Chapter 22


...

Malinda scanned the various vendor stands along the pavement. She slowed to a stop before one and grabbed a pair of sunglasses.

"I don't understand why so many Muggles wanted to see the… the…"

"Mona Lisa," she supplied cheerily.

"Mona Lisa," Draco nodded and continued his rant. "The revolutionary paintings were much more impressive. The stroke techniques are near perfect. To achieve that without magic… What was that one we liked called?"

"Liberty Leading the People."

"Yes! That should've had the crowd and-" Draco slapped her hands away. "What are you doing?"

"Try them on," she held out the sunglasses. "Will make us less noticeable."

He took them gingerly and watched as she put on a pair herself.

"See? Hides more of our faces."

Draco slid them onto his nose and made a face. "Everything is darker."

"They're supposed to help block out the sun. Just like quidditch goggles." Malinda paid the vendor and they were on their way again. "Sounds like you enjoyed Muggle art."

"It was… alright," he admitted. "Where are we going? We should return to Hogwarts soon."

"I want to show you one more thing. It's called Pont des Arts."

He chuckled, "Your French is atrocious. Finally, something the great Malinda Selwyn is terrible at."

"Oh, I'm terrible at lots of things. You've never seen me try to play football before."

"What's that?"

"Muggle sport," she shrugged. "Anyways, I want to show you a popular bridge here in Paris."

"You're taking me to see a bridge? How thrilling."

"Shut up."

"Are we taking that horrible tunnel train again?"

"No, it's just there," she pointed ahead. They were just outside the Louvre, overlooking the Seine River. As they approached the bridge she slowed. "Wait, this isn't right."

"Looks like an ordinary bridge to me," he commented, clearly unimpressed.

"Yeah," Malinda nodded to a man walking past them. "Ask him if they removed the love locks from the bridge."

"Love locks?"

"Just do it, please?"

He did as she requested. Malinda didn't need to speak French to understand the man was completely confused by the question. As he walked away, Draco pressed, "What love locks?"

"It was a tradition in Paris that ended a few years ago-" Malinda shut her mouth quickly. "Uh, I mean in the future. I guess it hasn't started yet. Damn, I didn't even think about that."

"When do you see them in your visions?"

"I think they were popular in 2015? No, maybe it was a few years before that?"

Draco leaned against the rail and gave her a hard look. "Your visions go out 20 years? You've never mentioned that before."

"Some do," she lied, trying to recover.

"Why do you have visions on this bridge? Of all places, Paris seems random."

"I come here eventually," she spun the tale quickly. "I remember seeing the love locks. Obviously they aren't a thing yet."

"Still waiting to know what they are exactly."

"Oh, sorry, right. Couples would- I mean will bring metal locks with their names on them and lock them around the railings. They call it the bridge of love or something corny."

"And you brought me here?"

"Sure, we were right next door," Malinda bit her lip. "It was a stupid idea, never mind."

He pushed off the railing and came close, standing just before her. His blue eyes searched her face. "You wanted to put a lock here together?"

She couldn't hold his gaze. "Only if you wanted to do it. But I'm sure you think it's a stupid Muggle tradition-"

"It is stupid," he agreed. "And Muggle."

"Let's just go then and-"

"But I would've done it," Draco said quietly, reaching out and taking her hand.

"Why?"

He kissed her cheek softly. "Because I like the idea of our names locked together here, away from all the bullshit. Here, we can just be… us."

Malinda smiled. "That does sound nice."

"We can come back. We'll come back whatever year they start and do it. Now," he cleared his throat, awkwardly. "Let's find a place to apparate back."

He pulled her along and Malinda followed silently.

He wanted to come back. Together in the future.

Malinda's head spun. She had been so focused on the war; she hadn't thought about what would happen afterwards. Assuming she kept them alive, what would happen then? Would they still be together? Would she even be around to do so?

She looked up at the sky and sent a silent plea to Merlin. Show yourself, she thought, and tell me what to do.

...


...

While Paris had been cold but sunny, Hogwarts was downright chilly. Malinda wore a thick sweater and she exhaled, watching her breath mist in the cold air. The Astronomy tower made for an ideal meeting place, being so isolated, but she wished it had walls.

As usual, she had her copy of the Marauder's Map laid out before her as she waited. Two minutes before their agreed meeting time, she watched as three names made their way up the tower's spiraling staircase.

"Right on time," she greeted with a wave as the Golden Trio finally arrived at the top.

Only Hermione waved back. Harry and Ron didn't bother to hide their hostility. Ron even crossed his arms and stepped in front of Hermione.

"What do you want?" Harry asked bluntly.

"Harry!" Hermione slapped his arm. "She's on our side, remember?"

"Yeah," Malinda pouted. "Ally here."

"She knew it was going to happen," Harry pointed an accusatory finger at Malinda as he made his case. "She knew that Voldemort would break out the Death Eaters and she did nothing about it!"

"Ripple effects," Malinda shook her head. "I had to because there are some important ripple effects."

"What?" Ron snorted. "You realize that he's stronger now with them and more people will die-"

"I see the same headlines," Malinda snapped. "I see the disappearances and murders of muggles and wizards alike. But what I don't see is a war that drags on for another year. If we work together, we can end it much sooner than that."

"A year?" Harry's tone eased.

"A little more actually. People are going to die no matter what I do or don't do," she ran a frustrated hand through her hair. "That's just the reality of war. But if we can end the war quickly, then that'll save a hell of a lot of lives."

"She's right," Hermione stepped around Ron and moved forward, coming to Malinda's side. "So instead of fighting her, why don't we help her?"

"Thank you," Malinda said sincerely.

Harry took a deep breath and nodded. "Right. So what did you want to talk about?"

"I want you to start up the DA again," Malinda announced. "In the Final Battle, it's not just the old farts that fight. It's us and our friends too. We need to prepare. Harry, what you did last year was amazing and if you start again-"

"Did Dumbledore tell you about the DA?"

"Well, no," she tapped her head. "I saw it."

"That doesn't sound creepy," commented Ron.

"Does Harry start it again in the original timeline?" Hermione asked, pointedly ignoring the redhead's remark.

"No, but I know it'll help. We can go over the list of who to invite, some people have key roles to play and if we can strengthen their combat skills then we'll have a greater advantage. What do you think, Harry? I know you're busy between school and Occlumency lessons-"

"How do you know about those?" Harry interrupted. "Those are private."

Malinda was about to tap her head again but Hermione spoke up first. "Harry," she said gently. "I told you, she knows more than just about the war. If we question everything, we'll never make progress forward."

"It's just," Harry gave Malinda a grimace. "It's just hard to accept that you know about my life. I mean, everyone knows who I am, but they don't know about my life… my thoughts and decisions. It's not exactly pleasant to feel like…"

"Like you're a puppet and I'm pulling your strings?" Malinda tried.

Harry looked surprised but nodded. "Yeah. Exactly."

"Well, I didn't ask to be a puppet master if that makes you feel better. Look, your decisions are your own. Sure, there was an original storyline but that doesn't make it destiny. The way I see it, I'll give you nudges here and there but at the end of the day, what happens is up to you."

"Storyline?" Ron repeated. "You make it sound like we're in one of Hermione's books. These are our lives we're talking about. I don't see your family out here risking their lives-"

"Ron! Stop it!" Hermione hissed.

"No! We know nothing about her except she's a Muggleborn who just showed up and claims Merlin sent her here to help. Merlin, as in the dead wizard. She's off her rocker!"

"You're right, Ron. You don't know me but it comes down to whether or not you trust Dumbledore's judgement."

Harry gave her a funny look. She nodded at him, "Isn't that what Lupin told you at Christmas? About trusting Snape?"

"That was before you arrived," he said slowly.

She merely tapped her head.

Harry was silent as he considered her words. Then he nodded and took a step forward. "They're right, Ron. We trust Dumbledore and he trusts her. Like Hermione said, she's been helping the Order all along."

"Just because I wear this snake emblem doesn't make one. I would've normally been in Ravenclaw but I asked to be in Slytherin."

"To help Draco," Harry added.

"To help Draco," she confirmed, unashamed.

"Good blood luck with that one," Ron said sarcastically.

"Anyways, back to the DA," Malinda clapped her hands together. "We need to get your original members back of course, but I have a few names to add from Slytherin-"

"You want to add Slytherins?!" Harry exclaimed. Even Hermione looked uncomfortable at the idea.

Malinda groaned. "Holy shit, Harry. You need to stop thinking like a student and more like a person of the world. Houses don't mean anything in war. Stop letting petty house grudges blind you!"

"They haven't been exactly kind to us," Hermione remarked. "It's… hard to let years of fighting go."

"I didn't say I was going to invite the assholes. There are half-bloods in Slytherins too, you know. They'll need to protect themselves and their families. Plus, not every pureblood is aligned with Tommy Boy-"

Harry gaped. "Did you just call Voldemort… Tommy Boy?"

"A nickname because you know, his name is Tom?"

"Yeah, I know," Harry blinked. "I can't believe you just called him that though."

Ron let out a sincere laugh. "Tommy Boy! The twins are going to love that."

"The man has a serious name insecurity. He obviously hates his Muggle father's name so he created some bullshit Lord title. Feels good to create a name of our own, doesn't it?"

"I like it," Harry grinned.

"Me too," Hermione said. "Right, I'll make a list and Malinda will check if we missed anyone. Should I create the contract with the 'SNEAK' charm again?"

"Absolutely! Actually, I wanted to ask you about that charm. Could you help me with a side project of mine?"

Hermione beamed. "Of course."

"Great, thanks! I'll show you what I have in mind at the first meeting?"

"Sure."

Malinda glanced at her watch and said, "Right, well it's nearly time for dinner. Do you two mind if I have a quick chat with Harry?"

Thankfully, Ron didn't fight or make another snarky comment. He simply gave Harry a long look before following Hermione down the stairs.

"He doesn't like me, at all," Malinda said wistfully.

"Don't take it personally," Harry replied. "He's been stressed lately. His family is sacrificing a lot for the Order."

"I know."

"And he thinks the list of Muggle sports events and companies you gave them is fake. His parents and the twins are putting most of their money into it."

"And if I'm wrong, they're financially screwed," Malinda mused. "Huh. No wonder why he's being so warm and fuzzy to me. For the record, that list is 100% genuine. I've made my own investments and plans too in case I'm stuck here-" She cut off. "I mean, in case I stay in England."

"What do you mean stuck?"

"Nothing," she tried but his expression made it clear he wouldn't be leaving the topic alone. She threw her hands up. "Fine. I didn't exactly have a choice in coming to Hogwarts. Merlin just left me here."

"What do you mean?"

"I was a student before I came to Hogwarts, you know. I had a life and I had plans. Then one night I fell asleep, woke up here at Hogwarts and found out I was a witch. Oh, and I had all this in my head," she jokingly tapped her head again.

"You didn't know about your magic before?" Harry adjusted his glasses. "But Muggleborns know when they're eleven, like the rest of us."

"Not me."

"How do you know so much magic then? You're the best at spells in our year. It drives Hermione mad."

"Dumbledore and Snape have been tutoring me since summer, remember? That's why you kept seeing me with them in their offices. That reminds me, I wanted to know how your lessons with Snape are going."

"Horrible, as you probably already know."

"Harry, you need to master Occlumency. The sooner you can keep Tommy Boy out, the easier things will go. Trust me."

"I get it," Harry walked up to the rail and gripped it tightly, clearly frustrated. "I do. Hermione lectures me at every chance she can. But you don't understand, Snape is a git."

"He's kind of an asshole," Malinda laughed. "The thing is though, he's our asshole. Also, he's the best wizard at Occlumency. You have the opportunity to learn from a true master, just like I did. And Draco for the record."

"He taught you?"

"Yes."

"How do you know he's the best?"

"He's-" Malinda's paranoia spiked and she waved her hands. A sound barrier came around them. "He's been spying on the darkest wizard of the modern age ever since your parents died. How do you think a double agent survives for sixteen years, Harry? Because he's mastered his mind. He shows Tommy Boy what he wants to see and hides what he needs to. You have no fucking idea how brave he is."

"He's a complete tosser. You haven't been here. You haven't seen what he's like-"

"Oh, I've seen it. I've seen more than you can believe."

"Then why is he like that? Why does he have to be so cruel all the time? I want to learn Occlumency, but not from someone who keeps attacking me!" His eyes lit up. "I want you to teach me."

"No way."

"Why not?"

"You need to learn it from the best. If he can keep Tom out of his head, so can you." She hesitated. "You know what? You just gave me an idea."

"What?"

"Severus Snape has had a cruel life, even before he met Tom Riddle. I think it's time you understand why he's not your biggest fan. When's your next lesson with Snape?"

"Tomorrow, after dinner."

"Okay. Meet me at Dumbledore's office tomorrow before dinner then."

"Why?"

"I want to show you something."

...


...

"Absolutely not. Get out."

"But-"

"Get out!"

Malinda stiffened. In all her time, Severus had never spoken to her like this. While they weren't exactly best mates, they weren't professor-student either. "Listen to me, this is important. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't."

"I. Said. Get. Out!" Severus yelled and flicked his wand. His classroom door swung open, the wood colliding with the stone so hard, the hinges nearly gave way.

"It's imperative that Harry see those memories!" She shouted, closing the door with her own magic. "Stop being so fucking sensitive!"

"Watch your mouth, girl!"

"Oh, shove it, Sev," Malinda boldly took a step toward his desk. The potions master sat at his desk, grading papers, and glared menacingly at her. "For years he's wondered why you hate him. He thinks he did something wrong or-"

"I don't hate him." The words were forced through tight lips. "Get out, now!"

"You would've shown him by now anyways!" Malinda slammed her hand down on the desk. "You stubborn fools both lose your tempers so badly that he gets into your mind! He sees it on his own!"

"What? No. Impossible."

"Severus," Malinda took a deep breath to calm herself. "You have the ability to control your mind around the most powerful dark wizard alive today, but five minutes with Harry Potter and you lose it. Admit it, you're different around him. We both know why."

The potions master closed his eyes. His rage was barely contained.

She pressed her luck. "He needs to understand that his father wasn't perfect. Right now, he puts James Potter on a pedestal, the perfect father he never knew. Combine that with his grief over Sirius… You're the villain in his eyes, no matter what. But show him the truth, and he'll begin to understand the truth."

"What does it matter if the boy thinks I'm the villain?"

"Because he goes from hating you to naming his son after you. This is the first step towards that. Think of it, Lily's grandson carries your name."

Snape's eyes snapped open. "That's a low blow. Don't use her against me."

She smiled sheepishly. "It's the truth though. Please, Severus. Let me show him."

"And if I say no?"

"Then I'll have to show him my version of events," Malinda told him. "All I have are snippets from a Muggle movie. The actors aren't perfect matches so it'll be very sketchy and-"

"Take them then," Snape said bitterly, lifting his wand to his temple. "You will show them only to the boy, no one else. Not even Albus."

"I promise," she nodded somberly. "Nothing about Lily though, Sev. I mean, not about your feelings-"

"Just the relentless harassment, their plan to have me killed and years' worth of bullying?" Snape seethed. "Understood."

Malinda watched silently as Snape concentrated, extracting the appropriate memories from his wind before depositing them into a vial. He corked it with masterful speed and handed it over. "Now get out."

She all but ran from the room.