A Cord of Three Strands

A Cord of Three Strands

By Cindale

Chapter 22

"The Connection"

"Though one may be overpowered,

two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Ecclesiastes 4:12

Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione looked up from their conversation at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall when the other students began to file in. "Looks like the train has arrived," Ginny observed.

The four friends had Apparated to a point just outside the Hogwarts gates an hour earlier and had been escorted to the castle by no less than eight Order members. All had Apparated illegally; Harry, Ron, and Hermione had been unable to leave Grimmauld Place over the summer to get their licenses, and Ginny was still underage.

"It was sort of nice getting here before everyone else," said Ron, absently rubbing one of Hermione's hands between his as they watched the students walking to their house tables and greeting their friends. Neville waved as soon as he entered the Hall and hurried over to them, followed closely by Dean and Seamus.

"You lot weren't on the train, were you?" said Neville, obviously pleased to see them.

"Security," grumbled Harry with a shrug and an eye roll. He had been a bit disappointed to miss his last opportunity to ride the train to school, but at least he had been with his friends.

"Congratulations, Hermione," said Seamus. "I'm glad a Gryffindor got Head Girl."

"No one's surprised, of course," said Dean, grinning at Hermione.

"Thanks." Hermione's cheeks turned a bit pink. "Who's Head Boy?"

"Zabini," said Neville with a grimace, nodding toward the door.

Zabini was just entering the Great Hall, seeming to puff his chest out a bit where the Head Boy badge gleamed brightly. He was followed closely by Malfoy. Harry couldn't help a huge grin when he saw his friend, but restrained himself from waving to get Malfoy's attention. Malfoy looked up and caught Harry's eye; he seemed to be trying to scowl at him but unable to manage it. Finally he settled for a small smile and a nod. Harry nodded back and then turned back to his other friends.

Ginny was glaring in the direction of the Slytherin table. Harry squeezed her hand to get her attention. "I can't believe you really like him," she said, still looking across the room.

"I like you better," whispered Harry, and she finally turned her eyes to him and gave him one of the smiles he lived for. He wanted to kiss her, but couldn't bring himself to do it in front of the entire school, so he settled for brushing her hair out of her eyes. "You know," he said, "Malfoy only tolerates Ron and Hermione, but he really likes you."

"Really?" Ginny gushed, batting her eyelids in mock flattery. "I'm so honoured!"

"Oi," said Ron, "do you think there's fewer students this year?"

Harry looked around. Most everyone had been seated by this time, and the tables did indeed appear to be emptier, especially the Slytherin table.

"Nott, Crabbe, Parkinson, and Bulstrode are gone," Seamus reported, looking toward the Slytherin table. "Rumour says they've gone to Durmstrang."

"I think they've become Death Eaters," said Neville quietly. Everyone within earshot turned to look at him. "Well, I don't know, but it makes sense. They're of age now."

"That's how rumours get started," Hermione chastised.

"Well, I said I didn't know," said Neville, turning a bit pink.

"You know he's probably right," said Ron, nudging Hermione gently with his elbow. "I wonder about Goyle, though. Is he a spy or something?"

"He's too stupid to be a spy," Harry countered, looking over to where Goyle sat alone at the Slytherin table. He looked odd without his constant companion of six years.

"What's up with them?" asked Ginny, indicating four boys at the Ravenclaw table. Their heads were close together as if they were talking quietly among themselves and all appeared very upset. Harry recognized Michael Corner, Terry Boot, and Anthony Goldstein from the Defence Association; he didn't know the fourth boy's name.

"Stephen Cornfoot quit school and became a Death Eater over the holiday," said Dean, leaning forward and speaking in hushed tones as if someone had died.

"A Ravenclaw?" said Ron, his eyebrows raised in disbelief.

"Not all Death Eaters come from Slytherin," Harry reminded them, thinking of Wormtail.

"They're probably wondering how they could have lived with him for six years without knowing he was a traitor," said Seamus

"That would be quite a shocker," agreed Ron, looking up and down the Gryffindor table a little suspiciously. "You don't think anybody from Gryffindor is thinking about joining, do you?"

All conversation halted abruptly as the headmaster stood to welcome them, but Harry didn't hear a word of the greeting. As the Sorting Hat sang its song he looked around the room, hoping none of the other students would become Death Eaters. He gazed bemusedly at the first years, wondering if he had ever been so young and small. Most of their faces shone with innocence, nervousness, and excitement, but several pairs of eyes were hardened, evidence that these children had already seen far too much in their short lives. A lump arose in Harry's throat and again he felt the urgency to do away with Voldemort; these children deserved to grow up in a world without war.

"You eating tonight?" Ginny whispered, squeezing his hand. Harry shook himself out of his reverie to realize the food had appeared. He forced a smile at Ginny, who smiled back with a mixture of concern and understanding, and then he went through the motions of serving himself and moving his food around on his plate.

"Like anyone for Quidditch this year?" asked Ron, looking up and down the Gryffindor table. "We have to replace Katie and Stacey." Harry smiled, a genuine smile this time, grateful that his friend's mind ran mainly in two tracks: Quidditch or Hermione. Ginny joined in the Quidditch speculation as Hermione rolled her eyes and continued to eat. It was nice that some things never changed.

As Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione pushed their way through the crowd to exit the Great Hall after dinner, something occurred to Harry. "There were no new staff appointments this year. Everyone's back for once!" He looked up at the staff table where Professor Shacklebolt was standing to leave, and suddenly felt a little more hopeful. Harry would be continuing his training with the Auror and Remus, who was going to resume his quarters at the castle after spending the summer holiday at Grimmauld Place.

Just as the four friends had finally managed to get through the doors, Harry heard a familiar voice behind him say, "Nice that you left me to cover both the Head Boy and Head Girl duties on the train."

Harry turned to see that Zabini had draped an arm around Hermione in an overly friendly fashion, and though his tone was light, his eyes were hard. Harry put his hand in his pocket to draw out his wand, but Ron was quicker. "Get your hands off of her, Zabini!" Ron growled, his wand at the Slytherin's throat.

Zabini took a step back with his hands up, palms facing Ron. "Jealous, are you?" he said, shaking his head at Ron. "Don't worry - I can assure you I will leave her virtue intact - she's not exactly my type."

"What's that supposed to mean?" said Ron, taking a step forward.

"Don't say it, Zabini," warned Malfoy, who had stepped up beside Zabini. "Weasley, put your wand away. Let's all be friendly here." Ron scowled darkly at both of the Slytherins, but complied.

Malfoy raised questioning eyebrows at Zabini, who explained, "I was only trying to determine whether the Head Girl would be able to perform her duties. I'm not so sure Hogwarts should have a Head Girl with so many ... security issues."

Ron took another step forward and reached into his pocket, but Hermione stopped him with a hand on his arm. "It's okay," she said. "He's right - it's not fair to him that I wasn't on the train. It wasn't my fault, but it wasn't his, either." Hermione turned fully to Zabini and said, "I will take two of your shifts this week to make it up to you, okay?"

The Head Boy gave her a long, calculating look. "Agreed. I'll talk to you about it tomorrow."

Hermione nodded and gave him a small smile, and then took Ron's hand and led the way to the marble staircase. Ginny started to follow, but Harry touched her arm to stop her. "You go ahead - I'm going to talk to Malfoy."

"Okay," said Ginny, giving Malfoy a suspicious look. She kissed Harry lightly and turned toward the stairs.

Harry turned back to Malfoy; Zabini had gone, presumably to the dungeons. Malfoy raised his eyebrows slightly and then turned and walked down the corridor, clearly expecting Harry to tag along. Harry struggled to keep an impassive expression as he followed Malfoy into an empty classroom. As soon as he closed the door behind them, Harry allowed his face to break into a broad grin.

"Don't get all sentimental on me, you bloody Gryffindor." Malfoy was obviously trying to scowl, but not quite succeeding.

"I missed you, too," said Harry, smiling even wider. "So, did you get a broom?"

Malfoy stood a bit straighter. "Yes. I went with the Cleansweep. It's slightly faster than the Firebolt, so your days of beating me at Quidditch are over."

"I don't think so," said Harry. "Talent is more important than broom speed."

"I suppose we'll see, won't we?"

"Tomorrow right after classes?" said Harry. Malfoy nodded to indicate his agreement.

"And the magic carpet?"

"I got it into the country, no thanks to you," said Malfoy with a dramatic sigh. "Zabini helped me, but he charged me almost as much as the carpet cost for the trouble."

"Did you bring it to school?"

"Of course not!" Malfoy was obviously trying to sound offended, but his severe expression was ruined by the smile tugging at his lips.

"You did!" Harry shouted, his face lighting up with excitement.

Malfoy scowled and made shushing gestures, and then cast a locking and silencing charms on the door. "Merlin! You're an idiot!"

"Can I try it?" asked Harry eagerly, ignoring Malfoy's insult.

"Your brain must have completely leaked out of your head over the holiday," said Malfoy, putting his hands on his hips in what appeared to be mock anger. "If I get expelled or arrested you'll have one fewer spell caster, you know."

Harry's expression grew more serious as he remembered the risk Malfoy was taking by the commitment he had made to him. "I-I never really ... thanked you for that, did I?" said Harry, looking at the ground.

"Don't be stupid," said Malfoy in a quiet voice. "It's not like I had much choice, you know." Harry wondered exactly what he meant by that, but didn't want to ask. "Speaking of that," Malfoy continued, "tell me what happened on the train. I take it the shield worked?"

Harry had generally avoided thinking about the incident on the Hogwarts Express in June, but he knew he should tell Malfoy what happened. Faltering a bit at first, Harry began to recount the event in as much detail as he could remember.

"Wait a minute," Malfoy interrupted. "You talk like you and the Dark Lord can sense each other's emotions."

"We can - we're connected somehow through my scar."

"That's ... really interesting," said Malfoy, eyes wide as if fascinated.

"You act like it's fun or something," grumbled Harry. "It isn't."

"No," Malfoy said, looking past Harry as if considering the matter very seriously. "I can see how it would be a disadvantage for him to know your emotions. He would probably be able to tell if you were lying or hiding something from him." Malfoy turned his eyes back to Harry with an intense, calculating expression that made Harry feel a bit uncomfortable. Harry suddenly remembered that Malfoy's father was a Death Eater and for a moment it seemed insane to trust him with all of this information.

"Speaking of Voldemort and his gang," said Harry, taking a step back from Malfoy and focusing on an invisible piece of lint on the sleeve of his robe, "it was all over the Prophet this morning that your father escaped Azkaban. Did you see him before you left?"

"Of course not," said Malfoy, his face a mask of indifference. "My father isn't an idiot - he wouldn't come home when the entire Ministry is looking for him."

It seemed that Malfoy was avoiding Harry's gaze, but Harry shook off his suspicions. He was tired of constantly fighting the battle to persuade Ginny, Ron, and Hermione that Malfoy was trustworthy; he certainly didn't need to begin having doubts himself.

"So tell me the rest," said Malfoy eagerly. "How did you escape?"

"There's not much else to tell," said Harry with a shrug. "Voldemort and the Death Eaters tried a bunch of curses, but nothing got through. They finally gave up and left. Ginny, Ron, and Hermione kept the shield up until Remus showed up to Portkey us out."

"It's a bit anticlimactic," Malfoy said with a humourless laugh. "I imagine the Dark Lord was furious."

"Oh yes." Harry walked over to a window and stared out at the night without seeing. "Now he knows about the spell," Harry said without turning around. "He knows he has to get me away from my friends to kill me. Or ..." Harry's voice cracked, and he cleared his throat before continuing. "Or he has to kill my friends."

Malfoy was silent, and after a moment Harry turned around to look at him. He was gazing at Harry with an expression Harry had never seen before, a combination of compassion and love. "We just need to get rid of him quickly," Malfoy said, his eyes hardening into determination. Harry was surprised and gratified by Malfoy's use of the word "we," including himself in Harry's fate. "You said Granger found something interesting?"

"Yeah - she found a curse that kills the soul. It seems to be somehow similar to the dementor's kiss."

"That sounds promising," said Malfoy. "The bastard wouldn't be able to come back."

Harry sighed. "Problem is, you have to cast the curse at the moment the soul leaves the body - at the point of death. And I still have no idea how I'm going to kill his body. The shield works both ways - I can't cast the Killing Curse or anything else through it."

"So maybe we can figure out a way for you to kill him without magic," said Malfoy, his eyes narrowed as if he was thinking hard. "Or maybe we can practice lowering the shield just long enough for you to cast a spell."

"I don't like that idea. Lowering the shield would expose the spell casters. You lot have already done enough for me - I won't put you in more danger."

Malfoy rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Get over yourself, Potter. You need to accept that we'll do whatever needs to be done - just as you will." Harry nodded, but was totally unconvinced. He knew he would refuse to expose his friends to more danger, even if it meant he had to face Voldemort without his protection charm.

Malfoy gazed at him with an unreadable expression for a moment, as if expecting him to say something, and then finally looked away uncomfortably. "Well, I'd better get to the dungeons before the Head Boy gives me detention," he said as he pulled out his wand. He lowered the wards on the room and opened the door.

"Okay," said Harry with a shrug as he moved to follow him from the room. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Malfoy turned and nodded to Harry as he left the room, and then headed quickly toward the dungeon stairs. Harry hurried up the marble staircase toward Gryffindor Tower, pondering the odd conversation as he went. Malfoy seemed different somehow, though Harry couldn't put a finger on it. He shrugged it off as he reached the familiar portrait of the fat lady; maybe it was normal to feel a bit awkward after only communicating through letters for over two months.

Ron was sitting on his bed in his pyjamas when he walked into the dormitory, obviously waiting up for him. Three of the other four beds had their curtains closed; presumably Neville, Seamus, and Dean were asleep. "Took you long enough," Ron complained. "I was about to go looking for you."

Harry rolled his eyes, unwilling to fight the old battle tonight. "I haven't seen him all summer, Ron. We had a lot of catching up to do." He glanced around the room briefly and then gave Ron a meaningful look, hoping to communicate that he and Malfoy had talked about the Trilixicis Charm and the curse Hermione had found, and that he couldn't tell Ron that in the dormitory with the other three present.

"I suppose you did," Ron said grudgingly, looking away. "I still can't believe you trust him, though."

"Don't start, Ron. You know why I do, and we've had this discussion a hundred times."

"Yeah, I know," said Ron, pulling back his covers and sliding into bed. "I'm just ... tired." He sighed and settled in, but his eyes remained wide open. Harry turned to fish his own pyjamas out of his trunk. He knew something else was bothering his friend, and that he would tell him as soon as he was ready.

Ron stared at a spot just past Harry as he changed. Harry had stuffed his robes into his trunk, gotten into bed, and stowed his glasses on the nightstand before Ron finally spoke. "You know, I'm really happy for Hermione getting Head Girl and all, but I don't like her having to work so closely with that Slytherin prat."

"Just last year you said Zabini wasn't a bad bloke," Harry reminded him.

"That was before he put his bloody paws on my girlfriend," Ron said in a tight voice. "Did you know he tried to go out with Ginny last year? He's just such a cocky arse ... it's like he thinks everyone should bow at his feet or something ... he tries to charm all the girls ..."

"If you're saying he's trying to shag every girl in the school, I think you might be right," said Harry with a bitter laugh. "But you know you've got nothing to worry about, Ron. Hermione loves you."

"Yeah, I know - it's him I don't trust - not her. If he touches her again ..." Ron shook his fist in the air.

"Don't worry about it," said Harry, hoping he sounded reassuring. "I can talk to Malfoy about it if it would make you feel better - they're mates, you know."

"Like I would want to be indebted to him - no thanks." Harry shrugged and Ron rolled to his back, crossing his arms behind his head. "It's good to be back, though, really."

"Yeah," agreed Harry with a smile.

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

On the first Thursday of classes, Harry slipped Malfoy a bundle wrapped awkwardly in paper just before Potions class began. "It's my cloak," he explained in a whisper. "We have a meeting tonight in Dumbledore's office at seven. Use the cloak to get there. The password is 'chocolate frog'." Malfoy only had time to nod and stuff the package into his book bag before Snape swept into the room and began the lecture.

Malfoy was the last to arrive that evening. He walked over to Harry and held out a neatly folded invisibility cloak, but Harry shook his head and said, "You need to get back to the dungeons later - just give it to me tomorrow." Malfoy nodded and took his seat. Ron caught Harry's eye and gave him a glare; Harry knew he was annoyed that he would trust Malfoy with something as valuable as his invisibility cloak, but Harry only rolled his eyes and looked away.

Dumbledore sat behind his desk beaming at them all in welcome. "Before we begin this evening, I understand that we have a few things to discuss."

Hermione raised her hand as if she was in class, but Malfoy was quicker. "Why isn't Harry taking Occlumency lessons?" he blurted, ignoring Hermione's hand. Everyone gaped at him in surprise; Harry shifted uncomfortably. Malfoy crossed his arms defensively and said, "Well, it would make sense - he says the Dark Lord can sense his emotions - he needs to learn to block him out."

"You told him that?" Ron said to Harry, his expression horrified.

"Harry!" Ginny said in protest.

"I trust him!" stated Harry to the room at large, ignoring the titters of disapproval. He conveniently ignored the fact that Malfoy had asked the question because Harry hadn't told him one of his secrets. He shot Dumbledore a pleading look and the headmaster nodded at him almost imperceptibly.

"Harry has been taking Occlumency lessons for over a year from me," Dumbledore paused for just the briefest of moments, as if hesitating, "and from Professor Snape."

Malfoy gaped for a moment, and finally said, "But Snape's a Death Eater!"

"Yes," Dumbledore said with a gentle nod, "but Professor Snape is also a trusted member of the Order of the Phoenix."

Malfoy narrowed his eyes and quirked one eyebrow in disbelief. "How do you know he's not only pretending to be on your side?"

"That is a private matter between Professor Snape and myself," said Dumbledore.

Malfoy gave a snort that was obviously derisive, but Harry suddenly realized something. "Snape brewed the potion that revealed my spell casters - he's known about you from the beginning, Malfoy. What do you think would have happened if Snape had told Voldemort about you?"

Malfoy's eyes widened in shock, fear, and anger. "I would have been killed!" he exclaimed, rising to his feet. "So much for trusting me, Potter - why didn't you tell me about Snape? I think I deserved to know who I was trusting my life with!"

"It wasn't his secret to tell, Draco," said Dumbledore in a calm voice. "Take your seat and I will answer your question more fully." Malfoy shot Harry an angry glare and complied.

The headmaster continued, "Harry's Occlumency skills are considerable, but his connection with Voldemort is very strong. Harry can protect himself from Voldemort's mental probing as long as there is some distance between them, but he may never be able to protect himself when they are in close proximity." Draco nodded, but still appeared angry, and seemed to be avoiding Harry's eyes.

"Now, Hermione," said Dumbledore, "I believe you had something to say?"

"Yes Professor Dumbledore," said Hermione, biting her lip as if nervous. "I found a curse that can destroy a soul in a book I was reading over the holiday. I thought perhaps if Harry used that Voldemort wouldn't be able to come back again."

Dumbledore gazed at Hermione for a moment with an unreadable look, and then glanced at Harry before turning back to Hermione. "Did you bring the book with you?"

Hermione wordlessly pulled a cloth bundle out of her ever-present book bag and handed it to Dumbledore. As he began to unwrap it, she quickly said, "Be careful of the stinger, Sir." Harry, Ginny, Ron, Remus, and Mrs. Weasley all cringed; Harry remembered how even with the antidote Hermione had vomited for two days and hadn't been able to eat for almost a week after handling the book.

The headmaster used his wand to unwrap the book and then cast a complicated-sounding charm over it. "Page one hundred seventy-four," supplied Hermione. Dumbledore turned to the indicated page and read it, his eyes moving back and forth rapidly.

Finally he looked up, glanced at each of them in turn, his eyes lingering a bit longer on Harry, and sighed as he settled his gaze on Hermione. "I'm sorry, Hermione," he said. "This is a very good idea, and I appreciate your research, but this spell cannot be used to destroy Voldemort."

"But it will work!" Hermione exclaimed, her nervousness disappearing in her intensity. "I know it will!"

"Oh, I have no doubt that it will work," said Dumbledore. He looked down briefly at the open book, and when he raised his head the twinkle had completely disappeared from his eyes.

"Then what's the problem, Albus?" Remus asked, his face reflecting the confusion of everyone else in the room.

Dumbledore removed his spectacles and rubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger. He looked tired and ill, and Harry was suddenly reminded of the wards around the castle, wondering if they had continued to disintegrate over the summer months.

After a moment, the headmaster replaced his glasses and looked sadly at Remus. "That curse, successfully cast, would not only result in the destruction of Voldemort's soul, but most likely a very painful death for Harry."

Harry barely heard all the gasps around him because he was reeling in his own shock. He was vaguely conscious of Remus asking, "Why, Albus?"

Dumbledore looked down at his desk, as if unable to face them. "From what I've been able to gather, I believe that Tom Riddle's soul resides inside of Harry."