As Harry was moved to the Hospital Wing by Madam Pomfrey and Professor Flitwick, Dumbledore and Professor McGongall had to remain on hand to deal with the fallout in the Great Hall. No one had seen much of anything in the duel. As the match began, a bright light had lit up the massive room and as people's eyes cleared for them to see, the dueling shields were filled with dust. By the time everything settled, Daphne was waking in Harry's arms while the other two combatants were being envenerated by the Charms Professor.

And then everyone saw the Slytherin Ice Princess, already developing her title, whisper something to the Gryffindor Golden Boy before shoving herself out of his arms. She moved to collapse in the arms of Tracey and Blaise, letting everyone know how he won. Not that anyone needed to hear it. The shields protected them from the spells and debris, but they were not sound proof. Everyone had heard the spells thrown by Daphne, Ron, and the start of a spell by Draco. They had also heard nothing but stupefys from Harry.

Harry, on the other hand, looked lost, adrift in an open sea, before simply fainting dead away.

The silence which hung in the air was deafening. The room felt as if it could collapse in on itself with that weight. Professor Flitwick and madam Pomfrey's robes as they moved were the only thing which could be heard outside of a few shuddering sobs that no one could identify the owners of.

That silence shattered the second Harry passed out of the doors.

The explosion of noise and excitement brought the remaining professors back from their stupor. It took a few canon blast from Dumbledore's wand to reign in the student body. While most of the room was thrilled for the display they had just missed, certain parties reacted differently.

Hermione and Luna clung desperately to one another. They had both experienced an explosion like that from Harry once before, even if only as spirits. There was no telling what would or could emerge from that expansion of power. And on top of that, Harry was hurt. This was an idea that did not sit well with either Bond Mate. It was a feeling shared by two other witches whose brown and grey eyes still faced the door Harry had left.

Daphne was being supported solely by Tracey and Blaise, lost in reviewing the duel. She had been doing well she felt, keeping him on the run for much of the duel. The explosion had thrown her off as had his first stunner, but she had felt that was just overpowered by some odd emotion of having the fight the red-head. Daphne was a rather powerful young witch, probably growing up to be somewhere in the mage range, even if only a minor mage.

Therefore, she was beyond shocked when Harry did not only bat her hex aside, but completely redirected it back at her. The ground below her froze and her solid dueling stance collapsed. She threw up her strongest shield, but the following stunners were too much. The first two shattered her shield. She only knew five stunners had been thrown because of what Tracey had told her.

She had awakened in his arms and at that moment saw a compassion and caring she had never felt from anyone before. She wanted nothing more to share another kiss with him. But her past was still fighting. And the look on his face when she called him a monster?

The Ice Queen felt her own heart break.

Tracey, Blaise, Neville, Parvati, Susan, and Hannah all sat on watching various friends of their study group react in these odd ways and felt truly confused. Parvati was still lost, knowing Harry had a soul bond with Luna but seeing how he cared for the others. Tracey and Blaise were worried about their blond friend and her violently oxymoronic reactions to the green-eyed seeker. Susan and Hannah were concerned for a friend who had just been put through a ringer, both well aware of what the explosion was. Neville was lost himself on how to react, but wanted to help his friend.

Professor McGongall wanted desperately to go see her young Lion. She knew chaos was ensuing that wild duel and felt it was foolish for the young man to agree to such a monstrosity, but he had handled himself well and carried himself with dignity through the situation. She knew, however, that Filius and Poppy would care for him well and then, after both of them had torn into him, she could have her turn.

Professor Snape was shocked. He had not seen what was happening beneath the shields, but the power represented confused him. It was young, but the potential was extreme. Snape himself was a minor Mage, it was a factor alongside his skill which had made him an invaluable part of Voldemort's Inner Circle. The strength he felt within that circle, when fully matured, would easily outstrip either Dumbledore or Voldemort. Assuming that power was allowed to mature. And how the hell had Potter suddenly shown that level of magical potential!

Professor Dumbledore was worried. He had felt the strain on his own magic when Harry broke the cap. He could easily replace it and wipe memories of individuals such as Pomfrey. Flitwick would be a tad touchier. The damned half-goblin had been a thorn in his side for a very long time. Always standing in his way when he could. Couldn't the older Charms professor simply understand and agree that Dumbledore, as the leader of the Light knew what was best?

This time, however, the reapplication of the cap would be nigh on impossible. The explosion had been seen by the entire student population, not to mention the staff. There was no telling how many would know what that was.

Yes, what to do with young, troublesome, Mr. Potter.

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"Are you sure?"

"Positive. I did the test myself during his first class."

"But then how can he have grown that much?"

Flitwick gave the healer a look. She knew, just as well as he. And both knew there was only a handful of wizards strong enough to maintain such a cap, especially since Harry had this level of power.

"Fine, maybe you're right, but really? Albus?"

"Poppy, you know caps as well as I. Who alive, let alone in this school could maintain a cap which had been there for quite some time based on my knowledge of Magicae Video. Considering his power level, it would take exceptional strength to maintain that cap, even as Mr. Potter is learning first-year spells."

The two staff members sat in silence, observing the young man.

Poppy had gotten to know his father quite well. The young man had visited her in the Hospital Wing far too often for his own good. She was only in her third year at the school when James Potter started terrorizing the school with his group of friends. She had grown to deeply care for James Potter as well as Lilly Potter. She herself had served as their healer for the pregnancy and birth of Harry Potter. Albus, of course, had sworn her to secrecy for the sake of the young man. She did not truly understand why, but this was Albus Dumbledore. He was the Leader of the Light. If he asked, you did it knowing it would be for a good reason.

Yet as she sat here, learning from Flitwick about the cap, she felt confused. If Albus had in fact placed the cap, he could very well have killed the boy, not to mention the regular damage that goes with not regularly exercising the full extent of one's magical core.

Flitwick was lost looking at his young protégé. He had come to care deeply for the boy in recent weeks. It was difficult for his goblin side to admit, but the boy had connected to him as no one else, not even his mother.

Many made the mistake of assuming Flitwick was close to Lilly Potter nee Evans. He probably was one of her favorite professors, he would admit, but their relationship had become strained during her mastery. The war was going on and Lilly fell deep into Albus' camp, right alongside her husband. Flitwick's feelings of the old headmaster, which he made known to the young woman, had begun to drive a wedge between them.

That did not mean he did not weep when he heard of her death.

So Flitwick had been more than thrilled to share stories about Harry's mother during their discussions. And Harry seemed to eat them up. He seemed rather well aware of his father, but his mother it seemed he knew nothing about, even having grown up with Lilly's sister!

At the moment, however, Flitwick was torn. He was glad Harry had won without harming anyone. But the care he had for this young man made him incredibly angry at the stupidity involved in this situation.

Yes, Professor Flitwick would have his reckoning with young Harry Potter.

The Matron and Professor were pulled from their thoughts as the Deputy Headmistress entered the Ward.

"How is he?" The warmth and concern in her voice threw the other two adults off. They were not used to such displays of affection from the stern Scott. Both knew, however, how close she had been to James and Lilly for that matter. Minerva had been James' godmother and was best friends with Harry's Grandmother, Dorea. In fact, it was the two of them who had found her crying in her apartment with not only the news of their death but the oath required by the headmaster in regards to talking with Harry about them. It was the lowest either had seen their friend.

"Alive and well, not to mention now uncapped."

"Uncapped?"

"Apparently some idiot has been capping his magical core for years. He began the year showing 121 Hekas. After that duel, he is now registering 195." Professor Flitwick's announcement shocked McGongall. That level of strength was unheard of in one so young. Capping it was just cruel, particularly if the cap had exploded later in life. Then the numbers registered with the Transfiguration mistress. There was only one person she knew strong enough to maintain, let alone cap that size of a magical core. The looks on her friends faces confirmed they had already reached that conclusion. There was a lost sadness in Poppy's face and a grim acceptance in Filius'.

"Surely not…I mean…He wouldn't." Minerva's statements came out in broken tones, almost more like questions.

The three settled into silence, lost in their own thoughts.

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As the professors were lost to their own thoughts, Harry was slowly coming to awareness. As he did, he was considering what life had become for him. He knew he had lifted his cap, he could feel his magic in ways not possible until his very last seconds of his previous life.

Harry considered what had led to his reactions in the first place during the duel. Wormtail.

As Harry thought about Wormtail, he suddenly remembered he had yet to do anything for Sirius. That would never do. But what could he do. He had no access to Ron nor 'Scabbers' and his only possible support there thought of him as a monster.

That thought truly hurt. He had been working so hard, loving having Padma, Anemy, Luna, and Hermione in his life, that it truly hurt to see that look of anger in her face. Harry wanted nothing more than to just have Daphne as his friend. At the moment, however, it seemed that was not only unlikely, but impossible.

And that meant Sirius was, for the moment, still an evil man who had betrayed Harry and his parents.

But Sirius was alive!

Harry suddenly show up in bed, tears openly flowing. Sirius was alive. As was Hedwig, Hagrid, both sets of twins, Cedric, all of them. Padma, Anemy, Daphne, Luna, and Hermione. Every single person. They were alive.

Harry's sobs broke through the silence which had settled over the professors. All three rushed to his side, Pomfrey immediately casting her diagnostic spells.

"How are you feeling, Harry?"

"I'm fine." The skeptical looks shared, which Harry happened to catch, demonstrated their lack of faith in his answers. Further discussion was cut off, however, as the doors to the wing swung open.

"Ah! Harry, My Boy! I am glad you took my advice and were not violent in that duel."

The words brought looks of shock to Pomfrey and Minerva's faces, while the looks in both Harry and Filius' hardened. Dumbledore seemed to recognize none of this.

"Unfortunately that was still very dangerous. While I do not feel you should be punished in this instance," This brought a mix of gasps and guffaws from the other occupants of the room, "I will have to do so should anything like this happen in the future."

"Yes Headmaster." Harry ground through his teeth. With the warning, future duels could end with an appropriate response being detention should he find himself in one ever again. Dumbledore seemed ready to continue before Pomfrey decided it was enough.

"Yes Headmaster. Mr. Potter needs to recover for now, however. Should you need to speak to him it will not be in my ward while he is recovering. Good day!" Taking the hint, Minerva and Filius also stood to remove themselves from the Ward, leaving Dumbledore no excuses. With a frustrated sigh, the headmaster turned to leave, trying to strike up a friendly conversation with the two professors. He missed the cold feeling underlying their responses.

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Harry was only in the Ward for one afternoon and night. He was back in class the next day and a day later he was back into his routine. This was the issue. At this moment he was diving through the most intense, insane workout that Filius had yet to give. His body burned, but Filius was a stern task master. Well, usually he was. The look in his eyes informed Harry there was more to it than this. Harry really did not have time for this. Tomorrow was Luna's birthday and he needed to prepare for that. Harry had also read some things recently in his Mother's Journal which had him wanting to speak with the suddenly reserved professor. As Harry collapsed yet again, Flitwick came over and sat beside him, stoic and silent.

Finally, the small professor's voice broke the quiet.

"Why did you do it, Mr. Potter?" Harry could hear the frustration. Flitwick was disappointed in him. Flitwick had not called him Mr. Potter during their sessions in weeks. And Harry found that having the professor disappointed in him hurt. He did not want to let this man down. After a few deep breaths, Harry began.

"Professor, I would like to first offer my apologies. You have given me a great deal of instruction and care, which were I would not be standing here today were it not for. I cannot express my appreciation enough." Harry paused. Flitwick seemed to be considering his words before nodding his reluctant acceptance. Harry took this as a sign to continue.

"While it was my intention to manipulate things, it was my own stupidity which led to the situation."

"What do you mean Mr. Potter?"

Harry went on to explain the situation he had found himself in, including the involvement of Professor Snape and how it had backfired in some ways, placing him at the center of attention. Filius listened mostly, asking questions as necessary. As Harry finished, there was a thoughtful scowl on the professors face. Finally, he turned to face Harry, a powerful look on his face.

"Mr. Potter. I am disappointed in your actions, regardless of the intent. Should you ever take such actions again, without considering and acting on all I have imparted to you during our time together, I will consider this arrangement terminated. Is that understood?" Harry had never felt so small as he did in that moment. No one he had ever known could tear him down with so few words while seeming so calm. Vernon never managed it with his screaming and purple face. Dumbledore never managed it with his sad sigh and going dark talk. Molly didn't manage it even when he had viewed her as a mother figure. Feeling tears trying to form in his own eyes, Harry nodded as he did not trust his voice.

Flitwick watched for another moment, trying to get his point across before nodding and then he smiled.

"All that said, Harry, that was an incredible duel. You handled yourself with grace and ease and I am honored to have the opportunity to train you in your physical education." The grin and joke made Harry feel much better.

"Thank you Professor." Then Harry remembered his mother's journal. "Professor, how well did you know my mother?" Harry watched Flitwick tense. It was almost nonexistent, but Harry caught it.

"Why do you ask, Harry?"

"I found her journal. She talked about you quite a bit. Then it suddenly started to drop off. But it was odd. The next to last entry, she mentioned you again. Not much, but it seemed important." Harry watched a look which he could not quite identify settle into the Charms Masters eye before he continued. "She said, 'Filius, I am so sorry. You were right and I was so cruel. Should I survive this coming storm, I just hope you can ever forgive me.' Any thoughts, sir?"

Harry watched a series of emotions cross the professors face. Finally, the old professor let out a sigh.

"Quite, Harry. I am well aware of what your mother was discussing. She and I were rather close at one time. She even began her charms mastery under me. But my…disregard, I suppose, for the brilliance of a particular headmaster drove a wedge between us. Your mother was a part of the war on the side of the Light. As a goblin, I did not involve myself beyond defending the school. My…thoughts, on the headmaster were considered unwelcome and we had a few words during our final meeting. Do not get me wrong, Harry, your mother was a brilliant, caring, wonderful woman. The war placed all of us in a bad situation." There were tears in his eyes by the time he finished.

As the two settled down, they began to chat. Harry heard more stories about his mother, and in the process learned more about his trainer. Professor Flitwick had been a professor at Hogwarts nearly as long as Dumbledore. In fact, he had taught McGongall during her final two years as a student. This confused Harry as to why Flitwick was not either the headmaster or at least deputy.

Flitwick had gone on to explain that about a year before the previous deputy had retired, the Wizengamot had suddenly passed a law requiring the school leadership be fully human. Flitwick did not hold McGongall's position against her, but it had hurt him to be overlooked. He also felt it strangely suspicious that the Dumbledore led legislative body had suddenly done that during the second meeting after the deputy announced his retirement.

The two talked right until dinner was set to begin. Harry said his goodbye's, dashing off to see his friends. He left a very contemplative Half goblin behind. After a few more minutes, the professor smiled and looked after Harry.

"I forgive you Lilly. And he really is a good man."