More Than You Think You Are Chapter 17: Amicitiae nostrae memoriam spero sempiternam fore, a harry potter fanfic

Author's Notes: Wow, it's been a long time coming huh? In the last chapter, a short lived press conference riled up the majority of the staff. Harri reflected on her waning admiration for the Headmaster, while the international press had a field day with Harri and her compatriot's return. Hermione questioned Fawkes' strange explanation of Harri's heritage. Severus divulged his true loyalties, and Draco admitted he has trust issues. Ron vows to find out just what is going on between Harri and Draco. The two teens bonded over a large meal, while battling their inner feelings. In this chapter, Severus and Harri finally get some much needed father/daughter time together. There are many unresolved issues between the two, which means loads of drama. Thank you to the following for reviewing: athenakitty, Obsessedw/hpbutitsok, Gwendolyn P. Malfoy, Horsemaster1, Lisa Lovegood, marauder, Liviania, shygirl4u619, Arica, Princess of Rivendell, Jezebel Chesire, and HermioneChick18. Reviews are always appreciated, people and don't make me beg here! Send questions and comments to blackfantasywriterhotmail.com

Disclaimer: (Clears throat) I don't own Harry Potter franchise; I'd like to own Draco Malfoy's robes?

More Than You Think You Are

Chapter Seventeen: Amicitiae nostrae memoriam spero sempiternam fore.

(I hope that the memory of our friendship will be everlasting.)

Things didn't make sense. All of them—almost everyone in the Professor Dumbledore's office fell for Fawkes' story, all except for him. None of them, had been clever enough to discern the bird was obviously lying, and everything he had said, when pieced together, made little to no sense. At first, he thought Granger had been on to something, but her query went on to a different course. The headmaster was a smart man, but perhaps senility had finally claimed him. How could he have been so blind to his familiar's deception? Severus could understand his own abilities, and how easily his being a wizard could overshadow the powers of a Seventh, but still something was off. He was a Slytherin through, and through and to put it bluntly, could see through the bullshit. He had been doing his own bit of investigating, and discovered that not only was Fawkes lying to everyone, but the annoying bird assumed that Severus wasn't suspicious. After the clandestine meeting of the group, he had gone to his private study, and silently worked through the information. Lily was a reincarnated phoenix, a former member of the legendary coven of birds that possessed magic long before humanity was given a chance. Secondly, he recalled that Fawkes admitted Harri was also a reincarnated bird, which left her post, in search of her mother. So far, everything made sense, but then the confusion crept in.

However, going back to what had been said earlier, Fawkes conceded that Harri was the seventh. She was the seventh phoenix, but even that statement was false. If she took her mother's spot on the team so to speak, that would make her the sixth phoenix. This information could mean only one thing. Fawkes hadn't meant she was the seventh phoenix, but rather the seventh female phoenix. He already knew that there could never be an uneven amount of members in their group. So when Lily left, Harri had taken her place as the sixth phoenix overall, but the as the seventh female phoenix in existence. While that theory seemed far fetched, he had very little else to go on. The entire prophecy was beginning to confuse the hell out of him. While she was the seventh female phoenix, she was still only his first child, a far cry from being his seventh. Severus surmised that this meant that the prophecy was really only considering the family history she shared with her mother. He wanted to quiz Harri about her trip to the past, but even when she held his hand briefly during Fawkes monologue, they still had a long way to go. Right now she was probably unapproachable as a daughter, but perhaps their teacher-student relationship wouldn't be as strained.

Severus gathered his books, thankful that the headmaster had given the students a few days off, due to the media which had ensconced itself into their lives. Checking the clock on his wall, he knew it to be lunch time, and perhaps he could get a chance to speak with Harri privately. The hall was surprisingly empty. Granted, there were students and a few members of the faculty were eating, but most of the students had decided to take advantage of free week and enjoy the outside weather. There even seemed to be an impromptu picnic outside. He spotted her with her friends, immersed in conversation, but he could have sworn he heard the name Finch-Fetchly. He silently scowled at the name. That Hufflepuff was a bit of an arrogant little bugger, but who was he to step into her love life like some whacked out father? He had never been there for her before; (at least not willingly) so he figured he should take baby steps.

"Excuse me Potter, but I'd like to see you in my office immediately. I trust someone with as few brain cells as you can comprehend my request."

Severus drawled out in what he hoped was a convincing performance. The look on Harri's face was priceless. If the situation hadn't been so serious he might have laughed. Her friends, both locked arms with her, giving her hands a gentle squeeze of encouragement. From the outside looking in, he probably looked his usual self, no more malevolent than normal. Perhaps she didn't realize the importance of keeping up appearances. People had to believe that his former disdain for her was real. She would be safer if people felt she were a stain on his life, something that he despised with every fiber in his being. This was not the case of course, but he wondered if his daughter knew. He desperately wanted their relationship to improve, but judging form the hateful glares she was sending doubt clouded his mind. His was a mind formerly vitiated by spite, but he hoped things could change; they had to for both of their sakes.

"Of course sir. Excuse me, Ron, Hermione. I'll catch you guys at dinner?"

She walked behind him sullenly, wondering what it was she had done to provoke his ire. Though she had been back for two days now, he didn't seem to mind that she had clasped his hand. Harri inwardly sighed. She really didn't understand males. Ron, didn't really count because he was like a brother to her, and thus it was easier for her to discern what he was thinking. They walked silently, she following behind him like a child about to be punished. He motioned for her to sit down, and then he placed a large thick book in front of her. He sat at his desk, studying her silently, his dark eyes brooding. Harri was getting uncomfortable and played with the hem of her skirt distractedly.

"I suppose you wish to know why I have called you to my office."

She nodded, her eyes wandering about the room. Anything was better than looking him in the eyes.

"As you know, there are events that have recently occurred which has changed our relationship. Things are different between us now, and I wanted to clear a few things that you may have misinterpreted."

Harri wanted to roll her eyes. How could he sit here with her and act so formal, as if nothing happened between them in the past? Didn't he remember how close they had gotten? She knew that everyone had been obliviated, but she refused to believe he hadn't found some way to remember her. What kind of man could act so cold to her after he learned that they were father and daughter. She wanted answers, and she wanted them now. Things between the two of them would never be the same, whether he liked it or not.

"How can you sit there and talk to me like that?! Even if you don't remember what happened when Draco and I were in the past, you didn't have to talk to me like that in front of my friends! I thought—I thought that after everything you might have decided that I was worth more than a dungbomb at the bottom of your shoes. You don't have to get an attitude with me!"

Severus face was stony, revealing none of the emotion he felt at the moment. She stood from her chair and stomped around the room like a mad veela on a warpath. He didn't dare interrupt her. This was something she needed to get off of her chest, and he had no doubt that there was years of pent up rage towards him. Not only that, but she did grow up unloved, and unhappy. This must be a very therapeutic experience for her. She was yelling now, and he thanked the god she had the sense to have built in hearing charms placed in his office.

"What kind of man are you? How could you treat me like that? Even if you didn't know I was your child, the least you could have done was treat me kindly out of respect for my mother. That reason alone should have been enough to garner your respect, and your love. You had been married to my mother, and you never said anything! How could you deny me the right to know about her? Before Sirius and Remus came along, I had no father figures, but you could have been one. You should have been one. Yet you did nothing. I had to wait until my third year here to learn that I was loved. That somewhere out there a grownup cared about me."

"What the hell did I ever do to you? You're always taking points for the stupidest reasons. Don't even bother telling me it's because of the junior death eaters in the class either! When I pass you in the hall you sneer at me, and make some sarcastic remark! I'm fucking tired of this, and I want to know right now what your problem is with me! Do you like having all the students hate you? You're not only an arrogant jerk, but you have a serious superiority complex."

She continued, not caring that she was melting all the candles as she walked by, or that the portraits had hid in their paintings as she passed. Objects began to float around her lazily, as she continued her tirade.

"I've got enough problems in my life you know. Things were just great. Okay, so my life is trash, but at least I knew where I stood with you. How can you be so cruel to me—so effortlessly, when I've seen what a good person you can be? I know you don't remember but we got along great. I was so happy that I finally met someone that could understand me that knew what it was like to feel overwhelmed by everyone's expectations. How could you be such a wonderful person then, but a total asshole now? Huh? Tell me why!"

She cried out, sobbing. Harri sank to the floor, her tears spill out causing her glasses to cloud over. She snatched them off, wiping her tears away. Bringing her knees to her chest, Harri cried like she had never done before. Living with the Dursleys, she learned quickly what happened to little girls that cried out. Vernon's beefy fists were frightening reminders of why she should let her emotions get to her. She rarely cried, but now with the all the new revelations, the prophecies, her father, her friends, schoolwork, Draco, and everything else she felt tired. She was so tired of everything; she just wanted to be normal for once in her life. Harri was crying so loudly, lost in her thoughts that she didn't see Severus kneel down next to her. Before she could protest at the gesture, he had her wrapped up in his arms, comforting her as she cried.

Severus didn't know how long they sat like that, but it must have been for quite awhile. It was almost dinner time, and he still hadn't addressed his true motive for wanting to talk with her. She beat her fists against his chest, but he took it all in stride. He had hurt her, and despite whatever it was the two of them had gone through in the past, he was reminded once again that they still had a long way. She had quieted down now, sniffling quietly against his robes.

"I'm sorry."

It was barely above a whisper. She pulled apart from him, staring into her father's dark eyes. They almost seemed softer, but that could just be her imagination. He stood, pulling her gently to her feet. She sat down facing him, but this time she sat on his leather couch.

"You're absolutely right. Everything that you have rings true. I should have treated you better, especially since I was once married your mother. I loved your mother for a very long time, and I still do. I was hurt when she remarried. I thought that she betrayed me, that I didn't matter to her anymore. It hurt even worse to believe that she had a child with James Potter."

He said honestly. There was no coldness in his words, he just stating what the situation had been like. She knew of their rivalry, she had seen firsthand that they could never be friends. Yet how willing was he to hate for her out of spite to James? Why couldn't he be more mature than that? Sure, she would never like Pansy, or Cho, but she would never hate their children out of spite for them.

"I honestly believed that you were well treated by the Dursleys. The headmaster led me on in that respect. I thought that you were spoiled, and that you thought everyone was beneath you. I was determined to despise the child of James Potter, only to discover that no such child exists. Then you came along—so withdrawn and shy, I wondered why you never behaved like the spoiled brat I thought you were. New facts have been brought to my attention, however. You can be certain that you'll never have to live with them again."

Severus said with a steely voice. There was a cold glint in his eye, but just as it came it disappeared. She had no idea of the vengeance that he had planned for his beloved headmaster. They had both been played for fools, and he would not allow Harri to feel any more pain on because of him or anyone else at the school.

"I have done you a great wrong. There are no words I can say that can make up for the things that I have said and done to you. I only ask that you eventually find it in you heart to forgive me. I don't say this as a way to somehow absolve me of my sins, but because I don't want to miss out on the great person you are. I want you in my life, and I want to be apart of yours. If you truly got to know as you said you have, then you know what kind of family I had. I regret that I was not there for you to prevent this from happening in your life. If I had known—"

"I understand. I just wish things had been different, but they're not. I think I'd like a dad. I just need time."

She admitted truthfully. She felt better now that they had finally gotten over the most awkward part. Harri couldn't be positive, but she felt as if they had just made great leaps and bounds. This candid, bare display of how she felt could only lead to good things right?

"Well then, this can be new territory for the both of us."

Harri smiled sheepishly, now suddenly aware that she had used her father as a Kleenex. He didn't seem to mind though. Severus conjured a handkerchief, so that she could wipe her tear stained face. He led her back to his desk, hoping that she had recovered from her tears.

"Harri, the real reason I called you down here is because I did want to speak with you, and there are important things that you should know about our family. I need you to realize that we must maintain the status quo while we are in public. No one can know that I am your father, and I don't need to tell you why. Until Voldemort is defeated, and you are out of school, having the public believe that you are James Potter's daughter will keep you safe."

Harri nodded solemnly. She understood all too well the importance of clandestine relationships. Perhaps the ability to maintain them ran in the family.

"Your Godfather, Professor Lupin and I have discovered that while you are the Seventh, your powers are uncontrolled, and therefore dangerous to others around you. You must learn to control your new abilities. Your facial features are changing, and right now only I and Fawkes can see your true face."

"How is that possible sir?"

"We can see your true features because we are related to you. We are both bonded to you by blood, and because of that we can see that your glamour is falling apart. You must learn how to control your facial appearance. We must stave off the rest of your physical transformation. I can already see the change sin your cheekbone. Your hair is longer and wavier, and you have grown at least three inches."

"Does that mean everyone else will see how I really look?"

"No, so far only your blood kin can see through it, but we must build your magical muscle so to speak, so that you can continue resembling James Potter. Once you've mastered that, we must move on to the Project Mother Root."

Harri's interest peaked when she heard him mention Mother Root. Her mind could vaguely recalled reading about a certain archaic spell no longer in use, which enabled a person with enough power, to bring the dead back from life. The spell, which is so rare, there are less than five known written instructions in the world. Naturally, the library held one of the passages. What made her professor suggest this spell was definitely worth hearing? She reflexively leaned in closer, wanting to hear the rest. Suddenly, she felt as if she were an Auror, or someone else privy to exclusive information.

"The Project Mother Root, Professor?"

She asked slyly, feigning ignorance. Now was the perfect opportunity to find out what he knew. The mysterious spell could be the key to her getting her wish. So far she had told no one, but the idea of being able to see her mother again was too good to pass up. Severus shifted in his seat, obviously a little nervous about what he was going to divulge.

"Yes, there is a spell in which the Headmaster would like to test you on. He—we believe that you might have the power to perform the spell. I must caution you however. The headmaster can sometimes get ahead of himself when it comes to finding ways to win the war. Perhaps it would be for the best if you decline to be tested."

Harri sat stiffly in her chair, surprised by her father's comments. What made him speak out against the headmaster like that? She had never heard him mention an ill word against him before so what made him say such things now? She would have to do a bit of exploration into that matter.

"Why does he want me of all people, to—"

She stopped herself from finishing, before she said something she didn't mean. Suddenly she caught on to what he was talking about. Images flashed in her mind. Her mother had given her a sample of her blood, and a lock of her—physical requirements, needed to bring the dead back to life. Her mother had said that Harri would need it to save the life of a loved one, or her own. This was all apart of one big plan. Dumbledore may have suggested it, but it was her mother that would make all of what could happen possible.

"This isn't Professor Dumbledore's doing. He knows very well that I could perform that spell. No, Mum warned me about this before Draco and I returned to the present. She knows that she is coming back. That's why you all want me to control to be able to control myself. The mother root enables the caster to restore life. That ability coupled with this Phoenix gibberish, would be more than enough to bring back Mum!"

Harri said pleased with her deductive skills. Hermione would have been very impressed if she were here. The possibilities of such an event were mind boggling. Still, she no longer trusted her headmaster, after he had so blatantly abused her trust. His enthusiasm over the possibility of her being able to restore life meant only one thing. He wanted to use her. She always been so withdrawn as a young child that her experience with abuse made her apathetic towards violence. She became sick to her stomach at the thought of taking life. There were certain moral issues that she would have to struggle with.

Death was just another part of life. If she somehow managed o successfully bring back her mother, did he plan on using her to bring back the lives of every single person lost in the war. The only reason her mother's return was even possible was because she foresaw her own death and rebirth. She knew that she would be needed in the future, and that her own daughter would be the one to bring her back. Harri couldn't help but smirk at her mother's cleverness. While she did admit to not knowing much about her own destiny, she certainly didn't mention that she knew that Harri held the power bring her back.

"Y-your mother told you all of this?"

Severus asked, breaking her away from her reverie. How in the hell did she know all of that? Lily, even with her prescient abilities would never tell her own future to Harri. The risks were too great, and she knew enough to know what not to say. His face lost all color causing him to look pale and sickly. Harri, noticing his change immediately, ran over to him.

"All you okay professor?"

"Did Lily tell you all of this?"

"No I figured it out. With what you are telling me now and what I learned in the past I can conclude that Dumbledore wants me to use me as a weapon. Of course, he was doing that already, so I really shouldn't be too surprised. I just wish he would think about me for once. I know that everyone wants to protect me, but I don't want to have all these people thinking of me as their one hope. I'm not even good at arithmancy, I almost failed potions, and I stink at divination, which is pretty ironic considering who my parents are!"

"I hate to play devil's advocate, but you must consider all of the people who protect you do so because they care. You saved them once, and they figure you can do it again. People have a vested interest in you whether you like it or not. I know it must be a hard pill to swallow, but you aren't alone."

He said hoping that his words would get through to her. He didn't want to admit to himself that his true purpose was to comfort the girl. He still felt uncomfortable when they deviated from their professor-student roles. Before they could continue their conversation however, a knock on the door startled them both. Severus walked to the door, aggravated that he had been disturbed. When he opened it, he did not expect to see the stern, frowning woman known as Dolores Umbridge. He silently cursed, but not before stuffily ushering her inside. Harri looked at the woman before her, her stomach flip flopping all the while. Whomever this woman was, Harri could tell already that she was not to be trifled with. Harri excused herself from the room, knowing that the new professor wouldn't speak of private matters with her present.

Draco, as expected had been peppered with questions by his peers whom he answered as diplomatically as possible, without divulging too much information. He had his professor to thank for that. Professor Snape had been wise enough to question Draco like he would a mole found in Voldemort's flock. Pansy was acting strangely, as if she didn't believe the lies he had told all of them. He wondered why the blonde felt that he would take her into his confidence. Hadn't he made it clear that they weren't an item, and that they would never be? There was nothing to be said about a girl that threw herself at him shamelessly. Of course, as flattering as it was to have girls flirting with him, her advances were also annoying. She was pretty, in a snobbish sort of way, and he had never been attracted to her. Pansy, he had discovered in the beginning of their formal magical education was vapid, and trite. He found himself amazed that he could point out the flaws in each of his classmates; people who had never really been friends to begin with. Of course, a few months ago, he would have willingly contributed to the taunting of many of his classmates. Was this Potter's doing? How was it possible that one slip of a girl like her could have such an effect on his personality? Sometimes, he felt as if she had stripped him down completely of everything that made him who he was. That was ridiculous though, he was just imagining things right? There was no way Potter could turn him inside out. Most of the new feelings he felt for her were welcome. The emotions he felt around her were warring with each other. On the one hand, he was glad that he could talk to her about little things. He remembered how they had conversations about the most trivial things, and yet the paltriness of it all made the conversation worthwhile.

Earlier today, his Professor had warned him about open displays of affection around Potter. While he didn't seem to care one way or another, his classmates certainly would. One of them would tell his father, and he would be punished. His father had a reputation to maintain so public punishment was out of the question. No, Draco's private reprimand would be far worse than any backlash he might get from the public. People would not stand for it. They would not approve of his behavior, nor would they be pleased. How could anyone like him the Malfoy heir with Harriet Potter? All the odds were against them, but Potter didn't even seem to realize it. She had no clue about much she was an iconic figure. It wasn't just the tabloids either that were so focused on her. He really did like her. She made him feel differently about himself, in a positive way, and for that he was grateful. He would never, ever tell her these things. He'd rather not inflate her ego more than necessary. Now was not the time to be thinking about her anyway. He was supposed to be researching his own animagus, so that he could control himself while in that form. Harri wasn't aware, but when he had been fighting that dragon in the fake Hogwarts, his thoughts were violent and primitive.

His instincts were to kill what was in his way. He hungered for the violence, it felt natural. If she was to have come inside of the building, and he found her, he may have hurt. The dragon in him hadn't recognized her as his—anything. He found out from Fawkes that he innately protected her from outside forces. The real question was who would protect her from him? Subconsciously, as disturbing as he found it, his mind had already considered her his girlfriend. Despite his willingness to get used to the idea of her being his significant other, he wasn't ready for the animal in him to take that step. Everywhere he looked omens was telling him that they could never be. Her animagus was his natural enemy, and yet the dragon wanted her as his mate? How could one fight the natural laws of nature? She was in danger, from the one meant to protect her, and she didn't even know it. All of this was speculation, but he knew the dragon would mark her and then there was no going back. He needed to talk with someone about this—someone that knew what it was like to control the beast inside. As much as he didn't like it, he was going to have to talk with Professor Lupin. He only knew of two people that could change into animals, and Professor McGonagall was out of the question.

Her infamous disdain for Slytherins was not something he wanted to experience. Sure, Professor Snape favored the Slytherins, but that was only to level the playing field. It wasn't as if there were teachers that openly hated the Gryffindorks. Besides, while she could turn into a cat at will, Professor Lupin had no control over his transformations. They were a lot alike in that way, and the werewolf was his only option. Draco hated the idea of having to take him into his confidence, but there was no one else could talk to. Perhaps he had sage advice for his former student that could be of some help. He needed to be sentient during those times when he would change so that he did not do anything that he would regret. Draco mulled these thoughts in his head as he headed for Professor Lupin's office.

Professor Umbridge was their new DADA teacher, and he had spoken to her briefly when she attended a social gathering his father held. It was just another opportunity to hob knob with the rich and influential in the Ministry. He didn't trust her because she worked directly under the Minister, and the Minster was under his father, and he definitely did not trust his father.Although Draco would rather not admit it, Lupin was the best DADA teacher that they had ever had. After a year's respite from teaching at Hogwarts, he had returned, not as a DADA professor, but as an assistant professor of DADA. Umbridge had vied to have him fired from the job, but he Dumbledore rallied for his return this year. After the events of last year's Triwizard tournament Draco surmised that the headmaster wanted all the competent teachers he could find. Now with this new woman, who obviously could care less about giving them a proper education—using wands, he wondered if he could survive a real duel with an extremely skilled opponent. At least his mother taught him how to duel properly. He knocked on the door, listening patiently if his teacher was inside.

He ignored the stares he received from a few wandering Ravenclaws, and entered when Professor Lupin answered the door. His professor looked haggard, which was due to the full moon's recent passing. Draco knew that his professor had been briefed about his predicament with Potter, so hopefully he would understand for assistance. Suddenly he felt nervous talking to a teacher, but this issue was a private matter, therefore he was right to feel uncomfortable. He tried to relax in the plush chairs of Lupin's office, but there was a nagging feeling in the back of his mind. Although they were alike in this aspect, he still had never been particularly respectful, and he had been one of the children that had written home to his parents to let them know that their teacher was a werewolf. He would have liked to have said that his past behavior was apart of the old Draco. But, that would have been a lie. He used to loathe the people that regretted their actions later on in life. Now it seemed, he was one of them. Professor Lupin didn't have to show him the ropes as it were—he wasn't obligated to do anything of the sort. He wondered silently how he was going to broach the issue.

"Is there something you wanted to discuss with me, or do you plan on staring at the walls all day?"

Remus said, trying futilely to stifle a yawn.

"Yes sir. You know about my dilemma of changing unwillingly into a dragon, and I was wondering if you could train me so that I am sentient during those times. I do not want to hurt anyone, so if you could just teach me—"

Remus held hand in the air, promptly silencing Draco. He never thought much of the vain young man before him. Draco was an intelligent young man, but he wasn't motivated. It was obvious to anyone around him that his time in the past did him some good. He seemed less conceited, and more down to earth, but that could be Remus' and everyone else's mass delusion. Still, the humility he had shown in recent days was enough o garner Remus' respect.

"I am a werewolf, son. You are a dragon animagus. The only thing I can suggest is that perhaps you should consider researching if there are any potions similar to Wolf's Bane that can help you."

Draco frowned, unhappy with the news. He seriously doubted if there was such a potion in existence, but he didn't dare say that aloud. Not when he was on Lupin's good side. What was he going to do now? He simply had to convince his professor otherwise.

"What if there aren't any potions? What if I turn into a dragon when someone punches Potter? We don't even know the scope of my protection for her! I'm an untrained animagus with no way to control my transformation. Surely you can think of something?! Otherwise Potter and everyone else will be in danger from me, if someone so much as pushes her!"

Remus sighed softly. He really felt for the young man, but he really didn't think that there was anything that he could do. He found the boy's sincerity admirable; so much so that he was willing to work with him to solve the dilemma. Remus raised his wand, pointing it at the shelves of books in his own personal library. Remus had been collecting information about how to werewolves could control themselves long before the Wolf's Bane came along. He hoped to find something that could possibly stave off the wolf completely, but he wondered if that was not just wishful thinking. He smiled at his young charge, happy to see the glimmer of hope returning to his silver-grey eyes.

"I don't know much help these books can be, but I think you should read them. Accio Beastia Animus: Restraint from Within! Accio All about Dragons."

The textbook floated into Draco's hand. The book jackets were old and dirty, but it was a thick book. The books were worn with age, and had been dog-eared in many places. In the margins, there were many notes written, mostly in what he guessed was Professor Lupin's handwriting. The most earnest of side notes were the passages dedicated to controlling, and remaining in the subject's normal state of mind. The book specifically about Dragons listed very concerning his conundrum, but the Beastis Animus went in depth about out of control animagi, and was a very informative book all around. He would have to take exhaustive notes on the subjects.

"I believe these books would assist you the most. If you still have questions feel free to see me during my office hours. These books are from my private collection, so I am entrusting you with them. Please be very careful with those, and don't erase what's written in the margins."

Draco thanked him, promising to take him up on his offer to visit when he had more questions. He allowed himself a small smile, very surprised at how events played out. He honestly hadn't expected his teacher's assistance, or the extended offer of more help as needed. He walked silently back to his dormitory, ignoring the admiring stares he received from some of the upper classmen girls. At least no had the gall to paw all over him, he mused.

Professor Dolores Umbridge did not stand for anything that was abnormal thank you very much. She preferred to have this school run just like the ministry. Efficient, self-serving, and where she had a significant amount of control. She believed the muggles coined the phrase 'run like a well oiled machine'. This however, was not what was happening. Everywhere she went she saw things that she disapproved of, going on right in front of her face. The students, nestled in the warm bosom of their beloved headmaster were being brainwashed into thinking that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named had returned, and was planning attacks on the school. Their entire meaningless diatribe was so convoluted, that she wondered if they realized that that they were perfectly safe. Anarchists like Dumbledore, and his lot were trying to create a stir among the students, who would then write home to their parents. It was she who would be responsible. Most of the staff figured her to be a temporary fixture designed to strike fear into her fellow coworkers, in order to prevent them from making nonsense remarks about You-Know-Who's supposed return.

It was when she had come to visit one of the few people she considered worthy to keep their jobs. Severus Snape was of the few professors that realized the antics of Harriet Potter were just a ruse to score more attention from the magical community. She even brought along one of the few studious and model students, Draco Malfoy along for the ride. Her attention seeking stunts had endangered the lives of one of Hogwarts students, and it was because of this, she sought to have the troublesome child expelled. Anyone that believed that they were truly above the rules and regulations of the school didn't belong there in the first place. She wondered if the girl realized this, or if she just preferred to pretend to be clueless. No, Harri Potter knew exactly what she was doing. In fact she thrived on her aversion to the rules, the girl sought attention—she wanted to be praised, but Dolores would do no such thing.

She noticed the way the girl would not meet her eyes, and how skittish she seemed. Smirking to herself, she took the seat once occupied by the raven haired menace. Snape, who had yet to speak, simply stared at her. She had to admit, his calmness was a pleasant surprise. Dolores had the natural talent of unnerving people. Her ability to get under the skin of those around her made her an excellent spy. People naturally were more inclined to say things they would rather keep clandestine when they were nervous. Clearing her throat in her trademark way, she frowned at the sour look the younger professor had just given her. The lines on his forehead creased, and his stare—his stare was cold, as if he regarded her as nothing more than algae at the bottom of the lake outside. She began to wonder if perhaps she was wrong in her judgment of the man. He was just like everyone else.

"Professor Snape I have come to you with an opportunity."

She said, conjuring up a bit of tea for herself alone. He looked at her ceramic cup of tea, and then he looked at her. Leaning back, he waved his wand lazily through the air pointing it at her cup. The tea disappeared, but his smirk remained. Severus had a feeling why the woman had come and he didn't like it at all.

"There is no eating or drinking in my office Professor Umbridge. Please remember that the next to you decided to visit. Now, what of this opportunity you have for me?"

Dolores scowled. She hadn't expected him to be so brusque with her. She had thought that they were on the same page, but obviously they were not. How was she to get the Potter girl expelled if the child's most hated teacher would even give her the chance to broach the subject? She didn't like the feeling she was getting from him. Snape may be loyal to Dumbledore, (read: unable to be manipulated) but he was also out for number one. He only allied with the man so that no questions would ever be raised about his own intentions. He trusted no one, so what made her think that he would be willing to ally? Still, she should at least try.

"Harriet Potter has been a thorn in the staff's collective sides for a very long time now. Her arrogance is a threat to the school and the students that attend. I suggest that you and I work together so that she may finally be expelled. I had hoped that she wouldn't end up as vain as her mother, and haughty as her father, but she inherited their undesirable traits two fold."

Severus stared at Umbridge with unblinking eyes. He too, knew how to unnerve others. Umbridge's comments were cruel and unnecessary. A few months ago, sure he would have agreed with most of the elderly woman's comments. However, Severus knew that Lily was never a vain woman, and even though James had been a snobby little prat during their school days, Severus was working to reconcile his vendetta against the deceased man. This woman obviously knew of his famed disdain for his daughter, but what she didn't know was that he would never get Harri expelled. If he had never discovered their connection, he still would not aid in the girl's expulsion from Hogwarts.

"It is a serious offense to conspire against a student, Madam. I do agree that the girl is indeed too big for her britches, but she is under the protective eyes of Headmaster Dumbledore. Besides, above all else, she is the girl-who-lived, and even if the majority of the magical population doesn't believe her ravings about You-Know-Who's return, she still is still very much loved and admired for her defeat of the Dark Lord. If there isn't anything else, I would like to get back to my student conferences."

Professor Umbridge clipped her mouth shut, causing the wrinkles on her mouth to fold and stretch. Severus could tell that she was biting back a retort. She stood stiffly to her feet, wiping off imaginary dust. Perhaps when he was younger, the cruel hateful look she was regarding him with now might have made him fearful, but he was a grown man now, and she really should know by now that mean looks do not scare the adults that traversed the halls. She turned suddenly, as if she were now remembering some important adage she wanted to share with him.

"I trust you will tell no one of this?"

He masked his own smirk with cool indifference. Nodding, he stood, ushering her to the door. Looking down at the suspicious teacher her replied calmly.

"I shall treat this matter as temporary insanity. I'm sure we have all had out unstable moments, in which we have said things we clearly didn't mean."

She caught the sarcasm in his voice, for Severus had done nothing to mask it. Giving him one last curt nod, she walked out of the room, glaring at the first year Slytheirns that walked by. She had made a huge rookie mistake and she knew it. She trusted him with information she should have kept secret, and now he knew her intentions. Underestimating him was been a huge gaffe. However, she now knew just how far his loyalty lay, and she vowed silently to herself to never make that mistake again.

When Harri had slipped silently out of Professor Snape's office, she let out the breath she didn't know she had been holding. Relief was over her ash she realized that Umbridge hadn't heard the words she exchanged with her father. Something about the old woman bother her tremendously. Why did she feel as if every time she was in her line of sight that she was being glared at hatefully? She had never even heard of Umbridge until now, and her trust of the new DADA teacher was non existent. Hogwarts had a poor track record when it came to suitable Defense teachers, with Professor Lupin being the exception. He was a knowledgeable, fun, engaging teacher that made her want to learn more about defense. His ability to include his students into his lesson plan was something few teachers could emulate. Mostly though, it was the example that he set, the precedent of his own affliction that made her realize how important it was to be wary of everyone.

When she first met Sirius, she hated him. He was the man she believed to have betrayed her parents. Harri wanted to hurt him as much as she thought he hurt her. Yet now, two years after her initial discovery she truly believed that she could not survive without him. They had few opportunities to talk with one another privately. Ever since her returns he had been preoccupied with other issues. Now that she had time to herself, she wanted to seek him out, to let he beloved godfather know that she loved him. He was the first father she had ever had. She wondered if Sirius truly knew how highly she regarded him. Before there was anyone else, there was her godfather that loved her first, he was the first adult to show an inkling of paternal love for her, and for that she would be eternally grateful. Deep in the pit of her stomach she felt the uneasiness, and she could feel that Sirius was beginning to think he had lost her to her father.

The problem was that two men needed to accept that they would both be in her life. She would make no exceptions. Sirius and her father shared a horrible past, filled with animosity that ran through a generation. Sooner or later, the men would have to make peace. Harri wouldn't force the issue, but they would realize soon enough that their fighting was hurting her. She now began to realize how her mother must have felt trying to keep the peace between the two years ago. She walked aimlessly, wanting to speak with Sirius, but afraid to go to his office. Although she was loathing admitting it, a part of her feared his rejection as well. The knots in her stomach twisted as she headed unconsciously towards Professor Lupin's office. If she delayed their meeting any longer she would only continue to feel anxious.

She found her godfather, curled lazily against Professor Lupin's open door. He was asleep, his breathing barely audible. Professor Lupin motioned her in, closing the door behind him. Professor Lupin pressed a finger against his lips, signaling for her to remain silent. Harri acquiesced, taking the large dogs in her arms. Sirius in dog form was jostled awake, barking loudly against her ear. She grimaced at the noise, but let herself be overcome as Snuffles licked all over her face. She giggled, and he placed his scent upon her. Although Harri didn't have the heightened sense of smell as Draco, Professor Lupin, and Sirius, she could tell he was sniffing for his scent. Snuffles had long ago placed his scent upon her skin. It was undetectable by humans, but Harri knew it was there because he had told her that should she ever be in danger of attack by canines, or any other animals, they would smell her and know that she was a protected pup belonging to a pack. Animals would veer away from her because they would smell Snuffles and intuitively know to stay away. No puppy was ever left completely alone. Snuffles, satisfied that his scent was still upon her, rolled off of her, and with a soft pop, returned to his human form. Harri smiled at him, attacking her godfather with renewed fervor. He looked much better, his skin was less haggard, and she could see that he was eating right. She missed this feeling, of being with Sirius.

"I was wondering if I could chat with you for a minute Sirius?"

He gave her a classic Sirius grin—teeth showing, and a lopsided grin. Professor Lupin, taking the hint left his office, quietly shutting the door behind him. Sirius leaned on the edge of Professor Lupin's desk. Harri sat facing him, taking the smaller chair. His smile faltered slightly as if there was something burgeoning in the back of his mind, but he had yet to name it.

"What's up kid, something's telling me that you've want talk to me seriously."

Harri sighed, nodding her head in agreement. Sometimes she was so amazed at how well he could read her. What she supposed to say now? I got the feeling that you felt that maybe I was shutting you out of my life. Or maybe that I just miss you and I don't want you to think that I've abandoned you. I can't do that Sirius. I'll never do that to you. She bit the inside of her cheek to hold back a frown. Her hands were shaking—her palms were now sweaty. She was almost afraid to look into his eyes, afraid of what she would find in their depths. No, she couldn't turn back now. They hadn't had a real chance to talk, and she wanted tell him about the past, about James, about Remus, about her mother, and about himself. The memories that she had of 1976 were at times painful, but they were reminders of a past in which marauding young men were faithful, and the world wasn't as dark as it is now.

"I wanted to talk to you about the past. I wanted to share my memories with you, because Professor Dumbledore erased me from your mind, the Harri that visited the past at least. I want you to know what I saw. I saw how much you cherished your friendships then, and it made me realize the scope of pain that you endure now. I understand if you don't want to talk about it, but I only wanted to share the good recollections anyway."

He said nothing for a few moments, merely staring through her. At first she wondered if perhaps he was looking at the wall, but he was doing neither. Sirius was looking to the past, going back to a place that he had never really left. In his heart of hearts, there remained a special place for Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs. It was a place in which no man could be tempted, where semper fidelis was a way of life, not just a saying. He turned to his goddaughter, not really seeing her, but his friends when times were easier. Taking her hand in his own, he gave it a gentle squeeze, ready to hear her share.

Footnotes: Well, that's it for chapter seventeen! There was very little Ron or Hermione, but I'm sure that they will turn up somewhere. For now though, enjoy what I have written. Thank you to all that are reading this story the outpouring of support is amazing. I appreciate it. Please let me know what you think! In the next chapter—well just read and find out okay? I'll try not to take forever next time uploading! Before I forget, reviews are what keep me driven. It reminds me to update a story. That way I know people are reading. I don't have support services.