Disclaimer: I obviously don't own the idea of Harry Potter or any of the money making forms of it.

A/N: Life and school have been busy, but I somehow managed to get some time in to write and post this. And this part should provide some clarification concerning Harry's magic.

Oh, and for some reason fanfiction removed my helpful - - - scene dividers in most of the previous parts. Sigh... Later, if I get time, I may decide to correct it, but until then, sorry for the confusion there. It annoys me too.

Well, anyway, enjoy this new part :) And as always, thanks for the reviews :).


- - - Book 2 — Part 20: Rules of Chaos

Sirius and Lupin ran all the way up to the entrance of Hogwarts, only to find Snape, of all people, waiting for them.

"Come with me," Snape stated.

They quickly followed him, but not to the infirmary, which eased Sirius' raging heart for a moment, that is, until they entered what Snape suddenly referred to as 'the second infirmary.'

"Where's Harry?" Sirius asked, quickly seeing that Harry was nowhere in sight, despite the fact all of his friends, including the twins and Ginny now, were there around a currently sleeping young girl.

"He is in the main infirmary with the Headmaster, but I think you need to be told a few things before we take you there," Snape stated.

"Explain on the way!" Sirius retorted, already turning towards the door.

"Black, you need to be calm before you see Harry, there are circumstances you do not know about, and going in unprepared may get someone hurt," Snape replied, somehow keeping his cool (Occlumency working on overdrive).

"Talk fast," Sirius stated flatly as several people came in.

O o O o O

Madam Bones, Jean Burry, Madam Longbottom, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley entered Hogwarts. Arthur had sent Dobby back to Draco, telling him to inform Draco that they were coming.

Upon entering, Dobby popped before them.

"Please, follow Dobby. Dobby will take you to your families," Dobby said.

They looked at each other, before swiftly following the little house elf.

Going down the hall, they quickly met up with McGonagall, Flitwick, and Hagrid, their faces showing multiple levels of shock.

"Professors, what has happened? Is everyone alright?" Molly immediately asked. "Are the children okay?"

"Why aren't we going to the infirmary? I thought they would be there," Augusta asked.

"Because of the circumstances, we thought it best to make a secondary infirmary, but they are all safe and are being cared for," McGonagall said as Madam Bones fell into step beside her.

"I apologize for not being able to come sooner, but a few things at the Ministry prevented my prompt coming," Jean said, looking over at Bones to provide further details.

"There has been an incident at the Ministry, which has brought about a quick series of rather serious events; I need to speak to Dumbledore as soon as I can after I see my niece," Bones said.

"Of course, but what has happened?" McGonagall said, understandably concerned about what this 'incident' was about.

Bones glanced at her before looking to the doors of the apparent second infirmary.

"Lockhart woke up," she stated.

McGonagall and the others blinked, not knowing what to say.

Upon entering, everyone turned and looked at them.

"How is Potter?" Snape asked, momentarily forgetting that Sirius was waiting for an explanation, though, his question immediately curved Sirius' attention away from him.

"Better," Flitwick managed, Ron and the others straining to hear from where they currently were—on the other side of the room.

Mrs. Weasley and the others hurriedly entered the second infirmary behind Dobby, their eyes quickly going to their closest family members.

Ginny hurried to her mom as everyone started talking at once.

"Harry's sick, mum," Ginny said worriedly.

"It was you-know-who," Susan nearly whimpered, Madam Bones quickly giving her a hug to comfort her.

"The school was put in lockdown," Fred said.

"The Headmaster is still with Harry," George said.

"Are you all alright?" Molly asked, first looking to her own children, including Percy who was still currently petrified beside Clearwater, before looking to the others.

"Yeah, we are, but they won't let us see Harry," Ron immediately complained, Draco and Vince beside him, Hermione and Greg on the other side of Susan's bed.

"Everyone else is in the Great Hall, the other professors are with them," Neville told his Gran.

McGonagall glanced at Sirius and Lupin, suddenly seeing they were there.

"When did you two arrive?" she asked, wondering how they could have come so fast.

"Just now; I called them," Snape stated suddenly, giving a quick look to Sirius — telling him to keep his mouth shut. "He is Potter's godfather; he needed to be told as soon as it was possible."

"Yeah, and thanks, but I have yet to be told anything about what has happened!" Sirius said, making them go back to what they were initially about to talk about.

"What has happened?" Augusta Longbottom asked.

"How did this happen?" Bones asked, looking at petrified Percy and the others after taking her place beside Susan, Hermione and Greg having moved aside as Jean Burry came forward as well.

Before Snape could continue the conversation, Jean quickly began waving her wand over Susan, the others watching fixedly, but she didn't get that far when one of the children beside the bed caught her attention.

Her eyes snapped to Draco, whose hand was resting almost supportively on the wall next to him. His face currently displayed a mixture of feelings, but the first they were able to recognize was deep sadness.

"Dear, are you alright?" Molly asked, being the first to see who had distracted Jean, and seeing something wasn't right.

Draco nodded, though he clearly didn't trust his voice at the moment.

"Is it Harry?" Ron asked, so quietly only Jean, Susan, Madam Bones and the Custosae heard him.

Draco nodded again, trying to take a calming breath but only managing a shaky one.

"Are you about to…" Ron continued, just as quietly, for a moment concerned some chaotic magic was about to ensue.

Draco shook his head, but not exactly with certainty, it was more of a movement to display that he didn't know.

"Draco, what's wrong?" Snape asked, advancing and waving the others aside.

Somehow Draco found his voice, though quiet and shaky as it was, he managed to prevent it from cracking.

"I-it's Potter. Can't describe it, it's just really overwhelming…" he said, not making eye contact and moderately calming himself.

"Has this happened before?" Snape asked.

Draco nodded.

"What's wrong? What's going on?" Ginny asked, quite concerned, afraid she was about to see another person need medical attention.

Ginny was of course a member of the Army of Hogwarts, and, over the past year, had gotten close to the other members, particularly to her brother's friends, which was understandable, with everything that had happened that summer.

Snape looked at those in the room, taking in everyone before speaking.

"My godson has a link with Potter, which was forged due to the events during the summer," Snape stated, deciding that everyone within the room already had a vague idea about it, or would learn about it soon enough anyways. "The effects of which, I believe, have only begun to be seen."

Jean focused her attention to Draco, who was looking fixedly to the floor, feeling everyone looking at him.

"Are you feeling better?" Jean asked.

"He's calmer, most of what I feel I can only describe as relief now," Draco whispered.

"And this has happened before?" she asked, "When?"

"Just a few times after that day in the summer…and…" Draco trailed off and didn't finish.

"Draco, this is important, we cannot afford not being told everything when it comes to chaotic magic," Snape stated.

"Chaotic magic?!" Sirius asked, alarmed.

"It is being handled, the Headmaster is personally seeing to it," Snape said.

"But he's with Harry! That must mean—how did chaotic mag—is that why the school was in lockdown? What is going on?! Is my Godson okay?!" Sirius asked, beyond shouting.

"Black, calm yourself, if you would shut your blubbering mouth up we could learn what is going on and be able to tell you," Snape snapped.

"I'm going to Harry," Sirius stated, turning towards the door, but something from the corner of his eye caught his attention. It was Draco.

Draco seemed to shrink where he stood, his shoulders falling as he wrapped his arms around himself before giving a shudder. Then Snape moved.

Snape grabbed his godson, pulling him away from the others and practically sweeping Draco and himself to the opposite side of the room as a soft brush of magic passed over them all. Then, in the next second, Snape had lifted and placed Draco on the nearest bed, which happened to be the furthest from the others, though still rather close, Snape thought.

"I'm okay, it's okay, it's over," Draco babbled, trying to get up but being stopped by Snape who pushed him back on the bed.

"It is when I say it is and not before, so stop moving!" he said, bordering what the others could only classify as panic.

Draco blinked, now just trying to catch his breath as he stared at his godfather.

Snape looked to Jean, who was currently making her way to them. She stopped by the bed and waved her wand over Draco.

"His magic has settled, and I'm not getting any chaos residue. It must have been the bond affecting his core. Maybe Mr. Potter…" she paused, looking to Draco for information.

"Nothing's wrong now, he's actually… content," Draco said.

"I'm going over there," Sirius stated.

"Not before you understand what is really going on," McGonagall stated. "So just wait and let me tell you what has happened."

Sirius relented, but didn't sit down.

"Sirius, you may want to sit down for this," she said.

Lupin sat down and conjured a chair for Sirius as well.

"Fine," he said, before McGonagall began giving the condensed version of recent events, starting from Percy and Penelope being petrified to now.

Soon after, Sirius bolted to the infirmary, McGonagall, and Hagrid close behind. Madam Bones left soon after, telling Susan she had to speak with Dumbledore. The rest stayed in the room, wondering what was going to happen now.

O o O o O

Sirius and the others made it to the door, Madam Pomfrey standing in front of the closed doors.

"The Headmaster's still talking with Harry," she said, blocking their path, a little deliberately McGonagall thought.

And in fact, Madam Pomfrey was.

She had peeked in a few minutes ago to make sure all was well and that Dumbledore wasn't talking Harry's ears off and wearing him out unnecessarily.

Well, what she saw, or rather heard, however briefly, shook her to the core.

-Flashback-

Pomfrey eased the door open, barely able to make out Harry's voice, and something she could not quite place at first.

At first.

Her eyes came to rest on Dumbledore, quietly crying with his arms around a tired Harry, who was resting against Dumbledore's chest as he started talking again.

His words were so soft she could barely make them out, but either by shear will or years of listening to tired and worn voices, she heard them.

" 'You all still have tasks to complete and a life to live, but once they have been fulfilled, we shall be waiting. There's no rush…' " Harry whispered.

Dumbledore's shoulders shook slightly, clearly attempting but failing to hold himself together as he choked back a sob, a tear trailing down his cheek reflecting the firelight.

Pomfrey quickly but quietly shut the door, glad they did not notice her as she vowed to keep that moment to herself for the rest of her life.

-End flashback-

"How long has he been in there? Is Harry okay?" Sirius asked, trying to get around Pomfrey as he spoke and continued to block his path.

"I will not let anyone inside who is not utterly calm. Chaotic magic can be a dangerous thing, and Harry will be having enough episodes due to his core alone without the outside world causing it to also flare," Pomfrey stated, suddenly looking very imposing, her silver hair somehow amplifying this effect. "Is that understood?"

Sirius reared back slightly but kept his feet planted as he nodded.

"Good," she stated, about to step aside. "Oh, and if any of you know Occlumency, employ it now. It will lessen and block most strong emotions you may feel from affecting the chaotic magic. I don't believe it will be a problem, but I'd rather be safe."

They looked at her oddly, but those who knew about Occlumency, including Sirius and Madam Bones, did as she said, as she stepped aside, hoping Dumbledore and Harry had completed their rather serious discussion.

Sirius knocked. Loudly.

O o O o O

Dumbledore looked to the door as Harry eased back on the pillows.

"Ah, I believe your godfather has arrived," Dumbledore stated. "The door's open," he called.

Pomfrey opened the door before nearly being bulldozed by Sirius Black; however, Dumbledore intercepted him before he got to Harry.

"Headmaster, please, get out of my way," Sirius said, after giving a startled jump and expression upon seeing Dumbledore's appearance, but it was clear his godson was still his main concern, even over riding questions about one obviously missing beard.

"Sirius," Dumbledore said, standing solidly in his way, looking just as powerful as ever, beard or no beard, with or without fuzzy bunny slippers. "Before you come any closer you need to relax and calm yourself. Anything you are feeling may affect Harry's magic, even with any mental guards you have up."

Sirius blinked at that, no doubt having sensed Dumbledore's slight brush of Legilimency as he met his eyes.

Sirius took in a slow breath, knowing the old wizard would not allow him to get any closer to his godson until then.

"Sirius!" Harry said happily, though not with as much energy Sirius would have liked to have seen.

"Hey kiddo," Sirius said, going forward after Dumbledore had moved aside.

"Poppy, it's about time Harry takes his potion," Dumbledore said.

Pomfrey nodded, quickly getting the bottle.

"Potion?" Sirius asked.

"It is helping with his magical core. He has to take two sips every two hours until the potion is all gone," Pomfrey said, moving towards the bed and carefully handing it to Harry.

Sirius was quick to help him, Pomfrey taking the potion from him after Harry had taken the two sips.

Harry eased back, his body going all but limp, exhaustion clearly taking over.

Sirius couldn't help but gasp as he felt the air shift around Harry, a visible hue of green and gold appearing for an instant before dissipating. Harry gave a tired sigh.

"That was a nice improvement," Pomfrey stated, tucking the covers up around him to keep him warm, since the magic expulsion seemed to drop his internal temperature a bit. "Good job Harry, you're already doing much better."

Harry gave a hum in reply.

"Sirius, Remus, you two may stay in here, but Harry must get some rest. I doubt anyone can understand how tiring this is for him," Pomfrey said, glancing at Harry, only to find that he was already soundly sleeping.

"Oh, I think I am beginning to get a vague idea," Sirius said softly as Dumbledore and Bones gave them all a nod and left.

It was clear Bones had something pressing to disclose to Dumbledore.

O o O o O

Madam Bones followed Dumbledore up to his office, very tempted to ask what had happened to his beard, his robes, and … were those bunny slippers?

"If you are wondering about my appearance, I have Mr. Potter to thank for it. His chaotic magic went after the least magical thing on me first: my robes. After the magic had saturated and filled my robes' magical quota, so to speak, it went after my beard. Hair has some magic to it, and apparently it was the next least magical thing within the magic's reach and was banished, though, I wonder where it was banished to," Dumbledore said as the approached the gargoyle.

"And your shoes?" Madam Bones asked.

"Ah yes, a unique and fortunate result from chaotic magic," Dumbledore said with a smile to her before leading the way into his office.

"What has happened?" Dumbledore asked, shifting away from the lighthearted tone he had had just moments before.

Bones sighed, and spoke.

"Lockhart has woken up. He is understandably not well… and it is clear that… Voldemort's possession of him has… affected him," Bones began.

"Affected him?" Dumbledore asked.

"Soon after waking, he began rambling, quite loudly I might add, and, knowing Voldemort's return was due to a diary, we are certain he is quoting what had been written in the book."

Dumbledore blinked, clearly stunned.

"Some people who he had referenced reacted upon hearing him. We had no choice but to arrest and contain them. One of their killing curses had nearly hit Lockhart, luckily Kingsley stunned them soon after."

"What? Who? And when did this happen?"

"Misters Crabbe and Goyle, as well as their wives, stormed into the ward Lockhart was currently being held, and just started cursing. And it happened a few hours ago. I understand their children are not like them, and once the Wizarding World learns they helped Mr. Potter and his other friends, I'm sure they will understand as well, however, the question now is, where do those two boys go?"

"Yes, this is a collection of unforeseen events…" Dumbledore muttered, thinking. "We will decide that later, there is still over a month left of classes to complete. Right now I think we have other things to discuss. What else has happened?"

"Crabbe and Goyle's trials have already been scheduled, and because their actions had been witnessed by several Mungo healers, I am certain they will be sentenced to Azkaban before the end of term."

"How were they even able to attack Lockhart, though?"

"They just happened to be at St. Mungos when Lockhart woke up, and he was screaming so loudly I'm sure the entire hospital heard him. He was saying something about the return of the Dark Lord, included Crabbe's name as one who would help in gathering something for the ceremony for improving the diary or something. Soon after that, Crabbe came bursting into the room, followed by his wife and the Goyle's."

"I see. What is happening now with Lockhart?"

"He has been taken into a secure location within St. Mungos, a few Aurors guarding him."

Dumbledore nodded.

"The last I heard, Lockhart was quoting a girl's journal entry. Now I'm certain it was written by my niece," Bones said, sighing heavily. "I don't know how she came by that thing, but if I ever find out who gave it to her…"

She didn't finish her statement, but Dumbledore was sure if she had it would have included at least one unforgivable.

"Any word from the Custosae?" Bones asked after a moment.

"Yes, they also provided the means to save Harry," Dumbledore said.

"The potion?"

"Yes."

"Is Mr. Potter going to be alright now?" Bones asked.

"I hope in time. For right now he cannot use a wand and is still quite weak, both magically and physically. I plan to have him go home with Sirius as soon as he is well enough. I am confident in his skills and knowledge to allow him an early summer, especially with the present circumstances," Dumbledore said.

"I will be taking Susan home as soon as she is well enough as well," Bones said.

Dumbledore nodded.

"I can't believe all of this has happened. I'm only glad that Fudge saw sense to immediately respond to the attack on Lockhart and provide adequate protection for him. I had honestly pegged that man as… well, a leader wanting in leadership. I'm glad I was wrong about that initial feeling."

"We have Mr. Potter to thank for that change, but I will not say more than that," Dumbledore said simply.

"So what happens now?" Bones asked, knowing some things were best left in mystery.

"Those who had been petrified will be given Mandrake Draught as soon as Professor Sprout is able to provide it. I will be going to dinner tonight and tell the rest of the students the gist of what has happened. Harry and his friends will stay in the infirmaries, and I will speak with one of the Custosae. After what I have learned, I know that Voldemort will have a body soon. Through the diary and his possession of Lockhart, he is strong enough now; his followers will be quick to provide the means to complete the process."

"I'll do what I can within the Ministry," Bones said. "And I am sure the Minister would like to be present when you speak to the students. He said something about the Wizarding World needing a visible and present collection of good leadership."

"Hmm, an improvement indeed," Dumbledore noted.

O o O o O

The Next Day

Dumbledore had spoken to the students the previous night at dinner, the Minister sitting to his right, having joined them for dinner. Madam Bones and Jean Burry were there as well, the core truth of the events within and outside of the Chamber having been told.

It was all in the papers the following day, including the misfortunate happening of Lockhart, and, amazingly, the truth of 'He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named' being the Heir of Slytherin and a diary being used in attempt to bring him back.

Hagrid would soon be cleared.

What real collective leadership could do….

There were articles outlining the dark events over the past two years, and how all of it had been leading up to the diary and the Chamber, the first starting with the attempted theft of the Sorcerer's Stone, and then the events of that summer, focusing on the 'Boys-of-Light'.

The Ministry had also been placed in high alert, looking for anything out of the ordinary due to the likelihood of the Dark Lord's return.

In the future, when people would look back upon that week, it would still astonish them.

Though rumors and suspicion ran rampant, an impressive resolve coated everything and everyone.

Lockhart's shouts, quoting written statements from the now destroyed diary (both from 'followers of the Dark Lord' and Susan Bones), continued to echo from his guarded room (though nothing else proved to be informative now).

Word of Potter and his friends' deeds against the forming Dark Lord spread like wildfire, and though the events surrounding it all were hazy, there was no doubt who the Wizarding World had to thank for this warning and time of preparation, for after the Minister's speech that morning, they had no choice but to accept the truth, however begrudgingly or doubtfully.

Harry's condition stayed underwraps. Though the Ministry informed the public he was injured, no details were leaked (no doubt thanks to Bones, Burry, and Dumbledore).

Dumbledore had taken Crabbe and Goyle aside and informed them of what had taken place at St. Mungos and where their parents were now. They didn't seem surprised, just sadly resigned about it.

Harry had finished drinking the potion early that morning. And right now the adults (Hagrid included) were in a meeting in Dumbledore's office. The only adult not there was Madam Pomfrey, who was currently checking on Susan.

Ron and the others had finally gotten permission to visit Harry, and that had involved a great deal of begging and puppy-dog eyes. However, there was a catch. If anything happened, like if Harry started to feel sick at all, they had to get Pomfrey right away. Also, they couldn't wear Harry out, and had to leave him be if he needed to sleep.

"I'm very serious, all of you, let Harry rest! And no jumping on the beds. And Fred, George, best behavior!" Mrs. Weasley had ordered, for the fifteenth time, before leaving the infirmary with the others.

Ron, Neville (Revlis on his shoulders), Vince, Greg, Draco, Hermione, Ginny, Fred, and George gathered around Harry's bed, though stayed a few feet away (a demand by Madam Pomfrey—the extremely intimidating silver-haired lady).

"How are you feeling, Harry?" Hermione asked, sitting in a chair between Pomfrey's office and Harry's bed.

:Yes, are you feeling better, Master Harry?: Revlis asked, the others who couldn't understand parseltongue correctly assuming the jist of what he had asked.

"Much better, just tired now," Harry said.

"Oh, should we—?" Hermione began, wondering if they should let him sleep.

"No, not that tired, besides, it's boring just lying here alone, and I've slept enough," Harry said.

They all nodded, trying to decide what they should do or say now.

"Okay," Fred said suddenly, breaking the silence. "We want in."

"In?" Ron asked, utterly confused.

"Yeah, in. We know you guys have been doing stuff, and whatever it is, we want in," Fred said.

"I don't know what you mean," Ron said, the others managing not to look too uncomfortable.

"Oh, come off it, Ron, we know you've been doing stuff. You guys disappear at odd hours of the day, only to reappear as if all you've been doing is 'studying'. Ron, we know you don't study that much, and we know 'studying' usually means doing stuff you don't want the adults to know about," George said.

"Yeah, you two would know all about that…" Draco muttered.

"Thank you, Draco; glad someone noticed," Fred said.

Hermione and the others looked to Harry, who seemed to be looking the twins over before glancing at Ginny, thinking.

"Harry?" Hermione asked, wanting to know what he thought about doing what she and the others were considering.

"We aren't doing pranks you know," Harry stated, speaking to the twins.

Fred and George looked at each other before looking back to him.

"We know, Harry—"

"Since the summer, we've known—"

"You lot are doing something pretty serious—"

"And we are also pretty sure it is against You—"

"Know-Who," Fred and George admitted.

"So you're saying you want to help?" Ron asked.

"Yes, we do," Fred and George said at once.

"I do too!" Ginny added soon after.

Harry looked at them for a few more seconds, before coming to a decision.

"Guys, once Sirius and the others come back and you have to leave, take them to the room and induct them into our group," Harry said, before pausing and staring, quite seriously, to the three soon-to-be new members.

"You are joining something extremely serious; if you're not willing to commit, don't. I cannot begin to tell you how much I mean this."

"We…uh, understand Harry," Fred said, taken aback by Harry's statements, but knowing they were necessary, despite the fact he had already made up his mind to join.

"Good, and I'm glad you three are joining, it will make things much easier," Harry admitted.

:The Chamber has sealed itself: Revlis said suddenly, as if he had just remembered.

:What?: Harry asked, looking to Draco and Neville; the twins and Ginny were now confused.

"We tried to send Revlis down there, but the entrance won't open," Neville said, after glancing at the twins and Ginny and receiving a 'go-ahead' nod from Harry.

"We even tried sending Dobby with Revlis, but he couldn't pop down there. I think Salandra wants to be left alone," Draco said.

Dobby was currently helping in the kitchens.

"Maybe she will let us go back down there later, but just needs some time," Harry said, before giving a slight shiver.

"Are you cold or something, Harry?" Hermione asked.

"A little. My magic seems to make it harder for me to keep warm. Pomfrey said something about my body finding it hard to compensate, since my magic is randomly leaking ever so often," Harry said, pulling the covers up more.

"Here, this should help," Ron said, pulling out his wand….

Ron cast before Hermione or Harry could tell him not to, and soon after that, it was too late.

A pulse of unrelenting power roared forth, and the others didn't even have time to take cover, not that it would have mattered anyway, for the chaotic magic had only one target.

Ron's wand.

CRACK!!

Ron was slammed back, flying over the bed he had been sitting on and landing on his back on the other side.

The magic settled soon after, apparently satisfied the 'threat' had been eliminated.

Harry began to get up, terrified at what had just happened, but before he could stand, the infirmary doors flung open, several adults rushing in, having heard the crack and having felt the pulse ripple through the walls.

Snape, McGonagall, Sirius, Dumbledore, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Augusta, and Pomfrey quickly rushed in. Hagrid had gone to his house, probably to feed Fang, and Lupin had gone to the Great Hall, since dinner was near (he had been asked to help some around the school, and it was probable he would begin helping in certain classes soon enough). Madam Bones was with Susan.

"Is everyone alright?!" McGonagall asked, pausing as she saw Ron's head peek over the side of the bed beyond the one he had previously been on.

Harry stood up, stumbling forward, only to need the support of Neville and Draco before he leaned forward against the bed to peer over it at Ron sitting on the floor, who was staring dumbly at his clearly devastated wand.

From tip to the edge of the wand's handle, it had been split. The unicorn hair was smouldering, and it was clear that wand would never cast anything again, let alone a warming charm.

"My wand! Look at my wand!" Ron gasped, his voice near that of a soprano.

"I'm so sorry, Ron! Are you okay?! I'll pay for a new one! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to!" Harry rambled, privately relieved it was only Ron's wand that had suffered his magic's assault, before suddenly paling at the thought of: What if it had been worse?

Vince and Greg scrambled around the bed and went to Ron, quickly helping him up.

"What happened?" Sirius asked as Molly came forward as well, quickly noting that the twins had nothing to do with whatever this was.

"I—I…" Ron began, as he suddenly realized how stupid he had been. He had totally spaced the fact he shouldn't cast any magic on or around Harry. "I'm sorry—I cast a warming charm, that's all! Harry was cold, so I…."

"Ronald Weasley! We told you not to cast any magic while around Harry! And now look what's happened! You're lucky it was only your wand! It could have been much worse! DO YOU UNDERSTAND HOW BAD IT COULD HAVE BEEN?! HARRY'S NOT SAFE! YOU COULD HAVE GOTTEN YOURSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE KILLED!!" Molly shrieked, before realizing Harry was. Right. There.

Her eyes shot to Harry, quickly finding his eyes filling up with tears.

Draco, Neville and Revlis froze, completely stunned on either side of Harry, barely conscious of his magic shifting around them.

Hermione had her hand over her mouth, as did Ginny.

Vince and Greg were, like the others, completely at a loss.

McGonagall looked as if she was between unrelentingly berating Molly, comforting Harry, or both.

Snape was actually glaring at Molly, believing an adult should have more control, especially considering the circumstances.

Dumbledore looked sadly at Harry, appearing as if he was feeling every bit of Harry's pain.

Pomfrey was furious, seeing that someone had upset her patient further.

Augusta was equally furious, but she seemed more angry with the entire situation than one particular thing.

Sirius looked as if he was about to just grab Harry and take him far far away.

The twins were, for one of the few times in their lives, dumbfounded, gaping at their mother.

Arthur blinked, in disbelief at what had just been said.

Ron felt horrible. If he had remembered his own advice to the others, none of this would have happened, and Harry would still be giving brief smiles and enjoying their company. Instead, they had all just heard his mom chew him out and unknowingly, but definitely, make Harry feel even more terrible by giving him an additional terrifying image of how bad it could have been….

Ron was actually and suddenly angry with his mother. He knew he had just done something stupid, knew how bad it could have been and knew he deserved to be yelled at, but in front of Harry, and saying Harry wasn't safe?! Where Harry could hear every bit that would remind him of something he was already well aware of and what his magic could do despite of how much he wished it wasn't so?! No. She shouldn't have done that.

"I'm sorry, Harry. I don't know why I forgot," Ron said, breaking the cold silence and frozen scene while turning from his mother. "I'm not hurt, but even if I was, the fault wouldn't rest on you—though I have a feeling it is only because of you that I am unharmed," Ron continued, Harry now staring at the floor, blinking back tears. "Again, I'm sorry, Harry, I didn't think—but apparently, there's a lot of that going on," Ron said, his voice going rather cold at the end, not even sparing a glance at Molly—but it was clear he was focusing that last statement at her.

"Oh, Harry," Molly said, utterly ashamed of herself and horrified at what she had just said. "I—"

She just stopped talking, knowing she could say nothing that would take back what she had said or ease the depth of pain her previous words had no doubt added to the entire situation, and that anything now would probably just make it worse.

Molly was about to go towards Harry, to attempt some form of apology, but Pomfrey's voice and Arthur's hand on her shoulder stopped her.

"Everyone out, out!"

Pomfrey was utterly livid, and the only people who were slow to follow her orders were Neville and Draco, who were helping Harry back into bed, and Sirius, who Pomfrey had to silently threaten to leave as well.

Within moments, everyone but Pomfrey had left, Dumbledore quickly guiding them up to his office to talk.

Harry rolled over onto his side and hid his face in his pillow, even before the doors had completely closed. He felt like breaking something, felt like running away to never be found, but most of all, he just felt like crying.

He could have just killed one of his best friends.

Despite how strongly he had tried to stop his magic from reacting, it had reacted anyway.

And then there was what Mrs. Weasley had said….

She was right. He wasn't safe.

At that thought, the churning magic he had been feeling the whole time seemed to ripple across his skin. It almost felt like drops of water, or dozens of small little Lady Bugs he used to catch at the Dursley's when he was little.

Pomfrey sighed, wishing she could give Harry a calming potion, but not willing to risk a furious rebuttal from his magic, so she did the next best thing.

"Harry, I'm just going to sit at the edge, okay?" Pomfrey asked, all previous anger gone.

Harry didn't acknowledge her, his back to her, but she could have sworn he had just shimmered.

Pomfrey eased herself down, having little doubt that Harry was silently crying, especially when she noticed his shoulders shaking.

"We will get through this, Harry. It will not be like this forever," she whispered, now supportively rubbing his back and running a hand through his hair, ignoring the odd tingling sensation she was now receiving.

Harry relaxed slightly, his magic only expanding inches from his skin, detecting no outside threats.

O o O o O

"I think it's time everyone were to sit down. I apologize for not having done this sooner," Dumbledore somehow smoothly said as they assembled before him in his office.

McGonagall quickly conjured some chairs, and they all took their seats, including Ron and the others, Dumbledore having stated they would hear this as well.

Molly surprisingly didn't object, though that was probably because her thoughts were focused back to what she had said in the infirmary.

"Headmaster?" Snape asked after a moment, seeing Dumbledore actually betraying a look of loss and deep sadness. "You were…?"

"Ah, yes. Thank you, Severus," Dumbledore said, shaking himself slightly from his thoughts. "Let me tell you all a few things, they will help us better cope with what is going on, and possibly prevent what has happened today from happening again. And I am not only referring to the incident with the wand," he said calmly, Molly shrinking slightly, especially when he cast her a look of disappointment that nobody else seemed to notice.

"Now, I am talking about the Rules of Chaos," he said, moving on. "These are just a few things I have found to be consistant and very helpful to keep in mind; however, they only tell what can cause Chaotic Flares, why it responds, and how the magic often distributes itself.

"Magic is like fire—it breathes, can grow, dim, and move, but it is more than that. Although it doesn't exactly think, it does have instincts and forms itself around the being it inhabits—learning, in a way. Harry's magic, particularly, if I had to guess, the magic from the tears and venom which are now a part of him, have an extremely protective stance when it comes to Harry, which is why his magic reacted the way it did.

"Before Harry's magic 'learns', it will view every focused magical signature directed at it as a threat. Now, this 'focused magical signature' is not only spells or charms, but emotions as well. It is likely Harry's magic will react to strong exterior as well as interior emotions on occasion, both positive and negative, until it learns interior control and 'friend' from 'foe', and even then, if it believes anything is a threat, it will respond."

"So no pranks on Harry from now on?" Fred sighed.

Molly turned and glared, but wisely held her tongue. Snape was slightly disappointed.

"No, Mr. Weasley. No pranks," Dumbledore said, though he didn't seem at all upset with Fred's obvious disappointed statement, if anything, he was amused by it.

"The way it often disperses itself is also helpful to know, though it doesn't always happen this way, as we have recently seen. Well, Ms. Granger will appreciate this, think of electricity or lightning. It takes the path of least resistance. Every object and living being has a 'magic quota', a limit to which it can be filled with magic. When the magic quota is met, the magic will usually move to something else, if it doesn't, well… that object may be destroyed, much like Ron's wand," Dumbledore explained. "However, something else can happen, which is often random, such as the fate of my beard that was banished. This is where the classification of 'chaotic' comes from, because it is impossible to accurately say what this kind of magic will do."

"And that's why it's so dangerous?" Neville asked.

"Yes, the magic can be, but it is not without bounds," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling brightly now. "Mr. Potter has an extreme grasp on his magic, more than he realizes. The magic of most others, in a situation similar to his, would have leveled the entire room, and though the room had suffered rather impressive damage earlier after a sizable release of magic I have scarcely seen… I have seen worse results with far less initial power."

Everyone stayed silent, a cold chill running through them as they saw what they could only describe as a flash of pain pass over Dumbledore's face, before he was able to fully hide it.

Fawkes thrilled gently, allowing a sense of calm to fall over them all and causing Ron's eye brows to rise slightly.

--Be calm my friend, do not dwell on the past, you are needed now-- Fawkes said, only being understood by Ron since Fawkes allowed him.

"Harry will need all of our support and understanding, now more than ever before. Sirius, he will be going home with you as soon as he is able. All magical transportation will be out of the question, though," Dumbledore said.

"Of course," Sirius agreed. "When do you think Harry can come home?"

"Three days to a week, I believe, unless Poppy changes her mind and tells me otherwise," Dumbledore said.

"A week then," Severus muttered, but only Dumbledore and the twins seemed to have heard him.

"I will go speak with Harry now. I am sure he will wish to know what I have just told you. It will help put his mind at ease, at least to some degree," Dumbledore said, standing up.

They left his office, and Dumbledore stopped at a corner as everyone but Molly headed off to the Great Hall, even Arthur, knowing his wife had something to do. Dumbledore turned toward Molly, who now had her hands clasped tightly together, her eyes full of regret.

"You may wait outside the infirmary, until Poppy says you can enter. Harry may already be asleep," Dumbledore said, not having to ask why she had not gone with the others.

"I'm sorry, Albus," she said, before Dumbledore peered over his glasses at her.

"We all say things we regret, but do not let something like this happen again. I daresay your words could have caused more harm than your son's wand ever could," Dumbledore said quietly, before turning and leading the way to the infirmary without another word.

O o O o O

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