Closure
The first week of school had not gone very well. Luna wasn't speaking to him, Snape was being his usual dark self, putting down Harry and taking points from Gryffindor every chance he got, and best of all, Ron was telling Harry and Hermione to stay away from Ginny!
"Why can't we be around her? She's your sister!" Harry asked Ron Friday morning while buttering up a crumpet.
"Just 'cause," Ron whined back.
"Well," Hermione started, "I don't think either of you could stop me from being near her. We're close friends after all. Besides, I really doubt there's not a reason why you don't want us near her. I thought we were best friends! You know, trust the other two with everything? But I suppose I was wrong, wasn't I?"
"There's a first!" Ron roared. Hermione glared at him.
"I just don't think it's a very clever idea to tell us not to be around her and not tell us why. We could go up to the common room if it's none of anyone's business."
"That's why I'm not telling you! It's none of anyone's business!" he bellowed, and most of the Great Hall turned to stare.
"I was just trying to-"
"To pry in my business!"
"No I wasn't!" Hermione protested.
"Yes you were! Harry, let's go!" and Ron left with Harry mouthing 'I'm sorry' out the Great Hall and away from the Hogwarts building to the cool shade of a tree by the lake where the gigantic octupus stayed.
"Sorry Harry, I just didn't want to tell her," Ron whispered sulkily, as if someone could hear from the noisy Great Hall.
"It's alright," Harry said, as Ron sat down at the edge of the lake, taking his shoes off and shoving his feet into the water. "So are you going to tell me?"
"Yeah, I just didn't want to say in front of her." He sighed and took a foot out of the water to examine it. He got bored and slammed his foot back into the water, making large ripples across the surface. "You know," he said, while a small fish was nibbling at his toe, "girls aren't very bright, are they?" Harry shrugged and sat beside Ron. "You can't understand them. What goes on in their minds I'll never find out. It's like you say 'hello' and all of a sudden you've committed the worst crime in history! I'll never never -" he was cut short by a bushy haired fiigure walking straight toward them. "What are you doing here?!" he shouted, "I told you to leave me alone!" The figure grunted and put her hands on her side.
"I wasn't coming to fight! Dumbledore's about to make an announcement and I volunteered to come and get you two!" Ron stared at her through slits in his eyes. Hermione stared back.
"I guess we'd better go then," Harry raised his voice so he would get their attention off each other. Hermione turned on heel and strode back to the Great Hall. Ron fumbled with his shoes and together he and Harry walked to the Great Hall.
"I wonder what's so important," Harry said to Ron, trying to get his attention off Hermione and Ginny. His attempt failed.
"I don't know!" Ron hissed, fists at his sides.
When they entered the Great Hall, everyone was seated, waiting for them, staring at them. When the two were finally seated, Dumbledore rose.
"Quiet, quiet everyone," he said calmly, thought this was not neccesay because they wee already silent. "Now you may realize this is the end of our first week back at Hogwarts. Some of you are overjoyed, others content they made it through the homework, and the rest wishing they were back home." He cleared his throat, "that few may just get their wish." A sudden gasp from students and talk rose throughout the Great Hall. "Silence eveyone!" The room grew quiet again. "There has been some talk about an evil and most powerful wizard coming here and destroying evything this school has to offer. We do not want you in any sort of danger."
"But isn't Hogwarts defended by spells and enchantments?" Seamus, a former 6th year Gryffindor interrupted, "Isn't Hogwarts suppose to be the safest place to be?"
"Besides Gringotts Bank that is," said Dean Thomas.
"However," Dumbledore continued, "as many of you know, Hogwarts is run efficiently with many trained professional wizards and is well protected by spells and enchantments. Though this may be so," he lowered his head and raised it again slowly. Harry noticed a tear streak down Dumbledore's cheek. He had seen Dumbledore cry only once before. Last year in his office, explaining to Harry the danger he was put through and the secrets revealed to him. The secrets meant to protect him! "I'm afraid this school year may come to a close much sooner than we all had hoped." Gasps exploded throughout the room and even a light scream came from the Hufflepuff table. "We are trying our best to calm the situation, to be able to see if we can't possibly do arrangements in which you can still be taught in the safety of your own home."
Justin Finch-Fletchly, a curly haired boy in Hufflepuff, stood up and shouted, "Hogwarts is safer than all our homes combined! Wouldn't it be better if we just stayed here?"
"Yeah!" said many students, all nodding in agreement. Ron rolled his eyes, muttering something under his breath.
"We have considered the matter," Dumbledore told them, "but I'm afraid we cannot risk it." "But since Voldemort's come back to power," Hermione cried, most of everyone wincing at his name, "he'll raid our homes, gain followers, and kill whoever stands in his way!" Everyone was staring at her, not stirring, not speaking. "He'll kill all of the muggle- borns with one blow! Only one person has ever escaped him, and that's..." she looked at Harry, tears in her eyes. "And that's Harry Potter."
"Hermione, please don't bring me into this," Harry whispered.
"No, Harry. It must be said! Dumbledore, if we go back to our homes then we'll be a hundred times less safe than we would be here at Hogwarts. I think we should stay here, not because I want us to, but because I think it would benefit us all."
Harry could see a fain smile on the teary eyed Dumbloedore's face. "Hermione Granger," he said, "Twenty points will be added to Gryffindor for your sense of mind and intelect." The Gryffindors were grinning. "However, you do not understand the full effect of this war. Your families need you. They love and care about you. Families need to stay together, not separated. And I cannot fit hundreds of families in this school -"
"But of course you can! Have you not seen how incredibly large Hogwarts is?" Seamus budded in.
"It is easier to kill if all you want is in one place, Mr. Finnigan. It would not be either wise nor tolerant to have so many wizarding families at Hogwarts." Silence spread once again. "The professors and I will talk this matter over and see waht we can do. In the meantime, when you are finished with your breakfast, please go straight to your house dormitories."
"Isn't our house like our family?" Luna had stood up. She had a concerned look on her face, like everyone else in the room. "We live together, sleep together, eat together... there's no explaining it! You say every year that our house is like our family. Do you not?" Dumbledore nodded and prodded her to go on. "So what I'm trying to say is this: our families are already here. We stick up for each other wherever we go." She took a quick glance at Harry and proceeded, "Our house is our home, our family. Four families live here. Is this not enough to let us stay? I know we're safe here. I can feel it!"
Dumbledore once again looked to the floor and back up. Tears were streaming down his face. Harry could tell it was very hard for him to say these last words. "I would, in no right mind, disagree with you Miss Lovegood. But during these past few years, so many terrible terrible things have happened here. It seems out of my control. There is nothing I can do but wait for the next moment to pass by, hoping nothing will happen and everything is fine. This I can assure you. Voldemort, He-Who-Must-Not- Be-Named, You-Know-Who, how many names he has, is out there and waiting to kill. I'm sorry if I upset anyone. I give my deepest apologies. So..." he cleared his throat, "please proceed with your breakfast. Then please go to your dormitories. Wait there until your prefects come and get you. Yes, yes. All prefects and the head boy and girl must stay behind. And yes, you will be added in the conversation with the professors and myself." Ron, Hermione, and Harry exchanged looks, wide eyed. "So please, continue!" And Dumbledore sat down. Everyone sat there for a minute, not doing anything. Slowly but surely, one by one, the students relaxed a bitq
qW3 23`DE`4`` and finished the rest of their meal.
Harry said his good-byes to Ron and Hermione and made his way up to the dormitory alone. Almost everyone else left a long time before because Harry was making it clear to Hermione and Ron that he wanted to know everything that went on inside those doors. Harry made it up to his second flight of stairs when he looked up at the top of the staircase and found Luna Lovegood, leaning against the rail with her arms folded across her chest.
"Oh, hullo," said Harry, "You firghtened me. I.. uh.. didn't see you there."
"No one ever really notices me until they want to make fun of me somehow," she replied calmly. "I'm sorry about how I acted the other day. It was all my fault. I shouldn't have said what I said."
"It's alright. It really was my fault." She smiled at him.
"Want to go for a walk?" Harry hesitated. "Only if you want to," she added.
"Sure, I'll walk with you." Harry jumped the few stairs between them and they walked along the corridor, talking about the war and last year when they went to rescue a dream.
"I still think it was my fault, you know? If I had just taken those stupid Occlumency lessons with Snap then Voldemort wouldn't have gotten into my head and make me think Sirius was in trouble."
"Don't beat yourself up about it. It's not your fault. Besides," she turned to him, "last year I did something I never thought I would do. We indeed saved lives. We're Dumbledore's Army! We didn't die! It was wonderful, Harry! If you want to blame anyone, blame V-V-... blame V-Vol-d- demort." Harry looked at her with a shocked expression on his face. Luna said his name! Hermione and Dumbledore were the only other ones ever to say it besides him. He smiled at her.
"You said his name," he said softly. She blushed.
"Well we fought him, didn't we? Only people strong enough to be able to stand up to him say his name. It's only right. I realy think any person willing to rage on about how V-V-Voldemort's behaving should say his name. It's just a name anyway." She paused and smiled. "It's just a name. Voldemort." She laughed. "Voldemort! Ha! Voldemort Voldemort Voldemort!"
"You've been wanting to say that for quite a while, haven't you?" Harry laughed, watching Luna beam, shouting "Vodemort!" as loud as she could.
"I'm not afraid anymore," she smiled sweetly. "Thanks Harry." They just noticed they were in front of the magical wall, in which they condcted the D.A. "What do you want to wish for?"
"Not sure," he answered. "What do you want?"
Luna bit her lip, looked at the wall, and looked back at Harry. She took a step toward him. Harry felt he knew what was coming. This had happened before last year with Cho. Luna leaned in and pressed gently on Harry's lips with hers. It lasted for only a few second and she pulled back. She looked down at her feet. Harry stood in his spot. What was he to do? Luna Lovegood just kissed him! On the lips! But he got an idea, smiling to himself and said, "Luna?" Her head shot up.
"Yes Harry?" This time is was he who kissed her. This kiss lasted longer, for it was more passionate. Harry could feel their saliva interveine. It felt so good! He felt her arms wrap around his neck as he pushed her up against the wall. He couldn't believe it! Harry Potter making out with Luna Lovegood in the hallway? Impossible! But is was! That's what made it so perfect!
The kiss ended, and they boh smiled at each other. Just then, Harry realized how beautiful Luna was. Her eyes twinkled and her hair, long blond hair, felt like silk. He also just noticed his body was pressed up against hers. He backed away. Luna giggled.
"Can I ask you a personal question?" she moved closer to him.
"Depends on what it is," he replied.
"How far have you gone with a girl?" Harry was stunned at this question. Where did it come from? He didn't know exactly what to sa.
"I...uh... um... well..." he stammered, "The farthest I've gone was kissing. I kissed Cho and I've kissed you. That's it."
"Oh ok," she said. She took her finger and lifted up his chin so their eyes met. "I've never liked anyone before as much as I like you. That was actually my first kiss. You would believe it by the way I'm treated. Being called 'Lony' Lovegood and everything-"
"You're not 'Loony' Lovegood. People shouldn't say that about you!" he raised his voice. Luna shuddered. Harry paused and pulled her close, his cool breath blowing in her face. He moved a stray hair from her eye and carressed her cheek softly. Luna lifted her hand up to his glasses and took them off. She folded them up and put them in his side pocket. They kissed again, more passionately this time. Tiny moans escaped their mouths as Harry slowly propped her up against the wall again. But ths time it wasn't a wall. A door replaced it. They stopped kissing. Harry reached in his pocket and took out his glasses. Luna opened the door. Inside was a frilly, carpeted bedroom. The bed, with lace trim and soft cushy pillows, stood directly in the middle of the large and peaceful room. A butterfly zoomed in and out fo the doorway. Luna frantically closed the door and looked at Harry.
"I think we better go now," she said, clutching the door handle. Harry, who was still fumbling with his glasses, didn't notice the bedroom.
"Yeah, I guess we better. I don't want Snape or Filch or somebody catching us down this corridor."
They walked back toward the staircases. When they reached where the two towers split, they gave one last kiss goodbye and headed their separate ways - Luna to Ravenclaw and Harry to Gryffindor.
When Harry arrived in the Gryffindor common room, everyone was chatting away excitedly about Dumbledore's speech. For some reason, Harry felt very tired. He scanned the room for Ron or Hermione, who apparently were still at the meeting, and went up the winding staircase to the boys' dorm. He stood over his bed and collapsed upon it. He laid there, listening to the conversations down below and finally nodded off to sleep.
The first week of school had not gone very well. Luna wasn't speaking to him, Snape was being his usual dark self, putting down Harry and taking points from Gryffindor every chance he got, and best of all, Ron was telling Harry and Hermione to stay away from Ginny!
"Why can't we be around her? She's your sister!" Harry asked Ron Friday morning while buttering up a crumpet.
"Just 'cause," Ron whined back.
"Well," Hermione started, "I don't think either of you could stop me from being near her. We're close friends after all. Besides, I really doubt there's not a reason why you don't want us near her. I thought we were best friends! You know, trust the other two with everything? But I suppose I was wrong, wasn't I?"
"There's a first!" Ron roared. Hermione glared at him.
"I just don't think it's a very clever idea to tell us not to be around her and not tell us why. We could go up to the common room if it's none of anyone's business."
"That's why I'm not telling you! It's none of anyone's business!" he bellowed, and most of the Great Hall turned to stare.
"I was just trying to-"
"To pry in my business!"
"No I wasn't!" Hermione protested.
"Yes you were! Harry, let's go!" and Ron left with Harry mouthing 'I'm sorry' out the Great Hall and away from the Hogwarts building to the cool shade of a tree by the lake where the gigantic octupus stayed.
"Sorry Harry, I just didn't want to tell her," Ron whispered sulkily, as if someone could hear from the noisy Great Hall.
"It's alright," Harry said, as Ron sat down at the edge of the lake, taking his shoes off and shoving his feet into the water. "So are you going to tell me?"
"Yeah, I just didn't want to say in front of her." He sighed and took a foot out of the water to examine it. He got bored and slammed his foot back into the water, making large ripples across the surface. "You know," he said, while a small fish was nibbling at his toe, "girls aren't very bright, are they?" Harry shrugged and sat beside Ron. "You can't understand them. What goes on in their minds I'll never find out. It's like you say 'hello' and all of a sudden you've committed the worst crime in history! I'll never never -" he was cut short by a bushy haired fiigure walking straight toward them. "What are you doing here?!" he shouted, "I told you to leave me alone!" The figure grunted and put her hands on her side.
"I wasn't coming to fight! Dumbledore's about to make an announcement and I volunteered to come and get you two!" Ron stared at her through slits in his eyes. Hermione stared back.
"I guess we'd better go then," Harry raised his voice so he would get their attention off each other. Hermione turned on heel and strode back to the Great Hall. Ron fumbled with his shoes and together he and Harry walked to the Great Hall.
"I wonder what's so important," Harry said to Ron, trying to get his attention off Hermione and Ginny. His attempt failed.
"I don't know!" Ron hissed, fists at his sides.
When they entered the Great Hall, everyone was seated, waiting for them, staring at them. When the two were finally seated, Dumbledore rose.
"Quiet, quiet everyone," he said calmly, thought this was not neccesay because they wee already silent. "Now you may realize this is the end of our first week back at Hogwarts. Some of you are overjoyed, others content they made it through the homework, and the rest wishing they were back home." He cleared his throat, "that few may just get their wish." A sudden gasp from students and talk rose throughout the Great Hall. "Silence eveyone!" The room grew quiet again. "There has been some talk about an evil and most powerful wizard coming here and destroying evything this school has to offer. We do not want you in any sort of danger."
"But isn't Hogwarts defended by spells and enchantments?" Seamus, a former 6th year Gryffindor interrupted, "Isn't Hogwarts suppose to be the safest place to be?"
"Besides Gringotts Bank that is," said Dean Thomas.
"However," Dumbledore continued, "as many of you know, Hogwarts is run efficiently with many trained professional wizards and is well protected by spells and enchantments. Though this may be so," he lowered his head and raised it again slowly. Harry noticed a tear streak down Dumbledore's cheek. He had seen Dumbledore cry only once before. Last year in his office, explaining to Harry the danger he was put through and the secrets revealed to him. The secrets meant to protect him! "I'm afraid this school year may come to a close much sooner than we all had hoped." Gasps exploded throughout the room and even a light scream came from the Hufflepuff table. "We are trying our best to calm the situation, to be able to see if we can't possibly do arrangements in which you can still be taught in the safety of your own home."
Justin Finch-Fletchly, a curly haired boy in Hufflepuff, stood up and shouted, "Hogwarts is safer than all our homes combined! Wouldn't it be better if we just stayed here?"
"Yeah!" said many students, all nodding in agreement. Ron rolled his eyes, muttering something under his breath.
"We have considered the matter," Dumbledore told them, "but I'm afraid we cannot risk it." "But since Voldemort's come back to power," Hermione cried, most of everyone wincing at his name, "he'll raid our homes, gain followers, and kill whoever stands in his way!" Everyone was staring at her, not stirring, not speaking. "He'll kill all of the muggle- borns with one blow! Only one person has ever escaped him, and that's..." she looked at Harry, tears in her eyes. "And that's Harry Potter."
"Hermione, please don't bring me into this," Harry whispered.
"No, Harry. It must be said! Dumbledore, if we go back to our homes then we'll be a hundred times less safe than we would be here at Hogwarts. I think we should stay here, not because I want us to, but because I think it would benefit us all."
Harry could see a fain smile on the teary eyed Dumbloedore's face. "Hermione Granger," he said, "Twenty points will be added to Gryffindor for your sense of mind and intelect." The Gryffindors were grinning. "However, you do not understand the full effect of this war. Your families need you. They love and care about you. Families need to stay together, not separated. And I cannot fit hundreds of families in this school -"
"But of course you can! Have you not seen how incredibly large Hogwarts is?" Seamus budded in.
"It is easier to kill if all you want is in one place, Mr. Finnigan. It would not be either wise nor tolerant to have so many wizarding families at Hogwarts." Silence spread once again. "The professors and I will talk this matter over and see waht we can do. In the meantime, when you are finished with your breakfast, please go straight to your house dormitories."
"Isn't our house like our family?" Luna had stood up. She had a concerned look on her face, like everyone else in the room. "We live together, sleep together, eat together... there's no explaining it! You say every year that our house is like our family. Do you not?" Dumbledore nodded and prodded her to go on. "So what I'm trying to say is this: our families are already here. We stick up for each other wherever we go." She took a quick glance at Harry and proceeded, "Our house is our home, our family. Four families live here. Is this not enough to let us stay? I know we're safe here. I can feel it!"
Dumbledore once again looked to the floor and back up. Tears were streaming down his face. Harry could tell it was very hard for him to say these last words. "I would, in no right mind, disagree with you Miss Lovegood. But during these past few years, so many terrible terrible things have happened here. It seems out of my control. There is nothing I can do but wait for the next moment to pass by, hoping nothing will happen and everything is fine. This I can assure you. Voldemort, He-Who-Must-Not- Be-Named, You-Know-Who, how many names he has, is out there and waiting to kill. I'm sorry if I upset anyone. I give my deepest apologies. So..." he cleared his throat, "please proceed with your breakfast. Then please go to your dormitories. Wait there until your prefects come and get you. Yes, yes. All prefects and the head boy and girl must stay behind. And yes, you will be added in the conversation with the professors and myself." Ron, Hermione, and Harry exchanged looks, wide eyed. "So please, continue!" And Dumbledore sat down. Everyone sat there for a minute, not doing anything. Slowly but surely, one by one, the students relaxed a bitq
qW3 23`DE`4`` and finished the rest of their meal.
Harry said his good-byes to Ron and Hermione and made his way up to the dormitory alone. Almost everyone else left a long time before because Harry was making it clear to Hermione and Ron that he wanted to know everything that went on inside those doors. Harry made it up to his second flight of stairs when he looked up at the top of the staircase and found Luna Lovegood, leaning against the rail with her arms folded across her chest.
"Oh, hullo," said Harry, "You firghtened me. I.. uh.. didn't see you there."
"No one ever really notices me until they want to make fun of me somehow," she replied calmly. "I'm sorry about how I acted the other day. It was all my fault. I shouldn't have said what I said."
"It's alright. It really was my fault." She smiled at him.
"Want to go for a walk?" Harry hesitated. "Only if you want to," she added.
"Sure, I'll walk with you." Harry jumped the few stairs between them and they walked along the corridor, talking about the war and last year when they went to rescue a dream.
"I still think it was my fault, you know? If I had just taken those stupid Occlumency lessons with Snap then Voldemort wouldn't have gotten into my head and make me think Sirius was in trouble."
"Don't beat yourself up about it. It's not your fault. Besides," she turned to him, "last year I did something I never thought I would do. We indeed saved lives. We're Dumbledore's Army! We didn't die! It was wonderful, Harry! If you want to blame anyone, blame V-V-... blame V-Vol-d- demort." Harry looked at her with a shocked expression on his face. Luna said his name! Hermione and Dumbledore were the only other ones ever to say it besides him. He smiled at her.
"You said his name," he said softly. She blushed.
"Well we fought him, didn't we? Only people strong enough to be able to stand up to him say his name. It's only right. I realy think any person willing to rage on about how V-V-Voldemort's behaving should say his name. It's just a name anyway." She paused and smiled. "It's just a name. Voldemort." She laughed. "Voldemort! Ha! Voldemort Voldemort Voldemort!"
"You've been wanting to say that for quite a while, haven't you?" Harry laughed, watching Luna beam, shouting "Vodemort!" as loud as she could.
"I'm not afraid anymore," she smiled sweetly. "Thanks Harry." They just noticed they were in front of the magical wall, in which they condcted the D.A. "What do you want to wish for?"
"Not sure," he answered. "What do you want?"
Luna bit her lip, looked at the wall, and looked back at Harry. She took a step toward him. Harry felt he knew what was coming. This had happened before last year with Cho. Luna leaned in and pressed gently on Harry's lips with hers. It lasted for only a few second and she pulled back. She looked down at her feet. Harry stood in his spot. What was he to do? Luna Lovegood just kissed him! On the lips! But he got an idea, smiling to himself and said, "Luna?" Her head shot up.
"Yes Harry?" This time is was he who kissed her. This kiss lasted longer, for it was more passionate. Harry could feel their saliva interveine. It felt so good! He felt her arms wrap around his neck as he pushed her up against the wall. He couldn't believe it! Harry Potter making out with Luna Lovegood in the hallway? Impossible! But is was! That's what made it so perfect!
The kiss ended, and they boh smiled at each other. Just then, Harry realized how beautiful Luna was. Her eyes twinkled and her hair, long blond hair, felt like silk. He also just noticed his body was pressed up against hers. He backed away. Luna giggled.
"Can I ask you a personal question?" she moved closer to him.
"Depends on what it is," he replied.
"How far have you gone with a girl?" Harry was stunned at this question. Where did it come from? He didn't know exactly what to sa.
"I...uh... um... well..." he stammered, "The farthest I've gone was kissing. I kissed Cho and I've kissed you. That's it."
"Oh ok," she said. She took her finger and lifted up his chin so their eyes met. "I've never liked anyone before as much as I like you. That was actually my first kiss. You would believe it by the way I'm treated. Being called 'Lony' Lovegood and everything-"
"You're not 'Loony' Lovegood. People shouldn't say that about you!" he raised his voice. Luna shuddered. Harry paused and pulled her close, his cool breath blowing in her face. He moved a stray hair from her eye and carressed her cheek softly. Luna lifted her hand up to his glasses and took them off. She folded them up and put them in his side pocket. They kissed again, more passionately this time. Tiny moans escaped their mouths as Harry slowly propped her up against the wall again. But ths time it wasn't a wall. A door replaced it. They stopped kissing. Harry reached in his pocket and took out his glasses. Luna opened the door. Inside was a frilly, carpeted bedroom. The bed, with lace trim and soft cushy pillows, stood directly in the middle of the large and peaceful room. A butterfly zoomed in and out fo the doorway. Luna frantically closed the door and looked at Harry.
"I think we better go now," she said, clutching the door handle. Harry, who was still fumbling with his glasses, didn't notice the bedroom.
"Yeah, I guess we better. I don't want Snape or Filch or somebody catching us down this corridor."
They walked back toward the staircases. When they reached where the two towers split, they gave one last kiss goodbye and headed their separate ways - Luna to Ravenclaw and Harry to Gryffindor.
When Harry arrived in the Gryffindor common room, everyone was chatting away excitedly about Dumbledore's speech. For some reason, Harry felt very tired. He scanned the room for Ron or Hermione, who apparently were still at the meeting, and went up the winding staircase to the boys' dorm. He stood over his bed and collapsed upon it. He laid there, listening to the conversations down below and finally nodded off to sleep.