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.
A/N2: I am going to try to set a Wednesday/Sunday post schedule, but things are busy at work, so some point soon it may become once a week. On the positive, I have up to CH 36, The Yule Ball, complete and ready for review.
Chapter 29
-oOo-
August 28, 1994
Godric Hollow, England
It was probably the last great day of summer. Harry was sitting on the hill behind Potter Cottage. After the last few overcast days, the sun had come out for the afternoon.
Luna was laying in the grass, her head on his lap. She had not really left his side for the last two days. He didn't want her too. Astoria was supposed to come over soon, but Luna didn't want to wait inside. Astoria would understand.
He ran his hand through her hair as she looked up at the sky. He was more interested looking at her eyes than the sky.
Even with the events a few days ago, the Prophet comparing him to Dumbledore and the way they were lauding Neville, her eyes looked the least troubled they had in weeks. Maybe the worst was behind, but he doubted it. Today... he was just focusing on his own worries today.
"Luna," he said, his insides turning. This was probably not the right time, but he wasn't sure if he would get the courage up again.
Her eyes focused on his. "Yes, Harry."
He swallowed. Nerves had never been one of those things he thought he experienced, until he thought of her or Astoria. "So, ah, I am officially Scion Potter now."
She smiled. "You let me know the other day."
His insides grew squirmy at her smile. "I know."
Merlin, he was messing this up! She was Luna, his best mate. The girl who had been at his side for years. Why was he so afraid? "I already asked my father," she said reaching a hand up to his cheek.
He let out a big breath. He should have known. "Would you like to declare me as your Escort?"
Her smile and the look in her eyes were brilliant. "Yes."
He smiled at her. His insides settling. He leaned down to kiss her on the forehead. Nothing else crossed his mind. Luna tilted her head and met his lips with her own. Harry kissed her, knowing he had just asked her to be more than friends. Their lips moved against each other's. It was a much different kiss. One that sent a pleasant thrill right through him.
When he pulled back, she lay back down and closed her eyes. She settled in by cuddling her head into his lap. He had to shift to hide what her kiss had done to him.
"I have something else to ask you," he said, feeling more at ease.
"If you want to kiss again, that would be very pleasant," she said.
He wanted to very much.
"You aren't the only one I want to ask," he told her.
"I know you like Astoria. I do too. She is very pretty. I am not jealous," Luna said as she nestled her head against his stomach. He pinched his leg, praying she didn't feel him. "Now you get to ask our Little Aster," she said, waving her hand as though indicating Astoria was standing behind them.
Harry whipped his head around. Astoria was standing only a few feet behind him. He couldn't read the look on her face. He had hoped to do this one by one and make sure neither of them had an issue. He didn't want to risk losing either of them.
She came over to sit on his other side in the grass. "Is there something you would like to ask?" She raised an eyebrow at him. With Luna already saying yes and her acceptance, he found he didn't fear this as much.
"I would like to be your Escort. That is if you want and don't mind me being Escort to Luna as well?" It was not uncommon for a witch or wizard to have multiple escorts. It was one of the few ways a witch had some control over who she might find more suitable.
Astoria raised an eyebrow. "Have you asked my father?"
He would not show weakness in this. "I wanted to ask you first. I will not do anything without you choosing me."
She gave a soft smile. "If you are brave enough to ask my father, then I will be gracious enough to consider it." Her voice was very prim.
"Don't tease him," Luna told her. "Harry is nervous enough."
"He does it to me often enough," she retorted.
Harry was still looking at her. "Astoria, I will not ask unless you want me to be your Escort." He needed her to know he would not be like Draco or others of the Old Bloods that way. "I am Scion Potter now. You know what I am asking you." He hoped.
She grew serious and looked into his eyes. "Harry, I know what you are asking. I will say yes if father agrees."
He licked his lips. "What if he doesn't?"
"Then mother will have a talk with him and I will say yes anyways," she said with a smirk.
He eyed her. "That is not how I want your father to like me," he said nervously.
"Father does like you. I like you," she said with a small tinge to her cheeks.
It was all he needed. He leaned over and she met him. Their lips moved together and he prayed to Merlin and anyone watching over him, Luna did not feel his excitement. She pulled away and the look in her eyes was very exciting.
"Can we go to Greengrass Manor for dinner tonight? I would like to walk to the orchards and see the clabberts one more time before we go to Hogwarts."
"Harry can ask father," Astoria said moving so she could lay her head on his shoulder.
After a few minutes, Harry thought that had been too easy. "You heard the whole thing between Luna and I?"
"I came in about the time she said she already asked her father," Astoria told him.
"You're a pain," he told her.
"Yep. And you're stuck with me now."
Luna giggled. "I do not think of it as being stuck with each other."
"I don't either when it comes to you, Luna," Astoria said scratching Luna's head. Luna melted into him. If she could purr like Eira, he had no doubt she would be doing that now.
"And what about me?"
"You're lucky you're a good study partner," she teased him.
-oOo-
Greengrass Manor, Rotterham, England
Lord Greengrass stood up from the table after the dinner was done. "I know you don't like me working this late, but I have some documents to review," he said to his wife.
"Don't take too long. Daphne wanted to play some billiards with us tonight," she said. Lord Greengrass nodded.
At the moment, Luna was talking with Daphne and Astoria about Australia again.
Harry, thinking this might be his chance, followed Lord Greengrass out of the small family dining room. Astoria followed him with her eyes, a small smile on her face. He didn't want to discuss things in front of Daphne and her mother. He missed Lady Greengrass giving an approving nod to her daughter.
"Lord Greengrass," Harry asked as the man headed towards his office. The man stopped and waited for him to walk up to him. Harry, not used to doing this, bowed. "Could I talk with you."
The man's eyebrow rose a little. "Is this House business?"
"Yes, sir. I have claimed my Scion ring," he said taking the chain from his shirt. He realized now he should have been wearing it for this.
"You should not show shame in accepting such responsibility, Scion Potter. It is a big step for someone to officially acknowledge they are going to accept the responsibilities of their Head of House, and in your case, the hereditary seat of the Potters on the Wizengamot," the man said in a much more formal tone than he usually used around Harry.
He stood up tall. "I am not ashamed of accepting this ring," he told Lord Greengrass. "I wear it on this chain because I don't want to be treated differently. I don't believe that Blood is all there is and won't treat others that way." He didn't sway under the man's gaze.
"Fair enough. You should wear it though. It is a mark of who you are in our world. You now follow the Blood Laws. If you hide it, that could have dire consequences."
Harry took the necklace off and put the ring on his finger. "Yes, sir."
Lord Greengrass nodded. "Would you care to join me in my study?"
"Please, Lord Greengrass," he said. His courage was waning some, but he would not step from this path. He had asked Astoria. He would like to have it settled before they got on the train. Tomorrow, he was going to go to the Rookery and talk with Mr. Lovegood.
Harry took the seat indicated. "So, Scion Potter, this is House business. What would you discuss?"
Harry took a deep breath, not breaking eye contact. "Lord Greengrass, I would ask your permission to Escort Astoria."
The man held an easy expression. "You know that I would not sell off my daughters like many may look for?"
Harry found that idea repugnant. "I would give you my word as Scion of House Potter, I will respect any decisions she makes. I have already asked if she would agree and she has. If she ever asks to be released, I will not say no."
The man nodded. "I believe you, Scion Potter. You do know what you are really asking though?"
Harry let out a long breath. "I am asking if you would approve a potential courtship between your daughter and I. I recognize that I would become her Chaperone, and her mine. I also recognize that this means I would have prior claim should another proposal be presented, and that she is my responsibility when in my care."
"And what of the Life Debt she owes you," he asked.
Harry's eyes went wide. "What debt? Astoria does not owe me anything," Harry said quickly.
The man smiled. "You have saved our daughter, thrice now. I assure you I feel the witch's debt she has as her Head of House. If you want to claim Escort over her, I would have no say, but you do me an honor, Scion Potter, to offer as such."
Harry blinked. A life debt only occurred when a witch or wizard was saved when they were both in mortal peril, it was not something expected of you, like it would be of an Auror, and it was an act of selflessness. The images of the basilisk, the dementors and the other night flashed in his mind. He had never thought of himself. It was always to protect Luna, Astoria or his friends.
"Lord Greengrass, I would never claim those debts like that. I release her from such debts," he told him.
His smile grew genuine. "I appreciate you trying, but I trust you know how such things work. You are growing into a fine young man that I would be honored to one day consider my Son, should you decide as such. If my daughter has agreed, then I will also. I am sure Lady Greengrass will be pleased with this as well. May I ask if you will be Escorting Ms. Lovegood as well?"
"I plan to ask her father tomorrow. Both girls have agreed," Harry told him. He was trying to get over the shock.
"If that is so, I would ask for two conditions," the man said.
Harry felt his heart drop. That had felt too easy. "Sir?"
"First, if Astoria desires it, and you two do decide to become more than just friends, you give her the option to carry on the Greengrass name," he asked.
"Of course. I would never tell her what to do if that was what she wanted." Harry understood that would make her a second wife, but he would never treat her that way. Of course, he knew what he was asking, but he did not want to think of that yet. If they went that far to be married, he wanted it to be many years in the future.
"Second, you will be tutored in the proper ways to be Scion and Lord of your House. I see much potential in you, Harry. I understand why your father renounced his opportunity, but I would like you to at least be trained if you decide to take on the full privileges and responsibility. I agree with your views and could use a few Allies when you get older. There are those of us that would like to shake the Old ways."
Harry felt shocked. He had not expected that. He had taken his ring mostly to protect Astoria and Luna, besides the fact he liked them. Harry had never planned to do much more with his ring and title beyond that.
Lord Greengrass waited patiently for him to respond. "Yes, sir. How soon?"
"Next summer should be fine. I will provide the tutor and would ask you to attend me in some of my duties next year. I know your father would normally do that, and James was an expert in these things, even if he didn't like it, but I hope you would accept my offer."
Harry let out a smile. He thought he would have to do this on his own. "Yes, sir."
"Lastly, I expect to see you continue your excellent record at school and keep challenging our Little Aster. Ilianna and I always knew she had great potential. You and Ms. Lovegood have shown us how much," Lord Greengrass said with pride.
"I will be Head Boy," Harry told him with determination.
Lord Greengrass nodded in approval. "I would expect nothing less of you. I expect to see my daughter with the same badge."
It was pressure, as well as a compliment. Harry would be Head Boy, not only because he wanted to, but others believed and expected he could be. He would also help Astoria reach her goal. Luna had no desire to be Head Girl. Harry originally wanted her to be, but he knew it was not her.
"Should we go confirm my daughter and wife would like this arrangement?"
Harry smiled. "Please."
-oOo-
Rotterham, England
Astoria lay in her bed. She was fiddling with the necklace as she thought about her day.
Harry had asked her father to be her Escort. That was something she very much agreed with, and was pleased Harry had asked her first. She was also very pleased to think of the fine afternoon in the grass.
She licked her lips to think about Harry kissing her. It was her favorite part of the day. He had kissed her when they sat in the grass, and then again before he left.
That favorite part of the day was next to her other favorite part of the day, the blonde kissing her.
There had been a little concern when Harry went to talk to her father after dinner, but when they came out, father had asked if she agreed. Her mother expressed her pleasure and allowed her to go off with Harry and Luna on the grounds. They had shared a few more kisses. She enjoyed holding Luna the way Harry held her.
As she thought about it, she rubbed her legs together.
She enjoyed the muggle shorts he and Luna had worn today. His legs had rubbed against hers below her skirt as they had sat in the grass. The sensation was growing and she ran a hand over her chest. She had not done much like this before, but the more she thought about the blue-eyed girl and their green-eyed boy, the more it felt like the fabric of her night dress was rubbing her nipples in a sensitive way.
Luna had said Harry tended not to sleep with a shirt nights it was warm out. She had seen Luna without one and rubbed her legs together more. Her hand moved over her breasts and she groaned.
Harry's magic felt like it was touching her as she fondled the necklace. Tonight, it felt like a slow fire was starting between her legs. She had felt it before, but not like this. She had also never dared to touch herself when it came. Tonight though, remembering the power in his eyes, her hand wandered lower.
She let out a small gasp when she touched herself over her knickers. She wasn't sure what she was supposed to do but found ways she liked to touch herself. Soon she had her fingers in her knickers and panting slightly as she found new sensations she never knew could be.
Images of Luna, her smaller breasts and pink nipples had her moaning. She really wanted to kiss Luna. Kiss her in more areas than just her lips.
She wanted to see Harry without a shirt.
Astoria didn't know how long she daydreamed about them, but she gasped when she suddenly found a spot that sent a thrill through her that made it feel like she was on fire. It was so pleasant and so unexpected, she stopped for a moment.
Her hand was clutching the necklace when she moved her fingers again. The feeling was... she didn't know how to describe it to herself. It was like her whole body was feeling an electric pleasantness that caught her breath and then caused her legs to start shaking and she just barely moved her fingers as a wave of ecstasy washed over her. She gasped a few times before falling back on her pillow.
Astoria was breathing hard for a few. She wasn't entirely sure what she had just done, but it had been amazing.
After changing her knickers, she fell asleep with a smile to think of her two best mates.
-oOo-
September 1, 1994
Hogwarts Express, Britain
Luna cuddled Eira to her as she curled into Harry's side.
She was tired today. The last few nights had been rough. She had woken twice to the Shadow and its servant. They were plotting. The wisps were reaching for some of the lights in her life. The only times the colors would be only those closest to her was when she slept on Harry or in the same bed at Astoria, or one of them was close to her. Like now.
Luna knew that was a solution that would not work at Hogwarts, but she had not complained the last few nights when Harry either rushed to her or Astoria held her close. She had not slept at home for a week.
Having Harry's arm wrapped around her while they steamed north to Hogwarts kept the Shadow at bay.
"What are they saying today about us," Harry asked.
"I am telling you he was in a compartment in this car," someone said loudly. It sounded like Colin Creevey. Harry tightened her grip around her. Astoria looked at him. Astoria was close to her other side. Neither her Harry or her cousin liked all the attention they got on the platform or on the train so far. The Daily Prophet reporting on the Quidditch cup incident definitely had many looking to the boys.
Harry had been compared to Dumbledore with his feet. Neville, as the Boy-Who-Lived, was lauded for his spirit to fight. Even Astoria, Hermione and her had been in the paper, but not like the boys.
"The same. Still nothing on who actually cast the Dark Mark. I am just thankful they didn't report it was Ron's wand," she said pulling the paper up to read towards the bottom of a page.
Neville shifted. "He sent me a letter the other day."
She knew they had been good friends with him until last year. She had a feeling they still liked him.
"He sent me one too. I will be nice to him, but until he apologizes to those three, I am not doing anything but maybe studying with him," Hermione told Neville.
Harry leaned his head back as they heard Colin go by again. She reached up and took his hand.
Neville nodded as he pet Crookchanks, who sat between them. "Said the same when I sent a reply back. He isn't a bad person," Neville said.
"Ronald Weasley is like many who grew up in our world. They don't see what it is like outside the bubble wizards have made, and they think themselves above non-magicals. It is a very bad perception that is going to get us all into trouble someday," Harry said. He did not like the Weasley, but Harry understood. She understood too, but she was not sure she would have without growing up with him or Mrs. Potter. Daddy did not really see what the muggle world was like.
Astoria narrowed her eyes. "That is no excuse for what he has said about you," she said.
Luna took the objects out of her pocket Harry had given her last year. Well, technically Professor McGonagall let her keep them. "Avifors," she said and three hummingbirds were suddenly flitting around the compartment. Eira watched them, but was content in her lap.
"I think they should allow more pets at school," she told them.
Harry chuckled. "You're brilliant," he said to her and she gave a smug smile. The way he said it made her special.
"Luna, why is this one lavender," Hermione asked. "I didn't know they could be that color."
"That is Littlest Aster," she said.
She liked the color that came to Astoria's cheeks. The hummingbird went up to Astoria and kissed her cheek with it small tongue. Luna was very pleased as Astoria reached for her hand. Eira did not mind that Astoria's hand was over Luna's.
Hermione looked at them. "Why hummingbirds?"
"They were my mum's favorite," she said.
Astoria squeezed her hand. Her favorite spot was becoming to be between Astoria and Harry.
"Aunt Pandora would come every spring to take clippings from our greenhouses for the hummingbirds," Neville said. "She would tell me all about the plants and Gran would let me go over to help her plant the flowers in her garden."
"But there are no hummingbirds in England," Hermione said.
"Mum always wanted to be prepared if they came."
"Would you like to see hummingbirds," Harry asked. The green one with a ruby throat flitted to her face and she smiled.
"That would be nice," she said.
Crookshanks, finally noticing the birds, got up into a crouch, ready to pounce. She was not going to chastise him today. She could understand the train ride could be boring and they were not real hummingbirds.
The door to the compartment rattled. "The damned thing is locked."
Her hummingbirds all flew over her head.
A moment later, the door opened. "Who the hell is here. Oh, if it isn't Little Dumbledork and Longpiddle."
"What do you want, Malfoy?" Neville did not look pleased.
"We were looking for some first years," Malfoy said. "You know, those of proper Blood."
"Why, so you can find new goons? Tired of your other two already?" Harry was not in the mood.
"Shut it, Potter. Greengrass, I told you I don't want you hanging out with these peasants."
Luna grabbed Harry's arm tighter. She didn't want him getting into a fight today. She already had a sense he would be in enough trouble this year. They all would be in the not too far off future.
"I don't think you have any say in what she does and does not do, Malfoy. Lord Greengrass made that very clear. If you wish to challenge that, I will challenge you," Harry said in a low voice that carried around the carriage.
Malfoy scoffed. "And what are you going to do, Potter? Another parlor trick to be on the front page of the Daily Prophet again?"
Luna let him get up this time. The others were watching them. Eira got up to stand behind Harry. She knew Harry would not loose his temper, but it did not mean he wouldn't do something to make his point. Astoria took out her wand.
Crabbe and Goyle moved in closer to Malfoy. "I will warn you once, Malfoy. You leave her alone."
"Or what? You'll curse me," the boy asked narrowing his beady eyes.
"If I have too," Harry said.
Draco pulled his wand. "Right now, Potter. Let's settle this right now."
"Just me and you?"
Draco looked at him and then the compartment. Harry was standing alone against Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle. His friends were here, but they felt the power starting to radiate off him. Luna knew Harry would win, even against the three fourth-years.
"You don't have any rights over her," Draco snarled.
"I don't want rights over her. She can choose to associate with who she wants."
Draco looked at him before scoffing. "I will have what I want."
"It will not be Astoria or Luna. They have decided to give me the right to Escort them this year, so leave them alone," Harry told Draco. She felt a tingling pass through her to know her Harry was standing up for them.
Malfoy looked stunned for a second. "You can't claim that. You're a blood traitor and your family denounced the old ways."
Harry held up his hand. His House ring was clearly visible. "I am Scion Potter. Ms. Lovegood and Ms. Greengrass are under Escort of House Potter."
Malfoy looked furious. "Duel. I will not have Greengrass under the likes of you. Do what you want with the loon..."
Draco moved as he talked and Harry lifted his hand. "Expelliarmus," he said before Draco could get another word out of his mouth. Three wands zoomed into his hand. Draco tried to grab for his and fell to the floor when Harry took a step back.
"Give me my wand back," Malfoy spat.
"Don't call Luna that name. The next time this wand is in my hand, I will claim it and snap it," Harry said before holding their wands out to them. Draco grabbed them and Harry slammed the door before they could do anything else. "In hoc modo, vel e cellula."
Malfoy tried to open the door again. "This isn't over, Potter," Malfoy yelled through the door.
"Why didn't you let me curse him," Hermione asked angrily to Neville.
"That was Harry's fight," Neville said quietly to Hermione. "I didn't know you asked to Escort them. Are you in agreement with this, Luna? Astoria?"
"Oh, yes. Very much," she said with a smile.
"What do you mean he is Escorting them," Hermione asked.
"Harry has claimed his Scion rights. As part of the Blood Laws, he can ask our fathers' permission to Escort us," Astoria said. "He is our Chaperone and represents us when our Heads-of-House are not around."
Hermione frowned. "What do you mean Harry is your Chaperone?"
"Hermione, there are certain ways to start a proper courtship under the Blood Laws," Astoria said. Harry straightened and Astoria's cheeks took on a little color. "Being our Escort means that no one else could ask to see either one of us, or him, without consent. The Blood laws also tend to favor the Scion, meaning we are now protected under him."
Hermione's mouth opened in shock. "You make it sound like you are property to him and that you can't do anything," her voice rose in pitch. They all knew her disliking of House Elves and their enslavement.
"We are free to do as we please," Luna said, knowing the girl needed to understand. "Harry would never restrict us, nor would he stop us from seeing anyone, if we wanted."
"I have no desire to be with anyone but Harry and Luna," Astoria said. "Hermione, I know you don't like it, but this keeps people like Malfoy away from us. Even he knows the consequences of messing with the Blood Laws and their magic."
Their friend looked at them for a moment. "But Harry could still order you around?"
Harry shifted uncomfortably. "I would never. There are limits. We are not betrothed. Either one can decide at anytime to undeclare me or go against my word. I would never do that to you," he said as Astoria looked at him. Luna could tell she wasn't upset with him.
"Harry, I am not saying you would. I just wanted to say thank you," she said before taking his hand.
"What would happen if they went against your word," Hermione asked most disgruntled.
"As an Escort, he could ask for dispensation. That is about it. To those that fall under the Blood Laws, Harry can claim dispensation should anything befall Luna or Astoria. That is far more severe," Neville said. "You are sure?"
She looked at her cousin. "Neville, I chose this freely. You know Astoria and I fall under the Blood Laws. My parents took this course. I would also."
Neville sighed. "If it was anyone besides Harry, I would not agree," Neville said.
"You don't have too," she tried to soothe him.
It was quiet for a bit as they settled in. Hermione was still regarding them as Astoria took out a book and Harry leaned his head back and closed his eyes. After a short bit, Harry asked, "Hermione, please don't be upset about this. You are not involved."
"There are times I am not sure I wasn't better staying a muggle," she told them. "Neville, do you have to follow the Blood Laws?"
Neville held up his right hand. "I am Scion of House Longbottom. I am the sole heir left to my family, like Harry. At least Harry had the choice. Gran dragged me to the Goblins and Ministry on my eleventh birthday, before I understood some of the laws."
"You can denounce them," Harry said.
Neville sighed. "I will make that decision before I turn seventeen. For now, like you, it keeps my family magic, wealth and titles intact. It also allows me some protections, even if it restricts us in some ways."
"What would happen if you denounced your rights," Hermione asked.
"Gran would remain Head of House. After I turn twenty one, she could transfer our wealth and Head-of-House to me, but would lose our seat on the Wizengamot, and before I turn twenty-one, there are two branches of the Longbottoms that could contest to take over my Lordship. I really don't want them too."
Harry looked at him. He didn't know the Longbottoms blood relations. Astoria gasped. "No," she said.
Neville nodded. "The blonde prat is one. My great-grandmother married a Black, and her grand-daughter married Lord Malfoy."
Hermione looked even more concerned.
Luna snuggled into Harry. "I will not lay claim to your House," she told Neville. She was the other option, her mother being three generations from the Longbottoms.
"I know, Luna. I am worried about the Malfoys. They are trying to consolidate power, and my Lordship would be a huge boost to them," Neville said.
"Neville, what do the Blood Laws say about courtships and House Lineage?"
Hermione was bright. She had made the connection.
"It is a way to protect our family lines. Should something happen to me, Astoria or Luna could challenge to accept my magic, even without a betrothal," Harry told her. He had not opened his eyes or lifted his head. He did snake his arm around her shoulders again and Astoria leaned into her. "They would have first claim over any blood relation because they have been identified as the most likely to be the future wife, or wives, of the Scion or Lord."
Hermione looked at him. "I had no idea," she said, contemplatively.
The sun was getting low now. "We should get our robes on soon," Astoria told them.
Harry and Neville stood outside the compartment as the girls got ready, and then they did the same. She felt Harry's discomfort he wasn't able to watch them for a few moments. When they settled back down, Hermione looked at Neville.
"Why haven't you asked to Escort me," she asked.
Neville blushed. "You are free of the Blood Laws. You don't have to worry about them. I also don't want to feel like I control you."
Luna watched her cousin and mate for a moment. "It would protect you," Hermione said. "I would never let Malfoy claim your House."
"You would have to abide by the laws though. They do not favor a witch at times," Neville said to her.
"Would you ever restrict me," she asked with a raised brow.
"Never. That is why I will never ask you that," Neville told her resolutely.
Hermione held Neville's eyes. "What if I ask," she asked.
Neville sighed. "Astoria and Luna, will you talk with her? I will never ask Hermione, but she should understand before she asks me to consider?"
"Why can't you explain?"
"Neville is a Scion. He has been trained in what he is expected to be under the laws. He may not understand what it means for us," Astoria said. "If you want to learn, I will teach you. If I had the choice, I would prefer to just like Harry and maybe date when we are ready."
"Astoria, I don't want you to feel that way," Harry said.
She gave a small smile. "Harry, you asked. I agreed. It makes me happy, even if it is not the way I prefer, but we... me, you and Luna, are all bound under the laws. This is the best path."
Luna kissed him on the cheek. "I agree with Astoria."
The cabin fell into silence again until the train arrived at Hogwarts.
-oOo-
September 2, 1994
Hogwarts, England
Astoria had looked at her schedule and was pleasantly surprised to see she had her birthday off. She was going to have Fridays off all year. Time she knew she would need to keep up with their schedule.
They were doing Runes with the Fourth-years on Monday mornings. Tuesday and Thursdays were solidly booked. In the morning they would be with the Gryffindors, and her favorite Ravenclaws in the afternoons.
Again, she was disappointed they would not be in transfiguration together, but they would be with Professor Hagrid at the same time. It was going to be an interesting year adding two extra courses.
"Are you doing Divination," Amanda asked.
"No. I have no interest in it and Mrs. Potter says it is not really good for what I want to do," she told her.
"What are you doing this year," Amanda asked. She took Astoria's schedule. "You have ten classes. You really want to do Care of Magical Creatures with Professor Hagrid?"
Astoria raised her eyebrow. "Yes, I do. He is as knowledgeable as Luna, if not more so."
Amanda didn't say anything, but she felt her friend's uneasiness.
"I wanted to say Happy Birthday," Amanda said taking a small box out of her pocket.
She smiled. "Thank you." She opened the box and saw a pair of earrings. They were a pair of silver asters.
"I thought they matched the necklace you wear all the time," she said.
"They are perfect." She switched them out.
Amanda stiffened and she took her cue. Malfoy walked by. He eyed her, looking none too pleased. She returned his stare. She didn't miss the glare Parkinson gave her.
"You shouldn't antagonize him," Amanda said.
"I will not cower to them," she said.
Amanda frowned. "Astoria, it is all well and good you have Potter now, but I don't. Other's in our Alliance don't."
"He doesn't want you Amanda. His father wants the Greengrasses."
"Father wants me to stay away from him."
"I won't let him hurt you," she told her friend.
Amanda nodded. When they left the hall, Amanda went off with her cousin, Charlotte, and a half dozen other girls. Astoria was with Harry and Luna. Hermione and Neville said a quick Happy Birthday before Hermione went to Arithmancy and Neville walked off with her.
"So, where are you taking me," she asked as Harry and Luna led her away.
"The Astronomy Tower," Luna told her.
This was going to be different. "We don't have Astronomy until tonight," she said.
"Gives us plenty of time then," Harry said with a smirk.
"Are we allowed up there?"
"I won't tell if you don't," Luna said with a smirk of her own.
"I don't want to get in trouble on my birthday."
"You won't," Harry told her.
It wasn't long to find them standing on the top of the Astronomy tower. Looking around, she realized she had never been up here during the day. "You can see all of Hogwarts and the grounds," she said.
Luna was on the railing next to her. "It is rather beautiful."
"I got it," Harry said. She turned to see the astrolabe start to turn. The area inside the tower suddenly turned black.
"What is he doing?"
"Come with me," Luna said pulling her in. When they stepped inside the astrolabe floor she suddenly walked into a starry sky. It looked like far more stars than she ever remembered seeing.
"Luna, I had no idea," she said.
"Usually only the NEWT students and Professors can use this. It takes some skill to control the dark sphere. It is magnificent to see all the stars in the sky."
Luna twirled and pulled her along with her. Astoria laughed to see how happy Luna was. "Why are we up here," Astoria asked.
Luna stopped and looked around. "There," she pointed to a star towards the horizon. It looked blue."
"It's a star. What of it?"
"It's your star," Luna said. "Mrs. Potter helped me to name it at a muggle registry and then register it at the Ministry. It is named Aster. Every night we look at the stars, I can say my Aster is looking down on us. You will always be looking down at me."
She blinked at the star then looked at Luna. It was one of the most touching things she could think of. The blue was darker than Luna's eyes, but it fit her. Astoria reached for her face and kissed Luna. Luna had a euphoric smile. Astoria felt pride she could do that to Luna.
"Happy Birthday," Luna told her.
"You're brilliant." She kissed Luna on the forehead. "Where is Harry?"
"Is she done," another girl's voice asked. Astoria looked around.
"Are you done, Astoria," Harry asked from her left.
"Are we done?" She looked to Luna for confirmation.
"Yes. We will see the star tonight when we have Astronomy." Luna looked at her with her brilliant eyes.
"We are done. Where are you?" Astoria could not see out of the dark sphere they were in.
The dark sky faded to the light of day. Harry was standing off to the side with a Ravenclaw girl. She saw the Head Girl badge and knew it was Clearwater. "Thank you, Penelope."
"Any time. We'll see you Sunday? You too, Luna. You are being invited to the Upper Circle this year," she said.
Luna nodded. Astoria felt jealous that they would get to study with the top Ravenclaw seventh years. "Thank you. Are we allowed to take guests?"
"You know the rules. Don't stay up here too much longer. I don't want to get in trouble," the brunette said.
"We can leave now," Harry told her.
"Up to you. You have at least twenty minutes before the next NEWT student claims their time."
Luna stepped back as Clearwater left. "I can't top what Luna did, but I hope this will be close."
Harry handed her a square box about the width of a parchment paper. Her heart thudded in her chest. The last time he gave her a box, it had held something she treasured. When she opened it, her breath caught. There were two necklaces. One was an elegant white lace choker with a star in the center, the other a black choker with a Celtic knot. The star seemed to sparkle like the stars at night as the sun hit it.
"I notice you liked those chokers in Diagon Alley over my birthday. Mum filed for a dispensation the day I got my ring," he told her.
"Oh, Harry," she said. Her chest was aflutter with feelings for him.
"Happy Birthday," he said.
"Luna, would you help," she asked taking out the white lace choker.
He took the box and put the aster necklace in it. As the choker went around her neck, the feeling of his magic was different. There was more power in it. She also felt a tingle as though she felt how he liked her.
"I added some new things that my mum checked. As long as it is touching your skin, you just say 'protect' and it will give you a shield. It should be powerful enough to block a spell or two."
Harry cared for her. He cared for her very much. Once Luna had it on, she launched herself at Harry. "Thank you." She took his face like she had Luna and crushed her lips into his. Harry responded and his green-eyes showed something more than just 'like' that she found very attracted to.
That night, she had to take a long shower. She would need to learn a silencing charm or something similar.
-oOo-
Ravenclaw Tower, Hogwarts, Scotland
Harry pulled her over when they returned to Ravenclaw Tower. "Luna, this is Astoria's day, but I want you to be safe too."
She took the box he held out for her. The power in the box had grown since last Christmas, like her Harry had. Opening it, she felt her breath pause. There were two necklaces. They were longer like she liked. One was similar to Astoria's star. "You said you wanted to match her at times." The other was a flat lunar moth to match her favorite hair piece. "They both work the same way as Astoria's."
She closed the box and hugged him. "They are wonderful." With people watching, she kissed him on his lips quickly before happily retreating to her room. She wanted a shower before they went to Astronomy. When done, she took out the star. It was Astoria's day and she should honor that.
Feeling Harry's power, its growth and warmth, she knew the Dark shadow would not bother her tonight.
When she joined him with her telescope and charts, she said to him, "You did a very good thing making Astoria feel so special. I know how upset you still are about no quidditch," she said.
He shrugged. "I am, but you and Astoria are important."
"Thank you. You will have next year to play," she said kissing him on the cheek and taking his arm to walk towards the Astronomy tower.
-oOo-
in hoc modo, vel e cellula= only allow those in this compartment in or out
AU Note: Astoria was born September 2, 1980, making her 11 on September 2, 1991. Last I knew, and I did not go AU on this, you had to be eleven by September 1 (Start of term according to the Letter of Acceptance). This makes her a day or two shy of being eleven months older than Harry.
On a related note, Daphne and Astoria are Irish twins, just haven't mentioned it yet. For now, Daphne is part of my cast of extra's, but she is starting to write herself more into future chapters.
Birthdates I am using:
Harry: Jul 31, 1981
Luna: Feb 13, 1981
Astoria: Sep 2, 1980
Neville: July 31, 1980
Hermione: Sep 19, 1979
Daphne: Sep 23, 1979