The Awakening of a Magus

the-dreamer

Story Summary:
In the summer after the Triwizard Tournament, Harry suddenly awakens to new powers and a new look. However, the powers of a Magus aren't so easy to control, and they don't make life easy. Voldemort is much more powerful than ever. Some new characters come into the picture, some old characters will not survive, and other old characters will learn a new outlook. No slash, O/C but no Mary-Sue, light R/Hr ship, possible other light ships, lite Harry/Tonks

The Awakening of a Magus 21 - 22

Chapter Summary:
In the summer after the Triwizard Tournament, Harry suddenly awakens to new powers and a new look. However, the powers of a Magus aren't so easy to control, and they don't make life easy. Voldemort is much more powerful than ever. Some new characters come into the picture, some old characters will not survive, and other old characters will learn a new outlook. No slash, O/C but no Mary-Sue, light R/Hr ship, possible other light ships. - This file: Chapter 21: ‘Draco and Darius’ and Chapter 22: ‘Control issues and Draco's 1st report’
Posted:
06/17/2003
Hits:
3,976
Author's Note:
Author Notes, Some Answers to Reviewer Questions, Credits and Local Canon (spells and characters of the 'Harry Magus' universe added to the 'Harry Potter' universe) can be found on website helena.whitaker.name . (warning ... local spoilers on website.)

The Awakening of a Magus
Chapter 21 - Fri, Jul 28 - Day 8
Draco and Darius

Thank the stars that class was let out early today. Draco was thinking that Professor Snape was a stronger wizard than he had guessed. He worked Draco and Harry mercilessly in class, yet never seemed tired. The spells that he drilled into their heads and reflexes were powerful, complex, and Draco was inordinately proud of himself at his progress. He was so focused on learning this magic that he often forgot to snipe at Potter. Potter ... hmm. What was it he had noticed about Potter in class?

As Draco drifted into the dining room, he was distracted to see that the only other person there was Darius, having a snack and reading the latest Witch Weekly, of all things. Draco went to sit down across from the Magus, just looking at him with a raised eyebrow (something he had practiced as a young boy to help him look sinister). Darius glanced up, looked again at what he was reading, and, just slightly, blushed. Then he said to Draco, "Have you ever heard of the saying, 'Know thine enemy', Draco?"

"You're reading about your enemy in ... Witch Weekly ... " Draco said, deadpan.

"Actually, it's the media itself that could be considered an enemy, as well as certain people in the Ministry who just can't keep their mouths shut." Darius put down the paper and sighed. "Hungry?" he asked.

"Just worn out, I suppose. Professor Snape is relentless." It was strange how comfortable Draco was with Darius. Maybe because he had no history with the Magus, who didn't treat him as a Malfoy, but just Draco. There weren't any expectations or preconceived notions. Then Draco thought to himself, No that's not quite true. I'm supposed to be spying on this man for the Dark Lord. I'm supposed to report to a Death Eater tonight. "You said the other day that I could ask questions, even if you wouldn't promise to answer. Maybe it would be easier if you just told me whatever you're allowed to talk about. Would you?"

Darius looked at Draco, and Harry thought, Could Darius be the key to reaching Draco? I actually think he's really interested, not just pumping for information. After a moment, Darius asked, "Have you been keeping up with the reports about me in the Prophet and such?" As Draco nodded with a grimace, Darius ruefully said, "Yes, right. Well, let's start with the published information that happens to be true. I'm a shapeshifter and the Darius you're looking at is just a walking copy of a portrait of Darius Magus, which is why I go by the name Darius until I'm ready for the public. As Minister Fudge reported, I am an animagus, both a panther and a butterfly. My magic," here, Darius made a small ball of light in one hand, "always has a purple aura when it shows at all." Harry mentally qualified that ... unless I use that disguising spell to bleach the color out. "I can do most spells without wand and incantation. My shields protect me from the Unforgivable Curses to the extent they bounce back at the spellcaster, amplified." At this point, Darius paused, as though remembering something he would rather not remember.

"What about the rumors of who you really are?" Draco challenged the Magus softly.

Darius laughed. "I probably shouldn't say anything at all, but I will say that, so far, no one has guessed correctly. Even those who know who I am were surprised when they found out." Darius sobered a little, trying to choose the right words, hoping this was the right time to tell Draco. "I know something about your family and the family ... philosophy concerning wizarding heritage. Again, I probably shouldn't say this, but it's something you should think about. You know that a Magus has a great deal more power than any wizard. Any guesses you have been making about who I am likely are concentrating on the oldest and strongest pureblood lines. You're not going to find your answer there. You see, one of my parents was a 'mudblood'."

Draco just sat there, stunned. First, Granger, now Darius challenging the automatic superiority of the pureblood families. He didn't know what to say. What could he say?

Harry had pity on Draco, so Darius changed the subject. "By the way, Draco, did you know Harry is scheduled to go to the Ministry this afternoon to get his apparition license? I understand you were also given a waiver on age-related requirements. You can't tell me you haven't tried apparating, even without a license. I'd be willing to help you with some practice if you want to test as well."

This startled Draco out of his confusion, and his eyes lit up. "You would do that? The others have been forced to let me train with Potter, but why would you help me? Offer to help me?"

Darius just shrugged. "Maybe I think you could be worth it. There's a nice clearing in the Forbidden Forest not far from the school defenses that you can practice in. Shall we? I have a tendency to get my own way around here, so no one will stop us." Darius smiled now, daring Draco to take him up on the offer. "Or are you too tired after Snape's class?"

Draco stood up, leaned across the table, propped on both arms, and with a wicked gleam in his eye said, "Lead on, Sir Magus!"


Snape had been reporting on the progress of his two students to the headmaster. "I've never seen Malfoy so intent, so focused. He will be a formidable wizard. In some ways, he already is. We've had a few conversations, careful ones concerning Voldemort and Slytherin House and even some of his father's most cherished prejudices. I wouldn't say I trust him yet, but he is definitely questioning things. And, of course," Snape grimaced, since it was expected of him, "Potter is doing brilliantly, even while restraining himself. If his anonymity continues into the school year, it will be interesting to watch him try to be 'only' Harry Potter." Snape smiled a small, rueful smile. Then he and Dumbledore felt the touch of the Magus.

/* Severus, you're working Draco to death, you know. Don't forget you're stronger than you used to be. */ Harry's smile could be felt in his mind voice. /* I'm, that is, Darius is taking Draco out to the clearing to let him practice apparating so he can come along for his license. */

Both of the adults were shocked. /* What are you *thinking* of, Potter? */ sent Snape. /* Even *I* don't trust Malfoy yet. */ Dumbledore also urged caution.

/* Call it intuition. Draco seems to be responding to Darius, so I'm going to take advantage of it. */ Harry answered, insistently. /* Trust me? */ Harry asked. /* He seems a bit anxious today. I think he may be reporting in soon. I'm going to stay close to him today in various forms and see how much he reports of what I tell him. If he holds things back, it will mean we're making progress. */

Both Snape and Dumbledore reluctantly agreed, though they knew Harry would probably go ahead even without their approval. After the contact with Harry was broken, Snape observed, "If Harry is reading this correctly, I hope we don't lose Draco when he finds out who the Magus really is."


The first bit of new information that Darius allowed Draco to know about was his ability to apparate around the Hogwarts defenses. They jumped straight to the clearing that Harry had begun using for some of his practice sessions. Large and open, even his dragon form could move around in here. And he had set up permanent wards and Hide-Me charms around the clearing, so that most of the animals and any wandering humans would avoid the area.

"Walk around the clearing," Darius said, "and get a feel for several spots. Once you're comfortable with line-of-sight apparition, we can try the school gathering point. If there are any other places you're familiar enough with, let me know and I'll follow along just in case. You do know the actual spell, already, I assume?" Darius smiled, and Draco just gave him an arrogant look that said without words ... Of course ... I'm a Malfoy, aren't I? At which Darius just stood there laughing and shaking his head.

Draco, after the first cautious jump, was quickly comfortable with short jumps where he either could see his target, or knew what was on the other side of a barrier. Darius conjured a free-standing door for practice in apparating through solid objects. The hardest part about apparition was proper visualization. Some wizards never could get a clear, certain visualization and sense of location to handle it, which is why apparition was licensed. A faulty visualization, or a distracted mind could have messy results when the wizard was stuck, partly 'here' and partly 'there'. When Draco said, "I'm ready," he visualized the spot his father had apparated them to (and left him at), looked quickly at Darius, then nodded and apparated flawlessly to his target point.

With a heavy sigh, and a triumphant smile, Draco looked at Darius standing beside him. "You know, even though Father got that waiver for me, I don't think he expected me to use it, at least not yet." Draco thought about where else he wanted to try. "There's a cabin in the country that we sometimes use on weekends. Father never goes there during the week. I'd like to try that, though it's a bit far from here. How do you come along when you've never been there?"

"There are at least two ways we can do this. You can try to take me along as a passenger, but I'd use my own power so we don't strain yours too soon. Or," Darius looked at him carefully, "you can show me your visualization. I promise I wouldn't snoop around if you were willing to open your mind enough for that. And, I won't be insulted if you aren't ready for something like that."

This made Draco stop and think. Did he trust Darius not to look for evidence of his secret motives for being here this summer? He wanted to trust ... trust someone ... but it was too soon.

The expressions on his, for once, unguarded face, told Darius/Harry his answer, so he immediately said, "Never mind the second suggestion. Here. Take my hand, extend the magic to include me, but I'll provide the energy for transporting the extra mass."

As Draco, relieved, followed the Magus' instructions, he felt again the well of deep, vast power this man had at his command. He also seemed to sense something about the kind of man he was, something almost familiar, which was quickly shielded. But, Draco thought, perhaps this was someone he could someday trust, perhaps, even ... follow? ... no, with this man, it wouldn't be 'follow', it would be 'work beside'. He quickly dismissed these thoughts and focused on his favorite quiet spot at the weekend place, glanced at Darius, who nodded that he was ready, and jumped.


"This place is beautiful!" Darius whispered.

Draco answered quietly. "Father usually just comes here for the hunting. I don't think he sees what's really here." He released the hand of the Magus and wandered around in this place that was the only place in the world he felt at peace. There was a creek in the trees, a quietly gurgling creek, just wide enough that he had to take a bit of a run to jump across. He felt like a different person here, and realized that he had never shared this place with anyone else. But somehow, he had known that Darius would appreciate it. Draco was beginning to be a bit frightened at the prospect of truly being friends with someone, not just political allies. He didn't even know who this man really was, or even how old he really was. Yet somehow he felt as though he knew him. There was a slight chance they had met, but no, he had said he wasn't pureblood. Damn. He should just forget the questions and enjoy it while he could. It would probably end soon enough.


After a while, Darius had apparated them both back to the dining room, where he left Draco to his lunch. "I'm really supposed to be somewhere else right now," Darius said sheepishly. Until next time ... " and Darius apparated away.

Dumbledore and McGonagall were already there, and those Ministry people were here today: Weasley, Forester and Trelawney. Snape joined Draco at the lower end of the table not long after Draco began eating, and Harry came in to sit next to Arthur Weasley.

Draco was almost done eating, not very talkative, though Snape made a few attempts at conversation with the only other Slytherin around these days. Dumbledore then addressed the entire table. "Professor McGonagall, I believe you were planning to take Mr. Potter for his testing today? The Magus has informed me that Mr. Malfoy is also ready to try for his license. Would you be kind enough to take him with you as well?"

McGonagall, who hadn't heard yet about the apparition practice, glanced in turn at Harry, Draco, then Dumbledore, whose eyes were twinkling in what Sirius liked to call his I-know-something-you-don't look. "Ah! Of course, Headmaster. If Darius says that Mr. Malfoy is ready, he must be." Then, without looking at him, she sent a vague ... just-you-wait thought to Harry, who had to work hard to keep a straight face.

Draco was looking at Harry with a belligerent 'don't try to stop me' look on his face. Harry just commented, "Great! When do we leave?"


Even with the written waivers, the officious clerk at the licensing department refused to consider testing until Professor McGonagall suggested, "Then call the Minister for confirmation if you won't believe those papers." The clerk did just that, then returned to them looking pale.

He had been roundly chewed out by Fudge, who finished by shouting, "Why do you think I wrote up those waivers? So I wouldn't be bothered about details!" before abruptly ending the communication.

The clerk deliberately made things difficult for both students, trying to ensure they failed. As both Draco and Harry confidently completed every exercise the petty bureaucrat threw at them, they temporarily were united in an 'us against him' kind of bond. When the clerk actually threw the licenses at the boys, bidding them go away and leave him alone, Draco and Harry grabbed the papers, dashed out of the office, and, for a moment, grinned widely at each other.

As soon as McGonagall rejoined them, Draco's reserve came back, but Harry just caught his eye for a moment, smiled quietly, gave a slight nod and said, "Race you to the gathering point, Professor?" And all three disappeared.


When they returned to Hogwarts, the restricted areas were in effect. Draco was about to head for the library to do some follow-up work on some of the spells they had covered that morning, when Snape stopped him. "Draco, your father called while you were out. He is expecting a fire-call to him at the office as soon as possible. You haven't called or sent an owl since your first day here, and he ... wasn't pleased."

Draco's expression fell. He had been avoiding his father because he had so much to think about, and didn't want to fall back into being just an extension and tool of his father's ambitions and opinions. "Thank you, Professor. I'll go to the commons and call him immediately."

When Draco reached the Slytherin common area, he didn't notice the spider near the hearth. Even if he had, he would never have guessed it was yet another animagus form for Darius/Harry. Harry wasn't really happy with spying on Draco, but it was necessary for now.

As the fire-call progressed, Harry began to have a great deal of sympathy for the young Slytherin. Lucius in some ways treated Draco the way Uncle Vernon had treated Harry. Nothing ever seemed to be good enough. Even though the Malfoys were supposedly alone, they both talked around Draco's real purpose there. Lucius gave grudging approval at Draco's success in passing his apparition license test. He had mostly belittled Draco's progress report on his classes as just Draco's opinion, but the license test was an independent opinion, so it had to be given a bit more credence. He looked significantly at Draco and said, "So, Potter is able to apparate. That is an interesting bit of information." Meaning, of course, that Draco should pass that on in his report.

It was interesting for Harry to observe that Draco didn't say a word about the time he had spent with Darius, and deliberately misunderstood some veiled questions his father had asked about the Magus and answered vaguely. Harry looked forward to observing the reporting-in to Voldemort or to a Death Eater, which seemed to be scheduled for later that night.

When the call ended, Draco sighed, apparently in relief, then just sat there for a long time, staring into the fire. Eventually, Draco headed off to the library for his delayed study time.


Chapter 22 - Fri, Jul 28 - Day 8
Control Issues and Draco's First Report

Before Harry started on his Magus-time, he wanted to check in with Ron and Hermione, since they hadn't come over today. After several minutes of ordinary conversation (via mindspeech), Ron decided he just had to ask Harry about something that had been bothering him all week.

/* Harry, I just don't get it. The way you're getting along with Snape and ... Malfoy. How can you forget what the last four years were like? */

Harry thought hard about how to explain. /* It's not that I've forgotten about the past, but I'm finding reasons to move 'past' it, so to speak. */

Hermione put in, /* Think about it, Ron. If Harry was the type to hold a grudge no matter what, where would *you* be? */ Hermione avoided spelling out just how painful it had to have been for Harry to be rejected by his best friend the previous year. Even though she'd had to push them back together, if Harry hadn't been the kind of person he was, he would never have forgiven Ron, no matter how hard Hermione pushed.

Ron's wordless embarrassment came through to both of his friends. /* But that's not the same, */ he insisted.

And Harry agreed, /* You're right. That was almost harder than this has been. */ Harry paused, pushing away the old hurt, the kind that only someone you care about can give you. Then he continued trying to explain. /* In both cases, because of becoming a Magus, I decided I had to call a truce. Dumbledore said I needed Snape's help training. And we decided, since we were forced to put up with Draco, that we might be able to cheat Voldemort of a future follower. Then, there was just *being* a Magus ... unless I block it out, (and I didn't figure it out the first few days,) I can *feel* people in a strange way, especially if the past relationship with that person was strong, *good* or *bad*. It's not constant ... it comes and goes. It's not quite being an empath; it's not really mind-reading, well, thought-reading ... I kind of ... sense things about a person's personality, character, motives, abilities ... blast, there just aren't the right words to describe it. */ Harry had trouble explaining because, in some ways, he didn't understand it himself.

/* For whatever reason, I'm able to *try* to make peace with people I should detest. It seems to make them rethink how *they* feel about things ... and me, */ Harry concluded. /* And as their attitude changes a bit, mine changes a bit more, and back and forth. */

/* Well, */ commented Hermione after a moment, /* I couldn't do it ... but I think I'm glad you can. I suppose it's just a part of being Harry Potter. */


Harry's progress in the Potter-Time training was going quite well, as well as any work during Magus-Time that was within the scope and power levels of a wizard, even of such powerful wizards as Dumbledore and Snape. However, he continued to have difficulty in many areas where he would be using power levels significantly beyond the wizard level. With careful preparation, he could use those powers whose scope went beyond wizard level (such as the work he did with the defensive system) and sometimes where both scope and power level were far beyond the norm (such as releasing Snape's power block). But, when he accessed his Magus-level power quickly, by reflex or in a mock-combat situation, the power flows threatened to escape his control, and he would exhaust himself nearly to unconsciousness.

Even with the Mentor bond grounding his power flows to some extent, even with the physical enhancements he had continued to experience (there was no further noticeable aging yet, but he continued to grow in physical strength and slightly in muscularity), even with all this, he could not reliably use the Wild Magic that made him a Magus. Dumbledore had concluded that Harry was simply ... too powerful, and would just need more time for his mind and body to adjust to the tremendous levels of raw power he had access to. It could take weeks ... even months! This was frustrating in the extreme to all of them, since it was just a matter of time before Voldemort and the Death Eaters began their raids on Muggles and those of 'less than pure wizarding blood', and the Dark Times returned. Not to mention Ministry and media pressure, which was a whole 'nother set of frustrations.

After another close call, where Dumbledore had to call a stop to the exercise because he could sense the instability in Harry's power flows, they had adjourned to the dining room for a break. Snape decided to clear up a question from earlier in the day. "What did you mean about my working Draco to death earlier? I have been quite meticulous in controlling how strong those training curses are." He was rather indignant, if truth be told.

"It's not that, Professor. You are in excellent control in that way. It's just that ..." Harry's voice trailed off as something clicked in his mind. Some of Draco's muttering about Snape never getting tired, hitting them with spell after spell. In fact, precisely because of the control he was using, he should have been wearing out well before the times he finally called a halt. "Severus, you shouldn't be adjusting so easily to increasing your power flows five times over!"

Dumbledore suddenly looked at Snape, searchingly. "You had already learned to channel your full power, well, what you thought was your full power, hadn't you. I wouldn't have expected that yet at your age. Though, I should have realized something from your recovery time. Even after a particularly ... intense ... session with Voldemort, you managed to be in essentially normal condition the next morning. But even with that, you should have needed quite some time to adjust to the release of the power block, but ..." Dumbledore now looked at Harry.

Harry continued with, "But, you woke up shortly after, performed the initial animagus and quite a few other exercises, without any evidence of the strain you had just been under." As they talked, Snape began to realize that he should have seen something unusual, but hadn't. He actually became troubled.

"Harry, did you do anything to ... facilitate such matters ... at least after the removal of the block?" Snape asked carefully.

Harry answered, "Not deliberately. Should I look for any evidence I did something without realizing?" Snape nodded, and Harry focused his mind on Snape's power center, his mental and physical abilities. After asking Dumbledore's permission to do a similar scan on him for comparison, he concluded, "I don't think I did anything. I think it was a function of the power block, or of the part of your power that wasn't completely blocked. Some part of you was aware of the hidden power flows ... the block was reinforced by your own powers."

Dumbledore asked Harry, "Please show me the results of both scans, would you, Harry?" After assimilating what Harry sent him, as far as he was able, Dumbledore gave his assessment. "Yes, I agree that in some way, that portion of your magic that strengthened the power block somehow accelerated the process all wizards go through to become accustomed to their maximum power flows. I was twice your age when I reached that point. Congratulations, Severus!" Dumbledore smiled.

Now, McGonagall decided to catch up on Draco-issues. "So, Harry, what else did I miss out on with Draco, besides your teaching him to apparate?" she said, more than slightly peeved. Harry related how Draco seemed to be genuinely curious about Darius, and felt comfortable with his alter ego, though he kept Draco's 'quiet place' to himself. That part felt like something private between Draco and Darius .... something that wasn't necessary to disclose. But he did tell all of them about Draco's conversation with Malfoy.

"I left a bit of a tracking spell on Draco, so I'll know when he leaves the castle. His first report should be sometime tonight, and I'm guessing it will take place in the forest somewhere, since they wouldn't have known he can apparate now. I plan to follow him as a wolf, once in the forest, since I'll need to let the pack know to leave them alone. Anyone want to join me?"

Snape volunteered. "I'll go with you. I may be able to identify whichever Death Eater comes to take his report."

At this, Dumbledore asked if they should go back to training, or call a halt and have dinner. Dinner was the unanimous decision.


The sun had set while they finished dinner. No one wanted to get too involved in anything, expecting Draco to sneak away to make his report. But Harry couldn't relax. Minerva left them with the admonishment to tell her when they left to follow Draco. Dumbledore finally suggested, "Severus, perhaps you can begin those fencing and swordplay lessons we spoke about. That may help address Harry's nervous energy as well as give us all some practical information on his physical abilities."

"So, Potter," said Professor Snape, "have you any experience in any type of weapons?" The teacher wasn't quite sure what to expect from Harry.

"The only fighting I've ever done, besides with a wand, was the fight with the basilisk in the Chamber back in second year. I had Godric Gryffindor's sword then," Harry explained. Snape was surprised, in that he hadn't known about Harry using Gryffindor's sword.

"Albus, isn't that an enchanted blade?" Snape asked the headmaster. Dumbledore nodded, muttered an Accio charm, and summoned the sword for inspection.

Harry stepped over, curious. "I should have guessed it was enchanted, but at the time, I didn't notice. I guess I was too busy." He smiled wryly.

"An exercise, Harry. Without handling the sword, tell me what enchantments are on this weapon. Severus, I'd like you to do the same." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled at Snape's look of outrage. "Come now, Severus. You also could use the experience with your expanded abilities."

The sword lay across Dumbledore's palms as he held it before them, awaiting the scans of the two spellcasters, two of the three most powerful spellcasters in the world, since he was sure now that Snape would soon surpass him in power, if he hadn't already done so. He didn't know where Voldemort placed now, but from what they had learned so far of the power-drain spells, Dumbledore feared that he himself was no longer a serious threat to Voldemort in a one-on-one battle. "You begin, Harry, with identifying one charm or spell, then Severus with another, and so on."

"Well, to start with the easy ones, there's a charm for keeping the sword clean. Any, well, blood stains that aren't cleaned off will disappear in ... I can't quite tell ... a few hours, maybe three," Harry began the exercise.

Snape muttered, "Four hours," and Dumbledore nodded. Then Snape continued, "To get rid of the easy ones, I'll report the Ever-Sharp charm that precludes the need to maintain the edges and protects the point from breakage." Snape then looked at Harry in challenge. "Next?"

Harry squinted his eyes, though it didn't really make any difference in what he saw with his senses. Then he understood what he was sensing. "It changes to fit whoever is using it!" he said in surprise. "It adjusts its length, weight, balance, even the grip to fit perfectly. That's why it was so easy to use that night." After a moment, he said. "I don't sense anything else. Am I missing something?"

At first Snape looked triumphant, then reconsidered. "I do see something else, though perhaps it makes sense you wouldn't see it. There is a spell that prevents the sword from being used by anyone not of Gryffindor ... or ... wait. Albus, is that anyone not of Gryffindor's blood?"

Harry's gaze shot to Snape, then to Dumbledore, who confirmed, "Yes, Harry, the sword can only be used by a descendent of Godric Gryffindor. There are a number of family lines, though until you used the sword I didn't realize you were one of his descendents." Dumbledore then flipped the sword, grasping it in his right hand with a flourish. "As am I." Dumbledore then sent the sword back to its place in his office. "But you will want to practice with ordinary weapons for now."

Snape decided to begin with rapiers, especially because they were quite different from the Gryffindor sword. He tossed one of a pair of weapons to Harry. "Now, this is supposed to be a test of physical ability and skill, not magic. I want you to block your senses as completely as possible." As Harry was about to protest about watching out for Draco's departure, Dumbledore assured him mentally that he could watch the defenses while they practiced. Harry stood still a moment, eyes closed, weaving shields and blocks around himself. When he thought he had done as much as possible. He looked at Snape, and raised the rapier to the same position his teacher had already taken, watching carefully.

Snape began with several swift attacks, attacks which Harry blocked cleanly and quickly. His movements grew progressively faster with each encounter. After awhile, Harry decided to try one of the attacks that Snape had begun with, and scored a touch. Snape backed off, furious. Before he could say anything, Dumbledore said quietly, "Severus, he really didn't cheat. He just learns and moves that fast. I was watching his power flows very carefully. It appears that this part of his training will not be 'learning how to fight with weapons' but 'learning how to fight with only human ability' ... how to control his Magus-enhanced abilities."

Before either Harry or Severus could say anything else, Dumbledore's eyes lost their focus. "Draco has just left the castle." He then refocused on the other two, sent the rapiers back to their case with a gesture, and said, "A phoenix would be too noticeable. I'll watch through our bond, Harry, and notify Minerva." Harry quickly dropped and reformed his shields to their usual levels, which kept most people from sensing his Magus powers, shifted to wolf form as Snape shifted to raven, and apparated to the Forbidden Forest with the raven following in his wake.


The first thing Harry-wolf noticed was that one of the wolf pack was approaching the edge of the forest to give warning of an outsider. He thanked the sentry, asking where the intruder was. After giving this message, the female, who was mate to the pack leader, returned to the pack. As the animagi approached the area specified, a faint light became visible. A cloaked, masked figure was walking through the forest in the direction of Hogwarts, holding a lantern to light the path. The figure was of medium height, not very imposing. Then Harry noticed the hand that held the lantern ... that wasn't made of flesh but of silver. /* Bloody Hell! It's Wormtail! */ he sent to the professors.

Snape-raven confirmed. /* There's no doubt, Albus, Minerva. But, what should we do? I swear to you that my opinion of Sirius Black has nothing to do with my belief that we should *not* attempt to capture Pettigrew just now. */

To Snape's surprise, Harry did not challenge that statement, but considered carefully. /* If this were *any* other Death Eater, we wouldn't interfere in the meeting, just observe. But, there *must* be a way to ensure we can get him later! A way that Voldemort won't detect. */

/* That he can't detect ... Albus, the Order Sodalis. */ Snape was thinking furiously. /* Pettigrew never *could* betray the Order. Can something be done within the structure of that spell? You and Minerva are half the original Quadralis, plus Harry is the son of the other half. */

/* Albus, I think it would work. And if Harry isn't able to replace James and Lily for the ritual, he probably can still slide around the structure once we identify it for him. */ Minerva felt certain this was the answer. /* Perhaps some kind of tracking spell behind the Sodalis ? */

Dumbledore quickly linked with Minerva, trying to invoke some portion of the old ritual to add to an existing Sodalis. His bond with Harry was just close enough to the Quadralis link that had existed with his parents that Dumbledore was able to show Harry the structure of the Sodalis deep in the traitorous mind of Peter Pettigrew. Once identified, Harry had no trouble sliding behind the Sodalis structure and placing a beacon that would allow him to locate this 'rat' no matter where he went. Harry pulled out and released the pseudo-Quadralis link, feeling a sense of delight that it wouldn't be long now before Sirius Black would be exonerated. Then the wolf and the raven heard Draco's approach.


It was with decidedly mixed feelings that Draco approached his first meeting with a Death Eater as an official spy of the Dark Lord. He had decided that he would pass along some, but not everything he could report. A part of him just wanted to keep something in reserve, in case he was short on information next time. A part of him wasn't sure anymore whether he should even be here.

For instance, he had decided to drop the information that Snape was alive, without indicating any knowledge that the Dark Lord assumed he was dead. Certainly no one had bothered to tell him that. He would tell how both he and Potter had gotten their apparition license, since that was a matter of record, but would hold back his knowledge that Darius could apparate within the school defenses.

He finally saw a lantern shining not far away, waved the glowing tip of his wand as a signal, and turned toward his contact.


Peter Pettigrew, aka Wormtail had been chosen as this boy's contact because the Dark Lord was able to observe through this follower's senses far more completely than with any other. This was because Wormtail had had the dubious honor of contributing his hand to Voldemort's rebirth ritual, which made the Dark Mark connection much stronger and more complete than with any other Death Eater. At least the first time, Voldemort wanted to see if this Draco could really be of any use. Also, it gave Voldemort a delicious sense of satisfaction to be so close to the stronghold of his enemies, Hogwarts Castle, even though only second-hand. Sometimes, even from a distance, Wormtail could hear in his mind the evil, maniacal laughter of the creature that owned his soul.


"So, Boy. At least you didn't keep me waiting," the Death Eater snarled at Draco. Oh, such a lovely way to begin a conversation, Draco thought with disgust. "Our Dark Lord observes through me, so don't waste any time. What have you learned about the Magus, Potter, or Dumbledore's work?"

"May I assume that you know of the newspaper coverage about the Magus?" Draco said with all the dignity in his Malfoy blood.

"Yes, go on, go on," muttered the man in a waspish voice.

"I can confirm several of the characteristics. The Magus is a shapeshifter, with the appearance of Darius Magus, and goes by that name. He is a dual-animagus, panther and butterfly." The Death Eater choked at the 'butterfly'. Draco just looked at him coldly and asked, "Do you know of anyone else with two forms?" After a short pause, Draco continued. "His aura is purple and on physical contact I could sense an unbelievable amount of contained power. I have some basis for comparison. In the past, I have perceived both my father's power and the headmaster's, which though my father would hate for me to report, is much greater than his."

"Are you trying to tell me you're a Scanner? At your age?" Wormtail was decidedly skeptical. Only a Scanner could read power the way Draco described, and they were not very common at all.

"If that's what it's called, then perhaps yes. It's something I learned about before I began at Hogwarts." Draco answered, then thought ... it was also why he avoided physical contact with most people. He didn't like the sensations that came with contact of more than two or three seconds. But he didn't realize it was anything particularly special. He hadn't ever actually told his father, because of that.

Draco continued ... he wanted this to be over with. "Both Harry Potter and I are now licensed to apparate. I've seen Weasley, Sr. and his discovery team around the school several times, but they usually arrive just before restricted time."

Wormtail was impatient, "What do you mean, restricted time?"

"From 3 pm until 10 pm, many areas of the school are behind Magus barriers. From 10 pm to 6 am, I can't even leave Slytherin House. We have classes with Professor Snape in the morning for ... " Draco was interrupted by a shriek from Pettigrew.

"Snape? But, but ... he's supposed to be ..." Wormtail felt a single burn from the Dark Mark. Voldemort's signal to shut up. A signal of two quick burns would mean, teach the boy a lesson with the Cruciatus; three quick burns would mean, execute him. "Never mind, proceed. Have there been any other visitors? Have you asked questions around the castle?"

Draco managed to hide his emotions perfectly. Why did he feel satisfied at causing such consternation in a follower of the Dark Lord? Well, time to get this over with. "No, no other visitors." Draco decided to keep Remus Lupin's presence in reserve. "Wait, I take that back. Potter had Granger and Weasley come by for a couple of visits between lunch and restricted-time, but I doubt they did anything more than useless talk and perhaps some wizard's chess. And I actually did ask questions around, of the ghosts, portraits, Peeves the poltergeist, and even," he paused in disgust, "some house elves. No one would, or could say anything. I think they're under some kind of security spell where the Magus, and maybe Potter and Dumbledore are concerned. They will be suspicious of the way I was forced on them, so I have to try to gain their trust to get more information." Draco did his best to be convincing to the Death Eater, and the unseen Dark Lord.

"Very well. We will meet again next week in this same place. If your reports do not improve, you may find your usefulness diminishing rapidly." Even though there was a slight single burn, Wormtail couldn't resist a shot at the young Malfoy. Those Malfoys thought they were evil's gift to the world, they did, and he hated them. Someday he would see Malfoy pay. Someday. Wormtail extinguished his lantern, stepped back, and disappeared.

With a deep sigh of relief, Draco turned and returned the way he had come, unaware that he was protected by a wolf and a raven up to the forest's edge, at which point both animals disappeared.


(continued)