Heart pounding madly Ariana rushed up the stairs without making a sound, taking care to step over the creaky top step. Upon closing her bedroom door she realised she hadn't taken a breath since she walked away from the strange boy.

Her mother would be furious. She had to talk to Albus. He was supposed to introduce himself to him the next day. Perhaps he could alter Gellert's memory slightly. She sighed aloud, how could she have revealed everything the first time she was found out!

Something about him just left her flummoxed, she hadn't been able to think straight. How could she have behaved so? Her mother was sure to find out. A noise snapped her out of her reverie, Albus appeared suddenly in front of her door.

" I hope I didn't frighten you sister dear. I'm not entirely adept at apparating most people can do it without making any noise." said Albus, bowing politely

"Just a bit shocked... I was just hoping to talk to you actually Albus. I've... I've been found out. That boy mum was talking about at dinner..." Ariana stuttered.

"Those flowers are quite lovely, I've never seen any like them. He must be a talented wizard. He appears to be sweet on you." laughed Albus.

"I'll thank you not laugh at me right now!" Ariana whisper-yelled. "I just made a fool of myself! Possibly ruined all the effort our mother has put into hiding me. We'll have to move again! And what if he reports me to the Ministry? They'll lock me up in some hospital!"

"Oh dear.. I had thought you would be elated... Don't worry! You know I'm to meet him tomorrow, I'll have a good talk with him. I wouldn't worry about him telling anyone. You made the secret clear enough. He does rather seem to fancy you, all that going on about your radiance." Albus said in a serious tone, his eyes twinkling merrily.

Her heart began to thud again,

"He was quite nice wasn't he? maybe I over reacted. He's sure to think I'm crazy now, wait how did you know that? Were you spying on me Albus?"

"Hardly Ariana I was merely coming outside to talk to you and to my surprise you were dragging a boy across the yard! I only followed and listened to ensure you were safe." he replied galliantly.

Ariana still looked less pleased but she didn't say anything. She felt like a mess. Excited and deflated at the same time.

"I'll talk to him tomorrow then? I don't wish to impair any memories but if I deem it necessary I won't hesitate, I promise you that. Don't let yourself get too wound up over all this. I'm going to bed, sweet dreams little sister." Albus said smiling at his sibling.

"You have my gratitude Albus, goodnight." she said, hugging her brother tightly, "I'll be going to bed as well. See you at lunch."

When he was gone she laid down, still holding the glowing purple flowers Gellert had given to her. She sighed again, of course the first time a boy noticed her she acted completely insane. It was more than likely he thought she was bonkers. She could imagine him sitting on his aunts veranda laughing at the crazy girl next door.

His dark brown eyes softening, the corners his mouth twisted up into charmingly boyish grin... He said he found her beautiful, radiant even! No one outside of her family had ever complimented her so. Her heat beat roughly in her chest as she replayed the evenings events in her mind. After some time she drifted into slumber his deep and dark gaze finding its way into her dreams.

-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX-

When she awoke the next day she got dressed in a hurry, rushing down the stairs to find Albus. Instead she found her mother, looking less than pleased waiting at the bottom of the winding staircase. Ariana's heart clenched tightly in her chest, she slowed down as she approached her mothers imposing figure.

"How many times must I tell you not to run in the house Ariana? Please behave like a lady!" the matriarch admonished her youngest child.

"I apologise mother," Ariana said relieved. "... I'm so excited my brothers are home, I was hoping to speak with them before lunch."

"Aberforth is in the parlour. Albus left after breakfast and has sent word he'll not return until dinner. He and Mrs. Bagshot's nephew must be getting along handsomely." stated Mrs. Dumbledore, clearly pleased.

"Oh, lunch will be ready at one, be a dear and tell your brother for me. I told him twelve-thirty earlier." said Kendra walking towards the kitchen.

Ariana slipped into the parlour as her mother disappeared behind the kitchen door. She had been sure her mother has found out about Gellert somehow. She really did need to calm down. Magic was rippling of her in tiny waves. When she walked past the bookshelf all the leafs of parchment quivered announcing her arrival to Aberforth, who was reading a book entitled Wizards Were Wrong.

"Good morning Ana. Did you sleep well?" Aberforth asked, looking concerned.

"I slept fine brother." she replied taking the chair next to his. "What are you reading, I don't recall seeing that one before."

"Professor Binns loaned it to me before he died. It details some of the sillier things the ancient wizards believed." Abe told her, choosing to ignore the strong emotions he could feel his sister emitting.

"Oh no! A professor died! I'm sorry Abe, were you fond of him?" stated Ariana quietly.

"He's still teaching. He passed away in his sleep this February, no one knew until he showed up to class as a ghost. Amy Rivers ran for Professor Dippit. When they found his body they buried it. It is weird all he does is teach now. He doesn't speak outside of class anymore. I wonder what kept him around after death."

"Is it a choice? To stay or not." Ariana asked her brother.

"Some say it is, others say it's a matter of unfinished business. Don't have a personal opinion on the matter. I prefer to think of more pleasant ideas." Aberforth responded smiling.

Ariana had managed to calm herself down. She could feel her body reabsorbing the released magic and slowly she regained control. Taking a deep breath she informed Abe that lunch wasn't until one.

"Will you paint with me Aber dear? I've missed having someone to paint with. I'll bring everything we need down here!" she asked.

When he nodded she walked quickly to the door, remembering to slow down before she stepped into the hall. Painting would keep her mind off her inner turmoil. She needed to be calm, the last thing she needed was her mother questioning her. After last night she knew she would blurt the truth out to just about anyone. Albus would take care of this.

She couldn't help but wonder why he was staying for so long. He himself had told her that the Widow Bagshot was a grumpy old lady who didn't care for visitors, it wasn't like Albus to impose. Unless he had to impair both of their memories... No everything was fine. She kept repeating that to herself. Maintaing control was key.