-oOoOo-
Much as Harry and his friends had been the last to enter at the reading of his father's will, Luna, Harry, Hermione, Dan and Emma were the last to enter the room. Seated around the table were many faces Harry did not recognise and some of those he did recognise, he would rather not have had to see until Tuesday on the platform.
Neville was sitting next to Susan, who was sitting next to Hermione. Augusta Longbottom sat next to Neville on his right.
Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy were there with their son Draco.
The entire Weasley family was there except Bill and Charlie.
Pansy Parkinson was present along with her parents, a younger girl and a toddler-aged boy.
Steelfist was about to proceed with the reading of the will when Pansy's father stood, anger purpling his face. "I demand these muggles be removed from the room. Their kind are not wanted here during the reading of a pureblood family's reading," he said, the anger on his face echoing in his voice.
Steelfist turned to Parkinson. "Lord Irmgard Wendell Parkinson, much the same way you are named in this will, so are Doctor Daniel Robert Granger and Doctor Emma Gabrielle Granger named within it. Your outburst is uncouth and uncalled for and any other such outbursts against those present or those who have passed shall be deemed an insult by The People. Do you understand?" Steelfist asked mildly.
Pansy's father sat, anger still clear on his face and his actions.
"Good afternoon to you all," Steelfist said to the room at large, standing at a podium at the far end of the table from Luna. "I am Major Account Manager Steelfist. We have gathered today for the reading of the last will and testament of the late Xenophilius Desideratum Lovegood, Lord of House Lovegood. Before we begin today's proceedings are there any comments, concerns or questions?" Steelfist asked.
Draco's father stood. He looked at Luna and said, "We were concerned when our dear cousin was reported slain by murder most foul. We had also been told the Heir, his daughter Luna, had also been slain. We are glad to know the truth that she lives," he said, an oily smile sliding onto his face as he sat again.
When no one spoke for a few moments, Steelfist continued. "With due consideration for the covenants of the treaty of one thousand, eight hundred and forty three, between The People and The Crown as represented by the Ministry of Magic, Gringotts has duly notified all named beneficiaries of the document we will be reading today. Those not in attendance are as follows:"
"William Breckett Weasley, unable to attend due to previous commitments to Gringotts Wizarding Bank."
"Charles Bartemus Weasley, unable to attend due to previous commitments to the Romanian Society for the Protection of Drakes."
"Angelika Juliana Trillas, unable to attend due to previous commitments."
"We shall now commence the reading of the last will and testament of Xenophilius Desideratum Lovegood, the late Lord of House Lovegood," Steelfist said formally.
A large multifaceted crystalline bowl rose from the centre of the table as the lights in the room dimmed. Xenophilius Lovegood appeared life-sized in the centre of the table above the bowl and began speaking.
-oOoOo-
Xenophilius seemed to be looking directly at Luna as he read the will. Luna watched as her father spoke.
"This is the Last Will and Testament of Xenophilius Desideratum Lovegood, Lord of House Lovegood, et alii"
"I, Xenophilius Desideratum Lovegood, Lord of House Lovegood, and lord of all other houses to which I am sworn, being of sound mind, body and magic, do, by my own hand, write this last will and testament, on this day, the second of July in the year one thousand, nine hundred, ninety and two by common reckoning."
"I make the following declarations:"
"I do hereby revoke all prior wills and codicils."
"I have one living child named Luna Selene Lovegood. All references in this will to my child, children, or my issue include Luna Selene Lovegood and any child or children hereafter born to or adopted by me."
"I declare these specific bequests and devices:"
"To Irmgard Wendell Parkinson, Lord of House Parkinson, vassal to House Lovegood, I bequeath thirty sickles, to be deposited in House Parkinson's primary vault at Gringotts. Should you need any assistance determining the intent behind this message, my account manager has a book for you."
Lord Parkinson stood and shouted, "This is an outrage!"
Steelfist paused the reading. "You have something you wish to discuss, Lord Parkinson?" he asked in the same mild tone he had used previously. Parkinson looked at the two Goblin guards standing behind Steelfist, who appeared to be sizing him up for a coffin.
Parkinson sat down.
"I didn't think so," Steelfist said, continuing the reading.
The projected image of Xeno continued.
"To Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, Lord of House Malfoy, vassal to House Lovegood, I bequeath thirty sickles, to be deposited in House Malfoy's primary vault at Gringotts."
Draco looked angry and on the verge of standing. Narcissa grasped his hand, staying the boy from looking more foolish in front of the Goblins. She then relieved him of his wand to prevent him from getting himself killed.
"To Arthur William Weasley and Molly Beatrice Weasley, I bequeath five hundred thousand galleons, to be held in trust by Gringotts Wizarding Bank and paid into their vault at a rate of fifty thousand galleons per year. You were a good friend, Arthur."
For the first time in living memory, Molly was stunned into silence.
"To William Breckett Weasley, I bequeath twenty-five thousand galleons. Love is simply waiting for the right time."
"To Charles Bartemus Weasley, I bequeath twenty-five thousand galleons. Come home when the time is right."
"To Percival Wallace Weasley, I bequeath ten thousand galleons to be held in trust by Gringotts Wizarding Bank until he attains his majority. Percy, learn to balance your life. You will be a happier man for it."
"To Frederick George Weasley, I bequeath ten thousand galleons to be held in trust by Gringotts Wizarding Bank until he attains his majority or he proves to my account manager he has an endeavour worthy of its investment. Your strength has yet to be tested."
"To George Frederick Weasley, I bequeath ten thousand galleons to be held in trust by Gringotts Wizarding Bank until he attains his majority or he proves to my account manager he has an endeavour worthy of its investment. Frighten not the little children, for they hold the key to your future."
"To Ronald Bilius Weasley, I bequeath ten thousand galleons to be held in trust indefinitely by Gringotts Wizarding Bank until he proves to my account manager he has truly atoned for the behaviour he all too often demonstrates. Insulting my daughter and the Heir to a Founding Family is hardly endearing. Learn to be a true friend before you seek wealth."
"To Ginevra Molly Weasley, I bequeath ten thousand galleons to be held in trust by Gringotts Wizarding Bank until she attains her majority and ten thousand galleons as a dowry to be held in trust by Gringotts Wizarding Bank until she has been married for five years."
"To Angelika Juliana Trillas, a girl of six years old, currently in a location the Goblins can find, I bequeath one hundred thousand galleons to be held in trust by Gringotts Wizarding Bank until she attains her majority and ten thousand galleons as a dowry to be held in trust by Gringotts Wizarding Bank until she has been betrothed. I am certain her guardians shall find her a man worthy of her."
"To a boy becoming a man I would proudly call my own son, Harry James Potter, Lord of House Potter, I bequeath my sword, Bright Song. You will need her before the end. To him I also bequeath the contents of Gringotts London Vault Six Hundred Ninety-Six so that you may surpass your upbringing and be blessed for the person you are within."
"To a girl who is, in my heart, a daughter of great strength and will grow to be a woman of profound wisdom, I leave Hermione Jane Granger copies of all tomes in the libraries of House Lovegood and the libraries of all vassal Houses. Should any Lord of a vassal House fail to comply with the Goblins in this endeavour, their line shall be seized and the Lord or Lady slain as he or she would be in violation of their vassal oath. To her I also bequeath the sum of fifty thousand galleons and the contents of Gringotts London Vault Six Hundred Ninety-Seven. Use it wisely, share it with those you love."
"To a boy who has courage and strength in him still untapped, Neville Franklin Longbottom, I bequeath my staff, Stone Tree. When the last battle is won, plant her where you stood."
"To the desired mundane guardians of my daughter, and a man and woman I wish this life had allowed me more time to become acquainted with, Daniel Robert Granger and Emma Gabrielle Granger, I bequeath one million galleons, the manor known as Love's Hold and my love for the vision and strength you have already demonstrated. Please use Love's Hold to finish the work which Luna, Hermione and Harry have already started with my utmost blessing."
"To a man who has brought untold hours of pleasure and uncountable memories of better times, I bequeath fifty thousand galleons to Florean Clarence Fortescue and the property in Diagon Alley upon which his establishment rests along with the two adjacent properties whose titles are currently held by House Lovegood. Use it to continue to bring happiness, my friend."
The look of love in Xeno's face grew to encompass his entire being as his projection continued.
"To my beloved daughter, Luna Selene Lovegood, my Little Moon who rises in the night and outshines the brightest stars in the heavens, I bequeath all titles and oaths, all chattel, residue and remains of my Estate, after payment of all my just debts, expenses, taxes, administration costs and individual devices and bequests, if any."
The projection of Xeno continued, his face losing its look of adulation.
"With the exception of my child, if any such named beneficiary or member of a class of beneficiaries fails to survive me by thirty days, declines the gift or is no longer in existence, I direct that said beneficiary's share pass equally to the beneficiary's surviving spouse or children. In the event no such survivors exist, the beneficiary's share shall pass, in equal parts, to the children's ward of St. Mungo's and the orphanages of the Crown, to be administered by Gringotts Wizarding Bank."
"In the event my child fails to survive me by thirty days or are no longer in existence, I direct the remains of my Estate to be managed by Gringotts Wizarding Bank until such time that a successor may be located and achieve Lordship."
"I make the following provisions of guardianship:"
"If, at my death, I have any child or children under age of majority and such child or children do not have a living parent, I nominate Daniel Robert Granger and Emma Gabrielle Granger to serve as the legal guardian or guardians of such child or children."
"If these persons are unwilling or unable to serve as guardian, then I nominate Harry James Potter and Hermione Jane Granger to serve as the legal guardian of such child or children."
"If any legal guardian of my child or children should be appointed, I nominate the individual identified above for appointment as guardian and request the Ministry and the Crown to appoint the nominee, grant the guardian custody of the child or children, permit the guardian all statutory and discretionary powers permitted under the laws and treaties of the Ministry and the Crown, including but not limited to changing the residence and domicile of the children to the country where the guardian may then reside, and appoint such individual or individuals as guardian of the estate of such child or children."
"At our specific instruction, any child or children under age of majority shall not be placed with any vassal House. Know that any who would violate this stipulation shall be accursed and shall suffer the enmity and scorn of House Lovegood for the rest of their days."
Xeno then finished the reading.
"Signed, this day, the second of July in the year one thousand, nine hundred, ninety and two by common reckoning, Xenophilius Desideratum Lovegood, Lord of House Lovegood, et alii."
A wizard with scars all over his face and one magic eye appeared above the bowl now, in auror robes.
"Witnessed hereof by Alastor Martin Moody" he said.
A much-changed Albus Dumbledore, standing in robes which softly glowed white then spoke.
"Witnessed hereof by Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore"
A man only Steelfist recognised then spoke.
"Witnessed hereof Michael Delver Doolittle, esquire" he said.
Another man only Steelfist recognised spoke.
"Witnessed hereof Michael Bishop Whaite, esquire," he said.
Another man only Steelfist recognised spoke.
"Witnessed hereof William Henry Heer, esquire" he said.
The bowl flared white a moment then became clear once more as the lights in the room returned to full brightness.
-oOoOo-
"This is preposterous! Granting guardianship of a Founding Family Heir to muggles? I object!" Lord Parkinson exclaimed.
"I, too, find I must object to this travesty. Surely we can find a better home than a muggle one for her to live," Lord Malfoy said.
"I will point out that both Mr. and Mrs. Granger are dentists," Steelfist said.
Both Parkinson and Malfoy paled at this information.
"As far as setting aside any provision of the will, I will point out that Lady Luna Selene Lovegood is now regarded as an adult under Ministry Law and that she only requires guardians in the muggle world. The People agree with the will in that there are no people better suited to her guardianship than the Grangers," Steelfist explained.
Florean Fortescue had listened to enough supine cloth containers of manure to know these two Lords had waded in the stuff for years. "Lady Lovegood," he said, addressing Luna, "I know that your father loved you very much and would have wanted you to be as happy and as safe as possible. I cannot think of two safer people to be with than muggle dentists," Florean said.
Luna gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Lord Fortescue. I hope to see you again before I leave for Hogwarts," she whispered to him.
Florean smiled at her, nodded to the rest of Luna's friends and left.
Both Malfoy and Parkinson were looking at the Granger parents, who were looking at Luna. They looked up at the two Lords and deep frowns were on Dan and Emma's faces.
Malfoy used legilimency on Dan and was utterly terrified at what he saw. Himself. Sitting in a reclined lounge. With metal instruments in his mouth. And Dan looking down at him with an evil smile. With an enormous needle headed towards his jaw. It was the only time in Lucius' experience using legilimency that he had actually experienced pain. And this pain was far worse than the Cruciatus.
Parkinson used legilimency on Emma and he, too, was utterly terrified at what he was seeing. Quite nearly the same experience Malfoy had, only Emma was heading towards his mouth with a saw, not a needle.
Malfoy slumped to the floor, clenching his teeth as tightly as he could, perspiring and looking at Dan in horror, trying to tear his eyes away from the vision that repeated itself but got worse with each repetition.
Parkinson screamed then passed out, clearly the luckier of the two.
Dan continued staring at Malfoy, realising that Malfoy must have done something which allowed him to see what he was thinking. In addition to performing an anaesthetic-free cleaning on the man, he began, in his mind, to perform a root planing then a multiple-quadrant extraction requiring fracturing of the roots.
This caused Malfoy to scream once more, void his bowels and pass out.
"What did you do to my father?" Draco yelled, his wand not in his hand only because his mother had wisely taken it before.
Dan looked at Draco, now thinking about what he would do to this rude, back-stabbing little bastard, on the off-chance the boy used whatever magic his father had used.
Narcissa, however intervened, "Please forgive my son his impertinence, Sir. He is only concerned about his father," she said, looking down at the floor.
Dan looked at Narcissa. "I shall let it pass. This time," Dan said, then looked back at Draco.
Draco turned his back in disgust that his mother would be obsequious to a muggle.
Dan caught his attention, however, "Mr. Malfoy, should you continue your verbal assaults on my daughter or her friends, take note. Your father and his friend merely insulted my wife and me. Insult my daughter or her friends again and what I did to your father will seem like a Sunday picnic by the lake."
Dan then gathered up Emma, the children and invited Augusta, Neville and Susan along with them to leave.
They left the room and were led by a Goblin guard back to Steelfist's office. Ten minutes later, Steelfist entered his office. The moment the door closed fully, Steelfist began laughing so hard he fell to the ground and tears began running from his eyes. It took another ten minutes for him to compose himself enough and get his breath back. Still and yet, every time he looked at Dan he began briefly laughing again.
"What was that about my parents being dentists, exactly, Steelfist?" Hermione asked, somewhat upset. This set Steelfist off again for another few minutes.
When he regained his composure, he saw that, while Luna was smiling, no one else was. Augusta actually had her arms around Susan and Neville, trying to keep them away from Dan and Emma.
"One moment, while I take something to keep my composure," Steelfist said, then sat down at his desk, opened a drawer, pulled out a potion bottle and drank it. He waited a few moments to ensure the potion was in effect before speaking.
"Hermione, when we found out both of your parents were dentists, which was shortly after Harry arrived at St. Mungo's, we researched muggle dentists. We then began a series of articles in the Daily Prophet wherein we described dentists as a muggle cross-breed between dementors and dark lords. Dentists are known to suck the happiness out of people, filling them with an unnaturally strong fear and that dentists were legally allowed by both the magical and muggle governments around the world to use a muggle version of the Cruciatus curse, only the muggle version was much, much worse," Steelfist explained, then giggled for a few moments.
"I can only presume that Lords Malfoy and Parkinson used legilimency on your parents and Dan and Emma must have been thinking about what they would do if they actually got one or the other of them in their dental chair," Steelfist concluded, another giggle escaping him.
"Well, that would certainly explain why they paled when Mum and Dad were described as dentists, but why did Parkinson faint and Malfoy scream, void his bowels and faint?" Harry asked.
"They used legilimency, Harry. They used a magical ability to read minds and Daddy and Mum were likely none too kind with what they were thinking about doing to those two after the horrible things they were saying about Mum and Daddy," Hermione said.
Dan laughed an evil laugh. "I will most definitely have to remember that," Dan said, chilling Augusta to the bone. He noticed Augusta's demeanour. "Don't worry, Madam Longbottom, I would never have any reason to harm you or your family. Malfoy, Parkinson and their ilk, however, will get no mercy from me whatsoever," he explained with his calming-frightened-child smile.
Augusta realised she was holding on to both Neville and Susan quite tightly. She let them go so they could breathe once more and join their friends. "My apologies, Dan and Emma. I, too, read and believed those stories in the Daily Prophet. I shall keep the level of exaggeration a secret, however," she said, shooing Neville and Susan off to go visit with Harry, Hermione and Luna.
"With Daddy's guardianship declaration," Luna said, a lost, little waif look on her face as she looked at Dan and Emma, "does this mean I can call you Mum and Daddy too?" she asked, her eyes filling with tears.
Emma knelt and wrapped the girl in a gentle, loving hug, "If you want to do that, we would be happy for you to do so, Luna Dear."
Luna cried into her shoulder for some minutes. Not for the loss of her father, for he had already told her he would always be close. These were tears of happiness for the family she was now that much closer to being a part of.
Harry was curious at something that puzzled him, "Steelfist, who was the little girl mentioned in Lord Lovegood's will?"
Steelfist frowned. "Yes. Angelika Juliana Trillas. Lord Lovegood said we would be able to find her, and she is somewhat close, although unable to attend due to prior commitments," he said.
"Is she one of our rescued children?" Luna asked, having finished her cry, but was still holding and being held by Emma.
Steelfist looked at Luna and then smiled, "Lady Lovegood, you are brilliant. Would you please call Beltchirp?"
"Beltchirp," Luna said.
The elf appeared and looked at Luna, kneeling before her. "How may Beltchirp serve you, Lady Luna?" he asked.
"Arise, Beltchirp. Do you know where Angelika Juliana Trillas is?" Luna asked.
"She is in lessons at the moment, Lady Luna. She will be back at Potter's Point within the hour," Beltchirp said.
"And how is she doing, Beltchirp?" Luna asked.
"She is doing much better now that she is not at the place she was," Beltchirp said. "Mippy was the one to rescue her from the awful muggles. Mippy felt so bad she took all the children who were there and took the muggle children to Her Majesty's people."
"And the awful muggles?" Dan asked with a growl.
"Are shovelling dragon dung in the deepest dungeons the Goblins have," Beltchirp said with a smile.
"Steelfist, did you need anything else?" Luna asked.
"To formalize the paperwork, we will need to have our medical staff perform a physical to ensure she is alive and unharmed. That can happen where she is, since that would make it less stressful on the child," Steelfist replied.
"Thank you, Beltchirp. How are the rest of the children doing?" Dan asked.
"All of the children are doing much better, Doctor Granger. We do have three muggle children there as well as they are either brother or sister of a magical child and they, too, were being abused," Beltchirp said.
"And the three muggle children are doing well?" Emma asked.
"They are. They seem to enjoy being in a place where food is available and no one hits them and, while they don't get to perform magic, they do get to watch it and that seems to make them happy as well," Beltchirp replied.
"Thank you, Beltchirp," Luna said.
"I live to serve Lord Harry, Lady Hermione, Lady Luna and the children," Beltchirp said, then popped out.
"If I may ask, what are you doing with magical and muggle children?" Augusta asked.
"They are gathering the muggleborn magical children who are being abused and are too young to be sent to Hogwarts and the children of school age who were unable to go to Hogwarts because their parents or guardians didn't approve of the magical world and are taking them to a place where they can be taught and prepared to live in magical society," Steelfist said.
"YOU!" Augusta exclaimed. "You're the reason all of those children are missing! I presume they are better cared for than where they were. Do you have more than just a house elf taking care of them?" Augusta asked.
Hermione explained their project, "Madam Longbottom, we have hired fifty-three muggleborn graduates from Hogwarts who have been thoroughly checked by Gringotts security department to teach and help raise these children. We have forty-three house elves bound to us to assist with these efforts. We take children now at the first sign of abuse and, where necessary, take any muggle children to the muggles who work for The Crown in the capacity of caring for them and, in extreme cases, we turn the abusive muggles over to the Goblins for trial and punishment."
"And you children did this?" Augusta asked in shock.
"Matriarch Longbottom, I know what it is like to be abused by the people who are supposed to love you and provide you with nurturing care. I now have two adults who love me and are proud of me. I have the resources to help other children who are in the same position, I have the help of the Goblins to get it done and I have the political power to ensure no one prevents me from helping those other children. What kind of person would I be if I just looked the other direction and let my fellow brothers and sisters in magic continue to be treated the way I was treated?" Harry said, tears of anger leaking from his eyes.
Augusta looked at the boy who had befriended her Neville and saw, in a flash of insight, the man he would become. This is the kind of man I want my Neville to become, she thought. She looked down at the floor, "Forgive me, Lord Potter. I was not judging you. I was just surprised by your ingenuity and your willingness to do this at such a young age. I know your parents would be exceptionally proud of you. The way I am proud of the young man Neville is turning into. And I know your influence upon Neville can only be good."
Neville looked up in surprise at his grandmother. Never before had he seen her act subservient to a wizard, much less a boy his age.
"My apologies as well, Matriarch Longbottom. I did not mean to be rude to you. After all, you were only asking a simple question," Harry said contritely.
-oOoOo-
Harry was laying in bed, rubbing both Luna's and Hermione's scalps. Their parents had gone to bed some time ago and Harry, Hermione and Luna had been complete bundles of nerves and decided to watch "Hook" which Dan had bought the previous week. Harry couldn't help but think Moira's grandmother, Wendy, looked an awful lot like Professor McGonagall and said so to Hermione and Luna, causing both of them to laugh hysterically and ask Harry if he needed another eye healing potion. He took this in good humour and found out the girls liked magical tickling a whole lot better than magical hugs as both girls had to muffle their screams into pillows. They didn't seem to think he needed to apologise and actually seemed to be trying to think of ways to make him tickle them again. I am really going to need to figure this hugging and tickling out, he thought.
"Can you think of something I can say when I want to get both of your attention on something?" Harry asked then continued, "Its quite a mouthful to say 'Hermione and Luna' and I don't want to be rude to either of you," he explained.
"Can we think about it and get back to you?" Hermione asked, looking up at him.
Harry nodded.
"What made you think about that, Harry?" Luna asked, also looking up at him.
"Dad and I were talking yesterday before dinner. I needed to know how he knew something and after he explained it, it made so much more sense and I have been trying to find the right time to tell you both," he said.
He received a chorused, "Tell us what?" causing all three of them to smile.
Hermione briefly kissed Luna, "Little Jinx!" she said softly, but loud enough for Harry to hear as well.
"That I love you," Harry said, his voice thick with emotion.
He suddenly had two quietly crying witches taking turns kissing him on the lips. He opened his mouth to ask a question, only for first Hermione, then Luna, to kiss him deeply. Once they calmed down a bit, they explained.
"Harry, Luna and I have been discussing this during our kissing practices and we didn't want you to feel pressured if we said it first," Hermione said.
"And we didn't want you feeling bad if you couldn't love us back or have our hearts broken because you couldn't love us," Luna said.
Harry then got a huge smile on his face and received a chorused, "What are you thinking about, Harry?"
This time it was Luna who kissed Hermione and said, "Jinx!"
"I have the perfect name. Any one of us can use it to refer to the other two," he explained. "What do you think, My Loves?" he asked.
Both Hermione and Luna smiled at him and kissed him once more.
Three very happy children fell asleep in one another's arms.
-oOoOo-
Luna had just finished checking the items her House Lovegood elves, Pokey and Gumby had packed for her. She then asked them to take care of The Rookery and let the other House Lovegood elves know to take care of the other Lovegood manors and homes. She introduced Dan and Emma to Skitter, Tinkle and Mophead, the house elves from Love's Hold. She then went in search of Hermione.
Hermione was sitting on her bed in her room, looking at the mirror above her dressing table. Luna knocked on the door jamb, and when Hermione didn't respond, Luna entered the room and sat down next to her. Hermione absently wrapped her arm around Luna and pulled her in close to herself.
Luna rested her head on Hermione's shoulder and looked in the mirror at Hermione, then looked up at her. "Are you all packed?" Luna asked softly.
Hermione nodded as the first tear ran down her cheek.
Luna was beside herself. Did I do something wrong to hurt her? Did Harry upset her? "What is wrong, My Love?" Luna asked.
This caused Hermione to turn her head and look down at Luna, then laugh in embarrassment. "I'm just feeling sorry for myself, Luna-Love." She looked up and out the window, more tears falling, "I was wondering what it was going to be like sleeping alone again." then she looked down at her hands in her lap, her crying unabated.
Luna was puzzled. "Why would you be sleeping alone?" she asked.
Hermione laughed again, although had not stopped crying, "Because they don't let boys and girls sleep together in the same room, much less the same bed at Hogwarts."
"Are you sure?" Luna asked, now even more puzzled.
Hermione smiled and wiped her eyes then looked at Luna again. "Yes, Love, I am fairly certain," she said and kissed her briefly. She then looked around the room once more and her eyes were drawn back to the mirror. "Look at me. I'm a mess!" she exclaimed softly.
"A very pretty mess," Harry said, standing in the doorway, startling both girls.
Luna looked at him, "How long have you been standing there?"
"Since Hermione said she was feeling sorry for herself, but it looked like you had the situation in hand. Besides, even though both of you are married to me, I am pleased you both love one another as much as you love me," Harry replied, a smile growing on his face.
Luna stood and pulled Hermione up to stand and gave her a hug, "Now go wash your face with cold water. I need to speak with Lord Potter," Luna said.
Hermione smiled, kissed Luna's forehead, walked past Harry, kissed him on the cheek and went into the loo.
"Yes, Lady Lovegood?" Harry asked with amusement.
"I'm actually being quite serious, Harry. Hermione told me the three of us would have to sleep alone at Hogwarts and that would not be good," she explained.
Harry was surprised at her statement. How could I have been so stupid? he thought. "We'll figure something out, Luna," he said.
Hermione came out of the loo, looking much less emotional. She smiled and was about to speak when Dan called from downstairs.
"Are you three just about ready to go? We don't want to be late getting to the station," Dan called out.
"Coming right down!" Harry called back down, going to his own room to grab his trunk, the feather-weight charm already cast on it.
He pulled it out to the hallway and saw Hermione and Luna pulling their trunks along behind them with some difficulty. He shook his head with a smile and drew his wand, pointed it at Luna's trunk and said, "Pluma gravitas," with an upward flick of his wand, not expecting the resultant chaos. Fortunately, Luna was closer to Harry than was Hermione. Unfortunately for Harry, Luna was closer to Harry than Hermione. Luna's trunk went from weighing thirty-five kilos to weighing one gram. Luna fell on her derrière with the sudden loss of balance from the trunk losing almost all of its weight. This caused the trunk to fly up and, in Luna's letting go of it for fear of it coming down on her and crushing her, sailed right into Harry's arms.
Hermione watched the trunk fly at Harry and screamed in fear as Harry was standing so near the stair rail. When he caught the trunk and didn't move, she was utterly shocked, amazed and impressed. She then looked down at Luna who was rubbing the back of her head.
"Everything okay up here?" Dan asked, running up the stairs.
"Fine, Dad. I just did something without thinking through all of the implications," Harry said. "Can you take these downstairs while I get Hermione's?" Harry asked, handing Dan both trunks, much to Dan's amazement.
Dan took a trunk by both handles and realized they hardly weighed anything, then balanced one on each hand, trying not to walk so fast that they fell off his hands.
Hermione reached her hand down to Luna and helped her stand. She then turned Luna around, kissed the back of her head, spun her around again and kissed her firmly on the lips.
"I'm sorry, My Loves. I cast a feather weight charm on Luna's trunk without thinking what would happen," Harry said apologetically. He then cast the same charm on Hermione's trunk, picked it up and carried it down the stairs. Hermione and Luna walked down the stairs arm-in-arm, watching how impressive it looked for Harry to be carrying a trunk on the palm of his hand.
They all climbed into Dan's car and drove to London via the A316. Dan decided to use valet parking so he and Emma could spend more time with the children. The valets had a trolley readily available and stood back in shock as Harry lifted all three trunks individually from the boot and set them upon the trolley. He had already shrunk Hedwig's cage and sent her on ahead earlier that morning. They took a leisurely stroll to the platform. It was the usual mid-morning lull at King's Cross station and the group decided to sit down for a pastry and something to wash it down with.
It was half ten when they finished and walked towards Platform nine. Although usually quieter this time on a Tuesday morning, the platform seemed filled with people who were significantly fashion-challenged with an odd variety of caged animals, from what appeared to be baby lions, which Hermione explained were half-kneazles, owls of various varieties and other unusual pets in cages, baskets and carriers.
Harry was still a bit disappointed he had not seen Sirius this morning. Sirius had promised he would see him today and now that they were on the platforms at King's Cross, it didn't seem likely he would show up.
Harry noticed that Hermione and Luna were whispering to one another. Periodically he would look back at them and see they were either giggling or shyly smiling at him with the hint of blushes on their cheeks.
Suddenly there was the noise of a panicked rush behind them. They all stopped to see what the cause of the commotion was. A rampaging family of redheads was running down the platform.
Hermione and Harry rolled their eyes at the antics of the Weasley family. Late as usual AGAIN! Hermione thought.
The redheads rushed past them without a backwards glance and ran straight towards the wall and passed through the stone archway onto Platform nine and three-quarters. Harry stopped the trolley.
Luna and Hermione were getting hugs from Dan and Emma. They finished with their hugs and kisses and turned to Harry. "I'll take the trolley through and get the trunks on board," Hermione said, kissing him on the cheek.
Luna kissed him on the cheek and said, "And I'll make sure to save you a seat, Husband," with a little smile.
The two girls passed through the stone archway and headed to the train, bypassing the quite loud goodbyes from the Weasley matriarch. The two of them carried their trunks to the last car of the train and easily found an empty compartment. Hermione placed the trunks up into the racks and sat next to the window, motioning for Luna to sit next to her. Luna sat and snuggled into Hermione's side, resting her head on Hermione's shoulder.
-oOoOo-
Harry turned after the girls walked through and looked at the man and woman who were the closest thing to parents. Emma held her arms out to him and he happily entered into the embrace, feeling for the first time that he would miss home more than he would miss Hogwarts. "I love you, Mum," Harry said.
"I love you too, Son. Write often and keep the girls safe," Emma said, dabbing at the corners of her eyes with a tissue.
Dan then pulled Harry into an embrace, which Harry also happily returned. "I love you, Dad. Thank you for all of the talks and... well... everything," Harry said.
"I love you too, Son. Remember that both Mum and I are proud of you, and that we're looking forward to seeing you at the Yule holidays," Dan said, a lone tear running down his face as well.
Harry smiled then turned and walked right into the stone archway, nearly breaking his nose. "What the hell?" he exclaimed.
Dan rushed up to him with Emma close behind. "What happened to the archway?" Dan asked.
"I don't know. It's closed up," Harry said, slightly panicked.
-oOoOo-
The five-minute warning whistle of the Express blew. Hermione and Luna were in a slight panic that Harry had not yet come through the portal. Hermione opened the carriage window as Arthur and Molly Weasley were standing just outside, seeing their boys and girl onto the train. "Mr. Weasley, Harry hasn't come through the portal yet. Could you please go through and let him know he needs to come through?" Hermione pleaded.
"Certainly, Hermione, wasn't it?" Arthur asked with a pleasant smile.
"Yes sir, that's right. Please hurry," Hermione asked.
Arthur turned and walked quickly over to the portal and tried walking through. Always the pragmatist, Arthur had his hand out in front so he wouldn't strike his head into things. Instead of passing through the portal, his hand firmly slapped into it and he stopped. "Odd," he mumbled to himself, then pulled his wand and began casting spells at it.
"What in the name of Salazar do you think you're doing?" a large burly man in red auror robes said, walking quickly towards Arthur.
Arthur turned to the voice.
"Oh! Arthur. What's wrong?" the auror asked.
"Gulesblouse, I'm glad to see you. The portal seems to be closed and young Harry Potter is stuck on the other side," Arthur said.
"Go talk to the conductor. Let me handle this, Arthur," Gulesblouse said.
Arthur hurried off to explain the situation to the conductor.
The auror pulled his wand and cast detection spells on the portal. "Strange," he mumbled to himself. He transfigured his clothing to look like a British Transport policeman's uniform and apparated to Platform nine.
-oOoOo-
Dan and Emma were trying to calm a panicking Harry when a British Transport policeman walked up to them. "What seems to be the issue here?" he asked.
Dan and Emma looked at him and were trying to formulate a response that wouldn't get them sent to Broadmoor. Harry felt the man's magic. "I was trying to get to Platform nine and three-quarters and the barrier just closed up," he said, causing Dan and Emma to panic even more.
"No worries, Lord Potter. I'll take you there in a moment then come back to talk with your guardians," Gulesblouse said, seeing the relief on Dan and Emma's faces when he said 'Lord Potter'.
Gulesblouse took Harry's arm, looked around to ensure no one was watching them and apparated to Platform nine and three-quarters. Arthur and Molly were waiting on the platform with Hermione and Luna standing just on the stairs of the last carriage.
"Harry!" Harry heard both Hermione and Luna shout from the train.
"Run along now, My Lord, and get on. The train is already a few minutes late," Gulesblouse said.
Harry ran to Hermione and Luna, who were clearly relieved he had been found. The three of them walked to the compartment as the train's departure whistle blew.
After seeing the boy get on the train at the door with the two girls, Gulesblouse turned around and walked to the portal. This time, when casting his detection charms, there seemed to be no issues with the portal so he attempted to walk through and was successful, appearing just a metre in front of Dan and Emma, both of whom jumped at his sudden, silent appearance.
"My apologies, folks. Lord Potter is on board the Express and safely headed off to school," the policeman told them.
Dan reached out his hand, which the policeman shook, "Thank you for taking care of that. We were somewhat panicked," Dan said.
"All in a day's work sir. Did someone apparate you here or do you have a means home?" Gulesblouse asked.
"We drove from Surrey," Dan said.
"Well then, I shall be leaving you. Take care, sir, madam," Gulesblouse said and stepped back through the portal.
Dan and Emma had an uneventful drive home.
-oOoOo-
Arthur received assurances the train would not depart from the station until Harry was on board. He quickly walked down to the last car and noted the two girls were standing on the boarding stairs. "I've told the conductor and they're holding the train. There seems to be some issue with the portal. Auror Gulesblouse was on duty and has gone to fetch Harry," he said to the girls and to Molly.
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," a somewhat relieved Hermione said.
Two minutes later, a man dressed as a muggle policeman appeared with Harry.
"Harry!" Hermione and Luna shouted, clearly relieved to see him.
Harry ran to them.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Weasley," Hermione said gratefully.
"Yes, thank you," Luna said.
Arthur looked at the three and smiled. "I am happy he is on board. Have a good year at school and perhaps we will see you for a week at Yule," he said hopefully.
The departure whistle blew as the locomotive's wheels churned on the tracks, pulling the slack out of the couplings and pulling the train out of the station.
In all, everything was just as it should be, much to the chagrin of a certain distraught house elf.
-o-AN-o-
Love's Nest is located in the vicinity of
hxxp colon slash slash maps dot google dot co dot uk slash question ll equals 50 dot 219489 comma minus 3.655757 ampersand spn equals 0 dot 001545 comma 0 dot 004128 ampersand t equals h ampersand z equals 19
Hogwarts next
-o-AN-o-