AN: You may need this:
Telepathy/Thoughts
Parseltounge
Chapter 3: Return Home… It's Not the Same
Every August first Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall sit together and go over all of the acceptance and refusal letters for the coming school year. This year was no different save for the fact that one particular letter had not yet arrived. Minerva had walked into Albus' circular office and without preamble stated that she had not received a response from Harry Potter. Now an hour later they sat in silence.
"What are we going to do?" asked Minerva as she finally broke the uncomfortable quiet.
"Have faith," replied Albus.
"How can we have faith?"
"We know that proof was brought secretly to the goblins that the boy is alive, we also know the ministry has to wait until September second to even try beginning the legal declaration of death process. These two things tell me that Harry is alive and will become known to the wizarding world on September first."
"Meaning he will begin schooling, hopefully here," finished Minerva.
Albus nodded and took a sip of tea. He was far more worried than he let on, but he had faith. Something deep down inside him told him the Harry was safe. Something else also told him the Harry would not abandon his destiny and a tiny part he couldn't hear or feel added 'this time'. A sudden movement out of the corner of his eye caught Albus' attention.
Albus looked toward a candelabrum beside his desk and noticed the flame was dancing wildly. Minerva looked as well and murmured, "What in the world? Why is that lit?" Her sentiment was accurate. Albus knew he hadn't lit the candle because bright midmorning sunshine bathed the entire office in a golden hue; there had been no need for the candle.
Musings were stopped as something jumped out of the candle flame and onto the desk. The little creature looked like a ten centimeter long lizard whose scales were made of fire. It skittered across Albus' desk, glanced furtively at the two humans, and then placed what appeared to be an envelope on the desk. In an eye-blink of time it turned and jumped to the candle flame. The flame went out instantly.
Albus reached out for the envelope. "Its warm," he murmured quietly as he picked it up. He noticed small scorch marks on the edges and carefully opened it up. A small bit of parchment fell into his hands and he read it. His blue eyes twinkled madly and a smile graced his lips.
"What does it say?" inquired Minerva. Albus handed it to her. The note simply said, 'I'll be there September first' and was signed 'Harry J Potter'. Minerva smiled as well.
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Albus took his seat at the head table. Severus was two seats to his right with Minerva's empty seat between them. Filius was to his left. The older students were seating themselves at their various tables and the old man sighed. His contacts on the Hogwarts express had reported no sign of Harry Potter.
Minerva ushered in the small, frightened, excited first year students. As they gathered at the front of the room the transfigurations teacher placed the sorting hat and stool out. The hat sung its song and after the applause Minerva began to call names. She reached the name, "Potter, Harry." The entire hall broke out in excited whispers, but none of the gathered children stepped forward. She asked, "Would Mr. Harry Potter please step forward?" Again no one stepped forward.
Minerva looked at Albus with a lost look. "Continue with the sorting professor," Albus said gently. She nodded and continued. Finally the last student Blaise Zabini was sorted into Slytherin. With a weary sigh Minerva picked the stool and hat back up and placed them at the end of the head table. She sat down at her place beside Albus.
The aged headmaster stood. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts…" Suddenly a cloud of fire appeared directly in front of the head table. The fire vanished to reveal four people; two adult males with dark hair, one adult female with silver hair and a young male, also with dark hair. All four looked a bit worse for wear; blood and ripped clothing were evident.
"I apologize Headmaster Dumbledore," said the woman, "When we were preparing to take Harry to the train station this morning… Well anyway something important came up and he missed the train."
"May I ask who you are?" asked Dumbledore. He was fairly certain the two men were Remus and Sirius.
"Well, you hopefully remember us," said Sirius with laughter in his voice. "Sirius Black and Remus Lupin," he said pointing to himself and the other man, "but you have doubtfully never met the beautiful Lady Serenity before."
"It is good to see you both looking well. And would this be your godson?" asked Dumbledore with a twinkle in his eye.
"Hello, headmaster," said Harry, "I'm Harry Potter and I hope you will forgive my tardiness for the sorting."
"Of course," he replied jovially. The students were craning necks, trying to get a better look at the boy. Albus then continued, "Would you care to join us? We always have room for guests."
"I am sure Remus and Sirius will be happy to stay, but I must be off," Serenity replied.
Harry bowed to her, "Take care my lady. I will see you during the winter holidays." She nodded and vanished in a rush of fire.
Sirius said, "Allow me to get the hat." Dumbledore nodded while conjuring two chairs and extending the head table. Remus smiled and moved to one of the chairs while Sirius grabbed the sorting hat from its stool. He handed it to Harry and then walked over by Remus.
"Should I try the hat now, sir?" asked Harry respectfully. Dumbledore nodded and watched as Harry placed the hat on his head.
Harry was very glad for how carefully he arranged his memories and mental shields as he felt the hat touch his mind. Well what do we have here?
Hello.
Ahh, Harry Potter. I feel as though I know you… no matter, let me see. Harry could feel the hat rummaging around in the memories and thoughts he didn't shield. My, my, my, what an interesting mind you have. Your mind is most orderly for an eleven year old, but then again I see that you are a protector in training. Most intriguing. Tell me young Potter, where do you think you belong.
I could do well in every house. I'm not really bookish enough to make a real good Ravenclaw, but I learn quickly and am a very studious student. I'm fiercely loyal and hardworking, but I'm not trusting enough to be a Hufflepuff. I'm brave and training to be a warrior, but I'm almost too cautious and levelheaded to be a Gryffindor. I'm cunning and ambitious, I understand the dark is not evil, but I'm not pureblood prejudice enough for the current residents of Slytherin.
Ah yes, I see all that and you understand that while I have to place you somewhere, you could and should be a part of all houses.
I understand.
Then you also know that you take after the true ideals of Salazar more than the other founders. Make the house remember its roots and true reason for being. Enjoy your life in Slytherin!
The hat called out the name. The entire hall fell into stunned silence except for two voices at the head table saying in unison, "Why am I not surprised?" Sirius and Remus looked at each other, yep they were expecting it. Harry removed the sorting hat and took it over to the stool. As he set it down, Draco Malfoy stood up and began to clap. Soon the rest of Slytherin House joined him. Harry smirked at his fellow house mates as they gave him a standing ovation as he joined them.
Up at the teacher's table Albus leaned toward Sirius and Remus, "What did you mean you are not surprised?"
Sirius replied, "Harry is…" he seemed to be at a loss for words.
"Harry is unique and a far cry from his father," added Remus.
"How so my boys?" asked Albus curiously.
Sirius tilted his head slightly, "He's very serious and dedicated."
"He isn't an optimist or a pessimist… I guess he's a realist who understands what is expected of him," expanded Remus.
Severus scowled, "So the precious golden boy isn't so golden, is that it?"
"Actually, he's far from golden," said Sirius. "Harry knows more magic than most of the fifth year students here, I would wager, and not all of it as purely 'light' as you might think."
"Pot-potter so-sounds li-like a pr-prodigy," stuttered Quirrell.
"Not so much," said Remus, "Just dedicated to proving Lady Serenity's time is not wasted with him."
"Speaking of Lady Serenity," began Albus, "Who is she?"
"I'm afraid we are not at liberty to explain," replied Sirius. "Part of living apart as we have is a vow of secrecy."
"I see," murmured Albus, "can you tell me anything about her?"
"She is a very special and talented person," said Remus.
"I see. I apologize for keeping you from your food," said Albus.
"No need to apologize," said Remus. Sirius nodded in agreement.
Albus turned back to his food. Sirius turned toward Severus. "Snape," he said quietly, with none of the expected loathing, "I would like to speak with you after the meal if you have time." Snape glared at Sirius but saw something in the other wizard that made him nod. Sirius smiled and turned back to his food.
Down at the Slytherin table, Draco said, "I'm Malfoy, Draco Malfoy; welcome to Slytherin," as he extended a hand to Harry.
Harry took his hand, "Pleasure to meet you. I'm Harry Potter, perhaps the rest of my year mates can introduce themselves?"
The other first year students introduced themselves. Harry smirked at how friendly all of his former enemies were acting. Just as they were about to begin eating, the bloody baron rose up through the table in front of Harry. Something flashed through Harry's memory, a passage and picture in a book. He bowed his head and said, "It is an honor to meet you Baron Byron of Exeter; I see you did not hold to your Brother Bartholomew's faith."
The baron almost smiled, scaring those around him, "I see I was not mistaken in believing Lady Serenity to be whom I thought she was. This means you follow in the footsteps of my old mentor?"
Harry remembered that Baron Byron had also been one of Salazar's pupils; Salazar had mentioned him within his journals. "Yes, in fact I have had the honor of reading his journals."
"Do Slytherin house proud little lion born," the baron said before floating up and over Harry.
The serpents looked at him in shock and awe. "What was that about?" asked the handsome Blaise Zabini.
"The Baron Byron was a student of Salazar Slytherin during the last decades of his life. I have read most of Slytherin's journals while I was growing up. Both he and his wife were fascinating people," replied Harry before digging into his food.
"You've read Slytherin's journals?" hissed a fourth year serpent who was sitting near the first years.
Harry glanced at the fourth year student; he didn't remember the young man at all. He swallowed his mouthful of food and said, "Yes."
"Well, what did they say?" asked the companion to the first young man. This one Harry vaguely remembered as Mont… something or other from quidditch.
"Perhaps I will send for a copy of one of the journals so that you may read them yourself; I doubt you would believe me if I told you what they say."
"Why wouldn't we believe you?" asked Draco silkily, "Are you going to tell us that the great Salazar actually liked Muggles and Mudbloods or that he was a light wizard?"
"Neither, actually," replied Harry. He saw expectant looks and sighed, "All right I will tell you some of what the journals say, but not here. The great hall has many eyes and ears; the Slytherin common room does not." He dug back into his food, ignoring his house mates for the rest of the evening, or at least seeming to. He overheard all the speculation on why he was a mess, what he could possibly reveal about Slytherin and where had he been the last ten years.
During desert Severus leaned over toward Sirius. "Black if you wish to have your word now is the time." He then stood and walked out of the small door at the side of the teacher's dais. Sirius nodded to Remus and followed Snape into the small anteroom.
Sirius entered and noticed that Severus was standing in a defensive pose. Sirius closed the door behind him and licked his suddenly dry lips. A few moments of oppressive silence was broken only by the shallow breathing of the two men.
Finally Sirius spoke, "I ask that you allow me to speak without interrupting, can you do that, please?" Severus raised an eyebrow at the respectful and almost pleading tone. He nodded. Sirius said, "Thank you." He then took a deep breath, "I know I can never ask for nor receive your forgiveness for the harm I have done you. Nor can I apologize for the actions of a dead man. I however need to do both. What James and I did to you was dishonorable, disgraceful, cruel and unforgivable. I don't know all of James' reasons for how he acted to you, but I know mine and they were far from acceptable excuses.
"I hated you before I ever knew you. The son of the Potion Mistress Prince who married a muggle," he laughed bitterly, "My parents taught me to hate you because you were a mudblood; that fact alone should have caused me to give you a chance. When I was sorted into Gryffindor, I thought for the first time that I could overcome my family's darkness. Instead of doing what was right I lashed out at those I thought were just like my parents; I lashed out at the Slytherins. I especially tried to hurt you because you were a half-blood; you should have been anywhere but Slytherin. I thought surely there must be some true evil in you for the hat to place a half-blood in Slytherin; after all only purebloods and dark wizards go there. Right? But I was wrong.
"I know I can not ask for your forgiveness, especially after what I did fifth year. All I ask is that you don't treat Harry as if he were James. Harry is everything James was not; he is truly Lily's child. He is also so much more than he lets others see. If you treat him as an intelligent person he will treat you with respect. If you are civil to him he will be civil with you. If you treat him wrong… well I'm not sure what he would do to a human but the last non-human who treated him wrong was… lets just say there wasn't much left to her."
Severus had listened quietly hiding his swirling emotions. Here was a man whom he had hated with a passion, asking not to be forgiven, but that he treats Harry Potter right. He had expected so many different things from the last surviving Black heir; an apology that he didn't expect to be accepted wasn't one of them. As he studied Sirius Black he made a discovery, the Marauder had grown up. Sirius had matured into a true Gryffindor, something Severus had never thought to see. Before him was a man who had become brave, noble and kind; someone Severus felt may be able to earn his forgiveness, given enough time.
Severus said, "I cannot, as you said, forgive you; nor can I forgive Potter. However I will endeavor to remember that the young serpent Potter is not his father; that he is in fact another person. If you have nothing else to say, I suggest returning to the feast, as it is almost over." Sirius nodded and turned. He opened the door and stepped out into the great hall.
As Sirius and Severus rejoined the table; Albus leaned over and said, "Severus, please bring young Potter up to my office after your start of term speech." Severus nodded. The old man then looked at Sirius and Remus. "I would also like the two of you to come to my office after the feast." Both marauders nodded.
At the end of the feast Dumbledore stood. He gave his beginning of the year announcements and also the warning about the third floor. Harry remembered well the events surrounding the Philosopher's Stone. He would have to steal it and give it to Lady Serenity to hide within Guardian Castle. Harry followed the other first year students and the Prefects to the Slytherin entrance. He wasn't surprised when the password turned out to be 'pureblood'. Harry was surprised to see Snape waiting for them and to see many upper classmen waiting in the common room as well.
Harry stood with the rest of his year mates as the Prefect introduced Snape. Snape looked over everyone and began to speak in a voice Harry remembered from another life, the silky tones of the Potions Master. "Welcome to the serpent house. Here in Slytherin we are Family, even if we hate one another. We support each other when we are outside these rooms even if we hex and curse each other while within them. The primary rule for Slytherin is once you leave these rooms you become a united force. I will not tolerate you arguing, fighting nor dueling when you are among other students or teachers; should any of those need to happen you will use the Slytherin dueling arena. All other rules can be found within the book on the mantle; it is charmed to be unable to leave the common room. I would normally be available tonight, however the Headmaster requested Mr. Potter's and my presence therefore I will have extended hours tomorrow evening if you need to speak with me. Remember I will always be available to help you. Good night." He gestured toward Potter and the boy nodded before headed out of the common room.
Severus stepped out of the common room. Harry was waiting in the hall about five feet from the entrance. Severus took a moment to study the calm composed boy; no Severus realized Harry was in truth a young man. Harry was just over four feet tall, his long dark brown hair was held in a tail at the base of his neck (although many hairs were flying loose of the tail), he had Lily's vibrant emerald eyes, and his body was wiry with muscle. Severus wasn't sure what to expect from this young man; he could see a mask hid the true Harry but he had no idea what was hidden. "This way Mr. Potter," said Severus quietly as he stalked past the first year.
Severus didn't hear footsteps following. After walking to the end of the hall he turned to rebuke the boy and found that Harry was less then three feet behind him. Severus suppressed a shuddered and continued walking. His mind reeled at the implication of Potter being silent behind him. His years as a spy had trained Severus' senses to the point where he heard the whisper of swishing robes, the footfall of a cat, and the hollow tone of controlled breathing, yet he heard nothing but his own nearly silent stride, shallow breathing and stuttering heartbeat. The comment Black had said about there not being much left to the last non-human to cross Harry caused Severus to become monetarily lost in his thoughts.
Severus wasn't truly aware he was standing in front of the gargoyle until Potter quietly asked, "Why have we stopped, sir?" Severus didn't quite jump, but his pulse increased as he glanced at Harry.
"Peppermint imps," said Severus. The gargoyle leapt to the side and Severus was disappointed when Harry didn't show any surprise. The potions master stepped onto the stairs and allowed their revolving to deposit him before Dumbledore's door.
Harry had instinctively followed as Serenity had taught him. When Snape had turned Harry had know the man had though he had not followed. Harry was annoyed that the man thought so little of him that he decided to continue the silent stalking of the potions master. When Snape had stopped in front of the headmaster's gargoyle guardian Harry had controlled his laughter as Snape just stood lost in thought. After about five minutes Harry had spoken and watched in fascination as Snape nearly jumped. Harry felt slightly bad for tormenting the man this way, but justified it by saying this one night was payback of five years of hell that hopefully wouldn't be repeated.
Harry followed Snape up the stairs and entered the large circular room. Harry looked around at everything, taking note of the people before dismissing them as 'safe' and then memorizing where everything was within the room. Once Harry knew where the door to Albus' private room was as well as the secret door beside the fireplace, Harry computed all the defensible entrances as well as the hidden apparation star. He smiled as he saw Fawkes and then turned to Dumbledore.
Severus had known Black and Lupin would be there and so was unsurprised by their presence. He was not however expecting Potter to enter the room and assess it as he himself would a strange place. After the boy was done looking over every bit of the room he looked at Dumbledore with a small smile on his lips. Severus noticed that neither Black nor Lupin were the least bit surprised by his behavior.
"You wished to see me this evening, Headmaster?" asked Harry politely.
"Yes, please sit down, Mr. Potter," replied Albus while waving to the chair beside Sirius. "And you as well Severus, please sit."
Harry nodded and sat beside his godfather. He sat without sinking into the confines of the comfy chair, with his arms free for full motion. Lupin sighed and said something in a language which neither Severus nor Albus had ever heard. Harry sank back into the chair and replied, "I know, but its ingrained training."
"May I ask what I just missed?" asked Albus with a slight chuckle.
"My apologies Headmaster, Remus was just reminding me I was not entering enemy territory and should not act like I am," replied Harry.
"Indeed," said Albus, "was that what you were doing? Lemon drop?" he held the tin toward Harry.
With a rueful smile Harry reached to the tin and took a small yellow candy, "Thank you," and popped it into his mouth.
Albus smiled, "I was speaking with your godfather and Remus about where you have been these many years. They said you would know how much could be revealed. I assured them that knowing they were part of your life was reassuring to me of your safety, but I wish to know… that you are more than just safe."
Harry tilted his head slightly. He knew that Albus saw him as a grandson, that the old man truly did care; but he also knew that Albus wanted him to fulfill the Prophesy about him and Voldemort. Harry spoke quietly, "I have a question before I tell you what I can." He looked expectantly at Dumbledore, the headmaster nodded. "Would you trust Professor Snape with the Prophesy Professor Trelawney made before you hired her?"
Albus looked stunned. Severus sat perfectly still. Sirius and Remus wondered what the Prophesy had said, both remembered Lily saying that a Prophesy was part of the reason they were using the Fidelius charm. The room was quiet save for the breathing of the inhabitants. At length Albus asked, "Do you know the extent of that Prophesy?"
"I know it word for word and what it means to my life and future; what I wish to know is whether or not you trust your spy was not a double agent."
Severus' eyes widened in surprise. No one had know he was a spy and even his trial had been hushed up, labeled classified. Severus wondered how Albus would respond. The old man seemed to age before their eyes. "I would wish you had no idea as to what the Prophesy said until you were older… but to answer your question, I trust him with my very life and I trust him to know the Prophesy if you feel you can share it with your godfather."
Severus watched as a small smile appeared on Potter's face. "I wasn't going to say the Prophesy here, but that answer tells me I may trust him as much as I am allowed to trust you. I mean that statement not as an insult to either of you, only that I am not given the liberty to trust anyone completely. What do you know about Protectors?"
"Not much," replied Albus, "I know they hunt down Dark Lords, much as Aurors hunt down dark wizards, only with more alacrity."
"So… nothing really… well I will tell you. A protector is a witch or wizard of unique power, not simply strong, but bonded to a higher purpose from the moment of conception. The Protector's purpose is to maintain the balance of power between the light and dark. The Protector is responsible for preventing needless wars and suffering. That is not to say a Protector will not hunt down a Dark Lord, but he or she will only hunt one who does not help the overall balance of the world. I am a protector in training."
Severus remembered reading about Protectors once, long ago. Without realizing he was speaking, Severus asked, "And what of The Guardian?"
Sirius, Remus and Harry all started in surprise while Albus questioned, "Guardian?"
"Where have you heard that term, Professor Snape?" asked Harry.
Severus looked at Harry and knew that his naming the Guardian had unnerved the boy as nothing else had. He said softly into the silent room, "I remember reading one of the books in the Prince library when I was a boy. It spoke of Protectors and The Guardian. I believe it said the Guardian kept the world safe from that which is not of the world while the Protectors kept the world safe from that which is of the world. If you are a Protector in training than either your Lady Serenity is a Protector who hasn't done a very good job or she is The Guardian."
Harry smiled widely, "Now I know why you were such a valuable spy. Lady Serenity is the Guardian. She told me I was only allowed to reveal that if someone had figured it out first. Lady Serenity is training me because there has not been a Protector since the sixteenth century. I cannot tell you what I have learned nor can I reveal where I train. I can tell you I am happy with Lady Serenity, Sirius and Remus. I can also assure you I am safe, truly safe with them."
"You didn't look too safe when you arrived," commented Severus dryly.
Sirius said, "I'm afraid that was kind of our fault. Normally when an alarm sounds Lady Serenity and Harry respond to it and return quickly, but when it sounded this morning we were preparing to leave for Kings Cross. Remus and I insisted on going with and…" he trailed off as he noticed both Remus and Harry giving him dark looks. Sirius blushed and ducked his head in shame.
Harry sighed, "Sirius has a tendency to speak before thinking. What happened was these two entered a situation they were untrained for and caused both myself and Lady Serenity to be distracted with protecting them. In true foolish Gryffindor fashion they caused problems by being annoyingly heroic."
Severus smirked, he was starting to like Harry Potter… this was not a good thing. Albus was surprised by the way Harry spoke and was uncertain if the youth was truly as good as he had hoped. Sirius and Remus both felt chastised. They had been told it was better for them to stay at the Castle yet both had insisted they could come with and help. Both now knew they were not equipped to handle other planar beings with a big appetite, bigger body, and strong magics.
A few moments of silence passed before Harry yawned and said, "Is there anything else Headmaster?"
"No, good night my boy. Severus would you please show young Mr. Potter back to his dorm."
Severus nodded and stood. "Follow me." He then strode swiftly from the room. He was strangely unnerved when he noticed that this time he heard Potter's footsteps behind him.