(a/n): Thanx for the reviews. A good count of them too.

Fayneir touched on a subject that infuriates me. The rich and famous getting special treatment. At about the same time my Dad died of liver cancer Mickey Mantle managed to jump himself to the top of the transplant list and get one. Not that it did the jerk any good, he still died (Yay to that). Wasting a perfectly good organ. 15 years ago. Not too bitter am I? I vented, moving on.

tumshie Ah well, it just seemed to fit. NJ wouldn't allow an early liscense for an ex of mine. And she was operating farm tractors at 12.

I'll definitely make sure to have another meeting between Harry and Fawkes. Its fun having him on the wrong side. Hermione is really pregnant, but I didn't really see a place for her in this chapter. All the FF says Magical pregnancy tests are at least as reliable as Muggle ones. So, as I see it, anyone smart enough to fool one is smart enough to know it's really pointless to do so. She certainly would not want to visit Privet Dr.

As a coming attraction, I've got a new take on Dumbledore's obsessive loyalty to Snape. Well, at least I've never seen it in another FF. A bit of suspense, because it's not in this chapter. And regarding Harry's eye, the battle for that is a relative sideline at the moment. Dumbledore managing to quietly block every avenue for the time being.

Finally, an odd review. Chapter #20 was "self-indulgent filler" It's unsigned. But, what does that even mean? Well, anyway, onto Chapter #21. Somewhere in here is SB-POA's 100,000th word.

21 – Legilimency

Harry anxiously stepped out of #4 as the limousine glided to a stop. He ceremoniously helped Susan out of the vehicle and briefly kissed her.

"Looking for another woman, Harry?" she asked, teasingly.

Amelia extended her hand for him to take, scolding her "Now you know better, dear. I do not think he really asked me to accompany you just for trips to the park, or the pool." She was wearing a police uniform, including sidearm. The white shirt was a standard duty one. It was the insignia on her shoulders that stood out.

"You're a Commissioner!" exclaimed Harry in shock.

She gave him a tolerant look "Yes, dear boy. And you're an Earl. Have you never thought about my being Director of Magical Law Enforcement?"

"Makes sense." He replied with a blush "Guess I never realized."

She gave his cheek a pat and said "Understood. Muggleborns, or raised, do not often make connections like that. No matter. As much as I may have missed you, I am sure socializing could have waited. Certainly you would have preferred time alone with Susan. So, what's on your mind?"

"I miss everyone too." He replied after accepting a familial hug. He slid an arm around Susan's waist and they started walking. "You know who I miss the most? It's funny, sort of. My parents. Well, their paintings anyway. I know that's not really them, but still."

Susan leaned her head on his shoulder "No, it's not silly at all, Harry. It's too bad those portraits are confined to The Keep. James really wanted to give Vernon an earful."

"Hahaha." Harry chuckled "I'd've given good money to watch that. Anyway … Amelia … I have two names for you. Dumbledore and Snape."

She sighed and shook her head impatiently "And what has the Headmaster cooked up for the greatest Potion Master of our age?" Her tone clearly said she did not believe her words.

"What is Occlumency?" asked Harry.

Both Bones women flinched, Amelia answered "It is the art of defending the mind against outside intrusion. The spell it defends against is Legilimens. Few wizards know more than the dictionary definition. Every Auror must be well trained in the art. Highly useful for those assigned to Azkaban."

"Dumbledore thinks it's a good idea for him to teach me." said Harry.

Amelia actually stumbled over her feet. She squeezed both teens' shoulders in gratitude as they caught her. "Nobody saw that." She declared with a smirk "Anyway, I assume that he thinks it is a good idea for you to learn the art?"

Harry nodded.

"In that," she admitted "he is probably right. Though his choice of teacher leaves much to be desired. We will just have to see where this goes."

Susan gave her aunt a worried look "I don't like the way she said that."

"I am just suggesting that we give the good professor enough rope to hang himself." Amelia replied.

Harry looked between them and asked "Just what do you have in mind?"

"I'm not entirely sure yet." Amelia answered "I need to think about it. Tell me this. How do you intend to act toward him?"

He shrugged "I guess it depends on how Snape acts."

"Given his history with you, alternately describing you as an idiot, a brat, or a glory seeker. I imagine we can safely assume he will not exactly be polite." She offered.

Harry's expression was a little angry for a moment, then he looked away "Sorry, I know you didn't mean it that way. Yeah, that's Snape."

"Well, if it isn't Potter and his whore." Came the sneering voice of Dudley Dursley as the trio passed through the park. He had several of his gang with him, especially Piers Polkiss who was eager for another round. "Boys, let's make short work of him. Then we can have our fun."

Amelia stepped in front of the teens, displaying her uniform and weapon "Verbal remarks are irrelevant." She said, coldly "The moment any of you touch either of them, I will shoot. And I never miss."

"I didn't come here to start with a Bobbie, I'm outta here." One of the less brave, or was it more intelligent, of the gang declared and ran off. Two more followed hot on his heels. Piers charged her and his temple was met by the butt of Amelia's gun. He fell face first in the sand, out cold. Dudley was an instant behind his friend, but just as ineffective. He was clipped in the leg by her baton, then pulled off his feet completely.

She bounced the pointed end off Dudley's stomach and said "Obviously, the brains Harry picked up from the Evans didn't survive contact with your father's genes. Consider this a warning, and consider yourself lucky your Muggle friend saved you from a Magical beating. Touch my niece and you'll land in Azkaban. Feel free to ask Harry about it."

"Have a good day Dudders!" said Harry as they continued their walk. Dudley was unable to reply because his cousin had stepped on his stomach as they passed and was gasping for air. "Somehow seeing him on the ground never gets old!"

Susan giggled a bit, and Amelia did smile "But, I trust you understand, Harry. I did that because I had to, not because I wanted to or because I got any enjoyment out of it."

x x x x x

Harry opened the door and bowed them into the restaurant. Plus, a woman on the way out. She looked repulsed by the eyepatch. "Have a good day, ma'am." He said politely, compelling her to turn back around. In a gesture similar to tipping your hat, he flipped up the patch, exposing his flesh covered eye socket. Her scream was very satisfying.

It was rather after the lunch rush, so they walked right up to the counter. Susan pushed at his shoulder and said "That would've been mean if it wasn't so funny." She broke into giggles.

"I do not know what you are talking about." He countered haughtily, then winked at her.

Amelia, to their surprise, was already ordering " … fries, please, and Sprite. For the kids…"

"The usual Earl Potter?" asked the cashier.

Harry rolled his …well … eye and retorted "That'll be fine Your Highness."

"You never told me you'd been to McDonald's before, Auntie." grumbled Susan, as they sat down.

Amelia swallowed a mouthful of fries and replied "You never asked. Honestly, dear, what do you expect? Aurors regularly mix with the Muggle world. Crime scenes, investigations, cooperating with the Bobbies. It's why I hold a Commissioner's rank."

Susan looked entirely disgruntled and both Harry and Amelia laughed at her. Eventually, she smiled.

"How do you want to handle your Professor?" asked Amelia, as she finished her burger.

Harry grimaced at her and complained "Please, not while I'm eating."

"You didn't want to talk about him on an empty stomach, either." Susan pointed out.

He poked her side, making her squeal, and countered "That's the idea. Rather not, at all."

"Well, let's talk more about Occlumency, at least." Said Amelia "There are a number of rules to teaching it. An obvious one for a minor would be parental consent. Another is, because of the deeply personal nature of the process, that there be if not liking at least a respect between teacher and pupil."

Harry snorted "Yeah, lots of love between me and Snivellus."

"I must point out that, yes, the man is a brilliant Potions Master." Said Amelia, she held up a hand to forestall an argument "That said, Albus acts as though he is the only one in the country. There are over a hundred. Ten of them Aurors. And I've been doing some behind the scenes investigating, his teaching skills leave much to be desired. I do not know how high he ranks among the FIDOL."

Harry blinked at her "Fido?"

"No, Harry, sorry." She chuckled "F-I-D-O-L FédérationInternationaledesOcculmensetLegilmens.It is the world organization that monitors and rates people trained in the art. Ranks go from Amateur to Grand Master. Susan, for example, is a Medium Amateur. Her current rating is 340. My rank, due to my position, is - hehe - classified, sorry. There is no real top of the scale, but the highest current rating is our own Professor of the art at Auror Academy at 2517."

Harry nodded in understanding, it sounded the same as in chess. "So, I wonder, why I'm not meeting him."

"Something to ask Albus." Amelia agreed "I would think, as this was just sprung on you this morning, you should act completely ignorant when you meet."

Harry frowned "You actually want me to deal with him?"

"As I think about it…" Amelia continued "If you are willing, of course, the more rope we give him the easier it will be to hang him. Or, rather, he will hang himself. I can disillusion myself and be there to witness the entire affair."

Susan put in "I want to be there too."

"No" Amelia insisted "Disillusion, and holding the spell on one person is easy. Two complicates the effort greatly. If it should slip before anything happens-"

Harry interrupted "I do have my own invisibility trick, Amelia. An Invisibility Cloak."

"Really!" exclaimed Susan "I've never seen one before! Don't think there's a hundred in the world!"

He nodded "It was my Dad's. He…well… his painting told me he knew seven that had one. Outside that, it's a Family secret."

"Why Harry Potter!" Susan said coquettishly, "Was that a proposal?"

Amelia gave a severe look, commenting "I would hope I taught young Mr. Potter here enough taste not to propose in a fast food restaurant."

"Poor Harry." Susan teased. She rested her head on his shoulder and finished her last bite of burger.

Amelia wiped a bit of ketchup from her fingers, silently amused at his blushing reaction. Then, "I think I will walk about the neighborhood a little. It's good for Muggle/Magical relations and I can get a good sense of how widespread these wards of Dumbledore's are. I shall meet you back at the Dursley's around six. By then, I'll know how to deal with Severus Snape."

"Will you….that is…" Harry stuttered "Can you get back?"

She outright laughed "Harry Harry Harry! Are you trying to talk yourself out of an afternoon with your girlfriend? We can discuss more when the time comes. As for getting around, rest assured I will have no difficulty finding #4 Privet Dr."

"Bye Auntie." Susan said to their departing guardian, then addressed him "Come on, Harry let's hit the park again. I want to try the swings."

Harry allowed himself to be somewhat dragged back to the park "They were great fun when I was little." He grumbled "But, honest, a broom is so much better."

"Not the way I had in mind, oh boyfriend of mine." She declared.

Harry took that to mean it was something he'd enjoy, so now he moved more quickly. Once there, she told him to sit in it, frowned and raised the height several notches. This happened a couple more times until his feet were dangling slightly. "Satisfied?" he queried.

"It'll do. Patience." She replied "Now here's the good part. I was only four when my parents were killed, but that gives me a few more memories than you've got. This is one." With that she inserted her left leg between Harry and the chain, then did the same with her right leg.

The swing groaned with the near doubling of weight, but it held. They started swaying. He instinctively reacted to support Susan by cupping her rear end in each hand.

"Well I see you've found one of the pluses." She observed with a giggle. She released her grip in the chains and wrapped her arms around his neck and added "Smart boy."

He nipped at her exposed neck, enjoying the closeness asking "You've done this before?"

"Why do boys always ask questions they really don't want the answers to?" she asked with an amused lilt "Alright, Mr. Curiosity, I'll tell you. He's one of Hannah's cousins. Most of the Abbotts lately have married diplomats. His Mother was the Greek ambassador to Britain. Of course, they visited around. It was after Second Year and I was … welll …. Curious. And, mindful of his diplomatic responsibilities, Paulo was only too happy to assist me. Quite … umm educati-"

Harry cut her off with "Alright I get the picture. Where is he now?"

"Do I detect a hint of jealousy?" she asked, teasingly, dragging her lips across his forehead. She wriggled her hips causing the swing to move more. "It's quite alright, really. Everyone's entitled to a crush or two. Leave us not forget your lovely vassal who I believe is not quite over hers."

Harry blushed slightly and argued "Hadn't noticed."

"Liar." She shot back, though the fact that she was tracing the grooves of his ear with her tongue as she said it took the sting out. "Well then there's always the exotic Miss Chang."

Harry shivered "Bloody hell don't remind me!"

"You know, the whole 'drool pumpkin juice down the front of your shirt isn't a sexy look. Even on a Triwizard Champion." She commented. Of course, that year was a subject to tread lightly upon. Seemed a good moment for some kissing, anyway.

Hair mussed and face flushed some time later, he grinned up into her eyes and laughed "Y'know your lips are all red. And you got these marks on your neck."

"Probably the vampire sucking on it." Susan fired back huskily. She was out of breath, but enjoying the sensation of her chest pushing against his.

Harry glanced around, honestly he was rather surprised there had been no further interruptions from Dudley's crew. Not that he really feared them after the past couple weeks, and Amelia's display. "Maybe you'd better get up." He said regretfully "There's a couple of kids coming. And it's getting near 5 o'clock."

"Are you sure?" asked Susan "Didn't seem near that long."

He nodded, replying "Yup. Time flies when you're having fun. Don't it?"

"Who said I was?" she retorted as she wriggled one leg out and managed to plant a foot on solid ground. She winced and complained "Right. One bad thing about this! Feet fell asleep!"

Harry laughed as he held her up "Well this was your idea. Not that I'm complaining. Maybe it works better on a broom at … ohhh …maybe ring height… or two, three hundred feet." Her look required no Legilimency to read, but it just made him push even harder, suggesting "A loop or two while we're at it? Maybe even a Wronski Feint?"

"So, just how do you know what time it is? Without a watch?" she asked, deliberately ignoring his aerial ideas.

He shrugged. That same gesture which always introduced a Dursley story. "Never had one when I was a kid. Got punished if Petunia had to start dinner. Of course they never would've bought me one. So I just worked it out for myself. Probably why I did almost as good as Granger in Astronomy, too."

X x x x x

"I was wondering whether you would get here, or you forgot about me." Said Amelia.

Susan gave her a quick hug in greeting "I blame Harry." She declared "He was convinced you'd got lost."

"Yesssssss." Amelia drawled out "I am sure my well being was upmost in your minds. Well, Harry, except for the local riff-raff, this actually is a nice neighborhood."

Harry didn't care. "Amelia, I hate this place. Seeing Vernon's expression when he hands over that money every day is fun and all. And it was fun, last week, to see all the neighbors' expressions. But is there anything you can do to move the wards to Kiln Keep?"

"Unfortunatelty, no, Harry." Said Amelia "I have studied, in detail , every square centimeter of the maximum extent of the wards. They are bound to three major things. Yourself. Your Aunt. And #4 Privet Dr. I call it fortunate they never took it into their heads to move. It would take five times the effort to move them as it did to set them up."

So suspicious of the Headmaster was he, that Harry asked "Do you suppose the Judge put some kind of spell on them? To make them stay?"

"Hmmm… No…" answered Amelia thoughtfully "The wards require the free will of everyone involved. You were too young at the time. Albus essentially bought their consent, interwove it with the sisterly relationship and tied some of your magic to Privet Dr. The fact that we have since turned the tables is unimportant. All can I tell the moment is that the wards will collapse on your seventeenth birthday. Right now they are like an ancient diseased giant oak. Outwardly, very powerful looking, but inside, ready to topple with the first violent wind."

Neither teen looked pleased, Susan spoke first though "You're saying he HAS to come back here next summer, aren't you?"

"At the risk of sounding too much like Albus," Amelia replied "It is for the best. As much as it pains me I would add what I know he would say. You should probably spend the entire month from the end of this coming school year until July 31."

Harry liked that not at all. "The only good part is at least you explain things." He said, sullenly "Well, can we at least get back at Snivellus?"

"I have definitely concluded that it is not in your best interest to have him as a teacher of Occlumency." She replied "Even if he were the undisputed World Grandmaster, which he is not. I would be worried about anyone Severus Snape teaches the art to. But I still think it wise to allow him a clandestine chance to hang himself. So, we will go with what I outlined, with your Invisibility cloak as cover for Susan. I have the additional thought, only if you agree that I should obliviate -"

Harry cut her off, backing away "Uh Uh! No how! NO WAY!" He even pulled his wand and dropped into a defensive stance.

"HARRY!" gasped Susan.

Amelia only held out her empty hands "There is a substantial difference between a hack like Lockheart , who actually intended to permanently wipe your mind of all knowledge and what I am proposing. I will only remove part of today. So your reactions are entirely natural. You will merely have no memory that I was here. All will seem as if you spent a pleasant day in the sun with your girlfriend. And she left before he arrived."

"You can do that?" worry had abated to curiosity. He lowered his wand and straightened.

She nodded, still holding up her hands "After, I can even restore your original memory. But only if you agree."

"Alright, I guess." Replied Harry, still reluctant "Sorry about … y'know."

Amelia nodded "Consider it a family quarrel. That is closed. Now, I will withdraw to allow you to say goodbye normally. The next thing you will remember is napping in your room."

x x x x x

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! A fist hammered Harry's door "I HAVE BEEN KEPT WAITING LONG ENOUGH POTTER! YOUR LAZINESS AT SCHOOL IS UNACCEPTABLE! I WILL NOT TOLERATE IT ON MY TIME! OPEN THIS DOOR!"

*yawwwwwwwwwwwwnnnnn* was just audible through the door, then it opened. And naked, except for a pair of boxers, Harry stepped out.

Susan emitted a squeak at the unexpected display and Amelia groaned silently, picturing her niece's reaction. She was certainly liberal by Pureblood standards, but Wizarding World was still (at least in spirit) quite Victorian. Which made sense as many of those in power grew up in that era.

Act naturally, Harry did "Wha'd'ya mean? Kept you waiting?" he demanded "You were supposed to be here at 7 o'clock it is now 7:11 by my clock. Eleven points from Slytherin!"

"Silence Potter!" Snape ordered "I am here because the Headmaster hopes you can be taught to protect your feeble mind from an assault by the Dark Lord. And cover yourself AT ONCE!"

Harry looked down and was actually horrified at the notion. That was one Snape order he did not mind obeying. Job completed so fast it must have been magic he said "Done! Now, all Dumbledore said was Oakmentie, was it. What is that?"

Hidden Madam Bones smirked, her delicate operation on her charge's brain was so precise that even her own detailed definition was gone from Harry's consciousness.

"Occlumency, Potter Ock – Lu – Men – See!" the irritated Potions Professor sounded it out "There! Your first lesson in the subject. Even a dullard-"

Harry cut him off "Now stop right there Snivellus! We're not at school! It's MY summer vacation! I really don't want to see you at all! If you can't cut the namecalling leave!"

Snape's lip curled to the point of blocking his right nostril "Very well, Potter!" he growled "As you obviously know everything! DEFEND YOURSELF! Legilimens!"

"YEAAOWWWWW!" Harry screamed as if someone whacked him with a hammer. He saw flashes of memory from his life. Bad images and good ones. Then somehow his voice insulting him with Snape's tones, attitude and words.

Amelia cringed at the expression she saw. It could only be conveying anguish. She loathed herself now for even suggesting this. And worse, one such attack was insufficient to prove a crime was being committed. She also feared that her hidden niece would act against some of the sternest orders she had ever been given.

"Pathetic Potter!" the black-clad 'teacher' sneered "The Dark Lord will sweep you aside like a hot knife through melted butter!"

Harry stood ramrod straight and sneered "Well maybe if you actually explained something! Like how to defend myself! I might do a little better! I'd like to see you handle one of Voldemort's Crucios!"

"Do not say His name!" ordered Snape "And you have no idea what I have endured! Arrogant Brat! Occlumency is simple! Clear your mind! Think of nothing!Legilimens!"

Harry's wand was out and a fury-inspired "Expelliarmus!" slammed Snape into the dresser. Coincidentally missing Susan by inches. She could not withhold a kick in the ribs.

"I suppose you think yourself very clever." Snape snarled, using his anger to hide even the slightest hint of pain. "Well, since the Dark Lord can access your feeble mind from across the country, just how do you suggest that will help you?"

Harry smiled unpleasantly "Who's the one still standing?"

"Very droll. Legilimens!" Snape fired from his spot on the floor.

Nor was Harry prepared for the second impact. Actually, those minimal instructions allowed him a moment of success. When it was over he was again panting, sweating, and weak.

"Better, but just marginally." Was the latest evaluation "However, in that time, I saw a fight in your little fan club. And it seems you take great pleasure in using that foul name your ass of a father loved to use on me."

Harry, deep down, had some reservations about his father. James' painting at the Potter home admitted that he had indeed picked on Snape quite seriously. And how Sirius had gone beyond the pale, trapping the future Potions Professor with a transforming Remus on the night of a full moon. In front of his abuser, however, Harry declared "My Dad, and Mum, are heroes! He was the greatest man on the planet! A hundred times the man you are! Where were you when he stood up to Voldem-?"

"Your father was an arrogant prick!" Snape snarled "And you, Potter, are worse. At least he was a grown man. You, are nothing but a brat with an over-inflated ego."

Harry gave a disgusted grunt. "Hmpf! According to the papers I have something to have an ego about. Seems I did pretty good against Voldemort! Just a one-"

"DO NOT say His name!" commanded Snape "Legilimens!" And this time, oddly, it was the attacker that fell into screaming fits.

While the black clad man was suffering, Amelia decided to reveal herself. "Susan" she ordered "I want you to leave."

"No Auntie." Insisted Susan, throwing off the Invisibility Cloak "I watched what that bastard did. I can handle Harry dishing out a little payback."

Amelia got between her niece and where Harry, glaring at Snape, was apparently causing him intense pain and in a way that was beyond her. "Harry, I do not know what you are doing. But stop, please. Not out of mercy, forgiveness, or anything like that."

"Fine!" grumbled Harry, his eyes were actually glowing black. He blinked and looked away. He did not know what to make of their presence, but he frowned at both.

Susan took his hands in hers and asked "Are you alright? I was so worried."

"Just a headache." He snapped "Thanks so much …Regent."

Amelia nodded, embarrassed "You're not quite wrong, Harry." She admitted "Although I did act more like an Auror than your Regent in this."

"But, Harry, you did actually agree to the plan." Said Susan, in defense of her aunt. "She modified your memory so that it would be natural."

He ignored her, glaring at Amelia "Feels like I been kicked in the head. Doesn't seem like it was a smart idea. You think?"

"Perhaps not." She apologized "And I am sorry. It seemed like a good idea at the time. In truth, my actions could be interpreted as endangering your welfare. Your erstwhile professor is going to St. Mungo's in custody. I suggest you go, as well. A Mind Healer should examine you."

Harry gave her a sullen look and nodded "I want those memories back." He added after a moment.

"Of course." She agreed instantly "Although adding or removing anything right now would ruin the evidence of Snape's assault. I agree, unconditionally. As soon as the Healer is done. Here's a portkey for yourself and Susan. Harry, I hope we can move past this."

Harry nodded "Y'know, after my head's not pounding, we'll all probably laugh about it."

Amelia knelt beside the unconscious Snape and the pair vanished in a flash.

"You understand why she gave us the Portkey, don't you, Harry?" asked Susan.

He shrugged in response "Right now I feel like I drank a gallon of Firewhiskey. How about you just take me there and rub my poor head?"

Potion Professor Arrested

Severus Snape, 37, was brought into the Secure Ward at St. Mungo's. And by no less a personage than Amelia Bones herself. The Director of Magical Law Enforcement stated, after being reminded of Section 3 Paragraph 7, stated the well known professor was charged with Mental Assault. Lesser included charges are Teaching without a License and Performing Legilimency on a minor.

In a possibly related occurrence, Harry, Head of House Potter, and The-Boy-Who-Lived was treated and released. He, and young Susan, Heiress of House Bones spent the night. Apparently together. The Press was denied access to the young Earl. It is a fascinating bit of trivia that Madam Bones is also, legally, Madam Potter. She has, in certain circumstances, claimed that title. This reporter finds it quite the coincidence that the teenagers are obviously a couple and possibly lovers. A union would place enormous wealth under Amelia's control.

"Professor Snape has my complete faith and trust." Headmaster Dumbledore said in direct response to a question by this reporter. He added, "His own predecessor, Professor Slughorn, acknowledged Professor Snape as the finest student of his age."

In an office nearly identical to his own, Albus Dumbledore sat looking at the witch whose authority in the Wizengamot was second only to his. "Augusta, surely you can see reason here. It is vital to the coming war against Voldemort that Severus be a resource in what is to come."

"No, Albus." The formidable witch countered "What I see is your pet Death Eater, who you have constantly allowed free reign in classes, finally going too far for you to protect. If you were wise, you would cut your losses."

Madam Bones, sitting in a chair alongside the Headmaster pointed out "Your relationship with Harry is damaged virtually beyond repair. To be honest, I do not know what you would have to do in order for him to trust you again. But I can guarantee it would not be hard to drive the final nail home."

"I have always had the best of intentions towards Harry." Said Dumbledore "He-"

She cut him off "And what road, Albus, is paved with those? Harry, despite his terrible upbringing - I take that back, because the Dursleys did no such thing - Harry gives his trust remarkably easily, but once lost … I despair of getting it back. To put it bluntly, you must choose between them."

"That is not acceptable, Amelia." He argued "There must be a middle ground. As I said, they are both crucial - Each, I grant, in their own way. Augusta in the interest of our Nation, indeed of the Light as a whole, I must appeal to you. It is within our combined influence to end this particular scandal before it grows too large to control."

Neville's Grandmother, who received an endless string of letters for six years about the long string of unfair point deductions, excessive detentions and personal insults thrown at members of her Alumni House "No, Albus, I will not!" she declared "My Grandson has never had a good word to say about the accused. And I have never known him to lie. It is, I think about time for Severus Snape to account for himself. Madam Bones' charges stand. You may certainly act as you choose, but I will support taking this to trial."

"Surely Augusta, there must be some arrangement we can come to." Dumbledore said in his most reasonable tone.

The two witches looked at each other. After receiving permission, Amelia told him "It does not seem the Chancellor is interested in an arrangement, Chief Warlock. I think, perhaps, you should direct yourself to the victim. Harry is a very reasonable young man."

"Well, thank you for your time, Augusta." Said Dumbledore, as he stood. He kept his expression neutral as he addressed Amelia "If you think that wise. I would very much like to speak to Harry. I hope we can heal the breach between us. Please arrange it as soon as you can. Ladies, I wish you a pleasant evening."