The Mathias Prophecy Book III

THE MATHIAS PROPHECY BOOK III

A Time to Keep Silent and a Time to Speak

"Harry honestly, we must have been through every book on dark magic in the library by now, not to mention the books Professor Snape is using," Ron groaned, "there is just nothing here. Let's just give it a rest for awhile, okay?"

"Ron, Harry has to keep looking. She is running out of time. Did you see the Daily Prophet this morning? Two more families have been attacked and an Auror was found tortured to death," Hermione moaned worriedly. "It's only a matter of time until he tries to take on Harry again, and maybe even attack Hogwarts!"

"Hermione, You Know Who won't attack the school so long as Dumbledore is here," Ron reminded her sternly.

"Listen you two; Ron is right, maybe we need a break. We should be getting ready for the dance tonight, anyway. I happen to know Hermione bought her dress just for you, and I know she needs time to do her hair and nails."

"Well so do you!" Hermione admonished her. "You need to spoil yourself more often, Harry. You are a very pretty girl."

"Thanks, Hermione, but right now I have more important things to worry about," Harry smiled at her two friends. "You both go on ahead; I'll be along in a little while. I want to go on down and see Professor Snape first. Maybe he and Professor Lupin have found something in his books."

"Harry, we don't want to leave you. Ever since we found out what happened at the Ministry two years ago, I realized how much you have really been facing. I just want to know what you don't tell us," Ron looked at her gravely. "I know you are keeping some kind of secret."

"Am I?" she asked feigning innocence. .

Harry did not have the heart to tell them about Sybil Trelawney's prophecy, that either she or Voldemort must die. They also did not know she was a cousin of Lord Voldemort. In truth, she had been afraid to tell them. She could just picture the looks of disgust on their faces, and could not bear the thought that they might not want to associate with her any longer.

"Harry, whatever you're keeping from us," Hermione said calmly, "it will come out eventually. You're our best friend. What could be so bad that you would keep it from us?"

"Listen, I need to get down to the dungeon and see Snape," Harry dismissed her friends. "I will see you both in the common room before the dance tonight," she said gathering her things with a wink, walking out of the library.

"Bloody hell, Hermione, you know what a private person she is. What did you have to pry for? Harry will tell us in her own good time what is eating her. I just wanted to let her know that whatever it is we will stand by her."

"I know that you dolt. I was hoping she was ready to talk. I overheard her telling Professor Lupin that she has been dreaming almost every night. I know the Protectors have been taking turns sitting up with her. Dumbledore is worried, and so are the others. Harry is putting on a brave front, but whatever is going on, she is afraid."

"You don't have to tell me she's scared, I can see it for myself. Her scar has been hurting too. I caught her rubbing it a few times, and it is getting more pronounced."

"I know, it looks like a new scar, not one that happened sixteen years ago," Hermione replied gathering her books. "Are you coming with me? I have to go and get ready."

"No, I'll stay for a little longer. Maybe I will find something," Ron replied doubtfully. "You go and get ready. I bet you'll be the prettiest girl there," he grinned giving her a quick peck on the lips. "Who is Harry going with, anyway? She didn't tell me."

"She doesn't have a date. Most of the boys are afraid to ask her because she has gotten so powerful, and then there is the worry about Voldemort."

"You mean to tell me none of our other friends would escort her either?" Ron asked growing angry.

"Ron, they all have girl friends. What were they supposed to do?"

"Then I will take you both. You don't mind, do you Hermione?"

"Actually..." Hermione frowned looking away from him, "I thought we could at least go down as a couple. Sometimes three really is a crowd." She quickly picked up her backpack, and fled the library, Ron gaping after her. She was falling in love with Ron, and did not want to have a fight over their friend. She hoped Harry would understand her feelings....

Harry made her way down to the dungeon, and knocked on Professor Snape's door. She knew he had been working round the clock to help her find something with which to stop Voldemort should he be left alive again without his body. It seemed to be an insurmountable task.

"Enter," his familiar voice came from within. "I am quite busy, Stevenson, so just leave your paper on my desk. I will grade it later," Snape instructed without looking up. He was sitting on his sofa pouring over a large tome.

"I would be happy to do so, Professor, except I'm not Stevenson," Harry grinned as he looked up at the sound of her voice.

"Potter, I was expecting one of my fourth years. He has a paper overdue. I gave him until tonight to complete it or fail."

"Gee, and here I though you were getting soft."

"What can I do for you?"

"I just came down to see if you were having any luck," she replied glancing at the book he had been studying.

"There were a few things, but nothing that the Dark Lord can't counter easily."

"Figures, well thanks for trying, anyway," Harry answered disheartened.

"Potter, I did not say I was giving up," Snape admonished her sternly.

"I know, I just feel like I'm losing a race against time," Harry answered as another knock sounded on Snapes' office door.

"That will be Stevenson," he said getting up to answer the door. A nervous looking boy with a narrow face and huge hazel eyes was standing there. He reminded Harry of an owl and his robes indicated he was in Hufflepuff.

"Excuse me Professor Snape; I have brought my paper on the uses of dragon's heart."

"Very well, you may go. I will inform you of your grade," Snape glared down at the young man.

"Yes, Sir," he turned to go, and then spotted Harry standing off to the side. He took a deep breath, and froze staring at her.

"Is there a problem, Stevenson?" Snape sneered looking down his nose.

"Uh...no...I...you are Harry Potter, aren't you?" the youth asked mustering up his courage.

"I am, but if I were you I would get out while the Professor is in a relatively good mood," she smiled warmly.

He looked at Snape askance before he replied, "I...ah...just wanted to say thanks. Cedric Diggory was my cousin. It meant a lot to my family that you..."

"I understand," Harry responded. She did not want to be reminded of the night Cedric had died, and she had retrieved his body for burial.

"Mr. Stevenson, I suggest you go on about your business. I am having a conference with Miss Potter at the moment."

"Yes, Professor, I apologize," he turned to go.

"Stevenson," Harry stopped him, "your cousin was a nice guy. I liked him. We all did."

"Thanks," he smiled, and left the office, Snape closing the door behind him.

"I believe you made his day."

"I'm glad someone is having a good day then," Harry sighed. "Look I've got to go."

"Ah yes...you'll want to get ready for the Spring Dance. I will be looking forward to our dance together," he sneered, giving her a thin smile.

"I hate to disappoint you, Professor, but I plan on going to bed early. You know I haven't been sleeping well."

"You aren't going to the dance? The Headmaster will not be happy."

"I doubt he will even notice, and even if he does, I will be sound asleep by then," Harry smiled opening the door to his office. "Oh, and Professor...don't go and tell him. He will only worry," she told him sternly letting herself out the door.

Harry just wanted to be alone. She was not in the mood to party, and she didn't want to go alone. It was no fun not having a date. Harry knew Ron would escort her with Hermione, but she also sensed that Hermione wanted to have some time alone with Ron. Harry was just a third wheel. As much as she cared for her Protectors, she didn't want to have to rely on them for a date. She was wishing George Weasley were still at Hogwarts. Making her way upstairs, she found herself in the entrance hall, and decided to go outside. She wanted some time to think.

Once outside, she looked over at Hagrid's cottage, but noted he did not seem to be home. In any event as a faculty member, he too would be at this evenings dance. Walking down towards the lake, she passed several students who had been taking advantage of the spring weather and were sitting outside. Most were chattering about the dance, and she knew most of the girls would be going in soon to get ready. Walking part way around the lake, she came to one of the secluded benches, and sat down.

Harry didn't want to admit that she felt a failure, but could not find anything that would help her in her battle with Voldemort. She also felt alone. Everyone wanted to know Harry Potter whenever she had survived or prevented some kind of altercation with Voldemort, but on a regular day, they just turned their heads, and pretended they did not see her. 'How am I ever going to kill the evil bastard? I wonder if he even can die as we know it,' she thought to herself as she stared into the murky water. 'I can't do it. Maybe the prophecies are wrong, and it isn't me. Maybe it is Neville Longbottom. I'm so afraid. I don't want to die, but worse than that, I don't want anybody else to die in my place. Mum, Dad, I don't know what to do.'

"Feeling sorry for yourself Harry?" A strange voice came from behind her, as another reflection appeared in the water.

Whirling around in her seat, Harry saw an old woman, her head lowered to conceal her face, standing behind her. She knew she was old by her silver hair and her long gnarled fingers. She instinctively went to draw her wand.

"Who are you and what are you doing on Hogwarts property?"

"You don't need that wand. Put it away before someone gets hurt. I'm...a friend. You need to stop being so impulsive, and think before you act. You are so like Sirius used to be. Listen to what your protectors have told you. You have the skill and the knowledge to stop Lord Voldemort."

"Who are you, and why are you hiding your face? If you are truly a friend you would make yourself known to me."

"I can't. I am taking a great risk by just being here, although I believe I am supposed to be."

"What does that mean? You're talking in riddles." Harry was becoming annoyed, and was not sure what to do. Was this some kind of trap by the Dark Lord to lure her to him? The old woman appeared to know what she was thinking.

"Use your empathy and you will see that I have only your interests and happiness at heart. I am not a spy for Voldemort and this is no trap."

"All right I will. How do you know so much about me, yet I have never seen you?" she asked scanning the old woman. She sensed kindness, and warmth. The woman was also keeping something a secret. "I sense no danger, but you are keeping something from me. I demand to know what it is."

"That I can't say. I will tell you this, and that is that you have the power and will win. The prophecy is correct, both of them. I want you to remember Ron will be there for you and that Neville is an excellent gardener. Think about what your mother told you...remember Abra Kadabra. I have to go now, before Dumbledore sees me too closely. He is coming down the path looking for you. It isn't time for him to know..."

Harry grabbed onto the old woman, thinking to stop her from going. She knew she couldn't apparate on school grounds. Even Harry had to go to the apparition point for her lessons with Dumbledore. As her fingers closed over the old woman's wrist, she saw something in her hand that startled her. Pulling herself free, the old woman's hood fell back from her cloak, revealing her face. Harry dropped her hand in shock. The woman had aged gracefully, but Harry was still able to recognize her before she disappeared...

Dumbledore had seen her talking to a stranger as he came down the path. He was concerned, and his expression was one of kindly worry when he reached her.

"Harry, who were you speaking with?"

"It's okay, Headmaster, she was a friend. I'm fine and everything is going to work out."

"How did she leave? It is impossible for anyone to apparate from the grounds."

"I can't tell you that right now. Please believe me though. She has given me the confidence I needed to do what has to be done. I promise to explain later. She said you were not to know just yet, and I understand her reasons."

"Child, this could be some kind of trick on the part of Voldemort," he chided her gently; "you know he can be very persuasive and is able to manipulate others."

"It isn't, I know that for a fact. You see, I know that old woman. Please don't ask me to reveal a confidence just yet."

"Very well, but I will tell the Protectors so they will be on guard."

"I understand, but I promise there really is nothing for them to worry about. In fact, I dreamed about that old woman about a few months back. That night I dreamed Voldemort was defeated and my parent's spirits were there along with that old woman. She told me my mother had been right and I would lead a wonderful and charmed life.

"All the more reason to worry; you know Voldemort has put images into your head to lure you away. It was why you went to rescue Sirius in the Ministry. He could be attempting it again."

"No, my scar would hurt and it doesn't. She also had me scan her emotions. Trust me on this, please," she begged.

"Oh, Little Phoenix, whatever shall I do with you?" Dumbledore shook his head with a sigh. "You're aging me rapidly."

"Gee, I thought I was keeping you young," she quipped, "without me, life would be very dull. Now sit down with me. I know you didn't come looking for me without a reason."

"You're quite right," he said taking the seat next to her. "I understand you have decided not to come to the dance tonight."

"I told Snape not to say anything."

"Professor Snape," he corrected her gently, "and Severus did not tell me. Professor Lupin did."

"I should have figured. He opened his mouth to Remus, and he came and told you."

"Professor Lupin is understandably upset. He went out of his way to give you that gift certificate last Christmas. He wants to see you all dressed up and having some fun."

"Professor Dumbledore, please don't make me feel guilty. I know it was quite an expense for Remus. I even bought a dress and a set of new formal robes to match the jewelry Sirius gave me just like I told them I would."

"Then why aren't you going?"

Harry shifted uncomfortably, "I'm just not feeling up to it. You know I haven't been sleeping well. Professor Snape actually gave me a sleeping potion the other night because the nightmares have been so bad. He also said I have been trying to walk in my sleep."

"I know, Harry. He told me you have been tossing and crying out as well. Then you wake up screaming."

"My scar hurts a lot now too, but I can't remember all the dreams. Just one..." she stared out across the lake.

"Do you want to tell me about it?"

"It is the same one I have had since the night my parents died. My father is yelling to my mother that he would try to hold off Voldemort. My mother is frantic yelling at the Dark Lord telling him not to kill me. Then she throws herself on top of me. I can see the green flash of Voldemort's wand and she falls to the floor. I think it's ironic that green is my favorite color."

"Is that how it always ends?"

"No, you know darn well it ends with me looking up into Voldemort's red eyes. Then there is another flash. That's when I scream and wake up crying and holding my head."

"Yet after your experience of going back in time I would think the dreams would have stopped. You remembered what happened to deflect the curse."

"They did for awhile. I don't think it's a coincidence they've started again."

"Neither do I Child. You and Voldemort will be locked in a life and death struggle soon. I think your unconscious mind is trying to tell you that you will need to repeat your actions of that night. As an empath with the heart of the Phoenix you are repulsed by this."

"Killing is against my nature. Even a distant cousin who deserves to die for all the crimes he has committed."

"I know," Dumbledore gave her a quick encouraging hug. "Now how about telling me the real reason you aren't going to the dance."

"I guess I should have known better than to try and fool you?"

"Um hum..." He beamed looking at her over his half moon spectacles.

"I don't have a date," she replied hanging her head sadly.

"You mean to tell me that of all the sixth and seventh year young men in this school none of them has had the good sense to ask you to the dance?"

"I carry the stigmata of being more powerful than they are. I'm also associated with Voldemort. People haven't forgotten what happened to Cedric. It's like poison ivy, innocent looking but the consequences can be quite unpleasant."

"I see," he studied her intently, "I happen to know of three young wizards who would gladly escort you."

"No! It doesn't look right for a teacher to be escorting a student. Tongues will wag even if they are my Protectors."

"Oh Harry, there you go again trying to protect the people you care about."

"It's what a Phoenix does. I saw Fawkes block you from the Avadra Kedavra curse Voldemort shot at you that time in the Department of Mysteries. He just burnt up and came back as a chick..." Harry frowned at the memory. "Professor Dumbledore...is it possible...could I have deflected Voldemort's curse...was the Phoenix a part of me even as a baby?"

"What are you driving at, Child?"

"The night my parents died. I know I said I picked up my mother's wand. Is it possible that when I uttered the words Abra Kadabra wrong and they sounded like the unforgivable killing curse...well...could my animagus form have already been present helping to deflect the curse Voldemort sent at me?"

Dumbledore looked thoughtful, studying her closely. "I have never heard of such a thing, but I can't say it's impossible either."

"Maybe that's why he survived. I wasn't old enough to fully execute the magic properly," she told him excitedly. "The old woman said I should remember Abra Kadabra. There must be a reason."

"Only time will give us the answer."

"Headmaster, you have no idea how right you actually are," she laughed, giving his beard an affectionate tweak.

"It's good to see you smile. Now tell me you will go to the dance tonight, and make an old man happy."

Harry looked away. She knew he had her well-being at heart but just couldn't bear to hear the whispers when she walked in alone.

"I can't."

"Very well, I shan't force you, but I think you should swallow your pride and go."

"Professor Dumbledore, I have had to swallow my pride more often then most people do in their entire lifetimes. I just can't bear being made fun of or whispered about behind my back. I do have feelings, you know," Harry remarked with a lump in her throat. "I'll apologize to Remus. Maybe I can wear the dress somewhere else for him."

"Harry, don't cry. It isn't the end of the world," Dumbledore soothed her. "I do know someone that can escort you and all heads will turn. He just happens to be available too."

"I already told you I can't go with any of them. I care for them too much to see their names dragged through the mud. You know someone will blab to their parents, and it could be quite messy."

"I wasn't speaking about the protectors. I was referring to the Keeper of the Trust. Miss Potter, may I have the pleasure of escorting you to the Spring Dance?"

"Oh, Professor Dumbledore, you of all people don't need to be the subject of malicious gossip," Harry responded as a lone tear slid down her cheek. "I'll be fine, just send me up something to eat."

"I could order you to go to the dance."

"At this point I would rather do detention."

"You are feeling bad. Why isn't young Weasley escorting you?"

"He's taking Hermione. You know they are going out together. I would just be a third wheel."

"How about your other friends?"

"They all have dates. To them I'm just one of the guys."

"If you don't go Minerva McGonagall will be very upset. I happen to know she has been teaching you how to dance. She was looking forward to seeing Severus face when you danced with him," Dumbledore wheedled trying to coax a smile.

Harry just gave him a baleful look, got up from the bench, and walked back towards the school without a word. He just didn't understand how she felt. A year from now, it would be different. She would be delighted to go to any formal function with her protectors, but for now, she was still their underling. She was just a very lonely seventeen-year-old girl, with no date because she was Harry Potter. The person who had defied all Voldemort had thrown at her for the past sixteen years, with more yet to come.

As Harry entered the castle, she walked headlong into Sirius and Remus.

"Whoa, Miss Wings, watch where you're going," Sirius cheerful voice chuckled as she bumped into him.

"Sorry," she mumbled pushing past them and heading on up the stairs.

"Harry, wait," Remus called after her, "what's the matter? You look like you just lost the house cup to Slytherin."

Harry ignored them and ran up the stairs. She just wanted to be alone. 'It's just a stupid dance,' she told herself. 'What does it matter to you if you have no date?' Nevertheless, it did. Harry desperately wanted to go, but not alone. Even Draco Malfoy had a date, and people were still suspicious of him. His father was a wanted man, and a known supporter of Voldemort.

Entering her room, she lay down on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. 'I can take on the greatest evil wizard of the time, but I can't get a date for the dance.' It was almost humorous. 'Why can't people like me for myself? They only want to know me because of who I am. Even Hermione doesn't want me to go with her and Ron. I could sense it in her.' Harry was stirred from her reverie by a persistent knocking at her door. Getting up she opened the door to see all four of the Protectors. She tried to slam the door, but Sirius grabbed it and forced his way inside. The others followed.

"All right, Miss Wings. What is this nonsense about not having a date for the dance?"

"I don't think it is any of your business."

"Oh, really? You seem to have forgotten that I am also your godfather. Anything that is troubling you is my business."

"Just leave me alone, Sirius, okay. I don't want to talk about it. I already went through it with Dumbledore."

"So I heard. So what if the boys who go to school here are too stupid to recognize a good thing. We all do. You are good, and kind, and funny, not to mention pretty..."

"And I'm dangerous to be near. Keep away from Potter or you might be killed. You think I don't hear the whispers. You think I don't hear Cedric Diggory's name spoken when people don't think I can hear them?" Harry screamed angrily, tears running down her face. She was tired and just wanted to have some peace of mind. "I go to bed at night hoping Voldemort will do something so that this nightmare will finally end one way or another. Today was the first day I knew I would probably win."

"Albus, what is she talking about?"

"I found her talking with an old woman. She vanished before I could question her. I don't know how, but apparently, Harry does know something. She believed what the woman told her."

"Honey, I want you to tell me right now exactly what happened. You can't just trust this stranger."

"She wasn't a stranger, I knew her. Please believe me. I can't tell you who she is, not yet. I promised. I have to let everything play out the way it's supposed to."

Sirius took Harry into his arms, and hugged her tightly, as the other two gathered around. "Listen, Harry, we all care about you. This could be a trap set by Voldemort. I need you to tell us exactly what happened."

"I have already told the Headmaster. My encounter was brief and to the point. I will defeat the Dark Lord. The old woman merely gave me some clues and confidence."

"Albus is this true?"

"That is basically what she said to me. What I don't know is how the woman disappeared in a place where she was unable to apparate."

"Harry, do you know how she was able to leave the grounds?"

"Yes, but I can't tell you. Please trust me on this. Don't make me tell you something that you shouldn't even know. I will tell you one thing though; she said I was just like you, too impulsive," Harry smiled slightly wiping the tears from her eyes.

"This woman knows me?" Sirius asked worriedly.

"A past love interest, Black?"

"No, Severus, she was not one of my adorable godfather's conquests," Harry blushed.

"Miss Potter, you know better than to use my first name during school hours."

"You know better than to burst into my room unannounced, and to tell Remus something I told you in confidence. Besides, I will call you anything I like in my room, so knock it off..."

"Harry..." Dumbledore warned, "apologize to Professor Snape now."

"I will not! He had no business violating a confidence."

"Harry I was simply looking out for your interests. You should not have to forgo the dance simply because some pimple faced youth failed to ask you to accompany him. You are acting quite childish," Snape responded patiently.

"Princess, I really want to see you all dressed up and pretty. The last time you went to a Hogwarts event it was the Halloween costume party over a year ago. We didn't get to dance with you then," he grinned at Sirius. "I think it would be nice if you went with me. After all I let you bring me in my wolf form last time."

"Remus is right, honey. You owe it to him. He would never have done it for anyone else."

"You are all just trying to make me feel guilty."

"Child, you shouldn't worry about what other people think. I never do. If they believe you are upset or angered by their attitudes they will persist in their actions. Look at what happened with Professor Umbridge."

"Please don't remind me," she shuddered.

"Then will you allow one of us to escort you to the dance?" Sirius asked giving her his best smile.

"No, you can all take me. I don't play favorites. Besides, tongues may wag, but half the girls in this school have a crush on at least one of you."

"I can't believe anyone would want Severus?" Sirius baited his old rival with a sneer.

"Actually, I like the beard and mustache he's growing. I'm glad I suggested it," Harry smiled looking at the facial hair Snape had grown. "He doesn't look so pale and gaunt. I think it's sexy."

"Then maybe I should grow one. Remus has a goatee of sorts."

"Actually I wish Remus would lose the facial hair. I think he would be cuter without it. As for you my lovable doggie, I like you clean shaven," she teased Sirius.

"What about the Headmaster? Should he keep his beard?"

"Absolutely. He needs to look like a wise old mage. Of course we all know better, but no one else does," she smiled, beginning to feel more like herself. "Now all of you go away and let me get ready. I suppose I will have to primp and make myself pretty," she curled her lip. "It was a lot easier when I was disguised as a boy." The four wizards all laughed.

"Harry we shall pick you up promptly at seven," Dumbledore said pleased that she had changed her mind.

"Then meet me in the Gryffindor Common Room. I told Ron and Hermione I would see them before they went downstairs. I have already given the Prefects their formal instructions."

"What did you tell them?" Sirius asked curiously.

"I put them all on duty in the rose garden, rotating shifts throughout the evening."

"Excellent, Potter," Snape was pleased with her answer, "this will keep the attempts at indiscreet intimacy at a minimum. Now if you will excuse me I will see you at seven in your common room with the others."

"I will see you later," Harry smirked, turning aside as he left. Remus saw the glint in her eyes.

"Princess, I know that look. Your father used to get the same expression when he and Sirius were up to no good."

"Now, Remus, do you really believe I am up to something?"

"I know you are. Now out with it. What are you planning?"

"I am not doing anything, honestly," she attempted to keep a straight face, but was unsuccessful.

"Honey, Remus is right. I would not mind a little joke myself. Now what are you going to do?"

"Headmaster, my godfather is trying to get me into trouble. Maybe I am just smiling because I made Professor Snape happy."

"Child, I believe that about as much as I would Sirius telling me he took a vow of celibacy."

"All right," Harry laughed looking sideways at Sirius, who was red faced and grinning at Dumbledore. "I do have something in mind, but I promise no one will be hurt and Professor Snape will be very happy, as will the student body."

"I suppose you wouldn't be willing to let an old man in on the joke?" Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling.

"Not when that old man just happens to be the Headmaster," Harry's green eyes sparkled.

"Shall I start planning your detention now? Or wait and see what develops?"

"I would wait. You may be quite amused. On the other hand I may end up expelled," she said batting her eyelashes at Dumbledore.

"Then I shall see you at seven. I need to get ready myself."

"Professor, you look quite handsome just as you are," Harry flirted playfully.

"Hmm...I think you are just trying to butter me up so that I will go easy on your detention."

"Professor Dumbledore! How could you ever think such a thing?"

"Because my Little Phoenix, you are your parent's daughter and Sirius goddaughter," Dumbledore chuckled looking at her over his spectacles. "Mischief is in your blood."

"That's how we keep you young at heart," Harry winked giving him a playful peck on the cheek. "Besides, you wouldn't have it any other way."

"Remus, see if you can teach this child some manners, I know better than to ask Sirius," Dumbledore sighed letting himself out of the door.

"I'll try Headmaster, but I think she's already too far gone," Remus answered jovially closing the door behind him.

"If you will both excuse me I need to make myself pretty, and that takes a while," Harry said looking from Remus to Sirius.

"Will you tell us what you are up to?" Sirius grinned, sitting himself down on her bed.

"I am not doing anything, honestly," Harry smiled, but her cheeks were beet red.

"Honey, I am the master of mischief," Sirius beamed good-naturedly. "I know you are going to try something, so you may as well tell me. Maybe I can help."

"I don't think so," she pretended to look innocent. "Now if you don't get off my bed and give me some privacy to get dressed I will not be going to the dance."

"Oh, Remus, Miss Wings thinks she can get one over on me. Do you want to help me make her talk?"

"What do you have in mind?"

"What is the one thing she can't withstand?"

Remus gave a deep throaty laugh, "Do you want me to hold her down while you tickle her?"

"You wouldn't dare!"

"Try us," Sirius smiled wickedly, as Remus grabbed her.

"Stop it! Let me go!" she laughed trying to escape from Remus grasp as Sirius grabbed her feet and pulled off her shoes.

"No! No! No! I'll talk just let me go. Stop tickling me!" Harry begged laughing hysterically.

"Okay, Miss Wings, spit it out. Tell us what you are up to."

"Not till Remus lets me go."

"Sorry, Princess, as the Protector who is your conscience and common sense I can't do that. You will just have to endure Sirius tickling," Remus gloated as Sirius started to tickle her again. "Had enough yet?"

"Okay, okay, I give up," she was unable to contain herself, laughing so hard she was crying, "please stop, I can't catch my breath."

"Well, Princess," Remus said sitting her on the bed between them, "what is your plan?"

"It's simple actually. The Prefects will patrol the Rose garden just like I told Snape. The only thing is they're actually watching for him. He loves to come along and check for any body who's snogging. If he shows up, the Prefects will tell him that all is well. We have the garden staked out so that the students will use certain areas at a given time. The Prefects will check the empty ones with Snape. The sites will rotate every hour as soon as the feast is completed and the dancing starts until the dance ends at midnight."

Sirius looked at Remus and then they both looked at Harry before Sirius threw back his head laughing and Remus grinned broadly.

"Miss Wings, that is brilliant. I wonder why we never thought of it when we were in school here."

"Yeah, as I recall we were always trying to evade old Kettleburn. He was the Care of Magical Creatures teacher before Hagrid," Remus reminded Harry.

"Now my question is...are you going to act like responsible Professors and rat me out or lovable allies who can be trusted not to open their mouths?" Harry queried eyeing them both suspiciously.

"What do you think, Remus? Should we do what our job requires of us, or pretend Miss Wings never said anything?" Sirius smirked.

"Hmm...I am her sensible side you know. Endurance, conscience, discretion," Remus pursed his lips pretending to frown.

"Ah...but her heart is in the right place. It's her greatest strength," Sirius pretended to look stern and thoughtful; "she is only trying to make everyone happy."

"Well old friend," Remus smiled knowingly at Sirius, "why don't we just think on it for awhile."

"We could do that. You know, peruse the situation and see what develops," Sirius agreed rising. "In the meantime Harry needs time to get ready, not that she isn't pretty already, but I can't wait to see her all dressed up."

"I totally agree," Remus replied moving with Sirius towards the door.

"Hold it you two!" Harry called after them sharply.

"Yes, honey?"

"Don't you honey me, you Casanova hound dog. You can't just leave me hanging like this. What are you going to do?"

"Now Harry, if we told you that where would all the fun be?" Sirius gloated, his brown eyes dancing.

"Sirius is right, Princess. After all he is the master of mayhem," both men laughed like a couple of schoolboys. "We'll see you at seven," Remus snickered, as Sirius winked as they exited the room.

Harry just stood there gaping at the door. 'I think I'm in big trouble,' she smiled to herself heading towards the shower.

An hour later, she stood in front of her mirror, perusing her reflection. Her gown was a strapless white taffeta, accentuating each curve of her slender figure and showing just a discreet amount of cleavage for a young woman of seventeen. Her dress robes were also white, with a fine red and gold threads running through the material, giving the impression of firelight with each movement. A simple pair of white pumps completed the ensemble.

With a little bit of magic she had managed an elaborate hairstyle, pulling her dark hair up and off her forehead, letting it fall down in thick waves down her back. Her lightening bolt scar was plainly visible. She had then put on the ruby and diamond heart pendant along with the matching earrings Sirius had given her for Christmas. The ruby dragon ring on her right hand that the Snapes had given her for her birthday glistened in the firelight. She could feel its strength tonight and noted it had grown darker, a portent of danger. A knot formed in her stomach. She had put in her contact lenses and her green eyes, unobscured by her glasses, had the mystical look of fine iridescent jade. The effect had been highlighted with the careful application of cosmetics.

She nodded, pleased with the effect, as the first faint twinge of pain raced through her lightening bolt scar. Harry had somehow known it was to be tonight. That's why she had tried to forego the dance. That was why the old woman had come to warn her. Going over to her dresser, she secured her wand deep into her robes. Then, almost on impulse, she reached into her top drawer and took out one other object, placing it on the opposite side from her wand, before uttering a silent prayer. 'Please God, give me just this one night. Let it happen after the dance. Just one night of happiness with the people I love before I have to face what I know must happen. One night for me to let them know how much I really love them; a night to remember, so they will get through their pain and loss, in case I don't make it.' Turning towards the door, she glanced around the room for what she knew might be the last time, and passed through the door and out into the hallway. Holding her head proudly, she headed towards Gryffindor Tower, and what she knew was her ultimate destiny...