Chapter 29: Harry Takes Action

Luna woke up the day after her so-called initiation. She had mixed feelings about it. She wasn't exactly sure what that Atomic sit-up had been. She hadn't really minded the smells she had to smell, even if they were very different from anything she had smelled before. They weren't pleasant smells, but there was something about them that oddly enough made her body feel kind of hot and a little naughty. She in a way kind of liked them somehow.

She had some ideas what the smells were, but she was going pretend she didn't. It was really kind of embarrassing having done that... and a bit confusing for her. She would have much rather experienced what she thought it was with girls she actually liked and without the mystery around what happened.

She wasn't even sure if it was something she was into or not, but she was curious about new things that had never crossed her mind before last night. Luna might have talked to Ginny about it all and maybe asked some questions, but Ginny was lost this year… Luna wasn't sure she could talk to Hermione or the other Hufflepuff girls about it all.

"Whatever the case. What's done is done. I'll be nice in return if my roommates are serious about this," Luna thought to herself. She was really glad she had people she called friends in Hufflepuff at least.

"Morning," Connie said to Luna with something that was almost a real smile.

"Good Morning," Luna replied with an actual smile. She would put in some effort, but she wasn't counting on the girls to really match it.

[-] [-] [-]

Luna was surprised how things were going lately. Her roommates had actually tried it seemed at first and Luna almost believed friendship could be possible despite everything. When they kept asking her about Harry Potter, Luna figured out what they were really doing.

She had said some different things about him that were still safe to say at first. As they kept asking, she only told them things anyone would know about Harry. What surprised Luna was how even after that, they were… polite at least. She hoped it would last, but wasn't sure it would.

At the moment though, Luna, like everyone else, was interested in the Dueling Club.

"I'm getting really bad feelings about this," Hermione said with a frown in the dining hall after lunch, but before needing to run off to classes.

"You were the one to pretty much hint at and imply that person would probably be in charge of it," Hannah said with a sigh.

Hermione frowned deeper. Hannah was right, but she didn't like it.

"You are all looking at this the wrong way," Luna said to them.

"What could possibly be the right way?" Hermione asked with almost a huff at herself.

"I thought it would be obvious," Luna stated.

"Luna," Harry started. The dirty blonde looked to him with her large eyes. "I do think of us as friends, but you have a very unique and different approach to things. What you think is obvious few others probably would," Harry said.

"Ohhh," Luna replied with almost a slight blush to her cheeks. She was happy and caught off guard when he said they were friends.

"We do like that about you," Hermione supplied thinking the smaller girl might mistake Harry's words in some way. He was pretty good with words, but Luna was well Luna.

Luna gave a nod. "I figured that, since he said we were… friends," she said giving a small smile. "Thanks for clarifying though, Hermione," Luna quickly added. She didn't want to come off as mean. She was usually rather blunt about things, but that could lead people to thinking she was being mean or something. She was still learning about this friend stuff, but she loved it.

Hermione seemed happy with that. "So, what is this right way of looking at the Dueling Club?" Hermione asked. This time she sounded more curious and less huffy.

"Obviously, Professor… Him… Will have to demonstrate with someone as a volunteer. We'll get to watch them make a bigger fool of Professor… That person… It will also be a rather amusing… what is the term muggles use? Ah Yes! It will be an amusing train wreck to watch," Luna said nodding and smiling.

She wasn't sure why they didn't say Professor Lockhart's name, but she guessed it was a bit of a game or something. It was kind of fun coming up with ways to say it was Lockhart she meant, but didn't say his name.

"Usually it is something along the lines of. You can't help but watch the train wreck. It isn't usually meant to be positive. But I get where you are coming from, Luna," Harry said giving her smile.

"Oh? Thanks for telling me how it is," Luna said as she smiled back to him. Her cheeks were feeling a little warm again and the Wrackspurts were acting up as well. She pretended not to know what it all meant. Was she allowed to do that whole crush thing? Luna wasn't sure, but she felt very pleasantly warm. She didn't want to do something that would ruin the whole friends thing though.

"I get what Luna's saying now! We should go, but mostly just to watch. Maybe learn a thing or two, if we're lucky," Hannah said.

"Hopefully whoever faces The-Professor-We-Really-Don't-Want-To-Have-To-Name," Susan said giving a giggle as the others laughed. "Hopefully. They will be competent at least, and we can learn something from them," she finished.

"We will see soon enough," Hermione said.

[-] [-] [-]

Luna noticed her roommates were now being indifferent towards her. She could live with that. It would be nice if it stayed this way at least. It was disappointing they didn't really want to be friends with her. Luna liked having friends and she would welcome more. Luna really hoped more than anything, it wouldn't get back to how it was. She didn't like that at all. She didn't think or want to accept it as easily as she did from before she had more friends.

[-] [-] [-]

"I can't believe I'm actually saying this…" Fred started as Professor Lockhart and Professor Snape took to the demonstration stage in the middle of the hall.

"… But for once I'm rooting for Snape," George finished as Fred nodded in agreement.

Everyone had been very excited about the Dueling Club, but that excitement dropped a noticeable amount once Professor Lockhart revealed himself to be the leader of this club. Several students guessed this would happen, but there had always been that small amount of hope they were all wrong. Professor Lockhart taking the stage, threw all of that hope out the window.

The gathered students seemed to be of mixed feelings when Professor Snape was revealed to be helping Lockhart with the club. The Slytherins were absolutely delighted by this. Most of the Gryffindors could be heard groaning and Ron was outright grimacing. The Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs were either neutral or happy about this. Many of them viewed Professor Snape as one of the more competent professors, even if he wasn't very pleasant as a person.

However, when Lockhart and Snape faced each other, most of the students were of similar sentiments as the twins. Harry and some of the other students were keen on what they would see apart from Professor Snape making Lockhart look even more a fool. They paid close attention realizing this demonstration would actually teach them a decent bit, if they focused on Professor Snape's actions.

"Now then, we will give a demonstration to start things off. Professor Snape has graciously decided to help and told me he has some experience in dueling. Don't you worry though… You will still have your Potions' Professor, even after I'm finished with him. Ha Hah!" Lockhart said with a wink to the crowd. A few girls still sighed dreamily despite what most of the students thought of the man by this point.

"Let us begin!" he clapped happily. "First, we will bow to each other," Lockhart started as he gave a flourish of a bow towards the other professor. Professor Snape seemed to barely lower his head in return. It was a bow in the loosest of definitions.

"Next, we will take our stances!" Lockhart said as the two stood opposite each other.

Lockhart was using a very flamboyant stance that was probably completely open and did nothing but show off his colorful robes. Snape was standing straight with his body aligned to his wand and minimizing exposure for his opponent. Most students quickly realized who actually had the better stance of the two. It was not Lockhart.

"On the count of three, we will cast our spells," Lockhart said.

He cleared his throat and started counting down. "One. Two. Three!" he shouted.

"Expelliarmus!" Professor Snape quickly shouted without a wasted movement. A jet of scarlet colored light shot from his wand at incredible speed. The spell quickly struck Lockhart and sent him tumbling backwards as his wand shot up into the air! Lockhart was a pile on the floor right up against the back wall.

He soon stood up and regained him composure and acted as if he purposefully hit the back wall. "Ha Hah! Very good Professor Snape! The disarming charm is very handy. As you can all see… I do not have my wand," Professor Lockhart said as he raised his hands to further emphasize the point.

"Ah! Thank you, Miss Brown," he said as Lavender blushed and handed him his wand back. She quickly shrunk back into the crowd after that though and stood next to a giggling Parvati.

"That was a very good shot, Professor Snape. However… I will point out that I knew the instant you pulled back your wand what you intended to do. And a number of other mistakes!" Lockhart the Useless said with his normal chuckle.

"I'm sure," Professor Snape said in his usual voice as he narrowed his eyes on the other professor. It was clear he wasn't buying it.

"Yes. Yes. A very good spell," Lockhart said as he cleared his throat. "In fact. I think that will be the perfect first spell for everyone to try. Everyone. Pair up! You will be disarming and only disarming, your partner," Professor Lockhart said.

[-] [-] [-]

It took a little time, but everyone found a partner.

"Be careful. Millicent is likely to toss aside her wand and start pulling your hair," Pansy carefully whispered to a nervous Hermione. She ended up opposite Millicent Bulstrode of Slytherin.

"Tha-thanks…" Hermione whispered back as she gulped and gave a nervous smile. Millicent was a large girl with a jutting jaw and large hands. She looked to Hermione and seemed to smirk at her as she folded her arms.

Luna cocked her head to the side and looked at her partner. She was actually paired with a fifth-year girl from Gryffindor. She wasn't really sure if this was fair or not.

The other girl looked a little uncomfortable at Luna and seemed to feel the same way. "Wouldn't this be picking on a younger student?" the fifth year girl asked herself.

"I guess it is all fair, if we stick to just the disarming spell," Luna said with a hum of thought as she placed a finger to her pink lips. The older girl blinked a couple of times and slowly nodded. It was odd, but she felt like this Luna girl read her mind or something before answering.

[-] [-] [-]

"Bollocks…" Justin said with a frown.

"Something wrong?" Harry asked with a hint of amusement in his voice. It was kind of funny hearing Justin swear. Justin was usually very well-mannered and purposefully polite, even to his closest friend Ernie.

"I really didn't want to have to face you, Harry. Everyone knows how good you are at spells and such," Justin admitted.

"Anyone you wanted to be paired with in particular?" Harry couldn't help but ask.

"I suppose Seamus. He's being extra well… Seamus… lately," Justin said in thought.

"Maybe next time. He's paired with Neville right now," Harry said taking a stance.

"True," Justin replied as he took his own stance.

The two boys stood a little distance from each other and gave one another a bow.

"On three, everyone. Remember! You are only going to be casting the Disarming Spell and no others," Professor Lockhart said.

As soon as Lockhart counted down, it was pure chaos. Harry wouldn't have been surprised if he later found out he and Justin were the only ones who bothered to cast the correct spell at each other. Harry dodged instinctively as Justin was hit and his wand fell to the floor.

"You okay?" Harry asked as he helped the other boy up.

Justin seemed to shake himself back into sense as he sighed. "I knew I wouldn't hit you. You dodged," Justin said with a slight frown.

Harry gave a chuckle as he said, "Sorry about that. Instinct really."

"Whatever it was. It was effective," Justin said.

"Yeah. It is. I wonder why they don't really teach how to best dodge spells in defense class. I mean even the Unforgivable Spells can be dodged. If a spell doesn't hit you, it won't work," Harry said in thought.

Justin nodded in thoughtful agreement. The two then decided to look at the surrounding chaos.

[-] [-] [-]

Hermione was doing her best to stay out of Millicent's reach. The larger girl forwent using her wand and lunged at Hermione. Hermione was so busy dodging the other girl she didn't think to try a spell on her.

Seamus was covered in soot. It seemed his spell backfired on him. Justin managed to not grin too much at the sight. Neville seemed to be wondering if he needed to apologize to Seamus or not. He hadn't cast a spell yet, but maybe he was just so clumsy it seemed to affect others around him as well.

"Stop!" Professor Lockhart shouted to the hall.

The students actually paused in their actions.

The Defense Professor gave a sigh. "Perhaps we should show you all how to block unfriendly spells," he said. He looked over the students and then looked to Professor Snape. Professor Snape gave him a sneer as if he was daring the Defense Professor to challenge him again to demonstrate how to block spells.

"I think…" Lockhart said as he turned from Snape. "Yes. I think it would be best if Professor Snape and I got two student volunteers… That way… we can take care of any unfortunate mishaps," Lockhart said giving a wide grin as if he was covering for something.

Justin frowned as he said to Harry, "He probably just doesn't want to face Professor Snape again."

"I'm sure even a fraud like Lockhart realizes Snape is better than him at dueling," Harry replied to Justin.

Justin shook his head. "To think, I actually thought he was impressive after reading his books a little," he said. Harry gave a chuckle to that.

"Let's see here…" Lockhart said looking over the crowd.

"Might I suggest a student from my own house?" Professor Snape interjected.

"Sure," Lockhart replied.

"Draco," Professor Snape called. Draco marched up to the demonstration stage and smirked at the crowd.

"Well then… Seamus?" Lockhart asked in thought.

"Bad idea… His wand likes to backfire… a lot," Snape said. "I think Mr. Finnigan likes the explosions," Professor Snape finished with a slight frown.

Seamus gave a wide grin in response as a few of his housemates laughed. Harry was instead concerned with the gleam he saw in the Twins' eyes. He had a feeling they just might take Seamus under their wing. He wasn't sure if that would be hilarious or terrifying. Maybe it would even be both.

"Mr. Longbottom then?" Lockhart asked.

Professor Snape shook his head. "The boy is a clumsy mess even in the best of times. There's no telling what will happen with him on the stage," Professor Snape said.

Neville looked sheepish to everyone and gulped as he tried to meld into the nearby wall.

"How about... Ron Weasley?" Professor Lockhart asked.

Professor Snape grinned to that. Draco grinned widely from by his side. "I think that will be an excellent idea," Professor Snape said.

"Do you have any reservations? Mr. Weasley?" Professor Lockhart asked the youngest Weasley son.

Ron grinned in response. "I don't mind. It would be nice to put the Stuck-up Snake in his place," Ron said as he stepped forward confidently.

Harry and a number of others groaned to this. Most of the students knew this was a bad idea, especially the second years. Ron and Draco never mixed well with each other. Putting them together was asking for nothing more than an extra helping, or five, of trouble.

The students watched as Lockhart seemed to be attempting to instruct Ron on some complicated maneuver to block spells. It was so complicated that even Professor Lockhart couldn't get it right. He ended up dropping his wand with an "Oops! Seems my wand is a little excited. Ha Hah..."

Ron gave a slow nod as Lockhart explained what was supposed to have happened instead.

Everyone had a feeling Draco would be winning this round with ease. Fortunately for Ron, everyone, including most of the Slytherins, decided it was Professor Lockhart's fault the second year Gryffindor would be utterly defeated by his arch-rival in this duel. They weren't going to hold it against the Weasley boy.

To start things off, neither boy bowed to the other when Lockhart instructed them to do so. "Let's just skip that part… Shall we?" Lockhart said giving a wain smile. He was starting to think this might be a bad idea.

Then the spells started to fly…

When dust settled, Draco was the winner.

"You know…" Justin started. "I actually think Ron did pretty well. He did manage to hit Draco with a couple of spells," he said. Harry nodded in agreement.

"Well… I think… we've had enough for today," Lockhart said as he looked over the hall with a wince. He was going to have to do a lot of repair work. Professor Dumbledore insisted on this or Lockhart wouldn't have been able to hold this meeting for the Dueling Club. He was starting to think maybe this should be the only meeting for the club.

Professor Lockhart was many things. Many great things, if you asked him. However, he was not a fan of cleaning up. He was even less of a fan of cleaning up other people's messes. At least, not when there isn't fame or fortune to be had for doing so.

Saving a town from an incompetent mayor was grand! Cleaning up after a bunch of students finished their club activities, was not grand in the least bit and far too tedious. Gilderoy Lockhart didn't have the time for it. He had fan mail to answer! Luckily, he would have a helper from Ravenclaw during detention to help, starting next week.

[-] [-] [-]

While everyone was busy talking about the failure that was known as the Dueling Club, Harry's mind was elsewhere. He couldn't just standby anymore. He needed to do something about Luna. About Slytherin's Heir. Something about anything going on at Hogwarts.

He was trying to stay out of it all, especially because of the warning Dobby gave him. Harry wasn't about to leave Hogwarts, but he was being careful. It didn't matter the house elf was terrible about giving warnings, Harry did give it credence. He couldn't keep doing that now though.

It was because of this Harry found himself carefully wandering the halls at night just past curfew. Hermione would probably be upset with him, but she actually called it a night early. He was able to slip out of bed and their room unnoticed. Luckily, tomorrow was the weekend so they didn't have classes. Harry hoped that would be enough time for him to make it up to Hermione, if he needed to do so.

Harry walked the halls carefully and quietly. He was fully alert and looking around the mostly quiet halls. Most of the portraits had called it a night as well by this point. Harry found that odd when he thought about it. Why would a portrait, even a magic one, need sleep? Was it a habit carried over from their lives? It was something to contemplate at a later time.

The magical street knight decided to begin his own investigation where it all started. He would then go where he learned Colin Creevey was attacked. Harry did have to do a little sleuthing to get that information.

The dark haired boy managed to get this information thanks to a quick look at the incident report back before he and Draco were released. It seemed even if Dumbledore wanted to keep things under wraps, he still wanted the truth recorded in detail. Perhaps, he was going to use it as a means to get more money once this was all over. Harry didn't know. Maybe it was just more information the headmaster wanted to collect.

Harry soon found his way to the scene of the first attack. It wasn't too hard given how infamous the place was and the fact the words couldn't be washed away no matter what Filch tried. Harry looked over the scene trying to concentrate on anything.

It was long after the attack, but maybe there was still something everyone overlooked. This heir only wanted to remain unnoticed to an extent. That was an easy deduction given they left a message on the walls that couldn't be removed. They weren't fully covering their tracks or working completely in secret for whatever reason.

Harry wondered if the water being on the floor that night meant anything apart from Myrtle flooding the restrooms again. Harry couldn't really figure anything out from just thinking on it though. He hoped the spell he found while preparing for this trip would prove as useful as he thought it would be.

"Fleetprinto," Harry said after waving his wand over the area.

Soon there were sets of glowing footprints of different intensity he could see. This spell was an old tracking spell most people probably didn't care for, since it was a Hufflepuff who created it. It was hard to explain fully how the spell worked, but essentially it picked up trapped magic or energy echoes from previous foot traffic. There were limits to how far back prints could come from though. It would usually be a mess to use it in such a place as well.

However, Filch kept pretty much all students away from here. He wasn't here as often anymore, but people still avoided it. After Colin's attack, people felt as if the place was bad luck. There were rumors Colin took a picture of the wall the day before he was attacked and that was what made him the first human target.

This was exactly why Harry found it interesting to get such a reading from here as he looked at a very bright set of footprints. It seemed someone, he had no idea who, was frequenting the place and even the bathroom. "I wonder if ghosts leave footprints," Harry thought. That could explain it.

Myrtle came here a lot and it was known as her restroom and most girls avoided it. He would have to test the ghost footprint theory later. It still seemed it would be odd for her to be traveling exactly as a living human would though. He figured she would just float through the wall to get inside. She hated being a ghost, but didn't seem to have problems using the advantages a ghost had. At least, that is what Harry figured from what he knew of her.

Harry wished the spell could be used more specifically. He could try following the footprints in the opposite direction, but as soon as he hit an area with large foot traffic it would be all but impossible to follow the trail. "Still it might be a good idea to look around the area a little past just the bathroom," Harry thought as he recalled that night again.

He started to slowly walk as he tried to figure out how the beast, whatever it was, entered and exited what Harry thought was the nearby wall. It sounded like it was in the walls that night at least. For Mrs. Norris to be attacked, the creature would have to enter the hallway briefly, unless the cat was attacked somewhere else and moved here.

Harry didn't think that was the case though. He heard that voice sound disappointed at the attack's result that night. It seemed Friar Puck just missed the creature and Slytherin's Heir before he floated up to see what happened.

"That would mean…" Harry thought as his eyes widened. It was actually possible the friar did just miss the culprit. Perhaps they just missed the heir right after he finished setting up the message on the wall. It would be possible to slip away and hide somewhere before blending in with the crowd. Everyone was solely focused on the wall and the entire student body showed up to the area that night.

Harry looked at the only place someone could hide in the situation, even briefly. "But… Do I even dare enter a girls' restroom?" he asked himself. Harry stared at the door. What could he even gain here? Myrtle would be the only possible witness and he didn't know if she was in or not. She might not have even been paying attention to what happened that night, apart from her own crying.

The messy haired boy decided the girls' restroom was a dead end, unless he convinced one of the girls to lead him inside. He moved on to the next spot. He could try his tracking spell there, but he wasn't sure it would give any workable results. It was out of the way, but still a place that got more foot traffic. There could still be something worth looking into at that location, he decided.

[-] [-] [-]

Unfortunately, Harry's plan soon changed. He barely dodged a couple of Prefects patrolling together. It was Ron's older brother Percy and a girl from Ravenclaw with long curvy blonde hair. The two were both paying attention to their duties and each other.

If Harry was one for gossip, he was sure this would be extra juicy. Percy Weasley possibly having a girlfriend? The strictest of Prefects who made a habit of getting on couples' cases for indecent behavior? And he was here, kissing a girl while on patrol?! That was something Lavender would do almost anything to learn. As matters currently stood, Harry hoped they wouldn't get too distracted with each other and move a little faster.

It took a few minutes and while the two did sneak kisses with each other, they thankfully didn't go any further. Percy decided they needed to pick up the pace and pay more attention. The girl, Penelope, Harry thought her name was, blinked for a few breathless moments as her cheeks were full of color. She looked disappointed as Percy continued forwards.

"Best of luck, Percy. Something more will need to happen between you two or she might end it," Harry thought as he started to move again.

When Harry was close to his destination, he heard the sound of someone crying. It wasn't too loud and it seemed as if the girl was trying to hold back. He was mildly curious, but wasn't sure if he should help her. He wasn't even sure who it was, really. He was here with a goal in mind and shouldn't deviate from his plan.

That soon changed.

"Stupid me… I said I would keep it on me at all times!" the girl scolded herself between sniffs.

Harry recognized her voice instantly. It was Luna. Harry frowned and made his way over to her. He wanted to figure out what happened to Colin, but this was more important.

"Luna?" Harry asked quietly as he rounded the corner.

Luna looked up in surprise and her eyes widened. She then blushed, since she was in only a towel. Harry looked to the side so she wouldn't feel as uncomfortable. "What are you doing here?" she asked in a voice very unlike her usual dreaminess.

"That's not important now. What happened, Luna?" Harry asked. He carefully looked towards her with one eye. It would be too awkward to not look at her while talking.

She was covered, even if only by a damp towel ending above her knees. Harry wished this happened under much different circumstances. It would be nice to see a girl in just a towel with slightly damp hair otherwise, but this didn't seem like a good time for such encounters.

Luna looked to the side. "The house elves are extra diligent tonight it seems. And I forgot my wand, but I could have sworn I had it with me before I took my shower. My roommates also seemed to have forgotten I wasn't in bed yet and locked the door before soundproofing it," she said.

Harry sighed and leaned against a nearby wall to keep some distance from her. He didn't want her feeling anymore embarrassed than she probably did by standing too close to her. He wasn't going to just leave her though.

"Does this happen often?" he asked knowingly.

Luna seemed to freeze up for a moment before she gave a weak shake and answered even more weakly, "No… I mean… I am forgetful…"

Harry frowned. "You really shouldn't lie like that, especially to a friend," he said.

Luna froze again. She then sighed. "It has happened before, but it has been a while and the last couple of times I had my wand with me. I could just get back inside those times," she said.

"How come you haven't told Professor Flitwick or a Prefect?" Harry asked.

Luna seemed to try and shrink in on herself. She was still careful with her movements. She really didn't want to accidentally show Harry something private in this situation.

"Professor Flitwick takes things seriously, but he has to catch them in the act or have evidence. The Prefects… mostly look the other way. It doesn't get violent, so they don't seem to think intervention is needed," she said in a small voice.

Harry then figured out a plan on how to help Luna. It was a bit of a rushed job and a long shot, but it could work. If it did, it would be very effective. "Where is Professor Flitwick right now?" he asked.

Luna looked to him curiously. "He's in his office again," she answered.

"I know what they say about such topics, but how close is Ravenclaw from here? Just give me a general idea," Harry said looking her right in the eyes. He was too determined for his eyes to wander in this situation.

"Not far at all," she said curiously with her head cocked to the side a little. If it was any other time, Harry would think about how cute Luna looked like that.

"If Professor Flitwick were to come this far, would he most likely return to his office or head on to his private quarters in Ravenclaw?" Harry asked.

Luna studied Harry. It seemed more like she was distracted. The Wrackspurts were very active now. This was a very important encounter they were telling her.

"He would head to his private quarters. At this time at least. It is late and the weekend. He might have accidentally fallen asleep at his desk though. He does that from time to time and that makes things even worse in this regard," Luna said.

Harry nodded to himself. "Luna. I want you to go back to your dorm and pound on the door and scream at it. Yell at them to let you in," he said.

"What good would it do?" she asked.

"Just do this and keep at it until the time is right to stop. You'll get it soon enough," Harry said as he stood up and made his way to Professor Flitwick's office. The locations of the professors' offices weren't a secret. Each professor at Hogwarts had assigned office hours and some even had unofficial office hours they told their students about.

"Okay…" Luna answered as she headed back. She didn't get it, but the Wrackspurts were really excited. She figured that meant she should do as Harry asked.

[-] [-] [-]

Professor Flitwick had once again fallen asleep in his office. This actually happened with many of the professors. Though admittedly, he probably did this the most often of them.

He was well liked by his students for his classes and his teaching methods. This all required he spend a good amount of extra time planning his lessons. His office was the perfect place for that. It wasn't uncommon for him to get carried away and lose track of time before falling asleep.

The tiny professor soon snapped awake and blinked for a couple of seconds. He looked around and noticed his office door seemed to be shutting slowly. The tiny man did a quick spell to make sure nothing was out of place. Content with the results, he was about to fall asleep again when he heard something outside in the halls. It wasn't anything too alarming, but it was something he felt he needed to investigate.

Professor Flitwick got up and made his way out of his office. He quickly cast a few spells to close, lock and secure his office. He was being careful in case this was a distraction to get him away from his office. Some pranking student, probably a Weasley with an identical twin, could use this as a chance to sneak inside it.

"Hello?" the tiny man called in a vain attempt to get an answer. It was possible if he startled whatever, or more likely whoever, made the noise they would give themselves away. Nothing happened this time though.

He walked further down the hallway. He then heard the sound coming further down a different hallway. He frowned in thought and cast a spell he muttered under his breath. It would let him know if there was anything with less than good intentions near him. It was an over precaution he would admit, but he had just been startled out of his sleep.

"Negative," he told himself. He walked over to where the sound was coming from again. This was a curious situation and he would admit he appreciated the mystery. He was a Ravenclaw after all.

Professor Flitwick soon realized he was being led through the castle by the sounds. He also realized he was being led closer to his own house. It was all very curious indeed. The sound was also growing quieter and quieter. He was starting to wonder if maybe there was some truth to the rumors about Hogwarts speaking to staff or students on occasion.

Eventually the sound completely diminished. Professor Flitwick was both disappointed and a little relieved. It was too bad he didn't find the solution, but it was nice the mystery lived on. He could continue to explore it and come up with new theories later. Professor Flitwick gave a yawn and a stretch.

"Guess I'll just head to my private quarters. It will be nice to sleep in my real bed for a change," he thought to himself. He had been spending more nights in his office lately. When that happened, he usually only got a transfigured bed for sleeping at the best of times. Other times he just fell asleep in his chair at his desk.

[-] [-] [-]

Harry gave a grin of accomplishment as he watched Professor Flitwick head towards Ravenclaw. It had worked! He was taking a bit of a gamble here. Professor Flitwick could have just fallen right back asleep, or taken more action in response to his leading. He hadn't expected to use this Street Knight skill while at Hogwarts, even though he gave it a magical twist. Whatever the case, he had a feeling things would work out for Luna now.

He didn't think Professor Flitwick was a bad Head of House or anything. The little man was just getting a little too caught up in his instructional duties and his Head House duties suffered a little. That wouldn't be a problem if the Prefects did their jobs in Ravenclaw. Harry believed they were the ones at fault here along with Luna's roommates for what was happening to her.

Harry gave a stretch and decided he best head back now. He stayed out later than he intended tonight anyways. "Hope it all works out for you, Luna," he thought despite his beliefs it would be fine.

[-] [-] [-]

Professor Flitwick frowned once he entered Ravenclaw Tower. He first thought everyone was in bed as they should be, but then heard a girl yelling at her door. As he approached the source of yelling, he heard her banging on the door as well. He frowned deeper. This was not looking good. It seemed he would have to speak with his Prefects after this, along with the girl's roommates.

"Let me in! Please! It's cold out here in just my towel!" Luna shouted in vain. She hated this. She felt stupid too. How could this accomplish anything? She banged on the door again.

"Miss Lovegood? What is going on here?" Professor Flitwick asked with an edge in his voice.

"Professor?" Luna asked in shock. She then said, "I've been locked out. I was taking a shower and when I finished my clothes were gone and my wand too…"

Professor Flitwick looked angry now. It was terrifying to see the little man so angry. He came up to the door and cast a spell on it. Soon they could hear the conversation from the other side.

"I can't believe Loony actually thought we would be her friends. She's too weird. The fact she even agreed to an Atomic Sit-up in the first place should have let her know we wouldn't be friendly to her," Sally said with a chuckle to the others.

"Yeah. We were only nice thinking she might get us some news on Harry Potter, but she didn't tell us anything we couldn't easily figure out on our own," Gertrude said with a giggle.

"She should be more grateful to us, we weren't too mean to her. I mean it isn't like we well… farted on her or something while she did the sit-up. Sometimes my cousins said they would do that with someone they weren't too friendly with when getting them into the Sports Club," Teresa said with a laugh.

"I can't believe you stole her wand again," Connie said in disbelief after she giggled a little.

"The loony bint makes it too easy. She even really believes the house elves are the ones taking her clothes. They wouldn't do that. They are diligent, but they get laundry from our hampers or floors in here," Teresa replied with a smirk.

"You know this how?" Sally asked with an amused raised eyebrow.

"I've tested it. With her underwear before. I tossed them into a corner of the common room. They stayed there for a couple of days. Probably until the elves came to clean the common room more thoroughly," she replied with a dark giggle.

"I'm pretty sure Harry Potter only dares talk to her because he sees her as a charity case. Really… Does she think anyone believes her about them enjoying a Deathday party?" Connie said with a shake of her head after a moment as the others laughed.

Just then the door to their room burst open with force. It even shattered before it was magicked back together. None of the girls noticed it get repaired. They were all way too frightened when they saw Professor Flitwick standing there next to Luna, who was in a transfigured bathrobe. The look in the tiny man's eyes reminded them their Professor, while usually calm and easy going, had a goblin's ferocity and was a renowned International Duelist Champion. He was not one to test.

"I thought it was clear what my stance on bullying was. It seems I need to re-educate my Prefects on these matters and remind them to enforce the rules for all students. I would ask you each to explain yourselves for locking Miss Lovegood outside, but I overheard enough to gather what happened. You will each be getting a week of detentions and I will be taking 30 points each from Ravenclaw," he said.

"But professor—" Sally started before she was silenced by the man.

"I was not finished. Miss Lassiter, I will be taking an extra 30 points for being the one in charge of the bullying. And you…" Professor Flitwick turned towards Teresa. "While I appreciate the sharing of knowledge, especially in regards to muggle traditions, I do not consider making someone do an atomic sit up such an exchange," he said.

She gasped and her eyes grew in worry.

"Yes. I know what that is. The fact you dare think it funny to do such a thing sets a bad example and gives more fuel to those who agree with certain beliefs regarding muggle-borns. I will be taking an additional 20 points from you. I also expect all five of you to write apologies to Miss Lovegood for your actions. I want a minimum of ten inches. I will be reading them first before passing them on to Miss Lovegood. So don't try anything," he said.

Professor Flitwick shook his head. "I honestly expected much more from Ravenclaws. We are not the house of bullying and being nasty to each other. We are the house of wisdom and learning," he said.

"Now. I expect you all to go to bed and sleep. You will receive details regarding your detentions tomorrow," he said. The man then waved his wand a few times and left the room. He would know if they tried anything with Luna again. He doubted they would, but it was a possibility. He would make a point to further stress he was not okay with his students bullying each other. He knew where to draw the line between joking and being mean.

Luna carefully and quickly put on her pajamas and went to bed. She grabbed her wand and used magic to shut her curtains tight. She then took in a deep breath and cheered into her pillow! Finally! It would be over.

Harry did it! He even did it in a way no one would think he or Luna were responsible for what happened. Luna felt like she would finally no longer have to worry about the bullying, or at least not as badly and from her own roommates. The Wrackspurts seemed to be celebrating as well.

Luna had a feeling her roommates wouldn't bother with her at all after this. She would much rather they act like she wasn't there, but behave themselves, than for things to stay how they were. She had friends she could talk to instead. Maybe even more in certain cases. She blushed at her silly dreaming and cheered into her pillow one last time before trying to fall asleep.

[-] [-] [-]

Harry gave a mighty yawn as he was about to sit down for breakfast.

"Stop yawning so much," Hermione said a little testily.

Harry yawned again and said, "I can't help it. I'm really tired."

"That's what happens when stay up so late... even if it is the weekend," Hermione said in a huff. She really missed Harry sleeping next to her last night. She hadn't admitted it to him, though. It was too embarrassing and frankly a little worrying for her. It was just for one night.

Before Harry could reply, a dirty blonde streak shot straight for him. Harry was surprised to get a Luna hug like this. He wasn't complaining though.

"Thank you so much!" Luna said to him as she happily buried her face in his robes.

Harry smiled to her and returned her hug. "I guess this means it worked out," Harry said.

Luna gave him a bright big grin as she looked up to him. She actually had tears of happiness in her large silver eyes. She buried her face in his robes again. She wasn't about to let go yet. She didn't care anymore that she was full on crushing on him. She didn't care if she was allowed to crush or not. She was too happy to worry about anything like that.

"I feel like I missed something," Hermione said. She then quietly added, "And probably should apologize for how I've been acting this morning."

Harry and Luna didn't hear that last part though. Harry looked to Luna seriously and said, "If they start again, you better tell me. No more of those lies either."

Luna gave a happy sniff and nodded her understanding. "I'm really glad it's the weekend," Luna said.

"Why is that?" Harry asked.

Luna grinned and hugged him again. "I'm not letting go any time soon," she said.

Harry gave a chuckle and stroked her hair. It was softer than it looked.

Hermione was trying to be patient. She also hated that she now realized even more than before Luna would be one of Harry's wives. She couldn't really be upset or threatened by the girl. Luna was strange, but Hermione would admit she was cute. Hermione also realized she had developed a soft spot for the girl. She still wanted answers. This was clearly something important.

Harry looked to her and said, "Part of the reason I was so late last night, is because I found a way to help Luna and not have it traced back to us. Wouldn't want the bullies to have a new target to blame."

"You did?" Hermione asked. She was impressed. It was something that bothered them all, but they weren't sure how to best help their young friend.

"He did!" Luna answered. She held him a little tighter. It was going to be hard letting go of him for even a little bit today.

"I'll tell you everything later," Harry said to Hermione.

"I'd like that… But only if Luna doesn't mind me hearing it," Hermione said while looking at the small girl.

Luna was in thought for a moment. The Wrackspurts were telling her this was the right thing. She didn't need them telling her that, but they were being very distracting. She nodded to Hermione. "I'll come as well to better explain it," she said.

Hermione came over and hugged Luna too. "I'm glad about that, but more importantly. I'm glad things are going to be better for you now," she said.

Luna had to admit she liked Hermione's hugs too. She never really hugged other girls much. Luna never really had many people to hug apart from her parents and sometimes Ginny, but the red haired girl was usually bashful about such things. Friends really were wonderful though, even when they were so different from each other.