Chapter Eight: Voices in My Head
Disclaimer: I don't own any of it. Actually I did make up the order that the Aurors are ranked, but even that I had help on.
"So how are the new trainees doing?" Harry asked the Auror in front of him during the Monday morning briefing.

"Wonderful," Sergeant Major Grimmel replied and went into an very detailed, very boring account of how the new year of recruits were doing. Harry half listened, nodding at the appropriate times.

"Good to hear," Harry said as the man finished. "Is there anything else on the agenda, ladies, gentlemen? Minister?"

The eight other men and women looked at each other and then at their packets of parchment in front of them. Lieutenant Major Lance Cruz, a tall blond haired man sat to Harry's immediate right, and his wife, Lieutenant Major Imaera Cruz next to him. Major Diego Hoffmeyer, Harry's second in command, sat next to Imaera and Colonel Melvin Knott next to him. Colonel Majors Chanida Klien was next to Colonel Knott, flipping through her papers, and and Jisun Lee sat to her right. Beside him was Colonel Glayne Mashall who didn't seem to excited about his seat next to the Minister of Magic, who sat to Harry's left.

"I think thats about it," Hermione said, beside Harry. "I'm glad things are moving along."

"I am too," Harry replied. "If there is nothing else, then this meeting is adjourned." He stood up with the other Aurors as Hermione, the Minister of Magic, stood up. The other Aurors began to file out of the room, though Hermione stayed behind.

"How are things really, Harry?" Hermione asked, once everyone else had left.

Harry sighed. "As good as we can ask for. The disturbances are sporadic. They don't relate to anything else, and they don't resemble anything else either. Well just have to wait it out."

"I'm sure it will be fine," Hermione replied, sitting down again. "How is your new project coming along?"

"My new project?" Harry asked. "Oh, the Animagi one. Well, its coming well. James has taken it under his wing to develop. He wants it to be a new department of the Aurors. Having Aurors trained as Animagi can be beneficial in battle and stake outs."

"Be careful, Harry," Hermione warned. "How are you going to get current Aurors into the program?"

"Well, James and I are in. The word is out amongst the Aurors that anyone who has Animagus abilities are asked to apply. Everyone will be evaluated of course. Even the unregistered ones will be asked to consider it. They'll have to be registered once they are accepted of course."

"But Harry, once they're registered, anyone can look and see who they are," Hermione said. "And what animal they are. Won't that be defeating the purpose?"

"Thats something I wanted to talk to you about," Harry continued. "I want to have them registered, but not in public records. They'll be in a division of the Aurors that the Unspeakables fall under. So we will know who and what they are, but no one else will."

"That could work," Hermione replied and jotted something on her parchment. "What about incoming trainees? Are you going to want them to have Animagi abilities?"

Harry grinned. "Well our favorite werewolf who also happens to be a Professor at Hogwarts has helped me with that bit. He's started Animagi studies early."

"How early?" Hermione questioned.

"Fourth years," he replied.

"Fourth years!" Hermione cried. "But thats way below their capabilities!"

"Relax, Hermione," Harry said. "They just start the theory of it, and basic Switching Spells. They start early so more can master it by their seventh year. Remus is on a look out for those who share potential and those individuals will be asked to consider becoming an Auror." Hermione nodded and wrote something else on the parchment.

"Well, as long as you make sure that who ever doesn't join becomes registered," Hermione replied. "I don't want loads of unregistered Animagi coming out of Hogwarts."

"I will," he answered.

"How is Reagan doing?" Hermione asked, setting aside her parchment.

"Wonderfully," Harry replied, smiling. "I got a letter form Gareth Lockhart..."

"Gareth Lockhart?" Hermione asked. "I thought he was in Zambia?"

"I see you zone out some of our weekly meetings as well," Harry chuckled. "Lieutenant Lockhart came back this year and is teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts."

"Oh I remember something about this now," Hermione said, rubbing her temples. "Is he going to join your Animagus group? What are you calling it?"

"Animagents," James said, walking into the room. "Good morning, Dad, Aunt Hermione." James stooped and kissed his aunt on the cheek.

"Hello James," Harry said and his son sat in the chair next to Hermione.

"I didn't mean to interrupt, but your secretary told me to come in," James explained.

"Not a problem," Hermione replied. "We were just discussing Lieutenant Lockhart."

"Gareth?" James asked. "He's at Hogwarts, right?"

"Yes," Harry answered. "He sent me a letter about Reagan actually."

"Oh no," James groaned. "What did she do now?"

"Its nothing bad," Harry replied. "He was just commenting on how well she did in class."

"Well thats expectable," Hermione said. "Is he going to send you a letter every time she does well?"

"I hope not," Harry said and leaned back in his chair. "I am a bit worried about her thought."

"Harry, she's a fourteen year old girl," Hermione replied. "She can handle herself, more than you realize. You handled yourself at fourteen, if I remember correctly."

"I know," Harry said. "This is quite different. She doesn't have an evil wizard after her blood. Its this dream we had and it was, well odd," Harry replied and gave them a brief recap of his dream he shared with Reagan.

"Why did she pass out?" James asked. "Shouldn't she be used to it by now?"

"Its not exactly something you get used to, James," Harry said. "Its a bit unnerving at times."

James rolled his eyes. "Dad, honestly. All you do is share dreams and such."

"You'd better be careful, James," Hermione warned. "You'll probably have a Connection too. Especially if you and Erika get married." James blushed at the mention of his girlfriend, Erika Caldwell.

"Speaking of Erika, how is she?" Harry asked.

"She's wonderful," James sighed. "She's at the hospital right now. IÕm taking her to lunch this afternoon, to Carbello's."

"Carbello's?" Harry asked. "Thats where I proposed to your mum."

"I know, Dad," James replied. "You say that every time Carbello's is mentioned."

"What is her specialty again?" Hermione asked.

"Oh, curses," James replied. "She's a medi-witch in the Children's Department at St. Mungo's."

"I hear she's making quite a name for herself," Hermione continued. "Working with those children who have been exposed to such horrors. I read something about her in Medi-Magic Today recently. She made quite an impression on them."

"Yeah, they were at the house for hours doing that story," James replied and shook his head. "I swear, no matter what I do, those damned reporters won't go away."

"I don't think you were mentioned in the article, James," Hermione said.

"Good," he answered as he stood up. "They were very chatty with me till I told them my name. Then they wanted to only talk with Erika. Seems they associated 'Potter' with 'hates paparazzi'."

"They should," Harry replied. "Those damned good for nothing gits only like to exploit the worst in people and make their faults out to be ten times worse then they really were. I'm just glad that people like Rita Skeeter arenÕt in employment anymore, those bloody..."

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed. "Your language! It may be just us in here, but please try to remain somewhat professional!"

Harry grumbled a 'sorry' and that seemed to satisfy his sister-in-law. They chatted for a few more minutes until Hermione had to leave for another meeting and James had to go work with a new Auror who was interested in the Animagents. Harry watched his son leave and then turned to his morning mail, still grumbling about the press.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reagan sat with her head against a tree, completely proud of herself. Josie and Cal were sprawled out on a blanket, doing homework in the late afternoon sun. It was Monday afternoon, and they had time to spare before dinner. Reagan sighed as she remembered they had Quidditch practice tonight; Darenn would no doubt work them to the bone.

"Reagan, do it again," Josie pleaded. She had shown them her new Animagus abilities that she mastered on Saturday. Both had been incredible impressed.

"Professor Lupin told me not to," Reagan replied, shaking her head. "What if someone saw me?"

"She's right," Cal said. "She could get into trouble."

"Oh Cal, stop it," Josie replied. "No one is out here, no one will see. Besides, if anyone asks, you're just some lovable stray."

Reagan snorted, though something about the phrase 'lovable stray' caught her attention.

"What are you doing here, Sirius?" Reagan heard a voice say. It sounded oddly familiar.

"Fulfilling my duty as a godfather." Reagan looked around but couldnÕt find the source of the voice. "Don't worry about it, I'm pretending to be a lovable stray."

"Reagan?" Josie asked, a hint of concern on the tip of her voice.

"Did you hear that?" Reagan asked.

"Hear what?" Josie asked, looking around them.

"That man's voice," Reagan replied. "It sounded like...like..."

"Like what?" Josie asked. Cal sat up and looked at Reagan.

"I didn't hear anyone's voice other than ours," he said.

"Poor old Snuffles. He must really like you Harry... Imagine having to live off rate." Reagan shook her head, trying to drown out the voice. She did recognize that voice, it was her Uncle Ron's, which meant that the other voices must have been her father's and his godfather's, Sirius Black.

"I have to go," Reagan muttered, gathering her things. She stood up and ran towards the castle, not glancing back at the bewildered looks she was receiving from her friends. She darted past the Great Hall towards the stairs to Gryffindor Tower. As she rounded a corner she ran into someone, laying them both flat on the ground.

"Are you all right?" the person asked and Reagan looked up to see who she had knocked down.

"Trevor!" Reagan exclaimed. "Oh, I'm so sorry!"

"I'm all right," he replied getting off the floor. "Are you?" He held out his hand and helped her up.

"Yes, I'm fine," she replied, picking up her spilled books.

"Why were you running?" he asked, helping her gather her things.

"Oh, I was...um..." Reagan stammered, not knowing what to say.

"You were?" he asked. He looked into her eyes, making her knees go weak. He has really deep blue eyes, she thought.

"Reagan!" she heard Josie's voice coming from the base of the stairs, making them both jump.

"Nothing, no reason, I wasn't running for any reason," she replied, breaking their eye contact. "I was just in a hurry, thats all." She shoved her things back into her bag, and stood to leave.

"Are you all right?" Trevor asked, catching her arm.

"Yes, I'm fine," Reagan replied. "I didn't fall that hard."

"No, I mean in general," he said. "You looked, I don't know, spooked."

"I...I'm fine," she insisted.

"Well if you ever need anyone to, erm...I don't know...talk to, I mean, you can always come to me," Trevor said and Reagan forced a smile.

"Thanks." She turned and darted up the stairs before Josie found her. Reagan burst into the common room and ran to her dormitory, throwing her books and her book bag into her trunk, parchment, quills and ink spilling out. Reagan fell onto her bed, pulling the drawings closed and shut her eyes.

Dad, Reagan thought. Daddy, please I'm scared. She pulled a quill and parchment out of her trunk and began a letter. She quickly wrote down everything she had heard and sent it off with her owl, Vira, giving her specific instructions to go as fast as she could and to wait for a reply.

Reagan heaved a sigh of relief as her owl flew into the distance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry stood in his kitchen, stirring a pot of spaghetti sauce as it sat cooking on the stove.

"What's got you lost in thought?" Ginny asked, walking into the kitchen.

"Nothing," Harry replied and muttered a charm on the spoon. He turned and wrapped his arms around his wife.

"How was your day?" she asked him.

"Same as usual. James stopped by this morning. He took Erika to Carbello's."

"Carbello's?" Ginny asked. "Thats nice. You must be paying your son well, Harry."

"I'm not the one thats paying him, the Ministry is."

"I can't wait till he makes as much as you do," Ginny said, wiggling free of his arms. "Harry the sauce, magic doesn't do it the same way as you do."

Harry rolled his eyes and turned back to the stove. "Well it should be enough to satisfy the expensive taste that Erika has aquired. You know, I think James and Erika might get married."

"You think?" Ginny sarcastically asked, setting two plates onto the table. "Harry, I've suspected they would get married since I first met her. She's a very nice girl."

"I know, I like her," Harry replied. "I just don't want them to rush into things."

"Harry, your son is not one to rush into things. He's nineteen. He's been out of Hogwarts for two years. Its not like he's a child."

"I know, Gin," Harry said. "I just...maybe I should talk to him. You know, have one of those father son talks."

"You mean you haven't done it yet?" Ginny asked.

"Well, yeah, I mean I talked to him before his sixth year, but that was just about girls. I should have another one and tell him about...well, girls and marriage and you know all the marriage stuff."

"And what 'marriage stuff' would you need to tell him about?" Ginny asked. "James and Erika live together. Don't you think they already partake in the 'marriage stuff'?"

Harry winced. "Ginny!"

"Sorry, Harry," his wife giggled. "But he's a nineteen year old boy. Do you remember how you were at nineteen?"

"Well, Ginny I was married when I was nineteen and..." Harry stopped. "I think I'll feel better if I talk to him. I had to have three of these talks, every two years. So he's getting off easy."

"Three?" Ginny asked. "Who gave you a talk?"

"Well Sirius did when I was sixteen, then Remus did later that year at school. Your father did over that Christmas break when I stayed at the Burrow. Then right after I left Hogwarts Sirius did again, and then Remus did again. Then I had to ask your father for your hand in marriage and then he had to give me a talk again. So I'm quite the expert at receiving talks. Darenn should be up for his first one pretty soon."

"And when does Reagan need one?" Ginny asked.

"Never," Harry mumbled, turing back to the sauce.

"What was that?" Ginny teased.

"Reagan can get one when she's old enough. But I have to talk to the boys and we have two of them so you have to talk to the girl."

"The girl?" Ginny giggled. "You make them sound like they're puppies."

"Yep, the Potter Puppies," Harry replied. "Speaking of the girl, isn't that Vira?" Harry moved towards the window, opening it for the owl to fly though. She dropped a letter on the table and sat patiently at the perch for the reply.

"Why is Reagan sending messages this late?" Ginny asked. Harry shrugged and picked up the letter.

"Dear Dad....

Today when I was studying by the lake, Josie said something about lovable strays and then I heard voices...in my head. I think it was you and Uncle Ron and your godfather. Uncle Ron said he must have liked you because he lived off rats, and you called him Snuffles. Dad I heard this in my head, Josie and Cal didn't hear a thing. Dad, why is this happening? Is this a memory of yours? If it is, how come I heard it? This is beginning to freak me out. How come we're loosing control again? Is there a stronger way to shut off our minds, because I thought mine was closed. Is yours? Its starting to get hard. The more I think about it, the worse it gets. I haven't had a dream like the train one since then, but this is equally as freaky. Can you ask Aunt Hermione? Please? I'm just a little spooked I guess.
Give my love to Mum,
Reagan


"Harry?" Ginny asked as Harry swore.

"It was a memory," Harry said. "I was thinking about the Animagents today and was remembering when we met Sirius in Hogsmead during my fourth year. She must have picked up on it. I must have been thinking about it when she was talking to Josie. Sirius had called himself a lovable stray."

"Harry why is this happening?" Ginny asked. "You two have been able to control your Connection until now. Things never used to leak out like this."

"I know," Harry replied. "I guess I'll have to talk to Hermione." Harry took a quill from the counter and wrote back a reply.

Reagan,
I'm sorry about the memory, and yes that is what it was. I must have been thinking about it the same time you were talking to Josie. I'll try to shut my mind more forcefully, and you try to do the same. I'll talk to Hermione tomorrow and see if she has any answers. In the meantime, talk to Remus and see if he has any answers, and see if you can find anything in the Library. Darenn also did some reading on it this summer, ask him if he knows anything. It could just be that as you grow your magical abilities change, and with the Connection, it may change as well. We'll just have to adjust to it. I'm sorry if it scared you, Reagan. Love,
Daddy

A/N: Please review!!