Dinner was a boisterous affair with Mr. Weasley joining them from work. The talked about their OWLS and Harry let slip his newly learned Apparation skills. Ron and Hermione protested vigorously and made appeals to Professor Dumbledore for the same privilege. Citing the fact that Harry was rarely out of either of their sights ten months of the year. With twinkling eyes, Dumbledore pondered their request for several long minutes before agreeing, and producing 2 more special Apparation licenses, much to Ginny’s dismay.
As everyone was starting to help with the clean up, the door opened to admit a tall, sallow faced man, with dark hair wearing black traveling cloak. Professor Snape swept in to the room giving no sign of surprise as his eyes raked across Harry, who in turned felt an intense wave of hatred. He walked over to where Mr. Weasley and Professor Dumbledore were speaking quietly.
“You wished to see me, Headmaster?”
“Severus, yes, thank you for coming so swiftly.” Dumbledore rose. “Remus, Harry, will you join us please in the drawing room.”
Harry exchanged looks with Ron across the table as he got up and followed the others upstairs. He again noticed how clean everything looked, seeing with a glance that the tapestry the Sirius had hated so was gone from the wall. Eyeing Dumbledore’s back, Harry was sure that Mrs. Black’s portrait in the entry hall was also gone.
Filing into the drawing room, Harry stood next to Remus as he quietly shut the door. Snape stepped into the middle of the room facing Dumbledore as he sat in a cushy armchair.
“Harry, Remus tells me that you have exhausted yourself practicing Occlumency since the term ended.”
“Yeah, I…” He shot a look at Snape. “I didn’t want to put anyone else in danger because I failed to practice.”
Dumbledore nodded. “Severus, I would like you to test Harry and evaluate his progress since you last gave him a lesson.”
Snape stiffened, his eyes locked on Dumbledore. “Headmaster, we have discussed this, and you are aware of my wishes.”
Dumbledore steepled his long fingers and looked over them at Snape. “Much has happened since that incident, Severus, and this is critical to the Order. I do know that Harry has kept his silence.”
Remus Lupin spoke quietly, “Not only did he not say anything, Severus, Harry risked everything to use the fire in Umbridge’s office to speak to Sirius and me. He was so devastated that James could have treated you so shabbily, so arrogantly, treated you like his cousin had treated him. He agonized over what kind of man had fathered him, mortified at a 20 year old memory of a 15 year old boy.”
“Potter loathes me, just as his father did!” Snape snarled back, finally looking at Harry with a withering gaze through his long greasy hair.
“Harry loathes you as an overbearing teacher who never passes up the chance to bully or belittle him in front of the entire class. Unlike you, Severus, who hates a boy simply because he bears an uncanny resemblance to the man who made your school years miserable. Harry is not James, and he needs your help.”
Lupin and Snape stared at each other for several long moments, before Snape nodded and walked to the far end of the room.
“Mr. Potter.”
Harry took out his wand and moved into position opposite Snape.
“On the count of three. One…two…three, Legilimens!”
An image of an ancient stone archway started to form in his mind, but Harry ruthlessly squashed it, envisioning a wall surrounding his thoughts and feelings. He concentrated instead on his OWLs, particularly his Outstanding OWL in potions. His efforts were rewarded when he felt Snape’s disbelief. He pressed forward then, picking up the image of a laughing face, sparkling green eyes, and auburn hair. Finding a warm, cherished memory of his mother, in the mind of a man who hated him, was puzzling.
Harry found himself on his knees, exhausted, but was surprised to look up and find his tormentor also on his knees across the room. Their eyes clashed for an instant, Snape clearly unsettled, before both stood.
“It is too bad that you did not practice like that when I was attempting to teach you, Potter,” Snape snarled, “your godfather might still be alive.”
Harry felt the words like a physical blow. He knew he had been at fault, and certainly did not need Snape to remind him. He turned to leave, only to be stopped, bodily, by Lupin. Too tired and too drained to fight, he stood with his forehead resting on Remus’ chest, his back to the room.
“That will do, Severus, your remarks are uncalled for. I asked for an assessment.”
“I find him surprisingly improved, Headmaster. I was unable to gain access to any thoughts other than the ones he directed me to, and…found he was strong enough to gain entry to thoughts I didn’t want him too.” Snape stood stiffly in front of Dumbledore. “He could become quite accomplished if he continues to practice.”
Dumbledore gazed at Snape, a spark of irritation evident in his voice. “His name is Harry, Professor, and what he projected was accurate. Harry has earned an Outstanding OWL in Potions, and will be in your N.E.W.T. level Potions class. I fully expect that he will be mentored and taught while in your classes, not belittled in front of his peers. Harry has been dealt a heavy enough hand, as you well know, you have heard the Prophecy that governs his life. You may have reason to have hated his father, Severus, but you should know by now, that despite his appearance, Harry is very much Lilly’s son. I expect you to remember that.”
There was silence in the room; Harry did not see Snape nod at Dumbledore. He didn’t see Snape stare at him for a moment before sweeping from the room.
“Harry.” Dumbledore called to him softly, and Remus steered him over to an armchair. “Tell me exactly what you saw in your dream.”
Feeling wrung out and emotionally drained, Harry relayed his dream in a monotone voice. He told them how his scar had not hurt; that Sirius’ had relayed the prophecy to him as proof of who he was, and how he had said he’d stay close if he could. “And he said that if I kept practicing my Occlumency that I could go back in my dreams and visit him.” Harry raised his head to look at Dumbledore, “Do you think it was real, Professor, or…”
“I think you spoke to Sirius, Harry, that he doesn’t want to leave, and you need to do what he says so you can communicate.” Dumbledore looked at him intently. “There are many things in life, and death, that we do not understand. I do not think it is a trick, Voldemort would not be that subtle. I do want you to let me know, though, if you have another dream, Harry.”
“Yes, sir.” Harry stood to go. ”Professor, why would Snape hate my dad so much, but have such warm memories of my mum?”
“I think Professor Snape liked your mother because she was always nice to him, and because she was very pretty.” Dumbledore stood too. “And you need to get some rest, Harry. Go to bed now and we’ll talk tomorrow.”
A warm shaft of sunlight across his face woke Harry Potter from a deep sleep. Momentarily disoriented, he kept his eyes closed, trying to remember going to bed the night before or where he was now. Slowly awareness trickled back, and he knew he was in his bed at Sirius’ house. The memory of leaving Privet Drive came back, and the wonderful reunion with his friends. He also remembered the session with Snape.
Sealing off the flare of anger, Harry walled in his feeling and thoughts, clearing his mind in the way he’d been taught. Concentrating hard on the happiness he felt at being with his friends, he projected that as forcefully as he could. Albus Dumbledore had told him that love was something Voldemort did not understand, making it Harry’s greatest weapon against the Dark Lord.
“How can he still be asleep, Hermione? It’s after 9am and his birthday, for heavens sake!” Ron’s whisper penetrated the edge of Harry’s awareness. “Besides, we can’t start our Apparation lesson until he gets up!”
“He’s awake, Ron.” Came Remus Lupin’s quiet voice. “He is practicing his Occlumency. Good morning, Harry.”
Harry slowly opened his eyes to see Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Remus all standing beside his bed. Pushing himself into a sitting position, he took the glasses that Hermione handed him.
“Happy Birthday, Harry!! Now, get up!”
Harry grinned at them and threw back the covers as Remus herded them out of the room. “We’ll see downstairs when your dressed, Harry.”
It took just a few minutes to scramble into clothes, splash water on his face and Harry Apparated to the kitchen. It was very noisy with Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and Mrs. Weasley sitting at the table, all talking.
“Happy birthday, sleepy head! Sit down and let me get you some breakfast.” Mrs. Weasley got up. “And you lot just hush until he’s done eating!”
Harry had to laugh at the looks on the faces of his friends, as Hedwig swooped into the kitchen with an envelope. Tearing it open, Harry found it was a birthday card from Hagrid. He looked up and saw pile of cards in the middle of the table as well. Twenty minutes later all the cards were opened, breakfast eaten, and the kitchen cleaned.
As Harry sat watching, Remus and Mrs. Weasley began teaching Ron, Hermione, and Ginny how to Apparrate and Disapparated. Even though technically, Ginny wasn’t allowed to, they all felt it might be a critical skill to know in an emergency. They stopped for a quick lunch and continued to practice. Harry took the opportunity to do again practice his Occlumency for half an hour.
“Harry.” Lupin’s hand on his shoulder brought him back to awareness. Harry opened his eyes and looked up. “It is amazing when you do that, Harry, as I could swear I can feel what you are projecting.” Remus gave him an assessing look.
Mrs. Weasley came bustling in to the room. “Come along everyone, I have your school book lists early and we are going to Diagon Alley.”
A few minutes later, a puzzled group of teenagers arrived in Diagon Alley, having been allowed to Apparrate to the Leaky Cauldron. Heading first to Gringotts Bank, Harry was speechless when he saw that his vault had been filled to capacity with gold galleons. He wondered how in the world he would ever spend it all as he scooped a bag full out. It was a treat, though to watch Molly Weasley open her family’s vault and see that it was also brimming with gold. Sirius would have like that.
As they spent the rest of the afternoon shopping for the supplies everyone needed for the coming school year. Ron and Ginny got new robes and cauldrons, as well as their schoolbooks, Harry bought new robes as his were getting short and new Quidditch gloves, on the hope that he would be reinstated to the Gryffindor team. All of them restocked their potions stores, inkbottles, parchment and quills.
Harry had the odd sensation of being watched during the afternoon, wondering if Dumbledore had members of the Order watching them, or if he needed to worry.
Their last stopped turned out to be Fred and George’s joke shop, where the twins were ecstatic to see them all. Looking prosperous and well, they were doing a brisk business and Mrs. Weasley ushered everyone into the backroom. There, they all Apparated back to the drawing room at 12 Grimmauld Place.
“Upstairs now, all of you! I have a birthday dinner to get ready!”
It didn’t take Harry long to put his items away in his truck, and he sat on his bed while Ron went on about his favorite Quidditch team, the Chudley Cannons. Lost in thought, he didn’t realize that Ron had stopped until he felt someone sit beside him.
“Harry?” Hermione sat looking at him. “What’s the matter? Did something happen with Snape last night?”
Harry saw that Ron had stopped in front of him. He nodded and didn’t go into detail, but told his friends about witnessing Snape’s embarrassment last term and how that was why the Occlumency lessons had stopped in the first place. Taking a breath, he told them about what happened the night before, and how Snape’s comment had made him feel.
“But Dumbledore told him that he was out of line, and even Snape had to admit that I had gotten better. If I keep practicing, then Voldemort won’t ever be able to trick me like that again.”
“I’m glad, Harry! Snape has treated you, and us too, terribly since our first year!”
“Yeah, and I am not too sure how much improvement there will be, but I don’t think I will ever have to take Occlumency lessons from him again!”
Harry fell silent again, examining his shoes. Ron and Hermione exchanged glances over his head.
“Harry, you don’t seem too anxious to go to your party.” Hermione said, watching him intently. “What’s the matter?”
“It’s…stupid, but I don’t know what to do.” He looked up. “I’ve never had a birthday before, really, and have never had a party. I just…”
A single haunting note of music reverberated through the room, and Harry recognized it immediately as Phoenix song. A flame appeared in mid-air and suddenly a gold and red bird about the size of a swan was settling on Harry’s shoulder, a warm and welcome weigh.
“Fawkes!” Harry reached up to stroke the bird’s head. “What are you doing here?”
Fawkes flew up and hovered in front of them, before slowly flying out the door.
“I think he wants us to follow him, Harry!” Ron said as they all followed the Phoenix from the room and down to the kitchen.
The room was full of people as Harry stepped through the door; a huge banner read HAPPY BITHDAY, HARRY! Hung over the long kitchen table, which was laden with heaping piles of food. On the sideboard by the fireplace was a pile of gaily-wrapped presents. Harry stopped short, unsure of what to do, but Ron shoved him into the room.
“Happy Birthday, Harry!” Remus spotted him first and clapped him on the shoulder. Everyone else seemed to realize he was there at the same time, laughing and hugging him, or shaking his hand. Tonks, Kingsley, and Mr. Weasley had all just come from work at the Ministry of Magic. Bill Weasley crowded around as Fred and George Apparated into the middle of the room. Alastor Moody and Professor McGonagall were there, standing beside Albus Dumbledore, who beamed at him. Everyone was talking at once and Mrs. Weasley gave him a big hug before sending him to fill a plate at the table.
Harry slowly relaxed as people ate and circulated around the room. Everyone was laughing and seemed to be having a great time just being in each other’s company. As soon as he ate, presents began to find there way into his lap. After awkwardly trying to neatly open the first one, a tin of chocolate frogs from the Weasley twins, which the two impatiently ripped open for him, Harry was able to rip open the rest by himself. Ron had given him a new compass for his Firebolt broom and Hermione a study guide to Potions. Mrs. Wesley had baked him his favorite mince pies and found him a stack of bright green socks that matched his eyes, causing Ron to roll his eyes. Moody and Tonks gave him a holster to carry his wand in under his robes. Professor McGonagall gave him a new quill with a feather in Gryffindor colors. Professor Dumbledore gave him a bag of Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans.
Remus handed him a badly wrapped package, which Harry recognized as Sirius’ style. “He had me search high and low for that, as he really wanted you to have it.”
Harry ripped it open to find large leather bound book, Ancient Charms against Dark Wizards. Looking inside, he could see color illustrations moving on the pages showing how to perform each charm. Remus handed Harry a second package, which contained a new black traveling cloak of a very soft and warm fabric.
“Thank you, Remus,” Harry smiled, touched by the thoughtfulness.
“The girls will think you are dashing in that, Harry!” Bill Weasley teased him.
The table had been cleared of dinner and now held 2 large cakes, a large white cake and a smaller chocolate cake with green writing that Harry recognized as the work of Rubeus Hagrid. Hagrid had given Harry one just like it, his first ever birthday cake on his 11th birthday.
“Hagrid could not be here tonight, Harry, but he wanted to make sure you had that.” Dumbledore smiled down at him. “And you will see him very soon.”
Harry started towards the table when his head exploded in pain and he staggered, dropping to his knees. Sheer unadulterated rage shot through him before Harry could even think. Struggling, he tried to slam the walls up in his mind. Cool long fingers covered the white-hot scar on his forehead, and Dumbledore’s calmness soothed him as he locked the walls firmly in place.
Trembling, Henry sat back on his heels, feeling sick. “He’s very angry, the angriest he has been in a while. Someone saw us today in Diagon Alley, but didn’t tell him until it was too late to do anything.” Harry lifted a shaky hand, and pushed his glasses up. No one had to ask whom he was talking about. Remus and Dumbledore lifted him into a chair.
“What else, Harry?” Dumbledore sat down beside him, and Remus stood next to the chair.
Harry knew everyone was watching him, but knew how important it was. “He was raging because he missed an opportunity to get me, but I am not sure whether he wanted to kill me or capture me. It sounds like he has followers who have been watching Privet Drive and other places I might be.” He looked at Dumbledore. “I didn’t feel like I wanted to attack you like before though, so I don’t think he knows I can still feel him.”
“And this was the first contact since last month?”
Harry nodded, “I’ve been practicing hard since school ended to close my mind off.”
“I do not think Voldemort realizes that you can feel his emotional outburst, Harry, and he obviously doesn’t feel yours, or he would have known you were going to Diagon Alley before you got there. I do believe that your method of concentrating on something very happy to close your mind is excellent.” Dumbledore said thoughtfully. “Molly, I think we need to move our plans up, don’t you agree?”
Molly Weasley exchanged glances with her husband, and eldest son. “Yes, I think that would be a good idea.”
Albus Dumbledore looked around the room. “I believe that the information we have received concerning Voldemort’s activities indicate that he is busy recruiting followers as well as spies, and is obsessed with finding Harry. Being kept from hearing the Prophecy seems to have fortified Voldemort belief that Harry is somehow the key to his complete return to power and ultimately, victory.”
He looked over the group, as he accepted a piece of birthday cake from Ginny. “I’m sorry, Harry, that your birthday celebration has turned into an Order of the Phoenix meeting, but I believe this is important. Go ahead and eat your cake while I explain.”
Harry looked at the plate that Mrs. Weasley handed him, with a small slice of each cake on it. He still felt sick and shaky, but was glad that Dumbledore and the rest weren’t treating them like children. He had suspected that Fred and George would join the Order as soon as they left Hogwarts, but knew too that Ginny, Ron, and Hermione has proven themselves that night at the Department of Mysteries. Sirius would be pleased with this too, he thought.
“As we know, Harry is the safest in 2 places, his relatives’ home on Privet Drive and at Hogwarts. No matter how well protected this house is, it is still not completely impenetrable. Nor do I think that Harry, Ron, Hermione, or Ginny will take to enforce confinement in it any better than Sirius did. In speaking to Remus and Molly, they are in favor of taking the young people to Hogwarts early, where they can take advantage of the protections in place there. It would also give Harry a chance to continue his Occlumency Lessons, and let them all get outside in the sunshine.” His eyes twinkled as he looked at Harry. “I believe that Professor McGonagall was just saying that she was thinking about reinstating the old Gryffindor seeker for the new term. I would think he might need to practice.”
Harry felt a shiver of excitement. “Oh, yes, please Professor!” He sought his Head of House in the crowd, who gave him one of her rare smiles and nodded.
“And Ginny, what do you think about being a Prefect?” Dumbledore asked. “I’m sure Ron and Hermione would be able to help you out.”
Ginny never had a chance to respond as Mrs. Weasley shrieked and swept her into a bear hug. The rest of the room laughed heartily as Ginny was led on a dance around the room.
Remus nudged Harry and looked pointedly at his plate. Harry took a tentative bite of Hagrid’s cake. His stomach felt better and he took another bite. “Professor, when will we go back to Hogwarts then?”
Dumbledore polished off the last of his cake. “No time like the present, Harry. Minerva, are things ready?”
The Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts nodded. “Yes, sir, everything is prepared.”
“Molly, Remus, are you both ready as well?” Both asserted they were.
Professor Dumbledore set his plate aside and looked at them all very seriously. “You must all remember that this is a war, and you must take every precaution to watch yourselves and those around you. Do not trust anyone outside the Order with any information about our activities, and Harry, specifically. It could cost someone his or her life. I while know that these 4 are under aged wizards and witches, they proved themselves in the Department of Mysteries last month as qualified to join our ranks, but know that your involvement will be limited by your parents and guardian.”
He looked at Harry solemnly. “You have had enough to worry about, I know, but you are going to have to be diligent and honest with me, Harry. I know there have been times when your scar has hurt or you have had flashes from Voldemort that you didn’t tell anyone about. It is imperative now, that I know whenever something happens, alright.”
“Yes, Professor.”
“Good, now finish up and get your things together. We are heading to Hogwarts.”
It was late by the time Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Remus had transported by portkey with Dumbledore to his office. Sending the others ahead to the Gryffindor common room, the Headmaster motioned toward a chair and Harry sat. He tried very hard not to remember the last time he had sat in this office.
Dumbledore seemed to be of the same mindset. “Harry, the last time we were in this office, I told you of the great destiny that awaits you. You turned 16 today and have already accomplished so much, and have proven that you have immense potential. It is now time to start refining the talent and ability you have within you.”
He handed Harry a watch with no hands on its iridescent, luminous face.
“This watch is very special, Harry, as it will let me know immediately if you need me. All you have to do it press a finger on the dial, and I will know. Please wear it at all times, as we cannot be too careful with your safety. All right?”
Harry strapped the watch on his wrist, and if had a pleasant warm feel to it, as if he was wearing a phoenix feather. “Yes, Professor, and thank you. Will…will it be you giving me more Occlumency lessons?”
“Yes, Harry, I will be giving those to you and more, but that doesn’t mean that Professor Snape will never be asked to tutor you.” Dumbledore looked down his long crooked nose, through his half-moon glasses. “You must trust me, Harry, to know what is best for you.”
Harry nodded, “Yes, Professor, I do.”
It was eerie walking back through the empty castle towards Gryffindor Tower, but it didn’t bother Harry as he had too much on his mind. He never saw the shadow move ahead of him, until a hand grabbed his arm. In a blink of an eye, there was a strangled yell and a figure soared overhead, landing with a thud at the foot of the marble staircase.
Harry saw it all as if in slow motion and was still gawking at the heap of black robes, blinking, when Dumbledore appeared at his elbow.
“Oh my. Severus, you mustn’t sneak up on Harry like that!”
“What is going on?” Remus Lupin hurried down the staircase with the others trailing him. “Severus?” He helped Dumbledore set Snape on his feet and brush him off.
The Potions master appeared completely rattled and, like Harry, at a loss for words. They stared at each other for several long minutes.
Dumbledore ran an accessing eye over Snape. “You seem to be in one piece, are you all right?”
Snape straightened his robes and attempted to appear composed. “Yes, Headmaster, I am fine. I was unaware of your return, and had merely stepped out to investigate the noises, when I happened across Potter.” He threw a cautious look at Harry, who still found it hard to believe that he’d throw Snape across the room with a flick of his wrist. “It seems that I must have startled him, as he has shown the same defensive reactions when we were doing our Occlumency sessions.”
Dumbledore led Snape away, and Lupin sheparded the rest up to the Gryffindor common room. Without a word the girls went up to their rooms and Harry and Ron to theirs. They said goodnight to Remus at the doorway and collapsed onto the 4 poster beds in fits of laughter. Both were still sniggering, as they got ready for bed and climbed in.