Hey! I hope everyone had a really good new year. All the Christmas decs are down :( It's almost like it never happened! But nevermind, here's to 2012. Let's hope it's a slightly better year than 2011.
And here is chapter twelve!
I really liked writing this chapter for some reason. And if you guys like seeing Harry beat up, just wait until the next chapter!
Hope you enjoy.

Chapter twelve

Two faces

The next week passed in an odd blur of numbness for Harry. His fight with Ron, though resolved, still meant that they weren't really speaking to each other. Whenever the Weasleys came round for dinner, Hermione sat in-between them and did most of the speaking, trying desperately to keep the conversation flowing naturally. Fred and George tried to explain to Harry that Ron was just being a git and that it would pass sooner or later, but Harry couldn't help thinking it was more than that. Back at the Burrow, Remus had dragged Ron into a room for a private conversation; Harry wasn't sure whether Remus was telling him what had happened, about the dreams or the extent of his head injury, but when Ron came out he was looking pretty sorry for himself. And now, whenever he caught Harry's eye or even looked at him, there was a hint of something behind his eyes. It took Harry a while to work out what it was, but Ron almost looked scared. Scared of being around Harry, scared of Harry.

Occlumency lessons had continued without much success. But instead of Snape yelling and screaming at him, which was what Harry had predicted, he seemed passive and was almost civil during lessons. Each time he entered his mind, Harry would try desperately to erect his shield but every time there was something there, something stronger trying to pull it down. At first, they attributed this to his head injury, but as the lessons continued, even Snape wasn't sure any longer. It was because of this, that he was stood at the bottom of the spiraling staircase leading up to Dumbledore's office on the eve of Harry's birthday. He stared at the ugly stone gargoyle protecting the stairs. He was only pausing for a moment, knowing the journey up the winding staircase would bring him severe pain. His limbs felt as though they were on fire and even though he was still, pain still radiated through his body as though he'd just been thrown into a vat of acid. Taking a deep breath, he ascended the stairs, wishing with every step that Voldemort might be more lenient with him that evening. Even the other Death Eaters couldn't explain the sudden change in Voldemort's treatment towards Snape. To be held in such high regard one moment, and to be trembling at the feet of the Dark lord the next was a complete mystery to them. Not that the likes of Lucius Malfoy were sympathetic, they were just relieved to have to pressure taken of them... for now anyway.

'Enter,' Dumbledore called, before Snape had even touched the door. Irritably, Snape pushed the door open, coming face to face with Dumbledore who had clearly crossed the room in record time.

'Quickly, Severus, there is much to discuss.'

Dumbledore almost pulled him inside, much to Snapes distress (not to mention added pain) and closed the door behind them.

'Have you spoken to the boy?' Snape asked him, settling himself awkwardly on a chair beside Dumbledore's desk.

'I have...deterred him, for now,' Dumbledore said, uncharacteristically flustered as he began pacing the length of the room.

'He is still unaware?' Snape asked.

'For the moment. But it is only a matter of time.'

'The Occlumency will not help,' Snape said; he already knew this of course.

Dumbledore stopped pacing beside the window and stared out into the grounds. Snape could almost hear the cogs whirring in his head.

'Tom is already, and has been for a while, inside his head. The dreams he was shown of you, Severus, Voldemort need not implant them in Harry's mind for he was already there. The Occlumency does not work because he is now a part of him – according to Harry's mind, there is nothing to block out.'

'Then why do we continue with the lessons?' Snape asked.

'Because we must, Severus,' Dumbledore told him. 'Because we must keep up pretences, for Harry's sake.'

'And when the Dark Lord discovers the connection – what then?'

'I fear he already knows,' Dumbledore said. 'After the attack on Privet Drive, Tom realised Harry's vulnerability. He could feel it.'

'He was possessed?' Snape asked, feeling a chill in his chest.

'Not as such. Tom was merely...testing the boundaries.'

'You have a theory, I presume, as to how the Dark Lord came to be in his mind? How he will, in the future, be able to possess the boy fully?'

Dumbledore was nodding again, but he had still not turned away from the window. 'I have an idea, yes.'

'Are you going to enlighten me?' Snape asked.

'No,' Dumbledore said quickly. 'Only because I cannot. You must keep up Occlumency with Harry, and now Voldemort is inside his head he will be able to see his memories. If he finds out how he came to be inside Harry's mind, then I fear the worst... It is fundamental that Harry is not aware of his presence.'

'He will be able to see his memories,' Snape repeated, now seeing what Dumbledore had been trying to tell him. 'My position within his inner circle has been jeopardized. Because of the boy?'

'I am sorry for this, Severus. It was something neither of us were able to imagine and the reason in which Tom has been unlawfully harsh with you of late.'

'I am of no use to you now,' Snape said, his eyes dark.

'Of course you are of use to us, Severus,' Dumbledore said, finally turning away from the window. 'You have a choice, as you have chosen in the past to spy for us, you can choose to join us, to fight with us. I will not, if you chose otherwise, hold you in contempt for it.'

Snape regarded Dumbledore for a few moments.

'What else do you suggest I do?'

'I regret that is a decision I cannot help you with,' Dumbledore said. 'Your life is your own now. Do with it as you will.'


Harry awoke that morning with the oddest feeling that he'd forgotten something important. The house was silent again, so he assumed everyone was out and busy as per usual, but there was still a nagging feeling at the back of his mind...

He washed and dressed at leisure and then decided to explore upstairs. He hadn't really had a chance to, considering everything that was going on. He was halfway up the stairs when two figures suddenly leapt out in front of him, yelling and waving their hands.

'HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY!'

'Fred? George?' Harry stuttered, completely confused. 'Oh my god, I forgot it was my birthday!' he said, laughing.

The twins exchanged dark looks and then grabbed Harry by the shoulders, steering him back down the stairs.

'Forgot your own birthday?' Fred said.

'That's worrisome, mate,' George added.

'Really worrisome,' they chimed together.

'What are you guys doing here anyway?' Harry asked.

They both took turns to whack him upside the head. 'Because it's your birthday!' they cried.

'You didn't expect to sit in all day by yourself, did you?' Fred said.

'Everyone is downstairs!' George added as they tugged Harry the last few steps and into the kitchen.

'HAPPY BIRTHDAY!' chorused at him from the group of cheerful looking people standing in the kitchen. Harry felt his face light up as he saw the Weasleys (even Ron had a small smile) Hermione and most of the Order surrounding the table.

'Get this everyone,' the twins called, demanding their attention. 'He forgot it was his birthday!'

The room of people laughed and Harry was patted on the back, hugged and then forced in to a seat to begin unwrapping his gifts. There was quite a sizeable collection this year, he noticed guiltily wishing people hadn't gone through the trouble. Remus seemed to read his mind as he leant in so only Harry would hear.

'They wanted to do this,' Remus told him. 'For you, not because they feel sorry for you.'

Harry looked sideways at him and smiled. 'Thanks,' he said.

Remus patted him swiftly on the back and then quickly vacated the seat so Hermione could bundle in beside him. The next hour or so was spent unwrapping presents and eating possibly the biggest breakfast Mrs Weasley had ever cooked. Tonks had tried desperately to help, but had ended up covered in flour, and spilling platters of bacon onto the floor. Harry couldn't help but notice how Remus was smiling at her and he felt a grin spread onto his face. He'd have to corner Remus about that later...

'Harry?'

Harry turned his head and found Ginny stood beside him. She was looking down at him and Harry noticed, with a flutter in his chest, that she suddenly looked much older than she had done in the past. Her hair was cascading down her shoulders in loose curls, her face had lost the childish innocence it had when he'd known her in second year, and the dress she was wearing accentuated her slim figure. Harry felt himself blush, thinking of Ron's sister this way and he could have sworn he felt Remus laughing at him from across the table.

'Can I have a word?' she asked, holding out her hand for him to take it.

Harry faltered for a few moments, before nodding and getting clumsily to his feet. The room was still talking, nobody seemed to notice as they slipped from the room. Apart from Ron, who was now scowling out the room after them and Hermione who hit him across the arm and told him to behave.

They entered the living room, Harry trailing Ginny and feeling awfully nervous. His stomach was doing back flips, his heart was going mad. The prospect of being alone with her made his head reel and sent sensations to other parts of his body. He tried desperately to concentrate on what she was going to say to him. It may be completely innocent after all.'

'Ron's just being a git, you know that right?' she said.

Harry felt his stomach sink. Of course it would have been about Ron, what else would it have been about.

'Yeah I know,' Harry said, trying to keep the tone of disappointment from his voice.

'I was really ashamed of how he behaved the other week. He had no right to hit you.'

Harry nodded. 'Well, what I said was unacceptable.'

'That's the thing,' Ginny said quietly. 'I know you'd never say anything like that. And when you said it...it didn't even sound like you. It was like someone was saying it for you.'

'I don't even remember saying it.'

'I know,' Ginny said. 'I know you're still recovering but... I can't help feeling there's something more.'

Harry raised an eyebrow. 'What do you mean?'

'There's still something not quite right about you, since you hit your head. I can't put my finger on what it is.'

Harry shrugged, unsure what to say. He didn't really want to tell her about his dreams, the last thing he wanted was to freak her out.

'You know you can trust me, Harry,' she said. 'If you can't talk to Ron because he's an idiot, there's always Hermione. I know she's like a sister to you...'

'And what about you?' Harry said, almost stumbling over the words as they rushed from his mouth. He hadn't meant to say that at all, the thought had just come charging through as though it were taking charge of the conversation now.

Ginny smiled, stepping forwards towards him. 'I'll always be here to talk to,' she said.

Harry's stomach gave a funny twinge. He opened his mouth to say something but shut it again quickly. Was talking to girls always this difficult?

'That's not what I meant,' he managed to say eventually.

Ginny laughed lightly, Harry's stomach leapt again at the sound she made. It was almost as beautiful as her.

'I know,' she said.

And before Harry knew it, she was in his arms and he was holding her tightly wishing never to let go. Her lips were soft and warm against his and all suddenly felt right in the world. This was where he was supposed to be, and this was who he was supposed to be with. How something could feel so right, even though it was so new.

'Harry – oh, sorry.'

They broke apart quickly, both blushing furiously. Tonks was stood in the doorway, trying frantically to suppress her smile, and failing disastrously.

'Uh, they're going to do the cake now...'

Harry nodded, his cheeks flaming. 'Right, uh, okay. We're coming.'

Tonks turned from the doorway and headed back towards the kitchen. Harry looked around at Ginny who was still grinning and she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze before practically bouncing from the room.

'So,' Remus said as they were clearing away the kitchen later that evening. 'Did you enjoy yourself?'

Harry turned to look at him with a frown; there was something odd in his voice.

'Yes,' Harry said uncertainly. 'It was great fun.'

Remus was nodding. 'Yes, you looked as though you had a good time.'

Harry was thankful the house was empty, otherwise he was sure everyone in the room would have seen his face turn red. He lowered his head, busying himself with piling plates.

'So, what did Ginny want to talk about?' Remus asked. Harry could hear the laugh in his voice and he put down the plates to face him.

'You know?' Harry said, feeling mortified.

Remus burst out laughing. 'It wasn't hard to tell,' he said, grinning. 'Plus, Tonks gave me a heads up.'

'Well,' Harry said, folding his arms. 'If we're getting into this, you aren't so innocent yourself.'

Remus immediately picked up another plate. 'Sorry?' he said.

'I see the way you and Tonks behave around each other,' Harry said. 'Little looks here, blushing there, accidental bumps and knocking into each other.'

'I don't know what you mean,' Remus said.

Harry laughed aloud. 'You are like children,' he said. 'I think, Remus Lupin may be slightly in love with Nymphadora Tonks.'

Remus turned and launched a dishtowel towards Harry's head. Harry ducked, laughing harder at his embarrassed expression.

'Not a word, Harry,' he said, pointing a stern finger towards him. Harry nodded innocently. 'I mean it,' Remus said. 'This isn't some silly, schoolboy crush.'

'Hey!' Harry said indignantly. 'Neither is mine.'

'And how would you appreciate it if I ran off to Ginny and told her that you loved her?'

Harry grinned again and threw the dishtowel back, laughing as it hit Remus in the face. 'There is no problem there, because I am going to tell her myself.' He piled the plates onto the side beside the sink. 'And I think you should do the same,' he finished with a triumphant smile. 'I mean with Tonks...not with Ginny...'

Remus laughed and swatted him with the towel.

'I got what you meant,' he said.

Harry nodded happily and almost skipped towards the door. He faltered in the doorway and turned back to face Remus who was still clearing plates.

'Remus?' he said quietly.

'Hmm?' the older man said, looking around.

'Uh, I just wanted to say thank you... you know for everything you've done,' Harry said awkwardly. 'I don't think – well, you've kind of been my saving grace in this whole thing...so, uh, thanks.'

Remus smiled gently.

'You're not going to tell me you love me, are you?' he said.

Harry laughed. 'In your dreams.'

'Everyone needs someone they can depend upon,' Remus said, levitating plates into the cupboard.

Harry nodded. 'Right. G'night Remus.'

'Night, Harry.