The Awakening of a Magus

The Awakening of a Magus
Chapter 19 - Sun, Jul 23 - Day 3
The Order of the Phoenix Reborn

"Hey-o! I'm home, Aunt Amelia!" The teen bounced through the door of the small cottage she called home. "Oh, I was so tempted to hex that twit Tony in training today. He knows better than to kick below the belt during sparring. He has no sense of honor. In fact, I think Mr. Storm is ready to demote him back to brown belt." Rachel Dragonrider, or Rachel Ryder as she was known among her Mundane classmates at the Tae-Kwon-Do school, knew better than to use magic outside the Salem Witches' Institute, but she also had little patience with bullies. And Tony was the only other spellcaster at the martial arts school, and knew she would get in trouble if she tried to get even.

"Calm down, Rach," said her aunt, Amelia Crafter. "You won't be putting up with Tony for much longer. I had a long-distance fire-call from Albus Dumbledore today. We'll be leaving for Hogwarts in two weeks, instead of six weeks."

"Yes! I'll be able to compete in the tournament, but I can shove my 'year abroad' in the twit's face even sooner than I'd planned. What's the deal?" Rachel asked.

"Well, there have been several changes in plans. First, the headmaster said that another teacher for DADA suddenly became available, so would I mind switching to the Potions class." Amelia was actually quite pleased. She was well qualified for Defense Against the Dark Arts, having spent a year in Dumbledore's Order after graduating from Salem at the head of her class, but she was uncomfortable with such spellcasting in non-combat situations. She had majored in Mundane Chemistry and Potions at the Salem Institute's Graduate School when she returned, and enjoyed it immensely.

"Sounds good, so far. I know you've got more than a bit of mad scientist in you." Amelia's niece grinned. "Anything else?"

"Actually, something we'll both enjoy, though we could wish it were for a better reason. Because the Dark Lord is active again, they've decided that Hogwarts needs a physical training program. Someone finally has come out in support of my theory that physical training can improve magical effectiveness. I am supposed to show up as soon as possible to set up a training room, and several fitness and conditioning programs, including martial arts."

"Go you! Wow, between your second-degree black and my red belt, we can bring TKD to the wizarding world. Any chance I can work on my gymnastics as well?" Rachel asked.

"We'll see. During the next two weeks, I'll need to finish up those two websites I'm working on, and I'm also supposed to research gym equipment for them. You can help with that, based on the kind of programs your friends have in the local high school." Amelia worked as a freelance website designer in the Mundane side of her life. The wizarding world in the US had a greater Mundane (American for Muggle) presence than their counterparts across the Atlantic, though magic was still kept secret from Mundanes. "In fact, I think I may speak to Mike Storm on the possibility of your testing early for your black belt. Then you would be qualified to teach the younger students." At the look of ecstasy on her niece's face, she knew Rachel would train especially hard the next two weeks and would be ready for Hogwarts.

Considering that she was going to be training these kids to help them survive facing Death Eaters, Amelia hoped she would be ready.

"The Order of the Phoenix?" Harry's face begged Dumbledore to get on with it.

Dumbledore took pity on Harry, and sent him a quick summary of the history of the Order via the Memorare variation that the Order had developed so long ago. He told Harry about how the Order was mostly composed of unregistered and known animagi; their underground activities against the Dark Lord and his followers; and how Harry's parents had been part of the Quadralis that was responsible for the security of the Order.

"So, this wasn't your first Sodalis spell. I suppose I was too caught up in things the other night to notice that you and Minerva already had a mindspeech link between you." Harry observed. "Hmm. Order of the Phoenix. It has a nice ring to it." Harry smiled.

Sirius then spoke up. "Before we get too far into Order business, there's still a bit of unfinished Magus business, I think. My Lord Magus?" And the Magus and his godfather exchanged pledges. As earlier planned, Sirius was not linked to Snape, but with the other circle members present. They would connect with the absent members later. Remus offered his pledge as well.

As Harry welcomed Remus into his circle, Sirius quietly sent a quick thought to Dumbledore. /*I don't understand why Snape is here for Order business, Albus. I know he's done some spying for you, but ... */

Dumbledore interrupted, gently but sternly. /* Sirius, you're going to have to get used to Severus being a part of the Order. Not only is he now eligible by our primary criteria, but I will be asking him to take my place in the Order Quadralis. My Mentor bond would throw the balance off dangerously. */

/* Eligible? You don't mean to tell me he's an animagus? */ Sirius was incredulous. /* And how could he *possibly* take your place? No wizard has your powers, Albus. */

"Since Remus and Harry are done, we should proceed with Order business," Dumbledore said, not immediately answering Sirius' questions. "The first issue should be the composition of the Quadralis for the Order. Though there will be, I hope, a significant overlap between the Order of the Phoenix and the Magus inner circle, membership in one will not necessarily mean membership in the other. I will first go over what worked the last time, and then present my proposal for the new Quadralis team."

"When the Order was first formed, the central team consisted of myself, Minerva, and James and Lily Potter," Dumbledore began. "Though Lily was not an animagus, her powers were such a perfect complement to James' that the advantage to the ritual balance overrode that requirement. We had two very compatible male/female pairs in the ritual, and an almost perfect power balance."

Remus was puzzled. "Albus, how could there have been a perfect power balance, when you are so much ... well ... higher-ranked than other wizards."

Dumbledore smiled. "You forget, Remus, balance doesn't have to come in even numbers. James, Lily, and Minerva, though with different strengths and weaknesses, had almost exactly the same level of overall power. We had a three to one balance in the power flows."

Snape stared at Dumbledore. "Meaning, that your power levels equaled those of Minerva and the Potters combined." Dumbledore nodded quietly. At this, Snape became very thoughtful. Dumbledore must have exaggerated about Snape's newly-released powers. Snape knew that McGonagall was quite a powerful witch. He didn't doubt that Dumbledore could have three times her power, but he couldn't believe that his own power could be anything remotely that strong. Albus Dumbledore must be the most powerful wizard in centuries, not to mention his vast knowledge and experience with magic. No wonder Voldemort feared him.

"There is no way that any balance could be achieved with Harry as part of the ritual. Similarly, my Mentor bond with him removes me from the team." The Order loudly protested this deduction of Dumbledore's. "No, I mean it. I can no longer be the anchor for the ritual. I propose that Severus take that position in my place."

Sirius was furious. Remus was shocked. McGonagall gazed at Snape curiously. She had been told a bit about the power block, but not the extent to which Snape's powers had been limited.

Harry looked at a stunned Snape with a quiet smile, and sent, /* He means it, Severus. You're the only one possible, now. */

"He qualifies on two counts: first, he is now an unregistered animagus, raven form; second, though he has much less experience due to the difference in our ages, his powers are fully as strong as mine, now, perhaps stronger." Dumbledore looked directly at Snape, meeting his dark eyes sharply. "This is a recent development. Minerva knows part of what has happened, but you, Sirius and Remus, need to know what Harry discovered this morning." And Dumbledore told them of the animagus potential; the power block (probably set by Lucius Malfoy with Voldemort's help because the young Severus had managed to resist Malfoy's spell, possibly an Imperio); and the compulsion to seek out Voldemort later (probably another Imperius Curse ... again, both Lucius and Voldemort, since Malfoy likely didn't have enough power to enforce such a directive, even with Severus blocked.)

"Oh, and there is a third reason that you don't know of yet." Dumbledore addressed Sirius and Remus again. "Severus is free of the Dark Mark. Voldemort attempted to execute him the other night, but Harry was able to protect him, then to cleanse all traces of the Mark's effects. So, Severus, unless you have a good reason to refuse, I believe that you and Minerva will comprise half of the Quadralis team. Now, who should be the other two members?"

Harry decided to put in his suggestion at this time. "I have two ideas, though I think the second will work better." With Dumbledore's encouragement, he continued. "One possibility could be Sylvia and Erasmus. They are a well-balanced pair, plus their potential power levels are similar to Minerva's. The disadvantage is that neither has animagus potential. I've checked. The other possibility would be Sirius and Remus. Their power levels are similar, they get along well, and their animal forms are related, wolf and dog."

Remus broke in. "But I'm not an animagus, I'm a werewolf!"

Harry Magus then offered, in that understated way of his, the following: "Well, I think I may be able to do something about that." Remus looked at Harry, willing himself not to get his hopes up, but somehow never doubting that Harry was serious. "I can see animagus potential in people, even if they've never taken the form yet. And I've been able to reverse some curses. As you joined the circle, I could see that the werewolf curse behaved quite a lot like the animagus spell. The obvious differences? That it was started by the bite of a werewolf, is triggered by the full moon, and is involuntary. The next full moon, I believe I can modify the transformation from werewolf to wolf animagus. I'll need to do the work while the curse is transforming you, though. The next full moon is August 10. I want you to plan on being here that day, without Severus' potion. You shouldn't need it any longer."

Remus struggled to suppress the tears in his eyes, as did his friend, Sirius. The Marauders and Lily Evans had befriended him at Hogwarts all those years ago, most even learning to be animagi to help him. Now, James and Lily's son was about to end the nightmare completely. "I know you believe this is possible. I'm almost afraid to believe it, but only because I don't want to get my hopes up just yet. I promise to be here, come 'Hell or high water'. I ... 'thank you' doesn't seem enough." Remus' voice trailed off.

Dumbledore took over control of the meeting again. "So, a little over two weeks. I believe we can wait to form the Quadralis until then. To begin with, we'll be gathering many of the surviving previous members, and the old Sodalis structure can serve for them. Or, in the case of Severus, the circle Sodalis. The mindspeech links are in place, again due to the circle. Unless ... Sirius, can I assume you will be willing to join the team with Remus as the second pair?" Silently Dumbledore added, /* Can you make your peace with Severus in that time? At least a truce? As Harry said to him regarding their *own* relationship, you don't have to like each other, just trust each other. Severus is worthy of your trust, I assure you. */

Sirius looked hard at Snape, who returned his gaze without emotion. Then he sent to Harry /* Harry, do you *really* trust him now? Do I *dare* trust him? */

Harry replied, /* Actually, I think *he* has more reason to distrust *you* than the reverse. You have a rather dangerous sense of humor. *He* is willing to make the effort. I think you'll find it worth the effort for you, too. */

Sirius thought about this, realizing that Harry had a point. He looked again at Snape, gave a small, sharp nod, then said, "Yes, Albus, I'm willing to try the Quadralis when Remus is ready. I'll work on ... preparing for it over the next couple of weeks."

Dumbledore sighed in relief, then went on to get information from the others on which former members of the Order had been contacted. "When can Arabella and Mundungus come by? By the way, Harry, had you figured out that your sitter, Mrs. Figg was one of us?" From the look on Harry's face, Harry hadn't connected Arabella Figg with Mrs. Figg ... the lady with all the cats that often took care of him when the Dursleys went off without him for extended periods.

"Mrs. Figg? No, don't tell me ... her form is a cat, isn't it?" Harry thought of the dozens of cats around her house. She could transform and just join the crowd and no one would notice one more cat drifting around the house.

"Good deduction, Harry," Dumbledore smiled. "Yes, and Mundungus Fletcher is a brown squirrel, both unregistered. By the way, I don't believe I told the rest of you that Amelia Crafter will be joining us again from America. I had at first invited her to take the DADA position, but now that Severus can safely take it, Amelia is happy to take over Potions. She will also be setting up a physical training program, which I want to discuss with you. I am hoping she and her niece will arrive in about two weeks."

Sirius and Remus remembered the young American witch who had worked with them for about a year just before Voldemort disappeared. Snape hadn't known all the members of the Order in those days, and hadn't been a true member, but he remembered occasionally seeing a young American woman, long, nondescript blonde/brown hair, slightly overweight but full of energy and mischief. He thought she had been a few years younger than he.

The group of them continued to discuss the physical training for the students and the Order members, other past members of the Order and prospects for recruits, and Snape offered a summary of what he knew of Voldemort's plans up until his last encounter. Harry offered them the information that Hermione would eventually be an animagus owl, and that Ron was a mindspeaker. The mindspeech links in the Order had originally been limited to the Quadralis. Harry suggested they consider that Ron could work with them in communications as soon as his gift was fully trained, since once introduced to someone's mental pattern, he would be able to contact them at long distance. As could Harry. They heard the suggestions, but, aside from Harry Magus (a special case, obviously), the adults were not quite ready to accept the teens as useful members of the Order, though they didn't really realize it.

Harry finished the mindspeech links between Sirius and Remus, and the absent members of the adult circle (Erasmus, Sylvia, and Arthur), and he finally thought to tell the others about the wolf-sentries he had recruited. They planned to introduce the circle members staying at the school to the pack leader the next evening, in both human and animagus form.

It was quite late when the group decided there wasn't much more to be said for now, and everyone bid each other a good night.

Just before falling asleep, Harry checked if Ron and Hermione were still awake, which they were ... too excited to sleep. They talked about inconsequential things for a few minutes, then made tentative plans for the two to visit Harry at least three days per week. Part of the reason was just to keep in touch and to work on Ron's mindspeech training. Part was that they had decided they would work together on a plan to carefully try to steer Draco Malfoy away from the Death Eaters, in spite of his being such an insufferable prat.

Chapter 20 - Mon, Jul 24 - Fri, Jul 28, Day 4 - 8
Draco and Harry in Training

They all met for an early breakfast at Hogwarts, the so-called adult circle: Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Arthur, Erasmus, Sylvia, Sirius and Remus. And, of course, Harry. Harry had started thinking in terms of the groups within that circle (though there were overlaps): the Hogwarts group - who were members of the faculty and staff; the Ministry group - Arthur and the discovery team; and the Order Recruitment group - Sirius & Remus.

They decided on which areas of the school would be open in the mornings, when Draco would have mostly free access, and which areas would be off-limits to Draco (or any visitors) beginning in mid-afternoon through the evening and overnight. The time from 6 am to 3 pm on weekdays, and 6 am to 8 pm on weekends was unofficially called 'Potter-Time', while the rest of the day was considered 'Magus-Time'.

Sirius and Remus had rooms in the faculty tower, which already had tight security to give teachers some privacy from students. When at the school during Potter-Time they would usually keep out of sight. They would imply that the Magus' quarters were also in the faculty tower. Though Harry's room would remain in the Headmaster's Tower, the password on the Gryffindor tower would be reactivated, implying that Harry was staying there, and if Ron or Hermione stayed overnight, they would stay there. The Slytherin password would also be reactivated and Draco would live there. There would be added security that Draco would have to put up with: he could not leave the Slytherin Dungeon at all between 10 pm and 6 am unless released by a faculty member or the Magus. They would again imply that Harry was similarly restricted. Other members of the circle or the Order would use rooms in the guest tower when visiting the school.

As far as the advanced training for Harry and Draco, there was heated discussion on allowing Draco to learn advanced techniques that could be turned against them if Draco took the Dark Mark. Harry explained some of the plans he, Ron, and Hermione had for trying to convince Draco about the real Voldemort, not the wonderful Dark Lord he had been brought up to follow. They had even gone so far as to call a truce where Draco was concerned, and would do everything to be civil with him ... or at least try.

Snape quickly agreed with these plans, adding that he intended to carefully communicate to Draco just what serving Voldemort could really mean. They decided not to try hiding Snape's attempted execution and his survival, and expected that Draco would probably get that information out the first chance he had. Draco would 'happen' to meet Darius sometime in the first day. He would get a taste of sensing the power of a Magus to reinforce the need for Draco to be restricted for his own protection during Magus-Time.

Finally, at Harry's insistence (based on some instinct he couldn't really explain), they decided to base the Potter-Time training on pushing Draco to his limits, and Harry keeping the same pace overall, doing some things better, and allowing Draco to do better at other things.

Concerning Harry's appearance, he had thought about the best way to handle it when he had awakened before dawn that morning. He decided on a sort of slow-motion shapeshift. He would progress from 'the old Harry' to 'the new Harry' over the next 40 days. For those who saw him regularly, the change would be gradual. For those that saw him rarely, it would be explained as a growing spurt. As soon as they could get some basic gym equipment in place, Harry would regularly spend time there to explain his improved physical condition. He would also practice fencing with Snape, who was quite skilled in several styles. When he needed to be himself (meaning his true form), he would keep track of where he left off in the slow shift, so he could proceed from that point later.

Harry also claimed the first two hours of Magus-Time for Hermione and Ron's training on the days they visited. He told the others that he would give both of his friends all the advanced training they could handle. He didn't exactly tell them that he would also push the youth circle to reach their full potential as quickly as they could bear it, rather than letting their potential activate naturally. This issue, like the issue of allowing Draco real training, was part of a feeling he had ... not definite enough to be considered Seeing, but a sense of rightness when he asked himself if this was a good thing to do.

As the time for Draco's arrival approached, the Ministry group headed off to their new offices, and the meeting adjourned.

Lucius Malfoy, Draco Malfoy, and Draco's belongings appeared at the gathering point. After sternly lecturing Draco once again on the importance of not 'disgracing the Malfoy line', Lucius apparated back home, leaving Draco to fly to the castle. Draco didn't trust the house elves, so he used a spell to make his trunks follow him as he flew to the main entrance.

He was about to use the huge knocker on the door, when it opened to reveal Harry Potter, in casual clothes rather than school robes. "Hello, Draco. Can I help you get your trunks to Slytherin Dungeon?" Harry offered quietly. Draco began to start his usual tirade, when Harry interrupted. "Draco, we have to put up with each other for the next six weeks or so without the other students around, and we'll be having training where we are the only ones in class. Everyone knows we don't like each other, so we don't have to prove it constantly. Could we please call a truce, at least some of the time? I'd rather save my energy for the training than to have to watch my back constantly." Then Harry pointed his wand at the larger of the two trunks, said "Come on!" and preceded a speechless Malfoy to the Slytherin Dungeon.

At the Slytherin entrance, Draco had regained some of his composure, but still said nothing. He couldn't figure out what was different about Potter ... a quiet confidence, perhaps. He certainly didn't look any different, did he? Draco angrily thought to himself, Potter isn't anything special, no matter what they all try to say. Father is right. This training can't possibly give Potter any real protection against Lord Voldemort. But it may help me be a better Death Eater when my time finally comes.

Harry left Draco at the entrance with the instructions, "We'll be starting in the DADA classroom in half an hour. See you there. Oh, and here's the password." Harry handed Draco a magically sealed envelope, which contained the Slytherin password: basilisk.

Draco arrived at the DADA classroom to see that Snape would be doing the training today. The lesson would be blocking and shielding, with the strength and complexity of the spells increasing as each was mastered. Snape began by putting Draco through the basic spells that he and his year-mates had learned during their first four years, then checked some more advanced shielding spells that he suspected, rightly, Lucius had taught the boy since the Dueling Club in second year. Snape was particularly careful to control the strength of his spells whenever he tested a ward or shield. He would do the same with Harry after they saw where Draco placed and Harry would place part way between the known spells and the best that Draco managed.

It was during this exercise, as Harry watched Draco's workout, that Harry realized they had missed something ... his aura. His magic, unless altered in some way, would show purple, even using his wand. He sent to the circle members still at the school an urgent request for suggestions. It was Snape who had an answer, as he continued to test Draco. /* It seems poetic justice. There is a disguising spell that Voldemort taught the Death Eaters to help them hide their identities. It changes any visible magical aura to a plain white. It is a difficult spell that most of the Death Eaters can't maintain for long, but you should have no problem with it. */ He then mentally sent the details of the spell to Harry, just as he was finishing with Draco's testing.

After Harry's test run, Snape chose to 'teach' Harry the two spells that Draco knew, but that he had 'missed'. Draco was, at first, triumphant that he had outdone Potter, but his satisfaction waned as Harry was able to master both spells in a few minutes. Mentally, Snape would indicate to Harry how many tries it would probably take for a talented seventh year student or graduate to learn the material. When both Draco and Harry were learning something at the same time, Draco's success would determine how well Harry did. Harry knew that he would be learning things during these training sessions, even if he wasn't able to progress as quickly as he was capable of learning.

After two hours of fairly intensive training, Snape called a halt. Draco was worn out. Both Snape and Harry were surprised at Draco's progress. He was truly applying himself to the work, instead of lazing his way through with minimum effort, as he did during the school year. "I'm impressed, Malfoy. You usually don't bother to work this hard. And Potter, I suppose I must admit you are also applying yourself to the material. Survival is a strong incentive, is it not?"

Snape continued. "Since this is the first day, I will dismiss you until tomorrow morning at 8 am. Malfoy, because of the presence of the Magus and his training requirements, there will be times when many areas of the school will be restricted. Come with me and I will explain the details. Potter, since you have already been informed of the ground rules, you may go." Snape dismissed Harry curtly.

Before leaving the classroom, Harry said to Draco, "Everyone has been having meals in the faculty dining room. I'll see you at lunch later. I'm going off for some broom time out at the Quidditch pitch."

Draco inadvertently gave Snape the opening he wanted almost immediately. "Professor, I'm confused. I thought you would be out working for ... him ... but you're here helping Potter learn advanced spellcasting."

"Ah. Yes. You would expect that. Well, you see, I fell out of favor with the Dark Lord. He decided I was of no further use to him, so he used the connection of the Dark Mark to execute me ... or, at least, try. Fortunately, the Magus was able to negate the spell in time ... and the Dark Mark itself." Snape left the explanation at that, allowing Draco to work through the implications himself.

"You've betrayed the Dark Lord?" Draco was outraged.

"I would say, rather, that Voldemort eventually betrays all his followers," Snape returned. "But this ... discussion is best left for another time. You need to know the extent of the restricted areas." And Snape proceeded to explain the Magus-Time rules and how he would identify restricted areas. Some of the restricted areas would always be restricted at those times; some would be marked restricted only as needed. The key would be a purple aura at an entryway, or sometimes blocking a corridor.

Snape continued. "You will be allowed up to four visitors at a time on weekdays, if you choose, but they will have to leave before nightfall unless you receive permission from the headmaster at least the day before for them to remain overnight. Students would stay at Slytherin; non-students, such as your parents, would stay in the guest tower. Potter has already arranged for Granger and Weasley to visit several times per week. You may also go to Hogsmeade on Saturdays during daylight hours."

Draco was still confused about Snape. The professor had been an ally throughout Draco's time at Hogwarts, sometimes being more help to him than his own father, who often was either too busy for him, or only reminded Draco of his shortcomings. Snape could see the conflict on Draco's face. As he prepared to leave Draco to go off to lunch, Snape said, "Draco, you have a unique opportunity during this time before the regular school year begins. This will be a learning experience, and not only in the classroom. You are an intelligent and capable young man. You are a leader, not a blind follower. Learn to make your own decisions, as only a true Slytherin can." Then Snape turned, and walked quickly away.

Draco had wandered about for some time before heading to the dining room off the Great Hall. When he arrived, some of the teachers appeared to be just finishing their lunch. Snape was talking to Dumbledore at one end of the table, and McGonagall was at the other end, talking with a young, dark haired man, dressed in black, that he didn't recognize.

The young man looked up, then stood to meet him. "You must be Draco Malfoy. You can call me Darius." And he extended his hand for a friendly handshake. Draco looked at Snape, who returned his gaze, nodding his head slightly. Taking the young man's hand lightly, Draco was surprised to feel surrounded by an unseen web of tightly-leashed Power. He tried to pull his hand loose, but Darius kept hold for a moment, holding Draco's hand between both of his, and looking into his eyes. "It is good to meet you, Draco. Yes, I'm the Magus. There is much I need to keep secret for now, but if you have any questions, I will try to answer them." Releasing Draco's hand, and turning back to McGonagall, Darius said, "Minerva, I'll begin working on those areas we were discussing immediately. Thank you." And Darius left the room.

Through the door, Draco heard, "Hello, Harry! I think they left some lunch for you." Darius chuckled.

Then Draco heard Harry's voice, "Hey, you're the one around here that eats like there's no tomorrow!" Harry was laughing as he entered the room.

"So, is there anything left for me and Draco?" Harry asked the teachers. Snape scowled and ignored the question. McGonagall was torn between smiling and giving Harry a stern look. Dumbledore looked up with his usual twinkling gaze.

"Harry," Dumbledore smiled, "suppose you show your classmate the meal charms we use in here."

Draco was torn between displaying his usual Malfoy arrogance, and pumping Harry for information. And even that, he suddenly realized, was less for spying purposes, and more his need to really find out for himself. He decided on a compromise, remaining mostly aloof, but allowing Potter the truce he had asked for ... for now.

"In here, we have more choices than in the Great Hall, except for banquets," Harry began. He showed Draco how to activate the hidden place-mat area on the table in front of each seat, and how to invoke the embedded charms to get his choices. Harry decided on Muggle-style fast food, though the quality of the Hogwarts version was much better than a drive-thru: big, sloppy cheeseburger, onion rings, and a milk shake. Looking sheepishly at Draco, Harry muttered, "Yeah, I should eat healthier, but I still like to cheat once in a while."

Draco, as an unspoken gesture for the truce, decided to try the same. His eyes widened as he realized that he actually liked the meal, though he managed to hide most of his reaction, and just said, "Tolerable."

They ate in silence, and the others slowly left the dining room. Finally, Harry couldn't resist asking, "So, what do you think of Darius? I assume you met before he left."

Draco just looked at Harry, and said unemotionally, "So that's a Magus." As Harry tried to suppress a laugh, Draco fixed Harry with his cool gaze and said in a clipped voice, "What is so funny, Potter?"

Harry just smiled. "Oh, Draco, I do wish you could forget you're a Malfoy once in a while and just be yourself. You might even be 'Tolerable'." Harry used the meal charm to clean up his dishes, got up, and headed out to the Quidditch pitch for some practice on one of his favorite pastimes ... flying.

[The first week of training ...]

Both Potter-Time and Magus-Time training and practice made the days speed by. Draco continued alternating between his usual arrogance and an uneasy truce. The classroom training was limited to the mornings. After lunch, until restricted times, Harry and Draco would practice Quidditch maneuvers if they didn't have visitors.

Harry was pleased that his Magus abilities didn't seem to give him an unfair advantage where Quidditch was concerned, as long as he shielded his mind so he wouldn't constantly sense the location of the snitch. The speed of the broom was a part of the broom itself, not him, and he found he wasn't really any more of a daredevil than he had always been. The main difference would be protection against some of the magical interference he had sometimes encountered during a match, which was illegal anyway. His conscience was clear to remain on the Quidditch team this year, which would go a long way toward keeping him from being overwhelmed by his Magus responsibilities.

Members of the circle and the Order came and went. Hermione and Ron visited four times in those five days, between lunch and dinner, part of the time just being friends with Harry, and part of the time being students of the Magus. Harry Magus was a hard taskmaster, but they (especially Hermione) were thrilled at learning things that most seventh years might have trouble with. Harry had been right ... they had a lot of potential. During their second session, Ron found the key to his mindspeech ability, and was finally able to reach non-speakers. He confirmed this when Mrs. Figg and Mundungus Fletcher came by on Thursday and he was able to mindspeak both of them. They were surprised at such a young mindspeaker, almost as surprised as they were when they were told who the Magus was. It had been decided that the Order would have that information, whether they became members of the circle or not. The Magus's identify would be kept safe within the Order Sodalis spell.

Draco had Crabbe and Goyle visit once, but it was surprisingly unsatisfying to have someone to order around. He kept remembering his father's remark about 'hiding behind Crabbe and Goyle' and didn't like it. When Granger and Weasley had been visiting, he had begun with his usual insults. Granger was visibly livid at being called a mudblood yet again, but surprisingly, she controlled her temper, saying, "Harry says he's declared a truce for now. I'm willing to abide by it if you are, Malfoy, but only for Harry's sake. Push me too hard, and you're toast, Draco."

The piercing look Hermione gave him made him realize that, in a real battle, they would probably be evenly matched, that one if not both of them could be seriously hurt. Is this what it meant to follow the Dark Lord? Placing oneself at risk in order to attack the Dark Lord's enemies? How did he reconcile this mudblood's knowledge and abilities with the dogma he had been raised with, about the superiority of purebloods? He wanted to discuss things with Snape, but knowing for certain now that the professor was not a follower of Lord Voldemort, he waited. He thought about sending his father, or even his mother, an owl asking for some fire-call time, but dismissed that idea as well.

That week, Draco Malfoy was given a great deal to think about, and for once, he applied his not insignificant intelligence to the issues, without blindly parroting the maxims he had been raised with.

(continued)