Transcendence

~ Chapter 3: You can learn a lot from a Silencing Charm ~

Harry stirred, making small movements on the bed as he felt himself slipping away from the realm of dreams. He groaned, not really wanting to get out of bed. As they had ever since he began using this room to sleep, magical candles appeared instantly as he awoke. His hand groped the surface of the small round bedside table for his glasses. With a little bit of fumbling, he slipped them on.

The clock on the wall showed twenty minutes to seven and he sighed. He closed his eyes and thought about the dreams he'd had during the night. Of course, there had been the usual concoction of nightmares about Voldemort and the war. Then there were others that didn't make any sense at all; he was thankful that those dreams only filled him with a sense of bewilderment rather than dread. His thoughts wandered to the dream he'd had just before he roused. Touching his chest gently with his fingers, Harry shivered as he imagined the feel of silky strands of hair splayed across his chest and neck. He knew full well of whom he had been dreaming. He'd been having the same dream since last summer and it only returned when he had nightmares. Damn... I wish that dream was real... His sigh was filled with deep regret.

He crawled out of bed reluctantly and stood for a moment to shake the last remnants of sleep away. A portion of the room began to change and he shed his pajamas swiftly before entering the bathroom to wash up. Ten minutes later, he emerged, feeling quite refreshed and he got dressed. Toweling his hair dry, he willed his pajamas to fold and set themselves on top of yesterday's clothes. He stood in front of the mirror but did not bother looking as he brushed his long black hair. Glancing at the clock, he decided what he should do next. Three minutes past seven. Maybe I should drop in and yell 'Spiders' at the top of my lungs. Haven't done that for quite a while. The idea of making his friend wake up screaming seemed to have cheered him a little and Harry fidgeted on his feet guiltily. Merlin help me! I'm becoming more Slytherin-ish with each passing day! He walked away, making the mirror scream in protest and he chuckled softly as he grabbed his wand and clothes. The mirror was still yelling when he closed the door to the Room of Requirement.

The corridors were silent although a group of students was already up and walking about. Still sleepy, they walked past him, not recognizing him as The Boy Who Lived. In a few minutes, Harry stood before the Fat Lady. She examined him carefully.

"Password?" she enquired.

"Afer Ventus,"

he replied. He looked at the portrait curiously when he sensed her hesitation as she swung open to admit him.

Okay...

Harry found himself thinking as he saw the animatedly-talking Colin Creevey snap his mouth shut when he entered the common room. The sight before him was slightly unusual in that the common room was already buzzing with activity this early; he was willing to bet fourteen Galleons that he had been the subject of discussion just before he made an appearance.

What is it this time?

He thought with a touch of bitterness. He saw Colin squirm uneasily in his seat.

"Your friends are probably still asleep," Colin squeaked out and Harry gave a brief nod before he went up the stairs that led to the boys' dormitory. Although his face betrayed no emotion - he was far too practiced in putting on a blank face - he felt hurt. Since when did Ron, Hermione, Neville and the rest become 'my' friends? he thought sadly. Have they been alienated too because of their connection with me?

He stepped into the dormitory quietly, heading straight for his bed and trunk. He didn't notice that all of his roommates, and two girls, were watching him in silence. If Moody had been alive to rebuke him, he would have done so the instant Harry crossed the room without pausing to check the surroundings.

"Harry," Hermione's familiar voice emerged from the dark room. His hands stilled and he replaced the lid of his trunk. Someone conjured up several candles and as Harry turned, he saw the grim expressions on their faces. He took a deep breath, sensing trouble.

"What is it?" he asked, keeping his tone even.

"You - Snape - " Hermione tried to speak but lost courage when Harry stared at her in an intimidating way. Harry switched his gaze to Ron.

His best friend looked calmly at him and cleared his throat once. "We know that Snape's your new godfather."

Harry's first reaction was to deny that statement but he managed to stop himself. Judging by the stares of his friends, he knew that doing so would achieve nothing more than to confirm it. Finally, Harry spoke, "Who else knows about it?" he asked, trying to sound calm. His trembling fingers showed he was anything but.

"The entire school does," Ginny responded and she winced when Harry's exclamation reached even the ears of the students hanging out in the common room.

"WHAT?!!!!!"

Harry lost his veneer of calm at last. He stormed toward Ron and Hermione cringed. Harry looked positively formidable now. Their friend had no intention of strangling them however; he had collapsed on the edge of Ron's bed, looking totally flabbergasted. Hermione sympathized when she saw his extremely stunned expression up close. If the situation had been less serious, she would have suggested that someone take his picture.

"We found out last night, during the feast," Dean informed him, hands toying with a soft red cushion uneasily.

Harry's head began to pound and he raised his left hand to rub at his temple. Dear gods! Why now of all times? Does Sev know about this? Does he think that I'm the one responsible? Damn! If Leren knows... Bloody hell! Harry was beginning to feel very agitated and grabbing a pillow at random, he began squeezing it. He was muttering 'Bloody hell' under his breath all the while.

"We're not sure how, but it seems like Malfoy was the one responsible for the exposure," Ron said in a quiet voice.

Harry blinked. Draco? But why? Sev never talks about it, but he dotes on Draco and I know Draco looks up to him, and not because his father told him to. "Why do you think that?" he asked in a reasonable tone.

The redhead scratched the bridge of his nose as he answered. "I don't know what you were doing yesterday, but you probably went into Snape's office and triggered the wards."

"Then Snape left the Hall, and like ten minutes later, Malfoy left," Seamus added.

"The Slytherins were acting rather odd when Malfoy turned his back. Well... not all the Slytherins; mainly Crabbe, Goyle and Montague. And what's most peculiar was that Montague had seated himself beside the charming white ferret, and the two large goons had been sitting with Parkinson's gang," Ginny inserted her own observation.

Hermione took it upon herself to describe the most probable spell that would allow a conversation to be overheard, glaring at Ron when he commented that the twins' Extendable Ears could have achieved the same thing with less effort. Harry nearly smiled at that. Well, they belong together. I can't believe that I was so surprised when Draco exposed their relationship months ago. He sighed and listened to Hermione again.

"But then - " Hermione stopped and chewed on her lip. "Malfoy might be innocent too... I mean, other than Zabini or that cow, Montague's fairly good in wizardry and... oh I don't know!" she said helplessly.

"Malfoy? That ferret... innocent? Come now, 'Mione," Ron snorted derisively. "You all right there, Harry?" Weasley asked in a worried voice.

"Ron, look at my face," Harry began in a serious voice. "Do I look fine to you?"

"No, you don't," his best friend admitted sheepishly. "No worries Harry. We talked about the 'what-could-happen' stuff hours ago."

"We're here for you," Neville, who had been silent, inserted in a quiet voice.

Harry gulped, looking at his friends' faces in turn. He tried not to shiver as he felt his insides turn cold. His friends looked gravely back at him. Do you know what you're saying? Do you really understand what could happen to you? You might be able to cope with the shunning some of the students here are giving you, but can you handle the death of someone important to you?

"Harry, stop worrying about it," Hermione said gently. "We understand the situation as much as we possibly could. But we're not about to leave you with all the burden," she continued, reaching out for his right hand. Ron - automatically, it seemed - clasped his hand over hers.

Ginny took Harry's left hand and Dean copied Ron's gesture. "We are your friends and Voldemort has made it a point to meddle in our lives. I'm - We're tired of seeing you fight alone, trying to shoulder a burden that's best left for a fully-grown and competent wizard. I don't want to see you blaming yourself when something bad happens." Ginny spoke in a serious voice, quite unlike the happy-go-lucky girl she had always been. "Anyway, seven brains with different specialties really ought to be more useful than one," she said in an impish manner. Harry had to smile at her and shook his head in a gesture of affection.

"I agree with that. Who knows? Since Neville is your opposite, he might have a chance to actually finish that lunatic," Seamus remarked and Neville coughed in embarrassment.

"Seamus, you're breaking the atmosphere. We're supposed to be witnesses, or do I need to remind you?" Neville asked pointedly. Ginny giggled when she thought she heard a faint trace of disapproval in Longbottom's voice.

"Witnesses? To what?" Harry asked in confusion. The triumphant look on Ginny's face and the sly smile Hermione gave him doubled his wariness. "All right Hermione. Out with it," he said sternly.

"'Mione cast an enchantment. It's like taking an oath. We have to carry out what we have offered," Ron answered on behalf of his partner.

Dragon's teeth! They're not serious!

Harry's eyes went wide with disbelief. "You're crazy," he said flatly but his friends just shrugged.

"Maybe we are, " Hermione shrugged and she went on. "The enchantment was relatively simple to cast. We have bound ourselves to you by the ties of friendship so I don't think there's anything wrong with that, since it was already there in the first place. It's just a measure to make sure that you'll receive our help whether you - "

"- Like it or not," Ginny whispered as she gave him a warm kiss on his forehead. "We'll be sticking to you like glue. We are going to fight V - " Her brother made a great noise of disapproval and she scowled at him before correcting herself. " - The Dark Lord together. If you ask me, I think it's time for the rest of them," her eyes grew steely as she thought about the Ministry, "to stop hiding behind your back or depending on Dumbledore's prowess."

"Now," Hermione pulled him up to his feet, "we'd better get down to the Hall and see what's happening." She glanced down at her partner for a second and added just as Ron's stomach produced a loud grumble. "And some breakfast as well." She smiled at Ron when his ears turned bright pink.

Ron cleared his throat uneasily as he stood, looking only at the emerald-eyed youth. "You will tell us how on earth that bloke became your godfather one day? I'm sure it will be interesting for us to know." Harry made a sound of agreement.

All of them regrouped in the common room with their belongings, ignoring the overt stares of their housemates. They queued as they waited their turn to get out of the portrait hole and made their way down to the Hall.

"I'm glad you accepted him," Hermione said absently as she watched Crookshanks trot down the staircase with faint amusement. "It looks to me like you at least forgave him enough to teach you Occlumency again," she explained when he gave her a quizzical look. "And it certainly helped you in Potions." She shot an envious look at him and Harry grinned widely.

If she only knew what I had to go through, having extra tutorials in Sev's own territory...

Harry grimaced slightly at the memory, and that was just Potions. Occlumency... He sighed at that. The hazards of the technique ensured that I learned everything as quickly as I could. Then there were those unrehearsed D.A.D.A. sessions...

He broke off from his musings as the sounds of conversation reached his ears. He exchanged a look with Ron, who snorted then gave a look that said 'Hot news making the rounds'. They left their trunks in the Entrance Hall and went in. Harry couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive. How is Sev reacting to this, or for that matter, Lupin? It would have been logical for him to be my second guardian. And Hagrid, he'll be very mad... I slipped away from the Dursleys'. I feel like I've betrayed him... He paused by the door, taking a brief moment to scan the Hall. He raised an elegant eyebrow as he studied the Slytherins' reactions. The majority of the seniors were ignoring the newcomers, but the third and fourth year students looked indecisive. At least the first-years don't give a damn about the 'unfriendliness' that's supposed to be customary between our Houses, he thought as he and his friends made their way to their usual seating area.

His eyes locked on Dumbledore's quite accidentally as he sat, and he suppressed a frown. Why on earth is he smiling? He shifted his gaze to the werewolf and saw that Lupin was also giving him a faint smile. Moving on to Sev... Harry studied the Potions Master carefully, but Snape wasn't even looking at the Gryffindor table. His coal-black eyes were focused at the entrance of the Hall. He's up to something. He fretted as he drank his juice (he nearly choked when he realized it was pineapple) and accepted the scone Hermione gave him with a murmur of thanks.

He tried to ignore the buzzing feeling that had begun to build up in the back of his mind. Damnation... I wish this sensitivity of mine would wear off! He chewed on his breakfast in a preoccupied manner. Is Draco truly responsible for the disclosure or is Leren to blame? No one thought the Slytherin captain would join the Death Eaters. His parents didn't. Wait... he has an older brother. Could it be?

"Harry!" Hermione jabbed her elbow lightly into his waist as she whispered urgently. She pointed her chin at the entrance when he gave her an inquiring look. His bright emerald eyes swiftly focused on the doors and he temporarily forgot about the uncomfortable sensation in his mind as he took in the pale, graceful aristocratic face. He's beautiful... Harry thought with a sense of wonder. His hair's getting longer too. I wonder if it's as silky as it felt in my dreams. His breath caught in his throat when a lock of silvery-blond hair fell across the Slytherin's left eye. You've got to look away, Harry. Before Hermione - or worse; Ron - notices.

It was troubling when he found that he couldn't take his eyes off the wanted Lucius Malfoy's heir. Draco's eyes ensnared him and he had to fight the urge to blush at being caught staring.

**********

Draco had no intention of looking over at the Gryffindors, but it had become habit for him to scan for a familiar dark-haired boy since the beginning of the school year. This morning, instead of meeting the surface of a gray stone wall, like at all the other meal times, he met bespectacled, brilliant emerald eyes. Damndamndamn... He didn't want to look away but he had to, out of necessity.

He also noticed that he was given strange looks by the students as he made his way down the Hall and he couldn't help but feel cautious. He kept his normal icy expression as he came forward, moving lithely toward his usual seat. He noted that not only were the Slytherins giving him queer looks, the other students had shot him glances that came perilously close to being open hatred. He wondered how he managed not to blurt out his thoughts under so many spiteful gazes and the smug expression on Leren's face alerted his inner sense that something was not quite right.

He sat down in one graceful move, flanked by his 'bodyguards', and once again, he met the emerald eyes looking at him from across the Hall. Something stirred inside him; a kind of fuzzy warmth was building and he felt it release slowly into his system. I'm a lovesick fool... Eyes still locked with Harry's - oblivious to the stares of his housemates - he sipped on his mango juice (the house-elves seemed to enjoy giving the students tropical treats at the end of the school term) dreamily. It certainly did not cross the prefect's mind to examine his Head of House but Snape was definitely eyeing him. Draco was almost halfway finished with his breakfast when he heard Snape's projected voice echo throughout the cavernous Hall.

"Mr. Malfoy. Mr. Potter," the Potions Master called their names sibilantly. "Come with me to my office," Snape instructed in a cold, dispassionate voice as he rose from his chair. All eyes were on the Potions Master as he strode out of the Hall, his robes flowing about him in an almost magical way. Some of the Slytherins smirked as soon as Snape was out of sight.

All right, something is definitely up... but what?

Draco glanced at Leren, feeling slightly baffled when he saw that the captain still had the self-satisfied expression on his face. He almost threw his half-eaten scone back on the plate but to do so would have been incredibly childish. Hence, he opted to vanish it instead. A glint of metal caught his eye; Harry had already gotten out of his seat and was strolling calmly out of the Hall.

With a great deal of dignity, he gracefully followed in the wake of The Boy Who Lived. Once out of sight from the Hall, his face immediately assumed a bad-tempered expression. He fixed his eyes on the mop of Harry's thick black hair and watched as he disappeared down the stairs.

As he made his descent, his silver eyes flashed in surprise upon finding Harry leaning casually against the damp stone wall at the bottom of the steps. His frown intensified when Harry unfolded his arms and lazily lifted his right hand a few inches from his chest. That gesture was more than enough to stop Draco's progress.

"What do you want, Potter?" he grated, sounding seriously annoyed. Harry moved away from the wall and faced him squarely.

Bloody hell...

He trembled before the raven-haired boy. I didn't know he's as tall as I am now... At least the Weasel's taller. Harry was gazing at him and he stared back. Merlin! Draco thought desperately. Come on Green-Eyes! Speak up! Blessed Rhiannon! I swear if you don't, I think I'm going to kiss you!!!

He tried to exercise self-control in order to not give Harry the once-over and failed miserably. Sloppy, skinny Harry Potter has acquired a feel for fashion. Harry was wearing a dark-blue (nearly on the verge of being black) collared shirt, smart black slacks and polished black shoes. Maybe Snape knocked a little fashion sense into his brain... that makes sense. Just as he was about to reach for the Gryffindor's waist, Harry took his wand out and muttered something too softly for him to catch. The raven-haired boy began tracing the air with his wand and Draco looked at him in puzzlement.

He opened his mouth to ask in an aggravated tone what he thought he was doing when clear, silvery words appeared before him. Looking past the words, he stared into a pair of bright emerald eyes before the owner turned and resumed his walk to the Potions Master's office. He refocused on the ghostly wording.

"I know that you hate me Malfoy, but was there any particular reason why you chose to eavesdrop and broadcast to the entire school the news that Snape is my godfather? Did you really have to put his life on the line?"

Draco blanched as he read the message. Merlin help me... They knew I listened in. His brows creased in thought. No wonder all of them were acting strange... His thoughts stilled. Great Merlin! I didn't tell anyone! With that, he sped off and in no time at all, he overtook Harry. He actually bumped against the lean figure in his haste to get to the office.

"Sir!" was the first word that emerged from his mouth as soon as he caught sight of Snape, then he muttered a Silencing Charm over the office for good measure, "I haven't told anyone about it!"

Snape's gaze on him would have withered the sturdiest of hearts quicker than it would take a magical cleaning solution to clear a mess. The Potions Master's face remained bland but his voice was tinged with skepticism. "Is that so, Mr. Malfoy?" Snape questioned him. "Then how is it that my conversation with Potter was overheard by the entire school?"

"I admit it's my fault that I didn't think to cast a silencing spell when I came here last night," Harry said as he shut the door with a careless kick of his heel and leaned against the wall, watching the other two in the room calmly. Draco couldn't help giving a slight sneer at the Gryffindor's admission. Mercurially, the Slytherin's face morphed into something more serious.

"I did listen to your conversation," he said softly, his eyes not leaving Snape's face. "But I am not responsible for the second accusation... I guess." He finally dropped his eyes. Harry raised an eyebrow at the uncertainty in Draco's voice. "I should have paid more attention during the feast yesterday." Harry and Snape exchanged a quizzical glance and waited for him to continue. "I believe I was hexed," Draco finally stated following a long sigh.

Snape caught Harry's eye nodding slightly and the Gryffindor gave him a knowing look. Draco was unaware of the significant glances shooting across the room as he focused on a spot between his shoes.

"So it was Montague," Draco heard Harry conclude, thus breaking the silence. He looked at the raven-haired youth curiously. "Don't worry about it Malfoy." Harry turned to Snape. "If you're done with me, I'm going back up to the Hall. I haven't told them about Dumbledore's arrangement."

Snape nodded his assent and Draco listened to the soft clicks of Harry's shoes echoing in the corridor. He was not aware that Snape had closed the distance between them until he felt Snape's warm hand clasping his right shoulder.

"You have to be more careful Draco," Snape said to him in a soft voice and Draco stared at him in surprise.

"You're not angry?" he asked in an incredulous voice.

"Don't be absurd!" Snape snapped. "It was bound to happen anyway... although I would have preferred to be exposed sometime after the Dark Lord's demise." Snape smiled faintly at him. Draco blinked his eyes, feeling rather confused by Snape's behavior. Snape has a sense of humor? Someone slap me if this is a joke. He stared at the Potions Master's face. He definitely looks tired... worn-out rather.

Snape stared into Draco's eyes, wondering if he should hand over the object Harry had made specially for him. Not too soon. I don't think Harry wants him to get suspicious. Looks like I have to make a trip down to King's Cross after all.

Draco waited for the Potions Master to speak but Snape seemed to be lost in his thoughts. "Sir?" he asked inquiringly and Snape was brought back to reality.

"Be careful around them. You know to whom I am referring, but especially Montague. And of course," Snape paused before he continued, "your parents."

The mention of his parents made Draco feel depressed. Why the hell do I have to go back to that miserable place? He ignored the unsettling feeling and asked the Potions Master in an attempt to drive off his bleak thoughts, "How did you know about Montague?"

Snape's black eyes stared penetratingly into his. "One recognizes the scent of one's kind," the Potions Master answered cautiously.

Draco nearly smiled at the Potions Master's choice of words. Has he taken up with the werewolf? That's new. Well... maybe not that new...

"Other than that," Snape let go of his shoulder and placed his long callused fingers gently on Draco's right temple. The Slytherin held his breath. That simple gesture - other than a sign of benediction - was also a sign that Snape wanted his word for secrecy. Snape didn't quite know himself why he was going to say what he would to the boy in the next few seconds. "Ha - Potter... has acquired a few new talents - no. Not as a Legilimens - " the Potions Master explained, "- but the outcome of the recent duel has sensitized him. Suffice it enough to say that Potter has achieved a certain level of... Empathy."

That certainly explained Green-Eyes aloofness...

Draco mused and noticed the slight hesitation in Snape's voice as the older wizard mentioned 'Empathy'. He's certainly implying a lot of things in that word. So, Green-Eyes can 'feel' what others are feeling. He sighed. That means I have to be very careful of my own feelings when he's near. Guess I have to bring those 'I-hate-Four-eyed-Potty' feelings up to the fore...

"You should go back to your breakfast," Snape finally said.

He looked at the Potions Master's weary face and bit his lip unconsciously. Do I tell him now? "Sir, I - " he stopped, unable to continue.

Snape frowned, eyes showing his concern. "What is it?"

"It's nothing. I'd better go." He quickly left the office before Snape could even get another word out.

**********

Back at the Hall.

Draco strolled confidently back to the Hall, his trademark sneer already plastered on his face and his eyes automatically seeking out a pair of distinct emerald eyes. Hmmm... Why on earth is Granger looking as though she unwittingly swallowed a mouthful of vomit-flavored 'Every Flavor Beans'? Yuck! Why on earth are you thinking such things at breakfast? Draco reprimanded himself. His eyes scanned the Gryffindor table once more and he caught sight of Ginny's crestfallen look. What on earth has Dumbledore planned for him? His friends certainly don't look happy.

He went back to his seat, staring icily at Goyle to make way for him. And as for my dear captain... He smiled nastily at the captain sitting across from him. Leren stared at him nervously. I should have discerned it for myself earlier. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath and refocused his Vision. It's weak, he mused as he watched the captain's aura pulse with a distinctive reddish-black light similar to his mother's. He dropped his Sight and casually picked up a custard puff. Snape knows that he has new talents. Did he see it for himself, or did Green-Eyes tell him? And I wonder... can he also tell who are the Dark Lord's latest recruits?

"What did Snape say?" Leren whispered urgently.

Draco wanted to drag the captain out to the courtyard and experiment with his Fire but dropped the idea. He didn't want anyone to know about his Gifts, considering that the kind of magic he exhibited was certainly not found in the current wizarding world. He faked a smile and heard Harry make a small sound. His eyes swiftly found the Gryffindor, and it seemed to him like Harry knew he was feigning the smile. Silver eyes bored down on emerald ones in a challenge. So what if all my smiles are faked? Draco turned his attention back to the Quidditch captain. "What can he do? And you should have told me what happened last night. I might have better prepared myself for today." He raised his voice a little. "If you ask me, they should have been more careful."

He was staring so intently at Leren that he missed the hard look Harry had shot in his direction. Draco examined the captain. What does he want to find out? Trying to see if I will be joining my father? Or the other side? This generation of Slytherins still has much more to learn, I guess...

**********

Forty-five minutes later.

Harry heard pure venom dripping from Draco's voice as he and his friends walked over to where the Thestrals - with the carriages - were waiting. Just ignore them. You've certainly ignored them for months...

"Potty! Never knew you would consider sucking up to that greasy old bat!" Draco sneered. Harry continued to ignore the Slytherin prefect, helping Ginny with her trunk instead. That done, he moved on to help Luna; she had an extra trunk filled with ancient Defence books that she had acquired with the help of her father. "Serves him right though! Father will be extremely glad to serve him to the Dark Lord on a huge silver platter!"

Harry stopped his movements. Blasted... stupid ferret! Those taunts of his will probably land him in trouble someday! The rest of his friends looked nervously at him and at the bunch of Slytherins that had gathered around. Must you try so hard to be infuriating, Drake? What the hell? Where had that come from? Oh, I knew where it came from. Drake's much shorter compared to Silvery, Harry thought, calming himself by taking several deep breaths. He counted to three before he turned to face the prefect. He remained silent. And there's that annoying smirk of his. Certainly not the first time I've contemplated hexing his face blank, he thought in irritation.

"What's the matter Four-Eyes?" Draco sneered. The Slytherins let out evil laughs. "Cat got your tongue?" the pale-haired boy asked sweetly.

"You want to know something, git?" Ron's strong baritone reached their ears. "You really should stop taunting him. Considering that he's not himself this year, you know - " the redheaded prefect came into view with a thoughtful look on his face.

Harry was a little surprised with his friend. Seems like giving him the Prefect badge certainly hasn't harmed his maturity, Harry thought with amusement. Hermione was directly behind her tall partner, glaring fiercely at the Slytherins. Crabbe and Goyle stepped back and soon, more Slytherins followed. They had reason to. Right behind the two Gryffindor prefects were several good friends - Anthony Goldstein, a Ravenclaw, Lewis Oakfield (a fifth-year Hufflepuff Beater who knocked Crabbe off his broom twice during matches), and some of the original DA members. All of them had their wands out.

Ron spoke again. "Where was I? Oh yeah, since he is not himself and he might actually snap." The prefect looked at the Slytherins menacingly.

Hermione stepped in. "As much as I loathe your lot, I would really feel sorry if he were to vanquish you before my eyes today." Then in an undertone, "Not that I would miss you..."

Harry saw Draco snarl and stared in amazement as the Slytherin pointed his wand at Hermione. Playing Seeker without me getting in the way has certainly helped him refine his reflexes! Without thinking, he wrenched Draco's hand so that the Slytherin's wand pointed at his chest.

"Let go of my arm." Draco hissed, eyes widening in anger. The Slytherin paled when he tightened his grip on Draco's wrist.

Bloody hell!

Harry's body and mind were swarming with peculiar tingles. What on earth is wrong with - in him? He tried with all his might not to wince, or to push Draco away. He's different... He abandoned that thought and concentrated on a more immediate problem. He wouldn't be able to see the Slytherin again until another school year began. Should I, or shouldn't I? He felt Draco tensing under his touch and he decided quickly.

~ Malfoy - No, don't react to what I'm saying. I assure you, you're not going insane. This is what I call mind-speech although it's forbidden in the wizarding world. I must say that it's an extremely useful means of communication. Just keep scowling. ~

Harry formed his thought carefully.

~ Potter? ~

Draco's mental voice echoed back uncertainly.

~ Yes, it's me. I have a few words to say. Remember that some things can go either way: to your advantage or disadvantage. ~

The visible flash in Draco's eyes told him that the Slytherin understood what he was trying to say and Harry continued. ~ You have to be careful. Dumbledore can't be everywhere at the right time. Snape was supposed to keep an eye on you but that's rather impossible now. ~

Draco gave a growl and struggled a little.

~ What makes you think I need someone to watch over me? ~

The Slytherin's mind-voice was steely.

~ No time to argue Malfoy. Look. Keep both your eyes open and put all you've learned in Defence to good use if the occasion warrants it. Some of Dumbledore's people will be checking on you from time to time. Like it or not, Dumbledore is as fond of you as he is of Snape. ~

"WHAT IN MERLIN'S NAME ARE YOU DOING?!" the voice of Professor McGonagall pierced the air.

~ Bloody hell... Just be careful. ~

Harry spoke the last words quickly before he severed the connection with the Slytherin prefect. The Slytherins scattered away as the Transfiguration professor strode toward them.

Harry slowly released Draco's and fought the need to recapture the graceful hand. The Slytherin stared daggers at him and muttered several vulgarities in his direction as he moved off to his waiting carriage.

"It was nothing, Professor," Harry answered even before McGonagall could begin to interrogate him. His eyes were still on Draco. McGonagall gave him a dubious look before ordering the rest of them to get into their carriages.

**********

At Hogsmeade Station.

Draco stared about him in amazement. Everywhere he looked, he saw Aurors loitering about. He doubted that all of the Aurors present were in plain sight. They're boarding the train too? What in the hell is going on?

"Mr. Malfoy," the weary voice he recognized as the werewolf's called out. "I think it may be wise for you to get on the train now."

Draco answered in a noncommittal manner. Just as he was about to go, he saw Harry hugging Ginny tightly. His head spun and he clutched at the railing. Bloody hell... I'm jealous. He watched the raven-haired youth giving similar hugs to Hermione and Luna Lovegood and his eyes bulged horribly when Luna gave him a kiss. He was eased somewhat by the baffled look Harry shot at Ginny before he was pulled into a brotherly embrace by Ron.

"Harry, we're ready," Dumbledore's voice called out.

Instead of boarding the train, Harry, along with his trunks, moved in the direction of Hogsmeade village. He watched as Harry waved briefly at his friends and for a few seconds, he thought he saw Harry looking in his direction. He climbed the last few steps and began searching for an empty compartment. Damnation. He isn't boarding the train because it's not safe for him to do so. He's trying to make it safer for the rest of us to get home.

He walked past Pansy's gang and the other compartments, finally arriving at an empty one. Bloody hell. First, I start my day with everyone giving me strange looks, the whole school knows that Snape is a godfather, Green-Eyes gives me a warning that help may not come when I'm in trouble, and now, the Dark Lord may have ideas to hijack the train. He stuffed his trunk in an overhead rack and placed his eagle owl on the seat across from his, flopping onto his own gracelessly. I definitely am not looking forward to my summer holiday that's for certain... He sighed and his eyes grew distant, not noticing when the train began to move fifteen minutes later.

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