A Cord of Three Strands

A Cord of Three Strands

By Cindale

Chapter 20

"A Cord of Three Strands"

The headmaster waved his wand silently over the Pensieve, and the black matter inside began to swirl more quickly. Harry wondered idly how they would know the names, and a picture formed in his mind of words being spelled in midair. After what seemed like an hour, but was probably less than a minute, a voice that sounded oddly like Dumbledore's came from the Pensieve:

"Ginevra Molly Weasley."

Harry felt his mouth drop in shock. Dumbledore had told him that the qualified spell casters would be announced in the order of the intensity of their feelings. What did it mean that Ginny's feelings for him were stronger than those of anyone else, including Ron and Hermione? Harry's eyes grew wide with realization as he remembered Ron's words from several months before, you just know.

Dumbledore gazed at Harry for a moment with twinkling eyes. "It appears you may need to have a talk with Miss Weasley," he said.

Harry allowed his heart to soar into the clouds for a few moments, but then his thoughts became more practical and it crashed painfully back to earth. "I can't," he said shaking his head firmly. "She deserves better than someone who will either be a murderer or be killed."

"You are giving both Miss Weasley and yourself far too little credit," said Dumbledore. "Besides, if you wait to live your life until he is gone, then he has already won."

Neither can live while the other survives, thought Harry. Dumbledore was right. Voldemort had already taken so much from him: his parents, his childhood, Sirius. He would not allow the Dark Lord to rob him of a chance for happiness.

"Shall we continue?" asked Dumbledore, and Harry nodded.

"Remus John Lupin."

Harry couldn't help a huge grin. It was gratifying to know that his guardian apparently returned his love in equal measure.

"Ronald Bilius Weasley."

That was no surprise, and Harry's smile grew a little larger.

"Hermione Jane Granger."

Harry thought his heart might burst with happiness. He supposed he had always known his friends loved him, but to have it proved to him in this manner was extremely gratifying.

"That's four. How many do you think we need?" asked Harry.

"We only need three to cast the shield," said Dumbledore, "but it might prove cumbersome for the same three people to be required to be with you at all times. On the other hand, we don't want too many knowing about the charm. I would say six. Two more." He looked at Harry as if waiting for his agreement, and Harry nodded with a shrug.

"Molly Aislin Prewett Weasley."

Harry realized he shouldn't have been surprised at the intensity of Mrs. Weasley's motherly affection, but he felt the moisture in his eyes increase. Since he was fondly dwelling on the Weasley family, he was totally unprepared for the next name that was announced:

"Draco Lucius Nebuchadnezzar Malfoy."

Harry's jaw dropped in shock for the second time that evening. Malfoy? "No way," he said, unaware that he was speaking aloud. "That thing's got to be broken." Harry shook his head a little and looked at the headmaster, expecting to see an expression of disbelief on his face, but Dumbledore was giving Harry a benign smile.

"Why are you surprised, Harry? You and Mr. Malfoy are friends, are you not?"

"I - friends?" he stammered. Were they friends? "I-I don't know. I guess maybe we are." But that still didn't explain... "But love? He loves me? That's impossible."

"I assure you it is not only possible, it is true. Friendship is one of the most intense and enduring forms of love, sometimes surpassing the love of family or the ardour of lovers. Draco Malfoy has had very few friends in his lifetime. You have given him two things he has never experienced before outside of his family: forgiveness and acceptance."

Harry stared at the headmaster, dumbfounded. He had to concede that he had been thinking of Malfoy as a friend for some time now, but the Slytherin had never acknowledged that he thought of Harry in that way, or that he had any pleasant feelings toward him at all. Harry shook his head slightly, still disbelieving.

Dumbledore's smile grew a bit larger, and his eyes twinkled affectionately. "These qualities are so embedded in your personality that you are hardly aware they exist, but they are not common in the people Draco previously associated with. Consider that in your first encounter after Draco's angry outburst, you invited him to share a snack with you. How many people would offer dessert to their attacker?"

Harry didn't even bother to ask the headmaster how he knew about that. "Er ... well ... he was in my way ... I mean ... what was I supposed to do?"

"You could have gone back to bed, or waited until he moved. Or, if you had chosen to hex him, I don't think he would have reported you, under the circumstances." Dumbledore leaned forward a little in his chair. "Consider why he was sitting there that night, out all alone after curfew."

"He had just been beaten up," Harry whispered.

"Yes, by those he had considered 'friends.' Then you came along and showed him the true meaning of the word, and he was intrigued by that. He didn't understand it, but he wanted to." Dumbledore paused as if to allow Harry to digest what he was saying. "Bear in mind, also, that most of your association since that time has been initiated by Draco."

Harry thought about that, and realized it was true, especially recently. Malfoy had approached him when it had become obvious Harry was avoiding him, and even the argument they'd had two days ago was started ... no, Malfoy hadn't started the argument, Harry had. Malfoy had been the one to seek Harry out though, and Harry suddenly realized that Malfoy had been trying to ensure that their friendship was still intact after their altercation during the Quidditch match.

Harry tried to swallow the lump of guilt that had formed in his throat and said, "Even if he does feel that way about me, he'll never agree to help with this spell." He looked down at his hands in his lap, which was much more comfortable than looking into the headmaster's twinkling eyes. "We ... we haven't spoken for a couple of days," he said in a small voice. "And even if we hadn't argued, he told me he ..." Harry broke off, not wanting to break Malfoy's confidence, but feeling that Dumbledore needed to know at least part of what Malfoy had told him about his loyalties. "He won't fight for either side. I know he won't."

Dumbledore nodded slightly, a sage expression in his eyes that irritated Harry for some reason. "Yes," said Dumbledore, "that may be true. But there's a vast difference between fighting for a cause and defending a friend." The headmaster went to the fireplace, threw in a handful of floo powder, and said, "Severus Snape."

When the Potions Master's head appeared in the flames, Dumbledore said, "Will you please tell Draco Malfoy that I wish to see him immediately?"

Snape's eyes widened in surprise and Harry was shocked that he actually stammered when he spoke. "D-Draco, sir?"

"Draco Malfoy," said Dumbledore in a tone that allowed no argument.

"Yes, Headmaster," said Snape and disappeared from the fireplace.

"I'm telling you, he won't do it," said Harry.

"Why don't we give him the opportunity to refuse?"

"But if he refuses, he'll know about the charm. What if he tells someone?"

"If he refuses, we will simply alter his memory. I have not yet invited the other spell casters, so he will have no knowledge of their identities."

Harry sat in silence as they waited for Malfoy to arrive, his thoughts in a whirl. He still couldn't believe Malfoy actually felt that strongly toward him, though he was beginning to accept some of Dumbledore's explanation. Suddenly he realized he also felt nervous about Malfoy's reaction to the request because he knew he would feel rejected if Malfoy refused to be one of his spell casters.

At long last there was a knock at the door. "Come in!" Dumbledore called pleasantly. Malfoy entered, his eyes widening in surprise when he saw Harry, but then hardening into an expression of dislike. Harry fought the urge to roll his eyes and say 'I told you so' to Dumbledore and looked away, anywhere besides Malfoy.

"I should have known," Malfoy muttered under his breath.

"Have a seat, Draco," said Dumbledore pleasantly, ignoring Malfoy's words. "I must ask you something."

Malfoy slumped into the chair next to Harry's and said, "What?" in a sullen tone.

"Would you be willing to protect Harry with your life?"

In spite of himself, Harry's head snapped around to watch Malfoy's face as the question hung in the air. Malfoy's eyes initially widened in surprise, but then his expression changed to something like realization. After a moment, he lowered his eyes as if ashamed and muttered, "Why would I do that? I don't even like the prat."

Harry was surprised at how crushed he felt at Malfoy's rejection. He looked at the headmaster to gauge his reaction, and was surprised to see Dumbledore looking at Malfoy with a small smile. After a few moments, Malfoy raised his head and returned Dumbledore's intense gaze. "All right," Dumbledore said in a voice that was almost a whisper. "I will now call for the others."

"What are you doing?" Harry demanded as Dumbledore rose from his chair and headed to the fireplace. "He just said he wouldn't do it!"

Dumbledore turned back to Harry with that astute smile that Harry found so irritating. "Draco wasn't being quite truthful, were you Draco?" Malfoy dropped his eyes and said nothing.

While Dumbledore summoned the other spell casters, Harry watched Malfoy, searching for some sign that the headmaster was correct about his feelings. The vulnerable, almost hurt expression on Malfoy's face reminded Harry of that night Dumbledore had mentioned, the night Harry had found him bruised and sitting just outside the kitchens.

Remus came through the fireplace first, then Mrs. Weasley. Both looked curiously at Malfoy and Mrs. Weasley greeted Harry with a warm embrace. After several minutes of uncomfortable silence there was a knock at the door and Dumbledore admitted Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, all of whom eyed Malfoy suspiciously. Ron opened his mouth to speak, but Harry shot him a pleading look; Ron rolled his eyes but kept silent.

Harry couldn't help a blush when he caught Ginny's eye, and she gazed at him questioningly. Dumbledore conjured enough squashy armchairs for everyone and then settled himself in his own chair behind his desk.

"Thank you all for coming," said Dumbledore brightly. "I will get right to the point. I believe most of you are aware that Harry is expected to eliminate Voldemort ..."

"Professor," interrupted Mrs. Weasley, "are you certain the children should be hearing this?" Though she spoke in general terms, Harry had no doubt she was speaking of Malfoy.

"Molly," said Dumbledore with a gentle smile, "everyone in this room needs this information. The reason will become clear as soon as I am allowed to finish."

Mrs. Weasley seemed unable to suppress an angry glance at Malfoy, who glared back at her. She pressed her lips together as if holding back more words and turned back to Dumbledore.

"As I was saying, Harry is expected to eliminate Voldemort not just because he is the famous Boy Who Lived, but because of a prophecy which has already been partially fulfilled. This prophecy was issued before Harry was born, and it predicted the date of his birth, his parentage, and even the scar on his forehead. Harry was identified as the one with the power to defeat Voldemort before he was born."

Harry watched the six faces of his spell casters as this information was revealed. As expected, the only one to register surprise was Malfoy; shock was actually a more accurate description of the expression on his face. Mrs. Weasley, however, kept shifting her eyes between Dumbledore and Malfoy; she looked as if it was difficult for her to refrain from speaking. The headmaster rested his calm gaze on her for a moment and she visibly relaxed, though her expression was still a bit nervous.

After a moment, Dumbledore continued:

"Voldemort knows of this prophecy, of course, which is why he attacked Harry as a small child, and why he seeks to kill Harry now. As most of you are aware, Harry has been training to defend himself against Voldemort, but until he is ready, he needs to be heavily guarded."

Harry stiffened at the implication of his weakness and inadequacy, even though he knew in his heart that he was not ready to face the Dark Lord. Dumbledore seemed to read his thoughts and turned to him. "Harry, I don't mean to belittle you in any way - you have become a very powerful wizard. However, I am becoming more and more convinced that it may not be possible to dispose of Voldemort with traditional means. The Killing Curse that rebounded on him fifteen years ago should have killed his body and sent his soul to the afterlife, but his soul remained on earth. I am looking into methods of ensuring his final demise, so that he cannot return again, but until then, you must be protected." Harry nodded, only slightly placated. He couldn't help feeling angry with himself for putting these people he loved most in danger because he wasn't ready yet, and vowed to redouble his efforts.

"Professor Dumbledore," said Hermione, raising her hand as if she were in class, and looking slightly intimidated, but determined, "would it be all right if I did some research over the summer?" Her eyes darted to Malfoy nervously before she continued. "You know the library I'll have access to."

The headmaster smiled at her warmly. "Yes, Hermione. I am familiar with your talents in research, and your help would be appreciated."

Hermione beamed, and Harry smiled gratefully at Dumbledore. Harry doubted Hermione's research skills, however strong, could surpass Dumbledore's, but he knew Hermione would appreciate feeling as though she were helping.

"However," continued Dumbledore, "I have called the six of you together for a different purpose. I have discovered an ancient charm that will protect Harry against any magical attack. The Trilixicis Charm requires three spell casters who love Harry enough to protect him with their lives. The six of you were chosen by a complicated spell that revealed those with such feelings."

Harry watched as five heads turned simultaneously toward Malfoy, four with identical expressions of disbelief. Only Remus seemed no more than mildly surprised. Malfoy's expression had hardened into defiance. As Harry could have predicted, Ron was the one to speak first.

"What is Malfoy doing here? Is he a poof now?"

"RON!" said Hermione and Mrs. Weasley in unison. Ginny giggled.

Malfoy's cheeks turned pink but he managed his usual drawl, "Well, Weasley, I see you sitting here. Do you have something you need to tell your girlfriend about your preferences?"

"Fortunately," said Dumbledore in a tone that commanded silence, "it is not necessary for the spell casters to love each other - only for them to love Harry, and to be willing to do this for him. Ginevra," he said, and Ginny jumped as if startled. "Are you willing to protect Harry with your life?"

"Just a minute," Mrs. Weasley interrupted, holding up one hand. Her cheeks were red as if she was angry, but her eyes were sad and shifty. "As much as I love Harry, I don't want the children exposed to unnecessary danger."

"MUM!" said Ron and Ginny together.

"Well," said Mrs Weasley, her face reddening as if angry, "I just wondered if Harry's spell casters could be adults instead of children."

"I AM an adult, Mum!" said Ron. He folded his arms across his chest stubbornly and said, "You can't stop me - I'm of age."

"That's true," said Mrs. Weasley, looking slightly defeated. "But Ginny ..."

"Mum, please," said Ginny. Her eyes were filled with tears and her cheeks were red, but she had a determined expression. "Don't keep me from this. You know how important it is to me." Ginny met her mother's eyes for a moment and then looked down at her lap as if she wanted to disappear. Harry wished he had the nerve to give her a reassuring smile, but it hardly mattered since she seemed to want to look anywhere but at him. Remus caught Harry's eye, raised an eyebrow, and glanced at Ginny meaningfully. Harry blushed and turned his attention back to Dumbledore, who was saying:

"Molly, you know you can't keep Harry's friends from his side, and the children will actually be safer with him if they are spell casters. The charm protects the spell casters as well as Harry."

Mrs. Weasley opened her mouth as if to say something else but then apparently changed her mind. She nodded and looked down at her lap. Harry's heart went out to her; he had endangered members of her family over and over through the years, and it touched him more than she could ever know that she still loved him despite that.

"Ginevra, are you willing to protect Harry with your life?" Dumbledore repeated.

Ginny lifted her gaze to meet the headmaster's and said, "Yes," in a firm tone.

"Remus, are you willing to protect Harry with your life?"

"Absolutely," said Remus to Dumbledore, and then he turned and gave Harry such a loving smile that Harry felt tears prick his eyes.

Dumbledore asked Ron, Hermione, and Mrs. Weasley in turn, meeting their eyes and seeming to evaluate their honesty. They each agreed in determined tones.

"Draco, are you willing to protect Harry with your life?"

Harry wondered why Dumbledore was asking Malfoy again, but when the other five faces turned in Malfoy's direction, Harry realized it must have been for their benefit.

"Yes!" said Malfoy defiantly, and then looked down at his lap as if ashamed of a weakness. Ron gave a snort of derision, but thankfully did not speak.

"Excellent!" said Dumbledore, beaming around at them all. "I know Harry appreciates your commitment to him, as do I." He rubbed his hands together before continuing. "You will all need to become proficient at all parts of the charm, so we should plan to have several practice sessions before the end of term. Will Thursday evenings be acceptable to everyone?"

They all murmured various words of agreement, and then the headmaster nodded and dismissed them by saying, "Remember, the existence of the charm and the identity of the spell casters should be treated with the utmost secrecy. I will see you all Thursday evening at seven." As they rose to leave, Dumbledore said, "Draco, will you and Harry stay behind for a moment? Draco needs to have a plausible excuse for coming to my office for the next few weeks." Harry and Draco resumed their seats and waited for the others to leave.

"Draco," said Dumbledore when only the three of them remained, "I believe your actions during the Quidditch match on Saturday warrant at least three weeks of detention. You will come to my office each Thursday evening at seven." The headmaster's expression was stern, but his eyes were twinkling.

Malfoy rolled his eyes and said, "Yes, Headmaster," in a falsely submissive tone.

"It would be wise for you to protest my punishment to your head of house," Dumbledore continued. "Then he will have an explanation for your summons to my office this evening as well."

"I understand," said Malfoy with a sober expression. So do I, thought Harry, realizing that Dumbledore meant for him to continue to keep Snape's true loyalties from Malfoy. This would also serve to alert Snape that Malfoy was not aware of his Order affiliation.

Dumbledore dismissed Harry and Malfoy and they descended the stairs in awkward silence. "This is weird," Malfoy said as they walked around the gargoyle and into the corridor. "I resented you for five years because it seemed like you wanted everything to be about you, about the Boy Who Lived. It's weird to find out that everything really is all about you."

"I wish it wasn't."

"That's another thing," said Malfoy, speaking so quietly Harry slowed his footsteps in an effort to hear him more clearly. "You really don't like the attention, do you?"

"I never have, Malfoy. Would you like to be famous for how your parents died?"

Malfoy apparently had nothing to say to that, and the silence stretched between them. Harry let his mind wander over the events of the evening as they walked, and another thought occurred to him.

"You know," said Harry, looking sideways at Malfoy with a smirk, "tonight was very revealing in many ways."

They had reached the entrance hall, and Malfoy stopped near the stairs, looking around urgently as if to ensure no one would overhear. "Love is a very strong word," Malfoy said in a whisper, "maybe too strong - you know I like girls, don't you?"

"That's not what I meant," said Harry, rolling his eyes. "Draco Lucius Nebuchadnezzar Malfoy?"

A pink tinge stained Malfoy's cheekbones, but he drew himself up to his full height and said, "I am named after my father and my grandfather. It's a wizarding tradition. Aren't you named after yours?"

"Yes, my father - James," said Harry. "But your grandfather was named Nebuchadnezzar?"

"He was an ancient Babylonian king," said Malfoy, inclining his head proudly, "and Lucius was a Roman Emperor. I am named after two kings."

"Of fallen kingdoms," Harry said with a snicker. "James was a king of England, a kingdom that still exists."

"A Muggle kingdom," said Malfoy with disdain.

"What - Babylon and Rome were wizard kingdoms?"

"A Malfoy would never be named after a Muggle."

Harry rolled his eyes again. "This conversation is silly."

"I am defending my name," said Malfoy in an arrogant tone.

"You are so full of yourself." Harry shook his head and turned to go up the stairs.

"Want to go flying?" Malfoy called after him.

"Yeah!" said Harry, turning around. "No! I've ..." He lowered his voice and continued, "I've got to go talk to Ginny."

"You never got around to snogging her?"

Harry felt his face heat up and he turned quickly toward the stairs. "See you tomorrow, Malfoy!" he called without turning around as he headed up the stairs.

Ginny was sitting with Ron and Hermione by the fireplace in the common room. All three looked up when the portrait opened, but Ginny looked away quickly. Harry swallowed and walked straight up to her with a determined gait.

"Can I talk to you, Ginny?" She glanced at him nervously, and then looked away. Ron and Hermione exchanged a significant smile.

"Of course, Harry," said Ginny, but she gave no indication that she had any intention of moving.

"I mean ... c-can we ... can we take a walk?" Ron beamed at him, and Harry shot him a scowl.

"Sure, Harry," said Ginny with a shrug, obviously trying to act nonchalant, but Harry saw the trepidation in her eyes. What did she think he was going to say?

She was silent as they made their way down the stairs to the entrance hall. It was, however, an awkward silence; Harry felt tension radiating from Ginny and he felt his own stomach clench as he tried to figure out how to tell her how he felt. Harry held the castle door open for her as she preceded him out into the night. May had been unseasonably fair, and a warm breeze caressed their faces as they walked side by side toward the lake.

Suddenly, Ginny began to talk, as if the gentle wind had broken through the dam her tension had built. "About that charm thing - you know, love is a really strong word, I mean, Hermione loves you but she's obviously not in love with you, I mean, if she is then she needs to have a talk with Ron, and my mum obviously isn't in love with you, that would just be sick ..."

"Ginny," said Harry quietly, "the names came out in order of intensity ..."

"... and Ron and Remus aren't in love with you, I mean, they're blokes and Remus is like your father anyway, and well, I don't know much about Malfoy, but I can't see you being quite his type ..."

"Ginny," Harry said a little more loudly, wishing she would quit talking, "your name came out first."

"Well, that doesn't mean anything, Harry. There are lots of different kinds of love you know. Mum and Remus are a parent-type love, Ron and Hermione are a friend-type love, I don't know what Malfoy is ..."

Harry longed for her to shut up so he could talk to her, even though he still wasn't sure exactly what he wanted to say. They stopped walking at the edge of the lake and he watched her lips moving, but his heart pounded so loudly it drowned out her voice.

Before he realized what he was doing his hands were on her arms and his lips were on hers. She stiffened for a second, and then returned the kiss enthusiastically. After a few moments he pulled back and was amazed at intensity of love and wonder in her eyes.

"You feel the same way, don't you?" she whispered. Harry felt that if he spoke, he would burst, so he settled for nodding slightly with a smile. "Okay then," she said, and wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him down for another kiss.

When they finally broke apart, Ginny looked intently into his eyes and said, "I love you, Harry." Harry wanted to reciprocate, to tell her how he felt, but at her words a lump had risen in his throat, preventing all speech. He suddenly found himself blinking frantically, but refused to release her or look away. "What is it, Harry?" she said, her expression changing to concern. She lightly brushed his cheek with the back of her hand where a tear had escaped, and the tenderness of the gesture loosened the knot in his throat a little.

"No one has ever said that to me before," he said in a hoarse whisper.

"Oh, Harry," said Ginny in a voice that conveyed hurt and righteous indignation on his behalf. "That's just ..." She shook her head. "Well, I'll say it over and over until you get tired of it."

Harry knew he would never tire of hearing it, but he couldn't tell her that because his lips were otherwise occupied.

"I love you, Harry," Ginny repeated after several more moments had passed.

"I love you, too, Ginny," Harry whispered, gazing intently into her eyes, willing her to realize how much he meant it. The simple words seemed inadequate. Harry knew he would do anything for her, including kill or be killed. He felt as if her love was necessary for his heart to continue to beat. He hoped that somehow she would understand that.

Ginny laid her head on Harry's chest and snuggled into his embrace. "Why didn't you do this a long time ago?" she asked in a voice muffled by his jumper.

"I didn't think you were interested," he said quietly. "For a while I thought you liked Zabini."

"Blaise?" Ginny said with disdain. "He only wanted to get into my knickers." Harry stiffened, suddenly feeling as if he needed to pound his fist into Zabini's face until it was a bloody mass. "Come on, Harry," she said, pulling back to look at him. "He wasn't successful! I'm not that kind of girl, you know, and I can certainly take care of myself."

Harry kissed her again, possessively this time. She matched his passion and after several moments they pulled apart gasping for breath. "We should probably go in," Ginny panted.

"Yes," Harry agreed, but he tightened his arms around her and started raining light kisses down her throat.

"Harry," Ginny gasped. The passion in her voice caused him to redouble his efforts, moving her blouse aside slightly to give special attention to a particularly soft spot on her shoulder. "Harry!" Ginny said more firmly, "it's really close to curfew."

Ginny's tone of voice brought Harry to his senses. He pulled back and let her go, smiling sheepishly, ashamed of himself for getting carried away. "Sorry," he murmured.

She gave him a warm smile, took his hand, and they walked back to the castle. "My mum's going to have kittens about this," Ginny said with a grimace.

Harry laughed, actually delighted at the thought of announcing to the world that Ginny Weasley was his girlfriend. But after a moment he remembered who he was, and his thoughts sobered quickly. "Maybe we should keep this rather low-key, Ginny," said Harry. "I mean, I don't mind telling your family, but I don't want you to become a Death Eater target because of me."

"Oh, get over yourself, Harry," Ginny said firmly, startling him a bit. "I'm a target anyway because I'm a Weasley. I refuse to let Voldemort and his band of merry men dictate how I live my life." Harry snickered at the image Ginny's words painted.

They managed to climb through the portrait hole without unclasping their hands, and Harry blushed when he saw Ron and Hermione beaming at them. "It's about bloody time!" said Ron.

************************************

For Harry, the last few weeks of term sped by in a blur of studying, extra lessons, and Ginny. He spent as much time as he could with her, but her time was limited since she was revising for her O.W.L.s. Before he knew it, the final exams were upon him, and Malfoy was quizzing him out of the Potions text in the library.

"You have to put dandelion seeds in that one, Potter, not dandelion stems!" exclaimed Malfoy, earning a glare from Madam Pince. "Can you possibly be more dim?"

"You don't have to be such a prat about it!" Harry said, gathering his things and preparing to leave.

"Get over it," said Malfoy, rolling his eyes. "All I'm trying to say is that it's obvious this isn't your best subject. I really wish you'd tell me how you managed to get an E on your Potions O.W.L." Malfoy gave Harry a significant look, as if asking to be let in on a secret.

"I did!" said Harry, his cheeks flushing with budding anger. "You just didn't believe me. The questions on the exam just happened to be things I knew."

Malfoy narrowed his eyes in apparent concentration. "If I remember correctly, a big part of the written exam had to do with Polyjuice Potion, and that's something we barely covered in class. I only knew the answers from reading about it in the text."

Harry's anger faded and an enigmatic smile spread slowly over his face. Should he tell Malfoy? Surely he wouldn't get angry over something that happened over four years ago. "Well, you see, Ron, Hermione, and I did a little bit of research on that potion on our own in second year."

Malfoy raised an eyebrow and said, "Don't tell me Granger managed to brew an N.E.W.T. level, not to mention illegal potion when she was twelve!" He shook his head in disbelief.

"Worked rather well, too," said Harry with a grin.

"You expect me to believe this story?"

"Yeah, I do. The potion certainly fooled you!"

"Me?" said Malfoy, his expression changing to puzzlement. "Who were you?"

"Crabbe and Goyle. Christmas Day. Right after the feast. We saw Percy in the dungeon corridor. The password to the Slytherin common room was 'pure blood'. We asked you if you knew who the Heir of Slytherin was."

Harry enjoyed watching Malfoy's face morph from scepticism to surprise as he spoke. "Merlin's beard - you did!" Malfoy said after a pause. "I ought to hex you for that!"

"Probably," said Harry with a laugh. "But it was a waste of time. We thought you were the Heir of Slytherin, but you weren't, of course. The change was very painful, anyway. I think that alone is punishment enough."

"Well," said Malfoy, looking oddly pleased, "I'm actually a bit flattered that you thought I was the Heir of Slytherin. I must have had the 'evil' act down pretty well."

"You were nothing but a spoiled brat," Harry said with a shrug, but his eyes were teasing. "We were young and naïve."

"You were a bit stupid, too," said Malfoy. "What a waste to become Crabbe and Goyle! Why didn't you become McGonagall and take a bunch of points from Slytherin? Or become Snape and change your Potions marks? I could think of a hundred better things to do with Polyjuice Potion!"

"We thought we could get you to admit you were the Heir of Slytherin," said Harry in a defensive tone. "We may break the rules occasionally, but only for a good cause."

"Because, of course, you know better than the teachers," said Malfoy, rolling his eyes. He leaned back in his chair and folded his arms in front of him. "How many other stories like that do you have?"

"Several, actually," said Harry with a laugh. "Want to hear the one where Ron and I almost got eaten by Acromantulas in the forest?"

"Er ... no," said Malfoy, reaching for his book. "I think we need to study."

"Are you sure?" Harry asked in what he hoped was a tantalizing tone. "We got rescued by a flying car."

"Yeah, right - you expect me to believe that?"

"I suppose not," said Harry with a shrug, pretending to focus his attention on his Potions text.

After a moment, Malfoy spoke again. "It's true, isn't it?"

"Also second year."

*********************************

"You had him for your Divination practical?" Harry asked Ginny as they entered an empty compartment on the Hogwarts Express. "Last year, Ron told him he was ugly and had a wart on his nose."

"I did not!" Ron said angrily, following Harry into the compartment and flopping into a seat. He looked at Hermione in alarm; apparently she hadn't heard that story.

"Well, I think the subject is a load of nonsense," said Ginny, pulling Harry into the seat across from Ron and Hermione. "I'll be glad to give it up next year."

"Hear, hear!" said Ron, holding up a chocolate frog as if making a toast, and then biting off its head.

"What does Harry mean - you told the examiner he was ugly?" asked Hermione, turning to Ron with a very curious expression.

"Yes, Weasley, I'd like to hear that story too," said Malfoy as he slid the compartment door shut behind him.

Ignoring Malfoy, Ron put his arm around Hermione and pulled her close. "I think you're beautiful," he said, gazing into her eyes.

"Thank you," said Hermione, "but you're not going to distract me from that explanation."

"Are you sure?" asked Ron, waggling his eyebrows and leaning closer.

"I've got to get out of here before I vomit," said Malfoy with his face scrunched in disgust. "I'll go see if Zabini managed to find some birds to sit with." He opened the door, turning to Harry just before he left the compartment. "I'll catch up with you before we get to London."

Harry nodded as Malfoy shut the door. He had to admit he would miss his friend over the summer. Harry was a bit nervous about Malfoy spending his holiday with his mother because of her Death Eater connections, but he kept reminding himself that the only two people who knew the extent of their friendship besides the Trilixicis Charm casters were Dumbledore and Snape. Of course, he wasn't completely sure he could trust Snape, and that was probably the main source of his unease.

"I thought he'd never leave!" said Ginny. She scooted closer to Harry and planted her lips firmly on his.

"Oi, mate! That's my sister!" growled Ron. Harry looked up in alarm, but Ron's expression was amused.

"Oh, shut up and snog your own girlfriend!" said Ginny.

"That's a good idea," said Hermione, scooting closer to Ron.

It did feel a bit weird to be kissing his best friend's sister in front of him, but after a little while it sunk in that Ron was far too busy with Hermione to be watching, so he relaxed and concentrated on enjoying the relative privacy of the compartment.

The sound of the compartment door sliding open startled Harry into springing away from Ginny. "You're lucky it's not Molly doing the rounds," said Remus, obviously amused.

"Hi Remus," said Ginny with an angelic expression.

"You should be at home, resting," said Hermione, looking at Remus with concern as he sat heavily in the seat next to Harry. It was the day before the full moon, and Remus looked pale and tired.

Ron gave an angry growl and said, "If it wasn't for bloody Diggory ..." The Minister of Magic had refused to allow Aurors to ride the train, saying that it was unlikely the Dark Lord would be targeting children, and the Ministry's limited resources could be better used elsewhere.

"I would have ridden anyway," said Remus, holding up a hand as if to block Ron's protest. "And so would your mother." He gave Ron a pointed look.

"I guess that's true," said Ron with a shrug. Harry felt a mixture of guilt that Remus was riding when he felt badly but appreciation that he was willing to protect him.

Remus glanced toward the closed door and said, "How's Occlumency coming?" in a low voice, leaning toward Harry as he spoke.

"Well, as of last week I still couldn't fight off Dumbledore," said Harry with a grimace of frustration. "I can block Snape out most of the time, but Dumbledore's much stronger. I don't know how I'm ever going to keep Voldemort out of my head. From a distance is no problem, but close proximity ..." He trailed off, shaking his head.

"I know you'll get it Harry," said Remus, "and that's saying something. There aren't many wizards who could keep Albus Dumbledore out of their heads. He's going to work with you over the holiday, isn't he?"

"Yeah. At least it's not Snape."

Remus smiled gently without a trace of reproof. "Where's Draco?" he asked.

"Went to sit with Zabini," said Harry. "He said he'd be back before we get to London."

"Okay," said Remus, "but the rest of you need to stay with Harry." He looked around at Ginny, Ron, and Hermione, who all nodded. He pushed himself to his feet and said, "I suppose I'd better see if I can catch any more snogging couples. I'll see you later."

As soon as the door had closed behind Remus, Ron pulled Hermione to him and resumed his previous activities. Harry shrugged and started to copy him, but then Hermione pulled back and said, "Ron, what if that had been your mum? We'd better stop."

"She's probably right," Harry said reluctantly, giving Ginny's shoulders a squeeze before releasing her. Ginny had assured him that her parents and brothers were thrilled that they were dating, but he was still a bit nervous about interacting with them as "Ginny's boyfriend" instead of just "Ron's friend".

Ron released Hermione with kiss on the cheek and pulled a deck of cards out of his pocket. "Exploding Snap?" he said to the compartment at large.

Hermione declined and pulled a book out of her trunk, and the others settled into a game. The mood in the compartment was relaxed and almost celebratory; the anticipation of spending two months together with no classes had put everyone in high spirits.

As they were beginning their fourth game, the train suddenly lurched to a stop, and Harry and Ginny were flung across the compartment into Ron's and Hermione's laps. The scene would have been quite comical if Harry hadn't suddenly felt raw panic flood his stomach. As he pushed himself off of Ron, he looked around at his friends; all three had wide eyes and gaping mouths that clearly reflected his own mood.

"What's going on?" Harry asked, pulling his wand from his pocket and starting toward the door.

"Stay here, Harry," said Ginny, grabbing his arm. "Let's just wait and see."

"But what if we're under attack?" Harry asked in protest, pulling his arm out of Ginny's grasp. He fought away the twinge of guilt he felt when she shot him a reproachful look.

"We can defend ourselves much easier from here, mate," said Ron in a low but intense voice.

Harry rolled his eyes, knowing that Ron was talking about the Trilixicis Charm, but did not open the compartment door. "Fine," he said in a sullen tone. He hated the idea of other students possibly having to fight Death Eaters while he was being protected by his friends, but he knew it was foolish to go into the narrow corridor where it would be very difficult to cast the charm.

In the distance they could hear doors opening and shutting; Harry found it more and more difficult to remain in the compartment as the sounds came closer. They heard a faint scream, as if from far away, and Ron laid a hand on Harry's shoulder to stop him when he moved toward the door again.

Suddenly it felt as if Harry's head was ripping in two along his scar. The pain in his head burned a path to his stomach and he had to struggle not to retch. He dropped his wand as one hand flew to his head and the other clenched at his waist. "He's here," he gasped.

Ginny grabbed the hand at his waist and squeezed it hard, helping to take his mind off the pain in his head. Harry wanted to thank her, but was only remaining on his feet by extreme force of will. He felt someone slip his wand into his pocket, and as he lowered his hand from his forehead to see who it was, Hermione slipped her hand into his, her expression frightened but determined. Ron had joined hands with Ginny so that the four made a complete circle, and Harry could almost feel the love pulsing through it. As he focused on the love of his friends, the pain in his scar subsided somewhat. "I love you, Harry," Ginny whispered in his ear.

They stood there for what seemed like hours, each staring at the others' scared faces and refusing to let go of their hands. Harry struggled against the thoughts and feelings of Voldemort which kept trying to push into the cracks around the barrier he had created with Occlumency, but the odd feeling of excitement or triumph occasionally forced away his fear.

The door flew open and Harry's scar exploded with renewed force; he automatically dropped Ginny's and Hermione's hands in favour of grasping his head. "He is here, Master!" shouted an excited voice, and Harry forced his eyes open just wide enough to see the ends of three wands in his face, each held by a cloaked figure in a mask.

One of the Death Eaters bellowed, "Expel -"

"Stop!" commanded a cold high voice that drowned out the Death Eater and caused Harry's blood to turn to ice. "Leave the boy to me!"

"As you wish," said the Death Eater with a slight bow. The three figures backed out of the doorway to allow Voldemort to pass.

Harry forced himself to stand up straight and defiant as Voldemort approached the doorway of the compartment. He heard two gasps and a muffled sob behind him, but resisted the urge to turn around. The Dark Lord was tall and regal in an impossibly black hooded cloak; he might have been mistaken for royalty if not for his inhuman face. Harry could feel the arrogant confidence radiating from his enemy, and Harry used it to shove away his fear, hold his back erect, and look the Dark Lord in the eye.

"Hello, Tom," Harry managed to choke out through his pain.

Voldemort's red eyes darted around the compartment before landing on Harry. The Dark Lord raised his wand and a slow smile spread across his face as if he were savouring the moment. He drew in a slow breath in a hiss that made Harry think of a snake about to strike.

"Funis!" shouted Ginny from behind Harry, and a golden thread snaked out of the end of her wand.

"Tres!" yelled Ron, and a silver thread emerged from his wand.

"Restis!" cried Hermione, and her blue thread merged with the silver and golden threads, braiding themselves together in midair. The completed braid formed a circle around the four friends and began to spin, and a shimmering translucent light spread to enclose them.

"Avada Kedavra!" shouted Voldemort, pointing his wand at Harry. The green light sailed across the compartment and stopped short when it reached the shield, which glowed bright green for a split second and then returned to normal, as if it had absorbed the curse. Voldemort's eyes widened in surprise, and then narrowed in realization and anger.

"Avada Kedavra!" Voldemort bellowed, sounding frustrated, this time pointing his wand at Ginny. Harry cried out and tried to step in front of Ginny, but the shield deflected the curse a second time.

"Hold still, Harry!" yelled Ginny, grabbing his arm with her free hand. "He can't get me!"

Harry looked into Ginny's eyes and marvelled once again at the love he found there. As he held her gaze, he felt overwhelmed by the knowledge that she could have been killed because of her love for him, and he felt tears begin to trickle down his face.

"Giving in to your emotions, Harry Potter?" taunted Voldemort. "Remember this, Harry - love makes one weak."

Harry looked at Voldemort. He couldn't see him clearly through the swirling colours, and wondered how the Dark Lord had known he was crying. A sharp surge of pain in his scar reminded him forcefully of the connection between them, and he realized Voldemort must be able to sense his emotions as Harry could sense his.

Harry focused as hard as he could on his love for his friends, and finally forced the pain to subside enough that he felt he could speak without vomiting. "Weak?" he said, swiping at the wetness on his face. "I don't think so. You haven't managed to get through this shield, have you?"

In response, Voldemort and the Death Eaters began shouting curses and hexes at random, but the shield held, seeming to glow brightly with a rainbow of colours as the various spells were absorbed. Harry looked around at Ron and Hermione. They were both shaking, and Hermione had tears streaming down her cheeks, but their faces were set and determined.

Finally Voldemort growled in rage and frustration and disappeared with a loud crack. The Death Eaters followed a split second later.

Harry wanted to look into the corridor to see if they were really gone, or at least shut the door, but he knew it was unwise to move beyond the shield. After several moments, Ron finally voiced the question that was in all of their minds, "D'ya think it's safe to lower the shield?"

"No!" said Hermione. "He might come back!"

They continued to stand there, frozen, while the shield spun around them. Harry longed to take Ginny into his arms, but he knew distracting her could be deadly for them all. When they finally heard footsteps pounding in the corridor, they tensed and gripped their wands more tightly.

Remus burst into the compartment with a wild look in his eyes. He relaxed visibly when he saw Harry. Then he pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket, tapped it with his wand, and said, "Portus. Lower the shield and touch this." A few seconds later, Harry felt the familiar tugging behind his navel as he began to fly through the air.