Chapter 15: A Legacy of Mischief

Harry winced, of all people, it was Snape. The man would make sure Harry was seen as getting into trouble, again. He'd tell McGonagall, Dumbledore and the other Professors, who would decide Harry was too much work to keep at Hogwarts for the summer.

"Exploring, traipsing around the castle, just like your father. That's why I told the Headmaster this was a bad idea. You think it is yours to rule, that Hogwarts will open all its secrets and passageways to you. An entitled brat. That's what you are. Do you have anything to say for yourself then Potter?"

Though he vaguely remembered the twins mentioning a passageway behind the statue in this corridor, Harry had never seen it himself. He looked down in lieu of stating this, or saying anything in protest. Snape seemed to take this as a sign of his guilt, just like Uncle Vernon usually did. He turned with another swish of the black cloak, "Very well, I believe a talk with the Headmaster is needed. Come."

Harry walked quietly behind Snape, if he was the bigger figure draped in black like the potions professor, you could have thought he was a shadow. Harry's steps were quick, to keep up with Snape's stride, but somehow he also continued to drag his feet as he followed Snape up the next two floors, turning away from Gryffindor tower, where he longed to be now (he regretted his previous choice of exploring without telling a professor). Harry vaguely heard Snape say a password to the gargoyle.

He'd never been in Dumbledore's office, but knew it was on the same floor as the Fat Lady from an earlier conversation and overheard statements. He kept his head low, but watched warily, though there was a flicker of curiosity in his eye as he followed Snape. He was only vaguely surprised by the stairs starting to move, by now he was used to the stairs at Hogwarts starting to do strange things. The door it led them too was similar the door Harry had just been staring at in Ravenclaw tower, but instead of an eagle shaped knocker, it was a griffin.

Inside sat a circular room, filled with bright noon light from the surrounding windows. As Snape moved from in front of Harry there was a bunch of whispering, drawing Harry's attention to the dozens of portraits on the wall behind the desk. All the portraits inhabitants were whispering to each other and pointing at him. A musical note attracted Harry's attention to a golden stand in between the desk and a closed black cabinet. A beautiful bird, as scarlet as Gryffindor quidditch robes, stood perched on the stand. The bird met his eyes, it's black shining eyes seemed to be studying him, just as much as Harry was studying it.

Harry was so entranced that he didn't notice the headmaster appearing as if from thin air until Dumbledore spoke. "Ah, Severus, and Harry? What brings you here?"

"No, Potter here, decided to prove me right in regard to his recklessness and lack of thought. He has wasted the entire staff's time, parading around the castle for his own pleasure as we searched for him."

Dumbledore walked over to the desk, pulled out his chair and took a seat before tenting his hands as he looked at Harry. "Ah, so Harry left the classroom without notifying anyone. I'm sure he apologizes for creating all this worry. Where did you find him Severus?"

"In the fifth floor corridor, by the passageway. He's prancing around, self-absorbed and selfish, just like his father."

"Severus."

"My father wasn't selfish," Harry said looking up from Dumbledore to Snape pleadingly. "I don't want to be trouble. It must seem selfish, and I'm really sorry for making everyone worry. I was trying to avoid Peeves and got sidetracked."

"See? Why don't you go alert the others you've found him and enjoy your lunch? I believe Harry and I will eat up here. If you would be so kind to make sure some gets sent up for the both of us."

Snape turned to give one last glare at Harry before turning, and was gone in a flash of black down the staircase. Dumbledore waited for a few seconds and gestured to the seat across from him. Harry had to climb to get on the chair properly, his legs hanging off the edge, and he could barely see over the desk at the professor.

Dumbledore sighed, he'd hoped that Severus would be a bit kinder, having learnt what Harry went through. Something not unsimiliar to the potion master's own childhood. The boy across from him had already been through so much, had achieved great things, but was still just aa child, a small one who had never gotten the love and care he deserved. The future ahead of Harry would likely be just as troubled, but seeing him now, so small and innocent, caring and considerate in spite of everything made the old man's chest swell.

He tried to convey that hope by giving Harry a soft smile. "Harry, I would like you to know you are not in trouble."

"I'm not?" Harry asked, finally looking up to meet the headmaster's eyes.

"No, though there shall be consequences." Dumbledore tried to ignore the way Harry stiffened at the last word. He didn't like to think of why that was. "Our weekly meetings for example. We were supposed to allow you more time to settle in, but I believe we shall start now. I shall take the advantage of the opportunity while you are here. And I think we should meet daily instead."

Harry frowned and opened his mouth to ask a question. Dumbledore held up his finger and continued. "We have never had a student at Hogwarts for the summer. It shall take some getting used to for all of us. Usually, there are other students, and we are kept busy with their care as well as running the school. I shall admit, our attention is still somewhat divided but that is why we have all set aside time to make you a priority."

"But everyone else only has me for a few hours each week," Harry said hesitantly. "You're the headmaster, you must be much busier than everyone else. You can't spend that much time with me."

Dumbledore smiled, and his eyes twinkled. "Think of it as me making up for lost time Harry. I cannot apologize too much for the situation I placed you in on that horrible night ten years ago. Not to mention, meeting with you always proves much more interesting than anything else I might be doing with this time. Paperwork for instance."

Dumbledore stood, happy to see some amusement show through Harry's face at his small complaint. He walked over to one of his cabinets and pulled out his tin of cauldron cakes, before sitting back at his desk. Harry eyed them tentatively, but didn't take himself until Dumbledore did himself. He mumbled a thank you before taking a bite.

"Now that we have concluded that I am happy with this new arrangement, I must ask you. What do you think of your summer at Hogwarts so far? I am sure it must be lonely, especially during those long hours when we cannot devote our attention to you. But I suspect you might have found a way to entertain yourself."

Harry, who was reaching for another cauldron cake, drew back, looking down as if he was ashamed. Dumbledore waved his wand, dropping the discarded cake onto Harry's lap and sighed. "As I said, you're not in trouble Harry. Hogwarts was built for students, and many have delighted in exploring it's secrets over the years. There is no shame in that."

"My dad too?" Harry asked, he put the cauldron cake back on the desk, but did not take a bite. He focused his unwavering gaze on Dumbledore. "Was Snape, right?"

"Professor Snape, Harry. And though I must admit, his words were not the kindest, your father and his friends knew the Castle well. Dare I say, even better than myself?" The old man watched happily at the wonderment on the boy's face at this statement.

"Really?"

"Yes, James and his friends were not unlike you, Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger in many ways, but all too different in the many others," Dumbledore said suddenly somber. His face lit up again, as he turned to Harry. "So tell me, what were you doing after leaving Professor Binns?"

Harry quickly explained where he'd been and why he'd stayed. As he spoke, Dumbledore's mind turned the scenario over and over. Though the Gray Lady might visit classes, and help students from time to time, she was generally very quiet. She was not outgoing like the Fat Friar or Sir Nick. It was only another sign that Harry was a much better person than Dumbledore had ever been, when it surprised the headmaster to hear the ghost had a name.

If Professor Binns could be responsible to watch Harry, it might be smart to ask the other ghosts to help out as well. Only the more reliable ones of course. Not all the ghosts were even at Hogwarts for the summer, Nick for example, was out vying for a spot in the Headless Hunt again.

Harry had not made outright complaints about Professor Binns but it was clear what he thought of the Professor's classes. Dumbledore had been taught by the man himself, and the ghost rarely taught important events that had happened after his death in the 17th century. It might not be fair to Binns, who had stayed in the mortal plane to continue teaching. Dumbledore was not sure how cognizant the man was of his state, but it would be cruel to change things so suddenly after hundreds of years.

Still, Binns would be removed from the schedule each week. Harry could spent that time with another Professor, perhaps Sprout. The ghost paid little attention to his students, and Harry barely needed to stay to listen to the ghost's lectures to complete his summer work. Harry finished his story, and Dumbledore was brought out of his thoughts. He'd heard what the boy said, but there was still a part missing.

"So when Severus found you?" Dumbledore prompted.

"I was just walking back to Gryffindor tower. Promise."

"Yes. Well, it seems Severus has unwittingly revealed one of those passageways he believed you to be using. Unless, you knew of it before?" A quick look showed Harry shaking his head. He didn't want Fred and George to get in trouble as well. Dumbledore just smiled and reached for another cauldron cake.

"Very well. I shall warn you, several of these passages do leave the castle. If you decide to explore the grounds or use such passages to go beyond the castle's boundaries, it would be better if you were with someone. I believe we might be able to allow you to explore the castle itself without asking permission or telling us where you will be at all times. I'm sure we will be able to locate you, or tell you if you're needed through the portraits and other means."

There was a moment of silence. Harry had turned bright, and was beaming with a smile at this show of trust. Then he frowned, "Sir, I don't want to cause more trouble or be a burden. You don't have to change things for me."

Dumbledore shook his head, with a fond but bitter smile. "Ah Harry, you are no burden. We find it a privilege to have you here. You are a child, you should be able to enjoy yourself and explore to your hearts content just as many students have before you."

"Like my dad?"

"For one."

Harry frowned. "He wasn't like Snape said was he?"

"James was never selfish, he was a caring and loyal friend. He and Severus did have animosity between them, much like you and Mr. Malfoy. But James let it go when he started dating your mother."

Harry looked up surprised. "Why?"

"Lily was not one for house prejudices, perhaps due to being a muggleborn, and coming to Hogwarts without those preexisting notions, and did not stand for exacerbating them." Dumbledore shook his head sadly, "I'm afraid I can't tell you much more. You shall have to ask Severus himself."

Harry almost scoffed. He wanted to know more, but decided he'd pushed too much and it would be better to leave it. He turned to look back at the bird instead, who gave another musical whistle before coming over to his master for a pet. "Is he your pet, professor?"

"More of a companion. Fawkes is a phoenix, a rare and extremely powerful creature. I am lucky to have his trust and loyalty."

As he said this, Fawkes hopped across the desk, to nuzzle Harry's cheek. The boy reached up to give him a stroke. Dumbledore gave him another contemplative look and stood once more, waving his wand, vanished the cauldron cakes.

"I'm afraid we shall have to leave the rest of our visit till later. I believe I shall sorely regret having cauldron cakes instead of a proper lunch later tonight." Dumbledore's smile grew, his eyes twinkling brighter as he saw the beginnings of a laugh on Harry's face. He patted his stomach and shook his head. "Alas, I believe the rest of our meetings shall have to happen after we eat lunch, or I shall be tempted to gorge myself on treats again."

He was rewarded with a laugh as he opened the door and escorted Harry out. "Have a good afternoon, my boy. I shall see you tomorrow."

Harry was being bounced. Not on someone's lap, but in the air, with a levitation charm. Below him were several laughing men, though one was trying hard and failing to look unamused. Though his arms were crossed and his eyes were pointed in a disapproving glare, the corner of his mouth was twitching. Immediately, Harry recognized him as the Remus, or Moony of his last dream. The man waving his wand was Padfoot, who looked just as roguish and mischievous as he had in the previous dream.

There was a short pudgy man as well, squealing with delight, or was it fear, as he held his hands together and twiddled his finger. He was the only person Harry didn't recognize. Another friend of his parents?

That brought him to his parents themselves, James' arm was around Padfoot's shoulder, laughing as well. His hair was just as messy as Harry's, the lope of his nose was the same, and the size of his mouth. Harry's smile was his mothers though. She walked in now, smiling but quickly hiding it. Her eyes were the same also. Green and almond shaped. They weren't hidden behind glasses like Harry's though, which made them seem brighter. That might have also been the contrast with her scarlet hair, just as deep a red as the curtains of his bed in Gryffindor tower.

"James, what did I say about using magic on Harry?"

James stopped laughing, looking guiltily at Lily. Padfoot just laughed harder. "C'mon Lily, he's perfectly fine."

"I told you he belongs in the air, when we get him on a broom, he'll be a natural!" James decreed.

Lily shook her head. "Not until he's at least one. Harry's only just eating solids. That doesn't mean he won't spit up on you for all of this."

As she said that, spit up fell from Harry's mouth, and into Peter's own gaping mouth. Lily gave the men a pointed look and waved her wand, vanishing the spit up from Peter's hair and clothes. "I don't need him riled up when he needs to be put to bed soon. That's the whole point of a schedule. You should all know this by now."

James rubbed the back of his head, looking at Lily guiltily. "Sorry Lils, let's take him down boys. We'll find another way to entertain Bambi."

"Bambi? What happened to Prongslet?" Padfoot cried as Harry slowly descended from the air and into his arms. It felt safe, there was a strong smell of cigarette smoke and sweat, and the leather of his jacket squeaked as Harry sucked on it. "Prongslet, no! This one's my favorite."

Remus shook his head, taking Harry himself. The man still smelled like chocolate, his sweater was a bit itchy, but it was warm, and Harry leaned into it. "Lily, we'll put him to sleep for you. Maybe you three can help me tell Harry a story?"

Lily nodded, coming over to give Harry a kiss, and stroke his hair. The baby reached and pulled some of the long scarlet strands in his own hand as she gave Remus a kiss on the cheek as well, giving him a soft, "Thank you."

She untwisted her hair from his hands, and Remus turned, making Lily disappear from Harry's sight. All he could see now was Remus's sweater, and Padfoot's silly faces.

"What books do you want to read him tonight?" That was Remus's voice.

"No book," insisted Padfoot. "We'll tell him the story ourselves. Ready Prongslet?"

James interrupted "Bambi. Lily insisted."

"Your wife isn't here Prongs, and Harry here isn't going to carry on the Marauder legacy with a name like Bambi, is he?" Padfoot paused, waited for protest and continued. "Well, Prongslet. This is the story of the Marauders, Moony-"

"-The one with some sense," Remus interrupted while giving Harry a tickle as he rocked the baby. Harry knew that Moony was some type of nickname, though he had no idea why the man was given such a name. He could indeed tell Remus wasn't as mischievous as Padfoot and James, more of a rule follower, like Hermione.

Padfoot was continuing his story. "Wormtail-"

"-The lovable and sneaky one," the small man said.

"The naïve and foolish one," Padfoot corrected, making the smaller man, who must have been Wormtail, scowl. "Padfoot, of course is me, your amazingly handsome and talented Godfather, the handsome and charming one. And Prongs-"

"Your father," James said, taking Harry from Remus and nuzzling Harry, rubbing his nose against his son's. "Who loves you very much."

"Prongs, the romantic and idealistic one who is now a big mush," Padfoot finished. James, or rather Prongs, kicked Padfoot's shin. The Prongslet name made sense, though Harry wasn't sure about Bambi. He'd rather a name that identified him with his father.

"Start the actual story, Pads," Remus said looking up from a sip of tea.

"Right, this is the story of the Marauders, and their magical marvelous map."

Remus nodded, "Nice touch with the alliteration."

"If you want me to tell the story, you all need to stop with the comments. Now, Prongslet, it was our third year, and we all knew the castle like the back of our hands. We'd discovered half of the seven passageways by the beginning of second year, and now that we knew all of them, we needed a tool to aid and manage our mischief."

The men all laughed, and it was to that sound that Harry fell asleep.

AN: The part with Peter and Harry happened with two of my sisters, hilarious but disgusting.