Harry Potter and the Daemon Sidhe

Katling

Story Summary:
In the aftermath of the events of the Ministry, Harry is in dire need of help. That help arrives in the form of six mysterious people, along with his friends and even foes, who give him the strength and support he will need to defeat Voldemort. Written post-OotP but will take some factors of HBP into account.

Chapter 07 - 7

Chapter Summary:
Harry's friends come to stay at Grimmauld Place and are let in on the secret, expanding the court and getting things rolling a bit more.
Posted:
04/05/2006
Hits:
4,952


Chapter 7

Severus Snape sat in his office, surrounded by potions books. His conversations with Potter in Dreamtime the previous night had brought about a challenge for him. Harry had admitted that he had been having almost constant nightmares since the events in the Department of Mysteries hence the reason he had asked for the Dreamless Sleep potion. He hadn't needed to use it so far due to his activities with the Daemon Sidhe in Dreamtime but when they were able to become corporeal, he would have to go back to sleeping normally. And this is where his problem lay. He had been using silencing charms so as to not disturb his relatives and was willing to continue doing so in the dorm but that wasn't the real problem. The lack of sleep was the major stumbling block. Severus had been startled to learn that half the reason Harry was so often wandering the halls at night was that he had always had problems with nightmares and visions; perhaps not quite as bad as now but they had occurred previously. He usually preferred to go and walk around rather than toss and turn in his bed. Severus found himself sympathising with the boy; that was his preferred solution as well.

While actually dealing with the underlying problems was the ultimate solution and one that Lupin was handling, until that could be done Harry needed to be able to sleep. Dreamless Sleep was an adequate solution but had too many inherent dangers for Harry to use it consistently. Hence Severus' current search; he wanted to find an alternative. Kolos had indicated that there was one but he was still annoyed enough at Severus to make him find it on his own. Severus sighed irritably as he eyed the books surrounding him; he was just about ready to admit his errors on that score. This search was frustrating him beyond belief and he had a sneaking suspicion that he did not possess the book he needed.

Potter, he thought irritably.

Er, yes sir? came the hesitant reply.

Severus paused for a moment. It was odd to think such a hesitant reply could come from the confident and powerful king he had seen last night. He shook his head to dismiss the thought, Potter would learn.

How long do you think it will take Kolos to calm down? he thought sourly.

Um, I'm not sure, came Harry's amused reply. Why?

I rather suspect I do not have the book that details the potion he was talking about last night. I need to know what the name of the book is before I can start looking for the potion.

Oh, Harry replied. Try asking him again tonight, he might have calmed down a bit. That is, if you want to come into Dreamtime again.

Severus considered it. He rather liked the look of the library they had been in but he was curious as to what Potter had been doing. He had caught some glimpses in the memories but nothing concrete.

I...wouldn't mind, he said slowly. That library was fascinating.

He felt Harry's snort of laughter. Yeah, that's what Remus said as well.

Hmph, Severus snorted. I suspect the book I want is in there as well.

Probably, Harry replied cheerfully. Kolos is likely just waiting for you to ask.

Severus scowled then his expression became curious. That curiosity coloured his next question. What exactly do you do in Dreamtime?

Um, Occlumency, lessons in controlling the amount of power I now have access to and training to learn how to use a sword, Harry paused. Though I'm still stuck whacking away at the pells and running in that one.

Interesting.

Mmm, Devante calls it a well-rounded education. Severus could almost see Harry's grin.

The two of them had come to something of an understanding last night. They had agreed with the minimum of words that they would draw a line under everything that had happened in the last five years. It was alright to refer to it as long as explanations for your behaviour at the time were also forthcoming but otherwise they had decided that they would start again as much as they could. Severus had made it very clear to Harry that he absolutely had to treat him poorly at school. His cover as a loyal Death Eater would fail if he was caught being 'nice' to the Boy-Who-Lived. Harry had reluctantly agreed to that but had asked if he could avoid any mention of Sirius. Severus had agreed to that restriction equally reluctantly; he was still incapable of mourning the mutt in any way, shape or form.

I suppose it is, he said in reply to Harry's comment.

Remus joined in on the weaponry training last time, Harry said idly. He's pretty good. I've got a long way to go before I catch up with him.

Perhaps I shall join in as well, Severus mused. I had some training in fencing when I was younger.

Really? Harry replied, interested then a feeling of frustration came through the link. Is that some wizarding thing that everyone does but I don't know about?

Severus was confused for a moment. No, not that I'm aware of.

Oh, Harry replied sheepishly. Sorry. It's just that half the time I don't know all the normal wizarding stuff that everyone thinks I should know. I mean, I grew up with Muggles, very Muggle Muggles at that. Suddenly a feeling of mild panic came through the bond.

Harry? What's happening? Severus asked.

Dumbledore's here, Harry replied absently.

Harry, it's alright, Severus heard Remus say soothingly. He's just here to let us know when we can go to Diagon Alley. He said we could do that when he brought you here.

The feeling of panic from Harry receded. Oh, that's okay. The boy paused. You don't think he knows about...you being my guardian already?

No, I wouldn't think so, Remus replied calmly. The goblins won't tell them and I'm sure Percy and Penelope have already buried the paperwork. Remus paused and a sense of amusement came from him. What do you think about a bit more rebellion, Harry? Severus?

What do you mean? Harry asked curiously as Severus responded with, I hardly think Potter needs lessons in rebelling.

I'll take that as a yes from both of you, Remus replied smugly.

Harry's wicked laugh echoed throughout their minds. What did you have in mind, Remus?

Severus sighed. Yes, by all means, Lupin. Encourage the boy.

Remus chuckled. Look, we want Albus to get the idea you are sulking a little, correct? That you're going to put your foot down about certain things and be a little irrational about wanting them.

Gee, it sounds so mature when you put it like that, Harry replied dryly.

I know. A grin from Remus flashed through their minds. Let's try something that he's likely to grant. Ask if Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville and Luna could come to Grimmauld Place.

Why them? Harry asked.

Didn't you say you had the same feeling about them as you did about Severus and me? Remus queried. I think it might be a good idea to get your court established before you get back to school.

That's...not a bad idea," Harry said slowly.

I believe it is an excellent idea, Severus said with a feeling of reluctant approval. I may be able to manipulate the Headmaster into sending me to Grimmauld Place as well.

That's an even better idea, Remus said.

You're both right, Harry replied decisively. Getting my court established and used to working together before we have to go and confront Dumbledore is an excellent idea.

Severus felt both Remus and Harry drop out of his mind and he smirked; pity he couldn't be there to see how the Headmaster reacted.

****************************************************

Harry sat looking unhappy and sullen as Remus and the Headmaster discussed the upcoming outing to Diagon Alley. He was working hard to maintain the façade as he tried to compose himself after the mental conversation he had just had. When Remus flicked him a stern glance, he realised he had better get on with his side of things.

"I want my friends here," he said flatly.

Remus managed to look startled. "Er, what?"

"I want my friends here," Harry repeated.

"It might not be safe," Dumbledore said gently.

"How can it not be safe?" Harry replied sulkily. "If it's safe enough for me to be here then its safe enough for them. I want them here. Remus can't spend all his time with me; he's got things to do for the Order. So I want my friends here." He crossed his arms and glared at the Headmaster.

Dumbledore sighed then decided to relent. It was a small thing, after all, and if they managed to cheer Harry up, it would make it easier to deal with him. "Very well," he said with a smile. "I shall speak with Molly and Arthur and Mr and Mrs Granger about letting Ron, Ginny and Hermione come and stay."

Harry scowled. "What about Neville and Luna?"

Albus blinked then he remembered that they had also accompanied Harry to the Department of Mysteries; obviously a friendship had been forged between the six students. He smiled again. "I shall speak to Mrs Longbottom and Mr Lovegood as well," he said kindly. "I am sure that they will be willing."

"I should bloody well hope so," Harry growled.

"Harry!" Remus chided and Harry grumbled.

"Sorry," he said reluctantly. He then frowned and stood. "I'm going upstairs."

He stomped out of the room and up the stairs before pulling one of Fred and George's extendable ears out of his pocket and letting it out so he could listen in.

"...sorry Albus." He heard Remus saying apologetically. "He's kind of been blowing hot and cold lately. He misses Sirius a lot."

"That's quite alright," Dumbledore replied. "And perfectly understandable. I'm afraid he wasn't very happy with me after the events in the Ministry. Don't worry, Remus. He'll calm down. Just be there for him. I think that is all you can do."

"Yes, I know," Remus said quietly.

"I'd best go," the Headmaster said, standing. "I'll speak to the various parents and organise for Harry's friends to come here. I think that will be the best thing for him."

"Thank you, Albus," Remus said. Harry then heard the sound of the fire flaring and then the sounds of footsteps. Remus poked his head out of the kitchen and grinned up at him. "You can come back down now. Did you like the rest of the conversation?"

"Yeah, very moving," Harry said with a grin as he came down the stairs. "I'm so mixed up and confused."

"Well, you are, aren't you?" Remus replied gently.

Harry's face fell and tears welled in his eyes. "Yeah," he whispered and Remus drew him into a hug. "I am."

"That's why I used the words that I did," Remus said gently. "This thing with the Daemon Sidhe has been helping, I know. It's given you something to keep you busy but you are running a bit hot and cold during the day. But that's okay, Harry. You're allowed to miss him and mourn him."

"But what if I hate him sometimes," Harry whispered.

Remus' hugged him tighter. "You're allowed to do that too," he said sadly. "I do it sometimes. It's okay to get angry at him. Just don't let it overwhelm you. Try to remember the good things, not the way he died."

Harry sighed and nodded. "Okay," he said miserably and leaned into Remus' embrace.

*************************************************

Severus was carefully adding powdered mandrake root to the potion he was working on when the Headmaster walked into his workroom. He nodded to the older man and began gently stirring the potion with a silver ladle.

"Yes, Albus?" he said impatiently. He hoped he might have a chance to manipulate Albus into ordering him to move to Grimmauld Place today. He was a little startled to find that he was throwing himself into this so enthusiastically and for Potter as well. But... But meeting the Daemon Sidhe last night had been amazingly convincing. But...Potter's little display of kingly power had been impressive. The Harry Potter who sulked around the castle on a regular basis he wouldn't follow in a month of Sundays. The Harry Potter he had seen in Dreamtime last night he would follow to the ends of the earth. That Harry Potter was worth following and for the first time since the Dark Lord had risen again, he began to feel that the Light side might just win this war.

The Headmaster raised an eyebrow at him, his eyes serious. "I thought you were meant to be teaching Harry Occlumency," he said calmly. "I was under the impression that I asked you to make the lessons a daily event."

"Headmaster," Severus said firmly. "I must brew these potions. It is expected that I will have them the next time I am summoned and I do not know when that will be. If you wish to keep Potter at Grimmauld Place and not here then you must accept that it will be difficult for me to teach him every day. It would be perfectly acceptable for me to leave this potion if I was in the next room but I will not leave it while I go gallivanting halfway across the country."

Dumbledore's face became stern then it calmed. "You do have a point, Severus." His eyes began to twinkle. "There is plenty of room at Grimmauld Place for you to set up a workroom. Why don't you move yourself there for the rest of the summer? Then you will be able to kill two birds with one stone."

Severus stared at the Headmaster with perfectly simulated disbelief. "You wish me to go to Grimmauld Place and stay there with Potter? No!"

The Headmaster became stern. "It was not a suggestion, Severus."

"I am not sharing living space with a sullen, sulky teenager," Severus growled. "Particularly Potter! It's bad enough I have to deal with him during the school year and for these ridiculous lessons!"

"Severus!" Dumbledore said firmly. "Pack your things. You are going."

Severus glared at the Headmaster then threw his arms up in the air. "If I hex the idiot boy, then you will have no one to blame but yourself, Albus."

"Try not to do that, Severus," Dumbledore said with amusement as he headed for the door. "I fear what Molly might do to you if you did."

Three hours later, Severus stepped calmly out of the fireplace in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place, his various trunks and bags shrunken and in his pocket. Remus and Harry were in the middle of dinner and looked over at him with surprise.

"Hello, Professor," Harry said. "I see you managed to convince the Headmaster."

"Manipulate, Mr Potter," Severus said calmly. "The word you are looking for is manipulate."

"Oh, of course." Harry grinned. "Can I ask how you did it? For future reference."

"You simply need to remember where the Headmaster's prejudices lie," Severus said as he sat down at the table. "And alter your words appropriately. In my case, it is an advantage to appear, hmm, shall we say reluctant, when confronted with the topic of you."

"Well, that wouldn't work for me," Harry replied blandly. "The other way around maybe."

Remus chuckled. "So how long has the Headmaster exiled you here?"

"The rest of the summer," Severus said grumpily. "Though he has graciously allowed me to return for staff meetings and the like."

"Ouch," Remus replied.

Harry frowned. "Incidentally, do either of you know who the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher is this year? Because if it's another one like Umbridge, I may just consider dropping the damn subject."

"You can't," Snape said archly. "The Headmaster has deemed that Defence Against the Dark Arts is now a compulsory subject. And I suppose your new teacher could be deemed competent."

"Why, thank you, Severus," Remus said dryly. "How kind of you."

Harry froze for a moment and stared at his guardian. "You're the new Defence teacher?"

Remus nodded and Harry beamed. "That's great! You were the best teacher we've ever had." He paused. "Well, the fake Moody wasn't too bad except for really being Crouch Junior and wanting to kill me." He paused again. "You know, I think you're the only Defence teacher we've ever had who didn't want to kill me or turn me over to Voldemort. Well, you and Gilderoy Lockhart but he doesn't count. He was too stupid to do anything like that." Harry turned to Snape and grinned. "And speaking of Lockhart, we cheered for you, you know. Ron and I."

Snape raised an eyebrow. "Somehow I find that difficult to believe, Potter. When did you do this?"

"Lockhart's duelling club. When you used Expelliarmus on him. That was great!" He grinned wryly. "Though you probably shouldn't have taught us that spell, all things considered."

Snape smirked as he remembered the events in the Shrieking Shack the year after that. "I was surprised that Miss Granger joined in that attack."

"But not Ron and I?" Harry returned the smirk. "Well, I guess not. Anyway, you didn't see her after we'd put you into the wall. She was standing there, all wide-eyed, going 'We attacked a teacher. We're going to be in so much trouble'." Harry shook his head. "Besides I don't know why she got so upset then. We'd already attacked Remus."

"Yes but she'd figured out I was a werewolf by then," Remus observed. "She probably thought she had an out with that."

"Good point," Harry said. "Mind you, I think she was the only one."

"Yes, your class is full of idiots," Snape said sourly.

"No," Harry replied patiently. "Our class is full of people who don't like you and were subsequently not paying attention in the class or interested in doing the essay you set. There's a difference."

"Indeed," Severus said dryly. "I fail to see it."

Remus snorted with laughter. "Alright, enough, you two. As much as I'm enjoying the witty repartee, I think we should get you organised, Severus. I take it you will need somewhere to set up as a workroom?"

Severus nodded as Harry muttered an amused, "Spoilsport."

The two men stood and headed out into the hallway.

"Just for that, Harry, you can do the dishes," Remus said with a grin as they left.

******************************************************

The next morning Harry, Remus and Severus were sitting in the library poring over a large potions book. Kolos had finally deigned to tell Severus which book he needed after the two of them had had a long discussion regarding the Potions Master's teaching techniques regarding Occlumency. Kolos had been rather horrified to find that the reason Severus had taught like that was because that was how his father had taught him. Severus knew nothing about grounding and centring and his shielding was totally self-taught. Kolos had tested his shields and had been stunned to find how strong they were. He had shaken his head in disbelief, wondering aloud how Severus had ever managed to do that without being grounded and centred. After Harry had suggested that perhaps Snape had done something similar to what he had done and had deliberately let it slip that Snape's skill at Occlumency was vitally important for his survival, Kolos had insisted that Severus join Harry in his Occlumency lessons. Severus had been almost as stunned as Harry after learning how to ground and centre himself and had then been rendered utterly speechless when he discovered how much stronger he could make his shields when they had a proper base.

Harry had then gone on to his magic lessons with Gwydion while Remus and Severus remained with Kolos then both men had joined him when he moved through to work with Devante. The warrior-wizard had informed Harry that when he felt ready, they wanted him to start taking some lessons with Asa on magical healing and to speak with Awena about the prophecy. He had woken that morning with his muscles aching; though it was certainly less than when he had first begun his work with Devante.

Snape had been downstairs before Harry and Remus had even climbed out of bed. Remus had mentioned in Dreamtime that he thought the potions book that Kolos had mentioned was in the library. He and Harry had found the Potions Master in there, poring over the tome in question and had nearly had to physically drag him downstairs for breakfast.

Severus tapped his finger against the page of the book and looked at the other two.

"It is not easy to make," he said finally. "But it can be done. It will not work quite as well as Dreamless Sleep. You will dream, Potter, but the dreams will be muted and hazy and you should be able to drag yourself out of them easily. The advantage this potion has is that is can be used whenever needed. It has no addictive or narcotic effects."

Harry sighed with relief and his head dropped. "Good. I...I've got to be able to sleep this year."

Remus rested a hand on his shoulder and Harry threw himself into his guardian's arms. Remus wrapped Harry up in his embrace and gave Severus a sad-eyed look.

Severus raised an eyebrow. How long has this been going on? he asked silently, making sure that the thought did not go through to Potter.

Remus sighed. Since he got here. He has his ups and downs. I think he still blames himself for Sirius' death. Remus paused. He sent me a letter telling me he didn't understand why I didn't hate him.

The boy was foolish that day, Severus observed.

Yes, he was, Remus said slowly. But so were a lot of people, including you, me, Sirius and Albus. I don't think any of us were aware of how much Harry cared for Sirius. I mean, it wasn't like they'd had much time to get to know each other well.

Remus was surprised to see Severus look slightly hesitant. I...confess I cannot help you here. He heard the Potions Master say slowly. I...have never lost anyone I cared that much about.

Not even your parents? Remus asked incredulously then blushed slightly. Sorry. Don't answer that, I didn't mean to pry.

Severus sighed. No, not even my parents. By the time they died, I loathed my father and...my mother I viewed with apathy and contempt for her aggressive inaction. I struggled to mourn them.

Remus nodded solemnly and ruffled the hair of the boy in his arms. "Harry?" he said quietly. Harry raised his tear-streaked face and Remus smiled at him. "Ron and Hermione and the rest will be here soon. Why don't you go and wash your face?"

Harry nodded and disappeared out of the library. Snape looked down at the potions book in front of them then closed it and picked it up.

"I shall go and get this potion started," he said calmly. "Tell Potter to let me know when he wants me to make an appearance."

Remus nodded and Severus swept out of the room. The werewolf made his way down to the kitchen and was very shortly joined by Harry. The young man looked at lot better and seemed to be cheering up as the thought of his friends' imminent arrival sank in.

Suddenly the fire flared green and Ron tumbled out, closely followed by Ginny.

"Ron! Ginny!" Harry said as he leapt to his feet. He hadn't quite realised just how much he had been missing his friends.

Ron brushed himself off then helped his sister. He walked over to Harry and clapped him on the shoulder.

"Hi, mate," he said with a smile. "To answer your questions, yes, I really am fine. The welts are fading and so are the weird dreams. You have nothing to apologise for with the whole Ministry thing, it wasn't like we were actually going to let you go alone." Ron grin faded and a very serious expression crept onto his face. "And yes mate, I am your friend and always will be your friend, no matter what. The worst thing I ever did was not believe you in Fourth Year."

Harry eyes had gone wide during Ron's little speech and when the red-head finished, Harry nodded solemnly. "Thank you, Ron," he said quietly.

Ginny pushed her brother aside and stood in front of Harry with her hands on her hips. "Harry James Potter," she said sternly, "you did not drag me along to the Ministry. As I recall, I insisted on coming. So don't you dare start feeling guilty about that." She then blushed and lowered her eyes. "And I...I...I..." She couldn't seem to find the words she wanted to use so she raised herself on her toes and pressed a light kiss to Harry's lips.

Harry blushed and stared speechlessly at Ginny then a slow, shy smile appeared on his face. Ron grinned at them for a moment then put a hand on Harry's shoulder.

"Oy, mate," he said with mock-seriousness. "You just watch yourself with my sister there."

Both Harry and Ginny blushed but were saved the trouble of making any kind of response when the fire flared green again and Hermione stepped out into the kitchen. She brushed herself off and looked around. Harry was amused when both she and Ron blushed when they looked at each other and then she was throwing herself into his arms.

"Oh, Harry!" she said with tears in her eyes. "Of course I'm still your friends. I'll always be your friend." She let him go and ducked her head, her cheeks going red. "And I'm so sorry about making that comment. You're right, family and friends are more important than anything."

Harry smiled tightly at her. "Thank you, Hermione," he said quietly as the fire flared once again and Neville came tumbling out into the kitchen. Remus picked up the clumsy Gryffindor and brushed him off. Then Neville came over to where Harry was standing.

"Hello, Harry," he said cheerfully. "Thank you for inviting me." He paused for a second. "I'm really okay, you know. It was just a broken nose. Madam Pomfrey fixed it right up." He brightened slightly and pulled an obviously new wand out of his pocket, showing it off to the others with a smile. "And Gran bought me a new wand! Eleven inches, cherry wood with a core of unicorn hair. She's very proud of what we did in the Ministry, you know. Said that a lot of fully grown witches and wizards wouldn't have done so well as us." He looked proudly at Harry. "So don't go worrying about it so much."

Harry smiled slowly at his fellow Gryffindor. "Yeah, okay. That sounds like good advice."

They were interrupted by the fire flaring green again and Luna Lovegood stepped calmly out of the flames.

"Hello all," she said. "Hello, Harry. I trust you are as well as can be expected."

Harry nodded, not trusting himself to speak at that point. Luna did have a way of startling you at times. Remus placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and suggested to the others that he show them up to their rooms. The new arrived teens agreed and Remus led them up to the rooms he had prepared for them and then suggested that once they were settled in they come back down to the library. He went down stairs himself and joined Harry. They walked along to the library in silence.

"How are you going to do this?" Remus asked softly.

"Same way I did with Professor Snape," Harry replied. "I'll tell them now then pull them into Dreamtime tonight so that they can actually meet the Daemon Sidhe."

"Speaking of Professor Snape, he said to let him know when you wanted him to make an appearance."

"Hmm," Harry said. "I'll have to wait and see how they react to the news of the Daemon Sidhe before I do that. I might be better off waiting until I get them into Dreamtime before I tell them that Professor Snape is also one of my court."

"Good point," Remus replied with a grin. "You'd better let him know."

Harry nodded. Professor Snape? he thought quietly to the Potions Master.

Yes, Potter? came the reply.

I'm going to play things a bit by ear with my friends so I'm not sure whether I'll tell them about your place in my court now or tonight in Dreamtime.

Very well, Snape replied. Do wait until they've gotten over their histrionics before you call me in, if you don't mind.

Harry chuckled. Yes, sir.

Ron and Hermione were the first to arrive in the library, closely followed by the others. Harry waited until they were all seated and the looked over at Remus. The werewolf nodded once and smiled reassuringly.

Harry swallowed and looked over at his friends. "I've...got something I need to tell you. A few nights ago, I had...an interesting experience. I was having a nightmare when suddenly I got...pulled out of it."

"A vision?" Hermione asked with concern.

"No," Harry replied calmly. "Not a vision or anything to do with Voldemort. It was a man named Devante."

Hermione frowned. "I know that name," she said slowly. "Professor Binns mentioned it in History of Magic." She thought for a moment then the answer came to her. "Devante was one of the six members of the Daemon Sidhe." Her eyes became wide as she remembered the rest. "The Daemon Sidhe aided Merlin and they are suspected of aiding a number of other witches and wizards throughout the ages. They are awakened by the rise of darkness and the advent of war. Harry! Was it really the Devante?"

"Yes," Harry replied solemnly.

Hermione's eyes widened further. "They...select a leader that they follow...a king."

Harry's friends stared at him in shock and Harry gave a sideways grin.

"In answer to your question, Hermione," he said wryly. "Yes, I am the one they've chosen as their king. I'm not sure why they chose me. I mean, Dumbledore would be a more logical option but well, that's the way it is."

There was silence from the other students as they took in this news.

"So what exactly does all of this mean?" Ron asked.

"Well, they've awakened my full power," Harry said slowly, not wanting to scare his friends. "And they are teaching me how to use it. They're also giving me Occlumency lessons and some other lessons as well." He paused and drew in a breath. "They've also told me I need to put together my...court. I don't really like calling it that and Remus keeps reminding me that the Order is a type of court." He shook his head. "Anyway, it's meant to be a group of people who help and advise me."

"We're meant to be part of this court, aren't we?" Neville said with quiet realisation.

Harry nodded. "I get this odd feeling when I meet or even think about those who are meant to be members of my court and all five of you are in it."

"Really?" said Ron closely followed by Hermione's "So who else is in your court?"

"Yes, Ron, really," Harry replied with a smile. "And I've only got two members of my court actually in place at the moment. My two main Advisors for the Light and Dark."

The others frowned. "Who are they?" Hermione asked.

"Well, Remus is my Advisor for the Light," Harry said with a small smile. "And my Advisor for the Dark...well, I'd rather not say at the moment."

"What about Dumbledore?" Ginny asked curiously.

Harry scowled. "He's not part of my court." The others looked at him with surprise. "Look, let's just say I have a few issues with some of the things that Dumbledore has done through the years. He's...been manipulating me and others for a long time and until I can find out why he's done this, I'm not sure whether I can really trust him or not."

"Harry, of course you can trust him," Hermione said carefully.

"I don't know, Hermione," Harry said calmly. "Look, it would take too long to explain right now and the Daemon Sidhe have an easier way to do it. That'll have to wait until tonight though."

"Why? What happens tonight?" Ron said a little uneasily.

"Tonight I'll bring you all into Dreamtime," Harry replied. "You can meet the Daemon Sidhe and we can get things organised."

"Er, how does that happen?" Neville asked with a quiver in his voice.

"Don't worry, Neville, I'm the one who does all the work for that," Harry said reassuringly. "All you have to do is go to sleep tonight."

The students exchanged glances and Hermione looked at Harry curiously. "So who exactly is your Advisor for the Dark?"

Harry looked over at Remus and raised an eyebrow. The werewolf shrugged and grinned back at him. "Maybe it's a good idea to get it over and done with now."

Harry grimaced. "You may be right." He looked back at his friends. "My Dark Advisor is Professor Snape."

The others gaped at him.

"Snape? That greasy git!" Ron yelped. "How can you trust him?"

Harry smiled mirthlessly. "Because one of the things that I can do with members of my court is talk to them mind to mind. You can't lie like that, Ron. And besides, we kind of declared a truce." He looked thoughtful for a moment. "I haven't really asked him why he's agreed to this. It's none of my business really and if he wants to tell me, he will."

"Oh," Ron said, a little stunned. "Will we have that mental link?"

"Well, yes, I hope so," Harry said with a smile. "You don't have to make the decision right away and I should warn you that if you do accept the link, you will end up getting the backwash of my visions and some of my nightmares." He paused. "Professor Snape's working on a potion that will help with the nightmares, seeing how I can't take Dreamless Sleep on a regular basis. But my visions will come through."

"Good," Ginny said firmly. "That means we won't have to drag them out of you anymore and we can help you deal with them. I'll do it, I'll take the link."

The others all quickly agreed and Harry smiled at them with relief. "By the way, the link isn't just with me. You'll be linked in with the rest of the court as well. Remus will be able to show you how to block of various parts of the link once it has been established."

There were some nervous looks around the room and Harry decided that they'd probably had enough of the heavy talk for now. "Look, let's leave the rest for tonight. It'll be easier once we're all in Dreamtime and we can talk with the Daemon Sidhe."

The others nodded and they all stood and left the room.

***********************************************************

When Harry opened his eyes that night in Dreamtime, he immediately began smiling. Once again he was in the library with Kolos waiting by the mantelpiece.

"Hello, Kolos," Harry said. "Um, do you mind if we delay things again tonight. The rest of my...court is here and I want to bring them in."

Kolos brightened and smiled. "Of course, Harry. I'll let the rest of the Daemon Sidhe know. We can get a few more things moving once your court is established so this is very good news."

Harry nodded and watched as the Scholar disappeared. He then frowned in concentration as he brought Remus and Snape into Dreamtime.

"I'm going to bring the others in," he said shortly and the two men nodded. Remus conjured some more chairs and they sat down. Harry closed his eyes and reached out for the minds of his friends, one by one bringing them into Dreamtime. Once he had brought the last one in, he opened his eyes and sat down with a sigh.

"Alright there, Harry?" Remus asked with concern.

"Yes," Harry replied. "It was just a little challenging, that's all."

"This is Dreamtime?" Ron asked as he looked around.

Harry laughed. "Well, my Dreamtime as manipulated by the Daemon Sidhe."

The five students looked around the library with interest before bringing their attention back to Harry. They shot slightly nervous glances at Snape and a few grins in the direction of Remus. They sat down in the chairs and continued looking around.

"So what happens now?" Hermione asked.

"Now I bring in the Daemon Sidhe," Harry said with a smile as he mentally asked the others to join them.

The five students gasped in surprise as the members of the Daemon Sidhe suddenly materialised in the room. Gwydion looked around for a moment then quickly expanded the room and conjured some more chairs.

"So these are the remaining members of your court?" Devante asked cheerfully. "It's nice to meet you all. I'm Devante." The warrior-wizard then proceeded to introduce the rest of the Daemon Sidhe.

"It's really all real?" Hermione asked in a dazed tone.

"Oh yes, my dear," Asa said soothingly. "Very real."

Harry grinned at his friend then looked over at Gwydion and Devante. "Can you show them the conversations we had regarding what happened to me? You know, the same ones that you showed Remus and Professor Snape."

The two men nodded and Gwydion looked over at the new arrivals. "Brace yourselves. This might get a little interesting."

Harry's friends nodded and then gasped as the memories of the conversations were placed in their brains. When Gwydion was finished the teens sat for a while, digesting what they had seen.

"I...think you might be right about Professor Dumbledore, Harry," Hermione said slowly. "I hadn't really thought about it before but when you see everything like that; well it becomes rather damning, doesn't it?"

Harry nodded at his friend while both Remus and Snape looked surprised at her sudden change of heart; the Hermione they knew was a firm supporter of the rules and the Headmaster. The other students murmured words of agreement and Harry relaxed; his friends were on his side, that was all he cared about.

Devante gave the students with an approving look. "Well, I'm glad to see you have your priorities right," he said with satisfaction.

"Of course, we do," Hermione said indignantly.

"Yeah," Ron echoed. "Harry's our friend. We followed him to the Ministry, we'll follow him anywhere."

Harry stared at Ron for a moment then blushed; he hadn't expected that from his friends.

"Good," Gwydion said with satisfaction. "That's what I'd expect to hear from members of Harry's court."

"So when do we do this mental linking thing?" Ginny said briskly.

"Are you sure you want to do that?" Harry asked carefully. "You do remember you'll get the backwash from any visions I have?"

"With any luck, that won't be much of a problem," Kolos said calmly. "Your Occlumency training should keep them at bay."

Harry looked at the Scholar a little dubiously. "Well, maybe. Voldemort's surprised me too many times for me to believe that outright."

He looked at his friends questioningly and they all nodded at him.

"Let's do it," Ron said firmly.

Harry sighed and nodded the closed his eyes. As he reached out with his mind, he heard Gwydion say, "Just relax and let Harry do what he needs to do."

The first mind he reached for was Ron. When he found it he established the link. Ron? He said carefully.

Harry? Ron replied. Whoa, mate! This is really strange.

Yeah, well, it's about to get stranger, Harry replied absently as he altered the link to include Remus and Snape.

He felt Ron's surprise. Er, Harry? What just happened?

The link is meant to allow all members of the court to be able to communicate with each other, Harry reminded his friend. I just brought you into contact with Remus and Professor Snape.

You did? Ron said hesitantly.

Yes, he did, Remus said cheerfully, closely followed by Snape's acid, Indeed.

Whoa, Ron said, sounding slightly shocked.

Harry chuckled and reached for Hermione's mind and repeated the process. By the time he was finished bringing them all in, he was feeling a little shell-shocked. The other seemed to pick this up through the link.

Harry? Are you alright? Ginny asked kindly.

Yeah, Harry replied. Just give me a minute.

I'll pass on the information about shielding while you recover, Remus said soothingly. Harry watched as this happened and when his friends seemed to have accepted that information he got their attention again.

There's something else that we ought to tell you about, he said with a small grin. We've been indulging in a little bit of calculated rebellion. We wanted to get Dumbledore used to me not obeying him. We've kind of started small.

Harry, what did you do? Hermione asked in tone of trepidation.

Harry laughed. Nothing that bad, Hermione. Relax. Sirius' name has been cleared and his will has been read. In it he wanted Remus to take over as my guardian. It seems that the goblins at Gringotts agreed with Sirius though we don't know why. Anyway, our first piece of rebellion was to go to the Ministry and get Sirius' wishes made official.

The others gasped. So Remus is your guardian now? Ginny asked with growing delight.

Yes, Harry said in a very pleased tone. The others could all feel Remus' delight at this then Harry continued. Actually Ron, it was Percy who enabled us to do this. Him and Penelope. They invited us to the wedding as well.

They all felt Ron's pride. Yeah, Perce came home just at the start of the holidays. Apologised and everything. I'm glad he's tried to make things right with you.

I certainly appreciated it, said Harry with a smile. Now let's get out of here and get back to what we need to do with the Daemon Sidhe.

There was general agreement and the mental link slowly dissolved.


Thanks for all the reviews. loveisforever - I had planned on updating fairly regularly but I have been having trouble with my computer so it will be updates whenever it decides to behave itself until I sort everything out.