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 8: THE RIGHT PARTNER
Some people thought that Harry Potter was the bravest boy in the world; his girlfriend Luna Lovegood certainly thought so, and his other friends did as well. And Harry was brave; he had already faced Lord Voldemort several times and fully realized that in the end one of them must die at the hands of the other, and that he could accept. But as the snows of late November turned Hogwarts castle into a picture out of a fairy tale, Harry Potter was more and more preoccupied by one gnawing fear. That fear was that at the Yule Ball he would embarrass himself and Luna Lovegood on the dance floor; Harry Potter was no dancer. The night of his first Yule Ball, two years before, he discovered that he didn't even like to dance. But this wasn't for him, it was for Luna. He wanted to make this ball the happiest night of her life, and he would do anything to accomplish that.
As the days got closer, Harry's level of fear grew. Late one night, when he and Hermione were alone in the common room, he broached the subject.
"Uh…Hermione?"
"Um," She answered absently.
"I…ah, really want to make the Yule Ball special for Luna. And, um…could you teach me to dance?"
Hermione took in a sharp breath, and there was a rather fearful look on her face. She knew what he was asking, and what she would be letting herself in for. But he was her best friend, and he needed her.
"I would be happy to teach you to dance, Harry." She replied, managing a weak smile.
The two met in the Room of Requirement whenever they could find the time; and the experience was everything that Hermione feared that it would be. How anyone could be so graceful on a broom, and so clumsy on the dance floor, was something that she simply could not fathom. It seemed like every second step was on her foot; but she persevered nonetheless.
She didn't know that Ron was going through exactly the same thing with Luna; who wanted desperately to make the night wonderful for Harry. Luna hated dancing, at least she thought she did; she had never danced with anyone before in her life. She had very timidly asked Ron to teach her; and as she was one of his very best friends, he agreed. She didn't step on his feet…well not that often, anyway. But she had this annoying habit of going her own way and not allowing him to lead.
The fact that Hermione was spending so much unexplained private time with Harry was also quite disturbing to Ron, and he had to find out what was going on. One night, when they were alone, he asked her.
"Um…Hermione? You and Harry. Is something going on with you two?"
Hermione looked absolutely shocked for a minute, and then just a little bit pleased. Thinking about it for a second she decided that there was no reason why Ron shouldn't know the truth. She put a gentle hand on his shoulder and snuggled up close to him.
"No…nothing at all. The truth is that I'm teaching Harry to dance. He wants to show Luna a particularly good time at the Yule Ball."
A surprised look came over Ron's face and he started laughing. "You're teaching Harry?" He choked out. "I'm teaching Luna to dance, for the very same reason."
They started to compare notes and later that evening, when Harry and Luna returned from an evening walk, they both broke out in a fit of giggles. They refused to tell their friends why they were laughing, but it became so bad that they had to leave the common room when Harry became annoyed.
But Hermione wasn't laughing a few days later, when she limped into the Gryffindor common room after her latest dance lesson with Harry. She saw Ron sitting on the sofa by the fire and hobbled over to him, dropping down at his side.
"Bad session?" He asked sympathetically, putting an arm around her shoulders.
"I just don't understand it," she said is despair. "How can he be so graceful on a broom, and yet be so very clumsy at dancing?"
"I know what you mean. A half hour ago I was with Luna, and it was like a wresting match. She can't just follow, she always has to go her own way."
"I don't know if we can survive this, Ron," Hermione said, rubbing her sore feet.
But they did survive, and two weeks later Hermione reached the point where she was reasonably certain that Harry wouldn't cripple Luna if they danced together. Ron had gotten Luna used to the concept of following a partner, at least most of the time. They both still had their doubts, but it was time to try the two of them together. So Ron and Hermione arranged for simultaneous lessons in the Room of Requirement, without telling either Harry or Luna what they were planning. When they all arrived they sprung their surprise.
"It's time the two of you started practicing together." Ron said. "The ball is only two weeks away and you need to start dancing together."
Hermione waved her wand and the wizard radio started to play an old fashioned waltz. She had hoped for something more contemporary, so that they could dance further apart; for the sake of Luna's feet. But sometimes you just have to take what you can get.
Hermione watched as Harry very self-consciously took Luna in his arms, and they started to move to the music. But something was wrong. This wasn't the way Ron and Hermione thought it would go. The two of them were beautiful together. They danced like they flew together, in perfect harmony; it was like they had been dancing together all their lives.
Ron and Hermione looked at each other in shock, and they had the strange feeling that they had somehow been cheated; these weren't the same people they had danced with. And something else that was strange, these two people were obviously having too much fun. Harry and Luna hated dancing, but now both wore wide smiles. For just a second the idea of possession flashed through Hermione's mind, but she quickly dismissed it.
Then she felt Ron's hand in hers, and he whispered into her ear: "Teachers need to relax too, may I have this dance?"
She blushed slightly, but took his hand as he led her out onto the floor. The four teens danced until past midnight, and it turned out to be a lovely night for all concerned.
- o -
But dancing wasn't the only thing on their minds; school was equally exciting. Their Defense classes with Tonks and Moody had been exciting and fun, and all six teens were looking forward to their first class with Remus Lupin. Tonks took great delight in hinting at a special surprise that Lupin had in store for them, but wouldn't say what it was.
When they entered the Room of Requirement for the first class they were all surprised to see Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and Remus Lupin seated on a sofa in front of the fireplace. Professor Dumbledore smiled warmly at the six and invited them to be seated.
"In the last two months the six of you have made remarkable progress with your advanced lessons. Now we want to give you the opportunity to experience something truly unique. I would like to ask Remus Lupin to tell you about it." Dumbledore said with a flourish of his hand.
Remus Lupin looked as tired and careworn as always, but he had a broad smile on his face as he began to speak. "Do you know what this is, Harry?" He asked, holding up a worn, red leather book. Harry shook his head, and Lupin's smile grew broader still. "Well this is the key to a very advanced form of magic. As I think you all know, both Harry's Father and Godfather were Animagus. That is, they had the ability to change into an animal form of their choice. This ability is extremely rare in the wizarding world, and has always been a naturally occurring gift. As you know, Professor McGonagall has the ability to change into a cat. But James and Sirius were different, their transformations were accomplished artificially. Over a period of years they were able to develop special potions and spells that allowed them to become Animagus. They did that so they could keep me company during my own, err, transformations."
"This is the journal of Sirius Black. For the last six months of his life he carefully documented the spells and potions he and James used to accomplish their transformations. He regarded this as a great gift, Harry; one that he wanted to share with you."
Tears rose up unbidden in Harry's eyes; and without a word being said he felt Luna move closer to him and squeeze his hand reassuringly.
"When Sirius…left us, this journal came to me with instructions from him that it be given to you when you were ready for it. When I learned about these special defense classes, I brought it to Professor Dumbledore. For the last two months Professor McGonagall and I have been refining his notes and developing a course of work which will, we believe, allow all six of you to become Animagus; if you're interested, that is."
Interested was something of an understatement. All six teens were thrilled at the prospect, and were literally bubbling over with questions.
"Excuse me, Remus, but why exactly did Sirius consider this ability such a 'great gift?" Harry asked.
"An excellent question, Harry. As you know, Sirius spent a great deal of time in his dog-form. Both he and James felt a sense of freedom in their animal forms that they found very exhilarating. They both said that it was incredibly liberating to run through the forest as an animal. My own transformations were never that pleasurable." Remus said with a touch of bitterness. "But besides that, the ability to change into an animal can give you an important edge when dealing with Voldemort and his death eaters."
"But all Animagus are required to be registered with the Ministry." Hermione said. "Won't Voldemort be able to find out about our new forms?"
"Very good, Miss Grainger. All Animagus are indeed required to be registered; but you six, and the aurors that use this program after you, will be registered with the Minister of Magic personally. Only he will have access to your files."
"What we need you to do tonight is sit down together and discuss what you want your Animagus form to be. At our next session we will begin with the actual processes involved."
With that the three teachers stood and left the Room of Requirement to the six teens. Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Neville quickly fell into a heated discussion of the pros and cons of each animal form.
"But I still say that one of us should be a bug or a mouse." Hermione insisted. "We could get right in with the enemy and listen to their plans, just like Rita Skitter was able to do."
"It sounds good, Hermione. But just remember that Voldemort has a pet snake. I don't fancy becoming lunch for that thing. A hawk is the animal for me, fast and powerful. I want to be able to get out of trouble as fast as I can get into it."
"You'll never be able to do that, big brother." Ginny said teasingly.
As the discussion went back and forth they all began to notice that Harry and Luna were sitting peacefully on the sofa, not participating at all.
"Aren't you two interested at all?" Ron asked, with just a touch of annoyance.
"It's not that." Harry responded. "It's just we've already decided on our animals."
"So, what animals have you decided upon?" Ginny said impatiently.
"I'm going to be a stag," Harry said with determination. "That was my father's Animagus form."
"And I want to be a wolf." Luna declared.
"A wolf?" Hermione asked in amazement. "Why a wolf, I thought you would choose something unusual, like a Snorkack?"
"I think Luna would make a cute wolf." Harry said, kissing her quickly on the neck.
Ron and Hermione looked at each other and smiled. They were delighted that Harry and Luna had each other; it had taken away a lot of the guilt they had felt the previous semester, when they had gone off alone.
"Better be careful, mate." Ron said slyly. "I understand that wolves have sharp teeth."
Harry gave Luna a scared little boy look and asked coyly, "You wouldn't bite me, would you?"
Luna giggled as she replied. "I'd never bite. I might nibble a little, but never bite."
Hermione looked absolutely scandalized when Harry replied that nibbling was okay.
In the final selection, Hermione chose a Snowy Owl, Ron selected a hawk, Ginny a tigress, and Neville a Lion. They all eagerly looked forward to their training.
- o -
In addition to their defense class, Harry and Luna loved Quidditch practice. Luna had become the unofficial eighth member of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team, and worked unceasingly with each member of the team. During the party after their first game against Slytherin, where they won 240 to 10, the team had presented Luna with her own set of Gryffindor Quidditch robes. She had never been so happy in all her life; she was accepted. She never dared wear the robes, because her Ravenclaw housemates already considered her a traitor, but just having them meant a great deal. She had them securely packed away under her bed.
One Sunday in late November the Gryffindor team was out on the pitch practicing when the Slytherin team walked up with their brooms. They completely ignored the Gryffindors and began practicing at the other end of the pitch. Luna was working with the chasers, practicing passing tactics. From high above Harry saw Draco Malfoy streaking down the pitch toward the Gryffindor chasers, who were hovering directly in his line of flight. It was as if in slow motion that he saw Malfoy crash into Luna, sending her hurtling earthwards. Every thought in Harry's mind vanished except that he had to get to Luna. He put his Firebolt into a vertical power dive, braking just inches above the ground. Leaping off his broom he knelt down beside her, cradling her limp body in his arms.
Malfoy was hovered some twenty feet above them laughing. "She needs to keep that piece of junk of hers off the pitch or there are bound to be accidents."
He never even saw the blur of scarlet shooting towards him, but he felt the impact when it crashed into his blind side. Malfoy was knocked sideways off his broom and fell to earth, hitting the snow-covered ground with a sickening thud.
Ron Weasley had flown all the way from the goal and had knocked Malfoy off his broom. He shot down to the ground, drew his wand, and shaking with rage aimed it at the unconscious Slytherin.
"No Ron! Don't! Please don't." Screamed Hermione, from where she had run onto the pitch.
"Mr. Weasley, stop! Mr. Weasley! Put the wand down!" Shouted Madam Hooch, who had run over from the far side of the pitch.
Taking a deep breath, but still shaking, Ron slowly lowered his wand.
"Now go over and check on your friends." She ordered.
Looking up in the air Madan Hooch saw that every Gryffindor player had their wands drawn and grimly aimed at their Slytherin opposite numbers. The slightest spark would start a war.
"All of you." She shouted. "Put away your wands and land immediately."
The Gryffindor players reluctantly obeyed, and flew down to where Harry knelt beside Luna as she was just regaining consciousness.
"Are you alright, Lu?" Harry asked, in a voice as close to panic as anyone had ever heard from him.
"My knee," Luna said, wincing in pain.
Hermione used a first aid spell to dull the pain as Harry picked Luna up and carried her to the Hospital Wing, refusing repeated offers of assistance along the way. The Gryffindor team following close behind him.
Then Madam Hooch turned and walked grimly over to Draco Malfoy, who had just regained consciousness. In spite of his pain he was screaming in anger. "You all saw it! Weasley tried to kill me! I want him expelled immediately. I demand…"
"Silence!" ordered Madam Hooch, in a fierce voice that made them all freeze. "I did indeed see what happened. I saw you violently attack Miss Lovegood. I think it very likely that you will be the one expelled, Mr. Malfoy. Now, to the Headmaster's Office, immediately!"
"But my injuries, what about my injuries?" He demanded.
"You will either go to the Headmaster's Office now, under your own power, or I will ask Ron Weasley to come back and help you."
Draco went pale as a sheet, but managed to get to his feet and hobble up the hill. Madam Hooch walked behind him, watching the angry students gathering on either side. Luna had made many friends over the past weeks, and much as she disliked the idea, she might have to protect Draco from them. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Professor Dumbledore leave the castle and walk towards them. Students who saw him that day said it was something that they would never forget; the raw fury in his eyes terrified all of them.
Meanwhile, Harry had reached the Hospital Wing and gently laid Luna in a bed by the door. Madam Pomfrey asked the teens to leave so she could make her examination; but when Luna refused to release Harry's hand she agreed that he could stay. Her injury turned out to be a serious break, and the medi-witch insisted that Luna needed to remain and rest for two or three days. While Harry stayed with Luna, a very angry Ron Weasley went looking for Malfoy. He was soon joined by Ginny and Neville. At first Hermione tried to stop them, even though she knew in her heart that nothing in the world could do that, and then decided to join them. Fortunately, for Draco, Professor Dumbledore had already expelled him and escorted the boy off school grounds. He had demanded the right to pack his trunk and say goodbye to his friends.
"Your wishes are not served here." Dumbledore declared, his eyes flashing with fury. "I would prefer that none of Miss Lovegood's friends find you, although you certainly deserve what they would do to you. You are leaving Hogwarts this minute, or you will probably never leave it."
Draco left with no further arguments.
- o -
Harry sat up with Luna until late that night, only leaving for long enough to send a reassuring message to her father. Luna had so many visitors that it really surprised her. Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Flitwick and Lupin all came by for visits. Nearly every student in Gryffindor house paid her a visit and many Hufflepuffs as well. The Gryffindor Quidditch team spent most of the day; as did Hermione and Neville. And of course there was Harry. Harry who never left, who held her hand the whole time. But no one failed to notice that not a single Ravenclaw came, not one.
At nine o'clock Madam Pomfrey told Harry that he had to go, that Luna needed her sleep. After kissing her goodnight he reluctantly went up to Gryffindor tower, put on his pajamas and went to bed. He lay there for the longest time, staring at the ceiling, but he just couldn't go to sleep. Finally he got up, covered himself with his invisibility cloak, and went back to the Hospital Wing. Madam Pomfrey was nowhere to be seen. He quietly shifted an empty bed next to Luna's and lay down beside her, covered by his invisibility cloak. Finally he was able to sleep.
Later that night, when Madam Pomfrey made her rounds, she noticed that a bed had been moved and that its mattress was curiously depressed. Leaning down she felt the warm form of an invisible body lying on the bed. Carefully she peeled back the invisibility cloak to reveal a sleeping Harry Potter. His hair was more tousled than usual and he looked so very young. She knew he must love the girl sleeping at his side very much. To have that kind of love so early in life was truly a gift; and no matter what fate had in store for them the old witch thought them very lucky.
She smiled down at the two children. Professor Dumbledore had already advised her of their relationship. She shook her head, as if one look wouldn't tell her that these two weren't deeply in love. He had told her in a sad voice that he didn't want their relationship to be interfered with. Madam Pomfrey had worked with Albus Dumbledore for more than thirty years, and she knew that his wisdom was beyond understanding. And yet when he talked about these two children she sensed a great sadness. Why? She didn't want to know. Sometimes it's better not knowing.
She carefully covered the boy with a blanket and left him to sleep.
At seven o'clock the next morning she gently woke Harry up. At first he was very embarrassed that he had been caught, but the nurse didn't seem angry at all. "If you go down to the Great Hall and get a tray, you and Miss Lovegood can have breakfast together before your first class," she said. Harry gave her a wide smile and hurried away.
Luna woke up shortly after Harry left. At first she didn't recognize where she was. She thought that she was in the Hospital Wing, but here she was surrounded by flowers, and candy, and dozens and dozens of get well cards. By the side of her bed were four large vases of beautifully arranged flowers. The bouquet on the end caught her immediate attention. It was a beautiful arrangement of red, yellow and pink wild roses. 'Who knew that she loved wild roses more than any other flower in the world?' She wondered; and took the card from the bouquet. It was signed 'With love always, Harry' and then in a postscript he had written, 'I asked your Father to send these from the Valley of the Rain Cave. I don't think the nymphs would have minded.' She smiled to herself. 'How can he be so incredibly sweet?' She wondered. 'Someone who had lived the life he had, and was still so very sweet and gentle.' She felt like the luckiest girl in the world.
Then she looked at the other cards. Deep red roses from Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Neville; lovely silver-pink roses from Minerva, who had became such a good friend; and finally, tulips and daffodils from Professor Dumbledore. Spring flowers in the depth of winter. But then, Albus Dumbledore could do almost anything. But it wasn't just these; there was candy from the girls of Hufflepuff, more flowers from the Gryffindor Quidditch team, Violets and Baby's Breath from Clara Thomas, and good wishes from all the friends she had made. She was crying when Harry returned, and he had to hold her in his arms for several minutes before she could stop; she was just so very, very happy.
- o -
After Harry went to class Professor McGonagall came up to visit. Luna was sitting at a table near her bed, writing furiously. Professor McGonagall couldn't explain her affinity for this strange child, except that she too had experienced loneliness as a girl. Also, Luna's sitting up with her on the night she had lost her friend touched her deeply.
"Good morning Luna. Aren't you supposed to be in bed resting?"
"Good morning, Minerva." The young girl said a bit sheepishly. "I know I should be resting, but if I ever fall behind on this homework I'll never get caught up."
"What are you working on?"
"I have to do a three-foot report on the medical uses of Osha Root and Mugwort for Professor Snape."
Professor McGonagall made a face that showed obvious distaste at the mention of the Potion Master's name.
Luna giggled. "Harry always looks like that when we talk about Professor Snape, too."
In spite of herself, Minerva McGonagall smiled. "He's really an excellent potions instructor, but doesn't have the best personality." She hesitated a moment, and then changed the subject abruptly. "Luna, all your close friends are in Gryffindor House, are they not?"
"Yes." Luna answered uncertainly.
"Would you consider transferring to our House? I'm sure you would be happier, and we would all love to have you, including myself."
Luna looked sad for a moment. "Yes, Minerva, I probably would be happier; but I can't do it. My Mother was in Ravenclaw, and my Father was so proud when I was sorted there. I just can't allow them to drive me out."
The old woman sniffed as she stood up. She laid a gentle hand on the young girls head. "They're not worthy of you. I think the Sorting Hat made a mistake in your case; you're too brave for a Ravenclaw. You're always welcome with us, anytime you change your mind." Then the old woman hurried away before the tears came.
- o -
Remus Lupin was proving to be an excellent instructor for the special defense training class, and the Animagus training proceeded faster than anyone would have thought possible. Within the first ten days Harry and Luna had managed to put on a thick coat of fur and assumed the shape of their animal; although Luna joked that Harry looked more like a horse than a stag. After one session, as they were walking back to their dorms, Luna got a mischievous glint in her eyes. She came up behind Harry and jumped on his back. "Give me a ride, horsey." She screamed in mirth. Harry grabbed her legs and started running down the hallway laughing, carrying her on his back. Cho Chang gave them a disgusted look as they passed her, and that just made them laugh all the harder.
As the days went on the teens became better and better at their transformations. Neville was roaring so loud that the walls actually shook, and he had developed a beautiful tawny coat and mane that Ginny Weasley thought was very sexy. Ginny's tiger-form was just as good, and Neville joked that she looked beautiful in stripes; a statement that always caused Ginny to blush furiously. Only Hermione Granger seemed to be having some difficulty. She had gotten the form of a Snowy Owl, but had very few feathers; and she found that fact very embarrassing. It didn't help when she overheard Ron refer to her as "looking like a plucked chicken." She went to Luna in tears, and she and Harry worked with Hermione until she was perfect. Then she got even with Ron, swooping down on him and plucking out some of his tail feathers. Ron complained to Harry later that he thought she was going to take his head off with that dive, and losing the tail feathers really hurt. Once again Harry warned Ron to be careful about what he said in front of the girls, that they could take care of themselves.
But Ron only seemed to learn the hard way. One night Harry and Ron were watching as Neville and Ginny were switching back and forth between their human and animal forms. Harry was admiring Ginny's beautiful tiger coat, but Ron just brushed it off and said "She looks like a big house cat." It was definitely the wrong thing to say, for along with the tiger's beautiful coat Ginny also received the tiger's acute hearing. She swung around to face her brother, snapping her steel jaws together with a loud crashing sound. As she walked towards him, head lowered and ears back, real fear showed on Ron's face. He quickly turned into his hawk form and flew up, landing on the chandelier. Everyone else in the room was rolling with laughter. Ginny took up a position directly below the chandelier; licking her chops menacingly, her shining yellow eyes on the trembling hawk above her. Ron looked down from his perch knowing perfectly well what Ginny was thinking: 'Come down brother and let me stroke your pretty feathers, with my teeth!' Ron spent the rest of the session up in the chandelier, thinking that Ginny had become a little bit too much like a tiger to suit him.
- o -
Later that week Harry sat by the window of his dorm room. He was staring out at the bitter-cold blizzard that had blown up outside. The storm had arrived the previous night, and was now blowing with full fury. The temperatures had plummeted as an icy wind ripped across the castles open battlements. All outdoor classes had been canceled, and students generally tried to stay close to the warmth of their common rooms. But even the thick stone walls of Hogwarts castle couldn't keep out the sound of the moaning wind. Turning away from the window, Harry noticed that Neville was sitting in the middle of his bed, surrounded by catalogs.
"What are you doing, Neville?" Harry asked, curious about the large pile of catalogs that were now beginning to overflow onto the floor.
"I'm trying to find a Christmas present for Ginny." Neville replied, tossing another catalog aside. "I want it to be special and unique; I want it to say how I feel about her."
"No present can say that." Harry said gently, picking up one of Neville's catalogs. "You have to tell her that."
"I know, I know. I just get tongue tied when I'm around her. How about you, Harry? Any luck finding a present for Luna? She can't be the easiest person to buy for."
"No, she's not, and it's really driving me crazy. I want it to be perfect, too."
Seamus Finnigan, sitting over on his bed reading, called out. "You could always get her another silly hat. She doesn't seem to have enough of them."
He expected his remarks to be greeted with waves of laughter from Ron and Neville. Instead they were met with stony silence and some very ugly looks. He quickly went back to his books in silence.
Harry knew that he was running out of time, but he just couldn't think about it anymore. He went to bed in frustration. Late that night he sat up in bed with a flash of inspiration, the kind of inspiration that often comes to one only in dreams. He leaped out of bed, grabbing his glasses as he did so, and rushed to his desk. He pulled out parchment and a quill and started to write furiously.
Ron rolled over and shielded his eyes from the torch burning above Harry's desk. "What's going on, Harry?" He asked, obviously more interested in sleep than an answer.
"Nothing, Ron. Go back to sleep." Harry hastily answered; as he applied a wax seal to the scroll he had just finished writing. He quickly put out the torch and threw on his cloak over his pajamas. With his lighted wand he made his way down to the common room, out the portrait hole, and then up to the Owlery Tower. At first Hedwig was reluctant to answer her master's call, but finally the loyal bird flew down and lighted on Harry's arm.
"I know it's late," Harry said, "but I need this message delivered to Diagon Alley tomorrow." She gave him a slightly annoyed hoot, but extended her leg nevertheless. As he attached the message he gave her directions on where to take it. The bird nipped Harry gently and then spread her great wings and flew out into the night.
Harry waited nervously the whole next day for a reply. He checked the Owlery at every opportunity, but Hedwig had not returned. He knew that she had a long flight, and she probably wouldn't return until the next day; but Harry hated waiting.
The next morning, at breakfast, a flock of nearly a hundred owls flew in through the upper windows of the Great Hall. They soared down to the eagerly waiting students below, dropping off newspapers, parcels and letters. Hedwig was among them, and she landed right in front of Harry. He excitedly removed the scroll from her leg. She greeted him warmly, hooted twice, and flew off to the Owlery to get some rest.
Fortunately Luna hadn't come down yet, and Harry was able to quickly scan the parchment. At first he smiled, but then a frown came onto his face. He hastily pulled ink and a quill from his backpack and wrote a quick note at the bottom of the letter.
"What's going on?" Ron asked, curious about his friends' strange behavior.
"I'll tell you later. I've got to send this letter right away," Harry declared as he got up from the table and headed towards the stairs that led to the Owlery Tower.
Ron and Hermione exchanged glances. "Something's going on," Ron stated with certainty.
Two days later the school owl that Harry had used to send his last message returned. But as he read the message this time Harry was all smiles. An application came with the letter, which Harry quickly filled out and returned.
A week later a package arrived, but not addressed to Harry. He had made arrangements for Professor Lupin to receive it. The last thing Harry wanted was for this particular package to be dropped off in the middle of the Great Hall.
When he entered Professor Lupin's office his teacher gave him a wide grin. "It's here" he said, and pulled out a long silver box. Harry opened the box and gave a low whistle. "It's perfect," he exclaimed in admiration.
"Luna is a very lucky girl," Professor Lupin declared.
"No," Harry responded, picking up the box, "I'm the lucky one."
"You know, Harry. I really like you and Luna together; you bring out the best in each other."
Harry really appreciated Professor Lupin's comment; it was nice that the people they respected accepted them.
When Harry returned to his dorm room with the silver box he found Ron and Neville waiting for him. They were talking in low whispers and looked surprised when he entered.
"Okay, mate. It's time to tell. What's going on?" Ron asked in a serious tone.
Harry looked down at the floor a little sheepishly. "Sorry about the mystery, guys. I just got a Christmas present for Luna and I didn't want her to find out."
"You found something. That's great!" Neville responded with enthusiasm. "Can we see it?"
Harry smiled and set the box on his bed and opened it. Ron's eyes got large as galleons as he laid his hand on the glassy smooth handle. "It's a Firebolt Plus, isn't it?" Ron asked in awe.
"That's right."
"But this is a better broom than yours. Why not keep this and give Luna your old broom?"
"Because Luna deserves the best." Harry responded, a little more defensively than he had intended.
"I wish I was your girlfriend." Ron said, without really thinking.
"Oh please, Ron, I don't even want to think about that."
"Sorry." Ron responded, turning a little pink about the ears. "Do you think she'll let me ride it?"
"Come on. You know she will." Harry put the lid back on the box and carefully put it under his bed.
- o -
One Sunday morning in December, Hagrid was chopping wood outside of his cabin when two second-year Hufflepuff girls ran frantically up to him.
"Professor Hagrid, Professor Hagrid! Something strange is happening in the forest." One of them exclaimed.
"Now wha's all this abou'?" He answered in his normally gruff voice.
"We just saw a stag and a wolf playing together. Down at the edge of the forest." They declared, and pointed down the slope.
"No, no." Hagrid responded kindly. "Those two animals are natural enemies; they were more likely tryin' ta kill each other."
"They were playing!" The bolder of the two girls insisted adamantly. "First the wolf would chase the stag in and around the trees, and then they would reverse roles. And there's something else." She said, a little more shyly. "When they finished playing they seemed to be…err, nuzzling each other."
Hagrid gave the girls a strange look. "Show me." He ordered. They led him down a path to the edge of the forest, and sure enough, about a hundred meters away, he saw a black wolf and a stag standing together. They did seem uncommonly friendly. But when they saw him, they ran off into the trees.
That evening at dinner Hagrid told Professor Dumbledore about the strange thing he had seen. "It must be them students puttin' love spells on the forest animals. It jus' isn' natural." He declared.
The old man chuckled. "No, Hagrid. It's the most natural thing in the world. I wouldn't worry about it."
Professor McGonagall was listening in on their conversation, smiling. Later, with a smile on his face, Professor Dumbledore said, "You might suggest to Harry and Luna that they go a little deeper into the forest before they transform the next time. They seem to be upsetting Hagrid."
"Yes, Professor." Minerva McGonagall responded with an unusual twinkle in her eye.