Mind Meld

The ride was over quickly and they arrived at King’s Crossing. The trucks were loaded onto trolleys and the group headed to the platform. Harry was flanked on either side by an Auror, in front by Arthur and behind by Remus who had met them at the station. He felt very conspicuous with the large group surrounding him.

They were waiting for the train to arrive when Harry got his first glimpse of Draco. He hadn’t talked to him today and wondered how he would react. The train was loading and Harry headed to get on. Draco was flanked by Crabbe and Goyle when they passed by Harry and his own entourage.

He did a double take and then snickered. “Hey look, the famous Harry Potter has his own fan club.” He sneered at the group. “What, Creepy Creevy wasn’t enough? Will you be doing autographs later?”

Harry wanted to laugh but knew what his part was. He summoned up some anger and snapped, “At least mine know how to put their shoes on the correct feet without diagrams.” He snickered as Crabbe and Goyle both tried to work out what Harry had said. He saw Draco reach for his wand and Harry reached for his own. Both Tonks and Annalise already had theirs ready and Draco slipped his hand away from his wand without drawing it.

‘Careful Draco, they won’t mess around, and they don’t know,’ Harry was quick to send the warning.

He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up at Remus. “Come on son, time to board.”

Draco was slowly moving away from the group, his arrogant swagger as he walked away without looking back seemed to infuriate Ron even more. Ron started in on his list of One Hundred Reason I Hate Draco Malfoy.

Remus just gave a slight smile to Harry. “Don’t let them get to you this year Harry. I know it will be difficult, but you have so much more to worry about.”

Harry nodded. There almost seemed to be too much going on. It was going to be very confusing. He could tell already. Harry boarded the train and he and Ron, Hermione and Ginny went searching for a compartment.

Annalise had already boarded the train to make sure it was safe and Tonks was behind the group. She somehow managed to trip on the last step and almost started a domino reaction, but for Harry’s seeker reflexes that halted the group toppling. The two were going to accompany Harry until he reached Hogwarts grounds where it was deemed he would be safe.

Harry found the compartment that Annalise was reserving and the group settled in. Hermione and Ron left for their prefect meeting but Neville and Luna both popped their heads in and Harry invited them to join. They were looking curiously at Tonks and Annalise but settled in.

The train pulled away and Harry heard the familiar voice in his head, ‘Who in the hell are they!?’

‘Um, Aurors. They are acting as my bodyguards,’ he was rather hesitant telling Draco.

‘Bloody hell Harry! Don’t you think you should have warned me? I damn near drew my wand!’ Harry almost winced at his tone.

‘Sorry. I didn’t know myself until they showed up to pick us up,’ he knew it was a weak argument.

‘Whatever.’

Shit. Draco was going to sulk again. Harry hated it when he did that. He sighed and sat back.

‘I can’t believe you didn’t even recognize your own cousin. Or second cousin, or whatever relation it is,’ he said with a sigh.

Silence. Harry rolled his eyes at Draco. He saw Tonks looking at him with concern.

“What?” he asked her with a small smile.

“Just wondering why two sighs in less than a minute. Everything okay Harry?” her concern was evident.

“Yeah. Just thinking,” he looked at her and realized that her hair was strangely muted. “What’s up with your hair? Why brown? I thought you liked the pinks and purples?”

She looked at him and gave a sad smile. “Well, it seemed to fit my mood today.”

She didn’t seem inclined to elaborate so Harry let it drop. They sat in quiet except for the occasional whispering between Luna and Neville. He wondered how much longer Draco was going to sulk, or if Ron and Hermione would be back from their prefect meeting soon.

‘Which one is my cousin?’ Harry couldn’t resist a small smile. Harry peeked at Tonks and sent a mental image to Draco. ‘Oh. She’s pretty good looking. Must be related. But what is with the hair? So limp and blah. That must be from the other side of the family.’

Oh geez, he had moved from sulking to rambling on. Harry didn’t know what was worse.

‘She’s a metamorphamagus. Her hair can be whatever color she wants. Appearance as well. It’s really kind of cool,’ Harry replied enthusiastically. ‘Oh, and glad to see the sulk was short.’

‘Wouldn’t be. This meeting is boring. Granger keeps babbling on about the importance of some rule or another. I think she is trying to make a point,’ Harry tried not to snicker out loud. ‘She and Weasley keep looking at me.’

‘Gee, I wonder how many rules they will discuss if they are trying to talk about you,’ Harry asked sarcastically.

‘Um…More than a few, less than you,’ Harry had to grin. Draco did have a point.

‘Wait a minute! If you are in that meeting…you made prefect again!’ Harry was jealous, but also pleased for his friend.

‘Yup, and Quiddach Captain,’ came Draco’s smug response.

‘Why didn’t you tell me? Congrats,’ Harry was happy for his friend.

‘Still, surprised Weasley is prefect. Would have thought it was you.’ He hadn’t actually told Draco about Dumbledore’s reasons for not making him prefect so he did now.

‘But at least I am Gryffindor Quiddach Captain,’ He summarized. ‘We have a lot of positions to fill this year. Keeper and both Beaters.’

The discussion was interrupted by the breakup of the prefect meeting. ‘Well, later Harry. Don’t talk to me when I’m with my friends. They expect me to hold court. Can’t be distracted.’

‘Well duh. Wouldn’t want the brainless to have to think.’ Harry received a visual slap on the head for that thought.

‘Be nice,’ Draco scolded.

‘As nice as you are to Ron and Hermione,’ he replied sweetly.

The door to the compartment opened and he saw Ron and Hermione come through.

“Meeting over?” he knew it was a stupid question, but being Ron and Hermione, they wouldn’t question it.

“Yup.” said Ron as he flopped into the seat across from Harry. “And that git Malfoy is a prefect again. I don’t understand why Dumbledore would give him the position again. After what he did last year.”

Hermione settled into the seat next to Ron more delicately. “Well, who else would he assign?” she asked in her usual logical manner.

“Goyle? Crabbe? They wouldn’t be able to think without Draco telling them how to.”

Harry snickered. “How about Zabini?”

Hermione rolled her eyes. “Yeah, and the first cute guy that looked at him he would give house points to.”

“Guy?” queried Ron. “You mean…?”

Hermione grinned. “Yup. Gay. And rather flirty too. Mix with Slytherin, who ‘use any means’ and make him a prefect would be a disaster.’

Ron just blinked at her. Harry started laughing. He was going to have to confirm that one with Draco later.

“So the wizarding world doesn’t mind?” Harry asked. All he knew about gays was what his Uncle Vernon used to rave about. They were unnatural, perverts, shouldn’t be allowed. He didn’t really want to make an opinion based on what he thought.

Ron was starting to look less shocked. Hermione was the one that answered however. “Not really. They don’t exactly encourage it. Especially some of the pureblood lines. After all, hard to continue the line and get heirs that way. But they don’t condemn people either.”

Ron nodded. “Charlie is gay.” It was Harry’s turn to blink in surprise. “Mum was a little upset that she wouldn’t get grandkids from him, but as long as he is happy.” Ron shrugged.

Harry heard Tonks snort. He turned to see her doubled in silent laughter. “A little upset? She cried for a week straight!”

Ron grinned at her. “Yeah, but I think it was more because Bill and Fleur announced their engagement at the same time. Wasn’t the best week for her.”

Tonks burst into full laughter. Harry started laughing too, having listened to Molly complain about Fleur many times.

Luna and Neville looked on with interest. Just then Harry decided to use the good humor of the moment. “Tonks? Can we get Gryffindor colors?”

She grinned at him and in a flash, her hair was a bright red with golden streaks laced throughout it. He heard Neville and Luna gasp in surprise.

“Cool!” said Neville. “How do you do that?”

Tonks explained and Harry leaned back in his seat. So far it was an interesting start to the year. The rest of the ride was spent in good humor. Neville was doing very well. His grandmother was very pleased in his role in the Ministry battle, having bought several copies of the Daily Prophet and handed out articles to all his relatives and friends. He also got a new wand.

Ron and Hermione were arguing over some new prefect rule. Luna was lost in some book about runes. And Annalise was staring at Harry’s scar again. Too soon, they arrived and started to get off the train.

Harry was instructed to remain seated until the train was empty. Annalise then left to make sure the way was clear. Tonks got Harry’s luggage and Harry grabbed Hedwig’s cage while he waited. Soon Annalise returned to escort Harry off the train. His friends were outside waiting when he got off.

He noticed the stares from all the other students as Annalise and Tonks, her hair still in Gryffindor colors, escorted Harry from the train, wands drawn. The carriages drawn by the thestrals waited for the students to board. Harry saw the reactions of some students who were seeing the horses for the first time. He knew there had been other attacks over the summer. He just hadn’t realized how many people had actually witnessed death themselves.

‘What in the hell are those things?’ Harry heard the voice echoing. Covertly he glanced over at Draco to see him staring at the thestrals.

‘Um, they are thestrals. How is it you see them? You haven’t seen anyone die have you?’ Harry was only slightly confused. He suspected he knew the answer.

‘No. Only what you have shown me,’ Draco’s voice was very hesitant.

‘It must be enough. I’m sorry,’ Harry truly felt badly. He knew it was very disturbing for Draco.

Slowly Harry walked towards the horses. He saw Annalise’s confusion as she followed and knew instinctively that she couldn’t see them. Tonks was looking at them with sorrow. He knew that she was thinking, as he was, of Sirius’ death the previous year. Slowly Harry reached out and patted the thestral in the front. It turned and sniffed at him, but otherwise didn’t react.

He turned back towards the carriage to get in. As he did so, he saw several of the other students imitating his actions. He smiled slightly. Tonks took his arm to hold him back for a second. He nodded as Annalise got into the carriage first. Then he got in followed by Tonks. Ron and Hermione and Ginny climbed in.

“When we get to Hogwarts, Annalise and I will be returning to the Ministry. They are waiting for us to report in. After the feast, Dumbledore wants to meet with you Harry, alone, in his office.” Harry nodded.

As the group reached Hogwarts, Harry once again had to wait inside the carriage while Tonks went and made sure everything was clear. He was beginning to feel a bit ridiculous. He felt Draco’s mild irritation.

‘Damn Potter, do you really have to keep all of us waiting?’ was the snide comment.

‘Sorry, not exactly how I pictured all this either,’ he retorted. Tonks was back with the all clear. Harry climbed out with Annalise and the group headed to the Great Hall. Once Harry was at the doorway to the room, Tonks stayed him with a touch to the shoulder.

“Don’t worry Harry, we’re all watching out for you. You won’t be forbidden from Hogsmeade but someone will be going with you when you go. I’ve volunteered for all the trips,” she smiled. Harry was pleased to hear she would be one of the ones with him. Annalise had already started to leave, partly to give them a few moments. Harry hesitated for a minute, then impulsively hugged Tonks.

“Thanks.” She smiled in genuine pleasure. “By the way, those colors are really great!”

Harry went to the Gryffindor table and sat with his friends while they went through the sorting ceremony. There was more about houses uniting in the face of threat. Students sorted, more cheering, and finally food. Harry was starving. Molly’s sandwiches she made for everyone were always way too dry. Harry didn’t have the heart to tell her no thanks. He had never had anyone make him a lunch before.

Dumbledore gave his usual speech and introduced a new Defense Against Dark Arts professor. Harry couldn’t help the thought about how this one would end. His name was Slughorn, and he used to be a Slytherin if the looks coming from that table was anything to go by. Hagrid was quite conspicuously absent from the meal. Harry wondered if he was doing more Order work.

Too soon Ron and Hermione were getting up to lead the first years to the dorms. Harry relaxed at the table chatting with Neville and Seamus and Dean for a bit. Dumbledore had sat down after he speech, but now he was standing up. He nodded in Harry’s direction and he headed for the door. Harry met him there and they headed to Dumbledore’s office together.

Once there, Dumbledore stated the password letting them in “Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes”. Harry grinned.

“Hi Fawkes,” he said and went straight to where the bird was perched. The bird came forward to greet Harry and he petted him for a bit before he heard Dumbledore clear his throat. Harry turned and Dumbledore waved to a chair in front of his desk. Harry took a seat and Dumbledore started to speak.

An hour later it was a stunned Harry that left the office. In addition to his regular classes, he was to have private ones with Dumbledore himself. Harry didn’t know what those lessons were going to be. He knew that they weren’t going to be Occlumancy. Dumbledore made it clear that Snape was the only one that was qualified to teach that to Harry. If Harry wanted to continue those lessons, he would have to make the arrangements himself.

‘Harry, where are you?’ was the curious comment. He paused for a moment and realized, the strange fluctuation of emotions he was feeling must be rather disturbing for Draco.

‘I just had a meeting with Dumbledore. It was rather,’ he paused wanting the right word. ‘Intense.’

‘Oh. Is everything okay?’ Harry nodded at Draco. He wasn’t ready yet to put things to words. He knew however that Ron and Hermione were going to want details when he got back to the tower. He somehow wanted Draco to hear first. So quickly he gave Draco the highlights of the meeting.

‘So what do you think these lessons might be?’ Draco asked.

‘Dunno. I mean, not like he would be teaching me Dark Magic, and I don’t know what else he would teach that could help,’ Harry was mystified. Draco wasn’t much help either.

‘Look, I’m back at the Tower now, Ron and Hermione are going to want to know what happened. Talk to you later,’ He felt Draco’s annoyance at being pushed aside. ‘Whatever. Prat. I told you before them, so just deal.’

He felt the pleasure in Draco when that fact settled in, but mercifully he was quiet. Sure enough, no sooner did he get in than Hermione and Ron were dragging him to the room to question him. They didn’t have any ideas either on what Harry might be learning from Dumbledore.

Finally Hermione wrapped the group up saying they had to be up early for their potions class and Snape wouldn’t be very understanding if they were late. Harry headed to his own bed, drawing the curtains around before getting comfortable. He knew he wouldn’t be going to sleep for a while yet, but he wanted to spend some time with Draco.

They chatted together for a half an hour before Harry noticed how tired Draco was getting.

‘Harry,’ he asked. ‘Do you think we could get together tomorrow?’

Harry pondered that. ‘Don’t know how. At least, not without someone noticing.’ They were quiet for a time while they tried to think of ways they could get together without being spotted.

‘I got it!’ Harry exclaimed. ‘Go to the library tomorrow evening. Back row, bottom shelf, third book from the right, look behind it.’ He had just the plan.

‘Um, okay. And what am I looking for?’ Draco was hesitant.

‘Just let me know when you get there. I’ll let you know what to look for,’ Harry smirked to himself.

‘Okay. ‘Night Harry,’ he felt Draco yawn and knew he was about to fall asleep. Harry wrapped an arm around him and waited for the response before he relaxed. In no time Draco was asleep.

Harry got up and dug through his trunk. He pulled out his potions book and decided he should start reading it before class. Snape was sure to give him a hard time.

*************
He was moving through a group of Death Eaters. They were all bowing before him. Something was wrong. They had failed him yet again. His eyes lit on the one he awaited.

“Well?” he didn’t waste words. He knew what was expected.

“I..I’m sorry Master. They were expecting us. The object was moved.” the voice was filled with fear. The punishment was expected to be high.

Rage filled him. The Order was getting to be a major thorn in his side. “Avada Kedavra” the words were a hiss and the green jet of light had barely left his wand when he turned and walked away, not bothering to see the body that fell.

“Leave him!” he commanded as others went to his side. “Let the animals have him.”

***********

Harry woke with a gasp. His glasses were askew, the potions book lying beside him.

“’arry?” was the mumbled question from Ron. He felt an arm, Draco, around his shoulders.

“It’s okay Ron, go back to sleep,” the voice was barely a whisper as he said this lie.

But it wasn’t really a lie. It was okay. Draco was there. He felt the shudders still coursing through his body.

‘Harry, it’s okay.’ Draco’s voice was rather shaky. ‘Hey, not nice, but at least it was a Death Eater. And whatever he wanted, he didn’t get it.’

Harry tried to smile. He knew Draco was right. But he couldn’t get used to the casual way that Voldemort cast the spell. The lack of feeling, except the rage.

‘I know. But I still…’ Harry didn’t know how to put the words to how he felt. Fortunately, with Draco he didn’t have to.

He felt Draco’s hand rubbing his back. He tried to lay back down but was too edgy. He could tell that in spite of Draco’s harsh words, he too was upset by the vision.

‘Harry, don’t you think you should go back to Snape? Maybe ask him to do the lessons again?’ Draco was very hesitant when asking this. He knew how Harry felt about Snape. As expected, Harry tensed up.

‘Hang on, before you go off on me,’ he rushed to get the words out. ‘I know you don’t like him, but you haven’t really told me what exactly happened. I know you think you can’t but neither can you keep having these dreams!’

‘Snape hates me. And after what happened last year, he sort of has the right to,’ Harry couldn’t quell the guilt that he felt, remembering what he had done.

‘Well, given that you feel guilty about it, shouldn’t you start by apologizing?’ Draco was patronizing in his support.

‘It isn’t just that. He didn’t like me even before that. Frankly, from what I know, he sort of had cause,’ Harry was almost stuttering in his words. Trying to find the right words without telling Draco what he saw was difficult.

‘It has to do with your father doesn’t it?’ Harry was amazed at Draco’s perceptiveness.

‘Oh quit being so shocked you git and just go to sleep,’ Harry smiled. He felt Draco’s arm slipping around him and lay back down on the bed. This time he felt more relaxed.

A few minutes later, he sensed Draco falling asleep. In spite of his own relaxed state, it was still some time before he fell back asleep.