*Chapter 8: Every Part of Me
Harry was strolling to his class the next morning. He had managed to evade any of Seamus' love-attacks and he was NOT ready to deal with them this morning. He knew if he didn't pull himself together and start walking at a normal pace, he was going to be late. Very late. And Transfiguration was not something any sane person was late to.
Quickening his speed, he passed by a poor blonde First-Year trying to gather her scattered books while her broken bag strap lay at her side, reminding her of the mistake she'd made. Feeling an ounce of pity, Harry shifted his own books and pulled out his wand, motioning at the girl's supplies and muttering a quick spell. As her books magically fell into pile, the girl looked up at Harry's content smile and matched it with her own.
"Thank you. Mr. Potter," she muttered, blushing.
Harry's face reddened almost as much. "Harry, dear. I'm Harry." Just then, the bell rang signaling their presence in class. Groaning loudly, he began running up the stairs, hearing footsteps behind him. Figuring it was just the First-Year hurrying to her own class, he sped up and slammed the classroom door open, muttering a few choice words under his breath as he made his way past Draco and Seamus both, taking his seat next to Ron.
"Mr. Potter," his Transfiguration professor started. It reminded him of the First-Year he had helped. He grimaced, hoping she didn't have Potions next. It was then that he heard the delicate coughing beside him. Turning his head slowly, he saw the small girl he had aided not too long ago.
"Excuse me, Professor," she said softly. McGonagall faced her, ready to give Harry's lecture to the short, blonde student.
"Yes, Ms. Malfoy?" Harry knew his gasp was very audible, especially when Ron elbowed his side to silence him.
"Harry was helping me. that's why he was late, ma'am." "Oh," McGonagall raised an eyebrow, "is that so?" Spinning on her heel, she turned her glare on Harry once more, who had a sheepish look on his face now.
"Yes, Professor," he squeaked out, eyeing Ron for help, who only mouthed, 'Where do I know that girl from?'
"Well, then." she twirled back to the young Malfoy. "Where are you going now, Parsel?"
"To Potions, ma'am." Her voice got quieter with every statement she made.
"Oh, dear. well, best be off then. if Professor Snape has any problems, tell him to report to me. I will give you an alibi, dear," McGonagall said sympathetically.
She nodded without a word and scurried out of the room. The Transfiguration professor faced the class again, words sputtering out of her mouth, " Well. class. today. we will be reviewing. erm. Animagi."
"But, Professor," Harry could feel Hermione's arm raise from the row behind them without even turning to look.
"Yes, Ms. Granger?"
"Have we even covered Animagi yet?" she questioned.
"Some of us have," she said with a bemused smile. "At any rate, we will be trying to turn ourselves into animals. Professor Dumbledore has deemed it necessary to learn, simply saying, 'You never know when you'll need to turn into an animal on command.' I will never understand that man!" A few giggles went around the classroom before she continued, "You're going to need to pair up. and it will need to be with someone you have a connection with. and especially someone you trust. I'll teach you the process once you partner up."
Harry automatically turned to Ron, his best friend--of course he'd have a connection with him. They shared a silent nod, as he felt a gentle prodding on his back. Expecting to find a giggly Hermione looking for someone who she had a "connection" with, he turned with a smile, which quickly dissolved into a frown when he saw Draco beside him, a serious look on his face.
"Harry. I need to talk to you." he began calmly.
"If you have anything to say," Harry said, eyeing Ron nervously, "you can say it right now, in front of Ron. or you can not say it at all."
The young blonde took a deep breath, "I think we should pair up."
The raven-haired boy looked at him questioningly, "For this? Why?"
"You heard what McGonagall said. 'someone you have a connection with'?" Draco's brow was more creased than normal as he tried to explain his situation.
"And someone you trust," he reminded Draco, causing him to flinch. "That's why I picked Ron. he's my best friend."
Draco raised his eyebrows. "I don't want to say what I have to say in front of Weasley."
"It's Ron and if you can't say it in front of him, then I don't want to hear it." Harry's voice was full of contempt and even he wasn't sure where he had found the courage to say these things.
"You might want to rethink that. if I know you, and I believe that I do. then, you're gonna blush bright red when I say it." Harry shrugged. "Alright. As you wish. Ron might be your best friend, but we were lovers. what better connection is there? Pair up with me," he said quietly. Just as the blonde Slytherin had predicted, the smaller boy was quite red and Draco knew that a faint smile had danced across his lips momentarily.
Harry turned to Ron quietly. "I think I should work with Draco, Ron," he muttered. The frightened look on his face said it all. "A'ight, mate. if that's what you want," he said uncertainly.
'Draco's right. and I hate to admit it, but I still do trust the git!' Harry nodded, "Yes, mate. I'll be working with Draco this time." Ron mustered a quick grin and turned around to Hermione who had a dazed look on her face as she was staring at the red-head.
"Thank you, Harry." Draco leaned down and gave the Gryffindor a quick kiss on his cheek, causing the already deep-red color to grow.
"You're welcome, Draco." Harry stood without a sound and walked behind Draco over to an empty table in the back--the only open one left.
"Après toi, monsieur," he murmured in his perfect French accent, holding out his hand and gesturing for Harry to sit.
"Merci," the other boy added for a bit of humor, taking the seat and making the two of them crack up simultaneously.
Their aging professor coughed at them warily, eyeing them with udder disbelief. "First. you and your partner will need to be seated across from each other. you will come up to my desk together, and I will give you your next instructions there. when everyone is complete, we will move on to the Transfiguration part. any questions?" No hands raised. "A'ight, then. Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, you may begin."
The two stood up and approached her desk, wondering what this would entail. Harry saw them both look terrified for a moment before ducking behind a black curtain and disappearing from sight. A couple of minutes later, they both returned, happy as a button!
Harry was amused. As each pair went up, he and Draco sat in silence, watching them. Finally, they were last to go. Sauntering in front of the blonde, the young Potter relaxed as he made his way up the aisle to McGonagall. She motioned for them to go behind the curtain as she said, "I am going to try and kill you." Harry gulped, trying not to believe her.
It was surprisingly bright behind the curtain. He was expecting a full- fledged Divination setting, but instead a sunny area surrounded him. Their professor led them over to a circular stone platter which held a much smaller version of the two young men. She explained, "I am going to try and kill you. in your smaller version. as I say the spell and point my wand at you, be thinking the words, 'Reterecto Secrium'. This will cause your smaller version to turn into the form of your Animagi when I try my spell."
"Professor," Draco said quietly. "You mean, we aren't allowed to choose our forms?" "Why, no, Mr. Malfoy. but our subconscious is!" she said matter-of-factly. "Come, come. Mr. Potter first!" Harry stepped up as his Transfiguration professor's wand pointed at the small-Harry.
'Retero. no. Retroc. no. what is it? Oh, yes. Reterecto Secrium. Reterecto Secrium! Reterecto Secrium! Reterecto Secrium!' He felt a small jolt in his body as the smaller version was engulfed in a thick purple smoke. Harry couldn't help but smile as the fog lifted, revealing his "animal within".
"I am not surprised," McGonagall's voice snapped into his thoughts, making him realize he had shut his eyes during the excitement. His eyelashes fluttered as he let his sight focus. A small stag was standing majestically where his wiry frame had stood only moments ago.
"A stag," he said breathlessly.
"A stag," she confirmed. "Just as a most brave student I had not too long ago!" Harry smiled.
"Thank you," he mumbled, lost in thought.
"Do not thank me. Thank Prongs," she said simply.
"Professor," Draco's icy tone broke through the sentimental moment.
"Yes, Mr. Malfoy?"
"May I go now?"
"Why, yes, of course. step up." Harry watched as his stag disappeared in a puff of green smoke and as it cleared, a small blonde stood in its place. "You know the incantation, I presume?" Draco just nodded.
Harry watched as the process repeated silently and the purple fog resumed its presence over the stone platter. He could hear Draco's harsh breathing and he reached for one of the blonde's slender hands, squeezing it reassuringly. He half-expected Draco to pull away hastily, but the young Malfoy just smiled, genuinely grateful for a companion.
"Mr. Malfoy," the Professor interrupted. Both boys broke their gazes and glanced at the circular stone before them. A dragon reared its graceful head back and blew smoke at them. They brushed it away with a few giggles and Draco looked at it affectionately.
"A dragon."
"I am also not surprised at this, Draco. for your name alone could reveal such images." The blonde grunted some affirmation. "Why, yes, boys. take your seats. we must begin. the Transformation." They regained their composure and began for their seats, still hand-in-hand, Professor McGonagall not two steps behind.
"Class," she said, once they had sat down comfortably. "I am sure you are all absolutely amazed at what animal truly abides within you. I know I was most pleased with every ONE of your results. Alas, we must continue the process." She looked worried that they must actually start the Change and that surprised Harry, who fingers were still linked with Draco's. "Ah. to begin. I must explain to you why your partner is to be someone you trust. there is a part in this spell where you will have to. er. connect? Ah, yes. connect. So, ah, well."
Hermione's arm was raised from next to Ron. "Ah, ma'am. what exactly do you mean by. connect?"
"Ah, yes. well, there is a spell you must complete before you can Transform. An incantation that will connect your auras. ah, yes. You and your partner will be able to read each other's thoughts. feel each other's feelings. be every part of each other, I guess."
"Professor. why is this necessary?" Hermione with her questions again.
"Ms. Granger. if you become an animal and something goes wrong, how will we know?" their Professor replied rhetorically. The young brunette was silent and McGonagall continued, "Without a mind connection, no one will know if something is wrong."
Harry gulped and whispered, "Draco?"
"Hm.?"
"I don't know if I can do this," he stammered in the same hushed tone.
"Why not?"
"She said. 'be every part of each other'. You will have to be every part of me!" Draco' voice lost volume, "I am aware. it won't be much different than being with me, Harry. trust me."
Harry nodded, "I trust you, Draco. I trust you." The Slytherin looked at him curiously. Using his other hand, the blonde ran his hand through his hair, realizing how close they'd gotten in such a short time.
'I brought this on myself,' he reminded himself, 'when I asked him to be my partner. it's not half bad, y'know? You do have Harry again.'
"Ah, well. must begin!" The professor ruined the moment as she brought everyone back to the task at hand. "Before we even try to Transform, we must finish the Connection. as you are sitting across from each other, move your tables and press palm-to-palm, creating an ellipse between the two of your arms."
Draco unlaced his slender fingers from Harry's and moved across from him, gazing deep into his eyes. The blonde mouthed, 'Trust me' over and over again as he placed his left palm on Harry's right palm, signaling the smaller boy to close the ellipse.
"Close your eyes," McGonagall instructed. "The more relaxed and trusting you are, the quicker it'll happen. once your bodies are connected, your minds can." Harry shut his brilliant emerald eyes, loosening his limbs.
Before Draco closed his own misty blue-grey eyes, he leaned closer to the boy sitting across from him and kissed him deeply on his lips, savoring the taste. Leaning toward his ear, he whispered, "Trust me, Harry.", moving back to sitting position and gingerly closing his eyes.
"Class," McGonagall seemed to be relaxing, "next. think long and hard the incantation. Porius Clirium. Porius Clirium. Much like before, you will think this. the first time you and partner think it at the same time in perfect synchronization, the spell will be complete. Simple.? You decide. You may begin."
Harry felt a dramatic pull to be with Draco. He'd been thrown of by the kiss, but they seemed more connected than ever. He began to think the incantation, 'Porius Clirium. Porius Clirium. Porius Clirium.' A soft humming echoed in his ears and his eyes shot open, meeting Draco's equally shocked ones.
"I feel it," McGonagall stated, looking around. "Who is connected?" She lifted her eyebrows at the only pair whose eyes were open--Harry and Draco. "You two?" They nodded, completely in time. "I'm impressed," she said simply.
They waited, staring into each other's eyes for minutes. There was no need for words. They saw nothing but each other. Heard nothing but each other. Felt nothing but each other. Were nothing but each other.
Almost twenty minutes passed, but it was milliseconds to the pair. McGonagall was ready to proceed, "Now that everyone is connected to their partner----" The door slammed open loudly, making all but one couple turn and look. All but one couple, who heard nothing.
"MINERVA!" It was Snape. He noticed the class, who was almost in trance state, and lowered his voice, "There has been an accident." Throughout the class there were gasps and gulps. But, in the back of the room, there were two figures who didn't move. Didn't speak. Didn't breathe. There was no need. They were living solely on each other. And they were doing a fine job.
Harry was strolling to his class the next morning. He had managed to evade any of Seamus' love-attacks and he was NOT ready to deal with them this morning. He knew if he didn't pull himself together and start walking at a normal pace, he was going to be late. Very late. And Transfiguration was not something any sane person was late to.
Quickening his speed, he passed by a poor blonde First-Year trying to gather her scattered books while her broken bag strap lay at her side, reminding her of the mistake she'd made. Feeling an ounce of pity, Harry shifted his own books and pulled out his wand, motioning at the girl's supplies and muttering a quick spell. As her books magically fell into pile, the girl looked up at Harry's content smile and matched it with her own.
"Thank you. Mr. Potter," she muttered, blushing.
Harry's face reddened almost as much. "Harry, dear. I'm Harry." Just then, the bell rang signaling their presence in class. Groaning loudly, he began running up the stairs, hearing footsteps behind him. Figuring it was just the First-Year hurrying to her own class, he sped up and slammed the classroom door open, muttering a few choice words under his breath as he made his way past Draco and Seamus both, taking his seat next to Ron.
"Mr. Potter," his Transfiguration professor started. It reminded him of the First-Year he had helped. He grimaced, hoping she didn't have Potions next. It was then that he heard the delicate coughing beside him. Turning his head slowly, he saw the small girl he had aided not too long ago.
"Excuse me, Professor," she said softly. McGonagall faced her, ready to give Harry's lecture to the short, blonde student.
"Yes, Ms. Malfoy?" Harry knew his gasp was very audible, especially when Ron elbowed his side to silence him.
"Harry was helping me. that's why he was late, ma'am." "Oh," McGonagall raised an eyebrow, "is that so?" Spinning on her heel, she turned her glare on Harry once more, who had a sheepish look on his face now.
"Yes, Professor," he squeaked out, eyeing Ron for help, who only mouthed, 'Where do I know that girl from?'
"Well, then." she twirled back to the young Malfoy. "Where are you going now, Parsel?"
"To Potions, ma'am." Her voice got quieter with every statement she made.
"Oh, dear. well, best be off then. if Professor Snape has any problems, tell him to report to me. I will give you an alibi, dear," McGonagall said sympathetically.
She nodded without a word and scurried out of the room. The Transfiguration professor faced the class again, words sputtering out of her mouth, " Well. class. today. we will be reviewing. erm. Animagi."
"But, Professor," Harry could feel Hermione's arm raise from the row behind them without even turning to look.
"Yes, Ms. Granger?"
"Have we even covered Animagi yet?" she questioned.
"Some of us have," she said with a bemused smile. "At any rate, we will be trying to turn ourselves into animals. Professor Dumbledore has deemed it necessary to learn, simply saying, 'You never know when you'll need to turn into an animal on command.' I will never understand that man!" A few giggles went around the classroom before she continued, "You're going to need to pair up. and it will need to be with someone you have a connection with. and especially someone you trust. I'll teach you the process once you partner up."
Harry automatically turned to Ron, his best friend--of course he'd have a connection with him. They shared a silent nod, as he felt a gentle prodding on his back. Expecting to find a giggly Hermione looking for someone who she had a "connection" with, he turned with a smile, which quickly dissolved into a frown when he saw Draco beside him, a serious look on his face.
"Harry. I need to talk to you." he began calmly.
"If you have anything to say," Harry said, eyeing Ron nervously, "you can say it right now, in front of Ron. or you can not say it at all."
The young blonde took a deep breath, "I think we should pair up."
The raven-haired boy looked at him questioningly, "For this? Why?"
"You heard what McGonagall said. 'someone you have a connection with'?" Draco's brow was more creased than normal as he tried to explain his situation.
"And someone you trust," he reminded Draco, causing him to flinch. "That's why I picked Ron. he's my best friend."
Draco raised his eyebrows. "I don't want to say what I have to say in front of Weasley."
"It's Ron and if you can't say it in front of him, then I don't want to hear it." Harry's voice was full of contempt and even he wasn't sure where he had found the courage to say these things.
"You might want to rethink that. if I know you, and I believe that I do. then, you're gonna blush bright red when I say it." Harry shrugged. "Alright. As you wish. Ron might be your best friend, but we were lovers. what better connection is there? Pair up with me," he said quietly. Just as the blonde Slytherin had predicted, the smaller boy was quite red and Draco knew that a faint smile had danced across his lips momentarily.
Harry turned to Ron quietly. "I think I should work with Draco, Ron," he muttered. The frightened look on his face said it all. "A'ight, mate. if that's what you want," he said uncertainly.
'Draco's right. and I hate to admit it, but I still do trust the git!' Harry nodded, "Yes, mate. I'll be working with Draco this time." Ron mustered a quick grin and turned around to Hermione who had a dazed look on her face as she was staring at the red-head.
"Thank you, Harry." Draco leaned down and gave the Gryffindor a quick kiss on his cheek, causing the already deep-red color to grow.
"You're welcome, Draco." Harry stood without a sound and walked behind Draco over to an empty table in the back--the only open one left.
"Après toi, monsieur," he murmured in his perfect French accent, holding out his hand and gesturing for Harry to sit.
"Merci," the other boy added for a bit of humor, taking the seat and making the two of them crack up simultaneously.
Their aging professor coughed at them warily, eyeing them with udder disbelief. "First. you and your partner will need to be seated across from each other. you will come up to my desk together, and I will give you your next instructions there. when everyone is complete, we will move on to the Transfiguration part. any questions?" No hands raised. "A'ight, then. Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, you may begin."
The two stood up and approached her desk, wondering what this would entail. Harry saw them both look terrified for a moment before ducking behind a black curtain and disappearing from sight. A couple of minutes later, they both returned, happy as a button!
Harry was amused. As each pair went up, he and Draco sat in silence, watching them. Finally, they were last to go. Sauntering in front of the blonde, the young Potter relaxed as he made his way up the aisle to McGonagall. She motioned for them to go behind the curtain as she said, "I am going to try and kill you." Harry gulped, trying not to believe her.
It was surprisingly bright behind the curtain. He was expecting a full- fledged Divination setting, but instead a sunny area surrounded him. Their professor led them over to a circular stone platter which held a much smaller version of the two young men. She explained, "I am going to try and kill you. in your smaller version. as I say the spell and point my wand at you, be thinking the words, 'Reterecto Secrium'. This will cause your smaller version to turn into the form of your Animagi when I try my spell."
"Professor," Draco said quietly. "You mean, we aren't allowed to choose our forms?" "Why, no, Mr. Malfoy. but our subconscious is!" she said matter-of-factly. "Come, come. Mr. Potter first!" Harry stepped up as his Transfiguration professor's wand pointed at the small-Harry.
'Retero. no. Retroc. no. what is it? Oh, yes. Reterecto Secrium. Reterecto Secrium! Reterecto Secrium! Reterecto Secrium!' He felt a small jolt in his body as the smaller version was engulfed in a thick purple smoke. Harry couldn't help but smile as the fog lifted, revealing his "animal within".
"I am not surprised," McGonagall's voice snapped into his thoughts, making him realize he had shut his eyes during the excitement. His eyelashes fluttered as he let his sight focus. A small stag was standing majestically where his wiry frame had stood only moments ago.
"A stag," he said breathlessly.
"A stag," she confirmed. "Just as a most brave student I had not too long ago!" Harry smiled.
"Thank you," he mumbled, lost in thought.
"Do not thank me. Thank Prongs," she said simply.
"Professor," Draco's icy tone broke through the sentimental moment.
"Yes, Mr. Malfoy?"
"May I go now?"
"Why, yes, of course. step up." Harry watched as his stag disappeared in a puff of green smoke and as it cleared, a small blonde stood in its place. "You know the incantation, I presume?" Draco just nodded.
Harry watched as the process repeated silently and the purple fog resumed its presence over the stone platter. He could hear Draco's harsh breathing and he reached for one of the blonde's slender hands, squeezing it reassuringly. He half-expected Draco to pull away hastily, but the young Malfoy just smiled, genuinely grateful for a companion.
"Mr. Malfoy," the Professor interrupted. Both boys broke their gazes and glanced at the circular stone before them. A dragon reared its graceful head back and blew smoke at them. They brushed it away with a few giggles and Draco looked at it affectionately.
"A dragon."
"I am also not surprised at this, Draco. for your name alone could reveal such images." The blonde grunted some affirmation. "Why, yes, boys. take your seats. we must begin. the Transformation." They regained their composure and began for their seats, still hand-in-hand, Professor McGonagall not two steps behind.
"Class," she said, once they had sat down comfortably. "I am sure you are all absolutely amazed at what animal truly abides within you. I know I was most pleased with every ONE of your results. Alas, we must continue the process." She looked worried that they must actually start the Change and that surprised Harry, who fingers were still linked with Draco's. "Ah. to begin. I must explain to you why your partner is to be someone you trust. there is a part in this spell where you will have to. er. connect? Ah, yes. connect. So, ah, well."
Hermione's arm was raised from next to Ron. "Ah, ma'am. what exactly do you mean by. connect?"
"Ah, yes. well, there is a spell you must complete before you can Transform. An incantation that will connect your auras. ah, yes. You and your partner will be able to read each other's thoughts. feel each other's feelings. be every part of each other, I guess."
"Professor. why is this necessary?" Hermione with her questions again.
"Ms. Granger. if you become an animal and something goes wrong, how will we know?" their Professor replied rhetorically. The young brunette was silent and McGonagall continued, "Without a mind connection, no one will know if something is wrong."
Harry gulped and whispered, "Draco?"
"Hm.?"
"I don't know if I can do this," he stammered in the same hushed tone.
"Why not?"
"She said. 'be every part of each other'. You will have to be every part of me!" Draco' voice lost volume, "I am aware. it won't be much different than being with me, Harry. trust me."
Harry nodded, "I trust you, Draco. I trust you." The Slytherin looked at him curiously. Using his other hand, the blonde ran his hand through his hair, realizing how close they'd gotten in such a short time.
'I brought this on myself,' he reminded himself, 'when I asked him to be my partner. it's not half bad, y'know? You do have Harry again.'
"Ah, well. must begin!" The professor ruined the moment as she brought everyone back to the task at hand. "Before we even try to Transform, we must finish the Connection. as you are sitting across from each other, move your tables and press palm-to-palm, creating an ellipse between the two of your arms."
Draco unlaced his slender fingers from Harry's and moved across from him, gazing deep into his eyes. The blonde mouthed, 'Trust me' over and over again as he placed his left palm on Harry's right palm, signaling the smaller boy to close the ellipse.
"Close your eyes," McGonagall instructed. "The more relaxed and trusting you are, the quicker it'll happen. once your bodies are connected, your minds can." Harry shut his brilliant emerald eyes, loosening his limbs.
Before Draco closed his own misty blue-grey eyes, he leaned closer to the boy sitting across from him and kissed him deeply on his lips, savoring the taste. Leaning toward his ear, he whispered, "Trust me, Harry.", moving back to sitting position and gingerly closing his eyes.
"Class," McGonagall seemed to be relaxing, "next. think long and hard the incantation. Porius Clirium. Porius Clirium. Much like before, you will think this. the first time you and partner think it at the same time in perfect synchronization, the spell will be complete. Simple.? You decide. You may begin."
Harry felt a dramatic pull to be with Draco. He'd been thrown of by the kiss, but they seemed more connected than ever. He began to think the incantation, 'Porius Clirium. Porius Clirium. Porius Clirium.' A soft humming echoed in his ears and his eyes shot open, meeting Draco's equally shocked ones.
"I feel it," McGonagall stated, looking around. "Who is connected?" She lifted her eyebrows at the only pair whose eyes were open--Harry and Draco. "You two?" They nodded, completely in time. "I'm impressed," she said simply.
They waited, staring into each other's eyes for minutes. There was no need for words. They saw nothing but each other. Heard nothing but each other. Felt nothing but each other. Were nothing but each other.
Almost twenty minutes passed, but it was milliseconds to the pair. McGonagall was ready to proceed, "Now that everyone is connected to their partner----" The door slammed open loudly, making all but one couple turn and look. All but one couple, who heard nothing.
"MINERVA!" It was Snape. He noticed the class, who was almost in trance state, and lowered his voice, "There has been an accident." Throughout the class there were gasps and gulps. But, in the back of the room, there were two figures who didn't move. Didn't speak. Didn't breathe. There was no need. They were living solely on each other. And they were doing a fine job.