Harry Potter and the Mind Mage

By James Milamber

Charlie sat heavily back in his chair, his forehead creased in thought.

'That explains a lot,' he said finally.

'Understatement of the century,' Ginny muttered.

Charlie chuckled. 'Sorry, that didn't come out quite right. Dumbledore told us the first part of the Prophecy, but I always had a feeling he'd kept something important out. Now that I know what he left out, I realise "important" doesn't even begin to cover it.' He paused, looking directly at Harry. 'Does You-Know-Who know about this?'

'We don't think so,' Harry told him. 'The whole point of the Department of Mysteries last year was for Voldemort to get his hands on the original recording, and he wouldn't have bothered if he already knew the whole thing.'

'Makes sense,' Charlie mused. He raised his voice slightly. 'What do you think, Tonks?'

There was a moment of silence, then Tonks rather ruefully pulled her Invisibility Cloak off. 'I really wish you lot would stop doing that,' she scolded, taking a seat next to Charlie.

'Why do you even bother anymore?' Charlie asked her curiously. 'We all know you're here, why not just disguise yourself and be around all the time?'

Tonks made a face. 'Moody's orders, you know how paranoid he is.' She grimaced, and then did a very good imitation of Moody's voice, 'Constant Vigilance! You never know when a Death Eater might be lurking in your underwear drawer, just waiting to strike!'

That earned a laugh from all present, and when everyone quietened down again, Charlie spoke again to Tonks. 'You haven't answered my question, what do you think?'

'To tell you the truth, I've known the whole thing for quite some time,' she said.

'And you didn't tell me? I'm crushed,' Charlie put a hand over his heart in a dramatic pose.

'It was part of the whole "bodyguard" thing,' Tonks continued, ignoring Charlie's theatrics. 'I guess Dumbledore wanted me to know what I was getting myself into.'

Harry made a face at the word bodyguard. 'You know, I really don't need any protection when I'm in Hogwarts, maybe you could –'

'Not a chance,' Tonks said crisply. 'You're too important to risk, you know that.' Her tone softened at Harry's deflated look. 'I'm sorry, Harry, but that's just how it is. I didn't make the rules, and neither did you, but we both have to play by them.'

'Yeah, I know,' Harry said heavily.

'But it doesn't make it any easier,' Charlie finished, fixing Harry with a peculiar look.

They sat in silence for a long moment, all lost in their own thoughts.

'So what now?' Ron said eventually.

'Don't worry, I won't tell anyone,' Charlie said, glancing at Tonks.

'Harry?' A familiar voice sounded out in the corridor. 'You in there?'

'Yeah, Isabelle,' Harry called back. 'Come on in.'

The door opened slightly, and Isabelle's head appeared through the gap.

'I was wondering where you'd wandered off to,' she said, entering the room and taking a seat. 'By the time I got to dinner you'd left already.' She regarded Charlie curiously. 'Who's this?'

'My brother, Charlie,' Ginny explained.

'And you are?' Charlie looked at Isabelle enquiringly.

'Isabelle Lestrange,' the ex-Slytherin said calmly.

Charlie looked at her steadily. A palpable tenseness filled the room as everyone waited for his response. 'So you're the one,' he said eventually.

'Yes, I'm the one who killed my bitch of a mother during the battle,' Isabelle said wearily. 'Happy now?'

'Well, I was going to say that you were the one who took out one of the most dangerous Death Eaters in You-Know-Who's service, but that'll do too,' Charlie said with a small smile. Isabelle smiled a little guiltily.

'Sorry,' she apologised. 'It's just that I've been getting that bloody reaction from everyone since…well, you know.'

'Well, this is a cheery conversation,' Tonks remarked after a long silence.

'Really? I thought it was a bit depressing, really,' Charlie said with a straight face. Tonks rolled her eyes and slapped him playfully on the shoulder.

'Well, I actually came here to remind you that curfew is in about ten minutes,' Isabelle told Harry, Ron and Ginny. 'If you don't want to be lynched by Filch, I'd suggest getting back to the common room.'

Harry started slightly. Had they really been talking that long?

'Yeah, righto,' Ron nodded. 'Come on, you lot, we'd best get back.'

They all stood. 'I have to get back to the pen, anyway,' Charlie said as they headed for the door. 'Every night Hagrid tries to sneak in to see Norbert, he's been driving everyone crazy. I'll see you all later,' he waved and headed of in the opposite direction to the common room, back towards the lower levels.

'Straight back to the common room, Mister Potter,' Tonks said sternly. 'No deviating into any broom closets this time, if you please.'

'Tonks!' Ron gave an anguished cry as Harry and Ginny turned matching shades of crimson. 'That's my sister!'

'Funny I never noticed that,' the Metamorphmagus said with an impish grin, then disappeared under her Invisibility cloak.


James strode down the corridor, his black robes swirling around him dramatically, wearing an intimidating expression that would have made Snape jealous. The second year Hufflepuff squeaked slightly, backing away, then abruptly turned and bolted, narrowly avoiding a head first collision with a suit of armour in his haste to escape.

'Having fun?'

James grinned at his daughter as she emerged from the Transfiguration classroom, a small smile playing about her lips.

'Absolutely,' he affirmed. 'I do have a reputation to maintain, after all,' he said loftily, seeing her amused expression.

'I'll bet,' she chuckled, falling into step beside him and entwining her arm with his. 'You've got everyone under fourth year cowed, and everyone above respects you more than McGonagall. That's quite an accomplishment.'

James shrugged. 'Anything to annoy Snape. He's been bitter ever since I surpassed him as most feared Professor with the lower year levels.'

Cassie giggled, leaning her head on her father's shoulder as they walked on in silence. They had almost reached James' office when Cassie broke the silence. 'Dad?'

'Mmm?'

'How…' she hesitated. She knew the question would be hard for him to answer, but she also knew she had to get him talking. It wouldn't do him any good for him to keep stewing like he was. 'How did you and Mum meet? You've never told me.' She held her breath, waiting to see what his reaction would be.

James was silent for a long moment as he unlocked the office door with a wave of his hand and led her inside. She was beginning to worry as he took a seat beside the fireplace, igniting it with a glance. She sat on the chair opposite him, awaiting the imminent explosion.

His shoulders started to shake, and for a moment Cassie thought he was crying. But then he raised his head to look at her, and she saw he was actually trying hard not to laugh.

'How did I meet Andrea?' he asked, his eyes bright with glee. 'Actually, she knocked me unconscious with a vase, as I recall.'

Cassie blinked; that wasn't quite what she'd been expecting.

'She was a real little firebrand back then,' James said with relish, looking at the ceiling thoughtfully. 'I was on one of my jobs for Lord Dickless, which involved me murdering her Aunt and Uncle. She was a little put out with me for that, as I recall.'

'I thought you'd stopped working for Voldemort when you met her,' Cassie said, brow creasing in confusion.

'Not really,' James settled more comfortably into his chair. 'Actually, it was the other way around – I left Voldemort's service because of your mother.' He smiled wistfully. 'The silly twit sent Death Eaters after us when she went into hiding for being blamed for the murders. I'm still not entirely sure why I did it, but when they came I defended her. We stayed together after that, although I think initially it was more of a lack of anywhere else to go on her part, because she was still wanted for those murders. Eventually we made our way to Australia, and the rest, as they say, is history.'

'So you fell in love?' Cassie asked softly. 'How did that happen, after a meeting like that?'

'No idea,' James shook his head. 'She was the first and only woman I've ever loved, and at the time I didn't even know I was capable of it. After a while with Andrea, it seemed so…natural. She was the first person that wasn't scared of me for my abilities, although that was partly because she was Muggle.'

'It all sounds like one of those bad movies,' Cassie said, making a face. 'You know the ones, where the abducted falls for the abductor?'

James chuckled. 'Something like that.' He gazed pensively into the flickering light of the fire. 'I don't expect to be around much longer, Cass,' he said seriously. 'And to tell you the honest truth, I really don't want to be. If not for you and your brother, I would have already confronted Voldemort and probably died trying to take him down.'

'You don't have to do that,' Cassie said gently, a little shocked by his candid revelation. 'Why would you do such a thing?'

James lifted his eyes and caught the matching set in his daughter's face. 'Do you have any idea how old I am, Cass?'

Cassie frowned; it was something she'd never really thought to ask.

'If I asked you who was the oldest person in the castle, you'd say Dumbledore, right?' he continued. 'Well, you'd be wrong. I was born three years before he was.'

Cassie stared at him in total shock – she'd known he was older than your average wizard, but to be that old and still look no older than twenty-five…

'We don't age as other wizards do,' James said quietly. 'Mind Mages, that is. The last one recorded in Britain lived to be six hundred and fifty or so, and even then he was killed in a duel. I've seen more than my fair share of battles over my life, and I'm really getting sick of fighting.' He smiled ruefully. 'Besides, in that time I've duelled Dumbledore four times. I think that's aged me more than anything else.'

'But…you…' Cassie started, but trailed off, unable to articulate the thought and emotions fighting within her for supremacy.

James stood, crossed the room, and enfolded her in a hug. 'Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere just yet,' he said quietly. She clung to him fiercely, as if afraid he would simply vanish in a puff of smoke. 'While you and Alex have need of me, I'll be here for you. Understand?' A barely discernable nod, followed shortly by a quiet sob; James tightened his grip and Cassie did the same. He knew full well that it would be difficult for her and her twin, but they both had to prepare for the distinct possibility that he would not be around much longer.

He pulled away from her reluctantly. 'Chin up,' he said firmly, and she lifted her head to meet his gaze. 'I'm not going anywhere until I choose to, but you still have to be prepared.' James shook his head as he sank back into his chair. 'I never thought I'd get an opportunity to atone for everything I've done in the past, and to be frank, I never expected to want one. But here, at Hogwarts, I can make a difference. It's what Andrea would have wanted.' He smiled sadly. 'She was prime Gryffindor material, really. There was no way she could have been anything else. I always thought it was a shame she'd been born a Muggle, she would have made a very impressive witch.'

James glanced at his watch, raising one eyebrow. 'How does it get to be so late without me noticing?' he sighed, rising to his feet once again. 'Come on Cass, we need to get you back to your common room before McGonagall has a fit.'

Cassie giggled, and they left the office in comfortable silence. It was only when they reached the seventh floor landing, and James turned to head back downstairs, that Cassie finally spoke up.

'Were you in Gryffindor, Dad?' she asked. 'When you were at Hogwarts, I mean?'

James turned back to her, a small smile on his face. 'Nope,' he chuckled. 'Gryffindor was Dumbledore's territory.'

'So what House were you in then? Slytherin?'

James raised one eyebrow at his daughter. 'You do realise there are more than two houses in this school, don't you?'

Cassie pressed her hands to her cheeks in mock horror. 'Not Hufflepuff! Anything but that!'

James grinned, remembering the Hufflepuff he'd been terrifying earlier. 'Is that so hard to believe?' he asked, smirking as his daughter's eyes widened in disbelief. 'Stop panicking, I was in Ravenclaw.'

Cassie sighed in relief, placing one hand over her heart theatrically. 'Thank goodness, I almost thought my father was a badger for a moment there.'

James winked at her and, chuckling merrily, he started down the stairs, his mood infinitely lighter than it had been a few moments ago.

A/N: Thanks to CQ for giving me the inspiration for getting this chapter finished. Much appreciated, my friend!

Oh yes, if you'd like to read about the 'vase' incident, I suggest you go read Sirius' Choice by Whimsical Firefly. She's written the scene marvellously.

Review Responses: (I went a little overboard again…)

gpotter: Trust you to be in it only for the fluff…: )

shotgunn: Too slow, mate. I do find it amusing that we were reading at exactly the same time, though – if you look, our reviews are staggered. I still can't believe someone ousted me out of number 100…although I still hold the position of her very first reviewer. So nya. ; )

Virginia: Nice to know I rated as your first review. Hope you continue to enjoy the story! I have a few surprises planned…

KirbyChirby: Another Sydneysider, hmm? I was born near Katoomba, actually. As to James…no comment.

Picky: Already read that one, and it's on my favourite's list. Thanks anyway.

Tyco: Not Myself is in my favourites, if you're really keen. I'd put the link in here, but ff .net will just remove it. Brilliant story. America, doing good? Umm…no comment, mate.

sunni07: As I keep saying, I have nothing against Americans, I'm just not too fond of America. Sorry to offend. I'm not too fond of England either, to tell you the truth…

Reviewer formerly known as Al: Favourite Fanfiction award? Wow, I'm honoured! I reckon I could recommend quite a few fics that put my efforts to shame, though.

delicate bread and butterfly: Wow, that's some good praise you have going there. If you love the twins, just wait for the end of the school year…and no, I'm not telling you what's going to happen to them. I too have noticed the assorted drivel that passes for Fanfiction these days, hence the creation of my C2 Community to find something actually worth reading, for once (we've been at it for over a month, and only found seven worthy stories – go figure). Actually, if you're up to the challenge, we're always on the lookout for new staff members. E-mail me if you're interested. Now, to answer your questions:

1. Remus is otherwise occupied. More on that in later chapters.

2. Harry isn't really rude anymore, although he was in the beginning. Come on, wouldn't you be pissed too?

3. Weasley Christmas. That's all I'm saying.

4. No, because I said so. :) I seriously doubt she'd get in much trouble for killing a known Death Eater, especially since she was protecting someone. The self defence plea will go a long way with so many witnesses.

Dree: Who needs spell check when I have you? :p He was…erm…stuffed chock full. Yes, that's it. So nya.

litterallysuffucated: Not to worry, Hagrid will be coming into the fic more in the next few chapters. I think.

Ice Maiden: I reckon Charlie is my favourite Weasley, and it's always irked me that he never gets a big enough role. I plan to remedy that.

MsMissProngs: (looks innocent) What'd I say? ;p

Evansk: Yeah, harry and co are in Sixth year. Wouldn't be much of a sixth year fic if he wasn't, hmm? Don't worry, Volde isn't going anywhere…yet. A seventh year fic is definitely in the works, but only time will tell. As to the President question, I reckon you should just shoot them both and have done with it!

David305: Much appreciated, my friend. Yes, we still say that – just not very often. Hmm…I really need to use 'Okka' words more often. I may just have to slip a few into the story…

jwhit-moony: Yeah, I have the rest of the story planned, but I still have no clue how long it will end up. Blame my blasted muses for that.

Merusa: Stop fishing for hints, you'll just have to wait and see, won't you? Dunno about the name, I personally can't think up any Acronyms for James, but you're welcome to try if you're really THAT enthusiastic…

Whispyraven: Not to prod, but are you going to send me that contest entry thing? I'd love to see it. I'm bringing Cassie more into the story, as you can see from this chapter. Bring on the character analysis, I'm ready. Erm…I think. Just don't give TOO many things away…

Melindaleo: Neither can I, to tell you the truth. You'll find out about Ginny's 'solution' in the next chapter. My, this is going to be SO much fun to write.

Rin: Erm…whoops?