Chapter 28 - Athame
Thank you all again for your patience and your reviews. Sorry I don't have time to thank you all individually, but life is a bit like that sometimes. Please don't think that your words aren't appreciated.
Hope you all enjoy this chapter it is the chapter you have all been waiting for (no, not the last one!). It is quite long and will answer some questions about Jane and the knife. The word Athame is a word used for a Witch's ritual knife. I found it in a book of spells by Soraya. I have no background in this sort of stuff, and decided that if I was going to write fan fiction I should do a little research and the word turned up. You will understand why I was so happy when you have read this.
A friend made a comment that there was something a little off about this chapter, but I have tried to fix it to no avail. I did my best, but have given up. I hope you all enjoy it anyway.
Please read and review and tell me what you think. Criticism is always welcome to, particularly if it is constructive. How else will I improve?
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"So you have the knife Severus?"
"Yes Headmaster." Snape drew the silver knife from his robes and handed it to Dumbledore. Watching the older wizard closely, he noticed that he seemed to be briefly shaken by the implement. Noticing Snape's interest at his reaction, he quickly returned his normally composed mask but his eyes still twinkled with recognition.
"Interesting."
"So it would seem Headmaster. Very few things surprise you, this would appear to be one of them."
Dumbledore nodded slowly. "Yes, I am surprised. When I was quite a bit younger I knew of someone who carried a knife similar to this."
"I have a knife similar to this Headmaster." The Potions Master responded impassively.
Dumbledore continued to study the knife, turning it over in his hands. "I mean very similar to this Severus." He responded quietly, not looking at the Potions Master.
Snape now understood. He meant EXACTLY like it. Given the Headmaster's reaction, there was obviously a personal aspect to the story that he didn't wish to discuss, and Snape would allow him his privacy, wishing for the same courtesy himself if the tables were turned. He reluctantly had to admit that he probably wouldn't be given the same privilege if the situation was reversed. "I shall leave the knife with you Headmaster. How long will it take to read the signature if it has one?"
Dumbledore didn't answer immediately. He was already sure of what he would find. He could almost feel her beside him now, without the charm, but he had to be certain. "I will return it to you in the morning before class. Is that acceptable?"
"Of course Headmaster." Snape bowed slightly and left Dumbledore's office.
**********
"Thank you for coming so promptly Minerva. I am sorry I disturbed you." He offered his guest a lemon drop, which she declined.
"Not at all Albus. What is bothering you?"
Dumbledore smiled ruefully. His deputy Headmistress was almost as good as he was at reading her colleagues' minds. He passed the knife to her. "Do you recognise this."
The witch looked at the weapon and gasped. It was enough of a reaction for Dumbledore to know the answer without her affirming it verbally. "Where did you get it? Is it hers?"
Dumbledore shook his head. "So many questions, and I am not sure of all the answers." He sat, wearily behind his desk. "I am not yet certain if it belongs to her, it may simply be a replica. Severus has just delivered it to me, it belongs to the girl." He paused. "I wanted to know what you thought before I tested it, and your reactions confirm my suspicions."
"The girl brought it with her?"
"Yes."
"But that would mean."
Dumbledore nodded. "I fear so Minerva. First we shall test it to make certain. When we are sure we shall discuss the implications for everyone concerned."
Dumbledore drew his wand and placed its tip against the handle of the silver knife. "Patefacio Praeteritus Magicus Nomen."
Darkness fell in the Headmaster's office, even though the sun had barely set. A mist of silvery smoke floated from the knife and coalesced before the observers. For a brief moment before it disappeared, the smoke took the form of a person they both knew well.
**********
Dumbledore and McGonagall were struck dumb by what they had witnessed, and stared at one another momentarily without reaction - the black bird watching their reactions, or lack of, with interest. McGonagall regained her composure first. "Albus, are you alright?" She asked quietly.
Dumbledore didn't respond, and the witch touched his arm gently to break the spell he was under. "Albus."
The older wizard shook his head. "I'm sorry Minerva I never imagined."
"It is a shock to me as well." The witch agreed, now taking the seat across from him. "What does it mean do you think?"
Dumbledore stood and moved to the window, briefly watching the large black bird that was sitting on his window sill. "It means two things. The first is that Jane or Galatea must be her descendent, which goes a long way to explaining her strange name, the second is that I have been a fool." He admitted quietly.
"I don't understand. How can the girl be Ariel's descendent?" When Dumbledore didn't immediately respond, but remained standing with his back to her, McGonagall waited in silence. Then, with a sudden shock of understanding, her mouth fell open. "She was pregnant when she left us."
Dumbledore nodded, silently.
"But." McGonagall stopped, mind racing. "Albus, it was yours." She finally finished quietly, realising that her friend's child could be no one else's.
Dumbledore nodded again, turned from the window and sat again behind his desk, suddenly looking every one of his 150 years. He looked earnestly at his deputy. "You must give me your word that you will say nothing of this to anyone." He waited for an answer.
McGonagall nodded solemnly, and waited for him to continue.
Looking slightly to the woman's left, not making eye contact, Dumbledore continued quietly. "I was a fool." He admitted. "She told me she was with child, but I didn't believe her. I thought it was a ploy to force me into marriage - you know how arrogant I was at the time. I couldn't see beyond my own self." He shook his head, despondently. "She ran away when I rejected her, and only I knew why she left so suddenly. She never told anyone, not even you, her best friend. It would have caused such an upset. She protected my reputation at the expense of her own." The old wizard dropped his head into his hands. "I have had to live with the thought that I was responsible for her death for 50 years. Knowing now that she was not even dead doesn't make it any easier."
McGonagall tried to soothe him. "You shouldn't blame yourself Albus. We all thought she was dead."
"That is no excuse. I should have known, and I could have found out easily enough if I had wanted too, but at the time it seemed more convenient just to let the dead rest; at least I wouldn't be tarnished with the scandal. Except she wasn't dead - it would seem that she lived at least long enough to give birth to a daughter, perhaps she even lived long enough to see her grand daughter born. That would explain the girl's selective protection from magic. Ariel always had an extraordinary ability and power. Very few would be able to protect a child in that way."
"Albus, I never imagined."
"Oh, Merlin. she lived and gave birth to a daughter, my daughter. And our child had a child. And now that child is here and has captured Severus' heart."
"And that child is your grand daughter."
"Yes."
"And her protection?"
"I can only imagine that it is connected to this knife. It was her ritual knife if you remember. Perhaps she charmed it somehow - I can only barely imagine the power that must have taken. It is fair to say, after all, that if Voldemort knew of Jane's existence, she would be one of his first targets. He would enjoy using her as a tool to get to me. I can't imagine that would have escaped Ariel's notice." Dumbledore looked up suddenly as a terrible thought formed in his mind. "It is even more important that her identity is protected now, given her relationship with Severus. I don't know how well our spy would cope if he lost the child. We must protect her at all costs, and not just to assuage my own conscience."
"I understand Albus. So do you think the girl is a squib or even perhaps a witch then?" McGonagall asked quietly.
Dumbledore shook his head. "Perhaps not. Certainly her magic would have shown itself by now if she was a witch, and as for being a squib, that would depend upon her mother's magical status, and there is nothing to suggest her mother was a witch either. As unlikely as it would seem, I think Ari and I produced a squib, and that would mean that Jane is pure Muggle, if any such thing could be said to exist."
McGonagall nodded. "So what will you do now Albus?"
"I shall have to tell Severus of course, I can't imagine he will be pleased. I imagine he will expect it will affect his relationship with the girl."
"Well, of course it will. You are her Grandfather after all and she will probably wish to live with you."
"No, it won't affect their relationship, because Jane will not be told. It would just disrupt her adjustment to our world. Perhaps in the future she may be made aware of our relationship, but not at this particular point in time."
"You can't be serious." McGonagall said incredulously.
"I am Minerva. More serious than I have ever been." Dumbledore fell silent, momentarily. "I am terribly sorry Minerva. You deserved to know the truth, yet when Ariel left, I remained silent and allowed you to suffer needlessly. I remained silent, at a time when simply accepting responsibility for my actions would have eased the pain of many people."
"Albus, don't punish yourself. Don't forget you already carried the responsibility for the safety of the wizarding world. I can't imagine how you could have carried anything more."
"So she had to suffer for my weakness? It was inappropriate. My behaviour was inappropriate, and that poor child has suffered for reasons she will never understand. What had gone before was no excuse for my atrocious behaviour."
"Albus."
"No, I am responsible for this and that means the responsibility for fixing this lies with me." Dumbledore stood and looked at McGonagall. "Thank you for being here. I appreciate your support. Would you mind asking Severus to come to my office in an hour? There are a couple of things I need to take care of before he gets here."
"Of course not Albus." McGonagall turned and left the headmaster's office without saying a further word. If her emotions were in such turmoil, she could only imagine how badly shaken he must have been by the evening's revelation.
Silently, the large black bird flew off, into the night.
**********
Dumbledore watched the witch leave his office, before returning to his chair and sitting heavily. Reluctantly, almost unwilling to revisit his memories, he drew his pensive across the desk and took out his wand. As the first silver threads of his memories met the bowl of swirling, shining liquid, a pain he hadn't experienced in over 50 years struck the Headmaster. What had he done?
**********
Snape looked at Dumbledore, disbelieving what he had just been told. "You're telling me that Jane's grandmother was a witch and that you are her grandfather."
"Yes Severus."
Snape stood and moved to the window, briefly noticing the large black bird that sat perched on the windowsill. He had lost her. As soon as she found out she was the Headmaster's grand daughter, he was sure she would reject him for her newfound family member. "How wonderful, I am sure she will be delighted." He said morosely.
Dumbledore sensed the younger man's feelings of loss from across the room. "She will never know." He said quietly to ease Snape's pain.
Snape turned at Dumbledore's quiet words. "Why on earth not?"
"It would be too painful for everyone involved, and too dangerous."
"You mean for me."
"Yes and no." He paused before continuing. "I know how deeply you care for the girl, and I don't wish to take her from you. More than that though, my behaviour towards her Grandmother is one of the few things I am truly ashamed of in my life. I hardly behaved honourably, and as a result, I can hardly expect the child to rush into my arms."
"I am sure few would care about the circumstances that led to the child's birth, particularly after such a long time."
"And I am sure that there are many that would enjoy learning something like this. No, only you, Minerva and I will know the truth for now. Besides, she would only become a target if our relationship were to become common knowledge. The relationship the two of you share is dangerous enough. I expect Voldemort would dearly love to get his hands on something you hold so dear. The girl will hate me anyway, for what I must ask you to continue to do. That will be bad enough; I don't want her hating me for what I did to her family too."
Snape shook his head. "You judge her harshly - she doesn't hate you."
"She will Severus, she will. Of that, I am entirely certain."
"I think you are wrong Headmaster, but I will do as you ask. I must tell her of her Grandmother though."
"Yes." The older man stood. "I agree. How you do so is entirely up to you. You know her better than anyone after all."
Snape nodded his agreement, still not entirely happy with the situation. "If that is all."
"Yes, you may go." Dumbledore watched as the younger man moved swiftly towards the door, robes streaming behind him. "Severus."
Snape stopped and turned. "Headmaster?"
"Protect her well, but it would be wise to counsel her not to use that knife of hers. You may take it with you by the way."
Snape returned to the Headmaster's side and accepted the gleaming dagger. It still felt warm to the touch, and with the information he had been given that evening, Snape was beginning to understand why.
Outside, unseen in the darkness, the large black bird that had been sitting on the windowsill flapped its way towards the forbidden forest. It had watched that evening's proceedings with a great deal of interest. Its master would be well pleased.
**********
Dumbledore watched the younger man leave his office before falling, wearily, into his chair. The girl's identity had been unanticipated, and had thrust his thoughts back to events and ghosts he had laid to rest a lifetime ago.
With a sadness that almost overwhelmed him with its intensity, another memory thrust itself upon his consciousness - there was something he was missing, a connection that was not being properly made. Reluctantly he pulled the pensive back towards himself and pointed his wand towards his temple.
Dumbledore was taken back to the Hogshead many years before. He was with Trelawney, watching her as she prophesied the battle to come between Harry and Voldemort. Yes, he thought, he knew that prophecy word for word. Not a moment had gone past in the last 16 years that he hadn't thought of those words, and the meaning they would have for a small boy who knew nothing of his destiny. He was startled when her words didn't end as normal, but instead continued with words that had been forgotten over the years due to their seeming insignificance.
".And before the end, one will come amongst them from the time of legends, one who does not belong either here or there. And the one will carry a tool of immense power and influence inherited from many generations past, and the tool will hold the power of the ancestors, and their wrath shall be great and their desire for satisfaction shall be fulfilled."
Dumbledore sat, stunned by the long forgotten portion of Trelawney's prediction. Apart from the identity of the one that would fight Voldemort, the first part of the prediction was fairly clear; even now the second part seemed somewhat obtuse.
He ran the words over and over again in his head, until a likely meaning became clear. It had to be about Jane and that knife. A child called Galatea, a Greek sea-nymph of legend, a Muggle with magical heritage; the knife, a tool of immense power, Ari had always said the knife held powerful magic. It had been handed down throughout the generations until it had arrived in her hands, but its exact background had been lost over time. He didn't know what role the knife would have in the final battle, but it was clear that Harry would have to have it.
Standing, Dumbledore moved to his fire and threw in a pinch of floo powder. "Minerva, sorry to disturb you again, but I need to speak to you immediately."
"Of course Albus."
**********
Within minutes, McGonagall had arrived at the Headmaster's office, wondering what was going on. "Albus, what is wrong? You seem worried. Is there a problem with Severus?"
"No, he took the news surprisingly well considering its potential impact on his life. No, it is the girl and that knife of hers. There is something from Trelawney's prediction that I have been missing. It relates to the knife."
"Yes, go on."
"I am reluctant to say this, it may very well cause us quite a few problems, but I believe it is important that we, or rather Harry, have that knife."
"I don't understand."
"Harry needs that knife to defeat Voldemort, of that I am almost entirely certain - I am just not certain how it will be used. I am reluctant to forcibly remove the knife from the girl, it is hers after all, but if she is unwilling to give it to us, which I expect will be the case, then I fear we may have to acquire it by alternative means."
McGonagall looked at him, awareness of what he was suggesting suddenly dawning on her. "You mean we will need to steal it?"
"Unfortunately yes. However, before that becomes necessary, it would be wise to see if we can acquire it without resorting to unscrupulous means. Encourage Harry to get close to her. Maybe she will trust him enough to give it to him if he asks. I certainly doubt she would trust us given the way she has been treated by the other adults in her life. She would give it to Severus of course, but I doubt she will get it back, so I am reluctant to risk damaging their relationship which would be the inevitable result of its loss."
McGonagall remained silent momentarily, thinking, before speaking. "Well Albus, encouraging Harry to make friends with the girl shouldn't be hard. I believe the first steps towards friendship have already been made, however I am reluctant to suggest that he will be successful in gaining ownership of the knife. Like you, I feel that it is the only thing the girl has to connect her to her heritage, and even if she doesn't understand its full significance I think it is still valuable to her even if only for emotional reasons."
Dumbledore sighed. "Yes, I expect you are right, but we must at least try. The alternative will only destroy whatever feelings of security she has managed to build here and I am even more reluctant to do that. The child deserves some type of peace after the trials she has had to endure."
McGonagall nodded. "I shall encourage Harry then, but that is all I can do. I will make no promises that he will be successful."
"And I would never ask you to. I shall give the boy some time, at the moment I don't think we are at the stage where we need to make use of alternatives, but I am not sure how long this peaceful interlude shall last. When the time for the final battle arrives, we may have very little time to prepare, so I will make suitable preparations for alternative acquisition methods." Dumbledore looked at the witch thoughtfully. "Thank you Minerva. That will be all. I am very sorry that this evening has been so difficult." Dumbledore smiled somewhat sadly as he dismissed her.
Thank you all again for your patience and your reviews. Sorry I don't have time to thank you all individually, but life is a bit like that sometimes. Please don't think that your words aren't appreciated.
Hope you all enjoy this chapter it is the chapter you have all been waiting for (no, not the last one!). It is quite long and will answer some questions about Jane and the knife. The word Athame is a word used for a Witch's ritual knife. I found it in a book of spells by Soraya. I have no background in this sort of stuff, and decided that if I was going to write fan fiction I should do a little research and the word turned up. You will understand why I was so happy when you have read this.
A friend made a comment that there was something a little off about this chapter, but I have tried to fix it to no avail. I did my best, but have given up. I hope you all enjoy it anyway.
Please read and review and tell me what you think. Criticism is always welcome to, particularly if it is constructive. How else will I improve?
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"So you have the knife Severus?"
"Yes Headmaster." Snape drew the silver knife from his robes and handed it to Dumbledore. Watching the older wizard closely, he noticed that he seemed to be briefly shaken by the implement. Noticing Snape's interest at his reaction, he quickly returned his normally composed mask but his eyes still twinkled with recognition.
"Interesting."
"So it would seem Headmaster. Very few things surprise you, this would appear to be one of them."
Dumbledore nodded slowly. "Yes, I am surprised. When I was quite a bit younger I knew of someone who carried a knife similar to this."
"I have a knife similar to this Headmaster." The Potions Master responded impassively.
Dumbledore continued to study the knife, turning it over in his hands. "I mean very similar to this Severus." He responded quietly, not looking at the Potions Master.
Snape now understood. He meant EXACTLY like it. Given the Headmaster's reaction, there was obviously a personal aspect to the story that he didn't wish to discuss, and Snape would allow him his privacy, wishing for the same courtesy himself if the tables were turned. He reluctantly had to admit that he probably wouldn't be given the same privilege if the situation was reversed. "I shall leave the knife with you Headmaster. How long will it take to read the signature if it has one?"
Dumbledore didn't answer immediately. He was already sure of what he would find. He could almost feel her beside him now, without the charm, but he had to be certain. "I will return it to you in the morning before class. Is that acceptable?"
"Of course Headmaster." Snape bowed slightly and left Dumbledore's office.
**********
"Thank you for coming so promptly Minerva. I am sorry I disturbed you." He offered his guest a lemon drop, which she declined.
"Not at all Albus. What is bothering you?"
Dumbledore smiled ruefully. His deputy Headmistress was almost as good as he was at reading her colleagues' minds. He passed the knife to her. "Do you recognise this."
The witch looked at the weapon and gasped. It was enough of a reaction for Dumbledore to know the answer without her affirming it verbally. "Where did you get it? Is it hers?"
Dumbledore shook his head. "So many questions, and I am not sure of all the answers." He sat, wearily behind his desk. "I am not yet certain if it belongs to her, it may simply be a replica. Severus has just delivered it to me, it belongs to the girl." He paused. "I wanted to know what you thought before I tested it, and your reactions confirm my suspicions."
"The girl brought it with her?"
"Yes."
"But that would mean."
Dumbledore nodded. "I fear so Minerva. First we shall test it to make certain. When we are sure we shall discuss the implications for everyone concerned."
Dumbledore drew his wand and placed its tip against the handle of the silver knife. "Patefacio Praeteritus Magicus Nomen."
Darkness fell in the Headmaster's office, even though the sun had barely set. A mist of silvery smoke floated from the knife and coalesced before the observers. For a brief moment before it disappeared, the smoke took the form of a person they both knew well.
**********
Dumbledore and McGonagall were struck dumb by what they had witnessed, and stared at one another momentarily without reaction - the black bird watching their reactions, or lack of, with interest. McGonagall regained her composure first. "Albus, are you alright?" She asked quietly.
Dumbledore didn't respond, and the witch touched his arm gently to break the spell he was under. "Albus."
The older wizard shook his head. "I'm sorry Minerva I never imagined."
"It is a shock to me as well." The witch agreed, now taking the seat across from him. "What does it mean do you think?"
Dumbledore stood and moved to the window, briefly watching the large black bird that was sitting on his window sill. "It means two things. The first is that Jane or Galatea must be her descendent, which goes a long way to explaining her strange name, the second is that I have been a fool." He admitted quietly.
"I don't understand. How can the girl be Ariel's descendent?" When Dumbledore didn't immediately respond, but remained standing with his back to her, McGonagall waited in silence. Then, with a sudden shock of understanding, her mouth fell open. "She was pregnant when she left us."
Dumbledore nodded, silently.
"But." McGonagall stopped, mind racing. "Albus, it was yours." She finally finished quietly, realising that her friend's child could be no one else's.
Dumbledore nodded again, turned from the window and sat again behind his desk, suddenly looking every one of his 150 years. He looked earnestly at his deputy. "You must give me your word that you will say nothing of this to anyone." He waited for an answer.
McGonagall nodded solemnly, and waited for him to continue.
Looking slightly to the woman's left, not making eye contact, Dumbledore continued quietly. "I was a fool." He admitted. "She told me she was with child, but I didn't believe her. I thought it was a ploy to force me into marriage - you know how arrogant I was at the time. I couldn't see beyond my own self." He shook his head, despondently. "She ran away when I rejected her, and only I knew why she left so suddenly. She never told anyone, not even you, her best friend. It would have caused such an upset. She protected my reputation at the expense of her own." The old wizard dropped his head into his hands. "I have had to live with the thought that I was responsible for her death for 50 years. Knowing now that she was not even dead doesn't make it any easier."
McGonagall tried to soothe him. "You shouldn't blame yourself Albus. We all thought she was dead."
"That is no excuse. I should have known, and I could have found out easily enough if I had wanted too, but at the time it seemed more convenient just to let the dead rest; at least I wouldn't be tarnished with the scandal. Except she wasn't dead - it would seem that she lived at least long enough to give birth to a daughter, perhaps she even lived long enough to see her grand daughter born. That would explain the girl's selective protection from magic. Ariel always had an extraordinary ability and power. Very few would be able to protect a child in that way."
"Albus, I never imagined."
"Oh, Merlin. she lived and gave birth to a daughter, my daughter. And our child had a child. And now that child is here and has captured Severus' heart."
"And that child is your grand daughter."
"Yes."
"And her protection?"
"I can only imagine that it is connected to this knife. It was her ritual knife if you remember. Perhaps she charmed it somehow - I can only barely imagine the power that must have taken. It is fair to say, after all, that if Voldemort knew of Jane's existence, she would be one of his first targets. He would enjoy using her as a tool to get to me. I can't imagine that would have escaped Ariel's notice." Dumbledore looked up suddenly as a terrible thought formed in his mind. "It is even more important that her identity is protected now, given her relationship with Severus. I don't know how well our spy would cope if he lost the child. We must protect her at all costs, and not just to assuage my own conscience."
"I understand Albus. So do you think the girl is a squib or even perhaps a witch then?" McGonagall asked quietly.
Dumbledore shook his head. "Perhaps not. Certainly her magic would have shown itself by now if she was a witch, and as for being a squib, that would depend upon her mother's magical status, and there is nothing to suggest her mother was a witch either. As unlikely as it would seem, I think Ari and I produced a squib, and that would mean that Jane is pure Muggle, if any such thing could be said to exist."
McGonagall nodded. "So what will you do now Albus?"
"I shall have to tell Severus of course, I can't imagine he will be pleased. I imagine he will expect it will affect his relationship with the girl."
"Well, of course it will. You are her Grandfather after all and she will probably wish to live with you."
"No, it won't affect their relationship, because Jane will not be told. It would just disrupt her adjustment to our world. Perhaps in the future she may be made aware of our relationship, but not at this particular point in time."
"You can't be serious." McGonagall said incredulously.
"I am Minerva. More serious than I have ever been." Dumbledore fell silent, momentarily. "I am terribly sorry Minerva. You deserved to know the truth, yet when Ariel left, I remained silent and allowed you to suffer needlessly. I remained silent, at a time when simply accepting responsibility for my actions would have eased the pain of many people."
"Albus, don't punish yourself. Don't forget you already carried the responsibility for the safety of the wizarding world. I can't imagine how you could have carried anything more."
"So she had to suffer for my weakness? It was inappropriate. My behaviour was inappropriate, and that poor child has suffered for reasons she will never understand. What had gone before was no excuse for my atrocious behaviour."
"Albus."
"No, I am responsible for this and that means the responsibility for fixing this lies with me." Dumbledore stood and looked at McGonagall. "Thank you for being here. I appreciate your support. Would you mind asking Severus to come to my office in an hour? There are a couple of things I need to take care of before he gets here."
"Of course not Albus." McGonagall turned and left the headmaster's office without saying a further word. If her emotions were in such turmoil, she could only imagine how badly shaken he must have been by the evening's revelation.
Silently, the large black bird flew off, into the night.
**********
Dumbledore watched the witch leave his office, before returning to his chair and sitting heavily. Reluctantly, almost unwilling to revisit his memories, he drew his pensive across the desk and took out his wand. As the first silver threads of his memories met the bowl of swirling, shining liquid, a pain he hadn't experienced in over 50 years struck the Headmaster. What had he done?
**********
Snape looked at Dumbledore, disbelieving what he had just been told. "You're telling me that Jane's grandmother was a witch and that you are her grandfather."
"Yes Severus."
Snape stood and moved to the window, briefly noticing the large black bird that sat perched on the windowsill. He had lost her. As soon as she found out she was the Headmaster's grand daughter, he was sure she would reject him for her newfound family member. "How wonderful, I am sure she will be delighted." He said morosely.
Dumbledore sensed the younger man's feelings of loss from across the room. "She will never know." He said quietly to ease Snape's pain.
Snape turned at Dumbledore's quiet words. "Why on earth not?"
"It would be too painful for everyone involved, and too dangerous."
"You mean for me."
"Yes and no." He paused before continuing. "I know how deeply you care for the girl, and I don't wish to take her from you. More than that though, my behaviour towards her Grandmother is one of the few things I am truly ashamed of in my life. I hardly behaved honourably, and as a result, I can hardly expect the child to rush into my arms."
"I am sure few would care about the circumstances that led to the child's birth, particularly after such a long time."
"And I am sure that there are many that would enjoy learning something like this. No, only you, Minerva and I will know the truth for now. Besides, she would only become a target if our relationship were to become common knowledge. The relationship the two of you share is dangerous enough. I expect Voldemort would dearly love to get his hands on something you hold so dear. The girl will hate me anyway, for what I must ask you to continue to do. That will be bad enough; I don't want her hating me for what I did to her family too."
Snape shook his head. "You judge her harshly - she doesn't hate you."
"She will Severus, she will. Of that, I am entirely certain."
"I think you are wrong Headmaster, but I will do as you ask. I must tell her of her Grandmother though."
"Yes." The older man stood. "I agree. How you do so is entirely up to you. You know her better than anyone after all."
Snape nodded his agreement, still not entirely happy with the situation. "If that is all."
"Yes, you may go." Dumbledore watched as the younger man moved swiftly towards the door, robes streaming behind him. "Severus."
Snape stopped and turned. "Headmaster?"
"Protect her well, but it would be wise to counsel her not to use that knife of hers. You may take it with you by the way."
Snape returned to the Headmaster's side and accepted the gleaming dagger. It still felt warm to the touch, and with the information he had been given that evening, Snape was beginning to understand why.
Outside, unseen in the darkness, the large black bird that had been sitting on the windowsill flapped its way towards the forbidden forest. It had watched that evening's proceedings with a great deal of interest. Its master would be well pleased.
**********
Dumbledore watched the younger man leave his office before falling, wearily, into his chair. The girl's identity had been unanticipated, and had thrust his thoughts back to events and ghosts he had laid to rest a lifetime ago.
With a sadness that almost overwhelmed him with its intensity, another memory thrust itself upon his consciousness - there was something he was missing, a connection that was not being properly made. Reluctantly he pulled the pensive back towards himself and pointed his wand towards his temple.
Dumbledore was taken back to the Hogshead many years before. He was with Trelawney, watching her as she prophesied the battle to come between Harry and Voldemort. Yes, he thought, he knew that prophecy word for word. Not a moment had gone past in the last 16 years that he hadn't thought of those words, and the meaning they would have for a small boy who knew nothing of his destiny. He was startled when her words didn't end as normal, but instead continued with words that had been forgotten over the years due to their seeming insignificance.
".And before the end, one will come amongst them from the time of legends, one who does not belong either here or there. And the one will carry a tool of immense power and influence inherited from many generations past, and the tool will hold the power of the ancestors, and their wrath shall be great and their desire for satisfaction shall be fulfilled."
Dumbledore sat, stunned by the long forgotten portion of Trelawney's prediction. Apart from the identity of the one that would fight Voldemort, the first part of the prediction was fairly clear; even now the second part seemed somewhat obtuse.
He ran the words over and over again in his head, until a likely meaning became clear. It had to be about Jane and that knife. A child called Galatea, a Greek sea-nymph of legend, a Muggle with magical heritage; the knife, a tool of immense power, Ari had always said the knife held powerful magic. It had been handed down throughout the generations until it had arrived in her hands, but its exact background had been lost over time. He didn't know what role the knife would have in the final battle, but it was clear that Harry would have to have it.
Standing, Dumbledore moved to his fire and threw in a pinch of floo powder. "Minerva, sorry to disturb you again, but I need to speak to you immediately."
"Of course Albus."
**********
Within minutes, McGonagall had arrived at the Headmaster's office, wondering what was going on. "Albus, what is wrong? You seem worried. Is there a problem with Severus?"
"No, he took the news surprisingly well considering its potential impact on his life. No, it is the girl and that knife of hers. There is something from Trelawney's prediction that I have been missing. It relates to the knife."
"Yes, go on."
"I am reluctant to say this, it may very well cause us quite a few problems, but I believe it is important that we, or rather Harry, have that knife."
"I don't understand."
"Harry needs that knife to defeat Voldemort, of that I am almost entirely certain - I am just not certain how it will be used. I am reluctant to forcibly remove the knife from the girl, it is hers after all, but if she is unwilling to give it to us, which I expect will be the case, then I fear we may have to acquire it by alternative means."
McGonagall looked at him, awareness of what he was suggesting suddenly dawning on her. "You mean we will need to steal it?"
"Unfortunately yes. However, before that becomes necessary, it would be wise to see if we can acquire it without resorting to unscrupulous means. Encourage Harry to get close to her. Maybe she will trust him enough to give it to him if he asks. I certainly doubt she would trust us given the way she has been treated by the other adults in her life. She would give it to Severus of course, but I doubt she will get it back, so I am reluctant to risk damaging their relationship which would be the inevitable result of its loss."
McGonagall remained silent momentarily, thinking, before speaking. "Well Albus, encouraging Harry to make friends with the girl shouldn't be hard. I believe the first steps towards friendship have already been made, however I am reluctant to suggest that he will be successful in gaining ownership of the knife. Like you, I feel that it is the only thing the girl has to connect her to her heritage, and even if she doesn't understand its full significance I think it is still valuable to her even if only for emotional reasons."
Dumbledore sighed. "Yes, I expect you are right, but we must at least try. The alternative will only destroy whatever feelings of security she has managed to build here and I am even more reluctant to do that. The child deserves some type of peace after the trials she has had to endure."
McGonagall nodded. "I shall encourage Harry then, but that is all I can do. I will make no promises that he will be successful."
"And I would never ask you to. I shall give the boy some time, at the moment I don't think we are at the stage where we need to make use of alternatives, but I am not sure how long this peaceful interlude shall last. When the time for the final battle arrives, we may have very little time to prepare, so I will make suitable preparations for alternative acquisition methods." Dumbledore looked at the witch thoughtfully. "Thank you Minerva. That will be all. I am very sorry that this evening has been so difficult." Dumbledore smiled somewhat sadly as he dismissed her.