A/N: Harry Potter and his world belongs 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: Another huge thank you to my beta reader Ravenclaw Midnight Blue.

A/N2: Next Project: There is a Poll up on my profile to help decide my next project. A Different Type of Bond is in the last chapter or so of writing (should be about 23 chapters) and By the Moonlight is within a few chapters as well (should end around Chapter 73, maybe a little more). I would like to know what people may be interested in for my next project.

-oOo-

Chapter 65

-oOo-

January 27, 1996

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry had his arms around Astoria's waist as he put his chin on her shoulder. Luna and Neville were at the water's edge. Neville looking through the plants while Luna talked with one of the selkies. It had been a while, but a week ago one had come to the surface to talk with Luna. This time they had convinced his mum to get some fire whiskey and scotch. In the cold February day, with ice over most of the coves and piles up on the beach from wind blowing it down the lake, a naked woman had happily accepted the alcohol and was telling Luna about the grass fields up the lake.

Hermione was just sitting on the rock next to them, staring off.

"Luv, would you mind giving me a few minutes?" Harry asked her.

Astoria looked to Hermione and then turned to kiss him on the cheek. "I'm going to head up to the school with Luna when she is done."

"You going to Ravenclaw tower, or the library?"

"Library. I want to work more on what your mother gave us for those advanced rune chains. Someday I'll do what you do."

He smirked. "Someday," he teased.

He gave her a peck and then Astoria wandered down towards Neville.

Harry walked over to Hermione. "You mind budging over?" he asked their bushy-haired friend.

Hermione shifted and without preamble asked, "You've seen the whole thing, haven't you?"

He did not like keeping secrets from his friends. He had been told he could talk with Hermione about it, but he had been given limits. "There are parts my mum can't translate. She has asked me to help."

"You have seen it all. Don't lie to me, Harry," Hermione said in a fierce voice, finally focusing and turning to him. "Mrs. Lupin-Potter only told me she had contained the fragment of You-Know-Who and it is getting weaker, but that is not the whole story. What did the cypher say?"

Harry looked at her, his calm green eyes meeting the very fierce brown eyes. "You are still trying to work out a way to get it out." It was a statement, not a question.

She regarded him for a few minutes. "Your mother won't give me the details, but she has trusted you to see them. What did they say, Harry? Give me a copy, please!"

"Hermione, what I saw is not right. I can tell you it is dying as my mum's wards and Neville's Occlumancy are slowly choking the magic that is keeping it alive. Mum told me she was going to tell you this. Did she not do so?"

A tear leaked down Hermione's face. For the first time, he saw how tired she looked. "Neville's closing off to me at times. It's hurting him, Harry. He wakes in the middle of the night a few times a week in pain from it. I don't want him to hurt anymore."

He reached out and wrapped an arm around her. She resisted at first and then let him pull her to him. "Hermione, you and Nev are my best friends. Nev has told me how it hurts. He has also told me how much he loves you and that he needs you around."

"It doesn't seem like it, sometimes," Hermione told him.

Harry took a breath in and then let it go. He hadn't exactly been told not to talk about this part. "I know why it hurts him. Neville does too."

She pulled back, whipping at tears on her face. "He says it's because You-Know-Who is hurting."

"That is true, but did he tell you why?"

She pursed her lips. She looked at Harry for a moment, her eyes showing how her mind was whirling. After a moment, she slowly said, "In September, she mentioned that the fragment had attached itself to his core and was feeding off him like a leech. Neville... he's feeling the pain of the soul shard as the link to his core slowly severs."

"That is what mum thinks. The thing in his head is also dying."

Looking towards Neville, they could see Neville looking up towards them. Astoria was gingerly passing him a new bottle as he stood in two feet of icy water. "Why hasn't he said that to me directly?"

"You are still trying to find a way to get it out of him," Harry told her.

She pursed her lips. Neville had a slight apprehensive look on his face. "You know how, don't you? Neither of you wanted me to know this! I could have figured out a solution..."

"Hermione, stop," Harry snapped at her. "Yes, I have the cyphers. I am going to work with my mum on them again over the next few weeks, but take my word, please, that what my mum is doing is beyond what I have done with Runes and arithmancy."

"But Mrs. Lupin-Potter said you are surpassing her," Hermione argued.

"In how to apply and use rune in rune weaving and general understanding - yes. What my mum has done is take magical theory and arithmancy into a realm I don't understand. I don't think you would understand, even with what mum has taught. Hermione, with what I saw, you are either likely to hurt Neville or you, or even get yourself killed," he replied forcibly.

For the first time in a few weeks of them trying to convince Hermione to step back, this was the first time that he actually saw her recoil as the probability of things going wrong were sinking in. "I just want him safe and to not feel the pain," she spoke in a teary voice.

He pulled her to him again. "We all do. Neville and you are like family to us."

She sniffed. "Then why won't your mum let me help?"

"It is dangerous. As I think more about what I saw, the more I realize why mum didn't even want to tell me, but she needs someone that understands numerous languages and how runes really work. If she needs help with the arithmancy or charms part, I'm sure she will ask you," Harry told her.

Hermione sniffed again before letting out a long breath. "So, I should stop what I am doing?"

"I could use some help. I have a few new rune arrays, but I am having a hard time getting the power right. Could you check what I am doing with arithmancy?" he asked her.

"Are they more powerful than the ones you have given the Circle?"

"Potentially. Moody and Bill said the ward stones are good, but some of the testing has showed they can fail after a moment or so if things get really heavy," he responded.

Nodding, she said, "I have to do something to protect him."

"We will help."

-oOo-

February 6, 1996

Hogwarts, Scotland

Astoria had to admit, the last two weeks back had been her quietest time at Hogwarts since her first year. It didn't mean that she still wasn't a little paranoid, looking over her shoulder at times, but with so many students gone whose parents supported the Blood Supremacists and You-Know-Who, it was quiet. Fights were rare. She hadn't heard anyone say the word Mudblood, or any other blood or Muggle slur, since coming back.

It had also been very quiet outside the school.

With so many Aurors and Circle members around, she walked through the hallways with a person she had missed horribly, but until now it had been an impossibility this year. It also helped that her father had been cleared and was one of the Aurors in the school.

"How are Harry and Luna?" Amanda asked as they walked towards the library.

"Brilliant, as usual," Astoria remarked.

Amanda shook her head. "Harry isn't holding first this year. It was pretty clear that was his goal first year."

"Things have changed," Astoria told her.

Amanda frowned. "I never stopped being your friend."

"I know, Amanda. Just so much has happened. We are in fifth year courses whilst being only fourth years. Never mind everything else," she said.

"Father told mum and I what happened at the Ministry and the fight at Harry's godfather's house," Amanda replied.

Astoria pursed her lips. "Does he still not want you to hang out with Harry and Luna?"

Amanda snorted. "Are you kidding? You are the daughter of the Minister. Friends of Neville Longbottom. Your intended is Harry Potter. Father was there the day Harry broke the wards on the lower Courtroom. Tori, my father said it took a team of Unspeakables months to make those new wards during the war with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. They were supposed to be tied into the ley line conjunction, and father said Harry did it without saying a word. Truth be told, he sounded frightened of Harry. Said he never saw so much power in one person like that."

Astoria rolled her eyes. "So, just because I'm well connected, your father finally changes his mind? He still didn't seem like he wanted you to hang with them last year."

Amanda sighed. "You know that was only because he didn't want me to hang out with Potter. Father didn't think it would be a good relation to be with someone whose parents had renounced their titles. Truth be told, it was quite surprising when Harry took up his titles."

A smile snuck across Astoria's face. "Father was very happy about that, and pleased that Harry would ask me. It has made quite an alliance."

"You can say that. Father was talking with Lady Longbottom, and he voted with them the last few months," Amanda told her.

"Father mentioned it. Amanda, you know you are my oldest friend. Is this just a friendship of convenience or are you actually my friend still?" she asked, stopping and turning to Amanda.

Amanda looked more hurt than Astoria had ever seen. Astoria knew what she was saying, and whilst they shared a room, she had no doubt the girl was on her side - but Amanda had still avoided being seen with the Ravenclaws and Gryffindors that Astoria was friends with, and in love with. She had to know. The Houses were mingling more, many of the Pure and Old bloods that had not abandoned the Wizengamot were 're-evaluating' their stances. The Greengrasses, Longbottoms, Blacks, Potters, Abbots, Bones, and a half dozen Houses were now looking to be the new power - and probably would be for the next few generations if You-Know-Who was finally defeated for good. Her friend was her friend, but like almost all those in their circles, family came first and if the Head-of-House directed them to make connections that could help them, then it was their duty to do as such.

Astoria never felt that pressure, but she had known what was expected of her. At least of her own free will, she had found someone that saw her as an equal and she would carry on her family's line.

"Astoria Greengrass, we have been friends since we could walk. Your parents have always supported mine, and I still keep you in my confidence. If you think I do this because I have been directed to, then I really don't want to be your friend, damn my father's demands or not," Amanda spat at her.

"Amanda, I'm sorry. I had to know. We have been approached by a few people since coming back. I can't let anyone around Harry and Luna I don't trust," she told her friend.

Amanda's expression softened. "You are protecting your family," the fifteen-year-old commented.

"Yes," Astoria affirmed.

The girl gave her a hard look before smiling. "I accepted an invitation for a picnic this weekend from Kevin Entwhistle."

Astoria's eyebrows almost disappeared into her bangs. "And your father approves?"

"I approve," Amanda challenged, sounding so much like Astoria had years ago when she defended her friendship with Luna and Harry.

Astoria took Amanda's arm. "Where is this picnic going to happen?"

Amanda smirked. "I don't know. Do you have a suggestion?"

"I know how to sneak up to the Astronomy Tower," she told Amanda. They had used it last year many times, especially when trying to observe the maze as it was growing. "I also know where to check the NEWT student times."

Amanda's eyebrows rose this time. "Do I want to know?"

Astoria smirked. "It's where Harry and Luna gave me my fourteenth birthday presents." She touched the star on her neck. It was the only thing to survive Grimmauld Place of all the presents given to her by Harry.

The eye Amanda gave her said she didn't believe that was it. "And this present... You only told me about the star name and that necklace."

"And that was all I got that day," she told Amanda.

"And the other times?"

Astoria shrugged. "You still remember the warming charm I taught you?"

"Of course. I still use it frequently."

Astoria smirked again. "Up to you if you want to use it or not. You will have another warm body with you."

Amanda's mouth dropped open. "Astoria…," she said, shocked.

"Come on," Astoria said, pulling her friend along. If she didn't have her loves, then Astoria had a feeling she would have reacted just the same.

After a few moments they were in the library. There was a group near the table they typically used. Astoria saw a copy of the Daily Prophet. She frowned to see it. A story of a mass killing of Muggles had made it onto the front page. Muggle authorities had thought it a freak tornado in February, but the Magical World knew differently. The Aurors had responded in time to take down two giants that were running pell-mell through a Muggle suburb. At least forty-three Muggles were dead, and a few hundred more injured. The Prophet had said every Auror, Magical Reversal and Obliviator squad was still cleaning up the mess.

Amanda saw the paper too. "I can't believe that happened. I didn't even know there were giants left in Britain," her friend whispered.

"There weren't," Astoria affirmed.

Amanda frowned. "How much do you know?"

That was a hard question to answer. Her parents and Harry's didn't hide much from them, but she knew there were things they had not been told yet. "Probably more than most, but my father is trying to have the Ministry respond as much as possible."

They sat and started to take out their stuff. After a moment, Amanda commented, "You know about this other group that is going after the Death Eaters?" It was in a whisper.

Astoria looked around. "If there is, and if I knew anything - which I won't say - that is a dangerous secret to get around."

The hard look Astoria was giving Amanda brought a nod from her friend after a few moments. "Many in Slytherin know, Astoria. They don't know who is leading the group or much about it, but several blood purists and known Death Eaters have been captured in the last few weeks, and there is nothing in the Prophet or from the Ministry on it. Many are spooked, and fear that their families will be targeted because of their beliefs on blood."

Astoria had heard that too in Ravenclaw among those that ran in the same circles as Amanda and Astoria. "As long as they follow the laws and don't back You-Know-Who, there is nothing to fear," she soothed her friend.

Her green-eyed friend gave Astoria a very shrewd look. "May I tell father any of this?"

Astoria nodded. "If you must. Now, I would like to work on my charms. Maybe someday I will finally be able to catch up to Harry."

Amanda smiled. "I doubt it."

Astoria huffed, "Some friend you are!"

Amanda giggled. "Would you help me with my charms work for a bit?"

"Of course. Are you going to start coming to the Duelling club?"

"Father told me to put my name on the list," Amanda responded.

Astoria smirked. Her tone implied more than what she said. "I can arrange it for you to have Kevin as a partner."

Amanda flushed. "Will you be quiet about that?" Amanda scolded her friend, looking around to ensure they had not been overheard.

Astoria had been hanging out with Harry and the others too much as she chuckled. During her first year she would never have dared to do that in such a public place.

-oOo-

February 13, 1996

Hogwarts, Scotland

Luna was snuggled into Harry's side, perfectly happy to have his arm over her shoulder and hand resting on her back. She snuggled her face into his chest, liking the smell of him. It would be better if neither of them were wearing a shirt, but she would take what she could. To be in his arms like this chased away the constant onslaught of visions. Her grandmother's journals said she didn't have her powers become this strong until she was in her early twenties.

Astoria was on the other side of Harry, on her back and hand over her head.

She watched Astoria breathing for a bit, as Harry's chest rose and fell in a rhythm that almost lulled her back to sleep. It had been fully dark when she woke to a vision of Neville. It hadn't been a bad vision, but it hadn't been pleasant either. His head had started to bleed again and something very dark, very wrong, had come out. After Neville had collapsed, Harry had stepped in to save their friend. It was Harry who had spooked her awake. His fate had gone blank and dark at that point. It always scared her when her visions did that, but to be her Harry scared her more.

She put a leg over his, needing to be close to him. As she did, it was unmistakable that Harry must have been having a nice dream about them. She ran her leg up and down his and he muttered something and sighed.

It was her birthday today. She knew Harry and Astoria would make her feel special. It didn't mean she couldn't make them feel special too. Doing that was something Luna enjoyed very much. She rubbed her crotch against Harry's leg for a moment before pushing the covers down. It was getting light out. If she woke him he wouldn't mind.

Harry let out a soft groan as she slipped out of his arm and let her hand roam down to his shaft. He was already hard and long. "What are you dreaming?" she asked no one in particular, a dreamy smile on her face to think about what she dreamed about with the two of them. She would ask him later. For now, she pressed her crotch into his lower leg as she pulled his boxers down.

Luna liked pleasing her Raven and Aster.

She shifted and Astoria moved to put her head on Harry's chest. Her eyes opened for a moment before sighing and closing them.

The contented feeling from her two loves made Luna content. Now, she needed to satisfy her other needs, and Harry's.

Smiling, she wrapped a hand around Harry's malehood and licked the top of the head. Harry moaned. Luna liked the reaction as he moved in her hand. This was relatively recent in the last month for her to do this, so she was still learning how to make him react. Licking him and tasting the clear liquid that came out as she did, was one way she had found he liked, evident by how he pulsed in her hand.

It was a lazy morning and she took her time, waiting for Harry to give a deep groan and his eyes to flutter before she kissed him, and then wrapped her mouth around the top of his shaft. Astoria shifted as Harry moved. Luna let him push his hips up and push farther into her mouth. She doubted he was fully awake yet. She moved her own hips, liking the sensation. As she took her time, all she felt was her loves. No visions. No stray lights from those around them. She just felt them.

After a moment, she started to bob her head, her tongue moving around Harry's member. "Luna," he said in a very gruff voice that sent a pleasant thrill through her.

She didn't say anything, instead going faster. That was one thing Astoria and her had found. Harry liked it when it was just their mouths, and he liked it when they went faster. He groaned, his hips bucking before she felt him tense below her. He was fighting his urge. She just wanted him to do what he wanted. She didn't want them to control themselves around her.

She moved up, reluctantly taking her mouth off him. "Harry, don't hold back if you want," she told him, and then plunged her mouth on his member again.

"Moonbeam," he groaned out. She smiled as best she could - and he bucked, pushing himself further into her mouth than he had before.

Astoria started to move next to her. Luna took him in, meeting his movements and enjoying the grunts he made. She felt she was approaching her own crescendo as he stiffened. She had only done this once so far, letting him start to spew into her mouth, so it was a little surprising and she choked a little as he suddenly thrust a little deeper, as though he couldn't control himself, which she didn't want him too, and then his cock just let go.

Luna tried to take it all in, but between the surprise and how much suddenly came out, she couldn't swallow right away and it dribbled out before she could keep up with him.

"Oh, Merlin," Harry cried out, trying to pull away. She moaned as she didn't let him go and started to feel her own body go through its own ecstasy. It wasn't as earth shattering when Astoria or Harry brought her to it, but it was nice. More importantly was the way Harry stuttered as she let him spend himself in her mouth and then didn't let go. "Luna," he pleaded. She shuttered at the need and pleasure in his voice. When she did let him go, she looked up to see him panting heavily, his head on the pillow. Astoria was looking at her, looking bothered herself.

She cleaned Harry up before moving up. "Isn't it supposed to be your birthday?" Astoria asked a little huskily.

"I got what I wanted," she told her Aster before giving her a big kiss. Astoria gave a small moan as she ran her hand up Astoria's shirt. Today was going to be a good birthday.

They made it to breakfast a little late, but that didn't really matter as they had no classes this morning. Astoria gave her her present at the breakfast table. Luna had lost all her drawing supplies, so she was very pleased to get a nice set with some magically enchanted pencils. Minister Greengrass had finally had one of their businesses perfect her ideas and runes on making magical drawings. This set was a gift from the Greengrass family. Luna hugged Astoria and pecked her on the cheek. "Harry and I have a better gift for you soon," Astoria had told her.

Neville and Hermione joined them, giving her their presents. Luna was pleased to receive a book on ocean creatures. Not much was known about some of them, and this looked like a rare book. "Gran said I could give you a copy. There are a few others in our library if you want," Neville told her.

She hugged the book to her chest. "That would be wonderful," Luna told him with a big smile. She went to open Hermione's present when Marietta walked by, and Luna lost focus for a second. The colours around Marietta were different today. She was her normal pleasant peach color, with hints that she may have finally found someone she liked. A shadow was hanging over some of her, though. It wasn't something directly affecting her, but it would have an effect on her.

"Luna…?" Astoria asked.

"I think Lily needs to have someone check on Marietta's family," Luna whispered to them.

Harry looked up, frowning. Marietta, Cho and their friends held a special place with them. "Would you excuse me?" Harry asked, kissing her on the head as he got up. He went up to talk with Remus, as Lily was somewhere with Calla at the moment. They would see Lily for transfiguration later today.

Neville gave her a significant look. "Is everyone here safe?"

Luna nodded. She saw no danger at the school, but experience had taught her she didn't see everything. Taking Hermione's gift, Luna was very pleased to find something she thought lost forever. "Where did you find this?" she asked, touching the necklace that was in the box. It was her mother's. A tear came to her eye as she pulled it out.

"I asked Sirius and a few others if they could find anything left over at Grimmauld Place. He gave it to Lily last week. I hope you don't mind I kept it for today," Hermione said sounding uncertain.

Luna felt a few more tears fall. She clutched the necklace before turning to Astoria. "Please," she asked, holding it for her Aster to take it. Astoria put it around her neck, and it hung just slightly lower than the new moon lily that Harry had already given her this morning after they had finished their fun. "Thank you," she said to Hermione, taking her best mate's hand as Hermione stretched it across the table.

"You're welcome. I have a few other things the fiendfyre didn't burn up, including this," Hermione reached for her bag. She took out two cases. "The runes Harry put on these cases kept all the Christmas boxes safe."

"Why didn't anyone go back to look before now?" Astoria spoke up, taking the box with soot and scorch marks over it.

"It took Bill and Hestia weeks to get past the wards your mother and the Death Eaters left. With everything going on, the Aurors had just left the place sectioned off, not having the time to properly clean it up," Hermione told them.

Luna took her box. "Did you get the notes you wanted?" Luna asked, opening it to see the set of jewellery Harry had made them. He really was rather skilled.

Hermione shook her head. "Only these boxes, and the stuff Lily had enchanted, survived." Luna touched each of the pieces. "Tori, I really don't understand how you, Harry, and Lily do this. I can only get the simplest of the ancient magics to work, but nowhere near this level."

"You think too much," Luna told her.

Astoria snorted and Neville just about choked on his food as he tried not to laugh. Hermione just gaped at her. "Excuse me! I do what?"

Luna, unperturbed by all of it neatly stacked her gifts. "You think too much. Harry and Astoria think, but they feel it too. You think of the maths and theory, and work on how others apply it. But you don't really feel the magic for what it is." Luna looked up at their friend.

Hermione blinked. "What do you mean, feel the magic?"

Luna cocked her head. "I know we have said this, but magic is alive. It has its own will as you do."

The bushy-haired brunette frowned. "You sound like Lily when she really gets into the esoteric theories."

Astoria spoke up. "She isn't wrong. I still think of it too much at times. Harry and Luna let the magic guide them as much as they guide it."

"But, what about what Professor McGonagall says about much of the base theory. You know, intent, viciousness, power?" Hermione questioned.

"Most need that to learn to focus, and the maths do show its importance, but I think you forget about the unknown. That is what Harry has been working on since first year," Luna replied in her airy voice.

There was a silence for a few, in which Harry came back into, looking at them all. "Was there something bad I missed in the Daily Prophet?" he questioned.

"No, but I think your girls just blew away mine," Neville said, looking to Hermione, who was looking down, her eyes darting back and forth as though she was trying to understand something that her very logical mind could not quite comprehend. Hermione was excellent in what she excelled in, but like many who were so book smart, they had a hard time grasping that which was hard or impossible to write down, calculate or reason.

Harry kissed Luna's cheek. "I think that makes a handful of times I've seen Hermione speechless."

They all looked to Hermione, who had started to mutter under her breath. Harry looked to Neville. "You got her? Or do you need help?"

Neville shook his head. "I think it better you get Luna out of here for your next surprise, while I bring her back."

Luna brightened at that. "What type of surprise?" she asked excitedly, getting a vague image of something on the grounds.

"It's a surprise," her Aster teased.

She pouted. "Tell me, little Aster?"

Astoria gave her a look. "You are lucky it's your birthday."

Luna smiled. "It is my birthday."

She was fifteen. A glorious fifteen. It was only five months now before Harry was fifteen.

Harry chuckled. "Let us know if we need to dunk her in the lake or something."

Neville shook his head. "Don't you dare! I'll never hear the end of it."

"Kind of my point," Harry responded cheekily.

Neville threw some toast at Harry. "Cheeky blighter," Neville groused.

"Most days," Harry replied with a laugh.

As they walked out, Astoria asked, "What did Remus say?"

"He was going to alert the Aurors. In the meantime, he was going to get some of the Circle to talk to Marietta's parents and see if their wards are as good as they can be," Harry responded.

"I don't feel anything has happened yet, but Marietta's mum works for the Ministry," Luna expanded on what Harry told her.

Astoria nodded. "Father has been most concerned about that. He says there are a few missing persons that the Aurors have not been able to really do much about, with everything else going on."

"I hope Marietta's mother is alright," Harry replied. "Now, I think someone has another birthday present coming."

Luna hadn't missed that they were outside and heading towards Hagrid's hut. She took both their hands. She was happy for another present. She wasn't happy that they were trying to be chipper for her. Luna loved her birthday and loved her two mates, but there were larger issues in the outside world. She had to think to Remus's words shortly before they came back to school.

'I know times are bleak. It will probably get worse still. That is the reality of war. I wish you didn't have to know all this, but it is. Don't let it destroy your spirit. Find happiness where you can. Enjoy the ones you love. Protect the ones you love. And always remember to tell the ones you love how you really feel."

It was something the six teens around the table took to heart. Even Daphne had looked pensive and had nodded her head.

"Now, Luna," Astoria stated. Luna looked to the hazel eyes of her girl. "We are not going into the Forbidden Forest, and you cannot follow anything in there."

Luna brightened. What type of creature did they have now? "Just a little bit?"

Astoria shook her head. "No. I really don't want to get probed and searched."

Luna nodded, feeling a little frustrated.

As they approached Hagrid's, her eyes saw a few paddocks that had not been there at the start of the week. In them were horses. All of them with wings. Her eyes widened before she took off. "Luna," Harry called out behind her, a laugh on his voice.

One paddock had huge white Abraxans, like Beauxbatons had used. Another paddock had the chestnut Aethonans she had not seen before. The far paddock was her destination. The skeletal-looking thestrals were poking around. She hadn't seen them in over a year and found it too long.

She made it to the fence, climbed over and moved to hug the closest one around the neck. It didn't flinch or look at her oddly, just neighed and nuzzled her, like it was greeting an old friend. It was minutes before she heard Harry and Astoria approaching, talking about the Duelling club.

Luna moved between the five adults and four foals before Harry joined her. Astoria was at the fence. As Harry approached, the thestral turned its head and nudged Harry's cloak pocket. He patted the side of the thestral she was at.

"You ran before I could give this to you," he told her, taking out a few paper packages with raw meat in them.

She kissed his cheek before taking one of the packages. The thestral was trying to take it out of her hand. "You can be patient," she chastised the big horse. It hungrily ate the treat as the others came around them.

A booming laugh came as she doled out the treats. "I should've known it would have been you lot," Hagrid called out.

"Good morning, Professor Hagrid. You have no idea how much she has missed them," Astoria replied.

"It's just Hagrid," the man told her.

"Not when you have students around, sir," Astoria replied.

"It's Tuesday, no classes today. She is a natural. Happy birthday, Luna."

"Thank you," she said with a smile, handing out the last piece of meat to a small foal.

"I can't let you ride them today. Sorry 'bout that," Hagrid told her.

Luna understood. It was just nice to see them again. After a few, she took Harry's hand to head towards the fence. "Are you coming in?" she asked Astoria.

Astoria's nose scrunched. "This is close enough right now."

"Spoilsport," Harry taunted.

Astoria returned a stony look. "It's bad enough both of you will smell like horses."

Luna went to the fence, took a hand full of Astoria's cloak and pulled her closer. "I like the smell," she said, going on her toes to peck Astoria.

Astoria huffed. "Well, maybe only when it's on you."

"Not me?" Harry questioned.

Astoria gave him a discerning look. "You smell so much I can't tell the difference."

Harry laughed and Hagrid chuckled. "Keep hold of her," Harry told Luna.

Astoria's eyes went wide. "Harry James Potter, don't you dare!"

Luna couldn't keep hold of her as Astoria pulled away. Harry just shrugged. "Fine. You have to walk back with us."

Astoria's eyes had narrowed. "You had better not."

Luna was almost knocked over as the largest thestral came up to her, trying to lick her hands, looking for any more meat. Harry steadied her and she hugged the winged horse's neck again. "Can I see the Aenthonians now?" she asked.

"O' course. Mind ye now, they are quite a bit larger. I won't risk you getting hurt," the man told her. They all knew he still felt guilty about last year, but they managed to trust him again with how cautious he was being this year.

Luna climbed out of the paddock and walked over to the next fence. "I think they will be nice," Luna told them.

"If ye want, they like these acorns," Hagrid offered taking a large handful out of his pocket. She cupped both her hands and more than half spilled out.

"I have them," Astoria said.

Luna was smiling too much to care as she approached the chestnut coloured winged horses. Where the Thestrals were only a little higher than her shoulder, these horses shoulders were at her eyes. She had not seen any Aenthonians before, but knew they usually had an even temper. It was the Abraxans she would need to keep an eye on.

A mare and her foal approached first, sniffing the air for the acorns. "Oh, you are lovely," Luna told the mare, holding a few acorns out. She offered the foal two. Astoria came up to her. "Can I have one when we get older?" she asked her Aster.

"I am sure Harry will get you what you want."

Luna smiled, eventually getting to feed them, and rub their noses and feel their soft feathery wings. Luna was in love with them, as much as she was with the thestrals. She wasn't sure she would have enough space for all the animals she wanted, though seeing them in the wild was better.

Harry met her at the fence. "Uncle Remus got me some single-malt whiskey if you want for the Abraxans."

She kissed him before Hagrid opened the gate for him. "I love you," she told her, coming out.

"Just him?" Astoria mock pouted. Luna pulled her down for a deeper kiss and hugging her closely.

"No, silly girl. I love you both," Luna said with a smile and skipped as she turned.

Astoria smiled before complaining, "I am going to smell like a horse now."

"I like it," Luna insisted.

The Abraxans were just as proud and stubborn as she knew they would be. Hagrid was very unsure about letting her into the paddock. "Luna, why not see if they will come to the fence first?" Harry suggested.

She looked at him for a moment. He had never kept her from a creature before. "They will not hurt me."

"Luv, Moonbeam, just until they get to know you," he pressed.

She nodded, unsure why Harry would do that. After unstoppering one of the bottles, and pouring some into the buckets Hagrid put on the fence, the four horses made their way over. She was enjoying it before one of them tried to nip at the bottle in her hand. She cried out in pain, pulling her hand back. The winged horse whinnied, nudged her through the fence and Harry had to catch her before she fell on her bottom.

"That was rather rude," she chastised the horse.

It shook its head in annoyance at her. "Right, maybe you lot should hang back for a few."

Astoria took her hand. "It didn't break your skin."

Luna looked at the bruise that was already showing where it had nipped her. She loved and respected creatures, but she didn't understand the horse's behavior. Luna scrunched her brow, realizing most of the horses were looking spooked.

"Hagrid, why are they all backing away from the Forbidden Forest," Astoria asked.

Hagrid frowned. "You lot better get back up to the school."

"Why," Luna asked. Harry was already trying to put himself between the forest and her. They all looked towards the forest as the winged horses whinnied or pawed at the ground.

There was a sense of foreboding. "Harry?" Astoria questioned. He put a hand to his lips. Luna felt it too. There was something out there.

"Head up to the castle," Hagrid told them.

None of them moved. After a few moments, whatever was going on passed and the horses all calmed. "What was that?" her Aster questioned.

"I think something is in the Forbidden Forest that shouldn't be," Hagrid told them.

Luna was still looking towards a clump of rather large trees not far away. She shivered. It had been something dark and dangerous that actually scared her. She could think of only a few times she had been scared around a creature.

"Luna, you alright?" Harry asked.

"I don't like what that was," she warned them.

"We should get back up and let Lily and the others know," Astoria told them.

Luna let them lead her away. She let out a body wracking shake about halfway back. "Luna?"

"We cannot go into the Forbidden Forest," she told them.

Harry wrapped his arm over her shoulders as Astoria took her hand. "How about we head back to Ravenclaw for a bit?"

Luna nodded. "I would like to read some of that new book."

Harry kissed her forehead. "Whatever you want. It's your birthday and we don't have classes until after lunch."

She looked back towards Hagrid's as they made it to the wooden bridge. She had never been afraid of the Forbidden Forest before.