A Tempestuous Transition

January 1997

Settling into Sinister Place was akin to standing in the eye of a hurricane. Everything was calm for the moment, but you knew that any minute all hell would break loose. It took Harry a full week to adjust from living with a methodical, reserved Snape to the moody, loud and always turbulent Bar Sinister.

Sitting in the library with Luc, a few days after he'd arrived, Harry brooded over what the headmaster had meant about a true warrior, as he'd done since he'd heard the term. Harry hadn't had any luck finding any mention of the phrase in any of the books he'd searched so far, and he decided it was time to ask for help. Luc was a walking encyclopedia of wizarding history, so Harry turned to the blonde and asked, "What's a 'Castitas Proeliator?'"

"Where in Merlin's name did you hear that one?" Luc demanded incredulously.

"I overheard some people talking about training to be a 'true warrior', but I can't find anything about them. So do you know or not?" Harry asked with a glint of challenge in his eye.

Luc lifted his chin. "Of course I know. I'm not surprised you haven't heard of it, the Ministry likes to pretend they never existed."

"But what exactly are they?" Harry asked impatiently.

Closing his book, Luc walked over to the couch where Harry was sitting. Once he was settled, he began, "Castitas Proeliator means moral or true warrior. It's a term used by educated wizards, but the warriors they're talking about have no formal name."

Harry listened closely; he wanted to know what had worried Dumbledore about these types of warriors. Maybe that's what he needed to be. Luc stretched his legs out and continued, "Throughout history governments have branded them outlaws and rebels, but the true warriors fight for the people, not the Ministry. The Castitas Proeliators have been around as long as we have had written history, and even before, according to some ancient legends."

"Legends? What kind of legends?"

Luc sat quietly for a moment, deep in thought. Finally, he smiled softly and said, "The one I like the best is where the last true warrior − who lived over four hundred years ago − tells of the one who will follow him. The forgotten child of lightning and his dark companion raise the bar to save the world from the evil one that was almost immortal."

Closing his eyes, Harry let his head fall onto the back of the couch. Luc hadn't known Dumbledore was talking about Harry; the blonde picking that particular legend seemed an ominous sign. "Luc, will you tell me the legend? It sounds interesting," Harry said casually. He wasn't ready to share his fear he could be the child.

Luc seemed pleased Harry was interested in history for once and enthusiastically recounted the tale. "In 1107 Martin DeTours and a faction loyal to him fought the Wizards council over the Decree for Secrecy. DeTours and his group wanted to ensure no Muggle-born child was abused by magic fearing parents."

Luc glanced at Harry pointedly, continuing, "The council opposed his stand and declared him an outlaw. Eventually he regained his standing in the wizarding world and some of his ideas were incorporated."

Harry waited impatiently for Luc to arrive at the part he wanted to know. "Prior to his death, DeTours said he had a vision of the next true warrior. Hold on, I want to get this right."

Standing quickly, Luc strode to the bookshelf and with no hesitation plucked out the book he was looking for. He flipped through pages for a minute, and then grinned triumphantly. "Here it is; I just wanted to verify the wording." At that moment, the chime indicating the Floo had been activated sounded. Luc sighed and handed Harry the book. "Guess you'll have to read it yourself. I've been expecting my tailor all day."

As the other man left the room, Harry quickly skimmed the passage till he came to the relevant section: 'Lightning's forgotten child will become a man before his time… Outgrowing the restraint of his misguided mentor, he will train with a perceived enemy, children of his foes and the guardians of Erie. With his dark companion by his side, the forgotten one will raise the bar to its rightful place, and together they will purify this world of the evil that is nigh to immortal, to bring a new era of peace and acceptance for the betterment of all magical beings.'

Harry repressed a groan. First a prophecy, now a legend… Could his life get any more complicated? Most of the lines were easy to understand, but the others... Well, there were too many variables; Harry knew he needed help with it. And Snape was the only one he trusted to tell him the truth.

He slipped the book back onto the shelf and rested his forehead against the cool wood. Hopefully Snape would have some insight into the newest mess Harry had fallen in. He was about to go study or, more likely, hide in his room, when Harry heard the man he'd been thinking about bellow, "Potter, get out here!"

In the living room, Severus wearily sat in on the couch, waiting for Potter to join them. He took the drink Devlin handed him with an absentminded 'thanks'. He'd known this day would come, but not quite so soon. He rubbed tiredly at the bridge of his nose, wishing his headache would go away.

Leaning against the door, Harry glanced around the room. It looked like a war council; the entire Bar was present, all bearing grim expressions. And Snape looked exhausted. Quite sure he didn't want to know what was going on, but equally sure that he had no choice, Harry cleared his throat. "What's wrong?"

"Stop hovering and get in here," Severus snapped irritably. Potter lifted an eyebrow in question, and Severus nearly laughed aloud at the brat copying one of his gestures. He was surprised when Potter crossed the room and sat beside him on the couch, instead of taking the empty space on the love seat with Gabriel.

Recalling why he was there on a school night, Severus said flatly, "Dumbledore knows you are no longer in residence at Hogwarts."

"Shite," Harry swore. "How did he find out so soon?"

"The house-elves informed him your possessions were no longer in my quarters," Severus explained. He took a sip of his drink. "And now the old man is demanding to see you."

"Why?" Harry asked with a frown.

Severus snorted. "He made vague accusations about you actions being coerced."

"So what?" Gabriel said. "It's not like he can actually do anything about it."

Chuckling bitterly, Severus said, "He's threatening to have Potter's emancipation revoked, because 'the poor boy obviously is not thinking straight.'"

Harry snatched the glass of scotch from Severus and drained it. "I'm fucked," he groaned.

Not yet you aren't, boy, Severus thought. Damning his wayward cock, he forced all sexual connotations from mind and concentrated on keeping Potter out of Dumbledore's clutches. "Potter, there are several possible ways…"

Devlin interrupted with a fierce, "No one will force Harry from Sinister Place. Not while I live and breathe."

The rest of the Bar agreed. Harry ducked his head, hiding his shocked expression. He'd known the Bar liked him, but they were willing to take on Dumbledore and the Ministry to keep him. He wasn't sure he was worth it.

Severus could read Potter's doubt; the slumped posture fairly screamed shock and disbelief. With a mental growl at those despicable Muggles, Severus continued his sentence. "We have options to stop the headmaster."

"What options?" Harry asked dispiritedly. "Dumbledore's too powerful to stop." Every good thing in his life had been tainted with some horror; he didn't expect this time to be any different. The support of Snape and the Bar touched him, but taking on Dumbledore was a difficult prospect for anyone.

Like a snake, Severus' hand shot out and grasped Potter's chin in a harsh, unyielding grip. He tilted the brat's head up and glared into those green eyes. "I will not allow that old fool to gain control of you," he vowed vehemently.

Wide-eyed, Potter nodded slowly, and Severus loosened his grip. When he saw the familiar spark of defiance enter in the brat's eyes, he let go and smiled devilishly. "Now to plan Dumbledore's defeat."

Later that evening Harry sat in the living room, protectively surrounded by Snape and the Bar. They were waiting for Dumbledore to arrive, when Dobby popped into the room. "Headmaster Dumbledore be on his way, Harry Potter, sir," the little elf squeaked.

"Thanks, Dobby. Go on back to the house now," Harry said with a smile for his friend. Dobby nodded, making his ears flap, and popped out.

With a deep breath, Harry stood and went to pace in front of the fireplace. Snape and Devlin immediately stood and flanked him. Harry rolled his eyes in exasperation, but appreciated the gesture.

A few tense moments later the doorbell rang. Straightening his robes, Gabriel went to answer it. Harry ran an agitated hand through his hair. Impulsively, Snape grabbed both his wrists. Bending down so Harry was forced to look into a pair of intense black eyes, Snape said lowly, "Take a deep breath, brat. He will not win."

Severus heard Dumbledore and Gabriel enter the room, but didn't release Potter's gaze. Eventually, Potter took a deep breath and nodded once. Nodding back, and dropping the brat's wrists, Snape straightened to face the headmaster.

Devlin stepped forward. With a negligent bow, he drawled, "Headmaster Dumbledore, so kind of you to join us this evening."

Dumbledore looked over the assembled group. Raising an eyebrow, he turned to Severus. "I see Harry has loyal friends, but it would be best if I spoke to the boy alone."

Severus snorted and stepped to the side. There was no quicker way to irate Potter than to call him a boy in that condescending tone. He was not disappointed. Potter stepped forward with shoulders squared, clearly spoiling for a fight.

Glaring at the headmaster, Harry spat, "I'm not a child. And I asked them to be here." He gestured to the Bar. "There is nothing you have to say that they can't hear."

Dumbledore looked disappointed, but said slowly, "Harry, I'm pleased at your devotion to your friends, but I need to ensure your decisions are free from outside influence." With a regretful sigh, he looked around the room. "I'm certain these fine gentlemen can understand my concerns."

Harry looked around the room and chuckled at the disdain he could read on the faces around him. "No, I don't think they do, Headmaster."

"My boy, I'm sorry, but I must insist…"

Rolling his eyes, Harry interrupted. "You think the Bar is unduly influencing me, right?" he asked harshly.

Looking warily around him, Dumbledore gave a small nod.

Harry pointed to Devlin. "He's an autocratic, demanding arse." He turned to Luc. "That one teases me till I want to hex him." Pointing out Gabriel, he added, "And Gabriel is obsessed with his swords, I don't know if he's trying to teach me or beat me into submission some days."

He whirled back to face Dumbledore. "I see them for what they are, Headmaster. The Bar is human, I'm here of my own free will. Should I continue?" he demanded, silently challenging the old man to argue. Snape and the Bar remained quiet, allowing Harry to handle the situation. He had no doubt if he got in over his head someone would bail him out.

Raising his hands level with his chest defensively, Dumbledore said in a conciliatory tone, "No, I see that you are not being coerced." With a concerned look, he stepped closer to Harry. "But I still feel that Hogwarts is the safest place for you."

"Sinister Place's wards are unparalleled," Devlin said with a sneer. Then his mouth turned up in a malicious smirk. "Plus, anyone after Harry would have to go through us."

"I'm not going back to Hogwarts," Harry said firmly. Dumbledore coming here like this, accusing the Bar of coercion, strengthened Harry's resolve not to trust the headmaster with his well-being or his plans.

Shaking his head, Dumbledore took another step forward. "Harry, you need to return to Hogwarts with me. Now," he demanded in a voice eerily filled with power.

Harry could literally feel the magic Dumbledore's voice was laced with. He wasn't sure what the intent was, and didn't plan to find out. He backed away from the headmaster until he ran into Snape. Snape wrapped one strong arm around his waist and pulled him close. "I've got you," the older man whispered.

Devlin pulled his wand; pointing it at Dumbledore, he scathingly rebuked the headmaster. "Really, old man, a compulsion charm. Harry can throw off the Imperius curse, do you actually think a simple charm like that would work?"

Dumbledore seemed to stumble backwards for a moment. He locked eyes with Harry. Reading the sadness and shock in the headmasters' eyes, Harry pressed closer to Snape. He wasn't sure what Dumbledore would try now, and the thought that the old man had tried to force his compliance unnerved him.

Severus couldn't believe that Albus would attempt to magically compel the brat to listen. He felt the final bonds of respect he'd held for the headmaster fall away. Resorting to such a thing was too close to the Dark Lord's methods for Severus' comfort. He squeezed Potter reassuringly, and then gently pushed the brat behind him. "Albus, you go too far," he said harshly. "You've seen what you came for; I believe it's time for you to leave."

Dumbledore leveled a recriminating glare on Severus. "I begin to believe that you have been less than honest with me, old friend." When the headmaster showed no signs of using further magic, Devlin lowered his wand.

"Did you not say Harry would be remaining at school until he completed his Mastery?" Dumbledore accused.

Harry didn't want Snape to lose his job, and as angry as the Snape seemed it could be a possibility. For once he was in a position to help Snape; Harry stepped in front of the other man.

"My plans changed," he declared unflinchingly. "Severus has nothing to do with this. I won't go with you no matter what you say."

"Your compulsion charm failed because Harry no longer trusts you," Vane said as he walked to Devlin's side. The Bar stepped forward and stood staunchly behind Snape and Harry.

Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak, and then closed it. He tried again, and still did not speak. After several moments, he reluctantly inclined his head to Harry and said "Gentlemen." With that, he turned and stormed out the door.

March 1997

Harry wasn't able to speak to Snape privately until the Easter holidays. Between viewing all the Pensieve memories he'd nicked from Dumbledore's office, and trying to use them to find Voldemort's hidden Horcruxes, there simply hadn't been an opportunity. But finally Harry managed to get Snape alone, with plenty of time to discuss the legend and what it could mean.

He searched Sinister Place for the older man, finally locating him in the library. Should have looked there first, Harry thought with a grin. He bullied a reluctant Snape out of the house, to the garden and the sunshine. They'd both been holed up indoors too much lately. Dropping languorously to the ground, Harry watched Snape meticulously arrange his lightweight cloak on the grass and gracefully sit down.

"Why are we out here, Potter?" Severus asked shortly.

Harry stretched out and propped his head on one hand before answering. "Have you ever heard the legend where DeTours talks about the lightning child?"

Raising an eyebrow, Severus drawled, "I'm familiar with that story. Will you be making your point soon?"

"Well, the legend added to the fact Dumbledore doesn't want me to become a Castitas Proeliator makes me think I could be the forgotten one," Harry started. "And it scares the shite out of me, too…"

Holding up a hand, Severus cut Potter off. His brow furrowed in thought as he quickly tried to remember the details of the DeTours legend. "Before leaping to any conclusions, tell me where you obtained the exact wording of the legend."

"Luc had me read it from one of his books," Harry said quietly.

Dragging a distracted hand through his hair, Severus said absently, "Then there is no doubt you heard correctly. I wonder which source it was."

Harry rolled his eyes at Snape's academic curiosity, but didn't get the chance to demand answers, as Gabriel dropped onto the grass beside him. Surprised that he had been so caught up in the discussion that he'd missed the other man's approach, Harry smiled softly at Gabriel, asking, "What's up?"

Absently playing with a strand of Harry's hair, Gabriel said, "It's a nice day, there's nothing pressing to do, so I thought you might like to learn to ride the bike."

Ignoring the flare of jealousy at the sight of Gabriel's casual intimacy with Potter, Severus watched as the brat's indecision played across his face. Needing time to contemplate the newest complication Potter had revealed, Severus spoke, "Gabriel, Potter will meet you out front in a few minutes. I need to speak with him privately for a moment."

Smiling brightly, Gabriel climbed to his feet and agreed. Harry watched as he walked away. When the man was out of earshot, Harry turned on Snape. "But I want to talk to you," he said impatiently.

"Potter, go learn to ride that dangerous contraption of Black's. I require time to research the legend before I will comment on it," Severus said peremptorily. "Meet me in the library when you're done."

Reluctantly, Harry acquiesced; he walked around the front of the house to meet Gabriel. The resulting afternoon turned out to be a pleasant diversion for Harry. For several hours he forgot about everything except the sheer fun of being with Gabriel and learning something frivolous for once.

When they returned to Sinister Place, Harry thanked Gabriel for the afternoon and headed off to find Snape. Surprised not to find the man in the library, Harry eventually ran him to ground in Snape's bedroom.

After knocking and being bidden to enter, Harry saw Snape sitting at a desk surrounded by books, writing feverishly. "What are you doing up here?" he asked curiously.

Looking up briefly, Severus said, "It is apparent that you want this information to remain private for now, I am trying to be discreet. If Luc were to come upon me in the study with these books, he would quickly deduce the reason." He wrote for another minute and then snapped the book closed.

Potter was still standing beside the desk. Severus pointed to the bed and said softly, "Sit down." He turned his chair to face the bed and the young man sitting on it. "The Bar has an extensive library, so I have no doubt that I just read every relevant reference on the legend," he started.

"So, do you think it's talking about me?" Harry cut in before Snape could continue what sounded like a lecture.

Glaring at the brat, Severus snapped, "Perhaps you will let me speak without the need to interrupt." Holding up a hand to forestall the retort on Potter's tongue, Severus took a quick moment to gather his thoughts. "I must concur with your conclusion. You are indeed the 'lightning child' that DeTours spoke of."

Harry fell on his back on the bed and groaned. Can I never be normal? he thought mournfully. While he'd feared he was the figure the legend spoke of, it was more an abstract fear. Now that Snape had confirmed it, the dread had taken up residence in his throat in what felt suspiciously like panic. Harry groaned again and grabbed a pillow to hide his face; he gave a fleeting thought to smothering himself with it.

Severus gave Potter a few moments to reconcile the information; when the brat pulled the pillow over his face, he started. Seeing the hands on the pillow tighten infinitesimally, Severus stood and strode to the bed.

He whipped the pillow from Potter's hands and glared at him. "You egomaniacal brat, if you wish to commit suicide, have the courtesy to do so somewhere other than my bed," Severus spat contemptuously. Knowing he was ill-suited for kind words, Severus hoped anger would serve to rouse Potter from his self-pity.

"Wasn't really trying to kill myself, mostly just hoping for unconsciousness," Harry admitted flippantly. He ignored the glowering Snape and stared at the ceiling for a moment. Sighing, Harry said softly, "I knew it was true, but hearing you say it made it real. Don't know if I'm ready for more responsibility."

Severus sat on the edge of the bed and awkwardly patted Potter's knee. "Much has been required of you, Potter. And it is unfair, but you are capable of bearing the burden, more than anyone I know. You are not alone in this," he said resolutely. Perhaps he was not so ill-suited after all.

Harry smiled at him dolefully, but there was the hint of determination in his eyes. He sat up and said sincerely, "Thanks, Severus." Nudging the black clad shoulder of his companion, Harry grinned mischievously and said, "Now you get to figure out what all that shite really means."

Severus arched a brow and gave a smug quirk of his lips. "Really, Potter, most of the lines are straightforward, there was very little that required interpretation," he drawled.

"You already figured out what it means?" Harry asked suspiciously. Snape was too pleased with himself; no doubt he was setting Harry up for something.

Snape inclined his head. Harry growled. "Well, are you planning on telling me?"

"Perhaps," Severus drawled nonchalantly.

Potter lifted his face and met Severus' eyes. Severus could see the steel that had allowed the brat to defeat the Dark Lord shinning in the green depths. "Don't fuck with me, Severus," said Potter in a low voice. "Please tell me what you know."

"I have every intention of telling you, Potter," Severus said solemnly. "I see that my attempt at jocularity was ill-timed, but there is nothing urgent in the legend. For the most part it simply reinforces the prophecy."

Harry's eyes softened and he sighed. "Sorry. Every time I think I'm controlling my life, something else comes up to show me I'm not." He laughed bitterly. "I think Fate and Destiny must be having a grand time screwing with my life."

His heart twisting at the bitter laughter from one so young, Severus slipped a hesitant arm around Potter's shoulders and gingerly pulled him against his side. To his surprise, the brat all but molded himself to Severus' side, laying his head on Severus' shoulder. Severus awkwardly patted the firm back and said softly, "No one is truly in control of their life; fate toys with us all. We simply control the portion we're allowed and endure the rest."

Harry desperately needed the affection Snape was offering. He leaned into the warm body and absorbed the comfort he'd so rarely received. It no longer shocked him when Snape made such gestures; Harry had come to realize Snape could offer comfort and support. It was obvious Snape was unaccustomed to offering affection, and the fact that he would try made Harry prize it all the more.

Turning his head so he could look Snape in the eye, Harry arched an eyebrow and said, "That your philosophy of life?"

Severus gazed into the brilliant green eyes for a moment. The brat was so close, a matter of centimeters and he could have pressed his lips to Potter's. He quickly turned away. Clearing his throat, Severus said firmly, "We should discuss the legend with the Bar."

"Why?" Harry asked as he snuggled closer.

Giving in to what he considered the lesser of two evils, Severus wrapped his other arm around Potter and held him tightly. "What other Bar did you believe you would raise to its rightful place?" he asked softly.

Not inclined to give up the warmth, Harry muttered, "In a bit… want to stay here a little longer."

Severus wished the brat meant he wanted him, not the simple physical affection he'd been denied in his childhood. Perhaps a word with Devlin later could provide some of the missing comfort for Potter.

Devlin, Luc, and Gabriel were the only members of the Bar at home. Vane and Spencer were trying to root out information on the Death Eaters' present location. Sebastian was often underestimated by outsiders and therefore not considered one of the more dangerous members of the Bar. He was using that to his advantage as he tried to garner support from the oft overlooked grey families.

As soon as Harry entered the sitting room, where they planned to meet, Gabriel seemed to sense his distress and pulled him into his lap and a warm embrace. The others gathered in chairs nearby.

Severus avoided looking at the two sitting so comfortably in the armchair. Gabriel was able to freely and openly show his desire and affection. Severus, on the other hand, felt constrained by Harry's youth and inexperience added to the fact he still occasionally viewed Potter as his student, therefore off limits.

"Harry, Severus, what did you need to discuss?" Devlin asked when they had all settled.

Smiling his thanks for Gabriel's support, Harry stood to pace restlessly while Snape detailed the reason they had gathered.

When Snape stopped speaking, Devlin was muttering about 'meddlesome old men'. Harry silenced the room with a softly spoken, "Severus thinks he knows what it means."

Both of Luc's eyebrows arched to his hairline. "Oh do tell, Severus. I'm dying to hear what a Potions master makes of such arcane historical facts," he drawled disdainfully.

Suffering from unrequited lust (and it was only lust, he assured himself, no matter what his treacherous heart said) had a negative effect on Severus' notoriously short temper. "Stuff it, you conceited arse," he snapped coldly. "My knowledge of wizarding history is as thorough as your own. Or do you forget who introduced you to that pleasure, as well as others?"

Harry's eyes widened; he hadn't heard Snape use that particular tone in quite a while, and never directed towards a member of the Bar. The two men were standing now, trading even more vicious insults. Harry started to interfere when Devlin grabbed his wrist to stop him. "Leave them be, this has been coming for sometime now," he said softly.

Harry opened his mouth to protest when Devlin pulled him closer. He spoke in a low voice as he said, "They were off and on lovers for years." Devlin gestured towards the men spitting insults at each other before he continued, "Luc always chasing someone inappropriate then going back to Severus, until last year Severus put a stop to it. Said he no longer desired to be merely a convenient bed partner. Afterwards, they acted as if nothing had ever happened between them."

Staring at the two passionate men arguing, Harry couldn't stop the blush that stained his cheeks as his teenage libido supplied a picture of the two intertwined and nude. Devlin chuckled darkly and teased, "They do look magnificent together, don't they?"

Determinedly willing away his blush, Harry turned to the grinning Devlin. "So you're just going let them fight?"

"When Severus goes for his wand I'll step in," Devlin said smirking. "Luc only studies the Dark Arts. Severus uses them."

After several more rounds of insults, Severus drew his wand, Luc a heartbeat behind him. Devlin casually immobilized them both, using the wand he'd had resting in his lap. Separating the two, he bound them to chairs and silenced them both with a flick of his wand. Devlin lifted the spell holding them immobile and was subjected to two fierce glares. "Now, boys, if you can't play nicely, I'll be forced to send you to your rooms," he said mockingly.

"Harry, if you'd be so kind as to gather their wands?" Devlin asked, turning to Gabriel who had watched the fight with obvious enjoyment. "Gabriel, stop snickering and go fetch these two imbeciles some calming draught."

Several minutes later, Harry looked apologetically at Snape as he poured a calming potion down the man's throat. "It's for your own good. Devlin won't release you till you've gotten a hold of yourself," he murmured to the glowering man.

Severus rolled his eyes at Potter's statement. He was still furious despite the potion, but chagrined enough by his behavior to regain his self-control. So when Devlin asked if they would refrain from cursing one another, he gave a stiff nod. Devlin released Severus and Luc from their bonds, lifted the silencing spell and returned their wands.

Harry watched with amusement as the conversation about the legend continued and Severus and Luc ignored each other.

"Now, Severus, please enlighten us about the significance of this legend," Devlin drawled.

Severus inwardly growled when Potter sat at his feet; the brat was obviously hoping to forestall another argument. "It is fairly self-explanatory," he began. "The first line obviously refers to Potter, you've seen his scar, and Potter legally and mentally attained adulthood before his time."

"Okay, I can see that, what about the rest?" Devlin asked.

Rolling his eyes, Severus continued, "The misguided mentor refers to the headmaster, he has attempted to restrain Potter's training many times."

"He won't get away with it," Gabriel vowed lowly.

Harry smiled at Gabriel. "No, he won't. Severus has plans for him, but the git won't tell me what they are."

Severus lightly cuffed the back of Potter's head and growled, "Quiet, brat." He sat back and was surprised when Potter leaned against his legs. Severus had no desire to lose the contact so he did nothing as he continued his explanation. "The perceived enemy would be myself and…"

Harry twisted around to face Snape. "You're not my enemy!" he said hotly.

"Potter, use your brain. Perceived enemy, not an actual enemy," Severus said softly, then continued, "Until recently I was a marked Death Eater. That alone would have made me your enemy, and many people still view me as a follower of the Dark Lord."

Turning back around, Harry leaned on Snape's legs and murmured under his breath, "I'll be changing that last part."

Seeing the brat had no further protests, Severus spoke again, "As I was saying, the children of his foes would be the Bar."

"Well, our beastly sires would count as Harry's foes for the same reasons you would seem his enemy," Devlin said harshly.

Gabriel spoke up from his chair, "Who was the third group to train Harry?"

"The guardians of Erie," Luc said, speaking for the first time.

Sitting up sharply from his sprawled position, Gabriel shouted, "He's going to train with the Fianna?!"

"What's the 'Fianna'?" Harry asked.

The room had descended into a babble of voices all talking over each other. No one was answering Harry's question; indeed, it seemed they had forgotten he was there. He tried again, louder, "What is the 'Fianna?'"

The group was still agitatedly talking, nobody was making any sense and Harry was getting frustrated. He stood and drew a circle of Black flames around his body. Concentrating, he raised the flames until they licked at the ceiling.

It was a very effective attention-getter; for a moment there was an uneasy silence, until Devlin drawled, "Brat, what did I tell you about that damn fire in the house?"

Dropping the flames and dispersing them harmlessly, Harry grinned unrepentantly. "Got your attention, though. Now would someone please tell me who the hell the 'Fianna' are?" he demanded.

Severus could see there was no use trying to reprimand Potter for his startling display of power, although the sheer strength of the brat still caught him off-guard sometimes. "The Fianna are a group of warriors," he said, turning to the young man. "They have long been considered the guardians of Erie."

Luc seemed determined not to be left out this time and added softly, "After the war with Grindelwald they withdrew from society and haven't been heard from since."

"They're legendary; to train with them was considered one of the highest honors a wizard could be given. They turned out the fiercest warriors, and to have a Fiannan warrior on the side of your cause virtually assured your victory," Gabriel enthused. "I've always wanted to know their training methods, especially with swords."

Sitting back down, Harry once again leaned on Snape, desperate for that contact. The thought of training with a group that Gabriel envied was frankly frightening. Deciding to deal with that later, Harry said, "Okay, thanks. Now what's with the dark companion and raising the bar?"

Sensing the brat's unease, Severus tentatively ran a hand through the young man's hair briefly and accepted Potter's clear wish to change the subject. "Dark can be interpreted many ways. It could signify one who uses the Dark Arts or be a literal dark skinned person. 'The companion' implies that the person will be your lover."

"What?" Harry spluttered. "I wouldn't take my lover into battle, I don't even have a lover!"

Rolling his eyes, Severus drawled, "Really, Potter, that is not pertinent right now. The legend simply implies that in the future your lover will assist you in your battle against the Dark Lord." Shocked to find he was relieved that Potter and Gabriel were not in fact lovers yet, Severus gave Potter a nudge with his foot.

"To continue, the phrase 'raising the bar to its rightful place' is obvious. Potter will somehow bring the Bar Sinister to respectability and prestige in the wizarding world," Severus said smoothly.

Devlin uncharacteristically choked on his drink. "Oh no," he moaned. "I like being notorious and feared. I have no interest in being one of the leaders in the wizarding world."

"I think Severus meant that I would end the suspicions that you lot are really Death Eaters," Harry said as he shot Severus a warning glare − the man looked too pleased with Devlin's reaction.

Severus smirked. "That is also a valid interpretation."

Gabriel seemed eager to avoid a confrontation between Devlin and Severus and he asked quickly, "So we'll all help Harry off Voldemort for good?"

Severus gave up his attempt to needle Devlin and answered. "Yes," he began, "But the use of 'purify' leads me to believe that there is something besides a direct battle that will need to be done."

Hearing Severus talking about purification, brought back something Harry had read recently. He struggled to remember what. After a few moments, he slapped his hand against the floor and leaped to his feet. Harry dashed out of the room, calling over his shoulder to the startled group, "Be right back."

He ran up to his room and snatched one of Slytherin's potions journals off his desk. Quickly making his way back to the sitting room, Harry dropped on the floor beside Severus and ignored the questions flowing his way as he flipped through the book.

Finding the passage he was looking for, Harry said, "Okay, we can skip the last line; even I can figure that one out, peace on earth, and all that." He pointed to the entry in the notebook and said, "But right here it talks about Animus Conserco," Harry unknowingly said the last part in Parseltongue.

Ignoring his visceral reaction to Potter's hissing, Severus growled, "English, Potter. We can't understand you when you hiss." He detested the fact that hearing the brat speaking Parseltounge caused his body to react without his permission.

Shrugging his shoulders, Harry said unrepentantly, "Sorry, didn't know I was. Anyway, it said Animus Conserco. Which means…"

"Sanctify the Soul," Luc said softly.

"Yeah, so I was thinking maybe…" Harry tried again to voice his thoughts when Severus interrupted, "Is it a potion? How would it be used?"

Harry slammed the book shut and closed his mouth into a mutinous line. They weren't listening to him again; it was really stupid of them this time, he thought, as the conversation flowed around him. He waited, knowing sooner or later they would have to listen; after all, Harry was the only one who could read the book and therefore the only one that knew what it said.

Eventually Severus had a question for Potter; it was then he noticed the brat's mutinous expression. He sighed inwardly when he realized they had ignored the one person with the answers. "Potter, forgive me," he said softly, leaning down towards the young man. "I fear I was caught up in the possibilities of a new idea and neglected to allow you to finish your thoughts."

Amazed that Snape had actually apologized for once, Harry looked up at him and grinned. "Think they need another dose of the Black flames?" he asked, gesturing to the still arguing members of the Bar.

"Allow me to attract their attention this time," Severus said menacingly. He was still furious with Devlin for treating him like a reckless child, even if it had been warranted, which Severus had no intention of admitting. Besides, annoying Devlin had the extra benefit of amusing Potter and hopefully distracting the brat from his unease over the legend.

Casually slipping his wand from his pocket, Severus pointed it at Devlin and used a non-verbal 'Viridisaeta'. Pocketing his wand, he sat back and smirked smugly. Severus ignored Potter's strangled laughter; any moment now either Luc or Gabriel would notice Devlin's Slytherin green hair.

Harry watched the resulting explosion with amusement, he had a feeling Snape had picked such a petty revenge for his sake. Devlin was furious when Snape wouldn't reverse the jinx, since it was wordless; he wasn't sure which one was used. It took several minutes for everyone to stop laughing and calm back down.

"Potter," Severus began once the room was quiet, "Perhaps you would tell us about this…is it a potion?"

Harry flipped the journal to the relevant page and said, "There is a potion, but it's more of a process, I think." He sighed and admitted, "I didn't really understand all of it."

"Maybe you should attempt to read the entry to us, Harry," Gabriel suggested.

Harry gave him a doubtful shrug but said, "I'll try." He turned to Snape and added softly, "If I start hissing again, kick me or something, will you?"

"It will be my pleasure, Potter," Severus drawled tartly.

Hoping he would be able to read the Parseltongue but speak in English, Harry began, "I have developed a protocol to cleanse Dark magic from the soul…"

Potter managed to read through the entry with only one kick from Severus. It was actually more of a nudge; he couldn't bring himself to kick Potter, no matter how the hissing stirred him. He thought carefully for a few minutes about the possible applications before summing them up. "Slytherin was quite ingenious; it is a surprisingly simple process. The potion can be administered orally to cleanse soul damage from Dark magic with no harm as long as the proper spell is used to prepare the subject."

He absently ran a hand through his hair and added, "But if it is used topically on an object such as a Horcrux, it will not cease the cleansing until the soul has been purified."

Harry was relieved that maybe he had understood the important parts of Slytherin's theory. "I wager Tom's soul is so full of Dark magic that an attempt to purify it would destroy it completely," he said with a calculating glint in his eye.

Severus turned and gazed at Potter shrewdly. The young man was most assuredly embracing his Slytherin instincts. It seemed Potter had a plan for once instead of rushing blindly into danger. "I do believe you could be correct," Severus said thoughtfully.