Chapter 3

Severus woke up the next morning, feeling very much at ease. Before he even opened his eyes, he could feel himself holding another, almost possessively. Harry Potter, he immediately remembered. He opened his eyes slowly, as if afraid to see what the world was going to show him. He heaved a sigh of relief as he saw Harry asleep. He just stayed there, unmoving, looking at Harry's sleeping face. After a while, the young man in his arms moved a little, then Harry wrapped his own arms around Severus, snuggling closer for more contact. He smiled at Harry fondly, knowing that the other would not be able to see. He frowned when he saw the other smile with his eyes still closed.

"Potter, you're awake, aren't you?"

"Nnhn..." Severus loosened his arms around Harry to move out of the bed, and almost immediately, the other tightened his hold on him. "No... don't leave... comfy..."

Severus narrowed his eyes at Harry. "What? Did you say comfy?"

"Hnn... Very... comfortable..."

Severus glared at the boy, but on the inside, he was feeling elated, as it was the first time anyone trusted him enough to relax totally like Harry did, and also a first that anyone thought him as huggable and comfortable to rest on. "Potter, get up."

Harry snuggled closer. "Harry..."

"What?"

"Not Potter... Harry..."

It took a few seconds to register that Harry did not want him to call him Potter. "Fine. Harry. We should get out of bed now. It's at least 10.30, and your owl is in the room, waiting for you."

"Let her wait... I don't want to leave..."

Severus sighed. "Harry, let go of me."

"...Don't want to..." Harry mumbled.

"HARRY POTTER!! GET OUT OF BED NOW!!" Harry screamed, letting go of Severus and then curling himself into a ball. Severus immediately regretted his actions. He looked at the trembling boy for a moment, and then sat up, pulling Harry back into his arms. "Sorry..." Severus said with difficulty, not used to apologising. "I didn't mean to scare you... But we really can't stay in bed the whole day..." Harry nodded nervously and Severus rubbed his back. "Go and wash up first, then I'll get rid of your bandages. We'll head down to Poppy then we can go to the Great Hall for breakfast. Harry looked up at Severus and then leaned into him hesitantly. Seeing that he had regained Harry's trust, Severus relaxed. "Go on then." Harry nodded, leaving the bed to head for the washroom.

After Severus checked Harry's condition once more and took away the bandages, they headed down to the infirmary to let Pomfrey check on Harry. "Slept well?" Severus asked, trying to break the silence between them as they headed for breakfast.

"Yes, thank you. The Dreamless Sleep potion really does wonders."

"Hn, though I'm starting to wonder if it was really the potion that caused you to end up snuggling up against me this morning," Severus couldn't help but tease.

Harry's face burned at the mention of that morning, but said nothing.

After their breakfast, they headed back to their rooms. "Just so you know, you can go and do whatever you want as long as you stay within Hogwarts grounds." Severus said to Harry, aware that Harry was following him around.

"Erm... I need to do my homework... I didn't manage to get any done during the holiday."

Severus sat down on one of the two armchairs by the fireplace. "Sure. If you need help, you can ask me. I can't promise that I'll be nice though."

Harry chuckled. "Yeah, that much I know."

A couple of hours, two scoldings and five arguments later, Harry finally finished his Transfigurations, Charms and Defence against the Dark Arts homework, leaving only Potions, which was set by none other than the potions master in the same room. Harry sighed, causing Severus to look up from his book. "What is it now?"

"I don't feel like doing my Potions..."

"What, that essay?"

"Two essays, to be exact. Really, Severus, do you mean to kill us all with the ton of homework you give us?"

"It will help prepare you well for the N.E.W.T.s exam."

"Well, yes, that's true, but the potions homework you gave is as much as all the rest put together!"

"It was meant to be done over the whole holidays, Potter, not in one day."

"Fine," Harry said, placing his quill down. "I'll do it tomorrow."

Severus growled. "Are you insulting the subject? You could do all the others, why not potions?"

"Because, Severus, my brain is dead from doing all the others. I'm sure you'd rather mark an essay which was done in the right mind rather than one that was done half-dead, right?"

"Really Potter, I don't see the difference when it comes to you."

"Hey, I got an O in potions for my O.W.L.!"

"Yes, and how you managed to do that is still a mystery to me."

This time it was Harry who got irritated. "Well I'm sorry, professor, if you aren't happy with my good marks. For once I thought I could impre..." Shit. "I mean, I get good grades for my O.W.L. and you don't even say anything good about it. Then what's the point of me getting an 'O'?" I don't think that made it any better...

Severus raised an eyebrow at the slip-up and at the bad attempt to over it up. "The last time I checked, Potter, your grades were for yourself, and not for me. Good grades means that you'll probably get a brighter future and better job prospects."

Harry looked down. But damn it, I worked hard for the O.W.L. so that you would see me in a different light. In hopes that you would be impressed or at least say something good about it. Merlin, why did I even bother?

Severus eyed Harry, finally sighing. "Sit, Harry," he said, gesturing to the other armchair across from him. Harry made his way over and sat down, staring into the fireplace. "Just because I don't say anything doesn't mean that I'm not satisfied with your grades. To tell you the truth, I was really surprised when I found out you got an 'Outstanding'. I was expecting an 'A' or maybe even an 'E' at best, but not an O."

Harry turned to look at Severus, smiling. "Does that mean that you were happy with my results?"

"I said nothing of that sort."

Harry's grin widened. "Okay."

Severus frowned, deciding to change the subject. "It's dinner time anyway, we should get ourselves some food. I'll call the house-elves to bring us something. You can shower in the meantime."

Harry nodded. "Thanks, Severus." With that, he turned and went to shower while Severus took some floo powder and threw it into the fire, shouting for a house-elf. When a house-elf appeared, Severus asked for dinner to be brought over, and the house-elf gladly obliged happily, glad to be of assistance. She disappeared back to the kitchens and re-appeared in a short while with another house-elf, and they started to place food on the table in the room.

One of the house-elves, however, tripped and made a mess in the process. Before they could make things worse, Severus glared at them and demanded for them to return to the kitchens immediately and reassured them that he would settle it. After some time, the two house-elves left. Severus sighed and flicked his wand, the mess immediately cleared.

Harry emerged from the bathroom no more than five minutes later, and both of them proceeded to eat their dinner, and then sat down near the fireplace, playing wizard's chess. It was nearly midnight when they finally decided to rest for the night.

Severus headed to his room while Harry went to the other room. He changed into his pajamas and then climbed into his bed, falling asleep almost immediately. A few hours later into the night, Severus woke up as he felt a depression on the bed near him, and some movements. Still half-asleep, he only opened his eyes when he felt a warm body press up against him from behind. He turned around and found Harry in his bed, lying down next to him. Severus frowned. "Potter, what on earth are you doing here in my bed in the mi..." Severus stopped abruptly when he realised that there were traces of dry tears on the other's cheeks. "Harry?"

Harry looked up at him slowly. "Please..."

Severus held his breath at his expression, understanding what the soft plea meant. "Alright... but you had better tell me what happened." As he said that, he wrapped his arms around the younger wizard, bringing him closer.

"Nothing... just a nightmare... I felt safe in your arms yesterday... so... I..."

"Really, Harry, if you heard yourself saying this when you're wide awake, you're going to think you're mad."

Harry shook his head. "I'd think so even if I'm awake..."

"Harry, go to sleep before either of us says something we will regret tomorrow morning."

Harry did not need to be told twice. In less than a minute, Harry was fast asleep.

A few days passed and their relationship got better and better by the day. Every day, they would learn more about the other and more about one another's habits and favourites. A week later, Severus finally decided that they should not coop themselves up in Hogwarts the whole time.

"Harry, do you want to go out?"

Hearing that, Harry jerked his head up to look at Severus, his eyes filled with excitement. "We can? Of course I want to!!"

Severus coughed. "We can go get your supplies at the same time from Diagon alley."

Harry jumped up from his seat. "Now?"

"If you'd like."

"Yes!! Thank you Severus!!" Harry placed his quill onto the table and then ran to his room to change. He was out in less than five minutes and Severus picked up his cloak from the chair. He walked over to Harry and passed him a piece of parchment.

"This is your supplies list. I had access to the list so I took yours out." Harry smiled, and Severus wore his cloak. "We'll be heading to Gringotts first, then we'll head down to Flourish and Blotts to get your books. Then we can shop around."

Harry was grinning from cheek to cheek. "Can we go now?"

"Yeah. Floo powder." The grin faltered. The last time he had used floo powder to get to Diagon alley, he had ended up somewhere else. Severus seemed to notice this. "Don't worry. I'm going to make sure that you say it properly first before you use the floo powder. Say 'Diagon Alley'."

"Di... Diagon alley."

"Don't stutter. If you pronounce it properly, I doubt that you'll end up in the wrong place. Try again."

"Diagon Alley."

Severus nodded approvingly. "Take some floo powder. You go first. Remember to keep your elbows tucked in."

Harry gulped, but took it anyway. He stepped into the fireplace and shouted 'Diagon Alley!', thrwing the powder. The place started spinning, and he made sure to keep his elbows tucked by his side. After some time, he fell out of the fireplace, face-first onto the floor. His head was still spinning and he felt sick. He rolled to the side, knowing that Severus would be entering any moment. True enough, he came through the fireplace a few seconds later. When he saw Harry on the floor, he kneeled down next to him.

"What happened?"

"Nothing... Just not used to the floo network..."

Severus smirked. "I see I'm not the only one. I hate travelling by floo, but it is very useful."

Harry nodded. "Yeah."

"Feeling better? You have to stand before we can actually go anywhere."

Harry flushed. "Right." He waited for the place to stop spinning and then stood up, following Severus out of the shop they had landed in.

They headed to Gringotts to withdraw some money first, before they headed to Flourish and Blotts. There, they spent some time getting Harry's books and then looking around to see if there were any books that caught their eye. Severus spotted Harry staring at a book, saw him reach out his hand as if he wanted to take it out and scan it, but as soon as his hand touched the cover, he withdrew his hand and walked away to look another row of shelves. Severus walked over to where Harry had been earlier and looked at the shelf of books, curious as to what Harry had been looking at. He looked at the book that Harry had reached out to touch earlier and saw a full set of 8 books related to Quidditch. He raised an eyebrow as he saw the price - 37 Galleons, 5 sickles and 12 knuts. No wonder he didn't buy it, Severus thought, it's so expensive. If he buys it, he'll have no money to buy anything else. Then, suddenly a thought struck him. He smiled secretly and then looked around. Seeing Harry in another aisle 3 rows down, he picked up the heavy set of books and then headed to the counter. After paying for it, he placed a weightless charm and a shrinking charm on it, and then placed it into a pocket in his robes. He walked over to Harry and saw him looking through a storybook. He recognised it almost immediately. "You're interested in The Life of An Animagus?" Harry looked up, and nodded shyly. "I've got the whole set back at Hogwarts. I can lend them to you to read when we get back if you want to." When Harry smiled brightly, he quickly changed the subject. "Are you getting anything from here?" Harry's eyes wandered over to the row where the set of quidditch books had been. Then, he sighed, shaking his head.

"No, nothing." Then his stomach growled. "Erm... but I'd like to get some food if I could..." He said, smiling sheepishly.

Severus smirked. "We could go back to the Leaky Cauldron and get something there... unless you have somewhere else in mind."

Harry shook his head. "The Leaky Cauldron should be good." He said, smiling, "I'm not that picky."

Severus made a sound. "Okay then, let's go."

They made their way to the Leaky Cauldron and then ate their lunch there. When they were finally filled up, they headed back to Diagon alley to shop around, as Severus had promised they would do earlier that day. Harry looked really happy and he bought himself some new robes, and a few quills. They had walked into at least twenty shops that day, and by the time they were done, it was evening.

Severus placed a hand into his robes to check something. "Don't you think that we should be getting back now?"

"Yeah, sure." They headed back to the Leaky Cauldron, and then flooed back to Hogwarts. When they returned to the dungeons, Harry was looking at his newly-bought robes excitedly. "Thank you for the day out, Severus. I really appreciate it."

Severus tried not to smile. "You're welcome." Then remembering something, he stood from his seat. "I'll be in my room if you need me." For a second, Harry thought that Severus might actually want them to sleep in different rooms that night and that thought scared Harry. The only times he had managed a proper night's sleep was when he was wrapped safely in Severus' arms. And since then he had moved over to Severus' room and slept in his bed every night. Fortunately, Severus caught his look. "Don't worry. I'm just doing something. Will be out soon. I'm not locking you out." Then seeing Harry relax considerably, he made his way to his room and took out the set of books that he had bought earlier. He took off the price tag and then searched for some wrapping paper and a box to place the books in. After finding something suitable, he enlarged the books to its original size and then with a wave of his wand, wrapped it up nicely, even having a ribbon wrapped around it. Satisfied, he shrunk it again and placed it in his drawer, casting an invisibility spell on it so that Harry wouldn't see it if he happened to open the drawer.

A few days later, Severus woke up, as usual, with Harry in his arms. This time, however, Harry's owl, Hedwig, was hooting non-stop and making a lot of noise. Severus shook Harry gently and woke him. "Harry, your owl's making a lot of noise. I think she wants you to go see something."

Harry rubbed his eyes sleepily and opened them slowly. "Oh..." He forced himself to get out of bed and then made his way out of the room, Severus following closely behind him. When they entered the room, there was a pile of presents on the floor. Harry blinked twice, then finally understood what was happening. He turned to Severus nervously. "Erm... Severus, may I..."

"Go ahead."

Harry jumped for joy and ran towards the small pile of presents. He took out one and read the card. The present was from Ron. He opened it and found a set of cards of quidditch players. He placed it aside and then continued to open the other presents animatedly. Severus just stood in a corner, leaning against the wall, looking at Harry. Finally, all the presents were open. He had received a book on useful charms to use during everyday life from Hermione, a box of jokes from Fred and George Weasley, the usual homemade cakes from Hagrid and a birthday cake each from the Weasley and Granger family. Severus shifted a little, knowing that he wasn't planning on giving the other his birthday present till the end of the day. He thought about changing his mind, but then thought otherwise. He walked over to Harry and kneeled down next to him.

"It's your birthday?" Severus asked, acting as if he hadn't known. Immediately, Harry tensed. From disappointment or because he hadn't wanted Severus to know, he didn't know. Harry finally nodded. "Do you want to eat your cake then?"

Harry looked up at Severus happily, and that was enough to show that he was satisfied and happy regardless of whether Severus was going to get him a present or not. "May I?"

"Yeah. Which one do you want to start on first?" Harry looked thoughtful, then chose the chocolate one from the Grangers. Severus nodded. "I'll keep everything else first." He muttered three spells - one to bring the extra cake to the kitchens for safekeeping, one to bring the presents to Harry's room and another to throw the stray wrappers and ribbons away. In a snap, everything vanished, only leaving a cake. "I'll get some glasses of pumpkin juice. Put the cake on the table first." Harry looked excited and he nodded, looking for his wand in his room. Severus went to get the pumpkin juice, not saying anything about Harry wanting to use magic instead of just picking it up and placing it on the table because he knew that it had been quite some time since he had used his wand. When he returned with the drinks, he heard Harry say 'Wingdardium Leviosa' and saw the cake levitate and then move to the table. He smiled internally, then walked over to Harry. "You're recovering fast."

"Huh?"

"A week ago you still didn't dare to use your wand." He suddenly realised what it might have triggered in Harry and allowed himself a small smile, showing that he was proud of him. Harry's despondent look turned to one of happiness again.

"Thank you."

Severus nodded, then waved his wand. Immediately, lit candles appeared on the cake and a happy birthday song started playing in the room.

Happy Birthday to you

But don't be fooled

You may have lots of presents now

But-wait and see- Peeves will steal them from you!

Severus frowned. "It wasn't supposed to be like that... Wait till I get my hands on Peeves... meddling with the birthday songs... I'll send him straight to the Bloody Baron..."

He was interrupted by Harry's laughter. "It's okay, Severus. It's the thought that counts. And that was a good source of entertainment anyway."

Severus looked at Harry, then sighed. "Fine. I'll let Peeves off for now. But I'll get him before school reopens... Anyway, make your wish then blow out the candles."

Harry smiled, and did so. Severus passed him a knife that he had summoned a few moments before and Harry took it, cutting the cake. They each ate about two pieces and then Severus kept it. He allowed Harry about an hour to himself to look at his presents, and then knocked on his door. "Harry, do you want to go to Hogsmeade? I was thinking of a day out today."

Harry immediately jumped up from where he was sitting on the bed. He knew that this was Severus' way of helping him celebrate his birthday, and he couldn't have been happier. He nodded vigorously in response to Severus' question. "I'll get changed now!"

Severus then left the room to wait for Harry. In a short while, they were all ready and set to go. They left Hogwarts and headed down to Hogsmeade. They looked around the place and when lunchtime came around, Severus brought Harry to a shop. It wasn't a restaurant, but wasn't as shabby as the Leaky Cauldron was. It was quiet and peaceful. They settled themselves somewhere near the back of the shop and then ordered their food.

"This place is very peaceful." Harry said while waiting for their food, trying to strike a conversation.

Severus grunted. "I come here all the time."

"I'm not surprised. This place is very you... I like it."

Before their conversation could be brought any further, their food came. They sat in comfortable silence and ate their food, occasionally bringing up a topic or two. After they were done, Severus paid and then left the place without waiting for Harry. Harry quickly ran to catch up with him. "Where are we going?"

After a short silence, Severus finally answered. "I thought that you'd might like to go to an ice-cream parlour."

Harry almost cried out for joy. "An... An ice-cream parlour??!! Really??"

Severus panicked. After looking around, he hissed at Harry. "It may be your birthday, but that doesn't permit you to catch everyone's attention like that. Your scar catches enough attention as it is. I don't think I appreciate you jumping up and down just because you're going to an ice-cream parlour. Please, Potter, restrain yourself."

Harry smiled sheepishly. "Sorry."

When they got there, Harry excitedly got himself a cone with three scoops - one with chocolate and pumpkin bits, one toffee flavoured and another that was constantly changing its flavours. Harry ate his ice-cream cone as he walked through the streets, and Severus found himself looking at the other intently. He tore his eyes away and then took out a handkerchief from one of the pockets in his robes. He stretched it out to Harry. "You've got ice-cream all over your mouth."

Harry smiled and took it. "I'll use it later. It's going to be like that until I finish eating it anyway." Then he placed it into one of his robe pockets. They walked around and after Harry finished eating, they started to enter shops and look at anything that interested them. Severus walked alongside Harry and followed him into any shop that caught his eye. Suddenly, he caught sight of something at the display window of a shop. He slowed down to take a better look at it and stopped as he saw the latest cauldron on sale, and there were also a few books that came with it. He hadn't noticed that he was staring until Harry broke his trance by asking him a question.

"Severus, do you want to go in?"

Severus looked at Harry, but before he could say no, Harry smiled and walked into the shop. Severus frowned, but went in. Harry started to look around the shop, and Severus went to look at the cauldron that he had seen outside. There was a sign next to it.

Looking for a cauldron? Well, this is your perfect choice! This new version of Hwan's Cauldrons will never get dirty. No matter how messy the potion you may be concocting, at the end of it, it will clean itself and be as clean as it first was! And also... this cauldron is the hardiest of all up to date! For more details about the product, refer to the guidebook included. Complimentary book of 'Extraordinary Potions' by Philip Radul while stocks last. Promotional price - 50 Galleons! Only for one day!

Severus thought about it. 50 Galleons was reasonably cheap for such an item. And who knows when he'll get something like this for this price. He checked his wallet and heaved a sigh of relief as he found that he had enough money for it. He walked to the counter and asked for it. The person at the cashier smiled brightly. "You sure are lucky, sir." He said as he took the book and cauldron. "We only have 10 of these which came in this morning. This is the last one. Tomorrow it's going to be at least twice or three times the price."

Severus nodded, and then paid for it. He shrunk it and then called for Harry. "Got what you wanted?" Severus nodded. "Good! You didn't seem to be interested in anything the whole day and I was starting to think that this trip was boring you." Severus looked bewildered.

"Boring me? What gave you that impression?" He asked as he walked out of the shop.

"Well, the only shops that we've been into are those that have been of interest to me. It's been half a day and nothing caught your eye. Thank goodness you found something you like. I was starting to feel uncomfortable." He said, smiling.

"You're being stupid, Potter. You're supposed to enjoy yourself, not worry about me. I can take of myself, thank you very much."

"I know that you brought me out here as a birthday treat." Severus pressed his lips together and frowned. From the past few days, he knew that he had to be careful while handling Harry, but his dignity wouldn't let it be left as that. Although it was true, he had a reputation to keep. "And please stop calling me Potter. You promised that you'd call me Harry."

Severus, not wanting to carry on the conversation about him giving the other a birthday treat, decided to change the subject. "Yes, right. Harry. Are you about done with this place? If you are, we can return."

"Sure." They made their way back, and when they reached the school, Severus took out his cauldron to put by one side. "Whoa, did you buy that just now?" Severus nodded, flipping through the book.

"Was planning to get one anyway."

"Wow, it's shiny..."

"And it's going to stay that way." Severus said proudly.

"Don't worry, I won't touch it."

Severus looked confused for a while, then shook his head. "No, I meant that this cauldron is special." He took out a piece of brochure that came with it and passed it to Harry.

Harry flushed. "Oh." He said as he read the description that Severus had read earlier in the shop.

"Yeah. Oh yes," Severus said, remembering about the present. "Come with me to my room for a while. I've got something to... show you."

Harry looked confused, but nodded anyway. He followed Severus into his room and sat down on the bed. Severus took out a very tiny box out of his drawer and he placed it on the bed. Harry couldn't see what it was, but was excited. Severus then took off the invisibility spell and returned it to its normal size. Harry's eyes bulged as he realised what it was. There was a card attached on it that clearly stated 'Harry Birthday Harry'. He looked at Severus. "Is that..."

"Yeah, a birthday present. From me to you."

"You... you remembered??"

Severus didn't answer. "Well then, aren't you going to open it?"

Harry looked elated. "Yes, of course!!" He turned to the present and then started to unwrap it. Severus was glad that the attention was taken off him and was now directed to the present instead. He watched as Harry's excitement turned to one of surprise, then utter happiness. "Oh Merlin... Severus!" Harry turned and threw himself at the other. He buried his face into his cloak and hugged him tightly. "Thank you Severus! Really. Thank you!"

"Isn't this reaction a little exaggerated, Potter?"

"No, it isn't. This is the first time someone actually bothered to spend so much money on me and actually tried to find out what I wanted. I mean... You'd have been the last person I'd expected that from... I don't know... I was hoping someone would have given me one of the books from the set... I've wanted it for over two years... I kept hoping that Ron or Hermione would have noticed. I always look at it whenever I go there with them. All I get in return is 'Are you planning to buy that, Harry?' Obviously my answer was no... I didn't see the point of buying it for myself... I wouldn't last through it without feeling lonely... But someone finally bought it for me... The whole set too! Severus, thank you so much! I know I'm blabbering, but you have no idea how much this means to me." While he was talking, his arms tightened around Severus and Severus returned the embrace tentatively.

"You're welcome..."

They let go of each other and Harry blushed, realising that he had probably made a fool of himself. He stepped back from Severus and took the present, then ran back to his room to keep it. He reappeared in Severus' room about 20 minutes later in his pyjamas. Severus had got ready for bed and was under the sheets. Harry took the chance to look at Severus' face. He didn't realise that he was staring until those lips that he was staring at started to move.

"Harry, are you going to stand there or night or are you going to come here to sleep?" Harry blushed, and walked over slowly to climb into the bed beside Severus. Severus turned in his bed to face Harry and then opened his eyes. He wrapped his arms around Harry and then brought the other closer to him. "Happy Birthday, Harry."

Harry smiled. "It was, Severus, it was. The best birthday I ever had..." His eyes slowly drifted close, and he snuggled deeper into Severus' arms.

After Harry had fallen asleep, Severus placed a kiss on his forehead, and then buried his nose into the other's hair, falling asleep as well.

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A/B: Chapter 3 up Please review and tell me what you think!! Thank you! And yes, I know, I know, OOC-ness galore. Blah.

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Thank yous:

Quills 'N Ink: Wah. Oh no... Maybe I'll start splitting the chapters and double-checking them soon... [scratches head] I felt that Dumbledore wouldn't really mind if he knew that Severus wasn't trying to take advantage of Harry or anything like that... But wizards do live longer than muggles, right? So it ain't really that bad... is it? I'm really sorry for the bad organisation of my fic!!! [bows repeatedly] And once again, thank you for the review!

takari4ever7: Yeah. At least I didn't make it extreme... =)

Emerald Dragon Girl: [huggles] =) Thank you Glad you like it... It might get more boring though, just to prepare you... --;;;

Harry-Snape, Restless Mage & Visitor-to-the-Echoside: Thank you so much!!! =)