AN : Sorry for the long delay once again, finals came up and took priority. We're still on schedule for a Christmas ending. I love all the reviews, please keep them up!! Anybody ready for Christmas Dinner & Christmas Day events with the Lovegoods & Harry??? I know I am.
Required Disclaimers : I do not own HP or "Love to Keep Me Warm" That song was recorded by Dean Martin and various artists throughout the ages. I make no profit off of this story.
Chapter VI: Love to keep me warm
Luna skipped happily along the snowy grounds of Diagon Alley, waving at the random passerby, and it was not long at all before she found Harry. He laughed as she skipped towards him, and when she had come close enough, she leapt into his waiting arms. He spun her around and she felt her hair blow around in the wind.
"Where have you been Luna, I couldn't find you anywhere!" Harry smiled as he put her down.
She patted his arm and smiled too, for she had every reason to. "I was getting threatened by Ginny, she tried to curse me badly, but it was fortunate Hermione came to my rescue. Ginny's been arrested now, Hermione charged her formally - it was apparently a spell that was borderline unforgivable. I'll be safe now that you're with me."
Harry wasn't sure what to feel at this moment- for it was true; he felt infinitely relieved that Luna was ok. But then he was greeted with pangs of disappointment, Ginny Weasley, using a horrible curse? Doubt danced around his head like Wrackspurts, how had it come to be that Ginny would be so infuriated with Luna, her once best friend, to curse her?
"Ooh Harry, let's go home, I mean, let's go back to Grimmauld Place! I would love to start wrapping these presents we've purchased."
Harry still stood there, absentmindedly scratching his chin- with fingers frantically searching for something on which to tug thoughtfully. "She formally charged her?" Harry inquired.
"Oh yes, she's being held currently. She should feel bad for trying to hurt me."
"I am so glad she didn't hurt you, I don't know what I would have done." He said holding Luna close to him.
"You probably would have escorted me to Saint Mungo's. I thought that would have been obvious." Luna smiled and jumped up and down when Harry grinned back at her.
"Ok, you're right, let's go back to my place and let Ginny cool off for a while - she needs it."
They walked down the streets of Diagon Alley, hand in hand, drawing aw's from everyone they saw. That was until, they passed Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, where a red faced George Weasley approached them.
"Oi, Harry!" George waved, beckoning him closer. Harry waved back and looked cautiously to Luna, who nodded her consent. Together they came to George and they huddled together under the landing of his shop.
"Luna, I have a question for you." George started, sticking his hands into the deep pockets of his purple robes.
"Ok, I likely have an answer." Luna smiled sweetly, gripping tightly onto Harry's hand.
"I heard this most fascinating figment of fiction just now, it's so silly!" He said, clapping his hands together now and slapping one of his knees. "It's so ridiculously funny, I just had to share it with you. So, I heard, I can hardly control my laughter - do forgive me, I heard that somehow, you" He said, poking Luna on the shoulder, "got my sister arrested! Haha! See, now why aren't you laughing, Luna?"
"Oh that's no figment of fiction, George. That's truth. Your sister attacked me, it was quite strange. I'm afraid it's true." Luna nodded, missing out or ignoring George's obvious sarcasm.
"Now how about that!" George said, snapping his fingers and pointing at Luna. "Say, you know all about strange things. Have you ever heard of Xenophobia?"
"Why, no I haven't." Luna said, looking at him curiously. "What is it?"
"It's the fear of strange people. And I couldn't help noticing that it shares part of your father's name." He said nodding quickly. "They must have named it because of him, it's fear of Xeno Lovegood! Because there is surely nobody stranger than your old dad!" George said spitefully, his laughter gone now, and his face dangerously close to Luna's.
"George." Harry said forcefully, stepping in between the two.
"You loved my sister, Harry. This should be upsetting you as much as it does me. What did you do to her Luna?"
"We went into that cafe over that way, we were going to have tea, or so I thought. Then she starts getting upset with me." Luna replied politely, admiring how Harry had taken some initiative and stepped up for her.
"George, leave Luna alone unless you know all the facts." Harry said, holding onto Luna's hand.
"My sister is in Azkaban, I would advise you to let me speak to Luna privately."
"That cannot happen, George."
"Don't try me, Harry."
"What if I do?"
"This can't involve you."
"I am involved, Luna and I are dating."
"So much the worse for you. Now get out of my way." George persisted, reaching for his wand.
"George, I love you like a brother. Put that away, now."
George laughed heartily at this, and pushed Harry out of the way.
"George, I am an Auror, but more importantly than that, your friend. As a friend I can do little to you, but as an Auror ; it would be incredibly easy for me to have you arrested. I would prefer not to do that. Please, calm down, and let this pass." Harry said bravely, watching as George slowly dropped his wand. "Thank you, George."
George seemed shamed by his actions and stepped back into the shadows under the landing. "I'm, I'm sorry Luna - I acted improperly…like Ron…forgive me, Harry too?" He looked at them both momentarily, before his shame consumed him and forced him to look away.
"Of course George!" Luna said brightly. "You're still on my Christmas list." She tilted her head and embraced the lone Weasley twin. George patted her back and tried to explain away his anger.
"It's just …hard." He swallowed and tried to hide the tears forming on this cold winter day. "I didn't want to think that I might lose another member of my family, but Harry, you'll vouch for her, won't you? You won't let Ginny go away forever?" George looked at Harry pleadingly, his sorrow was almost tangible.
"Of course I will George, you just focus on taking care of yourself." Harry said, unaware of the mildly shocked look on Luna's face, who quickly noted Harry's loyalty to his friends and smiled - knowing that no matter what; Harry would be this faithful to her as well.
The three left of good terms and Harry and Luna apparate back to number 12, eager to begin the wrapping of gifts, for Christmas Eve was only hours away now- tomorrow he would meet Xenophilius, and officially be the boy Luna brought home. Cold didn't matter to Harry right now, for he felt warm all over - and it was all due to Luna. Could this be love? Harry thought, rejoicing in the fact that he successfully stood up for Luna and maintained friendships all around.
On their way back to The Leaky Cauldron Luna saw a group of carolers, and pleaded with Harry- urging them to listen to the song. The caroler's seemed thrilled by an audience and they sang proudly, as the snow fell upon them all.
"The snow is snowing
The wind is blowing
But I can weather the storm
Why do I care how much it may storm
I've got my love to keep me warm" The caroler's sang.
Harry gripped Luna tightly around the waist and dusted a snowflake off her nose, liking the way he saw himself reflecting in her sparkling eyes.
"I can't remember
A worse December
Just watch those icicles form
Why do I care if icicles form
I've got my love to keep me warm."
Luna reached up and messed up his flaky hair, and then swayed her head from side to side in time with the singing.
"Off with my overcoat
Off with gloves
I need no overcoat
I'm burning with love"
"Love me, Harry?" She questioned him, peering into his Christmas tree colored eyes.
"My heart's on fire
The flame grows higher
So I will weather the storm
Why do I care how much it may storm
I've got my love to keep me warm" They concluded their singing.
Harry leaned in close to her, and conveyed in his kiss what words could not express, this was surely love. And as the caroler's departed and their fellow shoppers passed them by, Harry lost himself in the kiss. Which was beautiful and perfect. He had his love to keep him warm.