Chapter Three- Cut Off and Connected
Harry read the papers over the next few days. He read about Fudge being replaced as Minister, the new Minister arguing with Dumbledore, and the increased security measures being given to Hogwarts. He found that these assurances did not give him comfort. The fact that Voldemort knew of his fox nature made him worried that Death Eaters would burst in and search the house for him. His nervousness showed in the way his ears and tail moved and it drew Snape's attention.
"Harry, what's the matter?" he asked.
"I worry that Death Eaters will find me and drag me to Voldemort," he replied and gave a small whimper.
"Harry, they don't know you're here," Snape said, his tail jerking at Voldemort's name. "Even if they did, you can evade them by taking fox form and turning invisible. Our powers and abilities are closely guarded secrets, only known to those we feel are trustworthy like the headmaster and your friends Granger and the Weasley family."
Harry visibly relaxed. "Yes, you're right. They don't know I'm here and I can avoid noticed by taking fox form and becoming invisible. I'm sorry, I was being silly for no reason."
Snape hugged him. "You're not being silly. You have reason to worry: The prophecy. It is clear that the two of you are meant to face each other until one of you is…dead."
"'Neither can live while the other survives'," Harry recited.
"That's correct. Harry, I swear as your mate, I will do what is necessary to insure your survival."
"I know you will but please don't do anything risky like sacrificing your life. I wouldn't be able to bear it if you died."
"I promise I won't sacrifice my life."
Harry smiled as he enjoyed being in Snape's arms. He felt warm and safe. He knew that Snape would keep his word in making sure Harry lived and that he didn't risk his life to protect the young fox.
The clock on the mantle began to chime eleven p.m. and Snape said, "It is getting late. We should-,"
A knock sounded at the door and Snape quickly twitched aside the curtain of the window next to the door. "It's the headmaster," he said before opening the door and allowing Dumbledore inside. "Good evening, headmaster."
"Hello, Severus. Hello, Harry. I apologize for the late hour but I feel this would be the best time to persuade Horace to teach again."
"Not a problem. Harry is willing to assist at any time." Harry stepped up beside Snape and the red and black fox kissed his cheek. "Be careful."
"Of course." Harry briefly squeezed Snape's tail with his own before stepping outside with Dumbledore.
"I trust you've been well, Harry."
"Yes, sir."
"Severus has said the two of you could not be more in love. That is excellent.
"You've been reading the papers and the leaflet sent to your home, I trust?"
"Yes, sir. Severus explained Inferi and we set our security questions. Wait! How do I know you're the real Professor Dumbledore?"
"You would not without asking my security question of what is my favorite flavor of jam."
"I don't know it, sir."
"Of course. It is raspberry for future reference. It would appear that Severus' paranoia is rubbing off on you and that is not a bad thing. This is far enough, Harry." The pair had reached the middle of the street. "You've experienced Side-Along Apparition before, yes?"
"Yes, sir. Severus takes me all the time."
"Then you know what to do, but take my left arm if you would." Harry did so and his stomach turned over when he saw the right hand. He knew Dumbledore had contracted a curse that was slowly killing him, but hadn't known how bad it looked. He felt Dumbledore turn on the spot and Harry turned with him. There was that familiar sensation of blackness and compression before it abruptly ended. Harry opened his eyes to see that they were on a road that led to a little town. "Where are we, sir?"
"We are at the charming town of Budleigh Babberton where my colleague is currently residing. I apologize again for the lateness of the night. Not only do I feel it is the best time to meet my friend, but it also allows you to hide without needing your Cloak or magic, strong as the latter has become."
Harry nodded. It was especially strong after almost a year with it. It felt a lot longer than that when it was discovered that Harry was a magical fox which was a recessive trait on his father's side. Snape had taken him under his wing to teach him his magic as he was a fox, too. The revelation of his heritage came at a bad time, though. Voldemort had been recently resurrected and almost no one believed him, particularly the Ministry. But when Voldemort dared to break in to steal the prophecy that was when everyone learned the truth. Throughout the year, Harry practiced his magic, pleased that he could use it outside of school, despite being underage.
"Professor, I read that Fudge has been replaced and that you argued with the new Minister."
"Correct, Harry. I did."
"May I ask what you rowed about?"
"It was about you, I'm afraid."
"Me? Why?"
"Well, Cornelius had this idea that was a last ditch attempt to stay in office. He wrote to me, asking for me to set up a meeting between you and him. He believed he could persuade you to support the Ministry and approve of what it is doing. A morale booster, if you will."
"What!?" Harry hissed. "After what happened last year? After Umbridge?"
"I knew you wouldn't go along with it and told him as much. However, the idea didn't die when he left office. A few hours after becoming Minister, Rufus was demanding I set up a meeting for the same purpose. I refused him as well. I tell you this not to turn you against Rufus but to be on your guard. He will try to corner you at some point." Dumbledore took a left turn from the path the two of them had been walking while they talked.
Harry lapsed into thoughtful silence. Despite the newspapers and letters from his friends and Sirius he, at times, felt cut off from the Wizarding world. He had mentioned this to Snape and the older fox was sympathetic to his feelings.
"I've felt that way most of my life," he had said. "Being a magical fox can feel lonely at times, more so when you have to conceal it."
"So, no one knew except Dumbledore while you were at school?"
"That's right. It felt liberating when I became a teacher and Dumbledore encouraged me to reveal myself to the staff. They were surprised of course, but accepting of me."
"But why do you keep using the Glamour charm?"
"A couple of reasons. One is that using it had become habit by then. Remember, I spent my whole life hiding it, only taking it off during holidays. There were times when my true form was a surprise to me as I had become used to my Glamour appearance."
"And the other reason?"
"To keep myself safe from other Death Eaters. Inevitably, they would have children and I couldn't have them writing to their parents about my true nature as I was supposed to still be working for the Dark Lord. He would be furious that I kept it a secret from him and I imagine he wouldn't like having a half-blood magical fox in his employ."
Harry had nodded. He felt a bit less lonely and more connected to his mate than before. He loved learning about Snape's past. As long as I've got my friends and mate, I can handle anything.
