A/N: Harry Potter and his world belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.

Chapter 22

February 13, 1994

Hogwarts, England

Luna only really wanted one thing this year for her birthday. Today she was turning thirteen. Her body was changing. She rather liked it, though Astoria was developing faster than her.

Looking at the selection of four hair clips, Luna chose the larger kelpie. It was silver, like the others, but Harry had managed a featherweight charm, so it did not weigh down her hair.

Yes, she wanted only one thing today, but knew she would not get it. Since Christmas her two crushes had been rather shy when it came to that. On the off chance, she put gloss on her lips. It was something Astoria had shown her to do.

As usual, Harry was waiting for her when she walked down the stairs to the common room. She looked at the floor and pursed her lips. She still had not figured out the pattern to the rotating constellations. It was not constant. It did not seem to repeat itself. Harry had made the only breakthrough for her to understand the reflective nature of the floor and ceiling.

Her focus was to be on Harry though. It was her birthday and he had a package in his hands.

"Happy Birthday, Luna," he said.

"Thank you," she smiled at him. Her smile grew as he gathered enough courage to kiss her on the cheek. She wanted something more, but that would do for now.

"Not yet. Go get your winter cloak. Astoria and I have a surprise for you," he said pulling the box away from her.

She blinked, looking up into his eyes. She liked surprises and his green eyes held so many. She wanted to know them all. She already knew many. There were ones Harry didn't know yet. Luna could be patient. Lady Greengrass said a young lady could learn to be patient.

A little while later, Luna was holding Harry's arm in her left and Astoria's in her right. They were heading her towards Hagrid's hut. "Where is my surprise," she asked.

"At Hagrid's," Astoria told her.

"What is it," she asked. She had decided she did not want to be a young lady right now. They had made her sit through breakfast without telling her.

"You'll see," Harry said.

She pouted. It was not like her to pout, but she felt like they were not being nice. It was her thirteenth birthday. One did not become a teenager everyday.

When they knocked on Hagrid's door, Fang barked like normal. She liked Fang and did not mind him jumping on her to lick her face. Astoria scrunched her nose. "Happy Birthday, Luna," Hagrid said in his booming voice.

"Thank you, Hagrid," she said.

"Did you tell her," the man asked.

"Figured you found them, so it should be your surprise," Harry told him.

"Right. Com' on in then," the man said opening the door.

She heard the small meow and her eyes grew wide. "Kittens!"

She rushed passed a chuckling Hagrid and pulled up short. A mother kneazle was in a bed with six kittens. They were all grey with black spots, a black lion like tail and overly large ears.

She moved to the side of the bed. "I will not harm you or your little ones," she soothed the mother as it growled. Her left front leg was in a splint and bandages. "Behave. We will not harm you," she scolded the kneazle when it continued to growl.

The kneazles ears perked up and it seemed to relax. "May I come closer," she asked.

After a moment, the kneazle lowered its head. The kittens were sleeping. She so longed to pick one up, but would not without permission. She approached the kneazle and reached a hand out. After sniffing her hand, the kneazle nuzzled her head into Luna's hand.

"She is a natural," Hagrid said.

"She is," Astoria said with pride. Luna liked that Astoria would feel that way. It made her feel warm inside.

"If one decides to come home with you, you may want this," Harry said placing the package next to her. "I already filled out the registration form. You just need to fill in the description and the name."

She looked at the kneazle. It was purring and had closed her eyes. "You mean one of them can come with me," she asked, trying to contain her excitement. She had never really had a familiar. Harry had Hedwig, who listened to her and Astoria as much as she did Harry.

As she asked, the mother lifted her head to rub her hand. She felt the connection. Eira purred louder. She had a sense the kneazle was only a year or two old, but it had chosen her.

She looked up to see Harry's green eyes. "Thank you," she said jumping up and wrapping her arms around his neck so she could pull him down. She knew he had been the one to suggest this. Her lips met his. Last time, it had been chaste kisses. This time she wanted more so she held his lips longer. He pressed his lips against hers before she stepped back with a large smile.

Astoria shifted and she stepped back from Harry before pulling Astoria too her and wrapping her hands around Astoria's neck. She pressed her lips to Astoria's. The girl responded right away. Harry had been timid at first before fully embracing her. She liked both their lips on her. She stepped back, feeling giddy and lightheaded with the sensations in her body.

Hagrid was looking at them. "Ah, right. I will be keeping..."

"Eira. That is her name," she said to him with a huge smile. She had just gotten her wish and more.

"Eira. Yeah. I'll be keeping her a week or two while she heals. I have a lady I can take the litter two when they are old enough."

"I think they will find good homes," Luna said.

-oOo-

February 14, 1994

Hogwarts, England

It was Valentine's Day. Harry was holding two cards, one for Luna and the other for Astoria. After yesterday, Harry felt so confused. The way Luna had kissed him had him waking up in the middle of the night excited. To see her kissing Astoria was just as bothersome. His confusion came that he felt jealous of Luna that she got to kiss Astoria.

He was attracted to his two best mates. The muggle world did not look kindly on multiple relationships. The wizarding world, it was not uncommon, and there really wasn't a stigma against it, especially if one of the girls was a second wife or had a line-continuance with a powerful wizard. Of course, it was not forgiving if it was two boys. He didn't really ponder that. His issue was his two girls.

Harry wasn't sure how he felt yet.

His mum and Uncle Remus teased him about both of them, but he knew his mum was a traditionalist when it came to marriage. His father had died over thirteen years ago, and she had never moved on.

As Harry thought about the two witches that were in his dreams most nights, he wondered if his mum was alone. He knew she loved his father still, but he didn't want her to be alone. Harry hoped she would not keep herself from finding someone else. Someone Harry liked.

His bigger issue was whether he should give these Valentine cards to both of them or neither.

"You ready for breakfast, or are you going to just stare at those envelopes all morning," Ewan asked. All year, the boy had slowly started to talk to him. After Christmas, he had apologized for what they had done to Luna last year. Harry didn't trust him, he may never, but he was trying to have a somewhat friendship with his dorm mate.

"Is looking at them all day an option," he asked. Why was he so nervous? They were his best mates. Best mates he had kissed.

Ewan chuckled. "I don't think I'll give cards like that."

Harry gave a nervous chuckle. "Yeah."

At twelve and a half, should he? Ewan walked out. After a few, he breathed out a long sigh. There was nothing for it. He put both cards in the large pocket of his school robes before taking his bag.

-oOo-

February 26, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Astoria was excited. It was a game day and they were going to watch Harry fly against her House. She wanted her House to win, but she needed Harry to catch the snitch.

She was waiting for Amanda. She was too excited to sit in their room. Today was a day to sit with their Houses, even if she would be cheering for Harry as quietly as possible. At least Ravenclaw and Slytherin sat next to each other, so she could still sit next to Luna.

As she waited at the entrance to the girls dorms, the dark haired Pansy came down the stairs. She had managed to mostly avoid Draco and his gang since Halloween, but there had still been a few run ins. The way Pansy looked at her, this was going to be one of those mornings.

"Greengrass," the girl said with a simpering tone.

She held in her groan to see Draco, Crabbe and Goyle come down the other stairs. She felt a shiver run through her the way he looked at her. She really didn't like how his eyes moved down her body.

"You come to ask forgiveness? If you want back in the Purebloods, we can talk later," he said.

She kept her mouth shut and her eyes up. The looks from his goons made her feel dirty. She didn't like it.

Pansy moved towards Draco. "Draco, you said you would come to the owlery with me later."

"I will. I was just wondering if Greengrass had dropped her blood-traitor friends. We can teach her how a true Pureblood acts to her betters," Draco said.

She stood up to her full height, which was an inch or two shorter than Draco. "I would never let my standards drop enough to go anywhere with the likes of you."

She knew she should have kept her mouth shut. It was just her at the moment, and most of the other upper years in the Common Room would not help her. They were not part of their faction. Some might even join if her fears were correct by the way he was looking at her.

"I will have you on your knees and begging for forgiveness," he said in a low tone.

"Astoria, there you are," Amanda said in a chipper tone. The girl rushed down the stairs and grabbed her arm. "Thank you so much for keeping her company, Scion Malfoy. Come. We should eat before the match."

Amanda pulled her away. When they were out the door and past the guard that was usually left to monitor the door, she let out a stuttering breath. "Amanda," she said.

"I know. I heard. You are not to go anywhere without an escort for now on," she told Astoria.

"Have I told you that you are a good friend," she said.

"You could use to mention it more."

Astoria laughed before growing concerned again. "I need to tell Daphne."

"Sit with me today. We will tell her before the match. I am not going to any celebration they have tonight," Amanda told her. "You should not either."

Astoria nodded. Not for the first time did she wish she was a Ravenclaw. She needed Harry.

Astoria frowned. She did not want to tell Harry. She did not need him to get into a fight.

-oOo-

Quidditch Pitch, Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry was flying a Rolinda search pattern, named for the famed Harpies Seeker Rolinda Royal. The blonde prat was shadowing him, staying close enough to knock his elbows most of the time.

"If I didn't know better, I would say you wanted to dance," Harry teased Draco. He was trying to keep his cool today. Astoria had looked very agitated when she had come into the Great Hall. He had a feeling Malfoy had a hand in it. He needed to get Astoria to talk. The last two times she looked that way it had been Malfoy or one of his group, but she refused to tell him what exactly happened.

"You wish, Potter. You could never get a boy like me," Malfoy retorted.

Harry laughed. "I don't want a boyfriend."

Malfoy snarled. "We'll see if you are still so cheeky when I take Greengrass. Father says she will be my second wife."

Harry snorted. "She would choose a yeti before she chose you."

Harry didn't hear what he said as he pitched forward and dove towards the ground. The blood was pounding in his ears as he tried to control his magic. He could not touch Malfoy unless it was part of the game. He wanted Malfoy out of the picture today. "...210 Slytherin to 130 Ravenclaw..."

Harry concentrated. Broom wise, they were an even match. All of Slytherin had a Nimbus 2001 thanks to Draco's father. Draco didn't have Harry's daring or skill though. It had become obvious early in the match, the boy was as good as Diggory, but without the experience.

He made sure Draco had followed before he went as fast as his broom would take him. He dodged a bludger and split right through the Slytherin chasers, knocking Bletchley as he went through.

"...Potter breaks up an advance and sends Captain Bletchley into a bludger. Bletchley dives towards the ground..."

He held his dive to the last possible second and pulled up. Draco, apparently thinking he was chasing the snitch, stayed with him. He didn't manage to pull up in time, hitting the ground almost level with it. His broom pitchpoled and he was launched, landing on his side and rolling for a few yards.

Harry pulled up to the whistle.

"Potter. Blatching against Bletchley! Penalty goal to Slytherin." Madame Hooch called out before flying down to Malfoy, who was holding his arm and leaning over as though hurt.

He tried to hide his smile to see a shaken Bletchley standing up towards their goal posts. He landed next to Davies, who was trying to hide his own smile. "Your mental, Potter, but I am glad we have you."

A few others were walking as though sore or looking generally beat up. The Slytherins had been brutal to them so far today. "I needed Draco out of the way."

"Whatever got you riled, I want to see it happen again. Bletchley is yelling at him," Inglebee said nodding towards Malfoy. He was still on the ground, Madame Hooch running her wand over the boy.

"They are going to send him back up. I hear they don't have a backup Seeker. Potter, end this as soon as you can," Davies told him.

He nodded and took up his search again as Malfoy was bodily lifted off the turf and Bletchley shoved the broom back into Malfoy's hands. Harry gave a Cheshire grin to see how shaky the boy looked.

He started to search. Malfoy was either going to be very upset or disorientated. He was hoping for both. As the blond boy floated up, he saw a glint of gold not far from Bletchley as he yelled at the rest of the Slytherin team before giving him a nasty eye.

Harry returned it. He would not be cowed by a bully. Draco flew more towards the other end of the pitch. Harry kept track of the golden speck. He was positive it was the snitch.

After a few, they lined up for the foul shot. He had to wait for the ball to leave the hand of Bletchley before he could go, otherwise it would be another shot and suspension of play.

It drifted towards the goal post. Madame Hooch blew the whistle. Bletchley charged straight up the middle, turned at the last second and threw the quaffle. Harry leaned over the second it left his fingers, diving for the ground. Bletchley turned and snarled as Harry just missed him. "I'll get you, Potter," the boy yelled.

Harry didn't care. He saw the snitch. Malfoy was still on the other side of the field. As though sensing it was being chased, it suddenly took off towards the Slytherin side. Harry rolled over and was almost on top of it. He missed the bludger. Saw the second one and reached for the snitch.

His hand closed around it as the bludger hit his other arm holding the broom. He didn't see the one Bletchley hit from behind. He rolled after being hit by the first one and the other one just grazed his leg. He fell to the ground and rolled as Madame Hooch blew her whistle.

"Ravenclaw wins 280 to 220 over Slytherin!" Lee Jordan could barely be heard over the crowd.

He sat up to see another bludger heading towards his head. His own beater made it just in time to hit it away. Bletchley looked murderously towards him. Malfoy about as much.

His team landed around him as Madame Hooch approached the still flying Slytherin team. Harry got up, limping some. His leg burned. He had a feeling he would have a bruise along most of its length.

His team surrounded him until they got into the locker room. "That was great flying, Potter. We should have had you last year," Davies said.

Page sat on a bench, rubbing his arm. "We should use Potter more to interrupt the other team. He managed to ground Bletchley and Malfoy in the same play," he laughed.

"I think we need to setup a guard. Bletchley looked upset."

"Don't underestimate Malfoy. His father is a piece of work."

Harry rolled his shoulder. He was going to have a bruise there too. "All I care about is that we need to beat Gryffindor now."

Davies laughed. "You're alright, Potter."

Luna and Astoria, were waiting for them outside the locker rooms. "Come on, Potter. You're the MVP today," Davies said pulling him away.

Luna laughed at the goofy grin on his face.

-oOo-

March 17, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Luna's kneazel followed her almost everywhere in the castle. That was not too uncommon among those that had cats, but everyone that surrounded them got to know the friendly animal.

Hermione's half-kneazle, Crookshanks, could often be seen with Eira. Today, they sat at the Gryffindor table and Eira was in her lap purring. Crockshanks was in Hermione's as she sat next to Luna. It was a Gryffindor table day, so the five of them were at the table together.

He was having a discussion with Neville and Astoria about quidditch. "I am telling you we are going to win this year," Harry said. Maybe he was feeling a little high on himself after catching the snitch the first two times, even if he was injured both matches. The first one was not his fault when the dementors attacked. The second he... maybe... goaded the Slytherins.

"Ginny was amazing last weekend," Neville said. "She caught the snitch in a barrel roll against Diggory. That was better than your last catch."

He scoffed at Neville. "I could do that."

Astoria whacked him in the back of the head. "Watch it, Potter, or you might start to float away without your broom."

He looked at her a little abashed. "I could do that," he told her, sounding a little more contrite.

"Luna, talk some sense into him," Astoria said.

"Harry, don't brag," the blonde told him as she ate her eggs and read the latest Quibbler that had arrived yesterday.

"Alright, I can probably do that."

Neville laughed. "I would be more afraid of Astoria."

"He should be," Astoria said eyeing him.

He didn't feel afraid of either of them. It was more Harry respected them and Astoria was still on Slytherin winning.

Merlin! He wanted to kiss her again to see the energy in her hazel eyes. It was his favorite dream to see them in their Winter Ball Gowns and kissing them. Even if Luna had kissed them on her birthday, he just figured she was happy for Eira. It couldn't have meant much, could it?

"I am afraid of Astoria," he said laughing as she glared at him.

"Don't tease Astoria, Harry," Luna said.

Astoria actually stuck her tongue out at him. He laughed harder and Neville started to choke as she turned her glare to him. "Serves you right," Hermione said reading her book.

Harry was still chuckling when the owls came in. He had sent a message to his mum yesterday, so he only looked for the post owl with the Daily Prophet. He was getting it everyday to see if there had been more sightings of Black. Since Christmas, the man had gone to ground. That was until today.

He took the paper, paid the owl and opened it to see a large picture of Black. Sirius Black Almost Caught in Hogsmeade

He dropped the toast in his hand. Hermione had received the Prophet as well. "Neville, he was seen in Hogsmeade yesterday."

Harry was already skimming the story. The man had broken into Zonko's, but a guard dog had chased him away. "Why would he break into Zonko's," Astoria asked reading over his shoulder.

His insides were flipping. The man had been close. He still didn't understand why the man hadn't killed him. "I don't know. What I don't like is that the Ministry still has not said he is an animagus."

"What was that," Hermione said looking up.

"Black. The Ministry hasn't said he is an animagus. A big black dog. Sort of like a Grim," Harry said.

"I think the Minister is being paid off, for some reason," Astoria said looking at the paper.

"Stubby Boardman. Daddy has an article on it this month. He says Stubby Boardman is paying the Minister to keep Black on the run," she said turning the page of the Quibbler. "Or Stubby Boardman could be Black." She turned the quibbler on its side.

"Luna, please say you don't believe that," Hermione said.

"Most likely not, but daddy publishes it. Sometimes the most absurd things can be true," she said. Harry loved Luna. She could lighten any mood. "What if someone is paying the Minister? Why would they want to," she asked.

He could almost swear he smelled the gears starting to turn in Hermione's head.

Neville shook his head.

"Luna, don't ever change," Astoria said to her.

Harry smiled and put his head next to Astoria's as they read more of the paper. "There have been a few other break-ins in Hogsmeade the last few months. Do you think that is Black?"

"If he is such a vicious murderer, why hasn't anyone been killed? I would think if he was so callous and cruel, there would be a string of bodies across the country," Hermione sounded thoughtful.

"The man is a murderer. He led You-know-who to my parents. I'm not hungry. I'm going to head to Hagrid's," Neville said looking upset. The blond boy got up and took his bag as he stomped out of the Great Hall.

"Neville," Hermione said getting up. He was going to go too, but Astoria put a hand on his arm.

"Let her handle it," she told him.

His anger at the man had been tempered the more he thought about what his mum and him had talked about. The fact that he acted more like a burglar than a murderer and that the man hadn't killed him at Christmas, something didn't add up.

"He has sad eyes," Luna repeated to look at the paper as they went through the articles on the inside pages.

Luna very rarely misread the character of someone. That was what made him doubt the most.

"Do you think Neville will be alright," he asked his girls.

"He will be. I think Hermione is good for him," Luna said.

Astoria shuffled close to him so that their legs and hips were touching. "Are you alright?"

He put the paper down. It was a picture of the man caught in the Fall. Black looked furtively around. He had not cursed the reporter who ran into him by accident in Knockturn Alley. The man looked more spooked to be caught by the camera than anything else. He also thought of the eyes in the dog. He had seen no maliciousness in them. "I don't know. I don't know what to believe. I won't risk my mum or you two getting hurt, but I am not sure."

She took his hand and wove her fingers into it. Astoria had never done that before. There was something very comforting about it. He squeezed her hand and she squeezed back. A small smile crept onto Luna's face as she rubbed her feet against Harry's.

"I won't see you hurt either," the dark hair girl said to him.

He nodded. When they were done, he turned to Astoria, "We'll see you in Herbology."

Astoria nodded and Luna took his arm as they headed into the dungeon to Potions and Astoria up the stairs towards DADA.

They made it down to Snape's room. When they sat, he placed a stone on the table. He was getting tired of someone trying to sabotage him. He wished he knew who it was. The Hufflepuffs where being kind to them and most of his House were still extremely pleased with him as Seeker. After losing for the last twelve years, Ravenclaw had a real chance to win the Inter-House Quidditch Cup.

Today he was hoping to find out who was sabotaging him.

Snape swooped in like normal. "Today we will be brewing sleeping potions. Instructions are on the board. Start."

Tuesday he had given the theory on the potion. Today they would make their first attempt. Harry filled the pot with water, got a grade 2 fire going and went with Luna to get his ingredients from the general stores. When he got back, he saw his mother's knife was missing. His eyes narrowed. It should take about ten minutes for the effects to occur. "Luna, can I share your knife today?"

"Of course, Harry," she said as they started.

He added the wormwood, stirred, then increased the fire to a grade 4 fire, which was hot. About the time he was ready to add the flobberworm mucus there was a loud crack and a cloud of silver smoke in the periphery. He turned with a smile on his face, hoping to catch the culprit. "Oh, Merlin," he said fearfully. Professor Snape's greasy black hair had turned a vibrant silver and blue. It was also set into spikes. He had thought it was Charlotte, who had left them alone this year but still didn't look pleased with him. He figured it would embarrass her enough to not start anything again. This was not what he expected.

"Who. Did. This," Snape said in a deadly low voice.

The class was silent. Harry slowly raised his hand.

The man's eyes burned with a hatred he had never seen before. Harry grabbed the stone on the table as he lowered his hand. "Potter," the man hissed.

"Sir, it was only meant to catch the person who was taking my tools," he said quickly.

The man's lips merged into a thin line. "Headmaster's Office. Now. Wait."

He swallowed. He turned to pack his stuff. "Now, Potter. Lovegood will get your belongings."

He looked at Luna for a moment before walking out of the class. His insides hurt. His mother would disown him if he was expelled.

As he walked, he realized all he had been trying to do was catch the culprit. He had used the same spell chain he had on the other rocks, with some new additions. He licked his lips. If his spell chain was correct, only someone that meant to take it should have had the new hairdo he designed.

Harry blinked. Snape had been sabotaging him all year.

He stood at the center of the Entrance Hall. After a moment, he realized he did not know where the Headmaster's Office was. He had never been there and it was not on any tour or generally talked about or pointed out. Harry had no clue where to go. The main doors opened. "Well, hello Harry."

"Hagrid, I need to go to the Headmaster's office. Where is it," he asked, not sure yet to be frightened or outraged.

Hagrid scrunched his brow. "Why are you going to the Headmaster's office?"

Harry explained what happened as Hagrid walked him to a stone gargoyle. "Ice mice," Hagrid said and the gargoyle jumped aside to reveal a spiral staircase. Hagrid encouraged him to go up.

"Hagrid, can you come with me? Mum says she doesn't want me alone with the Headmaster," he told him.

"I can't Harry. I was actually off to Professor Kettleburn's old classrooms for some supplies. I am sure everything will be just fine. The Headmaster is a kind man and I am sure Professor Snape probably just picked up something you dropped."

Harry pursed his lips. The more he thought about, the more he suspected Snape. "Are you going in or not," the gargoyle asked.

He looked at the gargoyle. "I want Professor Flitwick or Professor Lupin." The gargoyle nodded.

It was still a half hour before classes ended. He had no clue if his Head-of-House had a class, but he would not be with the Headmaster alone for long if he could help it.

He stepped on the moving stairs and let them take him up to a iron-bound wooden door. He hesitated for a moment before knocking. "Come in," came a voice.

Harry stepped in after the door opened on its own. He was in a large three tier office with pictures of former Headmasters all over the walls. There were tables of spindly instruments or artifacts. Cabinets of all different shapes lined the lower walls. He recognized memories in bottles. A cabinet filled with prophesy balls. Others had books or more artifacts. A partially open cabinet near the door revealed a pensive that was filled with memories. It looked like some of the workshops he had visited with his mum of older wizards or witches.

In the center of the lower tier sat the Headmaster at his desk. He had a grandfatherly smile, with horn rim glasses, bright blue robes and a tall wizard's hat. Harry hated the wizard hats. They always seemed to get in the way.

The only thing he liked about the office was the phoenix behind the Headmaster's desk who was cooing a soft song.

"Ah, Mr. Potter. To what do I owe this privilege today," Headmaster Dumbledore asked. The man's blue eyes lit on him and he felt like he was being x-rayed. He concentrated on what his mum had taught him to stay calm.

"Professor Snape told me to come here and wait, sir."

"I see. Did he tell you why to wait?"

"Ah, I turned his hair silver and blue," Harry responded.

The man's eyes seemed to light with laughter. "That must be a sight to see. May I ask why you would do that to your Professor?"

Harry shifted as he stood there. "I did not mean too, sir. Items from my potions kit have gone missing or been tampered with this year. I set a ward stone on my bench to see if I could find out who. My silver knife from my mum went missing shortly after class started and a little while later Professor Snape's hair turned silver and blue and all spiky."

The man eyed him for a moment. The amusement was still there, but his eyes grew far more calculating. "Ward stones are not allowed to be taken from home, Mr. Potter. The wards at the school are sufficient enough to protect you."

"I didn't bring it from home, Professor," Harry said, hoping he was not saying too much. The other three on Astoria's, Luna's and his bedside tables he had made just after they got back. He couldn't remember that being a violation of the rule book to have them. He would have to reread it later.

Headmaster Dumbledore's eyes opened just slightly. "Then where did you procure such an item? They are not cheap and only a few NEWT students in Ancient Magics would know how. Who did you get to make it for you?"

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "I would like my Head of House or Professor Lupin here," he told the Headmaster. His mum did not want many to know what he could do, he wasn't sure he wanted many to know as well.

The man looked at him kindly. "Mr. Potter, no one will get in trouble. I think it fine to talk without your Head of House."

Harry didn't like the magic he was feeling from the man. "I would like Professor Flitwick or Professor Lupin present. I am allowed under the Student Handbook to be accompanied by another staff member or Head of House whenever facing possible disciplinary charges, Headmaster."

He had a feeling Headmaster Dumbledore was not pleased with the request, but his grandfatherly expression never changed. "I think you can relax, Mr. Potter. You are not facing any disciplinary actions at this time. I was just having a conversation."

"Yes, sir. I would still like my Head of House or Professor Lupin," he repeated.

They regarded each other for a few before the door burst open. "I want him expelled," Snape growled, advancing on Harry. His hair was still silver and blue and spiky.

The man had his wand out and the look in his eyes frightened Harry. The snarl on his face sent up all types of alarms. When Snape raised his wand, he intentionally called on his magic. "Magicis murum inexpugnabilem faceret," he said, backing away. A shimmery, blueish bubble formed around him. It was about seven feet in diameter. He would not let this man hurt him.

Snape stopped. The hatred in his eyes now sat next to astonishment.

Harry had his hands up, palms open, between him and the Professor.

"Mr. Potter," the Headmaster said in an odd tone. "Professor Snape will not harm you. Please stop this magic. Severus, put your wand away."

The man met Harry's eyes for a moment. He wasn't sure what to think of the man's dour expression before Snape slipped his wand up his sleeve. "I want him expelled for assaulting a Professor," Snape said. The venom that had been in his voice before had dropped to more of hatred.

Harry started, expanding the bubble as the door opened suddenly. Uncle Remus was standing in the door. He paused only a moment before walking in. Harry, finally feeling safe, put his hands down. The blue bubble melted away in wisps of mist. As he let go of it, he felt the drain on him. "Harry," Uncle Remus said rushing to his side as he swayed.

He looked at the scarred werewolf. 'Bugger! Bugger! Bugger!' Harry cursed in his head. He had just done the last thing his mother wanted him to. "I thought Snape was going to curse me, Uncle Remus," he said as he was lowered into a chair.

His Uncle gave him a reassuring smile before turning to the Headmaster and Snape. "What happened," he asked in a deceptively calm voice.

"Potter cursed me and then just tried to attack me," Snape said. Harry didn't miss the way the Potions Master was looking at him a little apprehensively.

"Severus, that was a shield, not an attack," the Headmaster said. "Mr. Potter told me a story about using a ward stone to detect who might be taking things from his potions kit."

The Headmaster was looking at Snape. The man's left eye twerked. "It is illegal to use such devices," Snape said angrily.

"Actually, it is not," Uncle Remus said. "It is perfectly permissible to create low power ward stones at Hogwarts for academic studies or to protect one's possessions. Harry, do you have the ward stone?"

Harry reached into his pocket and handed it to his Uncle. Again, the door opened to the Headmaster's office. Professor Flitwick walked in. "I was informed one of my students requested me," Professor Flitwick said before seeing Harry. "Mr. Potter, what are you doing here?" The man sounded surprised.

"We are just getting to the bottom of that, Filius. May I see that ward stone, Remus?"

"I would like Professor Flitwick to see it first. I took your advice, Professor. It is very similar to last years," he said to his Head of House. He did not want the Headmaster to have it.

Professor Flitwick held his eyes for a moment before nodding. "Albus, would you mind?"

The Headmaster looked at Harry. His eyes were much more calculating and shrewd. "You are my Charms Master, Filius. Unless you think this a Dark Artifact," he asked.

"He has turned my hair to this and it will not change back," Severus said angrily.

He thought he saw his Head of House hide a smirk. "May I see it," he asked. Uncle Remus handed it to him.

They were silent for a few while Flitwick used his wand. "Very good, Mr. Potter. Much more skillful than last year. I do not find any ill intent, illegal enchantments or banned spells, Albus. It is designed to change the colors and style of one's hair if the person intentionally takes anything without permission."

Flitwick looked up to Professor Snape.

"Severus, as we have talked, I have received several complaints about your treatment of Mr. Potter last year and this. Is this about another undeserved detention or point loss," Flitwick asked.

Snape snarled. "The boy is an insufferable know it all and undermines my authority in class by repeatedly performing tasks not on the board."

"Is this true, Mr. Potter," the Headmaster asked.

"I only do something different when I notice there is an issue with my potion, otherwise I find Professor Snape's instruction adequate. Last year and this I have had many times where my potions have had issues when they should not. I have handed in a perfectly made potion every time," he said, feeling his energy return.

"Adequate? You find my instructions just adequate," the man said angrily.

"That will be enough, Severus," Headmaster Dumbledore said. "Mr. Potter, I will ask you to reverse this on Professor Snape."

"I will not, Headmaster. My ward stone will cancel the charms and transfiguration when all my items are returned. Otherwise, my Head of House or someone else will need to break it," he said. He would stand up to his mum if he needed too. With Professor Flitwick confirming he had it right, he know knew that Professor Snape had been taking some of his stuff. He wondered if the man had been sabotaging his potions as well.

"Mr. Potter, that will be enough," Uncle Remus said. "Filius, is what Mr. Potter saying correct?"

Flitwick nodded. "I would say it is. Headmaster, I would like to lodge a formal complaint against Professor Snape for taking items from one of my students against the rules of the Student Handbook."

"Filius, I do not think we need to go that far," the Headmaster said.

Professor Snape looked sallow.

"I will press the issue, Albus," his Uncle said. "This is clearly a malicious act by a Professor against a student."

"And what of me? This is a clear attack against a Professor," Snape retorted.

"Mr. Potter did not specifically target you, Severus. That does not make an attack on a Professor. This ward stone will only activate if someone intentionally takes one or many of Mr. Potter's belongings. Do I need to present my complaint to the Governors, Headmaster," Flitwick asked.

The Headmaster had a calm expression, very much like the Greengrasses when trying to hide their emotions. "Severus, we will have a hearing on this tonight with the other Heads of Houses. Disciplinary actions will be decided then. If you have any of Mr. Potter's possessions, they shall be returned today. Filius, will you break the charms on the ward stone?"

His Head of House regarded the Headmaster. "It may take an hour or two," he told the man.

"I will not..."

"Severus! That is enough. You are dismissed. I believe your next class has already started," the Headmaster said in a flat tone.

Professor Snape gave him a hard look before turning and stalking out of the office. "Thank you, Filius. I believe you and Remus have classes as well. I would like a few minutes to talk with Mr. Potter."

"I will not leave him alone, Albus," his Uncle said. "There is still the matter of whether Mr. Potter will receive any disciplinary actions. His actions were in self-defense, but his spells still were used on a Professor."

"Mr. Potter is not in any trouble. Children will be children and this was clearly just a prank. I see no harm was done," the Headmaster said.

"I would still stay with him until he is released," his Uncle responded.

"I quite agree, Headmaster. Mrs. Potter has requested that Mr. Potter be accompanied for all discussions not directly related to school or his studies," Professor Flitwick stated.

The Headmaster sat back in his chair, his hands forming a steeple. He sat quietly for a moment. "You both should return to your classes. I will schedule a meeting with Mr. Potter in the next week to discuss his studies."

"I want Professor Lupin at any meeting," Harry stated.

He knew the Headmaster would want to talk about the ward stone and his obvious use of wandless magic.

The Headmaster nodded and he followed Uncle Remus and Professor Flitwick out. When they were at the bottom of the stairs, his diminutive Head of House turned to them. "Remus, would you be willing to accompany us to my office or do you need to return to your class?"

"I will accompany you. Harry, come along."

It was a quiet walk from the Headmaster's office, to the Classes building and to the second floor. Harry sat in what was becoming a familiar chair. Uncle Remus sat next to him while Professor Flitwick went over his ward stone again. "It may take longer to reverse this if your stuff is not returned before lunch," Professor Flitwick said with a smile. "Expert work, Mr. Potter. This is far more advanced. I do admit myself disappointed though."

"I'm sorry, Professor, I never meant to get Professor Snape. I thought it was a student," he started and stopped when Flitwick held up his hand.

"I am disappointed that you did not report this. I thought I made that clear last year."

"I did report it, Professor. I reported each theft or tinkering with my potions kit or potions to Professor Snape, who usually just said I misplaced it or sent me away as though I was making excuses," he said bitterly. Now he understood why.

Uncle Remus crossed his legs. "Harry, how long has this been going on?"

"I had two silver and one glass stir rod go missing last year. This year the weights on my scale have been tampered with twice. I had to replace my cauldron just before Christmas when I found the one I had had grown too thin. I take care of my cauldron and double check the thickness every time before I use it like mum has taught me. If I had used it that day, the potion would have gone right through. I know it was of normal thickness the class before," he told them. His anger was building to realize all those had probably been Professor Snape.

Both men frowned. "I will assume there is more. Can you please document all items missing and other events?"

"Yes, Uncle Remus."

His Uncle looked to Flitwick. "Filius, I would hope you will keep this quiet what I need to discuss next."

"Of course, Remus. You always know these conversations with my students are private unless I need to report something," Professor Flitwick said.

His Uncle nodded. "Harry, what happened for you to use your magic?"

He shifted uncomfortably. "I know you and mum told me not to let others know unless I needed too, and especially not before the Headmaster if I could help it."

"Harry, you are not in trouble. I do not question you would do as such without a good reason. What happened," his Uncle asked kindly. Professor Flitwick had scrunched his brow, obviously not knowing what they were talking about.

Harry shrugged. "Snape burst into the room. He had his wand drawn and he looked like he wanted to curse me," Harry told him, still slightly afraid of the look on the man's face.

His Uncle closed his eyes. "So you cast a shield in defense. What did you cast? I am not familiar with what I saw."

"What are you talking about," Professor Flitwick asked.

He looked at his Uncle, who nodded, before responding. "Professor, I can do wandless magic, like my mum. I commanded my magic to put up a magically impervious barrier," he told Uncle Remus.

Professor Flitwick, if he was surprised, hid it well. Instead, he just nodded. "I had wondered," the man said.

Uncle Remus nodded. "You did it consciously?"

"Yes, Uncle Remus."

"Good. I think we are making progress then. Why don't you and the girls stop by my office after dinner and we can have a conversation."

"I have practice tonight," he told him.

"After practice then."

"Mr. Potter, I would also like to have a conversation with you Saturday morning. Would you like your Uncle present," he asked with a smirk.

Harry looked at Uncle Remus. Saturday mornings were their time to get their extra lessons. "I think this more important. Besides, I wanted to talk with you and Neville about our other project. I can meet with the both of you later."

"Yes, Uncle Remus. I do not need Professor Lupin."

-oOo-

magicis murum inexpugnabilem faceret = make a magically impenetrable wall