Chapter Twelve:
Luna Lovegood
A/N: Thank you for all the reviews! I hope you like this chapter :)
I am hoping to have this story completed within the next three chapters (not counting this one). There will be a sequel to this story where Harry and Severus are 11 and starting classes so keep an eye out for it!
Savoren.
The weekend came quickly for the two six-year olds and, much to their excitement, Zachary left to retrieve Luna about ten minutes ago.
Minerva couldn't help but smile as she watched the boys fidget with excitement. "Remember, when she arrives, I do not want you going outside without adult supervision. Also before you ask, Peeves does not count as an adult."
Albus nodded in agreement, "Also remember that Luna is not as old as the two of you - she is a year younger so no rough housing."
Severus nodded in understanding, "I don't like rough housing anyway. Do you think she will like I Spy books?"
Harry rolled his eyes, "Your idea of fun is boring."
Severus glared at him and snapped, "No! You're boring!"
"Boys, stop arguing this instant or you will not be going anywhere," Minerva told them sternly.
Both immediately dropped their heads and muttered their apologies. They watched as their parents left the room to gather up a couple last-minute things for the day.
When Severus raised his head, he noticed Max laying limply on Harry's lap, "You can't take Max with you if you want her to be your friend, Harry."
Harry frowned and pulled Max closer to his chest. "Why won't she be my friend because of Max? He's never done anything to her."
Severus rolled his eyes. "Do you want her to think you're a baby? Leave Max here today, Harry."
Harry eyed Max closely and nibbled on the bottom of his lip. "Will you be okay if you stay in bed today Max?" He waited a second and then gave a small nod of his head, "Thanks, Max." Standing, he hurried to their bedroom and gently placed Max on his bed.
"Harry! We need to leave for breakfast, we are already going to be late," Minerva called from the kitchen.
Making sure Max was comfortable, Harry ran to the door and stopped, turning to look at Max once more before closing the door behind himself. When he reached the kitchen he noticed Severus give him a thumbs up. Harry couldn't help but feel like his heart ached a little.
"Are you ready to leave for breakfast?" Albus questioned. When both nodded, he asked, "Teeth and hair brushed?"
Harry blushed softly, "I didn't brush my hair."
"Yeah, I can tell," Severus told him with a smirk.
Minerva sighed as she accio'd a hairbrush and started fixing Harry's messy hair. "Severus, use kind words please." We are definitely going to be late.
Severus rolled his eyes when neither parent was looking and impatiently waited for his mother to stop brushing through Harry's rats nest.
"Alright, are we ready now?" Albus asked when he watched Minerva banish the hairbrush back to the loo.
When everyone nodded, Albus led the way out into the hallway. His leadership only lasted for a tiny bit before Harry started hopping away and then Severus followed in his lead.
"I wish I had that much energy still,"Albus told Minerva as he watched Harry hopping further down the corridor and Severus practically prancing.
"Dear, our energy left many years ago." When she noticed the boys were almost around a corner, she called out to stop them from going further. "Boys, calm down. You are going to tire yourselves out before we even get to breakfast," Minerva explained.
Harry stopped hopping and slowed to a walk. He turned to look at his adopted mother and asked, "Do you think she will be here for breakfast?"
Albus gave a small, amused shake of his head. "No, Harry. Professor Reynes is taking his niece out for breakfast. They will probably arrive shortly after we are finished with breakfast."
Harry sighed sadly, "Okay. . ."
"Why are you excited anyway? She won't like you; you're too lame. I will become her best friend, not you," Severus whispered snidely as he watched his parents come closer to them.
Harry glared at him and snapped in a quiet voice, "I'll be her best friend because no one likes buttheads."
Severus clenched his fists and growled, "Say that one more time, I dare you!"
Harry smirked. Trusting that Severus would not actually hit him since the adults were getting close. Harry muttered, "Butthead."
Catching Severus as he lunged at his brother, Albus easily puled him away and landed a firm swat against his bottom. "You need to think carefully before acting, Severus Tobias. Did you honestly think you could get away with attacking your brother?"
Severus clenched his jaw, "He's not my brother!"
Hurt, Harry looked away and tried to tune them out.
Seeing the expression on Harry's face, Minerva went over to comfort him.
Albus leveled Severus with a disappointed look, "He is your brother, Severus. You need to start accepting him."
Severus glared at his father, "I don't want to! We were perfectly fine without him! It's not fair!"
Kneeling down, Albus gently took Severus and pulled him closer. He whispered, "Have you even given him a chance?"
Severus tried to look away but found he couldn't look away from the blue eyes.
"Answer honestly, son," Albus pushed.
Severus sighed, "We get along every once in a while. . ."
Albus nodded, "And that's good but since you have to deal with each other for the rest of your lives, you both need to start trying to get along more often. I have complete faith in you, Severus. I know you can figure out how to get along with your brother."
Severus looked away from the twinkling blue eyes, "Okay. . . I'll try harder."
Albus smiled and pulled him into a hug, "That's my boy!" Leaving him go, Albus asked, "Why did you try to attack Harry?"
Severus glared at the floor, "He called me a butthead."
Albus sighed softly, "And why did he call you a butthead?"
Severus bit his lip.
"Did you call him something first?" Albus questioned when he noticed the guilty look on his son's face.
Keeping his eyes down, Severus gave a small nod. "Yes, sir."
"What did you call him?" Albus kept his voice gentle so the boy wouldn't clam up.
Feeling his eyes start to burn, Severus kept his eyes locked on the floor. "I called him lame and said Luna won't be his best friend."
Giving a small nod, Albus motioned for Harry to come to him. Once he had both boys in front of him, he explained, "It was very wrong of the both of you to call each other mean names. I expect better from you boys. What do you have to say for yourselves?"
Harry dropped his eyes, his heart suddenly feeling very heavy.
Knowing what his father wanted to hear, Severus whispered, "I'm sorry dad."
Albus gave a small shake of his head, "Thank you, Severus. But I want you to apologize to each other. Harry, I expect you to apologize."
Glancing up from the floor, Harry felt tears starting in his emerald eyes, "Yes sir." Turning to face his brother, Harry whispered, "I'm sorry for calling you a butthead."
Trying his best to act the way his father expects of him, Severus went out of his comfort zone and wrapped his arms around the smaller boy.
Shocked that he was being hugged, Harry barely heard when Severus apologized to him for calling him lame and for saying he wasn't his brother.
When the boy remained silent, Albus asked, "Do you accept his apology, Harry?"
Feeling Severus leave him out of the hug, Harry gave a quick nod, "I do." He glanced to his adoptive father and felt his eyes burn with fresh tears, He probably wants to give me back. Why am I always bad?
Albus frowned, "What's wrong, son?"
Harry felt his bottom lip start to quiver and he tried to look away only to feel a hand gently pull him into a hug.
Severus awkwardly walked over to stand with his mother, giving Harry space.
"Harry, please tell me what is wrong," Albus pushed.
Feeling a tear leak out and roll down his face, Harry whispered, "Do you want to take me back to my relatives?"
Confused, Albus gave a quick shake of his head, "Of course not, Harry. Why would you think that?"
Sniffling, Harry dropped his eyes, "I'm bad."
Wiping away a stray tear, Albus made sure he was looking in Harry's eyes before saying, "You are not bad, son. Sometimes you make poor choices but that does not mean that you, as a person, are bad. Do you understand, son?"
Harry gave a teary nod, "Yes sir."
Opening his arms, Albus offered him a hug. He smiled when Harry eagerly hugged him. When they broke free from the hug, Albus stood and looked at his sons, "Are we ready to join breakfast?"
Harry followed his family into the Great Hall and immediately dropped his eyes to the floor, shivering. He could feel the eyes of the students on them as they made their way to the front of the Great Hall. I hate being stared at!
Once they were seated, Minerva and Albus immediately started filling Harry and Severus' plates with breakfast foods. When they finished taking care of them, they filled their own plates.
"Have a late start of the day?" Poppy asked from down the table.
Albus nodded, "Yeah." He didn't say anything more, not wanting to put the boys in a embarrassing situation.
"Please start eating," Minerva whispered to Harry. She could tell he was uncomfortable.
Severus, unlike Harry, started devouring his food like a starved animal. When his plate was empty, he sighed in satisfaction and leaned back in his seat. "I want Luna to get here now."
Albus slowly stirred his hot coffee and gave a small smirk, "Patience is a virtue, dear boy."
Severus groaned, "I don't even know what that means! I want her to come now!"
"It means that you need to stop complaining and wait patiently for Luna to arrive or you will spend some alone time in your bedroom," Minerva reprimanded him quietly.
Glaring at the top of the table, Severus clamped his mouth shut and pouted silently.
Satisfied that he was no longer being loud, Minerva continued eating. Glancing at Harry's plate, she realized that he barely touched the food. "Harry, if you want to play with Luna you need to eat at least half of your plate and drink all of your milk. Do you understand?"
Sighing, Harry gave a tiny nod and picked his fork back up.
After a good fifteen minutes, Harry's plate was finally empty. He glanced at his mum for approval. She gave a nod and then pointed to the glass of milk, "Drink your milk, Harry. Severus, drink your milk as well please."
Severus curled his nose in disgust, "I don't like milk, mum. Can't I have water or pumpkin juice?"
Minerva rubbed her temples, slowly losing patience with him. "Have you ever been allowed to drink pumpkin juice for breakfast? Milk is good for you, it helps your bones stay strong. Drink half of the glass and then I will give you water."
When Severus grumbled under his breath, Albus could tell Minerva's patience was becoming very thin. "Severus Tobius, do I need to take you out into the corridor?" At his quick shake of his head, Albus continued, "Then you need to get your act together. Am I clear?"
Severus gave a sad nod of his head and grabbed the glass of milk, downing it as fast as he could. When it was empty he handed it to his mum and waited for her to give him water. "Thank you."
A note popped in front of Albus fifteen minutes later. The note was from Zachary telling him that they were at his office and the boys may come anytime.
Albus glanced at his sons to make sure their plates and cups were empty. Satisfied, he looked to Minerva and asked, "Do you think they have behaved enough to meet Luna now?"
Minerva glanced at them, "Oh, I don't know." She gave a small smile when they got panicked looks on their faces. "I'm only kidding, boys. You may go but I expect you to act better than you have been this morning. Am I understood?" At their nods, she continued, "You will listen to Professor Reynes and not disobey him." Once they seemed like they understood, Minerva looked at Albus and nodded, "You may take them. I need to go to my office and grade a few assignments."
Harry and Severus followed their father to Professor Reynes' office. When they arrived at the door, both boys suddenly felt a little shy. They held back and stayed behind their father's long legs.
Moving his hand away from the door, Albus refrained from knocking and turned to face his children. "What is wrong, boys? Just a moment ago you were excited to meet her."
Harry and Severus dropped their eyes.
Albus frowned softly. Suddenly an idea came to his mind, "You are not scared, are you?"
Just like he expected, Severus raised his determined eyes and gave a hard shake of his head. "I'm not scared! Are you scared, Harry?"
Harry gave a small, hesitant shake of his head.
Satisfied, Severus looked at his father. "See? We're not scared."
With a small smile, Albus turned back around and knocked on the door.
Zachary opened the door seconds later, a big smile on his face. He had hoped the boys hadn't caused trouble this morning and lost their privilege of coming to see Luna; she has been bouncing up and down at meeting them all day. "Do come in," Zachary opened his office door and walked back to stand next to his suddenly fidgeting niece. To his surprise, he felt her immediately cling to the back of his trousers and hide her face. Zachary frowned and gently moved her so she was standing in front of him. He placed both of his hands on her shoulders as a gentle reminder that she wasn't alone.
Albus gently pushed the two boys closer to Luna, "Introduce yourselves."
Realizing she was shy like himself, Harry gave her a small smile and introduced himself. "Hi. I'm Harry. I like your pigtails."
She smiled and gave her blonde hair a small bounce, "They're fun to play with."
Severus held out his hand to shake hers. "I'm Severus. You know, I'm not sure why they call that hair style pigtails because pigs only have one tail and you're obviously a human."
Albus and Zachary exchanged amused looks.
Luna gave a small shrug of her shoulders and looked back at Harry. "I'm Luna."
Severus smirked, "We know."
Satisfied that everything was going to go smoothly, Albus walked toward the door. "Alright. I am going to leave now. Behave for Professor Reynes, alright?" He stopped when he reached the door and turned to give his sons a stern look.
Both gave quick nods of their heads and then Albus left.
"Alright, kids. I have some paperwork and essays to grade. Why don't the three of you go play hide and seek?"
Severus rolled his eyes, "That's a child's game!"
Zachary smirked and patted the top of Severus' head, "Well, it's a good thing you are a child then, huh?"
Severus groaned softly as he watched Professor Reynes disappear into his office.
A few seconds later Zachary popped his head out of the office and eyed them closely, "I forgot to tell you the rules. I want you to stay on the first floor only. Do not go outside nor into any personal quarters. Do you agree with my terms?" He waited until everyone said yes and then he disappeared back into his office.
"How do we decide who is the finder?" Harry asked in a quiet voice. He felt a little embarrassed for never playing before.
Luna smiled at him to make him feel more comfortable.
"Eenie meanie mynei moe, obviously," Severus said in an annoyed voice.
Luna immediately pulled Harry's hand in to join theirs and started saying the rhyme. When she ended, she landed on Severus.
Severus sighed, "Go hide."
Luna and Harry immediately ran off down the corridors until the reached the moving staircases.
"I bet he won't ever find us on the third floor," Luna said with a smirk.
Harry bit the bottom of his lip as he looked at the staircases. "I don't know, Luna. . . We aren't supposed to leave the first floor, remember?"
Luna sighed and barely resisted rolling her eyes at him. "How will he even find out? Don't be a chicken, Harry. I bet Severus would have gone with me."
Harry let out a tiny groan but followed her up the stairs anyway. "Where are we going to hide? Have you ever been up here before?"
Luna ignored his second question and pointed at a huge statue half-way down the corridor. "Let's hide there!"
She ran off and Harry had to sprint to keep up with her.
When they reached the statue, they sat down behind the statue and had a quiet conversation. They talked about everything and anything. Luna learned about the muggle world and Harry learned about Luna's crazy, neglectful family.
After five minutes of silence, Luna whispered, "Are you nervous for the trial?"
Harry frowned and looked over at her, "What trial are you talking about?"
Luna scrunched her forehead and studied him, "The one that's on Monday! I've been hearing my parents talk about it when they read the Daily Prophet at breakfast." When Harry still looked confused, Luna explained further, "The trial for your aunt and uncle?"
Harry shook his head, a deep frown plastered on his face. "I don't know anything about a trial."
Frowning, Luna glanced away from him, "Why would your parents hide something like that from you?"
Glaring off into the distance, Harry grumbled, "I don't know but I'll find out."
"I'm sorry if I upset you, Harry," Luna whispered.
Harry gave a small shrug of his shoulders, "I just don't like secrets - especially when they are about me."
Luna nodded, "Yeah, I understand that." Changing the subject, Luna said, "Severus is taking forever to find us! Do you think he is even looking?"
Harry allowed the change of subject and cracked a small smile, "He probably got distracted by a book."
Luna giggled, "Yeah, probably."
Hearing footsteps coming toward the statue they were hiding behind, they held their breath and hoped Severus didn't find them.
"Alright you two, come out. Hide and seek is over."
With wide eyes, Luna stood and came out to face her uncle. "How did you find us?"
Zachary leveled her with a stern look. "The Point-Me spell. Did I say you could hide on the third floor?"
Dropping her eyes, she mumbled, "First floor only. . ."
Zachary crossed his arms, his stern look growing even more stern. "Harry James, come out from behind the statue." He waited until Harry appeared before saying, "If you knew the rules, why would you blatantly disobey me?"
Knowing Harry was probably too nervous, Luna continued to answer her uncle. "It slipped our minds."
Zachary sighed, "Do you honestly think that is a good excuse?"
Biting the bottom of her lip, Luna dropped her eyes. "No sir."
"I didn't think so either. You will be going to bed an hour early tonight for disobeying me. Harry, I will be informing your parents. For now, come. We have a math lesson to attend to. I already took Severus home."
Both groaned, dreading the math lesson. They followed Zachary to an unused classroom.
Pointing to two front desks, Zachary instructed them, "Take a seat." While they sat, Zachary pulled two pieces of parchment and two quills out of his bag. He then placed those in front of the two children. "Are you ready?" At their nods, Zachary grabbed a piece of chalk from his bag and turned to the chalkboard. He drew five flying bats and then turned to face the bored-looking kids. "Alright, count how many bats are on the chalkboard. Write your answer on the parchment I gave you."
Harry sighed, I know how to count. How stupid does he think I am? Writing a five on the parchment, Harry picked it up to show him.
Looking at both parchments, Zachary smiled and nodded his head, "Great job! Alright, so, if I erase two bats," Turning, he erased two flying bats off the board and then turned back to face them. "Now how many flying bats are on the board?" He waited until they wrote their answers and then smiled when he saw the correct answer, "Fantastic!"
Turning to the board, Zachary erased the bats and drew sixteen pumpkins. "How many pumpkins are on the board?"
Harry frowned at how many there were. He got to twelve and paused, glancing over at Luna's parchment he realized she too was stumped.
Zachary gave a small nod. He knew Luna wasn't going to be able to count to sixteen. He only just started the math lessons with her a couple weeks ago after he found out her parents weren't helping her. "That's alright!" He proceeded to slowly count each pumpkin and said every number to twenty. He had them repeat it and then write out a number line on their parchment.
After a while, Harry started to zone out, completely and utterly bored.
"Harry, pay attention; you're daydreaming. If you want to get better at math then you need to take these lessons seriously," Zachary reprimanded.
Harry sighed softly, "I hate math. It's easy to get distracted if you hate something."
Luna bit her lip and glanced at her friend. "Are you thinking about the trial still?"
Surprised, Zachary snapped his head back and forth between the children. "How did either of you find out about the trial?"
Harry glared at him, "You knew?"
Luna talked over Harry in an attempt to keep him out of trouble, "I overheard my parents talking about it. And I didn't know Harry didn't know. I asked him about it. . ."
Zachary sighed deeply, "Luna Marie, we will discuss your actions later - you know better than to eavesdrop."
Luna gave a quick shake of her head. "No! They said it at the table during breakfast! I didn't eavesdrop, I swear!"
Zachary groaned softly, How many times do I need to tell them not to discuss events from the Daily Prophet in front of her? It's no wonder she is so anxious all the time and will not sleep without a night light! I wish they were better parents for her; they're always cooped away in their offices working on their hobbies.
Luna frowned, "What did I say?"
Zachary gave a small shake of his head, "When did you start eating as a family again?"
"Oh, it's only for breakfast. I still eat lunch and supper with Malikhi," Luna gave a small shrug of her shoulders.
Harry frowned, "Do you have a brother?"
Luna shook her head, "No. Malikhi is a house elf - he's also my nanny."
Zachary rolled his eyes, She should not need a nanny. Her parents should just start taking care of her by themselves. I'm going to need to have another discussion with them.
"Why do you have a nanny?" Harry asked.
Luna looked away, her face dropping slightly. "My parents say they are too busy. But at least I get to come here every weekend! It's amazing," Luna flashed him a smile. "We eat all meals together, go on adventures and he teaches me things!"
Zachary felt his heart break a little, Those are things anyone that loves you should do.
Changing the subject away from herself, Luna turned to her uncle and asked, "What are we doing next?"
Zachary checked their number lines and then returned to the chalk board. He drew twenty galleons and had them write down how many there were, then he added four galleons and asked how many there were now.
Luna groaned, "We only made our number lines to twenty."
Zachary nodded, "I know. I bet you can figure it out though." He watched them as they studied their number lines for a few minutes and then Harry shyly raised his hand, "What do you think it is, Harry?"
Nibbling on his bottom lip, Harry dropped and eyes and asked, "Is it twenty-four?"
Zachary clapped proudly, "Well done, Harry! How did you find the answer?"
Feeling uncomfortable, Harry shifted his weight in the seat, "W-well, some of the numbers are always there. Like, 1 and 11. or 2 and 12. Once you get passed 10, the second number is the same as it was before. So I figured the first number changes after ten numbers. Is that right?" He kept his eyes down, scared of being wrong.
Zachary smiled, "That's very good, Harry. I'm proud of you!"
Hearing the praise, Harry quickly looked up and cracked a small smile.
They continued the math lesson for another half an hour before Zachary decided they had worked on math long enough. "Alright, Harry. It is time to take you home," Zachary told him as he put away the lesson supplies.
Harry sighed softly, knowing trouble was probably waiting for him at home. "Can I just stay and keep playing with Luna?"
Zachary gave him a small smile, "No, Harry. You need to go home and spend some time with your parents and brother. After a little while we will see you for lunch, okay?"
Harry gave a small nod of his head, "Okay."
Knowing the boy was nervous, Zachary patted his back and walked him home. During the walk to the quarters Zachary made sure to tell him funny stories in an attempt to distract him.
They arrived at the mahogany door and Zachary knocked, waiting for Albus or Minerva to open the door. He didn't have to wait long before the door swung open and Minerva looked out. When she saw who it was she opened the door the rest of the way.
"Thank you for bringing him home. I promise he will be better behaved for you when you see him later," She leveled Harry with a disappointed look and watched as he dropped his head in shame.
Zachary gently pushed Harry into the quarters and gave Minerva a smile, "You're welcome."
Minerva nodded goodbye and then closed the door and turned to face her son. "Go into the living room and put your nose against the wall. I need to go check on Severus." She waited until he was where he needed to be before going to the boys' bedroom and checking on Severus. Not surprisingly, he was still messing with his books on the bookshelf. Satisfied that he was okay, Minerva returned to the living room and gave Albus a tired look. "You may turn around now, Harry."
Taking the cue, Albus stood from his spot of the couch. "Harry James, did you make a good or a bad choice today?" At Harry's glare, he asked, "Why would you disobey Professor Reynes? If you cannot follow his rules, I will not allow you to go there anymore," Albus firmly reprimanded.
Harry gave him a deadly glare and crossed his arms over his chest. "I don't care! Why wouldn't you tell me about the trial?!"
Caught off guard, Albus sat down on the couch and motioned for him to come sit beside him. Once Harry was seated, he asked, "How did you find out about the trial?"
Harry glared at him, "Not by you! Luna told me."
Albus frowned, "We were waiting until Sunday to tell you. We did not want you to work yourself up over it."
Minerva nodded in agreement, "We thought it was best if you did not know until closer to time."
Harry continued to glare, "Can you tell me about it now?"
"We did not take you to the other trials because we were told not to. We are only taking you to this last trial so you have closure," Minerva explained.
"How do you know they won't go free?" Harry asked in a meek voice, his anger completely forgotten about.
"Harry, child abuse and neglect is a severe offense. They are being trialed in the wizarding world since they mistreated a wizard. In the wizarding world child abuse is treated just like murder. Trust me, son, there is no way they will go free," Albus assured him.
Harry bit his bottom lip and asked, "But isn't there a chance?"
Albus shook his head, "No, son. They will spend twenty to fifty years in the wizarding prison, Azkaban."
Once Harry seemed more assured, Minerva called, "Severus please come here."
Once Severus came out of the bedroom they sat him down beside his brother. "Severus, you have two choices. You may either come to trial with us on Monday or stay here with Professor Reynes. I have already spoken with him and he said he would watch you if that is your decision."
Severus looked from his mother to his brother and nibbled the bottom of his lip. He eyed Harry closely, "Do you want me to go with you?"
Albus and Minerva exchanged proud smiles and waited for Harry's response.
Harry dropped his eyes, "I don't want to bother you, Severus."
Severus rolled his eyes, "You're only bothering me now because you're not answering my question. If I am offering that means it's not a bother."
Harry looked up and gave a tiny crack of a smile, "Are you sure?"
Severus sighed, "Can you just say yes or no?"
Harry nodded, "Please come with me."
Feeling a little honored that Harry would want him, Severus hid his smile behind a smirk, "Thanks for finally answering."
"Alright then. It is set! When we arrive at the Ministry of Magic the two of you will be escorted to a playroom until it is time for the verdict to be announced. At that time, you will be escorted back down into the court room and sit between your father and I," Minerva explained.
"Will we be alone in the playroom?" Severus questioned with a small amount of fear in his voice. He definitely hates being without an adult in new, creepy places!
Albus shook his head, "Of course not. Arthur Weasley already signed up to watch you while the trial takes place."
Severus let out a sigh of relief. "Good."
"Have we answered all of your questions, boys?" Albus asked.
Harry gave a tiny nod of his head, remaining silent but Severus gave a quick shake of his head, "Can we go out for lunch afterwards and get ice cream?"
Minerva and Albus exchanged amused looks and then nodded their heads. "I believe we can manage that."
Jumping for joy, Severus ran back to his bedroom to keep arranging his books in alphabetical order.
Harry let out a tiny sigh, "Will it be safe?"
Albus and Minerva sat down on the couch so Harry was between them.
"Of course it will be safe, dear. There will be guards and Aurors all over the court room. Besides, no one wants to mess with either your father or I," Minerva reassured him.
Harry gave a nod and slouched a little on the couch. "When this is over will we be a true family?"
Minerva frowned, "Oh honey! What do you mean? We are already a family."
Harry shrugged, "Am I your real son even though you adopted me?"
Albus nodded, "You are our real son, Harry, and that is never going to change."
Sighing softly, Harry slouched against his mother and closed his eyes. "Okay."
Minerva left him sleep for a half an hour and then gently woke him up. "It's time for lunch, dear."
Rubbing his eyes, Harry slowly sat and immediately blushed when he realized he had fallen asleep on her. "I'm sorry."
Taking his hand, Minerva gave it a light squeeze, "You don't have to be sorry for falling asleep, Harry."
Severus practically ran into the room, "Dad just said we were going on a picnic with Professor Reynes and Luna!"
Albus chuckled as he came into the room, "I wouldn't really call it a picnic, Severus. You're eating lunch on the roof of the astronomy tower. He already went up and set up safety bounds and created a warming charm so you do not get a chill from the wind."
Harry forced his jaw to not drop, "Woah!"
Severus nodded his head with excitement, "Yeah! Even better than a normal picnic!"
Albus chuckled again and gave a small shake of his head, "Alright, get ready or you will be late."
They followed their follow to the roof of the astronomy tower and then watched him leave.
On the floor of the astronomy tower Zachary had laid down a blanket and beside the blanket sat a basket filled with food.
"Wow! It's so cool up here!" Harry exclaimed.
Severus nibbled on the bottom of his lip as he looked around, This seems a little familiar. . .
Zachary nodded and motioned for them to join them on the blanket. "Yes it is. However, do not try to come up here without an adult. There are safety wards on the doors that will only let you on the roof if you are old enough to take the astronomy class or if there is an adult accompanying you." He changed the subject, "What do you want for lunch? The house elves made sandwiches, pasta, chicken, pork, vegetables, watermelon, potatoes and even chicken noodle soul."
Harry's eyes went wide, "How would that fit in that small basket?"
Zachary smiled and started pulling out the contents, "Magic, Harry."
Harry's eyes kept getting bigger as he watched all the food come out and then a pitcher of water and pumpkin juice. "Wow!"
Luna giggled, "I love magic."
Zachary smiled and started handed out the food and pouring drinks.
The picnic only lasted about an hour before Zachary started cleaning everything up. "Alright. We need to have our reading lesson now. Severus, do you want to come?"
Severus nodded, "Can I read some of your potions books?"
Zachary smiled and gave a nod of his head, "Of course you can." He led them to his classroom and started getting prepared. The children all took their seats at the front of the room.
Once the reading supplies were out, Zachary went and grabbed a potions book for Severus to read. Once Severus was settled with the book, Zachary pulled out two bright blue quills. Handing them to Harry and Luna, he first made sure they knew how to hold the quill properly. Then he had them trace the alphabet in capital and lower case letters. When they finished that, Zachary pushed a small button on the two quills and wrote sentences on their parchments. "I want you to first trace the letters in the sentence. Do not be alarmed, these quills are specifically made to help young readers. When you trace each letter the quill will say what letter it is and sound it out for you. You will then have to repeat the sound and say what letter it is. Then, when you finish a word, the quill will sound the word out and say what it is. Again, you will repeat the sound and say what the letter is. After you finish a sentence, the quill will do the same thing and you will repeat the process. Do you have any questions?"
At their head shakes, Zachary set them to work. When they finished one sentence, he would write another. He wrote three more sentences and then wrote a paragraph.
Zachary sat back and watched them work on the paragraph, he couldn't help but feel proud. Harry even started saying the sounds and words before the quill would say it. Zachary also noticed though that Harry sometimes writes the letters backwards. He moved his attention from Harry to his niece and was immediately reminded of his disappointment in her parents.
If they would work with her, she wouldn't be having this problem. I'm going to need to up her lessons to more often every weekend, she's still struggling with remembering what some of the letters sound like. She will get it though, I know she will. She just needs a little more help and encouragement. Unfortunately, she will only be getting those two things from me.
He waited until they both finished their paragraphs before standing and stretching his back. "Alright kids, I think we have done enough for the day. Why don't you go play while I hold a detention with a student?" Zachary asked while he banished all the reading supplies away and prepared his classroom for a detention.
"What can we do?" Luna asked.
Zachary sighed, "Just go out into the corridor and play duck-duck goose or something."
They left the room and stopped out in the corridor. Luna crossed her arms over her chest and whispered, "I hate that game, it's so boring."
"I don't know what it is," Harry admitted quietly.
Severus sighed, "You don't know anything."
Luna glared at him, "Don't be a bully, Severus!"
Severus changed the subject, "So if we aren't going to run around in circles and hit each others heads, what are we going to do?"
Luna smiled mischievously, "Let's go for a walk outside!"
Harry bit hit lip and glanced at Severus. He too looked unsure about this plan. Unsure about whether he should disagree with her or not, Harry said in a nervous voice, "That's not a good choice."
Luna frowned, "What does that mean?"
Noticing Harry was very uncomfortable, Severus answered for him. "Our dad says that we make good choices or bad choices. Bad choices causes trouble."
Luna sighed, "Do you always do what your father says? My father never gives me rules."
Severus forced himself to not roll his eyes, "We don't always follow the rules but then we get in trouble. Your dad might not give you rules but your uncle does and you respect him, right?" At her nod, Severus smirked, "Then it's final, we are not going outside and if you decide that you are, I'm telling."
Luna glared at him, "I wouldn't tattle on you!"
Severus shrugged, "Well I would." Why do I always feel like I'm twenty years older than these two? Harry and I are the same age and yet it feels like he's still a baby!
With an annoyed groan, Luna asked, "Then what are we going to do?"
Severus shrugged, "We can play tag?"
Harry felt his heart drop, I don't know ANY of these games. Why am I so stupid?
Seeing his brother's sad face, Severus added, "There is one person that is "it" and the others run around and try to get away from them so they don't get tagged and become "it". I will go first. When I count to three, start running."
Luna and Harry ran off, laughing as Severus attempted to catch up with them.
Zachary found them an hour and a half later. He stood in the shadows and stayed silent, watching on with an amused smile as Harry ran after Luna and Severus, attempting to catch one of them. All three were laughing, their faces bright red. Once Harry finally tagged Luna, Zachary stepped out from the shadows. "Playtime is over. It is time for supper."
Harry frowned, "Already?"
Zachary smirked, "Yes, already. Time flies when you're having fun. Come on, go to the loo and wash up. Once you are done I will walk everyone to the Great Hall." Once everyone returned from cleaning up, Zachary walked them to the Great Hall.
Pulling the chair out for Luna to sit down, Zachary turned to Albus and Minerva. "Harry is doing very well in both math and reading. He will just need to keep practicing." Pulling out the magical quill, he handed it to Minerva, "Make him use this when he practices reading."
Minerva smiled, "Thank you so much for helping him, Zachary."
Zachary smiled and waved her thanks away, "I love helping them. They all are going to grow up to be magnificent adults."
Albus chuckled, "Let's not wish away their childhood too quickly."
Zachary smirked, "True, true. I do have one concern about Harry though." When he had their attention, he said, "I think he might have Dyslexia. He continuously wrote some of the letters backwards."
Overhearing their conversation, Poppy called down the table, "I can check if you send the lad here."
Minerva nodded to Harry, "Can you please go to Madam Pomfrey?"
Harry bit his lip, "Am I in trouble?"
Minerva gave him an encouraging smile and gave him a gentle push toward the woman. "Of course not. She just needs to check something."
Reluctantly, Harry walked down to Madam Pomfrey.
She smiled warmly at him, "So, you're having some problems reading?" Harry gave a tiny shrug of his shoulders and kept his mouth clamped shut. She gave him a gentle pat on the head and then waved her wand in front of his eyes.
Harry's eyes grew wide when he saw a piece of parchment pop out of nowhere. He waited until she read it and then hurried back down to sit beside his mum.
Poppy stood and took the parchment to Minerva and Albus. "It does look like he has Dyslexia but in the wizarding world, that is now treatable. All I need to do is order a specific eye drop and it will go away. As soon as supper is finished I will go to my office and order it."
Albus gave her thanks and then watched as she walked back down to her seat.
"Am I going to die?" Harry whispered, terrified and confused.
Minerva forced herself not to smile, "No, dear. You are not going to die, I promise." Filling his plate with food, she handed him a fork and nodded toward the plate, "Please eat all of your supper." She glanced over at Severus and was relieved to see he was already eating.
Supper was a quiet and smooth time, much to Albus and Minerva's relief.
Once all the students left the Great Hall, Zachary stood and pulled Luna's chair out for her to stand. "Well, Luna needs to be in bed in an hour so we will be saying our goodbyes."
Harry and Severus immediately felt disappointed.
"Will we see her tomorrow?" Harry asked.
Zachary gave a shake of his head, "We will be leaving early tomorrow morning. I need to take her clothes shopping and then return her home."
"What about breakfast?" Severus questioned.
Luna gave a small smile, "Uncle Zachary always takes me to a cafe for breakfast."
Knowing her boys were starting to get sad, Minerva stood from her seat and said, "But you will see each other next weekend, correct?" She glanced at Zachary.
He nodded, "Correct. Patting Luna on the back, Zachary instructed, "Say goodnight to your friends, Luna."
Sighing, Luna glanced up at her uncle with pleading eyes, "Do I have to go to bed early?" At her uncle's stern look, Luna unwillingly walked over to her friends and gave them both hugs (much to Severus' surprise). "Goodnight. Thank you for all the fun today! I will see you next weekend."
Once the boys said their goodbyes, Albus and Minerva walked them home.
Flopping on the couch in the living room, Severus watched his father poke the wood in the fireplace, "What are we doing tomorrow?"
"Your father and I have a few meetings to attend to. You will be coming with us. After that, I have a detention to watch over and your father has to go to the Ministry of Magic."
Severus groaned, "So, nothing fun?"
Minerva sighed softly, "It will be what you make of it, Severus."
Changing the subject, Harry curled on the couch and stared off into the flames. "I wish Luna didn't have to go home to her awful parents."
Catching their attention, Minerva and Albus exchanged frowns and paid close attention to Harry's quiet little ramble.
"She should stay with Professor Reynes; he loves her and doesn't ignore her," Harry mumbled.
Severus sighed, "If you're going to speak then you need to stop mumbling!"
Albus and Minerva had successfully heard what Harry said and couldn't help but feel concerned. They have had their concerns about Luna's home-life but figured it was under control.
With one look exchanged between themselves, they already made a plan.
"Alright boys, go shower and brush your teeth. I want the two of you in bed within the hour," Minerva told them.
Severus groaned, "Why so early?"
"You are six-years old, Sev. Stop complaining and do as I say," Minerva reprimanded him.
Rolling his eyes, Severus jumped off the couch and stomped off to go shower.
Severus groaned as he heard Harry toss and turn for the umpteenth time. "Can you just lay still please?"
Harry bit his lip and tried to stop moving, "I'm scared." He held Max tight against his chest and kept his eyes clenched closed.
Severus rolled his eyes, "And I'm tired." When Harry went silent, Severus realized he could have been a little more understanding. Dad wants me to try harder. With a soft sigh, Severus moved over in his bed and patted the spot beside him, "Come on."
Smiling, Harry grabbed his pillow and jumped out of bed. He made sure Max was securely under his armpit before hurrying over to lay beside Severus.
Covering him up, Severus asked, "What are you scared of?"
"The trial. . ." Harry whispered.
Severus frowned, "What of it?"
Harry stayed silent for a few seconds before admitting, "I'm scared that my uncle will break through all the aurors and hurt me for getting him in trouble."
Severus sat up and stared down at him with a serious look. "First of all, Harry, you didn't get him in trouble. He got himself in trouble. You need to remember that. Secondly, mum and dad will die before they let anyone touch you. Have some faith. It'll all be okay." He laid back down and wiggled until he got comfortable.
Harry couldn't help but give a small smile, "Thank you, Severus."
With his eyes already closed, Severus turned on his side and muttered, "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Go to sleep now."
With a small smile on his face, Harry closed his eyes and allowed sleep to take over.
Once they thought the boys were falling asleep, Albus called out to a house elf, "Dolce!"
She popped into the room and bowed low to her master, "What can Dolce do for Headmaster Dumbledore?"
"Will you please watch over the boys until we return? They should be falling asleep any minute," Albus explained.
Dolce gave a quick nod of her head, "Anything for Headmaster Dumbledore. I will protect them with my life!"
Minerva and Albus said their thanks and then left to walk down to Zachary's quarters.
Albus knocked on the mahogany door and patiently waited for a response. When the door opened revealing a tired Zachary, Albus apologized. "I am very sorry for the late visit but we need to talk to you about Luna."
Zachary groaned, "What did she do? I just got her tucked in for bed."
"No, no, she did nothing wrong," Minerva quickly explained.
"We are concerned about her safety while under the neglectful eye of her parents," Albus explained his concerns.
Opening the door the whole way, Zachary allowed them entrance. "Please come in."
They followed Zachary to the living room and sat down when asked to.
Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, Zachary admitted, "I have my concerns as well. They are fun parents when they are not locked away in their offices but even then they are not healthy parents. She is practically being raised by a house elf on the weekdays and me on the weekends."
Minerva gave a small nod, "What are you going to do about it? I don't think I need to tell you this but something definitely needs changed. That little girl deserves better than what she is receiving."
Zachary let out a defeated sigh, "There is nothing I can do. Obviously I have sat down with them and talked to them about how they need to do more but they only follow my advice for a week and then they return to their neglectful routine."
With twinkling eyes, Albus asked, "Have you thought about taking over the custody of her? At least until they can learn to be better parents."
Zachary bit his lip, unsure. "I don't know if I could do that to my sister."
"Then do it for the safety of your niece," Minerva told him.
Zachary stayed silent for a little while before saying, "You're right. I will ask Luna what she wants in the morning."
Albus and Minerva smiled, happy that he was making the right decision.
"Let me know if you need help with the paperwork," Albus offered.
Before anyone could say anything else, Dolce popped into the room. "Young Master Harry is having a nightmare and I cannot wake the poor boy! Young Master Severus is trying now."
Concerned, they quickly said their goodbyes and disappeared through the fireplace. When they landed in their quarters they heard screaming coming from the boys' bedroom.
A/N: Thank you for reading! I hope you liked this chapter. I ended it on a cliffhanger because I felt the chapter was getting way too big and I have major plans for Nightmare Land.
Thanks again, Savoren.