Harry's nightmare was hideous, and it was all the worse for having started so pleasurably. It began in a lavish suite at Claridge's, much larger than the room he and Penelope had shared, and in the mirror he saw Sirius in his prime, only with his own green eyes. By his side was a woman who exaggeratedly combined the best features of all his partners: Ginny's shining red hair, Helena's soft curls and wide-set eyes, which were blue with black rims like Penelope's, and also Alex's long eyelashes and exceptional grace. She had Vanessa's voluptuous figure, Lydia's aristocratic features with Sophie's gamine charm, and Elizabeth's full and enticing lips. And to top it off, she had Claire's uncanny allure and Vera's raw sexuality.
They marvelled at their own gorgeousness before tumbling onto the bed and making love. The dream was a riot of carnality, seen both from Harry's perspective and externally, and it was like watching two celestial beings at play. But then they began to decay. First it resembled normal ageing, with wrinkles and sagging, but it quickly became grotesque. Harry's teeth fell out, and his partner's body decomposed and fell apart. Worst of all, he was left alive and forced to don black robes, and a final look in the mirror revealed a Dementor.
He was moaning piteously when Alex woke him, and he had to touch his cheeks to reassure himself he was whole. 'That was ghastly,' he said in a ragged voice. 'Why won't they stop?'
'Do you have nightmares?' she asked with concern.
'Yes, nearly every night—sometimes more than once. But that was far worse than usual.' Tears began to flow, and he repeated, 'Why won't they stop?'
Alex held him soothingly, pressing her body against his to reassure him he was alive and safe. 'I don't know,' she replied. 'I wish I could help.'
'You are helping,' he said. 'I'm so sorry to wake you, and I'm sure I scare women away, but it's so much easier when someone's here with me.'
He fell asleep in her arms but jerked awake soon after. Alex was more groggy this time, and although she offered to comfort him, he decided it was better to get up. It was nearly six o'clock, and he doubted he'd be able to sleep normally.
In his dressing gown, he went downstairs and began replying to fan mail. It's fortunate I can't sleep, he thought, because I've fallen behind. The previous afternoon,Mrs Thwip had given him another letter from an abused child—a fourteen-year-old wizard—and in his raw state Harry answered more candidly than usual:
Dear Paul,
I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear about how your family treats you, but I'm grateful you trusted me enough to write. I've taken the liberty of forwarding your letter to an agency who helps people in your situation, and they'll contact you discreetly at school. But it's entirely up to you whether they assist you, so you needn't worry they'll do anything without your consent.
That said, I urge you to accept their help. You've probably grown accustomed to feeling powerless—I know I did—but that's not ultimately who you are. You have tremendous power, and I'm not talking about magic. I'm talking about the fact that you wrote to a complete stranger and asked for help. And if you think there's anything wrong with asking for help, or you feel ashamed you can't fix your situation on your own, them I'm here to tell you you're wrong.
Everything I've done successfully has been because I accepted help. I could never have defeated Voldemort without the help of dozens or even hundreds of individuals—Ron and Hermione in particular. I'd never have learnt to catch the Snitch consistently without Owen Barrowmaker, and I couldn't even pick out clothes properly without my tailor.
If you're like I was, you probably feel alone and perhaps unworthy. That isn't true. You also might think your life can't actually change or improve, but that's not true either. I should add that you're braver than I was, because I never asked for help or told anyone about my home life until it was made public, and I realise now how much better off I would have been if I had done.
Whatever happens, please stay in touch. Now that I know about your situation, I won't forget it, so I'll be uneasy if you don't write back. I'm also enclosing a signed photograph, in case your family wonders why you're receiving post. Feel free to discard it if you don't like the Cannons, but otherwise keep it as a reminder that you're not alone and that someone cares about you.
Yours sincerely,
Harry
He answered fan mail for another hour, and he was about to go upstairs and post a note to the Malfoys about Rita Skeeter when there was a tapping at the window. The owl was clutching a thick envelope, addressed in acid-green ink, and after giving the owl a treat Harry brought the letter inside.
Dear Harry,
Thank you for the prompt reassurances regarding your Wizengamot appearance next week. I'll trust you to discuss the matter with the Malfoys and update me accordingly.
Enclosed you'll find the final draft of Sunday's article. I hope you find it as delightful as I do, but please indicate any parts that don't meet your approval.
Yours deliciously,
Rita
Harry pulled out the typewritten article, and his jaw dropped when he read the headline:
THE SEXIEST MAGIC YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF: Harry Potter Has It, and You Can Get It.
Well done, Rita! he thought approvingly. That would definitely spark interest in the Light Arts, along with the photograph she'd selected for the front page. It depicted Harry glowing, of course, and he was looking directly at the camera with overwhelming affection. Depending on how you saw it, his expression was either deeply compassionate or incredibly seductive. And occasionally his mouth curled into a mischievous smile.
The article began:
The first thing you'll notice is the glow. It might start in Harry's hands, but if you're fortunate you'll see it spread to his face, and presumably to the rest of his taut, Seeker's body. But then you'll notice his expression, which the Daily Prophet's editorial standards prevent us from displaying on the front page (see page 8). Although numerous adjectives apply, including 'blissful' and 'ecstatic,' the most accurate word is 'orgasmic.'
But according to Harry, even this description falls short. 'This is better than Sorceress,' he said, referring to his now-famous night of passion recounted in detail last month by an anonymous and very lucky witch. Because this is no mere sexual experience—it's a manifestation of a largely ignored branch of magic known collectively as the Light Arts.
'The Light Arts?' you might ask. 'Like the Patronus Charm?' Yes, and Harry is already renowned for his dazzling corporeal Patronus. But Light magic goes far beyond that single, powerful spell. It is a full exploration of the power of positive emotions—namely compassion, gratitude, and love.
Rita provided an overview of Light magic, with numerous quotes from Davina and a particular emphasis on the accidental version. It described Harry's experience in the Sainte Chapelle, with an accompanying photo, and included quotes from Harry's teammates about the first time he glowed during practice.
'It was literally my first day on the team,' recounted reserve Seeker Gemma Rees. 'We were midway through running laps, and suddenly Harry lights up like a torch and looks at [Chaser Ryan Bellamy] like he's his long-lost brother and tells him how much he loves him. And then he throws his arms around [Head Coach Marjorie] Tuttle and says he loves her too. For all I knew this was a typical morning with the Boy Who Lived, but it was actually his first time doing it in front of the team.'
Harry laughed out loud when he read Tuttle's quote:
'I heard about it before seeing it, and if it had been anyone but the Boy Who [expletive] Lived, I would have written it off as pure bollocks. But [Seeker Coach Owen] Barrowmaker vouched for him, and we keep him around for his brains, not his flying, so I knew Potter had to be on the level.'
He was less than pleased, however, by Rita's accurate speculation about Hermione, which she tacked onto a quote from Ryan:
Bellamy, who is not only Harry's teammate but also Hermione Granger's boyfriend, said, 'Hermione had warned me about Harry's Light magic, so I knew what was happening, but I wasn't prepared for how affectionate he'd become. That said, it's great that he's found a teacher and is going public, since I'm certain the Light Arts will become much more popular.'
Bellamy declined to comment on whether Miss Granger is experiencing Light magic or studying it, but it seems likely that such an intellectually voracious young witch will want to learn as much as she can on the subject.
Rita discussed the effect of Light magic on the libido in exhaustive detail, and she reinforced her point with photographs of Harry passionately kissing both Sophie and Lydia.
For reasons unknown, some practitioners of Light magic experience a huge boost in sexual desire, particularly during the accidental stage. According to Davina Hampton, Harry's recent headline-making behaviour is entirely consistent with early Light magic. 'Admittedly his age and circumstances play a contributing role, but Harry is otherwise a textbook example of Light magic's effect on the libido,' she said.
Light magic clearly isn't the sole factor in his sexual shenanigans. According to Harry, he and former girlfriend Ginevra Weasley 'shagged like bunnies,' presumably prior to the onset of his Light magic. And his status as a war hero, league Seeker, and fashion icon undoubtedly deliver an abundance of eager partners. But his Light magic may have tipped the balance from wizardly discretion to the licentiousness for which Harry has most recently become famous.
Hampton declined to estimate the degree to which Harry's behaviour has been influenced by Light magic, but books on the topic describe an increase in frequency, urgency, and duration of sexual activity. Which in Harry's case prompts us to consult a calendar, revealing that his 'intensely gratifying night' of 'sweet exhaustion' with the unnamed Sorceress informant began less than twenty-four hours after his return from France. When shown the article and asked about the role of Light magic, Hampton said, 'Yes, almost certainly. That encounter has Light magic written all over it.'
The article was heavily seasoned with quotes from Harry, and, unsurprisingly, Rita did not omit his reference to brothels:
In a piquant aside, he added, 'It's why I daren't go to brothels, because I'll just fall in love with the prostitute. And yeah, it has to be the Light magic, because I wasn't this way before. But it's absolutely brilliant.'
He was pleased that Rita had included a statement from Davina that even Muggles and Squibs could practise the Light Arts:
'Obviously non-magicals won't be able to glow or perform protective magic,' said Hampton, 'but every human being is equipped to enjoy the bliss and clarity that Harry has only begun to experience. All that's needed is proper instruction, patience, and a functioning conscience.'
The article also described the role of the Light Arts in battle, with a clear message that Harry was simultaneously dangerous to Dark wizards but also unlikely to hurt anyone. Rita emphasised Harry's warning not to bother practising Legilimency on him or to manipulate his emotions some other way. A quote from Davina summarised it nicely:
'It's ironic that the witch or wizard most able to withstand Dark curses is largely unwilling to participate in battle. But make no mistake, the Light Arts practitioner is a deadly foe. It would be foolish to attack even an immature Light wizard like Harry—he could snap his assailant's wand, or worse, without even trying.'
But Davina provided assurances that there was no reason to fear Harry:
'Dark families teach their children to run or Disapparate if they see a wizard start glowing. But there's really no danger at all, unless you try to perform harmful curses around them. Furthermore, there's no reason for a Dark wizard to avoid Cannons matches or close contact with Harry, so long as they have the good sense not to attempt Dark magic around him.'
Davina then issued a blanket warning against Dark Magic:
'The Dark Arts are pure poison, because with each Dark curse the practitioner's soul is fragmented just a little more, or a lot more in the case of a grievous crime. And an intact soul is essential for practising Light magic. It doesn't need to be perfectly intact—healing is always possible—but you'll never make it uphill if you're running at top speed in the opposite direction.'
Predictably, Rita couldn't resist revealing Davina's maiden name, which bolstered her credentials:
And what could a Light Arts expert know about Dark magic? Hampton knows more than one might expect—born Davina Wynter, she was Sorted into Slytherin house and exposed to the Dark Arts by her classmates and family alike. 'My birth family, which considers itself neutral, didn't encourage the use of Dark curses except in self-defence. I would argue, however, that practising any Dark magic poses too great a risk of damage to one's capacity to experience Light magic, which is of far greater benefit and, incidentally, much more pleasurable.'
Rita shared Harry's borderline-classified revelation that he'd experienced Dark magic vicariously through Voldemort, and she even endorsed Harry's assessment of how the two practices compare:
At risk of offending the committed Dark practitioners amongst our readers, this reporter admits she found Harry's argument for the superiority of Light magic extremely convincing. Its sole disadvantage appears to be its steep learning curve—reportedly Albus Dumbledore gave up on it after several weeks' effort. But Harry's instructor insists the Light Arts are accessible and well worth the effort, and she anticipates a resurgence in their practice.
Hampton said, 'Harry and a handful of other prominent witches and wizards are beginning to experience Light magic, seemingly independent of one another. But there's no such thing as true independence—on the contrary, we're inextricably linked by interdependence, which ultimately unites us all. It's my honour to assist Harry in his exploration of the Light Arts, and I would strongly encourage anyone who's tempted to follow his lead.'
Rita concluded with Harry's statement about love and perfection, accompanied by the photo of him holding the flower from his lapel:
It is clear to this reporter that Harry Potter's greatest power is, quite simply, love. It is his raison d'être, and he has come to symbolise not only the physical act of love but also the intense emotional pleasure it provides when fully expressed.
He said, 'It breaks my heart that people die without experiencing this. I'm not talking about sex, although obviously I'm a fan—I'm talking about this kind of love. It's more powerful than magic ... I reckon it's why Light wizards can defeat almost anyone. And it's what we were born to do. Every day we're alive is an opportunity to experience love and beauty.
'There's beauty in every moment. There's perfection in every moment. My childhood was ghastly, but during summers I at least had flowers. It's absurd that wizards fight when we have everything we need to pursue happiness. It's hard to starve as a wizard, and you can live in a tent and use warming charms to stay alive. So why do we bother hurting each other, when it's infinitely more pleasant to cultivate love?'
Harry decided he was satisfied with the article, in spite of how salacious it was. and he was impressed that Rita had identified the power the Dark Lord knew not. His only objection was to the mention of Hermione, but he suspected Rita had included it deliberately so he'd have something to remove. He wrote her a brief note of approval as long as that bit was excised, and he posted it along with the message to the Malfoys before looking in on Alex.
'You poor thing!' she exclaimed when he entered. 'How long have you been awake?'
'Several hours. But it's all right—I caught up on correspondence. Do you want breakfast?'
'Yes, but in bed, if only for your sake.'
There wasn't enough time for him to sleep before practice, but he enjoyed lying next to her until their food arrived. They resolved to see each other the following Tuesday—they would have dinner together in Diagon Alley, and then she'd watch his broadcast from the audience. 'It'll be about Light magic,' he warned her.
'So I'll need to defend myself from witches hoping to unseat me?'
'That's not what I meant,' he replied. 'Simply that there will be a lot of sex talk, and you'll be right there.'
'I've listened to your broadcasts, and they're almost exclusively about sex. I'm sure I'll manage.'
He lowered his eyes and said, 'And you won't mind if I'm with someone else this weekend?'
'Not at all. Strictly speaking, we've only been on two dates and I have a fiancé. So I'm really in no position to demand monogamy.'
Kreacher sent up the Prophet with breakfast, and they were relieved to find no photograph or mention of the mysterious Adonis of Hogsmeade. The sport section, however, ran an article about Ginny, entitled 'The Girl Who Dumped the Boy Who Lived.'
'How long do you suppose they've been waiting to use that?' mused Alex.
'Hours, surely.' He read the article, which recounted the usual details about their relationship and speculated about her current love life. They didn't specifically link her to Blaise or anyone else, but some of her teammates were quoted saying she was 'head over heels' for someone new.
Head over heels for Blaise Zabini? he thought incredulously. Admittedly Blaise was good looking, and charismatic in a laughably pretentious sort of way, but he hardly seemed like Ginny's type. Then again, Harry knew that he himself had changed radically since joining the Cannons, so perhaps joining the Harpies was affecting Ginny similarly.
After breakfast, Harry and Alex parted company at the fireplace, and he went to practice. Owen greeted him and said, 'Harry, we have a change of plans.'
'You're not putting in Gemma instead, are you?' he asked.
'What? No, of course not.'
'Have you considered it? It would certainly throw the Harpies for a loop.'
'I'll admit Tuttle and I talked about it, but I couldn't in good conscience put Gemma up against Hobbs.'
'Good point,' replied Harry. 'So I guess I'm still on the hook.'
'You are. Did you read this morning's article?' Harry nodded, and Owen asked, 'Did you know she was seeing someone?'
'Yes, and I'm not thrilled about it. He's an arrogant tosser we went to school with. I can hardly believe they're together.'
'Yes, because who could have anticipated she'd have a thing for arrogant tossers?' joked Owen. 'But seriously, do you think you can handle it?'
Harry shrugged. 'What choice do I have?'
'Not much. But you've distracted me from my original point about today's change of plans. I looked at the weather forecast, and Tuttle and I decided to have the practice match this morning while the sun is out.'
'Are you suggesting what I think you are?'
'Yes, I want you to play without fear of glowing. See how close to the edge you can get without losing control.'
'Will Elspeth be wearing a wig again?'
'She will indeed.' After a silence, Owen said, 'I know Alex will be out of town, but do you have something else to look forward to this weekend?'
'Other than the Light magic article on Sunday, not specifically.'
'Try to come up with something. Maybe Darren will have some ideas.'
'For Merlin's sake, are you my coach or my procurer?' laughed Harry.
'A little of both, apparently. Although Fiona is still off-limits.'
'Yes, sir,' replied Harry, with only a hint of resentment.
During their laps, Harry found Darren and said, 'Owen wants you to get me into trouble tomorrow night.'
'Really?' exclaimed Darren. 'Just how much trouble?'
'He wasn't specific, but you're supposed to take my mind off the fact that Ginny is "head over heels" for a pretentious twat we knew at Hogwarts.'
Darren thought for a moment. 'I reckon a lot of trouble will be required. "Enormous bed" proportions, even. Would you object to my presence? I'd be clear on the other side, so there's no risk of a sword fight.'
Harry chuckled, recalling Penelope's question about cockfighting. 'That sounds all right, but I might exile you to a guest room if things get awkward.'
'How discreet do we need to be. Is it a disaster if the Prophet gets wind of it?'
'No. The Light magic article comes out on Sunday, so anything I do this weekend gets a free pass.'
'Really? Did you see an advance draft?'
'Yeah—it basically says I have a medical condition. So I'm cleared for lift-off.'
Darren nodded approvingly. 'Muggle rocketry lingo ... this is why I like you, Snitchbottom. Speaking of which, is it all right if I call you Snitchbottom tomorrow night?'
'If that's what gets you off, be my guest.'
After their laps and calisthenics, the players were instructed to prepare for a practice match. 'Don't make us late for lunch,' Janet warned Harry as they walked to their lockers. 'I'm a creature of habit, and if I don't have my pie and mash at half twelve precisely, you'll have a very cross Janet.'
'And why is that my problem?'
'Because I'll tell Ron on you, and he'll lecture you tomorrow morning.'
'No he won't. At most he'll say, "Janet says I'm to lecture you for making her wait ten minutes for lunch," and that'll be the last of it.'
'Curse you, Snitchbottom! You're right—Ron's the problem.'
'Do you want me to lecture him for you?'
'Very funny. Just don't screw up lunch.'
They returned to the benches with their broomsticks, and Elspeth's ponytail caught Harry's eye again. I should make Kreacher wear a long red ponytail, he mused. Surely that would cure me of finding them attractive.
Before the balls were released, Darren asked Harry, 'How early do you want to get started tomorrow? Should we audition partners at the Spyglass or venture farther afield?'
'I think the fewer expectations we have, the better. It's all about flexibility.'
'I agree completely. We'll play it by ear. But hang on—here's an idea. Polyjuice Potion!'
'What?'
'Switch identities!' said Darren enthusiastically. 'I get to be you, and you get to be tall. Everyone wins!'
Harry made a face. 'No, that sounds sleazy. The witch deserves to know who she's getting.'
'Witches,' insisted Darren. 'Plural. But yeah, I see your point.'
Tuttle blew her whistle to start the match, and Harry shot into the air. Gemma's spotting had finally begun to improve, so she didn't track him right away, and Harry was free to expand into blissful awareness. How close can I come to glowing without actually doing it? he wondered.
In an instant he was awash with Light magic. 'Oh, bugger,' he moaned aloud, and Janet, who was within earshot, started to laugh.
'We might have to start calling you Luminos Magnus. Or Megalumos,' she called.
'I love you,' he replied ecstatically. 'I'm so happy for you and Ron!'
'Shut up, and catch the bleeding Snitch!'
Harry set a strong intention for the Snitch to appear within his field of awareness. I love flying, he thought blissfully. I can't believe how fortunate I am, that I get to fly every day. Magic is brilliant!
Gemma shot into a steep dive, and Harry automatically shot downwards in the same direction. His Seeker instincts took over and he felt his mind clear as he accelerated towards a nonexistent Snitch. He found Gemma afterwards and said, 'Thanks for the shot in the arm. I was orbiting Jupiter out there.'
'I was wondering about that,' she replied. 'You were drifting like seaweed. Do you think you might be more vulnerable to Bludgers when you're like that?'
'I doubt it—my Seeker instincts kicked in the moment you started your dive.'
'Right, so the trick is to keep those instincts alive while you're in Light la-la land.'
'That's a good description,' he said. 'And I'll try that.'
He flew off and began circling again, but this time when he allowed Light magic to arise he set a strong intention to retain his Seeker intensity. This isn't just a game, he thought, recalling what Kieran Sheppard had said during their recent match. This is Quidditch, and it's the ultimate wizarding tradition. People are paying good money to see me fly and catch the bleeding Snitch.
He felt himself glow again, but this time there was a coiled energy that had previously been absent. It was still highly pleasurable, and love bubbled beneath the surface, but otherwise he felt like a trap ready to spring.
Can I feint yet? he wondered. It's only been a few minutes since Gemma did, but those Chasers are just asking for it. He launched towards them at top speed, and he was momentarily overcome by extreme bliss. Ginny's ponytail dazzled him, and he zig-zagged nimbly between her and the other Chasers, forcing a turnover.
That wasn't Ginny, he realised afterwards. Bugger, I'm just in a different la-la land.
Gemma found him and said, 'That was an improvement. How did you feel?'
'I mistook Elspeth for Ginny.'
'That's a good thing, right? It'll be Ginny tomorrow.'
'Good point. I'll stay with it.'
'Yeah, but keep it in your gloves,' she advised. 'You can't glow like this tomorrow—at least not straight away.'
For the next hour, Harry experimented with differing degrees of Light magic. This is probably a good way to learn control, he mused, but it seemed impractical for all Light Arts students to become league Seekers. Seeing Elspeth fly with Ginny's ponytail occasionally made him emotional, and one aggressive feint was fuelled entirely by rage towards Blaise Zabini, but otherwise it felt therapeutic.
He eventually spotted the Snitch high overhead, near the edge of the playing area, and he zoomed towards it for an easy catch. Only his hands had been glowing, but the release of tension caused him to flare into full display, and his teammates laughed when they saw him.
'If only the bookmakers had odds on this,' remarked Titus. 'And yes, I checked.'
'They will from now on,' said Gary. 'How many times Harry glows during a match, whether any of us start glowing, and so forth.'
'Glowing Beaters?' asked Harry. 'I don't see how that could possibly work.'
'Are you being judgmental, just because I slam heavy iron balls at fragile Seekers for a living?' replied Suresh. 'It's not my fault I'm this big.'
When Harry landed, he was surprised to see Nitta waiting for him, and around her neck was a too-large pair of Omnioculars. 'Nitta has a message for Harry Potter,' she said, handing him a pale grey envelope.
The brief note, written in Narcissa's elegant script, said:
Will you be able to come to the Manor at five o'clock? If so, we can discuss Rita Skeeter and also take care of Draco's blood oath. Andromeda will be present. Please send your reply with Nitta. You may travel by Floo to 'Malfoy Manor.'
Harry told Nitta he'd come at five, and he was astonished he'd been given Floo access. It's almost as if I were family.
Tuttle delivered her post-match notes, and she congratulated Harry for his aggressive flying. 'Bring that kind of fire tomorrow, and we'll have it in the bag.'
'Except for the Harpyheads,' muttered Darren.
'And Hobbs,' added Suresh. 'Clearly we need to verbally abuse you during lunch.'
'No, not while he's having so much trouble controlling his glow,' said Ryan. 'I don't fancy performing memory charms on everyone at the pub.'
Harry made it through lunch without glowing, and Janet got her meal on time. 'All is forgiven, Snitchbottom. And don't worry if we lose tomorrow. In fact, you'll finally be a real Cannon once it happens.'
'She's right,' said Gary. 'You've just been a fair-weather Cannon so far.'
'Are you implying I'll quit if we stop winning?'
'No, but you really haven't had the full Cannons experience yet. You haven't even seen our post-defeat ritual.'
'Why on earth would you have a ritual after losing?' asked Harry. 'Isn't the whole point to break the streak?'
'You'll see,' said Suresh mysteriously, and no more was said on the topic.
Afternoon practice was anticlimactic, since the match was already behind them, and the cloudy skies meant Harry wasn't free to glow. He and Gemma practised with a Snitch, and Owen made Harry wear the goggles, which were set for maximum hostility. But the simulated banners weren't very convincing, since the messages weren't particularly personal, although he noticed they all referred to him as 'Harry Toffer.'
'That was my idea,' said Gemma proudly. 'We needed to make it more plausible.'
'Are you going to hold a banner?' he asked.
'Not at the Harpyhouse, but next week for sure.'
After showering and changing into robes, Harry travelled by Floo to Malfoy Manor. 'No flowers?' said Draco when Harry emerged from the drawing room fireplace. 'Does this mean I'm free to wear them?'
'No, I came straight from practice and didn't have any with me.'
'Harry, do come in,' said Narcissa. 'And ignore Draco—he's worse than usual today.'
'Mother, you say that every day.' He turned to Harry and said, 'Now you see why she's been sucking up to you. She's desperate to get me out of the house.'
'Draco, how dare you say such a thing!' scolded Narcissa.
Andromeda approached Harry and embraced him. 'Thank you, Harry. I know how busy you've been, between the team and courting votes for next week.'
'Yes, and Rita Skeeter as well,' replied Harry.
Narcissa frowned. 'You aren't willing to delay your announcement until after Draco's vote?'
'No, I can't possibly. I'm glowing right and left, and it's almost certain to happen tomorrow during the match.'
'Are you hoping to win back the Weasley?' asked Draco. 'Admittedly she's a pure-blood, but now that you're a Black you can do better.'
'Draco, are you trying to make Harry change his mind?' snapped Narcissa.
'I won't change my mind,' Harry reassured her, ignoring Draco. 'But let's talk about Rita.'
Harry sat down in what had become his usual chair, inwardly astonished that he had a usual chair at Malfoy Manor. Narcissa began pouring his tea, but he stopped her. 'Thank you, but I'm not permitted outside food or beverages during the twenty-four hours prior to a match,' he explained. 'It's nothing personal.'
'I see,' said Narcissa stiffly. 'Then I suppose we can get right to business. Would you please describe the nature of your arrangement with Rita?'
'Apparently it's the same contract Lucius had, stating that as long as I give Rita right of first refusal over any news items, she won't print anything negative about me. The only exceptions are Quidditch news and anything I announce on the radio.'
'Was that her suggestion?' asked Narcissa.
'Not exactly. She proposed an alliance, and I demanded legal protections. That's when I learnt she's made similar arrangements before.'
'I'm relieved you aren't as blindly trusting as Dumbledore,' said Narcissa. 'You may be a Black after all.'
'Perhaps I am,' replied Harry, thinking of the Marauder's Map. 'You'll either be pleased or horrified to learn that I was Sorted into Slytherin last night.' They all stared at him, and he described his brief encounter with the Sorting Hat, only without mentioning the Horcrux.
'I'm pleased,' said Andromeda. 'And not surprised—you've become considerably more strategic lately, in spite of your personal life.'
'Yes, about that,' began Narcissa. 'Can you refrain from creating any new scandals between now and next Wednesday?'
Harry thought guiltily of his plans with Darren for Saturday night. 'I can't promise that. But I'm confident about the vote—you seem to have the Dark faction under control, and I have assurances from the Light faction. I just need to court a few more neutral wizards, and we should be fine.'
'I've spoken to Violetta Greengrass, and you needn't worry about the neutrals. They'll be more than happy to vote with the majority. But what about the Ministry appointees?'
'To be honest, I'd forgotten about them,' confessed Harry. 'Who should I talk to?'
'Shacklebolt,' said Narcissa. 'You'll never get anywhere with Merrick Bode, but Shacklebolt has influence as well. He'd still be Minister of Magic if he'd wanted.'
'All right, I'll owl him tonight.'
'Don't you mean you'll raven him?' said Draco archly.
'They're jackdaws,' said Harry. 'The shop was nearly out of owls, and the jackdaws are terrific.'
'I approve,' said Narcissa. 'You're indisputably head of House Black, and those birds are both practical and distinctive.
'But getting back to Rita,' continued Harry, 'do you think it's necessary to publicise Draco's vote in advance?'
'I have no idea,' replied Narcissa. 'It all depends on how your Light magic is received. Andromeda, what do you think?'
'Will people think the Light magic has somehow undermined your judgment?' Andromeda asked Harry. 'It's certainly affected your behaviour.'
'I honestly don't know. I read a draft of Rita's article this morning, and it doesn't imply that Light magic would make me any less rational, except where women are concerned.'
'So they'll assume we plied you with prostitutes,' said Draco. 'That's probably the fastest way to get your attention—I assume that's the real reason you joined Pratt's.'
'Do I look like I care about discretion?' snapped Harry. 'No, I'd rather buy her dinner first.'
'Harry!' scolded Andromeda. 'There's no need to stoop to his level.'
'I suppose we just need to wait and see about Rita,' said Narcissa, ignoring them. 'Harry, can you stall her?'
'I'll just tell her we'd rather keep it quiet as long as possible, but that I'll consult her if necessary.'
'Did the trim on your robes change colour when you were Sorted into Slytherin?' asked Draco.
'I wasn't wearing robes.'
'Why ever not? I thought they were your new emblem, now that your scar is fading.'
'Draco,' said Narcissa through gritted teeth, 'it's time for your oath. Assuming you're willing.'
'Yes, Mother,' he said with mock obedience. 'Potter, would you make your ring visible so I can kiss it first?'
Harry's patience ran out. 'Malfoy, I'm taking a big risk for you! I don't expect gratitude but could you at least refrain from insulting me for ten minutes?'
To Harry's surprise, Draco appeared chastened. 'You're right, Potter. You are taking a risk for me, and I appreciate it.' He sat up and said, 'Mother, I'll take the oath now.'
Andromeda took a rune-etched bowl from the table and said, 'Harry, Narcissa asked me to oversee the oath, as a neutral party. Draco, please cut the tip of your left ring finger and squeeze a few drops of blood into the bowl.'
Draco performed a mild cutting curse using the hawthorn wand and allowed several drops of blood to fall into the bowl.
'Stand up,' Andromeda told him, rising from her seat. He stood, and so did Harry and Narcissa. 'Repeat after me: I, Draco Lucius Malfoy, hereby swear not to use any wand other than the one I now hold until July the eighteenth, two thousand.'
Draco recited the oath, and then Andromeda performed an incantation to seal it. 'Sanguis Potestas,' she said, and the blood glowed before being absorbed into the bowl.
Narcissa relaxed visibly. 'Draco, try using my wand,' she said, placing it on the table in front of him. He reached for it and the wand was repelled, as if by an opposing magnet.
'That's it, then,' he said. 'No Dark magic for Draco until next July.' Harry had to bite his tongue to keep from making a snide comment, but Draco saw his expression and added, 'It's not all curses, you know.'
'Really? Where could I possibly have got that impression?' asked Harry sarcastically.
'He's right,' said Andromeda. 'There's more to the Dark Arts than curses, but we needn't discuss that right now. Narcissa, do you need anything else from Harry?'
'No, thank you.' She rose from the sofa, clearly indicating it was time for Harry and Andromeda to leave. 'You've been extremely patient, and I'm grateful for your efforts to ensure a good outcome on Wednesday.'
They walked together towards the fireplace, but then Draco turned from his seat and called, 'Potter, when will you be here next?'
'Unless something else comes up, probably not until we go flying on Wednesday.'
Draco's expression changed, and he suddenly looked much younger. 'You were serious about that?'
'I said I'd come. And I'll enjoy seeing which broomstick you prefer.'
'What were you flying today?'
'The Silver Arrow,' said Harry, puzzled. But then he recalled the Omnioculars Nitta had worn. 'Did you watch the recording?'
'I did. I haven't seen live Quidditch in more than a year, you know.'
Harry paused, not wanting to provoke Draco again. 'What did you think?'
'Honestly?' began Draco. 'It was some of the best flying I've ever seen. You and Rees especially, but I've never seen the Cannons play that well.'
'Thanks,' said Harry, not quite looking at him. He sensed that Draco was making himself vulnerable, and he didn't want to ruin it by asserting dominance. 'It'll be fun flying with you on Wednesday—you were probably the best adversary I had at Hogwarts.'
'Not Diggory?' asked Draco. 'He's the one who beat you.'
'Honestly, no. He was the first to admit that he only won because of the Dementors.'
'Well, good luck against the Harpies. And I'm only saying that because I want Puddlemere to pull ahead for the cup.'
'Cheers,' said Harry. 'See you Wednesday, if not sooner.'
Before throwing Floo powder into the fireplace, Harry asked Andromeda if he could stop by and see Teddy, and she assented. They travelled to her house and were greeted by an exasperated-looking witch.
'How was he?' asked Andromeda nervously.
'Not as bad as last time, but bad enough. I don't know how you manage.'
'I've been through it once before. Where is he now?'
'Playing in the nursery, monkey-style.'
'Monkey-style?' asked Harry.
'Yes, he's discovered how useful a prehensile tail can be,' explained Andromeda, as they walked towards Teddy's room. 'He's much more nimble with it than with his own two legs.'
When they entered, Harry was relieved to see that aside from the tail, Teddy did not resemble a monkey. But he was hanging from a curtain rod, which seemed to have been reinforced for the purpose, and swinging delightedly. 'Is he safe like that?' Harry asked.
'Safer than walking, believe it or not. And you can see how much he enjoys it.' Andromeda left to pay the babysitter and then returned alone several minutes later. 'Your exchange with Draco at the end was ... extraordinary,' she said.
'It was.'
'Narcissa's worried about him, you know. House arrest hasn't been good for him. Better than Azkaban, certainly, but not good.'
'I can see that. That's why I'm doing this—he doesn't need another year to build up resentment.'
'Indeed no. I daresay he has a lifetime's worth already.'
'What else did Narcissa say?'
'I don't want to betray any confidences, but she says he's lost. And as much as she wants him to gain his freedom, she's not sure what he'll do with it.'
'I assume a job at the Ministry is out?'
'It is, and he doesn't need a job, even with the drop in their assets. He wants to rebuild the family fortune, but she's worried he'll be taken advantage of.'
'It's a valid concern. Do you think he'll start courting?'
'Perhaps, but I'm not convinced he's mature enough to settle down.'
'I know I'm not,' said Harry.
'You and Draco are similar in that respect. Your adolescence was shaped by the war—it made you older in some ways, but younger in others.'
Harry nodded and was silent for a moment. 'Narcissa accused me yesterday of trying to recruit Draco. Did she tell you about that?'
'Yes, she asked me the same question. I think it's hard for her to understand why you'd risk yourself without an ulterior motive.'
'Bloody Dark magic,' grumbled Harry. 'Can't she understand human decency?'
'She can, but she doesn't dare hope for it. And from her perspective, it's not the most logical explanation.'
'No, I suppose it wouldn't be. By the way, what did you mean when you said Dark magic isn't just curses?'
Andromeda began to reply, but suddenly Teddy started clamouring for her to carry him. She reached for him automatically but Harry interposed himself and took hold of the energetic toddler. He made a game of lifting him in the air and tossing him over alternate shoulders, and they continued playing until Teddy decided to amuse himself with the piano in the sitting room.
Andromeda cast a sound-isolating charm, which permitted them to keep an eye on Teddy without the cacophony. 'I was starting to tell you about Dark magic. It's similar to Light magic in the respect that it's driven by emotions, only they're negative. Obviously there's anger and hatred, which lend themselves to battle, as you've seen. But there are other negative emotions, like contempt and envy, and they can be rather compelling.'
'Envy is compelling?' asked Harry.
'Certainly, or else we wouldn't bother with it. For example, we tend to experience envy when we feel hurt about not having something we want. It happens to me sometimes when I see women my age with their husbands—envy is somehow more comforting than grief.'
Harry was nodding. 'Yes, I think I understand. I was hugely envious of Dudley growing up because he got everything I wanted. Not just toys, although I certainly wanted those, but also affection. But how would you use envy to perform magic?'
'Advanced magic usually requires strong concentration, and with the Dark Arts you harness the power of naturally-occurring emotions like envy to strengthen your magic. For example, when creating a charmed object, you'll be able to imbue it with far more magic if you generate strong envy first—or whichever negative emotion is most accessible at the moment.'
'Does this relate to what happened when I gave Draco back his wand?'
Andromeda's eyes widened momentarily. 'I hadn't thought of it that way, but you're right. When you imbued the wand with Light magic, you may have turned it into a sort of cursed artefact. Cursed with Light magic, that is.'
'And it destroyed his Dark Mark,' said Harry. 'My teacher Davina said I was lucky nothing worse happened.'
'She's right ... you gave him the Light equivalent of a cursed tiara!' She frowned for a moment then asked, 'When do you anticipate having time to meet with the other Blacks?'
'Sunday afternoons are probably the best. Could you arrange something? I'd be glad to host it, and I'm sure Kreacher would be overjoyed to have a houseful of us.'
She raised a single eyebrow, presumably at his use of the word 'us.' 'Do you still intend to change your name?' she asked.
He nodded. 'Yes—Harry Potter-Black, although yesterday another artefact omitted the "Potter."' He told her about the Marauder's Map and said, 'I should probably give it to Teddy when he starts at Hogwarts.'
'Don't tell me about it if you do,' she warned him.
'Did you know that my hair colour is a Black trait? Apparently the Potters were fair before Dorea Black married in.'
'No, I wasn't aware of that.' After another pause, she said, 'You really long for family, don't you?'
'Is it that obvious?'
'It's perfectly natural. And I have the same impulse, as you can see. Not just with Narcissa, but with you as well—not least because it's good for Teddy.'
'I'm sorry I don't see him more often,' he began, but she stopped him.
'You work six days a week—I realise it's not a typical job, but it's still time-consuming. And now you have politics, and Light magic, and any number of other things. And as much as I criticise your personal life, you certainly deserve to have one.'
He felt a release of tension when she said it. 'Thanks, that's good to hear. Last weekend Arthur Weasley accused me of going off the rails and said I needed an adult in my life. And I told him I had one,' he said, looking meaningfully at her. 'I may grumble, but I genuinely appreciate your criticism. I'd probably still be sending my Patronus to Malfoy Manor if it weren't for you.'
'I like to think you'd have caught on eventually. You're a Slytherin, after all.'
It was time for Harry to leave, so he said goodbye to Teddy and embraced Andromeda. After returning home, he composed a short letter to Kingsley, proposing they meet on Sunday or Monday to discuss Draco's early release. He knew he should have replied to more fan mail before his evening with Simon, but he was tired after his abridged night of sleep, so he lay down on the sofa.
Simon woke him a while later. 'Are you all right?' he asked.
'Yes—just a bit knackered. What are we doing tonight?'
'I'd thought to go to the V&A Museum, but perhaps you'd prefer something more relaxed—a film, perhaps, or just an evening's conversation.'
'Conversation sounds good,' said Harry, and he explained what was happening with his Light magic. 'We may need to restrict ourselves to wizarding settings until I get a handle on the glowing.'
Simon agreed, and they went to the dining room to eat what Kreacher had prepared. Harry noted yet again what a good teacher Simon was, since he was able to spontaneously deliver a fascinating lecture about both Muggle and magical topics.
Harry thanked him at the end of the evening. 'I can't tell you how much I enjoy these sessions. There's so much I never learnt in school, and filling in the gaps like this makes me feel a bit more normal.'
Normal, thought Harry, as he prepared for bed. What a radical concept.
