Chapter 2

Gargoyles and Stairs

A flicker of light brought Harry out of his dreams; still drowsy yet too restless to sleep, Harry headed for the lavatory. Refreshed and somewhat more awake Harry scanned the infirmary for Madam Pomfrey, seeing no one he scurried through door.

After spending ten months in the castle Harry still felt half lost in its ever changing corridors and moving staircases, but he loved it. Harry's mind was so preoccupied with Dumbledore's words that he didn't feel the staircase move until with a jerk, it came to a sudden halt. Holding on to the handrail to remain upright, Harry stared at what had to be the tallest stair in the castle. In all his travels to and from class Harry couldn't remember so large a stair, resigned to the long walk Harry let his mind wonder over the past year.

He really hadn't tried to hard in his school work; well who could, what with quidditch, classes, adventures, and of course all the detective work. All of the small adventures he and his friends had culminated into another meeting with Voldemort, and even in his present form it had almost cost him his life, twice. In his extracurricular projects he gave his all, risking his body in the matches, and his very life confronting Voldemort, but he never really took the classes that serious.

Hermione knew about the Devil's Snare and which potion to drink because she paid attention in class, studied hard, and used a bit of common sense. While Harry tried to be attentive in class the work was tedious, essays on top of essays, and he had lost count of the number of points lost for improper essays. He never tried to find out how to do them up proper, always settling for coping off Hermione; when had he become so lazy?

Ron would ask for a game of chess, it seemed, every time he set about to do his homework; when the chessmen were set Hermione would complain and like clockwork an argument would break out. It didn't seem to affect Hermione; she always had her work done while he and Ron would be scrambling to finish up as the bell rang for class. Hermione, how did she do it, where did she find the time, and how did she know how to do essay. He would have to ask her, and hopefully without Ron around, who needs another argument.

Logic, Harry snorted, Hermione was right I entered the wizarding world and my common sense stayed with the muggles. All I have ever wished for is right here in front of me and I'm blowing it, Harry thought bitterly. Here was his chance to get away from the Dursleys for 10 months also the way to never have to be around their sort again.

He is just going to keep coming, Harry thought while wishing he had some parchment and a quill, so many questions he needed to ask and there was no way he could remember them all.

Harry stepped off the staircase at the seventh floor; he shook his head in wonder as the stairs shrank back to the second floor. He and Ron had gotten lost here on their way to astronomy once; to worried about being late at the time, he'd never taken a proper look around. A large stone gargoyle stood directly in front of him, Harry had never seen such a lifelike statue before, it looked as if it could walk right off the wall. Nervously Harry walked closer, just as Harry's hand reached out its mouth opened and in a gravely voice it said,

"Password."

Pulling his hand back in surprise Harry stammered,

"A…acid Pops."

The gargoyle split down the middle to reveal a spiral stair slowly revolving, one more adventure he thought jumping on and heading to the top of another tower. Harry wound his way up to a highly polished oak door with a heavy brass knocker in the shape of a griffin, he was about to knock when the door opened, Dumbledore stood in pair of orange striped pajamas and white bunny slippers.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of your company so early in the morning, Harry?"

Harry sheepishly looked at his watch, "I'm sorry sir, I didn't actually realize the time. Should I come another time?"

"Nonsense my boy, come in, I did after all say my door was always open," Dumbledore said as he led Harry into his office.

Harry looked around in awe, whether by design or magic the circular room had windows that showed the whole of Hogwarts and her grounds, as if the office was an isle and the castle its sea. Harry stared in wonder at the sight before glancing around the office; silver trinkets and baubles set on spindly-legged tables about the room, while portraits covered most of wall space. A magnificent golden perch, set between a window and bookshelves behind a large wooden desk, hung empty from the ceiling high above. Dumbledore seemed content to let Harry take in the auspicious site before offering him a chair and tea.

"I'm sorry to intrude sir, I tried to find Madam Pomfrey but she wasn't about when I left."

"Indeed, not to worry I will inform her of your whereabouts," and with that Dumbledore pulled out his wand and a silver bird vanished through the stone floor.

"Now that takes care of that, would you care for some breakfast Harry?"

Though he seemed calm Harry noticed the lack of emotion in Dumbledore's eyes and wondered how best to proceed.

"I could eat a bit of toast I guess sir," Harry said stalling for time while gathering his thoughts.

"Well now, I imagine you would like to resume our conversation," Dumbledore replied as a small green creature with bulbous eyes and large floppy ears set some toast and tea between them.

"Ah raspberry, my favorite, would you care for some marmalade Harry?"

"No sir, I actually…" Harry started slowly, "actually what was that er… thing?" Harry asked before he could stop himself.

"That is an elf, a house elf to be exact. They prepare our food here in the castle and also assist Mr. Filch in his caretaker duties."

Realizing that he was keeping Dumbledore from his day he decided to voice his concerns as they came, "well sir I gave the prophecy a bit of thought after…" Harry stopped not wanting to get Hermione in trouble.

"After Ms. Granger left the ward you mean?"

Harry wondered again how the man seemed to know everything. "Yes sir," he couldn't hide the awe in his voice, it seemed to amuse the headmaster and lighten his eyes once more.

"I understand what you were trying to say. That last bit, neither can live while the other survives; I guess that means he will just keep trying to k…come after me until…"

"I am afraid," Dumbledore stated when Harry stopped, "that you are correct."

"Couldn't you defeat him sir, they say you are the only one he ever feared."

Harry was shocked to hear Dumbledore chuckle, "I am afraid that some rumors are just that. I…"

Harry interrupted, "Why do you do that?"

"Pardon"

Harry could see the confusion on his face so he clarified, "Sometimes, sir, when you speak I'm not sure we are talking about the same things."

As he finished Dumbledore's eyes lit with a twinkle and focused on him intently. Harry tried no to fidget under the scrutiny, but he had to look away before Dumbledore answered.

"I shall endeavor to be more concise; however you must understand that not all things will be made clear to you."

Understanding filled Harry's eyes and a fine blush reddened his cheeks; Dumbledore nodded his head as if it were alright, this one time. Harry tried to calm his embarrassment and order his thoughts once more,

"He spoke with me, you know, Voldemort that is."

Dumbledore, who had been getting another piece of toast, jerked his head up and sent a piercing look at Harry.

"He said that there was no good or evil, only power and those to weak to seek it."

Dumbledore seemed to contemplate his response before asking, "And what say you, Harry?"

"I have seen evil, sir, I know it exists."

"What of good?" Dumbledore pushed.

Harry looked down in thought, "this school, well parts of it…" he trailed off thinking bitterly about Snape.

"You found parts of this school evil, Harry?" Dumbledore inquired quietly.

"Snape, and Professor Quirrell," Harry mumbled almost too quietly to be heard.

Dumbledore inclined his head, "Professor Snape." Dumbledore sided firmly. "Yes I dare say Professor Quirrell left much to be desired. Professor Snape on the other hand has my trust and should have yours as well."

"I don't think I can trust him sir." Harry answered back honestly.

"Do you not trust me Harry?" Dumbledore rejoined.

"It's not the same thing sir, do you approve of his every action?"

Dumbledore stopped at that and considered the question, "and if I did, what then?"

Harry looked Dumbledore in the eye as he answered "I don't think I would be able to trust you then, sir."

"Harry please hear me, I will try to be as clear as I can without betraying other confidences." At Harry's nod he continued. "No man is a saint, we all struggle with personal demons, but Professor Snape has proven himself to me. When taking the measure of a man you must consider both the good and bad, then decide which is more important."¹

Harry paused considering his words before stating, "He is worse than the Dursleys, at least they hated me personally."

Dumbledore looked concerned at his response and asked, "What reason could they give for their dislike?"

"I took food from their mouths, house space from their son, and just being there was an inconvenience in their lives. If they had wanted a second child they would have had one."

"You were just a child; surely they didn't hold that against you."

Harry watched the headmaster closely; he truly believes that, Harry thought bitterly, before continuing.

"Professor Snape hated the celebrity Harry Potter and the son of James; he attacked me as soon as I sat down at the Gryffindor table for the opening feast."

While having no outward reaction Dumbledore asked "What attack?"

"He looked at me from the high table," Harry held up a hand to forestall an interruption, "I don't know exactly what he did, sir, but my head felt like it was being cleaved in two. The moment I looked away from him it stopped, my friend Hermione Granger said you have to maintain eye contact to curse someone."

Dumbledore answered slowly, "there are several spells and enchantments that create similar effects. However if you would extend your trust to me I will try to rule out one possibility."

Harry nodded his head in assent not sure what was going to happen. Dumbledore drew his wand once again and whispered something too faint for Harry to hear. The effect of the spell was immediate, images of Ron popped up in his mind from their first meeting to their latest fight, than the opening feast and finally to one of his more brutal potions lesson, than Dumbledore set his wand away and the office came back into view.

"What was that?" Harry exclaimed.

"That was a test using one of the more esoteric branches of magic," Dumbledore answered with finality. "I do not believe Professor Snape attacked you at the feast, I think rather that it might have been his proximity to Voldemort through Quirinus that confused you. I believe it was Voldemort rather than Severus that led to your malady."

Harry acquiesced to Dumbledore's assumption, and bit back the question he wanted to ask vowing to find the answer on his own.

"May I ask you a personal question sir?"

"You may ask, however I may choose to not answer. As I have said I will not of course lie to you Harry."

"Did you make the Weasleys meet me?"

Dumbledore seemed taken aback, his whole demeanor changed and he seemed to sag into his chair.

"Surely you don't think… you've so little faith…"

Harry had never seen the headmaster so flustered, he tried to intervene. "It's just that I saw, or rather your spell made me remember, meeting the Weasleys, and you did send Hagrid as well."

Far from his intention this seemed to confuse the aged headmaster even more so Harry elaborated further.

"You knew I didn't receive my Hogwarts letter," at Dumbledore's nod he continued. "You sent Hagrid to give me my letter personally, he than told me I was a wizard and that not only were my parents magical but that the most powerful dark wizard in a long time murdered them. I then read my letter which has a list of supplies I need to buy and to respond by owl."

Dumbledore seemed to know what Harry was talking about now and he asked, "you had no idea where to go? You also didn't know what was meant by responding by owl."

"Yes sir, and then Hagrid left me with a ticket for platform 9 ¾, Uncle Vernon seemed to find it quite funny as he walked away. You said you felt responsible for me so…"

Dumbledore's eyes lost their shine as he made his way around his desk. He pulled a chair next to Harry and in a soft voice spoke again.

"My dear child, how could I have been so wrong? I watched you, you will never know how close, you were safe though and I assuaged my guilt knowing that you would live to see Hogwarts. Once you were here I saw you were happy and healthy, though not as much as I would have liked, you were however whole. I can never fully apologize for your placement, nor do I have the right to ask your forgiveness."

Harry was having trouble looking at Dumbledore, but found it equally hard to turn away from such a heartfelt apology. No one had ever said such things to him before, it took a monumental effort to keep his emotions under control.

"Mrs. Weasley was talking quite loud about muggles." Harry paused at the sound of laughter.

"Yes, Molly can get rather vociferous, but please continue."

"She asked which platform they were going to and I heard one of the kids say my platform so I followed. She helped me get on the platform, and the twins recognized me or rather my scar and brought Ron to my compartment. My friend Hermione Granger is always going on about Hogwarts: A History and she left in the ward last night so I looked a few things up. I read that the express always leaves from the same place and time; it was built just for the Express."

Dumbledore looked into Harry's eyes, "I would never presume to decide who you shall be friends with Harry. While the Weasley family is indeed a most wonderful family to befriend, I can only offer conjecture as to why Molly would disregard the Statute of Secrecy or forget which platform."

"Thank you sir, I don't know… er I wasn't…"

Dumbledore held up his hand, "say no more, you who have known such little affection, can only guess as to my personal motivation."

"Sir I understand what you have told me, and I thank you for your honesty, as to the apology it is accepted. I know I have taken up a lot of your time but may I ask two more questions?"

"Of course, of course you can."

"May I stay at Hogwarts, over the summer I mean?"

At the sagging of the headmaster's shoulders Harry knew his answer. "I was afraid you would ask that, if it was in my power Harry. Please believe me, I would love nothing more than to keep every student as long as they want to stay, but alas even with all those titles behind my name I too answer to a higher power. The Board of Governors will not allow it, but in your case there are other reasons. You remember about your mother's sacrifice?" At Harry's nod he continued, "That power is attached to your Aunt Petunia, which she sealed when she took you in, you must return there every year to renew that protection."

Harry couldn't hide the disappointment in his voice as he asked his final question. "Sir, would you sign a permission slip allowing me to take a few library books home over the summer?"

"I will inform Madam Pince personally; as you have no doubt read, there is a limit though."

"Yes sir, I know. Thank you again for your time, good day sir."

Dumbledore called a goodbye but Harry wasn't listening as he trudged back down the stairs.

¹From jbern's The Lie I've Lived, A wonderful story still in progress here at ffn.

A/N A little short, I know, but I couldn't find a better place to seperate chapters without doubling the length.