I ASKED MR. BETA IF HE THOUGHT IGNORANCE AND APATHY WERE THE 2 BIGGEST PROBELMS FACING THE WORLD TODAY. HE SAID HE DIDN'T KNOW AND DIDN'T CARE.

THANKS AGAIN TO MY BETA - HE'S GREAT AND I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO WRITE THIS AS WELL WITHOUT HIS SUPPORT AND IDEAS.
SORRY ABOUT THE DELAY FOLKS. I'LL POST ANOTHER 10,000 WORDS IN A FEW DAYS.

AS ALWAYS PLEASE COMMENT - GIVE ME IDEAS ETC. RIGHT NOW (or WRITE NOW) - WE PLAN ON THIS BEING A MULTISTORY STORY

HERE IS A MINOR PLOT PREVIEW FOR SEVERAL CHAPTERS DOWN THWE ROAD- I AM LOOKING FOR SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NAME OF A PIZZA RESTAURANT AS WELL AS A SKATING RINK. OWNED BY HARRY AND THE GIRLS, ANOTHER GUY AND HIS GIRLS, A GOBLIN AND THREE HOUSE ELFS- all suggestions appreciated

THANKS AGAIN!

bob
_

Harry was very quiet the entire trip. Both girls sat holding his hand and giving him little kisses. Dan watched in the mirror while Emma just turned around in the seat to face him. "Harry. Do you want to talk about it?"

Not trusting his voice, he shook his head. Hermione said out loud," I felt you, you know. You were sending me feelings. You sent to me how much you love me."

"I felt it too," Luna said suddenly kissing his cheek. "You were in a dark place probably that cupboard. You know we love you too. Right Harry?"

"Why couldn't they love me? Am I so awful? They were family. I didn't want much, just a hug once in awhile. Maybe a cheap birthday card, but all I got was venom. Is that how they wanted to be remembered?"

Now that the dam was burst, he couldn't hold back and he silently sobbed while all of the girls cried with him.

A couple hours later. He had woken up on the couch. He didn't remember falling asleep and didn't remember if he was carried by Dan or Dobby. But as soon as he sat up he was attacked by two witches jumping next to him and kissing him as hard and as fast as they could. "We will always love you Potter and don't forget it."

"We're certain of it." The other said.

"All right girls let him go wash up. It's dinner time anyway."

"Dobby is pleased you is up master. I ask for permission to punish myself."

"Dobby we spoke of this. No punishments. You didn't do anything wrong either. No one wanted me to go through that but it was best if I did. Hopefully, Dudley can now get the right type of attention."

"He tried to heal you but we stopped him. Any kind of follow up from the police would need to show bruises and scrapes."

Dudley had done a fine job. He was surprised when he saw himself in the mirror. One side of his face was black and blue there were cuts to his cheek and lips where a ring had torn the flesh.

"We will contact our solicitor and file for custody if you want Harry."

"Mr. Granger I would love that, but I don't want to put you out. You have already done so much for me."

"You're not putting us out Harry. We are happy to do it. You have made Hermione happy, both you and Luna. She smiles so much these days her face is beaming."

"At least let me pay you for the solicitor, and pay for the room and board."

"You will do no such thing, young man. This is our responsibility, one we are happy to bear."

Emma had to ask. Hermione had told the both of them that Harry had been left quite a substantial amount, but she didn't divulge how much. "Dan is right. You need to keep your money for when you are older. But since it came up... how much money do you have?"

"Let me put it this way mum. If Harry was to take the interest from his account from just 6 months and then open a second account with it. The 3 of us could live off of that interest quite comfortably month to month."


The following weeks were spent just as the previous ones were. Getting up and doing chores, with Dobby around there weren't many. He would go for a run, which he found he started to enjoy. He was going further and faster, it gave him a rush when he was running he could get lost in the pure joy of it. Then with the girls, they would go through their books read ahead and prepare. He was going through the spells for this year and the next silently when Luna stopped him. "Harry stop! What are you doing?"

"What's wrong? I'm just going through the spells. I was practicing reducto."

"Harry I could feel your magic. You almost reducto'd the living room wall."

"But I didn't say anything!"

"I know but you would have anyway."

So at Luna's urging and then with Hermione's agreement. They each went back to first year spells. This time without wands and silently. Harry balked at the idea until the girls pointed out to him that is what accidental magic was in the first place. Desire and magical energy working together to perform a task. It was the hardest thing any of them ever tried to do, but once they cast their first lumos silently, without a wand they each knew they could do it and it spurred them on.

By the time they were ready for King's Crossing. Harry had several more visits with the Granger's solicitor as well as the Crown's. He gave his statements and was deposed. The Dursley's knew if this went to trial it would mean longer sentences. The barrister for the Dursley's commented to Harry and the Queen's attorney, "There is so much vitriol towards Harry, it would automatically turn any jury against them. I've seen the photos and the footage taken from Privet Drive. I am most strongly recommending they do not go to trial."

The three shared one sports equipment bag more just to carry their robes in and a few other odds and ends needed for the trip. Dobby had volunteered to take their trunks when they were needed. And he would ensure that Hedwig would meet them there as well. Hermione hated this part leaving her parents, but this was the best she felt about leaving them. The 3 Grangers each had unshed tears in their eyes which got Luna crying. She realized they couldn't love her more if she was their own.

"Thank you. Thank you for me, but for loving Luna and for my "Mione." He wanted to say more but he was choked up as well. Suddenly he was in an Emma embrace only to be followed up with one from Dan.

"We love you too Harry. You're a good young man, one we're proud to call family."

Which set the girls all crying again.


The trio took a compartment in the first car at the very end. Harry was once more sandwiched between the 2 beauties. Luna was staring out into space, the two had learned that this was something she needed to do. She could not really explain why she got lost like this but it had given rise to the "Looney" moniker she so detested. It wasn't long before their guests arrived. They had expected visitors the entire trip. The trio had a running bet as to who was going to be the first to find them. "I won!" Luna exclaimed coming back from Never Never land as the door opened without any knocking.

"You cheated."

"Did not. Now you and Harry each owe me a foot rub."

The visitor stood there seething. For once quietly waiting for the exchange to complete. "Potter. Why did you shoot me?"

"When did I shoot you, Ron?"

"When I went to rescue you. You were being starved and beaten by your muggle relatives."

"I believe I know where you got the idea from. But I will tell you flat out, at that point, it was the best I had ever been treated by them."

"Then why did you shoot me? I saw a flash and everything."

"Ron I took your picture, and I said I was going to send it to the DMLE. Which I never did by the way."

He was working himself up. His face was getting redder and redder. Harry compared it to volcano erupting. "It's your fault I got in trouble. My mom caught me again coming home in the Ford."

"Why did you go to Harry's in the first place Ron? Harry was in no distress."

"Shut up you whore. You've bewitched him or used a potion on him; the both of you. The headmaster told me you've influenced him. I am going to tell everyone."

"Oh Ron. Why did you call Hermione that? And me as well. Don't you realize you just made an enemy out of one who called you friend?"

"You were my friend Ron. One of my first friends. And because of that friendship, you can leave unmarked. If you ever call either one of my girls a name again. You will not walk away unscathed. Did you take my meaning or did I use too many big words?"

Since Harry had his wand out and the tip of his wand glowed almost as much as Harry's eyes did, Ron quickly backed out of the compartment without any dignity but at least he had all of his body parts.

"You knew it was going to be this way with him. Luna warned you."

"I know." He let go of his anger, while regret crept in. "Just a little painful is all." His anger was something that he had been working on. He had realized when he was self-analyzing that a lot of his troubles were because he spoke out of anger without thinking, "a lot like Ron," he told himself in retrospect.

"Harry," Luna said. "There is still a chance that he will wake up one day. Just don't count on it." He nodded and hoped it was true. If anyone could see that far, it would be her.

The next part of the bet was to who would be their second visitor. Again without any courtesy the door opened to show Malfoy and his 2 apes. "Ha-ha Harry, now you owe me a foot rub."

Malfoy started to speak but Harry stopped him with an upraised hand for silence so as not to interrupt her. Once he was done he then turned to the blond ponce, "Good Morning Scion Malfoy. How are you today?" He finally said.

Malfoy looked confused normally he would already hear Potter screaming at him. He liked to rile Potter up so tried again. "You stopped me from talking so the bint could finish what she was saying!"

"Scion Malfoy. Listen to what I am saying. You know the old ways far better than I ever will. What would an appropriate response be to one who insults a protectoree of an Ancient and Noble house?"

Now he was off his game. Potter yelling was what he was prepared for. "It could be anything including duels. There have even been blood feuds because of it."

"So Scion Malfoy of the Noble House of Malfoy. Let me introduce you to my Protectorees. This is Miss Hermione Granger and this Miss Luna Lovegood. They are betrothed to me." Continuing, "The reason I had her continue is because you entered into our compartment without knocking and were rude to us. Is this not correct?"

"It is Lord Potter. Forgive me, ladies," he said bowing and taking the back of their hands and not even touching his lips to them, but appearing to do so.

The narrow passageway had other people passing back and forth, and several saw this. It would be all over the train in under an hour.

"Scion Malfoy. You and I got off to a bad start several years ago. I believe I know your views of the muggle-born. And you know that I disagree with them. I am willing to discuss this issue with you at any time. And I mean discuss, I don't mean you insulting my Hermione or me insulting you or your family. I am willing to talk this out as gentlemen should. Do you agree?"

It saved Draco some face. He could leave and justify his time by telling everyone that he got Potter to agree to a dialogue. "I do agree Lord Potter and look forward to it." He backed out bowing, his face red from embarrassment.

The door was just fully closed when Luna jumped on his lap and kissed him. "That was very well done, Harry!" He noted that removing anger from the equation had just paid off some wonderful rewards, as he kissed her again because he could.

"Well with you 2 to coach me, I hope to improve a lot of things."

Hermione was a little off, just a bit quiet. "Are you okay "Mione?"

"She's fine Harry, it's just her menses. I start next week so you can kiss her all you want then."

She interrupted, "Hey! I still want my kisses."

"And you shall have them anytime you want them, dear heart." Harry punctuated every word wth a kiss. She smiled and closed her eyes waiting for the next visitor.
"Hey, my turn now. I said I don't start until next week you can kiss me all you want."

"All I want? That Luna love is a lot of kisses. Come here."

They were still embracing with Hermione tickling and kissing once in a while when there was a knock at the door and then it opened. "Damn! I can't even win a bet with myself."

"Harry..." He looked at Hermione who kept her nose buried in her book after a quick wave to their guest.

"Fine, you're right. You're always right." "Scion Longbottom, it is good to see you." Holding out his hand he stood and continued. "Damn Nev. good look. I would never have expected."

Neville had thinned out and changed his look. "It's actually Longbottom of Longbottom."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know."

Neville waved it away, "Hardly anyone did. It may have been in the Daily Prophet, but with your news, it kind of overshadowed everything else." "I hear, besides your Lordship, you have other news. "You're bonded?"

"I am, and I have never been so happy. Can you believe it Nev; there are actually two other people that love me! But I love that new look," he repeated. "What brought that on?"

"Ron is saying they have you imperiused," he snorted. "As far as my look, last year I had met a Ravenclaw named Marion Maves.."

"Oh, she was nice to me. I liked her."

Neville smiled, "Yes she told me. You should have said something, we would have acted. I assume Lord Potter knows about it?"

"He does my lord. He is most wroth with me over that." Her eyes were downcast but there was a hint of a smile on hers and Hermione's faces.

"As he should. Anyway, we met and started talking and she convinced me to start running. And the first time we went out she went Goth, and I have loved it since then."

"It really does change your look. I'll bet your Gran didn't like it."

"Not at first, but one thing led to another and when we read and heard that you defied Dumbledore, we knew I had to protect myself as well."

"Good thinking," Hermione murmured.

His face was white face with a hint of sparkles in it. He wore the black eyeliner and the black lipstick. His nails were the deepest black. "I can hear Dumblebore now, he's going dark."

Everyone laughed. There were only a few minutes left. " I wanted to tell you; when I am dressed like this I am Null. N.L. Null stands for no fear and no pain. Look there is a lot happening, I have to see a couple of certain someones. Gran filled me in on your escapade with Dumbles. We must discuss this later. We need to speak okay?"

"Thanks Nev," Harry said standing with him. "You have always been a true friend. As I want to be to you. If I mess up on the Lordship business please clue me in."

"Harry we're friends first. All that Lordship stuff is for everyone else. By the way, good job with Malfoy."

"Lock the door Luna we need to change."

"I'll step out."

"No, you won't." Her tone made it clear there was no argument. "You said yourself there is more shown on the beaches. If you see me and Luna in our knickers would you attack us?"

"Of course not. Never without your consent."

"Exactly Harry. You love us, we love you." Luna was already in her blue panties and matching bra. "And yes it's okay to look and it's okay to be excited. At some point, this will all be routine for you."

"Yeah," he said in voice that was suddenly as dry as the hottest desert. "But that isn't today. You two look amazing." That earned him a kiss from Hermione who was just covering her green lingerie with her robes.

"Your turn Harry, and believe us; we will be just as excited as you. Just without the visual aid." They giggled.


There was always a mad dash for the carriages. Some because they were excited to get to school, others because they wanted to be with friends, and Ron because it was almost dinner time. The 3 walked stately to whatever carriage there was, the only requirement that they sit together. Finally getting to one. They found the cab came preloaded with a couple of twins and Lee Jordan already discussing business.

"Well look what the cat dragged in. Harrikins and his harridans."

"Careful George you can tease me, but insult my ladies again and you'll miss dinner and go straight to see Pomfrey."

"I'm not George I'm Fred."

"Bullshit. I could always tell you apart. Sometimes I think you 2 can't, but I can."

"Our own mother can't tell us apart you can?" Fred challenged.

"Your mother may not be able to, but did you ever ask your father? You see him as dad, a slightly eccentric muggle lover." Both boys nodded. "I see him as the head of House Weasley, very smart, honest to a fault and very shrewd to hide his wit in that den of incompetence."

"Why won't Hermione and Luna look at us?" Both were determinedly staring out the window, their lips pressed together so hard they were both thin lines.

"What part of you insulted my ladies do you not understand? Look at their robes. what do you see?"

Lee pointed out, "They have extra patches in silver on their robes."

"Luna's also has her father's house crest on her chest." Both Potter crest's designated them as protectorees of House Potter and Luna as Black-Potter. The short trip was half completed. Harry needed to make his point and soon. "What I want to know is why you insulted us. I think I know why but I want to hear it from you."

"The word is all over the train, you shot at Ron and damaged his father's car and he got in trouble for it."

Hermione snorted but continued to look out the window. "And you three, especially you two know to always take Ron's view of things because he is so stable and a paragon of virtue and intelligence. I realize he is family and you need to be there for your family. But even then you must consider the source."

Silence permeated the small cab for the remainder of the blessedly short trip. Lee was completely in the dark and just listening to his friends and the wild rumor and the twins had to decide whether to trust Ron or to think for themselves. Harry was certain they would be asking questions soon.

When the cab stopped Harry hopped out and assisted the girls inside. The next move was the twins.

It was a pensive trio that said goodbye to each other off to the side before entering the great hall. "We would sit with you Luna if it was allowed tonight. I love you Luna, and don't be afraid to call Dobby if you're in need." Harry's parting kiss was matched by Hermione's. Seldom was there bouts of self-consciousness between the three of them.

Hand in hand Harry and Hermione walked to their table and sat where they could watch Luna. The noise rose and fell as people renewed friendships and greeted each other. Neville came and sat across from Harry his face cleaned but his nails still gleaming in the light. "Null what time do you run?"

"I get up early normally around 6 and run for an hour."

"Perfect. Want some company?"

"Great. I won't have to run alone."

"Harry, look."

His eyes once more fell on Luna, she sat with 2 spaces empty on either side and across from her. His hands tightened into fists and he started to stand. "Stop Harry." Neville grabbed him. "No one has done anything to her. You'll just make it worse for her at this point."

"I wish I had known about this last year."

"Well, thats all water under the bridge now. Do you have a good plan for this year?"

Harry smiled like a happy predator. "I have a plan."

Null snorted, "This is going to be a good year. Life is exciting around you Mr. Potter."

"I could stand for some boring."

"I've done boring, it's a waste. I'll be having fun right next to you." His grin was just as predatory as Harry's.

"Oh, my god. Now there's two of them!"


The hat came and sang its song; the firsties were sorted into houses, and Dumbledore said something about no Quidditch and some tournament, but neither Harry nor Hermione heard much of it. They had other concerns and flying was a low priority for them. When the food came each just tasted the food and pushed it around the plate. Neither had any appetite.

Null had intercepted any conversation around them, they really didn't hear anything spoken to them. Eventually, everyone left them in their shared solitude.

Luna must have been in similar straights because the only reaction she gave was when Hermione sent waves of love and acceptance to their bond mate. Her head poked up and tear streaked face smiled at her before once more being hidden by staring at her plate.

"Double or nothing," Harry bet. "Dumbledore is going to send a note saying he wants to meet me right after the dinner."

"You're on. He's in a position of strength. He'll know you are expecting a summons will let you sweat a couple of days. Showing you just who is in charge. He is setting something up."

"I agree with Hermione, the old coots already has plans and 2 or 3 backups."

They had hoped to at least tell Luna goodnight, but Dumbledore stopped that. "Instead of everyone rushing to their beds at once. Tonight we are going to try something new. Ravenclaw and Slytherin prefects please lead your charges to their dorms." His eyes were twinkling and his face showed joy as if there was a victory.

Harry swore. "He knew. He knows something is up and deliberately keeping us away from her. I know I'm right."

"I'm not sure Harry."

"Oh, this time, I agree with Harry. That old man just can't help himself. Plans within plans, remember?"

Two minutes later they were allowed to head to their rooms. "Do you think I should have Dobby watch her?"

Hermione thought about it. "We discussed it. She knows to call him if anything happens. You've already had some strict words with her. We need to give her room to grow."

He didn't really like it, but really had no choice. She did want to give it a go.

After a goodnight kiss that turned his brains to mush, Hermione left the two watching her walk up the girl's stairway. "Wow. She really loves you huh? Almost makes you forget you have another bondmate."

His brain rebooted, "I hate you Longbottom."

"Yep, it's going to be an interesting year."

The room fell to sudden silence as the two walked in. Ron and Seamus were staring daggers at him and Dean was watching everything, almost appraisingly.

"What's up with you Potter? Now you're shooting at people. Think because you're rich and 'the boy who lived,' you can get away with everything?"

"Now you sound like him. Answer a question for me. Did you ever have an original thought? Do you believe everything you're told? Or just the first thing. How about you think before you open your mouth. That' his problem too. Just opens his mouth and spits out whatever garbage has been fed to him."

"And what's your position Thomas?"

He shrugged. "Me? I am watching and learning. If I act it will be because I have made up my own mind."

"Fair enough, thank you. And for everyone's edification; I took a photo Ron. A muggle camera. That's why there was a flash. It was nighttime."

Ron didn't want what little support he had to erode. Even his brothers and his sister told him they would be asking questions in the morning. "Oi you. Longbottom. Now you hang with Potter both playing the lord. Too good to be with us."

"For your information Weasley. I 'hang' out with whomever I choose. If I find Harry to do something questionable I will at least give him a chance to explain himself." Null started to walk over to Ron staring at him the whole time. Each took the measure of each other with their eyes. "This isn't last year. Unlike some, I know where I stand. I would hate to be the one to get in the way at the wrong time."

The prefect, Nickens chose that moment to step into the room. Everyone okay in here guys?"

"For the moment," Neville answered.

He was wary enough to hang the room until things were silent. "Tomorrow is the start of the new term. Best be getting into bed."