Setting things to rights - 10

"Nah, I'm okay. I'm just glad you finally took your head out of your arse and asked her," he said, laughing.

Ron shoved him. "Oh, you're one to talk."

"Hey! Why are you shoving Harry?" Ginny asked as she and Hermione joined them.

"For being a right git," Ron said, taking Hermione's hand.

"You look wonderful, Hermione" Harry said.

Hermione beamed. "Thanks, Harry. Ginny and Fleur really did a nice job. Now we'll have to do something about turning your hair red," she said, laughing and tugging on a lock of his hair.

He ducked, jerking his head away.

"Harry wants red hair?" Fred asked. "I think I have something that would take care of that."

Harry's eyes widened in alarm. Taking Ginny by the hand, he backed away. "That's okay. My hair is fine, thanks."

He quickly wrapped his arms around Ginny and joined the others on the dance floor. Resting his chin on the top of her head as they swayed, he watched Ron and Hermione join them on the floor. The music might not have been his first choice, and their location certainly left a lot to be desired, but it didn't matter. This, this is why he was fighting. Times like these, being with his friends…his family…this was worth anything Voldemort might throw at him. He'd fight with everything he had to make moments like this one possible.

*~*~*

As September wound down and the weather turned markedly cooler, the event Harry had been dreading was scheduled. His first Occlumency lesson with the Malfoys had arrived. He met Remus in a small room off the second floor landing and sat down to await the arrival of Narcissa and Draco.

He and Remus greeted each other pleasantly, but an uncomfortable silence had descended upon the room once they sat down. Harry knew the Order felt these Occlumency lessons were important, but he also suspected that some of them might be trying to use the Malfoys in order to learn what Harry was doing. Harry couldn't help but be disappointed in Remus for going along with them. He tried to be reasonable and see Remus's point of view, as Hermione insisted he should, but when he allowed the darkness to enter his thoughts, his mind whispered that Sirius never would have done it.

"I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised you agreed to this, Harry. I didn't think you would," Remus said.

Harry shrugged. "I don't think it's the answer, but I'm willing to give it a go," he said, not meeting Remus's eyes.

"I understand your hesitancy, Harry," Remus said gently.

"Do you really? Do you really understand what you're asking of me, Remus? The same feelings that ran between the Marauders and Snape while you were in school now run between Malfoy and me. Would you have let Snape into your thoughts and memories back then? Would Sirius or my dad? Particularly if you had something specific you wanted to hide from him?" Harry demanded, his anger bubbling to the surface.

Remus sighed heavily, dropping his head. "Professor Dumbledore was certain that Occlumency would help you last year. He only changed his mind based on Severus's opinion. We know now that Severus couldn't be trusted. I don't think he tried to teach you properly. If Severus didn't want you able to do it, then it's more than likely it can help protect you. It's at least worth another effort. I understand your feelings, Harry, but I do believe this is for the best."

"I know you do," Harry said quietly, an uncomfortable churning in his belly. "I'm willing to make some considerations to appease the Order."

"What exactly does that mean?" Remus asked sharply.