It was later in the evening and Willow was in her common room trying to start the Transfiguration Essay. Sitting around the table were the girls three closest Slytherin friends. The redhead was ignoring the various looks the other Snakes kept shooting her, but Pansy, Daphne, and Tracey were finding it more difficult. They didn't have the Wicca's confidence or power.

Pansy glanced over to the corner were Draco was setting surrounded by the others of his year and several other students. He, Harry, and Ronald had all been discharged by Promfrey sense the biggest injury to them was the Malfoy Heir's bruised jaw. Crabbe and Goyle would be required to stay the remainder of the week to make a full recovery. Apparently their various broken bones had also come with internal injuries to multiple organs. The last Parkinson had no doubt the scornful little prince was telling their fellow Slytherins all about Harry's dark power in great detail, as well the unfairness with lack of punishment.

Willow had found the girls right after leaving the hospital. She explained to them what transpired between her brother and the Slytherin Trio, as well the disciplinary discussion in the Hospital Wing. Pansy was of two minds regarding the altercation, on one hand Harry had every right to defend himself, even if he did use Dark Magic, and Willow had every right to protect her brother with a well crafted argument. On the other hand, house loyalties still held meaning to the young raven-haired Witch, and the loss of points for Gryffindor would have been a big help to gain the house cup. As it stood there was no one to stand in the way of a Gryffindor victory regarding both the house cup and the Quidditch Championship. The stomping of Slytherin in the first game of the season pretty much assured the Lions' victory. Hufflepuff didn't have the team to challenge a house that was completely undefeated like the Gryffindors were at the moment; the butt kicking the Lions gave Ravenclaw last week gave McGonagall's team an insurmountable lead in total seasonal points. This was shaping up to be one of the worst one-sided Quidditch Seasons in the last thirty years.

Daphne looked up from her writing and glanced at Pansy when she noticed her black-haired friend was distracted. She fallowed the Witch's gaze to look over at Draco. Shaking her head in annoyance the blonde said aggravated. "No point in worrying about Malfoy. He'll do what he does best and cause trouble for everyone like always. No doubt he and the others are already trying to come up with a revenge strategy."

Tracey glanced over to the boy's group and noticed several students looking their way. It was most assured they saw Willow as a traitor to the house. The half-blood Witch also knew that she, Daphne, and Pansy would probably be guilty because they associated with the California Witch. It shocked her to realize she didn't care about that at all, she'd rather have the three close friends than a group of popular acquaintances.

Willow was completely focused on her essay and didn't pay Malfoy and company any mind. "Have any of you found a good historical example of Species Switching yet? The only thing that has caught my attention so far is this one here were a farmer back in the sixteen- hundreds turned a male wolf into a Bull to breed his cows; it was something about a beef shortage."

"There's this one here from Asia about the Snakehead." Tracey said looking back down at her book 'One Hundred Magical Accidents That Greatly Impacted The World'. "Apparently the Snakehead is a fish species that was accidentally created by a drunk Sorcerer in the fourteen-hundreds. He was apparently trying to turn Barramundi, a form of Asian Bass, into snakes as a joke."

"The Snakehead is an aggressive fish that can survive in low-oxygenated aquatic systems as well a short time on land, which allows it to walk on its front fins to other bodies of water. It can easily beat out other local native fish species for survival and dominance. When the Statute Of Secrecy was first introduced, Magical Governments had to quickly fabricate evidence that the fish species natural evolved so as to placate Muggle curiosity."

Daphne took the book from Tracey and looked at the picture. "What a horrible looking thing. Looks like it belongs in the 'Monster Book Of Monsters'. Are Wizards sure this thing isn't magical?"

"It wouldn't be a Magical Creature." Willow said taking the book for herself. "It a fundamental law that you can't change Magical Creatures into another species because of their born magical natures, and you can only change non-magical animals into other types of non-magical species. Otherwise you could change a Muggle into a Celestial Wizard or Witch."

"That would be nice." Daphne said offhandedly. "Just think about it. No need for the Statute Of Secrecy, no more Pureblood nonsense, just everyone going about their lives with magic."

Willow rolled her eyes at the blonde's fantasy. "As lovely as that all sounds, I'm quite sure people like the Malfoys would still find something to distinguish themselves from everybody else. Their kind will always need some natural born excuse to explain why they are better no matter what contradictory evidence might show. That way when something encroaches upon their fragile egos with stronger ability and talent, they can still feel superior even if it's only in their own minds with a made up fantasy. They live to hate, and nothing could ever change that."

Daphne gave her friend a sad look figuring Willow was correct. The girls returned to their essays to continue but they were soon interrupted by Prefect Zoe Accrington. The overly pale girl gave them all a pleasant smile and stated. "Potter, I was asked earlier to escort you to Professor Dumbledore's Office. You and he had something to discuss."

'Oh yeah, my telephone idea for Hogwarts. With everything that's happened I completely forgot about it.' Willow thought to herself amused.

The Wicca packed her belongings away and handed the backpack to Sr. Huggs who was coiled up on the ground next to the table. The large blue Moon Snake looked at the offered leather bag them up at the redhead and hissed. "Are you going somewhere Willow, do you need me to accompany you?"

The California Witch smiled down at her pet/friend and hissed back. "No, I'm good. Dumbledore wants to talk about my phone idea. Remember, I told you about it."

"Oh yes." Huggs hissed. "Those funny boxes that lets humans talk to one another over long distances. I'll take your bag to the bedroom and return to the fire. This castle gets so cold at night."

Willow looked up at Zoe. "I know the way to Professor Dumbledore's, so you don't need to escort me."

"Actually, I do." The girl said. "It's after hours."

The Wicca knew that the Prefect's excuse was weak sense a signed hall pass would do just fine. 'She probably just wants to talk in private.'

Willow waved goodbye to her friends and left with the older blonde. After a while of walking in silence, the redhead looked the taller Witch over and noticed a silver ring on her left hand that had a small diamond stud. Looking back up at Zoe she asked. "How's the lucky Wizard?"

The blonde gave Willow a startled look before realizing we're the redhead was looking. "A boy from Spain who will be graduating from Beauxbatons Academy this year. The two of use have been close friends sense we were very young, and he asked me to marry him over the Winter Holidays. His family has a vast amount of wealth and has been a close business partner with my own for generations."

"So, this is a business type deal?" Willow asked curiously.

The taller blonde gave an amused chuckle and explained. "Yes and no. Me and Rogelio do have strong fillings for one another, but the marriage is to mainly bring our families closer together. We're both extremely happy with the arrangement though."

"That's good." Willow said with a smile. "Congratulations."

Zoe thanked the younger Witch and gave her a sly look. "Speaking of marriages and what not, I heard a rumor today that was very interesting."

The Wicca smiled up at the Prefect. "So, this is why you decided to walk me to Dumbledore, to fined out if I'm real gay or not?"

"That and another thing." Zoe quickly clarified. "According to Draco Malfoy, Vincint Crabbe thinks you broke your marriage contract with him because he is a boy and for no other reason."

"God his ego is incredible." Willow said angrily. "The slap and attempted drugging by potion laced chocolates had nothing to do with it whatsoever. He really thinks if I liked boys than I would've forgiven him because he's a 'handsome' Pureblood Heir. Honestly, how can anyone be that full of themselves?"

The Prefect started laughing at the redhead's ranting. "So, it's true then, you're a lesbian?"

Willow gave her a curious look. "Does it matter to you if I am or not?"

Zoe smiled down at the young girl and said. "No Willow of course not, it's just on general principle I don't take the rumor mill of Hogwarts as absolute truth. I've heard some wild stories regarding your brother for the last three years that are extremely far fetched. Like he is secretly being trained by the Ministry and Dumbledore to be the ultimate weapon against the Dark Lord should he ever return, he has a tattoo of a dragon on his chest, or my personal favorite; he is just as smart and strong as Headmaster Dumbledore but hides the fact to keep as a secret weapon against his enemies."

Willow laughed as images of all-powerful Harry Potter filled her mind. Ripped muscles, wearing a sleeveless leather jacket, and a sword strapped to his back. Shacking her head at the ridiculous picture the redhead asked. "So, you just want me to confirm whether the rumors are true or not? Ok yes, I like Witches but that wasn't why I broke things off with Crabbe."

"I figured as much but I didn't want to make things worse for you by spreading a false story. Not that I'm going to go around telling everyone I can, but if someone asks me directly I can explain the actual truth." Zoe clarified. She then looked back down at Willow somewhat admiringly. "You don't seem to care very much about the rumors."

Shrugging, Willow explained. "I never planned to stay in the closet."

"Closet?" The pale girl asked confused.

The redhead laughed a little and explained. "It's a Muggle expression. When you say someone is in the closet about being gay, you mean they are trying to hide it from the world or they're in denial themselves. I learned long ago there are worse things than being outed, like being eaten, so it really doesn't bother me that much."

Both girls came up to the gargoyle that guarded the Headmaster's Office. Zoe gave the password that was now 'Chocolate Frog' and wished Willow luck with her meeting. The blonde left quickly heading back to Slytherin.

Willow rode the revolving staircase up to Dumbledore's Office and knocked on the door. After hearing the old man call enter, the redhead walked inside. She noticed the Headmaster sitting at a small circular table with Snape, McGonagall, and her grandfather. They had a pot of tea between them with a tin of biscuits.

"Good evening Professors and Grandpa." Willow said cheerfully as she sat down.

"Evening dear." Whitehall said in way of greeting.

Dumbledore offered the tea and biscuits. "Do you want a refreshment before we begin Willow?"

The girl thanked the Headmaster and made a cup of tea. She ignored the tin of biscuits and sat down. Snape reached in front of himself and picked up a rolled up scroll. "We should begin as there is much to discuss. The Headmaster, Professor McGonagall, and I have been reviewing your proposal."

"We have no objections to better relations with the parents of our Muggleborn Students, but we have security concerns." McGonagall explained kindly.

Dumbledore opened his scroll and glanced down at it. "We our concerned about the … ah what was the name … Cellnet Phone Company. We don't want to accidentally cheat them out of money, and we don't want them somehow finding the Magical World."

Willow nodded her head understandingly. "I have thought of that sir, which is the reason for the house in Bibury. If the calls are traced that's were they will lead. I can get nine separate lines in a bundled plan, and the phone company can charge the minutes like they do with normal customers. Also, if your worried about some students abusing the phone privileges, we can set up a basic speed dial operation on the phones themselves were only preprogrammed numbers can be dialed. That way Muggleborns can only call direct family and no one else."

Dumbledore thought it over and asked. "Why nine numbers dear?"

"Oh, I figured one phone per house, one phone for each Head Of House Office, and one phone for you sir." Willow explained smiling.

Whitehall looked down at his scroll and asked. "We see you outlined the payment plan quite well dear, but with what Hogwarts pays the profit you'll make is just enough to cover taxes and bills on the Bibury House. How do you plan on making a profit?"

"I don't." Willow said shrugging. "At first I thought this idea would be profitable, but I would have to charge the school five times what the phone plan is worth to pay for the total house cost, taxes, etcetera; and even then it would take several years for there to be any profit. So now this has become a charitable project to help bring Hogwarts closer to the Muggle Parents."

Snape read his scroll over again thinking. He looked at Willow and asked. "I understand why you wish to place these phones in the other houses, but I don't see why we need one in Slytherin House or my own office."

The Wicca gave Snape a bemused look. 'So big bad Potion Master is afraid of change, or possibly talking to Muggles about why their children are dunderheads.' Out loud she explained. "I know Slytherin doesn't have any Muggleborns, but it does have a few Halfbloods. I know Tracey Davis has Muggle Grandparents that might like to hear from her every now and again. Also, if you had trouble with problem students, you could try a parent/teacher conference to address concerns. You could try and get the parents more involved with their child's education."

Snape had a forced blank look on his face as he tried to hide his displeasure. McGonagall also had a forced thoughtful look on her face as she tried to not laugh at Snape for losing the argument with Willow. It brought back bittersweet memories of him and Lily studying together in the library when they were younger.

Whitehall was going back over the billing and trying to thank of a way Willow could make a profit. She was right though in the fact the full cost of the house was much higher than the phone bill. It would take decades for the phone profits to make her any real money. Something his granddaughter told him once came to mined. "What about those boxes Muggles use to chat-room one another?'

The redhead gave her grandfather an amused smile. "Their called computers Grandpa, and they are far more complex machines. I'm trying to make one work on magic but it's a lot harder than your basic telephone."

McGonagall spoke next. "One concern I have are the Muggles of Bibury themselves. Will they not think it strange for one home to have so many phones, or is this a common occurrence in the Muggle World?"

"No, it's unusual, especially for the size of house I bought." Willow explained. "I plan on placing a permanent Notice Me Not Charm on the whole property, and ownership title, so no one can make any mental connections to realize something's wrong. The surrounding neighbors won't think it's unusual that no one ever comes or goes from the house, and the phone company won't associate nine phone lines to the one home either. More like they will see nine individual homes that have the same address, that's really the best way to explain it. Their minds won't be able to draw a basic conclusion regarding anything they read in relation to the property; a magical mental block."

Dumbledore smiled at the young Witch and said. "Well my dear, me and the staff see no real issue with having better communication with parents of Muggleborns', but the final decision must come from the Hogwarts Board Of Governors."

"How difficult do you think they will be on this issue?" Willow asked in an aggravated mood already anticipating the answer.

Victor chuckled at his granddaughter's facial expression. "You want us to convince a group of Purebloods to allow a Muggle innovation onto the grounds, just to have better communication with the Parents of Muggleborns'. You also want us to convince them to pay for the use of the phones. There are a few Witches and Wizards in this particular group that would band Muggleborns from this castle if they could. Now we must ask them to allow the Muggle World and Magical World to come closer than they've been sense the Statute Of Secrecy was established. The irony of the fact it's a Slytherin Witch who has made all this possible will not be lost on anyone either. This will be an uphill battle from start to finish, Willow."

Dumbledore also chuckled at Willow's pout. "I'm afraid dear that the earliest Hogwarts will see a telephone will be at the start of next term. Even if all the Governors agreed right away, we still need Ministry approval."

Willow shrugged stating. "Well what you going to do, you can't force people to suddenly change their opinions of things. Is that all we needed to discuss?"

The four grownups in the room became somewhat more serious. Snape cleared his throat and said. "No their are a couple issues to go over. The first thing is the rumors spreading about you from that loudmouth Gryffindor, and the second is your brother's dark ability. Will start with the rumors and how you would like them handled."

The Wicca shook her head exasperatedly. "I don't care about the rumors; I have always been true to myself and won't be shamed or embarrassed into silence. Most of the people that will have something negative to say about me come from parents that are first, second, or third cousins anyway. I and many others find that much more disturbing than a gay couple. Also, the people in the negative group are afraid of me and the power I weld. Therefore, I win."

McGonagall smiled at the Lily-like response the young redhead gave. There was one concern she did want to address though. "Regarding Mr. Finnigan, Willow, I understand that earlier this year there was a violent potion incident, and the boy believed responsibly for the situation was tormented ruthlessly up to the point of near hysterics and paranoia. I'm not accusing anyone of any wrongdoing, but I know Harry took an understandable strong offense to the act of sabotage. If it were possible to avoid a repeat in Gryffindor I would greatly appreciate it."

Snape had an annoyed look on his face when he recalled the time Harry and his friends had harassed Theadore Nott. He didn't know what caused the tormenting to stop but the Potions Master was grateful it did. Severus had never figured out how the Gryffindors had preformed the elaborate pranks, but he suspected at least one or more seventh year students had to have helped. There was no way third and fifth year students could have pulled of the more advanced magics.

Willow was smiling at the memory, especially the one time Nott came down to the common room with bright red hair and freckles. It was obvious who had done the makeover and they still couldn't pin anything on Fred or George. "I'm not sure of what fully happened or who was responsible, but I'll see if one of my Gryffindor friends knows anything that can help keep the piece."

Dumbledore smiled at the redhead's answer, he too had enjoyed the pranksters' antics. The old Headmaster became more serious as he questioned. "Now that all unfriendly ears are away, we need to know more about Harry's Shadow Wolf. Understand, my concerns are for your brother and the students of Hogwarts. I have no wish to punish anyone or restrict Harry's school activities, but I must act in everyone's best interests."

Victor uneasily explained. "Me and Professor McGonagall explained to Dumbledore and Professor Snape how Harry truly materialized the creature. We felt they had a right to know the truth Willow."

The young girl looked at her grandfather and gave him a comforting smile. This then looked back at Dumbledore saying. "Harry is no honest threat to any students, today was a fluke."

The Professors and Victor didn't look convinced. Snape spoke in a strong voice. "No offense, Ms. Potter, but the fact two Slytherin Wizards are currently in the hospital suggest otherwise. How can you honestly say it was a fluke?"

Willow looked at Snape and said. "Despite what you might think about Harry, he is an inherently good person, not some showboat or privileged kid prince like our father James Potter was at thirteen. My brother never did anything for fame and glory. When he finally told me the truth about his first and second years I was able to read his emotions from those times, like the ghost or echo of his emotional memory. I know what he was feeling during both of his adventures."

Addressing the whole table, the girl continued. "When he stopped Voldemort from getting the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry felt mostly terrified with concern for his friends coming in at a a close second. When he finally confronted what little remained of the great Tom Riddle, he felt determined to stop him from getting the stone to keep everyone safe. Harry never once felt any anger, hatred, or a desire to harm Voldemort."

"During the Chamber Of Secrets adventure, Harry did feel anger towards Gilderoy Lockhart but no desire to harm him. My brother's reasons for taking the fool down in the chamber were half thought through, he figured Lockhart was an adult Wizard and might no spells that could help. When I asked Harry why he didn't get another more competent Professor, my brother explained that he was worried he would get brushed off again like with the stone and Ginny would die."

At Willow's words McGonagall looked down in shame. She would always regret not listening to her students that day in their first year. Hearing Willow clear her throat to continue, the Transfiguration Professor looked back up.

"When Harry finally made it to Ginny, all my brother felt was terror that he might be to late. His only concern was for his best friend's sister and nothing else. When the memory of Tom Riddle appeared, Harry was confused until he realized what was going on. He felt angry at Tom Riddle for what he was doing to Ginny and for who he grew to be, but never a rage or a desire to kill the phantom memory, just save the girl. When he had his sword fight with the Basilisk, Harry was understandable terrified once again. When the battle was over, and he was dying from the poison, my brother was still trying to save Ginny. After all was said and done, Harry was relieved his best friend's sister was safe more than he was that Voldemort was stopped. My brother was actually more relieved Ginny was safe than he was being alive."

Snape still didn't look ready to drop the argument. "As informative as all this is to your brother's character, Ms. Potter, I still fail to see how this proves he is no danger to the students."

Dumbledore was deep in thought. Truthfully, nothing Willow explained was news to him as the old Headmaster always had faith in Harry's inherit character, however, but relating it to what he knew of the boy's dark ability gave another astonishing truth. "Throughout his adventures, if Harry had possessed the Shadow Wolf the creature never would have appeared."

"What?" Snape asked astonished. He wasn't the only one either as both McGonagall and Whitehall both gave him astonished looks.

Willow smiled at Dumbledore. "Exactly, the only way for Harry to manifest the Spirit Wolf is to feel a base desire to cause harm or physical injury. Never once in either adventure did he feel that way. Confronted with the man that took away our parents and hurt so many others, Harry's inherit good won out and never did he waver in his convictions to do the honorable thing, even if it was just subconscious. He even felt bad for Professors Quirrell and Lockhart."

Victor was in disbelief. "What about today or that one time with Simon Parkinson?"

The young Wicca sighed sadly and explained. "Despite the fact Harry is a good person, he is also a thirteen year old boy. Both of those situations involved me in someway and Harry felt angry because he was powerless to do anything about it. Lord Parkinson was partially responsible for my marriage contract to Crabbe and Harry's to Ginny."

"Seamus Finnigan mainly spread the rumor about me because he was trying to tarnish Harry's shining Gryffindor image. Seamus isn't some evil little monster but a jealous spiteful brat of a kid. My brother understood that on some level and became enraged by the fact I was being talked about because my last name is Potter. What you have seen regarding both times Harry manifesting the wolf was a child's tantrum at an uncontrollable situation."

McGonagall was a little astonished as she asked. "You mean to tell me that if this had been a life or death situation the Spirit Wolf wouldn't have appeared?"

"Mmmm,… not exactly." Willow answered. "If the situation is something Harry can control than he handles it more maturely, like the stone and chamber. However, if the situation is something he can't control my brother will react like many thirteen year olds and lash out at those responsible. You know an 'It won't do any good, but it might make me feel better' sort of mentality. The only reason why Seamus didn't end up with a broken nose was because Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle came along and provided different targets for Harry's rage with their taunting."

Snape looked angry. "That doesn't reassure me that he isn't a danger to the other students! What happens if he has another adolescent temper tantrum?"

Dumbledore sighed somewhat in agreement with his Potion Master. "Is there anything that can be done to revoke the creature's contract with Harry?"

"No!" The redhead said scared. "That creature is connected to Harry's Magical Core. Attempting to remove it could kill him or at the very least render my brother incapable of ever using magic ever again. I've been trying to teach Harry to control his anger with meditation and breathing techniques, but it's not easy teaching a thirteen year old boy patients. This unfortunate situation today will at least drive home the importance of control; deep down my brother doesn't want to harm anyone. I'm fully confident that unless Harry wants the Spirit Wolf to appear, it won't be coming back out again."

McGonagall was confused by something. "Willow, what is the point of Harry having this ability? From what you're saying this power isn't very compatible with his natural mentality at all."

"It's a Dark Magic." Willow said sadly. "This power was given to Harry by the Nighttime Spirits to test him. If he can tame the monster than Harry can summon it whenever he wishes, and he could use it to preform other tasks besides destroying and killing. However, if he just gave in and relished the power of the monster, Harry would be twisted into something more like Voldemort. My brother would grow to enjoy harming and killing his enemies."

Every Professor thought about this power and what it really meant to the Boy-Who-Lived well being. Victor was thinking about something else though. "Willow, if Harry was to fight a fully rejuvenated You-Know-How right now, and he fully called forth the Spirit Wolf with an absolute dark angry desire to murder him, who would win?"

Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape all gave Whitehall surprised looks until they realized it was a valid question. They looked to Willow waiting for her answer. The young girl studied each grownup and said quietly. "Harry would probably defeat Voldemort."

"Like the Demon that attacked in Hogsmeade, the Spirit Wolf is immune to direct magical attacks. Also, it is a little more physical durable to indirect attack as well. Most of Voldemort's combative tactics, curses, and spells would be completely ineffective. I'm not saying Harry would outright win, but neither would Voldemort."

Snape gave a scornful laugh. "So, Harry possesses the perfect example of Dark Magic, immense strength at the cost of his true self and humanity, or he can persevere down the longer road of light and try to tame the Shadow Wolf with positive emotions."

McGonagall gave the young Wicca a stern look. "I will be honest with you Willow, your dark power scares me quite a bit. During the war You-Know-Who believed there was great power to be found in both wandless magic and the Demonic World. In the last few months that belief was proven fact by you, Harry, and two demonic based attacks. The Hogwarts Staff has talked of what might happen if You-Know-Who somehow acquires your abilities."

Willow was shocked by the statement. She looked at everyone present and realized they were all wondering the same thing. In her disbelief the young girl couldn't help but laugh. The redhead laughed so hard she couldn't sit up straight and laid her head in her arms on the table, the girl's side began to hurt as tears of mirth began to fall.

The Professors and Whitehall waited patiently for the episode to pass, no one was getting the joke. Finally, after five minutes the redhead calmed down and sat back up. She looked at McGonagall and said smiling. "One of Voldemort's obsessions was immortality. Almost everything he did was in pursuit of that goal. The fact he named his followers Death Eaters was evidence to his terrified nature regarding his own end. The only way he could gain power like my own would be to put his life, his very existence, on the line. Do you honestly expect Tom Riddle to go that far for strength?"

"Even the Ritual Of Night requires a life or death challenge. You cast it in your dreams while you sleep. After the trial begins the participant is plagued by nightmares that are designed specifically for them to hammer in self doubt. If you forget yourself in your despair during the ritual you die in your sleep. I only made it through because I never stopped thinking about the Rosenbergs and how broken-hearted they would be if I died. Do you really think Voldemort could pull that off? It worried me more than anything Harry would be forced to endure the trials after rejoining our twin connection, but the only challenge he has been given is the Shadow Wolf itself."

Victor looked at his granddaughter and asked. "Why would you go through all that Willow? Why would you choose to face something that could possibly kill you when there wasn't a reason?"

Willow gave her grandfather a one sided smile. "Grandpa, the first time I learned about magic was when a Vampire attacked me. If not for Drusilla I wouldn't be here. She saw the attack coming in a vision and sent Spike to save me. Drusilla then began to teach me magic, but she really didn't know much other than Earth. This is what lead me to discover the various rituals I used to gain strength. I figured if I didn't become strong enough than I was dead anyway, so I went for broke. My parents also lived in Sunnydale and they had no means to protect themselves. I became strong to protect them, then I became the strongest hunter possible to protect everyone else."

Dumbledore looked around the table and took note of the late hour. "I believe that is enough of a discussion for tonight. I will write to the Hogwarts Board Of Governs tomorrow morning explaining the phone idea. As for Harry, we will leave it up to Willow regarding his training and control so as there is no repeat of today. I don't believe there will be, but if this does become an issue Harry will be asked to leave Hogwarts. As much as I would regret doing such a thing the safety of the other students must be assured."

Everyone seemed to be in agreement, Severus somewhat reluctantly, and the adults began gathering their things. Dumbledore addressed Willow once more. "If you would please wait her, Ms. Potter, I will get you a hall pass."

Victor stood and kissed his granddaughter's cheek. "Goodnight dear, tell Harry I'll try and make the last Quidditch Game of the season. I wish to have been there for the others, but business matters kept popping up."

As everyone made their way out, Dumbledore returned to the table and sat back down. In his hand was the small rolled up hall pass scroll but he didn't immediately hand it over. Instead the Headmaster gave Willow a sad look. "Willow, I want to apologize to you. I've been an educator longer than Professor Snape has been alive. I also know not every child is the same, but they have always been children. They've always needed some guidance and help from adults, even if it was subtle. You on the other hand have more knowledge, experience, and maturity than most grownups I know regarding both magic and life, and I believe treating you like just another intelligent child needing my protection may have given you a bad first impression."

"There was also your grandfather, Lord Victor Whitehall, and the potential problems he could have caused both you and Harry. I must admit Victor has done a far better job with the two of you then I believed possible, but at first I was overprotective and overstepped at times. There is no doubt in my mind he loves you both deeply and would do whatever it took to keep his grandchildren safe."

"I'll admit your Dark Magic does trouble me. I have never trusted the power since it can corrupt even the kindest souls if given the chance. I am worried for both you and Harry because of the issues that have begun to show, but I have confidence in you both to handle the backlash. It is my sincere hope that you and I can start over and try to work together for everyone's benefit."

Willow studied the old man closely. The redhead's empathetic abilities told her Dumbledore was being completely honest. Deciding it was time to try and make amends with the Headmaster, the young redhead said. "Since we're being honest with one another, there's something I need to tell you Headmaster. First, please tell me what the magical manipulation of a soul means to you personally?"

Albus thought it over and explained. "I believe it is the darkest acts possible to do with magic. Take your Vampire friends for example, the souls were rebound to their vampiric corpses to punish the demonic souls present, or so I have guest. However, this subjected the innocence souls to the demonic remembered acts committed when they weren't present and could have done nothing to prevent. All three souls have misplaced guilt because someone wanted to punish the demonic souls that make them Vampires."

Willow nodded her head in agreement. She had figured the old man would think along those lines actually. The Wicca had internally argued with herself regarding giving Angle back his soul when he lost it back in Sunnydale. "I need to apologize to you Professor Dumbledore."

"My opinion of the Wizarding World has never been very high. I blame those in power for the outright corruption and blood-based prejudice. As one of the most influential Wizards of today, I have unfairly put a lot of that blame squarely on your shoulders Headmaster. I thought you were to soft on punishment in certain cases of crime because of a misplaced desire to give second chances. Falling back on the studies of my Psychiatrist Muggle parents, I concluded you gave second chances so easily because you yourself really want a second chance to undo a horrible mistake. I will not pry into your personal business sir; I'm not asking for an explanation."

"The first time I met Harry his scar gave me some powerful evil readings. It wasn't hard for me to figure out exactly what was inside my brother's forehead. It also wasn't a stretch to figure you also knew as well."

Albus gave no reaction to the young girl's words. He was to busy trying to figure out exactly were she was going with this. The old Wizard had already figured a Witch as talented as Willow would easily deduce the truth of Harry's scar anyway.

The redhead cleared her throat and continued. "Sometimes the rules of Earth Magic and Celestial Magic can be the same. The easiest way to remove that soul fragment from Harry is if Voldemort did it himself, that rule is true in both areas of magic. I hypothesized you knew this as well which gave me an even darker opinion of you sir. I believed that to serve the greater good of the Wizarding World, you would lead Harry to his death at Tom Riddle's hands so Voldemort could finally be vanquished. In my eyes at that time you appeared to be nothing more than a Shepherd leading his lamb to slaughter."

"With all that in mind I devised a plan to hurt you emotionally and gain some leverage that focused on the Private Drive Wards. I didn't fully understand how they worked until Angel went and inspected them for me. Based on the descriptions Harry gave me of both Petunia and Dudley, I believed at first my mother knowingly and willingly cast Dark Magic against her own sister's family. There is a protective Curse that Lily could have used to save Harry. It would allow her to sacrifice herself and leave behind her life force to shield him from Voldemort. To gain this ability my mother would have had to cast a secondary Death Curse against Aunt Petunia."

"I figured my mother left behind instructions to give Harry to her sister which would continue the protection until the age of seventeen. Over the course of my brother's life the Death Curse would have slowly robbed my aunt and cousin of there own life forces, and this would appear in some kind of negative way. The hatred that Petunia seemed to have for my brother suggested a mental imbalance and Dudley's obesity suggested a physical issue, both seemingly caused by Dark Magic. On Harry's seventeenth birthday, if I guessed correctly, Petunia would have suffered a brain aneurysm and Dudley a possible heart attack."

"After Angel inspected my Aunt's house I was happy to learn this wasn't the case. Petunia was simply directing her anger and jealousy for Lily onto my brother for no reason except that he was the only possible target, and Dudley was just a spoiled selfish bully that never exercised or did any work. No Dark Magic, just people that needed a swift kick in their rear ends."

"What really happened was at the moment of her death my mom began to subconscious reach for any power to save Harry, and the dormant Dark Magic of her Whitehall blood answered. Lily's sacrifice allowed her pure mortal soul to act as a temporary shield and literally throw the Killing Curse back in Voldemort's face, she subconsciously manipulated her own soul into a protective barrier. This was supposed to be a one time thing until you cast the wards over Private Drive. My mom's soul became bound to the house and Harry, her very presents would make it impossible for Riddle to even touch my brother. Lily has been trapped in Surrey for the last twelve years, bound to the mortal plan by your magic and unable to join my father, James, in the next life."

Dumbledore thought about everything the girl had explained. Looking at Willow sadly he said. "So, I was correct that love powered the wards, but I failed to truly realize were the emotion was coming from; poor Lily's bound soul that I trapped on Earth. What about Dudley being a Muggleborn, his magic would have protected him and his mother, correct?"

Willow looked away in shame as she explained. "Dudley isn't a Muggleborn. The Demon I met on my birthday, Raza, is a specialist in sowing various energies into flesh where they don't belong. I gave him my mother's core to place inside Dudley. I did this to scare you, and to force my aunt to see there truly was no real deference between my brother and her son. Despite the magic she should have loved and cared for both boys equally, just as Lily would have if the situation were reversed."

Dumbledore sat dumbfounded, the whole truth of everything Willow said running through his mind. This girl came to England thinking he was a threat to Harry and took drastic steps to circumvent any possible plans that may have been in motion. "You didn't have to lie Willow, the fact I accidentally bound Lily's soul to the Earth was horrible enough. You didn't have to make me think I almost killed an innocent child."

Willow looked up at Albus sadly. There were tears in her eyes as she explained. "I was honest when explaining that I thought you would see taking away Dudley's magic as an acceptable sacrifice for the greater good. When I first came to England my opinion of you was very low. I thought if I told you the truth about my mother's soul powering the wards, you would attempt to justify your actions. I knew you didn't fully understand how the wards worked since they were cast with ancient Blood Magic, so I devised a way to twist my knowledge into something you could never justify; accidentally killing an innocent person."

Dumbledore sat in sad silence; this girl had at one time saw him as a greater threat to Harry than the Death Eaters that still influenced society today. Willow had seen him as her brother's absolute greatest enemy, second only to Voldemort himself. She had concluded the only way to protect Harry was to make him, The Great Albus Dumbledore, feel ashamed, and the girl didn't believe accidentally using soul manipulation was enough to accomplish that task. How far had the Wizarding World fallen that such a conclusion about himself could be drawn from an outsider's perspective? It was with a heavy heart the old Wizard realized that Willow wasn't entirely to blame for her secondhand assumptions. The Wizarding World was truly in shambles thanks to blood prejudice.

"Willow, I am sorry your conclusions of me and this world led you to believe such extremes were necessary." Dumbledore said gentility. "I never once doubted everything you did was for the sake of others, and I knew you would go to great links to protect your family. You did in fact agree to that foolish marriage contract with Vincent Crabbe to protect Victor, but never did I think you would view me as an enemy to be dealt with."

"I sincerely hope we can put this all behind us and move forward. You and I both made unfair judgments based on secondhand facts that affected how me handled one another. However, the only person truly harmed in some way was your cousin Dudley. By giving him magic, you took him from the only world he knew and forced him into one he was terrified of. There were also some arguments with his father as well that I know caused him great pain. If you truly wish to make amends Willow, you should tell him the truth about what happened."

Willow nodded her head agreeing with the Headmaster. She wiped her eyes and asked. "Sir, do you know how the soul fragment got lodged in Harry's scar?"

Albus gave her an apologetic look and explained. "I have theories Willow, nothing more. Did Harry explain Tom Riddle's diary to you?"

"Yes sir." Willow said sniffing. Dumbledore conjured a cloth rag and past it across the table. The young girl took it with a thank you and wiped her nose. She then continued speaking. "With what Harry told me of the diary's two abilities, physical possession and the stealing life force energy through the power of secrets and trust, I can only assume it also possessed a piece of Voldemort soul. I don't see any other way an enchanted object could posses those particular magics."

Dumbledore nodded his head in agreement. He then stood up while saying. "Please wait her for a moment dear."

He left the office and went to his private room. He returned a second later carrying a large old tattered book. He placed it on the table and the young girl read the title 'Darkest Magics Of All Time'. The Headmaster slid the book towards the redhead and explained. "I want you to read this book and tell me your own conclusions Willow. I believe comparing notes will help us both protect Harry and stop Voldemort. However, I think we have taken enough of each other's time and I wish you good night."

Willow stood and said goodbye. When she reached the door though she stopped and stared back at the Headmaster. Dumbledore noticed she appeared to be thinking over something. Finally, the girl waved her hand through the air and conjured five small vials on the table. Albus noticed that each one was filled with the smokey essence of a memory.

"These are the memories of five defining moments, battles, in my life." The Wicca explained. "I trust you to only share them with those you deem truly trustworthy."

With that Willow quickly left, she didn't want to change her mind and take back the memories. She had believed Dumbledore to be a tyrannical fanatic regarding upholding the greater good, and the redhead had known for a while now she had read him wrong from the beginning. Just like Pansy Parkinson, the redhead allowed second hand biased opinions to sway her without true firsthand knowledge. More than that even was the fact Willow had always had a distrust of adults. They had never really been any help fighting Demons until the Scoobies formed. It had always been her, Drusilla, and Spike protecting everyone. Willow truly hoped Albus Dumbledore could forgive her stupidity, because if they couldn't find a way to work together than Voldemort would win in the end.