(a/n): Thanx for the reviews. Way to go for those who got the Shriver/Schwarzenegger (Hey! can you believe I just spelled that out?) pairing.

Amos, I'm not done with, but that's going to be spread out a bit. But at the moment he's gone from minor noble to tasting real wealth and power, to bust in less than a year. Picture a lottery winner who declares bankruptcy in the same time. HE will certainly never see another Knut of Potter money. The girls are another matter. Amelia offered both sides of the coin. But, it fits Harry's charcter to help. And it's an opportunity to breed friends rather than enemies later.

A quicky: I know Ginny's full name is Ginevra. Harry was commenting on the prosecutor NOT knowing that during his trial. For which she gave an earful.

A thanks to my now favorite engineer for giving me a way to doublecheck my guesses for basilisk weight. I can now eagerly, and mostly realistically, explore that when the time comes.

Saving the best for last. I just pictured Lucius coolly calculating the situation and promptly changing positions. Maybe he could have gotten more from Amos, but sometimes political capital is worth more. Now, I imagine that various secret meetings took place where promises were made and money was exchanged. Once he had payment, Lucius wouldn't necessarily feel obligated to follow through once he saw the tide turn. Machiavelli had much to do with that. I picture him prominent in the Malfoy library.

8 – Back to Hogwarts

Narcissa Malfoy screamed in long, high-pitched, heart-rending screeches. It went on for several minutes.

"That is sufficient, Lucius." The Dark Lord said casually. Most times he enjoyed dishing out his favorite curse, but in this case, he took great pleasure in punishing his wayward servant by requiring him to curse his wife. The notion of having it occur in the man's own house simply heightened his pleasure. "Now, please explain yourself."

The Head of the Malfoy Family forced himself to ignore his wife's agonies and knelt "My Lord" he said "shifting publicly was necessary. If I hadn't, the Potter brat could have brought charges, and exposed your return."

"Your action cost us a substantial supporter, Lucius." A displeased Voldemort pointed out.

Lucius touched his head to the floor and asked "This cost our cause nothing. May I offer my reasoning, Master?"

"Speak quickly my slippery friend." Voldemort demanded.

Lucius replied "Thank you for your generosity. My Lord, that fool Diggory was already finished. Peasants like him cannot manage true wealth. They have no understanding. The Potter brat was already going to get his House back. It was inevitable. My voting with him, changed little. Except possibly get him indebted to me. That could be useful. Plus, nearly five million Galleons of Potter money has found its way to my vaults. Another couple of million to both Crabbe and Goyle. The Carrows received a piece as well. While I acknowledge it is not a crushing victory, surely My Lord can see the balance has tipped in your favor."

"Your point is well taken." Voldemort said after due consideration "In future, do not take such drastic action without consulting me beforehand."

Lucius again prostrated himself. It was pointless to mention the impossibility of doing that under the circumstances. He merely said "Understood, My Lord. Have I your leave to see to my wife's care?"

"You may go." The Dark Lord consented with a wave. "Now, Wormtail, on the other hand your plan was a complete failure."

Pettigrew scraped and groveled "Please have mercy, Master! It's not my fault!"

"CRUCIO!"

x x x x x

Harry watched as Padfoot trotted across the hospital floor and, then once out of the line of sight of the Healer's office the dog changed into Sirius while covering the last three steps. He was extremely pleased to see him, but also doubtful "Sirius, I totally understand you not going anywhere near the trial. But, did you really believe I didn't do it?"

"You're talking to the expert in unfair convictions, Harry." Replied Sirius "In everything I read, it sounded exactly like the same kind of scene that Wormtail pulled on me. But even before that, I did not think for one second that my Godson murdered anyone."

Harry's eyes welled up and he whispered "Thanks. I just felt all alone for so long." He'd really needed to talk to his Godfather, but still felt a bit like a heel asking Susan to leave especially after that kiss. But sobbing into Sirius' shoulder right now he was glad of her absence.

"Never be ashamed to cry, kiddo." Sirius said a few minutes later "You've been through a hell no one should-"

Harry sniffled and said "Not near as long as you. I'm a wimp."

"Rubbish!" Sirius said, gruffly "No wimp I know would take on a 60 foot snake, or outfly a Hungarian Hortail. To me, a wimp is someone that betrays their best friends just to save his own life. Or an old man that sentences a fourteen year old child without knowing all the facts."

For the first time, Remus Lupin, whom Harry would have preferred to forget was present spoke up "Dumbledore isn't perfect, but you shouldn't talk him down like that!"

"I'm not much of a child anymore!" snapped Harry. And it was just an opening. The trial rushed back at him and he shouted hatefully at his former professor "YOU STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM ME OR I'LL KILL YOU!"

Lupin's face took on a stricken expression "Harry, I'm so sorry."

"Shame on you, Harry." Tonks scolded him, then to Sirius "You'd better change, that shout will probably bring someone."

Sirius nodded, speaking quickly, he said "No matter what, I love you. But Harry, it wasn't Remus' fault. See if you can't find it in your heart to forgive." He transformed, just in time as a staffer entered.

"Nothing's wrong" said Harry, then contemptuously "They're just leaving. Tonks, you don't have any right telling me what to do, giving me hope then abandoning me for an easy job. Never talk to me again. And I mean it, Lupin, I learned something from Voldemort that night. Why don't you just look at my leg?"

The werewolf backed away, suddenly scared. Padfoot yelped in surprise.

"Voldemort gave Wormtail a silver hand." Harry explained, it took quite a bit of effort but he lifted it high. Internally, his entire knee-bone was silver. Out to the surface, the flesh was the same. There was an irregularly shaped silver surface not quite all the way around that averaged four inches below and above the knee "After that idiot Thicknesse smashed up my knee, he lost control of that Dementor. I drove it away with Prongs, then used the same spell to heal myself. Didn't think it would be so useful. Guess Snape was good for something after all."

Padfoot growled, mostly out of frustration. The presence of an outsider made it impossible for Sirius to do or say anything as a human.

"Sir, Miss." The staffer said "St. Mungo's is very firm on this. No disturbances. If necessary I will call security."

Emotions unreadable, Remus said "Get well soon, Harry. Come on Padfoot." Man, woman and dog left.

"Bastard! And her too!" Harry growled. He punched his pillow and closed his eyes. As he let go of his anger he found himself remembering his first kiss. That was definitely a more pleasant thing to think about.

x x x x x

Magical healing worked wonders. It was just a couple days after the Wizengamot hearing that an owl from St. Mungo's landed in front of Ron during lunch. He gave it an annoyed look and said "Shove off ya ruddy pidgeon!"

The brown and gold owl squawked at him and hopped over to Ginny. After delivering his burden he took off from the Gryffindor Table.

"HE'S COMING BACK TOMORROW!" the red-haired Fourth Year yelled. She bounced out of her seat and happy danced.

Susan looked over, feeling jealous that he'd sent that to her. But, then the same owl landed in front of her. She read the letter and sighed "A patronus worthy memory."

"Bit of an exaggeration to me." Her blond friend declared "I mean we couldn't even learn that until Seventh."

Susan swatted her and protested "Hannah! That's not the point!"

"You two make me sick." Eleanor Branstone declared "First he killed Cedric. Now he ruined his father."

Susan glared at her and retorted "If you can't read the facts for yourself, then bugger off!"

"Miss Branstone, I was less than pleased with this House's behavior during the Tournement." Professor Sprout said "Miss Bones is quite correct in that Harry Potter was cleared of all charges. I would hope that all of you can offer him a friendly return. I demand a peaceful one. Are we clear?"

There was a weak acknowledgement "Yes, Professor" from the table.

"Are we clear?" she repeated like a drill sergeant. She was satisfied with her Table's second response. "And, Miss Bones, watch your tongue."

x x x x x

Saturday morning, with no classes lunch was more like brunch. It started at 9AM and ran through noon. The more studious, like Ravenclaws and Hermione Granger, would bring books and sit around reading all morning. Ron Weasley was actually frantically writing a report for Herbology that was due that Monday "Can't believe all this work!" he complained "Ten feet of parchment!"

"It was assigned at the beginning of the semester." His girlfriend pointed out. "Mine was done three weeks ago."

Ron pleaded "Can't I y'know, look at yours. Y'know for pointers. We'd be able to get snogging."

"Most certainly not!" she countered, primly. "But I will help correct your spelling later."

Ginny, with a Defense Against the Dark Arts textbook balanced on her knees groaned "More than what my young ears needed."

"Well, I'm available for a snog or two, Miss Weasley." Dean Thomas threw out there completely unexpectedly. He even looked shocked at himself. A blush was only made invisible by his dark skin. The hostile look from Ron set him babbling.

Ginny was instantly between the two Fifth Years "Cut it out Ron! Nothing wrong with a bit of snogging. You've said it yourself. He-" she demanded, and was getting up a good mad. But she cut herself off and whispered "Harry…"

"Wha? Where?" asked Ron as he spun himself around, and right off the bench. He jumped to his feet, he was spun around again as his sister shot past him. After three 360s he had to do another 180 to get pointed in the right direction. He jumped about ten feet high with the aid of a bit of accidental magic and screamed "HAARRRRYYYY!"

Dean looked quite put out about the whole thing and looked at Hermione "Well?" he queried "Don't see you rushing off."

"Mind your own business, Mr. Thomas." She said, coldly.

Dean countered "Last time I heard, Miss Granger, you're a prefect. Not a teacher."

She huffed at him and walked off. She was more than willing to settle her differences with her friend. Ginny was on her fifth hug when she got there. Ron was … well, in her fond opinion…Ron. The stories in the Daily Prophet, had led her to learning about the leading Wizard Families. When she saw the House Elf, Dobby there, with Harry, wearing the Potter Crest she was livid "Harry James Potter!" she exclaimed "How could you! Slavery is wrong! I demand that you free him at once!"

"No Miss Grangy!" sobbed Dobby "Dobby is a good elf! Harry Potter says so! Dobby not be wanting clothes! Please Harry Potter, no be giving Dobby clothes!"

Harry reached over the arm of his chair and patted his head "It's alright, Dobby." He said softly. He didn't know exactly what he would feel when he saw her. Being lectured just ticked him off "Butt out of things that don't concern you, Granger."

"S.P.E.W. concerns me greatly!" she argued "After everything I-"

He cut her off by bumping his chair into her "Let's talk about the way you betrayed me at the trial!" he shouted.

"Come on Harry." Pleaded Ron "Can't we just go back to the way things were?"

"I did no such thing! I only told the truth!" she protested, and countered "And besides, how do you justify using that word?"

He glared at her, confused, and shot back "What are you babbling about?"

"Called her a Mudblood, you did, Potter." Draco Malfoy, who'd been watching from the sidelines, was happy to supply "Must say it was a fine moment. Wish I could've been there to actually see it. Spent the summer in Greece."

Harry shrugged it off "Shove off, Malfoy, this isn't your business." He turned back to Hermione and said dismissively "Don't remember it. But if you think two hundred four days of hell compares to one little word then I don't think I want to know you."

Silence reigned as Hermione just gaped at Harry. The crushing quiet was broken by a giggle from Draco which rapidly turned into a belly laugh. Hermione dissolved in tears and ran from the Great Hall. On her way out, she shoved the blond Sytherin who fell off his perch on the Table.

"Harry please." Pleaded Ron again before he chased off after her.

"Bloody hell, coulda seen this coming." Complained Harry with a roll of his eyes. A convenient twist had left the Great Hall empty of teachers for Harry's return.

Severus Snape swept into the Hall. He moved remarkably fast for someone not running, his cloak billowing behind him. He yanked Draco to his feet by his collar and glared at Harry. "So the celebrity returns." He sneered "This was a much better place without you, Potter. That will be fifty points from Gryffindor for assaulting a fellow student and two weeks of detention with me."

"Guess it doesn't even matter that I'm stuck in a chair for another week." Harry shot back in the same tone.

The Head of Slytherin smiled, it wasn't a pleasant one "Disrespect to a professor, Potter." He added "Another twenty points and another week's detention."

"I did not … could not… have touched Malfoy." Harry said "You weren't even here when it happened. And you instantly assume it was me. Why?"

Snape closed the space between them, towered over the seated Harry and glowered down at him "I am not accountable to you, Potter. Clearly your visit to Azkaban has not improved your arrogant attitude." He said "As for Mr. Malfoy, it is obvious that you cannot be trusted to behave yourself."

"Not my fault Draco's terrified of me, even in a wheelchair." He shot back.

Ginny nudged him and hissed "Harry, cool it!"

"I can take you anytime, any place, anywhere!" Draco bellowed.

Harry laughed at him and taunted "You mean anytime I'm still in this chair?"

"I think that is quite enough, Severus." Professor McGonagall said, announcing her presence. A student had run out of the Hall and brought her at top speed. "Get yourself settled, Potter." She told him "Then I want to see you in my office in one quarter of an hour."

Malfoy glared angrily as the professors departed, then threatened "You will pay, Potter. Mark my words you will pay."

"After Azkaban, Dementors and Voldemort you just don't count, Malfoy." Harry said, almost bored "Stay out of my way. Gin you mind walking with me to McGonagall's?"

The pair chatted about nothing in particular on the way to their Head of House's office. When they reached their destination, she said "It'll be alright. I can even tell her what happened."

"Witness for the defense?" he asked, patting her arm. And a friendly smile. "Oh, one more thing. Do me a favor?"

Ginny nodded and said "Of course, Harry." She knocked on the office door and pushed it open.

"Only really missed out on one person." He said "If you see Susan Bones, let her know she's next, just as soon as I'm done here."

It didn't especially please her, but nodded "No problem. Professor, excuse me."

x x x x x

"Mr. Potter…Harry" said Professor McGonagall "please. We have a great deal to discuss. Let me first start with I am extremely glad to see you out of Azkaban. That trial left so many unanswered questions. It seemed more interested in punishment than justice."

Smiling slightly, he said "Thank you, Professor. I guess I'm glad you asked me here. I don't know how I could even begin to catch up. There's only three months left in the year. And OWLs." He hid a cringe at the word which reminded him of his murdered familiar.

"Perhaps you underestimated me slightly, Mr. Potter." She said, pleasantly "I have several workable options to discuss with you. Professor Moody was quite impressed with you. He is more than willing to work with you. Your Transfiguration work last year was well above average. Same in Charms. I note some irregularity with your Potions grade. Your classwork is always graded Poor, even Troll. Yet you seem to do well in exams. Can you shed any light?"

Harry repressed a disgusted snort and answered "Snape."

"Professor Snape" she said with a hint of rebuke "has been a teacher here for several years. Without seeming to disparage a colleague, I am aware that… Let me rephrase. My teaching career includes what is unofficially referred to as the Marauder Era. Certain events have revealed to you the identities of those individuals. Yes?"

Harry nodded.

"And perhaps you know that they did not get along with certain other individuals?" it might have been phrased as a question.

Harry again nodded and replied "Yes, Ma'am. But I really don't see what that has to do with me. All of that happened before I was born."

"I must set that aside, Mr. Potter." She said, side-stepping the topic "Tell me, have you thought of a career?"

Harry scratched his head and said "Well, Professor Moody thought I could go in for Auror. But, I don't know. I love flying. Maybe Quidditch."

"NEWTs in Potions is mandatory for being an Auror. Something to consider in your dealings with Professor Snape." The glare she received in return was rather disturbing "Right, Mr. Potter, I realize you are still recovering and I will take that into account. Professors have the authority in this school and-"

Harry interrupted her "Do you know the Draught of Living Death?"

"It has been some years, but yes, I am certain I could still brew it if needed." She answered, more out of surprise at the non sequitor. "What has that to do with our conversation?"

There was a time when that look would have shut him up but that was before prison "Do you remember when you learned about it?" he asked.

"Not specifically." She replied, more confused than before, and beginning to be annoyed "Certainly NEWT level. Perhaps sixth year. Seriously let us get back on track."

"Then, Professor, can you explain why Snape asked me about it on my first day of school?" he asked.

Feeling out of her comfort zone, McGonagall redirected the discussion "Alright, Mr. Potter" she said "We need to discuss what happened in the Great Hall."

"Good idea, Professor." Said Harry "And I've had quite enough getting punished for something I didn't do. Snape took seventy points and gave me three weeks detention for attacking Malfoy. He wasn't even in the room when it happened. And it was actually Granger."

The Head of Gryffindor's eyebrows disappeared under her hat. There was a whole list of concerns in that statement. She was going to have to take up the matter at the top levels of Hogwarts management. Going head to head with Severus was never fun, nor could she count on her boss's support even when she was right. On a different level was the matter of Harry's casual handing over of one of his closest friends. She quite remembered the string of garbage that three first years fed her in relation to a certain troll incident. "I shall look into the matter, Potter." She promised without really promising anything "Meanwhile let us discuss your education. I don't believe you will be able to sit your OWL exams in June. It is only three months away. However, every one of your professors is willing to put in the extra time with you privately to bring you up to speed. My primary plan would have you taking your OWLs in early August. That gives you sufficient time to prepare. And the Ministry, adequate time to grade prior to the beginning of Sixth Year. We would have to focus more directly on actual test material rather than a real education, however the rest can be done more fully during the next year."

"Works" said Harry with a nod "But, I wonder, if it wouldn't help free some time if I dropped a couple classes. All Professor Trelawney wants is death predictions and Care of Magical Creatures doesn't seem all that important anymore."

McGonagall considered the suggestion and said "There is a benefit there, Potter. You would have five extra hours per week. If you put that time to good use. I am normally reluctant to give a student such free time. How serious are you, Potter?"

"I'd like to have the option of being an Auror, Professor." said Harry "Plus, I keep running into Voldemort. I'd better know how to protect myself. Actually, I think I'd like to pick up on Runes and Arithmancy next year."

The Professor nodded "Alright. I think we can work on a plan. Take your current classes, minus Divination and Care of Magical Creatures. I suggest focusing your attention on one subject per day. And as much as I know students love quizzes, I think it would be a wise way to monitor your progress."

"Yes, Professor" said Harry with a sour chuckle "But, I don't want them getting in the way of studying. Could I do them Saturday or Sunday?"

She couldn't keep an expression of pleasure off her face "Few are willing to put weekends on the line." She said "I hope this works out, Mr. Potter. And, just don't overdo it."

x x x x x

"The one bloody day to oversleep!" Susan Bones was complaining.

Her friend laughed at her "You didn't oversleep you goof! Of course you could've put that Muggle fiction book down a little earlier."

"I'd just got to the good part, Han." The redhead countered.

Hannah laughed "You were on page 300 out of a 500 page book. And you didn't have to finish it last night. So did Captain Kook keep the universe safe for Muggles everywhere, again? That is how it ended, wasn't it?"

"It's Kirk. And yes. And that's not the point either." Said Susan.

The blond girl leaned into her ear and whispered "Don't you think your real hero would get jealous?"

"BAHHHH!" Susan protested. She pushed her friend and threw a tickle hex at her.

That was the scene that Ginny Weasley witnessed as she, rather accidentally came upon them by the Hogwarts Lake. She laughed as Susan spun through the air and landed with a sploosh She couldn't help laughing. And since she exposed her presence she applauded as well. "Beautiful dive!" she yelled.

"A drying spell if you don't mind." Susan spat water on the ground.

Ginny obliged and added "Well, I have to admit I felt a bit jealous when I started wandering around. But this made it all worth it."

"Huh?" came from the two Hufflepuffs.

Ginny just shrugged, and asked "Just what did you do that got Harry all hot and bothered?"

"Huh?" came again from the two Hufflepuffs in an echo effect.

Ginny quickly told them the events in the Great Hall. To which the other two acknowledged they had already heard. "Well the part you didn't hear was just before he went into McGonagall's office. He told me, if I saw you to say he'd want to see you as soon as he could."

"Well, you did get him out of Azkaban." Hannah offered in a rather deadpanned tone.

Susan found herself blushing and muttered "Wellwekissed."

"When? Where? How?" Ginny quick-fire questioned.

Susan couldn't help grinning "It just happened." She said with a sigh "Kinda corny, too. We … he asked me to help him sit up. I did and we were nose to nose. And well, it was just two inches."

"Damn!" Ginny cursed "Shoulda done it myself!"

Susan looked alarmed "You don't mean you and Harry…?"

Ginny paused, she could've said yes, and was tempted to "No, just a wish. If it works out, great. You hurt him and I'll kick your arse all over this castle."

"Didn't know you needed another brother, Weasley." Hannah commented.

Ginny glared at her and but directed her comment at Susan "I take it back, Bones. Won't do a thing to you. I'll snog HIM all over the castle."

"Ron letting you snog?" asked a male voice from behind her.

Ginny jumped and squealed, then turned annoyed "I need no one's permission. Especially … Harry!" Her face turned bright red. "Don't sneak up on me like that!"

"Hard to make noise in a floating chair." He replied lightly "I'm your friend, not your brother. I just know how Ron thinks."

Ginny snorted "He doesn't, you mean."

"No comment. " said Harry "So what's going on between my two favorite girls?"

Hannah said "Hmpf… didn't know you cared?"

"Oh sorry" Harry apologized.

Ginny laughed amusedly at his discomfort, and only added to it by leaning down and kissing him. At his shocked reaction she said "Don't think about it, Harry. I don't squeak and run away anymore. See ya later."

"I'm gonna go back to the hospital now." Said Harry, as he watched her leave "People are sane there. The only normal ones I've seen today are Snape and Malfoy."

Susan glanced at her friend and said "Why don't you see how Ginny's doing?"

"Ah." Hannah grunted "Well, bye." She noted with amusement that Harry's chair shifted a few feet away from her as she passed.

"Heard about Snape." Said Susan "What is it with that man?"

Harry shrugged and said "All I know his he hates me. I don't care anymore. And I'm not going to let him punish me for something I didn't do!"

"Ginny told us what happened." She said "Harry, he gave you detention."

Eyes hardening, he replied "McGonagall said she was going to argue it, but don't matter, not happening. Can we not talk about him?"

"Of course, Harry." Said Susan "I'm glad you're back."

Harry's face felt warm and he said "I owe it all to you. I'd still be in Azkaban."

"Well, well I made Harry Potter blush." She teased, gently "I told you before. I did it because it didn't make sense. You screaming Eternal Glory. That's exactly the opposite of every time you talked to the press. I also told you, Cedric's killer has to pay. That hasn't changed."

Harry replied with a tight smile "I like that fired up look in you. Susan, if there's anything I can do about it, Pettigrew will pay. He's the one that really betrayed my parents that night. And I will always remember that look on the miserable rat's face when he killed Cedric."

"Helluva way to become friends isn't it?" she asked.

Harry pushed himself out of his chair and stood next to her "I rather thought we became friends before that. And, I dunno, a bit more than friends." He silently cursed his weakness, that he couldn't pull her into a kiss. Instead he had to lean in and kiss her cheek.

"Miss Susan Bones! See you're looking after our Harry." Boomed a large voice.

Harry wasn't especially pleased at the interruption. He'd had things going quite his way. Nor, had he been looking forward to this. He withdrew, both emotionally into a shell and physically sat down again in his chair. "Professor." He said, distantly. And he didn't fully face him.

"Good to have you back, Harry. Place hasn't been the same without you." said Rubeus Hagrid.

Again in the same distant tone he replied "Thank you, Professor."

"What about this chair, Harry?" Hagrid asked.

Face blank, Harry replied "Azkaban is a hard place, sir."

"Know that, sure'nuff, I do." Hagrid acknowledged.

Still not looking at Hagrid, Harry said "You were there for a couple of weeks, sir. I was there for eight months, and got tortured on top of that. You don't know a thing. And the last thing I saw before going to prison was my first, best friend get strangled, sir."

"Can't tell you how sorry I am 'bout that." replied a sad Hagrid "And what's with all this formality? Thought we was friends."

Harry shrugged "Dementors, sir, make you remember all the worst things. And I remember what Diggory did to Hedwig. And I remember that you handed her over, sir."

"Oh that wasn't my fault, Harry." The giant man argued. "Dumbledore, he-"

Harry cut in "Well, I found out just how perfect, Judge Dumbledore is. Didn't I?"

"Professor Dumbledore is a great man." Hagrid countered, loyally.

Harry turned the chair to face him directly and said "The difference between you and me is that Dumbledore got you out of Azkaban. He sent me there. And you handed Hedwig over to be killed. And I had to relive that memory about a hundred times a day. Is there something else? Sir?"

Hagrid's face fell. Several times he opened his mouth but nothing came out. Finally, he gave up trying and just lumbered away.

"If I hadn't seen the look on your face" said Susan "I might be angry with you. Harry, I'm sorry. But don't you think you could forgive him?"

Harry returned the hug she offered, then said, quite sadly "I really don't know. Someday maybe. Right now I can't even look at him without seeing … that. I don't know if it's even about forgiving."

"I underst…" she began, cutting herself off "Sorry, I was going to say I understand what you're going through. I don't. All I know is I hate seeing that devastated look on your face. How can I help?"

Harry held her hand and said "Thank you…again… Susan. But I feel pretty lousy. And maybe I … well … Would it be rude if I asked you to let me just feel lousy for a while?"

"Don't know about rude, Harry" She replied "but, that I think I understand." She released his hand and patted his cheek.

He pounded his fist on the arm of his chair as she left. Then after a curve in the hill back up to Hogwarts hid her from sight, he let out all his anger. The sound echoed to the far side of the lake.