Get ready for some fluff! Since I haven't posted in a while...and it may be another while before I post again :(
So enjoy!
Harry's vision was fuzzy as he glided through a dark, familiar corridor. His body felt smooth, powerful and flexible. He entered a large room with strange, shining lights as far up as he could see. He felt his tongue slid out of his mouth, tasting a man's scent on the air. He found the man patrolling the aisles, unaware of his presence.
Before Harry could think, his head reared back and attacked the man. Harry could feel his fangs sink deep into the man's skin as he bit once…twice…three times. The man fell to the floor with a cry of pain as the attack continued.
Harry could vaguely hear people calling him, but his eyes were drawn to the blood gushing from the wounds he inflicted.
When he finally woke up, Arthur Weasley's pale face flashed before his eyes.
"Harry!" Ron exclaimed. He and Neville were on either side of him while the rest of the boys were sitting on their beds, looking at him apprehensively.
"Your dad," he panted, his chest heaving. "Your dad's…been attacked…"
"What?" Ron said uncomprehendingly.
"Your dad! He's been bitten, it's serious, there was blood everywhere…"
"I'll get Professor McGonagall" Neville rushed off.
"Harry, mate…you were just dreaming" Ron said.
"No!" Harry snapped, urging Ron to understand how crucial this was. "I saw it happening, I know it was real."
Not a moment later, Neville returned with Professor McGonagall. "What happened?"
"You need to find Mr. Weasley Professor. He's been attacked." Harry said.
"Attacked?" She asked.
Harry nodded "By a large snake. I saw it happen. It wasn't a dream, I know it was real. Please you have to believe me."
McGonagall's lips thinned, "Put on your dressing gown Potter, we'll go see the Headmaster. Weasley, you come too."
They both rushed to get their dressing gowns and slippers before following the Professor to the Headmaster's office. Once inside Harry hurriedly explained what had happened in his dream-not-dream. Dumbledore talked to the paintings surrounding the office, to see what they could find out.
"You say this wasn't a dream" Dumbledore said. "Can you remember where you were positioned?"
Harry hesitated, "I – I was the snake" he said. "I saw everything through the snake's eyes."
Dumbledore didn't say anything, moving back to the pictures. He spoke to one, receiving news that Mr. Weasley had been found and was being taken to St. Mungos.
"Minerva, I need you to go and wake the rest of the Weasley children." He instructed.
"Yes, of course" She quickly stood up and left the office.
Harry watched as Dumbledore switched between mumbling to himself and talking to the paintings. His temper was flaring, he wanted answers. Dumbledore gave no reason why he wanted to know where he was positioned in his dream-not-dream. And what even was that…was it a vision?
When the rest of the Weasleys arrived the office was filled with panicked talking. The noise was getting to be too much. He felt something dark rise up in him, "QUIET!"
The room went silent and every eye turned towards him.
Harry stared at Dumbledore, "What's happening to me?" he asked weakly.
Dumbledore was saved from answering by Snape entering the room. "You wished to see me Headmaster?"
"Ah, Severus yes." Dumbledore said calmly. "I'm afraid we can't wait. Not even till morning."
Confused, Harry looked back at Snape, who was looking at him with a strange look.
Snape nodded to Dumbledore before dragging Harry from the room.
"Hey, let go!" Harry snapped.
"Follow me and keep quiet Potter." Snape replied evenly.
When they reached his office, Snape shoved him into a chair and walked to his desk. "It would appear that you and the Dark Lord share a mind link. Whether he is aware of it or not has yet to be seen. Pray, that he never finds out."
"You mean, Voldemort can read my mind?"
"Read it; control it; manipulate it any way he wants." Snape said. He turned to Harry, "I will be teaching you how to protect against it."
"Now?"
Snape raised a brow, "Would you rather we do it after the Dark Lord finds out about your connection?"
When Harry didn't respond he continued, "Used properly, the power of Occlumency will help shield you from access or influence. I will attempt to penetrate your mind, you will attempt to resist." He pointed his wand at Harry's face, "Prepare yourself"
Harry couldn't think of anything. What even was Occlumency…how does one prepare for a mental attack like that?
"Legilimens"
Harry felt a sharp pressure in his head. He could only watch as Snape rifled through his memories. He could vaguely hear the man telling him to concentrate, but he couldn't focus.
This went on for a few hours with no success on Harry's part. Feeling exhausted, Snape finally let him return to bed with the promise of more lessons under the guise of 'extra potions lessons'.
/
Luckily for Harry, he left Hogwarts with Hermione and the Weasleys the next night so he had a break from his Occlumency lessons for a day.
When they arrived at the Burrow, the Order was already there while Mrs. Weasley was at St. Mungo's hospital taking care of Mr. Weasley.
"Molly will be back for you kids to take you to see your father soon. Don't worry. We got to him in time." Sirius assured.
While they waited, the Weasley siblings huddled together on a couch in their seating area.
Harry and Hermione stayed with Sirius, talking quietly.
"So tell me about this dream you had" Sirius said.
"I don't think it was a dream. Snape said I have a connection with Voldemort." Harry said.
"Connection?" Hermione asked.
Harry nodded, "I think it's how I can feel what he's feeling. Why my scar hurt when he was near me. In second year, after I killed the Basilisk, Dumbledore told me that, when he tried to kill me, a piece of his power was put inside me."
"That would explain why your wands are the same core." Hermione said. "And how you can speak parseltongue."
"I heard that Voldemort's snake attacked Arthur" Sirius said in confusion.
"He was, I was just explaining why I had the dream. Or…I guess it can be considered a vision." Harry said.
"So what happened?" Sirius asked.
"I was the snake in the vision. I saw everything from its point of view. I was in a large room with hundreds of glowing lights. Then I smelled a man, so I attacked him." Harry felt ill, he remembered the snake's teeth – his teeth – sinking into flesh.
"Harry?"
He jumped, wide eyes turned to Sirius. "Hey, don't start beating yourself up. It's because of you we even know about the attack."
Harry nodded. He knew it wasn't him who attacked Mr. Weasley, but it felt like he did. It would take a while before he would be able to get over it.
/
Everyone returned to school the next day after seeing Mr. Weasley at St. Mungo's. He looked beat up, but still alive, thankfully. He would be home by the time Hogwarts let out for the winter holiday.
School went on like usual. Everyone was pushing for the holidays, anxiously waiting for school to be over for a few weeks. Next term would be their O.W.L exams and Harry was definitely not looking forward to them. He had a feeling he would be studying most of the break.
/
Winter break started and Harry found himself back at the Burrow. Every room was decorated with wreaths and lights. In the main room sat a too large tree covered in ornaments that moved.
Most of the Order was there, as were his parents and Eric. Tony was examining the tree with child-like enthusiasm while Loki talked with Sirius. Mrs. Weasley had stolen Eric as soon as he entered the house. Hermione was currently cooing over him while Mrs. Weasley cooked dinner.
"In the dark ages these wizards might be but damn, they sure know how to decorate." Tony said.
Harry smiled, "It's the best part of the holiday in my opinion."
"I bet. I wonder if I could make something like this at home." He wondered, looking at a Santa Claus ornament that zoomed around the room.
"Just what Stark Industries needs – a Yule department" Loki rolled his eyes.
Tony's eyes lit up, "That would be awesome! We could do wrapping paper that adheres to itself – and lights that last longer – and strands that never tangle – and a Stark Industries tree, complete with its own ornaments and light show – and –"
"I think that's enough sugar for you Anthony" Loki smiled.
"You can do that without magic?" Tonks asked.
"Science is magic" Tony said, ignoring Loki's incredulous snort. "It's all energy, you just have to figure out how to control it."
"You never cease to amaze Mr. Stark" Remus chuckled.
"Dinner's ready" Mrs. Weasley announced. They all gathered around the table where Mr. Weasley was already situated.
At the end, Mr. Weasley made a toast to Harry, as a thank you for saving him. Harry was embarrassed but smiled anyway.
After dinner, the Order left to their homes and Mr. Weasley was put to bed early. Eric was put in a small cot in the main room where Loki and Tony were spending the night, everyone else was sharing rooms upstairs. After everyone had retired; Sirius, Remus, Harry, Tony, and Loki sat at the table, drinking hot chocolate.
"Sirius told us of your connection to Voldemort" Loki said.
Harry nodded.
"Is there a way to sever this connection?" He asked.
"I don't think so. But apparently there is a way to protect against it."
"Really?" Tony asked.
"It's called Occlumency." Harry said.
"Occlumency?" Loki said.
"It's a way to magically close one's mind from Legillimency." Remus explained. "An obtrusive spell that allows the caster to manipulate its victim's mind. Voldemort used it as a way to torture people, showing them their worst fears and memories."
"So mind control, perfect" Tony rolled his eyes. "So cognitive recalibration doesn't work I take it"
The three wizards gave him strange looks.
"Hitting someone in the head really hard. It worked for us."
"You've been attacked by a Legillimens?" Sirius asked.
"Uh – no. But Loki's been under mind control, as has Clint."
Harry looked at his papa, "Dad said you were controlled when you came to New York."
Loki nodded, "It is similar to your Legillimency, but the mind stone truly controls its victim. It has the power to alter your thoughts just by being near it."
"You seem too powerful to be overtaken by such a spell." Sirius said.
"The mind stone is no mere spell." Loki said. "It's an infinity stone, one of the most powerful things in the galaxy. They cannot be destroyed and they kill almost anyone who comes in contact with them."
"Sounds terrible" Remus said.
Loki nodded. "I was powerful enough to wield the stone, but I was still under its master's control." He glared at the table. "When I fell from Asgard, I drifted through the void. I was found by the Chitauri who worked under Thanos."
"That's the guy you are preparing for right?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, he's heading our way so we need to be ready." Tony said.
"So this Thanos guy captured you?" Sirius asked.
"Indeed. I was already emotionally vulnerable after having found out my true heritage. He used that and began torturing me physically until I was too weak to fight off the stone's power."
"I'm glad Voldemort hates anything muggle. The things he would learn." Remus said.
The others nodded in agreement.
/
Harry woke with a start. He quickly sat up, breathing harshly. He looked around the room to see Ron and the twins fast asleep. Taking a few deep breaths, he quietly made his way out of the room and to the kitchen.
It was only slightly surprising to him finding his parents awake and sitting at the table. Tony was working on his tablet while Loki was reading.
"Harry? Why are you up?" Loki asked.
"I had another dream." Harry said.
Loki nudged Tony, who slowly looked away from the screen in front of him to notice Harry in the room.
"Why don't you get Harry something to drink Anthony?" Loki said.
Tony nodded and went to the sink. Loki stood up and led Harry to the sofa. Tony returned shortly with a glass of cold water and took a place on the other side of him.
"Now, tell us about this dream. Was it the same as when Mr. Weasley was attacked?" Loki asked.
"No. I've had this dream before. I'm walking through a dark hallway until I get to a door. It always ends before I can open it." Harry said.
"Do you know where this hallway is? Is it real?" Tony asked.
Harry nodded, "I'm pretty sure it's in the Department of Mysteries in the Ministry. I caught a glimpse of it when we were in the elevator for my trial."
"Then it is your connection with Voldemort that is giving you these visions." Loki said. "You must block this connection Harry. I fear what will happen if that man were to ever discover it."
"That's what Snape said." Harry replied.
"He may be a bastard, but I think he knows what he's talking about." Tony said. "Remus told us that Snape is one of the best Occlumens. If he can teach you, then you should be set."
"He will be teaching me, but he's as bad a teacher." Harry grumbled. "He merely attacks me with Legilimens. He doesn't explain how to protect against it; merely that I have to concentrate and clear my mind."
"Perhaps I can be of assistance." Loki said. "I can teach you to meditate. It might help you against such an attack."
"Thanks Papa" Harry smiled.
He huddled closer to his parents, soaking up their heat. "Are the others celebrating Christmas?"
"Probably" Tony said. "We've been busy, but everyone can take a small break for Christmas."
"What about Aileen? I haven't seen her all year" Harry said.
"That's unusual." Loki commented. "She does have a realm to rule so perhaps she has been caught up with that like we have."
"Hmm" Harry said noncommittedly.
/
Christmas morning was as much chaos as it usually was with the Weasleys. There was a flurry of paper as everyone dug into their presents. Harry was amused Tony and Loki received their own Weasley jumpers. Tony's was red with a gold 'T' and Loki's was emerald green with a black 'L'. Even Eric had one; burgundy with a silver 'E'; silver snowflakes were scattered across the front.
"I am so wearing this to the New Year's party." Tony grinned.
Loki snorted, "Pepper will kill you"
"Not if you and Blueberry wear yours as well. Harry has one too." He pointed to Harry's deep blue jumper with a white 'H'. A stag's antlers adorned either side of the letter.
"We may even make front page with these beauties." Tony grinned.
"I have to go to a party?" Harry asked.
"Oh right you couldn't go to the last one." Tony smiled, "Stark Industries hosts a party every year on New Year's day. It's a charity event."
"And as a new addition to the Stark family, you will be required to be there." Loki said.
"Where will it be held?" Hermione asked.
"In a ballroom in Time Square. We'll have a perfect view of the ball."
"You can see the ball drop?!" Hermione asked eagerly.
"Ball?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"It's a large ball in New York that drops at the stroke of midnight. London has its own celebrations, but I've always wanted to see the ball live."
"Well, how about you don your own sweater and join us?" Tony said.
"Really? You wouldn't mind?"
"Course not. Gives Harry someone to talk to."
"Thank you" Hermione said.
/
The rest of the break went quickly until Harry and his family along with Hermione left for Stark tower the day before New Year's Eve. With Hermione's help, Harry was able to catch up on his homework and he began meditating every afternoon with Loki. He had trouble clearing his mind enough to meditate, it usually took longer than Harry wanted to spend sitting still. He tried though, he knew that his parents would feel better if they knew he was safe from Voldemort's attacks.
The New Year's party was a grand affair. Harry was thankful Hermione was there, at least he knew someone. From the Avengers, only Bruce and Natasha were there.
"I've never been to such a fancy party before." Hermione said. They were by the window, looking around at the people. "I feel very underdressed" She looked down at her Weasley jumper and jeans then to a group of women wearing glittery cocktail dresses and jewelry that probably cost more than Harry could imagine.
"Well, at least no one is looking at us funny." Harry said. The whole family was wearing their sweaters and no one seemed to care. Harry assumed that with his dad's eccentric personality no one thought anything strange about his attire. His money probably helped too. They were occasionally approached, but mostly kept to themselves. When it was nearing midnight, Hermione took Eric and Harry to the window with the best view of the ball in time square. She joined the countdown and watched excitedly as the ball dropped and fireworks flew through the air.
Cheering roared through the room and Hermione placed a big kiss on Eric's cheek, causing the boy to laugh shrilly.
She blushed at Harry's raised brow, "It's tradition to kiss someone at midnight."
Harry rolled his eyes, "Not even a year old and my brother has an easier time getting kissed than I do."
"That's your own fault. If you had just sucked up the courage to ask Cho out last year you would probably be here with her."
"Alright, a New Year's resolution: when we get back to school, I will ask Cho out for the Hogsmeade weekend on Valentine's Day."
Hermione nodded, "About time"
Harry huffed a laugh and bent down to kiss Eric's other cheek just for good measure.
Eric is too cute not to have a New Years kiss. Two even!