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 Ten
The next morning we met outside the Great Hall. Where I would hopefully end up sitting, with Harry at the Gryffindor table. I was surprised how nervous I felt, as he took my hand and led me to my former House table. But before we sat down Harry asked.
"Does anyone have a problem with Luna sitting at the Gryffindor table for breakfast?" He asked, almost daring anyone to speak up against it.
Fortunately no one seemed to have a problem, with me sitting at the Gryffindor table.
"Luna is always welcome here, I think most of us consider her an honorary Gryffindor." Neville said confidently, as Ginny and Hermione nodded in agreement.
Ron was too busy eating to have much of a reaction. While Dean, Seamus, Lavender and Parvati also didn't voice any objections.
So with that settled we sat down and enjoyed breakfast with our Gryffindor friends.
A bit later Professor McGonagall came by to tell Harry, that he was scheduled. To take his O.W.L.'s for Arithmancy and Ancient Runes later today.
"I expected it to take much longer to arrange for your testing with the Ministry. But once they found out who was being tested, they quickly agreed to send someone over. I trust you still feel you're ready for this Mr. Potter?" Professor McGonagall asked Harry.
"I'm quite ready, Professor." Harry replied confidently.
"Very well, report to my office, during your free study period today. After you pass the O.W.L.'s and if you successfully test to seventh year levels. You will be able to start attending, both classes as soon as today." Headmistress McGonagall said.
"Thank you Professor for taking the time to arrange things so I can take my tests today." Harry said gratefully.
"You're very welcome Harry, it's good to see you taking your education seriously. I think Miss Lovegood is having a very positive effect on you." Professor McGonagall answered with a smile.
"I think so too Professor, in fact I don't know what I'd do without her." Harry replied, as he gave me a wink.
I was just glad that he was going to be able to continue with two of his favourite classes. And once Harry passed his tests and started attending Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. Both of our schedules would be exactly the same. Allowing us to be able to attend, all our classes together from now on.
So after our morning Potions and Transfiguration classes were over. Harry left for the Headmistresses office to take his O.W.L.'s. I wished him luck, as I kissed him before he left. I wasn't worried since he had got Outstandings in both subjects before, when he took them as Luna. It was strange but if I thought about them, I could remember it like it was me who took the O.W.L.'s. Even though I know, I never actually did take them. But I was definitely going to be the one, who would be taking my N.E.W.T.'s. at the end of this school year.
So while Harry was gone taking his tests. I decided to go to the Library to work, on my homework for Potions and Transfiguration. Since I already finished my Arithmancy and Ancient Runes assignments last night. I continued to work on my homework, as I managed to finish my Potions essay and get a good start on Transfiguration. When I noticed Hermione come in and sit at my table. I continued working until, I finally got to a good stopping point. Before I finally looked up at Hermione and said with my best dreamy Luna voice.
"Hello Hermione, what can I do for you?" I asked her.
"So Harry is taking his O.W.L.'s for Arithmancy and Ancient Runes, right now?" Hermione asked.
"Yes he is and if all goes well, he'll be joining us in both classes after lunch today." I replied to my bushy haired friend.
"You don't think he'll have any problems with the tests?" Hermione asked, sounding a bit worried.
"He shouldn't have any trouble, since he scored Outstandings on both of them before. When he took them before as Luna." I answered in a whisper, so only she could hear me.
"How about you, are you ready for both classes?" She asked me curiously.
"Well, I did finished my homework for both classes last night. Would you be kind enough to look them over for me. Harry didn't have time yesterday." As I handed my homework to Hermione.
She looked them over for several minutes and couldn't find anything wrong with either assignment.
"You did these by yourself? Harry didn't help you any?" Hermione asked amazed.
"No, he was too busy with his own homework. And I didn't really have any trouble with either of the assignments." I answered her.
"I take it then, that Harry's other project worked the way he had hoped it would?" She asked curiously.
"It certainly did, I now know everything Harry does about Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. The proof is right in front of you." As I gestured to my homework that Hermione had just checked over.
"Yes, I can see that. Care to share how he did it?" She asked hopefully.
"What can I say, my boyfriend is completely brilliant. Lets just say, that I now have memories of attending both classes for the last four years. And when I think of those memories, I remember attending them as Luna Lovegood." I answered smugly, as my pride in Harry showed through.
"Well that explains the results but not how he did it." Hermione said, sounding rather put out about my non answer.
"It would be better if I showed you." I explained, as I gathered up my homework and text books. Putting them away in my book bag.
"Follow me." I said, as Hermione followed me out of the Library. And we made our way up to the seventh floor hallway.
"We're going in the Room of Requirement?" She asked, as I nodded to her question.
I paced back and forth three times, thinking I needed the same room as when Harry gave me his memories of Arithmancy. I needed the couch, table and Harry's special Pensieve. Finally the door appeared, as Hermione and I entered the Room of Requirement through it.
"It looks a lot like a smaller version of the Gryffindor common room." Hermione observed, as we entered the room.
I walked over to the couch and sat down, as Hermione followed my lead and sat down as well. Hermione quickly noted the strange looking Pensieve on the table.
"Where did you find such an unusual Pensieve, it looks like someone made a mistake when they made it." Hermione asked confused.
"We didn't find it, the Room of Requirement created it to Harry's specifications. Harry made it so we can copy or edit memories with it. This is how Harry gave me his memories and knowledge of Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. It's absolutely brilliant! Never in a million years, would I have thought to use the Room of Requirement like this." I crowed to Hermione, about how smart Harry was.
"That was rather cleaver to use the Room of Requirement to create things with it." She said sounding rather impressed.
"Now I'm going to show you how it works. By giving you a copy of my memory, of when I took the Animagus reveal potion the other day. With this memory you will remember and see it, like you were there. You're going to experience exactly what I did, are you ready?" I said as Hermione nodded to me.
I held my wand to my temple, as I thought of my memory of when I took the Animagus reveal potion. Once I was sure I had it, I pulled it away as the grey wispy memory left my head. I placed it in the side of the Pensieve closest to me. I then activated the copy rune, as the other side clouded over just like the first side. I then scooped up the original memory and returned it to my head. I then turned to Hermione and said.
"I'm sorry Hermione but Harry and I didn't tell you everything about what we saw. You were having such a hard time believing, that we even had Magical animal forms. So we were a little concerned about what would happen, if we told you everything. But I'm showing this to you now, because we are going to need your help this weekend. And if you're going to help us, you need to know." I said to her seriously.
Hermione looked at me worried about what, she would learn from the copy of my memory. But again this was Hermione, her desire to know won out over the fear of what she would learn. So with her wand she scooped up the memory and brought it to her temple. As the grey wispy memory faded into her head. She looked dazed for a moment before she screamed.
"YOU'VE GOT BOTH - BUT THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!" Hermione yelled, shocked to her very core.
"Hermione. I would think that by now you would have learned that I'm the King - or maybe I should say, Queen - of the impossible." I replied, smirking.
"But how can this be, Luna?" Hermione asked, confused by what she had just learned.
"At first, We didn't understand how it was possible either. But after we visited Gringotts the other night, we finally found out why. You see, Harry and I are soul mates. The Goblins already consider me to be Harry's wife, they even called me Mrs. Potter. So I guess we're pretty much stuck with each other. And both of us couldn't be happier about it. In fact I'm already wearing, the Lady Potter family ring." I said, as I held up my hand with the ring on it. And wished that Hermione would be able to see it.
Hermione looked at me and then my hand. Amazed by both of these revelations.
"Do you know how rare soul mates are, Luna." She asked still shocked.
"Well since both my parents were also soul mates, maybe not as rare as you might think." I suggested.
"Luna, everyone probably has a Soul mate. What's rare is actually finding yours, during your lifetime." Hermione replied, sounding a bit jealous about it.
"Again Miss Impossible here." I reminded Hermione, as if it explained everything. And in my case, I guess it sort of did.
"What else did you find out at Gringotts." Hermione asked.
"Well when we were at Gringotts, we found my Dad's journal in the Potter family vault. It had all of my Dad's notes, on how to become an Animagus. Including a technique that can greatly accelerate, how fast you can learn to master the Animagus transformation. So that it takes only a few months, instead of several years. Harry also believes that we might be able to master it even quicker. Because of our increased Magical capacity we gained from the merging of our magical cores by switching forms. This quicker technique involves a potion, that transforms you into your animal form for 24 hours. So that you can see and feel what it's like, to be in your animal form. This also helps make it easier, to complete the transformation a second time. Because your body is already familiar, with what it's like to be in that form." I explained to Hermione.
"So why do you need my help?" She asked, knowing that there was more to it.
"We need your help since there are some risks, when using this faster technique. Because evidently the most dangerous time learning to become an Animagus. Is during the first time you make a complete transformation, into your animal form. If you're not careful you can accidentally go too far and actually change into your animal completely. If this happens you'll forget you were ever human and become your animal permanently. This can happen if your self image as a human, is replaced with your animal form. Because the Animagus reversal spell uses this self image, to change you back into your real self. But the spell can't work, if your human self image has been over written by your animal form. You will lose the ability to change back. This is why the traditional method is safer. Because it uses several meditation techniques, to make your human self image more fixed and defined. This helps prevent you from, getting stuck in your animal form accidentally. But it also tends to make it take much longer, to achieve your first complete transformation. Because having a more rigid and fixed self image of your human self. Makes it more difficult to successfully change into your animal form. Since this stronger self image, tends to work against your ability to complete the Animagus transformation." I continued to explain to her.
"If it's so dangerous, why risk it in the first place." Hermione asked seriously.
"Because it's fairly safe if you take certain precautions. My father's journal has several methods to use. That's why we need you to be there when we take the 24 hour Animagus potion. To talk to us and help us keep thinking like human beings, even while we are in our animal forms. This is one of the techniques that my Dad's journal says to use, to keep us from becoming our animal completely. The other is to have something in mind that you really want to do. But can only do as a human being. For me, I want to get married and have a family with Harry the person I love most. You then remind yourself about it, at least every hour. And about the human form that you'll need, to be able to achieve them. This temporarily fortifies your human self image." I said, trying hard not to blush about the things I wanted most. About having a future with Harry being his wife and eventually being the mother of our children.
"I think I understand and I'll do it. But you and Harry will have to do the same for me and Ron. When the time comes for us." Hermione insisted.
"Okay, I guess that's only fair. We plan on using the 24 hour Animagus potion, this Saturday after Quidditch try-outs." As I told her of our plans.
"Where are you going to hide for 24 hours in your animal forms, in here?" She asked, as Hermione gestured to the Room of Requirement.
"Originally we planned on using it here but after visiting Gringotts. We have an even better place to hide out for 24 hours." I smiled mysteriously at Hermione.
"Well you're going to have to tell me eventually, if you want me to help." She said, a little annoyed at me for keeping her in the dark.
"I have every intention of telling you about it but I figured I'd wait till Harry gets here. Since we haven't even been there yet ourselves. It shouldn't be long now, it's almost lunch time." I said, thinking Harry should be along soon.
"Can he even find us here?" Hermione asked me.
"That's an interesting question. The Marauders map has been in here before and I believe it has a self mapping charm that adds any place it has been. So yes, Harry should be able to see that this is where we are. He'll probably come to find us, when he is done with his tests." I replied, as I reassured Hermione that Harry shouldn't have any trouble finding us here.
"I was wondering how does the 24 hour Animagus potion work, when you have two forms? I mean which one will you turn into the Phoenix or the Unicorn?" Hermione asked, curious about how it works.
"That's yet another good question Hermione, I hadn't even thought of that." I answered, as I reached over and grabbed my book bag. And pulled out the copy of my Dad's journal.
I thought for a moment about how the 24 hour Animagus potion works, when you have more than one form. I then opened the journal and quickly read what it said. Fortunately there was a note in my Dad's journal, about what to do when you have more than one animal form. It said, the trick was to think about which of your animal forms. That you wanted to transform into first. Then drink the potion, while thinking of that animal form. Fairly simple really, I wonder what would have happened if I just drank it. I probably would have turned into my animal form the Phoenix. But it would probably be best if Harry and I, were both in the same animal form. That way we should be able to still communicate at least with each other.
"What does it say?" Hermione asked, as she brought me back from my thoughts.
"It says you just think of the animal form you wish to change into and then drink the potion. The one you were thinking of at the time, is the one that you'll change into." I answered her question.
"Can I see your Dad's journal?" She asked, as I handed the book to her.
She opened it and flipped through it and said.
"There isn't anything written in it!" Hermione said annoyed at the empty book.
"That's strange, it did when I held it. Maybe you didn't use it correctly. What did you want to know about?" I asked her.
"I wanted to see what you had just read." She quickly answered back.
"It should have opened right to what you wanted to know about. Here give it back to me, I'll look something up. While you look over my shoulder." I suggested to Hermione, as she handed the book back to me.
Once I had the book back in my hands, I thought of the same thing as before and opened the book. The information was there just as before. As I felt Hermione looking over my shoulder.
"Can you see it?" I asked curious if she could.
"I can see writing on the pages. But it's like it's too far away to read it." She answered sounding frustrated.
"Then come around and sit right next to me and see if you can read it." I suggested to her.
She came back around and sat as close as possible, leaning over and looking at the book that was open on my lap. She squinted and continued to look really hard at it. Hermione then turned to me and said.
"I should be able to read it but I can't make any of it out. There must be some sort of protection on it." Hermione speculated about the journal.
"Maybe only Potters can read it?" I thought, since both Harry and I could both read it.
"But I thought that you're not technically a Potter any more? I mean the Marauders map still says that you're Luna Lovegood now, doesn't it?" She asked, curious if something had changed.
"Well the last time I looked at the map, it still said Luna Lovegood on it." I answered her.
"Maybe it's the family ring that lets you read the journal. You did say that the ring technically makes you the new Lady Potter. Even though you're not legally married yet." Hermione pointed out.
"That's very true. But Director Ragnok did say that if Harry and I filed the correct papers, with the Ministry of Magic. We could legally be considered married, as far as the Wizarding World is concerned. But we haven't filed any such paper work. We weren't planning on getting married officially, until after we graduate from Hogwarts." I said confused by all of this.
"Really, Harry has already asked you to marry him!" Hermione gushed at the very thought.
"Well he hasn't got down on one knee and asked properly. But the subject has came up in several conversations and he has been very clear about his intentions. In a way, I kind of think he already considers us married. And honestly I kind of feel the same way." I explained to Hermione, as a familiar voice said.
"I don't think I could have said it any better myself sweetheart. Except to say that once you've found your other half, everything else is just icing on the cake." Harry said sounding rather pleased.
As we turned and saw Harry standing at the door.
"Besides I'd marry you today, if it wouldn't be viewed as suspicious. As far as everyone else knows we've only been dating less than a week. If I was to suddenly marry you, people would think you used a love potion on me. Should I even ask, what brought this up?" Harry asked curious about the current topic.
"I had been explaining our plans for this weekend to Hermione, when we discovered that she can't read my Dad's journal. This led to us wondering why that was, we figured that the book is protected in some way. Allowing only a Potter to be able to read it, so we were speculating about my marital status and such. By the way, the Marauders map still shows me as Luna Lovegood doesn't it? I mean, it hasn't changed to Luna Potter for some reason has it?" I asked Harry.
"No, it still says you're Luna Lovegood. When I used it to find where you girls were at. Once I had finished my O.W.L.'s and took my placement tests. As for why you can read the journal, it's really quite simple, because you are a Potter. You have the family ring on your finger, that makes you the current Lady Potter. With all the rights and privileges." Harry answered me.
"We had thought that might be the best explanation for it." Hermione added her thoughts to the conversation.
"If you think about it, it makes perfect sense that only a Potter should be able to read them. Because they are for the Potter families use only. If we decide to pass some of the knowledge that we learn from the journals, it's up to us to share it or not. The protections probably exist, in case someone got their hands on one of the family journals. But with these protections it would effectively make any of the journals useless to them." Harry said, as he explained his thinking.
"How many are there?" Hermione asked.
"One for every Potter in the last several hundred years. I didn't take an exact count but it looked like there were several hundred of them at least." I answered Hermione.
"There are that many of them?" Hermione asked surprised by this.
"Yes, there was even one for both Harry and me. I even picked up mine and flipped through it. It documented my life as Harry Potter until, the day I became Luna. From then on it was about my life as Luna, up to the very moment I picked up the book. Apparently it self updates, I bet mine used to say Harry Potter on the cover, until I switched with Luna. Now it says Luna Potter on the cover, even though it is mostly about my life as Harry Potter." I explained to her.
"I wonder how it works." Hermione said aloud, as she thought about what it would take to do something like this.
"I don't know exactly how it does it. But it still seems to work fine, even after several hundred years. I'll bet the first book is about the person who created the charms. I'm sure that persons journal, would be able to explain how it was done. We were in kind of a hurry to get back here before curfew. So we didn't spend a lot of time, thinking about how it worked exactly." I continued explaining.
"If you do ever look into it, I'd be very curious what you learn." Hermione said hopefully.
I really wasn't as curious as Hermione was about the journals. But I guess at some point it would be interesting to find out more about them.
"I think we have more pressing things at the moment. But if I find something out about them, I'll let you know." I said to Hermione.
With that settled I turned to Harry to ask how his tests went.
"I take it you passed without any problems." I asked him, not worried in the slightest.
"It wasn't a problem at all, Outstandings on both tests. And I even tested to seventh year levels on both subjects. I now have a note saying that I can attend, both Arithmancy and Ancient Runes as of today. So after lunch I can escort you lovely ladies to both classes." Harry offered.
"About lunch Harry, I thought we might use this as an excellent opportunity to visit Potter Manor. We really need to see if it has enough room, for what we plan on doing there this Saturday. Besides we also need to unblock the floo and add Hermione to the list of people that are allowed entry." I reminded him.
"I guess a quick peek wouldn't hurt but it will probably mean we won't have time for lunch today." Harry said, not sounding bothered about not eating till later.
"Potter Manor? That's where you plan on using the 24 hour Animagus potion?" Hermione asked, surprised that there even was a Potter Manor.
"That was the idea, I'd expect there to be quite a bit more room and lots of places to explore. It would be better than being cooped up in here for 24 Hours." I answered, certain that Potter Manor would definitely work better for what we had in mind.
"It would certainly give you more room to run or fly, depending on which form you decide to use. Whatever you choose, it would certainly be much better than here." Hermione agreed.
"You told her about us sharing Animagus forms?" Harry asked surprised.
"Hermione needed to know, especially if she's going to help us this Saturday." I explained to Harry.
"I'm not mad, just a little surprised that she's taking it so well. We were very worried about how you would react to it." Harry said as he turned to Hermione.
"Well you didn't hear my initial reaction, after viewing Luna's memory. Of when she took the Animagus reveal potion." Hermione answered.
"Well I'm glade we don't need to have you fitted for a straight jacket. It really would have been counter productive, when it came to helping us this weekend." I added, as I turned to Harry and asked.
"Do you think we might be able to leave directly from here?" I asked what he thought.
"There's really only one way to find out. It would be nice not to have to go all the way down to the Main gate, to visit Potter Manor." He answered me.
"What about Hermione, do you think she would be able to go there with one of us?" I asked Harry.
"I don't see why not, most port keys can take more than one person. The only problem is the Manor is still currently in lock down. The wards are set to allow only Potter family members at the moment. We need to add Hermione before she'll be able to visit." Harry answered.
"I thought that maybe if she came with one of us, that it would drop us inside the wards." I asked Harry curious if that might work.
"I don't think it works like that sweetheart. I think We need to go there first and set things up before she can properly visit." Harry explained to me.
"I am very curious about Potter Manor, Luna. But we are going to be there for at least 24 hours, that should give us plenty of time to explore everything. I can wait till Saturday to see it." Hermione said, sounding a little disappointed.
"I'm sorry Hermione, I kind of forgot that Potter Manor was still in lock down. And that the wards will only allow Potter family at the moment." I apologised to her.
"That's okay Luna, there will be lots of time this weekend. I'll see you both at Arithmancy." As Hermione turned and left the Room of Requirement.
"Well that just leaves us, shall we see if we can Portkey from here?" Harry asked me.
"Okay, let's try it!" I said, excited about visiting the Potter ancestral home.
"Okay then, on the count of three." Harry said as he took my hand.
"1, 2, 3, take me home." We both said, as I felt the familiar tug behind the naval.
Grandfather Charles was right, it seemed to drop us in what appeared to be the main entry foyer. I looked around the room, there was a very large fireplace. Behind us was a large set of double doors, that looked to be the main entry to the house. The walls were covered with wood panelling, probably mahogany. There were several fancy looking chairs and couches.
"I guess it worked." I said to Harry.
"It most certainly did, my dear girl." Said the familiar voice of Charles Potter.
As I looked up at a painting that was hanging over the Fireplace. And saw Charles and Dorea Potter, looking down at Harry and I.
"Welcome to Potter Manor, Harry and Luna." Dorea Potter, greeted us.
"Thank you, it's very nice." I said, as I continued to look around the room.
There were tapestries with the Potter family crest, as well as three sets of armour. Everything was very well kept, considering that no one had been there in several years.
"We weren't expecting you to visit so soon. There isn't anything wrong is there?" Charles asked sounding concerned.
"No everything is fine, we just had a spare moment. And decided to have a quick look around. We plan to visit this weekend with a friend. So I guess we need to unblock the floo and add our friend to those who are allowed to visit." Harry explained to our Grandparents.
"Well then you'll need to call Magnus and Corin. They will be able to guide you to the room, that controls the wards and other protections for Potter Manor. I'll meet you there." Charles said to us.
"We have already told them that there was a new Lord and Lady Potter. And that you would be visiting soon, they were very excited. And they immediately started cleaning and getting things ready for your visit." Dorea added.
"Magnus, Corin." I called, as there was two quick pops.
That announced the arrival of two House Elves, one male the other female. They were both dressed in black and white uniforms. The male one had a suit on, while the female Elf had a very pretty dress. Both had the Potter family crest embroidered on there uniforms.
"Yes, Mistress." They answered together.
"Hello, you must be Magnus and Corin?" I asked them.
"Yes, Mistress. I is Magnus and this is my wife Corin." He said proudly, as he gestured to the female Elf.
"I'm very happy to meet you both. My name is Luna and this is Harry." I said to the little Elves.
"Corin and Magnus are very happy to have a new Master and Mistress to serve." Corin said happily.
"Could you show us to the room, that controls the wards and other protections for Potter Manor." Harry asked the Elves.
"Of course Magnus can, Master Harry. Follow Magnus, Master Harry and Mistress Luna." Magnus said, as he headed over to the door next to the fireplace.
We followed him through the door and into a large room with two grand staircases. That lead to the second floor of the house. Between the two staircases was another door, this door is where Magnus was leading us. He opened the door, as we followed him in. This room was smaller, yet similarly decorated. There were more tapestries and a couple more suits of armour. There was two other things I noticed, one was a pedestal that held a very large book with a quill and pot of ink. The other was a large table, with what appeared to be a model of Potter Manor and the surrounding property. It was under what appeared to be a glass case. A quick look at the surrounding lands, it showed a gate house, stables, a large garden and a full size Quidditch Pitch. I looked up at Harry amazed by how big Potter Manor was. There would be plenty of room and places for either of our animal forms to explore.
"Well I see Magnus has brought you, to the room that controls all of Potter Manors protections." Charles Potter said, from yet another painting.
"How do I end the lock-down on Potter Manor and unblock the floo." Harry asked his Grandfather.
"The book on the pedestal, controls every protection on Potter Manor. To change anything, all you have to do is tap it with your wand. And command it as the current Lord or Lady Potter, to end the lock down." Charles Potter said, as he gestured to the book on the pedestal.
Harry walked over to the book and pulled out his wand and said.
"I Lord Harry James Potter, command that Potter Manor is no longer under lock down." Harry commanded.
The glass case that covered the model disappeared. The case must have been some sort of physical manifestation that Potter Manor was under lock down. And now that it was gone I guess it had ended.
"Did it change anything else?" Harry asked his Grandfather.
"It only removed the lock down that was on Potter Manor, all other protections still remain in place. I wouldn't suggest changing any of the other protections for now." Charles answered.
"How do I add my friend that I want to be able to visit this weekend?" Harry asked, the elder Potter.
"The book should be opened to the permissions page, it should show who is currently allowed to enter Potter Manor. Just use the quill to add the name of your friend." Harry's Grandfather explained.
So Harry picked up the quill and dipped it in the ink pot. The only two names on the page were, Harry Potter and Luna Potter. So Harry added Hermione Jean Granger to the list.
"With the lock down ended, is the floo unblocked or do I still need to unblock it?" Harry asked his Grandfather.
"There is no need to do anything else. Since the lock down has ended, the floo is now unblocked. You, Luna or your friend can now use the floo network, anyone else won't be allowed entry." Grandfather Charles answered.
"Is there anything else we should do while we are here, Grandfather." Harry asked, making sure that something wasn't missed.
"No that should do it for now. But remember Potter Manor is now yours and Luna's home. Visit as often as you can. Until such time you can move in permanently." Harry's Grandfather said.
"We will Grandfather. We're sorry we can't stay longer. But we still have three more classes" I said to the elder Potter.
"We'll be back this Saturday and plan on staying overnight." Harry said, to the painting of Charles Potter.
"How are we going to get back to Hogwarts Harry?" I asked, not sure what Harry had in mind.
"Well we could Apparate to the main gates, use the floo to the Headmistresses office or I think Magnus could probably bring us right back to Hogwarts Main Doors." Harry suggested.
"Magnus." Harry called.
"Yes, Master Harry?" The little Elf answered.
"Can you bring us back to Hogwarts?" Harry asked Magnus.
"Oh yes, Magnus can take you." The little Elf said happily.
So with that settled we both took one of the little Elf's hands.
"Okay Magnus take us back to Hogwarts." Harry requested.
Then with a pop we disappeared from Potter Manor and reappeared at the Main Doors at Hogwarts.
"Thank you Magnus, we'll see you Saturday." I said to the little Elf, as he left with a pop.
We quickly made our way inside and headed to our Arithmancy class. By the time we arrived, class was about to start. Thankfully Hermione was saving seats for us. So Harry and I quickly sat down in them, after Harry handed his note to Professor Vector.
"Welcome to Arithmancy Mr. Potter. It is almost unheard of for a student to join this class in their seventh year. According to your note from the Headmistress, you have been studying Arithmancy in private. As well as being tutored by Miss Lovegood. And have successfully passed the O.W.L.'s for both Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. As well as testing to seventh year levels in both classes, very impressive." Professor Vector commented, as she handed Harry's note back to him.
"Thank you, Professor Vector. I couldn't have done it without Luna's help." Harry said, as he placed his hand on mine and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Well done Miss Lovegood." Professor Vector said, as she looked toward me sounding very pleased.
She then turned and took attendance. And collected last Tuesdays homework. She was a bit surprised to see that Harry turned in the assignment as well. Once Professor Vector had everyone's homework, she began her lecture on Arithmancy. As I listened to her lecture, I was pleased to find that I was able to follow and understand the subject. When it came time to give examples, she would ask various students questions. She called on both me and Harry, neither of us had any problems answering her questions. Later Professor Vector called on students to solve various problems on the chalk board. Again Harry and I were called up at different times to solve a problem. With my new knowledge of Arithmancy it wasn't very difficult to work out the solution. I even enjoyed myself and found Arithmancy very interesting. I could see why Harry enjoyed it so much. When Class was almost over, Professor Vector assigned our homework.
"Read chapter 17 and work the problems at the end of the chapter. Be sure to show your work when you turn it in next Tuesday." She finished, as the bell rang and the students got up to leave.
Hermione was waiting by the door for us, she looked a little troubled. As she followed us to our next class. I could tell that she really wanted to say something. So I pulled her and Harry into an empty class room.
"Okay Hermione, what's bothering you now." I asked, already having a pretty good idea of what was troubling her. As I turned to cast a few privacy spells.
"I can't help feeling that you and Harry, were being a bit dishonest in Arithmancy class." Hermione replied.
"Well Hermione, I really don't want to have to tell everyone that we switched places. Just to explain, why Harry knows everything about Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. Is that really what you want us to do?" I asked, Hermione seriously.
"No, of course not. I know that would cause all sorts of problems, for you and Harry." She answered.
"Besides when Harry was Luna, and she went to every Arithmancy class, did all the work for the last several years. Shouldn't she be allowed to continue, even though he's now Harry? Should he be punished for the poor choices I made, because I foolishly listened to Ron. And took the easy road academically." I asked Hermione.
"No you're right, he should be allowed to continue. And yes, he shouldn't be punished." Hermione answered.
"All we did was to try and come up with the most plausible reason, that would explain Harry's knowledge in Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. So that he would be able to continue with two of his favourite classes, that he really enjoys. Is it really so wrong, to want to help him be able to do that." I continued to explain to Hermione.
"No, it's exactly the sort of thing to do for someone you care about." Hermione said honestly.
"So then what is bothering you Hermione? Maybe this isn't about Harry at all, maybe this is really about me. And you think I'm cheating by being in these classes. Is that it? Do you want me to quit Hermione, will that make you happy?" I asked her honestly.
"No, I don't want you to do that." Hermione said.
"Well that's good. Because I can't quit Hermione, even if I wanted to. It would cause more problems than it would solve. Quitting would send up all kinds of red flags. And could possibly lead to exposing the fact that we switched places. I'm not doing this for some sort of academic gain. I'm doing this to protect both me and Harry's privacy." I continued to explain my thinking to her.
"But it was dishonest, saying that Luna taught you everything you know about Arithmancy." Hermione complained, as she looked at Harry and me.
"I'm sorry that you feel that we are being dishonest. But to protect our secret, sometimes we are going to have to be a little creative with the facts." I explained to her.
"Besides Hermione, I didn't technically lie. Everything I learned about Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. I did learn from Luna Lovegood. Of course I left out the fact, that I learned them while I was Luna." Harry said, with a Cheeky smile.
"You're right, I guess I am being a bit silly about this." Hermione said, sounding a bit embarrassed.
"This is exactly why we didn't want to tell anyone, it complicates things." I said to Hermione.
"Hermione if something is bothering you, by all means come to us about it. But you need to understand that a lot of what we do and say. Isn't done to take advantage of our situation, it's done more to protect our privacy and secrets." Harry added, hoping we had finally satisfied Hermione's concerns.
"So are we good Hermione?" I asked her, as she nodded and said.
"I'm sorry that I bothered you both with something so trivial. But I feel a lot better about it now that I've talked to you about it." Hermione answered.
"Then we better get to Ancient Runes before we're late." Harry gestured to the door, as I cancelled the privacy spells.
Luckily we arrived just in time for Ancient Runes class. Not surprisingly it went very similar to Arithmancy. Professor Babbling was surprised to find out that Harry would now be attending Ancient Runes. And after Professor Babbling took attendance. She was even more shocked, when he actually turned in last Tuesdays homework. Just like everyone else did. Once Professor Babbling had everyone's homework, she began today's lecture on Ancient Runes. As I listened to her lecture, I was pleased to find that I could now understand and follow along in Runes. When it came time to give examples she would ask various students questions. She called on both Harry as well as me. Neither of us had any problems answering her questions. Later Professor Babbling called on several students, to translate various sequences of Runes on the chalk board. Again Harry and I were each called on to translate one of these sequences. With my new found knowledge of Ancient Runes it wasn't very difficult to solve. I even enjoyed myself and found Runes a very useful subject. When Class was ready to end, Professor Babbling assigned another chapter to read. As well as various Runes to translate at the end of the chapter for homework.
"Read chapter 19 and translate the sequences of Aztec Runes at the end of the chapter. Be sure to show how you arrived at your translation, when you turn it in at next Tuesdays class." Professor Babbling finished, as the bell rang and the students got up to head to their next class.
So we left Ancient Runes together with Hermione. And made our way to History of Magic with Professor Binns. Neville, Ginny and Ron were all waiting outside the classroom.
"Hey guys" Neville greeted us warmly. With Ginny standing beside him, who also said a quick hello.
As Harry turned to all of us and said.
"Well is everyone ready, for yet another riveting lesson in History of Magic class?" Harry asked sarcastically, as Hermione gave him a dirty look.
"It's not that bad." Hermione insisted, not sounding very convincing when she said it.
"It's a shame that there isn't double History of Magic, I could use the extra rest." Ron said in jest, trying to be funny.
"Ron! You shouldn't be sleeping in class." Hermione said, sounding annoyed with her boyfriend.
"I wasn't being serious about it. I was just trying to lighten the mood." Ron defended himself.
"Hermione you've got to admit that Professor Binns lectures and teaching style, doesn't exactly do the subject justice. It's long past time for Professor Binns to be properly retired. And replaced with a Professor, who can breath new life into the subject." Harry said, as I nodded in agreement.
"I suppose you're right, Professor McGonagall can't be satisfied with the quality of teaching in History of Magic. I wonder why she hasn't replaced Professor Binns?" Hermione wondered.
"My guess is between repairs to the castle and other preparations for reopening Hogwarts. That she didn't have time to find replacement Professors, for more than Muggle Studies and Defence Against the Dark Arts. Let alone replacing herself as the Transfiguration Professor." Harry speculated.
"I guess that's true. It can't be easy being Headmistress, teaching Transfiguration all while she's still the head of house for Gryffindor." Hermione agreed, as she realised the difficult position the Headmistress was in.
"I don't know about you guys but I'm glad Professor McGonagall is still teaching transfiguration. Since it's my last year at Hogwarts, it just wouldn't feel right with someone else teaching it." I said honestly, as everyone nodded in agreement.
"You're not the only one Luna, I feel exactly the same way." Ginny said to me.
"I wouldn't be surprised to find out that Professor McGonagall, wanted to replace Professor Binns. But just couldn't make it happen in time for this year." Neville added.
With that final comment we entered the classroom and took our seats, as Ginny and Neville sat next to each other. They seemed to be getting along quite nicely. They still weren't officially a couple yet but I knew it was just a matter of time. As Harry leaned over and gave me a quick kiss before class started. I wish I could say the quality of History of Magic had improved. But as Professor Binns once again droned on about yet another pointless Goblin rebellion. I continued to find it difficult to pay attention. I would think that anyone could make the subject more interesting. Than Professor Binns way of teaching the subject. While the class seemed to drag on and on. Eventually even History of Magic had to end.
What was left of the rest of the week flew by quickly as I suffered through the rest of my first period. I was right about it not being fun but I managed to bare the symptoms. My period went pretty much how Harry said it would. Thanks to his advice, I was coping about as well as could be expected under the circumstances. When I wasn't dealing with my period, I was going to classes studying or doing my homework with Harry in the Library. Or when I felt up to it, we did a little snogging in the Room of Requirement.
Also whenever we had some free time we continued studying everything about our animal forms. As well as the techniques we would need to successfully perform the Animagus transformation. We also involved Hermione in our practice sessions on the Animagus reversal spell, just in case.
When Saturday had finally arrived my period was finally over and I was feeling much better. I thought my chances were also very good, about winning the Seeker position on the Ravenclaw team. But first I would have to beat five other Ravenclaw hopefuls, who were also here for the try outs. Apparently most of the Ravenclaw team from last year, was returning except the Seeker who had graduated.
"Hello I'm Michael Corner this years Quidditch Captain for team Ravenclaw. I reserved the Pitch for team practice and try outs for the position of Seeker. There are six of you who are trying out for Seeker. When I say go, I want you all to mount your brooms and make five laps around the Pitch. The first four that make it back will move on to the next round. Are you ready!" He said.
"Yes!" We all answered at once.
"GO!" Michael yelled for us to start.
With that we were off, I was follow closely by another girl and boy from younger years. The Girl looked to be a fifth year, while the boy was either a third or fourth year. The others were further back, I decided it was time to see what this broom could really do. I quickly accelerated to the Nimbus 2100's top speed. I was starting to pull away as I completed the first lap around the pitch. By the time I completed the second lap, I was quite a bit ahead of the others. A little over a minute later I completed my third lap. I could see ahead, that I was catching up with the slowest of the would be Seeker hopefuls. It looked like I was going to lap three of them as I came up on lap four. This was the last lap and I almost passed the fourth slowest, by the time I completed the fifth and final lap. I landed right next to Michael Corner, as we waited for the rest to finish.
"Good flying Lovegood, been taking lessons from your boyfriend?" Michael teased me.
"You could say that Harry Potter taught me everything I know about flying." I replied with a silly grin.
I looked up in the stands as Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny and Neville cheered and waved. So I happily waved back to them.
By now all the other Seeker hopefuls had finally completed their five laps.
"Okay I need the top four finishers, to come over here. You other two sorry, better luck next year." Michael said to a second and third year boy and girl.
No wonder they were so slow, they were both using school brooms. I felt a little guilty having a broom that was second only to a Firebolt. Oh well they have several years ahead of them, to eventually make the team. As I turned back to listen to Michael, about the next test for us potential Seekers.
"Okay the next test is pairing you up and competing in a best of three contest of catching the practice snitch. The pairs will be determined by drawing straws. Two are blue tipped, the others are silver tipped. Step forward and draw your straw." Michael said.
As Michael stepped forward and held his hand out to us. Everyone took there turn, I was last to draw. I got a blue tipped one, as I looked over at the others. I noticed that the boy who finished third also had a blue tipped straw. I guess I would be competing against him.
"Okay blue is up first. Lovegood and Latimer, you're up first. The rules are simple, I'll let the snitch go and count to five and say go. Are you ready?" Michael asked.
"Yes!" We both answered, as I noticed Latimer was using a newer Cleansweeps as his broom.
"Okay!" as he let the snitch go. "One! Two! Three! Four! Five! GO!" He yelled.
And we were off. I had watched the direction the snitch flew and quickly headed that way. I thought I caught a gleam of gold to my right as I quickly veered in that direction. Latimer was following closely as I caught sight of the snitch. It zipped at high speed to the right as it gained altitude. I corrected my course and increased speed, never taking my eyes off it. I was starting to gain on it. As it once again changed its direction of flight. I effortlessly changed course to match the snitches new direction. As I continued to gain on the snitch. I continued to watch it closely as it gave a twitch. From my experience this usually meant the snitch was about to turn rapidly and double back suddenly. With this in mind I quickly prepared to do a sloth grip roll and catch it as it tries to double back. The snitch broke from it's path and doubled back just like I expected. As I rolled inverted, reached out and caught it with my free hand. Rolling right side up and holding the snitch in my hand. Latimer flew nearby and clapped at my victory that round. It was nice that he was being a good sport about it. We finally made it back to Michael and landed.
"Nice work Lovegood. Nice try Latimer. Ready for round two?" Michael asked, as I handed him the snitch.
"I don't think that will be necessary. I was seriously outclassed, both by her skill and her broom. Another round won't change the results. I concede to Luna." Said Daniel Latimer.
"Are you sure?" I asked, not wanting him give up so quickly.
"Oh I'm sure. There's always next year." He said with a grin.
"Okay silver pair, Perkins and Chambers you're up." Michael said.
Melody Perkins came in second after me in the race around the Pitch. She was using one of the newest Comet brooms. The younger lad named Chambers was using one of the older Cleansweeps. This match didn't last long either as Melody Perkins won two in a row. Shutting out her competition completely, I felt bad for the poor boy. But again there was always next year.
"Okay Lovegood and Perkins. I'm going to run a couple quick plays with the rest of the team. I'll be back in about ten minutes, that should give you enough time to rest before your final match. Be ready to go by then." He said, as he turned mounted his broom and flew up to where the rest of the team was practising.
After ten minutes of Michael running plays with the rest of the team, he returned to start the final round. To see who would be Ravenclaw's new Seeker.
"Okay, Lovegood and Perkins. This is it, the best of three catches becomes our new Seeker." Michael explained.
"Ready! Set!" And with that Michael let the Snitch go, and counted to five.
"GO!" Michael finally yelled for us to start.
Seconds later we both chased after it. We chased it all over the pitch. I managed to catch the first one. But Perkins caught the second one, when she got a lucky break when the Snitch turned and flew right at her. We were tied, it all came down to who won the next round in the competition. Michael released the Snitch and counted to 5, as Melody and I took off after the snitch. We once again chased it up and down the pitch, as we came close to using our brooms top speeds. It was a very close race as we zoomed after the snitch, neck and neck around the pitch. At times we both performed some very impressive flying moves. But I definitely had an advantage over Perkins. She was good but I was better. So in the end I was able to use my many years of experience, to my advantage and beat Melody Perkins to the Snitch.
"Congratulations Lovegood! Welcome aboard you're officially our new seeker." Michael Corner said.
"There is no need to post this years roster it's the same as last year, except with Luna Lovegood as our new Seeker. But the list I will turn into Madam Hooch and Professor Flitwick will be as follows." He continued.
Ravenclaw's Quidditch team members are the following.
Michael Corner / Chaser and captain
Orla Quirke / Chaser
Su Li / Chaser
Morag McDougal / Beater
Terry Boot / Beater
Stewart Ackerley / Keeper
Luna Lovegood / Seeker
"Practice is every other Saturday at noon. Okay everyone hit the showers." Michael Corner said.
I quickly went over to Harry and the others as they made their way down to the field from the spectators seats. Harry rapidly approached as he picked me up in his arms and spun me around. Till he eventually put me down, then pulled me in close as he claimed my lips. My toes curled, as he deepened the kiss. It was very nice, I probably wouldn't have stopped kissing Harry. If we weren't interrupted, by the cat calls from our friends. Oh well, let them watch.
"Congratulations Luna!" Everyone said, happy for me that I made the team.
"That was some incredible flying Luna, I guess all those practice sessions with Harry really paid off." Ginny exclaimed, about my effort to win the Seeker position.
"I had no doubt you would make the team sweetheart! You're an excellent Seeker, Luna!" Harry said as he praised my flying.
"Thanks Harry, I couldn't have done it without this broom and your coaching me." I said, as I held up my broom and gave Harry a wink.
"Nonsense, you're a natural Luna." Harry argued, and returned the wink.
"When did you learn to fly like that Luna? You've never shown, that kind of talent when we were kids." Ron observed.
"Harry taught me some of his moves and I never had this good of a broom before, when we played at the Burrow." I explained, starting to worry that Ron was getting suspicious. He didn't seem to be buying my explanation.
I hadn't meant to do it but when I was up there, flying against the other Seeker candidates. I couldn't help myself, I flew and reacted instinctively to catch the Snitch. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that Ron would notice, that my flying style and signature moves were exactly like those of Harry Potter's. It just figures that Quidditch would be the thing, that causes Ron to figure out our secret.
(To be continued)