Happily Ever After?

Merlin's Blessing

Harry blinked. "You're joking!" he said loudly. Everyone (this included just the Gryffindors in their year: they were not paired up with anyone) stared at him.

Arabella Figg smiled.

"I am not joking, Harry, although you know, everyone could use a good joke now and then, but no, I am serious. Completely serious, yes."

Hermione, finding her voice, said, "And you didn't tell us why?"

"You never asked, did you?" Arabella said with a grin. Parvati spluttered helplessly.

"Ah, Arabella," Professor Brown said. "I'm going. Good luck."

"Yes, see you around, Professor Brown," Arabella said with a jolly wave. As Professor Brown shut the door behind him, Arabella grinned at them.

"Well, for those of you who don't know me, which is about half of you, my name is Arabella Figg, Professor Figg to you. Stop gaping, Harry, it's impolite," Arabella said with a frown. "I'm here and that's the end of it."

"Now, when I get to you, say your name and your favorite instrument. You," she said, pointing to Neville, "you first."

Neville gulped, shaking helplessly. "I - I - Neville Longbottom..."

"And what's your favorite instrument, Neville?" Arabella asked gently. It was odd, Harry thought, hearing Arabella say anything gently.

"The keyboard, I guess," Neville said, a bit more calmly.

"Excellent." Arabella said, clapping her hands together. "Next... you," she said, pointing to Dean. "We'll just go down the row from you."

"Dean Thomas," Dean said confidently. "And I love the drums."

"Fantastic. Do you play the drums?"

"Naw."

"You play any sports?"

"Well... football, in the Muggle world."

"I was an avid football fan," Arabella said with a grin. "Still am, as a matter of fact. Although nothing compares to Quidditch. What's your favorite team?"

"West Ham," Dean said enthusiastically. Ron snorted.

"Mine too. And on the prospect of getting to the rest of the class, I won't go into that anymore. Next."

"Lavender Brown," Lavender said calmly. Arabella did a double take on the closed door before nodding in understanding.

"And what's your favorite instrument, Lavender?"

"I've played the clarinet since I was seven," Lavender said. "So I guess that."

"Great!" Arabella said. "A fellow musician. Pleased to meet you, Lavender." She smiled comfortingly. "And next we have...?"

"Seamus Finnigan," said Seamus, who sat behind Lavender.

"Finnigan, eh?" Arabella asked, her eyes wandering to Harry, who blushed. "I'm certain I've heard that name somewhere before... do you play an instrument, Seamus?"

"I play the piano," Seamus admitted. "But I'm not very good."

"Nonsense. You're only as good as you can be, and if you're that, then you're the best," Arabella said. "That's wonderful, Seamus. Who's next?"

"Parvati Patil," Parvati said. "But you knew that. Anyway, I love the flute. I've played since I was five."

"Wow," Arabella said. "And you haven't given up on it?"

"Mum would kill me," Parvati muttered.

"How's your sister?"

"Pretty good, I guess. It's not like much changed."

"That's good to hear. You're next, Mr. Weasley."

"Ron," Ron said. "Ron Weasley."

"We've met, haven't we?"

"A few weeks ago, yes," Ron said. "You know, after the 'contact-all-of-Harry's-parents'-old-friends' fiasco. Not to mention after the whole 'oh-my-Harry's-alive!' incident."

"Oh, yes, I remember now," Arabella said with a slight smile. "What's your favorite instrument?"

"I've always loved listening to the bongos," Ron admitted. "But I've never touched one."

"Interesting," Arabella mused. "And Molly's well, I presume?"

"As far as I know," Ron shrugged.

"And next... my little bookworm," Arabella smirked. "How are you, Hermione?"

"Perfectly fine," Hermione said.

"What year was the breeding of dragons outlawed by the International Confederation of Wizards?" Arabella fired.

"1706," Hermione answered automatically.

"Just making sure you're still on you toes," Arabella said with a grin. "What's your favorite instrument?"

"I play the tuba," Hermione said. "I've always been partial to it."

"Since when?" Ron asked, turning around. Hermione scowled.

"Hey!" Arabella said. "Don't pick on Bookworm. That's great, Hermione. Keep it up." Arabella paused. "And last but most certainly not least..."

"Harry Potter," Harry said coolly. "How's Mr. Paws?"

"Dead."

"Tufty?"

"Dead."

"Snowy?"

"Ran away."

"Oh," Harry said. "I guess I'm a bit behind the times."

"That you are, Harry, that you are," Arabella said.

"And how are my lovely aunt and uncle, and my dearest cousin Dudley?" Harry said sarcastically.

"Smashing," Arabella said. "But not for long. The hellhounds - aka your parents, Sirius, and Remus - are heading over there for a bit of fun sometime this week. Count on a descriptive and action-packed owl of gore." Arabella took a deep breath. Everyone's eyes were on her. "What's your favorite instrument, Harry?"

"Well, I know you've got to love this answer... I used to sneak to guitar lessons over the summer when I was at the Dursley's. Remember that time when I stayed at your house for a whole weekend? They didn't really go away - they couldn't stand my 'dirty, lying, cheating, filthy blood' in their 'immaculate' home. So I've got to say the guitar."

Arabella put a hand over her mouth and closed her eyes, trying to muffle her chuckles. "You remember," she said finally.

"Like it was yesterday. Or yester-month, to be precise."

Arabella rolled her eyes. "Well, I guess that leaves me. I'm Professor Figg, but if I start to like you, you can call me by my first name, Arabella. I've played the guitar for over thirty years - I'm older than I look. I used to play back-up for Celestina Warbeck Sr. - as Harry well knows, doesn't he?"

"Pooping Potion?" Harry said with a snort. "Like I could ever forget. You know you made it happen."

"Yes, I did. Anyway, when you leave school this year, your brains will be bursting with knowledge, thanks to me, and you will know everything there is to know about defending yourself against curses, hexes, and other assorted nasty things. Then, when you come back from summer holiday, there will have been time for you to forget half the stuff - this does not include you, little Miss Bookworm - yes, I'm talking to you, Hermione - and then I can re-teach it to you so I feel smart. And I plan on being here next year, and the year after that, for that matter, because I plan on breaking the little three-term jinx on this teaching position. Poor Professor Brown couldn't last two. Poor soul." Arabella shook her head. "Anyway, on to business..."

The bell rang.

"Great," Arabella said. "I've used up my quota talking. I'll see you again on Monday... no homework yet, but I expect you all to at least remember my name. Harry, stay back a minute. I need to talk to you."

As the rest of the class left, talking animatedly, Harry stayed behind, walking up to Arabella's desk. "What is it?" Harry asked.

"First of all, Laura asked me to give this to you... I can't imagine why... she said it was too heavy for her owl to carry... she also says she's got your owl, and to expect the answer by tonight..." Arabella took something out of her pocket and muttered, "Engorgio." The tiny thing grew and it turned out to be a book. Harry read the title and smiled.

An Index of All Plural Nouns in the English Language.

"Excellent," Harry said. "Fantastic. Superb. Wonderful, and other synonyms of great. Thanks."

"Your mum sends her love, your dad wants you to owl him and tell him how much trouble you've gotten into so far, Sirius and Narcissa said that you and Draco should be getting owls with the wedding information on them. Remus and Patricia... well, I have to speak to Parvati and Padma about that." Arabella smiled. "You can go now."

"Thanks, Arabella - er, Professor Figg," Harry said uncomfortably.

"You don't have to call me that," Arabella said, scrunching up her face. "Coming from someone I know, it makes me feel..."

"Old?" Harry inquired with a smile. "Wrinkly? Elderly? Mature? Getting on in years? Like you're not getting any younger? Like the most wrinkled raisin in the box? Like-?"

"Just go," Arabella said with a frown. Harry laughed.

"See you, Arabella."

"Until then, Harry. And I'm not old."

"Think whatever you want," Harry teased as he headed out the door. It was just then that Harry heard Draco.

Harry... we need to talk.

Can't it wait a few hours? Harry said. He was already late for lunch. I'm kind of -

No, Harry - it can't.

Harry paused. I'll meet you in the lobby in a second. Harry scrambled into the boys' bathroom across the hall.

"Alohomora," Harry whispered. The mirror over the sinks slowly moved aside. Harry had a bit of trouble climbing onto the sinks - he fell twice. When he finally reached the door, Draco was pacing back and forth quickly. He looked up when Harry entered. He stopped dead.

"Harry," he said, his voice shaking slightly.

"Draco?" Harry asked, pulling the door shut. "What's wrong?"

"Everything," Draco said, pacing again. "I'm missing a YDEC meeting."

Harry's face looked blank. "YDEC?"

"Young Death Eater's Club. Don't look at me like that, Harry, I didn't start it, I'm just the president." Draco sat down with a frustrated sigh. "The meeting is at six. I told them I couldn't go. It's not just you... even without you I still couldn't make the meeting. You just make it easier. But," Draco said, "they're onto us."

"Who is?" Harry asked. "Who's onto us?"

"Zabini," Draco said. "I don't think the others have caught on yet, but... I'm not... I can't... it's dangerous. For both of us. If they find out... we could both die."

Harry was silent. "Are you sure you're not overreacting, Draco?"

"Yes," Draco said, piercing him with a cold stare. "Yes, I'm sure. You didn't see the way Zabini just looked at me, Harry. It was... he knew something. Or he guessed."

"How would he guess?" Harry said, frowning. "We've both done a smashingly good job of pretending to be enemies again, if general reaction is anything to go by."

"And what is general reaction?"

"Something along the lines of, 'not this again.'"

"True," Draco said, with a weak smile. "But... you had to see him, Harry. He just stared at me. He thought I was acting... strange. And I was." Draco said. He gazed down into the couch, his face expressionless.

"What do you mean?" Harry asked. Draco chuckled at Harry's confusion.

"I mean I've changed. I'm not the Draco the Slytherins used to know. I - there's something about you - you changed me. I'm a different person now. Even if I pretend I hate you... I can't. Not really."

"So what are you trying to say?"

"I'm trying to say... I can't do it."

"Do what?"

"Hate you. Or pretend to."

"It hasn't even been a day, Draco."

"I know. But I can't do it. I just can't."

Harry paused. "You realize the two things you've said completely contradict each other?"

"So they do," Draco said, his brow furrowing.

"You just told me that if they find out we're friends, we could die, but you want to let them find out. Right?"

"That's what I said."

"Do you have a death wish?"

"I - oh, never mind," Draco said. "I suppose it doesn't make that much sense, does it?"

"None whatsoever," Harry agreed.

"Then I'll just go," Draco said. "We've missed lunch. Sorry."

"Nah, I wasn't hungry anyway. Will you be okay?"

"I hope so," Draco said. He was silent for a moment. "See you in Potions."

"Yea. Don't forget, six o'clock."

"Don't forget about three o'clock."

"I won't."

"Right. Bye."

"Bye."

The two of them headed out of random doors (which wasn't very smart of them, was it?) and Harry ended up in his dormitory, which was 100% luck. He grabbed his cauldron and bounded down the stairs to the common room, which was deserted.

"I'm going to be late!" Harry moaned as he ran out of the common room.

"Hurry, dear!" the Fat Lady said. "The late bell is about to ring!"

Harry groaned and ran down the stairs. When he finally stood outside the door, he took a deep breath and entered.

"Ah, Potter," Snape said coolly. "Three minutes late. Ten points from Gryffindor." Harry sighed and sat down next to Hermione. He glanced over to Draco and scowled. Draco glared.

You're late.

I ended up in my dormitory...

Draco rolled his eyes. You could have gone back in and come out in Dungeon 3. It's always empty.

Harry scrunched up his face. Why didn't I think of that?

Because I'm a hell of a lot smarter than you, Draco smirked.

Shut up.

Hermione elbowed him. "Are you talking to Draco?" she hissed. "Our OWLs are coming up! You have to pay attention!"

"He started it," he muttered under his breath. "What time is it?"

"Two," Hermione said. "A whole hour to go."

"Ten points from Gryffindor, Potter - I can hear you talking," Snape said from the front of the classroom. Harry scowled.

"Today," Snape said, turning and slamming his books onto the front desk. "We will be reviewing for your OWLs. Tell me, Mr. Potter, since you seem so talkative today, what are the three main ingredients of a temporary Animagus Potion?"

Harry looked calmly back at Snape. "Eye of newt, three powdered scarab beetles, and a cup of mare sweat," he said serenely. Snape looked livid.

"Trying to impress us, Potter?" He spat. "Five points from Gryffindor."

"No, sir, I was just trying to answer your question, actually," Harry said as Snape had started to turn towards the board. Snape looked at Harry, his eyes flaming with anger.

"Very well then, Potter," Snape said, walking up to his desk. "Tell me, Potter, what is the Homecoming Potion?"

"The Homecoming Potion is the opposite of a Time Potion," Harry said calmly. "Instead of going back in time, the Homecoming Potion returns a person who has been transported into the past via Time Potion to return to his or her proper place in the time stream."

"I would expect you to know that, Potter," Snape said in a bitter tone. "What is its component?"

Harry thought quickly for a moment. Hermione held her breath, willing the answer to him. Ron watched him with fear of losing points on his face. Draco, from across the room, observed him with a smirk on his face.

"Well?" Snape asked impatiently. Harry smiled at him coolly.

"The Polyjuice Potion."

Hermione sighed in relief. Ron smiled. Draco coughed. Harry glared at him. Snape seemed determined to show Harry he wasn't that great after all.

"What single thing can a splash of a potion not do to the victim?" Snape snarled.

"A mere splash of any potion cannot kill a person," Harry said firmly. He had that 'in-your-face' look on his face. The only person he looked at was Snape, as if determined to beat him down.

"What is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?" Snape fired.

"They are the same plant, also known as aconite," Harry answered.

"What is a bezoar, Mr. Potter?"

"A bezoar is a stone found in the stomach of a goat," Harry began slowly. "It will save you from most poisons."

"What potion is made from powdered root of asphodel and an infusion of wormwood?"

"An infusion of wormwood and the powdered root of asphodel would give you a sleeping potion," Harry said. "It's so strong that it is known by some as the Draught of the Living Death."

"So Mr. Potter has been studying, hasn't he?" Snape said with a scowl. "Care to tell us how you knew all that, Potter?" Snape was sure this would send Harry stuttering, and Snape would find a large list of notes on his desk.

"You taught me, sir," Harry said calmly. "I learned from the best." Hermione looked shocked; Ron looked horrified; Draco just grinned. Snape turned with a suspicious look and started firing random questions at unsuspecting victims. Hermione and Ron shot him inquisitive looks. Draco rolled his eyes.

Show off.

Harry glared at him. "What time is it now, Hermione?" he asked a few minutes later.

"Two-thirty," Hermione whispered.

"Really? How long were me and Snape at it for?"

"Like, twenty minutes," Ron said. "You kept stopping and staring at each other. It was creepy."

"It was," Harry said slowly. "It was creepy..." He furrowed his brow. Why hadn't he been able to-?

"Excuse me, Professor?" came a voice from the door. Everyone looked over. It was a girl wearing a Hufflepuff uniform.

"Professor Dumbledore told me that Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Draco Malfoy are supposed to report to the trophy room now," she said calmly. "I'm supposed to escort them there." The four of them straightened up and looked at each other.

"What for?" Snape asked ferociously. "I'm in the middle of class."

"He said it was very important, and asks you if you read the letter he sent you this morning?"

Snape scowled and shooed them out of his classroom. Hermione, Draco, Harry, and Ron stood up and followed the Hufflepuff girl out quickly.

"Isn't it a little early for us to - " Harry began

" - be going to the trophy room already?" Draco finished.

"Oh, I suppose you know why we're supposed to be there, then?" the girl asked. "Two other girls are already in the trophy room, Dumbledore sent me to get you... he wasn't sure you'd remembered. I'm Hannah, by the way - Hannah Abbott. And of course I know who you are - the great Harry Potter and his friends, the studious Hermione Granger and the adventurous Ron Weasley, with their greatest rival, the cunning Draco Malfoy." She said all this extremely quickly.

"Uhh... yea," Ron said. "Yea, that's about right." He seemed distracted as he watched her closely. Harry smiled.

"Yes, we've met," Harry said. "That time in the library in second year..."

"Oh..." Hannah said, blushing. "Sorry about that."

"That's okay..." Harry said. "We didn't really know each other then..."

"So what are we doing exactly?" Hermione asked.

"Something to do with the Order of the Phoenix," Harry shrugged. "I'm not sure what, exactly, but he says it's important..."

"Extremely important..." Draco added.

"More important than Potions..."

"But then again, very many things are more important than Potions..."

"Like mongoose... by the way, I've got a book of all the plurals in the English language, Laura sent it, I'll look that up later."

"I'm telling you, it's mongeese..."

"Here they go again," Hermione sighed. Hannah looked confused.

"Him... and him... and they're not... fighting...?"

"Fighting?" Ron snorted. "They don't fight anymore. It's scary."

"Ron! Harry! Draco!" Hermione scolded. Ron looked at her. Harry and Draco stopped talking. "Is there something you don't understand about the word secret?"

"Ah, she can know, Hermione," Draco said dismissively. "If we're all going to be in the Order, she'd figure it out, and the twins already know anyway..."

"You can't tell anyone they're friends," Hermione said to Hannah. "No one's supposed to know..."

"Oh," Hannah said. "Whatever." She looked at the four of them. "So those girls are twins?"

"Bloody annoying ones too," Harry agreed. "Padma's a Ravenclaw and Parvati's a Gryffindor, they usually don't talk much, not to strangers, but once you get them to..."

"... They never shut up," Draco said, rolling his eyes.

"So... you're really friends?" Hannah asked again. Harry and Draco nodded, looking at each other and smirking, as if they were trying not to laugh. "I'm sorry, but it's just so... weird..."

"Whatever," Draco shrugged. "We're here."

The five of them entered the trophy room silently. Sure enough, Padma, Parvati, and Dumbledore were waiting for them in chairs that Harry was sure hadn't been there before.

"Hey, guys," Parvati said. "'Bout time."

"What do you mean?" Draco asked, puzzled. "We're... wait a minute... thirty-six seconds early."

"Ugh... not the Rolex..." Padma groaned.

"Thank you, Hannah," Dumbledore said, standing up. "Now if you'll all sit down, we have a lot to talk about..." The five newcomers sat down on the chairs. "Now... some of you know why we are here... so pardon me while a I explain to those who don't..." Dumbledore cleared his throat as Harry and Draco smirked.

"You seven young wizards and witches have gathered here today for one purpose: the downfall of Lord Voldemort." Ron and Hannah flinched. "I encourage you to use his real name - for fear of a name increases fear of a thing itself. I know Voldemort has somehow touched all of you - some in less ways than others. But you are all old enough now to understand what Voldemort is - evil. Voldemort is completely evil. You know this. You have learned it. Now I ask for you to help us destroy it."

"In 1976, twenty years ago exactly, on this very date, a group of people similar to yourselves was gathered here for the exact same reason. Voldemort was at the peak of his power then - without those people he would never have been destroyed. You all know a few of them, at least... Mundungus Fletcher. Arabella Figg, our new DADA teacher. Sirius Black. Remus Lupin. Your parents, Harry. Peter Pettigrew. And they became known as the Order of the Phoenix."

"The Order of the Phoenix was first formed in the 1940s when Grindelwald was in power. It was forgotten after his defeat in 1945, and was reinstated once in 1976. The Order's main purpose is to work as hard as it can against the current threat. Seven young witches and wizards are chosen to work against the threat. Both times it has been in power, it has succeeded in its goal."

"You, my fine friends, have been chosen to help save lives by joining the Order. You need not accept, of course; and I have already sent owls to all your parents about it. You could help save many lives, maybe even your own... but should you choose to accept, you cannot tell anyone of your place or your mission. Those who accept will attend meetings periodically... and now I must ask you, will you help us?" Dumbledore's eyes scanned the young faces, sadness in his eyes.

There was silence in the room for a moment. The moment could have been an hour - a minute - a second - it didn't matter. Draco spoke up.

"I will."

The words resounded through the room. I will. I will. I will. Dumbledore did not respond. Harry gulped.

"So will I," he said.

There was silence for another moment. "I'll do it," Hannah said.

"Anything to kill Voldemort," Hermione agreed.

"We will too," Parvati said.

"Yes, he has to be destroyed," Padma agreed.

There was a long silence as everyone stared at Ron. "My mum isn't going to like this," he said finally. "But I will."

Dumbledore shook silently, remembering. Such brave young people... every decade was always the same...

And he remembered...

January 2^nd, 1941

"I cannot ask you to do this..." he had said. "But if you will, then you will save lives."

The seven young people were silent for one long moment. "I'll do it," Harold Potter had said. "Grindelwald must be stopped..."

"And so will I," Pamela Richter had said. "For our world."

"Grindelwald won't win," Orion Black had responded firmly. "I won't let him. Count me in."

"I will," Henry Abbott had said, choking a little. "I'll do it for my father."

"Don't forget me," Patrick Pettigrew had said firmly. "I'm not letting Grindelwald win."

"I can't believe you thought I might say no," Richard Fletcher said. "Of course I will."

Joseph Weasley looked down at his hands. "I won't let Grindelwald get away with killing my parents," he said harshly. "I'll join you."

"Welcome," Dumbledore had said, "to the Order of the Phoenix."

January 2^nd, 1976

"So you're asking us to help you defeat Voldemort?" Sirius Black had said, pacing the room.

"In a manner of speaking..." Dumbledore had answered.

"Huh. Sounds good to me. What do you think, Prongs?"

"I think it sounds just fine. Give him a little of what he deserves. How about you, Moony?" James had said.

"Sounds like an awesome plan," Remus had answered. "Wormtail?"

"If there's any way I can help..." Peter had said. "Of course. What about you, Lils?"

"If anyone can do it, we can," Lily had said, laughing. "Mundungus?"

"Sounds cool to me," Mundungus said. "Voldemort doesn't even know what's coming to him. What do you think, Arabella?"

"What I think," Arabella had said, a gleam in her eye, "is that old Voldie had better watch out. I think he's about to meet his match.

"Professor?" Parvati asked. "What are you looking at?"

"Oh," Dumbledore said, snapping back to reality. "Nothing. Nothing." He inhaled deeply. "Do you have any questions? Concerns?"

"Yea," Hannah said, sitting up straight. "When are these meetings?"

"Every Saturday morning, unless there is an emergency," Dumbledore said, regaining his composure.

"What time?" Harry asked.

"Nine-thirty," Dumbledore said. There was silence.

"I've got a question," Draco said finally. "Why didn't anyone tell me that old lady was the new DADA teacher?"

"I heard that," said a voice by the door. Everyone turned to see Arabella Figg leaning against the doorpost.

"So?" Draco asked, a twinkle in his eye. "It's true, isn't it?"

"I wouldn't talk like that to your new professor," Arabella said, smiling in satisfaction.

"Arabella," Dumbledore said with a smile. "I was wondering if you'd come."

"Just finishing up a class," she said with a shrug.

"You said you had something to tell them...?" Dumbledore asked.

"Ah, yes," Arabella said. She walked in front of them and stared at them pointedly.

"So you've all agreed to join the Order of the Phoenix," she began. "You look like a good bunch of kids. Honest, nice, and wonderful. Well, that's got to change. It's a cold, hard world out there, and if you want Voldemort to be defeated, you've got to by sneaky and sometimes mean. You might have to lie to keep yourselves a secret. If anyone figures out the Order has been reinstated, your lives could be in danger. Some of you - all of you, really - have been tested already by the Dark powers. Harry... well, that's kind of obvious. And Hermione and Ron have always helped you. Draco... well, that's pretty obvious too. Padma and Parvati, you lost your grandmother before you even knew her. Hannah... you grew up in a foster home." Everyone turned to look at Hannah, who was staring fixedly on Arabella. "Mundungus sends his greetings, by the way," she added.

"Good," Hannah smiled.

"Anyway," Arabella said, turning back to the rest of them. "It's not going to be easy. And I can't promise it'll be fun. But it's the only thing we can do to stop Voldemort.

"Dumbledore and I, we're going to help you the best we can, and you'll have work to do, and the old crowd - the people who were in the Order twenty years ago - promised they'd drop in at least once. All except... well, yeah. Pettigrew."

"Who, by the way, is not dead," Ron added.

"But is actually a very evil person," Harry agreed. "If I could get my hands on him right now I'd..." Ron flinched. "What's wrong, Ron?"

"No - nothing," Ron said, shaking his head. "But... I mean, now that we know he didn't kill your parents, he doesn't seem that bad, does he?"

"OK," Harry said. "Who are you, what have you done with the real Ron, and how did you get here so fast?"

Ron looked at him, his eyes wide.

"Ron... I was kidding," Harry said, rolling his eyes. "Pettigrew is evil."

"Peter Pettigrew is a little weasel who needs to sort out his issues, not to mention get ahold on a fashion magazine," Draco said gruffly. "Hey, sounds kind of like you, Weasley."

"Draco!" Harry snapped. "Don't even compare Ron to... it!"

"Anyway," Arabella interrupted loudly, "Professor Dumbledore and I and going to teach you magic that you might need, but probably will not have learned until seventh year, if ever. We will also train you in dueling and other areas of magical expertise."

"On Saturday you will receive pins as symbols of your authority," Dumbledore said. "I ask you to always wear them, as they will protect you from most poisons and curses. But wear them in an inconspicuous place, such as inside your collar, or under your robes, because no one is to know your power. Now, I had asked someone else to be here to speak to you..."

"I'm... here," panted a voice.

"Remus!" Draco exclaimed, his eyes brightening.

"Hello, Draco," Remus said, breathing deep. "Hello, Harry, Hermione, Parvati, Padma, Ron, Hannah, and Professor. I see the little old lady's here already. I'm sorry I'm late... I ran into Snape..."

"Good afternoon, Remus," Dumbledore said pleasantly. "Everyone, I'm sure you remember Professor Lupin..."

"Yes, yes," Arabella said irritably. "Most of them saw him yesterday, for Merlin's sake. And what makes you think I'm an old lady, old man?"

Remus shook his head as he finally caught his breath. He shook his head, his face pale as he breathed carefully.

"Perhaps you should have stayed home and rested..." Dumbledore said worriedly.

"No... no, I'll be fine," Remus said, straightening. The teenagers exchanged glances. "You've told them everything, I suppose?"

"I figured you'd want to talk to them for a moment, at least," Dumbledore said. "And, of course, you are very welcome to do so."

"Right," Remus said. He looked at them and smiled weakly.

"You all know me," he said. "Remus Lupin, former member of the Order of the Phoenix." He stopped and took a deep breath. "I wanted to share with you some things that I found out about being in the Order of the Phoenix."

"It's a lot different then you'd expect it to be. I remember the day Professor Dumbledore told the others and me about it... it seemed like an insane plot to save the world. So of course it seemed like a great idea. But seriously, it seemed like a lot of work. And it was. But it was a lot of fun too."

"We all got to know each other better through the Order. We worked on assignments together, and sometimes just hung out. The Order of the Phoenix is all about teamwork. The better you know someone, the better team you make. You know everyone's strength and weaknesses, and therefore know how well they will complete a certain task. In some respects, it was like taking an extra class. We were asked what we thought about things a lot, and had a lot of research projects. Then, as we got older, we started getting riskier missions. We almost died, more than once. But we were a team, and knew what to do."

"It's tough and kind of trying at first, especially since you're all so young, but trust me, it's very rewarding. It changes you. I remember the day we all met for the last time..." Remus said closing his eyes. "We were all so happy it was over. That Voldemort was finally destroyed. We mourned our losses of four of our friends and fellow members. And since there were only three of us left... and our job had been done... we split up."

"It was the greatest experience of my life," he said, opening his eyes. "And it was productive. So... yea, just do it, and don't give up."

Harry sat cross-legged in his chair as he watched Remus talk. When he was done, Harry sighed.

"You should go - " he began.

" - get some rest," Draco finished.

"And did you take...?" Hermione asked.

Remus grinned weakly and nodded.

"Go to bed, Remus," Arabella said, pushing him lightly towards the door.

"Yes, Remus, you should be resting," Dumbledore said. "Thank you very much." Remus nodded lightly. He turned to Draco before he left, though.

"You... Draco... and you too, Harry... be careful..."

Draco and Harry nodded. "Go," Draco said.

"I'll be dropping in some Saturday," he added as he walked to the door.

"GO!"

"Okay..." Remus said, walking out of the room. Draco sat back in his chair, a satisfied look on his face.

"As Remus said," Dumbledore started, "before you can really work together as a team, you need to know and understand each other. So we're going to leave you here for an hour, just so you can get to know each other. Talk with someone you don't know that well... learn something new about them. At five o'clock, you may leave. Remember, nine-thirty tomorrow!" Dumbledore said.

"In my classroom! And bring some parchment!" Arabella added as she closed the door behind she and Dumbledore. Everyone stared at each other.

"Well," Draco said slowly, "we've got an hour's time to kill here."

"And the creepy thing is," Hermione said, "that I know every single one of you, except Hannah."

"That's what happens when two people turn out to be alive and a long-lost lover is found," Harry shrugged.

"So," Draco said, kicking back. "Tell us about yourself, Hannah."

"Well, I'm fifteen, I'm in Hufflepuff, I'm a pure-blood, and I also believe that shouldn't really matter, and... I like animals," Hannah said. "Does that help?"

"You're the Heir of Hufflepuff," Harry pointed out. "That's noteworthy."

"I guess that's true," Hannah shrugged.

"Well," Parvati said, "I'm Parvati Patil. I'm fifteen also, and I'm a Gryffindor. My favorite thing to do is gossip and my favorite subject is Divination."

"And she and Padma are the Heirs of Ravenclaw," Draco added. "Also noteworthy."

"I'm Padma Patil," Padma said. "I'm Parvati's twin. I'm a Ravenclaw. And I absolutely adore horses."

"Oh, me too!" Hannah squealed. "They're so adorable!"

"I love the mustangs... aren't they so cute?

"Oh, they're so cutylicious!" Hannah squealed.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Hermione Granger," she said, holding out her hand. "Arithmancy is my best subject..."

"But not by much," Ron said.

"Yes, she's so good, almost all her grades are the same... 10/10," Harry added.

"Shut up!" she snapped. She grinned at Hannah. "And some people don't appreciate my study aptitude, even though if it weren't for me they'd probably be failing Charms."

Harry and Ron looked at each other and shrugged. "Your point?" they said as one. They burst out laughing.

"I'm... Ron Weasley," Ron said, holding out his hand. "Gryffindor, known for being a total prat."

"I'll say," Draco said under his breath.

"Draco..." Hermione warned.

"Didn't say nothing..."

Hannah laughed. "Nice to meet you." She took his hand.

"Draco Malfoy," Draco said. "Slytherin, obviously. Known for being a bastard to Gryffindors while secretly befriending them, but no one's got to know about that but us, right? Right. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too," Hannah said. "I've heard of you, of course. And I heard you died."

"Eh, win some, lose some," Draco said. Harry elbowed him.

"Ignore him, if you know what's good for you," Harry said. "I'm Harry Potter, obviously. Draco and I went back in time via Time Potion, but people thought we were dead. But, well, we aren't. Lucky you."

Hannah rolled her eyes. "Well, now that we're all introduced..." Draco said. "We've still got... hold on... forty-six minutes and... fifty-three... no, fifty-one..."

"We've got forty-five minutes to kill still, is what he's trying to say," Harry said, rolling his eyes.

"What do you guys think about this?" Hannah asked, waving her hand around impatiently. "This Order of the Phoenix. Isn't it kind of... odd that Dumbledore would choose people so young?"

"Dumbledore is inspired by young people," Hermione said. "He always says so."

"I think it sounds great," Harry said. "If anyone can defeat Voldemort, well... I have a feeling it would be us."

"I've got to agree with that," Draco said.

"I think we'll have fun," Hermione said. "And even better than that, we'll be helping save lives while we're at it."

"I still think my mum isn't going to like this," Ron mumbled.

"I think Voldemort will finally learn what goes around, comes around," Parvati smirked.

"I just hope we make it," Padma said.

"Me too," Hannah said. "I - I hope we just defeat Voldemort."

"How do you know Mundungus Fletcher?" Harry asked.

"He's my foster father," Hannah answered. "My - my parents died. A long time ago. Just a few months after I was born. He was a family friend, and I was staying with him. They - they were supposed to be going on vacation," Hannah said with a gulp. "But they never came back."

There was silence in the room for a few moments as Hannah regained her poise.

"It was Voldemort," she said. "Their bodies weren't found for three whole years. They were - mutilated. My parents were Aurors. Voldemort had been after them for a while, and... their heads were never found." Hannah inhaled deeply and looked around at them. "I never knew them."

Harry felt a pang of guilt run through him. He had seen her mother. He had had the chance to know her. He remembered his father speaking to him.

Anna Abbot is Hufflepuff's Heir...

He glanced at Draco, shaking. Draco was biting his lip.

"That's awful," Hermione was saying.

Hannah shifted in her seat. "Not many people knew about it," she muttered. "My parents never really had any friends at school."

"I think," Harry said, "I don't know, really, but... I think your mother and father would be proud of you."

"Thanks," Hannah said with a slight smile. "What time is it now, anyway?"

"Actually," Draco said, smirking, "right now it is four forty-nine and... hold on..."

"Oh Merlin, not this again," Parvati said exasperatedly. "Why'd you get him that watch Harry?"

"I don't know, but I could really use some of that aspirin now," Harry moaned. Hermione giggled.

"Honestly, I can't believe you got him aspirin for Christmas, Draco."

"It's an inside joke," Draco said dismissively. "Nothing you would understand."

Harry kneaded his forehead with his knuckles. "So we're going to be seeing a lot of each other," Harry said finally.

"That's for sure," Padma said.

"So let's make this clear," Draco said. "When we're not working on something, or we're in the presence of anyone else other than Dumbledore or any old Order members... you still hate me with all your guts. Agreed?"

"Agreed," the rest of the room laughed together.

"Eh, it's close enough to five," Harry said. "Come on, let's go." Everyone started collecting their books and mumbling good-byes.

And outside the door, a large figure with long green Slytherin robes and a smirk on its face scuttled away.

"See you in an hour," Harry mumbled under his breath to Draco as they split up.

"Until then," Draco said. "I'd better head down to the dungeons... I'll be seeing you lot," he said to all of them.

"Bye," they all chimed. Draco left, robes billowing behind him.

"I have to go too," Padma said. "They'll be wondering where I am. See you tomorrow."

"Yea, I should be getting back too," Hannah said.

"Well, we'll see you tomorrow, then," Parvati said.

"Bye," they all said. Padma and Hannah parted off in separate directions. This left Parvati, Harry, Hermione, and Ron walking back towards Gryffindor Tower.

"I have to go to the library!" Hermione said in realization. "I forgot an Arithmancy assignment!"

"You're joking!" Ron cried.

"It's a miracle!" Harry shouted.

"But a bad miracle!" Parvati said as Hermione's form retreated. "I wanted to copy that assignment off her."

Harry rolled his eyes. "We'd better get on, then," he said. "She'll be back."

Groaning, they continued on. "Pixie dust," Ron yawned to the Fat Lady. Harry scuttled inside and hurried up the stairs.

Personally, he wanted a few minutes alone in the alone in the lobby before Draco came.

Or, more to the point, not alone.

Draco entered around the Slytherin common room with a sigh. He bounded up the stairs and dropped his books on his bed. He grabbed a quill and parchment and started scribbling away furiously.

Mum-

Just thought I'd let you know I'm OK so far, I'm going to meet Harry in about half an hour... if you see Remus, tell him I hope he's OK, I saw him for a moment today, and he looked like hell - although I suppose I don't look much better... I reckon someone or other has told you all about the Order of the Phoenix deal, if not, ask Sirius... and I'm doing it, whether you like it or not, so get over it.

-Draco

Draco folded the parchment. At least everyone's at the YDEC meeting, Draco said, walking down the stairs back into the common room. I can just take a walk to the Owlery and start on that Charms homework...

But Draco's plans were spoiled immediately after he had stepped into the common room. Because there was something he hadn't counted on.

He wasn't the only Slytherin around.

There was a figure sitting by the fire, watching his every move. Draco inhaled quickly.

"Bulstrode?"

"Hey," Patricia said, flopping down next to Remus on the flimsy couch. "Are you okay?"

"No," Remus muttered. "No, I'm not."

Patricia bit her lip. "Will you be all right?"

"Perhaps," Remus said drowsily. "Tomorrow."

Patricia closed her eyes. "I still love you. I always will."

"I know," Remus said with a yawn. "I'm sorry, I'm just so tired..."

"I know," Patricia said, stroking his hand. "I know."

"I... I love you too," Remus said in his soft, weak tone. Patricia kissed him softly, once more.

"I'll be over at Malfoy Manor first thing in the morning," Patricia whispered.

"Ahem," said a voice from behind them. Remus turned and saw Sirius behind them. "Hate to interrupt, but we've only got about half an hour and Prongs is waiting..."

"You Apparate back," Remus said, standing up. "I'll take Floo powder... if I tried to Apparate I'd probably splinch myself..."

"In the entrance hall, then," Sirius said. "Prongs and I will be waiting." With a soft pop, he had gone.

"Be careful," Patricia said as Remus took a pinch of Floo powder. "Don't hurt yourself..."

"Hey," Remus said, smiling slightly, "I've got my pack-mates back now, and I've got the Wolfsbane Potion on my side. This should be a pretty good moon, all things considered."

"I'll be waiting for you," Patricia said. "When you come around... I'll be there."

Remus threw his Floo powder into the fire and muttered, "Malfoy Manor." He then turned to her.

"Then I'll be looking forward to it," he said weakly. He stepped in the flames and with a crack was gone.

Remus stumbled out of the other fireplace coughing and sputtering helplessly. Someone helped him steady himself.

"Easy there, Moony..." said a gentle, familiar voice. "Don't fall over just yet."

Remus opened his eyes. "You were always the one to catch me when I was falling, Prongs," he said, dusting himself off. "Both of you."

James and Sirius looked at each other and rolled their eyes. "Come on, Moony," Sirius said. "Let's go. Nar says, 'Be careful, I don't want blood dripping on the furniture,' but I know she's joking, because she knows if she wasn't then her head would be flying somewhere over Siberia now... she'd say good luck herself but she's confined in bed with what she claims is a 'fatal malady,' but is really the common cold. Honestly," Sirius said breathlessly.

"Well, one thing doesn't change with the passing of time," James said calmly. "Padfoot still has a bottomless lung capacity. Lily wishes she could be here with you, but, well, given the circumstances..." James trailed off. "Great... I think he's contagious. Let's get a move on... if we're to make it to the forest on time, we'd better hurry."

Remus lurched forward as they began walking, and both Sirius and James had reached out and caught him instinctively.

"Want us to Apparate you right to the edge forest?" Sirius asked, trying to help Remus regain his balance. "Blimey, you should have been resting..."

"Things to do..." Remus muttered.

"And what were they?" James asked curiously.

"Order stuff... Dumbledore..."

"You saw Draco?" Sirius asked, trying to sound casual. "How was he?"

"No worse than me," Remus reported. "But no better, either, I'm afraid, if looks are anything to judge by."

"Hold on, we're about to Apparate..." James said. "Steady... on three, Padfoot... one... two... three!"

Remus felt himself be zapped forward with the force of a giant. He fell to the ground with a thud. Frankly, he was almost too tired to care. Sirius and James brought him back up to his feet almost instantly.

"Well, we'll have to remember not to do that ever again," Sirius muttered. "You OK, Moony?"

Remus shrugged. "I guess," he muttered. His eyes fell closed again as he staggered along, practically limp. James and Sirius placed him gently on a fallen log that was covered with thick, green moss.

"Thank you," Remus choked, "for being here."

"Like we would ever pass up the chance," Sirius murmured under his breath.

"This is the closest we've been to being whole again," James said suddenly. Sirius gave him a 'what-are-you-blabbing-on-about-now?' look, and Remus opened his eyes inquisitively.

"Huh?"

"I mean... as... you know... the Marauders," James said quickly. "I know there's Harry and Draco, and now Hermione, I guess, but... it's just not the same, you know? They were never there..."

"I guess that's right," Sirius said. "We haven't been alone at all, have we? Just the three of us... although, I must say, now isn't quite the best time for some bonding... although... you did take the potion, didn't you, Remus?"

Too tired to respond, Remus nodded weakly. "We'll be here, Moony," James said. "We'll always be here."

"Please move back a little," Remus whispered. "Just when I... change... because even if I have the potion, it still hurts like Merlin and I can't trust how I'll react at first."

Reluctantly but obediently, James and Sirius backed up just a little. Remus looked up to check the position of the moon in the sky, but before he could register anything his stomach lurched and he knew it was time.

It began slowly, with Remus's stomach churning and twisting and turning until it made him want to be sick. He doubled over, wheezing. He could hear heavy breathing, which he figured was his own, and slowly he started to feel like needles were stabbing into him in every inch of his skin. Resisting the urge to howl, he whimpered as he writhed around in pain on the cold ground. The fur was growing in... he could hear the breathing coming in even more ragged and short successions, and knew it couldn't have been him because he certainly didn't think he could breathe that fast if he tried, the state he was in. He could almost hear Sirius mutter words of encouragement to James, but Remus didn't have time to dwell on that, as the next phase had him twisting and turning and lurching and leaning this way and that.

Remus's spine broke into three pieces all at once and it took all his willpower not to yell out in pain. His spine started to reform again, and Remus hunched over. He felt his feet being stretched out to full length and his hands had disappeared, to be replaced with paws. He winced as his legs and arms grew shorter... he yelped in pain as he grew a snout, it felt as if someone had pulled out his nose and flicked it, hard. He could hear labored breathing and comforting words that grew louder until Remus could actually make them out.

"James, calm down, it's not really Remus, calm down, James, James, slow down, stop hyperventilating... JAMES! IT'S NOT HIM! DON'T YOU GO HAVE A BREAKDOWN TOO!"

But Remus did not hear his friend's reply: everything blacked out.

When Remus finally opened his eyes, James was trying to slow his breathing and Sirius was still whispering comforting words to him.

"It's okay, it's okay, it's not him, it's not him... hey, Prongs, look who decided to join us?"

The werewolf whined. James smiled slightly.

"Hey, Moony," he muttered, scratching his head. "Best invention since the wand, the Wolfsbane Potion."

"Jamie-boy here almost had a nervous breakdown over you," Sirius said, pushing James lightly. "You almost broke his heart again."

So that was why Prongs had tears in his eyes. So why was he smiling?

"You scared me," James admitted, scratching his head. "Are you hurt?"

The werewolf shook its head and licked him. "Good," James smiled. Suddenly he was jolted from behind.

"Padfoot!" James exclaimed. "You scared me!" The dog barked. "Oh, you are so dead!"

In a split second, a large stag was chasing the black dog. The werewolf howled and followed them.

Now his pack was whole again.

"Millicent Bulstrode?" Draco sputtered. "Why - why aren't you at the YDEC meeting?"

Millicent Bulstrode glared at him with force he never thought she was capable of. "Why aren't you?" she spat.

"I have an - assignment," Draco lied calmly. "What are you doing here? The meeting is starting in a couple minutes."

"I'm not going, Malfoy," she muttered, turning from him and looking into the fire.

"And why ever not?"

"Do you really think that's any of your business?"

"Yes, I do, because I'm the president, and I want you there."

"Well that stinks for you, doesn't it, Malfoy?" Bulstrode said suddenly, standing up and facing him. "Because I'm not like you, I don't want to be like you... I don't want to be a Death Eater!"

Draco blinked. "Why the sudden change of heart, Bulstrode?"

"It isn't sudden!" Bulstrode exclaimed. "I've never wanted to be a Death Eater! Just because all Death Eaters are Slytherins doesn't mean they want to be!"

"Whoa, there, pussycat," Draco said with a smirk. "Didn't mean to offend you..."

"Yes you did," Bulstrode hissed.

"Well, you may be partially right..." Draco shrugged. "So what're you going to do?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean what are you going to do when they come after you?"

It was obvious whom "they" meant.

"The other Slytherins?" Bulstrode laughed hollowly. "I'll run. Let them try to catch me."

"So you're not afraid that I'm going to kill you right now?"

"No," Bulstrode said calmly. "I fear not death, but the unlived life."

Draco considered this. "Well, congratulations, then." He turned to go.

"Congratulations for what? You're not going to hurt me? You know what I know, you know what I could tell... you don't want me to, do you?"

"By all means, go ahead," Draco said. "They asked for it."

"Tell me what you mean, Malfoy," Bulstrode hissed, grabbing his arm tightly.

"I mean, of course, that you did it. You fought, you resisted, and you won. Congratulations. Would you let go of my arm, please? I think you're cutting off my circulation."

Warily, Bulstrode let go of his arm. "You mean you...?"

"I mean I... what? Is there something on my face? What are you staring at?"

"You're... not a Death Eater?"

"None of us are," Draco laughed hollowly. "Not quite yet, anyway."

"I mean, you have no plans of becoming one?"

"Nope... can't say I do. I have to go... eh, what the hell." He snapped his fingers and his eagle owl appeared. "Hey, Titan," he said, smiling. "Go be a good little owl and deliver this to Mum and... Dad." The owl hooted and Draco snapped his fingers. Bulstrode could only assume he had sent it outside.

"How did you... your father's in Azkaban, Malfoy."

"I realize that," Draco said, making a distasteful face, like he had swallowed a lemon. "I meant... oh, never mind. I'm no Dark wizard, Bulstrode. Haven't been for a long, long time."

"You're kidding," Bulstrode said, finally understanding. "This is some kind of joke. If I let you get close enough to me, you will kill me. Isn't that right?"

"Not even close," Draco said. "Look at it this way. If I were truly trying to live up to the Malfoy name, would I have lied to you? Would I have told you I was not a Dark wizard? No, I would not have. Not that it matters, anyway. Not unless they know." Draco checked his watch and grimaced. "Oh, Merlin, I'm going to be late. No one knows we had this conversation. Deal?"

"No one will know," Bulstrode muttered. "Even if I told them, they wouldn't believe me."

"Although this is very true, don't risk it for me," Draco said hurriedly. "Owl me, if you must. I'm going to be late..."

And with that he ran out of the common room.

Millicent Bulstrode shook her head. "Malfoys," she sighed. "Bonkers, the lot of them."

Harry sighed. He hadn't had as much time as he would have thought. He was just walking into the lobby when Draco was walking in from some boys' bathroom.

"Hey," Draco said gloomily, running his fingers through his hair.

"Ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be."

"I brought the Invisibility Cloak," Harry said, pulling it from his robe's pocket. "We can get out from the first floor boys' bathroom and work from there."

"You mean the one I just came out of?"

"Yea, I guess so."

They climbed under the Invisibility Cloak and started walking. The entrance hall was empty, so they pushed the door open quietly and slipped out, closing it behind them.

"Did I tell you who I ran into?" Draco muttered, rubbing his head.

"No, who?" Harry asked.

"Millicent Bulstrode."

"I thought all the Slytherins would be...?"

"Yea, me too," Draco muttered. "She said she didn't want to be a Death Eater."

"What?"

"Yea, that was my first impression too," Draco muttered, blundering forward. "Can you freeze the knot? I'm starting to feel as though I can't even stand up straight..."

Harry, seeing the white seriousness on Draco's face, grabbed the long stick and froze the knot. He helped his friend down the stairs. When they finally came out of the tunnel into the house, Harry drew the Invisibility Cloak off them. Draco sunk onto the floor.

"I'd really rather not talk about Bulstrode now," Draco said softly. "If that's OK."

Harry cocked his head to the side as he watched his friend. Draco had a small, delicate look around him... something that made him look like a small child. His hair fell in his face carelessly - it wasn't like Draco to forget about his hair. He massaged his forehead with his knuckles, his silver-gray eyes childish and his mouth forming a sigh.

He looked like he was falling apart.

"Draco..."

Draco looked up. "What?" he asked quietly.

"You... your skin is so pale."

"I know," Draco said, clutching his knees to his chest and resting his chin on them. "I know."

There was silence for a long time. "Tomorrow," Draco said slowly, "tomorrow, I'm going to tell Dumbledore everything. Tomorrow morning. What do you think of that?"

Harry blinked. "Do you want it?"

"Yes."

"Then do it," Harry said calmly. "I'll help you, if you want or need it."

"I do," Draco said. "I truly do." He sounded like a child so much that Harry just wanted to tell him to snap out of it.

"Lock me away, Harry," Draco said quietly.

"What?"

"Lock me away," Draco said desperately. "I'm dangerous. I could hurt you. It doesn't matter if I transform, Harry - Harry, you don't know yet, what I'm like... I just - lose it. Completely. Even I don't know what I'm like. I lose all sense of thought. I suppose I go insane. But I don't remember a thing when I wake in the morning. So please - it could come any moment - just leave, Harry."

"I'm staying," Harry said firmly.

"Then lock me away," Draco said, standing up with support on the wall. "Just so I can't hurt you. Please... or I'll have to try to do it myself, and I'm scared to use magic right now, Harry... please... please... if I hurt - if I bite you... you know you can still catch it by me biting you... please, Harry... for me..."

Harry froze. "All right," Harry said. "But I'm not happy about it."

"Thank you, Harry," Draco said. "Thank you so much..."

Harry waved his hand and a large silver cage appeared around Draco. The bars were very close together. Harry made a displeased noise in his throat.

"Thank you," Draco whispered once more. "Thank - "

He never finished his sentence.

Draco stiffened. He looked up slowly and growled. His eyes were gleaming and his hair shining in the moonlight.

Harry knew it had happened.

He knew from the way that Draco pounced on him, by how he banged against the bars, trying to free himself, by how he frothed at the mouth, and most importantly, by how he reached his arm between the bars and scratched Harry's arm with his long fingernails. Harry jumped backwards, hand on his arm. He looked down in fear and shock and saw he was bleeding.

The wolf - for that was what it was, a wolf - the wolf that looked like Draco howled with pleasure as it reached out again, but, to its dismay, could not reach Harry.

Harry watched his blood trickle down his arm. He tapped his arm lightly, and the whole thing disappeared. He looked at Draco, trying to keep the tears in his eyes from spilling.

"Draco?" he whispered. "Is that you? No... it's not you... but it has to be... don't you know me? You have to know me... I'm your friend... why did you just scratch me, Draco? Why?

"It hurt. It didn't hurt physically, not much, or at least I was so numb with shock I didn't feel it. But you hurt me. I know you can't understand me, and even if you could, you wouldn't be able to understand human emotion, would you? I'll just pretend you can, so I can talk to you for a minute.

"You hurt me. I saw you reaching out and you scratched me. That will scar me for life, you know. I'll never be able to forget that.

"I know it's not your fault," Harry said, trembling as he sat back against the opposing wall, watching Draco jump at him. "I don't blame you, Draco. I blame your father. But he's in Azkaban now. He deserves that, doesn't he? I wish he would just rot away and die; after all he did to you, I hate him beyond words.

"I wish you weren't like this," Harry said, reducing his voice to a whisper. "You don't deserve it. You never deserved any bad thing that happened to you. You didn't deserve to be born into such a horrible, unloving family.

"Then again, I guess I didn't either," Harry added. He didn't even notice that the wolf that looked like Draco had stopped trying to get to him, but rather was sitting with its head cocked at him, its tongue hanging out. "I mean, I wasn't born into an unloving family, I just grew up with one. I don't think anyone deserves it, really. Not when they are a child, anyway. When they grow up, though... sometimes they turn into people who deserve it.

"Speaking of family, I still don't understand what difference a person's blood should make." Harry was now clutching one knee to his chest in a relaxed way. "I mean, Voldemort is a half-blood himself. So, on his standards, isn't he lower on the principles than even me?

"I mean, I'm not a half-blood, am I? That's probably something I should really ask you someday. My mother wasn't really a Muggle, but she was a Muggle-born... not that I think it matters as a judge of a person's worth, I'm just curious. Am I a three-quarters blood or something? Is there such a thing?

"You know, I really wish you understood me," Harry choked. "You're not going to hurt me again, are you?" he said in realization that Draco was not fighting any longer he brought himself forward until he was hardly a meter away from him.

"No, you won't hurt me," Harry said, relaxing. "You do remember part of me, don't you? Part of you knows me; part of you remembers me. Isn't that right? I'll bet you can understand me right now, can't you?

"If you can understand me, I want you to know that I love you very much. You're my best friend, Draco. No matter what should happen, no matter what I may say to you, no matter what I may do to you, no matter what I may pretend to mean in public, I could never hate you. Ever.

"I don't think anyone could really hate you," Harry said, shaking his head. "Not if they know you like I do. I wish we could just be friends, and I wish there was no one who wouldn't like that. I wish that you weren't like this." Harry was so close to tears now. Carefully, cautiously, knowing what risk he was taking, he reached out and grabbed Draco's hand. Draco looked down at their hands with a curious face. Harry, realizing he was in no danger, brought Draco's hand to touch his face. It was both cold and hot at the same time. He dropped it and inhaled deeply. "If there was only a way I could stop this from happening to you," Harry whispered, "I would do it in a second. I would give my life for you." A tear, a single, solitary tear, made its way down Harry's cheek. Draco watched it with wide eyes as it slowly made its way down Harry's cheek. It was followed by another, and another, and another until Harry had regular waterfalls of tears pouring from his eyes. Harry shook his head but did not try to wipe the tears away. His eyes were wide with sorrow as look at his friend, and the tears he shed were like tiny beads of water...

Harry trembled violently as he cried. He cried for Draco, and no one else. He cried for everything Draco had every lost. He cried for Draco's lycantortapy. He cried for Draco, the enemy he had had for so many years.

But most of all, he cried for Draco, his best friend.

Slowly, Draco lifted up his hand. Harry watched him with somewhat curiosity. Draco reached out to him, but not to attack this time... Draco touched Harry's face. His fingers felt like ice. Harry stared steadily at Draco. Draco moved his finger along the path Harry's tears traveled down his face. Then, Draco reached up again and rubbed under Harry's eye.

Draco, who was supposed to have lost his mind, was wiping away his tears.

Harry touched Draco's other hand lightly. Draco did not stop. Harry's tears slowly lessened and finally stopped. Absentmindedly, he started to hum softly, to the tune of something like a lullaby.

And I'd give up forever to touch you,

Cause I know that you feel me somehow.

You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be,

And I don't want to go home right now.

...

And I don't want the world to see me,

Cause I don't think that they'd understand.

When everything's made to be broken,

I just want you to know who I am.

Goo Goo Dolls - Iris

Suddenly Draco jerked away from Harry and stared down to his hand, which was damp with tears. Suddenly he started to tremble. A wind picked up in the room, even though the window was closed. Draco closed his eyes and screamed.

Harry hated when Draco screamed. It gave the voice he knew and loved such an... eerie portrayal. Draco's eyes opened and his eyes rolled into the back of his head and went into a spasm - his back arched upwards and he screamed again. Harry backed up, his eyes wide from fright. He heard screaming coming from the back of his head. Suddenly there was a great, blinding flash in the room. Draco sat up like a rocket.

"Harry... what just happened?"

At that same exact time, miles and miles away, Lily Potter woke up from her sleep with a jolt, screaming.

Something had shattered the Concealment Charm she had put on her mind. The one that should have shut out Harry and Draco's thoughts. She rubbed her head... this was by far the worst headache she had ever had. She winced and tried to think.

Harry... can you hear me?

Her son's thought sounded surprised. Mum?

Lily?

What...?

I heard screaming in my head - something shattered the Concealment Charm... is anything wrong? There has to be...

Well, actually we're in quite a predicament at the moment...

And I think "quite" is an understatement...

Wait... Draco, shouldn't you be...?

Yes, and that is our... er... what word did Harry use?

Predicament.

Yes, that is our predicament at the moment.

I don't understand it... I was... I was talking to him...

Hold on a minute, Lily thought. And he was LISTENING?

He seemed to be,,,

Please stop talking about me like I can't hear you.

Sorry, Draco... but I was talking to him, and he seemed to be calming down a little...

What were you telling him?

Oh, just...

He was saying how I was his best friend. And how he didn't understand why everyone cared so much about people's bloodlines, and about how he didn't understand why people should care that we were friends. He told me how much it hurt him when I scratched him. He told me that he didn't blame me. And he told me that it wasn't my fault, and I shouldn't blame myself.

There was a long pause. Is that what you said, Harry?

That - that was exactly it... you heard me?

I don't know how... but yes, I did. Oh, and by the way, you'd be classified as a three-quarter blood, like you said.

What were you doing when Draco woke up? Was there any physical sign that suggested a change in his magical form? Lily struggled to remember the report she had done on lycantortapy in her seventh year.

Well, actually, he started shaking. He - well, it looked like he was having a seizure. It was scary. And all the windows were closed, but a wind started blowing, and there was this gigantic flash of light...

Was there anything either of you said or did that may have triggered it?

There was a moment's silence. Well... I was crying, you see...

And I reached out and... well, I started trying to wipe away his tears. Then Harry started humming something... it sounded like a lullaby... and then... well, you know the rest.

I don't understand it! Lily thought, frustrated. Draco should have been out of it for at least ten more hours!

Exactly.

That's what we've been trying to say.

That's it - I'm Apparating right there. You're in the Shrieking Shack, aren't you?

Yes, but I don't know if -

A split second later, Lily was standing in front of him. Harry winced.

" - that's such a good idea," he groaned.

Draco was sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall - the large cage had disappeared. Harry had apparently stopped pacing when he had seen his mother.

Lily leaned down so that she was on eye level with Draco. "Are you hurt?" she asked sternly. Draco shook his head.

"Are you sure?"

Draco nodded.

Lily sighed and faced Harry. "Now what were you humming, Harry?"

"Oh... I'm not sure, really... it just sort of... came to me..."

"Try to remember it," Lily begged. "And if you can, the words..."

Harry sat down next to Draco and closed his eyes in thought. Lily got up and started pacing, shooting glances at the teenagers every few seconds. They looked - so much older than they were. Draco stared ahead, not speaking a thing, and Harry looked frustrated with himself.

"It was Merlin's Blessing," Draco whispered. Lily's head snapped towards him.

"What did you say?"

"It was Merlin's Blessing," Draco said, a bit more loudly. "It's a lullaby a lot of wizards and witches sing to their children."

"Could you sing it for me?" Lily begged. "Please, this could be important."

Draco sighed and started to sing softly.

"May you be a blessed little child... May the tides of life forever glide with you... May your little hands grow into bright ones... May your little heart grow ever stronger... and may you never suffer pain, you little child..."

"May harm never pass your way," Lily finished quietly with Draco. Draco looked up at her.

"How do you know that?"

"I remember now," Lily said, smiling. "James used to sing it to you at night, Harry. Part of your subconscious probably picked it up somehow..."

Harry, however, was staring at Draco. "You never told me you could sing," he muttered.

"I can't," Draco said, blushing.

"You - that was really good," Harry admitted. "It was."

"You think so...?"

"Hello?" Lily said. "I can only stay a little while, you can ponder Draco's singing voice later..."

Draco sighed and stared at his knees. Lily was deep in thought.

"You really ought to go to Dumbledore," she said finally. "I ought to go..."

"OK," they said simultaneously.

"I'll leave my mind open," Lily said. "So I can let you know if I find something... I'll head over to the Manor and look in the library there... I want you two to go straight to Dumbledore... do I have to follow you?"

"No," Harry said. "No, we'll go. Draco said he was going to tell him everything tomorrow anyway." Draco still did not move, or even stir.

"He'll know what to do," Lily assured them. "It's only nine, he's probably in his office... password is 'Pumpkin Pasty.' Oh, and Harry," Lily added, as an afterthought. "You might as well tell Hermione the adoption papers will be arriving here around six-ish tomorrow. She's just got to send one copy to the Ministry and the other back to us, and everything will be set. Goodbye, guys."

Lily Disapparated. Harry looked at Draco.

"Reckon we ought to go?"

Draco nodded and stood up, looking at the ground. They started walking.

"Draco, what's wrong?" Harry asked under his breath. He reached out and froze the knot. He and Draco now walked under the Invisibility Cloak.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Draco muttered.

"I think you do," Harry muttered. "You're not talking to me. Why?"

"I'm not mad at you, if that's what you think."

"No, I didn't think that. But Draco..."

"I'm scared, okay?" Draco whispered suddenly. "I'm scared. That's never happened to me before - and I have a feeling it was something about you. I don't think it had to do with the lullaby, or the words to it, or anything that you said... it was what you meant.

"I think there was something about your presence - it changed me. You're always changing me. You have changed me. I'm not the person I was just a week ago, just because I've talked to you

"Always, when I transformed, I would always be alone - or with my father. Not with anyone who cared about me, and definitely not with anyone I cared about. No one who would really take the time to get to know me. And then you were there - and I scratched you. If you hadn't moved, I would have done it again. I could have - I would have bitten you.

"And then you started to talk to me. I didn't recognize that. No one had talked to me before. And I started to remember... I remembered who I was, who you were, where I was...

"And you started crying. You were crying for me. Not for anyone else. And it was my fault. I reached out to you, and... you started humming Merlin's Blessing.

"It's a powerful lullaby, you know. The words - they used to make me shake, they're so powerful. If someone sings it to someone... well, they really care about that person. My parents never sang it to me.

"You did it without knowing. You let me know you cared. You let the wolf know you cared. And I think that's why I changed. But I'm still scared." Draco took a deep breath and looked down at the marble floor of the Great Hall they were walking on. Harry was silent for a moment.

"Well, I do."

Draco looked up at him. "You do what?"

"I care about you," Harry said, as if it were obvious. "I don't want you to get hurt. You know I hate what the moon does to you; I always have, as long as I've known about it. I'm glad that happened. It might not - you know, come back. I don't want it to come back. I care for you, Draco. I do."

Draco was silent as they approached Dumbledore's office. "I care about you too, Harry," he whispered. Harry smiled lightly.

"Pumpkin Pasty," he told the statue. The gargoyle leapt aside. Harry and Draco climbed the stairs and came to the door in front of Dumbledore's office. Draco took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

It took a moment for the headmaster to answer. But when he did, he found an empty hallway. Confused, he looked around. Harry clapped his hand to his forehead and swept the Invisibility Cloak off the two of them.

"Professor Dumbledore," he said shakily. "We have to talk to you."

"So that's what happened," Harry finished quickly. "What should we do?"

There was a long silence

"I'm sorry I never told you," Draco added quietly. "But... well, at first I couldn't, and then I never had the nerve to."

Dumbledore stared at the two boys. So young... so innocent...

"That is quite alright, Draco."

"No, it's not," he said, shaking his head. "I could have hurt someone."

"But you didn't," the headmaster reminded him. "You were extremely responsible."

Draco sighed and shook his head. "So Lily sent you here?"

"Yes," Harry answered. "She said she was heading to Malfoy Manor to look in the library..."

"An excellent idea," Dumbledore said. "That was always what Lily would do. Go to the library, I mean."

"Oh, do we know it," Draco said, smiling weakly.

"It is late," Dumbledore sighed. "And you both have somewhere to be early tomorrow. Get some sleep - I will speak with you tomorrow. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Professor," they mumbled as they headed out of his office.

"Oh, and Draco?"

Draco looked back. Dumbledore smiled.

"Ten points to Slytherin for telling me the truth."

Draco smiled and turned back around.

When Harry returned to his dormitory, there was an owl pecking on the window. He opened the window drowsily and let the owl go. He unfolded the letter.

Dear Harry,

Dumbledore told me all about the Order; be careful, would you? Who else is in it, other than you and Draco?

I hope you and Draco didn't get into too much trouble yet. James told me all about some of the things you got for Christmas - don't get caught. You'd be surprised by how much detention Theorax would give for one little prank the boys got caught on, and I wouldn't be surprised if Snape was the same.

I hope Arabella has given you the Index... I'm sure you'll find the answer to your mongooses/mongeese dilemma in there. I'm sure you'll find it quite amusing.

I'm glad you haven't forgotten me. I love you too, Harry.

Love,

Laura

Harry sighed with happiness and picked up a quill. On the back of the parchment, he scribbled a letter.

Laura-

Haven't gotten into trouble yet - ask Lily about what's been going on, I'm far too tired and don't have near enough ink or parchment to explain.

I'm always careful. Other than Draco and I, there's Hannah Abbott, Ron, Hermione, and the twins. And I think Snape is a little easier than Theorax, if you can believe it.

Haven't looked up mongoose yet - too tired - will in morning.

Love,

Harry

PS - Like I could forget you if I tried, which I most certainly didn't.

Harry sighed and attached the parchment to the owl's leg and watched it fly off. For the second time in two days, Harry was too tired to change into his pajamas. He sunk onto his bed, and before he had time to take his glasses off, he was asleep.

The next morning, Harry woke early. He sighed and got changed slowly. Glancing at his clock, he realized it was seven. He sighed and headed down to the Great Hall for an early breakfast.

Harry was only half awake as he sat down at the Gryffindor table. He situated himself so he could easily see the Slytherin table. He was the absolute only student in the Great Hall - only about half the teachers were there. Picking up a piece of toast, Harry popped it into his mouth when he heard a voice behind him.

"Harry!"

Groggily, Harry turned and his eyes widened when he saw whom it was. He swallowed his toast quickly.

"Hmmm? Arabella, what are you doing up?"

Arabella rolled her eyes and sat down next to Harry for a moment. "I need you to do something for me," she said under her breath, glancing at the door to be sure no students were coming.

"What?" Harry asked.

"I need you to go to the library and pick up some books for me before you come to my classroom," Arabella said under her breath. "Some are in the Restricted Section. Give this to Madam Pince," she said, handing him a small slip of paper. "She'll give you what you need. See you at nine-thirty." She winked at him and walked away. Harry stared after her and shook his head.

"Still as bonkers as ever."

Harry ate his bacon quickly while looking up at the staff table. Dumbledore caught his eye and winked. Harry smiled. More people started drifting into the Great Hall. Hermione and Ron sat next to Harry.

"What've you been up to?" Ron asked. "Haven't seen you since dinner."

"I've been... busy," Harry said vaguely. Hermione nodded with understanding. Suddenly she stopped and winced. She sat still. Ron looked uneasy. Hermione's hand clutched her side. Harry's eyes became alert.

"What's wrong, Hermione?" he asked. He stared her in the eye, willing her to think at him.

It was... you know... him. Again.

Harry almost let out his scream of rage before biting his tongue. He looked down at his plate and swallowed the words he wanted to shout out.

Boa...

Wha? Harry, it's eight... too early... must sleep...

Draco, we've got the Order at nine-thirty anyway, you have to get up.

Yea, wake up, sleepy head.

Lily... did you find anything?

Not a single bloody thing. You went to Dumbledore, didn't you? What did he say?

Nothing important, really.

He said he'd talk to us again today.

Yea... anyway, Draco, Ron's been at it again.

Been at what...?

Hermione.

WHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTT??????? NO! I'LL KILL HIM! I'LL KILL THE LITTLE WEASEL; I'LL RIP HIS SKULL OUT AND USE IT AS A GOBLET!!! I'LL KILL HIM!!!!!!!!! WEASLEY - MUST - DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Harry let out a pant. Ron raised an eyebrow at him as he groaned and held his head. Hermione sighed.

"Not again," she muttered. "Here... I figured you'd need this..." She shoved an aspirin into his hand. Harry popped it into his mouth and swallowed quickly.

"Thanks," Harry muttered.

You didn't have to SHOUT!

Honestly, I think I just lost ten years off my life...

DIEEEEEEEEEEEEE, WEASEL, DIEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SHUT UP!

"I've got to go pick up some books for Arabella," Harry said, standing up. "See you guys at nine-thirty." Harry walked out of the Hall quickly and ran into someone.

"Sorry," he muttered, before realizing who it was.

"Watch it, Malfoy," he spat.

"No, Potter, I don't think I will!" Draco said loudly. "I think you owe me an apology!"

"For what?" Harry said loudly.

"For being a careless jerk and not watching where you were going!"

"I think it's you who needs to apologize for that one, Malfoy!"

"Oh, then why don't you try apologizing for being a Muggle-lover?" Draco shouted. "Or for using up valuable oxygen? Or for having such - arrogant parents?"

Harry's eyes flamed with anger. He grabbed Draco by the wrist.

"DON'T YOU INSULT MY FAMILY, MALFOY!"

Draco, caught by surprise, kicked him in the shin. Harry squeezed his wrist and twisted it. Draco shouted unrepeatable words.

"POTTER, WHAT IN MERLIN'S NAME DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?"

"SILENCE!" Arabella shouted, stepping into the hall. Both Harry and Draco looked towards her in fear. "My office, NOW!" Harry and Draco let go of each other ad followed Arabella, who was seething with anger.

"What," Arabella asked, slamming the door to her office behind her, "did you think you were doing?" she finished. "You could have hurt each other! How would you have felt about that?" She glared at both of them. "And don't worry, my office is under a Silencing Charm."

"Good," Harry sighed, turning to Draco. "Merlin, I'm sorry..."

"I'm sorry too," Draco said. "I shouldn't have provoked you... I didn't mean it, you knew that, right? I was just mad at that stupid weasel who has to die..."

"Of course I knew that," Harry said. "I'm sorry... I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"Nothing that can't be fixed," Draco shrugged. He tapped his wrist, and flexed it. "Did I hurt you?"

"No," Harry said, shaking his head. "I'm sorry..."

Arabella shook her head. "Fine then," she said. "It seems I've done my job. See you in an hour... Harry, don't forget my books... now scat!" she said, shooing them off. Harry and Draco sat staring at each other in the hallway for a minute before walking in different directions.

You OK?

Mhmm... you?

Oh Merlin... what did you to get into?

Nothing... well, not really...

Did you hurt each other?

Well... ahh...

Harry! You didn't!

Not purposely...

It's not his fault, Lily... I provoked him...

Have you found anything?

It's only been ten minutes since you last asked me that... no, I haven't found anything.

Harry walked into the library and handed Arabella's slip to Madam Pince. "Professor Figg told me to pick up these books," he said.

"Ah, yes... just a moment, Mister Potter..." She disappeared for a minute and reappeared with eight books.

"Thanks," Harry muttered. He dropped the books in his bag. He wandered over to the comfortable chairs and pulled a tiny book out of his pocket. He tapped it with his wand. It grew into a large book. Harry sighed and started flipping through it.

"Mongoose, mongoose..." he muttered under his breath. "Aha!"

He read the plural of mongoose and stared at it. "NO! That can't be right!" he exclaimed.

"SHHHH!!!" Madam Pince exclaimed.

Harry read the passage over and over again. "I don't believe it," he whispered. "No... that can't be right..."

Harry shook his head and shrunk the book, putting it back in his pocket.

Hey, Boa, you'll never guess what I just found out.

What?

I know what the plural of mongoose is.