"That's because you are a dangerous girl." Kerry hugged her tight. "I think you have this side that no one's seen--but I don't think it's bad, because you're not bad. I think it's . . ." He looked for the words, not really certain he could say what he meant without it sounding strange.

"You go after things," he finally said. "It's safe to say, when you want something, you keep after it until it is yours. You did it tonight with Accio; you didn't do it with flying because it sounds like you were upset with your family over something, and you stopped for that reason--but then it became something like, 'You won't make me fly' instead."

Kerry hesitated just a moment, then lurched into the fray. "And I realize . . . you did it with me. I get now the whole thing on the train to Hogwarts. The thing with my glasses, and where you did it in front of what's-her-name . . ." When Annie didn't immediately slug him, he finished by saying, "You have all this--energy, Annie, and when you put it into motion, no one better get in your way."

He reached up and kissed her cheek. "It doesn't make you bad. In fact, I sort of like it." He leaned into her and said, "I like a dangerous Annie. She's . . . exciting."

Kerry was off his chair in moment, picking up his backpack and securing his wand inside. "Coming, Sweetie," he said. He hooked her hands in his and headed down the stairs, out of the Charms Building and into the night towards the Great Hall.

I can believe no other girl would stand a chance against Annie, He thought as they hurried to join their classmates. And here, it's not like any other girl is going to come along for me . . ..

No, as far as Kerry was concerned, Annie was all there was and all he ever needed. "Did I tell you I love you today?" he asked.