A/N: Harry Potter and his world belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.
Chapter 28
-oOo-
August 3, 1994
Godric's Hollow, England
Hermione and Neville had left about four. Neville taking the Knight Bus with her to see her home.
Mrs. Potter had kicked them out of the kitchen while she completed some of her own work and started dinner. Since leaving Hogwarts, it was the first time Luna had found herself alone with her two mates when they were close to being themselves.
Even better, they were all sleeping over at Harry's tonight.
Luna closed her eyes at the feel of Astoria combing her hair before starting to make two small braids, and leaving most of her hair down. "I need to go get a new ink bottle," Harry said from the desk. He was working on the book he was making for them.
"Sure," her dark hair girl said.
He left and then a moment later went downstairs when Mrs. Potter called him.
"Luna," Astoria inquired. Her voice sounded uncertain.
"Yes, Little Aster."
She felt how pleased Astoria was to be called that by her. "I have something I want to talk with you about."
"I always listen when you talk," she told her.
Astoria continued to braid for a moment. "I kissed Harry," she said. "That day you kissed me."
Luna smiled. "I hope it was pleasant," she responded.
Astoria tied off the braid. "Is that alright if it was? I know how you feel for him. I don't want to hurt you."
Was she finally ready? Luna felt the excitement course through her. "I feel for Harry the same I feel for you. I very much like kissing you and Harry. I would hope you feel the same."
Astoria had stopped playing with her hair. She felt her shift and Luna turned to her. She was surprised when Astoria kissed her. This time their lips met, but then Astoria's lips started to move against hers. Luna had not kissed like this yet, but she liked it very much. It made her insides feel all funny and excited.
When Astoria pulled back, Luna found her hazel-brown eyes. Luna would have to repaint the eyes that looked down on her bed. They did not hold the need and caring Astoria's eyes did now.
"That is the issue. I like kissing him as much as I like kissing you," her girl said, sounding like she feared being rejected.
Luna gave a dreamy smile, her eyes not moving from Astoria's. "What is the issue? I like Harry's lips as much as I like yours."
Astoria leaned in and put her forehead against hers. "I do too."
Luna felt happy. "Harry isn't ready yet," she told her mate.
"I don't think I'm fully ready," Astoria said truthfully.
"I can wait," Luna told her.
Harry came back up while they still had their heads together. Luna moved her head so she could look at him. He had a need in his eyes, but he still looked confused and unsure. Astoria and her would need to find a way to ease his concern. She was willing to wait for when they were both ready.
-oOo-
August 20, 1994
Godric's Hollow, England
Harry woke to Luna screaming. His own nightmares had included both girls. Stubby Boardman had been standing over them. After torturing them, he was about to...
He shook off his own nightmare to grab his glasses and jump out of bed. He was in the hall and to the spare bedroom door as Uncle Remus came rushing out of his mum's room. Harry didn't notice the wand in his Uncles hand or the fact he was only in boxers.
The door burst open.
Luna was sitting up in bed, her blue eyes unfocused and rocking. "Luna," he said in a panic jumping on the bed and looking her over. "Where are you hurt," he asked, patting her arms as she held them against her chest.
Uncle Remus was looking around the room, ready to blast anything he needed too. Eira was rubbing against her back. "Luna," he said holding her at arm's length.
"He's coming," she said. "He's coming and he wants to kill."
"Who's coming," he asked concerned.
She closed her eyes and shook her head. "The tail of the black shadow. The man who will release him. He's coming."
Uncle Remus looked at them and his mother came to the bed, wand in her hand. Harry hadn't noticed her. Luna leaned into him and he pulled her in tight, hugging her. Eira started to circle them.
"Luna, dear, was it just a bad dream?"
Harry felt she believed it. Luna shook her head. "It's the shadow. It is angry and vengeful. It wants to be released. The man is coming."
He looked at his mum, unsure what to do. His mum rubbed her back. "It will be alright, Luna."
Luna wrapped her arms around him. "I don't want to be alone. The shadow is waiting."
"Go get a shirt on, Harry," his mum said. "I'll keep her company for a few. Remus, can you throw me that shirt?"
It was the first time he realized that she was holding the sheet to her front. "Yeah," he said. Between Luna just needing him and his own nightmare starting to creep back he didn't feel any heat from where they had been touching.
When he walked back into his room, he realized he was still slick with sweat. He took a t-shirt and wiped himself down before putting on the lightest one he could find. It was warm in the house. Uncle Remus was in the hall leaning against the wall with pants on now.
"You alright," he asked.
"Fine," Harry told him.
His Uncle grabbed his arm as he went to walk by. "I heard you rustling and talking in your sleep. I can smell you're having issues sleeping and something is bothering you. I am here to talk if you need. Or talk to your mum."
Harry looked at him. The dreams were getting worse. Uncle Remus cared and worried for him. "Can we talk tomorrow? Luna needs me."
Uncle Remus nodded.
Harry walked in. Luna was still sitting up, now hugging Eira. She looked up at him. Her sky-blue eyes looked pained and frightened. When he sat on the bed, she leaned into him. Eira started to purr.
His mum gave Luna a kiss on her head. "Would you like me to stay tonight?"
Luna shook her head against his chest.
"Alright. We'll just be in the next room. I want you both to get some rest and I am going to leave the door open," she told them.
His mum gave him a kiss on his forehead. "Keep her safe."
"I will, mum," he told her.
He made himself comfortable against the backboard. When he tried to lay her head in his lap, she curled up against his chest. "You need to talk about it," he asked.
She shook her head.
"Just get some rest," he told her, kissing her on the top of her head. Eira sat on his lap and soon he had two girls sleeping on him.
Uncle Remus checked on them a few times before he finally drifted off. It was the most peaceful sleep he had in weeks and neither of them woke until almost noon.
-oOo-
August 23, 1994
Godric's Hollow, England
Harry was in the garden helping his mum. Luna had been staying over most nights. Today she was over Hermione's for a bit and he was spending what was becoming a rare day with just him and his mum.
Harry was becoming really excited he was going to have a sister. His mum was not showing she was pregnant yet, but Harry heard her many mornings getting sick. That was not usual and she said it was just his sister letting her know she was there. He tried to help her around the house doing extra chores, which usually earned him a swat. "I am not helpless, Harry," she had told him this morning when he started to do the dishes.
Now they were working in the garden. His dragon hide gloves were sent by Merlin. The nasty stinging nettles were being particularly ornery today. Not that they were poisonous enough to kill him, but they could leave his hands swollen for the rest of the day.
"Remus told me you woke again last night," she said.
He sighed. "Yeah," he told her.
He missed her frown as he grabbed a stalk and started to pull off a few nettles. The plant wriggled in his hands, trying to sting him.
"Luna snuck into your room," she stated.
Harry nodded. Luna had woken him from a nightmare. Now some dark shadow wanted to take Luna and Astoria away. Boardman was with the shadow many times. She had laid down in bed to get him back to sleep. Uncle Remus had found them this morning. She was still over his light blanket but had pulled his duvet up and spooned against him. Harry had an arm over her. When he had met his Uncles eyes, they raised, and Harry felt abashed.
"She won't be able to do that at school."
"I know." He put a dozen nettles into a jar.
"I am not sure I am comfortable with either of you sneaking into each other's rooms like that," she told him.
"It helps her sleep," he told her, not saying it helped him as well. He also fought to keep his face passive. In the middle of the night, all he needed was her comfort. Sometimes in the morning it didn't feel as innocent, but he hadn't done anything.
After a few more minutes of her clipping and him trying not to get stung, she spoke up again. "Is Healer Tonks helping?
He shrugged his shoulder as he sat back on his feet. She was helping, but it was not stopping the nightmares. At least he wasn't jumping at everything or all strangers now. "Some. Should Luna see Healer Tonks?"
He looked at her and she frowned. Her voice sounded concerned. "I don't think Luna is suffering from the same thing you are. I don't know if that would help or not. So little is known about Seers. They tend to be reclusive and rare. I will talk with Xeno."
"How can I help her? She keeps saying the Shadow is out for her and us."
"Do what you can. Just being around I am sure is a comfort. And what of you? What did you dream of?"
He sighed. "The same. I dream so much about her and Astoria getting hurt," he said, unafraid to confide in her. Maybe Healer Tonks was helping? He put the lid on the jar. A few dozen should hold his mum for a while. It was another month before the whole plant could be harvested and made ready for winter. "I also dream of Boardman," he admitted for the first time.
She patted his hand. "If you need to talk, I am here." He didn't want to talk to anyone about it, but Healer Tonks had talked with him and said it was good if he talked, and he had started to learn Occlumency with her. "How much do you care for both of them," she asked.
"They are my best mates," he said to her.
"I think they are more than that. Harry, I know you are only thirteen, but don't string them out. Either choose one or both. They are very special girls that I have come to like very much," she said getting up. "I don't want to see any of you hurt and there are options if you care for both of them."
She always saw right through him. "It is that obvious," he asked her, trying to play it cool. He was still trying to figure out what was going on. It was better since mum had admitted how she cared for Uncle Remus.
"That the three of you look like you want to snog each other half the time, yes," she said with a laugh as he made a face. "That is why I won't allow any of you to be in a room with each other with the door closed. I have one baby on the way, I don't need another."
His mouth moved a few times, stunned at what she said. "I...I... we, uhm, bugger," he cursed.
His mum chuckled. "Yeah, your pretty buggered."
"Really?" His voice was disbelieving and surprised. He looked at her and followed her into the house.
"Yeah. Between Astoria always wanting to beat you at anything she does and Luna wanting to chase every creature she sees or doesn't, you're buggered."
He shook his head. Why couldn't his mum be like other parents? He doubted Lord or Lady Greengrass would say that or approve. Mr. Lovegood probably wouldn't even notice or care as long as Luna was happy.
"I'm going to warn my little sister about you as soon as I can," he told her as they walked into the house.
She chuckled again. "No corrupting innocents."
"And you don't," he retorted.
"Merlin be right. Looks like I messed up with you though."
He didn't like her smirk but he took the bait. "And why is that?"
"You're too uptight most of the time."
"I am not!"
"No? The Weasley's get you on April Fools and you don't get them back?"
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Who said I didn't get them back?"
"Please, if I know you, your nose was buried in a book a few minutes later and you forgot about it by the end of the day."
"I was going to get them back," he told her.
"When? You were sure bidding your time," she said.
He looked a little embarrassed. "I made some stones to slip in their trunks on the way back home on the train. It should have turned any clothes in it pink for days. It probably would have sent them spar trying to figure out who and how it was done."
She gave him a sad smile. "That would have been good. I'm just glad you don't have your father's old invisibility cloak. He used to cause more issues with that," she said.
"Neville has one. He showed it to me a few weeks ago when I was over and we wanted to sneak past Lady Longbottom to get to the kitchen," Harry told her taking the nettles to the lab.
"Those are expensive items. I can't see Lady Longbottom just letting Neville walk around with it willy nilly," she said.
"I don't know. It was really neat. It was silvery-blue with very fine runes embroidered into it and it had a house crest on the back, but I really didn't get to see it." Harry put the nettles away and turned to see his mother in the doorway of the lab.
"Mum, you alright," he said as she looked at him oddly.
"Harry, did it look age worn or damaged or any sign it might be fading," she asked.
"No. He said it was an old family heirloom that someone gave to him first year."
She pursed her lips. "I see. Why don't you hang up the herbs to dry, then clean up."
"Sure," he said moving to the drying racks in the lab. His mum moved to straighten some shelves and package previously dried materials.
As they worked, Harry thought about bringing up something that had been growing on his mind the last few weeks. It took him a few minutes. "Mum," he said as he finished hanging some thyme.
"What?" She was at a book on her bench. She always kept a catalog of what she had and what she used.
He let out a breath. "Do you really mean it about Astoria and Luna?"
"Mean what, dear," she asked absently. "That I find them to be very special?"
He huffed. "That I shouldn't string them along?"
She looked up and met his eyes. "I am old enough to recognize when magic attracts magic. Especially when strong magic is involved."
"Like me?"
She nodded. "Like you. Luna and Astoria are also going to be very strong. It is natural for strong magic to do one of two things. Either conflict or attract."
Harry thought of that. Perhaps that was why Astoria was so hard on him their first year? "You think we attract each other?"
"I think the magic of the three of you find an easy stability that is not common among those with powerful magic. You compliment each other. I would like to believe you will always be friends, but I see how you like each other. I would never push you. You are my son, Harry, but I do not wish to see you three hurt. I can see that happening if all three of you don't come to a mutually agreed upon decision."
"You want me to be with them," he questioned.
"I want you to be happy."
It was aggravating. He could tell what she wanted, but she would not tell him outright. It was his decision. "It doesn't bother you that I could be with two witches?"
"As I said, I recognize when power attracts power. I would be a fool to stand in the way if you three decide it is what you want."
He looked away as he thought. "Do you think it wrong if I ask Lord Greengrass and Mr. Lovegood if I could Escort their daughters?"
Her voice was serious. "You know that would mean you need to be named Scion officially and you would be declaring you are interested in their daughters? You also know that means they would be considered potential suitors for you under the Old Ways? If you decide to renounce your Lordship, you would need to wait until they are both twenty-one before you can marry them or anything."
"I wasn't talking about marrying anyone," he said, definitely not ready for anything like that. He wasn't even sure if the girls would want him or that Lord Greengrass would agree. Mr. Lovegood would probably agree. Harry would not ask their father's though if the girls did not approve first. It was a serious step, one people at their age were encouraged to take if you were of Old Blood, like them.
He met her eyes. Draco had really spooked Astoria and Harry now knew the prat had been doing it for a while. He would not see either of his friends used like that. It was one thing if they chose to accept Malfoy or him, it was another to be forced.
Of course, being their Escort was a way of forcing them. It was a way of declaring their future intentions. None of them needed to be more than friends, but Harry didn't want that. Maybe it would be better for him to know they were interested?
Harry would not have even considered this until a few weeks ago.
"I know, Harry, but if you start playing with the Blood Laws, you are bound by them. It is not some schoolyard game to mess with the old blood magics," she said seriously. "That was some of the reason your father renounced them. He offered to be my Escort in our sixth year. I refused after finding out what that meant."
"I will ask Astoria and Luna first. I won't do it if they say no," he told her.
She looked at him for a long few moments. "Are you doing this because of the Malfoys?"
"That is what got me thinking about it. Mum, they are my best mates. You didn't see how scared Astoria was afterwards. I don't want to see her like that again," he told her.
"And if you were her escort, it would give you a prior claim should another proposal be presented," she stated.
His face was set. "I would never treat them that way. It is Luna's and Astoria's decision. I only want to offer them what House Potter can for protection."
"You want the other Purebloods and Old bloods to know you have an interest in them and to stay away," she said matter-of-fact while raising an eye brow.
He tried to keep the heat out of his face. That wasn't the only reason. They held each others' stare for a moment.
"Do you want to claim your rights?"
"Yes," he told her. It was the first grown up decision that many in his position would make.
"We can go to the Ministry and Goblins tomorrow to file the paperwork," she said, not questioning him any further. "Go get cleaned up."
"Sure." He walked over to her and she hugged him before placing a kiss on his forehead.
"You're going to be taller than me soon," she chuckled.
"Good. Then I can look down on you," he joked.
She swatted his head. "Just because I am that way, doesn't mean you need to be."
"Where is the fun in that," he asked stepping back. "Is Uncle Remus going to be around later? I wanted to talk with him about this year. I know he isn't coming back, but I think it would be nice if he could continue the lessons he was giving us."
"I don't know. His client sent him out for a few days."
"Will he be back before the World Quidditch Cup?"
"He better be. He is going with us. Go get cleaned up and changed. Luna should be back soon and I'll get dinner going in about an hour."
"Sure." He walked out and turned. "Mum?"
"Yes, Harry?"
"Are you and Uncle Remus going to get married?"
She returned a wistful smile. "I don't know. How would you feel about that if he asked me?"
"I want my sister to have a father," he told her. "I also like Uncle Remus and I don't want you to be alone."
She came over and ruffled his hair. "Don't grow up to fast on me. I'll keep that in mind."
"You think she'll stay in until Easter? I want to be around when she is born."
His mum looked down. "I doubt it. She is due at the end of March. You looking forward to being a big brother?"
He smirked. "Like you said, I get to corrupt her." He laughed as she tried to swat him off the top of his head and he ducked, taking a hopping step back.
"Don't you dare, Harry James Potter. I said that is my job."
He ran up the stairs. "Just try and stop me."
"Don't challenge me, Harry James," she called after him.
-oOo-
August 26, 1994
Dartmoor, England
Another haggard looking Ministry witch ran by. Astoria recognized her as such with the large embroidered patches on their robes. "I wonder what happened this time," Harry said turning and trying to see where the witch was going.
Luna was not letting go of Harry today. She was staying as close as she could too him. Astoria was as well after they had seen Malfoy not too long ago. The boy looked displeased to say the least as he followed his father.
"Let them do their work," Luna told him.
Astoria had never seen so many witches and wizards in one place before, and many could not seem to get there was an International Statute of Secrecy. They were standing near a wizard's tent covered in shamrocks and shooting rainbows off in every direction. Three Ministry wizards were talking to a rather plump woman who was not going to take her tent down.
She had to agree with Harry. It was very amusing to watch.
"Do you think she was going to the one that had those kids flying brooms," he asked.
"Maybe."
A few goblins passed them as they made it to an area with a few stalls. Harry was looking for a new pair of omnioculars and she wanted an Irish Jersey. She figured she could get away with wearing one today. Her mum had allowed her to go on a shopping trip with Luna, Hermione and Mrs. Potter, and she was very pleased with the muggle clothes she had gotten. Like the jeans and shirt she had on today. Wearing a skirt or dress around here would have been awful with the amount of dirt and dust being kicked up. It was also a cool overcast day.
When they made it back to the site with the Potter's and their tent, Hermione and Neville had finally arrived. Lady Longbottom had no interest in the Quidditch world cup, but she did not stop her grandson from coming.
"I can't believe the amount of magic out here," Hermione said giving her and then Luna a hug. It had been almost a week since they had seen her.
"Luna was saying the same thing. I think it's brilliant," she said with a smile.
"I think Harry has been a bad influence on you," Hermione said with a smirk.
"Perhaps," she said looking at the black hair boy who was showing Neville his new omnioculars. Luna drifted to them.
"I like that new bracelet," Luna said to Hermione.
Hermione reached for her wrist and twirled it around. She looked defensive and bashful. "Neville got it for me when I took him to a museum last week. He has never seen dinosaur bones or fossils before. You should have seen how large his eyes got to see the skulls of a Giganotosaurus and a Tyrannosaurus. I can't believe there is nothing like that in the wizarding world."
She looked at Hermione unsure what she was talking about.
"Some of those fossils are actually dragon or sea serpent bones," Luna told them.
"I don't even know what you are talking about," she said.
"Paleontology, archeology and geology," Hermione told them. "It was a big museum on them. Really fascinating items. Though I am not sure if I saw black stone or not. That could be dangerous. Neville really enjoyed seeing some of the archeology stuff. He laughed to see how people made the pyramids in Egypt. Until I went to Hogwarts, I thought it true. There is evidence to support people doing as such, but pulling such large stones up an incline? I always found that impractical until I knew about magic."
The girl opened her mouth again to keep going and Astoria butted in. "Hermione. I still have no idea what you are talking about. Why wouldn't magic have been used before the Statute of Secrecy? It is widely known how much magic was used with muggles up until about the fifteenth century."
"I like how passionate she is. Would you take us some day? Mrs. Potter took us to a museum when we were very young," Luna said. "I didn't like all the animals that had been killed and stuffed."
She felt Luna's sadness and pulled her in. Astoria was surprised that she seemed inches taller than the petite blonde. Until then, she hadn't realized Harry was almost a full head over Luna and two or three inches over her. He had really grown over the last year. Astoria liked seeing him like that and that he was taller than her now.
"I know, Luna."
Hermione frowned. "I had not thought about that."
Harry and Neville came over to them. "Do you want to ask Mrs. Potter if we can go down to the stalls? It's another two hours before we have to be there."
A firework went off from across the path. It shot in the air and exploded in red sparks and a flaming Veela flew overhead.
"I don't want you going anywhere right now," her father said walking up to them. "I think it is going to get rowdy and I want us all to head up in about an hour. We have some sandwiches you can eat before we walk up."
Her excitement grew the closer the time got. Harry and her had on their new Ireland jerseys while Luna wore a hat that flashed Ireland. She was happy they didn't stick out as many others were dressed to support their teams. They followed her parents while Mrs. Potter and Mr. Lupin pulled up the rear.
"Krum is the better seeker," Daphne said behind them.
"How can you say that if you support Ireland," Neville asked.
"I can't wait to see Krum," Harry said. She understood. He was a Seeker and was going to have an opportunity to see the top ranked Seeker in the world.
"Ireland will win," she said.
"Of course," Harry said. "I still want to see Krum fly."
"Ireland will win," Luna agreed with Astoria.
Hermione was looking at Luna. She saw the gears turning in her head. Astoria understood Luna, and she was wondering if Hermione was catching on.
They made it up to a box one tier down from the top. She was at the railing with Harry looking over the side. She never thought she might be at a World Cup. "Could you imagine playing in a pitch like this," Harry asked her.
"I wish I could fly like you," she told him.
He reached an arm over Luna's shoulders as she pulled up next to him and she was happy to have his fingers wind into hers as she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with him. Neville and Hermione were sitting in their seats going over a book of rules.
When the mascots came out, Harry had to grab her around the waist to keep her from falling out as a man behind them jumped over their seats to get closer to the veela. "Bloody berks," Harry said angrily before her father was removing the man. She was surprised that Harry didn't even seem to notice the beautiful women. Luna smiled at her in a knowing way.
Harry couldn't like them that much, could he?
It was surprising that none of the men with them seemed affected.
Harry followed Krum the whole match. Luna kept grabbing the back of his jersey as he leaned over the railing when Krum flew under them. She was hanging over almost as much.
When they went back to their tents close to midnight, Harry was walking with his arms around both of them, having a spirited discussion with Neville about a few fouls called on Bulgaria. She was pleased Ireland won and to be so close to them. Luna grabbed her arm behind his back.
It was an excellent night, with people partying all around them and their parents not even trying to get them into bed with how loud the Irish fans were being. They sat around a fire watching the show. Everything seemed great until Luna suddenly grabbed her arm and squeezed as hard as she could. "It is time to go look for porlocks," she said.
Astoria laughed, not getting it at first. "I doubt any porlocks are around here."
Harry put down his bottle of butterbeer and looked at Luna. "I don't want to be here," Luna said looking at him.
Harry pulled his wand from his arm holster. "Mum, I think we need to go somewhere else," he said getting up and looking around.
Mrs. Potter had been talking with her mother. She looked up to Harry. "The black man," Luna said sounding scared. It suddenly hit Astoria what Harry had told her about Luna's nightmare the other night. She reached in her pocket for her own wand.
"Remus," Mrs. Potter said. The revelers in the distance started to scream and a huge explosion lit the night sky. A large fireball ballooned into the air and burnt itself out.
"Illiana, get them into the woods and then get away," her father said standing up.
"Lily, go with them," Remus said moving towards the path. More screams had taken up and a mass of people started to move in their direction. There was another explosion. This one was much smaller.
"You better come back," Mrs. Potter said to Mr. Lupin. "Daphne and Tracey, get your wands out. You are all allowed to do what you need."
Harry moved to them and Luna stood up next to her. They all had their wands out. "Stick together," her mother said starting to herd them into the path as her father and Mr. Lupin moved towards the screams. There were some strange red and green lights before she saw people starting to float above the crowd.
"Merlin," Daphne said.
"Stay with me," Harry told them. He grabbed one of Luna's hands and she took the other. Neville and Hermione were right with them with Mrs. Potter in front. Daphne and Tracey were with her mother.
"Stay close," Mrs. Potter said as more people came out of their tents and panic was affecting everyone around them. As they made their way towards the woods, a group of people rammed into them from the side. It was adults with children. A woman with a bloody head. Wizards that stumbled, only partially sobered with the scare. A tent blew up near them and she screamed.
Luna held on to her hard. Spells were going here and there. Another explosion happened near them and she turned to see a sight that scared her. A group of wizards in black robes and masks were walking along the path next to them. There was eight or nine of them.
"Protego," Mrs. Potter said as a few spells came from the men. Two Aurors were quickly moving towards the men.
"Harry and Neville, get the girls to the forest. Call for Willow and get out of here."
"Yes, mum," he said. Mrs. Potter moved next to the Aurors as they engaged the wizards.
"Come on," Harry said, pushing them in front of him. Neville took up the lead, still trying to get through the throng of people. Harry kept a hand on her back as she kept one on Luna. She suddenly realized she didn't know where her mother was.
"Harry, we lost Daphne and my mother," she said looking around.
"Can we go a different way," Luna suddenly asked.
Harry didn't hesitate, pushing her to the left. She raised her wand as they went a different way than much of the crowd. "Neville," Harry called out. Neville turned and started to follow. Harry stepped to the front.
"Luna, which way?"
"I don't know," she said.
There was a bright light overhead that made a dome over the campgrounds that started to disintegrate. "The apparition wards are down," Neville said afraid.
"DOWN," someone yelled. Harry was fast and bowled them over as a flurry of spells suddenly burst before them. Four Aurors stepped out into the path. Those around them started to apparate away. There were screams everywhere.
"Protego," Harry called out. A woman was running by them with a small girl and was hit with some red spell in the back. She fell and the small girl started to cry.
The Aurors started to fall back and Neville and Hermione where trying to send any spell they could at the men in masks. They couldn't be Death Eaters?
The crying girl was in the path of the spell fire. "Get her," Harry yelled at them. Astoria moved. She cast stunning spells. Harry whipped his wand and ropes started to sprout up from the ground everywhere around the six men. One of the Aurors fell as she reached the girl.
A spell hit a shield that had been cast. "It will be all right," Luna said stepping up to them. The girl grabbed her. "Wingardium Leviosa." She looked to see two of the men stuck to the ground in the ropes and the others were pulling back as he moved his wand again. She couldn't hear what he was saying, but the Aurors were gaining ground. Luna and her got the woman and her daughter behind a large rock in the fields.
Astoria turned back to Harry. He was pushing Hermione back towards them as a few spells missed them. "Neville," Harry called out.
Neville suddenly grabbed his head and dropped to his knees. "Neville," Hermione screamed.
Harry ran to his side. She moved closer, casting stunning and fire spells at the figures. A green light hit one of the Aurors from the side. Astoria had heard of what that particular green light was. All those that grew up in their world knew that spell. Harry swung his hand up. "Murum lapideum!" A wall made of roughhewn rock shot out of the ground. It stretched across the path, throwing bits of dirt everywhere and a few tents into the air. The wall was over her head and twisted around them making a large crescent.
Over the wall were a few more flashes before they all heard someone loudly say, "Morsmordre!"
The spell shot in the air like a sickly constellation of green stars. A snake made of stars slithered out of a mouth of a skull made of stars.
There were cracks of apparition all around them. Some where the figures, Death Eaters or whatever they were, leaving, as dozens of Ministry employees were suddenly around them.
"Magicae non nocebit super innocentes!" Harry yelled it just before a sea of red lights lit up the night.
The stunners where directed up into the night as a blue dome grew around him. It was almost thirty feet wide to cover Luna too. A few of the Aurors or other Ministry wizards were knocked over. A few more spells came and they were all deflected into the night. Astoria looked at Harry in awe. He was using his full power, like he had that night in the Hospital Wing.
"Stop! Stop!" Someone yelled out. "That is my daughter and her friends."
She turned to see her father. He was outside the shield.
"They cast the Dark Mark," a man said walking up to the shield. "Bring this down!"
"You harm them and you will answer to the House of Potter," his mum said marching up to the man.
"Greengrass, and I am sure the Longbottoms, will not be happy Mr. Crouch," her father said angrily.
"What is this," a woman asked casting what were probably probes at the dome.
"Mum, I can't hold this much longer," Harry sounded strained.
She was torn for a second between Luna or Harry. Neville was standing up, a hand to his head and Hermione at his side. She moved to Harry. Mrs. Potter was near Luna.
"No one will harm you, Harry," his mum said.
She was at his side as he dropped his wand to his side. His knees buckled and she caught him before he fell on his face.
"Arrest that boy," the man named Crouch said.
"You will not harm Harry," Luna said stepping towards them, her wand raised.
"On what charges!" Mrs. Potter charged Crouch. "They were being attacked."
"He made the Dark Mark," the man spat.
A man with sandy blonde hair and glasses stepped forward. "Barty, he is just a boy. There is no way he would know it."
"Head Crouch, I see no reason to arrest this boy. It looks like they were attacked," a woman in red Auror robes said.
The child was still crying. Astoria was holding Harry as he sat up. "We were running and tried to save a woman and her child from six men in masks. Four Aurors were fighting them."
"And where are the Aurors?"
Luna had moved next to them now. "The wall stopped the black man," Luna said.
A few of the Aurors lowered their wands. "Anders, will you get the children back home," his mum asked.
"No one is going anywhere," Crouch ordered. "How do we know this boy is speaking the truth? You saw what he just did."
Harry raised his wand. "I, Harry James Potter..."
"Harry no," his mum said.
"... swear my words are truth. Myself and none of my friends cast the atrocious thing in the sky. We were attacked and defended ourselves and that woman and her child." His wand shone a bright blue light.
He swayed in her arms and she was cradling him as he pushed his magic too far. She lifted her wand. Astoria would not allow him to be harmed.
An Auror with a yellow band on his arm stepped forward. "Get these civilians' names and get them home or to St. Mungo's. There is no way these children are involved in anything other than what they say. Lady Potter and Lord Greengrass, please accept our apologies and I will send a team to get statements tomorrow."
"What of that mother and her child," Hermione asked.
Two Aurors moved towards them.
"They will be taken care of, Ms. Granger," her father said coming up to them. "Do I have permission to make a portkey," he asked the Auror with a yellow band.
"I will authorize it. Where is your destination?"
"Greengrass Manor," he said.
"Where is mother," she asked, not wanting to leave any of them behind.
"Let's get you home first," he said. She noticed he touched his ring. It was his Lords ring, and probably let him know if her mother was safe or not. He was acting too calm for her to be hurt or worse.
Her father conjured a rope. Many tents sat as their owners had left them. Others still burned or were reduced to ashes. Neville was still rubbing his head and Hermione was hugging him tight. Luna knelt down to straighten Harry's glasses. "Harry likes to see," Luna said.
"Portus," her father said. "Lily, will you go back with them?"
"I need to find Remus," she told him. "And to make sure they don't press charges on my son."
Her father nodded. "This will drop into the Solar. If your mother is not there, call the elves."
She nodded. "Yes, Father."
They all took a part of the rope. She wrapped it around Harry's wrist. Luna took her hand and they held up Harry as best they could. This might hurt, she thought to herself.
It was an inglorious heap they landed in. Her mother was there. "Astoria," she cried out.
Her mother rushed to them, checking her over before looking at the rest of them. "How hurt is Harry," she asked moving to the still passed out boy.
"He just overexerted his magic," she told her.
Her mother let out a breath. "Can you get him to the couch? Is anyone else hurt?"
When they were sorted out, and she was nursing a cup of hot chocolate at close to four in the morning, Astoria looked around.
Tracey had her head in Daphne's lap. She noticed her sister just staring. The right sleeve on her dress had been removed and a bandage was on her upper arm where a cutting curse had gotten her.
Luna leaned against her with Harry's head in the blonde's lap, running her hands through his hair as he slept.
Neville had his head back on the third couch, his mouth open and snoring quietly. Hermione was curled up into his side. She held a mug and just looked at Astoria.
Her mother was sitting in a chair, keeping an eye on all of them. She had locked down the Manor after they had arrived. When they had been given the mugs, they had told her mother what happened. Astoria did not feel like sleeping.
It was close to five when her father came back with Mrs. Potter and Mr. Lupin. Mrs. Potter rushed to Harry and checked over Luna before turning to her. "Did you get hurt," she asked.
Astoria shook her head.
"They are all going to be fine, Lily. Some cuts and bruises," her mother told her.
Mrs. Potter sat on the floor before Harry. Mr. Lupin came over. "You should get some rest," he said to Mrs. Potter. The woman looked exhausted and she understood. Mrs. Potter was almost two months pregnant and had just gone through the same shite as them.
"I had to make sure they were alright," she told him leaning into his leg.
"I know, Lils. Lady Greengrass, thank you," he said to her mother.
"It's Illiana, if you don't mind me calling you Remus."
Her father had walked away and came back from his study. "Illiana, I am going into the Ministry. I will give my disposition of events and hold off the Aurors for a few hours. I would like you all to get some sleep. Scion Potter's display has raised a bit of a stir with the other events tonight."
"Anders, have a coffee and something to eat. It's still early," her mother said getting up.
"I should come too," Mrs. Potter said.
"Lily, it is better you stay here. You have given me permission to represent you at the moment. I will not let Barty Crouch do anything he should not."
"Father, what is going on," she asked, afraid for Harry.
He looked at her. His face was smeared with soot, his robes had a few singe marks and he was limping slightly. "Nothing that won't be cleared up today. Enough witnesses saw Harry make his vow and they found the wand that made the mark."
"But not the man," Neville asked blearily as he sat up. Hermione had fallen asleep on him a short bit ago and didn't stir.
"No, they could not find the man. I also doubt it was the boy Barty is trying to accuse now."
"Who?" She asked.
"Ronald Weasley," he said walking off towards the fire in the main Atrium.
Her eyes went wide.
"No," Neville said. "Ron would never do that. He doesn't even know how."
"I don't believe it either, Scion Longbottom. The boy was found with his brothers and sister in the woods and they all vouch he was with them the whole time," her father had stopped long enough to tell them.
"Anders, be careful," her mother said.
"I will. Get them into bed. I will see if I can head them off until after lunch."
A short while later Luna was on the bed next to her. Her eyes had closed almost as soon as they had cleaned up and crawled into bed. Astoria didn't know how she would take it if this blonde pixie and the green-eyed boy where not here now. She pulled Luna to her and hugged her as she fell asleep.
-oOo-
Murum lapideum = wall of stone
Magicae non nocebit super innocentes = no magic shall harm the innocent
A/N: I figured Astoria and Luna would come to the conclusion about how they really feel for each other before Harry. Astoria is eleven months older than Harry and her parents are encouraging it, seeing a good match in Harry, and Luna. Luna is five months older than Harry and she has a feeling of what the future could/should be.