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 Fifteen
By the time Harry and I finally made it to the Gryffindor table, we barely had time to sit down and greet everyone. Before the daily Post arrived by owl. I usually didn't pay much attention to it these days, since I almost never receive any Post lately. Because I now used an owl sorting and screening service, that Minister Shacklebolt had suggested I employ. It only took a few days after the war ended, of me receiving a deluge of Post from my adoring public and well wishers. Not to mention more than a few marriage proposals, to see the value in such a service. As a result of this, only a few people were allowed direct access to me via owl Post when I was still Harry Potter. The bulk of my letters now end up getting sorted into a holding vault. To await my attention at some later date, at time of my choosing. And as for Luna, the only letters she has been receiving before we switched. Were from her father and as far as I knew, she has still refused to answer any of them.
So when two owls landed in front of both Harry and myself. To say I was surprised was a bit of an understatement. As the owl directly in front of me, held out it's leg with the attached letter. I could clearly see, that it was simply addressed to Luna. Based on the informal way it was addressed, there really was only one person it could be from. Xenophilius Lovegood, Luna's father or should I say my father. Since I was technically the one who was his daughter now. But I really couldn't bring myself to think of him as my father, because I really didn't know the man. I did however know that he loved his daughter very much. Which in my previous life as Harry Potter, was something I could understand and respect him for. Unfortunately it was also that same love for his daughter, that caused him to make a very big mistake. One that the original Luna had yet to forgive him for. While I for the most part had already forgiven him, for trying to turn me over to the Death Eaters. In the unlikely hope of exchanging me for the safe return of his daughter. It was pretty clear to me that he was worried sick about her and was obviously not thinking rationally. Because anyone who has had many dealings with Death Eaters, would know that any offers to return his daughter. For helping to capture Harry Potter, would most likely not be kept. Then add to the mix that his daughter also happened to be secretly in love with the lad in question. And you had the makings of the perfect, unforgivable betrayal by her own father. I knew all of this and how hard it would be to patch things up between them. But I was still determined to try. But even I didn't want to open this particular can of worms at breakfast. So for now I decided to slip the letter into my school bag, so that I could discuss it with Harry later.
"Who's your letter from, Luna?" Hermione asked, with a concerned look. She must have noticed my uneasy reaction to it.
"It's from my father." I quickly answered, making it very clear that I didn't want to discuss this any further.
Both Ron and Hermione seemed to immediately understand my feelings on the subject. Since they were both there when Luna's father had betrayed us.
I looked over at Harry who was feeding some bacon to the owl that had brought his letter. I could see a dark mood come over him as well, when he heard my answer. He was clearly not happy to hear who my letter was from. But for now he said nothing, apparently also choosing to discuss this later in private.
"So who is your letter from, Harry?" I asked him, trying to quickly change the subject.
"It's from Andromeda Tonks, she wants to know when the next time I plan to visit my godson Teddy. I'd like to do it as soon as possible. But whenever I do visit him, I would really like for you to come with me Luna. Since you're a very important part of my life now. Teddy should have a chance to get to know you better. Because eventually we'll be the ones to raise him. When eventually Andromeda reaches the point, that she can no longer care for Teddy by herself." Harry answered, as he showed me how I still could be involved with my godson. Even though I wasn't technically his godfather any more.
"Of course I'll come, Harry. I'd love to meet him." I gratefully answered his request to accompany him on his next visit to see Teddy.
For the last several months, since the end of the war. I usually tried to visit Teddy twice a month, once at the beginning of each month and a second time somewhere in the middle. That way it was never more than a couple of weeks, between visits. I must admit that being Teddy's godfather, was one of the few bright spots, in my previous life as Harry Potter. But it was also a bit depressing, since being around Teddy was also a constant reminder of the loss of Remus and Tonks. They had both given me the greatest honour, when they named me Teddy's godfather. And now that they were gone, being there for Teddy's was even more important. After all I had a responsibility to look out for the lad. I had talked with Andromeda at great length about him. We both decided that for now, he should remain in her care for as long as she was able to look after him. While Andromeda was not too old by how long a typical magical person was expected to live. The stress from the war, as well as the loss of her husband, daughter and son-in-law. Had taken quite a toll on her health and finances. Yet Andromeda was a proud woman, it took considerable effort to convince her to let me help her. As soon as the war was over, I immediately restored Andromeda to the Black family. With the title I had inherited from Sirius, since it was well within my rights as the new Lord Black. Once this was done it was easier to convince her to let me give her access to the Black family vault. To cover any financial needs she and Teddy might have, freeing her to care for her grandson full time. I even made Kreacher available to help her with anything else she needed. But even she knew very well that at some point, the responsibility for taking care of Teddy would fall to me. So she insisted that I visit as often as possible, to insure I would have a strong relationship with the lad as he grows up. So when the time came and Andromeda could no longer care for him. It would be easier for Teddy to go with me.
But now I was Luna, I was no longer Teddy's godfather. I had no doubt that Harry would do all the right things where Teddy was concerned. And since we were now a package deal, I would be right there by Harry's side. Helping take care of Teddy, while creating a new relationship with him as Luna. But it still hurt to lose the one I already had with the boy, as his godfather.
When Harry and I both agreed that we wouldn't be changing back and would be assuming each others lives permanently. We both knew that there would be times, when stuff from our previous lives would come up. And that we would need to consult with each other, for advice about how to handle them. Due to the arrival of these two letters. Harry and I would no doubt have a lot to discuss, at our earliest opportunity.
"You look very nice this morning Luna. But won't you get in trouble for not wearing your uniform to class?" Ginny asked, as her question shook me out of my revere.
"Normally I would wear my Uniform. But this morning while I was in the shower, someone stole both of them. Including the spare one I had in my trunk. I have already talked to the Headmistress about it and got a note giving me permission to wear this just for today." I explained, as I gestured to the pretty blue dress I was wearing.
"Any idea who took them?" Neville asked, looking rather outraged that someone was clearly trying to pick on one of his friends.
"The list is actually very short, Neville. In fact the thief might as well have left a note saying she did it. Unfortunately at the moment I can't prove it was Mandy. But there is little doubt in my mind that it was her.
"I know what you mean, Luna. It's not always about who you suspect, it's a matter of what you can prove." Ron said, as he took a momentary break from eating.
"That's very true, Ron. But I already have a trap all set, to catch her red handed with my stolen things. In the meantime, I thought dressing like this would spoil her day. Since Mandy was obviously hoping to embarrass me or at the very least get me in trouble for not wearing my uniform. And thanks to her foolish prank, I have the perfect excuse to do it." I answered just loud enough so only my closest friends could hear.
"That's very clever, Luna. It's almost Slytherin, how well you've planned this." Hermione said, sounding a little scandalized at praising anything Slytherin.
"Serves the stupid little Bint right, if you ask me." Ginny added, clearly not liking that one of her closest friends was being bullied.
"Well even I have my sneaky moments. But I'm through being picked on. Harry is MINE and no petty theft of my things is going to change that." I stated firmly.
"Wow, you girls really don't hold back do you." Neville observed.
"Not any more I don't, Harry is too important to just roll over and take it. I now have something important enough to want to protect it." I quickly added.
"You needn't worry Luna, I didn't ask you to be my girlfriend casually. After all you're the person I've been looking for all my life. It would take far more than a silly prank, by Mandy to ever change that." Harry said to me.
"That's sweet of you to say, Harry. And I feel the same way about you. But I think we both know, that Mandy is probably not the only witch out there who will be unhappy with your choice. She's just the only one dumb enough to actually try something. I really don't see Mandy as much of a threat. But dealing with her will send a message to other witches, hands off Harry Potter is already spoken for." I finished.
"I would think that Mandy's diminished stature. Has already sent that message very clearly, Luna. Is a stronger one really necessary?" Hermione seriously asked me.
"Here at school probably not. But once our relationship becomes known outside of school, who knows what could happen. I still remember all the hate mail that you got in our fourth year, when people thought you were Harry's girlfriend, Hermione." I answered.
"Point taken, Luna." Hermione agreed, obviously remembering one letter that contained undiluted Bubotuber puss. Which made the real Hermione's hands break out in millions of painful, pus-filled blisters.
"That reminds me Luna, I think we should hire the same service to handle your mail. Once it becomes common knowledge that I'm seriously seeing someone. It might become a big problem for you." Harry offered.
"Perhaps you're right, Harry." I agreed with him, that his fears may be justified.
"I'll contact my solicitor and have it done right away." Harry said.
With that settled we quickly finished our breakfast and prepared to head to our first class of the day. After all I still needed to get to Double Potions early, so I could explain to Professor Slughorn. Why I wasn't wearing my uniform today.
So Harry and our friends started to make our way up to Professor Slughorn's Potions classroom. When I realised, that I had once again had too much pumpkin juice with breakfast. Maybe it's just my imagination but I swear that ever since I became a girl, I've had to pee twice as much as I did when I was a guy.
"Harry, I have to use the loo. I'll catch up with you in Potions. Could you save me a seat?" I quickly asked him.
"No problem, Luna." Harry answered.
"I'll come with you Luna, since I need to use the ladies room as well." Ginny said to me.
So Ginny and I made our way to the closest girls loo. Once there, we quickly did our business. Then as we were washing up, I decided to take a chance and try my hand at a little girl talk.
"So how's everything going with you and Neville?" I asked Ginny, honestly curious how things were progressing for her and Neville.
"Great so far, it's everything I had hoped for. That reminds me, I've been meaning to tell you and Harry. Thanks for giving Neville that extra little push, it made all the difference." Ginny said sincerely.
"How did you know it was us?" I asked my Red-headed friend.
"Well it was fairly obvious that something had recently changed, for Neville to finally make his move. The conversation we had when Hermione and I were getting you ready for your first date with Harry. Was the only time I've really said anything, about wishing Neville would ask me out. So I figured that you and Harry must have given him a little nudge." Ginny explained her reasoning.
"I think he has always been interested in you Ginny, ever since he asked you to the Yule Ball in our third year. He was just being a little silly about it, because I think he thought that you and Harry might still get back together. Once Harry and I made it clear that we were together, he immediately made his move." I explained.
"Well however it happened, I couldn't be happier about it. Neville is so sweet and such a perfect gentleman. He always treats me like a lady when I'm with him." Ginny Gushed about her new boyfriend.
"That's the way it should be, Harry's also a perfect gentleman. At least until I don't want him to be one. Then I want him to snog me senseless." I said to my friend.
"Just how far have you and Harry gone, Luna?" Ginny asked seriously.
"All the way." I leaned over and whispered my answer to Ginny.
"WHAT! Ginny exclaimed. "You've already done it with Harry!" Ginny asked surprised at my answer.
I nodded.
"So how was it?" Ginny asked curiously.
"I can honestly say for me, it was a life altering experience. I've never been happier about being a girl. But it took Harry to make me a woman." I answered, as we left the Girl's loo and made our way to Potions.
By the time Ginny and I arrived for our N.E.W.T. Level Potions class. I quickly noticed that Harry and Neville had saved seats for us. So I quickly made my way over to Professor Slughorn's office door and knocked.
"Come in, come in. I'll be right with you." Professor Slughorn said, without even looking up.
He appeared to be gathering up some last minute papers from his desk, that he would need for today's lesson.
"Professor, could I speak with you for a moment before class?" I asked him.
"Of course miss Lovegood, what can I do for you today?" He asked, as he finally looked up and noticed who had entered.
"I have a note from the Headmistress you should read, it's about my not wearing my uniform today." I continued, as I held the note out to him.
"Ah yes, I see." Professor Slughorn said, as he took the note I offered and quickly read it.
"I'm sorry Professor, I hope my attire won't cause too much of a distraction in class." I apologized for any disruptions beforehand.
"Nonsense my dear girl, I expect it will only be a problem for the lads in class. At seeing such a pretty young witch among them this morning. But even so, I'll see to it that they act like gentlemen. Thank you miss Lovegood for bringing this to my attention. It's a shame that it was even necessary. I imagine this is due to your relationship with Harry?" He asked.
"That's probably exactly why it happened, sir." I quickly answered my Potions Professor.
"Such petty actions are a complete waste of time, as it's quite obvious to me. That Mr. Potter is very serious about you my dear girl. So run along now, if there are any problems. I'll deal with them. Since we have a Potions class to attend too." Professor Slughorn said, as he continued to gather his lesson plan for the day.
"I appreciate your assistance and understanding in this matter Professor." I said, as I quickly turned and left Professor Slughorn's office. And made my way out to the seat Harry had saved for me. I leaned over and gave him a quick kiss in appreciation for the gesture.
A few moments later Professor Slughorn came out of his office and sat down his lesson plan for today's class. After he quickly took attendance, he started his lecture on the potions that we'd be studying today. When Mandy interrupted him.
"Professor why is Luna not wearing her uniform today, as per Hogwarts school policy." Mandy asked with a particular snotty attitude.
"Well miss Brocklehurst, miss Lovegood has a note from the Headmistress, giving her permission not to wear her uniform today. Since they have both mysteriously gone missing this morning. She can't very well wear a uniform that has been stolen, now can she? You wouldn't happen to know anything about that would you? Since the only person who could have taken them had to be female and in Ravenclaw. And I sincerely doubt, that anyone else in Ravenclaw. Has as much animosity towards miss Lovegood then you do at the moment, miss Brocklehurst." Professor Slughorn stated, barely hiding his irritation at Mandy for interrupting his lecture.
"Are you accusing me of having something to do with Luna's missing things, Professor?" Mandy questioned our Potions teacher.
"Not at all miss Brocklehurst, I merely point out who had access and motive for such a deed. While a shameful thing, it is unfortunately not the subject of this class. So I'll ask you to refrain from any more outbursts, least you find yourself before the Headmistress sooner than you imagine." Professor Slughorn warned Mandy.
That pretty much shut Mandy up for the rest of potions class. Professor Slughorn continued with his lecture before turning us loose, to start brewing our selected N.E.W.T. Level potion for today. Harry and I choose to make Veritaserum, figuring that if Mandy knew we had some. It would likely make her very paranoid about everything she drinks. For fear that we would slip some in anything she might drink. But Harry and I were not foolish enough to actually use it on her. But of course Mandy didn't know that.
So Harry and I continued to brew our potion. It was pretty much done before the last 20 minutes of double Potions. When a Hogwarts House-elf appeared and handed Professor Slughorn a note. He read it and immediately looked up and said.
"Miss Brocklehurst and Miss Lovegood, gather your things and report to the Headmistresses office. The password is catnap." Professor Slughorn said, as he smirked at the password.
I took a moment to write a brief note on a piece of Harry's parchment, as I quickly gathered my things.
See U in the R of R. I quickly wrote.
Harry nodded that he understood.
Miss Lovegood from watching you and Harry's potion brewing, I have little doubt that it's up to your usual standards. So I'd expect full marks for today's potion. And miss Brocklehurst, perhaps some additional remedial potions brewing lessons are in order." Professor Slughorn commented on Mandy's potion.
The class chuckled, as Mandy turned red at Professor Slughorn's assessment of her potions making abilities. I must admit that even I was starting to feel a little sorry for Mandy.
As we left our Potions class, Mandy and I slowly made our way to the Headmistresses office. Once there I gave the password and the Gargoyle jumped out of the way. We then made our way up the stairs to the door that led to the Headmistresses office. I knocked on the door.
"Come in." Answered the familiar voice of our Headmistress.
"Ah Miss Lovegood and Miss Brocklehurst. I've been expecting you both." Professor McGonagall said.
"Why am I here, Headmistress?" Mandy asked, sounding a bit annoyed.
"I received an anonymous tip that Miss Lovegood's missing things could be found in the bottom of your trunk, Miss Brocklehurst. Based on your recent behaviour, I find the possibility that you took her things to be very credible." The Headmistress explained our reason for being here.
"Did Luna accuse me of taking her things?" Mandy questioned our Headmistress.
"Not by name but you must admit that based on you and miss Lovegood's recent history. And where the theft occurred. The list of possible suspects is actually very short. Then I received the anonymous note saying that the missing items could be found in your trunk. I felt that it was time to investigate this matter further." The Headmistress continued to explain.
"Hey that's my trunk, what's it doing here?" Mandy asked nervously.
"I would think that would be obvious, miss Brocklehurst. I had the Hogwarts House-elfs bring it, to save us a trip to the seventh year girls dorm in Ravenclaw." Our Headmistress said, as she gestured to Mandy's trunk next to an empty table.
"When my father hears about this invasion of my privacy, I'm sure he'll lodge a formal complaint with the Hogwarts Board of Governors." Mandy screamed in outrage.
"Duly noted miss Brocklehurst, now open it." Professor McGonagall insisted. As Mandy reluctantly complied.
"See, there's nothing but my things in here." Mandy claimed.
"According to the note I received, Miss Lovegood's missing items should be found at the bottom of your trunk." The Headmistress said.
So with a quick wave of Professor McGonagall's wand the contents of Mandy's trunk floated up and out. Stacking themselves neatly on the nearby table, until the removed items finally revealed. A familiar red and gold Quidditch jersey, with the name 'Potter' clearly stitched across the back of it.
"Would this be the personal item you referred to this morning, that also went missing along with your two uniforms?" The Headmistress asked, as she floated it out of Mandy's trunk and over to me. Once the jersey had been removed, my two missing uniforms were also found under it.
"Yes, thank you Professor." I answered, as I held my jersey tightly to my chest. Relieved that Mandy hadn't been able to do anything to it yet.
"Don't You see, she must have put her things in my trunk to frame me!" Mandy insisted, trying to come up with a believable explanation for being caught with my things.
Professor McGonagall looked like she didn't believe Mandy's claim for a second. But was required to give the appearance of being impartial. I decided to help her quickly answer Mandy's charge, by pulling out my wand and making the following oath.
"I Luna Lovegood swear on my very magic. That I had nothing to do with the theft of my uniforms or how they ended up in Mandy's trunk, so mote it be." I finished, as there was a brief glow around me. Showing that I spoke the truth.
"I'd say that proves Luna had nothing to do with this. Care to make a similar pledge, miss Brocklehurst?" The Headmistress asked sceptically.
Mandy turned bright red as she quickly realised that she couldn't make such a claim without losing her magic.
"I thought not. You just earned yourself two weeks detention. Starting tonight at eight, with mister Filch. He's been asking for a girl to help him clean the girls bathroom on the second floor. Apparently from what Argus tells me, Peeves and Myrtle have made quite a mess in there again. But for now you're dismissed, Miss Brocklehurst." Professor McGonagall said sternly.
"Yes Headmistress." Mandy said, as she realised that she had been caught red handed with my things.
Once dismissed Mandy left as quickly as possible, probably fearing the Headmistress would change her mind and give her a worse punishment.
While the Headmistress and Mandy had argued about my missing things. I had the perfect opportunity to make a Portkey out of Mandy's hairbrush. But I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Because I kept remembering what Professor McGonagall had said to me. The last time I was in trouble...
I believe you to be an exceptional young witch Miss Lovegood. And that this was nothing more than a momentary lapse of reason. Remember being a very powerful witch means you must learn to control your magic, rather than letting it control you. Otherwise one day you might find yourself becoming, the very thing you hate. Do not let yourself descend to the level of a bully, it is quite beneath you my dear.
Was what I planned to do to Mandy going to far? Was I about to cross a line, that shouldn't be crossed? Did I really intend to become what I hated most, a bully?
What was it that really set me off, I honestly didn't think of Mandy as serious threat. It wasn't the uniforms, I could get new ones. And then I suddenly realised, it was my Quidditch jersey and what it represented. Mandy had taken the jersey that Harry gave me. Sure it was important to me, even when I was still Harry. But it was even more important now that I was Luna. Because of what it implied about mine and Harry's relationship, now and in the future. And unlike the uniforms, it could not be replaced. I remembered how relieved I felt when it was uncovered in Mandy's trunk undamaged. How I held it tightly against my chest. As I felt my need for payback against Mandy evaporated, once it had been safely returned to me.
So in the end I didn't make the Portkey. Since I decided that for now, Mandy was being punished enough. And that if I followed through with the rest of what I was planning to do to Mandy. That it would make me no better than she was. But more than anything else, I didn't want to disappoint Professor McGonagall. She might not be able to prove that I was the one who did it. But I had little doubt that she would know I was the one responsible for it. And just the mere thought of the look of disappointment on my favourite Professor's face, was more than enough to convince me. That not going through with my plans, was the right thing to do.
"Are you quite all right, my dear?" The Headmistress asked me sounding a little concerned.
"I'm fine, Professor. I'm just happy to have this returned undamaged." I answered, as her question shook me from my thoughts.
"If you're sure." She asked hesitantly, "I can see how important that is to you." As she gestured to the Quidditch jersey. "But I can't help feeling that something is still troubling you child." Professor McGonagall pressed me further.
"Well I guess I was suffering from a bit of a moral dilemma. When I suddenly recalled some advice I recently received, from someone that I deeply respect. After recalling that advice, my decision was quite easy." I explained.
"I think I understand. Never the less, my door is always open should you need someone to listen." The Headmistress offered.
"Thank you Professor, you've already been more helpful than you could possibly know." I said to my favourite teacher. As I grabbed my missing uniforms, Quidditch jersey and turned to leave.
"You're welcome, my dear." Professor McGonagall said as she bid me farewell.
Now that I had my things back. I quickly made my way up to the seventh floor and the Room of Requirement. Hopefully Harry hadn't been waiting there too long. Once I arrived, the door immediately appeared without my having to walk back and forth. It must be because Harry's already in there, I thought. As I opened the door and went in. Harry was sitting at the couch, looking at the Marauder's map.
"So how did things go in the Headmistresses office?" Harry asked.
"Fine, I got my things back and Mandy got two weeks worth of detention." I quickly answered, as I sat my things down. Taking my place next to Harry on the couch.
"And did you make the Portkey?" Harry continued to ask.
"I had several opportunities to do it. But in the end, I just couldn't bring myself to actually make it. I guess I realised that if I did that to Mandy, that I would be crossing a line. And that by doing what I planned to her, it would essentially make me the thing I hated most. A bully. And let's face it Harry once done, some things can never be taken back. I think I'd rather regret not doing it, than doing it and feeling guilty about it for the rest of my life." I explained my reasoning.
"I'm very proud of you sweetheart. I had hoped that before you actually went through with it. That you would come to your senses and see that it was a bad idea. Besides nothing good ever comes from doing something mean like that. There is no doubt in my mind that you would have regretted that you did it." Harry said to me and he was probably right about that.
"Well enough about Mandy, we have two letters that we need to discuss. What did Andromeda have to say, Harry?" I asked him, already having a pretty good idea what it was about.
"Here. Read it for yourself," Harry answered, as he handed me the letter.
I pulled it out of the envelope, unfolded it and began to read.
Dear Harry,
Based on your usual visiting times, I would imagine you plan to visit your godson Teddy sometime in the coming week. Any evening this week we should be available for you to visit. Please let me know as soon as possible, what time and day will work best for you.
Yours sincerely,
Andromeda Tonks
"Well this week is going to be pretty busy for us Harry. We'll be helping Ron and Hermione change back tomorrow night, as well as observing them taking their second dose of the Animagus reveal potion. We also have Astronomy class Wednesday and Friday evenings. Not to mention your Quidditch try outs on Saturday, so that only leaves tonight or Thursday to visit Teddy. So when do you think we should visit, Harry?" I asked for his thoughts.
"I'd really rather not wait till Thursday to see Teddy, how about we send a reply right away. And see if Andromeda and Teddy are available for us to visit them tonight, Luna." Harry answered.
"Okay Harry write this." I dictated to Harry, as he quickly pulled out some parchment to write on.
Dear Andromeda,
Thank you for the reminder. As it turns out this week looks busier than usual. The only nights I have free are tonight or Thursday evening. I would like to see you and Teddy as soon as possible. Would you perhaps be available this evening? If so please advise. I'd also like to bring along a very special young lady that I'm quite serious about. I'd like for her and Teddy to meet each other, since they are both very important to me. I'd of course like for you to meet her as well. I look forward to seeing you and Teddy tonight if we can make that work. Failing that perhaps Thursday evening, either way I look forward to visiting you both very soon.
Harry
It might seem a little strange for me to have Harry write the reply. But one of the things we both noticed right away, was the first time either of us tried to write anything after we switched. That I now had Luna's more feminine handwriting, while Harry had inherited my untidy scrawl. Harry believed this was because when we acquired each other's physical form, we also gained that forms muscle memory. So to keep up appearances in cases like this, Harry or I would write while the other would provide the content. In this case I knew better what Andromeda would expect Harry to say in reply.
"Well that ought to do it, what do you think, Harry?" I asked him.
"Yes that should cover it for now, Luna. Since we are in a bit of a hurry, perhaps we should have Kreacher take it directly to Andromeda. That way we'll get a faster answer." Harry suggested.
"Okay Harry." I agreed with him. As he folded and put it in an envelope addressed to Andromeda.
"Kreacher." Harry called our Elf.
"Yes master, Harry?" Our ancient Elf asked, as he suddenly appeared with a pop.
"Could you deliver this letter to Andromeda and bring me her answer as soon as she has one." Harry asked Kreacher.
"Of course master Harry." Kreacher answered, as Harry handed him the letter.
He then quickly disappeared with a pop to deliver the letter.
"Now for the other matter that has brought us here. I know you don't want to deal with your father but since I'm now involved as well. I think we should at the very least hear him out, Harry." I suggested.
Harry sighed, as he realised that there was no avoiding this any longer.
"Have you read the letter yet?" Harry asked reluctantly.
"No, I haven't had time. And even if I did, I still wouldn't have read it without you being present. After all I hardly know your father." I answered Harry, as I pulled the letter out of my school bag.
I then opened the letter and unfolded it. As I leaned over so both Harry and I could read it at the same time.
My daughter,
Why must you continue to punish me by ignoring my letters to you? I know you are still angry at me for the very foolish decision I made regarding your friend mister Potter. If I could take it back I would. You have to understand that I was terrified that I was about to loose you forever. All because of the editorial positions I took with the Quibbler. I was so wrapped up in my crusade against the Ministry and the forces aligned with Lord Voldemort. That I couldn't see the danger I was putting you in, until it was too late. I should have known that they would use you as leverage against me. So when they took you and threatened to kill you, I completely lost it. Nothing mattered to me except getting you back safe, because it was all my fault that they took you to begin with. I barely survived the loss of your mother and was sure that if I lost you as well, that I wouldn't be able to live with myself. So if you have any respect left for me as your father, I implore you not to keep ignoring my attempts to make things right between us. I continue to beg endlessly for your forgiveness, my daughter. Please don't continue to condemn me forever because of one very poor decision I made while under considerable duress. I would have done anything to get you back safely. Because nothing means more to me than you, my daughter. I await your answer.
Your loving father,
Xenophilius Lovegood
"He does make several good points, Harry. And he really didn't try all that hard to capture us, he could have put sleeping potion in the tea we drank. If he was really trying to help catch us. I can't help but feel that his heart really wasn't in it. Are you sure you're not being a little too hard on him. After all he's only human." I observed.
"I guess that's true I suppose. Deep down I honestly want to forgive him, Luna. It's just so hard knowing what could have happened if the Death Eaters had captured you." Harry said, sounding rather frustrated.
"Do you think you might be ready to finally listen to him? Because if you are, I think we should arrange to meet with him at the the next Hogsmeade weekend." I suggested to Harry.
"Oh very well. I'll listen to him for you, Luna. But I expect you to make it very clear to him why I'm so upset. When we finally do meet, because you're the one who is his daughter now. You'll have to speak for me and give voice to why, I'm so disappointed in him. There's still a couple weeks till the next Hogsmeade visit. I should be ready to hear him out by then. So here's my answer to my father's letter, Luna." Harry said, as he started to dictate his reply to me.
Father,
I have read your latest letter. And while it's true that the thoughts you express in it do help me understand the reasons why you did what you did. The fact remains that it still doesn't excuse, what you tried to do to Harry and my friends that day. But it does give me some insight, into why you would so easily cast aside your very integrity. On the thin hope that it would somehow gain my safe release. I would like to believe that on further reflection of those events. That you would've realised that Voldemort and his followers were not honourable men. And that even Harry's capture, probably wouldn't have convinced them to let me go. Perhaps it is time we finally sat down face to face to give us both the opportunity to discuss things. Then maybe I'll find it in my heart to forgive you. So to that end, I will arrange for us to meet. In a private room at the three broomsticks at our next Hogsmeade visit. I'll be in contact with you soon about the exact time and day.
Your daughter,
Luna
"So what do you think, Luna?" Harry asked, as I finished writing the letter.
"It's a very good opening gesture, Harry. Hopefully it will allow us to continue a dialogue with your father. I would like nothing more than us to be able to reconcile with him. As it stands Harry, your father is the only grandparent our children will ever have. I would prefer that it was a close relationship, rather than a strained one." I replied, as I handed the finished letter to Harry.
"What about Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, I thought you considered them your surrogate family?" Harry asked, as he took the letter folded it and put it in an envelope.
Harry then had me sign the outside of the envelope to his father.
"I do but you know it's not quite the same, Harry." I answered him.
It was at this point that Kreacher returned with an answer from Andromeda Tonks.
"Master Harry, Kreacher has your answer from Mrs. Tonks." Our Elf said, as he handed the letter to Harry.
Harry opened it and leaned over so I could read it as well.
Dear Harry,
I wasn't expecting a visit as soon as tonight. But both Teddy and I are free if you wish to visit this evening. Just show up any time after your classes are done for the day. I also look forward to meeting the young lady, that has somehow captured your attention so much that you want us to meet her.
See you tonight,
Andromeda Tonks
"Well it looks like we have our answer, Luna." Harry said, as he stated the obvious.
"So it would seem. I guess now that I have my uniform back, I don't really have an excuse not to wear it." I thought aloud.
"Don't mind me, if you feel the need to change here." Harry said, as he wiggled his eyebrows.
"Well if you insist, Harry." I replied, as I quickly pulled the blue dress up over my head. Leaving me standing in nothing but my sexy underwear.
As Harry looked on appreciatively, I walked over to where my uniforms were. I picked up one of the white dress shirts and put it on and buttoned it up. I then pulled up the skirt over the shirt and zipped it up. Next I put on my tie and pulled my jumper over my head, as I freed my ponytail out from behind it. I decided for now to keep wearing my mothers sandals, since I really liked wearing them.
"Kreacher." I called, to our oldest Elf.
"Yes, mistress Luna?" He asked patiently.
"Could you take these back to my dorm?" I sweetly asked him, as I gathered my blue dress, spare uniform and Quidditch jersey.
"Of course, mistress Luna. Kreacher lives to serve his mistress. Kreacher will see to it that they are protected." He replied, as he took them from me and prepared to popped away with them.
"Thank you Kreacher." I said as he disappeared with them.
"I don't know about you Luna but I'm ready for some lunch. Although I think we have enough time to stop by the Owlery and send this off." Harry said, as he held up the letter to his father.
So we left the Room of Requirement and made our way down to the Owlery. And promptly sent the letter using one of the school owls. Then Harry and I went over to the Great Hall for lunch. When we arrived lunch had just started, so we proceeded over to our friends at the Gryffindor table.
"I see you got your uniform back, Luna. What happen in the Headmistresses office?" Hermione asked.
We sat down and started to load our plates, as I quickly filled my friends in on what happened there.
"So Mandy got two weeks of detention starting tonight with Filch?" Ron asked, as I gave a quick nod.
"She's lucky that's all she got, if it was up to me I would have expelled her." Ginny added her vengeful thoughts on Mandy's punishment.
"It really was rather foolish of her to have taken them from you in the first place." As Hermione wondered what was going through Mandy's mind at the time.
"That's just it, I don't think Mandy thought that far ahead. She was too blinded by her own rage at seeing me wearing Harry's old Quidditch jersey this morning." I suggested one possible motivation for her taking them.
"But did she really expect to get away with stealing them?" Neville asked.
"Who knows what goes on in that head of hers. Maybe she actually did think she could get away with it." I answered with a shrug.
Once lunch was finished, the rest of the day proceeded normally. As we attended both Double Transfigurations Class and Care of Magical Creatures. Professor McGonagall was happy to see that I had changed back into my uniform. While Hagrid even managed to keep everyone safe, as he showed us the latest magical creature that he found interesting. After a quick dinner in the Great hall with our friends, we excused ourselves and made our way up to the head table. To inform the Headmistress that we were leaving school grounds. Because we planned to visit Harry's godson Teddy.
"Have a nice visit with your godson, Harry." Professor McGonagall smiled at us, as we turned to leave.
"I'm sure we will, thank you Professor." I answered, as we left the Great Hall.
Harry then took my hand as we made our way out the main doors into the courtyard towards the path that led to the gates of Hogwarts. This finally took us beyond the Anti-apparition wards.
"Since I've never been to Mrs. Tonks house you'll have to be the one in charge of our destination, Luna." Harry said to me.
"Okay Harry, hold on." I said, as I held my wand in my free hand and concentrated on our destination.
Then with a crack we disappeared, only to reappear on the front porch. Of what appeared to be a normal Muggle home in a typical Muggle neighbourhood. I reached over and rang the door bell. A few moments later Andromeda answered the door. I had explained to Harry, that Andromeda preferred to be called Andi when I visited.
"Come in, come in." Andromeda quickly invited us inside.
"Thanks for having us over on such short notice, Andi." Harry said to the older witch.
"Nonsense Harry, you know you're always welcome to visit any time you wish." Andromeda said, as she quickly brushed aside the thought that our visit was somehow an inconvenience.
"And who is this lovely young lady you brought with you, Harry?" Asked Andromeda.
"Sorry where are my manners, Andi. I'd like you to meet my girlfriend Luna Lovegood. Luna, this is Andromeda Tonks, Teddy's Grandmother." Harry said as he introduced us.
"It's nice to finally meet you Mrs. Tonks." I said, trying to be a bit formal since this was my first time meeting Andromeda as Luna.
As I held my hand out to her.
"Call me Andi, dear. No need to be so formal in my home. It's nice to meet the girl that has finally managed to captured Harry's heart." Andi replied, as she shook my hand warmly.
"Okay Andi." I said, trying to sound a little uncertain about being so informal.
"Have a seat, Harry, Luna." As Andi gestured to the couch in her living room.
Harry and I made our way over and sat on the couch together. As Andi sat nearby in a large padded recliner.
"So how long have you known Harry, Luna?" She quickly asked me.
"We became friends in my fourth year at Hogwarts, when Harry was teaching several of us Defence Against the Dark Arts. When the Ministry refused to allow us to be instructed properly in the subject." I answered.
"I think he was doing a lot more than just teaching you, at least from what I've heard. Wasn't this the study group that was called Dumbledore's Army, Harry?" Andi asked as she turned to Harry.
"The very same, Luna was one of the more talented members and was one of my five friends that foolishly went with me to the Ministry that year." Harry explained.
"I thought your name sounded familiar. So you were among the famous Ministry six, that held off a dozen Death Eaters. You must be a very talented witch, Luna." Andi said sounding impressed.
"It was mostly Harry but yes I was there. I'm so sorry about Sirius." I apologised.
"You needn't feel bad about that. I must admit to having a soft spot for the mangy cur. But he gave his life trying to help protect Harry, I'm sure he never regretted it even for a moment. I'm sure you can understand his feelings about that." Andi said, as a momentary look of sadness came over her.
It was at this point that we heard a muffled cry from the next room.
"It sounds like Teddy is finally awake. I put him down for a bit after feeding him his dinner. I wanted to be sure he was well rested for your visit, Harry." Andi explained, as she got up to retrieve her grandson. She returned a moment later with Teddy and his favourite blanket. She then walked over to Harry and handed him his godson.
"Well hello Teddy, I'm so glad you could join us. How has my handsome godson been." Harry asked, making cute cooing sounds to little Teddy.
As Teddy smiled and gurgled happily at Harry in return. As I watched Harry with his new godson.
"You're growing so fast, you're such a big boy now!" Harry continued.
When suddenly Teddy's sandy coloured hair and usual eye colour gradually changed to match Harry's.
"Not to worry Harry, this is just the latest development in Teddy's Metamorphmagus abilities. But he only seems to do this with people he really likes. His mother Nymphadora did similar things at that age." As Andi explained, Teddy's newly acquired abilities.
"Handsome as well as talented, what a very special godson I have." Harry cooed at Teddy as he blew a raspberry on Teddy's chubby little cheek.
After a few more moments of quality time with his godson. Harry decided it was time to properly introduce me to Teddy. As he held Teddy up on his feet and turned him towards me.
"Teddy this lovely young lady is quite simply the love of my life. I'd like you to meet my girlfriend Luna Lovegood." Harry introduced me to Teddy for the first time as Luna.
"Luna this strapping young lad is my godson Teddy Remus Lupin." Harry continued, as he held one of Teddy's hands out to me.
"I'm very pleased to meet you, Teddy." I said sweetly to him, as I took his little hand and gently shook it.
"Well now that you've been properly introduced, would you like to hold him, Luna?" Andi asked me.
"I would love to hold him, Andi." I quickly answered, as Harry passed him over to me.
"Well Hello there Teddy." I cooed, as I repositioned him and his favourite blanket on my lap.
"You love your godfather Harry, don't you Teddy?" I asked him, as he smiled and continued to gurgle happily.
"Well I love him too! So we already have something in common, Teddy." I said happily to the little boy that used to be my godson.
I had been holding Teddy for a few minutes when he again changed his appearance. Teddy was now a blond bluish-grey eyed baby boy.
"Amazing, I've never seen him take to someone so quickly, he must really like you, Luna." Andi said surprised by Teddy's behaviour.
"I like him too, yes I do! You're such a cutie, I'll bet you're gonna break a lot of girls hearts." I continued to hug and kiss his chubby little cheeks.
"Harry and Luna please forgive me for being so forward but there is a good reason that I'm asking. Just how serious are you both about each other?" Andi asked us.
"About as serious as two people can possibly be." Harry said with a grin.
"Do you think you'll get married?" Andi continued to ask.
"Most definitely." We both answered at the same moment.
"How can you be so sure, you're both so young." Andi said sceptically.
"We're sure because we happen to be soul mates, Andi. We found out when we made a visit to Gringotts. The Goblin account manager for both the Potter and Black family vaults, told us when we first met him. He thought it was the reason for our visit. He even addressed us as Mr. and Mrs. Potter." Harry explained to Andi.
"You're serious about this?" Andi asked sceptically.
"Perhaps this will convince you." I said, as I revealed the Potter family ring to her.
"Well I guess that settles it, you're both pretty much stuck with each other." Andi said shocked that our relationship was pretty much inevitable.
"And we both couldn't be happier about it." Harry said to Andi.
"Well I might be able to add to your happiness. Remus and Nymphadora both said in their wills that who ever Harry marries would be named Teddy's godmother. They seemed to think the person you'd marry would be either a redhead or a blond young lady. I guess you're the blond, Luna." Andi said.
"I guess I am. Did you hear that Teddy, I'm gonna be your godmother!" I said to the blond little boy. As I stood up and spun him around in my arms.
"Not going to be Luna. You essentially became his godmother, the very moment you put that ring on." Andi explained.
"You really mean it, Andi?" I asked hopefully.
"Of course, unless you don't want to be Teddy's godmother." Andromeda teased me.
"Oh I accept, I could never deny this sweet little boy a godmother." I replied happily.
I couldn't believe it, I was now Teddy's godmother. Losing Teddy as a godson was probably the one thing I regretted about becoming Luna permanently. But as it turns out I didn't lose him, he was still my godson and I was his godmother. I couldn't be happier about it. As I continued to hug and kiss my godson. When I suddenly caught a whiff from my godsons nappy.
"I think someone needs their nappy changed." I said, as I quickly checked my godsons nappy.
"Did you want to change his nappy?" Andi asked.
"Sure I'm going to have to learn how eventually." I said, even though I had changed Teddy several times before when I was still Harry.
"Harry why don't you show Luna to Teddy's nursery and help her change him." Andi suggested.
So Harry got up off the couch and led me and Teddy down the hall that Andromeda had brought him from earlier.
"It's the second door on the left." I whispered to Harry.
As we made our way into Teddy's nursery. It had all the usual amenities a crib with a couple of mobiles hanging over it, a changing table and dresser. I immediately walked over to the changing table and began removing Teddy's wet nappy. When I couldn't help noticing that something was missing. Apparently his hair and eyes were not the only things that Teddy had changed. Because there was no mistaking the fact that Teddy was now an adorable little girl.
"Andromeda!" Harry and I yelled at the same time.
(To be continued)