'Your parents would be very proud if they could see you now Harry.' He said. Har ry smiled softly. 'I know.' Harry grinned 'It went well didn't it?' 'How did you get them to respect you so quickly?' the older wizard asked. 'Well, to tell you the truth, I gave Draco two hundred and that seemed to work v ery well.' Harry replied mysteriously. Severus raised an eyebrow. 'You gave him two hundred galleons.' Severus looked miffed as Harry burst out la ughing. 'How did that help?' 'No, no. I gave him two hundred sit-ups' Harry snorted. Severus now just looked confused. 'How did that help?' he asked again. 'It showed the other students that disrespect won't be tolerated. Even from my c losest friends. It also showed them that I treat everyone equally.' he shrugged. Severus grinned, 'What did Draco say?' he asked trying to hide his amusement. 'Let's just say, it wasn't what he said. It was the level of sarcasm that accomp anied the words that was the problem.' 'He called you Professor Potter didn't he?' Harry nodded, dropping his eyes. 'Yo u are going to have to get used to that you know.' Again Harry sighed. 'I know. I just seems weird having people older than me, and especially my frien ds, calling me that.' Harry admitted. 'You have to get used to it. The students will learn more, try harder, and most importantly, have much more faith that what you tell them is correct, if they th ink of you as a Professor and not as an equal' Severus said. 'Your right of course' Harry smiled. 'Oh Merlin, can I have that in writing?' Severus smirked. Harry leaned over and smacked his guardian on the shoulder. 'I'll have no cheek from you. Thank you very much' Harry giggled. He got efill his glass from the bottle on the table and was carrying the scotch Severus when his scar seared with pain, making him drop both bottle and ith a crash. Pressing the heel of his hand to his forehead, he heard the f warning being repeated over and over as the darkness took him. Chapter 24 - Another Attack and Embarrassing Moments. up to r back to glass w words o

As Severus saw Harry begin to collapse to the ground he leapt up off the chair, just managing to reach him before his head hit the stone floor. Severus held on to the gasping boy as he writhed in agony. 'God damn it. When will it ever stop.' Severus muttered to himself. 'Harry' he s aid out loud, 'I'm taking you to the hospital wing.' He gathered the boy in his arms for the second time in two days. 'No' Harry hissed in pain. 'Please, no more hospital.' the tear filled, green ey es begged. Severus sighed and carried Harry into the spare bedroom, placing him carefully down on the bed. Laying him on his side, he rubbed Harry's back as the

y waited for the pain to subside. An hour and several potions later, Harry had d rifted off to sleep, pale, damp and exhausted from the experience. Severus quiet ly and carefully removed Harry's shoes, socks and robes and covered him with the blankets. He cast a charm that would tell him if Harry woke and went to find th e Headmaster and Minerva. Walking through the maze of the dungeons, Severus pondered the lot in life, that was Harry's. Without realising, he had reached the gargoyle that guarded the he admaster's office, given the password and was standing in front of the oak door with the big brass knocker. 'Come in Severus' he heard. Severus walked in to find the room full. Most of the Order seemed to have been recalled and even the Minister was there. 'What happened?' he asked. 'There has been an attack. On Beauxbatons.' Minerva told him. 'Was there no warning.' he asked Dumbledore shook his head, a thoughtful express ion on his face, 'Do we know if Harry saw anything. Is he alright?' the hHeadmaster looked at the teachers gathered around him. Sirius gasped, 'Harry' and tried to sprint from the room but was stopped when Severus grabbed h is arm. 'Harry is fine. He did experience the attack, but it has finished and he is curr ently asleep.' Severus told him. Sirius nodded his thanks to his old enemy befor e turning to the Albus. 'I'm sending twenty Aurors and two groups of Unspeakables to Beauxbatons. I'm re calling all holidays and placing a similar size group here at Hogwarts.' Sirius stopped as Asha slithered up the table leg and onto the table, hissing madly. 'I think she is trying to tell us something.' Albus said. 'I'll go get Harry.' Severus offered sweeping from the room. Quickly he made his way down to the dungeons, giving the password to his rooms and disabling the wa rds. Making his way into the other bedroom, he saw the peaceful slumber that Har ry was currently having, and was reluctant to wake him. Settling softly down on the edge of the bed he gently shook Harry's shoulder. 'Harry' he said softly. 'Harry, wake up. We need you' Harry rolled onto his back , a look of confusion in his eyes. Comprehension dawned, as the memories of the last few hours flooded his mind. 'What happened?' he whispered, almost afraid of the answer. 'Beauxbatons was attacked. That was why your scar was hurting. We are not sure w hat happened but Asha is in Albus' office. We think she is trying to tell us som ething.' Harry nodded and struggled to sit up. Severus handed him his shoes and socks before helping him into his robes. Calling Erte to him, he waited until th e golden bird was perched on his shoulder before taking Severus' hand and jumpin g up to the Headmaster's office. 'You know, you really should warn people when you are coming.' Severus chuckled at the shocked faces in the room. Whether they were shocked at their sudden appe arance, or at the pale, clammy pallor of Harry's face, he didn't know.

'Asha' Harry hissed, sitting down in front of the desk and allowing the small go lden snake to slither onto his lap. 'What is it?' What has you so upset?' Harry stroked the snake's head, calming it, completely oblivious to the winces in the room at hearing the parseltongue. 'It isss the Dark Lord, Harry. He hasss done sssomething mossst terrible. All of thossse innocent sssstudents. He ssslaughtered them all.' She hissed hysterical ly. Harry could tell that Asha was getting worse. He gathered the little one in his hand and cupping his other over the top, he closed his eyes. A soft white gl ow filled his hands as both Erte and Fawkes trilled a beautiful melody. A moment later Harry opened his eyes and gently set the snake back down on the table. 'Now' he hissed softly. 'tell me what happened from the beginning.' 'Four daysss ago the ssserpents in the foressst came and told me of the latessst rumour regarding Beauxbatonsss and I decided to go and look for myssself.' Asha hissed. 'And you didn't think to tell me?' Harry scolded. If it was possible for a snake to look ashamed, then Asha did. 'I didn't want to bother you, until I had more information. Anyway I got all of the detailsss and wasss on my way back when I 'sssaw' what had happened. I had o nly just arrived and wasss looking for you when I found Elphie and ssshe told me you might be here. You weren't, but your guardian went and got you.' she hissed sadly. Harry relayed what Asha had said to the rest of the order before he turn ed back to the snake. 'What else did you see?' Harry hissed at her. 'He'sss coming Harry. He'sss coming to get you. Not yet, not until the new year, but when he doesss it will be big. Not like the last time, much, much worssse. He was ssstanding on the remainsss of the ssschool, ssscreaming, over and over t hat thisss wasss all you fault. If you had joined him none of thisss would have happened. He said he wasss coming for you.' Harry nodded remembering the warning s he heard when his scar hurt. It was Voldemort angry, very angry and now he was coming to get him. Harry gasped as he realised how much danger he was placing e verybody in. 'Harry, what is it?' Albus asked softly. 'He's coming for me' Harry shuddered. 'Not until after the new year, but he is c oming.' There was complete silence in the room as all the occupants digested Har ry's statement. Severus placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder as he addre ssed the Headmaster. 'Well Albus, where do we go from here?' Dumbledore nodded his head and picked up a quill, inking it as he unrolled a fresh piece of parchment. 'First we place the Aurors and Unspeakables. Second we must reinforce the wards again. Harry?' Albus looked over at the Headmaster and nodded. 'I will do it tomorrow' he said and then looked at his watch. 'Today' Albus smil ed at him. 'Albus, should we try sending the students somewhere else?' Harry ask ed. Albus shook his head, 'No, they really are safest here. Can you ask Asha to try and find more details' 'Asha' Harry hissed. 'Can you see if you can find out when they are coming?'

'Yesss' Harry carefully placed the small snake on the ground and watched her sli ther towards the door. 'Be careful' Harry called after her. 'You too' she hissed back and disappeared. Harry sank back into the chair, Sever us' hand returning to his shoulder. A quick glance around the room and he notice d the looks of distaste crossing the face of all but his mentor and guardian at the use of parseltongue. Severus cleared his throat and they all managed to rear range their expressions and looked at Harry kindly. 'I think it is time for Harry to get some sleep' Severus said. 'His task in the morning is not an easy one.' Albus nodded, turning to Harry, 'Harry will you talk to the Founders about new wards for the school?' Albus aske d him. All but Severus looked confused. 'Founders?' Sirius echoed. 'Yes. The Founders.' Harry said as if that settled it and then yawned, standing up. 'Good night everyone' he said and jumped to his rooms as they all gave their replies. Harry crawled into bed and called to Erte who fluttered down to rest on the pill ow beside him. 'Erte, I need to talk to the Founders. It's urgent.' he said stroking her head. 'They are waiting for you, young one. Just go to sleep.' she trilled. Harry slow ly drifted off to sleep as Erte sang softly to him. A bright white light appeared in front of his eyes and Harry raised his hand to shield them. 'Hello. Rowena? Godric? Are you there?' Harry called. 'Helga?' A tall man with s ilver hair and dressed in green robes came out of the light towards Harry. 'Oh, Salazar,' Harry smiled shaking the man's hand. 'How are you, Harry, my boy' the tall man greeted him jovially. 'The others are coming, I just wanted a private word regarding that blasted heir of mine, Riddle .' Harry smiled and listened carefully. Salazar knew why he was there, Erte havi ng been to see the Founders while Harry was in Dumbledore's office, and he knew a few things regarding the wards that he didn't want the others to know. 'This is something that must never be repeated to anyone, Harry' Salazar said gr avely. 'I have never told anyone about the sections of wards around the castle, that were mine. There is one spell that would weaken him, would allow him to be in a mortal, however' he looked deep into Harry's eyes 'as you are also my heir, it would weaken you.' Harry thought for a moment. 'Would it weaken me against things like Imperius, weaken my shields or would it just weaken me against Avada Kedavra?' Harry asked slowly. 'All of them.' Salazar looked at him. 'What is the spell?' 'Harry. No. I won't let you do this' Helga shouted running up to him. They had b een so engrossed in their conversation, that they hadn't seen the others coming

towards them. 'Helga. I have to.' Harry said softly. 'No. You don't. There must be another way.' The short blond witch wrung her hand s. 'She is right Harry. You can't do this. It is much too dangerous.' Rowena placed her arm around Harry's waist, guiding him to a group of chairs that were evenly spaced around a small table. 'I have seen that this is not the correct way to defeat Tom Riddle. There are ot her spells. Different ones that will repel different types of dark creatures. Yo u will have to place them very close to the castle though, as the more distance the spells have to cover, the weaker they are. They will repel most creatures ho wever a few will still get through and remember the effects of the dementors wil l still linger when they are close to the castle even if they can't get through the ward. And remember you and the chosen ones will have to be outside the wards or you will not be able to use the Elements or the Star of Light.' Harry nodded , smiling at the dark haired Seer. 'Now you will have to give us some more time regarding Tom Riddle but when you wake you will know all that you need to regard ing the wards for the school. Harry' she said softly, laying her hand on his arm . 'please promise us that you will be patient. You are all that is left between the comfort and the chaos.' Harry smiled at her as he stood up. 'I promise.' he told the four founders as he walked back towards the light. 'Harry' the dark haired man called after him. 'Yes Godric?' 'Be careful. Not everyone is who they seem.' the man replied cryptically. Harry wanted to ask what he meant but they were fading as he heard Erte calling to him . 'Harry wake up. It is almost six.' the phoenix trilled softly. 'Urg' groaned Harry. 'What did you do that for?' Harry scowled at her. 'You'll be late for training.' she told him. 'Damn' Harry muttered leaping out of bed and into the shower. 'I really need mor e sleep before I re-ward the school. Oh well. Can't have everything you want. Es pecially if your name is Harry Potter' he mumbled to himself as he pulled on his clothes. Jumping down to the great hall on the dot of six, he sent a quick than k you to Merlin that he didn't have to walk everywhere anymore. It saved so much time. 'Good morning' he called to the students. Several good mornings and hellos were returned as Harry strode across the hall to join the chosen ones. 'Morning' he greeted them. The usual hugs for the girls and slap on the back fro m Ron. Draco was strangely silent. 'What no 'Professor Potter' Dragon?' he poute d and then laughed as the blond smacked him across the shoulder. 'Sod off" Draco growled through the mind link sending Harry and the chosen ones sniggering. 'You're especially cheerful this morning' Hermione sent. Harry had decided not t o tell the chosen ones about Beauxbatons until breakfast.

'Yep. Let's get started' Turning to the rest of the class he held up his hand fo r silence. 'Follow along for warm up while I set up the exercises.' He waved an arm, banishing the tables and began to set up the different stations. 'Hey, Draco' he called 'Give me a hand' Draco nodded, and leaving the others doi ng the warm up, jogged over to Harry and began the next station. Muttering the i ncantations with his wand and swishing and flicking to create a small set of bar s set at different heights all in a row that the students would have to jump ove r one after the other. Finished he turned and watched Harry set up the four foun der's ghost exercises. He could see the expression on Harry's face and was stunn ed. He opened his mind towards Harry and almost screamed when he felt the amount of hate, anger, guilt and sorrow that was swallowing the young man. Storming ov er to Harry, he grabbed his arm, spinning Harry to face him. 'What is wrong?' Draco hissed. Harry looked furtively at the others before dragg ing Draco into the chamber off the great hall. 'How did you know?' Harry sighed, collapsing onto the couch in front of the fire . 'Know what?' Draco quizzed. 'I don't know anything. I felt your scar burning las t night so I looked at you face when you though no one was looking, and then ope ned myself to you. What ever happened wasn't you fault you know.' Draco said sof tly, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry couldn't look at him. A single te ar made his way down his face. 'He killed them all, Draco. He killed them all, just to show me he could, and th en he stood there and screamed for all the world to hear that it was all my faul t and that he was coming for me' Harry choked back a sob as Draco wrapped his ar ms around the shaking boy. Draco had no idea what Harry was talking about althou gh he had worked out that it had to do with Voldemort and it wasn't good. 'Harry, you have to pull yourself together. I don't know what happened but you c an't possibly think it was your fault. If it wasn't for you, we would all be dea d now and Voldemort would be a bloody dictator' Draco said, forcing Harry to loo k at him. Harry nodded, stood up and took a deep breath. The shock of Draco actu ally swearing snapped him out of his depression. 'Come on' he said. 'I want to get this lot started and then I have some wards to reinforce?' Harry carefully rearranged a mask back over his face and plastered a smile over the top. They walked back into the hall as the class had just finis hed their laps of the hall and had come to a stop in the middle of the room, pan ting. Hermione looked over at Draco, a worried expression on her face but he jus t shook his head at her, indicating that he would tell her later. 'I want you all to divide into your groups and run through the stations as you d id yesterday. I have a small task to do for the Headmaster so I am leaving Draco in charge. I will return for breakfast.' Here Harry hesitated a moment. 'Train hard as if your life depended on it.' Harry said, as a dark look flickered over his face. It was only there for a moment and most of the students missed it. Wit h that Harry disappeared with a pop, leaving Draco to get them started. The whis pered started and Draco had to fire purple sparks into the air to get the studen ts attention. 'Come on now off you go. You know what to do. Blaise can you lead my group pleas e. Thank you.' Draco watched as they moved off to their stations and then called to Harry. 'Griffin, are you alright?' Draco asked. He heard a mental sigh before.

'Yes Dragon, I'm fine. I have to turn off the link now. I will see you at breakf ast.' then silence. Draco looked at Hermione and shrugged. 'I don't know, Owl.' Harry locked the front doors, walked down the steps and out across the grounds. He would have to hit the wards from six different points around the castle to ma ke sure that it covered the castle completely. He held up his hands and sent a s tream of golden light up, over and around the castle. He held it there for a few minutes, judging how far from the castle he could set the wards, before calling an incantation and dropping his hands. The golden shell stayed as a base for th e wards. Walking further away from the castle towards the quidditch pitch, he st opped, raised his arms calling to the air element. Dark clouds gathered above hi m, swirling with thunder, lightening began to crackle and hit the ground around him. Calling it to his hand he began to chant while throwing the energy at the b ase. 'Acies, prohibeo, premo, acerbus. Tutis, servo' Over and over he chanted watching as that section of the wards began to change c olour. When it reached a dark murky blue he added the names of the dark creature s. 'Acies, prohibeo, premo, acerbus, werewolves. Tutis, servo, Hogwarts' 'Acies, prohibeo, premo, acerbus, vampires. Tutis, servo, Hogwarts' 'Acies, prohibeo, premo, acerbus, trolls. Tutis, servo, Hogwarts' 'Acies, prohibeo, premo, acerbus, giants. Tutis, servo, Hogwarts' Adding every dark creature he could think of. Over and over he chanted the dark creatures, catching the bolts of lighting in his hands and throwing them at the base to give the wards strength, not stopping until they had turned a bright whi te. When that section was finished he moved onto the next. The sun was up by the time he finished and although it was still bitterly cold, Harry didn't notice t his as he continued with his task. When the last section was white he cast a fin al incantation to seal them all together before lowering his arms and dropping t o the knees. He sat back on his heels, gasping and drained. He was too tired to jump safely so he waited a few moments to let the dizziness pass before standing up and heading towards the castle. Draco had the class going along quite nicely and was just about to send up spark s to change to their second exercise when the ceiling of the hall was bathed in a golden light. All of the students stopped and stared. The gold stay but they c ould see the dark clouds gathering over head. Soon a section of the ceiling bega n to change as the from gold to dark blue, right through all the colours of the rainbow and then to white. Then the section next to it. 'Small task, my arse.' Draco muttered. 'Griffin must be doing the wards again.' Hermione sent, giving Draco a look. 'Wonder why?' sent back Ron. 'Well Dragon?' Hermione challenged him. 'I honestly don't know. He was really upset. He said something about Voldemort a nd people dying and that was it.' Draco shrugged helplessly.

'Griffin' Hermione sent. 'Griffin' a little louder. 'It's no use. He switched it off. Besides you know better than to disturb him at the moment.' Draco countered sternly and then smirked when Hermione looked suit ably embarrassed. Draco tried to get the students to continue with their trainin g but it was no use. They were enthralled by the changes in the ceiling. By the time Harry got to the fifth section Draco realised the time and had the students go quickly to shower and change before breakfast. Draco was standing their tryi ng to work out how to banish the equipment and call the tables back when Albus w alked in with Severus and Minerva. 'Good morning Draco.' the headmaster greeted him glancing at the ceiling. 'I see Harry is hard at work already.' 'Yes Sir.' Draco smiled still looking a bit confused. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled at him, immediately working out the boy's dilemma. With a few different wand mo vements and muttered incantations, he had the hall back to it's original state a nd turned to Draco. 'Better' he chuckled. Draco sighed with relief. 'Thank you Sir. Professors' he nodded quickly to Severus and Minerva before duck ing out the door and back to his rooms. 'He's awfully polite these days. Isn't he?' Severus smirked. Minerva nodded smil ing as they walked through the hall to the head table and sat down to wait for t he students. Twenty minutes later all the students had made their way to breakfast, although none were eating, just gazing at the ceiling as it changed colours. Minerva tapp ed her glass as Dumbledore rose. 'Good morning to you all. I'm afraid I have some bad news. Last night Voldemort attacked Beauxbatons Academy.' gasps were heard throughout the hall. 'Unfortunat ely only a few dozen students survived. Those students will be transferring here and will arrive shortly after Christmas.' whispers broke out among the students . 'Silence' called Professor Dumbledore. 'We have word that Voldemort will try t o attack again in the new year and as you can see' he gestured to the ceiling. ' Professor Potter is re-warding the castle as we speak. I ask you now just to try to enjoy your holiday break. The extra duelling and training lessons you are ge tting are very important. Please do not take them lightly and make sure that Har ry knows you appreciate them. Don't forget it is his holiday too, after an extre mely stressful year. Thank you' with a lift of his hand the empty plates in fron t of them filled with food. 'Now, now, Albus. You make it sound like you don't want Harry to take the extra classes.' Severus sent. 'No Severus' Albus sent back. 'I just want them to take it seriously. Harry has enough to do without spending extra time on children who just want to play aroun d.' Suddenly the whole ceiling glowed a brilliant white. The students and teachers c ould feel the warmth of power radiating from it. Then it was gone and the ceiling was back to normal, leaving the hall slightly c older. The students began chattering loudly. The chosen ones casting glances at the door, waiting to see Harry walk in.

Harry unlocked the entrance doors and pushed them open. He was cold, clammy and exhausted. There were still small crackles of lightning making their way around him but they were the only things with any energy. He staggered across the entra nce hall and took a deep breath, forcing himself to show strength. He walked thr ough the huge oak doors, which thankfully were already open, and started up the middle of the hall towards the head table. The chattering had stopped as he walk ed through the door and now all eyes were on him as he forced himself upright. T he acting worked very well as the majority of students went back to their meal. The chosen ones and Severus and Albus, the ones who knew him well, could tell th at all was not right. Harry climbed the two steps up on to the platform, came ar ound the table, and collapsed gratefully into his chair between Albus and Severu s, who both looked at him worriedly. 'Harry, are you alright?' Severus whispered. Harry closed his eyes and took a sh uddering breath. 'So cold.' he muttered, wrapping his cloak tighter around him and resting his he ad in his hands. Severus raised an eyebrow at the Headmaster who cast a warming charm and they waited for Harry to recover enough to talk to them. Several minut es past and they began to get worried. 'Harry.' Severus whispered. 'Harry.' Still no response. 'Albus, I think he's asl eep.' he whispered over Harry's head. The Headmaster sighed and gestured for Sev erus to take Harry back to his rooms. Severus stood up and gently lifted the boy in his arms. Carefully he made his way down through the hall, shaking is head a t the chosen ones when they tried to follow him. 'He's just asleep' he mouthed a t them before he walked out the doors. Automatically he walked back to his dunge on rooms and placed Harry back in the bed in the spare room, minus his robes and shoes. Harry mumbled almost unintelligible thanks before curling back up on his side and burrowing down into the pillows as if he never wanted to come out. Whi ch, Severus thought grimly, after what had happened over the last twenty four ho urs was probably not far off the truth. He sent a quick thought to Albus to tell the students that Harry was okay and settled down to watch over him as was his right and duty as the young wizards guardian. Harry slept through the rest of the day and night waking up late the next mornin g. Dumbledore and the chosen ones had taken over the duelling and training until Harry returned. Severus watched over him from a large wing chair in the corner. His sleep, while peaceful at first, soon turned restless and Harry spent the ti me calling, screaming or reaching out trying to catch something. Severus tried w aking him numerous times and while he was unsuccessful, the presence of his hand s on Harry's shoulders and the whispered words of comfort soothed the troubled b oy until the next nightmare asserted itself. Eventually the peaceful sleep retur ned but it didn't last long. A few hours later Severus could see that he was beg inning to wake. He lay down his book and crossed the room to perch on the edge o f the bed. 'Hey.' he smiled softly. 'How do you feel?' Harry slowly sat up and stretched. H e looked over at his guardian before replying, 'Thank you.' Harry's eyes told Severus exactly what he was talking about as he d rew Harry into a hug. 'It's okay. I will always be here for you. Even if it is only to calm your dream s.' Severus replied. They sat there for a while in silence, each comfortable jus t to sit. Eventually Harry thought to look at his watch. 'Oh Merlin, I'm going to be late for duelling.' he exclaimed throwing back the c overs and leaping from the bed. Severus caught him as the room spun around him a nd gently set him down on the edge of the bed.

'Harry. It's fine. Albus and the chosen ones have been taking the lessons.' 'Lessons?' Harry questioned. 'Yes. You have been asleep since yesterday.' Severus explained. 'God. Do I sleep through everything?' Harry grumbled clearly not expecting an an swer. Severus laughed and helped him out of the room and into the bathroom. 'You have a bath and I'll go and pick up some clothes for you.' Severus chuckled again as Harry swore and left closing the door behind him. Harry turned on the taps and discarded the rest of his clothes, climbing into the bubbly warm water with a sigh of pleasure. Half dozing, he let the water swirl around him. A simpl e charm, muttered under his breath, kept the water from cooling and another sent the washer gilding over him, washing away the dirt of the last day. Hearing Sev erus return, he hoisted himself slowly out of the tub and dried himself off with a towel, wrapping it round his waist and opening the door. He walked through to the spare room, throwing a smile at his guardian on the way. Severus had bought down a various items of clothing so that Harry could choose. Pulling on some warm pants and a shirt, he tossed a thick cloak over the top. He was still feeling the after effects of the last two days. 'Ready?' he asked, walking back into the main room. Severus nodded and rose from his chair. Harry took his hand and jumped them up to the entrance hall. Harry d idn't think it would be a good idea to arrive in the middle of a duel. Quietly t hey slipped into the room unnoticed, and watched as the students duelled. They h ad moved onto the Impedimentia jinx and the incantation rang through the hall. D umbledore had also set up the founders ghosts again, and the chosen ones were cu rrently engrossed in defeating their opponents separately, with the extra studen ts yelling and screaming at them. 'Why do the students make so much noise. Surely it would be easier if they staye d quiet?' Severus whispered, 'and don't just say training. That is not an answer .' he scolded. Harry grinned at him. 'Yes it is easier, but do you think that Voldemort or any of his Death Eaters ar e going to ask everybody to be quiet just so the chosen ones can concentrate. I don't think so.' Severus just looked at him. 'Makes sense.' he said with a twinkle in his eye. Just then Dumbledore asked the students to sit and had the chosen ones move into their star positions, with Dr aco facing the Head Table as the north. He cast a safety charm around the hall a nd conjured twenty founders ghosts, positioning them evenly around the star. 'Begin' called the Headmaster. Severus, Dumbledore and the students watched as t he chosen ones fought the ghosts. They had all seen the battle of course, but th en, most of the attention had been on Harry. Otherwise they had only seen them a gainst each other or a single founders ghost not as a fully formed weapon that s eemed to communicate telepathically. 'Little do they know' murmured Harry as he switched the mind link back on. Noddi ng his head as he watched them attack and heard them talk. 'Sword, your left' 'Good shot Owl.' 'Staff, on your right. No your OTHER right.' Harry snickered quietly as he heard

Ginny's shriek through the mind link. He didn't say anything just watched and l istened. Harry watched as Draco did his usual and moved forward out of position. The others kept an eye out and congratulated each other when a ghost disappeare d but no one told Draco get back. Harry could feel the power of the star beginni ng to break down from the door, and after a quick glance at Dumbledore's face Ha rry realised that he was probably not the only one. 'Get back Draco.' he mumbled to himself watching the boy carefully. 'Get back' H arry could see that the ghosts had seen the gap that Draco had left by going awa y from the star and were slowly moving towards it. Exasperated he threw up his h ands, pushing past Severus and the students. 'For gods sake, Draco. Can you stay in position or do I have to bloody well leg locker you in place?' he yelled striding across the hall. A quick flick of his w rist disabled the safety wards and banished the remaining founders ghosts and an other cast a silencing charm around Harry and Draco. Although they couldn't hear exactly what was said, the rest of the class watched as Harry paced back and fo rward in front a particularly sheepish looking Draco, his hands and mouth going a hundred miles an hour. Suddenly Harry stopped and stood with his hands on his hips, glaring at the blond haired boy as if waiting for Draco to answer. Severus moved over to where Albus was standing. 'That is one expression I don't think I have ever seen on young Mr Malfoy's face .' Albus chuckled as Severus smirked. He glanced over at the other chosen ones t o see them standing together, the amusement written on their faces. Those expres sions changed relatively quickly though, when, with another flick of his wrist t o disable the silencing charm, Harry launched in on them. 'And you three. It's no good just blistering each others ego. If you feel the st ar become unstable, find out why. Without the star there is nothing.' Harry bega n to glow. 'Harry' Severus warned. 'look at your self.' Harry looked down at his hands and arms to see them glowing and swore. 'Shit.' He said. Taking several deep breaths he pictured is griffin form and cha nged. Running towards the door, through the entrance hall and outside, he leapt of the top step and into the sky. His broad golden wings taking him higher and h igher. For several hours he flew sorting through everything in his head. He coul dn't trust himself to go back yet and darkness had fallen, so he landed on the v ery top of the north tower, transforming just before he touched down. Casting a warming charm on himself he lay down on his cloak and read the stars, looking fo r a bit of inspiration. The chosen ones had gathered in Harry's rooms after the incident in the great ha ll. Each silently berating themselves for not taking the training seriously. The re wasn't only Harry's life at stake. They all realised that after the last batt le. If something happened to Harry then all of them would be in danger. Voldemor t now new what power the four of them had when combined, and would not hesitate to use it in any way, shape or form, if he thought it could be beneficial to him . 'We have to find Harry.' Ron said resolutely. 'No one has seen him since he changed and took off.' Ginny said. 'Well why don't we split up and look for him.' Hermione reasoned. 'What about Draco?' Ginny cast a glance at him.

'I'll be fine. The Slytherins are all at home, besides everybody's at dinner.' D raco said standing up and heading towards the door. The all followed him out and split up. They spent hours looking for him. Draco was walking past the transfig uration classroom when he had the strangest feeling. He closed his eyes and let his feet guide him, finding himself at the base of the north tower, at a differe nt staircase to the one they used for Divination. This part of the tower hadn't bee used in ages as Trelawney didn't like having anything or anybody near her. 'You had better be up here Harry.' he grumbled looking at the steep stone steps in front of him. Almost at the top he heard a soft voice. It was mumbling over a nd over. Draco knew it was Harry and climbed out onto the roof, wincing at the b itter chill. He watched the boy lying flat out on the ground, eyes closed, talki ng to himself. He had both hands over his ears as if trying to shut someone or s omething out. Draco picked his way through the snow to sit down next to Harry, i mmediately noticing the warming spell Harry had placed around himself. Draco mov ed a bit closer so that the warming spell encompassed them both before placing a hand on Harry shoulder. Harry started, his eyes flicking open instantly and his hand coming up. 'No Harry. Wait. It's me, Draco.' Harry relaxed instantly and lowered his hand. 'God, I'm sorry Draco. You just scared me. And with everything that's happened I sort of strike first and ask questions later.' he shrugged sheepishly. 'We have been looking for you for hours.' 'Why didn't you just call me?' Harry asked as he sat up. 'You turned the mind link off.' Draco scolded. 'Oh yeah. Sorry.' They sat there quietly looking at the stars. 'Draco.' 'Yes.' 'What do you think will happen?' Harry asked softly. 'You're the Seer, you tell me.' 'I can't. I can't seem to see anything to do with Voldemort.' 'Harry. What's the matter. You have been so upset since yesterday.' Harry took a deep breath and turned to look at Draco. 'What did Albus tell you at breakfast yesterday?' he asked. 'Only that Beauxbatons had been attacked and that about thirty students survived and were coming here.' Draco shrugged. 'Nothing else?' 'No. Why, what else is there?' Draco looked into Harry's eyes but the dark haire d boy couldn't hold the contact and looked away in shame. 'Harry?' 'It's my fault.' Draco sighed. 'Not this again. How many times do I have to tell you. It isn't your fault.'

'No Draco. You don't understand.' Harry held back the sob that threatened to let go. 'Voldemort stood on the ruins of Beauxbatons and screamed for all the world to hear, that it was all my fault. That if I had just surrendered to him, not o ne person there would have been harmed. And that he is coming for me. Coming to Hogwarts to get me and the same thing will happen.' Harry finished so quietly Dr aco could hardly hear him. 'Oh Harry.' Draco flung his arms around his best friend as he broke down. 'All m y fault' Harry sobbed over and over. 'Harry this was not your fault. Think what could have happened if you hadn't bee n here during the first battle.' Draco said 'If I hadn't been here, there wouldn't have been a first battle.' Harry said and then stiffened and disappeared. 'Shit.' Draco swore, getting up and sprinting for the stairs. 'Harry. You really should call.' Severus scolded, waving his wand to repair the shattered glass on the floor. 'Sorry. It was a last minute jump.' he said sheepishly. 'Can I get you another?' Severus smiled as he watched Harry walk over to the cupboard and pour two glass es of scotch and handed on to his guardian and settled on the sofa with the othe r. 'Harry?' Severus raised an eyebrow. 'Oh Severus, your not my mother.' Harry groaned, downing the scotch and coughing madly. Severus chuckled. 'God, that's shocking.' Harry choked out and immediately refilled his glass. 'Try sipping it.' Severus smirked. Harry nodded and took a small sip. 'Much better' he said as Severus smiled at him. 'Was there something I can do for you?' Severus asked nonchalantly. Harry took a deep breath unsure of how to begin. 'I wanted to ask you to do something for me" Harry asked biting his lip. 'Anything Harry, you know that.' 'I wanted to talk to you about ' Harry hesitated. 'About,' Severus prompted. 'After what happened yesterday I think how about much safer everyone would be if I wasn't here.' Harry finished quickly, his gaze planted firmly on the floor. 'You weren't at Beauxbatons' Severus countered. 'I don't mean at Hogwarts. I mean here.' he said 'Here? Here is Hogwarts.' Severus looked confused and Harry raised his eyes to l ook at him. 'I mean alive.' Harry said it so softly that Severus had to strain to hear him. It took a few minutes for the reality of what Harry was asking to sink in, but w

hen it did, Severus didn't know what to say. For the first time in his life he s at there speechless, his mouth opening and closing of it own accord with no soun d coming forth. No witty remarks, no scathing retorts, nothing. 'It's okay. I didn't think you would, but I had to ask.' Harry said, setting his glass down and standing up. 'Can you find the chosen ones and tell them I'm oka y. I just want to get some sleep. Thanks.' Harry disappeared and Severus was sti ll speechless. He sat there for about half an hour going over the conversation i n his head. 'Shit.' he said. There was a lot of swearing going on in the castle that night. Rising quickly and throwing his cloak on he headed for the Headmaster's office. He practically ran into Ron on the way and passed on Harry's message with no men tion of the other conversation. Ron seemed to accept this and promised to pass t he message onto the other's. Severus bid him goodnight and waited until the Gryf findor had turned the corner before striding quickly up the hall. Giving the pas sword to the gargoyle he sprinted up the moving staircase and stormed into the r oom. 'Severus. What is it?' the old mage asked. Severus paced back and forward in fro nt of the desk, eventually stopping and looking straight into Dumbledore's eyes. 'He asked me.' Severus said bluntly. Dumbledore lent back in his chair. 'Oh dear.' he said stoking his beard. 'Oh dear?' Severus yelled. 'Oh dear. The one person I would give my life for has just asked me to kill him because he thinks everyone would be better off if he were dead and all you can say is, Oh dear.' Severus screamed. 'Severus. Calm down. This isn't helping.' 'Sorry' Severus huffed collapsing into the chair, his head buried in his hands. 'Oh Lily would be rolling over in her grave by now.' he moaned. Albus came aroun d the desk and placed a calming hand on Severus' shoulder just as the door burst open. Draco stood there clearly out of breath, hysterical and gesturing wildly. 'Harry' he choked out. 'Something's wrong.' Dumbledore came over to him and guid ed him to a chair. 'Now Draco, what happened.?' the young wizard took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. 'Ron called me and told me that he had seen Professor Snape and that Harry was o kay and would see us in the morning and to go to bed. We had all been looking fo r him, I had found him on top of the north tower but he had disappeared again. I was down searching the dungeons when Ron called. I got almost to the hospital w ing when I felt a pain in my arms. I knew it was Harry. I can feel him. I ran to his rooms and got into the training room but he must have warded the door to hi s rooms because I couldn't get in. I banged and kicked the door but there was no answer so I came straight here. You have to go and see.' the blond boy begged, tears streaming down his face. Albus looked over at Severus who paled. As one, t he three wizards ran for the door. 'It's no use trying the link. He's turned it off.' Draco told them as the sprint ed towards Harry's rooms. They swiftly made there way through the training room and Severus pounded on the door. 'Harry. Harry. Wake up. Harry let us in.' he yelled. He looked at Albus and nodd ed. The old mage began a series of complicated spells to try and disable the ext

ra locking charms Harry had placed on the door. It took them over half an hour a nd in the end it took the power of both older wizards to break them. Draco kept pacing up and down behind them crying, telling them to hurry. Finally they were finished and the door flew open with a bang. Draco tried to ge t through the door first but Albus held him back and let Severus go. 'Let go of me you old fool. Harry needs me.' Draco screamed and kicked. He was t o strong as he broke free and ran into the rooms after Severus. He knew where Ha rry was, he could feel it. Running straight through the bedroom to the bathroom he found the door lock again. 'In here.' he yelled 'He's in here.' Severus and Albus bolted into the room to s ee Draco yanking on the door. 'It's not warded. Just locked.' he told them. 'Out of the way.' Severus ordered. 'Reductio.' Severus yelled. The door disintegrating into millions of tiny pieces . A horrified scream tore through the castle, but this time Albus managed to gra b Draco before he ran into the room. Draco didn't kick or scream this time thoug h, he just stared at Harry lying face down on the floor, the blood flowing from his wrists. 'Stupid boy.' Severus said as he quickly knelt by Harry's side and rolled him on to his back. He cast a clotting charm but it didn't seem to work, neither when h e tried to close the large slash down each wrist. 'Not so stupid, hey Severus.' Albus whispered. 'Not now, old man.' Severus said grabbing some towels and wrapping them tightly around Harry's wrists. 'What is it, Sir?' Draco asked. 'He cast an anti-healing charm on himself.' The headmaster told him. 'Severus we must get him to the hospital wing.' 'No. Harry hates that. I'll take him to my rooms. I can keep a better eye on him there too.' Severus replied picking the dark haired boy up and pushing past the headmaster. Albus and Draco followed him all the way to the dungeons. Giving hi s passwords Severus strode into the spare room, depositing his bundle on the bed . 'Poppy.' he said to Draco, who ran from the room. Severus grabbed some more towe ls from the bathroom and discarded the blood soaked ones, cleaning the wounds th e muggle way and tying the fresh towels over the top to staunch the flow of bloo d once more. 'Severus. I will sit with him. Go and get a clotting potion. Maybe that will wor k where the spells have failed.' Severus nodded and left the room as Albus looke d down at Harry. 'Harry, how could you do this. We believe in you. We need you. How would we face Voldemort without you.' he told the dreadfully pale boy. 'I think that was the point.' came the blunt reply. Albus looked over to see Dra co standing by the door. The blond came and sat beside Harry, laying one hand on his chest, the other holding one of Harry's hands and closed his eyes.

'Come on Harry.' he whispered. 'Come on. I know you're there.' A soft glow centr ed around Harry's chest, underneath Draco's hand. 'Come on talk to me.' Draco co ntinued softly. 'Hi.' Draco smiled, his eyes still closed. 'Come on Harry, pleas e take it off.' Just then Severus and Poppy strode into the room. Albus held up his hand to stop them, shaking his head to indicate silence. 'Please Harry, take it off for me. We need you. We believe in you and we love you. Voldemort would kill us all anyway, even if you weren't here.' Draco continued in this form for some minutes. Telling Harry that it wasn't his fault, and because of him people actually had hope that the darkness would be defeated. To remember what the prop hecy said. Only Harry can do it. In other words if Harry leaves them Voldemort w ould win. 'Come on Harry, please take it off. Don't talk like that.' he told the unconscious boy. 'take it off. I can't help you with it on. Don't say that. We love you. Please take it off.' 'What does he want Harry to take off?' Poppy whispered. 'The anti-healing spell.' Severus whispered back. 'Come on Harry. Please, for me.' Draco leaned over, never letting go of Harry's hand or moving his hand from Harry's chest and placed his forehead against the d ark haired boy's, whispering all the time. The others in the room knew they were watching something special, a bond previously unheard of, as both were covered in the soft golden glow. When the glow dissipated the boys were in the same posi tion. Draco now, had his eyes open and was still whispering to him, although the y couldn't quite make out what he was saying. Suddenly Harry's eyes snapped open and he was looking straight into Draco's. Harry gasped, and tore his hand from Draco's, throwing both arms around the other boy clinging as if his life depende d on it. Draco sat up, bringing the other boy with him, rocking him softly and s troking his back. 'We won't tell anyone Harry, we promise.' he crooned looking sharply at the othe rs over Harry's shoulder. They all nodded in promise. 'See there is nothing to w orry about. No one need ever know. Come on.' he said stroking Harry's back as hi s sobs subsided. Draco continued to hold him until he could tell that Harry had fallen asleep. The professors and Madam Pomfrey just watched, speechless, at the display. Gently he lay Harry down on the bed, fondly smoothing the dark hair ba ck off his face and placing a small kiss on Harry's forehead. Nodding to Poppy he carefully rose from the bed, standing still to let the wave of dizziness pass before walking slowly over to the two professors and gesturing towards the living room. Leaving Poppy to tend to her patient, they moved out o f the room and settled themselves around the fire. Dumbledore waved his wand and a tea tray appeared in front of them. Draco sighed, rubbing his temples slowly. Severus looked at him before summoning a vial and handing it over. 'Drink.' the potions master commanded. Obediently Draco downed the potion, grate ful to feel the oncoming headache recede. 'Thanks.' he smiled at Severus, taking the offered cup of tea. He sipped it slow ly wait for the questions that would undoubtedly come. 'Draco. What the hell was that?' Dumbledore asked him with tired eyes. 'That Professor, is a Clarian Bond.' Draco replied, oblivious to the confused lo oks he was receiving. 'What is a Clarian Bond?' Severus said. Draco sighed and told them about the ali gnment of the stars, moons and sun, and their connection to the times of his and Harry's births.

'That is why I can feel Harry. Know where he is and whether he is hurt. It is ki nd of like your Circle of Light only stronger. I can't ground him though and I c an't kill him either.' he wouldn't look at Severus who stiffened. 'You can certainly save him though.' Albus said softly. 'How did you do that any way? What did you do?' 'I found him. Found where he was hiding and talked to him. I had to convince him to take off the spell. That we needed him and we loved him.' Draco finished sof tly. 'I can't believe he did that.' A single tear rolled down Draco's cheek. Alb us sighed, 'I can. The amount of pressure that Harry is under is something even I would hav e trouble carrying and I'm not fifteen years old.' the old mage said. 'When will this all be over so that Harry can live a normal life?' Severus mutte red. 'Harry wouldn't know what to do with a normal life.' Draco told him. 'What do you mean?' Severus raised his eyebrows. Draco sighed. 'We asked Harry what he wanted to do when he graduated. After Voldemort was dead . And he said,' Draco bit back a sob. 'he said he had never really thought about it because he didn't think he would live that long.' More tears streamed down D raco's face as Severus placed a comforting arm around the young boy's shoulders. The three of them sat there sipping their tea, the silence punctuated only by t he occasional hiccough from Draco. Eventually the door opened and Poppy beckoned them in. Harry was sitting up in t he bed, forearms wrapped in bandages, leaning against the pillows, his eyes down cast. He looked up and caught Draco's eye. 'Thank you' he whispered. Draco leapt onto the bed, flinging his arms around the green eyed boy. They hugged tightly before Draco pulled away, clambering over H arry and lying next to him. Harry then turned his eyes to Severus 'I'm sorry.' Harry whispered, casting his gaze at the sheets once more. Severus walked over to the bed and sat down. 'I'm sorry I put you in that position.' he mumbled. Severus tilted Harry's face up until he could look him in the eye. 'Don't ever do that again, you stupid, stupid boy.' Severus hissed before huggin g Harry tightly, wishing he never had to let go. Harry relaxed into the hug as h e realised that Severus wasn't angry with him. He quickly pulled away and looked around the room. 'You won't tell anyone. Will you.' the note of panic strong in his voice. 'No Harry, we won't tell anyone.' Dumbledore assured him. Harry closed his eyes again and settled with his head on his guardian's chest. Poppy and Albus waved g oodnight as Severus climbed onto the bed behind Harry, holding the boy carefully as he slept. He looked over at Draco, placing an arm around the boy's shoulder and they all feel asleep. Severus leaning back against the pillows, both boys sn uggled in his arms. 'HARRY' This is what jerked Draco from his sleep a several hours later.

'Oh shit.' he muttered instantly awake. 'What is it?' Severus asked him softly. Trying not to wake Harry. 'We didn't lock Harry's room. The others just found all the blood on the bathroo m floor.' 'Damn.' Severus swore, carefully extricating himself from underneath Harry. Drac o quietly rolled off the other side of the bed and managed to get out of the roo m and close the door just in time for the yelling and pounding to start on the m ain one to Severus' rooms. Crossing quickly the potions masters opened the door and glared the chosen ones into silence. The clearly horrified and distressed lo oks on their faces however softened him and, placing a finger to his lips, he be ckoned them into the room. They followed him and waited as he opened the door to Harry's room and gestured to the softly sleeping boy. He could see them calm co nsiderably at the sight of their friend sleeping soundly, and he closed the door after casting a silencing charm and told them to sit down. Ron was looking arou nd in wonder, never having seen Snape's rooms before and had to be dragged by He rmione down into the chair. Ginny walked over and climbed onto Draco's lap, kiss ing him softly. 'What happened?' she asked him. Draco shook his head indicating to her that he c ouldn't tell and threw a pleading look at Severus. 'Something happened to Harry last night.' the older man told them. 'I can't say what. It is his decision if he wants to tell you. All I will say is, you aren't to ask him about it or you will have to answer to me.' he fixed all three of the m with a glare. None of them dared to say anything. They just sat there quietly. Draco checking on Harry every so often. Severus sent to Albus to cancel the mor ning training but as it was Christmas Eve he had done it the day before anyway. The Headmaster asked after Harry and Severus told him of the morning events. 'Oh dear.' 'I told you to stop saying that.' Severus growled through the mind link, hearing a chuckle in return. Severus turned his attention back to the four students in front of him. Draco got up to check on Harry once more as Severus called for a h ouse elf to bring breakfast. 'Still asleep.' Draco said as sat down and began spreading his toast with marmal ade. Still no one spoke, just ate in silence. Not long after there was a soft cl ick and they all looked up expectantly. Harry appeared, pale and drawn. He sat b eside Severus on the sofa and began nibbling on a piece of toast. Severus offere d him a cup of tea, which he took gratefully, but his gaze stayed locked to the floor. 'You told them?' he sent to Severus , not able to keep the tremor out of his voi ce, even through the mind link. 'No Harry we didn't. We forgot to lock your rooms last night and they found all the blood in the bathroom. But we still haven't told them what happened.' Harry sighed softly and switched the link to the chosen ones back on. 'I have something to tell you. But I can't say it out loud. I'm too ashamed.' he sent. 'Griffin, what is it?' Hermione sent back. Harry sighed again, curling up as if to make a smaller target before continuing. 'I don't know if I can do this.' he muttered. Draco gently lifted Ginny off his

lap and came over to sit next to Harry, placing an arm around his shoulders. 'Harry, you don't have to if you don't want too.' Draco whispered. 'No. They have a right to know.' he said out loud before switching back to the m ind link. 'I did something terrible last night.' he told them. 'I couldn't stop all the voices. They were telling me it was all my fault. I couldn't stop them s o I ' he trailed off. 'Griffin.' Hermione prompted and Draco glared at her. 'I tried to kill myself.' Harry finished out loud, rolling over into Draco arms, burying his head in the other boy's chest. Their reactions were varied. 'WHAT.' screamed Ron. Hermione choked on a bit of toast and Ginny burst into tea rs. 'That went well.' Severus muttered under his breath. 'Harry.' scolded Hermione. 'How could you.' Draco glared at her again. 'Hermione.' came the muffled voice. 'You don't understand what it is like. You d on't know the full story. I really thought you would be better off. I asked Seve rus to do it for me, but he wouldn't.' Snape kept his eyes firmly on the floor. 'I should bloody well hope not.' Hermione shrieked. The others all looked at her in shock, never having heard her swear before. 'That is enough Miss Granger.' Professor Dumbledore said firmly from the doorway . 'None of you can understand the amount of pressure that Harry is under. I'm su rprised that this hasn't come up already. You four are very important. We need y ou, but this whole thing rests on Harry's shoulders. It's him that Voldemort is after, not you. And it is only Harry that can save us. How do you think that mak es him feel, carrying that sort of burden around day after day. ' 'That makes me feel so much better, Albus. Thank you.' Harry mumbled sarcastical ly into Draco's chest. 'Oh Harry. I'm sorry. I didn't think.' Hermione stuttered. Harry removed his fac e and looked at them, the dark circles under his eyes all the more visible again st his now pale skin. 'It's all right guys. I just needed some sense knocked into me.' he smiled at Dr aco. 'I won't do it again, I promise.' he whispered softly. 'Harry. I think it's time you got some more sleep. You lost a lot of blood yeste rday.' Severus told him firmly. 'Yes. You're right. I'll just go back to my rooms.' Albus and Severus gave each other a look. 'No Harry. I think it's best if you stay here with me for a while.' Severus said , not looking at him and keeping his gaze locked on the crackling fire. Harry ga ve him a calculating look. 'You don't trust me. You're putting me on suicide watch, aren't you?' Harry hiss ed at him. 'Fine then.' Harry leapt of the couch and stormed into his room, slam ming the door behind him. 'Mr Malfoy. If you would.' the Headmaster gestured to the closed door. Draco ros

e, throwing both of the professors a dirty look before disappearing through the door. 'Harry come on. You know he didn't mean it.' Draco said sitting on the bed. Harr y was lying staring up at the ceiling and wouldn't acknowledge Draco's presence. 'Harry please. Don't shut me out. Severus just cares so much about you. He thou ght you had died last night. You should have seen his face.' Harry looked over a him. 'I know.' he whispered softly. 'It is just so much sometimes.' Draco laid a hand on Harry's arm. 'Can you send Severus in.' Harry asked him. Draco nodded. He wa lked out and was replaced with the potions master. 'Harry. I ' Harry held up his hand and gestured for him to sit down. 'Severus. You don't need to apologise. I should be the one to apologise. I put y ou in a terrible position last night and I feel awful. You have every right to b e upset with me and I understand why you want me to stay down here with you.' Ha rry finished softly. 'Harry,' Severus said. 'I am not upset with you. When you asked me what you did last night I really didn't know what to say. You are the most important person i n the world to me and I couldn't stand the thought of loosing you. I haven't lov ed anybody for almost twenty years, you know and sometimes I'm not sure if I am doing it right.' Severus' eyes took on a faraway look. 'Lily.' Harry whispered. 'Yes' Severus smiled. 'Lily. When she died I really didn't think I would care ab out anyone ever again. Then when I saw you lying on that bed in July, all the pr omises I had made to your mother hit me at about a hundred miles an hour. I had promised to protect you and I had let you almost be killed by a whale of a muggl e. Not Voldemort, not even Death Eaters, a muggle. I made a vow that night as I waited to see if you would wake up. And then last night, when you asked me what you did, I realised that I had failed. I had managed to protect you from Voldemo rt but I couldn't protect you from yourself.' Severus faulted as Harry sat up an d placed his hand in his. 'You haven't failed me Sev. You being here for me has been the most wonderful th ing I have had in a long time. You could never fail me. I just hope, I never fai l you.' Harry crawled onto Severus' lap and buried his head in the older man's c hest. 'Don't say that Harry. Sometimes I feel I should Obliviate you and remove the wo rds Fault and Fail from your vocabulary.' Severus chuckled. Harry snickered and raised his head to look his guardian in the eye. 'I love you, Severus.' he whispered wrapping his arms around Severus' waist. 'I love you to, Harry.' Severus smiled and hugged him back. Chapter 25 - Emilie Lacroix 'Albus, he is only doing half of DADA and duelling. I don't care what you have t o do. Re-employ that Dirty-Plank woman, bring Moody back to help Lupin during th e full moon and get Arabella to do Animagus Studies, but he is not doing anythin g else.' Severus ranted pacing up and down in front of the Headmasters desk. 'It is Grubbly-Plank, Severus and I have already written to her this morning. So you can stop that incessant pacing, it is far too early.' Albus scolded.

'Humph' Severus growled throwing himself down in the chair, and accepting the of fered tea. 'I never thought I would say this.' Albus chuckled. 'But thank Merlin for Draco Malfoy.' 'We would have found him.' Severus said vehemently. 'Yes, we would have, but would it have been in time?' the old mage replied. 'I hope so.' Severus whispered. They sat in silence. 'Do you have anything speci al planned for tomorrow?' Albus smiled at him. His eyes were twinkling like the North Star. 'Oh yes.' the Headmaster said mysteriously. 'Well?' Severus pressed him. 'You'll see.' Dumbledore chuckled. Harry woke up close to dinnertime. 'Lumos.' he whispered and soft light filled the room. 'Tempus.' 'Damn.' he said leaping out of bed. The wave of dizziness past relatively quickl y and Harry grabbed some clothes and walked out to the bathroom. Filling the tub , he relaxed as the warm water soothed his tired muscles. Carefully he unwrapped the bandages around his arms, looking at the vivid red scars that ran from his wrist to his elbow. Madam Pomfrey had managed to close them but because of the a nti-healing spell, the scars would always be there. They would fade, but they wo uld always be there. 'To remind me not to be such an idiot.' Harry muttered wryly. Feeling the water begin to cool he hopped out and dried himself. Changing quickly he went out into the living room to find his guardian waiting for him, a concerned expression on his face. 'Severus,' Harry assured him. 'I'm fine really. You don't have to worry so much. ' 'Sorry.' Severus grinned sheepishly. 'Who would have thought a year ago, that I would be worried about a Gryffindor and Harry Potter at that.' he chuckled. 'You have always worried about me, even if you didn't realise it. Why else would you have saved me from Quirrell in first year and from Sirius in third year, ev en if you didn't realise he wasn't after me, and you wouldn't have saved me last holidays.' Harry finished softly. 'Come on. Dinner will have started.' Severus took Harry's hand and he jumped the m both to the chamber. Walking into the hall, the conversation level dropped mar ginally but obviously Albus had spun the students a story because as soon as the two professors sat down the noise had returned to its previous level. 'Good evening, Harry.' Albus smiled. 'Hi.' Harry grinned back. Reaching for the platter of chicken, his sleeve rode u p and he heard a choke next to him.

'I have a potion that should get rid of those if you want.' Severus whispered. H arry shook his head. 'No, I kind of like having them there. They make me remember.' 'What will you tell anyone who asks. I mean you can't wear long sleeves all the time?' 'I'll tell them it was a training accident. Besides they will find out one day. Draco reckons he wants to write my memoirs.' Harry giggled loudly, rolling his e yes. 'That will be a masterful work of fiction.' Severus joked as Harry, still giggli ng, swatted him on the shoulder with a chicken leg. 'Harry looks much better this evening.' Hermione commented. 'Yeah, quite jovial.' Ron snickered. 'The maniacal giggle is new.' Draco observed smirking. 'Well, I imagine living with Snape would send anyone barmy.' Ginny whispered. 'And the line between sanity and madness is very fine.' Hermione said truthfully . Her proper expression, together with this comment was too much for the other t hree who promptly burst out laughing. Harry looked over at them. 'Hey, guys are you okay?' Harry sent. 'Don't worry Griffin. There mental, that's all.' Hermione sent, smiling at him f rom across the hall. Harry chuckled and returned his attention to his dinner. A couple of hours later, feeling very bloated and content, Harry walked slowly bac k to the dungeons with Severus. Together they settled onto the couch sipping war m scotch, a large glass for Severus, and a very small one for Harry. He was gett ing more used to the taste, and he liked how it warmed him up inside. The fire d anced merrily in the grate and Harry noticed the house elves had set up a tree i n the corner, ready for the next morning. Harry waved his hand, and the gifts he had snuck into Hogsmeade to buy several weeks earlier and had hidden in his roo m, appeared around the bottom of the tree. Severus grinned and did the same, alt hough he had to get his wand out before muttering a spell. 'How come you say the incantation for some spells and not for others?' Severus a sked. Harry shrugged. 'I don't actually need to say the incantation, I just have to think it. It is ju st force of habit to say it, I suppose. Sometimes if I'm angry or scared it help s to say the incantation.' 'I wonder what Albus has planned for tomorrow.' Severus wondered idly. 'You never really know with him.' Harry chuckled. He knew that Severus had invit ed the chosen ones down in the morning so they could open presents together, aft er that he really didn't care as long as he was with the people he cared about. Finishing their drinks, Harry bid his guardian goodnight and went to his room, c losing the door softly behind him. When Harry woke the next morning he thought he was at sea, the ship rolling in t he enormous waves. Upon opening his eyes however he realised that he was still s

afely tucked up in his room and the cause of his sea sickness was actually Draco and Ron bouncing up and down unmercifully on his bed in an effort to wake him. Raising his hand he froze the two boys in place and rolled over to bury his head in the pillows as trying to return to sleep. He had been having a lovely dream about his parents and wasn't that happy about being woken. 'Go away.' he growled. 'Come on Harry. No fair.' Ron whined as the three onlookers from the door giggle d and snorted. 'Grrr.' Harry groaned into his pillow. 'Harry. It's Christmas.' Hermione teased. Harry threw back the covers and releas ed the two boys with a flick of his wrist. 'Why didn't you say so?' Harry grinned, sitting up and pulling his robe and slip pers on. Laughing the four students and two professors moved into the living roo m and sat around the tree. The chosen ones pulled out their wands to levitate th e gifts to each recipient but Harry held up his hand and all four wands jumped o ut of their owners grasp and into his. 'Uh up led ore nst uh. No magic. Not for this.' he chided, and walked over to the tree, picking a brightly wrapped gift and handing it to Ron. 'Happy Christmas Ron.' he smi at his best friend. Harry continued until he had given all his gifts out bef sitting back down on the sofa, next to Severus, his head resting softly agai his guardians shoulder.

The others followed, one after another, giving out their gifts in the same fashi on. Eventually Severus was left. He picked up four small packages and one larger one, handing the red one to Ron, the blue one to Hermione, the green one to Dra co, the white one to Ginny and the larger gold one to Harry. 'Open them last.' he instructed. Eagerly they all dived on the piles of gifts in front of them. With the sound of paper tearing and assorted oohs and ahhs the f ive friends and the potions master enjoyed their Christmas morning. Almost as if on cue they picked up the present from Severus. Grinning at each other they tor e the wrappings off. Well, all except Hermione, who carefully peeled the tape ba ck and refolded the paper, placing it neatly on the floor beside her. 'Come on Hermione.' Ron whined. Each of them held a small velvet box and Harry a lso had a book that looked as if it was almost as old as time itself. 'Ready, set, go.' Draco yelled and they each opened the lid to the box. Five esp ecially loud gasps were heard as they gazed at the contents of the box. Hermione was the first to move, carefully lifting the triangle of spun gold on the long thick chain out of the box. 'Amazing.' she breathed reverently. Each of the chosen ones had a triangle. Herm ione's was embedded with sapphires, Draco's with emeralds, Ron's with rubies and Ginny's with diamonds. Harry's was in the shape of an circle and embedded with all of the stones. Carved on the back of each was a rune depicting a different e lement, and each of these matched one on the back of Harry's. 'They all fit together to make a star. The power of the star will increase expon entially when they are all together. It's all there in that book.' Severus gestu red to the old tome in Harry's lap. 'Severus. I... I don't know what to say. Where did you find them.' Harry asked, not taking his eyes of the object in his hand.

'Oh a little birdie showed me.' Severus chuckled as Erte fluttered down on the b ack of the chair. 'Don't use them together yet until you read the book.' the phoenix trilled in wa rning. Harry nodded at her, smiling as he placed the heavy chain over his neck, and tucking the gold circle underneath his t-shirt. 'Do not take them off. Not e ven to bathe, they have protection spells on them.' Erte told him. Harry passed this information on to the others and gave Severus a hug. 'Thanks.' he whispered. 'Yes, Thank you Professor.' Hermione chimed in. The others added their thanks as well following Harry's lead and placing the chains over their heads and tucking the triangles under their robes. 'I think you should all shower and change. The Headmaster would like us all in t he great hall by eleven o'clock for a day full of, how did he put it exactly, Ch ristmas joy and yuletide cheer.' Severus snorted, rolling his eyes. The others g iggled as Harry showed them to the door, each carrying their bundle of presents. 'Call me and we'll meet you in the entrance hall.' Harry said, closing the door behind them. Severus had already disappeared into his rooms, so Harry, with a wa ve of his hand cleaned the wrapping paper from the floor and walked into the bat hroom. 'Harry. We're on the way.' Harry heard in his head as he pulled the latest jumpe r from Mrs Weasley over his head. This one was emerald green with a golden griff in on it. Molly had put a charm on it though and every so often the griffin woul d take flight, flapping it's wings and flying once Harry's body on the jumper, a nd back again. Sometimes it would stop on the back of the jumper, which looked a wfully strange, like Harry had put it on backwards. 'Coming.' he sent back as he walked into the living room. 'Ready?' he asked Severus. Grabbing his hand he jumped up to the entrance hall, landing on top of Ginny and Draco. Ron and Hermione burst out laughing as Harry, red faced, helped them up. 'I see you aim hasn't improved any.' Severus smirked. 'Sorry.' Harry mumbled sheepishly. Together the group joined the queue into the hall. As most students had stayed a t school for the break it took about twenty minutes to get to the front. 'You two are Professors, can't you just push in.' Draco pouted. 'We can Mr Malfoy, but we thought we would take pity and wait here with the rest of you,' Severus smirked, knowing that wasn't what Draco meant. 'What is taking so long.' Ginny said, jumping up and down, trying to see over th e top of the people in front of her. 'I'm staving.' Ron groaned. 'Honestly Ron. You're always staving. I can't believe you already ate twelve of those chocolate frogs Harry gave you.' Hermione admonished him. The others all s nickered at the McGonagall expression on Hermione's face.

Finally they were at the head of the queue and could see what was holding everyb ody up. They were all having to stop and put ice skates on. Dumbledore had trans figured the entire hall into a massive frozen lake, complete with trees around t he edge, logs to sit on and a clear space in the middle for skating. The snow wa s still falling as two third year, muggle born Ravenclaws were showing off to th eir friends in the middle, doing camel spins and double toe loops. Everyone's sk ates seemed to have been charmed so that you could at least stay on your feet, a lthough it didn't always work and if your friends wanted you to have a wet botto m badly enough it could be arranged with a simple falling spell, much to the del ight of numerous first and second years, who were then trying this out almost no n stop on each other before turning their sights on the older students. There was an area for building snowmen, where there was to be a competition afte r lunch for the most realistic one. The snow ball fight area was over on the far side of the hall, well away from the tables that held the food and drink. Harry and the chosen ones wished Albus a Happy Christmas and leaving Severus wit h the Headmaster, skated their way across the hall slowly, with Hermione shrieki ng the whole time and clutching Ron and Harry for grim death. Ginny giggled as D raco swooped across in front of her. Then when Hermione got sniffy at him, he la unched himself into a huge double axel almost landing on top of her. 'Draco.' she shrieked and somehow managed to topple over backwards, probably due to fear. This in itself wasn't funny. The fact that she managed to grab Ron, wh o grabbed Ginny, who grabbed Harry, who grabbed Draco, who grabbed Severus, who just happened to be skating past on his way to the food tables, and they all end ed up in a heap on the ground, was. And as they had only just turned up, nearly everyone was seeking them out to wish them Happy Christmas. Laughter rang throug hout throughout the hall as the chosen ones, Harry and Severus tried to extricat e themselves with as much dignity as possible. Draco and Harry were snorting to themselves and Ron had blushed bright red to the tips of his ears when Hermione' s skirt had flew up and they all had a flash of her knickers. Hermione herself, didn't seem to notice as getting up and off the ice was at the top of her curren t priority list. 'Shut up, you two.' Ginny hissed as she helped Hermione to her feet. Harry and D raco skated away, red faced as Ron helped his sister get his girlfriend to a log to sit down. Peals of laughter rang through the air as Ginny, a grim expression on her face, went to find the boys. 'Are you alright, Professor?' Ron asked, skating over and offering his hand to t he potions master, who was still sitting on the ice shaking his head. 'Yes, Mr Weasley.' Severus sighed, taking the proffered hand. 'I'm fine, and whi le your secret is safe with me, I can't speak for those two.' the potions master pointed to the blond student and the dark haired professor who were currently l aughing so hard at Ginny's unintentional impression of Molly Weasley, they were barely able to stand. Ron rolled his eyes and skated back over to Hermione. 'Would you like something to eat?' he said softly. 'Yes please.' she smiled at him and watched as he skated towards the tables. Dra co and Harry were herded over by Ginny and plopped themselves down on the log op posite, neither meeting Hermione's gaze. Each time they looked at each other, th ey dissolved into giggles, that at one point were so bad, they both fell backwar ds off the log. 'Oh for goodness sake. It wasn't that funny.' Ginny scolded. 'What wasn't?' Hermione asked, sending the boys off once more.

'Harry, you are a professor, get up off your butt this instant and start acting like it, instead of like a twelve year old girl.' Ginny tugged on his arm. This comment sobered the two boys up instantly, 'Did she just call me a girl?' Harry asked Draco, yanking his arm back and point ing at Ginny. 'Yep, she did. A twelve year old one.' Draco snickered at the mortified expressi on on Harry's face. Harry immediately scrambled to his feet, transfiguring his s kates with a wave of his hand to some lovely warm boots, conjuring a cushion whi ch he placed on the log, and promptly sat down on, crossing his legs and folding his hands on his knee, before turning his sombre expression on the red haired g irl. 'You were saying, Miss Weasley.' Harry said primly. This time Hermione was the o ne to start giggling, and it took her several minutes to calm down, leaving Ginn y to explain the situation to Ron, who had returned levitating plates of food. H arry helped again by conjuring a small table and they all sat down to enjoy thei r brunch. Harry finished first and thought that he should probably go and see some of the other professors and students to wish them a Happy Christmas. Rising he transfig ured his skates back and skated rather haphazardly, though swiftly, across the i ce. 'I think he thinks the faster he goes the less likely his is to fall.' snickered Ron. 'I think the expression is the faster he goes the harder he falls.' Hermione smi led. Ron looked at her oddly. 'Don't worry, it's a muggle thing.' she patted his arm 'You mean Harry got a muggle expression wrong.' chortled Draco. 'It's just nice to see him enjoying himself after the last two days.' Hermione s aid. 'Yeah.' Draco scolded Ginny. 'and you had to go and ruin it, reminding he is a t eacher and all.' 'Well it is true.' she said bluntly. 'Yeah, but you didn't have to tell him.' 'Well, someone had to stop him from making an idiot out of himself. You didn't' she huffed, turning away from him and folding her arms. Ron and Hermione just sn ickered into their food. Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape were watching Harry's rather comical progress across the hall with great amusement. 'Severus, Albus, Minerva. Happy Christmas.' Harry greeted them as he skated up a nd fell face down in the magical snow because he couldn't stop. Albus and Minerv a laughed as Severus hauled him up, rolling his eyes. Harry grinned at him. 'Quite a display, Potter?' his guardian smirked. 'I see you talents do not exten d to ice skating.' 'Well, at least I'm trying.' Harry smirked back. 'I don't see you out there.' Se

verus drew himself up to his impressive height of six foot four and looked down at Harry. 'A Snape does not do anything that may result in him landing on his bottom.' Sev erus said sternly, but Harry could see his eyes twinkling. 'Oh yeah. I seem to remember you bottom getting quite well acquainted with the g round earlier on.' Harry snickered, grinning at him wickedly. 'Yes. That was unfortunate.' Severus sniffed. 'Oh, go on. Don't try and hide behind your greasy git potions master exterior. D eep down you know you enjoyed it.' Harry snorted. 'Greasy git?' Severus arched an eyebrow. Harry held up both hands. 'Hey not my words.' he said. 'Well actually, now I think about it, they were my words. But I haven't used them in ages.' Harry said quickly. 'See ya.' Harry lef t the three snickering professors and skated almost chaotically back across the hall. 'I think we should take the skates off him before he does himself, or someone el se, a serious injury.' Severus observed. 'Now, now Severus, leave the poor boy alone.' Minerva scolded. 'Poor boy, my arse.' Severus muttered as Albus chuckled at the exchange. The festivities continued throughout the day and well into the evening. The snow ball fight round robin was won by the chosen ones, who declined the prize saying they did have a distinct advantage. No one but Harry, Severus and Albus knew wh at this was, the other students just thought they were crazy to pass up a free c rate of Butterbeer and a box of Chocolate Frogs. The second place team from Rave nclaw accepted in default. Parvati and Padma Patil and Lavender Brown won the snowman competition. Using al l sorts of magic to make the snowman move and dance, they dressed it in a pink d ressing gown and a large vulture topped hat. It had a hooked nosed, carried a ha ndbag and looked distinctly like a certain potions professor. The Gryffindor fif th years and Remus were in hysterics as they remembered the boggart from third y ear. Harry chanced a look at his guardian, who was standing very stiffly, a vein throbbing in his forehead. 'You know you three are going to pay for that in the new year don't you?' Harry whispered to them. 'Yes,' giggled Lavender. 'but we couldn't resist. It was just so funny.' 'I wish Neville was here.' Parvati said softly. Harry instantly stiffened. 'What did you say that for?' her sister scolded her . 'I'm sorry. I just thought how much Neville would have loved to have seen this.' 'It's alright Parvati.' Harry smiled. 'Your right, he would have. Happy Christma s.' Harry bid them goodbye and wandered back over to the chosen ones, who were s till giggling at the "snapeman" as Draco had nicknamed it. 'You okay Harry.' Hermione whispered on catching his wistful expression.

'Yeah, I'm fine Hermione.' he said honestly, giving her a hug. 'Hey. Stop putting the moves on my girlfriend.' joked Ron. Harry rolled his eyes , releasing Hermione to sock Ron on the shoulder. 'I'm going to bed.' he yawned. 'I'll see you all in the morning.' 'Is training back on?' Ginny asked. 'If you want.' he replied. 'We want.' Ron butted in, 'but can we want it later in the morning than six o'cl ock?' he whined. 'Sorry, take it or leave it.' 'We'll take it.' Ron grumbled as the others giggled. Harry sent Albus and Severu s a goodnight and jumped to his room down in Severus' dungeons. Crawling into be d, he sent a special thank you to whomever was watching over him for giving him such a special day. His dreams that night was once again filled with wonderful d reams of his parents. The next week passed quickly. The students training most mornings and having due lling lessons in the afternoons. The Beauxbatons students who were meant to arri ve after Christmas, were put off for a week while Harry and the other teachers w orked out new lesson plans and timetables. Unfortunately, other than one fifth y ear, all the survivors were first and second years who had apparently been havin g a flying class at the time and had managed to flyaway with their teacher to sa fety when the Death Eaters attacked. The teacher had then gone back to try and s ave more students only to loose her life to a stray curse. Harry thought he was terrible when accidentally voiced his thoughts out loud about it being a shame t hat there wasn't more older students, who had more training, that had survived a s they could've helped defending the school. 'Oh god. I can 't believe I said that.' Harry paled. 'I'm sorry. I didn't mean i t.' Harry was horrified. 'It's okay Harry, we understand.' Dumbledore smiled softly. 'You'll just have to work extra hard with the students we have.' Harry and Albus were sitting quietly in the chamber off the great hall, duelling having finished an hour before. The students from Beauxbatons would be arriving the next day with the rest of the Hogwarts students other than the Slytherins, who would arrive the day after. They spent the next twenty minutes discussing th e plans for the returning Slytherins. It was becoming quite heated when Severus burst into the door dragging a kicking and screaming Blaise Zabini. 'Headmaster, I found Mr Zabini eavesdropping outside the door. He seems to have written down almost everything you have said.' Severus told them, holding up sev eral sheets of parchment. Harry looked at Albus in concern. He couldn't believe that Blaise would be spying for Voldemort, then again he was the only Slytherin left of that year. He always seemed so unlike Pansy, Crabbe and Goyle. Harry kne w his family were not dark wizards and that their loyalties did not lie with the Dark Lord. 'I think we should continue this in my office. Harry if you would.' Albus and Se verus grabbed Harry's arm and he grabbed hold of both of Blaise' hands and jumpe d them up to Dumbledore's office. 'Whoa.' Blaise whispered.

'Sit. Mr Zabini.' Snape sneered, pushing him into a chair. 'Are you going to tel l us why you were listening to the Headmaster and Professor Potter have a privat e conversation.' 'No.' Blaise said sullenly. 'I think Headmaster, that some Veritaserum might be in order.' Severus suggested . Albus nodded. 'No.' Harry said loudly, sitting next to the defiant boy. 'Blaise, come on, what happened? You are in my class. One of my best students. You said you want to fi ght against Voldemort. Why were you spying on us?' Harry asked him softly. Sudde nly Blaise looked at Harry and broke down in tears. 'Oh Harry, I'm so sorry. You-Know-Who's kidnapped my family. When the other Slyt herins were caught, my father sent me an owl. He said I had to find out as much information as I could and send it home or the rest of my family would be killed , even my little sister.' Blaise sobbed. 'Avery Nott has them and I didn't know what else to do.' 'Shh, It's okay Blaise. We'll find them.' Harry whispered patting the crying boy on the back. He looked at Albus. 'Albus, you had better send some Auror's and Arabella and Mudungus over to Blais e' house. See if they can find anything. Actually send Rita Skeeter first, she w ill be able to go in without anyone noticing. Talk to Hermione, she can help you . Severus, can you take Blaise back to Gryffindor Tower? Find Draco and explain what has happened. I need to make up some interesting fiction for our favourite piece of filth.' The two older wizards could hear the growl through the mind lin k and just looked at Harry in shock. 'Well, what are you waiting for?' he asked them both out loud. 'Oh, sorry.' Albus muttered. 'It's good to have you back Harry.' he winked at th e boy and headed for the fireplace. 'Blaise, everything is going to be okay.' Harry promised the other boy. 'Please find them, Harry.' Blaise begged. 'I will.' he vowed. Several hours later Harry showed Albus the first of the letters for Blaise to se nd. Harry had decided not to send anything that might put the Zabini family in d anger. Once they had been rescued, it didn't matter, but until then he didn't wa nt any other innocent lives on his hands. Harry had written that the Headmaster decided it would be better for the school not to expel the Slytherins that were involved, that it would be difficult to sustain a loss like that so they were go ing to be given different punishments depending on their crime. This was almost the exact opposite of what they had planned because there were a few criminal ch arges to be laid in regard to the use of the Unforgivables and if the students f ound this out they might not come back. Harry added some information regarding t he Beauxbatons students and a few non essential bits about nothing just to make it seem more believable. Albus approved it and Harry jumped down to the Gryffind or common room the have Blaise re-write and sign it. He left the Draco in charge of making sure the letter was sent and jumped back down to his dungeon rooms. H e had a light dinner with his guardian before crawling into bed exhausted. 'Good night. Asha.' he hissed, feeling the little snake crawl off his wrist wher

e she had taken to residing permanently since the day before. Upon her return sh e only slithered off when Harry was asleep or in the shower. He was so tired he didn't even notice Erte flutter down to perch on his pillow. 'Harry. How are you?' Godric shook his hand. 'Not bad.' Harry replied grinning. 'I see you managed to solve my riddle from last time.' 'Are you always so cryptic?' Harry snorted. 'Why, didn't you want to use your Ravenclaw genes.' the older man joked. 'Well. It would have been much easier if you had just told me.' 'Ah yes, the Slytherin comes out.' 'I heard that.' Salazar scolded, punching the shorter man on the arm. 'Oh stop it you two.' Rowena said. 'Harry isn't here to hear you two bicker.' 'Hi Rowena, Helga.' Harry smiled at the two witches. The five moved back to thei r living area around the fireplace. 'Have you found out a way to defeat Voldemort? Harry asked eagerly. 'Yes Harry, We think there is a way and it is using the spell that Salazar was g oing to tell you. However.' she held up her hand to halt Harry's inevitable inte rruption. 'we can't tell you for sure yet. There is something you have to find f irst. We can't tell you what it is but when you find it you will know. 'What the hell do you mean you can't tell me?' Harry yelled, standing up and pac ing the room. 'Harry. We can't, we can't take the chance of changing anything.' Helga said sof tly. 'Great.' muttered Harry flopping down in the chair, not looking at any of them. 'I think it is time you get some sleep Harry.' Godric told him. 'We will see you tomorrow night.' Harry felt himself pulling away from the founders and drifting into a much deepe r sleep. It wasn't however very restful, as he spent the whole night dreaming of looking for something, not knowing what it was but having it disappear just whe n he found it all the same. When he woke, he found Severus watching him intently from the wing chair in the corner. 'What happened?' he asked. 'You were tossing and calling again. I just wanted to make sure you were alright .' Severus said, coming over to perch on the edge of the bed. Harry took in his guardians pale complexion and dark circles, 'Did you get any sleep?' Harry asked him. 'A little.' the older man admitted. 'You look like crap.' Severus snorted.

'Well, we make a good pair. You also look fairly crappy. Now get up and get dres sed. Breakfast is