Purpose

~ Chapter 27: A Maze of Shields ~

Monday, 18^th September. In Sirius's bedroom...

Three adults and two wolves reclined on Sirius's king-sized bed, not saying a word to each other. Harry's godfather sighed and with a wave of his wand, the bedroom plunged into darkness. Fenix was snuggling close to Remus as she brooded about Harry. She was less worried about Malfoy because he was already showing signs that he would soon be strutting about the School but Harry was a different matter.

: Damn, : Fenix swore and Remus held her tighter in his one good arm, nuzzling her neck with his lips. She was careful not to knock anything against tender ribs. : You guys want to know something? I feel as if I have the answer right in front of my face but I just can't seem to catch it, : she grumbled and Sirius fondly gave her a kiss on her forehead. She sighed and stopped thinking for a while.

: I know how you feel. And Merlin knows I'm useless enough. I'm not a Healer like you... : Her oathbrother's mindvoice trailed off, his depression slowly crept in.

: Don't say things like that, : Fenix said firmly, giving Sirius a light pinch on his arm. He flinched from the sudden attack. The adults did not speak anymore as exhaustion carried them all away to sleep.

**********

Tuesday, 19^th September. Mid-morning...

It had been nearly six days since the two students had fell unconscious. Fenix slowly walked towards the hospital room with Wind following closely behind her. The Defence teachers had split their teaching schedule since it will be a full moon this evening, and Fenix felt it was wise if she taught the afternoon class today. That would ensure that her partner would not have to worry about his transformation. It would not be the first time he had to change into a werewolf when he had been injured in one way or another and confirmed that the experience was not worth to be experienced again. He had stoically announced, "The hazards of being who I am and pure bad timing I guess." Fenix smiled inwardly at the thought, walking very slowly to make her daily visit to the invalid students.

She was not really expecting to see Malfoy sitting up on his bed with a contemplative expression on his face. He broke off from his thoughts as soon as he was aware of her presence and studied her warily. The Fire Master nodded a greeting to Madam Pomfrey who was holding a cup in her hands, walking briskly over to Malfoy. Fenix went first to Harry and gave him a Mindtouch but there was still no response from Sirius's godson. Dear Phoebus. Please, let Harry wake up. She leaned back against the back of her chair, refusing to be defeated so easily. She checked Harry's pulses and breathing and all seemed to be normal. Except that he is not dreaming. That would be a good sign if it occurs. She gave a melancholy sigh as she stood up and walked over to Malfoy.

Madam Pomfrey left the room, leaving Malfoy with the cup. Wind carefully sat herself on Harry's bed to keep watch while Fenix made herself comfortable on a chair and gave the pale-looking Slytherin a sad look. She reached out for something in her pocket and handed it to him. It was a letter from his mother and Fenix felt it was wise not to mention the fact that the same person who had written the letter for Malfoy had sent her a Howler. Fortunately, that had been sent to her early in the morning while she was in the office having breakfast with her fellow colleagues.

Snape had continuously apologized for having her ears deafened early in the morning. She had just shook her head, looking a little amused at the remains of the Howler. The words that had come out of it were less than polite. She had wondered if Mrs. Malfoy was really worried and innocent as she had sound from the Howler. Sirius was doubtful however, saying that his cousin had a flair for dramatics. She focused her attention back to Malfoy who was looking a little too angry for her taste. She carefully let her skills as an Empath to soothe the boy down and he settled but after he set the letter afire with his mind alone. That must be his magical specialty. Harry had a knack to make things disappear when he's angry and Sirius told me that he used to break windows. I wonder why he's angry though.

"How are you feeling?" Fenix asked softly, looking intently at the Slytherin, who was grimacing at the taste of the potion that the healer had given him.

"Hungry," he admitted and she stared at him in surprise. House-elves suddenly appeared and she shook her head when they displayed a variety of foods-- all suitable for one who had not eaten for days. The house-elves are spoiling him again... Fenix smiled gently as the youth finally decided on what looked like chicken porridge to her. He ate slowly; his arms were shaking slightly and his face suddenly took on an ashen color. Fenix lifted her chair to move closer to Malfoy and lightly touched his waist. He flinched at her touch and she used her Sight. As she had suspected, Malfoy had probably landed on his side badly after the dagger exploded. She slowly let her energy flow to Malfoy and at the same time, she recharged herself, being very careful not to overextend the usage of her Gifts.

The Slytherin prefect stopped trembling and she stopped the flow of energy, and replaced it with the pure green energy of Healing. He had finished eating the bowl of porridge and an unfamiliar house-elf reappeared with a glass of pumpkin juice for him and took the empty bowl. He drank the contents of the glass, gave it to the waiting house-elf, and sat awkwardly on the bed. Her fingers were still on his waist and time passed slowly, and Malfoy blushed involuntarily at the contact. He noticed that he was no longer weary but the need to sleep was still there. He wondered what she was doing to him and looked around the room.

The Fire Master's wolf was keenly gazing at Harry's pale face and Malfoy stiffened in fear as knowledge surfaced in his mind. He forced himself to look away to stare at Professor Lupin's assistant. He cleared his throat uneasily and asked her a question.

"How long have I been unconscious?" he asked in a soft, shaky voice that was caused by fear and tiredness. Fenix opened her eyes and retrieved her fingers slowly from him. She stood up and motioned him to lie down on the bed. She took the bouquet of the pale flowers and placed it at the right side of his pillow so she could talk to him face to face. Positioning her chair in a much more suitable position, she sat down, looking at the Slytherin calmly. She was aware that she could not ask the boy too many questions in case she caused the youth to get agitated, which would be a very bad thing for someone who had fallen asleep for days.

"You have been out for nearly six days... maybe five would be more accurate," she said in a kind tone. Malfoy fell silent. She patiently waited for the youth to speak again.

"And... how is Potter? Professor Lupin?" Malfoy inquired in a careful tone, his eyes staring blindly at the ceiling.

"He's stable... but not exactly all right. To your second question, he is all right except for a few broken bones. And the wolf is fine," she answered even before he could ask.

Malfoy fought with the turmoil that had begun to build up in him and it was swiftly calmed down in an instant. He turned to look suspiciously at her. She smiled gently, her silver eyes growing dark as she thought about what to say to him. "Those of us who need to know, already knows that you were under your father's influence. You have my word that you had unwillingly followed your father's instructions. Though I wished that you had told someone much more reliable about your spells," she said plaintively, "but no point crying over spilt milk."

"But..." Malfoy spoke doubtfully, "won't-- won't he try to... control me again?"

Fenix's face took on a determined expression. "Not if I can help it. But I'm in no position to talk like that. I'm pretty sure Severus would settle that... personally. Your Potions Master was pretty damn indignant of the situation," Fenix said lightly.

"He is not... displeased? With me?" Malfoy asked in an uncertain voice. Fenix lifted an eyebrow.

"Why should he? And Draco," Fenix stood up, looking at him with a mysterious expression. "I'm glad you had made use of your wits to call me using your mind." She suddenly switched to mindspeech. : I'm a very selfish little person, lad. I've positioned your Potions Master at the right track to life. If something grievous had happened to you, he might revert to stone-hearted Snape again. And I certainly am not going to let my efforts go to a waste. I'm in the middle of a project and it is called Extending Families. Now, you will have your rest and regain your strength back. And I have a suggestion-- two suggestions actually. When you're back up on your feet, ask Professor Snape to train you in Occlumency. Two-- just consider this all right? I think you ought to find someone who really suits you rather than suiting your needs. That's all. Now sleep, : Fenix said brightly then her face turned melancholy again. : At least you had snapped out of your comatose... :

Fenix gave a soft whistle to Wind, who gracefully jumped from Harry's bed to join her. She gave Malfoy a smile and greeted Hagrid warmly as she headed out of the room. The huge man looked at Malfoy cautiously as he made his way towards Harry's bed. Malfoy gave a small sigh and turned his thoughts inward. One thought played in his mind repeatedly. Just before he fell asleep, he was filled with anguish as he wondered. Just how much do my parents really care about me?

**********

In Harry's unconscious mind...

Harry stood up and stared out at the wall of darkness ahead of him. The back of his neck prickled uncomfortably as he instinctively felt that he was being watched by something unfriendly hidden in the blackness. He calmly searched his robe for his wand but came up empty-handed. It's a good thing I decided to stay on this side rather than going for the light. Now, it's time to use your wits, Harry. If you were a Hunter, who knows that he is being hunted, what would you do? He knew with a deep certainty that the grove of trees was his haven and was meant for his use. I still haven't figure out what had happened.

The feeling of being watched intensified and he thought quickly. Defence. I don't have my wand with me, so maybe... Harry nodded resolutely to himself and fled between the trees. He knew that something out there that had been watching him was making its own moves. I need to build shields.

Harry halted and laid the flat of his palm on a tree trunk. Somehow, to his immense surprise, he was able to convert a part of life source from the tree into energy. He carefully used it to create an expanded shield, just like the one Fenix had built back at The Burrow. He did not bother to congratulate himself at his success but began moving around the grove in a spiral-like manner. There was a sudden flash of brilliant red light coming from the direction of the wall of darkness and he remained still, becoming one with the tree he was leaning against.

**********

In the late afternoon...

Hermione, Ginny and her brother never failed to visit Harry whenever they could. Ron had written to the twins about the incident and Fred had complimented his younger siblings on their good sense to write to them instead of their mother. He had complained that Mrs. Weasley would run about the house in hysteria almost once a week, worrying about her children and Harry. Hermione's birthday celebration that day was a little somber without the presence of their best friend, Harry. Ron, with the help of his roommates, had managed to create a crystal figure of an eagle and the results were worth their effort when Hermione actually became speechless when she unwrapped her present. Ron had also bought a silver bracelet for her with the help of his brothers with his own savings. It was then when the twins finally realized that their youngest brother was actually very serious in his courtship with Hermione while Ginny had given her a deep red turtleneck shirt that really went well with her curly hair.

Hermione paused at the threshold of the hospital wing in plain disbelief when she saw the Slytherin prefect sitting on his bed, calmly eating his dinner. Ron acted as if he had not seen Malfoy and zoomed off straight to Harry. He sat down on a chair, giving his back to Malfoy. The Slytherin prefect was not surprised by the Weasley's action. He just stared straight at the opposite wall and continued eating. Ginny followed her brother, though she did give Malfoy a withering look. Hermione walked slowly, her eyes intent on the Slytherin prefect.

"Hi," she greeted politely.

"What do you want, Mudblood?" Malfoy asked perfunctorily. Hermione's eyes narrowed dangerously. She took a deep breath and reined her temper. This is not how I would want to celebrate my birthday, she thought resolutely.

"How are you feeling?" she asked, echoing Fenix's earlier question in the morning. Malfoy gave a curt nod to indicate he was fine and Hermione stared at him in aggravation, walking quickly to Harry's bed.

"Stop trying to be nice to him, Hermione. He wouldn't appreciate it even if he knows how," Ron spoke up.

"Shut up," his partner answered, clearly unhappy with the curt reception from the Slytherin prefect. "Harry, if you can hear me," Hermione leaned over and whispered softly into Harry's right ear. "Wake up. If you don't, I swear I won't ever subject anyone my smile. Ever," she solemnly vowed and sat down on a chair, and began making a bracelet for her unconscious friend using the dried flowers from Alamanda's bouquet, with her new slim bracelet tinkling musically as she worked.

**********

After dinner...

The Slytherins were going in groups to look in on Malfoy but Dumbledore would not tolerate any kind of mischief from them. He had instructed the Potions Master and Harry's godfather to stay in the infirmary for as long as Madam Pomfrey remained tolerant of the visiting students. While Sirius stood guard beside Harry's bed, Snape strictly regulated Malfoy's visitors. Pansy Parkinson happened to go in with her group of girls and the Potions Master happily cut their five minute visit to less than two.

"But Professor!" Parkinson squealed in indignation.

"Time's up, Miss Parkinson. You better get back to your duty," the Potions Master said in a cool voice. Parkinson walked off sullenly as she childishly pushed Montague off. The captain cursed under his breath and smiled roguishly at his friend. Malfoy returned the grin and looked to Snape.

"Thank you for that, sir."

"Thank me for what?" Snape gave him an oblique look.

"Getting Pansy out of here."

"She is a prefect after all, Draco. And might I remind you that she has to perform your duties?" the Potions Master cruelly pointed out and Malfoy flinched at Snape's subtle rebuke. Alamanda walked in, accompanied by Dina and Justin, her face glowing when she saw Malfoy. Malfoy stared at the young Slytherin girl for a moment, and flushed slightly when he found the girl severely attractive.

"Good. Now, only one person is still left to complete the picture," she said seriously and went over to Harry, replacing her bouquet of flowers. She looked curiously at Harry's right wrist and smiled to herself. She gave a small sigh and smiled brightly at Sirius before she went off from the infirmary. Her timing was just right when Madam Pomfrey came in and nodded to Professor Snape. The Potions Master did not have to announce what her nod meant as Montague carefully clasped Malfoy's shoulder and his group went off. Malfoy gave a small moan and lied down, falling asleep almost instantly.

Snape looked curiously at his student and opened his mouth to ask Madam Pomfrey what was wrong with Malfoy. She had assured him that the reaction was normal. She told him the boy needed some time to get his reserves back into shape. Snape turned to Sirius, who was looking sorrowfully at his godson. : You ought to get some rest before Fenix comes in and decides to wrap you in chains and drag you onto a bed. Exhausting yourself won't do us any good. :

: Mind your own business, Snivellus. : Snape let that pass. He had already given the man a warning. He comfortably sat down on a chair, overlooking Malfoy, a scowling Sirius and pale Harry. He did not even hear Fenix come in to the room but suddenly she was there, staring furiously at her oathbrother.

: Sirius, : she started dangerously. : Come with me. Now. :

Her oathbrother was about to protest when Remus's mindvoice echoed coolly in their minds. : Don't argue with us, Padfoot. :

: Sev, : Fenix looked at the Potions Master. : Guard the sleeping ones. I'm going to take this hardheaded oathbrother of mine for dinner and tuck him to bed. : Snape nodded slightly and stared in surprise when Fenix grabbed hold of Sirius's hand and disappeared. Remus let his feeling of triumph flow over to Snape and winced when he pulled a muscle. He wished the Potions Master a good night as he waited for his partner to reappear with her oathbrother in tow.

**********

Later that night...

Harry froze in mid-step. The presence was getting closer to him and fear started to creep into him slowly. Don't panic. He was able to make out a shadowy figure slowly making its way around the shields that Harry had built. There was absolutely no time that Harry could create another shield. So he made the shield to his left permeable and quickly dashed into the protection of the shield, willing it to become solid to any magical attacks. The figure was just several feet away from him. Harry felt himself growing cold when another flash of brilliant red light flashed through the surroundings, lighting up the face of the figure. Voldemort was walking towards him. Voldemort, who was grinning in triumph as he caught sight of Harry.

**********

Malfoy sat up on the bed suddenly; severely startling the Potions Master from his reading. The Slytherin stared wildly across the room for a moment before turning to stare at Harry's motionless form.

"Professor?" Malfoy croaked out, disengaging himself from the light blanket to walk unsteadily towards Harry's bed. Snape scrambled up to his feet and managed to catch a weak Malfoy before he fell on the metal post of a bed and splitting his forehead in the process.

"What is it?" the Potions Master questioned urgently. Malfoy had reached his out his arm, palm hovering above Harry's forehead and pulled his hand back. So... perhaps my dream was real. Harry is shielding himself against something. Good news: he is still functioning. Bad news: he might be in trouble inside his own mind, the Slytherin prefect thought grimly to himself.

"I think you better get Miss Maxwell down here," he suggested with a shaky voice.

Snape paused, indecisive whether he should fetch Fenix himself or to summon her. He chose the latter as he tried to turn Malfoy into the direction of his own bed, but the boy struggled, opting to sit on a chair. Snape gave in to the boy as he concentrated in waking up a slumbering Fenix.

: Sev? : she sent her thought sleepily and then in a more alert mindvoice, : What's wrong? :

: I have absolutely no idea but Draco wants you in the ward, : Snape informed her, his mindvoice was tinged with curiosity.

: Give me a moment. :

Snape turned his attention to his student, who had dragged the chair closer to Harry's bed. The Slytherin was close enough to Harry that he was able to place his fingertips on Harry's temples. Snape blinked at his student's posture. The scene before him was overlaid with his memory of the night that both boys had collapsed. Fenix had raised Malfoy's head to her lap and did exactly the same thing as what the Slytherin prefect was doing now. The Fire Master materialized at the foot of Harry's bed and was about to speak when she froze, her head tilting to her right as she curiously stared at Malfoy. By the golden wings of Aquilla! I did not imagine him to be a Mindhealer! Dear Gods!

: Fenix? : Snape sent a concerned thought and she smiled briefly at him.

: It's all right, : she assured him and quickly strode forward and tapped Malfoy gently on his shoulder. He broke off his intense concentration and looked up to see Fenix's face hovering close.

"I'm not sure if you should do this, Draco," she spoke up softly. "You have just recovered."

"But I do not have any kind of choice, do I? Potter is important to the school."

"And you think you aren't?" she said, her voice devoid of any emotions. "I'm not going to forget this, Draco. We'll get to that later. Now, what do you See?" she asked, going business-like and sent a thought to ask the boy for permission to link with him. Malfoy accepted her link and deftly showed her Harry's unconscious mind. Fenix sat herself on the edge of Harry's bed, and another set of fingers touched Harry's temples lightly.

Malfoy closed his eyes for a clearer view, trying to ignore the uncomfortable sensation of sharing his mind with another. He saw his own figure enclosed in a deep verdant glow while Fenix shone a distinct blue figure. Fenix let him take the lead and he led her until they came up against a solid black wall. Fenix cocked her head to a side in curiosity as she watched Malfoy raise his right hand and placed a fingertip on the wall. His forefinger passed through easily and he beckoned to her. Fenix felt herself sliding through that wall and they came to another black wall. And another. And passed through yet another.

She frowned a little as they moved forward to slide through more of the black walls. I feel as if I'm inside a maze, but Draco seems to know where he's going. I wonder... She signaled at Malfoy to stop as she focused her attention to a black wall. Laying her palm against it, she was a little surprised that she felt pulses and energy flowing around it and retrieved her hand in incredulity.

: My Gods! : she exclaimed to Snape and the boy. She answered quickly before either of them could pose a question. : We're in a goddamn fortress made of shields! :

: I think you might have taught Harry a little too well, Fenix, : Snape remarked casually and Malfoy felt a brief moment of astonishment at the Potions Master casualness.

: Draco, you're the Mindhealer. Lead us to Harry before he managed to get himself into trouble. I'm sure that he had not created all these shields for fun. : Malfoy nodded at the intense blue form of Fenix and led her to another maze of shields. This time, instead of black, the wall was of a myriad of colors and this assured Fenix that Harry was well and that the particular part of his mind was alert. She grabbed hold of Malfoy to stay still when she Felt something very familiar. : Draco, you don't have to be with me. : But the glowing green form of Malfoy shook his head stubbornly. : Dear Phoebus. Why must you guys be so damn stubborn? : she sent out a disgusted thought. Malfoy took the lead again, walking through the shields stealthily towards Harry. Fenix could see that he was standing his ground with grim determination and did not even flinch when a blast of red light hit his shield. A distant part of her was proud that Harry was able to create his shield with his own signature flowing all around the shield. He had transmuted the energy of his surroundings-- probably the energy that his friends had delivered him while he was dead to the world. Voldemort's projection was unaware of the two newcomers. Malfoy easily penetrated the shield Harry was in and Fenix followed.

: Sorry that we had kept you waiting, Harry, : Fenix said lightly and Harry spun around as he stared at her with relief. That however, quickly changed to incredulity when he saw Malfoy. The Slytherin prefect was staring mutely at Voldemort who was staring at Fenix. : A few words before we bring you up, : the Fire Master spoke up. : I am so damn proud of you! : She moved forward and stood beside Harry, watching the projection of the Dark Lord impassively. : The two of you, : Fenix addressed the two youths, : are you ready? :

They gave her unmistakable nods and they found their center, behaving as if this was one of her Defence lessons. : Your choices. You either warn him singly or you could warn him together, : Fenix said conversationally to them, as if she was discussing the weather. : So... after you guys... : She waited patiently for them to make their move. Voldemort's projection remained unmoving, watching the silent figures but suspected they were communicating to each other. He was confident that they would not be rid of him from Harry's mind. All they could do was probably suppress him but he will never be truly gone from Harry's mind. However, that confident thought of him was quickly overruled when he heard Malfoy's son spoke clearly to Harry.

"Just because I'm doing this together doesn't mean we get to be buddies, Potty."

"That feeling is mutual, git."

Fenix looked archly at them both while Voldemort fumed as their careless conversation. The strange woman with them spoke up in a slightly condescending tone. "We'll see about that..." Harry linked his mind with Malfoy and their powers intertwined. The Dark Lord watched the two boys carefully as they were suddenly engulfed in incandescent white fire. It totally lit up the entire surroundings, but surprisingly, all of Harry's shields survived the sudden inferno. The same could not be said of Voldemort's projection as he felt intense pain. He turned his attention to the woman who suddenly flared up with blue flames and his pain intensified when Fenix's fire merged with that of the two young men.

Harry addressed Voldemort directly, "You have no part of my life, Voldemort. Neither do I share your life." With the combined powers of the three individuals, every link Harry had with Voldemort was incinerated. That was the moment when Harry suddenly snapped out of his comatose, accidentally pushing Fenix out of the bed.

"What in the name of Merlin is goi--" Madam Pomfrey's voice trailed off when she saw Harry sitting up on the bed, rubbing his head and a weakly laughing Fire Master on the floor. "Dear Lord!" she breathed, looking at them in amazement. Snape helped Fenix up to her feet and she gave Harry a bear hug, unable to contain her joy and relief.

: Sirius! : she screamed in exaltation, making her oathbrother swore pungently. : Get in here! Harry's awake! :

: What? : Harry's godfather was stunned. : He is... awake? :

: Yes! : Fenix gave a light chuckle and gave the two other males a hug too, though she was careful not to squeeze Malfoy too much.

"Ah... Fenix?" Snape spoke up softly, his face turning to crimson red when Malfoy looked at him in astonishment. He switched to mindspeech. : You are spoiling my image. :

: Whatever, : Fenix said sardonically as she released the Potions Master from her surprisingly strong embrace, wiping her wet eyes.

Harry was looking carefully at Malfoy, who was sitting on a chair, leaning back wearily. "Thanks," he said in a polite manner and the Slytherin prefect just gave a snort and demanded to be helped back into his own bed.

"Maybe I should stay unconscious for now," Malfoy said dryly as Snape guided him back to his bed while Fenix and Madam Pomfrey fussed about Harry. "That way, sir..." Malfoy began in a lame voice, "you, Miss Maxwell and Potty could answer all the questions that would be loosened like a cannon ball in the next few minutes or so." He instantly fell asleep in exhaustion and Snape drew the blanket to cover the flaxen-haired young man.

***********

"Don't touch me!" The Dark Lord screamed furiously at Lucius Malfoy and looked about for something to vent his anger. A deaf and blinded Muggle met his sight and he advanced towards the unwitting soul. A death scream pierced the hallways of the isolated house as Voldemort indulged himself with the scant life-source that the homeless Muggle gave him.

"How dare they refute me!" Voldemort hissed. Malfoy bowed in submission to his Master. "You had not raised your son well, Lucius. He had dared to raise his mind against me and to bind his power to that of Potter's," he continued in a deathly quiet voice, "I might have to do something about that, Lucius."

Someone entered the room quietly. The Dark Lord stared at Lucius's wife as she came to stand beside her husband. Lucius spoke up. "Draco is no son of mine--"

"Ours!" his wife hissed, her eyes void of her wits.

"You may do whatever you please, Master," Lucius said softly, bowing his head. And with great difficulty, he disowned his son in his heart, either for Draco's own good or for ill.