Chapter Ten: Final Ghost

Three A.M.

CUCK-OO CUCK-OO CUCK-OO

"So who is it this time?" Harry asked tiredly, sitting up slowly.

No one answered. Harry looked toward the corner. Standing there was someone cloaked in black. He couldn't tell who it was or even what gender.

It stretched out an arm to grab Harry.

"I don't suppose we could just walk?"

The being shook its head and took hold of Harry's shoulder. He once again felt the tug.

When he opened his eyes this time, however, he didn't recognize where they were. It was a small shack with nothing much in it.

"I don't understand, where-" Harry stopped, shocked. Charlie was on the floor, an empty bottle of scotch lying near his hand. He was disheveled and filthy. On the table near him was a letter. Harry leaned closer and saw that it was a message from the head dragon tamer, firing Charlie for negligence and apparent disinterest in his job.

"I don't understand. Charlie isn't that heavy a drinker, and he's still number one at his job."

The being said nothing.

"Answer me! What's going on!" Harry grabbed onto the cloaked shoulders and shook. The hood fell back to reveal Luna Lovegood.

"Oh, well that explains a lot."

She smiled at him and nodded. Luna's vocal cords had been severed in one of the first battles.

"You know, you're pretty creepy with that cloak on."

She rolled her eyes and flicked her hand. Words appeared in front of him.

That's the point. The ghost of Valentine's yet to come is supposed to be creepy. Nargles nibbling at your brains again?

"Ha ha, very funny. Wait, 'yet to come'. So, this is the future?"

Luna nodded. This also made sense. Luna's ramblings had always been rather prophetic. She grabbed his hand.

When Harry opened his eyes, he found himself in a graveyard. A shiver went up his spine. It was an exceptionally creepy one that strongly reminded him of his fourth year.

Luna pointed to one of the graves.

"Who…?" Harry asked hesitantly.

Luna shook her head and pointed again.

Harry walked cautiously over to the stone she indicated, telling himself that he shouldn't be afraid. The graveyard was nothing compared to Voldemort. He stopped in front of it, biting his lip.

Here lies Harry James Potter

1980-2006

A hero

His stay was short

Upon this land

All grieve his death

By his own hand

(A/N: In case any of you recognize it, yes the little rhyme is based on the one in "Jade Green" I just changed it a bit to suit my purposes.)

Harry stared, shocked. "No, that can't be! That's impossible, I would never kill myself!"

Luna tilted her head to the side but said nothing.

"B-b-but it says 2006! That's only a year from now! What could've possibly happened to make me do something so drastic?"

Luna took hold of his chin and looked him in the eye. In his mind's eye he watched as Charlie's visits happened less and less before stopping completely. Harry growing more lonely as the empty days went by. He watched Charlie drink himself into a stupor over and over again. Flitwick firing Harry. Harry losing hope, trying but failing to oblivate himself. Saw himself writing a note to whoever cared, thought he doubted that anyone did. Harry flying his Firebolt as high at it could go. Harry letting go of his broom and plummeting to his death.

"No!" Harry roared in denial. "I wouldn't have!" He sunk to his knees. "I wouldn't have…"

Luna shook her head sadly. It doesn't have to happen, Harry.

She hugged him, giving him a small smile. Goodbye. She gave one final wave and vanished.

"Luna, no! Wait!"

A/N: So I rewrote this entire chapter yesterday lol. I originally had Hagrid as the ghost, but I liked this idea better. I double checked with my lovely beta, who also preferred this version. And to my ghost guesser: Sorry. I do agree with you on one point though, and don't worry, it will be coming soon. *wink*