Harry Potter and the Mind Mage

By James Milamber

A/N: No, I'm not dead, I just wish I was. ;) Actually I've been sick all bloody week, so I haven't been able to get much done. Rest assured that the next chapter will be out soon. This one isn't quite as big as promised, but it is bigger than normal. Ten pages isn't bad, really.

Oh yeah, this chapter will make slightly more sense if you read All Dreams Must End, the companion piece I wrote. It's also posted here, and it gives a little insight into James' past, and how he ended up at Hogwarts. I'll warn you now, though, it's a wee bit violent.

Reviewer Challenge: Full points to anyone who can work out exactly where ADME is set. Most of the clues are in the first couple of paragraphs. Go on, you can do it…and yes, it is a real place.

Professor James Milton stalked the deserted halls of Hogwarts, his steps sure and unfaltering. It was time to end this. Albus had gone entirely too far, and was on the verge of making the same mistake that had almost cost six students their lives only eight months ago. James wouldn't stand for it.

The Order never learned. Everything that they did wrong last time, they were doing wrong this time. And last time, if Harry hadn't come along, they would have lost the war. The similarities between the two situations almost made James laugh out loud.

He had been involved in the last war with Voldemort, fighting for both sides, whichever paid highest. More and more towards the end of the war he had been hired by Voldemort to attack Order members, and it was usually insultingly easy. The Order had been losing hard, and if they weren't careful history would repeat itself.

Once again it all came down to Harry. And Ginny, a spiteful little voice in the back of his mind pointed out.

He wanted to scream in frustration. All he had wanted was to be left alone. He'd had it with war; he had a beautiful wife and two wonderful children. And then Lord bloody Voldemort had come along again.

James clenched his fists reflexively, wanting very badly to lash out at something. But he needed to stay calm. He needed to focus.

'Calm down, James,' he said to himself as he walked, breathing deeply. 'You had to get involved somehow, and this is what the Universe decided to throw at you. If this is what was meant to happen, then so be it.' The words brought him little comfort, however. He sighed and shook his head. Nothing could be gained from going over old ground again.

He slowed as he approached the classroom where he knew they were meeting. He couldn't hear anything; he hadn't expected too, Moody was far too paranoid to leave the room un-warded. With a feather soft touch, James allowed his awareness to brush along the outside of the wards, almost caressing them, searching their length for a weakness. He found a hairline fracture in the magic, and, using his mind like invisible fingers, he prised it apart.

There was a massive detonation, and the wall glowed brilliant blue. As suddenly as it had appeared the glow vanished, and the door sprang open.

James entered the room to find five sets of eyes looking at him incredulously. Mad-Eye Moody's normal eye was narrowed, and his magical eye was focused on the wall, obviously checking the corridor outside for any other intruders.

'You need to work on your wards, Alastor,' James said nonchalantly, taking the last remaining seat at the table. He caught Tonks' eyes briefly and smiled slightly. She returned the smile and winked.

'What is the meaning of this, James?' Dumbledore asked calmly. Although his voice was steady, James could hear the underlying anger.

'Yeah, what the hell do you want, Milton?' Moody growled.

'Language, Moody,' James said lightly. 'I'm here to point out a few home truths to you people.'

'And what may those be?' Lupin asked, his eyes bright.

'Harry,' James said flatly. 'No offence, Albus, but you're making exactly the same mistake as you made last year, and we all know where that got us.'

'Need I remind you, Milton, that this meeting is only open to members of the Order?'

James turned to regard Snape, who was sitting as far from the others as possible, in a corner shrouded in shadow. 'And need I remind you, Snape, that I refused membership for a very good reason.'

'Oh yes,' Snape sneered, his black eyes glittering in the flickering torchlight. 'Don't worry, I'm quite sure we haven't forgotten.'

'That will do, Severus,' Dumbledore commanded, his piercing eyes on James. James made no effort to block the feather light touch of Legillimency coming from the old man, instead using a tactic he knew to infuriate any mind readers: he counted sheep.

After a moment Dumbledore chuckled, his eyes twinkling. 'You always were a most stimulating opponent, James.'

'One does one's best,' James said blandly.

'So what exactly did you come barging in here for?' Lupin asked.

'Like I said, I have to point out a few home truths,' James stood and began to pace. 'I know you've all been keeping an eye on Harry,' he cast a fleeting look at Tonks, who smiled a bit guiltily, 'but I don't think that's enough. You have to tell him what's really going on, and not just that bollocks you were feeding him over summer, I mean the truth.'

'Luckily what you think doesn't matter for much,' Snape said cuttingly.

'I agree with him,' Tonks said quietly, and every eye turned to her. 'Last night Harry asked me whose orders I would take on the battlefield, if Albus and Harry gave me contradictory ones. I honestly couldn't decide.'

'Nymph,' James said warningly, but Tonks waved him away.

'I've been watching him in his Advanced Defense classes,' she went on, clasping her hands together nervously. 'Almost every student there is personally loyal to Harry. If he needs something done, half the room volunteers to do it for him. And that's not including his close friends. They'll follow him into Hell itself if he decided he's going.'

'We are well aware of Mister Weasley and Miss Granger's mental instabilities where Harry is concerned,' Snape sneered.

'Not just them,' James shook his head. 'Lestrange and my kids would follow him anywhere, too. So would Longbottom and Lovegood. And good luck getting Miss Weasley away from him.' He smiled, but the thought was bitter. Harry really had no idea how lucky he was.

'As well as the DA, which is most of the school Prefects,' Tonks added.

'He's got a bloody private army,' Moody muttered, shaking his head.

'I see your point,' Dumbledore said after a moment, stroking his long beard. 'What do you suggest we do about it?'

'Conduct them into the Order,' James said firmly. 'Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Alex, Cassie, Isabelle. Let them all see what's really happening.'

'Impossible,' Dumbledore shook his head. 'The Order consists of only overage witches and wizards. We cannot induct school children into its ranks.'

James raised one eyebrow. 'Albus, you know Lord Moldywart is going to attack Hogwarts soon, or you wouldn't be bringing in that bloody dragon. Do you really think you could keep any of them out of the fight?'

'Absolutely not,' Lupin said with a smile. 'Harry has far too much of his father in him to hide away inside the castle. He'd think less of himself if he wasn't helping.'

Dumbledore closed his eyes for a long moment, and when they opened again all the sparkle had gone out of them. 'Very well,' he said heavily. 'I will consider your words and decide after this weekend's Quidditch match.'

James nodded. 'After the match. They've all been looking forward to it for so long, don't spoil it for them. But Monday afternoon, I want you to speak to Harry. If you don't, we may be in trouble later on.' He looked around the room, smiling slightly again when he caught Tonks' eyes. She gave him a fleeting thumbs up and returned the smile.

'Now, I'll leave you all to your secret Order business,' James smirked, then turned to walk out the door.

'Milton!'

'What?' James turned back to Moody, who was looking at him with something akin to respect.

'Good job getting through those wards,' he said grudgingly. James grinned back, performed a mocking half bow, and left the room.

Harry did not see Tonks again that week, not even in his Advanced Defense classes where she usually helped. He felt bad for springing such a loaded question on her, but it had to be done. Thankfully, none of his friends had questioned him over it, although Isabelle kept shooting him furtive looks when she thought he wasn't watching.

Truth be told, he wasn't entirely sure himself why he had asked that question. All he knew was that something big was coming, he could feel it. He remembered Isabelle's words from weeks ago, when she had said Malfoy knew when Voldemort would attack Hogwarts, and an uncomfortable weight settled in his stomach.

James too was acting peculiarly. Frequently he would watch Harry and Ginny together with a deep sadness in his eyes, and Harry would have the uncomfortable feeling that there was something he didn't know. He tried asking the twins what was wrong with their father, but they both got very tight lipped and refused to speak. And so Harry had to content himself to waiting.

Saturday came quickly, and with it the first Quidditch match of the year. The Gryffindors assembled in their change rooms after a meager breakfast, and after everyone had changed into their scarlet robes, they all sat and looked at Harry expectantly.

'None of you ever had the pleasure of playing on this team with Oliver Wood,' Harry started with a smile. 'Those of you who didn't know him, let's just say he was a bit of a Quidditch fanatic. But he was really good at these inspirational things. I think you've all gathered that I'm not.' The team laughed, and a lot of unnoticed tension drained away. 'I know you're all good, so there isn't really much to say. Play a good, clean game, and don't let the Slytherins rile you up, especially Malfoy. Go out there, put in your best effort, and we can't lose.'

'I thought you weren't any good at this,' Alex cracked, and everyone laughed again.

'You're doing fine, Harry,' Greg Redfield assured him.

Harry blushed slightly at the compliments. 'Just go out there and win,' he finished.

'Oh, don't worry, we will,' Ginny smiled. 'We'll flatten them, won't we guys?'

'Abso-bloody-lutely,' Cassie grinned.

'And welcome all to the first Quidditch match of the year!'

Harry gripped his Firebolt tightly as the very familiar magically enhanced voice rang throughout the Quidditch stadium. This was it; all the preparation was done. All that remained was to win.

'Come on,' Harry said, his voice strained. The team stood and filed towards the exit. Ginny caught Harry's eyes as she passed, then leaned over and kissed his cheek.

'You'll be fine,' she whispered.

'Playing today are archrivals Gryffindor and Slytherin!' A massive cheer almost knocked Harry over backwards as he led the team to the change room exit and mounted the Firebolt.

'Introducing the Slytherins! Zabini, Warrington, Peuce, Findlay, Crabbe, Goyle, and…Malfoy!'

The Slytherins cheers were almost drowned out by the booing from the rest of the crowd. Harry steeled himself, knowing what was coming next. I can do this. He tightened his grip on the handle of his broom and waited. It was almost as bad as the wait before his first ever match.

'And here come the Gryffindors! Weasley, Weasley, Chang, Redfield, Milton, Milton, and…Potter!'

The scarlet clad Gryffindors tore out of the change rooms and onto the pitch. Harry was gratified to see most of the crowd wearing scarlet rosettes and waving flags with the Gryffindor lion on them; obviously the Slytherins weren't too popular with the other houses. From somewhere among the stands Harry could vaguely hear Luna's ridiculous Lion hat roaring.

The two teams came to rest in the middle of the pitch, where Madam Hooch was waiting with the crate that housed the four balls. Harry and Malfoy eyed each other warily, and Harry was suddenly glad that Zith was once again looking after his wand.

'Captains, shake hands,' Madam Hooch ordered. Reluctantly Harry extended his hand, and Malfoy clasped it and let go quickly, wiping his hands on his robes with a look of disgust. An irrational memory arose of Deladus Diggle shaking his hand repeatedly in the Leaky Cauldron, so excited he looked ready to burst, and Harry had to fight down a laugh.

'Mount your brooms,' Hooch said, flipping the latches on the crate. She removed the Quaffle, ducking out of the way as the Bludgers rocketed skywards. Harry saw a brief flash of gold before the Snitch vanished.

'Go!' Madam Hooch said, tossing the Quaffle straight up. Fourteen brooms rose skyward, Harry faster and higher than the rest. He reached a comfortable altitude and leveled off, seeing Malfoy doing the same some distance away.

'And the Quaffle is taken early by Weasley, who passes to Redfield, back to Weasley…and look at that girl fly! She's really putting that broom through its paces! Rumour has it that the Lightningbolt was bought for her a few months back by her boyfriend, Harry Potter. Sounds appropriate, all things considered!'

'JORDAN!'

Harry almost laughed; the Weasley twins had come up to Hogwarts to watch the match, and Lee Jordan had come with them. McGonagall had almost automatically given him the magical microphone when he had walked into the stadium, and not bothered to take it back when she realised her error.

'Sorry Professor, won't happen again! The Quaffle now in the capable hands of Melinda Chang, little sister of Seeker Cho Chang of Ravenclaw…back to Greg Redfield, another new addition to the team this year…and a perfect reverse pass straight past Findlay puts it back to Weasley! Potter really has done an excellent job with this year's team!'

Harry watched as Ginny took the first shot on Blaise Zabini, the new Slytherin Keeper. The Quaffle soared straight through his outstretched fingers and through the leftmost goalhoop.

'And Gryffindor score! 10-0 to Gryffindor!'

The crowd cheered as Blaise retrieved the Quaffle and threw it to Findley, who took off down the pitch. He almost dropped the Quaffle in surprise when a Bludger from Cassie almost took the front of his broom off.

'Nice Bludger work from Cassandra Milton! Those two were another brilliant find of Potter's, although they're nothing on the Weasley twins, of course.'

Alex made a very rude gesture at the commentary box when he flew past, chasing the other Bludger. He drew back his bat and pelted the iron ball towards Peuce, catching him a glancing blow on the shoulder. Melinda darted forwards and grabbed the Quaffle before he could recover, passing it off to Greg who scored the second goal for Gryffindor.

'Gryffindor score again! 20-0 to the Lions, and if Slytherin don't get their act together soon they're not going to have much chance in this one!'

Harry watched in satisfaction as Malfoy's face whitened in anger at Lee's comments. He gestured to Ginny, who nodded and raised one arm slightly. Melinda and Greg formed up behind her, the three making a wedge formation as they flew towards Warrington, who had just received the Quaffle from Blaise. The Slytherin's eyes narrowed as he saw the three Gryffindor Chasers bearing down on him, and feinted right but passed left to Peuce. Greg veered off to tag Warrington while Ginny and Melinda went after Peuce, who made to pass to Findlay. An unbelievably accurate Bludger shot from Cassie impacted with the Quaffle as it left his hands, driving it towards the ground where Melinda was waiting. She snagged the scarlet ball and within a few seconds had scored her first goal for the match.

'Gryffindor score again after some phenomenal teamwork from the Chasers and Beaters! That's 30-0 to Gryffindor, and Slytherin are starting to look completely outclassed! 'Course, that's nothing new, they've always been a useless bunch of…'

'JORDAN!'

'Sorry Professor! Slytherin back in possession, let's see if they can keep it this time…'

Harry's breath caught as a Bludger from Crabbe came a little too close to Ginny, but she almost casually dodged out of the way and intercepted the Quaffle from Findlay.

'Gryffindor steals the Quaffle yet again! Ginny Weasley dodges Warrington and takes a shot at goal…blocked by Zabini!'

Blaise smirked maliciously at Ginny as he barely managed to stop the Quaffle, throwing it back out to Peuce, who passed to Findlay. Greg went after him, but had to roll out of the way when a Bludger came rocketing at him from above. Findlay passed off to Warrington, who dodged around Melinda and came within the goal square. Ron was making a tight figure '8' around the goal posts, watching Warrington intensely. Warrington timed his throw, and the Quaffle sailed through the goal just out of Ron's reach.

'First goal of the match to Slytherin! The score now 30-10, favouring Gryffindor!'

'You think you can win, Potter?' Malfoy shouted as he flew near to Harry.

'Looks that way, yeah,' Harry said blandly. He wasn't going to rise to Malfoy, he was just trying to distract him.

'We'll see,' Malfoy's eyes narrowed, and he made an odd gesture to Crabbe. The hulking Slytherin nodded in response and signaled to Goyle. They each went after one of the Bludgers, forcing the twins out of the way, and simultaneously carted them straight at Melinda, who was trying to block Warrington.

'Melinda! Watch out!' Harry yelled, but he was too far away for her to hear. Feeling helpless, he sped off towards her, but Greg was faster. With a determined expression on his face he intercepted one of the Bludgers, swinging his left forearm into the heavy ball. The Bludger changed direction, speeding off towards Alex, who in turn whacked it at Peuce. Melinda spotted the second one and dodged out of the way. Harry breathed a sigh of relief as she waved her thanks to Greg, who waved back and sped off down the pitch, although he was now clutching his arm to his side.

'You'll have to do better than that, Malfoy!' Harry shouted triumphantly. Malfoy glared at him and took off towards the Slytherin end of the pitch. Harry watched him go, then turned his attention back to looking for the Snitch.

After the failed attempt to incapacitate Melinda, the Slytherins started playing very dirty. Gryffindor were awarded two penalties in as many minutes when first Peuce and then Warrington tried to get the Quaffle away from Greg by elbowing him, and Ginny was awarded a penalty when Findlay locked his broom handle with hers in an effort to keep her from shooting at goal.

Soon the score was 90-20 to the Gryffindors, and the Slytherins got even worse. Crabbe and Goyle seemed hell bent on disabling Harry, as Bludger after Bludger was sent his way. Cassie took up a pretty much permanent post near Harry, ready to deflect the constant barrage, while Alex took on the task of guarding the three Chasers. Fortunately, Crabbe and Goyle weren't clever enough to take advantage of the fact that there was only one Beater left to protect the other players, and kept up the relentless stream of Bludgers aimed at Harry.

Finally, when the score was 130-40, the Snitch made an appearance near the Slytherin goalposts. Harry spotted it and immediately urged the Firebolt on; across the pitch, Malfoy did the same. Harry was faster, but Malfoy was nearer. The crowd began to cheer anew as they realised what was happening, as the two Seekers homed in on the tiny golden ball.

'What's this? The Seekers have spotted the Snitch! Get it, Harry!'

Malfoy would reach it first, Harry realised with a sinking feeling, even as he urged the Firebolt to go faster. He hadn't counted on his escort, however. Cassie was still flying along with him, although she had lagged behind. Alex passed her a Bludger and she carted it straight at Malfoy, who almost didn't see it. With a curse he dodged out of the way, nearly falling from his broom in the process, and giving Harry all the edge he needed.

As his fingers closed around the Snitch, the crowd exploded into frenzied cheering. Grinning from ear to ear, Harry landed, his arm held triumphantly above his head and the silver wings beating futilely against his fingers.

'Harry Potter takes the Snitch yet again for Gryffindor! Gryffindor win 280-40!'

The rest of the team landed near Harry, and he found himself suddenly buried under them, all yelling hoarsely. For half the team it was their first Quidditch win, and they were quite literally ecstatic.

'Great catch Harry!' Greg yelled, laughing as Melinda leapt on him, screaming into his ear.

'Nice Bludger, Cassie!' Ron slapped her on the back, nearly knocking her over.

'Gee, thanks Ron,' she said sarcastically, then grinned and slapped him back, knocking him into Alex.

'Oi! Watch it, you,' Alex grinned, hugging his sister.

'You were great,' Ginny kissed Harry, then pulled away and smiled impishly. 'Told you so,' she said with a toss of her head. Harry smiled back.

Seconds later, there was a massive explosion from the other side of the castle.

A/N: Mwahahahaha! An evil cliffie for your enjoyment! Eh, went overboard with the Review Responses again. Oops. :)

Review Responses:

gpotter: Ahh, jealousy. Say no more, I understand perfectly. ;)

Larna Mandrea: I have to say that Isabelle is probably my favourite OC. Don't know if she's the best ever yet, but I'm working on it. :)

CreativeQuill: Where do you think James, Alex, Cassie and Isabelle came from? I started writing Fan Fiction to hone my skills, and I'm using original characters from my novel to get a better grip on them.

Saerry Snape: You have an unwholesome lust for pointy, sharp objects, you know that? And if you want Atra maimed, you'll have to do it yourself. Milamber is currently at the bottom of the Ionian sea. Don't ask me where that is, because I have no idea.

Melindaleo: Ultimately, Hermione's loyal to Harry, and she knows it. She was just being honest.

FREAKSHOW1: He has a reason to be, he's the saviour of the Wizarding world. He's not really 'high and mighty', as you put it, but he knows it all comes down to him, in the end. That's a heck of a burden to put on a sixteen year old, and he's showing some strain, as he would.

Serpentia: Sounds like a plan, my friend. Throw some Johnny Howard effigies onto the pile too, would ya?

Riina: Let Milamber behind the wheel of a car? Are you nuts?!? If there was any car left after he'd finished, it wouldn't be recognisable.Trust me, he has enough trouble without putting wheels under him. Wheels with very expensive tyres.

craftygurl: Why, exactly, do I have to have a book written before you marry? Am I missing something here?

hpsk8ergurl: Could be, could be…

hyper yo yo boy: That's a good idea, actually. The return of Fluffy…

chikoalahuahua: No, James is not James Potter, and Tonks is not Lily. Where on earth did you get the idea that Harry, Alex and Cassie were triplets? Eh, that's just weird.

Evansk: Probably the one area I'm glad to disappoint. :)

JeanieBeanie33: Not to burst your bubble, but King Arthur was actually a bit of a let down. Keira was great in it, for what it's worth.

HeeroYuyz: You may have a point there.

harryptaxd204: Why do I get the feeling I should be running away, very fast?

Cobalt45: Harry probably knows far more than he should.

Rednal29: No, I'm good. Whimsical Firefly is taking care of him for me. Chainsaws are involved, I understand. And a very deep ocean.

Heart Of The Phoenix: Can you say 'major'? ;)