AN: Thanks for the reviews. A big thank you to my beta Raisinous Fiend. A special thank you to Evan James for dialogue help. I cut a scene out of this chapter so the story doesn't get deleted. You can read the chapter in it's entirety on The Silver Snitch Too

The Clear Truth

The humid summer night's breeze caressed Harry's skin as he watched Hermione Apparate away. Sitting tiredly on the front steps, Harry dropped his head into his hands. This evening had not gone the way he'd planned. While he was glad Hermione had come around to his way of thinking, Harry was aware that Severus was annoyed with him.

Deciding it was best to give the older man time to come to terms with the new situation, Harry pulled out his cigarettes and quickly lit one. Leaning back on the steps, Harry smoked and watched the stars. Spying Sirius, Harry nodded in recognition of his godfather and the influence Sirius Black had on his life.

Harry thought over the course his life had taken since receiving that letter from Sirius. So much had changed for him, and in him. While he still missed the uncomplicated friendship he'd had with Ron and the other Gryffindors, Harry wouldn't trade the Bar and Severus for anything. It was their understanding and unconditional support that allowed him to become what he was today − a warrior, and a man.

Harry was unaware of how long he'd been sitting lost in thought, when he felt a warm presence at his back. As his lover sat behind him, Harry nestled into a strong chest.

Severus wrapped his arms around the young man and pulled him closer. There was a melancholy air about Harry. He leaned down and rested his head atop Potter's. While Severus was annoyed, he was not irritated with Potter himself. He was irked that Potter had seen the solution before he had. "What are you thinking?" he asked quietly.

"About Sirius," Harry said a little sadly. "And how he changed the direction of my life."

With a shaky breath, Severus asked the question he feared the answer to. "Any regrets?"

Twisting so he could face Severus, Harry looked into the shadowed eyes of his lover. "No," he said firmly. "Not a single one." Harry leaned up and softly pressed his lips to Severus', willing the other man to understand the unspoken declaration Harry didn't think Severus was ready to hear.

Parting his lips to Harry's questing tongue, Severus basked in the warmth of the young man's affections. Slowly the tenor of the kiss changed, and Severus pulled Harry flush against his body. Thrusting his tongue into the young man's mouth, Severus growled lowly and took control of the kiss.

Without relinquishing Harry's mouth, Severus pulled his lover to his feet. Maneuvering them both until he had the brat against a support column, Severus growled again when he finally felt the hard length of his lover's body against him.

Several minutes later, they were both panting and aching with need. Severus tore his mouth away from Harry's and ground out, "Bed. Now."

Waking wrapped around Harry Potter was quickly becoming his new addiction. Tightening his arms around his lover, Severus smirked smugly at the memories of the previous evening. Harry had been delightfully astonished when Severus offered up his own arse to the brat. What Severus had felt that night was too powerful; he had wanted to claim Potter, to own him, to mark Harry as his so that no one would ever take the brat from him. The force of his desire alarmed him and left him distinctly uneasy, so he'd repressed it and allowed the boy to bugger him.

Still wrapped around Harry, Severus panted as he tried to regain his shattered composure. After a couple of moments, he carefully eased out of the other man, and flopped onto his back. Given the depth of his feelings for the brat, he hadn't expected anything less than explosive from their lovemaking. And for the first time in his life it was lovemaking, not simply sex.

The brat immediately rolled over and pillowed his head on Severus' chest. Content, Severus wrapped an arm around Potter and held him close.

Harry smiled against Severus and said lightly, "You can wake me that way anytime."

Severus snorted. "Go back to sleep, brat."

The next afternoon Harry sat in the study at Sinister Place, the sun glinting off the blade he was absently twirling. Severus and Devlin were arguing over Harry's insistence that Hermione could be trusted.

With a heavy sigh Harry broke up the disagreement. "Enough already." Both men turned and glared at him. "Severus, we already had this fight. I trust her, you don't. Fine, I get that, but we agreed to have Devlin vet her, so stop bickering over methods. She'll be here soon."

Severus scowled at Potter, and sunk into his chair, ignoring both of them.

Devlin snorted, but asked smoothly, "Is there any indication the chit knows Occlumency?"

"I know she's aware of it," Harry said thoughtfully. He nodded to Severus. "He'd be in a better position to know."

Severus refused to speak, until a frustrated Devlin growled, "Severus, does the girl know Occlumency or not?"

"Oh, you desire my input now? I'm sorry, I hadn't realized I was allowed to speak."

Biting back a laugh, Harry thought to himself, Merlin, he's a petty bastard when he gets his nose out of joint. With exaggerated patience, Harry asked, "Severus, does she know it?"

"I doubt it," Severus said after a long moment. "The headmaster would not have taught her and there is no other accomplished Legilimens in the Order."

Devlin nodded thoughtfully. Harry felt it prudent to mention that Hermione had been with him when he'd been looking for books in fifth year. "But we never found any decent ones," he added with a shrug.

"Well, it's a risk we'll have to take," Devlin concluded.

The three men chatted quietly while they waited. Within a quarter of an hour there was a knock at the door. Devlin called for a house-elf and sent it to answer the door. Harry groaned. "She hates the whole elf enslavement thing."

"I know," replied Devlin with a wicked grin.

Closing his eyes and shaking his head, Harry sat back to watch the show. Hopefully Hermione was still Gryffindor enough to deal with Devlin's methods of ensuring the sincerity of potential allies.

Several moments later, Hermione followed the elf into the room. She was neatly dressed in brown slacks and a red blouse, and Harry was amused to see she still couldn't tame her hair. Standing, he greeted her and made sure she remembered Devlin. After everyone was seated and comfortable, Harry started. "We wanted to make sure that you're really committed to helping us, Hermione."

"Of course I am," she said quickly. "I wouldn't change my mind now, Harry."

"Then you won't mind answering a few questions," Devlin put in smoothly.

Hermione narrowed her eyes at Devlin and answered coolly, "If I can, I'd be happy to answer any questions Harry has for me."

Severus rolled his eyes. "Potter's not asking the questions today, Granger. You'll have to deal with Devlin."

Hoping to forestall any sniping, Harry broke in, "Hermione, you have to understand, Devlin and Severus don't know you as well as I do. They're naturally suspicious bastards, and doubly so when it comes to Dumbledore." He ignored the glares from the two men and continued, "Devlin has a duty to the Bar and me to check out any possible allies. Please, just answer the questions and set his mind at ease."

Hermione held his eyes for a moment, seeming to weigh his words. Finally, she nodded sharply. "Fine, but I'm only doing this for Harry."

With those words, Severus knew she was sincere. He couldn't count the number of times he'd thought the same. Only Potter could induce him to consider allowing the know-it-all Gryffindor into his labs. He sighed heavily and let Devlin interrogate the chit.

Devlin eyed Hermione shrewdly, and then asked quietly, "Does Dumbledore know you've approached Harry?"

With a huff, Hermione answered. "No. I see no reason to inform the headmaster of what I do with my free time."

Capturing Hermione's eyes, Devlin softly demanded, "And where do your loyalties lie in this war?"

"With Harry," she answered promptly. Hermione glared at Devlin for a moment, then added sharply, "You do know that it's rude to use Legilimency without a person's permission, don't you?"

Sitting back with a snort, Devlin said coolly, "I was under the impression that you were not an Occlumens."

"I'm not," Hermione admitted. "But over the years I have become able to notice when someone is invading my mind."

Harry and Severus looked at each other. They reached the same conclusion simultaneously. "Dumbledore," Harry said flatly.

Hermione nodded sadly. "I've only been aware of what the sensation indicated recently, but when I think back I know that he's been doing it for years." She looked down. "Since we were in school."

Harry knew how much it hurt when you lost faith in a mentor; he looked up at Devlin and asked softly, "Was that enough?" When the older man nodded, Harry rose and crossed to Hermione. He dropped to his knees beside her and took her hand in his. He murmured soft reassurances to her until she looked up.

With dry eyes, Hermione said bitterly, "I've lost respect for Albus Dumbledore." Looking at Harry, she added, "But you, Harry, you've never let me down. I'd be proud to follow you."

And in an echo of Harry's first meeting with the Bar, Devlin declared, "Hermione Granger, the Bar Sinister would be delighted to offer you an alliance."

The next day, the noon sun shone weakly from the cloudy sky as Harry and his companions approached Grimmauld Place.They made a formidable sight striding down the empty street. Harry was openly wearing his Slytherin daggers, for he was tired of trying to hide what he'd become simply to keep Dumbledore and the Order from fearing him. Severus was dressed in his usual robes, but as always had a subtly menacing air about him. Devlin was accompanying them upon Harry's request, his pale green eyes shining with a wicked gleam. He was looking forward to discomforting the Order. Even Hermione had a frightfully determined demeanor about her.

Reaching the battered black door, Harry wasn't surprised to find Dumbledore hadn't changed the wards. Rolling his eyes, Harry hissed at the knocker, demanding entrance. The lock clicked open and Harry strode inside, the others following behind him.

Wanting to avoid the unpleasant Mrs. Black, the group quietly made their way to the stairs. Heading up, they found the Order in the drawing room, chatting amongst themselves before the meeting. Dumbledore had yet to arrive.

Unconcerned with the mumbles and whispers their presence stirred, the group settled in an unoccupied corner. A few minutes later Remus and Tonks entered the room and joined them. Harry chatted with them while watching the room. A commotion in the hall signaled the arrival of the Weasleys. Molly and Arthur waved as they joined Hestia Jones and Mrs. Figg. Ron scowled in Harry's direction and went to stand by Kingsley. Bill, Charlie, the twins, and Ginny headed for the group in the corner.

Harry bit back a sigh as Ginny approached, but when she settled beside him on the sofa, he rolled his eyes and scooted closer to Hermione. Ginny didn't seem to notice the move as she chatted with Tonks and Remus.

Severus watched the Weasley chit sit beside Harry, and glared at her. Devlin chuckled and elbowed him. "Careful, my friend. It is bad form to murder your allies," Devlin said with a grin.

"I don't want to kill the chit," Severus growled. "Maiming her, on the other hand…"

Chuckling, Devlin shook his head.

Harry broke off his conversation with the twins as the headmaster came into the room in a swirl of yellow robes. Wincing at Dumbledore's atrocious fashion sense, Harry waited for the meeting to begin.

Moody entered the room behind Dumbledore; within seconds he'd spied Devlin and demanded loudly, "Potter, why are you letting dark wizards in here?"

Slowly standing, Harry faced down Moody. "He's not a dark wizard," Harry said firmly. Gazing around the room, he added, "And Devlin has information he is willing to share, on the Death Eaters' movements."

"He is a Death Eater," Moody spat.

Devlin, who had been studiously ignoring the other man, turned his icy green eyes on Moody and rose to his feet. "I could kill you for that insult," he drawled coldly.

Standing his ground, Moody pointed to his magic eye. "You can't hide from me, boy. I can see the mark on your arm."

There was a collective indrawn breath, and everyone stared at Devlin. With an artic smile, Devlin began rolling up the sleeve on his left arm. "You are correct, old man. I do have a mark."

Lowering his upraised arm, Devlin displayed the tattoo adorning his forearm. Etched into his skin was a howling wolf. "Just not the Dark Mark," he said mockingly.

Harry stood watching with a smirk across his face. Moody would have to learn to stop accusing everyone he disapproved of. There weren't that many Death Eaters in the world. He struggled not to laugh when, rolling down his sleeve, Devlin offered nonchalantly, "Since you're all so interested in my body modifications, I have both of my nipples pierced; I'd be happy to show you."

"That won't be necessary," Dumbledore said quickly. "Forgive Alastor, but his suspicions have kept us safe for many years now."

"Really," Devlin drawled rudely.

The headmaster frowned, but didn't rise to the jibe. "We do appreciate your offer of information." Clapping his hands, Dumbledore began the meeting.

Sitting back down, Harry absently noted Ginny had moved closer to him, but he was too caught up in what Dumbledore was saying to care. When the headmaster informed the Order of his offer of the Defense post to Harry, everyone turned to him expectantly. Harry narrowed his eyes at the old man; Dumbledore was once again trying to manipulate him. This time the headmaster was trying to use the pressure of the Order to force his compliance.

He was sick of the old man treating him like a child, or a pawn. With quiet determination, Harry said, "The only way I'll come back to Hogwarts is as Severus' assistant."

"But that would leave the Defense post vulnerable to the Ministry," Dumbledore began. "No, my dear boy, it would best if you were a full professor."

Harry smiled mischievously. "Not if you give Severus the position."

"Give Snape the position and you'll have kids casting Unforgivables inside a month," Moody declared loudly.

Severus glared at Moody but did not respond to the insult. Turning his attention to the headmaster, he stated quietly, "Potter is still my apprentice, and as such it would be inappropriate for him to take a professorship."

Dumbledore frowned. "Surely you can release him from the contract, Severus. After all, the boy has gained his Mastery."

With a haughty look down his nose, Severus drawled, "Since Potter has not expressed a desire to be released, I see no reason to do so."

"Even if I did give you the job, Severus, I would still be short a teacher," Dumbledore reasoned.

With a lazy wave of his hand towards Granger, Severus said, "Ms. Granger has indicated an interest in the Potions class."

Dumbledore appeared surprised. "You would recommend Ms. Granger?" he asked slowly.

"And offer her my assistance," Severus said casually. "After all, she is on our side."

Dumbledore looked deep in thought for several minutes. Eventually, he turned to Harry. "This is what you truly desire?"

Harry could feel the subtle probe of Legilimency from the headmaster and held his gaze. He allowed the old man to see that it was the only way that he'd be willing to return to Hogwarts. "Yes," he said firmly.

Harry could sense the old man's reluctance, but didn't budge from his position. After several long moments, Dumbledore finally nodded and said, "Very well."

Ignoring the muttered protests, the headmaster declared, "Severus will be the Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor, and Ms. Granger the newest Potions professor. Congratulations to you both."

Hermione squealed and hugged Harry, while Severus merely smiled smugly. The meeting continued; the only new information so far had been Devlin's report on the Death Eaters' movements. Harry was frustrated. What was the Order doing about locating Voldemort's Horcruxes? Where were the plans to capture the free Death Eaters? And more importantly, why wasn't anything of substance being done?

The Order was a joke, was Harry's conclusion, an ineffectual mess. There was too much bickering between the members, and Dumbledore allowed it to continue. There were good people among the members, people that could be doing what needed to be done. If they had the leadership needed. Leadership the headmaster seemed unable or unwilling to provide.

"And finally," Dumbledore said, catching Harry's attention once again, "rumors and a shift in the magical harmony indicate that Voldemort has regained a body."

Harry stared at the headmaster in shock. They had been here for over an hour and the old man just now mentioned it? The room was silent for several long minutes, and then everyone spoke at once. It was chaos; there was shouting, and sobbing. Questions were yelled across the room, and if they were answered, no one could hear it. After several minutes, Harry caught Severus' eye and nodded towards the caterwauling mob.

Severus smirked; he knew exactly what Potter was asking and was pleased to do it. He, too, was furious with the old fool's failure to inform everyone immediately of this grave news. "Silence!" he bellowed.

Every eye snapped to him, and with a disdainful wave of his hand, Severus said, "If you mentally defective morons would shut up, perhaps we could get some answers."

With hateful murmurs, the group settled and looked to Dumbledore anxiously. Harry sat back in his seat, with his arms across his chest. This had better be good, he thought grimly. His patience with the headmaster had reached its end.

Severus could feel Harry's magic crackling in the air. The brat is furious, he realized. Hoping his presence would calm the younger man, Severus moved until he was standing directly behind him. He slid his hand under a fall of black hair, and rested his hand lightly on Harry's neck. He felt the tension slowly leave his lover's body, and the magic retreat. Leaving his hand where it was, Severus turned his attention to Dumbledore.

Dumbledore looked sadly around the room and heaved a sigh. Stroking his beard, he began. "I have very little information, I fear. There was a shift that indicated a very powerful dark ritual was performed, just as there was the first time he regained a body."

Sitting heavily in a chair beside Moody, the headmaster continued, "And the rumors are unsubstantiated at this time." He gave Harry a reproachful look and added, "The removal of Severus' mark has hurt us in this instance. Have you had any visions you would like to share, Harry?"

Harry snorted; the headmaster's disapproval no longer mattered to him. "I learned Occlumency years ago," he said casually. "I don't have visions any longer."

The headmaster's eyes grew wide as he stared at Harry for a moment, then they flew to Severus. "Why wasn't I informed of this development, Severus?" he demanded.

Glaring at Dumbledore, Severus snapped, "Once again, why would I inform you of everything I taught my apprentice?" With a dismissive shrug, Severus drawled, "Potter has learned much that you are unaware of."

Determinedly bringing the conversation back in line, Harry asked, "Why don't you ask the other person you had spying on Voldemort if their mark has returned?"

Shocked whispers zipped around the room, and then all eyes fell to Dumbledore. The headmaster's face was blank, and he asked with apparent confusion, "What other spy are you referring to?"

With a roll of his eyes, Harry snapped, "Don't give me that senile old fool crap. I know there was a second spy." Taking a deep breath to calm down, Harry leaned into Severus' hand for a moment. "Now, why haven't you asked?"

Dumbledore held Harry's eyes for a long moment, and then sighed heavily. Shaking his head, he admitted, "I have been unable to contact him."

"Albus," Remus began quietly, "why wasn't the Order told about this?"

"He wished to remain anonymous."

Tonks spoke up, "Well, okay, that explains why you keep his name quiet, but…"

"Why weren't we informed that there was another spy?" Bill asked hotly.

Shaking his head, Dumbledore didn't answer.

"Still keeping secrets from your allies, old man?" Devlin sneered. "Haven't you learned the cost of that yet?"

Moody pulled his wand and pointed it at Devlin. "You don't even belong here, scum. So keep quiet, or I'll do it for you."

Several people echoed Moody's threat, while others shouted questions at Dumbledore. Harry kept an eye on Moody. He was confident of Devlin's ability to deal with the older man, but it didn't hurt to have backup. He shook his head as, once again, the Order descended into a screaming babble.

Fed up with nothing being accomplished, Harry rose to his feet. Going to the center of the room, he ignored the questions flowing around him. Harry simply stood silently in the middle of the room until everyone fell quiet and all eyes were on him.

"I've had enough of this shite," he began quietly. "The undisciplined infighting has to stop. If Voldemort has returned, then our world is once again at war." Harry stood proudly and spoke clearly. "The time has come for us to work together for the good of the wizarding world." He looked at Dumbledore. "The time for secrets has passed, old man. You have to be open with your allies and friends, or you will find yourself on the outside looking in," Harry stated harshly.

Dumbledore removed his half-moon glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Harry, you are very young," he started.

"My age has nothing to do with your abysmal leadership skills."

Slipping the glasses back into place, the headmaster gave Harry a hard look. "When you have reached my age, you will see that there are many ways to lead, my boy."

"I'm not 'your boy', any longer, Albus Dumbledore," Harry spat. He'd taken all of the old man's condescension he would. No longer held back by his lack of experience or the threat of Dumbledore gaining control of him, Harry stared him down. "The only thing that matters now is coming up with a strategy to end the threat of Voldemort once and for all."

"Just leave that to me, Harry," Dumbledore said soothingly.

Severus shook his head; the old fool couldn't see that Potter had come into his own. This was not the inexperienced young man that had so readily turned to the headmaster for advice. Potter had reached his full potential, and he was a force to be reckoned with. He looked forward to Harry showing the old man the truth.

"I will not," Harry said flatly. "You have had decades to deal with this, and still Voldemort is a threat." With a glare at the headmaster, Harry spat contemptuously, "You expected a child to fight your battle for you based on a prophecy from an incompetent fraud."

"Harry," Dumbledore said sharply. "It may be your destiny to defeat Voldemort, but there is no way you are capable of leading this fight."

Severus marveled at the ignorance of the headmaster. Dumbledore would not admit that Harry had any purpose beyond that of a weapon. "When will you realize, you obstinate old fool, that Potter is not one of your blind followers," Severus spat, "but, in fact, the leader with the clear vision needed to win this war?"

"I am the head of the Order of the Phoenix," Dumbledore thundered as he rose to his feet. "And as such, I say this discussion is over."

Harry nodded to himself. "So be it," he said softly. Raising his head, he smiled softly as Severus and Devlin strode to his side and flanked him. Looking around the room, Harry caught the eyes of several Order members. "I won't be back," he stated firmly. "You are welcome to continue using the house." With one last look around him, Harry said intently, "Those of you that wish to assist with the destruction of Lord Voldemort and his Horcruxes may get word to me at Sinister Place."

Harry and his companions walked to the door. Looking over his shoulder, Harry held the headmaster's eyes. "This isn't over, old man. Not by a long shot." Turning away, Harry Potter strode from 12 Grimmauld Place with his head held high. He did not look back again.