39 - Emotions Unfold

Harry and Ginny sat down on the floor before the big coffee table and spread their homework out before them. Severus stayed at the dining room table grading papers, just far enough away to give them a little privacy.

They started on their Charms homework before Harry got up enough courage to invite Ginny into Hogsmeade.

"Ginny, do you want to go with me into Hogsmeade this weekend? We could have lunch and do a little birthday shopping for you," Harry asked.

Ginny couldn't think of anything she wanted more for her birthday than to be with Harry, "Sure that sounds lovely, but you don't have to get me anything for my birthday." She leaned in close to Harry and gave him a little kiss on the lips.

Harry glanced over at Severus and noticed he couldn't see them from the chair he was sitting on. Harry slipped his hand around Ginny's waist and pulled her close. He ran his fingers up her back resting his hand on the back of her head, while he kissed her deeply.

She responded by running her hands up Harry's chest and wished they had more privacy. She thought it a bit risky to be snogging with the professor so close. She soon forgot about the risk they were taking and wrapped her arms around Harry's neck.

"Harry, I can't believe how happy I am," Ginny confessed with a small giggle.

Harry felt the same way and pulled Ginny onto his lap. She tucked her head under his chin and he just held her for a little while, breathing in her fresh vanilla scent and feeling her silky hair tickle his chin. He felt happier than he had ever remembered. He leaned back a little more against the sofa and she looked up into his emerald eyes.

"Ginny you really are beautiful," Harry declared with uncharacteristic boldness. He couldn't help himself from telling her. She raised her mouth up to his and they kissed once again.

Unfortunately that was the moment the doorbell rang and Severus walked through the living room to get the door. He stopped when he saw them in a rather intimate embrace not quite sure what he should do. He chose to ignore them for the moment and speak to Harry once his study date was over.

Nevertheless, Ginny scooted off of Harry and faced the table, grabbing a book as a deep blush crept up her cheeks. Harry smiled at her shyness but also moved a little further away. It probably wasn't the most appropriate behavior when his father was practically in the same room. He already knew he would get a lecture before the night was out.

Severus opened the door surprised to find Lupin and Moody. The meeting wasn't supposed to start for another half hour.

"Please come in," Severus offered hoping an emergency had not come up but the look on Lupin's face made him think one had.

"Is there someplace we can talk in private?" Moody asked as he spotted the Gryffindor at the coffee table.

Harry stood up, "We could study in my room if you want?"

Severus looked dubious at that offer but nodded his approval.

The Gryffindor packed up their books and headed out of the room. Remus stopped Harry and gave him a one armed hug, "Good to see you, son."

Harry stiffened up at the hug, still not quite over their last encounter, "Good to see you too Remus."

Severus walked next to his son for a moment whispering in his ear, "Do not force me into giving you another lecture on decorum. Behave yourself while you are in that room Mr. Potter!"

Harry nodded his head, eager to get away before his father really did give him a lecture. He walked into his bedroom and saw that Ginny was sitting on the floor in front of the fire with her books on the small table. He readily joined her, glad to have a door between him and the professor. Harry sat down next to her leaning up against the overstuffed chair. He wrapped his arms around her waist and tried to pull her close.

"Hey, no funny stuff! We'll never get our homework done with your hands there. Besides if the professor walks in and catches us he's going to think I'm a bad influence on you." Ginny pushed back and grabbed a book to hug in front of her.

Harry pulled the book away and pulled her back onto his lap, "So that's not our problem. What's he thinking letting me come in here alone with the most beautiful girl in school? I mean what does he think we're going to do … study!" He leaned in and planted a deep kiss on her lips.

"No Harry. You'll ruin my reputation with your over active hormones," Ginny joked. She knew her reputation was not the purest since going out with Dean and Michael. Those boys liked to brag when they didn't really have that much to brag about.

Harry grabbed the book off the floor that Ginny had been holding and thrust it back into her hands, "Alright then, let's study." He took on a very studious demeanor by sitting up straight and opened his own book with a dramatic flourish. He had hardly read the first line when Ginny pulled the book out of his hands.

"You're giving up that easy? What happened to the Harry Potter I read about in Teen Witch Weekly Magazine? It said you're the newest teen heartthrob!" Ginny laughed at the look Harry gave her.

He pretended to be totally shocked over hearing that, "First off, what are you doing reading that rubbish and secondly … what makes you think I am one?" He smiled at her look of surprise.

Ginny giggled as she moved back onto his lap while pulling his head down to her face. "Oh you are one! At least it's true for this teen … my heart is definitely throbbing," Ginny whispered the last part into his ear and placed his hand on her heart.

Oh Merlin, now he really did have over active hormones! Harry pressed his hand against Ginny's chest, sliding his hand further down to cup her breast. Before he could get any further he heard or rather felt footsteps coming his way. He quickly pulled his hand away and helped her off his lap. She picked up a book and thrust it into his hands just as the door opened.

Severus spotted the teens before the fire, looking slightly guilty as they looked up at him. He raised an eyebrow at his son, hoping the boy had behaved himself but was rather doubtful.

"The meeting is set to begin in just a few moments but I wanted to speak to the both of you before you joined the rest."

Severus sat down in a straight backed chair as the teens looked up at him with concern.

"Ms. Weasley, it has been decided that you should also attend the meeting this evening. Events have unfolded that concern you, as well as Harry. Harry, I must reiterate the importance of you controlling your temper. Several Order members have made a point of speaking to me regarding the lack of control you posses. Please do not make me regret letting you attend this evening. There will be severe consequences if you have any outbursts such as those at the manor."

Ginny looked over to Harry with confusion. Whatever had happened at the last meeting must have been pretty bad, she thought since he kept being reminded not to act that way. She would have to ask him later when they were alone.

"The other factor to remember is that no matter what anyone says regarding your training, I will have the last say as far as you are concerned Harry. Do you understand? I need to know that you understand?"

"Yes sir. You're telling me not to lose control when someone threatens to take me away because you won't let them," Harry answered with a small trace of fear. He felt Ginny lean into him and take hold of his hand.

Severus seemed satisfied that Harry understood what the meeting would pertain to and walked towards the door.

Ginny and Harry followed Severus out into the living room still holding hands. They stopped at the threshold at the sight of so many people. It seemed that the room had magically grown to accommodate the large group of forty people. Harry had never seen some of the sofas and chairs they were sitting on before. He wasn't sure were he and Ginny should sit so they just stood next to the fireplace as people began to spot them and stare.

Harry watched as Severus greeted a tall thin witch with blond hair pulled back into a severe bun at the base of her neck. She had a refined look to her with a straight thin nose and pale blue eyes. Severus bent over her extended hand and kissed it briefly before escorting her to a seat. Harry observed the lady give furtive glances towards Severus when the Potion Master was not looking her way.

Mr. Weasley hurried up to where Harry and Ginny were standing and embraced his daughter. He leaned over and gave Harry a small hug too. He took hold of Ginny's hand and dragged her over to where he had been sitting.

Harry stood by himself for a moment before he felt Severus wrap an arm around his shoulder. He leaned into his father, glad to have his support. "Relax son," Severus whispered.

"Who are all these people?" Harry asked as he only recognized about one third of them.

"Most of the people you do not recognize are new recruits that Albus wanted to bring up to date with the latest news. Although they do seem to be rather in awe of you, remember that they are putting their very lives on the line to protect you."

The meeting begun with Shacklebolt giving a long detailed report on what the ministry was doing to help the war. Dumbledore went next and gave everyone a run down of the latest news from spies within the Death Eaters and other organizations. He looked towards Ginny before relaying some very disheartening news.

"It seems that we were mistaken to believe the last break-in at the school was meant to kidnap Mr. Potter. The kidnappers were in fact after young Ginevra Weasley." Several gasps could be heard around the room. Harry looked at Ginny as her dad pulled her into a hug.

When everyone quieted down the Headmaster spoke again. "Voldemort knew that Harry was not on the premises at the time of the break in. He seems to be aware of the extra protection Harry is now under."

Harry looked up at his father and whispered, "What extra protection?"

Severus shook his head, "Have you not noticed two Aurors following you throughout the school?"

"No." Harry wished Moody would stop looking at him.

Moody heard the whispered conversation and gave a disgruntled snort, "Constant vigilance boy!"

Dumbledore saved Harry from further embarrassment, "The men were indeed Death Eaters and they had planned to take Ms. Weasley. We are still unsure of whether they intended to use her to lure Mr. Potter forth or if this had anything to do with Ms. Weasley's past interaction with Voldemort." At this point the Headmaster stopped and gave Ginny an encouraging smile. Ginny looked back at him still in shock over hearing she had been the intended hostage.

Albus spoke once again, "There is also more disturbing news … a bounty has been offered to the Death Eater who brings Harry alive to stand before Voldemort." The room was in an uproar over hearing such a travesty.

This was news to Harry and he looked up again at his father, "did you know about this?'

Severus nodded his head, "But I did not want to alarm you. Hence the reason for not allowing you to attend the Hogsmeade trip."

Harry opened his mouth to argue but thought he should wait until they were alone. He felt his father squeeze his shoulder.

"We will work something out son."

Harry gave his father a nod then turned his attention back to Dumbledore.

"It is of the highest urgency that Mr. Potter learns to defend himself. We will do our best to protect him but ultimately it will be Harry who faces the Dark Lord." Dumbledore held nothing back as he felt the boy should hear the truth.

Harry looked around at all the people that were here to fight against Voldemort. He felt a heavy burden on his shoulders to do well by them.

Moody stood up next to recount the training he had begun with Harry.

"The boy shows incredible aptitude in both spell casting and blocks. He actually went so far as to disarm me and take possession of my wand! His power is beyond anything I have ever witnessed and that is with little to no training yet," Moody boasted to the group.

Harry pushed back against the wall wishing he would not have insisted on coming to the meeting. Severus noticed him trying to blend in with the wall and gave him an encouraging nod.

Shacklebolt spoke up next, "With the threat of the bounty and now the urgency to train the boy don't you think we should remove him to a safer location?"

Several people agreed, including Moody, "Yes, I see great potential in the boy but he is distracted at times."

"Harry should be kept safe at all cost," Remus said giving Harry a quick glance. Harry's anger flared once again towards the Marauder. The man just couldn't get over Severus adopting him it seemed.

"Potter takes too many risks and I am not sure he is safe at Hogwarts any longer with the Dementors working for He-Who -Shall-Not-Be-Named. Truly the boy is not secure with the Dementors so close to Hogsmeade," said a witch Harry had never even seen before.

Severus leaned down whispering, "That is Tupin, she works with Shacklebolt."

"Harry can take care of himself as far as the Dementors are concerned," said Tonks.

"Is it true then, that Potter can cast a Patronus?" asked Tupin.

"Yes, it is true. Potter will you give us a demonstration?" asked Moody.

Harry didn't feel comfortable casting a Patronus for the mere sake of curiosity. But then again, maybe if he proved he could take care of himself the Order would get off his back about training. It might also help to sway their decision to let him go into Hogsmeade tomorrow.

Harry gave him a quick nod trying not to show his anger as these people decided his fate. He felt Severus grip his shoulder but shook him off, pulling his wand out of his back pocket. He thought about the kiss he had with Ginny this evening before calling out, "Expecto Patronum!"

The large stag sprang out of Harry's wand landing on the big coffee table. Several gasps could be heard as everyone started to cheer. The Patronus stood up on its hind legs, pawing the air before jumping over a row of people and disappearing into thin air.

The people standing close to Harry gave him pats on the back as everyone else cheered. Harry saw Ginny clapping and felt a rush of satisfaction. Then he looked up at Severus but wished he hadn't. The Potion Master shook his head and looked away. Harry wondered what he had done wrong and thought maybe Severus didn't want him showing off. He didn't care though; as long as it would get people to stop talking about taking him away then it was worth disappointing his father.

"Now, do you see what I mean about potential!" exclaimed Moody with delight.

"Harry needs a stricter environment where he does nothing but train!" barked out Shacklebolt as a debate began regarding Harry's training.

"We are talking about a sixteen year boy, are we not?" said the witch Severus had been talking to earlier. "Perhaps, he should be allowed the continued security of a parent?" She spoke with poise and assurance.

Shacklebolt looked ready to argue but was quieted by Dumbledore, "For those of you who have not yet had the chance to meet, I would like to introduce Ms. Ella Fairchild. She is on the board of counselors at Saint Mungo's as well as a Healer of the mind."

"But is Harry safe here? I do not think we should take that chance," came the strong voice of the auror Tupin.

Several people agreed with her statement and the debate continued amongst the Order members.

Harry saw Ginny looking miserable and trying to hold back tears. His anger was just below the surface but seeing her cry for him pushed him over the edge.

"Harry should be taken immediately before Voldemort gets a hold of him!" Moody shouted.

"Harry … is standing right here!" Harry said with emotion, "I am not an object of war!" Severus grabbed his shoulder harshly. Everyone turned to stare at him as Harry pulled out of Severus' grasp. "I will not be taken anywhere," Harry said as a slight tremor could be felt in the room.

Severus saw the alarm on many faces and grabbed the back of his son's shirt pushing him out of the room, into the hallway. Before Harry knew what was happening he was pushed into his bedroom and Severus closed the door behind them.

The shaking continued as Harry tried to push his emotions down but failed. Severus took hold of both his shoulders and shook him harshly, "Get control boy!"

Harry furrowed his brow over being called 'boy'. That was the same way Vernon used to say it. It distracted him enough for the tremors to stop though.

"I thought we had an understanding?" Severus hissed out. Severus was not upset that Harry had stood up for himself but he was distressed that everyone had once again witnessed his raw uncontrolled power following the spectacular Patronus. Harry had made such a spectacle of himself that Severus would be hard pressed to convince his fellow Order members that it would be safe to keep Harry at Hogwarts.

Harry couldn't explain how the tremors happened and he certainly couldn't just make them come at will.

"I don't know what happened."

"What happened is that you lost control of your emotions! Giving certain Order members more ammunition to see that you be removed for the safety of other students, you stupid boy!"

Harry looked crest fallen as he thought about the big mistake that he had let happen. "You can stop them, right?"

Harry looked as if he was on the verge of panic over the thought of being taken away.

"I will not let them take you. I need you to stay calm though so we can join the meeting once more."

Harry stepped back and ran his fingers through his untidy hair. "I'm sorry … I messed up Severus."

"Let me just threaten you with this; one more outburst and you will not be going into Hogsmeade." Severus hoped that would keep the boy in control while other people were still here.

Harry nodded as he took a deep breath and opened the door. When they entered the living room once more some people took furtive glances at him while others blatantly stared. Harry pressed back into the wall.

"I'm sorry about that," he mumbled out to no one in particular as he avoided Ginny's stare.

Several people nodded but Shacklebolt spoke up, "Has that ever happened at school before?"

Harry felt his heart race, "No sir."

"Can you make it stop when it does happen?" the Auror asked.

Severus stepped to Harry's side, partially blocking his view to the Auror, "It should be obvious by now that my son has the ability to defuse that streak of magic." Severus hoped that he had down played the powerful magic enough.

Shacklebolt nodded but still looked doubtful.

Dumbledore spoke up next, "Mr. Potter is not to be spoken of as if he were an object to aid the war. He will get the respect he deserves. I do hope everyone understands my position on this matter? Very good, I think the meeting is at a close unless anyone else has an issue to be addressed?"

Severus stepped forward, "I have an issue to discuss." Severus looked towards Moody then towards Shacklebolt, "I must insist that further ideas on training Harry be cleared through me. I will do my best to let him have the same experiences as any other student here at Hogwarts. On that note I ask a favor; Harry would like to attend Hogsmeade day with the rest of his school mates."

A roar of opposition went through the room until Severus raised his voice slightly, "Whom may I count on as escort for my son?"

Harry waited nervously as he knew this was a test to see who was on Severus' side.

The witch named Fairchild was the first to raise her hand.

Eventually almost all the people in the room raised a hand. Finally both Shacklebolt and Moody raised their hands as well. Severus let out a breath he hadn't been aware he had been holding.

"Very good. Professor Moody would you be willing to arrange the security?" Severus looked towards the ex-Auror. This was his way of giving Moody his due respect for teaching his son how to fight. Moody nodded his assent and the meeting ended.

As people began leaving, Ginny rushed up to Harry and threw her arms around his neck. "Oh my gosh, that was so awful Harry. What are they trying to do to you? Where do they want to take you?"

Harry hugged her back as he tried to push down the fear he had for putting her in danger. "It's okay now. Severus is going to take care of everything." Ginny looked at him as if she didn't quite believe that.

Several people came to say goodbye to Harry. He had to keep reminding himself that these people were putting their very lives on the line to keep him safe.

Severus escorted Ms. Fairchild up to meet Harry. "Ms. Fairchild I would like to introduce you to my son, Harry Potter."

Harry gave her a small smile, "Nice to meet you ma'am."

Harry felt like he was under a magnifying glass as the woman assessed him closely before extending her hand, "It is a pleasure to meet you Mr. Potter. That was a lovely Patronus." Harry shook her hand then looked at Severus and was surprised to see his father looking thoughtfully at the tall witch.

"Well, I'm glad you thought so," Harry said accusingly while still looking at his father.

Ms. Fairchild looked confused at that statement until Severus spoke up, "The Patronus was satisfactory, casting it to an audience was unnecessary though."

Harry shrugged and turned to meet another new member. Several more new members came up to meet both Severus and Harry making the evening drag on.

Harry was glad when the last person finally left, "Thanks for sticking up for me during the meeting Severus."

Severus nodded but looked at him through narrowed eyes, "Do not think you are going to bed without a thorough lecture on maintaining your self-control. And I might add that you are also in need of another lecture on propriety."

"Oh yeah, that." Harry sat down on the big sofa and looked up at his father, "Would it help any if I said I was sorry it happened?"

"To what incident are you referring to? I highly doubt you are 'sorry' for becoming far too familiar with Ms. Weasley. If you are apologizing for that … then you may as well disregard it because I certainly would not believe you," Severus admonished.

"Um Severus … you do realize I'm sixteen, right?" Harry asked with a slight grin.

"Obstinate boy, that's what you are," Severus reprimanded.

"Actually I was apologizing for making the room shake. I don't know how I did that though," Harry explained. He thought he would just ignore the whole Patronus incident though.

Severus looked at him for a long minute before replying, "We must investigate the cause for this powerful surge of magic. Do you remember what you were thinking when it happened?"

"Well, I guess I was looking at Ginny and she was crying because everyone was talking about sending me away to train," Harry couldn't imagine why that would have brought on the surge of wild magic though.

A thought suddenly occurred to him, "Severus do you think you could perform Legilimens on me and see what caused it?"

Severus nodded his head, "Yes, I was thinking the very same thing. Shall we do it now?"

"Yeah, I guess so but … don't go snooping around in there too much," Harry warned.

The Potion Master broke out into an uncharacteristic grin, "Not to worry son, I hardly find your teenage groping very entertaining."

Harry reddened but still tried to look indignant, "I didn't grope! Anyway, just stay away from any thoughts about Ginny other than the one at the meeting."

"I will do my best," Severus answered with heavy sarcasm. He knelt down in front of Harry, looking deep into his eyes. Harry's total trust in him still brought a rush of pride to his chest.

Immediately an image of Harry watching Ginny this evening Harry's feelings ran deep with frustration Severus and Harry running from Vespa's creaturesVespa raising her arm to whip Harry A young Harry in the kitchen at Privet drive with an older lady ballooning upHarry at the Order meeting at Snape Manor

Severus opened his eye's to find his son doubled over on his knees with his forehead pressed to the ground and his hands covering his head.

"That's enough, stop!" Harry gasped out with anguish as his hands shook.

"Harry, what is it?" Severus asked in a panic. He tried to gather Harry to him but the boy shoved his hands away, "Harry?"

Harry tried to catch his breath as he pushed himself up to sit. His head was swimming as the images of all those powerful times overwhelmed him. He was so emotionally spent that he couldn't bring himself to talk for fear of an avalanche of emotions crashing down on him. He shook his head and stood up, stumbling to his bedroom as he held onto the wall for support.

His head felt as if it would explode with all thebad feelings those times brought to the surface, asif they had just happened. A firm arm circled him and pulled him close. Harry pushed his head into the professor's chest, willing the bad memories away.

"I didn't know that would happen. Breathe deep and try to Occlude your mind," Severus whispered out, thoroughly frightened over the reaction Harry was having. He had never seen anything like this happen before in all the years he had used Legilimens.

After several long minutes Harry finally pushed away from the professor and sat on his bed. Severus could tell that Harry was struggling with the memories so fresh.

"What happened to me?" Harry asked in a whisper.

"I believe I pulled up more powerful memories then you could handle. I fear that our Legilimens has become so strong that I not only pulled up memories but the feelings that accompanied them at that time. As I was watching the memories unfold I also felt the way you were feeling at the time they took place."

"But those memories have always been there and I've never felt this way before?"

"Yes, but you have never had all those memories along with the emotions come to the surface at the same time. I fear this was entirely my fault. I am truly sorry to have done this to you," Severus said with distress.

Harry rubbed his face, "It's okay, you didn't know this would happen."

"Nevertheless I feel very regretful over my stupidity. Although, I do believe I found the core reason for the uncontrolled magic to occur." Severus paced away from the bed before he alleged, "The surge of magic seems to occur when you feel the need to protect someone out of your love for them. Even yourself."

The thought of the powerful magic was too much to fathom with all the other memories so fresh and at the surface.

"I can't talk about that right now. I think I need to go to bed," Harry said, feeling his stomach clench over the fresh emotions still coursing through his mind.

Severus seemed hesitant to leave but gave Harry a pat on the shoulder before walking out the door.

Harry changed and got under the covers. He decided to take one memory at a time and put it to rest. He wasn't sure how long he had been sifting through his memories when he heard a soft knock on his bedroom door.

"Come in Severus."

Severus walked towards Harry with a vial in his hands. He stood next to the bed assessing the condition of his son.

"I'm better now, don't look so worried," Harry offered up in a near whisper.

Severus was still trying to digest the memories he had witnessed. His desire to protect the boy had grown stronger after witnessing and feeling the memories Harry had gone through. More than that, his respect for his son had grown tremendously over what he had endured in his short life thus far.

"I am sorry Harry," Severus said again.

Harry shook his head, "You didn't know that would happen so don't worry about it."

"Harry, I'm sorry for all the awful events you have suffered through. I'm sorry for being so harsh on you for so many years and I'm sorry a boy your age has had to go through so much," Severus said with deep regret.

Harry looked down, not really sure what to say to that.

"You look as if you are still struggling with the memories?"

Harry nodded his head and looked up, "Yeah, I guess I am. I'm trying to push them back in place but it's harder than I thought."

"Perhaps a night without dreams would serve you well," Severus said and handed the vial to Harry.

Harry swallowed the vial in one go. He took his glasses off and put them on the night stand then lay back against the pillows. In a matter of minutes he drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

The next morning Harry stayed in his room through breakfast. He wasn't feeling particularly hungry. He showered and dressed then sat down at his desk to make up some of the homework he missed from last night. He had a fair amount of homework done when his father walked into the room.

"You missed breakfast in the Great Hall. Are you ill?" Severus asked as he tried to place a hand on Harry's forehead.

Harry pulled his head back, "I'm not ill Dad, I just thought I would finish my homework."

"You should eat though," Severus admonished. "How are you feeling regarding the memories?"

Harry shrugged not really sure how to describe the way he was feeling after last nights Legilimency.

"I feel okay." He noticed the time and closed up his books putting them back in his book bag.

"I will see you in Potions then," Severus said as he walked towards the door. He looked back one more time and saw Harry leaning on the desk with his hand to his head and his eyes closed. Harry looked up at him with a small smile then went back to packing up his school gear.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Harry walked into Potions class feeling as if he were in a dream with his head swimming. He sat towards the back by himself until Hermione walked in and spotted him. She sat down next to him but he hadn't even realized she was there until she shook his arm.

"Harry, for goodness sakes, what are you thinking about?"

Harry looked startled but focused on Hermione's words, "Oh um, I dunno what I was thinking. I guess I just have a lot on my mind."

Hermione looked at him with concern, "Did something happen last night? I know Ginny went for a study date and didn't come back until well after ten o'clock. What happened?"

"She didn't tell you?" Harry didn't think it was his place to talk about the kidnapping.

"No, but she was really sad about something. Ron's worried about her and we talked about giving her a surprise party this evening to lift her spirits. He thinks it would really cheer her up. The twins said they would help. We saw them at breakfast this morning. They came to check up on Ginny saying that her mum was worried about her too."

Now Harry felt really guilty. Ginny was either worried about him being taken away to train or worried about the kidnapping. Both being his fault in a way, making him feel responsible for her sadness.

"Where were you this morning anyways? I saw Professor Snape at breakfast," Hermione asked.

Harry didn't have a chance to answer as his father walked into the room and immediately began his lecture. His mind drifted back to the memories from the Legilimens once again. Hermione was taking down notes with fervor. He was finally pulled back to reality when Hermione pinched his arm and he saw her eyes darting up towards the front of the class.

"Mr. Potter, are you even paying the slightest bit of attention to the caution I gave on the dangerous potion we are about to formulate?" came Severus' stern voice.

Harry suddenly became quite aware of his surroundings as he rubbed his eyes and looked back at his father. "Sorry Severus … I-I mean Professor."

Severus knew exactly what had the boy so distracted but wasn't sure how to help him. "Come, and bring your books."

Harry picked up his book bag, unsure what his father had planned for him. Hermione gave him a sympathetic look.

As he walked by Malfoy's desk the Slytherin looked up and joked, "Have fun cleaning the loos."

Harry smirked at the Slytherin and followed Severus.

Severus led the way into the adjoining office, "Sit, and finish up your homework. We will work on this potion over the weekend."He called for Dobby and ordered a breakfast of toast and juice for his son before walking back into the classroom.

With great relief over not having to clean out cauldrons or the loo, Harry opened his potion book and began to read. Dobby popped back with a nice breakfast of toast and eggs. When Harry finished eating he began to think once more of the memories that haunted his mind. The memories were not the worse part; the worse part was the emotions that went along with them. Having them pulled up all at once had been so overwhelming that he just couldn't shake the emotions or push them down for long before they resurfaced once again.

He thought about the pain potion and the way it made all the bad feelings go away but knew it wouldn't be very wise to take it. But he knew the potion was right behind the cabinet door in the office and he also knew the secret word to open that door. He sat staring at the cabinet for quite some time before Malfoy walked in and coughed to gain his attention.

Harry startled out of his thoughts, "What Malfoy? Aren't you supposed to be brewing?"

Malfoy looked at the empty plate and half glass of juice, "I'm done, but aren't you supposed be doing something other than staring off into space?"

"What's it to you?' Harry asked and opened his book once again.

"Nothing. I don't care if you waste your time daydreaming. I just came in here to see what horrible punishment Severus had planned for you. Obviously it pays to be adopted by the Potion Master," Malfoy said as he pointed at the empty plate. "What sort of spell did you cast on the man anyway?"

Harry chuckled, "No spell, I just missed breakfast this morning."

"Interesting," Malfoy commented then asked, "So, did you hear about Trelawney?"

Harry shook his head and finished his juice.

"Oh, you missed the funniest thing I've seen in a long time," Draco said with a big smile on his face. "Trelawney made one of her rare appearances for breakfast this morning. She had on this super long cape that dragged on the floor behind her and Flitwick wasn't watching where he was going. Flitwick stepped on the cape and Trelawney thought some ghost or poltergeist was after her!" The Slytherin laughed so hard he almost fell off his chair, making Harry laugh harder.

"Then she starts screaming and she's trying to run," at this point Draco could barely talk, he was laughing so hard. "And Flitwick is like riding on this cape down the Great Hall as Trelawney is running with her arms out in front of her screaming her head off." By now booth boys were laughing so hard they had tears steaming down their faces.

Just then Severus walked in and stopped at the door to observe the scene before him. He was rather relieved to find Harry in such a good mood after the trauma he had caused the boy last night. He waited at the door until both boy's noticed him and tried to stop laughing.

Draco spoke up first, "Severus I was just telling Potter about Trelawney this morning."

"Yes, that was rather amusing," Severus offered and walked into his office. He noticed that Harry had eaten most of the meal and looked to be in much better spirits then before.

Harry stood up from behind his father's desk and offered Severus his chair back.

"No, sit. I just came in here to go over the list of potions you have missed this year. Unfortunately you have missed so many that I fear you will need a tutor to catch up to the rest of the class."

Harry grabbed the paper with the long list of potions he had missed. He had no idea he had missed so many classes. "I'm never going to get through all these on top of the special training."

"Perhaps we could find someone willing to help you," Severus suggested and looked pointedly at Draco.

Draco raised his eyebrows at the suggestion and thought maybe there might be something in it for him, "I would be willing to help Potter … if I could get something out of it?"

Harry blanched at the idea of having Malfoy as a tutor. "No way! I'm not going to have Malfoy telling me what to do. Maybe Hermione could help?" Malfoy scowled at Harry.

"Actually I spoke with Minerva this morning and she would like Ms. Granger to help you catch up in Transfiguration. I think Mr. Malfoy would make a fine tutor but that decision is yours to make."

Harry couldn't come up with anyone else smart enough in potions to teach him. "Alright, I guess Malfoy will be okay."

"Gee thanks Potter. How could I possibly turn down helping you with the gratitude you show?" Malfoy said sarcastically.

"Shut up Malfoy. I'm sure the Professor will make it worth your while, won't you Severus?" Harry asked not wanting to be in debt to the Slytherin.

"I am sure we can come up with an appropriate recompense for time spent tutoring," Severus said but started to think this may not be the best idea with both boys' past history. "That is, only if the two of you can keep from hexing each other or having odd broom races during tutoring sessions. What is it that you desire in return Mr. Malfoy?"

"Could I get one of those hover boards like the one you bought Potter?" Draco asked hopefully. He knew they cost a fortune and now that the Malfoy accounts had been frozen by the ministry he knew he would never get one.

"That will depend on the grades Mr. Potter gets on his midterm exams. If he does well then I will purchase the hover board for you," Severus declared.

Malfoy threw a fist in the air with glee, "Oh, don't worry about Potter's grades Severus. I'll make sure he passes with all O's!"

Harry rolled his eyes, "Bloody hell, what did I get myself into?"

Severus gave Harry a stern look over his poor language. "Harry, I believe you have a private lesson with Professor Moody right now that I know you do not wish to be late to."

Harry checked the time and shoved his books in his bag. "See you later then," the Gryffindor yelled as he ran out of the room.

Severus gave his full attention back to Draco, "If you harm one hair on my son's head, you will have me to answer to. Do you understand Mr. Malfoy?"

Malfoy looked a bit frightened but answered, "Yes sir, I do understand."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Harry made it through the rest of his classes by continually Occluding his mind. It was getting harder to keep from feeling overwhelmed but he had no choice. By the end of the day he felt worn out and tired.

During dinner in the Great Hall he sat next to Ginny, watching her closely. Once he caught her with tears in her eyes as she looked at him with great concern. It bothered him to know that he could bring her so much distress. He leaned close giving a soft kiss to her wet cheek. He saw Ron look away and took the chance to kiss her once more. She seemed to be in a better mood after that, making Hermione, Ron and Harry happy.

During pudding Ron slipped Harry a note that he stuck in his shirt pocket when Ginny wasn't looking. He excused himself saying he had to use the loo and went out into the hallway to read the note.

H.

The party's on tonight in the Astronomy Tower at 10:00. F & G set us up with all kids of good stuff.

R.

After walking Ginny back to Gryffindor Tower, Harry went looking for Severus. He found the Potion Master in his classroom with three third year Hufflepuffs on detention. Harry hoped these idiots hadn't made his father too angry, as it would be hard enough convincing the man to let him off the grounding as it was.

Once Severus saw him standing at the door he motioned for Harry to come in.

"Professor, could I talk with you for a minute … in private?" Harry asked, watching one Hufflepuff dripping water on the ground from his leaking ears. He noticed the other Hufflepuffs had water coming from their noses. He couldn't remember ever making a potion that caused that reaction before.

Severus didn't hesitate standing up and leading the way into his office, "Are you alright, Harry?"

"Yes sir. It's just that I was wondering if you would postpone my grounding for a night? I really need to sleep in the Gryffindor common rooms tonight."

Severus furrowed his brow, "May I ask why?"

Harry hated to lie but he just couldn't miss out on the party tonight, "I just want to be close to Ginny in case she needs to talk or something."

"I hesitate to give you permission as it is the 'or something' that concerns me. However, she has had some very disturbing news and could probably do with reassurance. Please do not make me regret giving you permission."

"Thanks, I guess I'll see you tomorrow then," Harry said feeling a bit better.

"Harry, may I ask how you are feeling?" Severus asked as he inspected his son for signs of distress. He couldn't shake the feeling that he should be doing to help his son.

"Better, I guess. I never realized how powerful those memories were before. But then again I guess they would have to be, in order for them to bring that sort of magic out." Harry shook his head in frustration, "I just need to find a way to get rid of all those feelings that keep getting in my way."

Severus was surprised Harry had opened up so much about the way he was feeling. It spoke volumes for the trusting relationship they had formed. "I would like to help in any way I can."

Harry could see the guilt clearly written on his father's face, "I'll be okay. I just need some time to get through this."

Severus looked at him for a long minute before nodding and heading out of the office. Harry stopped before the locked cabinet wondering if that pain potion would help with his volatile emotions just floating below the surface?

What was the incantation to open the cabinet? Oh yes, 'Dehisco!' Harry suddenly recalled.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

On another note: Yes, I know Ginny's b-day is not in October but I had to make it then for the story's sake.