The Awakening of a Magus

The Awakening of a Magus
Chapter 35 - Fri, Aug 4 - Sat, Aug 5 - Day 15 - 16
Loss and Gain

News of the destruction of Malfoy Manor reached the Ministry about an hour after the attack on Draco and the death of Lucius. From there, it was only moments before the Magus circle was informed ... at least most of it. Harry was under a dreamless sleep potion, reinforced by Dumbledore through the Mentor bond. The vision of Voldemort's murder of Malfoy, and the backlash from his rage and the abrupt cutoff of his Magus power had left him in even worse shape than the Fudge-interrupted training session had. It was agreed by all in the circle not to awaken Harry at this time.

However, there was not universal agreement regarding Draco.

"You'll have to knock me out and lock me up to keep me away. I will see what's been done. I am the last of the Malfoy line and you will not deny me this!" Draco, in spite of his shock and grief, was almost regal in his manner, though frighteningly cold.

Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Poppy Pomfrey all felt it was a bad idea. But there was someone else who understood completely ... Severus Snape.

"Albus, he needs to do this ... he has the right to do this. I would keep him safe, even if Weasley's crew wasn't already on the scene." Snape looked deeply into the eyes of the headmaster, and Albus saw the implacable Slytherin, as well as the almost glowing gaze of the third most powerful spellcaster since the death of Liam Magus. If a wizard outranked only by the Magus and Voldemort couldn't handle this matter, they were lost.

"Besides," Draco put in less harshly, "I believe I will be able to identify at least some of those who did this. Do what you must to have my Scanning gift certified so that I can bring evidence legally. I'm not going to pretend any longer; I'm not afraid to show where my loyalties are, since there's no one left to suffer for my decision."

Their respect for the young Slytherin growing by leaps and bounds, the adults present agreed to Draco's plan, on the condition that Snape stay with him at all times. Taking the hand of his professor and friend, Draco apparated to what was left of his home.

Voldemort, as he usually was in these times, was angry and frustrated. First he fixed his disapproving gaze on Professor Kiraly, the traitor of Durmstrang. "Zoltan, you assured me the Barabbas manuscript was still in Durmstrang's rare book collection, but it was only a copy made centuries after the originals. Then you, Andre," he now glared at Devereaux, "you were so certain that Lucius had a Barabbas manuscript, but none was found in his belongings here, or in the hidden Malfoy archives."

Devereaux was trembling as he maintained, "I know I saw such a manuscript at the mansion, 'An Advanced Grimoire for the Dark Arts' by Simon Barabbas. I remember now thinking that it appeared older than the copy at Durmstrang. It was ... now I remember. It was in the boy's library. Narcissa's step-father, old Granville Grymm had given it to him. But Kiraly looked there before we left." He turned to glare at the other Death Eater. "If it was still there, he should have seen it."

Even in his fury, Voldemort could tell his servant was telling the truth. So, that meant ... "Then, the boy may have the volume with him at Hogwarts. Perhaps ... Andre, you will contact your daughter. Send the message you arranged earlier and have her meet you in the forest tomorrow ... no, the next night. They will be less alert then. You will have little Malvina find out from the Malfoy child what has become of that manuscript. You had better hope it still exists, Andre, or you will know more than a taste of punishment." Raising his wand, he invoked the Dark Mark on both Death Eaters to remind them of just how painful the Crucio could be when enhanced by a power drain.

Draco stood in the shadows staring at the hungry flickering of the balefire that continued to consume his home, his past life. The sickly green flames caused the death's-head floating above the ruins to appear alive ... horribly alive at this scene of death.

Erasmus Trelawney came over, saying to Snape, "Are you crazy, bringing him here like this? We're having a time of it here ... can't dismiss that thing," he glanced upward, "until the balefire is countered. And it just isn't responding to the counter spell. They must have used a Dualis to raise it."

"It was a Quadralis ... though a rough one. Devereaux, Crabbe, Goyle, and someone I don't recognize." Draco's voice was eerie amid the crackling of the flames. He stared at the balefire with that odd gaze that Snape recognized: he was deep in his Scanner senses.

"What are you seeing, Draco? Are you recognizing their patterns in the magic?" Erasmus asked quietly, in that soothing tone of voice he often used to question addled Muggles who had witnessed real magic.

"I see patterns, but this time there are also images ... their images as though they were ghosts. I see them as they cast the spell ... the Quadralis wasn't very well balanced, but effective enough." Draco slowly 'came back' to his ordinary senses, then looked at Snape and nodded slightly in answer to his teacher's unspoken question ... do you think I can counter this ...

"Bloody Hell, no wonder we can't take this down. I hate to do it, but we'll have to call in ..." Erasmus began.

"I can handle this one." Snape glared at Erasmus who was looking doubtful. "If I can't, you can always call Potter after." He waved back the Obliviator, who called off the rest of the team at the site. Then, with a deep breath, he began to call up the power that had been hidden so long, so deeply within him. He had yet to open himself completely to that power, and was more than a little nervous; yet he trusted Draco's judgment.

Severus raised his wand, beginning with the standard ritual counter-spell for balefire, then, altering it slightly here and there when it felt right to do so. Pointing the wand at the ground several feet away from the edge of the fire, he uttered the directive phrase and a fountain of bright, vibrant green fire leapt in a tall spire ... the living green of a field of grass after a summer rain. Waving his wand in a counter-clockwise circle, a line of verdant green encircled the sickly green of the balefire.

Now came the trickiest part. Focusing his will on the circle he had formed, he slowly drew it tighter. Where it touched the balefire, first an oily black smoke formed. As the counter-fire performed its cleansing action, a silvery mist was left behind, hovering over the burned areas. Tighter and tighter the circle closed. Snape began to have some doubts, remembering all those years that he could only bring forth average power, no matter how strong the will behind it.

Then, he felt Draco's presence in his mind. /* You've been shielding from me, */ the Scanner gently rebuked him. /* You're even stronger than I thought. I wish I could help you take down that filthy death's-head. Will I mess you up if I stay here with you? */

Draco's presence was like an anchor, an anchor that Severus was grateful for. As he paused to regroup, Snape thought to himself, Lucius, what a waste! You never realized what kind of -man- your son was becoming ... in spite of you. If he was my son ... Snape shook off the thought and refocused on the counter spell, refreshed and confident. The circle closed with increasing speed, the balefire making a kind of shrieking sound, almost as though the death's-head was screaming in pain. Just as the last of the balefire was countered, and the circle of counter-fire closed in on itself, a fountain of bright green and silver shot into the air, engulfing the death's-head. As the fires dissipated, darkness suddenly resumed its hold on the night.

Severus staggered a bit as Draco led him to sit down on a boulder in the garden. The ministry wizards were stunned at what they had seen. One even muttered, "Are you sure he isn't the Magus?" to which another replied, "Wrong color, mate. The counter-spell wasn't purple."

Draco looked around at the ruins, then proceeded to finish the last task he had given himself ... examining the remains of his parents. The Ministry team didn't notice as he drifted over to where they still lay. Draco then noticed the sick display the Death Eaters had left ... the figures lay at an angle to each other, forming a V for Voldemort. An icy rage began to build up around the anger and shock that already filled him. He braced himself, knowing this would likely be overwhelming.

He shifted into his Scanner senses as he knelt beside his father. He reached one hand toward the forehead, the other toward the heart, touching both places at the same moment.

An overwhelming sense of power ... corrupt power, dark ugly power. The sense of it was like being subjected to the Crucio, except it wasn't only painful, it was ... dirty. Draco convulsed, tearing his hands away. As he regained control of himself, he reached out again, this time to the deeply burned-in Dark Mark on his father's arm. He sensed the many spells that had been attached to the original, symbolic Mark, including the power drain. Perhaps if they could understand these spells Voldemort had developed, they could better understand just what the Dark Lord's powers were.

The final task ... he knew that Voldemort had killed his father, and was responsible for his mother's death, but he wanted ... needed to know who had actually killed her. He reached out to touch her forehead and heart, and clearly saw the pattern and image of one who was supposedly such a dear, close friend ... Andre Devereaux.

Just before Draco stood, to finally turn his back on his past, he gently stroked aside a lock of hair on his mother's face, wishing things could have been different. He stood, and began to head for Snape, preparing to leave, when a familiar voice came suddenly from behind him.

"Oh, Draco dear!" wailed Desiree Devereaux. "You must come with me. Your dear parents wanted us to be your guardians if anything ever happened, me and my Andre." This wasn't really normal behavior for Malvina's mother. Draco realized she was putting on a show for the others.

He backed away as she came forward, pulling out his wand. "I don't think so, Auntie Desiree," Draco said sarcastically, using the name he had used when he was a small child. "I'm afraid I don't trust you. You see, Uncle Andre is the one that used the Killing Curse on Mother. Besides," Draco's eyes went out of focus for a moment, then he stared at her in hatred, "I couldn't possibly go anywhere with a newly-Marked Death Eater, now, could I?"

Before Draco, or anyone else, could cast a spell, Desiree Devereaux apparated away in panic. Draco lowered his wand in disgust. "She always was good at apparating under pressure."

Snape and Erasmus had overheard the last of the exchange. Erasmus was concerned, but also pleased. "You could tell she was Marked? I know she wasn't during the interrogations last Monday."

Draco nodded. "I now have a very clear sense of what a Dark Mark is like and the spells attached to it. Voldemort was watching through her. You may as well add her to the fugitive list." He glanced back one last time at his parents and whispered, "Yes, I know the feel of a Dark Mark very well."

Snape looked at Draco, realizing what he must have done while kneeling beside his parents. He asked in a low voice, "Was she telling the truth about being named your guardian?"

"Probably." Draco said wearily.

/* Arthur Weasley! */ Severus called sharply, though including the other adults in the circle as well, as witnesses. /* Since you are a high-ranking Ministry official, I hereby formally request the following. One, if it is true that the Devereauxs are named legal guardians of Draco Malfoy, I petition that such guardianship be revoked on the grounds that both are fugitives. Second, regardless of who is supposed to be Draco's guardian, I now formally request that I be appointed to that position immediately, for the interim, while I go through whatever legal mumbo-jumbo is required to make it permanent. */ And he added, privately, hopefully, /* If you agree, Draco? */

Draco looked, stunned, at the head of Slytherin House, the feared Potions Master ... the only adult he could confide in for the past four years, who encouraged him to think for himself and to have pride and confidence in himself as a person, not as his father's son. Sending his gratitude and respect along the more private Slytherin link, he sent steadily for Snape to relay to the others, /* I would like that very much, Professor. Thank you. */

/* Make that, 'Severus', Draco. */

(-Sat, Aug 5 - Day 16-)

At the Burrow, Molly Weasley was back where she felt the happiest: in the kitchen, preparing a good breakfast for her family. She was both exhausted and running high on nervous energy. Arabella Figg had come by to take over care of the younger children staying at Hogwarts. Molly knew she should rest, but instead comforted herself by doing something normal after the incredibly stressful and emotional week just past.

Arthur was just coming in the door. He had left in the middle of the night to deal with Ministry matters, especially the death of the Malfoys and initial legal arrangements for Draco. He was wearily pleased that Molly was there, so that they could hold each other up, so to speak. "Are you sure you should be working like that? Come here, m'dear!" They held each other quietly but fiercely. There had been very little time to spend with each other the past days, and though it wasn't usually obvious, they were utterly devoted to each other.

After a moment, Molly pulled back and playfully swatted her husband. "You'll have me let the breakfast burn! Sit down and rest while I finish. I heard the children stirring. They should be down shortly."

"I'm not so sure of that, Molly dear. They won't be hurrying down if they think they're getting my cooking again," he joked. "I'll go up and check on them. Oh, and when the paper arrives, make sure you intercept it ... I'd like to explain things to the family before they see it in print. We've decided to tell the rest of the family about Harry and some other things, using standard Ministry security spells for now. It will be a relief to be keeping a few less secrets." Then Arthur headed up the stairs to wake everyone for breakfast. All the Weasleys were in residence this weekend, plus Hermione.

After a few minutes Molly was smiling as she heard a yell, "What? Mum's home! Excellent!" This was shortly followed by a sound reminiscent of a herd of elephants thundering down the steps. "Walk!" she yelled over her shoulder. "You'll shake the house down. Girls, would you set the table for me?" she asked Ginny and Hermione.

The family was firing questions at both parents, but Arthur insisted they settle down. "First we eat, then we have a family meeting." Nearly everyone exchanged glances with nearly everyone else. Something serious was going on.

Ron sent to his father, /* What's up, Dad? What's wrong now? */ He tried to contact Harry, but the Magus had gone 'off-line' as they had begun to call it, when he put up shielding that blocked out even the circle members. /* Is Harry alright? */

/* I believe Harry is either training or out at Beauxbatons. After what happened at Durmstrang, Madame Maxime asked that Darius come and reinforce the school wards. They're not nearly as good as the wards at Hogwarts. */ Arthur reassured his son ... and Hermione. /* I'm going to be telling the others some of our secrets, and a few things you may not have heard yet. I'd like to tell them about your and Hermione's talents as well. */

Both Ron and Hermione were relieved and agreed. It was hard to keep secrets from the family, especially Ginny and the twins. Ron's only comment was, /* Are you sure we can trust Percy? */

/* Now, Ron, he's your brother. Besides, the security spell will take care of any of those concerns. */ Arthur didn't want to admit that Ron had a point. Percy was a bureaucratic prat. Even the twins could be counted on to keep a secret better.

While the family had breakfast, Molly and Hermione kept conversation going by asking what Bill and Charlie had been up to since they were last at home. Arthur and Ron apparently were eating quietly, but were actually discussing in mindspeech what would be done and what would be told in what order. An owl arrived during breakfast with the Daily Prophet, but Molly took the paper and tucked it under her seat, glaring at the twins when they complained.

Finally, everyone had finished eating, the table was cleared and Ron's siblings sat, waiting to find out what was going on. By chance, Molly, Arthur, Ron and Hermione were sitting together at one end of the table. Glancing at the other three circle members, Arthur began, "Ginny, boys, you know that your mother and I have had to keep secrets from you since my promotion. I am now able to tell you some of what has been going on. The first thing that will happen, is that we will be set up with a family mindspeech link." Glancing toward Hermione, Arthur mentally offered to include her, but she shook her head.

"No, it shouldn't include me. This should be a Weasley family link ... just the nine of you." Hermione was quite definite about that. "If there is ever a need, I can get a relay."

There was surprise and muttering around the table, but it was Bill who asked, "How will that be done? Will Darius be coming over?" Then, looking at Hermione, he asked, "Relay? It sounds as though you've had experience with this sort of thing."

Ron answered, half excited and proud, half shy, "No, Darius won't be setting up the mindspeech link." /* I will, */ he sent to everyone in the room. Hermione, without thinking, had taken Ron's hand as it lay on the table, and smiled.

First, they stared at Ron, then they stared at their parents, who nodded, both smiling a quiet, proud smile. "Wicked! When did this happen?" George's eyes sparkled as he thought of ways this could be useful.

"The day Dad got his promotion and Darius visited ... that's when we found out. I've been getting some basic training while visiting Harry the last couple of weeks." Ron wasn't going to tell anything about Harry until a security spell had been set up. "For starters, I'm going to set up the links so each of you can mindspeak with me, and I can relay when you need to speak with each other. That will be the first step."

"First step?" Charlie asked. "Then what?"

"One step at a time, son," said Arthur. "Everyone try to relax and don't fight it. Ron knows what he's doing ... he had a very good teacher."

Percy looked dubious, the twins excited, Bill and Charlie were intrigued, and Ginny looked a bit frightened ... the last time she had any experience with mental communication was her experience in her first year with Tom Riddle's diary.

Hermione noticed that Ginny was nervous and asked Ron to relay. /* Ginny ... it's Hermione ... Ron is relaying for me. This part is just for communication, honestly. You don't have to be afraid of getting lost in it. You -know- you can trust Ron and your parents. The four of us have been in a link for days. It's -okay-. And Ron is -quite- good at this. */ Ginny's eyes went wide at first, but as Hermione continued and reached over to squeeze her hand, she was reassured, and nodded slightly, looking at Ron, who blushed slightly at relaying Hermione's compliment.

"Right, then. Ready all?" Ron took a deep breath, let it out, and began to reach out to his family. It had been decided this set of links would be on a private 'channel', so it wasn't going to overlap with the Magus circle or the groups within the circle. First, he reached out to his parents, shifted his focus to stabilize the channel, then he began adding people, beginning with his sister. After Ginny was comfortable hearing mindspeech and tentatively sending, Ron continued with the twins, Bill, Charlie, and finally Percy. /* You don't have to -shout- Percy, you nit. Think as loud as you would talk to me across the table. Strike that. Think softer ... I'll tell you if you need to get louder ... Right, that's it. */

Charlie asked, "What kind of range does this link have, anyway?"

"Well, I'm not sure. So far, I haven't worked with anyone who wasn't already in the Magus circle." Ron wondered if they would get the implications of that. "I can talk from here to Hogwarts with no trouble, though."

Noticing that Percy was about to say something stuffy, Arthur proceeded to tell them about the next step. "The next part will be a standard Ministry security spell for all of you. Then, I'll be able to tell you the rest over the mindspeech link. Molly, would you and Hermione take care of warding the house? Ron, are you ready for the next step?"

"No problem Dad," he answered, but watched as his mother and Hermione worked together on a very thorough warding of the house. He was at least as proud of Hermione as she was of him.

Percy couldn't contain his surprise. "You mean Ron is going to help you cast Ministry security spells? That isn't something a new fifth year can handle."

"No, not usually, Percy," Arthur couldn't help it ... he enjoyed taking the wind out of this particular son's sails ... the young man just asked for it. "And you have it backwards ... I'm going to be standing by to help Ron ... he is casting the spell. You see, he and Hermione have learned a great deal in the past two weeks. Your brother is better at this kind of spellcasting than I am." He looked questioningly at Ginny, to see if she was also ready for this next step. She swallowed, but nodded.

The mindspeech links had been easy, really. Ron had a fairly strong gift, and they were all blood kin. This was going to be a test of how far Harry had pushed his friends in developing their power centers and learning to focus their minds. Ron stood, pulling out his wand. He steadied himself, and as before, began with Ginny. Locking in on her mind, then on Fred and George, he focused on his three siblings and began to cast the spell, speaking mentally through the mindspeech link as well as out loud. With nary a stumble, he completed the spell and sighed in relief.

/* How are you holding up, son? */ Arthur asked Ron.

Ron nodded, then began on the other three brothers. Bill, Charlie and Percy next felt a strong presence in their minds. Percy, as usual, began fussing and resisting, but Charlie kicked him under the table. Ron took that moment to get a good hold on Percy, then cast the spell. As he struggled a bit with Percy's stubbornness and began to feel the strain, Arthur was suddenly there, acting as an anchor for his youngest son. The spell was completed with no more problems, and Ron plopped back into his seat, a bit winded.

Now, Arthur began sending a kind of condensed memory burst through Ron to the others. He'd had quite a bit of practice with such things within the circle lately. The rest of the Weasleys learned: -that their parents, Ron, and Hermione (a beastspeaker of magical creatures) were members of the Magus circle; -that Draco Malfoy had chosen the light, was an extremely gifted Scanner and was also in the circle; -that Severus Snape, former Death Eater, was free of the Dark Mark and had developed into a very highly ranked wizard; -various other items of information; and the real name of the Magus ... Harry Potter!

It would take a few minutes for them to assimilate the information, since their family link wasn't as powerful as the Magus circle links. While the stunned Weasleys tried to adjust to the new information, and new method of getting information, Molly opened the Daily Prophet to see just how bad the coverage was.

On the front page was a rather gruesome picture of the death's-head over the burning rubble of Malfoy Manor. The flames flickered and the snake in the mouth of the death's-head seemed to writhe in the heat of the balefire. 'The third of the Named Ones falls ... eliminated by his own side?' read the headline ... followed by a Tammy Tattler special report, which mentioned in passing that Macnair had been killed during an attack. The Malfoys were much more newsworthy, apparently.

Molly and Arthur were reading the story, when they heard the twins and Ginny muttering things like, "Darius is Harry?" "No wonder he was The-Boy-Who-Lived!" "Snape and Malfoy are the good guys?" and other expressions of shock.

Percy was silent in his shock, having to reexamine his views regarding Harry, Hermione, his parents, and ... his youngest brother. Ron's magic was strong ... possibly strong enough to qualify as an Auror already. Then he remembered some of the other information ... that both Ron and Hermione were the fifth-year prefects and tutors. He could accept that about Hermione, but his irresponsible (in Percy's estimation) baby brother?

Bill and Charlie looked at each other as they came back into focus, and immediately mindspoke Ron, asking questions about his training and Harry. They were proud of Ron and excited about the chance to be involved in the fight against the Dark Lord.

Finally, the twins remembered the Daily Prophet and whined until their parents were passing it over. "Keep in mind what I told you about Draco, now." Arthur cautioned as he passed the paper over.

The others got up and huddled around the twins to check out the story. Ginny had a strange, satisfied look in her eye, reading about the fall of the man who had set her up as Tom Riddle's tool. Charlie commented, "Finally got a taste of his own medicine, did he now." Before his father could admonish him, he continued. "You can't say Lucius didn't deserve it. I feel bad for the son, considering he had to choose against his father, then have this happen, but this bastard deserved whatever his Master did to him."

Hermione was stunned by what she saw in the paper, saying, "Oh, poor Draco! I hope he doesn't see this."

Molly said quietly, "It's too later for that, dear. He went there last night with Severus. The article doesn't mention it, but Severus is the one who countered the balefire, and Draco used his gift to identify which Death Eaters had been there ... and confirmed who exactly had killed his parents."

Hermione looked at Ron, who understood immediately. He tried to contact Draco to check up on him. /* Oi! Malfoy! How are you holding up, mate? We just saw the paper. */

/* Weasley? */ Draco was shocked at the gesture of concern. /* Not too bad, I suppose ... all things considered. But I'm not up to talking about it yet. */ After a pause, he sent back, in an attempt at his usual cocky attitude, /* Tell Granger not to worry her frizzy head about it. */

/* Me worry about you, Malfoy? */ Hermione relayed through Ron. /* In your -dreams-, Ferret! */ she sent, trying for an icy retort, but failing as her relayed worry came through.

Ginny was looking oddly at her friend and her brother, before she guessed that they had been mindspeaking someone ... and who that someone was. "Well, how is the Slytherin Prince doing, then?" she asked them.

"So far, so good, I guess." Ron answered.

The family spent more than an hour discussing things. The circle members answered most questions, but not all. Arthur sent to Snape asking if he minded if the family knew about his guardianship of Draco. When Snape replied that it wasn't official yet, Arthur just assured him that, the Circle took care of its own ... the guardianship would go through. After a moment's surprise at the strength of Arthur's reassurance, he quietly agreed.

Finally, it was Ginny who said, "Well, when can we see the real Harry? I have a few words to say to him about keeping secrets from us!"

Chapter 36 - Sat, Aug 5 - Day 16
The Price of Power

Draco lay in bed, sleepless, waiting for the end of the overnight curfew. He had already dressed, but dreaded heading out to the common room, in case his fellow Slytherins were around early. He did not want to talk about last night, not with them at any rate. After returning from Malfoy Manor ... or what was left of it ... Severus had accompanied him back to his room and ensured that no one asked any questions. Sometimes Snape even scared Slytherins with that look.

But Draco knew, unless he got out early, he would be trapped. Perhaps he could talk someone into passing him through the curfew wards. He reached out lightly along the circle link. Snape was still sleeping, but Potter was wide awake. /* Potter! */ he sent. /* How about letting me out early ... I'm going stir crazy here. */

/* No problem, Malfoy, */ Harry sent back with a laugh. /* You've been able to bypass the curfew wards ever since you were cleared to apparate around the school. */

Draco sat up suddenly. /* What? */ Then, after a minute, a sort of grumbling, /* I -knew- that! */ He thought he heard a soft mental chuckle, /* Not! */ Ignoring that comment, Draco sent, /* So, where are you, Potter? */

/* I'm in the gym. I can't get a real workout when the other students might walk in on me. */ Though Harry's thoughts came through easily, without sign of effort, Draco could sense he was really exerting himself.

Apparating easily to the gym, he looked over and saw Harry working out on the 'Big Guy' as they called the heavy duty equipment. Wearing shorts and the tank top from the London gym didn't leave much to the imagination. Harry had finished his progressive shapeshifting and was now using his true form when he wasn't being Darius.

Growing up 'Malfoy' had taught Draco how to appreciate quality and artistic perfection. What he saw put Greek statues and romance novel models to shame. Lucky for me, he thought to himself, I'm only interested in girls, or I'd be in big trouble. Checking out the Magus from head to toe, his gaze lingered about halfway along and, with a smirk, thought, Yes ... -big- trouble!

Telling himself to get his mind out of the gutter, he continued to watch Harry's workout from across the room. He has a point ... constantly pushing your limits just to the hurting point is the only way to reach your potential in a hurry. Draco had progressed to the point that he could endure being completely open to sensing Dumbledore's and Snape's remarkable power levels. Severus ... he corrected himself, remembering the sense of ... belonging when the Potions Master had insisted on becoming his guardian. Neither of his parents had ever provided him with such a feeling of security and of being valued for himself.

Back to business, Drake! he chided himself. He still had to shield a great deal where Harry was concerned. The more sensitive his Scanning ability grew, the more it hurt to barely 'look' at the Magus. He would have to deal with that problem if he was ever going to be of any help.

He found a chair, sat down and tried to get fairly comfortable. He shifted his perceptions for a wide Scan ... taking in whatever information was available ... and slowly lowered his shields. As the discomfort began ... a burning headache and some shortness of breath ... he paused. Forcing himself to breathe deeply and steadily, he counted out a minute as the discomfort lessened. Then he lowered the shield a bit more. And he paused again. He repeated this until he was getting light-headed with pain, then backed off until the pain was a bearable 'background noise'. He realized he was much more open than he had ever been around the Magus. Well! It worked! he thought. And it wasn't -too- bad. Then he closed his eyes and began to analyze what he was sensing.

The magic power ... bright and shining, seemingly unlimited energy feeding a deep pool, which ... simmered ... at levels many times stronger than Dumbledore and Severus combined. But he was sensing other things ... new patterns. There was an ebb and flow as though some kind of energy was increasing, then decreasing, and increasing again. Opening his eyes, he realized these patterns changed with the exercise routine Harry was working on. Am I seeing -physical- energy patterns, as well as magical patterns? And, if so, would this work on anyone, or is it just because of his Magus transformation that he's so ... saturated with magic?

He shifted his senses in various ways, trying to get different 'views' of this new information. Glancing at his own arm, he tried to compare what he sensed there and what he sensed in Harry. He'd had basic first aid training long ago, and Draco would sometimes help his mother deal with his father's injuries after a particularly nasty punishment session, though as soon as Lucius had regained consciousness, he drove his son away from him sick bed. No ... stop ... I don't want to think about them just now ... later. What am I seeing here?

It almost seemed as though he was sensing physical structure ... and if he was correct, Harry's muscle density was phenomenal. No wonder he's so bloody strong. He must weigh more than normal, too. About then, he realized that Harry must be finishing up his routine. There was much less fluctuation in the physical energies. As he shifted back to normal vision, he saw Harry set his current set of weights back in place.

Harry conjured up a towel and was wiping off the sweat that hadn't soaked into his clothes. Looking up, he met Draco's eye.

"Finished showing off, Potter?" Draco drawled with a bored expression on his face, but a laugh in his thoughts. The next thing he knew, he had a sweaty towel thrown in his face. "Ugh! Cute ... real cute." Holding it away from him with two fingers, he turned his head away as though he were holding a skunk and dropped the towel. Then he stood waiting as Harry approached him. In the moments when Draco had the towel covering his vision, Harry had cleaned up and changed clothes to his Magus uniform.

Draco's excitement over the new aspects to his Scanning fought to override his Slytherin coolness. Slytherin lost. "Something happened while I was watching your workout," he began.

Harry gave him a very wicked smile, and said, almost sensuously, "Ohhh?" His sparkling eyes gave away the joke.

Draco was not amused. "You wish!" he snapped.

Harry realized Draco was being serious and shifted mental gears. This time his voice conveyed interest and curiosity when he said, "Oh?"

/* Here, look, */ Draco said mentally, deciding it was easier to convey the information with a memory sharing.

Harry was intrigued, both at this new aspect of physical sensing, and the degree of progress Draco had made in his open Scan. "That physical sense of yours ... it's similar to the sensing portion of the Healing gift ... but I don't see the active portions of the Healing gift, just passive. I haven't seen any reference to sensing beyond magic in the Scanner references ... have you?"

"Not a thing, but then there was no reference to the symbols I see for various powers and talents, or anything to explain the images I saw of that Death Eater Quadralis last night." Draco was pacing now, getting quite analytical for a Slytherin.

"Well, that's no surprise," Harry stated, to Draco's surprise. "You realize by now, don't you, that you're as unique among Scanners as I am among Magi, maybe more. Listen," Harry continued. "Are you up to coming along on a project this morning?"

Draco looked at Harry warily, then answered, "Sounds like a good idea. I need a distraction." Which was the closest Draco would come to admitting how the previous day had affected him. "What did you have in mind?"

"Madame Maxime asked Albus yesterday if Darius would come by and upgrade the protections on Beauxbatons. The wards have never been as good as Hogwarts' wards. Now they're nervous since Durmstrang was hit and they found out that Wormtail had been lurking about." Harry and Draco were walking out of the gym, towards Dumbledore's tower. "She should be fire-calling soon. I planned to try to get a fix on her location to apparate. I'd like you to monitor the wards as I work on them, watch for weak or unstable spots. Since I'll be working slowly, I should be fine, myself."

Draco thought about that. "Then before we go, I'd like a tour of the Hogwarts wards to learn how the various spells work together."

"Fine, let's head straight up to my room and we can go through everything." And Harry apparated both of them up to his room in the Headmaster's Tower.

Between what he saw through Desiree Devereaux and what she reported about the events last night at Malfoy Manor, Voldemort had a great deal to think about. He was certain that, even as clumsy as the Death Eaters' Quadralis had been, even Dumbledore couldn't have countered the balefire alone. Yet Severus Snape had done so.

"So, Severus. Not only have you been freed of my Mark, but you have broken through the power block that constrained you for over 20 years. Lucius was right to be concerned about your potential. If this much power had been available to you the last time I ruled the Death Eaters, you might have defeated me yourself. But not now!" Voldemort's inhuman gaze fairly glowed with dark power. "You are, however, a danger to my Death Eaters. But now we shall be prepared."

The Dark Lord paced around his tent, speaking to his great snake. "But what of the boy, Nagini? He has power as well, far more than a boy his age should have. His Scanner gifts are formidable if he can sense the Mark on a person so easily, or identify the caster of a spell from the body of a dead victim. He even could tell the balefire was set by a Quadralis, and who participated. The foolish child should have served me with this power. He could have stood at my side." Voldemort's voice rose in anger and fanaticism. "He might have been my heir, Nagini! But now, he must die, as surely as his father before him." His eyes glowed, looking out into an unseen distance.

"As certainly as Harry Potter will, Draco Malfoy must die."

Harry had started by showing Draco his own Scan of the Hogwarts protective spells. Using that as a base, Draco Scanned and analyzed the complex wards. In his mind, he built a kind of layered blueprint of the spells, how they interacted, even who had cast them and how long ago in some cases. Where magical patterns and symbols were concerned, he had a perfect memory. Once identified, he would always recognize a spell or spellcaster.

Dumbledore was pleased that Draco would be participating with Darius. He introduced Draco during the fire-call from Olympe Maxime as "a rather talented Scanner who will be assisting the Magus." This surprised Draco to the point he was almost blushing, but his Slytherin facade took over and he merely acknowledged the introduction with a professional-looking smile.

Since there wasn't a floo connection between the schools, Darius said, "If you don't mind, Madam, when this call is finished, please stay where you are, but turn away from the fireplace, toward an open area of the room. We will arrive shortly." He had already formed enough of a link to use the Beauxbatons headmistress as a focus.

Dumbledore closed the fire-call connection, then looked at the two young men in his office. "Ready?" Darius smiled, looked over to Draco, who swallowed, then nodded.

Then the headmaster returned to his desk, in his now-empty office.

Olympe Maxime was half-giant, though to most people she still insisted she just 'had big bones'. She had led Beauxbatons Academy for many years, and the school was filled with extra large doorways and extra tall ceilings. She looked thoughtfully at the open area of her office in front of her expansive desk, when suddenly two figures stood in the previously empty space.

"Merde!" she cursed under her breath, then she composed herself and smiled, offered her hand to shake, saying in a husky French accent, "Welcome, messieurs, to Beauxbatons. I am grateful for your assistance."

Instead of shaking hands, Darius took Madame Maxime's hand and bowed over it, saying, "Enchante', Madame!"

At this, Draco looked sharply at the Magus and sent, /* Since when do -you- speak French, Potter? */

/* Since this morning, Malfoy, */ Harry smirked.

Draco mentally muttered, /* It just isn't fair, you know, how you can learn things so quickly. */ Then, to Madame Maxime, Draco gave a sweeping bow and addressed her in flawless French, saying how delighted he was to see her again, and how he hoped she could visit Hogwarts again some time.

Now it was Harry's turn to send, /* Since when do -you- speak French, Malfoy? */

Draco sent back, smugly, /* Since I was three, Potter. Just a -tad- longer, I'd say. */

Olympe was delighted, and the three of them agreed to speak in French for the rest of the visit. She began by taking Darius and Draco to the workroom usually used when dealing with the wards. Once there, both Darius and Draco Scanned the room itself, then worked their way outwards. They hadn't progressed far when, after a quick mental consultation, they agreed that this was not the optimal location to be working large-scale wards. They left the room, engaged in a type of hot-and-cold game ... going in one direction if the balances felt better; turning away from another direction if it felt less stable.

After they had gone down two floors and over one corridor, they found themselves just outside the school library. Then Darius addressed the headmistress, who had followed them along, amazed to watch these two young men who could tell what areas were used heavily for magic and which weren't. "Madam, this will be the ideal place to work. I can set up protections so that nothing will be disturbed as we examine the wards and plan the improvements."

"Very well, Sir Magus," she answered, which caused Draco to smile, since that was his favorite title to tease Darius with. "I will clear the room for your use." As she led them through the doorway, they realized there was someone working in the stacks, someone they both recognized.

"Fleur Delacour?" Darius said in surprise, then realized he needed an excuse to know who she was. Continuing in French, he introduced himself. "Hello, I am Darius. I believe you met Draco Malfoy at Hogwarts. Harry Potter told me much about the other champions in the Triwizard Tournament."

Fleur nodded at Draco, wondering what seemed different about him. He does not -sneer- so much as he did before. Interesting. Then to Darius, "You are the Magus I have heard of? Welcome to Beauxbatons. You say you know Harry Potter. Is he well? I have worried about him. He was very affected by the events at the end of the tournament."

"Yes, Harry is doing well. He is having additional training at Hogwarts this summer, so that he can be better prepared the next time he encounters Voldemort." He was a little surprised that Fleur was so concerned for him, not at all snooty as she often was during the school year. Perhaps it was because she felt she owed Harry for her sister's rescue during the second task. Or perhaps it was as simple as being more comfortable on her home ground, in her native language. Interestingly enough, he realized he was immune to her veela heritage.

Darius continued, "We are here to reinforce the protections on the school, at Madam's request. We will need to work here in the library to achieve the best effect."

Looking at Madame Maxime, who nodded, Fleur said, "Of course, sir. I can finish this later. We are most grateful for your assistance after the events of yesterday. I will be acting as a teaching assistant and tutor this year, since we will be taking on some of those who used to attend Durmstrang. I believe you have also been asked to assist in some of the remodeling?" she asked.

The headmistress confirmed. "Yes, we are fortunate to have the assistance of the Magus in that regard as well. However, protection must take precedence over logistics."

Fleur left with Madame Maxime, looking back over her shoulder at the two young men, who appeared immune to her charms, a rare occurrence.

Draco noticed her chagrin and laughing, sent /* Oh, poor veela-girl! She looks so disappointed that we didn't react to her. At least, it looked to -me- as though you're immune to her ... -charms-. */

/* I am -now-, */ Harry agreed. /* You? */

/* It's amazing how well you can resist a magical influence when you -know- it's magic and not a normal human reaction, */ Draco commented. /* It's almost like an overpowering perfume to my Scanner senses ... too much of a good thing. */

"Well, let's get to work." Harry linked their minds and Scanning senses so they could share perceptions and energy. Draco's more detailed perceptions and Harry's greater strength and range worked amazing well together. They shielded the room from interruption, examined the existing shaky protections, and designed and implemented a much stronger, much more efficient system. When they finally disengaged, they found that they were actually energized by the project, which had taken almost three hours.

However, "I didn't have any breakfast. Did you?" Draco asked. As they left the library, they found a house elf waiting just outside the door, who conveyed an invitation to join the headmistress and Fleur for brunch.

"Which way is the dining hall?" Draco asked, as his stomach betrayed him with a rumble, and the Magus suppressed a snigger.

Both Ron and his father had left a mental 'message' for Harry to find when he came back 'on-line' ... dropping the shields that kept out even the circle communications links. Harry found the message as he and Draco were heading for the Beauxbatons dining room. /* How about an hour? */ Harry sent to Ron, Arthur and Molly. /* We're expected for brunch with Madame Maxime ... it wouldn't be polite to leave just yet. */

/* Who's 'we', Harry? */ Ron asked.

/* Draco came along to help out, since he's the better Scanner, */ Harry answered.

After no more than a moment's hesitation, Molly offered, /* Well, Harry, you can bring him along if you like. He probably shouldn't be left alone just now, you know. */

A short pause later, Harry answered, /* He says, nothing personal, but he isn't up to a house full of Weasleys just now. I know he appreciates the offer, but you lot -can- be overwhelming at times, and he's still not used to being civil to Gryffindors. */ Harry's smile could be felt easily along the circle link, and his concerns were so genuine, the Weasleys couldn't feel slighted by the refusal.

/* Well, then, in an hour or so, */ Arthur confirmed. /* Give my regards to Olympe. */

All the Weasleys had agreed without a word to hang around the house until Harry came over. There were mixed feelings of excitement, uncertainty, and in Ginny's case, even a little anger. How could he keep such a thing secret from us? Sitting at the table as Darius ... like a stranger. How could Ron and 'Mione? Especially considering how we're practically his family ... how we all care about him. Then she thought even more quietly to herself, almost afraid to think it. How much -I- care for him?

Since the moment she had first seen him at Kings Cross, even before she knew who he was, there seemed to be a connection between them. It was as though she knew what he was feeling. She had seen bright emerald eyes, almost hidden by his glasses, messy but wonderful raven black hair, a slight body, an uncertain smile, and a feeling of excitement, fear, loneliness and just a touch of hope. She wanted to be the person that would fill his loneliness. Ever since then, when he was near, it seemed she could tell what he was feeling.

They all wondered how much Harry had changed ... inside as well as outside. Darius was an act ... was the Harry they had seen occasionally over the last two weeks also an act? Harry had always been special ... The-Boy-Who-Lived ... and just Harry Potter was a special person to most of them. Even Percy's jealousy couldn't keep him from realizing that. And Ginny and the brothers were also trying to adjust to the changes they saw in Ron and Hermione. They both exhibited a strength and self-confidence that made them seem older. The family wondered how they had missed the changes in these two that had been living in their midst.

A soft but rich and clear voice came from the direction of the fireplace. "Good Morning, Weasleys." /* 'Lo, "Mione */ he said silently to the only non-Weasley there ... though he suddenly realized that someday she would be a Weasley and smiled quietly.

They looked over, and there stood Harry Potter ... no, Harry Magus. Some of them for the first time saw the Magus as he truly was. He wore the uniform that Darius had been wearing at Beauxbatons, his thick, long hair tied back by a strip of black silk. He no longer heavily masked his powers, only enough to prevent others from being uncomfortable. Power and charisma, tightly leashed, were obvious in his stance, and every small movement.

He glanced at Molly and Arthur and frowned, walking over to them. "I thought you two were going to get some rest ... wait," he said as Molly began to fuss, "let me rephrase that. Molly, you promised you would get some sleep when you got home. And you too, Arthur. You were up most of the night." The Magus scolded his circle, almost as though he was the adult, and they were the errant teens.

This familiarity absolutely enraged Percy. "How dare you talk to them like that, Harry!" he sputtered. "Have some respect for my parents. Just because ..."

"Shut up, Percy!" Ron's anger was almost tangible. "You don't know what you're talking about."

The Magus turned smoldering emerald eyes towards Percy Weasley. Fred and George swallowed hard. "Percy, I'll overlook that for now because you don't understand what it means to be part of a circle, especially this one. Everyone in my circle is under my protection ... my responsibility. I have a right and a duty to protect Molly and Arthur, even from themselves. And if you feel that my using their names is insulting, you couldn't be more wrong. You ... just don't understand." He paused, then sorrowfully he finished, "You may never understand."

Arthur stepped over to his son, trying to assure him that he shouldn't be upset by this. In his private thoughts, he was pained as he realized what Harry's last comment meant ... something he couldn't argue with. Percy would probably never know the closeness, the amazing joy of being a part of the Magus circle ... it just wasn't in him to give of himself in that way, to trust and be trustworthy to that extent. Arthur hoped they were wrong, but so far, Percy had always been too superficial, too self-important, almost as though he were a Fudge instead of a Weasley. Well, Arthur thought, even Fudge is showing signs of change ... perhaps there's some hope for Percy.

Molly had been assuring Harry that she would take a nap soon. Ginny was quietly watching the scene, trying to reconcile Harry Magus with the Harry Potter she'd had a crush on since the moment she'd seen him outside Platform 9 3/4. Taking a deep breath, Ginny braced herself, telling herself to act as though this were one of her overbearing brothers, and said fiercely, "Harry Potter, you have some explaining to do!"

Quick as that, Harry's expression changed. He looked sheepishly at Ginny, then at the twins, Bill and Charlie. He avoided Percy's eyes, and Percy avoided looking at him. "Well, I ..."

On a roll, Ginny continued, "How could you keep such an important secret from us? We're practically your family, Harry. Didn't you trust us?" Didn't you trust -me-? she thought to herself ... at least she hoped so. "Why ..."

"Calm down, Gin!" Harry had stepped over, laying his hand on her shoulder and catching her eyes with his searching gaze.

"Don't you 'Gin' me!" She put out both hands to push Harry away. Ginny was actually stronger than she looked ... the result of having six older brothers and rough-housing with them most of her life. She shoved, but nothing happened, except that she actually stumbled backwards herself from the force of her push having nowhere to go. Harry firmly but gently grabbed her arms to steady her, then let go. Dear heavens, he's like a rock wall.

Taking advantage of Ginny's surprise, Harry began his explanations. "If everyone will sit down, and stay calm," he smiled at Ginny who was wandering over to a chair in a daze, "I can start making excuses." His eyes were laughing, but also asking forgiveness as he looked around the room. He absently conjured a glass of pumpkin juice as he sat and took a sip and thought about how to proceed.

"Alright. You know the basics. Darius and his Mentor came over to talk to the new Deputy Minister. At first, I wasn't even going to tell Ron and Hermione, but Ron ruined that." Harry grinned in his friend's direction. "Your dad had to know because of his new position at the Ministry. And you all know the risks of keeping a secret from your mum." This got a laugh from the table, and surprisingly, a slight blush from Molly. "But Ron's mindspeech talent decided to wake up just then, possibly triggered by my magic, and he figured out who I really was. I really had no choice about telling him and Hermione. Once they knew, and were coming to visit me at Hogwarts after my classes, it only made sense to share my training with them as much as possible."

"And now, the rest of you know about me." Harry concluded his 'speech' with, "I promise to answer your questions as long as the secret is mine to tell. There are some issues involving others that I can't talk about."

There was silence at the table ... some having no idea what to ask, others having so many questions they couldn't decide where to start. After a few moments, Ron asked, "Well, while they think about it, I've been dying to know about Trelawney's prediction. There have been rumors, but ..." His voice trailed off, expectantly.

George looked at Ron. "You're balmy! Since when has the Bat ever had a real prediction?"

Harry laughed, saying, "Actually, as of last Monday, she's had a real vision three times." Reaching out slightly, a scroll appeared in his hand. He looked around the table, his eyes resting on the youngest. "Ginny, will you read it? Then I'll explain what we've decided so far on the meaning."

Their eyes met, and she again felt what he was feeling, though the sensation was stronger than ever. There was a deep affection for all of them, regret that she had felt betrayed, hope for reconciliation and understanding ... She broke eye contact, having difficulty breathing, then looked down at the scroll and read aloud:

"The imperial dragon rises
.....She felt Charlie's excitement that a dragon was involved ...
from the blood of the griffin
.....Ron's pride in Gryffindor ...
to challenge the basilisk.
.....Hermione's stab of fear, remembering when she had been petrified ...

The sons of the snake
.....The twins' disgust ...
and the children of the lion
.....Was that her parents' feelings ?...
will stand together against all odds.
.....Pride in their family ...

Generations will pass
.....Harry ... resignation, loneliness ...
before the dragon
.....Charlie again ... any mention of dragons ...
finds his soul,
.....Harry ... hope?

but the black will fall
.....Deep satisfaction ... Bill?
before the purple
.....Percy ... fear, jealousy ...
if the time is right."
.....concern that success wasn't certain ... from everyone

Ginny was shaking by now, though her voice had been steady. She was feeling emotions from everyone ... and didn't know how to stop it. Instinctively, she sent, /* Harry, help me! */

A comforting sensation, both cool and warm at the same time, cushioned her mind. Though he didn't look at her, she knew Harry was doing it. The foreign emotions faded, as she heard, /* Well, it looks like my talent for awakening other talents is working overtime again. You're an empath, Ginny. Is this enough to make you comfortable, or should we deal with your shields immediately? */

Ginny was getting herself under control, and knowing the impatience in her family about the Magus ... an impatience she still shared ... she sent back, /*Later ... I want to know about this prophecy. */

She felt for a moment satisfaction and pride from Harry, deliberately sent, before fading behind the temporary shields the Magus had given her. "Well," she said aloud, "start explaining, then."

"The first stanza is basically the fact that I have to face Voldemort." Harry began. "I'm the dragon, he's the basilisk."

Charlie, as the dragon fanatic he was, began to guess why Harry was the dragon. "But your animagus forms are panther and butterfly ... don't tell me there are more?"

"Ok, I won't tell you," Harry deadpanned, then smiled. "That's it, exactly. My primary animagus form is actually a dragon." Knowing the next question Charlie would ask, he continued, "An Emperor Horntail ... the imperial dragon of the prophecy." Quickly continuing with the next shock, he told them, "The 'blood of the griffin' is also me, since I'm one of Gryffindor's descendents."

Percy sat stunned, and whispered, "You're the Heir of Gryffindor?"

"No, not the Heir, just of Gryffindor's blood." Harry sent a quick question to Dumbledore, /* May I tell them you're a Gryffindor? */ Dumbledore sent his permission easily. "Albus is also a descendent of Gryffindor. I think we're the only male descendents at this time, but that there are at least three females, though I don't know who they are. And, 'the basilisk' is obviously Voldemort, as Slytherin's Heir and a parselmouth who commanded the basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets."

Hermione, having quickly determined the meaning of the first stanza without explanation had been thinking about the second. "The 'sons of the snake' and the 'children of the lion' ... against all odds. That sounds like the alliance between houses that's already started ... Slytherin and Gryffindor."

"Alliance?" Fred and George said together in horror. "The world is coming to an end!"

"Isn't that what 'against all odds' would imply?" Harry grinned. "Yes, the 'sons of the snake' at the least mean Severus and Draco. The 'children of the lion' are, at least, me, Ron, and Hermione. Would you believe that Severus actually admitted at the staff meeting that ... let's see, he said, 'I have reluctantly begun to have some respect for the Gryffindor Trio.' "

Fred nodded. "Yep, the world is coming to an end. What about the third stanza? If you're the dragon ..."

Here, Harry seemed a bit embarrassed and sad. "Yeah, well, we figure that means my soulmate hasn't been born yet and I'll have a ... bit of a wait. Well, that doesn't mean I can't date in the meantime, though!" Harry tried to lighten up.

"Hasn't been born yet?" Ginny whispered. So, it isn't me ... but ... I was so sure ... but that connection I felt was just the beginnings of being an empath ... "Generations? That sounds like you'd be at least 40 years older ..." Suddenly, Ginny remembered something about the possible life span of a Magus, and she stared at Harry, wide-eyed.

It was Bill who asked, "Obviously some powerful wizards like Dumbledore, can live for a couple of centuries ... what about a Magus? Darius was 200, but he died of overload. In fact, I think all the Magi died of overload. Does that mean ..." Bill had run out of words, and somehow couldn't bring himself to use the term.

"No, a Magus isn't immortal, not quite. It's more being ... ageless, and there's very little that can kill off a Magus. So far, it seems that, as you said, the only cause of death for past Magi has been attempting something beyond their limits. Either the task itself killed them, or they died, like Liam, because their own powers went out of control and ... consumed them. That's why I have to be so bloody careful training, and why I haven't gone after Voldemort yet." Harry paused, then he continued.

"And that brings us to the last stanza. I can defeat him 'if the time is right' ... if I can learn how to control these powers so I don't kill myself in the process. I think if I could be sure of taking him with me, I wouldn't worry so much, but ..."

Hermione was outraged. "Don't you dare talk like that ... you will not even think about sacrificing yourself like that!" she said harshly, looking at the others for support, especially Ginny and the Weasley parents. "You've made wonderful progress in just two weeks. You can control your powers ... you just need to find the key."

Several of the Weasleys were confused about the issue of control, so Arthur looked at Harry for permission and tried to explain. "Who was the most powerful Magus before now and how old was he at his awakening?" Arthur asked.

Bill answered, "Darius ... he was 25 ... but," his eyes grew wide as he realized the implications. "Harry wasn't quite 15 ..."

"Exactly," Arthur confirmed, while Harry sat quietly, looking a bit uneasy, still sometimes feeling unaccountably embarrassed about his vast abilities. "Harry is undoubtedly the most powerful Magus in history. Albus believes that the difficulty Harry is having stems from being too powerful. Anything a wizard can accomplish is easy, but using the Magus-level powers under stress isn't working reliably in the least. Even the transformation he's experienced," Arthur glanced over at the 'new Harry', "hasn't been enough so far to allow him to control his full power. His magic didn't just change his appearance. It has actually aged him, what, about three years?" He glanced at Harry for confirmation and permission to tell the rest. Harry quietly nodded. "And it has changed him physically, so completely that, well, he isn't quite human anymore. That's why, well, no Magus has ever had children after his awakening. Not ... genetically compatible any more." Arthur's voice trailed off as the family experienced various degrees of shock, sympathy, outrage at the unfairness of it all.

"The price of power ..." whispered Harry. At this, Ginny jumped up, running outside in tears, overwhelmed with Harry's sorrow and her own. He stood up and slowly followed her outside as Molly sternly ordered the rest of the family to sit down and let Harry handle this. He had told Molly and Arthur about Ginny's empathic talent, so they knew that more people would only make things worse. Quietly, they told the others about Ginny's talent.

Harry caught up with Ginny, sitting awkwardly beneath a large tree, quietly crying her heart out. He sat beside her, one arm around her shoulders, gently pulling her into a brotherly embrace. As he held her, he reached into her mind, building a strong shield for her using her own magic, then showing her everything she needed to know about controlling her empathic talent. There would be some rough spots in the next few days, but she had a strong, focused mind, just as Hermione did, and she learned quickly.

After conjuring a hankie and a glass of juice for Ginny, Harry sat back, wondering how to deal with the rest of their issues. He knew that Ginny wasn't his soulmate, even before the prophecy. She, like Hermione, was a sister to him. But he knew that she believed she loved him in a different way. How could he make her realize it wasn't real without hurting her? Then, he realized, as he was helping her with her empathic gift, he had picked up on the fact that today wasn't the first time she had felt emotions ... only the first time she had felt people besides Harry. Now, that connection wasn't quite as unique as before.

He stood and wandered a short distance away. After a few moments, Ginny followed him. "Thanks, Harry." After a pause, "Harry, I'm sorry that ..."

He turned, placed a fingertip on her lips to stop her, and smiled. "There's nothing to be sorry for, Gin. You know for sure, now, don't you, how I feel about you. I care a great deal ... just not the way you hoped." He stopped as he had a thought ... it could make matters worse, but then again ... "Ginny, have you been kissed yet?"

Startled, Ginny blushed brightly. "Well, a couple of times last spring, with ... never mind," she insisted, trying to turn away.

"Well, then. I think I can prove something to you." With that, Harry gently turned her face toward him. He leaned down, kissing her gently, tenderly, then more insistent, before he pulled away.

Ginny's eyes were glazed ... as Hermione had suspected at the lake, Harry was extremely good at kissing ... and the young redhead couldn't breathe for a moment. Then she whispered, "Wow! ... but ..." and she tilted her head, looking puzzled, wondering what was missing.

"Exactly ... 'but ...'," Harry confirmed. "Was there a 'but ...' last spring?"

"It wasn't anything like this, but ..." Ginny, couldn't find the words.

"Ah, the other 'but ...'," Harry teased Ginny. Whoever had kissed her last spring wasn't the most accomplished kisser around, but that something was there. "Will you tell me who?"

Turning pink, she couldn't say it out loud, so she sent, /* Colin. */

"Oh no!" Harry pretended to be horrified, pretended so badly Ginny had to laugh. "Not the mad photographer!" Then he smiled, genuinely. "Ginny, I'm glad for you. Just take it slow, in case it's not a long-term thing, ok? Big-brother Harry doesn't want his redhead to get hurt, you know."

Ginny looked up at him, smiling. "Still Harry Potter, yet, not. This all has made you grow up, hasn't it? Not that you weren't always somehow older than you should be. Harry Magus is an adult, isn't he?" Harry nodded, with a small, sad smile. She stretched up on tiptoe and kissed him lightly on the mouth. "I love you, Big-brother Harry."

"I love you, too, Ginny-sis." Harry smiled, relieved at how things had finally resolved between them. Then, sensing hostility aimed at him, he looked over towards the house to see Ron standing there, fuming. "Now, we just have to convince Ron I haven't been dishonorable with his baby sister. Now I need your protection, Ginny! How do I deal with a redhead's temper?"

(continued)