Woah! It's been nearly a year! Yikes. First off, I want to thank all of you all for the favorites and follows. I also want to thank my inbox for not delivering my notifications (that was written in sarcasm). And third, an extra special thank you for the reviews that inspired me to sit down and get this chapter done. I've been working on it for months on and off, but I hadn't been checking my stats so I wasn't sure if people were still reading or interested. I'm still unsure since it's been a second, but maybe you all will let me know?


Heaven's Interlude

The streets were bare of life if one discounted the scurrying squirrels crossing the road and random passerby. Incidentally, one passerby spared a glance at an older gentleman across the street dressed in long, lavender in color, cloth that seemed to shimmer under the flickering street lights. To the muggle, the oddly dressed man was but another reminder of the peculiarity that came with the continued practice of breathing. It served well for Albus Dumbledore that said muggle paid him no mind. Magical folk tended to flock around him and at the moment, Albus needed space.

More than space, he needed to think.

Albus clasped his hands together. Harry, whom he had sent to muggles that took him in half-heartedly, was a good boy. Albus understood that Petunia held resentment toward her nephew. He still remembered the boy's unwillingness to return home the first year at Hogwarts. Albus was certain that Harry's early years were filled with little joy and possibly, little affection. But Harry, sweet Harry, was so capable of love - so ready to give and accept, it was heart wrenching to watch and even more so to receive.

Unlike Severus, Harry was entirely open and unguarded with his affection for Albus. Selfishly, Albus took comfort in the boy's purity of heart and allowed himself one liberty with Harry that he had not with Severus; Harry, who wore his heart on his sleeve, had been indulged in Albus' affection. When Voldemort returned, Albus believed that pushing the boy away and sparing him another reason to fear for his life was the best solution. Harry would have been confused and hurt, but it would have been worth it if it eased Voldemort's obsession with the boy.

Albus was a fool.

Severus had seen right through him. The moody man had argued vehemently against his course of action, behind closed doors because heavens forbid he and Sirius Black agree on anything. Albus had stubbornly refused to listen. On one hand, informing Harry more on anything concerning Voldemort and the order was dangerous for all parties involved, Severus especially. On the other hand, the only other option he could see was Occlumency and once again, his selfishness and foolishness shined through. While the teaching of Occlumency can be an intensely bonding experience between the instructing legimens and novice occlumens, when one party or the other is unwilling to share, it can be an incredibly painful experience, a literal violation of the mind. He had for the most part missed that step with Severus only because Voldemort had saved him the trouble and yet still; though Severus had been dubiously willing, the man had held onto resentment for a long time. Albus had wished to avoid that with Harry. Hence, once more he had delegated another unpleasant task to his dour Professor.

Warily, Albus approached the steps of Grimmauld Place.

Severus had plenty to be upset, Albus thought distantly. He let his lip curl in fond amusement just a tad. Severus must be seething. Albus truly had planned to accompany the Potions professor. The heavens had other plans. Not for the first time that day, he wondered: Could it be so? Is it possible to earn heaven's sympathy?

Albus looked up at moon, not quite full, but nearly so.

Could he believe another one of Sybil's prophecies. If so, was there hope for Harry yet? And, if his theory was correct, how did Severus play into everything. Could Albus believe the eyes of a mythical being? Aligned by the heavens . . .

Albus' forehead pressed against his old friend's, flashes of the future passed before his eyes. He watched in various degrees of interest, shock, disbelief, and fear. The image of Harry running through the halls of Grimmauld Place, eyes wild with terror as he screamed for Dumbledore, sent shivers down his spine. Harry disappeared and turned into Severus. A gentle gaze lay in his eyes and the edge of his lips curved as he watched a woman and a boy across the shore. Albus felt his breath catch as the boy turned and met Severus' gaze with a large smile. Harry's green eyes shined with intensity of unadulterated joy. Dressed formally, Severus and Harry watched as a bride walked down the aisle-

"Albus!" Looking more scruffy than usual, Remus blinked at Dumbledore in surprise as he held the door open. At Dumbledore's faraway stare, Remus stepped aside for him to come in, "Is everything alright?"

"Is that Albus?" Molly Weasley yelled from the kitchen. Albus steadied his pace as he asked Remus gently, "Did Severus arrive for his lesson with Harry?"

They were entering the kitchen as he asked this. His eyes began to twinkle as he took note of Sirius slicing a cucumber with an extreme amount of aggression. Sirius snorted, "He came in acting as if it was his house and he's still here doing who knows what to Harry and Molly refuses to let me go check on them!"

Molly was giving the man a stern glare, "However you may feel of the man, Sirius Black, he is a professor. He is here to help Harry protect himself against You-Know-Who. As apparent as his dislike for Harry is, I trust that Albus wouldn't let Harry come into any harm under Severus' supervision."

Her pointed look moved to Albus. Albus nodded once, a small smile curling his lips. A remarkable witch indeed. Sirius let his knife fall sharply on his cutting board, "They've been in there for THREE hours! I don't know a thing about mind magic, but I do know that they should have come out by now. We should have heard something by now, but it's been deathly quiet. What's the reason for the silencing charms? What doesn't he want us to hear?"

Molly placed her hands above her hips, "Do you want me to send you up with the children because I will."

"Oh please do, I'm sure at least with them I might be able to make sure my godson is okay."

Molly narrowed her eyes as Sirius went on, "How long do you think you can keep those children in dark, Molly? There's a war going on for god's sake!"

"Don't go there, Sirius." She warned with watery eyes, "All I want is to keep them from suffering. I've already lost Percy, I won't lose another."

Sirius soften his tone, "Percy will come around, Molly."

She turned to stir her pot, her wand flicking to lower the temperature, "I've done what I could, Albus, to give Harry and Severus space, but as you can see it's been difficult to keep the children and Sirius-

"FRED AND GEORGE WEASLEY!" She suddenly screeched. The twins froze as they were passing by. Her face was flushed, "NOT ANOTHER STEP!"

Both grimaced. After an uncomfortable beat, Fred grinned easily, "Mother, we were just coming to say hello to Professor Dumbledore. . . Hello Professor!"

Albus' eyes twinkled, "Mr. Weasley and Mr. Weasley, I hope you both are well."

George grinned from behind his twin, "We are doing splendidly well, of course!"

Molly had death for them written in her eyes. They gulped. Fred chuckled, "Well, it has been great greeting you, sir. We will be going now! After you, brother."

George glanced at their mother, "I believe it be best if you flee first, brother."

Fred took one glance at Molly, "Ah yes, you make a valid point."

The sounds of running feet up the stairs was the last they heard of them. Albus chuckled, "You've had your hands full."

"Albus," Remus cut in mildly though there was an undercurrent hiding in his voice, "They have been in there quite a while, maybe we should-"

They heard a door slam. Albus' robes fluttered as he took quick steps toward the sound. Barely did he step out the kitchen when Harry came storming through. Face contorted with anger and confusion, his breath was heavy and there was sweat lining his shirt and dripping down his neck.

Green eyes met blue. Albus did not dare look away as Sirius walked forward to grab Harry by the shoulders, "What did he do?"

Harry kept looking at Albus. For once, it was hard to read him. The boy was exhausted, that much was clear, but Albus dare not look into his mind to search for more.

"I told you!" Sirius turned to him, "I told you Snape would only take advantage-"

"HE DIDN'T-" Harry snapped as he ruffled his hair with his hand in apparent frustration, "I'm not helpless, alright."

Sirius looked conflicted for a moment and then a spark of recognition crossed his eyes, "I didn't say you were. Just that Snape's a greasy snake-"

"Sirius!" Molly hissed indignantly.

Remus looked between the two, seemingly lost, and shifted his attention to Harry, "Harry, what happened?"

Molly sprung into action then, she immediate was upon Harry tutting, "Why are you so wet?"

Her wand in hand, she summoned several pairs of fluffy towels and proceeded to suffocate Harry as she attempted to dry him off. So lost in thought, the boy kept quiet until finally.

The boy shook his head, "Please, stop!"

The towels piled at Harry's feet. Molly froze with a towel still in her hands. His green eyes finally seemed to settle on an emotion Albus hadn't seen on him: defeat.

"Don't . . ." He struggled, "Snape. . . Voldemort . . ."

Albus noticed Harry's hand clutching his wand, fingers turning pale with the force, "How powerful a wizard is he?"

The adults turned to Harry. There was horror in Mrs. Weasley's eyes. Remus looked disturbed and Sirius' face was hard. Albus let his gaze fall onto Harry. He almost reached into his mind, but the boy averted his gaze.

Albus sighed, "Lord Voldemort-"

"NOT . . . Not him." Harry said softly. Almost forceful, Harry asked, "Snape. I meant Snape. How powerful is he?"

Albus included himself in the group of adults that were shocked by the boy's question. Seemingly unable to speak, Albus took the lead, "Why do you ask?"

The boy looked at the stairs, ready to flee. He wouldn't meet his gaze. Suddenly, Albus had the feeling that Harry was not worried about his mind, rather wished not to look at him. His chest weighed uncomfortably.

"Can you just give me a straight answer for once."

Wisely, the others remained silent though Molly's lips twisted with concern and a hint of disapproval. Serenely, he commanded, "Harry, look at me."

The boy eventually did.

"Professor Snape is formidable wizard." Said Albus carefully.

The boy nodded. He seemed relieved or perhaps justified. Then he stated, "And you trust him."

"With my life." Albus replied just as factually. It was the truth after all.

"And mine." Added Harry impatiently.

Albus nodded. Sirius took offense to that. Turning on his heel, the boy announced as he ascended the stairs, "I'm going to sleep."

Barely had the boy gone when Albus caught sight of billowing robes. Lanky hair seemed greasier and though more put together than Harry, there was a sheen of perspiration on his forehead, but Severus spared no one a glance. His face was full of harsh lines as he breezed passed them. As Sirius made to move, Severus had already grabbed a handful of floo powder.

Albus let himself linger for a moment after the flames from the floo died down and then said with a tone of finality, "Let Harry have tonight on his own. I will talk to Severus."

Sirius made to argue. Albus held a hand up, "I will speak with Severus first. You are welcome to try speaking with Harry, but I have a feeling Harry was sincere when he said he would sleep."

The man glared with challenge in his eyes. Albus was tired. Remus suddenly spoke coldly, "Please understand that while we trust you, Professor. My trust in Severus is far more fragile than yours. Especially considering Severus' history."

Albus eyed him carefully. Remus was not a man to be underestimated. Solemnly, he replied, "I will bare that in mind, Remus."

The man nodded. Molly held his gaze, "Go, Albus. There's no need for me to say what you already know."

He knew. Molly would soon be traveling upstairs to check on Harry. Her eyes had been flickering up the stairs the entire time. Harry was as much her son as any of the red headed children in the house. She had made that clear to Albus.


When Albus stepped through into the headmaster's office, he found Severus standing by the window. Hands behind his back, his dark eyes were tormented as he watched the twinkling sky. Albus murmured, "Would you care for a lemon drop?"

Severus moved not an inch, but Albus' keen eyes caught the twitch of his finger. At the man's silence, Albus kept quiet. It was coming, he knew it. The storm that came after the clam was approaching. Sure enough, Severus tore himself from the window. Dark robes twirled with him as he turned sharply, Severus' penetrating stare met Albus' unfazed blue eyes. The man took a few steps toward him, his fingers flexing at his side. His right hand rose up to his mouth and breathed heavily into his fist before turning sharply. His hands twitched restlessly as he paced back and forth.

How odd. Severus was nothing if not temperamental, but he generally had more control over how he presented himself. Albus waited. Then, finally, Severus said gruffly, "We are going to kill each other."

Knowing well it would infuriate the man, Albus said coolly, "I have made no plans to kill you, have you?"

The man's returning look was indisputably frosty.

"I wish I had, Dumbledore." Severus snarled. Without skipping a beat, he went on, "Potter is hopeless! I cannot teach him if he does not help himself!"

Ah, here was his opening. Unsympathetically, Albus eyed the man critically, "Is that so?"

Severus crossed his arms defensively. With measured steps, Albus walked behind his desk. A wrinkled hand fingered his desk. Severus was too hard on Harry most of the time, Albus was certain of this fact. He let his displeasure seep into his voice, "Harry looked like he could hardly keep his eyes open."

Severus narrowed his eyes and their irises showed reproach within them. Silkily, the man replied, "I had the boy 'duel' me."

"And?" Albus controlled his tone.

"The boy is resourceful."

That made him pause. Severus looked like he swallowed a lemon. Despite himself, he nearly laughed, "Well, don't look so ecstatic, Severus."

Albus' voice mellowed and he watched with fascination as the Potions master's body relaxed at the sound of his name being spoken. He really shouldn't laugh, but the man really baffled him sometimes. Harry was a bit of a weak spot between Albus and Severus. Solemnly, Albus asked him, "What happened? You are usually not one to beat around the bush."

Severus slumped on the same chair he always did when with the headmaster. Curiously, Harry gave that chair preference as well. The man hid behind a curtain of lank black hair, "He can't focus."

Severus' shoulders rose and fell as he huffed, "And neither can I."

Albus eyes widened momentarily. Severus turned his face to the window, "I occluded fully today."

"Severus-"

"I know." The man groused, "The first time I was more obvious in an attempt at a demonstration that anyone with two functional eyeballs would notice. The second was to insure my temper didn't get away from me."

"Surely, you have better self-control than to resort to such methods."

Severus glared. Albus overlapped his hands over the desk, "Lord Voldemort and a teenage boy require the same skill set to be dealt with?"

"Don't be ridiculous," said Snape incensed. He exclaimed, "The boy hates me, Albus!"

"Yes, and you hate the boy. No?"

The man's eyes twitched. Severus crossed his arms petulantly, "Yes, but . . ."

"But?"

"He has her eyes, Albus," whispered Severus, his voice haunted.

Albus hardened his expression. His voice was devoid of compassion as he stated, "The boy has been your student how many years, Severus? Surely, you've noticed his eyes before, their shape and colour before? What has changed?"

The man stood from his seat, turning his body away from Albus. Sharply, Albus asked, "Is it the fact that the boy knows what your youthful stupidity led to?"

The man's body trembled. Albus' heart clenched, but he remained outwardly unchanged. Coldly, he demanded an answer, "While the boy knew nothing it was easy to delude yourself that the boy was merely James Potter come alive, but now that he knows your role in this war, in Lily Potter's death . . . now you must face the repercussions of your actions once again. Now you must look at Lily Potter's eyes full of hatred for you and your actions toward her, toward her husband, and toward her son. Now you must own your mistakes to her eyes. You feel like you're being torn apart because it's Harry who has a real reason to hate you, not you him. You feel shame, but your shame is worthless, for it is born out of pride, not remorse. You are sorry that he knows and now he can hold it over you."

Severus gripped the back of his chair. His obsidian eyes were full of self-loathing. Albus found himself recalling his own after Ariana's death. His poor sister whom had died by his own wand.

"Tha- that's not true!" Severus was watching Albus' face with panic. Albus focused back to the present. Severus continued with his voice bordering on desperate, "I can't focus because the boy knows, that's true, but even though I hate him, I hate what he stands for . . . Can't you see!"

His hands were moving in agitation, "He is reckless and thoughtless and arrogant and he lacks self preservation and he has no respect for authority . . ."

Albus was unimpressed. Truly Severus, will you ever grow up? The man pressed his lips together tightly. Severus stuttered a breath and then said, "I got his mother killed, Albus. I killed Lily. She would have made a great mother and he would have made her happy by merely existing because that's just how she was. He would have loved her and he would have been happy with her. She would have loved him unconditionally. I look into his eyes and I remember she's gone and I look at him and I know he knows that it's my fault and I am ashamed that I took that from them!"

There was moisture in the man's eyes. Oh Severus. I always think the worst of you. Why must you always let me into your mind when I'm at my harshest. Albus let the tense atmosphere marinate, "So then, this has prevented you from teaching the boy?"

Blinking owlishly, Severus looked incredibly young at the moment. He frowned, "Not exactly. Potter is so full of anger and has so little self-control that he often finds himself unable to control it. He lets himself get carried away by his memories . . . he is unable to overcome them and often reacts explosively. I let him 'duel' me in hopes to exhaust him, but I am unsure that was successful. I don't suppose you've seen the state of the study?"

"I cannot say I have."

"The boy pulverized furniture with a curse aimed at myself, nearly set me on fire . . ." Albus held back his disbelief as he registered the shine in Severus' eyes. The man was impressed. While Severus was more than capable, his total disregard for the boy's actions was ridiculous. This is the same man that complained about the boy on a regular basis for less concerning infractions.

Albus hummed. Knowing the answer, he asked regardless, "Was he a worthy opponent?"

The man let an undignified snort slip through his lips, "Hardly. He severely lacks experience and discipline. He has nerve. I'll give him that."

Albus tapped his fingers on the wood under them, "Well, you certainly left an impression on him."

Severus' expression was skeptical, "I don't know what he has told you, but I know better than to touch a hair on your boy's head . . . I may have soaked him, but he tried to set me on fire! Had it been Lockheart, you'd be scooping ashes!"

And there is the Severus, I know. Albus let amusement twinkle in his eyes. Severus' scowl made a return full force. What an emotional rollercoaster. Albus peered at his nails, a trim was overdue. Peering back at the man, he said, "Contrary to what you may think, Harry is capable of observation. He would notice when he's not being engaged seriously."

Severus appeared thoughtful. Then, he rejected the idea, "James Potter duplicate or not, the boy is arrogant."

Albus sighed, perhaps the future he had seen was wrong . . . The qilin are never wrong, his mind provided. Then, how does it come to be? Albus pursed his lips, "What would you have me do? Would you like me to supervise the two of you?"

"Yes." The man said bluntly. "I would prefer you teach the boy yourself, but I don't see you agreeing."

"The entire purpose of you teaching the boy is to keep the boy from further interesting Voldemort, Severus."

"Forgive me Albus, but you are well aware I believe your plan is idiotic. The Dark Lord may not be making him a priority now, but he's hardly uninterested in seeing Potter dead with or without your affection for him. I'm not asking you to dive into his mind. You can choose to stand aside, but having you there may encourage the boy to try harder and would ease your worries of my behavior." Severus sneered, but his eyes betrayed him.

". . . Very well, Severus." Albus agreed, his eyes calculating. Perhaps. . . it was time for a different approach. "I shall accompany you on your next lesson. We shall utilize the time to discuss with Harry his options concerning his trial."

At this, he had the dour man's full attention, "I thought you would have taken care of that by now."

"The minister is currently set on a trial, unfortunately." Albus feared there was no swaying Cornelius. However...

Severus curled his lip, "Probably sent the dementors himself."

"If they were in fact ordered by the ministry, I do not believe they were sent by Cornelius. Nonetheless, we must discuss with Harry how to proceed. I will not carelessly put your life on the line."

The man's sneer faltered. Curtly, he said, "I have little faith my involvement will not reach the Dark Lord, but if we wish to keep my position as a living agent, then I agree talking to the boy will probably be best. May even spare me a heavier punishment."

Severus did not sound optimistic.


Her body apparated in an alleyway not far from her flat. Trembling, she took off in a sprint toward the screams. A crowd had formed in front of the burning building. Dark clouds of smoke were rising as the people still inside struggled to find a way out. Tears filled her eyes in horror, "They're burning alive!"

A hand stopped her as she tried to run back inside.

"There was a gas leak, it's too dangerous!" She recognized the voice of her friend. Ainsley pulled her by the arm, looking for prying ears, she lowered her lips to her ear, "It's Fiendfyre."

The woman's eyes widened. Ainsley looked back at the building and suddenly held her close. Her arms wrapped tightly around her, "Rhinedd, I thought you were inside!"

Rhinedd pat her back. A strange calm came over her, "I woke up right before the explosion . . . So I . . . I had just enough time to apparate here."

"Thank the heavens." Sighed her friend. Rhinedd buried her head in Ainsley's red curls. A moment passed, gently pulling her friend away, she asked, "Why are you here so early? How . . .?"

Ainsley pushed back her curls. Rhinedd looked at her properly. Pink fluffy slippers covered her bare feet and her hair stuck wildly around her face like a halo, a vast difference from the usual sleeked back pony. Her eyes were watery as she spoke, "Sebastian was called in. He and the other Aurors are inside trying to get as many people out. When he said it was your building, my sleepiness evaporated. I was so scared! You sleep like the dead, so I was sure that . . ."

She didn't have to finish her sentence. Gently, she rubbed Ainsley's shoulder, "I'm okay. I'm okay."

Rhinedd closed her eyes to the burning flames slowly being extinguished. The meadow of her dreams came back to the forefront of her memory and though she could hardly recall anything, the image of galaxies remained imprinted in her head and parting words echoed in her ears, "Wake up now, child. I am giving you a gift, use it wisely."

"Thank the heavens," Ainsley repeated like a mantra. Rhinedd heart skips a beat, indeed.