Harry Potter and the Dance of Death

by Wakefan

Harry is destined to stop Voldemort and his followers from corrupting and overrunning the wizarding world. Unfortunately, the Horcrux in his head is working against him. His friends and family are heavily impacted by its influence. Harry is on a long path of power and mastery. Powerful!Harry, Lily finds a way to live on, Casting Shadows Prequel.

30. Chapter 30 Hogwarts

—Dance of Death 30—

Harry is now firmly in place as the new Lord Black and has moved into Grimmauld Place. Lucius is in a holding cell in Azkaban for the attempted theft of Blood from the Heir of an Ancient and Most Noble house. Narcissa and Draco have also moved into Grimmauld Place and are now vassals of House Black. Draco and Harry had a limited exchange and agreed to maintain civility.

We ended the story with Albus Dumbledore attempt to clear the air with Harry. After presenting his perspective on a few specific events, Harry was able to understand the man better, but understanding does not mean agreement. Unfortunately, the two just don't see eye to eye.

The story picks up immediately after Harry's discussion with Dumbledore.

Special thanks to Just William for Beta Reading and helping make the story better.

Special thanks to KrisB-71854 for brainstorming around the Dark Mark and providing the idea of it being a 'sanity anchor'.

—Dance of Death 30—

Chapter 30: Hogwarts

Grimmauld Place

January 7, 1996

Harry looked over at Bill and Andromeda. Albus had already left and the two wanted to talk with him. He could tell they weren't followers of the headmaster, but they also didn't seem to mind him. There was an awkwardness in the room. True to form, Bill started the discussion.

"Harry, you did a good job of keeping it together tonight… Try not to dwell on the negative. Albus Dumbledore has no hold on you and there's no point alienating the man. Especially with You-Know-Who in the periphery."

Harry stretched his back. It gave him a moment to think. "I don't want his animosity. I just don't want anything to do with him. Honestly, the man is not connected to reality and he seems to have… boundary issues. He blames my scar for everything bad that's happened."

Bill nodded, "He does have boundary issues, but he seems to be giving you space. And your scar was a Horcrux. One that did affect everyone around you. Just because people didn't attack you doesn't mean they weren't affected."

Harry pursed his lips, "I'm not going to just pretend nothing happened, Bill. I won't attack anyone, but I'm not planning to open a dialogue and start writing to people who acted like asses."

Andromeda spoke up for the first time, "Hadrian, you need to understand the difference between demeanour and nature. Between the visage you present and the one you keep hidden. Appear to be magnanimous and above it all. When you have the opportunity, you can decide if, when, and how you wish to collect on any debts incurred." Pausing a moment, she added, "You are the heir of an Ancient and Most Nobel house. Soon, you will be in a position to collect far more debts than you currently realise."

Harry stared at his new guardian. That was profound. Basically, act neutral and decide later if you want to get even. "Lady Black, you make a very good point." A Slytherin.

Andromeda had a soft smile. "Thank you, Heir Black. Now, Mrs. Weasley brought over some treacle tart that needs devouring." Harry realised that this was the side of Andromeda that only her family saw. She was cunning like a snake, but warm to those closest to her.

—DoD—

The next week Harry was back in training. He was still focusing on survival skills, but Draco was now getting OWL tutoring as well. That meant Remus, Tonks, Bill, and Andromeda were having to help Draco prepare for his OWLs when they weren't training Harry. Ironically, Harry frequently would chime in and show Draco the correct way to cast certain charms. He had been tutored by his mother for over a decade and she was a gifted Charms mistress.

The one great surprise was Narcissa suddenly training Harry on the other Traditionalist families. It was officially a part of his etiquette training, but they both knew what it really was. A listing of Deatheaters and pertinent details about them. Where they live, where they eat, how they fight and what matters most to them. Know thy enemy. Another surprise was Draco's affinity for healing spells. Andromeda had been impressed and proclaimed him as gifted being in the healing arts.

On Tuesday, Harry met with Dr. Gaines and Harry discussed the changes made since the will reading and how he felt about living with Draco. He admitted that beating the teen to a bloody pulp and having Draco's life in his hands had been therapeutic. He enjoyed putting the smarmy Bastard in his place… but he was nowhere near ready to just forgive and forget. That led into a discussion on his conversation with Dumbledore.

Harry avoided calling his scar a Horcrux and referred to it as a 'cursed scar'. To his surprise, Dr. Gaines seemed to agree with much of what Dumbledore had said. She said his insight had merit and closing oneself off after a loss could be terrible if you never opened up again. They then talked about the effects of Harry's anger toward other classmates on Ginny, Neville, and Hermione.

Harry knew they were running the new defence study group and had become friends with a lot of people that he had no use for. He just wasn't ready to forgive or forget. So, he and Dr. Gaines talked about Andromeda's advice. Harry admitted to liking it, but he had trouble hiding his feelings. He lacked the ability to mask his emotions and feign indifference.

Dr. Gaines presented a novel idea focused on how to use occlumency to feign indifference. Harry had no idea she knew about occlumency, but she was a squib… so it stood to reason she would understand how it worked. Still, learning to mask your anger seemed a bit different than learning to deal with it. But he could get on board. For Ginny's sake. Dr. Gaines even made a joke about using it for poker.

On Wednesday, Harry met the new potions tutor, Horace Slughorn. He was a rotund and jovial man who seemed to really enjoy teaching. He insisted Harry join his lessons with Draco in their studies, saying it never hurts to know the difference between a pepper-up and dreamless sleep potion. Harry liked the man, but he really didn't want to study potions. Harry eventually lied and said Draco was more advanced. When that didn't work, Harry claimed he didn't have an advanced Potions book. Professor Slughorn just laughed and handed Harry a well-used one.

The book he was given was full of notations and altered potion instructions. Apparently, it once belonged to an old student of his. It was rather good. Reading the inside, it apparently once belonged to someone called 'the Half Blood Prince'. It reminded him of the help him mum would give him. Slughorn also hinted at being good friends with Harry's mum and he seemed to recall her mentioning him in his dreamscape. Despite himself, he started to enjoy brewing potions. It relaxed him the way cooking and gardening did.

In his 'survival training', Tonks and Bill had taken to firing stinging hexes at him while blindfolded. The idea was for Harry to track the incoming hexes and avoid them. He had a decent success rate. Unfortunately, it was never easy to stay on the defensive without ever going on the offensive. He always ended these practices with numerous stings. But he was getting better. Bill continued his aggressive training in curse breaking and Harry was certain he'd be able to pass the Journeyman test by the end of the term. Hell, he could probably pass it right now… He just needed the time in the field to qualify.

— Dance of Death 30—

Grimmauld Place

January 13, 1996

Friday Evening

Harry had wrapped up his training for the day and went upstairs to shower and change. Coming downstairs, he heard a commotion. Albus Dumbledore was trying to calm down a room full of people. This must be a meeting of the Order… something happened. Harry looked over and saw Andromeda in Ted's arms. Tonks had her hand on Andromeda's back and was trying to calm her. Looking further, he saw Draco and Narcissa looking quite uncomfortable. Something was up.

Harry didn't want to bother the Tonks family, so he approached the Malfoys. "Lady Malfoy. Draco. What's happened?" Harry felt a sense of dread rising. Hopefully, his friends were alright. Whatever had happened must have been bad.

Narcissa looked paler than normal. "Heir Black, there's been a breakout at Azkaban. Eleven Deatheaters have escaped, including my sister."

Harry waited to hear if there was more. As bad as this was, clearly something else had happened. But nothing else was said.

Harry finally asked, "What else? How many people were killed?"

Narcissa shook her head slightly, "I don't know. But… these were the worst of the Deatheaters. And my sister was the Dark Lord's top assassin. Nothing good will come of this."

It suddenly dawned on Harry just how bad this was. Not only had Voldemort just broken out his top killers, but he was signalling the beginning of the war. Additionally, Draco had used Bellatrix's vault to increase the value of the collateral for his duel with Harry. No chance in hell of her being pleased to hear it was now Harry's. Bellatrix would be looking for blood when she realised her fortune was gone.

Harry had a sudden realisation. "But, after a decade or more in Azkaban, how formidable can they be? It took Sirius more than a year to recover and he had an Animagus form to hide in. He also had professional help. I know your sister was dangerous, but she's months away from being able to hold her own, right?"

Draco shook his head, "You-Know-Who has ways of 'restoring' people. Mostly blood magic and other illegal rituals, but Professor Snape is probably having to brew nutrition potions as well. Trust me, he'll have them back in form within a month."

Harry thought a moment and asked, "So why didn't anyone think to do that for Sirius?" If it was that easy…

Narcissa looked Harry in the eye and level set him. "Because the Dark Lord's methods will ruin you. Mentally and physically, the recipients of these rituals will never be the same. The blood rituals may give you increased strength and speed, but you'll only live a muggle lifespan. Most likely even less. Sterility is normal and insanity, to differing degrees, is expected as well. I've seen you train, Heir Black. You're fast, but only humanly so. You seem to have a near precognitive ability to sense attacks, but you still move at human speed. A fast human, but human, nonetheless. Bellatrix moves like demon. Quick bursts of unearthly speed. There's no grace to her, just explosions of motion. The Dark Lord enhanced her, but he also ruined her. I visited her once in Azkaban and was shocked at what she had become. She was once so beautiful. She was so graceful…"

Harry could see the pain in Narcissa's face. "Lady Malfoy, how formidable is she? Is she really that dangerous?"

"Yes, she is "that" dangerous. There are very few could stand against her. She moves so fast; she literally tears herself apart and requires healing draughts after every battle. She feels no pain, either… she just keeps fighting. Your father was one of the few who could face her… Sirius could possibly hold his own… but that was in his prime. The Dark Lord performed numerous blood rituals on Bella to make her his perfect servant. I suspect it was punitive for something she or he husband did or failed to do."

Harry could tell both she and Draco were haunted by this. Had Bellatrix become a warning to those disloyal or with an independent streak? Did Narcissa fear this would be done to her as well? Or more likely, to Draco?

Narcissa added, "Whatever he did to her, it ended the primary line for the Lestrange family and drove her utterly insane. She went from being proud of her heritage* to being a fanatical blood purist. To make matters worse, she has vowed to purify the Black family." She said that while looking over at her sister.

Harry realised this was why Andromeda was so upset. Ted was a muggle born and Nymphadora was a half-blood. Based on what Narcissa had said, Bellatrix would stop at nothing to kill Andromeda's family.

Harry quietly said, "She must hate Aunt Andromeda…"

Narcissa looked surprised for a moment, "No, Heir Black. She loved Andi more than anyone else alive. Her desire to kill Edward and Nymphadora come from love and adoration. She thinks she's saving her beloved sister." Seeing Harry's shock, she added, "Andi and Bella were so close… they even looked alike. I always was the third sister… they were very much like the Weasley twins. So perfect." And she became silent.

Harry looked back at Draco and Narcissa. "Thank you."

Harry approached the Tonks family. Andromeda had clearly been crying.

Harry waited until they looked over at him. "Aunt Andromeda, maybe you guys should move in completely. At least for a while. Dobby and Pipsey can help move your things… I'll give you the master suite…"

She looked at Harry and smiled. "No Harry. The second guest suite will be fine. Thank you." After a brief pause, she straightened up and collected herself. She then said in a quiet voice, "We appreciate and accept your offer of sanctuary and protection."

Harry thought about her words for a moment, then realised she was following pureblood etiquette. The head of a house can offer sanctuary and protection and the other family members can request it. Even when she was scared, Andromeda was still trying to teach him.

Harry focused a moment and said, "Pipsey! Dobby! Kreacher!" He was rewarded with three pops. Not wanting to hear all the 'master-this and master-that', Harry just started talking.

"Kreacher, the Tonks family will be moving in soon for an extended period. Pipsey and Dobby, please help them pack." After a brief pause, he added, "And remember, Kreacher is the Black House Elf… so, he should be consulted before… Things are done. Inside the house." Awkward. Still, Harry knew how territorial House Elves could be. Kreacher seemed to appreciate this and Pipsey and Dobby did not seem to mind.

The Tonks family soon departed and promised to pack up and move in. Nymphadora went with them for protection, but nothing was likely to occur today. Considering what Draco had said, Voldemort would need at least a week or two before his followers were ready for action. Harry still thought it was unlikely, but Narcissa had agreed with him.

The Order meeting soon broke up and Bill approached Harry. "Harry, we need your help with something. Do you have a minute?"

Harry nodded and was brought into the dining room. This is the room the Order frequently uses for their meetings. The only current occupant was Albus Dumbledore. The other members had apparently rushed out upon hearing the news of the breakout.

Dumbledore smiled kindly, "Harry, I have a few requests to make. If you have a moment…"

Harry steeled himself, "What can I do for you, sir?"

"With the recent breakout, I fear certain members of the order are in danger. Specifically, the Weasley family. The Burrow only has one minor ley line close enough to power its wards and Rookwood would have no problem overcoming it."

Harry glanced at Bill and noted his closest friend and mentor didn't disagree.

Dumbledore continued, "I have suggested they move somewhere more secure. With your permission, I'd like to move them into Grimmauld Place. They would, of course need access beyond the first floor."

Harry couldn't see any issues here. There had to be more… "I don't have any issue with that whatsoever, headmaster." But he knew there was more. What aren't you saying old man?

Dumbledore added with exaggerated calmness, "I think it would be appropriate for you to allow the Weasley's into one of the larger rooms. Perhaps the master suite or the one Lady Malfoy is inhabiting."

And there it was. Dumbledore wanted to shift the Blacks out of the best rooms. Harry considered this for a moment. He was not about to give the Weasleys full run of the house. He really cared for them, but between the mischief of the twins and the overbearing ways of Mrs. Weasley… no way, not happening. And the Library wards were not being opened. He had already overheard Mrs. Weasley discussing how all those 'dark tomes should be destroyed'.

Harry turned on his inner Slytherin, "Professor, I'll see to it they have an appropriate room. Lady Black can determine the specifics of how the house is managed, she'll be moving in with her family as well. I'll alert Kreacher to the changes."

Albus was quiet for a moment, then added, "I'd like to add in a Fidelius Charm to improve the security."

Harry knew the Fidelius was the best possible security, but he also knew many of the Black wards would have to be turned down or even completely off for it to be effective.

"I see, as long as I have a say in who will be the secret keeper, that sounds like a good plan. Was there something else?"

Dumbledore smiled gently and said, "Yes, Harry. It seems I need a Parselmouth to destroy the locket. Given the recent breakout, I think it prudent. I'd also like to gain access to the content of Bellatrix Lestrange's vault."

Now Harry had his measure. "What are you looking for in Bellatrix's vault?"

Bill now spoke up, "Can't you guess, Harry? If You-Know-Who entrusted one Horcrux to Lucius, it stands to reason he gave the other to Bellatrix. Albus and I both think there could be another one there."

After a moment, Harry agreed. "Right. Alright. I want to be there, and I want Andromeda with me. The content was moved to the Black Vault and I want a Black to help identify anything that isn't part of the family."

Bill nodded, "Right, Harry. Since you can sense them, you definitely need to be there."

Harry noticed Albus was just quietly watching. Maybe he wanted to see what else was there. Then again, maybe it was just his imagination…

The group went down to the basement and cleared the floor. Dumbledore cast a few charms to secure a circular area about eight feet in diameter. The Locket was placed in the middle. Harry suddenly remembered Kreacher's tale. How he had tried and tried to destroy it, but he just couldn't so it.

Harry called out, "Kreacher!"

When the elf appeared, he asked, "Kreacher, we're going to destroy the locket Regulus gave you now. Do you want to watch?"

Kreacher looked stunned and vulnerable, then simply croaked out, "Yes, master…"

Harry had him stand on the side. Dumbledore opened the bag he had been carrying and extracted the Sword of Gryffindor. He looked over at Harry and said, "Tell it to open now Harry. In Parseltongue."

Harry nodded and said, §Open§.

Immediately, the locket opened, and a dark figure rose. Harry expected it to be Voldemort, but it was a young woman. She was begging and pleading with Dumbledore.

"Please Albie, don't kill me. Please, Albie…"

Dumbledore wavered for a moment, then struck. As the sword made contact, there was a piercing scream that Harry knew would haunt his dreams for months. It was full of malevolence and hatred. It was vile and disgusting in every conceivable smoke billowed forth and Harry could taste the putrid and disgusting 'flavour' of it. This was, without a doubt, a Horcrux.

As the smoke cleared, Harry rushed to a corner and vomited. Kreacher had reacted quickly and a bucket was summoned for him. Once his stomach was empty, Harry looked up. Both Bill and Dumbledore were shaken. Dumbledore had tears in his eyes.

Bill walked over and placed his hand on the back of Harry's neck. "Harry, are you alright?"

Collecting himself, Harry said, "Yes. But the stench… My god, will it ever fade?" It was still there.

Bill and Dumbledore exchanged a look. The headmaster said, "Harry, there's no smell. It's the corrupt magic you're sensing. I suspect you are more sensitive to it than most…"

Kreacher croaked, "Master needs to leave this room. Kreacher smells it too. Master needs… rest."

Harry said, "Wait. He walked over and picked up the charm. It was dead now. "Kreacher, once this has had time to air out, you can have it. To remember Master Regulus."

Dumbledore sighed, but nodded. He obviously didn't agree. Harry knew the locket was once Slytherin's and it was likely worth a fortune, even with a gash through it. Still, Kreacher had earned it.

They climbed the stairs and Harry went straight to bed. They could work out the living arrangement the next day. He walked through his occlumency exercises and filed away the different parts of his day. He was exhausted and it had been weeks since he had visited his parents in his Dreamscape. He needed them tonight.

As the memories were separated and reviewed, he gained the kind of clarity that comes with occlumency. Whoever the woman that the locket used to affect Dumbledore, she had been important. He also realised that Dumbledore hadn't expected him to allow the Weasley's so easily to move in. The play for the Master Suite was more a play to get Harry to move into another room and bunk with others, likely Ron. Occlumency had made a huge difference in Harry's ability to read others, especially the Headmaster. As Harry drifted off, he considered how apt the title 'Headmaster' was. Always with the head games.

—DoD—

As Harry fell asleep, his awareness slowly formed in his dreamscape. He was back in the forest on the path he knew well. Waiting for him was Rose. It seemed odd that he hadn't seen Oakheart. He could sense him but hadn't met him.

Rose smiled with her blood red lips showing her sharp teeth. She was so beautiful and so terrible. "You'll meet him soon enough my young friend. On the Beltane."

Young friend? That was new. Harry stared at her. "What's the Beltane?" Wasn't it a druidic date? He had other questions but wasn't ready to ask them.

"The first of May. That is the point where the Seelie Court rises to pre-eminence. From Samhain until the Beltane, the Unseelie is in full force. That's why you're here with me now and not Oakheart."

Harry considered this. He knew Rose completed the cycle and allowed Oakheart to heal him. He also knew he was critical to purifying Oakheart and restoring the cycle. How he was doing this, he couldn't say.

"Walk with me, Harry." She held out her hand. As Harry took it, her thorns stabbed into his palm. It stung, but it felt normal. Natural may be a better word for it.

"Are you taking me to see my parents?"

"All in due time." With a deep breath she said, "Can you feel how clean your magic is? I could just drink it in. Correction, I am just drinking it in. You are almost a third of the way healed, Harry, but the process can be sped up."

Harry wondered what the catch was. "How?"

"Merge with me completely. Feel my thorns and know the exquisite pain that accompanies my kiss. It will pierce and tear you from the inside out. Your blood and pain will accelerate the healing tremendously. Days will be as weeks and weeks will be as months. You will be mostly healed in a lunar cycle."

That sounded too good to be true. And that meant it came with catches. "Magic is never free."

"No, it's not. You must learn to pay attention Harry. Your blood will accelerate the rebuilding of your magical core. Within two lunar cycles you will be fully healed. Yes, you will be in agony for a year and a day... But even in agony, you will find clarity. That is the price of power."

Harry considered this. He just needed to wait a bit… take things slowly and have a pain free recovery. His parents had said he would be fully healed in about a year, and that was months ago. Why be in pain? Why a year and a day? Who makes these rules?

Rose laughed, "A year and a day is a standard price for Blood Magic. The rules of magic are set by magic herself." Moving in closer, she said, "When you make up your mind, I'll be here. Just don't wait too long… This is Wyld magic. Unseelie magic. The offer ends on the Beltane."

With that, Rose stepped away and off the path. She gave Harry a wink and dissolved into the forest. Yeah, that's not creepy at all. Not one bit. She heard him thinking… but they were both inside his mind, so it made sense. Looking down at his throbbing hand, he noted numerous bleeding puncture wounds from her thorns. When he looked up, he was at his parent's home in his Dreamscape. The porch light was on, smoke was rising from the chimney, and he could smell something in the oven cooking.

Harry was greeted at the door by the incarnations of his parents. They welcomed him in, and the family had dinner together. Harry shared all the events that had occurred since his last visit as well as the meeting with Rose. His parents already knew about the last month's events, but Rose was a surprise. James complimented Harry on trouncing Draco but admitted that it was a huge gamble. Lily agreed with her husband, but she had advised against it from the beginning. She was even more shocked to learn that it was Aberforth that caught Snape eavesdropping at the Hogs Head, but she still didn't trust Dumbledore.

Eventually the subject turned to the escaped Death Eaters. James was most nervous about Bellatrix. He admitted that the only way he could beat her was to keep her off guard and distracted with illusions and transfiguration.

He further said, "Harry, she's a killing machine. Faster than any human has any right to be, maniacally insane, unbelievably accurate with her wand… Don't even try to match her wand to wand, you'll lose. But keep her distracted and chasing shadows. Eventually she'll tire herself out. Those explosions of unearthly speed come at a steep price and that price will be paid. Where she's concerned, draw the fight out. Her stamina is far less than most realise."

Her mother chimed in with, "Don't let yourself focus too much on her, either. The Lestrange brothers are devious and dangerous. Rookwood is downright brilliant. Keep moving and stay alert. Staying in motion is so important against the Lestrange trio. Once you settle into a predictable pattern, they'll cut you down."

Harry ran his hand through his hair. "Suddenly the loss of money doesn't seem like such a blow…"

James put his hand on Harry's shoulder, "It will prevent this from becoming a political war. Well, mostly. The Deatheaters and sympathisers simply can't afford to bribe their way into positions of control. Trust me Harry, it mattered."

James then took Harry aside and continued his knowledge transfer with Harry on Illusion magic. He really focused on space and time movements and the theory behind the switching charms. He finished up with a review on transfiguration and how it dovetailed nicely into illusionistic arcana. When Harry finally awoke, he knew he had learned a great deal. This is how his mum would have trained him if the Horcrux hadn't constantly been interfering with the knowledge transfer. This is how an incarnation was supposed to work. He dearly wished he could do this every night, but he'd settle for every other week. For now.

—DoD—

Saturday morning came and Harry sent letters to his friends at Hogwarts. While his letter to Ginny was the longest – as usual… His letter to Neville was the most emotional. Harry knew how much Neville hated the Lestrange family members. Especially Bellatrix. He could only offer his words of comfort and friendship. Hopefully, Neville would keep himself together.

After his letters were written, he met with Andromeda to discuss the future living arrangements. Harry was moved into Regulus' room on the fourth floor. He had wanted Sirius' room, but Remus was already in that room and he didn't have the heart to ask him to move. Also, Kreacher insisted. Since the destruction of the locket, he began to near idolise Harry. Kreacher was like an older and creepier version of Dobby.

Space would get a great deal tighter during the spring and summer holidays, but Harry didn't mind bunking with someone else. He had mostly worked past the sting of Ron's betrayal for Ginny and Bill's sake, but he wasn't sure he wanted to bunk with him. The Declaration of Eiectio still bothered him. And no, the scar wasn't completely to blame… although it may have been a factor. He just couldn't be friends with someone who was that jealous of him. For the thousandth time, Harry wondered which twin sided with him and which against…

Andromeda agreed that Harry needed to give up the larger suite given current conditions, but she also agreed that the master suite should go to her and Ted. The Weasleys could have the guest suite Andromeda had originally planned to take. Apparently, there was an internal ward scheme that would prevent books from being taken out of the library without a family ring. It was simple enough to turn on and it would prevent anyone from borrowing books that should stay put. It was not a strong ward, but it would at least alert Harry and Andromeda through their rings if it were broken. The Fidelius would not affect that ward.

By the end of the weekend, it was all set up. Harry was in Regulus' room and the Tonks' were in the Master Suite. The attic was a functional gymnasium and The Weasleys were ready to move in. There was talk around using the Attic to store the Weasley's things, but Andromeda refused, saying the gym was critical to Harry's training. She suggested muggle storage and offered to foot the bill. Molly seemed to bristle a bit but accepted that this was Andromeda's house and the two got along fine.

Harry noted she had never been this deferent with Sirius. Odd how two women can respect each other's territory, but no one seemed to respect Sirius' space. Odd and annoying.

On Monday, Andromeda sent Kreacher to the vault to see if he could locate a Horcrux. She did not like the idea of letting non-family members comb through the Black Vault. There were just too many questionable objects and she felt that Albus Dumbledore was a little too eager. She didn't expect him to pilfer anything, but she also didn't want him pressuring her ward to destroy or turn over any objects. The man knew how to manipulate…

Kreacher returned with a bag containing a cup that bore the crest of Helga Hufflepuff. It wasn't hard to determine what this was. The cup of Helga Hufflepuff was a legendary treasure and both Kreacher and Harry could feel the corruption on it. Dumbledore was summoned and he once more brought Bill in to destroy the object. This time, Harry stayed upstairs, but he could still 'feel' the object being destroyed. Progress.

Harry, Andromeda, Bill, and Dumbledore had a brief meeting to discuss the current count of Horcruxes. The diary, the locket, Harry's scar, and now the cup had been destroyed. Four down.

Dumbledore looked old. The last object had taken a lot out of him. "I had hoped nothing would be found. In truth, three is a magical number and it would have been a good place for Voldemort to have ceased creating such dangerous objects."

Harry asked what he thought was an obvious question, "Why stop at three? Why not make hundreds?"

Bill winced and Andromeda looked ill.

Albus calmly answered, "The creation of each Horcrux splits the soul in two. Making three would leave Voldemort with approximately one eighth of his own soul. I suspect the dark mark somehow acts as a sanity stabiliser. Keeping him sane enough to function… but more than three?"

Everyone was quiet for a moment, considering the consequences of splitting a person's soul that many times.

Albus eventually shook his head, "There are limits, Harry. If Voldemort created seven, the next magical number in the western culture, his soul would be reduced to less than one percent of its natural size. Perhaps he found a way to make smaller cuts… But I don't see how that would be possible. It must be the dark mark that is the stabilising factor in his pattern. But even then… If he created seven, I am shocked he hasn't begun to physically destabilise… No, Harry. Seven would be the limit, and only with the aid of the dark mark on numerous witches and wizards to keep him stable. We just don't know if he made seven. Other cultures treat other numbers as magical… If only we could verify it."

Harry had a question that he thought was obvious, "Professor, if he used the soul shard in my scar, wouldn't that have added back the soul fragment to his own? Making him more whole… Perhaps he has created more now."

Dumbledore seemed to consider it, "Perhaps it did increase his own soul slightly, but it would meld like scar tissue. He would no longer be able to split that which was once split. The shard in your scar was also very tiny. Had he used the diary; he may have been able to split it again… We have no real way of knowing." After a moment, he added, "I have never heard of anyone making a Horcrux after being merged back with a soul fragment. But this is all conjecture. To know for certain would require experimentation. And I have no desire to do that."

Harry found that troubling. No more than seven were believed possible and four were already destroyed. He probably hasn't created an eighth… "Professor, I think the snake may be a Horcrux… He was so protective of it in the graveyard. And it was corrupt, magically speaking."

Bill appraised Harry's statement, "Did it feel like the locket or the cup, Harry?"

Harry shrugged, "I was pretty distracted, but it was vile. Yeah, I guess it did. I need a pensieve to be certain, but I'm quite sure."

Dumbledore seemed encouraged by this. "So, two more. Perhaps… The cave Kreacher describes sounds like a place from Riddle's childhood. The diary was created within Hogwarts. I'll start looking in places that meant something to him. Alternately, I will investigate the followers he trusted the most. I expect there were very few of them."

Bill hesitantly added, "Albus, don't try to collect them on your own. Curse-breakers work in groups for a reason. Call me if you think you've located one and Remus and I can back you up. Please."

Albus simply nodded. Harry exchanged a subtle look with Bill, they both had concerns and Harry doubted Dumbledore would call anyone. But you never know.

—DoD—

Over the next two weeks, the library was converted into a classroom and only teachers and students were allowed in during home schooling. Harry found that Draco was a good student. Yes, Harry knew a great deal more, thanks to his parent's incarnations, but still, Draco took his studies seriously. The rare and darker tomes were locked in a cabinet to keep wandering eyes out. Yes, some of the darker tomes were dangerous, but they were still part of the Black family's legacy.

While most of the classes were held in the library, there were exceptions. One exception was when Harry was dodging curses and the other was when they were taking potions classes in the basement. Harry found he really liked Slughorn and enjoyed hearing stories about his mother. His mother's incarnation had passed on most of her knowledge on potions, but Harry enjoyed hearing a different perspective.

On February second, the Fidelius was raised in a six-hour ritual and Remus was named as the secret keeper. Harry thought it was fitting since he was once passed over for Pettigrew. The older marauder was nearly in tears when he was asked. In a week, Harry and Draco would return to Hogwarts for their 'check in'.

— Dance of Death 30—

Grimmauld Place

Black Library

February 11, 1996

Sunday Evening

The next week went by quickly with Harry and Draco falling into a good study rhythm. The weekend before their check in, Harry used Hedwig to send letters to his friends and instructed her to stay there and wait for him. Despite everything that happened, he was excited to go back and see the people he cared about. After his third session with Dr. Gaines, he was able to maintain a neutral face, but he just hoped it wouldn't crumble if he were pressed.

Draco seemed extremely nervous. The news of his duel had made the gossip circles and he would have to face the children of Deatheaters. He hoped none of his friends were now under the influence of the Dark Lord. He wouldn't wish that on anyone. Assurances were made for both his and Harry's safety, but he was still nervous. What if someone wanted to exact revenge for his failure. Who would stand beside him if he were targeted? He knew his mother was nervous as well, but this had to be done.

As the two approached the library fireplace, they looked over their trunks. Tonks was going along to provide extra security. Andromeda and Narcissa would only be going along to get them settled. Harry was satisfied but noticed Draco was hesitating.

"Draco, is everything alright?" They were on a first name basis now. It made things easier given how closely they worked together while home schooling. Who was Malfoy? Narcissa or Draco? Who was Harry? Potter, Black, or Heir Black? Heir Potter? Easier to just go with first names. It was a familiarity stretch, but they both seemed alright with it.

"I just don't know what to expect. There will be some that think I intentionally lost the duel. Others will think I was beaten, but that just makes me a failure." He was silent for maybe ten seconds, then said, "I can't count on any friends or allies if things turn ugly."

Harry knew exactly what that was like. "Well, you're my Bannerman, so I guess that means we have to look after each other. Right?" Out of the corner of his eye, Harry saw Draco's mother and she looked very relieved at his statement.

Draco smirked and said, "I'm not wearing a tiara." They both laughed at that.

They all then used the floo to travel straight to the Headmasters office.

— Dance of Death 30—

Hogwarts

Headmasters Office

Eleven PM

Emerging from the fireplace, they were met by the headmaster and his four heads of house. Headmaster Dumbledore was smiling, Professor McGonagall look pensive, Professors Flitwick and Sprout were excited, and Professor Snape was brooding and anxious. Off to the side was Dolores Umbridge and two Students. Harry recognised both students. One was a member of the Slytherin Quidditch team. He wasn't one of the players that would cheat. The other was Percy's Girlfriend Penelope. Hopefully, she came to her senses and dropped the prat.

Dumbledore addressed the group, "On behalf of myself, the faculty, and the student body, allow me to welcome back two of our most promising students and their immediate families."

Tonks spoke before anyone else could, "Thank you headmaster. I'd like to see the living quarters as soon as possible."

Dolores Umbridge cleared her throat. "I believe both students know where their dormitories are Miss Tonks. Their prefects can escort them from here."

Harry just said, "No. We'll be in a suite or we'll relocate to Hogsmeade. Or we'll just leave and make arrangements with another school." He wasn't playing any of their games.

Before the situation could escalate, Dumbledore interrupted Dolores' rebuttal. "Yes, yes. As visiting students and the Heirs of multiple houses, you will be given a guest suite per the Hogwarts bylaws."

Umbridge looked like she had just eaten a rotten lemon. "Very well. Do behave while you are on the school grounds, Mr. Potter." Harry noted that she didn't address Draco with her warning. What a bitch. Or as Ginny had called her, an 'Umbitch'.

Andromeda stepped forward. "Dolores, it's been too long. I'm certain you will find my ward to be quite well mannered. Now, it's been a long day…" She managed to deliver her greeting in a way that could easily cause frost bite.

Harry always suspected the Black women practiced their icy stares and insults with each other and in the mirror. Especially that single raised eyebrow. He was now glad he didn't curse at the woman. Hermione's letters had warned him about her. She was vile and vindictive. Watching her around Andromeda, he realised was also a bit afraid of his magical guardian.

After a slight stumble on her words, Dolores Umbridge smiled and simply said, "Naturally." Her eyes didn't look as confident as she tried to sound.

The group was led to a guest suite near the Ravenclaw Tower. It had one large master bedroom on the left and the right had a short hall leading to a secondary bedroom and a small bathroom with a shower. The master bedroom had a large full bathroom and the secondary bedroom was near a small bathroom with a shower. They were separated by a small common area with a desk on each side and a sofa. There was a window and a stand set up for Hedwig. It was functional.

As they entered, Tonks told Harry and Draco, "Settle in boys, you're bunking together in the secondary room. I'll take the master suite with the attached bathroom."

They quickly settled in and Harry and Draco ended up in bunk beds. The headmaster had to transfigure them as he had assumed Tonks would be in a different suite. She made a point of wanting to keep an eye on the pair. Narcissa and Andromeda left together and soon they were settled in.

The lights were out, and Harry was practicing his occlumency. Then he heard, "Harry? Where do you plan to eat breakfast tomorrow?"

"I don't know. Probably the great hall. I plan to meet Ginny and Hermione there as soon as it opens. Neville probably too." After a moment, Harry realised what Draco was really asking. "Hey, you should join us. We can sit at the Ravenclaw table. You know, neutral ground."

Draco was quiet for a minute, then just said, "Thanks."

Harry thought how hard it would be to come back in his position. Not only was he a 'vassal' of his old rival, but he was likely considered a traitor by the blood purists. Some of his old friends would openly scorn and mock him. It may be a little like what Harry had gone through last year.

"Hey, Draco? Why don't we stick together this week? You know, watch each other's back." Harry decided to open up and go a bit further, "Did you know I was almost killed last year? In the middle of the courtyard. And yet, no one saw who did it."

Draco was quiet for a while, then said, "Well, it wasn't me. I told you I never hexed you when you didn't have your wand."

Harry snapped back, "That's not what I meant!" Did he have his wand?

Draco calmly asked, "Then what did you mean?"

"Oh, forget it." Harry then added, "Prat."

Draco chuckled and fell asleep with a smile. He could still wind Harry up.

— Dance of Death 30—

Hogwarts Great Hall

February 12, 1996

6:15AM

Harry and Draco came down early to beat the main student body. Neither teen really wanted to see crowds of people. As they came down, they were both quiet. Harry knew he had perhaps an hour before the main student population filed in. Tonks was with them and she was not happy about being up so early. At first, she was angry, but one look told her that neither boy was feeling greatly confident now. She remembered her own time at Hogwarts. It wasn't always sunshine and happiness. Dumbledore was probably planning a big and embarrassing introduction. She agreed to get up early today, but not the rest of the week.

So, two apprehensive teens and one irritated Auror crept into the great hall. It was near empty and only Professors Flitwick and Sprout were at the faculty table. They both perked up when they saw the trio enter. Harry waved enthusiastically. He and Professor Flitwick were tight. Professor Sprout had always treated him fairly.

Seeing the professors, he knew and liked, Harry felt a sense of familiarity. It was nice. He hadn't felt like this since his third year… that seemed so long ago. Draco sat down at the Ravenclaw table with Tonks at the end. Harry sat across from Draco. Soon, a full English breakfast appeared before them and they began to dig in.

A remarkably familiar voice then rang out, "Harry!"

Harry looked up and saw Ginny and Hermione. He got up and quickly walked toward them, only to have Ginny sprint into his arms. He buried his face in her red hair and held her tight. It had only been a little more than a month, but it seemed like an eternity. Her hair smelt so good…

"I've missed you so much, Ginny."

She nuzzled in closer, "I've missed you too, Harry."

Then Hermione gave him a friendly hug. They all soon joined him at the Ravenclaw table. Draco was quiet but avoided any insulting remarks. Luna soon joined the group along with Neville. They had effectively taken over the bottom section of the Ravenclaw table, usually where the first years sit. Harry hoped to be out of there before seven to avoid the crowd, but that now seemed unlikely.

Hermione found an opening and asked, "So, what's on your schedule today?"

Harry answered, "Today we both have Arithmancy and Herbology evaluations. Draco has Potions and Charms in the afternoon."

Draco looked up and asked, "Wait, why aren't you taking potions?" Harry was taking the same tutoring sessions with Slughorn that he was…

Harry shrugged, "I don't plan to get my OWL in potions. I just want to get the minimum and move on."

Draco didn't let it go, "Then why are you taking the classes with Slughorn?"

Harry realised he really did like potions. Maybe he'd take the OWL just for fun, he knew he'd pass it. With ease. But taking the OWLs didn't require this 'check in'. He'd just submit the application and show up in June to take it.

Harry gave a shrug with his answer. "I like Professor Slughorn. He knew my mother and I like hearing the stories. But I have no intention of sitting through a review with Snape."

Hermione corrected him, "Professor Snape, Harry."

"No, Hermione. He's not my Professor. Not after he killed my snake."

The table grew uncomfortably quiet after that.

Luna asked, "What does the rest of your week look like, Harry?" Harry had forgotten how lyrical Luna's voice was.

"Well, tomorrow we have Ancient Runes and Astronomy. Draco will take Transfiguration in the afternoon. Then we have Muggle Studies and History of Magic. Draco's skipping Muggle Studies but takes Defence at the same time. Then, Thursday morning we meet with our career councillors and head back to London." Harry thought for a minute and added, "I have no idea who my career counsellor will be. I may just skip it and hang out with Hagrid."

Hermione actually gasped, "Harry, you have to go to your counselling session. It's where you plan out your academic path."

Harry exchanged a brief glance with Draco. Draco managed to hold back a smile.

"Actually, Hermione, I plan to drop out." Seeing her stunned look, he added, "Really, I don't need to get a job and I have enough money… I plan to focus on the war effort."

Hermione's cheeks began to turn red. She was holding in a massive lecture. Ginny picked up on it and diverted the discussion.

The youngest Weasley affirmed Harry's option, "Being on the Wizengamot is a job and Harry has… something like three or four votes."

Draco interjected, "Four. One for house Potter and three for house Black. Plus, influence with any other allied houses."

Hermione finally exploded, "All the more reason to get your education! You have a responsibility to the rest of society and shirking your education affects us all…" Her voice was well above the normal pitch and people were beginning to look over. Draco took another bite of food while chuckling.

Harry really missed Hermione. "I plan to use Divination to make my decisions in the Wizengamot."

Hermione nearly choked on her pumpkin juice.

Neville looked up, "Harry, are you a seer?" He seemed to be in sudden awe. What the hell?

"No Neville, but I own a device that accurately directs me, and I plan to use it in my voting. It's called a 'Magic Eight Ball'. Alternately, I could use the flipped coin approach, but I find the Eight Ball gives me more reliable answers."

Hermione huffed and glared at him, but the ends of her mouth were fighting a smile. "Very funny, Harry." Neville and Luna were trying to understand what was so humorous. Ginny knew what a magic eight ball was.

Becoming serious, Harry addressed Hermione's concerns. "Hermione, the counsellor in these sessions is traditionally your head of house and I don't have one. Remember the Declaration of Eiectio? I plan to just work it out with Bill and Andromeda, but I'll likely be a curse-breaker. I already have my Novice curse-breaker certificate and with a bit more field work, I can sit for my journeyman exam. I know I'll ace it."

Harry noticed his friends were looking oddly and uncomfortably at each other. Draco was smirking about something. What had he missed?

Ginny timidly asked, "Don't you need to have all your magic for that?"

Shite! He wasn't ready to give it all away in such a public place…

"Oh, yeah. Well, Goblins can't cast spells and they can be curse-breakers. We'll see." He really hadn't told many people his magic was healing. It was best if no one suspected it… He might need the element of surprise. He could privately share it, but not here.

Harry looked around and realised the hall was full, and all the faculty was at their table. Many of the faculty were looking in his direction. Likely a lot of the students as well.

Harry decided it was time to depart. "Hey, guys, I think I'd like to leave now." Draco seemed to feel the same way. "Come by our suite later if you want. I'd like to get out of her before…"

Harry was suddenly interrupted by Dumbledore's augmented voice.

"Attention!"

Harry winced, knowing what was coming. Please let it end quickly.

"Please join me in welcoming two of our students back to Hogwarts. Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy have both returned to prepare for their coming OWL exams. They will be here all week and I am certain your support and encouragement will be appreciated." There was a mild applause, but Harry just stared at his plate. Ginny squeezed his hand. He didn't even know he was holding her hand.

There were a few other announcements, then silence. Which meant the hall became very loud once again. Harry looked up. "You guys want to come back to our suite?"

Hermione gave him a half smile. "Later, Harry. We got up extra early to meet you, now we need to go back to our dorms and get our class materials."

Harry knew they had gotten up early. "Come by when you're done with classes. We can also meet up here for lunch."

At that, the group got up to leave. Harry noted Draco nodded to a few Slytherin students. He also saw Ron and the twins watching him. He expected a visit at some point. On his way out, he saw several other students watching him. Most of the stares appeared to be either curious or nervous, a few at the Slytherin table were outright hostile.

Occlumency… like Dr. Gaines and he had practiced… Harry locked away his nervousness and insecurities behind his mask of control and indifference. He even met a few of the more hostile stares. Dead eyes… Zero emotion… Lock it away.

They were back at their suite with an hour to go before they began their OWL preparedness meetings. Tonks and Draco were looking at him warily.

Tonks started in the minute the door closed. "Who taught you occlumency?"

Harry just looked at her, giving nothing away.

She looked visibly upset. "Stop, Harry!"

Harry said, "What are you talking about? I'm not doing anything."

Draco calmly said, "You have dead eyes. The kind that… well, they're not normal for you." He sounded almost timid.

Tonks continued. "Harry, there's occlumency and there's occlumency. You've hidden away and walled yourself off. It's a Black family trick, but you really don't want to do it."

Harry slowly relaxed and opened… "What do you mean about two kinds of occlumency?"

Tonks looked very relieved after Harry relaxed. "There's the kind that protects your mind. You've obviously been trained in that. Then there's the kind that shuts you off. The kind that kills all emotion and makes you… unfeeling. It's usually a dark trait and your light families don't teach or encourage it."

Draco rolled his eyes. "Oh please, there are no 'Dark' or 'Light' families. There are Traditionalists and Progressives. Probably a few other minor factions as well… Just being a Traditionalist doesn't make you 'Dark' any more than eating vegetables makes you a vegetarian."

Harry rubbed his forehead. "OK, I didn't want anyone to see me struggling, so I put on a poker face. That hardly makes me a Dark Wizard."

Draco shook his head, "That wasn't a poker face. Well, maybe if you intend to kill all the other players if you lose… That was the look a killer gets when they're… Well, I know that look and it's not you."

Tonks very gently asked again, "Harry, who taught that to you?"

No way was he throwing his relationship with Dr. Gaines away. "I learned it watching Clint Eastwood. I watched his last movie - Unforgiven."

Draco looked confused and Tonks seemed to consider what he had said. She would have just graduated from Hogwarts when it came out and Harry doubted that she had ever seen it. Still, she might have heard of it.

Harry changed the subject, "I think I'll look over my notes before the review." And he excused himself.

Reflecting on the occlumency, Harry realised he was able to maintain the face of calm in a stressful environment. Maybe he looked emotionless and dead, but he liked the results. And there's nothing wrong with a little buffer. Everywhere he goes, people judge him. Always under the microscope… If Tonks and Draco don't like it, too bad.

About a half hour before his review, Harry got up and opened the window. Within two minutes, Hedwig had flown in and settled on her stand. Harry made over her and gave her a treat. Now he could send letters without having to walk to the owlery. He gave her a second treat and brushed over her feathers. Draco was studying and Tonks were relaxing.

On a whim, Harry called out "Dobby!"

Dobby soon appeared in front of him. "Does Master Harry wants Dobby?"

Harry smiled at his friend. "Yes, Dobby. Can you help me out with dinner Wednesday?"

Dobby eagerly nodded his head. His ears were flapping about in his enthusiastic nodding.

"Ok, Wednesday is Valentine's Day and I thought I'd take Ginny out for dinner at the Astronomy Tower…" Tonks interrupted him.

"No." She said without looking up from her Witch Weekly magazine.

Harry did a double take. "What?"

Tonks looked up. "You are under my protection and you will not be breaking off and smooching with your girl. That would make you an easy target." She softened a bit and added, "I'm sorry, Harry."

Draco was smiling. He was no longer turning pages.

Harry thought for a minute and asked, "What if we do it here? A big Valentine's dinner?"

Draco now looked up, "No thank you, Harry. I have no wish to watch the two of you, this morning was enough. Before you ask, I do not intend to hide in the bedroom all night, either."

Harry took a long cleansing breath, maybe he could beat the crap out of Draco again. Would Tonks interfere if he did? Probably.

One possible trick. Harry asked, "What about you, Draco?"

"What do you mean, Harry?" Draco was looking suspiciously at him.

"Is there a girl you like? Invite her. We can make it a double date. Dobby and Kreacher can do it up as a formal evening." Harry watched Draco's eyes soften. There was a girl! He was considering it.

Looking back at Tonks he saw her about to 'veto' the idea.

"Come on Tonks don't be like Dolores Umbridge. You're still young enough to know what it's like."

Harry saw her eyes flash and wasn't sure she like what he had said.

"Please Tonks. I miss Ginny so much…"

Tonks cut her eyes and said, "You're playing me. Alright, I'll clear it with the headmaster. But only if Draco has a date and there will be chaperones."

Harry had a sudden fright, "Not by Umbridge…" he saw a look of horror on Draco's face as well.

Tonks suddenly looked disgusted. "Oh, Lord no." She then smiled and winked, "By me. And Remus."

Harry realised that wasn't too bad… "Separate tables?"

Tonks grinned, "Only for the Chaperones. But you must write Remus and ask him to be here. He can't say no to you."

Harry nodded, then looked at Draco. "Draco?"

Draco thought a moment and nodded. Then he said, "There's a girl I like. I'll go along, but this will be a formal dinner. None of that Gryffindor garbage. The two of us will be in Dress robes… the ladies will also be in formal attire. And I pick the menu."

Harry paused a moment. He was up to this. "Alright, but I get veto on the dinner. I don't want something Ginny or I don't like." Andromeda had been training him for weeks. Months even. This would be fun.

Draco added in as an afterthought, "I pick the Champagne."

Tonks laughed. "Why thank you Draco. Remus and I will enjoy that. But you two get nothing stronger than Butterbeer."

Draco and Harry looked at each other and smiled. This would be fun.

Harry sat down and wrote a letter to his… Andromeda. He almost called her mum. Yeeesh. The letter was asking for dress robes for Draco and himself. Tonks did the same in a separate letter. Harry then wrote one to Remus and Tonks made him request Remus wear his best robes. He started to give the letters to Dobby but decided to send them via Hedwig. She'd been cooped up for months and he could tell she enjoyed flying here. She was eager for another trip.

Harry smiled at Hedwig. "Alright, girl. Here's a treat and three letters."

Harry watched her soar away. He then wrote an invitation to Ginny and gave it to Dobby to deliver. Draco did the same to whichever girl he had his eye on. The three of them were feeling good. This was shaping up to be an amazing Valentine's Day.

It was now time to go to Arithmancy.

— DoD—

Arithmancy and Herbology reviews wrapped up early. Both Draco and Harry were well prepared for their OWLs. Harry suspected Bill had exaggerated the difficulty of the exam. Compared to the cures-breaker examinations, this was child's play. Was he that far ahead? Well, of course he was, he'd had most of his mother's knowledge transferred and a fair amount of his father's. They were both excellent students.

He and Draco spent thirty minutes in their suite talking about the different menu options for Wednesday. It was looking like Beef Wellington, Red Potatoes, Asparagus and Hollandaise Sause. Dessert would be a Crème Brûlée with Vanilla Ice Cream.

Harry looked at the time and asked, "Are you about ready for lunch?"

Draco nodded, but he was clearly dreading the hallways as much as Harry.

Tonks took a moment to get ready and the three of them headed down for lunch.

They walked together to the Great Hall and went to 'their' table. It was still early, but they wanted to avoid any crowds. Tonks went over to see Professor Moody. Harry remembered he had been her mentor in the Academy.

Draco looked over. "You're doing it again. The Occlumency."

Harry just shrugged. He needed his shields. Yes, it made Draco nervous, but was that really such a bad thing? Harry knew he had bailed Draco and his mother out of a terrible situation, whether Draco is nervous around him or not didn't really matter that much.

Soon enough, other students began filing in. Ginny came over and gave him a hug. She was holding his invitation. "Thank you, Harry! I can't wait. I've written mum to send the same dress I wore for the Yule Ball last year. I can't wait!"

Harry just smiled. Realising she was suddenly looking at him oddly, he slowly dropped the occlumency.

He now smiled sincerely and proclaimed, "I can't wait either! We'll have to share the dining area with Draco and Tonks… and their dates… but it'll still be great."

Harry suddenly realised he didn't have a gift. He'd use Dobby or Pipsey and have them shop at Hogsmeade. This was going to be so much fun. Harry looked over and saw Draco talking to a girl in Slytherin robes. She looked familiar…

Hermione and Neville came up.

Hermione asked, "How was your evaluation, Harry?"

Harry focused on her and smiled, "Easy as pie, Hermione. Easy as Pie."

— Dance of Death 30—

After lunch, Draco went off with Professor Snape for his potion's evaluation. Tonks followed Harry out into the courtyard. It was brutally cold, but bright and clear. Harry could tell that Tonks was as excited as he was about Valentine's Day. They were joking around and cutting up when Harry saw Colin out practicing something with his wand.

"Hey Colin, what are you working on?" But Harry already knew. The shouts of 'Protego' were a dead giveaway.

"Hi Harry! I'm trying to get my shielding spell up. Not having much luck, though. Sometimes I get a blueish light…"

Harry knew how challenging this one was. It required a visual image as much as proper wand movements or incantations. At least initially.

"Hmmm. Let's see. You're making your circular motion in a triangular shape." Pausing and thinking a minute, he added, "Try to imagine a metal dustbin lid, hovering in front of you. Now, make the circle like you are outlining the inside circle of the lid. Focus on the shield. Move at half speed and speak normally."

Colin followed Harry's directions and a bluish disc formed. He had successfully cast a shield charm.

Harry clapped and said, "Nice. Repeat the steps the same way… fifty times, then begin making the circle gradually smaller. Keep the image. Once your circular motion is the size of a tennis ball, start speeding up your words and motions. Gradually…"

Tonks had watched with interest. Harry was a highly effective teacher. He skipped all the theory and went straight to the execution, but he was very relatable.

"Hem-hem" The three of them turned and looked at Dolores Umbridge. She was standing off to the side glaring at them.

Harry looked over at Tonks and she shrugged. Harry just waited.

"You are breaking an educational decree. There is to be no wand use outside of the classroom. That will be twenty points from Gryffindor. Each."

Harry did a double take. "Professor Umbridge, we're not in the halls… And I'm not a Gryffindor student. The charm Colin was using was purely defensive…"

Dolores interrupted and said, "The rules have been amended." The toad faced woman then smiled in an insincere and saccharine sweet manner.

Tonks said, "Oi! What about them?"

She pointed to other students performing simple charms at random inside the courtyard. Most were Slytherin students. A few were Ravenclaws.

Harry looked back at Umbridge and asked, "Professor, do you have an answer for Auror Tonks?" He knew he shouldn't have said anything, but he was irritated.

Umbridge sneered at him. "Those students are from magical families. They understand how to be… careful." She then adopted her disgusting smile.

Harry was staring at the woman. He had heard Andromeda and Narcissa talking about her from their days at Hogwarts. She was no pureblood. He had also heard from Hermione about her detentions and bias toward Slytherin house. She made Snape seem fair and impartial.

Harry asked, "What do you mean, Professor? Are you saying only purebloods should be able to use wands outside of class?"

She kept her cavity inducing smile, "Those are your words, not mine." But she didn't deny them.

"Considering your own upbringing, I would have expected you to be more considerate to…"

She cut him off, "I am a part of the Selwyn family." She wasn't smiling now.

"Professor, your mother was a muggle and your father a muggle-born, how on earth…"

Harry stopped when he saw her reaching for her wand. She had a look on her face that he knew all too well. She was going to curse him. What the hell…

The world slowed down. As she pulled her up wand, Harry swung his left hand up, grabbed her wand and pulled it from her grasp. He then flicked it across the courtyard.

Harry stammered out, "I can't believe you did that. I was only going to say you have risen up and no one held your lack of 'blood purity' against you."

Umbridge was staring at him in outrage. Her mouth was moving, but she hadn't said anything intelligible. She was furious!

Harry pressed on, "You're barely a Half-Blood, but you put on airs like pure-blood fanatic. What the hell is wrong with you?"

Umbridge stared daggers of ice at him.

There was a crowd forming around them. Harry realised he may have gone too far.

Tonks had her wand out. "Harry, we're leaving." Harry gave a short nod and turned to leave, but Umbridge stepped in front of him.

"Fetch my wand!" She was red faced and even uglier than when she smiled.

Thinking of everything he had heard about her. Harry had no intention of doing her bidding. Hell, she'd probably curse him with it after he handed it back.

"No, ma'am."

Umbridge snarled at Harry, "Get. My. Wand!"

Harry snarled back, "Get it yourself!"

Tonks said, "Harry!" this was escalating so quickly. "We're leaving now!"

Harry turned and walked off, wondering how such a simple act as helping Colin cast a shield charm had spiralled so far down. He noted that Tonks had her hand on his shoulder, but it wasn't there to offer support. He was practically being 'frog-marched' out of the courtyard.

When they got back to the suite, Tonks lit into him.

Tonk's hair was flaming red, "What the hell were you thinking? All you had to do was say 'yes ma'am' and the entire activity would have been over. You just antagonised one of the most powerful women in our ministry."

Harry was in no mood to be lectured, "I might have done just that, but you pointed out all the other people practicing magic. I thought you had my back!"

Tonks stuttered a moment, then said, "I'm an adult and an Auror. You're a student." She realised how similar she and Harry were. He was like her little brother and their temperaments were very much alike. "I shouldn't have said anything. Now she'll be after both of us."

She realised she was being a bit of a hypocrite where Harry was concerned. She just didn't want him to make the same hot-headed mistakes she had. And still did. Like today. Harry was sitting on the couch now, sulking.

Tonks softened a bit. "And for the record, I always have your back, Harry. But your temper sometimes makes it hard." Hadn't her mother once said something similar to her?

Before either of them could say more, there was a knock on the door. She stepped over and opened it. There was Dumbledore and McGonagall. News travels fast.

Tonks groaned. She had seen this look so many times while at Hogwarts. At least it wasn't directed at her this time. "Please come in."

The two entered the room. Harry looked up and said, "Oh, boy. Here we go." Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. Harry had been betrayed by these two so many times.

"Harry!" Tonks was shocked. When did her quiet and gentle cousin turn into such a rebellious prat?

Minerva was the first to address his lack of manners, "Mr. Potter, that attitude is uncalled for. We've heard reports that you assaulted a teacher! Can you explain yourself?"

"Fuck!" That got their attention. Seeing everyone looking shocked, he proceeded. "I didn't do anything wrong. Not a damn thing, and she came over spouting her blood purity rules and shaming us. Then, she pulled her wand on me. I did not assault her! I just took her wand away."

Seeing Tonks grimace, he realised he was raving. When had he stood up?

Dumbledore was the only one to remain composed, "Mr. Potter, calmly tell me what happened in complete detail. And please, no more outbursts, it seems beneath you."

Over the next fifteen minutes, he and Tonks recounted the entire event. They answered all the questions and restated the fact that no assault took place and it was Dolores that took aggressive action. The fact that Tonks is an Auror carried a great deal of weight in the telling. That irritated Harry to no end. He was the future Lord of House Black and House Potter… didn't that mean anything? He really hated this place.**

When they left, Dumbledore informed them that, given the circumstances, Harry should remain in the suite except when he's taking his evaluations. He would additionally not be allowed any student visitors for the duration of his stay. This was apparently one of Umbridge's new decrees, hot off the press. Something about visitor contact with students. Harry suddenly realised that decree shot his Valentine's Day plans to hell.

As Dumbledore and McGonagall left, Harry just couldn't hold back. "You both make me sick. I can't believe you let someone like that in your school. When will you make a stand? Dumbledore, I already knew you had no backbone, but I thought the head of Gryffindor house might have a bit more courage."

Minerva looked shocked. Dumbledore looked irritated, but still in control.

The Headmaster simply said, "You have a great deal to learn, Mr. Potter. Starting with how to best keep those in your charge safe."

Harry turned his back and walked away.

Harry and Tonks had an enormous row after that. Harry thought she should have been more supportive. Why wasn't she as outraged as he was, they didn't do anything wrong. Tonks called him a naive child who needed to grow up and stop acting like a spoiled brat. Draco came back in the middle of their row and he was mad too when he heard the news. Harry's actions led to a decree that prevented him from interacting with other students as well. He wouldn't be enjoying Valentine's Day either. Additionally, he had made plans to meet a few of his friends, and now he couldn't.

When they turned in for the night, everyone was angry.

— Dance of Death 30—

The two teens lay in the dark, each thinking about their day. The good and the unpleasant aspects of it. Why had Umbridge lost it the way she did? It made no sense.

Ginny had sent an owl with a long letter attached. She was upset too, but she didn't blame him. Colin had woven an impressive tale of how Harry defended him and disarmed Umbridge. After this afternoon's event, Harry was an underground hero for standing up to Umbridge. Unfortunately, Umbridge was taking it out on everyone. Well, at least he could still exchange letters with Ginny.

"Hey, Draco? Are you awake?"

"What if I said 'No'?"

Harry chuckled. "Fair point."

Draco was still irritated. "Well, get on with it. What did you want to know?"

Harry tried to phrase it gently, "Well, you know how your family has so many… contacts in the ministry? Do you know anything about Umbridge?"

Draco knew of her. "I know she is a cunning and vindictive woman. Extremely petty and fixated on her own insecurities." After a moment, he added, "She won't let today rest. She'll try to get even."

"But why did she go nuts like that? All I did was point out her favouritism toward purebloods."

"Blood status is one of her insecurities. She comes from nothing. Tries to claim she's a distant relative of the Selwyn family. They don't refute her, but they laugh at her in private."

Harry now realised his mistake, "I may have mentioned she had a muggle mother and a muggle-born father."

Draco started laughing. "That's too rich. Well, you can bribe your way out if it. Probably." He was still chuckling.

Harry considered that for one second. Nope, never gonna happen. Why do so many Wizards think money is the answer to everything. What was that song? By Kansas…

"You know what, Draco? None of it really matters. All the money and dreams of power and prestige"

"What do you mean? It matters a lot. It gets things done."

Harry smiled and began his recital of the popular song by a band called Kansas. He didn't sing it, but he matched the pace of the song.

"I close my eyes

Only for a moment, and the moment's gone.

All my dreams

Pass before my eyes, a curiosity.

Dust in the wind, Draco.

All we are is dust in the wind."

Draco asked, "What is that? A poem? It's not bad, but it's a bit dismal."

Harry was enjoying this. He continued:

"Same old tale.

Just a drop of water in an endless sea.

All we do

Crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see."

Draco yawned, "I think you've made your point, Harry. It sounds like depressing Muggle Philosophy. You know they only live about half if we do. Frequently even less. Alright, let's get some sleep."

Harry smiled and continued:

"Dust in the wind, Draco.

All we are is dust in the wind."

Draco considered a silencing charm, but he wasn't sure the contracts he signed would allow him to silence Harry. "Enough! I'm trying to sleep here."

Harry knew he had his pampered roommate right where he wanted him. "The important thing is nothing really matters. Wealth, status, prestige…" He continued before Draco could retort.

"Don't hang on, Draco

Nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky."

"Harry, stop!"

"It slips away

And all your money won't another minute buy."

Draco said, "Merlin! Let this morose Muggle recital just end!"

But it didn't.

"Dust in the wind, Draco.

All we are is dust in the wind."***

Draco exploded, "Fine! Enough! You and your Muggle Theology… You can recite your morbid, melancholic, and despondent poems all night..." Draco got up, grabbed his sheets, blankets and a pillow, and stormed out of the room.

Harry slept very peacefully.

— Dance of Death 30—

Hogwarts

The Great Hall

February 13, 1996

Tuesday

When Harry, Draco and Tonks came down for breakfast, there was a special table set aside for them. It was in a dark and gloomy corner of the great hall, a good distance away from the other students. Harry hated watching Ginny and his other friends without being able to interact with them. Draco looked irritated as well. It was going to be a long day.

Midway through breakfast, Professor Umbridge made an announcement around her new decree. Students are not allowed to interact with non-ministry approved school visitors. She then went on to mention the importance of ignoring nasty rumours spread by 'those who seek attention'. It was clear she was talking about Harry. Draco muttered something about Gryffindor subtlety under his breath. Yeah, he was still pissed.

After breakfast, the three of them went back to their room to prepare for the week. Harry had Dobby shop for sweets for Ginny and he sent Pipsey for flowers. Pipsey really knew her flowers. Maybe they couldn't have dinner together, but he would make sure Ginny felt special. Hedwig was delivering messages between the two of them multiple times a day.

Harry's Ancient Runes knowledge make his evaluation simple. Draco stuck with the OWL curriculum and showed that he was ready to take his tests. When Harry reminded Professor Babbling that he was already a Novice Curse-Breaker, she decided to adjust Harry's evaluation to NEWT levels and was apparently impressed. As it was, both students were more than prepared for their OWLs, she mentioned that Harry was ready for his NEWTs, but OWLs were required to stand for NEWTs. Privately she asked Harry if he had considered a Mastery in Ancient Runes. When Harry didn't answer immediately, she asked him to let her know if he ever decided to pursue her field for mastery.

In the Astronomy evaluation, Professor Sinistra was less impressed than Professor Babbling, but she also believed both students were ready for their OWLs. Draco was especially proficient and clearly a favorite of the instructor. He just seemed to 'get' Astronomy in ways Harry didn't.

Eventually, Harry was back in his room while Draco was being evaluated in Charms and Transfiguration. He wrote out another long letter to Ginny, cursing Umbridge and her stupid educational decrees. He'd see her in a little over a month during the Spring Break. Hedwig eagerly took the letter and flew off. Harry took went into his room, closed the door, and took out the Marauder's Map. He watched the different comings and goings. Ginny was in class with Colin. Hermione and Ron were in class together. Draco was going through his evaluations with Tonks watching in the corner. Likely reading a magazine. She was mad he'd ruined her date with Remus. Everyone in the suite was mad at him.

After a while, Harry got bored and called for Dobby. The two of them played card games for a while. Dobby and Harry did this quite frequently in the Chamber of Secrets last year and they both enjoyed it. Harry asked Dobby if it was hard being around Draco, but Dobby apparently had only been mistreated by Lucius.

Soon enough Draco and Tonks returned and the three went for a silent dinner. No one wanted to talk as they all were annoyed that they had no Valentine's Day options. Both Draco and Tonks thought Harry overreacted, but neither could say much. Draco had loyalty agreements and if he lashed out or shared his frustrations, his magic would punish him in some minor way. Tonks couldn't say much because Harry wasn't even half as rebellious as she had been at his age.

That night was even quieter. When Andromeda found out about the exchange, she sent a note to her daughter reminding her of the many times she had been placed in the same position. That seemed to irritate Tonks to no end. Draco wrote a letter to his mother and turned in for the night. Harry was right behind him.

So, the evening ended silently as they all just settled in and went to bed.

— Dance of Death 30—

Hogwarts

The Great Hall

February 14, 1996

Wednesday

The next morning, the three visitors went down to the great hall and watched all the commotion of owls bringing gifts and cards. Harry got quite a few cards and a few gifts. Tonks checked all of them, but they were safe. Most were from Ginny. They could only wave across the room, but it could be worse.

Ginny received her candy and flowers. Both Dobby and Pipsey went a little overboard. It was nice to see her so happy. Draco received a few cards and gifts as well. Harry was glad Draco hadn't lost all his friends. Maybe if Draco were happy, he and Tonks would stop giving him the silent treatment.

After breakfast, they returned to their suite and Harry had just enough time to eat a handful of candy and write a letter to Ginny. He then took off to his Muggle Studies evaluation. Draco was taking his Defence class at the same time across the hall. The questions had been ridiculously simple. Harry wondered why they didn't just hire a muggle-born instructor. Professor Burbage was a truly kind woman, but these questions were so simple.

Seeing Harrys face, Professor Burbage asked, "Mr. Potter, you were muggle raised, correct?" Harry nodded. She continued. "The OWL exam is fairly basic; it may be a bit overly simple for one who truly understands the muggle world."

Harry smiled at the Professor. She really was a kind woman. He understood this test for him was a bit like teaching introductory French to someone who has spoken it as a primary language for decades. Harry looked down at the test and continued.

He was near the end when he had a sudden pain inside his chest. His hands began to seize up and shake. Harry started to get up, but the room began to spin. He apparently made noise because Professor Burbage was right there.

"Mr. Potter, are you all right?"

Harry tried to stand but immediately fell. What the hell. Had he been given bad candy? He crawled to the waste bin and emptied his stomach. After all the candy he had eaten, it took a while.

When he looked up, Tonks, Draco, Professor Moody, and Professor Burbage were standing around him.

Tonks shoved something in his mouth. "Swallow this, Harry. It's a Bezoar." She then levitated him to the infirmary.

Halfway there, Harry started to recover. She wouldn't let him walk. How in the hell could someone poison him? He was wearing two heir rings. Lord, the pain was awful. But not so much in a physical way. Even now he felt so alone and… lost. Like the way a Dementor made you feel, only… less intense.

Sitting in the hospital, Madam Pomfrey checked him over. She waved her wand several times and looked at Harry in the oddest way.

She finally gave her prognosis, "Well, Mr. Potter, you weren't poisoned. Physically, you're fine. The issue is with your magical core. It has apparently been strained and has been flaring up. It's currently in a rather violent state of flux. I must admit, it's far better than when last I examined you. Far better than I had ever dared hope it would be."

Tonks was watching concerned. "Is it possible that someone slipped something into his candy? He ate a pound of it this morning."

Madam Pomfrey shook her head, "I don't think so. But you did give him a Bezoar… That could mask the poison. But still, there would be signs. Of course, a skilled poisoner can accomplish a great many things." After a moment, she added, "You're free to go now Mr. Potter. But if you experience any other symptoms, please return immediately."

Draco had gone to the Great Hall for lunch and they set out to join him. As they walked, Tonks looked him over. He looked miserable. Shaken. Barely walking in a straight line.

"Harry, are you alright?" Tonks seemed genuinely concerned.

Harry never looked up, he spoke in a flat and bleak manner, "No. I feel awful. Like I'll never be happy again. I feel like I've been hollowed out and nothing can ever… It just hurts. Like when Sirius was killed. It hurts so much."

They got to the Great Hall and Harry shuffled to the table they were forced to sit at. He knew he looked awful, but he didn't care. He sat down but didn't eat. What's the point? The lunch was prime rib. Nice and rare. Vegetables and potatoes. It looked good, but he just had no appetite. Draco was halfway done and seemed to be enjoying it. Why was Umbridge smirking at him? She looked far too pleased with herself.

After a half hour or so, they were getting ready to leave when a huge figure approached and stood in front of him.

"…'Arry? Can ya step outside fer a bit?"

Looking up, Harry saw it was Hagrid. The enormous man had bloodshot eyes and tear streaks running down his face. He had been crying and he looked despondent. Professor Dumbledore was beside him. It was then that Harry noticed Hagrid had dried blood in his beard. And trace amounts of tiny white feathers.

Owl Feathers.

Hedwig.

Harry felt his magic churning like a hurricane.

Then the whole world exploded.

— Dance of Death 30—

Next: Aftermath.

Two tragedies down, and a third to come. Harry is being forged into the Mage he is in Casting Shadows. He learned a valuable lesson in this chapter, and he realised he was not as invulnerable as he thought. Arrogance rarely pays.

*You will see the phrase "Proud of his or her Heritage" frequently. This is what purebloods say when they talk about their own superiority. But even they understand the need to maintain some degree of genetic diversity. Generally, most purebloods would consider a third generation magical as pure. All but the extreme fringe of purebloods would consider a fourth generation pure. Ironically, it is the third generation that is most sought after in marriage contracts due to the likelihood of children who have strong magical potential. Then there are the more progressive purebloods include second generation as well, noting numerous examples of extremely powerful children, such as Albus Dumbledore. Those few fanatical groups who are considered extreme purebloods believe only those having no muggle history for at least ten generations can call themselves purebloods. Most of the wizarding society, including most purebloods, view them as unrealistic and somewhat embarrassing fanatics. These fanatical purebloods are nearly extinct as they tend to have squibs and mentally unstable children. Most families avoid a betrothal to these groups, believing it to be a risky matrimony.

**Most young people would feel this way. Unfortunately, Harry lost credibility with his foul language and dramatics. The fact is adults are taken more seriously in situations such as this - Especially when the adult is a law enforcement officer.

***Kansas song: Dust in the Wind. Minor modifications for the scene. A real classic.

OK, apparently in the book, Valentine's Day was on a Saturday. I'm not sure what to do as February 14, 1996 was a Wednesday. I'll go with the calendar as it works better with this story, but that's not intended to take anything away from JKR's 'Order of the Phoenix'. Fanon doesn't always line up with Canon.

For those of you who have read Casting Shadows, the primary story in this series, you know that Harry must intentionally dial his occlumency down a bit on dates and social gatherings. Otherwise, he comes across as cold and uncaring. I decided this was the best time to show where and why he started using that skill.

Note that Hedwig was attacked in Canon, but only injured. I always wondered why Umbridge didn't finish the job. She was a malicious and sadistic person who enjoyed causing pain. Maybe if Harry had outed her blood purity in canon, she would have.