(AN : Mayhap it would have been useful to state in the beginning of my story that there are twelve days of christmas...and therefore twelve chapters.
If I had known that all it took to get reviews was to make you frightened, I admit, I would have tried it months ago. Wink )

Chapter X: Hermione's Analysis

"And you're sure that was all?" Hermione asked, looking to Harry as if he were a child who needed comfort.

"That was everything that happened. What does it mean?" Harry asked, hands clenched tightly around his arms. His green eyes were swimming in tears, he sat there staring at the brown haired girl in front of him.

"Looking at it from a psychoanalytical aspect, I would say you are feeling severely guilty about Ginny being in jail, and you and Luna falling for each other. You feel like you aren't being there enough for her, and you want to do something dramatic to prove to her how much you care." Hermione said, scribbling some notes down and placing them in her desk.

Harry swallowed hard and nodded, it seemed to make sense so far.

"The other duelist, or the 'leader' as you put it, represents these doubts.- that's why their face was never shown. But the fact that you did know & remember such personal things about Luna show that you really do care."

"I want to show her I care." Harry said, standing now and pacing her office, the eyes of Ronald Weasley peering at him from pictures resting on Hermione's desk.

"Aren't you already doing just that, Harry?" Hermione said, getting up and wrapping him in her arms. "Listen to me, Harry. Luna wants you to be who you've always been, don't hold yourself back around her. Laugh with her and don't worry about life. You're about to be taken home with Luna, to meet , formally at least, her father for the first time. How could you possibly have doubted her feelings for you?" Hermione said, as she patted him on the back.

"You don't think it's moving too fast?"

"No, Harry. If we've learned anything from the war, it is that life isn't guaranteed- if you love someone, don't say there's always tomorrow. There is no day but today, Harry."

"And me running to Ginny, at the end?"
"Your fallback, Harry. She is your fallback plan, which I recommend you toss to the trash bin. Luna has been able to help you so much recently, I can see the positive effect on you. I haven't seen your smile so much since Quidditch."

"I don't want Luna to be unhappy with me Hermione."

"Harry." Hermione said, grabbing his chin and making him meet her eyes. "Get out of my office, now, and go see Luna. You've got a busy day tomorrow, it's Christmas after all."

"Yeah." Harry said, sheepishly looking to his shoes.

"Did Luna actually go home tonight?" Hermione said wryly, grabbing her jacket off of her coat rack.

Harry frowned and Hermione knew she had her answer.

"Alright, Harry. I will see you and Miss Lovegood on the twenty sixth then." Hermione said, placing a kiss on his cheek.

"Of course." Harry nodded, and he exited the Ministry with her. They apparated on the spot, Hermione to the Burrow, and Harry to Number Twelve. Harry arrived on the step of Grimmauld Place and went inside to find Kreacher waiting for him. Kreacher stood there with a white towel on his arm and his hands holding a tray of pampering items. Eau de Cologne, Pau Made, Sirils Shampoo and a new tube of body wash.

"Master Harry, I have prepared your clothing for tomorrow, and your evening bath is ready for you." Kreacher said, as he escorted Harry to the top of the stairs, where a steaming bath was waiting.

"Thank you, Kreacher. Wake me at eight tomorrow."

The House Elf bowed and left his master to his thoughts, which were far less troubled after Hermione's close evaluation. Dumbledore had always said it didn't do well to dwell on dreams and forget to live.

(AN: So for the record, two chapters left. Harry meets Xeno, and Hermiones Christmas Party on the 26th. This chapter took place on the 24th. Reviews much appreciated. Jimminy Christmas, I wasn't going to have Harry & Luna break up the day before Christmas! Both in their world and ours:P Despite the name of this story being based on Ebeneezer Scrooge, it doesn't mean I hold any of his characteristics. )