Chapter 3: What the Portrait Told Harry

Harry Potter was not usually someone who could be rendered speechless on a regular basis. So far today, it had happened four times, two of which in the office in which he, Ron, and Hermione were standing. Harry's tongue was silent, but his head was swimming with thoughts. Where had the portrait come from? Why did Dumbledore want to speak with him? Exactly how did it get there, anyway? All his questions would soon be answered.

"Harry, pull your chair up closer… Ron and Hermione, you may stay. As may you, Minerva," Dumbledore said calmly.

"But Professor…" Harry was again cut off.

"I know what you are thinking, Harry," Dumbledore responded. "I had told you not to tell anyone of our endeavors, not even Professor McGonagall. However, I think that this company is safe enough. Minerva is now the headmistress of Hogwarts, therefore, she is more than trustworthy. As are your friends," he added, looking toward Ron and Hermione with a grin.

Harry did not interject. He knew what Dumbledore was about to tell him was of the utmost importance. Still, something was bothering him…

"I suppose you are wondering," said Dumbledore, "what I am doing here. Well, Harry, remember what I told you last year: As long as there are people within the school that support me, I will always be around. No amount of magic is able to prevent that."

"But," said Harry, "Professor Snape…"

"Ah, yes," said Dumbledore. "Severus. I must admit, Harry, I became suspicious when you came to me with that news. I should have listened more closely to what you were telling me. However, as I have told you in the past, I am not perfect. Even we old wizards make mistakes once in a while." Dumbledore smiled at Professor McGonagall as he said this. "Moreover, even Professor Snape knew that he would not be able to keep me away. He knew that, like so many others before me, my portrait would appear here after I died. While I am saddened by his choices, Professor Snape did what he thought he must. I tried to convince him otherwise, but it seems that my efforts were fruitless." Dumbledore sighed regretfully. He continued:

"Mind you, Harry, I still believe that there is good in him. He is not an evil person…entirely so. There was a time, while Voldemort was dormant, when I considered Professor Snape one of my most trusted friends. If I could, I would give him another chance, Harry."

Harry was incredulous. Could Dumbledore be serious? Snape, the man who had suggested his parents to Lord Voldemort? The man whom Harry hated? He had just one question.

"But why, sir? Why be so forgiving to Snape?" Harry inquired.

"Ah, Harry,' said Dumbledore, thoughtfully, "Have you forgotten what I told you at the end of your first year? Snape would have you believe that he is refraining from killing you because Lord Voldemort wants to do it. But as you may recall, Harry, the real reason is because of your father. You see, he…"

"Saved his life," Harry finished.

"Precisely." Dumbledore smiled. "I see that you do remember, after all. In any case, no matter how far Snape has drifted into Voldemort's inner circle, he will always protect you. Snape cannot harm you; he is bound to your father. Haven't you wondered why Snape loathes you so?"

Harry thought for a minute. He remembered that Snape always referred to Harry's father as "arrogant." Harry recalled what he saw in Dumbledore's Pensieve when he was taking Occlumency from Snape. His father had been every bit as arrogant as Snape had said. Moreover, Harry could now no longer feel an ounce of pity at the bullied Snape, an emotion that he had never felt towards him before.

"In addition to hating you because of the memory of your father's arrogance, Harry, Snape despises you because he realizes that he is bound to protect you as long as you are living. Hate you though he may, Snape's bond with your father is much deeper than he will ever willingly admit."

Harry didn't say anything. As much as he hated to say it, what Dumbledore was telling him was making perfect sense. Dumbledore continued:

"I wish to say a few things more. It has come to my attention that when you tried to combat Snape, he was able to block your spells?" Dumbledore was looking thoughtfully at Harry now.

"Yes, sir," Harry said. "I think he was using Occlumensy."

"Ah," said Dumbledore, approvingly. "You are quite right. Snape was able to block your spells because he knew precisely which spell you would cast before you had cast it. Since Snape is highly skilled in Occlumensy, and since Voldemort himself is a very fine Occlumens, I think it wise that you take Occlumensy lessons in addition to your Dark Arts training with Professor Lupin."

"But who will be my instructor for the Occlumensy lessons?" said Harry. He could thin of no person to teach him.

"I will be instructing you, Harry," said Dumbledore. "A portrait though I may be, I can still give you instructions. You will practice following the lesson with Professor Lupin as, though I am more than happy to give you lessons, I'm afraid that I can no more do any magic, since there are no wands made in portrait size." Dumbledore smiled again at Harry, amused with his joke. "I am finished with all I have to say, but I daresay you have questions, Harry?" Dumbledore looked at him, waiting.

"Yes sir," said Harry. "Well, for one thing, what is to become of the Order of the Phoenix?"

"Yes," said Dumbledore, "I figured you might ask that. Well, as you may recall, I am secret-keeper for the Order. I am happy to tell you, Harry, that I will be able to continue in that role, since my speaking abilities have thus far not been inhibited. Moreover, I would like for the Order meetings to take place at your house. That is, if you are willing."

"Of course," said Harry. He had nearly forgotten about his house, Number Twelve, Grimauld Place, which he had inherited from Sirius when he died.

"And," continued Dumbledore, "I trust that Mad-Eye has informed you of your membership?"

"Yes," said Harry, "and I accepted it."

"Excellent," said Dumbledore. "Our business is concluded for now, then. I will meet with you again soon, Harry. You may go, unless Professor McGonagall has something more to say to you…"

Harry was beaming. McGonagall waved the three friends out of her office affectionately. It was time to go back to the Burrow one last time—they had a lot of packing to do.