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 John Adams and aliceravenclaw 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 10: NEW FRIENDS
Luna spent the morning of Christmas Eve working in the kitchen of the Lovegood home. She was determined that when they went to the Weasley home for Christmas Eve dinner they would not go empty handed. Molly Weasley had insisted that everything had been taken care of, but it was a matter of principal for Luna. She made a double batch of her Chocolate Snorkacks, and then started on a double batch of a chocolate and coconut confection that she called "Witches Brooms."
She laid her second batch of Snorkacks on the table to cool, and then turned back to the oven to tend her Witches Brooms. When she turned round again she saw that at least a third of the Snorkacks had mysteriously disappeared. Harry was sitting at the table looking innocent; just a little too innocent Luna thought.
She put her hands on her hips and glared at him. "And just where did my Snorkacks go?" She asked in a tone that Harry almost took seriously.
"They just looked so good that I kinda…you know…" Harry said with a guilty expression.
"Did your imitation of Ron Weasley?" Luna asked with a wide grin. "Well I guess I'll just have to make some more then."
As she turned back to the oven, Harry got up and walked up close behind her. He put his hands on her waist, and gently turned her around. He kissed her on the tip of her nose. "I ate them, so it's only fair that I should help you make some more."
She gave him that sweet smile that he loved so much, and standing on her toes kissed him back. Luna picked up an apron from the table and reached around Harry to tie it in the back. Never one to miss such an opportunity, he pulled her up against him. "You know, your Snorkacks aren't the only thing in this kitchen that I find delicious."
But if Harry thought he was going to spend all his time snogging with his girlfriend, he was very much mistaken. She soon had him hard at work shredding coconut for more Witches Brooms. Harry didn't mind, cooking with magic was always fun; and having Luna with him made it even better.
After making a double batch of Brooms and Snorkacks, with a few extra for midnight snacks, the two teens took Grimmy for a walk in the woods. With its light dusting of snow, everything was white, and pure, and beautiful. They barely returned in time to get ready for dinner at the Weasley's.
Late that afternoon, in a pre-arranged plan with Harry, Edward Lovegood suggested that the three of them fly their brooms over to the Weasleys for dinner. The young wizard had carefully worked all of this out in advance. Edward Lovegood had secretly brought Luna's Christmas present home after the Yule Ball, and had taken it over to the Weasleys. Harry had a special idea for giving it to her, and needed a lot of help so it would come off right.
Luna was delighted with the prospect of a flight with her two favorite men, and readily agreed. She always enjoyed flying with her father, but it had been a long time since they had the opportunity; and she loved to fly with Harry.
Luna's Father used a shrinking spell to reduce the size of the presents, and put them all in a small canvas bag. After that they mounted their brooms, put concealment charms on themselves, and took off into the late afternoon sky, which was already growing dark. There was a light snow falling, and they were happy to be in each other's company. Luna, who was wearing a very pretty peach-colored dress, was riding side-saddle. Harry was having some difficulty concentrating on his direction; he kept casting sideways glances at his girlfriend, thinking about how pretty she looked in her party dress with the wind blowing her hair our behind her.
Coming in for a landing in the Weasley's front yard, they were greeted by Fred and George, who were setting up fireworks for later that evening. Entering the living room, they found that a sizable gathering was already present. Remus Lupin had come with Tonks, and from all indications seemed to be having a wonderful time. Bill Weasley had brought a smiling Fleur Delacour. Even Professor Dumbledore was expected to attend, though he would be arriving later. While Harry put the packages under the Christmas tree, Luna went into the kitchen to help Molly Weasley get Christmas dinner on the table.
Fred and George came back inside and were soon up to their usual tricks. They put a spell on a sprig of Mistletoe so that it followed Tonks and Remius wherever they went. At first the two of them were a little embarrassed by it, but later Harry saw them smiling as they exchanged the latest of the several kisses they shared that evening.
Ron was sitting with Harry on the sofa, watching as the Mistletoe pursued Tonks and Remius across the room. "That's why Hermione and Ginny went into the kitchen to help mum; it was the only way for them to get out of range of the Mistletoe. You can count on getting your dose of it when Luna comes back." He said smirking.
"Should I thank Fred and George now, or wait until later?" Asked Harry with a grin.
Ron looked absolutely appalled. "Get a hold of yourself, mate. Next thing I know you'll be married with a half dozen kids."
Harry just shrugged his shoulders. "That doesn't sound bad to me; I like the idea of a big family."
Ron just gave him a disgusted look, and reached for another Chocolate Snorkack.
It was at that moment that Molly Weasley called them all in to dinner. Bill and Charley had magically enlarged the kitchen to accommodate the thirty people that were expected. Molly Weasley had outdone herself, roasting up an enormous turkey and a large goose for dinner. And the table groaned under the weight of the many side dishes that made up a traditional English Christmas dinner.
Luna sat between Harry and her father, and was impressed by the amount of organization such a dinner required. At that moment the sprig of Mistletoe came floating in from the living room and hovered over the heads of Luna and Harry, much to the delight of everyone at the table.
"Not now, Boys." Molly Weasley said, scowling at her playful twins. Nevertheless, all eyes were now on Harry in expectation. Very self-consciously he leaned over and kissed Luna lightly on the cheek.
The twins, disappointed by Harry's response, erupting into a series of loud boos and hisses. "Is that the best you can do, Harry? George demanded.
"It certainly is not." Luna responded dreamily.
"It is when I have an audience." Harry said with a grin.
Luna reached over and, putting a hand on either side of Harry's face, kissed him full on the lips. They were both so occupied with the kiss that they missed the familiar popping-sound of someone Apparating into the room. When they finally pulled apart they saw Professor Dumbledore standing there.
"Well, I'm glad I didn't miss all the entertainment." The headmaster said smiling.
His comment, combined with the cheering of the Weasley twins, caused Harry to color slightly. But Luna just smiled back at Professor Dumbledore. Then they all settled down to dinner.
After a fine dinner, and a rich dessert, they moved into the living room where they talked and enjoyed each others company; it had been a long time since they had all gotten together in a social setting. Luna's Chocolate Snorkacks and coconut Witches Brooms were a great favorite that night, especially with George Weasley. He even suggested that if Luna would consider an older man he would most certainly make himself available.
Harry came over at that moment and put his arm around Luna's waist, pulling her closer to him. "Trying to cut into my territory, Weasley?" Harry asked, with a mock snarl.
"No, no, Harry," George returned, feigning fear, "I'm just admiring your good taste."
"Don't worry, Harry." Luna said with a very rare giggle. "You may not be much, but I'll keep you anyway."
It was a very pleasant evening, and everyone was enjoying the friendly feeling of being with family. Ginny, however, couldn't keep her eyes off the presents, especially the large, beautifully wrapped present that Neville had brought for her.
"Can't we start opening them, mum?" Ginny asked for the hundredth time.
Resigned to the fact that Ginny was never going to give up, and that it was becoming rather wearing, her Mother finally surrendered. "Alright Ginny," Molly Weasley said with a sigh.
"Me first," Ginny squealed, and made a dive for the tree, snatching up Neville's present. Scraps of wrapping paper shot out in all directions as she madly tore into it, one large piece landing on Neville's head. She was absolutely delighted when her efforts revealed a beautiful set of ivory-colored silk robes trimmed with tiny pearls. It was absolutely the latest in style.
Harry and Ron looked at Neville with new respect; he was braver than they thought he was. Picking out clothing for a woman was a task that few men looked forward to. Judging by Ginny's reaction, he had done it quite successfully. She gave him a hug and kiss and he turned a bright shade of red.
Hermione was greatly relieved when Ron handed her a small present tied with a red and white ribbon. The box was far too small to contain the nightgown that she had seen in the "Pink Witch," and for that she was very grateful. Opening the present, she found a small gold, heart shaped locket on a fine gold chain. Inside was a smiling picture of Ron with the inscription "Always in my heart." It was just the kind of romantic gift that she had hoped for, and she loved it.
A general hush fell over the room as Luna handed Harry a large flat present wrapped in purple paper with gold stars. Everyone in the room knew what it was, for in one way or another they had all helped with its creation. Now they all wanted to see his reaction to it; but they were no more eager than Harry, as he tore at the paper. Suddenly he stopped and stared at what was revealed, and he took in a deep breath of surprise. There, underneath the paper, were all the people Harry loved smiling and waving back at him. Luna had painted a magical portrait of Harry surrounded by his family, all of his family. She had spent months collecting photographs and arranging secret sittings; it had to be perfect, and it was. Harry's mother and father were standing on either side of him, their arms around his shoulders proudly. Standing behind him was the entire Weasley family. Also in the painting were Sirius Black, Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Remius Lupin, Hermione, and Neville. On the far right hand side of the painting stood Luna and her Father, smiling proudly back at him. Nothing had ever affected Harry quite as much, and tears rose in his eyes.
He kissed Luna and in a choked voice told her how much he loved it, and how much he loved her. He settled back in his chair, with Luna close beside him, and knew this was his best Christmas ever.
The gift exchange continued into the evening; and everyone was having a wonderful time. Ginny and Hermione loved their sweaters from Harry, and Neville just couldn't stop talking about his new plant. Finally there were only two presents left, and all eyes were on Luna as her father gave her one of them.
Luna carefully opened the large package to find a fleece-lined, leather flying suit in a deep rose color, complete with matching gloves and boots. She thought it the most beautiful thing she had ever seen, and was absolutely delighted.
"I know that you and Harry like to go flying together. This will keep you warm on cold winter days." Her father said.
Molly Weasley seemed particularly interested in Luna's gift, and explained that she helped Luna's father pick it out. "Would you please try it on, dear?" She asked. "I would love to see you in it."
"You can change in my bedroom." Ginny volunteered, winking at the others as she stood to lead Luna upstairs.
"But before you go I see we have one last present." Edward Lovegood said with a twinkle in his eye. He reached under the tree and picked up a large, emerald green wrapped gift and handed it to Harry. Opening it, Harry's eyes widened in surprise as he found his own black leather flying suit.
"Why don't you both try them on, so we can see how you look together?" Ron said, not missing his cue. Luna looked at him a bit suspiciously, but then smiled and walked upstairs with Harry.
After they changed, the two teens returned to the living room to model their new suits. After the complements died out, Harry suggested that they might go for a quick fly just to test them out. Everyone agreed that this was an excellent idea, and the two walked over to get their brooms in the closet by the door. Luna had no idea that Harry had switched brooms on her while she was in the kitchen earlier.
Harry reached into the closet and pulled out the new, orange-colored Firebolt Plus and handed it to Luna. "Happy Christmas," he said with a wide grin.
Luna took the broom in her hands and gently ran her fingers along the diamond hard handle. "This is for me?" She whispered, hardly daring to believe it.
"I just thought you needed something a little more modern," Harry replied lovingly, smiling at her. And then he added, with an evil grin. "Besides I'm getting a little tired of always waiting for you to catch up with me."
Luna threw herself into Harry's arms and kissed him passionately, completely ignoring the fact that many eyes were upon them at that moment. When they pulled apart she looked up into his eyes mischievously. "So you're 'getting tired of waiting for me,' are you? Well, we will just see about that tonight." She took him by the hand and led him out the door. Their friends and family rushed to the windows, reaching them just in time to watch the two of them fly up into the sky, hand in hand.
- o -
While Harry and Luna were on their midnight flight, Edward Lovegood and Arthur Weasley stepped into the study for a private discussion. Molly Weasley, who was cleaning up in the kitchen, asked Hermione if she could find her husband. She wanted the kitchen reduced back in size, and had quite enough work to do already. As she approached the Weasley's study, she could hear Arthur Weasley speaking. The door wasn't closed, but Hermione didn't want to interrupt a private conversation. Hermione hesitated for just a moment, waiting for a break in the conversation before interrupting the two men. What she accidentally heard made her eyes widen in shock.
"I've never seen Harry as happy as he was tonight." Arthur said in delight.
"And Luna, too," Edward Lovegood responded. "I always feared that she would never find anyone who was right for her, but I know now that she has. You can see it in their eyes."
"How long do you think it will be?"
"As soon as they are of age, I suspect." Edward Lovegood replied.
"Well how do you feel about that?"
"I couldn't be happier. They're perfect. Together they will always be alright."
Hermione didn't want to listen any longer, and she certainly didn't want to interrupt. As she walked slowly back to the kitchen she was deep in thought. Then, smiling to herself, she thought, 'Mr. Lovegood is right, they are perfect.'
- o -
Luna woke up just after dawn on Christmas morning. She opened her eyes to see the morning sun streaming in through the leaded glass windows of Harry's bedroom. She rolled over and was surprised to see that Harry wasn't in bed with her. This worried her a little bit, because in the week they had been home, and had slept together, the one of them would always wait for the other to wake up. It had become something of a game for them; and Luna, always an early riser, had usually won. Luna got up and went back to her own bedroom and put on her robe, and then went downstairs to the kitchen.
"Well, good morning sleepy head." Harry greeted her as she entered the kitchen, and then he thought to himself, 'She even looks beautiful first thing in the morning.'
Harry was working at the stove and Luna's father was sitting at the table drinking a cup of coffee. "Good morning, Princess. Will you sit with me your highness?"
Settling down next to her father, she took a sip of her pumpkin juice. Some liked coffee in the morning, but not Luna. Looking over curiously at Harry, she asked him what he was doing.
"Well I thought it only fair that I should make breakfast for you and your father, so you can continue to play the fairy princess a bit longer. Your Majesty is about to dine on my famous blueberry waffles, bacon and eggs."
"I beg your pardon." Luna said with mock indignation. "Did you say 'your' famous blueberry waffles?"
"Well…uh, my famous blueberry waffles that you taught me how to make. Is that better?" He asked, looking at her with a sly smile.
"Much!" She replied, just as Harry sat a plate of waffles on the table. Harry also sat a plate in front of her. On it she noticed a small, wrapped present.
"What's this?"
"That? Well that's a Christmas present from your Grandfather."
Luna's wide and expressive eyes grew even wider. "My Grandfather? But he's…" she said in a whisper.
"Yes, I know," Harry said gently. "But it's still from him. I met him last week in his shop in Diagon Alley. He wanted you to have this." Then Harry proceeded to tell her about his trip to 'Precious Things.'
With trembling hands she opened the gift that came to her from beyond 'The Veil.' She gasped softly when she revealed the beautiful silver necklace.
"This is for me?" she whispered.
"This is to protect you," Harry answered lovingly. "Your Grandfather, your Father, and I want you to wear this every day. We're not going to risk losing you, ever!"
Luna hugged the two most important men in her life, and then asked Harry to help her put it on. She turned her back to him and held her hair above her head. The necklace felt cool, but Harry's fingers were warm and soothing. As he fastened the clasp, he kissed her tenderly on the back of her neck. They had completely forgotten that Luna's father was seated at the table, smiling broadly.
- o -
But the happy holiday mood came to an abrupt end as soon as the teens returned to Hogwarts. Professor Dumbledore called them into his office the evening of their return, an extremely grim expression on his face. The six seated themselves in front of Professor Dumbledore's desk, and waited for him to speak. He looked very old and very tired, and every day of his one hundred fifty years.
"We've had some bad news, Miss Lovegood." Dumbledore said, addressing Luna. And as he spoke, Harry reached over and held Luna's hand tightly. "After our discussion last week members of the Order were dispatched to your uncle's home in the Austrian Alps. I'm sorry Miss Lovegood, but they found your uncle and aunt dead. There was no sign of your cousin, but we believe her to be in Voldemort's hands.
Harry felt Luna visibly tremble at this news, and he moved his chair up against hers so he could hold and comfort her. She looked into his eyes sadly, but then smiled ever so slightly and squeezed his hand.
"Does that mean that Voldemort believes that Luna's cousin can lift the mist of Avalon?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, Miss Granger, that's almost certainly what it means. Experts at the Ministry of Magic have established the connection between the Priestess of Brigit and the Shaw line. So conceivably both Miss Lovegood and her cousin could perform the spell."
"What can we do now," Ron asked.
"All we can do is continue to work of the cipher and attempt to discover the location of Avalon. We have until May 1st; the mist can't be raised until then. We've suffered a defeat, but the war is not a single battle."
The six teens left the office in a somber mood, and walked back to the Gryffindor common room together. Harry suggested that Luna go up to her room and get some rest, but she wanted to stay with the others. They were tired, but rest was out of the question. The six went to a table, pulled out Merlin's Spell Book, and started to work on the cipher. They worked long into the night, long after the other students had gone to bed. If Voldemort was going to win this war, it wasn't going to be without a fight.
- o -
In January the special defense class started training in advanced dueling and combat tactics. For the purposes of this class component they were issued the first of two special Auror training wands that they were to receive. This wand shot a reduced electrical charge that felt like a mild electrical shock to the person on the receiving end. These wands would allow the six teens to fight simulated battles without the risk of actual injuries.
"I understand that you six have already, shall we say, paired off in your training sessions. But for the purposes of these next class components I would like to start rotating partners." Lupin said.
But why?" Harry asked, standing next to Luna. The two had been partners since the first day of class, and found that they worked very well together.
Lupin looked at Harry and smiled; he had been expecting that question from him. "I want you to start rotating partners so you can learn to anticipate different battle tactics from different people. Luna might have one attack strategy while Ron might have a completely different one. You need to be ready for anything.
Soon they were all paired off and testing their new wands. Harry and Ron were shooting spells back and forth at each other, and having a wonderful time. But Ron was certainly getting the worst of it, having already received several shocks. Harry's quick Quidditch reflexes were serving him well as he dodged Ron's spells and shot back at the same time.
Suddenly Ron cried out in pain and fell to his knees. "I'm hurt, Harry!"
Harry dropped his wand and ran forward to help his friend, fearful that something had gone wrong with the training wands. The minute he did so, Ron straightened up and shot him full in the chest. Harry looked at his friend in stunned shock, how could he have done that?
"Sorry, Harry," Ron mumbled, looking down at his feet. "He made me do it." Ron said, pointing at Professor Lupin. Harry looked over at Professor Lupin in confusion.
"And you did it very well, Ron. Did you all just see what happened? Experience is a better teacher than words, and this is a lesson that you all need to learn. Death Eaters don't play by the rules; they use every dirty trick in the book. You need to watch them at all times. If they give up, or claim to be hurt, you should always assume a trick and be prepared for it."
As they resumed their practice, Harry grinned at Ron. "I'll get you for that, Weasley." Ron knew that Harry was joking, but he still was a bit worried.
Harry quickly learned that real duels were very different from the formal affairs that he had learned about in Gilderoy Lockhart's Dueling Club in his second year.
- o -
As the new term began, the four houses of Hogwarts seemed to be as divided as ever. But looks can be deceiving, and under the surface major changes were taking place that none, not even Professor Dumbledore, could foresee. Changes that were, strangely enough, centered on a certain rather eccentric fifth-year Ravenclaw.
Not even a week had elapsed since the beginning of class before Luna's younger friends began to seek her out for help. Unknown to most, Luna had become something of a hero to younger Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. Older students usually ignored their younger classmates, being preoccupied with their own workload; but Luna Lovegood always found time for them. She was always friendly, smiling and ready to help. And they repaid her friendship in many subtle ways, and gained a sense of their own power in the process. There soon developed a rule, unwritten but rigidly enforced, that anyone who made disparaging remarks about Luna Lovegood would be actively shunned by the younger members of those two houses. Older housemates, who crossed that line, soon found themselves the victim of some rather vicious pranks. It didn't take long for the message to get across to people that Luna Lovegood had a great many friends.
The study group soon grew too large for the library, and it had to be moved to the Room of Requirement. It also became too large for Luna to conduct alone, especially after younger Ravenclaws started to attend; so whenever possible her friends would help her. Harry became the 'guest instructor' in Defense Against the Dark Arts, Hermione in Transfiguration, and Neville became a special favorite in Herbology. Looking back at it in later years, no one could ever understand how the six of them were able to balance such a tremendous workload, but they were. They seemed able to draw strength from each other; to renew each other. It was almost as if they were of one heart, one soul; and perhaps they were.
And then, one day, a shy Slytherin third-year approached Luna in the library, after first making sure no others of his house were present. He was a lonely child named Andrew McDonnell, who had few friends. He really didn't know why he had been put in Slytherin, except that he was a pure blood and was determined to prove, in spite of his impoverished upbringing, that he was as good as anyone. But right now he needed help, and he needed it badly.
"Um…could I talk to you for a moment?" He asked very tentatively.
Luna looked up from her work, smiled slightly, and nodded.
"A friend of mine said you were helping some of the students with their work, and I was wondering…uh, if maybe you could help me?" He said very meekly.
Luna looked at the boy appraisingly. In spite of her sometimes dreamy exterior, she was a very good judge of character, and she liked this boy from the first minute they met. They began to talk and soon found out that the two had much in common. They had both grown up in single parent families of limited means; both of them had few friends, although this was no longer really true for Luna; and both had been the victims of cruel pranks by older housemates. Andrew's father had died shortly after he was born, and he was raised by his mother who worked as a clerk in the Ministry of Magic. In spite of his bloodlines, Andrew hated Voldemort and everything that went along with him. He was very disappointed to have been assigned to a house with connections to dark wizards. His worst class was Defense Against the Dark Arts, and his problem seemed to be a lack of confidence.
They had talked for so long, and so pleasantly, that Luna had completely forgotten the time. If she didn't hurry she would be late for a walk in the forest she had promised to Harry. These moments were so precious that she would never miss one.
"I'm sorry, Andrew, but I have to go. I have to meet someone. Will you please meet me up on the fourth floor at seven tonight? I know a friend that will help you."
Andrew was confused by this, as everyone knew there was nothing up there; but he agreed anyway. If one of his Slytherin housemates had suggested this, he would be certain that a prank was going to be played on him. But, for whatever reason, he immediately trusted this strange girl with the silver eyes.
When Andrew arrived on the fourth floor he was surprised to see more than thirty other students waiting, from all different houses. They looked at him a little suspiciously, for Slytherins were a little bit suspected by everyone. He felt distinctly uncomfortable until Luna came up and welcomed him.
"Hello, Andrew McDonnell, how are you this evening?" She asked, smiling at him reassuringly. "Are you ready for lessons?"
"Um…yes I am," he answered, with more confidence than he really felt.
Then, addressing the other students assembled in the hallway, she said. "This is my good friend Andrew McDonnell. He will be joining us tonight, and I hope you will all make him feel welcome."
They entered through a secret door into a large room that Andrew didn't even know existed. The room was divided into small classrooms separated from each other by partitions. Everyone seemed to know where to go, except Andrew that is.
"You needed help in Defense Against the Dark Arts, didn't you?" She asked.
"Yes," he replied uncertainly.
"Well then you come with me, I know absolutely the best person to teach you."
She led him over to a group of students gathered around a boy with dark, unkempt hair and glasses. A boy that he recognized as Harry Potter. Harry Potter who all Slytherins were taught was just a spoiled show-off and a bitter enemy of theirs. But Luna walked right up to him and took his hand.
"Harry, this is my friend Andrew, he really needs your help in Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Harry looked at the young Slytherin boy a little uncertainly for a moment and then extended his hand. "Welcome to our class, Andrew."
With a bit of apprehension the younger boy took Harry hand; but by the end of the session he thought Harry was a very good teacher. And Harry was good; he seemed to have a natural gift for teaching and he really enjoyed it. This aptitude had first shown up the previous year, when he had organized and conducted the DA classes. That gleam that appeared in a child's eyes when they finally caught onto something gave Harry a feeling on intense pride and satisfaction.
- o -
To think for a second that the older members of Ravenclaw House didn't know that something was going on would be a grave mistake. After all, they had been put into Ravenclaw because they were intelligent; they had been trained to observe and analyze. To observe everything and reach a logical conclusion from the information provided. But this problem was driving them all crazy, especially Cho Chang.
Ever since the beginning of term, when Luna Lovegood returned to school with Harry Potter as her boyfriend, they knew that something was terribly wrong. Harry Potter, the boy that half of the girls at Hogwarts would give anything to be with, not only liked Luna Lovegood, he was absolutely stupid about her. Cho, more than anyone, knew how terribly shy Harry was when it came to girls. That made it all the more shocking when she saw the two of them openly holding hands and kissing in the corridors.
Then Hermione Granger, the smartest witch in the school, risked expulsion to protect Luna from a harmless prank. And Ron Weasley, who had always sensibly shied away from the strange girl, viciously attacked Draco Malfoy over a simple Quidditch accident. And what had happened to the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff Houses; they had practically adopted "Loony." Even the teachers seemed to be in on the insanity, and seemed to be treating her like a little princess.
Ravenclaws were used to finding logical explanations for things, and there had to be a logical explanation for this. Finally they reached the only explanation possible; "Loony" Lovegood must have put a really powerful spell on the entire school. And the thing that really terrified them was that if she was powerful enough to put a spell on everyone else, she was powerful enough to put a spell on them. The thought that they might wake up some morning and actually like "Loony" Lovegood was too awful to imagine.
And then in early February an incident took place that made immediate action imperative. Cho Chang and two other seventh-year Ravenclaw girls were standing outside of the library talking as two third-year Slytherin boys walked by. The Ravenclaw girls couldn't help but catch a bit of their conversation, and after catching the first words they listened intently.
"You know, Luna is so pretty and nice. I wish I was older so I could ask her out." The first boy said.
The second boy readily agreed, and they continued down the hall.
This had to be stopped, and it had to be stopped now; before any more damage could be done. Cho went immediately to talk with Professor Flitwick. He was the one person that no one could ever put anything over on, the one teacher that Cho had always been able to depend upon. She sat in his office, a troubled look on her face, and waited for him to give her his undivided attention.
Professor Flitwick finally put down some scrolls that he was grading, and turned his attention to one of his favorite students. "Now, what can I do for you Miss Chang?" Professor Flitwick asked in a gentle voice, noticing the distressed expression on her face.
"Professor, I believe that Hogwarts is in danger, and I felt that it was my duty to bring it to your attention." She replied, a sense of urgency clearly evident in her voice.
"What kind of danger, Miss Chang?" Professor Flitwick inquired, a deadly serious look on his face.
"Luna Lovegood has put some kind of a spell on the entire school. Suddenly everyone likes her. I just don't know what to do." Cho said as she looked at Professor Flitwick in near panic.
Flitwick just stared back at the young girl like she was from another planet, and Cho began to feel quite uncomfortable. Suddenly the tiny professor burst into laughter, and the startled girl almost fell out of her chair. His high, shrill laughter was most unnerving, especially since it was the first time that she had seen him laugh so openly.
"So you think that Miss Lovegood has put a spell on us, do you?" Flitwick asked, continued with his high pitched laughter. "Well, I guess she has at that." In a more considered tone he said. "I'm surprised that you don't know what kind of a spell it is, I thought you were smarter than that."
"But it has to be stopped. It has to be removed!" Cho shouted, almost in a panic.
"No, no. It's not that kind of a spell; and it's certainly not something we want stopped." Professor Flitwick said with determination. "Do you want to know what kind of spell Miss Lovegood has on us? Well you can go up to the fourth floor tonight at seven o'clock and see a true Ravenclaw."
It was with much fear and trepidation that Cho Chang walked up the stairs to the fourth floor that evening, terribly afraid of what she was going to find. A large number of students were gathered in front of the Room of Requirement, which she remembered from the DA meetings of the previous year. They looked at her curiously as she approached, and she noticed scowls on the faces of some younger Ravenclaws. 'She already has control of their minds,' Cho thought in terror. Nevertheless, she summoned up all the courage she possessed, and followed them into the room. She hung back in a corner fully prepared to see some kind of pagan worship at the very least. What she saw, however, shocked her even more.
In one section of the room Hermione Granger was showing a group of eager students how to transform a rat into a crystal goblet, as Cho herself had learned many years before. In another area, Harry Potter was showing some frightened third-years how to deal with a nasty Bogart. She had never seen Harry behave in such a patient and gentle manner; he seemed a natural born teacher. Luna Lovegood herself was standing at a chalk board calmly discussing runic symbols. They were obviously teaching; but that couldn't be all there was to it. There had to be something more, something evil, something dark. Cho wouldn't let herself believe that she had been wrong about Luna all those years. And yet, by the end of the night she was convinced, and a very ashamed Cho Chang slipped out the door without a word.
The next morning as the sixth and seventh year Ravenclaw girls came down to breakfast, they were horrified to see Cho Chang chatting happily with little Luna Lovegood at the Ravenclaw table. A number of other Ravenclaws were gathered around them, also smiling happily. The older girls knew at that moment that they were certainly doomed.
The unity of the houses had become a reality, but in a way no one could have ever expected.
- o -
When Professor Dumbledore learned what the six teens were doing he was most impressed, and rather proud. She was so impressed, in fact, that he called them into his office to personally thank them for their efforts to assist the younger students. He was concerned, however, that it might prove too much for them, given their already heavy workload. But they soon relieved his mind, and pleased him greatly with their enthusiasm for teaching.
What they seemed to need most was a tutor for potions. Hermione had been trying to cover it, but potions wasn't really her strongest subject.
"I think I can help you with that." Professor Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eye. "I've had a seventh-year girl volunteer to help you with anything you might need, and her strongest subject is potions. I asked her to join us today, but she said that she might be a bit late." At that moment there was a knock at the door, and Cho Chang walked in. Harry looked at her doubtfully, but Luna's warm greeting soon broke the ice.
"I was so wrong about all of you." She began in an apologetic tone. "I really want to help you, if you'll let me."
They all turned to Luna, and she welcomed Cho to the study group; and then they all welcomed her.
"Would the seven of you allow me to announce your study session at dinner tonight? That would make all the students aware that help from their peers is available." Professor Dumbledore asked. The seven teens looked at each other, and then as a group agreed
That night at dinner Professor Dumbledore announced the names of Hogwarts' new student tutors. When he came to the name of Luna Lovegood, the older Ravenclaw students gasped in shock. Cho Chang, however, just gave her new friend a warm hug.
- o -
The beginning of the new year had brought a sense of foreboding to Harry Potter; he somehow sensed that the final battle was close at hand. And yet the fear and loneliness that had plagued him in the past was noticeably absent; for there was Luna always by his side. She gave him a strength and courage that he never realized he had, as well as the love that he always needed. Valentine's Day was coming up, and it was going to fall on a Hogsmead Weekend. Harry was determined to pull out all the stops to make it a special day for Luna. Harry, Ron and Neville had decided that they would spend the day together, and have lunch at the Three Broomsticks.
When Luna came down for breakfast that Valentine's Day there was a large bouquet of wild roses where she usually sat at the Gryffindor table. Knowing instantly that wild roses had to be from Harry, she kissed him sweetly on the cheek and sat down next to him. There was also a large stack of pink and red envelopes at her place; cards from other boys around the school who had become fond of her.
Harry looked at the stack and made a half-hearted attempt at a scowl. "I'm beginning to get a little jealous of all your admirers." He said, but with a smile.
"I guess that means you'll just have to try a little harder," she replied with a mischievous smile. "But it's nice to know that a girl has options, just in case."
"I'm your best option, and you know it." Harry said playfully, and grabbing her around the waist he began to kiss her neck, a little passionately for seven in the morning.
"I guess you are at that," Luna said rather breathlessly.
"Oh, come on now; none of that until after breakfast. Don't you two ever quit?" Came Ron's disgusted voice, but he had a smile on his face when he said it. He got a poke in the ribs from his girlfriend nevertheless.
When all six of them were settled at the table, the boys told their girlfriends about their plans for the day, and all were delighted. All of them felt the need for a day away from school and work, a day they could just enjoy being together.
After breakfast the boys took the arms of their young ladies and led them out through the front doors. There, at the foot of the stairs, was a beautiful white carriage pulled by six snow white horses. It was like the story of Cinderella. Harry led Luna to the door and helped her into the coach, the other boys following suit, and they were all soon riding into Hogsmead together. Harry had arranged it all, with a little help from Tonks and Remius Lupin. After all, what was the point of having a vault full of Galleons if he couldn't spend some of them making this day special for the girl he loved?
As they pulled up in front of the Three Broomsticks, the driver jumped down from the box and, with a bow and a flourish, assisted the girls down from the carriage. The eyes of several envious young girls were upon them as their boyfriends escorted them through the front doors and upstairs to the private dining room. Harry had told Madam Rosmerta to go all out on their luncheon, and indeed she had done just that. The room was decorated in pinks, reds and whites, and had a distinctly Valentine theme. Luna didn't usually go in for this kind of thing, but she had to admit that Harry had done it up right. They had a delicious lunch topped off by a wonderful ice cream bombe, filled with chocolate and fresh strawberry ice cream.
Leaving the Three Broomsticks, they walked through Hogsmead window shopping and just enjoyed each others company. They stopped in at Honeydukes, and each girl left with a box of her favorite chocolates. The day was concluded by a leisurely carriage ride through the forest at twilight and then back to Hogwarts; it had been a truly wonderful day.