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 Nineteen
After an early dinner, Andromeda finally got to meet the human versions of Ron and Hermione. They also both swore to help protect and keep Teddy's new ability a secret - much to Andromeda's considerable relief.
With dinner finished and the matter of Teddy's new ability settled for the moment, I finally got around to asking something that I had been curious about.
"Why do you suppose Teddy changed himself into a little girl, instead of a little boy?" I asked. "I mean it makes perfect sense that he would be female when he was the six month version of me. But why would he still be a girl when he sampled both Harry and I?" I questioned.
"Well since he sampled both of your DNA it's really not that surprising, since Luna has two X chromosomes and Harry has only one X and one Y. It's a three to one numerical advantage, the odds were in favour of him ending up as a little girl," Hermione surmised.
"That seems like a reasonable explanation. Besides I doubt Teddy truly understands the difference between the sexes at his age to consciously choose to be female. It's probably just how this new ability chose to manifest the genetic information it received from our combined samples," Harry added.
"Is that why Teddy always changes himself into his Tabitha form now, when he's held by either one of you?" Ron asked.
"It would seem that Teddy now identifies his Tabitha form with us and now changes himself when he comes in contact with either one of us," Harry speculated.
"It's probably just a phase in his Metamorphmagus development that will pass as he grows older. So far he still changes back to his usual self every time he goes to sleep or when I hold him," Andi explained.
"But aren't you at least a little concerned about how much time he'll be spending as a girl? And how that might effect his future development?" Ron asked, surprised by Andromeda's attitude.
"Not really. In the past Teddy has made all kinds of changes to himself from hair colour, eye colour and once even his skin colour. I can remember one time when he turned himself completely orange for a whole day. Nothing I could do or say would get him to change back until he eventually fell asleep that night. Granted until recently he's never changed anything like his gender before but I tend to agree with Harry. I don't think Teddy sees a lot of difference between the sexes at his age. It's still way too early to start worrying that he'll suddenly choose to give up being Teddy Lupin and decide to live full time as Tabitha. Such decisions are not usually made when you're six months old. But no matter what he decides, HE or SHE will always have my love and support," Andromeda stated firmly.
"In the meantime Teddy is apparently going to be a little girl when Harry or I spend much time with him. That's why it's important for Teddy to have another name and identity, when he's in his girl form to protect him and this new ability. The rest will just have to sort itself out as he grows older," I added.
Sensing that the current topic had ran its course, Harry decided to change the subject.
"So, Ron and Hermione, how did your cat lessons with Crookshanks go?" He asked our two friends.
"Pretty good. I think we learned a lot," Ron answered.
"Crookshanks is an excellent teacher," Hermione added, as she stroked the cat in her lap affectionately.
"That reminds me, Luna. Just how exactly did you manage to communicate with them and Crookshanks while you were still in your human form?" Harry asked me.
"It was actually quite simple when you think about it. We came here this weekend to help Ron and Hermione if they had any problems while taking the 24 hour potion. Later, when they had successfully changed into their Kneazle forms, it became painfully obvious just how limiting communications was going to be and how fortunate we were to be able to communicate with them in our Unicorn forms. I knew we were also here to practice our Animagus transformations, when it suddenly occurred to me. Why couldn't I give my human form this same ability to communicate telepathically just like any other of the changes? So I took a moment and concentrated on my Unicorn form and focused on just this ability. Then I willed myself to transform just that part of myself that would give me this ability while I was still human. I'm not sure exactly what changed in my human form that allows me to also have this ability. But at the time it felt like an unused part of my brain had somehow became available to me. I don't really know how else to describe it," I finished my rather long explanation.
Harry looked a little worried for a moment then quickly pulled out his wand and cast what I quickly recognized was the species identification spell. The results had him looking a bit more relieved.
"Well, according to the spell you're still a perfectly normal human female, so I guess no serious harm was done," Harry speculated.
"I really didn't think I was taking that great risk by attempting to try this. After all many of the books we read on the Animagus transformation clearly said it wasn't unusual to acquire some improved senses or other traits from your animal form," I tried to justify my clearly-foolish actions.
"That may be true, Luna, but usually such things only develop after several years of being an Animagus. Not before you've even mastered your animal form," Harry replied.
"Okay, so maybe I pushed things a little and moved the timetable up a bit but I think it was still worth the risk. After all I'm a big girl who can make her own choices and I don't need an over-protective boyfriend second guessing my every decision," I said in a huff.
"That's not what I was trying to do sweetheart. I was only trying to point out that spur of the moment decisions can have unforeseen consequences," Harry said as he tried to placate me.
"Wow. Are you two actually arguing with each other?" Ron asked. "I thought I'd never live to see the day. Since you both got together you've been like one mind in two bodies," Ron continued to tease us.
I felt myself blush a bit at Ron's description of how close Harry and I had become.
"I think Harry brings up a valid point Luna. You keep reminding us that you've changed a lot recently." Hermione turned to look me right in the eye. "Don't let yourself slip back into making rash decisions like you would have in the past. You're in more or less a permanent relationship with Harry now, your choices effect him as well. You should listen to him. He usually gives very good advice."
I could tell that Hermione was trying to help make a point about our past lives, as well as our present ones. Without giving away the fact to Andromeda that Harry and I had switched places.
"You're right Hermione. I'm sorry for being so defensive, Harry. I know you were just trying to express the proper concern for someone you love and worry about," I apologized to Harry.
"It's all right sweetheart, I understand your reasons. Just remember we're in this together now and a lot of decisions we make individually can have a big effect on both of us and our future relationship with each other," Harry clarified.
"What? That's it? It's over already? Ron asked, making it clear that he was still joking around with us.
"Well Ron, we don't have nearly the same level of experience as you and Hermione do at arguing with one another. But I can't help noticing lately that you don't seem to argue much with each other these days," I teased him back.
"That's because some of those recent experiences have given us both a greater understanding about each other and that many of the things that bothered or annoyed us before seem less important now. That has got rid of many of our disagreements." Hermione offered her opinion.
"Hermione is almost always right about everything. My life became much easier when that fact finally made it's way into my incredibly thick head. I couldn't agree more with my very smart and beautiful girlfriend," Ron declared with a sincere smile.
"Well then, I'm sure you'll agree that we need to pack up and head back to school. Since we still have a couple of assignments to finish before class tomorrow," Hermione reminded Ron, grinning back at him.
"As long as your reward system is in effect, I'm sure I'll find myself very motivated to do my homework from now on," Ron smirked at his girlfriend.
"If this continues you may actually do quite well on your N.E.W.T. examinations at the end of the year, Ron." I pointed out how Hermione's reward system had greatly improved Ron's academic performance.
After a quick trip upstairs to pack our bags. It was finally time to return to school as we said our goodbyes to Andromeda, Teddy, Magnus and Corin.
"We'll try and visit again next weekend but it may only be on Sunday, since we agreed to meet with Luna's father at the next Hogsmeade weekend," Harry said regretfully.
With that settled Harry took my hand in his and we Apparated outside the main gates of Hogwarts. Ron and Hermione appeared shortly after us, with a loud crack. Then we quickly made our way up the path to the front doors past the Great Hall and up the stairs to our respective common rooms. We agreed to meet in the library where we would work on finishing our Potions and Transfiguration assignments that were due tomorrow. Neville and Ginny were already there working on their homework. After exchanging greetings I asked them how things went at Longbottom Manor.
"I think it went quite well actually, Gran doesn't warm up to anyone quickly," Neville explained his stern grandmother's attitude.
"I tried very hard to give a good impression. Then Neville's grandmother found out I was one of the three witches that was with Harry, Ron and Neville fighting Death Eaters at the Ministry of Magic. And that I fought against Bellatrix Lestrange with you and Hermione. That's when I think she started to thaw," Ginny explained.
"Not that I've brought a lot of girls home to meet Gran," Neville continued. "But I think Ginny is the only one that she seems to approve of."
"She even extended an invitation to me and my parents for dinner next Sunday," Ginny added.
"Well that's something. You're well on your way to becoming the next Mrs. Longbottom," I teased my red headed friend.
She and Neville blushed at the thought, but neither denied it was a strong possibility.
Once finished with tomorrow's assignments we then separated for some personal private time with our respective boyfriend or girlfriend. Or in Ron's case to receive his reward for working so hard on his homework.
After another wonderful night of making out with Harry we eventually had to call it a night, as Harry walked me back to my common room door.
After knocking on the bronze statue of an eagle, it asked its question.
"What came first, the Phoenix or the flame?"
I remembered this question very well - it was the same one it asked the night the original Luna showed me into the Ravenclaw tower, when I was looking for information about Rowena Ravenclaw's lost Diadem. I remembered it quite clearly because it was the first time I actually wanted to kiss her. She was so much help that night as she stunned Alecto Carrow and pointed me to the ghost of Helena Ravenclaw. If not for her help things might have ended very differently that night. So with feelings of great pride I turned to Harry, took his hand, and confidently gave my response.
"A circle has no beginning," I answered. Then leaned over and promptly kissed Harry's socks off.
"Goodnight Harry, I love you," I said as I turned to enter my common room.
"Goodnight sweetheart. I love you too," Harry answered. With a look that told me he remembered that night as well.
For the next week when we weren't going to classes, doing our homework together, or having Quidditch practice, we spent our remaining free time together. Continuing to practice our Animagus transformations when able, snogging in the occasional broom closets or making out in the Room of Requirement. At least when it wasn't already being used by our two best friends. I guess they were still trying hard to get over their gender confusion issues. I wanted them to be happy whatever they ended up deciding. Of course we always had the master bedroom at Potter Manor if the Room of Requirement was occupied.
Harry had also insisted that he give me as much background about his father and why he was so angry at him for his betrayal. This also included him giving me a few of his memories of their relationship and how they usually interact with each other.
"We haven't always been close but after Mum died we only had each other, things changed and we grew closer as we worked through our grief. I always did most of the cooking and cleaning back then - whilst Daddy made himself busy working on and editing the various stories for each issue of the Quibbler. Either that or planning the next expedition to Sweden looking for proof of the existence of the Crumpled-Horned Snorkack. We never argued or got angry at each other. Him trying to give you up to Voldemort was a complete shock to me. I couldn't believe he was foolish enough to think they would actually let me go in exchange for your capture. Death Eaters never keep their word when they get what they want," Harry said, looking very agitated over his father's betrayal.
I nodded my understanding as I took in all the information in about their relationship. I thought about how to respond.
"People do foolish things when someone they love is in danger, Harry. Can you really blame him for grasping at anything that might get you back?" I asked seriously.
"No, you're right. I see that now," Harry answered. "I want to forgive him, I really do. It's just hard when I think I might have lost you before I ever got to tell you how I felt."
"I know, Harry. But there were so many things your father could have done if he really wanted to catch us. I can't help thinking that deep down - his heart wasn't really in it. He could have slipped some sleeping potion in the tea he served us or placed anti-Apparition wards to keep us from escaping. But he didn't do that or any number of other things he could have," I offered in Mr. Lovegood's defence.
"I know you're right, of course," Harry said. "I can see it clearly now with my head - it's my heart that has been the problem. I have given it a lot of thought since his last letter. And I think my heart is finally ready to listen as well."
"I think that's all anyone could expect under the circumstances, Harry," I offered.
"Just don't jump into his arms and forgive him before you've told him why you're mad at him. And just what might have happened if he had succeeded in helping capturing you," Harry insisted.
"Of course I'll be the angry daughter, I'll let him know that not only did he betray the man I love, his actions could have doomed the Magical world. I've got it," I said. "But you also need to express my thoughts, that you understand why he did it. And that at the very least the father of the woman you love deserves a second chance," I finished.
"Well I think that about covers it, sweetheart," Harry replied.
"Did you send an owl to Rosmerta to reserve the room?" I asked.
"I sent an owl to her this morning, asking to reserve the same room we had lunch in during our previous Hogsmeade visit. I said that we would be meeting my girlfriend's father. It's all taken care of - three for lunch at noon," Harry answered.
Everything was as ready as it could be. I hoped that all the weeks of trying to help Harry work through his feelings for his father would pay off, and that he would be able to forgive him. After all I already had.
Eventually Saturday arrived. After trying to decide what to wear, I settled on the yellow dress we bought in London - with my mother's high-heeled sandals. I looked at myself in the mirror. Not bad but I knew I could look better. I really should have asked Hermione and Ginny for some tips with my hair and how to apply a little makeup. I wished Corin was here, as I thought of our female Elf.
With a sudden pop she was there, asking, "Mistress Luna, how can Corin help?"
"Corin! What are you doing here?" I asked her.
"Corin felt that mistress Luna needed her," she answered.
"Well since you're here, I really need help with my hair and makeup. Any suggestions?" I asked hopefully.
"What is the occasion?" the little Elf asked.
"I'm going on a date to Hogsmeade with Harry," I answered.
"Corin can do what she always did for mistress Lily, when she went out with master James. Would mistress Luna like that?" She asked.
"That would be wonderful, Corin!" I exclaimed. "Yes, please do that!"
Corin did a few quick gestures and a snap of her very nimble fingers had me looking even prettier than Hermione and Ginny had managed.
"Thank you Corin!" I said as I leaned down and hugged the little House Elf. "You're the best!"
Corin looked very happy at my praising her work.
"Is there anything else, mistress Luna?" Corin asked.
"No this is perfect, it's going to knock Harry's socks right off!" I said to her.
She gave a quick nod and disappeared with a pop.
I quickly made my way downstairs, through the common room and out the exit. I found Harry waiting outside with the Marauders map sitting against a nearby wall.
"I hope you haven't been waiting too long, Harry?" I asked him.
"If I have been, it was well worth the wait," Harry answered, as he gave me the once over. "The results are even better than last time. Have Hermione and Ginny been giving you lessons in secret?" Harry asked.
I explained Corin's sudden appearance to him.
"Well done, Corin. But I would be attracted to you, even if you showed up today in a burlap sack. I'll be the luckiest guy in all of Hogsmeade with the prettiest girl on my arm," He said as he stood up and offered that very same arm to me.
I took his arm as I wrapped myself around it, we then made our way down stairs to breakfast. All during our morning meal I received several nice comments from our friends as we sat at the Gryffindor table.
"You look very pretty this morning, Luna," Hermione complemented me. "How did you manage it with your rather limited experience?" She asked quietly, so only I could hear her.
I filled her in on Corin showing up.
"Corin came here! Did you call her?" Hermione asked.
"No I didn't, she said she came because she felt I needed her." I answered.
"You're lucky to have such a devoted House Elf," Hermione said without the usual disapproval of the past.
Hermione had finally had it explained to her by Magnus and Corin that House Elves come into being by the magic of older homes and magical places like Hogwarts. And that very magic is what sustains them. To free one would essentially be a death sentence if they didn't have a new home or master to serve. Dobby and Winky were of course offered a place at Hogwarts. But I later found out that Dobby had more or less attached himself to me. He would have came to me any time, if I had just asked him to. I really missed him and wished he could have had the chance to be a proper member of our family.
After breakfast, Harry and I made our way down to the courtyard and got in line with all the other students. Once cleared by the eternally grumpy Mr. Filch we made our way down the path to Hogsmeade.
"Since we have plenty of time before we meet my father for lunch, let's make our usual rounds to Gringotts, Honeydukes and Zonko's joke shop. Then I need to make a special visit to the Quality Quidditch shop, to arrange that special something we talked about for Ginny," Harry suggested.
"Okay Harry, that sounds good to me," I quickly agreed.
"When things are all taken care of at the Quidditch shop, it should be about time to meet my father for lunch at the Three Broomsticks," Harry said loud enough for only me to hear.
Once we arrived at Hogsmeade we made our way to the new Gringotts location to withdraw the money we would need for today. Then a quick trip to Honeydukes where Harry remembered to pick up more of our two favourites. Never getting any sweets as a child at the Dursley's, and being female now, made the offered chocolates from Harry have an amazing effect on me. They made me very glad to be Luna.
"I can see why girls love chocolates so much, if it makes you feel like this when you eat it. I think the only thing I enjoy more than this is when you make love to me, Harry," I gushed at the effect chocolate had on me now.
"I'll have to remember that. Perhaps we can figure a way to combine the two experiences." Harry smirked at me.
Wow... Was Harry suggesting what I think he did. I was very surprised by this but the idea was also oddly appealing, I tried to shake the image that had formed in my mind. I blushed furiously as I failed to completely banish the thought.
Next, we made a quick trip to Zonko's joke shop and picked up a few things and looked over their latest offerings. We both agreed that Weasley's' Wizard Wheezes had a much better product line than Zonko's. Harry quickly paid for our items as we left the joke store. It was now time to make a trip to the Quality Quidditch shop to see if we could arrange for a discounted broom for Ginny. When we entered Mr. Thatcher immediately noticed our arrival and quickly made his way over to us.
"Mr. Potter, Miss Lovegood, it's good to see you both again. How can I assist you this fine day? he cheerfully asked.
"I wonder if you ever have any slightly damaged or returned brooms that you might sell at a discount?" Harry enquired.
Mr. Thatcher brought his hand to his chin as he contemplated the question.
"It happens occasionally when one is damaged at delivery or when a customer trades one in on a newer model. Sometimes I'll sell the display model after it looks a bit battered from constant handling. A little polish and it usually looks almost as good as new but I can't really sell it as such," he answered. "Why do you ask?"
"I have a close friend who is too proud to accept one as a gift from me. So I thought you might have something she could afford, yet still get the broom she desires. She has saved up well over five hundred Galleons towards a Nimbus 2100 - but is still quite a bit short of her goal of the 1500 she would need. I would be happy to pay the difference, but it must remain a secret and be for a believable reason selling it so cheep. After all she's nobody's fool. If you even mention my name she'll know instantly I had something to do with it," Harry explained.
"Say no more Mr. Potter. I think I have just the idea. What is the name of the witch in question, and what does she look like?" he asked.
"Ginny Weasley. She's about as tall as Luna, has long red hair, brown eyes, freckles, and is usually found in the company of her boyfriend, Neville Longbottom," Harry described her.
"I think I remember the young lady in question from last month's Hogsmeade visit. I'll set my promotional door chime to her name, it will make quite the fanfare when she enters the shop. I'll tell her she has won 50 percent off any broom. That will drop the price of a Nimbus 2100 to 750 Galleons," Mr. Thatcher explained.
"But that's still more than she''ll be able to afford, Mr. Thatcher," I interrupted.
"Not to worry my dear. That's when the second part of my plan will kick in. I'll then offer to sell her my display model for another 200 Galleons off, bringing the price down to 550 Galleons. That should put the price within her current finances that you said she has already saved towards the broom. Does that sound like a believable scenario to you?" he asked us.
"Yes. I think even Ginny would believe it - and that's what's important. Oh, and speaking of finances, here is a bag with a 1000 Galleons to cover the discounts for Ginny's broom." Harry said, as he offered the bag of coins to Mr. Thatcher.
"No need, Mr. Potter. Keep it, I'm still doing quite well from our last transaction. To cover another discounted broom for a close personal friend of yours, won't be a problem," he explained.
"If you're sure, Mr. Thatcher. I never expected you to take a loss on the broom. If you manage to pull this off, it would be well worth the money to me," Harry replied.
"Not to worry - I'm doing quite well," he assured Harry. "Say - what position and house does Miss Weasley play for?" he asked.
"Ginny is a very talented Chaser for Gryffindor House. I have little doubt that she could turn Pro with a descent broom," Harry answered.
"Ah. Even better, Gryffindor was my House as well when I attended Hogwarts." Mr Thatcher smiled at the memory.
"Well we best not linger. She might see us here and ruin your excellent plan. Thank you very much, Mr. Thatcher. You may be responsible for the professional career of a very talented Chaser," Harry said in parting. We turned and quickly left the shop to meet Harry's father.
Once we were far enough away from the Quidditch store we casually made our way down the High street towards the Three Broomsticks. Harry then turned to me and said, "Aren't you worried that Ginny getting a descent broom will make it that much harder for Ravenclaw to win the cup this year?"
"Of course not! You forget I've seen her fly. She's an incredible Chaser. The only thing holding her back from being a great one is her second hand broom. If Gryffindor wins the cup it will be because the team deserved to win. Besides I feel I owe her too. Hopefully this broom will help her reach her dream to become a professional Chaser. And that is far more important than who wins the cup this year," I answered, feeling that I was right about this.
Eventually we arrived at the Three Broomsticks. It was finally here the moment of truth. I hoped everything would go well as we went inside. Rosmerta saw us and waved us over.
"Harry, Luna, it's good to see you both again. Your guest is already up there waiting. Did you want lunch right away or did you need a few moments?" she asked.
"If you could give us a few moments to discuss some personal matters before you serve lunch, that would be great," Harry requested.
"Of course Harry. How long do you want me to wait?" Rosie asked.
"Hopefully it won't take more than 30 minutes," Harry answered.
"Okay. I should be able to make that work. I'll check to see if your ready for lunch in about 30 minutes, Harry," she agreed.
"Thanks Rosie," Harry said, as we turned and made our way up the stairs to the first door on the left.
On the way I reminded myself of the recent discussion with Harry about how I should act and treat his father when mad at him. The last thing I wanted to do was anything that might give away that we switched places. Besides for the purposes of this conversation the fact that we permanently traded lives probably wouldn't be very helpful. So for now we had both decided not to tell him. As we approached the door it was open - so we went in to find Xenophilius Lovegood seated in the private room. He stood and quickly walked over to me and pulled me into a hug. I didn't make much of an effort to hug him back.
"Luna! I've missed you so!" he exclaimed.
"Hello, father," I said trying to sound cold and distant.
He looked a little surprised - then a little hurt at how I addressed him.
"Have I really done so much damage to our relationship that my little girl no longer calls me Daddy?" he asked.
"Daddy is an affectionate term - and that's not something I've felt lately towards you, father," I answered doing my best at this point to keep my distant attitude.
"I don't know why you insisted that Harry be here during this discussion. This is a family matter," Luna's father said, clearly not wanting to air their dirty laundry in front of Harry.
"You should be grateful to Harry, because I probably wouldn't be here if he hadn't convinced me to listen to you. He thinks that if I gave you a chance, I might hear something to explain your actions and perhaps find a reason to forgive you," I replied angrily.
"I see. Then you have my gratitude, Harry." He turned and acknowledged him.
"He's here for other reasons, father. You betrayed Harry by trying to turn him over to Voldemort. But if you ever expect me to forgive you, you'll have to get his forgiveness first. And as for this being a family matter, Harry is family!" I declared, as I held up my hand and purposely revealed my Potter family ring.
"What! You're married? Why wasn't I told?" Mr. Lovegood asked, shocked by this revelation.
"Not officially yet, father - but probably shortly after we graduate from Hogwarts," I firmly announced.
"But then how are you wearing his family ring then? It shouldn't be possible!" Xeno retorted, confused by this unexplained fact.
"That's because Harry and I are Soul Mates, father. According to Gringotts that makes us legally married as far as the Goblin bank is concerned. In fact, if we filed certain papers with the Ministry of Magic we would also be legally married in the Magical world, as well." I explained.
Mr Lovegood looked completely stunned by this new information.
"So not only did you try to turn over both the man I love and two of our best friends to the Death Eaters, you also sold out my Soul Mate, future husband and father of any grandchildren you're likely to ever have. Not to mention it was Harry and those same friends who later helped free me from Malfoy Manor." I finished angrily.
Mr. Lovegood was reeling from the repeated points I made. They stuck him like blows from an unseen fist. He fell back into the chair he had only moments ago got up from.
"And if that wasn't bad enough, Harry was the only one who could defeat Voldemort. By turning him over to them, you could have condemned us all. Do you really think I would be happy to gain my freedom at such a price? You can't trust Death Eaters. You were a fool to think they would keep their word and free me!" I yelled at Luna's dad.
"I'm sorry Luna, I was mad with grief. Nothing mattered but getting you back. The only thing that kept me from falling completely apart after we lost your mother was the fact that I still had you," he explained desperately, throwing his arms up as if to ward me off. "No matter what happened or what price I had to pay I couldn't lose you too! Especially since it was my fault that they took you in the first place, Luna. I'm sorry but I was blinded by my crusade against the puppet Ministry and the Dark forces behind it. I should have known they would use you against me and kept you safe. But again I failed you."
"I can understand some of the reasons why you did what you did, father. But I can't understand why you would so easily give up your honour and values as a journalist. To betray the person you had defended so strongly only weeks before. Do your own personal ethics mean so little to you to be cast aside so easily?" I questioned him.
"The answer is easy when your safety was on the line. I did and said what I thought was necessary to keep us both alive! Just because I said it, or was being forced to print lies, doesn't mean I believed them. Besides, I didn't try that hard to help catch your friends, Luna. At the time I was hoping to find out if you were even still alive! Harry and his friends had managed to evade the Ministry and Death Eaters for months. I was sure they would be able to easily escape a few of Voldemort's minions. Please forgive me, my daughter - but I was desperate to know!" He begged for our forgiveness.
He was making several good points, I looked over to Harry to see if he agreed. He then walked over and said.
"Being in love with your daughter, I can understand only too well your feelings, Mr. Lovegood. I have always believed that the man responsible for raising the woman I would come to love, should be given a second chance," Harry offered.
"Thank you Harry, that means a lot to me," he said gratefully, as he stood and turned to me and held out his arms.
I ran to him and this time hugged him with everything I had. "I forgive you Daddy, I could never stay angry at you for long. But don't you dare let this happen again!" I chastised him.
"Thanks to your young man, I doubt I'll be forced to make such a choice ever again," he declared with conviction.
"Yes, that's very true. The Magical World owes Harry much, Daddy. But I loved him long before any of that," I announced.
"Well I may have struck the final blow but I never would have been able to do it without a lot of help from many others," Harry added. "But your daughter is certainly among the top of my list when it comes to those who helped me the most. Her intervention on at least two occasions made all the difference between success or failure."
It was at this point that the door opened and Rosmerta peeked her head into the room.
"It's been about 30 minutes. Are you ready for lunch, or did you need more time, Harry?" she asked.
"Yes, I think now would be the perfect time, Rosie," Harry answered.
"Excellent! If you will all have a seat - I'll be back with the first course," Rosmerta instructed.
With that we each took a seat, I sat between Mr. Lovegood and Harry. When Rosmerta returned with our lunch, Mr. Lovegood asked us for more details about how we each helped one another before and during the events that led to the final battle at Hogwarts. He listened closely and asked questions occasionally when it was appropriate. I could see he had a keen mind. There was little doubt about where the original Luna had got many of her characteristics from. I'm not sure if it was the memories that Harry gave me or if I was truly beginning to feel genuine affection for the elder Lovegood.
Lunch was excellent as we continued to chat and I learned more about the man who was for all practical purposes now my biological father. Harry had shown me a few pictures of his Mum, as well as a few happier memories of her teaching Luna to knit, and a few times where she helped with dinner or baking some pies. But he never offered much about how she died, other than to say that when experimenting and creating new spells that they can sometimes go spectacularly wrong. Apparently it was the backlash from one of these new spells that had accidentally killed her. Harry never offered to show the memory and I never asked to see it. Quite frankly, I didn't want to see it. But one thing was clear, looking at pictures and seeing the other memories. Luna took after her mother in the looks department - she had the same hair colour and inquisitive eyes I now saw in the mirror each day. Seeing Luna's mum gave me a good idea of the woman I would eventually become and that a part of her lived on through me now. At this point lunch was winding down. I noticed Harry had a serious look on his face as he turned to say something to Mr. Lovegood.
"Now that things are finally settled between you and your daughter. I'd like to formally ask you for her hand, Mr. Lovegood," Harry requested.
"Oh, of course my dear boy, I would be proud to offer you her hand in marriage. But you must call me Xenophilius or Dad. Mr. Lovegood sounds much too formal coming from my future son-in-law," He insisted.
"Thank you, Dad," Harry tried it out, a little uncertain at first. "I'll take very good care of her. After all, she means the world to me!"
I blushed as Harry took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"I'm sure you will Harry. You've already done a fine job of it so far," he assured Harry. "When do you plan to officially announce your engagement?" he asked.
"It will be a bit longer. We're trying to keep it a secret for as long we can. Once people find out, it will probably cause quite the commotion. We were hoping to avoid that for as long as possible," Harry answered.
"Yes, I imagine it would. Being a public figure does have it's drawbacks." He nodded his understanding of our circumstances. "But when you do decide to go public, I hope you'll consider using the Quibbler to announce your betrothal. After all, it's not everyday that my only daughter becomes engaged to the most eligible bachelor in the Magical World. That's big news indeed!" he exclaimed happily.
Mr. Lovegood then turned to me and asked.
"The repairs to our house have been completed for over a month now, I was hoping you would come home for Christmas, Luna. Of course Harry would be welcome as well," He asked hopefully.
Harry had told me that over the summer when he was still Luna and angry at her father, she had been staying at the Burrow with the Weasley's in Ginny's room while their house was being repaired from the Death Eater attack. Her father, however, had been renting a flat in Diagon Alley.
"Tell you what - we will visit you at home Christmas Eve for dinner perhaps, but you will be spending the night and Christmas day with us at Potter Manor, Daddy," I made a counter offer.
"Well, as long as we're together for the holidays, I guess it doesn't matter where we are. But I had hoped you'd come home at least once more before starting your new life together," he said, sounding a little disappointed. "As for dinner at home Christmas Eve that might be difficult, since I'm still completely useless in the kitchen."
"Don't worry, Daddy. We'll have our Elves take care of the dinner plans for you. When they find out about it, I'm sure they will insist on it"
It was at this point that Rosmerta returned to clear the table.
"How was everything?" Rosmerta asked, as she pulled out her wand and had the empty plates stack themselves.
"Wonderful, Rosie," Harry said as he rubbed his stomach. "I'd like to settle up when you have a moment," Harry requested.
"I got your bill right here, Harry," she said as she handed him a piece of parchment.
"I'd like to pay at least for mine and Luna's lunch, Harry," Mr. Lovegood said.
Harry waved him off. "No, I couldn't possibly take my future father-in-law's money," he insisted.
Rosie gasped at the way Harry addressed Mr. Lovegood.
"Sorry about that little slip Rosie, but along with your excellent service could I ask you to keep that last little bit a secret. We're not quite ready to go public with this yet. I'm sure you understand why," Harry finished as he handed several Galleons to her.
"But Harry this is still TOO MUCH!" she exclaimed.
"Now Rosie, lunch was excellent, your service was beyond reproach and I'm asking you to keep something very important in confidence. You have already earned this, or will earn it with the course of time," Harry said firmly to the owner of the Three Broomsticks.
Before Rosie could even argue back, we heard people outside screaming in panicked voices. A familiar chill came over me. One that I hadn't felt since the night I went to what I thought would surely be my death.
Harry and I quickly moved to the nearby window and saw students and villagers running away in terror. I looked down in shock at the chaos on the street below, one thing became clear - Hogsmeade was being over-run by Dementors. Halloween was once again proving to be a very bad day for me and Harry.
"I thought all of the Dementors were back at Azkaban?" Harry cried out, stunned by what he was seeing.
"Apparently not all of them returned. We need to get a message to Minister Shacklebolt and Headmistress McGonagall!" I yelled to Harry. "I'll send one of my Patronuses to Professor McGonagall. You send one to alert the Minister!"
Harry didn't argue and quickly summoned Prongs as he pulled out his wand and with a sudden yell cast the spell.
"Expecto Patronum!" he exclaimed.
I also did likewise and hurriedly summoned my mothers doe. I quickly relayed the message to the Headmistress, while Harry did the same with Prongs and quickly relayed his message to the Minister.
"Hogsmeade is under attack by Dementors! Send help!"
"Stay here Daddy, you should be safe inside," I said to Mr. Lovegood.
"I'll do no such thing. You expect me to hide, while my only child risks her life to protect others? I failed to protect you once before and I swore I'd never to let that happen again," he insisted stubbornly.
"Very well. But can you cast the Patronus charm, Mr. Lovegood?" Harry asked as we quickly made our way downstairs. "Because going outside is suicidal if you can't cast it," Harry explained to his father.
"I've only managed to summon a non corporal one, Harry," the elder Lovegood answered, as it dawned on him the exact nature of the danger we faced.
"Perhaps it's just a matter of using the right memory. Might I suggest how you felt when your daughter forgave you earlier today," Harry suggested.
"That's an excellent idea, Harry," Mr. Lovegood agreed.
When we arrived downstairs a couple of Dementors were already inside trying to give the soul sucking kiss to two young girls at the table closest to the door. When I heard two familiar voices cry-out, "Expecto Patronum!" I turned to see Ron and Hermione jump up from a table in the corner. As two animals emerged from the tips of their wands. But instead of Ron's Jack Russell Terrier and Hermione's otter, Ron's was now a very familiar bushy-furred Kneazle, while Hermione's was what appeared to be a rather normal looking wolf. They both charged the Dementors, knocking them away from the two girls and driving them back out the same door they had only moments before came in through. Ron then took up a guarding position at the door as Hermione checked on the two frightened girls.
"Here eat this," she said as she gave them each half of a chocolate bar from Honeydukes.
"We've got to do something, the rest of the students and villagers outside are sitting ducks unless we help them!" Ron exclaimed as he continued to look through the window in the door.
Harry quickly pointed his wand to his throat and cast the Sonorus charm, as his voice thundered over Hogsmeade with his warning.
"Everyone seek the nearest shelter and lock the doors, Hogsmeade is under attack by Dementors!" Harry finished cancelling it's effect with the counter-spell Quietus.
"That should help most of the people who can get inside. It's the ones caught out on the street that are in the most danger," Harry declared.
"Can anyone here cast the Patronus charm?" I asked everyone who was present in the Three Broomsticks.
Sadly no one spoke up. Unfortunately none of the previous members of Dumbledore's Army were present except the four of us.
"Daddy, we need you to stay here and guard the door while we try and help those who are still stuck outside," I pleaded with the man who was now my father.
"There's no one else Mr. Lovegood. We need Ron and Hermione's help outside. I promise to keep her safe. But the longer we wait the more lives that may be lost." Harry looked directly into Mr. Lovegood's eyes.
"Very well, I'll stay and guard the door. But I'm trusting you to keep my little girl safe in my place. See that you don't disappoint her like I have, Harry." he stated, as a silent agreement formed between the two men.
Harry gave a brief nod that he understood the elder Lovegood's feelings.
"Rest assured, no harm will come to her as long as I live," Harry answered confidently.
With that finally settled Harry, Ron, Hermione and I exited The Three Broomsticks and continued down the High street. We hadn't gone far when three Dementors came toward us from several directions. I quickly called up as many happy memories as I could, not to mention my love for Harry and our two best friends - then cast the Patronus charm.
"Expecto Patronum!" I yelled finding those same words echoed by Harry, Ron and Hermione.
But instead of the expected four Patronuses there were six, two were the brightest silver Patronuses I had ever seen. They were Ron and Hermione's Kneazle and Spectral wolf. While the other four took on a golden glow that was almost too bright to look at. The two that emerged from my wand were Prongs and Midnight - Harry's Unicorn stallion as I had come to call him. Whilst Harry had summoned my mothers doe that I had named Grace. The other was my Unicorn form. If Harry had a affectionate name for her he hadn't told me yet.
Our Patronuses charged and chased after the Dementors while the foul creatures tried desperately to escape from them. Knowing that many others were in greater danger, we quickly proceeded further down the High street as fast as we could.
With each new encounter we continued to use our Patronuses to repel each of them. And drive them away from the helpless students or inhabitants of Hogsmeade that we came across. At one point while our Patronuses were busy with other Dementors three others came out of an ally to the left of us. It was to late to summon one of our Patronuses back to ward off the approaching Dementors. For the first time since I had stepped out onto the street I was concerned for our safety. As the three Dementors rapidly closed in on us, they must have thought they would be able to use this chance to eliminate the source of those who were resisting. Then two new silver forms jumped in front of us, knocking the surprised Dementors away. It was Ginny's horse and a bear Patronus that had come to save the day.
"You looked like you could use a hand," Ginny said with a smirk, as her horse and the bear made short work of driving the three Dementors away.
"Your timing couldn't be better," I told Ginny grateful for her help.
"You really should keep one in reserve, so they don't sneak up on you like that," Neville added.
"Since when did you manage to summon a corporeal Patronus, Neville?" Ron asked his sister's boyfriend.
"Today was the first time, I used the memory of Ginny agreeing to be my girlfriend and this fellow showed up," He answered as Neville gestured to the bear that lumbered nearby as it clawed at one of the Dementors and gave a roar. Meanwhile, Ginny's horse continued to harass another of the Dementors.
"Oh, that's so sweet, Neville," Hermione and I gushed at Ginny who was trying hard not to blush that she was the memory that had inspired her boyfriend's success.
It was at this point I noticed that she had a familiar looking case that said Nimbus 2100 behind her back. With the strap from that same case carried over her shoulder. I was glad to see she had got her broom. Now there was nothing to hold her back from achieving her dream of being a professional Chaser.
Now that we had reinforcements from Ginny and Neville, we boldly continued down the High street using one of the Patronuses to protect us while the rest were focused on making the Dementors as miserable as possible.
After preventing several students and villagers from being kissed, I knew that our luck couldn't hold.
We eventually came upon a scene that nearly broke my heart. It was a little girl who had just been kissed by a Dementor. I suddenly envisioned something like this happening to Teddy. What can I say, something inside me just snapped. I was so enraged that I sent both of my Patronuses after the one that had been leaning over the little girl. The two golden forms sprang toward the foul creature and were quickly joined by two others as they viciously attacked the Dementor. It tried to flee but the four golden Patronus had managed to pin it up against the wall of a nearby house. It started to glow and screech in pain. Then with a final blood curdling scream it burst apart, releasing hundreds of tiny white globes. One of them quickly flew over to the little girl and went back into her body. She immediately opened her eyes and started crying as girl's worried mother rushed over to hold her in her arms.
I then realized that the globes that had escaped from the Dementor were the souls of it's many victims. My friends all seemed to come to the same conclusion, as we all directed our Patronuses to hunt them down one by one. Trapping and destroying as many of them as we could before the Dementors realised the danger they faced and finally fled. In the end we only managed to destroy half a dozen of them before the rest retreated.
No more easy meals for you bastards, I thought to myself. It was at this point that help finally arrived with sound of several loud cracks that announced the appearance of a squad of Aurors from the Ministry. They were soon joined by several Professors that had came down from Hogwarts.
"Well, better late than never," I said sarcastically, trying to lighten the mood.
My friends and Harry all laughed at my silly joke.
"Let's head back to the Three Broomsticks. Your father is probably worried sick about you," Harry suggested with a knowing smile.
"Good idea, Harry. I could use a stiff drink right about now myself," Ron added.
"Ron!" Hermione huffed disapprovingly.
"What?" Ron questioned. "If there was ever a moment that called for it, this is it Hermione," Ron continued. "Besides we're all of age now."
"Well, I suppose," Hermione conceded the point.
"The first round is on me," Neville offered. "But I'll probably stick with Butterbeer myself."
When we finally arrived back at the Three Broomsticks, I was immediately scooped up in Mr. Lovegood's arms. And was held so tight that it should have hurt but for some reason it didn't. It was strange having a parental figure express so much concern about my well being. I could get used to this, I thought to myself.
"Thank goodness your all right, Luna! I was worried sick something would happen to you now that I finally got you back," The elder Lovegood exclaimed relieved that I was unharmed.
"I'm perfectly fine, Daddy," I said sounding both annoyed and pleased by his reaction to my safe return, as I hugged him back.
The next morning at breakfast when the Daily Prophet was delivered, it was completely devoted to the attack on Hogsmeade and how Harry Potter and his friends not only succeeded in driving them away, but had somehow managed to destroy several of the foul creatures. This was something that no one had ever been able to do before.
Another article in the same issue of the Daily Prophet. Iit was revealed that an unknown Death Eater who worked at the Department of Mysteries, had stolen an ancient relic that could be used to control Dementors. It was this Death Eater who had caused the attack on Hogsmeade. He was caught red handed with it by Aurors as he tried to flee the area. Apparently he hoped that the attack would further destabilise the newly reformed Ministry. Unfortunately for him we were there to stop most of it.
There were also several stories in later issues of victims of the Dementors' Kiss that had reawakened after many years of what was thought to be an incurable kind of living death. I was happy many victims of the last war were able to be reunited with their loved ones. I wish we had been able to kill more of the awful creatures that had attacked the village.
All in all it could have been much worse. Of the twenty four victims who were kissed, nineteen had recovered their souls from the Dementors that were destroyed. The remaining five were apparently kissed by ones that had escaped. When it became known that a Dementors could be killed and that its destruction released its victims from the living death, Minister Shacklebolt personally asked for our assistance with destroying the rest. Harry and I happily agreed to help. In the end it would take several years, but eventually we managed to eliminate them completely from the British Isles.
(To be continued)
Beta reader / Proof reader / Helpful edits gratefully provided by Ravenclaw Midnight Blue!
Authors note:
For those who are confused by who can summon what Patronuses and why here is some further explanation on that.
If you go back and read in my story when they first summon their Patronuses after the switch. Harry as Luna now summons three of them Prongs, Lily's Doe and the black Unicorn stallion (Midnight). While the original Luna as Harry now, also can summon Prongs, Lily's Doe and the female Unicorn Animagus form of the new Luna . (The original Harry Potter).
Now back to this point in the story. Each can basically summon both Prongs and Lily's Doe unless the other has already summoned one of them. Because there can only be one of each Patronus at a time, In other words the original Luna as Harry now summons Prongs first because his message is going to Minister Shacklebolt. Prongs is known to be Harry Potters Patronus and is more likely to be taken seriously. While the original Harry as Luna now summons Lily's Doe for her message to Headmistress McGonagall. But later when both cast the Patronus charm at the same time Harry as Luna now summons the boys 'Prongs and Midnight'. While the original Luna as Harry now summons the girls 'Lily's doe and the female Unicorn Animagus form' of Harry as the new Luna. If you wonder how both can summon Prongs and Lily's Doe, it's because they are soul mates and both have a strong connection to Harry's parents. Besides if Luna as Harry couldn't summon Prongs and Harry as Luna could, it would be another give-away that they switched. Does that help clear things up any?
Re: Neville and his bear Patronus, I don't recall him being able to summon a corporeal one in the books or films. (By all means correct me if I'm wrong.) I consulted all the lists on the web that I could find and non listed one for Neville. So as you read the rest of chapter 19 you saw how I chose to explain this. I personally have always thought that Neville as the other boy who the Prophecy could have meant. Was also potentially as powerful as Harry. He just lacked the confidence to reach his full potential due to his questionable upbringing. But by the end of the books he comes into his own. The only thing he lacked was a happy memory strong enough to summon a corporeal Patronus. Ginny agreeing to be his girlfriend certainly rises to that level.
Ron and Hermione's Patronuses changed to the Animagus form of the one they love. Like Tonk's Patronus changed to a Wolf when she fell in love with Remus. And Harry and Luna's changed to their Unicorn forms. Prongs and Lily's Doe remain because of their unique connections to Harry's parents and that they are soul-mates. Perhaps that's a bit thin but Luna as Harry now needed to be able to still summon Prongs. This was my solution to that problem.
Now on to chapter 20!
TTFN
IamMegumi