The Re-sorting Hat - Remastered edition!

Pebbles in a Lake of Memories.

It was the last D.A meeting, and after a long session of trying to cast a Patronus: Luna's was a rabbit, Ginny's a horse, Ron had a dog and Hermione had an otter. They had asked him to go first and they gasped when they saw his stag galloping around the room. It was a great lesson but it started the grow late and people were excited to go home for Christmas. As people bid goodbye and happy holiday, Neville and Cho lingered at the back near the pictures on the information board. Harry walked up to them, he saw Neville look at him and then back at the picture Sirius had given him of the order - Neville was looking at his parents. In that time frame picture they were smiling, joy sang from their eyes but that was back then. Things had changed.

"They were tortured by You Know Who" Neville said shakily, surprising Harry. He hadn't managed to produce a Patronus yet. He continued speaking. "One death eater, Bellatrix La...well she tortured to the point of craziness I guess." He trailed off taking a deep breath before starting again. "I see them every now and again, but they don't remember me...but it's okay, at least they're still sort of there" Neville's voice cracked under emotion.

"Neville. Look at me" Neville looked up, sorrow and despair filling up his eyes like tears.

"We're going to make them proud, I promise" Neville's eyes lit up and he smiled sadly before walking off to go pack for the Christmas holidays. Cho was still hovering nearby looking at the picture board too, more specifically at Cedric's smiling face.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked, genuinely concerned. It must have been awful loosing someone close to you - Harry knew how that felt and honestly felt her pain. He was aware they had been dating when he had died and that must have been very difficult for her.

"Yeah...I think so. It's just...did he know all these things?" She asked quietly.

"Yeah, yeah he did, I mean he was incredible it's just there wasn't anything he or anyone could do to..." He trailed off.

"I just want to get my mind off it" then she looked over, staring at Harry's face. "You know, I've always liked you Harry"

Harry blinked. What should I say? I sort of like her, but not really? But then again..., actually I don't think I can give her a straight answer until I sort this out...ha straight! He gave her an awkward smile. Cho looked up, and then said "Mistletoe".

Oh no . Please don't kiss me . I have a ... well actually I have no idea what him and I actually are .

Then Cho stated to lean in, and Harry froze for a second. He had a choice here. He could move away or kiss her...dammit why was everything so complicated? Then instinct kicked in and he stepped backwards, he had chosen Draco over Cho. He blinked surprised at his own choice.

"Umm, I have to go" Harry lied, immediately scuttling away and not looking back, if stupid Umbridge hadn't resorted him then he would be snogging the girl he had had a crush on for the last year not thinking of Draco Malfoy.

~

"Okay so close your eyes" Draco commanded, he was sitting cross legged parallel to him on Harry's bed. Harry looked at him skeptically, a bit distracted with how soft he was being tonight.

"Just close your eyes, there's no use jumping straight Into the deep end with Occlumency" Harry reluctantly closed his eyes.

"Okay so you need to try and clear your mind, imagine you are in front of a lake. Do you see it?" Harry nodded, picturing the lake Hagrid had thrown rocks into after hearing Buckbeaks fate. The water was dark, murky and deep.

"Okay, now imagine your problems are pebbles, and you need to throw them into the lake to clear your mind of them"

"I'll be here all night Draco" Harry replied bitterly.

"Then take all night, the better you do this now the better you'll be later."

So Harry imagined throwing his pebble problems into the lake, one by one the weight on his mind ceased a little and after what seemed like hours spoke, "I think that's it"

A book closed shut and was set on the bed. "Okay, now, I want you to feel how the lake feels, describe how it would feel" Draco asked, he was certainly better at this then Snape.

"Umm...cold, dark, heavy I guess"

"Okay, do you think the water has feeling, emotions?"

Harry considered this for a moment and then replied "no? I don't think so"

"Good." He praised, it made Harry's stomach squirm a it "That's the basic concept of Occlumency, hiding all the problems and memories behind a mask if you like. Open your eyes"

Harry did so, squinting when it was so bright with the fire and candles lit "So your telling me to have no emotions?"

Draco laughed, shaking his head "no, I just want you to picture that lake before, it's a means of visualizing the things you are, the things you want to stay hidden and the things that protect you. The surface of the water is your protection, it stops anyone from getting through to the deeper parts of your mind."

Harry stared at Draco. "That's... Wow, that's actually helpful. Thanks"

"Oh we're not nearly done yet...and I require payment" He said tilting his head flirtatiously.

Harry blanched..."payment?"

Draco wet his lips "Yes I believe that would cost one kiss"

Harry blushed and immediately broke into a smile dammit where did his courage go? He leaned forward and with one hand cupping Draco's cheek kissed him softly. Draco kissed back, it was by far the most gentle kisses shared between them, Harry pulled back and then grinned wildly, this was a whole lot better than it would have been kissing Cho. And he was definitely interested in boys, or at least this one. Draco insisted to sleep in his bed that night and Harry let him. The next day everyone was off on the train for the Christmas holidays, Harry going to Grimmauld place under Dumbledore's orders with Ron, Hermione and a few members of the Order which Harry still knew little about. He looking forward to a bit of relaxing with his friends and some home cooked food. He was excited to see Sirius as well - apparently he had found his way there after a difficult journey and was now safe.