Longbottom Rose, the hollywood remake

by Billybob - csagun36

This narative ship is primarily Longbottom-OC plus loads of space given to Ron-Hermione and a Ginny pairings that actually makes Blood status sense - all done - with a very adult twist. This is a remake with the full-permission of the original author'

2. Chapter 2

Longbottom Rose

ID # 1822668

First Pub: 04-16-04 completed 07-12-05

Author: ForeverLaDonna

Original Word count total: 97,626

Rated 'T'

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I have received permission from the original author's to do this rewrite via e-mail 10/15/2010

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Hollywood Re-write part two - - by billybobcsgun36 - - id# 641050

Chapter's 13 through 29

Begun; 10-23-09… published;

Redo-Word count;35,722 (this part only)

Rated 'M'

Category: AU, this replaces the later parts of book six and in its entirely HP book seven; Deadly Hallows.

Summary; why does Harry or Draco paired with Hermione get the bulk of all the stories? What's wrong with a minor character getting a little screen time. This tale of mine is a primarily a Neville Mary-sue relationship. With a fair amount of time given to a particular favorite paring of mine; 'Rbw/HJG' and for all the 'Draco' lovers out-there I put him into a 'ship'with an in-cannon blood-status correct character.

Rewrite-Author notes: I love the original and suggest everyone check it out. In fact I suggest dear reader that you compare her version to mine. She'll win I'm sure, hands down ;-) Do keep in mind, however; that as a rewrite the differences between the original and mine will be subtle at times, especially at the beginning.

Now for the warnings;

I am not a professional writer; I have been called by critics; long-winded with a tendency to go off into tangents that distract from the main plot… to these charges; I plea, Guilty. I also openly admit to the abuse of the King's English. If you look for perfection in writing; grammar or spelling, by all means go elsewhere. I don't claim to be anything else than a story teller… plain and simple.

Warning two; this story is thick with sexual innuendo and the discussion of sexual preferences that are unusual to say the least. This story is rated M for a reason …okay? I feel that JK Rowling's notion that teenagers of seventeen and eighteen have no interest in sex; is laughable.

Warning three; Murphy's Law in regards to fanfiction; I began to tweak this story back in 2009 and each time I returned to it; I found a sentence that didn't quite work, a bad-bit of spelling or grammar, that needed fixing. I've run spell-check more times than I can remember. And yet the truly glaring errors in all my stories never seem to pop off the page to mock-me… until after I publish the chapter …go figure. So if something in this doesn't quite work, it's been hiding from me really-really good.

Final warning; are y'all still with me, with Ginny a dominatrix and Draco an abuse-loving Masochist? I warned you that my tale was unlike any other HP story you've read before, not graphic really… but off the beaten path… of the regular HP fanfic's; to be sure. If reading of kinky sex bothers you …most definitely go elsewhere

Disclaimer;

Is there someone somewhere who doesn't know who owns all legal rights to the Harry Potter series? If there is; please tell this person, that I will not profit in any way, from this tale, beyond the entertainment of my few readers and the annoyance of the grammar-Nazi's.

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The house lights fade, the curtain opens … roll film

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Chapter 13

"Are you ready yet?" Ginny's voice came from the door.

"Almost! I have to try and tie this scarf around my ponytail!"

Sighing, Ginny briskly walked around Alaire's privacy screen. "Here, let me." Deftly, she tied a large pink bow on top of Alaire's hair. "There! Now we match. What do you think?"

The girls were dressed almost exactly alike. Tight white oxford cloth shirts from their school uniform tied at the waist, denim jeans with the cuffs rolled up, white socks, and their school shoes temporarily transfigured into black and white oxfords.

"The only things that we need now are our jackets," remarked Alaire. "Voila!" Ginny pulled two jackets out of a bag that she had tossed on the bed.

"How did you get these? They're great!"

"I have a special relationship with a house-elf named Dobby. It turns out that he's quite the fashion maven. I mentioned that I needed matching jackets and the next thing I know, here they are!"

"Cool!" Alaire picked up the closest one and eyed it for a moment.

"Um, Ginny? They're kind-of small and this one has socks embroidered on it."

"Oh, Well. Dobby has a sock fetish. Actually that's kind of Harry's fault."

Alaire gave her an odd look. "Harry bought socks when we were in Hogsmeade together, should I be worried?"

Ginny laughed and shook her head no. "I'll explain more later …let's fix these first."

A few incantations and waves of their wands later and the jackets were perfect. Two hot pink satin bomber jackets embroidered on the back with the logo, "Pink Ladies" with two fuzzy dice below the name lay on the bed. Ginny quickly waved her wand and the girls names were embroidered on the fronts.

"Perfect!" Alaire tried her's on and smiled in the mirror. The pink made her cheeks glow. She wondered just how many appreciative glances she would get that night. That train of thought then pulled into the Harry/Neville station.

"What are the guys wearing? I thought we were all going as people from Grease?"

"They wouldn't tell me and Harry's been real secretive and usually he can't hide anything from me or Hermione."

"Well, let's go see then!" The two girls literally skipped and jumped their way down to the common room which now looked like a scene from an old movie. A lot of girls were wearing poodle skirts or Capri-pants. Several guys from 6th year were wearing matching bowling shirts with their hair greased back in identical styles.

There was no sign of Harry, Neville, Ron, Dean, or Seamus. Hermione was also conspicuously absent.

"Where are they? Its time to go," Lavender Brown had huffed impatiently when a loud "Ooooh!" went around the room. Down the boys' stairs came the 7th years. Each one was wearing a black leather jacket, a white T-shirt, and black jeans …even Neville. They stopped half-way down the stairs then nodded and waved like superstars.

Ginny and Alaire after gawking with the rest of the crowd began to laugh.

"Well, we now we just need Hermio… Oh, my goodness! My brother is going to have a heart attack!" Ginny said with a sigh.

Alaire followed Ginny line of sight until she saw Hermione coming down from the Head-suite. She wore skin-tight black jeans, a tight black sweater, a black leather jacket and black high heels. She had teased and fought with her hair until formed a mass of curls accented with a single bow. Her bright red lips fought with her heavily made-up eyes for attention.

Hermione smiled brightly as she caught sight of Ron, who was trying very hard to just breathe as he watched her move. With a feral smile on her face, Hermione walked over to a stunned Ron… who was gob-smacked motionless.

"Shall we?"

An awestruck Ron just nodded and said in a squeak, "Anything you want."

Proudly the couple made their way down to the others. The crowd parted in front of them just like the Red Sea leaving amazed and amused Gryffindor's in their wake. Alaire was standing agape looking after them when she heard Harry's voice in her ear.

"Alaire, come here a moment." He motioned for her to follow him. When he had pulled her into a corner, he turned with a mischievous look on his face. "Want to really wow the crowds?" he asked with an uplifted eyebrow. Alaire had never seen him so playful and she hoped it had nothing to do with sock fetishes.

"Yeah, sure. What do you have in mind?" Harry began to whisper in her ear but was interrupted by Ginny tugging at Alaire's sleeve.

"Come on, Pink Lady. Save the snogging in corners until the party!"

Harry stuck his tongue out at Ginny as Alaire blushed. Smiling, Harry pulled Ginny into the conversation. A few moments later, the trio was giggling. "You're on! That will be great!" Alaire and Ginny nodded enthusiastically.

"OK. Let's go!" Harry grabbed both girls by the hand and headed towards the door. Just as the three of them were about to leave the common room …literally arm-in-arm, Alaire glanced back to see Neville standing alone …staring at her with a sad reigned smile on his face. It was almost like he expected to be the only one in the common room with no date for the ball.

"Just a minute …Harry!" Alaire said reluctantly taking her hand out of Harry's grasp. She ran back into the room, noticing how Neville's smile widened as she approached. Grabbing Neville, by the hand, she asked, "Will you promise to save me a dance?"

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Neville POV OoOoOoOo

He'd been watching the interchange with Harry had been trying not to feel aced out once again. Of course that was pretty hard considering the two women that he ever had a crush on had been holding the boy-who-lived hands only moments ago. It wasn't enough he had to have one of them, but both?

Of course, he'd gotten over Ginny long ago. Actually …walking in on a full-blown …half-undressed snogging session between her and Draco earlier this term… had been enough to squash permanently what little crush he still had on Ginny. But the sight of them going at it like rabbits in heat …had hurt …a bit.

But what hurt even more was the way that Alaire …giggling happily …seem to hang on Harry's every word. Potter was taking Alaire flying now, every-other day …to teach her how and the bubbling excitement she displayed upon her return was expressed in more than friend casual touching that she shrugged off as just being an American. Not for the first time …Neville wished that he could be the bloke that Alaire was looking at with such adoration …instead of Potter. Every time she looked at Harry the way she had only moments before …made Neville feel that he was losing ground in a totally-unfair competition for Alaire's favor.

Coming down to earth from such reflections Neville said; "Sure. But may I ask …what are you up to?"

"Now-now, Neville. Don't you want to be surprised like the rest of the school?"

"Alaire," Neville started to caution her …but she was already gone out the door with her co-conspirators. 'This was going to be a helluva night,' he thought with a disappointed sigh. Later, he would reflect that perhaps he had learned something in Divination after all.

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"I'd like to welcome everyone to the Halloween Ball. I am greatly pleased with the turn out and with the costumes! Fifty-points to Gryffindor for its unity. Seeing all of you makes me feel like a young man again! Fifty points to Ravenclaw which has some of the most imaginative costumes I've seen this age. I believe that we have almost 20 different magical creatures among us tonight! Hufflepuff also earns fifty points for its accuracy in portraying Muggle tourists so well. And, Slytherin, only you could create such a lovely and unique costume. It's the only time I've seen one snake with 25 individual parts. Good show! Fifty points to you, as well." Dumbledore smiled on his students, quite pleased with himself. "Now, on with the show!"

He waved his arms and upbeat music filled the room. Soon the room was a writhing mass of Hawaiian shirts, snake skin, Puffs-keins, and poodle skirts.

The party had been in full swing for twenty minutes when the doors to the hall burst open. The students quickly backed up fearing the worst. Instead, they were greeted by the roar of a motorcycle from over their heads as Harry, Alaire, and Ginny flew into the room.

A shiny mass of chrome and leather, the bike gleamed in the spotlight. Harry gunned the motor while on the back, holding on for dear life sat Alaire and Ginny. They circled the room to riotous applause then landed gingerly on the spot usually occupied by the teacher's table.

"Sorry about the mess professors," Ginny said hopping off.

Hagrid roared. "Blimey, Harry! This is the bike I used when I pick you up. Sirius would glad to see you got it working again. You've spent enough hours down at my hut . . ." Hagrid trailed off as Harry gave him a scandalized look.

"Oi! Where did you get such a beautiful bike, Harry Potter?" Hagrid announced in an even louder voice.

Behind him, several professors just shook their heads in disbelief and amusement.

"The very same Hagrid," Dumbledore nodded, "Ingenious vehicle …actually."

"I don't believe, headmaster, it is prudent for a student to show such reckless behavior as to drive an enchanted Muggle vehicle within the castle. As I recall; this is the same kind-of irresponsible activity that nearly got Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley expelled a few years back," snipped Snape.

"Ah, but it is the season of enchantment of the magical kind, Severus. Even Muggle's embrace the joy of Halloween."

While McGonagall and Snape looked distinctly displeased, Dumbledore was glowing. He quickly walked over to the bike and began to quiz Harry on how it worked. Ginny and Alaire took their bows then worked their way through the crowd toward the Gryffindor's.

"Surprised?" Alaire shouted as she neared her classmates.

"That was bloody-brilliant!" shouted Hermione utterly impressed.

"Hey! That's my line!" Ron corrected her. He started to turn to his sister to say something but Ginny pre-empted him.

"Don't you say a word, Ronald Bilius Weasley? You flew an enchanted car to pick-up Harry his second year and THEN flew it to Hogwarts. Say one word and its Bat Bogey hexes for you!"

Ron quickly backed down and actually 'overacted' in mock-fear by jumping behind Hermione in pretended exaggerated terror …as if begging for protection, causing many including Ginny to laugh at Ron's playacting. Smiling with excitement …Alaire scanned the hall for Neville. Seeing him, once again standing alone by the punch bowl …she made her way through the crowd toward him.

"So what did you think? Wasn't that cool?" Neville nodded while he took in Alaire's flushed face sensing her excitement. "I was going to sit on the handlebars but Harry thought that it might be too much."

"Well, you know how shy and reclusive …Harry his. He's not the type to show off," Neville commented with a touch of envious sarcasm. Alaire didn't give much thought to the bitter remark as the music began to play again.

"Come on! Let's dance."

She grabbed his hand and began to pull him towards the floor. Alarm filled Neville. He had been dreading this moment. He didn't know how to modern dance. Self-consciously, he compared himself to a hippopotamus trying to do ballet.

"Neville! You promised me!"

Neville managed to shout back, "I'll do a waltz if they play one!"

Alaire glared at him …her look of disappointment hurt him. "Fine; I intend to have fun!" she snarled before dropping his hand and disappearing into the crowd.

He spent the next twenty depressing minutes standing against a wall …watching Alaire dance first with Colin Creevey then a Hufflepuff dressed as an Fwooper. She even danced once with Seamus who ended up with a smack across the face for his fumbled attempts to bump and grind with her. He was lucky he didn't get to drink any of the punch, Neville thought. He would have, if not for the fact he squeezed his glass so hard when he saw the scene of Alaire dancing with Harry that he had instinctively crushed it. He had to spend the next few minutes getting a healing spell cast by Hermione.

Inwardly, he chided himself as he reminded him-self over and over of Alaire's words. He had no right to be jealous …as they weren't a couple …he knew his own feelings in the matter but was still very-confused concerning Alaire's. His Gran had often told him that action speaks louder than words and the way Alaire was hanging on Harry …well …spoke volumes to anyone with eyes.

Although Alaire flirted with him a little bit, every so often, she would then turn around on a hen-penny and flirt with Harry loads. But to be fair about it …Alaire flirted with lots of people to varying degrees. She had even told him once, "Neville, listen, in parts of America, flirting is like an Olympic sport. Everyone flirts with everyone else. Haven't you heard me teasing Seamus and Jack Sloper?

"Hells-bells …I've even flirted with Draco once …that is …until I saw Ginny's sour reaction. Sweet-Jesus …that girl is so territorial. I even tease Ron …once in awhile; just to watch him blush and see Hermione to show-off a-little honest jealousy. I've really been tempted to flirt with them both more often …just to keep their women from taking their men for granted; but I'm afraid that Hermione and Ginny would jinx me into next year! And as much as you might think otherwise, I do flirt with YOU! Hasn't anyone ever done that before?"

Neville would have never admitted it aloud …but the answer was a resounding; "No".

He continued to watch the dancing until Alaire finally ended up with Harry again who was thoroughly enjoying himself at a dance for once. He had an odd jerky dance-style that reminded Neville of some aboriginal dancer. Alaire on the other hand had a sensual swerve that entranced and tortured him. Several times she had motioned for him to join her …but he just couldn't make his feet move. Plus the thought of being that close to a gyrating Alaire made him distinctly uncomfortable in the very best way.

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Neville sighed with a mixture of relief and dread as the lights calmed and the music began the slow sensuous beat of a ballroom waltz. He looked up to see Alaire once more motioning for him to join her …as Harry walked towards the punch bowl. Reluctantly, he walked over to her with feet of lead. He knew she wouldn't take no for an answer. With a smile, she simply wrapped her arms around his neck while he awkwardly placed his hands on her waist. He looked down to make sure his feet were in no danger of stepping on her toes.

"Calm down, Neville. This is just swaying to the music. Close your eyes and just feel the music."

"You don't think I know how to dance …do you?"

"Neville …I didn't mean to imply…"

"Well …Ms Goodnight; there are many styles of dancing, try to keep-up," Neville said with unexpected confidence,

After years of ballroom dance instruction at the insistence of his Grandmother, Neville closed his eyes and began to move in a classic waltz across the floor. Alaire squealed in delight as she realized that in this kind of dancing, Neville easily outshone Harry. The floor cleared around them as everyone stood by in stunned disbelief as the usually shy and clumsy Longbottom and his American partner put on a perfect-display of classical ballroom dancing.

By the end of the waltz Alaire was panting heavily from effort, her cheeks flushed red in delight as the song came to an end. She moved closer and hugged him in gratitude for the unexpected delight of the dance …putting her cheek next to his she purred.

"Who taught you Ballroom?"

"My Gran, she and Granddad did this kind-of stuff loads of times when I was a child. But I could ask the same of you." Neville said in surprise at the skill of his dance-partner.

"You're wearing cologne," she said with a low giggle… abruptly changing the subject, "how very sexy of you."

With his eyes closed, he began to be aware of her perfume. Before he could stop himself, he whispered in her ear, "And you smell like honeysuckle and magnolia."

"Good. I rubbed the essence of the flowers on my neck just before I came down. I was hoping you'd notice."

The sound of her voice in his ear sent chills down Neville's spine. His mind was trying to remember if honeysuckle and magnolia were used together in any love potions, but his brain wouldn't work.

"Thank-you again for the waltz, Neville …my mom back home loves ballroom, she dragged me to her completions for years. She'll be thrilled that I've found a better partner than dad."

They swayed for a few moments more before Alaire stepped in closer wrapping herself around Neville quite effectively and whispered. "Don't tell anyone …but ballroom dancing makes me feel incredibly horny."

Neville wasn't really sure if she meant that …or if her comment was intended merely for shock value alone... it was often hard to tell the difference with Alaire flirting banter. In either event under the spell of her suggestive innuendo they weren't really dancing anymore. All he could feel was Alaire's hand gently playing with the hair at the nape of his neck while her hips pressed against his …swaying in erotic time with the music. He was in arousal heaven and sure that he had stopped breathing ages ago.

"Mmm. I could dance all night like this …especially with you Neville," Alaire commented as their second song together came to an end. But apparently, someone was looking out for the couple …as another ballroom classic started up.

A Tango began and the erotic beat changed something inside of Neville felt his heart become bold and daring like the music. Tentatively, he moved one of his hands up Alaire's back a little bit while moving the other one down. His heart definitely stopped for a second or two when Alaire stared him straight in the eyes daring him to make love to her in a dance.

There are those that say that the tango is 'horizontal lovemaking' with clothes on, and although neither Alaire nor Neville were dressed for a Tango, five minutes later, both of them were out of breath and abruptly embarrassed by the overwhelming applauds of their Peers for the classic Spanish tango that they had been preformed.

The next song was more modern in pace and style …but still considered a slow-dance, and the tap on the shoulder - cutting-in - that Neville more than half-expected from Harry …never came. Alaire melted into Neville's arms …she put her head gently down on his shoulder. An American woman was singing softly about leaving someone behind.

"Oh, that boy of mine

By my side

The silver moon and the evening tide

Oh, some sweet day

Gonna' take away

This hurting inside

Well, I'll never be blue

My dreams come true

On Blue Bayou."

"I requested this slow-song especially for us …its one of my favorite songs," whispered Alaire. "I'll have to take you to New Orleans some day."

She lifted her head back and looked into his eyes, and the look she gave him filled his heart with hope to the point of bursting. At that precise moment, Neville would have gone with her to the moon if she had asked.

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He summoned all his courage looked down at her lips and was leaning in to kiss Alaire …when suddenly there was a loud crash near the front of the room.

All eyes turned to see Harry facing Patrick Travers, a 6th year Slytherin.

"What were you doing?" Harry shouted protectively as he pulled his bike into an upright position.

"I was just checking out the engine. Don't be so touchy."

"Touchy? This bike used to belong to someone very important to me. Its irreplaceable so, don't touch-it!"

"I'll do what I please, Harry Potter, you do not boss me around! You think you're something. Well, I heard about your dad and his friends. You're just like them thinking you're something you're not. All proud because you play ruddy Quidditch, but I bet you'll end up just like Sirius Black, in Azkaban, insane, and wishing you was dead. We'll have to hand your body over to your sweet little boy-toy and the Mudblood to bury."

Out of the corner of her eye, Alaire saw Draco make his way over to where Ginny had been talking to Hermione. Ginny had her wand drawn and her lips in a thin line. Draco, dressed like a greaser to match Ginny's outfit, looked quite panicked about what was going to happen.

After a few muttered words, the two made their way to where Professor Snape stood. Meanwhile, an amazed crowd listened to this exchange in horror.

"Pat, you've been drinking something a little stronger than punch or Butterbeer." Harry said as he tried to control his temper. "You don't know what you're saying."

"I know exactly what I'm saying, Potter." He walked over to Harry and stood in his face. "And, if my Uncle Travers was here, he'd tell you himself what he and Bellatrix used to do to people like your parents just for fun. Ever heard of Curcio?"

Visions of Sirius falling backward through the veil flooded Harry's mind and that was the last straw. Harry took a swing at Patrick and soon all four houses were trading punches.

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Waves of pain washed over Alaire as the fighting spread. She was flooded with fear as her fellow students either ran from the hall or ran towards the melee. She couldn't move. She seemed to be paralyzed from the trauma of so many emotions of so many people flooding her mind …all at the same time.

Neville had quickly lost track of Alaire for the minute when the fighting began. He had just managed to open the main doors of the Great Hall when he saw her again …huddled against the wall. She was clear of the fight but seemed to be terrified. He glanced around to see if any of the Professors could help her, but they were all distracted by the riot that had broken out in the Great Hall.

Harry and Ron were in the middle of the scuffle. Harry had broken out in boils thanks to Blaise Zabini. Ron had managed to somehow get both hands around Goyle's neck while Hermione, in turn, had wrapped herself around Ron and was trying to pull him out of the fight. Seamus and Dean were both cursing Slytherin's at random. Dumbledore and the rest of the teaching staff were trying to end the fighting by freezing various students with Petrificus Totalus.

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Chapter 14

Neville ducked a Jelly Legs Jinx that sent the chair behind him dancing into a wall. He grabbed Alaire by the hand and pulled her up onto unsteady feet. Fearing that she would be hit by a stray hex he started to half-drag her out of the room. Putting her right-arm across his shoulders, he guided her away from the fighting toward the far end of the Great Hall every so often looking back fearful of being hexed from behind. A bright flash of yellowish-green light rushed across the room catching his attention. Neville watched in horror as it struck Ginny Weasley in the chest. The younger girl abruptly slumped to the floor. Within seconds of Ginny's collapse …appearing instantly by her side was an enraged Malfoy …his eyes turned to narrow slits as he looked back over the crowd to see who struck-down his beloved. The magic in the air sounding him suddenly became very intense.

No one would ever again have any doubts about how Draco Malfoy felt about Ginny Weasley. Instinctively sensing what was to come, Neville hastily picked up Alaire into his arms and carried her at a rushed-pace out of the Great Hall and up the nearby staircase. A moment later a huge amount of magic flowed out of the great hall like a wave and then all went silent.

It was two floors up and half way down a dimly lit hallway when Neville and Alaire finally reached a spot far away from the crowds, Neville set Alaire down and watched in horror as she sank …trembling …down onto the floor holding her head with both hands and rocking back and forth while moaning in pain.

"Alaire …Alaire! Did you get hit? Do we need to go to Madame Pomfrey?" Neville said quite aware of how panicked his voice was as it softly echoed off the walls.

Alaire answered with another low moan as she grabbed her stomach. "Come on! …We're going to the hospital wing."

Alaire grabbed his arm at this and shook her head. "No. please …no crowds, just take me somewhere anywhere that's perfectly quiet," she barely groaned out.

Neville thought for a moment, beads of sweat running down his forehead. "Somewhere quiet; well the common room wouldn't do …it would be a mad-house right now. The hospital-wing wouldn't be any better …for it will be all too soon full to overflowing with victims from the fighting below." The only place he knew of that was peaceful and quiet was his private study.

"Can you make it up some stairs?" he asked cautiously, knowing full well that he'd barely been able to carry her to where they were now. Alaire weakly nodded yes. Neville helped her stand then directed her toward a flight of stairs praying that it wouldn't decide to move on them. Neville knew he was breaking the rules that he had agreed to when his private study had been established, but his concern for Alaire overruled everything else.

Halfway up the steps, the stairway began to sway. Luckily, it landed on the exact floor Neville and Alaire needed to go to. Neville actually thanked the stonework verbally as they stepped off of the 'escalator' and made their way down toward the darkened hall to his study.

"Just a little bit more," Neville encouraged Alaire as she began to slump in his arms. He finally stopped and picked her up again …with memories of Hermione in the Ministry and how fragile Alaire looked in the great hall flooding his mind.

"Aloha Mora Floribunda!" he shouted at a painting of a greenhouse on the wall. The door flew open to reveal a small, cozy office/study and an attached miniature greenhouse. There were plants everywhere, on shelves near the ceiling, on stands on the floor, on the windowsill, on tables, on the desk, and even one hanging from the tiny bathroom door. Crunching across the dirt and gravel on the floor, Neville carried Alaire over to a dingy, worn-out couch that he had acquired along with the room.

Gently, he laid Alaire on the couch. Rushing across the room Neville gathered a container of water and ripped a piece of cloth off his already torn tee-shirt. Dipping the cloth in the water, he wiped Alaire's forehead with it. "Is that better?"

Alaire nodded. With a sigh, she fumbled at a necklace that she wore under her shirt. When it became obvious what she wanted, Neville carefully pulled the pendant out of her shirt. It was a small metal vial with a broom laid over a red cross.

"Its medicine," Alaire managed to gasp. Neville gave it a shake and could hear pills inside.

"Don't worry. I'll do it." Neville laid the container down on the couch and disappeared into the bathroom. He came back with a glass of cold water, a small hand-towel, and a small bucket. "Here," he lifted her head and gave her a drink of water. Then, carefully, he unscrewed the top of the vial. "How many?"

Alaire managed to convey the number two which he then shook out into his hand.

"Ok, one more time," he said gently. He went to place the pills in her hand and lift Alaire's head to put it in his lap but then jumped back as she grabbed the pail and leaned over the edge of the couch. Neville looked away out of privacy and to avoid becoming nauseous himself. When the retching sounds ended, he took the damp rag and wiped her face.

"I was afraid of that. My cousin gets migraines and it's awful," he said quietly as Alaire just nodded. "Are you ready to try your medicine now?"

Another nod; Neville gingerly placed the meds in her mouth and gave her another drink of water. This time everything stayed down. The room grew quiet as they waited for the medicine to take affect. Neville placed her head in his lap and watched as she breathed. He then did a quick cleaning spell took care of things in the bucket, and finally, after a tense fifteen minutes, Alaire's eyes fluttered open. She looked around and seeing Neville tried to smile.

"Back among the living …are we?" Neville teased, relaxing now that she was better.

"Yeah …Wow, that was unpleasant."

"Well, I'm not used to beautiful girls passing out on me," Neville said then realizing what he had just said began to blush.

"I bet you say that to all the girls who throw up on you," she joked weakly.

They both snickered softly causing Alaire to grab her head again and sit up a bit …moving a bit away from Neville incase she got ill again.. After a few moments silence, Alaire turned to look more clearly at Neville.

"I guess you'd like to know what happened."

"It looked like a migraine. My cousin has those."

Alaire smiled at him and patted the couch beside her. "Come here and I'll tell you."

Neville moved over to her and she took his hand. She took a moment and trained her empathy fully at Neville and was delighted when all she could feel was concern tinged with fear and love. No condemnation …no anger …no selfishness. It was just the balm to her soul that she needed after the melee at the dance.

"Neville," she took a deep breath and looked him in the eyes. She could feel her own tearing up as she feared his reaction to her news. "Neville, I am an empath."

Neville continued to look at her. He didn't understand. She took a deep breath. It was all or nothing.

"I-I can feel your emotions especially when I touch you. I know exactly how you feel right now."

Neville fought the urge to jerk his hand back. She knew how he felt? That meant she had always known how he regarded her. His heart felt like it was going to explode out of his chest in terror. Alaire tightened her grip on his hand.

He was repulsed, she thought in panic. He wanted to take his hand away. It was going to be like before. She couldn't stand the thought.

"Neville, please I beg you, don't leave," she pleaded, a tear streaming down her right cheek. "Let me explain. You owe a friend that."

"I-I wasn't going to leave," Neville lied then thought that she knew he was probably lying.

"I hoped you wouldn't when I finally told you. That would be . . ." Alaire looked away for a moment as more tears came to her already sore and red eyes. "I couldn't stand it."

Neville started to speak …but Alaire interrupted him.

"Let me tell you the whole story before you make up your mind about me," she pleaded. Neville looked over at her. The tone of her voice made it sound like her very heart was breaking and it was killing him. He couldn't deny her anything at that point in time. Watching her, he saw her sit upright so that she could face him.

"I found out that I was empathic when I was fifteen. One day, I was just reading in my room when my mom and dad got into a fight. I think it was over my mom's job. Anyway, I just remember one minute I was trying to ignore them and the next I was in the mental ward at the local Wizarding hospital. My parent's anger overloaded my circuits and put me in a coma."

Neville's eyes grew wide with concern. "That could've happened tonight. The coma I mean."

"Yes, it almost did happen; but you rescued me from the fight before that," she said with a sweet smile, as her headache began to fade.

"Anyway, my parents put me in a program to train me how to tune people in and out. Within a year, I thought that I had things pretty-much under control. Everything was going fine until my best friend and I discovered that we both liked the same guy in our magical-school. She began to get jealous and kept asking me to try to tune him in to see who he liked best."

Alaire pulled up her knees and leaned forward against Neville for comfort as she relived the memory.

"I finally gave in against my better judgment. I walked by him and accidentally dropped my books. When he reached out to help, I grabbed his hand to read him. Turns out he really liked me more. I was pretty happy but my friend wasn't. She," Alaire stopped as the throbbing in her head came back. "She, um, she told everyone in the school about my 'gift'. She told everyone that I was spying on them."

"And the guy?"

"Oh, he was scared-off just like everyone else. Soon, no one would speak to me or come near me. I was miserable. I transferred to another magical school in North Carolina, but my experiences there were a thousand times worst. I finished my formal education in Charlestown and the search began to round-off my Yank studies with career specific ones in Europe. My mom knew about Hogwarts because my cousin comes here. She thought a fresh start would help. So here I am.

"So you don't go around 'feeling' everyone, do you?" he asked cautiously.

"No. Can you imagine, Neville, what it would feel like to walk down a hall and feel all the jealousy, the dislike, the lust, and the love of everyone you accidentally brushed against invading your mind?"

Neville shook his head. "It'd be pretty bad. Before I dropped potions …I just hated being in potions class with Snape …knowing he hates me."

"Snape just wants perfection out of everyone. And has more respect for your herbology knowledge than you realize. With a little more confidence in yourself ...you could have a mutually beneficial adult relationship with him. Potions and Herbology are two sides of the same coin; he needs your skill with plants to make his potions,"

"Oh that's rich …coming from you, the girl who got tossed out of the kitchen for making gumbo?" Neville said with a chuckle, trying to lighten her mood

"Oh, that. Well, Professor Snape and I have come to an understanding since then."

"An understanding …eh?" Neville raised his eyebrows teasingly.

"Not like that, you moron!" she said happily that Neville was still joking with her and had not run out of the room screaming like a lunatic. "He's helping to train my empathy so that I can better control it."

"Oh. Has he really helped?" Neville asked his voice thick with genuine concern.

"Yeah. He's not had a happy life, Neville. He made some terrible, terrible decisions but he's OK now. He's trying to make up for some things."

"Could have fooled me," Neville said with a chuckle …as he let this new information sink in, after a few tense moments, he asked softly, "So how many people at Hogwarts now about your …gift?"

"Professor Dumbledore, of course, Professor McGonagall, Madame Pomfrey, Professor Snape, Harry, and now you."

Neville's eyebrows went up. "How long has Harry known about this?" he said instinctively …in a tone that was both clearly accusatory and jealous. He was simply unable to block a sudden up-rush of resentment.

Alaire as an empath could feel the jealousy rising in Neville along with a modicum of hurt.

"Oh, don't you start with me, Neville. If I had told you first, Harry would have been upset. Someone had to be first. We just never had a chance to talk about it before. And it's not like I'm about to make an announcement in the common room, 'Hey, everyone, walk on over here and I'll you just what's going on in your head and heart!' I'm trying to avoid that, you know."

"Sorry. Don't get so touchy."

Alaire blinked back a tear and drew-back from Neville's in near panic. "You don't mean that literally …do you?"

"Alaire," Neville sighed, placing his other hand on top of Alaire's, so his hands enveloped hers…deliberately making flesh to flesh contact. "You are the only person in Hogwarts that I know of …that can make me this angry. Everyone else just ignores me or treats me like I don't exist. But …you …you… "

"Expect you to act like a normal human being. I think that's a compliment."Alaire said looking down at their touching hands and smiling.

The two sat and looked at each other for what seemed an eternity. Finally Neville asked, "Can you tune people out?"

"Yes. I do it all the time."

"Can you tune people in?"

"Yes."

"Like tonight?"

"Like tonight."

Silence fell again. "I guess I need to go to bed. My head is a little better now. I just need to sleep it off, sort like a psychic hangover. So if you've nothing more to say . . ." Alaire said softly as she moved to get off the couch. She was interrupted by Neville's voice.

"Don't go."

"Why?" she asked turning to face him.

"You don't know?" he asked softly, hoping she was "reading" him or at least that she could hear his heart as it about pounded out of his chest.

She made her way back over to him and leaned down. Her breath tickled his lips as he sucked in his breath waiting . . . but there was no kiss. Alaire was speaking softly.

"No, Neville, I don't. I refuse to read your emotions back to you. That's something that you'll have to verbalize all by yourself." Then she leaned over, and kissed him softly on the cheek. "And I suggest you hurry up."

Then she smiled and made her way over to the door. "Oh and this is a lovely place you've got here. It's wonderful," she said before leaving.

Neville found his breath and stared amazed at the door. What had just happened? He knew what didn't happen. Shaking his head, he got up to leave, never noticing that the rose in the other room suddenly had grown a bud . . . and was just waiting to bloom into a flower.

OoOoOoOo

Chapter 15

The next day things had cooled down a bit although many students still bore scars from the riot of the night before. Alaire saw Dean, Seamus, Jack and Colin all sporting bruised chins and cheeks when she entered the common room the next morning. To her surprise, Lavender Brown was tending to Seamus while Luna Lovegood was cooing over Dean who looked both embarrassed and delighted by the attention.

Several students were actually in hospital …including Harry. With her empathic headache now mostly gone, Alaire decided to take the risk of checking on him. As she entered the hospital ward, she accidentally came across Hermione and Ron in one of the screened off cubicles. Ron had his shirt off and Hermione was ardently applying a gray-salve to several nasty bruises. Alaire couldn't tell who was enjoying themselves more: Ron, who was moaning with pain mixed with pleasure; for it was his Hermione and not the school matron; who was rubbing the healing salve onto his skin …or… Hermione who was sharply remonstrating him with every-breathe while at the same time tenderly taking-care of his wounds.

Walking further into the hospital wing, Alaire saw that every square inch of the hospital-wing was packed with students with various curses and other ailments. It took her a few moments before she spotted the raven-haired Gryffindor she was looking for.

Alaire made her way over to Harry's bed. As soon as he saw her, he sat up and motioned for her to come closer. Harry still had several boils and bruises across his face. He certainly looked like he had gotten the worst of it.

"I'm sorry, Alaire. I wasn't thinking. I heard Neville got you away from the ruckus. Are you all right?" Harry asked concerned as she stood beside his bed.

"I'm fine. He took great care of me. What did that guy say to get to you? I can't believe that you caused that fight over nothing."

"He started it. He knocked over the bike and I just lost my temper. That bike belonged to someone very special to me."

"Your dad?" she asked.

"No …My godfather," Harry said sadly.

"Oh," Alaire said sitting down on the bed beside Harry. "You're lucky Dumbledore didn't expel you."

"I think he believes I've been punished enough. I've got bloody bruises everywhere. The side of my face feels like it got hit by a Bludger."

"Aww, poor baby," Alaire said with a smile as she leaned down and carefully kissed the bruise on Harry's cheek as she casually held his hand.

"It hurts here, too," Harry said in a hopeful voice as he pointed to his busted lip.

"Harry Potter! I do believe you are trying to trick me into kissing you!" Alaire teased.

"You can't blame me for trying," Harry said a small-grin on his face.

"How'd you get that one?" Alaire asked pulling her hand away to motion towards a large bruise by Harry's temple that vanished at his hairline.

"When Malfoy let loose with that magical burst after Ginny was struck, it knocked everyone in the Great Hall on their arse."

"Where is Ginny anyway? I hope she wasn't hurt too badly." Alaire asked looking around.

"Ginny's through there," Harry said motioning to the doorway across the narrow hall toward the one and only private recovery room. A frown of concern crossed his face as he looked at the door.

"Why isn't she with everyone else?" Alaire asked in a slightly panicked tone. She had managed to forge a deep-friendship with Ginny. In fact she felt closer to Ginny than any other girl in Gryffindor. She hadn't told her about her empathy yet …but she still felt that she could trust her. Her optimism and mischief had been a buffer against the harsher emotions that Alaire encountered around her. She was the closest thing to a best female friend that Alaire had developed in at least; five years.

"It's the curse she was struck by. It wasn't something you would normally see or come across unless you were really into the Dark Arts."

"What happened?" Alaire asked with a waiver in her voice.

"I gather from what the professors are saying, the spell was just one step below an unforgivable," Harry sighed. "It removed half the bones in her chest."

Alaire cringed when she thought about the pain.

Harry almost reading her thoughts nodded his head. "The pain isn't the worst of it," he said sadly. "It leaves a person very vulnerable. With no bones to protect her heart and other organs, just a stunner to the chest could have been fatal."

"Great Merlin," Alaire whispered.

"You know, until yesterday …I really didn't believe that Malfoy actually cared for Ginny. All that I thought he was after was just another piece of ass. Then, I saw what happened after she was hit. It was like he had gone total mental. He picked her up and raced to the hospital wing with her. I'm told …he wanted to floo a specialist from St. Mungo's in, but it wasn't allowed. Then he wanted to personally floo her to St. Mungo's, but the trip could have killed her." Harry sighed. "Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were here earlier when Madam Pomfrey gave her some Skele-Gro," Harry signed motioning back to the doors. "Nasty stuff, but she's got a few ribs back. Ginny will be in here for awhile, though. I feel awful. It was all-my-fault …that the fight started to begin with."

"Harry, you didn't cause some idiot to throw some-sort of terrible curse," snapped Alaire. "Does anyone know who threw the curse?"

Harry shrugged. "It's not like whoever did it is going to fess-up to it. Both Ron and Malfoy are determined to find out who did it. For once in their lives, they both agree on one thing …whoever did this to Ginny …must pay …and big."

"I saw Ron and Hermione earlier tending their wounds," Alaire said sarcastically more than a little envious of their relationship. "Where is Draco, by the way?"

"I don't know. He was with her when they first brought her in that private-room, though I doubt Madam Pomfrey let him stay beyond that. Snape went in there a few moments ago. He was brewing a potion to help with the pain."

A second later, the hospital matron swept out from behind a curtain surrounding a nearby bed where she was tending another student from the various curses and hexes thrown during the fights. Alaire and Harry watched her put some potions and tonics onto a tray and carry them into the room where Ginny was. The door did not close all the way behind her. Alaire and Harry hear her give a startled intake of breath, before she found her voice. Luckily Harry and Alaire were close enough to hear everything

OoOoOoOo

"Really, Mr. Malfoy, please leave immediately," came the stern voice of Madam Pomfrey. "You are getting underfoot. Miss Weasley needs her rest. There is nothing you can do for her."

"Listen carefully to me, I am not leaving," snipped the tired drawl of Draco Malfoy.

"Language, Mr. Malfoy," scolded the harsh tone of Professor Snape, though Alaire noted that he too seemed tired. "You wouldn't want to lose all those points Dumbledore awarded our house when you brought an abrupt end to that façade at the dance."

"I don't bloody care if he renamed the school after me. I'm staying right here since you won't let me take Ginny to a real hospital."

"I assure you, Mr. Malfoy, that I am perfectly capable of taking care of Miss Weasley," huffed a clearly offended; Madam Pomfrey.

"I'm not leaving."

"Do not force me to remove you from the hospital wing," Snape sneered.

"I am not leaving her. I don't want her to wake up alone," Draco said in a stern, heart-breaking tone, before his voice took a sharper edge. "Besides; if you make me leave, I will not be responsible for what I do to the person who cursed Ginny. They'll beg for an unforgivable curse before I'm through. No one hurts a Malfoy woman… No one."

"She is not a Malfoy."

A whispered of a spell was uttered. "She will be."

OoOoOoOo

"Draco, you just placed your family's hereditary 'engagement' ring on Miss Weasley's finger. I assure you that your father will not …"

"…He's rotting in Azkaban, exactly where he belongs for being stupid enough to support Voldemort's insane attempt to take over this country …just as the person who did this to my Ginerva should be!"

"Draco, you need to watch your tongue, my ability to protect you suffers each and every time you go against your fathers pure-blood alliances." Snape said.

"My Ginerva is a pure-blood, from a long line of pure-bloods. My parents cannot object to my choice of life-mate on that score." Draco snarled. "It's not like I'll be wasting my seed in that Bookworm-mud, Granger …Ginevra's family may-be poor as church-mice …but their blood isn't tainted.

"I've heard that you've had a recent change of heart about Mud-bloods" Snape countered.

"I don't hate them or think they should be hunted down and killed like mad dogs, if that's what you mean. Even Granger isn't totally disgusting, although I have no idea what Ginevra's brother sees in that flat chested …frigid…'know-it-all'. But then again …I never did understand my parent's irrational fear of Mud's either …I mean Muggleborn's.

"Sweet-Merlin Draco …open your eyes …they breed like rabbits, there are more of them popping-up every term, they'll outnumber pure-bloods and half-bloods here at Hogwarts two to one in five years. As for the villain that did this to your Miss Weasley …we are looking for the culprit and rest assured - he or she - will not go unpunished," Snape said harshly.

"I will not leave her," Draco said in a whisper. "I won't."

A second later the door to the other chamber opened and Snape walked out. The potion master looked extremely tired and irate. He sneered at Harry and nodded politely at Alaire before turning with his robes lashing out behind him as he left the hospital wing.

Moments later, Madame Pomprey came out of the room …alone and looking just as exhausted …she left shaking her head and muttering to herself. Alaire waited until she had entered her office before tiptoeing over to the door and peeking in. What she saw almost broke her heart.

Ginny was lying on a bed breathing in a slow raspy rhythm. Beside her on the mattress lay Draco, his head sharing her pillow and his hand resting lightly on her arm. His eyes were red and swollen standing out against his pale skin. She backed out slowly as the sadness began to encroach on her carefully placed emotional walls.

"Oh, Harry. Its - Its all… so awful." Harry only nodded in silence. Alaire reached out to grasp his hand searching for comfort.

"Ouch!" Harry pulled back and rubbed a sore spot.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Harry. I didn't mean to. I . . ."

"That's OK. Why don't you tell me what happened to you last night? Did Neville get hurt?"

Alaire thought back to the dance that she and Neville had been sharing when the fight broke out. She tried not to blush and made herself get up to look out the window behind Harry's bed.

"Um, well. Neville and I were dancing. You had gone to get some punch."

"Yeah …Literally."

"It's good to hear you joke about it," Alaire added with a small smile. "Then the next thing I knew, there were huge waves of hatred and fear washing over me. It was totally overwhelming. I couldn't see or hear what was happening around me. I was drowning in other peoples emotions."

"How did Neville get you out… if he was fighting?"

"He wasn't. The first thing he did was grab-me and get me out of there. He wasn't throwing curses."

"So much for house loyalty," Harry said with an angry-snort.

"If he hadn't gotten me out of there, when he did, I'd be in the next cubicle …brain dead." Alaire snapped. "There was no way for me to tune-out that many people Harry. He saved my sanity last night."

"Yeah, I guess he did. Look …I'm sorry. It was such a ruddy mess last night. I didn't know who was doing what to whom." He smiled up at her and gingerly took her hand. "I'm actually glad that Neville had the wherefore-all in a hectic situation to take care of you. I'd hate to see you in here in a coma."

"Would you now? I got the impression you wouldn't mind the thought of me in a bed next to yours," Alaire replied teasingly. "Although, I must say the boils don't do much for your looks. You'd do way-better with a nice purple-rash."

Harry had to smile. Alaire could always make him do that. It was one reason he liked being around her so much. She made him feel like he was a normal teenager more concerned about his grades than killing an infamous wizard. There were times that he wished that he could bottle her up and keep her with him whenever he needed her for all the rough times of his life.

"I'll try to remember that next time I get cursed."

"Ah-hem." Alaire turned to see Neville standing behind her. "I thought I'd come check on Harry. I'm glad you're feeling better, Alaire." Neville said as he reached out absentmindedly to brush her hair off her shoulder.

"I owe you one, mate," Harry commented. "Thanks for taking care of her… for me."

Both Alaire and Neville turned to stare at him. Simultaneously, they asked, "For you?"

"Umm; Well, I couldn't do anything because . . ." his voice trailed off.

"Because, Mr. Potter… you were, once again… in the thickest part of the fighting!" Madame Pomprey voice boomed out of nowhere startling the trio. "May I remind you that you also need your rest? Visitors will have to wait." She looked pointedly at Neville and Alaire who took the hint and stood to leave.

"We'll see you later, Harry." Alaire said with a wink as Neville reached out a hand to guide her out.

"Yeah, see you soon." Harry gave a feeble good-bye as Madame Pomfrey watched him warily.

OoOoOoOo

"Is there a reason …that I don't know about …behind him thanking me for taking care of you for him… last night?" asked Neville softly, scared to death of the answer he might hear …as they walked out of the hospital-wing and into the hallway.

"Not that I'm aware of, Neville," Alaire said seeing the jealousy on his face. "I'm the one who should be thanking you."

"Oh, is that so." Neville said with a tiny smile. He stopped walking and stood still …waiting for heaven knows what. Then Alaire leaned over and kissed him on the cheek in almost the same spot she had kissed Harry.

"Thank you." She said, before walking off alone toward the dining hall...

Neville blushed crimson. But his thoughts were deeply troubled. 'Alaire seemed happy to be around him and he had almost kissed her the night before. But Harry had just spoken to him as if Alaire was already his possession. That she was as shocked as he was about that pronouncement told him that Harry might be horribly mistaken about how Alaire felt about him'. And that thought made his heart skip a beat as Alaire further down the hall, she paused …turned around to smile back at him.

Chapter 16

The next day Alaire went down to the hospital-wing in another attempt to see Ginny. She had just left Harry bedside up-in his dorm room after learning that he'd been released mid-morning and was now recuperating back in his own room. Ron had just been released that same morning and when Alaire passed him and in hall she asked him where he was going in such a huff …he had replied with an angry growl …that he was on his way to threaten some Slytherin's whom he was certain were apart of cursing Ginny.

Alaire just shook her head sadly in his direction as he stormed off down the hallway …with Hermione hot at his heels trying to talk some sense into him. She had tuned herself out to everyone right-from-the-off that morning …but she didn't need empathy to feel Ron's anger, it was quite apparent without it.

Instead, Alaire paused in mid-step and began thinking once again about the two young men in her life …Neville and Harry. The two boys were really polar opposites in so many ways it was scary. Harry was all about being active and physical, the stereotypical sports jock. He was daring to the point of being reckless and adventurous to a fault. Intellectually speaking however, Harry was not all that bright.

Their "remedial" potions sessions had come to an end …after Alaire finally came to the realization that she was teaching him more about potions than he was her. Also, he seemed to be completely cut-off emotionally …from all those around him with only the two possible exceptions of Hermione and Ron. He gave no real thought to the day to day lives of his other dorm-mates, which made him exclusive rather than inclusive. Unsolicited fame had a lot to do with his recluse behavior …to be sure, but Alaire found his almost antisocial attitude very disturbing.

Harry didn't intentionally block-out Alaire for any special reason… like to keep her safe; instead he blocked out everyone equally. There was always the sense with Harry …that he was holding back, that he would not; could not, reveal his inner self to anyone, not even to Hermione and Ron… the closest-thing he had to best-friends. Half the time, over the last five years from what Ginny had told her; Harry had spent craving to be treated like a normal bloke, without special treatment.

Harry wasn't a hugger either, at least according to Ginny; he just wasn't the touchy-fleely sort of bloke… like the Weasleys. He preferred to be left alone, and use-to resent very deeply… being physically touched. But now …all of a sudden; just for this term …he didn't seem to mind physical contact at all. Harry seemed obsessed with searching out every opportunity to touch Alaire. He was always brushing her hand, rearranging her hair, or casually placing his arm on the back of her library chair. It wasn't that she minded; for Alaire was a touchy-feely person herself. But still …his slowly growing possessiveness in regards to her, his territorial nature …didn't sit right with the American.

And then there was Neville. Thinking about him made Alaire sighed. He lacked self-confidence in every area that Harry had it by the cart-load. Neville was more interested in how something worked than in actually doing it. One of their shared herbology lessons had entailed dissecting a mandrake. She had almost been physically sick during the process while Neville had thoroughly enjoyed himself. Another difference was that Neville wore his heart on his sleeve although he seemed oblivious to the fact.

Alaire was now more-certain then ever; that Neville liked her loads more than "just a friend", it was becoming painfully obvious. But instead of being over the top flirtatious like Harry was seemingly every day, with show-off stunts played for a big audience. Neville courtship was far more understated with tiny gestures throughout the day like finding a house-elf to put a single flower on her pillow each night, or making sure she was warm while walking her to class outside the castle. It was these small gestures that easily trumped Harry's more Grande-feats of public flirtation. Even tuning-out Neville emotionally as an empath …hadn't prevented Alaire from seeing how he felt for her. It was plain as day …in his eyes.

However, in spite of all the outward signs and Ginny unshakable conviction that he 'had-it-bad' for her. Neville had still had not said anything to her or tried to kiss her again …since the dance. She had thought that that their little talk after the Great Hall ruckus would have given him a certain push. Merlin knows she was doing everything short of jumping on him half naked. Wait …scratch that. She had already tried that ploy… in Hogsmeade.

She sighed again as she stopped to examine a portrait of Laverne de Montmorency who had invented love potions using traditional English ingredients. Alaire snickered quietly to herself. Her mother could brew a love potion that made you fall in love so deeply that you cleaned the other person's house. Of course, it only worked if there were some feeling there already. Maybe she should ask for some. Alaire then mentally kicked herself. She wasn't at Hogwarts to gain a boyfriend …the plan was an option not a requirement. She was there primarily to learn and gain total independence from her 'Gift'.

She had two excellent friends who happened to be boys. Choosing one would jeopardize the friendship with the other. Still, she knew what it felt like to kiss Harry and couldn't help but wonder about kissing Neville. Life was simply too complicated! With such thoughts filling her head it was no wonder that she didn't sense anything out of the ordinary until she was yanked by her arm into a classroom near the hospital-wing.

OoOoOoOo

"You should know better, cousin, than to let people catch you off guard," she heard Vinnie hiss. Part of her wanted to snort in amusement about how much he sounded like his house's namesake at the moment.

"Well I was deep in thought at the moment, Vinnie. Something you wouldn't know about." She teases giving him a deeply sarcastic grin. "I'm on my way to the hospital wing to check on Ginny Weasley, you know, the girl with the chocolate eyes and other assets that you were raving about this summer."

Alaire watched as Vincent Crabbe turned a nice shade of pink, before it drained from his face.

"Good. This is about her. I need you to do what's right, and I don't have a clue what that is."

"Why am I not surprised? But I'm also listening."

"I know who did it – the curse. Only I can't report her because it will look bad to certain people that could cause me extreme pain in the future. On the other hand, if I don't report her I'm going to have to answer to Ginny and Draco someday and that's something I don't want to do either."

"Her… as in Ginny?"

"No. Her - as in; Dala Patterson."

"Who?" Alaire asked confused.

"She's the one that did it."

"Who in the world is she? I've never heard of her."

"She's a sixth-year Puff."

"You're telling me a sixth-year Hufflepuff tried to kill Ginny Weasley. Why?"

"Because of Draco, she and he had something going on."

Alaire's eyes narrowed as anger heated her blood. "You mean he's cheating on Ginny."

"Sweet Merlin; NO! This was last year …before Draco and Ginny got together. But the thing is . . . well what most people don't understand; is that Puffs are very territorial. A lot of people may poke fun at them, but you don't want walk-on what a Puff considers his-or-her territory."

"What?"

Vinnie rolled his eyes. "What is the Hufflepuff's mascot?"

"Uh; a badger… so what?"

"O.K. and tell me what you know about badgers."

"They're vicious and you don't want to piss them off."

"Exactly …and that goes double with a human Puff. Especially with this particular Puff, for this bird is definitely a major psycho. She wants Draco back and sees him as her property with Ginny as a trespasser that's gotten way too close."

"Draco hasn't left Ginny's side since this happened from what I understand. If he finds out who did it, he'd kill her slowly …that is if Ron didn't get to her first."

"That's exactly why you need to do something."

"Me?"

"Yes. You decide who to tell. You take care of it. Make sure Ginny's safe and that nobody gets killed because of this. You're my cousin. Please?" he begged.

"You want me to spill the beans so that Draco won't kill you for not telling him sooner and so that none of your big Slytherin friends will think you're a tattletale?"

"Uh, yeah… Duh! Come on, it's a blood-thing, COUSIN."

Alaire sighed again. He had pulled the kinship card. You could hate someone in your family but you still had to help them if you didn't kill them first …and since murder wasn't on her agenda at the moment . . .

"OK. But you owe me!" she said pointing a finger in his face. "It's only for family honor that I'm doing this."

Crabbe smiled as he pushed his way past her. "Thanks cuz!"

A headache was starting to form as she left the classroom and headed toward the hospital wing. She would have to tell someone, but whom? Definitely not Ron or Draco, they'd both kill that Patterson girl. She would have to explain how she knew, and she didn't really know - Vinnie knew, but he was too chicken-shit to say anything.

Alaire made up her mind to see Ginny and warn Draco not to let anyone get near her other than her family and professors. Then she would go straight to Dumbledore, if she could find him. According to Harry, Vinnie, and just about everybody else, Dumbledore was slightly insane, but knew the truth about just about everything and was very approachable. Besides, he was supposedly in charge.

When she got into the hospital wing, Alaire was surprised to see Neville sitting by the door to Ginny's room with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. Smiling slightly, she made her way over to him.

"What's a nice-guy like you doing in a place like this?" she asked. Neville looked up and smiled a-bit.

"I was trying to get in to see Ginny. She hasn't woken up yet," he said softly motioning to the slightly ajar room. "I don't want to go in there while Malfoy's in there though."

"Why not?" Alaire said rolling her eyes.

"Malfoy and I don't get along, and I think he doesn't like me …because of Ginny."

"What in the world are you talking about Neville?"

Neville shifted uncomfortably in his chair and the tips of his ears turned pink as he mumbled. "Wewereeachothersfirstkiss."

"What?"

Neville exhaled slowly and closed his eyes as he leaned his head against the wall behind him. "We were each others first kiss."

For a second Alaire had to admit …she felt a flare of intense jealousy of Ginny Weasley. "What did Ginny do to get you to kiss her …that I haven't been doing?" she wanted to ask, but bit her lip instead. Luckily at that moment a stirring sound came from within Ginny's hospital-room just as the two outside fell silent.

OoOoOoOo

"I never thought I'd live to see the day a Malfoy looked like something the cat drug-in," teased a weak sounding Ginny Weasley.

"Ginny!" exclaimed a relieved Draco who jumped up at the sound of her voice.

"You look about how I feel. What happened?"

"Oh Gods, you had me so worried. Don't you ever do anything like that again! I swear the next time there's any sort of battle; I'm putting you someplace safe where no one can get to you and you can't get out ...to get hurt with your dam-foolish Gryffindork spirit."

"Draco."

"I mean it, Ginevra. I love you and you aren't getting away from me ever again."

There was a stunned silence.

"You what?" she heard Ginny ask timidly.

OoOoOoOo

Alaire smiled and leaned toward Neville and whispered; "Let's leave them alone for a bit. They have things to hash-out, besides …I have to run an errand, will you come with me?"

"Sure …where too?" - Neville asked as he rose to his feet

"Do you know where Dumbledore's office is?" Alaire asked.

Neville looked at her quizzically for a moment …before he nodded. Then he led Alaire across Hogwarts to the stone Griffin, which guarded the Headmaster's office.

"The problem is now …You have to know the password to get in," he told her.

"Can't you just, you know, knock?" Alaire asked as she began to poke around the door looking for something to poke, prod, or pull.

"Ah, here it is." She grasped a bell-pull that Neville had never seen before and gave it a yank. Neville heard a bell toll somewhere up above him …then the doorway began to reveal a spiral staircase.

"Well, come on." Alaire began to march up the stairs.

Gulping, Neville hesitated but then followed her. "So much for Gryffindor courage," he thought to himself. "Americans have us Brits beat …hands down."

At the top of the stairs, a short corridor opened into a circular office lined with portraits of all the previous Headmasters. Behind a large wooden desk, covered in piles of parchments along with small brass astronomy instruments, sat Albus Dumbledore himself.

"Ms. Goodnight! - Mr. Longbottom! - Finally! I wondered how long it would take you to make your way to my office. You've come at a great time. I was just about to have tea and biscuits. Will you join me?"

Alaire gave him a shy smile and muttered a yes …while Neville merely nodded. Dumbledore waved his wand and three cozy velvet chairs appeared around a small table. With another wave and a few words, biscuits and tea appeared.

With a smile, Dumbledore motioned for them to join him. After a few sips of tea, Alaire smiled. "Peach… My favorite flavor! How did you know?"

"I have to admit to some snooping. I know how hard it is being away from home for the first time. But you have been doing exceptionally well adjusting. I actually expected you here …much sooner."

Alaire had the grace to blush before she nodded toward Neville. "I've made some great friends. They've helped loads."

"Ah, yes. Mr. Longbottom is well known for his willingness to help others as well as his kindness and unwavering loyalty." Neville blushed hard at this compliment and momentarily wished the floor would open up and swallow him.

"But, if you are not here to beg me to go home, what is on your mind?"

"It's Ginny Weasley, sir. I know who cursed her." Dumbledore raised an eyebrow but remained silent …while Neville turned toward her …looking gob-smacked. "I know someone - who knows someone - who . . ." she trailed off not knowing how to continue. "This person would rather remain …anonymous - Yes …that's the proper word."

"That's fine. Not everyone has the moral courage that Neville did a few years ago …when it comes to standing up to his classmates." The Headmaster said beaming with pride at Neville. "So …can you give me the name of Miss Weasleys attacker?"

Alaire paused and looked at Neville, who taking the hint stood up abruptly …"I'll wait downstairs shall I …until you're finished?"

"Oh - No …Neville, please don't go, I need someone that I can depend upon, to stand with me in this," Alaire pleaded, as she tried to understand Dumbledore repeated praise of Neville.

Once again Neville looked into Alaire's eyes and found that he could deny this woman nothing. Nodding again he then sat back down.

Smiling and feeling very much reassured by Neville's support, she continued; "It was Dala Patterson, Headmaster." Alaire declared in a near whisper. "She and Draco were an-item during the last school term …and when the fight broke out at the dance, she hit Ginny."

"Ah. I will make sure that this is handled as discreetly as possible." Albus said calmly, Although I'm actually delighted to see them both working together on this …Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Weasley are unusual allies to say the least. However, as they are also well known for their hot tempers …leaving the dispensing of justice in their hands is also extremely unwise. Can I trust the two of you to say nothing of this?"

They nodded.

"Good. Now, Ms. Goodnight, if you don't mind waiting for Mr. Longbottom at the bottom of the stairs, I need to speak with him privately for a moment."

"Certainly," Alaire then drank the last of her tea, gave an encouraging smile to Neville, and left.

OoOoOoOo

"I hope I did not embarrass you, Mr. Longbottom. But the two of you seem to be quite close."

"Uh, yes, sir. But to be honest, Harry has also been a very good-friend to Miss Goodnight." Neville admitted.

"So you have a rival, and a famous one at that." Albus said kindly with sympathy. "Ms. Goodnight must be enjoying that immensely, it's always flattering to a young girls' ego to have two handsome men courting her at the same time. Alaire is a very special person and needs only the best people around her. But I didn't hold you back to talk to you about your love life. I know that Professor McGonagall is your academics and career advisor …but I'd like to know what you plan to do after Hogwarts."

Neville sat stunned. He tried to make his mouth work but nothing would come out. Finally, he admitted, "I'm not sure really. Due to several articles that have been published in the 'Herbology Monthly' - I've had several offers from commercial Greenhouses. But I haven't really sat down and decided which posting …offers the best deal."

"That's perfectly normal." Albus retorted. "When I was just five years old, I couldn't decide between being a Manticore tamer, an Auror, or a Muggle astronaut. Who would have thought that I would end up here, eh?

"The reason I asked; is Professor Sprout has mentioned to me repeatedly …your exceptional talents as a Herbologist. England hasn't had anyone with your profound gift with plants in almost forty-years. The last person that could as come even remotely close …in the above and beyond proficiency in a particular field of study …would be …Professor Snape."

Neville spat out his tea. "Oh, I'm sorry. I-I . . ." He tried to clean up the mess but only managed to knock several biscuits into the floor.

"Allow me." Dumbledore waved his wand and the mess disappeared. "You seem surprised at the comparison, but you shouldn't be. Everyone within these walls knows that you not only have what Muggle's call a "green thumb" but rather I suspect …that both hands and several toes are lovely shade of emerald." Dumbledore smiled and chuckled at his own lame joke.

"Th-thank you, sir. But I-I'm horrible at potions …as Professor Snape will no doubt tell you." Neville paused. "Actually, sir, he often wanted to put me back into first year Potions during my five years of study under him. My final marks on the Potions O.W.L. were dismal"

"I wasn't comparing you to Professor Snape for potions, Neville. I was pointing out that different people - have different gifts - in different subjects. Believe it or not …when it came to anything remotely to do with Herbology, the student; Severus Snape was - in his own words; 'a clumsy …walking disaster'. Just as you mucked-up in the potions lab, Severus was all-thumbs in the Greenhouses of this school".

Neville sat there utterly stunned by this information.

"The same thing can be said of you and Mr. Potter." Albus carefully elaborated. "Harry's talent lies in the sky, when it comes to flying a broom there are few better in the world. His gift is the air, yours is with the earth. I use these examples ….only to point out how foolish it would be for you to complete with Professor Snape in making potions …or Harry in a flying contest. It would be far better to play to your own strengths. This philosophy can be applied in many things in life …including romance." Albus said with a knowing twinkle in his eyes

Once again, Neville stared gob-smacked at the old wizard, as his mind digested what he'd been told.

"Tell me, has your private study been useful?"

Neville's head snapped up from where he had been studying the floor. Dumbledore smiled. "I'm the one who suggested it to Professor Sprout when we were discussing you last year. It's rare for a seventh year to be afforded such independence. I hope you're taking full advantage of it?" He then knowingly winked at Neville who tried to keep his face clue-free of any of the sexual innuendoes that ran through his mind. Instead …as a diversion Neville launched into a description of several of his current experiments while Dumbledore listened with interest.

"I actually read your latest submission to the 'Herbology Quarterly' Mr. Longbottom; I believe it is your tenth submission in the last two years.

"Yes sir"

"All of your articles have been very well received as I understand it," Albus continued when Neville nodded, "and your hybrids' how many have you patented?"

"Only six" Neville said in a disappointed tone.

"A Mere six, when there hasn't been a single successful hybrid plant cultivated in all of Western Europe during the twelve years prior to your coming to Hogwarts. You must redouble your efforts in future" Albus teased with a small-smile. "You're receiving royalties from your patented plants …are you not?"

"Yes sir" Neville said, "but almost all of those galleons go to offset some of my parent's medical bills."

"That's very noble of you," Albus said beaming with pride. "It sounds as if you have everything well in hand, Mr. Longbottom. I also should point out that you need not worry about Professor Sprout popping by your study unexpectedly. I'm a firm believer …that everyone needs some privacy, especially teenage boys. I wish that everyone here could be trusted as much as you are." Dumbledore stood and wiped some crumbs from his beard. Neville stood with him somewhat stunned by their conversation.

"Take good care of Alaire, Neville. I'm not sure what she's told you of her experience in America . . ."

"Only a-bit, I know a few things about her 'gift' …and that some of her former friends treated her badly."

"Hmm. Yes, well-put. I'm very glad that she picked Gryffindor to be her house." Suddenly, the doorbell began to ring. "That would be my next appointment. I hope you'll excuse me for rushing you out …Mr. Longbottom?"

"No worries sir."

Dumbledore extended his hand which Neville shook. "Your parents would be proud."

For the first time in their conversation, Neville smiled. "Thank you, sir."

OoOoOoOo

At the bottom of the stairs, Alaire sat waiting. She was apprehensive but she could only feel happiness emanating from Neville.

"Is everything OK?" she asked still concerned.

"Yeah." Neville smiled at her and then, to her great surprise, he hugged her tightly. And then …just before he let her go he slowly lowered his head while reaching up with both hands to cup her face. Then as Alaire held her breath Neville leaned in and gave her a quick kiss …near her lips which left the girl utterly gob-smacked.

"Everything is fantastic." He said as he released Alaire, and for both of them …right then it was.

OoOoOoOo

Later that week Alaire learned that Dala Patterson had left the school for "personal reasons." She had hoped that the news wouldn't cause a stir.

Unfortunately, Alaire learned that the walls of Hogwarts had ears because within forty-eight hours after Dala's departure, the news of who had hexed Ginny Weasley and why went raging around the school, until it blew-up just outside the hospital wing.

Alaire had been walking to the hospital wing to see Ginny, who was being released that day when she felt turmoil, anger, guilt and fear... coming at her from up-ahead. She tried to block them out all while running to see what was going on.

As she rounded the corner she came to an abrupt stop, for she saw that Ron Weasley had Draco Malfoy hanging by the collar of his robes …dangling some two feet above the floor.

Most people discounted Ron as nothing more than Harry's sidekick; even Alaire had been guilty of this mistake …but as she looked at him she saw that the single hand he was using to hold Draco off the ground was glowing with the same blue color that highlighted his glowing eyes. Raw magical power on a scale Alaire had never seen in America …was being displayed right in front of her eyes. This was also wand-less magic, because Alaire saw Ron's wand sticking out of the boy's rear pocket.

"It's YOUR fault that my baby sister got hit with that bloody curse!" Ron screamed outraged. "If you hadn't been fooling around with that deranged slag last term, then this wouldn't have happened!"

"I wouldn't let anything bad happen to Ginevra …Weasel," Draco spat back …completely unaware of how dangerous the situation was. "How was I supposed to know some demented Hufflepuff slut was going to go after her? I swear if I would have known that some bitch would try to kill my Ginevra, I would have ripped that cow apart with my bare hands."

"Sure you would!" Ron spat back in a mocking tone. "You've shagged loads of birds over the years …haven't you? How many of the former nut-jobs that you bunked-up with …do we have to worry about, Ferret? How are you going to protect my sister from your too numerous to count hump-and-dump bedmates …past …present …and future?"

"I would never cheat on your sister, Weasel," Draco hissed defiantly. "I don't want anything to ever happen to her. You, on the other hand, I don't give a rat's-ass about …except for the fact that if something happened to you …it would hurt my Ginevra."

"You are so full of shite, Malfoy,"

"Ron! - Draco! - Stop it!" Ginny yelled as she exited the infirmary her wand in hand. "I'll hex both of you if you don't stop it …right this instant!"

Ron took a quick glimpse at his sister and then the blue glow faded …a moment later he then released Draco, who dropped to the floor in a heap. Alaire watched as the Slytherin fell to the floor like a rag doll and cringed, the extra powerful magic Ron had displayed had left her fearful for Draco's safety. Ron rushed to Ginny's side and pulled her by the arm away from Draco. Ginny, who was still a little weak, tried to get away unsuccessfully.

"Your not going to go anywhere near him... ever again, Ginny," Ron growled.

"It's wasn't his fault, Ron."

"We are what we are by the choices we make; our character is formed by the peers we surround ourselves with. Remember Dad and Mum telling us that as kids Ginny?" Ron asked his sister who looked away ashamed. "Malfoy's peers are nutcases and Death Eaters. When the final battle comes… are you going to stand with your family …or next to the son of a man who has condemned your family for death …as blood-traitors?"

Ginny couldn't help but be horrified by that thought.

"I realize that you may fancy the Git, and maybe he fancies you too. Up to now, because I thought you were old enough to make your own choices …I've turned a blind eye to what you've been doing with him …but no more. This blonde-haired ferret almost got you killed …it's as simple as that. I've written Mum and dad about what happened and Mum ordered me to make bloody-sure that he doesn't get you hurt again. Come on we're going back to the common room." Again; Ginny protested, but Ron settled the matter by picking her up and tossing her over his shoulder. As they strode off, Alaire could hear Ginny trying to curse her brother.

OoOoOoOo

Ron made good on his promise. For a solid fortnight he managed to stop Ginny from seeing Draco publicly or in private. Ginny got zero support from home …getting a howler at breakfast the next morning …from her mother …over an un-removable engagement ring. Mrs. Weasley was outraged by Draco's presumption at proposing marriage without consulting her family first. Even Alaire admitted to her best-mate that the ring-bit had been ill advised.

In Alaire's view, the key to winning over the Weasley clan where Draco was concerned was Ron. Malfoy needed a champion to plead his case, and as Ron was the only Weasley on site at Hogwarts, he was her best-bet to convince the Weasley Clan that Draco was nothing like his dad.

Ginny …being cursed with the Weasley stubbornness refused to listen to reason, of course. She preferred to attempt to see her boyfriend on the sly. But that ploy was easier said than done, for Ron walked with Ginny everywhere she went. When he couldn't go with her, he planted some sort of odd contraption from the twins on Ginny that sent an alert whenever Malfoy got within 10 feet of his sister.

Facing obstacles everywhere she turned, finally, enough was enough and Ginny pulled Alaire aside one morning in the common room for a little girl-talk.

"Alaire, I need your help. Ron won't let me out of his sight! I'm going crazy! I've made plans to see Draco tonight and I'm going …whether Ron likes it or not."

"What about the alarm …or worst yet …your family, have they budged at all?"

"The twins are with my Mum in this, so are Bill and Charlie. My Dad hates Lucius with a passion …and with just cause. He's a ruddy Death Eater and that-Lot killed my uncles Gideon and Fabian in the first war …so in a way …it's all perfectly understandable." Ginny said frustrated. "I can't get them to see that Draco isn't anything like his dad".

"Sneaking behind Ron's back isn't going to help matters Gingin."

"Are you going to help me or not?"

"I guess you've found a way to neutralize the alarm," Alaire asked and Ginny nodded. "So what you need from me is a distraction?"

"Yeah, if the twins were on my side in this, we would just blow something up. Right now that would preferably be Ron …but . . ."

"I still think your best course is winning Ron over to your point of view."

"Later …I promise, I'll make nice-nice with Ronniekins," Ginny pleaded. "But right now, I need a Draco fix …really-really bad"

"Hmm. Okay – okay. You know what …I've been planning on getting a-little personal revenge on some of the Gryffindor guys anyway …Finnegan has really been getting out of hand lately, with Jack Sloper a close second. I can't wear anything low-cut around that Irishmen without him openly staring. He and Sloper watch my every move like Lion watches its prey; to them I'm a sex-object... a piece of meat… how ruddy-thick can they be? I mean, honestly! Does Seamus really think we don't hear him and Sloper synergized moan whenever a girl bends over.

"Pathetic the lot of them", Ginny agreed.

"Since coming to Hogwarts I've been repeatedly accused of cock-teasing by loads of people here; Finnegan every other day and Sloper by-weekly …even Harry and Neville do it now and then. When all I've been really doing… is a little old-fashioned American flirting. They have no-clue about how a real cock-teaser acts. If I can pull-off what I have in mind, I think I can most likely distract every Gryffindor boy in the Great Hall at dinner tonight …except one.

"Which one is that," Ginny asked fearfully …already knowing the answer.

"I hate to admit this, but even if I stood in the center of the Gryffindor common-room completely naked, your brother still wouldn't give me the time of day." Alaire confessed, although it hurt her feminine pride a-little to acknowledge it. "Ron is so hopelessly in love with Hermione, he has no eyes for any other girls. In other words; only Hermione can distract your brother …long enough …for you to get your Draco fix.

"So what we need …is something along the lines of another WWW bondage bar incident," Ginny said rubbing her chin thoughtfully

At that precise moment the common room door burst open as a very irate Head-Girl rushed in complaining loudly about how Ron was; a royal Prat, for thinking that there was no harm in letting other girls flirt with him. "I know he's loyal as the day is long, that he'd never cheat on me. I can even accept that he fell in love with me …long before …certain parts of my body began to naturally develop.

"However; implying that he has the God-given right, to engage in 'harmless' flirting banter with a bunch of husband-hungry sixth and seventh year Scarlet-hussies …determined to steal my man …from me; before our wedding day …out of the crazy notion that no real-harm can be done to our relationship by enjoying the sight of these slag's dressing sexy just for him; is …simply ludicrous. I mean honestly …just because I've never bothered with the seductive-attire nonsense before now …is bloody insulting.

"In Ron's defense Hermione," Ginny said with a knowing wink toward Alaire. "Dressing slutty and Hermione Granger are two terms that are all but… oxymoronic. In the six years I've known you, with the two sole exceptions of the Yule-ball and Bill's wedding …dressing in anything even remotely sexy has been strictly out-of-the-question …and deep down you knows this to be true."

"Ginny has a point Hermione," Alaire said piling on. "I can't imagine what brought-on this argument and I'm sure that Ron was just trying to point-out how unlikely it is for him to could be seduced away from you. That he failed to express that properly is nothing new for him. You're just not the type to dress like a slut, and he knows that. It would never enter his mind that you'd …just to prove your point… to a dim-witted if amazingly faithful boyfriend. That you would deliberately dress; just once, in the manner of a slag … to show your man that you do-know how to seduce him with sexy-clothing."

"You're both right, you know." Hermione said dropping down into a chair feeling depressed. "I really don't know the first thing about dressing sexy. Since we got together, how I dress hasn't been an issue. A passionate snog or two and our clothing just …disappear."

Ginny and Alaire exchanged glances and then smiled as a major piece of the puzzle fell into place. Hermione was mad enough at Ron at that moment it proved to be child's-play to get her to join in with Alaire distraction plan without hesitation.

"Ginny and I can help you if you really want to prove Ron wrong." Alaire said in a conspiratorial tone. "I think a little display of seductive girl power would be very educational to the silly Prats in our lives."

"You'd do that …you'd help me," Hermione pleaded in a near desperate tone.

"Only if we prove Ron wrong right away… as in tonight," Alaire replied smugly.

OoOoOoOo

Later that night (Saturday) at dinner, Alaire entered the Great Hall having already decided to sit on the opposite side of the table from her usual spot and right in front of Harry and Dean …on Harry's right sat Seamus with Neville sitting a few spot down from the potter inner-click with Sloper in-between Neville and the entrance door. Ginny slipped into the Great-Hall after Alaire mostly unnoticed; wearing no make-up or perfume and her most non-form-fitting school uniform. She took a seat several chairs down from Alaire …right next to Neville, but still in plain sight. This meant that Ginny was also sitting far closer to the entrance door of the Great hall than her sibling's normal spot and yet still surrounded by Neville and some of her sixth year friends.

Hermione wearing the same full length robe she normally wore outside the castle …came in last with Ron in tow like a puppy on a short least, the Head-Girl also opted to change the normal seating arrangement. By sitting a short distance away from Harry and the others …further up the table and closer to the mostly empty Professors table some distance from but in direct line of sight of her other female co-conspirators. Over Ron's obvious objection, her boyfriend was compelled to sit across from her …instead of next to her.

Both young women settled in and gave each other a non-verbal nod like signal. The two girls then rose to their feet and in synchronized move began undoing the buttons of their outside robes peeling them off their shoulder and dropping them down onto the bench next to them …thus slipping out of these form concealing garments at the same instant. By design …both young women were dressed underneath their outer robes in very similar …unusually skin-tight Muggle-style clothing …the seductive nature of which automatically drew the undivided attention of every male in the room with a pulse.

Although Hermione was clearly uncomfortable having her marginal-curves on public display, Alaire on the other hand seemed to revel in the slack-jawed open stares she was getting from all the boys around her. Ignoring the lust in the eyes of the other boys and the raw hate emanating from the more traditionally attired girls in the Great hall was a major rush for the American for she reveled in this power she had over men …Alaire then glanced up the table and smiled, for she had been right.

In spite of having twice the voluptuous-curves of Granger, a larger bosom and therefore twice the potential cleavage …Ron did not give Alaire sensuality-on-display a single glance. He sat there utterly spellbound and gob-smacked …openly staring with obvious sexual hunger at Hermione's meager curves …as if she was Aphrodite made flesh. For a moment Alaire couldn't help but feel the deepest of envy of the Head-girl …for the painfully obvious devotion of her head-over-heels in-love boyfriend, Ron. Alaire couldn't help but openly wonder if the Head-Girl had any idea of how much power and control she had over the youngest male Weasley.

Turning her attention back toward Harry and the boys …Alaire was struck by the totally different responses she was getting empathically from the two boys courting her. She didn't have to touch Harry to tell the raw …nearly overwhelming Lust emanating off of him. It was little different in intensity than the unbridled sexual desire she sensed pouring off of Seamus or Sloper and it was very disappointing to Alaire …that Harry's feeling so closely paralleled the perverted Finnigan.

Tuning-Harry and the other boys out as far as she could, Alaire used her new training at controlling her gift …to concentrate her empathic powers on Neville and although she sensed more feelings of lust pouring out of the Herbologist than she ever had before …these newly discover carnal desire in Neville was tempter by a ten-fold increase in feelings identical to what she often sensed from Ron directed toward Granger. Alaire feeling embarrassed at Neville's deepening feelings for her; quickly tuning-out the boy… she sat back down abruptly.

Deviously as dinner continued …as planed …Granger and Goodnight ever-so-casually began to undo …one at a time …the buttons of the form-fitting blouses that they were wearing. By the first glimpse of bra-lace, the boys on the other side of the table were utterly spell-bound.

Hermione had made perfectly clear from the get-go that her only target at the dinner table that night …was going to be Ron, and both Alaire and Ginny understood that restriction fully. The Head-girls only goal was to make a point to her boyfriend and she'd been completely successful in that task the moment she slipped out of her outside winter robe.

Hermione had glanced around during dinner several times and had noticed the lack of attention she was getting in comparison to Alaire. Although being almost totally-ignored for the most part by all of the other boys, this disappointment was greatly offset by the undivided attention of the red haired seventh-year Gryffindor Prefect who was all-but literally drooling at the sight of the Head Girl's admittedly – modest display of cleavage.

It was at this point when Draco caught Ginny's eye and they rose from their respective tables almost totally unnoticed... except by Neville and left the Great Hall. Ginny gave a parting-salute of thanks toward Alaire …who had simply smiled back before turning to face the randy boys surrounding her. Hermione had successfully distracted Ron; the rest of the boys were her problem.

"So, Seamus, how's the pervert business going?"

Finnigan paused in mid-drool as he stared straight at her ample cleavage and stuttering said. "Just …Fine …thank-you."

"Caught sight of any NAKED students wandering about in the Hallways?" Alaire asked smirking.

Seamus almost spit out his pumpkin juice. "No! Are you volunteering to walk bare-ass through the halls?"

"Well, that would be a refreshing wouldn't it." Alaire turned back to her meal. "Ugh. This chicken is positively dry. Look at all those firm chicken breasts on that platter, uncovered by any gravy; it's just NAKED bare-flesh. Wouldn't you say so, Jack?"

Jack Sloper's head popped up. "Naked?"

"Yes …NAKED …what we need instead …is prime breast meat, firm and juicy. Don't you think that a set of large ripe breasts are the most delicious thing in the world," Alaire said in a seductive tone. "Doesn't just the thought make you want to reach out and fill both hands with a nice bit-of breast? Wouldn't you like having a breast to nipple on …oh excuse me I mean nibble on …of course? Well wouldn't you Harry?"

"Well . . ." Said staring at Alaire fingers toying with yet another button of her blouse.

"Whatever …it's not as if the gravy would stay on the meat for long. I usually just lick off the sauce on anything I put in my mouth." To illustrate her point, she picked up a chicken leg and began to seductively suck on the meat slow and gently as if she was performing oral sex. By this time, she had the attention of every boy around her. Even Dean had fallen under Alaire's seductive-spell much to the annoyance of Luna who sat at the adjoining Ravenclaw table.

"I have to agree, Alaire," Hermione said from further down the table. "Because my parents are dentists, I don't like sugary foods but every now and then …I just crave a slice of hot apple pie oozing all over the plate and covered in whipped cream."

She licked her lips then scooped up a finger-full of her vanilla pudding and sucked it off her fingers as she stared longingly at Ron. Her poor boyfriend consciously swallowed… while Harry glancing away from Alaire for a moment; simply stared at the Head-girl gob-smacked as if he had never seen this Hermione before in his entire-life.

"Of course, apple is good, but for me it has to be …cherry. Nothing in the world tastes better than the juices of a ripe - freshly popped - cherry," Alaire paused as she slowly licked her lips. "Neville; honey, could you pass me some pumpkin juice? I suddenly want something wet running down my throat."

Neville just stared at her spellbound; like all the others …and then he abruptly shook his head as if to clear it. He was deeply confused at her behavior at dinner …but finally as he passed down the jug juice... he began to rapidly come out of his spellbound state …unlike his other male peers at the table …and worst yet …he was also becoming suspicious, for he instinctively knew that this particular kind was flirting went beyond the pale, even for her. When Neville began to glance back and forth between Alaire and Hermione… the American girl could all but hear …the wheels turning in his head.

Harry had been too easy to ensnarl with a-bit of cleavage, and perhaps that had been her undoing. Alaire had spend most of her efforts to cock-teasing Potter, Sloper, Seamus and the other boys …as usual …for she had sensed for some time that the-boy-who-lived feelings toward her was far-more physically based than Neville's. The Herbologist was interested in far more than just a quick slap and tickle, so she didn't feel the need to tease him by flaunting her sexuality nearly as much.

Alaire quickly tuned-in on Neville again and what taken back by the abrupt emotional change in him, the level of lust in him had dropped dramatically and had been replaced by feelings of …disappointment. Acting like an overt cock-tease and concentrating primarily on Harry, Jack, Dean and Seamus was backfiring a-tad. So in a desperate attempt to reignite Neville's feelings of lust …and thus her control of him, Alaire deliberately leaned in Neville's direction bending slightly to give him a better view of her cleavage.

But the ploy also failed, as the expression of disappointment only grew deeper on his face. Confused and a-bit alarmed, Alaire's began to wonder if her (LBD) little black dress had limited range. The boys directly in front of her were fully entranced, But Neville just five feet away was coming out from under Alaire allure far faster than expected.

"Okay-okay…mission accomplished …Ginny is safely gone", Alaire said to her-self, "Neville is rapidly losing respect for me and clearing feeling on the short-end of all of this. Far from stupid …he can see me coming on to Harry like a cheap slut and he'll come to the same conclusion as last time …about me being Potters-girl. I'd better change course into safer waters pretty-dam-quick or I'll end up alienating him permanently."

Alaire looked at the randy boys sitting across from her and with a forced-grin she mockingly toasted the victims of her sensuality. "Bottoms-up," She declared and then started to drink but then stopped …fixing Harry with a seductive stare and said; "How about a drinking contest, Harry?" she said as a dare …while stilled tune-in on Neville.

Alaire cringed mentally as empathically she-felt Neville feelings of rejection plunge to new depths, as his self-loathing increase ten-fold. She had damaged his male-ego far more than she had intended to …just to help Ginny; but it was too-late to change tactics now that the cards had been dealt. Alaire then briefly glanced up at the Head-table were her control instructor sat, the disappointment on his face spoke volumes.

'I've got to at least play-out this hand before I cash in my chips' she said to her-self with regret. "Back in the states, I could chug a pint of milk in about 10 seconds …any takers? How about you Ron? You're well known for your oral abilities. Hermione just couldn't stop talking about them this morning, I mean really." But her taunt garnered no response… as Ron seemed obvious to his surroundings completely amoured with Hermione.

"Oh, well. I guess dear Ronniekins is down for the count. I'll just have to prove it to myself that I can drink all of this." And with those words, Alaire raised the decanter of pumpkin-juice and began to drink. All the eyes of the boys across from her were fixated on Alaire as she drank it all down. The overflow from her mouth dripped off her chin to drop down onto the soft flesh of her exposed cleavage. With a final slurp, Alaire sat down the now empty pint decanter. She smiled weekly at the aroused-boys before making a gentle burp.

'Time to make-amends with Neville' Alaire said to herself before saying out-loud; "Oops, sorry folks. I don't know how my blouse came undone," She said as she looked down at her front and began to redo her buttons rapidly. "Oh, my …look at the time. I need to get to the library for a charms study session. Anyone wants to go-down …there …with me …how about you Neville?" she pleaded; subtlety trying-hard to make-up for her previous neglect.

"No …thank-you; Ms Goodnight", Neville said with stiff formality; getting-up abruptly …apparently completely unflustered, by Alaire's succubus-act. Neville's offended-tone of voice, a prefect indicator of his deeply-hurt feelings and overwhelming disappointment. "Duty calls me in the other direction, so if you dinner entertainment for the lads is over for this evening, I'll be off." And then with a look of pure contempt at his randy peers he stormed off out of the Great-Hall in an angry huff.

Neville's comment hinting that she had been playing a game on him caused her forced seductive-smile to fade fast. The arousal-pain on the faces of the other boys however; were still very evident. Each one of them had been rendered helpless by her cock-tease display …especially Harry.

But her power over a pack of horny boys had left a bitter taste in her mouth. Her victims were squirmed in their seat fighting with the emotional urge to follow Alaire anywhere while at the same time constrained by the more pressing physical discomfort that mandated that they sit right where they were …for a few more moments until the memory of Alaire cleavage and the chicken-comments faded somewhat.

After a few moments of silence, Alaire looked up the table, Hermione and Ron had disappeared to God knows where, to engage in working-off the arousal in her boyfriend that Hermione's clothing had caused. Ron would not be giving any thought to his sister's whereabouts tonight. Getting up from her seat, she bent-over slightly giving Harry an unobstructed view right-down her top one more time. She gently patted Harry's hand and gave the now deeply embarrassed boy …a half-hearted grin.

"I guess I'll see y'all later then …as y'all seem unable to speak or move. Too bad, it's a lovely night out tonight. Prefect for a moon-lit stroll …Oh, well." And with a swagger, that belied her bittersweet victory, Alaire left the room knowing that Ginny was safe and her job … had been well done …despite the cost to her relationship with Neville.

OoOoOoOo

Chapter 17

A few weeks later, things were anything but back to normal. Ron and Hermione were bickering again, but their rows now lacked the venom of their pre-get-together arguments. It was actually endearing watching the Head-girl openly row while flirting (at the same time) with her utterly devoted boyfriend. As for Harry …he was suddenly being elusive for some unexplained reason.

Neville had also taken a big step back from her after the cock-teasing incident at dinner …He didn't ignore her as blatantly as he had with the WWW KISS incident …but getting him to spend any time with her alone was like pulling teeth. His tutoring secessions with her no-longer took place in the Greenhouses for hands-on instruction; instead they were conducted exclusively in the common-room in front of others. Whenever Harry approached, Neville would end the tutoring abruptly. His excuses for ending things early were at least somewhat believable …as he was engrossed in the highly complicated paperwork involved in patenting the seventh of his top-secret herbology projects.

With classic New Orleans stubbornness; Alaire only somewhat regretted her overboard sexiness of the Draco-fix night and only because it had somewhat confirmed Neville's worst cock-teasing accusations of playing him to get Harry fears/theories. Neville didn't mention it in passing or make a scene about-it, in fact he never brought-up the subject of her Yankee-style flirting ever again… at least not out-loud. Of course, after last time …perhaps he'd learned to keep his gob-shut about what she did with other guys. However, Alaire just knew it was an unsettled issue between them and untreated it was festering like a neglected wound.

It finally dawned on Alaire that a fortnight after acting slutty at dinner, Neville seemed to be coming up with some really lame-excuses so as to avoid hanging-out with Harry and her …as a trio. Ron had been overheard in a hallway by Ginny …telling Harry that Neville was doing the proper thing by allowing 'quality alone time' for Harry and his Yankee-bird, worst-still Harry didn't even try to correct anyone anymore… that they weren't a couple.

Thus deprived of one of her two favorite male admirers' company; Alaire fell into a bad-bout of homesickness. It was late at night in the common room, with Neville once again entrenched behind the walls of his study …that Alaire approached Harry who Ron had once again trumped him at wizards-chess.

"Harry, would you mind coming with me for a couple minutes?" Alaire asked. "I need a brave escort down these dark and scary hallways!" she added sarcastically.

"Sure," he said, before turning to Ron and teasing.

"See, Weasley? I don't have to sit here and get slaughtered by you. I am wanted elsewhere by a beautiful woman."

"Keep telling your-self that, Potter," Ron smirked back. Harry was surprised when Alaire led him out of the common room.

"We'll get in trouble for being out this late. What is it you want to show me?" Harry said with a Seamus like leer"

"We won't get in trouble. I have a hall pass," Alaire said deliberately ignoring the sexual innuendo. "Besides, I don't really want to show you anything. I'm going to talk to my parents for a-bit and want someone to come with me. I've seen voodoo witches at midnight on Halloween and we even have our own family ghost who watches over us. But, to be honest Nearly Headless Nick kind of gives me the creeps. I keep waiting for his head to flop over whenever he talks to me."

"But how are you going to talk to your parents? Owl's can travel across the ocean you know."

"I know that, but it takes three days to get a reply so that's why I'm not using an owl." Alaire said as she opened a door and led Harry inside. "Letters are too impersonal and I need to talk to my mom in particular … you know …girl-stuff."

Harry looked around inside the room. It was dark except for three torches which reflected off a tall mirror. It was as big as the 'Mirror of Erised', but lacked the inscription and other details.

"It's a two-way mirror," Alaire explained.

"I know," Harry said his voice cracking as he thought about the mirror at the bottom of his trunk upstairs.

"Oh?"

"Sirius had a mirror like that …only smaller," Harry said softly, his throat going dry.

"Who's Sirius?"

"He was my godfather. He was murdered during my fifth-year. That was his motorcycle that we rode-in on at the Halloween party."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"Yeah …me too."

"Uh, Harry," Alaire said trying to break the heavy mood that filled the room. "Unless you want to answer some very disturbing questions from my father about what your intentions are toward me, I suggest you move away from the mirror. My dad's a little-insane. He thinks I'm permanently ten years old. He tends to interrogate all my male friends as if they are repeat-sex-offender criminals'. He knows we're friends but we'd be here for hours if he knew the "one and only Harry Potter" was in the room." Alaire watched as Harry's face turned a lovely shade of pink.

"I think I'll go right over there," he said pointing to a dark corner as far away from the mirror as possible.

"Good choice."

OoOoOoOo

Almost a hour later, Alaire finished talking to her parents and was ready to go. Harry tried to stay as far away from the mirror as she talked to her Dad —not that he had anything to hide but it looked bad. If he had a daughter and went to floo her …late at night …and saw a boy with her, he would indeed jump to various wrong conclusions.

The duo made their way back to the Gryffindor Common Room quietly. Alaire was in great spirits …smiling contently after talking to her parents, and Harry was equally content to just hold her hand while looking at her longingly. Everything was fine until they went around a corner to find Snape pulling McGonagall out of what must have been her private quarters.

"It's urgent, Minerva," Harry heard him say in a loud whisper.

Quickly Harry grabbed Alaire's arm and pushed both of them into a little alcove behind a statue of Artemisia Lufkin. Her wide winter-cloak hid them both from anyone's view.

"Harry what —" Alaire asked startled.

"Shh," he said softly. Harry watched as McGonagall and Snape looked around the hallway to make sure no one else was there.

Alaire was a bit tense. Harry had just pulled her into a darkened alcove, and was holding her tightly against him. Was he going to kiss her? Part of her wanted him to, but another part of her heart the bigger part …couldn't help but think longingly of Neville.

Harry watched as McGonagall and Snape turned toward each other. Not noticing at all that he was in a very intimate like embrace with Alaire, Harry pressed even harder into Alaire to better hear what the two professors were saying.

Unfortunately for Alaire, it felt like he was leaning in to kiss her. She closed her eyes, but nothing happened. All she could hear was the pounding of her heart and whispers of a conversation from somewhere nearby. She had no idea what was being said.

"What's the news, Severus?" McGonagall asked in a forced whisper.

"Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange have just escaped from Azkaban," Snape whispered urgently. "You know that the release of those two was one of the Dark-Lords first goals prior to any kind-of large scale attack."

"Sweet Merlin, this is bad."

Harry abruptly stepped back from Alaire …pushing the girl to one side …as if disguarding any pretense of hiding. He stood stock-still… clutched his hands into fists as he continued to listen to the conversation. Suddenly waves of unbridled hatred, intense anger mixed with a twinge of fear cascaded off Harry. He continued to listen to the conversation; however Alaire being totally unprepared for all the super-strong emotions pouring out of Harry …didn't hear any more of it.

The tidal wave of emotions from three very upset people …Harry, Snape, and McGonagall crashed into Alaire like a run-way freight-train causing the caught-off guard girl to fall back against the wall of the alcove as if struck by a heavy blow. The darkened alcove began to take on a sinister attitude as Alaire quickly began to panic. It felt like the walls were closing in on her …with hatred being the strongest overpowering emotion. Smog like sensations of raw fear had begun to overtake her senses.

She was almost physically sick before Harry grabbed the exposed flesh of her upper arm and with zero gentleness …half-tugged …half-dragged, Alaire out of the alcove. The pain of sensory-overload was pounding her brain into mush …making every new wave of emotion pouring into her brain from touching Harry …pure torture. In a mental daze she lost track of time on the way to the common-room and was shaking like a leaf …in near mental collapse as she was dragged passed the portrait hole into the common room and forcefully dumped into a chair by the fire.

"Go to bed, Alaire," Harry commanded harshly, as he turned away from her he dismissed her from his thoughts. Harry's intense emotions had abruptly disappeared from her mind when he stopped touching her …but by then …the damage had been done …leaving Alaire in a state of profound shock. She wanted desperately to cry but the tears would not come. What the hell …had happened?

"We need a meeting of DA right now, Hermione," Harry said sternly across the room in a forced whisper to Ron and Hermione. "Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange have escaped from Azkaban."

"My God," Hermione muttered getting up from Ron's lap. "I'll set the medallions. I don't know how many people can come on this short a notice."

"However many it is, it will have to be enough."

Hermione nodded and raced up the stairs to the girls' dormitory.

"Where did you hear this, Harry?" Ron asked trying not to set off his best friend, who looked on the verge of blowing something up.

"I was in the hallway just now and heard Snape talking about it."

"Bloody-hell."

"That's about the gist of it," Harry said sternly. "Come on, we'll meet everyone in the Room of Requirements."

The duo rushed out of the Gryffindor Common Room not even noticing that the small abandoned figure - shaking uncontrollably - by the fireplace …was still trying to figure out what was going on.

OoOoOoOo

Neville wiped his brow with the back of his hand. He had finished the paperwork on his latest patent a few hours before and had been working on the little project after that …to make-up to Alaire his most recent neglect of her company. His first co-operative effort with Professor Snape had been a smashing success, and the hybrid he had developed which replaced a less useful ingredient had improved the effeteness of the current anti-Cruciatus Curse remedy by a staggering forty-three percent. It didn't sound like much to Neville, but then again …he'd never bit hit by a Crucio. But to those who had …that forty-three percent made a huge difference. Cleaning up, before heading back to the common-room Neville made a final sweep of the room to check on his other projects.

There had only been one week of zero growth in his rose. That was the week directly after the ill-fated Hogsmeade trip. That week it had gotten really weak and nothing he could do would bring it out of it stupor. For a while he was afraid it would just die. However, just as quickly as it had fallen ill it snapped out of it and was flourishing again. He sighed. He would have to give it out when the students' returned after Christmas holidays. It would be ready by then.

Then of course there was the magnolia tree that he had managed to get for Alaire. She had been illegally snipping buds from the greenhouse. Professor Sprout had remarked only last week that the poor tree didn't seem to be doing so well. He had quickly taking a bud from the cultivations and applied some growth potion mixed with a dwarfism enchantment. He now had a blooming magnolia bonsai tree. This was to be his token gift to Alaire, to make up for his less than sporting behavior since the cock-tease incident a fortnight ago. She wasn't his girl so he had no reason to be jealous of Harry. Perhaps this gift would reestablish their damaged friendship.

He was admiring the bonsai tree as he walked up to the 'Fat Lady' and muttered the password. Neville was just about to enter the common room, when the door opened up and a very worried looking Hermione clambered out.

"Neville, thank-God, you're here? We've got an emergency DA meeting right now!" she said grabbing his arm.

"Now - - Why …what's happened?"

Hermione leaned in and whispered to him. "It's something ... Harry will tell us when everyone's there."

"Something bad you mean?" Neville closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm him-self.

When he opened them, he tried to focus on something inside the common room. His eyes fell on Alaire who was sitting by the fire rocking herself back and forth with her arms hugging her legs in a semi fetal position for support.

"We have to go now, Neville. Harry and Ron already left," Hermione said tugging on his sleeve.

"I'll meet you guys there in a minute. I have to do something first," he said before taking a deep breath and entering the common room. Hermione gave him an odd look then just nodded and took off at a run toward the Room of Requirements.

"Alaire?" Neville asked gently, setting the miniature magnolia tree down on a nearby table. "What's wrong?"

Alaire's eyes were glazed over and she continued to rock back and forth. Timidly, Neville placed a hand on her shoulder. Alaire jumped from the contact.

"Neville?" she asked almost in a sob as her head continued to pound with ricocheting emotions. She looked so scared and alone.

Without thinking, Neville wrapped his arms around her. Feeling the protective qualities of being in Neville's arms, Alaire began to lightly sob, as Neville held on to her tighter and rubbed her back gently.

"It'll be all right," he cooed softly. "Don't worry. It'll be all right."

"There was just so much hate. It felt like there would never be any love or goodness ever again, just hate and fear and more hate. Just so much strong emotions," she whispered into his chest.

Neville was aware of the feeling Dementor's had on him. It was just like what Alaire described.

What horrible thing had happened to affect her like this?

"It'll be all right," he said stroking her hair. If she needed some happiness to overcome this, he'd give it to her.

"You know my Gran says that when my Mum was feeling sad, my Dad used to give her happy thoughts and it would help. You want some of my happy thoughts?" Neville felt Alaire nod.

Immediately he started talking about all the things that made him happy — when he found out he was a wizard, winning house points and the house cup for Gryffindor, becoming good in the DA, even the first time he saw Alaire from his study window and her dancing in the honeysuckle.

Alaire couldn't resist the temptation to tune-in on Neville's emotions hoping that his feelings matched his upbeat words. The moment her defenses went down she could feel the pride and overwhelming happiness radiating off Neville, offsetting the hatred and fear that had come unbidden out of Harry. She could also feel what Neville felt about her and it was blissfully wonderful. He was trying so hard to make her feel better after Harry had mentally abused and then abandoned her.

"You're trying really-hard to make me feel-better," Alaire said, and he could feel a slight smile on her face as he held her.

"Always," he answered. "How are those for happy thoughts?"

Alaire looked up from their embrace and placed a gentle kiss on Neville's cheek. "Thank you so much."

"You know, that kiss you just gave me just created another happy memory," he teased as he tried to fight the flush that filled his face.

"I do what I can," she said breaking the embrace.

"Alaire, I have somewhere I have to go, but I'm not going to leave unless you're all right."

Alaire nodded. "I think I'll just go to bed."

"Before you do, here," he said grabbing the magnolia bonsai tree. "This is for you."

A faint blush reached Alaire's cheeks. "You're so sweet to me. Thank you for everything."

"Anytime," Neville watched as Alaire climbed the stairs to the girl's dormitory. Before she disappeared she turned and winked at him.

Sighing, Neville turned to the door and quickly exited. A few minutes later he made his way to the Room of Requirement.

Stepping inside he saw about 20 students inside from all the different houses. They were all talking loudly. Harry, who was standing at a podium near the front of the room, saw Neville as he entered the room. Neville made his way over to him.

"Nice of you to join us," Harry said sternly.

"What's going on?" Neville snapped.

"Bellatrix and Malfoy Sr. have escaped from Azkaban."

OoOoOoOo

Chapter 18

Alaire woke up the next morning still a little drained. She couldn't keep her defenses up mentally while she slept and a few emotions from her surrounding students had seeped into her subconscious. There was anguish, fear, anger and apprehension. She had no idea what could have happened for so many people to be feeling this.

It was Saturday, which allowed her to lie in her room and concentrate on blocking out the emotions. But breakfast waits for no one. Heeding the call of her stomach, she stumbled down and out of the tower and into the Great Hall.

The first thing that caught her attention was how quiet it was, and then how eerie it seemed. It was like walking in on your own funeral. Gulping, Alaire scanned the hall to see if anything was amiss. Everyone seemed to be there with the exception of a few Slytherin's, Professor Snape and Ginny Weasley.

She quietly took a seat next to Hermione and across from both Neville and Harry. No one really said anything or even looked up from their plates until the flutter of wings filled the air as the daily post came in.

"Here it comes," Hermione said in a detached way.

Alaire raised an eyebrow in question, but Hermione didn't elaborate. Instead the Daily Prophet fell into Alaire's lap. Unwinding the paper, the main headline jumped out from the page.

"DEATH EATERS ESCAPE FROM AZKABAN"

"Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange, two convicted Death Eaters, escaped from Azkaban prison in a midnight raid on the isle last night. Eight wizard guards were killed during the attack on the island, which has previously been guarded by Dementor's. It is believed a group of Death Eaters invaded the isle just after midnight, releasing two of their group.

The escapees are Lucius Malfoy, who was imprisoned following a break-in at the Ministry of Magic two years ago, and Bellatrix Lestrange, who was imprisoned following a battle at an undisclosed location last year. Both prisoners are known to be top lieutenants of he-who-should-not-be-named. They are both considered dangerous and Ministry officials and top Aurors are currently working to recapture the duo, said a release from the Ministry.

Interestingly enough, both individuals were captured initially by a group of students from Hogwarts including the boy-who-lived, Harry Potter. Potter led the students, which included Rupert G. Weasley, Ginerva Weasley, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood and others. Mr. Longbottom, as many readers may remember, is the son of Frank and Alice Longbottom who were the tragic victims of Lestrange, her husband and others following the first fall of he-who-shall-not-be-named.

Given this information and the knowledge that Potter has been a primary target in the past, one has to wonder if Hogwarts, where both boys still attend, is the next primary target for an attack. Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of the school, insists that the school is perfectly safe for students. Parents can only hope that this is true.

Dementor's previously guarded the prison isle, until two years ago. It is not known why the Ministry decided to not use the creatures any more. In the entire time Dementor's guarded the Wizarding prison, only one person had escape – Sirius Black. Prisoner Black killed several Muggle's and wizard Peter Pettigrew after betraying Potter's parents to he-who-shall-not-be-named 17 years ago."

OoOoOoOo

Alaire was shocked beyond words. She looked back-and-forth between Harry and Neville. Harry's eyes were dark, and it looked as if there was nothing inside of him. She actually tried to tune-in on his emotions …but there was nothing there …nothing at all. It was as if Harry wasn't alive at all, just a cold empty shell sitting across from her …that was the really scary thing.

She then looked over at Neville. He was in this as much as Harry. Neville still looked down at his plate. The only thing giving away his feelings was how white his knuckles were where he was grabbing the table. But when Alaire briefly tuned-in on Neville ….she could feel his anguish was just barely controlled. Harry had shut-down completely …while Neville on the other hand seemed about to explode.

Alaire cleared her throat, "Uh, where's Ginny this morning, Ron?"

"She's probably snuggled up in bed with that son of a Death Eater bastard. I warned her …my parents warned her …to stay away from that death-eater wantabe …but she just wouldn't listen and now …well …"

"…Ron, this is not the time," snapped Hermione.

"…I should say not, and by-the-way …I would like a word with you, Ronald," came a stern voice from behind them. Alaire, Hermione and Ron all turned to look. Standing behind them, hands on her hips was a very bright neon-Green Ginny Weasley.

"Ginny, you're glowing a bit," Alaire said.

"Why are you so… bloody GREEN?" Ron snapped. "Is this how Death Eater wantabe's mark their women so that other DE won't kill them?"

"Don't be daft Ron. Ginny wouldn't turn traitor against her own family by becoming a …" Hermione began and then her voice faded as the possibility of that really happening struck home. "Besides …Draco isn't a Death Eater because I checked …there is no dark-mark on his forearm. Ginny must have turned green due to some serious Security-Charms being activated.

Hearing this Ron's face abruptly lost all its color, and he turned on his sister with Hate in his eyes.

"I mean honestly," snipped Hermione, before turning to Ginny. "But to be glowing the way you are Gin …would require massive charm being triggered which meant you entered forbidden territory somewhere in this Castle, Maybe I can help …what part of the Castle did Draco take you too last night."

"Thank you for that assessment of my situation, Hermione," growled Ginny. "I woke up like this …bare-ass naked on a dusty mattress that lay on the floor of a long disused room at the very top of the east tower. Both Draco and I carefully checked the room for security charms before we entered and found none. My Slytherin boyfriend started a fire in the grate and we …got comfortable, things became interesting between us …and then suddenly; there was a huge magical explosion.

"When I regained conciseness at first light this morning, I found what was left of my boyfriend in a bloody-heap at the far corner of the room. He is currently in intensive-care in the hospital wing due to his near fatal injuries. He had waited very patently for my consent to move to the next stage in our physical relationship and when the moment of truth came. Well …I nearly killed him. So DEAR brother …would you mind telling me …exactly how I came to have such a powerful 'Chastity Charm" placed on me?"

"The only way that particular charm would activate, would be if you were attempting to …" Hermione said looking horrified, her voice fading at the end.

"Sex …intercourse …shag …bunk-up. Spot on Granger you got that in one." Ginny screamed never taking her eyes off her brother.

"Ron," Ginny hissed. "You can't put a chastity charm on someone who is sexually active already and do you know why? Because when the charmed bird …willingly spreads her legs for the bloke she wants desperately to shag – the charm activates on the pure innocent dupe, ejecting him from the saddle …with such overwhelming brutal force, that her lover is flung across the room like a rock out of a catapult.

Ron visibly cringed.

"So DEAR brother perhaps you should tell me EXACTLY what else this particular charm did to my fiancée and I will then decide if you should fear me for the rest of your life …or just for the next few years."

"I didn't put any spell on you," Ron said defensively.

"But you knew about it."

"Of course I did, Mum called a family counsel after I admitted in a floo-call …that I had failed to protect you from the ferret. I caught a-lot of flak for being distracted while on-duty …" Ron said looking scornfully at Hermione who had the good grace to blush. "Don't worry Luv, Mum doesn't know how I was distracted, I don't want you face her wrath. After-all …being irresistible isn't your fault …God made you beautiful and me weak to such temptation.

"Ron, I am resisting hexing you into next year with great difficulty, don't try my patience." Ginny growled.

"Hex away little sister; curse my bits off for arguing Mum and Dad out-of taking-you out of school." Ron retorted angrily as Ginny's eyes went wide in horror. "Curse me for convincing them to allowing you to finish your education as a witch."

"You're lying,"

"Owl mum if you don't believe me,"

Ginny had no answer, for deep down… she knew that Ron was speaking the truth.

"You brought this on yourself Gingin. You refused to stay away from the git, as the family asked 'repeatedly' you to do." Ron said in a resigned tone. "If you'd spent half the time you used trying to get around my blockade …with pleading your case to Mum and Dad; then maybe it wouldn't have come to this. I understand you're stubborn; I suffer from that aliment myself. Do you have any idea how many times I've mucked-up my chances with Mione out of stubborn pride and stupid jealousy. Even now I'm amazed that she doesn't throw me over for someone better.

Sitting next to him, Hermione blushed with pride at her boyfriend's display of maturity which seemed to click into place after they got together as a couple.

"So go ahead Ginny, Curse your brother for feeling the need to protect you from falling pregnant by the undisputed Slytherin hump-and-dump champ of Hogwarts. It was for your own good that the family took this step, Gin. We were going to lift it the moment you got married."

"Who are we?"

"Mum and dad thought of it …which makes it legal under Wizarding law. Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, and George combined their-magic to cast the actual spell …and I arranged targeting information. Had you avoided the Git as the family asked, or won them over to your option of the Ferret …we wouldn't have been forced to do this."

"I will have several howlers to send out after this. Good thing I know how to attach a bat-bogey hex to it," glared Ginny.

"Do your worst Gingin; I expect nothing less from you. Just keep in mind I'm the only one who can undo the secondary hex your precious Death Eater wantabe lover got hit with." Ron said sternly as he got up and shaking his head in disappointment left the Great Hall in disgust.

OoOoOoOo

Confused beyond description… Alaire turned to Ginny, wondering if it was possible for a steam to come out of a person's ears without pepper up potion. "When did you decide to let Draco …?"

Ginny paled a-bit and lowered her voice. "After what happened at the dance, when I woke up Draco said he loved me. At first I thought it was just another ploy to get into my knickers. Then he showed me the letters he had gotten from home …concerning the engagement ring controversy.

"Lucius; his father, has repeatedly threatened to disown him; cut him off from his inheritance if he didn't break it off with me," Ginny snarled out. "Narcissa his mother wrote that he would never again be welcomed at Malfoy Manor if he married me. My Slytherin boyfriend became an outcast for my sake and then last night Dumbledore called us both into his office to inform us that Draco was now on the Death Eater kill-list."

Alaire's mouth hung open. Merlin, what had these people been through? Hermione paled like a ghost, Seamus became white as a sheet; with Harry closing his eyes in-pain as Ginny spoke. Neville body began to shake and then abruptly he jumped up from his seat and stormed out of the hall, so upset he had left his wand on the table. It was quiet for a moment.

Shaking her head to gather her wits, Alaire grabbed Neville's wand and started toward the door. Ginny caught her sleeve and tugged on her arm to stop her.

"He might want to be alone," she had said. "But I don't know if that's what he really needs at the moment. In either case … He won't be found within the Gryffindor common room or his dorm-room. Most Hogwarts students sooner or later finds a private bolt-hole to hide in, when we want to be alone, Hermione's is allegedly deep inside the library"

"Where is your dusty room in the East Tower?'

"That's for me to know and me only"

"You and Draco use it"

"Spot-on …you got that in one"

"Where will Neville's be?"

"Don't really know, but I can offer a guess. Didn't you tell me once that Neville took you to a strange room filled with plants …after the dance?

"Yes."

"I'd look there first."

OoOoOoOo

Ten minutes later, after a few wrong turns, for she'd only been there once. Alaire stood in front of an unremarkable painting of a Greenhouse. That a tiny vine peeked out from the bottom of the painting and that was the only indicator in a hallway filled with dozens of Door-sized paintings that this was the right place. She stood there unmoving for a long moment, wondering what she should do. She knew Neville was in there. She opened her empathic senses to him and felt him on the other side of the door feeling abandoned and depressed.

"Neville …It's me …Alaire. I need to come in," she said.

Silence.

"I know you're in there. Please don't ignore me."

Silence.

"Neville, I will stand out here as long as I have to!"

There was no response.

"Neville, I know you can hear me. I have your wand so you can't do a silencing spell."

Silence.

"Come on, Neville. It's freezing out here! You wouldn't want me to catch a cold, would you?"

She sneezed rather unconvincingly then added a fake-cough for good measure. The door popped open. Neville glared at her.

"That was really lame, but as I can never find the stones to say no to you …come in."

The room was stiflingly hot and humid. "Good lord, Neville. It feels like New Orleans in the middle of an August heat-wave in here. And," she paused to sniff a small plant, "it smells like low tide on a bad day."

Neville mumbled something.

"Excuse me?"

"You're the one that said you were freezing, and I just said the smell is from the fertilizer. I'm used to it. Here, give me my wand." He then quickly did a sanitizing spell and the smell went away the moment it was in his hand ...he then tossed his wand onto his desk.

"Thanks."

"Your welcome and now that you have returned my wand; I bid you good-day! Under the rules as I told you about already …several times …I am not permitted to entertain student visitors in this study," Neville said as he turned his back to her picked up a clip-board and began to write down notations about a plant near the window.

"Neville?"

(Silence).

"Listen, I know this is hard to talk about …but-but I read the article. I just wanted to let you know that I'm here if you do want to talk about it. That's all."

Neville remained silent so Alaire began to walk back to the overly-large beat-up couch on the opposite wall to a multi-leveled …numbered …shelves that was filled from top to bottom with carefully tagged potted plants. Next to each plant was a hospital type patient clipboard filled with carefully written out notes on each experiment. She had not noticed the level of precise organization that Neville brought to his private study/laboratory during her first brief visit and taking it all in now she couldn't help but be impressed.

"I thought it was over," he said suddenly and then paused. "I thought we had finally put them away for good. They were supposed to receive the Dementor's Kiss. She was supposed to be in a state just like my parents!" Neville pounded the table as tears began to fall. "Why couldn't she just die and give us all some peace?"

Alaire made sure she had Neville empathically 'tuned-out' before she cautiously put her arms around him. She half-expected him to turn away but instead he wrapped his arms around her and began to openly sob. "Why can't it all go away? I just want a-a normal life. All I've ever wanted were my parents back and now . . ."

Alaire let Neville's torment flow around her. She wished she could help him more …but he needed to let the grief and anger out. She braced herself and reinforced her emotional barriers until the assaults on her mental shields were manageable. She hated herself for using Neville's pain as a test of her shields but she couldn't help him if she was overwhelmed. After his sobs died out, she guided him over to the couch then went to the small bathroom.

"Here." She handed him a small damp towel.

"Thanks." They sat silently for a few minutes just holding onto each other.

"You must think I'm such a - a …"

"Great guy?" Alaire interrupted.

Neville smiled weakly. "Not quite what I had in mind."

After a few more quiet moments, Alaire prodded Neville. "Neville, do you want to talk about it?"

He pulled out of her grasp and leaned forward putting his elbows on his knees so he could stare at the floor.

"During the first Death-Eater uprising, my parents were Aurors. They fought against Volde- . . . against You-Know-Who. Then one night when I was just fifteen months old, Bellatrix Lestrange and some other Death-Eaters attacked our home. They used Cruciatus on my parents. They tortured them until they went …mental, I guess."

"Where were you during all this?"

"I-I'm not sure. No one has ever told me the details of that night." He sighed. "I only know that since that night I've lived with my Gran. The only people who know the truth are my parents and they can't or won't communicate with anyone." Alaire leaned over and placed her head on his shoulder.

"I'm sure you're tired of hearing it, but I'm sorry. Where are your parents' now?"

"St. Mungo it's a magical Hospital in downtown London", Neville replied. "They have a special room and everything. I - I go to see them as much as I can." He leaned back and stared at the ceiling. "Sometimes I wish that I had been like Harry."

"Why?"

"Well, his parents are gone. Meaning they're dead. He can't bring them back. My parents are there, but they're not, you know. It's almost like a Dementor got a hold of them, but not quite. My parents. . . I feel like I should be doing something. And don't tell me there's nothing that I can do, I'm tired of hearing that."

"Is that what you're doing here? Working on a solution?"

"Sort-of …I've been experimenting with a few hybrid plants that are used in memory potions. Kind of ironic, isn't it? A guy with bad short-term memory growing plants to help with memory potions."

"Well, then, you are doing something."

"Yeah, I guess. I've come up with a few things to lessen the long term effects of the Cruciatus Curse for those who emerge from the pain with their sanity still intact. But bringing back those who go permanently off their nut ...I've come up empty. "

"Neville …you aren't contemplating going to go after Lestrange …are you? I know what she did but …"

Neville stood up and began to pace the small study. "I don't know, Alaire. I can't make any promises one way or the other. If it came down to a face-to-face fight with her, I'd most likely end up dead …Harry is a far better duelist than I'll ever hope to be. He's better at loads of things than I am; come to think on it.

"Yeah, that's definitely how a duel with a death Eater would end for me …dead in seconds. I don't have one-fourth the magical power that Ron showed when his hand turned blue or Harry's narrow-escape …never-ending luck. Still I'd give it my best shot if that's my fate and maybe …I could take her out or at least die trying." He looked at Alaire's stricken face. "But I'm not going to go looking for her, if that's what worries you."

He looked down for a moment then grinned. "It seems that I have more important things to deal with here at school …than to run around chasing a madwoman." Alaire felt her heart jump as Neville began to walk towards her.

"And what would that be, Mr. Longbottom?" she asked with a trace of nervousness. Any answer he was going to give her was drowned out by the sound of a bell signaling the change of classes.

"Gotta go," she said getting-up with a sigh.

"Yeah."

"Walk with me?"

"Sure."

"Neville …can I do something?" He simply nodded and waited. Alaire took out her wand and whispered a quick spell. "There. It's a quick glamour spell. It'll hide your red eyes for a few hours. It's a trick all girls know."

"Thanks. I've always wanted longer eyelashes." He teased as tried to flutter them. "What would I do without you, Alaire Goodnight?"

"Let's hope you never have to find out."

OoOoOoOo

Chapter 19

Twenty-four hours later Neville sat facing his hybrid rose. The plant had succeeded beyond his wildest imagination. In fact, offshoots had begun …something that he did not think would happen. He now had one main plant and six "babies." He had planned on giving the single plant to someone whom he knew was in love to make sure it bloomed, but now he could keep the original rose. He had grown attached to it, after all. It was sort of like a child to him. He had created it, nurtured it and the thought of giving it away did cause him a bit of heartache. But still, that left the problem of how to test if his plant worked.

Suddenly an idea popped up like an explosion in potions. Smiling, Neville jumped up from his seat and ran to get some pots. Digging his fingers into the dirt, he began to repot the sprouts while mentally thinking of just the perfect people to test out the rose. If he worked quickly, he could get the plants to his victims before lunch.

OoOoOoOo

Down in the Great Hall, Alaire watched with great amusement as Ron's pretended to be calm …resigned to whatever doom his sister had condemned him to. He openly glared defiance at his sister, who was sitting idly across from him with a knowing smirk on her face. Ron as expected had already received a howler that morning from Ginny. As expect her voice had shrilly yelled at him the; 'How dare he?' and other such-rot. The howler had released some pretty large sparks near the end that might have singed his eyebrows off …had not Ron ducked under the table after opening the red envelope. Little did he know that the fireworks display had drowned out the sound of Ginny Weasley's voice whispering a curse that would take effect later?

Having survived the howler, Ron shifted uncomfortably among the shreds of red paper and tentatively stabbed at his breakfast. He made sure to look at Ginny's face before taking a bite.

"Oh, for heavens sakes, Ron …just stop it," Snapped a very irritated Hermione, finally having had enough of Ron play-acting defiance of his sister's revenge. "Ginny! What have you done to my Ron? Look at the pathetic Prat. He's putting up a brave front like a bloke facing a firing squad! Don't make me regret running interference for you and Draco."

Ginny gave a Cheshire cat grin and then delicately took a bite of her cereal. "My DEAR brother is simply going to have to wait, Hermione," she said calmly. "I am sure the rest of my CONCERNED brothers have all ready gotten their surprises by now."

"Are – are they all rushing-off to St. Mungo by now?" Harry asked somewhat amused, a little uncomfortable by how calm Ginny was acting considering Draco who was still in the infirmary.

"Don't worry. It wasn't anything fatal," she said smirking. "But there are things worst than death."

A loud gulp could be heard coming from Ron. A giggle escaped from Alaire.

"Payback will be a bitch, Ginerva," Ron muttered softly under his breath, thinking of his twin brother's reaction to Ginny's prank-war first-strike.

"Yeah …right, it can be," Ginny said offhandedly while getting up from her seat. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go visit Draco. Oh, and Ron do be sure to drink all your pumpkin juice."

Ron who had just taken a swallow from his goblet spit it out all over the table. Ginny's laughter rang through the hall. Ron looked up her, his anger growing.

"You're doomed," Harry teased his best friend as he looked at him with genuine pity.

"Undoubtedly," Ron sighed with genuine regret. "But keep in mind, whatever Ginevra's revenge on her brothers is …it will not help persuade my family to be anymore acceptive of any engagement to Malfoy… the Death-Eater wantabe. Gentle persuasion would have been more effective".

"What will your counterattack compose of…?" Harry asked

"…I won't retaliate for whatever it is she did to me, but the twins certainly will. Strike and counter strike can escalate very quickly in a prank-war and what begins as amusing …can end up being physically hurtful …if it goes on too long. I hope Ginerva will call this off before it causes a permanent rift between Ginny and the rest of us. Magical exile from your family for the rest of your life can get very lonely; Harry." Ron said firmly.

Ginny POV OoOoOoOo

With her green-glow covered with a glamour-spell by the school nurse… Ginny was deep in thought as she made her way to the infirmary during her free period to visit Draco. It had taken her several hours just for him to tell her what had happened to him. Malfoy pride went a long way, except when he asked her to kiss it and make it better.

She had warned Draco at that point …that she had entered a prank war on his behalf against all her brothers …including two who owned a joke shop that specialized in pranks. The Weasley temper was notorious in Magical England and Draco had repeatedly warned his lady-love of the possible retaliation for her opening gambit; could well mean the permanent detachment of the appendage of his that had so far …only been injured.

When she also told Draco that her brother Ron was the only one of her siblings that had never engaged in prank-warfare; upon hearing this… Draco had advised Ginny to proceed with extreme caution in regards too him. He also pointed out the painful truth that Alaire had been right; if they could win-over Ron the approval of the rest of the family would quickly follow. Initially Draco had winced at the thought of wooing a male Weasel's favor, but promised to be his most charming to his future brother-in-law and keep his randiness in check …until he had gotten Ronald's blessing for a Malfoy-Weasley wedding night.

Ginny had the odds against her and yet she smiled to herself. God, she had slowly come to love Draco, but he was still a smarmy arrogant git. Getting her family to accept her man wasn't going to be easy, especially in the middle of a sibling prank-war... but nothing worth having …ever was. She was on her way to her next class when she was broken out of her mental reflections by someone shouting her name.

OoOoOoOo

"Ginny!" Neville said running down the hallway his arms full of small pots with plants in them.

"Neville, what on earth are you doing?" she asked taking some pots from his arms.

"I need you to help me out. This rose is a hybrid I've been working on for months and I need some test subjects."

"It doesn't eat anything or spew out any smelly, sticky or vile substances, does it?"

"No, I swear it doesn't. But, I need to give it to couples."

Ginny raised her eyebrow. "This isn't some sort of libido plant is it?"

Neville turned a bright shade of red. "Heavens …No! Look, this rose was designed to bloom only when its owner fall in true-love and I just want to test it out. So I decided to give one to you and one to Draco. Will you deliver it …since I know he won't take it from me?"

"You swear this won't do anything to him?"

"Ginny," Neville said struggling to hold the remainder of the plants and grin at the same time. "I know you and your temper. Do you think I have a death wish?"

Ginny grinned back in spite of herself; "I'll keep one and give Draco another one. But I'm not telling him why. We'll just see what happens, eh?"

Neville smiled brightly. "That would be great Gingin. If Draco's bloom, it should prove to Ron that your boyfriend really loves you …when it does flower …would you tell me and let me see it?"

"Sure."

"And can you give one to Ron for me too? I was planning on giving Hermione one and telling her it's a mystery plant."

"Ah, Hermione loves a challenge. She'll be spending all her free time trying to figure it out."

"That's the point. Do you think you can give one to Ron for me?"

"Trust me, Ron isn't going to take anything from me for a long while," Ginny said her eyes sparkling. "Just sit it next to his bed and tell him it's in tribute to his lost… honor!"

Neville gave her a wary look. "Ginny Weasley, sometimes you scare me."

"I'll take that as a compliment. Who else are you giving plants to Neville?"

"Well, besides you and Draco, Ron and Hermione, I was going to give one to Alaire and one to Harry. I intend to keep the original plant for myself so I can make more... if the experiment works-out."

Ginny sighed. "Neville, do you really think Alaire and Harry are in love?"

Neville looked down and shuffled his feet a bit. "Look …he's the rich and famous Harry Potter. With any-other broke, I'd put up a better fight …but against the boy-who-lived …what real chance does any average bloke have? You fancied him yourself at one time …if you remember. Besides …you have eyes …you've seen them cuddling on movie night. It's just a safer bet …in the long term …to assume that the Potter never-ending luck will kick-in and they'll end up together in a broom-cupboard somewhere …shagging each others brains out."

Ginny sighed and gestured for him to join her on a small bench. "Neville, have you ever noticed that anytime Alaire needs to talk about something important …she always comes to you and not Harry? That every time you walk in the room, she stops whatever she's doing and says hello …to you? That she lusts after your cashmere sweater and has hired me to steal it from you?"

After a moment's silence, he asked, "Did she tell you that?"

"Well, I'm not supposed to say anything …but she did say that she thought you'd be tasty in whipped cream."

Neville couldn't help but frown. "For once …be serious, Ginny."

"I am being serious, Neville. You need to open up your eyes. Alaire likes you."

Neville gave her a weak smile. "She likes loads of people, Gingin, and when it comes to girly-stuff she seeks you out ….not me. Besides …have YOU ever noticed …who makes her laugh? …Harry. Who takes her on rule-breaking adventures? …Harry. Who does she go flying with? …Harry. I can't compete with all-that. I'm not a wealthy national-heartthrob …I'm just the bloke whose only talent is with plants, not girls." His eyes fell on the small plants in his lap.

Rolling her eyes, Ginny put one arm around Neville in a slight hug. "Okay, so you're not a super-hero, I get that. But on the other hand …Harry's a colossal self-absorbed Prat …most of the time, whereas …you're not. Trust me in this; I've dated enough sport-jock boys to know …a girl wants a guy whom she can count on. There's a difference between flirting with someone just to have a good time …and trying to get into a relationship that lasts.

"All I wanted from Draco at first was a lark; I never expected it to turn into …a marriage proposal. Harry is all fun and games; he's not the settle-down type, not now …and perhaps not ever. I don't claim to know what Alaire wants right now, maybe she isn't settling-down type either …but my gut-feeling is …that she wants to be more than just your best friend, Neville."

"You're her best friend here and even you aren't sure why she runs hot and cold with me, Gingin. So things between us remain in status-quo …clear as mud", Neville said more confused that ever. "I won't give up on hope …but I don't want to lose her friendship either. She's the first person in a long while that's really been a friend to me …besides you and Luna."

"Maybe, you should just drag her into a corner and just snog her brains out! That would tell the tale, wouldn't it?"

"Wh-what?" Neville asked almost dropping his plants in shock. "I couldn't do that! What if I was rubbish?"

"Neville, you're not rubbish. I should know, remember? It took a couple of tries but you were a good kisser in the end." Ignoring his blush, Ginny continued as she pulled him into a platonic hug. "Part of me will always wonder what would have happened if we had kept dating. You know what they say; you have to watch the quiet ones.

Neville just stared at her gob-smacked

"Now, you've caught-me out," Ginny said as she released him. She gathered two plants in her arms and put her arm on the infirmary door. "You know it's strange. I tell you more about Draco and me than anyone else here, except Alaire …and don't worry I know I can trust you with this personal stuff.

"Just make a move, Neville. If you keep waiting, Harry will make his move first. I know that you've seen the same things I have …that his touching of her has become less and less platonic lately. And you don't want Harry to win by default …do you?" She let the statement hang in the air. "Go kiss her. Don't make me use a bat-bogey on you."

Neville paled as he watched the infirmary door close. It was best to never be on Ginny Weasley's bad side …but it was heaven to be on her good side. Making sure he had a good grip on the rest of his plants, he set off to find Hermione and Alaire.

By the end of the day, Neville had delivered the rest of the plants. He didn't tell the recipients what the plants were supposed to do. With a smile, he gave two to Alaire carefully watching her reaction. She smiled in gratitude, looked closely at the plant and tried to reason it out, and then on Neville prompting to give the other to someone special to her, she gave him a hug. Then she walked across the common-room and gave the other rosebud to a reluctant Harry, whom she convinced it was a special tiding in America and it would be rude if he didn't accept it.

Hermione had also promised to give one to Ron after they finished "studying in the room of requirement." Neville chuckled upon hearing this …knowing he would soon be able to see at least what one of the blooming flowers looked like.

OoOoOoOo

After classes, Ginny made her way back to the infirmary to visit Draco yet again. He should be out of the infirmary sometime the next day or so; but she still wanted to check on him see how he was coping with the lost of his bits. The security charm backfire had shrunk Draco's manhood down in size to a tiny pencil stub and Madam Pomfrey …so far, had been unable to reverse the effect and bring his equipment back to its former dimensions. Ginny knew full well that Ron was the one with the power to undoing the hex and wondered yet again …if hexing him along with her other sibling had been all that prudent.

Ginny had only been visiting Draco for a half-hour before the infirmary door flew open. Alaire stood holding the door as Hermione floated a semiconscious Ron into the room.

"He's in shock, I think," Hermione said as Madam Pomfrey rushed over to them and helped Hermione get Ron onto a bed.

"Serves him right," Ginny whispered.

"Merlin, Ginevra! What did you do?" Hermione snapped her concern turning to anger.

"Just a little retribution, nothing much," Ginny replied shrugging.

A smirk graced Draco's lips. "Have I told you how much I love you when you act like a Slytherin?"

Ginny smiled back and shook her head in regret. Getting up, she made her way over to the bed where Ron had been placed. She peaked around the corner of the curtain as Hermione and Alaire stood nearby. Looking behind the curtain, Ginny saw that Ron was naked except for his boxers, curled up into a fetal position. He was rocking himself back and forth muttering …"I'm sorry. I won't do it ever-again. I promise. Please, just …"

It was enough to make Ginny smirk in evil delight. Huffing, loudly - Hermione took hold of Ginny's arm and led her out into the hallway. Alaire followed. She didn't care if it was just plain nosiness. It was too good a scene to miss.

"I have alibied for you, time and again …dressed like a common slag to distract him as you snuck out to give Draco head," Hermione said; her anger growing with each word. "I have hickies in the most embarrassing places on my body …all in the name of your Love for the Ferret. And this is how you repay me. We were in the middle of something Ginny."

"I bet you were," Ginny smirked.

"What exactly did you do to your brothers, Ginny?" Alaire asked jumping into the conversation.

"You see the problem with brothers, at least the older ones, is that they tend to think of the physical implications only," Ginny smirked. "Hence, MY FIANCEE is currently in the infirmary with vital parts of him shrunken-down to the size of raisins."

"Oh, that's what the secondary curse did," Hermione said in a sort of awe, before getting angry again. "But that doesn't explain what you did to Ron! We had a deal Ginny …I help you and in exchange you were to do nothing to harm or interfere with my relationship with your brother"

"That's just it Hermione, what I did to my brothers was an educational revenge, which believe me will benefit your 'thing' with Ronniekins for the long term."

"I don't follow you," Alaire said.

"Well, I went for the physical AND the emotional," Ginny said smiling.

"That was the whole impotency charm," Hermione said crossing her arms in front of her. "I already lifted that from Ron."

Ginny raised her eyebrow …impressed at how quickly the Head-Girl had countered her first hex, but then shook her head. "Hermione, do you forget I am Fred and George's sister?"

Alaire watched as the head girl turned quite pale and her arms fell to her side. "Did my lifting the charm …hurt Ron?"

"Sweet Merlin …No," Ginny said laughing. "The impotency charm was only a diversion. I'm sure the others will counter that part sooner or later …although I highly doubt they'll figure it out as quickly as you did. There were two steps to that howler curse."

"That's beyond NEWT level charms," Hermione said clearly impressed.

"Thank you," Ginny said with a slight bow. "The inspiration for my second curse came from my mum and my devious Slytherin boy-toy. You see Draco …bless his small shrunken parts –"

Alaire could help but snicker at this. Ginny certainly had a very unusual and vindictive sense of humor, and she liked it.

"Anyway," Ginny continued. "Draco had his bits shrunk because my family has doubts concerning his long term intentions toward me …and that's totally understandable. The animosity between the Malfoy's and the Weasley's date back to being on opposite-sides during Gellert Grindelwald uprising. This whole thing between-us started as a unspoken dare, he wanted to bed me …and I wanted to see how far he'd go to get me there …which …hasn't happened …due to the same security charm that has Draco in hospital!

"I may be in love with a Slytherin …but I'm not stupid either. I'm not so love-struck as to be blind to a possible 'Romeo–Juliet' ending for both of us. With that in mind I kept sexual congress activities at arms length for the longest time. If I were to somehow …fall pregnant …and my family found out. Draco would abruptly disappear and I'd never see him again …not alive anyway." Ginny said with a sad sigh.

"I've also been pushing my luck lately, you both warned me about that. I should have known this was coming …but when they hexed Draco in a way that made sex impossible …it put me between a rock and a hard place. I had retaliate …I couldn't let them think me weak …but on the other hand …dating Draco has my family so mad at me …if I pranked back too hard I risk Mum and dad disowning me. Hermione being Muggle-born you have no idea how horrific being magically cast out of a Wizarding family can be. I'd be dead to them …never again welcomed in my childhood home.

"So I had to hex-back my siblings in a way that my Mum and dad would approve of … a hex that would make my male siblings more respectful with the ladies in their lives. By mere chance …Draco knew of a spell where you can link certain auditory messages to certain physical occurrences."

Hermione paled.

"My inspiration was from when I was just a wee child. It was a warm, balmy evening with just the hint of a rainstorm." She paused to seemingly reminisce.

"Ginny," Hermione growled impatiently.

"Anyway, when Bill was in school, he brought a girl home to the Burrow one summer. They decided to go for a late night swim sans-swimwear and of course …mum caught them. She scolded him so bad. 'Have you no respect for women! I raised you better than this! I'll take my wand to your backside if I ever catch you doing this again with another girl unless she's your wife! Do you understand me!" Ginny mimicked. "And, believe me, hearing that every time you think about sex ...works loads-better than any impotency spell ever invented."

"That's brilliant. Deranged… but brilliant," Alaire laughed.

"How long will you hex last?" huffed a still very-upset Hermione.

Ginny shrugged. "I don't know really… perhaps a week …or a month? Honestly it's the first time I tried it. I am actually quite pleased with the results. There is an antidote counter-hex, which I fully intended to give you today, Hermione …because you have been a good friend to me and Ron has never pranked me.

"On second thought …I'll give you a written out copy of the original hex instead. I didn't intend Ron to be rendered this non-functional … that level of severity I had reserved for Fred and George …besides we girls have our needs too. As to my other siblings I haven't quite forgiven them yet."

"Ginny, I –" Hermione's tantrum was cut short as Professor McGonagall rounded the corner and hurried toward them.

"Miss Weasley, would you come with me?" McGonagall asked.

"Is there anything wrong, professor?" Ginny asked innocently.

"I'm not entirely sure. All your brothers, with the exception of Ronald, have all flooed into the headmaster's office begging for sanctuary from you. They all are very shaken up over something."

"I bet they are," Ginny said under her breath as she followed her head of house up to Dumbledore's office...

OoOoOoOo

Chapter 20

Alaire sat as close as possible to the fire in the common room in late November all alone and dressed for bed. In spite of five thick blankets she just couldn't get warm in her dorm-room bed. So on particularly cold and windy nights, Alaire would spend half the night next to the common room fire. She had on her thickness fuzzy slipper; two double thick terry-bathrobes' buttoned up from the ankle length bottom to collar, a knit skycap and a …secret. Underneath her bathrobe Alaire was wearing a deliciously warm cashmere jumper that had recently turned up missing from the Longbottom school-trunk in the seventh-year Gryffindor boy's dorm.

Ginny had snuck off for another snog session with the still shrunken bits …Draco. Ron, who was still showing signs of being traumatized, was treating Hermione with the utmost respect and was romancing her to the nines …which meant that Hermione's modification to the original hex had returned her boyfriend to useful functionality …while keeping partially in-force the girlfriend-respect part of Ginny's payback curse.

Hermione had also spent the last several days attempting to gently persuade without argument; Ron to undo the secondary hex on Draco …and apparently from all outward signs she was slowly wearing-down his resistance to the idea of a Malfoy as a brother-in-law. Harry was …as usual in detention again with Snape; while Neville had locked himself away in his study smiling over some project and almost-giddy in happiness.

Ginny, Draco, Hermione and Ron's plants all had fully bloomed and Neville was busy writing down his observations while figuring out whether or not his 'Lovers-Rose' (trademark pending) had any commercial application. Alaire's plant had ended up in Neville's lab too. She was afraid that she would kill the thing, so asked Neville to keep it with him. Neville had reluctantly agreed to take it back …but only on the condition that she be the one to water and tend to it each-day, even though her presence in his study was technically forbidden.

Much to Neville's surprise …Alaire had jumped at the chance …and ever since she had been going to his private study daily …to spend an hour or so tending to it … and look-over with ever growing interest and awe …all of the rest of Neville's botanical treasures. His depth of Knowledge and gentlemanly treatment of her …along with the ease, in which they now spoke to one another, warmed Alaire soul. Like Ron …Neville wore his heart on his sleeve more often than not, with no topic of conversation off limits between them.

Whereas Harry kept so many things to himself, Neville was becoming an open book to Alaire. He was remarkably well read on several subjects that went beyond his focus on plants, and when she caught him reading poetry one afternoon …her heart nearly melted …for Alaire had a secret passion for poetry.

At her prompting Neville had published another article in the 'Herbology Monthly' and she had helped him file out the paper-work on two more patents when she discovered that two of his projects had medically-useful applications. If successful that would bring Neville's patent count up to nine.

Alaire smiled to herself as she thought about how Neville's lab was almost like an organized jungle. Of course that led to some fantasies about Neville in a loincloth swinging from vines and whisking her off. Alaire shook her head with a bittersweet smile on her face she mentally scolded herself. Neville still hadn't made any moves on her …although she was now spending loads more free time with him than she was with Harry. Maybe she was wrong on what he felt for her. Maybe she just wanted to believe he had romantic feelings for her so much that she had imagined he felt the same.

OoOoOoOo

She sighed loudly as the Common Room clock struck eleven and the portrait door opened and Harry dragged himself inside.

"Rough night?"

"Snape – is an evil git," he said wearily before plopping down on the couch with her.

"Poor baby," she teased as she moved some hair out of his eyes. "It's late you should go to bed."

"No," Harry sighed and sat up, taking a hold of Alaire's hand. She swallowed nervously as he looked at her. "Alaire, there's something I need to talk to you about and it can't wait until morning."

"Oh, all right," she said uncertain. "What is it?"

Harry looked around. "Not here. Who knows who will come in and interrupt us? Wait here for me would you? I need to get something."

Alaire nodded as Harry bound up the stairs, returning a short time later with a roll of parchment and a shiny cloak.

"Come on," he said taking hold of her hand as he threw the cloak over both of them and led them out of the room. Once outside he let go of her hand and opened the parchment to reveal a map of Hogwarts with hundreds of moving dots.

"All right we're clear," he said as he began to walk. Alaire had no choice but to follow him and remain under the cloak.

Alaire could tell that Harry was nervous. Waves of anxiety buffeted her every time their hands brushed against one another. They hurried along the hallways using Harry's enchanted map to avoid Filch and any professors or prefects on duty. They stopped outside an old wooden door. Harry stepped away from Alaire and began to pace back and forth.

"Harry?" Alaire began… but stopped when Harry shushed her.

Harry opened the door with a sigh of relief. He led Alaire into a dark room lit only by a glowing and very warm fireplace. A small leather love seat was pulled up to it and a cozy blanket was lying over one arm. He ushered her in and motioned for her to sit on the couch. But instead of sitting next to her as she expected, Harry began to pace again.

"Harry?"

"Yeah. Um. Well, um, you see . . ."

"Harry? Harry, calm down and come and sit down."

Gulping Harry sat down beside Alaire who curled her feet up under her and turned to look at him. "Now, what is it that you want to tell me?"

Harry had had the speech clear in his head. He was going to tell her about Voldemort, the prophecy, Neville's part in everything, and about his own destiny. Now, looking into Alaire's eyes, all prepared speeches vanished. His mouth had gone dry.

"Harry, come on, what are you so nervous about? It's just me …just Alaire." She reached out and grasped his hand. "I don't have to use my empathic gift to know you're upset. Now what's going on?"

Taking a deep breath, Harry began. "Alaire, the other night when we went out to talk to your parents …" Alaire drew her hand back abruptly …but Harry reached out for her and took it back. "I know I upset you that night and now I want to tell you why."

"Why you pulled me into a dark alcove and then just stood there?" she said tensing up.

"I can explain."

"Why did you dumped me in the Common Room and just stormed off?" Alaire said as she again took her hand away from his and crossing her arms in front of her glaring at Harry.

"Honest, Alaire, I had other things on my mind."

"A girl takes you on a walk in the moonlight …late at night …and you have other things on your mind. Yeah, that's a great pick-up line, Potter" she said coldly.

"Honest! I –" Harry began aspirated before he stopped in mid-thought. Alaire had thought that he had meant to kiss her when he ducked behind the statue! Now he got it! "Oh. Well. I got distracted."

"Distracted? Harry Potter, you really know how to inflate a girl's ego. So, what distracted you?"

Harry felt a weight settle in his chest that he didn't want. He had never wanted this responsibility. And, now, looking at the girl across from him, it seemed that happiness would never be his. Alaire watched the emotions flit across Harry's face finally settling into a deep remorse. Without thinking, Alaire reached out and carefully brushed his hair out of his eyes. Harry reached up and pulled her hand down.

OoOoOoOo

Later, Alaire would note that time does occasionally stand still. They seemed to look at each other for an eternity. Each tried to read the emotions of the other. Then, Harry moved forward and they were kissing. It wasn't the wet, crying kiss of Cho Chang. For Harry, it was a revelation. Alaire had lips that were moist and soft. She tasted like cotton candy. Most importantly …she had actually kissed him back. It was amazing. He was afraid his heart would stop.

For Alaire however, it was totally different experience.

It wasn't exactly wrong …but it wasn't exactly right either. Harry tasted vaguely of Butterbeer. His lips while soft …seemed a bit too thin. She was very aware of him and had been unable to resist tuning-in on his emotions while their lips were actually touching. Empathically speaking …Harry's emotions were a mixture of one-part weak affection and three-parts …LUST. But the oddest thing of all to Alaire was that he seemed oblivious to her reluctance. When he lifted his head, they stared at each other for a moment.

"No Passion Pill this time," Alaire finally whispered. Harry had to smile.

"Not this time."

Alaire was unsure what to do …kiss Harry again …on the hope she would feel more …or push him away? Her body whispered to her of frustrated carnal needs …while her heart screamed the opposite. She was still trying to decide when Harry leaned over and kissed her again. This time Alaire couldn't think. She could only feel Harry and sense his happiness. Besides, he was getting better with practice.

"Umm," Alaire started to say something, anything but Harry stopped her by placing a finger over her lips. He slowly traced the outline of her mouth all the while watching her. In advertently, she started to lick her lips as a reflex action. Her tongue caught his finger and she heard him gasp. "You are so beautiful."

Alaire was stunned. Here was a side to Harry she had never seen or suspected.

"I-I've wanted to kiss you for so long. I didn't know whether to kill Fred and George or to thank them when they gave you that Passion Pill."

Alaire had the grace to smile. It was nice to receive a compliment. No one could argue with that. She wanted to respond to Harry but something in her heart stopped her. Here was one of the cutest and nicest boys in school kissing her and all she could think of was how to stop him.

"H-Harry," Alaire whispered as she drew back a little. "Why did you bring me here tonight? Did you have something to tell me?"

Alaire felt Harry's emotions become icy. The sparkle fell from his eyes and his mouth went straight. "Oh. Yeah."

He drew back and leaned against the couch. Alaire thought for a moment that he was going to cry but instead he whispered something under his breath.

"Harry, it's OK. You can tell me. I'm not going to run away. It can't be that bad." When she got no reaction, she added, "Don't forget, I read your biography in my history book. I know all about you."

"Oh, no, you don't," Harry said as shook his head and quickly wiped a tear. "I wish the book was the end of it all, Alaire, but it isn't. There's more."

Alaire reached over and tucked a piece of hair behind his ear. Harry's hair always seemed to need tidying. She then took his hand and put her head on his shoulder. "Just tell me. I won't go anywhere or say anything until you're done."

Taking comfort from her presence, Harry took a deep breath and began his story. He told her about finding out he was a wizard then finding out that Voldemort hadn't given up his quest to return. He mentioned Tom Riddle and his plans. He told how his parents had been betrayed by one of their best friends and how that person had helped Voldemort regain a corporeal body. Then he told her about the prophecy.

"So you see, it could have been Neville just the same as me. But Voldemort saw me as the bigger threat. And, now, I am locked into a life with only one goal – kill Voldemort. Finish him off for good. That's what I need to concentrate on, killing him."

Alaire sat quietly taking it all in. After a few moments, she asked, "Do you know when all this is supposed to happen?"

"No," Harry sighed. "But it can't be long now. His top two people, Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange are out of prison. They'll be after us soon."

"But you don't know when."

"Alaire, there's not exactly a timetable when it comes to war."

"Harry, I'm trying to make a point, not an appointment," she replied sarcastically …hating it when someone talked-down to her as if she were a child. Harry did that to everyone every-so-often and Alaire deeply resented it.

'Neville doesn't do that to me ever' …she thought to herself. "You don't know when anything is going to happen. It could be tomorrow. It could be next month or next year. So, what are you going to do in the meantime?"

"Train mostly. Myself and the others …so we'll be ready when the time comes."

"Who are the others?"

"We call ourselves Dumbledore's Army. It's sort of a 'Defense against the Dark Arts' club. But it's more than that really. We've taken on Death Eaters before and won. It's certainly come in handy against a few of the DE wantabe's in Slytherin …like Draco."

Alaire pulled back from Harry and sat quietly for a few moments. Finally Harry asked, "So what do you think about all of this?"

Alaire simply shook her head. "I don't know, and Draco isn't a wantabe, he's on their death-list now."

Harry reached over and took back her hand. "Forget about Draco, just because he doesn't have the dark-mark doesn't change what he is deep-down. He's a Slytherin scum-bag… like all the rest of those snakes. What I meant was; what do you think about …us?"

"Us?" she said, her voice shaking with uncertainty. 'Don't you dare get this wrong,' She said to her-self. 'Harry's kissing were nice. He was great, but it wasn't the fireworks and stars she had expected'.

"Us. I-I thought that maybe you'd . . ." Harry's voice trailed off as his courage failed as well.

"Harry, I-I just don't know." Now Alaire stood up and began pacing.

"What was wrong here?" She shouted at her-self mentally. "Maybe it was because Harry still had so much underlining anger inside of him. Maybe it was that she felt that he still wasn't telling her everything. It was plain as day to her each-and-every-time …she tuned-him-in and keeping secrets from someone you liked enough to ask to be your girlfriend …was a relationship wrecker in the long term. Neville had dealt with nearly as much as Harry and his anger was far more controlled and re-focused on things more constructive; it wasn't a constant with him either …like it was with Harry. That's why it felt all wrong.

"The other night when you heard Snape and McGonagall talking, the hate that poured out of you was almost unbearable. It actually caused me physical pain. How often is that kind of thing going to happen, Harry?" Alaire asked with genuine concern.

"I can't ask me that. You don't understand. Voldemort killed my parents. I'm allowed to hate him and anyone who works for him."

"Allowed to hate? How - awful."

"You don't think that I'm allowed to love …do you?" Harry said suddenly snapping at her as his temper flared hot. Alaire was slightly taken aback by the abrupt mood change and instinctively tune-out Harry's emotions again. That thought had never crossed her mind, but by his tone of voice it was certain that Harry had thought about it …a-lot.

"Apparently, you don't think so."

That did it. Alaire …in spite of her Occlumency shields fully in-place …could still sense wave after wave of intense anger and overwhelming frustration coming off of Harry crashing against her mental-walls with the force of a battering-ram. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself as she reinforced her emotional barricades. They looked at each other for a long moment …before Alaire started walking towards the door.

"Alaire, don't go. I can love! It's just that life simply has a way of getting in the way every single time I try. Don't I deserve one last chance before . . . before?" Harry said sounding a lot like a lost soul.

"Before you face Him?" A tear fell down her cheek. "I'm-I'm s-sorry but I don't want to be nothing-more than the farewell shag you get …before you go off to war. I don't want to give myself to you …just so you don't face death as a virgin … I don't want to be with someone who- …"

"…Someone who could die at any moment," Harry interrupted harshly as his emotions raged hot all over again.

"I didn't say that!" Alaire said fiercely as her head began to pound from a fresh assault on her mental shields. "I don't want to be with someone just because I can do things for them physically that make THEM happy. I have to be happy, too, Harry. And I can't be happy with someone who lets a 'Prophecy' control every aspect of his life …when they should be out living life."

"Hermione told you about the Prophecy …didn't she? Blast that girl!" Harry roared as his red-hot anger stabbed at her brain defenses like a red-hot poker."

"No. Boy, you just don't get it, do you?" she said softly.

"No …apparently not," Harry snapped back as he got up and stood in front of Alaire, his fist clenched and his temper barely in-check.

Alaire stood and looked at the person in front of her. He was cute and drop-dead gorgeous. He was rich and famous …he was funny and athletic. So what was holding her back? Why was she making excuses? Was it the prospect of sex that still frightened her to death? She had undergone enough therapy over what happened to know that with the right guy… everything would just click-into-place. Then she put her hand over her eyes in weariness, all of Harry's overheated emotions were giving her a massive headache. She could still smell the faint scent of the magnolia on her sleeve …that she had picked that day from the bonsai-tree Neville had given her. Suddenly, she knew. She knew why she had to turn Harry down.

Thinking quickly, she decided to let Harry down as easily as possible. After all, she did truly care for him …just not as much as she did for someone else. Taking Harry's hand, she led him back to the sofa.

"What now? Going to examine my aura?" Harry asked sarcastically.

Alaire ignored his bitter sarcasm. Again, she brushed the hair out of his eyes, this time letting her hand linger against the side of his face. God, this was going to be hard.

"H-Harry, listen to me. You have something very important to do. I've watched you and f-felt you empathically …since that night in the corridor. You live in world composed of intense hate and fear of Him. I've tried to get your attention quite a few times when you focus on your enemy is total …but your mind is always somewhere else planning, plotting something against him. There's no room for me in there," she said softly as she tapped him lightly on his head.

"But there's room in here," he said placing her hand on his heart.

Alaire took a deep breath and pulled her hand away. "But I need both, Harry. I'm sorry."

Harry sat staring at her for a moment then asked, "What if I defeated him tomorrow?"

"And What if it takes a year or ten? Do you want me to wait until you have more time for me?" Alaire asked as gently as possible hoping against hope that Harry would see reason.

With a sigh, Harry pushed himself off the sofa and moved to stared into the fire. A few moments later Alaire heard a soft "No. that wouldn't be fair to you."

Alaire almost collapsed with relief but she felt so sad. In a different time and place and she might have accepted Harry advances with no qualms …but the current situation made that impossible.

"Is there someone else?" Harry asked his voice rough with raw emotions.

"Harry," Alaire said almost pleading.

"Never-mind," he said looking into the fire.

Alaire sunk into the couch. All she could think of was to find Neville and have a good cry on his shoulder. The only problem was that he would want to know why she was upset and this conversation was very, very private. She stood and walked towards the door for a second time.

As she turned the handle, she said, "If you need me, I'll always be there for you, Harry Potter. Part of me would die if I couldn't see you or talk to you ...as a friend."

Harry cringed at the term …friend …"Yeah …Yeah …I understand, okay?" Harry said bitterly as he continued to stare at the fire, unable to understand yet another romantic rejection.

"I mean it, Harry."

"I said I understand." Harry snapped angrily.

Alaire could only nod to herself as she walked out the door, away from Harry, and towards a certain Herbology study.

OoOoOoOo

As if in slow motion, Neville's quill fell from his hand. The end landing hard on the floor and breaking as its owner heart did the same. Stumbling in a state of near denial, Neville made his way over to where he kept his and Alaire's roses.

Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes from the pain. Part of him desperately hoped that what was in front of him was just a figment of his imagination brought on by working so late. It was after-all almost midnight.

Opening his eyes, his heart fell to his feet. Sure enough, Alaire's rose had bloomed. The elegant burgundy petals unraveled themselves to reveal the pale orange stamen and an exotic fragrance that was sweet.

It was the first rose he had seen bloom himself. The moment should have been as engaging and as beautiful as the flower itself …but for Neville it was the bitterest moment in his life. Alaire's flower had bloomed, which meant that Harry's probably had as well. Harry had won Alaire's heart …the two of them were probably in the common room right-now …snuggling by the fire, one hand under her jumper pushing aside her bra as the other rubbed the damp entrance to her core.

"Dammit," he cursed quietly before his heartbroken emotions overwhelmed him and in angst his hands balled into fist rose to the ceiling as he began to loudly curse fate for making him a age peer of the Great and famous Chosen One. "Damn …damn …damn. Damn the Chosen-one to bloody-hell."

Then stomping over to the supply closet, Neville flung the door open and threw and shoved several items aside. There was no way in bloody-hell that he would subject himself to the sights and sounds of the two of them shagging …when he walked into the common room after midnight. Neville's vided imagination had no trouble picturing the scene, the discarded clothing … the pungent odor of sex. He'd walked in on Seamus one time in the common-room …doggie-style shagging some Puff girl once, and didn't want to repeat the experience with Alaire and Harry.

He'd sleep in his study tonight. It wouldn't be the first time he slept here, and if Harry and Alaire were doing it now …it wouldn't be the last. Neville seriously considered semi packing-up half of his kit and moving into his private study full-time. He doubted he would be able to hold his sanity together if he had to hear about all the carnal speculation of what Alaire and Harry were doing as a couple …from Seamus, his perverted dorm-mate .

Finally finding the tattered blanket and the battered pillow that he kept …just in case …in the tiny broom-closet next to his bathroom. Neville did a quick cleaning spell and made his way over to his large couch. He extinguished the lights in a huff, before setting his wand on the side table. Beating the poor pillow repeatedly to lessen his feelings of worthlessness, Neville finally calmed down enough to try to settle into the couch …as best he could. After a few moments of tossing, turning and fighting with the blanket he finally settled into one position when he hear the door to the study slowly open.

"Neville?" came the shaking voice of Alaire …followed by a sob.

Neville shot straight up from the couch, "Alaire …what's wrong?"

"Neville," her voice said again as he heard her start toward him.

"Lumos," Neville said grabbing his wand. Then he saw her. Her face was streaked with tears. She was looking down, her hands playing with the collar of her terry bathrobe.

"Oh, Neville," she cried, falling in to him and letting out a big sob.

Neville gathered her in his arms and held onto her, while she cried. Meanwhile his mind was racing. "What was doing wandering the hall in nothing more than a bathrobe and fuzzy slippers? What could make her so upset that she'd risk freezing? Her flower had just bloomed. Did something go wrong with her – first time – with Harry? Then a thought crossed his mind that made his blood boil. "Had Harry hurt Alaire during their love-making?"

"Alaire, you need to tell me what happened so I can fix it …or break someone's bloody-neck," he said in a tender and yet …harsh tone.

"Neville, do you know what it feels like to break someone's heart?" she said after a few more moments of tears.

"No," he said as he looked over at her blooming rose. "I'm usually on the other end."

(Silence)

"Look, Alaire, I know that it seems like the world's going to end right now …but things will get better, I promise. I'm sure that Harry has his reasons for saying or doing whatever what he did. Everyone is rubbish the first time they snog, I certainly was. However, with practice I'm sure Harry will get better …at whatever he was doing; that made you cry. Besides, you've got lots of friends around to help pick up the pieces if things don't work out between you two."

Alaire pulled away from him and looked-up him in the eyes. "You think Harry broke my heart?"

Neville nodded. "Yes, didn't he?"

Alaire lightly smiled and shook her head. "No, Neville. The exact opposite happened …I broke his." Neville just stared at her gob-smacked for a moment. "He asked me to go-out, to be his girlfriend …I guess. But I couldn't Neville."

"But your true-love rose bloomed."

"Yes; but not for Harry," she said in a whisper.

Neville felt his heart begin to race. "Oh."

"Oh? Neville?" Alaire said pulling away from him. "Is that all you're going to say is oh? Aren't you going to ask who I DO love? No of course not," she said standing up. "I mean I was just letting my imagination get the best of me. Just wishing that maybe you felt the same way about me that I feel for you …but oh no. And because you're my best friend I had to come here spilling my guts out …while the whole time I'm standing here wondering if the only reason you don't fancy me is because I'm some sort of empath freak."

"I don't think you're a freak," Neville said, but he doubted Alaire heard him as she continued with her tangent.

"Oh…no. Meanwhile I've been trying to rack my brains for weeks wondering what exactly Ginny Weasley had or has that I don't …to even warrant a kiss from you. Just tonight …Harry kissed me …more than once actually …they were exciting kisses …but they weren't mind blowing …considering I was wondering how they would feel coming from somebody else."

Neville's mind was a blur. He was angry that Harry had kissed Alaire more than once, but was also trying desperately to keep up with her rant. Then it occurred to him ….that Alaire's rant was because of him …her flower bloomed because of him and suddenly he was overwhelmed with a feeling of joy, happiness and something else entirely.

"And just what are you so smug about!" snapped Alaire, hands on her hips in front of him.

Smiling, Neville stood up and answered her simply, "This."

Neville took a deep breath and abruptly pull Alaire into his arms leaned in and kissed her. It was a soft tentative kiss. He leaned back and looked at Alaire waiting for all kinds of hell to break loose. Instead, of getting his face slapped again …something wonderful happened. The surprise faded from her face …replaced with a big beautiful smile. Then something even better happened. She leaned forward and kissed him. By the third kiss, they leaned in at the same time, smiling. This was their first real kiss …a kiss between two people in love. Neither realized that Neville's roses sitting on the worktable behind them was blooming at an alarming rate.

"Now can you guess who I love?" Alaire asked with a smile as she placed a small kiss at the corner of Neville's mouth.

"I was so sure that you Fancied Harry loads-more than me," he whispered to her.

"I do like Harry. But just as a friend."

"What about me?"

Alaire kissed him passionately and when he felt her tongue beg entry, he opened his mouth to welcome her probing tongue. She was devouring his mouth in a way that put those silly Passion Pills to shame. When she finally let him up for air she smugly asked; "Does that answer your question?"

Neville nodded, resting his forehead against Alaire's.

"What about me?" she asked suddenly shy. "Do you like me as more than a friend?"

"Alaire, you've been the best friends I've ever had here. You make me smile. I can talk to you." He paused and caressed her cheek. "You're beautiful and smart. If you'd even consider becoming my girlfriend, I'd be the luckiest guy in the world."

Alaire grinned. "Well, Neville Longbottom, you're about to get lucky."

Neville raised an eyebrow.

"Not like that, at least not yet," Alaire teased before kissing him again.

OoOoOoOo

To be continued, four more parts to go.