Author's Notes: I was thrilled by the response the last chapter got. Thank you to all who reviewed or messaged me. It really had to work hard to get that one right. I was...blessed, I guess you could say that I was able to persuade Cyber Hamster to churn out another Chapter so fast. However I expect the next chapter will take a couple days to plan out right. So no chapter tomorrow. I will admit this chapter is mostly fluffy, but it is necessary. Enjoy.
Chapter 23: Aftermath II
It was, despite their time in Luna and Harry's minds, still very early when they finally exited Harry's mindscape. He could tell just from the way she was moving and the way she kept glancing over at him that Kara was desperate to question him and Hermione. However any questions she might have asked were cut off when a very tired Luna yawned hugely.
Harry just chuckled as the small blonde pinked slightly in embarrassment. "I think we can put off informing Tonks until morning, don't you?" He asked looking around at the girls. This was met with nods of agreement. Luna was after all asleep on her feet, or near enough from the looks of it.
He was about to turn for the door when a thought occurs to him. He made a suggestion which the others tentatively agreed upon. He got Luna laid down in the centre of Hermione's bed. Kara lay behind her holding her in her arms.
Harry then lay himself down facing Luna, before turning to wave Hermione into laying down in his own arms. She hesitated only briefly before surrendering with a rueful smile. He pulled her close against his chest then snaked out one of his hands, garnering a small smile from Luna when he gathered one of her hands into his own and held it.
They soon fell asleep, the four of them, like that. Gathered around their little moon.
—
Tonks roused with an undignified snort as the sun shifted across her face in one of the windows. She waved feebly, batting at the air in the vain hope of fending off the light. All this earned her was a sore bum when she fell out of her chair.
She glanced around a tad perplexed by that turn of events and came to realize she must have fallen asleep in one of the Common Room's arm chairs. She got up off the floor grumbling, dusting herself off. Now that she was awake, she supposed she had better start her day by checking on the kids.
She stopped short when she tasted her mouth. It tasted like crap, or what she imagined something like crap would taste like. She pulled her wand and did an oral hygiene spell to clear the morning breath. It wasn't as good as a tooth brush, but it would do for the moment.
She shuffled over to Harry's door and knocked. It was met with a definite sound of silence. She hesitated to knock again. He was definitely in need of his sleep by her reckoning. So she put it off for a little longer, shuffling to Hermione's door and considered it, her head cocked to the side. If anyone had been there to witness it they would have been amused by the perplexed face she had unintentionally fallen into while standing there. Luna was in there, she was sure. And She wouldn't be surprised if Hermione and Kara were too.
She decided to check. She pushed the door open a touch and looked in. She was surprised. No wonder Harry hadn't responded to her knock. Luna, in Kara's arms was lying in the middle of the bed. But Harry and Hermione lay there as well. Hermione curled into Harry's chest, a happy expression on her sleeping face. She saw that Harry was clutching little Luna's hand at Hermione's back. The lot of them sleeping peacefully.
She couldn't wake them, she decided closing the door gently, nodding firmly to herself. It wouldn't be fair when they were like that. Besides she could use the time while they slept to handle a few things.
She padded out of the fifth year common room and down the stairs stretching as she went. She wandered through the greater Gryffindor common room on her way to the portrait hole. She was about to push aside said portrait when it moved aside itself and Professor Mcgonagall stepped through only to come to a surprised halt.
"Ah, Miss Tonks." She greeted.
Tonks smiled. "Minerva" This received a small thin lipped smile in return.
"You know, I am still getting used to the idea of you no longer being a student?" The Professor noted chuckling slightly.
Tonks nodded grinning. "I know, sometimes I swear I'll wake up in my old room in Hufflepuff." She remembered the warren, as it was called, fondly.
Mcgonagall nodded, then tilted her head considering the younger woman. "I came hoping to check on the situation with Potter and the Lovegood girl?"
Tonks nodded. "They're all sleeping right now. But the plan is for her to tell the details when they wake up." She assured the woman.
"Ah, very good. I was hoping they could come to such an arrangement, it is unfortunate things came to this." Mcgonagall noted sourly.
Tonks grimaced and nodded grimly. "Yeah, no kidding right?"
Mcgonagall considered Tonks for a minute before nodding. "Would you care to walk with me, we can talk somewhere more private?"
"Okay," She agreed and padded after the woman as she led the way out of the tower and to her office. For once when they arrived she wasn't directed into one of the uncomfortable chairs. Though she had to mentally concede that in the past every time she'd been called to Mcgonagall's office she'd been in trouble.
"Tea?" Minerva offered.
She smirked. "I'm a copper remember?"
Mcgonagall got a small smile at that. "Ah, coffee then?"
"You've got it."
Mcgonagall produced some tea for herself and some coffee for Tonks, courtesy of one of the castle's house elves.
Mcgonagall considered her for a time as they sat sipping their drinks. "I was deeply distressed to hear of Miss Lovegoods…predicament last night. I hope she is doing somewhat better?"
Tonks shrugged noncommital. "I think she cried herself out last night. We'll just have to see how she's doing when she wakes up." Minerva nodded in sympathy.
"Poppy has been very concerned to say the least, and has been very distressed that she is not permitted at present to treat the girl herself." She noted. Tonks bobbed her head in understanding. Poppy in many ways reminded her of her own mother. "Is there anything I might tell her that will ease her mind?"
Tonks paused considering that. "So long as the details go no further…"
Minerva nodded seriously. "Of course."
Tonks thought about where to start. "I performed a class 3 examination. She had multiple fractures and severe bruising across her body. I treated it all as best I could, the fractures are all set and are on the mend thanks to the potions I gave her. Her bruising in likewise improved last I checked." She sighed. "But I could only handle the physical side of things right?"
Mcgonagall nodded grim agreement. "But of course, the mind is beyond the abilities of even a potion to heal."
Tonks sipped some more coffee. "What really sickens me is that someone could do this to someone as sweet as Luna…"
"Yes," Mcgonagall agreed slowly. "A sometimes strange but very kind girl…"
"I hope Harry's able to get something that will let us catch whoever did this…" Tonks grumbled. "I want to nail whoever did this to the wall myself."
Mcgonagall nodded. "I quite agree with the sentiment dear. Poor Filius has been beside himself since he heard. He always was fond of the girl."
"What I don't understand is how this went unnoticed."
Mcgonagall sighed. "I do not know the answer to that, not for certain but I can guess some of it." She admitted, then explained at Tonks' questioning glance. "You see Luna has been known to wander the halls before, and whomever it was that ejected her from the Ravenclaw Tower took pains to be undiscovered it seems." She pursed her lips disapprovingly.
"Don't the paintings and such report to Dumbledore?" Tonks asked, taking another sip.
She nodded readily. "They do, when they aren't confounded or otherwise impeded in that task." She explained at Tonks' worried expression. "Keep in mind that Ravenclaw is the house of the clever. And as for out in the school…Well they've mostly learned to ignore the various comings and goings of the students out of hand."
Tonks grimaced and nodded, She'd always felt Hogwarts was safe, it appeared that impression was not as true as she had hoped. "Well we will just have to hope that Minister Bones accepts that as reason enough…"
"You are reporting this directly to her?" Mcgonagall asked with interest.
Tonks nodded. "I would simply report it to Head Auror, but I'm due to visit Bones today anyways." She said waving idly.
Minerva nodded. "Ah, yes, She has not yet found her replacement in the DMLE. And she always was a hands on sort." She mused, half to herself as much as Tonks.
Tonks pushed to her feet. "Sorry to hit and run like this Minerva, but I've got a lot to handle before the kids are up."
Mcgonagall waved magnanimously "But of course."
Tonks paused. "Oh before I go though. Have you or the other teachers had any luck?"
The Professor shook her head sadly. "Very little, we know of no less that eighteen students who were out of bed, but none were confirmed to be in the same area as Luna last night." She paused considering Filius is having words with miss Patil last I heard, perhaps there will be something of note there?"
Tonks nodded. "We can hope."
Mcgonagall gave a start. "Oh, one last thing Nym—Tonks. Severus wished to convey that should they be required he can have a full batch of healing medicines prepared by mid-morning should you need them again. He noted it might be better to not diminish the Hospital wings supplies further."
Tonks nods surprised. That was the closest thing to concern she'd heard from Snape…ever. "Thank him for me would you?" She requested hesitantly. "Tell him I think the greatest demand will be for a calming draft or two and maybe something for aches and pains."
Mcgonagall nodded smiling slightly "But of course."
"Bye Minerva see you around." Tonks exited the room and closed the door quietly behind her. Of course a couple moments later a clatter was heard followed by cursing. Mcgonagall had a good chuckle at that.
—-
Amelia Bones, Minister for Magic, leaned back in her chair sighing, it had been a long day already, and it was still early yet. She'd just had the extreme misfortune of being forced to have another meeting with the insipid idiot from the Department for the Control of Magical Creatures. And the idiot in question was a bigot of the highest order. Not just against non-humans which would have been bad enough in her book, but against muggleborns and half bloods as well. However whenever he was called on it, he rapidly degenerated into a useless simpering bootlicker.
She really would need to find a replacement for him soon, especially if she wanted to improve relations with the Goblins. She had received notice from them the day before that the next time he referred to them as barbarians in their presence he would be impaled on a pike.
There was a knock at the door and she looked up. "Come in?"
The door opened a bit and Tonks slipped through. "Um—Hello Director good morning."
"Ah, good morning Auror. I wasn't expecting your visit until this evening…" She admitted, though not necessarily displeased to see the younger woman.
"Uh—yes ma'am, but I reckoned it would be best if I came a little early today, I've got something you should hear about…" She explained a touch nervously.
"Oh?" Amelia asked leaning forward slightly to rest her arms on her desk.
"Actually there's a couple of things, but I'll handle the most important one first I think…" Tonks explained, shifting uncomfortably. "Um—Harry became of some odd behaviour from one of his friends recently. He attempted to determine it's source but without any luck unfortunately…" She grimaced. "However that changed last night, Luna Lovegood, his friend appeared at Gryffindor Tower in extreme distress." She explained. "She'd been assaulted, at the very least physically and was too upset to relate what exactly had happened. Harry of course gave her shelter, and we saw to tending her wounds…"
Amelia was paying close attention. "I informed him we'd need to report this in accordance with Public Safety Laws. He was understandably reluctant to subject Luna to that when she was so distraught. So he looked for an alternative to us having to haul her in…"
Amelia nodded and motioned for her to continue. "He managed to convince her to let him get the story from her this morning after she'd had a chance to rest for a while."
Bones rubbed her suddenly aching forehead. "By Lovegood, I assume you are referring to Xenophilius' daughter?"
Tonks nodded easily. "Yes ma'am."
That could be problematic, she obviously felt for the poor girl, nobody should suffer like that, but she was justifiably worried about the backlash from her father when he got word of it. "How bad is she?"
"Better now, she had several fractures and broken bones, but I fixed those. She had clearly been beaten severely…" Tonks explained.
The Minister nodded. "Well, we will need to nip this in the bud quickly, I assume this should be handled by the time we arrive?"
Tonks bobbed her head in agreement. "That's the hope ma'am…Uh—not to doubt you or anything ma'am, but are you sure you want to handle this personally?"
Amelia gave an amused snort. "Yes, I am Auror but thank you for asking. I think I've got my replacement sorted, yeah. But I need a couple days to have it sorted out in the Wizengamot. We'll grab….Rufus and Shack I think." She murmured half to herself considering.
"Yes ma'am"
"And the other matter you wished to discuss Auror?" The Minister asked pointedly.
Tonks felt a touch of uncertainty and possibly a bit of guilt. "Well…as you know, I've been observing Harry over the last while. And I thought you should know, he's pouring a great deal of effort into searching for a solution to his soul fragment problem…"
She was in guilt trip hell now. She wasn't sure if Harry would have wanted her to let the Minister know, but could not justify keeping their nations leader uninformed. But compounding this feeling was that she wasn't actually telling the Minister everything. She could have for instance related what she knew from the meeting with the Goblin Princess.
Madam Bones just nodded as she considered some forms cluttering her desk. "Is there anyway in which we might aid his efforts?" She asked absently.
Tonks was brought up short by this unexpected response. "Uh…ma'am?"
Amelia glanced up. "What? I know perfectly well we can expect Harry Potter to puruse this issue regardless of whether or not he has Ministry approval or aid." She noted smiling wryly.
"I have made inquires with the Unspeakables, but with so little to go on, they are at loose ends. So for now I figure it is best that we support the one person who appears to be making headway…"
Tonks nodded dumbly. If she had brought this to any other leader she was certain there would have been blustering and muttering about meddlesome teenagers. "Um—well I'm sure he'd appreciate hearing if we do find anything ma'am, otherwise I could ask him I suppose?"
The Minister nodded, "Excellent. Now, enough of this. Why don't you run and grab Rufus and Shack for me, we'll meet here and head for Hogwarts in fifteen."
Tonks smiled ruefully, and threw a jaunty salute. "Aye Aye ma'am." This got a chuckle from the Minister as she wandered back out of her office.
—
Harry woke gradually, pleased to find himself in a position he'd missed in recent days. He was once again waking with Hermione in his arms. He couldn't help but smile down at her sleeping face, unmarked by the expression of concentration or focus it usually was. Just smooth and at peace.
He heard a giggled and gave a start looking up. Kara and Luna were still lying across from him, and were watching him as he woke up trying to stifle laughter behind a smile.
Kara apologized in a low voice. "That is so cute, the way your face lights up when you see her like that…"
Luna nodded hurriedly. "I always knew you two were meant for each other…" She agreed smiling.
Harry smiled fondly in return and gave Luna's hand which he found he was still holding a squeeze. He looked back down at his girlfriend's sleeping face.
"When did you two figure it out?" Kara asked a minute or so later.
"Last night, while we were checking over each other's occlumency barriers." He murmured back.
Kara chuckled. "You two, you just couldn't be satisfied with doing things the normal way could you?"
He chuckled in return and Hermione shifted slightly in response, humming happily in her sleep. "What time is it?" He asked.
"About time we got up actually." Kara noted with a regretful smile.
He nodded, and considered his Girlfriend. Then leaned down slightly and kissed her on the forehead. She blinked blearily, as she woke slightly perplexed. Then smiled as her mind registered what he'd just done. "Best way to wake up ever…" She declared sleepily.
"I want to tell you something." Harry murmured, smiling down at her.
"Oh?" She asked cuddling into his shoulder.
"Something I want you to remember even on mornings we don't wake up like this…" he prompted and she nodded expectantly. "I love you."
She smiled brightly and he spotted Kara shooting him a thumbs up, Luna giggled happily, prompting Hermione to roll over slightly in search of the source of the noise. "Oh, hey you two." She greeted, then rolled back over and tightened her hug on him, before pulling herself up to his face allowing her to kiss him on the lips.
She smiled cheekily at him. "Just don't get used to waking up with this many girls in the same bed buster." She chided pleasantly. He chuckled in appreciation and winked at the other two. He considered the three of them. "Do you girls feel like breakfast?"
"Mmm, pudding…" Sighed Luna hopefully.
Kara shook her head. "You really like that stuff don't you." She noted as Harry got an idea and rolled over a bit.
"Tinker?" he called.
There was a pop and Tinker appeared, and was apparently surprised at the position they were in. "Oh dear…" She murmured uncertain what she'd just walked in on. "Um—Hello everyone?"
"Hey Tinker, would it be possible to get breakfast up here? If that's okay with you that is…" He asked the little elf.
She shook off her surprise and smiled pleasantly. "Of course Harry." She blinked away.
They only had time to sit up and straighten themselves out before she was back, and setting trays of food across their laps. "Oooh! She even brought pudding!" Luna noted delighted.
Tinker paused and considered Luna seriously. "The Elves of Hogwarts know not to deny miss Luna her pudding mistress…"
She blinked out after handing off the last tray.
They sat in the silence which can only be achieved by a group of hungry people. "mm" Hermione groaned. "Definitely a good way to wake up…"
Harry smiled at her, "I'll remember that." He promised, earning a pleased blush from her.
"Do you not want me talking like that?" He asked noting her coloration.
She shook her head. "No, I like it, it's just something to get used to is all."
He smiled roguishly at her. "Well, you'd better get used to it then. Because I fully intend to wake up with you for a long time to come." He promised earning a smile.
There was a knock at the door and they looked up. "Come in?"
The door cracked open and Tonks poked her head in the door. "Ah, good you're all up and…" She noted the trays of food. "Darn it, I missed breakfast."
There was a pop and a tray of food appeared at the end of the bed. "Holy crap!" Tonks barked happily and hustled inside closing the door behind her. She sat on the end of the bed and started chewing happily.
Finally as she finished up her meal, and the teenagers turned to just relaxing. She turned her attention to Luna, worry creasing her brow. "So…are you guys ready to do this?" She asked.
Harry surprised her by chuckling. "It's already been handled."
She blinked surprise. "Really? When?"
He smiled a touch mockingly. "While you were busy snoring in the common room actually. But when we finished we decided it was still too early to get up and decided to get comfortable.
Tonks snickered. "I saw that. Really Potter?" She asked smiling wickedly. "Three girls at once?"
He chuckled. "Don't worry, 'Mione already told me not to get used to it." He assured her.
She peered at them in surprise then threw up her arms, as the little clues in their posture and tone sank in. "You guys figured it out!"
"Yup." Harry agreed in satisfaction.
"When!?" She demanded.
"Last night during occlumency practice." Hermione reported blushing.
"Well Halle'freakin'lujah!" Tonks cheered, before eventually sobering. "So, if it's all handled I should let you know the people I reported to are waiting in the Headmaster's office…"
Harry nodded. "Okay, we can head there in a few minutes once we finish up here." He agreed.
Tonks looked over the group, Harry and Hermione on one side, Kara and Luna on the other. "You're a good bunch of kids you know that?" She observed.
Harry smirked. "You're only six years older than us Tonks." he pointed out ironically.
She waved that aside. "I know. But somedays I wish I were that young again. Being an adult sucks you know?"
Harry muttered something she didn't catch, but it caused the others to snicker. She huffed in exasperation. "Do I want to know?"
"No, probably not." Harry decided cheerfully, then he paused. "Uh, Tonks you do realize your hair's still red and brown?"
She blinked then turned to the mirror on the side table. She concentrated for a moment then shifted her hair back to a pink pixie cut. "Cheers Harry."
Harry nodded then turned to Luna. "So, you ready Little Moon?" He asked earning a smile from the little blonde.
She squeezed his hand. "Yes Harry,"
He nodded, "Then lets get to it."
—-
They were most of the way to Dumbledore's office when they had the misfortune of passing Cho Chang. "Really Harry, hanging out with Luna now?" She scoffed, then favoured him with a flirty look. "You could do so much better…"
Harry couldn't help it, he froze, stiffening noticeably. He heard Kara murmur a heartfelt. "Oh shit." Behind him.
She of course hadn't seen Luna's memories, but she could easily tell from Harry's reaction that something was amiss.
Harry rounded on the girl in question, and the flirty look disappeared in a flash. "I'm sorry, what was that Cho?" He demanded. the girl backed up into the wall and her small flock of sycophants scattered in a small panic. "Because I could have sworn you just insulted my friend. My friend who…" His voice choked off and he glared even harder at the girl. He snapped "You! You knew what was happening!" he accused.
Cho's wide eyes flickered to Luna, but Luna didn't acknowledge her instead reaching out and placing a small hand on his arm. Harry seethed. "You knew, but you did nothing. You—" he shook his head. "But. Because she's a thousand times the person you are, she's asking me to back off when everything screams that I shouldn't." he stepped back a bit. "And because she's a thousand times the person you are, I'm going to listen to her. Do NOT let me hear you insult her again. Are we clear?"
Coming from any other person, at any other time, Cho might have come back at them. But something she saw apparently made her unable to. She nodded jerkily and swallowed.
He turned to leave but stopped when one of Cho's friends muttered angrily. "Jeez Potter, what a spaz."
He turned to consider her and she paled visibly before turning and dashing off in a panic." He felt a small squeeze on his arm and looked down.
Luna was looking up at him, wide eyed. "Harry, please calm down."
He felt bad for worrying her. "I'm sorry Luna, but after what I saw…"
She smiled wanly. "I know, and thank you for caring so much." She reached up and cupped his cheek. "But Harry—You are glowing right now, in a way even they can see. You are so angry."
He glanced down and to his surprise he found that she was right, a dim light like a heat wave rising from his skin. And almost as soon as he comprehended what he saw it was extinguished. He was far too close to losing control. She smiled gratefully at him. "Thank you Harry," She murmured then hugged him tightly. "Thank you for being there for me Harry."
"Always," he promised.
She nodded. "Come on Harry, we're nearly there." She urged and pulled him along the corridor finally coming to a stop in front of the gargoyle.
The stone creature considered them quite appropriately, stonily. "Oh…It's you again is it?" he noted dryly his eyes falling on Harry.
Luna just smiled cheerily. "Oh Charles," She said in mock exasperation. "You're always so surly."
He snorted in amusement. "You would be too, if you had people waking you every five minutes day or night…"
She cocked her head considering him. "Maybe it's the Wrackspurts?" She suggested.
The Gargoyle blinked slowly at her before chuckling. "Maybe it is at that…" he agreed,
"Could you please tell Professor Dumbledore we're ready to come on up?" Tonks suggested. The gargoyle paused briefly before nodding and shuffling out of the way.
Harry had an idea and performed his best theatrical bow. Smiling up at luna. "After you my lady." She giggled at his absurd display of chivalry.
Hermione and Kara were next up the stairs, Hermione pausing and after glancing up and down the corridor kissing him on the cheek. Harry was still smiling dazedly as Tonks passed him winking.
He shook himself out of it before hurrying up the stairs and leading the way into the office. A decidedly busy, and crowded office.
Dumbledore was at his desk, as ever. Twinkling at him already. Mcgonagall, and Sprout were standing off to the side conversing quietly while Snape and Flitwick stood a ways away doing the same.
On the other side of the office stood Amelia Bones, whom Harry was surprised to see, as well as Kingsley Shacklebolt and Rufus Scrimgeour.
Fawke sat atop his perch next to Huginn who suddenly was looking very sheepish in the face of his mistress's evil eye. The adults turned to them as they entered.
Flitwick hurryied over to Luna, moving surprisingly fast for someone of his stature and age. "Miss Lovegood, I have been so concerned about you." He squeaked worriedly.
Luna smiled slightly. "Thank you Professor Flitwick."
He looked her over, holding her at arms length. "Well I will say this, it appears Miss Tonks is very good at her job…"
Harry had mostly tuned out this conversation, observing Dumbledore carefully from across the room. Finally as Flitwick stepped back the Headmaster spoke. "I am to understand Harry, that you have some information which can help us to clarify these matters somewhat?"
Harry nodded readily enough. "Yes Headmaster," he paused and nodded deferentially to Minister Bones. "I have the voluntarily provided memory from Luna right here." He tapped the side of his head.
Dumbledore seemed surprised. "Ah, you do? Excellent."
Minister Bones stepped forward hurriedly. "Lord Potter, would you like me to perform the memory extraction?"
He nodded. "Yes please Minister, I would however ask you take your time, it will take some effort to organize it all and remove non-relevant time frames.
She nodded, "of course."
She began the extraction a minute later and when it was finished soon after she took the deposited memories and confirmed them with an authenticator. She nodded in satisfaction when it lit green.
"Excellent, we can begin reviewing the evidence whenever you're ready headmaster…" She confirmed.
Harry interrupted with a polite cough. "If I might…I would appreciate it if we could leave for a bit while you watch those memories. Luna does not need to see them again…"
She blinked surprise then nodded agreement "But of course." She agreed, mildly chagrined at forgetting that detail.
The small party made their way to the door but were stopped when Snape drifted between them and it. For once he doesn't appear disdainful, merely stoic. And his attention was focused on Luna. "Miss Lovegood," he drawled. "Before you go, it was indicated by Miss Tonks that you might appreciate these today…" He handed her a pair of small potion vials.
At her querying expression he explained. "The first is a calming draft, I prepared this morning. The second is an elixir for your aches and pains."
She bobbed her head in gratitude. "Thank you Professor"
He nodded silently and stepped aside.
—-
They ended up waiting in one of the nearby courtyards under a tree. Harry vaguely recalled having one of his many confrontations with Malfoy here. Thankfully the ferret was absent today.
Harry took the opportunity to simply enjoy leaning against Hermione while watching Tonks amuse Luna with various wild hair styles and colours. Kara occasionally chatting with them about this or that.
It was about half an hour later when Flitwick bustled into the courtyard. He appeared drawn and pale, Harry noted, as they drew to their feet, brushing grass and such off their clothes.
Flitwick stopped in front of them and for once appeared at a loss for words. His eyes drifted to Luna and he surprised them by lunging forward and hugging the small young woman.
"Miss Lovegood—" He growled roughly. "Would that that had never happened to you." he shook his head. "I am so—very, very sorry."
"You did not know." Luna comforted him.
He pulled back and straightened. "I do apologize you all, that was against protocol but…that was indeed terrible to witness…"
"No need to apologize Professor, I completely understand the urge to hug Luna after seeing that." Harry noted smiling slightly.
Flitwick chuckled weakly. "The others are waiting for you…back in the office, if you will come with me?" He requested.
Soon enough the grouped was trooping back into the office, and Harry immediately noted the change in atmosphere.
All those gathered appeared paler, and Dumbledore appear everyone of his many years. A phenomena Harry had only seen a handful of occasions.
Fawkes. spread his wings wide and took off from his perch to on Luna's outstretched arm which she raised to catch him. The Phoenix cried softly against her neck as she stroked him cooing to him softly.
Amelia Bones nodded to Harry once before turning her eyes back to Dumbledore. "I want all those involved Albus." she said shortly. "No excuses. I know you care for every one of your students here. But this is beyond the pale."
She grimaced and glanced about seemingly at a loss. "A beating which was headed for becoming a Gang Rape?" She growled. "It was only through pure luck that Miss Lovegood escaped…"
Hermione and Kara cried out lowly in despair at hearing what had happened to their small friend. They had suspected of course, it was hard not to when you had seen her wounds. but they hadn't known, not for certain until now.
They rushed towards Luna and Fawkes has to take flight to avoid getting glomped. He flew a circle around the room before landing on Harry's shoulder. The beautiful bird He trilled sadly. But somehow Harry got an impression of gratitude from Fawkes
Dumbledore nodded soberly. "I agree Amelia, it merely pains me greatly to see our numbers decimated by six because of this. I agree that you are right to punish them all to the full extent of the law." He said hanging his head. "I wish this hadn't escaped my notice until Potter brought up what he'd pieced together." He said remorsefully.
"It's not me you need to apologize to on that account Albus, she's the wounded party." She indicated the slight young woman. "Now I have some arrests to make, may I get the help of your staff?" She asked and Dumbledore nodded. "Thank you" she trooped out of the room followed by the Aurors and the staff members. Only Flitwick remained besides Dumbledore himself.
The aged Headmaster turned his attention to Luna. "She is right, Miss Lovegood I have failed you miserably. I have no excuse, I will submit to any satisfaction you might demand. I must also apologize that I was unable to contact your father, apparently he is away on expedition somewhere in Kazakstan," He said as he slumped in his chair.
She considers him. "Seek to do better next time. Do not allow this to happen again." She decided shortly. Harry couldn't help but think to himself that this was Luna right down to the soles of her feet
"And that is all you would ask of me? Dumbledore said doubtfully, clearly still distraught.
She considered, cocking her head, then turned sympathetic eyes to Flitwick. "I wish to be transferred out of Ravenclaw, I will only miss Professor Flitwick and Padma. Otherwise there is nothing for me there…"
Flitwick appeared sad but nodded understanding. Luna hesitated and her eyes flicked back to Dumbledore. "And if I might…"
Dumbledore indicated she should continue. "I know it is irregular but…I would like to be transferred into Harry's classes…" She shrugged helplessly. "I feel safer around him…"
Dumbledore considered this seriously. "Do you wish a sorting or shall I simply have you shifted to Gryffindor?"
"I think I would prefer Gryffindor…" She admitted sheepishly. They all gave a start when a voice spoke from the shelves.
"A splendid choice Miss Lovegood." Growled the hat. "I always said you might do well in Gryffindor." He noted.
Dumbledore nodded to the hat then turned back to Luna. "Then it shall be arranged."
He nodded to himself absently. "Now. I'm afraid I must make arrangements but as some small recompense…" He stopped abruptly when Fawkes flew over to land on the edge of his desk. "I will give you all the day off from classes to simply recuperate." he finished somewhat lamely.
Fawkes trilled and bobbled his head. Dumbledore paused considering the bird who cocked it's head and trilled again. "Are you certain?" Dumbledore asks solemnly.
A bobbing head was his answer. "Ah, if that is what you wish." The bird took off in a gusting whirlwind of flame and spun around the room to land on his perch
But left behind where had been was a single tail feather floating on the warm air currents left by his departure. Dumbledore hesitated then plucked it off the cushion of warm air carefully and considered it. "It would appear Fawkes desires that you should have one of his Tail Feathers Miss Lovegood." He extended it to her and she took it reverently. Before turning to bow in thanks to Fawkes.
Dumbledore stared at the girl solemnly. "Harry shares the distinction of being in possession of one of these rare gifts. Perhaps you can ask him today to tell you a bit about it?
She nodded. "I will Headmaster."
He tilted his head. "Very good. I will see to the remaining matters now. You are free to do with your day as you will."
—-
And indeed they spent much of the day just relaxing and chatting idly amongst themselves. Wandering by the lake's shore, travelling the castle grounds and sharing quiet meals in the common room.
The only interaction of note they experienced with someone outside their little group that day was when Mcgonagall showed up that evening to speak with them. "I am informed that I have a new lion in my pride." She noted, smiling thinly at Luna. Then nodded in satisfaction. "I cannot tell you how proud I am to have you joining us Miss lovegood."
Luna pinked. "Thank you Professor"
The professor straightened herself out a touch."Now, I would like to speak with you about the question of your housing. I've already ordered the castle elves to collect your belongings. But we were uncertain as to whether or not you would be comfortable sleeping with others your age right now…" She admitted. An understandable concern given what had occurred in Ravenclaw.
"She can sleep in my room…" This suggestion turned all eyes to Kara.
She smiled sheepishly. "What? my room is fairly large, more than enough space for another person…" She noted.
"That would be nice." Luna agreed.
"Then I will arrange it" Mcgonagall noted happily, before turning to Luna. "Once again, welcome to Gryffindor miss Lovegood." She swept out of the common room, leaving them to their thoughts.
Luna was smiling to herself for quite a while after that. She had taken to turning the Phoenix feather over and over in her hands that day. Finally she turned to him. "Harry?" He looked up from his book. "Can you tell me about this feather?" She requested.
He smiled slightly. "Sure."
He paused considering where to start. "First thing you should know, is that as that feather was specially gifted to you by that Phoenix it will be an uncommonly good wand core for you." She nodded understanding.
"The second thing you should know is this." He began solemnly. "Fawkes has only ever donated two feathers before this. One is in my own wand." She smiled at that. He shook his head tiredly. "And one is in the wand of my enemy. That fact has actually saved my life before." She appeared shocked by that revelation. "Oh?"
He nodded. "You see when two wands share the same core donor they are referred to as brother wands. And they will not willingly fight one another." He explained. He noted the others are listening closely too. "When I was in that graveyard, fighting Voldemort, our wands locked saving my life. A feather willfully given by Fawkes just for you, is a very special gift."
He smiled at her. "And you are a very special person Luna, far more deserving of such a gift than Voldemort, far more deserving than me." He assured her. She smiled and hugged him.
"Thank you Harry," She whispered against his chest. "but you must not talk of yourself that way, you're special too." They stayed like that for a while. Luna turned to Hermione shyly.
"I am sorry for hogging your boyfriend Hermione, but may I ask you something?" Luna ventured uncertainly.
Hermione chuckled at that "Of course."
"Can we all sleep like we did last night. I wouldn't presume but…I'm not sure I can handle being alone right now…" Luna admitted reluctantly.
Hermione smiled and proved once again the reasons why Harry loved her. Her boundless compassion. "Of course Luna."
Tonks smiles at them, shaking her head ruefully. "You know, I wasn't terribly sure how this would all work out when I was assigned to protect you Harry." he cocked his head considering her at that. "I mean I liked you just fine Harry, but I wasn't certain how I'd handle being forced to watch a bunch of teenagers all day."
She shrugged, and leaned back in her chair. "But I have to say, you bunch continue to surprise me. It's honestly been really nice spending time with you lot."
Harry smiled. "I'm glad Tonks, I enjoy having you around too." it truly was nice having the exuberant Auror in his trusted circle of friends. He regretted they'd never had this the last time around. He checked the clock on the wall. "Well it actually looks like it's about time to hit the sack. Why don't we all get ready for bed and meet back here?" he suggested.
"Can we try out your bed Harry?" Luna asked.
He blinked surprise at her for a moment. "From anyone else that would have been a come on. But she just smiled expectantly in a way that confirmed it was just Luna being herself.
He nodded. "We can if you want."
She smiled happily while Hermione and Kara laughed to themselves. A few minutes later, after each of them had separated to get changed for bed, they met each other in the common room outside his door.
Harry was, as usual, wearing his usual pyjama pants and ratty old shirt. Kara was in a similar, albeit less worn, outfit. Luna was in a wearing a set of fleecy pyjamas with what Harry was pretty sure were Snorkacks embroidered on them. She also had a pair of fluffy bunny slippers on. But, unsurprisingly, especially given what he was seeing, it was Hermione who held his attention
She stood there bashfully, shifting uncertainly from foot to foot. She was wearing what could only be one of his older quidditch jerseys over a pair of worn athletic shorts.
"You weren't wearing those last night…" he offered dumbly.
She cracked a small smile at the effect it was having on him. "Well no, we fell asleep in our robes last night didn't we."
He chuckled. "True enough."
She offered a tentatively sly smile. "Besides, I like this, leaves no doubt who I'm with…"
"I like it." Harry assured her.
Tonks barked a laugh from the couch. "I bet you do…" She waved them off cheerily as they blushed. "Behave kids. I'll be up reading for a bit if you need me."
They all padded together into Harry's room and up onto the bed. In the end, the position they fell asleep in was exactly that which they had the night before. And before they fell asleep Harry leaned down and kissed Hermione of the forehead, whispering. "I love you Hermione Jane Granger."
Author's Endnote:
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