Standard disclaimer: It all belongs to JKR. Except where I might use some song lyrics which I will call out at the time and give proper credit. Thank you JKR for letting us play with your toys.
I will continue to use the occasional song lyric in the story and will give credit at the time when needed.
This is the fourth book in my Slytherin Harry series. And I'm departing from reusing JKR's title because too much of the story has changed. I'll leave it up to all of you to decide just who the Blood Traitor's Daughter is. In my mind there is more than one candidate.
Book 1: Harry Potter and the Muggle's Daughter
Book 2: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Book 3: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Book 4: Harry Potter and the Blood Traitor's Daughter.
If you haven't read books 1-3 you won't know what's going on. But the bonus is you've got three completed books before you even get to this one!
And last, the disappointing bits.
Well, the site seems to be working much better now and I can once again post longer chapters. I'm sure you'll all be thrilled.
This chapter is pretty heavy on song lyrics. I apologize now for it, but I put the entire lyrics in because they were important and if you don't know the song, you would be missing things. Credit will be given at the end.
HARRY POTTER AND THE BLOOD TRAITOR'S DAUGHTER
CHAPTER XXI
Zakynthos
"So we're going with the premise Barty Crouch didn't commit suicide, he was murdered;" Remus asked, "by his son who supposedly died in Azkaban prison nine years ago?"
"I don't know how else to explain Harry's memory of his fight with the person who took he and Astoria," Amelia answered.
"But how?" Bill asked. "And where is his wife?"
Amelia spoke up. "Crouch Jr's involvement with Voldemort, the torture of Frank and Alice Longbottom, and subsequent conviction destroyed his parents. She was never of great health; always frail, her voice was very wispy due to the damage a lifetime of coughing had done to her vocal cords. She took ill again shortly after the trial and was thought to have died of a broken heart upon the son's death. Until I catch him, I can only guess, but I know Crouch Sr and his wife were granted a mercy visit when it became apparent the son was nearing death in Azkaban. If I had to bet, something happened during that visit."
"Polyjuice," Lily said, thinking aloud.
"Sorry?" Amelia asked.
"What?" Lily asked.
"You said polyjuice, Lils," Remus said.
"I did?"
He nodded. "Yep."
Lily glanced at the others. "Sorry, I was just thinking aloud."
Malala laughed. "Yes, we know. But, seeing as whenever you think aloud you tend to astound us, how about enlightening the rest of us of your euphony?"
Lily blushed. "Oh, well, I'm just hypothesizing, but we've been able to determine she was far more devastated than her husband. Amelia, you said you overheard her begging him to be lenient in sentencing the son. He threw the book at him instead. What if she believed she was dying, begged her husband to save their son, they went to that mercy visit and switched; the mother for the son? What if it wasn't the son who died in prison, but the mother polyjuiced as the son?"
Sirius cocked his head. "That's so insane it actually makes sense."
"So the father brings the son home, keeps him under house arrest till last fall when the son somehow breaks free of whatever his father is using to hold him, kills his father and makes it look like the father committed suicide?" Bill asked.
The group exchanged looks. "It's a reasonable theory," Amelia said. "We won't know for certain till we catch him, but it's a theory."
"Can't you exhume the body of the son, or mother, or whomever?" Malala asked.
Amelia shook her head. "There are some truly horrific things that can be done with a dead body. Wizards tend to cremate their dead as a precaution against that. All prisoners who die while incarcerated at Azkaban are cremated; no exceptions. One urn, containing a very small portion of the ashes is provided to surviving family. The rest is spread at sea. The only way to confirm the theory would be a confession. Provided we catch him and it really is the son."
"And you've assigned the case to Kingsley Shackelbolt?" Lily asked.
"Yes. He's my Head Auror. I've also assigned Tonks to him as her senior auror for the completion of her training. He's none too happy to be baby-sitting. He was also rather displeased with me for attempting to ransom Astoria for Harry. Nor did he appreciate the story we fed the Prophet regarding the tracking charms he supposedly placed on Harry. He covered for me. And he's keeping quiet about the fact we're letting people believe it was Pettigrew who initiated the attack, but he's really starting to ask questions. I'd like to bring him fully into our confidence."
"He's proved his loyalty to you so far," Lily said. "Things seem to be escalating. It would be good to know we have more people we can trust without reservation."
"Unless there are files I'm unaware of," Bill said, "which is entirely possible, he's clean. But I see no issues." The other's all nodded their agreement.
"We're going to need people like him," Remus said. "So it's probably time we started recruiting."
"How fully in is fully in?" David asked. "We're going to need soldiers, but soldiers don't always need to know absolutely everything."
"Agreed," Remus said. "But in this particular case, as he's partnered with Tonks, I would think he should be brought fully into the fold."
"I agree as well," Amelia said. "Him being my head auror, things are at a point I really need him to know everything."
"We should also consider what happens if we topple Fudge," Lily said. "We're going to want the new head of the DMLE on our side when Amelia moves into the Minister's office."
"Agreed," Anders said. "Lucius has people throughout the ministry. We would be foolish indeed to think we're going to outmaneuver him everywhere. He knows Fudge's position is precarious. We've seen more than one article in the paper quoting anonymous sources within the DMLE questioning Amelia's decisions recently. You can bet that is Lucius' work."
"I think we're agreed on bringing auror Shacklebolt into the order," Andromeda said. "But I'd like to discuss the elephant in the room before we consider closing things tonight. Anders, you particularly, I am loath to remind of this, but Death Eaters saved their most horrific crimes for those who somehow survived or embarrassed them. Whether Astoria was a specific target or randomly taken, she is now in grave danger till her attacker is caught. Only his death will stop him coming after her.
"She's already been given a ward and portkey bracelet," Bill said. "I'd love to see her trained to apparate, but I just don't see how she'll possibly manage it. The youth brigade has been at it for better than two months and Hermione is the only one who's even managed to flicker yet. So beyond keeping an extra eye on her, I don't know what else we can do."
"She should be reasonably safe at school," Sirius said. "She's not allowed off grounds yet. Fudge posting dementors to the school seems to have rattled the old man enough that he actually appears to have stepped up security. Before that, practically anyone could have just wandered in. We're only managing it because we know about the secret passages. We'll have to step up our precautions when any of them are off grounds, but short of pulling them from the school I think we're doing just about everything we can."
"Let's remember Crouch Jr cut a hole in the wards on platform 9 3/4s," Remus pointed out.
"I'm not forgetting it," Sirius said. "But those wards are not the wards at the school."
Lily focused on Bill. "You examined the wards at the platform. Do you think this person is good enough to get past the wards at the school?"
Bill shrugged. "Dumbledore hasn't got them at full lock down yet, so it's possible. The probability of doing it without alerting him though is slim and none; it'd take me months.
"My wife and I have discussed things," Ander's said. "For the moment we feel comfortable with leaving her at the school. If things change… I only know a plan is in place."
The others nodded. "Glad to hear it," Bill said.
"So we're reasonably confident in their safety," Andromeda said. "Do we have any progress to report on the little gift Anders presented us?" Lily smiled at her, appreciative of her not saying the name Rauðskinna in the house.
"There's one thing that occurred to me about the Resurrection Ritual we found," Ted said.
The others leaned forward. "Go on," Lily said.
"Well, magical folk almost always cremate their dead. But that isn't the case with non-magicals right?"
"Aww," Bill groaned. "Bloody idiots we are."
"We'll be rectifying this situation immediately, yes?" Amelia said pointedly.
"What do you mean rectifying?" Malala asked. "Surely you aren't suggesting we desecrate his grave."
"Malala," Anders said, "the Resurrection Ritual uses the bone of the father. Whatever we can do to prevent this animal regaining his full powers we must. Even if that means desecrating a grave."
"But—"
"Malala," Bill said, "it's not any different than touring the pyramids of Egypt. And you've done that."
She made to protest but stopped. "No, I suppose it isn't any different, is it?"
"Afraid not."
"Right," she said. "Carry on then."
"The question is," Lily said, "do we just remove the bones or do we replace them with something else?"
The others turned to Anders again. "What happens if he performs the ritual with the wrong ingredients?" Sirius asked.
"I hadn't considered it," Anders said. "I'll have to research it."
"Well, I guess that's your top priority," Lily said.
"I'll start first thing tomorrow." The others nodded and in the lull Remus stepped forward. "I have something, that while it may not seem all that important, I think is a concern." The others focused on him. "I'm not going to rehash all the disagreements they've had since term started. And things may actually be moving in a positive direction there; I've seen Harry and Daphne talking a number of times in the last few weeks. I'm just very concerned they're cracking under the stress of everything. It helps that quidditch is finished for the year, but Hermione, Luna and Daphne still have detention three nights a week, they all train in the mornings, go to classes, revise, study with me for the Patronus Charm or apparation lessons, practice their martial arts and have lessons with Andromeda. This says nothing of the knowledge they carry, nor for what happened with Harry and Astoria. All of them should be capable of apparating, but they're not getting it. Ginny is proof they should be able to cast the Patronus Charm, but since getting it once she is only getting mist again. I'm not even sure of what I'm trying to say, but I'm worried. Despite everything they've accomplished, the fact remains the oldest of them is only fourteen."
Lily focused on Andromeda. "What do you think?"
"I do agree with Remus and believe there may have been a thawing between Harry and Daphne in the last few weeks. That hasn't translated to a thawing between Hermione and any of the others. They are stressed and I fear we are simply asking too much of them right now."
"What about a vacation?" Sirius asked. "Easter break is coming. What do you say we bring them home and haul them somewhere warm and sandy for the week? No classes or training or anything else, just let them be kids."
"Where?" Malala asked.
Sirius grinned. "I've got just the place."
"Is it safe?" Lily asked.
"Private, warded, plenty of space for all of us. Bill and I can go make sure everything's up to snuff; trust me."
"Zakynthos?" Andromeda asked.
"Yep."
She smiled. "Perfect."
Bill stepped next to Lily on the porch, leaning with his elbows on the rail. "Alright?" he asked. He could tell she was struggling for control and it was a long time before she answered.
"What kind of mother wishes her son had just killed him?"
Bill frowned. "I suppose, the kind who knows the bastard will come after her son again."
Again Lily didn't answer for a long time. "And the kind who's mad at her son for not killing him when he had the chance?"
Bill turned to her but she continued to stare out into the night. "The kind who should probably follow her own advice and stop bottling things up," he said.
She turned to him. "I'm sick, Bill."
"I know." She stared up at him for a few seconds before turning and walking away.
"David, Mali," Andromeda asked, "may I speak with you privately?"
They exchanged looks. "Certainly," Malala said. "Will Hermione's room work?"
"I should think so."
"Please, then," David said. The three made their way up the stairs past Harry's room to their daughter's. David held the door and quietly closed it behind him.
"Is there something wrong, Andi?" Malala asked.
"Yes and no, Mali."
"Is it to do with Hermione?" David asked.
"Please, Andi," Malala said, "don't tell us about keeping confidences. If there is something wrong with our daughter tell us."
Andromeda sighed. "Luckily, I only have suppositions to go on."
"You think Hermione is gay, don't you?" Malala asked.
Andromeda gave her a weak smile. "I do."
Malala sat down on the bed. "I've suspected she was gay since she was four."
David looked at her sharply. "You didn't tell me that."
She reached for his hand. "I knew you'd love her no matter what, so what was the point in worrying you?"
"I'm your husband. I'm supposed to help carry your burdens, not have you hide them from me."
Malala bowed her head. "You're right. I'm sorry."
He raised her chin. "We can talk later. Let's deal with Hermione right now."
Malala pulled his hand to her lips and kissed it. "Thank you." They turned to Andromeda again. "Do you think we should talk to her?"
Andromeda sighed. "I don't know what the answer is. But if you remember Christmas, Hermione and Luna were very close. And there was the song Harry picked for Hermione. That song is a rather apt description of Luna. I believe he picked it to encourage Hermione to pursue a relationship with Luna. I honestly believe Hermione and Luna were spiraling towards each other right up to the moment Harry befriended those two boys. Harry is now upset with Hermione. Hermione also is barely speaking with Daphne or Luna."
"You think she's scared of how people will treat her if she is gay?" David asked.
"I do. As I said, I don't know what the answer is. Speaking with her could help, or it could simply upset her more."
David took a deep breath and blew it out. "Thank you, Andi. I'm not sure what the answer is either, but we've been very worried about her. This fight with Harry, they've never had issues like this before."
"Yes, well, if I'm correct, then Harry is doubly angry with Hermione for what he sees as her hypocritical treatment of Ginny."
"You mean he sees Hermione pushing Luna away as being the same as Ginny pushing him away and he's taking Luna's side?" Mali asked.
"Pretty much exactly."
Malala sighed. "They never tell you about these things when they turn you free from hospital with them, do they?"
Andromeda laughed softly. "No, they most certainly do not."
HPHPHP
Wedged into the corner, his head tipped back against the wall, Harry sat with his eyes closed and let his wolf flow. With everything on his plate, he would be the first to admit he'd let his training slip. Of course he had mitigating circumstances going begging for why he'd yet to fully become one with his form. At one point, after he'd been bitten, he'd gone months without transforming. He'd had to basically start over with acclimating his body to the change. Of course he could have kept working on acclimating to a heightened sense of smell and sound during that time… But he was tired; the ache in his body hadn't fully faded till early November, and the headache slamming his mind with the general noise and stench of the world would give him was just too much to take.
Now though, his excuses and mitigating circumstances were ringing hollow. What it came down to was his experience with Astoria and being taken hadn't left him unaffected. He found he had a growing aversion to crowds and did everything he could to place his back to the wall. He stopped sitting in the front row during class, needing to know there was no one behind him to be able to concentrate. Meals in the Great Hall were torture. Quidditch matches had become exercises in self-control that left him near paralyzed with fear because he would be so exposed. Thankfully the run of play was enough to distract him once the match started, but getting to the quaffle throw was cruel agony.
He needed to do something and a heightened sense of smell and hearing went a long way toward calming his nerves and restoring his peace of mind. The man's stench was seared into his scent memory and chances were, if he tired to come after him again, Harry would smell him long before he saw him. His excuses had become the very motivation Harry needed and he was determined to fully become one with his wolf by the time school let out for the year.
It seemed a better solution than Astoria had found. She had basically become an extended appendage to Harry, only letting him out of her sight when she was forced to. Harry didn't really mind; he was happy to play big brother to her, but he could have done without getting yelled at when he refused to give up going to Hogsmeade for the day. She had even begged him to ride in her carriage from the school to the station today, and she and her friends were in the very next compartment on the train. Frankly, he would have been surprised if she and her friends hadn't just now opened the door of his compartment and joined them.
"Harry," Hermione said, " we're here."
Without opening his eyes he reached out and took Astoria's hand. "I know. I want to wait till the platform clears."
"Alright," she agreed.
The group went back to quiet conversation while Harry went back to acclimating. Something else he'd discovered as he adjusted to his heightened sense of smell was how people's scents changed with changes in circumstance. For instance, Ginny had suddenly become more pungent to him than normal. She never said a word, and visually the clues were near impossible to detect, but her scent changed when he paid attention to Astoria. He'd only done it a few times to confirm the suspicion, but it was the biggest clue he had to the fact she didn't like it.
"Are we ready?" Daphne asked.
"Not yet," Harry said.
"The train is empty, Harry."
"The platform isn't."
"How can you possibly know that?"
"Not now."
"Not now, what?"
"I'll explain later."
Daphne huffed and crossed her arms. "You're a pain, Harry. Honestly, what are we waiting for?"
"You try being kidnapped and see how you like it." An uncomfortable silence settled on the group.
"I'm sorry, Harry," Daphne said after a few moments.
"It's fine, Daphne. I told Sirius we'd wait on the train for a while, but you don't have to wait if you don't want."
"No, we stick together."
"Cool." The others went back to talking and Harry went back to listening. About five minutes later he asked. "Is the platform clear?"
"Mostly," Neville answered.
Harry opened his eyes and stood. "Come on then."
Harry stopped and scanned the platform before stepping off the train. There were only two families besides those waiting for him and his friends. One of them was Cedric and his father. The older boy was holding a young girl of about four in his arms. The other was a first-year Ravenclaw and they were just heading for the portal to the Muggle side of the station. Harry closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. His mind was assaulted with a million scents; burning coal, grease and steam the heaviest. The one scent he was looking for wasn't there though. He opened his eyes and jumped down. Astoria quickly followed, grabbing his hand the second she was on the platform. Ginny's scent spiked again. Harry suppressed a surge of irritation. She had no reason to be jealous. He'd been perfectly clear his hand was hers for the taking any time she chose to do so.
Of course, if the speculative look Astoria's parents were giving them as they approached was anything to go by he was going to need to speak with them sooner as opposed to later. It wasn't till they were about ten steps from them that Astoria let go of his hand and ran to her parents. It had only been a week since she'd seen him, but Mrs Tonks swooped down on him. "Hello, my Love."
Harry hugged her tightly. "Hello, Mrs Tonks." Greetings were quickly made all around and Harry eventually found himself faced with Marcus.
The older boy held hard eyes on him. "Lord Potter."
Harry quirked an eye. "S'up, Marcus?"
Marcus laughed and slugged him in the shoulder. "How's it going, Runt?"
Harry rolled his shoulder. Marcus really was part gorilla. "Well I'm glad I won't need that arm till next February. But other than that, pretty good."
Marcus laughed again. "I knew I liked you, Potter."
"Speak for yourself. I still have nightmares about you."
Marcus smirked and nodded towards Cedric and his father. "Those nightmares have anything to do with the number you lot did on the Puffs a few weeks ago?"
Harry smirked. "Maybe."
"Glad something I taught you stuck."
"Believe me, I'm pretty sure I can remember every word you ever said."
Marcus chuckled before turning serious and sticking his hand out. "Thank you, Harry. I don't think I have to tell you how important Astoria is to Daphne. What you did, I can't tell you how grateful I am."
Harry took his hand, trying not to wince with Marcus' grip. "You'd have done the same, yeah?"
"I'd like to think so, Harry."
"You would have," Harry said confidently. "After all, you already did once, didn't you?" Marcus frowned. "Ginny, Malfoy, knee to the family jewels, ring a bell?"
Marcus nodded. "Maybe I did," he said.
"Maybe nothing." Harry let his hand go.
Cedric took that as his cue to step in. "Excuse me, Harry." Harry turned to him. The little girl shyly hid behind him clinging to his leg. "I just wanted to introduce you to my father." Cedric's dad stepped in. "Dad, Harry Potter. Harry, my father."
Harry shook the offered hand. "Nice to meet you, Sir."
"It's good to meet you, Harry. Cedric has good things to say about you."
"Cedric has been a good friend to me," Harry answered. He let the man's hand go and turned slightly. "Cedric, Sir, my godfather, Sirius Black. Sirius, Cedric Diggory and his father."
Sirius reached for Mr Diggory's hand. "We've met before, Harry," Sirius said. "Amos has been a strong supporter of Director Bones. Good to see you again, Amos."
"Thank you, Lord Black," Amos said. "It is good to see you again as well and make acquaintance with your ward."
"Please, Amos, call me Sirius. And you wouldn't be so pleased to make acquaintance with my ward if you knew him half as well as I do." Harry scowled at him. "How's that new bride of yours?"
Amos chuckled. "I'll say the same of my son, Sirius. And that new bride isn't so new. We just recently celebrated our sixth anniversary."
"That long already, I guess congratulations are in order."
"Thank you, Sirius."
Sirius let his hand go and turned to Cedric. "I'm sure you can't be half as bad as Harry. Nice to meet you Cedric."
Cedric shook his hand. "Thank you, Lord Black."
"I understand my godson has been teaching you hand to hand combat."
Cedric chuckled ruefully. "If you can call beating me black and blue teaching me, then yes, I've recently begun training with him."
Sirius chuckled as well. "Well, whenever his head gets too big invite him to spare for a while with Hermione. She's exceptionally skilled at deflating his ego."
"I'll remember that," Cedric laughed. The little girl was poking her head out, looking up at Harry curiously so he squatted down in front of her.
"Hi," he said. "I'm Harry. What's your name?"
She tipped her head, deciding if she was going to talk to him. Cedric squatted down as well. "It's ok, Love," he said, "Harry's my friend." She considered him another second. Harry smiled encouragingly. "Go ahead, you can tell him."
"I'm, Samantha, and I'm five!" She held her hand out with five fingers up.
"Is that so?" Harry asked.
"Yes. How old are you?"
Harry grinned. "I'm thirteen. Do you know how many that is?"
Samantha frowned. "Silly, I don't have that many fingers."
"I like her," Daphne said quietly to Ginny. Samantha was quite engaged with Harry now and he seemed more than happy to indulge her. Ginny couldn't help smiling.
Eventually though goodbyes were made all around and the six friends, Sirius, Bill, Tonks and Charlie were on their way to the airport.
HPHPHP
Ginny settled in beside Daphne in bed and tried to clear her mind. Despite sleeping most of the way, the trip from England to Zakynthos had been… difficult. On the one hand she had been quite excited for it. On the other, she was quite concerned about the Muggle contraption. Wizards might use trains, cars, busses and boats, but they didn't use planes. Certainly not that she'd ever heard tell, and sure enough, the pilot, copilot and flight attendant were all Muggles. But the hardest part had been being reminded of her dad and his fascination with all things Muggle. He had always wanted to know what it was that kept an airplane in the air and would have been enthralled with every detail of the aircraft. For a number of reasons, she had been quite glad to have Bill there. When it was all said and done though, all but about the first and last ten minutes of the ride were rather boring.
The beach house, if one could call a complex of seven, bungalow style houses around a large courtyard, high on the cliff, with steps leading down to a private cove with pristine white sand spilling into equally pristine blue waters, a beach house, was amazing. Six of the bungalows were private quarters; each housing two bedrooms a luxurious bath and sitting areas. The seventh was a communal kitchen, dining and gathering area. Each of the buildings was painted bright colours spanning the spectrum of the rainbow. She was in the red bungalow with Bill, Charlie and Daphne. Hermione and her parents were in the orange one. Sirius and Neville were in the yellow. Harry, his mum and Remus had the green. Tonks, Luna and Mr and Mrs Tonks were in the blue. Ms Nigel, Joe and Harmony, the pilot, copilot and flight attendant were in the violet. The kitchen was housed in a sea-blue bungalow.
The whole experience so far was of luxury beyond luxury. That Sirius owned this place and hadn't even been here, other than to get it ready for this trip, since being released from his wrongful imprisonment was almost too much for her to take. Sirius never flaunted his wealth, but it was hard to stomach he had so much when she had grown up with so little. Sirius was a Lord who had been given every advantage in life simply by virtue of who he'd been born to. Daphne, Harry, Neville, they carried the same advantages. Neville never flaunted his status and Harry's past certainly kept him humble, but she couldn't deny Daphne sometimes lived up to the nickname Harry had given her. Daphne never said a word about Ginny's secondhand robes or clothes, but would also never be caught dead in them herself. She was Posh. It was a good thing Marcus was born to wealth as well because Daphne very much enjoyed spending money. Ginny was certain her friend had spent more on their first visit to Hogsmeade than she had all year.
But while her friend was from a wealthy family, she was generous towards her. Ginny routinely found small gifts like hair clips and pretty quills that Daphne had left on her bed. It was curious though. Over the summer, when she had joined Daphne in Diagon Alley, they had invariably argued about Ginny paying for her meal. Ginny rarely won those arguments. But Daphne had never once tried to pay when the six of them had dined in Hogsmeade. Harry or Neville paid every time. Ginny had tried to pay them back but they simply refused. Daphne had looked at her like she was daft when she'd complained about it. As far as Daphne was concerned if she was with a boy, even if he wasn't Marcus, he was expected to treat her. It was one of the few things she really actually disliked about her friend. Ginny let out a huff of exasperation. She would never spirit walk if she kept this up. She took a few more breaths and forced everything but her wolf from her mind.
Their first morning on Zakynthos brought a jubilant, "Who wants to go shopping?" from Harry's mum.
"Me!" Hermione answered quickly.
"I'm in," Tonks said.
"Oh, pick me, pick me!" Malala cried, bouncing on her toes.
"May I come?" Daphne asked.
"Of course you can," Mrs Tonks said. "Ginny, Luna?" she asked.
"I'll come," Ginny agreed.
Luna glanced at Harry. "What are you doing?"
"Plunking my arse on the beach and not moving," he answered. He was already in swim trunks and, as it was quite warm, had ditched his shirt as well
"I think I shall stay."
"Oh come on, Luna," Malala chided. "It'll be fun. Surely you could use a new swim costume."
Luna smiled pleasantly at her. "I'd really rather not. But thank you for the invitation."
"If you're certain."
"I am."
"Anyone else?" Lily asked.
"I wouldn't mind seeing a bit of the town," Remus said. "If you ladies can tolerate having a male along that is."
Lily grinned. "Well of course we can. We'll need someone to carry our packages after all."
Harry snorted. "You better take Sirius, Bill and Mr Granger with you too."
"Oi!" Bill complained. "If I'm going, Charlie has to come. He's the one dating one of them."
"Traitor," Charlie muttered. The others laughed.
"Seriously," Bill said, "I've some things to discuss with Remus so I'll go."
"Thank Merlin," Charlie sighed. "I owe you one, Bro."
In the end, it was Bill, Remus, and Mr Tonks who ended up accompanying the ladies into Zakynthos city. Ms Nigel, Harmony and Joe had also joined them.
"Sirius?" Harry asked after seeing the group off.
"What's up, Pup."
"Do Ms Nigel and the others know about magic?"
Sirius shook his head exasperatedly. "You don't miss a thing, do you?"
"But how? I mean I know Director Bones can issue waivers and such, but aren't we getting spread a bit thin?"
"Relax, Pup. They all knew about magic before I hired them."
"They did?"
"Joe and Harmony had older brothers who went to Hogwarts. They were a couple years ahead of your mum and me. Stephanie had a younger sister who was friends with your mum."
"Oh," Harry said. He frowned. "How come you haven't brought any of them into the Order?"
Sirius sighed. "I wish I could, Pup."
"Why can't you? If she was friends with my mum, wouldn't she like to know mum…" Harry trailed off. "They're all dead, aren't they?"
"Yes."
"Voldemort?"
"Him or his Death Eaters."
"How much do they know?"
"Enough that they're loyalty is ensured."
Harry stared off into space. "Shit."
"You got that right, Pup."
"Are you sure?" Ginny asked. She and the girls had spent the entire first day shopping but had decided on the beach today. Tonks had just stripped of her tank and shorts in preparation for absorbing as many rays as was humanly possible. Being one of the red hair though, Ginny burnt faster than you could ruin a batch of biscuits. She wouldn't dare go out in the sun without a Sunblock Charm and had learned the hard way to have them done multiple times throughout the day.
"Trust me," Tonks said. She dug in her bag and produced a bottle of lotion. She winked at Ginny, Daphne, Hermione and Luna. "Oi, Weasley!" she called.
Charlie tossed Neville aside and clamped Harry in a headlock. Harry tried kneeing him in the thigh, but Charlie seemed not to notice. "What?" he shouted. Tonks held the bottle up in the air. "Be right there!" Charlie bodily picked Harry up and threw him into the water before splashing his way out of the surf and up the beach.
"Apparently one simply needs to be three times Harry's size to beat him," Daphne said.
"Believe me," Tonks said, "That man is impossible to move if he doesn't want to." She lay down on her stomach. "Now watch and learn my pretties… Don't get sand on my towel," she warned as Charlie drew near.
"Yeah, yeah." He dropped to his knees at her side, grabbed the bottle, opened it and squirted a large dollop on her back. He then proceeded to spread it on her back and massage it into her skin. Harry came up with Neville in tow and flopped down
"Muggle suntan lotion, girls. Way better than any old Sunblock Charm. Also, improperly used unless applied by a man's hands."
Luna abruptly climbed to her feet. "Some people might prefer a woman applying it you know," she snapped and stormed off.
"Aww hell," Harry muttered.
"Luna!" Tonks called.
Luna started running. "I don't want to talk to you!"
Harry climbed to his feet, focusing on Daphne. "Guess you know why she won't talk to you now." He took off at a jog after Luna.
Tonks pushed herself up. "Harry, wait!" She hurried to catch up with him. "I'm coming with you," she said grabbing his arm.
Harry turned back to her. "It's fine, Tonks. I know you didn't mean anything by it."
"Yeah, but obviously she doesn't. I need to make sure she knows I'm cool with it."
"Look, I'll tell her that, but there's more going on than you know. Let me talk to her first alright?"
"What do you mean more than I know."
"I can't tell you. Just let me talk to her for a while first."
"You're sure."
Harry pulled her into a tight hug. "Trust me, Sis."
Charlie stared after them, slowly turning on the others. "What just happened?"
"No wonder he was so mad at me," Daphne whispered. She turned on Ginny. "Why didn't you say something?"
"I didn't know!"
"Then how did Harry know?"
"How should I know!"
"He pays attention," Neville said. "He always pays attention. He studies people like Hermione studies books."
"Someone want to explain what you're talking about?" Charlie asked.
Tonks rejoined them, flopping down on her towel again. "Luna's gay, ya big lug," she said.
"Ahh," Charlie said. He frowned. "And she went off on you because…?"
"Because I said only a man could properly apply suntan lotion."
"Ahh, got it… Still, never seen her go off like that."
"Harry said there was more going on than I knew."
"I told you," Neville said. "Harry pays attention. Why do you think he's paid so much attention to her lately?"
Luckily for Harry, there weren't very many places Luna could go. There were also her footprints in the sand to follow. They led to the stairs up to the bungalows so that's where he went. "Where'd she go?" he asked on entering the courtyard. Remus pointed to the bungalow he, Harry and his mum were in. "Thanks," Harry said.
"Is something wrong, Harry?" Mum asked.
"When isn't something wrong?" he muttered, marching past.
"Harry—"
"Not now, Mum." Harry closed the door and locked it. Luna wasn't in the sitting area. The door of the toilet was open. That left one of two rooms.
Luna looked up when Harry entered. "I thought you'd follow me," she sniffed.
Harry walked over and sat down on the bed beside her. He wrapped an arm around her and she leaned her head on his shoulder. "Tonks didn't mean anything by it," he said. "She's cool with people who are gay."
Luna sniffed. "Promise?"
He gave her a squeeze. "Promise." They fell silent and Harry tipped his head back against the wall. It really was his luck to be alone on a bed with a girl he had zero interest in. For the love of the goddess she was in a bloody damn tankini, he was wearing nothing but swim trunks, and nothing; zip, nadda, nyet, you get the picture.
"It really is rather sad we've not fallen in love with each other, isn't it?" Luna asked.
Harry shook his head. "Are you sure you're not a Legilimens?"
"She won't even talk to me," Luna whispered.
Harry sighed. "I know."
"Sometimes it's all I can do to stop myself from strangling her. I honestly don't know how you've withstood it."
Harry chuckled softly. "Believe me, Luna, there are days… There are days."
Dinner their third night saw Charlie rise from his place at the table. "Can I have your attention please?" Everyone stilled and focused on him. Harry noted Mrs Tonks was holding her breath. "Tonks and I have an announcement to make."
"We're engaged!" Tonks burst, holding her hand up.
"Let me see!"
"Brilliant!
"I don't believe it."
"Congratulations, Bro."
"Thanks, Bill."
"Welcome to the family, Son," Mr Tonks said.
It took a while, but eventually the excitement died down to just below boisterous. The one person who hadn't said anything yet was Mrs Tonks. "Mum?" Tonks asked. "Are you alright?" Everyone stilled. Mrs Tonks pursed her lips at her daughter. "Mum?"
Mrs Tonks grinned broadly. "It's about bloody damn time!" She grabbed Tonks and hugged her tightly before turning on Charlie. "Honestly, making me wait all this time. I should box your ears, young man."
Charlie grinned sheepishly. "Yes, Ma'am."
"Oh, none of that now. Mum will do just fine."
"Yes, Mum," Charlie said dutifully.
She stepped to him, hugging him tightly. "You've made me very happy, Charlie," she whispered.
Charlie lifted her clean off the floor. "Thanks, Mum."
Lily slipped out behind Ginny, quietly following her down the stairs towards the beach, she stopped on a landing some thirty steps above her. Ginny had stopped on a lower landing and was watching her oldest brother. Bill had walked to the edge of the water and was just staring out into the night. Quietly Lily descended to within a few steps of Ginny. She half turned. "Alright, Ginny?" Ginny turned fully to face her. "Not who you expected?" she asked.
"No." Ginny turned back to watching Bill.
Lily stepped next to her. "You should go talk to him."
"Why are you so nice to me?"
"Why shouldn't I be nice to you?"
"I've never done anything to her and my own mother hates me. Yet, after everything I've done to your son, you treat me better than she ever has."
Lily reached for Ginny, turning the girl to face her. "Someone once tried to enslave me, Ginny. He was happy to see my husband murdered to have me. He was happy to see my son murdered. Your choice on whom you are with will always be yours and I will never judge you for it. Harry has made clear what he wants. To the best of your ability I believe you have been truthful with him in that you are not ready for what he wants; with him or anyone else. You may never be ready, and even if you are it may not be Harry you choose. Certainly, for Harry, I hope things work out the way he wishes. But I can ask nothing more of you. As long as you continue to be truthful with him, I have no reason to be angry with you.
"Honestly, Ginny, what you've been through, I can only imagine how horrible it was. To be betrayed as you were, a person does not just wake up one day and find everything is fine. The strength you've showed over the last year, I'm in awe of, Ginny. And I have to tell you, watching you, has helped me to let go of some of the anger I have towards my sister."
Ginny stared up at her. "I wish you were my mother." She stepped past, descending the remaining steps to the beach and moved to join her brother.
Lily watched him turn as she approached. She stopped for a second till he opened his arms and then ran the last few steps into his embrace. "I'd like that, Ginny," she said quietly before turning and climbing back to compound.
Harry sprawled on his back on the beach. The sun pounding down on him felt like it was recharging his very soul. For the first time since being bitten he felt strong again. There had been some rough moments, but the trip had been exactly what he needed. Hermione was still driving him insane; Ginny too. But Daphne and Luna were talking again so at least one really good thing seemed to have come of the trip. Speaking of Ginny, his nose twitched with her familiar scent. His one concession to training of any sort had been continuing to acclimate to his wolf-sense. Zakynthos had been very good for that because the sea was the strongest scent there and he quite enjoyed it. It was far preferable to the mass of bodies roaming Hogwarts. He strained his ears and slowly began counting, reaching thirty before the sound of sand being kicked touched his ears and it was another twenty seconds before she spoke.
"Want some company?"
Without opening his eyes Harry reached out and flipped his notebook closed. "If you want."
Ginny spread her towel and settled in place. It was a while before either of them spoke. "Is that your song-book?" she asked.
"Yes."
"What do you write about?"
Harry hesitated. He'd been hoping for a stress free day. Unfortunately anything that involved her was stressful these days. "Mostly just my feelings."
"Feelings about what?" she ventured.
"You."
"Me?"
"Everything I write is about you, Ginny."
She was silent for a long time and Harry forced himself to wait her out. He was actually getting quite good at it. "Why not Astoria?" she blurted. Harry didn't react. "I mean let's be honest, you've already said you think she's pretty." Forgetting his eyes were closed, Ginny motioned to her face. "She doesn't have this nasty scar. She's from a wealthy family and, since… well, since she was taken, you've doted on her."
Harry finally opened his eyes. Locking gazes, he just watched her for a few seconds. When she didn't look away he reached across and placed his hand on hers. For a few seconds he allowed himself to actually feel the contact between them, rubbing his thumb on hers, before pulling back. "That's why."
Ginny continued to hold his eyes. "Because your hand tingles when you touch me?"
"Because she's not you, Ginny. I could probably give you a million reasons, but that's what it comes down to. She's – Not – You."
"That's a bit of a dodge, don't you think?"
Harry shrugged. "Why does anyone choose the person they do, Ginny?"
"Is it so hard to give me one concrete reason?"
"Three letters, Ginny," he countered. "That's what you've given me since Riddle took you. Meanwhile, not counting this conversation, how many times have I spilled my guts to you? Why is it so hard to accept my thoughts for you are only stronger than before everything happened?"
"That's the problem, Harry; or at least one of them. I can't understand why you care. Why wouldn't you prefer Astoria? She's never done a thing to you. She doesn't have a hideous scar. Her head isn't a mess. She's from a wealthy family. I don't understand why you'd want to be with me over her."
Harry took a breath and sat up. "Astoria has no fire, Ginny. Her biggest ambition is to marry well; manage a house and play the role of dutiful wife. Forget taking Marcus' head off with a behind the back shot, she's terrified of simply flying. You want to play for the Harpies. I think it'd be brilliant to test myself against you. It'd be even better to play for England with you. You want to be a curse-breaker. I think that could be amazing; imagine the team we could make. I'll bet we could find Camelot and maybe even Avalon. Astoria will likely never break a single school rule. You broke pretty much all of them your first year. She was kidnapped. But instead of making certain the next person to try wishes they'd just killed themselves she clings to me like I'm a knight in shining armor. You though, you've made yourself into the baddest ass witch in the school and you're a damn third-year. If I wanted an arm ornament, then yeah, I guess maybe I should have agreed when her father tried to betroth her to me last summer; but I don't. I want a witch who can stand at my side trading spells with a dozen Dark Wizards and if I fall I can trust she'll save my ass."
Ginny cocked her head, a frown on her face. "What do you mean he tried to betroth her to you?"
Harry lay back down and closed his eyes. "Just what I said." After a few seconds of her not answering he opened his eyes again. Ginny had a noticeable edge about her that hadn't been there before. Apparently he was reading the change in her scent accurately. "Nice to know that bothers you," he said and closed his eyes again.
It was a very long time before Ginny said anything. "Harry?"
"Yeah?"
"You scare me."
Harry shifted, trying to get comfortable again. "I guess we're even then."
"A betrothal?" Ginny asked.
Daphne stared back at Ginny. "Please don't hate me."
Ginny gave her a look. "Are you daft? Of course I don't hate you."
Daphne studied Ginny. "You're not angry at all?"
"Of course not. I'm perfectly capable of distinguishing you from your father."
Daphne considered. "Are you angry with him?"
Ginny tipped her head. "Your father, or Harry?"
Daphne shrugged. "Either… Both."
Ginny thought about it for a few moments. "I think, maybe, I'm simply curious as to why he chose now to reveal it to me."
"I have often wondered why he hadn't told you. If I had to guess as to why he did so now, I would say he felt it would be to his advantage to do so."
Ginny thought for a second. "Yes, it was."
"Harry," Daphne said, "You really do have the most amazing voice." Harry blushed and ducked his head. He liked singing but honestly didn't understand just why everyone thought he had such a great voice. He thought his mum had a nice voice, but no one ever seemed to want her to sing but him.
"Will you play something of yours for us?" Mum asked. The group fell silent while Harry absently picked at his guitar. After a minute he moved into the opening chords.
"Catch your breath,
Hit the wall,
Scream out loud,
As you start to crawl
Back in your cage
The only place
Where they will
Leave you alone.
'Cause the weak will
Seek the weaker til they've broken them.
Could you get it back again?
Would it be the same?
Fulfillment to their lack of strength at your expense,
Left you with no defense;
They tore it down.
And I have felt the same as you,
I've felt the same as you,
I've felt the same.
Locked inside
The only place
Where you feel sheltered,
Where you feel safe.
You lost yourself
In your search to find
Something else to hide behind.
The fearful always preyed upon your confidence.
Did they see the consequence,
when they pushed you around?
The arrogant build kingdoms made of the different ones,
Breaking them 'til they've become just another crown.
And I have felt the same as you,
I've felt the same as you,
I've felt the same.
Refuse to feel anything at all,
Refuse to slip,
Refuse to fall.
Can't be weak,
Can't stand still,
You watch your back 'cause no one will.
You don't know why they had to go this far,
Traded your worth for these scars,
For your only company.
And don't believe the lies
That they have told to you. Not one word was true
you're alright, you're alright, you're alright.
And I have felt the same as you,
I've felt the same as you,
I've felt the same."
When he was finished, Harry sat with his head bowed; afraid to look up in the silence that followed.
"Does the song have a name, Harry?" Ginny asked.
Harry took a breath before picking his head up and focusing on her. "Ginny," he answered. She swallowed. Harry kept his eyes locked with hers. "Told you."
"It's beautiful," she whispered.
Harry gave her a small smile. "Thanks." He stood and headed for the stairs.
Daphne closed the door of their bedroom. Ginny sat on the bed, waiting for the inevitable. "Tell me you don't care about him." Ginny said nothing. "I don't understand you, Ginny. It would be one thing if you didn't like him, but you do. You don't even seem upset about the whole fate aspect of it anymore."
"I don't know what I am, Daphne. And until I do, I can't be with him."
Daphne shook her head. "He bleeds, Ginny… And you keep cutting him."
Ginny cringed. "I know."
Hermione couldn't remember the last time she had really had a lie-in. Even the one day a week they didn't get up to train she was up by seven. Having an entire week to sleep as late as she liked, well, her body didn't quite know what to do with it. She'd woken early yesterday and again today. Instead of trying to go back to sleep she decided to get up and go down to the beach to watch the sun come up. Quiet as she could she climbed out of bed, dressed, made a quick trip to the loo and slipped out the door. She hurried to the kitchen where she grabbed a bottled of juice and a granola bar before heading for the stairs to the beach. Hitting the sand, she was surprised to see Harry already sitting in the middle of the beach. She hesitated; he hadn't been shy about letting her know he was displeased with her.
"Are you just going to stand there or are you going to join me?" he asked.
Hermione quickly walked over and sat down. "How did you know I was there?"
"Wolf-sense."
"Wolf-sense?"
"Animagus," he said. "I've stopped blocking my senses."
Hermione wrinkled her nose. "Ick."
"Whomever that fucktard was, he's going to come after me again. You were probably at the top of the stairs when I first smelt you. It's two hundred and fifteen steps to the top. I counted one hundred seven steps after I first heard you. Do I need to block my senses and have you climb back to the top to prove my point."
"Shut up," Hermione said disgustedly.
Harry reached over and took her hand. She leaned her head on his shoulder. "There," he said softly. The red glow on the horizon had just become a decided bulge.
"You can actually see it getting bigger," she said.
"All the mornings I've been up before the sun and I've never actually noticed that before," Harry said. He shifted his eyes so he wasn't staring directly at it.
"I can't believe Sirius owns this place."
"Tell me about it," Harry said. "I don't think I've ever seen anything as beautiful as that water."
Hermione didn't say anything for a long time. "Harry, I'm worried about this fixation you have on Ginny."
Harry stiffened. "Unless you're going to stop breaking Luna's heart, don't start on me about Ginny."
Hermione sat up. "I can't be gay, Harry."
"Then don't say a word to me about Ginny."
"It's not the same, Harry."
Harry closed his eyes, slowly shaking his head. "Don't do this, Hermione."
"When are you going to wake up and realize she isn't good enough for you?"
Harry turned on her. "And you're not good enough for Luna," he said angrily.
"I have made my choice. Unlike Ginny, I'm not leading Luna on. Meanwhile you keep following Ginny like a puppy, desperate for whatever scrap of attention she gives you."
Harry glared at her. "You know what your problem is? You're jealous. You haven't got the guts to be true to yourself so your taking it out on Daphne and Ginny. Well I've got news for you, Hermione. I will win Ginny back. Someday, Luna will move on; and you will be miserable while you pretend to be in love with someone you're not."
Hermione stared back at him, her lower lip trembling as a tear slid down her cheek. "I hate you," she hissed. She scrambled to her feet and ran for the stairs.
"Shit. Hermione!" Harry clambered to his feet and ran after her. He caught her arm only to have her turn and slam her elbow into his temple. Harry staggered back. "OW! Bloody hell, Hermione!" He ducked another punch, caught her arm, spun her around and shoved her away.
She turned back. "I'm going to kill you."
"Fine," he taunted, beckoning her to come at him. "Come on then." She didn't disappoint. Back and forth they went. Harry did his best to just fend her off without actually hurting her, but it wasn't easy. He flipped her only to have his legs swept. He rolled away as she tried to drive an elbow at him. They were back on their feet and she was on him. He tugged. She countered. She made a grab for his leg. He blocked her. The more he didn't fight back the madder she got and it eventually caught up with him. She caught him with a reverse and latched onto his arm before he could get away. He was locked up in an arm bar a second later. "Give!" he cried. She didn't let go. Harry strained with all his might, but it was a submission hold for a reason. "HERMIONE!" Desperate, Harry threw a handful of sand in her face.
"Arrgh!" she cried, releasing him. Harry rolled away. Cradling his arm he climbed to his feet. Shaking his arm out he stumbled to the stairs and retrieved a couple bottles of water from the cooler. He returned to Hermione and dropped down beside her. "Let me see."
"Give me that." She snatched the bottle from him, twisted the top and poured it over her eyes, blinking away the sand. "More," she snapped when the first bottle was empty. He handed her the second and went to retrieve more. It took five bottles for her to get the sand out and when she was done, she launched the last one at him
He batted it away. "You were breaking my arm. What was I supposed to do?"
Hermione squeezed her eyes shut. "It bloody hurts."
Harry sat beside her, banging her harshly in the process. "So does my arm."
"Good."
They sat in angry silence, stewing for a time. "Feel better?"
"No."
"I'm sorry," he offered. She didn't say anything for a long time.
"I'll never do any of the things I want, Harry. I'll never be Head Girl or work for the Department of Mysteries. I'll be lucky to get a job as a shop girl. I'll never be able to support myself."
Harry was silent for a long time. "Hermione, you're Sirius' ward. You're my sister. If they won't hire you in the Department of Mysteries, then make your own Department of Mysteries."
She cocked her head. "What?"
Harry turned to her. "Sirius and my mum have been burning money like kindling trying to do everything we're doing. They're both richer now than they were last year. Your parents, they may not have money like my mum and Sirius, but they're still loaded. You are never going to have to worry about money, Hermione. If someone won't give you the job you want because you're gay, fuck them. Create your own damn job."
Hermione frowned, opened her mouth, closed it, started to speak again but stopped, settling for staring out to sea. Harry said nothing. Sitting beside her, he gingerly fingered his eye. "Is it bad?"
Harry shrugged. "Had worse."
"Sorry."
"It's fine."
They sat in silence for a short time before Hermione spoke again. "Harry, I don't understand. Last year, when it wasn't her fault, it took you months to forgive her after she accused you of hurting Luna. Now, when it is her fault, you'll forgive anything she does."
"That's just it, Hermione. Deep down, I knew she didn't mean it when she said that. I knew she just wanted to hurt me because of what she thought we'd done to her. And I know she could have been quicker to listen to us. There is blame to go around all over. But maybe if I'd been quicker to forgive her, things might have been different. Maybe, somehow, she doesn't get taken into the Chamber. Maybe I don't get bit. And maybe, just maybe, Sandra isn't killed." Harry climbed to his feet and brushed the sand off. "You're my best friend, Hermione. You are my sister. You are the second person I ever said I love you to. But you have no idea what it's like to recover from something like Ginny's been through… I pray you never find out," he said and walked away.
Harry slumped into the chair opposite his mum. Apparently there was still no one else up yet. He grabbed a banana, ripped it open and took a bite like he didn't have a split lip, or a cut over a rapidly blackening eye. Mum stilled. "Dare I ask?"
Harry swallowed. "Hermione."
"Ginny?"
"What else?" He bent and straightened his arm a few times. It hurt enough he might have to have Mrs Tonks look at it.
Mum sipped at her coffee. "As she's still on the beach, can I assume you came off for the worst?"
"Your concern is heart warming," Harry muttered.
"I'm proud of you, you know. It takes a lot of courage to stand up to your best friend."
"She's killing me, Mum."
"Does it have anything to do with your fight with Daphne and why she isn't speaking with Luna?" Harry said nothing. Mum set her cup down and reached for his hand. "Harry, I know," she said significantly.
Harry stared back at her. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Mum smiled. "That's the first lie you have ever told me and I'm proud of you for it… She's going to need you, Harry."
"She's my sister," he conceded. "That's all that matters."
"Come for a walk with us?" Hermione's mum asked. She held her hand out to her daughter.
Her father grinned. "Come on, Little Girl." Hermione said nothing but climbed to her feet. The invitation was a thinly cloaked order. She took her mum's hand with her father falling in on her other side and taking the other. There really wasn't far that they could go and remain in the warded areas of the beach, but there was a small section afforded a bit of privacy from the main part of the beach by a pile of large rocks. The three sat down in the dry sand above the tide line.
"You seem to be having trouble with your friends lately," her mum said. "Is there something going on that we should know about?"
"No."
"Are you sure?" her father asked.
"There's nothing wrong," Hermione said defiantly.
Her mother sighed. "Hermione, maybe in a different life your father and I might stay silent and let you come to us. And perhaps we're wrong, but given everything this life has become, if there is anything we can do to make your life easier, we're going to do it. So I'm just going to come out and say, if you were to tell your father and I that you were gay, it would change nothing; we would love you just the same."
"I'm not—"
Her father silenced her with a finger over her lips. "We love you, Hermione. If you're not, then you're not, but if you are, please don't lie to us." A tear slid down her cheek. He pulled her into his lap. "You will always be my girl," he said vehemently. He kissed her crown. "Always, Hermione."
"Easy, Love," her mum soothed when Hermione broke down. "Easy, now."
Hermione knocked on the door of Luna's room. "Luna?"
"Hmm?" Luna asked without looking up from her book.
"Can I come in?"
"I was getting ready to head down to the beach. Sirius is going to build a fire. I think Harry is going to sing again."
"I'm sorry."
Luna flipped the page. "Hmm."
"Luna, please, will you look at me?"
"I was rather under the impression you didn't want me to look at you."
"Luna, please, I'm sorry. Please, will you forgive me?"
Luna tipped her head. "Alright." She turned the page again.
"Luna?"
"Yes?"
"I'm really sorry."
Luna looked up. "How sorry?"
"Very, very sorry."
"Will you hold my hand again?"
Hermione swallowed. "I'd like to… if you'll let me."
Luna closed her book, climbed from the bed and moved to stand in front of Hermione. "What about hugs?"
"That too."
Luna moved closer. "What about kisses?" she asked.
"I–I," Hermione said a bit breathlessly. That was as far as she got before Luna's lips were on hers. Her eyes widened in shock and then fluttered closed. When Luna pulled back, she swayed unsteadily on her feet. "Wow." She blinked her eyes open. "I think I like kisses."
"Hmmm," Luna answered dreamily. She snapped out of it. "Good, because I shall want to do that again very soon."
Hermione blushed spectacularly. "Me too."
Luna smiled. "Lovely, come along." She grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her outside. Hand in hand they made their way to the stairs down to the beach. Luna stopped about half way down. "I think it best we keep it secret that we're dating till we tell Harry, yes?"
"D–Dating?" Hermione stammered.
"Well of course we're dating. You didn't think I would kiss just anyone, did you?"
"I… Well…"
Luna arched an eye at her. "Yes?"
"Well, you just never said and I didn't want to assume."
Luna cocked her head. "True. Very well then, Hermione, I should very much like it if you would consider to be my girlfriend?"
"I'd like that, Luna."
Luna smiled. "Wonderful. And we're agreed we will tell Harry before letting the others know?"
"Erm, ok, but why?"
Luna gave her a look. "Really?" she asked. It really was amazing sometimes just how often Hermione failed to track things that seemed so simple.
"Oh. Ginny. Right, we'll tell him first and try to be discreet so he doesn't feel too badly."
"Wonderful."
"But we can hold hands, right?" Hermione asked quickly.
Luna considered. "For tonight let's just sit next to each other."
"Alright." They stared at each other for a second.
"Of course they can't see us yet so you could kiss me again if you liked before we—" She didn't get the chance to finish because Hermione's lips were on hers.
Harry had been playing off and on for close to two hours. He'd just finished Daphne's favorite, his slightly modified version of AC/DC's, Shook Me All Night Long and was absently picking at his guitar while people laughed and talked. "I think we should probably call it a night," his mum said. "Some of us are on the early flight you know."
"Boooo!" A dozen voices shouted her down.
"One more!" Malala said.
"Come on, Lils," Sirius said. "It's not like you can't sleep on the plane."
"Oh, fine."
"YEAH!" everyone cheered.
"Play! Play! Play!"
"Ok, ok," Harry said. "But this really is the last one. My fingers are going to be bleeding pretty soon."
"I want to pick!" Luna said.
"It's my turn!" Mum protested.
Luna crossed her arms over her chest. "I haven't picked a single song all night. You've picked two."
"She's got you there, Lily," Mrs Tonks laughed.
"I'm his mother."
Luna put her hands on her hips, clearly not intimidated. "I'm his sister."
"Oi!" Tonks jumped in, "I'm the big sister."
"Enough," Harry cried. "Luna, you pick."
"Hey!" Mum complained.
"I want to hear what you'd play for yourself."
"Ohhh," Mum gushed. "Good job, Luna." She leaned over and planted a kiss on the girl's crown
Luna leaned into her side. "Thank you, Lily."
Harry stopped picking and thought for a second. "I've actually got two.
"Ohhh," Mum, Mrs Tonks, Mali, and Luna gushed.
"—I wrote them the same night. One right after the other." He paused for a moment. "I wasn't really in a good place for the first one." He closed his eyes and drew breath.
"Say something, I'm giving up on you
I'll be the one, if you want me to
Anywhere, I would've followed you
Say something, I'm giving up on you
And I am feeling so small
It was over my head
I know nothing at all
And I will stumble and fall
I'm still learning to love
Just starting to crawl
Say something, I'm giving up on you
I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you
Anywhere, I would've followed you
Say something, I'm giving up on you
And I will swallow my pride
You're the one that I love
And I'm saying goodbye
Say something, I'm giving up on you
And I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you
And anywhere, I would have followed you
Oh, oh, oh, oh say something, I'm giving up on you
Say something, I'm giving up on you
Say something."
When he finished the only sound to be heard was the gentle splash of waves on the shore. "Like I said, I wasn't in a good place," Harry said. "But then I got a letter and I wrote this."
"Desperate for changing, starving for truth
I'm closer to where I started, I'm chasing after you
I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held on to
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
Forgetting all I'm lacking, completely incomplete
I'll take your invitation, you take all of me
Now I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held on to
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
I'm living for the only thing I know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
And I don't know what I'm diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you
There's nothing else to lose, there's nothing else to find
There's nothing in the world that can change my mind
There is nothing else
There is nothing else
There is nothing else
Desperate for changing, starving for truth
I'm closer to where I started, I'm chasing after you
I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held on to
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
I'm living for the only thing I know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
And I don't know what I'm diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you
Just hanging by a moment
Just hanging by a moment
I'm hanging by a moment
Just hanging by a moment here with you."
Harry sat with his head bowed when he finished. Bill broke the silence that followed. "Must have been a hell of a letter," he said.
Harry stood. "It was enough," he answered and headed for the stairs.
HPHPHP
Author's notes:
As I said, I can't write songs. Nor can Harry.
For the record, to the best of my research, we've got;
Simon, by the group, Lifehouse
Say Something, by the group, A Great Big World
Hanging by a Moment, by the group, Lifehouse