The Mathias Prophecy Book III

MATHIAS PROPHECY BOOK III

Return to Hogwarts

The last three weeks of summer were spent in a whirlwind of fun and relaxation. There were no new nightmares, although Harry was unable to completely forget the dream. She did however put it into perspective.

She could not remember the last time she had enjoyed not being at Hogwarts. Sirius especially went out of his way to make sure she was relaxed and happy. They attended the professional quidditch matches, bringing Ron along. Either Remus or Snape would also accompany them, and on one occasion, Dumbledore came along. Harry had told him more than once, that next to seeing Sirius name cleared, the season's tickets to the Chudley Cannons was the best gift she had ever received.

They were all developing a unique relationship, and while Snape and Sirius were not exactly best friends, they were getting along quite amiably. Of course, being crowded into a small three-bedroom house made it more of a necessity. Fortunately, a little magic helped to finish the attic into another large room and Harry and Phaedra claimed the space as their own. Circe took the smallest of the three bedrooms on the second floor, while Sirius and Remus shared the largest one. Professor Snape had taken the one in the rear of the house, and a cot had been placed in it should Dumbledore decide to stay the night.

The only real drawback had been that the house had only one bathroom. Molly Weasley, who had suffered with this same problem for many years, came to the rescue, providing them with a schedule. It had been divided into morning and evenings, and if you missed your turn, you went last. Fortunately, hot water was never a problem, as it was kept that way magically. Phaedra was given priority when it came to using the lavatory and the men all agreed to defer to the ladies if both needed to use it at the same time.

Harry was spending a good deal of the time with the Weasleys, Phaedra in tow, and the little girl absolutely adored Fred and George. The twins had moved back to the Burrow to be near their parents after the failed attack by the Deatheaters. They had both passed their test and were now licensed to apparate, so they were able to go back and forth daily to Hogsmead. Phaedra, unlike Harry, could not tell them apart, so she just called them Mr. Fredgeorge, insisting they were the same so one name was all they needed.

All too soon, the summer break came to an end and they would all be leaving in the morning. Harry's trunk was packed, and Hedwig sat placidly perched in her cage. Dumbledore had come earlier that day and brought Snuffles back to Hogwarts with him. Arthur Weasley had arranged for Ministry cars to transport them all to the station in the morning.

They had all spent the day with the Weasleys, having an end of vacation barbecue. It was a fun day, but by nightfall, the clouds had rolled in, and the ominous sound of thunder rumbled in the distance. Harry couldn't escape the feeling that it was a portent of things to come.

Late that night, as she lay in bed, another thunderstorm rolled through, shaking the house. Unable to sleep, Harry had been lying in bed staring up at the attic ceiling and was reviewing the day's events in her mind, when Phaedra's voice came from the bed next to hers.

"Miss Harry, are you awake?"

"I'm awake. What's the matter?"

"I'm scared of the thunder."

"Come into bed with me. I will protect you," Harry comforted her as she slipped in beside her. "There is no reason to be afraid. Do you know what thunder is?"

"No."

"Well, I've heard two different funny stories about thunder."

"What are they?" The little girl asked clinging to her as another loud clap sounded overhead.

"Let me show you," Harry answered reaching onto the nightstand for her wand.

"Miss Harry, you're not supposed to do magic."

"I won't tell if you don't," she whispered mischievously to Phaedra, who giggled with delight. "Now look at the ceiling." Harry played her wand onto the attic ceiling, causing a picture to appear. "See the angels? They're bowling, that's what causes the thunder."

"What makes the lightening?"

"Watch," Harry had one of the angels bowl a strike, causing the score board to flicker. "There's the lightening."

""Miss Harry, you're funny," Phaedra snuggled up to her. "What else causes the thunder? You said there were two things"

"The Cloud People," Harry intoned making her voice deeper.

"Cloud People?" Phaedra questioned.

"Uh huh, watch." With another wave of her wand, the bowling angels disappeared. The ceiling now depicted big gray clouds in the shape of giant fluffy cherubs. They were scowling at each other, and trying to knock one another down, pushing and shoving with their buttocks. As they pushed, the thunder sounded and when one would fall there would be a flash of lightening.

"They're bumping hinnies," Phaedra laughed, clapping her hands. "Does anything else cause thunder and lightening?"

"How about your Uncle Severus catching Harry doing magic when she isn't supposed to?" A silky soft voice came from the top of the stairs startling them both.

"Uh oh, Miss Harry. I think Uncle Severus is mad," Phaedra remarked as they looked over at the Potions Master. He was standing with his arms crossed, in his robe and slippers. Harry was surprised to see Professor Dumbledore with him, and knew he must have apparated from Hogwarts; both men had their wands drawn.

"Professor Dumbledore," Harry leaped out of the bed. "Is anything wrong? Has something happened to the Weasleys?"

Dumbledore heard the panic in her voice, realizing she thought Lord Voldemort had struck at the Weasley home.

"No Child, the Weasley's are fine," he answered calmly. "I did however, get a message from the Improper Use of Magic Office about fifteen minutes ago, not to mention a call from Moody to make sure everything was okay. You are very lucky they agreed to let me handle this."

Harry sat back down on the bed. She knew Dumbledore was not pleased. She also wondered where the others were. Her unasked question was answered when she heard Sirius voice coming up the stairs.

"Albus, the grounds are clear. Remus and Circe have checked the house. Everything is secure, and Moody has been notified."

"I'm sure he will not be happy when he finds out a certain witch has been playing. She didn't bother to stop and think that we may have thought she was in trouble," Snape glared angrily.

"Harry, you should know better!" Sirius brow furrowed into an angry frown, He had been terrified the spells protecting the house had been breached, leaving Harry to try to protect herself and Phaedra. "We thought you were in danger!"

Harry blinked in shock. Sirius had never yelled at her before. Her empathic senses told her that all three of them were angry. It was then that Phaedra started to cry.

"Muuummmmyyyy...everybody is mad at Miss Harry for making me feel better," she sobbed hysterically as Circe barreled up the stairs with Remus following, the moon having set. "Now they're going to e'spell heeerrr..."

"Phaedra, baby, no one is going to expel me," Harry cuddled the little girl, trying to soothe her.

"It would serve you right if they do!" Circe looked angrily at Harry. "Come on Phaedra. Come downstairs in mummy's bed," she took the crying child from Harry, carrying her back downstairs.

"Noooo...I want to stay with Miss Harry. She made the angels bowl and the cloud people..." Her sobs trailed off as the attic door slammed shut.

Harry stared after them, her mouth open. This couldn't be happening. She had been so happy. All she did was try to ease a little girls fear. She looked at her Protectors, her green eyes wide, reflecting her hurt and confusion. Phaedra had left Mr. Hoppity Hop behind in the bed, and Harry wrapped her arms around the stuffed rabbit, craving some kind of security. Their anger was more than she could bear, and because of the joining during the Protectorship Ceremony, she was finding it was more difficult to block their emotions. The room had started to spin, and she felt like she was going to throw up. Getting up, she started towards the stairs, but they misunderstood her actions and moved to stop her. She immediately felt a rush of fresh anger, and was unable to control her ability to block it. The room was closing in on her and her head felt like it was going to explode. Looking at Severus, she screamed in her mind, opening it up to him, 'Help me, I can't block the anger. I'm in pain..." Then the darkness overcame her...

"Harry!" Sirius yelled as Snape broke her fall. "Severus, what just happened?"

"She was unable to block our anger and other emotions. She is more aware of our feelings due to the Protectorship. It has caused her to faint."

"Is that why she was trying to run?" Remus questioned.

"She wasn't trying to run away. She thought she was going to vomit," Snape replied checking her mouth, to make certain she did not throw up and aspirate. "She called out to me telepathically for help just before she passed out."

Sirius and Remus looked at Snape in astonishment. It was the first time he had actually admitted in front of either of them that he had any telepathic ability.

"Severus have you any smelling salts to help revive her?" Dumbledore asked calmly as Snape gently laid her on the bed.

Before he could reply, Circe's voice came from the top of the stairs, "What has happened to Harry? Phaedra and I both heard her scream to you for help."

"Phaedra is a telepath too?" Sirius asked looking from Snape to his sister.

"This is the first indication that she has the ability. It is a family trait," Snape told him.

"Miss Harry is dead," Phaedra sobbed looking at the pale figure stretched out on the bed as she followed her mother into the room.

"No, little one, Miss Harry has fainted," Dumbledore comforted, picking her up and carrying her over to the bed. Harry still had the bunny clutched in her hand.

"She took Mr. Hoppity Hop to feel better. I heard her crying in my head. Mr. Headmaster Dumbledore, Miss Harry was just protecting me from the thunder. Why is everyone mad at her?"

"She wasn't just playing a game with you?" Dumbledore questioned the little girl.

"No, I was afraid of the thunder and she showed me funny stories about what causes it. There were bowling angels and cloud people who bumped hinnies."

"Now that is funny," Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled at the little girl, "if I had known that is what she was doing I would not have been as angry."

"I tried to tell mummy, but she wouldn't listen," Phaedra sniffed.

"No, Little One, none of us did. I'm sorry."

"Is Miss Harry still in trouble?"

"Not as much as she was."

"Will you e'spell her?"

"No," he smiled warmly, "I won't expel her, but I will have a long talk with her."

"Mr. Sirius, Miss Harry was crying because you were yelling at her. She could feel you being mad, and you made her really sad."

"Phaedra did you hear her say this in her head?" Sirius inquired nonplussed.

"Yes, she didn't know what to do. You never yelled at her before," Phaedra told him as Harry moaned softly.

"I suggest we all get our anger and any other negative emotions under control," Dumbledore instructed firmly.

"Mummy can we stay and help Miss Harry to feel better?" Phaedra asked her mother anxiously. "Maybe then she won't feel bad cause you yelled at her."

"Yes, baby, we'll stay. Mummy only yelled because she worried that you and Miss Harry were in danger. We all did, then when we found her doing charms, we got mad. We didn't know she was trying to help you."

Phaedra went and climbed back onto the bed beside Harry. The little girl gently brushed her hair back, and kissed her. "Miss Harry, please wake up. Please don't be dead. I love you..."

Harry stirred again and opened her eyes, looking around in confusion. "Phaedra?" she asked looking at the little girl with a frown.

"Mr. Sirius, Headmaster Mr. Dumbledore, Miss Harry is awake."

"Yes, Phaedra, I see that," Dumbledore answered warmly. "Will you go down with your mother and get her some cocoa? I think it will make her feel better."

"You just want to talk to her with Mr. Sirius alone. I always get sent away when grownups want to talk," Phaedra replied indignantly to Dumbledore. "Miss Harry do you want me to go?"

"I would like some cocoa, I'm cold. Can I keep Mr. Hoppity Hop until you come back?"

"Okay, I know he will help you to feel better. Come on mummy. We have to get the cocoa," Phaedra pulled Circe by the hand.

"I will help you Circe," Remus said quietly, his face pale and haggard. "I think we could all use some cocoa."

"Do you wish me to leave, Headmaster?" Snape asked looking at Harry, his dark eyes no longer angry. She could sense his concern.

"No, Severus, you may stay," Dumbledore said motioning the two men to sit.

"Child, Phaedra told us you were trying to keep her from being frightened by the thunder. Is this true?"

"She was scared so I took her into bed with me and showed her some funny reasons that Muggles tell their children about where thunder comes from. It helps them not to be afraid. I didn't think anyone would realize I was sneaking a little bit of magic. Hell, I have friends who do magic at home all the time. How come I always get into trouble for it?"

"What makes you think they don't?" Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.

"I've never heard of any of them getting warnings from the Improper use of Magic Office, like I do."

"Their parents are generally there to supervise them, and they are sent notifications from the Ministry. Why don't you ask the Weasleys? The twins were in trouble quite often with some of their magical jokes."

"Headmaster, don't lie to me. It doesn't suit you. They track me because of Voldemort. They're not always trying to protect me, they're afraid of me, aren't they?"

Dumbledore did not answer right away, and Harry looked from Sirius to Snape and back to Dumbledore. Sirius shifted uncomfortably, while Snape sat as frozen as a Statue.

"Child, no one is afraid of you. They are merely concerned because you have been touched by a terrible curse. They know you have extraordinary abilities, and do not yet have full control of them."

"Harry," Sirius cupped her chin, "if anyone is afraid of you it's Voldemort. You're the only person who has ever survived his wrath. There is something special about you. Something that comes from deep inside of your soul; Albus was aware of it the day you were born."

"They don't know, about me, do they?" Harry looked at Dumbledore, and there was no mistaking her meaning.

"No, but it's time that they did." He answered as Circe and Remus returned with Phaedra.

"Miss Harry, mummy made cocoa with peppermint and marshmallows."

"Umm...That sounds yummy," she replied taking the cup Remus offered.

"Once we have finished our drinks I think it will be time for Phaedra to go back to sleep. She has a busy day tomorrow," Dumbledore tussled the little girl's hair affectionately.

"Do I go to first grade tomorrow, mummy?"

"No, dear, you start the day after, but we will be going home tomorrow."

"I want to go to Hogwarts with everybody else. Why can't I go?"

Harry smiled, and had begun to relax. "Phaedra you're too little to go to Hogwarts. You have to be eleven."

"I could go now. I'm smart enough. Mummy says I am as smart as Uncle Tiberius." She replied proudly.

"What about your Uncle Severus?"

"Him too," she smiled sweetly, looking at Snape with her big brown eyes.

"You my dear little niece are a little conniver. You are too young to go to Hogwarts," Severus hugged her adoringly, and they all smiled.

"Oh...can I at least stay with Miss Harry tonight? I'll make her promise not to do any more magic."

"Very well, but you are to go right to sleep," Dumbledore looked at her over his spectacles.

"I promise," she said handing her cup to Circe and lying down. "Miss Harry, can I have Mr. Hoppity Hop back now? He wants to go to sleep too."

"Of course," Harry tucked the bunny in with her, and they all kissed her goodnight. Phaedra never saw Dumbledore wave his wand to charm her to sleep so they could talk to Harry.

"Now, my dear sweet little rule breaking Gryffindor," Dumbledore put his arm around her. "I want you to promise me you will do no more unauthorized magic."

"I can't promise that," Harry looked at him fondly. I can however, promise that I will try not to do any more unauthorized magic."

"Very shrewd answer, Harry," Remus quipped.

"It's the only honest one I can give. It just bothers me that people believe I can't be trusted."

"Child, you are trusted. You just need to learn to control what you are capable of doing. We put the no magic rule into place just for that reason. Young witches and wizards were getting hurt or causing destruction of property."

"Albus, you said something before about there being a reason for Harry's abilities and her having survived the Dark Lord's Curse. What is it?"

"Is this true, Albus?" Remus asked and Circe looked on curiously.

"What I am about to tell all of you is to go no further than this room. This is for Harry's protection as well as her privacy. I want your word of honor on this as Members of the Order of the Phoenix."

"You have my word," they all replied simultaneously.

"Harry is a direct descendant of Godric Gryffindor on James side, and indirectly from both Merlin and Salina Slytherin, Salazar's younger sister, on Lily's. This is why she is able to command such power, and has so many traits from both the houses."

Sirius whistled, Snape made a swift movement of his head to look at her, Remus jaw dropped. Circe merely gave a thin smile and arched her brow. She had suspected all along that there was more to Harry than they all knew.

"Remind me never to study genealogy," Harry joked. I liked it better when I was just plain old Harry. "So much for Voldemort saying I was just a baby with no extraordinary powers that time in the Chamber of Secrets."

"Voldemort doesn't know this?" Snape's dark eyes were glittering dangerously.

"I think he may suspect something about Lily. According to what Harry can remember, he tried to get her to move aside when she tried to block his path. He only killed her since she refused to move. Otherwise he does not know."

"Honey, I never knew James was a direct descendant from Gryffindor. He never told me."

"Sirius he probably thought you either wouldn't believe him or that he was bragging. I only found out myself when Dumbledore asked me to do the Protectorship."

"Princess that is one hell of a family tree," Remus shook his head, still trying to grasp the implications of the situation.

"Albus, was it not Godric Gryffindor that stood up to Slytherin, causing him to abandon Hogwarts?"

"You are well aware that it was, Severus. Why would you ask?"

Snape shifted, "Do you have any idea what the actual reasons were? Surely it wasn't just the question of who to admit as students."

"No, Severus, it was not. Slytherin was a practitioner of the Dark Arts. That is why he built the Chamber of Secrets. He wanted all students to be well versed in what the others felt was a blight on the magical world."

"Of course," Circe said looking at Dumbledore, "it was Medieval Times. The Muggles were suspicious of anything magical. He probably wanted to instill control over them with intimidation and fear."

"Hello," Harry waved her hands, "does anybody besides me see a parallel here?"

"Very good, Child," Dumbledore nodded.

"It comes down to nothing more that an old fashioned power struggle. As Voldemort has said there is no good and evil, only power. Too bad he's only partially correct."

"What makes you say that, Harry?" Snape asked quizzically.

"I'd like to know myself, Honey, "Sirius agreed.

"Of course there is good and evil," Remus frowned, otherwise we would have chaos."

"You too my loveable werewolf are also partially correct. You see good and evil are the same power. If you take your powers and do something beneficial, it will inherently amount to something good. Use that same power to cause pain and suffering it becomes a thing to be abhorred, ergo evil."

"How does this theory of yours do with such things as werewolves?" Snape asked sardonically.

"Actually Remus is a prime example," she flashed him a smile. "Remus is a good hard working man, who wants nothing more than to have a home and family to care about. He is patient and kind and generally an overall nice person. He is well liked until people find out he's a werewolf. Then they become afraid and shun him. He is considered evil and an unnatural thing to be feared and abhorred. He has a sickness that people don't understand. If it is any help, they still react the same way to people with HIV and leprosy. They are considered unclean; therefore, they are something evil. Ignorance promotes evil."

"Child, I couldn't have said it better myself," Dumbledore hugged her warmly.

"Thank you princess, you are truly a remarkable witch."

"Thanks, now that I have given my seventeen going on thirty speeches for the night, I really would like to go to sleep. I don't know what Circe put in this cocoa, but it has put me into a very nice state of lethargy. If you're all going to yell at me for doing a few charms to make a little girl unafraid, then you had better do so now," Harry yawned, stretching out lazily, her eyes heavy.

"No, Child, but I expect you to keep your promise. I have to be getting back to Hogwarts, so behave yourself or I will let Severus keep you occupied in the dungeons for a month."

"Not a good idea, just think of all the things I could mix up!" She grinned wickedly at Snape, and Circe laughed. "Remus, go to bed. You look like you were out chasing too many rabbits tonight. It may be raining but it was still the last night of the full moon."

"I can assure you I wasn't. I was with Sirius and he will vouch for me."

"Now I know you were up to no good," she giggled. "Sirius, will you stay for awhile?"

"Of course, honey. I'll stay till you fall asleep," Sirius said taking her hand in his as the others bid them good night.. "I'm sorry I yelled at you. You had me scared half out of my mind. I just pictured you up here trying to keep Voldemort away from you and Phaedra..."

"I didn't mean to scare everyone. I just wanted to make Phaedra feel better. I'm sorry," Harry yawned again.

"Will you do something for me?"

"You bet I will, what do you want?"

"Will you show me what you showed Phaedra? I've never seen bowling angels or clouds that bump their butts," Sirius gave her his best smile.

"You are one handsomely wicked wizard. It's a good thing you're such a nice guy or Voldemort wouldn't stand a chance. You would have every single witch for miles around eating out of your hand. Talk about power. I should lock you up to keep the female populace safe."

"Go to sleep Harry," Sirius laughed, and she closed her eyes obediently, as he kissed her on the forehead. "I will see you in the morning."

Harry was asleep within five minutes. Sirius lingered for a few minutes more watching her. 'I love you Harry James Potter. Hurry and grow up so I can tell you. I know you can feel it, but like me, you are honor bound to wait. I don't know if you and I are soul mates yet, but if you are destined for another, I promise I will always be near. I am your strength, but you have also been mine.'

Sirius quietly went downstairs and returned to bed. Tomorrow he would be back at Hogwarts and there would be all the preparations to be done before the feast. It would be interesting to see how Harry would make out with Snape on the train. He laughed, knowing that Snape had never really cared for the train back in the old days. As he settled himself into bed, he could hear Remus snoring softly. It had been a bad transformation this month, and he knew his friend was exhausted. The scare Harry had given them hadn't helped either. As he drifted off to sleep, he made a mental note to tell his friend how much he appreciated him. He knew only too well that Harry had been right about what she had said. He also thought that maybe next month their 'little phoenix' might like to join them on a romp. He would ask Dumbledore, and it could be used as a learning experience in the forest, but he would not tell Harry, not until the old man approved it.

Harry woke to a warm sunny morning. Phaedra was already up and had gone down to breakfast. Checking to make sure she had everything she needed in her trunk, Harry dressed quickly in her jeans and cotton shirt, pulling on a pair of sneakers. She then secured Hedwig's cage, and went downstairs to eat. She and Remus arrived at the same time.

"Well it looks like our two sleepy heads have finally gotten themselves up and dressed," Sirius quipped, drinking a cup of hot black coffee.

"Miss Harry, you didn't forget that you will send me mail with Hedwig?" Phaedra asked munching on a piece of toast with jelly.

"I didn't forget. I will send you one by the end of the week. I will tell you all about the feast tonight, and how your uncle behaved on the train," Harry looked wickedly at Snape.

"Miss Potter, I don't know why you seem to think I have a problem with taking the train with you. As your protector it is my obligation to see that you are kept safe."

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean you have to like it," she smiled even wider, and Remus winked while Sirius snickered.

"Oh, honey, this came for you early this morning. Dumbledore sent the names of all the four prefects for each house and the Head Boy. I know he doesn't need to remind you that you will all be in the first two cars."

"So tell me what is so special about those two cars?"

"I haven't a clue. Your father and mother were Head Boy and Girl and Remus was a Prefect. I was not allowed," Sirius curled his lip, and Snape grunted.

"Really now, I have it on good authority that you were sneaked into the front car. Isn't that right, Professor Snape?"

"I have no idea. If he was, I didn't see him."

"Oh, is that why you sent me that letter complaining about how they flagrantly got away with disobeying the rules?" Circe questioned her younger brother.

"Ha! I was right, besides, Dumbledore told me. Severus was a Prefect too and he ratted you all out, but all you got was detention."

"Yes, if it had been up to me..."

"You would have expelled them, we know," Harry smirked sarcastically.

"Miss Harry, do you tease Uncle Severus in class like that? Is that why he always gives you 'tention?"

"Detention, Phaedra. Do you think I'm being naughty to your uncle?"

"Yes, do you do it a lot?"

"Professor, do I do it a lot? I really never kept track."

"Miss Harry gets detention about once a month, Phaedra. I don't expect you to be naughty like her when you go to school. Will you promise your Uncle Severus you will behave?"

"Um...I guess so. What if my teacher is mean? What if she wants me to do something I don't like? Shouldn't I tell her?"

Harry had to put her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing. Sirius was grinning wickedly, and Remus poured himself a cup of tea, pretending not to hear.

"Phaedra, you have to do what your teacher tells you," Circe told her gently.

"But mummy what if I don't want to. What if it is something I don't like to do?"

"Then you tell your mum what happened and she will make sure your Uncle Severus puts your teacher in her place," Harry said brightly, putting Snape on the spot.

"Will you put a spell on her if she does that?" she asked her uncle.

"No, Phaedra, I will talk with your mum and we will talk to the teacher to see what the problem is."

"Oh pooh, I hoped you would turn her into a pony. Then I could ride her to school."

"Phaedra, how about if I turn Miss Harry into a pony, then you could ride her?"

"Miss Harry, would you let Uncle Severus turn you into a pony? We could play before you go to the train."

"That is not such a good idea, Phaedra. We don't have the room, but he could turn me into a dog or a cat," Harry dared Snape, while Remus watched with interest and Sirius looked at Harry shaking his head negatively. Harry grinned at she turned back to her breakfast. Too late, she saw his wand move, and the flash of white out of the corner of her eye. Harry had been transformed into a black Labrador retriever puppy.

"I warned you, honey. Now what are you going to do?"

The pup jumped down from the table, and went over to Phaedra. She sat down and begged. The little girl giggled, and gave her a piece of bacon.

"Mummy, can we keep Miss Harry as a puppy?"

"No, I don't think she would be too happy. Your Uncle Severus only transformed her to teach her some manners. Your reaction time is too slow, Harry. You underestimated your opponent," Circe said to the pup, which tilted her head listening. She then waddled over to Sirius and began to whine.

"You brought it on yourself, honey. I think you should think twice about daring Severus to transform you from now on," Sirius said picking her up in his arms. She licked his face affectionately. "Now go over and apologize to him," he set her down on the floor and she waddled over to where Snape sat, reading The Daily Prophet."

"Ruff...ruff..." She barked wagging her tail and sitting up.

Snape ignored her. "Circe, pass me the preserves please," he asked his sister as he took another piece of toast.

Harry rolled over and began to whine. Snape merely reached down and rubbed the puppy's tummy. "Ruff...Ruff..." she tried again wagging her tail. Snape still ignored her.

"Uncle Severus, Miss Harry wants to be a people again."

"That's person, Phaedra, not people. People mean more than one," Snape corrected as he continued to read the paper.

Harry wandered over to Remus and began to cry. She knew Snape was deliberately toying with her, but she was getting angry and scared. It would be just like him to suggest they leave her as a dog to keep Voldemort from finding her. Remus picked her up petting her gently.

"Don't cry, puppy Harry. Severus will turn you back when he's ready. He is just trying to scare you," Harry continued to cry, and was getting louder. "Severus, don't you think she's had enough?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about. She offered to let me transform her to play with Phaedra, so I did," Snape answered derisively.

Remus put Harry back down on the floor, and she wandered back to Phaedra, who gave her some more bacon, but Harry refused it. She began to think of ways to make Snape turn her back to a human. She knew that Sirius and Remus could do it for her, but they wanted her to get Snape to do it herself. She considered taking Phaedra's stuffed bunny, or growling at the little girl, but thought that would be mean. She was mad at Snape, not Phaedra. She then decided to let him now she was getting mad. Scooting under the table, she grabbed the hem of his robe in her mouth and decided to play tug-o -war.

"Look Uncle Severus, Miss Harry wants to play with you," Phaedra laughed with delight.

"She'll be sorry if she tears my new robes."

"Uncle Severus, you wouldn't hurt her would you?"

"Don't worry, Phaedra, your uncle wouldn't hurt Harry. He just wants to get her mad."

"Why?"

"You wouldn't understand, Child," Dumbledore's voice came from the door to the kitchen.

"Headmaster," Snape rose from his seat with Harry still clinging to the hem of his robes. "This isn't what it looks like."

"Isn't it?" Dumbledore asked mildly. "Harry you make a lovely puppy. I see you have already started to get on Severus bad side, and classes haven't even begun. Now come over here and I will turn you back, but you have to promise you won't instigate any more little pranks."

Harry looked at Dumbledore, and then at Severus. She knew it was a promise she would never be able to keep so she kept on pulling at Severus robes. She wanted him to change her back, not Dumbledore.

"Headmaster, apparently Miss Potter likes being a puppy," Snape remarked, through clenched teeth. He wanted to kick her off, but didn't dare for fear of upsetting Phaedra.

"Miss Harry, Uncle Severus is getting mad at you," Phaedra said picking her up. Harry let go of Snape's robe and happily wagged her tail, licking Phaedra's face. "You're a funny puppy. Would you like to go outside?" she asked opening the door, and Harry barked, leaping to the floor and scooting out the door.

"Phaedra, no!" her mother yelled too late.

"Shit! " Snape swore under his breath, as Sirius transformed and ran out after Harry.

Harry made it as far as the end of the road before Sirius caught up with her, cornering her by the fence separating their property from the neighbors. He didn't transform to avoid being seen by any Muggles even though it appeared no one was about. He growled his displeasure with her, and picked her up by the scruff, carrying her back to the house. He then unceremoniously plopped her onto the kitchen floor at Dumbledore's feet. The headmaster bent down and picked her up.

"Child, you certainly know how to get into trouble. You could have been injured outside or picked up by the dog catcher," he chastised gently. "Now why won't you let me turn you back?"

"Ruff, ruff, ruff..."she barked. She had the uncanny feeling he knew she was telling him she wanted Snape to do it. She wondered idly if Sirius understood her too. He barked in response, looking at her down his muzzle.

"Look mummy, Miss Harry and Mr. Sirius are talking to one another."

"I do believe you are right, Phaedra. I wonder what they are saying."

"She told him she wants Uncle Severus to change her back, and not Dumbledore or one of them. She is mad at them for leaving her as a puppy. I can hear her talking in her head."

"Phaedra, you possess a wonderful gift, but it is not polite to listen to what people are thinking unless they give you permission or it is a matter of life and death," Dumbledore smiled at the little girl.

"Mummy told me that last night and showed me how not to hear them, but Miss Harry and Mr. Sirius are dogs right now. Does that make a difference?"

"Woof, ruff," Harry and Sirius both barked telling her it was okay in their minds.

"They said it was okay," she smiled petting them.

"Severus, I would dearly love to allow the two of you to continue your battle of wills," Dumbledore looked serious, "but the Hogwart's express leaves promptly at eleven and the ministry cars will be here in an hour. I will be needing Sirius and Remus back at Hogwarts. I only came this morning to check on Harry after her fainting spell last night. I see she has fully recovered," he looked at the puppy, and she wagged her tail going over to give him her paw. "Now please turn her back."

"As you wish, Headmaster," Snape waved his wand, and Harry reappeared sitting on the floor, looking a bit confused.

"Thank you, Headmaster. If it weren't for you I would have been a puppy for at least another few minutes, but I have to go now."

"Harry, you shouldn't run off on Albus. He will only be here for another few minutes," Remus told her as he sipped his tea.

"You misunderstand me. I really have to go. If Severus hadn't changed me back his new boots would have been christened," she said running up the hall to the bathroom. She could hear Dumbledore laughing as she ran.

She gave Sirius the silent treatment for the rest of the morning, until he finally came up to her and pulled a big red rose out of his wand.

"That is an easy trick, anyone can do it," she told him coldly.

"You're still mad at me?"

"You let him transform me and then told me you wouldn't make him turn me back."

"I wanted you to learn not to underestimate him. Severus is a very strong wizard and you are lucky to have him as an ally."

"That's an odd thing to hear from someone who professes to hate him so much."

"I've grown up a bit. We may never be close but we have come to respect one another's abilities. Besides, he has been helping to protect you from the time you got to Hogwarts seven years ago. He wanted you to know that if he had been Voldemort there would have been no second chances. You would have been killed."

"Traitor," she pouted.

"No, protector. You can expect a lot of surprises from all of us in your tutoring sessions this year. I for one want to make sure you stay alive," he looked at her fondly. "Now go on. I see the Weasley's are here, and Severus does not like to be kept waiting."

"She has found that out on more than one occasion," Snape smiled thinly from the front door.

"Where is Remus?" Harry asked ignoring Snape's remark.

"Here I come," he said coming down the stairs with Circe and Phaedra, "now behave for Severus on the train. I don't want to find he's turned you into a toad by the time you get to school."

"He'd like that too much. I could just see him putting me into some jar to be gutted for one of his mad experiments."

"Would you really do that to Miss Harry, Uncle Severus?"

"Miss Harry was just teasing, baby."

"That's right. He would turn me into a kitten and give me to you for a pet."

"Miss Harry, you're still teasing me," Phaedra smiled.

"You're right. Now I have a surprise for you before you go. I know you're mum will like to kill me for this, but I went ahead and got it anyway. You did such a good job helping with Snuffles all summer that I have a present for you."

"Harry, I hope it isn't a puppy. Even living with Uncle Tiberius we don't have time to train a dog," Circe said worriedly.

"No, I know how much work a dog is. So, I thought and thought and came up with the perfect pet for Phaedra. Come here," she pulled Phaedra into the parlor while the others watched from the door. A medium sized cage was on the coffee table, covered with a towel. "Meet Mr. Hoppity Hop Jr." Harry pulled the towel off the cage to reveal a small floppy eared gray rabbit.

"Oh Miss Harry," Phaedra squealed with delight, "He's beautiful. Is he really for me? Can I keep him mummy? Please?"

"Yes Phaedra," Circe smiled, "you can keep him."

"Thank you...thank you..." Phaedra hugged Harry tightly.

"This bag has his rabbit food, and a book for your mum to read with you that will teach you how to take care of him," Harry said giving Circe the bag. "Now you have to remember not to squeeze him, or he could get hurt, he isn't stuffed like your other bunny."

"I'll remember, Miss Harry. I promise to take good care of him."

"Okay, cause if you don't I will take him back. He needs lots of love and he likes to be pet very gently." Harry carefully took the rabbit out of the cage and showed Phaedra how to hold and pet him.

"Look mummy, he likes me," Phaedra beamed merrily.

"Okay, now lets put him back in the cage, because we have to be leaving for the station," Harry gently put the rabbit back in his cage, and handed it to Professor Snape to carry out to the car with Phaedra.

"Now try not to drive my little brother too crazy this year," Circe smiled, "and keep in touch," she hugged Harry, before getting into her car with Phaedra, the rabbit cage between them.

Harry then hugged Remus, "you try and get some rest today. You look like one good hex will finish you off."

"Now where have I heard that before," Remus smiled hugging her good bye.

"As for you Mr. Don Juan of Hogwarts..."

"Have another rose?" he interrupted her with a huge grin; his charm at it's fullest, as he pulled another flower from his wand.

"Arrrggghhh...what am I ever going to do with you?" Harry shook her head, taking the flower and giving him a hug.

"We'll see you tonight at the feast. Have fun on the train."

"I will," Harry smiled getting into her car with Ron, Snape getting in beside her. Mr. and Mrs.Weasley were in the first car with Ginny. Harry waved at Remus and Sirius until they were out of sight. She knew they were just going to lock up the house, and then apparate to Hogwarts. They would be at the school before she even got to the station.

"Harry, what is in the letter in your hand?" Ron asked as she settled herself in the car.

"This is the names of the four prefects, two for each house and the name of the Head Boy. As Head Girl I have to have a meeting with all of you before we get to school."

"Professor Snape, will you be apparating from the station once Harry is safely on the train?"

"You didn't tell him?" Snape asked arching his brow, a thin smile forming on the corners of his mouth.

"Tell me what?"

"I'm not allowed to travel alone. Professor Snape will be escorting me on the train," Harry looked at Ron keeping her face deadpan.

"You're daft. No offense Professor, but she is joking, isn't she?" Ron's lip curled and he looked from one to the other.

"No, Mr. Weasley she is not. However if you prefer I will sit in a different car."

"Oh, no, Professor I wouldn't hear of it," Ron choked, glaring at Harry, who was grinning from ear to ear.

"Would you like to know who the new Prefects are?"

"Who?" Ron managed, eyeing Snape doubtfully.

"Aside from you and Hermione, the Head Boy is...Neville. Oh, I'm so happy for him. He tries so hard; this will help to bolster his confidence."

"Who are the Prefects in the other houses?"

"Let's see, in Ravenclaw the Prefects are David Mandrake and Padma Patil, and I'll bet David will have fun trading places with his twin to drive us all crazy," Harry smiled rolling her eyes.

"Who are the others?" Ron asked.

"Let me see," Harry scanned down to Hufflepuff. "In Hufflepuff, we have Susan Bones and Chad Ravenwood."

"Susan is a nice girl. I talk with her on occasion when we have class with the Hufflepuffs. I don't really know Chad though," Ron informed her. "Who are the Slytherin's?" he asked looking at Snape who was watching for his reaction.

"Oh fu...dge," Harry corrected herself quickly as Snape looked at her down his nose. "You aren't going to like this."

"Don't you dare tell me it's Malfoy," Ron moaned, already knowing the answer. I know he helped you and everything, but isn't he still half a year behind?"

"Yeah, but you don't have to be a seventh year to be a Prefect. Besides, he will be able to make it up just like Hermione."

"Miss Potter is correct; he will be taking additional classes to finish on time," Professor Snape offered, with a thin smile. "Everyone deserves a second chance."

"Don't rub it in. I still don't particularly care for him, although I do feel badly about what happened. How has he been?"

"The Headmaster told me he is living with his aunt. He is very angry about the death of his mother, and wants to avenge her."

"I can't say I blame him for that," Ron agreed. "His old man is a real SOB. What kind of sick person murders his wife and tries to kill his only son?"

"One who would do anything the Dark Lord asks. One who is so blinded by hate and the lust for power that human life whether Muggle or Wizard means nothing to him,"

Professor Snape told them quietly.

"Well, let's try and be nice to him. He's been through a lot. I know; I was there. Besides, he did help me to escape from the Riddle Mansion."

"I'll be civil, Harry, but only because he helped you. Who is the other Prefect?"

"It is none other than Millicent Bulstrode. Maybe we should tell Hermione to watch out for the cat hairs?" Harry laughed, and Ron joined her, remembering the disaster with the Polyjuice potion as they pulled into King's Cross.

It was ten forty five, and they had to hurry to get to Platform 9 ¾. The Hogwarts Express always left promptly at Eleven A.M. Snape helped with the luggage, and Harry grinned as he passed through the barrier between platforms nine and ten. He merely leaned against it as if he was casually watching for the next train and allowed himself to fall through. Harry and Ron went next, at their usual run, and almost collided with Hermione who was waiting on the other side.

"Honestly you two, can't you be more careful?" she shook her head smiling.

"Where's Snape?" Ron asked, glancing around.

"I'm right behind you, Mr.Weasley. I was warned by Miss Granger that you are a reckless driver with that cart." Ron looked up to see Snape staring down at him. Harry couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Come on, we get the first two cars. I'm curious to see if there is anything special about them like the Prefect's bathrooms."

"When were you in the Prefect bathroom, Miss Potter?"

"The night I took a bath with a golden egg. Cedric Diggory gave me the password," she told Snape looking at him sadly. She didn't want to remember the events that led up to the night that Cedric had been murdered. The night that Voldemort had returned.

"I see," he replied quietly, briefly putting his hand on her shoulder in a show of understanding.

As Harry worked her way through the train to the front two compartments, friends and acquaintances waved and said hello. She saw the boot maker's son, Samuel Coffee, who was just starting his first year. Her friends Seamus and Dean were sitting with the Creevey brothers, Colin now a sixth year and his brother Dennis now a fourth year. Neville and most of the other Prefects were waiting for Harry. It turned out that the first two compartments had to be opened by a password, and Harry had all the passwords.

"And the password is..." Harry laughed, "Dumbledore had to have written these, Tutti Fruitti ice cream," the doors immediately slid open. Once inside they found that, the two cars were actually one. They were plushly upholstered and had footrests and tea tables. There were lamps carved into dragons, and a chandelier that swayed from the ceiling. "Once we're all settled, I will give out your passwords, and will inform each Prefect of his duties and rounds. Any problems you are to come to me first and we will then go to the Head of your House. As you can see, we have a guest Professor on the train today, Professor Snape. I expect you to treat him with the utmost courtesy and decorum. Besides if we don't we'll all be gutting salamanders by the end of the week," Harry joked as everyone laughed. The meeting passed swiftly, and everyone was chatting happily, except Draco, whom they all seemed to be avoiding. 'Ron is going to hate me for this, but I might not be here today if it weren't for Draco,' Harry thought to herself. Getting up from her seat, she went over to see him.

"Is something the matter, Potter?" He asked snidely.

"Yeah, you're the matter," she looked down at him from where she was standing. "I don't like to see my friends sitting all alone," she said loudly, and all heads turned. "Come and sit with us, and we'll pig out on some goodies from the cart. There are also special treats just for us too." Harry could feel the whole car watching them. "We can sit and make fun of those too goons you used to hang out with, Crabbe and Goyle. Don't know what you ever saw in them. They kept their brains where the sun don't shine."

Some of the students snickered, but they were all waiting to see what Malfoy would do. Most had heard what had happened to his mother and there were rumors that his father had tried to kill him. Somehow, they all knew that Harry had been there and knew the entire truth, but Malfoy's father was a Deatheater. Could Harry Potter actually be forgiving her former rival? Would she associate with the son of a Deatheater? Was Malfoy someone that they could trust? Dumbledore had made him a Prefect; did that mean he was not bad like his father?

"I will be delighted," Malfoy stood up to his full height of six feet. Harry had to admit he was nice looking. He offered Harry his arm and she took it. Ron was glaring at her, but she knew he would understand. Hermione placed her hand on Ron's arm, and whispered something in his ear. She could see him nod, and they both got up and met Harry half way.

"Hey, Malfoy," Ron extended his hand, "how have you been?"

"Holding up, Weasley, and yourself?" Draco replied accepting Ron's handshake.

"Managing pretty good I suppose."

"You been doing okay too, Granger?"

"I'm still recovering, but I'm getting there. I'm glad to see you back, come and have a seat. We've plenty of room."

"Yeah," Neville chimed in, "we were concerned that you wouldn't want to come back. You're smart, and should be able to catch up without a problem."

Gradually one by one all the students started to talk to Draco Malfoy. He was being accepted back into the fold. If Harry Potter could forgive him, than everything would be okay.

"You are to be commended, Miss Potter," Snape whispered to her with quiet dignity, "he still has a difficult road ahead, but you have just removed some of the bumps."

"Everyone deserves a second chance, Professor. You of all people should know that. Just do me a favor and keep an eye on him. He will need all the support he can get. There are those who will still despise him for what he did and what his father is. He will need to learn how to deal with them. He's lonely and afraid for all his outward aplomb. I can feel it."

"I will do what I can for him."

The rest of the trip to Hogwarts was relaxing and everyone was talking about the upcoming school year. Ron was even getting into discussing the upcoming Quidditch season with Draco, and they fell into a friendly argument over who would win the house cup. Draco was also interested to know about the student teacher Quidditch competition and hoped they would play again this year. He was eager to see if he would make the team, since the students did not have to play their regular positions. He also felt he had grown too tall to be a seeker and wanted to become a chaser or keeper. He was even being nice to Neville Longbottom and offered to help him with his Potions. A new, mellower, Draco Malfoy, would step off the Hogwarts Express.

Halfway through the trip the witch came with the food cart, and much to everyone's surprise Professor Snape bought them all extra goodies. Their new positions as part of the student hierarchy also entitled them to special snacks of sandwiches, and juice, which were provided free. Everyone ate their fill, making sure to save room for the dinner feast. It was a good day, and the sun was low in the sky as the train pulled into Hogsmeade Station.

Hagrid was there as usual and greeted Harry as she got off the train. He was herding all the first years into the boats for their trip across the lake. The castle was ablaze with torchlight reflected in the dark water. Harry stood for a moment looking up at the castle. She wanted to remember it as if it was the first time she had ever seen it. She looked back at the train, and felt a tear fall from her eye.

"Is something wrong Miss Potter?"

"No, Professor. I was just thinking that this is the last time I will ever be doing this. I wanted to remember it in my mind for the rest of my life, however long that may be."

"I understand, Miss Potter, take your time."

"Professor, promise me something."

"What?"

"Promise me that if I die you and Remus and Sirius will all stay together."

"I won't promise that, because you aren't going to die. You are going to defeat Lord Voldemort and live a long and happy life. You are just feeling morose because you are in your seventh year and are remembering when you first came to Hogwarts," Snape said adjusting the tie on her uniform. She had changed into robes just before they reached Hogsmeade. He could feel Harry's eyes burning into him. 'Don't you start crying on me. I don't want you to sense how worried I really am about you,' Snape thought as he took her arm and steered her to the carriages.

The Great Hall looked splendid with the candles all lit, and the night sky reflected in it. Harry took her seat at the table and saw Snape go around the back to come up the dais to sit with the other teachers, taking the vacant seat between Sirius and Remus.

Interestingly enough there were no new teachers this year. Dumbledore looked positively regal in gold brocade robes with a matching hat. He smiled at her as she took her seat. Snape was deep in conversation with Remus and Sirius. 'You old devil, you're probably telling them what I said about dying.' Sirius looked over at her and immediately changed the frown on his face to a smile and winked. Remus gave her a quick wave.

Finally, McGonagall came in and placed the three-legged stool with the sorting hat at the front of the room. She then reappeared with the first years as they filed in two by two. There were about fifty of them, and the sorting took awhile. Harry watched the boot maker's son, Samuel Coffee with interest as his name was called. He walked up to the stool and put on the hat.

"Hmm...Interesting," the hat said thinking as it looked into his mind, "you have a good heart...strong willed...Gryffindor!" It announced, and Harry greeted him into her house as Snape nodded in her direction. Gryffindor added twelve new students, ten to Slytherin, and fourteen each to Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff.

Next came the school song. Harry and Ron and the rest of the Prefects all sang loudly, as did the rest of the student body. They had arranged to do it as a show of unity in these uncertain times. By this time, they were all-hungry and were waiting for Dumbledore to announce the beginning of the feast. He looked down from the dais at her, and winked.

"Before we eat it is my pleasure to inform you that this year we will again have a student teacher Quidditch competition." The students went wild with delight. "There will also be no weekend trips into Hogsmeade due to the volatile situation with Lord Voldemort." The students murmured amongst themselves nervously at the mention of the Dark Lord. "All students are again reminded that the Forbidden Forest is off limits, and the third floor girl's bathroom remains closed due to the plumbing problems."

"Yeah, Moaning Myrtle," someone called out from the back of the room and the older students all laughed.

"We have also scheduled a May Day formal feast for the spring, and it will be open to all fourth year students and up. Those of you who do not have formal robes are encouraged to get them if you will be attending. Finally, let me say that I am glad to see you all again. Let the feast begin!"

Harry and her friends heaped their plates with food, and ate until they were stuffed. Harry felt it was the best feast ever, and Ron agreed. She was happy to he home, but could not shake the feelings of foreboding. Ron and Hermione sensed her feelings, and did they best to keep her mind off the Prophecy. By the time the feast had ended and Dumbledore dismissed them to their dorms, Harry was ready for bed. All the Prefects had their own rooms, and Harry had been able to keep hers from the year before. As she headed up the hall from the common room, the torch lamps flickered wildly. Nearing her room she saw three figures waiting for her, and smiled.

"You didn't think we would let you go without saying good night," Sirius hugged her. " Those Prefect robes suit you. You're a born leader."

"He just likes to show you off," Remus laughed. "I on the other hand, think you look good no matter what you have on."

"Professor," Harry turned to Snape,"you had to tell them what I said when we got off the train."

"I was concerned. It isn't like you to be so morose. It is our job to worry for you."

"Sorry, but it's not going to work. Am I worried, yes. Can I do anything about it? No. I am just going to have to live one day at a time and hope for the best. Nothing in life is certain Professor with the exception of death and taxes. Most people will face having to pay taxes before they must confront their mortality. I have to hope I live long enough to worry about paying taxes." She looked at them all squarely, and stood as proudly as she believed her parents would have done in the same situation. "The only good thing about the whole situation is that one way or another a monster by the name of Tom Malvolo Riddle, a.k.a. Lord Voldemort is worrying too. He is sitting out there somewhere tonight worried that a seventeen-year-old girl has the guts and the power to bring him down. He knows it and so do I."

"My dear, you are a true Gryffindor," Dumbledore appeared from the shadows. "You sound like your father, and have the spirit of your mother."

"I know. I watched them die, twice, remember?" It had been almost one year now since she had been sent back in time by Voldemort to witness the final hours of her parents lives. Her father had sent her to safety knowing he was about to die. "Dumbledore," she said uttering her password and letting them into her room. The fire was burning in the grate, and the lamps were on low. The room was cozy and she couldn't wait to climb into the huge four-poster bed.

"Harry, your password is Dumbledore?" Remus asked with a smile.

"Yeah," she smiled, "the Headmaster was pressed for time, so he gave me his name. He's entitled to a little bit of vanity now and then. Where is Snuffles?"

"She is over at Hagrid's. There will be more room for her there and she won't have to be cooped up during the day," Sirius explained.

"Child, we can bring her up if you wish?"

"I think I would like her here at night, but maybe if Hagrid can keep her during the day?"

"Of course," Dumbledore nodded, "I will send for her."

"It can wait till tomorrow. I'm sure Hagrid is as tired as I am."

"Go on and change then, and we'll wait for you," Sirius smiled disarmingly.

"Okay, I know that look. What are you all up to?"

"It was Severus' idea, Princess, Dumbledore approved, and we agreed."

"What was his idea?"

"This," Severus held up a small vial of purple liquid which Harry recognized as the dreamless sleeping potion.

"That is the best idea you have all had all day. I am exhausted and absolutely do not want that nasty SOB of a wizard getting into my head tonight. Give me ten seconds to change," Harry grabbed her nightgown from where the house elves had laid it out, and went into her bathroom. She changed quickly and coming out hung up her robes and put her soiled clothes into the laundry.

"Child, you are being so obedient that I am wondering if you are under a charm of some sort," Dumbledore teased her as she climbed into bed.

"Would it make you feel better if I do a little mischief to prove I'm perfectly fine?"

"It would."

"Oh, goody, I have been wanting to do this for ages," Harry looked at them with a devious smile, her eyes sparkling. Picking up her wand, she waved it at the Headmaster, and his beard immediately began to weave itself into a long braid.

"Mr. Chang would be pleased," Dumbledore laughed referring to the old Chinese gentleman who was his friend. "I do believe it is a nicer one than he has, and I can see mine." They all erupted into waves of laughter, including Snape, who found the idea of braiding one's beard ludicrous.

"I assume she can take the potion now?"

"It would be a wise idea, Severus, before she finds a way to do some more antics."

"Princess," Remus smiled, sleep well. I will see you in class tomorrow."

"Harry do you want me to stay for awhile?" Sirius asked kissing her on the forehead.

"No, this stuff works quite swiftly. Go on to bed and get some sleep."

"All right. I will see you at breakfast in the Great Hall." He then departed with Remus leaving her alone with Snape and Dumbledore.

"Have either of you anything to say before I go off to dreamland, or should I say dreamless land?"

"Child, try not to fret about the Prophecy. I know you will come out all right."

"Headmaster, I wish I had your confidence, but I will try not to worry. That's what I have Protectors for. They do all the worrying and I get to be the Heroine."

Dumbledore smiled and hugged her gently, "Sleep well, Child."

"Professor Snape, do you have anything to say to me?"

"Yes, I do. I wouldn't advise wandering around at night with your invisibility cloak. I might just catch you this year, and you wouldn't want that particular detention."

"That's my Sevie," she quipped to annoy him, "Always the epitome of decorum . Catch me if you can."

"Good night, Miss Potter."

"Good night, Professor Snape. I will be looking forward to Friday's class," she gave him an evil smile and then downed the potion. It worked almost instantly and he tucked her in gently.

"Sleep well, Harry, for there will be many nights ahead that you will need to rely on your strength, courage, and endurance to see you through," Snape spoke softly to the sleeping figure. He then lowered the lamps and left the room with Dumbledore. They parted at the end of the hall. Dumbledore to go to his tower and Snape retired to his rooms in the dungeon.