Disclaimer: The characters and their world are the property of J.K. Rowling, various publishers and Warner Bros. No money is being made and no copyright infringement is intended.
Author's Note: My special thanks to aliceravenclaw and John Adams for all their help in beta reading this story and keeping me on character with Harry and the gang. Also for their many suggestions that made this story better than it would have been.
CHAPTER 7: WHERE HEROS REST
The defense classes with Tonks and Moody also served to reduce the stress level. The six friends didn't even regard these classes as work, but saw it rather as a time when they could have fun and enjoy each others company. Tonks and Moody knew well the pressures the six teens were under, and endeavored to make the class as much fun as possible. Tonks was especially good at this, filling her lessons with a variety of exciting games.
Tonks had started their Apparation training in late September, but since you couldn't Apparate within the Hogwarts grounds it was necessary to find another location for the lessons. Harry suggested the Shrieking Shack, and it turned out to be the perfect place. Tonks and the six students would slip down the tunnel just after dinner and make their way to the old house, and then spend the next two hours Apparating from room to room trying to surprise each other. They found to their delight that, away from the influence of Moody, Tonks acted as little more than a child herself. She took the greatest delight in materializing directly behind someone and screaming loudly. The first time she did this to Harry he thought he was going to have a coronary. Anyone near the old house, and hearing the playful screams, would be certain that it was indeed haunted.
As their training progressed, the distances that they could travel also increased. Molly Weasley nearly had a stroke the first time the six students and Tonks appeared in her kitchen. It took a moment for her to recover, but then she greeted them warmly and insisted they stay for dinner. It was a wonderful evening, and especially so when Edward Lovegood popped in to share it with them. Luna was absolutely beaming when they apparated back to school; and Harry shared her joy. In late October they all successfully passed their Apparation Test and were granted special certificates.
But in spite of whatever fun they might have, the threat of Voldemort was always there. Professor Dumbledore realized this, and understood their need to relax. Therefore, on the second Saturday of October, he scheduled the first Hogsmeade Weekend. This weekend would be especially interesting, as there was going to be an Autumn Faire in Hogsmeade. It was only years later that Professor McGonagall revealed that Professor Dumbledore had made special arrangements for the faire to be in Hogsmeade that particular weekend. Professor McGonagall said it was his special gift to six very deserving students, but she would never say which ones. It really didn't matter though, for by that time everyone knew who they were.
They met for breakfast on Saturday morning and excitedly discussed the day ahead. Ron and Ginny had been to a magical faire when they were small, but none of the others had. Luna sat down next to Harry and placed her reindeer hat on the seat next to her. This piece of curious headwear was a black pointed witch's hat with reindeer antlers on either side; it was a favorite of Luna's, and she wore it often. It received many snickers and whispers from around the room, but Harry rather liked it. It was like Luna herself, truly unique.
After breakfast the six teens checked out at the main gate, and then walked down to the village. A number of students had taken the carriages that were provided; but Luna had convinced the others that such a beautiful autumn morning would make for a lovely walk. And she was certainly right; the mountains were painted a glorious pallet of greens, golds and oranges, and the morning air felt crisp and refreshing.
Reaching the village they were surprised to find dozens of small, colorful tents and stalls set up on both sides of High Street. There were stalls selling a wide variety of magical charms and amulets, potions and herbs, there were magical games, at least a dozen fortune tellers, and many other interesting things.
As they walked down the street, checking out all the odd and interesting stalls, an old witch motioned for Luna to come over.
"Come here for a moment, won't you my dear." She called out.
Luna left the others looking at a display on protective talismans and medallions, and walked over curiously.
"My dear," the old witch began, "this is absolutely the most powerful love potion ever created."
She handed Luna a small silver phial. "It's absolutely guaranteed to win you the heart of any young man you desire."
Harry walked up at that moment and put an arm around Luna's shoulders and kissed her tenderly on the cheek. Then, smiling at the old woman, he said: "I'm afraid you're too late madam. She already has my heart and doesn't need a potion to keep it."
"No, I can see that she doesn't," said the old woman, as she looked fondly at Luna.
Then, as the two teens were about to leave, Harry got a sudden idea. "Do you have a potion to help with shyness?"
"Why yes, I do. Jenup Weed is very good for that. It's very gentle, and gives one just a little extra confidence."
"That's perfect, could I have some please?"
Luna looked at him questioningly as he paid the old woman. "Why do you need more confidence?" She asked uncertainly.
"I don't." He replied, looking back at Neville and Ginny. "But Neville does."
Wrapping her arms around him, Luna whispered in his ear, "That's so sweet of you." Her breath was warm and tickled.
"Are you two having a good time?" A familiar voice asked from behind them. Turning they saw a smiling Professor Dumbledore.
"Yes, Professor, it's a wonderful faire." Harry replied.
Then addressing the old woman behind the counter he said: "It's wonderful to see you again, Grizel. It's been much too long."
"It's good to see you too, Albus." She replied, and Harry thought he detected a slight shade of pink on her weathered old face.
Addressing the two teens, Professor Dumbledore made the introductions. "Harry, Luna, this is Grizel Dane. We were in school together. Grizel, this is Harry Potter and Luna Lovegood, two very special students of mine…and two very good friends."
Both Harry and Luna were rather surprised by his words, but quite pleased as well.
"Lovegood? Not related to Edward Lovegood?" The old woman asked.
"He's my father. Do you know him?"
"No, but I wish I did. I've read the Quibbler for many years. It's the only place you can really learn the truth." And seeing the surprised looks on their faces, she added, "You see, I was in Ravenclaw too. And I'm also much honored to meet you, Mr. Potter."
"It's Harry, please."
"Thank you, Harry."
"Do you know, Harry." Professor Dumbledore began wistfully. "Grizel was the most beautiful girl in my class. I've always regretted that I never asked her out."
"I really wish you had, Albus." Grizel said, with a slight note of regret in her voice.
"Perhaps you would join me for the faire today?"
"I would love to." She said, smiling brightly. And then, addressing Luna, "I have a little gift for you, my dear." She said, handing Luna a small crystal bottle. "This perfume is my own recipe, I hope you like it." Then looking over at Harry, she added. "I don't think you need it, but it can't hurt. My home is near Wingate. I would be happy to send you the recipe if you like."
"I also have something for you." Professor Dumbledore said as he handed Harry some bright purple tickets. "I have another old school friend here today, Mildred Hawthorn. She's a very talented fortune teller. Please be my guest."
Harry noticed the smile on the old man's face as he and Grizel Dane strolled off in the direction of the Three Broomsticks. Gazing down at Luna he whispered, "You're never too old for some things."
She smiled back and nodded.
Fred and George Weasley also had a booth on High Street. The banner magically floating above it proclaimed it "Mischief Makers Headquarters." They were delighted to see the teens, and gave them free samples of all their latest inventions. They did however give Neville a hard time about what would happen to him if he made their little sister unhappy. Harry was proud of Neville when he promptly replied that if he hurt Ginny he would deserve anything that they would do to him. They seemed equally impressed, and smiled as the two walked away arm in arm.
They stopped at a food stand and got fish and chips for lunch. Luna smiled at Harry appreciatively when he asked that their order be wrapped in the Quibbler and not the Daily Prophet. The girl behind the counter smiled and did as he asked. Then they all settled under some nearby trees to eat their lunch and watch the people. After a pleasant lunch it was decided that they would all have their fortunes told. Harry really didn't believe in them, but thought it might be fun anyway.
Near the end of High Street they came to a colorfully striped gypsy tent with a banner reading "Madam Mildred – The Seeing Eye" floating above. From inside they heard a voice call out, "Welcome children, will Mr. Potter and Miss Lovegood please come in first?"
They looked at each other in some surprise; but entered the tent hand in hand. It was rather dark inside, lit by floating candles, and smelled strongly of incense. Whatever they expected it certainly wasn't what they found. On the far side of a small, polished table was a tiny woman no larger than Professor Flitwick. She had snow white hair, wire-rimmed glasses, and looked quite ancient. But the most striking thing they noticed about the old woman was her bright violet eyes which seemed to radiate intelligence.
"Please be seated, children." The old woman said, gesturing to the two seats opposite her. She spent a full minute looking intently into their eyes before speaking again.
"I see that you think that this is all foolishness, Harry. You of all people, growing up ignorant of magic, should have learned to keep an open mind. But you my dear," she said to Luna, "are open to all of the wonders of the world. That is one of the true joys of the magical life; and I'm quite sure that with time you'll convert Harry as well."
As the two of them sat together, holding hands, the old woman gazed into the crystal ball that sat in the middle of the table.
"I see trials ahead of you, coming to a head next spring. You two will face a great evil, but together you have the strength to endure and overcome. You Harry and you Luna are holding your own futures right now and it's a remarkably happy future." The two teens looked down and saw they were still holding each others hand. As they left the tent Harry put aside his usual doubts and accepted their fortune with a light heart.
The other four teens, in their turn, also received happy fortunes from the old woman; although Ginny and Neville were blushing furiously as they left the tent. Neville later confided to Harry that she had told them that the two teens would marry shortly after graduation and have six children; one of whom would become Minister of Magic.
As they walked back to Hogwarts that evening, Harry was certain that this was one of his best days ever. Looking down at Luna walking beside him, and his other friends around him, and he was quite certain that the old fortune teller was right: together they could overcome anything.
- o -
An event took place later that month that, while in and of itself was rather unimportant, was to have a major impact on Hogwarts and the way it viewed Luna Lovegood. Like the spring freshet that precedes the flood, this small encounter was to build into a mighty wave that would sweep aside the prejudice and intolerance that had been built up around the young Ravenclaw.
It all started one night in the Gryffindor Common Room. Ginny, Hermione and Luna were taking a rare night off from library research to catch up on their homework. Ron and Harry were following Draco Malfoy and Neville was doing a detention for Professor Snape. Hermione looked terribly frustrated, finally reaching the point where she slammed her books down on the table and shouted, "I give up."
Being the type of person that Hermione was, she could never miss the opportunity for extra credit work. And that was what was creating this particular problem; a special assignment in ancient runes. The assignment seemed simple enough: she was to translate ten different runic texts and provide a short background on how each had developed. Hermione already considered herself well versed on Celtic, Viking, Gallic and Egyptian runes, so this assignment should be easy. But it wasn't. Each set of texts looked frustratingly familiar, but somehow unfamiliar. She just couldn't get it.
Luna, seeing Hermione's frustration, got up and walked around the table. "Are you alright?" She asked in a kindly voice, laying a hand on Hermione's shoulder
"I just can't do this assignment. It's just too much for me."
The young Ravenclaw studied the page for a moment. "It seems pretty straight forward to me."
Hermione looked up at the younger girl in shock. "Can you read this?" She asked in surprise.
"Yes, would you like some help?" Luna asked very tentatively, not wanting to embarrass the older girl.
"Please!" Hermione responded, and scooted over to make room for her.
Luna sat down and began going through the assignment, section by section. Luna would read the text and explain how and why that particular script variant had developed. Hermione had recognized the first set of runes as being Viking, but couldn't read the text.
"You're right." Luna acknowledged. "It is Viking. Shipbuilding was very important to the Vikings. This script was a kind of shorthand used only by shipbuilders. One or two runes represented whole thoughts."
"I see now." Hermione exclaimed in excitement, and with that key she was able to read the rest of the text with ease.
The next script was obviously ancient Irish, but it didn't make any sense. Luna studied it for several minutes, and then a wide grin appeared on her face. "This is a ceremonial text written by a Druid priest. He didn't want just anyone to be able to read it, so he put in a lot of useless symbols to confuse it. Read only the runes with the little squiggle above them." She directed.
Hermione did as she was told, and was amazed at how easy it became. She looked at Luna with something approaching awe. "How did you do that?" She asked in a whisper.
"Runes are easy for me. I've always loved them. They have a simple logic all their own."
While they were studying, Clara Thomas walked by. She was the younger sister of Dean Thomas, and was in her third year. She saw that they were working on runes; a subject that she was having a lot of trouble with, and wondered if she should ask for help. She had never really talked to Hermione Granger before; like most of the younger Gryffindors she was in complete awe of Hermione and her friends. After all, they had faced Voldemort and his Death Eaters and lived. And then there was "Loony" Lovegood; everyone had always told Clara that she was crazy.
"Uh…Hermione?" Clara asked softly.
"Yes, Clara." Hermione responded absently.
"Um…I'm having a lot of trouble with ancient runes. After you help Luna with her assignment could you maybe help me with mine?"
Hermione looked up and smiled. "Well it's not exactly like I'm helping Luna with her assignment; it's more like she's saving my life by helping me with mine."
Hermione looked over at Luna, and the younger girl smiled and nodded. They both scooted over and asked Clara to join them. And as soon as they finished Hermione's assignment they started on Clara's. Within an hour, several other young Gryffindors were gathered around the two girls. Luna Lovegood turned out to be a very kind and generous person. Later that night, as they were getting ready for bed, Clara told her friends, "You know, she's not loony at all, she's real nice." And the other girls readily agreed.
Within a week Luna had become quite popular in Gryffindor House, even though technically she wasn't a member. Many young Gryffindors, who had shied away from her because of her reputation, now actively sought her out and greeted her warmly in the hallways.
One day, when Luna was working alone in the library, two third-year Hufflepuff girls shyly approached her.
"Uh…could we talk to you for a moment?" One of the girls asked shyly. When Luna smiled and nodded the girl continued, a little less nervous. "My name is Mandy and this is Emily." She said, introducing the other girl. "My friend Clara Thomas said you helped her with her rune assignment, and I was wondering if you…" But she never got a chance to finish. Luna smiled warmly and invited them to join her. Within a few minutes several more came over, both Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. And after that none of them thought she was loony either.
- o -
The month of November started badly, with a series of savage attacks on the homes of prominent wizarding families. The Minister of the Interior and his entire family were killed when their home was attacked by a combined force of Death Eaters and Dementors. Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge was also under attack, and the demands for immediate action were becoming irresistible.
The existing defense plan called for teams of Aurors to be stationed at strategic targets around the country. These targets included the Ministry of Magic, the prison of Azkaban, Gringotts main office in Diagon Alley, St. Mungo's Hospital, and several other important sites that were considered prime targets. Cornelius Fudge wanted to break up these concentrations into smaller squads and spread them around more widely. In that way they could quickly react to any local emergency.
Professor Dumbledore strongly argued against this course of action, believing that it played into Voldemort's hands. He believed that the Death Eater attacks were simply diversions intended to spread terror and weaken the defenses around prime targets. He believed that Voldemort would take advantage of the Fudge plan, were it implemented, to pick off isolated squads of Aurors or to launch a coordinated attack against one or more of the prime targets. Instead of dividing their forces, Dumbledore strongly advised the rapid expansion of the Auror Training Program. He felt within a few months the number of active duty Aurors could be tripled.
Cornelius Fudge feared that an expanded Auror force could be used against him, and resisted the idea as best his weakened position would allow. In the end, however, he listened to Dumbledore and the training of new Aurors was begun. A few days later, however, the Minister's own home was attacked. Fudge and his wife were only able to floo out at the last second, and their home was completely destroyed. The following morning he made a blustering, somewhat incoherent broadcast on Wizard Radio. He announced that Auror teams would immediately be broken up into smaller squads and spread around the country. Further, he stated that this decision was his and his alone, and that certain "old school teachers" would be better advised to tend to their books and leave the conduct of the war to him.
That morning at breakfast Harry heard Professor McGonagall say to Professor Sprout: "Well, Fudge has put his foot in it this time."
Two days later a massive attack was launched against Azkaban Prison. The six Aurors guarding it fought valiantly, but were quickly overwhelmed by a combined force of Death Eaters and Dementors. All six died with their faces to the enemy and their wands in their hands. Among the Aurors who died was Kingsley Shaklebolt. Lucius Malfoy and the other Death Eaters captured at the Ministry were all freed.
With no hope of suppressing the news, Minister Fudge went on Wizard Radio and tried to save the situation with a laundry list of excuses. He concluded his remarks by saying that the six brave Aurors would be given state funerals at which he himself would preside.
But the families of the six immediately came forward and denounced Fudge and his speech. They declared that the funerals would be private, and that Albus Dumbledore would say the last words over their loved ones. Further, they requested that Minister Fudge, whom they held responsible, not attend.
That was the last straw. Two days later Fudge was removed from his post after a solid vote of no confidence. The position was immediately offered to Professor Albus Dumbledore. He politely declined, citing his advanced age and the fact that he was a teacher and not a politician. Instead, he suggested Arthur Weasley as the best choice at this critical time. The position was offered to him and he reluctantly accepted. Ron and Ginny were very proud of their father, but realized that only duty made him accept.
Arthur Weasley attacked the problem with his usual boundless energy. A special school was established for the training of new Aurors and Professor Moody was put in charge, with Tonks as his assistant. The word was spread throughout Britain that dedicated young men and women were needed. A call was also put out for retired Aurors to come back and join the fight. Many had left the service during the Fudge years, and now they came flooding back.
With their new responsibilities, Moody and Tonks were no longer able to oversee the training of Harry and his friends. However, an old friend came forward at that moment to take their place. Actually, Dumbledore had long intended that Remus Lupin return to Hogwarts as special instructor to Harry and his friends. While technically not allowed to teach, because of the anti-werewolf legislation that Umbridge had forced through, he was still allowed to tutor individual students. Within two weeks, however, the offending legislation was repealed and Professor Dumbledore was delighted to name him Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor.
- o -
The death of Kingsley Shaklebolt had hit Harry particularly hard. They had become friends while Harry was staying at the Grimmauld Place house the year before. The two had spent many long nights talking before the fire in the library. Ron and Hermione also considered him a friend, and grieved his loss. The four of them, because Luna had rarely left Harry's side since the attack, visited Professor Dumbledore's office two days after the attack.
Harry spoke for the group when he asked: "Professor Dumbledore, we realize that it's the middle of term, but would it be possible for us to attend the funerals?"
Professor Dumbledore thought for a moment. "Yes, Harry, I think it altogether fitting and proper that you and your friends should attend. These people died for our cause and we should all have a chance to say goodbye. The six of you will be excused from class on Tuesday, please meet me in the Great Hall at ten o'clock."
When they reached the Great Hall on Tuesday morning they were surprised by the number of people present, Arthur and Molly Weasley, Edward Lovegood, and Neville's formidable grandmother were all gathered in one corner, speaking in hushed tones. Also present was Remus Lupin, an angry Professor Moody, a tearful Tonks, and many other people that Harry knew. The six teens went over to stand with their parents and friends.
"Your brothers are doing Auror duty today, so that more people could come." Molly Weasley said sadly to Ron.
Harry saw Edward Lovegood take his daughter into a tight hug. Harry knew what they were both thinking. With the way things were going none of them knew who might be next. Luna's Father extended a hand to Harry, and the young man reached out to shake it.
"That's not good enough, Harry." Edward Lovegood said as he pulled Harry into a three-way hug with himself and his daughter. After a few minutes of quiet conversation Professor Dumbledore led them out through the great oak doors and down the grassy slope towards Hagrid's cabin. It was a cold and overcast winter day, with a light dusting of snow on the ground. The cold, gray skies seemed to fit the mood of everyone present.
As the group approached the Forbidden Forest, Professor Dumbledore waved his wand and mumbled some words. With a rumbling sound the trees moved apart to reveal a path that led into the forest. The group proceeded along the path for some distance until they came to a wide green meadow. It was November, and the rest of the forest was dusted with snow. But here it felt like early summer; the temperature was warm and the meadow was crowded with brilliant spring flowers. Even the sky overhead had suddenly turned to a brilliant blue. The bright sun glimmered off the many crystal stones that marked the meadow.
Edward Lovegood laid a hand on Harry's and Luna's shoulders. "This is where we bring our heroes to rest," he whispered.
Professor Dumbledore stood in front of six marble coffins and began to speak.
"We've come here to lay to rest these six brave men and women. They died as heroes in the war against evil, and we bring them here, to our most sacred place, to lie for eternity with the other heroes of this war."
After the service was over most of the people departed. Professor Dumbledore signaled for Harry and Luna to remain behind. The Weasleys, together with Hermione and Neville, watched from the entry gate. Molly, Ginny and Hermione were crying softly.
"There's something here that I need to show you both," Dumbledore said, addressing the two teens. "It wasn't the proper time before, but now it is."
He led the two teens, accompanied by Edward Lovegood, over to the far side of the cemetery, in the direction of four crystal stones. Three stones stood close together, and the fourth was a little to the side.
Harry instinctively walked up to the three stones and read the names carved upon them: "James Potter, Lily Potter, and Sirius Black." He read the names on the three stones with tears in his eyes.
Dumbledore laid a hand on Harry's shoulder. "We realize that Sirius isn't here, but this is where he would want to be. We set up a stone in his honor."
Harry looked over to his left and saw Luna kneeling by the fourth stone, crying. Looking at the face of the stone he read the name "Elizabeth Lovegood."
Looking at Professor Dumbledore questioningly, the old man gave him a sad smile. "Elizabeth Lovegood was possibly the bravest women I've ever known. Even after the first war ended she continued the fight against evil. She died developing spells to help our Aurors."
Harry walked over to Luna and knelt down beside her, putting an arm around her back. She looked at him with tear reddened eyes, smiled sadly, and leaned against his shoulder.
Professor Dumbledore and Edward Lovegood backed away, leaving the two children to their grief. When they reached the gate, they looked back to see Harry and Luna sitting together on the grass between the graves.
"They'll be back when they are cried out. Right now all they need is each other." The old man said.
Harry and Luna remained there all day and into the evening. At dusk Hagrid came down and left a lantern for them by the gate. He looked over at the two, still sitting by the graves, and a large tear rolled down his rough face. Pulling out a large purple handkerchief, he wiped his nose and then returned to his cabin. That evening, long after dark, they returned to the castle. Neither of them felt like going to their own rooms to sleep, so they lay down together on the sofa in the Gryffindor common room. Luna laid her head on Harry's chest, and as she snuggled closer to him he wrapped his arms protectively around her, and then they both fell asleep. Later that night Hermione came down and found her two friends sleeping. She gently covered them with a blanket and settled down in a nearby chair to watch over her friends until morning.