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 Eleven
After try outs were over, Harry, Hermione and I planned to meet each other back at the courtyard. From there we would leave for Potter Manor. That is after we each returned from our dorms, to pick up a bag with our clothes. And other things we would need for the overnight trip. Of course Harry and I would spend most of the time in one of our animal forms. So we wouldn't need new clothes, until after the 24 hour Animagus potion wears off. If we are successful I had something very special planned for me and Harry tomorrow.
Ron continued to watch us as we made our way back up to the school. He finally turned to Hermione and asked.
"Hermione, could you look over my Astronomy homework. I'm not sure if I properly named all the stars in the constellation we observed last night?" Ron asked hopefully.
"I'll be happy to give it a look, when I get back tomorrow night." Hermione answered.
"You're leaving, where are you going?" Ron asked, surprised that Hermione was going somewhere.
"I'm going off school grounds with Harry and Luna. I promised to help them with a special research project. We won't be back until sometime tomorrow evening." She replied.
"Can I come along, it's going to be pretty boring here with all three of you gone." He almost begged.
"I don't think you'll find, what we'll be doing all that interesting." Hermione tried to lie convincingly.
But Ron clearly didn't believe a word of it and was now starting to get angry. As he turned to us and said sounding more than a bit annoyed.
"What's with all the secrets all the sudden, we use to tell each other everything. And always looked out for one another. Now all I get from my girlfriend and so called best friend are vague answers or half truths." Ron said bitterly.
By this time we had already made it back into the castle and were headed up the main stairs. We had almost made it to the third floor, when Harry turned to Ron and said.
"Okay Ron, obviously something is bothering you. But before you get yourself all worked up about it, I'd suggest we moved this conversation to somewhere more private." Harry said, as he gestured for us to follow him.
Harry ended up leading us back to the same unused classroom. Where Harry and I switched places a little more than a week ago. Once we were all inside, Harry again cast a few privacy spells. To insure that what was discussed in private, would remain that way.
"Okay Ron, what has got your knickers in a twist?" Harry asked Ron.
Ron looked at each of us hesitantly, before he finally started to speak.
"Well I guess for me, it all started about a week ago. When Hermione started to notice, little odd things you were doing Harry. At first I didn't take her concerns very seriously. And thought that she was just imagining things. But over the next few days, she continued pointing out more and more of these unusual behaviours to me. Then last Tuesday after Herbology, we had another rather heated argument about it. Where Hermione once again insisted, that there was something strange going on between the two of you. But when I asked her later that same day, why she had finally dropped the subject. She brushed the question aside and said that I was right. It was just a case of her imagination, getting the better of her. At the time I had no reason to doubt her explanation, so I dropped the subject as well. After all my girlfriend wouldn't lie to me, would she?" Ron said a little sarcastically.
Hermione looked a little hurt by Ron's attitude but remained silent for the moment.
"I probably would have left it at that. If not for the fact that several other strange things happened. Even I started to wonder exactly what was going on. Like when I found out a few days later at breakfast, that Harry was scheduled to take the O.W.L.'s for Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. When I later asked Hermione about it, she said that Harry had been studying both subjects privately for several years. And that he was also getting tutored, in them both by Luna as well. Even I might have accepted this explanation. If I hadn't been around Harry enough to know, that there was no way this could have happened. Not to mention this is exactly the sort of thing, that should have sent Hermione into another rampage about you and Luna. But she didn't say a thing about it. And Hermione seemed to completely accept the official explanation, without question." Ron continued to say in total disbelief.
As Ron continued to make his case, I began to realise just where he was going with this.
"But I think the thing that finally convinced me was today, at the Ravenclaw try outs for Seeker. As I watched Luna fly around the pitch, it was like she was possessed by Harry Potter. She didn't just fly a little like Harry, she flew exactly like him. And the more I watched, the more sure I was about what I had seen." Ron explained.
"And what exactly did you see, that you were so sure about?" Harry asked him.
"That no matter what anyone says, you can't learn to fly like that in less than a week. Even if you are taught by the great Harry Potter. So there had to be some other explanation. What I couldn't figure out was how it was possible. I know the Polyjuice potion could have done it for an hour. But it's already been longer than that. And yet you're still Luna." Ron observed.
"You make it sound, like you think I'm not Luna." I said to Ron.
"I know how crazy it sounds but only Harry Potter flies like you did today. I've been watching him fly since first year. His style is very unique, it's almost completely instinctual. You may have tried to hide it but when you were in the thick of it chasing the Snitch. You couldn't help showing your true self, you flew exactly the way you always do to win Harry." Ron said to me with certainty.
It was hard to argue against Ron's conclusion, when even I realised the same thing after competition was over. I had hoped that no one else would notice or think that Luna had just picked up a few moves from her boyfriend. But Ron knew me too well, to believe that.
"Besides the only thing that would make Hermione give up, was if you told her the truth. And the only reason she would be less than truthful with me, was if she promised not to say anything. So after all that we've been through together, don't I also deserve to know the truth as well." Ron Finished, as he looked at the three of us.
"Very well Ron, we'll give you the same choices that we gave Hermione. You have two options, one you can either make an unbreakable vow not to reveal anything that you learn from us. Or two, you willingly volunteer to be Obliviated. The choice is yours but know that this isn't being offered or suggested lightly." Harry said to Ron seriously.
Ron looked to Hermione for some sort of confirmation, that the knowledge warranted such an oath.
"I know it sounds a bit extreme Ron but some of this knowledge could be very dangerous in the wrong hands. As for the rest, well it's mostly to protect Harry and Luna's privacy. I chose to make the unbreakable vow and found the things that I learned, certainly justified my making it." Hermione said to Ron honestly.
Ron seemed to be giving it some serious thought. I was fairly sure he didn't want to be Obliviated. But making an unbreakable vow, that just wasn't something done lightly either. After several minutes Ron finally pulled out his wand and said.
"I Ronald Bilius Weasley, swear on my magic not to reveal what I am about to be told by Harry and Luna. Unless I am given permission by them to do so. So mote it be." Ron finished his oath, as there was a momentary glow that appeared around him.
"First of all you shouldn't be so hard on Hermione, she was as honest as she could be without breaking her vow. If you want to be mad at someone, you should be angry with us." I said to Ron.
"And we're also sorry that we even had to ask you to do this Ron. But like Hermione said some of this information and knowledge could be very dangerous in the wrong hands. And could be horribly misused by far less scrupulous people in some very awful ways. That is if it was to become widely known. Because of this and many other reasons, we give you permission to discuss these things with us. As well as the ability to explain things to the other students or anyone else, if it becomes necessary. Because chances are one of them might ask you about some of the things you learn today. And we want you to have the option to answer them, without actually giving anything away." Harry continued to explain to Ron, trying to convey how serious he was about this.
"So I'm right. Somehow you and Luna really did switch bodies with each other?" Ron asked, still having a hard time believing it was true.
"Not exactly Ron, as I told Hermione before this is still my body. It's just been changed into exact duplicate of Luna's." I answered him truthfully.
"Then I'm not loosing my mind, you really are Harry Potter?" He asked me, relieved that he wasn't wrong about this.
"Not any more, Ron. I was Harry Potter but from now on I'm Luna Lovegood. At first we had only intended for this to be temporary. But after a few days of being each other, we both finally decided that we didn't want to change back." I answered Ron honestly.
"But how is this even possible? I mean back in our second year we learned that, the Polyjuice potion could do this for an hour but not permanently." Ron asked, as he wondered how we could stay switched longer.
"Ordinarily you would be right about that, Ron. But let's just say there was a way to make the Polyjuice potion last as long as you wanted. What might this new-found ability effect and what unforeseen consequences could it create? I know you're not stupid Ron, how might this end up being a big problem for the Wizarding World." Harry asked Ron to seriously think about it.
Ron seemed to be giving it some serious thought. But he just couldn't quite grasp the problems it might cause.
"Don't you see Ron, anyone could become anyone else pretty much permanently. If someone wanted to they could kill someone else and take their place. Gaining their youth, property or fortune." Hermione tried to explain to Ron, once again horrified at the very thought that someone might actually do this.
"Hermione's right Ron, so I'm sure you understand how this knowledge could be very dangerous. To someone who wanted to do evil things, with it." Harry said seriously to Ron.
"But why would you and Luna want to switch places with each other?" Ron asked confused.
"Originally as I said, this was only supposed to be for a few days. But it was only this last Monday, that we both decided to make our switch a permanent one. Ron you know both Harry Potter and Luna Lovegood about as well as anybody. Is there really no reason you can think of, why switching might be something we'd both end up preferring?" I asked him Honestly.
Ron thought about it for a moment, then looked at us both and said.
"Well before you and Luna finally became a couple, Harry had been slowly withdrawing from the world and avoiding any contact with the public. He was even starting to have very little to do with us. Hermione, Ginny, Neville and I were all very concerned about you, Harry. Hermione thought that defeating Voldemort should have lifted a great weight off your shoulders. But instead it only seems to have made things worse, causing you to feel even more pressure and guilt. The way Hermione explained it to me, she thought that it must have been almost unbearable for you. Especially when people would constantly remind you of it, by endlessly thanking you for defeating Voldemort. Harry we all knew you were deeply troubled. But try as we might none of us really had any idea what to do about it or how we could help you. To be perfectly honest, I've never felt more helpless in my entire life." Ron explained.
"You were right to worry, Ron. It took Luna offering me the chance to be her for a while, that allowed me the opportunity to be free of the burdens of being Harry Potter for a bit. To eventually understand the problem and why I was willing to entertain such a thing." I said, hoping that Ron might see some of my reasons. For wanting not to be Harry Potter for a while.
"Is that why you did it, she gave you the chance to be her for a bit. And since you were so unhappy with your life, you decided to accept her offer?" Ron asked me, finding this hard to believe.
"That's right Ron, that's pretty much exactly what I was thinking at the time." I answered him honestly.
"But in all the time that I've known you, Harry. I've never got the feeling, that you wanted to be a girl." Ron said, confused that his best male friend was now a girl and wanted to remain one.
"That's because I didn't Ron, I have never had any desire to be a girl. Until I actually spent some time as one. In fact if anyone had told me before we switched, that becoming someone else entirely would be the solution to all my problems. And that the person I would eventually switch with, would be a member of the opposite sex. I would have said they were completely mental. But somehow it turned out to be true, Ron. Not just becoming female, being a female Harry Potter, wouldn't have solved anything. It was becoming someone else entirely, the person just happened to be female. And no one except you and Hermione would have ever suspected. That the person who is now Luna Lovegood was once Harry Potter." I explained to Ron.
Ron once again seemed to be considering what I had said very seriously.
"Okay, I think I understand your reasoning. But why would Luna want to be Harry Potter, is she really happier being a guy?" Ron asked curious.
"Apparently he does like it better, Ron. But why do you think Luna might actually prefer being male?" I asked Ron to seriously consider that thought.
Ron gave it quite a bit of thought but couldn't quite come up with a satisfactory answer. So he looked toward Hermione, hoping she could help him understand why.
"Think about it Ron, think of Luna's personality, her appearance and all the other things that made her a bit different. She's not exactly the most feminine girl. And Luna has never been terribly interested in clothes, makeup or talking about boys like most other girls generally do." Hermione tried to give Ron several hints, as to why Luna might also prefer being switched.
Eventually even Ron began to realise, what Hermione was trying to help him understand. As the answer suddenly dawned on the red headed Gryffindor.
"You've never really liked being female, have you Luna?" Ron asked as he turned and looked toward Harry.
"I've never felt quite right being one, it's almost like I never should have been born a girl. But if it
wasn't for the fact, that I never felt comfortable being female. I most likely never would have had the drive to figure out, a way to make the Polyjuice potion last permanently." Harry answered.
"So basically you both switched places temporarily. But now that you have both had time to think about it. You have decided to make the change permanent?" Ron asked, still finding it difficult to believe we would rather be each other.
"I know it's hard for you to believe Ron. But basically I didn't want to be Harry Potter any more and Luna didn't want to be female. So we traded places and we both got what we wanted most. I'm not Harry Potter and he's not a girl any more. And no one was more surprised than me, that I would actually end up preferring being her." I answered him honestly.
He finally nodded that he understood our reasons for the switch. Then it occurred to him exactly what that meant for me from now on.
"Just how complete is the change Harry?" Ron asked, as he turned a little pink at his question.
"Complete enough that just the other day, I finished having my first period." I said to Ron honestly.
"Really, so that means you could become pregnant now?" He asked, thinking of all the things that were possible. Now that he knew I was completely female.
"Yes Ron it's true, I could become pregnant if we weren't careful. But I don't plan on becoming a mother any time soon. And stop calling me Harry, my name is Luna now." I answered him a little annoyed.
"So how exactly did you manage to make the Polyjuice potion more or less a permanent change?" Ron asked, as he turned to Harry for an explanation of how this was possible.
"As for how it's possible, it's probably something you are better off not knowing. At least for the time being. Let's just say it involves using the Polyjuice potion, in a very unusual way. A way that most magical people would never think to use it." Harry answered, Ron's question seriously.
"I noticed the other day when Hermione came to use the Marauders Map. That it shows you both as you are now, instead of who you were originally. How can that be, I thought the map never lies?" Ron asked us to explain.
"We think it's because our changes are so complete, that we have literally became each other in almost every possible way. Both physically as well as Magically, all the things that the Marauders Map uses to identify us have changed. So as far as the Marauders map is concerned, I am Luna Lovegood now." I explained to Ron.
"The transformation is really that complete?" Ron asked again.
"Well Ron, let me give you another example. Even our original wands don't work for us any more. As I said it's a total transformation right down to our very DNA. The only thing that would tip someone off, is our knowledge and mannerisms. And those would only be noticed by people who really know us well. Like you and Hermione. But even if someone does suspect something, there is absolutely no way to prove it. Any biological or magical test will confirm that she is now Luna Lovegood. And that I am now Harry Potter. Even the identification wards at Gringotts, had no problem confirming that I was Harry Potter." Harry answered Ron's question.
"Why don't your original wands work for you any more?" Ron asked us.
"It's like Harry explained when they changed into each other. They did so both magically as well as physically. Because of this, it changed their relationship with their original wands. Their original wands would never choose them as they are now. Because physically and magically they are not the same people any more." Hermione explained to Ron.
"But how can such a thing be possible! The Polyjuice potion didn't have that effect on me, when I changed into Goyle in our second year or last year when you and I changed into Polyjuice copies of Harry. My wand still worked for me just fine." Ron said confused.
"That's because when you used the Polyjuice potion normally, it doesn't effect anything other than your outward appearance. It's also why you change back into your real self after an hour. I basically found a way that tricks the Polyjuice potion, into thinking I was really Harry. So when the hour was up, it changed me back into Harry Potter. But I didn't just look like Harry Potter, I was now him in every discernible way. Both physically and magically." Harry continued to explain to Ron.
"Why won't you tell me your method, of using the Polyjuice potion? Don't you trust me?" Ron asked sounding a little hurt at not being trusted.
"They haven't told me yet, either Ron. And there really isn't any reason for them to tell us unless you want to change into someone else for more than an hour." Hermione said sounding a bit annoyed with Ron.
Ron looked thoughtful for a moment and then seemed to pretend that he didn't hear the last part of Hermione's comment.
"Hermione's right Ron. It's not that we didn't trust and believe in you. This secret is just too big and important, not to go to great lengths to protect it." I answered him honestly.
"So if I hadn't confronted the three of you, about what I learned from watching the Quidditch try outs. You probably wouldn't have told me, that you and Luna had switch places?" Ron asked us.
"Can you really blame us Ron, we never planned to tell anyone about it. This was to protect our secrets as well as our privacy. Can you imagine what would happen if people knew Luna and I switched. There is no way I would be able to start a new life as Luna, if everyone knew I used to be Harry Potter. Besides it could also lead to questions about how exactly this happened. And the last thing we need is people asking, how even such a thing was possible. Remember we're trying to keep this knowledge a secret, Ron." I replied truthfully.
"I understand your reason for wanting to keep this a secret. So I guess Hermione is right the oath is justified under the circumstances." Ron agreed reluctantly.
I felt relieved that Ron finally seemed to understand our thinking.
"So, is there anything else I need to know?" Ron asked us.
"Well that depends, do you still want to come with us?" Harry questioned Ron.
"You mean there really is more? What other big secret could you possibly have?" Ron asked sceptically.
"Do you remember in potions a few days ago, when Professor Slughorn gave us a list of several potions to choose from?" I asked Ron.
"Yes, I remember. What does this have to do with your next big secret?" He asked again.
"Well the one we chose to make, was the Animagus reveal potion." Harry answered.
"I saw that on the list but it looked kind of hard to make. Did you manage to make it correctly?" Ron asked curiously.
"Not only did we make it successfully but we also used it later that same day." I answered him.
"Really, what did you find out? Did you both have animal forms?" He asked, more than a little excited.
"As a matter of fact we did." Harry replied, with a smirk.
Ron looked over at Hermione, who was trying very hard not to laugh.
"You already know Hermione! Well don't just leave me hanging!" Ron said sounding a bit annoyed.
"Of course I know, it's the main reason we are leaving school Ronald. Remember we're trying to keep this a secret." Hermione said, sounding a little annoyed again with Ron.
"Well?" Ron looked at me and Harry.
"I was a Unicorn." Harry said.
"And I was a Phoenix." I added.
"WHAT! YOU BOTH HAVE MAGICAL FORMS!" Ron yelled.
"It's true Ron, Luna showed me her memory of what she saw. When she took the Animagus reveal potion." Hermione explained.
"That's unbelievable, I've never heard of anyone ever having a magical Animagus form. This could be really huge news." Ron said sounding rather amazed.
"Yes it probably would be big news, that's exactly why we don't want people to find out about it Ron!" I said to him vehemently.
"You know it's strange, I would have thought that Harry would have been the Phoenix. Instead of Luna." Ron observed.
As I looked at him a bit annoyed with my arms folded. He finally noticed my rather cross look and said.
"Oh right! Sorry, I forgot for a minute." Ron laughed.
"There's more Ron. We actually have both forms, our own as well as each others." Harry clarified.
"Okay, now I know your having me on. You almost had me there for a minute. But you went a little too far with that last part." Ron said, as he shook his head in disbelief.
"They weren't joking Ron, it's all true." Hermione insisted.
"Come on Hermione, you of all people expect me to fall for this. Whenever I asked you if it was possible to have a magical Animagus form, you told me it was impossible. Don't you think the three of you have carried this joke on, just a little too long. I mean really, two magical forms each. Why don't you pull my other finger." Ron laughed again at the very thought of it.
"Obviously I was wrong, Ron!" Hermione exclaimed frustrated with Ron's poor attitude.
Ron still looked sceptical. So I pulled out my wand and said.
"I Luna Lovegood swear on my very magic, that everything we have said to Ron. About both having magical Animagus forms is true, so mote it be." I said, as a brief glow around me showed I spoke the truth.
"WHAT!" Ron yelled, as he fainted dead away. This time Harry was closer, so he was able to keep Ron from hitting his head on the stone floor as he passed out.
"Oh dear, I think you broke him." Hermione joked, as she walked over to Ron and Harry.
Pulling out her wand, she then cast "Aguamenti" as she aimed her wand at Ron's face. Till he was awake, which really didn't take long.
"Couldn't you have just cast Enervate instead of Aguamenti." I asked Hermione.
"I suppose I could have but what fun would that be." She answered with a grin.
"So it's really true." Ron asked us again.
"I'm afraid so Ron but don't feel too bad, Hermione didn't react much better." As Harry tried to comfort Ron.
"But how can it be possible?" Ron asked sounding a little dazed.
"Well to be perfectly honest Ron. Even we didn't understand how it was possible, at first." I said to him.
"The answer was later provided when we last visited Gringotts and spoke with Director Ragnok. He is the account manager for the both the Potter and Black accounts. When we sat down to discuss a few financial matters with him. He greeted us and addressed us as both Mr. and Mrs. Potter. When we asked him about it, he said that we were soul mates and as such. We were considered married by the Goblin bank." Harry explained, as Ron interrupted suddenly.
"You and Luna are soul mates! My mum always said that was really rare." Ron said, sounding a bit surprised at this latest revelation.
"Yes Ron, we've heard how rare it is. Yet because of this, we were also able to claim the Potter family rings. This lead to us discovering a secret part of the Potter family vault, where we found my dad's journal. It had all of his notes on how to become an Animagus. Among these notes was a technique that can allow you to master the Animagus transformation, a lot quicker than the traditional method. It's one of these techniques that we planned to use, at Potter Manor." Harry continued, as Ron once again interrupted him.
"There's a Potter Manor!" Ron exclaimed.
"Yes. We also found out about it, from a painting of my new Grandparents. That we also found in the Potter Family vault. We figured it would be the perfect place, to use this quicker Animagus technique. The surrounding grounds are quite large, it should be perfect to run or fly around in our Animagus forms." Harry explained.
"You've already mastered the Animagus transformation?" Ron asked shocked.
"No we haven't yet, we are going to take a potion that will transform us, into one of our animal forms for 24 hours. This is one of the accelerated methods we learned about, in my fathers journal. There is some risk doing this, that's where Hermione was going to help us out. If you want to come with us and help. You need to quickly pack an overnight bag and meet us back in the courtyard in fifteen minutes. We'll be leaving from there." I answered Ron.
"I would definitely like to go with you and help out how ever I can. So I'll see you back here at the courtyard in fifteen minutes." Ron said, happy to actually be included.
With that finally settled Harry removed the privacy spells on the room. And we all left making our way up the stairs, to our respective dorms to pick up the bags we packed for the trip. I brought my bag as well as my Nimbus 2100, that was still shrunk down at the moment. The copy of my Dad's journal as well as my two doses of the 24 Animagus potion. I also packed clothes to wear tomorrow, after the potion wears off. Now that I had everything I would need, I started to leave. Unfortunately I ran into Mandy on my way out. She looked at me with the usual hatred and contempt. I was almost out the door when I heard her say.
"Going somewhere Luna? I see that you're planning on sleeping around again." She sneered at me.
To be perfectly honest she looked ridiculous, somehow she just couldn't pull it off in her eleven year old looking body. She might have been able to intimidate a first year but to me she just came across as a petulant child.
"I only sleep with Harry but then you know that already, otherwise it wouldn't bother you so much. You better break the curse on you soon. I've heard that given enough time, they can become permanent. Enjoy your weekend Mandy, I know I will." I said over my shoulder, I knew it wasn't true. But somehow I doubted that Mandy was aware of that fact. It really didn't matter, as stubborn as Mandy was being about a sincere apology. The curse might as well be permanent.
Oh well it was her choice I thought, as I left the Ravenclaw girls dorms and made my way back down stairs. And finally out the main doors into the courtyard. So far only Harry and Hermione were waiting. It wasn't surprising since we had all packed ahead of time, while Ron hadn't packed anything for the trip until now.
"Luna could you wait here for Ron, while me and Hermione go on ahead. Give me a few minutes to add Ron to the list of people who are allowed to visit. Then I'll send Magnus to tell you when it's okay to bring Ron. I'll see you soon sweetheart." Harry said as he leaned over and kissed me.
"Okay, I'll see you both in a few minutes." I answered them.
"Hermione hold my hand with the ring, make sure you maintain contact with it." Harry instructed.
She did as Harry requested, holding on to his hand with the ring tightly.
"Are you ready, Hermione?" Harry asked her.
"Ready when you are, Harry." She said confidently.
"Take me home!" Harry said, as both he and Hermione disappeared with a pop.
It wasn't to long after Harry and Hermione had left that Ron finally showed up. He quickly approached me, out of breath panting. He quickly noticed that it was just us.
"Where are Harry and Hermione?" He asked concerned.
"They went ahead. Potter Manor is protected by some very powerful wards. In order for people to visit, you have to be added to a list of those who are allowed. Harry and Hermione went ahead to add you to the list. It will just be a few minutes." I explained to Ron
"How are we going to get there?" Ron asked curiously.
"By using the Potter family rings, they also happen to be reusable Portkeys." I explained, as I held up my hand with my ring.
"Oh... okay." Ron paused. "Can I ask you something Harry... I mean Luna." Ron asked, as he quickly corrected himself.
"Of course you can ask me anything, Ron. I may be a witch named Luna Lovegood. But inside here where it really counts, I'm still the same person you met on the train in our first year. I hope that the fact I'm female now, won't cause me to lose one of my best friends." I said to Ron.
"No of course not, Luna. My other best friend is a girl, so you being one too shouldn't be a problem. Besides now that I know it's you in there, I'm still your best friend. It might take a little while, for me to get used to you being a girl now. But as far as I'm concerned nothing else has changed." As Ron continued to explained his thoughts.
"I'm glad to hear it. So what exactly did you want to know, Ron. Let me guess you've still got a few questions, that you were too embarrassed to ask in front of Hermione. So go ahead, ask away." I answered, thinking this should be interesting.
He just nodded in response, but finally asked his first question.
"So what's it really like being a girl?" He asked, turning a little pink.
"Surprisingly, it's not nearly as different as I would have thought. I mean I still have two arms, legs, eyes and ears. After all I'm still human, I'm just the female version of a human being now. But I'm guessing it's the differences, that you are really want to know about. Am I right?" I asked Ron.
Ron nodded again, turning even redder.
"Imagine you were a little shorter, smaller and less muscular. Your hips are a bit wider but your waist is also a bit narrower. Giving you a more curvy feminine shape. You have longer hair on your head but not so much of it anywhere else. Then we get to the big differences, like having breasts and no male equipment between your legs. Now that I've had breasts for a while, it feels almost normal having them. But when I had originally changed into Luna, it was a little strange at first. Going from having a flat chest, to having a fairly generous pair of breasts. Took kind of a big adjustment at the time. Later when Harry asked me how I felt about them, I laughed and said they were starting to grow on me. And now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure they're still growing. I guess Luna was a bit of a late bloomer." I said, as there was a sudden pop. That announced that Magnus had arrived.
As the little Elf bowed to me and said.
"Mistress Luna, master Harry says that you and your friend can come now." Magnus said sounding very happy to have more guests to take care of.
"Thank you Magnus, tell Harry we'll be along in just a moment." I answered the little Elf.
"You is very welcome mistress Luna." Magnus said as he quickly popped away.
As I turned back to Ron and said.
"Where were we? Oh right, the biggest difference between being male and female is what's between your legs. Or rather in my present case, what's not between them any more. I would have thought that I would have missed, my male equipment more than I do. I think the only thing I miss about it, is being able to pee standing up. Other than the ability to do that, I really can't think of any other advantages to being male. Having the rare opportunity, to have experienced both sides of the gender fence. I can honestly say that I prefer the female arrangement, with everything important inside." I explained to Ron.
"So in your opinion, there's no downside to being female?" Ron asked curiously.
"Well I didn't enjoy having my first period. But it could have been worse, you have to take the good with the bad. And compared with so many other unpleasant experiences, I've had as Harry Potter. Having a period, really wasn't that bad." I answered Ron.
Ron looked a little squeamish at me mentioning my first period, as he nodded that he understood.
"Besides I really enjoyed sex as a female, I think that experience more than anything. Is what convinced me that this, is the life I want to have." I said to him honestly.
"It was that amazing?" Ron again asked curiously.
"For me, it was literally a life altering experience. It was kind of like a switch inside my head, was thrown from male to female. After I had sex as a woman, it was much easier to think of myself as a female. Because that's what I felt I was now, completely in every way body and soul." I continued.
"So you're really not going to change back." Ron asked me curiously.
"I really don't see any point in changing back Ron, this is who I am now. I don't regret that I was Harry Potter but I had grown weary of that life. Fortunately thanks to Luna I had other options and was able to move on. That part of my life is over and I now look forward to all the experiences, that being a young witch named Luna Lovegood has to offer." I answered him.
Ron nodded again, that he understood. He seemed to have another question. But I turned to him and said.
"Well I think it's best, that we don't keep them waiting any longer." I said to Ron.
I could tell that he wanted to continue this conversation. But if we waited any longer Harry and Hermione might start to worry.
"Okay hold on to my hand with the ring, make sure you're hand is touching it. Are you ready?" I asked.
"I'm ready Luna, let's go!" He answered excitedly.
"Okay on three. 1, 2, 3, TAKE ME HOME." I shouted, as I felt a familiar tug behind my naval.
As Ron and I disappeared from the Hogwarts courtyard with a sudden pop.
We arrived in the main entry room just as before and were quickly greeted by the painting of Dorea Potter.
"Welcome back Luna. Who is this fine looking young man, that you brought along with you?" She asked curiously.
"This is Ron Weasley, he's one of mine and Harry's best friends. He also happens to be Hermione's boyfriend. And has graciously volunteered to help us, with our special research project this weekend." I explained to Harry's and my Grandmother, as I turned to Ron and said.
"Ron this is Dorea Potter, Harry's Grandmother." I explained to Ron, who the Lady in the painting was.
"It's nice to meet you Mam." Ron said nervously.
"It's very nice to meet you as well Ron. Are you by any chance related to Septimus and Cedrella Weasley?" Dorea Potter asked.
"Yes Mam, they're my Grandparents. I'm one of Arthur Weasley's sons." Ron answered.
"I knew your Grandparents quite well. I believe I even met Arthur once, when he was still a young lad such as yourself." She commented.
"Grandmother, where are Harry and Hermione." I asked the painting of Dorea Potter.
"I believe they are still in the warding room, Luna." She quickly answered me.
"Come on Ron, you've got to see the model of Potter Manor and the surrounding property." I said, as I lead Ron through the door next to the fire place.
And into the room with the two large curved grand stair cases, that led to the second floor. I then made my way over to the door between the stairs, that lead to the warding room. Once there I opened the door and went in, as Ron followed closely behind me. Once inside I noticed Harry and Hermione were looking at the scale model of Potter Manor.
"How come you guys, are still in the warding room?" I asked them.
"I was just showing Hermione the model of Potter Manor and the surrounding grounds. There should be several places to explore and things to see, even in our animal forms." Harry answered.
"Well that is why we came here." I said to Harry, as Ron eagerly looked over the model of Potter Manor.
I too decided to take another look, to see if I missed anything the first time I gazed at it. A quick look at the surrounding lands, showed once again, a gate house, stables, a large garden. When Ron finally noticed what appeared to be full-size Quidditch Pitch.
"Is that a regulation size Quidditch Pitch here on the grounds?" Ron asked, as he pointed to the Quidditch Pitch depicted on the scale model of Potter Manor.
"It is indeed young man, we Potters have always been big Quidditch fans as well as players. I played a fair amount in my school days at Hogwarts. I even played Chaser on my house team, the last four years of my schooling." Charles Potter boasted. From the painting on the wall next to the pedestal. The very same one that held the book, that controls the wards for Potter Manor.
"Ron, I'd like you to meet Charles Potter my Grandfather. Grandfather, this is my other best friend Ron Weasley." As Harry introduced them to each other.
"It's a pleasure to meet you sir." Ron nodded to the elder Potter.
"Greetings to you as well lad, welcome to Potter Manor. Any friend of Harry and Luna's is always welcome." Charles Potter said graciously.
"I was thinking since there is so much room here, we should try our Unicorn forms first. What do you think Luna?" Harry asked me for my opinion.
"I agree, we might as well take advantage of the large area to explore. And if necessary later we can probably sleep in the stables." I said, as I looked at the horse shelter depicted on the model.
"Speaking of sleeping arrangements, where will Ron and I be staying later?" Hermione asked.
"I'll have our House Elves prepare rooms for both you and Ron." I said to Hermione.
Hermione gave me a disapproving look but fortunately she didn't say anything.
"Magnus and Corin!" I called, as the two Elves appeared with a pop.
"You's called us, mistress Luna?" Magnus and Corin answered.
"Yes, could you both prepare two rooms for our guests." I asked the little Elves.
"We already has two guest rooms ready. Will you and master Harry be staying in the Master bedroom?" Magnus asked.
"Perhaps part of the time, is it ready for us to use?" I asked them.
"Oh yes, it is ready for master Harry and mistress Luna." They answered together.
"Can you also prepare one of the larger stalls, in the stables for two Unicorns?" Harry asked them.
"Yes, master Harry. You is having two Unicorns here?" Magnus questioned.
"In a manner of speaking, Magnus. Luna and I will be the Unicorns that will be sleeping in the stables tonight." Harry said to Magnus.
"Oh master Harry and mistress Luna are both Animagi, like master James and mistress Lily?" Corin asked sounding a bit awed by this.
"Yes Corin. We will be making our first transformation, using a method we discovered in Harry's Father's journal. It involves using a potion that will transform us into one of our animal forms for 24 hours. We decided to change into our Unicorn forms first, since there is so much room here. We should be able to explore a lot of the surrounding property, while in our Unicorn forms." I answered the little Elf.
"Goodness gracious, you both have the same magical Animagus forms? How extraordinary!" Said Charles Potter, as Dorea Potter joined him in the painting.
"Since Luna and I are soul mates we share our own as well as each others Animagus forms. Mine form is a Unicorn, while Luna's is a Phoenix." Harry explained.
"Well that helps explain a few things we were curious about. The two of you are so much like James and Lily." Dorea Potter, said to us.
I blushed happily at their comparison to my parents.
"There is a lot more to our life stories than that of course but we are on a rather tight schedule. Since most of the time we will be here, will be in one of our Animagus forms. Our life stories will have to wait a little longer." I explained to our Grandparents.
"That's quite all right, dear girl. There will be plenty of time for that later." Charles Potter said.
"Okay Ron and Hermione, we need to review the instructions for taking the 24 hour Animagus potion. As well as our communications procedures, for when we are in our animal forms. I think for simple yes and no questions. How about tapping once with one of our front hooves for yes, and twice for no. I think that would be appropriate, since we are going to be in our Unicorn forms." I suggested.
"That will work for basic communications. But what if we need to have a more detailed message?" Harry asked.
"How about we assign a number for every letter in the alphabet. A=1, B=2, C=3 and so on until 26=Z. It might take a while to get the whole message but it should work?" Hermione offered.
"That should work, hopefully we won't need to answer anything besides yes and no questions." I agreed, with the communications plan.
With that finally settled, we all seemed to agree that these methods should be adequate to communicate while in our Unicorn forms.
"The instructions for the 24 hour potion also advises, that we shouldn't be wearing any clothes when we take the potion. It also suggests conjuring a basic white sheet for modesty's sake. Or perhaps a better option would be to use one of the stalls, in the stables to make the actual change." Harry added.
"If I recall correctly from the notes Luna showed me. The instructions also recommends that you both shouldn't take the potion at the exact same time. One of you should go first, then the other after the first one has completed their transformation." Hermione said, as Ron listened to us plan how this was going to work.
"I'll go first. I think I'd prefer to use the stables, to make my transformation. I don't mind if Harry sees me naked or during my transformation. But I'd feel a bit weird, with Hermione and Ron watching." I explained, as looked to Hermione and Ron hoping they understood.
"While I'm sure it would be fascinating to watch your transformation. I completely understand your feelings, Luna. We'll just wait outside." Hermione said, as Ron nodded in agreement.
"Are you sure Luna? I think maybe I should be the one go first. If everything works the way it's supposed to and I successfully complete the change, then you can take your dose." Harry offered.
"If you insist Harry, I'll let you go first. I know you're just worried about me and if something bad happens. You'd rather it happen to you instead of me. And I love you for wanting to protect me but I'm a big girl now. And I'd feel a lot better if I went first, so that you were available to help if something goes wrong. You and Hermione would probably be more useful than me and Ron." I said to Harry.
"I think Luna's right Harry, I've practised the reversal spells with you and Luna. Ron hasn't had a chance to be involved before today." As Hermione quickly agreed with me, that I should go first.
"Okay Luna, if that's the way you want it. You can go first, I'll be watching the whole time. Once I'm sure that everything is fine, then I'll take my dosage of the 24 hour potion." Harry said, as he finally agreed to let me go first.
"Now that that's settled, is there anything else we need to do. Before we head down to the stables and take the 24 hour Animagus potions?" I asked everyone.
Harry seemed to think about it a bit, then turned to Ron and Hermione and said.
"Remember Hermione and Ron your main jobs are to talk to us and help keep us thinking like humans. And remind us to think about things that we still want to do, that can only be done as human beings." Harry said to Hermione and Ron.
"Here Ron, take my broom. Use it to follow us around when we are exploring the grounds. Hermione can ride behind you. That should allow you both a way to keep up with us, even if we decide to gallop around at some point." I said to Ron, as I handed him my broom after I returned it to it's full size.
I also pulled out one of my doses of the 24 hour Animagus potion from my bag. Harry did the same, I then called Corin.
"Corin." I called for her.
"Yes, mistress Luna?" The little female Elf asked.
"Could you take both mine and Harry's bags to the Master bedroom." I requested.
"Right away mistress Luna." Corin answered, as she took our bags and popped away.
"Magnus." Harry called.
"Yes, master Harry?" Magnus asked.
"Can you show us to the stables?" Harry asked our other Elf.
"Oh yes, master Harry. Follow Magnus, right this way." Magnus gestured for us to follow him.
With that we quickly followed the little Elf through a different door, than the one we had entered originally. We proceeded down a hallway that led to another door, this final door led outside. Once we were outside, Magnus continued down a path that apparently lead to the stables. Magnus then showed us inside and gestured to a fairly large stall, that he had prepared for us to use.
"Magnus has cleaned and placed fresh straw in this stall." He said proudly.
"Thank you for all your hard work, Magnus." I said to the little Elf, who seemed very pleased that I appreciated his efforts.
"Okay it's almost 4:00pm, that means that we won't change back until after four o'clock tomorrow. According to the notes in my Dad's journal, it will take about 15 to 20 minutes after drinking the potion for the transformation to be complete. I'll let you know when Luna's change is complete or if there is any problems. If everything goes well. I'll quickly strip down and take my dose of the 24 hour potion. My transformation should take about the same amount of time. Once that much time has passed again. Luna and I will exit the Stables. At that point Hermione I'll need you to cast the spell that identifies what species we are. Once that's done, we can then start to explore the grounds. Is there any questions?" Harry asked everyone.
"No I don't have any questions, do you Ron?" Hermione turned and asked Ron.
"Nope sounds pretty straight forward to me, come on Hermione let's give them some privacy." Ron answered as he took Hermione's hand in his and pulled her towards the exit of the stables.
"We'll be close by, so if there is any problem we should hear you. Just give us a shout and we'll come right back." Hermione said, as she and Ron exited the stables.
I then walked over to the stall that was prepared for us to use. I handed Harry my dose of the 24 hour potion and started to take my clothes off. I first removed my new trainers and socks. I then removed the pair of skinny jeans, I wore to my Quidditch try outs. My top came next as I notice Harry watching me undress.
"Like what you see Mister Potter." I asked suggestively.
"I do indeed Miss Lovegood. And I must say I prefer seeing it, to being it." Harry laughed at his own play on words.
"I can see that." I said, as I finished undressing and noticed that little Harry was wide awake.
"You really do make a very pretty witch, Luna. Every day I'm more and more certain that we made the right choice." Harry said confidently to me.
"Well I can't argue with you there." I replied, thinking I've never been this happy before.
I was only too happy to give up the burden, of having to be Harry Potter. And now that I was Luna, that weight had truly been lifted off my shoulders. And I for one couldn't be happier about it.
"Oh one thing you need to know. There was a note in my Dad's journal about what to do when you have more than one animal form. His journal said the trick was to think about which of your animal forms, that you wanted to transform into first. And to be thinking of that form when you drink the potion. That is what determines which form you will turn into." I said to Harry.
"That's good to know. I had been so focused on all the other details, that I hadn't even thought of that particular problem." Harry explained.
"I hadn't either until I was asked by Hermione about it. A quick check in my Dad's journal, provided that little piece of information." I added.
"Leave it too Hermione to point out, the things that others overlook." Harry said, as he handed me my dose of the 24 hour Animagus potion.
I walked back further into the stall, purposely giving Harry a few extra wiggles. As I decided to give myself as much room as possible for the transformation.
"Are you worried?" Harry asked concerned.
"A little, I mean who wouldn't be under the circumstances right?" I said, as I uncorked the vial and quickly drank the 24 hour Animagus potion. Remembering my Unicorn form and thinking about exactly what she looked like. I then waited for the 24 hour Animagus transformation potion to take effect.
After drinking the potion I stepped back, as I felt my body begin to tingle. The changes had begun and the first thing I noticed, was that I was starting to grow larger. As a silky white fur started to grow over my entire body where ever there was exposed skin. From my face all the way down to my toes. My whole body continued growing at an even faster rate and was now starting to take on a different shape. I watched amazed as my thighs continued to swell. And a blonde tail sprouted, just above my now larger hind end. The toes on my feet were quickly merging together. As the nails on them had began to lengthen and thickened. My feet continued reshaping themselves into two golden hooves and my legs continued to become even longer. The fingers on my hands were also fusing together. And changing themselves into, what would become my front pair of golden hooves. My shoulders were growing broader to be able to support my much larger frame. I looked down at my torso, as it continued to reshape itself into something very similar to a horse. Eventually it became to hard to stand on two legs. So I slowly fell forward and landed, on what used to be my arms. But they had now changed into my front legs. My blonde hair grew longer down my back becoming my mane. As my body continued sprouting more of the same pure silky white fur. That my female Unicorn form appeared to have when I took the Animagus reveal potion. All that was left that still looked somewhat human, was my head and neck as they too began to reshape themselves. The changes weren't painful but it felt very strange, as my neck grew longer and wider. Finally the front of my face started to push forward into an equine muzzle, as my eyes moved slightly to the sides. I then felt my ears start to move higher up on my head and gradually became more pointed. As my head continued to change and reshape itself into the form of a Unicorns. I then noticed a beautiful golden horn, that started to grow out from my forehead. It continued to grow until it was a good foot and a half long. The last few things to change couldn't be seen, as my internal organs continued to change and reshape themselves into those of a female Unicorn. Finally the change was complete. As far as anyone could tell, I was now a Unicorn mare in every discernible way.
Harry had been watching my transformation and was amazed at what he had seen.
"Wow you're beautiful Luna! Is everything okay in there, Luna?" Harry asked amazed but still a little worried.
I nodded my head, and tapped one of my front hooves once. Trying to convey to Harry that I was feeling fine so far.
'I wish Harry could understand me.' I thought hard toward Harry.
Harry looked surprised at me and asked.
"Did you just say, that you wished I could understand you?" Harry asked surprised.
'Yes I did Harry, can you hear me?' I asked hoping that he could.
"Yes I can understand you Luna." Harry answered excitedly.
'How is this possible, Harry. I'm not actually speaking?' I asked him.
"Perhaps Unicorns can project their thoughts into other living creatures minds, including Magical people?" Harry said, as he made as good a guess at a possible explanation.
'Do I sound like I normally do?' I asked curiously.
"Yes but I only hear you in my head. Let me bring in Hermione and Ron and see if you can project thoughts into their minds as well." Harry said, as he called Hermione and Ron back in the stable.
"Hermione, Ron! Could you come back in for a moment?" Harry asked.
"What's wrong Harry! Is Luna okay!" Hermione asked sounding very worried, as she and Ron quickly returned inside the stables.
'I feel perfectly fine Hermione.' I thought directly to her.
"I heard that." Hermione said surprised. "Was that you Luna?" She asked, as she looked at me.
At that moment Hermione finally noticed, the pretty Unicorn mare that I had transformed into.
"Wow Luna, you make a very beautiful Unicorn mare." Hermione gushed, as I walked over and nuzzled Harry. "With that Blond mane and bluish-grey eyes you look a lot like I imagine you would have. If you had been born a Unicorn instead of a magical human child." Hermione continued to gush at my new form.
While this exchange continued between me and Hermione. Ron looked on amazed at the stunning creature, I had transformed into.
"Here let me cast a few quick spells, to check if the transformation is complete." As she cast, the identify species spell on me.
"Yes the results show that you are indeed a healthy female Unicorn, if I didn't know it was you, I'd swear you were the real thing. How do you feel Luna?" Hermione asked me curiously.
'It's different but not necessary a bad kind of different. It feels a little strange to walk around on four legs. But I don't think it will take me too long to adjust to it.' I answered Hermione's question.
"Well I'm satisfied for the moment, Luna seems okay. So I think it's time for me to take my dose of the 24 hour Animagus potion. We'll both come out of the stables as soon as I have completed my transformation." Harry said as he looked at Hermione and Ron.
Ron finally snapped out of his dazed state of mind, when Harry turned to address him and Hermione.
"Okay Harry we'll go back outside and wait. Come on Hermione let's give them their privacy." Ron said, as he once again led Hermione out of the stables.
Harry then walked into the stall with me and started to remove his clothes. I continued to watch him undress, until he was only wearing his boxer shorts. Once he had finally removed them, he noticed I was watching him.
"Like what you see, Luna?" He asked in return.
'You know I do. Good heavens Harry, you're hung like a horse!' I thought teasing him.
"Not yet. But I soon will be." He said with a smirk, as he popped the cork on his dosage of the 24 hour potion.
I think if I was still in my human form, I would have been blushing furiously right about now.
"Well here goes nothing!" He said as he drank the contents of his vial.
I backed up to give him more room to transform. It truly was fascinating to watch Harry go through a very similar transformation. To see various body parts and features morph into a completely different species. About 20 minutes after the changes began, Harry had transformed into a very handsome midnight black Unicorn stallion.
'How do you feel Harry.' As it finally occurred to me to ask him.
'I feel pretty good, this body is very strong and powerful. I could easily see myself spending a lot of time like this.' He answered.
'Well I don't think we should keep Ron and Hermione waiting any longer. Besides we have a lot of exploring to do!' I suggested.
I didn't realise it at the time but subconsciously, I felt drawn to him and somehow knew that he was my mate. That he was my stallion and I was his mare.
(To be continued)