Operation: Get Bob

Chapter 5 - January

That night we all sat in the Great Hall for dinner. Spirits were high as the usual chatter about the hols filled the room. I sat at my usual spot and stared across the hall towards Bob. When she looked at me and blew me a kiss then smiled that patented Bob smile, my spirits soared even higher.

I was brought out of my reverie by an elbow placed sharply in my ribs. When I reluctantly looked at Ron he nodded toward the front of the room as Professor McGonagall tapped her spoon on the crystal goblet.

Then Professor Dumbledore stood and spread his hands wide. "Welcome back children, welcome back! I am certain that all of this excitement indicates that good holidays were had by all. I hope that the high spirits will carry over into your studies for the new term.

Now, I have some exciting news that will involve each one of you." He swept the room with his twinkling eyes. "We have been blessed to accept an exchange student from Durmstrang for the remainder of the year; and our own Brent Thompson from Huffelpuff has accepted the invitation to visit with the Durmstrang students.

I leaned over to Hermione. "I know Brent; they'll eat him alive."

"Shhhh...I want to hear this, Harry."

"This is a giant step forward in the advancement of goodwill between all members of the wizarding world. I ask that you make this young man welcome. Children, may I present Dmitri Edik Nicholas III."

The entire school held its breath as the new student walked regally up the isle and to the front of the room. I was no different. This bloke had it all! His good looks had caught the attention of every female in the room; including the teachers. And from the way that Hermione was drooling, I would have guessed that he had bewitched the lot of them. Ron elbowed Hermione and when she looked at him he just stared back in that 'what in the world are you doing' look.

Dumbledore was speaking again as I turned to listen. "...Sorted into a house. Professor, if you please."

Professor McGonagall stepped forward and placed the hat on his head. "Slytherin!"

Ron looked at me. "No surprises there," he grumbled.

The Slytherin table applauded as the newcomer strutted to the front of the table and down the side. He wedged himself between Pansy and Bob and immediately started to chat them up.

All right, I admit it. The green-eyed monster reared up in front of me and took a giant bite out of my arse. In retrospect, she hadn't done anything more than talk to the smarmy git, but at the time, to my addled mind, she was being a faithless shrew.

Throughout the meal, I continued to send scathing looks in her direction. None of which she noticed of course because she was so wrapped up in that Durmstrang prat.

Somebody did notice though. Draco kept glancing across the room at me then back to his cousin. Now, I'm not certain if our fledgling friendship had anything to do with his actions, or if it was that Draco felt the git encroaching on his territory; but what happened next was priceless. He stood up and began to walk past our visitor with a cup of pumpkin juice in his hand and simply 'tripped'. The contents of the cup hit Dmitri's back and drenched him.

As I watched this, it was all I could do to keep from busting out laughing. Draco and I made eye contact for one moment before he made a point of apologizing to him. There was satisfaction shining there in both our faces.

Bob however, knew her cousin better than that. She narrowed her eyes at him, and then she looked across the room at me and met my eyes. I sent her another scathing look, one that I knew she saw, and practically dared her to challenge.

You do realize, don't you, that we are talking about Bob here? She challenged me! She hurried to catch up with me as I left the Great Hall.

"Harry, what was that in there?" Her eyes were flashing with anger but I didn't care.

I spun around to face her. "Perhaps I should ask you the same thing, Roberta! You weren't really taken in by that...that...twit were you?"

"I was simply being nice like Professor Dumbledore asked all of us to do."

I snorted in disbelief. "Pull the other one Roberta. I saw how you were looking at him."

"And just how was I looking at him Harry?"

"Like you were mooning over him; fawning over him; laughing at all of his jokes."

"They were funny, Harry! Are you really that insecure in 'us' that a little thing like laughing at another mans jokes can throw you into a tizzy?" Her voice was low but as sharp as a dagger.

Fool that I am, I did not back down. Call it pride, call it fighting for what was mine, call it out and out stupidity, but I got in her face. "I've never been given a reason to be insecure in 'us' before now. You are sending him all the wrong signals Roberta. I'm a chap and I know chaps. You mark my words, sometime within the next 24 hours he will ask you out! What are you going to say?"

Her eyes flashed with anger. She spun around and started walking away, and then called back over her shoulder, "I'm going to say YES!"

I yelled right back, "FINE!"

I stormed into the Gryffindor common room and looked around for something to throw. When nothing presented itself in sacrifice to my temper, I turned instead toward my mates. I headed toward the steps to my dorm room and Ron and Hermione tried to stop me. "Move out of my way!"

Hermione was not to be waylaid. "Harry, I..."

I looked at her, angrier than I had ever been in my life. "GET OUT OF MY WAY HERMIONE."

She jumped back and I felt a little bud of satisfaction begin to bloom in the pit of my stomach. "AND DON'T COME NOSING AROUND LATER EITHER!" Then I stormed up the stairs and flew into my dorm room and slammed the door. Neville and Dean were there and started to greet me, but when I stared them down they backed off without a word.

I grabbed my heavy woolen cloak, threw it around my shoulders. I left the invisibility cloak. I didn't care that anyone saw me. I grabbed my firebolt and headed back out the portrait hole.

I started muttering things under my breath like "heartless wench" and "evil witch" as I ran down the steps toward the castle doors. Once on the grounds I took off on my broom and flew, letting the cold wind clear my mind. I tried to recover from the shock, but I couldn't believe that she would treat me this way.

I flew around the castle grounds for a while, but it wasn't long before I found myself at Hagrid's door, and pounded on it as if the hounds of hell were at my heels. When he answered, I slipped in without being invited and began pacing the familiar hut.

"'Lo there 'Arry."

I paid only the slightest bit of attention to Hagrid as I paced and mumbled to myself. Then I threw myself into one of Hagrid's huge chairs and stared into the fire.

To his credit, he didn't try to draw me out and make me talk, he just handed me a cup of tea and waited for me to begin.

But before I could start explaining my rude behavior, a knock sounded at the door. I threw a scathing look at the offending portal, and sank down into the chair.

Malfoy pushed past Hagrid and entered the cabin.

Hagrid mumbled, "It mus' be the day for rude visitors."

Malfoy paid him no attention and came at me. "So, you're going to let her get away with that! You're going to let her treat you like you two have nothing together? I never thought I would see the day when Boy-Wonder would run away without a fight."

"Sod off Malfoy!"

"No, I won't Potter. Maybe I was right about you in the first place. You are just a scared little boy who happened to get lucky a couple of times."

I just glared at him but didn't answer.

"You are giving her just what she wants you know. She wants you to feel off balance and not so sure of yourself."

Then I looked at him. "I thought we were past all the games. I was actually going to ask her to marry me. I can't believe that I could have been so foolish. Why Draco? Why would she want me to feel off balance?"

He threw his hands in the air. "I don't know Harry! Maybe she is frightened of the speed that your relationship is going. It's only been four months you know, and here you are talking about marrying her."

"I never said anything like that to her though."

"Have you said anything to her father?"

"Well...yeah, I have to him but..."

"But nothing Harry, Do you think that Ludwig doesn't talk to her?"

"He wouldn't have said anything to her..."

"Maybe not directly, but Harry, she is smart enough to read between the lines."

I watched him run a hand through his hair in thought. "Look, just give her some space but don't walk out on her completely."

My initial anger was starting to be replaced by hurt. I stared dejectedly into the fire. "I'm not the one who walked out."

Draco threw himself into the other chair and stared into the fire too. "I know."

I chuckled a little. "Good one...with the juice I mean."

He laughed. "It was kind of, wasn't it."

We sat for a long time both lost in our own thoughts until a heavy clearing of a throat brought us both out of our mutual mope. The noise startled us and we turned to look at Hagrid who was standing and putting a heavy coat on. "Well, I need to see to Fang."

"Hagrid, I'm sorry I was so rude."

"Not at all Harry, glad to help, even if it were only a chair, a fire and a cuppa. I'll be back."

After Hagrid left the cabin, Draco turned to me. "Come on back to the castle Harry. Give this a day or two to blow over and then confront her. If you do it now, you'll both just say things that you don't mean and there will be a bigger mess to clean up. And if you don't face it at all and just walk away, you will regret it for the rest of your life."

I shook my head and chuckled slightly. "And how did you get so relationship savvy?"

He laughed. "I'm not, I'm just making this up as I go! C'mon, let's go."

We walked out into the cold night and began to make our way back to the castle. For a while, we were quiet but then Draco stopped and looked at me as if sizing me up.

"What?"

With a sigh he started to talk. "I think I may have a solution to your problem."

"What, are we going to commit murder?"

He smiled. "No, as fun as that sounds. Harry, you wear your heart on your sleeve."

I took offence. "No I don't."

"You most certainly do too, and as a result, you don't know how to handle the situation. I am really torn you know. Roberta is family, but she is way out of line. Besides 'The Prince' needs to be brought down a peg or two."

"You've lost me Draco, The Prince?"

"Yeah, you do know that he is descended from the Tzar don't you?"

"What Tzar?"

He rolled his eyes. "Tzar Nicholas you twit! You know, the Russian leader that was deposed and his family murdered.

I must have looked lost because he rolled his eyes again. "Have you ever heard the story of Anastasia?"

I shook my head. "Can't say that I have."

He shook his head. "Ok, let's just say that he is descended from royalty and leave it at that, ok? Anyway, the first thing you have to do is understand that you are dealing with a Malfoy. Therefore she is stubborn, opinionated and a great actress. Harry Potter, I am going to give you Malfoy lessons."

I started laughing. "What? Now I've heard everything. What may I ask are Malfoy lessons?"

"You need to know how she thinks. In order to know that, you have to know how a Malfoy thinks. First, you never give the impression that what is going on around you affects you in the least. Be a spectator."

"You do realize that you are giving your mortal enemy all your secrets, don't you?"

He continued on as if he hadn't heard me. "Second, be as snide as you can."

"Got it, be snarky! You do that one well!"

"Will you please be serious? Third, give as good as you get. If she does something that gets under your skin, you do the same."

"In other words, use other people to meet my own needs." I know that I looked disgusted.

"Look Potter, I know that you haven't had a lot of time to develop your Slytherin side being as tainted as you are with Gryffindor values..." He seemed to shudder for a minute before he continued, "...but in this case you need to pull out all the stops." He shook his head. "If you must, plan it ahead of time. Ask one of the 'Griffy Girls' to help you out."

I couldn't help it; I laughed. "Griffy Girls? Oh, you mean like Ginny!"

His eyes narrowed. "Anyone but Ginny, got it?"

"Sure Draco, sure, Ginny is off limits." By this time we had reached the castle doors. Ok, let's see if I've got this straight. One, everything rolls off my back, nothing effects me. Two, be snarky. And three, use everyone around me to get what I want. Is that about right?"

"Perfect! Are you sure you're not a Slytherin?"

I grinned, took a deep breath and pulled open the door. "She doesn't know what she is in for."

Draco smiled. "There may be hope for you yet."

"My, my, my, what have we been up to?" We both turned and Filch was standing there with Mrs. Norris in his arms. "Out of your common rooms after hours, I'm sure that your heads of house will be very interested."

The man put the cat down and grabbed both of our arms, but taking Malfoy's lessons to heart, I decided that lesson number two was what was called for. I jerked my arm out of his grip. "Leave off, you old duffer. Draco, I'll see you in the morning." I turned and left the two of them standing there. But before I got far, I heard Draco follow my example and soon Filch was left standing alone.

I knew that there would be hell to pay but remembering rule number one from the Malfoy lessons, I pretended that I just didn't care.

The next morning I found Hermione and apologised to her for yelling. She still wasn't very happy with me, but kindly forgave me anyway. But before she could start to lecture me I headed toward the portrait hole. I called over my shoulder, "I've got to go Mione, I'll see you later."

I met Draco at the doors of the Great Hall. "Morning, you heard anything about the Filch situation?"

"Not a word. Hey, Good job by the way. I'll make a Malfoy of you yet!"

"Now there's something to look forward to," I sniffed. "Look in the door and see if she is in there will you?"

"She isn't. I left her in the common room with...well; I left her in the common room."

"She's with him?"

"Well, I don't know if with him is the right term. They were just talking...in front of the fireplace...on the sofa. Ah...you know what; I think I'll just shut up now."

"No, that's ok. I just don't care. Rule number one, remember? Hey, you need to give me the rest."

He looked as if he was considering it for a moment. "I don't think you could handle it...or would want to as a matter of fact. No, what you have is enough."

I nodded. "Nothing fazes me, I'm snarky on command, and I give as good as I get."

"He can be taught."

We turned to enter, but before we could, Bob and 'The Prince' pushed past us. "You're blocking the way Potter."

"Am I Roberta? Oh, I understand, your friend here is used to the red carpet treatment. Very well." I waved my wand and a long red carpet appeared at their feet. "Be my guest." She glared at me and took the prat's arm and entered. With another flick of my wand the carpet bunched up in front of him and he barely caught himself before he fell headlong into the Huffelpuff table.

Draco and I stood back and laughed outright. With a glare at the two of us she and the git proceeded to the Slytherin table. I looked at Draco. "I'll see you later," then headed toward my table while Draco went to Slytherin.

Inside my heart was breaking but on the outside I laughed and spent time with the Gryffindors and looked to all the school like none of it mattered to me. During a lull in the conversation, I glanced up and looked at Bob across the room and allowed myself a momentary lapse in...Malfoyishness. But Draco quickly shook his head and I went back to my carefree self.

I don't mind telling you, this whole thing was killing me. It seemed that denying myself the sulk time that I normally would have taken, just made me hurt worse.

Potions, was the first class, and things went from bad to worse. Snape was in his element that morning. He took great delight in pairing up one Gryffindor with one Slytherin. And of course, he paired me up with Bob.

Normally I would have grumbled a little and dealt with it. I hate to admit this to you, but since Draco had imparted his Malfoy wisdom to me I did feel freer.

Snape stood at the front of the class, the greasy git, and pronounced my doom; at least what I perceived to be my doom, and continued on as if nothing had happened.

I gritted my teeth, balled my hands into tight fists and stood up. "No!"

Snape looked up at me and his eyes burned. "Do you have a problem Mr. Potter?"

"Yes, I have a real problem, professor. I will not work with her!"

"10 points from Gryffindor, Mr. Potter, now sit down."

"I said 'No!'"

Hermione was tugging on my sleeve and Ron was looking like he would faint right on the spot. And by this time, the whole class was watching the proceedings. I started packing up my books into my knapsack when Snape continued, "20 points from Gryffindor, you will do as you are told."

I didn't say a word; I just kept packing my things up.

"Mr. Potter, in my office, NOW!"

I slammed my rucksack down and yelled back, "Fine!"

I looked at Draco, but he was shaking his head and had it buried in his hands. I started to move to the front of the room and had to pass his desk. He grabbed my sleeve as I passed. "Are you out of your mind Potter?"

"Just practising my Malfoy lessons." I sneered at him.

"We need to talk after class; that is if there is anything left to talk to."

I continued to the front of the room and into Snape's inner sanctum. I closed the door and leaned insolently against it. "You wanted to see me...sir?"

"Just what are you trying to prove out there Mr. Potter?"

"Only that I know that you know what is going on between Roberta and me. That you paired us together so that you could sit back and watch the fireworks. You get some sort of perverse pleasure by baiting me. You have for seven years now. Well, I am putting my foot down. I've been through too much, seen too much and endured too much to let you treat me like I am nothing more than a speck on your robe that you can flick away at anytime. I am not a puppet that you can use for your entertainment anymore. If you want to give me detention, go ahead. If you want to take house points, go ahead. If you want to send me to my head of house or to Professor Dumbledore, go ahead. I just don't care. If you want to recommend me for expulsion, I don't care about that either. Does that answer your question...sir?"

Ok, now I had done it. The ball was in his court. I don't really know what made me say all those things, but once I started, it was like a dam had burst. There was no holding back. So when I finished, I stood back and waited for the axe to fall.

To my total and utter surprise I heard laughter start to rumble in Snape's chest. I looked at him and I thought that maybe I had pushed him over the edge. Then the laughter made it too his throat. It wasn't a sinister laugh, but one that showed great humor. I looked at him like he had lost his mind.

After several minutes I ventured a comment, "Ah...professor, are you...alright? Do I need to get someone?"

He shook his head and waved a hand at me. It took for him a moment to calm down but when he did, he just looked at me with a smile on his face. I have never seen that man smile before. It was...spooky!

He sat on the corner of his desk and looked at me with his arms crossed. "Well Mr. Potter, you have finally done it."

I was confused. "Done what? Gotten myself expelled?"

He smiled again. "No, stood up for yourself. It has taken you seven years but you have finally done it. I had begun to wonder if you ever would. You are right of course, I have been baiting you, but not to watch the fireworks as you so eloquently put it. I have been trying for years to get you to realize who you are and what your place is in this world.

"Dumbledore insisted that you go to your muggle family all of those years ago. I argued the point, but of course his will won out. I knew that those people would ruin you. Albus didn't agree. I guess in a way he was right. You came out of it all kinder I think than you would have been if I had cared for you.

"Did you know that I had tried to get Dumbledore to let me care for you?"

I shook my head. "I thought you hated me because you hated my father."

"I did hate your father Harry. I hated him because he took Lily from me. But I couldn't hate you, even if you do look exactly like him. You are Lily's child after all." Then he sighed and walked over to the chair behind his desk and sat in it.

"I have tried over the years to give you a backbone. Now it appears that you indeed have developed quite a strong one."

I was speechless. I stared at him incredulously.

"Why do you look so surprised Harry? Do you really think that the other teachers would have allowed me to continue in my quest if they didn't know exactly what I was doing? Do you really think that Minerva would have allowed it; or Albus for that matter? You have more supporters here than you know, Harry."

I dropped to the floor and sat there staring at him. I sat on the floor because a stray draft would have knocked me over. "I really don't know how to respond to that Professor Snape."

"No need to respond Harry. You may go."

I stood and made my way back to the door but he stopped me. "Oh and by the way Mr. Potter...detention, tonight at 8:00p.m."

I smirked. "I don't suppose I could talk you out of that could I?"

He smiled. "Not an icicle's chance in hell."

I nodded. "I didn't think so." I left the office with a smile on my face. I made my way back to my desk and Malfoy was glaring at me.

"Well?" He mouthed.

"Later," I mouthed back at him.

Class continued after Snape paired me up with Draco. After we got our potion going and we had to wait exactly thirty-seven point five minutes for it to bubble, we had time to talk.

Draco kept glancing at me, as if looking for obvious wounds. Then he shook his head and snorted. "I must admit that I am surprised that you are still in one piece."

"Actually, so am I."

"Let me ask you something you great prat, have you ever seen me snub a teacher? Think back over all the years that you have known me."

I shook my head but I was still smiling.

"Listen to me Harry and wipe that stupid grin off your face. Snape could have...well he could have done just about anything and none of it would have been pleasant. What have you got to smile about anyway?"

"Long story."

"Look Harry, you never, never, never snub a teacher. Peers? Yes! Subordinates? Definitely! But people that are in authority over you...? No, do you hear me Potter? NO!"

"I hear you Malfoy, but..." I was interrupted by a vibrating in my pocket and I pulled out the pocket watch that Draco had given me. My eyes got wide as I held it out in my hand. It was glowing red and vibrating. Without batting an eye Draco yelled "Everybody out!"

Snape looked up and frowned at Draco, but he snatched the watch from my hand and showed it to the professor. I watched his eyes widen as well and the three of us began pushing students out of the dungeon room.

Suddenly there was an explosion that rocked the very foundations of the school. Draco and I had barely managed to get out. Professor Snape wasn't so lucky. In horror I saw him running toward the door but a shower of stone and mortar suddenly blocked his path. I didn't know if it hit him or just blocked him. As the shower of stone fell, I cast a cushioning charm, but I had no idea if I had done it in time.

Draco started moving stone but Seamus stopped him. "Malfoy, if you move the wrong one you may bring the rest down on him. Better wait until Professor Dumbledore gets here."

It wasn't long before all the teachers were there. Classes were cancelled for the rest of the day while we all worked to clear the debris enough to get to Professor Snape. Hours crept by; hours that seemed like years.

Finally, finally we had cleared enough to uncover his hand. I gently took his hand not knowing if he was severely hurt. Professor McGonagall took me by the shoulders and pulled me away. "Come on Mr. Potter. You need to get yourself some food. Mr. Malfoy you go with him. I personally will let you know how he is. Professor Dumbledore wants to talk to both of you later this evening. He will owl you."

Neither of us wanted to leave, and we protested, but McGonagall insisted.

As we headed away from the potions room, we ran into, of all people, Lucius Malfoy. He took one look at me and frowned then addressed his son. "Draco, I understand that there has been a terrible accident in the dungeons. I do hope that no one was hurt." He raised an eyebrow at his son.

When I looked at Draco, his expression was unreadable. "Yes, father. There was an explosion that brought the potions room down. We managed to get everyone out except Professor Snape. Potter and I have been working to help get to him, but the professors said that we needed to get something to eat."

"I do hope the good professor will survive. It is quite a miracle that you managed..." he looked directly at me, then back at his son. "...To get out in time. I am pleased to see you in one piece." Then he sighed. "Perhaps it is time for you to do as the professors have told you. I will go and see if I can lend a hand to help free Professor Snape."

Almost reverently, Draco bowed his head to his father. "Yes sir." Without another word or a backward glance, he resumed his journey to the Great Hall.

Once we were out of earshot of his father, I rounded on him. "What is your father doing here Draco, and how would he have heard anything about this?"

He didn't answer me but grabbed my arm and sped us away as quickly as he could. He pulled me into an empty classroom and closed the door. "Coloportus."

I watched him pace in thought. He seemed to forget that I was there for a moment. Then he turned to me. "Harry, I believe that explosion was meant to kill you!"

My eyes widened and I gulped. "Me? Why would you think that?"

"I don't know for sure. But for my father to be here, he must have had something to do with it. He would no sooner be within the walls of Hogwarts without a compelling reason, then he would kiss you on the mouth."

"Now there's an image I could have lived a lifetime without."

"We need to get to Professor Dumbledore now, Harry. We can't afford to wait, come on."

He began to run but I called him back. "Draco, your father is still down there. We probably shouldn't try to talk to Dumbledore while he is there."

He came back to where I was standing suddenly looking deflated. "Damn that man." He wasn't necessarily speaking to me I realized, because he was looking at the floor and pacing.

When he looked up he had a determined look on his face. "Harry, I have never been good at going against his will. I have a feeling that he will try to get me to help him with his sick little plan; what ever it is. The man has gone around the bend. Keep that watch with you. He doesn't know that you have it and that is to our advantage. We will go to Dumbledore as soon as we get the chance. You disappointed him again by not dying. He is going to be fit to be tied." He looked around the room. "Let's get out of here."

"Wait a minute Draco. I have one question. If that explosion was meant to kill me, as you suspect, didn't he take into consideration that you were in that room as well?"

He laughed but the mirth didn't reach his eyes. "Oh no, if I had gotten hurt he would have considered it fit punishment for not being prepared."

I know that my mouth must have hit the floor. "You are kidding right?"

But he just stared at me.

I let out a whistle. "Bloody barmy! That answers my second question. If it wouldn't bother him if you got hurt, then Bob isn't safe is she?"

"Harry, no one is safe! Let's go!"

We finally got to the Great Hall and tickled the pear on the picture to enter the kitchens. Draco grimaced. "I hate house elves."

"Well, I have a feeling that they aren't too fond of you either, at least one of them anyway."

"Mr. Harry Potter sir, how can Dobby help you sir?"

"Hello Dobby, how are you tonight?"

"Dobby is good Mr. Harry Potter. Is Harry Potter hungry?"

"Yes Dobby, so is Mr. Draco. Can you find us something?"

Dobby eyed Draco with distrust. "Of course Mr. Harry Potter. Come here and sit. We will get food."

"Thank you Dobby."

Draco and I sat where the house elf had indicated and several elves came laden with all sorts of food that smelled wonderful.

"Thank you Dobby. Oh, and Dobby, all of the teachers are going to want something. They are still working in the dungeons."

"Actually Mr. Harry Potter, they's having Professor Snape in the hospital wing. Dobby just hears Professor Dumbledore tells Madam Pomfrey to take care of him."

Draco and I both bolted up. "Thank you Dobby." We flew up the steps and out of the portrait hole that lead to the Great Hall, but Professor McGonagall stopped us.

"Professor, how is Professor Snape? Is he alive?"

"Yes Severus is alive, thanks to your quick thinking Potter. He told us that you cast a cushioning spell. The spell slowed the fall of the rubble. It did land on him and he has several broken bones and I believe some internal damage, but he is alive because of you." Then she sighed like she really regretted the next thing that she had to say, "Mr. Malfoy, your father wishes to speak with you. And he made it quite clear that Mr. Potter was not to accompany you."

"Professor, before I go talk to him, I need to tell you something. I believe that my father purposely set that explosion and that he was trying to kill Potter."

Professor McGonagall looked at him, then at me, then back to Draco. "Do you know what you are saying Mr. Malfoy?"

"I do indeed Professor. I also believe that he wants to recruit me to help him."

"Oh dear..." She seemed lost in thought for a moment then looked back at Draco. "Mr. Malfoy, you must go and talk to your father. I would like you to return to me afterwards and tell me everything that he is up too. Can you do that?"

"Of course Professor."

I watched Draco leave to meet with his father, and then I looked at my head of house. "Professor, may I see Professor Snape."

"Not yet Mr. Potter. Madam Pomfrey is still trying to stabilize him. You may visit tomorrow." She looked at me curiously. "May I ask you a question Mr. Potter?"

At my nod, she continued.

"You were working very hard in the dungeons tonight, trying to free Severus. I wasn't aware that there was any love lost between the two of you."

I sighed. "Let's just say that I had a little talk with him today; a talk that landed me with a detention, but it was a good one none the less. Professor, I would hate to have this new...understanding between us..."

"I understand Mr. Potter. Be assured that Madam Pomfrey is doing everything that she can. You may visit him in the morning. Now, have you had the opportunity to eat?"

I shook my head. "No, not really."

"Well, do so then and return to your dorm." She turned to leave but turned back. "And Mr. Potter, no invisibility cloak wanderings tonight, let Severus sleep. He will need it,"

"Yes Professor." I watched her leave then decided that the best thing I could do is find out where Draco was and listen in on the conversation. It wasn't hard to find him. The rooms that guests used for just such meetings were right off the Great Hall.

I put a disillusionment spell on myself and quietly slipped in. I think Draco must have seen the door opening because he maneuvered his father so that his back was to the door. I simply leaned against the wall and listened.

"Draco, I know that you are not a blood traitor. You will do this! Potter has been a thorn in my side for years and his parents before him. You will put this poison in his morning drink."

Draco took a deep breath and looked at the vial that Lucius had handed him. Then he did something that went against all the Malfoy lessons he had given me. He said 'no'."

Lucius was furious. "What do you mean 'no' you will do as you are told," he commanded, then in a flash of movement he drew out his wand and cried, "Imperio!"

I watched Lucius Malfoy circle his son. "I have been too lenient with you, you and that Mud-blood loving brother of mine with his daughter. You will do this, or not only will Potter die, but so will your cousin.

"You will put the poison in his cup in the morning."

"Yes Father."

"And you will see that he drinks it."

"Yes Father."

"And you will tell no one of this."

"Yes Father."

"And just to make you sorry for defying me...Crucio!"

I watched Draco drop to the floor and scream in agony. I prayed that someone would hear and come in, but no one did. I took out my wand and pointed it at Lucius Malfoy, "Expelliarmus!" The wand flew to my hand and Lucius turned in a rage to what appeared to be his wand floating in the air.

Draco was curled into a ball and gasping for air. "Draco, you ok?" He only nodded his head. I pointed Lucius' wand at his son. "Finite!"

Lucius began to move toward me, "Not so fast, Lucius. You used two unforgivable curses on your own son. You conspired to kill me and threatened to kill your brother and niece, and severely injured a teacher in this school, all in the space of about 10 minutes. I would venture a guess that that is a new low even for you."

"Unfortunately for you Potter, it is your word against mine."

"And then there is my word father!" Draco added. "You have threatened me for the last time Lucius. You can rot in Azkaban for the rest of your life as far as I'm concerned."

"Oh, the pretender speaks." Then he laughed. "Do you really think that the Wizengammot is going to take the word of two teenage boys over mine?"

Now it was my turn to laugh. "Maybe not in normal circumstances Lucius, but in this case it is the Boy-who-lived, who defeated Voldemort accompanied by your own son! I think that might hold a little more weight with the Wizengammot. Especially since Professor Dumbledore is a member of that body."

"Show yourself Potter."

"You must really think that I am a fool. No, I don't think I will. Draco, I'll hold him here, you go get the Headmaster."

Without a word, Draco left at a dead run. Before Lucius could do or say anything I pointed his wand at him. "Petrificus Totalus." Instantly he stiffened. I took the disillusionment charm off myself and stood silently waiting for Professor Dumbledore.

I waited for only a couple of moments. Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall ran into the room followed closely by Draco.

The twinkle that was so prominent in the Headmaster's eyes was conspicuously absent. "Thank you boys, I will talk to the two of you later. Professor Snape is awake and I think he would welcome a chance to talk to both of you. Go now."

We both answered in unison. "Yes Professor." I handed Professor Dumbledore Lucius' wand and we left the room.

As we walked, Draco was quiet. I didn't say anything right away. I supposed that he needed time to take in what had happened.

He broke the silence. "Mother is going to be furious with me."

"Wouldn't she be furious with him for putting the Imperious and Cruciatus curses on you?"

"She has never come to my rescue before, why should she start now?"

I was incredulous. "You mean that he has done this to you before?"

He only nodded and I could see tears forming in his eyes. I turned my head to give him a chance to get himself under control. We walked the rest of the way to the Hospital wing in silence.

Draco pushed the infirmary door open and we walked in. Snape was lying in the closest bed. Madam Pomfrey frowned at us but waved us in. "Make it quick boys, the professor needs his rest."

"Come now Poppy, these two saved the entire class; you can give them a little leeway."

The professor's voice sounded weak and forced. As we rounded the curtain, we got our first sight of Severus Snape.

The professor looked at us then his look of concern fell on Draco. "Mr. Malfoy, are you all right? You look worse than I do and I'm the one in the bed."

"No professor, I'm fine, just worried about you is all."

I exploded. "Like hell Draco, tell him, Merlin!"

Draco looked at me like if he could have killed me, he would have. Professor Snape took the matter in hand. "All right, you two sit down and fill me in on all the missing details if you would please."

Draco's voice was quiet. "It's nothing, really Sev."

I looked at Draco in disbelief, and then shook my head. "Ok Draco, if you can give me Malfoy lessons, then there comes a time when I should give you Potter lessons. You tell him or I will."

With a deep sigh he stood up and walked to the window and looked out. "Fine, go ahead."

The professor held up his hand to me and looked at Draco. "Mr. Malfoy, does this have something to do with your father?"

The younger Malfoy stood there and didn't say anything, just continued to stare out the window. Then the potions teacher looked at me. I simply nodded my head.

"I thought I saw him when they pulled me from the rubble. Can you tell me why he was here Mr. Malfoy?"

He stood quiet for another few minutes. It seemed that the time stretched out into the eternities, but then he started talking. "He wanted to come and check on his handy work professor. He was trying to kill Harry. I'm sure of it." A sob escaped his throat, but was quickly swallowed. He straightened his shoulders and looked at the potion's teacher. "It didn't even matter to him that I was in that room Sev.

"I see." was all the professor said.

I looked at Draco and watched his proud demeanor fade before my eyes. "Professor, it is good to see you alive if not well. But I have to go check on Ron and Hermione. If you will excuse me...Draco, I'll catch up with you later."

Draco nodded then went back to stare out the window. My look of concern was not lost on the professor, who smiled his approval. When I closed the door behind me, I heard a muffled sob and I realized at that point that not having parents was not the worst thing in life.

I pushed away from the wall but was stopped by a familiar voice. "Harry, is the professor all right?"

I turned to look at Bob with her ever-present shadow. The sneer must have shown on my face as I answered her. "He'll be fine in a few days." I looked at the prince with what I hoped was pure unadulterated hatred before I turned to leave.

"Harry, please talk to me."

"It appears to me that you have plenty of company. Talk to him if you must talk to someone, I'm just not interested."

She turned to her companion. "Dmitri, can you please leave us alone for a moment."

"What ever you wish, love."

I saw her cringe a little. I saw him smirk at me. I saw red! He turned and headed back toward the Slytherin common room.

"Harry..."

"You didn't have to do that you know Roberta. There is nothing that you can say that will make any of this better."

She sighed then looked up at me. "How about if I say that I miss you."

"Not enough to loose the shadow though."

"This whole thing has gotten way out of hand. Harry..."

I held up a hand. "Don't Roberta. I don't want excuses or reasons. I will not allow you to make a fool of me. You've made your choice. Just do me a favor and leave me a bit of dignity. You've taken everything that I had to offer and cheapened it. So be it." I turned away and started walking in the opposite direction. My heart was breaking but I refused to let it show. This was not a good day I decided.

I made my way through the portrait hole and sat in the dark corridor that led to my common room and choked back the sobs that threatened. When I calmed a bit I stood and went to the common room and threw myself into a large overstuffed chair in the corner of the room.

Hermione and Ron found me almost immediately. They both dragged chairs over next to me and sat in silence, Hermione holding my hand and Ron with a hand on my shoulder. After a while, I told them everything. I told them about my conversation with Professor Snape and my encounter with Malfoy Sr. I told them about Draco's realization about his father and the meeting in the anti-chamber. And I told them about the conversation with Bob."

Hermione squeezed my hand. "Harry, do yourself a favor; tell her that you want her back."

Ron looked up at her like she had two heads. "You must be daft Mione. Harry didn't start this, she did. Why should he be the one to break?"

I expected Hermione to snap at him, but she didn't. She answered him softly, "because Ron, he loves her, he misses her, and he needs her."

"Yes, but how can he ever trust her again?"

I looked at Mione. I wanted her to answer that question. I needed her to answer that question, because at the moment, I didn't have the answer to that most important question."

She sighed. "Because Ron, he loves her and love always finds a way." She stood up and kissed my forehead. "Mark my words Harry, you will get through this and it will make your relationship stronger. Good night. Good night Ron."

"Maybe Hermione, but what if she doesn't love me?"

She turned back to me. "How could she not?"

Ron and I sat in silence as Hermione left us sitting there. Then I turned to my best friend. "Ron, Hermione is wrong isn't she? If someone loves you, they wouldn't treat you this way, right? Or am I making a huge mistake by not listening to Bob? I don't know, I just don't know. There is so much at stake here." I put my head in my hands. "I feel like my right arm has been cut off; like part of me is missing. I can't just turn off my feelings like they don't exist."

Ron stared at the floor in thought then looked up at me. "Then Harry, you have to do whatever it takes, even if it means swallowing your pride. Any other problems you can work out afterwards."

I looked at him. "What happened to why should I be the one to break?"

He looked toward the stairs that Hermione had disappeared up. "Mione is pretty wise. Maybe she is right."

I thought for a minute, and then stood up. "You know, you are right Ron. This whole thing is stupid, I'll see you later." I started toward the exit then turned back. "Thanks mate."

He smiled. "Don't mention it."

I practically flew toward the Slytherin dungeons and slowed only when I was nearly there to catch my breath. I approached the door not knowing how I was going to get in but luckily Pansy was coming out at the same time.

"Pansy, I've got to get in there to see Roberta! Can you let me in, please?"

"Harry, Roberta isn't in there. She's...ah...out."

"I know she's with the prat. Do you know where she is?"

"Well, I can only guess Harry, but how many places are there that they can go be alone?"

I groaned. "The astronomy tower."

"That would be my guess." She looked at me sympathetically. "Sorry Harry."

"No, it's alright Pansy. I'll see you later." I headed toward the tower but when I got to the door, I had to steal myself against what I would walk in on. With a deep breath, I pulled the door open and ran up to the tower.

I looked around but didn't see either of them. "Roberta?" When no answer came, I was feeling a mixture of relief and regret.

I made my way back to the lower level and heard voices in one of the classrooms. I followed the sounds and overheard the conversation. "You do not need that Harry Potter, Roberta. He is a child compared to me."

"Harry is sweet, Dmitri, and I..."

"Ahh, but you do not need 'sweet' my love, you need a man to take you in hand."

I knew that this conversation would not set well with Bob, but before she could respond to the affront, the bastard kissed her.

When she whispered his name, I sagged against the wall in despair. I quietly left and made my way back to my dorm room. Ron was waiting for me and brightened when I walked in, but my face gave away my feelings and anger crossed his features.

"What happened Harry?"

"She was...otherwise occupied."

"Oh!" He thought a moment. "Well, maybe..."

I held up a hand. "Don't Ron. It's over. She has made her choice and it isn't me. She thinks of me as a little boy, and sweet." The disgust was apparent in my voice.

Ron grimaced and looked at the floor. "I'm sorry mate."

"No, I'm glad that I found out before I made the ultimate mistake. I was going to propose to her."

"Maybe mum ..."

But I shook my head. "I love your mum Ron. You know I do. But even she can't fix this. I...I think I'm going for a walk. I'll see you later."

"It's bloody late Harry. Why not try getting some sleep; you've had a rough day. With everything going on, the teachers aren't likely to be very understanding."

"Maybe you're right Ron. I am knackered." I sighed. "I'll try."

I did, I really did try. After about two hours of trying, I decided that I would try to sit with Professor Snape for a while. I grabbed my invisibility cloak and quietly left the darkened room.

I made my way to the infirmary without incident and pushed open the door. The professor was sleeping so I quietly sat in the chair next to his bed where I finally fell asleep.

<><><><><><><><><>

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Potter."

"Now really Poppy, let him sleep."

I could vaguely hear the conversation going on around me as I swam up from the depths of sleep. When I opened my eyes, Professor Snape's face was the first that I saw.

I sat up suddenly a little disoriented before I remembered why I was here. "Oh, hullo professor, how are you feeling?"

"Better thank you Mr. Potter, by the way ten points from Gryffindor for being out of your dorm after hours."

I smiled. "Hey, I had to serve detention with you didn't I. I'm not going to be accused of not fulfilling my responsibilities."

"I see. All right then, ten points to Gryffindor for...what...integrity?"

We were both silent for a while and I took advantage of the time to formulate the questions that were burning in me.

"Professor, about Draco."

"Yes, Mr. Potter?"

"Has his father always been such a...a..."

"An insufferable barmy old bastard," he finished for me. "Yes, as long as I have known him."

"I see. And his mother...?"

"She is completely and totally around the bend. I personally believe that Lucius put the imperious curse on her years ago, but I have no proof of that."

"And I thought I had it bad, I'm glad that he has Winthrop in any case. No wonder he's been such a prat all this time."

"Mr. Potter, I believe that the fact that his uncle returned when he did and the fact that you seem to have developed a relationship of a sorts with him, has helped him turn the corner. Not many people would have extended the hand of friendship to him. You are a good man, Lily would have been proud. I suppose James would have as well."

"Thank you professor, that means a lot coming from you."

"Now, Mr. Potter, I am glad that we have this chance to talk alone. I would like to give you a word of warning. Keep a close eye on Dmitri Nicholas, I don't believe that he is what he seems."

"Is Bob in danger?"

"I don't know. I am just going on instincts here. I would be inclined to guess that you are in more danger than she is. But, he may use her to get to you. Just be aware Harry."

I stood to leave. "I suppose I had better go before Madam Pomfrey returns."

He chuckled them grimaced. "Yes, Poppy can be a bit of a stickler."

I laughed outright. "A bit? That's an understatement. Good bye Professor."

When the door closed behind me, I sighed and closed my eyes and leaned against the wall. My head was spinning. Thinking about...everything; the explosion, the rescue of Professor Snape, Lucius Malfoy, Bob, The Prince, Draco and his barmy parents. It was making me crazy.

I made my way back to Gryffindor Tower. Luckily, it was still very early and there weren't a lot of students. I stepped through the portrait hole and walked into my common room.

Thankfully it was empty, but as I started toward the stairs, Ginny was coming down.

"Good morning Harry." She kissed me on the cheek.

I laughed and hugged her. "Good night Ginny."

She nodded. "One of those nights I suppose. I can't say that I'm surprised. Yesterday was an odd one. Get some rest then Harry."

I started up the stairs but stopped and turned back. "Gin, can I ask you a personal question?"

"That depends on how personal it is Harry." She smirked.

"Cute Weasley, no. I just wondered how you feel about Draco?"

She looked taken aback, then stared up the stairs and around the room.

"Relax, Ron is still asleep. It's Saturday, we won't see him for another five hours at least."

"In that case Harry, I like Draco very much. I don't think that the feelings are returned though. He has barely even spoken to me since term started. I think Christmas was just a...fluke."

I grinned at her. "Well, from what I know, I think you are wrong. I think he likes you very much. He's just been preoccupied. Which brings me to the reason I asked in the first place; he has been through some tough situations lately and I think he might need a friend to talk too."

"Are you talking about the potions room explosion and the fact that his father..."

"That's exactly what I'm talking about. Don't tell him that I said anything to you, he might take offence. Just...I don't know, listen I guess."

"Of course. Harry, how are things with you and Roberta?"

I just shook my head.

"I'm sorry Harry. Do you mind if I make an observation? You are so concerned about Draco having someone to talk too. Who are you going to talk too?"

"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I'll see you later."

"That's what they all say. I would love to sit and listen Harry; if you'd like."

"Thanks Gin, I'll keep that in mind."

Instead of going to my bed, I thought about Ginny's question. 'Who are you going to talk to?'

There was only one thing that I could think to do. I grabbed a piece of parchment and penned a quick note, then went to the owlery.

I found Hedwig and patted her head. "You feel like making a journey girl?"

I handed her an owl treat and tied the note to her leg. "Ok girl, I need you to take this to Ludwig Malfoy."

I know, I know, writing to my ex-girlfriend's father who used to be a Death Eater, is a little pathetic, but I didn't know what else to do. He had volunteered for the father role and I needed to talk.

I made plans to meet him in Hogsmead on the following Saturday. I didn't want to take the chance that Bob would find out. I didn't want her to think that I was using Lud to get to her. I wasn't! At least I think I wasn't. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure.

We met at the Three Broomsticks and went to an upstairs sitting room so that no one would spot us.

I entered the room then I paced.

"What is going on Harry? Is there a problem with Roberta?"

I shook my head. "Yes...no...ah hell, I don't know, Ludwig; I don't know about any of this."

Ludwig Malfoy held up a hand. "All right son, you are obviously upset. Why not sit down and get your thoughts together. I'm going down to the bar to get us something to drink. What would you like?"

I looked at him seriously. "Firewhiskey."

He looked shocked for a moment. "That bad huh? Ok, Firewhiskey it is."

He returned with a bottle and two shot glasses and proceeded to pour out the amber liquid. He handed me one of the glasses and I downed it in one gulp.

My eyes got wide as the burning liquid made its way to my stomach. My eyes watered and I could almost breathe. "Water?" It came out like a choked whisper.

Lud used his wand and produced a large goblet of water, which I promptly downed.

"Merlin, I wish I hadn't done that!"

Lud laughed. "You'll be all right in a moment Harry."

He was right! The burning turned to pleasant warmth spreading all the way to my toes and fingertips.

He looked at me. "You ok now?" At my nod, he continued, "all right then, suppose you tell me what this is all about."

I looked at the floor. Now that I had him here, I didn't know how to start. With a sigh I stood and went to look out a window.

"I don't know how much you know about what has been going on here just since term started."

"Well, I know that Lucius tried to kill you by blowing up the potion's room and everyone in it. If you hadn't written me when you did, I would have been there."

I shook my head in disbelief. "I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around that one."

"You needn't worry about Lucius, Harry. He has been sent to The Everett MacNees secured center for the criminally insane. It's an extension of St. Mungos. I went out there to check on him but he wouldn't tolerate my presence. The staff asked me to give him time to get adjusted to his new environment before I tried again. The hardest part about all of it is that he seems normal." Then he sniffed, "Well, as normal as he can get."

"Where is this place?"

"It's on the Isle of Skye. He is well cared for but he won't be leaving anytime soon. There are more wards around that place than around Hogwarts."

I nodded then sighed. "Lud, are you aware that Roberta and I have broken up?"

"You've what! When did that happen? What happened?"

"Well, there's this exchange student..." I poured my heart to him and before it was all said and done I had run the entire gambit of emotions.

He listened to me. He didn't try to interrupt or suggest things or anything. He just listened. When I finished he just shook his head.

"Harry, I don't know what to say."

"Lud, you have to promise me that you won't say anything to Roberta. I don't want her to feel coerced. If she was, it wouldn't mean anything. I just...just needed someone to talk too, that's all."

"Of course Harry. I understand and I won't say anything to her, but son, don't you think you should?"

I shook my head. "I've tried Lud."

He stood up and paced the room then looked at me. "Harry, am I correct in assuming that you are relatively new at this whole relationship thing?"

I shrugged. "Well, there was Cho Chang...but that didn't last. Yeah, I guess this is new for me."

He sat back down and leaned forward with his arms resting on his knees. "Listen to me Harry, every relationship goes through a time that defines it; that chisels it into something resilient. What you have with Roberta right now is like a fine piece of marble, unshaped and waiting for the masters hand to take away all the sharp edges and form it into a piece of art. Each tap of the chisel has the potential of either adding further beauty to the finished piece, or cracking it beyond repair. Even the master can make mistakes. But he can correct those mistakes and make the finished piece all the more beautiful because of them.

"I don't pretend to have all the answers where Roberta is concerned Harry." He chuckled. "The fact is, most of the time I just stand back and shake my head in disbelief."

That was when I laughed. "Yeah, I know what you mean."

"But if there is one thing that I know about my daughter, it's that she appreciates stalwartness. I think you may have forgotten two very important things since you have started dating her. Number one, she is a Slytherin, and as such she is scheming and conniving. Number two, she is a Malfoy. I don't know for sure, but I believe she may be testing you; and testing your relationship.

"Son, speaking as Roberta's father, I believe that she is the best thing that will happen to you; if you can get past all the games, and speaking as your surrogate father, you are a damned fool if you allow this to continue with this Dmitri chap.

"I don't want to see her with this royalty wannabe. I think that Professor Snape may be correct in thinking that there is more to him than he is letting on. The fact that he is from Durmstrang should put you on your guard. But if Severus thought that Roberta was in any real danger, he would let me know.

"Fight for what is yours son; and don't be afraid to break a few rules."

I laughed outright. "That has never been a problem."

He reached for the bottle he had brought up earlier and looked at me askance.

I held up a hand. "No thank you. I think I have had all of that that I can handle for a while.

He poured himself a drink and leaned back on the sofa, took a drink and sighed. "Let me ask you something Harry. Are you and Draco friends?"

This question took me aback. "I thought we were talking about Bob!"

"Just answer the question Harry. Are you and Draco friends?"

"We are getting there, I guess. We're not what I would call best friends. That will take time..."

"Why is that, may I ask?"

"Well, the fact that he has been a giant git since the first day I met him, might have something to do with that."

"Why do you think that is?"

I thought for a long while. "I guess if I were to be completely honest, most of it stems from house rivalries. But some of it is the fact that our first meeting back before first year didn't go too well."

He smiled. "But Harry, you were eleven years old. Things change, people change, especially in the period of time between eleven and seventeen. It is the time that defines who you are and what your potential is. You have been forced to grow up. You fought Voldemort and won several times before your final battle with him. You have never had a life of privilege or pampering. You have had to fight for your very survival, even when Voldemort wasn't in the picture. These things plus your innate personality have made you what you are. You are a good man with the potential of being great.

"Let's compare that to Draco. Everything has been handed to him. Privilege is his middle name. But from the time that he was a baby, he was taught hate, fear, and loss of self. He hasn't had parents who cared for him. His father was willing to turn him over to the most evil man that has ever existed, without blinking an eye.

Lud looked him in the eye. "Just like your innate personality helped you take your experiences and define who you are and what you believe in, the same is true for Draco.

"What I'm trying to say Harry, is that you and Draco are different sides of the same coin. I feel, just by watching the two of you, that there is a great friendship in the making. I would hope that you will recognize it for what it is and act accordingly."

I nodded. "I can see that happening. Did you know that he saved my life?"

"What?"

"Draco evidently knew something. He hasn't volunteered any information but for him to do what he did...well...here, look at this." I pulled out the pocket watch and showed it to Lud. "This is the Malfoy family seal on the case isn't it?"

Lud's eyes widened in recognition of the watch. "That was my father's and his before him." He took it from my hand almost reverently. Then he looked at me. "Draco gave you this?"

I nodded my head. "It was my Christmas gift from him. It must have come from the Malfoy treasury or something. I assume that there is such a thing."

"Most definitely Harry, this piece was supposed to be passed down from oldest son to oldest son. My father, when he realized that I was such a disappointment to him refused to give it to me and gave it to Lucius instead. Either he had already given it to Draco, which I seriously doubt, or Draco managed to steel it away from his father. That's a tremendous feet in itself."

He handed the piece back to me with a bit of regret. "Harry, I think...I think that Draco must care very much what happens to you.

"Well, it definitely saved my life along with Draco's and the rest of the class' in the potions room."

"How did it react?"

I thought that this was an odd question but answered it anyway. "It glowed red and vibrated. But certainly, you would know that wouldn't you Lud?"

"Of course Harry, there's just more to it than that, which probably even Draco doesn't know. For now we will leave it at that."

Suddenly I felt a little unsure and looked at the watch. "I'm not in any danger am I Lud? I've had some experience with magical objects in the past and..."

He waved a hand in the air dispelling any such thoughts. "Quite the contrary son, quite the contrary; keep it with you at all times."

"Yeah, that's what Draco said."

"Good."

I slipped the watch back into my pocket. "Well Lud, I don't know about you but I haven't eaten and I am starved. Do you want to get something downstairs? It's my treat."

He smiled at me. "Yes, I am hungry too Harry, but I had something in mind that was a little more palatable than the sludge they serve at the three broomsticks. Are you game?"

I shrugged. "Sure."

"Can you apparate yet?"

I nodded my head. "Yes, but I'm only just learning. I do well over short distances but I wouldn't want to splinch myself going farther that I am used to."

"Ok, the floo then. We'll floo to the cottage."

The fire in the fireplace flared suddenly to life; the room answering an unspoken request.

Lud threw a bit of floo powder into the fire and stepped in. "Malfoy Cottage!"

With a sigh, I followed suit. I stumbled out into the room at the other end, but at least this time I kept my footing and didn't fall. "I hate traveling by floo," I said more to myself than to Lud.

I looked up at my host who was smiling. "Nice place, Lud."

He smiled. "It's home. Let's go get something to eat, Harry?"

At my nod, we headed out the door. I looked back at the cottage and was shocked. The inside of the house had been homey, warm and inviting. The outside however looked as if a soft spring breeze would knock it to the ground.

"This is the cabin where Roberta grew up? Forgive me Lud, but this cabin looks like a good stiff wind would take it down."

He smiled. "Yeah, great isn't it?" His enthusiasm was unmistakable so I decided to just flow with it.

The town was like the land that time forgot. It consisted of small cabins surrounding a central square that housed the shops. Row after row of storefront greeted us as we strolled through the small town. Because it was January, the green grocers stalls were empty and the store windows displayed a variety of root vegetables.

Several people, bundled in their winter warmest, hurried from place to place in order to get out of the weather. Lud greeted them hurriedly and we continued on our way. Before long we came to a tavern that seemed to have swallowed up the inhabitants of the town. It was loud and smokey and full of good cheer.

Lud smiled like a man who had come home. "Welcome Harry. Welcome to Wolfric's Gallows. This is the best place in town; and if you ask me, the best place in Great Britian."

There was a bellow from behind the bar and I suddenly feared for our lives. A large barrel chested man with a mop of blonde hair tied back, scowled at the two of us. He threw a white rag onto the bar and made his way across the room toward us.

Lud narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms as he watched the man approach. I looked from one to the other and I'll admit that I was a bit concerned for Lud's safety.

The man stopped in front of Lud. "Allan Campbell, you old horses arse! Where have you been for the last eight months?" He grabbed Lud in a huge bear hug and started laughing. "It's good to see you, old friend."

Lud punched him in the arm then returned the hug. "Farley, it's good to see you too. Farley, this is my good friend, Harry Potter. He is visiting for the day.

I watched Farley's eyes grow as large as platters and I self-consciously flattened my hair over my scar.

"Blimey, I never would have believed it." Farley patted Lud's shoulder and shook his head. "You really have a friend?" He held out a beefy hand. "Nice ta meet ya, Harry."

I shook his hand. "Nice to meet you too, Farley."

Lud looked at the barman, "We need a table and two specials, Farley." Lud turned to me, "What do you want to drink, Harry?"

I leaned over, "I don't suppose they have butterbeer, do they?"

"Muggle, Harry. How about an ale?"

"Sure, I'll try anything once."

"Two ales, Farley."

We sat at a table in the back of the room and when Farley brought our dinner, he sat and joined us. It was a very enjoyable evening and I was really sorry to have it come to an end. After we ate, which by the way was about the best meal I had ever had, we walked back out into the street and toward the cabin.

It had gotten colder as the night progressed and I was happy to see the delapidated cabin.

Lud clapped his hands together and rubbed them. "It's cold out here, let's go inside."

I will never get used to the way things in the Wizarding world work. In other words, what you see is not always what you get. Inside was a warm comfortable room that seemed to come to life when Lud walked in. The fire in the fireplace lit and started crackling, the illumination came up and the stove in the kitchen turned on underneath a pot of water.

I looked at Lud and chuckled, "You know, I half expected a place with tablecloths and five or six forks lined up. Not that I'm uncomfortable with fine dining, not at all, I'm just never sure which fork to use, or when. I'm always afraid that I'll end up drinking from the finger bowl or slipping my fingers into a wine goblet."

"Don't feel alone in that Harry, I'm the same way. No, the tavern is what I enjoy; that meal at Christmas..." he shuddered. "...Ugh! Would you like some tea Harry?"

"Sure." I followed him into the kitchen. "So you have recognition wards in place?"

"Yes, If Roberta or I enter the house; it is as you see it now. But if someone uninvited should try to enter, all they would see would be the dilapidated old ruin that you viewed.

"Clever, did you have a secret keeper as well?"

He shook his head. "No, I didn't really have anyone I could trust. This was the next best thing. It was a real challenge trying to keep it all from Roberta before she knew the truth. I managed it somehow, but I'm not sure how. Chalk it up to the innocence of youth."

The teakettle started to whistle so he pulled two cups from the cupboard and dropped a teabag into each.

With tea in hand we returned to the living room and sat. "This is nice Lud."

He looked around fondly at the room. "It's home. Hey, would you like to play a game of chess?"

"Sure, but I'm still not very good. That new chess set hasn't improved my playing any."

I don't know how he knew, but he seemed to know that what I needed was a distraction. By the time night fell, I was feeling better. Just stepping away from the situation made the whole thing look...manageable.

"Would you like to stay the night here Harry? We can go over to Wolfric's Gallows for breakfast and port back to Hogsmead afterwards."

"I'm not sure if that is a good idea Lud, there are a lot of people who would miss me. Even though the Voldemort thing is over with, they still watch me like a hawk."

"All the more reason to stay, you need some time alone to just be you. I'll owl Dumbledore and let him know that you are here with me."

I smiled and nodded. "Thanks Lud that would be nice."

We stayed up late and talked about anything that came to mind, mostly Quidditch.

After a while we both stared at the fire in silence, but Lud looked over at me. "Harry, can I give you a little fatherly advice?"

"Sure, I need all I can get."

"I can guarantee you that Roberta will come around. That's just her. Don't make it too easy for her."

I laughed. "I hadn't planned to, but you are her father, why would you give me that advice?"

He looked sly. "Because she deserves it; I have never been one to let her get away with much, and believe me, she has tried. If you let her, she will walk all over you."

I looked at him and smiled. "The girl hasn't got a chance!" I leaned back and relaxed on the couch and closed my eyes.

"You know, since you kids are back in school, I think I'll move back here. I'm just rattling around in the manor. Narcissa is...well, not very good company and I have friends here."

I sat up and looked at him. "I think that is a wonderful idea, and when the holidays come around everyone can come here. It is a far sight more homey than Malfoy manor ever hoped to be."

I leaned back and put my feet up on the coffee table. "Maybe for Easter hols, the three of us can pile in here. Yeah, I like that."

He smiled at me and put his feet up as well, "I think I like that too." We sat quietly for a long while, then Lud stood and stretched with a yawn, "well Harry, it's late. Let's, get some sleep. I'll show you to the room you'll be in. I hope you don't mind sleeping in Roberta's room, the guest room doesn't have a bed in it."

"That's fine. I'm so tired that I don't care where I sleep."

I don't remember much after that. My head hit the pillow and I was out.

As good as his word, we went to the pub in the morning and had an excellent breakfast and used a port key back to Hogsmead.

At the Three Broomsticks, Lud clapped me on the back. "Well Harry, I guess this is where I leave you. I'm glad we had this time."

"Me too, hey, are we getting together on the Easter hols then?"

"Absolutely!" Then he started to tic off on his fingers. "Ok Harry, remember what we talked about, one, watch out for that Dmitri chap, two, keep the talisman with you at all times and three, don't let my little girl run roughshod all over you. You do those things and you will be fine."

I had to laugh. "All right, anything else?"

"Be there for Draco."

"Well, I'm not sure, but I think that Ginny has that covered as well. He'll be fine Lud." Then I shrugged. "As fine as Draco can be anyway."

I headed for Honeydukes shop but Lud stopped me. "Where are you going Harry, Hogwarts is that way."

"It's to bloody cold out here, and I'm taking the passage."

"Well, I'll see you later then." I shook hands with him and stepped into a back slapping hug. I waved and entered the sweet shop.

A short time later found me crawling out of the one-eyed witches hump just as Draco and Ginny were passing by.

"Sneaking out again are we?"

I spun around then laughed. "You startled me. No actually, coming in. I spent some time with Lud last night; morning Gin."

"Hi Harry." Then she studied me. "You look almost...rested! That's a first."

Draco frowned. "Wait a minute, you were with my uncle at my manor last night, and you didn't invite me?"

"Yes I was with your uncle, but not at the manor. We went to the house he used to live in before moving to the manor. I'm sorry Draco, but I wanted to talk about...everything. You aren't going to say anything to Bob, right?"

"Not me. Well, as pleasant as this is Potter..." He looked fondly at Ginny. "I'm on a date. We'll see you later."

I smiled as I watched them walk away then made my way back to my common room.

* * *

Three days later, all hell broke loose. The day started out like most days at Hogwarts do. I was in the Great Hall having breakfast with Ron and Mione. The hall was filled with the normal buzz of students preparing for the day. Gradually, I became aware of arguing coming from the corridor outside the doors.

A short time later, Bob entered looking all the world like wrath itself; she was closely followed by The Prince, who was yelling at her as she walked.

She spun on him and ground through her teeth. "This is neither the time nor the place Dmitri. I am going to eat breakfast and go to class. We can talk about this later! Can you wrap your feeble mind around that? Does it penetrate through that thick Russian skull of yours?"

He grabbed her arm and spun her around. "You will talk to me now, Roberta!" He raised a hand like he would slap her.

That was all it took. I don't remember getting up at all. From what my friends told me later, I evidently practically flew across the room at him. The only thing I remember was coming to my senses with my hands wrapped securely around his throat with him lying on the stone floor of the hall.

"If you ever lay one finger on her to hurt her, you will regret it. Is that understood?"

When I saw a moment of fear in his eyes I smiled. "Be afraid of me, Nicholas." I yanked him up by the shirtfront and pushed him up against the wall.

"Well, Harry Potter does have a breaking point after all."

"I will not be baited by the likes of you Dmitri, take my warning for what it is worth. I will not allow you to hurt her."

Out of the corner of my eye I saw that Draco had an arm wrapped around Bob and was glaring at The Prince. Without looking at Roberta, I turned and walked back to my seat and continued eating. It all happened so quickly that the teachers at the head table didn't even have a chance to get to us before it was over.

Moments later I felt a tap on my shoulder, "Mr. Potter, come with me." I rolled my eyes at Ron who looked at me sympathetically, and then stood and followed McGonagall out of the Great Hall.

No sooner were the doors closed behind us that I turned to my Head of House, "Professor, before you round on me, you should know that he..."

But she held up a hand stemming my explanation. "Mr. Potter, I am not going to round on you."

I was shocked. "You're not?"

"Certainly not, I only want to give you a word of caution; Mr. Nicholas is protected by the laws of common decency as a foreigner visiting our school, but beyond that he is also the descendant of royalty which gives him further protection. A diplomatic immunity, so to speak. You do not want to start a national incident because of your anger.

"Personally Mr. Potter, and just between you and me, I believe Durmstrang knew exactly what they were doing when they sent him as the exchange student. He is certainly not the best of their student numbers. They probably needed a reprieve. But be that as it may..."

"Excuse me Professor, but I will tell you as truthfully as is in me, I will stay out of his way right up until the point that he tries to do anything to Miss. Malfoy. I will not allow him to hurt her just because he holds some fancy title; international incident or not."

She looked at me but I couldn't read her expression, then she sighed. "Walk with me Mr. Potter."

We started down the corridor walking slowly. "I have watched you grow up from a child full of hope and wonder, to a young man with heavy responsibilities; responsibilities that would break a normal person. You, Mr. Potter however, are not normal. You are powerful, certainly more powerful than any of us here, except perhaps Professor Dumbledore; you may even be more powerful than him. But along with that power comes responsibility of a different sort. You hold the entire wizarding world in your hands. The difference between light and dark is a gossamer line, so thin that it could break at the slightest push.

"What I am trying to say is don't allow someone to provoke you over that line. Realize who you are dealing with and what the consequences will be."

I was angry. "So you are telling me that I have to stand back and let things happen to people that I love, just to avoid trouble?"

"Certainly not Mr. Potter, what I witnessed in there today was understandable, and you are to be congratulated on your restraint. What I am saying is be aware of consequences before you act. Blind rage has no place with a Wizard as powerful as you are."

I only nodded.

"Now Mr. Potter, you have about fifteen minutes, I would suggest that you gather your things and get to class. And don't worry about Mr. Nicholas; Professor Dumbledore is talking to him." With that she left me standing there and made her way down the corridor.

I watched her retreating back and thought about what she had said. I wasn't sure, but I think that in that conversation she gave me carte blanche to deal with the situation as needed, up to a point of course. I shook my head and went back to the Great Hall to grab some toast and my things.

The rest of the day was normal; classes held no surprises and there were no more confrontations of any kind. It was generally a pleasant day.

After dinner, I sat at the small table in our dorm room and was playing exploding snap with Neville, Dean and Seamus, when Ron burst through the door. "Harry, its Roberta!"

He ran out the door and I was close behind him running down the steps.

Roberta was sitting on the sofa; Hermione had her arms around her as she sobbed.

When I looked into the face of my angel, my stomach dropped. Her eyes were black, her lip was swollen and bleeding, her nose was bleeding, and she held her arm like it was painful.

I had tears in my eyes when I reached out and gently touched her cheek. She looked into my eyes and there was unspoken communication there.

I stood and quietly looked at Ron. "I need my map." Without another word he was off.

"Mione, get her to Madam Pomfrey." I gently kissed Bob's forehead and whispered, "It will be alright, I promise." Mione left with Bob just as Ron returned with my map. I quickly scanned the map looking for the two people I needed. Then I looked at Neville who had joined us, "Nev, go to the Astronomy Tower. Tell Draco to meet me at the front doors." I turned to Ron. "I want you to come with me. If I loose control..." I let the sentence hang and Ron nodded with understanding.

Ron and I followed after Neville and headed toward the castle doors.

It wasn't long before Draco was there as well. Ron filled him in on what had happened. I couldn't, I was so angry that I could barely speak.

Draco looked up at me. "Do you know where he is?"

"Your Common Room."

"Let's go then."

The three of us, Ron, Draco and I, made our way to the Slytherin common room. By the time we arrived there we were flanked by at least 20 other students, a mix of Slytherin and Gryffindor. Some wanting to see what would happen, others just caught up in the curiosity of what was going on.

Draco opened the door and I stepped through, flanked by Ron on one side and Draco on the other.

Dmitri Nicholas sat in the Common Room with one leg draped over the arm of the chair that he occupied. When he saw me, the smile on his face faded and he jumped up and was ready for the fight.

Draco chased everyone else from the room with a mere look.

I approached the prat and sneered. "You like beating up girls, do you, Dmitri?"

"I never gave you permission to use my first name Potter. And as for your silly little girlfriend, I take what I want and dispose of the rest. She was getting...tedious."

Draco stepped forward. "Do you have any idea who you are talking to Nicholas? This is Harry Potter, the wizard who defeated Voldemort. You have heard of Voldemort haven't you? The Dark Lord that the entire Wizarding world was frightened of, the Dark Lord that is now dead because he pushed this man too far. Are you really that stupid or merely deluded?"

"So he got lucky a couple of times Malfoy. Does he really think that he can possibly defeat me? He doesn't even have his wand out."

I held out my hand and whispered, "Wingardium Leviosa."

We all watched as the git floated to the ceiling and bounced a couple of times. Ron laughed. "Oh, didn't anyone tell you Nicholas, Harry doesn't need a wand!"

"Put me down this instant!"

"Alright." I pulled my hand back and let the git fall to the floor. I studied my nails for a moment then returned my gaze to my victim; for that is what he had become. In that instant, I understood exactly what Professor McGonagall had been talking about.

I also realized that Draco was right, he really must be stupid. I took my school robes off and threw them to Ron then faced the enraged prat who now had his wand out. He attacked first. "Protego!"

I cast a quick shielding charm around the three of us, and just for effect, yawned and put my other hand over my mouth.

Ron took the opportunity to lean in and whisper, "You know Harry; he is somewhat royalty. Maybe you should do this in a language that he would understand."

I never took my eyes off the git, but answered Ron. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, challenge him to a duel. It's what he knows."

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Draco lean forward to look at Ron with confusion on his face. "How did you know that?"

Ron looked a bit indignant. "Hey, I read!"

"I never thought that I would say this but, he's right Harry."

I considered the advice of my two friends for a moment. "All right, but you know that I really want to pound his face in don't you?"

Ron patted me on the back. "You'll get your chance mate."

"Ok, how do I do this?"

Draco conjured a glove and handed it to me. "Throw that in his face. If he is any kind of a man at all, he will pick it up and do the same to you."

From behind me I heard someone enter. "And what may I ask is going on in here?"

Draco stepped back to talk to Professor Snape. I didn't hear the exchange but I trusted Draco to handle it. I walked forward with the glove and threw it into the face of my opponent.

I watched him bend to pick up the glove and I longed to take advantage of the opportunity, but thought that in the name of good sportsmanship that I should refrain from that; it was tempting though.

He returned the gesture and Professor Snape stepped in. "Meet in the Great Hall in thirty minutes. Mr. Potter may I speak with you a moment please?"

I went off to the side of the common room with the professor. "Yes sir?" I still hadn't taken my eyes off the prat. I didn't trust him to follow his own rules.

"Mr. Potter, look at me please."

I finally broke eye contact with Nicholas and looked at the professor. "I'm sorry sir, and by the way, you are looking well."

"Mr. Potter, I know that you can defeat him hands down. I just want to warn you to hold back some. We wouldn't want him dead, just taught a lesson."

I was disappointed. "If you insist sir."

"I do, and for your information, Miss. Malfoy is doing well."

The mention of Roberta brought tears to my eyes and I looked at my potions teacher. "Are you sure I can't kill him sir?"

He clapped me on the back. "Positive. Go prepare yourself."

I nodded and headed for the door that led out of the Slytherin Common Room, followed by Ron and Draco.

Draco started laughing as soon as the three of us left. "Weaselby, sometimes you surprise me."

Both Ron and I looked at him disgustedly.

He threw up his hands, Ok, ok, Ron. Sometimes you surprise me Ron."

Ron shrugged. "Hey if you took the opportunity to get to know me instead of insulting me all the time, you would find that I am quite a well rounded bloke."

"Come on you two, we need to get to the Great Hall."

I don't know why anything that happens in Hogwarts surprises' me, but it does. We walked into the Great Hall and it was set up for a duel. A long platform stretched across the middle of the room. The table that the teachers usually sat at now resided on a raised dais.

Word must have spread through the school like lightening, because students started pouring in to watch.

Dmitri came into the room flanked by Professor Snape and the two of them went to one end of the platform. Ron, Draco and I went to the other end.

Before long, Professor Dumbledore came in and took a seat and nodded to both of us in turn.

After a few moments, the Headmaster stood and announced to the room, "Gentlemen, you are here because a challenge has been issued and accepted. For your information, the normal wards have been removed from the Great Hall. So spells that you normally can't cast on school grounds will work for the duration of the duel. This duel will be the best of three falls. If your opponent falls, you must step back to your end of the platform and wait for the other to collect himself.

I leaned over to Draco and whispered, "This isn't going to be very satisfying. I just want to bash his face in."

He rolled his eyes. "Merlin Potter, at least act like you have some aristocratic blood!"

I continued to listen to the Headmaster without comment.

"If either of you falls twice in the first two duels, the contest is over and the caster will be the winner. There are to be no deadly curses cast, and..."

"Get on with it old man. I want to teach Potter who his better is."

The whole school gasped and looked to the Headmaster in shock. However, Dumbledore took the comment in stride and nodded to his challenger. "As you wish Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Potter, are you ready?"

"Yes sir."

"Then gentlemen, take your places."

We both stood on either end of the platform and approached the middle. We bowed to each other and turned to return a distance away from each other.

Dumbledore declared, "Wands at the ready...and begin."

I instantly disapparated and re-appeared behind him. I pointed my wand at him and yelled, "Reducio!" Instantly Nicholas began to shrink. I lifted my wand from my target when he stood a mere six inches tall and picked him up. "How does it feel to be helpless you son of a..."

"That will be enough Mr. Potter. Put him down please." I did so reluctantly and returned to my end of the stage.

"First fall goes to Harry Potter."

I watched as Professor Snape pointed his wand at my miniature opponent and said, "Finite."

The Prince returned to normal size and glared at me. "I'll get you for that Potter."

"That is if you get the chance your majesty," I snapped back. "Furnunculus!" But this time he side stepped the light that shot from my wand.

"Impedimenta!" He cried but I cast a quick shield charm and repelled his spell. Then he fired several spells off in quick secession. "Petrificus Totalus, Stupefy, Expelliarmus!" The spells were coming fast now. I felt my wand leave my hand and smiled. When I held my hand up and deflected the other two spells, I saw the realization dawn on his face. He had forgotten what Ron had told him earlier.

My mistake was that I took time to gloat over my good fortune, and Nicholas, ever the opportunist took advantage of that. "Incarcerous!"

Ropes flew from the end of his wand and hit me square in the chest. They wrapped themselves tightly around me so that I could not move. I silently cursed myself as Professor Snape came forward and pointed his wand at me, "Finite. Remember what we talked about Mr. Potter."

Dumbledore's voice broke through the groans of the student body. "The score is one fall each. The next fall will declare the winner."

I was finished playing. I stood and glared at my opponent and held out my hand, "Expectro Patronum!" A silver white stag appeared out of the tips of my fingers and lunged for The Prince.

I laughed as I saw him back up and trip over his own feet trying to get away. I approached his end of the stage and rubbed a hand fondly over my Patronus. "Hello Prongs," I whispered. Then I looked at my fallen foe. "Do you concede Nicholas?"

He hesitated, then stood up and brushed off his slacks before he looked at me and said, "No." With that he threw a punch at my face.

His fist hit my jaw and threw me back momentarily, but I caught myself before I fell and launched myself at the smug bastard.

Amid the yells of foul play and cheat coming from my fellow students, I smiled, now this is much more satisfying, I thought.

I called on all my experience from dealing with Dudley over the years and dodged another shot to my face and buried my fist in his stomach. Then I grabbed his arm and easily twisted it behind his back and pushed his face into the wall. "Face it Dmitri, I out class you in all areas." I pulled his arm higher behind his shoulder blades. "Now suppose we have a little talk. Why would you hurt Roberta, and remember, I am in control here."

"I...I was under orders."

Ok, now I was in shock. "Under orders? Whose orders, who would possibly order you to hurt Rob..."

"I can't tell you."

I looked at Professors' Dumbledore and Snape. "Did you hear that?"

"Yes Mr. Potter, release Mr. Nicholas and we will have a long talk with him."

"Good, I know that Professor Snape has a vial of Veritiserum, I think we need to make you drink the whole thing." I pulled him away from the wall and pushed him over toward Professor Snape.

Professor Dumbledore looked at Ron and Draco, "I believe that you gentlemen should take Mr. Potter to the hospital wing and have Madam Pomfrey take a look at him. He has quite a remarkable bruise forming on his jaw."

I didn't not want to be ushered off to the hospital wing. "Professor, I want to know what he has to say."

But Professor Dumbledore held up a hand. "Harry I will let you know everything we find out, for now, go see Madam Pomfrey. I understand that Miss Malfoy is there as well. You can check on her progress." He turned to leave but came back to me. "By the way, you did a wonderful job in your duel. That was really quite a remarkable patronus. Now off with you Mr. Potter."

I watched him leave and mumbled, "You old coot. Since when have you ever told me everything that was going on."

Then Draco clapped my back. "That was great Harry."

"Not great, brilliant!" Ron added.

"Well, the old coot wants us to take you to see Madam Pomfrey, so I think we should go."

I sighed. "All I really want, is to hear what that bastard has to say, and all I really need is to have a lie in, and don't call Dumbledore an old coot, ok." It was ok for me to make disparaging remarks about the Headmaster, but something entirely different to hear someone else do the same thing. All the adrenaline that had been sustaining me, now left, and I was suddenly more tired than I have been in a very long time.

Madam Pomfrey seemed to be expecting me and scurried around making sure that I was tucked into a warm comfortable bed. But before I could sleep, I had to find out one thing. "Madam Pomfrey, is Roberta all right?"

"She is fine Mr. Potter. You may talk to her in the morning. For now, I want you to drink this dreamless sleep potion."

"I don't think that I'm going to need that. All I did was have a short duel. Everyone is treating me as if I'm a weakling."

"Mr. Potter, the fact that you haven't been sleeping well, coupled with apparating and producing a Patronus and brawling, you look half dead on your feet." Then she smiled. "And you still defeated that...that...brat from Durmstrang. Good form Mr. Potter. Good form. Now, I don't want your sleep interrupted before morning. Drink up!"

I took the proffered cup and downed the contents, laid my glasses on the bedside table and pulled the blankets up over my shoulder. Only then did Madam Pomfrey leave my side and went into her office and closed the door with an audible click.

Moments later, a soft voice whispered in my ear, "Harry, are you still awake?"

I was drowsy but I opened one eye to see Bob. I smiled at her and took her hand. "You look better than the last time I saw you. How do you feel?"

"I'm ok...Harry..."

I propped myself up on my elbow and looked at her. The sorrow was evident in her face and I wanted nothing more than to talk to her about everything, however the potion was quickly taking effect and there was no way I would be able to carry on a coherent conversation. "Not tonight Roberta, I can't. I tell you what..." I lifted up the blankets and motioned her in. "...We'll talk later."

She smiled and cuddled in next to me. I put a protective arm around her waist and snuggled my face into her hair. Then I lifted my head again. "You do know that this isn't over don't you?"

She nodded. "Yes Harry."

"And you are still in big trouble?"

She nodded again. "Yes Harry."

"Just so we are clear on that."

She snuggled closer. "Yes Harry. Get some sleep Harry."

That was the last thing I remembered until morning.

* * *

"Well, I never! Mr. Potter, Miss Malfoy how dare you turn my infirmary into a...a brothel! I've half a mind to report you two to the Headmaster."

I slowly climbed up from the blissful sleep and opened one eye to see a very irate Madam Pomfrey standing there, hands on her hips and a scowl on her face.

I sat up and smiled at her and yawned. "Now really Madam Pomfrey, you saw me drink that potion last night. In your opinion would I have been able to turn this place into a brothel?"

"Well..."

"The only thing that happened last night was two people who have been through a very traumatic experience, comforting each other." I looked at Roberta who was blushing to the roots of her hair. "Do you feel comforted Roberta?"

She only nodded and slipped out of the bed.

"There, you see. It worked."

The nurse seemed flustered. "Well then Mr. Potter, you are free to go, you as well Miss Malfoy." She walked off mumbling under her breath leaving the two of us alone.

The silence was awkward between us. I watched her walk around my bed but carefully avoid looking at me. I didn't say a word to her; I just let her feel the discomfort that she had created between us.

"Harry...I made a real mess of things. I hurt you; I hurt us. I'm not sure how I am going to do it, but I am going to make this up to you."

I didn't say a word; I just let the silence hang there.

She finally looked at me. "Aren't you going to say anything? At least yell at me or something?"

"What's there to say Roberta? I'm at a loss. Yelling at you isn't going to change things. You put a wall up between us."

"Tell me what I can do then."

"I honestly don't know."

She looked at me with tears in her eyes and whispered, "I'm sorry Harry." She left my side and after dressing, left the infirmary as quickly as she could.

I just dropped back into my pillows and said to the room, "this just might kill me Lud. I hope you are right."

I slowly got dressed, still feeling the after effects of the potion. I went down to the Great Hall and joined my fellow Gryffindors for breakfast. I purposely avoided looking at the Slytherin table except to catch a glimpse of Draco.

He looked at her then at me and gave me the thumbs up with an evil smile.

When the owls arrived, a school owl delivered a note from Professor Dumbledore.

Harry,

Please meet me in my office in fifteen minutes.

Professor Albus Dumbledore

I wolfed down some fried eggs and toast and looked at Ron and Hermione. "I'll fill you in when I get back. I looked at Draco and realized he was heading out at the same time. "Did you get a note as well?"

"Yes, let's go."

Within a few minutes, we were in front of the large stone phoenix. Professor Dumbledore was waiting for us and we fell in behind him as he led us to his office.

Once we were seated comfortably, the Professor sat in his overlarge chair and peered at us over his steepled fingers. "Now gentlemen, I assume that you know why I have asked you here?"

I tried to hide my impatience. "Yes sir, we'd like to know what you found out about Dmitri Nicholas."

"Yes, well we did find out some fascinating things by talking to Mr. Nicholas last evening."

Draco wasn't as patient and it was evident in his voice. "And...?"

"Well, first of all, we found out that he was under the Imperious Curse."

"No surprises there." I muttered.

"Indeed Mr. Potter, indeed; however it is the caster of that spell that is surprising. It seems Mr. Malfoy that it was your father that hired him to befriend your cousin in order to draw Mr. Potter out. He was hoping to provoke Harry into rash actions."

I let out a whistle. "Professor, isn't Mr. Malfoy...ahhh..." I looked at Draco not wanting to dredge up unpleasant feelings.

Draco looked at me and finished for me, "isn't my father locked up in the asylum?"

"Indeed he is. It seems that he hired Mr. Nicholas during the Christmas holidays. He contacted the Headmaster of Durmstrang representing himself as a spokesman of Hogwarts. He encouraged the Headmaster to contact me and offer an exchange in the interest of goodwill between schools.

"Alas, he knows me and my deepest desires all too well. I was more than willing to believe that all was it was as presented. I eagerly accepted the offer. So in a way, this is entirely my fault."

Draco looked at Professor Dumbledore. "Sir, I know my father very well. This seems to...simple to be a plan of his. He would have a backup just in case something like this happens. I don't think that we have heard the end of this."

"Exactly my thoughts Mr. Malfoy, however we were unable to get any other information from Mr. Nicholas. Either he has been charmed in some way that we couldn't discover, which I highly doubt, or he really doesn't know any more."

"My father wouldn't give all the information of a plan to one person."

I looked at the two of them. "So, what has happened to Dmitri?"

"He has been sent back to Durmstrang and Brent Thompson will be returning within two day's time. The Headmaster at Durmstrang is very embarrassed about this whole thing. I suspect that Mr. Nicholas will be looking for another school to attend."

I was nonplussed. "But Professor, we can't just let him get away with..."

He held up his hand, stemming my complaint. "Mr. Potter, I understand your desire for vengeance, however there are times when matters are better left to powers greater than our own. I feel certain that Durmstrang will take this matter in hand. He has embarrassed his family and his school, and we must remember that he was acting under the Imperious Curse.

"This in addition to the fact that we can not overlook our own involvement in this situation..."

Draco jumped up. "What do you mean our involvement? We didn't instigate any of this."

"Indeed we did not Mr. Malfoy, however your father, being a governor of this school, did."

Draco threw himself down into his chair again and mumbled. "That man needs to be put out of everyone's misery."

"Be careful what you wish for Mr. Malfoy. You may get it. Now, I understand that our Miss Malfoy is on the mend."

Both of us answered. "Yes!"

"And according to Madam Pomfrey, there is no lasting damage. It could have been much worse. This is one of those situations that we should all count our blessings."

I know I looked disgusted. "That isn't very satisfying Professor."

Draco looked at me and smiled. "Ah, but that was a remarkable punch that you landed on him."

I smiled. "It was good wasn't it." I looked at Professor Dumbledore. "Alright Professor, where do we go from here?"

He stood and smiled at the two of us. "Well, you go to class; and be ever on your guard."

I moaned. "Great, I thought all that was over when I killed Voldemort."

"Harry, there will always be a form of Voldemort, for there can be no good without its counterpart."

I only nodded and we stood to leave, but as we approached the door Professor McGonagall entered with Lud behind her. "Oh good you are still here boys, please don't leave just yet."

We shook hands with Roberta's father. "Good to see you again Lud."

He nodded to both of us but looked grim. "I'm afraid I bring bad news with me. It seems that Lucius has escaped the asylum."

I dropped back down into my chair and put my head in my hands. "Fan...bloody...tastic."

"Do the officials have any idea how he managed that remarkable feat?" Dumbledore asked.

"Well, Narcissa came to visit. That is all they know right now. He has only just been discovered missing. The Ministry has been alerted and they have aurors out searching. Harry, you need to be..."

"Be on my guard, I know, I know." I stood and paced the room then turn and said to who ever would listen, "you know, I'm getting bloody tired of this."

Draco looked at me. "You are whining Potter."

"Yeah, well is there anyone who is more entitled to it then me?"

Dumbledore smiled gently. "All right gentlemen, you are warned. You need to go to class." He waved a wand and two notes appeared. "These will get you into your class, but I don't think that Professor Snape will have a problem with your lateness."

We headed toward the door but with a sigh I stopped and spoke to the adults in the room, "Please forgive my childishness. Thank you for the warning Lud, I will be careful." Then Draco and I left them to their discussions.

After the door closed and we were headed toward the dungeons, Draco turned to me. "You know that you are the world's biggest suck up, don't you Harry?"

I smiled at him and nodded. "Of course, and you have just had your first Potter lesson. Never leave a bad impression with your future father-in-law. Come on, let's get to class."

Roberta was in class. Draco and I were partnered up and while I worked on the potion, I could see out of the corner of my eye that there was some sort of silent communication going on between the two Malfoys. I surreptitiously glanced at Bob, then back down at my Tentacula leaves that I was meticulously cutting into strips, before she could notice.

I looked at Draco slyly and he smiled. "It's killing her you know."

I quietly answered, "Good. Tell me you don't think she deserves it."

"Of course she does, and more. Just be careful, you can only push her so far."

"Yeah, but we're not there yet."

He laughed. "I swear you are in the wrong house. Is it too late for you to transfer?"

At the end of class, Bob fell into step between Draco and me. I was friendly but what I longed to do was pull her into an empty classroom and snog her silly. For about the billionth time I hoped that Lud knew what he was talking about.

At the end of the corridor, I met up with Hermione and headed off to Arithmancy and separated from Bob and Draco. "I'll see you at dinner." And without a backwards glance, headed in the opposite direction.

Hermione was quiet for a while, but then she stopped and rounded on me. "Harry Potter, that poor girl has been through a lot and you are barely giving her the time of day. Don't you love her anymore?"

I looked at her seriously. "Herm, I love you but listen to me when I say that this is none of your concern."

"It's not like you to be so unforgiving, what are you playing at?"

I started walking again. "Leave it be Hermione."

She hurried to catch up with me, grabbed my arm and forced me to face her. "Harry, she is the best thing that has ever happened to you, despite this recent show of bad judgment. You can't just...just forget all of that!"

All of the frustrations that I had been feeling since this whole thing started, Bob's betrayal, Dmitri, Lucius, the potions room explosion, everything came to a boiling point at that moment. I looked at Hermione with more anger that I had shown towards her in a while and ground out, "You're right Hermione, I CAN'T just forget all of that. I can't forget that with no provocation she left me for a prat in tight leather pants. I can't forget that she..." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to keep back the break in my voice that I could feel coming. I would not show weakness.

When I opened my eyes again, Hermione was standing there with a concerned look on her face.

I just whispered, "I can't forget."

Hermione groaned and grabbed my hand. "I'm sorry Harry. I opened my mouth again when I should have kept it shut. Of course I understand. Please forgive me and my busybody ways."

I only nodded; I didn't trust myself to speak at the moment.

"Come on; let's get to class before we are late."

I meekly followed Hermione. How could I tell her that I had every intention of staying with Bob; that I knew that that exasperating woman was my present and my future? How could I tell her that I needed her like other people need air to breathe? But what I wanted most; no, what I needed most was to be able to trust her again, and at this point, I didn't have that luxury.

Two more weeks passed by in much the same way. I kept Bob away at a friendly arm's length. I could see her getting frustrated but I couldn't let it go just yet.

Then one night at the end of January, I was sitting in my Common Room, my feet on the coffee table in front of a pleasantly warm fire. It was starting to get late, maybe around 9:00 p.m. I was in and out of a doze, comfortably warm and not able to convince myself to get up and go to my bed.

Suddenly, I felt a weight sit on my lap. I drowsily opened one eye and smiled at Bob. She was sitting on my lap facing me with a knee on either side of my hips. She leaned forward with her forearms on my chest.

"To what do I owe this visit?"

She kissed me like she was pouring her whole heart into it. Then she whispered, "I have a question for you."

"Alright, fire."

"Do you like me at all?"

I studied her face for a moment before I answered, "sometimes."

Her face fell, but she didn't let that answer stop her. "Do you love me then?"

Without hesitation I smiled and answered, "More than life itself, that was never in question."

Now I could see the confusion on her beautiful face. "Then why...?"

I took her hand in mine and looked into her beautiful green eyes. "Roberta, loving you was never the question, trusting you is. I laid my heart at your feet and you ground it into the dirt. Trust is more important to me than anything Roberta. I've been through too much for it not to be. I have trusted Ron and Hermione for years and they have never let me down. Draco is a new friend, but I trust him too."

The two of us were quiet then she whispered, "What can I do Harry? I want us back."

"It's just going to take time Roberta; time."

I watched a smile appear on her face and she jumped up. "Come with me Mr. Potter."

And she headed toward the portrait hole.

"Where are we going?"

"You'll see!" She came back across the room and grabbed my hand and pulled me up. "Come on."

We ran along the corridors and headed toward the dungeons. "Roberta, Filch will..."

"Where's that Gryffindor courage?"

Ok, that shut me up. It wasn't long before we were standing outside the potions room. She pulled me into the room and went to the desk where we first had detention together in September.

Then she turned to me and held a hand out to me. "Hello, my name is Roberta Malfoy, but you can call me Bob."

She looked at me with a twinkle in her eyes, and stood there waiting for me to make the next move.

I looked at her hand and back at her.

She smiled. "It's a hand, it won't bite."

Then I smiled back at her and took the hand that she offered. "And my name is Harry Potter. I am very pleased to meet you, Bob."