Operation: Get Bob

Chapter 6 - February

So we started over.

The beginning of February brought with it the normal morose of being the dead of winter with no relief in sight. A blizzard hit the school with all the force of a vengeful enemy, making it impossible to attend Hagrid's Care of Magical Creatures classes.

The cold wind blew so hard, that bitterly frigid drafts worked their way through the thick stone walls of the castle, making the passages even more uncomfortable than normal.

Moods were dark and tempers were short; and add to that the shadow of upcoming NEWT's for the seventh years, well, it just was not what I would call fun.

The one somewhat bright spot in an otherwise dismal time was that following Monday at breakfast. Professor Dumbledore stood and held his hands up for quiet. Once the student body was silent he glanced at us and smiled. "Children, I have what I think is wonderful news."

Draco, who was sitting with Ginny leaned forward and whispered to me, "yeah, and he thought bringing in The Prince was a good idea. We all know how that turned out."

Much to my disgrace, I chuckled and tried to hide it in my pumpkin juice. Hermione frowned at both of us, "shhhh."

I promptly quieted but Draco scowled at her. However he too quieted and listened further. "...a Valentine's Day dance. It will be open to fourth years and above."

I heard Draco utter an over-exaggerated groan and laughed again as I watched Ginny's eyes light up with enthusiasm. She playfully hit his arm and put her head on his shoulder.

I looked across the hall to the Slytherin table and smiled at Bob. I motioned for her to come over and sit with me. She smiled, but nodded toward Dumbledore. Then she put a finger up and mouthed, 'wait a minute'.

Once again the Head Master was speaking. "Yes it is exciting I know. For the younger children..." I blocked out the rest of the information as it didn't pertain to me and I concentrated on looking at Bob.

When Dumbledore sat back down, Bob made her way over to my side and sat with her back toward the table.

Despite all my plans to take our relationship slowly, I was finding it increasingly difficult to maintain the 'new relationship' status that I had set. I soon found out that there was no such thing as starting completely over. C'est la vie.

"Good Morning." I kissed her on the cheek. "Do you have plans tonight?"

"I was going to revise for NEWT's in the library.

Let me interject at this point. I wanted, no I ached to take her to the room of requirement and snog her silly. But I clamped an iron will on myself and said, "me too. Would you like to revise together?"

She leaned over and whispered in my ear and her warm breath thrilled me and sent chills down my spine. "Well, what I would really like to do is pull you into an empty classroom and kiss this spot right here..." She lightly brushed a spot on the side of my neck with her finger, "...but revising is good too."

I closed my eyes and smiled. It was nice to know that at least we were of like mind. I then frowned at her, "you are a tease, you know that, don't you?"

You know I really wasn't surprised, she had been turning on the charm since the day we met. This was no different. Despite past history, she was going after what she wanted any way she could. I was just thankful that it was me that she wanted. But I still wasn't ready to re-establish the status quo.

She got up and looked down at me with a devilish smile, "are you coming to class?"

"Not just yet, I'm going to finish eating. You go on. I'll see you in class."

She stuck her lower lip out in a cute pout and I longed to kiss it. "You're no fun!"

I just shrugged, "I'm hungry."

She huffed and turned and left the hall.

After she was gone I banged my head on the table a couple of times. When I looked up, my friends were all looking at me with smiles on their faces, "What?"

Collectively they spoke, "nothing Harry. What are you talking about?"

Draco looked at Ron, Hermione and Ginny, and then at me, well if they aren't going to say it, I will. "Good job, Potter!"

Hermione looked in shock at Draco, "That's not what we were thinking Draco, honestly!"

He shrugged and picked up his rucksack and patted me on the back, "I say it again Potter, good job! You coming Gin?"

She grabbed a piece of toast and stood up, "yes."

Ginny leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. "I know its hard Harry, but she deserves it."

Hermione looked indignant, "Not you too Ginny?"

She just shrugged, "You have to admit Hermione that she treated Harry pretty badly. She's lucky he's even talking to her. Let's go Draco."

Hermione looked at Ron, "maybe you can talk some sense into him."

He smirked at me then looked at Hermione, "why would I want to do that, Mione? Good job mate."

Hermione just rolled her eyes, "honestly Ronald."

He patted me on the back, "You coming?"

"Sure," I grabbed some toast and quickly made an egg sandwich and left with Ron and Hermione.

When we all separated and went to our own classes, I caught up with Draco.

"Hey, I wanted to ask you something about the pocket watch."

"What about it?"

"Well, something that Lud said made me think that there was more to it than what we already know. "

Draco stopped and looked at me, "Really? Well, I've told you everything that I know. That was everything that my father told me. It would be just like him to only give me half the information. That's how he operates." Then he continued walking. "If Ludwig said that there was more to it, then I would bet that there is. He would know. It was supposed to go to him.

"My father told me the whole sordid story the day he showed me the watch. He was going to pass it down to me. He never got around to it, so I kiked it.

"I carried it around for a couple of years, but I thought you needed it more than I did." Then he laughed. "You have made more use of it in the last month than I did the whole time I carried it. You know, trouble seems to follow you, Potter."

I laughed, "You are just now figuring that out? That doesn't have anything very good to say about you. Not very quick on the uptake are you?"

"Sod off, Potter."

He walked off and left me standing there. "Hey, wait up!

* * *

The next morning I received a note from Professor McGonagall. I opened it and quickly read it, Dear Mr. Potter, Please take some time to visit with me this evening after dinner.

Prof. M. McGonagall.

I looked up at the head table and nodded to her, then went back to eating breakfast. Ron looked at me and spoke through his mouthful of toast.

"Well then, who is it from?"

"For Merlin's sake Weasley, at least swallow before you talk!"

"Clam up Malfoy. Well Harry?"

"It's from McGonagall. She wants to talk to me tonight after dinner."

Draco leaned over and whispered loud enough for everyone around us to hear, "oooh, watch out for that one Potter. She may try to take Roberta's place."

Everyone busted out laughing, except for me that is. I just looked at him with the most serious face I could muster and answered, "And what's wrong with that?"

Amid groans and fake gagging from Ron and Draco, and much eye rolling from Hermione, I took Bob's hand, "Let's go and leave these sick people to it, shall we?"

Her eyes twinkled at me, "Gee, I don't know Harry, if you prefer our Transfig teacher over me, I..."

"It is a toss up right now. What are you going to do to swing things to your favor?"

"Oh, I could never compete with Professor McGonagall Harry, if you want her maybe you should be with her. I'll get by...somehow." Her look was so forlorn that the whole table erupted with laughter.

I let out an exaggerated sigh, "very well then, I guess I'll see you around, your loss though.

Then she jumped up and looked at me, "I just want to give you something to remember me by Harry." She put her arms around my neck and pulled my head closer. I watched her lips part and she ran her tongue across them. Her hooded eyes made her more beautiful than I could say. I tilted my head and moved even closer, and then she quickly pecked me on the cheek and walked away.

Again my friends and I use the term lightly, let out an uproar of laughter.

I watched her walk out of the Great Hall and sighed, "I would have to fall in love with the world's biggest flirt." Then I grabbed my things and ran after her.

* * *

That evening, I met with Professor McGonagall in the Transfiguration classroom. She was sitting at her desk, grading the latest essays from the first years when I came in.

The door creaked to announce my arrival, and she looked up and smiled at me, "thank you for coming, Mr. Potter. Please have a seat." She indicated a chair that she had sitting next to her.

After I was seated, the professor folded her hands in her lap and smiled, "I wanted to talk to you about your use of wandless magic; as well as that wonderful patronus you summoned." She looked at me fondly. "Your powers are certainly getting stronger and your control is exemplary.

"First of all, not many 17 year old wizards could produce a solid, corporeal patronus." I must say that when I saw that, I was astounded, as were most of the other teachers. I thought Severus was going to bust his buttons in pride." Then she laughed, "That stays between you and me Harry."

I smiled, "yes ma'am."

"In any case..." Then she stood and looked at me, "...do you understand why your use of wandless magic puts you in the hospital wing in exhaustion?"

"Not really Professor. I thought maybe it was that it is pretty new to me and I haven't gotten used to using it yet."

"Well, that is close, however it is not a point of getting used to using it as it is drawing on the correct source of power. You see, when you use a wand, the power comes from inside yourself. The wand focuses that power to a fine point and makes the most of a small amount of power in you.

Now let's consider wandless magic. Without a wand, there is no instrument to focus the power. It rushes out of you in the form of raw energy.

"You have managed to focus that energy, which is remarkable, but it leaves you weak and unable to function afterwards."

"I usually avoid doing wandless magic because of that. However during the dual, it just seemed to call for it." I smirked.

Then she smiled at me, "Mr. Potter, would you like to learn how to use wandless magic and not exhaust yourself?"

I sat up, "Absolutely Professor!"

"All right then, first and foremost, like I said earlier, you are drawing on yourself as a source of power. You must learn to draw from sources around you instead. The air, the rocks, the trees, everything that surrounds you is a source of power. There is more power surrounding us than you can imagine, and wandless magic uses a very minute portion of that power.

"Control is of the utmost importance." She walked to the door then looked back at me, "Well, are you coming Mr. Potter?"

I jumped up and followed her out the door. "Professor, where are we going?"

"To Professor Dumbledore, he will be teaching you what you need to know."

"Oh, I thought you..."

"Oh no Mr. Potter, I can do a little wandless magic like opening doors or other small things, but to teach you how to do larger things, well, the only one around is Professor Dumbledore."

"All right then."

I love Professor Dumbledore's office. There are so many strange objects that it boggles my mind to try to grasp the uses of them all. The Professor and I entered the Head Masters inner sanctum and I did so with the same awe that I always did.

He sat at his desk with his half-moon spectacles perched on his nose, reading a scroll. He looked up at our entrance and smiled. "Good, good, I was hoping to see you tonight Harry." Then he turned to the professor, "thank you Minerva would you like to stay?"

"No thank you Albus, I have essays to correct." Then she turned a gentle smile on me and patted my arm before she left.

"Now then Harry, did Professor McGonagall explain what we were attempting to do?"

"Yes Professor, but I'm still a bit confused. How can you draw on any power that isn't in you?"

"That, my boy, is what we are here to teach you. Now to begin, I want you to sit here."

He indicated a spot on the floor, so I did as instructed. He lowered the lights and floated a candle in front of me. It settled on to the floor. "Now Harry, I want you to relax. Empty your mind of all stresses. Close your eyes and breathe deeply."

As I did what he instructed, I began to hear his voice as through a long tunnel. It seemed far away and not attached to anything in particular.

"All right Harry, once you are properly relaxed and focused, you should see a mist around you. It should appear to be a fog of sorts. Do you see it?"

I paused, trying very hard to concentrate on what the Professor was saying, but try as I might, I could see nothing. "I'm sorry professor, I don't see anything."

"That's alright Harry, just relax your muscles. Don't let any stress into your thoughts. Think of yourself in a white room, concentrate on the fact there are no defining elements in that room. You see white above you and below you and to the sides of you. In this room you are safe, warm and happy. Breathe deeply and let the warmth of the room penetrate your body."

I was beginning to feel like I was floating on a cloud. I hadn't been this relaxed in, well, ever. The Professor's voice was low, "what do you see now Harry?"

"I see white Professor, only white. Sir, I have been around long enough to realize that there are things that I don't understand. I appreciate the confidence that you are showing in me, and I probably should be able to do this, but I don't know how to do what you are asking me to do."

"It is really very simple Harry. What you need to do is 'see' rather than 'look' and 'feel' rather than 'touch', but most of all you need to believe that there is something there, just beyond your mundane senses, on a higher plain.

"How did Professor Lupin teach you to produce a Patronus?"

I thought for a minute, "He told me that I needed to know the incantation and to concentrate on a single, very happy memory."

"Exactly, and though there is not an incantation in the use of wandless magic, the same concentration is necessary to produce it. Once you are accustom to doing that, it will become second nature. Just as your happy memory exists, so does the energy that surrounds us. All you have to do is find it; and to find it, all you need to do is concentrate."

I opened my eyes and looked at Professor Dumbledore, "that makes a lot of sense sir." I closed my eyes again and relaxed. I pictured myself surrounded by white, but this time I let go of all my preconceptions. I turned my senses on, if you will. First I concentrated on my breathing, then I concentrated on the things that I could feel, and lastly I allowed myself to see what up until this moment, I didn't know existed.

"The white room was suddenly alive. I could feel it penetrating my skin. I could feel it filling me up in my almost sleep like state. It charged my body with, for lack of a better word, life.

"Suddenly I understood where the power to use a wand came from. Our bodies were like the battery that powered the wand."

I laughed, "I see it Professor." I laughed again, "I understand now."

I heard the Professor chuckle, "Very good Harry. Now in normal magic, the power that resides in you is what produces results. In wandless magic you are the instrument of focus. In other words you are the wand.

"Now Harry, I want you to begin to gather in that power. Form it into a tube in your right arm. Now tell me when you are ready."

I pictured myself gathering the power that flowed into me just as the Professor had instructed. Now I want you to reach out and use that power to light the candle in front of you. Can you see the candle?"

"Yes, I can."

"Direct the power that you have in your arm and light the candle."

I felt a large surge as the built up power blasted toward the candle. The next thing I knew, Professor Dumbledore was helping me sit up and walking me to a chair.

"Are you all right my boy?"

I nodded, "what happened?"

"You did exactly what I told you to do; you pulled the power into yourself and released it toward the candle. You also did a remarkable job of melting the candle."

I looked where I had been sitting and where the candle had been, lay a hardening mass of melted wax. I again looked at my Head Master, "Professor..." But when I looked again, the Professor had a bright blue-white light surrounding him. My eyes must have widened, because Professor Dumbledore frowned, "what is the problem my boy?"

"Professor, you are...glowing! Did I do something too you, did I..."

"Calm down Harry. You didn't do anything to me. What you are seeing is called an aura.

"It is a magical signature; the nature of our true selves. This is interesting; very interesting indeed." He helped me stand.

I looked at my own skin and was astonished that I too was glowing. "But why couldn't I see it before?"

"Because Harry, you had never before been taught to see, only to look."

"Mine is a different color than yours. Yours is mostly white with a bit of blue tinge to it. Mine is just white."

He smiled at me. "The color of ones aura indicates the amount of power that is resident within a body or an item; the more pure the color, the more power."

"Oh."

"I am certain that you don't want to walk around seeing all of your friends glow however. Just close your eyes and concentrate on seeing as you normally do."

I did as the professor said and opened my eyes to see normally once more.

"Wait a minute Professor, you said that...the more pure color, the more power; I...That...how can that be possible. If what you say is true, that means I have more power than...than you do."

"Why can't that be true Harry? The prophesy told you that you had powers that the Dark Lord knew not. As far as power goes, I was on an equal level with Voldemort. You have already surpassed levels of expertise that I didn't develop until much later in life. For instance, I was years out of school before I could produce any kind of a patronus, let alone a solid form, and you managed it at 13 years old. That is quite remarkable for a boy that age.

"You will also find Harry that some power lays dormant in people. If you get an opportunity, take a look at Neville Longbottom's aura. It is almost as purely white as yours. He will develop it when his confidence level is enough to match the power. That is as it is with all magical creatures, be they people or beasts."

I was astounded. In all my years, I had never expected to even approach the level of power that my beloved mentor had; now to find out that...it bordered on...unbelievable.

"Now Harry, as we can't have you melting all the candles in the school, let's teach you how to control the power that you have tapped into."

I sat down again and closed my eyes and began to concentrate on gathering in the power around me. I was amazed that this time it took a lot less effort,

It took a little time for me to realize that the weak voice of Professor Dumbledore was breaking through my concentration.

"Harry stop, Harry do you hear me?"

I shook myself and stopped. When I opened my eyes, I was astonished to see that the Professor was lying on the floor.

I stood and ran over to him "Professor, are you alright?"

He chuckled, "I will be fine Harry, however we must teach you not to draw on the power of people around you, only inanimate objects. I think that we will call it a day Harry."

I was devastated, "Professor, I am so sorry! Can I help you?"

"Yes Harry, help me over to my chair."

I did so and he reached up and patted my cheek. "Harry, don't look so worried, I will be all right in a short period of time."

He looked at me then with curiosity, "Harry that is quite a weapon you have there. You must guard yourself constantly; we have a lot more work to do than I thought."

I was stricken with shame, "Professor I'm..."

He held up a hand, "You don't understand my boy. This is something not even I can do. People have a natural shield against such things. That is why Voldemort couldn't just drain your power during the battle. This is unheard of, as far as I know. I will have to research the idea. Until then, please be very careful."

"Can I get you something Professor?"

"Maybe a cup of tea, and a few biscuits I think."

* * *

I left the professor that night feeling somewhat like a freak. I was smart enough to know that this would probably not be looked kindly upon by the wizarding community. Just as in the muggle world, if people didn't understand something, they were afraid of it.

I could see my future laid out in front of me and I didn't like what I saw. I didn't want to spend the rest of my life having people be afraid of me. Right at that moment I made a decision and turned around and went back to see Professor Dumbledore.

He was still sitting in his large chair, but now he was pouring over some ancient book. He looked at me and smiled knowingly. "Come in Harry, sit down." Then he chuckled, "I knew you would be back, I just didn't think that it would be this soon. What is on your mind Harry?"

I sighed and looked at the floor, "I don't want this Professor. Can you 'Obliviate' me or something so that I don't know what a freak of nature I am?"

"Harry, you are NOT a freak of nature."

"Then what do you call it sir? I can do something that even you have never heard of, and to tell you the truth, it scares me; a lot as a matter of fact. I don't want people to be afraid of me." I stood up and started pacing, "Hell, I don't want to be afraid of me." I turned and faced him and leaned across his desk, "Do something professor, please!"

The Head Master seemed to be thinking and then he looked at me and smiled. "Harry, please sit and listen very closely to what I say."

He waited for me to sit then he looked at me with those kind, twinkling eyes. "Harry, there are some things that you should consider before you pronounce judgment on yourself. Number one, this is a gift not a curse. Just like being able to produce a patronus at the age of 13, it is a talent that you have. It doesn't matter that no one else can do it."

"It may be a talent Professor, but it can kill someone and I wouldn't be able to stop it. Look what I did to you."

"You just haven't developed that talent yet, that's all."

"How are you going to help me develop something that has never been done before?" I was on the verge of panic now.

"Everything in our world Harry was new at some point. We as a collective whole have been able to tame and control the powers that we now possess. This is no different. Just because this particular talent has not shown itself before now, doesn't mean that it isn't something that can't be controlled.

"Number two, if I were to obliviate you, this talent would manifest itself at some point anyway and we would be going through this again. You can not deny who and what you are Harry..."

I started to say that what I was, was a freak, but Dumbledore held up a stifling hand and continued before I got the chance to put in my cheeky comment, "...and what you are my boy is a very talented wizard who has the best interest of those around him at heart.

"Professor, what if I just don't do wandless magic?"

"That is one way of handling your fear Harry; not necessarily the right way though. There may come a time when you will need this talent to protect yourself and those you love."

I sighed, "You are not going to let me walk away from this are you?"

"It's not a matter of my letting you or not letting you Harry. It is you that will be making that decision. I know you my boy. You will go to your common room and sit in front of the fire and turn this problem inside out. You will consider it from all angles and you will make a decision based on your own thoughts and feelings. You may even ask your friends for advice, but in the end, it will be your decision.

"I will be disappointed if you decide to turn your back on this but you have to make the decision because it is you who will ultimately have to do the work."

I sat there for a long time looking at my shoes but seeing a doubtful future. Then I sighed and leaned back in the chair and looked at my mentor, "I don't know when I became so fatalistic, Professor."

He chuckled, "Well Harry, being the target of an evil man can do that to you; and being the object of prophecy can color one's attitude about life. Frankly, I'd be surprised if you weren't. My advice, if you would take it Harry, is to let this matter be developed one step at a time, just like every other talent that you have. None of it came to you over night. Neither will this; but you will develop it and perfect it just as you have everything else."

I was deep in thought for a long time before I looked up at my patient Head Master. "All right Professor, on one condition."

"What's that Harry?"

"That those ghouls at the Ministry of Magic don't find out. I haven't trusted them since Fudge was Minister and I am certainly not going to dump a bombshell like this in their lap anytime soon. If we can agree on that, then...I will...continue on...I guess."

"As I knew you would."

I laughed, "Now who's the fatalist?"

* * *

The first thing I did was go find Bob. I went to the Slytherin dungeons and knocked at the entrance. A first year that I didn't know opened the passage and looked at me suspiciously, "You're Harry Potter, aren't you?"

"I need to talk to Roberta Malfoy."

"She's not here, do you want to talk to Draco, he's here."

"Sure." The kid left me standing outside for a few minutes and Draco came out to meet me.

"Hey Har..." he looked shocked, "...what the hell is wrong with you? You look like you've seen a ghost. Are you ok?"

"No not really, do you know where Bob is?"

"Yeah, she's in the library. What did you do, resurrect the Dark Lord?"

I looked at him a moment, took a deep breath, "That's why I like you Draco, you keep me laughing!" My voice dripped with sarcasm. "Draco, I need to talk to you...but I want Bob, and Ron and Mione there too. Can you come with me to get them?"

"Sure, let's go."

We went to the library and found Bob, and as luck would have it, Hermione and Ron were there too. Within moments the five of us were headed to the Room of Requirement. This was something that I just didn't want to chance anyone overhearing.

Bob stood behind me and was massaging my shoulders and everyone else was looking at me expectantly. After a hesitant start I told them about this new development; how frightened I was of it and especially how I didn't want it to go beyond that room.

Reactions were pretty much what I expected.

Ron's eyes twinkled, a lot like Dumbledore's, "Wicked mate. I'm glad we're on the same side."

Mione looked deep in thought, "I think I'll get Professor Dumbledore to give me a pass to the restricted section in the library. I'll do some research and see what I can come up with.

Draco looked confused, "You act like this is a bad thing Harry. What's wrong with having the advantage over someone that's trying to kill you? Are you daft?"

Bob stopped rubbing my shoulders and knelt in front of me and took my hands. She looked into my eyes but spoke to her cousin, "Draco, he's not worried about defeating an enemy; he's worried about what would happen to one of us or some other innocent person that just happen to be in the way."

I looked at our entwined hands and squeezed. She knew me better than anyone else in that room and I was so grateful to her at that moment that I could have shouted for joy. If there had been any remaining doubt, it was suddenly gone. I smiled at her with tears in my eyes and leaned forward and gently kissed her. "I love you, you know; and Bob, I trust you too."

Then suddenly there were tears in her eyes too and she sat facing me on my lap and kissed me with a deep passion that I realized that I had missed.

Then there was a heavy clearing of a throat, "Ok Potter, if I had known that this was going to turn out to be a snogging secession, I'd have brought Ginny along."

Ron's head bolted up "Hey, watch your mouth Malfoy. That's my sister..."

Mione stopped him though, "Ron, grow up; Ginny did."

I turned a bit red, "Ah...sorry guys. Anyway, I didn't have any real reason for telling all of you, except that, I really don't want to go through this alone. If word gets out what a freak I am..."

You would have thought the room exploded. "Harry James Potter, how dare you! What do you mean freak? You're not a freak mate. "What the hell is wrong with you Potter?" All of these statements were being yelled at the same time and in increasing volumes.

I looked around the room at four angry faces and leaned back farther into the couch, "Sorry, its how I feel."

Draco looked disgusted, "You know Potter, I really can't stand the suffering martyr part of you."

Bob caressed my face, "Harry, what Draco is trying so hard to say is that this is part of you and we love you the way you are..."

"Well, I don't know if love..."

Three voices chimed in, "Shut up Draco!"

I snorted and looked at him, "Get used to it mate, I've been dealing with it for seven years now." Then I sighed, "Ok, so you guys will help me right? Help me not suck everyone around me dry. I feel like a damned vampire."

"That's a very inelegant way of putting it Potter, but yeah, we're here for you."

Hermione stood up, "Well it's getting late; we probably should be getting back to our Common Rooms."

"You guys go on, I want to talk to Bob a minute."

"Yeah right, talk. Be careful Roberta, from what I've witnessed he does more than talk with his mouth."

She started laughing and Hermione grabbed Draco's arm, "Come on you git. Give them some time. Come on Ron let's go, bye Harry, see you later."

I looked at Bob and she walked into my arms. I closed my eyes and reveled in the feeling of belonging. "So you don't think this is weird or anything?"

She shook her head, "Harry, I think it is exciting; boldly going where no wizard has gone before."

I rolled my eyes, "You do realize that that was really bad don't you?"

"Hey blame my muggle upbringing. The teley has corrupted my brain." She pulled me over to the sofa and we sat, "Harry, what did the Head Master say about all of this?"

"Pretty much the same thing you all did." I leaned forward and rested my head in my hands and sighed, "WHY, is it always me?" I stood and started pacing, "Harry Potter defeated the Dark Lord when he was a baby. Harry Potter defeated the Dark Lord yet again and saved the Sorcerers Stone, Harry Potter defeated Tom Riddle in the Chamber of Secrets. Harry Potter got picked as school champion in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Harry Potter got to watch a friend die in the name said Dark Lord returning. Harry Potter got to watch his Godfather die in the name of protecting the damned prophecy. Harry Potter got to kill the Dark Lord...again. Harry Potter gets to look out because some lunatic is out to get him; and now as a topper, Harry Potter has some mysterious power that no one has ever had before. When does it STOP?" I looked at her with tears in my eyes and she was there, holding me, within moments.

"Shhh, its all right Harry. It will be ok."

I don't know how long I sobbed. When I look back at it now, it doesn't even seem like it was a big thing, but then it was the straw that broke the camel's back. I vaguely remember her pulling me back to the sofa and sitting me down. Then again her arms were around me and I felt safer than I had in a long while. We didn't talk. We didn't move. She just whispered little nonsense things to me until I eventually fell asleep. She must have conjured a pillow and blanket because when I woke up we were both cuddled on the sofa, wrapped in a warm blanket. She was spooned in front of me looking as peaceful as an angel.

I buried my face in her hair and smiled with the sense of belonging and the rightness of it all.

It took me a minute to remember the events of the day before, but it all came flooding back and I sighed. I put a protective arm around her waist and kissed her head.

"Good morning beautiful. Are you awake?"

"No, I'm still sleeping and having a wonderful dream. I'm dreaming that I just woke up next to the most wonderful person in the world." She turned to face me, "Good morning Harry. Are you feeling better?"

"I guess. I'm sorry for being such a pain in the arse. It's just more than I can handle I guess. I didn't mean to have a break-down; I know that this isn't the end of the world; its just...I don't know..."

She ran a hand through my hair, "I owled daddy last night Harry. I thought you would like to talk to him about all of this. I hope that's ok."

I nodded, "It's ok, but when did you do that. You were with me all night."

"After you fell asleep, I left to go to the owlery. You just seemed so..."

"pathetic," I filled in.

"That's not what I was going to say Harry. No, you seemed to need another man to talk to...a dad."

"Thanks love. Maybe the professor will allow me to go visit him for a while."

There was a knock at the door and I scrunched up my forehead, "Must be Mione, Ron or Draco, looking for us."

I stood and went over to the door and pulled it open. "Lud! I...why..."

He strode into the room and caught an armful of his daughter. "Mornin' baby. Why don't you let Harry and me talk for a while. Oh, by the way..." He opened a white paper sack and held it out to her, "...House elves are one thing, but Dominic's Pastries are..."

"Dominic's!" I watched her dive into the bag and pull out a sweet roll swimming in caramel and pecans. When she took a bite she close her eyes in ecstasy.

"Ummm...daddy you are the best." She gave me a sticky kiss and mumbled through a mouthful "...see ya later."

"Come on Harry, there is one here for you too."

I looked at him and laughed while shaking my head. "She only just owled you last night..."

Lud held out the bag to me, "well yes, but so did Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Draco and Ron and Hermione. It was something like a maelstrom of owls. Take a roll Harry."

I finally stuck my hand in the bag and pulled out the confection. I took a bite and my eyes widened. "Merlin!" Suddenly I understood Bob's reaction.

He conjured up some tea and directed me to sit. "Harry, Professor Dumbledore told me about the events of last evening"

"Oh."

"I would really like to hear about it from your point of view. Sometimes we old wizards tend to forget what it was like when it was all new."

I looked at him and smiled. "I actually feel a bit foolish in the light of day. It's just that..." I explained about everything that happened and my reaction to it. I told him what Dumbledore and my friends had said. Then I told him about my doubts about this power that has all of a sudden manifested itself.

"Harry, I don't pretend to understand this power you have. I do understand you though. I think that your concerns are valid. It's frightening having potentially dangerous powers that you don't know how to control; but the fact that you are frightened says a lot. I know Harry that you can control yourself. The answer is very simple. No one here is suggesting that you use this power until you know how to use it. The ability to draw off another wizard's power is remarkable, and there are many of us working on helping you direct your unique talent. Don't worry son. It will be fine."

I looked at Lud, but was still feeling the despair that had hit me last evening during my training with Professor Dumbledore, "Lud, what about the rest of the wizarding world? What about all those people out there that are looking for excuses to tear me down another notch? I'll never forget all of those articles in the Daily Prophet that Rita Skeeter wrote during fourth year.

He smiled and put a hand on my shoulder, "Harry, those people are always going to be there. It doesn't matter what fodder they use to fuel their fires. There will always be something for them to sink their teeth into."

"Yes, but this time there is a legitimate concern."

He sighed, "My boy, until you stop looking at yourself as an aberration, you are adding fuel to their fire. You have to forgive yourself for what you perceive as a sin. It's your decision Harry. If you walk around feeling guilty, you will be treated like a guilty person. Act like this is a gift and you will be treated like a gifted person.

"You don't understand Lud, I don't want to be treated like a guilty person, but I also don't want to be treated like a gifted person; I really just want to be left alone."

Then he sighed and shook his head. "Harry, that isn't going to happen, quit whining and deal with it."

I was shocked, "Ahh...what did you say?"

"I said quit whining and deal with it. I know that you didn't ask for any of this, but that doesn't change the fact that it's part of you and must be dealt with. The sooner that you realize that and start working on a solution, the better off you'll be. No one has a perfect life."

I dropped into a chair and slumped over and mumbled, "Who made you my dad?"

He laughed and clapped me on the back, "You did Harry!"

I snorted, "I need to have my head examined."

"Well maybe, but you asked and I accepted and now there is no backing out of it. You have to take the good with the bad. I'm not going anywhere son. Get used to it."

"I still don't like it much."

He smiled and crossed his arms over his chest, "Well, we are past self-loathing and have moved up to pouting. That's a step in the right direction."

I looked up at him and smirked. My answer was sarcastic, "Thanks dad." Then I sighed, "I guess this isn't the end of the world is it."

"That Harry is what we have all been trying to tell you."

"All right, all right I get it. I've been a giant arse and I need to just suck it up and quit acting like a baby. Is that about it?"

He just grinned and raised an eyebrow at me, "What do you think?"

"You know, I hate it when you do that."

"Of course you do. Now, shall we go talk to Professor Dumbledore?"

It is my experience, that everyone needs to be taken down a peg or two every now and then, just to keep them humble. I am no exception...I guess. That doesn't make it any easier to deal with. I was embarrassed by my behavior and I knew that I needed to apologize to my friends; including Professor Dumbledore and Lud.

I sighed again, "Lud, before we go talk to the Head Master, let me say that I'm sorry I've been such a git and that you had to leave your home to come take care of me. I'm embarrassed."

"Don't worry about it Harry. It gave me an excuse to come visit; and don't be embarrassed son, you wouldn't believe some of the things I did at 17. Let's go."

"Ahh Lud, you wouldn't have another one of those rolls would you?" I reached for the bag, but he slapped my hand and laughed, "Back off wretch, it's mine."

I laughed, "You know, you've gotten really greedy Lud, I just want you to know that."

* * *

After the night of my greatest embarrassment, I began to spend every day in classes, every evening right after dinner with Professor Dumbledore training with wandless magic, then in the library's restricted section with Mione; studying and searching for any sort of an answer deep into the night.

Professor Dumbledore spent time searching his vast private collection. Lud spent time in London crawling through the old book sellers stalls in Diagon Alley.

Bob on the other hand made it her personal duty to make sure that Hermione and I ate. Draco had other ideas though. He and Ginny haunted Professor Binn's classroom thinking that there might be something documented in some of those old dusty history books.

After a week of crawling through dusty bookshelves and forgotten archives, Draco suddenly threw up his hands, "AHHH...I've had it! I've got dust in my lungs and cobwebs in my hair and..."

Ginny put a hand over her mouth and giggled as she pulled the sticky strands out of his blonde hair, "but you are still the sexiest man at school Draco."

I watched him straighten up a bit and smile at her, "damn right I am."

I leaned over to Bob and whispered, "They've been together such a short time and still she can play him like a violin."

Bob giggled "shhhh, he'll hear you."

Draco looked at me, "Potter, I don't know why I didn't think of this before. If there is an answer anywhere to this problem, it is at Malfoy Manor! My father's library is the envy of...well, everyone. There are things in there that are one of a kind; they date back as far as a thousand years. Tomorrow is Friday. I will go after classes and see what I can find. I want to check up on mother anyway."

I was doubtful, "What do you mean you are going to Malfoy Manor? Let's just contact Lud. It will take less time."

"Uncle Lud is in London, and I can be there in moments."

"Huh...how?"

He rolled his eyes as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "By apparating, Potter."

"You can't apparate yet Draco. We are just learning how. You might splinch yourself."

He laughed, "Potter, are you forgetting who my father is? I have been able to apparate since fourth year."

Bob laughed and lifted my chin, "Harry, close your mouth. I can apparate too you know."

"You can?"

"Sure, daddy didn't know if I would ever be able to go to school, so he taught me."

I smiled and nodded at the two of them, "Brilliant. I can only apparate short distances."

Ginny pouted, "Does that mean that you aren't going to take me to the Valentines Day Ball Draco?"

"Huum, I forgot about that. I tell you what, you come with me."

"I can't apparate."

"Oh...right."

I interrupted, "Ah...that wouldn't be safe anyway Draco, your father might be there?"

"I'll go with you," Bob chimed in.

I stuck my lip out in a pout, "does that mean that you aren't going to take me to the Valentines Day Ball Bob?"

I don't understand it. They all groaned and threw dusty, dirty cloths at me. Hee hee hee hee hee.

Draco laughed, "Sod off Potter."

"Are you making fun of me Harry?" Ginny added.

Bob's eyes twinkled, "That's right; I'm standing you up at the Ball Potter."

I just continued to laugh. "Fine, I'll take Ginny to the Ball and you two can go do your...Malfoy thing."

That's when the door to Professor Binn's classroom opened. Ron walked in with a disgusted looking Hermione.

Hermione just huffed, "We have been through every book in that library; there is nothing even remotely helpful."

Ron chuckled and leaned over to me, "I think that's what has her so miffed. For the first time in her life, books are no good to her." He looked at Draco, "Did you know that you have cobwebs in your hair?"

Sarcasm literally dripped from Draco's mouth, "Thanks for that Weasley. What would I do without you?"

Ron laughed, "Don't mention it Malfoy, any time."

"Well, the first thing we need to do is go talk to Dumbledore. He wants to know everything we are doing."

Draco laughed, "Well, have fun with that Potter. You can tell him after we are gone. You know, it's an 'its-easier-to-get-forgiveness-than-to-get-permission kind of thing'."

Ron looked curious, "What's up?"

I beamed at Bob, "Oh nothing, just that the cousins Malfoy are sneaking out of school to go to the manor to crawl through even more dusty books."

"They aren't dusty," Malfoy protested, "we have house-elves."

That caused Hermione to huff again. "You say that as if that is something to be proud of."

That was when I stepped in, cutting off the next biting remark that was eminent. "Oh no, we aren't going there Herm. This is no time for spew lectures."

She rolled her eyes, "Harry, I told you it is S.P.E.W. not spew."

She glared at Draco but didn't say anything more.

He made a face at Hermione and Ginny and Bob both hit him, "Oh that's mature."

All I could do is roll my eyes, "All right you lot, let's call it a night. I don't know about you, but I've eaten enough dust for one night." I put an arm around Bob, "Besides, we have a date."

She looked at me, "We do?"

I waggled my eyebrows at her, "Yes, we do. We'll see you all later." I walked her to the door and we left the four of them to whatever activities they desired. I pulled her down a dark corridor that was little used and into an embrace. "I love you Bob."

She rested her head on my chest and sighed, "I know. That just shows that you have good taste."

I started to laugh, "My, aren't you full of yourself."

She looked at me with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, "No, I just state the truth. Now kiss me, slave."

I thought about it for a minute before I answered, "No, I don't think I will."

"Oooo, rebellious...I like that. Gives me something to tame."

"Tame away oh beautiful master."

She pulled away from me and walked deeper into the shadows of the corridor then turned and crooked a finger at me. Fool that I am, I leaned up against the wall and folded my arms stubbornly.

I watched her disappear into the shadows and I laughed. "I'll be right here when you decide to play nice...Bob...Bob? Where is that girl, Bob?"

"Harry help!"

The smile disappeared from my face and my heart started racing as I ran down the corridor. "Bob, what's wrong. Bob!" I was starting to panic when a hand snaked out of an old classroom and pulled me in.

"I knew you'd come for me."

I stood there and looked at her with my mouth open. "You...you; oh you are going to get it Roberta Malfoy."

"Oooh my full name. I'm in trouble now."

"Roberta, I'm serious. I thought you were really hurt or something."

"Hey, it got you to follow me didn't it?"

"There's a muggle story about the boy who cried wolf. I may not believe you next time you know."

She pushed me up against the door and kissed me. "I'm sorry Harry. I was just playing. Forgive me?"

I tried to be angry, I really did, but with the most beautiful girl in the world leaning up against me and giving me that pleading look...well, I was lost; and by Merlin I knew that she knew that too."

"You have got to be the world's most exasperating little girl I have ever met."

She stood straight, no longer leaning against me and her eyes flashed, "Little girl? "LITTLE GIRL! I'll show you little girl Harry Potter."

She molded herself against me and threw her arms around my neck and lightly started tracing kisses along my chin and jaw then gently kissed the point on my neck where my quickening pulse beat. She lightly nibbled on my earlobe until my breath came in short gasps.

It was too much. I returned kiss for kiss and the room seemed to be getting considerably warmer. But I put my hands on her shoulders and took a deep breath and gently pushed her away. "Bob, Bob, Bob, no, no, no, no, we can't, not now. It's not right."

"But Harry, I don't understand, why?"

I cupped her cheeks in my hands and kissed the tip of her nose then gathered her into my chest again, "Because you are too precious to me to continue this on a cold damp floor of an abandoned classroom. You are my life Bob, and I won't cheapen the moment by loosing control of myself and doing things that neither one of us are ready for yet. I love you too much for that. Do you understand?"

She looked at me and smiled then hugged me again, "You are one of a kind, Harry Potter."

"I chuckled, "I certainly hope so Bob. I don't think the world could handle another one of me."

----------------------------------

As good as his word, Draco took Bob and left to Hogsmead immediately after classes on Friday. Before they left, I stopped them and reached into my pocket. "I think you two will need this more than I do right now." I pulled out the pocket watch that Draco had given me and handed it to Draco. "Be careful and more than anything else take care of Bob."

I shook hands with Draco and then pulled Bob into a long kiss. "I love you. Be careful."

She cupped my face in her hands, "Don't worry Harry, we are going home. We'll be fine."

I took out my wand and tapped the one-eyed witch's hump, "Disendium."

Draco threw his knapsack in and I pulled Bob into another kiss. "Be careful." Then I turned to Draco, "I am going to go to Dumbledore and tell him what is going on you know."

Draco looked disgusted, "Well, at least give us a chance to get to the manor, Ok?"

I thought for a minute, "all right. One hour." Then I stopped them, "Are you two sure that you want to do this?"

"You are turning into Granger, Potter."

I laughed, "No, Hermione is a lot meaner than I am!"

Bob smiled, "We'll see you in a couple of days Harry."

I only nodded and watched them disappear down the passage. I mumbled to myself, "I hope so."

I waited about an hour to give them a chance to get to the wizarding village and apparate out before I went to Dumbledore and explained what we were doing.

The Head Master began pacing; though he didn't say anything to me, his whole demeanor said that he was angry.

"Mr. Potter," he sighed, "you do realize that your friends are in imminent danger don't you? Lucius Malfoy has still not been recaptured and it is suspected that Narcissa is responsible for helping him escape. If either one of them are actually at Malfoy Manor, the young Malfoy's may not be able to protect themselves."

I was chagrinned. I hung my head, "I'm sorry Head Master. I shouldn't have let them go. Is there anything that I can do? I don't want..."

But Professor Dumbledore waved a hand at me, walked to the fireplace, threw a bit of floo powder in then knelt and leaned his head into the fireplace. "Ludwig Malfoy."

Having to sit there and have two of the people that I respected most in the world talk about the misadventures that I had caused was excruciating. Ludwig's face kept turning to where I was sitting and frowning and shaking his head.

I heard him say "I will leave immediately Professor." Then I saw the head swivel in my direction again, "Harry, you and I are going to have a long talk about your putting my daughter and nephew in danger." Then with a 'pop' his head disappeared from the fireplace.

I could only groan. "I've done some stupid things before but this..."

Dumbledore paced a bit more then turned to me, "Harry, considering who we are talking about, I sincerely doubt that you would have been able to stop them. However, the fact that you neglected to inform those of us that have a chance of protecting you, well that shows a failure to think things through on your part. I must say my boy, I would have thought that with your experiences, having a back up would be second nature. This fact, above all, disappoints me.

This was the worst thing that he could have said to me. My heart was breaking and I hung my head. "I'm sorry Head Master. You're right. I should have said something. Do you think that they will be all right?"

"I'm certain that Ludwig will be able to sort any problems out. Don't worry about it." With a sigh he sat down and looked at me. "Harry, have I ever told you about the time that Aberforth and I decided that we were going to capture some wizards who were selling magical items to muggles?"

Before long he had me chuckling at the antics of a young Albus Dumbledore and his brother Aberforth.

Not long after that, Draco arrived at the Head Masters office mumbling at the indignity of being treated like a child. Bob wasn't very happy either, and when Lud walked into the office Bob continued an argument that had evidently started at Malfoy Manor, had endured through apparating to Hogsmead and the return walk to the school. His face was a study of fury as he looked at us.

Professor Dumbledore looked at the three of us with his trademark twinkling eyes, stood and rubbed his hands together. "Well, it looks like our two wanders have returned safely. I believe that I will go visit the kitchens and see if Dobby has some of those delightful éclairs."

I looked at him and frowned, "Professor, you really don't have to leave." But he turned back to me, "Ah...but this is a family matter Harry." He winked at me and turned to leave his office.

"Great!" I mumbled.

"...And what were you thinking Harry? You claim to love my daughter, yet you allow her to walk into potentially deadly danger. What on Earth would possess you to allow her to leave the safety of the school?"

"I..." I started, but was interrupted by Bob

"Allow me? As if he would have any power to stop me from doing what I wanted."

Draco rolled his eyes. Me, I had learned enough over the months that there was only one way to keep her from building up a full head of steam. I sighed and walked over to her, took her by the shoulders and kissed her. "Shhhh, let me talk to him."

She glowered at me for a moment but nodded slightly. I then turned to Lud. "You are right. We were wrong, but don't blame them, it is entirely my fault. I knew that they left and I didn't say anything until they had been gone for a while.

"My only excuse is that I am anxious to get this wandless magic problem solved. I had no idea how serious the situation was. The fact that once again that the adults involved had failed to keep me apprised of the entire situation is no excuse. The fact that this whole thing involves me doesn't mean that I need to have any information."

It was a desperate ploy, and I knew that I was grasping at straws, but it was all I had.

Lud looked at me for a moment, wrestling with himself. I watched the play of emotions across his face and I knew that he was trying very hard not to laugh.

To cement my case, I looked at the floor and gave it my best chagrined look. "I'm sorry, dad."

Lud turned his back on the three of us as he struggled with the anger he wanted to show and the pure relief that he felt at having found the two of them safe and sound, and humor at my behavior. I winked at Bob and smiled at Draco who was rolling his eyes again; he did that a lot.

When Lud turned back around, I schooled my features into a properly repentant school boy.

"Harry..." he walked over and put a hand on my shoulder and squeezed it; a little harder than necessary in my opinion. I winced as he looked at me with bright eyes, "You aren't fooling anyone you know son!"

My head bolted up and I looked at him.

"Nice try though. That was impressive I must say. Now, I understand that there is a school dance tomorrow night."

None of us said anything so he continued. "Well, I believe that the three of you missing that dance is a fitting punishment!"

We all exploded, I think that Draco was the loudest. "You aren't my father!"

"Well you have a point there Draco, but I am more of a father than your worthless sire ever was, and it is about time you learned what it is like to have a real father." He looked at Bob and me. "Roberta, you know better than to behave like this. I believe that these two are a bad influence on you; and Harry, I may not be your father either, but I expect you to obey me as if I were. None of you are guiltless in this; and I want you to consider what would have happened if Lucius had been at the Manor. Lucius has shown an extreme lack of regard for your life. You can't trust that he will act in a sane manner."

Draco groaned. "But Uncle Ludwig, Ginny is going to kill me if I don't take her to the dance. How about letting us go to the dance and punishing us some other way."

Ludwig was shaking his head. "I'm sorry. No dance. Harry, you will not leave Griffindor Tower after tea tomorrow night. If you are going to do homework, you will get whatever books you need from the library before you return to your dorm. Roberta and Draco the same goes for you. You will stay in Slytherin, I will be checking on all of you. Any questions? No? Good! Now, all three of you get going. I have to talk to Professor Dumbledore."

All three of us looked at each other, mumbled under our breaths, and left the office.

As soon as the office door was closed, Draco started laughing. "You should have seen your face when your little ploy didn't work Potter. This was worth it just for that."

I flexed my shoulder. "Yeah, and I probably have Ludwig Malfoy shaped bruises to show for it."

Bob laughed. "I probably should tell you Harry, he has been dealing with me for 17 years. Not much gets past him."

I rolled my eyes with great exaggeration. "Now she tells me!" Then I laughed and put an arm around her waist.

Draco shook his head. "I'm going to come with you to Gryffindor Tower. I have to find Ginny and explain...something to her." He shook his head again, "She's going to kill me. I am a walking dead man."

Bob and I laughed at him and he looked disgusted. "Go ahead and laugh you two, but have you ever seen Ginny when she is pissed off? She'll probably do the bat-bogey hex on me or something."

Bob looked confused. "What's the bat-bogey hex?"

Both of us answered her at the same time, "You don't want to know."

* * *

The following night, as ordered the three of us returned to our dorms to watch the other party goers leave by ones and twos. I had gone to the owlery before my incarceration began.

I set up the chess board and talked to several of my fellow Gryffindors as they left. Truth be told, I wasn't all that torn up about not going to the dance. I was however not happy that I couldn't spend the time with Bob. At least she and Draco had each other; me, I was going to be stuck here alone all night.

Ginny came down dressed in shimmering dark green robes, with her hair pulled back from her face and falling in tiny ringlets. She had done her make-up to perfection and I caught myself staring at her.

"Wow Gin, you look...remarkable. Are you really going to the dance though? I thought that since Malfoy wasn't going that you would stay here."

"Are you kidding? Draco got himself grounded, I didn't. I intend to have some fun tonight."

"All right, but who are you going to dance with?"

"Who said I was going to the dance? Draco is in Slytherin not the Great Hall, so..."

"Now that's just plain cheating Gin!"

She seemed to consider this for a moment then turned a beautiful smile on me. "Huum, don't care Harry, bye!"

I watched her retreating back. "Traitor!"

After the last person left the tower and I was left with just the first through third years, I sighed and sat down at my chess board. I picked up a piece of parchment and a quill and scribbled, 'pawn to E4', I love you and tell Ginny that she is a traitor!"

I attached the note to Hedwig and with a pat sent her off to the Slytherin dungeons. "Take this to Bob girl." Then I picked up a book that Hermione had found in the Restricted Section that looked promising. I began to flip through page after page of spells, hoping that there might be something of value to help me with my wandless magic.

After about 20 minutes, Hedwig soared in through the open portrait hole.

"Ok, let's see what you have there girl." I scanned the parchment and walked over to the chess board and studied it for a moment. I moved her pawn then re-read her note. 'Harry, I wish I could be over there with you. Ginny and Draco are...otherwise occupied and I am lonely. You are right, Ginny is a traitor.'

I quickly scribbled down another move; then added, "Don't be lonely. Imagine my arms around you, soft music playing and you have your head on my shoulder. After a while, I kiss your forehead. You look up at me and I capture your lips in a long sensuous kiss that leaves us both breathless."

I tied the note to Hedwig, gave her an owl treat and sent her off again with a satisfied smile.

With a sigh, I picked the book up again and continued my search. After about five minutes I slammed the book shut again in frustration. "Aaarrgggggghh. I'm never going to find the answer; there isn't one. I'm just going to have to invent something unique." Then I started to pace. 'Invent something unique! That's it! We are never going to find something to deal with this because it has never happened before. So I'm going to have to make something up. I don't know why I didn't think of that before."

I grabbed another piece of parchment and began scribbling down everything I knew about wandless magic, about how wizards normally block the drainage of their own power and the things that happen when I try to perform wandless magic. Then I listed some ideas about the things that I could physically change, theoretically that is, about the way I gather in the power.

Hedwig returned and landed on my shoulder. With a smile I removed the note and read what she had written. "Harry, I run my fingers through your hair and pull you closer into the kiss. I run my tongue across your bottom lip and suck on it a little. Then I trail kisses across your throat and nibble on your earlobe."

I closed my eyes and imagined all of these moves and realized that this was probably going to be my undoing. Let's just say that I have a strong imagination and leave it at that shall we.

I picked up another piece of parchment and stared at the blank paper for a moment. 'You know that sensitive spot just below your ear? I am brushing quick feathery kisses across there...I whisper that I love you and I will love you for eternity."

With my eyes closed and a deep breath, I take a moment to picture our mutual long-distance lovemaking and smile. I rolled the note up and tied it to Hedwig. She was beginning to look at me with disgust. Can an owl look at you with disgust? She was sure making her feelings known about this ordeal.

"Sorry girl, I need you to do this for me tonight. I promise you a nice long rest afterwards, all right?" I patted her head. "You are a great friend Hedwig." So she went off. I didn't even realize at the time that the chess moves were a thing of the past. Bob has that effect on me, even long-distance.

I tried to focus on the lists that I was making, but the notes passing between the two of us were doing a good job of keeping my attention. I sat there with my lists on my lap, the book next to me and my head leaned back against the back of the sofa, a smile on my face as I pictured her.

"Harry? Harry are you awake?"

I started and looked around to see Lud standing in front of me. "That must have been quite a dream son, if the smile on your face was any indication."

I immediately blushed to the roots of my hair. "Ummm...ah, yeah. Something like that."

He chuckled as if he knew everything that I was thinking. But to my relief he indicated all the pieces of parchment on my lap. "What's all this?"

"Oh! Lud, I had a wonderful idea. I decided that we were never going to find a way to counteract this problem because it has never been encountered before. So we will probably have to create a way to counter it ourselves. I started making lists of everything that I know about wizards blocking power drainage, and ideas about how I can counter that for those around me while still using it against an opponent."

He looked through the lists then back to me again. "I'm impressed Harry, you've made good use of your time here."

Just then Hedwig flew in and landed on my shoulder and held out a leg for me to detach Bob's note. I opened it and read it and again blushed to my roots. I won't go in to what she wrote. Let's just say that it was very...very personal.

Lud looked at me and rolled his eyes then looked back down at the lists. "Harry, tell my daughter to behave herself."

"Um, how did you know it was from Bob?" I know I must have looked sheepish.

He just laughed, "Come now Harry, you aren't the only one to ever engage in 'Owl Sex'. Why don't you tell her that I am here and that this isn't what I had in mind when I put the three of you on restriction?"

"I...um...well I..."

"Unless of course you want me to read these notes..."

I gathered them up quickly, "Ah, no, that's alright sir. I'll just take care of these." I gathered them up and took them up the steps to my dorm. Just before I shut them into my trunk, I quickly re-read her last note and I could feel myself blush again. "You can do that Bob?" I whispered.

I shook myself, took a deep breath and headed back to the common room where Lud was going through my lists.

I quickly jotted a note, but before I sent it off I looked at Lud. "Can I invite Bob and Draco here? We can work on this stuff together."

Lud turned a sly look on me.

"Four heads are better than two...?" I let the question hang in the air and looked at him. I must have had a 'lost waif' look because Lud started to laugh.

"Oh, all right Harry. You can invite them here. But I want to make it perfectly clear that there is to be NO rule breaking from now on. Going off and doing things on your own is dangerous, got it?"

"Got it!" I smiled and wrote the note and sent Hedwig off with a pat. "Thanks girl, after you take this to Bob, you can go back to the Owlery." I gave her a treat and she flew off.

It wasn't long before Bob and Draco showed up at the tower. Draco was quite peeved and sent me scathing glares to let me know that he wasn't happy at having to leave Ginny. However we were all soon putting our heads together lengthening the lists I had made.

I would like to say that we solved the problem that night. In reality we just had more questions.

The next morning was a Saturday and I had an appointment with the Head Master. I brought all the notes that we had made and presented them to him. He quickly looked them over and smiled. "I am glad to see my boy that you are taking this seriously and not sulking any longer."

I huffed. "Yes, I had some sense knocked into me."

"Now Harry, we are going to try something if you don't mind. I want you to relax and go to the power plain but don't gather in power. Just observe and tell me what you see."

I settled myself in a comfortable chair and pictured the white room that the Professor had taught me. I felt my body relax almost immediately. The urge to gather in the power was strong and I had to keep myself under control to prevent myself from taking the Professor's power.

"Do you see the mist Harry?"

"Yes."

"Now, I want you to look around. As you do, concentrate on seeing any anomalies that may be present. Do not disregard anything. Since we do not know what we are looking for, it could be easily overlooked."

I did as he asked and searched for anything unusual. There was nothing. It was like walking in fog so thick that you can't make out shapes that are very close by.

"I'm sorry Professor, I don't see anything out of the ordinary."

"I know that you have the urge to draw power to yourself right now, am I correct?"

"Yes."

"Is there a particular area in the plane that you are drawn to? If you were going to draw power, where would you start?"

"There is no one spot Professor. There is so much power here that, well, it's almost like a feast."

I heard the Professor sigh. "Alright Harry, come back now."

After a moment, I blinked my eyes and still felt extremely relaxed.

"Would you care for a cup of tea Harry?"

"Yes, thank you." The two of us sat there drinking our tea in silence; both of us musing on the problem and neither of us capable of answering.

Dumbledore sat with his fingers steepled and his bottom lip resting on his pointed digits. He looked lost in thought and I was loath to interrupt, so I watched him. Suddenly he looked around his office. He got up and walked to his shelves and looked at and picked up different pieces of his magical collection. He closed his eyes as he held a piece and looked at it then put it down. "Humm." Then he repeated this ritual several times, never saying more than, "Humm."

"Excuse me Professor, but may I ask what you are doing?"

"Oh, I am sorry my boy. I am just examining my little toys here. Did you know that all things magical give off an aura?"

"It's not just people?"

"Oh no my boy. Every thing magical has a power signature that identifies it as such. It, by nature is a much weaker signature that a living being, but it is still present. I'm afraid Harry that my little trinkets may be interfering with your ability to see.

"You must understand Harry, the fact that you are able to use this extraordinary power of yours, means that there must be a basis for it. It may well be that there are so many pieces of random magic in this concentrated area, that you may not be able to see what is really there. It's like knowing that there is a deer in the forest but there are so many trees that you can't see it.

"If you are willing my boy, I would like you to come with me to the Room of Requirement, and we will try again."

"Of course Professor."

The two of us walked to the room and entered. There were two comfortable chairs waiting for us, but that was all. There was no decoration of any kind. The walls were bare as was the floor.

I must admit I chuckled a bit before I looked at my mentor. "Professor, I love your decorator."

He smiled at me. "Cheeky! Now Harry lets try this again. This time there are no magical items around to interfere with your vision."

I sat down in a chair and closed my eyes. Once again I pictured the white room, but this time there was more definition. I turned my head around and looked at the features of the room. For the first time, I could see corners that were a bit darker than the main part of the room. It was almost like looking through water to the rocks on the bed. An occasional ripple would obscure the visions of the rocks for a short period of time before it suddenly smoothed out again.

"Harry, can you hear me now?"

"Yes."

"Excellent. Is what you are seeing now any different than what you saw when you were in my office?"

"Yes, there is some definite definition. Things look sharper somehow."

"Good, good, now look around again and tell me what you see."

I could feel my body doing a 180º turn even though I knew that I was sitting in a chair. As I looked around I saw something that startled me; a ball of light floating in mid-air with jagged fingers stretching out from it. The ball itself did not have smooth edges at all but was just as jagged as the fingers were. It was so bright, that it almost hurt to look at it, but at the same time I felt like it was drawing me in, begging me to take it into myself.

"Harry, open your eyes my boy."

I did so with a sigh and was startled that I was practically standing on top of Professor Dumbledore. His blue eyes were twinkling as I took a step back.

"I don't understand Professor. What just happened?"

"Well, I am not certain Harry, but I suspect that whatever it was that you saw, was exactly what you are looking for. Can you describe it for me?"

For the next half hour I described in intimate detail what was pulling at me. The professor seemed like a boy in a candy shop as he grilled me over and over about this session.

I must admit to you that I was pretty excited myself. I really felt like I was on the road to an answer. When I left the Room of Requirement that evening it was with a considerably lighter heart than I had had in a long while. I immediately went in search of Bob.

She wasn't in Slytherin, neither was Draco. So with a sigh, I went back up to Gryffindor tower and to my ever trusty map. I spotted her right away, in the library, "Ha, you're gonna pay for making me look for you Bob." I smirked.

I put the map in my trunk and grabbed my invisibility cloak and hurried down the corridors to the library. I threw the cloak around my shoulders and began my stalk. It wasn't hard to find her, she was in the restricted section standing between two rows of bookshelves. Her brows were furrowed in deep thought as she read.

Now me, being the giant git that I am decided to have a bit of fun. I pulled one of the books from the shelf and dropped it on the floor in front of her. That startled her and she jumped back and looked right through me.

Walking as quietly as I could I went around the shelving and came up behind her and did the same thing. She spun around and I watched her eyes narrow as she looked up the isle suspiciously. "Harry, if that is you, you are dead meat." She started walking toward me with her arms outstretched trying to catch me, but I stepped back and went down another row of books.

I took the cloak off and folded it carelessly and put it in my shirt. Then went around the corner and peeked to see where she was. She had her back to me so I made the tiniest of noises and she spun around again. "Oh, you are so mine Harry Potter."

I waited until she was facing one of the bookshelves and quickly ran past the isle she was in hoping that she would catch a flash out of the corner of her eye. I then ran quietly back to the tables in the regular part of the library and penned a note.

Dear Bob,

Think you can catch me? Bet you can't! I'll dance on the Slytherin table and sing you another song if you can. If you loose, which you will, I want you to clean my dorm room for a week.

You Know Who (oooh, bad joke!)

I folded the note into a bird and sent it flying towards her. I watched her catch it and as she read, a feral smile appeared on her beautiful lips. "The hunt is on, Harry Potter."

I walked quickly past Madam Pince who looked up at me with a frown. I leaned over and whispered, "Sorry Madam, I'm just in a hurry." She nodded and went back to reading.

I came upon two Gryffindor first years and sat down at the table with them. "Hey you two, how would you like to help me out with something?"

"Sure Harry, what?"

"Follow me." I lead them down the isle and watched as Bob peeked around a corner and listened intently. I pulled the two boys back down the isle and gave them each a galleon. "You saw that girl right?"

They both nodded. "That's Roberta Malfoy. She's scary."

I laughed. "Boy, I'll say. Ok, all I want you to do, is go to another part of the library, close enough so that she can hear you and say something like "Hey Harry, can you help me with my Defense against the Dark Arts homework? It doesn't really matter what you say as long as you say my name. Got it?"

The two pulled the prank off royally and I watched as Bob approached the two boys. "Did you boys see Harry?"

They both nodded, a little awed that the feared Roberta Malfoy was actually talking to them.

"Well, where did you see him?"

They both pointed in my direction. I just rolled my eyes and groaned. "First years, oh brother." I quickly put my cloak back on and stood aside as Bob passed right by me.

"I know you're here Harry. You are not going to get by me. You might as well start practicing your song right now."

I strolled past Madam Pince who had gotten up to find out what all the noise was. "Miss. Malfoy, will you kindly tell me why you must destroy the quiet atmosphere in my library?"

"I apologize Madam."

The librarian pursed her lips together. "Well, be that as it may young lady, the library is closing in five minutes. Please make your selection and make your way to your dormitory."

"Well, I haven't found what I am looking for yet, but I will. Very soon."

"Very well young lady, but make it fast."

"Yes maam."

After that exchange I walked out of the library doors and decided to wait for her to come out. I took off the cloak and leaned against the wall with my arms folded and my ankles crossed and I know that I had a goofy grin on my face.

About a minute later she pushed the door open and stopped in mid-stride when she saw me leaning against the wall.

I chuckled at her. "I win!"

"No fair. You have that invisibility cloak."

I waggled a finger at her. "Ahh but I didn't have it on the whole time; just to give inferiors, such as you, a fighting chance."

"Inferior! Well, I have never been so insul..."

She would have finished her sentence, but it was hard for her to talk with my lips pressed firmly against hers.

When we broke away I looked down at her. "You were saying..."

She laid her head on my shoulder. "Humm?"

I squeezed her waist then whispered, "Hey, I've got some news to tell you. Come with me." I dragged her to the Room of Requirement because I didn't want to chance being overheard by anyone. "Bob, Professor Dumbledore and I have had a breakthrough..."

I explained everything to her, and when I finished she beamed at me and threw her arms around my neck. "Harry, that's fantastic. Oh, look at me. Tell me what you see."

"Oh, ok. Hold on a minute, I have to relax."

The two of us sat on the floor across from each other and I closed my eyes and entered the energy plane. I looked at her and was shocked. "Ah, Bob...tell me exactly what you are feeling right now. You need to tell me everything."

"Well, I'm excited for you. I love you. I guess I'm a little frightened. This is all so...different. I'm frustrated."

I frowned. "Why are you frustrated?"

"Never mind, moving on now...do you really want everything?"

"Yes please. I'd like to try to decipher the colors that I'm seeing."

"I'm colors?"

I laughed. "Yeah, a rainbow. Even your energy is beautiful Bob...Whoa...that got a reaction! You just went all pink."

I felt her hands on my face. "Well, that is the answer to at least one of your questions. Pink is love."

I brought myself back before the contact between the two of us would force me to start to draw on her power. That's ok though; the kiss was incredible.

In the following days, I worked with Professor Dumbledore, perfecting my ability to access the energy plane. I could now access the plane, draw in power and hold a normal conversation without thinking about it.

I was still deciphering the colors though. I had determined that pink was love, thanks to Bob; red is hate or anger, I'm not yet sure which one, I found that out quite by accident when Marley Maddison, a 4^th year Hufflepuff, caught her boyfriend of five months flirting with a 3^rd year Slytherin girl. I'm not sure of her name, but there sure were fireworks and I took advantage of the situation and accessed the energy plane and watched what happened. Marley was bright blood red and the Slytherin girl was yellow. I think that yellow must be fear. If Marley was yelling at me that way, I would certainly be afraid.

Hermione was walking around in a constant state of orange ie worry. I wouldn't expect anything different from her though; after all NEWTS were only four months away. Ron was mostly green with sudden bouts of red. Green is relaxed. With the way that he and Hermione have been behaving, he has reason to be relaxed.

All in all though, I was in the process of discovering that people are very complex. Rarely were their energy centers one solid color. That happened only when one emotion was so overwhelming that it drowned out all other feelings; like in Marley's case.

On an evening just before March, Professor Dumbledore called a meeting with everyone that knew about this...manifestation of mine. Ron, Hermione, Draco, Ginny, Bob, Lud, and surprisingly enough Snape were there. We met in the Room of Requirement. I still had not been able to douse the effects of all of Dumbledore's 'toys' as he called them.

The Head Master stood before the small group and smiled at us all. "Thank you all for coming. I know that it is out of concern for Harry that you are here. Let me tell you what you can expect.

"Harry has been spending his time practicing his wandless magic. You all have an idea of what that entails. However, Harry has never had to access his power in a room full of people that are in close proximity.

"If you want to step out now, no one will stop you. There is a chance that if you stay, Harry may inadvertently draw on your power and not even realize it. I will do my best to keep this from happening but just in case cast a shield around yourself if you feel your energy starting to lag."

He was answered with a room full of bobbing heads.

I looked at them all. "Thanks you guys, I appreciate this; and if I bobble this up, I apologize ahead of time."

"All right Harry, and remember draw from what is immediately around you. You don't need to reach out."

I nodded and closed my eyes. I enjoyed this part of it. Seeing the bright centers and colors was very educational. This time, I was almost overwhelmed. There was so much brightness that I could barely see. However, I followed the Professors instructions and began to draw energy to me from immediately around my body rather than reaching out as I was more inclined to do.

I opened my eyes and raised my hand and raised the table that the Professor had put there just for this purpose. The table wobbled for a moment then shot toward the ceiling when I gave it a little extra push. Pieces of splintered wood rained down to the floor. Luckily, the Head Master had put the table far enough away that it didn't hit any of the people in the room.

With a sigh I shook my head. "Bloody Hell!"

Draco laughed. "You don't know your own strength Potter."

"That's more true than you know. When the table didn't move like I thought it should, I gave it just a very little more of a push; almost nothing! Look at this mess!"

Dumbledore smiled. "Don't get discouraged Harry. Wandless magic has a different level of control attached with it. It's like starting first year over and having to learn control all over again. You have normal magic down pat and can do it almost without thinking. You will get to that level of competency with wandless magic eventually; you just need to continue to practice.

"Now, let me ask all of you, did you feel that you had lost any power while Harry was working?"

To my shame, every one of them nodded.

I looked at them all. "I am so sorry you guys."

Professor Snape gave everyone a restorative draught while Professor Dumbledore questioned me.

"Harry, when you gathered in power what exactly happened?"

"I felt like...well...the best way to describe it is like a muggle vacuum. When I concentrated on pulling in power, it just came to me until I...um...turned it off is the best way to say it. Then I opened up my eyes and destroyed the table."

"What's a vacuum?"

I looked at Ron and laughed, "Yeah I guess that you wouldn't know that would you. It's a machine that muggles use to remove dirt from carpets. It just sucks the dirt up."

"And you are saying that our power is like the dirt?" Draco looked interested.

"Only yours Malfoy!"

"Sod off Weaslebee! Harry...?"

"Yeah, it's kind of hard to describe. I feel like my body is the tube and I just take everything in that is around me." I turned to Professor Dumbledore. "Sir, I have been concentrating on drawing in around me, what if I tried above me instead?"

"Well, if everyone is agreeable, you can try that."

Again everyone nodded.

"Don't forget to put a shield up if you feel you are being drained."

Again I tried to draw in power without depleting my friends.

"Stop Harry!"

I opened my eyes and everyone looked exhausted.

I sighed. "Is everyone ok?"

"Sure Potter, we all just love feeling like we've just run ten miles."

"Draco! Behave yourself!" Ginny frowned at him.

"Why, it's so fun to push his buttons?"

I started laughing. "Watch it Malfoy, I could zap you right now and you wouldn't be able to do anything about it."

"I would always be able to do something about it. I'm a Malfoy after all. You know what they say; revenge is a dish best served cold."

"Enough clowning around boys," Lud scolded.

"Who says we're clowning around?" We had both said that at the same time, then we looked at each other and started laughing.

Lud looked at the Head Master. "Putting shields up doesn't help Albus. He breaks right through them."

I sighed. "There has to be an answer to this."

"Ah, but don't get discouraged Harry. We'll get it figured out eventually. In the mean time, I think that you children should go back to your dorms and rest. Severus, will you please give everyone the restorative draught again please?"

The six of us filed out of the room and stood in the corridor for a moment. "I am sorry everyone."

"Don't...don...don worry about it mate," Ron yawned. I'm going to bed. I feel like I could sleep for a week."

From the mumbles, I assumed that the rest of them were of like mind. "All right, sweet dreams. I'm going back in to talk to the teachers."

I pushed the door back open, capturing the attention of the adults in the room.

"May I...?" I let the question hang and waited for their approval. Lud waved me in.

"What's on your mind Harry?"

I sat down and thought for a moment, trying to form the question that came to me. "Professors', how would someone, using a wand, break through an opponents shield?"

Lud answered. "Well Harry, the spell 'Vibratio' is the spell that I have used in the past; but it is not an easy curse to do. When the Vibratio curse hits a targets shield, it sets up a vibration that works its way through the fabric of the shield, breaking it up. It leaves your opponent open only as long as it takes him to cast another shield. An extremely quick wizard could slip another spell in, in that fraction of a second."

"Professor Dumbledore, does it work the same using wandless magic?"

"It works the same, but the difference is that because there is more power available to someone using wandless magic, the vibration reacts more quickly."

"I see. So, something that I am doing without thinking about it is destroying all of the shields of those around me."

"In a way but not completely, Harry. Not only are you breaking through shields that have been cast, but you are breaking through the natural shield as well. The natural shield protects its host from draining power from it.

I know that I must have looked dejected, because Lud came over and clapped me on the back. "We'll get it figured out Harry."

"Professor Snape, is there some kind of potion that I can take that will temper my powers?"

"Not unless you want to loose your powers all together!"

"Maybe, we could alter that potion to only dampen..."

Professor Snape laughed. "We could experiment with it Mr. Potter, however I expect that we would have trouble finding people to test it on."

"Oh...yeah, right. Well, I guess maybe I'll go work on that Potion's Essay since I managed to wipe everyone out."

"That's a good idea Mr. Potter."