ST 4 Goodbye to the Lovegood's Hello to the Greengrass Family

It was August first all his things were packed ready to be shipped out by one a clock by the Greengrass house elves after he had a final lunch with Luna and her father. Harry was also pretty sad about that sure he was going to see Luna every Tuesday morning to help heal the animals and every Friday Luna would come to the Greengrass residence to play so it wasn't anything more than a temporary goodbye but it was a goodbye to first place he could call a home. Looking out at the trees outside his window he remembered what Marian said when he expressed his sadness at leaving the Lovegoods,

"For Potters life is always a great adventure not everything on the adventure is necessarily good but it's the experience that makes us stronger, it adds to what you know hopefully making you a little bit wiser so when you go to the Greengrass home you embrace it gaining what you can while remembering and learning from the triumphs and tragedies from the past. Also remember to thank the Lovegood family and the Greengrass family properly."

Taking a deep breath and getting up with a heavy heart eight year old Harry headed down the stairs. The last few hours at the Lovegoods were mainly spent frolicking around with Luna through the woods Lucy at their side while Hedwig soared up ahead or was perched on Harry's shoulder. As the morning drew to an end Luna stopped them during their frolicking turning around she gave Harry a big hug,

"I know it's only temporarily but I will miss you and the sparwrigths keep invading trying to make me kidnap you so you can stay with me and I would like to thank you for making sure I'm not alone anymore"

Holding Luna in the tight hug Harry smiled, "Your welcome and I would like to thank you for being there for me and showing me the wonders of your home and all your hugs"

They stayed in a hug for a while into Luna said, "The sparwrigths attack if you hug for longer than three minutes Harry"

Harry let go smiling, "Even if the sparwrigths attack I think I could hold them of so we could have a five minute hug"

Luna smiled taking out the picnic basket from the adventure pack, "With your chivalrous nature I will have to hold the ladies of with pitchforks"

For the rest of the picnic they continued to chat reminiscing about their various adventures that they had in the past year. Twenty minutes later there picnic was done and they headed toward Lovegood manor. When they arrived Xenophilius was there to greet him,

"Well Harry I'd like to you thank you for being such a good friend to Luna and being an overall god kid I hope you enjoyed your stay and if you need anything don't be afraid to ask," Turning around Xenophilius picked up a staff which to Harry's touch brimmed with magic it was a luminescent white color that glowed faintly,

"This is our parting gift that Luna did most of the work for so I'll her have her explain from here"

Luna nodded, "It's a staff made from the Tamillan tree which naturally glows in the dark which is another benefit of the staff beside its two magical abilities which include making a magical shield and can be used if you have the ability to become a necromancer to push out evil spirits. Also when you touch it you will be able to feel Emerald the forest presence."

Not knowing quite how to express his thanks Harry simple said, "Thank You"

Giving Luna one last hug and Xenophilius a firm handshake,

"The Greengrass house elves have already moved your things to their manor the only thing yet to arrive is yourself so good luck Harry"

Taking a deep breath clutching his staff tightly he grabbed floo powder and one last breath spoke in a clear firm voice,

"Greengrass Manor"

Harry first impression of Greengrass Manor was that it was very open large windows letting in overwhelming light on three sides of the main living room. Out the windows you could see a large meadow with several buildings that had rounds roofs, it looked like the buildings were partially in the ground, and their shape was rectangular. As his thoughts were still processing what he was seeing a six year old black haired missile by the name of Astoria launched herself at Harry engulfing him in a big hug and immediately afterwards the chatter began,

"You're here your room is right this way, then were going to ride horses, then you got to meet Alexander, and were just going to have so much fun"

Daphne stood a short distance away a big sister smirk etched across her face, "You couldn't make it much more obvious if you tried if he didn't know before he definitely will know soon"

Astoria gave her sister a glare and Harry asked curiously, "Know what?"

Astoria face turned red, "Nothing you need to know about"

Harry ruffled Astoria's hair, "Even though I do not understand I'll let it pass for now"

Looking startled Astoria said, "My hair"

Looking embarrassed Harry said, "Sorry when I accidently do that Luna makes me comb her hair"

Looking entirely too satisfied Astoria grabbed Harry's hand dragging him up the stairs Harry's momentarily lapse of judgment forgiven,

"Sounds wonderful by the way what's that staff for?"

"A parting gift from Luna and Xenophilius one of its ability's to erect a magical shield"

Daphne who was following behind asked, "Can I hold it Harry?"

Shrugging Harry handed Daphne the staff losing the calming presence of the forest,

"You failed to mention that you can feel the forest it's very interesting"

A couple seconds later they were in Harry's new room it was cozy the walls were painted a dark blue, the floor was wooden, there was medium sized desk, his clothes hung in his closet, and a small bag with his things on the foot of his bed. Noticing that they were waiting for reaction he sprawled onto his bed,

"Thank you it's wonderful so what is this about horses?"

Catching onto the slight nervousness in his tone Daphne smiled maliciously while Astoria told Harry all about the horses obliviously,

"Yes a couple hundred years ago our family used to breed a type of magical war horse called Lasaros they originated from France and till the invention of the broomstick where flight offered more durability on the battle field they were the top horses used for battle. There magical abilities were they were able to respond to your thoughts and have an immunity to most spells. We still train some of these horses for recreational uses we got several new ones so you can pick one for yourself"

Harry nodded the recalling the lesson where he learned about the Lasaros and Marians story's which included her trusty stead named after King Arthurs horse Llameri. A growing sense of excitement was overcoming his nervousness,

"So when do we start?"
Looking pleased Astoria and Daphne said, "Early tomorrow," Daphne continued, "The rest of the day is already full first a complete tour of the manor and the grounds, then a card game with mother, then I suppose you have to comb Astoria's hair before supper which will be when dad's comes home and soon afterwards it will be time for bed"

Getting up Harry asked again, "So when do we start?"

Daphne smirked while Astoria pointed to the door, "No time to waste Harry"

Story 1 Life at the Greengrass: Horse Llameris and Astoria's adventure

Daphne knew her sister quite well she knew her puppy eyes used to get out of the trouble she had brought upon herself, how she cried when she felt guilty about things, and last but not least the mischievous glint in her eyes as she planned something. If Daphne's instincts were correct it involved Harry. Daphne's opinion of Harry had changed over the past week not that she ever disliked Harry. It was that except for that brief moment during the snow ball fight where Harry ordered a counterstrike where he ordered the other boys like a general she had never seen him as a leader. But over the past week she had seen Harry calm a panicked Astoria with a few quiet words and take charge of healing the injured falcon they had found while riding. How he carried himself around father as if he were his equal or superior, and when she looked over the interaction between Neville, Boris, and Harry. To a casual observer it would like Boris being the one in charge being the oldest and yes often times while deciding to do something they deferred to Boris but while doing it they naturally deferred to Harry even if the parties involved were unaware of the fact. It was all intriguing enough that Daphne was starting to regret her hasty sister's promise to let Astoria go after Harry without her interference. Interrupting her thoughts came Astoria a triumphant grin across her face which made Daphne vow to herself that she would be on the lookout.

A week had passed since Harry had come to live with the Greengrass family and life had now become a routine he woke about eight went horseback riding with Daphne and Astoria for two hours, then they would have three hours of lessons in basic mathematics, light and dark pureblood customs, and wizard government taught by Emma Greengrass, than a game or puzzle for about an hour, and then until dinner he was free to do whatever he wanted to do.

"Hoot," in came Hedwig insuring he was awake on time, "Hoot"

"I'm up girl I'd thank you for waking me up but I would not mean it"

Hedwig nuzzled his face giving one last, "Hoot," before flying out the bedroom door

Putting on his glasses Harry headed down the stairs his sense of smell leading him to breakfast sitting around the table was a regal Emma Greengrass feeding Alexander, a detached but smiling Astoria drinking tea, and shortly after he was done with his first pancake Daphne came to join them.

"Peppy tea, eggs, and bacon please"

In a snap Peppy brought Daphne's food Astoria yawned widely and said,

"Recently I found someplace while riding in the afternoon I was wondering if you and Harry wanted to come with me and check it out"

Harry's danger meter that hadn't rung since he left Luna's was going of silently in his head when Harry didn't say anything right away Daphne answered,

"Is this a complete surprise or do we get a hint about this oh so mysterious place?"

Astoria smiled mischievously, "It's a complete surprise so what do you say?"

Seeing Astoria's excited face Harry decided to go against his better judgment, "Sure if nothing else I'm curious"

Fifteen minutes later they were all done with breakfast and were off to the stables. The horse that Harry had chosen he had named Llameris after the legendary steed that bore the first Potter to battle. Llameris had a light grey coloring, was wide in body, medium in length, eyes that were ocean blue, and his presence represented a great strength that spoke of the warrior blood in her veins. Looking at Harry the young mare tilted her head,

"Yes I have an apple for you Llameris"

Harry smiled as it only took Llameris three quick bites to finish of the apple,

"Took you longer to bag than to eat"

Leading Llameris out of the stall he brushed and saddled her something he was getting better at yet he was still slower than the girls. As soon as he was out Astoria spoke,

"I know it's only been a week but I'd expect you to be a bit quicker by now"

Shrugging and sluggishly getting on top of Llameris Harry responded, "I move at a pace befitting myself"

Daphne smiled at her sister's exasperated expression, "It's a hopeless cause Astoria Luna has instilled the virtue of smelling the roses to Harry"

Both of the sisters then set their horses to a quick gallop while Harry set Llameris to a medium trot patting her shoulders soothingly,

"Don't worry girl Bella and Annamarie will soon tire out and we will overtake them"

All too soon Harry's prediction came to pass, "Hello ladies once again you bring yourself far ahead to be caught once again"

Astoria snorted, "Who say's we were trying to get away if we wanted to leave you behind we could have and you would be none the wiser"

Harry smiled, "I'd soon realize I was left behind I'm certainly wise enough to know"

The quick witted banter continued for fifteen minutes while Daphne shook her head in a reassigned bemusement. Astoria stopped Bella,

"From here on its cross country be careful and follow closely"

Astoria led them through the forest at a steady trot until they came upon a small clearing with a cave that seemed to radiate magic that made you feel unsettled while at the same time drawing him in. Llameris was snorting and appeared spooked enough to bolt right then and there putting his hand on Llameris he whispered soothingly in his ears,

"Take it easy my danger meter is going of too we just got to convince Astoria this is a very bad idea"

Llameris snorted as if saying Harry's chances were slim to none. Daphne than spoke,

"Have you gone in that cave before Astoria?"

Looking at Daphne Astoria said in a detached tone, "No I had a feeling I couldn't go in without you and Harry"

Daphne looked aghast, "Doesn't that ring some alarm bells in your head? That cave is bad news poor Bella is ready to take you and bolt just like Annemarie and Llameris."

Astoria didn't respond instead she dismounted from Bella walking toward the cave in a trance without thinking Harry urged Llameris forward blocking Astoria's path swinging of Llameris and engulfing her in hug,

"Astoria look at me" he said in a soft commanding tone

Astoria looked at Harry blinking twice and started shivering, "Why are we at this creepy cave that I found yesterday"

Harry looked at Astoria his uneasiness growing, "You brought Daphne and I here this morning"

She didn't speak for a second, "Not that I mind but why are you hugging me?"

Looking a tad embarrassed Harry responded, "You were walking toward the cave and it was the first thing that came to mind"

Astoria looked at Harry with one of her more smug expression that Harry was more used to seeing on Daphne, "Well it's seems to have worked"

Harry was silent for a moment waiting for the snarky response from Daphne but it never came Annemarie interrupted instead nuzzling them with her head they turned around toward the cave a feeling of dread coming over them Daphne was in a trance like state walking into the cave. Harry looked at Astoria guilt ridden and anxious face knowing it was time to action his dread turning to a hard resolve still holding Astoria he grabbed Lunas staff from the saddle bag it would give of light naturally and a shield was better than nothing for a defense. Astoria's soft voice than interrupted his thoughts,

"Do we think we should go for help?"

Looking thoughtful Harry replied, "I don't think we have enough time for that" than turning around giving Annamarie a few quick pets, "Anna your coming with us to we'll need your help to get Daphne out of there"

Astoria spoke again, "Are you sure that you're sure"

Getting on top of Llameris Harry said, "Yes"

Astoria nodded and got onto Bella, "Than I'm coming with you"

Smiling grimly Harry replied, "I know"

Taking a deep breath Harry's green eyes hardened and urging Llameris forward with his staff lighting the way forward he led the procession forward into the unknown. At first except for the magic that leaked of the cave it was just a normal cave dark, damp, and foreboding making it impossible to feel at ease for ten minutes the only sound that could be heard were the sounds of the hoofs echoing across the cave as they headed ever downward the deeper they went the darkness became more oppressing. Suddenly they saw a feint eerie blue light in the distance. Four minutes later the cave opened up to a completely circular room with a large blue crystal emanating light from the middle of the room. Daphne was also there an ancient looking knife in her hands an unresponsive look in her eyes. She raised her hand dripping blood on the blue crystal which then glowed so bright that it temporarily blinded Harry. Than a mystical shrill voice spoke,

"Fear not brave souls I can only control your companion for a few minutes because I'm forever bound here"

Astoria responded, "Than why did you bring us here?"

The spirit controlling Daphne smiled, "To take what I want and perhaps gain companionship it is so lonely here," Her hands turned into a fiery blue and Daphne's processed face gave a feral smile, "Your magic smells so good"

Suddenly a torrent of blue flames headed toward them Harry raised the staff an orange shield formed protecting them from the flame. Harry's heir ring glowing giving the shield even more strength Harry's eye's glowing green using his mind link he urged Llameris forward his staff know glowing yellow. Tapping the processed Daphne across the stomach Harry yelled,

"Be gone"

Daphne fell to the ground her back arching upward a black shape exiting her mouth and into the blue crystal. Erecting another shield Harry used his most commanding tone,

"Astoria get Daphne on Annemarie were leaving know"

Astoria jumped of Bella and with strength she didn't know she had managed to put the groggy but now waking Daphne onto Annemarie,

"May I ask why we all are in the cave that we didn't want to enter?"

Astoria smiled despite herself, "I'll tell you after we leave the cave just stay on Annemarie no matter what"

Running onto Bella she shouted to Harry, "Let's go"

Patting Llameris on the shoulder, "I don't know if that ghost is coming back so I'm going to have to ride you backwards and hold up the shield just in case so whatever you do don't let me fall got that"

Llameris neighed in what sounded like an agreement Daphne and Astoria headed out the cave first while he followed behind. The six minute gallop that followed was one the scariest and most exhausting moment's in young Harry's eight years of life. The orange shield he refused to drop slowly eroded his strength while his legs were the only thing holding him in place so he constantly had to shift to make sure he didn't fall. As soon as he was out of the cave his shield dropped and despite Llameris best efforts he fell onto the ground the last thing he heard was Daphne and Astoria calling his name. All too soon Harry woke up in his bedroom with the smell of hot chocolate in the air Harry opened his eyes to the sight of Emma Greengrass who looked like she couldn't decide whether to give him a hug or give him a very long lecture on responsibility. In the end she decided upon both first giving him a hug in which she held him for several minutes,

"Don't ever do that again you were magical exhausted almost dead your lucky I'm such a good healer," pulling imr into another hug tears forming in her eyes, "Astoria gave us her memories of the incident we watched it in the pensieve even though it was mostly dumb luck thank you for saving my girls however for not going back for help no matter if your decision ended up working out in the end you're going to be punished Daniel and I will discuss it with you to determine one that satisfies all parties," letting Harry go she ruffled his hair, "Now drink your hot chocolate it's good for spirit like encounters"

Picking up his hot coco Harry asked, "What happened after we left the cave?"

Emma sighed, "Not much Daphne and Astoria put you onto Llameris and escorted you home as quickly as possible the other thing you should know is were taking measures so this doesn't happen again Perrin Moon is coming tonight to expel the spirit permanently"

Curious Harry asked, "How?"

Emma smiled, "The Moon family specializes in dealing with spirits, demons, and other dark creatures how they do it I'm simply don't know"

Hearing this led Harry to another thought, "So what does the Greengrass family specialize in?"

With a wicked grin Emma responded, "Healing and making sure the Potter's don't die on their many adventures"

Harry grinned, "That's a really good thing I like being alive"

Seeing Harry close his eyes Emma whispered to him, "Astoria and Daphne will be here when you awake they will both be very relieved to know you're okay"

Valorea and Perrin Moon shook their heads as they got out of the pensieve memory Perrin spoke,

"It's a minor spirit shouldn't be too hard especially since it should be weakened by Harry's attack. Harry's definitely a Potter walking into that cave without the slightest hesitation it's in their blood saved our family a time or two."

Valorea nodded absentmindedly as she etched protective runes on his face, "All done be safe out there you should probably ask them if they want an overall sweep of their property to make sure there is no more of these possessive spirits around"

Perrin nodded, "Might as well do a thorough job of it"

Taking a scythe and putting it onto a table he waved his wand over it chanting, "Faltor Bisar" The scythe glowed yellow attaching the scythe to his back he walked into the fireplace, "Bye Valorea see you tonight Greengrass Manor"

When he came out of the floo Daniel Greengrass was there to meet him, "Come with me I'll ride with you till we get to close"

Perrin nodded, "After were done here would you mind if I do a ritual that encompasses your property to locate any other spirits that have ill intent"

Daniel Greengrass nodded, "I'm fine with that I'm not a man who takes unnecessary risks when it involves my family but I do have a question why was Harry the only one not affected by the spirit?"

Perrin nodded, "The Potter's have married into our family several times over the years occasionally because of this they have the potential to become necromancer which even untrained allows you to be unaffected by minor spirits"

Daniel nodded reassured that there was a reasonable explanation. He took out two Lasaros horses, "This one's name is Phillip you know how to ride I presume."

Nodding Perrin replied, "I was taught as a child I should be fine"

Taking out his wand Daniel silently cast a lumos, "I'll lead the way"

With the moon high overhead and a slight summer breeze it was a beautiful but fast paced ride through the forest time passed quickly. They stopped where Astoria took Harry and Daphne cross country and Perrin headed of alone. As Perrin neared the cave his grey eyes and the runes etched upon his skin began to glow faintly. Entering the cave he took out his scythe a feral grin unfolding across his face this is what he was born to do the result of the many sacrifices his ancestors did to gain this power. Some of these sacrifices they were still paying for but at this very moment it was worth it. As neared the chamber entrance he closed his eyes clearing all of his stray thoughts he had a job to do. Entering the chamber his scythe glowed bright yellow with his other hand he drew his wand,

"Tamar"

The blue crystal immediately shattered the spirit formerly attached to the crystal was now attached to his scythe,

The spirit first screamed and then began to whimper, "Please have mercy"

Smiling Perrin replied, "Mercy I'm sending you to the great beyond there is no greater mercy than that"

The spirits eye's changed as it tried to summon blue flames but as soon as it arrived in her hands it disappeared the spirit started whimpering again,

"I was so close to achieving my vengeance wiping out the family who destroyed mine"

Perrin nodded, "So you're a blood ghost your vengeance ends here," aiming his wand he whispered, "calar"

The spirit glowed and then screamed one last time before disappearing into the great beyond his scythe's yellow glow died. Putting the scythe back on his back and putting his wand back into its holster Perrin began the walk back today had been a good day overall. When he exited the cave he mounted Phillip and headed toward the road. Daniel Greengrass was still on the road waiting for him,

"Do you know where the center of your property is? That's where the ritual needs to be done"

Looking at Perrin thoughtfully he replied, "It's actually right outside the manor are there any tools you need?"

"Blackened dye will be all"

"That will not be a promblem with the Potter's extensive knowledge about rituals my ancestors thought it prudent to gather a large supply"

Perrin nodded mutely, "Than let's be of while the nights still relatively young"

In a companionable silence they rode to the center of the Greengrass property which was located between the stables and the manor,

"To my knowledge this is the center of my property almost exactly"

Perrin nodded and as soon as Daniel got back with the blackened dye he began his work etching a large circle filling it various symbols and then began to chant,

"Masfamar"

All the runes on Perrins face and the symbols in the circles glowed as Perrin in a trance like state walked to the middle of the circle going down on his knees the circle glowed and starting to shrink condensing into a golden circular sphere of light. That entered into Perrin's body and then his runes stopped glowing on his face. Standing up Perrin smiled,

"I have good news there's no other possessive spirits on your property"

Daniel nodded shaking his hands, "We'll settle the bill on Friday like we agreed thanks for everything"

Perrin nodded, "No problem"