Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction based on the characters and plots created by an obscure English author named J. K. Rowling just preceding and just after the turn of the millennium. The rights to such belong to Miss Rowling and her publishers.

The Janus Order

Chapter 4

Harry and Professor Dumbledore slowly moved about the headmaster's office. Harry doubted if there could be a more interesting place in the world. There were machines and devices that tracked stars and planets, guarded Hogwarts from intrusion, translated languages, and that predicted the weather. He had a mirror that showed the viewer his hearts desire (which showed to Harry himself on horseback riding through his beloved mountains).

In addition to the mechanical items, there were thousands of books in dozens of languages crammed to overflowing in bookcases that dotted the walls.

"Peopled insist on giving me books as gifts," Dumbledore said somewhat bashfully as he and Harry thumbed through his collection.

"A room without books is like a body without a soul," Harry quoted.

"G. K. Chesterton," Dumbledore exclaimed, identifying the source of the quote. "That's your Aunt Jane's doing, isn't it? Chesterton's writing would appeal to her."

"Yes sir," Harry answered. "Both she and Uncle Sirius are great readers. So I started pretty early and the long winters back home give you plenty of time to read."

"I don't think that Sirius even knew that books existed during the first few years he attended Hogwarts but after he got interested in Jane Potter he knew if he was going to have any chance to win her he would have to exercise that muscle between his ears," Dumbledore chuckled as he sifted through his memories. "You father teased Sirius mercilessly for falling so completely in love with Jane but after he fell for your mother the shoe was on the other foot and I got some peace as Sirius and James diverted their energies to courtship instead of creating havoc."

"I think that Uncle Sirius is slightly disappointed that neither J.R. nor I inherited his or Dad's yen for mischief," Harry said. "But Lindsey is enough of a firecracker for all of us. Now that she's studying magic seriously, I for one, wouldn't turn my back on her for love or money."

Dumbledore laughed as he led Harry over to a settee. "There is more than a grain of truth in the old wives tale about boys being like their mothers and girls like their fathers. It has been commented on more then once here that despite being an almost identical copy of your father at your age, your spirit is like that of your mother."

"Aunt Jane has said so on occasion." Harry said as he sat down. "Sir, why are we having the lesson in here today?"

Dumbledore eased himself on to an overstuffed chair. "There will be no lesson today, Harry. We will merely talk. You are a bright and observant boy so it must have been very plain that I didn't approve of your Aunt Jane telling you about the prophecy."

"She made her position very plain also," Harry replied.

"We English have a reputation for beating around the bush as it were but someone forgot to mention that to Jane. She was blunt in speech and manner when she arrived here as a girl. The years have only increased her directness but what is done is done," Dumbledore said. "As headmaster I operate in loco parentis. I have grown very fond of you, Harry and don't wish harm to come to you especially harm that I may inadvertently cause. You have accepted the situation better then I thought possible but I want to ensure that we don't sacrifice your psyche on the altar of the greater good."

"To be honest, sir, while I have no doubt that everyone is telling the truth about my destiny, it still seems kinda unreal to me," Harry answered. "I mean I'm trying to learn all the things that everyone wants me to learn so that I can stay alive but it still seems weird that, as a kid, I have a mortal enemy even with the murder of my parents."

"We accept intellectually that evil exists but as good and decent people it is alien to our essence so it assumes an unreal quality," said Dumbledore.

"That about nails it, sir," Harry acknowledged.

"So no nightmares or waking up in cold sweats?" Dumbledore asked. "No why me?"

"No, sir," Harry answered truthfully. "I miss my family and my home but I don't lie awake at night crying about it but Voldemort rarely even enters my thoughts. I assume that your skill as a legilimens will tell you that I'm not lying."

Dumbledore smiled. "You are truthful by temperament and upbringing, Harry. I don't doubt your veracity. I am just cautious as to not ask of you more then you are capable of handling at your age and ensuring that you know that you can tell me if you feel too much stress."

"Yes, sir."

Dumbledore nodded. "So, no other difficulties; schoolwork, schoolmates, the food?"

"Well, there is one thing," Harry said hesitantly. "Christmas is in three weeks. Would you have any idea what to get for an eleven year old city girl?"