Harry Potter and the Daemon Sidhe

Chapter 19

Harry woke just after dawn the next day and he lay in his bed for a few minutes trying to determine whether he would be able to get back to sleep. Once he realised that he wouldn't, he quietly pulled the curtains back and got dressed. He was going to go outside and try the transformation again. He was just creeping out of the dorm when he heard two sets of curtains rattle open.

"Wait for us, Harry," Ron whispered as he scrabbled around for his clothes.

He grinned and leaned in the doorway as Ron and Neville threw some clothes on then the three boys tiptoed downstairs and out of the Tower. They quietly made their way out of the castle and headed towards the Quidditch pitch.

"I don't want to go into the Forest at the moment," Harry said. "I just want to get somewhere a little out of the way."

Ron and Neville nodded and the three boys made their way to the back of the pitch. Once there, they grinned at each and swiftly transformed. Harry shook his mane and stretched before leaping off into a run. He was quickly joined by Ron's leopard while Neville's grizzly bear lumbered along behind them.

Having fun? came Ginny's tart question and the three boys turned towards the castle to find the three girls walking down towards them.

I see that great minds think alike, Harry replied.

Or all fools stick together, was Severus' arch response and he, Remus and Sirius walked out of the castle behind the girls.

Well, I prefer the first idea, Harry said with a mental laugh. Well? Are you lot joining us?

The girls laughed and swiftly transformed, closely followed by the adults. Severus and Luna leapt into the air, clearly enjoying the freedom of the skies. Ginny loped over to join Harry and the two of them took off at a run. The wolf and the black dog yipped at each other and headed for the Forest. The bear also lumbered towards the Forest; Neville seemed almost fearless in his new form. The vixen and the leopard stared at each other for a long moment then they too took off at a run. They all took the opportunity to explore the world with their new senses.

Harry was the first one to be alerted to the new arrivals with Ginny right behind them. This was undoubtedly helped by the fact they were the closest to the castle. Harry looked around to see Professors McGonagall, Flitwick and Dumbledore standing on the steps of the school, watching them with obvious curiosity and delight.

Get the others, Harry said to Ginny then he loped over to the steps and transformed back.

"Professors," he said urbanely.

"That is not the animagus transformation, is it, Mr Potter?" Professor McGonagall asked with interest.

"No, ma'am," Harry replied with a grin. "Sirius is the only animagus amongst us. This is part of the transformation we are capable of, me as king and the others as my court."

"Part of the transformation?" Professor Flitwick squeaked excitedly.

Harry grinned at the diminutive Charms teacher. "We each have three forms we can transform into, except for Sirius."

"May we see your other forms?" Dumbledore asked with a smile, his eyes twinkling.

"Um, okay," Harry said. "I've only tried the lion so far but Gwydion said we should be able to manage the others forms easily enough now that we've completed the first one."

He stepped back a few paces and concentrated on his other forms. Shortly afterwards there was a large stag standing in his place.

Harry? came the strangled question from Sirius.

Harry turned to see Padfoot standing frozen halfway between the Forest and the castle.

Yeah, it's me, Harry said gently.

Sirius transformed back and strode up to where Harry was standing. "Merlin, Harry!" he said with tears in his eyes. "You look just like Prongs."

The wolf bounded up to them and Remus transformed back. He too had tears in his eyes.

"Harry," he began then his voice trailed off.

"Please," Sirius gasped, tears now running down his cheeks. "I can't..."

Harry swiftly transformed back and quickly found himself pulled into Sirius' embrace.

Sirius? He asked softly.

I know it's one of your symbols but it's so hard to look at, Sirius babbled. You look exactly like Prongs.

Then I won't use it often, Harry soothed. It's okay. I think I like my lion form too much. He paused as a devilish thought occurred to him. Though I daresay Wormtail would get quite a shock to see someone that looks like Prongs prancing around the place.

Sirius laughed and let Harry go. "For that I think I could manage to deal with it."

"For what?" Remus asked curiously.

"I said I thought Wormtail would get quite a shock to see someone that looked like Prongs prancing around the place," Harry replied innocently.

Remus stared at him for a moment then burst out in delighted laughter. "A shock would an understatement, I think."

Harry grinned. "Yes, I thought so. Now, I was showing off for the Headmaster, if you don't mind."

Sirius laughed again, looking more settled now and he and Remus stepped back.

"Well, far be it for us to interfere with your bragging, my king," Sirius said with a mocking bow.

Harry mock-scowled at him the turned back to the smiling teachers. He then transformed into his final form, that of an eagle. He was surprised but pleased to find that each form came with the knowledge of how to be that kind of creature. In the case of the eagle, this meant he knew how to fly. He leapt from the ground and flapped his wings, quickly gaining altitude. This was far different from flying on a broom; this was more instinctive and he segued into a series of aerobatics that had him whooping with delight. That came out in the form of screaming cries.

Enjoying yourself, Mr Potter? Severus said archly as the raven flew over.

Absolutely, Harry replied delightedly. This is amazing!

Severus chuckled dryly. Yes, I rather like it.

Have you tried your other forms? Harry asked eagerly.

Yes, just before, Severus replied. The crane is not overly dissimilar from this form, merely larger. The bat takes a bit of getting used to. Bats navigate by echolocation and that's a touch disconcerting. As is the hanging upside down when perching.

Harry snorted with laughter. That's a very interesting mental image.

Severus chuckled. I imagine it is. The Headmaster is trying to get your attention.

Harry grumbled as he winged in for a landing, Severus close behind him. They both transformed back and walked up to the Headmaster. The rest of his court also transformed back to their human forms and gathered around.

"Truly remarkable," Dumbledore said with open delight.

"Yes, it is," Gwydion said cheerfully, surprising the Headmaster.

Dumbledore whirled around and eyed the six adults standing in the doorway. "The Daemon Sidhe, I presume?"

Gwydion nodded. "My name is Gwydion." He introduced the others and Dumbledore returned the favour with Minerva and Filius.

"Pleased to meet you," Gwydion said blandly. "We must talk at some point in the future. I have many questions for you."

Dumbledore picked up the undertones in Gwydion's statements and gave the man a curious look. Gwydion ignored it and looked over at Harry and his court.

"Enjoying yourselves?" he asked with a wicked grin.

Harry grinned back. "Definitely." His court echoed him and the Daemon Sidhe laughed.

"I didn't think it would take you lot long to go exploring," Devante laughed. "Have you all tried your other forms?"

Harry and his court nodded.

"Well, most of them," Hermione added. "Neville and I have a couple of forms that require a bit of water to achieve."

"Oh, I've only tried one," Neville said. "As Hermione said, one of them needs water and the other is...very big."

"May we ask what that one is?" Dumbledore raised an eyebrow.

"An elephant," Neville said with nervous pride.

"Truly remarkable," Professor Flitwick said, looking very excited.

"Well, now that we know that the collection of animals roaming the grounds is nothing to worry about, we shall let you all get on with it," Dumbledore said as he gently ushered a reluctant Minerva and Filius back into the school.

Harry and his court stared at each other then in a flash a motley collection of animals appeared and started roaming around the grounds again. The Daemon Sidhe sat down on various steps and laughed.

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That day marked their first in their new training regime and they spent a great deal of time running from one class to a training session back to another class. Harry, Ron and Hermione had the easiest time of it as their morning was entirely taken up with Transfiguration and Care of Magical Creatures. By the time they gathered in the Daemon Sidhe's quarters after dinner, the students were all exhausted and gratefully collapsed into seats. They were soon joined by the adult members of the court and the students were relieved to see that they too looked a little frazzled.

"So what are we doing tonight?" Harry asked, hiding a yawn.

"Talking," Malini said impishly.

"Again!" Harry said with mock-complaint then he grinned. "What about?"

"Severus told us about your little speech to the school and his thoughts on its consequences," Devante explained.

"Oh," Harry said. "What do you think?"

"I think you did well," Devante replied. "Severus is right when he says that you must take the lead now that you have claimed it."

Harry sighed. "I know, I know. I just wanted a bit more time."

"I do not believe we will have that time," Severus said, shifting uncomfortably and easing his collar away from the still-livid scar on his neck. "I have no doubts that the Dark Lord will have noticed that my Mark is gone. He will make some kind of move against me and soon if I am any judge."

"Oh, for goodness sake!" Asa burst out as she leapt out of her chair. "Stop fiddling with those wounds, Severus. You'll make them worse."

The Healer bustled over to the startled Potions Master and slapped at the hand that was still up at his collar. Severus started to scowl at her but then yelped instead when she flicked his robes, coat and shirt open with a wave of her hand.

"Do you mind?" he snapped and he started to close them again.

"Of course I don't," Asa said primly as she slapped his hands away again. "Now let me look at these properly." She peered at the wound running down Severus face, neck and chest and made a tutting noise. "You really shouldn't be wearing such heavy materials over these wounds," she scolded. "They're healing well but slowly. Now let me see this one on your arm."

"It is no different to the other," Severus snapped though there was a faint pink stain on his cheeks. "As you said, they are healing as well as possible. Between Poppy's treatment and my potions there is nothing more to be done."

Asa eyed him sternly for a long moment then she made a harrumphing sound. "Very well then. I suppose I shall have to go and speak with this Poppy then. I daresay I'll get more information out of her."

She sniffed primly then returned her seat with just a hint of a flounce. Harry and the others were doing a very admirable job throughout all of this of not laughing though when Severus scowled at them they immediately lost that battle. Severus' scowl deepened at the merriment that erupted and he rather primly buttoned up his shirt and coat before wrapping his robes around him.

"S...sorry, Severus," Harry gasped out. "But I've never seen you so completely disarmed before. Even Madam Pomfrey doesn't get the better of you like Asa just did."

"Well, I wasn't expecting to be suddenly assaulted like that," Severus said irritably.

"Assaulted!" Asa objected fiercely. "Since when is caring about the well-being of a person assaulting them?"

Severus looked slightly taken aback at this ferocious response.

"I'd let it go, Severus," Kolos advised with amusement. "You really don't want to get Asa too riled up. You will not win that argument with her."

Severus made an irritated harrumphing sound but wisely chose not to comment.

Harry quickly swallowed his grin and decided to help out. "What kind of action do you think Voldemort will make?"

Severus leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers. "Unknown. It largely depends on whether he is able to obtain another agent within Hogwarts."

"Is that likely?" Malini asked with concern.

"Many of my serpents are ambitious and many of their sympathies also lie with the Dar...Voldemort," Severus replied.

"Draco Malfoy," Ron said sourly. "He'd have to be the prime suspect, wouldn't he?"

"He would," Severus admitted. "He may even have been permitted to take the Mark already. The Dar...Voldemort was rather displeased with his father. It would not be out of the realms of possibility for him to allow Draco the opportunity of redeeming his family name."

"And you'd provide that opportunity?" Devante asked grimly.

"Myself, the Headmaster or Harry would all be legitimate targets," Severus replied. "Myself and the Headmaster being the most likely. Voldemort wishes to deal with Harry personally, not through an intermediary."

"Is there anything we can do about that now?" Remus asked.

Severus shook his head. "Remain alert and I shall keep an eye on my serpents."

The others nodded worriedly then Gwydion looked over at Harry.

"There's been something I've been meaning to ask regarding the prophecy," he said curiously. "Do you have any idea what this power is that you have but Voldemort does not?"

Harry grimaced. "I have no idea. I thought it might be the power you awoke but then I remembered that the Headmaster implied after the...incident in the Ministry that I already possessed this power."

"Did he give any indication of what it might be?" Gwydion asked.

Harry shifted uncomfortably. "He said this power that I apparently possess is the same as that held in a locked room in the Department of Mysteries. He said it's a force more wonderful and more terrible than death and that it is probably the most mysterious thing in the whole Department. He said that I possess it and Voldemort has none at all. He said it was what took me all the way to the Ministry to save Sirius and it was what saved me from being possessed by Voldemort."

"Why?" Asa asked gently.

"He said that Voldemort couldn't bear to be in a body filled with the force he detests," Harry said, looking uncomfortable and frowning slightly. "He said it was my heart that saved me. But I'm not really sure I know what he means."

"Love," Asa said softly. "He means love, Harry. It was love that took you to the Ministry to save Sirius. It doesn't matter that the vision was a false one. You love your godfather enough to risk everything to save him. And one who neither understands nor possesses love could never bear to be in contact with such a positive and powerful force."

Harry looked confused. "But how is love supposed to help me defeat Voldemort?"

It was Gwydion who answered the question. "What do you know of the Killing Curse? Avada Kedavra."

"It kills people," Harry replied flatly. "It gave me this scar." He gestured to his forehead.

"But what powers it?" Gwydion asked.

"I don't know," Harry replied, looking slightly confused. "Professor Moody said it needed a powerful bit of magic behind it but he didn't say what kind. I just assumed it needed...I don't know, anger or hate."

"They can be strong enough to provide the power needed," Gwydion said. "And they are the most commonly used sources of the power required. But any strong emotion can be used to provide the power."

"So Harry could use love to power the Killing Curse?" Hermione said with surprise.

Gwydion nodded. "It's been done before. Merlin used love to cast the Killing Curse more than once."

"How?" Harry asked.

"The first time was when he faced down Morgan Le Fay," Gwydion explained. "The Muggles have never really quite got the relationship between Merlin and Morgan right. They weren't lovers but close friends, almost brother and sister. When she embraced the Dark magics, it nearly broke Merlin's heart. He was eventually forced to kill her. He used the Killing Curse but powered it with all the love he'd once felt for the woman who had once been his sister but he now no longer recognised."

Harry leaned back in his chair and frowned at the floor as he thought about that. "I suppose," he said slowly.

"Think it over for a while and come back and ask me any question you might have," Gwydion said with a smile. "It's something that you kind of have to wrap your mind around for while before it all makes sense. It never really makes sense at first that love could be that powerful but once you have time to think about it you usually start to see that truth in that idea."

A knock on the door drew their attention and Devante rose smoothly to answer it. He returned with the Headmaster in tow and there was a small flurry while they got him settled in his own chair with a cup of tea.

"So, to what do we owe the honour of this visit?" Gwydion said with only a small hint of sarcasm.

Dumbledore cocked an eyebrow at the Daemon Sidhe's wizard then looked over at Harry.

"I have come to speak to Harry but I thought it might be best to do so when all of you were present," he said calmly. "Since what I tell him will inevitably affect you all now. Harry, I believe I mentioned at the end of last year that I would endeavour not to keep things from you as much as I have been."

Harry looked surprised then slightly suspicious. "Which means you have been keeping things from me."

"Yes," the Headmaster admitted plainly. "But what I wish to tell you and the others about now only I have known about so far. It is something I have suspected for some time and only in the last few years have I been able to extract enough evidence to confirm my suspicions." He paused and eyed Harry curiously. "What do you think of the prophecy?"

Harry blinked. "What do I think of the prophecy? What do you mean?"

"Do you believe it?" Dumbledore asked.

"I...I...suppose," Harry said slowly. "I mean Awena has had a few problems with it but...Headmaster, what's this all about?"

Dumbledore looked over at the Seer. "What troubles you about the prophecy?"

"It's very specific," Awena said promptly. "Prophecies are rarely so specific simply because the future is malleable and fluid. One small, simple action now can change the future markedly."

"Yes, that has always been a concern of mine," Dumbledore replied with a small smile.

"You don't believe the prophecy?" Hermione asked with surprise.

"It matters little what I believe," Dumbledore said.

"Because Voldemort believes," Severus finished for him.

"Precisely," the Headmaster said firmly.

"So is the prophecy true?" Harry demanded.

"I am inclined to believe there is some truth in it," Dumbledore said thoughtfully. "Certainly Sybil's behaviour indicates that it is a valid prophecy but Harry, you were in the prophecy room. How many prophecies would you say were in there?"

"I don't know," Harry said with a shrug. "Hundreds, maybe thousands."

"Do you imagine that all of those prophecies were accurate?" Dumbledore asked.

"I...suppose not," Harry replied.

"As the lovely Awena said the future is very fluid and malleable," Dumbledore continued. "It has been found that the greater distance between the time at which the prophecy is given and the time at which it is supposed to occur, the more likely it is that the prophecy will contain inaccuracies."

Understanding dawned on Harry's face. "Oh, so that prophecy Professor Trelawney gave during Third Year..."

"That was given on the very day it was to occur," Dumbledore finished for him. "Yes, it came true. There was little time for any circumstances to change. But Sybil's first prophecy was given shortly before you were born over sixteen years ago. There has been a great deal of time for things to change. Does that mean that the prophecy is now inaccurate? We don't know and we won't know until it is all over. Unfortunately that is the nature of prophecies. You did not understand Sybil's second prophecy until that night was over. Could you have changed things if you had understood it? Perhaps but perhaps not."

Harry nodded. "So what does this have to do with Voldemort?"

"I believe I told you that Voldemort only knows the first part of the prophecy," Dumbledore said. "Well, as Severus said Voldemort believes the prophecy. He believes absolutely that you are the only one who stands between him and his ambitions."

"Wonderful," Harry said dryly then he blinked. "So...it doesn't really matter what I believe, does it?"

Dumbledore smiled proudly at him. "Well done, Harry, and you are absolutely right."

"No matter what you actually believe, you're going to have to act like you believe the prophecy wholeheartedly," Remus said suddenly. "Otherwise, Voldemort will outflank you and could win."

"But at least this way, you will be doing on your own terms," Sirius added. "And who knows, maybe the prophecy is right."

"Is this what you had suspicions about?" Harry asked the Headmaster.

Dumbledore shook his head. "No, this was merely something I wanted to get you thinking about. I actually came to speak about something far more serious. I have contemplated how to tell you this all summer but your assumption of leadership has prompted me to lay this on the table now and in particular with your court and the Daemon Sidhe around you. The prophecy implies that you must kill Voldemort but this will not be as straightforward as you might think."

"Because of the Priori Incantatem between our wands?" Harry suggested, feeling a bit lost.

"Well, I suppose that is a consideration but that is not what I was thinking about," Dumbledore replied.

He does like meandering around, doesn't he? Devante observed mentally and everyone had a sudden struggle to keep their faces straight.

"Did you ever wonder why Voldemort did not die the night he came to Godric's Hollow?" the Headmaster continued.

"Well, yes, I have," Harry said. "I guess I just assumed it had something to do with the protection my mother gave me."

"Your mother's protection saved you," Dumbledore said. "Voldemort's survival came from another source."

"What source was that?" Harry asked, not entirely sure he wanted to know the answer.

"Do you know what a Horcrux is?" Dumbledore asked soberly.

Harry and the rest of the students looked confused but the adults and particularly the Daemon Sidhe all looked pale and shocked.

"Voldemort has created a Horcrux?" Gwydion said, sounding shocked.

"What's a Horcrux?" Harry asked before anyone else could say anything.

There was a moment of silence then Dumbledore spoke. "A Horcrux is an object used to house a portion of a person's soul. It is an object of such Dark magic that few people know of them these days."

"And Voldemort's made one of these?" Harry asked.

"I believe so," Dumbledore replied. "I also believe...well, nevermind, I have no definitive proof for that, only suspicions, but it is what I wanted to speak to you about."

Harry frowned. "What precisely? Headmaster, I thought you weren't going to keep secrets from me."

Dumbledore sighed. "Forgive me, Harry. This is something I have been speculating and investigating for some time and I have come to some conclusions that even I do not like. I believe that Voldemort has created a Horcrux. In fact, I suspect that he has done even more than that but I have no proof."

"But you think there is proof?" Devante said.

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes but I have as yet been unsuccessful in obtaining that proof. I believe Harry may be able to obtain it where I have failed."

"Me?" Harry said incredulously. "How could I do any better?"

"The man who can provide the proof is...interesting," Dumbledore said with a small smile. "He has provided me with what he says is the proof I need but he has...altered it." The Headmaster reached into his robes and drew out a small vial. "Do you know what this is?"

Harry shook his head then Kolos answered the question in a flat tone. "It's a vial containing a memory or memories. It is used in conjunction with a pensieve."

Dumbledore nodded. "Would there be a pensieve here by any chance?"

Kolos nodded and stood. "I have one," he said stiffly then he disappeared through the door that led to his rooms. He returned shortly with a large stone bowl in his hands. He placed it on the table in the middle of the room and gestured to the Headmaster.

Dumbledore rose and poured the memory into the bowl. He then looked over at Harry. "I would like for you and your court to accompany me into this memory. It will not take long. The memory belongs to a former teacher at Hogwarts, a Professor Horace Slughorn."

Severus gave the Headmaster a sharp look. "Slughorn?"

"Yes, the same man who was the Potions teacher when you were a student," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling.

Harry and his friends gave Severus a curious look then Harry raised an eyebrow at Sirius and Remus who were rolling their eyes at each other.

"Oh, him," Sirius said in a dry, droll tone. "Old Sluggy. He was a weird one. He really liked Lily though. Thought she was wonderful."

"Slughorn liked those who were skilled, powerful or well-connected," Severus said with some distaste. "Preferably all three."

"You'd have been one of his then," Sirius said with an arch look.

"Perhaps, if I'd ever accepted one of his invitations," Snape replied blandly.

Sirius gave the Potions Master a surprised look but any reply was interrupted by Dumbledore's insistence that they enter the memory.

They found themselves standing in an office where a fairly rotund man with straw-coloured hair, a gingery moustache and very opulent clothing was holding court in front of about half a dozen boys. Both Ginny and Harry gasped as they saw Tom Riddle and Ginny quickly sidled over to Harry. He wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders as Dumbledore pointed out Tom Riddle, one day to become Lord Voldemort, to the others.

The teenage Tom Riddle was very handsome and from the way he was sitting it almost looked at though it was he who was holding court in the room. He was wearing his school robes and was wearing a gold and black ring on one hand. As they watched, Riddle spoke.

"Sir, is it true the Professor Merrythought is retiring?"

Slughorn winked at Riddle and waved a supposedly reproving finger at the young man. "Tom, Tom, if I knew I couldn't tell you. I must say, I'd like to know where you get your information, boy; more knowledgeable than half the staff, you are."

As they watched Riddle smiled and the other boys in the room laughed and cast him admiring glances. Ginny shivered and crept closer to Harry as Ron gave her a worried glance.

I never really realised how much the whole thing in the Chamber of Secrets affected her, Ron said with concern, his thoughts on a private line to Harry.

I think it's just because the Riddle that came out of that diary was about the same age as this one, Harry replied.

They both stilled as Slughorn continued, "What with your uncanny ability to know things you shouldn't, and your careful flattery of people who matter - thank you for the pineapple, by the way, you're right, it is my favourite - "

Some of the boys sniggered and then something odd happened that had everyone looking around in surprise though Dumbledore remained calm. The whole room suddenly filled with a thick white fog that obscured everything, leaving them only able to see each other. As they looked around in surprise, Slughorn's voice suddenly boomed out in a manner quite different from what seemed to his normal tones.

"You'll go wrong, boy, mark my words."

The fog cleared as suddenly as it had appeared and Harry and his court shot the Headmaster a curious look. He gave them a bland look and gestured for them to keep watching. As they did the clock on Slughorn's desk chimed eleven o'clock.

"Good gracious, is it that time already?" Slughorn said. "You'd better get going, boys, or we'll all be in trouble. Lestrange, I want your essay by tomorrow or it's detention. Same goes for you, Avery."

As they continued to watch, Slughorn rose from his chair and the boys started to file out of the room. But Riddle lingered behind and Harry realised that this was most likely what Dumbledore wanted them to see. After the last of the boys left, Slughorn turned and found Riddle still there.

"Look sharp, Tom," Slughorn said. "You don't want to be caught out of bed out of hours and you a prefect..."

Riddle seemed to ignore that. "Sir, I wanted to ask you something."

Slughorn gave him an indulgent smile. "Ask away then, m'boy, ask away..."

"Sir, I wondered what you know about...about Horcruxes." Riddle managed to look both curious and hesitant.

Once again that thick fog settled over them and Slughorn's voice boomed out.

"I don't know anything about Horcruxes and I wouldn't tell you if I did. Now get out of here at once and don't let me catch you mentioning them again!"

"That's all there is," Dumbledore told them quietly. "Let's go."

Shortly afterwards they all found themselves back in the Daemon Sidhe's rooms and they all sat down again.

"That memory has been tampered with," Kolos said bluntly.

"Is that what that fog was all about?" Harry asked.

"Yes," Dumbledore replied.

"Why would he tamper with his own memory?" Harry asked, sounding a bit baffled.

"Think about the two moments that were altered," Dumbledore suggested.

"He wanted to make it seem that he had always disapproved of Riddle instead of liking him," Hermione said promptly.

"Correct," Dumbledore said with a smile.

"I suppose that means he does know something about Horcruxes," Harry said, thinking back to the second foggy period. "But why would he want to change his memories at all?"

"I believe that he was ashamed of what he remembers," Dumbledore said calmly. "He has tried to rework his memories to show himself in a better light and obliterate those parts which he did not want me to see."

"He did a crude job of it," Kolos said archly. "We know that there were changes made, where they were made and that means the true memory is still likely there."

"Exactly," Dumbledore said, looking pleased. "And finding that true memory is something I wished to ask your help on."

"Me?" Harry said, surprised. "How can I help?"

"You might have noted Professor Slughorn's preference for gathering those of note around him," Dumbledore said.

Harry grimaced. "You want me to do this because I'm the Boy-Who-Lived."

"That is part of it," Dumbledore admitted. "While you do not think much of that title, I can all but guarantee that Horace Slughorn will think a great deal of it. But I believe he will be more influenced by the memory of your mother."

"He did like Lily," Sirius said quietly. "And he was unusual for a Slytherin. He didn't care that she was Muggleborn. She was good at Charms, she was beautiful and she was talented. That was far more important in Slughorn's eyes. He always predicted she was going to go far. The Headmaster is right. He'll be predisposed to like you because you're Lily's son as much as because you're the Boy-Who-Lived."

Harry grumbled under his breath for a moment. "So what exactly do you want me to do?"

"Obtain an unadulterated version of that memory," Dumbledore said. "I have obviously been unable to do so and he will be armoured against any further importuning on my part."

Harry gaped at him. "How? I don't know how to use Legilimancy and as I assume he's a Potions Master then I'd guess using veritaserum is out of the question. How am I supposed to get him to give me that memory?"

"I am afraid I shall have to leave that particular detail up to you and your friends," Dumbledore said. "But I can provide you with the opportunity. There is to be a gathering at the Ministry in two weeks. It is ostensibly a fundraising event for St Mungo's. I shall have no difficulty in obtaining invitations for you and I can assure you that Horace will be there and that you will be introduced to him."

Harry grimaced. "I've never been to anything like that, sir. I...wouldn't know what to do."

"Just be yourself, my dear boy, that is all you need to do," Dumbledore replied. "I gather that you will do this for me."

We'll be able to help you, Sirius said encouragingly. I know a bit about this sort of thing and I'm sure the Daemon Sidhe know more.

Indeed we do, Gwydion replied cheerfully. And I recommend trying to obtain that memory. Horcruxes are terrible things and if Voldemort has made one then we will need to know what happened that night.

Harry sighed. "Yes, sir. I'll do it."

Dumbledore beamed at him then stood. "Then I shall get things underway. Thank you, Harry."

With that the Headmaster let himself out of the room and Harry stared at his court and the Daemon Sidhe a little helplessly.

"You lot had better be able to help," he demanded. "Because I've never been to anything like this."

"Then we'd better get started," Devante said with a grin.