Disclaimer me did not steal, just borrow.

Beta:gallandro-83

Chapter 4 - Visiting the Weasleys

Harry had more energy this morning than he had in the past four years. At promptly seven o'clock Harry raced down to the breakfast table and began to enjoy his meal. Susan came in a half hour later and they both shared a smile. Fluer followed her and winked at him when she took her seat at the staff table. Harry almost laughed aloud. He wondered if Susan told her this morning or last night.

"You are looking good James." Remus sat down and piled a few eggs, and a steak onto his platter.

"Yeah pretty good." Harry replied cheerfully.

Remus snorted but didn't say another word. Owl post came in ten minutes after many of the students were managing to sit down for an early breakfast. Harry grabbed a letter a ministry owl bared for him addressed to James Dursley. He opened it eagerly and scanned it quickly. He looked over to Susan and who nodded after a drink of apple juice. "See you later Remus I need to talk to Albus before I go out today." Before Remus could form a question, Harry left.

Harry made his way to the Headmasters office. He said a few polite hellos to a very large group of sixth and seventh year girls before breaking into an all out run so he would not be able to get stopped by another female mob. A few more dodged hello's and he finally made it to the Headmasters office. When he walked in he was half out of breath. "Hello, Albus." Harry took a few deep breaths then said, "And I thought the press was bad. This is ridiculous. I really should start casting a visual spell so I won't get harassed in the halls."

Albus laughed at the boys predicament. "Surely a few young ladies can't beat you down."

Harry scowled at that but finally smiled. "I am not so sure about that sir. I came here to talk to you about my use of wandless magic. I have been doing it a lot in public. And more so when I had to drop of the three students yesterday. It didn't even occur to me that I should at least carry around a piece of wood to look like I am using a wand."

"Its interesting you should mention that, I received an owl from a few parents about the expelled students." Harry looked up at that. "They seemed interested in how you were able to apparate with out a wand and bring several students with you. Only highly trained wizards are able to apparate others with out hurting them. Among other things, two of the students decided to tell someone they were miss treated after they were found. I read their complaints but it is nothing to worry about. I also submitted a report of Miss Niete's injuries to the School Board if they decide to make an inquiry. I did have to concede to tell them that you had worked with Harry Potter, but no details."

"Do I have a background story other than that?" Harry asked suddenly unsettled that so many people outside of school were already taking an interest in him.

Albus scratched his chin thinking of the problem. Finally he looked at Harry and said. "I'll get a history for you together. And now I think I have detained you enough. I believe you have a date with the lovely Miss Bones, correct?"

Harry was about to ask how the old man knew about it, but stopped himself knowing that it was futile. Albus smiled at the boys flustered thoughts. "Go ahead I already got someone to cover for Miss Bones in the infirmary. It wouldn't do to keep the young lady waiting would it?"

Harry smiled and casted a illusionment charm on himself as he left the headmasters office.

Harry ran to his own quarters where he jumped into the shower and bathed then put on the robes blue robes with black trim. He was never one for color coordination and dearly hoped He and Susan would match well. He placed on a large cloak over his shoulders effectively covering his dress robes. Harry tugged a tuff of hair to cover the invisible scar and left out the door. He made his way around another group of young lady students who almost mobbed him when he stepped out of the staff hallway. After making a large loop around the castle to avoid another group of girls he bumped into Alice. "Hello Miss Niete. How are you on this glorious morning?" Harry said in a very sunny mood.

Alice was caught off guard at the question and showed great self control in not turning into a giggling idiot like the rest of the girls. "I am doing fine, I was on my way to your class room to meditate. The common room is too noisy this time of day."

Harry laughed at that. No doubt he was probably the reason. Harry hoped he wasn't getting a swelled head over this. "That's fine, I am on my way out of the castle for the day. Would you like an escort to the classroom? Its on my way and I still need to see if anyone hasn't turned it into their personal broom closet." Harry couldn't help but be bubbly at seeing his friends together again.

Alice really did try not to giggle at it, but she couldn't help it. "S-Sure." The second year let out a quite sigh. She then thought of something. "Professor?"

"Yes?" Harry saw a few students look at Alice with a bit of jealousy. Uh-oh.

"I was wondering since you appeared in that room where you saved me. Do you usually walk around the school invisible. I noticed a lot of girls are mad not being able to catch a look at you in the halls."

Harry snorted at that. "Damn, I forgot to tell the class that last night. Well, there is no harm in telling you right now. Though what you said is a good idea. Well, yesterday I was observing your class while they were enjoying their free time." Alice looked up in horror turning beat red. "Don't look at me like that." He said playfully. "I needed to see how each of your classmates behave outside of classes. The next part of your studies will be Occulmency. When your meditation is done everyone should be able to organize their thoughts, force one thought into their mind and hide another thought from someone else's mind. I used the time to watch them to see a memory that wouldn't be too personal to them that I could see while they try to force me out of their mind." Harry turned on the last stretch of hallway to his classroom.

"S-so what did you see when you spied on me." Alice looked at the ground still mildly embarrassed.

"I didn't get a chance. I was about to look for you when I felt a disturbance of magic in that class room."

"Disturbance?" Alice asked mystified.

"You'll see what I mean before the end of Christmas. Anyway as soon as I saw you I stopped the fight. And I didn't need to observe you after that. We had the two conversations, one after each class, and this one right now. Arvalis." The painting swung open. They both entered the class room and Harry was pleased to see a few other students there. Harry discretely made his way to the front desk and pulled out a book. All of the students stopped their meditation and looked up at him when he looked at them. "I am glad to see that all of your awareness is progressing well. If any of you feel up to it, here is a book on basic Occulmancy. Its very old, but still the best source on the subject." He placed it down on his desk.

Harry then saw a short black haired girl with long earrings and recognized her as Miss Johnson. Harry waved her to come over to him. She almost ran to him immediately and only tripped on one chair along her way. Harry bit back a laugh and said, "I know I asked the student body to stop harassing the students in this class, but I noticed on the way here that a lot of students were looking at Miss Niete threateningly, could you please spread word around to make sure everyone in this class looks after each other? I do not want another incident to happen again." Miss Johnson nodded and went to talk to one of her friends who was already reading the book. "I will not return till later this evening, good day class." The class said a collective good bye.

With that, Harry left for the infirmary. Fluer opened the door to the office and dragged Harry in. Susan already wore her own cloak but took it off to twirl her dress for Harry. Harry took in a deep breath and said, "You look stunning." Susan smiled and walked over to Harry and laid a peck on his cheek.

Susan turned to Fluer. "I suppose we should get going, I'll see you later tonight Fluer. Take care of my hospital wing!"

Fluer laughed. "Get out of here already!"

Harry led Susan out to the front gate. Harry noticed a few students on the grounds outside and frowned wondering if this is going to be part of the gossip when he gets back. Albus was kind enough to send them a carriage. "Well lets get going before we start a riot." Susan just laughed she was as happy as Harry to be reunited with their friends. Harry got in and sat next to Susan. Susan leaned against Harry a bit while they were carted off the grounds. When they arrived in Hogsmeade, Harry handed her the parchment Hermione sent him. "O.k. I got the address. I'll apparate after you." Susan smiled and apparated with a pop.

Harry counted to ten before he followed.

When Harry arrived at the apparation point he found Susan a few feet away from him gawking at the house. Harry looked at the mansion and laughed. "What do you expect from the minister of magic and the Coach of a world level quiditch team?"

Susan just nodded dumbly. Harry reached out his arm and waited for Susan to take it before they approached the door. A house elf answered and bade them to come in. Harry and Susan heard an argument going on and Harry couldn't help but grin stupidly. He looked to Susan who almost laughed at his face but instead playfully poked his ribs. They turned around the corner to see Ron who let his hair grow to a length almost as long as Hermione's. It coiled around his neck where the hood of his weather robe was attached.

"Seriously Hermione, Do I have to stay and listen you to talk to one of your boring Ministry friends? I mean it gets pretty bad when you go into politics. I just feel stupid when ever I hear you going into details."

Hermione took his hand and said, "Your not stupid Ron, You just simply have no interest in those subjects. Besides I am sure my guest today will not even talk about politics. He kinda hates it too."

Harry stifled another laugh. "Your right about that Mrs. Weasley."

"Hello James. I am glad you could make it. Ah! You brought a guest, Hello Susan I haven't seen you in ages." Hermione and Susan gave each other a kiss on the cheek and a long hug. Harry hung back until the girls broke apart. Ron eyed the man. He obviously didn't like his guest already. He dragged Hermione out of the room.

"Well that was rude, wasn't it?" Said Susan testily.

Harry laughed, "I know exactly what he is thinking. He thinks I am some kind of jerk who picked you up since your obviously not over Harry." He winked to her and she laughed. She grabbed his hand and dragged him to the door where the married couple were already arguing.

"I don't like him. He is already dating Susan! What would Harry say if I didn't do something to stop him!" Hermione did her best poker face.

"Ron! She isn't a little girl anymore and she has the right to date whomever she pleases. Now we are going back in there and we are going to be the perfect host and hostess. Alright?" She said suddenly her voice was very stern. Harry suppressed a laugh when he heard Ron sigh in resignation.

Susan and Harry ran back to where they were standing. Harry was still not trying to smile when Ron walked in. Harry nervously tugged a tuff of his hair pulling it down. That stopped Ron in his tracks. Ron walked over to him and gave the guest named James a good look.

"Hello, I am James Dursley." Harry extended his hand.

Ron took it and said, "Ronald, Ronald Weasley." Ron looked at where a scar would have been and realized, the way this man played with his hair was the same way Harry tugged hair over his scar when he was nervous. Ron looked over to Susan who gave an award winning strait face. Ron looked at Harry again and said insecurely. "Mate?"

Harry couldn't help but laugh now. "You look like you just saw a ghost Ron."

"Mate!" Ron actually gave Harry a bear hug and Harry hugged back with both laughing. Ron turned to his wife. "You knew!" he said accusingly.

"Of course. He had to clear some stuff with the ministry and went strait to me. That was two days ago. I am sorry Ron I would have told you but he wanted to talk to you personally." Hermione didn't look it but she was nervous about Ron's reaction. He merely smiled at her and took her up in his arms. He kissed her well, then set her down. "I understand love."

"If you don't mind, may I place a few wards up?" Harry asked.

"By all means mate." said Ron gestured for him to finish up.

Harry was glad Ron was aware enough to see why he was in disguise. Harry placed his wards so they laced through and reinforced the current ones. Harry closed his eyes and changed back to Harry. "That's better."

"Much, where the hell you been? I see that you and Susan got back together that's great news at least." Susan and Harry flushed at once. They gave false laughs before they looked at eachother. Neither one was going to correct Ron when he was this happy.

Hermione laughed when she caught on.

"Well that doesn't matter! All is well in the world. Come on Harry lets get some food and tell me why I shouldn't hex you for disappearing." Ron laughed at his own threat knowing full well he couldn't hex Harry if Harry wouldn't let him.

"Well that first part was easier than expected." said Susan hopefully.

"I know. I hope Ron isn't going to do something stupid…"

Susan snorted. "Your hoping Ron isn't going to do something stupid…"

Hermione glared at her friend then laughed, "Your right. Lets go hear Harry's story."

The two girls entered the Dinning hall. They took a second to absorb the scene before they both began to outright laugh as both men were already eating and talking about quiditch around full mouths. The ladies went to sit next to their date for the day, and began to eat. "So how did you pull off getting a coaching job?" Harry asked around a mouthful of pork.

"It was actually on accident. You see-" Ron chugged a glass of pumpkin juice then continued. "After a really bad game, I was going on at how stupid the Cannons strategy was. They had no defense against the Harpies beaters and the Cannons beaters were useless the whole game because of the Harpies complete control of the Bludgers. Well Julian Defnik the Keeper for the Cannons was ahead of me and was disgusted with my complaining. He turned around and asked what would I do if I was the couch. He had expected me to back down or at least say something stupid showing that I didn't know anything I was talking about. But I told him strait to his face. I would have both beaters take control of one bludger and disable one of the Harpies beaters. That would cut their effectiveness by over eighty percent, he could allow the chasers to spread out and not be picked off by the opposing chasers since a lot of the beater's plays would have worked with two beaters doing their job properly with at least one Bludger in control and possible both since the Harpies Beaters always work as a team." Harry and Ron both laughed at that. Then they continued to eat in silence for a moment. Susan and Hermione took the moment to look at each other between bites of food. They both giggled. Ron came up for breath then, "Julian just looked at me like he found a pot of gold. He asked me who I was and I told him who I was and that I work for the miss-use of muggle artifacts branch of the ministry. He then asked if I would be interested in being an assistant coach. I took him up on the offer. Dampsfield retired from coaching the next year and I been coach since then." Ron smiled at that and finished the last of his crackling.

Harry shook his head. "I am glad you found a job that is worthy of you mate." Harry finished the last of his meal. Both men looked up at the two girls and stopped. Harry had forgotten that they weren't alone and had began to eat with out waiting for Susan to show up.

Ron must have forgotten as well. He turned to his wife who looked between the disciplinarian and a young teen. He said after one last drink. "I love you." Hermione just looked at him as if he was insane. Susan laughed along with Harry.

After everyone had their fill Harry looked at his three friends. "Lets go outside, I think the fresh air will do us all some good." Harry got up and took Susan's hand.

"Is that going to be ok Harry?" Asked Hermione.

"It is." He said simply.

The group headed outside and received the grand tour of the house and property. Ron was plenty pleased with himself and talked how he was able to expand the burrow since his parents would never allow themselves to move to a new house anyone bought them. After the tour they sat at a lawn table looking over the yarn that extended beyond the tree line seven hundred yards away.

"So you want to tell us where you been?" Asked Hermione. She was holding Ron's hand and Ron gave it a tight squeeze.

Susan looked over to Harry but he smiled and started with something's they didn't know. "As you know, I was cursed by Voldemort. What you didn't know was the extent of the curse." Harry saw them all listening intently. Harry felt a squeeze of his arm where Susan's' hand rested. "I didn't want to come back until I knew I could handle the curse as well as the damn fame. The curse was Voldemorts bane in a sense. All his evil will, bitterness and anger, they were forced into me. It took a few days for me to realize it but I was slowly turning into a dark wizard. Albus and I were finally able to weaken it but I could never stop it. It fed off the magic around me." Harry looked at his closes friends. Ron and Hermione just started understanding what he said.

"You had to leave and tell no one where you were going because of your fame. If a wizard were to come to you, the curse would feed of him and begin to turn you again." Hermione said sadly.

"And I could not tell any of you. Although now I wish I did." Harry looked over to Susan. "I have been living as a muggle until Albus found me. I been tending a small garden for three seasons, and travel during the winter to pass the time. I had been able to erect a kind of shielding charm around the curse for about a year and a half. The spell separates the magic from the curse from the rest of the world. But it took me a while to get used to having it on all the time. Even now I still carry the curse with me." As if it was listening to the conversation the curse pressed against the wall that sorrounded it. Harry was suddenly aware how dangerous he was again. "Its just separated from everythng else."

Ron looked irritated, "If you can keep it separated or whatever, why not just throw the bloody curse out!"

Harry smiled, leave it to Ron to give a simple answer. "Ron, the curse is apart of me. If I try to, as you put it 'throw the bloody curse out', It would be like cutting off my head. Its rooted in my entire body. Just becuase its contained and separate from me doesn't mean we are seperable."

The three looked at him sadly. "So why did you come back now?"

Harry wondered what to say to that. Albus never did say that he could or could not tell anyone. Harry decided to follow Albus's footsteps and use a few half truths. "I was asked to train a few students who had the disposition and the need of mental discipline that I could offer." They just stared at him expectantly. Harry rolled his eyes and said, "I am preparing them, so I can teach them rune summoning. Although I don't know why you people call it rune summoning. The symbols on my friends bodies' are not runes." He said the last part a little annoyed.

The three still just stared at him.

"What?" Harry finally said.

"Finally!" Shouted Hermione thumping the table.

"What?" Harry returned a blank stare.

"I always knew you should have shared that with the world. I mean the last form of magic invented was soothsaying, and that was well over a few thousand years ago." Hermione beamed at him.

"Well I am glad your happy." Said Harry moodily.

The three laughed and dragged him inside to show off the rest of the house.

TLTLTLTLTLTLTLTL

Pamela Johnson had taken Professor Dursley's advice and spread word around to the rest of the class to watch each others backs. When Alice decided to leave the class room to go to the tower, Pamela joined her. "So what do you think of Professor Dursley?" Asked Pam.

Alice blushed and mumbled something incoherent.

Pam laughed and said, "I didn't catch that. Any way I think he is quite the looker. Too bad he doesn't seem the type to go after younger girls. So we just have to sit through his class and be tortured no?" Alice laughed.

"He is nice, I have been talking to him about some of the things that will happen later in class, but he says he wants to explain some stuff first. He said we will start tomorrow though." Pam grinned. She immediately liked the girl, she was cute kid.

An older girl came running to them after nearly colliding with a wall when she turned sharply to them. "Hey! Did you hear? Miss Bones went on a date with Professor Dursley today!" Shouted the girl when she caught up to them.

"What? When!" asked Pam excitedly.

Alice listened to the conversation only mildly interested. She was more concerned with how fast the rumor was spreading than the rumor itself. I wondered why he cancelled class today, It doesn't sound so good that the rumor came through so fast, even if he left right after I saw him it was only two hours. Alice's face closed while she began to think about the rumor itself.

Both girls looked at the young second year who was in deep thought. Both girls shared a private look. "Don't worry Alice, I am sure its just a rumor." reassured Pam.

Alice snapped out of her stupor, "What? Why would I care if it was a rumor or not?"

The two girls looked at her before Pam's friend said, "I guess your right. O.k. I just wanted you two to know what's been floating around. Later guys!" She ran off quickly.

"What was that about?" asked Alice pointing to the fleeing girl but looking up at Pam.

"What? You don't know? Well I guess you wouldn't." Pam gave a slight groan not liking what she would have to tell her. "There is a crap load of rumors about how you are trying to get together with Professor Dursley."

Alice tripped at the news. "Ow." she said dead pan. She didn't move from the position she fell when she asked, "What are you talking about?" She sat up and rubbed her nose sniffing back a tear. Her nose really hurt.

Pam helped her up. Then counted off on her fingers. "Well there is one rumor where you spent a few minutes after class the first time where you tried to seduce him. There is another rumor where you set up being beaten up so you could follow him around. And there is one where you were with him late last night, you didn't come in until ten minutes after ten o'clock. And there is probably one now that you were walking with him to the class room." Pam cringed when she relayed these rumors to the young girl. Pam knew rumors could break a girl.

Alice felt like crying. "But, I was just talking to him..." We have been here for three days how did this get so screwed up. Alice thought privately, then she sniffed.

"Shhh, just ignore the rumors, I told you because you had a right to know but that doesn't mean that you should let them rule you. Surely you remember Harry Potter?" Alice nodded, looking at the girl curiously. "He had a bunch of rumors when he came here as a student too. Well in my first year here, there was a nasty rumor that he was learning dark magic to replace you-know-who. No one would go near him except for his girlfriend and his two best friends. But he never let that get to him. He took it all in stride and never once looked back."

Alice nodded. She knew Pam was right. Alice took a deep breath and wiped away her tears. When she was calm the pair started up the stairs towards the Griffindor Common room. They were stopped on the second flight of stairs to some girls talking.

"Well if it isn't little miss teacher's pet. You sure got Professor Dursley in your pocket. To bad you don't have anything else of his. That would be an accomplishment for some one like you." Alice shivered at the venom this girl was flinging at her.

Pam gestured for Alice to ignore the comment and move on. But Alice stayed there and said, "What do you mean by that?"

"Huh, you don't even know? Seems like Professor Dursley has got a girlfriend. You must be terribly disappointed that anything you try will be pointless now ." A few other girls tittered with her.

Pam nudged Alice again who didn't move. She looked over to the other three disdainfully. Damn, Professor Potter wasn't kidding. I wonder how many girls are going to be gunning for Alice now?

"Who said I was trying to get attention from Professor Dursley? I was just talking to him. Unlike the rest of the staff and students here, he has knowledge of things that can't be taught here." That struck a barb. Everyone in the school knew that Alice would take her NEWT level courses next year. All she needed right now was just experience handling a wand. "Just because you are jealous doesn't mean you can waste my time. Good day ladies."

Alice began to turn away form them and was stopped. She was forcefully turned around. Pam stopped the flying hand from hitting Alice's face. "I would kindly remind you ladies that harming another student is strictly forbidden here." Pam said through gritted teeth.

Alice just smiled at both Pam and the girl that attacked her. "I know I have a school girl crush on my professor." All the girls smiled triumphantly. "But that doesn't mean I waste my time drooling over him or finding ways to get his attention. He simply has information that I couldn't get any where else at the school, so I asked him. Don't think I am like you who can't stand to see some other girl with a guy I like. I think your more mad that he is probably on a date with Miss Bones than your mad at me, but I am here and she is an adult. I am personally happy for him. He deserves a little peace and happiness from girls like you who trail after him in between classes and through the halls. Haven't you even notice that half the time he is in one place and then another? Did you never notice that he casts an invisibility charm to hide from the female mobs that dog his every step? I guess not from your faces. And before you start on me again, the only reason I know is because he dropped it when those three jerks were beating me up. Yes, I know I have a crush, I also have a bit of hero worship for the man. But that doesn't mean I am going to let it get to me and interfere with my life." With that she said good bye with a small wave of her hand and started back up the stairs. The group of girls stood there for a moment in shock. Pam came to her senses first and followed Alice, laughing along the way.

"That was amazing! Oh to just get the look on their faces framed." Pam laughed as they entered the common room.

Alice smiled at her. "Its thanks to you, you know. If you hadn't talked to me before that I might have just run away crying. Thanks for that. I think I can understand a bit more why I like Professor Dursley now." Alice winked under her black bangs. "Well if you'll excuse me I need to meditate to calm down a little after all of that.

Pam thumped her new favorite second year on the back and said, "Go relax and clear your mind. And I am glad to hear what you said back there. Hey!" Pam chased her up the girls side stairs that lead to the dorm rooms. Pam waved the girl closer. Alice leaned in. "Can I tell the story to everyone? I am sure that a rumor of a few jealous seventh years being talked down to by a second year would put the whole lot in their place."

Alice laughed. "You little tart!" Pam laughed and ran down the stairs to the common room to tell everyone the story.

TLTLTLTLTTLTL

"We'll see you guys soon, we promise." Susan gave Hermione and Ron both a hug. It was late evening when Harry and Susan decided that they should head off.

"She's right, we have to get going, Fluer is still watching over the infirmary and Susan is afraid that half a dozen boys will be faking pains to visit Fluer." Hermione laughed and the Weasleys waved them a good bye. Harry felt his forehead.

"You ok there James?" Asked Susan.

"Yeah its weird sometimes when I go back and forth I still feel it there."

"It doesn't bother you that you change so often?"

Harry shook his head, "Its something I just do, like being able to fly a broom or speaking parsole-tounge."

Susan smiled nodded in understanding then said bravely, "You thinking Ron might have had the right idea?" Harry looked at her surprised. He knew exactly what she meant.

"But that would make Ron right, I don't know if i could live with that." Said Harry even as he took Susans hand. He smiled at her.

Susan felt what ever tension they had between them all day disappear. "Come on, lets go back to work."

Harry laughed at that. "Did you see all the students gawking at us? We are going to have a field day tomorrow with the rumors." The couple felt themselves leave the warded property. Susan pulled closer to him.

"No, you are. I am going to be safe in my infirmary." Her eyes twinkled at him.

Harry smiled at her and pulled her gently to him. "Aren't… you… the luk-" He didn't finish as they kissed each other. When they pulled apart they both apparated to Hogsmeade.

Albus had a carriage waiting for them and they gladly took it. They sat close to each other while they were carried to Hogwarts. When Harry walked inside, he was surprised by the group of girls just inside the door, there had to be at least fifty of them. He looked over to Susan who mutter just loud enough for Harry to hear, "So much for hiding in the infirmary."

The ladies were all from different houses and years but had the same pleading eyes. "May I help you ladies?" Asked Harry unsure if that was such a good idea.

All the girls nodded politely to Susan before several dozen questions started flying in Professor Dursley's direction. "Are you dating Miss Bones?" "Is it true that your dating Miss Delocour and Miss Bones at the same time?" "When did you dump Professor Delacour?" "Has Alice seduced you at all?" "Does Alice know about you and Miss Bones?" "Miss Bones, do you know about Alice?" "How do you manage to handle three ladies at once?" "Can you handle more?" "Don't you think a relationship with a second year is inappropriate for a teacher, no matter how cute he is?" "Why can't you have a relationship with at least a sixth or seventh year?"

Harry's eyes flew open. He turned to Susan who looked upset. Harry pushed off the girls with soft wave of magic before touching Susan's shoulder and both disappeared. The girls cried in an uproar which lead several teachers to see what was the noise about after hours. The group of girls turned their questions to the headmaster and deputy headmistress.

As soon as Harry casted a spell that increases time for the caster, he dragged Susan who was still looking upset and was beginning to cry to the infirmary. When they were in her Office he broke the spell and locked the door and turned to her. "Are you alright Susan?" She was still sobbing when she wrapped her arms around him.

"I just never been this mortified in my life." She managed between sobs. Harry held her until her sobs quieted. Albus. Thought Harry.

I suppose this is about the angry girls who are at the entrance to the castle is it not?

Yes. What the hell happened to bring this all on?

Harry heard Albus laugh mentally before he legimened back to Harry, You have Miss Niete to thank for that. There had been a few rumors that she had been trying to cur your favor. When an older female student said so to her face, Miss Niete admitted to having a crush on you but knowing full well that holding such a thought would do little for her, she said she would move on. She insulted the girls who were harassing her because they were just jealous of Miss Bones. When word got around rumor changed the story and some how all the girls had come to believe that there is a wicked triangle of love between Susan, Fluer and Miss Niete to gain your attentions. I new they were at the entrance but didn't think they would be so tactless in their questions to you. Harry felt his old professor feel slightly embarrassed.

Albus no offense, but you really are a bad judge of girls, remember the crap Remus and Gilderoy had to go through? I am in the infirmary office with Susan. She is very distraught with the questions that were asked.

I am sorry to hear that Harry, I'll make sure you two can get some peace and quiet for tonight at least. I am not sure how tomorrow is going to go.

Susan quieted her sobbing when Harry looked down to her. He was absently stroking her hair. "How are you feeling?" Harry said carefully.

"Was it really this bad for you before?" She asked in the silence.

"It doesn't really matter does it? Its still humiliating and embarrassing. Being more or less is pointless."

Susan hugged him tighter and nuzzled her face to his neck. "So what do we do now?" They were like that for a time until Susan felt more comfortable. She finally let out a breath of air.

Harry pulled away from her to look at her face. He wiped away a fading tear and said, "We keep going. They are just students. They will take this very seriously until they realize that everything they say will not change the fact that I am with you. And when they see that truth they will promptly forget that this happen. You won't have any angry girls following you. And none angry at me. Actually none of them seemed really angry, now that I think about it."

Susan giggled through her slightly runny nose. "Yeah they sounded more hopeful than anything else."

"I was speaking to Albus a few seconds ago."

"What did he say?" Susan got up and took off her cloak and went into the next room to change back inter her nursing robes.

"He said, that there were a few nasty rumors about Alice Niete. And where she confronted them, she gave a good lecture that would do any Griffindor proud. Too bad it backfired."

Susan looked up at that in shock. She covered her mouth with her hands, "Is that what happened? The poor girl!"

"I hope she is ok after this. Well I will see her in class tomorrow, at least I hope so."

"But tomorrow is Sunday… You have classes on a Sunday?" She started incredulously. She took a few steps back looking him up and down.

"I would have had them today too if we hadn't gone to Hermione's and Ron's. Good thing we didn't have class that would have been a mess." Harry smiled at her.

Susan rolled her eyes.

"You going to be alright Susan?" He walked up to her.

She nodded and wrapped her arms around him. "I'll be fine, I have a wonderful boyfriend who cares too much about the people around him and not enough for himself. I would think you would be more worried about what will happen tomorrow morning during breakfast."

Harry raised his eyebrows at that. "You think I care what a few school girls say about me? This is me, remember? The guy who basically told the whole magical world to bugger off."

Susan couldn't help but laugh. She was glad she could still do it after what just happened twenty minutes ago. "Thanks Harry I appreciate it." Susan kissed him for a long moment then let him go. "Go to sleep we'll both have a long day tomorrow. Besides I am more worried as to why Fluer wasn't here when we got here. I'll talk to you both in the morning I am too drained to do it now." She kissed him again and he left the hospital wing with his illusionment spell on. He didn't expect to see anyone in the halls now but decided to put the spell on whenever he walked in the halls to make it a habit.

Harry walked to his class room so he could put away the things he left out for his students. He was plenty surprised to see someone in there. He didn't recognize who it was and waved for the lights to come on. Fifty floating candles illuminated the room at once. Harry was suddenly worried. "Hello Miss Niete. How are you doing?" Harry saw the kneeling form of Alice in meditation.

She looked up to him startled that he was suddenly there. "Sorry, I just been upset with some stuff that was going on today."

"You mean the angry mob of girls who harassed me and Miss Bones as we came in the door?"

Alice was close to tears when she said, "They did?"

"Hey, hey, its not your fault. From what I found I heard, you defended your self admirably. What they think of it is their fault not yours. And you should not waste your time being concerned over their stupidity."

Alice nodded. Her eyes were red and not just from the crying. She looked exhausted. "Do you want to go back to your dorm?"

Alice shook her head, "The girls in my dorm are mad at me too, they think I didn't want to share that I was going out with my professor or something. Everyone in the class knew better, but they couldn't help much… The girls in the dorm don't believe me…" Alice began to sniff again. "I can't seem to do anything right, I am too smart, I am too young to be taken seriously, I can't…" Alice was openly crying now.

Harry placed a hand on her head. He murmured some soft words and Alice felt calm again. "Its ok to feel those things, but know that you don't deserve to feel them, despite what you think. You are an intelligent young lady who has an understanding for things that many other people in this school won't have for another ten or twenty years outside of this school."

Alice nodded still a little blurry eyed. Whenever she talked to this man she always felt better, and he just proved what she thought. "Thanks dad," She said in almost a whisper.

"Dad?" Harry just barely caught it and new he shouldn't have said anything, but he smiled.

Alice reddened, slightly embarrassed. "That's what I figured out while I was meditating. You weren't an object of my affections in the way the other girls think, you were my hero… sorta. You give me advice. You help me think. I think that makes you like my unofficial dad." Alice said shyly, still hiding under her bangs.

"Thank you." He said sincerely, "I never been a father before." Harry squatted to be close to eye level with the girl. He brushed hair away from her eyes and asked, "Anything I should know?"

Alice's smile came out from her bangs, "My birthday is in October." She said helpfully.

Harry laughed along with her. "I'll see what I can do." Harry conjured a bed and thick blankets. "You are welcome to sleep here. If it gets to cold, say aloud 'burner up' and to cool down 'burner down', got it?" Alice nodded and hopped into bed. Harry tucked her in and put out the candles. "Good night."

Alice was already half asleep when she said, "Night."

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A/N alright another chapter up!

gallandro-83: Thank you for a big hand for being my beta, quite a few questions that you have asked will be answered in the next couple of chapters, about Harry being wandless opposed to being with a wand, although many of the students are more concerned with what Harry looks like rather than what he is teaching.

Citan: I am not bothered by the reviews so much. I am just writing. This is a H/S and later has a Remus/Fluer pairing.

Lap: Thank you for the review, and I am sure Harry is worried in much the same way. It was enough for Harry to stay away from the magical world for four years and most likely indefinitely if Albus did not find him.

Halloween: Thanks for point that out. I'll make it more clear in an edit. I was referring to Voldemorts first fall. During his first reign, Voldemort must have scared a lot off muggleborn wizards away from going to school. I was just figuring that after his reign, the student population was slowly increasing over the next twenty four years plus the fact he killed many adults along the way.