"You must come to realize that I am Voldemort's moral opposition. I will not stand
by and do nothing, too many lives have already been lost, and more must not be
bartered with any longer. With Draco by my side, we will be much stronger and
the Light will conquer Voldemort and his minions."

Prologue

Harry walked the corridors of Hogwarts after a long day of classes, studying and working out. He allowed his mind to wander in the maze of his within his head. He had spent many long hours in organizing his memories and thoughts to keep the secrets of the prophesy and Order from his enemies. The corridors of Hogwarts had become his inner sanctum. She furnished him with both solitude and solace within her loving embrace.

Tonight, on the Harvest Moon night, Harry was restless despite the exertion of his workout in the Room of Requirement. Normally, on any other night, he would work out until his body was ready to fall into exhausted slumber from hours of physical activity. Tonight, his restless feet carried him, seemingly guided by Hogwarts herself, to an exterior door.

He discovered the door opened out onto a courtyard off the east walls. Harry’s senses heightened to the point of pulsating throughout his nervous system. Something was happening out here and Hogwarts, in her wisdom, told Harry to investigate.

The moonlight shimmered, reflecting off the walls and fountains that shared musical water sounds, cleansing the night with purity.

Surprise shot through Harry. Inhaling sharply, he stepped back into the shadows. With quickened breath, Harry gazed at Draco Malfoy with pumping adrenalin and confusion. Harry had seen his arch nemesis before, but never like this! Harry leaned back against the sheltering wall, mesmerized by Malfoy’s actions. He wanted to observe his magickal ritual, for there could be no other term to describe the sight before him.

Malfoy stood in the center of a circle of shimmering ice. It’s iridescence mirrored the moonglow. The circumference rose like stalagmites from the earth, giving the impression of Malfoy being surrounded by guardians of absolute protection. This was not the only surprise for Harry, however. Malfoy was dressed in a way Harry would never have imagined him to appear. Instead of his usual wizard robes, his clothing was purely Muggle, even in when expressed in dragonhide.

Harry’s breath hitched with sudden arousal. Malfoy’s upper body, covered by a vest of the lightest shade imaginable, glistened.  His gaze caressed Malfoy’s arms, well-defined muscles from Quidditch moved with strength. Harry swallowed.

No tattoo.

Malfoy’s trousers seemed to be made of leather although Harry was unsure if its origin. The boots on Malfoy’s feet were knee high and created from the hide of a Chinese Fireball, very red and effective for repelling many jinxes and curses. Malfoy wore a katana strapped across his back and in his right hand was a gold and silver hilted dagger with a blade of—ice? His wand was in his left hand raised, vertically above his head. The dagger in his right hand extended before him horizontally.

Heart racing, Harry realized a new beginning—Malfoy became Draco in that instant…all previous hostility evaporated within the musical sounds of the water…creating seamless fusion into a new stream of consciousness for Harry.

Beauty in perfection.

In the midst of this new consciousness Draco's voice finally came through to Harry's auditory senses...

"On this night of the Harvest Moon I, Earth Warrior, Draconis, Watcher for The One, call upon Cerridwen, Warrior of Water, White Lady and Moon Goddess, I seek your great council this night..."

"On this night of the Harvest Moon I also call upon the Cerddorion, the Sons of Cerridwen, Taliesin, Warrior of Air, Prince of Song, Chief Bard of the West, the Way-Shower and Belenus, the Warrior of Fire, Protector and Consort of the Goddess, I seek your great council this night..."

"On this night of the Harvest Moon I call upon Queen Medb, Warrior Queen of Earth, Goddess of Tara and Tuatha De Dannan, and faery Queen of Connaught, I seek your great council this night."

As he completed this invocation Draco knelt on one knee, head bent in supplication and awaited their arrival.

Standing in the shadow of the wall, Harry became aware that the moonbeams within the icy circle had become a vortex of swirling spiritual energy. He heard the cry of an osprey which first startled him and then calmed him. As She came into Harry's sight, he remembered his history lessons. The osprey was a representative of clear sightedness, wisdom and new life. Cloaked in darkness, Harry found himself kneeling in the presence of Her greatness as She shape-shifted into Her warrior goddess form.

Draco also greeted Her with humbleness, "Welcome White Lady, I thank you for your presence this fine night. I have asked Your presence here because I seek Your council regarding The One."

With a nod, the White Lady replied, "All is well, Earth Warrior Draconis, as it is surely a fine night."

Sheltered in shadow, Harry saw that vortex had intensified into three separate spirals revealing the presence of Taliesin, Warrior of Air—a ruby-throated hummingbird and Belenus, the Warrior of Fire—a bear. The third spiral coalesced into a beautiful unicorn—Queen Medb, Queen of the Earth.

The White Lady spoke with a mellifluous voice, "Shift, my children, so that we may converse with Draconis this night."

Within the ice circle they transformed before Harry's eyes. He breathed in sharply as their conversation began.

Draco stood and said formally to the Warriors, "I requested your presence this night because I have concern for The One. It is a strong concern that is not shared by those in charge of his care. Word has reached us of a pending attack of Hogwarts and yet he knows nothing of Your alliance with me and of our sole purpose."

"Why has he not been shown or told of our involvement by this time?" asked a frowning Taliesin. "Surely he has reached his 17th year by now and has been informed of this vital information?"

Draco shook his head. "The Old One, Dumbledore, has a history of keeping information from him as a form of manipulation to his own outcome of the situation. This has been a source of great pain for The One in the past, yet the Old One claims that it will make him stronger in the course of events, thereby giving him the ability to conquer the Dark Lord. I have disagreed many times with this council but have yet to make the Old One understand the consequences of his actions may actually be detrimental to our cause for the Light."

Harry couldn’t help but notice that those in the circle now expressed frowns at this news.

"Surely," asked Queen Medb, "the boy has been trained to access his elemental abilities for this up coming conflict?"

"No, Your Highness," Draco answered, shaking his head. "The Old One, though wise, doesn't work with elements as You or I view them. He only uses magic as a singular energy. He doesn’t understand that the combined forces of all elements can be separated and utilized on their individual merits. Therefore, he knows not that The One is great with the force of Air and Fire. Also, many consider the element of fire as a dark form of magick due to its destructive use in history. They do not see the mark upon his forehead as a combination of the fire and lightning runes. They only see it as a curse scar inflicted by the Dark Lord."

"You have spoken to the Old One about this?" The White Lady‘s question was followed by a deep frown by Warrior Belenus who possessed his own fire elemental powers; however, He

"Yes, my White Lady," Draco replied. "But he refuses to acknowledge the information because it is outside of his manipulation plans. He will not tell The One this information nor tell him of the gifts that may assist him in defeating the rising darkness. This is the reason I have asked You here tonight. It is my hope that we may combine our efforts and reach The One with this necessary information. I would approach him alone, but as you know, my cover over the years has been as his antagonist. I do not believe he will be willing to hear me out if I approach him alone without Your assistance."

The White Lady's soft musical voice carried across the courtyard to Harry’s ear...

"We understand that is the case. We will each be personally contacting him soon so that we may impart knowledge to assist him in our fight for the Light." The ethereal sound of the White Lady's voice was accompanied with luminescent moonbeams as each regained their animagus shape and disappeared into a vortex of spiritual spiral energy.

Harry still knelt in the shadows, stunned into immobility and silence.

In the blink of an eye Draco turned to face Harry’s dark shadow, his dagger pointed at Harry’s kneeling form. In a strong defensive voice, he said, "Who dwells in the shadows of the night? Speak now, or you shall feel the ice of my dagger within your heart!"

When Draco spoke, Harry had a fleeting view of a moving wizard tattoo coming onto his arm. A bolt of surprise traveled through him at the movement of a stag. Small images of lilies rested upon strong antlers, which also embraced an ice dagger with a silver and gold hilt. Harry swallowed his emotions—the hilt was etched with a lightingbolt. Oh, Merlin!

Harry knew then that he must respond with all the formality of a wizard's oath, "It is I, Harry James Potter, The One, Warrior of Light, Seeker of Knowledge, would-be-defeater of Voldemort here to acknowledge you Warrior of Earth, Draconis, Watcher of The One. Stand by me; from this Harvest Moon night...forward into battle."

Well, what else was Harry to say to him? That he was beauty in perfection? Not yet.

Chapter Two; Sangraal Line, FyrTæhhers

After his meeting with Malfoy, Harry wandered the corridors of Hogwarts completely lost in a haze of thought and feelings. Exhaustion had set in, yet he still moved through the semidarkness. Several times he noticed the fleeting glimpse of a Slytherin green cloak passing through a portrait or a snoring occupant grumbling at Harry's presence.

Harry knew he was supposed to be in the Gryffindor common room for a meeting; however, he wasn't ready to face his friends just yet. Hermione is going to be surprised, he thought. Ron is going to . . . well explode would be putting it mildly. Damn. Looking at his watch, 12:30 am, he thought. Guess I better head back.

Even after the time spent wandering, Harry was still stunned by the events earlier this evening. I realize, he thought with a slight shiver, that the castle wanted me to have this information. This is not the first time she has shown me something of such importance ever since I found out that I am in fact the heir of both Gryffindor and Slytherin.

As Harry walked to Gryffindor tower, he thought back to that special night when he learned his true identity. . . .

Ron and I were walking under the expanded invisibility cloak carrying a midnight snack up to the common room to share with the other Phoenix Angels. The Marauders' Map suddenly began to make strange changes that we had never seen before on its pages. At this time we had been using our favorite mischief making tool for slightly more than three years. 

The lines on the map showed a whole new area of Hogwarts just off of the infamous 3rd floor corridor. Driven by curiosity, or so we thought, we became distracted from our errand to gather and deliver food.  Yes, even Ron wanted to go investigate these strange new changes. Imagine our surprise when we encountered a life size portrait of Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin in the space previously occupied by the door to Fluffy's room.

In his surprise, Ron dropped one of the éclairs on the floor making an incredible mess.  Splat sounds combined with his own arrgh of frustration at being covered with his favorite cream filling filled the corridor.

"Who goes there?" Godric Gryffindor asked the éclair.

I was so surprised that I removed the hood of our cloak. With an ear wide grin and arched brow, I said in response, "Oh come on, how cliché can you get, sir?"

Salazar’s grin in response was alarmingly familiar to me. Arching my brow, I became distracted by Salazar Slytherin turning to his companion and hissing with amusement, "He is ssssooo correct, Griff."

I remember that I turned to Ron to see if he noticed the same thing about the two men in the portrait. Ron's expression showed that indeed he did.

How do you suppose that after almost 1000 years, I would find myself face to face with two faces so close in their appearance to my own? Salazar’s emerald green eyes and grin were so uncanny that I found myself questioning my maternal family tree again. That was not the full picture however, because the messy black locks upon Godric's head in combination with his strong jaw line framed the green eyes and Salazar grin upon my own face.

Who goes there? Indeed.

"I am Harry James Potter," I answered, "and my companion is Ronald Bilius Weasley. May I ask why your portrait has been previously unseen by either of us, sirs? Perhaps you are just another secret of our venerated Headmaster Dumbledore? We have both been in this corridor before and your portrait was not here at that time."

"We can only be seen by our own heirs and anyone accompanying them," answered Godric Gryffindor. "We have only just been moved back to this location after a 100 year hiatus.  How is it that you can be our heir? Where do our sangraal lines merge?" Godric Gryffindor asked as he drew his sword.

"What the hell is that?" Ron asked as his face contorted in utter confusion.

Griff's brow rose right along with his nose. He ran his hands through his messy black hair and shook his head in both annoyance and frustration. "Harrumph."

Salz smirked and drawled, "It's a bloodline - don't they teach you anything these days?"

Harry smirked at Ron and stuffed an éclair into his mouth.

Ron, his face as red as his hair, grumbled at Harry, ". . .ow th hel I'm spusta kno tha?"

Only years of practice listening to Ron speaking with his mouthful, assisted Harry in understanding the question. Turning back to the founders he said apologetically, "I'm sorry sir. I can’t give you an answer to that question." Just as I finished speaking, the magic of the castle gave me a gift. In midair Godric's sword and Salazar’s dagger appeared right before my very own eyes.

My next question was directed to Ron. "I thought we have always been told that Voldemort is the heir of Slytherin. Was everyone right in second year?"

Ron shrugged.

As the memory of Ron's reactive shrug wafted through Harry's memory, he came back to the present to find himself in front of the Fat Lady. Harry looked up at her portrait and gave the password of sangraal line. As he stepped through the portal he encountered ‘Mione’s voice.

"Of course he is late again, Neville," Hermione said. "Harry has become even more obsessive about his work lately and we have to accept it as a consequence of these dark times."

"Hey, guys, sorry for being so late," Harry interrupted. "The castle has given me another surprise tonight. I know you all want to hear about it but I am exhausted and want to sleep on it before we talk. Can we reschedule our meeting for tomorrow after classes? Say, in the Lion's Den at 3:00?"

Neville looked at Harry’s dark circles and pale complexion and nodded. "Sure, Harry, we'll see you tomorrow." After Harry had left, Neville turned to the other Phoenix Angels with an inquiring brow arched very close to his hairline.

Harry climbed the stairs to his dorm where he fell onto his four-poster bed. Muttering a spell, he transfigured his clothing into pajamas and curled up on the blanket on his bed. The exhausted slumber, which he had thought about hours ago as he was guided through the familiar halls, had finally arrived. He didn't even know when a blanket appeared in midair and rested upon his tired body. Further response of the beloved Hogwarts was to close the hangings around his bed. The bright white light of protection that the castle had recently acquired to assist him in dreamless slumber accompanied the action. Harry was her heir, her son, the very essence of her continued future.  

Harry went through the paces of his classes the next day, seemingly in another world. He did notice Draco watching him during lunch and Charms but simply came to the conclusion that this should no longer be a surprise or negative concern. If he really thought about their history, it seemed as though they had always noticed each other’s presence, even as far back as Madam Malkin's before first year.

Charms class would have been routine except that Theodore Nott had attempted to place a charm on Ron that would make his hair Slytherin green.

Ron simply countered the charm, succeeding in turning Nott's clothing green.

Professor Flitwick had scolded them both, removed the spell from Nott and promptly given them both detentions.

During lunch, 'Mione hinted that she had an idea for some nicknames for Ron but didn't want to talk about that until they were in the Den. Ron grumbled something to her but was distracted by the treacle tarts which appeared before him at that instant.

Harry looked up from his own lunch to see Neville approaching. "Hey, Neville."

"Hey, Harry. I just left the hospital wing. Luna won't be able to make it to the meeting at 3:00 because Madame Pomfrey has sedated her. "She had a vision this morning in the Charms corridor. Did you see it?"

Harry shook his head.

"I wonder what she saw this time," Neville asked them.

Hermione frowned and shook her head. "Will she be alright?" Hermione had come to realize that prophetic visions did in fact occur; Harry and Luna were prime examples, but she still thought Trelawney was a fraud.

Neville nodded. "Madame Pomfrey says she’ll sleep through until tomorrow morning. She'll be able to leave the infirmary then."

Harry listened closely and nodded. He had never told them about his prophecy in its entirety, believing that it had been a necessary precaution to protect his friends. He did have some secrets from his best friends considering them an unfortunate consequence of being a weapon of war. Luna's visions had on several occasions mirrored his prophecy; however, she was unaware of it.

Harry arrived at the Lion's Den ten minutes before 3:00. He greeted Griff and Salz with a smile, "Unity," he said. Harry had wanted to arrive before the others because he really needed to gather his thoughts. Godric Gryffindor's former chambers were perfect for that. He had a lot to tell everyone and was still unsure as to how he would proceed. Unity hopefully would have a stronger meaning after this meeting.

Precisely at 3:00 the portal swung open to admit Ron, 'Mione, Ginny and Neville. Prognosis for Luna was that she would be fine and released tomorrow morning from the hospital wing. Dobby popped in at this time to bring tea, snacks and butterbeer to the group. Harry hoped refreshments would smooth over the news he had to give. Well, he thought, I hope I am not becoming like Dumbledore. Politeness is all well and good, but sometimes I think he uses cheering charms on the goodies he conjures at a moment's notice, if not at least on his lemon drops.

"Hi everyone," Harry said. "Take a seat and we will get started. Thanks Dobby for the refreshments. I'll call if we need anything else.” Harry sat down at the round table in the center of the common room.

"You is very welcome, Mister Harry Potter, Sir. Dobby is doing anything the great wizard Harry Potter wants." Dobby bowed low and popped out before Harry could tell him that he was only just Harry.

Harry sighed, resigned to his place in Dobby's perceptions.

Harry looked at his friends gathered around the round table, took a deep breath and began to speak. "I seem to vaguely recall telling you last night that the castle gave me another surprise. I wasn't dreaming, was I?" Everyone shook their heads no. Harry took another deep breath; he was definitely going to need it.

"Last night after my workout, I went for another of my guided walks." As he spoke, he gave Ron significant look indicating that it was similar to the one that had led them to this very room. "I found myself in a courtyard which I had never seen before."

"Harry?" Hermione asked with curiosity on her face.

"Yes, 'Mione," Harry said nodding to emphasis his point. "I had never seen this courtyard and no it was not on the map. That wasn't the biggest surprise of the night though." Harry looked around at everyone's inquisitive looks and decided he just couldn't sit during this announcement. He got up and began to pace in front of the fireplace. Godric Gryffindor appeared in the portrait over the mantel so that he would be able to give his progeny some moral support. Harry sent him a pensive look which only served to increase everyone's curiosity.

Ron gave a low growl and demanded, "OK you two, what are you trying to tell us and why does it require two of you to give us this message?"

"Tell me Ron, are you sure you are not descended from Rowena?" Godric smirked.

Ron had already been over this with the founder before so he just glared. Becoming more irritated he said, "Do not to change the subject, Griff."

Harry braced himself as he focused on his friend. Holding his gaze tightly he shook his head and plunged into his speech before they could get carried away again. "The thing is this," he said. "Dumbledore has kept yet another secret from me that could change the outcome of this war. We have allies throughout the castle that we would not have ever thought about. They are affiliated with the Order; that is why Dumbledore has kept us in the dark about it. Since he would not allow you to become members, we all know that I declined membership myself. I did this partially due to his refusal to admit all of you but also because I have kept my own council as to what information I decided to share with him. As a member, I would have been required, from his perspective at least, to tell all and since I tend to trust with caution I decided to decline his request. His control issues where my privacy is concerned was also an important issue for me."

Neville took a sip of his butterbeer and watched Harry as he paced some more before finally stopping long enough to help himself to a cookie and butterbeer.

Neville tilted his head asking, "Ok, Harry who are you talking about and why will it affect the outcome of the war?"

"They will change the outcome because," Harry stopped in mid-sentence to take a deep breath, "most of them are Slytherins."

"Bloody hell," Ron interjected. "Harry, please don't tell us what I think you are going to. Slytherins are not going to be willing to help the Light. Besides, you said yourself you don't trust easily." Ron was standing at this point; his red hair seemed to be electrified as it stood out from his head in anger. Ron looked up and noticed that Salazar Slytherin was conspicuous in his absence from the portrait.

Ginny shook her head. "It is true, Ron," she said, "Luna saw it this morning. She kept saying 'Draco help Harry, please,' . . . over and over again. Madame Pomfrey had to sedate her to calm her down. She scared everyone who was in the Charms corridor. Well . . . everyone except Draco and I . . . he was there, too. He was the one who took her to the hospital wing."

Ron growled. "Fucking' bloody hell, it’ll never happen!"

"Ron, calm down," Neville said with calm solidness while watching Harry. While Ron's hair was electrified, Harry was a different matter altogether. A black flame with green highlights surrounded Harry. They had seen him like this once before and it had taken all of them to calm him down. Right now, with Ron so angry, Neville was concerned that they would be unable to get their leader to simmer down. They would need Ron. "Transform now, Ron. DO. IT."

Ron transformed into his large red dog animagus form, watching Harry closely.

"'Mione and Ginny, please talk to him and try to help him calm down," Neville said. "I'm going to transform also." Neville was hardly finished before he transformed into his lion form and began talking to Harry in the language of the cat which they spoke when they were cats together. This seemed to help Harry to the point of only having fire around his head and shoulders. At that point, Ron was able to get close enough to lick Harry's hand, his own way of calming and cooling their angry leader. Hermione and Ginny continued to talk, trying to get him to reduce the fire even more. Harry's cookie now lay in ashes on the floor along with his melted bottle of butterbeer. The room had a haze of smoke blended with the odor of burned chocolate chips and butterbeer.

"'Mione and Ginny, please talk to him and try to help him calm down," Neville said. "I'm going to transform also." Neville was hardly finished before he transformed into his lion form and began talking to Harry in the language of the cat that they spoke when they were cats together. This seemed to help Harry to the point of only having fire around his head and shoulders. At that point, Ron was able to get close enough to lick Harry's hand, his own way of calming and cooling their angry leader. Hermione and Ginny continued to talk, trying to get him to reduce the fire even more. Harry's cookie now lay in ashes on the floor along with his melted bottle of butterbeer. The room had a haze of smoke blended with the odor of burned chocolate chips and butterbeer.

Hermione led the calmer Harry to a seat while Ginny cast a cleaning spell to clear away the mess and odor. Neville transformed as Ron lay on the hearth rug with his ears back whining in the back of his throat. He felt guilty for angering Harry to such an extreme because they all knew that Harry was struggling to control this new gift.

"Ron," Harry stressed his point forward, "it is true that I don't trust easily. I even understand that you are even more stubborn in that area than I am." He noticed at this comment there were several smirks present upon everyone's faces. "However," he said, "what I witnessed cannot under any circumstances be forged into some plot to bring me down. What I witnessed was real." Harry decided that that was enough for now. Everyone would just have to let the information sink in; after all he had slept on it himself. He decided to change the subject and atmosphere in the chamber. Harry turned to Hermione. "Didn't you say at lunch that you had some ideas for a nickname for Ron?"

"Yes, I did. I've even added another one after this incident," she said with a smirk to the dog lying on the hearth rug.

"humph . . . grrr"

"First," Hermione said, "I came up with Blitz. It is a moniker for red dog and can also mean 'a sudden overwhelming bombardment,' for instance an advertising blitz. Of course we all know that Ron can often be such a bombardment. This is probably why he is such a great Keeper in Quidditch."  'Mione grinned and continued, "But then I came up with something that I thought would be even better."

Harry noticed at this point that her grin had widened and a mischievous twinkle had appeared in her brown eyes.

"Clifford or Cliff for a shorter version."

Harry had been sipping from a new bottle of butterbeer but it all came back out as he sputtered and started laughing. The more he looked at Ron on the rug the harder he laughed. Hermione had joined in by now and even Neville laughed because he knew the significance of the name to the two Muggle raised friends in front of him.

An angry growl from Ron in his human form brought Harry and Hermione back to the moment. However, they simply couldn't hide their mirth from the now very irritated Gryffindor standing before them.

"What exactly is so funny about the name Clifford or Cliff? I don't like either of them but I fail to see the humor in any of this," growled an irritated Ron.

"It is a Muggle thing," answered Neville once he realized that even suppressed mirth made it difficult for Harry and 'Mione to answer. "Clifford the Big Red Dog is a series of Muggle children's books. My gran found some in Flourish and Blotts once; they had been delivered there by accident. She bought the whole set for me when I was about five years old. Cute little books if you're into that sort of thing." Neville grinned as Ron's face contorted into a scowl. By this time, Ginny had joined in the laughter as her brother fumed at all of them.

"Wait, I'm not . . . finished," laughed ‘Mione. There's more." She was still trying to calm down so that she could tell them all what she had thought of during the earlier situation with Harry. This is going to be good, she thought as she took a deep breath before speaking, "my freshest idea is Cayan. It’s an old folk term for cayenne pepper. As in; red, hot, spicy and can even be a blitz of heat from our perspective."  A tiny smile graced her face as she thought, I won't tell Ron, but I think everyone needs a little spice in their life and he is mine. Hermione kept that last bit to herself, of course.

"Cayan, it is then," said both Harry and Neville at the same time. Their eyes met and grins grew. "So be it," Harry added. Ron from this day forward would be known as Cayan by his cronies; nothing could or would change it.

"Here, here," Ginny said. "Next we need to come up for something for Neville." Ginny smirked at Neville's sudden look of discomfort. "I think that either Griff," she noticed Godric arched his brow at this suggestion, "or Rich; short for Richard would be good for him. You know, King Richard the Lion Hearted. He was always a part of my favorite childhood story of Robin Hood. You know, the brave king returning to his homeland."

"What do you think, sir?" Harry asked his ancestor over the mantle.

"Would Neville really accept my own nick name as his own?" Godric Gryffindor asked as he looked at Neville.

Neville swallowed. "I would truly be honored sir, if you have no objections," he replied to his venerated founder of house with a nod of deep respect.

Godric Gryffindor smiled, "So be it, then. From this day forward you shall be known as Griff, with my blessings."

Neville nodded as he whispered, "Thank You, sir. I will do my best to never make you regret you decision."

Godric smiled and nodded at Neville. He turned his gaze upon his young progeny. "Harry," he said, "I have given some thought to a nickname for you and finally came up with something you might like to think about. Salazar and I talked about this and he thinks that Ardour, burning passion, would suit you just fine."

"I, however, disagree," Godric Gryffindor said as he studied Harry thoughtfully. Taking a deep breath, he continued, "As you know the English language has had many changes over the years since my own time. I would like it if you considered using a name that I formulated based upon your burning passion for the events which both have occurred and those which are yet to happen. You and I have shared much since the night we first met out in my corridor and I, and Salazar also, both have great regard and pride for all that you have accomplished."

By this time Harry was doing a fine imitation of the Weasley red.

Godric Gryffindor smiled. "Fyr is the Old English term that was used in my day for fire. Toehher was the term we used for tears. We all know that you have shed many tears in the past over tragic events in your life. We also know that there will most likely be more in the future. These tears in the future; however, will be tears of healing for all."  With this last statement he gave young Harry a significant look of appraisal hoping that he would understand the underlying point he was trying to make.

Harry understood, indicating so with the slightest of nods.

"Therefore," Godric continued after Harry nodded, "I believe that FyrTæhhers would be very appropriate for you. You may consider and decline if you so desire, of course." Godric finished his explanation with an expression of pride upon his countenance for his descendant.

"Thank you, sir," Harry responded. "I acknowledge Salazar's contribution and I accept your given name for me. I also consider it to be appropriate." Harry nodded to his ancestor.

Harry then turned to Hermione, "Having said that, I have considered a nick name for you because of something I remembered from Surrey. Back there we have a neighborhood park which is situated on a slight rise of land. The name of the back street next to that park is Vista because you can stand at the edge of the park and see for miles all around. I would like to name you Vista because in both your human and Peregrine Falcon form you are the most clear sighted person and creature that I know. Your extensive mental view of events of time can guide us all and I have learned; yes, even the hard way, that your wisdom and logic are boundless. We all know that you will defend us through all experiences we have to go through. I would be honored if you would accept this name as a tribute of your loyalty, friendship and clear sightedness, Vista."

Hermione's eyes were leaking. Ron swallowed and looked at her waiting for an answer. Wow, Harry was right on the mark for that one. Through her tears 'Mione nodded and gave Harry a rib crushing hug. In all of her wisdom she was rendered speechless.

Harry looked at Neville over the top of Hermione's head and gave him a small nod. He smiled and turned to Ginny. "Last but not least we have our Ginny. We know that she often feels left out due to her lack of animagus form; however, what she must realize is that she is invaluable to our mission in life. Her innate healing abilities have already assisted us through many scrapes, cuts and broken bones. Add to the healing effect of her hands, the melodious sound of her voice, and I would like to bestow the name of Luscinia. This name has significance due to its connection to Florence Nightingale, a famous witch and nurse during the Muggle Crimean War. Luscinia megashynchos is simply the other name for the nightingale bird, which has a beautiful singing voice. Both these attributes of healing and song suit you quite well, Ginny, therefore if you will accept we would like to bestow the name of Luscinia upon you.

"I accept. Thank you, Neville." Ginny replied.

Chapter Three; Two Cats & a Courtyard

Draco stood in front of his mirror gazing at his reflection and thinking. I can't believe that I have finally gotten some of the stress I've carried lately off my chest tonight when I had that brief talk with Harry. Look at your reflection Draco; you look like you have been hit with a bloody bludger. Hot shower may help, go for it man.

Hot steam embraced Draco as he stood in the shower stall of his bathroom. Rivulets of hot water massaged the kinks out of his tired body. He found himself wondering if Potter had told the rest of his circle the news yet. At any rate, if the news got back to Dumbledore, he would be sure to call Draco to his office and give him a lecture about keeping the Order's secrets. Draco needed to figure out what he was going say about that. He didn't think that the issue of Harry’s elemental gifts was strictly Order business. Especially since discovering Harry was already working to gain control of his gifts. Harry had kept this information from Dumbledore. It seemed as though Harry didn't have the absolute trust in the old codger that everyone seemed to think. Maybe the rumors were true that the Golden Boy had turned down membership in the Order. The question in Draco's mind was, when had the schism begun and just how deep did it go? It seemed as if it had been there at least since the beginning of sixth year.  Ah, he thought, the death of Sirius Black and the prophecy; that is probably when it all started. Draco's Watcher duties didn't actually start till September 1st and much had apparently been set into place by that time

Argh! This isn't helping! Draco scolded himself in his thoughts. Clear your mind . . . so many thoughts . . . Harry . . . standing in the shadows . . . beautiful. Why is it that now all I want to do is forget the way his emerald eyes looked when the moon reflected off of the ice stalagmites? Draco's thoughts were interrupted by a feral growl coming from somewhere deep within his being. Everything, he thought, about Harry's face, glowing with an intensity that rivaled the moon itself. Harry's memory finally won out.

Moaning, Draco finally allowed the resulting thoughts of Harry in the courtyard to come freely. You have known that you felt this way for ten months now Draco, he growled within his mind, this is no time to weaken to its pull; don't give in to hormones. Right now we must focus on the task at hand: helping Harry work with fire. He must practice it with determination and focus. Hopefully Belenus will put in an appearance soon. We really don't have much time left. Sighing, he leaned on his hands against the shower tiles. The musical sound and the feeling of water cascading over him eased his tension only slightly.

As Draco stood contemplating fire and ice, he was suddenly overcome with flashing visions of Death Eaters attacking a Muggle neighborhood. The atrocities performed caused his body to tremble and fall to the floor of the shower stall. Within the grip of the vision, his eyes rolled back into his head. He had seen this many times before; however, that did not change his physical and mental reactions. Draco lay passed out on the wet floor. He was covered with goose bumps and blood from where he cut his head on the tile as he fell.

"Draco . . . how long do you need when you take a shower?" Blaise yelled after putting his head in the door. "Draco?"

No answer.

"Dra . . . damn!" Blaise swore when he saw Draco on the shower floor, "Justin, get Greg and Vince now. Draco come on, wake up man. We gotta get you outta here." Blaise was torn between shaking Draco and trembling in fear. He realized he needed to stay calm. Finding Draco like this spiked his concern. He turned the cold water off and conjured a warm blanket. "Wake up, Draco." It was usually a bad sign when they were unable to bring Draco out of one of his visions. His friend's eyes were closed and very active behind the closed lids.

Blaise shook his head as he thought, what the hell is going on around here anyway? Something big must be in the works. He looked up when Vince finally came in. "Vince, thank Merlin, I can't get him to come around. The water was still turned on and was cold, when I found him; that must mean he was out for a while. He has been in here for close to an hour."

"Let's get him into his bed so that he'll at least be warmer." Justin said, trying to distract his one track mind from staring at comment the beautiful Slytherin.

"I put a warming charm on the blanket when I conjured it," Blaise smirked. "Get your mind out of the gutter, Justin. This is no time to allow your flagrant, and obvious, hormones from dictating your mind. You would think that hanging around Slytherins you would pick up some of our bloody traits. Subtlety?"

Justin winced, but then shrugged in reaction. Yeah, he thought, like you don't think the same thing. Now who needs subtlety? They levitated the Slytherin Ice Prince into his bed and made sure he was tucked in warmly.

When Draco woke he found himself in bed with the hangings around his large bed closed. He didn't remember how he got there. He gasped suddenly when his mind went back to his latest vision. Bloody hell! What time is it? he thought, pulling the bed hanging aside to see his clock glimmering in the darkness, 3:49 am. Taking a deep breath, he lifted the covers to get up. Something akin to shock passed through him when he realized he wasn't even wearing the usual silk boxers, the only attire he slept in. Bloody hell, he thought again, how did I get here?

Draco dressed and went to his desk to write a note to a friend. Someone, that no one in their right Slytherin mind would ever suspect him of having.

        D.

        Please take your family and leave. Use information you already have. 
        I will contact you later with specifics.

        Safe Journey,

        Icekat

        P.S. The fire burns well.

That should cover it, Draco thought as he decided that he would take the missive up to the owlery immediately. He could use a good run. After exiting his room, he shifted into Icekat and began his workout. Running up to the owlery as fast as his four paws could carry him, Draco arrived with high adrenalin.  With a flash of teeth in a grin, he saw the reaction of the few owls that had spent the night there instead of going out hunting or delivering mail. Transforming, he whistled for his favorite eagle owl, Horus, who floated down to see Draco with a screech. "Hey boy," Draco crooned, "please take this urgent message to D. He will not be expecting you this time but I'm sure he will be grateful for the visit. Safe journey, my friend."

Draco made a point of stopping by the Headmaster’s office on his way back to give Professor Dumbledore an update. Maybe he would be able to save some of the other Muggles. Little kids, Muggle or not, should not have to die that way.

Draco arrived much later in the Slytherin common room to see Vincent gathering his books for the morning's classes. Nodding in greeting, he started to walk to the corridor leading to his dorm.

"You better hurry, Draco,” Vince said. “At this rate you are going to miss breakfast."

"Been there already," Draco said grinning. "I left you some, in case you're worried."

Crabbe gave one of those grunt/chuckles that he was famous for. "I'm not worried," he responded with easy banter, "we all know you eat like a bird in the morning."

"Maybe it has something to do with his whole Best-Looking-Slytherin-Prince look, Crabbe," Pansy said in her high bitchy voice. "We all know he must watch his figure." Her hands reached out for him as though they were magnets attracted to another magnet.

UGH! I don't think so, Parkinson, Draco thought as he stepped out of her range. "Not now, Pansy. As Vince already pointed out, I'm running late and need to go. I'm sure the two of you can enjoy breakfast without my gorgeous self present. Catch you up later." Draco turned away, tilting his head in her direction to tell Vince to keep a close eye on her. He would speak with the others about the new information later, after Potions class would have to do.

Outside the Potions classroom the students were gathered for N.E.W.T. level Potions. The last to arrive were the Gryffindors; Potter, Granger and Longbottom. Draco watched them approach in the reflection of Pansy's pocket mirror while she was primping. He waited. When Harry came closer, Draco's elbow bumped into Pansy, who began to fall backwards. Blaise reached to grab her arm to prevent injury while covering for Draco as he bumped into Potter. Confusion and mass muddle in the hallway ensued. Message passed, mission accomplished.

Professor Snape opened the classroom door and came out with his trademark glare plastered on his face. "Potter, what are you doing? Twenty points from Gryffindor for creating so much noise in the hall between classes. Inside everyone. Now." Professor Snape stepped to the side so that everyone could pass by him.

Harry walked with Neville into the classroom and found his seat in the middle of the room. He had always sat in the back of the room with Ron in previous years; not anymore, Ron had decided to switch to Basic Healing this last year of school. Professor Snape had paired up Harry and Neville with hopes of creating disasters in class. So far this plan of Snape's had failed. Both Harry and Neville worked diligently together on their assignments and thus far they were passing Potions. This may have had something to do with their serious application to all of their studies since the incident in the Department of Mysteries back in fifth year.

Harry waited until the rest of the class had started on today's assignment and Neville had gone to the cupboard to get the required ingredients before he opened the message from Draco. It was art. That is to say that there was an image of two panthers; one black, one white in the center of a beautiful courtyard under a waning moon. The strokes that made up the fountain contained a figure 8 within its pattern. He looked up and saw Draco with his sneer in place. Harry pushed his glasses up over his forehead and rubbed the bridge of his nose all the while nodding acceptance of the scheduled meeting.

Draco looked around his dorm room at his friends, Vince, Greg, Blaise and Justin. They had come when he summoned them, curious at his secretive behavior. Shaking his head as he realized that they would do anything for him, Draco snapped his fingers and said, "Dobby."

"Yes, sir?

"Tea and butterbeer for five this evening, Dobby."

"Yes, sir." With a pop Dobby was gone only to return moments later with a tray of tea, snacks and butterbeer. "Will that be all, sir?"

"Yes, Dobby."     

Dobby left with another soft pop.

"Ok, listen up everyone," Draco said. "We have a lot to cover this afternoon so we should get started. Today’s agenda is important because in the last Order meeting we received intelligence that Voldemort plans to attack on Yule."

"Draco," Justin arched a dark brow at the Slytherin Prince, "I realize that I'm from Hufflepuff, but I still wonder about the ethics of you sharing this info with all of us. Shouldn't you be concerned about what Dumbledore will have to say if he finds out?"

"Justin, as a Hufflepuff," Draco drawled, "you should realize that this information is vital to the survival of this establishment. Hogwarts must survive. I know that you understand the basic strategy that we are working on simply because you have furnished much of the information we needed. What I don't understand," he said as he arched a brow at Justin, "perhaps because I am in Slytherin, is why you would question us when we know that you are just as cunning and ambitious as the rest of us. If you weren't Muggleborn, you would have most likely been sorted here in Slytherin."  Draco frowned as he finished saying this to Justin and then turned his attention to the others in the chamber.

Jason gave a nod of understanding and took a sip of his butterbeer.

"Ok, back to the plan," Draco said. "We must answer to a higher power here if we are to survive. Dumbledore has his own sense of experience and cunning; however, he is wrapped up in his manipulations of Potter." Draco paused and took a drink before continuing, "Even his refusal to work with Potter's elemental gifts is based on that very manipulation and is grounded only in fear of the unknown. That fear can only result in the creation of Dumbledore's own form of darkness. At this time we must realize that it is better to light a match, than to curse the darkness. We must move forward. I have already begun the process of reaching Potter and uniting our two factions. I have a meeting set up for tonight in the courtyard at 8:00."

"How is it that he knows where the courtyard is, Draco?" Blaise wanted to know.

Draco answered, "He found me when I went there Harvest Moon night to summon the Warriors. He heard everything. He now knows that I have been his Watcher since my 16th birthday, that we are a group, and of our special training. This is actually an advantage to us because I was concerned about how to approach him with the info of the pending attack. Dumbledore seems to want to tell him at a later time, probably closer to Yule."

"When you summoned the Warriors," Vince asked, "what did They say should be done about Dumbledore?" 

Draco shrugged. "The Warriors will contact Potter in their own unique way. His training will begin at that time. They understand the urgency; as a matter of fact they seemed displeased that Potter hasn't received his training yet. They did not specify what they would do about the Headmaster. Perhaps their personal plans won't factor Dumbledore into the end game. We all know that it will come down to Potter and Voldemort. It is our job to ensure Potter's success."

Greg Goyle nodded at that last statement. "What are we going to do about Pansy?" He was the one who had been assigned to watch her when Vince finished his duty shift earlier that day. "She is beginning to ask questions about your disappearances and she even heard about your vision this morning. To top that, she bullied a second year into telling her about your delivery of Luna Lovegood to the infirmary this morning after she had a vision. And what is up with that anyway, two people with visions in one day? What is going on?"

Draco sighed. "I had a vision of a Muggle community being attacked. It concerned our sparring partner. I have already dispatched a warning. Luna's vision was of the final battle. Unfortunately she was in the hall when it happened and since she has no control over the situation she started talking about Potter and me. She was requesting that I help Potter. As to solving any problem regarding anything Luna said, simply remind Pansy that we all think of her as Loony Lovegood. She doesn't need to know that we understand and give credence to any of her visions. Pansy will jump on her bandwagon of bigotry and ride with it. If you must bring me into to the equation, just tell her I was merely cleaning the hall of the disturbance."

"Now that that is out of the way," Draco turned to Justin and asked him, "Justin, have you had any luck with recruiting Mandy Brocklehurst? As much as I wish this would end at Yule, we are in need of at least one more healer within our ranks. It is my understanding she wishes to be a mediwitch when she leaves Hogwarts. I have also heard that she receives high marks in her healing classes. The Weasleys simply will not be enough."

Justin grinned. "She was all set to run to Dumbledore to join the Order. That was before I told her it is necessary to have a special dispensation to get in before graduation. I then mentioned that with her grades and any volunteer work for students during a time of crisis would serve to boost her chances of getting into the training program at St. Mungos. I also mentioned that in a crisis she would be working by Pomfrey's side. She is planning on talking to the nurse after her next healing class."  

"Well done, Justin," Draco said. "Also, thanks for being a liaison between the other houses for us. Vince, do you have anything further to report?"

"Not at this time, Draco," Vince said, while noticing that Draco's usually immaculate self seemed to be tired.

"Ok, then we are done here for now," Draco said as he stood. "I have to get ready for my meeting with Potter. I'll let you know tomorrow how that goes and whether or not Belenus has begun his training." Draco wanted to change clothes; he didn't want to wear school robes out to his meeting with Harry.

Draco stood before his mirror contemplating his clothing. He wore black jeans and a black tee with a silver dragon twining itself from his back to the left side of his chest. He had found the shirt in a Muggle shop after an intense workout with D. that summer. That day would always stick out in his mind because he had found it necessary to hide in the fitting room when Potter came into the store looking to buy new jeans. Draco smirked at his reflection. He had been mad at himself for hiding, but he didn't want Potter to find him in the Muggle store. There would have been questions about finding the pureblood in Muggleville. Tonight he would have to face some of those questions.

Someone knocked on the door. Draco opened it with every intention of stepping out and leaving for his destination. He had already thrown a cloak over his Muggle clothing in preparation of leaving. The other side was blocked by Pansy. She seemed to be frowning at him but he wasn't interested in her facial expression at the moment. He asked her brusquely, "What is it now, Pansy?" While he waited for her reply, he closed his door placing a personal ward on it.

Stepping closer, she crooned, "Oh, Draco, you look so good. Where are you off to?" She ran her fingers up his sleeve.

Draco shook his head at her actions and words. "Nowhere that you would be interested in. If you wanted to talk about the Potions assignment, you should have come by after lunch. As it is, I'm on my way out."

Pansy leaned in and spoke in what she thought was a sexy voice. "And I see you don't want to tell me where you are going again, Draco." Giving him a pouting look, she continued, "How many times do you think I will put up with you walking away from our date without telling your father?" She tried to kiss his neck.

Draco did not want to meet Potter smelling of Pansy's offensive perfume. Reaching his hand over, he squeezed her hand as he pulled it away from his sleeve. He said firmly, "We don't have a date, Pansy. I'm late."

"Draco! Oh . . . there you are. Why are you taking so long?" Blaise stepped up to them and then he finally saw Pansy. "Ah yes, well . . ." he said with a look to Draco, "are you ready?"

Draco nodded and walked away with Blaise. Once they reached the common room Draco said, "Thanks for that, can you make yourself scarce for awhile?"

Blaise answered, "Sure, no problem." They exited the common room together; after the portal closed Blaise went to the right, Draco to the left.

Draco really hated being late. He took the stairs three at a time and stopped at the wall. I hope he waited; he thought then said the password, "Shadow Phoenix's Kat." He stepped through into his favorite spot at Hogwarts and turned to be sure the entry was secure, "Destination Secure." He felt the piercing gaze on his back before he turned around.

The moonlit courtyard was peaceful in its own unique beauty.

Draco turned slowly to see the piercing emerald eyes of a sleek black panther. His breath hitched as he thought, Merlin! He spread his hands to indicate that he had no weapon; then Draco raised his hands to the clasp on his cloak. He wanted to remove the essence of Pansy's presence from the evening. He laid the folded cloak on the bench and turned to the beautiful animal before him.

With a tip of his head, a soft breath and closure of his eyes he shifted into Icekat to show Potter that he trusted him. Now, if only Potter would return that trust.

 Chapter Four; Risk It

The moon shone down upon the two great cats within the confines of the east courtyard walls. Draco raised his nose, sniffing the air to catch the scent of the other cat that had come to see him. Tonight would prove to be important for both of them as they took this time and opportunity to find a new friendship. The future of their world was dependant upon the success of this meeting.

The black panther stepped forward, making the first move between the two. His coat shimmered in the glow of the courtyard showing both beauty and strength as muscles rippling under the sheen. He moved forward slowly unsure of the reaction he would receive from his companion. He's even beautiful in this form, Harry thought. Emerald fire seemed to glow from his eyes, warming the heart of the white panther before him.

Damn, Draco thought, I can even feel it in my panther form. Why does he cause such a reaction in me, even now? Draco's thoughts spun fast within his mind as his heart began to quicken its pace. As the black panther approached even closer, Draco lowered himself to his belly and looked up at the emerald eyes above him. Harry bent his head to sniff the other cat, only to find himself nose to nose with the silver blond Draco.

Slowly reaching his hands up, Draco buried his fingers into the black softness. "Merlin! Harry, you are so beautiful and strong," whispered Draco into the black fur. He didn't care if Harry heard him because the close proximity had finally overcome him. His heart burned with passion and his hands trembled. Burying his face into the blackness, Draco inhaled Harry's scent; wishing he would never have to let him go. Professionalism be damned!

Harry purred . . .

Draco took a shuddering breath and whispered, "Harry, Harry we have to talk . . ." Draco moaned deep in his throat as the beauty in front of him transformed. Draco's hands were around Harry's shoulders by this time; he definitely did not want to release him.

Harry leaned forward and caressed Draco's neck with a hot wet tongue eliciting another moan. Draco arched his head back to expose his neck. The feeling of Harry's breath sent shivers down Draco's spine and turned his insides to mush.

"Talk about what?" Harry asked as his tongue continued along its path to Draco's ear licking and nibbling as he went.

"AHH," Draco paused to kiss Harry's jaw, ". . . ummm . . . saving the world . . . mmmnn . . . you know, Golden Boy stuff . . ."

 Harry growled but continued on his quest. 

". . . mmmnn . . . Har . . ."  Draco's fingers moved into the messy black locks upon Harry's head, entwining his lithe fingers in the softness seeking grounding.

"Your scent is . . . so intoxicating to me, Draco. How on earth do you . . ." Harry stopped speaking as a deep moan escaped. ". . . expect us to,” Harry punctuated his words with quick kisses, “. . . have a profes . . . sional working . . . Oh HELL . . . I give up!"  Harry rolled off of Draco, who whimpered at the loss of contact. Trying to pull his emotions back, Harry breathed rapidly. If he didn't calm down . . . Ugh!

"What the hell?" Draco gasped out. He stared in awe as the man who had just been consuming him was now engulfed by black and green flames. As Draco's eyes drank in the site of Harry surrounded in flames, he thought, Fuckin’ bloody hot, indeed. Well, that's what you want Draco, Fire and Harry Potter all rolled up into one fucking delicious package!

Draco must have leaned closer without realizing it because Harry responded by pulling back. Breathing hard, he said, "No, Draco! The fire doesn't hurt me but it will definitely burn you. I don't want to hurt you." Harry's emerald eyes were deep soulful pools looking through the fire at him. He was still breathing hard, mentally trying to calm himself. Usually his friends were there to help him; he wouldn't always be able to rely on them, especially in these circumstances. "I think I know a way to stop it. I will be back, OK? I promise will you stay here? Then we can talk."

Draco nodded.

Upon confirmation, Harry transformed into his Shadow Phoenix form, sang a few notes then took flight.

Draco fell back onto the cool grass with a groan and closed his eyes tightly. Merlin, he's on fire, and then he leaves; I'm here, frustrated and hard. So tell us Draco, how was your night? UGH!! Taking a deep breath, Draco decided that he may as well use this time to workout; frustration release at its best. He stood up, still a little shaky from his encounter and centered himself in order to begin his routine.

Draco began to work on his form. Some referred to the moves he was making as the Warrior's Dance or The Dance of Death. The object of the dance was to work through moves combined by the individual. Each dance was as individual as its creator. As the warrior practiced them often, the moves would become apart of the warrior's very being. The Dance of Death could then be completed during battle without conscious thought.

As Draco went through his moves, a state of meditation enveloped him. His balance and visual ability had improved due to the practice of focusing; something required to complete the dance. Draco had only recently worked out the final movements of his dance. The accomplishment made him proud of its beauty. It was something good he had achieved in his life. Born to serve Voldemort, he felt gratitude at the opportunity to learn such an art. His family still did not know of his defection; hopefully this war would be over before they found out. [UGH! I put this note down here because if I insert it at *to accomplish* it disappears. I’m lost, why is this wrong? Rewrite the whole sentence? This segment is important and plays out later in the final battle.] It’s not that it’s wrong. Accomplish and complete are a bit redundant, however. You could say required in accomplishing the completion of the dance. Or required to complete the dance. Or required to accomplish the dance. Any of the three will work, though the last two are less redundant.

The thoughts of Voldemort brought Draco's mind back to Harry. What would come out of the events of this night? He pulled his focus back in.

As Harry took flight out of the courtyard FyrTæhhers wasn't sure if this would work. His heart was still racing and hot; what on earth was that all about. Sure Draco seemed to have a strong effect on him but. . . .

FyrTæhhers soared high into the air and flipped multiple times before plunging into a breath taking dive that served to take his mind off of his current situation. The move required focus or he would break his neck on the fast approaching ground. The air whipped around his body, rewarding him with exhilarating coolness that helped to clear his mind. He took a turn around the perimeter of the castle then headed back to the courtyard.

As FyrTæhhers glided along on the wind currents, he observed Draco going through the moves of his form. Fyr landed on an upper wall so that he would be able to watch Draco's graceful movements. His body was sleek and powerful; again, beauty in perfection. Fyr's heart began to increase its rate; stop it now, he thought.

He trilled out some musical notes and then spread his wings as he glided down until he was able to transform and land on his feet. Graceful and powerful in his own right.

Draco watched with an arched brow as Harry gracefully landed in the courtyard. Draco found it intriguing that Harry was able to return here and wondered if he had the power of sight. "How is it that you were able to see this courtyard and return? After I discovered it, I checked out the view from above and saw nothing even though I knew it was here."

 "Simple, the castle," Harry responded with a smile. "She guides and protects me. In fact, it was the castle that brought me here the other night when you were summoning the Warriors. She is as much my protector as you or Dumbledore. Once, Snape was sure that I was out after curfew and tried to track me down. You know how he loves taking points from Gryffindor in the name of Potter, anyway, thanks to my map and the castle he never found me. I requested a room and one materialized. I entered and the door vanished." Harry shrugged. "No point deduction," Harry finished off with a grin. "Is it true that you and the other Slytherins learned kick boxing from Dudley? If so, how on earth did you guys connect up with him, a Muggle no less?"

It was Draco's turn to grin. "Yes," he said, "it is true. As to the person who connected us, well . . . that would probably be obvious to you if you really thought about it but I'll tell you anyway. It was Snape. You have a map of Hogwarts?" he asked, thinking, Ha! This is so much fun. I think I like this different game of shocking Harry.

Harry began pacing, a habit he had picked up in first year. The action seemed to help him focus sometimes when the world seemed to spin out of control. "Dudley knows Snape?" One look at Draco was all the confirmation Harry needed. "But Dudley is terrified of wizards. How on earth did those two . . . UGH . . . Ok, I will admit that he was different after the Dementor's attack. I wasn't around right after, locked in my room and all." Draco frowned at this statement but Harry continued, "He did seem different summer after fifth year. I always thought it was because I was in such a haze . . . mourning Sirius." Harry sighed, again there just seemed to be too much to absorb at once. [Don’t panic, Dudley and Snape are explained a little later on.]

"Did you hear the question about a map?"

Harry came back to the moment and grinned at Draco with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Yes, I have a map; it was passed to me from the Weasley twins. I later discovered that my dad and his friends created it while they were students here. They were called the Marauders, Purveyors of Mischief."

"Your dad was a Marauder?" Draco asked with a quirked brow. "Now, I see the light. Sev hated them with more passion than I have ever seen him express in all my life. He never told me their names though. House points deducted for Potter . . . that's some legacy you have there, Harry," Draco smirked.

Harry asked, "You said the others in your group are Zabini, Crabbe, Goyle and Finch-Fletchley? Do you trust them? How did Justin become apart of your circle? He's in the DA."

"Yes, that is our inner circle," Draco answered. "Like I said before, there are others. Some of the others are from other houses. I trust my inner circle with my life. I guess that makes you an extension of that because I have sworn to protect and support you. I know Justin is in the DA and no he is not a spy placed there by me. My inner circle has complete freewill. Justin and Blaise have been friends since third year. He is even welcome in the Slytherin common room and dorms; even knows the password." Draco finished with a grin at Harry's look of astonishment, as he thought, again, this is fun. Draco inhaled and asked, "Have you told anyone about us yet?"

Harry nodded. "I've told Ron, 'Mione, Neville and Ginny. Luna was in the hospital wing during that meeting. By the way, thanks for your help with her. Sometimes she has a difficult time when she is in the middle of one of her visions."

"You're welcome. How did they react?" Draco was sure the answer to this question was vital to the success of any potential plans of defense of the castle and Harry.

Harry had resumed his pacing by this time. "There were mixed reactions . . . I guess I don't have to tell you what Ron said." At this point Harry reached up and took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "Don't worry," he said, "he'll come around. He may be a stubborn prat sometimes; however, he is a great asset as both a friend and a strategist. He has also begun studying healing; something we will surely need more of."

Harry finally came to the question he knew must be answered, "Does your father know?" Putting his glasses back on, Harry was in time to see first sadness then the Malfoy mask slide quickly into place.

Draco had known that this question was inevitable. "No," he whispered. "We need to talk about your training. What have you been doing to learn control of fire?"

Harry sighed.  "Up until today I have mainly focused on meditation, trying to stay calm and balanced. We didn't want it getting to the rumor mill that I catch on fire if I become too emotional. I guess in one sense, the Occlumency has helped me with it. However, as you can see, it still flares up." Harry looked away and blushed as he said this last to Draco. Thus the reason he had taken himself off the dating market. "Today when I flew, that was the first time I tried it as a calming technique.” Looking Draco in the eye, he continued, "Yes, it worked."

 Draco studied Harry. "Ok then, how about if we try something. Flame up."

Harry scowled.

Draco coaxed, "Come on, Potter we need to see some flames."

Still no flame.

Draco drew his katana from its sheath on his back and swung it around as if he were going after Harry's head.

Harry's emerald eyes grew large and he did a duck and roll; coming up onto his feet engulfed in fire.

Draco smiled. "Now," he said, "what you need to do is focus on the fire; block all else out but my voice and the flame. Close your eyes. Can you hear me?"

Harry nodded as he listened to Draco's smooth voice. Had it always been so smooth and sleek? It was intoxicating.

Draco kept talking as he walked around Harry. "Focus on the flame . . . let it completely engulf you . . . think of it as an embrace . . . feel it as the black flames caress your skin . . . let it tickle. . . ."

Harry groaned but continued to focus on the flames. He began to have a far away look on his face; this was exactly what Draco was waiting for.

Draco's intoxicating voice caressed Harry as he continued, "Now, I want you to focus on pulling the flame within you. It’s like pulling your aura in to energize your magic. Pull it into your feet, come on, you can do it . . . that's it. Now pull the flames into your legs . . . the fire is already apart of you . . . embrace it. . . . Now you need to pull the flames from your head and neck down into your solar plexus . . . come on. Harry, focus . . . that's it, you are doing great. . . ."

Draco's voice continued on in his heady resonance as he continued to circle Harry.

Time became irrelevant.

Draco's voice kept up its caress. "Now Harry, you almost have it . . . pull the fire into your solar plexus from your arms and hold it close . . . the longer you can hold it the stronger you will become. Eventually you will be able to pull it from your solar plexus to exit out of your hands. That's it you've got it. Open you eyes now." Draco was standing close to Harry looking into his deep emerald eyes.

Harry could feel Draco's breath upon his face; he leaned forward to close the gap.

Draco's breath hitched in response.

Harry looked into his silver orbs and whispered, "I want . . . need to taste you, Draco."

"Risk it," Draco whispered back.

The look on Harry's face changed in an instant. Inhaling sharply, he shook his head disappearing in a flashpoint of phoenix flame.

Shocked by the unexpected exit, Draco pulled in a desperate breath as if his very life depended on it. Whispering an apology to the castle, Draco said, "Sorry." Spinning with his arms extended, Draco yelled, "ARRRGH!!" at the top of his lungs. All around him the courtyard became covered with ice and snow as it was propelled from his hands. When he was finished, the courtyard looked like a winter wonderland and Draco was on his knees in the center of it all.

FyrTæhhers watched forlornly from a gargoyle up above.

Justin Finch-Fletchley entered the library and walked over to the table where his friend Blaise Zabini was seated reading, Advanced Transfiguration, by Conall LeBatel. He sat down across from him with a grunt of frustration.

Blaise looked up at his friend and smirked when he saw the expression on Justin's face. "Ok, Justin?" He already knew the answer but asked it anyway.

Justin sighed. "Harry."

Blaise looked at his friend and said softly, "We all know he is not accessible, Justin. You know that he keeps himself as free from relationships as possible. I've heard rumors that he has dated a few people but he doesn’t seem to allow it to proceed to the point of being a relationship. Draco says it is because he doesn't want to endanger anyone."

Justin snorted. "Most likely it is that Draco wants him for himself. We all know that, Blaise. I thought after everything you would at least be honest with me."

Blaise sighed and frowned at his friend. "Don't you remember how we became friends?"

"Yes, of course," Justin answered. "It was at the beginning of third year. We were in the aisles on the train when the Dementors boarded. It was horrible. I could hear voices of people being tortured; I reacted badly, you pulled me into a compartment. I still think you saved my life. People have told me that the Dementors make you relive your worst memory. I never did figure out how those people's screams could be my worst memory because I had only dreamt about them. What does this have to do with my insatiable desire for Harry?"

 "Firstly, it was bad for me, too," Blaise replied. "We both came out of that experience changed. I have found you to be a valuable friend and have not lied to you once since that day, even when the truth was hard." Blaise looked closely at Justin who nodded. "Justin, look at me."

Justin looked into the chocolate eyes of his best friend.

Blaise held his gaze tightly. "I would never do anything to jeopardize our friendship, ever."

As Justin sat there looking into Blaise's eyes, he finally understood what had been before him probably since third year. He swallowed hard and whispered, "Merlin, Blaise . . . I - I didn't know."

"Well, well, here is Blaise Zabini with his puffer," screeched Pansy. "I thought you went somewhere with Draco tonight, Blaisy. Won't he be disappointed when he finds out you left him for this?" In the quiet library, Pansy's voice sounded the screeching of a banshee.

Blaise shook his head. "Draco knows of and approves my friendship with Justin." He tapped Justin's foot under the table for reassurance because the statement made it seem as though that was the only reason they were friends. "You already know this too, Pansy, considering you have seen him in the Slytherin common room many times. Perhaps you should cut the show; you may end up being asked to leave by Madam Pince."

Pansy glanced at the librarian, who was frowning at her. Twisting her lips into a fake smile, she turned back to Blaise asking, "Where is Draco?"

Blaise arched his brows and shrugged. "He left, what he does is his own business. I do not keep tabs on him, you know."

"Well maybe you should," Pansy replied with a smirk. "There are some who would be grateful for information on his whereabouts."

"Grateful is not a term I would use," Blaise said, not liking the implication. "Now go away, Justin and I were discussing this interesting chapter of transfiguring girls into fuzzy little dogs."

Justin smirked at her as she harrumphed and spun on her heel, leaving the library with the sound of her clicking heels.

"Blaise . . ."

"Not now, Jus . . . please?"

Chapter Five; “I’m Not a Dark Wizard”

The next morning dawned bright and crisp. Harry snuggled down in his blankets as far as he could get. Some prat had opened his bed hangings and let the beautiful sunlight in.

"Come on mate," Ron said. "You really need to get up. You’re going to miss breakfast. ‘Mione is already downstairs; she didn't want to wait for you. What did you do to your alarm clock?" Ron was shaking Harry in a futile attempt to rouse him. "Maybe I should try water," he added when there was no response.

Harry groaned, mumbling incoherently, "m ake, go way."

"Whatever you say, mate. I'm going. I'm starved." As if seconding the motion, his stomach gave a large rumble.

Harry rolled over, pulling his pillow over his head and completely forgot about Ron, Hermione and breakfast.

Twenty-five minutes later, a sleep mussed Harry ran along the Transfiguration corridor wishing he could teleport to class. He came to a sliding stop at the door, hair sticking out more than usual, tie skewed and shirt untucked. He landed on Ron with a grunt.

"Good morning, Harry," Ron said with a grin. "Glad to see you could join us. Here, I brought you an éclair for a sugar fix."

As Harry began to eat his sugar fix, the door opened allowing the students to enter. Harry stuffed the rest of the éclair into his mouth.

Professor McGonagall greeted him, frowning at his unkempt appearance and full cheeks. "You know, Mr. Potter, we have a nice large room downstairs in which everyone is able to eat properly."

Harry finished chewing. "I know. I'm sorry. I slept in this morning, missed breakfast completely. I didn’t want to be late," he added, hoping for forgiveness.

"Don't you have an alarm clock?"

"Er, well…I did, but…it is currently un-repairable." Harry looked at Ron with arched brows. I wonder if he knows how to get melted plastic off the floor.  Harry took his seat and began pulling his quills and parchment out of his bag. We'll see later.

Professor McGonagall studied him over her spectacles. "I suggest you find a more reliable means of waking in the morning, or perhaps you could try going to sleep earlier."

Harry nodded.

Transfiguration was interesting that day. They were expected to turn a vase into a small fluffy dog. "I realize, class," Professor McGonagall said. "That some of you may find this topic redundant. However, there are some in this classroom who are still struggling with this very simple spell. This will be an important aspect of your N.E.W.T.S. Therefore, I expect each of you to take today's class seriously.

Blaise Zabini looked at the vase on his table, looked directly at Pansy, and then tapped the vase with his wand. "Fluffy Catella." Blaise grinned and reached out to scratch the ears of the fluffy little dog. "Ooh hello, Pansy. Aren't you the fluffy little thing this morning?" The other students sitting around him snickered, even Draco joined in.

Pansy scowled fiercely.

While the other students were packing up at the conclusion of class, Professor McGonagall spoke to Harry. "Mr. Potter," her voice rang out sternly, "please remain behind."

"See you later," Harry said softly. He walked to the front of the classroom preparing mentally for the inevitable question.

When the door closed, leaving them alone, Professor McGonagall eyed him. "Harry, how is your Animagus spell coming along? Have you made any progress?"

Harry looked at the floor, hoping the action would seem like embarrassment. He really hated lying. "No Professor. Nothing so far."

Professor McGonagall frowned. "Perhaps if I coached you a little more?"

Harry shook his head, biting his lip. "No. It's okay, really. I know you have been busy with Ginny and Luna. They need your help more than I do. I think I should just accept things the way they are. Thanks for the offer though." He glanced up at her hoping she would let him leave.

She merely stood there studying him.

“Is that all professor?"

She nodded. "You may go, Harry."

"Thank you, I guess I'll see you later then. Bye."

Professor McGonagall studied her student as he walked out of her classroom. Curious, she thought, that her best student, even better than Miss Granger and Mr. Malfoy, struggled with a simple Animagus spell. This required more thought and perhaps discussion with the Headmaster. 

Harry was walking away from the Transfiguration classroom when he suddenly encountered something that could only be referred to as centrifugal force, pulling him into an empty classroom. The door closed firmly and instantly had a personal ward placed upon it that even Dumbledore would not be able to breach.

Harry turned to the only other person present. "What did you do?"

Draco grinned like the cat that caught the canary. "Accio, Harry Potter."

"What!" Harry's emerald eyes flashed angrily. "You arse! You can't just Accio people! It epitomizes rudeness. You who practice perfect manners even when you are being a snarky prat! Damnit, I cannot not believe you!" By this time, black and green flames surrounded Harry. Harry yowled some more. "Why did you do it?"

"Because you flashed out last night before we were finished," Draco said, arching his brow. The slight tilt of his head indicated stubbornness.

"I say we were finished." Harry gasped with emotion. "I don't want to hurt you." He was still flaming up, expressing the deep anger and pain he felt as he looked at Draco—the one who held his heart. The pain was so deep it wrenched Harry’s heart, changing his pulse rate, slowing it down. Harry gasped and fell to his knees with a sob as he raised his hands to his chest over his heart in a vain attempt to ease the pain. Tears escaped, sliding down his face as he looked at Draco with yearning. He turned his head away unable to bear eye contact.

Suddenly, there was an intrusion of someone knocking on the door and yelling, "Harry, are you in there?"

No one in the room paid the slightest attention.

"Harry, I can feel it, too," Draco said softly. "Come on, Fyr, come back to me. I know you want to escape the pain, but you need to allow yourself to feel it. Look at me, please.”

Harry held his gaze on the floor—insisting on not looking at Draco. With rasping breath, Harry’s mind swirled, what the hell? Fuck, why does this hurt so much? I fee…split.

Sighing, Draco continued, “Pain is energy, too. When we try to ignore it or skirt the issue, it simply festers and becomes worse. If you confront it, then you’ll be able to conquer it."

Harry shook his head, and then turned his tear stained face to Draco. "It always comes out the same. I'm a freak and my own freakishness turns on me. I can't even be close to you without this damn so called gift erupting. I'm just tired of the whole thing. Enough already!" The pace of Harry's tears picked up. He was barely able to breath. Phoenix tears—what the hell good will they do if I can’t touch him? I want…he probably thinks…

Draco knelt on one knee so he would be eye level with Harry. "Harry, you’re not a freak. You’re the strongest and most compassionate person I’ve ever met. I know you don't know this, but your fire was what melted my frozen heart. Think on that for a moment." Draco's silver eyes pleaded with Harry's eyes to see the truth. After a silent moment, he continued, "Fundamentally, you single handedly changed the purpose for which I was born. I was created to stand at the side of the worst Dark Lord in our time. You, with your fiery passion saved me. You will save many more."

Harry looked down at the flames that surrounded him and didn't feel any better. "That doesn't help," he whispered through the flames and pain. "Draco, it doesn't change the fact that this," he motioned to the space between them, "is the best we can do. It just doesn't balance out." He finished speaking with more tears and frustration.

The pounding at the door intensified due to a lack of response from within.

Draco presented Harry with a small sad smile. "That’s why I wanted to talk to you. You see, you," he said, pointing to Harry, "have already melted my heart with your fire. Don't you think it’s interesting that fire melts ice; however, the other aspect of that equation is that water puts out fire?" Draco raised his hand into the air, his palm facing Harry. "Fyr, touch me," he requested softly never taking his eyes from Harry's.

Rapid shake of the head was the only response, and then Harry slowly moved his eyes to Draco's hand.

Draco wiggled his fingers. "Water puts out fire, come on, Harry," he tried to coax him softly. "Touch me."

Harry swallowed and slowly raised his hand. He looked into Draco's eyes pleading.

Draco nodded.

Two hands met in mid air, there was even a slight sizzling sound—fusion. Harry looked upon the two joined hands in wonder, and then at Draco's face split with a wide grin.

"How did you know?"

Draco still grinning, said, "Didn't."

"What!! You arse!!"

He was silenced by a very enticing set of cool lips kissing him. He would respond later to that didn't comment since he was suddenly very busy.

Laughter and clapping broke into their sounds of pleasure. They pulled apart and looked in surprise at the person sitting on the teacher's desk at the front of the classroom.

"Belenus," Draco said in a rush. "When did you get here, how much did you see and why didn't you tell us you were here?" Draco stood quickly, brushing dust from his rumpled robes.

Belenus grinned and held up His hand. "One, I've been here since before Mr. Accio here burst into flame. Two," He grinned wider with an arched brow. "I saw everything. Three, I didn't tell you I was here because I was having too much fun watching. By the way, Draconis, good job."

Draco blushed.

Harry growled. "Aren't You the Warrior who was supposed to come and help me with my gift of fire?"

"Yep," Belenus said with a wide grin. "You seemed to be doing just fine from what I could see. Besides, taking advantage of the emotional connection between the two of you helped you to gain control faster. Now, we can focus on the strategy aspect of your gift."

Harry grumbled but he realized Belenus was correct.

The rumble at the door finally caught Harry and Draco's attention.

"That is something that you should probably go take care of now," Belenus said with a tilt of His head toward the door. "The Headmaster is out there and he is seriously pissed because he wants to know what is going on behind that locked door. Catch you later. Be in the courtyard at eight o’clock tonight."  With a flashpoint of fire, Belenus was gone.

"Is that…"

"Yes," Draco answered. "Come on, we better go and face the inquisition, at least we're together.” Draco paused, suddenly unsure. “We are, aren't we?"

Harry smiled, leaned in with a kiss, and then took Draco's hand into his own. "Absolutely."

The door opened and they found themselves facing an angry crowd of Professors, Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape, and an even angrier Ron and Hermione. Ron glared at Harry and Draco's clasped hands. His gaze traveled up to Harry's tear stained face, he growled, "What's going on?"

Harry and Draco shared a smile. "Bonding…"

Ron's glare intensified.

Professor Dumbledore turned to Ron and Hermione. "Everything seems to be fine here. Perhaps you should go to lunch. Harry can talk to you later. For now, I think it is best if he and Mr. Malfoy accompany their Heads of House to my office. It appears we have some things to discuss." He said this with a stern look over his spectacles at Hermione and Ron.

Amid much grumbling, they deferred to the higher authority and left with a final look at Harry.

Harry mouthed, "Later," and turned to follow, never letting go of Draco's hand.

Draco and Harry lagged slightly behind on the journey to the Headmaster's office. They whispered about the possible out come of this meeting. They tried to come to agreement of what they would disclose to their elders on such a short notice. They had both thought there would be more time to regroup and merge their factions before the news of their union came out.

Professor Dumbledore stopped at the gargoyle and turned, waiting for them to catch up. "Come along, boys. There is no sense in prolonging the inevitable."

Harry squeezed Draco's hand as they ascended the stairs to the circular office.

As Professor Dumbledore walked around his desk to take a seat, he conjured four chairs for his guests to sit in.

Professors McGonagall and Snape were preoccupied with frowning and scowling, respectively.

"Please take a seat, everyone," Professor Dumbledore said, casting a stern look at his professors just as much as at his students. "Lemon drop, anyone?"

Everyone declined.

Harry didn’t accept the candy because he had decided there must be a Cheering Charm or at the least a potion for such results on it. He thought he wanted to be the only one with a trick up his sleeve, well, maybe he'd keep a close eye on Snape anyway. That snarky old prat was sure to have a few tricks up his sleeve he had not shared with Harry.

"Perhaps I should have some lunch served?"

Draco and Harry looked at one another. Together, they said, "I'm not hungry, sir."

"Mr. Potter, you did not have much breakfast, surely you'll rethink that?" Professor McGonagall asked.

"No thank you, ma’am. I'm fine, really." Harry gave her a look of determination while thinking, no food from the Headmaster. There, he growled in his mind, read that.

Professor McGonagall sat, with a lipless frown on her face, in the chintz chair Dumbledore had conjured, and said no more.

Apparently, that was a signal for Snape to open his personal floodgate of sarcastic anger aimed not just at Harry. "Draco," he said sternly, "what do you think you were doing locked away in a room with a Gryffindor, and then exiting holding hands?" He glared at their still joined hands as if expecting his facial expression to be enough to sever the connection.

Harry bit back a smile. Didn't work, did Snivellus?

"Professors, if you are quite finished?" Professor Dumbledore gave his professors another stern look. "I would imagine they will give us an explanation if we step back and give them the opportunity. Harry?"

That's it you old codger, go to your Golden Boy first, Draco sighed. Expect to get flamed. He did not bite back his smirk.

Harry glanced at Draco when he sighed, noticing the smirk. Green eyes met silver. He gave Draco a soft smile as he held his gaze. "Well sir,” Harry looked at Professor Dumbledore across his desk. “Perhaps I’m not the only one here who should give an explanation." 

Professor Snape sputtered angrily.

Shaking his head at Snape, Harry said, "It has come to light that Draco is a member of the Order."

“Harry…”

Harry shook his head, studying Professor Dumbledore closely. "Don't misunderstand sir. I understand the need for secrecy in matters concerning the Order. But, the way I see it, you have encouraged a rivalry here when it would have been best to form an alliance. This is the main issue I believe deserves an explanation. There are others, but when viewed in regards to the big picture this one is vastly important. This could’ve had detrimental side effects on the outcome of this war. I could’ve faced Draco on the battlefield and killed him, not knowing he was an ally."

Professor Dumbledore looked at the parchments on his desk, shuffling them with an annoyed air.

At this point Harry turned to Professor Snape angrily. "You sir," he said with heated fierceness, "should have great concern about this. I believe Draco is your godson. Am I correct?"

Professor Snape swallowed his own anger. "Yes he is, Potter, but I fail to see why you even—"

"Do you love him?"

Snape blanched.

Draco looked surprised at Harry's tactic.

"Well?"

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat in an attempt to cut the tension as she watched Harry and Professor Snape.

After intense glaring, Professor Snape decided Harry would not back down from the question. "Yes," he finally answered as he looked into Draco's surprised eyes.

Harry's voice clipped sharply. "Yet, you’ve spent the last year teaching me how to kill him. Don't you think that’s a bit odd, sir?"

"No, Potter we are at war," Professor Snape answered with a sneer.

"But not with Draco!" Harry's anger rose to a feverish pitch. He responded the same way he had been when he became so emotional. He stood up quickly so flames would not engulf the chair beneath him.

Draco quickly put out the small fire on the chair with water from of his hands.

Professor McGonagall let out a sharp cry and promptly fainted.

Professor Snape started yelling about Harry's genetic arrogance.

Professor Dumbledore's blue eyes widened and most definitely did not twinkle.

In the midst of all this madness, Draco was calm. "Harry." Their eyes met through the flames. Draco was pleased to see that there was no longer the anger, fear and pain within. There was only confidence and love. Ah, the realms of possibilities.

That was when Harry heard a feminine voice within his head he was very familiar and comfortable with.

"Show him. Throw your fire at the empty wall where his portrait will hang someday."

"I don't want to hurt you," Harry said aloud. "You have protected and guided me. I won’t harm you."

Draco frowned at him in confusion.

Harry shook his head, motioning to the blank wall.

Draco then understood Harry meant the castle had spoken to him.

"No harm will come to me my son. I assure you I have had much worse thrown at me in my lifetime of existence." She seemed to chuckle through the air. "Why even in this very room a young man named Harry became so angry that he threw things at my walls and floor."

Professor Dumbledore sensed Harry was listening to something or someone. This did not bode well with him. His first thought was a small snake or even a basilisk. The flames were another deep concern; they seemed to wreak of evil to him, at the very least a Dark Art. Somehow, Draco's apparent acceptance of the fire created even more of a bad feeling. He turned to Severus to get his reaction of Draco’s association in the matter.

Severus was kneeling next to Professor McGonagall, attempting to revive her so she could wake up and take care of her Golden Boy prat. He was having no luck.

Harry turned from Draco to Professor Dumbledore. "Guess now is as good a time as any to bring up another issue you have refused to discuss—fire. Isn't it pretty?" Harry asked as he held his hands out from his sides, palms facing upwards. Turning to face the blank wall, he pulled his fire into himself, and then said rather calmly while flicking his wrist, "Malleolus." A beautiful fire dart exited Harry's hand and flew towards the blank wall before him.

Draco gasped in awe.

Harry spoke loud enough for everyone to hear, "Desitum Transit." The fire dart stopped in transit before it hit the wall—resting in mid air. "I told you," Harry said aloud once more, "I won’t harm you."

Professor Dumbledore's realized his worst fear. Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, savior of the wizarding world was practicing the Dark Arts. Draco Malfoy, Prince of Slytherin, and son of a Death Eater, had corrupted him. Professor Dumbledore’s face fell to the documents on his desk, disappointment and sorrow etched there.

Harry could read that expression like a book.

Professor McGonagall finally woke up from her faint.

Professor Snape attempted to help her up with gentleness, all the while snarling about her Golden Boy and his genetic disposition.

"Albus," Professor McGonagall said shakily. "Lunch session is finished we must go. We both have classes to teach this afternoon." Still wobbly, she could not let her other students down, classes must continue, even in the face of disaster.

"That is fine, Minerva," Professor Dumbledore said. "Please stop by the Charms classroom and tell Professor Flitwick that Harry and Mr. Malfoy have been excused from their afternoon classes. I would also like your assurance that this matter will not be discussed outside of this office. Do I have that assurance?"

They both nodded. However, Professor Snape started to protest Draco staying behind.

Professor Dumbledore cut him short. "Draco is very much apart of this situation, Severus," Professor Dumbledore said. "It is necessary to resolve this problem and he must be here to do that."

Severus glared at Harry one final time, and then turned to exit the office followed by Professor McGonagall.

Harry could tell Professor McGonagall was very shaken by the revelations revealed today. As she left the office, Harry could feel the trepidation rolling off her. He had hoped for understanding and support from her. It would take some effort if he were to have that. He sighed.

Shaking her head, Professor McGonagall left the office.

Silence reigned in the Headmaster's office after the professors left.

"It will be all right," a soft voice like a gentle breeze came into Harry's mind.

"I know," he answered back softly. To the Headmaster, he said, "I'm not a dark wizard."

Albus sighed.

"I'm not a Dark Wizard."

There was still no verbal response from the Headmaster.

"I'm NOT a Dark Wizard," Harry repeated strongly as he stood before the Headmaster's desk waiting for a response. "I thought you wanted to talk, sir," he insisted. "Sitting there refusing to answer, may bring my anger up, but it will not go toward proving you right. Just because I have a temper doesn’t make me evil. Having the gift of elements doesn’t make me evil. I was born with it. A 'power the Dark Lord knows not.' This is what will bring about our success."

Fawkes trilled out a note of song. For once, it seemed to have no effect. He ruffled his feathers, tipped his head at Harry, and then flashed out of the room.

"Harry," Professor Dumbledore said with sorrow resonating in his voice. "The Ministry considers the use of fire as a weapon to be a Dark Art. Draco knows this because he somehow found out about your predilection to use fire and I have discussed this with him." He arched his brows at Draco. "Draco has refused to understand the importance of you abstaining from using it in battle. Now that you’ve been corrupted, we must decide what we’re going to do to prevent your apprehension by the Ministry."

"Draco has not corrupted me," Harry said, and then he paused taking a deep breath. "I was struggling with fire long before he stepped up to help. He has helped me to gain control over something that threatened to flare up without forewarning. Ron and 'Mione were witnesses to my flair ups if you question my integrity. I would like to say that your own fear of my gifts is a path to darkness. Your denial of such isn’t the only answer to our coming conflict. You must come to realize that I’m Voldemort's moral opposition. I won’t stand by and do nothing. Too many lives have already been lost, and more must not be bartered with any longer. With Draco by my side, we’ll be much stronger and the Light will conquer Voldemort and his minions."

Dumbledore sighed. "Harry, you don't understand. Draco cannot fight at your side. He must take the Dark Mark and help to crumble Voldemort from inside."

Harry growled and said stubbornly, "Draco will not take the Dark Mark." The air in the office picked up, causing unexpected movement.

Draco held back watching the disagreement. At Harry's intensity, he stepped forward in case he needed to calm him. "Harry, calm down; please," Draco's voice purred as he tried to coax windlessness. This was no time for Harry to use air in anger.

Harry turned to Draco, insisting, "You won’t do it. I said I wouldn’t stand by and watch more lives bartered. Did you really think you wouldn't count? I refuse to allow it, Draco. I need you with me." He finished speaking, radiating stubborn resolution as he held Draco's gaze tightly. I can't believe I ever thought they were cold; they are just as hot as my own.

"Harry, it isn't for you to say."

"Yes, it is. He will not do it," Harry responded without taking his eyes from Draco's.

Draco swallowed and looked from Harry to the Headmaster. "I may have to, Harry. If this next appearance of Voldemort doesn't go as we plan."

"It will be finished—Yule," Harry said. Oops, he thought.

"Harry, how do you…?"

Harry turned to the Headmaster. "I have my ways, sir. I even have a few of my own spies."

Professor Dumbledore glanced around the office looking for an unseen being. He found none. "Harry, who were you talking to earlier?"

Harry smiled.

Draco tried to get his attention to silence him. He, like everyone else, knew that hearing voices isn't a good sign, even in the wizarding world. He felt a little nervous of Dumbledore's assessment of the situation.

The Headmaster frowned. He gave Harry that look over his spectacles that always worked, but found this time it was to no avail.

"Tell me something, sir," Harry asked, "do I know all of your secrets?"

Albus Dumbledore looked Harry in the eye. "Harry, if this information is vital to the cause, you must share it."

"If it were, I would." Harry held the Headmaster's gaze stubbornly. "As it is, it’s strictly personal and of no use to battle strategy. Therefore, I don't feel a need to share." Harry told Moenia within his mind, sorry about that Moenia, my home and protector, but I simply must not divulge our secret just yet.

"That's alright my son," the castle hummed as she sent him a breeze of an embrace.

"Headmaster," Harry said as he studied him. "I realize we are at an impasse here, but perhaps we should continue this discussion at a later time. You know, cooler heads and all. I’d like to have a talk with Professor McGonagall and put her heart at ease. I’m sure Draco would like to talk with Professor Snape. We can all get together, perhaps tomorrow to continue this current disagreement. Don't you think that would be best?" Harry wanted to leave and take care of some other things, maybe have some time with Draco; they had so much to talk about.

"That would be fine, Harry, perhaps a fresh tin of biscuits will smooth the way with Minerva," Professor Dumbledore said in a very tired voice.

Harry and Draco turned to leave.

"Mr. Malfoy, stay one moment, please."

Harry turned with anger upon his countenance and said fiercely, "I'm sure whatever you have to say to Draco can be said to both of us, sir. I don’t want you attacking his actions while I’m not present." Harry stood like a megalithic monument refusing to leave without Draco.

Professor Dumbledore frowned at Harry, took a deep breath of resignation, and then turned to Draco. "The counter attack was a success, there were no deaths." At Draco's arched brow he added, "No, not even any Muggles. Two Death Eaters were captured, seems they were new recruits from Bulgaria. That is all, you may go."

They exited through the door to the stairs. As the door closed, Harry found himself thrust against the wall, a sensuous breath in his ear. "You were brilliant—like the fire of all existence."

There was a sudden flashpoint of fire. The stairway was empty.

Draco gasped as they landed, and then sputtered, "Potter, what have you done? Where are we?"

Harry laughed. "Ha, vengeance is mine, thus sayth the Shadow Phoenix."

Draco quirked his brow, studying Harry up close and personal. "What did you do?"

Harry grinned, wagging his brows. "Accio, Draco Malfoy, in my own special way, of course."

Draco swallowed and looked around at the chamber where they had landed. A bed??  Trying to keep his mind clean, he asked, "Where are we?"

Harry laughed. "That, Shadow Phoenix's Kat, is my secret."

"Why do I get the idea that I have no secrets?

Harry began purring.

“Harry?" Draco looked down at the large black panther lying on his chest, resisting the urge to reach out and scratch his black ears.

Harry kept his eyes closed, yet smirked within his mind, Moenia?

Yes, my son?

Send Salz around to wake us in time for dinner, OK? It’ll be a nice surprise for Draco.

I'll do that for you. Enjoy your cat nap, Moenia hummed to him.

"Harry, come on…Fyr…Fyr wake up."

"ppprrrrrrrr…."

Draco sighed. "Not exactly what I had in mind…oh well."

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