Title: The Truth of Legends
Author: Babbling Brook
Team: Dragon
Genre(s): Alternate Reality
Prompt(s): Inheritance & Puzzles
Rating: PG
Warning/Kinks: *minor character death, insinuated but untrue suspicions of inappropriate behavior with a minor*
Word Count: ~28,200
Summary: When Severus’s great uncle dies, he leaves Severus the estate and an unknown and unmentioned ward who is more than meets the eye.
A/N: Thanks to Ivylady, centaury_squill, simons_flower, meri_oddities, and fearless leader joanwilder for finding my typos and ill chosen words, to the_minx_17 and hpstrangelove for looking over it, and to my Dragon teammates for all the help and input you provided.

The Truth of Legends

Severus Snape, foremost magical researcher of the Royal Conclave for Magical Advancement, stepped out of the hansom and onto the sidewalk. He gazed upon the iron gates, intricately adorned with vines and prominently displaying the Dumbledore crest, guarding against unlawful entry. Beyond them, the lane stretched through the well-tended yard, guiding guests to the front door of the grand, stone, Baroque house. Hidden behind the house, Severus knew there was a fine garden with several hothouses, and off to the left was the family chapel in which he had stood only last week as they interred Great Uncle Albus Dumbledore in the family crypt.

A politely cleared throat behind him reminded him that he needed to pay the driver. Severus set his bag by his feet, pulled out several bills from his wallet, and handed them to the waiting centaur. The centaur slipped them into his vest pocket.

“Thank you, sir. Have a good day,” the driver said with a tip of his cap.

Severus nodded, retrieved his bag, and turned back to the gate as the hansom pulled away. Not wanting to waste another moment, Severus purposefully walked toward the gates. The gates smoothly parted at his approach, allowing him entrance. Severus studied the grounds with a new perspective as he walked to the house. The gaudy lawn ornaments of which Albus had been so fond would have to go. No one else in the family would want them. The rest could stay as it was.

During his pondering, his long strides had carried him to the front door. Severus reverently opened the door and felt the warm tingle of the wards acknowledging him as the new master of Evergreen Estate. Severus still found the fact unreal. He had been sure Evergreen would have gone to his Great Uncle Aberforth along with the title. When asked, Aberforth assured him that Evergreen now belonged to Severus, and he was sure that Albus had his reasons. The Lestrange brothers, two of Severus’s cousins, were not so pleased with Albus’s choice, but they could do nothing about it. The magical will was binding and unchallengeable, and Severus made sure to remind them of the fact.

Severus removed his top hat and shut the door. He was not surprised that no one was there to receive him as was proper. Most of the staff had been sent away on holiday until after the reading of the will. The only exception was Mr. and Mrs. Weasley who were to keep things tidy and in order until the heir decided the estate’s fate. From the state of the entry, they were doing an acceptable job.

Severus set his hat on the hall table, his bag beside it, and hung his coat on the rack tucked out of the way in a corner. He proceeded down the hall to discover what Albus had left him. The words, “Evergreen Estate now belongs to Severus Prince Snape for he is the best suited to nurture what I have left behind,” held more to them than just the obvious reference to the magical plants cultivated on the estate. Albus was a master of misdirection and plainly hidden truths; therefore, Severus was sure there was more to the statement, and he wanted to find out what it was before it blindsided him.

Grumbling at the thought of what unpleasantness Albus had left him, Severus headed for Albus’s study in hopes of finding a clue. He pushed through the doorway, stopped and stared at the dark-haired boy comfortably ensconced in a chair with a book in his lap. Green eyes darted upward at Severus’s entrance.

He had seen the boy before. He swiftly rolled through the events of the past weeks until he found where. The boy had been at the funeral. He had been standing closely with the Weasleys. Severus’s only thought at the time had been he did not have the look of the family, but the boy’s presence in his home indicated he did belong to them.

“What are you doing here, boy?” Severus demanded. His irritation at the intrusion rose and found voice before the boy had a chance to respond. “This room is not a place for you to dally or soil the books with your grimy fingers. There will be words with your guardians for this. Now get out!”

By the end of Severus’s rant, the green eyes seemed to glow with angry fire. The boy slowly closed the book and unfolded his small body out of the chair. There was not an ounce of remorse or a hint of guilt from the boy. He took several steps toward Severus and glared up at him.

“Master Snape,” the boy said with a surprisingly mature voice for his age, “I have every right to be in this room and studying these books since I was Albus’s ward and apprentice. As for talking to my guardians, have a nice chat with yourself,” he hissed before pushing past Severus and stomping out of the room.

Well, now Severus knew what Albus had not told him. He had expected to have to care for Albus’s familiar but not a boy. He turned, looking down the hall, not sure if he wanted to confront the boy again at this time and was happy to see no sign of him. Severus pinched the bridge of his nose as he muttered curses at his uncle. Not once in all of his visits with Albus had there ever been a mention or sighting of the boy. How could Albus keep something like this a secret? No, the real question was why did Albus keep it a secret. A small tingling of dread took up residence in a corner of his mind as he hoped there was nothing nefarious to be found. He hated the time and intrigue it took to keep family members from scandal.

Severus contemplated the study as he formulated the best plan of attack. He could try the desk and see if there were any relevant documents about the boy, but that could take all day. His best bet was to speak with the Weasleys. Course plotted, Severus headed for the kitchen in search of the matron.

“Mrs. Weasley,” he barked on entering.

She looked up from the potato she was peeling.

“Welcome home, sir,” she greeted. “Master Albus always said he would leave the place to you.”

“Was I the only one who didn’t know that?” Severus snapped.

“Most probably, sir,” she said, setting the potato and knife aside and rising from her seat. “Would you like a pot of tea?”

He waved her off.

“I’m more interested in information about a boy I came across,” Severus sharply said.

“You’ve met Harry, then,” she said, smiling affectionately at the boy’s name, but quickly morphing into a disappointed scowl. “Damn Albus, he said that he would inform you about Harry.”

Severus echoed her sentiment whole-heartedly.

“If I know you,” she waved a finger at him, “your first meeting wasn’t a smooth one. That’s going to cause problems.”

She clucked her tongue.

“So this…Harry was Albus’s ward?” Severus asked.

“Yes, since the lad was eleven,” she assured him.

“How old is he now?” Severus asked.

“Nineteen this past July,” she answered.

“And he is still Albus’s ward?”

She frowned and shook her head.

“It’s complicated. Harry can’t inherit his parents’ estate until he turns twenty-one, and until then he’s Albus’s ward.”

He pressed her for more information, but all she had were trivial stories about Harry’s childhood. He gave up and headed back to the study. He spent the next hour sorting through the contents of the desk, searching for papers dealing with his new home. He was interrupted when Albus’s familiar flew into the room and landed on the desk. The long, leathery, green wings smoothly folded to tuck against the sleek scaled body. Golden eyes looked at him curiously while presenting him with a letter

“Hello, Prospero,” Severus said.

He rubbed behind the left ear and was once more fascinated by the iridescent blue and red flecks that edged each of Prospero’s mostly green scales. Prospero leaned into the touch for a few seconds before drawing Severus’s attention back to the letter he carried by waving his head around. Severus grasped the corner of the envelope, and Prospero released it, leaving only one puncture mark in the corner.

“Severus Snape” was clearly written by Albus’s hand on the front. He snatched the letter opener off the desk and slid it under the flap before returning the object. He pulled out the folded parchment with anticipation. If he were uncommonly lucky, the letter would answer all his questions. He unfolded the letter and read.

Dear Severus,

By now, you have probably met my ward and apprentice Harry. He has been with me for many years, and I have grown very fond of him in that time. He is my son in all the ways that matter. As I have left Evergreen Estate in your hands, so I leave Harry’s future education and protection.

With love,

Uncle Albus

P.S. Also look after Prospero.

Severus crumpled the letter in frustration.

“If the infernal old coot wasn’t dead,” Severus growled.

Prospero tilted his head and made an inquisitive chirp. Severus, who had always gotten along with the intelligent familiar, reached up and scratched above the miniature dragon’s eye ridge.

“He didn’t tell me more than I’ve already learned, less in fact,” Severus grumbled.

Prospero gave a low growl and bumped his head against Severus’s hand. Severus trailed a finger down the base of Prospero’s back ridges. He arched into the contact as he walked across the desk. Prospero daintily hooked the crumbled letter out of Severus’s other hand and attempted to unroll it.

Severus smoothed the letter and let it sit on the desk for Prospero’s perusal.

“You were always into Albus’s business,” he commented, as the dragon seemed to read the letter. Severus leaned back in the chair and studied the familiar. “If only you could talk. You could explain what Albus left out that I need to know.”

Prospero lifted his head and studied Severus. He stretched out across the desk and rested his chin on the desk edge. He made a gurgling noise before a small huff that caused a thin curl of smoke to rise from the corner of his mouth.

“So now I’m left with this house, you— which is a pleasant surprise, and a ward that I know nothing about not to mention how to care for. What’s wrong with the boy that Albus never told anyone about him?”

Prospero growled at that.

“Don’t give me that,” Severus chided. “Albus had his reasons for keeping the boy secret. I need to understand them to know how to proceed.”

Prospero nodded his head in agreement.

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment, hoping the migraine he felt coming on would leave. The pain refused to abate, and Severus knew he needed to take something before it got too bad. Severus was not five paces from the desk when Prospero launched himself into the air and glided to land on Severus’s shoulder where he proceeded to drape himself around Severus’s neck.

“Very well,” Severus grumbled yet was secretly pleased to have the dragon showing such attachment to him. Maybe in time, he could develop the same rapport with Prospero as Albus had.

The next morning at breakfast, Severus sat down at the table to find his new ward waiting for him. Mrs. Weasley brought out breakfast and returned to the kitchen. They ate in silence. Severus studied Harry out of the corner of his eye. The boy still did not look to be nineteen. He attributed it to the fact that the boy was obviously a late bloomer.

Once more Severus wondered if teaching the boy magic was the only thing Albus taught, although the letter did say Albus thought of the boy as a son. That point had relieved a part of Severus’s suspicion, but it would not be fully banished until he knew with certainty. That was a problem to be pondered at another time.

“This evening we will discuss your studies,” Severus said.

Harry looked up at him and muttered a “Yes, sir,” before returning to his tea. The belligerence from yesterday was absent, but so was any spark of emotion. Severus was sure it would return much to his displeasure.

Severus took his leave to prepare to go to work. He retrieved his coat from the hook and slipped it on. A weight landed on his left shoulder as he fastened the last button. Prospero tediously balanced with all four feet on Severus’s shoulder while trying not to dig his claws through the cloth. Once safe from tumbling, he twisted his neck around to look at Severus and made an inquiring sound.

“Morning, Prospero,” Severus said. “I’m off to Conclave, you should stay here.”

Prospero ignored Severus’s comment and draped around Severus like a dragon scarf. Severus reached up to remove the new accessory.

“Come away, now!” Severus said.

The tail wrapped around his neck tightened. Prospero let out a pleading whine close to Severus’s ear and fastened his front claws into Severus’s coat.

Obviously, Prospero wanted to go with him. Albus had rarely gone anywhere without the small dragon. He probably had not been out of the house in weeks. Severus reviewed the day’s schedule and saw no harm in allowing Prospero to come. It would give them a chance to bond.

“If you come, you must behave, else I’ll not allow it again,” Severus warned.

Prospero happily twittered before licking the side of Severus’s face. Severus scrunched his nose in disgust.

“Refrain from slobbering on me!”

Prospero stretched his neck across the top of his tail and rested his head on Severus’s other shoulder.

“Very well,” Severus said and walked out the door to the awaiting carriage.

Severus entered his lab to check on things. It appeared that his assistant had competently finished distilling the Hindike solution and had cleaned things up. Prospero lifted his head and sniffed. He stretched his neck out, scenting the air and uncurled from around Severus’s neck. A quick jump and several flaps of his wings carried Prospero to the floor. He buried his nose in a pile of rags that Severus was not pleased to see his assistant had left. Prospero pulled back swiftly and sneezed. He looked warily at the rags before opting to explore other areas of the room.

Severus was about to call him back when the sound of hoofs alerted him to his department head’s presence.

“Mr. Rytas,” Severus greeted as he turned to face the door, “what horrendous task are you forcing on me now?”

Pantonius Rytas greeted Severus with a forbidding, toothy grin that seemed to reach his wide, curly gray sideburns. His jacket was crisply pressed and immaculate with a fresh blue rosebud in the lapel. Even the hair covering his goat legs was neatly organized.

“There’s a Royal review today,” Pantonius explained. His voice was deep and flowing. “Since you are the assistant department head, you will be attending.”

A rat scurrying across the floor interrupted them. A green blur rose into the air before sharply dropping onto the running rat. Prospero looked up at them with a squealing white rat held in his jaws.

“Damn Pettigrew! I warned him that the containment spells on the cages needed to be renewed. I will not stand for this place to be overrun with lab rats again,” Pantonius growled.

“I wouldn’t advise eating it,” Severus told Prospero. “Give it here, and I’ll find a cage for it.”

Prospero trotted over to Severus, his nails clicking on the floor the entire way, and let him remove the frightened rat.

“So you inherited Albus’s pet?” Pantonius asked.

“You could say he came with the house,” Severus answered.

Pantonius nodded, letting the matter drop in favour of more important things. “Give the escapee to Pettigrew and join me for the meeting!”

“So much for catching up on my paperwork,” Severus mumbled. “Come on, Prospero, we have a boring meeting to attend.

Prospero gurgled and lunched up to reclaim his place around Severus’s neck.

Severus pushed his way through the lingering meeting attendees in the hopes of salvaging a bit of his day, only for Lord Lucius Malfoy to approach him as soon as he was clear.

“Severus, walk with me,” Malfoy said, catching Severus’s elbow.

“I don’t have time right now, Lucius,” Severus insisted.

“You have to eat sometime,” Lucius countered.

He guided Severus out of the building and to his awaiting coach. Knowing it was just better to go along with Malfoy, he climbed into the carriage. Lucius ordered the driver to The Voldemort, the gentlemen’s club to which they both belonged and was owned by Aberforth Dumbledore. The coach pulled into traffic as soon as Lucius was settled.

“I haven’t seen you in a while,” Lucius casually commented.

“Albus’s death and the settling of the estate have taken much of my time,” Severus coolly pointed out.

He and Lucius had been quasi friends for years. Lucius tended to seek out his company only when he wanted to gloat or commiserate over something or he wanted something from Severus. Severus was just waiting to see which direction the ball would bounce.

“Congratulations on walking away with the lion’s share of the goods,” Lucius said, surprisingly with the sound of honest feelings behind it.

“Wasn’t what I expected when I went in. I figured it would mostly go to Aberforth,” Severus said.

Everyone expected the last Dumbledore to be the main beneficiary, not one of the four great-nephews. That was what had caused two of his cousins to try unsuccessfully to contest the will.

“You should have heard Bellatrix complain that her Rodolphus should have received more,” Lucius said with contempt for his sister-in-law. “I might not enjoy her bitching about it to Narcissa, but she would be gloating if Dumbledore had been foolish enough to leave the estate to either of the Lestrange brothers. Anything that causes Bellatrix to gloat is not a good thing.”

“He gave each Lestrange a chunk of money, which we both know is what they prefer over the collection of odd instruments that he gave to Lupin,” Severus said, almost sneering at the end.

“Ah, but it is Prince. Has been for years,” Lucius reveled in pointing out the fact to Severus once more.

Severus folded his arms over his chest and growled, “He was Remus Lupin when I met him. He kept his full name and added Prince on the end when Uncle Darrel adopted him; therefore Lupin is still his name.”

Severus almost felt childish, but he pushed it aside.

“I might not be fond of him,” Lucius said, “but he will manage the Prince estate better than the Lestranges.”

Severus mentally agreed. The Lestranges were more interested in their perverse pleasures and power trips than ensuring safe and comfortable survival for oneself and one’s children.

They arrived at the club, and their conversation halted until they were seated in one of the protected booths and had ordered. Severus had managed to coax Prospero to move from his neck to the spot beside him on the bench. Prospero hopped down onto the seat. He curled up beside Severus and placed his head along Severus’s thigh. Prospero poked his head over the tabletop when lunch was presented.

Severus offered him a chunk of meat, which he happily accepted. Prospero pulled his head back under the table and chewed on his morsel.

“Is that what he eats?” Lucius asked.

Severus paused a moment. He had not given Prospero’s diet much thought.

“It appears so,” he answered.

Lucius chuckled. “You better hope the servants know how to take care of him.”

There was a soft growl from under the table. Severus slipped another piece of meat to the creature.

“You do appear to be getting on well with him,” Lucius pointed out.

“We’ve managed so far,” Severus said. His thoughts drifted to his other charge, the one about whom he was not so sure.

“You know,” Lucius said in a manner that alerted Severus that the real reason for the lunch was here, “Narcissa would enjoy spending time with your pet.”

“I’m sure she would,” he guardedly responded.

He knew of her quest to reclaim the Dragonheart crest for her son Draco; however, Severus knew only the rough details about it. Narcissa’s maternal grandfather descended from George the Dragon Slayer, the first to be awarded the Dragonheart coat-of-arms by the king. The Dragonheart coat-of-arms was passed to the next generation once the heir proved himself worthy through some act concerning dragons. It always sounded foolish to Severus. Dragons were dangerous creatures; however, they rarely caused problems today. It was all because the penultimate Dragonheart had negotiated a treaty between humans and dragons that had kept the peace between the two races for over a hundred years.

“I’m not offering to buy him,” Lucius assured. “I know you would not part with him; however, letting Narcissa examine him and run a few tests would cause no harm. Of course, you will require compensation for your time.”

“Of course. I’ll take it under consideration,” Severus said.

“How is moving into Evergreen Estate coming?” Lucius asked.

“Slow and full of surprises,” Severus said.

Lucius snorted in amusement, “The old man always liked keeping people in the dark.”

“I was quite surprised when I found that he had left me Prospero and…” Severus found that he could not mention the boy at all.

Luckily, Prospero poked his head up and gave him a reason for the hesitation. He offered Prospero another piece of meet and modified his statement, “…several other oddities that were in his care.”

“You will be the next year sorting it all out,” Lucius commented.

Severus could only agree.

After the late lunch with Lucius, Severus had a bit of time to return to his flat, pack a few more boxes, and gather additional personal items before returning to Evergreen for the evening.

He would have liked a relaxing evening, but there was the problem of the boy. He did not have the time or the patience to continue the boy’s education. The idea of a tutor or sending him off to a private school had been at the top of Severus’s list, but after the inability to mention the boy to Lucius, Severus wondered if they were impossible options. He would have to see if he could talk to anyone other than his staff about Harry. If he could not, then Albus must have placed some form of secrecy or taboo enchantment around the boy. Once more his doubts about Albus’s motives for having Harry arose.

As soon as he walked in the door, Prospero launched off Severus’s shoulder and flew through the house. Severus figured the small dragon was happy to be home. Frank Longbottom, the butler, met Severus at the door.

“Good evening, sir,” said Frank, relieving Severus of his coat, hat, and bag. “Post came for you. I placed it on the study desk. I shall inform Mrs. Weasley of your arrival and dinner shall be ready shortly, unless you would prefer a later time?”

“That is fine,” Severus assured. “Have the rest of the staff been informed to return?”

“Yes, sir. All are present and accounted for,” Frank answered.

“Good.” Severus started to walk away but turned back to Frank and asked, “I assume Harry will be at dinner.”

“He usually is,” Frank assured.

Severus nodded and headed for the office to check the post before dinner.

Dinner was quiet as neither Harry nor Severus spoke much. After dinner, Severus asked Harry to the study. Severus took the seat behind the desk. With all of Albus’s things surrounding him, Severus felt as if he were an intruder in the chair. He swiftly focused his attention on the boy sitting before him.

“What has Albus taught you?” Severus demanded.

The boy started describing what Albus had taught him with a passion to defend his mentor. Severus interrupted him often with pointed, somewhat insulting, questions to comprehend more fully the boy’s understanding. Severus would receive his answer, but the boy seemed to take offence at the questioning.

“Your magical theory seems to be adequate, however if you have the ability to perform half of what you know is still to be seen,” Severus said.

Harry’s hands curled into balls as he once more fought his anger for control. Severus thought the boy might have even growled.

“That will wait for another day. What was Albus’s method of instruction?” Severus asked.

“He assigned reading. In the evening, he would answer any questions I had, and we would practice,” he said through gritted teeth.

“That will work for now,” Severus said. “Tomorrow, bring me a list of where you stopped in each subject so I can consider what next to assign you. I have thought about obtaining the services of a tutor for you,” Severus said, wanting to see the boy’s reaction.

The boy was stiff with defiance.

“Albus didn’t think that was a good idea,” Harry angrily warned,

“Why not?” Severus pushed, hoping for insight into the mystery.

“He had his reasons,” Harry said.

“And they are?” Severus demanded.

“I can’t say,” the boy said, gloating.

“Can’t or won’t?” Severus asked.

“Both,” Harry answered. Triumph hummed through him and replaced the tenseness the anger brought. “I made a promise to Albus.”

The boy stood and marched out of the room without Severus’s dismissal. Severus momentarily contemplated going after him, but decided that he did not want to deal with the row it would create. He would get nothing more out of the boy by further antagonizing him except a headache.

Severus sighed and leaned back in his chair. He tapped his finger against his lip, looked at the open door. The boy was lacking a bit in history, literature, and some of the lesser branches of study. His math skills were adequate. He had an excellent understanding of magic and could challenge a master of defensive magic to produce something he did not know. Severus doubted that a tutor could be found to advance the boy’s magical education. That left it up to Severus, and he was not sure if he could stay ahead of the boy. He would probably do best at University. That was where most others his age were.

It was late. Severus told himself that the problem would wait, and he headed to bed.

Harry presented Severus with the requested list the next morning at breakfast. After a quick glance, Severus slipped it into a pocket before heading to work with Prospero accompanying him. At lunch, Severus went to The Voldemort to speak with Aberforth. He was ushered into the small office off the kitchen when he requested to see his great-uncle.

“Severus, my lad, and Prospero,” Aberforth gruffly greeted them.

Prospero landed on the desk before Aberforth and butted his head against the old man’s hand. He ran a hand down the dragon’s flank.

Severus took a seat.

“Did you know Albus had a ward?” Severus asked. He was relieved to actually be able to tell someone else about Harry after his failed attempt to tell Pantonius that morning.

“Ah, yes, my brother’s little secret,” Aberforth verified. He scratched Prospero under the chin and did not look at Severus.

“Did he...was he…” Severus found himself floundering at presenting his suspicions to Aberforth. “Did their relationship ever cross over from caregiver to lover?”

Aberforth looked up at Severus, and Prospero’s mouth opened and appeared to be laughing. Small gasping sounds squeaked out of the dragon.

“Rest easy on that count,” Aberforth assured. “Albus’s questionable actions toward his ward aren’t of a sexual nature.”

“Then what were they?” Severus eagerly asked.

“It’s not my secret to reveal,” Aberforth said.

“But you know,” Severus accused.

“A small bit, but I can guess at what was never told me,” Aberforth said.

“And you can’t tell me,” growled Severus.

“Not at this time,” Aberforth said.

Severus latched onto the bit of information with hope.

“Albus has cast some enchantment that keeps you from telling and me from talking about Harry to anyone who doesn’t already know,” Severus deduced.

The approving glow in Aberforth’s eyes was enough to confirm Severus’s suspicions.

“You might not be able tell me Albus’s reasons for keeping the boy a secret, but there are other things you can surely tell me.” Severus tapped his lower lip and contemplated. “If Albus saw him as a son, as he said in his letter to me, why didn’t he leave the estate to him?”

Aberforth picked up his phone and ordered a lunch for two and a bowl of meat to be brought to his office from the kitchen.

“We will be here for a while,” Aberforth commented. “To do that, Harry’s existence would have to be revealed.”

Severus stood and began to pace the confines of the office.

“The boy’s existence can’t be known by others outside a small group because, because why?” Severus muttered. “Obviously his presence, if known, brings some danger— to himself, the household, the country?”

There was a knock at the door and one of the waiters carried in a tray of food. He set it down and exited swiftly. Aberforth placed the bowl of meat strips on the floor for Prospero then arranged the remaining plates on his desk.

“Pull up a chair, Severus, and eat. You’re not going to unravel the mystery my brother left behind in one afternoon.”

Severus paused and looked back at the desk that looked like it had been crammed into the end of the room. Aberforth was correct. Whatever was going on, he would not suss it out without more information. He moved the wooden chair closer to Aberforth’s desk so he could reach his meal.

Prospero picked up a chunk of meat and started eagerly chomping on it.

“Does he only eat meat?” Severus asked. He picked up his sandwich and took a bite.

“He enjoys some fruits on occasion,” Aberforth answered, looking down at Prospero. “So, how are you and Harry getting along?”

“It hasn’t been the smoothest of introductions,” Severus admitted. He explained about their first meeting, his surprise at the news, and last night’s confrontation.

Aberforth shook his head with amusement.

“Damn, Albus! What does he expect me to do with the boy? I’m no one’s ideal candidate to rear a child,” Severus ranted.

“He’s nineteen,” Aberforth pointed out. “He doesn’t need a parent figure, more a mentor or guide.”

“Aberforth, the boy knows enough that he should be at University like others his age, but that’s probably not a possibility with whatever Albus has done, otherwise he would already be there,” Severus said. His aggravation at the situation was growing.

“True,” Aberforth confirmed.

“Can he even leave the house?” Severus asked exasperated.

“The house, yes.”

“The estate?”

“Complicated.”

Severus found the answer odd and figured he was bumping up against the enchantment again. He sighed and rubbed his temple.

“Why couldn’t the old coot have just told me everything?” Severus griped.

“You will find the answers,” Aberforth assured.

“And until then, I’m saddled with a ward that I don’t have time to deal with and not sure what to do with.” Prospero let out a small whine, so Severus reached down and gave him a reassuring pat. “I usually spend all my waking time in the lab at work. How can that be beneficial to the boy? Albus should have given his care to Uncle Darrel or Lupin.”

“But he didn’t,” Aberforth pointed out. “He entrusted Harry to you for his own reasons.” Aberforth leaned forward and made sure he had Severus’s attention. “You have the time. Take a week or two off, familiarize yourself with the estate and Harry, get the place settled to suit you, and maybe the answer will make itself known. I doubt old goat-legs will object.”

Severus contemplated Aberforth’s suggestion over the next several days while continuing with his established schedule. He went to work during the day and tested Harry’s magical abilities in the evening. It did not leave him time to finish settling into the estate, and he often ended the evening with a headache.

It was his Thursday night session with Harry ending in disaster that had Severus seriously contemplating taking the time off. It frustrated Severus that the boy could correctly execute complicated magical rituals but could not master simple enchantments he should have been doing for years. The boy had stormed out of the workroom when Severus let his acidic tongue lash out once too often. Severus thought he had seen mist gathering around the retreating figure but dismissed it as a trick of the light.

Severus sat in his office, nursing a tumbler of scotch while the evening’s disaster rolled over through his mind. A soft “eep” pulled him from his thoughts. He looked down to find Prospero sitting by his feet and looking up at him. He seemed hesitant to approach Severus.

“Come on up,” Severus said, patting his lap.

Prospero jumped up onto the chair’s padded arm before carefully stepping onto Severus’s lap. He settled into a ball and rested his long neck on Severus’s chest. He looked up at Severus and let out a series of melancholy cries.

“I know how you feel,” Severus said. He repeatedly ran his hand down the serpentine neck, trying to soothe the obviously distressed dragon. “What has you so disturbed?”

Prospero swiveled his head and licked at Severus’s hand.

Severus rested his tumbler on the arm of the chair, only to have the dragon’s head hovering over it. A long thin tongue darted out to sample the liquid. Prospero pulled back sharply after the sampling.

“I don’t know how dragons and alcohol get along,” Severus commented. He moved the glass to the side table. They sat there for a time until Severus announced, “Time for bed.”

Severus scooped up an armful of dragon and stood. He headed for his room, muttering to Prospero during the trip. He set Prospero on the foot of his bed while he prepared to turn in.

Once settled under the warm covers, Severus felt movement coming closer to him on the bed. Prospero stepped onto Severus’s chest and stretched out.

“I’m not responsible if I roll over on you,” Severus griped while absentmindedly petting the dragon.

Prospero began to hum in contentment as Severus drifted off to sleep.

Friday evening, Severus announced to Harry and the staff that he would be spending the next two weeks tending to the estate. He wanted to have a meeting on Monday with each of them to help familiarize him with the running of Evergreen.

After the announcement, he dismissed the staff to their normal duties and ushered Harry into the study. He indicated that Harry should be seated in the reading chair that Severus had first found him in, and Severus took the matching one. He pinched his nose and sighed.

He had stopped to talk to Aberforth on his way home. His great-uncle had offered a few suggestions on how to approach Harry. He reminded Severus that Harry was not a child and might react better if not treated as one.

Harry looked at him curiously, waiting for Severus’s opening move.

“What do you want to study? What occupation do you want to pursue?” Severus asked.

Harry seemed baffled by the questions.

“These are not hard questions,” Severus said. He managed to keep the growl from slipping out. “What are you interested in?”

“I…I don’t know,” Harry stammered out. “I’ve never thought about it. I studied what Albus told me to.”

“You never dreamed of working in one of the areas you studied?” Severus asked, obviously perplexed by the idea.

Harry shifted uneasily in his chair.

“I never considered it. I figured I would continue doing what I have been doing for the past seven years,” Harry confessed.

Severus perked up, smelling a piece of his puzzle.

“And what’s that, Harry?” he softly said.

“Helping Albus.”

“How did you help Albus?”

“I helped him with his research,” Harry said.

That helped explain Harry’s advanced magical knowledge but did not answer what Severus wanted to know now.

“And with some rituals?”

Harry nodded.

“How else did you help Albus?”

“I would find out things for him,” Harry answered.

“What sort of things?”

“Things he wanted to know,” Harry defensively answered.

“How did you do that?”

Harry seemed to be struggling to respond. Severus suspected that it was the taboo at work again.

“I can’t tell you,” Harry managed to gasp out.

Severus settled into his chair and considered what he could not learn. He nodded his head to Harry in understanding.

“Albus’s death changed your plans, I suspect.”

“But you’re master of the estate now,” Harry blurted out. It was obvious the boy regretted it immediately.

“Despite my replacement of Albus in your future plans, it is always good to have alternatives. I want you to spend the weekend pondering my questions. During our time on Monday, you will have answers for me.”

“Yes, sir,” Harry muttered.

“Once we have a direction, I’ll see what I can do. That’s all for tonight.”

Harry nodded and slowly walked out of the room. Severus was pleased that their conversation had revealed that whatever enchantment held Harry to the estate was now centered on himself, and Harry was helping Albus by some method hidden by the enchantment. This led Severus to believe that Harry had a unique talent that benefited Albus but needed to be hidden from others. That helped explain all the secrecy.

It was obvious that Harry knew more to what was going on than he said. If he continued not alienating the boy, then he might be able to glean more information.

It seemed his vacation was off to a promising start.

Saturday, Severus oversaw the moving of his belongings from his flat to Evergreen. When he returned home, there were boxes stacked all over the study and his bedroom. Most of the furniture he had placed in storage.

One thing off his to-do list lightened the overwhelming burden Severus felt he carried. If everything else went as smoothly, the business with the estate would be completed in the first week. That would leave the second week to deal with Harry.

“Sir,” Frank said, finding Severus in the hall. “Mr. Granger, the head gardener, would like to know your preferences in regard to the landscaping and gardens. He thought you might find it beneficial to take a tour around the grounds at your leisure before your meeting with him on Monday.”

“A valid suggestion,” Severus said. “Have all the interviews been scheduled?”

“All taken care of, sir. The schedule is on your desk.”

“Very good. Carry on!”

Frank gave him a nod and continued down the hall. If all the servants were as efficient as Frank, then it might take less time than Severus previously thought. Severus headed to the back of the house and looked out on the spring blooms. After all the stress, a stroll would do some good.

Severus retrieved his coat and stepped out into the refreshing afternoon air. As a child, he would play in the gardens when they visited. At one family gathering, he hid from his cousins in the woods beyond the lake. His father was not pleased with having to search for him when it was time to go home. Albus had found the whole thing amusing. They never returned to visit Evergreen until after his father died.

Severus’s feet carried him to the lake. To his right, at the forest’s border with the lake, was Harry, stretched out in the grass, basking in the spot of sun. Beside him in the shadow of the tree was an elegant dryad. It was probably her tree she sat under. The two of them were amiably conversing. There was a sense of long friendship in their actions. They probably had been friends for many years.

Seeing them together emphasized the similarities between the two. Harry’s attitude last night had been like that of a dryad. A dryad bound to a tree does not tend to think beyond the task of caring for the tree. Harry, bound to the estate, only saw his future as helping the master of the estate – sort of like a dryad brownie hybrid.

Was Harry a magical creature? His magic was human magic. Only magical creatures that had human ancestry could perform human magic. Or did Harry’s attitude have more to do with his sheltered life? Had he ever been around children his age?

Severus was quickly finding that the more he thought about Harry, the more questions he discovered.

Severus was between staff appointments when there was a knock at his study door.

“Yes,” Severus called.

Harry entered the room.

“I wanted to borrow a few books to help answer your questions,” he stated.

“Go ahead,” Severus said and waved toward the shelves.

Severus returned to the list of questions he had for Mrs. Granger, the estate’s steward, while Harry studied the shelves. He looked up when there was another knock.

“Enter!” Severus said.

Mrs. Granger entered the room with an armload of records.

“Good afternoon, Master Snape,” she said. She glanced over at Harry as he added another book to his stack.

“Harry, I’ve a letter for you from Hermione. She juggled the records, trying to retrieve the letter when Harry came and took her burden. “I was hoping to run into you today. Here you go.”

Harry set the records on a side table and took the envelope. He smiled and thanked her for delivering it.

“I should be going now,” Harry said after picking up his selected books.

He slipped out of the room swiftly.

Mrs. Granger moved the records to Severus’s desk and settled into the chair before it. She immediately began her concise report of the estate accounts and presented him with expense sheets by department. She summarized the estate holdings and sources of income.

Once Severus had the answers to his business questions, he ventured to make what would probably be a personal inquiry.

“Who is Hermione?”

“She’s my daughter.”

“Are she and Harry seeing each other?”

Mrs. Granger laughed, “Oh, no. She’s dating Ron Weasley. She and Harry have been friends since we started working here. She’s at University, studying law.”

“How long have you worked here?” Severus asked, trying to confirm his sudden suspicion.

“Not quite eight years,” she answered.

“The Longbottoms have a son close in age to Harry, do they not?”

“Yes, they do,” she confirmed. “They came on staff within a year of us. Ron, Ginny, Neville, Hermione, and Harry played together all the time. But they’ve all set out on their own now.”

“This meeting has been very informative. If I have any other questions, I’ll let you know,” Severus said.

She gathered up her records and bid him good-bye as she left the study.

Harry returned to Severus’s study that evening, carrying the borrowed books. He sat down in the reading chair across from Severus.

“What conclusions have you made?” Severus asked.

“Well, no conclusions,” Harry said. He glanced over at the books. “I did enjoy learning about oth—magical creatures. Albus didn’t teach me much about them. Maybe more about dragons,” Harry hesitantly said.

Severus wondered about the aborted word but tucked it away to ponder later. He nodded his head.

“The study of dragons can lead to several possible careers. The most coveted is ambassador or a member of the Westfield Council. However, there are only five council members and three ambassador positions to Magorea, as established in the treaty Harold Westfield negotiated with the dragons over a hundred and fifty years ago,” Severus said.

It was obvious that the boy knew nothing about it from the eager look on his face. He could give the boy a brief overview of dragon history and give him books to fill in the rest.

“Before that time whenever our two worlds crossed, it was always disastrous for dragon and human. A dragon would destroy a village, and a group of knights would be sent out to slay the dragon. As the human population expanded, there were more conflicts with dragons. We started capturing them for research and training. Their numbers began to dwindle. The general public did not see this as a problem.

“Until 1846, only the dragons that appeared to have the intelligence of an average beast had been encountered. That’s when a dragon that could speak the human language approached Harold Westfield, next in line for the title of Dragonheart. She wanted to open negotiations with the crown, establish the dragon country Magorea, and institute procedures for dragon/human interactions.

“Part of the treaty requires any human working with a dragon in any manner to do so under dragon approval. All research is now done in Magorea under dragon supervision. The Westfield Council was established to handle violations of the treaty and disputes between dragons and humans.”

“And the king agreed to the loss of territory and control?” Harry asked.

“What choice did he really have? An intelligent thinking creature that had spent the past fifty years gathering her fellow dragons and planning how best to deal with the growing human threat was confronting him. If he did not agree, he would be under siege by an organized, powerful force that none of his troops or weapons could fully counter. A war would have been costly and might have even led to the loss of his kingship.”

“Oh,” Harry said in understanding. “Not even with magic?”

“Magic would have been the only true weapon and defense, but the rituals to create magic strong enough to counter a dragon attack take a lot of time and manpower and has a small effective area.

“It is rumored that the king initially refused to even consider the treaty until a group of five hundred grown dragons flew over the palace.”

Harry chuckled.

“Changed his mind then,” Harry said.

“Yes.”

“So what else do humans do with dragons?” Harry asked.

“There are trainers who help teach the young, rangers who patrol the border for problems, scholars who study dragon ideologies and way of life, and researchers to study their physiology. These are the more common occupations.”

Harry hesitated a moment before asking, “Are there other small dragons like – Prospero?”

“That I don’t know,” Severus answered.

Harry seemed momentarily disappointed.

“He had to come from somewhere, so I suppose there must be,” Severus added.

They spent the next hour discussing possible career options and their requirements. They did not come to a conclusion, but there were several promising areas that they left for further research.

After Harry left, Severus jotted down a few titles of books for Harry and hopefully some people to talk to him. Once again, Severus wondered about the limits of the taboo and if Harry could leave the estate. Hints he had picked up suggested the boy could not. Maybe if he tried the direct approach, he might get somewhere.

That was for another day. There were more pressing matters to attend to tomorrow.

Severus entered his room and found Prospero curled up on the foot of his bed again. His eyes minutely opened to verify Severus’s presence before slipping closed. Severus caressed Prospero in passing. As he retreated to the bathroom, he realized that he had not seen Prospero since the morning. At least he stayed out of trouble.

Severus sat in Aberforth’s office, sharing tea with the older man. Prospero was stretched out by the edge of the desk. The tip of his tail twitched as he snoozed.

“I don’t get it, Aberforth,” Severus said, exasperated. He leaned forward in his chair. “Albus was mad over dragons.”

“About as dragon-mad as Lady Malfoy,” Aberforth agreed.

“He doesn’t have a single book on dragons in his study,” Severus stated. “I looked on every shelf. Not one. Someone obsessed with dragons should have several books on the subject. Where are they? Why aren’t they with the rest of the books?”

Severus tossed himself back into the chair and stared at Aberforth as if he held the answers to his questions. Aberforth was unruffled by Severus’s irritated mood.

“He did have several books when he lived at home, and he took them with him when he left,” Aberforth confirmed. “I can’t see him ever getting rid of a book, so my guess is they are someplace else.”

“But where?” Severus lightly growled.

“That secret he took to his grave,” Aberforth said. He finished off his tea and set the cup down. “Did he leave you any clues?” he asked with doubt in his voice.

“Not that I’ve recognized,” Severus grumbled. He slumped in his chair, which was very unusual for him. “I always felt like I was being led on a goose chase when dealing with Albus. It’s no different with him dead. Do you know how often I have cursed him since he died?”

Aberforth’s responding chuckle was warm and comforting. It was the acknowledgment of a fellow sufferer.

“Probably as often as I did when he was alive.”

Severus found a smile curving his lips and gave a snort of agreement. The two Dumbledores might have been brothers but were very different. Their differences had caused many tense meetings between the two.

“How are you and Harry getting along?” Aberforth asked.

“Better,” Severus admitted. “We are exploring future careers, as you suggested. He hadn’t even considered it.” Severus shook his head, still in disbelief. “He expected to continue doing whatever it was Albus had him doing, and damn it if I know what that was!” Severus softly growled and fidgeted in his seat.

Prospero stood and stretched before sauntering over to Severus’s chair. He plopped down at Severus’s feet and rested his chin on Severus’s knee. Severus absentmindedly started stroking the top of Prospero’s head.

“I find a piece to the puzzle and instead of filling in the empty spaces, it extends the borders.”

“You will start filling in the spaces at some point.” Aberforth seemed confident. “Until then, go on with life, learn about your new charge, explore the estate, and enjoy life.”

Severus snorted in irritation.

“My life’s just fine,” Severus retorted.

Aberforth responded with a look that said, ‘Stop trying to fool yourself’ and ‘you’ll see it my way one day.’

“Have you discovered how the taboo works?” Aberforth asked.

“Other than the obvious blocking of any information about Harry that Albus didn’t want known, I haven’t given it much attention.” Severus was ashamed that he had not explored it more. If he knew the nature of the maze of magic around Harry, then he would know the best way to navigate it.

Aberforth waved off his lack of research.

“What do you think you know about it?” Aberforth asked.

Severus listed off his observations for Aberforth. Only specific people knew about Harry. He could not talk to anyone about Harry if the person did not already know about him. The staff seemed not to notice it odd that they could not talk to others outside the estate about Harry. It kept Harry from telling Severus anything about himself that was covered by the taboo.

“You said last week that you suspected more of what was going on,” Severus pointed out. “What do you suspect?”

“Unfortunately, I can’t tell you until you work it out on your own,” Aberforth said, revealing another facet of the taboo.

Severus bowed his head in thought as he accepted the new fact. His black hair tumbled forward to hide his face.

“Are you up to helping me with a casting next week?” Severus asked.

Aberforth gave a dry chuckle. “Finally cottoned on. Just let me know when, where, and what to bring.”

“I need to do a bit of research,” Severus said, looking up once more. “I’ll let you know.”

The clock chimed, reminding Severus of the time. He stood and gathered his coat and hat.

“I must be going for my last appointment of the day,” Severus stated.

“Off with you then, lad,” Aberforth said.

Prospero was sure to wrap around Severus’s neck before he left the office. Severus navigated through the scurrying busboys and waiters to exit through the dinning room. He was almost to the door when Rabastan Lestrange’s voice cut through the entry.

“Rodolphus, it’s dear cousin Severus.”

Severus mentally braced himself for the unavoidable meeting. Prospero softly hissed threateningly at them. Severus put a hand on Prospero to calm him as Rodolphus and Rabastan inserted themselves before Severus.

“Look, he inherited Albus’s pet too,” Rabastan drawled.

The insulting lilt was not quite hidden behind his friendly tone. Rabastan tried to touch Prospero, who snapped at the approaching hand.

“Never did like the thing,” he muttered.

“The feeling seems to be mutual,” Severus dryly commented.

“I’ve heard that you have moved into Evergreen,” Rodolphus casually commented and studied his nails. “I bet that has proven an interesting venture.”

He slipped the hand he had been studying into his trouser pocket. “Sorting through all the oddities the old man collected over the years.”

Severus gave a noncommittal response.

“You wouldn’t have come across a large round opal about the size of my fist?” Rodolphus asked.

“No, I have not,” Severus answered.

“Are you sure?” Rodolphus pressed.

“I think I would remember seeing such an item,” snarked Severus.

“Or you just don’t want others to know you have it,” Rabastan snarled.

“Bella said she saw him with it once,” Rodolphus insisted. “Said it’s something that he wouldn’t give away.”

“Maybe it wasn’t his to begin with,” Severus pointed out.

Rabastan opened his mouth for another comment but froze when Aberforth made his presence known.

“Boys.” His voice was sharp and demanded their attention. “You know the rules.”

“We weren’t doing anything,” Rabastan whined.

“Not yet,” Aberforth commented. He locked his blue eyes onto the three of them. “I’ve known you three long enough to see when a brawl’s brewing.”

“Who gave you…” Rabastan began to hiss.

“My place, my rules. Don’t like it, leave!” Aberforth sharply inserted.

Rodolphus grabbed his brother’s arm.

“Come on,” he said, dragging Rabastan into the dinning room.

“You’re going to be late if you don’t get moving, Severus,” Aberforth reminded him.

It was Friday, and Severus had succeeded in accomplishing everything he set out to do. The running of the estate was arranged to his satisfaction. He had tended to several personal business matters that he had been putting off. He even found time to have his attorney look into the state of James and Lily Potter’s estate.

Severus had spent the morning unpacking his boxes of books and distributing them among the others already on the shelves. By lunch, he concluded that either he needed more shelves or he needed to move some of the collection to another room.

Lunch had been uneventful. He and Harry ate in their usual silence. That was something for which Severus was thankful. The boy did give him his space and rarely sought him out. Other than meals and their evening talks, they hardly saw each other.

Severus did realize that such behavior did not help him get to know his ward better or learn the answers to his questions. However, he had been able to smooth out the other facets of his life and could spend the next week dealing with everything concerning Harry.

Severus wandered into the garden to enjoy the warm spring day. In just the week since his last walk, he could see the changes both spring and the gardeners had made. He passed a newly turned bed as he headed toward the lake. His eyes scanned the shore, looking for Harry. He did not see his ward, but he did see the dryad sitting on the edge of the lake. She was looking skyward. Severus shifted his gaze in time to see a streak of green diving for the lake.

Since dragons were usually fire elementals, Severus was surprised when Prospero plunged into the heart of the lake instead of skimming the surface as he had expected. Seconds later, Prospero shot out of the water with a watery hand grasping after him. He let out a playful roar as he evaded the hand and dove back into the water. Prospero and the naiad played in and over the lake while the dryad laughed at their antics.

Severus soon became a spectator on the edge of the lake. Prospero emerged from the lake and momentarily hovered at seeing Severus standing there. The naiad took the opportunity to pluck Prospero from the air. She stood in her watery beauty on the lake’s surface, holding Prospero in a friendly embrace. Prospero licked her cheek playfully before making a few sounds and motioning to the bank where Severus stood. She whispered something to him before releasing him. She gave Severus an acknowledging nod before sinking back into the depths of her element. Prospero twittered a farewell over the water before joining Severus.

“Having fun?” Severus asked as Prospero settled across his shoulders.

Prospero gave a chirp that Severus had learned was a positive response. When he looked around, the dryad had disappeared back into her tree.

“Come out here often?”

Another positive chirp was the answer. Prospero let his head droop down to rest on Severus’s chest. The golden eyes were drifting closed. Severus could not help but chuckle at the worn out dragon.

“I’ll take you back in,” Severus whispered.

Severus returned to his study. He sat down at his desk and started a letter to Aberforth. As he had unpacked books, his mind had been turning over the Harry problem in his mind. He was originally going to wait until next week to run a disclosure spell on Harry, but the sooner he got the readings, the sooner he could start discovering its meaning. He found he did not want to wait and was requesting Aberforth to come by tomorrow if he was free.

Severus sent the letter off before enjoying the last of the day out on the patio with Prospero curled up in his lap.

“What are we doing?” Harry asked, standing in the middle of the workroom and watching Severus scribing symbols on the floor with a piece of chalk on the end of a bamboo pole.

“As soon as Aberforth gets here, we are going to try a disclosure spell on you,” Severus answered.

“That will work?” Harry asked.

“I’m hoping it will,” Severus answered.

Severus scrutinized the symbol he had just finished.

“Earth,” Harry said, now standing beside Severus. “That was Albus’s elemental strength.”

“He did have a strong affinity with earth,” Severus agreed.

“And mine is air, which is a slight part of why we didn’t get along so smashingly,” Aberforth said, entering the room.

He carried a package that he handed to Severus. “Here’s the imager crystal you wanted.”

“Good. I want to be able to study the results afterwards,” Severus said.

“I’ll get the recording device out,” Harry offered.

Harry trotted off to a large cabinet and returned with the small magical device. Severus loaded the crystal and adjusted the settings before handing the device back to Harry.

“I believe things are ready,” Severus said. “Harry, stand in the center and keep the recorder with you.”

Harry took his spot. Severus and Aberforth stood outside the circle and spent a moment reviewing the procedure of the chosen disclosure spell. Severus and Aberforth stood on opposite sides of Harry and began their chant.

Magic began to coalesce around Harry. As the chant changed, the magic became strands that traveled over Harry like a dog following a scent. By the end, the strands were colored and decorated the air in shapes and symbols. Severus and Aberforth both paced the outside of the circle, studying the results.

“You can come out now,” Aberforth said. “Just watch the markings.”

Harry nodded and carefully made his way out of the circle without smudging the chalk lines. Harry joined them in their study of a section of yellow threads.

“What’s it mean?” Harry asked.

Severus pointed to what looked like a tangled knot. Harry moved to stand closely beside him to see where he was pointing.

“That represents a binding spell, and it’s binding you to the estate. We are already aware of that, but follow it to here,” Severus’s finger traced the yellow line upward to where it twined with an orange string, “to the criteria section. We learn that you can leave with the master of the estate, but there’s a stipulation I can’t make out. Aberforth?”

“I can read it, but it falls under the taboo,” Aberforth answered.

“I really hate the taboo,” Severus snarled. “Where is it?”

“Over here,” Aberforth said, pointing to a section of gray strands with a streak of red running through them.

Severus let out a soft whistle.

“That’s a complex bit of magic,” Severus observed. “It will take a while to untangle and decipher that mess.” Severus stood back and studied the entire display.

“I’ve never seen anything like that,” Severus muttered.

“What?” asked Harry.

“The configuration just to the right of where your head was,” Severus said. “That should be the symbol for you. It’s more complex than I’m used to seeing. I think I can make out air.” Severus entered the circle to stand beside the complex form. His finger traced several of the lines. “That’s definitely air, suggesting you have an affinity with air.”

“I see it,” Harry said from Severus’s elbow.

Severus was startled to find the boy so close to him. Harry traced the symbol just as Severus had before looking over at Severus and cocking his head slightly. Severus was hit with a sense of familiarity that he could not place. He ignored it, took a step sideways, and focused on Harry’s personal symbol.

“Fire? But it’s distorted,” Severus muttered.

“Severus, come here! You need to see this, now.” Aberforth commanded, disgust and abhorrence clear in his voice.

Severus moved to the red-brown strands Aberforth was studying.

“Memory modification,” Severus said on seeing the familiar pattern of symbols.

“Look at the age of the memories modified,” Aberforth hissed. “I knew he could do questionable things to obtain his goals, but this….”

Words failed Aberforth at whatever unacceptable thing he believed his brother had done.

Severus did some mental calculating. The memories had been modified when Albus took in Harry. That did not look promising.

“I have someone looking into his parents’ history and estate. That might help clear up things,” Severus lamely offered.

“Will someone tell me what’s got you both so upset!” Harry demanded. He was obviously perturbed at being left out.

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath. With his eyes still closed, he asked, “Harry, tell us how you became Albus’s ward.”

“What’s that have to do with…”

“Indulge us, lad. We’ll explain afterwards,” Aberforth said.

“I was eleven and lived with my aunt and uncle. A dragon attacked the house. Albus came and rescued me. He wanted me to be his apprentice. My aunt and uncle agreed and signed over my custody to him. He said that the dragon was after me and I would be safe on his estate. That’s why I can’t leave until I have learned how to keep myself safe,” Harry told them.

“Why would the dragon want you?” Severus asked.

Harry shrugged.

“First thing we need to do is remove the memory modification,” Severus muttered. “Harry, I fear Albus tampered with your memories around that time. I suspect that it has to do with that day.”

Harry looked a bit shocked.

“You’re saying it didn’t happen that way?” Harry stuttered.

“We won't know for sure until the charm has been removed,” Severus responded.

“Oh.”

“Sit down,” Aberforth said, shoving a chair behind the distressed man.

“Anything else modified?” Harry asked.

Aberforth took Harry’s hand and patted it.

“There is another memory later on,” Aberforth said.

Severus felt truly sorry for his ward. Depending on what they found, the past several years could have all been based on a deception. Unless the modification had been to ease some great tragedy, such a change was unnecessary. Had Albus spirited the child away while his parents were still alive? That would be unforgivable.

“It’s fading,” Aberforth commented.

Severus looked around him. The magic strands were fading as the magic dissipated. He suddenly felt sapped of energy. The other two looked no better.

“The rest can be studied from the crystal later,” Severus said. “Right now, I think we all need food.”

Mrs. Weasley happily provided them with tea and sandwiches in Severus’s study. The three ate in silence.

“I’m going to lie down,” Harry said before leaving.

Aberforth and Severus watched the dejected boy leave.

“If my brother weren’t already dead,” Aberforth threatened.

“I know,” Severus whispered. “It might not be as bad as we suspect,” Severus pointed out after several minutes of silence.

“Possibly,” Aberforth said in a tone that held no hope for such a thing.

A scratch at the door caused it to magically open, allowing Prospero to enter then closed behind him. He flew to Severus’s lap and pressed up against his chest. He let out small whimpers of distress.

“What’s wrong?” Severus asked.

Prospero butted his head against Severus’s hand pleadingly.

“I’d say he’s seeking comfort,” Aberforth commented.

“Why?” pondered Severus.

He ran his hand down Prospero’s back and involuntarily made comforting noises. The whimpering eased with the attention. Prospero climbed up to drape himself over Severus’s shoulders. He let both head and tail dangle over Severus’s chest. Severus scratched behind Prospero’s ear.

“Removing a Memory Charm isn’t easy,” Aberforth said.

“But not impossible,” Severus said.

“Think you can do it?”

“I need to study the results again, but I think I might be the only one who safely can,” Severus said. “Did you notice control of several of the spells was tied in with the master of Evergreen Estate?”

“I didn’t see that, but don’t doubt your reading.”

“I should be able to untangle each enchantment from him one by one after a bit of studying,” Severus sighed, feeling the weight of the task upon his shoulders. “I’m ready to follow Harry’s example.”

“Good idea. I’ll see myself out, and let me know if you need any other help,” Aberforth said as he slowly got out of the chair.

“I will,” Severus assured.

Aberforth left, and Severus wondered if he should check on Harry. There was not anything he could do to help his ward at the moment, so he thought it best not to disturb him.

On Monday, neither Harry nor Prospero was in any higher spirits than the two previous days. Severus found himself trying to think of things to lift Harry’s spirits. Pitifully, he had only one idea, and he was not sure if he wanted to go through with it. Harry’s absence from dinner had Severus making the call to arrange the surprise.

At eight thirty, Frank escorted Lady Narcissa Malfoy into the sitting room while Severus located Harry. He found Harry in the music room, aimlessly hitting keys on the piano.

“I have someone for you to meet,” Severus said, now knowing that Harry could meet new people at Evergreen, but they would not remember him once they left the estate.

Even in his disheartened state, Harry obeyed the implicit command. He followed Severus to the sitting room.

“Narcissa, thank you for coming,” Severus smoothly said.

“I would not pass up such an opportunity,” she said.

“Let me present my ward, Harry Potter. Harry, this is Lady Narcissa Malfoy.”

Harry was roused enough from his gloom to bow politely to Narcissa.

“A pleasure to meet you,” Harry said.

“And you, likewise,” she responded. “When did you obtain a ward, Severus?”

“It is a very recent development,” Severus assured her. He motioned for Harry to take a seat and claimed a chair for himself.

“Harry is interested in dragons.” Narcissa’s eyes lit up at the opportunity to share her knowledge. “He has been pondering his future career and working with dragons was one of the possible ideas. Harry, Narcissa is probably the most knowledgeable person alive on dragons – fact and fiction.”

And so the discussion about dragons began. They discussed types and territory of dragons, current happenings, and important figures – both dragon and human.

“Harold Westfield is your great-great-grandfather. Severus told me about him. He negotiated the treaty between dragons and humans,” Harry said.

“Yes, he did,” Narcissa said with pride. “Grandfather Rosier said that from Harold’s description of the emerald that Thetis wore, he suspected that she was a descendent of the Dragon of Heaven.”

“The Dragon of Heaven? I haven’t heard of them,” Harry said.

“You haven’t heard the legend?” she gasped in horror.

“I have only started reading about dragons, and a lot of it seemed contradictory. Some say dragons are creatures of fire and hate water, while others say the opposite.”

“Ah, yes, there are many conflicting stories about dragons. I believe some of it has to do with there being such a range of dragon types. People of one area will tell stories of their particular type of dragon,” Narcissa pointed out.

“That’s reasonable. You would end up with conflicting legends then,” Harry said.

“What is the story behind the Dragon of Heaven?” Severus asked. His own curiosity was now piqued.

Narcissa smiled like a cat with cream.

“The story says that long ago, Kumo, a princess of the Dragons of Heaven, was fleeing from a phoenix and found herself far from home in a strange land. There the dragons were different from her. The dragons were burly and stout compared to the sinewy and elegant dragons of her home, and instead of controlling water and weather, these dragons controlled fire. As she investigated, she found that the humans were even different in appearance and spoke a different language than those of her home. Nevertheless, for a shape shifting godling, blending in with either group was not difficult. She hid from her pursuer among the dragons and humans of the new land and learned much about both.

“One day, she met a young golden dragon. He presented her with an exquisite round emerald the size of a human child’s head that was polished so well it sparkled in starlight. The second day he presented her with a perfectly spherical opal that held colors so pure that it lightened the heart. On the third day, he presented her with a piece of flawless jade that would inspire a work of genius from a master carver. On the fourth day, she agreed to be his mate.

“They lived happily for a while and had three children. One day the phoenix found her and her children. She started into the sky to defend her family, when her mate, with a mighty roar, dove down upon the firebird. The two battled with flame and claw until they were both consumed by fire.

“Kumo wept for the loss of her mate. Her children were close at her side, mourning with her. When the last tear fell, she made her decision to return to the heavens.

“Her oldest, who looked more like his father, chose to stay with the local dragons. She accepted his choice and gave him the emerald his father had presented to her. In it, she infused the knowledge of the Dragons of Heaven to help him in life.

“The second child was an interesting amalgamation of the two dragon types, and she chose to take on human appearance and explore the human world. To the second child, she gave the opal also infused with the knowledge of the Dragons of Heaven, for there was much the godling dragon had not yet taught her children.

“The two dragons settled in with their chosen groups. They found mates and produced offspring. When the time came, their mother’s gift was passed to the next generation.

“The third child opted to return to his mother’s homeland and people.”

“Why was the phoenix after the dragon?” Harry asked.

“In the land from which Kumo came, phoenixes and dragons are enemies. However, once again there are conflicting legends. In some traditions, the dragon and phoenix are seen to represent yin and yang, male and female. All dragons are male; all phoenixes are female and the preferred mate for a dragon. Obviously, that does not hold true for this tale, but either premise could be his motivation.”

“So we don’t know the reason,” Harry said.

“No, we do not,” Narcissa agreed.

“Did you learn all of this from your grandfather?” Harry asked.

“Most of the legends,” she said. “He had been collecting them since he was a boy. He was very disappointed when he learned that his Uncle Alexander’s children were first in line to earn the right to the Dragonheart title. By the time it was clear that Alexander would have no children, Grandfather was too old and had no connections with the dragons so he could be proven worthy.”

“So no one has the title now,” Harry said.

“Not now, but my son will claim it,” she said with certainty. “It is his birthright and the honor will be his.”

“Would you like some tea, Narcissa?” Severus asked.

“That would be most pleasant after all this talking,” she agreed. “Where is your familiar? I am most anxious to make his acquaintance.”

“I will summon tea and try to locate him,” Severus assured.

“I think I know where he is,” Harry piped up. “I’ll go find him while you call for the tea.”

Prospero flew into the room just before Mrs. Weasley presented them with a tray of tea. He alighted on the arm of Narcissa’s chair and chirped a greeting.

“My, you are a beauty,” Narcissa said. “I have only seen you from a distance before.”

She held out her hand, and he butted his head against it, encouraging her to pet him, “Your scales are lovely.”

Prospero twittered happily under her attention.

“Prima donna,” muttered Severus, which earned him a scolding rumble.

“I have never heard of such a small dragon. I wonder if that has to do with his age or his breed,” Narcissa pondered. “Do you know where Albus made his acquaintance?”

“I know very little about Albus and Prospero’s relationship,” Severus said.

“Maybe he’s from another land,” Narcissa said. “I’m not as well informed about the dragons from countries without alliances with the dragons. His long sleek body is not common in local dragons.”

“I did find him playing in the lake,” Severus offered, finding the current discussion more interesting.

“A water dragon,” Narcissa guessed. “They are infrequently seen but exist in our lands.”

“I’ve seen him release smoke,” Severus said, just as perplexed as Narcissa.

“Ever seen flames?” she asked.

Prospero flapped his wings and proceeded to produce a footlong flame into the air.

“Extraordinary, water and fire elements in one dragon. I have never heard of such a thing.” Her eyes were alight with glorious possibilities. “I’ll make a few inquiries and see if I can learn about any other such dragons.”

“Discreetly,” Severus warily agreed.

“I’m always discreet,” she hotly responded. “I would not jeopardize your friend.”

She petted Prospero once more.

Severus sat in the middle of his study with the crystal projecting Harry’s results around him. He was once more focused on Harry’s complex symbol in the center of the thread maze instead of the memory modification section. He had a feeling it was the key to unraveling the rest of the puzzling sections. He stared absentmindedly at the snarl of golden and green threads and traced their patterns with his eyes.

He was sure that was a distorted symbol for fire. It almost looked like it was entwined with the symbol for water. The more he looked at it, the more sure he became that the two elements were combined. If that were true of one undecipherable tangle, maybe it was true of the others. It took him only a moment to pick out parts of the human symbol. What remained was the symbol for dragon. ‘Dragon’ merged with ‘human.’ ‘Fire’ combined with ‘water.’ Air was present without any complications.

All the puzzling facts shifted, and Severus could now see the picture. Those curiously aborted words by Harry, the true nature of how he helped Albus, the reason for the taboo, and why he had never seen Harry and Prospero at the same time were all now explainable. Despite the impossibility, Harry was Prospero.

A sudden feeling of betrayal hit Severus as he thought of all to which the small dragon had been privy. What had been Harry’s motive? What leverage was he after? Severus was ready to find his ward and demand answers. After standing, he turned and the gray strands of the taboo confronted him. He could now read them clearly. The taboo not only hid Harry’s existence, but also the fact that he was Prospero. In fact, it was tied very strongly to hiding that connection. Harry could change forms in front of someone, and they would not remember it unless they were knowledgeable about the connection between him and Prospero. There was no way Harry could have told anyone. Only the master of Evergreen could do that.

Severus rubbed small circles at his temples with two fingers. He would have to have a long talk with Harry now that he knew. Screaming and demanding answers, as was his initial reaction, would do no good. Harry would throw Albus’s taboo enchantment back in his face. They both would be angry, and Harry would storm out. Not beneficial at all to their fledgling relationship.

After a weary sigh, Severus looked at the entire projection and found that it all made sense now. The difference was like having an aerial view of a hedge maze instead of standing in the thick of it, trying to find your way out. He grabbed a tablet of paper and started taking notes.

In the early hours of the morning, Prospero came looking for Severus. He flew into the study and landed on the arm of Severus’s chair. Severus, with his head supported by one hand, opened his eyes and looked at Prospero who chirped inquisitively at him.

“I think you will have a better time communicating if you change back, Harry,” Severus said.

Prospero hopped off the chair. His form blurred, grew, and reformed into Harry. Green eyes cautiously studied Severus. Neither said anything for a long while.

“You should go to bed,” Harry said, breaking the silence.

“Did you act as Albus’s governess as well?” Severus said in harsh biting tones.

“He did get lost in his work a lot. I’d help him to bed when he fell asleep over it due to his exhaustion,” Harry said, his wariness showing in his stance. “But, I wouldn’t consider checking on you as acting as your governess. So, you figured it out.”

He sounded disappointed that Severus knew.

Severus felt his irritation growing.

“I believe that’s obvious,” Severus grumbled.

“How?” Harry asked.

Severus waved to the grouping that represented Harry.

“I identified the combined symbols – human and dragon, fire and water,” he said as if it were obvious. A yawn caught Severus before he could continue.

“We’ll talk later. I’m going to bed,” Severus growled.

He stood and exited the room with long swift steps.

The first thought through Severus’s mind on awakening was that he missed the warm body that was usually curled up beside him. His second was that the missed warmth was from Harry, and he cursed aloud.

He tossed the covers back and stomped to the bathroom to chase away the lingering sleep. Half an hour later, Severus emerged from his room. Mrs. Weasley provided him with a late breakfast. He ate as he glanced over the paper. Once more, there was a sense of something missing, and he realized that this was the first morning since moving into Evergreen that he had eaten alone. He had become more accustomed to his ward’s presence than he recognized.

After his meal, he retreated to his study to review last night’s notes. He even thought of taking a look at the projection once more to see if there was anything he had missed. When he entered, he observed that someone, probably Harry, had straightened things up. The projection had been deactivated, and both notes and crystal were on his desk. He placed a finger on the notes and pivoted them around. He flipped through the pages before picking up the crystal and getting lost in his analysis.

Harry was absent at lunch, and Severus thought it was time that they had their talk. He headed first to the lake, as that was where he had seen Harry twice before. Both dryad and naiad were sitting on a rock on the edge of the lake. They were intent on something on the rock between them. As he got closer, he could guess what they were fawning over. Prospero was stretched out between them, looking quite forlorn.

Prospero’s head shot up at the sound of Severus’s approach.

“It’s time we talked,” Severus announced.

Prospero nodded his head and trumpeted a goodbye to his friends before taking to the air. He approached Severus as if he was going to land on his shoulder but pulled back and hung in the air. He seemed unsure of his welcome, and Severus was unsure if he wanted the dragon to take up his normal perch.

Prospero moved away from Severus and took human form. The two walked back to the house and the study. Severus ordered tea and Harry’s lunch brought in before they got down to business. They sat in the two padded chairs. Harry seemed wound tighter than a spring.

“What’s the verdict?” Harry asked, coming to the end of his endurance.

Severus leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers before him.

“That depends to which item you are referring,” Severus softly said.

“Are you going to get rid of me now?” Harry asked.

Severus had been angry and upset at feeling the fool, but the thought of tossing Harry out had never occurred to him. Had he done anything to indicate he would not continue in his role of caregiver?

“No,” Severus said.

Some of the tension eased out of Harry with the response. He slumped a bit into his chair. His fingers released their death grip on the chair arms.

“What’s going to happen now?” Harry asked.

“Now, you are going to answer a few questions. Afterwards, I will enlighten you as to which enchantments hold you and how we will release you from them.”

“Even the one that keeps me hidden from the dragon?” Harry asked almost fearfully.

If Severus had not understood the magic cocooning Harry, he would have seen this as irrational on Harry’s part. Instead, he knew that the fear was part of what kept Harry bound to the estate. At this point, Severus could not be sure if there were a real dragon involved in Harry’s past.

“We will deal with one thing at a time,” Severus assured. “First, why did you seek me out as Prospero after we fought?”

Severus now understood why Prospero had seemed so melancholy that evening, but not why he had come to the person who caused it.

Harry looked at the floor. He muttered an unclear response, and Severus had him repeat it.

“I didn’t want to be alone, and you liked me as Prospero,” he said. “You would give me the comfort I desired in that form. To whom else could I go?”

It was good to know that Harry was not gossipy with the help, but it did not help Severus understand his ward more.

“Mrs. Weasley,” Severus suggested.

“She would only smother me and force me to eat sweets,” Harry grumbled. “It’s not the same.”

“I see,” Severus said when he really did not. “You spent a lot of time with me as Prospero, why?”

“Several reasons,” Harry said. “Going out with you is the only way I can leave the estate. I enjoyed the new places you went. You talk to me as if I’m real and won’t forget me when you leave the estate. I’m lonely. I have spent most of the past years always at Albus’s side. I’m not used to being alone a lot. And, I like you.”

“Did you sleep with Albus?” Severus asked.

“Only as a dragon,” Harry assured. “He never made any sexual advances toward me.”

Severus refrained from pointing out that his memories had been tampered with.

“So what’s your plan?” Harry asked.

“I’m going to study the enchantments about you. We might have to run more tests to help identify the proper course of action. I want to start with the memory charms. They look to be the easiest to remove and will provide us with more facts about your past.”

Harry nodded in agreement.

“It will take a while to remove all of the spells on you. I’m not sure I’ll be able to defuse all of them, at least right now. Only time will tell us that. I think the bond to the estate will be the hardest, but I might be able to modify it.”

“That would be good,” Harry agreed. “When will we start?”

“Give me a day or two for research and then I’ll remove the memory modifications,” Severus said.

“May I help?” Harry asked longingly.

“You probably have a better knowledge of Albus’s library than I do.”

Harry smiled.

“Harry, where are the books on Memory Charms?” Severus asked the next day as he searched through the shelves.

Harry looked up from the book he was reading. “They might be in his private library off the workroom.”

“He has a private library. Why didn’t you tell me?” Severus asked.

“Um, because you didn’t ask,” Harry answered.

Severus huffed and stomped out of the room.

“Are you going to show me?” he called back.

Harry jumped from his chair and followed him down to the workroom.

“It’s over here,” Harry said.

He walked over to the large cupboard and opened the door. He reached in and knocked on the back between two of the shallow shelves. The back swung inward.

“Come on through,” Harry said before stepping into the cupboard and through the back.

Severus followed and found a cramped room filled with books, trinkets and a small desk.

“It’s not much bigger than the cupboard,” Severus complained.

Harry chuckled. He walked over to the shelves and started pulling several books down. He offered them to Severus.

“I believe these were the books you were wanting,” Harry said.

Severus gave them a few moments glance, agreed, and turned back to take in the pandemonium of the room. He could not take everything in with a single glance. The desk was not in any better order.

“Here are the books on dragons you were wanting,” Harry said, brandishing one.

“It’s going to take me forever to sort through all of this,” Severus muttered.

“I believe Lord Malfoy said a year,” Harry piped up.

It took Severus a moment to remember that Harry had been at his meeting with Lucius. He could very easily see how a small, innocent-looking dragon had been beneficial to Albus in gathering information.

“Once we unblock your memories, I should look through this stuff for anything relevant,” Severus decided.

Thursday morning, Severus set the workroom up to perform the casting to remove the Memory Charms on Harry. Harry stood in the center of the diagram as he had before, while Severus started circling the outer edge of the diagram. He chanted under his breath and concentrated on the charms he knew were in Harry’s mind. On his second pass, he drizzled the oily potion along the path he had just walked. He muttered, “Incendio,” and Harry was encircled by fire.

He shook dirt out of a bag to create a ring of earth then poured water over it. His first pass had represented air so all four elements were invoked, and he could begin.

The lines of magic to the Memory Charms hovered over Harry. Like a conductor, Severus waved his hands in the air, directing his spell to unweave the charms. Magic holding Harry’s true memories resisted but finally gave under Severus’s assault. They crumbled away and vanished.

Severus released the magic and let his arms drop to his side. He was about to tell Harry to come out when the young man started to teeter and crumpled to the floor in a heap. Severus rushed to Harry’s side.

He should not have collapsed like that after the memory modifier was removed. He checked Harry’s pulse and found it slightly elevated yet steady. Harry suddenly sat up. If Severus had not moved, Harry would have smacked into him instead of just clipping his shoulder. Harry blinked several times before any form of coherence entered his eyes. Bewilderment was replaced with anger, then disappointment and sorrow. Harry grabbed onto Severus’s shirt and buried his head into Severus’s chest.

Severus had placed his hands on Harry’s shoulder to move him away when the sight of mist gathering around Harry stopped him. There was a low growl coming from Harry.

“How could he? How could he?” Harry muttered into Severus’s shirt.

“Harry, a cloud is gathering around you,” Severus calmly said.

Harry leaned back and gazed upon the cloud momentarily. His cheeks turned slightly pink. The mist began to dissipate.

“Yeah, it does that when I get angry or upset. I’m usually better at controlling it.” Harry sat back slightly.

“What did you learn that made you lose control?” Severus asked. His curiosity was fueled by Harry’s unique talent.

Harry stared at the wall and was obviously fighting for control of his emotions. He grabbed Severus’s hand as if it grounded him.

“He took it away from me,” Harry softly said.

“What?” Severus coaxed.

“My opal, my connection to learn about my dragon half,” Harry said. He turned to look at Severus. His eyes smoldered with indignation and loss. “He took it from me!”

Severus’s mind spun, searching for connections to make Harry’s words make sense.

“The opal with the knowledge of the Heavenly Dragons, from the story,” Harry continued.

Severus recalled the story Narcissa had told them.

“It really exists?” Severus asked.

“Yes,” Harry insisted. “I found it when I was cleaning out the attic. When I held it, I transformed into a dragon.” Harry paused, looking perplexed. “But it wasn’t the exact form I have now. He made me forget that too.”

“How were you different?” Severus asked, attempting to keep Harry somewhat focused on his tale.

“I was bigger, much bigger. I made a hole in the roof because I was so big. I was more serpentine, and there was a mane, I think. I don’t remember it too well even now. Panic is the main thing I remember. There was this voice from the opal that soothed me and explained how to change back, and I did. I became a boy again. She said she was on her way to help me, but Albus got there before she did. Just before we left, there was a dragon flying over the house. I wonder if that was her?”

“Possibly,” Severus agreed.

“Then why would she destroy the house?” Harry asked, perplexed. “I don’t think she would have done that.”

“Do we know the dragon destroyed the house?”

“Only Albus’s word on that,” Harry said, full of distrust. “Why did he take it? It’s rightfully mine.”

“My guess is he wanted to study it and learn from it,” Severus answered.

“Would he have ever given it back to me?”

“You’re clouding up again,” Severus warned.

“I hate him,” were the last words Severus heard before a green dragon muffler was around his neck and a dragon head was buried inside his shirt. He let out a sigh and stroked the dragon in an attempt to calm Harry down. Although, maybe some time as a dragon would help Harry regain his mental footing.

The casting had taken most of the day, and Severus was tired. A nap would do both of them good. For the first time since discovering that Prospero was Harry, Severus carried Prospero into his room and allowed Prospero to sleep on his bed with him.

Severus was content with the warmth that was back at his side. His mind tried to crawl out of the sleep-induced haze and remind him why it had been missing in the first place. Severus opened his eyes and turned his head. Harry, illuminated by the setting sun, was sitting in bed beside him, pillows propped against the headboard, his legs pressed up against Severus’s side. Severus shifted to sit up beside Harry, who was staring absently at the wall.

“I’ve a better handle on it now,” Harry said. “It was too much to take in and process at once.” Harry sighed. “You know, at first he called my dragon form Nereus.”

“The man who could shape shift in the Hercules stories?”

Harry nodded.

“Fitting,” Severus said.

“When he changed it a few years later to Prospero, I thought it was because of my ability to control storms. However, knowing what I know now, I feel more like Ariel, the bound magical servant, or Miranda, the helpless daughter condemned to isolation with her father. I don’t know if I was more tool or son to him.”

“I believe he was very fond of you in the end,” Severus said.

“You can be fond of any pet,” Harry spat.

“He said you were like his son,” Severus reminded him. “I doubt that he would have told me that if he did not feel that way, for he knew such information would not sway me from following through with his charge to me.”

Harry considered the point but did not take consolation in it.

“We’ll never know the truth,” Harry whispered.

His hand sought out Severus’s and held tight.

Severus was perplexed by Harry’s odd need for contact, but it did seem to help him. So despite his own aloof nature, Severus allowed Harry the liberty of touch for the moment.

“Probably not,” Severus agreed.

“The small dragon’s not even my true draconic form,” Harry said. “Albus taught me how to change my appearance. Once I achieved a look that suited his needs, he made me forget that I could be any other form. I want the rest of his spells off of me now.”

Severus stroked his thumb over the back of Harry’s hand to calm him.

“We can’t tear them all away at once,” Severus cautioned. “I don’t know how that will affect you, but we will remove them all, given time.”

Harry looked disappointed but nodded.

“Can you return to your original dragon form?” Severus asked to distract Harry.

Harry confidently nodded. “Yes, but not in here. It would be too cramped. I wonder if that form has grown?”

Harry released Severus’s hand and shot out of the room as fast as if he were flying. Concerned, Severus got out of bed, slammed his feet into his shoes, and followed after. He stepped out the back door in time to see a 50-foot serpentine dragon appear in the air above the garden. The long body twisted about itself like a fluttering ribbon. The coloring was the same green, and he bet there was blue and red on the scale edges still. Around his head was a short yellow mane. Despite the more eastern dragon body, he still had wings and western dragon horns.

Harry took off for the lake. He skimmed the surface briefly before plunging his head under the water. The rest of his body followed. His head emerged and he was headed skyward before the last of him submerged. The last rays of the setting sun glittered off the droplets of water that clung to the flying form.

Severus watched from the edge of the formal garden and admired the amazing sight. Before he could blink, Harry was coiled around him. Long cat-like whiskers dragged across his cheek as a snout, as wide as his torso was long, nudged him. Friendly golden eyes looked playfully at him.

“I’m not carrying you at that size,” Severus indignantly stated.

Warm moist breath puffed in his face as Harry snorted in amusement. A rumble of Harry’s belly cut through the mirth.

“Mrs. Weasley will have dinner ready. Change and we’ll see what wonders she has cooked for us.”

Harry reclaimed his human form and hugged Severus.

“It was wonderful!” he exclaimed. “I feel more…I can’t explain, but it’s right and comfortable.”

Severus extracted himself from the exuberant young man.

“I can imagine. Now to dinner,” Severus said. He placed a hand on Harry’s shoulder to guide him back to the house before he decided to return to the sky.

Monday came, and Severus had to return to work. After the restoration of Harry’s memories, they had both agreed that finding where Albus hid the opal was of high importance. They had spent the last few days of Severus’s vacation searching the house and Albus’s private library for it with no luck.

Harry was disappointed that he was not going out with Severus. He liked going places with Severus. The Royal Conclave was an interesting place to visit with new places to explore and new people to meet. He knew that Severus was right, that Harry’s time would be spent more productively staying home and continuing the search, but that did not keep him from feeling abandoned.

Dutifully, Harry continued to search through Albus’s small library and catalogued the items he found for future reference. There was a noise down the hall. Harry crawled out of the cupboard and listened to see who was coming.

“Are you sure it’s down here?” could barely be made out.

Harry pulled the secret door shut and shifted to his small dragon form to hear better.

“Quiet!” hissed a rough female voice.

‘Bellatrix,’ Harry thought, identifying the voice.

Harry flew up to the top of the cupboard where he would have a better view of the room. The Lestrange brothers and Bellatrix entered the room and closed the door behind them.

“I don’t understand why we are looking for a mythical item,” grumbled Rabastan.

“Because we will benefit from it when we find it,” Bellatrix hissed.

She pulled out a small magical device. It began to whirl and blink.

“I doubt that can find its owner, not to mention a dragon’s treasure,” Rabastan muttered.

Rodolphus scowled at his brother.

“If this doesn’t find it,” Bellatrix gruffly said, “we’ll tear the room apart by hand.”

She began turning in place, her eyes glued on the box.

They were after his opal. Harry ran through what he could do to stop them. He could turn into his larger form and tangle them in his coils, but how would he get help? He needed some way to immobilize them that would not ensnare him too. He did not have any control over the wards. Only Severus could modify them with a few words. His storm magic was not very helpful and neither was breathing flames. Both would destroy the room.

There was a containment spell he knew, but it required the runes and circle be drawn on the floor before it could be set. There was no way he could write the needed symbols without being seen, unless he could make them from his hiding spot. An idea came to him, and Harry hoped that his control of water was good enough.

He focused on the floor. He imagined the required circle and runes surrounding the three intruders and concentrated on gathering water molecules where the lines would go. Soon small lines of water gathered where he wanted them. Satisfied that all was set, Harry mentally said the spell.

There was a flash as the trap was activated and ensnared the three in a cage of ice and mist. Rabastan drew his fist back and let if fly at the ice bars. Lightning danced from the surrounding mist and kept him from touching the cage.

His idea did not work exactly like it should have, but it worked. Harry took off to find Frank Longbottom to deal with Severus’s nasty cousins.

Frank called the authorities and contacted Severus at work. Severus beat the police officers home by five minutes, but it was enough time for Harry to pull Severus aside and let him know what he had done.

Harry reverted to his small dragon form and wrapped himself around Severus’s neck. It had become his favorite place to be. Severus was warm and did not have a beard in the way. It made him feel close to Severus. He had never wrapped around Albus like he did Severus. He had always just perched on Albus’s shoulder and occasionally wrapped his tail around his neck for balance.

He let the conversation Severus was having with the police wash over him as he snuggled around Severus. His eyes drooped and he began to snooze while the police interviewed Frank.

The walk down to the workroom roused Harry from his nap. The Lestranges were still trapped. They rose and started making demands at once when Severus entered the room.

“Do you know the perpetrators, sir?” one officer asked, ignoring the demanding captives.

“Unfortunately,” Severus stated. “The men are my cousins, Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange, and she is Rodolphus’s wife.”

“Are you wanting to press any charges then?” the officer asked.

“We have every right to be here,” called Rabastan. “It is the family estate.”

“And it belongs to me,” Severus swiftly pointed out. “It and everything in it was left to me, so I can say who can and who cannot visit the estate and under what conditions.” Severus tapped his chin thoughtfully. “What sort of business do you have, coming to the house unannounced and when I’m not home?”

Bellatrix was about to say something when her husband advised her not to.

“Do you want to press charges?”

“I would like to,” Severus said. There was another uproar from the captives. “However, it would be a waste of everyone’s time since the case would be thrown out because they are family members that the wards allowed to enter, an oversight I will immediately fix.”

Severus studied his cousins. “May I impose on you fine gentlemen? Will you escort my relatives off the estate on your way out?”

“Of course,” they replied. “Just deactivate the trap.”

Severus made a show of hand movements and a few muttered words while Harry let the cage fade away.

“They are all yours,” Severus said.

The officers chivvied the trespassers out of the room.

“Now to modify the wards,” Severus growled.

“I’ve never heard of magic being called up almost instantly like that without a talisman,” Harry said, pacing Severus’s office. “I created all the proper symbols needed for the spell, but it only took me a few minutes. That’s a fraction of the time it takes to create it the normal way.”

Severus sat in the reading chair. His eyes followed Harry as he orbited the room. The way his ward moved and cocked his head reminded him of Prospero. Obviously, his mannerisms were consistent in both forms. Realizing that, Severus found that he could read Harry more clearly through his actions than his words.

It was obvious that Harry was burning off the remaining adrenaline rush by moving.

“The average person has no way to make the symbols instantly form. They would use it if they did. You have discovered a talent that is beneficial and that you should nurture,” Severus pointed out.

Harry paused and cocked his head, thinking.

“I could practice creating various spells with water,” Harry said. “And see what the minimum water requirement for each symbol needs is.”

“That shall be your project for the next week,” Severus said.

“But what about the search for my opal?” Harry asked.

“We will continue to look for it,” Severus assured him.

“Bellatrix had a locating device. Could we try something like that?” Harry asked.

“Did her device work?” Severus countered.

Harry shrugged.

“What is the main element in a locating device?” Severus asked.

“A material, essence, or impression of the item being searched for,” Harry answered.

Severus nodded. Harry returned to pacing.

“You don’t have anything like that,” Harry muttered. He paused and looked excitedly at Severus. “But, I do. I remember what it felt like and the energy it radiated. If I created the locating device, we can find it.”

“There is a good chance, but no guarantees,” Severus said.

His words fell on deaf ears as Harry moved to the bookcase and started searching through books for the best enchantment to use. He left Harry to search for the answer and returned to work to finish out his day.

Harry examined the three spells that he decided best fit. They were the few that a physical item from the target was not needed. One required chanting for a day while focusing on the target. Harry was going to save that option for last and hoped he would not need it.

The simplest required a sliver of wood infused with the characteristics of the item to be suspended in a sphere of water. It was used for general items and could as easily lead him to a round rock in the yard as his opal; however, he felt that with a few modifications and infusing the pointer with the magical feel of the opal, his chances would be much higher.

Harry headed to the workroom with his notes and books. He found the items he needed and set to work. He carved the few needed runes on the bit of wood while concentrating on the opal. When completed, he set the wood to float on the surface of a water-filled, glass hemisphere. A matching hemisphere sat beside the first. With his control of water, Harry kept the water in place while he activated the magical seal to join the glass into one sphere. The wood mindlessly drifted to the top of the sphere. A word from Harry would bring the wooden pointer to life.

Noting the time, Harry refrained from immediately activating the locater. Severus would be home soon, and he wanted Severus to be with him if it worked. He cleaned up the workroom and headed up for dinner.

Nervously, Harry watched Severus examine his handiwork.

“Looks good,” Severus commented.

Harry was relieved and pleased with the praise.

Severus handed the sphere to Harry. Harry cradled it in the palm of his hand and muttered the activation word.

The wooden needle dropped to the center of the sphere and spun around several times before pointing up and to the right. Harry was swiftly out the door and headed to the stairs. The needle’s incline did not change when he reached the ground floor, so he headed up to the next.

He was marginally aware of Severus climbing the stairs with him. Harry’s eyes were glued to the pointer. The pointer’s slope dropped when he stepped onto the floor that held their bedrooms. They walked up and down the halls, narrowing down the location until they were standing in Harry’s room. The locator pointed at the tapestry of a Chinese dragon holding a pearl in its front claw.

“It latched onto the wrong thing!” Harry exclaimed.

His shoulders slumped. He moved to sit on the bed. His mind was already reviewing the second location spell.

Severus stood in front of the embroidered tapestry, looking at it thoughtfully. He moved and examined it from a different angle. He ran his hand over the needlework. He returned again and again to the area of the pearl.

Harry’s anger began to build at the amount of wasted time. He was ready to throw the locator against the wall when Severus stepped before him and plucked it from his hand. Anger forgotten, Harry watched Severus move the locator across the tapestry. Harry found himself standing right behind Severus, curiously watching.

“What are you doing?” Harry asked.

Instead of responding, Severus grabbed Harry’s hand and placed it on the thread pearl. His hand sunk into the cloth. His fingers brushed against a smooth surface. The familiar magic pulsed through him at the touch. Harry eagerly seized the unseen item and pulled his hand out. He rotated his wrist so his palm was up and looked with bewilderment at the shining opal in his hand.

His room vanished, and a comforting mist surrounded Harry.

“You posses the opal once more,” said the voice that Harry remembered from years before. “I will come to you in the next few days to explain all.”

“But,” was all Harry got out before the presence faded. A moment after that, a hand shaking his shoulder brought him back to his room.

“Harry?” Severus called.

Harry blinked then looked up at Severus.

“She will be coming in a few days,” Harry numbly said.

“Who?” Severus asked.

“It was the same voice from before. She said she would come and explain all. She didn’t give me a chance to ask any questions,” he lamented.

There was worry etched on Severus’s features.

“How did you know it was there?” Harry asked.

“We’re dealing with Albus,” Severus said. “Where would he hide something like that?”

With that question, it made sense.

“Oh,” Harry softly said.

Severus smirked.

Harry ran his free hand over the stone’s surface reverently. He had his treasure back. He looked at Severus and smiled.

Harry lay in bed. The opal still clutched in his hand. Sleep was eluding him. He was excited still. He kept trying to figure out how the stone worked to impart knowledge, but it refused to cooperate. Other than its magical feel, there was nothing to indicate it was special.

Harry flopped around in his bed once more. He could not get comfortable. He missed having Severus close. He liked Severus, a lot. He was glad that Albus had left Severus as his guardian instead of Remus. Remus was nice, but he had never been comfortable around Prospero. Severus, on the other hand, had always taken Prospero’s presence in stride and even would bestow the occasional pat when he thought no one was looking.

Severus had allowed Harry to nap with him when he was in dragon form, so he might not mind if Prospero continued to sleep on his bed. Harry glanced at the clock and suspected that Severus had been asleep for hours. He shifted form and flew down the hallway to Severus’s room. Severus’s door magically opened, as all the doors were spelled to do for Prospero, and Harry slipped in. He landed at the foot of Severus’s bed and watched for any sign of having disturbed Severus.

Severus did not stir, so Harry cautiously walked across the bed so he could curl up next to him. He sat down beside Severus and wrapped his tail around his feet. He tilted his head as he studied Severus’s strong features. Severus shifted in his sleep and his hair fell across his face. Without realizing it, Harry shifted and brushed the dark locks away from Severus’s face with a hand. He let his fingers glance across the surface of Severus’s cheek before pulling his hand back.

Harry wondered how deep his feelings for Severus were becoming, could he convince Severus of his sincerity, and would he ever feel the same. Harry pushed those thoughts away and returned to his small dragon form. He curled up beside Severus and soon drifted off to sleep with the sound of Severus's breathing and heartbeat as his lullaby.

When he awoke, Severus found the dragon curled up beside him. He ran his hand over the curled-up form. The serpentine neck rose up and a rough tongue lapped at his hand a few times in greeting. Severus still could not fully reconcile that the small affectionate dragon was Harry.

Severus stood and stretched, causing parts of his body to crack and pop. When he turned back toward his bed, a human Harry was reclining on top of his blankets. Severus’s eyes were momentarily drawn to the well-defined, shirtless torso and then down to the muscled legs that extended beyond the bottom of Harry’s sleeping shorts. He pulled his eyes to focus on Harry’s face and admonished himself for even a hint of inappropriate thought toward his ward.

“Morning,” Harry said, smiling up at him. “I hope you don’t mind, but I couldn’t sleep.”

“And I put you to sleep?” Severus asked.

“Yes, well no,” Harry sputtered.

Severus noted the red flush that colored a portion of the exposed skin. He did smirk as Harry fumbled with his folly.

“You don’t put me to sleep, but your presence is comforting and helps me relax.”

Severus nodded and decided he did not want to pursue the issue.

“It’s morning, so back to your room and get ready for breakfast,” Severus ordered.

“All right,” Harry agreed and began to crawl out of bed.

“It would be most prudent if you left in the same form that you came in,” Severus cautioned.

“Oh, right,” Harry said.

Severus watched Harry shift forms before heading to the bathroom to begin his morning ablutions.

Severus was glancing over the morning paper when Frank entered, carrying a formal-looking envelope.

“This just came for you, Master Snape,” Frank said. “The courier implied that it was of high importance.”

Severus took the envelope. It was embossed with the Malfoy crest.

“Thank you, Frank,” Severus said.

Harry watched the exchange with mild interest before returning to his breakfast.

Severus opened the envelope and pulled out the folded paper. It was the high quality parchment that Lady Malfoy favored. He unfolded the letter and read:

Dear Severus,

I hope this missive finds you, Harry, and Prospero in good health.

Severus halted at the mention of Harry. He glanced at Harry sitting beside him at the table and wondered what had caused the slip of the taboo.

I and mine are doing well. Both Lucius and Draco expressed interest in meeting your ward when I mentioned him last night.

Translation, Lucius wanted to know why Severus had not mentioned Harry earlier.

I know you have not been Harry’s guardian for long, but it is never too soon to start introducing him to society. For his first venture, I extend an invitation to dinner, seven o’clock, Wednesday evening at Malfoy Manor. I have planned a quiet evening for our two families where I hope we can have a relaxing evening with an old friend.

With regards,

Narcissa Malfoy

Severus was not pleased to have drawn the Malfoy family’s attention, but he could not turn down the invitation. They were friends of a sort and useful allies. As Narcissa pointed out, he did need to start Harry’s introduction to society if the taboo had been broken. He would have to inquire how much Harry had learned of proper social interactions, tagging along with Albus. That could be addressed that evening.

“What is it?” asked Harry. “You don’t seem too pleased.”

“I think the taboo is breaking down. Lady Malfoy remembers you and has invited us to dinner tomorrow evening.”

“I get to go out as me?” Harry excitedly asked.

The question caught Severus off-guard momentarily.

“I believe that will be possible if Albus’s enchantments have broken down enough,” Severus said.

“Why would they break down?” Harry asked.

“That I don’t know,” Severus said. “I’ll run a few tests on you this evening.”

“Some of the less complex ones than what we did last time,” Harry commented.

“Yes,” Severus agreed.

He knew what he was looking for this time, so a casting on such a large scale as last time was not required.

“May I go to work with you today?” Harry asked.

Severus read the longing to get out in Harry’s green eyes and agreed before he realized it.

Secure in Evergreen’s workroom, Severus chanted the spell as Harry sat in the middle of the room. He focused on the taboo he knew was there and found nothing. He tried a second diagnostic spell and obtained the same results.

Harry looked at him questioningly as Severus tried the second spell again with a different enchantment as the target. The binding spell was still there, but the restrictions were gone. Harry could come and go as he pleased in either form. The binding spell had changed to the most benign form of the spell. It was strictly a bond of legally belonging to the estate as a family member. That must have been the base spell Albus had used and modified.

“What’s wrong?” Harry asked.

“All traces of the taboo are gone and the binding spell is now a normal familial bond,” Severus answered.

“People will remember me,” Harry said with awe.

“Yes, which means you will need to present yourself appropriately. How much have you learned about polite society?”

“Quite a bit about it and more,” Harry said. “Albus was always attending some social gathering or another, not always hosted by the social elite.”

For the next hour, Severus quizzed Harry on his knowledge and informed him of any of the Malfoy idiosyncrasies of which he was unaware.

Their carriage traveled down a long lane to a manor house hidden from the main road by fences and large shrubs. Harry kept shifting around the carriage in an attempt to see the Malfoy house.

“If you sit still, the manor will come into view in a few seconds,” Severus admonished.

Harry knew he was acting childish with his excitement. Albus had never visited the Malfoy estate, so it was new, unexplored territory. Also, this was his first outing as a human. He would be able to talk and interact with the others during dinner instead of just listening. They even had a son Harry’s age, although Severus warned to be cautious around Draco.

Harry had only ever met and befriended the staff’s children, and he missed his friends now that they were at University. He would have to visit them now that he had freedom of movement.

Harry forced himself to sit and watch out the window Severus indicated. The path turned and offered them a picturesque display of the mighty manor. It reminded Harry of a stately bastion complete with stone gargoyles perched on the edges.

The lane turned again and the view was lost. Harry settled back into his seat and smiled excitedly at Severus. Severus’s face appeared cold and impassive, but Harry knew that face was for their hosts. Severus was not a man who easily gave information away, and that mask was part of keeping things secure.

The carriage stopped and the door opened. Severus stepped out and Harry followed. Side by side they walked up the path to the door. Harry tried not to gawk at his surroundings, but he did keep his senses open to take in as much information as he could. That fact gave him enough warning that he pulled Severus to the ground just as large claws passed through the space in which they had been standing.

Harry immediately called water molecules to gather to form the rune circle for a dome shield to surround them. He chanted the incantation under his breath and was pleased when he felt the powerful shield snap into place.

A dissatisfied screech assaulted their ears before the second attack. This time Harry saw what was coming. It was a giant phoenix. The largest one Harry had ever seen. The average phoenix was no larger than three feet tall, but this one was 30 feet tall with a wingspan three times that.

The phoenix dove at them with claws extended. When he contacted the shield, he was thrown back. He faltered through the air, and his wings beat frantically to regain control. The phoenix wobbled and tumbled before gaining height. He turned and momentarily hovered before them. His wings drew back then rushed forward. A jet of fire shot toward them.

Harry could feel the shield weakening under the assault. His mind was racing for what to do next when Severus pressed two talismans into his hand.

“When I release them, weave it into the shields,” Severus said.

Harry nodded, understanding what Severus planned. Severus released the power of the strengthening and cooling charms, and Harry took control and directed them to his own spell. The three spells merged perfectly and held against the assault.

“Give me the gem!” squawked a loud voice. “I know you have it. Give it to me!”

“No! It’s mine!” Harry shouted without thinking.

“It will only be worse for you when your puny defenses fail,” the phoenix taunted. “Give it to me now, and I’ll spare both your lives.”

Harry growled low in his throat. The overgrown chicken was not going to get his treasures. He would tear the bird apart before it could hurt Severus or take his birthright. He was ready to change forms and leave Severus in the protection of the shield when Severus placed a restraining hand on his shoulder. He motioned to the manor.

Standing on the landing just outside the door were three aristocratic blonds. Lord Malfoy held his serpent-headed cane as a scepter. Only when the gargoyles leapt off the building and started attacking the phoenix, did Harry realize that Lord Malfoy had been adjusting the wards to expel the unwanted visitor. Harry knew that once driven out, the phoenix would not be able to return.

The phoenix flamed the stone gargoyles, but it did not slow down their attack. After being dive-bombed a few times, the phoenix gave up and headed up and away.

“I will have it,” he called before passing through the manor wards.

The gargoyles returned to the perches, and Harry released the shield. Lord Malfoy let the cane slip through his fingers until he once more was holding the silver head. He turned toward Harry and Severus with an unruffled calm.

“Severus, I don’t mind if you bring guests, but a word of warning would be nice,” Lord Malfoy said.

“I will keep that in mind,” Severus drolly said. “Please accept my apology for any inconvenience.”

Severus pulled at his sleeve to straighten the fit of his overcoat and brushed a bit of dirt off. Harry looked down at himself and realized how much dust he had picked up from the tumble. He patted his clothing in an attempt to return it to a presentable state. Severus started up the curved stairway to the main entrance. Harry followed a pace behind.

Lady Malfoy stepped forward and took Severus’s hand as they stepped onto the landing.

“I’m so pleased that you and Harry are here. I am disappointed that you did not bring Prospero with you.”

Her eyes darted over to Harry and did not hide her curiosity.

“Prospero was being a bit excitable this evening. I thought it prudent that I leave him home,” Severus answered after placing a kiss on the back of her hand.

“Such a shame,” she lamented, but her measuring eyes returned to Harry.

“Harry, let me introduce you to my husband, Lucius Malfoy.” Harry bowed slightly to the tall longhaired blond. “And my son, Draco.”

She guided Harry over to her son. They shook hands while cautiously weighing each other. Draco was almost a younger version of his father, down to the unreadable smile, but his eyes countered the unruffled façade he presented. His eyes were filled with the same intelligence and curiosity his mother displayed when she had studied Prospero.

“Come in,” Lady Malfoy said, leading the way.

Harry glanced around. Lord Malfoy had moved and was talking quietly to Severus. Harry walked slowly into the house and waited for Severus to catch up.

Dinner with the Malfoys had been interesting and not as tedious as Severus had feared. Lucius had been delighted with Bellatrix’s misadventure at Evergreen Estate and heartily commended Severus on the feat.

As they pulled up to Evergreen’s gate, Harry and Severus noticed the silhouette of someone standing before it. The figure turned as they approached. Their carriage slowed down and stopped before the gate. The dark figure resolved into an oriental woman wrapped in a cloak. Severus warily opened the window to address her.

“Good evening, sir and young dragon,” she said with a bow.

Harry grabbed Severus’s arm.

“That’s her. That’s the voice that spoke to me,” Harry excitedly hissed.

She rose from her bow.

“That it is,” she confirmed.

Severus scrutinized her. Was she truly what she claimed to be? He placed a hand on Harry’s leg to keep the anxious youth from bounding out of the protection of the carriage.

“Your purpose?” Severus asked.

She gave him an approving smile. She pulled a chain from under the cloak and displayed a large piece of flawless jade. Before Severus could stop him, Harry reached out and touched the stone.

“It has the same magic feel as mine,” Harry said, pulling his hand back into the carriage. He was clearly satisfied with her credentials.

She focused her attention on Severus as she returned the stone to its hiding place.

“I have come far and ask for a bit of refreshment and a chance to present my case in a location not so open,” she said.

Severus opened the carriage door and offered her a hand in. She gracefully entered and settled into the seat across from them. Severus signaled the coachman to continue. The gates swung open, and they entered the grounds.

Harry practically vibrated with excitement but did manage to refrain from asking any questions where they could be overheard.

The ride to the house was quiet and the air charged with tension. The carriage door opened, and the three alighted onto the walkway. Severus led the way to the front door. Frank opened it for them and took their coats.

“Have tea brought to the parlor,” Severus ordered.

Frank nodded and set off to relay the message.

The three entered the parlor.

“Please have a seat,” Severus said.

Their guest placed herself in a chair. Severus sat down at one end of the sofa, and Harry claimed the spot next to him.

“Who are you?” Harry blurted out.

“I am called Ayako,” she said. “You, my young dragon, are known as Harry.”

Her gaze moved to Severus. “I do not know your current guardian.”

“Lord Severus Snape, master of Evergreen Estate,” Severus supplied.

She inclined her head.

“Ayako, granddaughter of Kumo of the Dragons of Heaven out of her second son Takeshi,” she formally introduced herself.

Tea arrived and was distributed before anything more was said.

“I am here to teach young Harry of his family and explain several of the dangers of being a descendent of Ren,” she said.

“Ren?” Harry asked.

“Kumo’s daughter who lived among the humans,” she said. “Let me start at the beginning.”

Harry leaned forward, eager for the information while Severus settled into the curve of the couch, ready to weigh every word and action with a discerning eye.

“One afternoon, Kumo had stopped upon a rocky plateau to bathe in the warmth of the sun, unaware another was watching. Hikaru of the Great Eastern Phoenixes had long coveted the abilities of the Dragons of Heaven, especially their ability to change into humans. He attacked Kumo in a manner to cut off her retreat back to the heavens. Being young and inexperienced, she chose to flee rather than to do battle with the more experienced fighter. She traveled farther than any of her kind had and found a home in this land.”

“That’s when she met and married the English dragon,” Harry interrupted.

She smiled benevolently at Harry as a grandparent does when amused by a grandchild’s antics.

“Dragons do not marry,” she gently explained. “We chose a mate or partner.”

“Oh,” Harry said.

“But yes, she did take a mate, Seaghdh, and had three children with him before Hikaru found her once more. Seaghdh fought Hikaru and managed to defeat him at the cost of his life. With Hikaru temporarily gone, Kumo decided it was time to return home.”

“Temporarily gone?” Harry interrupted.

“He is a phoenix. Perishing in flames only initiates their rebirth cycle.”

“Do you think?” Harry said, looking at Severus.

“There is a good possibility,” Severus surmised.

Ayako spoke up, “He has already found you.”

“This evening we were attacked by a giant phoenix,” Severus informed her.

“He wanted my opal,” Harry added.

She nodded her head in understanding.

“It sounds like him,” she said.

“Let me continue. When Kumo’s oldest two children opted to stay in their birth land, she used her magic to infuse the emerald and opal with the knowledge her children would need and to connect them to the jade I now carry. It was her way of providing for them and their children, as well as to keep in touch.

“Both Ren and Alerio taught their children the knowledge gained from their heirloom. When they died, it was passed on to the one deemed worthy. As their descendents intermarried with the local inhabitants, the more powerful traits of the Dragons of Heaven were less common. Only a few were born each generation who were capable of using the knowledge within the gems. This proved more troublesome in Ren’s children than in Alerio’s.

“There were a few guardians of knowledge among the dragons that had the forethought to arrange for a mating between a Dragon of Heaven and a suitable child of Alerio to keep the traits strong.

“Ren’s children would occasionally mate with local dragons, but not often enough to keep the traits strong. The time between human guardians grew greater and an enchantment was placed on the opal that would take it from its hiding place to the new guardian when he or she was ready for training.”

“That’s why I found it in the attic,” Harry said.

“Yes. Both your parents are from lines with the most recent infusion of dragon blood. Neither of them had enough power to change forms, but it was enough to produce you who could,” Ayako said.

Harry had a glazed expression of amazement as he processed the information.

“So there are no others?” Harry asked.

“There are thousands of people that have Ren’s blood running through their veins, but you are the only one currently who has all the powers of the Dragons of Heaven. If you were not, the current guardian would have found and trained you instead of me.”

“Oh,” Harry said.

Severus could see the disappointment Harry felt. He was the only one of his kind in the only world he knew.

“That night, were you the dragon?” Harry asked.

“Yes, but I unfortunately did not make it in time before Albus Dumbledore claimed you. I regretfully could not go after you because Hikaru showed up. We fought, and your old home unfortunately did not survive the confrontation,” she said with regret. “Once Albus Dumbledore got you behind sufficient wards to keep your location from us, Hikaru retreated to await his next opportunity to claim the opal.”

“But if only a descendent of a Dragon of Heaven can use it, why does he want it?” Severus asked.

“He, like many others who know the legend, thinks he can extract the knowledge contained within and obtain the powers he desires.”

Severus felt the warmth radiate off Harry as he shifted closer.

“So he’s not going to go away?” Harry asked.

Ayako shook her head.

“He’s been trying for thousands of years; I doubt he will give up. As long as you are properly warded, he cannot harm you.”

“But wasn’t the Malfoys’ place warded?” Harry asked Severus.

“Yes, but they were not attuned to keep out birds,” Severus said.

“Do Alerio’s children have a problem with him?” Harry asked.

“He avoids them since there are so many dragons around. He would not stand a chance against them.”

“Great,” Harry sarcastically said, “I get singled out.”

His hand clamped around Severus’s. Severus let his thumb stroke over the back of Harry’s hand in an attempt to console him.

“When you are trained and become troublesome to his goal, Hikaru will leave you be and wait for another opportunity,” she said.

“You mentioned my great uncle by name. How did you know him?” Severus asked, his tone hard and unbending.

“Yes, Albus Dumbledore.” She smirked as she said the name. “A very – interesting person. He was one who sought to claim the knowledge for himself. When he tried to explore the depths of the opal, I was waiting for him. I let him wander for a great while before even speaking to him. My original intent was to find Harry, but as time passed, I learned that Albus Dumbledore cared for Harry. He had just let his greed cloud his judgment in many ways. He did things that he later regretted and could not undo.”

Harry leaned against Severus. There was no doubt in Severus mind that if Harry were in dragon form, he would be wrapped tightly round his neck at the moment.

“I gave him some knowledge to pass on to Harry about his abilities and warned him of the dangers to Harry.”

“Why didn’t you come for me?” Harry said despondently.

Her eyes softened as she looked directly at Harry.

“I could not locate you until the opal was back in your possession. Even then, I am not sure I would have removed you from here. You needed to grow up with other humans and learn their ways and magic. Albus Dumbledore provided you a safe environment to grow up in and educated you in the human manner. That was not something I could provide.”

“What can you teach him?” Severus sharply asked.

“How to fully utilize his dragon abilities,” she said. “He knows some, but there is much more to learn.”

Severus and Ayako stared at each other for several minutes.

“I see,” Severus slowly answered.

The clock in the hall announced the late hour.

“Where are you staying?” Severus asked.

“I have no place arranged,” she answered.

“She should stay here,” Harry said.

Severus looked over at his charge and into the pleading eyes. He gave in without a fight.

“I’ll show you to a room,” Severus said.

Severus entered his room after escorting Ayako to one of the guest rooms. Leaning against the headboard with his knees pulled to his chest was Harry. Severus shut the door and sat down on the edge of the bed.

“I don’t know what to think anymore,” Harry said.

“About?” Severus prompted.

“Albus, Ayako, me,” Harry said.

“Albus is gone and left us a mess to work our way through. Ayako has information and knowledge you need despite whatever decisions she made in the past. You are still the same person you were when you woke up this morning. You just know more about your past,” Severus said.

“May I stay here tonight?” Harry asked before switching to his dragon form.

Severus ignored the dragon on his bed and headed to the bathroom.

Severus watched as Harry created small water funnels on the lake. Ayako landed beside him and shifted to her human form.

“He is learning quickly,” she said.

“Indeed,” Severus answered.

“He is very fond of you,” Ayako said.

“He just sees me as a parent,” Severus said.

Ayako shook her head, “Albus Dumbledore was his parent. You are not. He does see you as a foundation, someone he can rely on and turn to.”

She watched Harry play with the water sprite. “It might surprise you to know that dragons are very social creatures. Dragonets grow up playing and socializing with many others their age. They start exploring more of the world as they grow. When they reach Harry’s age, they set out on their own and start to form more permanent bonds with those who are close to them.”

Severus listened and tried to puzzle out what her point was.

“He has formed a close bond with you, Severus Snape.”

“I have only known him for a month,” Severus said.

“But he has known you for much longer. Has he not?” she paused and turned to Severus. “He feels safe with you. Do not hurt him.”

She retuned to Harry. Severus retreated to the house. His thoughts were filled with the young man who had taken over his life in the past month. Images of a smiling Harry caused a spot to warm in his gut. He grumbled to himself as he shoved the thoughts away.

“Lady Malfoy is here to see you, sir,” Frank announced.

“Show her in,” Severus said.

He had not been expecting her, and it was unusual for Narcissa to show up without sending prior notice. He stood to greet her.

Narcissa entered the room and extended her hand to Severus. He placed a chaste kiss on it.

“Narcissa, how lovely to see you. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Severus escorted her to a chair and claimed the one across from it. She smiled sweetly at him, which instantly raised warning flags.

“I believe I have found a possible solution to your phoenix problem,” she said.

Severus appreciated that she got straight to the point, but knew that there was a catch.

“Phoenix problem?” Severus asked.

“For the past two months, you have not been anywhere that was not properly warded against attack. Even your carriage has stronger wards on it,” she said. “The phoenix that attacked you is still out there and a threat.”

“Possible,” Severus said. He leaned back in his chair and steepled his hands before him. “And if he is?”

Narcissa smiled calculatingly.

“I have done some research and have come across an item that may prove useful against the phoenix.”

“And the compensation for your time in locating this item?” Severus asked.

Looking pleased with the way things were going, Narcissa’s eyes sparkled with a nearing triumph.

“Draco will assist in retrieving the item,” she said.

Severus studied her. How much had she truly figured out?

“I’m no naive little girl, Severus,” Narcissa chided. “I know the legends and can put the pieces together. Harry possesses Kumo’s opal. He is a descendent of Kumo and has been living as Prospero until recently. The phoenix that attacked was the same who drove Kumo here in the first place.”

“An interesting story,” Severus said.

“I’m sure others would find it interesting too,” Narcissa sweetly said.

“Most would think you were crazy,” Severus pointed out.

“Exactly, it would do neither of us any good for such information to get out. However, you have nothing to lose by trying my plan and letting Draco participate. In fact, we both stand to gain.”

“There is no guarantee that Draco’s help will grant him the prize you seek,” Severus said.

“I realize that, but it does hold greater potential than anything else,” Narcissa answered.

“Very well, if your plan is worth perusing, Draco may participate in the endeavor,” Severus agreed. “What have you found?”

Negotiations over, Narcissa started to explain about the tarisn shrub that grew on active volcanoes. It was resistant to heat and flames. She suspected it had natural flame-retardant properties. If Severus could isolate what gave the plant the ability, he could use it to create both a defense and a weapon against the phoenix. A flame-retarded phoenix would have no ashes from which to rise.

Severus agreed that it was an idea worth exploring.

“I thought you would see it my way,” Narcissa said. “That’s why I brought Draco with me. I had him directed to Harry when we came.”

Harry was flying over the woods with Ayako in her true dragon form beside him.

“Remember, when you are confronted by another dragon, use your unique abilities to your advantage,” Ayako said. “They are?”

“My affinity for both water and fire,” Harry answered. “My speed and maneuverability.”

“Not as effective against Eastern dragons,” she reminded him.

“But it could still surprise them if they don’t think I’m capable of it,” Harry countered.

A figure emerging from the house caught Harry’s attention. He hoped it was Severus coming to watch. He loved to show off for the older man. However, the figure had blond hair and was more wirier than Severus.

“Draco?” Harry muttered.

Ayako took note as well.

“Not one of the household,” she said.

“No,” Harry answered.

“Go into the woods and return to your human form. I want to have a closer look at this boy.”

Before he could say anything else, Ayako was zooming toward the young aristocrat. Harry sighed and did as told. He dropped to the floor of the woods and changed. He set off at a run. Ayako had already landed in front of Draco, and her camel shaped head was hovering over him. Harry was not close enough to see Draco’s reaction, but the blond held his ground. Draco bowed to Ayako, and she bowed in return. They stood there looking at each other until Harry trotted up.

“Draco,” he said after catching his breath, ‘”what are you doing here?”

Draco turned his attention to Harry.

“Mother had some business to discuss with Severus. She wanted me to come along,” Draco answered. Despite his cool appearance, his eyes kept darting back to Ayako.

“Severus did not mention her visit,” Harry commented.

“I believe it is a surprise visit,” Draco said.

There was a wariness about Draco that Harry had not seen before. He guessed that was understandable when a large dragon was towering over you. However, in his short acquaintance with Draco, Harry had become familiar with Draco’s tendency to make derogatory comments especially when stressed. He expected one about the additional dragons on the property, but none came out of Draco’s mouth.

“Where did the other dragon go?” Draco asked.

“Oh…he’s around someplace,” Harry answered. “I’ll summon tea.”

Harry moved to the patio. He picked up the bell off the table and rang it once. Ayako stretched out along the path while he did it, and Draco’s attention followed her.

“How have you been?” Harry said, trying for polite conversation.

“Fine,” Draco answered absently.

Mrs. Weasley brought out a tray of tea within moments, having already anticipated the call.

“Tea?” Harry offered.

Draco pulled his attention away from Ayako and moved to the wicker chair.

“Yes,” Draco answered.

Harry filled a cup and set it before him. Draco was unusually quiet. Harry asked about Draco’s studies in an attempt to bring some normalcy to the situation, but how often did one have tea in the garden with a large dragon sunning herself?

To Harry’s immense relief, Severus and Lady Malfoy emerged from the house. He was about to greet them when Narcissa noticed Ayako, who had lifted her head, and walked over to her. Narcissa bowed.

“I am Narcissa Malfoy. I give honor to one of the Dragons of Heaven,” Narcissa said with the greatest respect.

“I accept your homage,” Ayako said.

“Thank you, Great One,” Narcissa said.

“Narcissa has an idea that might rid us of Hikaru,” Severus said.

Harry whipped his head around to look at Severus in surprise.

Ayako shifted to her human form and said, “Then we all should sit and discuss it.”

They all took seats around the table, and Harry served them tea. Narcissa once more explained about the tarisn shrub and how it could possibly be used.

“Your idea has merit,” Ayako said. “It will be a worthy task for young Harry to complete his training.”

“Complete my training?” Harry questioned. His eyes widened at the idea.

“You have learned a lot, young one, and you will always have more to learn,” Ayako said. “However, you are swiftly drawing near to the end of what I must be present for you to learn. Anything else I can impart to you through the stone.”

“Oh,” Harry muttered.

“My son must go with Harry. I have taught him what to look for,” Narcissa said.

“It is part of the arrangement,” Severus verified.

The idea of going on a search for a legendary shrub with Draco excited and scared Harry.

“Will you be coming?” Harry asked Severus.

“No,” Ayako answered, cutting Severus off. “This is something you must do with only Draco’s help.”

Harry was disappointed at that, but the excitement of an adventure balanced it out.

“We will finish your training in a few weeks. That should give you plenty of time to prepare and plan for your trip,” Ayako said, being sure to meet the eyes of each boy to drive home the seriousness of the task. “I will then take you to Magorea.”

“Really?” Harry excitedly gasped.

“Yes. I want you to meet Arkell, the holder of the emerald, and it will provide a good place to lose Hikaru before you set out.”

“What will keep him from attacking before we get there?” Harry asked.

“We have tangled many times before. I doubt he will willingly confront me again, especially with a young one for backup,” Ayako sagely said. “And who knows, in the time before departure, our intelligent Lady Malfoy might come up with a way to temporarily hide your presence from Hikaru.”

She looked at Narcissa who inclined her head in acceptance of the task.

“I will return here after you set out,” Ayako continued. “You will contact me once a day to report your progress.”

“Yes, Ayako,” Harry chirped.

It had been three weeks since Harry and Draco set off from Magorea in search of the tarisn shrub. Ayako had been giving Severus reports of their progress along the way. It took them two weeks of finding and examining the world’s volcanoes to locate the plant. It took them most of the next week to figure out the best method to relocate it. Severus had one of the hothouses prepared to the proper conditions to receive the plant, and now he awaited their return.

Severus tossed the report he was staring at onto his desk with a growl. He stood and paced his office for several minutes. He violently pulled his coat off the rack, causing it to wobble, and stomped out the door.

The press of foot traffic swallowed him when he exited the building. He let the flow carry him as he worked out his jumbled thoughts.

Four weeks ago, Harry had left Evergreen to visit Magorea. Severus had found that he missed the boy’s presence, but figured he would feel the same if another facet of his daily life vanished, like not having the paper to read in the morning. It was an inconvenience not to have it, but nothing to obsess over.

His own admonishments did nothing to keep his thoughts from drifting to his ward. He was concerned about his wellbeing, which as Harry’s guardian he should have be. However, he missed Harry’s questions, their talks, working on projects together, watching him fly over the lake or play with the ground’s magical creatures, the small warm body wrapped around his neck, another’s presence in his bed. Severus pondered over how Harry had became such an integrated and missed element of his life in the handful of months he had been a part of it. It mystified and annoyed Severus. He tried to ignore it and did well during the first two weeks of Harry’s search. But, with Harry’s imminent return, Severus was eager for Harry to be home. He caught himself wanting to check every sound at Evergreen in hopes it was Harry. His thoughts at work drifted to the possibility that Harry would be there when he got there.

The boy would be home when he was home. Nothing Severus could do would hasten it. Until then, he had work that needed tending to. Severus shoved all his anxiety and impatience away and determinedly set his mind to what needed done that afternoon.

Severus grabbed something to eat at a deli before returning to work. The rest of the day was slightly more productive.

Severus had no more than stepped through the front door of Evergreen when he was hit by a solid body and entangled in arms.

“You’re home!” Harry exclaimed, hugging Severus tightly.

On their own accord, Severus’s arms wrapped around Harry and held him tightly. One hand drifted up to stroke the messy black hair.

“I missed you,” Harry whispered with his face buried in Severus’s neck.

“And I you,” Severus whispered.

Harry pulled his head back and smiled brightly up at Severus. Just as quickly as he had latched on, Harry drew back. Vibrating with excitement, he grabbed Severus’s hand and tugged.

“Come and see it,” Harry said.

They made their way out to the hothouse where the precious plant resided.

Harry and Severus had spent every evening and weekend in the laboratory, examining and testing bits of leaves, bark, wood, sap, and root of the tarisn for weeks. Several glass distillation units sprawled across one of the cabinet tops. Greenish-brown liquid bubbled in the round-bottom flasks as the heating mantle in which they were nested kept them at boiling. The clear vapors rose up the columns only to be pushed through a downward slanted glass tube where it condensed in the magically cooled section. Drops of liquid fell into the collection flask.

Harry intently watched the drops slow.

“This one’s done,” Harry announced.

He removed the heat source and pulled the collection flask. He held it to the light and swirled. The golden liquid sloshed around. Severus came over. He stood closely behind Harry and studied the liquid.

Harry automatically pushed back into Severus’s solid chest and was very pleased when Severus did not pull away.

“Looks good,” Severus said. “The potion is ready for it.”

Severus plucked the flask from Harry’s fingers and walked over to the cauldron. He slowly added the golden extract drop by drop while stirring. There was no visible change to the cauldron contents, but Severus seemed satisfied. They continued working while the potion cooled.

“I’ve been thinking about the best delivery method,” Harry said. “We already agreed that we would be unlikely to get him to swallow anything.”

“Hence why we are working on a topical product,” Severus said.

“What if I could make it rain down on him? The potion is mostly water. I could have it floating close by as a harmless cloud, then let it all condense and coat him.”

The raised eyebrow told Harry that he had impressed Severus with his plan.

“It has merit,” Severus slowly said.

“It’s a damn good idea, and you know it,” Harry said with a wide smile.

He playfully pushed against Severus as he passed to check on the other distillates.

Harry chewed on a fingernail as he watched Severus brush the potion on a sheet of paper.

“I think this will be it,” Harry said.

“That’s what you said every other time,” Severus countered.

He waved the paper through the air to dry it.

“This will be it,” Harry said.

Severus rolled his eyes and placed the paper in the metal pan. He lit a match and placed it by the edge of the paper. Harry leaned closer to watch. The greedy flames lapped at the paper in an attempt to devour it, but they could not get a foothold on the new surface. They clung to their piece of wood until they sputtered out and vanished.

“It worked!” Harry exclaimed.

He jumped up and danced around briefly before impulsively kissing Severus. Once started, he refused to relinquish the contact. He wrapped his arms around Severus and begged for entrance of the surprised man’s lips. Little by little, Severus gave under Harry’s assault.

Severus opened and participated in the lip-to-lip introduction. His arms wrapped around Harry.

Harry pinned Severus to the table and started to nibble at his chin.

“We can’t do this,” Severus weakly protested.

Harry ran his tongue up Severus’s neck.

“Why not?” Harry murmured. “It seems quite possible to me.”

Severus tried to gather enough will to push the delightful boy away, but it fled under each of Harry’s assaults.

“You’re my ward,” Severus said.

“With Albus’s enchantments broken, nothing requires me to have a guardian, as I am of age,” Harry pointed out. He stopped his assault and looked up into Severus’s eyes. “While I was gone, there was one thing I learned. I love you.”

Severus pushed Harry as far back as he could without relinquishing his hold of him.

“It’s not that simple,” Severus said.

"Why not? You are important to me in more ways than anyone else, and I always want you as part of my life.” Harry cuddled closer to Severus. “Ayako told me that dragons have a way of knowing who will make an appropriate mate,” Harry said.

“And your dragon is telling you that I’m an appropriate mate,” Severus sneered with awe.

“Very much so,” Harry purred. “Will you accept me?”

There was a touch of fear in the question. Severus ran his fingers through Harry’s hair while he assessed the situation. He could not turn Harry away, but caution would be prudent.

“This might not be what you want,” Severus kept Harry from interrupting by placing a finger on his lips, “later on. If you insist on pursuing a relationship with me, then we will take it slow.”

Harry’s green eyes lit up and his lips stretched into a wide smile.

“Slow,” Harry repeated. He placed a quick kiss on Severus’s lips and stepped back. “We’ll go out on dates and things like that?”

“Possibly,” Severus said. “We will spend time getting to know each other better.”

“And kissing?” Harry eagerly asked.

“No,” Severus said.

“Can I still sleep in your bed?” Harry asked.

“Only in your dragon form,” Severus stipulated, not wanting to be without the warm presence in his bed.

Harry nodded his head. His eyes drifted back to the un-burnt paper.

“What’s the next step?”

For three weeks, they tested the potion on various substances and against as many different kinds of flame as they could produce. Some items were still affected by the heat, but they did not burn. Paper would discolor and glass would melt. Feathers from lesser phoenixes refused to ignite, but they had to be magically flame-retarded until burning day.

Ayako assured them that phoenix flames were no more powerful than the dwarf forges powered by magic and the earth’s core. So, Severus made arrangements with the dwarfs to use a furnace.

Severus, astride Harry’s back, watched Mount Edglo grow larger as they dropped altitude. Harry landed gently in the valley and let Severus slid down his side to the ground. Severus adjusted his bag while Harry shifted back to human form.

Two bearded dwarfs stood at one end of the valley. They watched as Harry and Severus approached. Severus placed his right fist to his chest and uttered the Dwarfish greeting of a visitor come in peace.

The two dwarfs brought their fists to their leather-covered chests in return.

“Welcome, Alchemist Severus Snape,” the older of the dwarfs said. “Your request came as a surprise to us, however your research holds appeal for us.”

“I can see how dwarfs above others would benefit from it,” Severus answered. “Let me introduce my companion, Harry Potter.”

Harry stepped out from behind Severus and placed his fist to his chest. The dwarfs noticed the large opal hanging around Harry’s neck as they swiftly examined him before returning the salute.

“Welcome, Descendent of Ren, Harry Potter,” the oldest once more spoke. “I am Master of the Furnace Gehal Vorik, and this is Apprentice Dekif Balik. We have the furnace ready to use.”

“Lead the way,” Severus said.

They followed the dwarfs through the hidden entrance in the side of the mountain. Magical torches along the wall illuminated the long tunnel that carried them down into the earth. They walked through a twisting maze before entering the dwarf city. The vast cavern was filled with houses and people. They were led along the edge of town and down a smaller path to the furnaces.

The hot air hit them as they entered the new cavern. The sound of pounding metal echoed and assaulted them. They passed through the working dwarfs and entered a cave with only one furnace.

“Here it is,” Gehal said, gesturing to the red-hot furnace.

Severus went to the low table and started unpacking his bag. He laid the coated items out on the table. He pulled out a sealed container and a long box.

“We’ll start with these,” Severus said, indicating the line of items.

Dekif picked up the first with a set of long tongs and inserted it into the large, gaping, red mouth of the furnace. The flames licked at the item for several minutes before Dekif pulled it out. The process was repeated with each item with the same results.

Severus unsealed the container to reveal a honey colored liquid. The dwarves peered into the container.

“Is that the potion?” Gehal asked with awe.

“Yes,” Severus answered. “For this next test, I will need two items put in the furnace at the same time.”

“No problem, no problem,” Gehal assured.

Severus opened the box, which held two phoenix feathers. He picked up one feather and lowered it into the retarding potion. He pulled it out and placed it on a piece of leather to dry, which only took a few minutes in the heat of the room.

Dekif placed the two feathers on a tray and slipped it into the fire. Harry and Severus intently watched the feathers. At first the flames affected neither feather.

“Leave them in,” Severus said when Dekif started to pull them out.

Minutes ticked by before any change was visible.

“We have him,” Harry gasped out as they watched the non-coated feather shrivel in the dwarf furnace.

“We may at that,” Severus agreed.

Harry slipped his hand into Severus’s as they continued to time how long the coated feather resisted burning. After an hour, Severus called a halt to the experiment.

“That gives us our initial information,” Severus said.

“Do you have other tests you need to run in the future?” Gehal asked.

“Most likely,” Severus said. “I have to consider what other attributes must be tested first.”

Movement by the table distracted him from his discussion with Gehal. He looked up in time to see a small green dragon fly into the furnace. His heart dropped into his stomach and only Gehal’s hold on his wrist kept him from going after Harry.

The eternity of a few minutes crawled by before Harry emerged and transformed, grinning triumphantly.

“What do you think you were doing?” roared Severus as he stomped up to Harry. “You could have been injured or killed!”

“But it worked,” Harry insisted as if that made everything all right.

“And if it hadn’t? What a foolish thing to do.”

Harry stepped closer to Severus.

“My natural resistance would have protected me long enough to get out if it hadn’t,” Harry said. He placed a quick kiss on Severus’s lips. “I love you too.”

After the stunt, Severus wrapped up their business with the dwarfs quickly and left with a promise to return when he needed further testing.

A warm body wiggled in his arms and fingers brushed against his face as Severus woke.

“You’re not supposed to be here like this,” Severus muttered.

“Hmm, so you said,” Harry answered. “I wanted to talk to you.”

“Couldn’t it wait until later?” Severus groused.

“Probably, but now is good. Today’s the day to confront Hikaru,” Harry announced. His fingers carded through Severus’s hair.

Severus tightened his hold on Harry. Harry placed a finger across his lips and shushed him.

“We have enough potion made up, and the weather is favorable. The sooner he’s dealt with, the sooner I’m fully free to live my life – with you,” he tacked on before kissing Severus’s cheek.

“Today then. Do you have a plan?” Severus asked.

“Narcissa and Draco have offered a track of land in the country for me to use,” Harry said.

“Why wasn’t I informed about this?” Severus demanded.

“I only found out this morning.” Harry motioned to the opal. “We were busy working on the potion, and Ayako arranged it. She and the Malfoys placed wards around the area that can be activated in case something goes wrong.”

Severus found a small bit of comfort in that.

“Are you going to just sit in the middle of this field?” Severus snarked.

Harry chuckled.

“Basically, yes. I thought you and I could have a picnic this afternoon.”

“Field mice awaiting the hawk,” Severus muttered.

“Big field mice with sharp teeth,” Harry added with a smirk. “Get up so we can prepare.”

Severus grumbled about it but did get out of bed after swatting Harry’s rear.

Harry and Severus sat on a blanket in the middle of a fallow field. They grazed from the various platters of food surrounding them. At one corner sat a bucket of the retardant, ready to be called on by Harry.

The local nymphs had agreed to give warning if they spotted Hikaru. Harry kept glancing around for any sign of his adversary or from the nymphs.

“He comes,” was whispered on the air to warn them.

“Thank you,” Harry said.

He pulled the potion into the air to form a cloud and sent it aloft. Severus activated a localized shield to protect them from the first attack. Within moments of completion, the attack came. Hikaru dove at them with claws extended only to be denied his prize. He tumbled through the air and crashed into the ground. Hikaru quickly righted himself. He stood eyeing Harry and Severus. His eyes focused on the opal hanging from Harry’s neck.

“Give it to me,” he demanded.

Harry called the rain down on Hikaru in a short deluge.

“You think a little water will stop me,” Hikaru taunted.

Harry stood up and stepped toward the shield’s edge.

“A little water, no,” Harry said.

He stepped out and changed to his true dragon form.

Hikaru took to the sky for more maneuverability, drying the potion with each wing stroke.

Harry lazily spiraled upward for the confrontation.

“That was not simply water,” Harry said. His tone was cool and even. “It was a flame-retarding potion you are now coated with. I wonder how that will affect your ability to arise from your ashes. I bet it would be hard when you won’t burn.”

“You lie. Nothing can prevent a phoenix from burning.”

Harry gave a dragon equivalent of a shrug.

“I guess we will have to test it,” Harry taunted.

As expected, Hikaru blasted Harry with flames. Harry hovered in the air and let the flames bathe him in their heat.

“Is that the best you’ve got?” Harry taunted as the flames died away.

Hikaru hit him again, and Harry laughed. He shot out of the flames and wrapped himself around a surprised Hikaru. He carried the large bird to the ground.

“I’m coated with the same potion, and your flames had no effect on me.” Harry’s voice turned cold and deadly. “Now, I offer you a choice. I kill you now, and we test if the potion will prevent you from returning to life; or you leave and never bother any dragon again. I believe it goes without saying that with option two, if you don’t keep your end, you will be hunted down, ripped to pieces, and doused in the potion before we dispose of your body.” Harry snarled as he ended his offer.

Hikaru contemplated only a moment before making his choice. Harry released him.

“Return to your home,” Harry ordered.

Hikaru took to the air and flew swiftly away.

Severus dropped the shield and rushed to Harry’s side. Harry watched the sky for several minutes before shifting back to human form. Narcissa and Draco had come out of hiding to join them.

“It worked,” Harry said with much relief.

“Well, of course it did, you had the superior position in the bargaining,” Draco said.

Harry ignored Draco and embraced Severus.

“He’s gone. He’s gone. He’s gone,” Harry muttered while peppering Severus’s face with kisses.

“Now, brat, you have to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life,” Severus said as stoically he could manage under the exuberant assault.

Harry drew back but latched onto Severus’s hand.

“I have a few ideas,” Harry assured him. “Thank you, Narcissa and Draco, for your help. If it was up to me, I’d grant you the Dragonheart.”

“I know you would,” Narcissa said. “But don’t worry; I have a feeling it will work out.” There was a knowing gleam in her eye.

Ayako landed beside them.

“I watched until he was over the ocean,” she said. “He is gone for now, and I doubt he will return unless he can find a way to counter your threat.”

“Doubtful,” Severus said.

“Agreed,” Ayako said. “Now I must take my leave. Arkell asked that I visit when things here were settled and discuss the strengthening of the dragon blood in Ren’s line.”

She glanced at Harry and winked her large dragon eye. “Our original plans are no longer viable. I will be in touch soon.”

She took off into the sky once more.

“Let’s go home,” Harry said. “It’s been a long day.”

“If you hadn’t woken up so early, it wouldn’t,” Severus chided.

Narcissa laughed.

“You two are well matched,” she said. “Come, Draco.”

The two Malfoys headed to their hidden carriage.

Harry and Severus packed up their things. Harry became a dragon and allowed Severus to mount.

“I could get used to traveling on dragonback,” Severus said.

Harry gave a huff of amusement before taking to the sky.

Severus walked into the parlor to find Harry sitting in a chair with his opal in his hand and eyes closed. Harry chuckled and was quiet several more minutes before opening his eyes. He smiled up at Severus.

“How is Ayako?” Severus asked, stepping closer to Harry’s chair.

Harry let the opal drop to his chest. He stood.

“She’s fine.” He stepped closer to Severus. “Said that Arkell plans to bestow the Dragonheart crest on Narcissa for her help in locating the tarisn plant.”

He slipped his arms around Severus’s waist. “Draco can use it with the addition of the label for the first son, since he helped me retrieve the plant.”

“Narcissa will be pleased about that,” Severus said.

Harry placed a kiss on Severus’s chin.

“It seems that Draco is one of Ren’s children through his father’s side,” Harry said before kissing Severus’s lips.

“Really?” Severus muttered between kisses. “Important why?”

Harry tightened his hold on Severus and rested his head on Severus’s shoulder.

“Arkell has offered his daughter Sorell as a mate for Draco on the condition that they produce at least four Dragon of Heaven level offspring, which should not be a problem since Sorell is a over a quarter Dragon of Heaven. To sweeten the deal, Arkell promises to allow the Dragonheart to be passed down to any Dragon of Heaven child.”

“I can’t see Narcissa letting that opportunity pass by,” Severus said. He placed a kiss on the top of Harry’s head. “And with that move, Arkell guarantees that the family will make sure the dragon blood does not become too thin.”

“Just think of all the little ones I will be in charge of teaching,” Harry said. He ran a hand up Severus’s back to play with the lank black hair. “There will be more than Draco’s children if Arkell has his way. He wants me to keep an eye out for other candidates among the gentry.”

“Staging a long term, unseen coup?” Severus asked.

“He could be,” Harry said offhandedly. “In the mean time, I received an acceptance letter from the Department of Elemental Creatures. I’ll be working with water nymphs mostly.”

Harry looked up at Severus with wide happy eyes.

“I’m sure it will keep you busy,” Severus muttered.

He leaned forward and passionately kissed Harry.

THE END

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