Standard Disclaimer: I have the right to say I do not own Harry Potter and the Potterverse, anything I say can and will be used against me in the Wizengamot. I am not JK Rowlings nor am I a super hero of any kind. Although I did once fly out of a second story window. Quite painful and not recommended.

Return to Hogwarts…

The return to Hogwarts was surprisingly uneventful. Even Malfoy hadn't made his customary intrusion, much to the annoyance of the others. Malfoy was a git and a wanker to be sure, but his customary appearance on the train made the ride a little more interesting.

As the trip progressed, Ron asked Harry if he wanted to play wizard's chess. Harry replied he had something more fun in mind. Ron's face lit up and he nodded eagerly, and then tapped Neville on the shoulder. The three exchanged a look. It was totally silent, this primal male communication, but it got the point across. The girls, each absorbed in a book, were oblivious. On cue, each boy pulled the book from their hands and kissed them. Each girl was shocked and caught off guard. Hermione actually tried protesting for a moment before giving in. Ginny moved over to Harry's lap. Soon the other two had moved to the appropriate laps as well.

There was a disembodied snicker from the doorway…

Harry broke his kiss for a moment and said; "Not now Auntie… we're busy!" With a wand of his hand the door to the compartment slid softly shut and the curtains closed. Harry returned to his very special red headed witch thinking, this is better than Malfoy!

He never even heard the hissed reply, "Don't call me Auntie!"

In fact, his most fervent wish at that point was for the others to leave the compartment so he could be alone with Ginny. She was doing things to him that seriously tested his resolve, something she would have been happy to know!

Several hours later, they arrived at Hogwarts. The boys looked a bit dazed, while the girls were quite smug.

As the students were finishing up the evening meal, Professor Serena Snape approached Harry, Ginny and the rest at the Gryffindor table and asked if she could join them for a moment. At their surprised looks, she smiled. After all, a teacher joining one of the house tables was unheard of!

Recovering a bit quicker than the others, Harry blurted, "Um… Yes! Of course Professor."

His discomfiture made her smile widened but she sat down and decided to plunge right in anyway.

"Harry, I don't want to get your hopes up too high, but I've made a salve which, if I'm correct, may block most of the pain you feel from your scar. I had no way of testing it until you came back from Holiday. The salve is keyed to your blood Harry, so it won't do a thing for anyone else. And just to be on the safe side, I've made plenty of it, enough to last you for at least a couple years, in fact. You apply it directly to your scar and the surrounding area. I'm not sure how long it lasts, so let's try twice a day. Remember, if you bathe, you need to reapply it."

Harry looked at the small pot she held like it was full of precious jewels. His hands trembled as he took the salve from her. She took his chin in her hand and tilted his head up so she could look him in the eye. "Harry…" she said gently, "… this may not work, or it may not block all of the pain. Keep that in mind when you try it, hmm? If you have any problems, or if it doesn't work, let me know as soon as possible."

The rest of the group sat staring at them, their eyes roving between Harry, the salve in its pot, and Professor Snape. Finally Harry broke the stasis between them all by whispering a "Thank you, Professor."

Later that evening, Headmaster's office, Hogwarts…

It was late. Albus Dumbledore sat at his desk reading some dispatches from Order members. Fawkes suddenly broke into a song, announcing an arrival. Dumbledore wasn't expecting anyone, and the floo remained quiet. He sat back in his chair expectantly.

There was a flash of flame and Wings appeared, hovered for a moment and then transformed into Harry.

"Ah Harry, I had hoped we'd be able to speak. Your method of arriving is almost as unconventional as your other abilities. Please, sit down. Would you care for a lemon drop?"

Declining the offered sweet, Harry sat in the chair facing Dumbledore and thought for a moment, before speaking.

"Professor, I know we've had our differences, and we'll probably never be able to go back to the type of relationship we once had. But I feel that we've managed to develop a close enough working relationship that the time is quickly approaching for us to speak openly."

Harry looked at Dumbledore who nodded for him to continue.

"I won't say everything between us is fixed Sir, but I'm ready to reveal certain things that have been kept hidden from you. Mind you, I'm not going for a complete disclosure. Some things I intend to reserve the right to keep secret for now. To that end Sir, I'm willing to offer to ally myself to your cause. That is if you're willing to accept the following conditions."

Dumbledore raised one eyebrow.

"I'll be willing to reveal some things to you Sir, tomorrow night in the Room of Requirement. I would also like Professors Snape, McGonagall, Ron and Ginny Weasley and Hermione Granger present. My friends have been in on this from the beginning and know much of what I'm going to show and tell you. Some they will be seeing for the first time. I'd like Professors Snape there because I trust them, as I trust Professor McGonagall and as I hope I can trust you, Sir.

In addition to that, I can tell you for certain that things are quickly coming to a climax. Events will be happening that may result in students being affected and having their grades impacted as a result of this. I would like your word that, if that happens, you will personally appeal to the testing boards to allow the students to retake their exams. I don't want to see any student's career choices harmed because of this war. I don't care what happens to myself, but I don't want to see anyone else hurt by this. If this is acceptable to you, I'd like for all of us to meet at the Room of Requirement tomorrow night after dinner."

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair thinking. He's offering to talk, and he's not really asking for much. Any event that disrupts the students would have me fighting for them anyway. I don't see any problem inviting the Professors, but his friends? What role do they play in this? On the other hand, if we are to work together, I should accept these terms. They are not unacceptable.

"Very well Harry, I'll accept your terms. Perhaps tomorrow night will be an eye-opening experience for all of us."

Harry smiled with relief. That was easy, he thought.

"Thank you Sir. With that said, I think I should return to my dorm room." Nodding to the Headmaster, Harry stood, transformed into Wings again and flame traveled back to his dorm.

Albus Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, before speaking. "Well Fawkes, seems our Harry is full of surprises. He is growing up fast."

Fawkes tilted his head, looked at Albus and thought; you have no idea, old friend. No idea at all.

Breakfast, the next morning, Hogwarts…

Harry walked into the Great Hall; he had just taken a shower after his early morning run with Ginny. Ron, Hermione and Ginny were already in their seats. Harry was one of those people that seemed to revel in taking long showers. For some reason, he loved the feeling of the water, and always came away from one refreshed and feeling purified.

He kissed Ginny and sat down to eat. As he filled his plate, he told Ron and Hermione to pass the word that the DA would not meet tonight. He explained that the four of them would be meeting instead with the professors at the Room of Requirement after dinner. It was time to take a few risks, but he cautioned them not to mention the DA at all, nor their unusual training methods, in front of the Headmaster. There were some secrets that he'd still like to keep. After a few minutes, he suggested that perhaps the DA should have two nights off, and suggested that Ron might be able to find a use for the second free night.

Ron looked up bewildered for a moment before it dawned on him. He looked over Hermione and blushed while Hermione looked at Ron with a pleased smile. Ginny slid her hand under the table and squeezed Harry's leg in satisfaction. That made Harry wish he had reserved the room for himself and Ginny instead!

The Room of Requirement, that same evening, Hogwarts…

Harry showed up at the Room of Requirement, his Pensieve in hand. Everyone was already there, so he led them all into the room after setting the requirements. The room looked to be a combination of a small lounge, with chairs opening in to a large combat training area. He asked everyone to be seated as he set up the Pensieve. He extracted two memories and placed them into the Pensieve as everyone settled in.

Smiling, he looked at them all and said, "I'd like to thank everyone for coming tonight. It's time for me to reveal some truths, which you all need to be aware of. I realize that some of what I intend to reveal tonight you will have to tell others. I only ask that you do not reveal me as the source of the information. Some of you already know most of these truths, but I can assure you, no one, not even myself, knows them all.

When I returned to Privet Drive last summer, I had a series of visions, three of them, in fact. Tonight, I will reveal to you two of them. I'll be showing them to you out of order, so that you can ponder the meaning of the third vision, while watching the first.

Let me state that at the time of these visions, I was a mental wreck. Barely a day went by when I didn't feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. On more than one occasion I actually contemplated suicide, but something stayed my hand. The night I had these visions something in me changed. I won't say I haven't had some bad moments since then, but it was like a turning point for me.

In any event, one night I awoke and had a series of three visions, back to back. They were very short and it was only with the use of the Pensieve that I was able to really examine them in detail. The first vision you'll see came last, and it explained to me the purpose of the other two. I'm playing this first so you can understand what you're going to see when I play the first vision for you.

I would suggest viewing the first vision without entering the memory itself. It's pretty self explanatory."

With that Harry activated the Pensieve. Floating above the bowl, a large image appeared.

Again the light flared; when it cleared he was standing near a small thatched cottage. Nearby was a small pond. Strangely, he felt at peace. Noticing smoke rising from the chimney he walked over to the door and knocked.

The door opened and a merry voice from within called him in. "Come in my boy, I'm glad you finally decided to visit me."

The room was sparsely furnished, an armchair by the fire, some books on a shelf, a bed, a table and a few kitchen chairs. In one of the chairs sat an old man, a very old man from the look of him. The man reminded him of someone, but he couldn't put a name to the face. All he knew was it was a kindly face. Whoever this man was, he was a friend.

"Come in Harry, I've been expecting you for some time and no doubt you have loads of questions for me. Unfortunately, our time is very short, so I'll get right to the point. The visions you have experienced are not nightmares Harry. They are visions of the future. Unlike the past, the future can be altered. What you saw is what will be, should you fail in your task. You've been given tremendous power Harry, more so than any other wizard, except perhaps for myself. In time you'll come to learn to use all of that power, but Tom won't give you the time to learn it all. You have to learn to master what you can now and rely on your greatest strength. Your ability to love Harry, its your greatest weapon, if you can harness it."

In the distance there was a pealing of a bell. Instead of the harsh bongs of before, this was a joyous sound. The room started to brighten slowly and the old man started to slowly fade out.

"Wait! Who are you Sir? Will I ever see you again?" Harry cried.

The words came to him softly as if from a great distance, "Yes child, we'll meet again. Trust in yourself Harry and follow your destiny."

The vision faded out and Harry began to speak again.

"Like I said, this was pretty tame. All it told me was that the earlier two visions were images of WHAT MAY BE, if I fail. Who that old man is I can't say. All I can say is while speaking to him and afterwards I felt completely different. My grieving for Sirius finally ended and since then I have been determined to do what I had to do. The old man gave me peace, of sorts. I didn't stay there long, but I wish I had. I think I would have liked to talk to him, or just listen to whatever he had to tell me.

The next vision we'll see is not particularly pretty or happy. I'll understand if anyone doesn't want to enter the memory, but it's necessary for us to freeze the image at a particular point. We'll need to travel around a bit in the memory in order for you to see what I need to show you. Mind you, we'll start in the air and drop to the ground. It's painless, although a bit frightening at first. If everyone's ready, I'll start the second vision, freeze it at a particular point, then we'll enter the memory."

Everyone nodded at this.

Harry bolted upright, unsure if he had really heard something, or merely dreamt it. Through his window he could see a waning moon. Staring dully at the moon, it suddenly flared to a searing bright light. When his vision cleared he found himself in the air, flying above the town of Hogsmeade. Looking down he saw that many of the buildings were burning; a few had even collapsed upon themselves. Bodies littered the street…

Harry froze the memory at that point. "If everyone is ready, we'll enter the memory." Looking over to Ron, Hermione and Ginny he said, "Just touch your wand to the Pensieve. I'll do the rest."

With everyone touching the Pensieve, he activated the memory. Suddenly, Ginny grabbed at him as everyone fell at a stately pace to the ground. Everyone looked around, and then turned to Harry, expectantly. He sighed

"Yes, this is Hogsmeade, and this is what it will look like less than six months time. I know it's not pretty, but there is more to see…"

Harry led them towards Honeydukes. Both Hermione and Ginny, cried out seeing Tonks leaning against the wall. Harry murmured, "I think she's only unconscious, not dead."

Stopping in front of Honeydukes, Harry pointed to the sign in the window.

"ON SALE NOW, FROM MAY 15th TO THE END OF THE MONTH, CHOCOLATE FROGS HALF OFF!"

"I'm sorry Headmaster, but that's the best time frame I can give you. I've searched every part of this memory for a better idea and found nothing. All I can say is that, sometime between May 15th and May 31st, Hogsmeade will be attacked. Judging by the damage and the bodies, the attacking force will overwhelm the defenders."

Harry ended the vision, pulling everyone out of the memory. He sat down in a chair and waited for reactions. Dumbledore and Severus looked grim; McGonagall had turned white. His friends, and surprisingly, Serena Snape, looked determined.

Finally Dumbledore spoke.

"Harry, I'm glad you shared this with us. This is important, although I do agree that narrowing down the projected date of attack would have benefited us greatly. I will talk to Amelia Bones, the Director of the Aurors, and we will begin preparations to defend Hogsmeade. Not knowing the exact date makes it harder to bring our forces to bear, but forewarned is forearmed, as the muggles say. As it turns out, we have been picking up some rumbling among our informers that an attack of major proportions was planned. We didn't know were, or when. Now that we know where, and approximately when, we'll be able to take some steps. Is this all you wanted to show us Harry?"

"No, Sir. I have two more things to reveal tonight. Over the past couple months, even before we started working with the crystals, Professor Snape and I have been working on a problem I've been having with the amount of power needed to perform a spell. Professor Snape has forbidden me from dueling in his class because of that problem and I totally agree with the decision. If you'll allow, I'd like Professor Snape to explain the problem, then I'll add a conclusion which I came to only recently."

Everyone turned to Professor Snape; he cleared his throat and began to speak.

"The problem has to do with the amount of energy he has, Headmaster. For example, a Reducto from myself is not much different in power than one from Miss Granger or Mad-Eye Moody. We have a limited amount of magical energy that we can put into a casting. Think of it as a pipe carrying water. We all have the same size pipe. In Harry's case, his pipe is larger than usual. He and I have been working on controlling the amount of power he puts into a casting, but he's been unable to get it to an instinctual level yet. He still has to consciously decide how much power to put into his casting. If Harry has an idea as to why he can't get this down to an instinctual level, I'd certainly like to hear it."

Harry looked at Professor Snape and said, "Sir, I'm not totally positive about this, but I believe the reason I can't nail it down is simple. The pipe is still growing in size."

Snape's eyes widened in surprise "Yes, that would make it nearly impossible for you to control the level instinctually because the power you can tap is still enlarging! Astounding! But your magical level should have stopped growing when you hit puberty. How is it that yours continued beyond that point?"

Dumbledore broke in. "Severus, generally that's true, but my own power continued to grow for more than two years past the onset of puberty. I agree it is astounding, but not entirely unheard of. Voldemort continued his growth until sometime in his seventeenth year. I think, power wise, it's quite possible that the prophecy is right. Harry will meet Voldemort as an equal. And after that, who knows? His power may continue to grow for several more years. Legend has it Merlin didn't stop until he was twenty-four, and Godric Griffyndor stopped at twenty.

Yes, that explains why Harry can't control his power yet. And I agree. Having him duel in class would be a grave mistake at this point."

Returning his gaze to the young man in question, Dumbledore asked, "I believe you said you had two other issues to discuss with us? What is the second issue?"

Harry looked embarrassed but said, "Sir, the last item isn't really something to discuss. It's something you'll need to see. For the safety of everyone in the room, I'll cast two spectator shields in front of the opening in the combat arena."

Harry removed his shoes and socks, then peeled out of his robe and removed his shirt and undershirt. Smirking slightly, he turned to Severus and said, "Pay back Sir, for all those times I had to look at your chest."

Serena snickered as her husband rolled his eyes.

Harry turned to Ginny and asked her to hold his clothing for him. He had to ask her twice before she actually heard him, as she was busy examining his naked torso. He chuckled and kissed her on the forehead. She didn't seem to notice, as she was still staring at him with a slightly dazed expression on her face.

It was true that Harry had bulked up considerably this past year. His chest was hairless, and his torso was leanly muscled, like a runner rather than a weight lifter. Hermione snickered at Ginny's reaction to seeing Harry without his shirt.

Turning away, he removed the forearm wand holster he was wearing and placed the holster and the wand on the table. Seeing the shocked looks directed his way, he shrugged.

"It only slows me down," Harry explained.

Stepping out into the arena area, he cast two spectator shields to ensure the safety of the onlookers.

Pausing, he waited a moment, his eyes closed, centering himself. He could feel the magic rising up within him. He silently invoked the incantation to start the simulation.

His eyes snapped open as a simulated opponent appeared, dressed as a Death Eater. The Death Eater cast a Crucio at him, which he easily dodged before returning fire with a bludgeoning spell, which blew through the Death Eater's shield. The opponent fell to the ground and faded from sight.

Before the first opponent was gone, two more appeared. Harry physically dodged a cutting hex and a flame spell. He then downed one opponent with a cutting hex, literally slicing the opponent in two. The second opponent got off another curse, causing Harry's shield to flare ominously. Before Harry could drop the second opponent, four more appeared. Harry's speed continued to increase as he hurled spells.

Inside the room, four professors and Harry's friends watched as he continued to battle. Severus stood up in consternation.

"Headmaster, those opponents are casting at full strength. Some of them are even casting Unforgiveables!"

Dumbledore nodded grimly, the twinkle gone from his eye. "I know Severus. But with the spectator shields in place, we can do nothing to stop this."

The group watched as Harry continued to battle, dropping opponents only to have them replaced. Harry seemed to take on an eerie glow, as he called up more and more of his magic. His eyes flared with an icy green fire and the group gasped on more than one occasion when a spell blasted into the shields protecting them.

Harry seemed to blur for a moment. One moment he was standing next to the wall, the next he was five feet away from the wall. Harry's movements were nearly too fast to see at this point.

"That's not apparating. What was that?" Severus asked.

Harry had dropped nearly 20 opponents, but he was still facing 18 others. Finally, he was hit with a strange spell that cast a blue light. It sailed right through his shield, hitting Harry in the shoulder. He spun into the wall and slumped to the floor. His opponents stopped immediately and faded away, as did the spectator shields

Harry's friends and the Professors stood there for a moment in shock, not quite sure what to do, while Harry slowly lifted him self to a sitting position. Ginny finally broke the paralysis they were under by bolting to him. She helped him sit up. The others joined her, clustering around him, who was leaning against the wall. He was breathing heavily, sporting a few cuts from near misses, a bruise was forming on his chest, and there was one particularly nasty cut on his shoulder.

Ginny stood up and took a step backwards. Dumbledore appeared to want to say something, but she held up a hand imperiously and motioned him to be silent. Then she turned back to Harry.

"HARRY JAMES POTTER! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING? ARE YOU THAT STUPID? YOU COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED! THOSE THINGS WERE CASTING VERY DANGEROUS SPELLS! LOOK AT YOU, BLEEDING, BRUISED! ARE YOU THAT SELFISH? WHAT ABOUT ME? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW I FELT HAVING HAD TO WATCH YOU OUT HERE AND KNOW THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO TO HELP YOU…"

Harry sat there, wincing as Ginny continued her tirade at the top of her lungs. The four Professors exchanged amused looks with each other. As her tirade continued, she expanded upon her first comments, repeated a few, and questioned whether he had been dropped on his head as an infant. Then she moved into the future, asking if he expected her to raise their children alone because he had gotten himself killed. She questioned his love for her, his feeling for her. With each scathing comment, Harry looked more stricken.

Finally, Ginny wound down, her arms across her chest, a foot tapping the sand, finishing up with a "…WELL? I'M WAITING FOR AN EXPLANATION MR. POTTER!"

Harry mumbled something unintelligible, looking at the floor. Before she could snap at him again, Dumbledore broke in.

"Ginny, a moment please… Harry, in some ways I have to agree with Miss Weasley. Some of the spells being used here tonight were extremely dangerous. I'd like to hear your explanation as well."

Harry looked up and spoke in a flat tone. He spoke to them all, but his gaze was clearly on Ginny and, within his eyes, was a clear plea for understanding.

"I had thought you would all understand… you know what I'm up against… I have to do this… Voldemort won't be casting stupefies…" his voice dropped lower, "… if I'm to have any chance to live through this, to live the way I want to live, I have to get ready Gin. If I don't, then I won't survive…"

He trailed off, still searching Ginny's eyes. Then he sighed and looked down to the floor again. Ginny stood there in shock.

He's doing this for me…for us? She thought. Every night he's letting himself get beat up just so he can prepare for his meeting with Voldemort? He's trying to insure our survival and I'm yelling at him about it. Oh Gods, the things I said! He must really hate me now!

Ginny knelt next to Harry and pulled his head up simply by grabbing him by the ears and tugging. She gave him a small smile. He smiled back and wrapped his arms around her. The two held each other, oblivious to the onlookers, until someone coughed. Harry blushed; Ginny pulled back and helped him to his feet.

Once on his feet, Harry looked around and murmured, "Since I see I'm probably going to get yelled at a few times, why not let us all be a little more comfortable?"

The room shimmered and seemed to alter around them. Everyone got a little dizzy as the combat arena vanished and the room transformed itself into a cozy room with several couches and plush armchairs. Off in one corner a fireplace blazed. Harry limped over to a couch and sat down heavily. With Hermione's help, Ginny started working on healing his cuts.

Before any teacher could say a word, Ron chimed in. "Harry that was BLOODY BRILLIANT! I've never seen anyone fight like that before!"

Hermione shot Ron a look that said, 'Shut up or die!'

Dumbledore looked at Ron with mild amusement, his eyes twinkling again. Then he turned to Harry.

"How long have you been training like this? When did you learn?"

"Since the beginning of the school year Sir. I'd sneak down to our common room, transform into my phoenix form and flame travel directly into the Room of Requirement…"

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow at that, but motioned for him to continue.

"Anyway, I'd sneak down here every night after curfew and spend at least an hour at it, sometimes two. Most nights I don't get beaten this badly, but I don't seem to be able to get past 18 simultaneous opponents either. That's another block I've been working on, with little success I might add. Merlin knows I've tried, but once I hit that number it's all over for me."

"Harry one thing strikes me as curious. Your opponents seemed to be casting Unforgiveables at you. I recall seeing several Cruciatus curses and even a few Imperios, but you never tried to cast one back. Why not?"

Harry stared at his feet and remained quiet.

"Harry? This is supposed to be a night for revealing truths…"

Harry looked up at the Headmaster, his eyes filled with tears. "Sir… I've tried… I've studied the Dark Art spells. I've even tried casting the killing curse on a simulacrum but I can't!"

Harry pounded his fist on the side of the couch he was sitting on before continuing.

"I know I'm supposed to kill Voldemort, but all those kind of spells are Dark Art spells! Every time I try to cast one, I either feel an intense pain, or the curse is so weak as to not work, like that time with Lestrange at the Ministry, or it simply doesn't work at all! Even the simpler Dark Art spells, the ones a first year could do, don't work for me… How am I to kill Voldemort when all I can draw on are Light Art and Neutral Art spells?"

"Harry, there are still hundreds of spells for you to draw upon. Perhaps more. I think, when the time comes, you'll know what to do. And I am somewhat comforted by the fact that you can't use the Dark Art spells.

Now, about this training of yours," Dumbledore continued. "I suppose if I forbid you to continue training like this, you'll ignore me and continue anyway?"

"I'd really rather not have to do it that way Sir, but if necessary, I will," Harry replied, his voice tinged with steel.

"Very well. I can see the need for you to train, in fact I had in mind something similar for you at the start of term, but not quite so energetic. How about we compromise Harry? I'll give you a permanent pass so you won't have to sneak here every night, if you agree to eliminate some of the more dangerous spells AND you never train alone. Either a Professor, or one of your friends, will be here to make sure you not seriously injured. I'll give you a pass for one of your friends as well."

"I can live with that Sir. To be honest, it does get a bit lonely down here all by myself. And I'd really like the opportunity to talk with Professor Snape about Death Eater tactics. I've been on the receiving end of them a few times, but I'd like to know more about them. The Professor is the only one I know who has the experience."

"Harry, I am a little curious. How do you manage to control the Room of…"

Professor Snape cut off the Headmaster. "I can explain that Sir, but later, if you don't mind."

Harry and Dumbledore looked at Severus curiously. Dumbledore finally nodded in agreement.

What's that all about? Harry wondered. Severus spoke up at that point, distracting him from his thoughts.

"Harry, while you were fighting, I noticed you seemed to be doing something which looked like apparation, but wasn't. There was no popping sound. You just seemed to move from one point to another without any movement in-between. Can you explain that?"

Harry grimaced and replied, "I'm afraid it's not very useful Sir. I wanted to learn to apparate, but the Ministry rules say no one underage can get their hands on the manual. The books are all age spelled, so even the library copies are blank when I open one. There were a few obscure references that referred to parts of the technique in the library. I tried to take their technique and apply it. Unfortunately, it didn't work. Oh, I can move, but the best distance I've managed to accomplish is only about twenty or thirty feet. It is sort of useful in combat because I can bounce around, and I can use it to bring something to me…"

Harry paused briefly, smiled, and then suddenly Ginny was sitting on his lap. She gave a startled squeak, then smiled at him.

"But as you can see Sir, its not apparating. If anything, it's a miniature version of the same spell with some form of Accio thrown in. While I'm sure the Ministry had good reasons for putting an age limit on apparating, I don't think they are realistic. Everyone should learn to apparate. In many cases, it's better for people to escape from a fight, rather than stay and be killed."

Severus looked thoughtful for a moment before turning to the Headmaster. "He has a valid point, Sir. With the war on, isn't there some way we can teach the students?"

"Do not get yourself worked up Severus. I have already spoken to Director Bones over this issue. This was one item I intended to share with everyone tonight. Director Bones has managed to get Minister Fudge to agree to the issuance of special permits that will cover fourth year students and above. The permits will allow for daytime apparation for students, so long as an adult accompanies them. In addition, the students will be allowed to apparate in times of emergency. Director Bones feels that the concepts should be taught as part of the Defense Against the Dark Arts classes. I'm sorry if this means more work for you Severus, but it's necessary in these times.

Now, unless there is something else to discuss," Dumbledore continued, looking at those in the room, "I'd suggest we allow Harry and his friends to return to their common room before curfew. Harry, I want to thank you for the information you provided tonight. It will prove especially useful. Professors, remain a moment please."

The four Professors watched Harry as he retrieved his Pensieve and his clothing, and filed out of the room with his friends.

After the students left, Dumbledore cast a silencing charm on the room. Then, turning to face Severus, he asked, "I believe you had something you wanted to explain to me?"

Professor Snape, managing to look a little embarrassed, replied, "Yes. It's something we hadn't told you about Harry. Professor McGonagall and Miss Granger discovered a few months back…"

Dumbledore arched an eyebrow, but motioned for him to continue.

"Sir you've no doubt noticed that Harry seems to be able to do things that most people know can't be done. We figured that, as long as Harry didn't know something was impossible, he'd either figure out that he couldn't do it, or try it and have it work for him. He never knew that one couldn't conjure noble metals or gemstones Headmaster. Minerva here even handed him a totally made up spell and he's made it work.

When you started to ask him about the Room of Requirement, I had to step in, in case you were about to tell him that he couldn't control the room from within. As you can see, he can. I'm sorry we didn't tell you earlier Headmaster but, at the time, you and Harry weren't speaking to each other."

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, well I can understand that Severus. But this ability of his is perhaps the most interesting. I will think on it."

Back in the Gryffindor Common Room, the two couples sat on the couch in front of the fire. All of the other students had gone up to their dorms already. Hermione glanced curiously at Harry before speaking.

"Harry, are you sure it was wise to show them all that? You gave away a lot of information tonight."

"'Mione, there's an old muggle book that I've read, and Ron's reading now. It's called the Art Of War by Sun Tsu. In the book, the author says to show the enemy what you want him to see, so he'll miss what you don't want him to see. If I hadn't given up some information tonight, Dumbledore would have kept digging. With the information about Hogsmeade, and what I've been doing, he'll be distracted. I don't fully trust him 'Mione, but sooner or later, we're going to need to work together. Even you can see that.

He doesn't know about the DA, and that's how it's going to stay until we're ready to reveal ourselves. Then he'll have to listen to us."

Facing Ron, he continued, "I want us to start practicing using Hogsmeade as the backdrop. The Room of Requirement will recreate it for us. Let's plan on starting that at the next meeting."

"Sounds good, Harry," Ron said.

As Harry turned to the girls, Ron grinned, reached over and pulled Hermione into his lap. She looked at him in surprise for a moment, still not used to this side of him, before wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him passionately.

If Ron noticed Harry and Ginny smirking at them, he was past caring.

Ginny was about to turn back to Harry when he decided that Ron had a good idea. He silently Accio'd Ginny into his lap. She gave a little squeak before wrapping her arms around his neck.

Harry kissed her ardently and she could feel his arousal against her. She wiggled in his lap just to see his discomfort, before whispering, "We'll have to figure out how to take care of that." His only response was to kiss the nape of her neck, which caused her to shudder with delight.

A few minutes later, the two couples reluctantly broke apart and said their goodnights. As Harry started off to the dorm, Ron grabbed Hermione for one last kiss and told her that he couldn't wait for the time when they wouldn't have to sleep apart any longer.

At Hermione's wide-eyed gaze, he laughed, hugged her once more and turned to the door of the dorm. As she watched him leave, she thought, I like this Ron, so much better than the old Ron. I really owe Harry for this!

Slytherin common room, that same night…

Draco Malfoy sat on the couch in front of the fire, staring into the flames. It was late, and the other students had gone to bed. The holidays had been a disaster for Draco. His father, bitter over his lack of freedom since his escape, had not been well pleased with him. Lucius had heard about his problems with Serena Snape, and taunted his son over it. If his son couldn't handle a woman, what chance did he have with the Dark Lord?

It was a touchy subject. Since Draco's Head of House had been revealed as a spy, the Dark Lord had been incensed, and continued to take his anger out on his followers. That Snape's Dark Mark had been removed and that he had married and was happy caused the Dark Lord to be especially creative in his tormenting of the Death Eaters. No one was safe, as Lucius had found to his dismay.

Once Lucius had found out about what had taken place at the Halloween ball, he had insisted that Draco stand up for the Malfoy name and strike back at the woman who had caused his humiliation. And while that was all well and good for Lucius, Draco was unsure how to go about it. It wasn't as if he hadn't tried to stand up for himself, but the bitch refused to be cowed! How dare she challenge him? Didn't the woman know who he was? As Snape's wife, she should have been aware of the power of the Malfoy family!

"Draco?"

He whirled, wand out. Behind him stood Pansy Parkinson, dressed in a silver silk bathrobe, opened to reveal a deep green negligee with a plunging neckline.

Tucking his wand away, he turned back to the fire and relaxed. "What do you want, Pansy?"

"To talk to you, of course," she said, moving around to sit close to him. "You're obviously upset about something. Can I help?"

Leaning his head back against the couch, he closed his eyes. "I'm not in the mood, Pansy. Leave me."

She moved closer, brushed her breasts against his arm and placed her hand lightly on his chest. "Come on Draco. You know I care about you."

When he didn't answer, she rose to her knees, lifted one leg over both of his and sat on his lap, facing him. Bending down, she kissed him lightly on the neck. He shuddered and put his hands on her hips and she writhed against him suggestively. When his hands slid up to her breasts, she bit his ear gently before whispering, "That Snape woman has you upset, doesn't she, Draco?"

Shoving her off his lap, he turned to face her. "What would you know of it?"

"Draco, everyone knows of it," she said, sitting up again on the couch. "The Slytherin upper class was at the ball, if you'll remember. Most were more than happy to share your humiliation with the rest of our house. The other houses have been spreading the tale around the school like the mad. Surely you've heard the snickering?"

"No one would dare laugh at me," he said in a low growl, glaring at her.

"Not to your face, no. But they are laughing. They don't fear you any longer, Draco. Even the younger students…" She broke off at his dark look.

"That bitch," he ground out. "It's all her fault! Her husband should have warned her not to mess with the Malfoy family. Who does she think she is anyway?"

"An uppity mudblood, of course," Pansy said with a shrug.

"What?" Draco gasped in surprise. Leaping to his feet, he turned to face Pansy, furious.

"You didn't know? Oh yes, Professor Serena Snape is nothing more than a filthy mudblood. Now do you understand why people are laughing at you, Draco? First, Granger outwits you at every turn, then a mudblood Professor insults you in front of the entire school." She sent him a calculating look before continuing with a dramatic sigh. "It's a shame, really. The son of one of the finest pureblood family's brought low by a mudblood. Again, I might add. How you can stand the humiliation…"

Draco slapped her with such force, her lip split. Tasting blood, she looked up at his looming form, incredulously.

Grabbing her wrist, Draco jerked her to her feet. "You'll learn your place, Pansy. As will our jumped up Potion's Mistress!"

When she tried to jerk her wrist from his grip, he tightened it until she gave a small cry of pain. "What will you do?" She asked quietly, lowering her eyes so he wouldn't see the lust in them

"Lesson's must be taught. The traitor's wife will pay for what she's done. Your lesson however, begins tonight!"

Pushing her to the couch, he followed her down. Shoving a leg between hers, he pinned her to the couch with the weight of his body. As his hand slid between her thighs, she noticed the excited gleam in his eyes and smiled to herself. This should be an enjoyable night she thought, pleased with her manipulations.

The DA, several days later…

Harry and his group of friends watched from the sidelines. He had set up the Room of Requirement to simulate the town of Hogsmeade; right now the simulation had the town empty. From their vantage point, they were able to observe as Ron, Neville and Luna brought the squads into the town.

Once the exercise was complete, Harry called them all together and returned the room to a more normal setting. Ginny gave Harry a parchment that she had been using to take notes and comments from the others doing the exercise. Harry glanced quickly at the parchment before handing it to Ron. Then, he turned to the membership and started to speak.

"I want to say I'm really happy with how well everyone did with this. Especially since this is the first time we've had a chance to try this particular scenario. There were a few problems that Ron has and will speak to you about in a few minutes. But before I turn this over to him, I'd like to explain why we're doing this."

He paused and paced a few steps before continuing again.

"We're in January now. In the simulation we just ran, we used the town of Hogsmeade. Sometime during the later part of May, we'll be going in there for real…"

There was a sharp intake of breaths throughout the room.

"We have information that there will be an attack in that time frame, a bad attack and our help will be needed. The adults and the people fighting this war don't know they need our help, and won't know it until it's too late. But I know they will need it. There are over 1,500 wizards, witches and children living in and around Hogsmeade. Most of whom will die if we aren't ready."

He looked out at his classmates, his DA. They returned his look, determined to do their best. From the back of the crowd someone shouted, "We'll be more than ready!" The crowd murmured its agreement.

Harry looked out over them and smiled broadly. "I know we'll be ready because you guys are the best. Never forget that! Now, Ron here is going to point out some problem areas we still need to work on."

Ron stepped up, referring to his parchment. "Second Squad, Susan you need to work on tightening up the interval between people…."

Harry tuned Ron out as he conferred with the others.

Later that evening, Harry lay awake in his bed. He was tired, but ideas kept whirling through his mind. He knew the upcoming battle was only the first major salvo in this war. It was too soon for him and Voldemort to meet.

In frustration, Harry threw on his robe and went down to the common room. He sat on the couch staring at the fire, annoyed that he was losing sleep again. He was about to walk back up to his room to try again when his scar flared intensely. He had forgotten to put the salve on after his shower!

There was a noise in front of him. Painfully he opened one eye to see Dobby standing there, looking worried.

"Harry Potter! What is it! You is in great pain!"

"Nightstand… salve… get…"

Dobby's eye's widened and he nodded vigorously. He vanished with a pop and returned a moment later with the salve. He opened the small pot and Harry, lifting a trembling hand, dipped a finger into the crème and smeared it on his forehead. Harry's muscles relaxed as the pain level immediately dropped to a point where it was barely noticeable.

Breathing a sigh of relief, he reached out and hugged the house elf in gratitude. "Dobby thanks! I forgot to put my salve on. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come along!"

Dobby's eyes widened and he sniffed twice. "The great Harry Potter is thanking Dobby? Is you better now Harry Potter?"

"Yes Dobby. The salve that Mrs. Snape made for me makes the pain go away. That gives me an idea! Dobby, would you be willing to help me thank Professor Snape for making this for me?"

"Harry Potter asks Dobby for help? OF COURSE I WILL HELP THE GREAT HARRY POTTER!"

"Ok calm down Dobby, er… Dobby you can stop hugging my leg now… Here's what we'll do…"

Three days later, Hogwarts Great Hall, breakfast…

Professor Serena Snape took her customary seat next to her husband at the head table. She started to put food onto her plate when a bunch of flowers suddenly appeared on it. Pausing, she examined the flowers for a moment. Severus raised an eyebrow at her; she shook her head in bewilderment.

Severus leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Maybe one of the first years has a crush on you?" Serena smiled at that and told him if so, that would be sweet, but then he'd better worry about the competition.

With a loud pop, Dobby appeared between them. His tennis ball sized eyes brimmed with tears. "Professor Schnape! You is very great! You save the life of the great Harry Potter!"

Serena looked a bit taken aback by this. She had heard that Hogwarts had an insane house elf and she was worried what this strange elf was going to do.

"Dobby was instructed to give you this, and Dobby made these socks for you to thank you for saving the great Harry Potter!"

The little elf thrust a wrapped package into her hands and two glaringly mismatched socks, before disappearing with another loud pop.

Serena held up the two socks, one orange the other a bright blue. Throughout the great hall a series of giggles could be heard.

Dumbledore, watching the spectacle, said to Serena, "Dobby might have a color problem Serena, but his socks are quite warm. I highly recommend them."

Placing the socks to one side she opened the package. Inside she found a book and a short note.

Professor Snape,
You have my everlasting thanks. Your salve DOES work as you thought it might. I forgot to put it on after my shower the other night. I had another attack, but Dobby brought me the salve and it made most of the pain go away. Please accept this book as a token of my thanks for your effort.
Harry Potter

Now that was nice of him. He probably bought me a potion book that I already own, but that's ok, She thought.

She looked at the volume. Curious, there is no title on the cover? She opened the book and gasped. Advanced Potions and Potion Theory by Rowena Ravenclaw? It can't be, there are only four known copies of this book in the world, and it must be worth a small fortune!

Her hands trembled as she examined the precious volume. Severus became alarmed at her reaction.

"Serena, what's wrong?"

She handed him the note, which he quickly read. Then, she showed him the title of the book. Severus paled and reached for the book, but she pulled it out of his reach and said, "You'll have to wait your turn Severus. Me first."

Turning to look to the Gryffindor Table, she spotted Harry laughing with his friends. He looked in her direction and raised his cup to her in salute before turning back to his conversation.

Shadows and light…

Serena exited the library, annoyed. She'd been called there by Madam Pince to verify her permission to a seventh year student to access restricted material. It seems as though Irma Pince became more paranoid as the months passed. Written permission should have sufficed!

Walking rapidly down the dim hall, lost in her own thoughts, she didn't see the shadowy form following her.

Turning a corner to head for the stairs, she nearly collided with a group of students. Taking a step back, she frowned at her inattention.

And all hell broke loose.

"Look out!" Harry yelled and lunged at her, taking her to the ground hard.

One voice screamed "Diffindo!" just as Neville Longbottom yelled, "Protego Maxima!"

Whipping her head around, she saw Draco Malfoy's curse hit Neville's shield. And not just any shield. It stretched from wall to wall!

As Draco turned to run, Luna calmly leaned around Neville and cast the Impediment curse, freezing him in his tracks. She patted Neville's arm and he released his shield.

Silence descended on the group. Serena looked at her unlikely saviors, wondering what would have happened had they not been there.

Ron Weasley glared furiously at Malfoy while his sister attempted to calm him. Neville looked shell-shocked. Luna Lovegood was still patting Neville's arm and smiling vaguely at him. When Hermione Granger hissed something too low for Serena to hear, Neville and Luna both took their wands out, looking sheepish.

"Are you all right, Professor?" Harry asked, quietly.

Turning to the young man and noting his expression of concern, she nodded. When he stood and held out a hand to her, she took it.

Once on her feet, she told the group to stay put. Marching down the hall towards Draco Malfoy, her fury erupted. That little shit! That spoiled little bastard!

Reaching him, she took his wand from his frozen hand and broke it before his eyes. Releasing Luna's curse, she grabbed Malfoy by the shoulder, spun him into the wall and pinned him there with a hand to his chest.

As she prepared to verbally eviscerate the young man, a voice spoke hesitantly from beside her.

"Professor?" Harry asked.

Turning, she looked into the young man's distressed emerald gaze and ground her teeth. As much as she'd like to rip Malfoy apart, she couldn't. Not here, at any rate.

"The Headmaster's office," she ground out.

Taking a calming breath, she continued. "Harry, go get my husband. Tell him what happened and bring him to the Headmaster's office. The rest of us will meet you there. Since everyone here saw what happened, Dumbledore will undoubtedly wish to speak with us all."

Harry nodded, turned and sprinted for the stairs. Serena grabbed a shocked Malfoy's arm and, herding the rest of the group off to Dumbledore, did her best to keep her anger in check.

Dumbledore's office, Payment Due…

As Severus and Harry entered the Headmaster's office through the fireplace, they found the room quite crowded. The six other students involved were seated. Professor Dumbledore sat behind his desk with Minerva McGonagall standing next to him. Flitwick sat beside the desk and followed Serena Snape's pacing form with concerned eyes.

The Head of Slytherin was furious. If what Harry told him was true, and he had no reason to doubt something so easy to verify, a student from his own house had attacked his wife. No, had tried to kill his wife! He knew Draco was mean and petty, but had always hoped the young man could be saved his father's path in life.

Once the roar of the fire died, Severus heard Serena's furious voice, all the more dangerous for its quiet intensity.

"I went along with the recommendations for not removing Mr. Malfoy as a prefect for his behavior at the Halloween ball, Headmaster. But this piece of shi…this waste of human…this student," she sneered, "has gone too far! He cast the severing hex…at my back! Such a brave little Slytherin snake, slinking in the shadows."

As Severus moved to her side, she whirled suddenly to face Malfoy. In a scathing tone, she asked, "Tell me, Mr. Malfoy, have you taken the Dark Mark yet? It would do your Master proud to know you enjoy crawling through the shadows to attack while an enemy's back is turned, you fucking little bastard!"

"Bastard?" Draco shrieked, jumping to his feet. "It figures a mudblood whore like you wouldn't recognize a pureblood!"

After a moment of shocked silence, the room erupted in chaos. Harry, Neville, Luna, Ron, Ginny and Hermione followed Draco to his feet, yelling their protests over his insult. McGonagall was yelling at the students to sit back down. Flitwick's high, squeaky voice could be heard pleading for calm.

When Serena reached out for a furious Malfoy, she was pushed away by her husband. Severus, all control gone, grabbed the young man by the neck and backed him into a wall.

"SILENCE!" Dumbledore's voice roared through the room.

As the noise ceased, Draco looked into the pitch black eyes of his Head of House and finally realized the magnitude of his mistake. He's going to kill me. Right here in front of everyone!

"Severus, release him," the Headmaster said, his voice cold.

When the DADA Professor didn't move, Fawkes crooned soothingly.

Snape released Malfoy with slow, jerky movements, almost as if he were fighting with himself. With one last furious look, he moved away from the young man and went to his wife.

"Filius, will you take Serena out into the hall, please?" Dumbledore asked. As the diminutive Charms Professor lead Professor Snape from the room, the Headmaster continued. "Draco, everyone, sit down."

As everyone resumed their seats, Dumbledore eyed them all over the rim of his glasses, his expression grave. "Harry, why don't you begin? Tell me what happened, please." As the other students started to protest, he held up a hand to calm them. "I will be asking for statements from all of you, but we will do this in an orderly fashion. Begin, Mr. Potter."

As Harry stood, Draco sunk a little further into his seat, thinking quickly. There had to be a way out of this. There just had to be! But as the interviews continued, after each student stood to give their account of tonight's fiasco, he realized his time at Hogwarts might truly be over.

My father will be furious! What was I thinking? I should have waited until the bitch was alone! But it was so perfect. Why did Potter and his gang of misfits have to show up then? Why? There's no way out of this. Dumbledore, the old fool, will never forgive me for this. How can I…wait! He forgave that traitor, Snape, didn't he? Maybe if I beg forgiveness. But Malfoy's don't beg! Would it be worth it? Think!

Draco's thoughts halted as Dumbledore thanked the students for their statements and dismissed them. As they filed out, each sent him a contemptuous glance. Turning his eyes to the Headmaster, he took a quick breath. It was time to save what he could.

Harry opened the office door and ushered the others out. Sending one last fleeting look to the Headmaster, he closed the door and turned to walk down the stairs, but was stopped by the form of Professor Snape.

"I wanted to thank you all. If it hadn't been for you, I could very well be dead right now," Serena told them. Reaching out, she laid a hand on Neville's shoulder before continuing. "I'd also like to apologize for my behavior. No matter the provocation, I should not have lost my temper."

After a few more moments of quiet conversation, the student's turned to head down the stairs and back to their common rooms. Before Harry could descend the stairs however, she stopped him.

"I wanted to thank you Harry. Had it not been for you, I may have killed the slimy git without thinking."

"That's not true, Serena. You couldn't kill anyone," Flitwick squeaked behind her.

Ignoring him, she gazed into Harry's eyes and saw the understanding in them as he whispered, "Don't worry Professor. Everyone wants to kill Malfoy at one point or another."

At her quiet laugh, Harry sent her a small, shy smile, then bolted for the stairs.

Watching him leave, Serena heard the door behind her open and Minerva McGonagall's stern voice asking her and Filius to come back in.

Upon entering the room, she went immediately to her husband. Severus took her hand and gazed into her eyes. Seeing his worry, she raised her other hand and brushed his cheek lightly. When Dumbledore started to speak, they both turned to face him.

"Having heard the statements from the other students involved, I now await your explanation, Mr. Malfoy."

Looking at the floor, Draco began to speak. "I apologize for my actions, Sir. My father heard about the trouble I'd gotten into at Halloween and was furious. Not for what I did, but because I'd been caught and 'humiliated' in front of the school for it."

Taking a deep breath and thinking that this had better work, he looked up at the Headmaster with tear filled, pleading eyes. "My father hates Professor Snape and refers to him as a traitor. Once it became clear that his Dark Mark had been removed, that he was married and happy, my father became enraged. He demanded that I prove my loyalty to the family and the Dark Lord, by hurting Professor Snape. He told me that if I wanted to return to my family…" Draco broke off and curled up on his chair, looking away from the Headmaster's eyes.

"Continue, Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore said, softly.

Rubbing the tears from his face, Draco mumbled something under his breath before looking up once again.

"Sir, you know what my father is. You know what's expected of me. Since the day I was old enough to understand, my father has insisted that I follow him and take the Dark Mark. But I don't want it! He won't listen when I try to tell him. He brushes it off as nerves. Nerves! But if I don't take the Mark…if I don't do as my father tells me…where will I go? If I hadn't done as my father said, if I hadn't stood up for the Malfoy name," he sneered bitterly, "what then? I'm trapped, Sir and I have no way out!"

When he stopped talking, the room grew quiet. Finally, Dumbledore stood. Walking to Draco, he said, "I want you to wait outside, Mr. Malfoy. The Professors and I have much to discuss."

As Dumbledore escorted him out to the hallway, Draco felt the thrill of success. This might just work after all. If nothing else, it couldn't get any worse.

When Dumbledore returned and closed the door, he warded it against eavesdropping. Returning to his desk, he sat heavily for a moment. Finally looking up, he said quietly, "He's lying."

At the tired nods from those in the room, he sat back in his chair and sighed deeply. "The problem is what do we do about it?"

When Serena opened her mouth, Severus squeezed her hand in a silent bid for her to close it again. Shooting him glare, she remained quiet.

"We expel him, of course," Severus said, angrily. "No matter his reasons, the boy tired to kill my wife!"

"And you would know nothing about bad choices and worse decisions, would you Severus?" The Headmaster asked softly.

Seeing the younger man wince at such a well-aimed blow, Dumbledore removed his glasses and rubbed aching eyes. "Sit, all of you. We have much to discuss tonight."

In the end, it was simple really. The young man was too valuable to throw away. He could be used, voluntarily or not, to gain information for their side. While many in the room were shocked by the Headmaster's ruthlessness, one was not.

Severus had been on the receiving end of Dumbledore's drive to win at any cost for more years than he cared to remember. A small part of him even felt sorry for the young Slytherin for what was about to come. However, another part, the larger part, still wanted to rip Draco apart and send him back to his father, postage due!

When the young man was let into the room once more, he quickly found out just how much worse things could get.

Once Draco was seated, the Headmaster spoke.

"Mr. Malfoy, it has been decided that you will not be expelled. I will escort you to Diagon Alley to replace your wand in the morning. However, you have been stripped of your Prefect-ship. You are also removed from the Quidditch team and will attend no extracurricular activities. No Hogsmeade visits, no dances, no walks by the lake. You are confined to the castle, unless escorted by a teacher. At the end of each day, your wand will be taken from you. It will be given back at the start of your first lesson every morning."

At each new pronouncement, Draco slumped lower in his seat. His face was ashen and he gripped the arms of the chair tightly.

"In addition, every free hour you have, not spent on your studies or classes, you will be in detention with Mr. Filch. If Mr. Filch is unavailable or busy, you will spend your detentions with me. Do you understand everything I have told you, Mr. Malfoy?"

"Yes Sir," Draco replied in a small, horror stricken voice.

"Excellent. On a final note, I would like to add that, had you come to me with this, I would have helped you, as would your Head of House. It is my hope that you will learn from your mistakes in time to turn away from the dangerous path you insist on walking.

Now, Professor McGonagall will escort you to your common room. I have more to discuss with your Head of House."

Slytherin common room, two days later…

Once again, Draco sat before the fire in the common room. The room was quickly emptying of students, but he didn't notice. The true horror of his actions, and Dumbledore's punishment, had sunk in at last.

But for Draco Malfoy, the lessons weren't over yet. He never noticed the large group students approaching him.

When his head was suddenly yanked back by his hair, his arms pinned down and his legs jerked out, a new horror was introduced.

Shoving a gag into his mouth, Blaise Zabini hissed in his ear, "And now you learn what your little stunt cost you. Not all Slytherin's are Voldemort's lap dogs!"

When the first punch landed, Blaise continued. "Don't worry Draco. We're not going to kill you. Will leave that to your father and your 'Dark Lord'," he sneered.

Pain (The next day)…

Harry came down to the common room where he found Hermione waiting for Ron. Looking at Hermione quizzically, he asked her where Ginny was.

She looked embarrassed for a moment then said, "Well if you must know, she forgot to take her cramp potion last night. She'll be down in 10 minutes or so, that's how long it takes to work. She said to start your run and she'll catch up to you."

Harry cringed and blushed at the mention of the 'cramp potion'.

"Tell her I've gone on ahead and I'll meet her out on our run, or at breakfast if she doesn't make the run."

Harry left the castle and headed to the lake. Every morning, he ran five laps around the lake. He preferred to get up and run a little earlier than the rest of the DA members. He was usually half way through his run when the rest joined him.

Harry reached the lake and started his stretching exercises. This was a good time for him. The lake was usually quiet and peaceful; it was almost meditative in its calmness. Occasionally, the lake would ripple as the Giant Squid moved beneath the surface, chasing a merman. A few minutes later, he began his run.

It didn't take long for the rhythmic motions of running to become automatic, allowing him to order his thoughts for the coming day and to review the events of the previous one. His body followed the path beaten by the physical fitness club and DA members. He ran on, not really paying attention to the scenery around him.

He was coming around to the spot closest to Hogsmeade. The train station was only about 500 meters away and he was roughly half way around the lake. His pace was steady, not a flat out run, just a comfortable jog, his breathing deep and even.

Taking the slight curve of the trail that signaled the return leg to Hogwarts, Harry suddenly felt a searing pain to the back of his head and his glasses flew off his face. His vision flared with bright spots and he fell face down into the hard packed dirt. Dizzily, he rolled over to see a blurry shape looming over him. The figured swung something again and Harry's arm exploded in pain as the object hit him.

Dimly, he heard, "I'VE GOT YOU NOW BOY!"

His mind froze and he whispered, "Uncle Vernon?"

The figure swung again and the world went dark for Harry Potter.

Ginny…

Ginny hurried out of the school and down to the lake. She decided that she could be running while waiting for the potion to take effect. Harry was only a few minutes ahead of her, so maybe she could catch up with him.

She was coming up to the halfway point of her run when she spotted something shiny lying in the grass. Curious, she stopped and walked over to see what it was.

Harry's glasses, she though, bending over to pick them up.

She looked around worriedly. She walked back to the path and looked around again. A few feet further up the path she saw blood…too much blood.

Ginny gave her phoenix ring a twist, signaling to the others an emergency. Pulling her wand, she followed the trail of blood cautiously. Everything in her screamed run, find him, NOW! But she wasn't sure what she was dealing with yet.

Back at Hogwarts…

Students from three different houses boiled out of their common rooms, racing for the great entrance. Some of them were still in their pajamas. Ron shouted for several of them to get their brooms. Teachers, spotting the mass of partially clad students, shouted at them to stop, even threatened to take house points, but they were ignored.

Discoveries…

Ginny followed the blood trail; it was obvious to her that someone had been dragged this way. She didn't have to go far, the trail ended by a clearing with a single tree in it. Ginny stopped momentarily, shocked at the sight before her.

Harry? HARRY!

His arms were tied together at the wrists and he was hanging with his feet dangling off the ground. The other end of the rope was tied off to the tree. His clothing was torn and bloody and there appeared to be a huge gash in his side. A large man stood in front of him, talking in a low muttering voice. Then he reared back and hit Harry a club. There was a sickening crack and Harry's leg dangled at an odd angle. Harry moaned; he was barely conscious at this point.

Ginny shook off her shock and exploded out into the clearing. She hit Vernon with a bludgeoning spell, and then hit him with a couple of Stupefies before using an Incarcerous spell, binding him tightly in rope.

Rushing up to Harry, she was horrified. He was a mass of bruises; several of his limbs were obviously broken. She wasn't sure what to do; he was hurt in so many places! She was afraid to levitate him down. Frightened, she pointed her wand skyward and began to shoot off volleys of small fireballs to guide in the others.

She extended an arm to Harry, but was afraid to touch him.

Suddenly she heard a voice shouting her name. She looked about wildly, then spotted Ron and Hermione on his broom. Hermione had her eyes squeezed tightly shut. She hated flying. Ginny waved them down. Ron brought his broom to a neat landing in front of Ginny; he still hadn't spotted Harry.

"Ginny what's… OH, BLOODY MERLIN!"

Hermione turned to look, and her face paled. "Ron, we need to get him down, now!"

Ron yelled at Justin Finch Fletchly to land and help him. Neville had already landed with Luna. Both of them looked ashen.

Ginny turned to Luna. "Luna, get back to school. Tell them we have a medical emergency coming in and we need Auror support now. MOVE!"

Luna nodded once and, hopping on her broom, sped away.

Hermione levitated Harry while Ron cut the rope. Ginny conjured a stretcher to place Harry on, before joining Neville on his broom. Hermione climbed on behind Ron. Levitating the stretcher between the two brooms, they slowly took off.

Justin looked over at the unconscious Vernon and levitated him. Climbing back onto his broom, he towed vile fat man back to the castle, not bothering to check if he had enough altitude on the levitation spell. The man had obviously just beaten a student. Did it really matter if he hit a few trees along the trip?

Madam Pomfrey, Professors McGonagall, Dumbledore and both Snapes were all standing at the entrance to the school when they spotted the strange formation of brooms and people. Alerted by the strange behavior of the students this morning, and then Luna's warning, the adults waited breathlessly to see whom, and exactly how bad, it was.

DA Members saw the brooms coming in. Someone barked an order and the group formed a hasty perimeter about 100 yards deep, wands at the ready. Two of the members waved for the brooms to land in the open area in front of the entrance to the school.

The formation moved slowly, clearly overloaded between the two people per broom and the burden held between them. Coming up behind them was a single rider on a broom, with an object in tow.

Landing in front of the Professors, the four dismounted. Serena and Minerva paled and gasped.

Ron controlled the levitation on the stretcher. Once it reached the ground, Madam Pomfrey, shoving students out of her way in her rush, moved to Harry's side.

After running several diagnostic spells, she turned to the Headmaster, saying, "Albus, I'm going to need the best trauma healer St. Mungos can provide. He's too badly injured to move that far. We need to move quickly and I can't heal this much damage on my own. I'll exhaust myself before I can finish."

Turning to a horror stricken Ron, she ordered him to follow her to the infirmary with the stretcher. Serena followed them as Dumbledore turned back to the rest of the students. Noticing for the first time the second incoming broom, he looked at the burden Justin was towing and moved closer.

Seeing the body of Mr. Dursley, he raised an eyebrow. "This explains much," he murmured.

McGonagall put her hand on Dumbledore's arm. "Albus do you know this man?" She asked, pointing at the still unconscious figure.

"Alas I'm afraid I do. That is Harry's Uncle Vernon."

McGonagall actually let some of her animagus break through her control. She stepped back and hissed at the form on the ground.

Ginny choked back her tears and said in a trembling voice. "I found his glasses, then a trail of blood. He had tied Harry to a tree and was beating him with a tree limb when I found him. Never in my whole life did I ever want to use an unforgivable, but today I wanted to cast one."

Professor McGonagall placed an arm around Ginny. "Come Miss Weasely. Let us find someplace where we can talk. I'm sure there will be people who will want to talk to you later."

Only Severus noted the DA members breaking off from their perimeter and returning back to the school.

Dumbledore spoke softly, but there was a hint of iron in his voice. "Severus, shortly there will be Aurors arriving. Will you stay with this man until they can take charge of him? I must get up to the infirmary."

Professor Snape could only nod as a slow anger burned within him while he stared at the bound figure.

Hogwarts Infirmary…

Albus Dumbledore walked into the infirmary in time to spot a man appear. He was obviously the St. Mungos healer, using their prearranged portkey. The healer quickly pulled a box out of his pocket and expanded it rapidly.

Dumbledore stood with a slowly growing group of people watching this macabre spectacle unfolding before them all. Ron looked grim as he gripped Hermione's hand tightly. Hermione could only stare at the two healers and the limp figure on the bed.

Serena was in the small infirmary potion lab getting blood replenishing potions and strengthening potions ready.

Harry lay on an infirmary bed, bleeding from more than a dozen places. As Poppy tried to figure out where to even begin, the man stepped up to her and said, "I'm healer Basil Askerton from St. Mungos. Where do you want me to start?"

Poppy nodded and said, "I'm still trying to stabilize and assess his injuries. Start at his feet and help me stabilize him first. Then we can go back and deal with the lesser injuries."

Long minutes ticked away like an eternity. The infirmary door opened, admitting Molly and Ginny, along with Professor McGonagall. Not long after they arrived, Remus and Tonks entered, followed by Severus Snape and Auror William Hill, Harry's caseworker.

Ginny turned to Molly, who wrapped her arms around her, holding her tightly. Molly's eyes never left the still form lying on the bed. Tonks spoke to Auror Hill in a hushed tone, her hair wildly fluctuating in color and length.

Remus looked ready to collapse as he gazed at the mangled, still form of the boy who was so like a son to him. Who would do such a thing? Why can't he just be a normal kid? Gods, why can't you just leave him alone for fucks sake, he raged silently.

The group watched the two healers as they spoke in hushed tones. Spells flashed and wands glowed as they tried to repair the damage. So busy were the two healers, they completely forgot to put up the curtains around the bed.

"Arrhythmia!" Poppy snapped, as Harry's heartbeat wavered.

Askerton pulled a bottle from the box on the table and quickly filled a syringe.

Seeing that he was ready, Poppy pointed her wand at Harry's chest. "Physiologus Phasmatis," she intoned.

As Harry's chest became translucent, Askerton leaned over him and injected the potion directly into his faltering heart.

In a flash of flame, Fawkes appeared in the large room. He circled it, singing a soothing note, his eyes ever on the healers as they worked.

"Ok it's steadying up now." Poppy said, as she sent a glance of gratitude to the phoenix circling the room.

The two healers continued working on Harry. Finally, Askerton sat heavily on a nearby bed, his head bowed. Poppy walked wearily over to the group that had been watching. Fawkes vanished in another flash of flame.

Dumbledore spoke first.

"Poppy… is he?" The dreadful word left unsaid.

"No Headmaster, he's out of danger. But there is still so much damage to heal. I've counted more than thirty broken bones alone. Healer Askerton and I have to rest a bit before we can continue. It took both of us and much of our magic to stabilize him."

"Would more healers help, Madam Pomfrey?" Auror Hill asked.

"Aye, another healer or two would be a big help. That way Healer Askerton and I can rotate with them. You folks might as well go get some rest. Even with more healers, it may not be until tomorrow before he wakes."

Dumbledore looked around at the people standing around them, and suggested they all go to his office where Auror Hill could make the arrangements for additional healers. It was a much-subdued group when they left the infirmary.

LATER…

Harry was confused. He wasn't sure where he was, or why. He heard voices. He pried one eye open and tried looking around. He couldn't move his neck very well; it was so hard to move! He spotted several fuzzy shapes nearby; a cool cloth was placed against his forehead. He heard a voice he didn't recognize, it sounded like it came from a great distance and he couldn't quite make it out. A potion was placed to his lips and he swallowed instinctually.

The voice spoke, clearly this time. "Sleep Harry, that's what you need now."

He felt a hand gently rub his cheek as he drifted off…

Harry blinked a few times before opening his eyes fully. The infirmary again! He sighed.

He felt so tired still but he couldn't sleep anymore. He tried lifting his arm up to reach for his glasses, but he only got it half way before his strength gave out on him. His arm dropped limply, bushing against one of the blurry forms near his bed. The figure turned and he heard a strange voice.

"Harry? How do you feel?"

"Hurts… Glasses…" he mumbled.

The blur moved to the night table, picked up an object, then leaned over him and placed his glasses on his face. The world swam into focus. Harry peered up at the strange man with the soothing voice. "Who… what…"

"I'm Basil Askerton, a healer from St. Mungos. Madam Pomfrey called me in to help. As to how you got here, you were attacked. But I don't want you to worry about that now. There are quite a few people that are hoping to see you. I'll let you see two people at a time, but only for a short while. Madam Pomfrey asked that I wake her when you finally woke up. I want you to rest Harry. You're going to be very weak and sore for quite a while. Only time and sleep will fix that."

Healer Askerton pulled one curtain aside and stepped outside. Harry could hear voices murmuring from beyond the curtain. Harry watched as the shadows cast by the torchlight danced crazily against the screen.

Molly and Arthur stepped in from behind the curtain. Ginny snuck in behind them. Glancing over her shoulder, Molly glared at her daughter who stared back defiantly.

Ginny took one chair beside Harry's bed while Molly took the other. Arthur stood at the foot of the bed. Harry tried to lift his hand to take Ginny's, but he didn't have the strength yet. Ginny took his hand in hers, not saying anything as she tried to control her emotions.

Molly leaned over him, kissed him on the cheek, and then asked in a soft voice, "How are you feeling love?"

He gave her a weak smile, replying, "I guess I'm better than I was, but it still hurts some and I can't seem to stay awake for long."

"Healer Askerton says you're making good progress Harry."

"I guess I must have been bad off to need two healers…"

Arthur and Molly exchanged a look. They weren't going to tell him he had actually needed four healers yet.

"Well, right now you just concentrate on getting better Harry," Arthur said. "We've fixed up your room at home and we're back in the Burrow again, thanks to you and Remus. When school ends, you'll be able to come home."

Harry smiled at the thought of that. Home sounded so good to him right about now.

Molly and Arthur chatted with him for a few minutes more then Molly glanced at her daughter. The two exchanged a look and Molly ushered Arthur out. Harry turned to Ginny, uncertain. She had been so quiet all this time, just holding his hand.

"Gin?"

She moved over to sit on the side of the bed, releasing Harry's hand. Stroking his cheek, she whispered softly, "Harry, I was so frightened I thought I had lost you…" She tried to stifle a sob, but couldn't.

Harry tried to sit up and take her into his arms, but he lacked the strength. He growled in frustration and exhaustion before dropping back to the bed. Ginny leaned cautiously against him, careful not to put any weight on him.

Tiredly, he whispered, "It's alright Gin, I'm still here."

She kissed him gently on the lips then sat up just before the two healers returned. Resuming her seat, she recaptured his hand in hers.

Madam Pomfrey ran a few diagnostics before speaking to Harry. Her normally abrupt tone replaced in favor of a much softer one this time.

"Well Mr. Potter, I see you've decided to rejoin us. You do seem to be doing better. You and I are going to have plenty of time together, as I'm afraid you will be here for a while longer. There are still a lot of people waiting to see you, but I'm afraid you've exhausted yourself at this point. You'll be able to see them in the morning. Miss Weasley, I'll allow you to stay with him until he falls asleep, but then you must return to your house until tomorrow."

Ginny gave Madam Pomfrey a pleading look and she sighed, then handed Ginny the sleeping draught. She stood there watching while Ginny helped Harry drink the potion, then accepted the empty bottle from her with a smile. The two healers left them alone, going out to shoo away the visitors until tomorrow.

Harry smiled up at Ginny, his eyes getting heavier by the minute. She smoothed away the hair from his forehead as his eyes closed. Harry fell asleep with the image of the prettiest witch in the world in his eyes.

Ginny reach over and carefully removed his glasses, placing them on the night table. Before she left his bed, she paused and looked at him again long enough to whisper, "Your mine, Harry Potter."

When Harry awoke he was momentary blinded. The curtains had been taken away during the night and the sunlight was streaming into the infirmary. Dumbledore sat next to his bed, sampling from a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. He chewed a bean for a moment before turning to Harry.

"Ah Harry, I'm glad to see you're feeling better…"

Harry tried to sit up, but he couldn't. Madam Pomfrey came over to help him up. While she held him, she conjured several pillows behind him. Harry was trembling with fatigue when she lowered him back down.

"Sorry, Professor."

"No need Harry. You've been through a bad experience and it's understandable. I wanted to talk to you before everyone else, however. In a short while, Auror William Hill will come in and ask to take a statement from you. Tell him what you can remember. He may ask for you to put your memories in a Pensieve, but I doubt it. Between Miss Weasley's statements and your attackers, I dare say you will not have to worry about testifying. Auror Hill will try to make this easier for you, but it's necessary Harry…"

Dumbledore put his hand on Harry's shoulder kindly, and peered over his half moon glasses at him.

"You understand Harry, that we need to follow the letter of the law here?"

"Yes sir, I understand."

"Very well then. Now, how are you really feeling Harry?"

"Really feeling? Well Sir, I still feel like I've been hit with a dozen bludgers and I can't seem to do anything for myself without getting exhausted."

Dumbledore smiled at that, then pointed to the mound of cards and candy that were overflowing his nightstand. "Your admirers have sent their well wishes, and I am truly happy to see you better. You have other visitors waiting at this point, so I'll send Auror Hill in and let you get that out of the way first."

Dumbledore stood up and left the infirmary. In a few moments, Auror William Hill walked in. When he spotted Harry, he smiled.

Walking over to Harry's bed, he pulled out a piece of parchment and an enchanted quill. Madam Pomfrey stood in the doorway of her office and watched carefully. She was ready to step in at the first sign that her patient was experiencing any distress.

"Harry, I'm going to try to make this as easy as possible on you. But some of these questions might be uncomfortable… Take your time answering them. Ok?"

Harry nodded.

"All right, lets begin…" The quill lifted up, poised to write.

"What do you remember from the attack, Harry?"

"Well… I was doing my early morning run. I was just coming around the halfway point when I was hit from behind. I lost my glasses at that point. I remember a voice screaming at me, then he hit me again…"

"Do you remember what the voice said, Harry?"

Harry gulped nervously and nodded his head in affirmative. He stared down at the bed, his complexion ashen, as tremors racked his body.

Auror Hill took in the boy's reaction and ended the interview then and there. He had the testimony of the others involved. Harry's statements would have been additional evidence to support the case, but it wasn't really needed.

Hill placed a hand on Harry's leg and grimaced as the boy flinched away from the touch.

"I think I've got enough information, Harry. Why don't we stop there, hmm?"

After moving away from the bed, Hill asked Madam Pomfrey for a moment of her time.

Once in Poppy's office, Hill turned to her and said seriously, "Healer Pomfrey, I've seen this sort of thing enough times to recognize the signs. Not today, maybe even not this week, but sooner or later Harry's going to have an emotional crisis over this. I terminated my interview early because I saw I was coming close to triggering it right now and he's not strong enough for it to happen yet. I'd suggest a calming draught for now, and keeping a close eye on him. I don't think Harry will open up to a mind healer, so you'll have to warn his family and friends about it."

Poppy nodded. She had plenty of experience with bludger injuries, the odd misplaced limb, or misfired charm, but this was a little out of her league. After the Auror left, she gave Harry a calming draught.

Over the next week, Harry had many visitors. Friends, family and faculty all dropped in to talk and check on his progress. Remus and Tonks visited several times and Molly was there nearly everyday, sometimes with Arthur and sometimes alone.

Hermione, Ron and Ginny brought him his homework and helped him with what he was missing. When Harry nodded off from exhaustion, they'd sit quietly, talking in hushed tones and doing their own homework.

Harry continued to improve, although he was still weak. Eventually, he was able to get out of bed and wander around the infirmary. He took to sitting with Madam Pomfrey in her office, sometimes even having a meal in there. He liked the healer. She put up a gruff exterior, but Harry knew she really cared for her charges.

Hogwarts Infirmary, very early February…

Harry had been in the infirmary nearly nine days when he woke from an afternoon nap to discover Dumbledore sitting in a chair next to his bed. Dumbledore smiled at him, but his tone was serious.

"Harry, Madam Pomfrey is willing to release you in time for you to go to dinner with your classmates this evening. But she insists you take it very easy for at least another week. And that means no extra training Harry." Dumbledore waited for an acknowledgement of that requirement before continuing.

"I've asked Miss Weasley to make sure you take your potions, and your friends are waiting outside to walk you to the Great Hall. I'll give you a few minutes to dress before sending them in."

"Yes Sir. Thank you sir!"

He had just finished dressing when the door burst open and Ron, Hermione and Ginny came barreling at him. Leaving the infirmary, he felt like he was free and he wanted to shout for joy. Unfortunately, the feeling didn't last long. By the time he got to the Great Hall, he felt like he had walked miles. He was ever so grateful when he was finally able to sit.

Harry was surprised by how many people came up to welcome him back. It was rather embarrassing for him, really. Fortunately, people scrambled back to their seats as the meal appeared. He had just started loading up his plate when Ginny stopped him. From a small case, she started pulling out several vials of potions, placing them down in front of him. He gave her a pleading look. She gave him an expression he had only previously on Molly. It was a look that said, 'YOU WILL DO THIS!'

Harry glanced to Ron and Hermione, but found no support there. Ron was enjoying this too much and Hermione's expression echoed Ginny's. Sighing in surrender, Harry started drinking his potions while Ginny filled his plate with food, a smug grin on her face.

By the time dinner was done, Harry was leaning dangerously to one side, nearly falling on top of Ginny. Ron signaled to Neville and the two of them helped Harry to his feet. he was nearly asleep before they left the Great Hall. Ginny, Hermione and Luna followed the two boys carrying Harry up to his bed.

Ministry of Magic, Wizengamot, two days later…

A bailiff barked as the judges re-entered the chamber, "The prisoner will rise!"

Vernon Dursley took to his feet, shaking the chains he was wearing. He shouted, "You freaks can't do this! I demand to be taken before the Queens court! You weirdoes have no authority over me!"

The bailiff cast a silencing charm over the chained prisoner.

The chief Magistrate read from his parchment. "Vernon Dursley, you stand convicted of escape from Azkaban and the attempted murder of a underage wizard under the protection of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

You also stand convicted of being in league with the Dark Lord, as no wizard or witch other than those of the Dark Lord would have allowed you to get to Hogwarts. For these crimes you are condemned to the Veil of Death.

Having found you guilty on all charges, this court charges the bailiffs to proceed with executing the sentence forthwith! This court is adjourned."

Two bailiffs dragged the struggling prisoner from the room.

Authors Notes:

Oh the Dreaded Authors notes! This is the place were we grovel and beg your forgiveness for mistakes we've made. Invent lame excuses and point fingers concerning goofs. I'll admit it all now; it's my wife's fault! JUST KIDDING HONEY!

This is our biggest file to date. Do we win a cookie? Please? We want a cookie!

Ok In regard to Lucius Malfoy, and I will quote my wife on this. "JR Rowlings lied! YES! She lied! Lucius Malfoy escaped the ministry only to be caught later in a gay bar in Hogsmeade." Personally I think she saw the blond Hair of Hans the Stud Muffin Death Eater and mistook him for Lucius. I didn't write that part, but I did read it several times and I never picked up on it. So I'm nearly as guilty as my wife for that goof. WE HUMBLY BEG YOUR FORGIVENESS. WE'RE NOT WORTHY!

In regard to the bond between phoenix and a person they heal it's simple. Harry will feel Dan's passing as keenly as Hermione will when he finally kicks the bucket. But that won't happen anytime soon in this fic. If you want to see that, check out some of the other fics.

Harry's power has been in operation for quite a while now, but no one seems to see it. Nor am I going to point it out. All will become clear in time little grasshopper!

The situation between Dumbledore and Harry is slowly resolving itself. I never intended for them to remain enemies.

Super Harry? Perhaps 5 years from now, but I can promise you that by the time Harry and Voldemort go toe to toe they will have the same amount of magical power. Read carefully in this chapter and you'll understand this better.

This was a fairly serious chapter with a lot going on. There was a little fluff and angst thrown in, but we had a lot of stuff to cover. What I had intended to be chapter 10 is going to turn out to be chapter 10 and chapter 11. There are just too many things happening again for it to be otherwise.

I promise next chapter will have more romance, perhaps even a groping session or two. I need to be careful writing those things. At my age it doesn't pay to get too excited! Look for more pranks and other goodies.

Author's Wife's Notes: Hi guys. My husband usually writes the author's note, but I felt the need to contribute this time. I wanted to talk about the whole Draco/Pansy/Serena part. Here's the thing. I don't like Draco. I know that some of you do, but I just can't write him as a bad-guy-gone-good. It doesn't work for me. The funny thing is, those parts of the story involving Draco, Pansy and Serena nearly wrote themselves. The problem came when I went back and read what I'd written. I was a bit shocked and soon realized that there isn't any turning back now. The scenes work really well (I hope!) and I couldn't bring myself to rewrite something that came so effortlessly. Does that make sense? I hope so. Any flames regarding those scenes, kindly forward to my husband. I'll find someway to blame him for them, even though I wrote them. :D

Author's Author's notes: Just for the record, I hate Draco too.