Chapter 01

The Birds and the Moon

-oOo-

Harry Potter has a very special ability that no other wizard has ever been known to have. He can talk to any animal or creature...

Luna Lovegood is a free spirit and can understand many creatures and other whisperings around her, but she is not quiet as powerful as Harry.

They are drawn to each other after a chance meeting when they both six. Hardly to be seperated after that time, the 'Power he knows not' grows and matures as these childhood friends become so much more.

This will be a pure Harry/Luna story. Cedric is a big brother to Harry. Thinking a Hufflepuff Harry... not sure about Luna. No change to ages or anything else like that. Changes to general plot and friendships/relationships.

Notes:

1) Harry's childhood is bad, but not awful. Petunia actually cares for Harry, but is afraid of her Husband. Dudley is in-between.
2) Harry's ability to talk to snakes is not limited to snakes. He finds he can talk to any animal or creature. This leads to Harry's poor treatment by Vernon
3) Harry/ Luna pairing. See Harry as a Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw in this one
4) Dumbles isn't bad, just a neglectful Guardian with everything else he does
5) Want to cover some time before Hogwarts. Probably little snippets
6) Harry get's separated from the Dursleys after an incident and grows up with the Diggory's after turning six. Meets Luna and turns into the girl next-door type of relationship.

-oOo-

June 23, 1984

Little Winging, Surry, England

Harry was sitting in the garden. His Aunt and Uncle had forced Dudley and him out of the house. It was a beautiful day. Some birds were chirping in the bushes. Some bees were buzzing about the flowers and Harry had just heard a rustle under the bushes.

It is a fine a day, a bird chirped.

Find a big fat worm. Hungry. Hungry. the other responded.

Harry liked listening to all the animals around him. The bees or beetles were busy eating or harvesting. Even though winter was months away, that was all the bees kept talking about: making sure they had enough food for winter.

Looking down, he saw a spider web at the base of a flower. He couldn't hear the spider. It was probably waiting for a fly or something.

Harry turned over some dirt with a spade his Aunt Petunia had left out. Two worms writhered in the sun. Harry quickly grabbed them. Here Mr. and Mrs. Sparrow. I have some worms, Harry tweeted just like the birds.

One of them hopped to the edge of the bush, quickly turning its head back and forth. Harry had done this for them a few times now and the bird quickly jumped out and grabbed the worms from his hand. It dissapered into the bush before chirping back, Thank you, bird speaker.

Harry smiled. You're welcome.

"What are you doing," a man suddenly said behind him.

"Talking with the birds," Harry said with a smile turning on his Uncle Vernon. The man never said much to Harry, letting Aunt Petunia take care of him mostly. She wasn't mean to Harry, but she didn't give him all the treats she gave Dudley, and Harry would get one toy to Dudley's three.

"You what?" Uncle Vernon asked.

"Talking with the birds. They wanted more worms," Harry told him easily.

Uncle Vernon's face turned a little red. Harry didn't understand. "Petunia," the man growled as he turned and left Harry there. Dudley looked up from his toy tractor. "What did the birds say," Dudley asked.

"They were hungry," Harry told him.

Everything seemed normal until after dinner. Aunt Petunia gave him his bath, like she normally did, got him into his pajamas and picked him up to carry him to his bed. At close to four, he was still small enough for her to pick him up. Harry nodded his head on her shoulder, feeling tired and looking forwards to the book she usually read him.

He didn't really register the tears on her cheeks, or the fact that he was brought downstairs, instead of to his room. Harry only realized something was off when he was put on a cot in the closet under the stairs.

He rubbed his eyes. "Can you read the Fox and the Hare," Harry asked.

"There will be no more books until you learn not to be a freak," his uncle spat.

Harry looked up, not understanding. Aunt Petunia had gone. Now, it was just Uncle Vernon holding the door open. "I want a book..."

"Until you stop talking with animals or whatever other freaking thing you do, you are not getting any books. Lets see how you feel in the morning," Uncle Vernon just about spat at Harry.

His almost four year-old mind couldn't process what was happened. "I want Aunt Petunia," he said, starting to feel scared.

Uncle Vernon shook his head and then slammed the door closed. Harry had no clue what was going on, but when the light suddenly shut off and he was plunged into darkness he panicked. Aunt Petunia had never let him sleep without a night light. "Aunt Petunia!" he yelled.

He moved and tried hard to find a handle. Pushing on the door. He didn't want to be in the dark. Why was he stuck in the cupboard? Harry wanted out! He started to bang on the door calling for his Aunt Petunia. It wasn't long before he was crying, still trying to open the closet door.

After a while, he leaned against the door, tears streaming down his face as he tried to stay close to the light coming around the door. He didn't want to be left in the dark. It was the first of a long string of nights he would pound on the door or cry himself to sleep.

-oOo-

July 31, 1984

Little Winging, Surrey, England

Harry had been let out of his cupboard. He wasn't sure what day it was, but being outside for the first time in a few days was nice. Uncle Vernon was on an overnight sales trip for his company and Dudley was over one of his friends.

"Stay in the yard and don't let anyone see you doing anything you shouldn't," she told him, sounding frightened. She looked around and put a big glass of lemonade on the step, with a large bacon sandwich and a extra helping of crisps.

"I don't have to pick up Dudley for a few hours, so... just behave," she told him.

"Yes, Aunt Petunia."

As he ate, Harry realized the the chirping of birds that always greeted him were not coming from his yard. He frowned, but focused on eating the sandwich first. He was hungry. Very hungry. The sweet lemonade washed the dry bread down nicely.

When he went to reach for the sandwich again, he heard the small mouse. Smell good. Bread. Cheese. Hungry, the small creature said.

Harry looked around, making sure no one was looking. Here you go, little mouse, Harry said, taking a small bit of his bread and cheese and dropping it over the side of the stairs. I will not hurt you.

You speak with animals?, the mouse asked.

Harry nodded as he saw the little head poke out of a hole at the base of the house. It scurried over, took the offering and scurried back.

Harry couldn't let Uncle Vernon know he was still talking with animals.

-oOo-

September 22, 1984

Little Winging, Surrey, England

Harry was tired, sore from having to work all day to help his Uncle put new loam in the gardens, and his stomach grumbled a little. The cheese sandwich and apple he had for dinner was not enough to satisfy him.

Harry heard the scurrying in the dark. Hello, Phillip, he greeted the mouse that had become his only real friend. Dudley wasn't really talking to him. Aunt Petunia was encouraging Dudley to be nice when Uncle Vernon wasn't around, but Uncle Vernon had started to encourage Dudley to play really rough with Harry.

He rubbed his forearm where a bruise was forming from where Dudley had hit him with a toy truck this evening. He had done it after Uncle Vernon had encouraged Dudley.

Hello, Harry. Did you get me a snack, the small mouse asked. Harry took out the small bit of cheese and bread he had saved for Phillip. Harry probably should have eaten it, but he had to save a little for the mouse.

Cheese! You are a good Harry. A kind Harry to one like me.

The mouse was good company, but he never asked Harry how his day was. He also never talked about anything but food, his nest and the babies they were feeding. Still, it was someone that kept him company in the dark. Giving the mouse a small part of the food he got was well worth that company.

-oOo-

July 31, 1985

Little Winging, Surrey, England

"Come along," Aunt Petunia ordered to Dudley and him. They were walking to the local school. Dudley and him were to start in the fall and they needed to be registered and Aunt Petunia couldn't find anyone to watch them. With Uncle Vernon out of town for the day, Harry had been allowed to join them, instead of being locked in his cupboard while Aunt Petunia and Dudley went out.

The small furry bundle in his pocket shifted.

Stay still or you will be found, Harry squeaked as softly as he could. Neither his aunt or cousin noticed.

I smell fresh bread, Phillip replied, trying to stick his nose out of his pocket. Harry had to gently push the mouse down. Phillip had taken to coming with him the few times Harry left the house.

Harry felt more energy today. He hadn't done anything to rouse his Uncle's anger in a few weeks and he had had a solid two weeks of three meals a day. Even better, he had slept in his bed in his bedroom the last week or so.

The school had a playground that Harry looked at longingly. It had been a while since Aunt Petunia had taken him to a playground. Harry followed her inside though. She talked to a secretary and then they were shown to the classroom.

"Your boys can go play on the playground while we talk," the man said from the teachers desk. The door to the playground was open and Harry ran out after Dudley. A few other kids were on the playground with their parents.

Harry stopped just outside the door. Phillip, stay here. I will pick you up when we leave.

The mouse hopped onto his hand and then scurried under a bush. It was a fun time. Harry hadn't played like this in over a year. He chased a girl in pigtails after she tagged him and was laughing when a scream rent the air.

Everyone turned to see Aunt Petunia stamping on the ground by the door. He saw something small and brown trying to scurry away. "Phillip!" Harry cried out, rushing towards the mouse and Aunt Petunia.

She stomped one more time and he head the mouse screech in pain. When he made it to his Aunt, she was stomping on is again. "Stop, Aunt Petunia," he cried as he dropped to his knees.

She gave him a strange look as Harry saw his friend, blood coming out of his mouth and his intestines on the ground. Harry felt the food in his stomach boil up and he threw up on the dirt next to his dead friend.

-oOo-

August 15, 1985

Little Winging, Surrey, England

When Uncle Vernon had heard what happened, Harry had been hit. He had never been hit before so he had no clue to duck the meaty hand that suddenly back handed him and dropped Harry to the floor.

"I told you stop doing that, you freak," Uncle Vernon spat at him.

"Vernon, I agree we need to stop this, but do you have to hit him," Aunt Petunia scolded his uncle as she moved to Harry's side.

Uncle Vernon held Aunt Petunia back. "It's just like raising a dog. You treat them right when they do a good thing. You punish them when they don't. You know Marge trains her dogs this way."

"He is not a dog," Aunt Petunia said, Uncle Vernon's hand holding her skinny forearm.

"He is a freak. Just like you said your sister and her husband were. Now let me take care of this." He let go of Aunt Petunia's arm and she rubbed it.

Harry still felt a little dazed and cried out when Uncle Vernon wrapped his large hand on Harry's upper arm and lifted him off the floor before he was unceremoniously thrown into the cupboard.

Now it was a while later. He didn't know how long. Harry didn't really know the days of the week well or how to count past one hand yet. He did know that he was hungry and thirsty. He felt week. He was still mourning Philip. He also smelled. He had only been let out of his cupboard twice a day to go to the bathroom and hadn't had a bath since before they went to the school.

When the cupboard opened, he looked up to see Aunt Petunia. He flinched when she went to reach for him and stopped, a concerned look on her face. "Come on, Harry. You need a bath and I need to change those sheets and air out the bed. If you can promise to never talk to another animal again, you can join us for dinner tonight," she told him.

Harry nodded. Aunt Petunia had to help him up to the bathroom and she put him into a hot bath she had drawn for him. She left him to soak as she went down to get rid of the piss smell from the few times he couldn't wait. Harry had tried to sleep on the very edge of his small bed against the wall for the last week.

When a plate with a ham sandwich was put before him, Harry was only able to eat a quarter of it, as hungry as he was. Aunt Petunia frowned. Dudley came in from outside. "Why is Harry out of the closet?"

"That is none of your concern. Now go wash your hands and I have lunch ready for you," she told Dudley.

"Yes, Mum."

When Uncle Vernon came home, Harry slunk back in his chair, afraid the man would hit him or toss him back into his closet. Instead, Uncle Vernon ignored him. He ignored him for the next couple days, even up to the point he went to school for the first time. By then, Harry's energy had returned, but his fear of his Uncle hadn't lessoned.

-oOo-

December 23, 1985

Little Winging, Surrey, England

Harry watched the Dursley's pull out of the driveway from the large front widows of Mrs. Figg's house. He wasn't a fan of the woman, but in the last few months, he had been left with her any time the Dursley's would go out. He was to spend the next week with her as the Dursley's went to Aunt Marge's house.

He didn't like Aunt Marge, but he couldn't help but feel he was being left behind and shunned. Even with how he feared his Uncle, they were still his family.

It also was torturous to be in this house. Mrs. Figg had a dozen or more cats, and they all talked with each other. Harry tried to stay away from them. He wasn't supposed to talk to animals.

"Why don't you come over here," Mrs. Figg called to Harry. "I have a Chutes and Ladder game from my Millie."

Harry walked over and sat as he had been told. As they played, a strange grey cat with black spots, large ears with black tufts on then, a puffy tail and a main like a lions around its neck came over.

Lonely boy. Good boy. Rumplesticks likes good boy, the cat purred as it kept rubbing Harry's leg. He tried to shoo it away, to ignore the cat, but it wouldn't let him be. When the large cat jumped into his lap, Mrs. Figg regarded him.

"Jacklin doesn't usually like other people," Mrs. Figg told him.

"Her name is Rumplesticks," Harry replied, having to lean around the cat to spin the dial.

The woman looked confused. "I'm sorry, Harry, what was that?"

"Her name is Rumplesticks," he said again, moving his piece along the board.

Good boy. My Harry. Rumplesticks will stay with good boy, the cat said.

"Rumplesticks?"

The cat purred louder.

Mrs. Figg nodded. "I will have Dumbledore put in the paperwork. He is going to have to talk with your Aunt and Uncle too."

Harry looked at her, suddenly realizing he had been listening to the cat and what he had said. A lance of fear went through him. "Who is Dumbledore," he asked. Harry couldn't risk Uncle Vernon knowing.

Mr. Figg scrunched her brow. "No one for you to worry about. Rumplesticks. Odd name, but if she is your kneazel, you would know best."

Harry blinked. Rumplesticks claim Harry. Good boy. Protect good boy. Eat all the nice mice and rats and birds around his house.

NO! Don't do that, Harry hissed at the cat.

Rumplesticks stopped trying to rub himself all over Harry and sat back. But Rumplesticks is a good kneazle. Rumplesticks take care of my Harry's house.

No, please. I like all the animals around the house. They know not to do anything in the house, Harry told her.

Mrs. Figg's eyebrows had risen. "Dumbledore will need to know this," she muttered to herself.

-oOo-

December 29, 1985

Little Winging, Surrey, England

Harry was shaking, trying to make sure Rumplesticks was hidden when Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia came to get him. In the last eight days, the kneazel, Harry had never heard of a breed like that, had barely left his side and Harry found himself very attached to the cat.

He was shaking at the look on Uncle Vernon's face. He looked none to pleased, probably meaning Harry was in a lot of trouble.

Mrs. Figg opened the door when they knocked. Uncle Vernon came in and looked at the cats in the room. "Which one is it?" he asked, his voice rumbling with his displeasure.

"I didn't mean for it to like me so much. She wouldn't leave me alone. Don't hurt her," Harry begged.

"Which one?"

Harry swallowed. "Here, Rumplesticks," Harry called.

The grey and black spotted cat came to him. Uncle Vernon's eyes arrowed. "An odd looking cat, isn't it?"

"She is a full kneazle. Here is all the paperwork," Mrs. Figg told them. "Dumbledore has taken care of all the expenses and included a letter for you."

His uncles face went a little white and his anger subsided some. Aunt Petunia just looked at Harry. "Harry, get your stuff and run off home. Your cat will have to remain outside."

"Yes, Aunt Petunia," he said, picking up his bag and rushing past his uncle. Once outside, his Aunt closed the door and the bellow could be heard across the street as he made the front step.

Will you be alright in the cold? I can't take you inside, he purred, spat and hissed.

Rumplesticks let out a soft moewrl. Rumplesticks knows warm areas, my Harry. When will Rumplesticks see you again?

I don't know, he replied, wanting very much to take his cat inside. It was a cold, misty December evening. The door to Mrs. Figg's opened and Harry rushed inside, leaving Rumplesticks outside.

-oOo-

September 8, 1986

Little Winging, Surrey, England

Harry stood tall as Aunt Petunia made sure Dudley and him were presentable. He couldn't keep his stomach from growling. He felt so hungry. Luckily today was a Monday and he had his lunch. He hadn't had a square meal since Saturday morning. Uncle Vernon had been irate to find a mouse on the front steps from Rumplesticks. Harry kept telling his cat not to do that, but it was her nature.

"Dudley, remember to keep an eye out for Harry," Aunt Petunia said.

"But dad says to ignore him," Dudley said confused.

"I know, but I am telling you to be nice."

"Yes, mummy," Dudley said, looking apprehensive. Uncle Vernon was not tolerant of any nice treatment of Harry unless Harry had proven not to be a 'freak' for a while.

"Have a good day," Aunt Petunia called after them.

They were shuffled out of the house and Harry followed a good ten feet or more behind Dudley as they walked with Mrs. Baker and her two children to the school. When Uncle Vernon was not around, Dudley left him alone and Harry enjoyed his time at recess with the few friends he had.

When they were walked back home with Aunt Petunia, Rumplesticks fell in besides him. "Hey girl," he said, petting her for a moment.

Aunt Petunia sent Harry and Dudley across the street as she took the Bakers home. He saw a pest control truck next door and Uncle Vernon's car in the driveway. Harry frowned. It was not a normal thing for Uncle Vernon to be home this time of the day on a weekday.

Harry gently nudged Rumplesticks away. Go hide for now, he told the cat.

Rumplesticks growled. Something is wrong. I smell something bad. Something dog.

Harry had a chill pass through him. The door opened and Rumplesticks hissed and meowrled as a pitbull suddenly ran out the door.

"RUN!" He yelled at Rumplesticks. The cat didn't though. It hissed and jumped as the dog tried to grab it. Harry jumped on the dog, needing to save his kneazle. It was probably the worst thing he could do as the the dog grabbed his arm and Harry was tossed over, crying out at the searing pain in his arm.

Rumplesticks jumped on the dog, who was chewing on Harry's arm. The dog yelped and let him go as the large grey and black spotted cat left deep scratches as it jumped away and the dog tried to bite it.

"Get that thing away from my Ripper," a woman bellowed.

Harry was in pain. There was blood all over his arm, but he heard the cry of pain from Rumplesticks. He turned to see the dog had one of her ears in its mouth and when his kneazle clawed at the dog's nose, ripping it all up.

Aunt Marge, a woman that was rotund like his uncle, raised a cane to hit his cat.

Harry felt something from deep within him build like a furnace. He saw the cane coming down and Harry threw his good hand up. "Don't hurt her," he yelled as loud as he could.

There was a pulse that came from his hand. It threw him back and he heard yells, cries of pain, breaking windows and the yelp of a dog. Car alarms around the neighborhood started to do off and he heard other screams of pain or crying.

Harry had rolled over to see Rumplesticks getting up and drunkenly walking towards him. He saw a big rip in her ear with blood dripping form it. Aunt Marge, Ripper, Dudley and Uncle Vernon was all on the ground. Dudley groaned and rolled over. Aunt Marge and Ripper didn't move.

He started to drift as Rumplesticks made it too him and Uncle Vernon came too. "Marge?"

Harry tried to keep his eyes open as Rumplesticks rubbed against his face. It was getting hard to stay awake as he saw Dudley sit up and shake his head. "Marge!" Uncle Vernon yelled as he stumbled over to Aunt Marge.

He heard the pop of something before he passed out, the vision of a woman in burgundy coloured robes holding a stick in her hands the last thing he saw.

-oOo-

September 9, 1996

London, England

Harry woke in a room with cream coloured walls, a screen around him, Rumplesticks curled up and purring at his back and laying on something soft and warm. It had been a long time since he had slept in a normal bed and his young mind didn't remember that.

He just lay there, more comfortable than he could remember being. Rumplesticks had only been able to lay with him like this the few times Harry had been allowed to take a break last summer while working the garden.

As he lay there, he heard a door open.

"I frankly don't care you are the Chief Warlock. This boy is under supervision of Child Wizarding Services at the moment. You can take up your arguments with Head Dunkirk if you wish, Mr. Dumbledore, but this boy is not moving from St. Mungo's until he is cleared and an appropriate residence can be found for him," an irate sounding woman stated.

"Madam Diggory, you must understand that he has been given to my care and he must return to the Dursley's as soon as he can," a man said in a very calm voice.

"Harry Potter has been removed from the Dursleys' custodianship for now and you have no standing in our records, Mr. Dumbledore. This boy actually has no magical Guardians in our records at the moment and until such time he does, I have been granted his Guardianship, by the Wizengamot I might add," the woman retorted.

"Agent Diggory, is Chief Warlock Dumbledore disturbing our charge?" another woman asked.

"No, Auror McLaggen. The Chief Warlock was just on his way out and he can file a petition to become guardian, just like anyone else. Though, if you claim Guardianship over this boy already, I will be filing charges for neglect, accessory to Child Abuse and I would like to know why the WCS has no record of this child being placed where he was and to have no agent assigned to his case," the woman said, still sounding angry.

Harry was unsure what was going on, but he curled up, hoping they would just go away. Rumplesticks got up and growled at the screen.

There was a few seconds of silence. "You will be hearing from me, Agent Diggory."

"I look forward to it."

Harry heard someone walk away. After a moment, the other woman asked, "Anne, do you want me call in two more?"

There was a sigh. "That is probably best. Contact Amelia and let her know I need her, Tiff. If Dumbledore knows he is here, it won't be long before others do."

"Sure." The door closed. Rumplesticks was still on the bed, her hair raised, but not hissing now. Harry pulled the covers over his head. There was another sigh before a curtain opened.

"Hey there, girl. You protecting your wizard," the woman asked.

My Harry, the cat said in a soft meow.

After a second, he heard Rumplesticks purring. Harry slowly pushed the covers down and saw a shorter woman with light brown hair, a small nose, brown eyes and full lips. She was wearing an old fashioned, long yellow riding coat. Or were they robes? He wasn't sure.

"I was wondering if you were up," the woman said kindly as Rumplesticks rubbed her head into the woman's hand. "They say kneazles can tell a trustworthy person or not."

Harry looked at her. "Rumplesticks doesn't like many people."

"She is a pretty thing," the woman cooed and Rumplesticks started to purr loudly.

Harry noticed the chunk out of her ear when it moved. He threw his covers off and crawled to her side. "Oh, Rumplesticks, your ear," he cried out, pulling her to him and looking at the ear. His cat didn't protest, instead tried to rub against him. He looked at it. Rumplesticks had to save my Harry. Harry was being hurt.

Your ear. Does it hurt? Will it heal?

Rumplesticks can hear. The nice lady healed what she could. Rumplesticks did not leave my Harry side.

He hugged her. Rumplesticks had been the only one to really love him that he could remember. Well, Aunt Petunia did also... at one time.

The woman just looked at them, her mouth open a little. She was certain she heard the boy making cat sounds and it seemed they were having a conversation. She had never heard of an ability that developed in someone so young. Looking at the boy, the scar on his forehead and his age, there was no mistaking he was Harry Potter.

"The Healers tried to fix your kneazle up after they healed your arm. Rumplesticks is it?"

Harry backed away a little, pulling his kneazle with him. "Yes. She is. Who are you?"

The woman gave him a soft smile. "Excuse my manners, Mrs. Anne Diggory. You can call me Anne, Mrs. Diggory or Agent Diggory, which ever you are more comfortable with."

Harry nodded, but didn't say anything as Rumplesticks purred loudly as he stroked her. They so seldom got to spend time like this together.

"Would you like me to call you Harry or Mr. Potter," the woman asked.

"Harry," he replied.

She nodded and looked at the bed. "Do you mind if I sit on the edge here?" He nodded and when she sat, she was more at eye level with him and he relaxed a little. "How does your arm feel?"

Harry cocked his head to look at her. After a second, he rolled it. He pulled his shirt back and couldn't see any sign of the bite marks he thought should be there. "It feels good. Why don't I have any stitches or bandages?"

When he looked up, she was looking at him. "Harry, have you lived with your Aunt and Uncle since your parents died?"

"As far as I know," he answered.

"You are only six?"

"I think so. I don't know when my birthday is," he told her.

He saw something flash through her eyes, but her face stayed calm and gave him a sense she was not dangerous to him. "Do you believe in magic?"

Harry shrugged. "I think I saw a Magician once on the street when I went into London with my Aunt and Uncle."

The woman smiled. "That is not what I meant. Have you ever done anything unexpected? Anything you can't explain?"

Harry didn't know how to answer. "Uncle Vernon got really upset with me one time when he said I destroyed a cup of tea he was drinking."

She nodded. "Did you?"

He was nervous. "I don't know."

"Have you done anything else?"

Harry looked around. For some reason he found himself trusting this woman. "No one else is here?"

"I promise it is just us," Mrs. Diggory assured him.

He still looked around for a moment. "I talk with animals," he said in a very low voice.

Mrs. Diggory leaned in. "I am sorry. I really didn't hear that."

He looked around again, feeling slightly panicked. "I talk with animals," he said, not raising his voice.

He was terrified she would go find the man that had been here earlier. "That is something quite special. Were you talking with your kneazle earlier?"

"Yes," he said in little more than a whisper.

The woman just nodded and took a stick out of her pocket. It was a nice light colour with symbols along its length. "Can I show you something? What is your favorite colour?"

"Green. Like the grass and my eyes. Aunt Petunia said my mum had eyes like mine. What are you going to do?"

"Let's call it a magic trick," she responded with a smile like she was up to no good.

Harry nodded. She took her stick and swished it at the bed covers. The white duvet turned a vibrant green. He clutch Rumplesticks to him. I like this colour, my Harry.

A smile came over his face. "How did you that?"

She swished her stick again and the duvet turned a goldenrod yellow. "Wicked," Harry enthused.

Mrs. Diggory laughed. "I think so too. You want to know the secret?" she asked conspiratorially. Harry nodded. "It's magic."

His eyes widened.

To stress her point, she spun her stick and a stuffed animal that looked like Rumplesticks appeared out of nowhere. "Would you like this?"

The smile on his face was huge as he reached out for it. After a moment he held the plush animal to him, like he was Rumplesticks. "It feels real. There is really magic?"

She nodded. "Yes. When you say you can talk to animals, do you mean just Rumplesticks?"

"I can talk to all animals. There was a mouse, Phillip, that was once my friend," he said sadly. "I make sure the snakes leave the birds and bird eggs alone. The bees are boring. They only want to the know where the best flower is. I heard Aunt Marge's dog yelling it wanted to kill Rumplesticks," Harry said, holding her close.

Mrs. Diggory looked a little surprised. "I see."

Harry pulled in on himself some.

"Harry, your talent to talk with animals is nothing to be afraid off. It is actually quite remarkable. It also means you can do magic too," she told him.

He looked up in wonder at her. "Me?"

She nodded. "I would venture you are going to be a strong wizard. You want to know something else?"

"What?"

She reached out and petted Rumplesticks head. "Rumplesticks is magical too. Kneazles are like a cat, but they have a magic that can detect lies and tell when people are trustworthy or not. They are very protective and loyal of a wizard or witch they bind themselves too. They are also guardians, keeping certain unsavory things from you."

Harry didn't know what to say. Rumplesticks purring was now vibrating his whole body. He wasn't sure if this was the best day he could remember or overwhelming. "I can keep her, right?"

Mrs. Diggory chuckled. "Once a kneazle binds themselves, there is little to be done to separate them and their wizard. She is yours." It felt like a great weight lifting off him. "I do have a few things I would like to talk with you about."

Harry looked at her.

"I work for a department in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement called Wizarding Child Services. I have been asked to come here and be your guardian for now. Do you know what that means?"

He shook his head.

Mrs. Diggory didn't look surprised. "It means that the Wizengamot and the DMLE has given me permission to look after you, make decisions on where you will go and protect you. If you need anything, you are to ask me. If anyone comes to get you, you are only to leave with me, no matter what they say. Do you understand?"

"What about Aunt Petunia?"

She let out a breathe. "You are not going back to your aunt's and uncle's."

"What about my clothes and the toys in my closet," he asked. He didn't have much, but the few cars, toy soldiers and plastic animals were his.

The woman looked pained for a moment. "I have them and will make sure I bring them when I come back this afternoon. You will be staying in the hospital for another day or two while I figure out where you will go. Do you understand?"

He didn't, but nodded.

"I also need to ask you about growing up with your aunt and uncle, but that can wait until later," she added at the face he made. Harry didn't mind Aunt Petunia, he was terrified of Uncle Vernon.

The door opened before she could say anything.

"Is that you, Andi," Mrs. Diggory asked.

There was a clacking of heels on the floor. "It is, Anne." A tall woman with brown hair much like Mrs. Diggory's came into view. She had grey eyes, an attractively cut face with a few sharp angles and the signs of wrinkles around her eyes as though she smiled and laughed often.

Rumplesticks wriggled out of his arms and walked to the edge of the bed. "Good morning, girl. You still keeping him safe?" the woman asked reaching a hand out and petting his kneazle.

Good woman. Heal my Harry. Heal my ear, her purring was saying.

Harry looked at her. "Good morning, Mr. Potter. I am Healer Tonks and would like to check you over."

He looked to Mrs. Diggory. "A doctor. Healers are the equivalents to a Muggle doctor. Healer Tonks is the one to heal you and Rumplesticks yesterday."

Harry nodded. "Good morning, Healer Tonks."

Healer Tonks gave Mrs. Diggory a quick look and got a small shake to the head in response. "Do you mind if I take a look at your familiar," Healer Tonks asked, leaning down so Rumplesticks could sniff her face.

Good woman. You are allowed near my Harry.

Harry grinned. "She gave you permission," Harry told her.

The woman looked at him as Rumplesticks finished her investigations. "That is a rather strong bond to one so young."

"Harry can talk to animals and creature, Andi. All animals and creatures I am suspecting," Mrs. Diggory informed the Healer.

Healer Tonks eyes widened. "How interesting. I thought that an ability to have died out many generations ago."

Harry wasn't sure that that mean and looked to Mrs. Diggory. "You better explain. He has no exposure to our world and I suspect only knows his aunt and uncle."

"Who else should I know?" Harry asked.

Healer Tonks pursed her lips before taking on kind smile. "Harry, do you know anything about your family?"

"I know my mum and dad died when I was a baby and I live with Aunt Petunia, Dudley and Uncle Vernon," Harry replied. The woman took out a stick from her sleeve. "What is that?"

"They are called wands. It helps to focus and enhance our magic," Healer Tonks told him. "Harry, do you know you have other relatives?"

He looked at her confused. "I only have my Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon and Dudley."

The woman started to run her wand over him as she talked. "That are your mother's sister and her family, as far as I know. You have other family, from your father."

"I do?"

Healer Tonks nodded. "I, myself, am your third cousin, from your grandmother, Euphemia Black. It is rumored that the Blacks were once descended from the druids that used to inhabit the lands, and they were known to be able to converse with animals."

"What does descended mean?"

"Ancestors. Think going from your parents, to your grandparents, to your grandparents parents and far beyond that. Does that help?"

He still felt confused. Harry only knew of his parents and his aunt and uncle. The confusion on his face must have been apparent. "Someone you are related to," she told him. "I am unsure if the Potters had a similar past. Like the Blacks, they were very protective of their history and heritage. Have you talked with any other animals?"

Harry looked at her. "You don't think me a freak for being able to talk with animals?"

"On the contrary, Harry, I find it remarkable. How many other animals have you talked with?"

"All of them," Harry replied after getting a nod of encouragement from Mrs. Diggory.

"That is very remarkable. So, I can declare you a healthy boy on the whole. I am going to keep you hear for a few days. I want to make sure you get plenty to eat and have a few potions," Healer Tonks told him. "If you are a good boy, I can take you up onto the roof for some fresh air later. There are usually pigeons up there."

Harry shrugged. "I don't like pigeons. They only really look for food and want to just lounge around until they get it. Sparrows and finches are more entertaining. They like to sing about the nice day, good worms and the way the rain makes their feathers clean."

Healer Tonks gave a soft chuckle. "I will need to remember that."

"Harry, do you remember what I said? You are not to leave this room without me," Mrs. Diggory pressed.

He cast his eyes down. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Diggory."

"No foul, no harm, Harry. Andi, the Aurors have instruction he is not to be removed from this room unless I approve."

"Of course, Anne. Harry, how does your scar feel?"

Harry looked at her and reached up to his forehead. "It's bumpy," he told her, not understanding what she was getting at.

Both women smiled at him as though amused. "Not exactly what I was getting at. Does it hurt or feel swollen or any type of discomfort?"

He traced the lightening shaped scar. "It feels a little funny when I touch it. Like it... like when you touch styrofoam."

Healer Tonks looked a little confused. Mrs. Diggory answered, "Its a muggle plastic that has a very distinct feel, like its rough and smooth at the same time."

Healer Tonks nodded. "I will take your word for it. Are you hungry? I can have a late breakfast brought up to you."

"Yes, please," he asked, not often being offered a regular meal any more.

"I will have that brought right too you. Anne, do mind having a conversation for a few?"

Mrs. Diggory shared what looked like a silent conversation with Healer Tonks. "Harry, are you alright if I leave you for now? I need to talk with Healer Tonks and take care of a few other things."

Harry nodded as Rumplesticks came to his side and started to clean herself.

When they both left, Harry hugged the new stuffed animal as hard as he could. He was used to being left alone, but he felt scared too.

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 2

-oOo-

September 12, 1986

Ottery St. Catchpole, England

Harry took Anne' hand. He had decided to call her Anne, even if it seemed a little disrespectful, but it made him the most comfortable.

"Hold on tight to Rumplesticks. This will be a little uncomfortable," Anne told him, taking his hand. The four Aurors with them nodded. Two of them dissapeared with a pop.

A second later he felt like his body was being pulled through a straw. It was incredibly uncomfortable and when they hit the ground again, Rumplesticks hissed and spat as she jumped out of his arms.

Never! Uncomfortable! Never again, his kneazle spat.

Harry fell to his knees.

"I remember my first time side-a-long apparating. Had about the same reaction," a tall man in burgundy robes commented.

Anne put a hand on his shoulder. "When you are ready, we can go inside."

Harry got up after a moment. Rumplesticks was still agitated, walking around Harry with her fur up. When he looked up, he was looking at a Tutor-style cottage with a stone ground level and wood and plaster first floor.

A boy a few years older than him came running out of the house. "Mum! You're home," the boy smiled and skidded to a halt half way to them as he saw the four aurors, his mum and Harry.

Anne smiled. "It's alright, Cedric. Come on over."

"Anne, if you are good, Dobson and I should get back. McLaggen and Ross will stay with you and be replaced about eight with Evergreen and Travers," the tall man said.

"I think we are good," she said as Harry watched the tall boy come closer. He had light brown hair, eyes like his mother and a hint of a smile on his face. "Harry, I would like you to meet Cedric."

Harry nodded and the boy held out his hand. "Are you really Harry Potter?"

"What did we talk about, Cedric?"

"I wasn't going to say anything bad. I am not saying anything about his scar or anything else," Cedric replied petulantly. "Cedric Diggory. Mum said you are my new brother."

Harry smirked, taking Harry's hand. "Anne said I would be living here for a while."

"Wicked," Cedric replied.

Rumplesticks shook herself before rubbing against Cedric. He started for a second before crouching down to pet her. Like boy. Nice boy.

"Nice kneazle. I've never seen a pure kneazle before. What's his name?"

"Her name is Rumplesticks. She said she likes you," Harry replied.

Cedric looked at him and Rumplesticks took off running towards the house. MOUSE!

"She looks to like it here," Anne said behind him.

"She saw a mouse," he replied. He would have to talk to Rumplesticks later.

"Even better," she said in a soft tone. "Lets go inside and get you settled. I am sure you will want to meet Amos as well. Tiffany, you and Ben are welcome too."

"Thank you, Anne, but we are going to take a walk around. The Boss doesn't want anything happening to Mr. Potter," the dark hair auror responded.

Harry felt nervous. Anne had told him her husband was nice, but he was nervous about most men. "Cedric, go tell your father we'll be in just a moment."

"Alright mum," Cedric said with a smile and took off at a run. "What do you think, Harry?"

"I really get to live here?"

"You and Rumplesticks will always have a room here," she told him.

Harry smiled.

-oOo-

September 18, 1986

Ottery St. Catchpole, England

"Rumplesticks!" Harry called after his kneazle. She had been all over him all morning talking about wanting to explore. Anne and Amos had told him to stay close to the house. He was just happy he had slipped the Aurors to chase after his kneazle.

Rumplesticks was running across the windswept fields. The ankle high grass was all yellowing this time of the year, allowing him to keep an eye the grey animal.

His legs carried him as fast as he could go, but Rumplesticks kept far ahead of him. She an into a copse of trees that had a stream running out of the them. "Rumplesticks!" he called out.

That way! squirrel chittered. Danger.

He knew right away that was the direction Rumplesticks had gone. Pushing into the trees, he followed the stream until he heard a voice. It was a girls voice. She was giggling. "I don't have any fish, little furry one," she said. "I am trying to capture some, if you want. Daddy says there are plimpies in here."

Harry crept up behind a tree.

Nice girl get Rumplesticks a nice fish.

He wanted to call to his kneazel, but he wasn't sure if Rumplesticks was talking with her or not.

"Give me a few, or you can help," the girl chastized Rumplesticks. He peaked around the tree expecting to see Rumplesticks annoyed with the girl. Instead, she was looking over the rock a girl with light blonde hair was leaning over. She had a net in her hands and was looking into a pool that sat below a small waterfall that was a few feet high. "Now, be quiet."

Rumplesticks purred lightly and rubbed against the girl. She giggled. "Will you stop. I am trying to get a plimpy."

Rumplesticks like far eyes.

She sighed. "Thank you. Are you going to keep watching me or are you going to help," she said, turning to look right at Harry.

He ducked behind the tree as the girls sky-blue eyes met his. "Oh, are we playing hide-and-go-peek?" she asked excitedly.

Harry peered around the tree again. The wisp of a girl had a playful smile. Her eyes looked at him, and he felt like she was only partially seeing him. "I was looking for Rumplesticks. Can you speak to her?"

"Oh, yes. I can speak to many animals. Though, not birds. I would really like to speak to birds, but mummy thinks any animal or creature with fur I can speak too. I tried to speak to a snake once, but it bit me. I really wasn't trying to pick it up," she told him.

He was sure what to think. "I can talk to snakes," Harry told her. "And birds."

Her smile lit up her face. "You can! I knew I would meet you some day. You are the true Speaker. Can you teach me?"

The girl got up quickly. Rumplesticks hopped back. In her exhuberance, she slipped on the moss around the rock. With a scream she fell into the water. Harry was already moving but was far to late. He rushed to the edge of the pool. She was just under the water, looking as though she was trying to break the surface, but couldn't. Without thinking, he jump into the water. As soon as he did she saw her struggling. All around her were dozens of little fishing pushing her down.

Feed.

Hungry.

Feed.

The fish were trying to push her to the bottom. The blonde girl struggled.

Stop! Let her go, he yelled out, immediately wishing he had taken a longer breath. The fish scattered, but the girl was deep and struggling. He reached for her. It took a time or two to finally take her hand. A moment later, they came up spluttering and coughing. He pushed her out of the water and collapsed next to her

-oOo-

-oOo-

Lemon

Luna sex scene #1

Harry's 16th Birthday?

Luna had a look to her that sent a thrill through Harry as she pushed him down onto a larger chair in her room. He had come over after being kicked out of his house, probably while his mum got things ready for his party tonight. "Luna, you're parents are down stairs," he protested, while putting his hands on her hips. Dating his best mate for the last few months had been great.

Luna just gave him a playful, dreamy smile. "Mum said she wouldn't bother us. I am old enough to decide if I want to be with my boyfriend or not."

Harry swallowed a huge lump in his throat. "Really?" his voice cracked, the images of what they could do running rampant through his mind.

Luna gave her tinckling laugh. "Some day. I did promise not to take out underthings off until we were ready," she told him, moving so that she was straddling his lap, her hands going around his neck. "I hear some girlfriends give their boyfriends special treats on their birthdays."

The anticipation as she put her bottom on his knees and leaned forward to just brush her lips over his had him instantly hard. "A kiss would do it," he told her.

Luna giggled. As she did, the top of her sundress shifted and he got a look down to see she her modest breasts and perky nipples... Luna wasn't wearing a bra. Not that that was a huge surprise, but still...

Luna smirked. "Our bodies are nothing to be ashamed off and I like that you like my body."

Harry gave a nervous chuckle. "You are beautiful," Harry told her, meeting her sky-blue eyes.

She leaned forwards and pecked him on the lips. "Mummy also taught me a silencing charm," she told him, whispering against his lips. Harry and her had snogged heavily and he had seen her topless ad few times. He had been brave enough to go down her pants twice, the second time being rewarded with her hand stroking him. In that time, he had found Luna wasn't really a screamer, but she had been a little loud that time he had brought her to an orgasm. She moved moved up his lap until her crotch was pressing against his crotch. He couldn't keep in his groan to feel her warm body pressing against him.

"What are you thinking?"

She kissed him again. Harry met her kiss. It soon deepened to rush of tongues. Luna never rushed, but she never hid her need or desire either. Her body started to rub against his and his hands wandered up to her chest. She let out the sexiest mewling sound as he took then both in and he ran his thumbs over her nipples. He knew she liked that. His own moan joined her as she pressed her crotch harded into his. He felt a little light headed when she kissed down his jaw to his ear. After taking his lobe into her mouth, which sent a pleasant chill down his spine, she whispered in seductive tone, "I only promised not to remove our underthings."

Harry grinned, very much liking the idea of her with her dress around her waste. He knew her parents wouldn't interrupt them. He was about to move his hands to the back of her dress when he was forced to suck in a breath as she pressed hard against his hard shaft as she moved in a way that send electric shocks through him. "If you keep doing that I am going to need to change my shorts," he told her.

She pulled pulled back, her hands unwrapping from his neck and reaching for her wand in her hair. "We've already had this conversation. I don't care," she told him. She swished her wand and Harry's eyes went wide. His pants were no longer on him and it was unmistakable to feel of her damp, warm pussy pressing again his shaft through a thin pair of undershort and her panties.

"Luna," he groaned. He wasn't conscious of his hands moving to her hips and pulling her in as tight as he could until she moaned and closed her eyes. The dreamy, pleasurable look on her face had him feeling even harder and his blood causing him to jerk against her.

"Merlin," he let out.

She smiled, opening her eyes. Her normally dreamy eyes were focused, intense and invoked a lust in him that pushed him to move her hips so that she slid up and down his shaft. She put her hand back into the messy bun in her hair. She gave him a lazy, languid kiss as she moved against him this time. His boxers were soaking through as she moved. "I am not afraid of anything we do," she told him.

His moan came as she moved a little faster. "Merlin, if you keep doing that..."

She bit her lip, her eyes closing in concentration as she moved against him. "Make me see stars again," she whispered.

Harry lost all control at that point, his hands moving her. As he did, he slipped out the slit of his boxers and they both took in a sharp breath as she pressed heavily into her fold through her panties. She started to pant and kissed him again. He was trying to control it enough that he didn't explode right way. It was only a moment later that she started to shutter, small squeekig sounds coming before a body shaking moan. Harry lost it and started to spurt against her panties, his lap and into her sundress. He stopped and she took up for a moment, her body shaking and his joining hers at the intense pleasure of him sliding agianst her wet and slick material now. He wasn't sure he could take anymore when she stopped, her forehead against his. They were both breathing heavily. Neither of them seeming to care the mess their laps were in.

Luna recovered first. "Can we do that again later?"

Harry laughed, taking in gasps as she moved again. "I can't take anymore for the moment," he told her.

Her sky-blue eyes met his. "I don't mind the mess," she told him, moving again.

He hiss, stop!

She shuttered at the sound. "I like it when you talk like that. Can we do this again later."

"Merlin, love, yes. Just stop for now."

Her dreamy, playful smile came over her face. "Harry birthday, my love."

Harry knew this would be a birthday to remember. It also became thier favorite way to get each other off for the next few weeks... that was until they discovered using their mouths could be fun.