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 Nine
After we finished eating dinner in the kitchen, we planned to make our trip to Gringotts. Since we were both of age, it allowed us leave the school any time we wanted. As long as we didn't miss any classes and were back before curfew. But even with this additional freedom, it was still common curtsey to inform the Headmistress of our plans. And that we would be leaving school grounds, for personal reasons. If Harry and I hurried we could probably catch Professor McGonagall in the Great Hall. Harry pulled out the Marauders map and quickly checked to make sure she was still there. Fortunately she was, so we hurried and made our way there as quickly as possible. When we arrived at the Great Hall, most of students had already finished and had left for their common rooms. But a few of them were still eating their dessert. We quickly made our way up to the head table. As we approached Professor McGonagall, she saw us coming toward her. And very soon after that we had her full attention.
"Mr. Potter, Miss Lovegood." She greeted us. "I couldn't help noticing that you both have not been dining in the Great Hall lately. Is there some problem that I should be aware of?" She asked us curiously.
"We just didn't want to cause any disruptions, so for the time being we have made other dining arrangements." Harry answered the Headmistress.
"We were concerned that our budding relationship might cause problems. And have been eating in the kitchen, at least until things settle down a bit more." I added, hoping this would be enough of an explanation.
"I quite understand and appreciate your concern but surely enough time has passed for you to return to the Great Hall?" She questioned us.
"Perhaps you're right, maybe it is about time for us to return. But I must admit to also enjoying our private time together in the kitchens." Harry answered Professor McGonagall truthfully.
"Professor is there any rule against students from different Houses, sitting together at each others tables?" I asked, curious if there was such a rule.
"There is no such rule against it but one is normally expected to sit at your proper House table. During the first and last feasts of each year. The first for the Sorting and the last feast for when the House cup is awarded. Beyond that you may sit where you wish and are welcome to do so." Professor McGonagall answered.
"Thank you Professor." I said to her happily.
"Was there something else?" She asked us.
"I was wondering would it be possible to make arrangements, to take the O.W.L.'s, for both Arithmancy and Ancient Runes." Harry asked the Headmistress.
"I was not aware that you had been studying those subjects, Mr. Potter." She asked, surprised by my request.
"I haven't taken either of them officially but have studied them both quite a bit privately. And Luna has also been tutoring me, extensively in both subjects. I feel I have finally reached a sufficient knowledge level to be tested. If I pass the O.W.L.s for both and test to the current level in Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. I would like to add them both to my seventh year classes." Harry stated to Professor McGonagall.
"Very well Mr. Potter, I shall make the necessary arrangements. I fully expect not to be disappointed with your test results." She answered sternly.
"Thank you Professor, I won't let you down." Harry promised Professor McGonagall.
"See that you don't. Is there something else that needs my attention, Mr. Potter?" She asked Harry again.
"Yes Professor, we both need to leave school grounds and have some urgent business with Gringotts. We should be back before curfew." Harry informed Professor McGonagall.
"Thank you for taking the time, to let me know about your trip before you left. But you have my permission to stay out later, if necessary." The Headmistress smiled appreciatively.
"Your welcome, Professor. Hopefully it won't be necessary to stay out passed curfew. But it's nice to have the option just in case we need to. Thank you for your time, we'll be leaving now." Harry said, as he took my hand and turned to leave. I nodded to Professor McGonagall and followed Harry.
We then left the Great Hall and passed through the main doors on our way through the courtyard. As we continued down the path to the main gates. Once we finally cleared them, we were finally beyond the Anti-Apparition wards. As Harry turned to me and asked.
"Are you ready Luna?" Harry quickly asked me.
"Yes, you do have our vault key, don't you?" I asked in return.
"I have it right here." He answered, as he held it up with his free hand.
"Okay then let's go, Harry." I said, as he gently squeezed my hand.
With a loud crack we Disapparated and reappeared at the Apparition point near The Leaky Cauldron. We then made our way over to Gringotts. As Harry and I walked up the marble stairs that led to the golden doors. We entered the wizarding bank and got in line, as we waited for the next available Goblin. It didn't take long before Harry and I were at the front of the line, when the next Goblin was available. Harry and I walked over to him and made our request.
"I would like to talk with who ever currently manages, the Potter and Black accounts." Harry requested.
"Just a moment Mr. Potter, I'll see if Director Ragnok is available to see you." The Goblin said, as he turned to another Goblin nearby and spoke in Gobbledegook. The other Goblin quickly left only to return a few moments later. And addressed the first Goblin also in Gobbledegook.
"Director Ragnok will see you now, if you will follow me." The Goblin instructed,as we went through a door behind him and went down a long hall to a large office. As our Goblin guide gestured for us to enter.
The office had a large desk, the walls were covered with paintings of what appeared to be historic moments in Goblin history. There were also several weapons mounted on the walls where the paintings were not. There was also many different types of treasure around the room, that decorated the office.
"Director Ragnok will be with you shortly. Please be seated." Our Goblin guide said to us, as he turned to leave. We sat in the two chairs in front of the large desk. A few moments later an older Goblin entered the office and made his way to the chair behind the desk.
"Good evening Mr. Potter, Mrs. Potter. My name is Ragnok, how can Gringotts assist you regarding your accounts?" He asked us.
"Why did you address Luna as my wife?" Harry asked surprised.
"Forgive me, you are aware that you are soul mates, correct?" He asked us, as we both nodded.
"There are many ways that a wizard and witch, can be recognised as being Married by Gringotts. The oldest and rarest way is to be recognized as soul mates. I merely extended the curtsey of addressing her as your wife. I meant no offence. I merely assumed that this change in status, is what your visit was about." Ragnok answered.
"No offence taken Director Ragnok, I was merely taken off guard. I was not aware that Gringotts considered soul mates to be the equivalent of being married." Harry replied respectfully.
"Did you wish us not to recognize her as such?" Ragnok asked curiously.
"No Director, I have no problem with her being recognized as my wife. In fact it may be very helpful, when it comes to our other business with Gringotts. I can assure you however that I have every intention, of taking Luna as my wife very soon. Your timing with this is just a bit quicker than I had planned. I was thinking shortly after we graduate from Hogwarts." Harry answered.
"Not to worry Mr. Potter, your relationship would only be recognized outside of Gringotts. If you were to file the correct paperwork with the Ministry of Magic. Nothing beyond the walls of Gringotts will officially change, until you are both ready to take that next step. This is merely a financial recognition of your relationship as soul mates. It grants her complete access to your vaults, as well as inheritance rights. Should you meet an untimely death. She would also be taken care of in such an event, by inheriting your estate as your Soul mate." Ragnok assured us.
"I understand and would like her to be added to all my accounts, having all rights and privileges as my wife. I want her to have her own key as well as one of these Muggle cards." Harry said, as he held up the card he was issued the last time we were here.
"Very well, Mr. Potter. I have been the account manager for the Potters for many years and before that my father and his father before him. And when your Godfather passed on, naming you his sole heir. I was also placed in charge of all Black accounts. So making these changes for your wife and Soul mate, will not be a problem. Was there anything else, before I get started making these changes?" Ragnok asked us.
"Yes, we wish to claim my family rings and to visit the Potter family vault. I need to retrieve something from it." Harry asked Director Ragnok.
"I can have the rings brought here, if you wish?" Ragnok asked Harry.
"Thank you Ragnok, that would be very helpful." Harry answered appreciatively.
"Very well Mr. Potter, I shall have them brought here shortly." Ragnok said, as he pushed a button on his desk.
Two Goblins entered his office, as he gave them their assigned tasks in Gobbledegook. The first left quickly the other took longer, because apparently he had more to do. Once the second Goblin had his instructions, he too quickly left. Ragnok then turned to Harry and asked.
"While we wait, was there any other business I can help you with Mr. Potter?" Ragnok asked.
Harry thought a moment and then looked to me.
"The Black vault Harry, it's probably full of Dark artefacts that need to be dealt with." I said to Harry.
"Of course Luna. Director Ragnok, would it be possible to hire Gringotts to find and destroy any dark artefacts found in the Black vault?" Harry asked Ragnok.
"Certainly Mr. Potter, we have a top notch Curse-Breaker on staff for just such a task." Ragnok answered.
"His name wouldn't happen to be Bill Weasley, would it?" I asked, thinking it probably was him.
"Why yes he is Mrs. Potter, do you know Mr. Weasley?" Ragnok asked curiously.
"Yes, I know him and his family very well. Over the last several years Bill's family has also became a surrogate family to Harry." I added.
"I see, then you would both trust him with this important task? And would allow him to act on your behalf." Director Ragnok asked.
"I would trust him or any member of his family with my very life Director Ragnok." Harry answered honestly.
"Very well then Mr. Potter, I shall assign Mr. Weasley to this task first thing tomorrow." He said, as he made some notes on a piece of parchment.
"Also as a gesture of good will toward the Goblin nation, if any items are found in the Black vault that are of Goblin origin. I would like them to be returned to their maker or family of said maker." Harry instructed.
"That is a most generous offer, Mr. Potter. It shall be done as you have requested." Director Ragnok said, surprised by Harry's offer to return them.
"Would it also be possible to get a brief overview of the Potter and Black accounts? Their current balances, land holdings and properties?" Harry asked, Director Ragnok.
"I have already anticipated this request and a detailed statement is in the works. The combined Potter and Black accounts are quite large and a complete report could take sometime to complete. Was there something specific you wanted to know?" Ragnok asked us.
"Is there a Potter house or estate somewhere among the Potter holdings. That would be suitable for us to live, once we graduate from Hogwarts?" I asked Director Ragnok.
"I believe there is a large manor house, somewhere in the vicinity of Godric's Hallow. The exact whereabouts are unknown, it is believed to be hiding under a lesser form of the Fidelius Charm. I would expect that after you claim the Potter family rings. You will somehow learn where to find the Secret-Keeper and it's hidden location." Ragnok answered.
It was at this point that the first Goblin returned, carrying two small boxes. As he went around the large desk and handed them to Director Ragnok and then just as quickly he turned and left the office.
"Here are the family rings for both the Potter and Blacks. I believe there are no restrictions on the Potter family rings. But the Black family ring requires the wife, of Lord Black to be a pureblood witch." Ragnok said with some reservation.
"Well then I guess it's a good thing that Luna just happens to be a pureblood witch." Harry said with a smirk.
I had completely forgot about the fact, that I was now technically a pureblood witch. Such things as blood purity, were not things that Harry and I thought were very important. We would have to change that requirement. So that our children and their descendants wouldn't have to deal with this bigoted condition. We would want our children and their descendants to be able to marry for love, rather than ridiculous things like blood status.
"Then you shouldn't have any trouble claiming both sets of rings. Since they should also recognise soul mates, to be the equivalent of being married." Ragnok added.
He then got up taking both small wooden boxes, with what appeared to be the Potter and Black family crests. And walked around his desk and stopped in front of Harry. He then opened the lid of the box with the Potter family rings. And held them out to Harry first, to take the larger male family ring. Then turned to me to take the smaller female one. As I put it on it felt warm briefly before it magically resized itself. I looked over at Harry who had a similar experience. I guess we were officially accepted by them, as the current heirs of the Potter family. Ragnok then closed the lid on the now empty box and set it back on his desk. He then opened the box that held the Black family rings. Ragnok again held the box out to Harry, as he took the larger men's family ring. It once again magically resized itself on Harry's hand but then it merged with the Potter family ring on the same finger.
"It's not unusual for that to happen when you are the Head of two very old families." Ragnok observed as the rings merged and became one.
He then turned to me and held the remaining smaller women's ring to me. As I took it and placed it on my finger with the Potter family ring. And just like it did for Harry, the ring resized itself and merged with the other. Becoming one single ring, that now recognizes us as the new Lord and Lady of the Houses Potter and Black.
"Congratulations to you both." Ragnok acknowledged our new status with a nod. As he placed the other empty box back on his desk.
It was just shortly after this that the other goblin returned with another vault key and some other papers. He approached Director Ragnok and handed him the key and papers. As they had a brief conversation in Gobbledegook. The Goblin quickly left after being dismissed by Ragnok.
"Here is the additional vault key for Mrs. Potter and Muggle card that allows access to your vaults in the Muggle world. I also have the current balances of both the Potter and Black vaults." as he handed a piece of parchment with the combined totals of both vaults to Harry. He then handed it to me to look at.
"We have this much!?" I asked, shocked by the how large the number actually was.
"Indeed you do Mrs. Potter, I believe the combined total of both vaults monetarily. Makes you and Mr. Potter the largest depositors in all of Gringotts. And this doesn't count your land holdings, property or investments. As soon as I have collected the some total of your other holdings. I will have it sent to you." Ragnok answered us.
I knew that both my parents and Sirius had left me enough gold, so that I'd never have to work. But I never really bothered to check just how much it was. It was never that important, I would much rather have my parents and Sirius, than a vault full of gold. In a hundred lifetimes, I would never be able to spend it all. I now understood why Draco Malfoy, never gave me a hard time about being poor.
"Thank you Director Ragnok for your assistance. I think it's time for us to visit the Potter family vault." Harry requested.
"Of course Mr. Potter. Let me get someone to take you." He said, as he walked back around to his desk and sat back in his chair. He then pushed a button on his desk.
Another Goblin entered Ragnok's office. Ragnok instructed the Goblin in Gobbledegook of our request. Then turned to us and said.
"Swiftfoot will guide you to your vault. If there is anything else I can do to help you Mr. and Mrs. Potter, be sure to let me know." Director Ragnok gestured to the waiting Goblin.
"Thank you for all your help today Director, we'll be in touch." Harry answered, as we got up and followed the young Goblin.
We went down another hall then turned and passed through another, on our way to a door that opened onto a platform. Where the young Goblin Swiftfoot boarded a cart and waited for us to do the same. Harry entered first as he held his hand out to me, to assist my getting into the cart. Once in the cart it sped forward gaining speed at an ever faster pace, as it raced along the tracks past vault after vault. We went deeper and deeper into Gringotts cave vault system. Until we reached what must be close to the bottom. As the cart started to slow, before coming to a complete stop in front of a very large vault.
"This isn't Harry's vault!" I said to the young Goblin, I wondered if he somehow made a mistake.
"This is the Potter family vault, the previous one was his trust vault. Now that he is of age, the trust vault was closed. It's contents were moved here, to the family vault." The young Goblin explained to us.
"Oh I'm sorry, Swiftfoot. Thank you for explaining that." I said to him appreciatively.
He just shrugged, surprised that a witch or wizard would even bother to apologize or let alone thank him. He exited the cart and moved over to the door. As Harry and I exited the cart and followed him to the vault door.
"Your vault key please." He said, as he held out his hand for the key.
Harry pulled out his vault key and handed it to Swiftfoot. The young Goblin inserted it into the lock and opened the lock with a loud clunking noise. The heavy door slowly opened with a weighty groan. The torches inside lit themselves as mountains of gold and other precious metals came into view.
"Ring this bell when you are ready to leave." Swiftfoot said, as he gestured to a bell on the platform in front of our vault.
"Thank you for your help Swiftfoot." I said, to the young Goblin.
He nodded to me strangely, as he entered the cart and drove away. As Harry and I moved further into the Potter family vault. There were all sorts of valuable things, suits of armour, swords, tapestries with the Potter Family crest, chest after chest of rare gems and jewellery. It was interesting to see but not what we came for, as we continued on deeper into the vault. My Dad had said that in the back of the vault there was a shelf, that can only be seen with the family rings on.
Finally we reached the back of the vault. And found the shelf that held the journals of each family member going back several hundred years. The last two books on the shelf were labelled Harry Potter and Luna Potter. The ones just before them, were my Mum and Dads journals. I picked up the one that said Luna Potter and flipped through it. Much to my surprise it was about my life as Harry Potter, until the day we switched places. From then on it was about my life as Luna, all the way up to the moment. Where I picked up the book labelled Luna Potter. Interesting it's a book that self updates as things happen. I wondered how I would find the information, about the Animagus transformation in my Dads journal. I sat mine back down and picked up my Dad's, thinking about that very problem. When I opened my Dad's journal, it opened right up to the very information. That I had wanted to know, to my considerable surprise. I sat it back down and picked up my journal. And thought about something very specific, like how we used the Polyjuice potion to change into each other. When I opened my journal again, it also opened to that very part of the book. It showed that exact information and how we actually did it. It seemed that each of these journals had the complete life story of each family member. As well as their specific knowledge about anything, they knew or learned during the course of their lives. These books represented the collective knowledge of the Potter family, for the last several hundred years. This was an amazing discovery, with these I could know or learn just about anything.
"I see you've figured out, how these very special books work my dear." A female voice observed.
Startled by the voice, I stumbled back and fell into Harry's arms. As I looked around trying to figure out, where the voice came from. I noticed that the empty picture frame now showed, a beautiful older lady with dark hair with just a touch of grey. She also had the most beautiful blue eyes. She looked a bit worried at having scared me half to death.
"I'm sorry my dear, I didn't mean to startle you. You must be the new Lady Potter?" She asked, as she noticed the family ring on my finger.
"Yes, I suppose I am. Who might you be?" I asked, the painting of the beautiful older lady.
"Oh forgive me child, my name is Dorea Potter. I'm very pleased to meet you my dear. Very pleased indeed, what is your name my dear?" She said, then asked me happily.
"My name is Luna Lovegood, at least until very recently." I answered her truthfully.
"And you must be little Harry. But not quite so little any more. You look just like your father, only with Lily's beautiful green eyes. You were only a few months old the last time I saw you, it was right before you all went into hiding." As she turned and looked at Harry sadly.
"You knew my parents?" Harry asked, Dorea Potter.
"Of course I did, James was my son and Lily was my daughter in-law." She said, surprised that we didn't know this.
"But that would make you Harry's Grandmother." I asked, the beautiful older Lady in the painting.
"It would indeed and Charles Potter my husband, would also be Harry's Grandfather. We had feared the worst when the wards, around Potter Manor went into lock down. Charles and I were afraid that the Potter family had finally been extinguished by Lord Voldemort and his followers. Charles will be very happy to hear, that Harry is still alive and married to a very pretty young witch. The Potter family survives, thank the heavens above. I must fetch Charles, he'll want to meet you both." Dorea Potter said, sounding very relieved as she disappeared from the painting.
"Do you think we should tell them the truth about us?" I asked Harry.
"Not just yet, we'll tell them later when we have more time. We really need to get back to school, it's already almost curfew." Harry answered.
"You're right, did you hear her about the wards locking down Potter Manor. That must have happened when my parents were killed. Perhaps my grandparents will know how we can get there." I suggested.
"We'll ask them when they return." Harry answered.
At that moment, I noticed that I could see Dorea and an older gentleman were making their way back to the painting. He looked a lot like Harry with the same messy dark hair only older.
"Harry and Luna, I'd like you to meet my husband Charles. Charles this is your grandson Harry and his beautiful wife Luna." Dorea introduced us to Harry's Grandfather.
"It's good to see you Harry my boy, you were only a few months old when I last saw you. You look so much like James only with Lily's lovely green eyes." He said, as he turned to look Harry over.
"Yes sir, I get that a lot." Harry said to his Grandfather.
"And you must be Harry's beautiful bride Luna, I'm so very happy to meet you my dear. We had both feared that the Potter line had finally came to an end." Charles Potter said, very pleased.
"You're too kind, Mr. Potter." I said to him, as I turned a bit red.
"Nonsense my dear girl, your family now. I won't have you calling me Mr. Potter, it's Charles or Grandfather to you my dear." He insisted, how I was to address him.
"Thank you Grandfather." I nodded to him.
"No problem my dear. Now I would imagine that you both have questions." He asked us.
"Would you be able to tell us, how to get to Potter Manor." Harry asked Charles Potter.
"Of course I can my dear boy, the way is quite easy now that you have the family rings. Because those very rings on you and your lovely brides fingers, are in fact reusable Portkeys. Simply concentrate on the ring and say 'take me home'. It will drop you in the main entry foyer. Once there I would suggest, that you unblock the floo. The address is 'Potter's place'. The wards are currently set to allow only Potter family members. Should you wish to change that, one of the House elves can show you, to the book that controls the wards." Charles Potter finished.
"How did you know we were here, since no one was in the frame when we arrived?" I asked them curious.
"The wards for this part of the vault can only be accessed by the current Lord and Lady Potter. Once you entered here, we were alerted to your presence. It was my turn to investigate, getting here can take a bit of time from our other frames at Potter Manor. There hasn't been anyone in this part of the vault since James and Lily." Dorea Potter answered sadly.
"What brought you here today?" Charles asked.
"I was told I could find certain information, I needed from my fathers personal journal." Harry answered.
"But that's not possible, only another Potter could have told you about them. The wards locking down Potter Manor could have only happened, if the last of the adult Potter's was killed. And that happened many years ago. Who told you?" Charles asked confused.
"We recently summoned the spirit of my father about another matter. He advised us to claim the family rings. So we could get access to his journal." Harry answered honestly.
"But how can you summon the dead, unless you're..." Charles Potter eyes became as large as saucers.
"Unless you're the Master of Death." I answered for him.
"You actually have all three of the Deathly Hallows." Charles Potter asked shocked.
"For the most part. There are many things I would be happy to explain, if I had more time. But me and Luna need to get back to school. I imagine we will be visiting, Potter Manor sometime very soon. Perhaps we can explain things then." Harry answered them truthfully.
"Very well Harry, we shall eagerly await your visit. Was there something else we can help you with before you leave?" Charles asked us.
"I need information from my Father's journal, can I take it with me?" Harry asked them.
"You can take it but I would recommend you take a copy, instead of the original. Each of those books is priceless and represents the life and knowledge of the person it represents. To lose one, means to lose that persons story and knowledge." Charles replied very seriously.
"How do I make a copy of my Fathers journal." Harry asked Charles Potter.
"Pick up your Fathers book, then think of the information you need to take with you. A copy with that knowledge should appear next to the last book." Charles instructed Harry.
So Harry picked up James Potters Journal and seemed to be focusing on the information we needed. As I watched a new book appear next to mine. I picked it up and flipped through it. It seemed to have all the information about the Animagus transformation. Techniques, methods for reversing a partial transformation. The 24 hour transformation potion, the ingredients as well as the instructions on how to make it. It also included precautions about what to do and what not to do while using it. I nodded to Harry and said.
"It's all here Harry." I said, everything you ever wanted to know about being an Animagus and then some.
Harry returned my Fathers journal back to the shelf. As I held the copy tightly to my chest. We then turned to our Grandparents.
"Thank you for your help with all of this, we'll be in touch very soon." Harry said to them.
"It was no trouble at all my dear boy, this is exactly the reason we are here. I'm just glad that the Potter family has survived and appears to be in very good hands." Charles Potter said happily.
"Good bye Harry and Luna, I can tell already that your life stories. Are going to be very interesting to hear." Dorea Potter added.
I had little doubt that it will be very interesting, trying to explain our life stories to my Grandparents.
As we turned and left making our way back out of the vault. I walked over and rang the bell. We didn't have to wait very long for a cart to arrive. The young Goblin exited the cart and asked for one of our keys. Harry handed his key to the Goblin, as he closed the door and locked the vault. He then gave Harry back his key. And entered the cart, waiting for us to board as well. Harry again got in first, then offered his hand as he helped me enter the cart. Once we were both on board, the Goblin pushed a lever forward. As we began our journey back to the surface and the Goblin bank above. After a brief trip up the tracks that passed several vaults. We eventually reached the platform where our trip to the Potter vault had began. I got out followed closely by Harry, as the young Goblin guided us to the main lobby of the bank. After thanking our young Goblin guide, we turned and left Gringotts. As Harry and I made our way down the marble stairs back to the Apparition point near the Leaky Cauldron. Once again we linked hands and with a sharp crack disappeared and reappeared near the gates of Hogwarts. Harry and I quickly passed through the main gates making our way up the path to the courtyard.
By the time we got back in the castle it was a little after curfew. Fortunately Harry had our Cloak of Invisibility with him. There was one close call with Mr. Filch and Mrs. Norris. But with the use of the cloak we managed to avoid being caught. As Harry took me to my common room entry first. Once there he then proceeded, to thoroughly kiss me goodnight. As he turned and said.
"Goodnight Mrs. Potter." He joked with a cheeky smile.
"Goodnight my sweet husband." I replied with a smirk.
After answering the latest question to gain entry to the Ravenclaw tower. I quickly passed through the empty common room. And headed up the stairs to the girls dorms, once I arrived at the seventh year door. I quietly moved through the room over to my bed. Then I remembered what Harry had told me, he said if I was going to wear a tampon to bed. To change it right before I went to sleep. So I grabbed a spare one and went to the seventh year girls loo. I quickly removed and inserted a new one. And after washing up a bit, I quietly as possible moved back through the room over to my bed. I then stripped down to my knickers and pulled on my nightdress. And slipped under the covers as quickly as possible.
Finally I had time to think about the events of the previous day. Getting my first period, so far it hasn't been so bad. If this is as bad as it gets, I think I can live with it. After all you have to take the good with the bad. At least we got the Polyjuice potion back, I still feel bad about asking Helena to help us with Peeves. But what other choice did we have. Then having Hermione confront us about her suspicions, that somehow Harry and I switched places. Part of me was happy that my best friend, knew that I was Luna now. It will be nice having someone close that I trust, to give me advice about being female. And who would have thought, that by using my period as excuse. That I would be able to get through two of the classes, I knew so very little about. At least until, I got Harry's memories about Ancient Runes. I never would have thought to use the Room of Requirement, to create a special Pensieve. That could allow you to make copies of memories. It was a real stroke of genius. This was where Harry's unique ability to think and perceive things, really came in handy. Then finally making our trip to Gringotts. Where I found out that I was already considered, Harry's wife by the Goblins. It was that very thought that made me smile, as I finally fell into a deep restful sleep.
I awoke the next day, to several female voices that were arguing with each other. As I finally recognized each of them.
"It's not right, she shouldn't be getting special treatment." Mandy argued, sounding very annoyed.
"Yeah she was out after curfew, what are you going to do about it?" Asked Lisa, who was trying to support Mandy's argument.
"I'm not going to do anything, she had the Headmistresses permission to be out after curfew. It's not exactly special treatment or breaking the rules when you have permission to do it. Besides anyone who is of age, could have been given the same courtesy." Padma answered, as if she was explaining something to a very slow child.
"Who knows what her and Harry were up to last night. It was probably something indecent." Mandy continued to argue suggestively.
"What they were doing is none of our business." Su Li answered, disgusted at how the two girls were now willing to say bad things about Harry Potter. To further their efforts to bad mouth me.
I had finally heard enough and could remain silent no longer. As the person I loved more than anything, was being maligned by a couple of immature and spiteful little girls. I could take them saying bad things about me. But the moment they dragged Harry, into this petty vendetta they had against me. Well that was when I finally snapped. As the privacy curtains that surrounded my bed seemingly flew open on their own accord. And my magical Aura flared in a way that made it almost visible. But even though it wasn't completely tangible, there was no doubt that everyone in the room could feel it. As I sat up in bed and turned to look at two of the girls. Who have gone out of their way to make Luna's and now my life, completely miserable over the years. I could barely contain, the anger I felt towards them. As I said in a calm icy voice, that must have dropped the temperature in the room by several degrees.
"I can assure you that Harry and I don't need to leave Hogwarts, to do something indecent with each other. Harry had to visit Gringotts, to deal with some personal family business. He asked me to come, to lend him some support as his girlfriend. Having to deal with financial things because, your Parents and Godfather are dead. Isn't exactly the sort of things, that make for an enjoyable evening. I was there because he asked me to be, anything beyond that is none of your concern. It has been suggested several times, that the two of you need to grow up. But I have come to the conclusion, that you both are not ready to be adults about any of this. So I will happily comply with your desire to remain children, until such time you both decide to finally grow up." I said, as I gestured wandlessly toward Mandy and Lisa.
There was a momentary glow around both Mandy and Lisa. The changes started slowly at first, as both their bodies and breasts began to shrink. They appeared to be going through puberty backwards, as their bodies lost all their curves and height. That they had gained over the last several years.
Both Padma and Su Li watched in disbelief. As their two room mates appeared, to be reverting back to their eleven year old bodies. They now looked exactly the same, as when they first started attending Hogwarts.
Then with another gesture of my hand. Their larger clothing on the two prepubescent girls began to shrink down to fit their now smaller bodies. It was at this point that their tiny brains re-engaged, as they both finally realised what had happened to them. Their response was predictable, as they screamed hysterically and ran from the room.
"How much of what they said, did you hear?" Padma asked me cautiously.
"More than enough that I could no longer stay silent. Harry has sacrificed so much for this world. I will not allow anyone to speak badly of him. They can bad mouth me as much as they like. But once they dragged Harry into this they crossed a line and all bets are off." I answered seriously.
Padma sighed and nodded her understanding, as did Su Li.
"I'll try to help as much as I can but this is out of my hands. I'd suggest you get cleaned up as quickly as possible. And come down to the common room, I imagine from there we will be heading to the Headmistresses office to sort this all out. Meanwhile Su Li and I will try to explain your side of things." Padma said, trying to reassure me as Su Li nodded in agreement.
"Thank you, I'm very grateful to have you both as my friends." I said, as I quickly gathered up my uniform and bathroom things. I then quickly left the dorm, making my way to the showers.
Even I had to admit, that I was confused by my reaction to Mandy and Lisa. They have been fairly obnoxious for some time now. But it never resulted in my turning them into little girls. As I quickly went through my bathroom rituals. The first thing I did was to remove the tampon I wore last night. Tossing it in the bin, instead of the toilet. Harry had been very insistent, about not throwing it in the toilet. Fortunately the bin had a vanishing charm on it. I then made for one of the shower stalls.
While in the shower as I washed myself, I suddenly remembered. Something Harry had said to me the other night, when I gained my knowledge from him about Ancient Runes. He said that I might have got more than just his memories. I couldn't recall any times during my memories of Ancient Runes, that Luna was picked on by other girls. But there was no doubt in my mind, that such things had indeed happened before. But when I thought of Mandy and Lisa, it felt like they had been picking on me for years. How was that possible, I knew that I had only been Luna since last Friday. But as I thought about it further, I now felt like I have been Luna for much longer than that. I guess in a way it makes sense, because I now had four years of memories attending Ancient Runes classes AS Luna. I would have to talk to Harry about this, it's probably why he didn't want to do Arithmancy at the same time. He was worried about other possible side effects. Somehow subconsciously I seemed to have got, quite a bit of the animosity of being picked on by Mandy and Lisa. It really was the only thing, that explained my reaction to them this morning. As well as the fact I'm not even sure how I did it, I hadn't even used my wand.
I quickly continued to dry off, brushed my hair, inserted a new tampon as I got dressed. There was nothing left to do but return my dirty clothes and bathroom things to my dorm. I then headed down to the common room to face the consequences. As I quickly made my way down the stairs and found Professor Flitwick as well as Padma and Su Li. Mandy and Lisa were no where to be seen. Professor Flitwick looked very serious, it was strange to see the normally cheery Charms Professor looking so stern.
"Very well Miss Lovegood, Miss Patil and Miss Li. Let's be on our way to the Headmistresses office." He said looking a little cross at having to deal with this, first thing this morning.
As Professor Flitwick led us to the Headmistresses office. We moved down one staircase, up another and down a hall. Where we stopped in front of the repaired Gargoyle statue that guarded the stairs to the Headmistresses office. Professor Flitwick gave the password, "Catnip" He said, as the Gargoyle slowly rotated out of the way. Exposing the stairs to Professor McGonagall's office. We followed Professor Flitwick up the stairs to the door as he knocked.
"Enter." A familiar voice answered, as we entered Professor McGonagall's office.
"Please sit, I'll be with you shortly." Professor McGonagall said, as she finished up what she was working on.
"Where are Miss Brocklehurst and Miss Turpin, Filius?" She asked her Deputy Headmaster.
"They are in the Hospital wing at the moment, they should be along shortly." Professor Flitwick answered.
"Very well. Let us continue, without them for the moment." Our Headmistress said.
As she asked each of us in turn what happened, starting with Padma, then Su Li and finally me. Professor McGonagall listened to each of our accounts, of the events that took place this morning in the Ravenclaw seventh year girls dorm. And was more and more disgusted with the behaviour of the two victims.
"I'm sorry Professor, I've been taking abuse from them for most of my time here. But when they brought Harry into their petty vendetta with me. Well that's when I lost it, I'm not even sure how I did it exactly. I was just so enraged at their childish behaviour, that I wished they looked as they were acting. And that they would remain that way, until each of them were ready to act like adults." As I finished telling my account of what happened this morning.
"It sounds like a burst of very powerful accidental magic. But I've never heard of it happening to one as old as yourself Miss Lovegood. Or perhaps somehow you have inadvertently placed a curse on them, until such time that they genuinely change their attitudes. I expect the latter example, is most likely what happened." Professor McGonagall said, as she considered our accounts of what happened.
It was at this point that Madame Pomfrey, as well as Mandy and Lisa entered the Headmistresses office. Mandy looked at me with such hatred, while Lisa looked afraid. Part of me felt bad about what I did to them, while another voice reminded me what they said about Harry. That part clearly felt they got what they deserved. At this point Professor McGonagall turned to Madam Pomfrey and said.
"Poppy, what have you learned about Miss Brocklehurst and Miss Turpin's situation?" The Headmistress asked.
"Not much I'm afraid." The school nurse answered regretfully.
"Based on the fact that they remain as they were, when first brought to you. I suspect that so far, your best efforts have not had any effect?" Professor McGonagall concluded.
"Everything we have tried to restore them has failed, including the Magical Reversal squad that was sent by the Ministry. I'm at a complete loss to explain it, the only thing I haven't tried is an ageing potion. But before I tried that, I checked both their ages. The age verifying spell showed that both Miss Brocklehurst and Miss Turpin, still remain their proper ages. They just no longer show any signs of going through puberty. I'm afraid the only thing left to try, is to have Miss Lovegood cast a Finite Incantatem. And hope that it will end whatever spell they are under." The school nurse said hopefully.
"Miss Lovegood if you would please." The Headmistress requested.
I rose out of my chair and walked over to Mandy and Lisa. I then pulled out my wand as the two girls cringed away in fear, as I said. rather forcefully.
"Finite Incantatem!" I yelled rather loudly, as the spell seemed to have no effect.
"Well I think that settles it. They are not under any spell of Miss Lovegood's. At first I though it was an unusual case of very powerful accidental magic. But if it was, the Magical Reversal Squad should have been able to fix this. Now that Miss Lovegood has cast Finite Incantatem. There is only one other way for this to happen." Said Madam Pomfrey seriously.
"I quite agree Poppy, based on the accounts given shortly before your arrival. I believe Miss Lovegood has indeed has placed a curse on Miss Brocklehurst and Miss Turpin. To look the way they were acting." Professor McGonagall concluded.
"WHAT!" Mandy yelled.
"You heard me, you both are cursed. And if I understand the circumstances, that the curse was made. I suspect the only way to break it, is for you both to grow up and stop your childish attitudes towards Miss Lovegood. Failure to do so means you will remain as you are, it's your choice. And I'll offer one other piece of advice, never anger or antagonise a witch who is clearly more powerful than you." The Headmistress suggested to Mandy and Lisa.
"That's it, you're not going to punish Luna at all!" Mandy screamed.
"I didn't say anything of the sort, she will be punished for her part in this. But it is very clear to me that both you and Miss Turpin. Share as much of the blame, if not more than Miss Lovegood. For if you had not insisted on picking a fight with her. You wouldn't find yourselves in this predicament. You foolishly poke a sleeping bear repeatedly, only to complain when it wakes up and threatens to eat you. Your continued attitude shows, you have learned nothing from this whole experience. I fear the Sorting Hat has made a grave mistake, in your case Miss Brocklehurst. You currently do not seem to display, any of the fine qualities of your current House. Must we be forced to resort you?" The Headmistress said trying to not lose her composure.
Professor Flitwick looked very disappointed, as he shook his head in disbelief at Mandy's poor attitude.
It was at that moment that Lisa stood up and approached me. With a pained look on her face she turned and said.
"Luna, I am truly sorry for the way I have treated you over the years. Especially lately, I was blinded by jealousy. You said to me and Mandy that it wasn't our opinions that mattered. It's up to Harry to decide who was good enough for him or not. I can honestly say that Harry chose wisely, when he decided to ask you to be his girlfriend. Please forgive my childish behaviour." Lisa said to me truthfully, as she lowered her head in shame.
There was a brief glow around Lisa showing that the curse was broken. As both Lisa and her clothes returned to their previous forms. Lisa looked down at herself, she was now fully restored and back to normal. Much to her apparent relief. As she turned back to me and said.
"Thank you, Luna!" Lisa said to me, obviously very happy the curse was broken.
"Don't thank me, it was you who broke the curse." I answered her honestly.
It was at this moment that Mandy decided to apologise to me as well. But the more she said the clearer it became, that she didn't mean a word of it. As she raged shortly afterwords, that the curse didn't end for her as it had for Lisa.
It was at this point that Professor McGonagall dismissed everyone but me. As she continued to shake her head, at Mandy's continued foolishness. After everyone had left, she turned to me and said.
"What am I going to do with you my dear. You didn't exactly physically hit them, nor did you cast a spell with your wand. There are normal punishments for such things. But never in all my days, would I have believed that a witch. Would be able to successfully put a genuine curse, on another witch in this modern age." Professor McGonagall said to me.
"Might I make a suggestion Professor McGonagall." Harry said, as he removed the Cloak of Invisibility.
"Well Mr. Potter, what an unexpected surprise. Did you enjoy the show." She asked Harry with a smirk.
"As a matter of fact I did Professor. I apologise for sneaking in here but I felt duty bound to intervene on Luna's behalf. Should it have been necessary but as expected you handled things perfectly." He said with a Cheeky smile.
"Well I'm glad to hear you approve of my actions, Mr. Potter. What exactly did you have in mind, for Miss Lovegood's punishment?" The Headmistress asked.
"That she continue to tutor me in Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. In preparation for my taking the O.W.L.'s. And does a bit of detention in potions. Under my direct supervision, as she helps me with a special research project." Harry said to Professor McGonagall.
"Spending time with you, doesn't sound like much of a punishment Mr. Potter. But since I'm at a loss to find a suitable punishment, I'll leave her in your very capable hands for now." She concluded.
"I'm very sorry Professor, that I caused you to have to deal with all of this." I said feeling bad about the whole situation.
"Don't worry yourself over it my dear, this is the sort of thing that you have to deal with when you are the Headmistress. I believe you to be an exceptional young witch Miss Lovegood. And that this was nothing more than a momentary lapse of reason. Remember being a very powerful witch means you must learn to control your magic, rather than letting it control you. Otherwise one day you might find yourself becoming, the very thing you despise. Do not let yourself descend to the level of a bully, it is quite beneath you my dear." She finished, having made her point several times over.
I thought to my self that if a became half the woman Professor McGonagall was. That I would be doing quite well. I really couldn't ask for a better role model, than our Headmistress. I would strive to become a woman she would be proud to know.
"I will do my best not to disappoint you Professor, because I can't imagine anything that would bother me more." I said honestly.
"You haven't yet my dear and I seriously doubt you ever will. Now you both should run along and get some breakfast before your first class of the day starts." Professor McGonagall instructed, making it clear that we were dismissed.
So we left and made our way down to the kitchens for a quick breakfast. Since it was too late to eat in the Great Hall, not to mention my cursing Mandy and Lisa would have tongues wagging once again. It was probably for the best. I'm afraid that I just set our return to dining in the Great Hall, back yet again. Besides in the kitchen we would probably have time for more than just toast and pumpkin juice. As we continued walking to the kitchen, Harry turned to me and said.
"You've been a very naughty girl Luna, putting a curse on those poor helpless children. Like some wicked witch from a story book, for shame." Harry laughed, no longer able to keep a straight face.
"That's it Harry laugh it up, it's nice to know I can at least keep you entertained. While I get in trouble for defending our reputations. According to Mandy we were out after curfew doing indecent things. When I'm pretty sure we were at Gringotts." I said, sounding a bit annoyed at him teasing me about it. As we continued on toward the kitchens.
"Sweetheart you know I don't mean anything by it, I was just giving you a little ribbing about it. You do realise that you are probably the first witch, to successfully curse someone in more than 500 years. It's really quite amazing when you think about it." Harry said, as he tried to reassure me.
"Great yet one more thing that makes me different." I said to Harry, as we arrived at the kitchen.
After Harry tickled the pear we entered and sat at our table. As the House Elves brought us some fresh fruit, toast and pumpkin juice. It was a good thing that Defence started a little later on Wednesdays. Since we had Astronomy at midnight with Professor Sinistra. So we had the time to discuss this.
"Okay Luna what's this really about, I can tell something is bothering you." He said, sounding concerned.
"Well this morning while I was in the shower, I was reminded of something you had said in the Room of Requirement yesterday. You were worried that I might have got a bit more, than just your knowledge of Ancient Runes. I think you're right about that." I said to Harry.
"What else do you think you got from me." He asked, looking a little worried.
"I think that along with your knowledge of Ancient Runes, I also got some of your subconscious resentment towards Lisa and Mandy. As well as four years of memories, of being Luna attending your Ancient Runes class. Because of them, I now feel like I've been Luna a lot longer than since last Friday. In a way this has made it a lot easier, to think of myself as having always been Luna. And I honestly think that it's a good thing Harry, because let's face it this is who I am now." I said to him.
"I guess that's true Luna, I'm just worried about how else these memory transfers might affect you." Harry said, sounding very concerned for me.
"This is who I am now and who I'm going to be from now on. If it makes me more comfortable in this female body and easier for me to be Luna. Then I say so much the better. I also don't think my not liking Mandy and Lisa is much of a problem either. Well other than what happened this morning. But I think being a little irritable, because of my period might also be a contributing factor." I continued.
"But what if when we do Arithmancy tonight, it doesn't have that effect. What if it makes you less happy about being female. I don't want you to become like I was, feeling like you were the wrong gender." Harry said worried about me.
"I don't think that will ever happen, I love being female. I have since the first time you made love to me. If Peeves hadn't took the Polyjuice potion and we switched back as we had originally planned. I have no doubt in my mind. That I would have eventually begged you to switch us back into these bodies permanently. Because in here where it really counts, I'm not really a man any more. I'm a woman and have been since you made me one." I said to him honestly.
"I'm just worried about you sweetheart. It's the unexpected side effects that I am concerned about." He said, still not sure that it's worth the risk.
"I'm willing to take that chance, Harry. I need your knowledge of Arithmancy, without it I'll never be able to pass my N.E.W.T.'s for it. And if that happens, people will know something is wrong. It will also make people doubt that, I've been the one who has tutored you in both subjects. It could end up exposing the fact that we have switched places. And that's something we definitely can't risk." I said to him seriously.
"You're right, I just worry that something might go wrong sweetheart. I love you so much. I just don't want anything to make you regret, the choices that you've made." Harry said truthfully.
"So you'll do it then Harry?" I asked him hopefully.
"Yes we'll do it tonight in the Room of Requirement, after we've finished Double Care of Magical Creatures." Harry agreed reluctantly.
With that finally settled. Harry decided it was time to bring up, a subject that he had been thinking about. So he turned to me and asked.
"Have you noticed that no one has said anything, about the Potter family ring on your finger." Harry asked.
"Not really, I've kind of had quite a few other things to deal with this morning. And I haven't had time to really give it a single thought. But now that you've mentioned it, it is rather strange that no one has said any thing about it." I replied, curious as to why that was.
"I did some research on family rings, after your Dad suggested we get them. Apparently no one can see them unless you want them to." He said with a knowing smile.
"Like I said, I haven't given it a lot of thought. But now that I have, it would probably be best if no one knew about this just yet. So I guess for now, I really don't want anyone but you to see it." I said to Harry seriously.
"I think it's already doing that. But it never hurts to reaffirm your preferences. Can you imagine how people would react, to you wearing the Potter family ring. They would think we eloped last night." Harry replied with a laugh.
"Mandy's head would probably explode, I'd really rather not have her blood on my hands." I half joked about Mandy's stupid head.
"No, I don't expect you would like that. Even with how poorly she has treated us. It's probably for the best, to keep her in the dark about the rings for now." Harry agreed.
Now that everything was settled and we had finished eating breakfast. It was time to go to our Defence Against the Dark Arts class. It didn't take very long to get to the Defence Against the Dark Arts corridor. As Harry and I entered the classroom and sat in the front next to each other.
After the eventful morning I've had, my Double Defence Against Dark Arts class. With Professor Cromwell was pretty dull. Professor Cromwell was an older Auror, that was on loan from the Ministry Of Magic. He was very competent but a little gruff around the edges. And not very patient with students who needed a little extra help. But otherwise he was quite passable, as a Defence Against Dark Arts Professor.
After Defence Against Dark Arts class, during our free study period. We studied my Dads journal and copied the instructions, as well as the list of ingredients to make the 24 hour Animagus transformation potion. We hoped to use it sometime after my Quidditch try outs this Saturday.
When we weren't doing our home work, we were studying everything we could about our animal forms. One of the interesting things, Harry learned about Unicorns is they mate for life. I wondered if the fact that Harry and I already had sex, that we were already mates for life. For some silly reason this thought made me very happy.
We also spent quite a bit of time studying the books that Professor McGonagall loaned us. They were very informative. About the basic techniques to perform the Animagus transformation but if we used them it could take several years. While using the 24 hour Animagus potion, might make it take only a few months. Harry also thought that we might even be able to do it quicker, because of our increased magical capacity. Both my Dad's journal and the books we borrowed from Professor McGonagall said that, the most dangerous part of learning the Animagus transformation. Was during the time you successfully achieve, the first complete transformation. The danger is to go too far and actually become your animal completely, that you forget you were ever human. If that happens even the Animagus reversal spell can't change you back. Because the reversal spell, uses your own self image to change you back. But this self image is exactly what is lost, when you become your animal so completely. To counter this problem. The traditional method uses several meditation techniques, to create a stronger self image. This prevents that from accidentally happening. But it also interferes with your ability, to make the change into your animal form. Making the time it takes to complete the Animagus transformation, take much longer than it should. Because the more fixed self image of yourself, tends to work against your ability to complete the transformation. The 24 hour potion skips over those methods, allowing you to instantly experience being your animal. As well as making it easier, to be able to complete the transformation yet again. A lot sooner than using the traditional method, because you don't have the more rigid self image to work against. The down side is the chances of you getting stuck in your animal form is much greater, since you didn't take the time to develop a stronger self image through meditation.
It's a fine line between becoming comfortable in your animal form and becoming one with it completely. Fortunately my Dad's journal had a number of techniques, to use while under the effects of the 24 hour Animagus potion. One of these is to have someone present, to talk to you while in your animal form. Even if you can't answer vocally. There are several ways to answer yes or no questions. It gave the example of a dog barking once for yes or twice for no. It's important that this is all decided before you take the potion. Another method was to have something you really want to do as your human self. And to keep reminding yourself of it at least once every hour, while in your animal form. Other than that the main thing to do while you are in your animal form. Is to become familiar with what it's like to be your animal. Get comfortable walking as your animal. But keep thinking like a human, compare the differences between your animal and human bodies. The more familiar you become with your animals body, the easier it will be able to complete the full transformation once again. Without having to use the 24 hour Animagus potion a second time. Using the 24 hour Animagus potion too many times, can also increase the chances of getting stuck in your animal form permanently.
We had got a lot done but our free study period was almost over for today. Now that we had the list of ingredients and instructions on how to make the 24 hour Animagus transformation potion. I quickly glanced over the list of ingredients, it was clear we already had most of the stuff needed to make it. As for the rest, it was just a matter of sending Kreacher down to the local Apothecary. To get the remaining ingredients, that we were still missing. Once Kreacher had returned with them, we would have everything needed to make the 24 hour Animagus potion. We just needed a time and place to make it. Harry thought there should be enough time, after we did the memory transfer of Harry's Arithmancy knowledge. And to make it afterwords, in the Room of Requirement before dinner tonight. So with that finally decided, we made our way down to the kitchens for a quick lunch.
After lunch in the kitchen we made our way out to Double Care of Magical Creatures, which was twice as long and twice as dangerous. Fortunately there were no serious injuries, other than a Hufflepuff who had his eyebrows singed off by a baby dragon. Hagrid had somehow managed to get one on loan from the nearest Dragon Reserve. Well at least he didn't come by this one illegally.
After Double Care of Magical Creatures, it was time to gather up everything we would need. To make the 24 hour Animagus transformation potion. And make our way back up to the seventh floor corridor and the Room of Requirement. As Harry walked back and forth three times, until a door appeared in the wall. We walked in to a room that looked the same as when Harry gave me his memories of Ancient Runes. There was the couch with a table in front of it as well as the double Pensieve. I also noticed another door in the wall to the right, that said Potions lab above it. I walked over opened the door and looked inside. It was just like our potions lab in Professor Slughorn's classroom. Just smaller and with a workstation that was set up, for two people to prep and brew at the same time. This would work quite nicely for any potions we would need to make. And wouldn't have to worry about any prying eyes. I was beginning to wonder if there was anything that the Room of Requirement couldn't do. I wondered if it could create a version of the Prefects bathroom. As I thought of what trouble me and Harry could get into in the Prefects bath. I would have to save that thought for later. First things first, I needed Harry's memories and knowledge of Arithmancy. As Harry and I turned to leave the potions lab and sat down on the couch.
"Your sure you want to do this?" Harry asked, still worried about what might happen.
"Yes, I'm sure. I don't think I need anything else to be Luna but I do need your memories about Arithmancy." I answered him seriously.
"Okay then." He said, as he held his wand up to his temple and concentrated very hard for several minutes.
Before he finally pulled away his memories of Arithmancy from his head. He then placed the grey wispy memories, into the first half of the double Pensieve. He then activated the copy rune in the middle of the Pensieve.
"Effingo!" Harry said, as the other side of the Pensieve seemed to cloud over and look like the first side. The one that held Harry's original memories.
He then scooped up the original grey wispy memory and returned it to his temple. As it seemed to fade back into his head. So I pulled out my wand and did the same as I scooped up the copy of his memory and held it up to my head. Suddenly I felt a flash of images and memories go by again like before, then stop just as quickly. It was just like the other night when I acquired Harry's knowledge of Ancient Runes. I felt a little strange and dizzy for a few moments.
"So Luna, what do you know about Arithmancy?" Harry asked with a smile.
"Thanks to you, I now know quite a bit about Arithmancy." I said confidently, knowing that I now had a very good grasp of the complicated mathematics and equations used to study the magical properties of numbers.
"What about everything else?" He asked concerned.
"I'm still quite happy to be Luna Lovegood. And I'll also be very happy to remain female, for the rest of my life. Since I have no desire to ever be male again." I answered him honestly. As a look of relief came over Harry's face.
"Well then with that settled, let's start making the 24 hour Animagus transformation potion." He said sounding very pleased.
As we entered the Potions lab and began setting up everything we would need to make it. Since we had both read the instructions many times, it was decided that the only change we would be making. Was to double the amounts, so it hopefully will make enough for four doses. We divided up the additional amounts of the ingredients and started preparing them as the instructions described. I lit a fire under the slightly larger cauldron as Harry added the water, this would act as the base that all ingredients would be added to. While the fire warmed the water, both Harry and I continued to prep the various potion ingredients. By cutting, chopping or squeezing the various ingredients needed for the 24 hour Animagus potion. Once the temperature was warm enough, we started to add the ingredients in the order the potion instructions directed. A counter clockwise turn here a clockwise stir there, between adding each ingredient. I was glad that Harry was so skilled at potions. Also the fact that we seemed to work very well together and were able to anticipate each other was another plus. It was a good thing that we had a couple hours before dinner. Because we would need all the time we had, to finish the 24 hour Animagus potion. At various times while we were making the potion, I was concerned if we were making the potion correctly. But when we finally finished, it looked okay. It seemed to have the right colour and proper consistency. Harry was sure that we had made it properly. So once it had cooled down, we bottled our potion into four separate containers. There would be enough, for two doses of the potion for each of us.
Now all we needed to do was decide the best time and place to take the potions. A place where we would be able to remain in our animal forms for 24 hours and not be bothered by anyone. I was beginning to think Potter Manor was going to be the better choice, rather than the Room of Requirement. And exploring the surrounding property, in our Animagus forms sounds like a lot more fun. It would certainly give us a lot more room to run or fly in our animal forms. I still think this weekend would be the best time, sometime after Quidditch try-outs on Saturday. So that's what we were going to do.
After we finished with making the 24 hour potion, we left the Room of Requirement to have dinner in the kitchen. Then we went to the library to work on our homework. With the knowledge I now had of Arithmancy and Ancient Runes, I had no problems doing the homework for both classes. I even found myself enjoying both subjects quite a bit. Since it felt like I had taken them for several years, even though I knew I really hadn't.
As curfew approached, we decided to call it a night until Astronomy class at midnight. Once Astronomy class was over, Harry walked me back to the Ravenclaw tower.
Harry suggested that we try to have breakfast in the Great Hall. So I agreed to meet him outside the Great Hall, before going in and sitting together at the Gryffindor table.
With that settled he made his way back to the Gryffindor tower, after Harry once again thoroughly kissed me goodnight. I slept very well the rest of that night, dreaming of Harry.
(To be continued)