Harry knew what he was doing – delaying the inevitable search for the horcrux in the woods by Hogsmead – but he was rather enjoying pretending that he knew nothing about it. Or at least he was trying to but he kept being subtly reminded by Ron, Hermione, Ginny and to a certain extent Cassie. Harry found himself sighing. The trouble was the Weasleys made the Burrow a much more attractive place to spend time in then the prospect of the search followed by what would be a struggle trying to destroy it. The food was good as was playing Quiddich. He almost forgot sometimes, everything else, and could just be a teenager for a while. The weekly Order meetings did often bring Harry back to reality with a bump, that the magical world was in the middle of a war that he was in the centre of.

'Harry? Can I talk to you for a minute?' Cassie bit her lip nervously. Cassie seemed to be making a slow but steady recovery. She still looked deathly pale sometimes but Harry had to only look at Draco to realise that this may be more down to genes rather than a sign of illness.

'Sure, Cassie, are you ok?' Harry asked smiling trying to reassure her.

'I was just wondering, I know that it isn't really any of my business but, when are you planning on looking for the Horcrux? I know me being ill has got in the way but well I am worried that if my father thinks about it he may remember some of the conversations that took place in the Manor that I could have overhead. I tried my best to convince him that I hadn't passed any information to you and had only met you with the intention of future spying. But well, my best probably wouldn't have been good enough and maybe it will be too late to look for the horcrux. Maybe it would have been moved and then all of this would have been for, well nothing.' Cassie looked intently at him and rubbed her arms.

'Well...' Harry started but paused as he tried to find the words.

'Oh, I've upset you haven't I? I'm sorry, you have dealt with things like this in the past, you will know what to do and when to act. Sorry for interfering.'

'No, Cassie, I just was trying to think of an explanation for the delay. But the truth is really there isn't any. At first I tried telling myself that it was because of you, that I needed to be here to help you recover which as it turned out wasn't needed as Draco had that covered. Then, I have just been trying to push it out of my mind, delay the inevitable I suppose. I could argue that I am waiting to see what happens. Giving Voldemort time to move the horcrux if he knows that I know about its location and what I intend doing to it so I don't need to do anything. But that isn't really the reason. The real reason is that I am enjoying just being normal.'

Cassie nodded, 'thanks Harry.'

Cassie seemed to be content for the moment with his answer and relaxed onto the sofa.

She curled up her legs and Harry was pleased that she was making herself at home. He was worried that when she was recovered her and Draco would disappear but that didn't seem to be happening. He looked closely at her, she seemed to be more herself but not completely better. He supposed that it would take time to make a full recovery. Cassie seemed to unaware of his eyes on her. She didn't even look up when Draco walked into the room.

'Cassie, do you want a cup of tea?' Draco asked but Cassie continued to stare blankly at something in front of her.

'Cassie?' Draco asked a little louder this time and stood in front of her. Harry became concerned when this didn't cause a reaction.

'Cassie? Draco just asked you if you would like a cup of tea.' Harry asked. Still nothing. Harry looked at Draco questioningly. Draco shrugged his shoulders.

Harry whispered, 'she was just talking to me and then seemed to go into her own little world. It is like she isn't in the room anymore.'

Draco seemed alarmed and shook Cassie's shoulder, 'hey Cassie!'

Cassie blinked and looked around. She looked surprised to see Harry and Draco staring at her. 'What?'

'I asked you if you would like a cup of tea.'

'Oh did you? Sorry I didn't hear you. I would love a cup of tea,' Cassie smiled.

'Are you ok?' Harry asked.

'Yes, I am fine. Why do you ask?' Cassie seemed a little ruffled.

'Only you seemed to not be with us for a while then. Draco and I both asked you a question and you didn't respond.'

'I didn't hear you ok?'

'Well you should have done,' Draco whispered, his face serious.

'Well, I didn't. Must have been in a daydream or something. No big deal.' Cassie tried to say this dismissively but it was almost like she was asking Draco to confirm that it was no big deal. Harry wondered if there was more going on than a daydream.

Draco wished that he could give the reassurance to Cassie that she obviously wanted. But the reality was he didn't think what had just happened was not a big deal. In one way he knew that it would be silly to overreact and read more into it but he had an inkling that something more was going on and that maybe it was a warning. Maybe he had missed a spell or something. Maybe it was just a side effect of all that happened to Cassie. Maybe it was just a daydream.

'Would you both stop staring at me like I am going to explode or something?' Cassie looked at them both. Draco could tell that she was trying to hide her fear. He wondered if she knew more then she was letting on.

'We are just worried about you, that is all.' Harry said soothingly.

'Don't you have anything better to worry about?'

Draco and Harry looked at each other.

'Oh, I can't take it anymore. You two are both paranoid. I am going to help myself to a cup of tea.' Cassie walked out.

Once the door was shut, Harry turned back to Draco, 'well?'

'Something is definitely up and I think Cassie knows it. That is why she reacted like she did. I don't want to push her but we should keep an eye of what happens. It may just be a one-off, a sign that she isn't as recovered as she appears.'

'Or it could be something more serious.' Harry interrupted. Draco nodded. Why was it that as soon as he thought things were getting better something else happened? It had looked like Cassie would make a full recovery and now this. He had no idea what was going on and just hoped that whatever it was there was something that could be done.

Draco and Harry continued to watch Cassie closely for the next couple of days much to her annoyance when she realised what they were doing. Draco wished that his suspicions had not come true but the truth was there was something happening to Cassie and she didn't seem to be able to control it. She seemed to almost zone out of whatever was happened and no longer be aware of her surroundings. She seemed to be having an 'episode' as Draco watched her now. They were in the living room after dinner. There was a game of wizards chest occurring that was getting rather rowdy but Cassie seemed completely unaware of the change in volume. Harry caught Draco looking at Cassie in concern from where he was sitting on the other side of the room and nodded. Cassie blinked, looked around her and smiled.

'What were you thinking about?' Draco whispered to Cassie who was sat next to him.

'Sorry?' She looked confused.

'Just now, what were you thinking about?'

'Not a lot really,' she shook her head and looked at the others in the room.

'Is something going on Cassie that you aren't telling us?'

'What? No, oh not this again. Look nothing is going on. Well nothing apart from you and Harry insisting on watching my every move and analysing it. You both have really missed a career opportunity in psychology.' Cassie was flustered.

'I know that something is happening Cassie, I just wish you would tell me.'

'Oh for goodness sake, nothing is happening.' Cassie stood up and was nearly shouting. A silence fell over the room. Draco stood up and gently touched her arm.

'It is ok Cassie, we want to help you,' he whispered. 'Please just be honest with me, are you aware that you seem to go off into another world every so often?'

Cassie stared at Draco and seemed to be considering what her reply should be which confirmed his belief that she was aware. She looked down at the floor before nodding.

'Are you also aware that it is happening more and more?'

Cassie nodded again. Draco gently guided her back to the sofa. She sat down and continued to look at the floor.

'What happens to you?' Mr Weasley asked.

'Everything seems to go quiet. It is like the volume is being turned away and then there is this silence. It feels like I am suddenly on my own. I wanted to tell you but I just thought if I ignored it would go away but it just keeps happening more and more. I have no control over it and it is going on for longer each time. What is happening?'

'I wish we could tell you.'

'You must have some ideas.' Cassie looked at them all in turn. 'What? There is something isn't there?'

Draco sighed. He had a good idea what everyone else was thinking as he thought the same. He hoped that they would all be proved wrong but at the moment he wasn't sure. Cassie turned to him, he could see that there were tears in her eyes. He wanted more than anything to be able to tell her that nothing was wrong or that everything would get better.

'Please Draco... I just want to know,' she whispered.

Draco carefully considered. She did deserve to know, however, as she would be able to do anything about it would it do more harm than good if she knew their suspicions? She must be scared and want to have some kind of explanation but would it me more scary to know? He sighed.

'You may be being possessed.'

'Possessed? What?'

'A witch or wizard can control someone else.'

'But it isn't one of us is it? I thought you needed to be in close proximity for the curse to work.' Ron said.

'That would be the case if it was the imperius curse we were dealing with but I am not sure. It is more than likely something much darker, something that I certainly haven't seen before.' Mr Weasley looked at Draco.

'I agree, although what it could be exactly I don't know and we could put Cassie in danger if we tried to investigate.' Draco said.

'You mean if however found out we knew, they could...?' Ginny asked.

Draco nodded.

'What can we do then?' Harry asked.

'I am not sure there is anything we can do at the moment, what do you think Mr Weasley?'

'I think we should contact the rest of the Order and arrange an urgent meeting. I am not experienced in this area. Someone else may have an idea.' Mr Weasley replied.

'Cassie? Are you ok?' Harry came and kneeled in front of Cassie. She looked up at him and he reached for her hand. As their hands made contact Cassie changed.

'Harry,' Draco's voice alerted Harry to the effect he was having.

Harry could feel his eyes widening as he took in everything. He had a sinking feeling as he realised that there was a very good chance that he had caused this to happen to Cassie this time. He wished that he could just dismiss it being a coincidence but in his hearts of hearts he knew that it wasn't. He withdrew his hand. The effect, once again, on Cassie was immediate. She blinked, breathed deeply and looked around.

'Sorry Cassie, I didn't realise.' Harry apologised.

Cassie's fear was evident as she looked at them all. She shook her head. 'It is ok Harry, it is not your fault. It was different that time.'

'In what way?' Draco asked.

'I don't know, I can't explain it really.'

Harry really didn't know what came over him, it was almost like he had no control over his arm as he found his hand making contact with Cassie's again.

'Harry, what on earth do you think you are doing?' Draco pushed Harry roughly and he toppled over. 'You idiot, like the power you seem to have do you?' Harry pulled himself to his feet, 'I couldn't help it.'

'Whatever, Potter, just stay away from my sister,' Draco jabbed his finger into his chest.

Harry could feel anger bubbling up inside him, 'oh, she is your sister now is she? Pity you conveniently forgot that for six years and ignored her and left her at the mercy of your father.' As soon as the words left his mouth Harry regretted them. He didn't know what he was saying, he just wanted the attention off him. He had no idea what had caused him to touch Cassie and that was scaring the hell out of him.

Draco face became flushed and Harry could see his fists clenching, 'you know nothing Potter, so I suggest you mind your own business.' They stared intently at each other.

Cassie pushed past and ran from the room. Draco made to follow her but Ginny stopped him and said that she would go instead.

Draco was deep in thought. Everything was getting so complicated. It had been enough that Cassie appeared to be being possessed by some unknown person but this... this was... Draco rubbed his hands in his hands. His anger towards Harry had faded away. Since Cassie had retreated to her room Harry had tried to explain what had happened. Draco believed him when he said that he had had no control the second time. Harry wouldn't do anything intentionally to hurt his sister. Arrangements were going on around him for the Order meeting. The doorbell either went or someone stepped out of the fireplace. Some of the new arrivals seemed surprised at his presence but others smiled and some even patted him on the shoulder welcoming him.

At last everyone who they were expecting seemed to arrive and they gathered in the kitchen.

Mr Weasley started, 'thanks everyone for coming at such late notice. There has been a development.'

That was one way of putting it, Draco thought to himself.

'First of all, I would like to acknowledge Draco Malfoy's presence. He is not an Order Member, well not yet anyway.' Mr Weasley smiled at Draco before continuing. 'He has been staying with us for a while. As has his twin sister, Cassandra, Cassie.' There were audible gasps from several people around the table. Mr Weasley paused to let them take this news in. 'She is a muggle.'

Honestly, Draco sighed to himself as there was another gasp from people.

Mr Weasley carried on, 'some of you may remember Draco and Cassie being twins but that to all intents and purposes Cassie died before she was able to attend Hogwarts. This was a fake. Cassie was instead seriously ill because of attempts to prove that she was dying. She was sent to a muggle boarding school. About two months ago she contacted Harry with some information. Lucius found out that she had seen Harry and well, punished her for it. Draco and Harry rescued her and it took Draco a considerable amount of time to lift the curses that Lucius had placed on her. Cassie appeared to be much better until this past week.'

The door opened and Ginny and Cassie entered. She slipped quietly into an empty chair. Draco was aware of people murmuring about how alike they looked. They were silenced though when he said, 'I don't think she should be here.'

Cassie looked up at Draco, her eyes were red and he knew that she had been crying. She looked so lost and confused.

'Well I think she should be,' Draco was annoyed to hear Harry. He thought he had told Harry to mind his own business although as much as he hated to admit it Harry was involved in this.

'I don't want to cause an argument, I can leave,' Cassie muttered quietly.

'No, Cassie stay. He hasn't given a reason why he doesn't want you here.'

Draco shook his head in exasperation, 'Look at her Harry, she is clearly suffering.'

'Which is why we called this meeting.' Harry replied quickly.

'...she should be in bed resting.' Draco continued talking at the same time as Harry.

'She deserves to be here,' Harry seemed to have an answer to everything. Draco was beginning to lose his temper.

'But she isn't one of us.' Draco said without thinking.

'STOP IT,' Cassie shouted. 'Would you two just stop arguing? It really isn't helping.'

Draco looked at Harry and they both nodded.

Mr Weasley spoke softly, 'Cassie, can you describe what has been happening for those who have not witnessed it?'

'Why don't we show you instead?' Harry said and before Draco could do anything to stop him he reached out and touched Cassie. She appeared to stop breathing and looked up slowly. Her eyes were unblinking.

'Harry! What do you think you are doing?' Draco exclaimed and pushed Harry breaking the touch connection. 'I swear Potter, do that again and I may have to seriously hurt you.' He said through clenched teeth before turning his attention to Cassie who was gasping for breath.

'I think a description is now unnecessary,' Cassie whispered and wiped a tear away. Her hands were visibly shaking.

'What happens to you? What do you feel?' Professor Lupin asked.

'It is different each time. That time it felt like I am in a black hole, a deep black hole the sides of which are steep. The only light is a tiny pinprick which seems a million miles away.'

'And you have no control over them?' came Professor Lupin's next question.

'No.'

The conversations carried out as they all debated what was happening and possible solutions. Draco noticed that Cassie remained silent throughout all of this. She seemed to be listening, just taking it all in. It wasn't until there was in a break in the conversation that she said something.

She said quietly, 'to me there seems to be one obvious choice that hasn't been mentioned.' Everyone turned to look at her in surprise. It was almost as if some of them had forgotten that she was there.

'Voldemort, correct me if I am wrong, is using me to potentially get to Harry. Now, I know that no one has actually come out and that this is what is happening but who else could it be? Voldemort's power over me is increased dramatically when Harry is around. His power is getting stronger and stronger. None of you seem to be able to think of a solution to this. There is only one thing to be done.'

'What?' Harry asked.

'Remove me from the equation.' Draco closed his eyes as he realised with horror what Cassie was thinking.

'Cassie? What do you mean?' Harry asked.

Draco said, 'it won't work Cassie.' He couldn't believe that she thought it was the only way out.

'What is she talking about?' Harry looked from Draco to Cassie.

'How do you know? You haven't tried,' Cassie seemed to be getting desperate.

Draco spoke quietly, 'he won't let you go, he has too strong a hold on you now.'

Cassie shook her head, 'I don't want this. I don't want to be used like this. Please, it is worth a try, maybe if you all did it together. Cassie reached for Draco's wand, tears streaming down her face. She held it out to him but Draco shook his head. It was killing him to see his sister like this. He wished there was something he could do.

'Please?' Cassie pleaded.

She bent her head and looked at the wand still in her hand. She pointed it at herself 'What's the spell again? Avada kedrava... Oh nothing, but then nothing would happen given that I am a stupid, stupid muggle.' Draco's wand clattered to the floor.

'Cassie,' Harry reached out, appearing to want to comfort her.

Cassie jumped up in alarm, 'leave me alone, I am not safe. If you won't kill me then I should... I should be locked away.' She ran away from the room. Draco quickly followed her. She ran into the downstairs toilet and Draco didn't get there in time before he heard her lock it. Draco looked behind him, no one had followed them. He guessed that they were leaving them to it.

Draco knocked gently on the door, 'Cassie what are you doing? It is just me Draco, why don't you come out and we can talk about it.'

'I thought that was obvious, you all will be safe if I stay in here, I will be safe in here,' came her muffled reply.

'But not very comfortable, it isn't exactly big in there.'

'I will be fine.'

'What will you do to entertain yourself?'

'Oh I don't know, make up poetry, count how many tiles there are, recite my times tables. I am sure I will think of something.'

'You have access to water but what will you do for food?'

Cassie's reply didn't come straight away. 'Ummm, I haven't figured that out yet but I haven't been in here long, give me time.'

'How will you sleep?'

'Like I always do, by closing my eyes.'

'Why in here though when you would be more comfortable elsewhere?' Draco knew that he was getting somewhere. Cassie had always been able to laugh at herself. He knew that making light of the situation may help.

'First place I thought of and besides it locks.' She sounded slightly triumphant.

'You do realise that it is a simple spell to unlock this door.'

Cassie's reply was faint but he could just about work out something like damm stupid wizards think they know everything and can do everything.

Draco rattled the door handle, 'Cassie come on.'

'Ok, Ok.' The lock was turned and Cassie slowly opened the door. She looked as if she was about to cry and Draco pulled her into a tight embrace.

He whispered into her ear, 'you are not alone Cassie, we are here.'

A/N - Another chapter for you, hope you enjoyed it. Take care.