FicWad

Chapter 43:- Loving Lonely Luna


A/N: The normal, Malehorntaildragon, thanks.

**

“How can you remember all of this stuff!” said a very exasperated Harry as he put his quill down and rubbed his eyes.

“Years of learning.” Susan replied looking at Harry with soft eyes. After yesterdays lesson the pair had arranged this study session. She had been eager for Wednesday night to come but a little concerned that he would again turn up again with all of the others in tow.

But now two hours into the session she could still feel her racing heart as it hadn’t calmed down from watching him walk over to her on his own. Almost as soon as he sat down she, and presumably Harry as well, had heard the mutterings of the girls around them. As Susan looked at them she saw many a female student look at her with eye’s of steel trying to work out how she, such a plain girl in their eyes, had managed to get the “Chosen One” to sit with her. An almost smug feeling ran through her at this she just felt so happy that he was here with her.

Slowly she had gone over her notes from the class with Harry explaining everything she could. She didn't rush and tried to go slow for him yet he was still having trouble with it. She saw that he was trying hard but it was just something he was having trouble understanding. She knew Harry was brilliant with practical magic but this obviously wasn’t his best point, but he was at least trying. But for her something else was bothering, every time he looked at her or spoke quietly she felt a pull within her, as she was sitting next to him she could almost feel the heat of his body and her own body reacting in a singular way.

To say that she hadn’t thought about it would have been wrong, but she wasn’t some sexual predator like some she knew in school. She had considered sex, knew the technique, well she just read the books, and had once or twice relieved herself, but that was all. But she had also decided that if Harry asked she would say yes, no matter what he wanted she would do it, he had after all saved her, it might be the only other thing she could do for him, except this. But as she sat so close she could feel a pull towards him an almost need to touch him, and her body wanted her to do more with him.

Harry closed his eyes and leaned back a little to try and calm his aching head, he didn't want to say anything but it had been getting worse and worse for the past hour and he was beginning to suspect that it wasn’t just the work. Something else was going on but he couldn’t find it, it was just annoying him, something was disrupting him or his magic and it was causing the headache.

Susan too had closed her eyes but she leaned forward slightly, she remembered what Gabrielle had said on Sunday morning but found it a little hard to believe, she had sensed something and flowed with it but that was all. Yet sitting here next to Harry she was certain that something was going on, never could she imagine such a pull before. Opening he eyes she felt her hand move on its own towards Harry, with a sudden burst of activity she pulled away and grabbed a quill.

“I know it’s hard you just have to look at it one part at a time, eventually you will see how it all goes together. So shall we?”

“Oh...um...yes. Sorry I um…”

“Are you alright Harry?”

“Yes just, frustrated.”

Susan’s breath almost caught in her mouth. ‘Did he mean what I think he means?’ her brain asked.

“Can...can I help?” She asked with a quivering voice but a body which was almost screaming at her, was this her chance?

“No it’s just I’ve got a headache, it’s been building for the past hour, something doesn’t feel right.”

Susan felt her mind relax slightly but her body continued to work itself up.

“Do you want to stop for tonight?”

“No, but a break would be nice.” Harry replied rubbing his eyes once more and looking round the tables. He saw suddenly all the eyes adverted themselves and pretended to be doing their work. He knew they were watching him but what could he say?

“OK then, do you want to go outside or something?” Replied Susan her legs involuntary rubbing themselves together in hopeful anticipation.

“No it’s alright just sitting here would be fine. So what are you taking I haven’t seen you in any of my classes.”

Susan was glad of such a safe question as it seemed to her mind wanted one thing but her body wanted something completely different and it was trying to betray her at every moment.

“Well I’m in Law and Society, as you know I’m also taking Gobbledegook, Economics, History...”

“What History with Binns!”

“I know it boring but it will help me later. I’ve also got Arithmancy, Charms and Muggle Studies.”

“Charms but I haven’t seen you in with Flitwick.”

“Harry, for some of the subjects the Houses aren’t all together at NEWT Level. A lot of people want Charms; it is one of the most popular because of the varied usages so it has been split like in the lower years.”

“Oh I hadn’t thought about that. So are you with Hermione in Arithmancy?”

“Well yes but she sits at the front all the time, me, I just try and hide in the corner.”

“Why’s that?”

“I’m the only ‘puff’ that takes it.”

“Puff?”

“Sorry I shouldn’t have said that.” Replied Susan her face going a shade of red. “Its how we refer to ourselves it’s like a team or House bonding thing, please don't use it, it might upset the others.”

“Oh ok then.” Harry saw Susan relax slightly as he continued to look at her, he could see that she was fidgeting quiet a lot for some reason, but her eyes and face was always looking at him as if waiting for his next question.

“So did you do alright in your OWL’s?” He eventually asked.

“Um...Yes you?”

“Oh I got the ones I wanted. Did you get Defence?”

“Yes thanks to you.” She answered dropping her eyes for a moment feeling embarrassed at the comment.

“Oh...um...but you’re not taking NEWT level?”

“No I think I only passed because of your lessons. I’m not really very good at...”

“Yes you were I remember.” Quickly interrupted Harry, trying to cover his own embarrassment.

“No really I’m not. This...” she indicated the pile of notes “...Is what I can do; I’m no fighter I can’t face dark wizards or creatures.”

“Oh.” Was all the reply Harry could manage after such an admission.

“I see your starting the DA again.” Quickly said Susan seeing the conversation dying.

Harry had circulated a brief poster around the school and used the coins to alert the old members yesterday. All he was waiting for was to see how many would turn up. He wasn’t sure that he would get many more, probably the Gryffindor’s but that was all. This he was sure of because he had taken Hermione’s advice and not put his name on the poster and just called it a Defence Club a club were people could practice there defensive spells. She had told him that if he had put his own name on it virtually every girl would turn up just to look at the “Chosen One”. Harry had wanted to argue against this but seeing the ever present group of girls that followed him around if he wasn’t careful he understood that she was right.

“Yes Professor Dumbledore said I could, there are a few limitations but it should still be fun and it will help us for our exams.”

“Um...Harry...would it be Ok if I /came/…even though….” But Susan’s voice caught in her through as her body once more tried to betray her.

“What...” Blurted Harry, he didn’t know why but his mind suddenly flashed some very interesting images at that word and the sudden movement of Susan’s body.

“I won’t get in the way promise, I’ll stay...”

“Sorry my mind was somewhere else. Of course you can come, I’ll still teach you or you could just practice last year’s stuff, I don't mind.”

“Oh thanks Harry, I’d love that.” Replied Susan reaching out her hand and touching Harry’s arm.

As soon as her fingers touched Harry, she felt a sudden jolt, a push and her magic raced and flowed. Her body almost hummed in pleasure as it responded to her magic, it flew around Harry, probing, grasping but in the end just immersing itself in his magic, how she knew this she didn’t know but she just did.

Susan felt her breath come faster and faster as all this happened, she hadn’t really believed Harry and Gabrielle but now she knew them to be utterly right. Something was causing this and it had to be Harry she could almost feel something, her magic was alive almost out of her control yet she never feared for it. A she quickly drew her fingers away, the contact was lost and her magic returned to her control.

“Oh....um.....” she stammered a reply trying to voice what happened.

“Sorry.” Mumbled Harry understanding more on what had just happened than Susan.

“What...”

“I wasn’t concentrating enough I should have stopped that, something else was nagging me.”

“But....”

Harry looked around once more driving those listening to once more look at their books before he dropped the level on his voice.

“Gabriele warned me about this; it’s something to do with our magic. I can stop it, well yours and Ginny’s anyway we just have to be careful.”

“Why?”

“I’m not sure it’s an unknown for the moment, I just know about Gabrielle and her magic.”

“What about her?”

“She is different much different we have to be vary careful in touching that’s all I really know.”

Susan waited for more but Harry didn’t say anything else he just continued to look frustrated.

“Are you really sure you are alright?” She finally asked seeing Harry face one more take on that frustrated look.

“Yes I just feel....annoyed.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean.” Quickly replied Susan still thinking that she had done something wrong.

“No it’s not you it’s something else....well we had better get back to these notes once more. So can you explain this again as I still can’t see it?”

**

Luna was now alone, it was always like this. It hurt her but she never said anything, if she did then it would stop, it would all stop and then she would be totally alone again. Her father had tried his best after her mother’s death but he could never give her the time she dearly wanted. She had spent so long alone then she didn’t want that to happen again. This was a solution to being alone and one she quiet enjoyed but inside she was just worried that it would end someday.

She slowly got off the edge of the desk and started to adjust her clothing. Her free swinging breasts hated being put back into their restraints especially after what had just happened. Her nipples were still long and hard and ached for more attention but it was over with for now. She knew herself to be a little sore but she was happy, something inside was happy, or was it? It had always been but now, now was different.

She pulled down her bra wondering idly why they always just pushed it up. It hurt, it hurt a lot but they were always in a rush. She liked the mad impulse it set her alight but why did it have to hurt so. Once everything was comfortable she pulled her blouse closed and started to do up the buttons. He fingers deftly moved down doing the buttons finally encasing her body in clothing once more. To the outside she was back to her normal yet “loony” self.

Bending and putting her shoes on, she listened to the noises. It was still the same, silence. Fastening the straps she made her way to the door, she glanced over her shoulder and saw lying on the floor then the only garment that she had removed. Shaking her head slightly at not remembering she returned to the desk she had been on and knelt down to pick up the still damp plain white pair of knickers. Not bothering with putting them back on, she slipped them into the pocket of her robe and left the room.

She started the long walk back to the common room. The boys always took her far way, it was though they didn't want to be found with her, they all said they were friends but they never spent much time with her. She wasn’t stupid, in fact she knew she was one of the smartest people her age but they treated her like something else. For most she was just a release an easy lay that was all. They would pretend to get to know her and pretend to be her friend and then ask for this. Each one would say that this was what was expected of a friend. She knew it wasn’t normal, yes other girls did it, but somehow it just felt different to her. The other girls always seemed to be kissing or holding hands in private or even just talking to their ‘boy’ friend’s but nothing like that happened to her.

The sex wasn’t the problem, she liked it, liked it very much. Her family had always been very open about it. Never had it been a taboo subject even after her mother had died. Her dad had made sure that she was prepared, he explained everything to her and included diagrams and such. For her it was something you did for your friends, like helping them with their homework or carrying their books, you had sex with your friend it released the stress and drove away the nymphgords that so stressed the young.

She didn’t know where this refined idea about sex first came from she thought it was from this school, the boys seemed to talk to her get to know her as soon as they worked out how her body looked or in later cases were told. After that things just developed until one day she was asked, not seeing any other answer she agreed, sex wasn’t bad it wasn’t dirty and so she did it. From then onwards it had happened, every so often a boy would get to know her talk to her and eventually they would end up here in this classroom or any one of the disused classrooms around the castle. After that they would leave some would still talk to her but only a very few, and none of them for very long.

Walking the lonely corridors she stopped for a moment as something inside of her started to react. She had been feeling different for a long time now, if she closed her eyes she could almost feel the changes, they had started sometime last year but now they were getting stronger. She felt sadness, annoyance almost revulsion but at what? Quickly scanning around she tried to see if any mystical beast was attacking her but couldn’t see anything, yet the feeling still hadn’t died.

***

Draco sat back into his chair, he almost thought of it as his throne. He didn’t consider himself as some god or king but that was how he now acted. His seat seemed to grip him and the comfort that it gave him soothed away some of his problems running around in his mind. School this year was different, very different to previous ones. Some of the changes were his own making but some were not and it was these that were causing him the most problems now.

Potions was his biggest problem, well that and transfiguration. McGonagall seemed to keep an eye on him whatever he did, it wasn’t a close eye but he couldn’t relax, yet that was nothing compared to Potions. He knew that he was good, not brilliant but good, but that scheme in the first class seemed to have backfired. He had managed to get what he was after but Slughorn was watching him now. Even if he seemed to breathe out of turn the old potion’s master would be on him like a shot constantly looking at him and what he was doing.

After the first lesson he had hoped that DADA would have made up for the rest but Snape just kept ploughing on into new subject matter. A number of times he had been brought up short by his Head of House. It was very rankling when this happened. Snape had told him it was for the best but it was very annoying, didn’t Snape understand who now ruled Slytherin.

He massaged his temples as another shot of pain ran though him, he didn't know where they were coming from but he felt them now whenever he was upset. He surveyed the room, everyone kept their eyes adverted as he did this. A grin of evil pleasure ran through him as watched this.

“Pansy.” he called out and waited. The blond girl rose from where she was with her friends and walked forward. She wasn’t sure what was going to happen but she knew that she turned into putty whenever he placed his hands on her. With confident steeps she walked forward and stood in front of Draco.

She suddenly felt very naked as Draco’s eyes travelled over her body. Almost every time that they came together he did this, he would look her over. With a small gesture he indicated his legs and waited. Pansy sank gracefully into his lap. She could feel him getting hard already and they hadn’t done anything. As she leant into him she felt the same peace that normally washed over her, she felt so safe so comfortable that the worries of the world slipped by. She draped her arms around his neck and waited, most nights they did this, he didn’t do much but she sensed that tonight was different. She hadn’t done that yet with him but she understood it was just time.

Draco placed his hand on Pansy’s leg and felt the warm skin under his fingers. The short school skirt had ridden up slightly as she had sat and so that he could see her thigh very clearly. Tonight he didn’t care he wanted to show everyone, including Pansy who ruled her. Moving his hand upward he felt her soft legs but unlike normal he didn't slip his hand under the skirt he just kept pushing it upwards.

As he went he bent his head into a deep kiss with Pansy. Their thoughts intertwined and she seemed to attack his lips like a demon. It was always that same as soon as she was in his touch she was his, she would do anything he thought of, even before he asked of it. His hand kept rising until it came to the material of her knickers. This time he let his hand rise over them and continued to push the skirt upwards. Anyone who looked would be able to see the girl’s underwear now.

Once she was fully exposed he let his fingers brushed across the delicate material of her underwear until they reached the centre. He raised his hand and wormed in inside the waist band. He felt the soft smoothness of her skin and he delved deeper towards her warm folds. There were no longer any hairs here to hinder his progress and he luxuriated in the feeling. As his fingers found her moist entrance he felt her pull on him harder and felt an additional warmth flood his hand, in juice. Pansy was always like this now to him and he enjoyed the feeling.

He let his eyes wander around the room to see if anybody was watching. This evening one pair of eye was indeed looking, he suspect that most people did watch but turned away when he sought them out, but tonight a second year boy didn’t turn his head fast enough.

“You were watching weren’t you Killpatrick.”

The boy’s head spun back and looked at Draco fear flooding into him. Draco had removed his hand from Pansy’s knickers but most of her legs were still in view as well as the knickers with the telltale damp spot now on them.

“Um...ah...no.” stammered the boy in fear. Draco heard the room go silent.

“Are you calling me liar?”

“No...Sir” Everyone close to Kilpatrick seemed to be moving backwards away from him leaving him the only person in Draco’s view. Draco was pleased that the boy had remembered to call him sir yet that wasn’t going to stop him now.

“Come here. Stand in front of me.” Ordered Draco.

The boy on unsteady feet approached and waited. Draco glanced around and saw that he had an audience.

“So Pansy what do you think we should do?”

“I don't mind.” she replied dreamily her mind still foggy.

“Come now he saw you, what do you want?”

“It’s up to you Draco.” She purred and she hugged him tighter her mind filled with magic and unable to help her.

“So Killpatrick you have seen Pansy I think it’s fair that we all see you.”

“What?”

“STRIP NOW!” bellowed Draco at the frightened boy.

Killpatrick looked frantically around for help but saw none. As he looked back at Draco he saw his own terror. With shaking hands he started to unbutton his shirt. Every time he stopped Draco’s eyes would harden and bore into him. Eventually he was just wearing his trousers the rest of his clothes a pile at the floor.

“The trousers.” Quietly said Draco.

Killpatrick lowered the trousers and waited, he was blushing hard as he stood there in only a pair of pants. Everyone in the room could see his fear but nothing was said.

“I will be magnanimous tonight and let you keep that article. But if I EVER see you looking at Pansy or me again when we are together then tonight will seem like a holiday.”

“Yes sir.” Replied the boy almost sobbing.

“Get out of my sight!” ordered Draco and watched as the boy grabbed his clothes and dashed to the boys dormitories.

“Now where were we Pansy?” Drawled Draco turning back to the girl on his lap feeling very good after terrorising a lower year.

***

Saturday arrived for Harry and it was another packed day. Katie had scheduled in a practice for the morning. He had been surprised that she had managed to get the pitch two Saturday’s in a row but he wasn’t complaining. Directly after breakfast he with the rest of the team had trooped down to the pitch and started to practice. This time however the stands were empty, even Hermione and Gabrielle were not present. The former in the library whilst Gabrielle said she would watch from the common room.

Harry had gone through his moves almost without thought as Katie had drilled them all in preparation for the first match. Time flew by for Harry because no sooner had he thought that they had started Katie was calling a close to the training. As he walked with Ron and Ginny back to the Great Hall for Lunch the irritating feelings started to return. Harry slowed his walking as he tried to fathom the reasoning, he reinforced his mental barriers but it didn’t stop the feelings, eventually they met the others and sat down to lunch.

The conversation flowed around the table but Harry really wasn’t paying attention the irritating feeling was still present and to him it was getting stronger. He caught a glimpse of Gabrielle out of the corner of his eyes and turned to look at her. She was looking directly at him and not at the food; her head was tilted to one side as asking if he was fine.

He felt the now familiar pull in his magic whenever he looked at her and so turned his face, he understood that she was concerned but this time he wanted to deal with it on his own. Nothing more was said or done through the rest of the meal so Harry lead them out of the Hall and after dashing up to dormitories so they could drop of their brooms he walked out into the warming afternoon sun to see if some fresh air would clear his mind.

**

Susan watched as Harry and the rest left. She had the urge to follow him; she had noticed that for some reason she wanted to be close to him again. Harry didn’t seem to mind nor did the younger girls but every time she was close to Harry, apart from their Lessons or study session, Hermione was always there, and the looks she was giving her weren’t overly friendly. Hermione had always been cold to her but this was something different it was like she was suspicious. To Susan, her Law and Society lessons were the best time in the week, she sat alone with Harry with none of the other she just felt so happy and just wished it was longer.

She thought about what she had been told about their connection but still didn’t fully believe. She had spent several hours in the library trying to find anything about it but came up blank. When she had tried a different approach and looked at books to do with Veela. She had found, to her annoyance that most of them had been signed out. She sighed deeply and cast her mind to trying to work out how she could see Harry more. It sounded very devious but she just wanted to be near him some more and definitely without Hermione.

Muggle studies were her only hope. She was doing fine in the class she knew but that didn't matter, she could ask Harry to help her and that might transpire into another study session, and then she could be close once more. A small alarm bell when off in her head at this thought as it didn't sound right, what was happening to her? Heeding her inner mind she got to her feet and walked off towards the library, it must have something to help because she wasn’t acting normally or was she?

**

Luna always had to wait, everyone said that girls took a long time to get ready but she never did but this meant she had to wait. The bottom of the Grand Staircase was always where she met them; it seemed to be the general meeting place for everyone, so she normally stood to one side and waited.

She didn't mind waiting here it was just the looks she got, every so often a student would look at her and she could almost see the disgust on their face. She didn’t care for them but it did take the toll on her good spirits as she saw one scowl after another. Standing as she did in the shadow allowed her just to watch as others passed by, holding hand and laughing to each other. Why weren’t the boys with her like that?

Eventually Brian arrived, he was the same boy from Wednesday night and she saw the wide smile on his face. Her heart didn't leap at this sight, she just felt a certain resignation to it all, he was a nice boy and everything but this was all the time that they spent together.

“Sorry Luna, running a bit late.” He apologised as he closed the distance.

Luna saw him glance around with an almost sheepish expression obviously looking for anybody that they knew.

“Ready?” he asked.

“Um...oh...yes” she replied he mind still not fully focused.

“Great this way.” Replied Brian enthusiastically before leading them both off towards a secret passageway.

Luna knew the way; it was the same way she always went. No matter which boy it was it was always the same way, this corridor, then down the darker staircase, along the next, stop at the third painting and up the stairs etc. until they came to the classroom. She trailed along but felt it would have been nice if they at least held hands as they walked. Some of the other boys did but not Brian he just seemed to be in a rush.

They waited outside of the doorway as he checked to see no one was around. Once it was clear he opened the door and rushed in. Luna followed and closed the door behind her, as soon a she turned Brian had gathered her in his arms and was holding her very tightly. His lips tried to find her and missed a couple of times before eventually they found hers. As he mashed his lips against hers she felt a little for him but that was all, it was just too quick.

She knew they were going to have sex and it really didn't matter she had always been very open about sex but this was different this just felt different to all the other times. Brian pulled back and Luna could see his full lips, they were moist with their combined liquid but that was all that her mind thought of. She felt his hands start to fumble with her T-shirt, the cool air swept across her stomach as he lifted it free of her skirt.

The T-shirt was pushed up further and further and he felt the resistance in the material as it reached her breasts, with a final push it passed those obstructions and was now rested on top of them. Brian immediately let go of the material and grabbed each breast in his hands. Her breasts were always sensitive and she enjoyed rubbing them herself but this was manhandling and not at all gentle. Every time any form of pleasure was built up a shaper pain shot through her as he squeezed and rubbed them too hard.

It wasn’t long before she felt him grip the underwire of her bra. His fingers started to prise it away from her chest but she felt the material cutting into her back.

“Please let me...” she started to say but was stopped at Brian pulled even harder.

“No it’s alright I can mange, just a bit more.”

“I would be....” she tried once more but had to stop as a forceful yank drove the material upwards to meet her t-shirt. The pain lessened now but she could still feel the marks on her back and breasts. The pain was soon replaced with other feelings as she started to feel the boy’s mouth on her nipples. The slight suction that they were producing was driving pleasure through her, this was one of the reasons she did this.

On an on the boy went alternatively massaging or sucking on her nipples. If the boy got into a rhythm or juts listened to her she would cum but he was in a world of his own. He started to press up against her and she could feel his hardness pressing against her leg. As he continued she could feel it rubbing very slowly up and down, the rough material of his trousers coupled with the heat was sending new messages to her brain. As she tried to drift off with this pleasure her hand was grasped by one of Brian’s. She wanted to moan at the loss on her breast but couldn’t as a small wave of pleasure shot through her once more.

“Feel me.” Brian hissed as he released his mouth.

Luna’s hand was guided down until it came to the hardness that was between them. Her fingers easily brushed across its surface. She could feel a small shudder run through the boy as she did this. The pair continued like this Luna’s lightly brushing his hardness through his trousers and him grabbing or sucking on her breasts. Luna sensed that she was getting closer and so was Brian by the way his hips were moving. She wanted more, she wanted the final release it would keep Brain talking to her and she wouldn’t have to feel so alone.

She started to back up across the partially empty classroom as she tried to find a desk she could sit upon. The boy followed her still closely attached, she felt the back of her legs connect with something and felt the desk edge with her bottom. She tried to wiggle herself onto the desk but failed. Brian’s hands released her and grabbed her bottom with surprising strength he lifter her slightly onto the desk in one movement.

Luna lent back as a wave a pleasure rushed through her as she hit the desk and small shot of pain stimulated her. Her breathing was coming in shorter gasps and she could now feel her own wetness. The hands that had held her flew to her legs and sought their way upwards. She could feel their rough texture on her legs as they continued to their goal. The hands found the waistband of her knickers and started to pull downwards. She knew that he was never going to get them off with him still standing in between her legs but he continued anyway.

Brian continued to pull them down, the moisture within them holding their centre close to Luna for a brief moment. Eventually he got them to mid thigh before he saw his problem, almost in panic he stepped back and allowed Luna free movement of her legs. She raised one foot to the desk and started to work the leg hole of her knickers down that leg. Brian stopped in his movements as he looked directly at Luna’s uncovered hole. The neat trimmed blond hair almost spoke to him and the moisture glistered in the faint light. With her leg on the desk everything was displayed to his hungry eyes.

His own need was getting more and more painful so he franticly grasped for his own belt. With a savagery of youth he undid the belt and pushed his trousers and shorts strait to the ground. His penis sprung into view, throbbing madly on its own, the blood pumping through it giving it a deep purple coloured head. He could see the moistened end where Luna’s hand had already done its work; he let his eyes drift up to look at Luna.

Luna had freed one leg of the restraining material; her knickers had fallen down the other until they were bunched at her ankle. She wasn’t bothering with removing them because she had lent back once more. She was using one arm to steady herself and the other was rubbing her own breast. Brain could feel the building force within him at the sight and shuffled forwards the material around his feet causing him to take only small steeps. As he got closer his grabbed his dick in preparation for it entrance, the desk was of the right height all he had to do was mover forward and he would be in her. His fingers could feel the heat coming from Luna as he neared her entrance and he paused for a moment to try and remember the right spell. He didn't want to get her pregnant not out of concern for her but for him, she was good for sex but that was all. Every boy in Ravenclaw knew this, good lay but don’t make a mistake, because who would want her as a wife or even a real friend.

**

Harry let the sun warm his face and breathed deeply. He had his eyes closed not to block out the view but to try and rest his head. The feelings that he was now getting were getting stronger and stronger almost causing him pain. He let his eyes open once more and looked at those around him. Ginny was sitting next to him, they weren’t exactly touching but he could feel her fingers or magic with his own as their hands were so close together. Gabrielle was near his feet with her legs tucked neatly under her reading a book Ron and Hermione were very much like him and Ginny except they were touching.

As they were strung out in a line across the hillside Harry had to turn to look at Hermione or Ron but all were within ear shoot. Ginny and Ron seemed to be having a discussion about some quidditch team but Harry for once had not been listening. Every time he glanced over he saw that Hermione was watching Gabrielle very closely, occasionally she let her gaze wash over Harry and Ginny but it seemed to Harry that his friend was watching Gabrielle for something.

Closing his eyes once more he lent back onto the grass. He let his senses just flow for a moment; he kept his magic in check so he could listen to the noise and smelt the air. He could easily detect the smell of the grass and ground around him and he was sure that he could hear others as they were walking around the grounds but he was feeling more and more restless. With a bust of energy he got up, it was driving him mad and he had to follow his instinct.

As soon as he had risen Ginny stopped talking and looked up at him, Harry also saw Gabrielle look up.

“What’s up?” asked Ginny suddenly worried.

“Nothing...I just need a walk.” He replied.

Ginny’s face broke into a wide smile at this thought and what they could do together away from the eyes of Ron.

“OK I’ll come, you ok here Gabrielle?” Said Ginny starting to get to her feet.

“No...It’s alright Ginny I think I want to be on my own.” Said Harry before the young girl could answer.

“What why?” Ginny asked with emotion in her voice at the thought that Harry no longer wanted her.

“No it’s nothing I just need to clear my head. You know the pair of you....it’s just....” he didn’t want to say any more as he suddenly felt a little embarrassed.

“Well if you want to, fine. We’ll wait here ok?” replied Ginny sitting back down but now very close to Gabrielle who was also looking a little upset.

“See you later.” Absently replied Harry as he started to walk off not noticing the girl’s expressions.

Ron and Hermione had heard the exchange and so too were looking a little puzzled. Hermione had the sudden feeling that Harry might just be coming to his senses and that he was beginning to throw off whatever Gabrielle was doing to him. As she looked at the young girl though she didn’t see a look of worry or anything she just looked like normal. Turning back to her book she continued to read but mulled over what had just happened.

“Is he ok?” whispered Ginny as Harry wandered off. She saw a few girls suddenly get up and start to follow him. Her eyes got hard as she watched and she just wanted to jump up and shout “He’s mine hands off.” But she refrained from doing so.

Gabrielle closed her eyes and flowed towards Harry, she tried to feel his emotions but he was keeping himself in check. She could sense that something was bothering him but that was all.

“I think so, I don't think it’s serious he just feels a little troubled.”

“Is there anything we can do?”

“Probably not, it something he’s working out. So tell me about Midnight what she been up to lately?”

Ginny laughed a little at the question about her cat before replying.

“Not much, she just seems to lie there except when Crookshanks appears, it seems she doesn’t like that cat. All Midnight has to do is look and Crookshaks is off, I almost swear that she’s doing it on purpose.”

**

Harry let his legs wander as his mind wrestled with the problems within it. He had seen the few girls get up and follow him. He thought he was getting use to it but it was still a little annoying. Knowing he could lose them in the castle he headed in that direction. When the darkness of the interior enveloped him he could feel the change in temperature, he looked for the first passage he knew and headed for it.

For the next few minutes he went from passage to passage easily losing the girls. Once he was sure he was alone he stopped and looked around, he was in a narrow corridor between two floors, it only had a few torches to light the way but he still felt safe. Suddenly the images of Grimmuald Place sprung forward and that of his secret passageway. Dobby had shown him the one passage but there were more, he was sure that Dobby had told him about more of them. He opened his mouth to call for the elf when he stopped. The feeling he was getting was stronger and this time he knew where it was from.

He closed his eyes to centre himself and then looked for his ribbons. He saw that they each curved their own separate ways. He knew that the two close together were Ginny and Gabrielle he suspected that the one going up would be to Susan but it was the other one that now caught his attention. His magic was telling him that these feeling he was having were coming from that one.

With little conscious effort his feet started to follow that ribbon. He found it harder and harder to do as it flowed directly through walls and floors. Several times he had to double back as he made wrong turns but eventually he came to the right floor. The ribbon now stretched out in front not bending or rising, he continued to follow it until it came to a door.

He paused for a moment and listened; he heard nothing from within and so looked around once more to get his bearings. He saw that he was in one of the disused corridors, he had used this corridor a few times as a short cut but that was all, never had he known for there to be classes on this floor. He turned back to the door and waited another second, still not hearing anything he put his hand on the door handle and pushed open.

It opened silently as any of the castle doors did when they wanted to and Harry stepped in. He stopped in shock with his mouth open as he looked at the scene in front of him. There was a boy with his back to Harry with his trousers around his ankles, he was still wearing a t-shirt but that was all. The white skin of the boy’s bottom seemed to light up the room. Either side of the boy was a leg, caught around one of the ankle was a pair of white knickers the other was free from encumbrance.

Harry’s eyes continued to absorb the rest as he could see lying on the desk was Luna, but never how he had seen her before. Her top and bra were pushed up above her chest and her breasts were out in view. She was playing with one of them and had her eyes closed. His eyes travelled down to the point where the two people were almost joined, he saw the stiff prick being held and pointing towards the womanly opening. Even at this distance he could see the small downy blond hair the adorned the top of that mound. Harry felt a quick reaction within himself before something snapped.

The magic within Harry flowed like no time before; it rushed forward and filled Harry with righteous power. All conscious thought seemed to be driven from his mind as his magic responded to what he saw. Without effort or thought his hand pulled his wand from its pocket. The end of the wand was already blazing with light before it was even in line.

“YOU FIFLTY DISCUSTING...” bellowed Harry by instinct as the first spell left the wand. The blue beam hit the boy in the back causing him to spin.

“THAT YOU SHOULD BE...” continued Harry and the next spell got sent.

“TO MY FRIEND!”

The spells started to impact on the boy and he was thrown away from the desk and hit a side wall but this didn’t stop Harry. He continued to rage after him, the power from the wand seemingly increasing with each spell.

Luna’s eye’s sprang open at Harry’s bellow and saw the first spell hit Brian. His face which had shown a look of pleasure changed instantly as pain as magic ran through his body. As the boy spun away Luna tried to move forward off the desk, she didn't bother trying to cover herself she wanted to get to Harry. Something inside told her to go to him.

The spells kept leaving his wand as she tried to race towards him.

“Harry!” she called but he wasn’t listening.

“I SHOULD-” Continued Harry, as more and more spells were cast. By now Brian was on the floor trying to cover his body with his hands but the spells kept coming, pain ran through his body but also something more. Hopefully this would be over soon but then he blacked out from the magic hitting his body.

**

“...and last night do you know what I saw them doing?” Said Ginny talking to Hermione but she stopped. It was like a brick had been thrown at her, she could feel something, it was rage and pain and it was immense.

She snapped her head round and looked at Gabrielle. She saw the girl close her eyes suddenly in concentration. She did likewise and tried to find her connection, she found it but was unable to do anything, ripples of something was flowing down it and she could get past it. She had the feeling that Gabrielle was doing the same and have better results but not much more.

Gabrielle had felt it first; as more and more time passed from when Harry left she started to feel something. It was getting more and more intense, and then it came in a single wave, she had experienced this before and braced herself. It didn’t wash over her it slammed into her own shield and she could feel it. Sensing Harry’s need she closed her eyes and flowed. It was hard, much harder than any time before, but she forced her magic on using what little strength she had.

She found his magic as it swirled around like a maelstrom she reached out to try and sooth but it bucked violently, it slammed her magic aside and she felt herself return in an instant.

“It’s Harry.” She breathed. “He’s upset.”

“Where? What can we do?” quickly asked Ginny getting closer.

“We need to get closer to him.”

Ginny nodded and rose to her feet, she held out her hand as Gabrielle rose. Without a word they turned and ran for the Castle, they ran as fast as they could knowing that they had too.

“HAY!” called Ron as he saw the two girls jump up and run, leaving their things behind.

“Where are they going?” he asked of Hermione.

“I don't know but I bet it’s to do with Harry.”

“Damn I know we should have gone with him. We should find him.”

“Good idea.” Replied Hermione getting to her feet and gathering everything up.

**

Susan’s head snapped up, she had been re-writing some of her notes for Harry when the feeling had hit her. Most of the common room was empty and for that she was grateful it allowed her the freedom of the tables without people looking at her.

She had done her best for Harry but she was sure she was going to have to do better he just didn't seem to grasp it, that was why she was re-writing her notes again. She had also gotten her muggle studies out. She didn't need the help but could easily find the odd question or two within those pages to ask Harry. That would mean more time with him.

That was when the feeling had hit her, she had felt a little odd most of the afternoon and had put it down to what she was doing but now she felt different. It was hard to point to what it was but it was a feeling and very strong ones. As she felt something almost tug at her magic she slowly raised to her feet. She was taking a few steps towards the exit before she even realised it, and then her magic told her, Harry.

Something was wrong with Harry, her legs started to move quicker as she exited out into one of the dark corridors. She had to find him, where this thought came from she didn't know but her magic wanted to find him. Not knowing where to start she made for the main entrance and decided to work from there. But wherever he was she just had to get there.

**

Ginny and Gabrielle rushed into the main entrance and stopped for a moment. The castle was huge and there were hundreds of places they could start, Gabrielle was already one step ahead and had found her ribbon she pointed off in a direction and Ginny started that way.

Using this as their guide they rushed through the castle. Ginny had never gone so fast but something was driving her to get close to Harry, he was upset and in danger. The skidded round a corner into a disused corridor they both saw the flashes of light from under a door frame and knew it to be where Harry was. Without thinking both tore into the room and were brought to a stop by the sight.

Harry was standing throwing curse after hex at a boy on the ground that looked unconscious. Ginny was initially shocked to see that the boy’s trousers were around his ankles but her need to get to Harry drove it away. The pair rushed towards Harry but Ginny felt Gabrielle’s hand slip from hers. She quickly looked at the young girl.

“You go to him, not me.” Gabrielle whispered fearing what she was seeing and what was happening.

Ginny closed the remaining distance and jumped in front of Harry. She had never seen him look so angry or in pain. Without thought she flung her arms around him and pulled him onto herself. As soon as they touched she felt her magic hit Harry’s. The sudden maelstrom of Harry’s magic shocked her but it seemed to die at once. It was like her own magic soothed his and Ginny saw that look return to Harry.

“It all right Harry.”

“But this, this...” replied Harry with a shaking voice that seemed to be filled with hate and disgust.

Gabrielle saw Harry come under control in Ginny’s arms and new it was safe for her. How she had stopped herself from flinging herself at him she didn’t know. She had been certain that she would have lost herself to him, Ginny had managed to calm him but she wanted, needed to help. With slightly unsteady steps she approached the pair. Lightly touching she joined them in a three way hug.

As Harry’s arm worked its way round Gabrielle she could feel him with her magic, it danced around him and soothed him. To her it was like some magical dance that only they could do. She luxuriated in this feeling but felt her own body’s response, the touch of magic and that of Harry’s arm was all that it needed. She felt herself react to him more and more and wanted him, sexually, her magic was asking for it almost demanding it. Before it became a problem she pulled away and left Harry and Ginny still locked together.

“He was going to...” stammered Harry.

“No he wasn’t Harry.” Said Luna standing a little way off.

Everyone turned to look at her as they got themselves under control. Ginny felt herself redden as she looked at Luna and saw the free swing breasts and knickers around her ankle that she was trying to flick off. Ginny had seen large boobs before but these were far bigger than she had ever suspected on Luna and the way she just stood there with them out shocked her.

“But he had his trousers...and he was.” Said Harry

“No he was just being a friend.”

“FRIEND!!!” Exploded Harry once more and Ginny held him again, she felt her magic touch Harry’s and that of Gabrielle’s.

“Yes that’s what friends do.” Replied Luna in a reasonable voice.

Harry took a breath before replying feeling his magic still boiling under the surface.

“No it’s not. I told you before. Friends don't do this.”

“But I don’t mind. It’s fun and enjoyable but if it what I have to do to make them talk to me so be it.” Replied Luna with a little edge in her voice.

“You don’t need this, we’re your friends.”

“But you never want to do this to me.” Answered Luna emotionally.

Ginny could see that they were getting closer and closer to Luna Logic and that she knew was bad for everyone involved.

“Luna, sex is wrong.” She said.

“No it isn’t. It is just depends on how you look at it. Sex for me just something people do, it’s like eating.”

“But that’s....”

But Luna interrupted.

“Ginny if you had sex with Harry would that be wrong?”

Ginny blushed hard at this question. No it wouldn’t be wrong, in fact it would be so right it almost hurt. That and what she knew about Gabrielle suddenly made her understand what she had just said to Luna was wrong.

Harry coughed slightly at the mention of sex. Yes he had thought about it, more than once. He had several dreams involving Ginny; he would never admit it but he had been thinking about Gabrielle more and more in that way as well. Heck he even had a few dream of all three of them together and now looking directly at those slightly swaying breasts of Luna’s he could feel a physical reaction in himself.

“Um...why don't you...um.” said Harry indicating Luna’s chest hoping that by removing temptation he could calm himself down.

Luan looked down and saw that she was still uncovered, it didn't bother her but she could see that it was causing some problems and not just his speech judging by his trousers. She pulled her bra and shirt down before replying.

“That’s something else, I like going free.”

“What naked?” asked Ginny.

“Well not completely, some times I just like the free feeling, you should try it.”

Gabrielle used her powers to make sure she didn’t blush, but the frank way this girl was talking was affecting her as well. Then she understood everything that happened, something about Luna’s words touched a memory.

“Harry is she the last one?”

“Last one?” he asked.

“Yes, last of your ribbons.”

Harry sheepishly closed his eyes and calmed his remaining magic as he centred himself; he knew Luna was, he just needed to calm down. As he opened his eyes looked at Gabrielle he gave a solemn nod.

“I thought so, remember Uncle Vernon and me?”

Harry’s mind brought back the fight he had with Vernon over Gabrielle and he felt a blush rise. It wasn’t the fight it was the aftermath when he had held Gabrielle just for those few moments when neither of them had their barriers.

“Yes.” He eventually replied.

“I think that was it, you felt...protective and your magic reacted.”

“So we are connected and it’s not Nogals attacking me?” Asked Luna

“What?” said Ginny.

“I’ve been feeling bad since last Saturday. I thought the castle had an infestation of Nogals I’ve been trying to avoid them but it’s actually Harry that’s doing it?”

“Possibly.” Replied Ginny.

“And you will be my friend?” She asked looking at Harry.

“Of course, but I was always your friend Luna, even if we aren’t connected I’ll still be your friend Luna, that won’t change.”

“Good I really like you as well.” Replied Luna her eyes lighting up.

“Listen Luna we really need to explain this, you need to understand everything so, and you can make a choice.”

“Choice?”

“Yes whether to stay connected or not.”

“But I want to be your friend, I’ll stay!”

“But I haven’t told...”

“Told me what? That if I stay your friend then Voldemort will capture and kill me. Really Harry do you think I’m that stupid. I don’t care, I...I just don’t want to be alone.”

Harry was taken aback slightly at this comment, Luna seemed to have grasped everything right off.

“So Harry, what shall we do now?” asked Luna looking around her body still very stimulated.

“Gabrielle?”

“I think she should join our next training day, tomorrow, so that she can see.”

“Oh that sound like fun, all friends together!” Cheerily replied Luna still looking at Harry and his obvious problem. “Harry did you want me to relive you. I’m told that having an erection for longer than normal can be painful. If you don't want to have sex now I can suck it or something else if you prefer?” Luna stated dreamily.

Harry blushed hard as his mind teenage brought forth several images of Luna those large breasts and her open mouth. He forced them down before replying. “No, Luna that’s ok...um could all of you just give me a moment though.”

Harry spun so his back was to the door and waited as he heard retreating footsteps. He knew he should be mortified at what had happened and was happening to him but somehow he wasn’t, it was strange he knew that if anybody else had been in the room he would have been absolutely mortified. He quickly readjusted himself he once again trapped his erection in the waist band of his jeans. It was probably the hardest Harry had ever been, it only made matter’s worse as he realized that Luna was right he was starting to feel pain. He ignored it and once done took in his surroundings again. His eyes rested upon the younger Ravenclaw he’d cursed. He hadn’t sent anything life threatening thankfully, just some painful curses. As he looked he saw the boy move slightly and after another cursory check over he knew that he would be alright, but he would definitely remember the day

He calmed himself once more and turned to the door. His eyes then spotted them; a small white pair of knickers he knew had to be Luna’s. He walked over and picked them up. He could still feel the dampness in the centre and his erection throbbed painfully. He ignored it and cast a cleaning charm before making his way out.

***

Ginny closed the door softly behind her as the three stood patiently outside waiting on Harry to finish. She had felt embarrassed at the words and even more so by Harry’s request except that something was telling her that it was natural to be in there with him.

“Luna, let me introduce to you Gabrielle Delacour, Gabrielle this is Luna Lovegood. Remember over the summer you both met at Luna’s place and at Harry’s party? Both Gabrielle and I are connected to Harry like you.”

“Gabrielle Delacour, are you related to Fleur Delacour?”

“Yes she’s my sister.”

“So you’re Veela then? Do either of you know if having sex with Harry as pleasurable as I think it would be?” she asked looking hopefully at the pair.

Neither girl could help but stare at the blonde and such a forthright question

“I, we don’t know Luna, I know that what I said about sex being wrong. But the fact is, is that I’m not ready to have sex with Harry yet, it just doesn’t feel right.” Ginny eventually replied.

Luna then turned to Gabrielle who just shook her head.

“But aren’t Veela sexual by nature? If you are connected doesn’t that make him your mate? So it must be very frustrating to have your mate and not be able to be sexually active with him.”

Gabrielle was surprised, this girl although odd was picking up on concepts extremely quickly and ones not normally discussed. “I’m only 12, and although I know I’m ready, he just doesn’t see me like that.”

“Harry can be really very silly sometimes can’t he?” Luna replied slightly disappointed. She continued to look at the younger Gryffindor in thought, her own hormones still running as an idea struck.

Ginny closed her eyes trying to brace herself before waiting on the next bombshell she had seen that look on Luna’s face before and it was obvious she was going to drop the next one!

“Although, I have to admit I myself have never had sex with a girl before. I can’t imagine it being any less pleasurable than with a boy, so perhaps if you and I had sex while Harry watched he wouldn’t be so against having sex with you.” Luna replied in an actually calm coherent voice.

Ginny and Gabrielle were saved from commenting as Harry chose that exact time to make his entrance. Gabrielle never felt so conflicted. She was both glad that Harry chose that time to enter the Hallway and frustrated that she couldn’t just jump him and force him to take her here and now all this talk about sex was forcing her own problems to the front of her mind. Luckily before she could react Harry spoke.

“Luna, you dropped these. I...um...cleaned them for you.” Harry said holding out a white pair of knickers. Luna took the knickers and simply put them in her pocket.

“Don’t you want to wear them?” Harry asked.

“Oh no, I’m still aroused so I think I’ll put them on later I don’t want to get them wet after you just cleaned them for me. As I said I like to be free occasionally.”

“We should go find Susan she probably felt what happened.” Ginny said trying to get them out of both the corridor and the current conversation fearing what Luna would do next.

“Good idea Ginny.” But instead of closing his eyes Harry pulled out the Marauders map activated it, found Susan and led them off to where she was. He had used the map because he wasn’t sure that he could successfully close his eye’s and not picture one of the three girls in various positions, and he just didn’t want to think about sex anymore as his erection throbbed painfully once again.

***

The group was silent as it entered the Entrance Hall together. Both Ginny and Harry were a little afraid of what Luna was going to say next but Gabrielle was having other difficulties. The question Luna had asked of her had sprung up all sorts of images in her mind. It was though it was trying to use that to solve her problem of not being with Harry.

Almost at once they saw the frantic face of Susan a she was searching around looking for something. As soon as her eyes looked onto the group she crossed the hallway almost knocking a couple of second years over in the process.

“Harry are you ok?” asked Susan in a worried voice.

“Um...yes.”

“But I though, um that is...” Replied Susan trying to form words to what she had just felt.

“It was me! I was having sex, well almost.” Said Luna looking around airily.

Susan blinked hard and tried to fathom out what Luna was saying. She had spent some time during the DA lessons with her but her openness and ability to hit points right on was very unsettling. She let her eyes sweep across the group and saw Harry looking a little flustered but the others had almost unreadable expressions.

“Let’s find an empty classroom.” Said Harry feeling a need to move this to a more private location.

They all ducked into the first empty classroom and started to find seats. Harry saw Luna look round and then her hands started to move towards the hem of her t-shirt.

“Luna!”

“Um...what? Oh sorry I miss understood.” She replied letting go of her top and finding a seat.

“Susan, Luna is the last person I’m connected to.”

“So why did I feel so....”

Gabrielle answered this one as she knew the most in the room. “That was Harry, he was feeling upset. Luna’s and his emotions or magic were bouncing off of each other and he was projecting them to us. You probably felt a little annoyed and then rage or anger with a need to get to Harry.”

“Well yes.”

“We both felt the same. It’s something about the ribbons, that is a little of how it all started. I can feel Harry’s emotions; even over a great distance I can still sense them. When you were attacked he could feel your emotions and broadcasted them to us. It was the same today except that most of the emotions were his own.”

“Sorry.” Replied Harry now understanding what he had done.

“Don’t be Harry; it’s just something we are all going to have to deal with.”

Susan turned to Luna before asking her next question.

“You’ve decide to stay?”

“Of course I get so many friends why shouldn’t I?”

“What about the danger?”

“Friends are worth it aren’t they?”

“Well...yes.” Susan replied turning back

“What now?” asked Harry looking at Gabrielle.

“I think we all need to calm down, I know my magic is still flowing unsteadily. How about we go outside and just talk and relax. Later we can start to explore what all of this means.”

Everyone nodded to this suggestion but they could all see the look of pure pleasure on Luna’s face at the thought of spending time doing something normal with friends.

***

The stairs ascended as normal, yet Harry felt nothing, his mind was still coming to terms with everything that had happened in the afternoon. His leg’s wobbled a little as the stairs came to a halt and he started to automatically walk the few paces to the Headmasters door. He wasn’t looking forward to this evening’s lessons, it had nothing to do with the actual lesson it was just he wanted to think about Luna and the rest of what happened. As he raised his hand to knock on the door he could still feel the slight tingle in the end of his fingers as his magic still had yet to reseeded back inside himself.

He couldn’t exactly remembered what he had done to the boy it was a bit blurry he could vividly remember feel annoyed and protective but what he had done seemed to slip by. Being held by Ginny and then by Gabrielle had felt nice though, that and Luna standing there with everything on display had somehow calmed him he thought. But calm was furthest from the truth for his body, he had obviously reacted to the sights and smell before him and it was still hard and the pain was increasing. Through dinner it had gone down but once he had left the Great Hall and was walking back with Ginny and Gabrielle it had come back again. He wasn’t sure but he hoped that neither of the two girls had noticed because it would embarrass him, Luna on the other hand he wasn’t sure about. Something about her words and actions struck him deep. This is what he wanted to think about but he had to come to this lesson instead.

“Come in Harry.” Said the gentle voice from behind the door.

Harry pushed it open and walked forward into the room. He saw that it had changed once more, obviously in preparation for the lesson as most of the chairs and table had vanished. Fawkes perch seemed a little lonely standing on its own but the bird was sitting on top of it watching his approach.

“Well Harry how do you feel?” asked Dumbledore as he approached.

“Oh...Ok sir just a bit tired.” He mumbled trying to hide his other problem.

‘You’re sure your ok?’ Came the voice in his head.

Harry looked at Fawkes and wanted to reply but felt that he couldn’t in front of Dumbledore.

‘It’s alright Harry I can see. We can talk later if you want, you just be careful now and listen. I’ll stay and watch over you, but still be careful.’

Harry smiled a tired looking smile at the bird. He wasn’t sure talking would be the best solution but thinking he could talk to someone other than the girls over this did seem to cheer his mood.

Dumbledore clearly saw the communication between the two but refused to say anything about it. He understood that Fawkes was never going to tell him of it and trying to push Harry once more could also be dangerous, so clearing his throat he brought the attention back to himself.

“Harry, as you can see I’ve cleared us some space tonight. I not proposing to do much but the space will be welcome.”

“Um...yes sir.”

Dumbledore indicated to one of the seats and Harry crossed and sat down. Dumbledore chose the seat opposite him with the large open space to his side.

“I am going to show you some of the most advanced magic that I know Harry. But before I can start I must work with you and your teenage perception of magic. Very few people can or do understand the pure application of magic, most take it for granted and do what they have been taught. Some like myself have learnt that the teachings are wrong, or more correctly perception is wrong.”

“Perception sir?”

“Yes most people perceive an incorrect truth about magic; I will be showing you my perception. I’m not going to ask you to follow it just observe it and see.”

“Um...ok?” replied Harry a little sceptically.

“Some call me the most powerful of magicians but that is far from the truth.”

“But sir I saw you, here in your office.”

“No Harry that’s just it, that was all perception and training. You saw something happen and your training told you that it was all force, all power, but the real truth of that is far from it.”

“But the duel with Voldemort.”

“Oh yes that did indeed have power but once more it was your perception. A demonstration is in order I think, so you can see. The simple shield charm it think would be the best place to start, I believe that Professor Snape has been working with you in Defence over that.”

“Yes sir.”

“I would hope that you can see where this is going?”

Harry shook his head not understanding one bit.

“Raw power is nothing if it was then some of the most unbelievable people in the world would be great wizards. You have raw power that we know, you may know of another about your age?”

Harry thought in his mind of another person, little came forward until he remembered a conversation with Ron a number of years ago.

“Um...Ginny.”

“Well done. For one so young she has indeed a lot of raw power, but is she powerful?”

“Her bat bogies are?” chuckled Harry.

Dumbledore smiled but pressed on. “Yes they are but what about the rest?”

“Um...I don't know?” he replied Honestly.

“Yes you do. Does she practice her Charms or Transfiguration. Did she need to practice in that club of yours last year?”

“Well um yes.”

“But you’ve told me that she was powerful, how come she wasn’t perfect at them first time.” Dumbledore raised his hand before Harry could respond. “Powerful magic doesn’t make a powerful which or wizard see.”

Harry shook his head again

“Ok conjure a shield if you would, in the open area.”

Harry turned in his seat and pulled his wand out. He steadied himself and cast the shield; he was pleased to see it form almost perfectly.

“That is well done Harry, almost perfect it looks strong and mobile juts like Professor Snape would want. Now let me try something.”

Harry braced himself as he watched Dumbledore raise his own want and point it at Harry’s shield. With a small flick a streak of blue raced from the wand and impacted upon it and rebounded harmlessly away. Harry felt the shock in his arm but saw the shield hold and wave of pleasure washed over him.

“See perfect Harry your shield stopped it, as it should. Now I want you to recast it, focus all of your magic into it.”

Harry took a couple of steadying breathes and focused everything he could. He saw the shield form but this time it looked thicker and stronger almost like a wall of magic.

Dumbledore gave another smile as he saw that Harry did indeed have a lot of raw power. In time that power would fade slightly but for now it looked dangerous to his mind’s eye with the myriad of possibilities that it could be used for. With a lazy flick he sent the blue beam at Harry once more.

Harry waited and this time his arm really did shake, he had to concentrate to keep his arm stead as the blue beam seemed to bore into his shield and did not rebound. Eventually the magic was spent and it disappeared and Harry could feel the fatigue in his arm and magic.

“I cast the same spell, used the same power yet the results were so different.”

“It tried to bore through.”

“Not quiet but a worthy guess Harry. But that’s not the point how would it look to an observer?”

“Um the second spell had more power?”

“Yes but I told you it did not, it was just applied differently. How you apply you power it what will make you great Harry. Each and every one of us has power, but it’s the application of it that makes the difference.”

Dumbledore had chosen these words carefully, he doubted that Harry would see their double meaning now but later he would. He had to use these lessons to train Harry in other things and this was the only way that he knew to do it.

“That is what you will need to work on. Do not think of power as raw magic but just application. Right then let’s try once more, shield please.”

Harry did so and waited.

The blue light left the wand once more and again started to bore into his shield. He had moved the centre to intercept it as Snape had shown him in DADA but it wasn’t working it just kept coming through. As he waited he could see the shield beginning to fade as it failed, and then in a blink the blue beam was through. It impacted the carpet leaving a small burn mark on it.

“Oh, um sorry sir.” He apologised blushing slightly at his failure and the damaged carpet.

“Worry not; I’m sure before the night is out that will be only one of many such marks. So you see your shield failed, your casting did you credit and Professor Snape’s training helped but still your shield failed, it is application that was wrong.”

“Application?”

“Your shield was simple; you will need to apply your magic differently to each situation. By using your magic however little or great it is you can achieve what you want application is the key. The dual you mentioned at the start do you remember the whole of it?”

“Um I think so.”

“So you remember that I protected you.”

“You didn’t...”

“Now Harry let’s not argue over actions taken just yet, its application we are talking about. I shielded you but used very little magic in the process.”

“Because of the statue sir.”

“Yes, I applied a little magic and produced the desired result. A second year student could have done the same, maybe with a little less drama but the result would have been the same.”

Harry looked puzzled.

“A second year could have levitated that statue into that place, you could have done and the result would have been the same, it’s just application. Now stand up and we will try once more.”

Harry did so and waited. He saw Dumbledore slowly rise to his feet and suddenly he felt his mouth go dry. Here he was standing opposite the most powerful wizard in the county and he had to defend himself.

“Right shield now.”

Harry formed his shield and shuffled slightly as he watched Dumbledore raise his wand.

“This might hurt and I’m sorry Harry.” Said Dumbledore as the blue beam left the wand. It hit the shield once more and Harry saw it bore through. His mind came into clear focus as the sudden thought of being hit registered. He started to reinforce it but it was a losing battle eventually the beam shot through and hit Harry on the leg. A sharp pain and tingling shot up his leg but was stopped almost at once by a second spell from Dumbledore that Harry hadn’t even seen cast.

“You tried but you still didn't apply your magic.”

“I tried too sir.”

“Yes you did you made your shield stronger but that was the wrong application.”

“Wrong application?”

“What is the purpose of the shield?”

“To stop your curse.”

“Think Harry, open your mind to the bigger picture.”

“Um...to protect me.”

“Better, yes it’s to protect, not necessarily you but to protect what you want. That is its job; now think it through Harry. I can tell you the answer, but you need to work this out yourself, in a middle of a crisis time is short you have to be able to come up with creative solutions.”

Harry just looked very confused. Dumbledore was making sense sort of but he couldn’t see what he had to do.

“Fawkes if you would be so kind?” asked Dumbledore. The giant bird took a small leap before gliding down next to Harry. She landed next to his feet and turned to faced Dumbledore. She had been surprised that Harry hadn’t seen the solution, she didn't want to help him with something so simple but he needed a start.

“I think this is going to hurt but you will see Harry, so shield.”

Harry cast once more even more nervous as he did so, the warm heat from Fawkes flooded up his leg and gave him a nice feeling yet he was worried. He didn't mind pain but just standing waiting for it made it feel even worse.

The blue light hit is shield once more and started to bore through it, he started to focus his magic and put everything out of his mind. The shield increased in power but still the stinging hex was cutting through. Then a sharp pain shot through his leg, it was like a needle had been poked into it very hard.

“OW!” he shouted as he moved to one side, he glanced down at the upturned face of Fawkes. As the cry of pain left his lips his shield failed as his mind was taken away. The blue beam shot across his hip missing him by millimetres.

“You poked me.” Said Harry looking down at Fawkes and her open face.

‘Sorry but you leant! Now let Albus fix it and get back to the lesson and understand!’

Harry did indeed feel the pain lesson in his leg as a soothing charm was applied.

“A little direct there Fawkes I think.” Chuckled Dumbledore but it had succeeded.

“Why did she peck me?” asked Harry still rubbing his leg.

“Don’t think of that Harry think of the spell.”

“Wh...what.”

“Think.”

Harry remembered what happened. The pain, the loss of focus, the spell missing.

“You missed.”

“No you applied your magic.”

“But I couldn’t stop....”

“What is the purpose of the shield?”

“To protect.” Intoned Harry.

“I didn’t miss, you protected yourself.”

“Because I moved?”

“Exactly Harry, you applied your magic to slow the spell, saw where it was heading and then moved away. Why waste your magic on anything more, you was safe so you let it drop.”

“I did that because of Fawkes.”

“She just gave you a nudge.”

“Nudge! It felt very much....”

Fawkes reared up slightly a let out a squawk

“Let’s try it again Harry but this time without Fawkes.”

Harry did so and watched he saw the blue beam hit is shield; he pumped more magic into it as he looked to see where it would burn through. Dodging to one side he then dropped the shield, to find the beam pass right under his arm.

“Well done you have protected yourself against what some people would say was a very powerful spell. You and I know it was only a stinging hex but to them it looked powerful. So you can see it’s all about applying what you have. Now I think you need to practice. Before we begin however can you see another application that would work?”

Harry thought for a minute before replying. “Is it possible to help redirect the spell as it’s boring into the shield, a bit like the first one and make it bounce off?”

“Very good Harry, yes you can, and that’s what we’ll work on next, as soon as you have the first step down.” Dumbledore replied pleased.

***

The early evening had been a frustrating time for Gabrielle, she had sat close to both Harry and Ginny yet it didn’t satisfy her magic. It was calling to her for its release as she had used far more magic than she normally had over these past few weeks. She had watched Harry out the corner of her eye and could see him wrestling with what had happened in the afternoon. Her magic could also feel his conflict it wasn’t obvious but it was definitely there.

As he rose she turned and watched him, she could feel her magic react once more almost driving her to him. Harry turned and bent towards Ginny; Gabrielle didn’t turn away like Ron and Hermione and was surprised to see Harry pull away from the obvious kiss. Ginny still had her eyes closed but slowly opened them and looked up into Harry’s face.

“Ah...um....I must be off.” He stammered in a little embarrassment as he turned away.

Ginny gentle grabbed Harry’s arms as he was turning and pulled him down again, but she didn’t let him stop. She closed her eyes and let her lips find his. It wasn’t a long passionate kiss, but it did convey a message to Harry that all would be ok. Harry straightened up his face seemingly clearer as he tuned again and left the Common Room.

“I almost think he’s scared.” Sighed Ginny as she turned towards Gabrielle.

“I think he is. A lot happened today and he needs to understand it all. Luna was very...”

“Forthright.” Helped Ginny

“Yes and I think he’s shocked. Not just that but in himself as well, didn’t you notice his embarrassment.”

“What?”

“Just now he could hardly kiss you without feeling embarrassed but this afternoon he was much different. Do you think Ron could have stayed so calm?”

“No you’re right. He did ask us to leave and mumbled a few times but that was all. I was mortified at some of her words, so why not Harry?”

“I think it was the magic working between us, I felt it didn't you?”

“Felt what?”

“Comfort I felt so comfortable there with everyone it was just so right I almost felt I could do or say anything and you would have supported me, or at the very least not ridiculed me.”

Ginny opened her mouth to reply but stopped, Gabrielle was right. She had feared for Harry and then again when Luna started saying awkward things but something inside of her was stopping her from the normal reaction of shock or even embarrassment.

“You said the magic would.”

“Yes trust in the magic, that’s all I have had to support me in the past but now, now it is there helping us I feel that it is developing us changing us slightly so that we are all happy.”

“Do you think Harry knows?”

“Not exactly but I think he suspects, what he just did point to it.”

Ginny giggled before replying. “He can be so very silly sometimes.” Ginny laughed lightly at that phrase causing Hermione to glance at them sharply.

It wasn’t long after that talk that Gabrielle rose and bade them goodnight. Her magic was seeking her most intimate places and she had to do something about it. She closed the door to the dormitory behind her and breathed deeply with her body aching for its release. Every step she took up the stairs sent a message to her magic and the feelings inside climbed with her.

She saw her bed and crossed to it, demurely sitting on the edge. She tried to drive away the feelings but it was futile, she bent and undid her shoes placing them neatly beside her trunk trying to maintain the calm composure she always had. She swung round and laid on the bed full length her breathing now come faster, she could now feel not only the heat from down below but also the start of the moisture. This time her Veela magic wasn’t going to help her because it was the cause of it.

She undid the top buttons of her trousers and felt a small shudder of expectancy run through her as she did so. The release in pressure did nothing for her composure though and she could almost feel herself throbbing down below. She started to slowly inched her hand down but found that her magic almost took over. It quickly found the waistband of her petite knickers and wormed its way inside. She felt the moisture in the material as ample evidence of her condition.

As she let a solitary finger delve lower she felt the soft skin. It was smooth and ached to be touched, as she ran her finger towards its destination her centre throbbed harder and harder. The tight moist folds enveloped her finger and another shudder ran through her but this one much harder. She started to move her finger in and out, each movement bring its own pleasure. At the end of each stroke the heel of her hand hit her hard centre bring forth its own response.

She closed her eyes and started to ride the wave flowing within her. Her peak was close now as she started to whisper quietly.

“Oh, Harry why? You just have to ask...please?” she begged as the final release hit her. She stopped her movements and let the feeling wash through her, her whole body tingled with the afterglow but deep down she wasn’t satisfied. She need more she need Harry but he still wouldn’t consider it.

She sat up slowly on her bed and looked around glad that she was alone but surprisingly sad as well. She adjusted her trousers once more and just let her magic flow. She wanted to seek Harry out but decided against it, she felt the other ribbons and flowed down one. It didn’t surprise her that it ended after only a short trip. It was hard to read all of the emotions but she could sense enough of them. Opening her eyes and sitting up she called out.

“You can come in, I don't mind.”

Ginny very tentatively opened the door, she had watched Gabrielle leave and saw the lost look on her face. She wasn’t sure but she suspected that the younger girl was having trouble with today, so after a few moments she had too left to look in on her friend. When she had placed her hand on the door she had heard the noises inside. A sudden flash of embarrassment had flushed through her but it had been driven away almost as quickly.

She had stood rooted to the spot in two minds whether to enter or not and that was when the call from inside had come. She opened the door and looked at Gabrielle, once more she had feared at what she would see but saw her sitting neatly on top of her bed waiting for her.

“I...um...” stammered Ginny still unsure of everything.

“It’s ok; you know the problems that I have. Today was just a little too much for me.”

“I thought that you were upset.”

“I was, am still, but I am feeling better now what about you.”

“Me?”

“Yes you have had a big shock today as much as me. I’m alright it’s my nature but for you things are changing far from what you wanted.”

“And I thought I was going to be comforting you!”

“Come here and talk.”

Ginny crossed the room and sat on the edge as she composed herself. She had been thinking about the day as much as the rest but for her it was even more confusing.

“I...I...should be upset, annoyed but I’m not.”

“This about Luna?”

“Yes, I was and probably still am coming to terms with Susan and Harry and suddenly there is one more but something is different. She is so open, so up front I can’t explain it. I should be jealous but I’m not, I should be worried about Harry and her but I don't think I am.”

“As I keep saying trust your magic.”

“I dreamt of this perfect relationship, a perfect romance with me and Harry at the centre and now look at it. The boy I want to spend my life with is with three other girls, all smarter, better looking or just so....open I can’t see myself anymore. With you I convinced myself it would good, me the older sister we would share everything, together with Harry, pictures flashed across my mind of us, but now that’s changed.

Susan’s smarter than me; I can see it in her eyes and her body that she wants Harry. You, you look like the very goddess if you chose too, you would do anything for him, and Luna has offered him sex, every boy’s fantasy. And then there is poor me what have I got? Luna’s words shocked me, tonight I almost told Harry to have sex with me just to try and keep him. I thought that would be the only way but my sane side took over and stopped me. Yet….”

“Ginny he loves you like no other. You see the differences in each of us but Harry looks at you. I can look like a goddess and would do anything for him but you were the one he walked to when he left, not me. Each of us will find our place, you will too, don't give up on those dreams they may still come true.

I think that as our relationships with Harry and each other grow and deepen our ribbons will prevent us from feeling jealous, or hurt that Harry’s with the other girls he’s connected to. In a way when he’s with someone else we’ll still know that he cares for us, that we won’t loose him, because we can literally feel that he does still care for us.

Where as if we didn’t have the ribbons I’m sure we’d be constantly be at each others throats competing for him. There is only a few recorded times when multiple Veela connect to one person and for each one of them never was there written anything about jealousy or competition. This is very unusual as Veela, the only reference I have, normally only connect to an un-bonded person. If they sense another bond they will move on to stop them from fighting.

I don’t know why I didn’t move on, I’m sure you bonded first but there is something so different yet so wonderful about all of this. ”

“But...” Started to say Ginny but stopped as Gabrielle held her arms out.

“Both of us need this hug.” Whispered Gabrielle as the two came together and silently held each other as their minds and magic tried to understand what had happened today.

***

Harry’s evening continued as spell after spell was shot at him and he tried to work with his shield. He saw that what Snape and the others had taught in Defence was correct but only against simple attacks, moving out of the way seemed far simpler yet the execution was harder. As a clock chimed Dumbledore indicated to the chairs once more. Harry stiffly walked towards them and gracefully sank into it.

He had been healed after every strike yet his legs and arms still hurt that and the fact his magic felt exhausted made it hard for him to concentrate. He had managed to only dodge a few of the spells but Dumbledore seemed to be pleased.

“You have done well, we will continue to practice. It will take time but you will start to see different ways of applying your magic to solve the problem. I just ask that you be careful in class, some might disagree with you moving away from the curriculum by practicing this and as you can tell the results are not perfect for you yet. Also the DA and your friends, I know you will want to instruct them but as you can see it’s…difficult. I ask you to refrain until you are confident. If you try this and fail the results as you can see could be fatal.”

“Yes Sir.”

“So it’s almost time again. Tomorrow is the first DA lesson; I shall meet the new students in the Great Hall in the morning and bring them up.”

“Thank you sir.”

“I shall see you then a ten tomorrow?”

“Yes, um are you going to stay?”

“I don’t think so, I have...other plans. Next lesson, in three weeks same time Harry.”

“Very well Professor.”

Harry rose to his tired legs and started to leave the room.

‘I’ll be along later Harry.’

He just nodded as he left the office and started the long climb back to the common room.

Harry climbed in through the portrait hole his mind now full of new wonder, yet his old problems seemed to return as he had walked.

“Evening” He called out expecting his friends to be waiting for him and wasn’t surprised to see a raised arm appear above one of the sofas. He crossed to it and saw that Ron and Hermione were waiting for him. They weren’t like last time but they still looked comfortable.

“So how did it go?” quickly asked Hermione

“Um...painful.” replied Harry still working his mussels in his arm, they were getting better but he could still feel them.

“What did he do?” asked Hermione instantly.

“Worked on my shield charm.”

“But yours is perfect.”

“He said that.”

“Then why did he....”

“He wanted to show me something different.”

“Will you show us?”

“I’d try, but later I don't know how at the moment, Professor Dumbledore said that I should wait until I was…better. He was casting some form of stinging hex that bore though a shield; until I can do that I can’t even begin to show you.”

“Bore through?”

“Yes every time it just forced its way through.”

“How?”

“That I hope will be in the next lesson.”

The three looked at each other before Ron eventually spoke.

“The DA tomorrow?”

“Yeah Professor Dumbledore said that he will bring up the new students and then leave them to me.”

“What are you going to cover?” asked Hermione moving forward to the edge of the sofa.

“I think I will start with a review like all of the other classes we’ve had and then go from there.”

“So nothing new?”

“I don’t think so, not yet anyway.” Harry yawned again and thought that this meeting was become a habit. “I’m going to bed; it’s been a long day.”

Harry got up and left Hermione and Ron talking over the DA. Harry was sure that by the end of tomorrow Hermione would have produced a complete courses schedule for him to work from. Sometime she could be a pain but other times he couldn’t do without her.

**

Harry pulled the drapes closed around the bed and waited. She had told him that she would come and so he waited. As he undressed he saw that his “other” problem had disappeared obviously the pain has done something useful. He closed his eyes for a moment and but cautious if he kept them closed for too long he would be asleep. This wasn’t a problem because almost as he did so a bright flash illuminated his bed as Fawkes materialised on the end.

Harry felt the bed sag with the additional weight as he opened his eyes and looked at the bird.

‘Long day Harry?’

“You could say that.” Whispered Harry.

Harry could almost see the smile on the bird before its reply.

‘You don't have to whisper they will not hear I can assure you. Sorry about earlier but you had to understand.’

Harry unconsciously rubbed his leg before replying

“Are all of your lessons so...painful?”

‘Not normally but you never really know. Now what has troubled you so much today?’

Harry looked up before replying. It had been a hard day and much was troubling but what could he talk about and how much would she help. He remembered Fawkes had told him that she would not help but what was she doing now?

“But, you said that you wouldn’t help me so why are you asking?”

‘I won’t help, directly, but that doesn’t mean I can’t listen. You have a great number of things on your mind it might help to talk them through.’

“I met the last one.” He blurted out no longer able to keep it in.

‘And who is she?’

“Luna Lovegood, a fifth year student.”

‘The Ravenclaw girl, very interesting and this has caused you problems.’

“She was standing there, showing me her....”

‘So?’

“But I wanted to, I could feel myself I was so hard. She then just started to say these things and in front of everyone there. I felt so ashamed because I wanted to say yes.” Harry absently wondered why he was suddenly confiding in this bird which he had own really met a week ago.

‘You have to be who you are, don’t be ashamed.’

“But I’ve got to stop Voldemort if I don't...these feelings won’t help me.”

‘Are you so sure?’

“How can they? What Professor Dumbledore showed me tonight will help, but these feelings can’t.”

/‘But they are what make you, you, and they are what make you different from Tom/.’

“Tom.”

‘Yes I knew him the same as Albus, as a boy. A name is just that a name you should never fear a name. But your feelings make you different from him.’

“But how can they help!”

‘Just explore them live with them and live your life. They will help, you may not notice it anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean they don’t help.’

Harry closed his eyes and felt each ribbon; it seemed to flutter as he did so. His mind calmed a little and he breathed deeply. The summer had seemed like a wonderful dream to him, being with Ginny in his own house surrounded by his two friends made him feel so happy. Gabrielle’s lessons had started to show him that there might just be another way other than his death.

But once here at school it had changed, he was looking at Gabrielle in almost the same way he was at Ginny and wasn’t that wrong? There were now two other girls who wanted to be near him talk to him. Then Luna with her sex talk had brought that subject forward. He hadn’t seriously considered sex and now it was thrust right at him it was such a big step but Luna almost begged him didn’t she, and then there were those dreams he kept having? Everything was now moving so quickly he didn’t know what he was supposed to do. He opened his eyes in the hope of getting advice and saw that he was once more alone.

Was this the help that Fawkes was giving him? He had to do it for himself just live the life that was presented? He rolled over and tried to shut these thoughts away and concentrate on the morrow, for tomorrow he would be starting the DA again.


***

Susan sat on her bed with her knees tucked up as she watched the fading light out of the window. Her mind was a jumble trying to understand what had happened today. It had been one shock after another and she needed this time to work it all out. She was trying to find anything she could draw on to explain what had happened but nothing so far that she experienced helped her.

A slight shiver ran through her and for a moment she panicked that it would happen again, she would feel this urge to run off towards Harry, or was that just the cold. She was wearing her long and oldest nightshirts as a sort of comfort against everything that had happened she did indeed feel cold but was that the cause of the shiver?

Still looking at the darkness she thought of each person separately, they seemed so calm and accepting of this new connection that she felt alone amongst them. She tried to picture the future but everything was changing so fast she lost herself every time she did. Her childhood dreams of being in the Ministry seemed to fade, her teenage dreams of being with Harry faded and she didn’t have anything to replace it with.

She wanted to cry at the loss of so much but found that she couldn’t, somewhere deep inside of her she could feel happiness. He rational side was telling her that this could not be true how could she be happy with three others and Harry. It had no logic to it yet deep down it was there. The afternoon in the sun with them all had told her it could be true. They all had walked out into the sun and sat and talked, they didn't speak much about what had happened but as they sat and talked she could feel pleasure and happiness at being there. Even when Hermione and Ron had turned up almost frantic in their worry over Harry she still felt...content.

Was this now her life, to sit and be with Harry and the rest? That was now a new question running around. She had almost vowed to try and get Harry for herself until she had been told about the ribbons. Even after that her trained mind had tried to work it to her best advantage, she was the oldest and so therefore she should be in charge. But now that thought, that idea had been driven away. It wasn’t a competition between them anymore she just wanted to be there.

Crawling under the covers she spelled the lights out as the next wave of emotions and thoughts washed over her. Tomorrow was coming and another morning with Harry was the one she concentrated on as she drifted off into sleep.

**

Luna sat at the table in her dormitory and smiled the first smile of real happiness she could remember for a long time. She had always been happy and cheerful but tonight she just felt it through and through. The day had turned out to be so much fun it had been dreamy. The thought of Harry or any of the others sent wonderful feeling through her. But it wasn’t just that it was the letter she had just finished to her dad.

In that letter she had talked about finally finding a real friend and not just one but four of them. She looked down and saw that she had written huge amounts about each one of them trying to share them with her dad. She hoped that he would be so happy because she was. He seemed so lonely at times and wondered why he didn’t try and find a friend, it had been six years since her mother’s accident but never had she seen her dad bring a friend home. She knew that everything had changed because her mother died. Her dad had to work so hard to provide for them. He’d wake up early every morning and go to bed so late, if he got home at all.

She had felt so lonely in the beginning; she’d often cry herself to sleep. She knew her dad really tried, he still kept the camping trips. They were really her favourite part of the summer; it was just the two of them. It was one of the few times she got to spend with her dad; tracking elusive magical beast. She’d even got to go to The Quibbler afterwards and help write the story. It was always the most fun she’d ever had. She knew her dad was lonely, and sad most of the time and that was why she’d written so much perhaps, if she could share these people with him then maybe he would be happier, and that was all that she wanted, a happy life.

All the talk about ribbons, bonds and connections had simulated her Ravenclaw side but she was unsure whether she wanted to pursue it. Her “brainy” side had always driven away those that got to know her and would this be another of those times. She looked at her books with a wishful glance and then picked one up. She could a least read it, if she didn't tell them they would not know and then they could still be friends.

***