Transcendence

~ Chapter 4: Journey from Hogwarts ~

Harry ignored the stares and the knowing whispers of the folk around him as he and Dumbledore moved toward the Hog's Head Inn. Guiding his floating belongings with his wand, he cursorily examined his surroundings. There were undercover Aurors present as well as members of the Order. The latter group had grown considerably since the Halloween attacks last year. Some of them claimed to have known Harry's parents, which was entirely plausible. Snape, Sirius and Lupin couldn't have been the only students who had graduated from Hogwarts alongside his parents. They might not have had the courage then, but they were certainly making up for lost time now.

Harry had quite a shock when Dumbledore introduced him to the owner of the Hog's Head the previous summer while he was studying Occlumency with Snape. The bartender, whom he had thought very familiar when he and the others met there to discuss the formation of 'Dumbledore's Army' nearly two years ago, was in fact Dumbledore's older brother. Because Aberforth was the one who kept an eye on strange happenings in Hogsmeade, the Headmaster simply introduced Aberforth as Ol' Gull. No one knew, except Lupin and Snape, that Ol'Gull was actually the Headmaster's kin.

They went into the tavern unhindered - the crowd automatically parted for the well-respected Headmaster - and Dumbledore approached the counter and engaged in soft conversation with the bartender on duty. The latter nodded and he went off to fetch Ol' Gull. Harry, in the meantime, gave the taproom a thorough examination. He recognized four members of the Order and three Aurors. All were dressed in nondescript clothing to fit in with the odd crowd that frequented the inn. Harry recognized Tonks immediately. The young Auror and Order member was disguised as a very grumpy old witch who looked as if she could do with a visit to the dentist.

Before the duel in which Voldemort had attempted to strip away his magical abilities, he'd had to rely on Tonks' hints as to her true identity. Usually, the Metamorphmagus would wear a thick black leather choker or she would leave a lock of her hair a different color from the rest. Now, he only had to look at her aura and the sensation it gave him. Her aura was simple in comparison to her character. She had a pale violet aura surrounding her (some Chinese witches believe that people whose auras are in shades of purple become vengeful ghosts after death) and he himself believed that she definitely had the potential to be vengeful, given the right incentive. Of course, there were a lot of other witches who had pale violet auras, so he relied on the second attribute for confirmation. If he felt a super hyperactive, swift and bubbly sensation in his soul, he'd know that it was the Metamorphmagus.

Harry's gaze automatically fell on two solemn-looking wizards drinking in an isolated corner. Reading them produced a sickly sensation at the bottom of his stomach and it made his skin crawl. They're Voldemort's. Harry looked over at Mundungus 'Dung' Fletcher who blinked his eyes once. Dung has changed quite a bit since Voldemort's last attack. Moody must have given him strict orders not to fool around so much. He is certainly doing a great job keeping an eye on things now. He relaxed, just a little. The others had already taken the two men, wizards of middle-class talent, into account. It may have been wiser for Voldemort to have Squibs to do his spying. Since they were born without magic, Squibs learned to rely on their stealth skills to survive and remain unsuspected. Wizards on the other hand, especially the middle-class talent ones Voldemort sent out, tended to be sloppy, leaving behind residuals of their magic which helped the Aurors to track them.

"Welcome back," a scratchy voice called out to him and a grim-faced wizard with grayish shoulder-length hair strode forward and beckoned for him to follow. He obeyed, carefully stepping so that he didn't present his back to the Death Eaters watching him and Dumbledore. I wonder what Dumbledore's going to do with them. Let them go? Aberforth led the two of them to the foot of a staircase. "Fourth door on your left. He knows which is the correct key. Be careful when you're on your own lad." Aberforth turned to his brother. "And I want to talk to you later. Make sure Harry is safe before you get down to the Quartz."

Harry tilted his head in curiosity. What on earth is the Quartz? Is it the Headquarters? The question must have shown on his face because a second later the Dumbledore brothers winked at him.

"Don't worry about it," Aberforth said gruffly before he was gone, presumably back to his office and his accounting.

Harry gave a slight shrug and flicked his wand. His belongings (Hedwig gave a startled shriek as she was squashed to one side) floated several inches higher at a sharp angle and they ascended the stairs. Dumbledore was the first to enter the door and he signaled to Harry to wait a moment. Harry paused by the door, waiting patiently for the older wizard to call for him. When Dumbledore did, he stepped into a room that was literally carpeted with brass keys. But the Headmaster's eyes were on a dark green scabbard. There were also other colored scabbards strewn across the room.

Dumbledore finally looked up at him. "Are you ready?" the older wizard questioned and he nodded, tucking his wand away into a specially designed pocket and taking Hedwig's cage and his broom while the Headmaster took hold of his trunk. He drew a deep breath and as Dumbledore said 'Three' he placed his index finger on the scabbard.

Bloody hell!

He groaned as he felt the familiar tugging sensation just behind his navel and felt as if he had lost his balance. His eardrums popped again and again as he whirled and then...

CRASH!!!!

Dumbledore gave a loud yell as the table collapsed under their weight. Merlin's wand! Oh hell... This is going to hurt... Harry let his body stay limp and closed his eyes tight waiting for the impact. A loud thud filled the living room as both wizards landed flat on their backs. Well, as flat as they could with the broken table beneath them. Harry winced when Hedwig let out a loud indignant shriek in his ear. "Professor Dumbledore?" he whispered and a cough came from the old sorcerer.

"I'm fine Harry," Dumbledore wheezed as he sat up giving a small yelp when he felt a splinter of wood pierce deep into his finger. "You could have told me you did a little renovation in here," the old wizard grumbled before muttering a spell to remove the piece of wood from his flesh.

"This wasn't my idea!" Harry protested in an innocent voice. I don't know which is worse. Floo-ing or Portkey-ing. He raised himself from his reclined position and quickly opened his owl's cage before she could throw a tantrum. Hedwig gave him a painful nip on the wrist before launching herself toward her perch, facing one of the windows of the living room: the perch had been created with the help of his second godfather. He got shakily to his feet and assisted Dumbledore in standing up. Harry tried not to groan as he stared at the mess they had created in the middle of Snape's living room. He tried not to imagine how the Potions Master would react if he came in to see his favorite table smashed into pieces.

Dumbledore rubbed his back as he stared at the table. The older wizard did not bother to use his wand but muttered a soft incantation directed at the mess before them. Harry felt Dumbledore's magic vibrating in the room and winced when a blinding flash of blue light filled the space. This irritating sense had better disappear before I come face to face with Voldemort again. Closing his eyes made no difference so he waited patiently until the light faded into a tolerable blue haze and felt relieved when he saw Snape's table once again stood on all four legs. He watched the Headmaster silently as the older wizard opened the front door and stepped outside; presumably the wizard was checking the perimeter. The Headmaster returned with a satisfied look.

"It appears that everything is as it should be. Do feel free to weave your own protections later," Dumbledore spoke to him in a lively voice.

"Do you have a minute sir?" Harry asked as he hung Hedwig's cage on a hook. He turned just in time to see the Headmaster nodding his head. "Can you please tell me why you were smiling this morning?"

"Would you have felt better if I had frowned instead?" Dumbledore responded in a teasing manner and Harry scowled darkly. "All right, all right. I'll tell you why. The news that Severus is your godfather and that he's an oathbreaker - to Voldemort of course - are actually the first steps toward the successful unification of Hogwarts. Your godfather was rather apprehensive when I called him to my office last night; kept babbling that you shouldn't be with him or he shouldn't come here to stay with you. He was also blathering on about how he might be putting the lives of the Weasley family in danger. You have no idea how hard I tried to reassure him that Arthur's family is not only protected by me and you," Dumbledore said in a resigned tone, though his lips quivered as if suppressing a smile, "but by every single magical being who has decided that Voldemort certainly overstepped his bounds. In fact, the whole of Ottery St. Catchpole is protected." The old sorcerer scratched his beard thoughtfully.

Harry blinked as he considered the wizard's words. It was at that point when something incredulous hit him. Draco did not! He was already with us since the beginning of the year?! "Professor..." he began slowly. "Are you saying that the idea of last year's summer camp; the one that was arranged by Hermione, Ron and the other prefects especially for first and second year students; was part of the unification process? If so, why didn't you say so? I would have spared my best friends the heartache!" Harry glared at him, remembering how unresponsive he had been when his friends told him they would be away for a week; the thought that he was to stay at The Burrow with only Ginny and the twins for company had made him uncomfortable.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled and he nodded. "I'm surprised it took you this long to notice it. Draco was also part of the program you know. In fact," the Headmaster spoke in a significant manner and Harry squirmed when he detected the mischievous glint in the Headmaster's eyes, "Draco Malfoy was the one who came up with the idea of a summer camp in order to establish early bonds between the young Gryffindors and Slytherins."

Harry's eyes widened and Dumbledore chuckled. Harry fought to maintain his expression of impassivity. Dragon's teeth... He was filled with a great sense of shame. I am transparent. Even Dumbledore managed to find out how I feel about Draco... "It really makes sense. The summer camp idea I mean. Younger people are much, much easier to influence so you may as well immerse them with a positive attitude early in their lives." He was proud at how calm he sounded, although his stomach was attempting a couple of somersaults.

"I agree. But I believe we could really do without the sheer stupidity and blind recklessness that seems to manifest quite frequently in Gryffindors. Even the sheer cowardice of some Slytherins would be of help, sometimes," Dumbledore added and Harry gave him an offended look. "Well, I shall leave you to your home now. I believe Severus will be in the meeting with Kingsley and the other members for another three hours or so. They are discussing what he has found out about Voldemort's recent movements. The only problem is, Voldemort and his fellows have been far too quiet since the last attack. Also, Emmeline has several suggestions for Severus regarding spells that will certainly be of use to you, aside from sitting at a desk and writing Potions essays," Dumbledore spoke brightly. "Your godfather also told me that he has an errand to run, to deliver a gift I believe," Harry's face reddened slightly, "so he will most likely not get here until nightfall."

Harry nodded. "If I have need of you, I'll get you through the portrait."

"I, for one, do not understand why you keep addressing me as 'The Portrait'. If you are still bitter about my great-great grandson's death, why didn't you get his portrait to do the dirty job instead?" a muffled voice emerged from the study.

"Has Harry been hard on you, Phineas?" Dumbledore called out.

"I can't even begin to describe his rudeness," the portrait of Phineas Nigellus stated in a dry voice. Harry only raised his eyebrow at that.

"Oh, one other thing Harry." Dumbledore looked intently at him. "How do you feel about Professor Lupin?"

Harry arched an eyebrow, wondering just what Dumbledore was asking. Dumbledore did not speak and he debated if he should say anything. Then he spoke of something that had crossed his mind several times when he caught the werewolf watching his second godfather from a distance. "What do I feel about Moony? Sometimes I really wish that I could conjure up a well and drown him. I used to wonder why Sirius and my father gave him the nickname 'Moony' but I have some doubt that they were simply thinking about him and the full moon." Harry snorted.

"So you do not mind if I have my own plans to match-make them?" Dumbledore asked eagerly and Harry shook his head helplessly as he chuckled.

"Does Professor McGonagall know that you have a part-time job? Anyway, why should I mind? Sev has had his eye on Remus ever since they got drunk together. No," Harry quickly asserted when Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak, "That was before I flew to Hogwarts on my own to find you."

"Oh. I'm surprised that Severus confessed his feelings for Remus to you."

"Confess?" Harry gave another snort. "That stubborn bat confessing to a youth half his age? You're quite mistaken Professor. I had to practically dissect him to get the answer."

Dumbledore chuckled lightly. "By the way, I have a piece of advice Harry. If you happen to tell Molly how you came to live with Severus over the summer last year, I think it would be wise of you to omit the bit about flying off to Hogwarts without a rearguard. If you won't take it as advice, please look upon it as a favor to me," Dumbledore said, his face distorted into a pitiful expression.

"Mrs. Weasley is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to children, isn't she?" Harry gave a crooked smile.

"I'm glad you understand my fear of Molly," the sorcerer replied gravely.

Harry smiled. "If matchmaking my godfather and Professor Lupin makes you happy, I'll be glad to lend a hand. Sometimes I've found myself wondering if they have ever kissed. If not, then maybe I'll get them to," Harry mused. "I'll call on you if anything comes up," the raven-haired youth said and the Headmaster gave a final nod before touching the scabbard and disappearing from the house.

Harry stood alone in the center of the living room. It was just past noon now and he looked around. Sunlight reflected off the pale yellow walls, casting a hazy, ethereal light around the room. He gave a small smile when he remembered how his second godfather reacted when he saw Harry's renovation work. Snape had woken up one bright morning to find his dark velvet curtains folded neatly and set aside, and replaced by creamy-beige curtains. His plain, stark white walls had been painted with a shade of pale yellow and were decorated with a divider: Harry's handwritten charms.

A soft cry from the kitchen snapped him out of his thoughts and he smiled when his owl gave an answering hoot. Hedwig flew off and he followed her to the kitchen and opened the window for her.

"Hello Hawke," he greeted the snowy owl perched solemnly outside the window. He held out his palm and the male owl butted his cheek against the human's warm palm before nibbling gently on Harry's finger. Hawke gave an inquiring hoot. "Yes you may take Hedwig out for a hunt but be careful. By the way, do you have any idea where Black is hiding right now? I'm surprised he wasn't here to greet me when I arrived."

The answer to that came ten seconds later when he heard a soft rumbling purr followed by scratching noises on the door that led out to the woods. Harry opened it and Black trotted forward to twine himself around his legs. "I see that I've been missed," he whispered and watched as the two owls flew off in the direction of the forest. "Why don't you keep me company while I unpack? Then we'll come back down here and see what we can conjure up for dinner." The obsidian-furred Persian cat gave a purr of agreement and headed out of the kitchen. It sprang up and landed gracefully on the top of Harry's trunk. It's good to be home. I wish I had killed Voldemort... I think I need a holiday without thoughts of a Dark Lord and his lunatics creeping through my mind every second.

**********

Inside the Hogwarts Express.

Hermione stared at the compartment door angrily. The bushy-haired Prefect was fuming so hard that she was almost unrecognizable, even to Ron. Malfoy and his gang had tried to fulfill their yearly farewell visit by visiting Harry's usual company. The only problem was, the object of the Slytherins' hatred wasn't around to witness the confrontation. Malfoy had uttered several lewd descriptions of Harry and Snape together when Hermione's temper snapped and she cast a hex that gave all of the Slytherins a massive, pounding, intolerable migraine.

"You will bloody well leave us alone now Malfoy, or I swear..." she had hissed, gripping her wand so tightly that her knuckles went white. Draco dragged himself out of her sight and his followers trailed after him slowly.

"How long will that last?" Luna calmly slipped her wand back under her robes and sat down.

"Just a few minutes," Hermione answered stiffly as she flung herself beside Ron. Her boyfriend reached for her hand and held it gently before squeezing. She returned the squeeze a moment later and let out a long sigh. "Don't worry. I feel better now. I am beginning to think that the little white ferret was actually doing us a service," she said, smiling slyly. Ron merely lifted an eyebrow in inquiry and waited for her to elaborate.

"All the hexing and jinxing today has been a good way to relieve stress," she answered, making all her friends except Ginny produce light chuckles. Ron's sister was staring blankly at the window. The redheaded girl had been silent since Harry told them during breakfast that he would not be going home via the Hogwarts Express. It could be Harry's lack of explanation that had made her moody.

Ron noticed the forlorn look on Ginny's face and looked worriedly at her but maintained his silence. He had been wanting to ask his partner something but had not found the courage to do so. "'Mione, what do you reckon is going on with Malfoy?" he whispered in her ear. "He's been acting weird this year but his reaction today was almost genuine."

Hermione looked at him in surprise. "I'm beginning to believe that you've matured Ron. I certainly didn't expect you to note his behavior," she said mildly and he made a face at her. "Seriously though... I have no explanation. He hasn't been giving Harry, or us for that matter, the standard dosage of insults. Of course, that could also be because Harry has been avoiding confrontations."

Ron sighed. "It's too bad that we aren't likely to find out why the git was acting like that. But I wonder if he really doesn't care for that old bat. Snape did treat him better than the rest."

Hermione gave him a sidelong glance. "Do you want to hear my personal opinion? I'm going to tell you irregardless... I think the hostility he showed us this morning was nothing more than pretense. No, don't ask me why. I just instinctively know it was a façade. Somehow, I believe that there is a good side to Draco that he's unwilling to show." Ron didn't make any comment to that.

**********

An hour later.

Draco Malfoy, Slytherin Prefect, was being exclusively tortured by a pounding headache. Damn it! I know the Mudblood's curse on me was temporary so why in the nine hells is my head still pounding? Traveling inside a speeding train certainly was not helping him. Just as he was thinking that his headache could not get any worse, the sight of his ex-girlfriend and her group of girls undid his faith. Blessed Rhiannon! He gave a silent groan. Take pity on me! That thought made him snort to himself. As if I deserve pity in the first place. Damn, blasted headache.

He stared out of the window, fervently praying that the girls would leave him alone and bother someone else. Unfortunately for him, the group made themselves at home in his compartment. Invading his private space.

"Draco," Pansy purred and he shuddered at her voice. "I still can't believe that Snape kept you in the dark about the fact that he has been siding with Potter all this time. I wonder if all the ranting, glares and docking of house points in the last five years toward The Boy Who Lived were really genuine." The girl leaned closer toward him and tried to hug him. Over the course of the last several years, he began to realize that she was becoming more and more like the she-dragon he had hated ever since he was old enough to understand human conversation.

The thought of scandalizing his 'friends' by telling them that his hatred for Harry was not really hatred at all gave him great pleasure. Of course, five years ago, he had been too young and uncertain of what he felt. He knew better now that he bore not malice, but admiration and compassion for the raven-haired youth who was always struggling to survive. If he could, he would clearly shout to the world that he cared for Harry. He would also shout that the one he hates was none other than his own mother, the she-dragon.

His headache had turned into an all-out migraine. Maybe it's because I'm thinking too hard, he advised himself. He shifted in his seat and asked Pansy in an annoyed tone, "Why do you always assume that I know everything about Snape?"

"Because you're his pet! Why else?" Pansy answered as if she could not believe that he had asked something so obvious. His hold on his temper dissolved instantly, his silver eyes flashing brightly with barely suppressed anger. Activating his Vision, Draco gathered a tiny amount of air with his will and energized it, making it denser. In a fraction of a second he directed the ball of energy over to Pansy at a frightening speed. Pansy's eyes rolled into the back of her head and she fell from her seat to the floor, unmoving. The other four girls in the compartment stared at him in disbelief.

He stared impassively at the form of the motionless girl-prefect. Bloody hell... I didn't mean to stun her that seriously. Maybe I should have told Snape about my problems. My control over this magical ability has certainly grown shaky over the years. Blast it! The only question is, will there be anyone who understands this form of magic? I don't feel like talking to Dumbledore. The familiar voice of a Gryffindor Mudblood jarred his thoughts. Oh damn.

"Malfoy!" Hermione yelled. Her eyes were round with terror. "What did you do to her?" she demanded.

Draco gracefully raised an eyebrow, ignoring the powerful play-works inside his head. "I didn't do anything," he answered smugly. I'm in trouble. I hope that she wasn't standing by the door when Pansy made her insulting remark. I know Millicent and the rest are so thick-skulled that they do not realize I stunned Pansy without using my wand. But this girl would have noticed.

"Yeah right," Hermione responded sarcastically. "So you want me to believe that she's suffering fainting spells?" she asked him harshly as she examined the other prefect. "The two of you!" Her eyes fell onto Millicent Bulstrode and another girl that seemed to be suffering from anorexia. "Take your friends somewhere else and stay out of this compartment," she ordered and the Slytherin girls complied immediately. Hermione gave him a last suspicious look before leaving to resume her patrol.

Draco sighed in relief and massaging his temple, he thought about how the Slytherins' followed orders without question. This submissive behavior of theirs is really disturbing. Hours passed, though not without interruptions. His 'friends' had tried to visit him to ask more questions about the Potions Master; this time it took less than two minutes before they managed to aggravate him to the point that he used his wand on them. They immediately got his message and the smoky trio (Montague, Goyle and Crabbe) left the compartment.

**********

Hermione had a cheery expression on her face as she chatted with Neville and Ron. Well, I can't put on a long face. Ron's already worried about Ginny, he doesn't need to be worried about me. At least Harry promised us that he will join us at The Burrow from the 18^th of August.

"Ron?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you think Harry will drag Snape with him to The Burrow?"

Ron choked on his Chocolate Frog. The expression on his face told her that he had not considered the possibility. "Blimey!"

Hermione chuckled. "Let's not think about it then," she said as she rested her head against Ron's shoulder and turned her thoughts inward. I'd swear that Draco did something to Pansy, but I've never seen anyone use the old magic except for Dumbledore and Harry. We found Harry was capable of it when he dragged me and Ron to cast protection spells around Hagrid's hut (after the centaurs tried to set fire to it) while he was away on an errand for Dumbledore. I'm really getting confused where Draco's concerned. His attempt to unite the younger Gryffindors and Slytherins made me believe that he's not such a bad guy. But what do I know about being the heir of an aristocratic pure-blood wizard family and the child of Death Eaters? If only I knew which side he's on. I know Harry would be more than happy to have him with us. Stupid boy. Only a blind fool would not know that he likes the dragon. She smiled at her thoughts and glanced out the window. We'll be reaching the station soon...

**********

Draco stepped down from the train and winced at the babble of noise coming from parents and family members hailing their loved ones. Owls fluttered overhead making his hoot in excitement and he accidentally bumped into someone. Without thinking, Draco mumbled an apology and made his way through the crowd to get to the magical wall.

Fred blinked his eyes in surprise when he heard the Slytherin apologize. Did the moon turn purple when I wasn't looking?

"Fred, get a move on," Charlie, the second eldest of the Weasley siblings instructed, shoving the stocky boy forward. The dragon keeper had caught sight of their younger siblings further back in the crowd.

"Hey there!" Ron greeted and looked around. "Where's George?"

"Minding the shop, Ronniekins," Fred answered cheerfully. "So... did your girlfriend like the necklace me and my brilliant twin picked out?" he asked cheekily.

Hermione gasped and Ron looked guiltily at her. "You told me you're the one who chose it!" she wailed and pretended to sulk as she tiptoed to kiss Fred's cheek. She bobbed her head in greeting to Charlie.

"Hey, enough talking," Charlie interrupted, eyes scanning the crowd. "Let's go to Percy's house. Yes Ron, Percy, Mom and Dad have made up. About five days ago. Bill made sure of that." Charlie smiled gently at Hermione who was looking uncertain yet hopeful. "Your parents are there too, and no, Percy's still at work. Luna," the dragon keeper turned to the Lovegood girl, "your father owled me to ask that we Weasleys fetch you. He's stuck inside the editorial room."

"No surprise," the Ravenclaw answered, smiling faintly.

"Hey Ginny," Dean called and the only female Weasley sibling instantly went into his arms. "You stay safe and I'll owl you when I head down to Diagon Alley all right?" Ginny nodded and pulled him down for a quick kiss. Charlie looked at his sister with amusement while Fred made a face.

Ginny pinched Fred's arm hard for his teasing as the group of six made their way toward the magical wall, not noticing that a silvery-blond headed boy had been cornered by two Aurors, one of whom had a distinctly sharp nose.

**********

Draco was scared witless when he found himself being hauled off by a very tall Shacklebolt to a secluded spot. He was wondering if the Auror was there to interrogate him about his father's whereabouts when Kingsley whispered in an exasperated voice to calm down.

The Auror's partner came closer and Draco couldn't restrain himself from blurting out, "You've got to be kidding!"

"Impudent brat," Snape grumbled. He had drunk Polyjuice Potion to look like Matthew Lemburg, an Auror who also worked as an Obliviator. "You dare make fun of me when it is because of you that I have to go walking around disguised?"

Draco eyed Kingsley speculatively and the Auror took the hint and moved away. "Well," he said, rubbing his nose, "not really making fun of you but you should have taken a sample from someone who almost has the same attribute." This brightens up my day! Pity that I have no natural talent for drawing. I would have sketched him, made some copies and plastered them on the Slytherin notice board with a note that this is our Potions Master. A familiar fragrance reached his nose. "Sir, I assume that you are here for a reason, since you've taken such measures to doll up. I fear however that a certain she-dragon is sniffing around for her infant," he said nervously when the cloying scent of perfume grew stronger.

Snape cursed and thrust his hand into his right pocket. "Roll up your right sleeve and hurry," the Potions Master instructed. Looking at him quizzically, Draco did as he was asked. Quick as a flash of lightning, Snape fastened something on his upper arm. "Should you need any help just think hard that you are in trouble. Damn." Snape uttered. "Kingsley," he whispered and the two 'Aurors' Apparated off the platform.

What on earth was that about?

Draco asked himself in bafflement. The cool metallic sensation of the strange accessory made him look down at it. The moment his eyes settled on the securely fastened silver bracelet he thought... Dear Merlin. Please don't let this be a dream!

He stared at the bracelet. It was about three centimeters wide and was light and comfortable. Draco knew the object was magically made because there was absolutely no way that a normal bracelet could produce flickering wild green fire surrounding a black dragon curled in slumber. His heart raced in his chest when he realized who the maker was. There was only one person that he knew of who possessed a steady, pulsating bluish-white aura. The person who had made and designed the bracelet was none other than Harry Potter. I don't deserve this... Dazedly, he straightened his sleeve and just in time.

"I was wondering where you were Draco," a silky sweet voice spoke. "No matter. Come. The car's waiting." With that, Narcissa Malfoy turned and set off for the magical barrier. He took a moment to calm himself before he followed in the wake of his birth mother.

He was passing through the wall when he thought he heard a voice say: "You deserve it Drake. No one else deserves it more than you do..." He blinked and shook his head. I'm imagining things. He hurried when he saw that his mother tapped her foot impatiently.

**********

In Snape's humble cottage.

Harry was in the middle of a shower when he felt a 'click' in his mind and began to see double images. One was of the bathroom wall and the spray of water cascading down. The other image was of an arm that was too pale to be his own. He found himself looking at the bracelet he had created for Draco. He felt a sense of wonder creeping into his soul and he wasn't able to tell if it was his or the other's.

I didn't count on this,

a part of his mind said. But I'm glad he likes the bracelet. He suddenly gasped when he had an intense feeling of 'knowledge'. In that moment Harry was tempted to find a cliff and jump off. How did he know it was me? I'm going to kill Sev. I'm going to -

A voice which he knew wasn't his own echoed in his mind. "I don't deserve this..."

Harry felt himself smiling. You deserve it Drake. No one else deserves it more than you do... And for the first time since Sirius's death, Harry's soul was filled with warmth and love.

**********