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Deep Inside

Chapter Four

Interlude: Albus Dumbledore

That was the second most powerful magic I have ever witnessed. Both times it was from a sixteen-year-old student, uncontrolled, and casuing many headaches. I had lerned enough from Harry's experiences to know that the only thing that cause a "Magic Cracker" is a very powerful witch or wizard releasing a strong emotion that has ben pent-up for too long.

I knew it had originated from the Gryffindor Common Room, but I had just checked on Harry and he was in his dormitory. As soon as I apparated in the room (It was a quite effective Magic Cracker.), I looked around to see who had dne such massive accidental magic. I saw Hermione Granger bending over someone on the floor, and realised that it was Ginevra Weasley!

I swept over to them, issuing hurried instructions on the way. "Mr. Thomas, get Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley, now. Ms. Patil, get Professor Flitwick. Brown, McGonagall. Longbottom, Pomfrey. Granger, a pillow." I knelt beside Ginevra Weasley. "Are you okay, Ms. Weasley?"

"I feel weak, Professor," she said softly. I nodded.

"That is only to be expected," I replied. "You just performed a perfect example of what Harry decided to call a Magic Cracker. YOu cracked several wards around Hogwarts. Some are completley demolished, but others are easily fixed. The Anti-Apparation ward will have to be completely redone. However, I must thank you for your accidental consideration. All the protective wards are still in place, if cracked slightly. I am not too worried."

Hermione put a pillow under Ginevra's head. "Professor, don't the cracked wards make us vulnerable to attack?"

"Yes, they do. Professors McGonagall and Flitwick will start the repair immediately. I trust you can find some highly gifted students to assist them? Yourself included, of course."

She nodded.

"Good. When they get here, I will ask how many they want. Then it's your job to round up deputies."

"Thank you Professor."

Harry and Ronald came sprinting over, tumbling over a couch that was in their way. I moved back, knowing Ginevra was no longer in serious danger of anything beyond exhaustion and a worried brother.

Much as I try to stay out of the love lives of my students, I have always kept a particulary close eye on Harry, Ginevra, Ronald, and Hermione. I was wating for the other prophecy to be fulfilled, Ginevra's prophecy. I thought it could happen tonight. But the prophecy is another story. Now, it was time to watch how the stuents interacted.

Ronald went to Ginevra, asking, "You okay then, Gin?" When she said, "Alive, Ron," he went to Hermione to ask what had happened. As she began to explain just what had happened, I turned the other half of my mind to Harry and Ginevra.

"Ginny, are you sure you're okay?" he asked worriedly, checking over her for major injuries. Upon finding none, he looked her in the eyes, and repeated, "You're sure you're fine?"

"Just tired, Harry, that's all."

"I'll stay here and make sure, alright?"

"Fine." Her eyes closed, and I heard a small noise of triumphfrom my left. Sure enough, Ronald was grinning ear to ear. "She's really gonna be okay," he whispered to Hermione. "Her dreams are on their way to coming true, too. Harry and I had a little talk, and he's finally come to his senses."

Hermione smiled, but sadly. Tears started to form in her eyes. "Ron..."

"Shh." He wrapped his arms around her. "Don't cry, Hermione. Harry's not the only one to come to his senses recently. I reckon sometimes you just can't see what's right in front of your face. She leaned into his embrace, her smile brightening.

"Love you, Ron. For years."

"Same here, love."

I suddenly noticed two things. One, I was staring like the first years. Two, someone was trying to get my attention.

"Huh?" I said, most eloquently. Hear the sarcasm. "Yes, Harry?"

"Headmaster? May I go to the Hospital wing, too?"

I chuckled. "THis is the first time anyone's ever asked me if they can go to the Hospital Wing."

"I want to be with Ginny. I know how this is. If she wants someone to takl to, I want ot be htere for her. It's hell to wake up and want to talk about why but nobody's there. Please, Professor."

"It's Poppy's Hospital, ask her," I reply.

She butts in. "The boy wants to stay overnight, Albus."

"I don't see a problem with it. Do you have two beds available?" I ask, hoping she'll understand what I'm trying to communicate. I want them to be together tonight, but not like that, get your mind out of the gutter! However, it is her Hospital Wing, and if she thnks it'll be too much trouble, I dont want her to feel forced.

She seems to consider my questions, asked and unasked. "Yes, I do. Come along, Potter, Weasley. I'll send a house-elf for your clothes."

"If I'm no longer needed here," I say to nobody in particualar, "I'll just go meet with Minerva and Filius."

Poppy gave me a general 'go ahead, whatever' wave, already distracted in another arguement with Harry. I twinkle at her (yes, I can control it) and then turn towards Minerva and Filius.

"My good professors, it seems we have some work ahead of us..."

A/N: If nobody picked up on it, here's what a Magic Cracker is:

Magic Cracker (n.) A strong burst of uncontrollable accidental magic, caused by the release of strong emotions that have been held inside for too long. Indicates the power of a witch or wizard. Only happen to extremely powerful witches and wizards.

The story of Harry's Magic Cracker either won't be written, or will be in a one-shot later. Not important to this plot.

The story of Ginny's prophecy either won't be written, or will be in a one-shot later. I should remember to write it, because it might explain slight plot-holes.