Warning Spoilers, If you haven't read all the books. The following story may contain spoilers.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, I am only playing in the world created by J.K. Rowling. No money is being made from this story.
This story may also not be suitable for younger readers. You have been warned. Any complaints will be ignored.
Chapter Seven
It was almost curfew making it too late to try and find Peeves for tonight. I had my doubts about how successful, we would be at getting the Polyjuice potion back from him. In all the times that I have encountered Peeves, he has never been particularly cooperative. So for now we decided to call it a night, as we made our way back out of the unused classroom and up the main staircase. When we were about to split up and head in opposite directions. Luna stopped and turned to me and said.
"Sweetheart I know things have been a bit stressful tonight. But things will work out in the end, you'll see." He said, as he came over to hold me in his arms and kissed the top of my head.
"I wish I felt as confident about that as you do." I replied, as I tried to gain strength from his embrace.
"Well one thing you can be sure of, is that I love you very much. And no matter what happens we'll get through this together." He answered, as he tilted my head up with his hand on my chin and kissed me.
I quickly responded to him and deepened the kiss. I felt safe and content in his arms, I never wanted it to end. But eventually we had to come up for air. So we eventually separated as I went to the stairs that led to the Ravenclaw tower. While Luna turned away and went up the other stairs that led to the Gryffindor tower.
I then made my way up the stairs to the Ravenclaw entry. Where after knocking on the bronze eagle statue once again asked me another question.
"What can point in every direction, yet can't reach any destination by itself." The eagle statue asked.
I thought for a moment, then realised the only answer that seemed to fit.
"My finger." I guessed, fairly sure that my answer was the right one.
"Correct, you are a clever witch." It said sounding rather pleased, as the door to the Ravenclaw common room slid open.
I walked in and passed through the common room on my way to the girls dormitories. I then went up the stairs, that led to the seventh year girls dorm. As I entered I noticed that all my room mates were once again already asleep. I breathed a sigh of relief. Because I wouldn't have to deal with, a repeat performance by Mandy and Lisa. I then walked over to my bed and began to prepare for sleep. By removing my uniform and stripping down to just my knickers. I then put on my nightdress and slipped under the covers. I wasn't able to sleep right away as the events of the day returned to my thoughts. To be almost raped by by those Slytherin boys. Only to be saved by Luna, just before they were able to violate me further. But now that I already had sex with Luna no one else, would ever be able to take my virginity from me. Because I already gave it, to the one I loved most.
Even though I know deep down, that I'm really Harry Potter. It's getting harder to think of myself as Harry. When I look in the mirror and see Luna looking back. It's easy to almost forget, when you are living her life. Being called by her name and wearing her clothes. Even the first time I had sex was as Luna. What other life experiences could I possibly have, that would make me even more of a woman than I already was. I guess having a period, getting married and becoming a wife. Or perhaps the biggest experience a woman can have, to become a mother. To actually be the one who will give birth to our children. All these things and much more were on the not so distant horizon. That is if we didn't change back. I know all these things should scare the hell out of me. But they didn't because I knew deep down, that I truly wanted this life. More than I have ever wanted anything else.
It was also hard to believe that my soul had already changed so much, in such a short period of time. To already look like a complete female version of myself. And if Luna was right by tomorrow morning, it will have changed completely to match the body I now had. There wouldn't be anything left of who I once was and that was the problem. No matter how much I wanted the life of the woman I was becoming. I still held on to the last thing that still linked me to my parents. Would they really accept my choice? Will they still think of me as their child? Or would they be disappointed in me? There was only one way to find out and I was scared to death about what they would say. It was with that final thought that I finally fell into a restless sleep.
The next day when I awoke, I quickly got showered and dressed. And then made my way down stairs to the kitchens, where I was meeting Luna again for breakfast. As I entered Luna stood and walked over to me and said.
"Good morning sweetheart, did you sleep well?" He asked, as he hugged and kissed me good morning.
"Not as well as I would have liked but under the circumstances, I think I was lucky to sleep at all. With everything that happened yesterday, it really was a lot to take in at once." I answered him.
"That's to be expected." He responded, with a look of sympathy.
"I suppose the first order of the day, is to check our souls for any changes?" I asked, worried that there would be nothing left to show who I once was.
"I know you're worried about it but we need to know." He answered, as he pulled out his wand.
And with that he turned to cast the spell on me and then again nearby. I began to see the image forming, it was still a girl about Luna's height. But she still had long black hair, green eyes and a few other facial features. That kind of reminded me of pictures, that I've seen of my Mum. She still basically looked like a female version of myself, with a body about the same size and shape as Luna's. I was happy to see that even though my soul was female, at least she still looked like a Potter.
He then cast the spells again on himself and then nearby, the image that formed was still that of a taller blonde bluish-grey eyed male. And still kind of resembled a male version of Luna. He looked a lot like an older brother, that Luna never had. And while he was still very handsome. He didn't look anything like Harry Potter at all.
"This just doesn't make any sense, how can they have changed so much in the first 48 hours. And not any in the last 9, there doesn't seem to be any changes at all since last night. Something just isn't right about this." He said, sounding a bit agitated and confused about the results.
"What does it mean?" I asked, as I hoped that he would have some idea about what the lack of changes meant.
"That's just it, I don't know what it means. This isn't what I was expecting to see this morning at all." He answered, as he paced back and forth.
Since this whole experiment with the Polyjuice Potion began, it has always been Luna who had the best idea about what was happening and why. And that always reassured me but now he seemed to be at a complete loss to explain this. Because of this, even I was starting to worry.
"Look I don't understand what this means exactly at the moment. But that doesn't mean I won't figure it out eventually. For now we need to continue on with our other plans." He said, trying not to sound as worried as he obviously was.
"Of course you're right, we need to get the Polyjuice potion back from Peeves. If that fails, get the ingredients to start another batch of Polyjuice potion as soon as possible. Search for and find the Resurrection stone. Talk to my parents and hope they will give their blessing about our eventual permanent switch." I said, as I listed off our objectives using my fingers.
"That about covers our current list of things to do today. We should eat something before our first class." He said, as we walked over and sat down to eat.
We then had a quiet and somewhat subdued breakfast together. Afterwords we headed to our first class of the day, which was Double Potions with Professor Slughorn. Most N.E.W.T. level classes were smaller, since not all students were able to get high enough scores on their O.W.L.S. To allow them to advance on to the N.E.W.T. level classes. Because of this most N.E.W.T. classes, were made up of students from all four Houses. This made it so Luna and I had most of our main classes together. Once we arrived at the Potions classroom. Me and Luna decided to sit together at a table in the front row. As the rest of the students filed in and took there seats. After Professor Slughorn came in and took attendance. He turned to the class and said.
"What we will be doing today is making a N.E.W.T. Level potion from this list." Professor Slughorn said, as he gestured to the chalkboard.
The list had several interesting and complicated potions but the one that got my attention was the Animagus reveal Potion.
"It is up to each of you to decide which potion you and your partner will be making today. You may begin as soon as you have decided which potion you will make." Professor Slughorn finished.
"What do you think Harry? Would you be willing to consider making the Animagus reveal Potion? I've always wanted to learn how to become an Animagus?" I asked, almost pleading for him to agree.
"It's very difficult to learn how, from what I've read. But it would be nice to know what our animal forms are, before we get too involved in trying it. Okay let's make the Animagus reveal Potion." He agreed, sounding almost as excited as I felt.
I really hoped that our animal forms would be something majestic like my fathers stag. I've heard that if you have a form, that it somehow reflects your personality. I also wondered how our switch might effect us becoming Animagi. I guess at the very least whatever animal I became. It would no doubt be female, since I was as well at the moment.
So we went to the potions supple cupboard and gathered up the ingredients we would need and returned to our table. After we both read the instructions over several times. We divided up the ingredients and started preparing them as the potion instructions directed. I lit a fire under the cauldron as Luna added the water, that all the ingredients would be combined with. While the fire warmed the water, both me and Luna continued to prep the potion ingredients. By cutting, chopping or squeezing the various ingredients needed for the Animagus reveal potion. Once the temperature was right, we started to add the ingredients in the order the potion instructions directed. A clockwise stir here, a counter clockwise turn there between adding the various ingredients. I had never had the opportunity to be partnered with Luna before. Since we were always in separate years and the Gryffindors usually had Potions with the Slytherins. But he was obviously very skilled at potions. We seemed to anticipate each other and were able to work very well together. It was a good thing that today's potions class was a double one, because we needed all the time to make and let cool our Animagus reveal potion. When we finally finished it looked right, with the correct colour and proper consistency. At various times while we were making the potion, Professor Slughorn would come by and observe our efforts. And sometimes offer an encouraging suggestion or comment about our potion. When it was finally complete he came over and said.
"Excellent work Harry and Miss Lovegood, be sure to let me know how it works." He said to us with a wink.
We bottled our potion into two separate containers, one for each of us. Now all we needed was a time and place to take our Animagus reveal potion. The place would probably be the Room of Requirement. The time would most likely be as soon as we can get there. Since I was sure we both wanted to find out, what our animal forms were as soon as possible.
After our morning Potions class we had a free period before lunch. So we reluctantly decided to search for Peeves first, to try and get Polyjuice potion back from him. Then if there was time afterwords, we would make our way up to the Room of Requirement to use our Animagus reveal potions. So when we finally found ourselves alone, Luna pulled out the Marauders map to locate Peeves. Eventually we found him in Moaning Myrtle's rest room on the second floor. Apparently Peeves was harassing poor Myrtle in her loo. So we made our way up to the second floor girls rest room. When we finally got there the floor was flooded and toilet paper was all over the place. The water was probably due to Myrtle, flooding the bathroom because Peeves was picking on her. At the moment Myrtle was no where to be seen, I guess she was already hiding in the U-bend of her toilet. While Peeves was apparently responsible for the toilet paper, in fact he was still tossing several rolls around the loo.
"Peeves you get down here right now! We have business with you!" I yelled, up at the stupid poltergeist.
"Well if it isn't little Loony and wee Potty, come to see old Peeves have you?" Peeves asked, as he continued tossing toilet paper about.
"Could you please come down so we can talk to you, it's very important Peeves." Luna asked nicely.
"Potty and Loony sitting in a tre G, first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby Potty in a baby carriage!" Peeves sang, as he flew around the bathroom pelting us with rolls of toilet paper. As he blew another raspberry at us.
"We need something you took and we need it back very badly, won't you please help us?" Luna said, almost begging Peeves to help us.
"It was a jug of potion, in the classroom that you saw me in a few days ago. Do you remember?" I asked him hopefully.
"Oh that! It smelled bad so Peeves figured it was spoiled, so Peeves sent it down the toilet. Old Peeves was only trying to help." Peeves said, trying to sound sincere.
I didn't buy his story for a minute. But one thing was clear he was definitely involved in the potions disappearance.
"Which toilet and where's the container?" I asked him, not really believing a word of his story.
"That one!" He said, as he threw another roll towards the nearest toilet. "Peeves threw it away!" He answered evasively.
I could tell he was lying. As he failed to make eye contact. The twins always said that Peeves always mixes truth with the lies. And as far as I know, he has never threw anything away properly.
"Isn't this loo a bit far from that classroom, to put something down a toilet?" I asked Peeves sceptically.
Peeves looked like he was caught in a lie, which he probably was. He seemed to pretend that he didn't hear me and continued decorating Myrtle's bathroom with toilet paper.
"This is pointless, he's never going to cooperate. We don't have any leverage over him. What we need is something he wants to trade for it." Luna said, sounding a little exasperated with the stupid poltergeist.
"How about we offer him some of the dung bombs we bought the other day." I suggested, thinking Peeves might give it back for something else.
"Are you sure that's wise, he'd use them on us just as quickly as someone else. And if anyone finds out we gave them to him, we'd be in a lot of trouble." Luna replied, not wanting to chance it.
"I guess you're right, it probably is too risky to trust Peeves." I said in agreement.
"Wait that's it! What we need is leverage over him and who does he fear?" I asked, knowing the answer to my own question.
"Well now that Dumbledore is gone, the only one he still fears would be the Bloody Baron. But I don't think we would be able to get him to help us." Luna answered doubtfully.
"No he probably wouldn't help. But we might be able to get the Grey Lady to help us. And the Bloody Baron would certainly do anything she would ask." I said, fairly sure that she would help us.
"That's an excellent idea, I'm sure Helena will help us if we ask her." Luna agreed happily.
"Well there is no point in continuing talking to Peeves, for now. At least until we get someone to help us get some answers from him." I said, knowing Peeves wasn't going to help us get any answers about the missing potion.
So after all that was said and done, we didn't get the potion back. But it was now very clear that Peeves knew more, than he was saying about what happened to it. For the moment we decided to cut our losses. Even though we haven't given up completely, about getting the Polyjuice potion back. We would have to wait for additional help, to force Peeves to give us answers. Besides I had other things on my mind. As I turned to Luna and said to him.
"We still have half of our free period left, let's go to the Room of Requirement and use the Animagus reveal potion." I said, as I grabbed Luna's hand and pulled him along.
We quickly made our way to the seventh floor hall. As I stood in front of the wall across from the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy. I began to pace back and forth three times until a door appeared. When we both entered Luna noticed the room was just like it was when we had sex, with the bed and everything.
"I thought we were here to take the Animagus reveal potion?" He asked, wondering what exactly I had in mind.
"We are lover boy, I just figured laying on the bed and taking the potion would be better than laying on the floor. While I certainly wouldn't mind fooling around some more, we really don't have the time right now." I finished, as Luna turned a little red about what he was obviously thinking.
I walked over to the bed and sat down. As I pulled the vial that had my dosage, of the Animagus reveal potion from my book bag. Luna did the same only on the other side of the bed.
"Are you ready?" I asked Luna, sounding rather excited.
"Should we both be taking this at the same time? What if something goes wrong?" Luna asked, concerned about what might happen to us if something went wrong.
"I don't think we have enough time left in our free study period, unless we both take it at the same time. Besides I think the only thing that can really go wrong is, we don't see anything because we don't have an animal form." I answered him, not liking the idea that either of us might not have one.
"That's a terrible thought." Luna said, sounding worried as well.
"I don't like it either but there is a reason why there isn't a lot of Animagi. Most wizards and witches don't have a form. And even if they do, they might not be able to complete the transformation. Or maybe they don't want to become the particular animal that they are?" I answered Luna, not sure what else to say. Not having an Animagus form was a very real possibility.
"I guess you're right, so we take it together." Luna said, as I nodded in agreement.
So we both pulled our legs up on the bed, popped the cork from our vials and drank the contents. I reached over and took Luna's hand in mine. Then we laid back on the bed as the potions started to take effect. I closed my eyes as the room slowly began to fade away. The next thing I knew, I found myself in what appeared to be a meadow in a forest. It seemed like it was early in the morning, a thick fog prevented me from seeing very far. I found myself sitting on what felt like slightly damp grass. I looked down at myself and saw that I was still female but my hair was now black instead of blonde. I guess in here I looked like my soul, rather than the body I currently had. I looked back up and could see a few shadows of things moving just beyond the thick fog. I wasn't able to tell how long I was there, since time didn't seem to pass normally here. But eventually after a while, I thought that enough time had passed. And that something should have revealed itself to me by now. I was starting to worry, that I might not have an animal form after all.
Just as I was about to give up, a large red blur zipped out of the fog and back into it almost as quickly. It happened so fast that if I had blinked, I probably would have missed it. Since it flew by, it must be a bird of some kind. I looked and watched the fog for any signs of a large red bird. It didn't take long for it to again fly out of the fog and hover for a moment before landing on my knee. It was a Phoenix with bluish-grey eyes! It looked a little like Fawkes only a little smaller and perhaps a bit more feminine looking. My guess is that it was a female Phoenix, she was very beautiful. As she chirped and sang a beautiful song, that made me feel at peace. As all the worries I had before just completely evaporated. I can't believe that I'm a Phoenix. As she once again took flight and flew back into the fog out of sight. Wow, I thought as I leaned back on the grass. I don't think I've ever heard of someone being a magical Animagus. Most magical people thought it wasn't even possible. It would probably be big news, exactly the kind that I really hated. Maybe we can keep it a secret, I thought.
I wonder what Luna's animal form will be. And then it occurred to me, why haven't I woke up. I know what my animal is, shouldn't I have woke up by now? Just then a large shadow loomed over me, I hadn't even heard it approach. At first glance I thought it was a horse, until I noticed the silky white coat and golden horn. It also had bluish-grey eyes, a blonde mane, with gold coloured hooves. I could tell from where I was laying, that the Unicorn was also female. She was a very beautiful example of her kind. Could this be Luna's form? But if that's the case, why am I seeing her? After looking me in the eye for what seemed like an eternity, she finally turned and trotted back into the fog. At this point the meadow started to fade away until it was gone.
I opened my eyes and once again found myself in the Room of Requirement, on the bed with Luna. I was surprised to find that I was still holding his hand. I gave it a gentle squeeze and felt Luna squeeze back. I looked over to where he was laying and saw him open his eyes. As he sat up and turned to me and said.
"Wow! You really do break all the rules don't you." Luna said, with a genuine smile on his face.
"Hey it's not just me this time. I believe you have just as much to do with this as I do!" I said, sounding a bit annoyed as I folded my arms over my chest.
"Do you want to go first or shall I?" He asked me with a smile.
"You go first, I want to know what you saw and what you think it means." I answered, as we leaned back and got comfortable in each others arms.
"I'm fairly sure that what we each saw was very similar. I took the potion leaned back and fell into a trance of sorts. I then found myself in a field of some kind, with grass and trees. There was a thick fog that didn't allow me to see very far. As I sat there and waited for what seemed like quite a bit of time. I expected something to eventually reveal itself to me. But nothing happened. I started to worry, that I might not have an animal form. It wasn't until then that something finally emerged from the fog. At first I thought it was a horse that was black as midnight. I then noticed it had a golden spiral horn on it's forehead and the most amazing green eyes. It was a Unicorn stallion and he was a magnificent example of his kind. I thought if this was my form, I was amazed since a magical form is unheard of. Many people have believed that it was impossible to have a magical animal form. He approached and looked me in the eye, then he quickly turned and disappeared back into the fog. At this point I wasn't paying a lot of attention. I think I was still a bit dazed, about having a magical form and that it was a Unicorn. It was at this point, that I started to wonder why I hadn't woke up yet. The reason is obvious now, since I had yet to be visited by a second magical animal." Luna said, as I interrupted him and asked.
"Let me guess, the second form you saw was a Phoenix." I asked, quite sure I was right.
"Yes it was, I take it you saw one as well?" Luna asked curious about my experience.
"Yes I did but I saw the Phoenix first, then the Unicorn." I answered back to Luna.
"What did they look like?" Luna asked me wanting to know more.
"Well the Phoenix looked a little smaller than Fawkes but had bluish-grey eyes and looked like it was probably female. The Unicorn was pure white with a blonde mane and bluish-grey eyes. She was also very beautiful." I said, sounding rather dreamy as I thought of my animal forms.
"That's very interesting, based on the descriptions of our animal forms and the order they appeared to us. It would seem to imply that the Phoenix is your natural animal form, while mine is the Unicorn. And for some unknown reason we also seem to share, the others form as well as our own. And both of our animal forms appear to share characteristics with our current physical bodies. I'm male with black hair and green eyes, while you're female with blonde hair and bluish-grey eyes." Luna said.
"But what possible reason can explain our having and sharing magical animal forms?" I asked, surprised that this was even possible.
"I'm at a loss to explain how we share forms but I might have a theory about why we have magical forms. But I'll need to do more research, before I can prove it." Luna said, already thinking of a way to prove his theory.
"At this point I don't really care about what you can prove, I want to know what you think." I demanded.
"Well I think that somehow when we changed into each other, it somehow merged our magic. And that this has somehow increased the capacity of our magical cores. Therefore making a magical form possible. I believe a magical form has always been possible, it's just that the average wizard or witch didn't have the magical capacity to become one. This may also explain why there are so few Animagi." Luna answered thoughtfully.
"Does that mean if we hadn't switched and gained this additional capacity. That we might not have been able to achieve our magical forms?" I asked Luna.
"That's probably exactly what it means. I think that the Animagus reveal potion actually shows what you have the capacity to become. Rather than just the animal you are. People who take the potion and don't see anything, believe that they don't have a form. But they probably do have a form, they just lack the magical capacity to achieve it." Luna replied even more certain that he was right about this.
"Do you think we should tell anyone?" I asked, not really wanting to say anything to anyone.
"I don't really see the point. Since it could take us years to achieve a complete transformation into just one of our forms. If we do talk to anyone I would like it to be Professor McGonagall, she would be the only person I would trust with this." Luna answered me, as I nodded in agreement.
"I agree the last thing we need, is even more attention on us than we already have. Let's go to the kitchen and get some lunch before we head to Transfiguration." I said, as I realised how hungry I was.
"Okay." Luna said, as he took my hand in his and made our way down to the kitchens.
Once there the House Elves quickly filled our usual table with today's lunch. It was roast beef with steamed potatoes and carrots. I filled my plate with them and then poured beef gravy over all three. It was a very good lunch. I made sure to complement and thank the Elves for their hard work. Since we finished lunch a bit early, we decided to head to our Transfiguration class early. We hoped that we could talk with Professor McGonagall before class started.
Even though Professor McGonagall was now Headmistress, she still taught Transfiguration. So when we arrived early for our N.E.W.T. Transfiguration class. We approached her office to ask if we could speak with her privately before class. I knocked on the door and heard a reply.
"Come in." A very familiar voice said, as we both opened the door and entered the office.
Professor McGonagall was at her desk looking over various papers. She looked up to see who had entered, once she saw us. It was obvious we had her full attention.
"Good afternoon Mr. Potter, Miss Lovegood. How can I assist you today?" She asked us both.
"We have need of your advice on a very important matter. But before we get to that, we need your word. That what is said here in this room, is not to be revealed to anyone without our permission." Luna asked in a very serious tone.
Seeing how serious we were about this request, she quickly agreed.
"You have my word Mr. Potter, Miss Lovegood." She said, curious about what would require such a request.
"Then with your permission, I'd like to cast a few spells to insure this conversation remains private." Luna said, as Professor McGonagall nodded in agreement. As he pulled out his wand and cast the spells needed.
"How can I help you?" Professor McGonagall asked, as she looked at us expectantly.
"This morning in Potions we were tasked with making one of several potions listed. The one we chose was the Animagus reveal potion. I'm sure you understand my desire to follow in both my father and Godfather's footsteps. Luna was also very interested in the possibly of becoming an Animagus. So the first step of course, was to find out if we even have an animal form. So we both saw the opportunity to make the Animagus reveal potion, as an excellent chance to answer that very question. Needless to say we were successful at making the potion correctly. And about hour ago we finally had the opportunity, to use the potion we made earlier. We did this during our free study time just before lunch." He said, explaining the events that led to us being here.
"What did you learn? Did you both have an animal form?" She asked, as we both nodded.
"What were they?" She asked, somewhat hesitant to hear our answers.
"Mine was a Phoenix, while Luna's was a Unicorn." He said to Professor McGonagall.
"Magical forms, both of you? How very extraordinary!" She said in shock.
"This is exactly the reason we wish to keep this conversation private. I'm sure you understand, our need to keep it that way for as long as possible." Luna almost pleaded, to our Transfiguration Professor.
"Of course I do and you have my word not to reveal anything we discuss here. But my goodness a Phoenix and a Unicorn you say? If anyone else besides you were to make such a claim Mr. Potter, I'd scarcely believe it" Professor McGonagall said, still shocked by our revelation.
"Have you ever heard of anyone having a magical form before?" I asked, hoping that this wasn't as unheard of as I thought it was.
"In modern times not one has ever came forward. But it was always rumoured, that Merlin himself had a magical form. Most magical scholars dismiss this, as an exaggeration of the Merlin legend. A legend that over time, has grown far beyond reality. But perhaps there is some truth to the story." She said, as she looked at us with awe.
Only Merlin himself was rumoured to have a magical form. Oh great it was as bad as I thought.
"What was Merlin's form said to be?" Luna asked curiously.
"A dragon of some sort I believe. If the exact breed was ever known, that knowledge has long since been lost." She answered us.
We both looked at each other in silent discussion and agreed to tell the rest.
"There's more Professor. When we took the potion we saw our own animal form, then we saw each others form. We think this means that we share our animal forms and should eventually be able to achieve both forms." I added, not sure how Professor McGonagall might take this.
"That supposedly isn't possible. But now that I think about it, I do vaguely recall a conversation with Professor Dumbledore. Where he told me his old Alchemist partner Nicolas Flamel and wife Perenelle were rumoured to share Animagus forms. But unfortunately, I am unable to confirm this." Professor McGonagall said, knowing that all three of them had passed on.
"What do you think allowed them to share forms?" Luna asked, curious if Professor McGonagall had any idea why such a thing might be possible.
"Unfortunately that is a question I can't answer Mr. Potter. The best source of information on how such things might be possible, would be to ask yourselves. What is so special about you and Miss Lovegood's relationship. The answer to your question will most likely be found there." Professor McGonagall answered.
I had little doubt that she was right about that. We would no doubt need to consider this further, before we would get any real answers.
"Do you have any books or advice on how to proceed with the Animagus transformation?" I asked her for any thoughts she had about the current subject.
"Why yes, as a matter of fact I do Miss Lovegood. There are a couple of excellent book's from my personal Library I would be happy to loan you and Mr. Potter. As for advice I recommend the traditional methods, even though they may take longer to achieve. There are some unorthodox techniques that can have quicker results. But many of these methods can have unforeseen and dangerous side effects. If one is to seriously consider such methods, you should carefully weigh the risks involved. Before you undertake such a dodgy proposition." Professor McGonagall answered, as she stood and walked to a shelf and removed two books.
"I recommend this one for information about the basic techniques, used to start and complete the Animagus transformation. And this one for supplementary information on variations of the same technique. Some of these variations work better for some animal types than others. I suggest reading the first completely and consulting the second for a more suitable method for your particular animal. Or in your case animals." Professor McGonagall added, as she handed me the books.
"Thank you Professor. We are very grateful for your help and advice." Luna said, as I nodded in agreement.
"One last bit of advice. When learning, never attempt the transformation alone or at the same time. One should always be available to assist the other if you get stuck in a partial transformation. To that end it is very important to learn the spells used to reverse the Animagus transformation. Trust me when I say you'll need them." Professor McGonagall finished.
"Professor there's one other thing about Animagus reveal potion, that we strongly suspect. We think what it truly shows, is what you have the capacity to be. Rather than just the animal form you are. In other words it only shows an animal form, if you have the magical ability to become it." I explained our theory, about how the Animagus reveal potion actually worked.
"That is a very interesting theory Miss Lovegood. Am I to assume that yours and Mr. Potter's situation, has something to do with this new found insight?" Professor McGonagall asked me.
"We believe that everyone has an animal form, what they lack is the magical capacity to achieve it. So the Animagus reveal potion, doesn't show most people an animal form. Most wizards and witches assume this to mean they don't have an animal form. Even though they probably do have one." I answered our Professor.
"You may very well be right about that, Miss Lovegood. 20 points to Ravenclaw for your excellent reasoning. It does seem that such a theory might bare further investigation." Professor McGonagall said to us.
"Thank you Professor, but the theory is as much Harry's as it is mine." I corrected her.
"Very well, 20 points to Gryffindor for Mr. Potters efforts as well. But you know what they say Miss Lovegood, behind every great wizard is an even greater witch." Professor McGonagall said with a laugh and a smile.
I tried hard not to but I was sure that I was turning a lovely shade of red.
"Well I think that concludes this discussion for the moment since class is about to start. But remember my door is always open, should you find yourselves needing more advice." Professor McGonagall said to us.
With that Luna removed the spells to insure our discussion was kept private. And we returned to the classroom for our N.E.W.T. Level Transfiguration class. Luna and I sat next to each other in the front row, as other students started to arrive. When class began the only thing that seemed a bit odd, was all of our transfiguration spell work was done almost effortlessly. It was far easier to do than it was just last week. Could this somehow be the result of our newly acquired magical capacity? It was the only possible explanation for our greatly improved performance. Once Transfiguration class was over, we made our way down to Care of Magical Creatures.
Hagrid's Care of Magical Creatures was always an interesting class to attend. I loved Hagrid dearly but I had to wonder what he was thinking half the time. If you replaced the word interesting with the word dangerous it would be a more accurate description. Because as far as Hagrid was concerned they meant the same thing. I guess it all had to do with the fact that Hagrid was a half giant. So things that were quite threatening to us, were hardly a problem for his thick skin. A serious bite to us was merely a love bite to Hagrid. But today's class was a success, because no one was injured or required a visit to the hospital wing. And Hagrid still had his job, all things considered it was a good day.
After Care of magical Creatures was over, we still had a couple of hours of light before dinner. So we decided to make our first attempt to search for the Resurrection stone. So I led Luna down the path to the Forbidden Forest. Once inside we didn't walk very far before things started to look very familiar.
"That tree root and rock looks kind of familiar." I said, thinking it was somewhere near here that I talked to my Parents, Sirius and Remus.
As both me and Luna continued to look around for the Resurrection stone.
"What did the stone look like exactly?" Luna asked.
"It was originally a black gem stone, that was part of Slytherin's ring. The ring was destroyed but Dumbledore saved the stone and hid it in the first snitch I ever caught. He had wrote on it the phrase 'I open at the close'. I didn't understand what it meant until I was on my way to die at Voldemort's hands. That's when I opened it and found the stone. I knew what it was and used it right away. I figured since I was about to die, why not see my parents and tell them I would be with them soon." I answered, as I remembered that exact moment.
"That must have been very difficult for you." Luna said to me with sympathy.
"It was but seeing them, actually helped give me the courage to face Voldemort. I'm not sure I could have done so otherwise." I replied, knowing I wasn't nearly as brave as people think I was.
"Of course you could have, you're just to noble for your own good. If giving your life meant, it would save others. You'd do it in a heart beat, I know you would." Luna said with certainty.
As we continued to look for the stone without much luck. And then I had a thought.
"Do you think a summoning charm might work on it?" I asked Luna.
"It might, if you picture the Resurrection stone in your mind. And then cast the spell, if it is anywhere nearby it should fly towards you." He answered, sounding like he thought it would probably work.
So I pulled out my wand, thought of the last time I held the stone in my hand. And cast the summoning charm.
"Accio stone." I yelled, as something close by, flew towards me. Using my Seeker skills I caught it easily with my free hand.
"Well that was easy." Luna said, as he walked over to where I was and looked at the stone in my hand.
I also couldn't believe it was that simple. I now had the Resurrection stone in my hand. I could summon my Parents again, would they know it was me. Even though I was currently in the form of Luna Lovegood at the moment? Only one way to find out, they say the world hates a coward. So as I held the stone in my hand, I closed my eyes and thought of my Parents. As I turned the stone over three times.
"Hello Sweetheart." I heard my mum say, as I opened my eyes to find her looking straight at me.
"You know it's me?" I asked, surprised that my mum knew that I was a girl.
"Of course I know it's you, even though your body looks very different. It's still the one I gave birth to. I'll always know my baby when I see her." Lily Potter answered.
"Her?" I asked, confused by my mum referring to me as a 'her'.
"Well you are a female right now aren't you? Or should I say a beautiful young woman, who appears to be very much in love." Lily Potter answered, as she looked over at Luna and then winked back at me.
"How do you know we are in love?" I asked surprised by my mums observation.
"It's quite obvious to anyone with eyes sweetheart." My mum, answered with a smile.
I looked over toward Luna and took his hand in mine, while trying hard not to turn a lovely shade of red.
"But I wasn't called here to embarrass you about your love life sweetheart. There are some things you both need to know, that will help you understand a lot of what has happened recently. The main thing you need to know is, that the two of you are soul mates. You are basically two halves of the same soul. Everything that has happened to you both in the last few days. That doesn't make a lot of sense, does if you know that the two of you are soul mates. Things like why you fell in love so quickly. Or how your souls have changed so much in such a short period of time. Even why you both share Animagus forms. They all are possible and happened because you are soul mates." Lily Potter said, with a happy smile.
"We are?" I asked, surprised by this revelation.
"Yes you are. And it is a very rare and special gift to find each other. But there is even more things you need to know, this also will explain a few other things that you don't understand." Lily continued, as she looked at us both seriously.
"What else could we possibly need to know?" I asked, still dazed by my mums sudden explanation.
"Harry this may come as a shock but you were originally supposed to be born a girl and Luna a boy. But because Voldemort wasn't stopped before you were born. The task of defeating him fell to you. But to be able to defeat Voldemort, you had to be born a boy." Lily Potter said to us.
"Why? Are you saying a girl would never be able to beat him?" I interrupted, outraged by the belief that someone of my current gender was presumed unable to defeat Voldemort.
"No - it was because Voldemort himself would never have viewed a baby girl as a threat. Because of this, fate intervened and made it so you were born a boy. While your other half Luna, who was originally supposed to have been born a boy was made a girl. Don't you see, that's why you both fit so well as you are now. Because this is the way you were always supposed to be." Lily continued to explain why this happened to us.
"So if I was born a girl like I was originally supposed to have been, Voldemort wouldn't have attacked us that Halloween night. And you and Dad wouldn't have died?" I asked, hardly believing that the gender I was born could effect so many things.
"That's probably true but if things hadn't happened the way they did. Voldemort would have won." James Potter said, as I turned and saw my father.
"But that's so unfair!" I yelled, at the injustice of it all.
"I know it sounds unfair sweetheart but it had to happen that way, or a lot more people would have suffered and died." Lily added, even as she knew that this knowledge didn't really help me very much.
Deep down I knew they were both right but that doesn't mean I had to like it. Then it occurred to me something that was said earlier.
"So Luna was actually supposed to be a boy?" I asked, I knew that Luna never felt quite right as a girl and I guess this must have been why.
"Well wasn't Luna always more in tune with the fact, that she felt she wasn't meant to be a girl. And it's that belief that pushed her, to find a way to change that." My father answered me.
"And this is also what led to the way, that fate would eventually use to correct things. Allowing you to become a female and Luna a male. Just as you were both always meant to be." My mum said to us, not sounding like it bothered her at all.
"So you are okay with us switching places permanently?" I asked, hardly believing everything that I was just told.
"Of course you have our blessing, you only want to be what you always should have been. My beautiful little girl. Besides it's your life why should it be up to us, to tell you how you should choose to live it." Lily Potter said to both of us.
"Really? You don't mind?" I asked, having a hard time believing that it was just that simple.
"Yes really. Of course we don't mind, you silly girl. I have always regretted that we were never able to have more children. But now I feel like we have both a son and a daughter." My mum said, as she smiled at both of us.
"What would you have named me if I was born a girl?" I asked, for some reason I really wanted to know.
"Well when I first found out I was pregnant with you, it was when I was at my healer. I was told right away by my healer that you were a boy. So I never really had a chance to think of any girl names. But I think Luna is a very pretty name, for a very pretty young witch." My mum answered me honestly.
"I kind of like it too! But what I really want is to be a Potter again." I said, as I blushed.
"I wouldn't worry you're still a Potter where it counts." My father said with a smile.
"And when you two finally do get married, well then you'll be a Potter again in every other way. A beautiful young witch named Luna Potter." My mum said grinning at me.
"Thanks Mum." I said, as I thought about our eventual wedding day.
"Sadly I'd like nothing more than to walk you down the aisle but unfortunately that just wasn't meant to be. But we'll be there, if only in spirit." James Potter said, as he turned to my mum who nodded in agreement.
"Till then I'd suggest a visit to the Potter family vault, as quickly as you can arrange it. You'll need to pick up a couple of things that will help you. The first thing you should do is get the Potter family rings and put them on as soon as possible. These rings once they acknowledge you both as the legitimate Potter heirs. They will allow you to pass through wards, that block access to all property and family heirlooms. You'll need them to be able to get the second thing that you will need. In the back of the vault is a shelf, that will only be visible with the rings on. On it will be the journals of of each family member going back several hundred years. The last ones on the shelf will be mine, your mothers and yours. In mine there is a section on the Animagus transformation. This section has all our notes on how to become an Animagus. Including a technique that can greatly accelerate, your ability to make the transformation. Instead of using the normal technique that can take years to master. It involves making a potion that will transform you into your Animagus form for 24 hours. This allows your bodies to become familiar with your animal form. There is some risk but if the proper precautions are taken, you shouldn't have any problems. This was the technique I used to help your mother become an Animagus." My father said with a smile.
"You were an Animagus too? What was your form?" I turned to asked my mum, surprised that she was also an Animagus.
"I was a Falcon and thanks to your father I was also a Doe. Since we are also soul mates, we shared animal forms as well." My Mum said with a smile.
"That's right! You said that's why we share forms, because we are also soul mates." I said, as I recalled that yet another mystery was solved.
"That's correct, I did say that it will explain a lot of things." My mum told me.
"So what exactly can go wrong using this accelerated technique." I asked my father curious what might go wrong.
"Well the potion literally helps you become one with your form. But if you allow yourself to slip too far into your animal form. You can forget you were human at all. If that happens, you'll lose your ability to change back. And you'll become your animal permanently." My father answered me.
"I see how that could be a problem. I want to be able to become my animal forms as soon as possible. But I also want to be able to change back." I said, as I thought about the risks.
"When you have my journal it will tell you how to make the potion and what precautions to take while you are in your animal form. The main thing is to become familiar with what it's like to have your animals body. But keep thinking like a human, don't allow yourselves to start thinking like your animal. Thinking too much like your animal during your first full transformation is where the real danger is. Even if you learn the Animagus transformation the traditional way." My Dad explained to me.
"I understand, we'll be careful." I said, trying to reassure my father.
"As for you welcome to the family, now you be sure to take good care of our little girl." My father said, as he turned and looked at Luna.
"I will, she means everything to me." Luna said confidently to my father.
"Dad! I'm not a little girl, I've been of age for more than a year now!" I yelled at him and told him not to call me that.
"You'll always be our little girl. Just like you'll always be my baby, even when you finally have one of your own." My Mum added, as I once again tried not to turn a lovely shade of pink.
As I stood there with my arms folded, I tried hard not to act like the little girl I was being called.
"One last thing before we go. It is very important that the knowledge that Luna has discovered. About how the Polyjuice potion works should be kept a secret. It is very dangerous information and could easily be misused. So I strongly suggest you never share your findings with anyone else." My Father warned us.
"We will keep it to our selves then. Since you are very right about how it could possibly be abused." Luna agreed completely with my dad.
As I looked toward my parents, one last time before they left. I turned and said
"I wish there was a way, that I could hug you both. I was so young when you died, I can't even remember ever being held by either of you." I said sadly to my parents.
"There is a way since you're still the master of death. You can use the Resurrection stone, to allow your soul to temporary leave your body. Then we would be able to touch interact with your spirit." My father said to me.
"But I don't have the Elder wand, I returned it to Professor Dumbledore's crypt." I said doubtfully.
"That may be true. But even now, you are still it's master." My mum answered.
I turned to Luna who held me tightly as he nodded for me to try. So I closed my eyes and held the Resurrection stone tightly in my hand. As I wished more than anything to be able to hug my parents. The next thing I knew I was standing in front of my parents. I looked back and saw that Luna held me in his arms. There was still what appeared to be some sort of life line. That somehow kept my soul connected to my body. Now that I was reassured that I wasn't dead. I approached my mum first, as she held her arms out to me. I was quickly enveloped in them in a tight yet very warm embrace.
"I love you more than you can possibly ever know sweetheart, never doubt that." She said, as she kissed my cheek.
"I may not remember how much, you both loved me when I was a baby. But I have never doubted your love, once I found out what really happened that terrible night. You both gave your lives trying to save mine. I could never doubt, that you both love me very much." I told my parents honestly.
As I left my mums embrace for my fathers. He also held his arms wide as I leaped into them. He held me up and spun me around, till he finally pulled me into the tightest hug I've ever had. It didn't hurt at all. It was like my father was trying to give me a lifetimes worth of hugs all at once. As he whispered to me.
"I love you so much. I'm sorry we couldn't be there to raise you ourselves." He whispered gently as he kissed the top of my head.
"I know you do and that you would have if you were allowed. I love you too Daddy." I said with a sad sigh, as I held on to him for all I was worth.
"You see, he gestured to my hair. I told you were still a Potter where it really matters." He said with a smile, as I looked and saw that my hair was long and black. I realised that I looked like my soul, with long black hair and my mums green eyes.
After what seemed like an eternity, we finally parted as I felt a pull from behind. I looked back to my body, that was being held tenderly by Luna. I quickly walked back to him and touched my body where the life line exited it. This allowed my soul and body to once again reconnect with each other. There was a bright flash, as I opened my eyes and saw Luna looking down at me.
"Don't forget that I love you too, don't you dare ever leave me. I would be lost without you. I know you needed to do that but it scared me half to death." Luna said seriously, as he helped me to my feet.
I turned to my parents and knew it was finally time for them to leave.
"Well goodbye for now, call us again if you need us. We Love you both and are always close by." My mum said, as she and my dad slowly started to fade away.
"Goodbye, I love you both! Thanks for being so understanding." I said, as I watched my Parents disappear.
I then turned to Luna as he took me in his arms and held me close. I was sad that we couldn't be together like a normal family. But also comforted by the thought that I could call them again if I really needed them. And that had to be enough for now.
We made our way out of the Forbidden Forest passed Hagrids house and up the path to the castle. By the time we arrived it was dinner time, so we went to the kitchen to get something to eat. It was during this meal, that Luna decided he needed to come clean about a few things. As he looked across the table and said.
"You remember when I said that you are physically in my form but that it is you 'Harry Potter' in there who is animating that body. And that you are now basically a combination of the two of us. My form with your soul and personality. And that all those things together, somehow makes you the perfect woman." Luna said seriously.
"Yes I remember. It's funny how close you were to being right, even if at the time you didn't understand why." I replied, as Luna nodded in agreement and continued.
"Or when I said that I felt that I was born the wrong gender. And that I was hoping to correct that by switching with someone who was willing to trade places with me. The truth is, there really was only one person that I had in mind to trade with. That person was you." Luna said to me honestly.
"And here I was worried sick that you were going to switch, with who ever you could get to agree to it. I should have known you weren't that foolish." I said with a laugh, at my own silly thoughts.
"My plan was by using that same unused classroom over and over and knowing you had the Marauders map. I knew that you would become curious about what I was doing and eventually come to investigate. I would then ask for your help and get you to switch with me. And while we were switched, I would try to convince you that you make a better girl than I do. So that you might eventually be willing to make our change a permanent one." Luna continued seriously.
"Well here we are mission accomplished, not only am I willing to make the switch permanent. I think I might have to insist on it." I replied somewhat jokingly.
"You're really not helping, I'm trying to admit some important things that I'm not proud of. Because the truth is, I was able to prove my theory all by myself without any help. I did it by making enough for two doses one with Padma's hair, the other with mine. I took the first dose that changed me into Padma, then after the transformation was complete. I took the second dose with my hair and changed back into myself. Once the hour was over I changed back into Padma and stayed that way for over three hours. Once I was sure that I wasn't going to change back without reversing the process. I used the remaining doses in reverse order and changed back into myself. That's why I was always sure that we would be able to switch back. Can you ever forgive me?" Luna asked, he seemed quite worried that I wouldn't forgive him.
"Of course I can, there was no real deceit in your intentions. And all along you always intended to let me decide, if I wanted to make our trade permanent. Besides now we know why we are both more comfortable as we are. Because this is how we should have always been. As far as I'm concerned, this is who I am now. I'm Luna Lovegood, a woman and a pretty young witch. Eventually I'll be your wife and the mother of our children. And I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. So if you truly want to make our switch permanent, I am more than willing to agree to that arrangement. Because I'm not just a woman now, I'm your woman and plan to be for the rest of my life." I answered sincerely.
"Well that's good to know, I was worried you would be mad that I tricked you into becoming me." Luna said a little worried.
"Why should I be mad, you only made it possible for me to be the woman I always should have been. What I want to know is what we are going to tell your father about our switch?" I asked, curious what he thought we should do.
"I wasn't planning on telling him anything, you heard what your Dad said. The knowledge about this particular use of the Polyjuice potion is just too dangerous. Besides our relationship hasn't been the same, since I found out he tried to turn you over to the Death Eaters." Luna said, with a pained look on his face.
"He only did that because he was worried about you and believed it would help him get you back. I've forgiven him, why can't you?" I asked genuinely confused, if anyone had a right to be mad it was me.
"Because he was a fool to think it would help get me back. You can't trust Death Eaters all it would have accomplished, was to get you caught and killed. And if that had happened Voldemort would have won!" Luna answered angrily.
"That's true, but it's hard to be rational when someone you love is in danger. Wasn't it you who said words to that effect, after I was attacked by those Slytherin boys." I said to Luna seriously.
"The fate of the Wizarding World didn't hang in the balance, over my actions with those Slytherin's. Turning you over to the Death Eaters could have damned us all." Luna continued to argue.
"But didn't how you felt at the time, give you some insight into why your father did what he did?" I asked him hopefully.
"Maybe, but it will be a long time before I forgive him for his betrayal. Because even then I was in love with you. And turning you over to the Death Eaters, as far as I'm concerned was unforgivable. Besides if you really want to forgive my father so badly go ahead, since technically you are his daughter now. But it will be quite some time before I forgive him." Luna answered truthfully.
"I won't forgive him just because I'm now the one who is his daughter. I may disagree with some of your thinking but that doesn't mean I'll ignore your opinion." I stated defiantly to him.
"I know you wouldn't. Let's not talk about this any more, it gets me upset every time I think about it." Luna said, as he pulled me close and held me in his arms.
And with that the discussion was over, at least for now. But I haven't completely given up on helping them patch things up. After all if I don't eventually succeed, our children might never get to know their only living Grandparent. I know Luna would never deny them, but I wanted our family to be as close as possible. Since that was something I never had as a child.
(To be continued)