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Chapter 48:- Present - HistoryA/N: The normal, Malehorntaildragon, your work make me continue at this pace, thanks also GML your mind is where mine is trying to get too!





Greenburg stopped at the top of the wide stairs leading to the exit and entrance. He had arrived early for this attack he didn’t understand why, he just did so. He had spent the last two hours slowly walking around the displays. Many a time he had overheard people talking about the artefacts but he didn't want to listen. He didn’t see the artefacts he just remembered those digs, the trials the tribulations that he had personally gone through to get some of the pieces. For other treasures he remembered work colleges or wizards that he had meet retelling the daring tales of what they had overcame to get what was now stored for display.

Inside it felt a little like a trip through his life. He had spent a long time looking at a poor pottery jar. Many people just glanced at it and had walked on but to him it meant far more. It was the first item he had uncovered; he remembered it like it was yesterday, walking through the dark corridors of the abandoned Monastery. There had been a team of four others with him but it was his responsibility to disable the wards. He had feared getting it wrong, not for losing his job but for dying. He had succeeded and far quicker than anyone else had. They had searched the hidden chamber and found much gold that day as well as a few items. This small piece of pottery was one of the only items that had been sold on, but to him looking at it, it meant far more to him.

He glanced up at the clock and almost willed the hands to stop yet they moved onwards towards the hour. He looked down the stairs and could see people still coming in or leaving. His eyes locked onto one family on its way out, they moved with the slowness of a happy family but he wanted them to be gone. On and on the hands moved but the family still wasn’t at the exit. He felt that he dared not move his eyes away for if he did the attack would start and they would be the first. Eventually they crossed out into the sun light and he felt his heart start again. A deep sound registered itself with his ears as the clock struck the hour and Greenburg saw the afternoon sunlight replaced with darkness.

A roar, an explosion followed, deafening all those around. Smoke and masonry flew around the air and in strolled a group of eight men, each wearing the long dark robes and silver mask of the Death Eaters. A scream rent through the sudden silence as the first innocent saw the new arrivals. A ball of magic left the lead Death Easter’s wand and exploded on the far wall silencing everyone once more.

“The Dark Lord has risen, kneel before his power or suffer!” shouted the wizard striding forward. The others started to fan out yet no one moved. Greenburg wanted to shout to tell everyone to run but knew it was useless, people would die today, no matter what he did, they would die.

A woman screamed once more as she recovered from the explosion but this time she was silenced permanently. Greenburg hadn’t seen who had fired the curse but it had been accurate and deadly, the pool of blood on the floor and marks on the wall were testament to that.

“You are all not worthy and so shall carry our Master’s words, IN YOUR DEATHS!” screamed the Leader once more as he moved forward.

Greenburg stayed still next to one of the pillars and waited, it was his job to make the exit but seeing what was happening he didn’t want to expose himself. Showing that he had any form of allegiance towards these killers was bound to be bad for him so he waited. The Death Eaters started to split up and move through the Museum, they said little of consequence just shouting or demanding that the people recognised Voldemort as their rightful leader.

The screams of the injured and dying didn’t fade from his hearing they just seemed to be centred further inside the massive building so he risked standing up and looking round. Many a tome that he had opened had contained vivid images or scenes but even that didn’t prepare for what he saw. The main entrance hall was silent now, only the slight humming of the powerful spells activated on the outside could be heard but that slight noise was interrupted as Greenburg felt his stomach contract in one violent movement.

The assault on all of his sense overwhelmed him and he tried to turn away from it but everywhere he looked he could see the results of Voldemort’s message. He continued to heave for a minute supporting himself against a near wall. His eyes were tightly shut but he had to start soon. He would have to open his eyes and get on with what he was being paid so dearly for. Slowly he felt that there was no more to come up he braced himself and opened his eyes again.

The scene had changed and not for the better but he pushed himself onwards towards the back wall, the place he had found to be the weakest. As he moved slowly through the hallway he saw two Death Eaters emerge from one of the side corridors. He waited to see their reaction but they continued to move forward towards the remnants of the people in the entrance hall. Greenburg didn’t want to study the Death Eaters but couldn’t fail to notice the marks of blood on their robes, had anyone truly survived this slaughter he wondered.

With his back to the two he started to examine the wall once more. With grim determination he started to cast his spells. He had been right this was the weakest point that he had found so far. He methodically started to strip the wards from the wall. Time was working against them but this wasn’t going to take long. The wards had been designed to stop thievery not this type of blatant attack. In a few minutes he would have the wall bare and so make the escape possible.

**

Tonks crossed to the coffee pot in the corner of the office. She wasn’t officially on duty but she was still here. Sitting at home was making her worse and worse. Worry over the coming war was eating away at her but also the worry she secretly had over Remus. He had not been heard of for almost three months. She had to admit that the Werewolf attacks had died down very quickly after the initial spate but she was concerned for the older man.

His inner charm and goodness had shone through to her and she had found herself attracted to him. Yes, she was years junior to him but something about the somber man touched her. She was just beginning to think of a way for her to get together with him when the mission for the Order had come up. She had almost wanted to argue against it, she understood the importance of it yet it would take him away from her for so long.

Eventually she had held her tongue and said nothing as he first watched over Harry and then left for the mission. She felt privileged be one of the few that knew what he was doing but it didn’t quench the pain inside of her at his loss. Now, so far down the road, she was looking for any signs of him. By now they had suspected that Remus would have returned, if only to tell them of his failure but they had expected him to return.

Some of the members were talking in hushed tones that he might be dead. She didn’t believe them, deep inside she could not see his death, he was alive he just had to be. Yet the loss of contact eroded her sprits daily. This afternoon she had spent her time once more going over the reports to see any sign of him but nothing came forward. Rubbing her eyes and feeling the stress and tiredness that came with it caused her to walk the small distance to the ever-warm coffee pot. It was while she was holding it that the message arrived.

It was like being a spectator and watching a drama unfold. She held the jug in her hand as the first message and then the next and next arrived. The red envelope flew directly to the duty Auror and landed on his desk. Such high importance memos were common place especially in here but when the next two came it caused everyone to stop and watch them. They both trailed smoke at the speed that they were travelling and the loud whining got everyone’s attention.

Tonks watched in silence as the rest of the Duty Auror team started to move forward. She could read them; it wasn’t hard. She knew what each was feeling because she had felt the same at some point over the past few weeks. She had responded to those same memos over too many nights to not understand what everyone was feeling. She saw a few start to finger their wands and many look hopefully into the distance as they all waited for the instruction.

She still held the jug in her hand not daring to move. Her mind tried to come up with what was happening, sure in the fact that the rest were doing the same. Hogsmeade was the one word she kept repeating over and over in her head. At the last Order meeting McGonagall had mentioned the trip and asked as many people to be there as possible. She had wanted to go and had done so first thing in the morning but had returned here after lunch, had she left too early? Hogsmeade should be crawling with Aurors and Order members. If an attack had happened it would soon turn into a full conflict with the inevitable casualties.

“It...It’s...the Museum of Artefacts.” Said the Duty Auror looking up.

“What...the one....” Stammered one of the Aurors

“Yes the one three streets away.” He replied.

“What, so close to here, the Ministry?” Asked Another.

“Yes the wards have been activated and....and the Mark has been cast.”

“OH my...there must be....”

“We have to go, Dickens, you man the desks here, call in who you can. The rest we have to head over there, they should still be trapped inside....MOVE.”

Like the well drilled team that they were, everyone paused for a moment to understand their orders before springing into action. Most headed for the Auror only Apparition Point in the office and some headed for the floo. Tonks stood rooted to the spot as all of this happened, in seconds she was alone with Dickens who she saw was pulling out the emergency charmed recall notices. After a single tap of the wand they were gone to be delivered. With slightly shaky hands she put the pot back and calmly walked to Dickens desk.

“I’ll head over as well.” She said and moved forward to the Apparition Point her mind awhirl at what was she going to find.

**

Greenburg felt the last ward collapse. He had been surprised at the speed that he had done the work in. Absently, he knew that he had never before worked so hard. It was as though everything wanted him to leave this place. The wards had been strong but this one was just a little too far from the anchor point for its own good. That, and the fact they were designed to stop objects from being removed had made it a little easier than he expected. All he had to do was blow a hole in the wall and they would be outside the wards and then they were free.

The noise in the Museum still hadn’t died down, it sounded like the Death Eaters had left as many wounded or just frightened as they did dead. Fearful of what new horror he might see, he turned around to see if everyone had returned for their escape. The two Death Eaters that had returned first were just finishing off their last task. Greenburg felt himself whiten and blanch as he saw the message that they had been leaving for all to read. One of the walls now had message to all, it told them that “He has returned. Bow down before your Lord and be spared. Death awaits all those that oppose him.” The words said little it was the paint that they were using that drove the message home; it was easy to see why: everything was written in red.

**

Tonks blinked once as the sunlight hit her full in the face. She did the same as any new arrival did and glance up at the mark in the sky, unlike any time previous this one was still present, larger than ever and still roaring into the sky. A small part of her mind told her that many a mind was going to have to be altered to hide this from the muggles. Walking up to the assembled group, she listened in to the briefing.

“OK we think they are still inside, the wards are one way. This means we can enter but nothing can leave. Fullman you take Jones and Bright around the other side as we enter from here. Stay outside the wards until more people arrive. As soon as you think it’s secure out here, follow us in. Try and organise medical teams and portkeys to St. Mungo’s.

The rest follow me, stay in your pairs and watch out, there are a number of dangerous artefacts and we as yet don’t know which one they’re after.”

“I don’t think it’s an item.” Quietly said Tonks.

“You may be right but we have to be careful. Remember, people first. It was still open when this started so follow me.”

The middle aged Auror led the small team forward. Each had dropped their work robes and had now drawn their wands. They all moved with purpose yet each felt the fear within their hearts. Everyone paused at the barrier as if contemplating their final moments before pushing forwards. Tonks closed her eyes as she felt the barrier and like the rest, thought of loved ones before moving forward.

**

Greenburg glanced along the corridors and saw the retuning Death Eaters. Obviously they had done what they come for. It was then he saw the shimmer in the ward. He still had his detection spells trained on it and it gave him the second’s notice he needed. His mind instantly told him what was happening and without thought his wand was raised and the spell had been fired. He pumped as much magic as he dared into it and saw the wall explode outwards.

A fresh stream of daylight flitted through the now open hole but he didn’t wait. His spells had told him something was coming through the ward. He knew it had to be the Aurors and as soon as they got a look inside they wouldn’t hesitate. Chancing himself he threw himself through the hole. He landed hard on the rubble outside and felt it dig into his arms and legs but he was out.

Not even daring to look back, he started to sprint for the nearest alleyway; escape was now his only job. The area was still empty and he found a spot. Still not looking back he concentrated on his location. It wasn’t close but distance was now his friend, the squeezing and pushing sensation flooded around him and then he was gone and still free.

**



For the next couple of days really nothing else of consequence was mentioned in any of the wizarding papers, even the Quibbler had ran the story about the horrific attack in London. Far from being such a disaster it seemed that the Ministry was lording the praise of its Auror department and the capture of two of the perpetrators. Little did most people know that the majority of the culprits had gotten away, all that people read was how a couple a security guards and a few members of the public had held up a pair of Death Eaters until help had arrived.

The Ministry used this to show the rest of the country how well they were doing in stopping Voldemort and if the people followed Ministry advice all would be safe. It had taken even Hermione almost a day to find out some of the real statistics of the battle and she was sure that they weren’t fully correct. It had been a very sober breakfast for Harry and the rest when she finally told them of her findings. According to her, over twenty people had died during the attack and a further ten had died in hospital. She was also sure that there were more casualties but nothing was being reported.

Harry closed his eyes as he tried not to picture that number of people dead but it was hard. Deep down he felt almost responsible, Voldemort would have stopped all of this killing if he had joined with him, wouldn’t he? And wasn’t he suppose to stop all of this, wasn’t he The Chosen One. A sudden wave of sickness ran through him at this and he looked down at his plate suddenly his breakfast didn’t look so appetising.

A warm sensation tried to flood into his mind; he wasn’t expecting it and almost reacted violently to it until he recognised it. Turning his head he looked at the girl on his left. Her blue eyes held all sorts of emotions to him, he was still unsure of them all but just basked in looking at her face.

Gabrielle let him look at her and felt herself react to him. She had driven away his bad feelings but that was all she could do for him at the moment. Watching his feelings run across his brow she wanted to use everything she could to comfort him. She may be young, but she could drive away all of those nasty images and replace them with much better ones: yet even now she had to restrain herself. She let her eyes drift over his shoulder slightly and saw the look upon Ginny face. It was obvious that she could feel it as well, but at least she could do something about it.

Gabrielle watched Ginny slide her arm around Harry and pull him a little closer to her. It pained Gabrielle slightly that it wasn’t her doing but she knew that Harry would feel better. She turned back to her own plate and waited, soon classes would start once more and another week of hell would begin. She had still kept to herself the full troubles that she was having. It had gotten a little better with time but it just seemed that she couldn’t do anything really right and all that she could think clearly about was her bond and the magic that formed it.

She followed Harry out as normal and peeled off towards her own class yet her mind was still with Harry and would be for the whole of the morning.

*

Healer Arnold rubbed his brow as he finished doing his rounds of the ward. His head hurt, in fact everything hurt but he pushed himself onwards never the less. The whole team around him was like this but they never said a word to each other. He walked the length of the ward very slowly as his mind tried to assemble everything that had happened. He had rotated away from emergency care and was working in long term damage. It was something that annoyed him but only slightly. Almost like clockwork every six months the senior Healers would be rotated into a new department, not to run it but to improve their knowledge and share what they picked up from the other departments.

Long term spell damage was never the most fun for him but it allowed him to keep his research skills current. It was in the small library that the call had found him. Like the rest of the medical teams, they rushed to the emergency ward as soon as news reached them of the attack. Being such a senior Healer he was given a team and ward to manage. He had expected he would have been in one of the teams that had responded to the Museum but they had kept him behind. It was when the first people started to arrive that he realised why, most of the staff had little experience and the shock was palatable as the people or in some cases what was left of them arrived.

Soon everyone was rushed off their feet dealing with injuries: some only minor but the vast number ever so serious. He had consulted on case after case, he was thankful for this because it didn’t allow him to dwell on any particular person. Now the rush was over he had gotten to know his patients and that was making it worse for him.

It was a little after that that the visitors started to show up. First the press but they were the easiest to deal with but then the Ministry and even the Minister of Magic himself. Being one of the senior Healers it fell to him to show the Minister around. He didn’t resent the old man and understood why he had to be there. The grief on the Minister face was visible when he had left and Arnold just wished that something like this would never happen again but he wasn’t so sure.

He paused at the Nurses station and looked at the middle aged woman, she had been a godsend in her calm efficiency but even he could see she was tired.

“Mrs Brandon, bed four.”

The woman looked up with hope filled eyes. That patient was the worst they had but soon she would be their last casualty. He wasn’t completely certain for the others, complications could always arise however the rest were going to make it, she would not.

“No, within the hour I’m sure. That last potion has done nothing, the cure is still fighting inside I think it’s reached her core it’s only time now.”

“Oh I had hoped....”

“We all did. Make sure everyone is comfortable and call me if...”

“I will.” Responded the Nurse, knowing that she wouldn’t call him unless one of the others started to die for he needed his sleep, they all did.

Healer Arnold entered the staff room and found it quiet there was only one other person in there and he was asleep on the couch. He crossed to one of the chairs and sank into it. His mind, his body everything was tired; he needed to rest and his eyes closed. Sleep took him quickly but he never would get the rest he truly needed.

**

Dumbledore watched the Great Hall empty of students as they started off towards their first classes. He had made sure that he sat in his customary chair for the whole of breakfast. He didn’t make a speech or anything he just wanted the students see him and hopefully take comfort in the feeling that they were safe. He had talked to the other teachers as they arrived and departed but for most of it he was left with his own mind.

The attack was a real shock to him. Voldemort had been very quiet and it was time for another one. He had made sure there was support at Hogsmeade. He had called for as many Order members as he could to be there. He himself had spent the day with his brother just in case. When news of the attack happened he had wanted to rush there but his first job was the students, he had to make sure they were safe. In the end he or The Order weren’t needed but it did lesson the pain he felt.

**

It took until Wednesday until the castle seemed to get back to its normal state. Harry still felt a little depressed but like the rest of the school, he came to terms with what had happened. After such a joyous week last week everything just seemed so dull around him. The DA meeting on the Sunday had been an exercise in futility as no-one had wanted to do anything except talk about the attack.

He now walked with the girls up to the Room of Requirement. They hadn’t had a lesson for a little while and Harry was secretly looking forward to it. The lessons were always good for him; afterward he felt so much better, so much happier. He knew that it was the close proximity of the four girls but it didn’t matter he just wanted to feel happy.

They entered the room and it was laid out in its normal manner for them. Everyone split up and started their routine. Ron and Hermione had accompanied Harry and waited for instruction as normal. Harry looked at the feather but shook his head he wanted to do something more advanced than that. A sudden urge over took him that he should try what Dumbledore was showing him but was that going a bit too fast? A little wary of trying something that was dangerous he instead settled for a transfiguration. He calmed his mind and let his sight flow.

He could make out the ribbons in the room and the faint glow of the room itself. Soon he would have to talk to someone else about what he was seeing. He could make sense of it but he might get on better if he had someone to ask or bounce ideas off of. The logical choices would have to be one of the girls but which one of them as each seemed content at what they were doing. Luna and Susan were sitting together again and under the tutelage of Gabrielle were trying to focus and find their own ribbons. Harry hadn’t really felt them connect with his magic yet but was certain that it was only a matter of time.

Absently he watched Ginny as she too was helping Gabrielle for once. She seemed to have come to an impasse with her ability but didn’t seem frustrated about it. As he watched he found that his mind wandered and started to look more at the girlfriend Ginny than at the friend Ginny she had once been. As his mind stated to play fantasies through it he shook his head and turned away. Anymore of looking at Ginny like that and he was going to lose his concentration. He turned back to the feather on the table and concentrated on turning it into a pebble. At first nothing happened but then he saw a faint wisp of magic leave his wand. He wanted to follow it but the instant he tried he lost the focuses and it disappeared. It seemed the more magic he used the harder it was for him to see it. Resorting back to what he had done before he asked Hermione and Ron to transfigure things around the room.

He watched each of them perform the spell. It was hard for him to see the spell leave the wand or even interact with the object but each time that they did he felt he knew more and more about it. After about half an hour he called a halt for his friends as he thought about what he had seen. Hermione walked slowly up to him and studied his face before speaking.

“You can really see magic?” she asked in a very quiet voice.

“Yes.”

“What’s it like?”

“Whispy hard to see, even harder to understand.”

“Are you sure it’s magic.”

“Gabrielle says so.”

“Are you sure she’s right?”

Harry felt another stab from his magic; he was noticing more and more now when people started to question one of the girls. He was sure that his reaction to Gabrielle was the worst; he had to check himself once or twice when someone started to say that she had been wrong. Harry didn't know why he felt this way, he just did. He looked at Hermione and saw for once that she wasn’t trying to annoy him and anything there was genuine curiosity about her.

“I think so; it does fit all of the pieces. When you cast I can see something leave the wand and then something around the object. It not exactly like the feather and levitation but it is similar.”

“Will it help?”

Harry opened his mouth to reply but closed it again without saying anything. He looked around and saw that a few comfy chairs had suddenly appeared in a corner and so headed in that direction. His mind was thinking over Hermione’s question little pieces of understanding seemed to flow and he wanted to examine them. He sank into one the chairs and closed his eye to allow his mind to focus more.

Gabrielle wasn’t completely sure what had just happened but something within her link to Harry had changed. She and Ginny were still working with Luna and Susan to try and get some focus. She didn’t know why she was teaching this but it seemed like the first real step, afterwards she didn’t know what to do next with them.

She had sat with them and tried to guide their magic onto their own ribbons. Susan was slightly better at it but she was sure it was only to do with practice but then she felt a small tug in her magic from Harry. Instantly she flowed to him, not realising that she pulled both Luna and Susan with her. She flitted over Harry’s magic in an attempt to soothe it. He was trying to understand something and he was having trouble. She just wanted to soothe his pain away but as she did so she felt, no noticed, something else. It was like ripples in his magic and not only the frustration was washed away but he seemed to grasp what he was looking for. With a small feeling of shock Gabrielle’s magic flowed back to her and she opened her eyes. She looked over at Harry and just watched; the rest completely forgotten. Something had happened with Harry and she wanted to see what it was.

Ginny saw her young friend turn away and virtually ignore them all. She had been trying to help, trying to connect with one of the girls, but was failing. She was feeling a little frustrated with what this bond would allow them to do but the actions of Gabrielle worried her. She sat down next to the girl but even that elicited no response.

“You ok?” she asked.

But Gabrielle didn't respond she just kept looking at Harry.

“Gabrielle, what’s up?

Ginny waited and eventually the young girl replied.

“It’s Harry.”

“What about him?”

“I don’t know, something’s happened, look.”

Ginny looked at Harry and saw that is eyes were still closed yet his hands were very animated. Luna and Susan rose from their place and sat next to them as well, nothing was said as Harry continued to move his hands. Eventually he opened his eyes and looked ant Hermione.

“Yes I think it will.” He said in a clear voice.

“Will what?” asked Hermione.

“Help, you asked me if it will help. Yes I think it will, I’m pretty sure it will...yes that must be it.”

“What?”

“Hermione, Ron can we try something.”

“Anything mate” Replied Ron thoroughly confused but not being the only one.

Harry jumped up and walked into the centre of the room, he didn't see the girls looking at him his mind was focuses on the one thought he had come up with. His eyes swept around looking for something he could use. He didn't see anything and so closed his eyes. He thought hard, really hard on what he wanted and waited. Carefully he opened his eyes and looked the room had worked once more as there was the biggest rock he could think of now in the centre of the room.

Gabriele’s hand flew to her mouth as she saw the rock materialise out of nothing. Her heart beat faster and the mere possibilities of this room if it would produce whatever you thought of a truly wicked shiver ran through her as she thought of this room, her and Harry. She felt an arm snake around her and absently lent into it as she continued to watch Harry yet the fantasies stayed with her.

“What’s this rock for?” asked Hermione looking at her three rocks.

“You asked would it help, I’ve sure of it. It’s just a matter of perception and control.”

“Perception and control?”

“Yes I think and understand...well some of it now. Dumbledore has been telling me about perception and control, all magic is about perception and control. With the proper control people will use their own perception to ‘understand’ but it is not true understanding, it is just their perception. Fawkes told me I had to understand. I don't know if this is what she meant but I want to try something and to demonstrate perception.”

Hermione looked at Ron and he just shrugged his shoulder, Harry smiled a wide smile at his friends.

“Are you going to now show us what Dumbledore has been teaching you?” inquired Hermione.

“That’s just it Hermione he hasn’t been teaching me magic, yet, he has been teaching me perception.”

“Harry you are sounding very...different.” said Hermione looking closely at him.

“What...um...ah...” stammered Harry suddenly confused. He had sat down and thought about all of this. He had tried hard to think of something to help Hermione and then all of this came, it was like solving a difficult puzzle one piece seemed to fall after the other.

“It’s me honestly Hermione.”

Hermione glanced over at Gabrielle and saw that the four girls were sitting close together. Gabrielle seemed to be leaning against Ginny but it didn’t look like she was performing magic. She looked back and waited for Harry to continue.

“So who is the most powerful wizard in our time?”

“Professor Dumbledore.” Instantly replied Hermione

“What if I told you that wasn’t true it’s just your perception.”

“Harry you’re blabbering nonsense and I’m getting worried.”

“No bear with me, Hermione. I will see if I can show you a new perception of magic.”

“You will make me see magic?”

“No, just a different perception. First can you try and levitate the rock.”

Hermione looked quickly at Harry before she pointed her wand the rock. She composed herself and the recited the incantation. She felt the pressure in her magic as it connected and tried to lift the giant object. Her arm started to shudder and her breathing started to get slightly laboured as she tried harder and harder to move the rock. Eventually stopped and looked at Harry with a slight evil glint in her eye, was her trying to make her look stupid in front of the girls.

“Ok Ron you give it a try.”

Ron drew his wand and tried as well, but the result was the same the rock steadfast refused to move.

“So you couldn’t move it?” ventured Harry a little warily of Hermione’s glances.

“Of course not, it’s too large; the amount of magic need to encompass it would be....”

“I can move it.” stated Harry happily.

“Yes we know you’re powerful but I don't think even you could move that, I bet even Professor Flitwick would have problems.”

“If I could make it dance would that make me as powerful as say Dumbledore.”

“Harry thats rediculous, you know that. Remember the basic telekenesis law? An object has got to have less material content than the binomial expression of Magic that is applied to it. To move something that big would need extraordinary power or multiple people.”

“But I can do it, watch!”

“Alright then!” grumped Hermione standing back and folding her arms across her chest.

Harry raised his wand and brought it to bear upon the rock. He focused his magic and applied the spell in the same manner as Hermione and Ron. Everyone waited with bated breath as they watched the rock wobble ever so slightly but not move off the ground.

“See Harry, you can’t do it!” retorted Hermione.

“No, it’s just perception, I did it the same as you, now I will use the same amount of magic and according to the laws it still shouldn’t move, right?”

Harry felt a small waver of mischief and decided to lighten the mood slightly so puffed out his chest before saying “All ye look upon the Greatest Wizard for I shall make this rock rise.”

All of the other girls suddenly fell about each other laughing at Harry clowning around but Gabrielle didn’t because of the look that he gave her. A warm feel washed over her insides as she knew he was asking for a little help. She suspected that he could do this on his own but he wanted to make sure. She closed her eyes and found Harry; she then helped him see his magic.

Harry looked at the boulder once more and concentrated, he let his sight come. The boulder did look a little odd to him but he put that down to the fact that it had been created by the room. The calming presence of Gabrielle’s magic flowed through is magic as he raised his wand. As he started to say the incantation the magic left his wand and flew to the boulder. He saw it swirl around it very similar to how Ron and Hermione’s had done but this time he twisted his wrist slightly and almost willed his magic to do his bidding. The magic started to form more and more at the bottom. Eventually he was sure that there was enough and he started to raise his wand. The magic obeyed his command and it started to rise.

Hermione found that her mouth had dropped open as she saw the boulder rise slowly into the air. She had watched Harry’s wand movements there seemed to be little twists and turns in it but nothing more, then the boulder floated up. It seemed to move slowly yet purposely upwards. It started to spin slowly upon it’s axis. It wasn’t fast but it was controlled. Hermione’s mind tried to process what she was seeing but it defied all that she had learnt. Harry simply should not have been able to move that rock unless he was truly powerful. But even then to get it to twirl was unheard of. She doubted that even Flitwick could have done that.

With a big thud the rock came to rest and Harry flashed them a grin of triumph.

“See, perception. You now think I’m the greater wizard ever! . Better than Professor Flitwick.” Chuckled harry.

“We already did!” shouted the four girls in perfect harmony.

Harry’s face when bright red at these words and he had to turn his back. Ron looked very shocked at the girls and even Hermione’s eyes were wide open.

“How...what...you....” Eventually the bushy haired witch found part of her voice.

“It’s to do with perception and control Hermione. I can see my magic and so it allowed better control.”

“But...but....but.” continued to stammer Hermione.

“Amazing isn’t it?” said Harry looking at his two best friends.

“Mate, remind me never to get you upset.”

“It’s not power Ron, it’s your perception. That’s what Dumbledore has been telling me.”

Hermione’s mouth continued to flap as her brain simply could not understand what Harry had been saying. It was just wrong completely and utterly wrong.

“I think that’s enough for tonight, I think Hermione needs some time and after that I need a rest.”

“But you moved it with so much ease.” questioned Ron.

“Yes but I’m still knackered, it was a very big rock.”

Ron had to smile but Hermione still wasn’t completely coherent. He placed his hand on her arm and started to move her towards the door. Harry glanced over at the girls who were all rising. He was pleased that Gabrielle had help it allowed him to concentrate on the boulder more and something about him felt pleased that he had involved her.

Harry opened the door onto the corridor and looked out, the lateness of the hour once more dictated that the corridor was empty and for that he was happy. He waited as everyone filled out except for Luna. He looked back in the room and saw her standing near the far wall looking at the bookshelf.

“Luna?” he called out and watched the girl spin and face him.

“I’m just looking for those Bumbling Humdingers you go on I’ll be alright.”

“Oh...um....very well.” Replied Harry a little mystified at what Luna was doing before turning and leaving.

By the time ha caught up to Ginny and Gabrielle, Ron and Hermione had already rounded the corner. Hermione looked to be on a mission again, and she was dragging poor Ron with her.

Harry stopped and pulled Gabrielle into a hug. He forced himself not to notice just how her body melded into his, nor that she had already developed all the right curves in all the right places. He bent his head down and whispered happily “Thanks, Gabrielle I couldn’t have done it without you.” He placed a kiss on her forehead, again forcing himself not to notice just how soft and smooth her skin was; and that her hair couldn’t possibly smell so good or feel like the finest silk. His emotions were running through his body. Suddenly it wanted to do more to her, with her, but how could he think of such a thing about such a young girl. Yes, he had pushed or been pushed a little by Ginny and Luna but they were much older they were at least at the age of consent. What would people think if he became intimate with Gabrielle, but more importantly how could he ever look himself in the mirror if he took advantage of such a sweet girl, who was only trying to help him?

He pulled away smiling at her as he grabbed Ginny’s hand hoping she didn’t notice that he was holding it tighter than normal in an effort to refocused his mind onto his girlfriend or something, anything, that was not Gabrielle’s body. The now familiar tightness of his balls accompanied the pain of his erection and he prayed that both hadn’t notice because he could never tell anyone what had caused it, and he knew that it was going to cost him later.

“Come on, I really need a sit down and a rest... that was still really hard.” Harry said trying desperately to think of Snape in his underwear as the three of them slowly made their way to the Common Room.

*

Luna looked at the shelves with her back to the door after Harry had led the others away. She had made the excuse and was glad that Harry had left. She need time to think, it wasn’t the magic Harry had performed that was causing her worry it was herself. She was happy, the happiest that she had been since that fateful day and it was going to happen, she was going to lose it again and this time she didn’t think she could bare the pain.

She idly let her fingers brush the spines of the books but did not register the titles her mind was elsewhere and for that she didn't hear the approaching footsteps. If she had done she might still have gotten away with it but she didn't.

“What’s up?” asked a soft voice full of concern.

Luna spun round at the noise slightly startling her. She had wanted to be alone yet the voice dragged at a new parts within her. She looked directly into the face of Susan and could see the concern on it. It wasn’t forced there out of pity or anything it was simple and genuine.

“Nothing I’m fine.” She replied automatically.

“No you’re not, I can see it. I’m your friend, your ‘girlfriend’! Talk to me about it, it’s what friends do.”

“No they don't they...” Luna started to reply, falling back into herself.

“Have sex! Yes you’ve said that before Luna. Would it help if I got undressed then?” Asked Susan abruptly.

She had been studying Luna now for sometime during meals and any other time she could and had started to notice more about the so called strange girl. Luna’s passing comments about Bumbling Humdingers had been the trigger. As she had mentioned about being undressed she let her hands move to her blouse and started to undo the buttons. She wasn’t going to take it off but it was the reaction from Luna she was after. Her body had wanted to respond to her suggestion but her calm mind was fully in control.

Susan watched Luna’s huge eyes as the first button was undone and saw what she had suspected. A brief flash of fear or something crossed her eyes before it was replaced with Luna’s normal expression. She instantly stopped what she was doing when she saw this, so Luna could still be shocked. Before Susan could say anything Luna’s hands were already working on the buttons on her trousers preparing to lower them at Susan’s suggestion.

“Stop Luna.”

“You don't want sex?”

“No Luna I want to talk, we need to talk, come.” She grabbed Luna hand and walked over to the soft chairs that were still present. Forgoing either of the chairs she sat down on the floor and brought Luna with her.

“Something is bothering you Luna, tell me about it.”

“Oh it’s nothing I just the Airrites in here that s all.”

Susan tilted her head to one side a gesture she had seen both Gabrielle and Ginny use towards Harry.

“Luna, I’m not like the rest you know that. Don't treat me like an idiot. I know all about your animals.”

“Oh good then we can go searching for them together.”

“No Luna I know, I really do. I’ve spent time in the library, like you, and I know.”

“Know what?” asked Luna in a quiet voice fear starting to form within her.

“You are not what you portray. Most of these animals don’t exist and you know it!”

“They do, how dare you! You said you believed me!”

Susan reached out and grasped Luan’s hand and stopped the girl continuing.

“Luna you say and do the most amazing things for other people yet you can’t do it for yourself. When you speak it’s from the heart and the mind, you say what everyone is afraid of saying. Your actions speak of one who does not care what people think. You help so many people by saying the most silliest of things yet you cannot do that for yourself.

Look at Harry, you know about the bonds and sex. You know about Gabrielle and you have done what you could to help her to be with Harry. You have spoken to all of us about the one subject we didn't want to face. Without you I think we would go mad with frustration, you have started us all down on the road to happiness yet you won’t talk about yourself.

You are hiding behind these fake animals to protect yourself and to give others an excuse not to listen to you. I listen to you; I’ve watched you, just now I saw it. I saw the Luna that you should have been and not the Luna you have become. I’ve called you Loony because people think that you are yet now I will willingly call you Loony because you want me too. So please tell me what is wrong.”

Luna felt her insides start to crumble it was slow but quickly built up speed, her mind sought refuge in what it had build up but the look that Susan was giving her crumbled even that. Susan watched the normal clear and calm face ripple with emotion, whatever she had said had hit home. Instinct or desire drove her forward; she pulled Luna into a hug and waited. Her body could feel Luna’s pressed against her and it wanted to do more yet she made it wait. This time was for Luna and nothing was going to get in its way.

To Susan it seemed like Luna was catatonic in her arms, there was no movement, no response; but then it started, very slowly at first. It was like a small shake from Luna nothing strong but it was a movement. Susan cheek was rested against Luna’s and it felt the first drop of wetness. Susan held tight suspecting she knew what was coming. Never, not even in her wildest dreams would she even envisage this girl crying but it was happening. It too started slowly and then as the shivering increased so did the tears. Tears, big tears, heartfelt tears, Tears that were being wrenched from Luna’s very core. She continued to sob more and more into Susan’s arms and then Susan heard the words start.

“I’m...sorry...so sorry...I just wanted to show you... the nargle....I didn’t mean too...Oh Mummy why...”

Each word ripped into Susan as she tried to understand Luna but it was hard. She just held the girl. She found her own eyes watering with tears for an unknown reason but she held on Time passed and Susan began to feel that Luna was coming back under control. By now Luna had wormed her way into Susan lap. Susan felt comfortable like this and so ventured the question hoping now for the answer.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m happy, so happy.”

“Why is that bad?”

“I was happy on that day.”

“What day.”

“I had just found my first Nargle. I felt so happy I wanted to tell Mummy, it would help Dad in his work. I had found one for him. He could write a whole story now and have pictures. I ran into the house I wanted to show Mummy, had to show Mummy.”

Susan suddenly felt cold; her mind had already told her what this was. She didn’t want to listen but she had to.

“I...I....forgot to knock on the door. I didn't mean to but I had to show her. I ran in and...and...It happened. I knocked the jar, it was sitting on the edge and I just brushed it. It landed by my feet and smashed. Green smoke gushed from it and I jumped back. I lost hold of it and it jumped on the table. I wanted to get it but Mummy said ‘No’. She rushed forward and cast the spell, it missed and....and....hit the bottle. It exploded and scattered the spell, it hit Mummy and she was frozen. Her eyes looked at me. It was the only thing of her moving. I looked into those eyes as she started to fall. She hit the table and the potions and spell reacted. That was then she died. I stood there looking at....looking at....until dad came home later. I had been so happy.”

Susan just hugged Luna in silence at this revelation wondering what was going to happen now.

“I was so happy then just like now.”

“Nothing’s going to go wrong just because you’re happy.”

“I know, I just remember and I get sad.”

“Remembering is good...I think. But you shouldn’t get sad you bring so much happiness to everyone else, you should keep a little for yourself.”

Luna was quiet once more, she had never told anyone about that day. Not even her father knew of the full details. She had kept it to herself but these feelings of happiness brought it all back. Suddenly feeling where she was she turned her head up and look at Susan.

“Can we have sex now?”

Susan saw the change in Luna’s face as she returned back to ‘Loony’ self. Everyone had daemons in their past but Luna’s were bigger than most. She just hoped that sharing it with her it had helped and she suspected it wouldn’t be the last secret that this mysterious girl had.

“No Luna, but we can kiss.” She replied lowering her head and slightly parting her lips.

**

Harry felt Luna’s anguish through the bond just he had reached the Common room. His instinct told him to return to the girl. He wasn’t sure exactly where she was but he could always follow the ribbon. He hadn’t even taken a step when a small hand touched his. He had a sudden flow of emotion before he managed to block Gabrielle out and looked down at the girl. She slowly shook her head at him as if to say not to go. He looked at her with questioning eyes.

“It will be fine, I think...yes Susan’s there. If she gets into trouble than we will know.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I think the pair are working something out.”

“Alright then.” He replied before walking in to join Ron at his normal place in the Common room. It wasn’t long before the pair of them had set up a chessboard and were playing away. Hermione had dashed to her room and was now sitting next to Ron with her head in a book. Harry had to smile a little when her saw that all of the books she had brought with her were all to do with magical theory or the theory of charms. He knew she was just trying to find a book answer to what he had just shown him. A little more understanding came to Harry as he remembered Dumbledore’s words. People would be confused even frightened to know the truth about magic and he should really keep this to himself.

Ginny waited until she was sure that Harry was engrossed in the game of Chess before she approached Gabrielle. A lot of things were running around in her head and she just had to talk to the girl. She hadn’t felt anything from Luna and Susan when they had all entered the common room but the overheard conversation had told her much. She lightly touched Gabrielle’s arm to get her attention. The silvery blonde head turned towards her with a smile across it. Ginny felt her knees go weak and a similar reaction in her sex at this smile.

“Oh sorry Ginny, it’s just....”

Ginny could feel her building emotions and tried to force them down, with what seemed like tremendous effort she managed it.

“Could we talk for a bit?”

“Of course what’s the problem?”

“Um not here how about my room?”

Gabrielle nodded and gracefully rose to her feet. Ginny lead her up to the fifth year dorm not wanting to follow Gabrielle. If she had to look at Gabrielle as she climbed the stairs she didn't know what she would do once they were alone.

Knowing that they would be alone having spotted the other girls downstairs Ginny pushed the door open and walked in. She plopped down on her bed and waited for Gabrielle. She watched her survey the room until she glided over and sat next to her.

“So Ginny what’s the problem?”

“I...I think something is wrong.”

“Why?”

“All through the summer and even the first part of this year I had been content to wait before I become....intimate with Harry.”

“That’s nice.”

“That’s the problem, recently it’s changed. It was after our loss at Quidditch from then onwards I’ve wanted to jump Harry, /literally jump him/. Every time I see him I want to throw him down and make love to him.”

Gabrielle gasped loudly and her hand flew to her mouth.

“I know it sounds awful how do you cope? Do you feel like this? What can I do?” asked Ginny lying back and looking at the drapes above the bed.

“Oh Ginny I’m so sorry, I didn't meant too. I ‘m sorry, I really am.” Suddenly gushed Gabrielle.

“Why...what are you talking about?”

“I’m sorry, please don't hate me. I didn't mean to.”

“Hate you? I don’t think I could hate you Gabrielle; I could never. But I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

“It’s me. I’m sorry, I really am.” Continued Gabrielle clearly panicking.

“What do you mean, it’s you?”

“You asked is it as bad for...yes it’s even worse. It’s now almost painful at times. I ...I thought I had it under control. The small hugs you give me and being near Harry has help lessen the problems but I now realised it hasn’t,”

“Hasn’t lessoned the problem?”

“No...”Gabrielle hung her head in shame before continuing. “I thought I had lesson the urge but it seems I’ve just broadcasted some of it to you.”

“To me!”

“Yes after the game I felt a little down and concentrated. I wanted to be near Harry or you, anyone but you weren’t there. I concentrated and suddenly felt better. Not right but better it seems that I’ve been sending some of my emotions to you.”

“You feel like this.”

“Worse.”

“That...that must be...”

“I can bear with it. He has to make a choice I can’t throw myself at him he would reject me and you know it. If I thought that would work I would go to his room now and lie in his bed waiting for him.”

Ginny had to nod as this was almost the exact feeling she had at the moment.

“I shall make more of an effort to restrain myself Ginny ,I’m really sorry.”

Ginny felt a lightening in her urges all of a sudden it was like part of them just disappeared. She looked at Gabrielle who had her eyes closed and understood that they young girl was trying to stop the flow of emotions to herself.

“Wait.” She said suddenly.

“What?”

“Don’t do it.”

“But you said it was affecting you. You don't want to be like that with Harry well not yet you told me.”

“No but what about you?” asked Ginny.

“If I take more care it should be alright, I’m used to it some of it is in my nature remember.”

“No, if you feel how I do or even worse, then no. If we share it, it might not be too bad. I know I’m enjoying the little bits and I’m sure Harry is. I was just concerned that I was changing. Now that I know it’s you and not me, I’m happy.”

“Are...are you sure?”

Ginny smiled at the girl,

“Yes I am. I don't think we will ever go that far and it’s helping you, so yes, I’m sure. Just tell me how you cope not even having the small release that I get. But first.” Ginny pulled Gabrielle in and kissed her.

She let her hand roam across the back of the young girl. Her mind registered what she was feeling, the softness of the girl through her clothes, the pressure of Gabrielle’s perfect breasts on her own chest. Instantly she wanted to continue. She wanted to explore this seemingly impossible body in her arms but realised what she was doing. If anyone walked in they would have a shock and not a small one. If she didn't part now where would this kiss end?

They were both slightly breathless when they broke apart. “Better, Gabrielle?”

“Yes…I…thank you.”

“Glad I could help.” Ginny paused slowing her racing feelings and then a thought crossed her mind.

“Gabrielle, do you think, that you’re broadcasting out to everyone, or just me?”

Gabrielle’s eyes widened in shock. “I…everyone, I suppose.”

“I think that explains Harry actions earlier, remember he actually touched you and kissed you. When he grabbed my hand I could almost feel his turmoil I’m sure he was feeling something but doesn’t want to admit it, even to himself let alone you. If you continue like this I think he will eventually have to admit everything.”

“What about you the others, I shouldn’t be doing this it is not right, people fear the Veela remember Hermione. IF she knew or any of the others they would....”

“No-one would know, who’s going to tell them. Not me or, or Luna, or Susan, and definitely not Harry.”

“But...but...”

“No don't worry, it’ll be fine.”

“But the other two don't know, I could be making things worse for them.”

Ginny let a smile cross her lips before she replied.

“No I think you are helping them, I have never seen Susan or even Luna look so happy. I think when we eventually tell them they’ll be ok with it.”

“All....alright then but I will try and limit some of what everyone is feeling it just doesn’t feel right to me.”

“Fine but I think we are getting through to Harry we just need a little more time before he is ready to accept everything.”

**