Severus spoke with Sinistra briefly. She had no classes tonight and she was happy to keep an eye on the Slytherins for him, he suspected she hoped to be the Slytherin Head of House one day, and so he flooed to Albus' office - surprising the Headmaster.

"I need to floo home for a few hours, to make sure things are settled well there. Sinistra will keep track of the House." Severus watched Albus closely. He had expected Albus to have been told about Tom by Andy by now, but she was being unexpectedly restrained - surprising Severus and Lucius pleasantly. Severus had decided that he should slowly let slip a few things so Albus would be more accepting of Tom - if they were lucky.

Albus raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You believe things cannot be handled by Petunia or Lucius?"

"I am concerned about Tom, I only became his guardian this year and he has taken on far too many responsibilities for me." Severus watched with satisfaction as Albus' eyes lit with curiosity.

"You are his guardian as well as Harry's, Severus?" Albus asked.

"Yes, Tom is a ...I believe we figured out - a third cousin. He was in an orphanage for years before he was taken in by Seneca Prince and home schooled. After Seneca's death Tom was sure the inheritors of the old manor would not let him stay, so he contacted me." Severus casually divulged part of the story they were establishing for Tom.

"Ah, well no wonder you trust him with aiding in your research." Albus answered thoughtfully. It was good that Severus had some family to depend on. "Is there progress with any of it?"

"We've identified three curses on the ring; we'll likely try to break them over winter break." Severus narrowed his eyes; he still didn't like Albus' interest in the object.

"Excellent. Very, very good m'boy. If you need assistance with it I will be available to help you with that during the break." Albus enthused, hoping to be able to visit Dragonsrest for a ‘little look-see'.

Severus nodded, slowly. He could drop enough information over the next few months, so that Albus would believe in the story before meeting Tom, and Albus would likely believe his own scans when they told him that the boy was not Voldemort. Yvane's magic mixed in with Tom's enough to ensure that...he hoped.

Severus used Albus' floo to arrive at Dragonsrest. Their dinner was over with as well, and Petunia had already retired. Tom was watching the boys play a few hands of exploding snap, and holding the book on ‘Feminine Centered Magic' though he didn't appear to be actually reading it. He still looked fatigued and a bit pale. They had all looked up at the sound of the floo, and Harry ran to hug Severus in welcome.

Tom paled further at Severus' appearance and dropped his eyes. He had already had to listen to Lucius firecall to Dora and Andy, talking them into taking over the classes for the boys at least until Christmas. Of course Nymphadora was eager to do so, as this would increase her earnings - and she did like the boys. His lessons with Dora had been cut back to twice a week - no weekends. Tom felt an utter failure. He hadn't even managed to visit the old Gringott's dragon, Astrid.

Severus sat beside Tom and looked at him seriously. He had spoken to Lucius before going to Albus' office and knew some plans had already been enacted. From the look on Tom's face the young man was feeling a little threatened. Severus suggested that Harry and Dudley go on upstairs and ready themselves for bed. Severus waited until they had left.

"I was quite concerned by what the Healer had to say, Tom. I know that Lucius was worried as well." Severus watched while Tom fidgeted looking cornered and unhappy.

"The Healer overreacted. I just need to sleep a little better, and manage my time more effectively..." Tom frantically searched to reassure Severus that he could do better.

Yvane broke in, speaking so Severus could hear as well. "Tom, you were slowly wearing down. You've only just been ‘resurrected', found out it's over forty years into the future. You've had to welcome a dragon into your mind, then been adopted into a family and become a tutor as well as a student and a researcher." Yvane spoke forcefully. "You are a strong wizard and quite capable, but it was foolish of us to expect so much of you...and I apologize for not recognizing this before now."

Severus nodded at the end of the dragon's speech. "I also apologize for piling more and more responsibilities on you. I did want to show that I trusted you, and I failed to see the sheer numbers of things I was expecting of you. There are certainly people that can help. You do not need to do everything."

Tom's chest threatened to clench up again. He had been fearful that Lucius and Severus would be frustrated with him, and even if they appeared kind about lessening his duties, they would secretly be disappointed and feel he had let them down. Yvane had insisted that Lucius had been sincere in his concern, but Tom was having difficulty believing that were not rethinking about having Tom in any way in charge of Dragonsrest.

Severus watched the flow of emotions pass across Tom's face. The young wizard was usually fairly stoic and not all that easy to read, but the emotional day had left him a bit vulnerable and Severus could easily read Tom's anxiety.

Tom, I trust you to take very good care of Harry, Dudley and Petunia - but like many overachievers - myself included, it's more difficult to take good care of yourself. You don't want to have to put anything off or delegate responsibilities. I, myself, always feel that if you want something done right you must do it yourself. In this case, though, we can trust Dora and Andy to give the boys proper instruction.

Tom nodded slowly, "Yes, Dora is a good instructor and will keep the classes fun, so they won't tire of it." Tom sighed a bit wistfully. "I was looking forward to teaching them, though. I do enjoy their company a great deal."

Severus smiled a bit. It was good that Tom was becoming attached to the three boys. Tom had seemingly no emotional ties to anyone in his past life. "Perhaps you can join the classroom, and work on any research or your own studies with them - you won't miss out on very much, then."

Tom nodded slowly, it would work out he supposed.

"I want you to just look at the Horcruxes and the knife; we've done all I want on the ring. The longer we take with that - the longer we keep it from Albus. I know you are anxious about your studies, and taking your NEWTS, but the more I think of it the more I would prefer you take a seventh year at Hogwarts - for yourself as well as to keep Harry safe." Severus watched as Tom's eyes met his in surprise. "I know there is no one I would trust more to help me ensure Harry's protection."

Tom seemed to finally relax a bit. Severus still truly trusted him then. Tom could feel the relief of pressure finally being lifted from him. His many responsibilities were spread out a bit, and he only needed to oversee them a bit. Research and some studies would be his only worry then.

Severus could read the relief in Tom's eyes. He was glad he had been able to get through the message that Tom was valued and trusted, and that he still belonged here. Those things seemed to be what Tom wanted ... and needed from them the most. Severus gave him a brief one-armed hug and stood.

"Be sure and owl me, as you have been doing. I do miss the lot of you." Severus gave a mock grimace that made Tom grin a little. The pair walked up the stairs and Tom turned into his room.

Severus looked in on the already snoring Dudley, and then went into Harry's room. Harry was sitting on the side of his bed, stroking Hedwig's chest feathers and talking to her.

"Is Tom alright, then?" Harry asked Severus a bit anxiously. He had watched as Tom had told Lucius about the Healers diagnosis. In spite of Lucius speaking with concern and insisting they were only thinking of him, the handing of the classes over to Dora and Andy had visibly distressed Tom.

"Yes, he was worried that he had let us down, but I've reassured him that our regard for him is not based on the services he can provide." Severus smiled at Harry's indignant look. "Let me know if you feel Tom is still overdoing things. The Healer was quite serious that he is in need of rest."

Harry nodded seriously with a determined look in his eye. Severus almost smirked; he knew he would have an excellent watchdog looking out for Tom. He hugged Harry and tucked him in, making Harry snicker, although he still looked pleased.

"Owl me as much as you like, I do miss you miscreants quite a bit, you know." Severus said fondly.

Harry smiled happily, his guardian missed him! "I'll be sure to do that."

Severus walked back to the floo, looking around the home he already longed to return to. Spinner's End had never tied up his heart the way this place and the people in it had.

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Minerva finished her first letter to Harry Potter and closed it reluctantly. When she had said she would send letters with stories about Lily and James she hadn't realized how difficult it would be. She had come up with several memories about Lily from the first few years of school, many had included Severus and how Lily had stubbornly clung to their friendship in spite of the other Gryffindor's disapproval.

Finding stories about James had been more difficult. Every time she had thought of an amusing story she would realize that it inevitably either included Sirius Black or involved humiliating Severus or some other victim, or both. She hadn't realized how many school memories of James and his gang were of pranks or other confrontations - usually with Severus.

She had finally resorted to asking Severus what to do. That scene had been a study in humiliation, she ruefully recalled. Severus had smirked a bit that she had been forced to admit that the marauders had targeted him relentlessly and rarely with less that four to one odds. Minerva had always realized it, but had hated admitting it she quietly admitted to herself.

Severus had told her that Harry was aware of Sirius Black and his betrayal of his parents, and that mentioning him when necessary would be alright. He suggested using his own method of telling about the less traumatic pranks and simply including his own retaliations.

Severus already had Mr. Higgs sending Quidditch stories, but he suggested Minerva tell about any other interests James had. There was also the issue of other Potter relatives. Minerva had known James' parents and even the grandparents. Minerva had been relieved at that - stories of the elder Potters would be much less hazardous.

Minerva leaned back in resignation, staring at the letter. She was glad that Harry Potter was being well taken care of, now. She had been unhappy with leaving the child with his relatives, in spite of Albus' insistence of its necessity. She was a bit shocked that is was Severus, of all people providing the care.

Minerva knew Severus had always loved Lily, and she would not have been surprised at his protecting her child - except Severus had always hated James and the Marauders with almost equal fervor. She was glad he had overcome that, even to the point of glossing over events that had made his school years a study in torment from bullying.

She could feel her shoulder hunch a bit in guilt. She had tried, at times to curb the Marauders but she had been unable to do much in the face of their determination to prank anyone who crossed them and Severus in particular. Slughorn had been no help - Severus had not been highly placed enough for him to make an effort for. Albus had always chuckled and chirped about school boy high spirits, making her want to shake him in frustration.

Minerva finally shook off thoughts of the past and went to find an owl.

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Arthur re-read Charlie's letter one more time during the evening they received it. Molly had read it the first time with him, and had sputtered in anger for a time before running off to weep a little while working in the garden.

Charlie's accusations of hypocrisy were well aimed, especially now after Muriel's visit. The Weasleys and Prewetts had always touted Gryffindor as best, and sneered a bit at the others. The chickens were coming home to roost on that, now, with a vengeance.

Arthur picked up a quill and thought hard. The letter would have to admit culpability in this without saying Charlie had been right in causing such a fuss with Fred and George. Arthur started writing with a sigh; George was not having an easy time, lately.

Our Dearest Charlie,

We received your letter, and understand your anger. We should not have sent our letter - as you said - writing as if we had never denigrated the other three houses. We were thinking only of ensuring the twins - and you - knew we supported their sorting into Hufflepuff, and we did not think of your feelings.

We weren't pleased at your actions in insulting Fred and George and their House, or your reaction to Percy defending them - however we should have realized that much of this was a result of years of hearing from us that Gryffindor was best and listening to insults leveled at all the others.

You may be sure that you will never hear your mother or I express such sentiments again. Nor will insults regarding the other Houses go unchallenged by us in the future.

All the Houses have strengths and weaknesses. Ravenclaws are smart and much of our society's advances would not have happened without them, but it is also true that they can become narrow-minded to anything but facts. Hufflepuffs are hard-working and little would be accomplished in our world without them there to make things happen and their loyalty as friends is legendary, but they can sometimes stick to a project - or a friend that should have been abandoned long since.

Slytherins are the very best strategists - whether it isthe building of a tool-shed or a military campaign you are planning. And in spite of what might be said by everyone of our acquaintance - not all of them are dark. Their downfall many times is trying to plan for everything - and if that means figuring out how to continue existing if the Dark Lord wins, they might do that as well. They are realists - and we idealists may not understand them, but we should still respect them. There certainly would have been many more deaths if Severus Snape had not spied for us and helped plan more than one of our raids. Rufus Scrimgeour may not be my favorite Auror section chief, but no one can deny that when he plans a raid that there are fewer deaths.

And now for Gryffindor - yes, we are brave...but it has been said by many that there is a fine line between bravery and stupidity. We may charge in where others hesitate, but that is not always a good thing. You, yourself and your brother Bill have recently ‘charged in' and regretted it a great deal.

I ask that you look around at the students at Hogwarts with an unbiased eye. You will find people in each house worth knowing, and no - one, not even you have the qualities of just one house. You will find bravery, loyalty, brains and cunning in ALL the Houses.

Remember we love you, and you are certainly old enough to realize that your parents are human and imperfect - and love us in spite of it.

Love,

Your father, Arthur Weasley.

Arthur stuffed the letter in an envelope and called for Errol. The elderly owl hooted affectionately and Arthur fed him a few treats. He really needed to be retired, but his cheerfulness made it easy to forget how old he was. Errol took of and was soon far from sight. In spite of age, he was still swift.

He worried a bit about the many recent changes. He had sent notes to Fred and George, and Percy from work, using ministry owls - telling them about Martin Prewett and explaining the background regarding Lawrence. Arthur was sure they knew at least some of the story, but he wanted them to know everything.

Ron and Ginny had dug into their studies, Ginny with enthusiasm - Ron with resignation. Bill's old wand had ignored Ron, but had lit up with a huge ball of sparks. It almost responded better to her than it had for Bill. They would be going to Diagon Alley to obtain a wand for Ron on the weekend.

Arthur had had and unexpected advancement at work. The Auror and Wizengamot member Hugo Savage had sought him out the day after the Auror's run-in with Charlie and Bill. Arthur had thanked him profusely for his quick interventions and Hugo had been sympathetic to the difficulty of sons once they ‘thought they were grown up'. They had gabbed for almost an hour, to the awestruck envy of Arthur's co-workers and supervisors. His bosses couldn't hear what was being said, but it was clear they had underestimated Arthur's connections and they scrambled to correct their oversight.

The promotion to a supervisory position that he hadn't even been considered for was suddenly his, as well as the small office and excellent raise in pay. Finances were now less troublesome and buying a wand for Ron would not be difficult.

Arthur mused that it was quite odd that what could have been a disaster had turned into excellent luck instead - even a promotion, simply because Hugo had come to talk to him.

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Fred and George smiled as the fourth year Hufflepuff girl and her friends grinned at them and gave a ‘thumbs up'. The group of four 4th year Ravenclaw girls that had been tormenting them for years were now sporting hair that was striped wildly with green/blue and orange stripes. They would stay for about two days.

They clearly knew who to blame, as they glared at the twins. Fred and George had provided the potion - Professor Snape had looked over the formula during a brief detention of writing letters to Dudley and Harry. Snape had pronounced the formula excellent and mentioned a certain hallway near the Ravenclaw entrance that was good for ‘an ambush'.

The West Tower belonging to the Ravenclaws was tricky to get around and they had helped the girls plan the execution of the prank, and recruited some helpers for them, and then turned them loose. The plan to help the Hufflepuffs do their own pranks with their help was working out well and Cedric said it was good for them to ‘take charge of things, themselves' instead of leaning on the twins for it all. Cedric still had to approve all pranks and the knew he reported to Sprout about things, but that gave their Head of House a chance to defend them to the other teachers if a complaint was made.

All in all, after only a week, they were pretty happy with their House and new friends.

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Percy had gotten a pass to the Restricted Section in record time to look up that dagger of Tom's. He had received a letter from Tom that had concerned him. Tom had told him about the visit to the Healer's and the diagnosis of exhaustion. He sounded like he was resigned to his more restricted activities and enforced rest. Tom had said he was still allowed his research, although Harry constantly reminded him to rest if he was in the library for too long.

Tom's letter was full of stories about Harry and Dudley and their daily adventures with Draco. Percy could tell that Tom was quite fond of the boys. Percy was a bit envious of their relationship. He had rarely felt anything but irritation for his own siblings, although this summer he had worked well with the twins. Perhaps he should continue the studies with them. He wouldn't mind being around them if it was like in the summer.

Percy turned back to the walls full of books. Madame Pince had told him about a book that had interested him. It almost the weekend and the first week of school would be over. He spotted the book and climbed the ladder - it would have to be on the top shelf. He managed to wrestle the book out in spite of the other books muttering and trying to crowd the book too tight to pull out.

He got back to the table and opened the dusty tome. It was a thick book, but had a lot of illustrations, and after flipping through several hundred pages...he found it. It was the dagger Tom had shown him at Dragonsrest - he was sure of it. The story accompanying the illustration made his jaw drop in astonishment. How had Tom ended up with this?

Percy packed up the book and managed to get by Pince by promising the book was going straight to Professor Snape. He raced down the stairs to the dungeons and found his way to the Professors office, banging on the door in agitated excitement.

Severus flung the door open in annoyance, and found Percy almost dancing in place.

"I found it, Professor! I found it!" Percy thrust the open book toward him, and Severus took the book - immediately seeing the illustration of the now very familiar dagger. He quickly read the page and his eyes met Percy's in astonishment. "Amazing, isn't it, Professor?"

Severus just nodded, and hustled the young Gryffindor into his office so they could look the book over more closely.

Severus had to admit it wasn't often he was eager to collaborate with a Gryffindor.

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