that is how Voldemort works. You have said so yourself. He uses intimidation. Your dream was sent to intimidate you. He knows you care about us and will use it to try to weaken you." Sirius said sitting putting his arms back around her in an attempt to get her to release Dumbledore.

"Princess, would you say we were in danger before you had the nightmare?" Remus asked logically.

"You know we were. It's why we're all here. There is safety in numbers, but what will happen to Circe and Phaedra when they go home?"

"Miss Potter do you think for one minute Albus would let them go home unprotected? They were in just as much danger before the Protectorship as they are now. They have been for some time, which is why they are guarded by the Aurors. After all when your brother walks out on the most powerful dark wizard there ever was, he is bound to want to exact revenge."

"Listen to Severus, honey. It takes a brave man to admit the truth of his mistakes," Sirius said looking Snape in the eye. "Now take your potion. You need to get some rest. I will stay with you."

Harry looked from one to the other. She was beginning to calm down, but she was still trembling with fright. Phaedra was just a little girl, but that didn't matter to the Dark Lord. 'Circe, promise me you will be extra careful when you go home to Cornwall.' Harry directed the thought towards at Circe.

"I promise," she answered aloud, having heard what Harry had said to her mentally. "We'll be fine, besides we will be giving up our apartment and going to stay with Uncle Tiberius."

Harry's face visibly brightened, "Are you certain? You aren't just saying that to make me feel better?"

"No, we are really going to live with him," Circe replied as Harry used her empathic ability to determine if she were lying. She wasn't and Harry began to settle down, finally relinquishing her hold on Dumbledore and allowing Sirius to cradle her.

"Now take your potion," Dumbledore pressed the glass to her lips, and helped her to drink.

The effect was almost instantaneous. She was overcome by sleep, and Sirius gently tucked her in, as he looked at Albus.

"I'll stay with her tonight. It would be better if she isn't alone."

"No, Sirius, I will," Remus said with conviction, " She needs to be able to endure these dreams and the pain in her scar. You go on to bed with Albus. Severus if I may use Sirius cot from your room..."

"I will go and get it immediately. Circe go on back to bed," he hugged his sister. "Harry should sleep peacefully the rest of the night."

"One moment, Circe," Dumbledore stopped her. "Is there anything we should know about her dream?"

"No, she basically told it to you. She only left out the methods of execution. I believe he will try to use Phaedra to get to us though, so we had better be on our guard. Mr. Chang warned us when he read our tea leaves."

"Yes, he told me that Voldemort would try to capture Phaedra, but that it would be all right. He said the Phoenix would protect her," Dumbledore said as they left the room.

Snape returned a few minutes later with the cot for Remus, who lowered the lights and made himself comfortable. He lay awake for a long time thinking about Harry, Sirius, and the others. He knew he had found his family once again, and would protect them with every fiber of his being.