Simply Irresistible Keeperoliver Chapter 2
A/N: Wow, the response to this one has been fantastic. Thank you all for taking the time to read and enjoy it. I know that I have done this one before, but I had to republish it with the descriptive moments removed. Since it is already written, this story will be updated more frequently. Now, hold onto your hats and get ready to take the ride. As always, Ollie the Keeper.
SI-}
Luna woke up feeling more rested than she had in quite a while. Not even the beds in Hogwarts felt as comfortable as the one she was currently in. It seemed to collapse around her, encasing her in warmth. She got up and went to the lav in her suite to shower and other things. She felt like a princess in this home with all the special nuances it provided. She wished her father was here to enjoy it as well.
She finished her shower and got dressed. Once this was done, she headed down to the kitchen to find Harry and Kreacher. She found Kreacher, but not Harry. "Good morning to you Kreacher."
"Good morning Missy Luna. Did you sleep well."
"OH yes Kreacher, I slept very well indeed. Do you know where Harry is?"
"Yes Missy Luna, Master Harry had things he needed to do this morning and had to go see the healer in Hogwarts. He said I should feed you breakfast and keep you company until he returns. I hope that is alright with you. Would you like some breakfast?"
"Yes please Kreacher. Do you know how to make FlapJacks?" Seeing the look on Kreacher's face gave her the answer. He looked lost.
"FlapJacks Missy? What are they? Are they hard to make?"
Luna got up and asked, "Would you be upset if I helped you make them Kreacher. I think it is the best way to explain." When Kreacher nodded his head, Luna began looking for the ingredients needed to make her breakfast. While searching she spotted a radio, and turned it on to listen to music while making and eating breakfast.
Kreacher stepped back to watch the Missy dance around the kitchen gathering the things needed. This was new to the elf, watching as someone else prepared a meal. However, what he was watching was a delightful display of music, dance and cooking.
Luna didn't realize she was performing for Kreacher as she moved through the kitchen. She enjoyed cooking as she was the one who had to do it while out on her travels with her dad. It was while searching for Bigfoot that she learned about FlapJacks. Thin pancakes that she spread peanut butter and jelly on, then folded them and covered them with syrup.
When she was done cooking them, she placed a plate in front of Kreacher then her own on the table. Kreacher watched as she fixed her own, and followed what she did. Kreacher tried his first bite of FlapJacks and almost laughed at the sensation it gave him. For something he never had before, he knew he had a new favorite breakfast meal.
Luna smiled as she watched the elf put away five FlapJacks plastered with peanut butter and jelly and drenched with syrup. Kreacher did the dishes when they were done and they sat and talked while the radio continued to play in the background.
SI-}
Harry wanted to surprise Luna by freeing her father. He entered the Ministry and was received by the well wishers and the thank you's from all the workers. Clean up from all the damage done to it by the death Eaters control was still taking place.
Harry made his way to the Minister's office. With Kingsley Shacklebolt as the interim Minister, Harry hoped he could free Xenophilius Lovegood on his own recognition taking full responsibility of his actions.
Audrey Pucey was filing paper work for the Minister when she heard someone enter the office. "I'm sorry, but the Minister is not taking visitors right now. Could you please come back later?" She said with out seeing who it was that entered.
Harry answered, "It is imperative for me to see him now. If you would just tell him Harry Potter is here to see him, I am sure he will see me."
Audrey almost passed out when she turned to see it was Harry there in her office. "I'm sorry Mr. Potter. If I had known it was you, I would have asked him right away. Please sit down while I announce your presence."
A minute later she came back out and called Harry in. Harry stood up and walked into Kingsley's office. He looked at the tall man behind the desk that was smiling at him. "Harry, come in and sit down. Would you like some tea or coffee?"
Harry smiled back and agreed to some coffee. Kingsley called for Audrey and asked her to get two cups of coffee. She soon returned with two steaming cups.
"So Harry, to what do I owe this pleasure? Are you here to put in your application for an Auror's position? Or any other position in the Ministry? Or is this a social visit?"
"Sorry Minister, I am not here for a job. A social visit and a request. Sir, you have a person in custody that I would like freed into my custody. Xenophilius Lovegood did what he did to get his daughter back. He did what any father would do in order to preserve family. I will take full responsibility for his actions."
"Harry, you don't have to be so formal with me. I'm Kingsley to you. As for Mr. Lovegood, if you think he is harmless then I can get him free on a suspended sentence. Now, why won't you take a job as an Auror. We could really use you. Our numbers are in that office are drastically low. Hardly enough to maintain any semblance of a protective force. I was going to ask you and Ron to join after the final battle, but you left before I could ask. Would you mind telling me where you ran off to?"
"Sorry Kingsley, I should have told someone I was leaving. I took Luna with me to visit Gringotts. Oh that reminds me, Thank you for helping me with the Goblins and the mess I made."
Harry saw a smile curl the lips of Kingsley's mouth. "Oh, you made a mess in Gringotts did you? And what was that if I might ask?"
Harry smiled back, "It seems I was with out transportation and needed a ride to Hogwarts to visit an old acquaintance on a very important matter. I borrowed one of their dragons and he might have broken a window or two on the way out."
"It seems I heard about something like that happening. The Goblins were kind of upset with the whole situation. All that over a couple of broken windows. They are never satisfied, are they. Any way, it was the least we could do for all you did for us. I have another thing I would like you to do for me though Harry."
"What is it you need me to do? You know if I can, it would be my pleasure."
"The Weasleys are having Fred's funeral the day after tomorrow. They would like you to be there for it. Molly is really upset Harry. She lost a son, and she feels you are blaming yourself for his death. She wants you to know it was not your fault."
"I have accepted this Kingsley. We lost too many to Tom and his henchmen. Thank you for letting me know, and Luna and I will be there for the funeral. Are you going to be there also?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world. When ever I needed a good laugh, Fred and George were always there to provide me with one. I'm going to miss the bugger. I don't know if George will ever get over it. Molly told me she hasn't seen him leave his room except to take care of urgent matters."
"I hope he finds a way to overcome his loss. The people need WWW to have something to laugh about again. I may even help him getting it started back up if he will let me. I have not had the best of childhoods, and I think I deserve to be able to enjoy my life for a change. I need a good laugh."
"I never thought of it that way Harry. You're right of course. You do deserve to live a normal life. More than that you need to live it. Oh, I have another thing you need to know. Lucius Malfoy has been given a life sentence in Azkaban, and all his belongings have been confiscated. Narcissa and Draco were found free of the mark, so they were not sentenced."
"So what are they doing if they lost Malfoy Manor, and all their money?"
"The Ministry provided a small apartment for them temporarily, but they must find a home soon. It's a shame really, Narcissa is a lovely lady, and Draco is misunderstood. I hope they find a place soon. I don't want to be the one to have to evict them."
Harry had a brilliant thought. One that involved many implications. He would have to sit and talk with Luna about it, but he had to start it now. "Kingsley, I have a small place place with a couple of spare bedrooms, do you think Mrs. Malfoy would accept my hospitality?"
"I could ask her, but I can't guarantee she would accept it. But why would you do this Harry? You and Draco were enemies in school."
"I believe things changed there at the end. I think Draco learned to respect me after I saved his life twice. Besides they need help, and I am willing to provide it. If she doesn't accept then maybe I can help them in another way."
"OK Harry I will pass it on to them, but how will I get in touch with you if she agrees?"
Harry gave his floo address to Kingsley and asked him to visit him when he got a chance. Kingsley asked if he could join them for dinner this evening, and Harry agreed then excused himself as he had another place to visit before heading home.
Harry then went to Hogsmeade to make the walk to Hogwarts and Madam Pomfrey. He had to ask her for something he felt he needed. His meeting with her was unexpectedly pleasant. She asked to examine him for any injuries he might have incurred with his battle and she found him with several that she healed. She then got Harry his request. He had asked for a nutritional supplement that would help with his exercise program he was about to start. A growth enhancing potion, and a calming drought for any emotional situation that might occur. He saw no one else in this visit, and made his way back home.
When Harry entered the Manor, he was surprised to see Luna and Kreacher working on making the sitting room more colorful and warming. It already was more welcoming since the first time he saw it.
New furniture was in place, bright curtains adorned the windows. A chandelier was installed that had crystals placed in certain spots to reflect the light coming from the bulbs. These crystals made a colorful pattern on the walls.
"It seems you two have been busy since I was gone. The room looks great. OH Kreacher, we will be having a visitor for dinner this evening, and Luna you need to wear something that is semi formal. "
"I don't have anything like that Harry. I have outgrown all my formal gowns."
"Well then I think we need to go shopping then. Kreacher, you go do the shopping for dinner, while I take the lovely young lady to find her something to wear."
Three hours later, Kreacher was preparing dinner and Luna was getting dressed for their dinner guest. Harry still hadn't told her who was visiting, but who ever it was had to be important for him wanting her to dress formal. She didn't know whether to cry or laugh at what Harry spent on her. Her closet was filled with clothes. Her shoe rack was full. Her dresser was full with her dainties as she liked to call them. Perfumes and makeup filled her vanity. Jewelry filled her jewelry box. She didn't know what she did to deserve a friend like Harry, but she thanked who ever it was that caused them to meet. It was probably the greatest thing that ever happened to her.
Luna made her way back down the staircase to meet up with Harry and Kreacher. When she found them, she turned a deep scarlet when they both stopped what they were doing to take in her appearance. Kreacher went to her and kissed her hand saying, "Missy Luna is looking beautiful this evening. Kreacher is most happy for being able to serve her."
Harry went to her as well, "Kreacher is right. You look magnificent Luna. It almost makes me dizzy looking at you. You have grown in more than one way. You went from a charming young lady to a beautiful young woman over night. You have never made me prouder than you have right now for getting to know you. It was the best thing that ever happened to me when I finally got to know you."
"Thank you Harry, that is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. And thank you Kreacher for your kind words. Now will you tell me who I can expect to meet this evening for dinner?"
"I would, except I don't know for sure who all is coming. It could be a single person, or it could be a few. Who ever is coming should be here shortly."
They waited in the sitting room talking about Luna's change, when the floo flared up and Kingsley walked through, followed by three more people. Luna cried when she saw her father walk through, and ran to him to give him a hug.
Narcissa and Draco stood off to the side watching the exchange. Draco gasped at the vision of loveliness that Luna had become. He never saw this Luna while at school. He never insulted her but never took the time to get to know her either. He now wished he had. He then saw Potter walking toward him and his mothers direction. This was the moment he dreaded. He thought Potter was going to make some snide remark at the situation they were in.
Harry reached Narcissa and took her hand and kissed the back of it, greeting her in grand fashion. "I welcome you to Potter Manor Mrs. Malfoy. You brighten the room with you presence. Draco it is good to see you again. Won't you all be seated. Dinner will be ready shortly."
They found a place to sit and talked until dinner was ready. Luna decided she wanted to sit in her daddy's lap until dinner was served. Both Harry and Draco wished it was their lap she was sitting on.
Finally Kreacher came in and announced that dinner was served. The guest were surprised when Kreacher also took a seat at the table. Harry asked Narcissa to start by serving herself, and then he asked Luna to do the same. Kingsley was next, then Kreacher, Draco and finally himself. The meal was filled with small talk and idle chatter. What Draco thought was going to be a dreadful evening turned out to be fun and entertaining. When dinner was finished, and the dishes cleaned and put away they all went and sat in the sitting room to discuss the matters at hand.
"Mrs. Malfoy, I hope you have decided to take me up on my offer. I have more than enough room in my modest home. Mr. Lovegood you are welcome to stay as well."
Narcissa began, "Mr. Potter, may I ask why you are being kind to Draco and I? We never showed any kindness to you."
"OH but you have Mrs. Malfoy. The kindness you showed me saved my life, and that of Molly Weasley. Directly that is. Countless of others indirectly. By telling Tom I was dead, you allowed me to complete my mission. I was able to shield Molly from Tom's revenge on her killing Bellatrix. I'm sorry for bringing that up, but you have to know that Bella was trying to kill three of my closest friends and very nearly did kill one of them."
"Mr. Potter, would you please allow me to call you Harry, and would you please call me Narcissa. I only did that because you told me Draco was safe."
"And I did that to ease your mind, not expecting anything in return Narcissa. Please feel free to call me Harry. Now, Kingsley, what are the circumstances that need to be taken for Xenophilius to be free."
"None Harry. Once it was learned that it was you who wished for his freedom, it was a unanimous decision to release him. However he is needed to help the Ministry in rebuilding it's character so he will be taking residence in Diagon Alley to continue his work with the Quibbler. With a full staff. The Prophet has lost a substantial percentage of it's readers and they are looking for a suitable replacement for their news source."
Luna who was sitting beside her father clapped her hands together when she found out he would be publishing the paper once again. This is what he always wanted to do. She thought it was done when she saw the condition of her home. She turned to Harry and caught him looking at her. The list of things she had to thank Harry for was growing too large for her to remember off the top of her mind. She was going to have to make a list.
Draco saw the way Luna was looking at Harry, and wished he had someone that loved him the way Luna loved Harry. He knew it was love that Luna felt. The way she held her body, the look in her eyes, they all told him the same thing. He could also see the return of feelings from Harry. It may be a while before they admitted it, but it wouldn't be too long before they shared their feelings for one another.
Kingsley and Xeno had to leave and both promised they would be back soon. Harry told Luna of his idea, and she loved the idea of being a matchmaker. She watched Kingsley and Narcissa all evening sneaking glances at each other and tried hiding her smile. Harry was right, there was something there to work with.
Kreacher showed Narcissa and Draco to their rooms. Harry had given them the entire third floor in the left wing.
SI-}
Molly Weasley was still unable to control her emotions. Today she would be burying her son. She hadn't heard from Harry since he disappeared more than a week ago. She had received a strange letter from someone claiming to be her nephew. George had shut himself off from the rest of the family. Ron and Hermione she was sure were becoming intimate in their relation. Ginny never spoke of Harry. Any one of these were enough to cause her to worry. All of them hitting her at the same time was almost more than she could handle. And to make matters worse, no one would talk to her about it. She had dressed in he clothes for the funeral and was sitting in the den with Arthur when she saw someone walking across the field she recognized. Harry was approaching their home with a beautiful young lady holding his arm. She thought she knew the woman, but wasn't sure from where. She got up and ran to the door, Arthur following in her footsteps. He saw Harry also.
Molly threw open the door and ran to gather Harry up in one of her famous hugs, "OH Harry dear it is so good to see you. Where have you been? What have you been doing? You look good dear. And who is this young lady that is with you?"
Harry was about to answer when they heard a shout, "Harry, Luna. It is so good to see you both."
Ginny was running out the door to give them the same greeting Molly had just given Harry. Molly looked to the woman holding Harry's arm and saw that it was indeed Luna Lovegood. A much more beautiful Luna than she remembered. She knew in that instance that Ginny had lost Harry to her best friend.
"Hello Ginny, it's good to see you as well. How have you been holding up?" asked Luna.
"I have been trying but it hasn't worked to well. Where have you two been hiding and why are you two together? Is something going on that I am not aware of?" Ginny smiled at the two.
Luna explained her situation to Molly and Ginny while Harry made his way to Hermione and Ron who were just coming through the door. Hermione pulled him into a hug, "Harry I missed you so much . What have you been doing since you left?"
Ron pulled Harry into a hug as well and asked how he was here with Luna. The rest of the morning was filled with answers until it was time for the rest of the guests arrivals.
One of these arrivals was a young man with short red hair and a neat if somewhat used dark blue suit. He was holding a rabbit. Well what everyone took as a rabbit. He was talking to it as he approached the Burrow. "Are you ready for this Welsh. I hope so, because I'm not. How the hell do you say hello to your Aunt who doesn't even know you exist. OH shit, she's seen me. How do I look? Is my hair in place? Well here goes nothing."
"Hello dear, are you here for something? I'm afraid we are about to have a very solemn event. I hope you can understand not being asked to join in."
"Hello Aunt Molly, you don't know me, but my name is Richard Fabian Prewitt, son of Gideon Prewitt, your brother."
Molly stood shocked. This was the nephew talked about in her letter. She looked into his eyes and saw her brother Gideon standing there before her. Crying, she pulled him into a hug. "How come I never knew about you? Why did Gideon hide it from me? And who is your mother?"
She heard her nephew laugh, "I haven't been here two minutes, and I already have three hours of explaining to do?"
Molly laughed at this as well. He was right, there was a time and a place for everything, and now was neither. "Come. Let me introduce you to the family. Richard you said was your name, correct?"
He nodded his head and the introductions were made. During these he thought this family had some of the most beautiful women he had ever met. Fleur, Bill's wife. Hermione, Ron's girlfriend . Ginny his cousin. And then the crown jewel of them all Luna Lovegood. Then when he was introduced to her escort, he about died. Of all people to be with the most beautiful he ever met, it had to be the savior of the universe. The all mighty Harry Potter himself. There was no justice in the world.
The funeral would not turn out to be as solemn as Molly thought it would be. Harry made sure of that. And much to the surprise of everyone, George thanked him for keeping it light hearted by telling them stories of Fred and George's antics at school. There encounter with his cousin and uncle. Anything that showed how Fred wanted to live and be remembered. Even the fireworks at the end of the ceremony had a familiar figure emerge. The dragon much like the one from fifth year raced over everyone's head and back into the sky to explode in an array of rainbow colors and rain confetti down on the guests.
Every one enjoyed what Harry had done for his brother and business partner. They all saw George laugh for the first time since it happened. They saw him come to life at the memories Harry provided.
They saw a new sense of purpose in his posture. It was then that they knew WWW was going to be reopened.
Harry had turned and made his way to Richard. He saw this and talked once again to Welsh, "Shit, here comes god himself Welsh. Why did I come here? Hello Harry, what can I do for you?"
"You could join us in a toast for Fred. Come on, the family is waiting, and they are your family as well. After that if you don't mind, I would like to have a talk."
"Sure, not a problem. Aunt Molly can wait for the three hours of explaining I'll have to do."
"She's hit you with the barrage already. I bet that was fun. She hit me with it earlier. Poor Luna may never be the same. She has never had to answer so many questions in her life. Between Molly, Hermione and Ginny she hasn't been able to take a breath without it having to be done with words coming out as well."
They laughed as they crossed the floor to reach the table where every one gathered for the toast. They took a glass and raised it with the others where George made the toast. "To the brother, son, and friend we all will greatly miss. Say hello to the Marauders for me Fred. Salute."
"Salute." was heard from everyone there.
Fred looked down at the ceremony. He was with the Marauders, Lily and Tonks. "Lily, James, I have to tell you that you missed out on raising the only person that ever touched George and I so deeply. Even though we didn't run together Harry became our brother when he saved my sister Ginny. Even Lee Jordan was not as close as Harry was. And now he has brought George out of his funk and got him ready to open the shop back up. He kept my send off the way I wanted it, and not like a normal dark Funeral. I owe a lot to Harry. He saved Ginny, Dad, Ron, Mum, and because of that, the rest of us as well. If Ginny wasn't so obstinate she would be where Luna is right now. Not that I blame Luna. In fact, if I was Harry I would be after her also. Damn she got good looking. Excuse my french Lily."
"You're excused Fred. I know what we missed. We have been watching Harry's progress since we got here. I swear if I got the chance I would pull all of my sisters hair out and make a noose to string her up with it. I would also make sure that Molly and Arthur knew of my thanks for taking care of my son."
She hugged Fred and said her thanks to him, knowing somehow he would get her message to his mum.