The air rippled as a force rushed outward, away from Harry … knocking everything it touched askew. Everyone was blown a few feet backwards, forcing them to the floor as the beds and cabinets closest to Harry were thrown across the room. The paintings and shelving above him were lifted from the wall, or were snapped in two as the force impacted them.

Just as suddenly as it started, Hank felt the surge ebb away. Catching his breath, he looked around his position, noticing that he was laying on his back, up against the underside of his previous bed. Sweeping the room with a glance, he could tell that it was going to be a descent repair job; much like his own job on the second floor doors. The sound of ragged and uneven breathing drew his attention, and Hank turned his head, feeling a pang go through him as his eyes fell upon Harry.

The floor under his feet had a few flakes missing and was cracked in places, signifying the force of the energy at the centre of focus. Hank's eyes moved upward, taking in the way Harry was trembling, mainly in exhaustion … but he could also see shame and fear radiating from him…

Harry felt worn to the core. He couldn't control his breathing and could feel himself shaking, both with exhaustion and at what he'd almost done. Harry finally raised his eyes to look around him, feeling a lump rise in his throat at what he saw. He'd pretty much demolished the Hospital Wing. A cruel wind was blowing through the broken windows, chilling him to the bone. Harry bit his lip as he watched his teachers and friends pull themselves from the fray, almost breaking down as he saw a trickle of blood running down the side of Ron's face as he helped Hermione stand.

Harry blinked furiously as he watched the professors get to their feet, not wanting anyone to see him appear any weaker than he already was. Harry shut his eyes as he caught sight of Remus. He was holding his arm to his chest as he walked over to Hank, who had yet to rise from the floor. Harry shook his head and clenched his jaw, fighting against the misery and shame that was trying to escape him, as he sank to his knees.

He'd tried with all his might, to keep himself from hurting someone … but it still did no good. Now he'd hurt more than one of his friends, and all because he'd been unable to keep his emotions in check.

"Harry?"

Meekly, Harry opened his eyes and looked toward the voice, seeing Hank leaning on Remus for support. For some reason, Hank was giving him a look of extreme concern, and Harry didn't like it. He didn't deserve it. Shaking his head, Harry averted his gaze and held back the tears that were slowly building. He wasn't going to crumble. He refused to.

"I – I'm sorry," Harry choked, barely audible as he got shakily to his feet again. He couldn't meet anyone's eyes, so kept his firmly on the floor. He had no desire to see either the pity or the fear, that was sure to be directed at him, so he started to make his way back down toward his room at the end of the Ward. He felt someone grasp his arm as he brushed past them, but Harry didn't turn to see who it was, as he shrugged them off and continued down the ward; opening the door and disappearing from everyone's sight.

Harry leant up against the door and shut his eyes, forcing down the surge of emotion that rose within him. Holding his head in his hands, Harry slid down the door and sat on the floor; trying to control his unsteady breathing, and blinking away the burning in his eyes. He couldn't handle this. How could anyone expect him to be able to? Harry cringed as some of the thoughts that had been flying through his head resurfaced. How could he even think about doing such things to anyone? Harry cursed himself as he felt moisture trickling down his face. He couldn't afford to break down, he thought, wiping away the stray tear. He had to keep it together, or he could end up killing someone. Still having no incentive to return to the Main Ward, Harry settled himself against the door, resting his elbows on his knees as he dwelled on the near catastrophe……

Everyone watched silently as Harry shrugged off Hermione's hand; continuing down the Ward and entering the back hallway, shutting the door. Hermione immediately moved to follow, but Ron held her back, shaking his head.

"Let go Ron!" she hissed, more with worry than anger. "We have to talk to him!"

"We will do no such thing," said Hank firmly, still balancing against Remus. "He needs time to think … alone. What just happened is tormenting him greatly, yes … But our presence would only hinder his healing at present."

Hermione shook her head determinedly. "If we leave him alone, he'll only dwell on it! He needs someone with him! We can't let him deal with this by himself!"

"Miss Granger, I can assure you that we will not allow him to take this burden alone … but we do need to allow him to settle himself down before we try anything," Dumbledore stated heavily, not looking anyone in the eye.

Hank and Remus exchanged a glance before Hank spoke.

"Albus? Is something troubling you?"

Dumbledore glanced at Hank briefly before shaking his head. "Nothing short of the norm, Hank…"

Hank arched an eyebrow sceptically, before deciding to take a quick look inside Dumbledore's head. Almost immediately, Hank shook his head, as Dumbledore's thoughts screamed out at him.

"Albus, you can't blame yourself for Harry's reaction," he said sternly. "He was already overly emotional because of Miss Granger's state when we arrived … The fact that he took your statements the wrong way is not reason for you to take the blame."

As Dumbledore shook his head and started to argue, Hermione made herself known.

"Excuse me, Professor Dumbledore … but you're always telling Harry not to hold himself responsible for things that were beyond his control. Maybe you should take your own advice?" She looked away sheepishly as Dumbledore turned his gaze toward her, feeling very self conscious for taking such a forward approach with the Headmaster, but she found herself looking back at him when she heard him chuckling.

"Don't look so worried Miss Granger," said Dumbledore kindly. "You actually have a valid point. However, this discussion will have to be put on hold. I do believe that the reason we came down here, was from what we discovered in one of the rooms on the second floor? And why every one of the doors on that level, had been reduced to a fraction of their former self?"

At this, both Hermione and Hank averted their gaze from everyone; succeeding in attracting everyone's attention.

"Imagine my surprise, when not more than five minutes had passed, after Hank had left my office … when a loud disturbance was heard. Not long after that, Minerva here, came striding into my office, saying that every single door, on the second level, had been blown to splinters?" Dumbledore smiled faintly as he looked at the smug look on Hank's face before continuing. "Naturally I had to see for myself … and low and behold, we walked into a war zone." It was then, that Dumbledore's expression became grave, as he glanced toward Hermione, who had turned pink and looked away. "It was during our inspection of the premises, when we stumbled upon a certain room … I believe that this was where you found Miss Granger?" Dumbledore surmised, looking toward Hank, who silently nodded. "I thought as much … So … Who's going to give their part of the story? Otherwise my walk here would have been for nothing…"

Hank and Hermione glanced at each other before Hank nodded and said, "I think it's my turn." Dumbledore nodded and waited patiently as Hank gathered his thoughts.

"Well, when I left your office, Albus, I started my search for Miss Granger on the second floor. I started out just opening the doors individually, but it was taking too long, and I was beginning to get nervous … so I err, removed them to make my search that much quicker." Hank swallowed as he really thought how close a shave it had been. "It was a good thing I did though, because, had I kept with the slow way … well …"

Hank looked toward Hermione again, and saw her swallow nervously. "Well … she wouldn't be standing here…" he finished quietly, still keeping his eyes on Hermione, who held his gaze, smiling weakly at him.

"Are you saying she would have died!" said Ron breathlessly, eyes popping and unconsciously tightening his hold around her shoulders. "How? What happened to her!?"

"If you would let me finish Mr Weasley," said Hank gently. "Now … Miss Granger was very much in need of medical attention, so I immediately brought her up here. That's when Harry came out here, because he'd heard us, and was understandably worried about Miss Granger, because he'd known of her disappearance. As for what happened to Miss Granger? Well, only she can tell you that…"

Hermione lifted her head from Ron's shoulder, as Hank subtly passed the floor to her. She glanced around at all the curious and concerned faces, before nodding resolutely and starting her story.

"Well … After I finished lunch, I ran into Hank and we were having a little discussion … It didn't end that well, and we went our separate ways. All of a sudden I was grabbed from behind and was knocked out. I remembered waking up in what looked like an old classroom, finding myself bound and gagged in a chair. I don't remember everything … but whoever was there, asked me where they could find Malfoy … seeing how I was one of the last people to see him after our eventful lesson this morning. I wasn't going to tell them that he was in the hospital wing, because then they'd want to know how he got there … and that would set up Hank … so I told them that I didn't know. That's when one of them started to curse me … over and over…" she trailed off at the memory, blinking back the tears that sprung to her eyes as Ron squeezed her shoulder reassuringly.

"May I ask, what they used?" said Dumbledore gently, seeing how the event had effected her.

"Um … a severing curse … and a clubbing hex I think…" Hermione answered weakly, shuddering involuntarily.

"It was quite clear, that whoever did it, didn't intend to keep her alive," said Hank grimly.

"I don't think it was meant to be as bad as it was," Hermione countered hesitantly. All eyes turned toward her and she turned away. She didn't like all the attention. "I did overhear some of their talking, and they didn't want me dead … but one of the cut's they gave me ended up being a lot worse than they thought it would have been…"

Dumbledore gazed at Hermione curiously before asking, "Which one would that be?"

"The ahh, … the one on my neck," she said, running her finger along the right side of her throat. "One of them shot the severing curse at me, and it must've cut the artery…"

Dumbledore looked at Hermione gravely, shaking his head. "I'm afraid that I have to agree with Hank on this Miss Granger. No one would shoot a severing curse at someone's neck, and expect them to live … even more so, because they cast it on you numerous times…"

"Do we have any way of finding out who did it?" said Ron curtly. "Do we have any idea who would want to do it?"

"Unfortunately, we have no way of discovering who did this to Miss Granger," sighed Dumbledore. "As for the why? Well, that can vary enormously as well…"

Everyone fell into a thoughtful stupor, when Madame Pomfrey suddenly spoke up, startling them. "As urgent as this subject is … I can see a few of you do require my attention, so if you would follow me Remus, Mr Weasley, and lie down Hank."

Grimacing, Remus and Ron approached Poppy, who immediately began treating Ron's head, before moving to Remus's broken arm. Hermione helped steer Hank to a bed, that McGonagall righted with a wave of her wand, and sat on the edge of it, staring at the closed door at the end of the Ward worriedly.

"What else did they say, when you were held?" Hank spoke up in a hushed tone, startling her profoundly.

"I – I don't know what you're talking about," Hermione replied, shrugging. Hank wasn't convinced.

"Yes you do. There is something you're holding back. You know more than you're saying."

Hermione sighed and glanced at him, seeing the knowing in his eyes. She stole a glance at Dumbledore and McGonagall. Dumbledore was trying to talk to a rather jumpy McGonagall, sitting down on a bed a way's away, as he tried to explain what had happened.

"All right fine!" Hermione began quietly, turning back to Hank. "There was something else … There was supposed to be a note that was left in here, saying that I was in that room, … But no one has mentioned it at all … so if no one knew where I was, then how did you find me?"

Hermione smiled inwardly as Hank turned away, almost shyly.

"Well … After I parted company with you, I ran into Miss and Mr Weasley. I told them that we'd had a mild disagreement, and Ronald went to find you. While Miss Weasley and myself were with Harry, Ronald came back, saying that he was unable to find you anywhere. I resumed the search, checking a couple of places that Ronald hadn't gotten around to searching, when I explored the whole of the grounds with my mind, specifically searching for your thought pattern. I couldn't find it, even after numerous tries, and took the matter to Dumbledore.

"I knew that you were in trouble, either unconscious or not on the grounds, because I couldn't pick up your thoughts. Dumbledore suggested that I search everyone's minds at once, and try to see if more than one person were thinking about the same thing, especially if they normally wouldn't be. I did as he suggested, and caught about five different people thinking about the second floor … but what was most troubling was that they all bore some knowledge about a person in bad shape, that was held in one of the rooms. I immediately Orbed from Dumbledore's office and began to search all the rooms on floor two. After causing a bit of damage, I found you in one of the most deserted corridors, and healed you…" Hank took a deep breath, and gave Hermione a weak smile. "You know the rest…"

"Hank, I want … I want to apologize to you, for what I said earlier on," Hermione began awkwardly. "I was about to follow you then, so I could, because I realized my mistake when you reacted the way you did … but I was taken…"

Hank held up a hand and waved her apology aside. "It's quite all right Hermione," he said gently. "I know you don't think that way now … and I'm very happy to know it. I still request of you, to not tell anyone else about me … especially Harry. I want to be able to tell him myself when everything settles down…"

Hermione shook her head ardently. "Of course I won't tell him. But it would be much easier if you kept a low profile … you really do attract too much attention to yourself, you know."

"Well it can't be helped half the time," Hank reasoned. "I had no choice with Diego, and if I didn't do what I did with the doors, well … we wouldn't be having this conversation…"

"At least no one saw you do that," said Hermione. "Otherwise you would have had a nice amount of explaining to do. As it is, people will want to ask you how you did what you did with Diego, because you didn't use a wand…"

"Would it be wrong of me, to alter everyone's memory of the event?" asked Hank hesitantly. "To change what they thought happened, so they believed that I accomplished it with a wand? I would leave yours, Harry's and Ronald's intact of course," he added hurriedly.

"You can do whatever you think you should," Hermione replied gently. "Just so long as the Ministry doesn't find out about you. I can't say they'd agree with you being here…"

"You're right there," Hank nodded grimly. "It wouldn't be very pretty if they discovered that I was here … much less with Dumbledore's knowledge and consent."

"And why are you here?" Hermione asked, frowning in bafflement. "I thought Felanade's didn't like getting involved in Human matters?"

Hank smiled slyly. "Ahhh … that's what we let everyone believe. You see, that way, we don't draw any unnecessary attention to ourselves. After all … no one looks over the shoulder of a normal Muggle or Wizard doing their job, do they?"

At Hermione's dumbstruck expression, Hank chuckled and proceeded to tell her the same story that he had told Harry and Ginny, about the hidden war that raged underneath everything that goes on in the Ministry. When he had finished, she was at a loss for words (Which was a first).

"Now, remember that to everyone who knows nothing about it; the Ministry is just another government body, that takes too long to make a decision about anything. They call it Red Tape, I think…"

Hermione still sat with her mouth open for a few moments, before shaking herself visibly, and acquiring a curious mien.

"How long has this set up been going on?"

"Pretty much right after the Ministry was formally established," Hank answered. "It didn't take long for the majority of Morphie to get someone a position in the Ministry's midst; posing as a normal wizard. There has always, and will always be at least one of each Clan, employed somewhere in the MoM. We all like to keep an eye on everyone … and everything."

Hermione was now, a bit more than just confused, as the full statement Hank had made, sank in. "Hold on a minute! What do you mean everyone? I thought that it was only Felanade's and the race they compete against at the MoM? And what on earth are Morphie?" ……

"Ouch!" exclaimed Remus, flinching as Poppy tended to his arm. "That hurt you know!"

"Oh, poor baby," Poppy grinned, much to Ron's amusement, grinning from ear to ear. "I wouldn't laugh if I were you Mr Weasley," said Poppy. "I haven't finished with you yet…" Ron's grin vanished, and Remus began to laugh as the tables were turned.

"Oh I don't know about that Poppy?" said Remus playfully. "I don't think you could help his head out much more. Besides … it shouldn't be hurt that bad, seeing how it's inches thick, and nothing can penetrate — Hey!!" Remus jerked as Ron proceeded to slap him on the back of the head, scowling heavily. "It was a joke! It was a joke!… Jheez…"

Ron didn't see the funny side to it, and it showed as he looked over toward Hermione, still scowling, and sighed heavily. He heard from Hermione that he wasn't all that smart enough times … he didn't need it from his professors as well. It wasn't as if he was stupid, and Hermione had never said that either, but she was always pointing out that he could do better academically, if he only sat down and worked, instead of daydreaming about Quidditch and the like.

Ron sighed heavily and shook his head. He wasn't going to dwell on it anymore though, or hold it against her. She'd almost died today, and the mere thought was enough to send violent shivers down his spine……

Remus followed Ron's gaze, spying Hermione and Hank in deep discussion. Turning his eyes back to Ron, he saw the fear of what had almost happened radiating from him. Remus turned his gaze back to the couple on the bed, as he thanked Poppy for the potion to mend his arm. He strained to hear anything they might be talking about, but both Hank and Hermione were speaking too softly for it to carry. Remus could tell it was very in depth though. Hank was looking more serious than usual, and Hermione appeared to be listening with rapt attention. Remus smiled inwardly as he pondered what Hank could be telling her, that would attract such undivided attention from possibly the smartest student in the school.

He was quite happy to see them getting along much better though. It wasn't as if Hermione had treated Hank like dirt, quite the contrary … If anything, Remus saw that Hermione treated Hank politely, and usually gave him the utmost respect, though she did have her moments. But despite that, she seemed to be on edge around him … almost as though she didn't fully trust him, or was unsure about him. Not now though. She seemed very relaxed and laid-back; and Hank, Remus noted, no longer bore the cautious demeanour he had previously had around the students and staff that didn't know about him.

At this thought, Remus started. It wasn't possible, was it? Remus knew that Hank had told of his magic, mainly because he'd figured that Hank was the one to heal Hermione … and she had to know of his abilities because of that … but would Hank tell her what he was? Excusing himself, Remus left Ron and Poppy, and proceeded across the room……

"Wow," was all Hermione could manage after Hank had explained what Morphie were. As Hank explained, it was technically his official race. He was a Morphus of the Feline Clan … and there were also a Rodent Clan, a Reptile Clan, a Cloven Clan, a Bird Clan, an Insect Clan, a Primate Clan and a Canine Clan. Apparently, most of the Clans avoided any major confrontations with each other, and try to get along … with two exceptions. The Feline's and Canine's. Hank had finally told Hermione that it was the Kanite's that the Felanade's at the MoM worked against.

Felanade's and Kanite's have battled for supremacy for eons. Both on the battlefield, and in the boardroom. When compared to these two Clans, all the others are substandard. The other Clans didn't wield the same amount of raw power that these two did … and so were left on the sidelines, observant, and sometimes brave enough to assist one of them, no matter how small the help appeared.

"I'd've never ever thought that there were so many different types?" said Hermione, still feeling a bit thunderstruck at what Hank had told her. "I only ever heard of Felanade's."

Hank nodded. "Yes … well … There is a reason for that. It was one of the very few Bill's that the Kanite's were actually able to achieve. They allowed the publication of books with wrong information, to be sent out into the general public, feeding them lies and falsities about our Clan. Never mentioned themselves or the others, and it worked very well. Not long afterwards, the MoM forbade our presence in the wizarding world, and all knowledge of our magic was fit for imprisonment if caught." Hank smiled, "But humans have an uncanny knack for not obeying orders. There were some that completely ignored everything the MoM said, for they already knew us personally and didn't believe it for a moment."

"People like Professor Dumbledore?" stated Hermione questioningly.

"Yes," Hank nodded, shooting a glance toward the Headmaster. "Of course, that Bill came about before Albus was even born, but good for him, he has an open mind. Wanted to see what we were like for himself, before he made any final judgment on the matter, and he pretty much fell in love with what he saw."

Hermione smiled, overjoyed that Hank was being so open with her. Actually, she was finding it all quite fascinating.

"That reminds me," she started, holding up a finger. "I seem to recall Remus calling you Brother, a while ago… What did he mean by that? You can't be related at all, can you?"

Hank grinned and gave a small chuckle. "My, my … aren't we perceptive? But to answer your question, no … We aren't brother's. At least, not by blood. Don't believe for an instant that it wouldn't be possible though, because it is," Hank added, a bit forcefully. "All the Clans are able to breed with humans, it's just not done very often. Now, as for Remus calling me his brother … well, he's almost as close to being a brother as he's able too, without actually being related to me…"

Hermione just looked confused. "How then?" she pressed, not noticing Hank looking over her shoulder, a small grin on his lips. "How is Remus considered your brother?"

Hermione stared at Hank expectantly, frowning as she saw him fighting a smile, but he still didn't answer her. "Well?" she pressed, before jumping out or her skin at a soft voice in her ear.

"You know it's rude to talk about people behind their backs?"

Hermione let out a small yelp, and spun around so quickly that she almost toppled off the bed, being saved by Remus grasping her firmly on the arm and steadying her.

"Sorry," he grinned, sitting on the bed next to her.

"Don't you ever do that to me again!" said Hermione, placing a hand on her chest as she tried to settle herself down again. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

"Come now!" Remus admonished playfully, waving his hand. "Why would I want to drain Hank even more by having him heal you … again?"

Hermione turned away, and Hank grimaced.

"I was wondering if you would figure that out?" said Hank quietly. "What gave it away?"

"Oh, not much really," said Remus airily. "Just that you can hardly stand on your own," he pointed to Hank, "and you are being exceedingly friendlier to him," Remus finished, gazing at Hermione pointedly. "So what did it take?" said Remus, turning back to Hank. "A little? A lot?"

"An Infusion…" Hank answered softly. Remus's jaw dropped and his eyes filled with mild panic, as his gaze flicked to a very awkward looking Hermione.

"I knew it was close, from what you said before … but I never suspected that it was that close!"

They all sat in relative silence, reflecting on what was said, when Remus spoke up.

"So, Hermione," he started, looking down at her. "After hearing that Hank performed an Infusion on you, I take it that you know what he is?"

Hermione nodded, but Hank was the one to speak.

"Yes she does. I told her a while ago, and only just finished informing her about all the other Morphie as well."

Remus shook his head in bafflement as Hank spoke. "Why on earth would you tell Hermione, who you knew didn't exactly trust you … and not tell Harry? He has a right to know…"

"Believe me Remus, no one knows that more that I do," said Hank, hanging his head. "But I can't tell him. At least, not yet…"

"And why is that?" Remus replied, a touch harshly. "Don't tell me that you're actually worried about how he'd react?" Hank didn't reply. "Oh come on! He doesn't fear you, and you know it! Or are you only scared of what he'll say when he finds out what happened between you and his parents– ?"

Remus stopped abruptly as Hank winced and turned away, obviously hurt by his words. Remus sighed, knowing that he'd gone too far. He knew that Hank didn't like to talk of what happened … or even think of it.

"My apologies Hank," said Remus quietly. "I didn't mean to bring it up … It was in the moment and I had no right – "

"It's all right Remus," Hank interrupted, glancing up at him. "I know that it was unintentional … and I also understand your point when it comes to telling Harry. But I can't. He already has too much on his shoulders, and he doesn't need me telling him that I've deceived him."

Remus slumped his shoulders. This was going in circles. "Hank, he won't think that. He'll understand why you've had to keep it a secret, once you tell him everything."

It did no good. Hank was adamant about not telling Harry until everything had settled down, and no one could convince him otherwise.

Searching for a change of subject, Hermione suddenly turned to Remus and asked, "So why did you call Hank your brother? You're not related in any way?"

Equally eager to change the subject, Remus answered, "No … We aren't related in that sense. He is still considered my brother though."

"But how? You aren't blood related, so the only other thing I can think of, is that you're a member of his Clan…" Hermione paused. "You are … aren't you?"

Remus smiled and nodded, glancing at Hank and feeling relieved that he wasn't brooding on their previous discussion. "Yes, I am a member of Hank's Clan. I went through their induction process and proved myself worthy enough … so now I am just another brother, and am considered to be one of them."

"So … does that mean that you call all Felanade's your brothers and sisters?" Hermione asked offhandedly, glancing between the two of them.

Remus frowned thoughtfully and eyed Hermione shrewdly. "Miss Granger, I do believe that you're trying to hide a question with a question? Mind telling us what is really on your mind?"

Hermione fidgeted awkwardly with the hem of her shirt as her gaze flicked uncertainly from Remus to Hank and back again. She knew that Poppy had told her to ask Hank, and she thought she knew the answer … but now she was faced with actually asking him to his face. Knowing that it was pointless to lie about it, Hermione steeled herself, and turned to Hank.

"Um … I've been thinking, about some things recently … and have just realized something. I asked Madame Pomfrey about it, but she told me to ask you…"

Hank arched an eyebrow at her, but still motioned for her to continue.

Hermione took a deep breath and just let the question roll off her tongue.

"Hank, I don't know if I'm right or not, but if you could just tell me the truth I would very much appreciate it, and would understand if my assumption is correct. Are you and Kahn the same Felanade?" ………

Harry shuddered involuntarily as he wondered how on earth he would be able to keep his head while with the rest of the school. This time, it only took him taking something the wrong way to set him off, and because McGonagall hadn't completely understood what was happening, she'd only made the situation worse. If the teachers were like this, then how would the students react, or behave around him. Harry rested his head against the door as he thought of the school year where people would skirt around him; where his very presence in a room would inspire fear of what might happen.

Harry stopped his musings when voices from beyond the door drifted through to him. Harry listened intently, but couldn't make out any words.

"Probably deciding where I'll be confined for the rest of my life," Harry muttered dejectedly, shaking his head. "If they're smart … they will…" Harry had already convinced himself that he was simply too big a danger to everyone around him, so if Dumbledore told him that he was going to be locked up, he wouldn't argue the case. In his opinion, he required confinement.

Harry thoughts drifted to Hank, and how he'd been able to draw some rational thinking from him. He remembered Hank yelling about turning his anger into energy, but he had no idea how he'd done what was asked of him. All Harry knew, was that once Hank had put the idea into his head, it had just started to happen. It felt almost second nature to him, and Harry found it disturbing as well as intriguing. He marvelled inwardly at how easily he'd converted his rage … but he was worried in the fact that it was something else that he didn't know about himself, or completely understood.

Harry didn't know how long he sat there, trying to quell the flood of emotions rising within him, but eventually he got to his feet and turned toward the door, wondering what kind of reception he'd get upon his arrival. Taking a deep breath, he reached for the handle, seeing his hand trembling as he inched closer. Harry pulled his hand back suddenly, his nerves getting the better of him, and took a couple of steps away from the door. He knew he was being silly, but he just couldn't bring himself to face them all yet.

Harry grimaced as he envisioned the edgy and tense reaction his friends would bare toward him when he approached them. Harry shook it from his mind and turned back to face the door. He ran a hand through his hair, as he approached the door more purposefully, refusing to let what Voldemort had done to him, influence his life any more than it already did. Without pause or hesitation, Harry grasped the handle firmly and opened the door……

Hank smiled inwardly at Hermione's question. He knew it would come, but he didn't think it would be so soon, and certainly not from her. Hank stole a brief glance at Remus, and saw a smirk on his lips also. Remus raised his eyebrows at him and gave him a pointed look, telling him what he thought he should do. Hank nodded indiscernibly and returned his eyes to a very nervous Hermione.

"What makes you believe that?" Hank asked, avoiding answering the question. "After all, it's a little hard for the same person to be in different places at the same time … even more so when it's in the same room together…"

Hermione began speaking immediately, almost as if she knew that was how he was going to answer her.

"Come on Hank, I've seen what you can do with your magic, so I consider almost anything possible. Even being in more than one place at the same time. And the other reason, is because on the day Kahn brought Harry back, Remus called him Brother as well. Then there was the time right after you fought that Nundu down in the dungeons, and you left the hospital wing – but when Ron, Ginny and I came in here, we saw Kahn for the first time…"

"OK! OK!" said Hank, holding up his hand as Hermione stopped talking. "My my … I have been careless, haven't I…" he said, grinning at Hermione as she beamed at him.

"I was right then?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

"Yes," Hank answered, attempting to swat Remus as he chuckled at him. "Don't you laugh at me! It was hard work trying to keep them all in the dark!"

"Hey, I'm not saying you didn't do a good job!" said Remus. "No one else even suspects you. It's not your fault Hermione picks up every little detail … Hell, she even figured out that I was a Werewolf when I was here two years ago…"

Remus trailed off as he saw Hank's eyes focused on something over his shoulder. Frowning slightly, Remus turned, feeling his gaze soften as he saw Harry lingering uncertainly in the doorway to the Ward. His eyes were flicking nervously around the room, growing grave as he took in completely, the amount of damage he had caused to the wing. Remus felt movement at his side, and turned in time to see Hermione rise from the bed and start to approach Harry……

Hermione cast sidelong glances to the others in the Ward as she cautiously made her way toward Harry. Dumbledore and McGonagall looked on curiously, while Ron was looking mildly worried. Poppy still hadn't noticed, for she was still tending to Ron's head. Hermione looked back at Harry, and felt a wave of sadness wash over her as she saw him grow edgier with each step she took toward him.

She gingerly made her way across a pile of rubble, before stopping a couple of feet away from him, feeling injured when he shuffled away tensely. Harry was looking everywhere but at her, and was holding himself almost rigid with anxiety. Hermione hated the fear that she could see radiating from him. The fear at what he'd almost done, and of what he might do in the future. Hermione fought back the tears that were building in her eyes, as Harry finally looked up at her, seeing the same brightness in his eyes.

"Did I hurt you too?" Harry whispered thickly, his eyes roaming in search of anything more than the small scratches she had received from the glass.

"No, Harry … You didn't," she answered just as softly, shaking her head. "Ron's fine too, and Remus's arm is fixed," she added, as she saw Harry's eyes flick toward them briefly. "It's OK Harry," said Hermione, taking a tentative step closer to him as she saw him struggling with the tears that were still building in his eyes. "We don't blame you … we're all fine…"

Hermione stopped as Harry cringed away from her, his lip trembling as he crossed his arms over his chest, blocking everything out.

"Please don't shut us out Harry," she pleaded, taking another step toward him, reaching out to touch his arm. "We only want to try and help you through this."

Harry shook his head, but didn't move away from her touch. "I should be locked up," he said bitterly, trying to steady his breathing. "I'm too dangerous to be around people…"

"Don't say that," Hermione cut in. "You're not an animal to be caged…"

"But I could've killed someone!" Harry retorted shakily. "Take a pick from anyone in the room, you included!"

"But you didn't," said Hermione gently. "Don't be so hard on yourself Harry, we know that you're trying your best…"

Harry snorted and glanced at the destruction he'd caused. "Yeah … My best…"

"Furniture can be replaced Harry…" Hermione reasoned softly. "C'mon," she said, grasping his hand and beginning to lead him toward the others. "Everyone's very concerned about you…"

"Are you kidding?" said Harry, not budging. "McGonagall looks like Trelawney does when I'm around…"

Hermione glanced at McGonagall, and did see that she looked a little pale and was giving Harry a rather mournful look. Turning back to Harry, Hermione shot him a small grin and said, "Well, at least you can't turn her any greyer than she already is, can you? You could turn her white though … then her and Dumbledore would be a perfect match…"

Hermione laughed lightly as Harry gave her a small smile, happy that his mood had lightened even a little.

"Looks like I have a goal to achieve by the end of the year," Harry replied sardonically, stepping beside Hermione as she once again began leading him back to the gathering.

Upon reaching Madame Pomfrey, Harry began to apologize profusely for demolishing her Ward. She merely waved a hand and said, "Don't worry yourself over it Mr Potter, it needed redecorating anyway."

Ron also waved aside his apology, but as Harry approached Dumbledore and McGonagall, he faltered, looking at his feet sheepishly.

"I'm … err … I'm sorry for yelling at you," he said quietly, only glancing up at Dumbledore for an instant, before letting his gaze fall to the floor again. "I know I shouldn't've been out here in the first place, and — "

"It's all right Harry," Dumbledore interrupted gently, holding up a hand. "I understand completely, that none of what you said or did was intentional. I myself, should have been more cautious with my wording, and should have expected you to be out here when we saw where Miss Granger had been held…"

Harry looked up at Dumbledore awkwardly, seeming to be arguing with himself as to whether or not he should ask his next question. He opened his mouth several times, with no noise coming out, before he actually spoke what was on his mind.

"Are – are you still going to let me back with the school?" asked Harry tremulously, fidgeting with his robes.

Dumbledore looked taken aback by the question. "Whatever makes you think I wouldn't allow you back with the rest of the school?"

This wasn't the answer that Harry was expecting. He took one bewildered look at Dumbledore before turning his eyes to the rest of the hospital wing. "Well, I'd think that this was a good enough reason…" Harry stated, waving a hand to encompass the ruined Ward.

Dumbledore shook his head. "No Harry," he began gently. "This only means we need to be more cautious. So long as we take the right precautions, hopefully we'll only have to deal with minor mishaps, like this one…"

"You call this a minor mishap?" said Harry tersely.

"Well you didn't attack anyone," Hank spoke up suddenly. "You caused no injury to yourself, and we only need to fix and replace some furniture. Compared to what's happened in the past, I'd call this minor…"

"But Remus and Ron still got hurt!" said Harry, a pained look on his face as he glanced at the both of them. "And what about the rest of the teachers? They don't know the warning signs … I mean – no offence Professor – but, you only made the situation worse because you didn't know what was going on…" he continued, looking away as McGonagall pursed her lips, but remained silent at his accusation.

"I have already informed the necessary staff members that you will be prone to violent outbursts, Harry," Dumbledore explained quietly. "And the majority of your instructors, already know of your current condition." He gestured to McGonagall, "And I've just finished informing Minerva about your Bond with Voldemort."

Harry glanced at McGonagall, seeing that she did seem a little grim, but she still looked understanding as well. Now that McGonagall knew the truth about him, Harry realized that the majority of his professors did know about him. There was Hank, Remus, McGonagall and Snape … Poppy would also know the reason if he ended up in the Ward again, plus Dumbledore, which would come in handy if he really went wild in class. The only people he had to be cautious around, was Professor Sprout, Flitwick and Trelawney… Harry knew Binns wouldn't care either way, and he doubted that he'd ever have a problem while in his class … and of course there was the rest of the students.

"And before you ask," said Dumbledore, as Harry opened his mouth, "The students do know of your return, and I've asked them to not badger you over anything, or aggravate you in any way, because we've no way of knowing how you'd react to it. I thought Hank told you all this last night?"

"He did," Harry nodded, glancing over at him. "I just wanted to make sure that everything was still happening that way … after what just happened…"

"Harry," Remus began gently. "We're just trying to keep everything as normal for you as we can. You just have to be yourself, that's all. Don't try and shut everyone out because you think you're protecting them. We only want to help you get through this until Hank finds out how to fix it…"

Harry looked down at his feet. "I know that you all only want to help me," he said softly. "And I appreciate it … but I don't want to be a bother. You've got enough to worry about without me adding to it…"

"Harry," Hank interrupted, "You aren't a bother. In fact, breaking the Bond between Voldemort and yourself, is one of my highest priorities. I'll be using all my free time trying to dig up the information about it that I'm missing."

"You won't be doing anything until you've had enough rest," Poppy said sternly, giving Hank a very pointed stare. "And that means 'No more vanishing acts!' You will stay in this bed at all times, and heaven help you if I find you otherwise!"

"Easy! Easy! Down girl! Don't hurt me!" Hank exclaimed, holding his hands up in front of himself, warding off any attacks playfully. He shot her a dazzling smile and said, "I promise I'll be a good boy Mum … Can I have some ice cream now? Pleeeeeeeeeeeease?"

Harry had to hold in the laughter fighting to escape him, as Hank clasped his hands together, begging, and gave Poppy his best innocent schoolboy pout. Harry could see Remus cover his mouth, in an attempt to hide the wide grin that had appeared; he glanced over at Hermione as he heard her giggling quietly, finding her and Ron grinning at Hank also, as they sat together on one of the beds. Dumbledore was shaking his head in an amused fashion, and McGonagall was rolling her eyes. Harry turned back to Madame Pomfrey when he heard her speaking.

"No you're not allowed to have any," she said, shaking her finger at Hank, while trying to fight off the grin that was beginning to show on her face. "And begging for it will do no good either!" she added, as Hank feigned severe disappointment and made to argue. "You've been a bad boy in the last couple of days, so now you're not getting any treats…"

"How 'bout some jelly then?" Hank asked hopefully, grinning broadly as Poppy rolled her eyes and started to walk away toward her office, muttering under her breath.

"Custard?" he called after her, smiling jovially. "Caramel slice! Lemon meringue! Apple turnover!"

Poppy reached her office and promptly shut the door.

"Patty cakes!!" he boomed, still grinning like a madman.

Poppy's door opened a fraction and everyone's chuckling fell silent as they waited for her reply……

"TRIPE!!"

Harry and Remus burst into howls of laughter at the look of absolute and complete disgust that spread across Hank's olive features. He screwed up his face and shook his head as he called out, "Round one to you Poppy!" He turned to give mock glares to Harry and Remus, as Poppy closed her door again.

"Blegck!" he muttered, visibly shuddering at the idea. "I'll eat a lot, but a cows stomach lining is going a tad too far…"

"You asked for that one," said Remus, shaking his head and grinning. "You know that, right?"

Hank shrugged, but smiled anyway. "Must be my charm," he said, winking at Harry, who proceeded to be overcome by another bout of the giggles. Hank felt as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders as he looked at Harry's now happy features. He'd hated seeing him so down and sullen, and was relieved that his banter with Poppy had lightened his mood.

The rest of the afternoon was spent, trying to tidy up the Hospital Wing. Hank had tried to get out of bed numerous times in order to assist, but was quickly reprimanded by Madame Pomfrey. By the time afternoon classes had finished, the windows had been repaired, as had the broken beds and cabinets; and all the furniture had been put back in its previous position. However, as Remus made to fix the damage Harry's outburst had done to the stone floor, Dumbledore stopped him. At Remus's bemused expression, Dumbledore explained his reason.

"I would like it left as a reminder," he told them. "The area that Harry damaged when he almost lost control with … Snuffles…" Dumbledore glanced at McGonagall pointedly before continuing, "I asked it to remain the way it was, after the mess was removed. This way, we shall try to focus on the instances when Harry has achieved a small amount of control, during his outbursts … instead of focusing on what he might have done, while under its influence."

Remus hesitated for an instant, but obligingly left the damage intact, only removing the flakes of stone that had been dislodged, and reapplying the paint … yet leaving the cracks and divots clearly visible. Harry however, didn't see it that way. He gazed at the markings gloomily; seeing them as a blemish, the results of his own weakness. And now, they would always be there, to remind him of that fact.

"Please don't think of them as a tarnish, Harry," said Dumbledore softly in his ear, making him start, and swivel to face the headmaster. "Instead, think of them as something to be proud of … knowing that you will not be fated to violence if it should happen again. Now you know you are able to do something about it, before you lose absolute control."

"But I was only able to do it, when Hank told me too," Harry countered. "And even now, I still don't know how I did manage to do it."

"Try not to think about it then?" Dumbledore suggested gently, giving Harry a reassuring smile. "Just take comfort in the knowledge, that you were able to."

Harry held Dumbledore's gaze for a moment, before the Headmaster turned, and summoned McGonagall and Lupin, to assist him with the restoration of the second floor. After saying that they would see them at dinner, the instructors left, shutting the doors behind them.

Harry sighed and took one more look at the scar on the Ward floor, before bending down and picking up the last few stray items that had been flung across the room. As he did so, his eye caught sight of a piece of parchment, lying underneath one of the beds near the doors. Standing up, Harry started towards it, ignoring his friends asking him what he was doing. He picked it up and unfolded it, immediately feeling his chest tighten as he continued to read what it said…

We're quite sure that by the time you read this note, you will have noticed the disappearance of a certain Mudblood. We've left a present for Potter on the second floor. Its condition will depend on how long it takes you to find it. This is a message from the Dark Lord and his allies, that Potter will be forced to watch his friends suffer and die … solely because they chose to be his friends.

If Potter wishes for his friends to be kept out of all this, the solution is simple. He merely needs to turn himself over to the Dark Lord … If he does not, then he will witness his friends suffering, because of his own stubbornness…

Harry's eyes crept lower, and he clenched his teeth as he saw the Dark Mark drawn on the bottom of the parchment. Harry slowly sank to the floor, unable to tear his eyes from the repulsive symbol, as his brain asked one question: How did Deatheaters get into the school?

Harry couldn't think about this question though, because he was briefly overcome with a wave of deep remorse. By the note in his hand, Hermione had been tortured and nearly died, purely to torment him. It was his fault.

Harry's hands began to tremble, as he tried to release his grasp on the note, but his fingers refused to part with it. He could feel an overwhelming despair, beginning to rise within him, as he realized that all the people he cared about weren't safe anywhere. If he wasn't the one to put them in danger personally with his outbursts, they would still be in danger because there was the chance that they would be taken by his enemies.

Harry looked up as he felt a hand on his shoulder, to find Ron and Hermione gazing concernedly at him.

"I'm so sorry," said Harry, his voice raspy as he looked at Hermione forlornly. "It was all my fault – They only did it to get to me – "

"Harry," Hermione interrupted, signalling for him to be silent. "What do you mean? What was your fault?"

She gave him a questioning look, as Harry handed her the note he'd found. Ron read it over her shoulder, and Harry saw their faces pale as they reached the bottom. Harry looked away as they turned their eyes back to him. He didn't want to see the accusing stares they were sure to be giving him … after all … their lives were in danger because of him.

"Don't blame yourself Harry," said Hermione softly, bringing him out of his reverie. He stole a brief glance at her, and saw that she was being completely serious. "And don't even consider turning yourself over to him," she continued firmly. "He wouldn't leave us alone if you did, and you know it. It's not even an option."

"But they're going to hurt you all, because of me!" said Harry, looking up at them both. "I shouldn't be here. I'm only putting you all in danger…"

"That's not true!" Hermione snapped, making Ron jump, startled by her earnestness. Harry simply gazed back at her, seeing that she wasn't angry with him, just worried about him. He held her gaze for another moment, before nodding silently in reluctant agreement. Harry privately disagreed with her, but he didn't want to risk another outburst if his temper should get the better of him, so he kept his opinion to himself.

Suddenly, the doors to the Ward opened up, making them all jump because they were so close to them. Harry felt a twinge of panic, but it immediately dissipated at the sight of the redhead that walked into the Wing. Ginny looked around at them sitting on the floor curiously, before shutting the doors and approaching them.

"Hey Hermione!" she said, coming to a stop beside Ron. "I see Hank must've found you OK?"

Hermione swallowed and looked away, making Ginny frown in confusion. Ron hastily got to his feet after patting her shoulder reassuringly, and steered Ginny away, toward Hank. Harry saw Ginny's surprise at Hank in a bed, but turned his eyes back to Hermione. He felt a pang pass through him as he saw the tears beginning in Hermione's eyes at the memory. He knew how she felt. He was probably the only one who could relate with her … after all, the both of them had experienced torture.

Hesitating momentarily, Harry reached forward and rested his hand on her shoulder, smiling grimly when she looked up at him.

"Don't worry Hermione," said Harry gently, as the tears began to fall from her eyes. "The memories won't go away … but they won't be as painful, as time passes…"

Hermione nodded, sending more tears splashing down her face, and leaned forward, taking Harry into a fierce embrace.

Harry only paused for a moment, before returning Hermione's action, and wrapped his arms around her. It was as he held Hermione to him, that Harry felt a flood of emotion fill him. It was so acute that it startled him, but it just felt so right to him … the same as the way he felt around Ginny felt right.

Harry felt an overwhelming protectiveness fill him, as he listened to Hermione's muffled sobs. He imagined that this was how Ron felt toward Ginny, and now, could perfectly understand his coolness in regards to his actions toward his friends sister. Harry eased his hold as he felt Hermione draw away from him, wiping at her face as she did so. Harry wondered how Hermione would feel, if he told her that she was the closest thing to a sister that he'd ever had, but shook it from his mind almost immediately. She didn't need to know that … and part of him felt rather embarrassed that he would even consider it.

"Feel better?" Harry asked quietly.

Hermione nodded and brushed the stray hair away from her face. "Thank you…" she whispered, attempting at a smile, but failing miserably. She bit her lip, and Harry could tell that she wanted to say something, and waited patiently for her to voice what was on her mind.

"I was so scared," Hermione told him suddenly, her voice barely audible. "I didn't know if I was going to come out of that room alive, or not. Would I ever see any of you again…?"

Harry remained silent, for Hermione's feelings almost mirrored what he himself had felt at the end of the Tri Wizard Tournament, a couple of months ago. He had thought he would die at Voldemort's hand, and would never see any of his friends again either. But he had … and so had Hermione, thanks to Hank.

"…I probably sound stupid…" Hermione continued glumly, beginning to stand. "And you have enough troubles without me adding anything to them…"

Harry snapped out of his memories as Hermione stood, and got to his feet as well, stopping her as she turned to leave. "Hermione, wait … I'm sorry I drifted off there – It's just that, what you said reminded me of last term…"

Hermione smiled faintly at him. "I understand Harry," she replied gently. "What I went through … was probably nothing compared to what you've had to. I wouldn't even begin to understand, how it's all affected you … but now I know what it feels like…"

"Well … If you need to get anything off your chest, you can always talk to me about it," Harry suggested timidly. Hermione nodded her head, before looking him straight in the eye.

"And the same goes for you, Harry…" she said pointedly. "I think you'd find yourself more controllable, if you actually told someone how you feel … instead of holding it all in…"

Harry paused for a moment, before nodding. However, he told himself not to unless it was the last resort. He hated talking about his feelings … it made him seem like a softy, when everyone expected so much from him. "We should probably see how far into the explanation they are," he said, nodding toward Ron, Ginny and Hank; all deep in conversation.

Hermione held his gaze for a moment, before agreeing, and headed toward the group with Harry right behind her.

They arrived at Hank's bedside just as Hank finished informing Ginny of the condition he'd found Hermione in, and how he'd brought her to the Ward. Harry could see the fear and concern in Ginny's eyes as she turned to face Hermione, saying, "I'm so sorry about what I said before! I had no idea— "

"It's OK Ginny," Hermione interrupted gently, holding up her hand and giving her a weak smile. "It's true, you didn't know about it … It's not your fault…"

"Do you know who did it?" said Ginny, turning back to Hank.

"No, we don't— "

"I wouldn't say that," Harry cut in, holding up the note he'd discovered, scowling at it as if it had been the one to hurt Hermione. At Hank's puzzled mien, Harry handed him the note. Ginny read it over his shoulder, and Harry watched as the colour faded from both of their faces.