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A/N: Honestly, you guys, I'm one very sad writer. Not one person has reviewed my last two chapters! Not even one teeny-tiny review … why? I keep thinking it's 'cause my writing sucks so bad, but then I keep getting notifications of people following my fic – so why no reviews? Will bribery help? Hmmm….

In Dumbledore's office …

Albus sighed heavily. Speaking of Ariana's mental breakdown and subsequent death brought to the fore all the pain, anger, guilt and despair he felt. "My father attacked the muggle boys, and was sent to Azkaban – my mother immediately moved us to the quiet village of Godric's Hollow." Harry twitched involuntarily, recognising the place of his birth, as well as his House's Founder, even as he was mesmerised by Albus's story.

"My father must not have said why he did what he did, as no-one ever came looking for Ariana. We isolated ourselves from everyone, except a reclusive author, who lived in the house beside ours – you may know her as Bathilda Bagshot, author of 'Hogwarts: A History'. It may seem cruel to have hidden Ariana away, but had the authorities found her, they would have locked her away in St Mungos for 'Her Safety' – to be honest Harry; Ariana was only a danger to herself. She had little control over her magic, and locked herself inside her mind. We spent all our time with her, my mother had been a mediwizard, and Ariana loved her brothers."

Albus took a deep breath before continuing. "Shortly before the holidays ended for Hogwarts, Ariana laughed, the first time before the incident. We held onto the hope that when the time came, she would be able to study at Hogwarts as well – something that would never have happened if she had been put in St Mungos. Incidentally, this was my last year of Hogwarts."

"My brother and I had always been clever, especially with Transfigurations. He had never really aspired to achieve, yet I … I wanted to change the world Harry. So when the year ended, and my brother and I went home, I was very happy to see Ariana and my mother, especially when my mother announced that Ariana would be attending Hogwarts in the autumn – yet I was already making my own plans for the future. Travel, reforms, a position at the Ministry … the world was at my feet."

"That same summer, Bathilda had her nephew, Gellert Grindelwald to stay with her. We became instant companions. We spent hours discussing our futures – he was just as ambitious as I was, but more willing to go to the extreme. After what those muggle boys had done to my sister, I saw his point – we were high on youth and power Harry. Aberforth did not like Gellert and we had many arguments. One day, Gellert walked in just as we were arguing with each other – I regret many things Harry, but none more so than that day. We had always been careful to never raise our voices, for fear of upsetting Ariana. Gellert had no such qualms. Aberforth and Gellert said all kinds of things that day, Gellert had gone to Durmstrang, and Aberforth spoke his disdain of the school. Gellert pulled out his wand; dark curses were second nature to him – and-and- I tried to intervene- we never even heard the door open. We were shouting curses at each other, and I heard Ariana scream. And when the smoke cleared she and my mother were lying on the floor, so still."

Albus shuddered, tears trickling done his wrinkled face … so many years had passed, and yet the pain was so fresh … "Aberforth never forgave me. If I had only given Gellert and the promise of power up, the fight might never have occurred. Because of that, I have never held a position of power – it is not for me."

Harry interrupted, seething. This was the reason why Dumbledore had never embraced power? "Professor, I don't pretend to understand what it was like, losing your family like that – but that's stupid. You are the best Headmaster I've ever had, and-and that is power and if you don't straighten up and do your job properly, then you might as well hand me over to the Dark Lord right this instant. You're the Chief of those wizards in the court, and you can speak with mermaids and centaurs because they respect you, and that is power and you know you were wrong to want the power Gellert wanted, and now it's time to move on Professor, because life is too important to waste."

Harry realised that he was shouting, and promptly sat back down. Albus stared at Harry for a moment, speechless before offering a watery smile. "Your right Harry and it is time I righted some wrongs."

Meanwhile, in the Dungeons …

Severus stared down at his godson, who squirmed in his seat. "I know I have taught you better than this. NEVER get involved. NEVER allow your feelings to influence your actions. And above all, stay AWAY from Potter-spawn.

Draco shuddered involuntarily, as the memory of Potter's fierce face as he had faced down their former Headmistress flitted through his mind. Draco was astounded – what was wrong with his body? If it continued to betray him … well Draco was not quite sure what he would do, but it involved telling his father. Potter had looked like an avenging hero from the stories his mother used to tell him – Draco had always been fascinated by those stories, as just the memory of Potter's courage sent a tendril of heart curling through him ….

DMHP DMHP DMHP DMHP DMHP DMHP DMHP

Severus scowled most impressively. Draco was clearly veering most dangerously from the path Lucius had set up for him. Severus did not relish the task ahead of him, but he supposed it would have to happen one day. "Draco, it is clear to me that you are attracted to Potter. This does not bode well, considering the closeness to your 17th birthday and your Veela heritage. However, you do have a choice. You will close your gaping mouth, and consider whether you would like to leave the Dark Lord's side – which will incidentally lose the coming war, if I have anything to say about it – and choose Potter.

A/N: REVIEW OFFER!

For every review offering feedback, I will type up another chapter immediately – I have the NEXT THREE CHAPTERS WRITTEN! Also, for every review that offers feedback, you may choose an OC character to be written in, or a scene of your choice.

Next Chapter: Harry's Holidays and Draco's Choice