The Mathias Prophecy Book III

THE MATHIAS PROPHECY

Phaedra's Hogwarts Christmas

Harry and Phaedra emerged from the maze of tunnels into the woods not far from Hagrid's cottage. As they came out into the moonlight, the baleful howling of a wolf could be heard coming towards them accompanied by a series of deep barks.

Phaedra tightened her hold on Harry's hand. They waited patiently surrounded by Artemis and a number of other Watcher Elves as two large canines came running into view, one a gray wolf and the other a large shaggy black dog. Approaching the group the wolf lay down, crawling on his belly in a show of submission. The dog transformed into a tall black haired man.

"Harry, Phaedra," Sirius gasped with relief, hugging the two girls.

"Come on, Remus," Harry called to the wolf who immediately jumped up and began sniffing and licking them.

"Mr. Remus, you're a funny wolf," Phaedra hugged the werewolf.

"Artemis, thank you for helping," Harry smiled, but she had disappeared into the trees.

"Miss Harry, where did they all go?"

"Home, and so should we," Harry smiled at the child as Sirius picked Phaedra up to carry her. Harry linked her arm with Sirius who hugged her happily. Remus walked ahead of them, ears pricked, and nose to the wind. Halfway to the castle they were met by Dumbledore.

"Child are you all right?"

"I'm fine but I could use a hot shower and a cup of your special hot cocoa."

"How are you little one? Your mother has been very worried."

"Headmaster Mr. Dumbledore, is my mummy here?"

"Yes, she is in my office with your Uncle Severus," he reassured her.

"Is she real mad at me for causing trouble?"

"Little one, you haven't caused any trouble. No one is mad at you. We are all happy and relieved you and Harry are safe," he beamed taking her from Sirius arms as they entered the castle.

"Headmaster, Artemis told me that Ron saw us in the goblet."

"Yes, Child, you were facing Lord Voldemort. It only burned briefly and went out a short time later. You were in the cemetery."

"The Watcher Elves came when I used my amulet."

"I surmised as much. We had been searching for you for some time when I received Artemis' message."

"Phaedra had quite an adventure tonight," Harry smiled at the child, who was nestled contentedly in the Headmaster's long silver beard.

"What's a 'venture?"

"Adventure, Little One," Dumbledore corrected her, "it means you did something exciting."

"Where's mummy?" she asked as they stopped in front of the gargoyle guarding the entrance to his office.

"Right upstairs in my office; do you want to open my secret door?"

"Can I? I don't know how."

"I'll give you the password," he whispered in her ear.

"Cream Puffs," she giggled.

Harry noted that he must have changed it since this afternoon as the giant bird like creature slid aside revealing the moving stairs. They mounted them, and Phaedra was delighted with the action. Opening the door to the office, they were immediately surrounded by the Snapes, and Ron.

"Harry, thank god you're all right. I knew that had to be 'You Know Who,' and I could see you mouth his name," Ron hugged her with relief. "I have never actually seen him until today, you know."

"Well, you haven't missed much. You know tall thin, red eyes, evil expression, and all the usual evil wizard stuff," she looked at Ron grinning wickedly.

"Phaedra, baby, mummy was so worried. Thank Merlin you are safe. Harry thank you for taking care of her," Circe hugged the younger witch, tears of relief streaming down her face.

"Mummy, why are you crying?"

"Sometimes grownups cry when they are happy, honey," Circe hugged her daughter. "Phaedra, what happened to your panties?" Circe said letting the little girl down and looking worriedly at Harry.

"I had an accident, mummy. You aren't mad are you? Miss Harry helped me so I wouldn't stay wet."

"No, Phaedra, mummy isn't mad," Circe answered with relief, "thank you for helping her Harry. The whole ordeal must have been horrendous for you both."

"Headmaster Dumbledore said I had a 'venture."

"You mean adventure," Snape smiled fondly at his niece. "You seem none the worse for wear."

"She was very brave, weren't you honey?" Harry beamed at the little girl. "She was actually a very big help in our escape."

"Of, course; she is a Snape, after all." Harry looked over to the sofa where the voice came from and was surprised to see Tiberius Snape.

"Mr. Snape, I hope we haven't inconvenienced your business trip too much?" Harry asked cordially, going over to shake the elder Snape's hand.

"I take it you have become accustomed to meeting the Dark Lord?"

"Why, old Tom and I are practically on a first name basis," she quipped.

"Miss Harry, who is Tom?"

"That is the bad wizard's real name, Tom Riddle."

"That's a funny name. It sounds like a puzzle game," Phaedra said thoughtfully.

"Harry, are you prepared to tell us exactly what happened?"

"No, we aren't. Phaedra needs a nice bath, and I would like to take a hot shower first. Then I will tell you over a snack and some cocoa. All we've eaten is some soup and fruit with the Watcher Elves."

"Harry, you dined with the Watcher Elves?" Ron asked astounded.

"Yeah, it was kind of neat, too."

"Mummy, did Father Christmas come yet? Will he know I am here at Hogwarts?"

"He will come after you fall asleep, and he knows you're here," she smiled hugging Phaedra again. "Miss Harry is right. You both need to freshen up and you need to get into your pajamas."

"Can I sleep with Miss Harry?"

"Actually, little one, you and Miss Harry and the Protectors will be spending the night with your Uncle Severus. We have set up some extra cots in his quarters," Dumbledore chuckled, looking at Harry.

"Ron, I'm being relegated to the dungeon for Christmas!"

"He will be there too. You are the only two students left in Gryffindor this Christmas, since Ginny went home on the train. We have a very light group this year, since many families wanted to be with their children due to the situation with Voldemort."

"Oh great, Gryffindor's in the Snake pit," Harry pretended to pout.

"Actually, Miss Potter," Severus looked at her, his dark eyes sparkling, "we will be outnumbered. It is five Gryffindors to three Slytherins. Phaedra is not assigned a house."

"Hey, hat, we need to assign Phaedra an honorary house. Do you think you could help us out?" Harry joked looking over to where the sorting hat sat silent vigil on its shelf.

"Eh, Potter, not something I would usually agree to, but it might be interesting to see her now and again when she is old enough to be truly sorted," the Sorting Hat answered to everyone's surprise except Dumbledore.

"Miss Harry, what is that hat going to do?" Phaedra asked suspiciously, as Dumbledore removed the hat from its shelf and it began to sing:

I'm the Hogwart's Sorting Hat

And will tell you all tonight

If Phaedra's brave enough for Gryffindor,

And has the lion's heart

Or hard working Hufflepuff

Whose work she will impart,

Perhaps she'll be in Ravenclaw

Where she will be most clever,

But it is likely she will be

Just like her kith and kin,

Showing strong ambition

To be in Slytherin

"Are you willing to put the hat on your head, little one?" Dumbledore asked his blue eyes twinkling.

"Does it hurt?"

"No, he just can see what is in your mind. This is the famous Hogwarts Sorting Hat. I'm sure your mum and uncles have told you about it," Ron smiled at the little girl.

Phaedra blushed at the attention he gave her, and taking the hat from Dumbledore plunked it on her head. The hat immediately fell onto her shoulders. "It's dark in here," her muffled voice came from inside the hat.

"Hmm...Interesting...she's young yet...but has much potential. Her powers will be strong...she has a quick wit...and passionate...brave too...This is most difficult...but for now I must say...Slytherin!"

Dumbledore removed the hat from Phaedra's head and put it back on the shelf. "Well, Harry, what do you have to say?"

"That hat doesn't know everything. Besides I have six years to work on her."

"Indeed, Miss Potter. I understand that hat originally said you would have done quite well in Slytherin," Tiberius Snape looked at her with the familiar Snape arch to his brow.

"Big mouth," Harry glared at Severus who was smiling wickedly.

"But she's doing even better in Gryffindor," Sirius said coming to her rescue, and Remus whined in agreement.

"Miss Harry, I don't understand. Are you in Gryffindor or Slytherin?"

"Well, Phaedra, I have some very interesting ancestors, so I could have been in either. I chose to be in Gryffindor, like my father and mother. If I hadn't made that request, I would have been placed into Slytherin."

"Harry, what are you talking about?" Ron asked in confusion.

"Headmaster, I am going to assume that all the adults in this room, as members of the Order of the Phoenix, know what it is that you told me when you asked me if I would consider the Right of Protection."

"That is correct," Dumbledore looked at her seriously over his half moon glasses.

"Which means Ron is unaware, of my rather interesting set of ancestors, being too young to be a member of the order, and his parents are not able to share this information despite his being the Guardian of the Goblet?"

"Headmaster," Ron looked at Dumbledore, "what is Harry talking about?"

"I have the feeling Harry is going to tell you herself, Ron. I would prefer she didn't, but it is her right to do so."

"I have every intention of telling him, Professor. I think he deserves to know. He shoulders almost as much responsibility as I do. I merely have one question. Does he know about the ancestor he is named for?" She grinned mischievously.

"No, Harry, he does not."

"In that case, I am going to break a few rules, just for the fun of it, and because Ron really does deserve an explanation, and tell him. Ron, walk me down to my room since I really want a shower, and Phaedra's mother needs to get her ready for bed. I will tell you an interesting story on the way. Then I will meet you all in the dungeon since we are all spending the night in magic potions land. If Phaedra is still awake when I get there we will tell you all what happened."

"Albus, is she always this insolent to her superiors?" Tiberius Snape asked with interest.

"I have been known to bring her to task from time to time."

"Humph...if you think I'm insolent with the headmaster, you should hear how I talk to Voldemort," Harry tossed her head in defiance.

"Miss Harry said a lot of naughty words when she saw the bad wizard," Phaedra chimed in, wanting to be a part of whatever was going on.

"Did she now, Little One?" Dumbledore smiled glancing at Harry. "Do you think Father Christmas will leave her coal?"

"No, but he will leave it to the bad wizard."

They all laughed, and Harry and Ron both headed for the moving stairs to exit Dumbledore's office.

Harry explained to Ron on the way down how she was a direct descendant of Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin's younger sister. She also told him about Gryffindor's friend who had always been at his side. A wizard by the name of Ronald Weasley. The wizard who was his ancestor and whom he had been named for.

"Harry, do you mean to tell me that you and I, well...maybe we were meant to be friends...that our relationship was destined from the beginning?"

"Ron, I don't know. I only know what Dumbledore has told me. He said I am also somehow descended from Merlin, like he is, yet we aren't directly related."

"Wow, Harry, you're almost a real princess," Ron whistled astounded.

"Hardly, I'm really just plain old Harry; and you're my first and best friend. I love you like a brother, and I always will."

"Oh, Harry," Ron blushed, "don't go getting all mushy on me. You know I will always be there for you. You're funny, and brave, and care about the people around you. It is my honor to call you my friend."

"Now who's getting all mushy," she hugged him. "Keep talking like that and you'll get Hermione jealous."

"Hey, she may just end up Mrs. Weasley. It will be a while yet, but who knows?" He winked blushing. "I think she's my soul mate. I hope one day you will find yours."

"I have, but I don't know where it will go, because he is not my heart's passion."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Just that, I love three men, each one in a different way; one is with a passion I never knew I could feel, one that I will do anything to please, and finally one that is always there to listen and comfort me."

"Harry, you're talking about your Protectors, aren't you?"

"Yeah, and I think I am going crazy. I have such a bad feeling that something awful is going to happen. I do not want to lose any of them. I truly love them all."

"Even Snape?" Ron curled his lip with frown.

"Even Snape. There are things about him that you cannot possibly know. Underneath that sour and stern facade is a good and kind loving human being."

"Harry, I think you've gone daft on me."

"You'll just have to trust me on this one, Ron, but I know what I feel inside of him."

"If you say so," he agreed doubtfully. "Now stop being so maudlin. It is Christmas Eve and if I have to spend the night in Snape's quarters I will need you to be your usual perky self."

"One perky witch coming up. I will meet you downstairs. Just give me a little while to shower," she said with a brief smile.

"You take the high road and I'll take the low road and I'll be in the dungeon afore ya," he sang, murdering the old Scottish folk song, as he turned to walk down to his rooms.

"Oh, and Ron," Harry called after him, "what I told you about Gryffindor, that's just between you and me, okay?" He did not answer, but turned, giving her a wink and a salute, and walked down the hall.

Harry hurried into the shower and then found a pretty flannel nightgown, should it be chilly in Snape's dungeon quarters. Donning her robe and slippers, she threw on her invisibility cloak to have a little fun, and headed towards the dungeons. She did not see anyone until she reached the lower floors, and spied Remus. The moon must have set, because he was his human self again. He was ahead of her, and she decided to tease him. Doing her best to make her voice sound ethereal she called to him. "Reeemmmuuuusss...Luuuuppppiiiinnnnn...I...knnnnooowwww...whaaaatttt...yoouuuu... arrrreeeee...giiivvviinnnggg...Siirrrruuussss...Blllaaaccckkkk...ffooorrr...Chrrriiisstmaaas" Remus immediately spun around, and Harry knew she had made a big mistake.

"Petrificus Totalus!" he yelled aiming his wand in the direction of her voice.

Her advanced training in Defense Against the Dark Arts stood her in good stead, and she hit the ground before being hit with his wand stream. The commotion caused the others to come from out of Snape's quarters just as Ron rounded the corner of the corridor.

"Harry!" Ron and Remus both yelled at once. She was disheveled and her cloak was half on and half off, exposing her head and legs.

"It seems Miss Potter was able to duck in time, which is quite commendable," Tiberius Snape addressed his nephew.

"Thank you uncle," Snape answered as Remus and Ron were helping Harry to her feet. "Professor Lupin and I have been working quite hard with her on her dueling and how to avoid hostile attacks."

"Princess, are you all right?"

"Yeah, but I learned never to try and sneak up on you after you have just gone through a transformation. You're really touchy," she replied dusting herself off, "thanks for helping me up."

"Mr. Sirius, where is Miss Harry's body? Is she under a spell?" Phaedra asked wide-eyed as she scooted out from behind him. Only her head was visible now that she was standing up.

"No," he laughed, "she's wearing her invisibility cloak. I suspect she was planning to play some games with us. She has a habit of playing ghost and wandering around the castle at night."

"Harry, I see you have your sense of humor back," Professor Dumbledore beamed.

"I inherited it from my father, and my godfather has been perfecting my skills, but I refuse to be as mean as they were. I would never hang anyone upside down exposing their under wear or anything like that," she smiled at Dumbledore, who was looking at her very strangely, as were her protectors. "Headmaster, did I say something wrong? Why are you all looking at me so strangely?"

"Strangely, Harry? I have no idea what you are talking about. You must be overtired from you ordeal today," Dumbledore relaxed, but Harry had the distinct feeling he was hiding something; they all were.

"Come on, Harry," Ron interrupted her thoughts; "I want to hear your story. I could use a late night snack too. I never seem to get enough to eat these days."

"Sirius, remind me if I ever get married and have children to tell my husband I only want daughters, son's eat too much. The food bills would be outrageous."

"I'll keep it in mind, honey, but the last I heard it was still a fifty fifty chance," he laughed as they entered Snape's quarters.

"Oh, it's my tree with added decorations for Phaedra. You were decorating the room this morning when I came to speak with you!" she looked happily at Snape. He had put up the Christmas tree with the ornaments Sirius had charmed for her last year, lilies and deer in memory of her parents. Snape had added bunnies and puppies for Phaedra.

"Isn't it pretty, Miss Harry?"

"Yes, Phaedra, it is. The room is all decorated too."

The torches were ablaze and some of them were glowing with green and red light. A blazing fire was in the hearth, and cots were set up for Snape, Sirius, and Remus. The sofa bed was open for Tiberius and Dumbledore, with a sleeping bag on the floor for Ron.

"I guess we ladies get the bedroom?"

"Of course, Phaedra and Circe can have the bed, and there is a cot set up for you," Snape informed her looking down his nose. She knew he was defying her to argue in favor of getting the bed, but she did not give in to him. She would just use her cloak to sneak back upstairs to her own bed when they were all asleep.

"Come on Princess; sit down with us, we are all anxious to hear what you and Phaedra have to tell us," Remus indicated a seat at the table where a meal had been set up so they could all have something to eat. Apparently, no one had felt too much like eating earlier after they had disappeared.

"I want Miss Harry to sit with me, next to Ron."

"How about if you sit facing me so we can see one another," Harry suggested.

"Okay, Miss Harry. Do you think Father Christmas will come soon?"

"He will come some time tonight, don't you worry. He usually gets here quite late, isn't that right Professor Snape?"

"Harry is right, Phaedra. I'm sure you will be sound asleep."

"I'm going to wait up so I can give him a big hug," Phaedra crossed her arms in front of her stubbornly.

"Well I'm not," Ron told her. "Don't you know that if he finds you awake he may not leave anything? He is very busy and if you interrupt his work, well he might get mad."

"Are you lying to me?"

"Nope, I knew a kid once who came down and interrupted him while he was putting out the stuff, and he turned it all to coal because the boy was peeking."

"Uncle Tiberius, you wouldn't let him do that would you?"

"Phaedra, Father Christmas has a good deal of magical power. I do not believe I would be able to stop him. You should probably just leave him a snack and a nice note and let him do his work."

"Miss Harry, what do you think?"

"Unless you like getting socks like Dobby the house elf, I would suggest you go to sleep. I know I am."

"Yech...I don't want socks. If he thinks I was bad they might be smelly," she responded, wrinkling her nose, while the others laughed.

"So, Child, are you going to tell us what happened?" Dumbledore asked casually.

"Phaedra, shall we tell them all about our adventure?"

"Okay, Miss Harry, but we can't take too long or Father Christmas might pass us by."

"Do you want me to start or do you want to tell what happened?"

"You can tell them. I want to eat these cookies," Phaedra said helping herself to the desserts.

"All right," Harry said settling back in her chair, as Sirius put his arm around her shoulders. Phaedra and I were in the ladies room, when I realized there was a woman watching us. She was making me nervous and I didn't like the way she was making me feel so I did my best to get Phaedra out as soon as possible. Well she blocked our path, so I pulled out my wand, but she didn't move."

"That's when Miss Harry told me in my head to scream for mummy," Phaedra chimed in. "She told me to call for her in my mind."

"That's right, I didn't want to let her get away, or cause Phaedra to be injured. What I didn't know is that she had an accomplice hiding in one of the other stalls. When Circe and Professor Snape came to the door to try to get in they threw something over our heads, and used a portkey. That's when I dropped my wand. I was completely taken off guard." Harry slapped her hand to her head. "Shoot, I just realized, did anybody find it?'

"We were wondering when you would ask," Snape said sardonically. "Accio," Potter's wand," he said pointing his own wand over to towards his desk. Her wand immediately flew over to him, and he handed it back to her.

"Thank you Professor. I only just realized it was still missing. In all the commotion of our getting back safely I just didn't think about it," she replied humbly.

"You're welcome, Harry," he answered pleased that she had admitted her mistake.

"What happened, next, Honey?" Sirius prodded her to continue.

"I was thrown on a cold stone floor, tied up, and then I heard a door close. I could sense Phaedra nearby and sent her a message hoping she would hear me telepathically."

"Did she?" Circe inquired.

"Loud and clear, I told her I was going to try and get us out of there. I had her follow my thoughts to where I was tied up."

"Then Miss Harry used her 'kinesis to get me loose."

"You mean telekinesis," Professor Lupin smiled.

"That's what I said!"

"You were able to untie the bonds, Harry? You said you couldn't see because your head was covered," Dumbledore looked at her with interest.

"It was, Phaedra was sitting in back of me and I used my hands to feel her wrists. I then pictured the ropes in my head and started willing the knots to untie."

"I am impressed, again," Tiberius Snape nodded to her.

"It actually took me quite awhile to do it."

"But it worked!" Phaedra smiled happily, as Harry took a sip of cocoa, and a bite of her tuna salad sandwich.

"Yeah, it did."

"Miss Harry how come you were talking to Headmaster Mr. Dumbledore in your head too?"

"Uh...yeah," Harry sputtered red faced.

"What was she saying, Phaedra?" Dumbledore inquired his blue eyes laughing.

"She said something about not complaining anymore about practicing her 'kinesis."

"Did she now?" Dumbledore looked at Harry over his spectacles, but did not say anything more to her.

"Well, anyway," Harry continued quickly, "once Phaedra was untied she took off her hood and then took mine off for me. I could not untie myself since I couldn't see what I was doing and my head was hurting."

"Your scar had begun to hurt?" Severus asked from across the table.

"Not then, I just had a headache from concentrating on getting Phaedra loose. Anyway, I had Phaedra look around for something to cut me loose. We were in a basement or storage room. Later on I found that we were underneath Honeydukes!"

"Princess, you could have used the secret tunnel to get back to Hogwarts."

"I wished I could have, but they are all still sealed as per Dumbledore's orders for my safety."
"Harry is quite correct. I shall consider giving her a charm to be able to open them again in an emergency."

"What I find interesting is that she was right in Hogsmeade, and in the basement of Honeydukes," Snape mused thoughtfully.

"I shall alert Moody to have the building searched. I don't believe the owners were involved, but he will want to question them anyway," Dumbledore stated matter of factly. "Please continue your story, Harry."

"Phaedra found some hedge clippers on a wall, but she couldn't reach them."

"That's when Miss Harry made them fall down with her 'kinesis."

"It seems all that practice was beneficial," Dumbledore smiled with satisfaction.

"You don't have to gloat about it," Harry snipped contritely.

"Go ahead, honey, finish telling us what happened."

"I had Phaedra cut me loose. She couldn't do it at first, and fell skinning her knees. The trimmers were quite large."

"But I kept trying and it finally worked. Miss Harry was free. I was so happy and excited that I wet my pants."

"That's okay, baby. Mommy told you that she isn't mad. I am very proud of you."

"You should be. Phaedra was very brave." Harry winked at Phaedra and the little girl beamed with pleasure at the compliment. "Once I was loose we tried the door, even though I was sure it would be locked. I had no wand so I couldn't open it that way."

"I found the other door," Phaedra informed them all proudly.

"She sure did. It was cleverly hidden in the wall where the hedge clippers had been. She pointed it out to me."

"It was unlocked, and we went into the other room where the stairs were," Phaedra told them all with a smug look.

"That's when I knew we were in the Honeydukes basement. Anyway, I knew the stairs led directly into the store behind the counter. I knew it was probably closed for the night, so we went on up. I made sure the coast was clear and once we were in the store proper I then unlocked the door and we went out into the street."

"I have a secret. Miss Harry do they all know the secret?"

"Yes, Phaedra, they know."

"Miss Harry can fly! She's an animagus like Mr. Sirius. She turns into a big bird like the one Headmaster Mr. Dumbledore has."

"I see you like that, Little One."

"Yes. Uncle Severus, how come you, mummy, and Uncle Tiberius don't turn into animals?"

"Very few witches and wizards are able to perfect the skill," Severus answered patiently. "None of us has ever wanted to do it. Our talents lie elsewhere."

"Well I want to. I will become a kitty."

"Then you should see Professor McGonagall," Ron grinned, "she can turn into a tabby cat."

"Oh, goody, do you think she will do it for me?"

"I will ask her for you," Professor Snape smiled affectionately at his niece.

"Well before you are able to even try you need to be much older. Miss Harry is very young to be an animagus," Circe explained to her daughter with a smile.

"I thought you wanted to mix potions like your uncle?" Harry asked playfully.

"I can do both! I am a Snape, you know," Phaedra stated proudly, and they all smiled.

"Well we know where she gets that from," Sirius whispered in Harry's ear.

"Harry," Remus redirected the conversation back to her earlier activities, "what happened when you finally got outside."

"My scar was hurting. I steered Phaedra towards the alley so I could transform in safety. It turned out to be a big mistake."

"Is that when you came into contact with Lord Voldemort?" Ron asked.

"Yeah, two Deatheaters were behind me and he apparated in front of me."

"I kinda figured that. That's when the goblet flamed, and I went to work."

"I guess you told them what happened?"

"Yeah, but I didn't really understand it. Did you use your telekinesis?"

"No..."

"She used bad words though," Phaedra interrupted. "Mr. Sirius will you wash her mouth out with soap? Mummy does if I say words like that."

"Phaedra!" Harry exclaimed red faced.

"Hmm...Harry as your godfather I think I should inform you that such language is unbecoming of a lady," Sirius teased trying to sound angry, but he was grinning wildly, his brown eyes shining with mirth.

Harry rolled her eyes and continued her story. "That's when I got really worried. I had been cleverly maneuvered into a blind alley. I had two Deatheaters in full regalia at the entrance, so I couldn't turn around. Voldemort was in front of me smiling like a reptile about to devour a good meal."

"So that's when you used your telekinesis to move the drain pipe?" Ron queried having witnessed the events in the flames.

"Wrong. He knew who Phaedra was. That really worried me. I had to get her to safety, especially after she told him her Uncle Severus would make him sorry."

"Phaedra did you really say that to the bad wizard?" her mother asked nervously.

"Yes, mummy, it made him give me a mean smile and I got scared."

"Which turned out to be a good thing," Harry shook her head. "There is nothing like a good energy buildup to cause a distraction."

"Harry...are you telling us that Phaedra's emotional state caused her to emit a negative energy flow?" Dumbledore queried looking serious.

"Headmaster, let me put it this way, I wouldn't want to get in her way when she's able to direct it."

"So that's why the drain fell..." Ron remarked with understanding.

"All I know is it got real windy and a barrel went flying causing the drain pipe to pull loose."

"Is that when you transformed, Princess?"

"Pretty much, Voldemort was distracted for just a second. I took advantage of it and grabbed Phaedra in my talons. The wind helped to get us airborne faster too."

"It was fun! Miss Harry had to zigzag. They were sending spells at us," Phaedra told them innocently.

"Spells?" Snape questioned, his dark eyes unfathomable.

"Yes, they summoned brooms and were in hot pursuit. Nothing like having to dodge red and green wand flashes," Harry said quietly as they looked at her with understanding. "Phaedra's weight was slowing us down. I was afraid she might be hit at any moment. They were gaining on me. I knew we wouldn't make it back. I landed by my parent's grave and used the amulet Artemis gave me to summon help."

"That's when all the cute little elves came," Phaedra clapped her hands with pleasure.

"It's also when the goblet went out. It scared the bloody hell out of me," Ron stated emphatically.

"Mr. Weasley, if you would mind your language in front of my niece please!" Professor Snape corrected him.

"Sorry, Sir."

"I liked the elves. They were nice. Their house was pretty."

"You were in their home?" Professor Lupin uttered amazed.

"We were. It was a beautiful underground cavern. The rock crystals glowed with phosphorescence to make light. The chairs were big mushrooms. It was like something out of a Muggle fairytale."

"They gave us soup and fruit too," Phaedra added.

"Artemis told me you were able to head off Voldemort," Harry looked over at Dumbledore

"He was stopped by the spells and charms protecting Hogwarts. We had a bit of a tiff in the air, but he apparated. The Aurors did succeed in catching one of the two Deatheaters. It was none other than young Crabbe."

"Harry, you should have seen the Headmaster on a broom!" Ron exclaimed. "You would never have thought that at his age he could still fly like that. I watched the whole thing from his office."

"Mr. Weasley, I have been flying for nigh on one hundred and forty years. It is a skill I still have the pleasure of enjoying quite often."

Harry giggled as Ron's face turned beet red. "Anyway, she also told me that a certain pair of canines were out trying to sniff us out too."

"We were, honey. Remus and I were searching in the forest when an elf appeared and told us to come to the woods by Hagrid's cottage. He said we would find you there."

"The elves brought us there through a maze of underground tunnels. They disappeared as soon as you both arrived."

"Harry, I'll never be able to thank you enough for protecting Phaedra," Circe came over from where she had been sitting and hugged her again.

"I think we're all glad they are home safe and sound," Sirius brushed Harry's cheek affectionately.

"Of course we have also allowed the Dark Lord access to the knowledge that Harry can transform," Professor Snape frowned.

"Harry, why are you smiling like that?" Dumbledore asked shrewdly, staring at her expression.

"Because I just remembered what happened when Professor Snape mentioned that Voldemort saw me transform."

"What is it, Child?"

"Do you remember the time our wand streams connected and he seemed to be afraid of the shadows of his victims?"

"Yes...but there were no shadows tonight," Dumbledore replied carefully.

"No...No, there wasn't, but I looked down at him as I started to fly away. Headmaster, there was fear in his eyes. It was only there for a minute, but I saw and felt it nonetheless."

"Indeed," Tiberius Snape looked intrigued. "How did that make you feel?"

"For the first time I felt really powerful against him. I though that just maybe I could stop him. I was exhilarated," Harry locked eyes with Dumbledore as no one moved.

Circe broke the silence, "On that note, I think I will put Phaedra to bed. Come on, baby"

"Do I have to? I want to stay with the grownups."

"You want Father Christmas to get here don't you?" she asked picking her up.

"Yes, but Miss Harry and Ron aren't going to bed."

"Who says we aren't? I'm bushed," Ron smiled at Phaedra, stretched and went over to his sleeping bag preparing to turn in.

"That makes two of us. I'll be in as soon as I say goodnight," Harry winked.

"Good night Uncles," Phaedra stated giving them each a kiss. She then went around the table and kissed everyone else. She stopped when she got to Professor Lupin. "You need to go to sleep. You are a pretty wolf, but you look real tired now."

"I am," he said hugging her gently. "Now off to bed with you. You're mother is waiting."

Circe took Phaedra into the bathroom and then they disappeared into the bedroom. Tiberius excused himself and headed into the shower. Ron was snoring softly having fallen right to sleep. Harry stretched lazily, and looked at her protectors.

"I thought you were going to bed, Princess."

"I am. I just have to work up the energy to go to the bedroom. I am exhausted."

"You did well tonight," Snape looked at her arching his brow.

"I did the best I could under the circumstances. I was more concerned for Phaedra than myself. Do you know if the people who took us were caught? They told me that Voldemort has a price on my head. I never saw them after that."

"The probably collected the money and left," Sirius said quietly.

"Then I wouldn't want to be them. I got loose and got away. Voldemort is going to be very angry at someone."

"Then we will probably hear something in a few days," Snape replied dryly. They all understood his meaning.

"Poor Ron, he gets really stressed when he watches me in the flames. It must be terrible for him to see what is happening and not be able to help," Harry told them as she got up to go to bed.

"He does very well," Sirius stated truthfully, "he keeps a cool head and does what he needs to do."

"Well, I have to get some rest. Headmaster is that special gift all taken care of?"

"Yes, it will arrive here on schedule. The elves will deliver the others, as usual." Dumbledore whispered in case Phaedra should overhear.

"In that case, Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night," Harry quoted with a grin. She then headed off to bed.

Phaedra was almost asleep when Harry let herself into the bedroom and crept onto the cot, which had been set up for her. She was exhausted, and wished she were in her own bed, but had no choice but to use the cot. The others were still up, and she knew she could not get by them safely even with her cloak. She thought she would be able to sneak out in about an hour; in the meantime, she would just try to rest.

She had no recollection of falling asleep, but the dream began slowly. She was in a house that she didn't really know which had all kinds of serpents. There was a picture of a woman and she was yelling about mudbloods and traitors. For some reason an address came into her head, number twelve Grimmauld Place, London. She had no idea where this house was, but understood it had something to do with the Order of the Phoenix. She was troubled, and had no idea why, and then she saw herself feeling very sad. She realized she was younger, and was looking down at something. It was a letter to Ron with a prefect badge for his fifth year. She wanted to cry, and then the dream changed.

There were wand flashes and she was in some kind of building. There was a room with an archway, covered with a thin tattered veil, and everyone was fighting. She was dragging Neville Longbottom out, and something very important was broken. Then she saw Sirius falling with a look of shock. He fell behind the archway, and she was waiting for him to come back. Remus was pulling her away yelling that it was too late; Sirius was dead! She woke up drenched in sweat, and tears were coming down her face. It was pitch dark and at first she was confused as to where she was. Sitting up, she realized that Circe and Phaedra were sleeping not ten feet from her in Severus four-poster bed. Slipping out of bed she quietly let herself out into the other room. The fire had died to a soft glow. Ron and Lupin were both snoring softly. Dumbledore and the elder Snape were sleeping back to back on the sofa bed. Severus had his cot over near his desk, and Sirius was closest to the door. Slipping into the bathroom, she looked in the mirror. Her face still had fresh tears, and she was shaking. After splashing some water on her face, she went over to look at Sirius. She was standing there, listening to his soft breathing, when she started to cry again. She wanted to reach out and hug him. Her tears must have fallen on his face, because he jerked awake, startled. He went to reach for his wand, and then realized where he was, and that Harry was standing over him, wiping her eyes.

"Honey, is everything all right?" he whispered, sitting up to look at her closer. "You're crying."

"I had a nightmare, but it seemed so real," she whispered shakily.

"It wasn't about Voldemort was it?" he asked sharply.

"No...I don't think so. I'm not sure; I think there were Deatheaters in it. You were dead. I saw you fall through some kind of arch with a veil over it, and you didn't come back," she was crying harder and shaking so badly that she reached out for him "Remus was there and he told me you were dead, to get Neville out."

"Sh...It was just a bad dream," he comforted taking her into his arms. "I'm right here with you, see," Sirius said kissing her gently on the forehead.

Dumbledore had opened his eyes and was watching them both intently.

"Do you remember anything else about the dream?" Sirius asked sitting her down beside him on his cot.

Her back was towards Dumbledore, who continued to listen, feigning sleep, although Sirius was aware he was not.

"I don't know, I seemed younger, and Ron was a Prefect. I remember wanting to cry, because I was so hurt that Dumbledore did not want me as a Prefect. I know it's silly."

"Honey you're Head Girl and Ron is a Prefect too. I think you are just overtired from the day's events."

"No, I was younger, fifth year, I think. There was also this strange house with a portrait that kept yelling about Mudbloods and traitors. I even knew the address, number twelve Grimmauld Place. I think it was in London. It seemed very important that I knew it. The whole thing seemed so real. Especially the part where Remus kept telling me you were dead," she started crying again and hung onto him. "I'm, scared it means you're going to die, but everything was so distorted. I was still disguised as a boy, and I just felt so hurt and confused."

"Sh...I'm fine and I'm going to stay that way," he smiled warmly, brushing the hair off her scar. "Why don't you just stay here with me? I'll turn into Padfoot and you can scratch my ears. I know it makes you feel better."

"I'd rather just sit here and have you hold me for a little while. I have this tremendous sense of loss. If this is what it feels like to have a broken heart, then it's no wonder Severus can be a cold SOB at times. I wouldn't want to let anyone else in either. It hurts too much."

"You just try and get some sleep," Sirius eased her down on the cot, and squeezed in beside her. "It was just a bad dream. Some dreams are just more vivid than others." Sirius continued to cuddle her and stroke her gently, and she gradually began to relax. She would start to fall asleep and then jerk awake, her eyes wide and confused, but fatigue and his comforting presence finally overtook her. He knew Albus would be more than a little concerned but would wait until tomorrow to speak with him.

Harry slept fitfully, and continued to have strange dreams. She had no idea that all of the protectors had been awakened and were watching her to keep her safe. She was awakened early in the morning by Phaedra.

"Father Christmas was here! Father Christmas was here! Harry wake up, everybody wake up!"

"Happy Christmas, Phaedra," Harry mumbled opening one eye. "What time is it?"

"It's half past six," Dumbledore responded smiling down at her.

"Oh...' she yawned and realized she was sleeping next to Sirius. Flushing with embarrassment, she hoped Dumbledore would not question her. She could explain about the nightmares later.

"Harry, what are you doing in here?" Ron asked sitting up, as Phaedra curled up on her Great Uncle Tiberius lap and Circe took a seat on the opened couch bed.

"Sirius and I snuck out last night for some holiday cheer at the Three Broomsticks," Harry chuckled teasing him.

"In your wildest dreams, young lady," Remus laughed from across the room. "Sirius knows better than to take an underage witch out partying."

"Now you went and spoiled my fun. The plain truth of the matter is that I was in the Potions Classroom whipping up a love potion when Professor Snape caught me. I have been up all night cleaning the cauldrons."

"Uncle Severus, you were being mean to Miss Harry, and its Christmas. It's not nice to give her 'tention on Christmas," Phaedra scowled at her uncle.

"Harry is just teasing him, Phaedra. She came out here in the middle of the night because she had a nightmare about her godfather," Severus smiled down at his niece.

"Miss Harry is Uncle Severus lying? Did you have a bad dream?"

"Yes, honey, I did. I must have fallen asleep out here after I calmed down."

"Did the bad wizard make you dream? Mummy says sometimes he does."

"No, it was just a dream. Miss Harry is fine now. How about we have some tea and open our presents? Ron is poking around already."

"Mr.Weasley, I would suggest you be careful. You never know if something bites," Snape arched his brow with an evil smile.

"Good idea," he curled his lip in dismay, moving back from the presents.

They all opened their gifts amid oohs and aahs. Harry gave Phaedra a book of very simple potions for children she had found in a used book catalogue. It was out of print since under the new laws she was now considered too young to do magic, but she knew Snape would find a way. She also gave her a big doll that had green eyes and dark hair like Harry's, and a large black stuffed dog similar to Snuffles. Phaedra was delighted, and hugged Harry so tightly that she fell over backwards, and everyone laughed. Professor Snape was delighted with his invisibility cloak, and Harry made him promise in front of Dumbledore not to put it to use chasing down students who are out of bed until next fall. Remus took one look at his chess set, and gasped.

"Harry, this is too expensive. I can't accept it."

"Remus, take it. If you should ever fall on hard times again, it may just come in handy," Harry admonished firmly.

He smiled happily, and gave her a kiss on the forehead. "I can't wait to see what you gave Sirius. Snape got the cloak, and I got this fabulous chess set."

"Sirius will just have to wait. Ron needs to open his gift first, and so does Dumbledore."

"Ah...Ron what did Harry get for you? I know what she gave to her protectors, but what does the Keeper of the Goblet get?"

"I have it here, but I haven't got a clue," Ron replied ripping the paper off a large box. "Harry, it's a pair of tickets to opening day for the Chudley Cannons! All right!" He waved the tickets in the air with glee.

"Child, you know how to please an old man," Dumbledore beamed looking over his half moon glasses. "Candy and music. Would you like to accompany me to the orchestra?"

"If I'm able to, I will," she looked at the old man with a forced smile. Her meaning was not lost on the Protectors, and Ron was not paying close attention, still staring with glee at the tickets.

Harry was very happy with her gifts as well; having received a book from Snape on dueling and blocking unfriendly spells and moves. It was even more advanced than what he and Remus had been working on with her. She had the feeling it was going to get even tougher. Remus gave her a gift certificate for the dress shop she had gone to with Snape the previous year. He wanted her to have a proper gown and robes for the formal dance Hogwart's was planning for the spring. Ron gave her a new sneak-o- scope. Finally, she opened Dumbledore's gift, and laughed with pleasure.

"This is for real?" she asked as they looked over their glasses at one another.

"It is."

"You really know how to make me happy, don't you?"

"Most of the time. I make a blunder from time to time."

"Harry, what did the Headmaster give you?" Ron asked curiously.

"Do the other three know?" Harry asked cocking her head in their direction, ignoring Ron's question.

"I thought you might like to surprise them. I am afraid young Mr. Weasley may be a little jealous, but Molly said no. She wants him to wait until after his birthday."

"You're right, Headmaster. I'm coming over here to sit with you where he won't try and get me," Harry grinned moving over to sit with Dumbledore.

All right Harry, what did Dumbledore give you that mum wouldn't let me have too?" Ron asked suspiciously.

"A permit to learn how to apparate," Harry ducked behind Dumbledore.

"What! Professor Dumbledore, Harry is younger than me, that isn't fair!" Ron exclaimed, trying to snatch the permit from Harry.

"Ron, your mother wants you to wait till your birthday, and I could not dissuade her."

"I won't do it either then, if it makes you feel better."

"Of course you will. You need to know how. What if You Know Who tries to corner you again, Harry. My birthday is only a few months away any way, and if mum thinks you are doing okay with it, maybe we can persuade her to let me get my permit too."

"I shall personally work on her some more, Ron," Dumbledore winked. "Harry, we will begin on your regular lesson day. First, we will work on your telekinesis and then your apparition lesson."

"Can't we do it the other way around?"

"No, this way maybe you will concentrate a bit more when you move things around, and don't try to argue with me, that permit can be revoked as easily as it was obtained," Dumbledore warned her with a twinkle in his blue eyes, but his voice told her he meant it. "Now open your present from Sirius."

"Yeah, open mine. I have been sitting here waiting patiently. I hope you like my gift as much the one Albus gave you."

"I'm sure it will be my favorite," Harry grinned hugging the box. She knew it had to be something special, and was most likely jewelry, judging by the box. Opening it carefully, she beamed with pleasure. It was a ruby and diamond heart pendant with a matching pair of earrings."

"You certainly know how to please a girl. No wonder they all want you," she quipped. "I shall make sure it matches the formal gown I get for the spring dance."

"You'll be the Belle of the Ball," Sirius smiled as he fastened the necklace for her.

"Miss Harry, Mr. Sirius gives you pretty presents. He loves you a lot," Phaedra smiled.

"You're right," Harry smiled, blushing.

"Uncle Severus, how come you didn't give Miss Harry something pretty like you gave to mummy?"

Snape's usually pale face flushed slightly.

"He gave Miss Harry a very important book. It will help Miss Harry to fight the bad wizard. It is all about dueling."

"Can you duel? I watched Uncle Severus and Uncle Tiberius duel once. They said they were practicing."

"Who won?" Harry asked looking from Professor Snape to his uncle.

"It was a draw. My uncle and I were going over some advanced moves. I will be teaching them to you shortly."

"Harry, I hate to spoil your chat on dueling," Sirius interrupted, "but what is this special present you got for me?"

"Headmaster where did you hide it?"

"In my pocket," Dumbledore laughed taking out a small package and handing it to Sirius."

"Honey, what could you have possibly gotten for me?" He tore the wrapping off the package and took out a miniature motorcycle. "I know you knew how I missed riding. We had a great time after your birthday when Hagrid let me use my old bike. It was a nice thought." Harry was grinning like a Cheshire cat, and Sirius looked at her curiously. "What is going on?"

"Oh, Sirius," Dumbledore began, "I have made a grievous error. May I see that for a moment?" he asked as Sirius handed him the little bike. Dumbledore set it down and waved his wand. "That's better. I had forgotten to return it to normal size," he laughed with Harry.

"Harry..." Sirius jaw dropped in shock.

"Way to go, Harry. Sirius will you take me for a ride?" Ron asked with enthusiasm.

"Not till he takes me first. I'm told it has all the proper enchantments. You can thank the headmaster for helping me to secure the permission from the ministry."

"Harry...Albus...I...I don't know what to say."

"Try, thank you honey, I love it," Harry smiled as Dumbledore beamed patiently.

"I do you know..."He smiled and then threw back his head and laughed. "I'll take you all for a ride after breakfast." Sirius then reduced the motorcycle back down in size and put the little box aside until after he got dressed. He would enlarge his new "toy" once they completed their breakfast in the Great Hall.

Ron sat with Phaedra during breakfast and they had great fun pulling on the crackers. As each of the silver noisemakers popped with a loud bang, a surprise appeared, and Phaedra clapped her hands with glee. She was delighted when a miniature wand appeared along with a tiny flying dragon.

Dumbledore convinced Snape to pull one with Harry, after Sirius left to check out his new bike, taking it for a test run to get the feel of it before taking the others for a ride. Snape's prize turned out to be a miniature cauldron.

"Now that is truly appropriate. A mini cauldron for our Potions Master," Dumbledore laughed patting Snape on the shoulder. "Let's see what Harry gets."

She pulled another one, and was taken aback when a small version of the Slytherin Serpent appeared, and slithered across the table. It startled her so badly she upset her glass of pumpkin juice.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't prepared for that snake," she apologized as Dumbledore waved his wand to clean the spill.

"Child, what is it? You seem rather distracted today."

"I'm fine, Headmaster, just a little tired. That dream last night really spooked me."

Dumbledore studied her intently before nodding, "I think a nice nap after your outing with Sirius may be just what you need."

"The way he flies that motorcycle I'll more likely need a trip to St. Mungo's," she chuckled.

Inwardly she was confused and worried. Something was not quite, as it should be, but she could not put her finger on it. Harry hung back as they left the Great Hall. She needed to talk with Professor Snape. The tiny serpent had put an idea into her head, and she could not shake the feeling that she should know something important.

"Excuse me, Professor Snape; may I have a word with you in private before you retire with your family for the rest of the morning?"

"Of course, Potter. Haven't I told you that as your Protector I am always available? It was a mistake on my part not to talk with you when you came to my quarters yesterday," Snape remarked leading her to a corner of the Great Hall where they could talk without being overheard.

"Professor Snape...Severus..." She began uncertainly.

"Harry is something bothering you? You seem rather distressed," he asked softly, a note of concern etched into his voice.

"What is Occlumency?" she blurted out biting her lip.

He stood absolutely still, his dark eyes boring into her. "Where did you hear that term?"

"I...It just came into my head. I had this ridiculous feeling you were trying to teach me."

"It is a method by which a person can keep another from entering their mind. When was I supposed to be instructing you?" He curled his lip in a sneer.

"I must have been mistaken," Harry averted his stare. "I'll see you later, Professor. I'm sorry I detained you. Sirius is waiting for me."

"Till later then, Potter," he dismissed her.

He waited until she was safely out of sight with Black before turning swiftly on his heels and heading upstairs to Dumbledore's office. He knew the Headmaster would want to know about her having asked about Occlumency immediately. Harry's mind was growing stronger, as Voldemort's powers increased.