Chapter Eleven

Nightmares

Harry was grateful for the fact that thus far Snape had said nothing of his previous breakdown. Just one more staircase and corridor and he could hide himself away in his dorm. Halfway up the staircase the peaceful silence was broken.

"You have had ample time to calm down Potter, now explain to me what that episode was all about."

"Um, don't really know sir, I told you that earlier."

"And as I said I know a lie when I hear one. You know exactly what that was about. You acted as if I were about to strike you. In all my years of teaching that is one thing I have never done. Now explain."

Harry was at a loss. What could he say to get himself out of this? In all honesty he didn't know exactly what happened. One minute he was talking to the man the next a vile was being put into his hand. He knew he had said something but what? Harry thought the worst when it dawned on him what Snape just said… "You acted as if I were about to strike you…"

"NO I didn't! I know you wouldn't do something like that. I don't know why you would make something like that up!"

"I have not made up anything Potter. You yourself asked me not to hit you. Again, EXPLAIN what you were thinking you daft boy."

Harry was relieved to notice they had reached the entrance to the tower. He didn't want, better yet, couldn't explain anything to Snape. He was going to have to figure out just what was wrong with him and soon. Twice today he had done things that normally he wouldn't. First willingly trying to give Althia his wand when he was sure she was a threat and now this scene with Snape. He knew what he needed to do…blow Snape off until he had time to think.

"HA, you're lying! Now if you'll EXCUSE me sir, I'm going to bed!" He said as he ran to the entrance hastily speaking the password.

"I will get to the bottom of this Potter, one way or another." Snape called to the closing portrait before walking away.

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Once inside Harry found himself once again muttering his new mantra…'just drop it, just drop it.' He had heard Snape's comment even if it were a bit muffled. Still slightly dazed he hadn't noticed that Hermione had approached him.

"Hullo Harry" She said tentatively.

"Hermione. What do you want?"

"Oh, um… I just wanted to apoli…Harry, you all right? You seem a bit distracted. What happened to your shirt?" She asked after catching a brief glimpse when his robe fluttered open.

"Nothing. And for the LAST time…I'm FINE!"

"I don't think it's nothing, your shirt didn't rip itself. If you're not comfortable talking to me there's always Ron. We just want to help Harry, we ARE your friends after all!"

"RON! Ron is the last person I want to talk to right now! And I don't think I want to talk to you either. Apparently neither of you were listening earlier to anything I said!"

"Harry please, you have to talk to someone! I just know something's wrong. Why won't you talk to us! Please Harry tell me!"

"News flash Hermione…if I choose to speak to someone it won't be either of you…neither of you know how to LISTEN…especially Ron! And there's nothing to TALK about, if there were I do have someone I feel I can go to!"

"Oh let me guess, your new pal Althia! How can you put so much trust into someone you just met Harry? Ron and I are your real friends Harry, neither of us have done anything to deserve this treatment from you! Why the sudden lack of trust? There's absolutely no reason for it!"

"Oh there's plenty reason I assure you. Not so much you but him. And it seems to me that if you were so worried about me you would have written more…oh wait, how about written at ALL! Not one letter Hermione…from either of you…all summer!"

"Harry, I wrote plenty, so don't try that excuse! And what could Ron have done that was so horrible that you won't speak to him?"

"Don't be naïve Hermione I'm sure you know EXACTLY what he's done. You two probably planned his little confrontation with me together! And I think I would know how much mail I received, so no point in lying about writing."

"What are you talking about? What confrontation? And I swear Harry I wrote you…ask Ron he can verify it!"

"HERMIONE…I DO NOT WANT TO TALK TO HIM! You want to know what he's done…well ask the git yourself. This conversation is OVER, I'm going to bed!" He finished before stomping up the stairs to his dorm room.

She stood and watched him storm off. She couldn't understand why he was in such a foul mood. And what did Ron have to do with all this? She decided that she would take his advice and ask him exactly what had happened. And as luck would have it Ron chose that moment to enter the common room.

"Hey Hermione, what's up? You look right pissed off."

"I just had a very interesting chat with Harry."

"Oh yeah, what did he have to say?"

"Not much, not really. He did seem to think I, we, never wrote him over the summer. You know I wrote him Ron but he denies it. And on top of that his shirt was torn open. He told me I should ask you about it. Why would that be, what do you know of it?"

"Well…it's like this Hermione. Um, I might have been a bit aggressive earlier…but you have to understand, I had no choice! He wouldn't tell me anything! I did what I had to do!"

"Ronald! You're saying you did that to him! No wonder he was so upset! That was totally uncalled for, I'm sure he didn't want you to see his injuries! I just wanted him to talk about it he didn't have to show me! He thinks I was in on your little plan. I can't even bare to look at you right now! I'm going to bed!"

She had turned to leave but Ron reached out and caught her by the arm. With a huff she pulled her arm free and glared at him. Once again turning she was stopped by his words.

"That's just the thing Hermione…there wasn't a scratch on him."

"What, nothing?"

"Nope not a one."

"Oh God, we were wrong. We should have listened to him. But what about what you saw on his leg, you said it was bad."

"It was, and I don't think we were wrong. You should have seen what happened when he ran into Snape; it was really a sad sight Hermione. I don't know how he's hiding it, maybe a glamour or something, but somehow he's hiding his injuries."

"It doesn't make sense Ron. Why, if its true that he's hiding something, didn't he hide them ALL? Why leave the one on his leg? Something's going on and I'm going to find out exactly what it is! And what happened with Professor Snape?"

Pulling Hermione to the couch by the fire Ron told her what he had witnessed. He was careful not to let his face betray the utter glee he felt at the memory. By the time he had finished the story he could see the slight wetness in her eyes and subtle trembling in her lower lip. He reached out to her and pulled the whimpering girl into his arms. Caressing her hair and rubbing her back to soothe her quiet sobs Ron couldn't help but smile while he reassured her everything would work out fine. Of course his definition of fine being altogether different from what Hermione was thinking. She pulled away from him and looked him in the eye. He cupped her cheek in his hand and brushed a lone tear from her face. He reassured her once again before ushering her off to bed. She only nodded before standing and retreating to the girl's dorm. He watched her leave before standing and making his way to his own room.

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Banji lay panting and whimpering, a sheen of sweat on her brow. She thrashed her arms and legs wildly, caught up in yet another nightmare. It was a nightmare she grew used to, for she had it many times the past year.

She was in class, Potions to be exact. Around her the other students were chatting silently with their partners as they brewed. As she did every time before she added the crushed oyster shell to her pale pink potion. As she stirred counterclockwise her surroundings clouded as if engulfed by a thick smoke. It cleared soon after and she looked around. She saw a rather beefy black haired boy, Zackery Phillips, in the corner of the classroom eyeing her sister in distaste. Her vision was blocked when her mother stepped into view. Their eyes met and her mother smiled kindly to her as she approved of her work so far. Her surroundings clouded once more and when it cleared she noticed that Zack was no longer in his seat. He was making his way to where Siria was and it looked as if he had something hidden in his fist. When he caught her staring he gave her a sort of smirk. Thinking the worst she leapt from her seat to stop whatever it was he was about to do. As she rushed toward him she was overcome with a loud sort of purring in her ears and everything went black. The last thing she heard was a shrill scream before she woke with a start, her throat scratchy and realizing that the scream was her own.

Sitting up Banji had to untangle herself from her sheets. Bringing her hand up to swipe at her face she wasn't surprised at the tears on her cheeks. Free from the bedding she pulled her legs to her chest and rested her forehead on her knees and continued to silently sob. Why couldn't she remember what had happened? She felt as if she would never get closure until she knew. And why did she always have to dream of the day her mother died, why not a nicer memory like the Sunday picnics they used to have? A nice red and white-checkered blanket thrown out, a real wicker basket and cute little finger sandwiches and fresh fruit. Why not pleasant dreams like that?

She heard her door click open then close. Banji watched as the shadow moved to her bed and slipped under the covers. A hand reached out and grasped her arm and gently pulled. With a heavy sigh she lay back down and rested her head on her sisters shoulder. No words were spoken, there never were. Siria was her rock on nights like these. As she lay there she hoped when she fell back to sleep that THE nightmare didn't claim her again this night.

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Siria found herself daydreaming in her bed, sleep just wouldn't claim her. She had way too many thoughts bumping around in her head. Thoughts that drifted from sweet revenge on a certain ginger haired boy, to her friend in the infirmary, then onto the boy that her sister no doubt was sweet on. And thinking of sweet her thoughts drifted to the gorgeous creature she had yet to truly meet but admired from afar. And his voice, it was addicting and she was sure it would send a shiver down her spine every time she heard it. Feeling her temperature rise a bit she let her mind take her back to her sister.

Banji was normally a much stronger being than herself but the nightmares that plagued her the past few months had taken its toll. Not saying that she herself wasn't a strong person but where she allowed something as simple as a boy to bring her down a notch, her sister would never allow it. When confronted by someone trying to provoke them Banji would stand up to them, no matter the size, but she herself would just let it pass her by and think nothing of it. Where she herself was described as a 'happy-go-lucky person without a care in the world', her sister was the opposite, 'serious, down-to-earth, no nonsense' type of person. But even these differences brought them closer together. In all rights they cancelled the other out. When Banji became too serious Siria would lighten the mood. When Siria faced a problem it was Banji that would 'ground' her and help her face it. Like earlier with the George situation.

She figured she should hear him out. It was a fact that she never did read any of the letters he or Fred had sent. What was the purpose really? He had been caught red-handed, what could he possibly say that would change that? No matter, she knew she would get her just desserts just figuring the best way to prank the pranksters!

She had just started to doze off, thinking of all the different hexes, potions or charms that would serve her purpose best when she heard a shrill scream come from the adjoining bedroom. Jumping from the suddenness of it she jerked upright, heart rate increased only a minimum. She had become accustomed to nights like these. Without hesitation she left her bed and made her way to her sisters room.

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Ron made his way upstairs as quietly as he could. He stopped just outside the closed door and listened for the others voices. He couldn't help but wonder if Harry had been confronted by the other occupants in the room like Hermione had done. If so, he was almost upset that he had missed his lame excuse. Deciding that the best way to find out he turned the knob and entered. Everything seemed normal enough. Dean and Seamus were playing a game of Exploding Snap and Neville; well, he was under his bed looking for Trevor no doubt. Scanning the room he didn't see Harry anywhere and the hangings on his bed weren't closed so he wasn't in bed. That left one place where he could be.

He made his way to the end of his bed, toed off his trainers and pulled off his socks. Going to his trunk he retrieved his toiletry bag and towel and headed for the shared bathroom. He knew Harry wouldn't hear him considering he was bare footed so he slipped in undetected. He was near the end of the room having apparently just finished showering. Ron watched as Harry picked up a small jar, opened it and scooped out a small portion. The smell made its way toward him and he knew immediately what it was…bruise balm. As Harry pulled the towel around his waist free Ron got to see full on what was hidden earlier. The bruise on the leg he had seen but the boxers he had on then had covered the rest. The bruises extended from his mid thigh to his hip. There the color was much darker almost black and had a sickening shine to it. He was glad that Harry hadn't put his glasses on yet, for if he had Harry would surely have spotted him before now. He allowed him to finish his task before he let his presence be known. As Harry finished and went to reach for his pajama pants, Ron let out a whistle before he spoke, getting his attention quick, stopping him in mid reach.

"Wow Harry, that sure is nothing. Hell of a going away present really. Dudley must plan on missing you a LOT!"

"Shut it Ron, I'm in no mood for this. It's not that bad so stop making it out as if it is." Harry shot back, clearly agitated, as he wrapped his towel around himself again, pants forgotten.

"Like Hell its not that bad! Harry maybe you should put your glasses back on and look again, I don't see how you're not limping! And as for not being in the mood, I guess that means the old git is loosing his touch, that calming potion shouldn't have worn off yet."

Ron watched as Harry visibly paled. He had to force himself to hide his smirk of triumph. He had found a rather sensitive subject. He allowed the silence and waited for Harry to process this new information. He didn't have to wait long.

"Wh…what are you talking about?"

"Oh don't be daft Harry. I SAW you and Snape in the hall. Shame really, that you didn't get that punch in. Was that nothing too? I mean there's been plenty of time's I would have loved to hit him myself but why did you even try? And even more how did you end up on the floor, covering your head for protection?"

"I…I…don't know…know what you mean. Look I don't want to talk about it, especially not with you! It doesn't matter anyway, it's not important!" Harry yelled.

"Like HELL it's not important. Harry there has to be a reason why you acted like that. Something has changed since last year and I as well as Hermione wants to know what that is!" He yelled back.

"Hey, what's going on? What's all the yelling about?" Asked a worried Neville as he entered the bathroom as well.

"Er, it's nothing Neville, don't worry about it. Ron and I are just having a little disagreement."

"You sure Harry, sounds like more than a simple disagreement."

Before Harry could answer Ron interrupted him.

"Don't let him fool you Nev, Harry here seems to think everything can be explained away by a nothing."

"RON…don't!"

"Why not Harry? Why not get another opinion? See if maybe Neville will agree that this is nothing, but I doubt it."

Before Harry knew what was happening Ron had closed in on him and snatched the towel from his waist, leaving him speechless and exposed.

"So Neville, does that look like nothing to you?"

Neville could only stare, openmouthed, no less. His gaze went from a shocked Harry to an irate Ron back to the marks marring his friend. It was a few seconds before he could form words coherently.

"Uh, Harry that looks pretty bad. Um, it's probably not my business but what happened? Oh and here…" He managed to say as he handed Harry his pants.

Harry was grateful for the distraction as he slipped on his pants, then his shirt before finally his glasses.

"It's simple really. My brute of a cousin and I had a row, nothing more. That's what I told Ron, but he REFUSES to believe me. HE keeps trying to make it more than it is. I'll be fine, really, got a bruise balm and everything."

"All right Harry, if you're sure. I mean if you're sure you'll be fine. I have a mild pain potion in my trunk if you need it, Gram makes sure I have a few, considering how clumsy I can be, never know when you may need one."

"Thanks, but no, I'll be all righ…"

"Neville…you're not really buying into this are you? You should have seen him earlier with Snape, he…"

"RON! ENOUGH!" Harry shouted. "Leave Neville out of this quest of yours to save me. It's not necessary.AT.ALL! And furthermore I do owe you a little something I promised you earlier."

"And what exactly would that be Harry?"

"Huh, how quickly you forget. I told you earlier that if you EVER did anything like that to me again, which you just did, I would…"

"Yeah, yeah, you would curse me. I don't see your wand anywhere Harry, so it seems like an empty threat to me."

"True enough, but I do have this." He calmly replied as he walked up to the tall red head, fisted his hand into a tight ball, drew back and landed a firm punch to his jaw, sending him crashing down to the floor with a loud thump and out cold.

Harry couldn't help but feel completely satisfied. Never before had he thought he would ever strike his best mate but he just had. And he didn't feel guilty at all. Now maybe he would take the hint and leave him alone, one could only hope. Remembering his other friend he spoke calmly to him.

"Where's Dean and Seamus? If you heard us I'm sure they did too."

"Oh, they took their game downstairs cause I was about to go to bed."

"Good. If you don't mind could we keep this between us, this little episode I mean?"

"Sure Harry, no problem."

"Thanks and about that pain potion Neville."

"Yeah, you want it?"

"Nah, but I'm sure Ron will when he wakes up. Well, I'm going to bed, night Neville."

"Goodnight Harry."

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Draco watched as Althia slept peacefully in the next bed. He admired her for her ability to be able to practically fall asleep before her head hit the pillow. Even without her magical drain she could do that. There was a time in his life when he too had the ability, but as of late that had changed. Truly it had been quite some time since he had been able to sleep the night through. Truth be told, today was the most sleep he had had in months, and if he were honest with himself, knew he owed her a bit of gratitude for it, 'shocking' though had it been.

Having been unconscious for most of the day he knew sleep would not come again this night. Adjusting the pillow behind him he sat up further on the bed. He was feeling quite good actually, refreshed and without the normal pains. He knew the numbing effect would wear off eventually but until it did, he planned to enjoy it.

Hearing a door open within the room Draco's attention was brought away from Althia. Looking to where he guessed the sound to have originated from he saw Madam Pompfrey making her way toward them, presumably her last rounds for the night.

He watched silently as she waved her wand, doing her tests. He saw her look of confusion and the second pass of her wand. He knew when she muttered to herself that she didn't realize that he was awake to hear.

"Odd, her core level is further depleted than before…"

'Uh oh, this isn't good. How the hell is she, are we, going to explain this.' Was his only thought.

Making a third pass of her wand Madam Pompfrey only 'tsked' as she decided to wait until morning when she could speak to the girl. She then made her way to her only other patient, surprised to find him awake.

"Ah, Mr. Malfoy you're awake. How are you feeling?"

"Rather well but a bit hungry actually."

"I'm not surprised. Considering you missed the opening feast and probably haven't eaten since lunch, possibly even breakfast. I'll have something brought up from the kitchens for you."

"Thank you ma'am. How is she, Althia I mean?" He asked pointing to the occupant beside him.

"You know her Mr. Malfoy? How would that be, she is a new student after all."

'Damn Draco, use your brain. What were you thinking using her first name? Think, think you fool!'

"Oh, um… I met her on the ride here, briefly yes, but met her just the same."

"Very well. As for her condition, that is something I am not permitted to discuss with you intently, but I assure you she should be fine. Now about yourself, can you explain to me what happened to cause your episode? Mr.'s Goyle and Crabbe weren't very forthcoming with any details."

Draco blew out a breath of relief. Without knowing it Vince, Greg AND Madam Pompfrey had given him an out.

"Well they wouldn't would they? Trying to keep themselves and me out of detention I'm sure."

"What exactly do you mean Mr. Malfoy?"

"It's stupid really. We were discussing different spells, one of which was Sopor. One minute we're arguing over the correct wand movement and the next I wake up here. Suffice it to say someone got a little over zealous and actually cast it. That would be my guess."

"Not very responsible of any of you. I hope you have learned a lesson from this; magic is not something to be taken lightly or played around with. Of course I will report this to your head of house and he will decide your punishments."

Draco only nodded his understanding. The mediwitch left after that telling him his meal would soon arrive and to be sure to finish it completely. No more had she left and his dinner appeared when the infirmary door opened and he was greeted with another visitor.

Severus entered the room scanning its two current occupants. He saw the girl was currently sleeping and Draco was dining. He pulled a chair to his bedside and sat.

Draco knew he was in for a lecture so he sat quietly waiting for the inevitable. He didn't have to wait long.

"I've just spoken to Madam Pompfrey Draco. I must say I was astounded that she believed your story. Surly you do not expect me to believe it as well. Although I wouldn't put it past Mr.'s Crabbe and Goyle to do something so foolish, but I believe they have not put forth the effort to learn seventh year material. Now I expect nothing less than the truth from you. Do not try my patience or you will find yourself in detention."

"Yes sir. I did have an argument, well a conflict really, just not with Greg and Vince. It was with Potter, his two lackeys and her. I was simply trying to imply that she could pick better friends. Needless to say she didn't much care for my opinion. She not so kindly asked me to leave and the next thing I know, I'm waking up here. I really don't know what happened."

"I see. Do you think she could have possibly hexed you? Did she have her wand drawn?"

"I believe she may have." He lied. "But I had mine drawn as well. And it was a heated discussion, I suppose she got one up one me is all."

'Yes, so it seems. I will admit your story seems weak but I will take you for your word. I will not let it go unpunished, for either of you. You will be serving detention with me Friday evening. As for Miss Panes, when she is sorted in the morning, her head of house will deal with her."

"Yes sir." Draco replied with a sigh.

He was about to ask what the detention would involve when soft whimpers were heard. They both looked at the girl beside them and saw that she appeared to be lost in a dream. She had quieted down for a moment and they figured the dream had shifted. But only three breathes later she began thrashing in the bed and moaning. Severus stood to go wake the girl. But as he reached out to shake her shoulder she bolted upright with a loud sob, eyes watering and body shaking.

Althia looked around franticly, not sure where she was. It gave her a start when she saw the dark figure beside her and the blond boy now standing behind him. Looking between the two she calmed, realizing who they were. She let out a long, relieved breath as she scrubbed at her face.

"Are you alright Althia?" Draco inquired concerned, causing Snape to raise an eyebrow.

"Yeah, bad dream I guess. Funny thing is I can't remember anything about it. How weird is that?"

"Not so strange I'm sure. Do you feel you will require a sleeping potion or do you think you'll be able to return to sleep without assistance?" Snape asked.

"Um, I should be fine sir, but thanks."

"Very well. Mr. Malfoy return to your bed and both of you get some sleep."

They both replied a 'yes sir' and lay in their beds. Satisfied Snape left them to it. He himself felt his bed calling to him. It had been an eventful evening after all, what with a spastic Gryffindor, fainting transfer student and an unconscious Slytherin.

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Sinking into his bed, closing the curtains and casting a Silencio Harry finally relaxed. Staring blankly at the canopy his thoughts drifted. He was having a hard time dealing with what Ron had done not once, but twice this evening. Why couldn't he or Hermione be a little more like Neville? Simply take his word for it and don't pressure him for more answers than what he wanted to give or had. He knew they cared for him but some thing's he just didn't want to speak of.

Well he thought they cared, but considering neither kept in touch he wasn't sure anymore. But Hermione said that she had written…why would she lie about something like that? And what was Ron's deal? Tearing his shirt open and ripping his towel from his waist. He was just proud that Dean and Seamus weren't in the room to hear their fight. And he was defiantly going to leave Ron to explain why his supposed best mate punched him in the jaw!

He wasn't surprised that he felt satisfaction but considering he didn't feel guilty at all did. Considering how long they had been friends one would think guilt would come into play, but it didn't. Oh well. Deciding to think of something other than then red headed git his thoughts ventured to an even bigger one…a greasy haired one.

Snape, the over grown bat of the dungeons. Snape, the one and only name-calling, almost cruel, always in a dark mood and sinister Potion Master. He really hoped THAT class didn't come first on his new schedule. It would give him time to think of a good excuse for his earlier…breakdown? It figured, when he actually does tell the truth, he isn't believed. Truth be told he hadn't a clue as to why or what happened. He knew he'd have to figure something out and soon, he couldn't avoid Snape forever, no matter how hard he may try.

The time spent thinking over the days events Harry didn't realize his eyes had been dropping closed and before he could realize it was happening, he was fast asleep.

It was a peaceful slumber to start out with. But like many nights before, soon turned to bad memories that liked to play them selves out over and over in living color.

They were always the same. He would start out locked into darkness in the cupboard. Then being removed brutally and beaten for no apparent reason other than being a freak, that's when the pain would come. That would shift to a familiar graveyard, a flash of green and cold dead eyes staring at him, the eyes of a fallen champion. Cold dead eyes would shift to a piercing red and then even more pain would come. He would suffer pain in his arm, pain in his head, pain in his ears from sickening, high-pitched laughter. What the worst part of the dream was when all the deceased around him blamed him for their deaths, that pain hurt worst of all. That pain would bring him back to the waking world with a heart-wrenching scream.

Awake, panicking and breathing heavy he waited for Uncle Vernon to come shut him up. When no one came and he calmed, remembering where he was, Harry had just one thought.

'Thank God for magic and silencing spells!'

TBC

A/N: Sopor…Deep Sleep

Thanks to goffergurl for the beta job.

OH MY GOSH PEOPLE! I updated, heh, only took 2 ½ months! Geez, this chapter just about killed me, SERIOUSLY! Hope you liked it and HOPEFULLY you won't have to wait so long for the next chapter! But no guarantees.

Thank You's…

Harrypotterfan08…Thank you sooo much for always giving me a review. Don't know how much longer you'll have to wait for some background on Ali and Draco but it will happen eventually. As for the other, you'll just have to wait and see…

Loxodonta-Magica…Hey thanks for the review, glad you like it so far. I must admit I'm rather envious of you…wish I could update as quickly as you…

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And last but not least…

Luinloriel…I've told you this before…but WOW…loved getting alerts for so many reviews in one night. ALL you people should be thanking her…She's the reason I decided to kick myself in the butt and finish this chapter! Luv Ya girlie! Oh and hopefully you like that bit I did just for you, but I promise I'm far from done…more treats for you to come…oh and also the offer is still open for that suggestion from you, just let me know what you would like to see…

Okay that's all people, except…PLEASE REVIEW you don't know how much it helps and just all around makes me feel good!