Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Fate Falls	By : Sealpotter Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male Views: 36378 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 4
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters associated with the books/movies and I never have and never will make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 2
- 3
- 4
A/N ~ (Edited for Typos)
Djaddict - Oh my I hope there were no heart attacks...Harry is revealing what he needs to reveal, though I think Hermione and Ron will get a bit more due to thier relationship.
Lyran - Yes the reactions are pretty mellow, but thankfully that is addressed in this chapter...LOL and in the future there will be some interesting reactions when more characters that we love meet with Harry... But the blow ups will be enemies, and most of those are not out of Azkaban yet.

Meechypoo - Thank you... I did not see Ron taking it that well, but Harry made some good points and Hermione... well you know how she is. Sirius will be addressed.
Rosealynne - Thank you so much...
Thrnbrooke - Keep reading, I have more chapters, that are not quite done, but they are coming out...Glad you like it.
Moodysavage - Thank you. It makes me feel better for the path the story has taken itself.
Arithmancer - Thank you, Very good insight...but don't be dissapointed, Tonks and Remus will be together, so Severus will have to look elsewhere.
Devourer - I had to put that about Trelawney's eyes, that is exactly what I thought every time I saw the movie or imagined her in my head while reading...I will be fixing Sirius... but not with a mind healer... he has other intentions..
yngoldfogee - Thank you, hope you like this one.
Thank you all for your reviews... this is the most ever on any of my stories so far... thanks, I really like hearing from each of you, the good and the bad... I may from time to time update older chapters if I find a glaring mistake...As I read and re-read my story to ensure flow.
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Chapter 3 - New Tricks for Old Dogs

It took Draco a while to let all of their conversation sink in. He had walked Harry back to his dorms. Harry’s friends met them in the corridor. So much was left to know, he knew Harry had not revealed everything, only certain parts that had disturbed him, and parts that revealed his reasons for helping the Malfoy family. Draco was surprised at the revelation. His mother, must have been in a state of worry, the fighting must have been bad if she had gone against the Dark Lord.
Harry had been deeply affected by the events in his vision, though he did not share everything. Draco had seen the effect of one death, and from hints, he had gathered there had been many more. Harry seemed to carry such a large burden on his shoulders. How would it be like to live only to know you were meant to fight one person. What would it be like growing up knowing you were only a means to an end? Harry must have been so grateful to have friends, but scared for them as well. Draco had seen how Harry had matured since his vision, it was a maturity only time could wrought. Draco barely recognized the boy he had known these many years, the new air of authority and humility is one thing that he found to his liking. Though Draco liked to have his own way, he prefered to follow rather than lead, in a way it was a comfort. Harry’s natural leadership was a balm to his restless spirit.
In a way that coin was Draco’s salvation. He felt more free and at ease now that Harry and he were friends. Harry’s rejection of his friendship in first year stung more than any other interaction since. All of it was beginning to make sense now. Draco fell asleep that evening more at ease than he had been since the return of the madman.
Harry was trying to get comfortable, but he couldn’t gain the rest he had hoped for. No position felt comfortable, blanket bunched up, pillows fluffed, and still nothing. He tossed and turned, and yet his mind would not turn off. So he got up to finally accomplish the one thing he was looking forward to, yet scared of. He padded over to his trunk, and fished out the mirror that had been long forgotten in his vision. He moved then back to his bed and cast a simple privacy charm.
“Sirius.” Harry entreated the mirror.
Harry wondered if he was being foolish and that it would never work. Just as he was to put it down, the scraggly face of his godfather appeared, as if just woken out of a dead sleep. His heart soared at the sight. Relief washed over him, mountains of guilt swept away by a wind of relief.
“Harry?” Sirius asked as he yawned.
“I can’t sleep, so I thought I would talk to you about what’s happened. Maybe you could give some advice.” Harry explained.
“Sure pup, what’s up?” Sirius asked. Harry beamed upon hearing the sound of Sirius’ voice, the nickname and just looking onto that face that may be sleepy, but it was alive.
“I probably should have let you know sooner, but last month something happened. Hermione did some research as she always does, I had a vision last month and she thinks it is because I am to be the next Augur.” Harry explained hurriedly.
“The next what? What kind of vision” Sirius asked looking baffled.
Harry grimaced a moment before replying, “I had a vision where I lived out my life for the next 21 years. It was not a single event, it was a lifetime. I saw war, death, love, births, etc. I lived it all the good and the bad. According to research, there is only a few people that have living visions, they are the Augur Saeculum, the seer of the age, like Merlin.”
“You just have all the luck don’t you pup?” Sirius said quietly. “I don’t know much about the Augur thing, I’ll do some looking here since we have a vast library. Anything from the vision you want to talk about? Are you allowed to?”
“I think so, but I don’t tell everything. I seem to know what to say and when, but I know I am not suppose to tell everything to anyone person, only revealing that which will help where I need it to. In a way I feel like I’m manipulating people. I don’t like that really. But I do try to give them enough information to make an informed choice. I am not sure If I can talk about some of the tough stuff, like deaths with those who died, so I’m not sure. The hardest part, is I still feel like an adult, though being a teenager is sort of coming back, I don’t think you really lose that when you grow up.” Harry laughed a little. It was a like releasing a burden, just talking to Sirius.
“I know that. Sometimes the other order members try to remind me I am no longer a teenager.” Sirius responded with an answering smile of his own. Harry laughed.
“I’m friends with Draco now.” Harry said, waiting for that to sink in.
“Wha..”Sirius choked
“And I am repairing the relationship with Professor Snape.” He watched his godfather’s eye widen, “I suggest you start treating him with respect, without him, none of what I am doing now, or what I did in my vision would have been possible. That man has suffered much, at the marauder's hands, and the hands of others, he deserves gratitude and respect...do try and afford him what he deserves, and leave petty rivalries in the past.”
“Now you sound like a father…” Sirius said, not trying to mock, but Harry’s face turned into sorrow, “you were a father in your vision?” his voice softer at the question.
“Yes, now I don’t know. They were such a beautiful part of myself, I know that path is closed to me, that is one part that leaves me to wonder if my choice to accept being the Augur is what I should choose. If I reject the power, I will forget and all will revert and play out as it was in my vision. I miss my kids, they were beautiful, and wonderful. Watching them grow was the best part, the chaos of the noise, the fighting, the laughing, the tears and the pains… it was all worth it just being with them. If I choose to accept, and live a different life, I may not have them. Its a tough decision.” Harry sighed under the weight of it all. The constriction in his heart was painful. His children were a world unto themselves, they were his world.
“I can’t tell you what to choose. That has to be your decision. I’ll see what I can find on the topic and let you know. The more you understand, the better position you will be in to make the choice. And I’ll think about what you said, just be careful when dealing with Slytherins… they are sneaky.” Sirius cautioned.
“I was almost one of them,” Harry stated, “I’m sure I can figure out how to deal with them, after being the youngest Head Auror for 10 years, I am sure I can handle it.”
Sirius looked at Harry and smiled proudly, “I have no doubt you will make the right choice, Harry.” Harry basked in that, and in the sight of his godfather alive and well.
After they had said their goodbyes, Harry canceled the privacy charm and laid down. His mind felt more at ease, calm and he drifted closer to sleep until he finally succumbed.
Pain lanced through Draco’s legs. He was brought out of his peaceful slumber by another blow of a meaty fist to his ribs. More pain, and a cracking occurred with the blow. Vincent had raised his hand to deliver another blow, Draco cringed further into his bed, and then the boy was tackled by Greg who was just coming back into the dorm room. Draco ached as he turned to reach for his wand.
“Move out the way Greg!” Draco shouted, pointed his wand directly at Vince’s head, “Incarcerous!” ropes flew out of his wand and wrapped his attacker quickly. The force of the will behind the spell had sent so many ropes that Vincent looked like a mummy.
“Get Professor Snape..” Draco directed Greg, his voice was strained with pain.
Greg left quickly, and Draco looked around to see who else witnessed or was pretending not to witness the event. Nott was still snoring, so he was unaware, Blaise was not in his bed at all. Draco took note of that.
Only a few minutes had passed and Professor Snape arrived. Draco was having a hard time breathing, holding his chest as each time he breathed in pain reverberated through his body. The professor noted the boy on the floor, and turned to tend to Draco’s injuries. Vincent could be in more trouble, if not for the war, but Severus knew there was nothing to do but punish the boy with detentions for now. The headmaster would be informed. Draco did not relish the idea of spending the night in the infirmary, but it did not look like Professor Snape would give him much choice. He had a feeling he would have to watch his back just a bit more than usual.
Sunday morning, Harry and Hermione were working on the invitation letters for those who would be part of their ‘defence club’. Harry changed the name based on past experience, just in case. For the most part Umbridge changed nothing in her demeanor, but did not exert too much control in her post. There were still detentions, no practical magic in her class, but the harsher tones that had once permeated her teaching sphere, were no longer there.   Best of all there was no Blood Quill.. Harry looked at his left hand a couple of times, he almost missed the scars, but then again he did not miss what they represented.
Harry had drawn up a list, that included Draco and others he knew would be trustworthy, and needed the training. He also included a few younger years that had Hermione looking at him quizzically, but she deferred to him that decision. She was especially reluctant to allow the Creevey brothers, but Harry was adamant they stay. That was one loss that had struck him to the bone because of how young he was at the time. Their first meeting would be held within the school at an undisclosed location, Their parchments would transport them to the training location and back to their dorms at the appointed time, so no ‘rule breaking’ would be an issue. Of course this time, Harry charmed things himself, having had years of practice working on untraceable portkeys. He would also inform the Headmaster, Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall of their activities, and provide each of them with the list of charms, curses, and counters he would be teaching. This should allow for any necessary interventions where needed.
Harry had already set a good schedule for what he would be teaching. He was going to run it similar to the trainings he had for Aurors, but toned down. The charms included normal privacy charms, disillusionment charms and perfecting the patronus charm. He would include some new charms and curses, such as the Reduccio charm, and the Sectumtempus, and a few others based on jinxes. The counter curses for some of the more well known Death Eater curses, and a new counter to Crucio, Sonabona which could be tested with the Afflictio curse which was allowed and much less painful. He would teach them how to resist the Imperious, if allowed.
Harry planned to show all this to Dumbledore this evening at his appointed meeting. He was also looking forward to detentions with Professor Snape next week where he will teach the Potions Master how to create a wall occlusion.
Teaching intrigued him. He enjoyed training new Aurors much better than actually pursuing dark wizards. So in a way, Harry was in his element.
Hermione was very impressed with the attention to detail he had shown in his plan. She was also very eager to learn the spells and practice them… Though he was tempted to give her early lessons, he decided it was best to teach all at once and together, so they could all progress equally.
“There has been little resistance from the headmaster, Malfoy’s and even Professor Snape to my vision. I would have expected more outburst or hesitation, at least from the Malfoy’s or Professor Snape or more especially Ron.” Harry confessed to Hermione.
She shrugged, “I think its a part of the Augur gift. I read that they had a way of calming people and convincing them of the best course of action to take. Though, in many cases enemies were not susceptible to the ‘logic’ if you will. I was wondering about Ron myself. But then again, maybe I can influence him more than I thought” She blushed as she said the last bit.
Harry turned that over, it did feel as if he knew what to say to people, and knew when not to tell them some things. “It’s not like the imperious, forcing them is it?” Harry was concerned about forcing people against their will, he would if needed, he knew that. Gringotts was the perfect example, but it left a bitter taste in his mouth. Controlling people is not what he wanted, leading where the people had a choice was what made better sense.
“Harry, so far, all I hear from you is good sense, and sound logic. Your mature, you have the same mind working as an adult, and the calmness. Your anger is what used to get you into trouble, and you're rushing into things without thinking. Luck is good, but sense is better. I kind of like how you have changed. You're still you, but better, more mature and definitely someone I can trust.” She assured, her warm comfort seemed to seep from her.
Harry relaxed, “You always were the one with the ability to make me feel better.” She smiled back, “So… me and Ron?”
Harry laughed, “Make the move, Hermione. He is too scared. You two were made for each other.”
She grinned back, she had not been liking how Lavender had been looking at Ron lately, and maybe, she would forget her pride and just ask Ron out herself.
Later that evening, Harry made his way to the headmaster’s office. He was still unsure of the path for the Malfoy family, but he knew that with the headmaster’s help, they could come up with a plan.
Harry walked through the door, watching the headmaster pop a new candy into his mouth and sigh as he leaned back into his chair enjoying the morsel. Harry smiled when those twinkling eyes met his own.
“Harry my boy, just discovered a marvelous muggle candy you have to try… it’s a coffee nip...it’s delightful.” He said extending one towards Harry.
Harry took the treat and pocketed it, “For later, Sir.” Dumbledore nodded, then motioned for Harry to take a seat.
“So what have you been about?” He asked.
“First, I’m sure you have done your own digging, and by now know the meaning of the vision, to mark me as the next Augur,” Harry insinuated, only to have Dumbledore give him a knowing smile, “Second, I need your help in devising a plan on how to keep the Malfoy family safe, but playable in the events that need to unfold. Lastly, since the curriculum for defense this year for most students is severely lacking, Hermione and I have devised a way for me to teach only invited students how to properly defend themselves.” Harry reached into his robes and pulled out a few papers.
“Here is a list with definition of the spells I plan on teaching, followed by a schedule I have drawn up, and a list of students that have been selected to participate in our ‘defense club’. The logistics are described on the last page, as to how we plan avoiding detection. Professor Umbridge is somewhat malleable now, but I am not sure how long she can be trusted. I trust you will inform the head of houses only for those students involved, the less they know the better, but teachers should be informed.” Harry explained and handed the papers over to the headmaster.
Professor Dumbledore read over the notes and schedule… “Harry, this is actually the best curriculum I have seen these many years for this study. You have my blessing to proceed, and I would like to watch a time or two if you may… Some of these are new to me. I shall have the castle amenable to your style so if any help is needed, I shall be notified immediately. Very well thought out indeed.” He praised.
Harry breathed a sigh of relief, he had not expected resistance, but he also had not expected an easy path either. It was all attributed to his new status as the Augur, he was sure.
“You know Draco Malfoy was attacked last night?” The Headmaster queried.
Harry shook his head, “How is he? Who did it and why?” Something inside him twisted at the thought of Draco in pain, Harry ignored it.
“Evidently your friendship did not sit well with one of his housemates. He is mending, and that housemate has been reprimanded. Professor Snape has it in hand. Just be on guard.” Dumbledore warned. Harry nodded.
“What are your plans regarding the Malfoy’s?” Dumbledore asked.
“During the life vision, Mrs. Malfoy did a great and exceptional deed, I owe her my life for that, or at least I will. I don’t take that lightly. I have spoken with her,” He saw the headmaster inhale sharply, “And she agreed to my terms. I will protect her and her family, and instruct them. This is so they not only stay protected from Voldemort, but their own inclination to do anything to save their family, including bad things that could get the eldest a lifetime sentence in Azkaban and ruin their family name for decades. Family and position mean everything to them. I need Lucius to be part of the Ministry raid that will happen… that is imperative. I need no changes to that end that will endanger my plan. Once we have a plan in place, I need to inform her, and she will choose to agree or disagree with our terms.”
“And if she disagrees?” the headmaster asked.
“I have discussed it with her, I will refuse the power of the Augur, and let things play out as they had in my vision. That is the only course I can see.” Harry said.
“There is something else isn’t there…” Dumbledore alluded the twinkle in his eyes were back.
“I am not sure she knows, but she inadvertently gave me a gift that may affect her choice, though I am not sure how much.” Harry replied.
“What was this gift?”
“Her son.” Harry said simply. That knowing look came into Dumbledore’s eyes.
“Hence your befriending him in the Great Hall yesterday and the mending of your rivalry?” The headmaster asked.
Harry nodded, and then informed the surprised headmaster of the details of the coin, Dumbledore’s eye twinkled in good humor over the interesting turn of events. This would turn into their favor for the plan they had developed for the Malfoys. The new found friendship would create a ‘rift’ in the family, leaving Lucius on the side where he was needed, and Narcissa and Draco out of it. Dumbledore explained his thoughts to Harry, trying to let the boys see the reason behind it.
“I don’t like manipulations, so while we come up with some plans, I would like their input. I will send a note off, Can we all meet next weekend to discuss?” Harry asked hesitantly, “I’ll inform everyone once I receive confirmation.” The headmaster nodded.
“Have you found the Gaunt home yet?” Harry asked, steering the conversation in another direction.
“Not yet, but I expect news from one of my informers any day now as he said he knew where to look.” Dumbledore supplied.
“Don’t go without the instructions I left after Arthur's departure. You will need those as much as he will, and when you find what you are looking for, I’ll need the box.” Harry spoke firmly. He knew the headmaster understood the importance of the matter, but he could not help but emphasise it.
“Your wisdom and instructions in these matters, Harry, will not go unheeded.” Albus placated. It was difficult looking at the young man before him, and yet hearing such wisened and authoritative words from him. The headmaster was definitely not used to taking direction.   In all his years, he had never expected an Augur to be so young. But an Augur was not to be trifled with. They had tasks to complete, and there was no standing in their way. Any grown wizard understood that, and would be mental to try. He smiled, this was turning out better than he had hoped. Harry pulled him out of his musings.
“Well, until I hear from the Malfoy’s there really is nothing further to discuss. Once we have that, You may need to convene an Order meeting so we can discuss the particulars once we are at liberty to do so.” Harry stated.
Dumbledore looked pensive for a moment, “Yes that would be for the best. Now off to bed with you, lots of school work tomorrow.”
Harry just smiled up at the Professor, after yesterday’s reliving of the vision events, he was just glad to be near the old man. Harry paused, “Can I hug you?” he asked giving in to his basic need. Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled as he stood up and came around the desk. There was always something about this young man that made him care more than any other student. Harry embraced the man, another wave of relief swept over him, it was like the present was washing away the pain of the past, or vision in his case.
There was no scene during breakfast on Monday, just all the houses gathered where they were supposed to be. And the rest of the students milling about getting ready for their classes. The first class for Harry was potions with the slytherins, and Harry was actually looking forward to it. Potions had continued to intrigue him after he had left Hogwarts, and he guessed Snape and that book had something to do with it.
The classroom was as dark as ever. The smell of multiple potions ingredients permeated the stale air. The houses of course were split on each side of the room as usual, with Harry near the front, sitting next to Hermione. Harry saw Draco enter and go straight for the front of the class, Hermione turned around to greet him.
“Care to exchange partners for the class? We might be able to spread some more gossip.” Draco grinned.
Hermione smiled back, getting the joke, looked over to see Greg watching Draco. “What are his strengths so I can work appropriately with him.” Hermione asked politely.
Draco thought for a moment, “He takes neat notes, and does exactly as you instruct him, just give him one task at a time otherwise he will get confused. And Harry?”
Harry’s eyebrow quirked up in apprehension.
“Oh well before a month ago, he was a complete disaster… Now you have an almost master on your hands, good luck.” Hermione said with a grin, as she swiftly left to joined Greg, who just expectantly looked back to Draco.
“She’s good at it Greg, just follow her instructions like you do me, and your potion will do fine.” Draco said soothingly. Hermione patted Greg’s arm for reassurance, but Draco’s words seemed all that was needed.
Draco sat down and turned to Harry amid the chatter that had grown in the room. There were glares from some of the other slytherin’s at the change of seating.
“Any idea what we will be brewing today?” Draco asked, trying to be as nonchalant as possible.
“No idea, but I hope he incorporates new teaching strategies to engage the others.” Harry replied leaving Draco puzzled. But no reply was to be had, the back of the room was filled with a resounding bang as the door was shut, and Professor Snape made his usual fearful entrance into the room.
“Please place your books onto the table in front of you so I can have them collected.” He instructed. The students began to murmur as they reached for their texts.
“I did not give leave for talking, 10 points from Slytherin and Gryffindor for interrupting class.” He admonished, while looking directly at Zabini and Parkinson and Seamus and Dean. The two slytherins looked shocked, and the two Gryffindor’s disgruntled. Harry on the other hand just grinned at a surprised Draco.
Professor Snape sent a spell that collected each book and stacked them neatly into a tight corner of the room. He then spelled the book on his desk to replicate and floated one copy per pair to the desks.
“You each will share a copy of this text, it is to be left in this room. Turn to page 365, where we will brew the draught of living death according the the new instructions printed in the margins of this page. I expect everyone to follow the book’s notes exactly in order to achieve high marks on this potion. You have the remainder of the class to complete this potion to the first step where it needs to simmer. If you have questions, raise your hand and I will approach you to answer them to keep from disrupting the class. Is that clear for everyone?” Snape asked.
Most of those replied affirmative, but he did have to repeat himself once on the notes portion of his instruction to one other student who did not understand.
Draco and Harry found they worked well together. As long as they communicated their intentions and divided tasks equally, there was no room to argue. Harry was growing to like Draco, his demeanor and manners recommended themselves admirably. Rudeness and arrogance was not Draco, that was Malfoy… and Harry started separating the two and realized Draco had a mask all along, that he had never taken the time to look past. How many other misconceptions were there in his life that he had not seen. Even as lost in thought as he was, Harry was able to get the roots to detangle, and the other ingredients to work as they should. Harry smiled as he crushed his Sopophorous bean, remembering Hermione getting flustered over this potion from his memory.   This potion was ingrained in Harry.
As an Auror, this was one potion they could brew in their sleep along with the dittany, and he had Professor Snape to thank for being able to do it better than anyone else. Now even his classmates stood a good chance at being able to do the best, after being afforded the best teaching by the best Professor. A couple of times he had looked up and smiled at his professor. Though the man did not smile, he did quirk his lips. There was no doubt that Professor Snape would see the potion results as a testament to how much better his teaching was. In the end though, Professor Snape only nodded and accepted the potions as acceptable.
The school work and classes were tedious the rest of the day. That evening before supper, they were informed that the ministry had decreed no participation in organizations, save for the sanctioned ones, that meant Quidditch was out for the entire year. Umbridge had delivered the message, and it had spread like wild fire. Harry just bided his time, this was not a great grievance, but still she should be watched. So far, no inquisitor squad had been formed.
Dinner was no exception to the usual. Everyone kept to themselves, many just quickly ate and left to attend to other things. The gossip over Harry and Draco’s friendship seemed to have died down as well… Old news it would seem. Seamus found Harry this time, and expressed his apologies for his previous behavior. Harry quickly forgave him and pulled out his pre-written invitation to the ‘defense club’. Hermione did not understand why Harry prepared it, but now sat smiling at him because of his insight. Seamus was grateful and excited clapping Harry on the back as he left.
Detention in Professor Snape's Office was at least cozier than the previous Occlumency lessons he had. Harry was grateful for that. The office was clear of clutter, the bookshelves full of old tomes and the wood dark to match the darkness of the dungeons. Sconces were lit to give the room light.
This was to be a lesson for the Professor though. Harry had to show him how best to sit for the meditation that starts the wall building. Harry transfigured a few items into large seat pillows for each of them. Harry took a seat on the floor, and pressed his feet together out in front of him, his legs making an almost perfect diamond. He instructed the professor to follow his lead, no matter how silly it made him feel. Snape was a bit grumpy about looking like a jellyfish that had been stunned.
Harry demonstrated the wand movement to cast the surrounding shield charm. Today was set for meditation, to visualize the shield charm cast and to learn to touch it. Harry himself sat with the Professor, working with his own charm to strengthen his wall barriers. The meditation was calming, his mind was working to funnel his magic along the protection path, honing it so that it is instinctual. The more practiced, the more honed that protection path, the quicker the response to an attack, and the stronger the shield. Professor Snape had a few difficulties understanding the concepts, so Harry walked him through it in his mind, showing him how to pull the shield, how to thicken it and how to stroke it with his mind for familiarity.
When it was late, and time to leave, Severus thanked him for the lesson and they parted for the evening. Though, Severus let him know he would also like to attend one of the ‘defense club’ meetings during the time they taught some of the newer spells.
Harry felt good on his way to the hallway. He was starting to feel more like a colleague to his teachers, instead of just a student. And though his biological age was one of 15, he was definitely feeling more like the self that he had become. It was strange to think of his other life as just a vision, because to him, this was like going back in time, not waking up from a dream. Reality of now was starting to become a part of him, allowing him to feel like he belonged. Not belonging as young Harry, or as Harry from his vision, but more an acceptance of who he was because of what he is.
Harry started to gain a sense of foreboding as he walked towards the staircases, he lingered against the stone wall, letting his eyes dart around for the danger he felt. A shift in the soft light that barely reached a dark alcove on the opposite side of the hall, gave him all the time he needed to shift into a stance to bind whomever hid for the ambush. His hands weaved their pattern fast, yet gracefully, upon hearing the harumpf of noise, he knew the subject was restrained. Harry walked over to the hidden alcove to see his enemy. Pansy Parkinson was struggling against her bonds, her eyes wild and furious as they focused on Harry.
“Tell anyone else who dares tangle with me or my friends, there will be a price to pay. You may be slytherin and sneaky, but I am craftier than you all by far.” Harry scolded. He moved on hand in the counter pattern and she was released, and glared at him.
“What did you do to me?” She asked as she grimaced rubbing her arms.
“That’s for me to know and you to find out. Keep it up, or if you choose the better path, stop the house rivalry, drop the loyalty to the loser who calls himself the Dark Lord, by aligning yourself with all those against him.” Harry said, his offer hung in the air like a ghost wishing for substance.
Pansy squeezed her eyes shut, her hand went to her throat in a soothing gesture. “I … you obviously have won over Draco, I would consider myself more neutral than others, but I have yet to form my alliance, nor have my family. I will consider carefully.”
Harry let her go and continued on his way to his room. He was making a statement, drawing a line and he might involve more of the student body than he had anticipated. He really had to be careful. He didn't want the Dark Lord to take it out on children. Pansy herself had no bad or good outcome from the war, her involvement or noninvolvement should have no effect on the balance, or so he thought, but he just wasn’t sure. This was a chess game and all the pieces were in play. Ron might be the best person to talk to on this one. Unfortunately the key individual in question, was snoring rather loudly.
Harry met with Ginny the next morning before breakfast. There was a hesitation in her eyes. He knew she feared the friendship with Malfoy more than anything. It was strange seeing her like this. Young and innocent. He knew her so well, at least he thought he had. Their arguments had grown over the last two years in his vision. They had reverted back to just friends with tempers after Lily was born, there was never any fiery passion with them. She had told him that much when she revealed she was falling in love with Dean again.
“Harry?” Ginny called to him.
“Sorry, I was just remembering some things.” Harry confessed. “Have you ever heard of a wizard Augur?”
“Sure, well only a little, something in History of magic, but I think I napped with the rest of the class that day, I only remember that Merlin was one, and they are seer’s or something to that effect.”
Harry nodded, why didn’t he remember that class? Probably because he slept through each one with Professor Binns… “Well, one sign is they receive a vision where they live for some years, and gain knowledge of that. They have to accomplish certain tasks to prove their power.”
“Are you giving me a history lesson Harry?” Ginny asked sarcastically.
“What I am trying to say, is that I am the new Augur.” Harry stated hastily.
Ginny looked at him, her eyes wide.
“I know what this costs, to see Draco accepted into our friendship.” Harry said softly. “I have not broached the subject of the diary with him, and I only intend to when needed. Some trauma is not easily forgotten.” He put his hand on her shoulder, trying to give some comfort.
“I know it wasn’t him, Harry. But it is hard for me to see the difference, and even harder for me to trust him.” Ginny replied, graceful as always.
“For now, do not trust him. Trust me, Hermione and Ron. There is much going on, more than even the teachers and the headmaster understand. I promise you, all will turn out as it should, one way or another.” His gaze was filled with honesty and compassion.
She nodded, “I won’t make waves in whatever you are doing, Harry. As a friend, you should know I won’t do that. But I won’t accept it right away either until I’m comfortable.”
“That’s all I can hope for. By the way, you and Dean would make a cute couple.” Harry said, as he watched her blush from top to bottom. He would miss the friendship they had, but he knew her heart belonged to Dean. He was happy for her.
Draco had decided to sit with Harry for breakfast that morning. The conversations around the table were normal everyone chatting about the restriction and the loss of Quidditch. Ron groused more than most, he really had been planning on doing so much better to get on the team. Hermione tried to engage Draco into conversation on their previous potions class, which started a whole new round of chatter amongst the table.
Draco’s glances were giving Harry butterflies each time their eyes connected. He tried to suppress the feeling, but it was very difficult. Draco’s hand brushed his as they both tried to get up and leave at the same time. It was an uncommon heat that flashed between them, Harry looked away quickly and Draco’s pale features blossomed into a very becoming blush.
Out in the hallway, they walked side by side, no persisting first period class. “How are you feeling?” Harry asked, looking Draco over for obvious bruises.
“Everything is back the way it should be, Harry. Vince has several detentions with Filch, but I don’t know if that will keep him occupied enough.” Draco replied.
“Keep your wand with you when you go places like the loo or to bed. Are you coming to the defense class tonight?” Harry asked quietly.
Draco looked up, letting his eyes meet those emerald ones. Such warmth, and care met his own. Draco smiled brightly, “Of course. I got to talk to Greg. I’ll see you later..”
Harry grinned back, feeling like he was a schoolboy again… He was, he had to remind himself as he headed back to his dorms. Getting flustered over his reaction to Draco was not on his list of things to do. Harry understood the implications of ‘belonging together’, but he really did not know how to go about it. He was usually focused on one thing at a time. First it was Voldemort, then Auror training, then marriage and family, and work. Balancing work and family was easy enough. He had not tried to balance his relationship with Ginny and fight Voldemort, he only had one concentration.
Could he really pursue Draco? Could he build something other than friendship right now? Harry thought about that. Voldemort again was the most pressing issue. He would have to choose to focus there for now. He wasn’t sure he could afford to spread his focus too thin. He had plans to make, preparations to ensure, and He still needed to talk to Ron about strategy… Ron was an excellent strategist, or well.. he would be.

~TBC   Please rate and review
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Fate Falls

Chapter 3 - New Tricks for Old Dogs