So Close

Kingsley came by in the morning and noticed Harry didn't look like he slept well. "Another dream?" the Auror asked.

"Yeah, but I woke up before anyone was killed," Harry replied still not sure if this was better than seeing it.

"Maybe you're getting the hang of this. The ideal thing would be for you to not even realize anything had happened, but I'm sure you'll get there. Ready?"

Harry nodded and they began practicing. Before Kingsley left, Harry had instantly stopped three intrusions and the Auror as pleased. "Tomorrow we'll try to redirect the intrusions. Here's how it's going to go. When you realize something's wrong, you can't change your thoughts suddenly or the intruder will know they've been caught. You have to slowly push another thought into its place. If you feel me trying to get to a thought about the incident, you could push in a thought of the Weasley's kitchen when we walk through a door or something like that. The art is to make the transition seamless. That way if Voldemort asks you a question, instead of him sensing your thoughts going to the true answer, your thoughts would be on something that you want him to see. It'll take work, but that's the goal."

"Thanks again Kingsley, I'll try hard," Harry promised.

One afternoon in the middle of the week, Mrs. Weasley came to the group who were sitting out back. "Everyone thinks it will be ok if we make a quick trip to Diagon Alley," Molly said.

"Really? We actually get to go this year?" Ron asked.

"Remus, Tonks and Mad-Eye will wait for us in the Leaky Cauldron and we'll have to stay with them, but everyone felt we needed a bit of a break," Mrs. Weasley said sounding very nervous. "You all get ready."

"C'mon mate, let's change," Ron said as he bolted for the door.

"Harry dear, can you wait a moment," Mrs. Weasley said and Harry instantly had a bad feeling. After the others were inside she said, "Now they told you about the articles in the Prophet this summer didn't they?"

"They said that there had been a lot and they weren't trashing me like last year," Harry replied.

"Well, they really built you up this year. I just want to make sure you're prepared in case you get a bit more attention this year," she said.

"I'll be fine, thanks," Harry said before heading up to get ready. He felt very confused about going. He really wanted to get out and about but also felt guilty being excited about something as trivial as a trip to Diagon Alley when the whole wizarding community was being drawn further into darkness.

Harry arrived at the Leaky Cauldron to find himself face-to-face with Mad-Eye Moody. "Hello Potter," Moody growled.

"Hi Mad-Eye. Did everyone else make it ok?" Harry asked wondering why Mad-Eye was right in front of him.

"Talking to Remus and Tonks. I need to speak to you for a minute."

Harry looked directly at the scarred face wondering what the talk would be about when he saw Mad-Eye move his wand. Instantly he saw flashes in his mind. The cupboard door shutting on him. Cedric falling... Mr. Weasley getting bit by the snake. But then he thought he heard another voice telling him to pull out of it and the next second he had come back to realize where he was.

"Not bad Potter. Kingsley said you were making progress but there's nothing like an unexpected attack to throw you off. Constant Vigilance!" Moody Growled and directed Harry who was still shaking his head a bit towards the others who were waiting.

After passing through the magical barrier behind the pub, they were all struck by how different it was. There were none of the happy groups of students running around, almost every group had a couple adults with them and their moods seemed much more somber. Hermione noticed the look of sorrow on Harry's face and whispered, "This won't last forever. At least their taking precautions."

"This was the first magical place I ever saw," Harry quietly replied. "It seemed like the happiest place on earth and now look at it."

"Keep up you two. We're off to Gringotts first," Moody growled from behind them.

Almost every group of people they past stopped after recognizing who Harry was and began whispering and pointing. Even a few of the groups, mainly of girls called out 'Hi Harry!' Tonks came over smiling and said, "Told you you'd have to watch out."

"I hate this," Harry replied.

"C'mon Harry, enjoy it while you can. Get a few dates, have some fun," Tonks said but this was the last thing Harry had on his mind. He just shrugged his shoulders back at her, knowing she was trying to help. He also didn't see Hermione and Ginny both shooting dirty looks at the female Auror.

They arrived at Gringotts and all did their business. Before leaving, Harry was near the back of the group with Moody when he asked. "Mad-Eye, can I learn those Disillusionment Charms?"

Moody appraised him both with his real and magical eye for a moment and said, "They're normally restricted, but I think this may be worthy of an exception. When we get your schoolbooks, ask for "Concealment and Illusion Charms" by Watkins."

Harry looked very happy and said, "Thanks Mad-Eye."

"Now don't use them for anything that causes trouble or I'd be in a real pickle. Suppose you wouldn't mind having one used on you right now?"

Harry quickly replied, "Yeah, I think I'd like that."

As soon as he answered, Moody mumbled something and whacked him on top of his head and again, he felt like a glass of cold slime had been poured on him. Looking down, he noticed his skin was darker. "Thanks Mad-Eye!"

"No problem Harry. My eye can still tell who you are. When you want to end it, just say Finite and whack your wand to your head. Now, let's get going," the Auror said pushing Harry out the door where he saw the others waiting.

"Nice one Mad-Eye," Tonks said as the two approached the group. "Quite the hottie."

"Harry?" Ron asked looking at the strange face. Harry nodded.

"What did you do that for Harry," Hermione asked.

"I'm tired of people staring at me all the time. C'mon let's go shop," Harry replied and headed off towards the book store. He was walking next to Ginny and noticed she kept glancing at him. "That bad huh?"

"No, I just like the real you better," she honestly replied.

"That's good to know," Harry replied with a smile.

They arrived at Flourish & Blots and were all able to quickly find their required books. Of course Hermione spent another twenty minutes looking for extra reading. When Harry approached the counter to pay he said, "Excuse me, but I also need Concealment and Illusion Charms by Watkins."

The man behind the counter gave him a disapproving look and said, "I'm sorry but that is a restricted title and you don't have authorization."

Harry felt the disappointment until he saw a small identification card drop onto the counter and heard Mad-Eye say, "Auror's Privilege. The boy will also need Advanced Shields, Auror level."

The worker studied the identification and then looked between Harry and Mad-Eye before turning to fetch the books. "Good to know they're at least doing their job," Mad-Eye said. "Now, you better make it through Auror training on your first shot."

"Thanks again Mad-Eye," Harry said as the Auror glanced over the books the worker had returned with. Harry quickly paid and put the books into his bag before going outside to wait on Hermione.

Harry, Ron and Ginny were standing a bit away from their guards when they heard the sickening voice of Malfoy, "Well if it isn't the Weasels. Where's scarhead? Still in hiding or is he off shagging the Mudblood?" He noticed the unfamiliar face. "What other kind of low-life have you started dragging around?"

Turning, they saw Draco with his two goons, Crabbe and Goyle. Ron started to move forward, but just then Hermione came up and was able to grab Ron before he punched Draco. "Sod off Malfoy," Ron spat.

"Get lost you worthless git," Ginny added.

"Don't speak to me you..." Draco started to say before Harry stepped right in front of him.

"One more step and it'll be your last," Harry coldly said.

"And who are you to make me?" Malfoy spat back.

"I happen to be her boyfriend," Harry said turning to give Ginny a wink. "Did you have a nice summer? Get to visit you father in your future home did you?"

Malfoy looked confused for a second, but quickly let the anger come to the surface. "I don't care who you are, don't you ever talk about my father," Malfoy loudly said and then made a move as if to grab his wand.

Harry was much quicker and before Malfoy even had his fingers around his wand, Harry's was pointing directly at his chest. "Please give me a reason," Harry said with obvious hatred.

Just then Tonks and Mad-Eye appeared on either side of the two students. "Put that away Potter," Mad-Eye growled causing Draco's eyes to get huge.

Tonks turned to the Slytherins and said, "Next time we won't stop him. Now get out of here."

"You can't make us do anything," Malfoy said but continued to walk away.

"Let's get back to shopping," Tonks said as they walked to Madame Malkins for new robes.

"You know, if those Disillusionment Charms work so well, why didn't Crabbe and Goyle's moms use it when they saw how bloody ugly they were?" Ron joked as they headed to the robe shop.

Before getting there, they were approached by three girls, one of which used to make Harry's stomach flip a little, but no longer caused any sensation at all. "Hi guys," Cho said. "Umm... Have any of you seen Harry?"

"He's right..." Ron started to say but Hermione stepped on his foot and said, "Sorry Cho but we haven't seen him yet this summer. Things are kind of crazy right now." Harry was impressed at how well she lied.

"Oh... Well if you happen to see him, can you tell him I said Hi and hoped he had a good summer?" Cho asked, looking disappointed.

"Sure, we'll make sure he knows," Hermione said before Cho turned to look at the strange Gryffindor and ask, "I don't recognize you."

Harry said, "Oh, I'm just her boyfriend. I'm off at a private school."

Cho looked like she was thinking of something but then said, "Ok then. See you guys at school."

"What'd you stomp on me for? You're getting entirely too violent," Ron asked after Cho and her friends were gone.

"Maybe Harry didn't want to talk to her," Hermione said and then turned to Harry. "You didn't, did you?"

Harry chuckled and said, "No, thanks Hermione."

"Yeah, you thank her but I've got a broken toe," Ron grumbled.

"Wonder what she wanted?" Ginny asked, sounding annoyed.

"Maybe she needed a good cry," Harry said before walking into the robe shop. He was able to get fitted for a new robe and talk to different workers without anyone staring at his forehead or whispering about him. He thought it was kind of nice to be someone else. After finishing with his robes, he sat off in a corner with Ron waiting for the girls to finish when they saw Parvati and Padma hurry up to Ginny.

"Where is he Ginny?" Parvati asked excitedly.

Ginny was totally confused. "Where's who?"

"C'mon you're new boyfriend," Padma replied. "Cho told us you had a new one."

Ginny blushed and said, "Oh... He just...He had to leave, sorry."

"Oh," they both said sounding disappointed. "You bring a picture of him to school," Parvati added before the twins left.

Harry heard this and came up to Ginny. "Ginny I'm sorry I said that about being your boyfriend."

Ginny looked confused and asked, "Why, don't mind them."

"Now that they know, it'll get back to Dean and he may get mad at you. I'll explain it to him if you want," Harry offered, feeling bad he may have gotten Ginny into trouble with her boyfriend.

"Dean?" Ginny looked confused again but then realization hit her. "Oh, I remember. There was no Dean." Ginny said and now Harry looked confused. "I just said that to rile Ron up. I almost said Draco but just the thought of that kind of made me sick."

Harry laughed and said, "Well good, I'm glad I didn't mess up again. Oh, and thanks for not saying Draco, I would have probably fallen right over."

After shopping was done, Harry offered to treat everyone including their guards to ice cream so they were all inside Florean Fortescue's parlor eating when Luna Lovegood came in humming a strange tune to herself.

"Luna!" Ginny exclaimed, standing to hug her friend. "How are you?"

"Hi Ginny," Luna warmly responded before giving her order to the girl behind the counter. "I'm getting some ice cream for me and my dad. Hi Ron," she added in her dreamy voice and then looked at Hermione a bit more coldly and said, "Hello Hermione." Turning to Harry, she only stopped on him a second longer than the others before saying, "Nice disguise Harry."

Everyone stared at her but Harry said, "Umm... Thanks Luna. Did you get all your stuff back and have a good summer?"

"Oh yes, it turned up like always. We didn't find any Snorkacks, but we had fun looking," Luna replied in a cheerful sing-song voice.

"Luna," Hermione said, sounding serious. "How did you know that was Harry?" At this, even Remus, Tonks and Mad-Eye were listening.

"Well, he's here with you three and the three guards over there so who else would it be?" she said this as if were the most obvious thing. Her order was ready so she grabbed the cones and then sounding very serious added, "Besides, no one else feels like Harry now do they? Bye." Before anyone else figured out what she meant, she was out of the shop and walking down the street.

"What'd she mean feel like me?" Harry quickly asked. "How do I feel?"

The others shrugged and Ron said, "C'mon mate you know Loony...Who knows what she's talking about. Unless of course you've been letting the wacko actually feel you and not telling us about it." Harry made an amusing his face at Ron who just smiled in return.

"It's time to go you four," Mad-Eye growled causing them all to rise quickly and head back to the Burrow, but not before Mad-Eye cancelled the Disillusionment Charm on Harry.

They were sitting around that night talking about how different Diagon Alley seemed when Harry said, "You know I really liked not being me today. I wonder if Mad-Eye would do that for the whole year."

"Harry!" Ginny said before smacking his arm. "We don't want you like that; we want you just the way you are."

Ron looked at his sister strangely, but Hermione smiled and seeing Ginny blush said, "She's right Harry. That other guy's hair was too neat." Harry laughed but still thought it was nice to not be noticed for a day.

Later when the two girls were alone in Ginny's room, Hermione saw the younger girl smile and asked, "What's making you so happy?"

Ginny blushed a bit and said, "Oh nothing, just thinking."

Hermione smiled a bit knowingly and asked, "So, how did it feel to have Harry as your boyfriend for the day?"

Ginny became a little flustered but said, "I didn't have Harry as my boyfriend, I had some stranger."

"Um. Hmmm.." Hermione said. "Still, he seemed pretty comfortable saying he was your boyfriend. You know how he is; I can't believe he got that out without stumbling."

"He was just making an excuse for being there. Honestly Hermione. Anyway, I don't think of him that way anymore," Ginny said, trying to sound convincing.

"If you say so," Hermione slyly said. "I hope he won't be too disappointed."

"What??" Ginny said. "What do you know?"

"Oh nothing," Hermione said and then faked a yawn. "Goodnight Ginny."

There was another meeting of the Order the final night before returning to Hogwarts but even when the students were invited in, Harry decided to stay outside. He hadn't lost his temper since that initial meeting and didn't feel like doing it again. He was sitting outside near the boundary of the property when Remus Lupin walked up to him. "How are you doing ok Harry?"

Harry stood up and brightened a bit at seeing who was speaking. "Hi Professor. I'm doing ok. You look better."

Lupin laughed and said, "Remus, remember. I'm trying. What about you?"

"I still miss him a lot but being here helps," Harry replied.

"Good. We both have to remember that we have other people who care about us. Kingsley says your lessons are going well. How have the dreams been?"

"I've had a couple but have woken up before anything bad happened. I'm not sure which way is better," Harry replied sighing.

"At least you'll be in control now. Try not to think too much about the prophecy. Nothing says it has to happen anytime soon. Now that the Ministry has admitted he's back, we've been able to get more cooperation and hope to keep him from gaining power too quickly."

"I'll try. I'm looking forward to getting back to school," Harry said.

"Well remember, I can't replace Sirius but if you ever need anything, I'm here for you, and not just because I feel some debt to your parents or anything," Lupin said patting Harry on the back.

The next morning the Burrow was in chaos as usual on the day the children left for school. Even with Fred and George out of the house, having Hermione and Harry there made up for their absence. Since the Minister of Magic was not trying to do everything he could to suck up to those who had believed Dumbledore for the past year, there were two large Ministry cars waiting outside to take the family to London Station to catch the Hogwarts Express. Tonks, Mad-Eye and Lupin joined Mr. & Mrs. Weasley in escorting the students to the train. Harry had really expected something to happen, but after everyone had hugged Mrs. Weasley and boarded the train, he breathed a sigh of relief and went to find a compartment with Ginny. Ron and Hermione had to attend to prefect duties before they could join their friends.

Many of the students were again whispering and pointing as Harry and Ginny walked down the halls, but this year they didn't sound accusatory. Following the same pattern as last year, the two were able to find a compartment occupied only by Luna Lovegood, the Ravenclaw girl that entered the Department of Mysteries with Harry the previous year. "Hi Luna," Ginny said cheerfully. "Is it ok if we sit with you?"

"Oh yes," Luna dreamily replied, not looking up from behind her upside-down Quibbler. Ginny looked at Harry who just shrugged and the two hoisted their trunks into the overhead storage. Ginny sat down next to Luna and took out a magazine to read and Harry sat directly across from the Ravenclaw and pulled out the Advanced Shields book hoping to get some ideas for new things to work on in the D.A. meetings. Thinking about how he felt when Professor Dumbledore had first asked about continuing the D.A. group made Harry realize how close he had come to not being around right now. Silently, he thanked Hedwig for looking over him this summer.

It had been silent in the carriage until Ron's head came through the door. "There you are! We've looked all around," the tall red-head said as he dropped down next to Harry. "Being a Prefect will be loads easier this year without Fred and George around."

"I should hope so!" Hermione exclaimed as she sat down next to Ginny.

"Well, they did put a big box of things in my trunk after the meeting the other night," Ginny said causing Hermione to glare at her. "Said something about upholding the family honor."

"Why didn't they give me any?" Ron heatedly asked.

"They know you're a Prefect Ron!" Hermione quickly said. "Surely you won't be using anything they gave you Ginny," the bushy-haired girl said to her friend.

"I wouldn't dream of it Hermione," Ginny said giving Harry a slight smile.

"C'mon Hermione, it'll be boring in the common room without a Weasley stirring things up," Harry said, enjoying seeing Hermione get flustered.

"Hey, I'm a Weasley!" Ron exclaimed.

"Ron! Prefect!" Hermione spat.

"I should have never taken this bloody thing," Ron angrily said looking at his badge.

"I wish we had some excitement in our common room," Luna said still not looking up. "Everyone's either studying or talking about fashion."

Hermione looked like she wanted to say something to Luna but pulled out a book and said, "Harry, we need to start thinking about what we'll cover in the D.A. this year." Harry held up his book. Hermione seemed surprised. "Oh, well even though we'll hopefully have a proper Defense teacher, we can still learn loads of other things." She looked closer at the title. "Can I see that?" Harry handed her the book with a very sly smile on her face. Hermione glanced at the first few pages. "Harry! This is a restricted book. How'd you get one?"

Now everyone else in the carriage was looking at him. "Moody thought it may come in handy for the Auror tests. There should be some good things to use in here," Harry said with a smile as he took the book back, causing Hermione to frown. "But, I'm sure you'll come up with loads of things we'd never learn as well," he added and this caused Hermione to cheer up a bit.

"Can I have a go at the book?" Ron asked causing Harry to quickly hand it to him. After skimming it for a few minutes he said, "If we learn all of this, maybe he'll get you another one next year. We could ace our Auror tests."

"You may," Harry said sounding depressed. "I'll still have to get tutoring in Potions."

"Are you that bad?" Luna who had now looked up asked.

"No, he's not bad," Ginny snapped, causing Hermione and Ron to look at her strangely.

Harry saved her from any comments by quickly adding, "No, I did ok. I'm just not going to take Potions anymore." Harry thought of something, "Thinking of Snape reminded me of something. Is Malfoy still a prefect?"

Ron answered, "Yeah, the stupid git's still there. He wasn't so pushy though."

"I imagine he's having a harder time intimidating people with his dad being locked up," Hermione added.

Luna gave a loud snort causing everyone to look at her. "Did you choke on something," Ron asked.

Luna just laughed and said, "Baboon's buttocks, that was so funny."

Ron cocked his head and looked at the girl he obviously thought was crazy. "How did you make it out of there alive?" Ron asked causing Ginny and Hermione to gasp and Harry to suddenly stare at his feet.

It took Ron a second but then he said, "Oh..Sorry mate, I wasn't thinking." Hermione caught Ron's eyes and nodded toward Luna. "What?? Oh... And Luna, I didn't mean anything. I...We're all really glad you made it out too."

Luna didn't seem offended and said, "I know Ronald. You didn't bother me."

"Don't think about it Harry. Other than...you know... it all worked out," Ginny said in a comforting voice.

Harry looked directly at her for a second, realizing she was right and said, "Yeah, you're right." He went back to reading his book in silence and didn't see the glares Hermione and Ginny were giving Ron who had slunk down in his seat.

Harry didn't even look up when the compartment door opened. "Hi everyone," Cho said but was clearly looking directly at Harry.

Harry looked up but didn't feel anything special towards the pretty girl standing in the doorway. "Hi Cho," Luna happily said.

"Um...Harry, are we going to continue the D.A. this year? I just thought that it was really helpful and hoped we would," Cho said a little quicker than she normally spoke.

"Well yeah, we're going to continue," Harry replied in his normal voice that he used when he talked to any other student. This was the second time he was able to speak so normally in front of Cho.

"We'll have a sign-up for new students," Hermione said causing Cho to look at her. "Harry and I have to approve any of the new ones. Oh, and I don't think Marietta should come back."

"Oh," Cho said with a mixture of disappointment and annoyance. She turned back to Harry, "Well I'll see you at school Harry." She turned with a wave and walked out.

Harry had already gone back to reading his book when he heard Luna's sing-song voice from behind the Quibbler. "She's quite taken with you, you know."

"Yeah, but Harry's well done with her," Ron quickly replied causing everyone to look at him. He looked at Harry and said, "Aren't you?"

"Yeah, guess I am," Harry said trying to focus back on his book.