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Chapter 41:- Quidditch Dates, Study Dates.A/N: The normal, Malehorntaildragon, thanks.

**

The sky had few clouds and the day was warm as Harry strolled out onto the Quidditch pitch. As he looked at the assembled group for tryout he reckoned that the whole of the Gryffindor house had come out to tryout or just watch. He saw that most people were standing around holding brooms of various sorts. Many were holding borrowed school brooms but some like him had their own it was unusual to see so many players on the pitch at once.

Looking around he eventually found the group he was after and walked up to them.

“Crowded isn’t it.” Stated Ron as he approached.

Harry looked at his friend and saw that his face was a pale white; obviously the nerves were already beginning to affect him. Harry just hoped that Katie would start soon or Ron might fall to pieces even before the start. Hermione was standing next to Ron but she was strangely silent as she too looked over everybody. Harry looked over at Ginny and saw that she looked as good as normal, Gabrielle was standing behind her but wasn’t carrying a broom which slightly surprised him.

“Not trying out Gabrielle.”

“Um...no, I don’t really like...brooms.”

“What!” asked a startled Ginny who despite her appearance was feeling a little nervous.

“I...I...never learned. It wasn’t something that I was taught but really I’m quiet glad.”

“But the fun of racing through the air. The way the breeze flows around, the silence of the sky it’s so beautiful?” asked Ginny clearly in wonder.

“No I’m happy, honest.” Replied Gabrielle flashing Ginny and Harry a smile.

Harry found that he almost took a step back as the smile was displayed; he felt a little bit inside of him melt as he looked into the girls face. He was also sure that he saw Ginny shudder slightly. He was sure that Gabrielle wasn’t affecting him but she could still affect people if she wanted to, with that smile at the very least anyway.

A loud whistle blew causing everybody to turn towards it.

“Hello everyone, it’s about time we started I ask anyone that isn’t taking part please leave the field.” Said Katie with her voice magically enhanced.

Harry turned back towards Gabrielle and caught the sight of Hermione bending towards Ron and whispering something. Before he could say anything he saw her give Ron a kiss and one that lasted far longer than a platonic friend would do.

“Good luck you two I’ll be cheering you from the stands as well.” Said Hermione smiling at Harry and Ginny before turning and leaving, walking like a cat that had gotten the cream.

Harry glanced back at Ron and saw that his eyes were still closed and the colour had definitely returned to his face.

“Yes good luck to all of you.” Said Gabrielle but she didn’t flash her smile again, knowing that both Ginny and Ron might be affected. She followed Hermione but hoped that she didn't have to sit too close to her, afraid of what the older girl was going to say.

“OK then, please split up into the positions you are trying out for. Seeker over there, keepers to that side, chasers next to me and beaters over there.”

Harry turned towards Ginny to wish her luck but found that the girl had already closed the distance. Ginny’s arms embraced him and he felt her lips capture his, it had been a long time in his mind since he had kissed her like this and suddenly he felt a little embarrassed but she didn’t seem to notice. As they broke apart they heard a retching noise from behind Harry where Ron was standing.

“We didn't say anything about Hermione so just shut it.” Said Ginny over Harry’s shoulder. “Good luck Harry, though we both know you don't need it.” She continued as she turned back to her boyfriend.

“You to Ginny.” he replied still feeling his emotions running wild after that kiss.

Ginny smiled once more before almost skipping off towards the other chasers.

“Well mate.” Said Ron.

“Yeah...well good luck.”

“Um... you too.” Replied Ron still feeling his stomach turn at the thought of performing in front of the whole house, but Hermione had faith in him and she had suggested he might get a little “prize” if he got through.

With that the two separated and Harry walked over to the seekers group. He saw that it was the largest and that everybody was looking at him. Trying to ignore the looks he waited for Katie to come over. When she did so he saw that the stands weren’t exactly full but there were a lot of people in them and many from the other houses. He just hoped that Ron would be alright, it would be awful if he was the only one of out of the three that failed.

Eventually Katie came walking over. Harry saw that the beaters group were already knocking bludgers between themselves and the chasers were flipping a quaffle around.

“Ok then the others are working on their skills and it is the same for you. It’s a simple test, it is three laps around the pitch, one at hoop height one at half height and one at ground level. The first ten back will move on the rest are dropped, everyone understand?”

Katie saw a number of nods but most had serious looks on their faces; this was very similar to the others she had already spoken to.

“Harry a quick word if you please.”

He was a little surprised at being singled out but walked over to Katie.

“Harry I’m really sorry do you mind swapping your broom for mine for this race. The others might think it’s a bit unfair against you on that broom.”

Looking at his own broom Harry understood that Katie was right; he did have a big advantage.

“Ok then.” He replied and saw the look of relief on her face.

Harry mounted her broom and waited with the others. A loud blast for Katie’s whistle started them all off. Harry immediately pulled the broom into a strong climb. This was going to be the slowest part of his race but he would get most of the lost time back as he descended and accelerated the broom. As he climbed he was impressed at the response of Katie’s broom, it wasn’t in the class of his Firebolt but it responded well. As he levelled off he started to race towards the far rings. He saw that he was with a small group of other flyers, those much lower down were ahead of them but they would still have to climb up.

He raced around the hoops for the first time at almost touching distance and he was getting the feel of the broom more and more now. His mind started to clear of all worries as he flew on and he started to enjoy his time in the air. He had spent far too long away from his broom for him not to enjoy this. As the first lap was completed he let the nose drop slightly and felt the increase of speed the wind whipped through his head and he felt his heart beating. On and on he forced the broom slowly but surely increasing his lead over the others around.

As he descended for the last time to start his third lap a sickening crash sounded behind him and he risked a glance over his shoulder. Behind him it looked like a couple of people had hit each other as they changed heights. Everyone looked fine but he was now clearly in the lead. His feet brushed the ground as he finally passed the finished line and he pulled to a stop.

“Well done Harry.” Beamed Katie walking up to him.

“Thanks, nice broom.”

“Yeah but yours is better.” Replied Katie as they swapped brooms back.

It wasn’t long before the rest of seekers joined them, some still looked very shaken and a lot of them were breathing hard but they all looked pleased.

“Well then that only leaves ten of you left.” Indicated Katie to the assembled group. “Ok I need to choose one of you. I’ll pair you off against each other and see what you can do against a real snitch, fastest time wins.”

Harry waited until it was his turn, Katie had left him and the person he was up against to last. He wasn’t sure if it was deliberate but even he could feel the nerves in his stomach. As he moved forward to the line he looked at the third year he was up against, Harry was sure that he was more nervous than himself.

Katie let the snitch go and blew her whistle. Harry leaned forward and let his broom sore into the air, the sheer speed and acceleration took him away from his rival. His eyes automatically started to scan the area for the hint of gold. As soon as the other seeker had caught him up Harry saw his target. Without conscious thought he leaned forward and dove for the snitch, the broom became a virtual extension to his body as he dived fast and low towards the erratic snitch.

His hand grasped the cool metal in a single grasp and he lent back, a grin plastered on his face. He didn't know the time but he was sure that it had been the fastest. As he brought the broom to stop he saw may people clapping. Looking around he saw a number of people in the stands cheering and clapping all for him. Felling embarrassed he turned back to Katie and gave her the snitch.

“Well done Harry, looks like you made it. It was almost a minute faster than anybody else congratulations.”

“Thanks Katie, it was fun to do that again.” Replied Harry happy that he had managed to keep his place. As the others started to drift away he saw that his group was the first to finish, hoisting his broom onto his shoulder he made his way to the stands. He noticed that many people were now walking away leaving only a few committed supports left.

***

“It won’t work you know.” Hermione said icily, as they sat back down from watching Harry capture the snitch.

Gabrielle’s stomach twisted into knots. She didn’t want to have this here. She glanced around quickly and noticed that there wasn’t anybody close enough to hear them.

“It’ll take more than a pretty face and little bit of magic to lure Harry into your little web.” Hermione continued scathingly.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh don’t you play the innocent ‘little girl act’ with me, I know exactly what you’re up to and I plan on stopping it, and /you/.” With that Hermione turned her attention back to the pitch.

As Harry entered the stands he saw that Gabrielle was sitting near Hermione but she looked a little shocked, he knew his dive had been fast but it hadn’t been that bad had it? As he put himself down between them he changed his mind he could almost feel the hostility between them, nothing was being said it was though his magic was telling him.

“How are the others doing?”

“Ron got through the first half he’ll be up in a moment but he looks really nervous.” Replied Hermione.

“Ginny’s doing well, I think.” Said Gabrielle.

“Gabrielle, I was thinking.” Harry stated watching the young Veela. “And well, I was thinking, I know you said that you’re not really interested in flying, but, well would you be willing to learn if I taught you? We can start off small; I was thinking that we could go tandem on my broom.”

“Absolutely not.” Hermione interrupted suddenly. “Your broom, or for that matter, any broom isn’t built for two people, it’ll be too dangerous.”

“Ah come on Hermione, it’ll be alright. I’m a pretty decent flyer we won’t go fast or very far off the ground.” Harry defended, but couldn’t understand the sudden hostility from his friend.

“If Gabrielle really wants to learn how to fly a broom she can attend the flying classes here at Hogwarts, you do remember them don’t you it’s where you made seeker.”

“Yeah, but those weren’t very fun though.” Seeing Hermione look at him in disdain he dropped his hand to rest lightly on top of Gabrielle. “Ah come on Hermione, I promise not to let anything happen to Gabrielle.”

Hermione’s eyes seemed to bore into the pair of them even harder. Harry didn't think the suggestion was all that bad but the look from Hermione was getting almost dangerous.

Gabrielle could not only feel the emotions but the look from Hermione was very dangerous. Harry’s hand resting lightly upon her was sending all sorts of messages to her body and magic but she forced them away as she tried to defuse the situation between herself and Hermione. The last thing she wanted to do was start a fight with one of Harry oldest friends.

“No Harry it’s alright. I can try in the school lessons. I don’t think it’s really for me, I was taught dancing and horse ridding not flying when I was little. I enjoyed those and still do but thank you for your offer.”

Hermione’s face took on a look of pure triumph as she listened to Gabrielle’s words. Gabrielle saw that look and felt a sharp force in her magic, it was though it need to defend her position with Harry against the older girl. Without thinking she spoke some more.

“Harry you should watch me sometime doing ballet or riding. I bet you would enjoy it and may even join me, I always need a good lift and there’s plenty of room for two on a horse, if you are really close.”

Hermione’s face lost its look of triumph instantly. She focused herself on the young girl but Gabrielle had turned her face to look at the action on the far side. Hermione didn’t know if Harry had caught the subtle meaning in Gabrielle’s words but she had, she just had to convince Harry of Gabrielle’s true intentions before it got too far.

Harry wasn’t completely oblivious to Gabrielle’s words but he was still unsure what to do about it and the reaction of Hermione. Driving these thoughts away took some time but he eventually turned towards the pitch and watched the chasers. His eyes easily found Ginny and he locked onto her. She looked so at home on the broom, the way she gripped it and drove it to where she needed it to be looked like poetry.

“She’s doing well.” Said Gabrielle quietly catching a glance at his face and seeing where he was looking.

“Yeah.”

The two were silent as they watched Ginny bank hard and pick a difficult pass from the ground. It was obvious that the chasers were each trying to score at greater and greater distances and that Gabrielle was right Ginny did look like she was doing well. As he watched more and more of the chasers were dropped and when Ginny managed to score from almost half way he knew that she had done it, as so did she by the look on her face as she circled to the floor.

They had been right, for the chases were soon dismissed and Harry saw Ginny give Katie a brief hug before turning and running towards them in the stands.

“I made it.” She called out as she entered their section.

Harry stood up and turned towards her.

“Congrats, I knew you would.”

Ginny just kept closing the distance until she enveloped him in another hug.

“You?” she asked in his ear.

“No problem.” He replied

“Wonderful!” she replied before giving him another long kiss and not caring who saw them.

As the pair sat down Ginny kept hold of Harry’s hand and saw Gabrielle move closer to them.

“Well done Ginny.” She said

“Ginny, your boyfriend wanted to take Gabrielle for a tandem broom ride in order to teach her how to fly.” Hermione said hoping that Ginny would realize what was happening right in front of her and getting Ginny to be on her side.

It only took Ginny a moment to respond. “Oh, that’s a great idea.” She said excitedly. “Harry’s an excellent flyer Gabrielle, if anybody can teach you it’ll be him.”

“No it’s alright Ginny I really don't want to, but I did suggest that he could help me with some of my leisure pursuits, ballet, horse ridding or even dancing, I’m sure we can do something /together/.”

Ginny could almost read the younger girls mind as she said these words. Getting Harry to teach her to fly would have been good, but him joining her would be even better. She could just imagine what how Gabrielle would look dressed in leotard or tutu, in a riding outfit or even an elegant ball gown. Harry’s trousers would have to be made of stone not to react to a sight like that all they had to do was get him to act upon it when he did.

“That sounds good as well. I might even join you, it’d be fun.”

“All three of us together now that would be fun.” Replied Gabrielle not knowing who she was teasing more, Ginny or Harry.

Hermione’s eyes went wide and her jaw slacked as the words hit her. She’s got them both bewitched, I knew it!!! She composed herself realizing that it would be pointless to do anything for now. “You did really well Ginny.”

“Thanks Hermione, what about Ron?”

“He looks to be up now, everyone quiet.” Hissed Hermione who leaned forward intently watching Ron.

Harry too focused on his friends attempt and couldn’t believe what he was seeing. The nervousness that he had seen before seemed to have disappeared. Ron zoomed from hoop to hoop easily protecting them stopping the shots and even the last one which everyone else so far had missed he stopped. Admittedly he only managed to deflect it but he did at least get his hand to it.

Hermione sprung to her feet after this final save and was clapping and cheering as loudly as anybody had for Harry.

“And they pretend that there’s nothing between them.” Muttered Ginny looking at Hermione.

**

Ron had joined them after his spectacular save beaming with pride that he had made the team once more. Hermione had pulled him into a hug as soon as she could and Harry turned away slightly with a smile of happiness plastered on his face.

They had waited until Katie was done with the beaters and then they all walked down to meet her. Ginny was still holding Harry’s hand and Hermione, Ron’s.

“Well that’s that. Ok practice, we’ll try and get one in a week, I talk to you later after I’ve booked the pitch, but well done anyway everyone this year I’ll think we will be great!”

Everyone shared smiles as they all started to head towards the Castle. Ron kept retelling his saves so much so that Harry was certain he knew every move by the time the main door opened. As his eyes adjusted to the gloomy interior he stopped after a few paces after looking at the girl waiting for him.

He saw that Susan was calmly waiting for him at the bottom of the Grand Staircase. He had never seen he look so good, and felt a lump rise in his throat. He had told her to meet him here after try-outs but didn't mention about the others. He could easily read the crestfallen look on her face as realisation dawned upon her.

Susan couldn’t move a muscle as she looked at Harry. She had spent all morning on getting ready. She didn't know what he wanted to talk about but she was making sure she was ready. She had selected and then reselected what she was going to wear and then spent hours in the bathroom. She had been glad that it was Saturday and most of the rest of the house was out but she tried everything she could to make herself look the best she could.

After carefully doing her hair and applying a little make up she had to slow her racing heart. Every fantasy was running in her mind and she wanted each and every one of them to play out. She saw this “date” as her chance with Harry. With slightly unsteady steps she had made her way to the main entrance to wait for him. She didn’t know how long she waited and saw that many people gave her long hard look but she didn't care she was waiting for Harry.

As the doors opened she took a steadying breath and waited as he walked in. He was still quietly laughing at something Ron had said when he entered; she had wanted to take a step forward but froze when she saw his joined hand and Ginny’s. It then struck her that it wasn’t a “date”. He heart started to collapse into itself at this and when Gabrielle walked in behind him she realised that all of the work she had put in was wasted because she could never look that good, and if Harry could ignore that girl behind him the he was surely going to ignore her.

**

Harry mind flashed through what had just happened. Turning towards Ron and Hermione he said.

“I’ve, we’ve got to talk to Susan I’ll see you later in the common room?”

“What about?” instantly questioned Hermione.

“Not now Hermione later I promise.”

“I’ll hold you to that!” she replied in a stern voice and Harry knew that the time had come to tell her as well.

Crossing slowly to Susan he tried to calm his emotions but something was telling him exactly how this girl was feeling. Quickly glancing over his shoulder he saw that Ginny and Gabrielle hadn’t moved yet and the younger girl had her eyes closed.

With a small smile he turned back towards Susan.

“Thanks for waiting Susan, you look good.”

But silence was his only answer.

“Honestly Susan you look really good, the best.”

“Thanks” she replied in a flat voice.

“I’m sorry I didn't mention the others. They have to be there, you’ll see.”

“It’s ok.”

“No it’s not. I know you feel hurt. Don't ask me now; it’s what we need to talk about.”

Harry saw an instantly questioningly look on her face but she never the less followed in silence, Ginny and Gabrielle caught the pair up but nothing was said and Harry lead them towards an empty classroom.

***

It wasn’t hard for Harry to find an empty classroom and once he did they all entered. Still nothing had been said between them all, as he led them to the desks. Each took a chair and sat down in a rough circle.

“Susan I said that we need to talk and we do. I need to explain to you a few things; well in fact Gabrielle here might have to do some of the explaining but I’m asking you not to tell anyone.”

“Tell anyone?”

“Yes at the moment only very few know this. If everyone knows then....”

“People will treat me...Harry differently.” Said Gabrielle

“How so?”

“Susan will you?”

She paused for a moment but only so to compose herself, each of the faces held a different emotion. She didn’t know what but each of them were looking at her for and it unnerved her.

“Ok.”

Harry let out a long breath before speaking again.

“Do you know how I found you in that forest?”

Susan wasn’t really prepared for that question. She had tried to put the experience behind her but this brought it all to the front again.

“Um...I don't know”

“I couldn’t find just anybody I could find you, or these two.” Harry knew he was withholding some information but only a little as he didn't want to give Susan too much at the moment just enough so that she would start to ask questions. He knew her to be smart he just wanted her to use it.

“Why us three?” she asked blushing very slightly.

“Because we are connected.”

“Connected?”

“Yes...we have a connection between us like a magical bond.”

Susan blinked once before her mind took over. It had been bad enough that he meet her with two other girls but if he was now going to talk to her about magical connections or bonds she wasn’t staying around for that. Yes she wanted to help but not to be ridiculed by him.

Standing up abruptly she turned around and started for the door calling out to them.

“I’m not going to be made fun of. I wanted to help that’s all.” Everyone could her Susan’s voice cracked with emotion as she walked away.

“Susan wait, please.” Called Harry stopping Susan.

“Just so you can humiliate me!”

“No it’s not that!” Harry turned Gabrielle and said “a little help please.”

“Susan I know your upset, you’re angry annoyed and upset but please just a moment.” Asked Gabrielle

“You don't know how I feel.”

“Well actually I do but please just give me a second.”

Susan still stood with her back turned and could feel a tear rolling down her face.

“Susan, Harry has an ability, he had many actually, but he can connect to people. It will allow him and them to grow to develop and the two of you are connected.”

“I...I...” stammered Susan trying to understand.

“If you come back I can show you.”

“You had better not...” started to say Susan as she turned but Harry answered her immediately.

“No...I, we want to tell you about this. To give you a choice, some of your actions aren’t fully your own.”

“My own?”

“It’s not that bad, I think, it’s just.”

“More intense.” Said Ginny in a small voice.

“Intense?”

“Let me show you something first then you might understand.” Said Gabrielle.

“Alright.” Replied Susan still very hesitantly she walked over to Gabrielle.

“Ok sit down and close your eyes.”

Susan did so and waited she could hear her heart beating in her ears, then she felt Gabrielle’s had light grasp her own. With her eyes closed she focused on that hand the smoothness of it and its gentle warmth.

“Ok I want you to relax and focus on a thought or a memory.”

“Like when I try and cast a patronus?”

Gabrielle looked round at Harry who shook his shoulder not understanding, but Ginny did.

“No Susan not a happy memory as such but one of love and safety.”

“Love and Safety?”

“Yes it will help Gabrielle show you. Think of a time when you thought you were safe and loved.”

Susan searched through her mind rejecting image after image, Ginny had given her some idea of what she needed but it would have been nice to be given an example. Eventually she settled upon one.

“Ok I’m ready.”

“Right now think of that time of how you felt, just think of those feelings.”

Gabrielle could sense the change and focused her magic, now doing this for a second time she was certain that it would succeed, as she opened her eyes she could see her ribbon flowing out from her and breathed slowly.

“Now open your eyes and look with those feelings, your magic might feel a bit funny but that’s me.”

Susan slowly opened her eyes and did indeed feel funny. She didn't know why but she knew something was different, as she let her eyes focus slowly she saw a bright ribbon of magic flowing from her directly to Harry. Shock started to bubble within her but her curiosity drove it away. As she looked at the ribbon she felt a shift in her magic, it was like her core wanted to move, to flow down that connection, and without warning she felt herself flowing down that ribbon. There was no sensation of speed it just flowed, closer and closer she got to the end.

Just before her magic or whatever intersected with Harry she felt a block, like a wall stopping her. It stopped her efforts and within her she could feel an almost cry of despair for not being able to come to its end.

“You can see it?” asked Gabrielle.

“Yes it is flowing I want to flow with it.”

“That’s this bond, we are connected.”

“And Harry did this?”

“Not on his own, it was both of you. Some time in your pasts you connected and this was formed.”

“But we never...” she said feeling a little blush rise to her face.

“It could have been anything, a moment here or there, that’s all that it takes.”

Gabrielle slowly removed her hand from Susan and saw the look of understanding cross Susan’s face as the older girl lost the picture of the ribbons.

“Is the ribbon still there?” asked Susan

“Yes but you can’t see it, yet. If you practice you might be able to.”

“I still can’t.” Grumbled Ginny.

“But it might come with time, I really don't know.” Replied Gabrielle a little sadness edging her voice.

Susan continued to think about everything and memories surfaced. No one said anything, as they all continued to watch her they could all clearly see her mind working through a problem, Harry was almost memorised by Susan’s lips which seemed to be whispering to herself as she worked through the problem. Eventually she stopped and looked up.

“My Aunt said that I was lucky.”

“Lucky?” asked Ginny

“Yes I told her about Harry and..... she said not to give up that I was lucky. It was all in a book she was reading.”

“What book?” instantly asked Gabrielle.

“One she got from the Ministry, she was reading it on...that night. She said that...” but Susan could not go on anymore as other memories of that night forced themselves to the front.

“Where is this book?”

“I think she destroyed it. She wasn’t supposed to have it she used her connections to get it.”

Harry looked quickly at Gabrielle.

“It might help us.” She replied to the unspoken question. Turning to Susan once more she continued. “Do you think you could?”

“No... Not now at least. You see it wasn’t in the general library at the Ministry it was in....another department.”

“Which one?” asked Ginny.

“I...I...really can’t say. We aren’t supposed to know about it.”

“Do they have a copy?”

“I would be unlikely but I’ll see. I’ll try.”

“Thanks Susan.” Replied Harry sensing how import that the book was for Gabrielle and even possibly to himself.

“So this connection is between us?”

Harry took over answering the questions for a moment.

“Yes we are connect, it’s not permanent that’s your choice. If we separate the connection will die but I thought you should know about it.”

“What does it do?”

“I...I... don’t know, Gabrielle?”

“For Susan I don't know either. Each connection will be different for you, you know that you can read emotions better now, that’s from me. Susan, well I think that something you are both going to have to find out. You could also start to notice other changes, like your sight for instance, but I think that something we are going to have to work on.”

“So back to lessons?”

“Lessons, sight?” questioned Susan.

Gabrielle quickly looked at Harry, she suddenly realised that she had mentioned something about Harry that very few actually knew about and wasn’t sure he wanted repeated to Susan, a small pit of worry formed at the thought that she might have upset Harry.

Both Harry and Ginny saw the look on Gabrielle’s face and he smiled a small smile telling her that it was alright before he answered.

“Yes Gabrielle is showing me how I can develop this new magic. There are things that I couldn’t do before but now I can. Between us we are developing what these bonds and I can do.”

“Why her and not....”

“She’s the best.” He replied at once.

“I am knowledgeable in this area because of my....” but Gabrielle paused once more afraid of reviling who she was.

“What?”

“Heritage...I’m a Veela, well part one but it’s a big part of me. That and the fact I’m connected allows me to show Harry what he can do. I think no-one can tell him exactly what he can do with his new magic it will just develop, like the bonds.”

“So what can you do Harry?” Susan asked her thirst for knowledge suddenly sparking.

“No much at the moment, I can stop mental attacks I think.”

“Mental?”

“Yes it was something that I was learning last year. I wasn’t very good at it but now...” Harry stopped and looked at Gabrielle before continuing. “...I’m better, much better.”

“What about this sight?”

“I can see magic.”

“See magic?” asked Susan clearly bemused.

“Yes like the ribbon but I can see wards and things I can also see when I cast, sometimes, if I try really hard or have a little help.” He replied.

“That’s imposable Harry; magic by its definition is invisible.”

“Honestly I can.”

Susan shook her head at Harry but accepted his word for the moment.

“So what now?”

Harry swallowed once before replying to the question.

“You have to make a choice, about the bond. If we stay apart it will disappear and you will be safe but if you decided to let it continue then...”

“Then I can help you.”

“No, yes, you can always help me it doesn’t need this bond. It is your decision, you have to think about.”

“I’ll do it; it’s what I want to do, please let-?” Begged Susan, her mind already working through the unspoken words of Harry.

“Susan think. Some of what you feel is the bond. Think about what it could mean.” Said Ginny.

Susan turned to the redhead and smiled before face Harry once more.

“No I want to help. I really do understand, it’s my chance, you’re going to win Harry I just know it and I want to be there helping you. I felt so helpless at my Aunts this means I can help. I don't care about me but you have to win to stop anything like that from happening ever again to anybody.”

“Gabrielle?”

“Ok I think we need to start the lessons again and soon.”

“How about tomorrow?” asked Susan.

Harry looked at the others and saw them both nod.

“Ok tomorrow morning it is and I know exactly where to meet.” Replied Harry smiling at the thought of starting to learn even more.

“Ten o’clock in the Room of Requirement then.” Said Susan rising to her feet, guessing exactly what Harry was thinking and leading everyone out of the classroom.

***

The rest of the day had been another enjoyable experience for Harry, the time had flown by but he was always checking the time. He wasn’t sure what Dumbledore was going to teach him but as the time got closer and closer the excitement got greater. Eventually he with the rest left for dinner. Harry found that he was picking at his food as he mind was clearly on what the headmaster was going to teach him.

Eventually the time had come and he got up. Everyone looked at him and he faintly smiled back.

“See you all later.” He said as he turned and walked out of the Great Hall. He didn't have to look back as he was sure that at least two sets of eyes watched him as he departed and an almost warm feeling washed over him.

He let his feet walk the familiar corridors as he let his magic flow, he could feel the presence of both Ginny’s and Gabrielle’s magic close to his mind but as the distance increased this contact got less and less. As he stood in front of the Gargoyles he felt a little alone and realised that he enjoyed the felling of those two girls magic.

Riding the staircase as it ascended Harry brought his conscious back to the present, at the top the door was already open so he entered.

“Ah, good evening Harry.” Drawled Dumbledore form his chair.

“And to you professor.” Replied Harry looking around the office. He saw that many of the instruments that he had smashed had not been replaced and in fact he felt that there was much less in the room than any time previously he had been.

‘Good evening Harry.’ Sounded a voice in his head.

Harry looked around for the familiar perch but saw that it was empty, quickly scanning he saw that Fawkes was perched on a ledge by the ceiling.

“Evening Fawkes.” He replied out loud.

“Ah I see you are conversing Harry, that’s good. Fawkes has agreed to watch over us this evening, just to make sure.”

“Make sure?”

“Yes there are a great number of things we need to discuss tonight it would be....unwise for us to be interrupted during some of them.”

“What...” but Harry stopped seeing that Dumbledore had not finished.

“These sessions are important Harry, very important. Time is not with us any more so we much use what we have.”

“Time sir?”

“Yes the one thing we all need more of, but enough of that for the moment. Harry I know you are wondering why I called you here.”

“Yes Sir.”

“I want to show you some things, to try and make you understand. I would also like to help you with...let’s just say your spells. So let us start.”

“Alright”

“So how is your training with Miss Delacour coming along?”

“Um...alright.”

“Learn much?”

“Some.”

“Well I read an interesting letter from Bill about Gimmauld place and your wards.”

“Um...”

“Don't be ashamed he was most, complementary. I would hope that you would soon replace my wards with some of you own. I can help you if you like, the Fidelius charm is a bit complex but I think you can do it. You will need to develop more but it will come with time I hope. So let us move into the meat of this evening’s lesson. The first item I wished to discuss with you was your meeting with the new Minister. You may also find that you will be the recipient of invitations for ‘social gatherings’. You will find Harry that this is only the beginning. Harry you are a very powerful wizard, magically, politically and socially. I am well aware that you do not like your celebrity status, it is however something that cannot be avoided, and I believe it is time for you to embrace both it, and more importantly your place in our world. I understand that you’re taking Law and Society, so how do you like the class so far?”

“It’s ok.” Harry replied soberly.

“Is there anything you need assistance with?” Dumbledore asked, he knew that the class would be a weak spot for Harry, but crucial for him. He partially hoped that he could use it to his advantage to help bridge the gap that remained in their relationship, but knew that at least one more argument was due.

“Oh no, Susan, um, Susan Bones is helping me.” Harry replied relieved.

Dumbledore looked long and hard at Harry after these words. He knew he had been right in putting him with the Dursley’s and this just reinforced it. There was little he could do now, that wouldn’t destroy what little friendship that they had left between them, yet he still felt worried for the school.

“Very well then Harry, we shall simply move on. But please remember that an older head is sometimes better than a younger one.”

Harry watched as Dumbledore rose and crossed to one of the cabinets. He saw him pull out the cold stone basin and walk steadily back to his desk.

Dumbledore sat down and pulled two bottles from within his robes and placed them beside the basin before looking up.

“Harry it is time for you to learn what I know of Tom Riddle. Within his past I think is the key to your victory. These two memories are just the start on this long road but we must begin somewhere. Fawkes will look after us as we travel these long forgotten memories so now join me in the past.”

Harry watched as Dumbledore lent over the basin, he thought he saw a shadow or image of Dumbledore separate from the person and disappear into the bowl. He lent over the basin himself and looked at the swirling memories, taking a quick breath he closed his eyes and felt the sensation of himself slipping into the memory.

**

Gabrielle felt the change instantly; it wasn’t as though Harry was gone but there as something different. She had been sitting playing with her rabbit when the sensation came, she couldn’t feel Harry as he was too far away but she just knew he was there. She was certain that if she closed her eyes she would flow to him in an instant. But that changed, something changed and she felt it, he was still there, but not... her magic or Veela side said that something had changed. She could feel her heart rate increase and closed her eyes.

Calmness washed over her mind and she found her ribbon. It was vibrant and strong and her magic flowed down it yet as she travelled the sensation of Harry never got closer. All at once she felt Harry’s barriers blocking her, they were as strong as before yet she could still not sense him. Letting her magic flow she raced around his defences probing, feeling. Her magic slowly flowed back as she opened her eyes, he was there, but not, was all that she could think.

“You ok?” asked Ginny looking at her friend.

“Yes why ask?”

“You looked a little panicked for a moment.”

“Its alright I just felt something.”

“Is he alright?”

“Yes.” Replied Gabrielle not understanding where the answer came from but knew it to be right.

**

Fawkes had seen the magic flow into Harry, for her it was as easy as watching two people meet on an empty street. She was watching the two bodies, standing guard over her old companion and her new.

As the magic flowed she saw the love it transmitted, it flowed along the connection and engulfed the young man. She had seen love like this before, many a time, but could he really truly understand what it was. She told Harry that understanding was everything. She knew that he didn’t really understand yet if he did everything would be different. He was however starting to understand and that certainly was something. She felt slightly sorry for the girl, but the girl was patient, and Fawkes knew that in time the girl’s patience would pay off.

The magic died and flowed away back through the connection, Fawkes had to resist the urge to follow it to see its end. She knew where it would end but was it alone or was there more than one there; opening her beak she started to sing. Not loudly but enough for her, she let the music fill the room with happiness and joy with the thought of what she had witnessed. Perhaps humans weren’t the end that others had foreseen.